Maxwell’s Clothiers is a 2nd generation Hong Kong family run business which twice a year (since 1961), in March and October, rents banquet halls in Ruby Foo’s Hotel, in Laval and then downtown to sell their shirts and suits. I have visited their elegant showroom in Hong Kong to see how the shirts and suits are made.

They make it easy for us to shop as they fly here and bring their expertise to us with a team of tailors who can fit men and women for custom-tailored suits, jackets, pants, overcoats and shirts. For 3 custom-made cotton shirts, it’s only $150 plus tax and shipping (about $35) and that could be for the sea-island cotton (luscious), Egyptian cotton, or pinpoint Oxford or 3,000 fabric choices.

Suits go for $450 – $650 and orders take about 10 weeks to arrive. A local tailor has been hired to do any little alterations that may be necessary. No appointments are necessary – just show up and bring your friends.

Dates:  Mar 30-Apr 1:  Sheraton Laval, 2440 Autoroute des Laurentides (450-687-2440)
Apr 2-5:  Le Centre Sheration, 1201 Boul. Rene Levesque Ouest (514-878-2000)
Apr 6-8:  Ruby Foo’s Hotel, 7655 Boul. Decarie (514-731-7701)

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

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.

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): 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
www.fashionwearcanada.com

Fashionwear has been a fashion service which holds shopping events in the Ruby Foo’s Hotel.  Stock of about 2 dozen lines of female trendy clothes, accessories and shoes are shown each time. Since it is the end of the season prices will be slashed to 50% off.  If you miss the sale, they now have a permanent location.

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 computer 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 or ask at front desk for their suite)
corner: Pare
Phone: 514-731-7701
Dates and Time of sale: Thursday Dec 15:  11-7

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

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

Fashionwear has always been a fashion service which holds events in the Ruby Foo’s Hotel 4 times during the Fall and again in the Spring. Stock of about 2 dozen lines of female trendy clothes, accessories and shoes are shown each time.

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 computer 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 or ask at front desk for their suite)
Corner: Pare
Phone: 514-731-7701
Dates and Times of sale: Apr 11: 11-8, Apr 12: 10-8

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

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

Maxwell’s Clothiers is a Hong Kong family run business which twice a year (since 1961), in March and October, rents a banquet hall in Ruby Foo’s Hotel and then for another 3 days downtown. I have visited their elegant showroom in Hong Kong to see how the shirts and suits are made.

They make it easy for us to shop as they fly here and bring their expertise to us with a team of tailors who can fit men and women for custom-tailored suits, jackets, pants, overcoats and shirts. For 3 custom-made cotton shirts, it’s only $135 plus tax and shipping (about $25). Suits go for $395 – $595 and orders take about 10 weeks to arrive. A local tailor has been hired to do any little alterations that may be necessary. No appointments are necessary – just show up and bring your friends.

Tel: 23666705, 23666658 Fax: (852) 23699175
e-mail: maxwell@maxwellsclothiers.com
www.maxwellsclothiers.com

Locations and dates: Ruby Foo’s Hotel, 7655 Decarie Blvd.
Tel: 514-731-7701
Dates: Apr 1,2,3
and Le Centre Sheraton, 1201 Boul. Rene-Levesque W.
Tel: 514-878-2000
Dates: Apr 4-8

Fashionwear has always been a fashion service which holds events in the Ruby Foo’s Hotel 4 times during the Fall and again in the Spring. Stock of about 2 dozen lines of female trendy clothes  are shown each time.

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 computer 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 or ask at front desk for their suite)
Corner: Pare
Phone: 514-731-7701
Dates and Times of sale: Tues & Wed, Sept 28 and 29: 10-8

If you are unable to make it,you can visit their permanent shop for clothes and giftware:
Fashionwear Shop: Exit 26 off 40 West, 3100 Rte. Harwood,  Centre d’Achats Hudson
Phone: 450-218-1955 cell: 514-234-4707
Hours: Tues & Wed 10-8, Thurs & Fri 10-8, Sat & Sun 10-5
www.fashionwearcanada.com

Since 1964, The Tailored Man has been coming to North America fitting men (and sometimes women) with made-to-measure suits at Hong Kong’s prices (starting at $460, shirts start at $55). The suits come with extras you don’t usually see in North American stores: sweat shields, cell phone pockets and the pants have a heel guard and knee lining. When you order a shirt, you choose collar style, cuff and monogram location.

Sunder Daswani’s team is back in Montreal so make a personal appointment: 866-751-7868 or 571-529-0539 or www.tailoredman.com/appointment. To be added to their mailing list: goodfit@tailoredman.com. At this sale, they will be giving you a complimentary shirt with each order.

Locations and Dates:
August 9  & 10: Ruby Foo’s Hotel, 7655 Decarie Blvd. Phone: 514-731-7701
August 11-13 : Sheraton Laval, 2440 Autoroute des Laurentides, Phone: 450-687-2440
August 14 & 15:  Sheraton Centre, 1250 Rene Levesque West, Phone: 514- 878-2000

www.tailoredman.com

Q1: With the Spring season upon us, the females out there are itching to get their hands on some new clothes, what kinds of styles are cool this Spring?

Look for soft comfortable, feminine, flowing fabrics, lots of prints – faces and flowery and bling: embellishments on clothes. Tunics with leggings are back and they hide a multitude of sins.

Q2: It sounds like, to be in fashion, you need to throw out everything and go for all the new stuff?

It’s always confusing as fashion shifts, but there is a way to get around this. There are women who run fashion businesses where the emphasis is one-on-one shopping. They know you, know what you like and what you look good in and even keep track of your wardrobe. So they may say, you can wear the long top from last year but buy jeggings to go with them.

Q3: What are jeggings?

Leggings made out of jeans fabric.

Q4: Let’s go through a couple of these shops to see what they have to offer:

You might have heard of  Fashionwear as a fashion service which held sales in the Ruby Foo’s Hotel during the Fall and again in the Spring. Now they have a permanent location at the Centre d’Achats Hudson. They stock a unique collection of about 2 dozen lines of women’s trendy clothes (even Lindsay Phillips’ switch flops ) and giftware and gadgets.
As you try on outfits, you are aided by Lisa or one of the consultants, who help you coordinate a wardrobe. They keep a computer database of what you buy each time and try to update your look based on what you already have at home. To find out dates of their Ruby Foo sales, get on their calling or e-mail list.

Location: Centre d’Achats Hudson at Exit 26 of the Transcanadienne.
Hours: Regular
Phone450 218-1955
www.fashionwearcanada.com

Another local Canadian company which used to be called Optionelle, now named EVEology clothing collection, is less about following trends and more about creating one’s own personal style rather than just jumping onto “what’s hot”.  You can view the clothing at www.eveology.com and then go in locally to try them on and buy (sizes mostly 4-2XL). Their clothing focuses on everyday glam looks which combine fashion, function and the attention to detail. Most interestingly, it is designed and sorted by body type so you can easily choose which pieces will make you look the best.
If you have no time to go out and shop, home presentations are possible; Gather some friends together and have a private fashion show and you can earn fashion dollars as a percentage of the sales. If you don’t have time or energy to clean your house and clear out your hubby and kids, Elisabeth will just host the party at her place. She’s been been selling this way for years and is great at helping you select a wardrobe to suit you.  Shopping here is like having your own personal dresser.

Tel: 514 684-0370
Hours: By appointment
fashionista@acn.net
www.eveology.com

Q5: What about the full-figured woman, how does she fit in to this, literally and figuratively?

Women with larger needs (sizes 14-24) can shop at Oppen’s where  they are lucky to get Beverly’s personal service with wardrobe coordination. The racks offer lots of mix and match possibilities in washable fabrics, and even jewelry to finish off the look. Well known labels such as Linda Lundstrom, Simon Chang, Conrad C, NYDJ – Tummy Tuck Jeans, Kokomarina, Tara Vao  Franck Anna, Alain Weiz, Spanner are there for you. They also carry Spanx to smooth you out, slinky knits and their own Beverly shirts and opera coats.

Location: 4828 boul. St-Laurent
Corner: Villeneuve
Phone: 514-844-9159
Hours: Tues-Fri 10:30-5, Sat 10:30-5