As a kid, our trusty Girl Guide motto was "Be Prepared." Never one to shirk duty, this may explain why we’re carting everything-but-the-kitchen sink in our purse. 

For a shoulder bag with oodles of space and sexy curves, grab the latest from shoe king John Fluevog in crackly Baccarat patent leather. The Operetta Purse ($399) has pretty contrast stitching, magnetic closures and tough leather straps that don’t dig into our shoulders.

The chiropractor’s bill is killing us, but we’ve officially earned our GG fashion badge.

John Fluevog, 3857 St. Denis St., Montreal, 514-509-1627, www.fluevog.com

This summer we intended to flounce around in pretty little sundresses, but days of unpredictable temps had us ransacking our closet for a cardigan instead.

Normally we’d whine, but ever since we got a pair of Guido & Mary jeans, we’re praying for cool breezes. This homegrown company’s recent revamp is a wonderful homage to our fair metropolis. We love how the new red and white logo was inspired by our city's flag and how each pair is named after a Montreal street. The St-Catherine skinnies in solid black ($100) take us delightfully from day to night, while the high-waist raw denim Crescent jeans ($129) pair perfectly with a cream cashmere tee.

Sorry Montreal summer, but we’re over you already.

For a list of stores, visit www.guidoandmary.com

Looking to make a grand entrance? Honey, it’s all about the dress.

New Quebec label Coccolily is an edgy collection by Naana Tennachie Yankey featuring close-fitting cocktail dresses (from $400) with daring details like bows, lace insets and strappy bodices. The look is pure fantasy; retro futuristic with a dash of burlesque meets Blade Runner. 

Bonus: The wool-and-lurex fabric does wonders to shape the body.

Walk the walk, and heads will turn (as they should).

Coccolily, 715-1117 Ste. Catherine W., Montreal, 514-282-0574 (by appointment only), www.coccolily.com

For days when we need to channel June Cleaver (as opposed to June Cleavage), we’re starting our outfit with a 9to5 Bra from Wink Intimates.

Designed in Quebec, this sassy brassier ($139) has the lace trim and under-support of a sexy piece of lingerie (it won’t flatten like a sports bra) with a panel that hides unwanted peeks of décolletage.

Now all the attention will be on your exceptional intelligence and sparkly personality.

1-888-Wink-Bra, www.winkintimates.com

Dads rock our world, but why the heck are they so hard to buy for? Herewith, Vitamin Daily Montreal's Top ways to make him smile this Father’s Day, from under $25 to a splurge:

While he may think he’d prefer a case of beer, dad needs to expand his horizons. Get his palate started with notes of black cherry and hints of oak in a 2008 bottle of Kim Crawford Marlborough Pinot Noir from New Zealand. $21.75 at SAQ stores, www.saq.com

Help your daddy dearest look his best with a schmancy product like Karin Herzog Shaving Oil made from sweet almond oil and chamomile extract. Bring on Metro Dad! $45 at www.nataboutique.com

You finally converted him to Arcade Fire, now let him wax nostalgia with the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock Collector’s Edition, featuring performances by Jefferson Airplane, Hendrix and The Who. Groovy, man. $45 at Amazon.ca.

What is it with fathers and flank steaks?  He’ll love Sylvain Tremblay’s striking handmade pepper mill with professional grinding mechanism (it may even improve his BBQ skills). From $100, at Cuisine Gourmet stores, www.cuisinegourmet.com

Finally, give him something to distract from questions about your job/love life/finances. When troubling questions arise, challenge Papa to a game of foosball on his very own table (and let him win). $459, at Palason Games, Billiards & Decor, 9300 Cavendish Blvd., St-Laurent, 514-343-9399, www.palason.ca

After Sunday brunch at Nick’s and our monthly pilgrimage to Lululemon, we’re rounding out lazy weekends with some local gallery hopping.

With the recent opening of V-Trimont, Westmount is well on its way to becoming a mini Soho. This unpretentious hot spot for modern art carries large scale canvases by up-and-coming Quebec artists like François Samson and Mario Merola. Displayed among rugs and antiques, it’s easy to while away the afternoon debating the merits of abstract landscape versus traditional composition. 

Once smitten, pony up for a piece and pat yourself on the back for supporting local art. It’s far more satisfying than another pair of yoga pants.

Galerie V-Trimont, 4259 rue St. Catherine St. W., Westmount, 514-658-7214, www.galerievtrimont.com

Now that our heavy coats have gone into storage we’re looking for some buzz-worthy baubles.

We’re making great impressions with fanciful pieces from designer Anne-Marie Chagnon. Her new TRA collection is filled with sculptural bracelets, rings and pendants (from $23) made from pewter, wood and resin. We especially love the colourful glass and metal necklaces that can be reconfigured as bracelets. 

See, we’re blooming faster than the spring flowers.

At Espace Pepin, 350 St-Paul W., Montreal, 514-844-0114, www.annemariechagnon.com

We may be city gals at heart, but we love the image of a rugged outdoorsman on a horse.

The new Marlboro Classics store in Cours Mont-Royal has everything we need to lasso our inner cowgirl.  This slick outpost walks the line between urban and rural chic with creamy vanilla leather jackets ($1399) and pretty ruffled skirts ($188) that’ll definitely bring the cowboys back to the ranch.

Yeeha!

1455 Peel St., 2nd fl., Montreal, 514-658-9004, www.marlboroclassics.com

See blogger Jennifer Naschsen's pics from the Marlboro Classic store on today’s Editors' Diary.

We’re crazy about our Montreal designers, but we get tired of schlepping from one end of the city to the other in order to get our fix.

Thankfully, with Chiccane our Montreal must-haves are mere mouse clicks away. For spring we adore Travis Taddeo’s show-stopping Poum dress ($550), bejeweled necklaces ($210) from actress/designer Caroline Néron, and Denis Gagnon’s fuchsia va-va-va voom Goddess frock ($680). And with a more than fair 30-day return policy, it’s always easy to get the best fit.

Fashion at your fingertips, no commute required.

www.chiccane.com

With big brand stores lined up in predictable order, the downtown-shopping scene can get rather humdrum.

So we rejoice when a hot new boutique emerges on the retail landscape. Behold, Tiger of Sweden has opened its first North American location en centre-ville. Known for Hugo Boss-style elegance, Tiger is a great spot for classic suit jackets (we recommend the Boyfriend Cut) and fitted white shirts ($159). The famed blue jeans ($225) are soft and flattering, while the strapless sundresses ($299) are a solution for summer sojourns.

We don’t want to lure you away from the mall forever, but we have to say: it’s grrr-eat.

Tiger of Sweden, 1130 de Maisonneuve W., 514-798-8821, www.tigerofsweden.com