A few weeks back, we took a wonderful spontaneous trip to Montréal. I’ll be sharing the whole trip next week, but I wanted to take a moment to focus on one place in particular that left a great impression on me: the Marché Jean-Talon. I love markets, having frequented the epic Saturday farmer’s market at the San Francisco Ferry Building for many years. But there’s nothing like the markets you see when you travel – different foods, local produce, and speciality items unique to that place. The Jean-Talon had it all, cheese stores that cut the comté in front of you, flavored nuts of every kind, fresh fruit from small vendors, and my favorite – beautiful flowers.

I saw one hint of greenery as we entered the market and I quickly found myself among rows of stunning begonias, marigolds, and salvia. Every color was soft and pale, combining to make the color palette of my dreams. Having not seen colors like these in the states (every flower is practically a primary here in the U.S.), I wanted so badly to bring some of the varieties home with me. I spent half the time trying to figure out what to say to customs at the border crossing back into New York state – “we don’t have anything,” “those aren’t flowers back there,” and “I don’t know what those are, sir,” were all excuses that came to the top of my head.

In the end, I didn’t bring any plants back, but I realize how many more flower varieties and colors there are available – many more than I imagined! I feel a little cheated that I just bought what was available in a local store this planting season, but if any Canadian cares to ship me some of those blush begonias next spring, I wouldn’t mind at all!

Have you found yourself on a trip, unable to bring something back with you that you had to have? Tell me about it in the comments below!

Outfit details: Mackage Jacket (similar here on sale), Current/Elliot Jeans, Dolce Vita Boots (similar here), Baggu Bag