Violet Hill Fashion Boutique in Steveston Village & MMV Giveaway for a $50 Gift Certificate

By Eudora Koh, Modern Mix Vancouver writer

Deep in the heart of Richmond lays the seaside town of Steveson, known for its boardwalk and fishing culture. What may not be top of mind for many when it comes to Steveson is clothing, fashion and style. But those were the only things on everyone’s mind last Friday at Violet Hill Boutique, nestled amongst other small shops in the small community.  Modern Mix Vancouver was invited to the exclusive media event, which drew some of the city’s most influential fashionistas and offered colourful macaroons, tasty cheeses, lots of bubbly, and most important, beautiful and one of a kind designer pieces handpicked by Nicola Gillam, owner of Violet Hill boutique.

Nicola grew up in Steveson and wanted to share with her community the boutique experience when it comes to clothing, fashion and accessories. With a major in History and Political Sciences, Nicola realized later, like many graduates, that she wanted to do something in life unrelated to her education. With her love of fashion, her natural ambition, and a business saavy mindset, Nicola opened up Violet Hill Boutique in August 2011, naming it after her favorite Cold Play song.

We heard several remarks about how the pretty boutique decor of Violet Hill makes you think it belongs in Yaletown or Kitsilano.  But that’s the beauty of it! Violet Hill boutique itself is such a cozy little shop that is decorated and furnished just like a teahouse, brightly lit with high celings, detailed white trimming around the walls and windows, and a deep blue that cover the walls.

With a bohemian flair as a common theme amongst all selected pieces, labels at Violet Hill boutique range from the recognizable Gentle Fawn to Alternative Apparel, to labels I was introduced to (and fell in love with!) such as Eryn Brinie, Liebeskind and Valerie Dumaine. Along with the many neutral and earthy tones available in store, there are also a select few bright and funky colors that will pair well with your wardrobe staples. Both the dressier and more casual pieces were consistent with the practicality, trendiness and femininity that encompass Violet Hill.

Many of the tees and blouses caught my eye, as well as spring dresses made from stiffer material, but still held that cute nautical and classic style. There are so many unique pieces in store, that are decently priced and ones that you won’t find anyone else wearing on the busy downtown streets. Similarly, the accessories sold in Violet Hill are one of a kind, including the Social Experiment collection of Westcoast-inspired cocktail rings ($28). Georgia Heraty, designer and creator of the cocktail rings, was at the event to take custom orders for her gorgeous rings, two of which I purchased at the event and can’t stop wearing!  Meanwhile, Vanessa purchased a 14k gold and amethyst necklace ($89) from another Vancouver designer, Chantale Jewelry Designs.

So the next time you’re in Steveson, be sure to check out the purple jewel by the sea, Violet Hill, which is just as stylish and chic as any other boutique you will find in downtown Vancouver. You can’t miss it!  For more photos, check out the gallery below with photos by MCS Photos.

MMV Giveaway: Modern Mix Vancouver is giving away a $50 Gift Certificate to Violet Hill Boutique! Leave a comment below telling us what your favourite springtime accessory is.  A random winner will be chosen from the comments below. Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you’re a winner. Contest ends Sunday, April 8th (11:59pm PST).  Winner will pick up their $50 Gift Certificate in store at Violet Hill (12211 No 1 Road, Richmond).

For additional entries, you can do the following things;

  • For a second entry: Follow @ModernMixVan on Twitter and tweet “I want to win $50 to @VHillBoutique from @ModernMixVan http://bit.ly/GT16nI . RT to enter!”
  • For a third entry: “Like” the Modern Mix Vancouver Page on Facebook and post on the wall “I want to win $50 to Violet Hill Boutique from Modern Mix Vancouver! http://bit.ly/GT16nI”
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36 Responses

  1. My favorite Spring time accessory has to be my Alexander McQueen silk scarves. I can wear them year round and are very versatile. I also love my BFREND bracelets (black and white), and my shattered quartz social experiment ring!

  2. I love scarves all year round, but they’re also perfect for spring in bright colours and lighter fabrics. I wear the almost every day.

  3. I’ll have to go with the majority on this one. It’s the scarf! I love the difference it can make to an outfit and allows me to phase in lighter fabrics without getting chilly!

  4. I actually really love scarves because they are completely versatile! A colourful scarf can really jazz up and outit, give a sophistocated look, or be flirty. Tie them a hundred different ways, wear one in your hair, around your neck, wrist, or if the fabric is super generous you can fashion a new top;) Moreover, some hot bangles or thick, geometric bracelets instantly give you a complete look… I also own a ton of costume jewlery rings, some very ornate. Always lots of compliments, and they draw a ton of conversation!

  5. My favorite springtime accessory is a lightweight, colorful scarf. I wear scarves pretty much all year long but I especially love wearing lighter ones during the spring.

  6. Pastel coloured cocktail rings and bracelets are my favourite spring accessory! I would love to brighten up my wardrobe with some Violet Hill items 🙂

  7. My favorite spring time accessory would be fun, bright and funky jewelry! I can’t wait to go in and try on some of the new spring stuff at Violet Hill…I always find great stuff there!

  8. everytime i go to steveston i have to visit violet hill. last time i was at rocanini i was too exited to ditch work and shop next door, i spilt coffee all over the table and my laptop… dave was not too impressed lol

  9. Such a great giveaway! I couldn’t make it to the event but I heard it was fabulous and seems like such a cute little shop.

    My favourite springtime accessory is definitely a bright neon satchel. I bought one from H&M while in New York – I can’t justify the Cambridge just yet, so this will have to do!

    Xo Chelle
    discoveringelegance.com

  10. My favourite springtime accessory is a light scarf. I have a light-weight circle scarf with purple flowers that I loveeeeee!

  11. I would have to say bright pretty bold colours on your nails is a great inexpensive springtime accessory, along with bright stones on jewelry

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