As someone who lives and breathes fashion, I have to be careful how much money I spend. So when I need failsafe stores that won’t completely break the bank, I head over to these places. Plus, most of them are located on Robson Street if you want to do a one-stop shop!
A perennial favourite for any fashion girl (or any girl, for that matter), Zara does Celine-esque separates better than anyone. They do a great job of incorporating popular runway trends into wearable designs for the fashionable masses. They also have an amazing shoe selection; I buy most of my affordable shoes here!
This Swedish brand is great for fast-fashion purchases (think basics under $10 and trendy pieces for $50) and is known for their designer collaborations (look out for Balmain coming Fall 2015!). The Pacific Centre store is my favourite location as it has the best item selection and proximity to other great stores.
Founded in Vancouver, this well-known Canadian brand has made a name for itself at home and in the U.S. Aritzia is known for its cozy knits, gorgeous silks and luxurious accessories. They do have a mid-to-high price point, so invest in more classic pieces (think sweaters, pants, blazers). My favourite purchase from here has been an Aritzia x Mackage leather jacket that just gets softer with age.
Be ready to hunt through racks, but the finds are worth it. I’ve picked up some of my favourite bargain pieces from here (a cross-body bag, long dress) and they’ve been mistaken for designer. It can get overwhelming with the sheer volume of clothing on display, so be don’t shop here on an empty stomach.
Yet another Vancouver-based brand, this store has become somewhat of a cult for locals ever since it first started in 1989. Their Big Blue brand jeans are some of the best (and most affordable) I’ve ever purchased and they have lots of great in-house brands for a unique shopping experience. Plenty has five locations in B.C. and one in Calgary.