Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine

2970 West Broadway is a distinctive alternative from Vancouver's usual shopping districts of Robson, Gastown and Main Street. Nestled in between an array of travel shops and cafes in an area with a neighbourhood feel to it is Shine Clothing. The small Kitsilano boutique is filled with unique and affordable accessories and clothing from consignment and vintage to local and international designers.

Seven years ago, Carman Ho created the boutique gleaming with a vintage feel to it: blush pink walls, vintage wooden furniture, a glamorous chandelier and wrought iron racks. "I love vintage," said Ho. "I've always loved shopping since I was little. I would go to a store and observe, and I would see and remember things I liked. One year I just got inspired to open this store and here we are." Ho had opened a store on Vine Street eight years ago called, Dimanche. "It was a beautiful store in a heritage building." But when the partnership fell through, she decided to move on and open Shine. "I thought, I love this so much, and I can't let it go." Shine's customers are given a very unique experience every time they set foot inside, because something new is added to its selection every day. "The majority of our merchandise is contemporary and new, [but] there is 20 per cent consignment and 10 per cent of the store is vintage." Who shops here? "We get a lot of cute, funky down-to-earth girls," said Ho. "We get all walks, from students to people that are older and some looking for gifts," added sales associate, Sherri.

Step inside, and you walk past a gorgeous angel water fountain and the latest indie tracks are playing throughout the small store. Filling the vintage racks are jeans, jackets, tops and dresses from designers from Juicy Couture to Abercrombie, as well as antique items from all over the world. To the far left pair of vintage Zebra wedges catches your eye first, and a pair of Salvatore Ferrango pumps are a few amongst the many on a wall filled with contemporary and vintage flat and high heeled boots, kitten heels, patent leather flats, and handbags. The majority of the boots are in the $50 range. The variety is a bit overwhelming.

Alongside the unique vintage pieces, are many Canadian designers: Pink Martini from Toronto, a great line with cute coats with big buttons and collars, as well as a lot of knitwear and cardigans. Also, Industry and Kitchen Orange from Montréal as well as Sweet Soul, which is designed and made in Vancouver. Accessories by Deluxe can also be found tucked away onto the glass shelves of the jewellery display case. All The Time In The World has distinctive accessories made from fallen arbutus tree branches. One of the many exclusive buys in the store. The designer, who uses tiny saws to carve out designs into them, does them free hand on Vancouver Island. Spark pendants and necklaces can also be found; with resin cameos and ceramic roses circled with glittering Swarovski crystals. A lot of the store's merchandise is also imported from Asia, including Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. "People really like the stuff from overseas." Socks, arm warmers from Japan have been a big seller.

Shine is open from 11-7 on weekdays and 11-6 on weekends. Saturday is the busiest day as well as weekdays from two onward. If you're looking for variety, with classy vintage an cute contemporary, check them out. There's something for everyone inside.