Montreal - FASHION & SHOPPING
March 9th, 2010
Montreal Fashion Five
After four days of runway shows, here are our top five picks from Montreal Fashion Week:
Among all the woolens and leathers, Coccolily’s SMM debut was a refreshing romp. Models literally strutted down the walk in sexy stockings and tulle-skirted frocks.
Denis Gagnon’s fantastic fringe and zippered pieces have already sold out at Holt Renfrew so we’ll have to settle for a Bedo T-shirt featuring his bespeckled visage.
Harricana par Mariouche unveiled a peppy skiwear collaboration with Chlorophylle. But our favorite piece of the night was a vintage lace and recycled fur-trimmed frock. Slope-side nuptials? I do.
Can’t decide if you're grunge, glam or rock n roll? The Barilà sisters say a lady can work all three. We adored the duo’s electric-blue sequins on blazers and leggings.
Joseph Helmer has been working the patchwork for years and finally his stunning frocks fit the zeitgeist. The multicolored evening gown will surely earn us a bold-faced name at the upcoming Daffodil Ball.March 3rd, 2010
Designer Skin
It’s no quilted chain bag, but we’ll take it.
Just in time to flash some spring skin, the house of Chanel has launched a line of temporary tattoos ($75/55 tattoos) designed by Creative Director Peter Philips. The Trompe l’Oeil skin art includes classic Chanel symbols like chains, pearls, wheat, tiny swallows and interlocking c’s that can be applied around the neck, wrist, ankle or leg.Now that’s making a fashion statement.
Available March 15 at Chanel, Holt Renfrew, 1300 Sherbrooke Street W., Montreal, 514-842-7318, www.holtrenfrew.com
March 2nd, 2010
Tie One On
When it comes to fashion, we’re merry minimalists.
But after seeing Charlotte Hosten’s exquisite line of neckpieces, we’re rethinking our mandate. Sculpted from silk remnants, vintage jewellery and semi-precious stones, each handmade piece is like a fine work of art.The Deauville collar ($240) made with glass beads, Swarovski crystal and a man’s cotton shirt looks splendid paired with jeans and a basic tee. For something special, bring her your grandmother’s costume brooch and she’ll customize a creation (from $300) like this one using family tartan and a gold antique pocket watch.
Our neck will never look naked again.
At Nee.Nah, 1228 Greene Ave., Westmount, 514-931-6358, www.neenah.ca and JoshuaDAVID, 4926 Sherbooke Street W., Westmount, 514-788-4436, www.joshuadavid.ca
February 23rd, 2010
Love, Canada
The Winter Olympics are five days from over, but we’re keeping the spirit alive with a pair of patriotic steppers.
That morning sprint to work may not merit the national anthem, but you’ll feel strong and free getting there in a pair of red and white Canadian flag flats ($205).Go Canada!
At Pretty Ballerinas, 392 Victoria Ave., Westmount, 514-489-3030, www.prettyballerinas.ca
February 16th, 2010
Richie Rich
Between thinking up hip baby names, a fab jewellery line and all that do-gooding, where does she find the time?
This week at Holt Renfrew, Nicole Richie unrolls Winter Kate, her debut clothing collection developed ici à Montreal. From silk maxi-dresses ($325) and kimono-style cardis ($185) to a soft leather jacket ($625), each mouth-watering piece has a chic boho vibe that’s perfect for easing out of winter bulk. And if togs weren’t enough, she’s also kicked off House of Harlow 1960 footwear including whipstitched Pearl pumps ($250), sweet Tilly brogues ($225) and cozy moccasin boots.Up next: baby number three, or eau de parfum?
Holt Renfrew, 1300 Sherbrooke Street W., Montreal, 514-842-5111, www.holtrenfrew.com
Catch a glimpse of Nicole on February 18 when she makes an appearance at the Montreal Holt Renfrew store, 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
February 9th, 2010
Gifts Galore
Between all the birthdays and baby showers, we’re rapping faster than Lil' John.
For inspiration we’re roaming the aisles of Mortimer Snodgrass’ new mega-store. It’s filled to the brim with 7,000 quirky gifts and gadgets from poppy stainless steel water bottles ($17) to bright pink Welly Warmers ($25). After raiding the décor department, take a rest in the reading lounge perusing books like Pick-ups & Come-ons. Grab a vintage-style reusable tote ($9) to cart home the loot.
Consider it your gift.
Mortimer Snodgrass, 56 Notre Dame West, Montreal, 514-499-2851, www.mortimersnodgrass.com
February 2nd, 2010
Foot Loose
No Gym Required sneakers are the perfect way to make housework and errands count as an activity (if not acts of sainthood).
Created by Winnipegger Jennifer Cohen and worn by celebs Jennifer Garner and Courtney Cox, these snazzy cross trainers ($174.99) can burn up to 50 per cent more calories while you go about your life. One-and-a-half pounds heavier than regular trainers, they have removable weighted insoles that tone your lower body and engage core muscles. Now that's what we call running an errand.
At Tony Shoes, 1346 Greene Ave., Westmount, 514-935-2993, www.tonyshoes.com
January 28th, 2010
Red Run
As much as we adore our Louboutins, there’s no walking the dog in those four-inch puppies.
But you can still make a Sunday stroll statement in stylin’ sneakers from Lacoste. The preppy brand has collaborated with NYC’s Married to the Mob to create lace-print hi-tops in purple or gold (US$120). Even better? Each pair has a Louboutin-inspired red sole so while Fido may not notice, you’ll be the talk of the dog run.Available February 14 at www.lacoste.com and www.mttmnyc.com
January 12th, 2010
Skirting Around
Mother always told us to dress warm, but snow pants haven’t suited our image since fifth grade recess.
Instead we’re wrapping up in a stylish skirt by Montreal design collective Fantasy World Heroes. Made from wool-blend and quilted fabrics, each Snowskirt is lined in peppy-hued satin and fastens neatly over dresses, leggings or jeans. Our pick? The striking Cherry Dear ($145, pictured) trimmed in black faux-fur, and virgin wool Grey Fox with jewel-blue lining ($155).Alas, we’re saved from the chill, and social suicide.
At General 54, 54 St-Viateur St., Montreal, 514-271-2129 or www.fantasyworldheroes.etsy.com
January 6th, 2010
Affair of the Art
Thomas Crown was a pro at switching paintings under the noses of museum guards (much to the chagrin of Catherine Banning).
Without resorting to thievery, we’re getting our own rotating gallery by renting from Art Anywhere. Choose your favourite painting, drawing or photograph online and it’s then shipped directly from a local artist and you can keep it on your wall for a whole month. We’re starting out the year with Roger Guetta’s digital In Nature #1 for the living room and Simon Dutil-Paquette’s striking mixed media Sommes-nous toujours authentiques? in the breakfast nook.Too bad they can’t send us Pierce Brosnan - he’d look just perfect in the bedroom.
Pieces from $25/per month, www.artanywhere.com


