New Side To Chinatown: The Board Of Trade Co ♥

Who would've expected to see such an amazing little shoppe around Chinatown? Just shy of being opened for half a year, The Board Of Trade Co is a concept clothing boutique that aims to highlight and support Vancouver’s growing creative community. Upon loading their website, you might find the face of their newly launched in-store brand Wu+Sen familiar - it's the beautifully stylish Lily from Bleed For Fashion! Click here to check out more pictures of Lily featuring Wu+Sen - aren't those photos amazing?

 

 Lily from Bleed For Fashion

The store's minimalistic and somewhat industrial decor is refreshing. Their collection of clothing are from up and coming designers around the world who limit the amount of work they produce - so you can be sure that you'll find that one special thing. I have a love-hate relationship with the sense of urgency that creates. If you spy something you love and don't pick it up chances are...well there won't be another chance. Did I mention each piece is gorgeous and packed with personality?



Upon stepping into the store I was immediately drawn to a pile of oversized, chunky, knitted cowl scarves in lovely rustic colors. The Board Of Trade Co has an extremely down to earth vibe with a sort of vintagy eclectic ambiance (I love it). The store carries clothing for women as well as men with a good collection of funky jewelry and accessories (I also fell in love with a pair of super cute tassel loafers).

The Board Of Trade Co was opened up by childhood friends David Lin and Eunice Quan (creative director of Oak + Fort) - probably two of Vancouver's youngest entrepreneurs. I believe I met David while stopping by today. He was very friendly and excited to hear my thoughts of the store. For some reason I was at a loss for words (my vocabulary just flew out the window). I did manage to sort of express how much I liked the look of the store and the creativity in the clothing. Well, hopefully if you ever read this David, I have everything lovely to say about The Board Of Trade Co!

Sadly, I didn't end up picking up one of those scarves (please still be there for next time!), but I will definitely be coming back in the near future for some serious shopping. Another super cool local shop to add to my list of favorites ♥

P. S. For you young creatives out there looking for a unique place to shop, this is a store for you.

xo

Lori

Last Minute Christmas Wish List ♥

Can you believe it? Only 5 more days until Christmas! Time goes by so quickly. I remember this time last year I was scrambling the streets of Beijing for trinkets and gifts and decorating my dorm room with ornaments and paper snowflakes (my roommate got quite the surprise when she got home that night). And now I'm here: home. Sitting with a cup of tea, my laptop and watching the lights on the Christmas tree winking and twinkling. Sometimes it feels like I never left Vancouver ♥

For the majority of my family and friends, Christmas shopping is complete (I'm not a last minute running around the mall kinda girl)! But hey a girl can dream of a few last minute surprises popping up under the tree.
Here are a few things on my wish list that are super easy (budget friendly) gifts to get last minute for anyone - best of all they can all be found in Vancouver!

These are adorably sleek and convenient for the moody coffee lover (like myself). Grind just enough beans for one cup of coffee - freshly grinding the beans right before they come in contact with hot water makes the difference in taste.
Find @ Homewerx 2928 Granville Street

Bistro Burr Grinder $99.99                             Bistro Blade Grinder $34.99

                          

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All Marble & Milkweed products are made by hand and with love in New York City. These pretty, aromatic and sensous teas make the perfect blend for a morning sip or an afternoon pick-me-up. Delicious both hot and iced (add a bottle of honey for some extra sweetness).
This simple lip balm is loaded with organic coconut and sesame oil and vitamin E for maximum lip protection and nourishing. Not to mention it's delightfully packed in a cute little silver tin!
Find @ Oliver and Lilly's 1520 West 13th (just off Granville Street)

 

Marble and Milkweed Organic Teas $16/2oz                              Marble and Milkweed Simple Lip Balm $8

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Whether you're young or old, a girl or a boy everybody can use a pair of cheerfully printed and colored Happy Socks. Happy Socks are high quality, super soft socks made from combed cotton. Designed in Sweden and manufactured in Turkey, the collection of socks features an almost endless variety of models and designs, crossing a wide spectrum of color combinations, materials and textures. Best of all, every pair is unisex!
Find @ Charlie and Lee 223 Union Street $13-$17/pair

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Those with a love for home decor will love one of these hanging mobiles from Vancouverite Stu Hughe's Celestial Visions collection. Elegant, beautiful and absolutely mesmerizing - perfect addition to any room. Each mobile comes pre-assembled in a box (simply remove from the box and it's ready for hanging). Available in gorgeous geometric spheres or darling dangling feathers and crystals. $40-$100

Find @ Nouvelle Nouvelle 209 Abbott Street (in Gastown)

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A holiday classic: these animal shot glasses come in both black and white, available in several animals and best of all can stand on their heads. Perfect addition to anyones collection or bar. These are super popular so make sure you get one before they're sold out! $30 each.
Find @ Vincent Park 4278 Main Street

There are tons of shopping haven cities out there, but to me Vancouver has it all. With more and more amazing boutiques and shops popping up around the city, I wouldn't want to go anywhere else to shop (okay, fine that's not entirely true, but shopping in Vancouver is still on top of the list)!

Some other great shops around Vancouver to go looking for stocking stuffers and trinkets:
Front and Company 3772 Main Street
The Hach 197 East 17th Avenue (just off Main Street and 17th)
Much and Little 2541 Main Street
Mr. Lee's General Store & Haberdashery 109 East Broadway
Old Faithful Shop 320 West Cordova Street

Happy last few days of shopping lovelies ♥

xo

Lori