Photo credit: seansadventuresinflavortown.com
Before you embark on a shopping adventure, start the day off by chatting over a cup of artisan espresso blended drinks at Milano Espresso Lounge. The stylish café-meets-lounge provides the perfect atmosphere for sophisticated conversations and it never hurts to kick start your morning with world-class espresso made with Italian soul.
LYNNsteven, 225 Carrall St | Photo credit: afar.com
Once you have finished your espresso, spend some time discovering the unique designs and one of a kind fashion at Gastown’s independent boutiques. Head towards 225 Carrall Street where you will find the stylish womenswear boutique, LYNNsteven. There are plenty of chic, wearable items to catch your eye, from locally designed jewellery to Canadian-made lingerie and fashion by emerging brands Party Skirts and Clover Canyon. Try on a some new Spring items at LYNNsteven’s fitting room made entirely out of paperback novels.
After shopping at LynnSteven, head over to Mi Kemistry (211 Abbott Street) for experimental fashion. Mi Kemistry carries a mix of eclectic party wear and street fashion. You can always find a fashionable assortment by contemporary brands and independent designers. Keep an eye out for Mi Kemistry’s one of a kind accessories, such as razor blade knuckle rings and gold boot ankle chains.
Nicli Antica Pizzeria, 62 E. Cordova St
Put the shopping on pause and visit Nicli Antica Pizzeria (62 E. Cordova St) for a plate (or two) of authentic Neapolitan pizza made from their wooden-burning brick oven. The sophisticated pizzeria is Vancouver’s first AVPN-certified maker, meaning their pizza is made true to Naples-style pizza, using the best ingredients like real San Marzano’s tomatoes grown near Naples. If you have room, finish off your lunch with Nicli’s scrumptious tiramisu.
Pony Salon, 73 E. Cordova St
Now that you’ve satisfied your appetite with an Italian feast, visit Pony Salon (73 E. Cordova St) across the street for some much-need hair pampering. The talented hair team at Pony is known for working hair magic with top-notch colour, cuts, and styling services. Get your ready for the night with Pony Salon’s blow dry service or have one of their hair wizards create an original stylish updo.
Queens Boutique, 12 E. Cordova St
Once you have given new life to your hair, pop by Queens Boutique 12 E. Cordova St) to decorate your nails with head-turning nail designs by their creative nail artists, and shop their collection of vintage tees, sports jerseys, hip hop headwear and daring jewellery collection.
Artemisia, 452 W. Cordova St
After you have gotten beautified, explore the independent boutiques on Cordova Street. Tait Boutique (330 W. Cordova St) is a great gem for trendy and affordable fashion. You can always find a lovely selection of flirty dresses, chic tops and accessories at a reasonable price. Style-conscious ladies will appreciate the fashionable finds at Holly Boutique. This ladies boutique at 332 Water Street carries fashion-forward denim, sophisticated pieces you can wear to the office, and chic partywear for a night on the town. If you need help planning an outfit, ask shop owner Holly for styling guidance.
Now head across the street for romantic fashion at Artemisia (452 W. Cordova St). Artemisia carries uniquely feminine fashion with a selection of playful dresses, dreamy blouses and knitwear. Up the street from Artemisia is the edgy and daring boutique, Ego Closet (486 W. Cordova St). Ego Closet houses an eclectic mix of affordable head-turning fashion with bold design details. Shop through their racks of cut-out dresses, asymmetrical skirts, funky printed tops, and unique footwear.
One of a Few, 354 Water St
It’s time to head over to Water Street and shop the curated fashion at One of a Few. This boutique caters to fashionable mavens who love a mix of chic apparel and locally designed accessories. Everything is wearable, feminine, and suits the modern day woman who loves wearing quality pieces. For more minimalist fashion, hop across the street to Oak + Fort (355 Water St). Any lady who loves understated fashion will be delighted by Oak + Forts wearable, simplistic designs which are surprisingly affordable. A majority of Oak + Fort’s private label collection is designed in-house.
Salt Tasting Room, 45 Blood Alley
The best way to begin the night’s adventures is with world class wine. Salt Tasting Room (45 Blood Alley) is a fun, casual spot to enjoy wine and food with friends. You can create your own tasting plate and choose from a changing selection of cured meats and artisanal cheeses paired with your choice of wine, sherry, and beer.
Now that your taste buds are warmed up, make your way to The Sardine Can (26 Powell St) for authentic Spanish tapas. This intimate tapas bar serves traditional Spanish small plates with delicious meatballs in rich tomato sauce and spicy garlic prawns, to name a few. You can wash down your classic tapas with a fine selection of all-Spanish beer, sherry, brandy, and small-acre wine.
Brooklyn Gastown, 80 Alexander St
The Sardine Can provides a more intimate experience. If you are accommodating a large group of friends, Terracotta Modern Chinese (52 Alexander St) provides a hip multi-level urban lounge experience. Reserve their Emperor’s Room table for VIP private dining experience. Terracotta offers modern Chinese cuisine (like short rib sliders and jellyfish salad) and unique Oriental-inspired cocktails. Try their house specialty, Chivas & Green Tea, served in a modern style teapot with traditional cups – great for sharing!
End your ladies night out by laying down some serious dance moves at the energetic Brooklyn Gastown (80 Alexander St). The classy multi-level lounge and dance club has a chic atmosphere: the upper level occupies a lounge area for cocktail sipping and mingling purposes, while their lower level houses a spacious dance floor. Visit Brooklyn Gastown on Fridays while their resident DJ spins new school hip hop, or come by on Saturdays for a mix of house and electronica. Brooklyn is known for their premium hospitality, so all your friends will be well taken care of. Make your way to Brooklyn Gastown before midnight: ladies pay no cover before 12 a.m.
