It’s time to load up on your summer wardrobe of jeans and the place to do it is called Jeans, Jeans, Jeans. And that is just what you’ll find, once you’ve ventured into this huge outlet where they just love to help you find a pair that fits and that you like. If you need them, there are $25 racks.

In sizes 00-56, they have all the premium denims in brand names you’ve come to know:

5km, 7 For all Mankind, AG, Affliction, Alternative, Ben Sherman, Bench, Bertigo, Big Starr, Black Bull, Apparel, Blend, British Invasion Apparel, Buffalo/David Bitton, Calvin Klein, Carreli Jeans, Cheap Monday, Denham, Diesel, Differ Jeans Couture, Dockers, Edwin, Fidelity, G-Star Raw Denim, Guess,
HS, Head Rush Fortune Favors the Brave, Horst, Hudson, Jack and Jones, Jack of All Trades, Jap Rag, Joes, John Varvatos, JungMaven, K-Way, K.O.I. Kings of Indigo, Kaporal Jeans, Karv, Kuwalla T, Le Shark, Levi’s, Levi’s Commuter, Liverpool Jeans Company, Lois, Lucky 7, Mavi Jeans, Moose Knuckles, Naked and Famous Denim, Nicole Benisti Signature Collection, NYDJ, Nudie Jeans Co, Only,
Ookpik World, Paige, Pajar Canada, P.J.S. Parajumpers, Parasuco, Penguin, People for Peace, Point Zero, Premium, Review Never Established, Rich and Skinny, Robert Graham, Rock Revival, Rufen, Schott, Scotch and Soda Amsterdam Couture, Second, Selected Femme/Homme, Silver Jeans Co., S&K Soia & Kyo, Tokyo Laundry, True Religion Brand Jeans, The Unbranded Brand, Vero Moda,
Wrangler

You’ll find tops, jackets and even some for kids.

As a special service, they will hem or alter your purchased jeans on the spot for free.

Parking is free in the #5445  de Gaspe buildings (provide entry ticket, they will validate), or at meters (come in, provide meter number, and they pay) or at the municipal lot on Casgrain (give them receipt and they will re-imburse you).

Location: 5575 rue Casgrain, Montreal QC H2T 1Y1,
corner: St-Viateur.
Tel: 514-279-3303
Hours: Mon-Wed 9-5, Thurs 9-9, Fri 9-6, Sat 9-4
www.jeansjeansjeans.ca

Q: I am often asked where one could sell a used fur coat. Very few second hand shops buy them and I have lost my last Montreal contact for this.

A: However, in this month’s Senior Times, there is an ad which says “I buy women’s and men’s fur coats”. I pay cash and pick up anywhere in Canada.

Tel; 514-996-0321
e-mail: recyclefur98@gmail.com.

If anyone uses this service, please let me know how it turned out.

Q: I have a color television RCA 13¨ in silver that I bought in 1995 which I want to sell for $10. (remote control included, all functional) – Do you know where I should address my request to sell my TV?

A: It is extremely hard to sell an old TV. In the Second-hand section of my book, there are 2nd-hand shops which you can call. But for $10, just put it up on Kijiji or give it away to Thrift Shop for Nova, 514-697-6692 (a favorite ofd mine because all the money goes to home nursing), Mada 514-342-4649, Armee du Salut or Fripe-Prix Renaissance.

Q: I just moved to Montreal and am thinking of visiting Rue Chabanel for their upcoming Deux par Deux sale.  However, I am not sure as I don’t know how much the discounts are and if they are enough to justify the lineups/crowds, etc. Any insights would be appreciated.

A: Chabanel is open on Saturday mornings 9-1. My book has 5 pages about Chabanel with listings in suites with what you can find there. Chabanel has many showrooms open with merchandise direct from the manufacturer or importer. “Open to the Public” is very much alive either on Saturday mornings or certain hours during the week. You will find some of the same first quality merchandise as in stores or boutiques in town. Don’t be shy – everyone knows and everyone goes.

Here are  A Few Tips To Guide You:

1) Know Your Retail Price. The discounts can be outstanding (up to 90%), but these days some outlets, especially retail-like ones in the Chabanel buildings, may have the same price as a discount store where you have better service, choice of hours, exchange policies, etc.

2) Dress for easy try-ons. The dressing room may be a bathroom, behind a curtain or a communal area.

3) Check out the entire showroom before zooming in on one rack. Often parts of a set may be separated. Make sure tops and bottoms of a set are the same size and dye lot.

4) Go by eye where size is concerned. Sizes can occasionally be inconsistently marked, especially if it’s a sample or a second. If it looks right, try it on.

5) Don’t be put off by a ripped seam – the repair, even if you can’t do it yourself, is often a lot less than the money you’re saving. Do, however, check carefully for: snaps that snap, cuffs that are the right side around, centered collars, working zippers, holes in knits, etc. You should, with a practiced eye, be able to run over a piece in 20 seconds.

6) Be prepared to buy immediately if something strikes you. Successful shopping is partly luck; Pounce on a find before someone else does as it probably won’t be there if you go back.

7) Bring cash. Don’t be afraid to bargain, especially if you’re buying a few things in one spot.

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

The Farha Foundation, in memory of Ron Farha, raises about $150,000 a year for those with HIV and AIDS. Twice a year they have fabulous fashion events where for a $5 entrance fee, you get to score great deals (50% to 90% off) on thousands of family fashion items which are sold by 70 different clothing companies and designers.

Last time these were some of the famous names found there: 69 jeans, Anastasia Lomonova, Bod & Christensen, Ca va de soi, Dalcci, Des Hauts et des bas, Dinh Ba Design, Envers par Yves Jean Lacasse, Franco Negretti, Gloria Gaudette, Guido & Mary, Hörst, Jack & Jones, Judy Design, Kärv, Ladydutch / TXT, Lily Rose Bijoux, Lollipops, Louben, Lucky 7, Luxyria, Lydia Lukidis, Melow, Mens, Micalla, Miss Sixty & Energie, Only, Pedro Sport, Philippe Dubuc, Rudsak, Rüfen, Second

Location: Palais des Congres. 201 Viger Ave West
Tel: 514-270-4900
Date: Nov 6 & 7
Hours: 10-5
www.farha.qc.ca

The Farha Foundation, in memory of Ron Farha, raises about $150,000 a year for those with HIV and AIDS. Twice a year they have fabulous fashion events where for a $5 entrance fee, you get to score great deals (50% to 90% off) on thousands of family fashion items which are sold by 70 different clothing companies and designers:

69 jeans, Anastasia Lomonova, Bod & Christensen, Ca va de soi, Dalcci, Des Hauts et des bas, Dinh Ba Design, Envers par Yves Jean Lacasse, Franco Negretti, Gloria Gaudette, Guido & Mary, Hörst, Jack & Jones, Judy Design, Kärv, Ladydutch / TXT, Lily Rose Bijoux, Lollipops, Louben, Lucky 7, Luxyria, Lydia Lukidis, Melow, Mens, Micalla, Miss Sixty & Energie, Only, Pedro Sport, Philippe Dubuc, Rudsak, Rüfen, Second

Location: Palais des Congres. 201 Viger Ave West
Tel: 514-270-4900
Date: Sunday May 3rd
Hours: 10-5
www.farha.qc.ca

Q1: This week you are going to tell us about why there are sometimes better options than buying in stores.

Just like we have garage sales, there are many manufacturers or distributors in the city that have an annual or semi-annual “garage sale”. They must clear out their warehouse space in order to make room for the next season’s merchandise Sometimes it pays to wait for a certain time of the year to buy. They sell off samples or liquidated items they are no longer producing, leftovers from last season, seconds or lines that never sold well. Whatever it is, the price is always right.

Q2: What can we expect to find at these warehouses?

Today’s sales that I’m mentioning have: cool clothes, decorative hardware, kids fancy duds, aromatic items and even one sale where the money is going to charity.

In warehouse sales, the products vary as much as retail varies:
Quebec designer fashions, toys, bowling balls, fine china, skin care products, home electronics, Halloween costumes, makeup, crystal, duvets and linens, ladies’ bras, perfume, pianos, perfume, flatware, jeans, golf equipment, chocolates, winter jackets, lingerie and, of course, casual clothes for men and women.

Q3: How do we find out about them?

You can follow my shlog. When you attend the sale, ask if you can be put on e-mailing list for future sales. If you can’t make the sale, you can try to leave your name if they still send out snail mail notification..

Q4: Which ones are happening now?

Dans Un Jardin sells all those lovely aromatic items for your bath, bedroom and body. At their warehouse sales you can scoop up their products at great savings and you might be surprised that they offer men’s lines, some for baby and even special ones for pregnant women (calming ointment for breasts grabbed me but you may find comforting milk bath with meadowfoam oil, firming cream, Optimal-care stretch mark cream and soothing gel for legs).

Men’s Decleor line offers up shaving cream and lotions – men, do you think you could live without Hydra Floral Anti-Pollution Flower Nectar Moisturizing Cream? In the kids Pois de Senteur line, besides the soaps, creams and detergent, there’s facecloths, bibs and blankets.

They are clearing out their older packaging, some of their new lines that are overstocked and even boxed items (think ahead for Mother’s Day). This sale has Lampes Bergere which are lamps that give off a perfumed fragrance as the bulb heats up.

Location: 1100 Boul. Marie Victorin, Longueuil
Dates and Times for VIP invites (and get an additional 10% off. You can get this if you are on their e-mail list): Apr 21: 8-5, Apr 22: 9-5
Dates and Times for General Public: Apr 22: 5-9, Apr 23: 9-9, Apr 24 & 25: 9-5.
Tel: 800-363-3663 or 450-449-2121
www.dansunjardin.com

If you are fixing up your bathroom, you just might want to take a look at Imperial Decorative Hardware as their prices for decorative bathroom hardware are up to 80% off. The last time I wrote about this sale, one of my fans wrote to me mentioning that the goods are very high end here so don’t expect dollar store bargains.

There are faucets, toilet paper roll holders, make-up or shaving mirrors, towel racks and fancy door handles. Who knows what else you might stumble across? There’s a flyer on my shlog which gives you an additional 10% off if you spend $100.

Location: 342 Isabay
corner: Cote de Liesse
Tel: 514-737-3000
Pre sale Date: Wed Apr 21: 10-4 You can go in if you read about it here.
Dates: Thurs Apr. 22-Sun Apr. 25, Thu. Apr. 29-Sun. May 2
Hours: Thurs & Fri 10-7, Sat & Sun  10-4
Note: After May 2 the Liquidation Centre will be open Mon-Fri 10-4

Tomorrow is the start of an opportunity to check out Cora’s warehouse sale of high end children’s brands: Cora, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Cucci bebe, Tutti Piccolo. These fashions are very designer detailed, lots of dressy things, casual too and mostly gorgeous. Prices are fabulous 50%-75% off. In the back room there’s samples at $3 to $22.50.

Location: 4050 Poirier
Corner: Boul. Thimens
Dates: Apr 22-May 1
Hours: 9-5

The Farha Foundation, in memory of Ron Farha, raises about $150,000 a year for those with HIV and AIDS. Twice a year they have fabulous fashion events Au Coeur de la Mode where for a $5 entrance fee, you get to score great deals (50% to 90% off) on thousands of family fashion items which are sold by 40 different clothing companies and designers.

Hereis an idea of the brands: 69 jeans, Anastasia Lomonova, Bod & Christensen, Ca va de soi, Dalcci, Des Hauts et des bas, Dinh Ba Design, Envers par Yves Jean Lacasse, Franco Negretti, Füshia, Gloria Gaudette, Guido & Mary, Hörst, Jack & Jones, Judy Design, Kärv, Ladydutch / TXT, Lily Rose Bijoux, Lollipops, Louben, Lucky 7, Luxyria, Lydia Lukidis, Melow, Mens, Micalla, Miss Sixty & Energie, Only, Pedro Sport, Philippe Dubuc, Rudsak, Rüfen, Second

Location: Palais des Congres. 201 Viger Ave Ouest
Tel: 514-270-4900
Date: At & Sun Sunday May 1&2
Hours: 10-5
www.farha.qc.ca

Manhattan Industries is having weekend sample clearance sales for men’s and women’s clothing and shoes at 50% to 70% off. If these are the names you like, head over here: 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), Debbie Schuchat (designer 2-piece outfits, blouses, dresses, outerwear), Brown Sound, d Collection and Me(el) (ladies feminine tops, dresses sizes XS-L).

Location: 6150 Transcanadienne, Ville St. Laurent
Corner of Isabey
Dates: Fri Apr 16:5-9, Sat Apr 17: 9-1, Fri Apr 23 11: 5-9, Sat Apr 24: 9-1, Fri Apr 30 1:5-9, Sat May 1: 9-1
www.manhattaninc.com
www.meelclothing.com
www.industryclothing.com
www.pureandsimple.com
www.debbieshuchat.co

For years, those in the know slid in to the entrance at the rear of the building in the “Blue Bonnets” area to rummage the sample racks of really well known upper end branded clothing. Men, women and even kids can score clothing, shoes and accessories in samples and stock for bargain prices – 40%-70% off retail. A dressing room available to try on the clothing.

These are some of the cool brands in men’s, women’s and children’s shoes and accessories: kitson LA, A.B.S.Allen Schwartz, Parish, Akademiks, Coogi, Pastry, Levi’s footwear, pelle pelle, baby phat, Frank Walder, UBU, Shmack, Triple Goose. Don’t forget to check out their selection of prom dresses.

You can sign up for e-mail or snail mail at the sale to be notified of next events.

Location: 5540 Ferrier St.
Corner: Devonshire
Dates and Hours:  Fri Apr 23: 9-9, Sat Apr 24: 10-5, Sun Apr 25: 12-5

Q1: This week you are going to tell us about NOT shopping in stores.

Just like we have garage sales, there are many manufacturers or distributors in the city that have an annual or semi-annual “garage sale”. They must clear out their warehouse space in order to make room for the next season’s merchandise Sometimes it pays to wait for a certain time of the year to buy. They sell off samples or liquidated items they are no longer producing, leftovers from last season, seconds or lines that never sold well. Whatever it is, the price is always right.

Q2: What can we expect to find at these warehouses?

The products vary as much as retail varies: Quebec designer fashions, toys, bowling balls, fine china, skin care products, home electronics, Halloween costumes, makeup, crystal, duvets and linens, ladies’ bras, perfume, pianos, perfume, flatware, jeans, golf equipment, chocolates, winter jackets, lingerie and, of course, casual clothes for men and women.

Q3: How do we find out about them?

When you attend the sale, ask if you can be put on a mailing list for future sales. If you can’t make the sale, you can try to leave your name with the receptionist at the company for notification. Some have on-line mailing lists.

Q4: Which ones are happening now?

Canadelle, makers of Wonderbra, Dici, and Dici Nova, has clearance sales offering their bras and undies. Sometimes there’s even a few things for the guys. Profits go the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Dates: Oct 16-18, Oct 23-25. Fri1-8, Sat 9-4, Sun 11-4
Location: 4405 boul. Metropolitan est,  St-Leonard
Phone: 514-376-6240
www.playtexcanada.ca

Krickets is for children’s clothing. If you have young children and like this line, ask to be put on their calling list for the warehouse clearance sales that are held twice a year, in October and April, and last a whole week. Go to kricketsworld.com and then to “Knews” to find out dates of sales or to add yourself to the e-mail list.

Dates: Oct 19-23: 8-5, Sat Oct 24: 8-2
Location: 333 Chabanel ouest, Suite 800
Phone: 514-382-5890
www.kricketsworld.com

La Grande La Grande Braderie de Mode Quebecoise is the sale for the creme de la creme of Quebec designers’ samples and ends of inventory at 50%-80% off. Women, men and children might find lines by: Rudsak, Muse, Mackage, Report Collection, Bodybag, Tavan & Mitto, TXT Carbon Inc, D.E.P.T., Marie Sainte-Pierre, Concubine, Iris, Extenso 14+, Envers, MSiamo, Gaudette Design, Eve Gravel, Colt, Station 8, Julie Bou, Matteo Mio, Myco Anna, Dino Gaspari, OCollection, Barila, JC Rags, Michel Desjardins, Pepin Design, Nenufar, Ivano Homme, Frett Design, Mestiza, Veronique Miljkovitch. Sylvie Germain, Genevieve Dostaler, France Anctil, Blanc Mouton, Pierre Poisson, Rouzanna Design, Dinh Ba Design. Ophelie Hats, Soia & Kyo, Message Factory, Virage, Fluide, Lola, De Shalla design and Creation Ysol.

Dates: Oct- 22-25
Location: Marche Bonsecours 350 St-Paul Est, Old Montreal
Phone: 514-866-2006 x 300
www.braderiedemodequebecoise.com

We have a dearth of places to get any sort of a deal on high quality linens in this city, so when Lawrence a 60-year old local company has its home bedding sale, it’s worth checking out. Expect to find coordinated bedroom ensembles in jacquard, sateens, high end percale sheets, pillowcases,  bedspreads, comforters, decorative cushions, duvet covers and mattress pads. They sell for 50% to 80% off from this season’s regular lines, as well as discounts and closeouts on samples and last year’s goods. Some prices at the sale: sheet sets $25, 4 to 7 piece bedding sets $49, mattress pad enhancers $50. Sign up to be notified of the sales.

Dates: Thurs Oct 29 & Fri Oct 30: 11-7, Sat Oct 31: 9-4
Location: 8655 Delmeade
Corner: Cote de Liesse
Tel: 514-343-3740
www.lawrencehome.com

Marcelle makeup and skin care products were developed for women with sensitive skin. Manufactured and designed in Quebec, the company also produces the Annabelle line. If you would like to buy their discontinued and liquidated goodies, this is the moment for their next warehouse sale as the next one won’t be held until around April.
All Marcelle colors are $2.50, all Annabelle colors are $1.50 and creams or lotions are $8 to $24. It’s a good time to stock up on gifts as gift boxes are usually there.  You can be put on a list for mail or phone calls in order to be notified.

Location: 9200 Cote de Liesse Rd.
Corner: 43rd Ave..
Phone: 800-387-7710
Dates: Thurs & Fri Nov 5 & 6: 4-8, Sat & Sun, Nov 7 & 8: 9-4
www.marcelle.com

The Farha Foundation, in memory of Ron Farha, raises about $150,000 a year for those with HIV and AIDS. Twice a year they have fabulous fashion events where for a $5 entrance fee, you get to score great deals (50% to 90% off) on thousands of family fashion items which are sold by 70 different clothing companies and designers.
Here is a list of this season’s designs:  Apple Bottoms, Aritmetik, Bedo, Bertoni, Bod & Christensen, Ca va de soi, Carrefour Ivanö, Chilli Peppers/Kani Ladies, Cocky Brand, Coco & Tashi,Dalcci, Des Hauts et des bas, Dex Clothing, Diamond tea, Dinh Ba Design, Envers par Yves Jean Lacasse, Eve Gravel, Fortuna Valentino, Füshia, Gloria Gaudette, Grob, Guido & Mary, Hörst, Ivanö Costumes, JSI, Kimojo Kimono, Kinétic, Kofi Collection, Kärv, L’échantillon, Ladydutch, Lily Rose Bijoux, Lingerie Blacko, Lollipops, Lucky 7, Lydia Lukidis, Malicious Manor, Message Factory, Mestiza Chic, Micalla, Mika Design, Mimi et Moi, Miss Sixty & Energie, Montelle Intimate, Noval, Olivia Cosmetics New York, Oonu, Ophelie Hats, Pedro Sport, Philippe Dubuc, Philo Soapy, Quartz Nature, Ralph Leroy, Re-Find, Regalo, Report Collection, Rudsak, Rüfen, Second, Soi disant, Station 8, Stella Bijoux, Tobacco Road, Turco Design, TXT, Valérie Dumaine, Vas & Co, Want Agency, Will Be,
WMF Mannequins

Location: Palais des Congres. 201 Viger Ave West
Tel: 514-270-4900
Date: Sunday May 3rd
Hours: 10-5
www.farha.qc.ca