The Shop: Sugar, spice and everything nice: that’s what Boutique 1861 is made of. A girly-girl’s dream, this pastel-pink and champagne shop mixes 18th century Victorian decor with adorable modern-day feminine fashion. And I mean adorable: it’s so fucking sweet I almost got a cavity walking in the door. And with one very successful location already on Ste. Catherine, plus two sister stores, Razberry and the edgier Downstairs, a few doors down, owner Castle Ho decided to bring her cute, luxurious style to the Plateau, which she did last night with the opening of another 1861 location on Saint Laurent, just south of des Pins.

What You’ll Find: Lace, frills and candy colours abound here, with local and international independent brands like Pink Martini, Mustard Seed, BB Dakota, Mink Pink, Champagne & Strawberry, Do & Be, Flying Tomato and Frenchic. Montreal’s own Cocolilly and Arti Gogna get solid rack rotation as well and romantic jewelry and flowery candles and scents from Lollia  add the finishing touch.

Boutique 1861: 1861 rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest and 3670 blvd St-Laurent; 514.908.1861; for more information check their facebook page.

~ Lindsay Tapscott