VC09 - South Main

Let’s not mince words: Vancouver Special is our newest obsession. High design (Tivoli radios, Phaidon coffee-table books, quilted Hay throws) complements affordable art like vintage posters brought over from Copenhagen and limited-edition photography. Closed Mondays. 3612 Main St., 604-568- 3673.

Eugene Choo has long been a favourite of the fashionable for its beautifully curated collection of men and women’s clothing and accessories. Some labels are local; many are imports: look for the latest offerings from Dunderdon, and the tried-and-true sailcloth messenger bags from Red Flag. The wooden artwork and mirrors from Henderson Dry Goods are striking, too. 3683 Main St., 604-873-8874.

Rags & Dishes snaps up last season’s kitchen linens, tablecloths, and throw cushions from lines like Danica and April Cornell, and sells them at deeply discounted prices. It’s the perfect place to stock up or snag a thrifty housewarming gift. 4213 Main St., 604-879-2592.

The former Aurora Bistro is now Wallflower Modern Diner, a comfortable, modern space that serves hearty breakfasts until 3 p.m., when it makes that crucial transition to classic comfort foods and cheap cocktails for dinner. 2420 Main St., 604-568-7554.

Liberty Bakery is a pleasant, old-fashioned bakery with battered farmhouse chairs and flaky pastries, custards, and tarts. Come lunch, the lineup for its wholesome sandwiches and soups snakes up the narrow staircase. 3699 Main St., 604-709-9999.

Sentimental Luddites come to The Regional Assembly of Text for handprinted notecards and stationery. The writing slates are worthy of Anne Shirley. 3934 Main St., 604-877-2247.

At The Cascade Room classic cocktails like the Rusty Nail and the Manhattan are elevated by fresh, top-quality ingredients and served in a stylish, blessedly unself-conscious atmosphere. On Mondays, the lounge plays host to a British pub-style quiz night. Registration opens at 6 p.m., the quiz starts at 7 p.m., and all proceeds go to charity. 2616 Main St., 604-709-8650.

Find vintage toys, old schoolroom maps, and furniture and art that veer toward the quirky at Baker’s Dozen Antiques. 3520 Main St., 604-879-3348

Gene is quintessential Main: a pie slice of a minimalist café wedged between Kingsway and Main — and packed with hipsters and their MacBooks. 2404 Main St., 604-568-5501.

Scour fashion mags and blogs for the latest trends, or proceed directly to Jonathan + Olivia. The emphasis is on beautifully tailored pieces for men and women, sourced primarily from European labels such as Surface to Air, Isabel Marant, and Fjällräven. 2570 Main St., 604-637-6224.

Main Street is home to a number of fashion-forward boutiques, many featuring local designers. The majority are clustered in the 3600 and 3700 blocks — and quality and price points vary — but it’s a great place to scout up-and-coming talent. Look for: Narcissist, Life of Riley, Hum Clothing, The Lip Lounge, Lushuz, Umeboshi, Smoking Lily, Lazy Susan’s, G-Girl Fashion, Twigg&hottie, and HP3.

Stylish skin-flints come to Front and Company for well-edited consignment (see the racks of designer-label denim) and new wardrobe staples like Hue tights and Alternative Apparel tees. 3772 Main St., 604-879-8431.

Sisters Lauren and Cara Stryer opened Vincent Park in December 2008, bringing spare modern labels like Cheap Monday and Alternative Apparel to a former antique store. Feather-light jewellery by Dogeared is a highlight. 4278 Main St., 604-879-6665.

STATISTICS

Average age - 37
Residents per block - 116
Percentage of renters - 54
Median household income - 66,637
Typical household - Families

REAL ESTATE MARKET PLACE

283 E. 32nd Ave.
$849,000
{Specs} Newly renovated 1910 home with 2,611 sq. ft., 4 bed/3 bath, and guest suite in the basement