Note 33 - The Montreal & Quebec City Postcard

Shirt - Matteau / Jeans & Bag - Aritzia / Sunglasses - Celine

Happy Sunday!

Since relaunching this blog, I’ve realized I’ve barely written about my own hometown, Montreal. It’s funny how the grass always seems greener elsewhere, and how easy it is to overlook what’s right in front of us. This week, with a friend visiting from London, I finally saw the city through fresh eyes. We wandered through different neighbourhoods, and I revisited some of my favourite spots.

With my big move approaching, it felt important to soak it all in. I’ll always come back, my family is here, but the ease and familiarity of these places won’t be the same. Come with me as I recap my week and walk you through my city (plus a little detour in Quebec City because there’s always an excuse for a day trip).

What I Wore This Week

Trench - AF Agger / Cardigan - Reformation / Jeans - Aritzia

Shirt - Matteau / Sunglasses - Celine

Sweater - Uniqlo / Shorts - Aritzia / Bag - Totême / Loafers - Aritzia x GH Bass

Spring finally made a brief appearance this week, and even that small shift was enough to spark some inspiration in my wardrobe. My friend, who was visiting, works at Reformation and brought back a few pieces. On her first day here, I wore their iconic Clara cardigan in a soft butter yellow. I paired it with my favourite trench and a classic pair of white jeans. Simple, but I felt so good in it!

A few days later, I reached for those same white jeans again, this time styling them with an oversized, muted-blue shirt from the Australian brand Matteau. I also have it in cobalt, and that one was on constant rotation last summer.

Another standout this week was my first day in shorts. I’d seen a photo on Instagram of someone wearing tailored shorts with a cashmere sweater and loafers, and it stuck with me. There’s something about that combination that feels effortless yet considered. It’s also perfect for these in-between temperatures.

Everyday Delights or my highlights from Montreal

Ruse boutique

Mile End guide by Maguire

Lobster spaghetti at Liverpool House

For my “everyday delights” section, I like to gather a few moments from the week that felt especially good or memorable. This time, I’m sharing a handful of spots around the city that I genuinely love and would recommend. It’s far from a comprehensive guide to Montreal because I wouldn’t even know where to begin, but they're tried-and-tested places I’d suggest to anyone who loves good food, curated fashion, and aesthetically pleasing spots.

Ruse Boutique is a true gem for fashion lovers, tucked away in the Mile End. It’s a curated consignment store featuring a range of mid-tier brands, and with its recent renovation, the space feels even more inviting.

Maguire Shoes is another local favourite. They design playful yet practical footwear, often produced in Spain or Italy. One detail I especially love: when you visit the store, they hand you a small neighbourhood guide.

Not pictured here, but still worth mentioning. If you’re in Mile End, Au Coin Fairmont is one of the newer spots that’s quickly gained attention. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, and the menu is mouth-watering, from wood-fired pizzas to Danish-style breakfast plates.

And then there’s Liverpool House, which remains one of my all-time favourite restaurants in the city. It’s one of those places I return to again and again, if only for their lobster pasta.

Apotek Bakery in Quebec city

Apotek Bakery in Quebec city

While Quebec City isn’t exactly next door to Montreal, I decided it was worth making the trip. Apotek Bakery had been on my list for a long time. Its founder trained in Copenhagen with the La Cabra team, and you can immediately see those Scandinavian influences in the space. Every detail feels intentional, from the materials to the atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that makes you wish more cafés embraced this level of care and beauty with fresh flowers and a focus on quality bread and pastries.

That said, the experience didn’t fully live up to my expectations. One of the main reasons I made the three-hour drive (each way) was to try their cardamom bun, rumoured to be just as good as the real Scandinavian versions. Unfortunately, they told me it's not on the menu right now. They were also in the middle of renovations and didn’t have a bathroom available, which took away from the overall visit.

Still, it wasn’t without its highlights. I ordered their classic BMO (bolle med ost, or bun with cheese), a Danish staple I’ve always loved, and took a moment to enjoy the space. If it were closer, I’d likely give it another chance. For now, though, it’s a bit too far to revisit before my move.

Otherwise, walking in the streets of Old Quebec is special in itself, and I never get tired of looking at the majestic building of the Château Fairmont.

Château Frontenac in Quebec city

Apotek Bakery in Quebec city

Quebec City

Crew Collective café

Old Montreal

Back in Montreal, there’s truly nothing quite like the Old Port. With its streets lined by buildings inspired by English Empire architecture, it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser amongst tourists. One of my favourite spots is the former bank building, now home to Crew Café. It’s worth visiting for the space alone, with its high ceilings and intricate architectural details.

When hunger sets in, head to St-Henri, a neighbourhood I especially love for its food scene. Bar Bara is a local must and an easy place to grab coffee, a glass of wine, fresh pasta, or pastries. Their cacio e pepe is famous for a reason.

To round out the week with a bit of culture, I stopped by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. I always find myself drawn to the design section, especially the chair collection. This particular piece stood out to me and reminded me of an old Ikea chair I had from a special collaboration in the 2000s (and that, unfortunately, I had to sell for space reasons when I moved to my current apartment).

Cacio e pepe at Bar Bara

A beautiful chair at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Bar Bara

This Week’s Edit

What’s Going on at Ganni on Vogue Business

A few years ago, I would have confidently called myself a “GANNI girl.” I was always on the hunt for standout pieces from past collections, especially those colourful poplin dresses. Lately, though, the brand feels quite different. With its shift from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Paris Fashion Week, it’s hard not to wonder whether it’s drifting away from the audience that once defined it. I really enjoyed this Vogue Business piece unpacking the internal changes, and honestly, the Instagram comment section is just as telling, with lots of former fans sharing similar sentiments.

Sarah Pigeon is Porter’s new cover star

I haven’t been able to get enough of Sarah Pidgeon since Love Stories, and I loved her recent cover for Porter (Still mourning the loss of their print edition, it was such a monthly treat). The shoot is stunning, and it really feels like she’s stepping into style-icon territory.

Is The Devil Wears Prada Ready for 2026 on Shameless

I listened to this episode before watching the new Devil Wears Prada film and really enjoyed Michelle and Zara’s take on how the story translates today. Their discussion around body image, weight, and aging felt especially relevant. It’s the perfect pre-watch companion if you’re planning to go into theatres.

The Devil Wears Prada 2

And of course, I had to mention the film itself. I saw it last night, and it was such a warm, nostalgic watch. Sequels can easily disappoint, but this one strikes a nice balance between modern updates and honouring the original. The chemistry between Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, and Stanley Tucci is so good, they’re all icons!

Love, S.

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Note 32 - Language Skills