Vancouver: Richmond’s treasure trove, part two
Two weeks ago, I left you in Richmond, amongst its best-kept secret, the Golden Village shopping district. If you ventured down to explore Yaohan and Aberdeen Centres yourself, then I am sure you’ve found in them enough shopping to fill your day. But you had better book yet another trip, because Parker Place mall (4380 No.3 Road, Richmond, 604-273-0276, parkerplace.com) certainly warrants a visit.
Parker Place may not be the most glamorous shopping mall I’ve been to, but it is probably one of the best. The excitement, of course, lies in losing yourself to its winding narrow hallways. I’m still not sure to this day if I’ve seen all that Parker Place has to offer, but I will attest that with each visit, I discover yet another great new shop: Mini Closet (604-273-2616), C.Y.K.C. (604-278-6803), Dressy Rose (604-276-8280), As Know As (604-276-0999) and The Lu Shop (604-231-9286) among them.
If rummaging through your grandmother’s closet has taught you anything, bring these skills with you to Parker Place. The shops are no bigger than a closet and are often packed to the brim with affordable imported fashions. While the shops listed above may tempt you with their attractive interior design, your best find of the day will probably come from the most unsuspecting retailer. Don’t let appearances be deceiving: a store that seems appropriate only for school-aged girls may be hiding that billowing blouse you’ve been searching for. But no matter which shop you step into, ruffles, ribbon and lace will be in abundance. Ultimately, Parker Place will have you ooh-ing and ahh-ing over fine feminine embellishments all day.
Craig David Long is a Renaissance man with a post-modern sensibility. His interests in the arts, culture, fashion and design have collided over the years, shaping his thoughtful and observational writing style. Prior to becoming the regional winner of FASHION Magazine's 2008 Reporter Search contest for Vancouver, Craig had dabbled in the world of public relations, working with clients such as the Law Commission of Canada, Vancouver Magazine, Starbucks and Warner Bros. Pictures. He had also founded Vancouver's popular street-style blog, The Commodified (thecommodified.blogspot.com). Craig retired the site after two years, when he assumed his current role as the Assistant Editor of Vancouver's new regional lifestyle quarterly, Montecristo Magazine.
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