Destination of the week - Montreal...

...in the winter (because it's essential to mention it).

Winter in Montreal is cold, we can’t hide it. But with the wind and the snow come the winter sports, the cozy coffee places and the fur.

Let’s talk fur.

This winter, it’s all about the coat. Fur inside the sleeves, fur inside the hood. Fur to keep you warm when it’s -25 Celsius outside. But as crazy as it sounds, faux-fur has worked its way up recently and the faux-fur boom we have known has brought real fur back in the streets.

As you walk on Saint Catherine Street, you may discover the reality of fur this year, since it’s perfect for shopping on a snowy afternoon, from H&M to Holt Renfrew, from Berri-Uqam to Mcgill station. And for those of you who are coffee addicts, you’ll find a place on Saint Denis Street to enjoy your espresso while watching the Montrealers of the Plateau shovel the snow that keeps them from leaving their parking spot. Try Céramic Café, a super fun place to show off your artistic side while warming up with a good latte.

So I’ve decided to create two looks, very much alike, but very different since one is worth 295CAD$, and the other 2275CAD$. As I said before, it’s all about the fur and finding a way to make it work with the rest of your outfit!

Can you tell the difference between the real and the faux?

3.1 Phillip Lim Rabbit Fur Coat; T by Alexander Wang Silk Blouse; Burberry Smirdan Jeans; Alejandro Ingelmo Rider Boots; Lulu Guinness Patent Medium Eva Bag

Mango Faux Fur Coat; SheInside Blouse; Topshop Worn Jamie Jeans; Anna Field Boots; Udobuy Bag

Depending on your priorities, you can still manage to “work the fur” and walk down the streets of Montreal feeling classy. 

This also applies to your “What to do?” list. Feeling luxurious? Go dine at Relais&Châteaux Europea, Jérôme Ferrer’s art of cooking on De la Montagne Street, or try Geneviève Grandbois’ delicious chocolates on Saint-Viateur Street. Don’t forget the inevitable places, like small Italy, Mont-Royal Street and St-Laurent Street, which are places where you can make charming discoveries, at night and during the day, or try the "Poutine", a typical meal of Quebec, no matter what is your budget. A personal favorite: Tapeo on Villeray Street, a tapas restaurant.

As for those of you who are ready to face the cold weather, ice-skating at the Old Port is a great day or night activity, especially on a warmer day (by warmer I mean -10 Celsius...).

Want a one-of-a-kind souvenir? Harricana, by Mariouche, is a designer fur creation made of recycled coats that you will find on Saint-Antoine Street.

If you want to enjoy your stay, when you’ll be reminding yourself what’s in your suitcase before leaving, it should sound like this: pants, shirts, wool sweaters, wool socks, wool scarf, wool gloves. Well just keep in mind that being hot is so much better than being cold (the two meanings work here) when you have a whole day of visits ahead of you. And don’t forget your fancy boots and clutch for your nights out!

So, my dear readers, don’t be afraid of the number you see on the thermometer, because the cold and the snow is what makes Montreal one of the most charming cities in white!

Have you been to Montreal? Have you always wanted to visit?

Lori xo