It’s ba-ack!

If you see a few more stilettos and double-cheek air kisses than usual around Marché Bonsecours, it’s because Montreal Fashion Week, is on. The best thing about this sartorial affair is that everyone is invited: Tickets to shows including Tavan & Mitto and Duy (pictured) are on sale for the public

Want to fashion week like a pro? Don’t leave home without:

1. Bright lipstick, especially if you want to attract the street style shooters.

2. Snacks, e.g. granola—glamour girls gotta eat!

3. A fancy iPhone case, because if you don’t tweet it, it never happened.

Follow all the action by following us: @MTLVitaminDaily. —Christine Laroche

350 St-Paul St. E., Montreal, 514-872-7730, www.montrealfashionweek.ca

Top of the morning to you, David!

While we’ll make any excuse to gawk at Mr. Posh Spice in his skivves, we have an especially good one this morning as his collection of bodywear is launching at H&M today.

Following in the Mrs.’ designer footsteps, the football player has concocted a collection of men’s basics for H&M, including boxers (from $14.95) and a t-shirt ($17.95).

His tank ($17.95) has quickly become a fave with the ladies, if only because “We’re wearing David Beckham’s tank top” is a phrase we just can’t get enough of.

—Christine Laroche

H&M, 1100 Ste-Catherine St. W., Montreal, 514-788-9535, www.hm.com

Photo credit: Alasdair McLellan

No matter what the groundhog sees or doesn’t see tomorrow, winter is with us for another little while.

The best thing about pulling out of hibernation early? Gearing up with a sweet new jacket to hit the slopes in. We’re especially smitten with the offering from The North Face: Bright colours, tons of technical details and, best of all, fabulous fits that flatter our curves instead of giving them a boyish, boxy look.

The second best thing about pulling out of hibernation early? One word: Après! —Christine Laroche

The North Face, 4927 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, 514-489-1517, www.thenorthface.com

They felt wild at first but our red, teal and purple jeans are starting to feel totally tame.

We’re stepping up our rainbow antics and slapping down our credit card for these pastel jeans by Second ($120). The aqua hue undeniably pretty, the mid-rise, skinny cut is super flattering and they are comfy cozy.

Because sandals in the snow are a definite no-no, we’re sneaking in some new season style with these must-have jeans.  —Christine Laroche

At Blue Marine & Co, 1383 Greene Ave., Montreal, 514-935-9825, www.secondclothing.com

Our idea of “racy” these days is wearing undies instead of long johns.

For sexy time tips and tricks, we’re grabbing our best (19+) gals and heading to the Salon de l’amour et de la Seduction, where we’ll check out the burlesque demos, blush with the best of ‘em at a racy conferences and collect as much boudoir-ready swag as possible.

Here’s to bringing sexy back, and hopefully getting inspired to swap the Sorels for something like these perfect-for-V-day Charlotte Olympias ($875). – Christine Laroche.

Salon de l’amour et de la Seduction, Place Bonaventure, 800 de la Gauchetière St. W., Montreal, 1-866-929-7399,  www.amouretseduction.com

We're breaking up with our Ray Bans.

Dear Ray Ban sunnies,

The past few years have been great. We loved playing spot-the-Wayfarer-wearing hipster at Osheaga (and losing count within the first five minutes). We’ve shared some good times, but we just can’t shake that been there, done that feeling.

You see, we’ve found a new label to love: Raen. It’s based in California, has plenty of indie appeal and a lovely vintage-y look.

So yes, it’s true: We’re picking up the Breslin frame ($135) at Boutique Archive.

But don’t worry: It’s not you, it’s us. —Christine Laroche

Boutique Archive, 318 Villeray St., Montreal, 514-564-9899, www.facebook.com/pages/Boutique-Archive-Montreal

We may not be in Rio to bring in the New Year, but there’s no reason we can’t celebrate like the Brazilians.

Their New Years celebrations involve dressing all in white, flocking to the beach after midnight, jumping seven waves, and throwing flowers into the sea. Ok, this might be tough for our Calgary readers, the Montreal and Toronto folk won’t want to be anywhere near a beach in this weather, and Vancouverites wait until New Years day to jump into the ocean (nope, you won’t be seeing this editor at the Polar Bear swim.) But there’s no reason why you can’t wear a white dress.

We love this Ann Demeul.Blanche dress from Luisa Via Roma. It is a bit pricey, but fits in great with the spring summer 2012 white dress trends, and this lovely drapy shape will get you through spring parties and summer weddings. Our tip: tanned skin (fake or real) looks great with a white dress. And then you can imagine you got some sun in Brazil. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

$864.81 at www.luisaviaroma.com

Jewellery is such a personal thing, so we like to shop for everyone we know at the same place.

Make sense? Only if you’ve visited La Raffinerie. The jewellery line created by Julia Vallelunga offers pieces for every taste, like these statement necklaces (starting at $80) for our boldest fashionista friends and dainty dangling earrings ($45) for the classic ladies in our life. You can also find pieces by La Raffinerie at Anthropologie.

Treat the ladies in your life to something pretty. —Jennifer Nachshen

At various locations and online at www.laraffinerie.ca

It’s always tricky buying gifts for family. So this year we’ll get them things we want, so if they don’t like them, we’ll just ask them to re-gift right back. Talk about strategy!

Mom
She loves to read and play Scrabble, so we’re getting her both in a box. Scrabble’s Book Lovers Edition ($29.95) awards points for use of any author name, book title, or literary character. At www.chapters.indigo.ca

Dad
He can’t get through the day without 12 cups of coffee, so we’re getting him the KRUPS KM9000 Coffee Dispenser ($249.99) which keeps 12 cups of coffee hot and fresh for four hours. We’ll just have to hope he goes decaf. At Boutik Electrik, 705 Ste Catherine St. W., Montreal, 514-847-0303, www.boutikelectrik.com

Sister
She’s a fashionista with a flair for functional accessories, so we know she’ll adore this Wold and Feather print scarf by Balmain ($451). At www.ssense.com

Brother
He’s an adrenaline junkie but we’re more comfortable on the couch. Now he can bring us home some snaps from his latest adventure with the GoPro HD Hero Naked Waterproof High-Definition Sports & Helmet Camera ($249). So we can feel like we’ve been there without risking our lives. At Future Shop, www.futureshop.ca

Out-of-town Relative
Your snowbird aunt in Florida will love receiving one of these hand-painted syrup containers by Canadian artist, Marianne Chenard ($28 for small container) to feel like home. At Fai Ici, 2519 Notre Dame St. West, Montreal, 514-439-3888, www.faitici.ca  —Jenn Nachshen

We can’t begin to tell you how many times we’ve lost our keys, pens, lipsticks and business cards in our own purse. Put us in a dark restaurant, and there’s no way we’re finding anything on time.

The light bulb went off for handbag designer, Annick Levesque, after she worked as a coat-check girl and watched countless women searching through their bags for ticket stubs. Each of her beautiful hand-sewn bags ($300 - $1300) can be customized ($100) to include an integrated lighting system that turns on when the bag is unzipped.

That’s what we call a bright idea! —Jennifer Nachshen

List of purchase locations online.