After four days of runway shows, here are our top five picks from Montreal Fashion Week:

Among all the woolens and leathers, Coccolily’s SMM debut was a refreshing romp. Models literally strutted down the walk in sexy stockings and tulle-skirted frocks.

Denis Gagnon’s fantastic fringe and zippered pieces have already sold out at Holt Renfrew so we’ll have to settle for a Bedo T-shirt featuring his bespeckled visage.

Harricana par Mariouche unveiled a peppy skiwear collaboration with Chlorophylle. But our favorite piece of the night was a vintage lace and recycled fur-trimmed frock. Slope-side nuptials? I do.

Can’t decide if you're grunge, glam or rock n roll? The Barilà sisters say a lady can work all three. We adored the duo’s electric-blue sequins on blazers and leggings.

Joseph Helmer has been working the patchwork for years and finally his stunning frocks fit the zeitgeist. The multicolored evening gown will surely earn us a bold-faced name at the upcoming Daffodil Ball.

It’s no quilted chain bag, but we’ll take it.

Just in time to flash some spring skin, the house of Chanel has launched a line of temporary tattoos ($75/55 tattoos) designed by Creative Director Peter Philips.  The Trompe l’Oeil skin art includes classic Chanel symbols like chains, pearls, wheat, tiny swallows and interlocking c’s that can be applied around the neck, wrist, ankle or leg.

Now that’s making a fashion statement.

Available March 15 at Chanel, Holt Renfrew, 1300 Sherbrooke Street W., Montreal, 514-842-7318, www.holtrenfrew.com

Before we all started running around in boyfriend jeans, the queen of bespoke femininity was called Coco.

In our quest for elegance we’re seeking advice from The Gospel According to Coco Chanel. This witty style guide includes timeless tips and lessons in grace inspired by the legendary designer.  Modesty is sexy - Chanel always referred to her chauffeur as the "mechanic."  Men’s closets are there to be raided - she looked fabulous in Boy’s sweaters, belted at the waist. Simplicity is chic -  outrageous jewelry always looks best against a simple black dress.

That’s why we’re loco for Coco.

The Gospel According to Coco Chanel, $15.64 at Amazon.ca

The Winter Olympics are five days from over, but we’re keeping the spirit alive with a pair of patriotic steppers.

That morning sprint to work may not merit the national anthem, but you’ll feel strong and free getting there in a pair of red and white Canadian flag flats ($205).

Go Canada!

At Pretty Ballerinas, 392 Victoria Ave., Westmount, 514-489-3030, www.prettyballerinas.ca

Between thinking up hip baby names, a fab jewellery line and all that do-gooding, where does she find the time?

This week at Holt Renfrew, Nicole Richie unrolls Winter Kate, her debut clothing collection developed ici à Montreal. From silk maxi-dresses ($325) and kimono-style cardis ($185) to a soft leather jacket ($625), each mouth-watering piece has a chic boho vibe that’s perfect for easing out of winter bulk. And if togs weren’t enough, she’s also kicked off House of Harlow 1960 footwear including whipstitched Pearl pumps ($250), sweet Tilly brogues ($225) and cozy moccasin boots.

Up next: baby number three, or eau de parfum?

Holt Renfrew, 1300 Sherbrooke Street W., Montreal, 514-842-5111, www.holtrenfrew.com 

Catch a glimpse of Nicole on February 18 when she makes an appearance at the Montreal Holt Renfrew store, 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

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

Zest is the secret of all beauty. There is no beauty that is attractive without zest.

-Christian Dior

Zesty fashion junkies will love a new Dior biography by ROM Textile and Costume Curator, Alexandra Palmer. Dior looks at how the seminal couturier built up his fashion house in post-war Paris to become one of the most successful brands in the world.

It was Monsieur Dior who established the 1950s curvy wasp-waisted look that still struts down catwalks today. And he was a shrewd businessman who pioneered merchandising licenses (the likes of which have made Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein very wealthy indeed).  The book also features over 100 gorgeous images that will have you roaring, "J’adore Dior."

Dior, $24.44 at Amazon.ca.

Mother always told us to dress warm, but snow pants haven’t suited our image since fifth grade recess.

Instead we’re wrapping up in a stylish skirt by Montreal design collective Fantasy World Heroes. Made from wool-blend and quilted fabrics, each Snowskirt is lined in peppy-hued satin and fastens neatly over dresses, leggings or jeans. Our pick? The striking Cherry Dear ($145, pictured) trimmed in black faux-fur, and virgin wool Grey Fox with jewel-blue lining ($155).

Alas, we’re saved from the chill, and social suicide.

At General 54, 54 St-Viateur St., Montreal, 514-271-2129 or www.fantasyworldheroes.etsy.com

Victorian ladies hid their girth under boned corsets while our grandmothers squeezed into beige-colored girdles. Thankfully, our generation has something a little more fashionable and forgiving.

Sculptz Shaper Top opaque tights (from $22) come in pretty hues like mauve-grey foliage, plum herringbone, and chocolate animal print. For those in need of that extra bit of oomph, try the comfy hot pink shaper shorts. We love how they refuse to run or pill, and you’ll look so svelte in that knit dress you may find yourself indulging in a second piece of pie. Uh-oh.

At Sears stores, www.sears.ca

Finally we can fiddle with our iPhone without freezing our fingers off.

Seeing as there’s no app for frostbite, we’ll be texting and tweeting all winter with Echo Touch gloves ($35). Each pair has a special fabric on the thumb and pointer finger that’s compatible with touch-sensitive devices. Made from wool and cashmere, they’re soft, warm and best of all stylish; perky shades include magenta, chartreuse, turquoise, red and terracotta.

Now if only there was a snow-shoveling app, life would be perfect.

At Ogilvy, 1307 Ste-Catherine St. W., Montreal, 514-842-7711, www.ogilvycanada.com