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Finding Art, Good Food, Whisky, & A Killer Pop-In Store Inside The New Nordstrom

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THE GOODS FROM NORDSTROM VANCOUVER

There was so much buzz surrounding the recent opening of Vancouver’s new Nordstrom store that we thought we knew what to expect. We imagined a lot of high end designer labels, brands that have been hard to get west of Toronto, miles upon miles of shoes, and forward-thinking cell phone charging stations. There was all that, to be sure, but there was also plenty of local art, a fully loaded cocktail bar, a full-service restaurant with a fantastic view, a candy shop for grown-ups, and a carefully curated Pop-In Shop. Take a look at what we saw…

POP-IN SHOP | Every four to six weeks, Nordstrom’s Director of Creative Projects, Olivia Kim, showcases a tightly edited collection of special edition, quality goods available in (very) limited numbers. This cycle’s theme, “New Classics”, showcases a mix of iconic brands (Dr. Martens, Filson, Dickies, and Woolrich) as well as some special local collabs (Arc’teryx) and some design-forward home supplies. There is definitely a fun-factor, but the emphasis is on quality and durability. If money was no object, we’d pounce on the following 12 items…

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1 | ‘Generation X’ Graphic Unisex Tee, available in such 80’s flavours as River Phoenix, Lisa Bonet or a pre-couch hopping Tom Cruise

2 | Crow Canyon Enamel Ware Lidded Bowl Set. Does this mean we can officially ditch our mismatched tupperware once and for all? Yes. Yes it does

3 | Perennial workhorse favourite, ‘Dickies’ construct quilted canvas duck vest (men’s, natch).

4 | Fall friendly knits by Scottish father/ daughter team ‘&Daughter’. Our pick was the perfectly cozy ‘Aran’ knit sweater.

5 | Hasegawa ‘Lucano’ 2-Step Step Stool. This multiple award-winner (RedDot Design, Good Design and JIDA Design Museum selection awards) is almost too pretty to stand on, but if you do, it’s steady as a darn rock.

6 | We loved the ergonomic fit of the lightweight, windproof, and waterproof Arc’teryx ‘Beta LT’ Jacket (Nordstrom exclusive). Props for partnering up with a local company in a valiant effort to bring the world’s superior rain protection options to bear for Vancouverites!

7 | Cartel’s ‘The Pouch’ Frayed Denim Zip Pouch. Our summer was one big indigo haze thanks to Sophena Kwon’s beautiful Indigo Social events so these inky bags are a great way to take this look well into fall.

8 | CAMP Collection ‘Sundaze Bralette’ – perfectly described as ‘off-duty’ lounge wear. Hold our calls please.

9 | BasShu’s line of super soft chambray home goods including woven chambray coasters, denim cushion covers  ($92.18), and woven chambray placemats.

10 | CAMP Collection “Rookie” baseball shirt. So soft!

11 | The toques from Colorado’s TOPO Designs are super simple, cozy and snug.

12 | We also liked the Leica cameras, but they sold out in a heartbeat so we won’t tell you about those. The good news is that they were replaced by a series of Polaroid cameras (film available, too).

Items come into the Pop-In Shop throughout the course of the month and, as they are only carried in limited numbers, tend to sell out quickly. The next Pop-In Shop (TBD) launches on November 1st and runs through Nov & Dec 2015.

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DRINK | Habitant Lounge, located on the second floor women’s wear department, actually serves booze. Yup, we know. Genius. How many times have you stopped dead in your department store tracks wishing you could take a breather with a cocktail? Take a seat in the comfy chairs and watch the world rush by. We tried the New York Sour and some Caesars, but a shot of Bourbon would suffice in a pinch.

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EAT | On the southwest corner of the 3rd floor is Bistro Verde, a sophisticated dining room with accents of wood and stone, plus floor to ceiling windows offering views of the Vancouver Art Gallery and Robson Square. This in-store dining experience blows away any and all of Vancouver’s subterranean shopping centre food court options (except Kernels…no one beats dill pickle popcorn).

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CANDY | Sugarfina candy shop is located at the Georgia/Granville entrance. At first glance, it’s a typical candy store with pretty packaging and sugary treat, but look a little closer. They make Single Malt Scotch Cordials – a tasty orb of whisky covered in dark chocolate. And yes, ID is required to purchase these little puppies. Bonus: martini olive almonds!

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ART | Local art is showcased throughout the store. Our faves are the four George Vergette paintings. His works use layer upon layer of transparent tinted resin atop acrylic under-paintings to create intense hues that are simultaneously bold and strangely relaxing. So nice to be presented with a moment for art appreciation while waiting for the elevator!

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Take a look at everything we saw…

  • Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Filson Large Zip Pouch | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Polaroid Cameras | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Shades of rose / enamel ware | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Arc'teryx / Nordstrom Collaboration | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Arc'teryx / Nordstrom Collaboration | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Canada Goose Coat | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • BasShu Textiles | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Gitman Tapered Fit Button Down Oxford Shirt | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Filson Duffle Bag | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Three Potato Four "This Must Be The Place" Key Tag | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Single Malt Cordials at Sugarfina | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Cartel Tote | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Topo | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Thick and cozy | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Cartel 'The Pouch' Frayed Denim Zip Pouch | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Soap and salts | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • &Daughter Sweaters at Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Have A Nice Day | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Crow Canyon Enamelware Containers | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Camp Bralette | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Generation X - River Phoenix Graphic T
  • McClures Pickles | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • BasShu Textiles (pillow cover) | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Dickies Construct Quilted Canvas Vest | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Camp Collection 'Rookie' Baseball Tee | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Hasegawa 'Lucano' 2-Step Step Stool | Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Nordstrom Pop-In Shop
  • Filson | Nordstrom Pop-in
  • Sugarfina at Nordstrom
  • Art | Nordstrom
  • Art | Nordstrom
  • George Vergette At Nordstrom
  • George Vergette At Nordstrom
  • George Vergette At Nordstrom
  • Le Labo at Nordstrom
  • Bistro Verde | Nordstrom
  • Bistro Verde | Nordstrom
  • Bistro Verde | Nordstrom
  • Bistro Verde | Nordstrom
  • Bistro Verde | Nordstrom
  • Bistro Verde | Nordstrom
  • Habitant Lounge | Nordstrom
  • Habitant Lounge | Nordstrom
  • Habitant Lounge | Nordstrom
  • Pop-In Shop at Nordstrom

EVERYTHING SEEN IN VANCOUVER

Mon Paris Pâtisserie is Donating Half of All Macaron Sales to Burnaby SPCA, March 20th

Main St. Brewing Marks Autism Acceptance Month with ‘Glow’ Alsatian Pilsner

Bacchus Restaurant Presents Special Easter Long Weekend Afternoon Tea and Sunday Brunch

Get Hopping with Beaucoup Bakery’s New Easter Collection