By Brittany Tiplady
@yellowbird888
It’s the time of year where women will famously lament: “I have nothing to wear!” Holiday parties are in full-swing and while copping a discounted number at Forever 21 might seem convenient and financially appealing, try grabbing your next cocktail dress at one of Vancouver’s thrift and consignment stores.
2016 has been one hell of a year. Believe it or not, there are little ways to battle consumerism around the holidays; so why not end the year with a dress that not only promotes a more sustainable and conscious way to shop, but one that you love and will love again?
We have lined up a selection of local consignment and thrift stores across the city that never disappoint.
My Modern Closet
Don’t have the time to sift through racks on racks of clothing in your local thrift shop? Well, now you can thrift online. Chloe Popove, founder of My Modern Closet, has a mission to extend the life of women’s wear. Her online store is abundant with carefully curated pieces for everything, from holiday parties to cabin getaways.
Front and Company
The Mount Pleasant staple carries a selection of new and consigned garments for every occasion. Front is selective with their consigned garments, in turn, providing thrifters with quality goods. Can’t afford that silk Wilfred dress hanging in the Aritizia window? Find it hanging at Front amongst the vast selection of holiday party outfits and save that small fortune for the night’s drinks.
Where: Mount Pleasant
3772 Main St
Community Thrift and Vintage-Frock Shoppe
Community has been bringing hand selected, sustainable vintage fashions to Gastown since 2011. Their selection of sherpa denim jackets, fur coats, sweet vintage dresses and footwear, has served me for almost every occasion from youthful trips to New York City to my recent engagement photos. In search of a timeless dress this holiday? Follow the Community Thrift and Vintage Instagram for new arrivals.
Where: Gastown
311 Carrall Street
Mine&Yours
Luxury meets sustainability. Mine&Yours is “a curated women’s resale shop,” catering to your inner Posh Spice. Carrying labels like Alexander Wang and Christian Dior, Mine&Yours is the place to grab your designer wardrobe and accessories without having to max out your Visa at Holt Renfrew while dodging judgemental glares. Be sure to peruse the Mine&Yours online store as well if you are having trouble fitting a shopping trip into your busy boss lady schedule.
Where: Downtown
1025 Howe St.
Hunter&Hare
The crosstown and Chinatown shops have a refreshing mandate: vintage and consigned fashions without inflated prices. You can shop both once-loved and new clothing, accessories, beauty, and home decor online and in-store. And if shopping sustainably doesn’t already give you the warm and fuzzies, Hunter&Hare is now participating in Socks for Change. Purchase a sock at one of their shop locations 100% of the proceeds will go to three animal shelters in Vancouver.
Where: Crosstown
34 W Pender St
Chinatown
227 Union St
Brittany Tiplady is a part-time poet, and a full-time goat cheese enthusiast. She loves the indoors, fast wifi, collecting maps, and a generous glass of red wine.
