Q: Hi Sandra, I really enjoyed your talk at Victoria Hall in Westmount several years ago.  I was just wondering where I can buy Mephisto adjustable sandals at a good price.  There use to be a good store downtown but they do not exist anymore.   Also, I am having a very hard time getting winter boots for my bunion feet they are all to tight for me.  I need your help.

Thank you so much for taking the time and have a nice day!

A: When having problems fitting shoes, for all kinds of big and small sized shoes, the best place to go is Chaussures le Depot at 501 de l’Eglise in Verdun. They really like to work with problem feet and make sure they find something for you. The sales people will bring boxes and boxes til they (and you) are successful.

The other good part is that they have “torture” instruments for shoes where they can stretch and bend the leather where you need it – or add elastic to sandal straps to make the strap longer, etc. They can probably stretch your old shoes too. They sell Mephisto and other well-sized shoe brands.

Looking for a stylish gift for the sharp dressed man – or the man you want to dress a bit sharper?

When it comes to men’s clothing, Made in Italy is synonymous with quality, craftsmanship and design. Les Importations J.E.A Polcaro Imports has been delivering high-end Italian menswear to the city of Montreal at wholesale prices for the last 30+ years.

Quietly located in Peel’s Hermes building, a hidden treasure right in the heart of the city’s most well known shopping street, you can up his fashion game with impeccable suits to casual weekend wear, everything from the necktie down to the socks, all branded with the true mark of quality Made In Italy.

J.E.A. Polcaro is importing and selling directly to you without the markup of a middle man, therefore offering you wholesale prices. A great way to get designer goods at deep discounts.

This is the perfect time to add a touch of sleek style to his wardrobe and treat him to some of the latest in men’s Italian fashion collections from designers and luxury brands that need no introduction, Cerruti 1881, Verace, Valentino and Corneliani.

Location: 1470 Peel, suite 420
Phone: 514-844-3014
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-6, Sat 10-4
polcaro.ca
email: polcaro@usa.net

All you DIYers will be happy to hear that Tonitex, one of Canada’s leading textile wholesalers, has just added a new collection of products to their line up.

Their product of the week is wool. Wool is one of the oldest fabrics ever invented, with wool making tools dating back as far as 10,000 years ago.

Wool fabric offers the ultimate in comfort, warmth and versatility.  Naturally flexible, insulating and hydrophobe (moisture repellent), and hypo-allergenic. This unique fabric is used in garments and furnishings, offering warmth in the winter and coolness in summer.

Crafters, check out their large collection of wool fabrics at great prices and make exactly what you want. Wool is easy to work with and makes any sewing project a breeze.

Tonitex’s assortment includes: yarn-dyed wool, plain colors, Melton, boiled wool, Italian wool, Victor wool and more, and are sure to add a little extra to any wool DIY project. You can check them out right here.

If you are planning an artsy craftsy project or some home re-decorating, you can find your answers at Tonitex, where they sell polar fleece, denim, fake fur, plush, cotton prints, nylon, jogging fleece, broadcloth, lycra, flannel, cotton twills and outerwear fabric to the nearby manufacturers and to you too.

Around for over 30 years, you will always find  a lot of  printed cotton sheeting from top brands like Spectrix, Michael Miller, Baum, Andover, Fabri-quilt and many more brands at discount prices.

The huge space is filled to the ceiling with giant fabric rolls accessed by ladders.  Look for the coupon bins sold by the kilo – when buying remnants you can save even more money.

Shop at Tonitex’s  warehouse store on Boul. St-Laurent or shop on-line at  tonitex.com

It’s a can’t fail approach to Valentine’s Day – when in doubt, go for chocolate.

Who doesn’t like chocolate? For everybody’s favorite indulgence, be it your significant other, friends, or parents, this Valentine’s Day dazzle them with chocolate from Galerie au Chocolat.

Since 1985 Galerie Au Chocolat has been producing delicious, gift-worthy fine quality Belgian chocolate and confections for the North American market. They’ve  been a best kept secret spot for years, since they were a wholesale but now they sell retail with wonderful prices.

In order to create the best tasting chocolates, they start with the best available ingredients from around the world.  Using only the highest quality imported Belgian chocolate to produce their products and ensure that the cocoa beans they use have been sustainably grown and ethically sourced.

The heavenly selections include: almond, cranberry or blueberry clusters, chocolate covered Chinese fortune cookies, chocolate covered ginger or orange peels, Napolitains, candy cane bark, Amaretto creams, mint chocolate truffles, espresso wafers, or their famous almond bark. They also offer Valentine’s day assortments, a no sugar added selection and a variety of Fair -Trade product.

Their commitment to quality has resulted in the creation of a wholesome, natural ingredients and ultra premium line of chocolates that offers something for everyone created in a Kosher and peanut-free facility.

Discover delicious, decadent gourmet chocolates when you go to the shop or use their on-line shopping option: galerieauchocolat.ca/shop/
Delivery on the island of Montreal is $12.

Location: 6665 Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse, Saint-Laurent, QC H4T 1Z5
corner: Migneron
Tel: 514-331-8460
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5
galerieauchocolat.ca

February 14 is nearly here, as the big day fast approaches, you need a gift and you need it quickly. It can be overwhelming to try and figure out where to even start.

Whether you’ve just started dating or have been together for years,  it’s the perfect time to show you’ve been paying attention to the things they like. Selecting a gift that is based on a hobby or passion is a meaningful way to show that you are attentive to details.

Lucky for you Le Panier has something for everyone, this one stop shopping spot is located in the heart of Pointe Claire Village and has a store full of unique gifts for even the impossible to shop for, as well as the person who has it all.

Chocolates are the ubiquitous go-to gift for Valentine’s Day, and they have all kinds of chocolates. If you want your love to remember you, how about Louis Sherry New York chocolates – in beautiful keepable metallic tin boxes? Or for something even sweeter, they are one of the few places in town making homemade fudge so you could choose a delicious favorite flavour.

For aromatics, Michael Design’s shea butter soaps, handwash and lotions are there or look for the big display of everything lavender.

 Consider a scented candle of their favorite scent, a coffee mug with a cute saying filled with their favorite sweets, there’s ED Ellen DeGeneres tableware collection,  winter getaway clothing and accessories, or how about filling up a gift basket with all their favorite gourmet food items, or a wine purse with a favorite bottle of wine.  One corner of the store is filled with jewelry options like Alex and Ani.

For those of you who are looking for practical ideas, a cool gift might be an “upside-down” umbrella which closes without water dripping on you or your car. You will be remembered everyday if you buy the Mighty Mug. It won’t fall over – EVER – and can be used near a keyboard without worries.

Browse around and enjoy the vast selection of just the perfect gift. Need suggestions, their staff is always eager to help you find exactly what you are looking for.

Le Panier won the title of best gift store in Canada so this store worth a trip from anywhere. The huge shop is chock full of gourmet food, kitchenware,  and gifts at prices mostly under $25. You will not walk out empty-handed when you can choose amongst the jewelry, jams, hot sauces, kitchen gadgets and cool accessories.

Location: 274 Bord du Lac, Pointe Claire
corner: de Lourdes
Tel: 514-695-7038
Hours: Regular plus Sun 10-5
www.thepanier.com

This Valentine’s Day surprise your valentine with a gift you know they’ll appreciate.

If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for someone special, jewelry is a no-brainer. If you’re not sure exactly what kind of jewelry to get her (or him), don’t worry — I’ve got you covered.

No matter your budget, you can find a great Valentine’s Day jewelry gift at Bijouterie Oro – a jewelry wholesaler.

Bijouterie Oro, a 3rd generation family trusted jeweler for over 30 years has built its reputation by combining extraordinary values in quality jewelry at a reasonable prices, selling wholesale, and is open up to the public. Lucky us.

Yes, affordable but still chock-full-of-wow factor jewelry. Whether you’re looking for rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, bands, bracelets, pearls or watches, discover a gorgeous selection of impressive jewelry at prices that fit your needs.

Find an assortment of pieces that’ll show off her style, spirit, and unique personality. Right now, go take a look at their new and trendy lightweight and affordable gold and diamond pieces for stacking, (photo of the sparkling rings below), layering and mix and matching.

Stackables are a special gift as it is super stylish and looks great alone or stacked with others. It will be loved and worn for years. Buy one for Valentine’s Day and add to the stack for a special occasion.

Available in white gold, yellow gold and rose gold.  There are five different styles in all. Prices are right as the stackable rings in 14K with genuine stones start at $140 and necklaces also in 14K starting at $120.

Jewelry is the Valentine’s Day Gift they will treasure now and for years to come.

Location: 1255 Phillips Square, Suite 1010
Tel: 514-393-1721 or 514-575-7511
Hours: by appointment only, Mon-Fri 9-4:30
orojewelleryinc@gmail.com