Home Decor and Clothing Victoria Bc
Boasting an array of historic, 19th century buildings that were once home to hotels and stores in the 1850s, Victoria, BC offers no shortage of Old World charm. Yet, while outside of these brightly painted shopfronts remain the same, the content inside has changed. The result? A growing selection of independent stores and trendy, women's boutiques popping up around the city.
There's no denying it, downtown Victoria is quickly transforming into a shopping mecca, placing more than a handful of hidden gems within easy walking distance of each other. Stroll along north of the Inner Harbour to Government and Johnson Street, and you will find yourself amidst an impressive collection of fashion boutiques. Meanwhile, a mere five minute trek to the small, but lively Chinatown offers up a treasure trove of quirky shops. The next time you're in Victoria and in need of a little retail therapy (and some new threads), be sure to save some time to get lost on the city's historic streets and explore these unique boutiques.
Lore General Store
Lore General Store is one of those shops you might miss if you're not looking for it. It takes up a small corner on Government St. across the street from a much less unassuming Gap storefront. What this shop lacks in size, it more than makes up for in quality local products, which range from lavender infused honey to an array of natural apothecary items. When asked to describe what Lore General Store is all about, Lore General Owner, Stef Hartwig sums it up with the following:
When I thought about the types of stores that were already in Victoria, there wasn't really place that carried all the amazing things that makers and designers in BC, Canada, USA and abroad produce. I wanted to create a place where we celebrated the local makers and designers. Each and every product we select has a story and is made in small batch."
Despite its diminutive size, the store maintains an airy minimalist feel, thanks to numerous houseplants and tall ceilings. In fact, plants are kind of a big deal in this store. Walk past the nostalgic "General Store" window lettering and inside you'll find a planting station front and center, featuring local and vintage pots and related materials.
In addition to local products, the shop prides itself on hosting regular workshops with local makers (upcoming workshops feature macramé plant hangers, wreath making and embroidery), which include all the materials you will need to create the item, info to take home with you as well as light snacks and drinks.
Milkman's Daughter
Venture three blocks down the street to Victoria's Chinatown neighborhood for a cute mix of clothing, home décor and accessories curated by Smoking Lily at Milkman's Daughter, which so happens to be our go to spot to pick up a quick gift. Inside the shop you'll find beautifully crafted ceramics handmade by Marita Manson and Blackbird Studios, Harlow skin care products and many more local goods.
Milkman's Daughter will order you special customized items from within their collection, all you have to do is ask. While you're in the store, be sure to also pick up a few suggestions about where else to explore in the neighborhood. The founders have had retail property in the area since 1996, and carry with them plenty of insider tips for more boutiques and great restaurants hidden within this dense borough.
Still Life for Her
Arguably Victoria's foremost fashion retailer, JoLo's (that's Lower Johnson Street for the uninitiated) Still Life has both "for him" and "for her" boutiques, both with distinctive window displays that beckon passerby fashionistas. As Store Manager, Jordan Stout, explains, "Still Life is something of a local gem, we opened our doors in 1984 and for over three decades have been the city's source for offbeat and emerging style."
We must admit, it's hard not to be drawn in by clothes curated from forward thinking and hard-to-find brands like Montreal's Ursa Minor or Minimum all the way from Denmark. The shop's international lineup matches perfectly with Victoria's European flavor, and it has become a habitual stomping ground when we're in town.
With a burgeoning community of like-minded, locally owned boutiques, Victoria is quickly bridging a new connection with fashion forward travelers. The fabulous shopping experiences at these three women's boutiques highlight the city's fresh, modern approach to fashion, while celebrating the creations of local designers, setting the course for a prosperous future.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Clipper Recommends:
- Take some downtime from shopping and enjoy a peaceful afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress.
- Head over to the Market Square or Victoria Public Market for even more local, handmade goods and artisan treats.
Feature Photo: Lore General Store
Home Decor and Clothing Victoria Bc
Source: https://www.clippervacations.com/magazine/womens-boutique-shopping-victoria/