Q1: This week you are going to tell us about why there are sometimes better options than buying in stores.

Just like we have garage sales, there are many manufacturers or distributors in the city that have an annual or semi-annual “garage sale”. They must clear out their warehouse space in order to make room for the next season’s merchandise Sometimes it pays to wait for a certain time of the year to buy. They sell off samples or liquidated items they are no longer producing, leftovers from last season, seconds or lines that never sold well. Whatever it is, the price is always right.

Q2: What can we expect to find at these warehouses?

Today’s sales that I’m mentioning have: cool clothes, decorative hardware, kids fancy duds, aromatic items and even one sale where the money is going to charity.

In warehouse sales, the products vary as much as retail varies:
Quebec designer fashions, toys, bowling balls, fine china, skin care products, home electronics, Halloween costumes, makeup, crystal, duvets and linens, ladies’ bras, perfume, pianos, perfume, flatware, jeans, golf equipment, chocolates, winter jackets, lingerie and, of course, casual clothes for men and women.

Q3: How do we find out about them?

You can follow my shlog. When you attend the sale, ask if you can be put on e-mailing list for future sales. If you can’t make the sale, you can try to leave your name if they still send out snail mail notification..

Q4: Which ones are happening now?

Dans Un Jardin sells all those lovely aromatic items for your bath, bedroom and body. At their warehouse sales you can scoop up their products at great savings and you might be surprised that they offer men’s lines, some for baby and even special ones for pregnant women (calming ointment for breasts grabbed me but you may find comforting milk bath with meadowfoam oil, firming cream, Optimal-care stretch mark cream and soothing gel for legs).

Men’s Decleor line offers up shaving cream and lotions – men, do you think you could live without Hydra Floral Anti-Pollution Flower Nectar Moisturizing Cream? In the kids Pois de Senteur line, besides the soaps, creams and detergent, there’s facecloths, bibs and blankets.

They are clearing out their older packaging, some of their new lines that are overstocked and even boxed items (think ahead for Mother’s Day). This sale has Lampes Bergere which are lamps that give off a perfumed fragrance as the bulb heats up.

Location: 1100 Boul. Marie Victorin, Longueuil
Dates and Times for VIP invites (and get an additional 10% off. You can get this if you are on their e-mail list): Apr 21: 8-5, Apr 22: 9-5
Dates and Times for General Public: Apr 22: 5-9, Apr 23: 9-9, Apr 24 & 25: 9-5.
Tel: 800-363-3663 or 450-449-2121
www.dansunjardin.com

If you are fixing up your bathroom, you just might want to take a look at Imperial Decorative Hardware as their prices for decorative bathroom hardware are up to 80% off. The last time I wrote about this sale, one of my fans wrote to me mentioning that the goods are very high end here so don’t expect dollar store bargains.

There are faucets, toilet paper roll holders, make-up or shaving mirrors, towel racks and fancy door handles. Who knows what else you might stumble across? There’s a flyer on my shlog which gives you an additional 10% off if you spend $100.

Location: 342 Isabay
corner: Cote de Liesse
Tel: 514-737-3000
Pre sale Date: Wed Apr 21: 10-4 You can go in if you read about it here.
Dates: Thurs Apr. 22-Sun Apr. 25, Thu. Apr. 29-Sun. May 2
Hours: Thurs & Fri 10-7, Sat & Sun  10-4
Note: After May 2 the Liquidation Centre will be open Mon-Fri 10-4

Tomorrow is the start of an opportunity to check out Cora’s warehouse sale of high end children’s brands: Cora, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Cucci bebe, Tutti Piccolo. These fashions are very designer detailed, lots of dressy things, casual too and mostly gorgeous. Prices are fabulous 50%-75% off. In the back room there’s samples at $3 to $22.50.

Location: 4050 Poirier
Corner: Boul. Thimens
Dates: Apr 22-May 1
Hours: 9-5

The Farha Foundation, in memory of Ron Farha, raises about $150,000 a year for those with HIV and AIDS. Twice a year they have fabulous fashion events Au Coeur de la Mode where for a $5 entrance fee, you get to score great deals (50% to 90% off) on thousands of family fashion items which are sold by 40 different clothing companies and designers.

Hereis an idea of the brands: 69 jeans, Anastasia Lomonova, Bod & Christensen, Ca va de soi, Dalcci, Des Hauts et des bas, Dinh Ba Design, Envers par Yves Jean Lacasse, Franco Negretti, Füshia, Gloria Gaudette, Guido & Mary, Hörst, Jack & Jones, Judy Design, Kärv, Ladydutch / TXT, Lily Rose Bijoux, Lollipops, Louben, Lucky 7, Luxyria, Lydia Lukidis, Melow, Mens, Micalla, Miss Sixty & Energie, Only, Pedro Sport, Philippe Dubuc, Rudsak, Rüfen, Second

Location: Palais des Congres. 201 Viger Ave Ouest
Tel: 514-270-4900
Date: At & Sun Sunday May 1&2
Hours: 10-5
www.farha.qc.ca

Manhattan Industries is having weekend sample clearance sales for men’s and women’s clothing and shoes at 50% to 70% off. If these are the names you like, head over here: Industry (edgy streetwear for men and women sizes XS-L), Industry shoe company (mens’ casual and dressy leather shoes sizes 38-44), Pure & Simple (women casual basics, some for men), Debbie Schuchat (designer 2-piece outfits, blouses, dresses, outerwear), Brown Sound, d Collection and Me(el) (ladies feminine tops, dresses sizes XS-L).

Location: 6150 Transcanadienne, Ville St. Laurent
Corner of Isabey
Dates: Fri Apr 16:5-9, Sat Apr 17: 9-1, Fri Apr 23 11: 5-9, Sat Apr 24: 9-1, Fri Apr 30 1:5-9, Sat May 1: 9-1
www.manhattaninc.com
www.meelclothing.com
www.industryclothing.com
www.pureandsimple.com
www.debbieshuchat.co

For years, those in the know slid in to the entrance at the rear of the building in the “Blue Bonnets” area to rummage the sample racks of really well known upper end branded clothing. Men, women and even kids can score clothing, shoes and accessories in samples and stock for bargain prices – 40%-70% off retail. A dressing room available to try on the clothing.

These are some of the cool brands in men’s, women’s and children’s shoes and accessories: kitson LA, A.B.S.Allen Schwartz, Parish, Akademiks, Coogi, Pastry, Levi’s footwear, pelle pelle, baby phat, Frank Walder, UBU, Shmack, Triple Goose. Don’t forget to check out their selection of prom dresses.

You can sign up for e-mail or snail mail at the sale to be notified of next events.

Location: 5540 Ferrier St.
Corner: Devonshire
Dates and Hours:  Fri Apr 23: 9-9, Sat Apr 24: 10-5, Sun Apr 25: 12-5

For years, those in the know slid in to the entrance at the rear of the building in the “Blue Bonnets” area to rummage the sample racks of really well known upper end branded clothing. Men, women and even kids can score clothing, shoes and accessories in samples and stock for bargain prices – 40%-70% off retail. A private dressing room available to try on the clothing.

It’s still worth it, for these brands in men’s, women’s and children’s shoes and accessories: kitson LA, A.B.S.Allen Schwartz, Parish, Akademiks, Coogi, Pastry, Levi’s footwear, pelle pelle, baby phat, Frank Walder, UBU, Shmack, Triple Goose. Don’t forget to check out their selection of prom dresses.

You can sign up for e-mail or snail mail at the sale to be notified of next events.

Amerella makes clothing for Sears, Walmart and The Bay which cover underwear to outerwear, and even include swimwear.The company is having its  semi-annual clearance sale with clothing for the whole family.

– Firstly their Wilson brand clothing offers ergonomic designs and stain resistant, anti microbial stretchy fabrics know to be breathable, quick drying and able to wick away moisture.
– West Coast Connection is a trendy California-influenced line known for its value along with up-to-the minute youthful styles in sportswear and outerwear for the entire family.
– IB Exchange is a snazzy leather line with competitive prices. Lastly for over 25 years the Ispo name has been creating comfortable and functional outerwear lines for the family using special fabrics and treatments.

Location: 2233 rue de Aviation
Corner: Boul des Sources, Dorval
Phone: 1-800-408-1527 or (514) 683-9511
Dates and Times: Sat, Apr 24: 9-4, Sun, Apr 25: 11-4
www.amerella.com

Cora
This is your opportunity to check out this newish warehouse sale of high end children’s brands:  Cora, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Cucci bebe, Tutti Piccolo. These fashions are very designer detailed, lots of dressy things, casual too and mostly gorgeous. Prices are fabulous 50%-75% off – even some samples at $3 to $22.50.

Location: 4050 Poirier
Corner: boul Thimens
Dates: Apr 22-May 1
Hours: 9-5

This show aired on April 14, 2010

Q1: With wedding and prom season upon us, you have suggested that you’d like to address the  delicate subject of ladies undergarments.

Like everything else which is built, the infrastructure that supports it all makes the difference. It is not dissimilar to when you are getting dressed. There are so many different kinds of undergarments these days – all types of body shapers and bras – you almost need a whole wardrobe of them so that you look right in what you are wearing.

Q:2 What would you say is the most important thing to look for?

It is important when you are looking for a bra that you go to a shop where they know how to fit you. Women tend to stay brain-stuck in the size they were at 18 years old, and for the rest of their lives think they wear a 34B – or whatever. Girls – as you get older, your body changes in all sorts of ways, and so does your bust.

Q:3 How do you find shops where they know how to fit you?

As the corsetieres of this world die off, it has become almost impossible to find these places. The good news is we still have a couple of oldies and unbelievably, one newbie to fit the bill.

J. Haverstock is a second-generation business and after 47 years, still very service oriented. All you need in slips, nightgowns (Diamond Tea, Nanso), camisoles, underwear and bras (to 44I) by Triumph, Hanna, Fantasie, Grenier, Champion, Anita, Chantelle, Empreinte and Padded Attractions, etc., are here at prices at least 20% off, and usually much more. There are even pretty things for teens, full figured ladies (Wacoal minimizers and you can order Edith Lances) body shapers and nursing bras as well. Now you can get your bathing suits here: Christina, Baltex, Tyr, Pointe Zero, Gottex, Nygard and Sunflair (bra sized).

Location: 6900 boul. Decarie, Carre Decarie
Corner: Vezina
Phone: 514-738-4186

The saleshelp at Change of Scandinavia, a Denmark based chain, have had training in fitting bras and learn how a bra should fit around the breasts, back and neck, how to choose a cup and model for you and the anatomy of the bra itself. There are 3 main lines (sizes 28A-40J): Change, Chic for the younger body with extra padding, and Charade which is lacy and a bit pricier. It’s nice that there are great prices for larger sizes which is hard to find.You can also shop for bathing suits, sweats, lingerie, t’s, and bra accessories like silicone enhancers, clear straps, strap extenders and bra clips.

Locations: Rockland Shopping Center,  Carrefour Angrignon (514-789-6486), Carrefour Richelieu
www.change.com

Q4: What if you still can’t find a bra that fits or is comfortable for you, what can you do?

As with all other kinds of clothing, you may not be a perfect size in a bra or a cup. They are hard to find, but there are still a few bra-makers in this town

Victoriann Bra Bodies,  No more searching through stores and spending hours in the dressing room trying to replace your favorite bra. For about $150, this talented lady can clone it, alter a bra, or create one from scratch for very large breasted or small breasted women or anyone in-between. Once you have a bra made (shallow, regular, deep, wireless, etc.), she can design a bathing suit (about $250). She also gives courses on how you can make your own. Her newest project was to develop a softly padded bra without wires for amply endowed women, offering more support with less jiggle and bobbing.

Phone: 514-694-2567.
Hours: by appointment.

It’s been 45 years now that Boutique Anne Marie has been open. Now in its new home, it offers a large selection of girdles, body suits and bras in sizes 32A to 50G. Prosthesis orders even have at least a 20% discount (only $240). They’re lucky to still have a woman who can make bras or girdles to measure, or she can adjust ready made ones too. The designer/owner has developed support belts to help you if you have back problems and magic belts that take you down a dress size, and she can make corset costumes for shows and can fit transvestites

Location: 7002 St. Hubert St.
Corner: t Belanger St.
Phone: 514-273-5503.
Hours:  Mon-Wed 10 – 5,  Thurs & Fri 10 – 6, Sat 10 – 5,  (Sun noon – 5 pm, but not every week – call first)..

Dans Un Jardin sells all those lovely aromatic things for your bath, bedroom and body. At their warehouse sales you can scoop up their products at great savings and you might be surprised that they offer men’s lines, some for baby and even special ones for pregnant women (calming ointment for breasts grabbed me but you may find comforting milk bath with meadowfoam oil, firming cream, Optimal-care stretch mark cream and soothing gel for legs) .
Men’s Decleor line offers up shaving cream and lotions – men, do you think you could live without Hydra Floral Anti-Pollution Flower Nectar Moisturizing Cream? In the kids Pois de Senteur line, besides the soaps, creams and detergent, there’s facecloths, bibs and blankets.
They are clearing out their older packaging, some of their new lines that are overstocked and even boxed items (think ahead for Mother’s Day). This sale has about 500 Lampes Bergere which are lamps that give off a perfumed fragrance as the bulb heats up. You can be put on a mailing or e-mailing list to get a VIP invitation.

Location: 1100 Boul. Marie Victorin, Longueuil
Dates and Times for VIP invites (and get an additional 10% off. You can get on the e-mail list for this): Apr 21: 8-5, Apr 22: 9-5
Dates and Times for General Public: Apr 22: 5-9, Apr 23: 9-9, Apr 24 & 25: 9-5.
Tel: 800-363-3663 or 450-449-2121
www.dansunjardin.com

If you are fixing up your bathroom, you just might want to take a look at Imperial Decorative Hardware as their prices for decorative bathroom hardware are up to 80% off. The last time I wrote about this sale, one of my shlogging fans wrote to me mentioning that the goods are very high end here so don’t expect dollar store bargains.

There are faucets, toilet paper roll holders, make-up or shaving mirrors, towel racks and fancy door handles. Who knows what else you might stumble across ? Print this flyer so you can get an additional 10% off if you spend more than $100.

Pre sale is Wed Apr 21: 10-4  and the sale officially starts on Thurs Apr 22.

Location: 342 Isabay
Tel: 514-737-3000
Wed. Apr. 21-Sun Apr. 25, Thu. Apr. 29-Sun. May 2
Hours: Thurs & Fri 10-7, Sat & Sun  10-4
Note: After May 2 the Liquidation Centre will be open Mon-Fri 10-4

One of the longest running factory sales, Krickets children’s wear is having their Spring event. Parents with their strollers line up (inside at least) down a hall for this one. As in all warehouse clearance events all sales are final. Taxes are included in the already low low prices.

In sizes 3 mos. to 12 years, the brands they will offer are: Krickets (12 mos – 24 mos, 2-3X-4T, 4-6X, 7-12), baby (3 mos-12 mos) and Sleepy Bug sleepwear.

Location: 333 Chabanel West, Suite 800
Tel: 514-382-5890
Dates and Hours: Apr 19-23: 8-5, Sat Apr 24: 8-2
http://kricketsworld.com

Manhattan Industries is having weekend sample clearance sales for men’s and women’s clothing and shoes at 50% to 70% off. If these are the names you like, head over here: Industry (edgy streetwear for men and women sizes XS-L), Industry shoe company (mens’ casual and dressy leather shoes sizes 38-44), Pure & Simple (women casual basics, some for men), Debbie Schuchat (designer 2-piece outfits, blouses, dresses, outerwear), Brown Sound, d Collection and Me(el) (ladies feminine tops, dresses sizes XS-L).

Location: 6150 Transcanadienne
Corner of Isabey, Ville St. Laurent
Dates: Fri Apr 16:5-9, Sat Apr 17: 9-1, Fri Apr 23 11: 5-9, Sat Apr 24: 9-1, Fri Apr 30 1:5-9, Sat May 1: 9-1
www.manhattaninc.com
www.meelclothing.com
www.industryclothing.com
www.pureandsimple.com
www.debbieshuchat.co

St. Lawrence Textiles (you can tell that they have been around a long time by the way they spell their name) is now in Ville St. Laurent. They are currently having a warehouse balance of stock and sample sale for baby and children’s clothing with lines that wear well – Baby’s Own, Creme de la Creme, Nick & Eddie, and others. Mom and Dad can buy t-shirts and jogging pants and tops.

Location: 6869 Henri-Bourassa Ouest, VSL
Corner: Felix Leclerc
Phone: 514-387-7373 X 287
Dates: Apr 15- May 1
Hours: Mon -Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5