As lovely as flowers and brunch can be, we’re getting a little bit cheeky and giving mom a taste of her own medicine this Mother’s Day – in the best possible way.

She said… "Take a bath"

Get her… Dr. Hauschka’s all-new body washes ($22.95 each at Spa Dr. Hauschka, 1444 Sherbrooke St. W.) are as soothing as they are moisturizing and, well, addictive.

She said… "You have to crawl before you walk"

Get her… An amazing pair of studded loafers ($325) from cult fashion favourite La Canadienne. That's one hot mama! 

She said… "Eat your veggies"

Get her… The Vitamix Professional Series 750 blender (about $800 at Williams Sonoma), a.k.a a cult classic blender which blends up greens like nobody’s business.

—Christine Laroche

Some of our favourite activewear brands are Canadian – we’re looking at you, Lululemon and Lolë.

Our latest obsession, Mondor, is even more evidence that when it comes to looking sporty and chic, Canada knows best. We recently tested the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu based brand’s gear during a Ballet 101 class at Les Ballets Canadiens and while our performance was not quite en pointe, to say the least, the brand’s made-in-Canada tights and sweater kept us looking the part.

Next on our wish list? The amazing equestrian-esque leggings ($60)… and maybe a few more ballet lessons. —Christine Laroche

www.mondor.com

Spring can be sartorially tricky.

One minute it’s terasse-and-sangria hot, the next it’s back to almost below zero. But our get-dressed strategy is simple: Layers, layers and more layers, minus the frump factor.

When we first spied this Ça va de soi cardi ($190) on one of the city’s top bloggers, we knew we had to have it: Perfect under a jacket now, ideal over a flirty summer dress later, gorgeous soft cotton that will last forever and super-chic sailor stripes.

All aboard spring! —Christine Laroche

1062 Laurier Ave. W., Montreal, 514-278-6016, www.cavadesoi.com

Hunter wellies are a springtime essential – that goes without saying.

But now, there’s a new item from the beloved brand on our new season wish list: This too-cute umbrella ($48 at Little Burgundy).

We adore its see-through design, retro curved shape and the fact that it matches our boots. After all, a rainy day is no excuse for sloppy style.

Bonus: Now we have an excuse to check out the newest Little Burgundy store in the heart of the Plateau.

Let it rain! —Christine Laroche

55 Mont-Royal Av. E., Montreal, www.littleburgundyshoes.com

While on the lookout for ethical and sustainable jewelry, we discovered Mala Collective.

Based in Vancouver but handmade in Bali, its jewelry is ethically sourced, sustainably harvested, and combines form and function. Made from rudraksha seeds (known to embody peace and love) and gemstones, the pieces not only look good but will also relieve anxiety, improve circulation, or provide protection, depending on the stone.

We like the Surfer Mala necklace ($138) a combination of lava, obsidian, and turquoise, which will deflect negative energy and protect the wearer on a journey. Let’s test it out on a surfing trip to Bali, shall we? —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

Bracelets start at $20, necklaces at $55 in Vancouver at Nicole Bridger, 2151 W. Fourth Ave.,  and online at www.malacollective.com

With restrictive hours, interminable lineups and aggressive crowds, sample sales can be, to put it mildly, intense.

Now we can reap the rewards of sample sale shopping (read: score a designer wardrobe on the cheap), minus the hassle.

On the second floor of Abe & Mary’s is L’Atelier 1958, a lovely airy space permanently stocked with sample pieces from brands like Parker, Splendid, Eileen Fisher, Belle Noel and more.

Nothing is over $85, a portion of the goes to Alzheimer’s research and, thankfully, no shoving required. —Christine Laroche

4175 Jean-Talon W., Montreal, 514-448-6223, https://www.facebook.com/abeandmarys

At long last, the SS13 edition of Aldo Rise has hit stores.

This season, the Montreal shoe manufacturer has teamed up with London-based design duo Preen for a capsule collection perfectly on-trend pumps featuring bold patchwork, snakeskin and neon accents ($155).

We’ll definitely rise to this shopping occasion. —Christine Laroche

705 Ste-Catherine St. E., 514-842-3144, www.aldoshoes.com

The only thing better than scoring that perfect designer piece? Getting it at a steal.

The internet has been buzzing for months and it’s finally here: The first hr2 location, Holt Renfrew’s new low(er) priced store concept, is open at Quartier Dix30.

The expansive space is stocked with diffusion and secondary labels from some of our favourite luxury designers – no off-season clearance castoffs here.

We’ve never been more motivated to cross the Champlain Bridge. Bienvenue, hr2! —Christine Laroche

9120 Leduc Blvd., Montreal, 450-443-4200, www.holtrenfrew.com

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Meet the Alisson tote by Montreal’s very own Christopher Kon.

The black and white pattern is perfectly on trend, it has an adjustable cross-body strap and handles for maximum versatility, a zipped top to keep our stuff secure and it’s roomy enough for every day.

Consider us smitten. —Christine Laroche

$455 at Simons, 977 Ste-Catherine St. W., Montreal, 514-282-1840,
http://christopherkon.com

So there’s a sparkly ring on our finger. Now what?

We skipped the massive wedding shows knowing that something better was coming our way. Good news: It’ll be here on Sunday.  

Bridal Boudoir Affair, the intimate, boutique-y wedding show, is back for its third season – and with a trendy The Great Gatsby theme to boot.

With a fashion show, guest speaker (Alison McGill, EIC of Weddingbells) and a slew of the city’s top vendors (hand-picked by planner extraordinaire Madeleine Kojakian, a.k.a. Maddy K.), it’s the perfect place to kick start the planning… and the smart bride’s secret to walking down the aisle in style. —Christine Laroche

March 24 at the Hyatt Regency, 1255 Jeanne-Mance, Montreal, http://bridalboudoiraffair.com