Thrift Shops for NOVA is a charitable foundation that offers home palliative care and cancer support groups and runs 2 adult day centers for the elderly, all without government funding.

Their 3  stores  are having a 50% off sale this weekend. The 3 stores help raise money for their great cause. You can scoop up second-hand clothing for the family nicely hung on racks, or look for shoes, purses and hats. “Green” shopping by recycling is a planet saving idea: there’s home knick-knacks, china, glassware and books. The sale does not include the furniture.

Locations: (biggest) 43 Ste-Anne (514-457-1642); ; 2750 boul. St-Charles  (514-697-6692); furniture (and knickknacks), 449 boul. Beaconsfield (514-694-8417) (books only).

Dates: Mar 2 & 3
Time: 10-4
www.thriftshopsfornova.com

Q: Can you advise me where I can find good quality Indian cotton dresses and skirts in Montreal?

A: I’m not sure if you mean Indian cotton in the fabric or the style for East Indian women. For all fabrics, head to St-Hubert St north of Jean Talon, “Fabric Central” with a dozen stores, is on page 72 in my book. Buy what you want and have it made it.

For lots of dresses, try Profile in Le Cathedrale, here is the link to info on my web site http://www.smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=132

Lately the buildings on Chabanel street have been changing over to businesses oriented toward the East Indian market. I see more clothing and fabric stores for that. You can start on the 4th floor of the 99 Chabanel building.

Denim Kings is holding its annual jeans sale. They sell all the hottest names you see on the the bums at the dance clubs.  This is the moment to buy someone (or yourself) those pants you’ve always wanted.

Men’s sizes go from 28-40 and women sizes are 24-32. If you want to see the dozens of famous brands they sell, click on their page here on my site. http://www.smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=125

Location: 8575 Boul. St-Laurent
corner: Guizot
Tel: 514-750-3288
Dates: Feb 28-Mar 3
Store Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 11-6, Thurs 11-9, Sun 1-5

This fan wrote, “I remember when you were first starting out and I got the first edition of your book,  thinking then that it was a brilliant idea. Now I cannot imagine what we would do without you. So many times my friends and I are looking for something, searching the net or calling each other, and then we realize “Oh ya. Let’s look at Smart Shopping Montreal!”  You never let us down.”

Q: My husband wears size 12 (sometimes 13) wide (EEE) shoes. I am looking for a warm, water resistant pair of winter boots for him at a discount price. Are there any places to try that won’t cost a fortune?

A: In the Specialty stores section of my book, there is a subtitle for “Shoes, large and small” where I mention 1/2 dozen stores that sell that size. Right now it is the end of the season so most would be having clearance sales. I just heard Chaussures Tony Shoes on the radio saying all the winter boots are 50% off. A new store you may not know about is Chaussez en Grand on St-Hubert St.

If you like the styling and quality workmanship of Kanuk’s made-in-Quebec line of outerwear, then this is the moment to take advantage of their in-house sale. Two floors of their manufacturing area will be filled with bargain items.

All Kanuks are on sale, from their winter 2012-2013 collection. While supplies last, certain items from their previous collections in a variety of sizes and colours will be offered at deep discount prices.

Kanuk jackets and coats are pricey but they are guaranteed for life – what other products these days will claim that? The coats are famous for their design of optimal insulation – sewn right through to the lining.  They are light enough for the mild days, “cool” enough for a night out and warm enough for a forest trek.

The before-season sale of leftover coats, ends of lines, samples and imperfects are priced $195-$650 (was $795).  You can order online if you live too far away to get there and your purchase will be shipped to you quickly. Refer to their sizing guide and, if you have any questions, a member of the Kanuk team can assist you

Location: 485 Rachel Est
Corner: Berri
Tel: 514-527-4494
Hours: Wed – Fri, 8am – 9pm, Sat & Sun 8am – 5pm, Mon, 8am – 6pm
Dates: til Sun Mar 3rd
www.kanuk.com

Q: Do you know if any of the fabric shops on St Hubert north of Jean Talon sell rib knit fabrics for sweatshirts and t-shirts?

A: If you didn’t find it there (and you should), on my site Tonitex  sells that kind of fabric. http://www.smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=8. See page 73 in the book.

Utex had been a well known Montreal coat manufacturer which had disappeared last year. Now a fan has told me about an End of Season Warehouse Sale being held for their outerwear.

Ladies down jackets and coats are reduced 90% for 3 days.

Location: 4360 Cote de Liesse, 2nd Floor
Hours: 9-3
Dates Feb 22-24
Phone: 514-737-4300, ext 514

Q: Je demeure à 2 heures de Montréal.  Je perdrai mes cheveux (chimio) dans 3 semaines.  Je cherche dans mon coin une perruque qui ressemble à ma couleur de cheveux sans succès.  Ils sont poivre et sel.

A: Try Perruques Louis XIV. They are probably the oldest (since 1963) wig shop, and one with a huge selection of hundreds of styles to choose from – this shop caters to women, men and children and theatrical productions. Wigs (European, Epoca, Chinese, Indonesian) made out of real hair or synthetic styles are here at good prices along with hair pieces, pony tails and extensions. There’s a washing and styling service.

Location: 1350 Ste-Catherine St. E, Montreal, QC H2L 2H6
corner: rue Panet
Tel: 514-522-7615, Toll Free: 1-877-799-761
www.louisXIVwigs.com

Sales help at this Denmark based chain have had training in fitting bras and learn how a bra should sit around the breasts, back and neck, how to choose a cup and model for you and the anatomy of the bra itself. So add this knowledgeable service to a Buy 2, Get 1, sale and you have a great package.

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 usually hard to find.

You can also shop for sweats, lingerie, bathing suits, T’s and bra accessories, like silicone enhancers, clear straps, strap extenders and bra clips.

Locations: Centre Rockland (514-344-6029), Carrefour Angrignon (514-789-6486)
Hours: Mon & Tues 10-6, Wed-Fri 10-9, Sat & Sun 10-5
Dates: Feb 21-24
www.change.com

Mega Vente D’Entrepot was a secret warehouse for a long time but now it’s very open to the public.  This sale offers up a new special for men’s suits starting at $59.85 and only topping off at $99 for suit/tie/shirt combos (and a salesman to help you!). The full size range is there from 34-60 in short, regular and tall.

Perfect timing for today’s weather, the kid’s snowsuits (12 mos- 18 years) are only $38.88 and are warm up to 30 degrees below. Men’s and women’s winter jackets are only $28.88.

The huge neat space has something for everyone, at 75%-90% off, f to $1, $3 and $5 kids’ racks (0-16). The first quality clothing is balance of inventory from the current season. Females (XS-4XL) and males (S-4XL) might find: sweat shirts, dress shirts ($8), jackets ($39), t-shirts ($3), jeans, cotton fleece, nylon pants, capri pants, pyjamas, dresses, blouses, sandals, swimsuits and shorts.

Print the coupon below for even more savings.

120 Boul. St. Joseph, Lachine QC H8S 2L3
corner: rue George V
Tel: 514-637-1116
Other locations: Brossard, 7503 Boul. Taschereau (450-926-1234); St-Leonard, 8235 Boul. Langelier (514-223-0510)
Hours: Mon-Wed 9-6, Thurs & Fri 9-8, Sat & Sun 10-5
Dates: Feb21-26
www.megaventemontreal.com