Time to dig out those impulse buys and unflattering fitting pieces and put them to good use: New clothes!

Mile End’s latest boutique, Empire, is a buy/sale/trade store. The concept is simple: Buy other people’s slightly worn (but clean and in season) clothing, sell your unwanted pieces for cash or trade them in for store credit valid at Empire or its two sister stores, Annex Vintage and Local 23.
One-of-a-kind finds, more closet space and less clothes in landfills? We approve.

51 Bernard St. O., Montreal, http://empire-exchange-mtl.tumblr.com

—Christine Laroche

This week, stilettos will outnumber Sorels.

Today is day one of Montreal Fashion Week where top local design talent – think Mélissa Nepton, Martin Lim, Harricana and more – will gather at L’Arsenal to show off their collections to (impeccably dressed) editors, bloggers, celebrities and even the general public.

Always thought you belonged in the front row? $175 gets you a 4-day pass, while single show tickets are between $15 and $25.

Anna Wintour-esque shades and bob not included. —Christine Laroche

http://montrealfashionweek.ca

The bad news: There are still 50 days of winter ahead of us. The good news: The Swedes are here to help us look fab in the freezing cold.

Quebec’s first Peak Performance store is open at Quarter Dix30 and it’s become our go-to destination for winter outerwear that is technical and looks great.

If your winter plans include activities like hitting the slopes, snowshoeing or even tobogganing your little heart out, check out the collection, which includes everything from city sleek parkas to on-slope puffers and even heli-ski onesies.

Consider our hibernation cancelled.  —Christine Laroche

9130 Leduc Boul, Montreal, 450-445-0123, www.peakperformance.com

Old Montreal’s Happening Gourmand can only mean one thing: Bad news for those kale smoothie and buckwheat resolutions.

The good news is that we’ll indulge on a budget as some of the historic neighbourhood’s top restaurants are offering prix fixe evening table d’hôtes ($23 or $27) from now until February 3.

And new for 2013 is lunch offering ($15), with mouth-watering options that include Beef Flank with Port and Mushroom Sauce (Modavie), Green Tea Poached Salmon Filet (Aix) and Confit Rabbit Shoulder Salad (Suite 701).

See you next year, resolutions! —Christine Laroche

www.happeninggourmand.com

Celebrities love Montreal.

They love to duck in and out of the St-James Hotel and bar hop during Grand Prix weekend but their most recent obsession is of the sartorial variety.  

The common thread in the plush closets of Mariah Carey, Katy Perry, Lindsay Lohan, Carrie Underwood and more? Frocks from Montreal’s Pavoni, an ultra-glamorous label known for sexy silhouettes and major statement-making bling.

The latest actress to add to the fanbase is Modern Family’s Sarah Hyland, who wore the sexy mini (shown at right) to InStyle’s Golden Globe bash, securing her spot on a slew of best-dressed lists.

Our city? Undeniably glitzy. —Christine Laroche

http://www.pavonicollection.com/home.html

Stores are filling up with new season styles but babes, it’s still cold outside.

Refresh that knitwear stash with an e-spree at Lu Vic & Beau, a Montreal-based manufacturer serving up sumptuous cashmere basics at affordable prices online: Think $85 for a short-sleeved t-shirt (pictured) and up to $135 for a mid-length cardi.

Having been paired with everything from silk skirts to loungy leggings, our Lo-Hi crewneck ($130) has proved to be as versatile and chic as it is comfy and warm.

While we wait for spring, bundling up is a beautiful thing.  —Christine Laroche

http://luvicandbeau.com

Received some left hand bling over the holidays? Congratulations – your man has impeccable timing.

It’s the most popular time of the year to get engaged but more importantly, a plush bridal boutique has just opened in Old Montreal. Translation? Save your Porter Points: Montreal has its very own White Toronto outpost.

White Montreal is stocked with swoon-worthy styles by Monique Lhuillier, Jenny Packham, Oscar de la Renta, Marchesa and more, edited by superstar stylist Andrea Anastasiou.

We predict many a White wedding in the years to come. – Christine Laroche

105 St-Paul St. W., 2nd floor, Montreal, 514-507-4296, www.whitemontreal.com

Photo: Courtesy of Jenny Packham

In 2013, we resolve to shop smarter – especially during sale season. For pointers, we went to Mélanie Voyer and Stephanie Boridy, style consultants and founders of Soie Agency.

Don’t give in to reduced on-trend items just because they’re marked down. By the time the new spring stock is in, you’ll already have your eye on something more relevant.

Winter essentials

Be on the look out for the cold-weather pieces that Montreal winters call for. This is the best time to buy that coat or those La Canadienne boots you’ve been eyeing since September… and that you’ll love for years to come.

Shop beauty

Keep an eye out for marked down prices on holiday palettes and gift sets, which are often stashed with year-long favourites.

Happy shopping! —Christine Laroche

www.soieagency.com

New Year's Eve can go either way… it could be a raging success or you could end up standing on a street corner at 1 a.m., waiting for a taxi that will never arrive. Regardless of what happens, you want to look good doing it.

Hair Accessory fit for a Goddess

Keltie Leanne’s gold Goddess hair chain is a perfect accessory for the girl who likes to wear her hair down. $28 at www.keltieleannedesigns.com

Love the Night

Vancouver-based jewelry brand Amouro makes delicate necklaces that show off a décolleté, and what better night to do that? We love the Andrea necklace that wraps around your neck like a very dainty scarf. $250, from www.amourojewelry.com or at Bernstein & Gold, 1168 Hamilton St., 604-687-1535.

Carry Your Heart On Your Sleeve

Topshop’s stud heart box bag might not be that roomy, but all you really need on NYE is your phone, a credit card, lipstick, and a key. $64 from The Bay’s Topshop stores, www.thebay.com

These Boots are Made for Celebrating

Strappy sandals seem like a great idea when you are getting dressed, but it’s December. Fluevog’s Malibu boot in black and silver screams party but allows for socks. Win-win! $789 from Fluevog stores. $789 at www.fluevog.com

Did Secret Santa stick you with someone especially tough to please? Don't fret, we've got a few ideas that will make you look like a gifting genius.

Your Partner’s Super Stylish Little Sister: Sometimes she gets on your nerves but she was a great ally at the last family gathering. Keep her on side with a Scout & Catalogue clutch ($88). The shop is taking a holiday break, but get a gift card here: scoutandcatalogue.bigcartel.com

Your Mother-in-Law: Two words even she can't disapprove of – Jo Malone. This Wild Fig and Cassis candle is a simple way to give her a bit of everyday luxury (and score some major brownie points). $75, www.holtrenfrew.com

Your Boss: She makes you work your butt off but at the end of the day she’s also your mentor (we hope). The M0851 classic card holder symbolizes top quality and style, just like you ($45). www.m0851.com

Your Co-workers: Vancouver’s Beta5 Chocolates will make everyone forget your rant about not eating smelly food in the office. I’m obsessed with the hot chocolate kit ($30) but these peppermint patties will be a nostalgic crowd pleaser ($10). shop.beta5chocolates.com

Your Boyfriend… of Three Weeks: At this stage, a deluxe Swiss army knife will pretty much kill the chemistry (I learned the hard way). Why not gather the ingredients for his and your favourite cocktails instead? AMC posted a guide on how to make everything from a Greyhound to a Vodka Gimlet here so you can embrace your inner Don and Joan (sorry Peggy).

—Julie Whelan