About Vanessa Muri
Montreal City Editor Vanessa Muri has lived in London and Tokyo, but finds the charms of her hometown irresistible. From the latest scoops to the best deals in Montreal and everything in between, don't miss her weekly take on life in the fair city.
For women, by women
montreal musings Montreal
(Jun.09.10)
St-Hubert is one of those shopping streets that Montrealers may find they rarely frequent, unless they’re part of a bridal party or need some seriously discounted shoes. And we daren’t bother going below Bellechasse Ave., which has been pretty much residential.
But it’s been revitalized lately with the opening of a few great spots, including La Loba eco-boutique and Une Grenouille dans la théière, which is actually below Bellechasse.
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My boutique du jour is another business right on the corner of Bellechasse, ETHIK BGC (Boutique, Galerie et Centre D’Affaires). The social economy project was started in 2009 by Fem International, an organization dedicated to empowering women around the world through business initiatives. Supporting both local and international designers, the shop has everything from clothing to eco-friendly furnishings, jewellery to accessories. Two local companies in particular caught my eye...
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The recycled handbags and wallets from Ressac are so cool, you’ll want them all. Designer Anne Painchaud-Ouellet makes all of her creations (others include pillows and outdoor chairs) out of recuperated bicycle tubing. So cute yet so pragmatic, I fell in love with this handbag. It actually feels like leather and as a bonus, is totally waterproof.
My other find was Energi Bath, a 100% natural, handmade bath and body care line. I love using chemical-free products on my skin, but I don’t love the heavy odours and perfumes that some lines use; they’re so overpowering. Energi Bath is different, using subtle aromatherapy to enhance well-being through all-natural, hypoallergenic products that are organic and fair-trade whenever possible. (No soy, wheat, gluten or nuts to be found!) Even the packaging is biodegradable and/or recyclable.
Creator Anastasia Polito discovered the benefits of essential oils as a professional triathlete training in Victoria, BC at Canada’s National Triathlon Training Centre. She used essential oils daily to enhance her performance and recuperate from strenuous workouts, thus turning her hobby into her livelihood when she retired was the next logical step.
I tried a gentle Soap, followed it up with an Exfoliating Salt Scrub and sealed in moisture with a Body Butter. My skin soaked it up like a sponge. I used it only on my right hand, and could still feel the difference between the left a few days later.
My all-time favourite product has to be her aromatherapy oils that come in a small roll-on applicator (the size of a ChapStick) that you can carry in your purse to use any time, anywhere. So practical and mess-free. Formulations include Morning Wake-Up, Mental Focus and PMS Symptoms. (Things all women can use.)
And there are plenty of treats for SweetMamas too; avoid stretch marks with the body butter and massage baby to sleep with relaxing oil made especially for baby’s delicate skin.
St-Hubert is looking up, way up.
Thought that was sweet? You’ll enjoy:
• Boutique Il était deux fois
• Marché MTL
• Dans Ta Bulle
***P.S. Anastasia will be showcasing her products at Les Girls du Plateau this weekend during the Mont-Royal Street Festival.