It’s ba-ack!

If you see a few more stilettos and double-cheek air kisses than usual around Marché Bonsecours, it’s because Montreal Fashion Week, is on. The best thing about this sartorial affair is that everyone is invited: Tickets to shows including Tavan & Mitto and Duy (pictured) are on sale for the public

Want to fashion week like a pro? Don’t leave home without:

1. Bright lipstick, especially if you want to attract the street style shooters.

2. Snacks, e.g. granola—glamour girls gotta eat!

3. A fancy iPhone case, because if you don’t tweet it, it never happened.

Follow all the action by following us: @MTLVitaminDaily. —Christine Laroche

350 St-Paul St. E., Montreal, 514-872-7730, www.montrealfashionweek.ca

We loved ex-Vena Cava intern, Juliana Bennett’s ballet-inspired fall-winter 2011 collection at the most recent Montreal Fashion Week. But with only one point-of-purchase in Toronto, we didn’t want to have to leave the province to buy items from one of Montreal’s hottest new designers.

With just a click of our mouse we found Mulcair’s spring-summer line on their recently launched e-commerce site. Bennett’s draped dresses and figure-flattering cuts are just what we’re looking for to take us from our pencil-pushing days to patio soirées without missing a beat.

Now that’s surf-worthy style.

http://mulcair.com

We fell in love with by Thomas at Montreal Fashion Week, but had no idea where to purchase items by the talented new designer. Talk about shoppingus interruptus!

Now we can find a few key items from by Thomas and other progressive designers at the new online Trusst boutique. We have to admit that some of the items were a bit out of our world, but we loved the printed tank by Hartmann Nordenholz, the shredded knitwear by Nibelungen and even contemplated the padded Lady Gaga-esque bodysuits by Vilsbøl de Arce.

We’re nothing if not progressive shoppers.

www.trusststore.com

We remember how nervous we were to attend our first fashion week, so we can imagine how debut designers must feel. Here are our top 5 fashion week first-timers.

1. We loved the bold architecture and contrasting textures in the collection by Anomal that was fashion forward, feminine, and slightly futuristic. www.anomalcouture.com

2. Made from 80 per cent recycled leather, Cokluch offered dyed and printed leather accessories with an Amelia Earhart-esque retro-appeal. www.cokluch.com

3. Previously a Vena Cava intern, Mulcair designer Juliana Bennett showed comfortably-chic looks inspired ballet dancers’ street clothes. www.mulcair.com

4. With buckle details and creative fabric touches (loved the leopard print) the modern fur accessories by Rachel F. won’t make you look like an extra on Dynasty. www.rachelf.ca

5. The elegant cuts and beautiful fabrics of THOMAS, offered an elegant androgyny with a touch of retro '40s vibe. www.bythomas.ws

It may have been their first time, but we’re pretty sure it won’t be their last.

(Photos courtesy of Jimmy Hamelin.)

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.

After scoping out the collections, here’s what has us wishing we could skip ahead to next season already:

1. Andy The Ahn’s cocktail-worthy, sand-coloured top featuring an oversized ruffle paired with ankle tied cigarette pants.
2. Everything by Helmer, but if we had to narrow it down, we’d opt for a little drama thanks to his voluminous patch-work cape in red, white and black.
3. With its violet print, Muse’s strapless tiered dress is the perfect option for brunch on the terrace.
4. We’ll inject our wardrobe with a little colour thanks to Denis Gagnon’s fuchsia and red sleeveless jersey dress.
5. Dinh Bà’s strapless, pleated, asymmetrical purple dress is an elegant (and comfortable choice) for a night on the town.