Comparing Simon's to sweet lil boutiques on St. Denis would be like comparing monkeys to seawolfs or apples to oranges. But when thinking of the world of department stores, Simon's trumps the Bay for affordable trendy clothing. Just don't expect to find a cosmetics department. \n\nMy first Simon's experience was a few years ago. I obsessed over the leggings, the sale items, \"Twix,\" the guys t-shirt collection ($14.99 for graphic tees) and the housewares. Over the course of the past couple of years I have received more compliments on Simon bought sale rack items than the rest of my wardrobe. I've gone so far as to ask friends to bring me staples like black Simon brand tights when they visit Vancouver. The only thing that I knew I wanted to do, shopping wise at least, when I arrived in Montreal was hit my Mecca for department store shopping. And again, no disappointments. \n\nBe prepared for crowds and waiting for a fitting room (girls - you can only try things on on the ladies side). If I may offer one piece of advice, pace yourself. If you can't browse every rack, it just wasn't meant to be.