Montreal - FASHION & SHOPPING
March 20th, 2013
south shore om
The Dix30 shopping domination continues. The latest opening? Quebec’s fifth Lululemon store.
Now, South Shore yogis can outfit their Zen selves in luon from head-to-toe without setting foot across a bridge or tunnel. Bonus: Complimentary yoga, every Sunday at 8:45 a.m.Need extra motivation to visit the gorgeous new store ASAP? The much-coveted swim line has just hit stores.
Run, don’t walk. And Namaste. —Christine Laroche
9140 Leduc Boul., Suite 100, Brossard, 450-462-3542, https://www.facebook.com/lululemonDix30
March 19th, 2013
High vs. low: The silk shirt
It’s a timeless piece that will work double (and triple, and quadruple) duty in our wardrobe and it can cost a little… or a lot.
Equipment at JoshuaDavid: The watercolour palm tree print has us dreaming of hazy summer days while the brand, fit and quality carry enough fashion clout to justify the $365 price tag.
Joe Fresh: At $49, we’ll dare to throw it in the washing machine, rock it as cover up at the beach and buy one in every single colour (and there are plenty). So what’ll it be: Splurge or save? – Christine Laroche
JoshuaDavid, 4926 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, 514-788-4436, www.shopjoshuadavid.ca
Joe Fresh, 395 Jean-Talon W., Montreal, 514-271-2775, www.joe.ca
March 14th, 2013
Luck of the Emerald
What better way to show your Celtic pride than with a bit of green, the official Pantone colour of the year.

We'll be writing down our deep, dark secrets (aka laser hair removal appointments) in this Moleskine notebook: $17 at Chapters.ca This Newberry Flat from Splendid is technically clover, but with a shoe this pretty, let's not split hues. $98 at Splendid.com
But we won't mind a few chilly spring days… it will give us an excuse to wear this smart J. Crew wool-blend coat. $325 at Net-a-Porter.com
This Want Less Essentiels De La Vie tote is green in more ways than one - it's made with organic cotton. $175 at Ssense.com
And a set of chic diamond cluster and emerald earrings from Birks will have us doing a happy jig. $8,800 at Birks.ca
That'll make 'em Pantone 17-5641 with envy.March 7th, 2013
Chic click
Our very favourite Spanish retailer, Zara, made its Canadian e-commerce debut yesterday.
Yes, Zara.com is finally transactional in Quebec and Canada and with free shipping on orders over $50 (or free in-store delivery) and easy returns (in-store or via mail), we’re already making room in our closets.
No more waiting in line to try on garments; no more digging through piles of sweaters during the bi-annual sale; no more leaving the house to get our hands on the much-coveted new arrivals.Sartorial bliss is just a few clicks away. —Christine Laroche
www.zara.comMarch 6th, 2013
Spring fashion guest editor: Lisa Tant
In Vancouver for the Holt Renfrew Spring presentations, we stole a few minutes with the very stylish Lisa Tant, Vice President, Fashion Editor at Holt Renfrew. Herewith, spring looks she's coveting.
After a long, cold (and snowy) winter), I’m looking forward to spring’s bold, bright statement looks. Here are five of my favourites:

1. Pattern mixing
I’m so inspired by the new pattern mixing – dots with florals, toss in some stripes and throw it all in a mixer! I first saw the concept on the streets in Paris at Fashion Week. The street style stars who inspire me – Joanna Hillman, Taylor Tomasi Hill, Elizabeth Cabral – mix pattern scale and colour with chic abandon. (Pictured L: Top, Marc by Marc Jacobs, skirt by Peter Pilotto. R: Top by Fendi, skirt by Zero Maria Cornejo)

2. Bold stripes
I know that most of are told to never ever wear wide stripes but I love how unexpected they look. I’ll be trying the trend on for size in full trousers with a cropped leather jacket.
(Pictured: Michael Michael Kors striped cotton tank dress.)
3. Flapper dress
Twenties fashion is back with a splash thanks to shows like Downton Abbey and the upcoming film, The Great Gatsby. I love the simplicity of the silhouette but the intricacy of the embellishment. (Pictured: Pearl earrings by Anzie, Dress by RED Valentino, purse by Jimmo Choo, drop earrings by Alexis Bittar)



4. Single sole pump
I’ve never seen the need for a simple black pump – the crazier the shoe the better for me – until now. A dead simple black leather or suede pointy toe pump looks super chic. All of the girls around Holts office are wearing them now with sleek trousers and pencil skirts. (Pictured: Manolo Blahnik)
5. Cropped trousers
Perhaps my favourite trend of the season – and one look that I’ll reach for constantly – is a pair of slim trousers cropped above the ankle. To be honest, it has nothing to do with the figure flattering cut (although it helps) – it’s because the hemline will show off my absolute favourite thing in the world – amazing shoes! (Pictured:3.1 Philip Lim trousers)
February 27th, 2013
montreal bride guide
Say “oui je le veux” in chic Montreal style.
put a(nother) ring on it Inspired by Birks’ storied history, the 1879 collection is the epitome of vintage glamour and elegance – but it’s not all engagement rings! The 1879 Diamond Wedding Band ($2,800) is perfect pick for understated (yet incredibly sparkly!) elegance. 1240 Square Phillips, Montreal, 514-397-2511, www.birks.com
chic cincher When it comes to adding a personal touch to a look, sashes and belts are a bride’s best bet. For something a little different than the ubiquitous jeweled belt, check out Charlotte Hosten’s (from $279) one of a kind creations. 122 Bernard St. W., Montreal, 514-274-8511, www.charlottehosten.com
extras, extras! Already said yes to the dress? Don’t dismiss a visit to White Montreal: The new shop is stocked with a dizzying array of sparkly accessories and shoes from bridal heavy-hitters like Jennifer Behr and Oscar de la Renta (shown, $795). 105 St-Paul St. W, 2nd floor, Montreal, 514-507-4296.
rustic urbanite If your Pinterest wedding board is packed with rustic-chic inspiration but you’d prefer to get the look sans barnyard animals, l’Auberge St-Gabriel will prove the perfect venue. 426 Saint-Gabriel St., Montreal, 514-878-3561, www.lesaint-gabriel.com
gal gifts They’ve been there through thick and thin – don’t they deseve an updated friendship bracelet? Say merci to your ‘maids with Agatha beauties ($TK), which were definitely not knotted around a campfire. 1054 Laurier W., Montreal, 514-272-9313.
—Christine Laroche
(Photo: Amypunky Photography, Auberge St-Gabriel)February 25th, 2013
La Montréalaise mania
We can count swoon-worthy sweatshirts on one hand.
Who makes the cut? Kenzo, obviously, but also our very own Barilà. When the label launched its La Montréalaise sweatshirt –heathered grey, cute bow tie detail and perfect slouchy fit – the city’s stylish elite lined up to get their hands one on… literally!
Good news for anyone who didn’t brave the one-day sample sale last weekend to get their chic sweats: A Barilà e-shopping site is set to launch.
While we wait, we’ll grab the label’s equally covetable Stevenson blazer ($220), perfect for making that tricky winter-to-spring transition in style. —Christine Laroche
At Unicorn, 5135 St-Laurent Blvd., Montreal, 514-544-2828, http://boutiqueunicorn.comFebruary 19th, 2013
The Next Big Thing
If you don’t know her already, Mélissa Nepton is about to become a household name.
As the winner of the Target Emerging Designer Award, the former reality star contestant (she got her start on La Collection) walked away from Montreal Fashion Week with a $25,000 grant and a capsule collection deal with Target. To tide us over until 2014, when her collection will be available in Target stores across the province, we’ll pick up the Claudia Silk Tunic ($195) from Nepton’s SS13 collection, a trendy wardrobe multi-tasker that we'll wearing everywhere from the beach to a 5 à 7.
Versatile, chic and pratique – good choice, Target! —Christine Laroche
February 13th, 2013
Making a splash
Breaking news in bikini land: teeny-tiny is out.
What’s in is the vintage vixen look with its sassy high-waisted bottoms, flirty bandeau tops and retro-inspired one-pieces. This summer, we’ll be perfecting our poolside pin-up purr in Lolë’s Bonaire suit ($85), a flattering style with convertible straps, a sexy dip back and a chic black and white design.
Come to think of it, why wait for summer? This sexy suit is the perfect excuse to book a quick jaunt down south. —Christine Laroche
4868 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, 514-419-1798, www.lolewomen.comFebruary 12th, 2013
be mine: valentine's day gift guide montreal
When Cupid’s arrow hits, will you be feeling sweet or sexy?
Have a surprise selection of flirty treats delivered (discretely!) to your door every month with Spicy Subscriptions (from $9.99 per month). Why have one extra-steamy night per year when you can have 365? http://spicysubscriptions.com
Two words synonymous with naughty: Agent Provocateur. An ensemble by the racy British lingerie brand, like the Ariel, shown, always makes us feel drop-dead gorgeous… and is guaranteed to make his heart race. At Holt Renfrew, 1300 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, 514-842-5111, www.holtrenfrew.com
It’s our favourite spot for anytime R&R but for V-day, Bota Bota is turning up the romance factor with three special soirées featuring access to the water circuit, a glass of bubbly and live music ($45 per person, from February 14-16). (Photo by Ian Woo.) 358 de la Commune St. E., Montreal, 514-284-0333, http://botabota.ca
With a lacy print, flirty peplum and cheeky hue, this Jacob top ($55) may be the perfect piece for a candlelit tête-à-tête but it also has wardrobe powerhouse written all over it. 1220 Ste-Catherine St. W., Montreal, 514-861-9346, http://www.jacob.ca—Christina Laroche



