Do you believe in love at first sight?

Meet the Alisson tote by Montreal’s very own Christopher Kon.

The black and white pattern is perfectly on trend, it has an adjustable cross-body strap and handles for maximum versatility, a zipped top to keep our stuff secure and it’s roomy enough for every day.

Consider us smitten. —Christine Laroche

$455 at Simons, 977 Ste-Catherine St. W., Montreal, 514-282-1840,
http://christopherkon.com

Let’s forget Montreal Fashion Week and its SS13 collections and focus on the now: Fall! Here are our top three most coveted essentials.

Anything aubergine: It started slowly – a deep lipstick, a basic sweater – and now, the obsession with bordeaux can’t be stopped. Highest on our wish list is Tory Burch’s 797 Satchel ($580 at Holt Renfrew, pictured). #musthave

Riding boots: We’re praying to the footwear gods for a perfect pair that will hit right at the knee, have subtle hardware and a classic brown and black palette.

Pajama-inspired pants: Must be silk, must be patterned, and must be bicycle-friendly.

What’s on your fall wish list? Let us know: @MTLVitaminDaily. —Christine Laroche

J.P. Gaultier and La Perla, McCartney and Gap: we love a good design collaboration.

Now non-profits S.W.A.P. and Montreal Couture have joined forces with Quebec designers to create Style & Conscience, a web boutique that produces locally made fashion items four times a year.  Its first creation is a pair of suave satin-lined handbags made from upcycled leather coats. The versatile 007 ($262) has multiple zips, pockets and key chain while the Mini-Me companion clutch ($194) has removable straps and optional tony tassel ($40). We love that each one is made by special order (so no excess inventory) and all profits are re-invested into future fashion collaborations.

Two is always better than one.

Available by pre-order until July 31 at www.styleandconscience.com

When we heard that whimsical London socialite Fifi Lapin had a blog, we hopped right to it.

After all, Lapin is a uniquely stylish bunny and her list of runway must-haves and enviable wardrobe is a dangling closet carrot we love to chase. Plus, we just can’t resist the way she signs off all her posts with “bunny kisses.”

Most recently, Lapin teamed up with LeSportsac as its artist in residence to create a curious and playful collection, like this stylish compulsive shopper bag ($138, pictured).

She may be a silly little rabbit, but her shoe collection is to-die-for.

See more of Fifi at www.fifi-lapin.blogspot.com
Order LeSportsac online at www.lesportsac.com

Finally, a practical use for those weekly Publisac flyers that jam-up our mailbox.

Atelier Entre-Peaux has created a series of stylish shopping bags, make-up cases and mouse pads made from shredded junk mail ($17-$80). This eco-friendly collection also includes smart shoulder bags constructed out of donated banners and ads we see posted around town. The City of Montreal gifts its own designs to visiting dignitaries, but you can buy yours at the Boutique du Musée d'Art Contemporain de Montréal.

Waste not, want not.

At www.entre-peaux-ecodesign.com or Boutique du Musée d'Art Contemporain de Montréal, 185 Ste-Catherine St. W., Montreal, 514-847-6904.

Who says May-December romances don’t work?

The pairing of 110-year-old leather goods company Fullum & Holt with edgy designer Denis Gagnon equals old-school craftsmanship with a modern twist. This new line of gorgeous bags made our jaw drop when they debuted on Gagnon’s catwalk at last fall’s fashion week.

For spring, we’ll (pretty please) have the white hand-stitched Messenger, the ruched lambskin shoulder bag, and the delicious cream spiral bag.

Age is nothing but a number….right, Demi?

From $600 at www.fullumboutique.com
See photos from Vitamin Daily’s trip to the Fullum & Holt Factory on today’s Editors’ Diary.

When the -20 wind gales are pushing us down the Boulevard, it takes something special to stop us in our tracks. 

The other day it was a green tartan shopper by Vivienne Westwood sitting in a boutique window. The $880 price tag was a tad deterring, so instead we went for an equally charming VW patent-leather change purse (on sale at $180).

It’s perfect for stashing all the money we saved.

Boutique U&I, 3650 St-Laurent Blvd., Montreal, 514-844-8788, www.boutiqueuandi.com

Despite our best efforts, our handbag is as organized as a teenager’s bedroom.

Thankfully, days of frantically digging for a ringing cell phone and lash-lengthening mascara are over. Featuring three large compartments and several smaller ones, Tagalong’s Purse-Onifier ($18) holds everything from our iPhone to our favourite Stila lip gloss. Best of all, this organizational wonder fits into almost any sized bag, so we can switch carry-alls as often as we like, without forgetting a thing.

Happiness really is a clutter-free purse. Mint?

Available at The Bay, 585 Ste-Catherine St. W., 514-281-4422, www.thebay.com

When your wardrobe (and mood) is as grey as the January sky, there’s really only one solution: accessorize.

Expand your color palette with a whimsical bag from Lollipops Paris. Its downtown boutique is home to uniquely designed handbags, shoes, and jewellery in a rainbow of cheery hues.

We adore the Dove Shopper in shocking cobalt blue ($130), the redder-than-red Dixie Bag ($99) and the pretty in pink Dorothy purse with satin bow ($85).

Our days suddenly got a little brighter.

Lollipops Paris, Les Cours Mont-Royal, Metro Level, 1455 Peel St., Montreal, 514-843-0431, www.lollipops.fr

No more need to sacrifice cows in the name of good fashion.

Matt & Nat’s gorgeous vegan handbags and wallets are inspired by the environment and architecture. All of the bags have poppy names such as the Trainspotting, the Bueller, and the Bjork.

We adore the mustard Mod Grandmaster ($160) and the green nylon Paltrow diaper bag made from recycled water bottles ($165).

Good enough for Gwyneth, good enough for us.

Available online or at Simons, Browns & StyleExchange, www.mattandnat.com