Quebec-based Swimwear Brands You Need to Try
Quebec has a ton of local swimwear brands. Here are some I love + 1 Canadian based and more
June Swimwear is one of my faves and I have several of their swimsuits. It might be a while but they all kinda fit different, and the bums have more or less coverage. I recommend trying on in person at the Mile End store. You have to make an appointment. My pick: The Jade bikini top is a fave and I’ve had mine for YEARS.
Mimi & August has two boutiques and offers a whole heck of a lot besides swimwear. Sizes range from xs to 4x and they a variety of differently sized and abled models on their website. My pick: Paloma Agave Turquoise High Waist Bikini Bottom
Othersea has the most beautifully textured suites and long/tall options in onepiece. This Quebec City designer also has other casual resort wear that is beautiful. My pick: Sul’side Reversible Bikini Top in Aqua
Mennilo has pretty colours and shapes, and a boutique in Mirabel. My Pick: This statement shiny green Hailey Top.
Everyday Sunday has a large selection of sizes including supportive and D-Cup tops and you can try them on right in their Mile End store. My picks: Sometimes you want a one piece and this one is so sweet.
The Thirties by GK has a variety of interesting colours and shapes including some kids suits too. My Pick: This interesting top is the prettiest colour and texture.
Left on Friday is a personal fave and I have a few of their suits and colours I mix and match. They aren’t from Quebec but are Vancouver based (ex-Lululemon). They also have long/tall options for one piece. My pick: I have this Sunday Top and it’s my fave between the two I own (the other is the Sweet Victory which is definitely a little skimpier). Choose any colour!
Reader Recommended:
Hunza G is the original home to the crinkle cut fabric and I am in LOVE with this fabric. (via @amanda_eaman)
Solid & Striped is the place for original shapes and cute patterns & textures. (via @amanda_eaman)
Shan - A large variety of high quality swimwear for all shapes and sizes.
CupShe - A massive variety of cheap and cheerful suits in every colour.
Aerie - Reader recommended but I actually own a bikini from Aerie and I love it! Fun colours and shapes.
Kids:
Little Minimalist is locally owned and has massive sales and a huge selection of high quality swimwear that has been heavily discounted.
I mix and match all my suits across brands and colours to keep items that I’ve had in my closet for years feeling fresh. If you invest in good swimwear it should last in the long run!
Do you have a favourite brand?
Your Awkward Dinner Party Questions Answered
Have you ever been at a dinner party and absolutely panicked, or know you made a gaff? Carolina Safi, from The Hosting Table, is THE etiquette expert and can answer all your most awkward questions.
Often, you might feel confused about what you should and shouldn’t do when hosting friends or even when you’re a guest. I’ve broken down three frequently asked questions from my followers and clients:
1. I’m invited to a dinner party, and the hostess said I didn’t need to bring anything. Can I still bring a dessert?
Etiquette-wise, you should respect the hostess’s wishes. If you insist on bringing a dessert, do not expect it to be served, as she has likely planned everything out. Additionally, bringing a ready-to-serve dessert can cause issues, such as a lack of fridge space or it not pairing well with the prepared menu. However, a gift for the hostess is highly recommended and often appreciated.
2. I’ve received an invitation for a BBQ, but the hostess didn’t ask if I’m a vegetarian. Should I decline the invitation or bring my food to avoid any trouble?
There are two points to consider here: one from the hostess’s side and one from yours. When inviting guests, it’s the hostess’s responsibility to ask if there are any food intolerances or dietary restrictions. If she forgets, you should mention it to avoid any embarrassment. You could say, “I appreciate your invitation and would be happy to attend. Just so you know, I’m a vegetarian.” This allows the hostess to prepare suitable options for you. As a guest, you shouldn’t bring your own food to a party, as it can be seen as disrespectful to the hostess’s efforts. This advice applies only to food restrictions. If you’re on a diet, it’s best not to mention it to avoid refusing the dessert, for instance. A small piece of dessert won’t harm your diet.
3. Can I have second helpings of the food served, or is it impolite?
You can and should ask for seconds if you’re enjoying the meal. This will make the hostess happy to know you’re appreciating her efforts. However, if you’re unsure about a dish, start with a small portion to taste it. If you don’t love it, you won’t have much left on your plate.
Etiquette is all about respect and kindness, making life easier and more pleasant for everyone. For more etiquette tips, follow me on Instagram. Let's continue to create memorable and respectful gatherings together!
Carolina Safi, a Brazilian resident in Canada for almost 20 years, is a table stylist and etiquette consultant (certified by the IEP - Institute of Etiquette and Protocol) and founder of Hosting Table - a company focused on etiquette education and good habits, which helps women around the world to transform time around the table to strengthen bonds, create good habits and build relationships. The table plays a crucial role in anyone's personal and professional life: it is at the table that we spend quality time with our loved ones, educate our children, create affectionate memories and make important decisions. Taking care of the table is an act of love, of self-care and care for others – it is, or should be, a 100% intentional habit.
If you have any questions for Carolina, etiquette or otherwise, please leave a comment!
Montreal is a Surprising World of Ice Cream
No, I won’t claim to have tried them all but I’ve tried a few. Ice cream has expanded beyond vanilla and become an experience in itself. Freshly made waffle cones, surprising flavours (taro is my son’s fave!) and high quality ingredients make a cone these days a real treat.
A Map for You!!!
I’ve made a map you can use to explore. This is not a best of map - this is just a map. Try at your own peril (but how bad can ice cream be?) Please note, some of these locations may simply be cafés serving affogato and I think I linked a few shaved ice places so just take a quick a look before you go.
Our family favourite are Ca Lem, Dalla Rosa, Bilboquet, Dairy Queen (hey - it’s classic!) and Iconoglace.
What are your favourites?
The cutest kid’s fireplace from a gorgeous Quebec fireplace manufacturer.
Playing pickle ball or tennis this year and want cute & sustainable Canadian designed clothes? Check out this brand.
This guy has skied nearly EVERY SINGLE chairlift in North America. I can’t believe it - and he has a blog with pictures to prove it. I can’t even imagine skiing every chairlift in the Laurentians!
Have you ever heard of Magasin Berchicci? It’s a warehouse sized Italian-food specialty market in St-Leonard. It sounds like an Italian food dream. Comments on their Google reviews say that it’s basically what you would find in a grocery store in Italy. Count me in!
You may get paywalled (sorry!) but I can’t stop thinking about the images and article about Saudi Arabia from the New York Times. Would you go?
I loved this chicken teriyaki recipe… and I’ve made a lot of chicken teriyakis in my day. Don’t skip the butter!
Did you know you can freshen your clothing by spraying vodka on it? You simply put vodka into a fine mist spray (just google - lots comes up). I can see this coming super handy for winter mitts (they always stink!) sports equipment and delicate vintage clothes.
Reader Recommended:
Fossils… in Montreal? Yes!! This fossil walking tour was sent to me and I can’t wait to see if I can spot these fossils.
What I’ve been reading lately and loved:
This book is an easy summer read (it does touch on spousal abuse).
If you’re into historical fiction, this book was a good read and really has me excited for the MBAM exhibit on Flemish Masters.
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Michelle Little is a photographer who specializes in family, maternity, newborn, headshots and boudoir. She has a studio and also offers in-home and outdoor photographer. You can see her website here and get in touch here.
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