Gastown is fast becoming Vancouver’s fashion mecca, with stylish lads and lassies trolling the clister of hip boutiques that have been popping up all over the area in the last couple years.

And if you haven’t paid a visit to One Of A Few yet, then shame on you.

Michelle Rizzardo-, the store’s absolutely adorable proprietress, just opened a second location called Two Of A Few, which is oh-so-conveniently located right beside the original boutique. One Of A Few – with its vintage mirrors and chairs, deer antlers, piles of retro suitcases above the door alcove, two entrances and bright blue walls – already has the Fall 2007 roster hanging from its two front racks. We’re talking Paperbird wool wraps, Jenny Han blouses, Steven Alan capes, Isabelle Dunlop tops and Kersh dresses. Leather wallets and coin purses (in fantastic muted fall colors), Ashley Watson recycled leather bags and Hanky Panky undies are ripe for the easy picking, while Kobo candles are ripe for the smelling. On the jewelry shelves, necklaces and earrings dangle prettily from vintage glass bottles and martini glasses, while Dolce Vita flats and paint-splattered NYC sneaks line the floor.

But wait – there’s more.

Head over next door to Two Of A Few, the more modern-looking of the boutique siblings. Lightform chandeliers hang from the ceiling above the wooden table squares constructed by Rizzardo herself and her boyfriend; the same wood makes up the change rooms, all of which are semi-circle enclosed by nearly ceiling-high curtains. Most of the labels carried in Two Of A Few are exclusive to the store: Lover (from Aussie land), Rittenhouse, Myne, Mini Market, IRO, Augustine Los Angeles, Nine., Fortes Design and Deborah Sweeney (from New Zealand and by far my new favorite indie designer). A much talked about item is the Altamont by Lover cape, inspired by the December 1969 Rolling Stones Concert at the Altamont Speedway in San Francisco – the story is imprinted right on its hangtag. If you like the little fashion details that are so hot this season – huge pockets, ruffles and bows – you can expect to see them on some of the fabulous pieces here. There’s also a mini collection of vintage shoes sprinkled among the Colcci heels, Matiko boots and Gaspard Yurkievich flats. Don’t forget to check out the white Key Bear in the back — one of only two in Canada.

It never fails. A trip to One Of A Few — and now Two Of A Few – means me leaving with three, four or more things in my hand.

- May Globus, The Style Spy
may@thestylespy.com

| print this page | 3 Comments | bookmark