Kiva opened a new location in Vaudreuil-Dorion. The original store in Pointe Claire village, sells stylish practical clothing (sizes XS-XL) for women. This business model is different in that it is not just a shop, but was conceived to become a community. That feeling of belonging is reinforced not only by the convivial atmosphere, but by fun events like anniversary cocktail fetes or Christmas parties. Friends can also plan a private evening here to munch, shop and enjoy the attentions of a make-up artist too.

The owner, Josee Madore, used to run the design department at Lolë activewear, so she knows about fashion and what women want and need. She desired her own shop so that she could connect with her audience more intimately. “We want to make women look good and feel at ease in all the different aspects of their lives. Women… are balancing so many different activities – it’s not uncommon for them to lose track of themselves and their sense of style.”, says Madore.

At Kiva her team is there to guide women and help them look their absolute best. She chooses flattering styles that are easy to wear and care for. Madore tries on every garment before she sells it, so as to make sure she likes the way it fits. With lots of selection, it’s easy for clients to enjoy putting together an entire wardrobe for each season.

Whether you need a warm winter jacket, sports clothes or want to be able to go from office to cocktails, you can find the answer in their brands::

– comfy Yoga jeans from Second, new bold and demi-curve by Levis and activewear by Lolë, Fig, and Karma

– to make a fashion statement, you can buy: Anna Scott, Schwing, Sandwich, Jackpot, In Wear, Part Two, Coco et Tashi, C02, Flying Tomatoe, Mystree, Trinity, Signal,Jensen and St-Martin.

– cool shoes by: Clarks, Hunter Toms, Miz Mooz, Birkenstock, Volatile, Otbt, Nicole, Madeline.

– put your stuff in purses and bags: Mosey, Co-lab

– jewelry to finish off the look: Clio Blue, Merx, Art and Caft, Cracol, La Mer watches

New arrivals come in every week. You can shop whenever its convenient for you as they are open every day.

New location: 472 St-Charles Ave. Vaudreuil-Dorion QC J7V 2N5
Tel:450-218-6088
Original Location: 15A Cartier St. Pointe-Claire, QC H9S 4R5
corner: chemin du bord-du-lac Lakeshore
Tel: 514-505-0955
www.kivawomen.com, Facebook http://on.fb.me/HDCZrd
E-mail     info@kivawomen.com
Hours     Mon-Wed & Sat 10-5:30, Thurs & Fri 10-8 (summer), 10-6 (winter), Sun 12-5

If you send a note to your member of Parliament in Ottawa, they can arrange for special greetings to be sent for special occasions:

– Her Majesty the Queen will send out greetings for a 60th Anniversary or a 100-year or more birthday.
– The Governor General will do this for anniversaries from 50-59 years and birthdays from 90-99 years.
– The Prime Minister will send a note for 25 year anniversaries, 65th birthdays and every 5 years after that.
– Your member of Parliament will happily send out a greeting for any anniversary or birthday.

You need to provide two months notice for her Majesty the Queen, the Governor General and the Prime Minister.

Q1 With Halloween only10 days away, people are busy planning what to wear themselves or for their children, what are the popular costumes this year?

Before it was movie characters that drove the costume industry and now video games are breaking through: Super Mario Brothers (Mario and Luigi), Halo from X-box, 3 Hundred (movie/video game for iPhone and no surprise, Michael Jackson is big this year.

For movies (adults and kids): Watchman, Queen Gorgo, Batman/girl, Spiderman, Cat Woman, Wonder Woman, Transformers, GI Joe and Star Wars never goes away. I’m Sad to say sex sells: sexy police, nurses, etc. For kids it’s Sesame Street, GI Joe, Minnie Mouse, Transformers, Tinker Bell,etc. Less of traditional costumes are moving and only licensed ones.

Q2: For those that are bored of the same old stuff, are there any new ideas or products out there?

Couple going to parties, they have “duets”: mustard & ketchup, plug & socket, Fred & Wilma, Scooby Doo gang, Disco characters. You can buy a nylon sleeve that makes it look like you have tattoos up your arm. Theatrical makeup (way beyond a black eye) can be glued onto your skin so it looks like your throat was slashed or that a pencil is coming out of your arm. Vampire stuff is big this year: teeth, cape, blood.

Q3 With cost being a factor for some, can you suggest any place for deals?

Each year Halloween warehouses open up, this year there are 7 locations: 5840 Taschereau  (across the street from last year’s store); Laval, 1990 boul. le Courbusier (corner Boul. Tessier); Longueuil, 2588 ch. Chambly((corner: Jacques Cartier);  Pierrefonds, 4800 boul. St-Jean (across the street from Loblaws); Mail Place Vertu; Repentigny Terrebonne, Carrefour Lachenaie, 250 Montee des Pionniers.    www.halloweenmegavente.com

Q4 Where are the stores where we will we find everything we need?

Giggles – Besides being a full party store and balloon center, there’s a pre-made loot bag service, or you can create your own from 100’s of low priced toys. Party decor and paper goods are organized by colors or themes – High School Musical, Spiderman, Dora, Cars, Hollywood, luau, casino, wedding/shower, etc., but you can still find a whoopee cushion ($1.49), a pin the tail on the donkey ($1.99), lots of costumes or pick letters to build your own banner. How about putting an edible photo on-a-cake or the cupcake service?

Location: 7143 Boul. Newman, LaSalle
Corner: Senkus
Phone: 514-363-9472
October Hours: Mon-Fri 10-9, Sat & Sun 10-5
Temporary location (until Nov 1): Delson Plaza, 35 boul. Georges Gagne
Phone: 450-638-6221
www.giggles.ca

Party World – Everything you need to create a fun party is here – balloons, tableware, loot bags, candles and even a party room to have it in (entertainment, food, cake, a place for the adults). For dressing up there are costumes, makeup, eyelashes, hats, fake blood, swords, boas and a wall of wigs. Theme cakes can be baked for you.

New location: 188  St. Jacques, Ville St-Pierre
Phone 514-369-2221
Hours: Mon – Wed 10-6, Thurs & Fri 10-7, Sat 9-5

Party Mania – You can find just about any party need in this large store. There are bridal, baby, luau and anniversary rows along with significant birthday decor – 30, 40, 50 and 60. The balloon choices cover an entire wall, and look down the aisles for cake decorating supplies, ribbons, stickers galore, pinatas, boas, leis, loot bag stuffers, wrapping paper, costumes wedding accessories, printable stationery and of course, paper goods in coordinated colors or for themed parties.

For those of you who aim to win costume contests, they buy only1 or 2 of a few costumes.

Location: 950 boul. St-Jean, Pointe Claire
Corner: Boul. Brunswick
Phone: 514-694-3115
Oct 19-31 hours: Mon-Fri 10-9, Sat 9-6, Sun 11-5
Temporary locations: Greenfield Park, 3568 Boul. Taschereau; St-Rose, 550 Cure Labelle; St-Leonard, 5940 Boul. Metropolitain est.