This city has awakened from its style-free slumber and emerged as a trend-setting powerhouse. Head to British Columbia’s capital for a double dose of old-fashioned setting and newfangled everything else, from jewellery and clothes to beauty booty and decor discoveries.
By Briony Smith
© Rogers Publishing Limited
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Rogers’ Chocolates
This Victoria institution has several locations, but the original downtown store is a must-see. Located in a heritage building, the shop looks just the way it did in 1903, complete with the original glass cabinets. The excellent, old-fashioned customer service is matched by the quality of the delicious chocolates. Signature treats include the Victoria Cream (a dark chocolate that has 20 different cream-filling flavours like vanilla, chocolate and raspberry) and the Empress Square (a dark chocolate with roasted almonds and English toffee). Also popular are the almond brittle and two new additions to the Rogers’ family: chipotle-laced Fire Bars and truffles made with British Columbia ice wine.
913 Government St.
250-881-8771 • www.rogerschocolates.com
Prices: $10–$120 -
Crème de la Crème
Crammed into this treasure trove are all things girly. Owner Lesley Atherton recently changed the shop’s name from Shabby Tiques and moved to a bigger location, but the new digs retain the original store’s jumbled charm, stuffed with everything from bedside tables to fluffy robes. Chandeliers (both new and vintage) range from $150 to $899, while mini-topiaries made from pale-blue robin’s eggs or the famous Kit-Cat clock in pink or turquoise make great gifts. The new store also has a growing collection of shabby-chic furniture, including plenty of bedroom items from the Oprah favourite Kashwére.
1016 Fort St.
250-386-1177
Prices: $5–$2,500 -
Not Just Pretty
Eco-friendly fashion no longer calls up hazy images of hemp-swathed hippies and Birkenstocks. The sustainable-style movement has made Green dressing chic rather than bleak. Not Just Pretty carries pieces from over 40 independent designers who use fabrics that are not only eco-friendly or sustainable but also sleek and sexy because “our first priority is style!” says owner Pam Skelton. Sophisticated Stewart Brown cashmere sweaters ($400) and sleek EcoSkin dresses make dressing responsibly a snap. Some of the standout items for fall come from Toronto-based Thieves, like a long-sleeved butter-yellow turtleneck dress with black collar inlay. Accessorize with a bag from Canadians Ashley Watson, Red Flag Design or Sparrow and you’re ready to join the ranks of sustainable stylistas.
1036 Fort St.
250-414-0414 • www.notjustpretty.com
Prices: $20–$500 -
Surroundings
The stock at this vintage furniture and house wares shop changes often, so your chances of finding something unique are pretty good. The store specializes in Danish teak items, vintage chairs (especially reupholstered bergères), Canadian pine pieces and reupholstered ’60s daybeds. Typical finds include a teak desk ($595), distressed-leather armchairs ($1,195) and a curved black vanity with matching stool from the ’40s ($399). The shop also stocks functional modern housewares like candlesticks, pillows, birdhouses, silver-leaf bowls, room dividers and picture frames as well as lovely Vietnamese paper lanterns ($150).
249 Cook St.
250-380-0324 • www.surroundingsathome.ca
Prices: $200–$2,000
