Forgive us for not including any pumpkin spice on this list. Read on for autumnal delights.
Mary Young Owen Sweater in Fern
The pandemic might have made us all invest in loungewear, but vaccinations don’t mean we have to give it all up. Made ethically in Montreal, the Owen Sweater from Toronto brand Mary Young is an easy favorite for all occasions—whether you’re grabbing lunch with a friend or watching Search Party on the couch. We’re especially into the forest-inspired Fern green, which, just saying, has matching sweatpants.
vitruvi Stay Diffuser in Espresso
The long-lasting (we’re talking 18 hours, people!) Stay Diffuser from vitruvi got a new ‘do in this gorgeous Espresso color. This deep, warm, rich brown will match your decor while standing out just the right amount. Stay is a no-brainer for kitchens, lofts, and living rooms. Pairs well with Sweet Water Blend—perfect for fall.
The Dalmore Decades
The Dalmore is a Scottish distillery with brilliant history and true finesse. Founded in 1839, the whisky brand specializes in multi-cask maturation—and the proof is in the dram. From The Dalmore 12 (citrus fruits on the nose, spices on the palate) to The Dalmore 15 (nutmeg and marmalade on the nose, vanilla and ginger on the palate), The Dalmore’s offering is one of class, complexity, and character. At a recent launch event at Botanist restaurant in Vancouver, guests were treated to a multi-course meal in celebration of a very special Dalmore launch. Called the Decades No. 4 collection, the rare bottles feature some of the most exquisite whiskies of the last 60 years. Curated by The Dalmore’s master distiller Richard Paterson, these are extremely nuanced and highly sought-after bottles; prices are high (in the hundreds of thousands), with a portion of sales being donated to the gorgeous V&A Dundee (a Dalmore partner). The Dalmore Decades No. 4 set 19 will be displayed at Vancouver’s Cambie and 39th BC Liquor Stores location and will be available through an online raffle from October 28 to 30, 2021.
Tata Harper Superkind Bio-Barrier Serum and Superkind Bio-Barrier Eye Crème
Luxury skincare maven Tata Harper has launched two new products in her Superkind line designed specifically for sensitive skin. “We’re ingredient curators,” Harper says on a recent Zoom call; indeed, there are 26 ingredients—including a unique tri-algae complex—in her new serum alone. If you have a more reactive complexion, these two new beauties are must-haves for your bathroom cabinet; the Bio-Barrier Serum (minimizes fine lines, diminishes stress, and fortifies the skin barrier) and Bio-Barrier Eye Crème (reduces under-eye bag volume, improves blood flow, retightens the collagen network) round out the launch offering of cleanser, mask, and moisturizer. As for what’s next, Harper confirms that “the Superkind family “will keep on growing.”
Arlo boozy kombucha
Vancouver’s Arlo is making friends with everybody, and for good reason. This hard kombucha drink is 100 percent naturally fermented (meaning the alcohol in it is naturally-occurring), has only 80 calories, and boasts only four percent alcohol. It comes in real delicious fruity flavors—no artificial things here—including grapefruit and raspberry, and the branding alone is reason enough to tote it to your next fall BBQ or dinner party. A little boozy but still good for your gut: that’s called having your cake and eating it, too.
“Look Towards the Sun”
A beautiful collaboration between Chinese artist Lam Wong and Indigenous artist Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun is on display at Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden from Sept. 23 to Dec. 23. It’s an important, powerful exhibit that continues the Garden’s mission of connecting local Chinese and Indigenous artists through cultural exchange.
Hachiro
North Vancouver ramen restaurant Hachiro has relaunched with an exciting new menu that expands its offering, exploring more elements of Japanese food and adding some Chinese as well. Owner Brooke Naito-Campbell pays homage to her heritage with the help of skilled chef Addy Gowe, and the vision they share is one of cultural conversation and community. From the fresh tuna tataki to the salty brussel sprouts and broccoli okonomiyaki, this menu is meant to be shared and savored. On weekends, Hachiro also now offers dim sum; be sure to order the xiao long bao. Wash it all down with a Shinsen cocktail (a butterfly pea flower ice cube swimming in a mixture of ginger liqueur, lemon, lychee juice, ginger, and bitters) and toast to being able to gather together again.
TurF x A La Ligne
With three classes to choose from, A La Ligne’s fitness method emphasizes technique, alignment, breath, and stability. This full-body workout is definitely challenging, but it’s also warm and welcoming—and when conducted at the ever-gorgeous Vancouver workout-studio-meets-cafe TurF, the results are even better. Run by Katie McKenzie, Taren Grewall, and Anna Farrant, A La Ligne is the embodiment of women working together to create an inclusive, representative, and unique wellness space. It’s truly mind, meets body, meets soul.
“Art Boozel: Cocktails Inspired by Modern and Contemporary Artists”
Jennifer Croll’s latest cocktail book is a love letter to iconic artists (and, of course, to drinks). Paired with illustrations by Kelly Shami, each recipe in Art Boozel takes inspiration from its creative namesake (the Georgia O’Keefe uses flower syrup, of course). From Yayoi Kusama to Gustav Klimt, art’s major players are all paid homage here; invite a few friends over, pick a couple recipes, and make a night of it.
Silvi silk pillowcases
Lay your head on the most luxurious material and fight acne at the same time? Sign us up. Silvi silk bedding is soft and smooth, and comes in both regular and vegan silk in an array of gorgeous colors (we love classic white). On top of that, the material is treated with natural silver, which is proven to support skin health, and in particular, eliminate bacteria that causes acne. Silk is also known to be incredibly gentle on hair, making Silvi perfect for your beauty sleep.
The Flying Pig
Vancouver restaurant staple The Flying Pig recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, which is an accomplishment no matter what—but especially after the major blow that the pandemic has caused the dining industry. From the restaurant’s beloved brussels sprouts (lemon, parmesan, capers) to its legendary beef short rib with mashed potatoes, this is upscale, pub-style comfort food that pleases time and time again.
Fuse Mango Nano Shot
For those dabbling in cannabis, Fuse’s nano shots are a nice option. Each shot is 10 milligrams of THC and is made with plant-derived ingredients; the nanoemulsion technology means that the effects of the shot are felt quickly and reliably—no surprise highs here. Sip the Mango flavor on its own, or mix it with your favorite beverage (we’re thinking ginger beer) for a cannabis cocktail.
Smash + Tess Audrey Romper
Loungewear gets a chic upgrade with The Audrey from everyone’s favorite romper brand Smash + Tess. The mock neck and back cut-out ensure this made-in-Canada one-piece is stylish, while the cotton and bamboo blend ensures comfort and softness. Get it in Midnight Black for a timeless look.
The Downlow Chicken Shack UBC
East Vancouver’s beloved fried chicken spot The Downlow has gone west. With a second location now at the University of British Columbia, students, faculty, and visitors alike can indulge in crispy, spicy chicken sandwiches and indulgent, inspired sides. Be sure to try the tongue-numbing thunder rub, special to the UBC location.
Healthy Hippo
Candy should always be fun, but it doesn’t have to be riddled with guilt. Enter Healthy Hippo: a line of vegan, non-GMO, and all-natural candy that has three grams of sugar or less. Try the sour keys for a delightful trip down memory lane to the childhood days of rollerblades, hopscotch, and corner-store runs. Healthy Hippo is enjoyment without indulgence.
Vtmn Packs
We all hear from doctors and wellness-minded friends that we should be taking supplements, but that doesn’t mean we actually do. Vtmn Packs makes it easy with curated supplements that are delivered to your door. Start by completing a short, simple quiz to find out which supplements are right for you, and then enjoy the ease with which they come to your home and are pre-packaged for morning and evening intake. It’s health, streamlined.
Tero
Food waste recycling is revolutionized with Tero, an alternative to conventional composting that turns your scraps into natural fertilizer for plants and lawns. Small enough to fit on your counter (and chic enough, too), Tero allows you to take organics into your own hands—quite literally.
