You can start to build your Spring wardrobe for only $10-$20 each for pretty blouses, tops, sweaters, jackets which are made under the monikers of: Dahlia, Katherine Barclay and Renuar. .

Location: 225 Chabanel, Suite 315
Corner: Meunier
Tel: 514-381-5393
Dates and Times: Mar 28 & 29: 11-8;  Mar 30: 9-2 and then again Apr $&5: 11-8, Apr 6: 9-2
After Sale ends: open Saturdays 10-2
www.daliacollection.com
www.renuar.com

Q: I have come across many vintage gowns, all designer labels, but from the 80’s and 90’s. I wonder if you know any store that might want these.

A: The 80’s and 90’s are hard. They’re not yet “retro” and they are not vintage. Also, most stores don’t stock gowns as hardly anyone wears them anymore. I’m not sure who would want them so here’s what to do.

In my book there are more than 2 dozen 2nd-hand ladies’ shops, some high end and some low. You can just go down the list and call them one by one. Here’s some to start with:

Boutique Encore, 2145 Crescent, Tel: 849-0092
E.R.A., Tel: 543-8750, Local 23 Tel: 514-270-9333
Maskarad,  Tel: 844-7676

Q: I have a copy of last years Smart Shopping Montreal book.  What I am looking for is reasonably priced maternity clothes for my niece.  Any suggestions?

A: Look in the section on Women’s clothing, and you will find Dudate on page 16 (if you look in the Index it lists the pages of all stores that sell maternity items). Dudate  is a wholesaler who sells retail all week long (certain hours) in sizes XS-XXL . Best prices I have found in the city.

Location: 5605 DeGaspe, suite 402
corner: St-Viateur
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-3, Sat 9-12

I don’t know how they do it, but Mega Vente D’Entrepot always comes up with the most amazing prices. Right now Spring jackets for the family are only $9.85

There’s also a 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. It’s a good time to buy for graduation or weddings coming up.

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, if you spend $50, they’ll give you another $10. worth of merchandise for free!

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: Next 2 weeks
www.megaventemontreal.com

Amerella makes clothing for Sears, Walmart and The Bay which cover sportswear to outerwear.The company is having a moving sale as they are moving their warehouse. Its  a good opportunity to buy clearance 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.
– Maximum Overdrive is a girls brand for holiday, special occasion and party dresses.

Location: 2233 rue de Aviation
Corner: Boul des Sources, Dorval
Phone: 800-408-1527 or 514-683-9511
Dates and Times: Sat Mar 23: 9-4,  Sun Mar 24: 10-2
www.amerella.com

Krickets, a Montreal company, was one of the first to open their doors for warehouse sales. Moms and strollers would line up for hours in a corridor by their head office on Chabanel St.

Now those of you who live in and around Ottawa can take advantage of the clearance sale of these well-made, well-designed children’s clothes.

Location: 214 Boulevard de la Cite des Jeunes, Gatineau, QC J8Y 6M2
Dates: Mar 23-30
Times: Sat & Sun 10-5, Mon-Wed 9-6, Thurs & Fri 9-9, last day Sat Mar 30: 10-3
www.kricketsworld.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 to this knowledgeable service an overstock sale with bras are as low as $10 and panties $3 and you have a great deal.

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: until Mar 31
www.change.com

d

Here’s a new one for me. Those of you interested in really high end (Schwalbe, Lake shoes, Spenco,  Raceface, Hutchinson tires, Nalini, Campagnole, fi’zi:k, Look, Commencal, Limar helmets, POC helmets, Look pedals and frames ) road and mountain bikes (reg. price $700-$4000) for 70% off, then this is the sale you want to head to.

Besides the bikes there’s  outdoor trekking and skiing  equipment and clothing (jerseys reg. priced $130-$200), too.  Kempter Marketing  has been holding these sales for the past 6 years and they usually happen in November.

Location: 766 Lajoie, Dorval
corner: Cote de Liesse
Dates and Times:  Fri Mar 22: 12-6, Sat Mar 23: 10-3

I bet you didn’t know that Maison Corbeil had a clearance center. It’s up in Laval and will be moving next Sunday so it’s a good time to buy there and help them clear it out (and save a few bucks) so they don’t have to move it.

It was 35 years ago when Raymond and Colette Corbeil opened their modern avant-garde home furniture store. Now the second generation is in charge.

If you love the look of their high-end furniture but cannot afford the price tags, you can head to this outlet store the 4 days a week it is open. It has some end-of-line items, stock changes and slightly damaged pieces at clearance prices.

Old closing location: 2583 Debray St.
corner: Autoroute 440
(new location, opening soon,: 2750 Francis-Hugues, Laval)
Tel: 450-978-4847
www.maisoncorbeil.com

Fashionwear has been a fashion service which holds shopping events in the Ruby Foo’s Hotel and also has a retail store in Hudson.  At the sale, they show off  about 2 dozen lines of female trendy clothes, accessories and shoes.

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 keep a computerized list), they try to update your look based on what you already have at home. You can find out the dates of sales by getting on their e-mail list.

Location:  Ruby Foos Hotel (free parking), 7655 Decarie Blvd.   (look for sign in lobby)
corner: Pare
Room: Shanghai AB
Phone (Ruby Foo’s): 450-218-1955
Date and Time: Mon Mar 18: 11-8

If you are unable to make it,you can visit their shop for clothes and giftware:

Fashionwear Shop: Exit 26 off 40 West, 3100 Rte. Harwood,  Centre d’Achats Hudson
Phone: 450-218-1955
Hours: Tues, Wed & Fri 10-6, Thurs 10-8,  Sat 10-5,  Sun 12-5
www.fashionwearcanada.com