This time of year, in one of Vancouver’s most enchanting districts (think heritage brick buildings and cobblestone streets), festive trees twinkle, the aroma of hot spiced drinks wafts from cafés and picture-perfect gifts take centre stage in shop windows (boutiques are open longer and later, to boot). In Yaletown, Christmas is called Kissmas and, recently, I got to experience the magic myself, with a tour of the neighbourhood’s diverse range of retailers and an up-close-and-personal look at their finest seasonal offerings (be sure to enter to win an incredible prize, below). Enjoy the first of my two-part report, below! —Noa Nichol
the glamoury. My first early morning visit was to the ultimate Yaletown beauty shop, The Glamoury, to get holiday dolled up for the day. I love the little touches at this salon, including an experience card upon entry that lets you choose a "friendly" or "quiet" session with your stylist. From beautiful blow-outs to party-worthy makeup, the service is immaculate, and I even picked up a tube of TG’s own brand of lipstick. 1241 Hamilton St., Vancouver, 604-620-0561, theglamoury.com
dwell living. Gorgeous doesn’t do this one-stop interior design shop justice. From flooring to furnishing, architectural goods to accessories, the curated selection of offerings here is perfectly on point, and the designers on hand are experts in their field. Among my fave gift-ish finds: stylish scent diffusers from Culti Milano, luxurious, ethical and sustainable alpaca throws by Matria Home (you’ll only find these at Dwell) and an incredible recycled seat belt chair by local designer Jason Phillips. 101-1290 Homer St., Vancouver, 604-893-7773, dwelliving.com
xoxolat. On to Xoxolat, where it definitely wasn’t too early to sample a range of fine chocolates, both in-house-made and from chocolatiers around the world (fact: this emporium carries one of the largest selections of single-origin chocolate bars, plus an extensive line of organic, fair trade and equitable trade treats). I picked up some festive chocolate tree ornaments wrapped in pretty coloured foil, as well as one of Xoxolat’s famous chocolate shoes. 1271 Homer St., Vancouver, 604-733-2462, xoxolat.com
goorin bros. The hat shop to top all hat shops, Goorin Bros. is bursting with headgear I’d be über-happy to wear—in any weather. From a front table full of staff picks to a wall of best-sellers to a feather bar and glass dishes around the shop filled with shiny hat pins, I could have spent all day in this place, trying on different styles and making silly faces in the mirrors. My fave chapeau of all: a blue beauty with an asymmetrical brim (thanks to friendly staff who showed me how to wear it!). 1188 Hamilton St., Vancouver, 604-683-1895, goorin.com
woo to see you. If I could have my dream closet (full of my dream clothes and accessories), it would look exactly like this boutique. Boasting the most fashionable, wearable garments (hanging in a colour-co-ordinated rainbow) and beautiful accessories, I instantly gravitated toward this cosy sweater dress before being lured to the jewelry case by the cutest pair of Wasted Effort dangly banana-rama earrings. Also on my wish list: an iPhone case filled with dried flowers, and a necklace by Covet + Keep that reads, in braille, “This too shall pass.” 1062 Mainland St., Vancouver, 604-559-1062, wootoseeyou.com
Win! A Yaletown Holiday Prize Pack
Watch for Part 2 of this series next week, featuring Yaletown’s own Pisolino, Divine Vines, Fine Finds and BeautyMark and, in the meantime, enter to win a Yaletown Holiday Prize Pack that include gift certificates or products from all retailers mentioned (contest closes on December 19, 2017). To enter, simply follow @iyaletown on Instagram and, once that’s done, head over to our Instagram page and leave a comment on the Yaletown post. Good luck!
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