Back-to-school style: Kids clothing boutiques in Vancouver
Looking for stylish clothes and accessories that’ll have your little ones looking like they belong at the top of the class? Back-to-school shopping is a breeze at these locally owned kids’ boutiques in Vancouver, where parents can find everything from pint-sized designer duds to budget-friendly basics for growing boys and girls. [Photo credit: iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages]
Beansprouts
4897 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R9This Main Street children’s shop specializes in environmentally friendly clothing, shoes and toys for your growing brood. Eco-conscious gear caters to babies, toddlers and big kids up to about eight years old. The on-site play area is a great spot for youngsters to entertain themselves while parents concentrate on exploring the selection of natural, recycled and organic wares that are both sustainable and on-trend. We love the denim skinny jeans and printed sweatshirts from Danish designer Molo Kids. Stretch your back-to-school budget even further by shopping the consignment section where you’ll find gently used apparel for less.
Dandelion Kids
1206 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X4This Commercial Drive kids’ shop offers a nicely curated collection of tops, dresses, bottoms, outerwear, shoes and more from local designers and international brands. You’ll also find plenty of rainy day essentials; puddle jumping will be encouraged when your tot is outfitted in a pair of Canadian-made rain boots from Kamik – the colourful wellies are waterproof and also completely recyclable. When the back-to-school outfit is all sorted out, check out the solid selection of lunch containers. Insulated animal bags are a whimsical choice for younger kids while the stainless steel boxes are a durable big-kid option.
Isola Bella Children's Clothing
5692 Yew St, Vancouver, BC V6M 3Y3Are you more likely to catch your little one flipping through the pages of Vogue than their history textbook? Street-style bloggers in training will swoon at Isola Bella’s mixture of high-end kids’ apparel from Chloe, Stella McCartney, Paul Smith, Jean Paul Gaultier and many more big-name fashion labels. The Kerrisdale boutique’s style-forward clothes and shoes are focused more on fashion than function, although cool camo jackets from Scotch & Soda are a practical pick for Vancouver’s rainy fall season. The designer wares here come with a high price tag so be prepared to splurge.
Front & Company
3772 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N7Front & Company isn’t just a thrift shop; it’s a treasure chest stocked with unexpected sartorial gems. The longstanding Main Street consignment boutique is known for its elaborate window displays and creative mix of contemporary styles and pre-loved clothes and accessories. You’ll have to stop in to find out what’s in store but one thing’s for certain: the one of-a-kind vintage clothes, retro lunchboxes and heritage-style backpacks are sure to keep your kids looking unique when they head back to school this September. Best of all, the budget-friendly price tags will help you get more bang for your buck.
Sparkle & Junebug
2529 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9Picking out a new back-to-school wardrobe for your pint-sized fashionista is a total treat at this charming boutique in Kitsilano. Parents will discover a unique selection of quality apparel designed for kids aged zero to 12. While Sparkle and Junebug keeps plenty of school-ready separates and shoes in stock, we’re particularly fond of their fashionable formalwear. Pastel-coloured bow ties and patterned suspenders will look oh-so-charming, while the frilled party dresses are a pretty dress-up look for your kiddo’s next special occasion. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself asking, “Does this come in my size?”
Adore Fashions
2814 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J5Don’t mind dropping $400 on a botanical-print Roberto Cavalli dress for your miniature style maven? Well if money’s no object, you can ensure your little one is voted best dressed this season with imported European fashions from this South Granville kids’ boutique. The racks are lined with high-end designer fashions for boys and girls aged zero to 12 years old. Versace, Fendi and Kenzo are just some of the right-off-the-runway labels you can expect to find, along with the costly price tags to match of course.
Redfish Kids Clothing
851 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1T9Redfish designer Lorraine Kitsos keeps messy little ones looking sharp in her Asian-inspired designs that are clean and modern while still remaining kid-friendly. The label’s Hornby Street flagship shop has attracted a cult-like following among local parents and even some celebrity fans. From cropped leggings to Oxford-style button-ups to striped crewneck tees, each versatile piece is designed to stand the test of time. Fashions are locally made in Vancouver, but the pre-shrunk fabrics are sourced from around the world and are chosen for their originality and durability.
MacGillycuddy's For Little People
4881 MacKenzie St, Vancouver, BC V6L 2R7If you’re searching for designer kids’ clothing without the hefty price tag then put a trip to MacGillycuddy’s on your back-to-school shopping list. The consignment shop on the west side of Vancouver has been helping local moms and dads outfit their offspring in lightly used clothing and shoes for more than 30 years. In addition to tops, bottoms, shoes and accessories, there’s also a good variety of specialty items such as dance ensembles, costumes and rain gear.
Angel Handpainted Fashions
2 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E7In keeping with its funky Gastown locale, this kids’ boutique specializes in fashions for creative young scholars. Owner and artist Jackie Haliburton designs hand-painted tees that resemble wearable pieces of art; she also creates made-to-order custom shirts if you have something specific in mind. Angel Vancouver also stocks vibrant hoodies, skirts, shorts and dresses from Barcelona-based designer Desigual; the bold, brightly hued pieces are sure to add a playful pop of colour to any back-to-school wardrobe.
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