People often ask me where I got this or where I found that. Whether they are referring to my clothing, accessories, furniture or home décor, it’s very likely that it came from a second hand or vintage shop, was a hand me down, or from a sidewalk sale. I love to own unique items and the best way to do that is to stray far from all things mainstream. If you know where to look, you can discover some pretty incredible finds. Here are four vintage fashion and décor shopping tips, some of which I am even a bit hesitant to share because once everyone knows about them, the amazing finds will be less easy to find – but my Mom taught me to share! VINTAGE FASHION SALES Holy Vintage: A mega-vintage sale happening this weekend Fashion blogging twins, Josiane and Carolane Stratis are hosting a huge vintage and second hand sale this Saturday and Sunday in the church on the corner of Rachel and Drolet. A group of vintage fashion lovers are participating, like Lolitta Dandoy who will be bringing her MyWalk.in items to the sale. I also have a few pieces for sale (including these vintage Escada and Betsey Johnson dresses) that the Stratis sisters will be selling for me. You can pay cash or by credit card. Oh, and it’s BYOB (bring your own bag). 4220 Drolet 12pm–7pm, April 27, 28 Holy Vintage Facebook event   Vintage Recall II: Delicious designer clothing sale Next weekend (May 5th) raid some of Montreal’s most fashionable ladies’ closets in support of the Alzheimer Group. For a second year, prominent Montrealers have donated their Gucci and Prada to support a great cause. The sale is open to the public from 10 am–4 pm. If you really want to get the good stuff first, you can attend the private sale and cocktail on Thursday, May 2nd from 5:30–7:30 pm for $75. Last year $30,000 was raised for the charity. L'Atelier, 5500 Ferrier Street (off of Decarie and near Namur metro station) Free parking, free admission on May 5th, 10am-4pm Check out some of the items for sale on the Facebook event. Iegor: Luxury vintage fashion auction I’ve been going to this auction house for a few years now and I almost don’t want to tell you how amazing their sales are for luxury vintage fashion, jewellery and accessories! The auction house is located in a beautiful neo-classical style church in Saint-Henri and fashionistas can view and try on items prior to the sale. Return for the auction night to bid on your favourite items (complimentary wine!) or you can also place your bid over the phone or via their website. Some items I’ve won in the past: vintage Versace thigh-high suede boots with gold accents on the toes and heels and a delicate vintage Hermès scarf-top. The next fashion auction will be held the evening of May 15. Note: Iegor also hosts antique and art auctions, so check out their site for a list of all their upcoming auctions. Hôtel des encans 872 rue du Couvent VINTAGE FURNITURE De la ruelle au salon (From the alley to the living room) Isabelle Clément scans sites like Kijiji, Craigslist and LesPac for incredibly inexpensive vintage or antique furniture and décor items, and then she posts them on her Facebook page. She mostly posts items that are no more than $100 and that are almost always ridiculously amazing. I’ve been obsessed with her page since I discovered it and check it daily (ok, sometimes even a few times a day). Recently, I purchased this antique secretary that Isabelle had posted, for $150 from a guy who had originally paid $1200 for it at Iegor. Isabelle also blogs in French about her personal finds and gives her readers tips on how to decorate using a small budget and a bit of creativity. De la ruelle au salon on Facebook Happy shopping!

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Most runners will probably agree that in the past week, when we lace up, we can’t help but experience a humble and silent moment for the many runners and bystanders who were at the Boston marathon. Although we were all deeply saddened by the tragedy, it’s become an incredible motivator and inspiration for even the shortest runs. Suddenly my participation in this weekend’s Banque Scotia 5k has an added purpose: to run for freedom and peace. When fear tries to knock us down, we need to stand up, brush ourselves off and keep running. This Sunday I’ll be running to support a local charity, but also because I support participating in any activity without fear. Sunday morning I’ll be running for Fondation Famijeunes, a family community center located in St-Henri that offers support to families in need. If you’d like to make a donation, you can do so by clicking here. Only five days left to train and I’ve been putting the tips I received from pro-runner and trainer, Louis to good use. Louis works at Boutique Endurance (THE best place to buy good running shoes) and he also just launched a running journal and practical tips book (in French) called “Courir.” You can purchase it at most bookstores or at Boutique Endurance. Gotta run! Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal Web site | Facebook | Twitter #Scotia21KdeMtl Boutique Endurance 6579, rue St-Denis 514 272-9267 Web site | Facebook | Twitter

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When spring comes around we love to trade in our winter wardrobe for lighter and more colourful garments. I like to do the same with my perfume collection. The moodier and muskier fragrances get moved to the back of my vanity like pieces on a chessboard to make way for more cheerful scents. Whether I’m feeling flirty or seductive, girly or ladylike, I have six fresh new scents to choose from. Find out which perfumes convey what mood for me, and maybe you’ll find your new signature scent among them. Playful – See by Chloé Its bottle resembles a glass bird cage, and it contains a soft floral scent. I reach for this one often because it makes me feel feminine and reminds me of romance. And it doesn’t hurt that my guy loves it. 75ml – $105 at Sephora, The Bay, Pharmaprix, Sears   Vivacious – Eau Magistrale Vive Quebec beauty brand Jouviance just launched three eaux de toilette created with Montreal’s perfume pro Ruby Brown. Inspired by Quebec media star Véronique Cloutier, Ruby used Véro’s olfactory memories to dream up three fragrances. Vive, my personal pick, has a peppy, citrusy scent. It’s the perfect pick-me-up. 50ml – $59 at most pharmacies   Daring – Couture La La by Juicy Couture This one is kind of surprising and spontaneous. The bottle is over-the-top with its hot-pink ribbon and blingy necklace. Although it seems girly, it’s actually more womanly, with lovely floral notes. I like to wear it when I’m wearing something outrageous. 100ml – $105 at Sephora, The Bay, Sears, Pharmaprix Happy – Middle East Peace This fragrance not only makes me feel good because it contains three of my favourite flavours (grapefruit, lime and basil sourced from Israel and Iran), but also because it’s a perfume that makes a difference. Barbara Stegemann is a Canadian woman with a powerful message. She sources her ingredients from countries in turmoil, creating jobs for women and empowering them. Wearing this fragrance is like wearing a white flag. It promotes peace and sustainability, and smells amazing. 50ml – $70 available online Girly – Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit by Kiehl’s Another citrus-based fragrance (I love citrus!), this one has a more floral aroma with its Japanese pear blossom notes. Fresh and flirty, it’s the perfect scent for a bike trip to the market on a sunny day. 100ml – $62 at Kiehl’s   Sexy – Just Cavalli by Roberto Cavalli Georgia May Jagger is the face of this new fragrance. Like her father, this perfume is a bit in-your-face. It’s a pretty heady perfume for spring, but I find that it’s a great evening scent for heading out in an LBD and for when you’re feeling a bit provocative. 75ml – $79 at The Bay, Sears, Pharmaprix, Sephora

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Spring may have already sprung in NYC, but it sure doesn’t seem like it has here. Why not step things up by adding some of the Big Apple’s colourful blossoms to your makeup palette? Elizabeth Arden recently sent me samples from their limited edition colour collection, New York in Bloom. I especially love the two Eye Shadow Trios (lots of browns and teals with a shimmer effect – $38 each) and their Radiant Bronzing Powders ($40) in a mix of soft shades of bronze, gold and pink. The nail polish duos (colour and top coat all in one – $22 each) and chubby Bold Eye Pencils (in vibrant teal, platinum and brown – $22 each) are fun and practical, too! Now, I’m blooming ready for spring! Also available in the collection: Lip Gloss ($22), Radiance Blush ($35) and Beautiful Colour Lash Enhancing Mascara ($30). Available now at all Elizabeth Arden counters. Follow Elizabeth Arden here: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Until the end of the month, Montrealers in the mood for maple can indulge in Quebec’s typical sugary, meaty meal without ever leaving the city. Hôtel Nelligan’s Terrasse à sucre, now a three-year old tradition, treats young urban professionals and tourists to lively evenings of Quebec folk music, a superabundant sugar shack spread and an array of creative maple-infused cocktails. Why drive all the way out to the country when the folks at the Nelligan bring the country here? Kick off the sugaring-off season with a maple martini (vodka-based, with a stir stick of maple taffy) or warm up with a mug of mulled wine before you start your meal with a comforting pea soup. Be careful not to fill up on bread and cretons (pork spread) because the plaid-clad wait staff will soon serve your plate of eggs, bacon, ham, sausages, pork rinds, beans and potatoes. A nice improvement over the past two years' buffet-style approach. Finish off your meal with a boozy coffee, poor man’s pudding and a mini maple tart. Don’t forget to try the maple taffy before you go, if you didn’t already start off the meal with one in your drink! Stop by the petite petting zoo for a fuzzy bunny fix and drink in the breathtaking view of Old Montreal from the rooftop. With two adult-only services each Friday and Saturday, there’s plenty of party to be had minus the obstacle of mapled-up minors. The little ones are welcome on Sundays during the two different brunch times. Happy sugar shacking! Terrasse à sucre $35 (drinks & service not included) For reservations: 514-788-4000 Friday & Saturday services: Arrival: 5:30­–6:45pm Arrival: 9–9:15pm Sunday brunch service: ($29 for adults, $18 for 11–18yrs, $12 for 10 and under) 10:15am–12pm 1pm–3pm Fore more info on the Hôtel Nelligan: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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This little piggy went to the recently reopened Saint-Jacques Market on the corner of Amherst and Ontario last weekend. One of Montreal’s oldest public markets (it’s been around since 1872!), the Marché boasts a baker’s dozen of lovely new tenants and a new landlord to bring us a little haven of good food. If you’re like me, easily intimidated and confused by the vast choice at the Jean Talon and Atwater markets, then this is a great alternative. With only one of everything, Marché Saint-Jacques is the perfect pit stop to pick up everything on your grocery list. It also makes it much easier to get to know the people who make it such a treat to shop there. These are the fine folks to meet at the market: Siegfried Bachtold – Meyer’s Saucisses Allemandes Germans are known for their sausages, sauerkraut and soft pretzels, but Siegfried knows how to make them! The German in me was delighted to discover his homemade Weisswurst (traditional Bavarian sausage made with veal), Knackwurst (“knack” for the sound it makes when you bite into it) and spicy sauerkraut. His prized pastry-with-a-twist was twisted even further into a German-Québecois hybrid maple-glazed pretzel. Saturdays see German ex-pats and Germanophiles gather for an informal Kaffeeklatsch. Chantal Frenkcuec & Stéphane Gratton – Viande S.G. Chantal got me with her stuffed bunny – no seriously, her deboned, prune-stuffed and bacon-wrapped rabbit is to die for. You buy it ready to go in the oven, cook it for an hour and a half, and you’ve got gourmet! She and her partner run this, their second butcher shop, in the friendliest fashion, offering tips to turn your meat into the finest meal. www.viandesg.com Danielle Antaya, manager – La Fromagerie Atwater Danielle is the big cheese at the Marché Saint-Jacques. Witty and knowledgeable, she’ll introduce you to the best Quebec cheeses, seduce you with brie and charm you with charcuterie. I taste-tested a ready-to-pop-in-the-oven brie with walnuts, a meat terrine and a couple of mini spoonfuls of Bilboquet’s maple ice cream. www.fromagerieatwater.ca Jimmy Provost – Fraîcheurs du marché Fill up on fresh produce chez Jimmy and his partner Léa. They have everything from fruits and veggies to local products and organic goods. An essential part of the market, they will be even more of a must this summer when they will be open 24 hours! Fraîcheurs du marché on Facebook Manon Desgagnés – Le Rouge Tomate Copy-pasta: taking her popular concept of fresh pasta and other Italian dishes from the Laurentians and bringing it to Montreal at the Marché, Manon offers all sorts of pasta sans preservatives. I especially liked her take-out gaspacho. www.lerougetomate.com Sabiha Merabet & Amel Sabri – Les Pâtisseries Mansoura From Maghreb to the Marché: Sabiha and Amel introduced me to their delectable North African desserts. Made by hand with ingredients such as almonds, honey and orange blossom water, they are flaky exotic delicacies. Look for their organic and gluten-free versions in the near future. Gino Akiki – l’Auberge du Chocolat I’m a sucker for anything chocolate, and when the pusher is wearing a cute bow tie, it’s even harder to say no. I think any chocolate-loving lady will enjoy stopping by Gino’s stand. Not only does he make his own truffles, chocolates and chocolate spreads, he’s happy to let you try before you buy. www.laubergeduchocolat.com Rémy Couture – Pâtisserie Crémy The boisterous, pastry-passionate Rémy has worked in some of Montreal’s top restos as a pastry chef. Now he runs two pastry shops to be proud of (the other is on avenue Mont-Royal). And proud he should be, because not only did he wow me with his tarte au sucre à l’érable, but he also turns each of his popular pastries into petite pastry pops. These desserts on a stick are perfect for sweet tooths who are always on the go. cremypatisserie.com Nadim & Nils – Crêpanita du Marché Visit these fine young men from France for their sweet or savoury crêpes at their street side counter. With nearly 30 crêpes to choose from, it’s on-the-spot satisfaction guaranteed! www.crepanita.com Bertrand Gaumer – Pain à Tartine Although this baker hasn’t received his ovens yet, he introduced me to his (literally) homemade baguette, and it is definitely worth the wait. Originally from France, Bertrand plans on using only quality local ingredients (and mostly organically grown) in his traditional artisanal breads. www.painatartine.com Stéphane Deblois – Brûlerie aux Quatre Vents Every Marché needs a café and this one comes from Châteauguay. Stéphane opened his first café there and now has several in various public markets. Enjoy a fresh coffee, get your joe to go or stock up on one of the 20 varieties of coffee beans that Stéphane roasts himself. Brûlerie aux Quatre Vents on Facebook Don’t miss the outdoor sugar shack this month for all things maple, and be sure to head to the Marché for fresh farm produce and flowers under the outdoor canopies this summer. Marché Saint-Jacques 2035 Amherst Street (and Ontario) Monday through Friday, 9am–7pm Saturday, 9am–6pm Sunday, 9am–5pm For more info: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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The folks at Mortimer Snodgrass have some of the craziest sh*t you can find. Literally. I recently tried their Hand Shhhh… (I have a hard time even saying the name of these hand creams) and it is divine. Made from beeswax, sunflower and coconut oils, they come in 4 unique and subtle scents: jasmine fig, honeysuckle sage, apple blossom verbena and the one I have – sweet pea lilac. Made in Massachusetts from mostly natural ingredients, you’ll love the fun designs of each little glass pot. I like to put mine on before I go to bed and then wake up with the softest hands. Thank goodness, they don’t smell like sh*t! Available at Mortimer Snodgrass online or at their fun gift store in Old Montreal for $14. 56 Notre-Dame W. For more info and other crazy sh*t: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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If Holts is the grande dame of retail in Montreal, then hr2 is her style-savvy little sister on the South Shore. Not much about Quartier DIX30 in Brossard had me too excited until last week, when Holt Renfrew opened its new concept store, hr2. Along with a few other fashionistas, I was treated to a sneak-peak shopping spree the night before the official opening. Not entirely sure what to expect, we were delighted to discover a bright, spacious and well-organized store with rows of covetable designer shoes, dresses, handbags and other accessories, all at very affordable prices. It was difficult to decide which of our favourite brands we were going to take home, because there was just so much to love. To-die-for dresses by DVF, Alice + Olivia, Elie Tahari and more were priced around $200–$300. We tried on shoes and handbags galore, including styles from Dior, Kate Spade and a pair of nude patent Louboutins (at an astounding $199) that had everyone’s jaw dropping. It’s now officially okay to head over the bridge for head-over-heels designer deals! Located in the “Square” at Quartier DIX30 For more info, visit and follow hr2 here: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Enough with the depressing black uniforms already! Spring is officially here even if there's still snow on the ground. It's time to break the ice with some vivid denim. Most denim makers are making a statement with an array of colours, so we can go boldly into spring. Or go softly with the many pastel shades out there. For fun, go wild with a floral pattern. I can't wait to see more colour in the streets! I spotted this happy rainbow rack of denim at Nata PR's Sensations event in February. Twice a year they present fashion and lifestyle journalists with the latest and upcoming trends from their clients. I'm already a big fan of Second Denim Co. (a Canadian denim brand) and their comfy yoga jeans (designed and produced right here in QC), but now I wish I had a Pantone pair. Bye bye, boring blacks and blues! Price $120 The GAP has always been a gal's go-to store to grab a pair of denim, but now it's time to skim through their selection of Skimmer jeans from the 1969 collection. I selected three pretty pastel pairs for you, but they come in 10 different colours and are currently 25% off if you buy them online. $79.95 in store, or $54.99 online when you use the code: GAPC25. Finally, here's a brand that I'd heard about, but hadn't tried: NYDJ from L.A. (formally: Not Your Daughter's Jeans and even prior to that they were called the "Tummy Tuck" jeans!) Their claim to fame: apparently they are the original slimming jean and will make you feel a whole size smaller. When they asked if I'd like to try a pair, I of course said yes because like shoes, a girl can never have too many pairs of jeans. And who wouldn't want to feel a whole size smaller? Even though they had a wide range of fun colours and styles, including the black & white pair shown above (B&W is supposedly the "in" thing this spring), I chose this fun floral print. And in what size? Four! My butt usually takes a size 6 so I was quite pleased with the size smaller. Want a chance to win a pair of NYDJ? Until April 4th you can participate in their Pin-to-win contest here. If you don't take home a pair that way, then you can always head to The Bay, Simons or your favourite denim boutiques to pick up a pair. Use their store locator to find the one that's nearest you.

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