Spring is officially renovation season, but we have different types of tools on our minds.

These deceiving little cast iron bottle openeners by Saikai may be the coolest thing to sport at an outdoor barbeque. Far from novelty, they are created using Japanese fine craft Nambu cast iron techniques, a tradition which dates all the way back to 17th century.

That makes us very sophisticated beer drinkers. —AG 

$27 at Provide, 529 Beatty St., Vancouver, 604-632-0095, http://providehome.com

Can't decide whether to dress naughty or nice today? Combine the looks with the pretty-meets-rocker ensembles at Lola Home and Apparel, fitting relocated to Crosstown.     

The lofty new heritage space has giant windows and high ceilings—all the better to show off sexy and shimmery dresses from Copenhagan fave Rutzou and L.A.'s Mason, and studded black motorcycle jackets to throw over them. Stacks of white Bensimon sneakers for women and kids are a Spring 2011 staple, while runway samples from local Carlie Wong like gold haram pants work back to body-skimming couture separates from Jason Matlo. French finery from Lilly Gaufrette rounds out the children's department (along with designer prams) and outfits get finished off with chunky marble-and-metal jewellery from Shereen de Rousseau.

There's a lot of Lola to love.

Lola Home and Apparel, 510 Beatty St., Vancouver, 604-633-5017, www.lolahomeandapparel.com

Local and all-natural Pemberton Meadows, preferably. Wrangle yours at Big Lou’s Butcher Shop.

The boys behind Two Chefs And A Table have combined cleavers to put meat on your table. When we stopped in there was also a slew of Sloping Hills pork—ribs, roasts, with dry rubs or without—and some Polderside lamb too. While you choose your chop in the 1930s themed shop (note the retro cash register disguising a modern one), have a made-to-order sandwich on site. There’s porchetta, roast beef, Chicago style sausage, Bulgogi chicken or, if you must, veggie.

With a steady stream of working men in at noon grabbing lunch too, it's a meat market in more ways than one.

Big Lou’s Butcher Shop, 269 Powell St. (at Gore Ave.), Vancouver, 604-340-4461, www.biglousbutchershop.com

Now you can shop like a chef at The Dirty Apron Cooking School's new deli and general store where they sell the very same ingredients (like nubs of melting chocolate) and kitchen tools that the chefs of Chambar, Medina and the cooking school use. 

The house-brand olive oil ($25, pictured), imported from a friend's grove in Italy, makes a swank gift in its stainless steel packaging, and the jarred spice rubs, like Juniper Clove Blend ($11.65), are made from the restaurant's own imported spices. 

So now that you've got your shopping done, pick up a daily roast or packaged boeuf bourguignon and a tub of the house-made vanilla bean bourbon ice cream, and you're done like dinner.

The Dirty Apron Cooking School and Delicatessen, 540 Beatty St., Vancouver, 604-879-8588, www.dirtyapron.com/Shop

The smallest sliver of sun and we’re taking our lunch on the patio. But in this still brisk weather, we need something cool to keep us cozy till warmer spring temps arrive.

The blankets from Canadian-born designer Heather Heron’s Environment collection fit the bill stylishly and sustainably. Made of hemp and organically dyed, both the thick fringe throw ($299) and knotted beach blanket ($399) can live on the bed or go beachside.

With our lower half wrapped and warm, our neck is getting jealous—good thing the line includes pretty scarves too.

At Provide, 529 Beatty St., Vancouver, 604-632-0095, www.providehome.com

If our city’s taco-loving chihuahuas could talk, they’d exclaim “¡Yo quiero La Taqueria!”

A can’t-miss Madonna beckons you into the tiny, no frills taco shop. Serving up real Mexican fare, there’s no greasy tater tots or crunchy shells in sight, just authentic soft tacos stuffed with fresh, free-range goods. Request the combo and fill your plate with four different meat or vegan mixtures ($9.50) like the “al pastor,” with pieces of Chilliwack pork marinated in chile, achiote and pineapple, and the “rajas con crema,” a blend of kicky poblano peppers, creamed corn and Mexican cheese topped with sour cream.

In lieu of a siesta, we’ll have seconds.

La Taqueria, 322 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, 604-568-4406, Monday to Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

If seeing beurre blanc in a recipe causes you to burst into tears, get to Dirty Apron Cooking School.

Led by the former Chambar Chef de Cuisine David Robertson, sessions will focus on creating a 3-course meal of regional classics; get busy in a hands-on lesson or sit back at the best chef’s table in town and watch a demonstration. Our favourite part (besides not being stuck with the dirty dishes): all ingredients are prepped and ready upon arrival and stations boast top chef materials like All-Clad cookware, Wusthof knives, Wolf ranges and sleek Sub Zero fridges.

Once your masterpieces have been plated, head to the communal dining room—complete with a walnut buffet and Victorian chandeliers—and toast to your culinary success with recommended wine pairings.

They only thing that could overshadow your cooking skills? The stunning space with restored heritage doors and a chic general store stocked with modern kitchen gadgets and bespoke ingredients for you to take home.

Just try not to Michelin star your recipe book.

Dirty Apron Cooking School and Cook Shop, 540 Beatty St., Vancouver, 604-879-8588, 2/hr demo class ($80/pp) and 4/hr hands-on class ($135/pp), for class schedule and availability see www.dirtyapron.com/cooking_classes

Down is out: After feeling a silk duvet on our skin, we’re giving goose the boot.

Made of high quality, hypoallergenic Mulberry silk, Vancouver’s Silk Concept duvets feel sublime, regulate body temperature and keep their shape like no feather or down comforter can. Available in either a cotton or silk shell, the duvets only require an airing out twice a year and the occasional spot clean with warm soapy water when necessary.

Since the fibres naturally repel dust mites and molds, they’re also a dream come true for asthma and allergy sufferers looking for more zzz’s and less sneeze.

From $199 at Provide, 529 Beatty St., Vancouver, 604-632-0095, or online at www.silkconcept.com