Zittrer is the Montreal Correspondent for FLARE and a longtime writer about all things stylish, so it was only natural that she launch the Montreal Shopping Tours. Offered in either half-day or full-day format, the service will pick you up at your hotel (or a convenient meeting point in the downtown core), whisk you away in a sleek black SUV and introduce you to the city’s best boutiques.

With a swag bag containing all shopping essentials – water, classy snacks (there’s nothing like mini chocolate macarons for fuel!), cool cosmetic take-homes and a beautifully designed map of the area covered – you’ll feel like Victoria Beckham as the driver shepherds you around and Zittrer describes the areas you’re driving through.

She has designed six shopping themes for clients to choose from, ranging from 9-to-5 and Beyond to Sweat-Worthy Style to, my favourite, Montreal Designer Marathon, which is a great way to meet the creative minds behind some of our most exciting labels.

Zittrer’s main goal is to tailor the experience to you: clients fill out a questionnaire as they reserve online, so that she can better choose the shops, assist you in finding items – even figure out whether you want items suggested at all, or if you’re more of a solo-mission type. For whole-day experiences, there’s a pit-stop at the picturesque Atwater Market so you can grab a bite for lunch.

Among the cool stores Zittrer can introduce you to is Lola & Emily, a sunny, bohemian boutique in the heart of the Plateau that looks like your best friend’s closet (if your best friend happens to be Sienna Miller).

There’s Citizen Vintage, an impeccably curated vintage boutique in Mile End where finds like previously-loved Dooney & Bourke handbags coexist with fun patterned blouses.

And Ecksand, for a higher-end experience where you get to be buzzed in to an exclusive jewelry shop started by a young Montreal duo and specialized in diamonds and Tahitian-pearl. (I got to try on a $20,000 ring!)

Apart from the insider’s scoop on the style scene and the personal contact you’ll have with store owners and designers, one of the biggest perks of the service is the exclusive discount offered: most partner-stores offer around 15 per cent. And if you’re not sure about an item, Zittrer can write a “shopper’s prescription” that will afford you the discount at a later date! Sweeeet.

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THE DETAILS
Montreal Shopping Tours, 514-515-4265
Wednesday through Sunday, upon reservation

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Isa Tousignant is contributing editor for Canadian Art, Montreal correspondent for Akimbo, and a freelance writer on art, culture, travel, design and shoes for everyone from enRoute to Canadian Business to herself.

Photos: Coey Kerr

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