[trip style = urban]
Every city seems to have a Main Street. Was it a secret pact amongst early city planners or just a lack of creativity? Maybe we'll never know, but the name embodies a place of community and commerce. And in Vancouver, BC, it's known as the city's coolest street, as voted by locals.
Main Street cuts through some of the city's hippest and most historic neighborhoods, like Chinatown, Strathcona, Mount Pleasant and Riley Park. Previously known for its antique shops and breweries---which still exist today---Main Street is now a destination for the city's best independent shops and restaurants.
Follow me on a shopping stroll along my favorite street in the city, away from the chaos and chain stores of the downtown core.
1/ Visit Strathcona/Chinatown's Charlie & Lee for must-have items like sunglasses by Illesteva, Rachel Walker and Raen, luggage by Filson, lingerie by Only Hearts and my favorite selection of jewelry in the city. Gentlemen, head to the back of the shop for a great selection of Deux Ex Machina, The West is Dead and Wolverine 1000 Mile boots.
2/ Just next door, don't miss The Board of Trade Co.'s original location, where you can score killer basics for men and women, along with Earth Tu Face skincare, Grey Ant sunglasses and my favorite doormats with messages like "The Neighbors Have Better Stuff" and "Holla". Plus it's impossible to leave without having a great conversation with friendly owners David and Eunice and maybe even an invitation to come back for whiskey at the end of the day.
3/ A little further south sits the adorable lifestyle and home goods shop Much & Little, which has everything you never knew you needed like cast iron bottle openers, Turkish towels, splurge-worthy vintage kilim rugs, pastel-colored cookware and clothing by Lauren Moffatt and James Perse.
4/ On the ground level of my favorite apartment building in the city, tucked behind a bike shop and a sushi hotspot, is hidden gem Hach + Hart. Filled with stationary from Korea and clothing designed in house by owner Meinrad Young, this shop is both accessibly priced and a pleasure to explore.
5/ Eugene Choo has been a Main Street destination for me since the early 2000s, long before I made the move to the neighborhood. The shop carries a thoughtful selection of clothing for men and women, including Steven Alan, Filippa K and A.P.C. Don't miss their amazing garage sale every September and their recently opened shoe and accessory boutique next door.
6/ The southernmost stop on my Main Street stroll might also be my favorite. Run by the nicest sisters in town, Vincent Park carries clothing, shoes, accessories and lifestyle goods for men and women. Come here for cult favorites like Super sunglasses, Cheap Monday denim, Line sweaters and Jeffrey Campbell shoes. And try not to drool over the industrial space filled with gorgeous antiques and plenty of charm.
This post is written by Trip Styler fashion and lifestyle blogger Heather.
[map & collages by @heatherlovesit, photos via store websites]