Winterize Yourself: Because Winter Isn’t Coming, it’s Here

There’s good news and some less good news. The less good news is that winter’s wrath has begun to arrive. It’s snowed on us, blown us, mussed our hair, made us slip, and it’s not even really started. What it did make us realize was that we were not prepared. Even though it comes every year, we still hold on to that shred of hope that MAYBE it will pass us by. And no, we aren’t Buffalo, but soon enough 10 feet of snow will be on our lawns. Sigh. Now for that good news. We’re lucky here in Montreal because unlike the rest of the world, we know how to DO winter. So we’ve gone ahead and made you a list of where to go to get you ready. See, there’s always a silver lining:

Schreter’s

Schreter’s has what you actually need to buy so that you don’t freeze to death when you leave the house. They’ve literally got you covered from head to toe in all the best brands. Their store is wall to wall jackets, boots, scarves, hats, socks, and gloves from all the brands you know to the ones you wish you had known about last winter when you were shivering. But hey, better late than never? And their selection will not make you look like you came straight from the arctic either. You can actually look cute in winter! Can we get an Amen?

4358 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, Québec H2W 1Z5
(514) 845-4231

Joe Beef

Because everyone knows that a nice hearty meal with all the trimmings and superb wine will definitely keep you warm, especially if it’s from Joe Beef. There’s no wind so cold that can’t be countered by buttery goodness. It’s a proven fact. Somewhere.

2491 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, Québec H3J 1N6
(514) 935-6504

Café Myriade

It’s no secret: a great coffee can warm up any soul. With the grey skies and it getting darker earlier, who doesn’t need their fix? Café Myriade will definitely deliver on that. Hello, warm caffeinated hug!

1432 Rue Mackay, Montréal, Québec H3G 2H7
(514) 939-1717

M Salon

Protect your locks! The winter time is not kind to hair. Between the heating everywhere to the frosty temp outside, hair just seems to get destroyed. For $15, pop into M Salon for a Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment to combat the nasty hair drying and breaking.

1332 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, Québec H3C 2B4
(514) 507-7720

Editorial Boutique

Just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean we have to wear long underwear exclusively (though there’s nothing wrong with some Long Johns). The playful and edgy inventory at Editorial has tons that will make you look great without having to shiver. You’ll find chunky (and not chunky) knits you’ll absolutely need this season. Score.

1455 Rue Stanley, Montréal, Québec H3A 1P4
(514) 849-3888

Frank & Oak

Frank & Oak are doing men’s winter fashion right: cable knits, cashmeres and cardis, wool and heavy weight trousers, and the comfiest joggers to ever be worn. No need to look bad and no need to freeze. That is just not being a man.

160 Rue Saint Viateur Est #613, Montréal, Québec H2T 1A8
+1 855 376-5625

Murale

Ladies and gents, attention please. Lube up. Dry skin is the ultimate winter sin. If you want to still have a face and some lips at the season’s end, you’ll need to take care. There is also nothing cute about alligator legs and grey elbows. The Murale staff are friendly and knowledgeable, so they’ll help you find the right moisturizers (and you even get Pharmaprix Optimum points when you shop there).

Place Ville Marie, 1 Place Ville Marie #11176a, Montreal, QC H3B
(514) 875-1593

Kusmi Tea

Kusmi has some of the best and most soothing loose leaf teas. They aren’t sweetened or artificial tasting like some others. And hey, certain teas have immune boosting super powers. Yes, you need that at this time of year.

3975 Rue Saint Denis, Montreal, QC H2W 2M1
(514) 840-5445

La Buvette Chez Simone

If there was any antidote to feeling cold on the outside, it’s making yourself feel warm on the inside. With wine. Which is why La Buvette Chez Simone is the ideal solution. Cozy and small, they’ve got a wine list that will keep you drinking and a selection of nibbles that will keep you snacking.

4869 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, Québec H2V 4E7
(514) 750-6577

V de V

If your plan is to just beat the cold by staying put in your living room, then V de V will help you get prepared. Light some candles, get in your cosies, and snuggle up in the shmuffiest (it’s a word and means exactly what it sounds like) blanket you can buy.

5042 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, Québec H2T 1R7
(514) 277-8484

Other things to consider: get your snow tires on, look up the best “How to Hibernate Successfully,” or do like the birds and fly south. Don’t forgot to go ahead and creep all of these spots on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Stay warm, Montreal!

Featured image photo credit: Montreall.com photog Ver Sepasi (Instagram @versepasi)