The Haul: Photographer Donnel Garcia Stocks Up on Oversized Sweaters and Tibetan Incense

Donnel Garcia is a multitalented Vancouverite, dabbling in art direction, visual communication, branding, editorial and graphic design—“but mainly,” he says, “photography.” We asked the artist to put down the camera and turn his keen eye to a different kind of project for this issue: telling us what goods he’s found in his shopping basket lately. Here are his picture-perfect picks.

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1. Lloyd Oversized Sweatshirt

Who doesn’t have a fav- ourite big grey sweater? This is mine. The fabric is deadstock and made in Italy, but the sweatshirt itself was locally made by a friend, creative director Kathy Hamagami. Maybe you’ve seen Lloyd beanies around town, too? $224, lloydclothing.com

2. MiiThaaii Cotton Teeya Zippered Bag

Everyone needs an essentials bag. Mine is this sturdy cotton-twill number that I found at Neighbour—I like the cube-like shape. I usually carry lip balm, earphones, an external hard drive and sometimes an apple. $68, shopneighbour.com

3. Tokyo Style by Kyoichi Tsuzuki

This book offers an intimate look at people’s homes in Tokyo that come in all shapes, forms, themes and messes. I love books on interior design and spaces, but we don’t often get to see what spaces look like that are really lived in—they’re always well-manicured for documentation. This is proof that the objects I choose to clutter and decorate my home with can also be seen as an extension of who I am. $127, oldfaithfulshop.com

4. Boundless Incense Boxset

This Tibetan incense is made in a monastery from a century-old recipe. I love the packaging, the names of the incense: you can burn “Courage,” “Wisdom” and “Purity.” And the scents are amazing. Courage, for instance, features frankincense, sandalwood and saffron. $85, cultivatetea.com

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5. Rock-cense Burner

As you can tell by now: I’m an incense lover. These incense holders are handmade from stones found here in Vancouver, so each one is distinct. They’re a fun way to play with nature… and they’re made by the father of the owner of Alterior! $75, alterior.ca

6. Alterior Black Slub Wide Denim Trouser

These are the best pair of denim pants I’ve ever had. They are the perfect width, fit and overall style for everything I wear. This was the very first pair of pants Alterior released and they’ve lasted me many years and will last me many more. (I also happen to share a studio with Alterior.) I love things that are well made, look better as they age and wear and tear. Quality made clothing that you don’t have to be too precious with. $600, alterior.ca

7. Breville the Barista Express Coffee Machine

For coffee lovers who love a little bit more, this is the best way to take it to the next step with your caffeine romance. I still love going to coffee shops but now it’s better to be able to make some of the drinks I get at the shops, at home. $800, londondrugs.com

8. Hasami Maruhiro Block Mug

These Japanese coffee cups are inspired by classic American restaurant tableware, and they’re my favourite mugs to use at home. I love the colours—cherry red! peach! teal!—and it’s so satisfying the way they’re designed to stack on top of each other. $40 each, sortdays.com