VC09 - Kitsilano

There’s Gravity Pope, where designer shoes of all categories are laid out on a marble slab, ripe for the picking (and, during end-of-season sales, the fighting over). Next door, there’s Gravity Pope Tailored Goods, the boutique that supplies trendy men’s and women’s apparel to wear with them. (Filippa K, Paul Smith, Tocca, and T by Alexander Wang — we love it all.) Gravity Pope Tailored Goods: 2203 W. Fourth Ave., 604-731-7647. Gravity Pope: 2205 W. Fourth Ave., 604-731-7673.

The brothers Piccolo supply their top-quality 49th Parallel roasts to boutique grocers (like Meinhardt Fine Foods), the city’s best cafés (like their former chainlet, Caffè Artigiano), and here, their signature café that bears the roast’s name. 2152 W. Fourth Ave., 604-420-4901.

Jen MacCormack and Michael Ziff have purchased and smartly revamped Hip Baby. The duo behind Fig organic kidswear have kept staples like cloth diapers and bisphenol-A-free bottles, and added more modern accessories and gifts, like stainless-steel dish sets, handmade dolls from Montreal’s Raplapla, and, of course, Fig’s graphic clothing, onesies, tees, and blankets. 2110 W. Fourth Ave., 604-736-8020.

The yogawear-as-uniform phenomenon has deep roots here: Lululemon opened its first store in 2000. Today, it shares the block with Oqoqo, its eco label. One block east at Orb, more casualwear — this time in the form of skater-girl basics like hoodies and fitted Ts. Lululemon: 2113 W. Fourth, 604-732-6111. Oqoqo: 2123 W. Fourth Ave., 604-732-6188. Orb Clothing: 2028 W. Fourth Ave., 604-568-6720.

At Beautybar, boutique cosmetics brands (Kevyn Aucoin, Tarte organic), tools, and skin-care products rise to the ceiling; at the back a mini spa beckons with brow shaping and makeup application. 2142 W. Fourth Ave., 604-733-9000.

Stepback has a charming mix of vintage odds and sods ('60s rec-room glassware, classic board games, baking gadgets Grandma used) and new items and furnishings designed to look vintage — you may not be able to tell the difference. 3026 W. Broadway, 604-731-7525.

Lifestyle store Moulé serves man, woman, child, and the home. On the first floor, a slim selection of kids’ toys and designer duds (Ben Sherman, Small Paul, and the like); on the second, beautiful home accessories and on-trend apparel, like Justin Timberlake’s William Rast line and dressier pieces from labels like DVF, Ted Baker, and Rachel Mara. 1994 W. Fourth Ave., 604-732-4066.

In recent years, there’s been something of a restaurant renaissance along W. Fourth. At Bistrot Bistro, informal French dishes match an informal room; the mood is that of a neighbourhood gathering. Across the street at Maenam, find authentic Thai food and an amped wine and cocktail program. Bistrot Bistro: 1961 W. Fourth Ave., 604-732-0004. Maenam: 1938 W. Fourth Ave., 604-730-5579.

Duthie Books is a mecca for book lovers. Wonderful selection of art and architecture books and cookbooks by local authors — the adjacent courtyard is the perfect place to read your new book booty. 2239 W. Fourth Ave., 604-732-5344.

Kidsbooks is just that: an independent bookstore devoted to young readers. Titles are organized from infant to young adult, and local publishers, like Simply Read Books, share shelf space with commercial heavyweights. Sign up for the e-newsletter and you’ll be invited to readings and signings, and get advance notice of its popular yearend sale. 3083 W. Broadway, 604-738-5335.

STATISTICS

Average age - 37
Residents per block - 147
Percentage of renters - 53
Median household income - 79,549
Typical household - Couples

REAL ESTATE MARKET PLACE

104-2036 York Ave.
$379,000
{Maintenance Fee} $253
{Specs} 688 sq. ft., 2 bed/1 bath unit in a character building located a mere block from Kits Beach