Usually, spring follows winter – at least that’s what happened last year – yet, judging by recent meteorological events, this could be an erroneous assumption. So, let’s just say for the sake of argument that the temperature one day rises above zero, that the snow banks melt, and that we’re all tempted to leave the house in short-sleeved garments, okay? Because that was my hope at last weekend’s Spring Puces Pop art fair, where the most delightful, locally-made, perfect-for-summer graphic t-shirts stole my heart (and credit card balance).

Tresnormale tees are truly one of a kind. Embellished with scenes of Montreal life taken directly from city photographs, this company allows you to literally <em>wear</em> your neighbourhood. Bike paths, walk-up apartment blocks, public transportation, snow removal machinery – all images are available, printed on colourful t-shirts for $29. Admittedly, choosing which tee to buy was the hardest decision of my week – I finally settled on the Mile End t-shirt in orchid, but Déneigement was tempting, if only for the inherently Montreal scene it portrays: an abandoned bicycle in a snow bank.

If wearing images of Montreal urban life on your chest makes you feel like a nerd/tourist/hipster, the company has a vast array of equally great tees that feature portraits of famous philosophers, composers and authors, and a few quotes by said individuals. But let’s be honest, that’s pretty nerdy, too.

All t-shirts are American Apparel brand, and all women’s sizes are pre-shrunk.

Buy your tee here!

~ Tyler Yank