Photographed by: Daniela Ciuffa Photography
Where do you go when you’re looking for a fantastic outfit and accessories that are unique, on budget and will make heads turn? You go to Barefoot Contessa Boutique, naturally! We spent the afternoon playing and shopping with our friend and boutique owner, Eva De Viveiros, at her charming little shop on Main Street, in Vancouver.
Eva and I have admired each other’s businesses from a distance, through word of mouth and via social media for years! We have several mutual friends and recently become friends after finally connected in person over coffee at Matchstick Cafe on Kinsgway, right next to her other quirky little boutique shop called Whiskey and Cake Home. What was expected to be a one hour business meeting turned into a four hour catch up session with what felt like a long-time pal! In discovering that we have so much in common, I was instantly drawn to her positive energy, charisma, love for vintage shopping and openess to share ideas. As an entrepreneur myself, I admire Eva’s enthusiasm, passion and work ethic, and HAD to highlight her business on my blog so that YOU could get to know her too!
When did you open your boutique and what was your inspiration for it?
Barefoot started in the summer of 1999 and it was an expression of all the things I love. My mother was a talented seamstress and my bedroom doubled as her sewing room, so my love of fashion and pretty things started very early on.
What is your style philosophy?
It has always been “wear what you love!”. I encourage wearing a mix of vintage and new, high and low, to express your individuality. Fashion is one thing, Style is another – and style is personal and enduring. Style is what you are aiming for.
What are your five beauty must-haves?
I won’t name any brands but I will say an essential is eye cream and a very good quality moisturizer. I was fortunate to have my mother encourage me to use eye cream early on so I have her to think for that.
As a buyer for your shops, how do you decide on what merchandies to carry in your stores?
What I look for when I’m out buying for my shops is what I have come to call the “ooooh!” factor. If something makes my heart happy, then I believe it will make my clients’ hearts happy too.
Give us three tips on refreshing your look while staying on a budget.
Thank you, Eva, for having us at your adorable shop. Your style tips are great and I love everything I purchased. My wardrobe is now complete for my Euro trip! Let me know when your new inventory comes in, ooh and let’s do a thrift shopping day together before I leave too!
You can visit a Barefoot Contessa Boutique and Whiskey and Cake Home on Instagram or at the following Vancouver locations:
MAIN STREET LOCATION:
3715 Main Street
Vancouver, B.C. V5V 3N8
604.879.8175 main@thebarefootcontessa.com
COMMERCIAL DRIVE LOCATION
1928 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, B.C. V5N 4A7
604.255.9035
commercial@thebarefootcontessa.com
Monday to Saturday 11am – 6pm Sunday noon – 5pm
WHISKEY AND CAKE
623 Kingsway
Vancouver, B.C.
604.879.5025
Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm Sunday noon – 5pm
xo,
