What’s not to love about wedding season: love is in the air, the champagne is flowing, and it’s a great excuse to get dressed up. While you probably don’t want to upstage the bridal party, you’ll definitely want to bring your A-game. These Vancouver boutiques carry stylish party dresses and accessories for a wow-worthy summer wedding look. [Photo via Barefoot Contessa]
The style-savvy team at this Vancouver lifestyle shop hunts for the latest fashions, accessories and decor items in L.A., New York, Tokyo and beyond. The on-trend inventory is updated weekly, which means you’ll find plenty of runway-inspired looks for wedding season. Summery dresses range from easy-breezy printed midi dresses to 70s-inspired off-the-shoulder numbers to delicate lace frocks – all at prices that justify purchasing a couple of different options. The one-stop shop also has beautiful cards and lovely home accessories goodies if you need to pick up a last-minute wedding gift.
Luxurious labels for less? Hell ya! This Howe Street resale shop specializes in high-end womenswear from international designers like Celine, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and many more coveted labels. The store’s buyers source their designer duds from Vancity socialites and local celebrities, with all labels verified by an independent authenticator (no knock-offs here). Shop for flirty cocktail dresses and elegant evening gowns that’ll have you looking (but not paying) a million bucks at that upcoming black tie wedding.
If you’re searching for something that’s one-of-a-kind, skip the mall and head to this Gastown boutique to shop for dresses from emerging designers. Unstructured styles and breezy fabrics will keep you looking (and feeling) effortlessly cool. We love made-in-Canada linen numbers from Montreal-based designer Eliza Faulkner and lightweight embroidered dresses and patterned jumpsuits from New York label Parker. The beautifully curated lifestyle boutique also stocks chic sunnies, all-natural lipsticks from Kosas Cosmetics, and delicate gemstone necklaces, earrings and bracelets from local jewellery designer Leah Alexandra.
Conscious shoppers can look good and feel great in modern, ethically made pieces from Vancouver designer Nicole Bridger. Pop into her flagship shop on Water Street to check out her line of eco-chic womenswear. Tastefully tailored jersey dresses are feminine and figure hugging without being over-the-top, and will work for daytime and evening events depending on how you choose to accessorize them. Each piece is cut and sewn in Vancouver and made with high quality, environmentally sustainable materials. These soft, breathable, stretchy fabrics are also ideal for pregnant partygoers who need to dress up their baby bump.
Lanvin, Chloe, Marni ... oh my! If you’ve got cash to spend on fancy frocks then this upscale South Granville boutique is a veritable treasure trove of designer fashions. Stocking off-the-runway looks from European labels, Bacci’s is a favourite among Vancouver socialites looking for red carpet worthy attire. The selection of designer footwear is equally impressive; think Lanvin multi-stripe espadrilles to complement a preppy-chic ensemble or Dries Van Noten platform sandals for a throwback 90’s vibe.