I have been waiting for the Yves Laroche re-opening for what seems like forever now… my favorite gallery of all time (that I know of, at least here in the 514), moved from it’s Old Port location on St. Paul to St. Laurent to accommodate a larger exhibition space!  AMAAAAZING!!!

Displaying some of their regular artists (like my all time fave Mr. Jon Todd), Kathie Olivias, and Ron English, last night’s focus was on the traditional Catholic Mexican art of Daniel Martin Diaz!

Seriously there was so much goodness to soak in and enjoy… great live music, amazing scenesters all around for your fashionable enjoyment (seriously everyone just oozed coolness) and vividly imaginative art.

Do I really need to explain why a chamber in my heart belongs to them?  Everything in those rooms draws wild inspiration – Every.  Single.  Thing.

Enjoy some of my personal faves .

Of course no St. Laurent outing would be complete without POUTINE!!!  We all noshed down on the poutine of choice at the Banquise

And for your viewing pleasure… This was from about five years ago when the Just For Laughs Gag Reel TOTAL got me

I was soooo PUNK’D!

Also, I am Bitchin’ Kitchen’s Bitchin’ Babe of the month!  Read my interview on their lifestyle blog

Hang in there Thursday goers… weekend is almost here (and Grand Prix is in town – going to a kick-ass event tomorrow night in celebration)!

xox

Alright kiddos, here we go!  In light of the holiday season, I could not think of a better or more festive giveaway than a few stunning one-of-a-kind pieces from Montreal’s whimsical Katrin Leblond Boutique… you lucky, lucky things!

All of the items in this giveaway are related by a connection to flowers… the symbolism of beauty in Katrin’s logo.  A beautiful giveaway to pamper your body and mind

First up…

Homemade decadent whipped soap made locally here in Quebec (your chance to try some of Montreal’s finest fresh cosmetics)… and in the form of a cupcake at that!  I have the same one in my studio bathroom at the moment and am obsessed with the rose/chocolate scent it leaves on your skin…. mmmmmm… not to mention it will last you forever because of the generous size… if they weren’t as hard as they are I’m sure I would have tried sinking my teeth into one by now…

I will also be including this gorgeous fuschia rose ring courtesy of the Katrin Leblond boutique… and yes it comes with that adorable star pochette to keep it in… tempted to play dress-up yet?

And here is the part that gratifies the mind… the signature KL eco-friendly shopping tote!  Recycle in total fashion (and avoid those eeeeevil plastic bags) when you sport this around town to get errands done and stock up on groceries (I have one I use for hauling my laptop and magazines to coffee shops with around town… loves it)

Next up…

Petal Pop!  A card company run entirely by Jackie Basset who plants, grows, presses and places individually with tweezers each individual flower petal on each of these homemade cards.  It is impossible not to fall instantaneously in love with everything about this made-with-mad-amounts-of-love card!

And of course for good measure I will throw in a little 514 road map to amazing stylespiration… I know some of you don’t live here and there may not be places you can particularly visit listed, but you can have your fun online stalking all the creative forces that make up Montreal fashion and lifestyle

What can I say?  I gots to represent and spread the local love!!!

Soooo… drop a comment below of why you would like to win this giveaway and your answer to the following question

“What is beauty?”

This giveaway closes midnight on New Year’s Eve 2009…. that’s right folks – you may be the lucky winner who rings in the New Year with a whole lot of gorgeous garb!

Extra entries will be added for those who blog post about this giveaway, facebook it or tweet it!

(please drop the extra links below so that I include your multiple entries in the draw)

Good Luck ladies & gents!

Fashion shows seem to be finding me as of late!  Last week I played model for a fund raising event night showcasing the gorgeous Aragon Couture line at Radio Lounge on St. Laurent street here in the 514 – much fun!

Eric Hernandez Aragon, the creative mind behind Aragon Couture seems to have started his own thing with no signs of slowing down anytime soon… a graduate of LaSalle College (for those of you who were unaware, this is also where I studied fashion design), this is not Eric’s first show.  Featured locally in Le Lundi and showcased for Montreal’s Festival Mode & Design… he speaks of only many more fashion ventures to come… a star in the making!

Look mom!  It’s me!!!  Ahahaha… yet another shot of me trying to take myself seriously as a model… pfffft!  I truly ADORED the ensemble I was fitted in!  A gorgeous snakeskin-textured bustier paired with the tightest most divine black satin pencil skirt… YUMS!  Oh… and my hair all voluminous… I love!  I will be hunting down hairdressers soon for a potential wave-enhancing treatment (does this exist or is it something I dreamed up all by lonesome?).

I don’t think I really need to stress how beautiful both the outfits as well as the ladies were… oh so glam!

How freakin’ cute is she?

All the models with the brilliant designer…

I must admit – I did feel pretty glamour-tastic that night.  Loved the makeup, the mood of the clothing and the chill people that made it so laid back and such a success.  Thank you all for another fun memory and a special shout out to Hugo for the awesome picture documentation

There are only a very select few places in this world that have the ability to make you feel like a little girl again.  That re-awaken your senses and inspire the way you choose to live.

Welcome world, to the beauty, originality and love that is the Katrin Leblond boutique.

Located on the very trendy St. Laurent strip here in the 514, Katrin’s boutique is it’s own magical fairytale land in itself.  An overload of bright colors, intricate and geometrical shapes, prints and a rich feeling of handmade LOVE.  You have to understand… mostly EVERYTHING in this store was thought of, produced and completely handcrafted by an ARTIST.  No, not the kind of “artists” from China that slave labour away all day… real artists of their chosen craft.  Felt workers, fur recyclers, jewellery makers, organic enthusiasts, crochet champions… you name it – they all seem to gather in this local hot spot for great Canadian design.

Now, this is not the first time I have posted about Katrin nor do I plan it to be anywhere near the last.  Not only is she the vivid creative force behind her own line, but her boutique houses more than 30 local and Canadian designers.  All of which who share and equally compliment the passionate and colorful aesthetic of her own line.

Gorgeous, original zipper necklaces (you can adjust at which length you choose to wear them) in various colors feature hand blown glass capsules of little treasures (feathers, beads, lockets, safety pins…).  All by the multi-talented Montreal artist Vanessa Yanow (vanessayanow.com).  Always a great conversation starter and look great layered over one another – pile ‘em on ladies!

Katrin is a big fan of the Classic Hardware brand.  Based out of California, the line mixes vintage glamor with a fun whimsical twist.  Pieces are made out of resin and silver plated metals giving the DNA of the brand a funky cool look infused with pop art, folklore, rock ‘n roll and a rugged approach to construction.  I have yet to see this line carried elsewhere in the 514, so I’m pretty sure it is exclusive to Katrin’s boutique!  Great for gifts for every and any personality (tried, tested and true many a times by your’s truly!)

Silk screened vintage ties are a staple in the store, as the manager Erin has a part in making them!  Her partners Barb and Aislin produce the entire collection from an entirely recycled silk screen process.  Using vintage prints and modifying them, they come up with ties that make women want to fight their man off for   I personally love wearing mine as a belt with jeans (stay tuned for a featured 514 Outfit Post!)…  So cool!

Alas!  One of Katrin’s designs!  Lots of beautiful embellishments in a strikingly feminine psychedelic silk taffeta material.  Katrin does made to measure bridal dresses, each more unforgettable than the last…

Okay… I must admit, I think I must be one of the biggest fans for her bedding collection.  Personally I own about six pillowcases in variations of these to-die-for prints!  I give them away as gifts, I love them to smithereens.  Such a simple, easy and affordable way to spruce up your house, apartment or even office.  Every couch yearns for an interesting pillow companion.  Give in and make it happen.  Don’t forget to check in every so often – Kat snatches up new and playful bedding prints every season

Some of the interior decor of the boutique… painted roses by Katrin’s brother Nick Leblond!

Very beautiful, and very exotic feather earrings and necklaces.  Adds a wild splash of color to any outfit!  All made local Corina Rose, all one-of-a-kind, all naturally molted and not a drop of dye used.  These are all natural baby!

Katrin’s signature and best selling Katrina dress!  Every dress is made by hand here in Montreal, and no two are exactly the same!  They all display different colors and a ruffled bustline unique to each piece!  One of a kind… and did I mention it hugs and fits every form perfectly?  From busty to hourglass, boyish to pear shaped – there is not one body type that this dress can’t compliment.  Try it on for yourself.  You’ll see (and then I can say I told you so… heheheheh…)

The dressing room gives an amazing boudoir/circus/old Hollywood feel.

Crinolines!  Oh the possibilities!  They can make a simple skirt a jaw dropping centerpiece!  Pair this with one of Katrin’s summer dresses and voila!  Instantly transformed into a kick ass party dress.  Dramatic, fun and will make you feel like an ice cream queen!  In a variety of colors, lengths and sizes… add a bit of volume and drama to your personal style.  This is a favorite amongst Katrin’s clients who are performing artists – gives that added necissary “UMPH” to their routines and captivates crowds.

Oh!  If your lucky enough, you may even be lucky enough to spot beautiful little girls in flower jackets hiding under beds!  I told you this place was magical…

Petal Pop!  A card company run entirely by Jackie Basset who plants, grows, presses and places individually with tweezers each individual flower petal on each of these homemade cards.  If that is not crazy, I sure as hell do not know what is!  Sure makes an amazing Christmas card that no one will forget anytime soon (especially when you tell them how much love it was made with – from start to finish).

Erin, the stores manager briefed me on the symbolism behind the KL brands logo.  The heart meaning love and the flowers symbolizing beauty.  The philosophy behind love and beauty being so crucial to one another is that beauty stems from the love you encounter in your everyday life.  The involvement and experiences you put out and get back.  That is the focus of the ambiance in the store – to have a beautiful encounter filled to the brim with love.  To feel all of the creative energies of so many people working together to bring something original and unique to your life and wardrobe.  To put on that favorite sweater you picked up from Kat’s boutique and remember the process you enjoyed picking it out, styling it and purchasing it.  Warm thoughts every time you grab for it

Emilie Desmeules is a very popular Quebec Designer from Lac St. Jean known for her abstract yarn/applique designs and fabric construction.  All placed by hand and top stitched to perfection.  Emilie won the award for emerging textile artist last year here in Quebec, and the brands future only seems to be shining brighter.  I personally love the way she plays up transparencies and overlaps her add-on’s in a very asymmetrical way.  Emiliedesmeules.com (check out her inspiration and how the fabric-making process works on her site).

Fairytale floral bustier!  The softer side of a very sexy piece.

I LOVE this top – it feels so incredibly Parisian to me (but then again I’ve never been there, so what the hell do I know?).  None the less I feel like I could sport this with some killer red lipstick and a pair of sky high heels and cutoff Capri’s and sit all day on a french terrace sipping my latte, smoking cigarillos and inspecting vintage black and white photographs.  Hell, I may just pick up this shirt to make an excuse to do all of the above…

Katrin’s fall/winter jackets (and signature Scarfette’s to the right)!  Made in a lush velvet in rich jewel tones and a silk chiffon neck tie, this look is regal.  There is something about buttons covered in velvet that gives me goosebumps (in the good way)… reawakens memories of museum exhibits where the clothes made for Queens were all handmade and made to measure.  Where the sixty buttons down the front of a riding jacket resemble a hand quilted carpet or love seat.  Made with the same care and precision.  Scarfette’s are seen everywhere in Leblond Land… being worn as mini-scarves, in the hair, pinned to a jacket under a Fleurette (the brands signature flower brooch), tied to a handbag strap… wherever you want an instant splash of color basically!

Also… a little heads up for those of you who like to meet and greet the designers whose clothes you wear… Katrin herself can be spotted in the boutique on weekends!  Drop by and meet the master!

Now THESE I am ecstatic about.  Forever a huge Lush fan, these are by a local designer from St. Jean sur Richelieu here in Quebec!  She whips them up (for that sinfully “eatable” texture) made with all-natural ingredients and an amazing combination of scents!  Rose and chocolate, cinnamon and licorice, vanilla and lavender… oh MY!  I will be doing a giveaway soon enough with one of these… so stay tuned!!!

If you are in Montreal, I strongly suggest you check out the Katrin Leblond boutique for some good old fashioned sensory overload… if not, Internet stalking is still somewhat acceptable :p

Katrin Leblond Boutique

4647 St. Laurent Boulevard, Mtl. QC

To make an appointment to be stylized by the beautiful Erin…. 514 678 9616

Katrinleblond.com