Azamit, Montreal stylist and fashion editor, shares her secret list of favourite boutiques you’ll want to know about.

For the creative at heart, get motivated by Rix Rax (801 Rue Gilford, 514-522-8971, www.rixrax.com). This store touts over half a million buttons in every colour and style. Cruise this small space to hunt for anything you could possible need to create your own piece or to finish off an existing outift. Here you’ll find ribbons, trimmings, feathers, lace, fringe, tassels, collector’s pieces, Chapellerie accessories, felt, brooches and hat pins. This is a great inspiration for the designer within!

For the patriot, take a trip to Cruella (63 Mont-Royal West, 514-844-0167, www.cruella.ca) for original and provocative collections of both men’s and women’s Goth clothing made entirely in Quebec. Look for brands like Agace, Leg Avenue, Papillion Blanc, Lip Service and Cruella. Definitely the best little Goth house in Montreal.

For the fashionista, pay homage to Denis-Gagnon (5392A Saint Laurent Blvd, 514-272-1719, www.denisgagnon.com). One of Canada’s most recognized designers hosts his own superior line of incredible leather cuts and totally unique and wearable designs in his funky and modern boutique. Made from transformed vintage clothing you’re sure to find something hip to add to your own collection.

For the sex kitten, slip into Josephine (1448 Sherbrook West, 514-849-7774, www.josephineboutique.com) for an extraordinary lingerie experience. Celebrate your natural curves with pieces from hot lines such as Princess Tam-Tam, La Perla, Guia La Bruna and I.D. Sarrieri. This boutique has thought of everything when it comes to trying on these delicate unmentionables. Each dressing room is equipped with a pair of stilettos and full-length mirrors strategically angled to flatter any shape. For the more daring there is a second door for a private viewing by your biggest fan. Save your pennies for spring when Josephine will carry the new swimsuit lines by Vivienne Westwood and Tomas Maier – you won’t find him anywhere else in Canada. Holland designers Viktor and Rolf will also be an exciting new addition to Josephine’s collection.For the artiste, get inspired by newly opened Headquarters Galerie & Boutique (1649 Rue Amherst, 514-678-2923, www.hqgalerieboutique.blogspot.com). It will delight you with their cool and funky selection of handmade clothing, accessories and homewares in fine and fun art. Check out brands like Soi Disant, Valerie Dumaine, MX Jeans Tops and NaMoDa to spice up your wardrobe. Add the finishing touch with one of their fine jewels from Montreal designers such as, Roadkill, Missy Industry, Nea or Miss Misa. Don’t forget to throw in one of their vintage cocktail purses for that perfect acoutrement to your new outfit.

For the old at heart, take a trip down memory lane by checking out
incredible vintage accessories and clothing at Reborn (231 Saint-Paul West, 514-499-8549, www.reborn.ws) for the best avant-garde fashions in town. You can’t go wrong with this wide selection of exclusive prêt-a-porter and casual brands from clothing designers like Acne Action Jeans, Bless, Opening Ceremony, Surface2Air, Raf by Raf Simons, Alexandre Herchovitch and Sponn Fedd. Take a leisurely stroll through the racks of Reborn’s minimalist interior and leave with something unique you’ll never forget.

And when your stilettos are done and your credit card is begging for a reprive, head to one of the cities finest bakeries for your very own chocolate croissant. You’ve earned it!