Shirine Saad finds that surf's up in Montreal and sends her love to Marie Saint Pierre.
I’ve never been one of those active beach types—I just manage to sip a few caipirinhas, ogle the guys and fall asleep in the sun—but this summer, to improve my chances with the boys, I might at least pretend to be a California surfer. So I’m heading to the new Empire megastore (1111 St-Antoine St. W., 514-390-1212, thinkempire.com) to get some wave staples, like a teeny Billabong bikini to catch his eye, a bright Element tee (right, $110) for sunset dinners, and a Burton hoodie for romantic walks on the sand.
Photography by Carlo Mendoza (styling by Breanna Gow for Plutino Group)
Groovy
Sick of too much good taste? Desperately in need of some wild, wild fun? Set out on a shopping mission at Kitsch’n Swell (3968 St-Laurent Blvd., 514-845-6789), which specializes in funky and colourful vintage stuff from all over the world, from sparkly pasties that’ll spice up your stripteases to mugs shaped like a woman’s bust, ’50s sunglasses and frames, tiki souvenirs and kitsch decor objects. Antiquity experts and fun-seekers alike will enjoy some guilty pleasures while perusing this bazaar-like store.
Photography by Will Lew
Earthy Chic
Joanna Szkiela grew up in France and Poland, but she also draws inspiration for her Red Sofa jewellery collection (redsofa.etsy.com) from the Mediterranean and the organic forms she encounters on her travels. Sea urchin–shaped rings ($255), shell necklaces made of silver and pearls($95), coral and leather pendants, chokers with wood and exotic fruit seeds—every piece is crafted with the noblest materials. This summer, to go with my ’70s-inspired looks, I’ll be splurging on her Central Park pendant with chiseled silver feathers, and wood and chrysoprase beads. At EQlib Chartrand & Leblond (2000 McGill College Ave., 514-937-8467).
Photography by Nicole Stafford
THE ADDRESS
Marie Saint Pierre
Rockland Centre, 2305 Rockland Rd., 514-738-5547, mariesaintpierre.com
What’s new: Saint Pierre, Quebec’s own Rei Kawakubo, just opened a store at Rockland Centre this April—perfect if you don’t want to be stuck in downtown traffic to visit her de la Montagne boutique.
Why I love it: Any excuse is good for stocking up on the designer’s sophisticated shirts and her black dresses with flowing ruffles and rosettes, made to fit all body types.
The musts: I’ll be flaunting the graphic-print silk crepon dress at summer cocktail parties for a safari allure, and I love the silver leggings and pleated skirts. But preppy types will prefer the black jersey or white-detailed taffeta LBDs for a très modern look.
Shown: Marie Saint Pierre Spring 2008. Photography by Agnieszka.