Within minutes of entering Gastown’s newest boutique Holly (215-322 Water St. Vancouver, 604-681-8883, shopholly.ca), it became apparent that I’d stumbled upon a little piece of heaven. With high aqua blue ceilings and white walls flooded with natural light, the boutique’s bright, spacious design alone had me on cloud nine. Owner Holly Wong stocks the store with an abundance of fresh, fun clothing and accessories meant for “the modern women who wants to look on trend yet professional during the day, and be able to transition effortlessly into evening.” Wong works with her co-buyer Loretta Oreskovich to ensure a refreshing mix of her own feminine style with her partner’s more edgy aesthetic. With romantic silk floral dresses and flirty beaded camisoles from Parker, bright architectural pieces with attitude from Mason and a nice variety of price points, there really is something for everyone. Summer brings a star-studded line-up: watch for jewellery from Nicole Richie’s label House of Harlow, and threads from Twenty8Twelve by Sienna Miller. My Favourite? The printed strapless mini by Heartfelt. The dress’s design is derived from original artwork by the label’s creator, artist Salvatore Prinicipe, who dubs his clothes “mobile canvases”—who can resist wearing a little piece of art? Not I. With a shopping utopia like Holly, I think heaven may be on Earth after all.

By: Chloe Berge, Vancouver