Vancouver: Blubird on Alberni

While the name may conjure a folkloric feel, Blubird’s ultra-modern decor follows the West Coast contemporary (read: L.A.) aesthetic more than the modern-day Little House on the Prairie style I’ve come to expect from so many burgeoning boutiques. The clothing selection also reaffirms the L.A. look with Juicy Couture, True Religion, J Brand, Single and Vince among its collections.

While some of the aforementioned brands may not sound like anything new to town, don’t get the idea that Blubird is any common crow. I was impressed by its selection of Marc by Marc Jacobs accessories, Pucci scarves and M Missoni knitwear, not to mention the array of excessively cute Hello Kitty products it carries for all you Tokyo street-style enthusiasts.

So if you have a minute or an hour, bring your friends to Blubird to lounge around on its comfy sofa, or to share your favourite new FASHION Magazine blog. (Blubird has a handy, high-tech computer kiosk for your mid-afternoon style-inspiration surfing.) And should you find yourself in a last-minute fix, you can add the finishing touches to your evening ensemble at Blubird’s swank Stila beauty bar. With all this in store, Blubird is sure to take off.