By Noa Glow | Photo by Erin Simkin | December 2011

Coco’s Closet Co. on West 4th Avenue is designed to let clients “experience L.A. shopping without getting trampled by the paparazzi.”

Donna Hohl worked in Toronto as a fashion buyer for the Canadian retailer now known as Fairweather before relocating to Vancouver in the mid-1990s to take a similar job with Mariposa. She then dabbled in children’s fashion for a bit. But the draw to serve women of her own demographic proved too strong.

“I was spoiled in my previous jobs, being able to travel and shop in places like L.A. and New York,” she says. “I really missed all the great brands there are out there, and I felt there was an opportunity to bring that to Vancouver.”

Hohl opened Coco’s Closet Co. (named after her “chunky chocolate” Labrador retriever) on West 4th Avenue less than two years ago to appeal to style-savvy women looking for the latest fashions and accessories straight out of the magazines. No joke. Besides cozy sweaters and sexy tops, Coco’s carries some of the best denim available, including J Brand, Current/Elliott and Habitual (visit www.cocosclosetco.com for more info).

“We’ve got a great assortment of jeans, plus I’m obsessed with sweaters this season,” she admits. “We also really focus on making the shopping experience a great one for our clients. I think that’s a real key.”

The cool, cozy space features large changing rooms with mirrors within that will fit a stroller, velvet bar stools, bottled water and other refreshments (on the house) and even the opportunity to host your very own after-hours “girlfriend party”—liquor license and all. Oh, and dogs? They’re always welcome at Coco’s!