CIDER HOUSE RULES For on-the-go, there’s Duer’s LuxTwill high-waisted Cider pants, which offer a comfy stretch and an antimicrobial treatment for extended wears  between washes. $149, duer.ca

BLANK SPACE It’s a white-out in Dior’s Spring 2024 cotton gabardine flared trousers. $2,900, holtrenfrew.com

SPOT ON Michael by Michael Kors’s all-over polka dot Georgette trousers strike a vintage note in fully lined georgette crepe. $195, michaelkors.ca

IT’S A BREEZE Fly high in Vancouver- based Paper Label’s Dove culotte in Blue Danube organic cotton. $148, paper label.ca

PRECIOUS CARGO Dries Van Noten’s Polkar cargo pants in burgundy overdyed gabardine nylon get the job done in style. $995, baccisvancouver.com

GOOD JEANS COS’s wide-leg denim trousers borrow from athleisure with an elastic waistband and casual drawstring. $145, cos.com

FEELING GROOVY Ba&sh’s Pilou trousers rock festival-friendly vibes in  pale pastel tie-dye with a fitted waist and flowing  legs. $380, ba-sh.com

The post 6 of the Best Wide-Leg Pants You Can Buy Here in Vancouver appeared first on Vancouver Magazine.

Here’s a take that can barely be considered hot: Shein (and other brands like it) does not deserve your money. There’s the horrific environmental impact of fast fashion, the sketchy-at-best working conditions, the accusations that the company has ripped off small artists and more. Mosey on over to Google if you’re in the mood for some truly depressing reading.

Anyway, we’re not ones to dwell on the negative. So instead of going on a rant about capitalism or consumerism or corporate greed or pollution or forced labour or artistic integrity or why Facebook is telling me I need “1pc Compressing Full Shapewear Romper Plus Size High Waist Body Shaper Tummy Control Faja Shorts Waist Trainer Girdle” (this is exact text), I thought I’d just share some local, independent brands that are doing good work. If you actually need new clothes, take a look at these.

Or, don’t buy anything. Go for a walk. Touch grass.

And if you want details on Shein’s pop-up sale in Vancouver this weekend, look somewhere else.

Vancouver Slow Fashion Brands to Shop at Instead of Shein

For Reversible Swimwear and Bras That Are Actually Comfy: Free Label

You know them, you love them, they’re constantly selling out (in a good way). Read more here.

For Hand-Crocheted Goods That Are Adorably Grandma-Chic: Atelier Solana

Tessa Kassinger is handmaking beautiful, intricate garments right here in the city. Read more here.

For Mix-and-Match Sets Perfect for Summer: Slate Wearables

We love linen, and Vancouver designer Shelby Wick does too. Read more here.

For Whimsical Colour-Blocked Clothing: Ization Studio

This slow fashion brand uses deadstock fabrics to create wacky, wavy and wonderful wares. Read more here.

For Architectural Denim That’s Made to Last: Givers and Takers

What happens when a fashion designer has a background in interior design? Spectacular structure. Learn more here.

For Lightweight, Eye-Catching Statement Earrings: Scandinazn

Big earrings don’t have to weigh you down, and they don’t have to create more waste, either. Learn more about this Vancouver brand.

For Sleepwear Made for the Female Gaze: Seray

This cult fave brand is new and hot (but not in a sweaty way). Read our review here.

The post 7 Small, Independent Vancouver Brands to Shop Instead of the Shein Pop-Up appeared first on Vancouver Magazine.

That’s not to say the YouTube content creator is antisocial—the 39-year-old McCullough is gregarious and curious—but his home is his workshop. Though he does his editing in a studio down the street, shared with three other local creators, he’s turned his living room into his film set. The only seating here is the yoga ball he bounces on as he talks to the camera about “countries, cultures and Canada”—an umbrella that covers topics like “The History of American Chip Flavours,” “Weirdest National Anthems” and “How Evangelicals Became Republican.” But whether the content is high-brow or low-brow (no offence to chips, of course), each is impeccably researched and synthesized into quality edu-tainment.

McCullough started his YouTube channel eight years ago, and has racked up almost a million subscribers in that time. Though in a previous life he was a political pundit, cartoonist and columnist, today he makes his living as the internet’s favourite amateur sociology professor. McCullough’s home—densely decorated with a collection of quirky treasures—reflects his interest in culture and politics.On the walls, you’ll find replicas of vintage naval flags and portraits of reigning political figures (his own political affiliations being irrelevant to the display). His workstation—a plain pine desk with a pegboard backsplash—is a riot of Russian nesting dolls, provincial pennants and Nintendo memorabilia. Off camera, custom shelves are jammed with books and run up to the double-height ceiling (labels like “American Pop Culture” keep his personal library semi-organized). A heavy research book on some of the less-renowned Canadian prime ministers leans against a binder holding the complete Simpsons POG set: McCullough in a nutshell.

Minimalists might blanch at McCullough’s workspace, but this isn’t clutter: each piece is carefully curated and has a story behind it. A wooden puzzle sourced from Taiwan Days, a hamburger-head figurine (mysteriously dressed like Buzz Lightyear) from a Hong Kong dollar store, a painting sent to him by a viewer in Belgium—all bring him delight. Call it magpie maximalism. “I like having things that are somewhat obscure,” he says. “Not the sort of clichéd postcard type objects, but objects that are of deep cultural significance to the people of that country, but unrecognizable to everyone else.” An elephant-shaped watering can commonly found in Japanese homes, say, or a mass-produced yellow Chilean piggybank. He’ll swap things out and “refresh the set” regularly, giving eagle-eyed viewers new quirky objets to ponder. It may not be a home designed for entertaining, but it’s certainly a home that is entertaining—and one that’s full of characters. “My mother always says that she couldn’t live in my apartment,” McCullough says. “There are too many things staring at you.”

Clowning Around

The clown face here is a mascot for Coney Island, sent by a viewer. Below hangs a mask from Japanese Noh theatre—these types of masks represent different archetypes. This one is “the idiot.”

That’s Nuts

McCullough is collecting U.S. presidential merchandise for a future video. This toothy peanut is a replica of a statue in Plains, Georgia, erected in former president Jimmy Carter’s honour. “It’s quite grotesque and 40 feet tall. I’m told Jimmy Carter didn’t like it very much,” he says.

A Global Affair

“I try to collect something from every country—that’s one of my goals, to have a trinket or bauble of some significance from every place in the world,” says McCullough. His home contains knickknacks fom South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Sweden and beyond.

Spin Me ’Round

One of the most commented-on objects on McCullough’s desk is the Macintosh Plus record propped by his monitor. “It was one of the albums that kicked off the vaporwave fad,” he says.

There’s the Bear

“Nanaimobear” is a custom stuffed toy, inspired by Canadamon, a book of Canada-themed monsters McCullough published in 2022. This little guy is an anthropomorphized portmanteau: part Nanaimo bar, part bear.

The Swedest Thing

This looks like a monk, but it’s actually a doll inspired by Alfons Åberg, a popular Swedish kids series. “There was a book and cartoon series and they’re just very chill,” says McCullough. “They’re just about a boy and his single father and they’ll go feed ducks and have a nice supper. It’s very simple but it’s sentimentalized in Sweden.”

Mix Master

“I like to be purposeful with what’s on display, and mix different sizes and colours… have cute, silly things and also things that are more substantial or serious,” says McCullough.

Carving You Up  McCullough commissioned this statue of a Thai god from a wood sculptor in Texas. “The guy is originally from Thailand and makes pop-culture carvings, like Rick and Morty. But I asked if he would make something from his culture and he sent me this.” 

The post What’s in the Background of Vancouver YouTuber J.J. McCullough’s Videos? appeared first on Vancouver Magazine.

Designed in Stockholm, Stutterheim’s waterproof Chelsea Rainwalker wellies in natural rubber will mould around your feet as you wear them. $215, thebay.com

H-2-Go

From the Great Lakes to Vancouver’s rainy city streets, the new made-in- Canada (and Canada Goose–owned) Baffin Brook boots can be fully submerged in water for extended periods thanks to their B-Tek Dry Waterproof status. $100, baffin.com

Cozy Toes

All Muck boots are 100-percent waterproof, but the Arctic Sport II Tall also comes with a fleece lining and a glen plaid-check Neoprene inner boot to meet minus-40-Celsius conditions head—and foot—on. $200, muckbootcompany.ca

Colour Code

It’s raining cats and dogs—and rainbows too—in Hunter’s Play short mini rainbow print boots crafted from natural rubber. $155, hunterboots.ca

Tread Head

For the puddle fashion-forward,  there’s Moncler’s made-in-Italy Misty rainboot with tread sole, round toe and logo cut-out. $645, holtrenfrew.com

Run Wild

West Coast technical invention looks like the waterproof, windproof and breathable Vertex GTX shoe by Arc’teryx, with an integrated, above-the-ankle Gore-Tex gaiter to seal out snow, water and debris. $270, arcteryx.com

Here  Comes the Sun

Sorel’s Out N About III Classic WP duck bootie features a full-grain patent-leather waterproof shell with a moulded and removeable EVA footbed. $150, softmoc.com

The post 7 Rain Boots That Actually Have Some Style appeared first on Vancouver Magazine.

So when it came to founding her own brand, Slate Wearables, Vancouver-born Wick was determined to weave solid ethics into every garment. A sunkissed stint in Brisbane heavily influenced the design vibe. “In Australia, there’s a lot of simple pieces—very breezy and beachy,” says Wick. She partners with a small-scale, local manufacturer (yes, everything is made in Vancouver) to produce her dresses, rompers and matching tops and bottoms. She describes her clothing as minimalist, neutral and easy to style. “I design mostly sets, so you can buy them together or mix and match,” shares Wick.

Slate Wearables’ goods are made from natural fibres (linen, organic cotton and hemp) and are packaged and shipped using compostable materials. “I’m providing an option for the conscious consumer,” Wick explains. “In every detail, I think about the planet… not just making money.”

As a small-scale designer, she’s heard plenty from capitalist-leaning naysayers, she says. “People have said I’m never going to be successful or that it’s not going to work. And I’m like, well, I don’t need to be a massive fashion brand,” Wick asserts. “I don’t need to exploit people. That’s not really my plan.”

The post Slate Wearables Makes Sustainable, Stylish Sets You’ll Want to Live In This Summer appeared first on Vancouver Magazine.

But the west side’s favourite stylist contains multitudes. “It turns out I’m a shop girl but I’m also a gardener,” laughs Rawlinson. It’s a passion she discovered during the early days of pandemic lockdown, and in 2020, she and husband Rick Leo left their East Van duplex for the quiet streets of North Vancouver to (quite literally) find some room to grow. They fell in love with their little blue house before they even walked in the front door. “The backyard sold us,” says Rawlinson. “There were fig trees and rhododendrons and a little greenhouse. I was like, ‘That’s it, I’m done.’”

And while she’s found plenty of happiness tending to roses, dahlias and ranunculus over the past few years, there’s just as much to love inside the craftsman-style home. Their second-floor library, for one, has become another happy place for the creative couple. Leo is a woodworker (he crafts custom furniture and adorable dollhouses with his company, Fallen Tree BC) and used his talents to install a wall of shelving that he painted a custom shade of robin’s-egg blue.

The TV lives downstairs these days. The couple uses the library for more artistic pursuits, spending evenings reading, writing, painting and drawing. Shelves display Rawlinson’s extensive coffee-table book collection and treasures sourced from Parisian flea markets and friends’ stores, while the drawers hide art supplies. And if Rawlinson is ever feeling too far from that gorgeous garden, she can head to the window seat in her walk-in closet for a glimpse down at the blossoms. “Dahlias are so easy to grow, they come in every colour and the more you cut them, the more flowers you get,” she says. “Next year, I’m going to put them everywhere.”

Time to Reflect

The vintage mirror is from France, a treasure Rawlinson discovered at Gild and Co. “Bonnie [Wilson, the owner] has such an incredible eye; the store is so filled with beauty. I have a hard time going in there because I just want everything.”

Colour Theory

Leo “took a swing” with the colour of the shelves—a tint to match a vintage book in their collection. He painted while Rawlinson was away on a business trip. “I’m super particular, but he really has an eye for colour. He nailed it.”
In Bloom “I’m a big supporter of local florists,” says Rawlinson, who has fresh florals in her store and home daily. Some faves include Celsia, Quince and Florista.

By the Book

“I have a coffee-table book obsession. I can’t leave a bookstore without buying one,” says Rawl-inson. “When I need inspiration, I pull one out and it’s instant.”

Crystal Clear

The Baccarat vase here was a gift from a client in Rawlinson’s early days as a stylist at Holt Renfrew. “It was the first time a client gave me something, and it was just really special to feel recognized,” she says.

Bottle Service

The vintage French perfume bottles were collected by Rawlinson’s mother; she’s slowly been passing them down to Rawlinson one at a time. Elsewhere on the shelf is another three small Limoges, purchased by Mom on her honeymoon.

This Is Us

Rawlinson was drawn to this vintage painting when she first saw it at the Puces de Vanves flea market in Paris. “There’s an elderly couple by a lake, and they’re holding hands and gardening,” she says. “I just thought, ‘That’s me and my husband when we retire.’”

Family Ties

The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan seems out of place next to the de Gournay books of wallpaper samples, but there’s a good reason for its presence: Rawlinson’s grandfather is mentioned inside.

Furry Friends

A tiny painting of Rawlinson’s dog (Little William Buttons) and cat (Rambo Charlie Tuna) was done by her best friend’s niece, artist Olivia Jorunn.

Window Shopping

This book on Bergdorf Goodman celebrates the department store’s iconic window displays; Rawlinson looks at it weekly for inspiration.

Room With a View

The window seat here in the walk-in closet (upholstered in fabric from Gild and Co.) offers a view to Rawlinson’s beloved garden.

Shoe Gazer

Rawlinson is a self-professed “shoe girl”—these shelves showcase just a fraction of her collection, which includes Chanel, Gucci, vintage Dries Van Noten and Jamie Haller.

Happy Hour

“I literally did a happy dance when I found it,” recalls Rawlinson of the 1950s Italian bar cart she purchased a few years ago. The mini ice bucket was scored at another Paris flea market.

Light It Up

A collaboration between Rebecca Bree and candlemaker Tallu and Co. for the Christmas season led to this pine-and-wood scented candle.

Tiny Dancers

Rawlinson collected Dresden figurines as a kid; these two dolls are still on display, in front of a painting by Vancouver artist Kirn Gill.

The post Personal Space: At Home With Rebecca Bree Boutique Founder Rebecca Rawlinson appeared first on Vancouver Magazine.

“It just elevates everything we have,” says Schultz, who runs Neighbour’s mini-empire with husband Saager Dilawri. The home-goods shop Neighbour Object remains on Powell, while the menswear-focused Neighbour is over on Water Street. “It’s funny how a space can just give everything room to breathe and highlight everything we carry.”

And what Schultz has in the new location is just as delightful (and international) as the selection in their former spot. Rails hang with eccentric, pleated shirts from Berlin’s Julia Heuer, oversized wool sweater vests from Antwerp’s Howlin’ and drapey black tees from Parisian brand Lemaire.

The new space is a former Union Bank—a single-storey Edwardian gem built in 1911. Designers Olivia Bull and Dan Garrod of Oddo gave the interiors a refresh (crisp white paint, a valance of cotton muslin along the ceiling, rotary-cut fir millwork) to create a clean backdrop for the pieces on offer. Chic furniture like Charlotte Perriand stools and a Cassina Soriana sofa designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa were selected not only for their design sensibility but also for their backstory. “We worked with Inform Interiors to choose furnishings that were from either female designers or husband-and-wife teams,” explains Schultz. No wonder, then, that when you walk into this space, you can instantly feel the love.

Best Bets: What Schultz and Our Editors Are Loving Right Now

Editor’s Pick: Sun Buddies Barret glasses ($225). Somewhere between oval and square lives the new hot shape for lenses.

Schultz’s Pick: Eleph School shirt in Fuzzy Flower ($530).“She’s a really cool Dutch designer who tries to use as many upcycled materials as she can,” says Schultz.

Editor’s Pick: YS by Yohji Yamamoto half-sleeve cropped cardigan ($1,105). Nubbly and slouchy, it’s a cardi that’s light enough for spring but still comfy-cozy.

Schultz’s Pick: Wanze crinkled nylon set with metallic threads ($425 for skirt, $375 for shirt). “The fabrics are great,” says Schultz. “And it’s all made in Canada.”

Editor’s Pick: Ina Seifart Perlin  glasses holder ($60). Is this the sign you’ve been waiting for to enter your Granny Chic era?

Schultz’s Pick: Casey Casey Ella dress ($1,870). “The silhouettes are forgiving and flattering,” says Schultz.

Editor’s Pick: Lemaire ballerina shoes ($785). Those trending split-toe Tabi slippers aren’t for everyone; this is a hip square-toed flat option without the squeam factor.

The post Shop Hop: Inside the New Neighbour Women Location appeared first on Vancouver Magazine.

In the realm of interior design, The Galley Workstation, available exclusively at Midland Appliance through partners at Euro-Line Appliances, isn’t just a game-changer; it’s a personal culinary revelation—a bold departure from the ordinary.

The Inside Scoop

“The Galley has been designed to be the heart and soul of your kitchen and is two game-changers in one,” explains Kly Plangg, design sales at Midland Appliance. “The Workstation takes the spotlight, seamlessly transitioning from prep to serving, while the WashStation means your cleanup haven can be tucked away out of sight in a separate kitchen space.”

Family & Friends First

Crafted in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the system is meticulously designed with family and gatherings in mind. As the kitchen hub, it aligns perfectly with the movement towards home cooking. This innovative system goes beyond cooking; it actively engages the entire family in the joy of culinary creation.

Bespoke Brilliance

Your imagination is the only limitation. Hand-crafted in various sizes from 26 to 60 inches, The Galley seamlessly transforms into a functional countertop through its array of accessories. With eight essential accessories, including cutting boards, colanders, steel mixing bowls and drying racks, as well as customization options, you can elevate your workstation to match your needs.

Cutting-Edge Craftsmanship

Precision-crafted with surgical-grade stainless steel, the sink and taps resist corrosion. “The true distinction lies in the available colouring, designed to suit every taste,” adds Sylvia McDonald, client relations at Midland Appliance. Crafted from top-tier materials like American black walnut, graphite composite, natural golden bamboo, exclusive gray resin or designer white resin, The Galley ensures a perfect match for every aesthetic preference.

Zen Kitchen Oasis

Culinary innovation meets refined design with the Galley Tap® and sink, recognized as the world’s quietest kitchen system. “The taps run dead silent, ensuring no interruptions during entertaining,” assures Plangg. This ingenuity extends to the sink’s construction, embracing SilentArmor sound reduction technology, creating a haven of tranquility.

Midland Appliance’s team of experts is dedicated to guiding clients through seamlessly integrating The Galley Workstation into their kitchens. Going beyond individual consultations, Midland Appliance, which this year is proudly celebrating 40-years in business, hosts on-site seminars tailored for interior designers. With Midland Appliance, clients gain not only exceptional products but also the support of a team committed to turning kitchen dreams into reality.

Explore The Galley Workstation on display at Midland Appliance’s showrooms in Richmond, Vancouver, Langley and the newly opened Abbotsford showroom.

Visit | midlandappliance.com | The Galley Workstation
Connect | Midland Appliance | The Galley Workstation

The post Experience Kitchen Brilliance: Unveiling the Ultimate Culinary Workstation appeared first on Vancouver Magazine.

Herndon is originally from Edmonton and moved to the Lower Mainland to study fashion at LaSalle College. Her background is in film—her full-time gig is in costuming—but the recent strike allowed her more time to work on the Coquitlam-based slow- fashion studio she founded in 2018. She came up with a goal to design a new collection for Ization created entirely from leftover materials. It might sound like a challenge, but Herndon laughs it off: “I think people underestimate exactly how much fabric I have.” The only new fabric she’s had to source for the Squiggle collection is faux sherpa (and even that is made of recycled polyester).

The designer makes every Ization Studio piece herself (“I love being able to see something from start to finish,” she says) and plans to launch Squiggle tanks, dresses and other sunshine-embracing garments as the weather warms. Everything is customizable and made-to-order: “As a customer, you’re really getting something that is for you,” she says. “And I think people really appreciate that.”

The post Vancouver-Based Fashion Brand Ization Studio Brings the Fun appeared first on Vancouver Magazine.

A Colour-Block Anorak

Helly Hansen’s new Play anorak stitches together a patchwork of waterproof, windproof and breathable features atop a recycled polyester lining. $200, hellyhansen.com

A Chic Pink Cape

All heroes wear capes—specifically, Chanel’s new light pink and multicolour cape in Fantasy tweed. Price upon request, holtrenfrew.com

A Transparent Rain Jacket

Inspired by the transformative power of travel, Acne Studios’ spring/summer ’24 men’s collection presents a clear—and rosy!—picture with the Oride transparent rain jacket. $1,050, rodengray.com

A Reversible, Quilted Coat

Made from 100-percent recycled material, Peak Performance’s quilted oversized reversible liner offers lightweight layering without added bulk. $330, peakperformance.com

A Lucky Red Puffer Coat

We’re seeing red—plus water-repellency and windproofing—in Lululemon’s Lunar New Year-edition men’s Wunder Puff,  inspired by the Year  of the Dragon. $298,  lululemon.ca 

A Patterned Kidsuper Puff

Spring forward in the  Canada Goose and NBA collection featuring the Crofton puffer jacket splashed with images from streetwear artist KidSuper. $1,450, canadagoose.com

A Classic Trenchcoat

A simple classic always makes a statement, especially if it’s Aritzia’s new Finch spring trench coat.  $298, aritzia.com

The post 7 Stylish, Statement-Making Jackets for Spring appeared first on Vancouver Magazine.