Citizen Vintage is a chic, sweet vintage boutique co-owned by Brooke Doyle, Rebecca Emlaw and Lara Kaluza. They present a seasonally curated collection of secondhand finds in a clean, bright room on St. Laurent near Maguire. Each partner brings a different viewpoint to the boutique, so lucky for me each one took time to dish a bit about what's new in their stylish shop, and to share some of their recent favourite fashion and food finds from around town.

"We wanted to take a different approach to vintage retail in Montreal and create an environment that is beautiful, open and very curated, yet maintain affordable prices. It seems like it has to be one or the other too often: beautifully presented and over priced,  or affordable but crowded and hit-or-miss selections. Not only are the presentation and selection of our vintage collections important, but our involvement with the fashion and art community and the creative projects we constantly have brewing are a big part of who we are as well."

So... What's New Chez Vous?

BD: We're been really busy working with artists, stylists and bloggers. We currently have a photo installation up by Francesca Tallone and have also recently styled and produced an editorial fashion spread which will be published in Pure Green Magazine this March. Local fashion blogger Gaelle Leroyer has featured several looks from Citizen Vintage which she personally styled, in a runway show alongside local designers, to celebrate her blog's 2nd anniversary (this was Citizen's 2nd runway show, the first was styled by Gabrielle Lacasse of Dentelle et Fleurs for the Montreal Festival Mode & Design).

LK: Being the middle of winter, our current collection is made up of nordic sweaters; wool skirts and pants, fur coats, thermal men's shirts, hats, scarves and lots of boots! I'm personally looking forward to spring, I love the muted tones of winter wear but I miss the pops of bright yellows, oranges and greens that come with spring fashion. We've already started collecting for spring and have tons of fun dresses, skirts, blouses and shoes!

RE: To mirror our seasonal collections the atmosphere of the boutique changes too. Right now the space has a rustic log cabin feel. It's still light and airy with masculine industrial over tones but we've added winter nostalgic touches such as a pair of wooden Quebecois snowshoes. In the center of our space we've created a cozy den lounge with a 70's folk art shag rug reminiscent of a country chalet complete with teak chairs. This wintery atmosphere was augmented with the Hercules Taxidermy window display and in-store instillation this past December and the above mentioned Francesca Tallone latticework snowflakes window.

For a local love bonus, I asked the Citizen Vintage ladies about their most memorable recent Montreal meal and shopping experience:

BD: Meal?: Dimsum (Ruby Rouge or Kam Fung) on any Sunday. It's good to go with a big group of friends, get super stuffed and drink a million pots of tea. Harmonie bakery is just around the corner as well, their coconut buns and Hong Kong milk tea are the best.

Fashion?: Right before the holidays I bought a beautiful semi-sheer tunic dress dress by Genevieve Savard and amazing floral bowtie by Granny B. at Smart Design Mart. There was such a great selection from so many local designers, I had to restrain myself!

LK: Meal?: Recently, I've been finding myself at the new Nouveau Palais at least once a week. They serve real comfort food; mac n' cheese, burgers, hardy soups and my personal favourite, cheese fries. Combined with one of their stiff cocktails (I usually opt for the Whiskey Sour) and a rowdy group of friends, it's the perfect cure for a cold winter's night.

Fashion?: Thrifting several times a week for the shop, most of my wardrobe is made up of vintage found off the island of Montreal. I did, however, recently buy a beautiful maxi dress by local designer Remy and Mercy at Quartier Mode.

RE: Meal?: It always takes a visit from the family to go out to your favourite restaurant. When my sister and family came to visit my brother in law insisted we make reservations at Au Pied de Cochon. It was brilliant as usual. Just remember to save room for dessert!

Fashion?: I took my sister to Imperial Boots to have a pair of tall black lace up boots specially made for her. It took him a week and a half to make them. They are simple and beautiful and will last her a life time.

Photo 1 by Candice Pantin at the CJAM Fashion Blogger Workshop, hosted by Citizen Vintage. Photo 2 by Heyrick Chassé. Photo 3 by Amy Lee Corkum.

What's New Chez Vous is an interview series by Risa Dickens, Yelp Montreal Community Manager and co-founder of Indyish.com. Each column will spotlight new fashions, styles and trends in town and the places local boutique owners love. If you'd like to see your shop/designs featured here, reach out and touch at risa@midnightpoutine.ca