Montreal
May 1st, 2012
The Bridesmaids
A blush hue, a pretty pink bow… We’re celebrating May with an extra-pretty dress.
Whether you’re a bride on a mission for the perfect dress for your girls or want to bring a hint of retro appeal to your closet (guilty as charged!), we’re smitten with this oh-so-sweet dress by Jacob, $169.It is part of the Montreal-based retailer’s L’Atelier collection, which, admittedly, is filled with fabulous flirty options – including a short white number that would be perfect for the modern, low-key bride – that are the perfect balance of vintage and sleek.
Remember, brides: Friends don’t let friends looks anything less than fabulous. —Christine Laroche
June 21st, 2011
Iris Setlakwe, At Your Service
We adored Iris Setlakwe’s clean lines and classic cuts at her Spring/Summer runway show, where we first glimpsed her designs, tailored to take a gal from the workday to a wine-fuelled soirée.
We‘ll be picking up pieces at Setlakwe’s new pied-à-terre in the Plateau. Even better? The designer will be available every Thursday at 2 p.m. to help you select items that fit your style, from her tailored take on stripes ($450) to this subtly sequined evening dress ($295). Now it’s just a matter of deciding what we want to wear to break the glass ceiling. —JN
Iris Setlakwe, 1127 Laurier Ave. W., Montreal, 514-270-0404, www.collectioniris.com
February 5th, 2010
Mother Superior
So you’re not quite as swift with the Singer as your mom once was.
Thank goodness there’s another mother who’ll whip up a gorgeous handmade dress for your budding fashionista. With au courant details like 1920s drop waists and Liberty of London fabrics, the modern frocks by Vancouver line Mette will have her standing apart from the crowd.And not because she’s wearing a bright orange polyester shift—that was you at age 4.
Dresses from $40, www.mette.ca
September 8th, 2009
Fine Frock
Warm patio parties may be no more, but prime cocktail season has just begun.
We’re embracing autumn with a crisp new attitude and now that Marika Brose’s eponymous line of dresses is available in Montreal, we’ll be stepping out (and out and out) in style. Fairy-tale inspired, the collection has a moody feel that’s perfect for a cool evening soirée. We adore the black stretchy-but-structural bodice dress ($695) worn alone, or paired with a cropped blazer. But for full-impact gala moments, invest in the hand-sewn crystal mini ($995) or grey ostrich-feathered floaty dress ($625).
Fall forward, indeed.
At Holt Renfrew, 1300 Sherbrooke W., Montréal, 514-842-5111, www.holtrenfrew.com
April 15th, 2009
Sew Cool
Thrift store frocks are a great way to stand out from the crowd, but we’re not so fond of the second-hand smell.
Instead we’re turning to the classically cool creations of mymommadethat dresses designed by Nancy Rosa and her seamstress mom.Each of their pretty ’60s-style numbers (from $140) is made from unused vintage textiles and structured to fit the curviest of curves. For spring soirées, throw on a puffy-sleeved belted Elora mini with antique buttons, and this summer look out for their striking ankle-skimming maxi dresses.
Mom always did know best.




