UPDATED: The Heights of fashion

Burnaby Heights is much more than an ideal spot to grab a cup of coffee or dinner from a deli – it’s now a fashion hub.

photo:mariepromLuxury Labels opened at 4550 Hastings St. last fall, and owner Katie Hoang said it has been the perfect spot for her business because of its proximity to other cities.

“It’s been really nice getting to know everyone in the Heights,” she added.

Hoang’s store offers a range of new and consignment clothing for women and men, and includes an impressive shoe display.

“It’s a Cinderella story with consignment shoes,” she said. “You can fall in love, but if it doesn’t fit…”

However, when the shoe does fit, the customer is extremely happy, she added.

Her collection of consigned shoes include names like Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo. The store also offers many popular consigned handbags, such as Louis Vuitton.

The current popular items are warm-weather accessories, according to Hoang.

“We’ve been selling a lot of sunglasses and sandals,” she said.

Down the street at 4347 Hastings St. is the shop that established the neighbourhood as a fashion destination – Chickadee Boutique.

Anna Santorelli opened the store four years ago and said the neighbourhood has been great.

“I love the fact that we’re in a community that is responding to what we’re doing,” she said.

There are a number of looks that are popular this season, from floral A-line skirts to bootcut jeans with a bit of a flared look, Santorelli said.

She likes the A-line skirt paired with a pink tank top and nude wedges, she said.

“It’s a ladylike look, so pretty for summer,” she added.

The shop also offers crocheted crop tops and the popular Palazzo pant, which Santorelli recommends for curvy women.

“It evens out the proportions a bit,” she said.

The shop also carries a dressier culotte, according to Santorelli. Culottes hang like a skirt but actually have pant or short legs underneath. They were originally designed so women could ride horses more easily.

“It’s been around for a century,” Santorelli said.

Chickadee also offers the recently revived overalls of the ’80s and ’90s, but with a modern, fitted take.

“They’re unlike what you might’ve seen in the ’80s. They’re very fitted,” she said.

Overalls are very versatile and can be worn casually with a T-shirt, or paired with a bandeau top and a floral headband for a Coachella Music Festival look, Santorelli said.

“Fashion is one circle,” she said. “But there’s always going to be modifications every decade.”

The most important thing is to find a piece that works for the customer, she added.

Each customer has a different comfort level and prefers different cuts, so it’s important to find pieces that works for the individual, Santorelli said.

“Every person has their own style, the dream child of their creative mind,” she added. “There are different ways of modifying (clothing) to your style.”

photo: prom dress shops