On a day like today …(snowy, cold and grey) it is always nice to take an imaginary  step out of dreary winter and think ahead to the warmer spring months soon to come. What could be more refreshing then welcoming Spring with a wardrobe full of bold bright colour’s,  screaming of tropical locals, warm breezes and sunny afternoons! When shopping for Spring this year, have no fear when it comes to colour and colourful patterns, and  put your brightest and best foot forward.

YSG Tip. Wearing bright colours, and staying stylish, is not always easy. Take a tip from the look above and pair your colour’s with simple accessories and neutral colours, a tailored white blazer and simple nude colours shoes, as seen above, do the trick!

Just a high-heel clad step away from Lola and Emily on Blvd St. Laurent is another clothing mecca that has recently made its way onto my Montreal Favorites List (which grows ever longer each time I step a thick winter-boot encased foot out my door - the heels will come soon, or so I keep telling myself - May? June, maybe?). Hip, stylish Boutique U&I is highly touted by Montreal insiders for its selection of original pieces that focus, as its website says, “on the intellectual and conceptual side of modern style.” A bare yet elegant, wood-paneled space, against which the clothes are placed, U&I lays emphasis on the garments themselves, not the decor; in doing so, it creates an atmosphere that fuses ideas of individuality and creativity through fashion.

Don’t be intimidated, however, by all this intellectual and concept talk. For all the shop’s forward-thinking, the clothes are incredibly wearable and ever so nonchalantly cool; perfect for that effortless, casual chic vibe we’re looking to embody this spring/summer (April, even? Sigh).

The list of designers? To name but a few:

The Montreal designers in-store include the re-inventor of the winter coat, Mackage, as well as Yso and local style icon, Denis Gagnon; if that isn’t enough to have you licking the windows, U&I has lines from Opening Ceremony, 3.1 Philip Lim, Rag&Bone, Acne and Ernest Sewn; and, if THAT isn’t enough, perhaps the pieces from Comme des Garcons, Vivienne Westwood and Parisian darling, Vanessa Bruno might tempt you. As well as the array of clothes, U&I also carries a fantastic collection of bags and shoes, like the Denis Gagnon/Fullum&Holt Bag collection and shoes by Dolce Vita, Sperry Topsiders and Chie Mihara. I don’t know about you, but they had me at…well, being a clothing boutique, really, but Rag&Bone and Vanessa Bruno? Um, yes, puh-lease.

You can find Boutique U&I at 3650 St. Laurent Blvd, literally steps away from Lola and Emily. How convenient, no?

t: 514.844.8788, www.boutiqueuandi.com

From Montreal,

Lindsay

Take a cue from the men’s wear inspired looks that have been popping up over the past few seasons and enter Spring with a casual cool attitude towards dressing and shopping. This upcoming season comfort can be key especially when aiming to achieve the perfect casual wear look. Forget oufits that are tight and tailored, look for garments in light fabrics that fit looser around the body, as shown above. Without loosing one’s shape and curves completely, there is a fine line in obtaining this effortless look. Try to incorporate one causal, men’s wear inspired piece into an outfit, and mix it with something feminine or tailored. As shown, the relaxed fitting trouser paired with the sheer cropped top and cute leather booties make for a look which oozes comfort but does not lack femininity or sex appeal.

YSG tip: Complete the look with equally fuss-free causal accessories, make up and hair. The simple, loose side braid, as shown, is the perfect complimentary hair style for this outfit. Polished enough that it does not look messy, but simple enough that it does not look high maintenance.  A large canvas tote or messenger bag would also be great items to pair with this look.

The shift dress should be a staple in everyones wardrobe. This timeless silhouette which hangs straight down from the shoulder and hits just above the knee with slight waist definition, rose to fame in the sixties and is a versatile basic that can be dressed up, dressed down and if accessorized right, worn in almost every occasion. A version of the shift dress should be a constant basic that can be found season to season so there is no excuse when it comes to finding one just right for your body and budget. This upcoming spring, the runways have seen many variations of the shift, and this week YSG highlights two which are clean, fresh and characteristically simple.

YSG Tip: Dress up your shift for a night out with a pair of heels and small evening bag, dress down your shift for the office or casual lunch with pretty flats, and a simple light sweater.

Pretty jewellery alert!

Thanks to the knowledge (and fabulous style) of an accessories-obsessed friend, my fashion horizons have been most happily expanded. Never a big jewellery girl in the past, I now coo and fawn over beautifully glam necklaces, charms and such as if they were precious, little newborn babies. What prompted this sudden change? Montreal-based designer, Claudia Grundman of Claudia Accessories.

Unique and elegant, Claudia Accessories designs and manufactures custom-made necklaces, pendants, charms, bracelets and earrings. Edgy, dramatic elements such as Swarovski crystals, wood and leather are paired with elegant chains and charms to create a look that’s not too sweet and not too strong, but always very eye-catching. I’m loving the Antique Key Necklace done with Swarovski crystals, done in either gold or silver. An attractive way to keep your secrets close to you, n’est-ce pas?

Claudia’s pieces can be found in many Montreal shops, Lola & Emily (3475 St. Laurent Blvd), Billie (141 Laurier West) and TNT (4100 St. Catherine St. W) being my choice few. Or, you can also shop online at www.claudiaaccessories.com and check out the store locator link to find a shop nearest you.

From Montreal,

Lindsay

Girls, get ready to roar, animal prints are back and better then ever! PETA friendly and totally socially acceptable animal prints are a great way to spice up any outfit. Lions, and tigers and zebra’s oh my, a variety of prints and patterns have been showing up all over the runways and stores. Be bold in a full length patterned coat, as shown above, or take it slow with a simple scarf. Regardless of how you wear them, bold animal prints make a statement.

YSG tip: Stick to one pattern at a time, wearing too many at once will take away from the look and appear sloppy and confusing, rather then stylish and daring! Also be sure to choose a pattern that compliments your body and colouring, keep in mind the size of the pattern and overall tones.