Maxwell’s Clothiers is a Hong Kong tailor who twice a year (since 1961), in October and March, rents a banquet hall in Ruby Foo’s Hotel and then for another 3 days downtown, and brings along a team of tailors who can fit men and women for custom-tailored suits, jackets, pants, overcoats and shirts. For 3 custom-made cotton shirts, it’s only $135 plus tax and shipping (about $25). Suits go for $395 – $495 and orders take 10 weeks to arrive. A local tailor has been hired to do any little alterations that may be necessary.

Tel: 23666705, 23666658 Fax: (852) 23699175
e-mail: maxwell@maxwellsclothiers.com
Locations and dates: Ruby Foo’s Hotel, 7655 Decarie Blvd.
Tel: 514-731-7701
Dates: Sept 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
and Le Centre Sheraton, 1201 Boul. Rene-Levesque W.
Tel: 514-878-2000
Dates: Sept 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th

Okay, it’s not Montreal but Montrealers love to go to Burlington to shop so we’re not so far off. This weekend I can give you another reason – The Burlington Book Festival celebrates the written word and you can, in different venues around town, catch authors reading from their work, book signings, panel discussions and interesting workshops. For the whole family there will be musical performances and family activities. Look in the listings for special events featuring literary luminaries (Alistair Macleod, Frederick Lane, John Elder Robison, Dorion Sagan) from around the world- or just around the corner (even me!). I will be on the panel on Saturday midday and signing my books Smart Shopping Montreal and Drive I-95: Exit by Exit Info, Maps, History and Trivia at 1:30 pm. Most of all this is FREE – including samples of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Locations: Lake & Performing Arts Center, Fletcher Free Library, Borders Books & Music and more
Dates: Fri, Sept 12-Sun Sept 14
Sandra’s times and locations: Panel, 11:30-12:30 ; Signing 1:30 pm IPNE booth  both will be in the Fletcher Room, Fletcher Free Library
www.burlingtonbookfestival.com

La Cache, April Cornell’s vision with its hippie look of clothing and furnishings has been a fixture on Greene Ave in Montreal, and then got sprinkled throughout the US. Troubled times forced closings of 79 of the US stores and now 29 of the Canadian ones but all is not lost. Though they have filed for bankruptcy protection, you can still clean up the deals at the clearance location mentioned in my “Smart Shopping Montreal” book. One would think that all of that merchandise has to make its way over there eventually so there’s a silver lining for us in this black cloud.

You have always been able to find leftovers, overstocks, seconds and last year’s lines here. What is hard to find is this odd spot. If you have a good map or GPS, you’ll be able to buy linens and pillowcases, tableware at 30% to 50% less and lots of off- season April Cornell clothes and jewelry (women and girls) up to 75% off.

Location: La Cache Entrepot, 108 Gallery Square, Pointe St-Charles
corner: Wellington
Tel: 514-846-1091
Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5
www.lacache.ca

One of the longest running warehouse sales that I know of is not only still going strong but it seems as if the prices have even gotten lower. For bedding, curtains, carpets this sale up in the Chabanel area cannot be beat. Some of the prices this time: comforters, 4-pc sheet queen set $15, twin sheets with curtains $40, 4-pc. jacquard queen cover set $35, twin sheets $10, pillow cases covers 2/$9, mattress covers double or queen 2/$25, carpet runners $10, drapes $5, kitchen curtains $9, oven gloves or dishcloths 6/$4, placemats $3, table cloths (52″X70″) $8 or throw pillows $3.

Location: 120 Louvain
Dates and times: Fri Sept 12, 11-6; Sat Sept 13, 6:30 am-12 pm

Night owls and those desperate to catch me live and ask those hard-to-find shopping questions, will get a chance tonight. I will appear on the Peter Anthony Holder’s show from 12:30 am – 1 am (that’s Thursday early early morning). You can fire away about any subject: back-to-school searches, sales this week, where to buy a leather jacket for this nippy weather, flea markets in the area, second-hand video games, made-to-measure bras. You name it and I’ll try to help you find it.

Location: CJAD 800AM
Time: 12:30-1 am www.cjad.ca

Each year, the weekend after Labor Day is the moment to wait for if you are looking for a deal on a sea, lake or white water kayak or a lake or white water canoe. Boutique de plein air Camp de Base sells off water crafts (at least 150) that were used for rentals at this annual sale, along with life jackets, paddles and more. Three quarters of the stock moves out that day, and the rest piddles along til it’s all gone.

Location: 173e Cartier, Pointe-Claire
corner: 2-20 Highway
Tel: 514-630-6717
Date and times: Sept 13th, 9-5, Sept 14th, 11-5
www.basecampmtl.com

Fashionwear is a fashion service which sets up shop the Ruby Foo’s Hotel 4 times during the Fall and again in the Spring. Each time, they stock about 15-20 lines of women’s trendy clothes with an emphasis on choosing exclusive lines that you will not find in the stores. At this month’s sale, you’ll see the gorgeous Soia and Kyo coats from Mackage and Fidelity and JBrand high end denim collections. SeneGence, smudge-and waterproof lipstick and makeup are shown too. Each sale offers up different merchandise. The best part about shopping here is that as you try on outfits, you are aided by one of the consultants, who helps you coordinate a wardrobe. Remembering what you bought last time, they try to update your look based on what you already have at home. To find out dates of sales, get on their e-mail or calling lists.

Location: RubyFoo’s Hotel, 7655 Decarie Blvd. at de la Savanne
Cell: 514-234-4707
Sale dates: Sept 10-12 10am-9pm
e-mail: fashionwear@videotron.ca
www.fashionwearcanada.com

Psst… see my last post. There’s another sale in this hotel right now for suits and shirts guys and gals (The Tailored Man).

Since 1964, The Tailored Man has been coming to North America fitting men (and sometimes women) with made-to-measure suits at Hong Kong’s prices (starting at $435 and going up to $735, shirts start at $50). The suits come with extras you don’t usually see in North American stores: sweat shields, cell phone pockets and the pants have a heel guard and knee lining. When you order a shirt, you choose collar style, cuff and monogram location. Sunder Daswani is back in Montreal starting today and you must make a personal appointment: 877-984-3339 or www.tailoredman.com/appointment. To be added to their mailing list: goodfit@tailoredman.com

Locations and Dates: Sept. 8-10 at the Sheraton Centre, 1250 Rene Levesque West, Phone: 514- 878-2000
Sept 11 & 12: Ruby Foo’s Hotel, 7655 Decarie Blvd. Phone: 514-731-7701
Sept 13 & 14: Sheraton Laval, 2440 Autoroute des Laurentides, Phone: 450-687-2440
www.tailoredman.com

It was a surprise for me to find a cutlery replacement service in this silvery hideaway. The glitter awaits you here in Sterling City with candelabras of every size to greet you along with bowls, frames, platters, tea sets, salt and pepper shakers, cups, serving spoons, bread knives and much more. A bridal registry, gift certificates, wrapping, shipping and engraving are all offered, and it’s well known for Jewish religious items (menorahs, torah crowns, havdalah spice boxes, etc.).

Location: 2585 Bates, Suite 300, Ville Mont-Royal
corner: Wilderton
Tel: 514-733-7036
Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:30-5, Fri 9:30-1, Sun 11-4

House of Shoes with savings up to 75% off retail, has opened in a new, more convenient location, where appointments will not always be necessary and with plenty of parking. You can now shop with as many friends and cars as you like. They still have their “Shoe Shopping Spree” parties. It is also advisable to book if you are coming with a group larger than 6 or more women.

Since they are located in Kiddyland, the playroom is available for your children (so long as they are supervised by you) while you shop for shoes. Coupons will be available to put towards your child’s haircut. Organize a Shoe Shopping Spree with a group of moms, and while the kids are having their hair cut and playing, you can enjoy a leisurely morning of shoe shopping.

New location: 15761 Pierrefonds Blvd.
corner: between St-John and St-Charles (located inside Kiddyland on the north side. Strip Mall next to RONA.
Tel: 514-783-1727
Hours: Opening hours are updated weekly on web site, as well as left on voice mail . (This is NOT a store, and will not have store hours however you will be accommodated with mornings, lunch times, and evening and a weekend times)
dianebond@videotron.ca
www.houseofshoes.piczo.com