It’s officially sweater weather in Vancouver and these grey, rainy days make us want to stay indoors and snuggle up with a good book. From luxe cashmere sweaters to soft slippers to oversized blankets, you can stock up on all your cozy essentials for home and body at these local shops. Hibernating has never looked – or felt – so good.
Cashmere is the must-have fabric for luxurious lounging. In-the-know men and women flock to Vancouver-born Black Goat when they want to stock up on 100-percent natural apparel and accessories fashioned with hand-combed Mongolian wool. These ultra soft, lightweight pieces are up to eight times warmer than regular wool – making them the perfect choice for haute couture hibernation. Elegant gents can don Fishermen style turtlenecks and chunky cable-knit cardigans while the ladies will swoon over tunic dresses and ruffled capes. Prices aren’t cheap (we’re talking $69.00 for a pair of socks) but cashmere is “the fibre of kings” after all.
You never know what you’ll find at Old Faithful, but you’re sure to leave feeling inspired. The focus at this Gastown boutique is on finely crafted artisanal housewares and lifestyle accessories. Snuggly essentials include thermal weave wool blankets and linen throws (perfect for draping over your couch – or your body) and red cedar incense sticks that’ll help recreate that wood-burning fireplace smell. You’ll also find plenty of rainy-day reading materials, including indie magazines like Cereal and Kinfolk and a great selection of cookbooks for your autumnal culinary adventures.
Granville Island’s longest-running retailer specializes in quirky, one-of-a-kind apparel and accessories for creative types. The vast majority of the handcrafted products are made in Canada by local artisans and designers, and there are quite a few up-cycled and recycled finds for eco-conscious shoppers. When it comes to winter-weather must-haves, we love the whimsical variety of pillows: some are animal shaped (the stuffed raccoon is surprisingly adorable) while others are embroidered with cheeky sayings like “I love you more than bacon.” You’ll also find toques and beanies and a solid collection of cozy blankets from Pendleton and Klippan.
Fall in love with the thoughtfully curated selection of contemporary household goods and cool-girl clothing labels at this charming Mount Pleasant gift boutique. Owner Sarah Savoy stocks an ever-changing mix of handcrafted gems from independent local artisans and covetable items from heritage brands. Shop for embroidered pillows, aromatic soy candles, cozy cotton-knit cardigans, and multi-purpose cotton foutas that can be used as towels, throws, wraps or tablecloths. Furry needle-felted cactus plants from Vancouver artist Warm and Drift are a super soft alternative to the traditional prickly houseplant.
This Australian footwear brand needs no introduction, but while you might be familiar with UGG’s signature sheepskin-lined booties, you may be surprised by its extensive home collection. Stop in at the South Granville location to soften up your space with elegant mohair throws, oversized knit pillows and blankets, cozy flannel sheets, and oh-so-touchable sheepskin area rugs. And of course, don’t forget your feet. Keep your toes toasty all winter long with more than 30 different varieties of plush indoor and outdoor slippers for men, women and kids.
Looking for chic cashmere at a more reasonable price point? The city’s trendsetters can’t get enough of the super soft layering pieces from this Vancouver brand. Specializing in wearable luxury, Kit and Ace is a purveyor of breathable basics for men and women. The versatile cashmere-blend fabrics are fashionable, functional and (best of all), machine washable. Sweater dresses, turtlenecks, leggings and long-sleeved tees feel as though they were made just for you thanks to smooth seams, tailored fits and technical fibres that are designed to stretch. These sophisticated styles work well on the couch or at the office.
You’ll want to stay under the covers all day long after a visit to this bedding emporium on West Broadway. The comprehensive bedding shop stocks everything you need to create the perfect bedroom sanctuary: pillows and duvets (in both synthetic and natural fill varieties), mattress pads, feather beds, designer linens, cushions and even a line of plush bathroom towels. Be sure to ask the expert staff about the various different pillow densities to ensure a properly supported sleep.
If you’re gonna splurge on a cozy blanket, it might as well be THE blanket. Hudson’s Bay Company’s woven-wool point blanket – with its primary-coloured stripes – has become an iconic emblem of Canadian history. The signature HBC heritage collection also includes mittens, cushions, cardigans, scarves, socks, and even a coyote fur throw (a pricy $3,000 indulgence). Want even more Canadiana? Check out the Drake General Store pop-up for cozy cotton onesies (for little ones and adults) and patriotic toques embroidered with city names.
You’ll be floored by the vast selection of cozy carpets and area rugs at Burrit Bros. In business for almost 100 years, the family-owned shop is a favourite among the city’s interior designers and the expert staff can help you create a cozy space from the ground up. The extensive selection of floor coverings (which could double as decorative wall tapestries) includes vintage second-life rugs, cowhides, bold contemporary designs, and traditional Old World styles sourced from the Middle East. Show off your hometown pride with graphic rugs from the Museum of Vancouver collection, which feature local maps and street names.
Pinterest dreams come to life at this romantic showroom in Yaletown. Known for its pretty home furnishings and stylish accessories, this picture-perfect shop will make you want to stay indoors all winter long. Shop here for larger furniture (the signature Dream Bed features a tufted headboard that can be customized to suit your décor palate) and feminine accessories. The bedding department is particularly enticing: think hand-loomed cotton throws, silk eye masks, fleece robes, and goose down duvets and pillows.