Good bye long hauls to Woodbury Common in New York, Merrimack in New Hampshire, and Kittery in Maine. We now have our very own Premium Outlet Mall in Mirabel, only about a half hour drive from downtown.

The outlet center will open on Thursday, October 30th so expect promotions and parties for the first 4 days. There is room for 84 shops but only 70 will be open at first. In a salute to our miserable weather the outdoor walks will all be covered.

What we will have, unlike our US neighbors, is a large Hudson’s Bay outlet, the second in Canada. Montrealers will finally  be able to buy fashions (discounted!) from The Room, Toronto’s luxury designer department. We’ll also get our first taste of Max Mara (coat maven), Desigual and Famous Footwear. Our very own Rudsak will be there along with Polo Ralph Lauren, Gap and Bench. I would say though, that the warehouse outlet sales I mention here on my shlog probably have much better prices for Bench.

Many of you might not realize that a lot of outlet store merchandise is produced just for the outlet markets. Only a fraction of the products are usually liquidated stock  from their regular stores. Don’t expect Walmart prices everywhere there. Max Mara coats are still near $1000, even discounted. For the real bargains,wait for the semi-annual clearance sales when items can be up to 90% off.

You no longer have to cross the border to enjoy outlet shopping and drive  back wearing 3 layers of clothing. Shop right here in Quebec and keep the money here.

Location: 19,001 Chemin Notre-Dame, Mirabel
Exit 28 off of Highway 15

This is one of those outstanding sales that you have to be in the know to know about. Hundreds of samples of the Spring/Summer 2012 Collections of women’s prêt-à-porter and European imports of a (shh! famous labels that we can’t mention) will be sold off for six days only in this little boutique. They will all be 50% off suggested retail price. You can be wearing all the colors and styles of this season right now. Besides the samples, sizes medium and large will also be available.

Nestled in a courtyard, the S.I.L.K. Prêt-à-porter boutique is usually divided neatly in half between new samples (European labels and domestic labels) at 50% off and designer consignment clothing. The collections are so carefully handpicked that’s it’s really quite difficult to tell the new clothes from the gently worn ones: DVF (Diane von Furstenburg), Dolce Gabbana, Escada, Max Mara, Marccain, Sonia Rykiel or Save the Queen. After the sale, the consignment clothes will be back and you can also stock up on great basics or classics from Jones NY, Joseph Ribkoff and Simon Chang . New locally handmade artisanal jewelry is showcased for you to accessorize the clothes.

Location: 1213 Bernard St. W., Outremont, H2V 1V7
corner: Bloomfield
Tel: 514- 274-8282
Dates: May 1 – May 6
Hours: Tues-Fri 11:30 – 8, Sat 11- 5 , Sun 12 pm-5

This is one of those outstanding sales that you have to be in the know to know about. Hundreds of samples of the Spring/Summer 2012 Collections of women’s prêt-à-porter and European imports of a (shh! famous labels that we can’t mention) will be sold off for six days only in this little boutique. They will all be 50% off suggested retail price. You can be wearing all the colors and styles of this season right now. Besides the samples, sizes medium and large will also be available.

Nestled in a courtyard, the S.I.L.K. Prêt-à-porter boutique is usually divided neatly in half between new samples (European labels and domestic labels) at 50% off and designer consignment clothing. The collections are so carefully handpicked that’s it’s really quite difficult to tell the new clothes from the gently worn ones: DVF (Diane von Furstenburg), Dolce Gabbana, Escada, Max Mara, Marccain, Sonia Rykiel or Save the Queen. After the sale, the consignment clothes will be back and you can also stock up on great basics or classics from Jones NY, Joseph Ribkoff and Simon Chang . New locally handmade artisanal jewelry is showcased for you to accessorize the clothes.

Location: 1213 Bernard St. W., Outremont, H2V 1V7
corner: Bloomfield
Tel: 514- 274-8282
Dates: May 1 – May 6
Hours: Tues-Fri 11:30 – 8, Sat 11- 5 , Sun 12 pm-5

Q1: With this warm weather this week, we’re looking to toss all the drab winter gear and for   livelier Spring clothing. What’s hot this season?

A: For the women out there: Lots of sheer fabric, sheer prints, 50’s higher necklines a la Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn – and their 7/8 ankle-length pants, thin belts, pleated dresses. Expect a huge amount of bright colors including candy colored jeans. Men –  it’s all about color too.

Q2: We always would like to know where to buy it – especially where to buy it for less

This is the time of year that warehouse sales start. Premium Retail Group holds liquidation sales worth waiting for, even if they are only a few times a year. Males and females who oogle the hot brands of Scotch Shrunk, Selected, Minkpink Kaporal 5, The Fresh, Garcia Jeanswear, Jack Jones, Vero Moda, Firetrap, Maison Scotch, Schott, AM, Scotch & Soda,Bench, Evil Twin, Antony Morado and Only will love the 60%-90% off prices. And yes there’s denim of course but also jackets, tops, dresses, hoodies, handbags and footwear. 4454 Garand St. at Pomba, Ville St. Laurent. Sale Dates: Mar 14 – Apr 1. Hours: Sat, Sun, Wed 11-5, Thurs & Fri 11-9

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, 7655 Decarie Blvd. Room: Shanghai AB. Phone (Ruby Foo’s): 514-731-7701. Dates and Time of sale: Tues & Wed Mar 20 & 21: 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

Manhattan Industries usually offers their premium brands at their clearance sales so you will find  Superdry, Adriano Goldschmied,  i.am, pure & simple  and Debbie Shuchat. Now they have taken a retail location for a limited time for their  sample clearances for men’s and women’s clothing and shoes at up to  70% off.

The brands they usually offer and still will have at this time: 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). New Location: 4910 Jean-Talon ouest at Victoria. Dates: March 22-25. Times: Thurs & Fri 10-9,  Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5. www.manhattaninc.com www.industryclothing.com www.pureandsimple.com

Q3: If we can’t fit those times into our agenda, where else can we shop?

Head for the liquidation stores of famous chains and you can score similar deals.

Trio Selection is right on Chabanel street with liquidation and overstock merchandise. It’s men first here, so you have their President Stone line of suits, shirts, ties and casual wear, outer jackets and underwear. Keep walking to the back and ladies can scoop up tops and jackets too. 353 Chabanel ouest at Jeanne Mance.

Jaf is known as a neighbourhood corner store which has deals on men’s clothes, some with well known names – Robert Graham, Jack Victor, Baumler, Tombolini,  Tommy Bahamas, m.e.n.s., Alberto, Victorinox,  S. Cohen, Façonnable,  Nautica. Even in their Centre de liquidation helpful salesmen will find you pants (to 50) and shirts (to 2XL) starting at $10, suits (to 56) at $145 – $995, sports jackets $75 & up, sweaters, jackets and free on the spot alterations (not in the liquidation center) . There are also made-to-measure suits and shirts, and suits for athletically built men. Ask about tuxedos and rentals, and if you need them, boys’ suits in sizes 4-20. Centre de liquidation (closed Tues): 1880 St-Martin o. (450-688-3636). Other regular retail locations regular: 619 boul. Rene-Levesque (514-877-9888); 3240 boul. St-Martin o. (450-978-9661);  www.jaf.ca

Both Buffalo and Mexx have liquidation stores on the South Shore. Buffalo is at 3575 Taschereau Blvd at Charles and Mexx is located at 5000 Taschereau Blvd at Auguste.

The Suzy Shier that you know has been re-branded as SUZY. They now have a liquidation store for all the lines that you loved of theirs in the malls. Now you can buy them all (sizes 0-XL) for less. 5455 Rue Des Jockeys, (Blue Bonnets). www.suzyshier.com

Q4: Any other ideas for Spring wardrobes?

Coronet Leather is a friendly family business, around for 33 years. This manufacturer has a showroom of  jackets and coats in lambskin, cowhide and sheepskin for men, women  and will do made-to-measure as well. They can make suits, pants, skirts, long coats and can do repairs. If you have a sports team, jackets can be personalized with logos or emblems. Anyone looking for retro wool jackets with leather sleeves, this is the place for you. 7475 boul. St-Laurent at Faillon. www.leathercoronet.com

Boutique Avantage is a lovely boutique open since since 1983 offering great service and is fully stocked (4-18) with those labels women love – Gerry Weber, Rabe, Spanner, Junge, Conrad C, Katherine Barclay, and Vex. Scarves, purses, hats and high fashion jewelry can finish off your look and make this one stop shopping. It’s comfortable shopping here as they remember who you are so you always feel connected. Taxes are included in the prices. 1264 Beaumont at Rockland Rd, Ville Mont-Royal. Phone: 514-733-1185.

Every now and then you come across a hidden treasure. S.I.L.K. Prêt à porter is nestled in a courtyard and is divided neatly in half between new samples (European labels and domestic labels) at 50% off (suggested retail price) and quality designer consignment clothing. The collections are so carefully handpicked that’s it’s really quite difficult to tell the new clothes from the gently worn ones.

Labels such as: DVF (Diane von Furstenburg), Dolce Gabbana, Escada, Max Mara, Marccain, Sonia Rykiel or Save the Queen all might be there. You can stock up on great basics or classics from Jones NY, Joseph Ribkoff and Simon Chang. New locally handmade artisanal jewelry is showcased for you to accessorize the clothes.

The impeccably organized shop is for the discriminating woman. Each piece is hand selected for style, season and condition (any loose threads are snipped and wiggly buttons re-sewn), so perfect quality is assured.

S.I.L.K. accepts for consignment fine clothing and accessories from European, Canadian and American designers. Consignment is accepted by appointment only. 1213 Bernard Ave at Bloomfield, Outremont. Phone:  514-274-8282.

Every now and then you come across a hidden treasure. Boutique S.I.L.K. Prêt à porter is nestled in a courtyard and is divided neatly in half between new samples (European labels and domestic labels) at 50% off (suggested retail price) and quality designer consignment clothing. The collections are so carefully handpicked that’s it’s really quite difficult to tell the new clothes from the gently worn ones.

Labels such as: DVF (Diane von Furstenburg), Dolce Gabbana, Escada, Max Mara, Marccain, Sonia Rykiel or Save the Queen are might be there. You can stock up on great basics or classics from Jones NY, Joseph Ribkoff and Simon Chang. New locally handmade artisanal jewelry is showcased for you to accessorize the clothes.

The impeccably organized shop is for the discriminating woman. Each piece is hand selected for style, season and condition (any loose threads are snipped and wiggly buttons re-sewn), so perfect quality is assured.

S.I.L.K. accepts for consignment fine clothing and accessories from European, Canadian and American designers. Consignment is accepted by appointment only.

Location: 1213 Bernard Ave, Outremont QC H2V 1V7
corner: Bloomfield
Phone:  514-274-8282
Hours: Tues-Fri 11:30-6, Sat 11-5

The most striking thing for me about Pointe Claire Village has always been the proliferation of female shopkeepers. About thirty percent of the ninety or so businesses are owned entirely or partially by women. Eve Drouin whose store, La Maison de Calico, has been open one of the longest, remembers that when she opened twenty-seven years ago there were only about four or five “shops” beyond the usual tradesmen like the plumber, hardware, shoemaker or barber.

Mrs. Lane’s shop was the famous name in the town at that time. She traveled to England and even Red China for her unique wares, and according to Joy Wheeler of Joy, “attracted the crowd from Westmount and downtown”, who drove all the way to Pointe Claire Village for her merchandise. Eve Drouin, a smart business woman, parked her store next door to Mrs. Lane so as to take advantage of all that foot traffic, and it worked, because she’s still there.

Shopping in Pointe Claire Village is like shopping used to be. It is a small community of friendly shopkeepers who all know each other and learn to know you – the customer. Olga van Setten, owner of Phase II, has built her business specifically on just that concept. Buying in her store is like having your own personal shopper; she calls her customers when clothes come in that would be suitable just for them. Busy women have little time to shop, so here is a store owner who can manage your wardrobe for you. The rest of the shopkeepers work similarly – over time, they get to know your personal likes and can lead you to the things that will please you. What a concept.

La Maison de Calico, 324 Bord du Lac at Golf St. Phone: 514-695-0728. Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Walk into this old house and let the decor and handiwork evoke memories of yesteryear. Creative people with itchy fingers who want to learn quilting, smocking, making teddy bears, silk ribbon embroidery, appliqué and even photo transferring come here to take courses and to buy supplies – even a handmade thimble. The Quebec government has sponsored an Economuseum area showcasing the history of quilting, including a history of the art form as well as old tools and sample quilts. There are gift items for sale like: antique Italian brass objects, Mighty Leaf tea, quilts (for babies too) and a bit of lacework. The wonderful aromas that are wafting through the store come from the Aux Délices de La Maison de Calico tea parlour in the back. www.maisondecalico.com

Joy, 319 Bord du Lac at St. Joachim St. Phone: 514-695-2608. Hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Sundays and Mondays in January and February, and weekday hours then are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Though you may remember Joy’s shop as the queen of the handcrafted specialty bags, rolling luggage wheels and cheap Chinese labor have ended the luggage part of her business. Now you can buy home and gift items. The popular and beautifully crafted Mat and Nat purses which look exactly like leather, but are vegan, fly off her shelves. Walltalk and babytalk are fun sayings (“Laughter translates into any language” “Dare to color outside the lines”,“So many toys, so little time” or Dr. Seuss’ “Oh the places you’ll go”) that you rub onto your walls to personalize your space. The display of All Fired Up decorative light switches are still there along with Elle jewelry, which are well priced sterling silver with a trademark ruby. You can finally find beautiful artistic cards to pen a special note in, and in case you need to read them, reading glasses are here too.

Phase II, 327A bord du Lac at St-Joachim St. Phone: 514-695-9119. Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For busy women (sizes 1-14), this consignment boutique specializes in lots of service by choosing the right wardrobe for you. Amongst popular lines (Teenflo, Nygard, Danier, Steilmann, Ralph Lauren, Max Mara, Jones NY, Armani, Talbot), a selection can be made from their suits, blouses, skirts and casual weekend wear. Some accessories like purses, shoes, belts and sunglasses can finish off your look.