94 - Sunday, April 14, 1991 - North Shore News West Van street boutiques set standard SHOPPING IN West Vancouver, with all of its refinement, can become a pilgrimmage of sorts. Its quintessential spirit Jives in’ the quaint specialty shops that are scattered along Marine Drive. Carol Crenna \ FASHION STATEMENTS Such diverse malis as Park Royal Shopping Centre may de- mand homage, too, but for the combination of old world luxury and eclectic charm that spells West Vancouver for so many, a devoted shopper may wander off the beaten track. Like all great towns, West Van- couver has a pace, a look unto itself. And, as in other areas, this neighborhood style is determined, in part, by its street boutiques. Surrounded by the well-man- nered chic of residential West Vancouver, Marine Drive seems slightly chaotic. This past coexists with the present around the main street, where character-fiiled old buildings comfortably nudge shoulders with high tech new ones. The older spots have an in- tegzity that you can find in few other areas, particularly because they look as though they have withstood change of any kind, well preserved as they were when first established. The statement here is tnat of quality, pure and simple. It almost feels like a tiny European city with its rarified atmosphere of lit- tle street side cafes and top notch restaurants mingled with cool, slick boutiques such as Margareta, alongside truly traditional neighborhood shops like Edward Chapman. Shopping the Drive is a way to discover the West Vancouverites, their traditional values, their at- tention to detail, their inimitable sense of luxe. Marine Drive is made for wandering. it is a piace to savor and explore. It’s a different type ef shopping experience which those who are accustomed to monster malls and temporary con- temporary may not be familiar with. It takes more time to discover the hidden treasures of the area, but it is worth it. Here is a selective guide to fash- ton shops in the neighborhood that may take you off your well- known trail. ®Edward Chapman, 1849 Marine Dr.: The main portion of the street is anchored appropriate- ly at one end by Edward Chap- man. An old, rustic building houses the finely tailored British clothing. If you have not paid a visit to the shop recently, you may be surprised at the updated styling that has been introduced. A refined baseball jacket shape in linen/viscose is shown in plaid or solid khaki for $225 and it matches tailored walking shorts in the same fabrics for $170. If you prefer, solid khaki pants also match the suit for $180. All pieces are beautifully lined and finished. A dress set in high twist pink crepe pairs a_ skirt with full- fashioned knitted pleats and a pretty knit tunic with a row of SHOPPING IN West Vancouver: From Leslie Jane (left) is a crocheted sweater paired with shorts from Boutique Pia; from Edward Chapman, a plaid suit (right). large flat bows down the front for $450. * Neat Things, 1765 Marine Dr.: Hidden down a quaint, Euro- pean-like side entrance, this shop doubles as an artist’s studio. It features handmade jewelry by Madeleine Chisholm created in sterling silver. The designs are sculpted and cui into many unique and noveity shapes that range from geometric, three dimensional modern art pieces to miniature cats on sofas and pretty, molded bows that are perched on a ring, 4 brooch or a hair clip. Rings average $40 to $55, brooches are from SIS to $80, earrings are from $15 to $45 and bracelets run from $20 to $109. There is aiso a selection of I4- karat goid and brass jewelry. Custom made jewelry is done here and pieces displayed can be changed as desired. * Karita, 1755 Marine Dr.: This store carries quality sportswear, activewear and knitted separates al great prices. The merchandise is locally designed under the Karita label or imported directly from the factories in Hong Kong. Linen and cotton clothing is often at wholesale cost, and a variety of imported accessories are also reasonably priced. For example, fine quality, heavy hand-knitted cotton/ramie sweaters in a variety of styles are $69.99, Cotton jersey separates including pants, cardigans and pullovers with prints or solids are $32.99, and velvet narrow pants are $32.99. © Huguette’s, 1489 Moerine Dr.: This shop is well known for its European designer imports, par- ticularly those from Germany. High quality separates in beautiful fabrics are featured in a rather overcrowded setting which mixes labeis and price points together. The shop highlights its full range of Horst Basler designs, which range from dressy silk blocked color jackets to tailored virgin wool coat dresses. ¢ Leslie Jane, 1480 Marine Dr.: This well-respected, quaintly dec- orated boutique features lady-like separates by Boston designer Susan Bristol. Lovely floral prints on cotion, finished with crotheted trim or lace, are cut into vests, long skirts, dresses or blouses. Separates average $150 to $225. Hand embroidered cotton sweaters with eyelet crocheting start at $185. One great item is called a garden party dress, gen- crously cut in crisp white cotton. {tis a smock style in front, then cvisscrosses onto a bare back for $225, At the back of the store there are some jersey separates and jumpers that are clean-lined casu- als in cotton, solid shades. These comfortable pieces include skirts, pants, cardigans, jumpers and jumpsuits in rich pastels for $60 to $100. * Boutique Pia, 1462 Marine Dr.: This modest shop carries classic separates in cotton which are made by brands such as P.S. Sport and Back Seat from California. The store features a large selection of cruisewear pieces in nautical themes, florals and summer whites. Although it caters to a mature market, there are some items that would appeal to the young. A line by a Canadian firm called Walkabouts designs crisp cotton garments in oversized proportions with a fun Aztec batik-like print. The manufacturer’s label states that a portion of the garment’s proceeds go toward saving the en- vironment. Very loose jumpsuits button down the front for $98 and similarly printed drawstring pants are $42. * Fair-in-the-Square, 1425 Marine Dr.: This quaint little nook is hidden in the market square on this block. As you enter the enclosed gardens, it is on the far tight side. The shop specializes in Crenna’s quick snips Neto introducing a petite line WOMENSWEAR SHOV ... The Montreal Pret-a-Porter Show, Canada’s largest and most inter- nationally known fashion trade show, was held March 17-19. At- tendance was down at the seventh edition of the event, according to Audrey Gostlin’s Inside Fashion. Of the 172 exhibitors who showed their fashions, approximately 70 per cent were Canadian. At the show, visitors numbered more than 4,000 including retail buyers from the U.S. and other countries. This is reported to be a 10 per cent decrease from the September showing in 1990. Fash- ion industry members stated that most buyers were hesitant to buy anything and there was not a large number of buyers there. Some de- signers, such as Ontario’s Marilyn Brooks, were very pleased with the results, however. The next edi- tion of the show takes place Sept. 22-24, at Place Bonaventure, Montreal, Que. NETO INTRODUCES petites ... Neto Leather has introduced a line of petites to its collection, as a result of a dramatic increase in tourists who are buying the leather designs. The manufacturer has found that there is an influx of European, Japanese and other Far Eastern customers in Neto’s stores, often requiring alterations. Though some of Neto Leather’s current designs will be reinter- preted in the petite sizes, design- er/owner Deborah Tissington ex- plains that most often, a design can’t simply be shortened and reduced to fit and flatter a petite figure. Tissington adds that the new line will make up a substan- lial part of the fail 1991 collec- tion. antique and secondhand clothing. It has a wonderful collection of old jewelry and tiny baubles which may not be found anywhere else. The quality is kept high at this consignment store, and the vintage clothing looks barely worn. © Margareta, 1401 Betlevue Ave.: This store is right along the Seawalk route in an impressive new marble and glass complex. Margareta Termansen’s designs are featured here and_ include well-made suits and sportswear separates for the successful woman. The shop also includes selected designs from Mr. Jax, Steilman and Moratti. The boutique now carries a line of imported shoes to accessorize with the store’s clothing and a variety of imported accessories that were hand-picked by Termansen for the store. * The Sporting Look Clothing Co., 1519 Bellevue Ave.: This spacious boutique is a welcome addition to the neighborhood and can also be found as you stroll along the Seawalk. It carries fash- ionable, bordering on trendy sportswear, denims and = casual separates from quality American and European manufacturers. Full lines by well-known brands such as Guess, Esprit, Mexx and Pepe are featured.