Summer in Montreal means one thing: festivals. Serious festivals. Every week I feel like there’s a new festival going on somewhere in the city and Montrealers flock from one exciting event to the next, from the hundreds of shows at Jazz Fest and Just for Laughs to the concerts and plays at Osheaga and the Montreal Fringe.

One event that I’m particularly interested in attending is part of the (what else?) Festival of Mode & Design 2010. From June 10 to October 29, Galerie Place Ville Marie presents “Montreal and Fashion: So Many Years, So Much to Show,”  an historical retrospective on the Montreal fashion industry and its artisans from the 1850s to the present day. The exhibition recounts the development of the fashion industry and the history of Montreal’s garment manufacturers, retailers and designers, as well as its educational institutions, models and photographers. Count on vintage collections, photos, videos, artifacts and profiles of Montreal designers such as Andy The-Ahn, Denis Gagnon and more. If, like me, you love to pretty much inhale any and all historical information about the Canadian and international fashion industry and try to read as many fashion non-fiction books and articles as you can get your hands on, this exhibition is right up our boutique-lined alley. So, if you’re in Montreal at all this summer, be sure to check it out. It’s most definitely being added to my list of Montreal Summer Things To Do (I honestly do have this list, is that nerdy?)!

Montreal and Fashion: So Many Years, So Much to Show
From June 10 to October 29 – free admission
Monday to Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday and Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

www.placevillemarie.com
From Montreal,

Lindsay

Any time my friends come to Montreal for a visit, they always, without fail, say the following words to me: “I want to go to Simons.” I don’t blame them – of course they do and I want to go with them. Simons is THE one-stop, two-floor shop for all your everyday needs, from clothes, bathing suits and pyjamas to hats, scarves and gloves. The department store’s house brand, Twik (psst…originally modeled after Twiggy’s signature style), has great casual and affordable pieces that are perfect for mixing with your higher-end items. On the second floor is where you’ll find names like Sonia Rykiel, Armani Exchange and Kenso for dressier options. And as for accessories, you’ll be overwhelmed by all the bags, belts, glasses, jewelry, hats, scarves and stockings you can find.

From Montreal,

Lindsay

Going to be in Montreal over the next week or so? Get thee to the Seven Days of Vintage event, happening in the city from June 17th to the 23rd.

For this one week in June, Off InterArts Studio will be turned into a delightful playground of vintage treasures. This boutique will feature men’s and women’s vintage clothing, shoes and accessories from the ’60’s, ’70’s, ’80’s and ’90’s and will be open daily from 11am - 7pm. CAN’T WAIT to browse through the many racks of unique, hand-selected pieces in the collection. And try everything on, obviously.

There’s also an opening event to kick-off the week on June 18th at 7pm where you can shop ’til you drop, have a drink or few and get your dance on to music by DJ Mitz and DJ Aaron Nathaniel Standen.

See you there?

5143 St. Laurent Blvd, June 17th - June 23rd, 11am - 7pm. http://sevendaysofvintage.blogspot.com

From Montreal,

Lindsay

With the start of summer so close by the hot sun is practically kissing my sandal-adorned feet, I’m on the hunt for light, breathable tees and tanks to complete my warm weather wardrobe. Thankfully, Montreal’s Mimi & Coco provides one-stop shopping for these essential must-haves.

This white, airy space provides the perfect background for showing off the Italian-crafted, 100% cotton t-shirts, tank tops, camisoles in every colour imaginable (seriously, baby blue, ocean blue, light pink, hot pink, bright yellow, pale green, orange sorbet, deep red - it’s overwhelming). Not to mention the label’s classic white tee, which is a standard complement to any well thought-out wardrobe. So versatile, perfect for layering, great with jeans, shorts or skirts and exactly what you want to be wearing on those hot, sweaty summer days. A bonus: everything is machine-washable - LOVE this. I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to be doing is stressing about how to care for my clothing when I could be drinking sangria on a terrace, having a picnic in the park, drinking sangria on a terrace, taking a long walk in the sun or drinking sangria on a terrace. The clothes are pretty, the material is comfortable, the care is simple; I’m not sure it could get any better. Wait - on top of the t-shirts and tanks, Mimi & Coco also does dresses, men’s shirts and children’s clothing, so I think it did just get better. Really, how many places can you visit to find beautiful, Italian-made clothing for everyone other than…you know, Italy? I can speak for Montreal and tell you of three, as that is how many Mimi & Coco boutiques there are in the city. Find them at 201 avenue Laurier West, t: 514.906.0349; 6717 boulevard Saint Laurent, t: 514.274.6242; and, 4927 rue Sherbrooke West, t: 514.482.6362.

Ps. I love Mimi & Coco for more than just the clothes - at the Laurier and Sherbrooke locations, you can find, tucked away at the back of the shop, a seriously delicious and healthy lunch in Mandy’s Salad Bar, which is, yes, exactly as it sounds. But, not just your average, run-of-the-mill, garden salad bar. No, I’m talking customized, homemade, organic, healthy, so-good-you-can’t-focus-on-anything-else-while-you’re-eating salads. There are a ton of choices, but my favorite is the Raegan-Danielle: avocado, strawberries, baked pita chips, organic greens, shaved Parmesan and balsamic vinaigrette. Yummy much? No wonder I like Mimi & Coco so. They took two of my favorite activities, shopping and eating and put them together in one room. Now I’m certain that things couldn’t get any better. If they build in a terrace and start offering sangria, I’m done for.

Happy summer shopping!

From Montreal,
Lindsay

Although I am not generally one to share my dessert, I am however, a fan of sharing a fabulous discount.

Here are a few of my favourite sites offering exclusive discounts. Check them out for deals that are better than chocolate:

Enjoy!

Ideeli
Hautelook
Beyond The Rack
Billion Dollar Babes
Enviius

p.s. I cannot be held responsible for the highly addictive nature of any of these websites!

Your Shop Girl.

Something a bit different this week; I recently discovered this news and just had to share it with ya’ll, it’s so exciting. So, a let’s take a quick break from shopping while I rave about this little piece of awesome that’s coming to Montreal. Check it:

Get out your calenders - in summer of 2011 (sadly not this one) the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts will be presenting “The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Street to the Stars,” a retrospective of the designer’s couture from his 35 years as one of the world’s most highly respected fashion designers. The exhibit will showcase his work ranging from 1976 up to the present day.

Says the website:

“Known as the enfant terrible of fashion, Jean Paul Gaultier is undoubtedly one of the most important designers of recent decades. His avant-garde style soon reflected the concerns of today’s society. The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Street to the Stars is the first ever retrospective of the couturier who launched his first prêt-à-porter collection in 1976 and established his own haute couture house in 1997.

Interested in all cultures and counter-culture, he boldly captures the mood of the times, offering a humanistic multicultural aesthetic: through his diversions, transgressions, metamorphoses, reinterpretations and cross-breedings, he blurs the boundaries and demands the right to be different, inventing a new way of creating and wearing couture. In honour of Jean Paul Gaultier’s thirty-five years in fashion, this truly mind-blowing multimedia exhibition will take a fresh look at the way this generous creator, who has shed all his hang-ups, uses his ties to the pop/rock-and-roll music scene, film and dance, and will shed light on the eclectic and impertinent sources of his inspiration, from the street to the stars.”

I can’t wait. I know it’s awhile yet, but I couldn’t wait a year to write about this! So, mark it on your calenders: if you happen to find yourself in Montreal next summer, this is definitely a must-see. Plus, it’s a nice indoor activity for when you need a break from shopping in the heat (which, let me tell you, is intense). Also, did I mention that it’s free?

Back to regularly scheduled shopping next time!

From Montreal,

Lindsay

http://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/expositions/exposition_153.html

Nothing screams girly, flirty, feminine like ruffles. Not to be confused with the over-the-top tiered ruffles found on your favorite party dress in elementary school, the refined ruffle is for grown ladies and has been adding a touch of fun and girly charm to garments all over the runways. A ruffle detail can take a simple summer dress from being day to night wear, and it adds a dose of personality and femininity. A simple ruffle, as shown in the example above, adds movement to a garment, which makes it come alive, not to mention a ruffle will exaggerate  and draw attention to the area which it is situated. Therefore, a ruffle at the bust-line, as shown above, is great for ladies with smaller chests. Also note the punchy, loud colour of the garment, which combined with the ruffle detail, makes this look a knockout and a head turner.

YSG tip: Ruffles speak for themselves, so be sure to pair your ruffled garment with simple accessories.  Also note, ruffles will add bulk and weight to the area which they are situated, therefore if you are busty avoid ruffles around the neckline. Similarly, avoid ruffle details at the hips and arms if you wish to play down such areas and make them appear slimmer.

Let’s step off the Main for a moment - just for a moment - and stroll (stylishly) over to Avenue Laurier for a peek at this particular shopping avenue’s fashion mecca, Billie Boutique.

Opened in September of 2005, Billie is the perfect embodiment of what a boutique should be; small and intimate; offering labels and garments meticulously chosen to both reflect the shop’s image and create sophisticated looks for their clientele; knowledgeable and attentive staff; and, a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes shoppers want to stay prrreeeetty much all day.

A large front window looks out upon the tree-lined Laurier and, against this backdrop, one can peruse the multitude of carefully selected labels on offer, covering feminine fashion from classic to trendy. Rifle through tees and tanks by Velvet, James Perse and Repeat neatly folded in the center dresser; choose a pair of J Brand, Hudson or Rich and Skinny jeans stacked on the side shelf; and, slip into summer and cocktail dresses by Designers Remix Collection, Graham & Spencer and Snob hanging on the side racks. Don’t forget to accessorize with jewelery by previously-mentioned Montreal designer, Claudia and shoes by Bloch (ballet flat experts), Dolce Vita and Ted Baker. Nor does it stop there - other brands and designers include Anna Sui, Filippa K, K by Karl Lagerfeld, Qi Cashmere, Tara Jarmon, Tracey Reese, Margit Brandt and Loeffler Randall. Sooo, yeah. No big deal or anything.

Such a lovely, refined space it is too. The soft colours, the beige wood, the rosy champagne satin and warm lighting in the dressing rooms that bathe you in a nice, little glow - SUCH a contrast from the usual heinous, yellow-florescent glare in most store change rooms - plus, the way in which the clothes are displayed, it’s basically like a gorgeous walk-in closet. One that I want installed in my bedroom. Immediately.

Billie is located at 141 Laurier St. W, t: 514. 270. 5415. Check out their amazing website to shop online and follow their blog at www.billieboutique.com

A well fitted, basic suit is an essential is any grown woman’s closet-especially those who work in the corporate world. If you do work in the corporate world, however, in no way should you ever solely rely on this one suit. There have been many fashionable variations on the tailored woman’s suit,  and if a suit is your 9-5 dress code, you should most definitely indulge in a least a few. Try to mix up fabrics, colours, and cuts in order to change up your everyday bland pant suit. See two examples from Philip Lim’s Spring/Summer 2010 ready to wear collection for inspiration. Try a shiny fabric or a tapered pant (above). Moving into summer, try a sleeveless coat with a slightly cropped pant (below). Your Shop Girl wants you to remember that you can always be fashion forward,  and stylish even at the office!

YSG Tip: It is very rare that a suit will fit you perfectly right off the rack. Make sure to look into in-store, complimentary  alteration services to ensure that your suit fits you like a glove and makes your look and feel your best.

Flirty, feminine and fun, the sweetheart neckline is one which suits almost every woman. As the name suggests, the sweetheart neckline dips down in the middle creating a heart-like shape on a woman’s chest. This neckline flatters all as it can give the illusion of a larger bust for those who are small chested, and also play up a woman’s already existing curves for those who have a more shapely figure. As shown, this neckline is often found on strapless numbers, such as tops and dresses, and instantly gives off a sexy, 1950’s pin-up vibe by highlighting the bust and diminishing the waist.

YSG Tip: Finding a piece with a sweetheart neck in the right size is key, one that is too large will look baggy and not flatter, and one that is too small will flatten the chest and give unflattering underarm ’spillage’-never ever good!