Pop-up stores are sensational. What do you do to create that sensational experience for your customers?

Visual merchandise is a huge thing for me.  The atmosphere of the store is really important so I put a big emphasis on the visual displays and having a theme. Right now, it’s a Winter Wonderland theme with the white and the glitter. It’s the holidays, so it’s bringing people in and offering them a little bit of chance to see the product that I’m offering.

This isn’t your first pop-up store. What did you take from the first one and apply to this second one?

Marketing is huge, so for this one I definitely contacted more bloggers and local press. But, it was hard because it was last minute. I only had about a week to put everything together. And, it was an insane week to put everything together so everything was very, very last minute.

Also, the first one was in Kensington Market, so I definitely wanted to try out a different area. Queen Street West (fashion district of Toronto) is where I’d ultimately want to be for a permanent location. So, it was really important to me to find somewhere in that general area so that I can kind of test it out.

What is the one key thing to be mindful to other inspiring owners of pop-up shops?

Visual merchandise. I know a lot of shops go in with temporary racks, throw everything together and not worry about that. But, I think that creating environment replicates a store. People really appreciate it. They appreciate the details and they notice them. It doesn’t take much. I found most of my stuff. I re-painted it. Or, I borrowed it. Or, I’ve done my own little twist. So, you can do it on a dime.

What would be the one thing that would give your best friend from your store?

The necklace that I’m wearing. It’s a jeweler (Lauren Elan Collections) that I just started working with. Her pieces are one of a kind because they are individually tangled. Her pieces are absolutely amazing, so that would be my ultimate gift. I had this piece customized as my Christmas present from my boyfriend.  I think its’ better to pick out your own gifts sometimes!

What’s next for you?

January/February is going to bit slower. I’m taking time off to do some planning for the next year. In March, I’ll have another pop-up shop if not a permanent location. I’m looking for a space for 4-6 months – a more permanent pop-up shop but with still that temporary aspect.

Also, there will be a lot of focus online. I just did a lot of photo shoots, so there will be more creative editorial shots.

Blinked and missed Shop Bicyclett’s pop-up on Queen Street? Or, you don’t live in the centre of the universe (aka Tdot, TO, or Toronto)? Find Paige’s collection at http://www.shopbicyclette.ca/.

Picture captions:

1) Bicyclette – A name inspired by chic women dressed to the nines riding their bikes in Amsterdam – a romantic/whimsical/nostalgic feeling.

2) Paige – A Fashion Communications graduate from Ryerson, Paige has worked herself into the fashion industry with her humble start in Whistler, BC. The concept of the store came from her final thesis as part of her creative project at school.

3) Earmuffs –Paige’s other gift recommendation? Earmuffs from Unique Fille. “They are just so much fun. I’ve never seen anything else like them. They are from a designer from the UK but she is originally from Toronto.”

Here are Refinery 29‘s 5 pieces that can transition from Summer to Fall.

Lace T-Shirt

Sexy and mysterious, lace takes on a whole new level of mystery come Fall. Layer your favourite lace shirt over a pattern (like plaid) or over a cami, that will still show a bit of skin.

Denim Vest

The hot weather alternative to the denim jacket, the vest can transition to cooler temperature with layers. Layer it two ways: over long-sleeve shirts or under a long-sleeve jacket.

Open-Toe Platform Sandals

This trend showed up in the Spring and hasn’t stopped. While it may be a bit unconventional to some, when done right, it’s very cute. If you’re a bit apprehensive, stick to socks or tights that are in a similar tone. Feeling bolder? Go for contrast.

Jersey Tank Dress

A summer staple. I love summer for the ease of getting dressed – throw on a cute dress and go. But in Fall, your Jersey Tank Dress doesn’t have to be banished to the back of your closet. Wear it with a structured blazer, a leather jacket, over top a thin long-sleeve shirt. Throw on Fall’s hot desert or cowboy boots, and you’re good to go.

Jean Shorts

Again layers, layers, layers. Make sure that your shorts are a bit boxy, and not skin tight. Wear your shorts with pieces that have more structure, dress shirts, blazers and cardigans. And of course, don’t forget your tights!

Image from Refinery 29.

Canadian company Beauty Through Balance seeks to capitalize on the current Acai trend by releasing a line of Acai berry based products. 

Beauty Through Balance is a producer of facial and body products that utilize naturally sourced ingredients from around the world to create spa-quality products that are sold in luxury resorts across North America. 

Their new Acai berry line consists of exfoliators, lotions and cleansers, including the Acai body emulsion, a rich lotion made with Capuacu butter and Acai extracts and which I was lucky enough to receive a sample to review!

The Acai Body Emulsion contains a mix of luxurious moisturizers like Capuacu butter to aid in absorption and moisturize skin as well Olivate, a derivative of olive oil and known for its ability to repair and restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier, and of course Acai berry itself.

The lotion smelled wonderful with a full fruity scent that was refreshing in the morning, and its texture easily spreads across the skin. 

The emulsion absorbed quickly and left my skin feeling cool and refreshed.  After a few days, my skin felt softer and smoother! 

The only downside to this lotion was that the texture was slightly watery, so if you are looking for some extreme moisturizing action, then perhaps you should go for a thicker, body butter rather than this product. 

For someone with normal skin, this lotion was perfect for daily use – I only wish I had received a larger sample so I could keep using this lovely emulsion!

All Body Through Balance products have been sourced ethically, and have the “Green Seal” of approval from the Forest Stewardship Council. 

Body Through Balance products can be purchased at your local spa.  You can find out more information about the Acai berry line and the rest of Body Through Balance’s products via their website: http://beautythroughbalance.ca/

Skytop II

The Thunder Low

The Vaider

The Thunder

The Society

The Skytop II are my favourite – I love the colour combo of the green and grey. They’d look really slick with some nice jeans, a t-shirt, and a cardigan.

But really, what we all want to know is, how would he look in them…shirtless?

Images: Shoes. Ronaldo.

]]> http://definemag.com/fashion/supra-footwear-fall-2010/feed/ 2 http://definemag.com/fashion/summer-fashion-trends-for-men-deceptively-cool/ http://definemag.com/fashion/summer-fashion-trends-for-men-deceptively-cool/#comments Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:35:58 +0000 Jordana Mah http://definemag.com/?p=1834 I’ve traveled to a few countries and cities in my time and I think it’s safe to say that there’s something in the water here – Vancouver has, on average, a much hotter female population than other places! Could it be our gentle, humid weather that helps preserve the skin and hair? Or our active lifestyles that give so many of our women such model-esque physiques? Whatever it is, all I can say is, Men, you need to step it up.If you want to attract a choice lady in this city, you had better tell her you’re up to the job and the perfect way to do so without saying a word is through your style.

The majority of women will notice a man who stands out from the crowd. This doesn’t mean you should go around wearing loud and gaudy clothes to draw attention – the smart women go for men who are quietly confident and your style can totally work to give you that cool, confident and put-together vibe. Here are my picks, from a Vancouver female’s POV of hot trends for summer 2010 and how to wear them:

Trendy Toppers

Left to right: Goorin Bros. $35, Wrath Arcane, $70

Hats are great ways to up your style factor – just think of it as +50 XP points for you nerdy gamer dudes out there!  Not only do hats shield you from the sun’s rays, they are super easy ways to jazz up any outfit; simply pair these with a semi-formal vest, jeans, and even your regular ratty Converses will look instantly much cooler.

Patterns

Left to right: Urban Outfitters The Smooth Company striped short sleeve shirt, $75, Forever21 Oversized Gingham print cardigan, $8.99

Patterns are huge this season, from plaids and stripes to florals, and everything in-between.  While I doubt many guys would consider florals, a little stripe or plaid is doable by anyone.  If you’re worried about looking a bit horizontal in horizontal stripes, then choose a pattern with thinner stripes and make sure the stripe colours aren’t too contrasting from one another, such as this option from Urban Outfitters.  Gingham is also a funky new trend that is popping up everywhere.  More for the urbane than the farm, gingham is a fun pattern that is both youthful and versatile.  The slight oversized cut of this cardigan only increases the casual vibe.

White is the New Preppy

Left to right: Urban Outfitters Levis 501 skinny trouser, $54, Forever 21 Crinkled v-neck tee, $17.90

When the sun comes out, nobody wants to be wearing dark, heavy clothing, especially in Vancouver when everyone welcomes the sun like a person on a stranded island welcomes a hot meal.  Shuck off those heavy layers by investing in lightweight classics that you can wear over and over again.  A loose tailored fit and tapered trousers look great when cuffed.  Personally I cannot stand skinny pants and jeans on men. Please guys, how is it healthy for your “goods” to wear pants that are so tight?! For a topper, pair these casual pants with an equally laidback, intentionally crinkled, v-neck tee.  Again, fit is key here, as are the artfully done crinkles.  Overly pressed shirts only look stuffy, and you’re aiming for a fit just tight enough to show off your summer bod, but not too tight as to give you male muffin-top.  Yes, it does exist!

Boat Shoes

Left to right: Band of Outsiders Boo Chukka, $240, Clae Zissou, $90

In order to pull off the cuffed, or tapered trouser look, you’ll have to leave the track shoes and high-tops at home.  The theme this season is tailored, casual looks and you’ll need the proper shoes to finish off the vibe.  The only real solution is to get yourself a pair of cool boat shoes.  This trendy footwear is a definite step-up from purely athletic kicks, and are usually featured with white laces, a white rubber sole, and a huge variety of colours and patterns.  Similar to hats, shoes are a good way to express your individuality and you can get away with crazier shades and patterns on your feet more readily than you could perhaps in a shirt, or pant.  Experiment with patterns like hounds tooth (like those Chukkas), or ultra-hip graffiti patterns.  Indulge in your inner rainbow with shoes in a popping summer colour like turquoise, dark purple, or even a bright red; just be sure to coordinate with appropriate and fun colour combinations, such as pink/green, black/white, navy/yellow, and red/purple.

Style isn’t just something you’re born with, it’s just a feeling, an instinct that men and anyone can tap into with the proper guidance.  Never follow trends blindly, but absorb them, analyze what works for you, and make it suit your own needs.  The best look on anyone is the one that makes them feel just amazing and confident enough to take on the world, or at least the intimidating Vancouver dating scene.

Need even more advice??? If these tips aren’t enough to get you inspired, then leave me a comment! I’d be glad to help!

Looking a bit closer, however, and the inspirations and motifs behind his work begin to jump out at you like the bold textures, lines, and design elements so prominent in his work. Rifling through his studio in North Tokyo, half-finished customised Converses, lay next to scraps of unfinished portraits popping out from magazines he’s recently been published in. An Australian artist now working out of Tokyo, Anthony Hayes has translated this inspiration into a line of illustrations, videos and fashion. Recently I had a chance to catch up with ‘Ant’ to discuss his new work and upcoming debut at Tokyo Design Festa.

So why’d you take the leap and base yourself out of Tokyo?

Well, I started out doing animation and motion graphics for television and advertisements in Australia for about four years and needed a change. I came to Tokyo for a holiday a few years ago and fell in love with the city and its art scene. People here have a real passion for creating and expressing their ideas that is quite refreshing compared to Sydney. It doesn’t really matter who you are or what you do, but you can pretty much find an avenue to show your wares. Pretty much every time I head out into the city, I come across something that inspires me with new ideas.

What was that about how you punked the Internet and a Tokyo Toy exhibition?

Last year, Medicom Toys had an exhibition in Tokyo and I thought it would be fun to try and generate some hype for a toy that didn’t exist. I customised a Be@rbrick and then made a fake advertisement, hyping it up as a limited edition, only for sale at the exhibition. I managed to fool a few popular collectable sites and blogs and I was surprised at how easily and quickly it spread. My site got a huge number of hits and I had a whole load of collectors contacting me, asking how they could get their hands on one. Be@rbrick collectors are pretty passionate people, so it didn’t take them to long to figure out it wasn’t real. It was quite funny.

Aside from illustrations, and collectables, I hear you’re branching out into fashion this year?

I’d always wanted to customise shoes. At first I started out customising a few pairs of Converse All-Stars for some friends and myself, and the feedback I got was really positive. So I decided to make more and sell them through my site. It’s going really well, and I recently opened up an ETSY shop, so hopefully I’ll be able to get a few more out there. It’s pretty exciting to see someone wearing my designs.

So what can we expect from you in the near and distant future?

Look out for me at the next Design Festa in May, which is the big art festival here in Tokyo. I’m doing a portrait series for that. Getting into the whole custom shoe thing has really inspired me to move towards fashion more, so I’m also working on a T-shirt line which I plan to launch at the festa and then sell through my site.

I’ve got a million-and-one ideas floating around in my head, so I’m really looking forward to the future.

Check out Anthony’s work at:

http://www.antisant.com
http://antisant.blogspot.com/
http://www.anthonyhayes.net/

Most men probably associate bow-ties with tuxedo-wearing, and little else. Over the past years, even fashionable fellows had begun to only wear straight neckties in most circumstances, so the bow-tie had become something of a novelty, immediately leading its few wearers to be described as “quirky” or “eccentric” in their style.

Like many other trends that are reshaping men’s style, the bow-tie has been adopted by a younger generation and given a new life in not just formal attire, but streetwear as well. Here’s how you can pull off this unique style to change things up a bit:

First, it’s not just acceptable, but actually cool, to wear a bow-tie in a more casual environment. If you’re already wearing collared-shirts in a casual fashion to give yourself just a little more presence, then all you need to do is fasten the collar, and slip on a bow-tie. There’s a little more to it than that though, but not much. While a collared-shirt is a prerequisite to brandishing a bow-tie, this look is best pulled off with another layer over top, preferably a V-neck sweater or a cardigan, something with a lower collar to give the bow-tie some room to breathe. When it comes to the colour of the bow-tie, there are a lot of options. Most of them are brighter colours that distinguish the bold move you’ve taken in tying one on, and they’re available at many retailers because this trend continues to flourish.

The bow-tie can also play a part in your work wardrobe if you’re in a more creative career like advertising, but I wouldn’t necessarily wear one to fight a court-case or in any other more conservative field. At work, tone it down a bit and go with some more subdued shades. You still want to look professional. Don’t wear one every day though, or you’ll be branded Bow-Tie Guy.

One thing I want to mention, that may not gain me any favour with the regular bow-tie wearers, is that you do NOT need to know how to tie an actual bow-tie. Unlike what many men’s magazines will say, it is not a necessary skill to be a man, and you will not live a better life because of it. Clip-ons work brilliantly and, having spent a considerable amount of time learning how to tie a ‘proper’ bow-tie, that skill has been quickly relegated to a mere novelty trick in my life. The clip-ons that are on the market today feature a tighter knot than you’ll ever get with fingers, and are easy to slip on and off. So when you’re ready to give the bow-tie a shot, don’t be embarrassed to clip one on. Anyone who gives you a hard time about it should probably go find something better to do with their time.

If you were curious before, now’s the time to tie something new or clip one on. The bow-tie isn’t likely going to stick around for too long, so get your kicks in while you can. It’s a great way to add some variety to your regular wardrobe.

Florals

Left to right: Urban Renewal Blossom Pencil dress, $48 and Lucca Couture cropped jacket, $58 – both from Urban Outfitters

Continuing on from previous seasons, florals are big again for spring and why not? All of Nature is abloom and so why not you?  Prints this season are bold, complex, and big.  Small floral prints are still in, but are less prevalent.  Floral dresses are perennial favourites, but why not try a light floral jacket for something different?  Both pieces are no-brainers: simply throw on, or pair with your normal basics, and you’re good to go!

Nude

Left to right: American Apparel cotton-spandex reversible tunic, $35 and Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise Ponte tank dress, $48

As a backlash against all the extremeness of recent years’ rocker chic, this season hails a return to minimalism.  In this incarnation, minimalism takes on a slightly sexier edge with details like plunging necklines, accentuated waistlines, and easy on the eyes colours.  Nudes can be tricky to wear, so don’t pair exactly to your skin tone.  Instead, go for a shade slightly darker than your skin, unless your skin is darker, in which case go lighter; the idea here is to create a subtle contrast.  Alternately choose colours like blush, cream, or very soft taupes and greys to utilize this trend more easily.

Wedges & Booties

Left to right: Guess Eille, $125

Forever21 Buckled ankle boot, $31.80

Pour la Victoire Ida Wedge ankle boot, $153.97

Spring is an in-between season.  The weather in spring can range from chilly to warm, sunny to rainy – especially in Vancouver – so the best shoe philosophy to follow for spring is versatility.  Lucky for us, shoe fashion trends aim to please.  This season, it’s all about wedges and booties.  Booties are a fantastic style to invest in as they now come in such a huge range of styles.  When booties first came out, they were highly unflattering to anyone without chicken legs, but now anyone can find hot booties thanks to the variable shoe heights that can be found.  A rule of thumb is the thicker your calves, the lower the boot should extend up your leg.  Booties even let you cover multiple trends at once – just look at the 2 pairs here; one is both a bootie and in a cool taupe, and the other has a great covered wedge heel.

Wedges are super hot this spring as they give you height and comfort.  I know, it’s hard to believe! Indulge in a summery wedge sandal in an earthy material like cork or wood, or go ultra modern by getting a covered wedge like the bootie.  While the weather is still cool, pair the wedge sandals with similarly toned socks or tights!

Now that you’ve heard my assessment on trends for spring, what fashion trends will you be picking up this year?

Goorin (pronounced Gore-rin); a family company established in 1895, made their first sale of their hats off a horse cart. Ben describes Goorin as bold hat makers, using timeless craftsmanship.

“The dedication to the family business to keep the legacy passed down from generation to generation. It hasn’t really been until the last five years where there has been an explosion in hat interest, and styles have been so popular.”

Expansion outside of San Francisco became a reality, and Goorin stores have popped up in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Chicago and Vancouver. Ben explains, “The staff is trained on product knowledge, history of hat styles, and our brand. They can take the time…to explain the different hats, details, help people find the right hat that looks good on them. That’s the key.”

Wait. Who is Ben Goorin? A man with a vision to bring uniqueness, quality, and authenticity to the Goorin hat business.

At work, you can say that he wears two hats because of his work in operations and creative. This means that he doesn’t have a 9-5 job. Instead, a consuming 24-7 job is more like it as Ben says, “I sleep with this stuff, it’s fun.”

It is in his blood. Also, it didn’t hurt that he has taken the next step further with classes. Ben explains, “I studied a little bit of business. I studied a lot of communications, journalism and broadcasting. To me, it’s always about a message, telling a story.”

The Inspiration Board

A board at the at the Goorin headquarters where Ben and his fellow co-workers place cool inspiration. It is always changing .

“I watch the evolution (of other companies) I look at other companies that go back in time because a lot techniques that were used back over a hundred years ago that we want continue using today. I’ve got a lot of old cigar brands up right now, and a lot the packaging…the stories behind the cigar companies, these are often family businesses.”

1333 Minna (pronounced Men-nah), Artist Series

A hat collection created by group of local artists at working out of San Francisco’s culture-rich area, Mission Street. They create hats inspired by ‘street-level art’ like street murals and tattoos. The influence of art has translated into areas outside of design such as experimentation with custom lining, screen-printing techniques, and embroidery.

The hats from 1333 Minna have street cred’ and uniqueness by “push(ing) the envelope outside of the traditional hat. For me, it’s about creating that unique and different that hasn’t been done before.”

As Ben says, “it’s about making it your own.” Get a hat and define yourself.

Ha ha…awww. I would like to see your stuffed animal; he/she is probably really cute! I’m not totally responsible for teaching myself how to sew. My mother is the best seamstress in the world and I learned sewing from her. Design wise, there was a lot of trial and error on my part. I quite literally took old garments apart and learned how they were made, and then I would draft patterns from the torn apart garments, modify them a bit and create my own designs. I’m always amazed when I meet designers who don’t know anything about sewing. In order to be a really good designer you must first understand how a garment is going to be constructed. Then the possibilities are only restricted to what you know, thus teaching yourself new tricks or learning new design techniques are always a good idea. In this field of work you never stop learning, or at least you should endeavour to keep challenging yourself.

How did you get your first fashion job?

As a retail clerk at Le Chateau. Does that count? Ha ha. Ugh…let’s talk about the one after! My first REAL fashion related position was at a vintage clothing store where I got hired to be the full time buyer. I used to frequent this one shop in town on my lunch break and eventually asked them if they were hiring. They asked me if I knew anything about picking vintage clothing and gave me a shot. I have worked as a vintage picker on and off for many other companies since then. I attribute my time doing that kind of work to the wealth of information I have now about vintage clothing and textiles.

Having lived on both sides of the country, how would you compare East and West coast style?

Ahh Montreal, what a great city! I would definitely say that people here in Vancouver tend to dress more casually and relaxed. With so many outdoor activities it is not surprising that so many people dress for practicality versus fashion primarily. Individuals in Montreal have more of a European influence in how they dress; at the grocery store you will see ladies in lovely coats with their hair done up. There is a “je ne sais quoi” and real chic demeanour in the way people present themselves out East, or at least in Montreal. I miss that about that city.

Can you describe briefly your creative process?

My creative process…briefly?! Ha ha…not really but I’ll try. In very simplified terms, I hand select vintage textiles and clothing, wash and dry them, deconstruct them and use the fabrics to create my ‘one of a kind’ creations. I use anything from old jeans, t-shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, tweed, and suiting to silk scarves. The list goes on.

Is there anyone you look up to and model your self after?

My mom is a huge source of inspiration, she’s a beautiful and very strong women. I also like Vivienne Westwood’s story, she learned how to design clothing from taking old vintage clothing apart too.

If you weren’t designing clothes, what would you be doing?

I love dioramas and stop motion animation; I would probably be a film maker.

On Adhesif

You mention on your site that many of your pieces have hand-made appliqués, dyeing and details – how many hours on average, from start to finish, can a piece take to make?

Yes, much of the detailing on my designs is hand rendered. Depending on the piece or the project, it could take me anywhere from 1 to 8 hours, or more, to finish a piece.

Your press release states that the Spring/Summer 2010 collection evokes Alice in Wonderland in its whimsical nature – what is it about this classic tale that captured your imagination?

Everything about the classic tale provokes imagination. I’m sure at one time or another we have all drifted off into daydreams that take us on a little journey into a make-believe world, where anything is possible. Dreams make our world more playful, colourful, and interesting.

How do you find all your gorgeous vintage fabrics?

I get asked this question all the time! Being that I have a trained eye in picking out Vintage fabrics, I am able to walk into any thrift store or vintage clothing store and find exactly what I’m after.

Where would you like to take your business in 2-5 years?

I have many plans for Adhesif. I would also like to have a special solo show, which believe it or not, is not something that has happened yet. I would also like to have my own little boutique one day.

If you can, describe Adhesif’s aesthetic philosophy in 5 words or less!

Giving old things new life.

What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?

Keep your eye on the prize! Make realistic short and long term goals and work to make them come true. Don’t be afraid of really hard work! The first 2 years of business are the hardest and you probably won’t see the fruits of your labour come through in this time, so don’t be quick to give up. Find a cheerleading squad; they will come in handy when you need support and encouragement. Be resourceful with your time and money. The best solutions are usually the simplest. Talk to at least one new person a day about your business, the most powerful promotional tool is still word of mouth.

Why do you think vintage style is having such a comeback?

History repeats itself and this is especially true in fashion.

Just for Fun

If you could travel back in time to any era, when would you go?

That’s a tough one. I love every decade for individual reasons. For music I would say blues and jazz music from the 1920s or the 1960s for Rock and Roll. For clothing I would say 1940s; the tailoring and designs were impeccable. I would love to just sit around for the day and people watch!

A lot of your pieces feature a fun mix of patterns and colours. What would be your fashion advice to women wanting to wear multiple patterns well?

When I’m creating the composition of a piece I usually go with what I like most about whatever materials I’m working with (i.e.: a color, texture, or print) and make that the focal point. All of the other prints and colors surrounding the “focal point” are complimentary. One of my favourite combo’s is floral print mixed with plaid. Pick one feature that stands out in 1 of the two prints and accompany it with complementary colours. For example bold pink flowers on a floral printed top could be worn with a plaid belt cinched in the waist with similar colors. With that said, I think it is important to mention that it is usually not a great idea to match 2 large prints together, but better to juxtapose the size of the patterns (i.e: large flowers with a finer plaid print)

As an obvious advocate for colour, what would you say are the key colours for this season?

There are a lot of mono-chromatics in the Spring 2010 Collection, but many of the reoccurring complimentary colors include robin’s egg blue, saffron, and dusty rose.

What celebrity would you love to have wearing your clothes?

I just love Helena Bonham Carter and Kate Blanchett

What are your favourite vintage stores in Vancouver

There are so many…Legends, Used, Woo Vintage, Delux Junk, True Value Vintage, and Mintage

What is that you love, and hate, about living in Vancouver?

Ahhh Vancouver. I love the obvious thing that everyone comes here for, it’s a breathtaking place, even kind of magical if you’re a nature lover. Nightlife wise though? This is a very sleepy city. Everything that isn’t a bar or club closes at 8pm it seems. This city is a long way from being a Cosmopolitan city like Montreal or Toronto. Unlike its counterpart Canadian cities, Vancouver is a very young city, so with that said; I hope that there will be more to do that isn’t drinking related in the years to come. One of things I liked about living in Montreal was that you could go see a flick, grab a bite, and see a show at 2am if you wanted.