| Accessories, Montreal |
| SIMONS |
| Head up the escalator for a generous selection of home staples. Expect trendy colours. Simons’ house brand for bedding and bath, La Lingère, rivals the old faithfuls. |
| 514-282-1840 |
| 977 Ste. Catherine St. W. (514-282-1840); Promenades St-Bruno (514-282-1840) and Carrefour Laval, Laval (514-282-1840). |
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| Accessories, Montreal |
| HOLT RENFREW |
| Holt’s has one-of-a-kind retro lamps by Pamela Barsky in printed silks and vintage fabrics, plus Sandrine Fabre’s hand-painted ceramics from Paris. California artist Caleb Siemen is well represented with his colourful Murano glassware, while Holt’s has Terrell Swan’s limited-edition cottage pillows sporting Hollywood icons. Leaf through the 256-page style tome, The Assouline Glossy Hollywood Dolce & Gabbana Scrap Book, to ogle celebrities. |
| 514-842-5111 |
| 1300 Sherbrooke St. W. |
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| www.holtrenfrew.com |
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| Accessories, Montreal |
| LES AILES DE LA MODE |
| Want the new J.Lo sunglasses? You can only get them at Les Ailes, which also has exclusive dibs on Eva jewellery from New Mexico, Dendara from Milan, London’s trendy Tateossian collection of fibre optic costume jewels and Yochi Design’s intricate delicacies from New York. Now is the time to buy a fur shawl by Sandy Pino in camel or brown for $1,000 or pick up a new Hugo Boss watch. For smaller budgets, consider a coin belt or a wonderful daybag from Monsac. Wolford, of course, supplies Les Ailes’ better hose. |
| 514-282-4537; 450-682-4537; 450-672-4537 |
| 677 Ste. Catherine St. W. 3035 Le Carrefour Blvd., Carrefour Laval and 2151 Lapinière Blvd., Mail Champlain Brossard |
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| www.lesailes.com |
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| Accessories, Montreal |
| OGILVY |
| A bastion of high-end giftware. New to its selection is the famed Meissen monkey ornament line from Germany, plus the dinner sets, and a huge selection of Bacarat crystal from France. Still expect posh brands with Boutique Lalique (514-843-3000), Pavillon Christofle (514-987-1242) and Louis Vuitton (514-849-6520). |
| 514-842-7711 |
| 1307 Ste. Catherine St. W. |
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| www.ogilvycanada.com |
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| Accessories, Toronto |
| Accessity |
| This basement boîte is the perfect place for the woman who has everything. Lots of belts, socks, tights, jewellery, hair clips, even bras. Look for wraparound furs and wide leather belts. Cute colourful gloves and hats by Echo. |
| 416-972-1855 |
| 136 Cumberland St. |
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| Accessories, Toronto |
| Accessories by Eva |
| This old-fashioned boutique has one of the best selections of gloves in the city. The vast assortment is stored in rows and rows of teensy drawers. The store always has lots of knit gloves and scarves in every colour. There are also luxe velvet scarves in patchwork and geometric patterns. However, the biggest draw is still the line by Le Sportsac — durable travel bags in all sizes with oodles of pockets. |
| 416-481-0892 |
| 402 Eglinton Ave. W. |
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| Accessories, Toronto |
| Andrew’s |
| You’ll find lots of chic accessories here but the Cashmink scarves are a must. Cashmink? It’s a fancy name for acrylic, but this is an ultra-soft cozy acrylic. The scarves range from soft camel to vibrant red and are very reasonably priced (from $25). Of course, there are tons of beautiful real cashmere scarves here, too. For true wow factor, invest in a winter cape. The most luxe is reversible: a wool cashmere blend on one side and velvet on the other ($350). |
| 416-969-9991 |
| Hazelton Lanes, 55 Avenue Rd. |
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| Clothing – General, Canada |
| wimotion.com |
| Disabusing women of the notion that fabulous exercise clothes only come in tiny sizes |
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| www.wimotion.com |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Winners |
| Just when you are about to pack it in, you’ll find a real gem. It’s always surprising what some heavy-duty digging will turn up. Among the fashion rejects, it’s possible to rescue cashmere sweaters and Calvin Klein coats at 30 per cent off or more. Cool brands include Laundry, DKNY and Hilary Radley. Good place to find Guess and Buffalo jeans, as well as bras and workout wear. And if you point out flaws to the staffers, they’ll usually give you even more of a discount. Stock comes in weekly |
| 416-585-2052 |
| 57 Spadina Ave. |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Zara |
| Try to avoid Zara on a Saturday as it will be packed and the dressing room lineup will be endless. So much so, that many frustrated shoppers have been known to drop their jeans in the middle of the store to try on that to-die-for skirt. This Spanish chain is extremely quick—and good—at producing its version of this season’s must-have items at very competitive prices. Strappy sandals ($40), for example, could almost be mistaken for Prada shoes. There are basics, too, such as coats and long raglans as well as all sorts of totes, handbags and belts in styles directly poached from the runway. Shipments arrive on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Call in sick and go on Tuesday. |
| 416-916-2401 |
| 50 Bloor St. W. |
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| www.zara.com |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Tommy Hilfiger Company Store |
| Typical Tommy fare, only cheaper. Jeans, shorts, skirts, sweaters, cardigans, socks, knapsacks, golf shirts, pants and sunglasses |
| 905-354-6194 |
| Canada One Factory Outlets, 7500 Lundy’s Ln., Niagara Falls |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Toni Plus |
| Lots of career, casual and after-five clothes in sizes 14 to 22 in selected styles from the likes of Brian Bailey, Ellen Tracy, Jones New York, Ralph Lauren, Eileen Fisher, Nancy Ganz, Anne Klein, Faber, Berber and the Toni Plus Collection. Also, exclusive to Toni Plus—Votre Nom and Anna Scholz |
| 416-789-7529, 416-512-0341, 416-622-0784, 416-633-9331 |
| Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Bayview Village, Sherway Gardens, Toni Plus Outlet |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Voluptuous |
| A junior plus-size store catering to a younger clientele who prefers sexy, trendy clothes inspired by designer trends. Owner Angela Samuels imports new labels from the U.S., including Revolt Jeans, Z. Cavaricci, Karl Kani, USA Polo and Parasuco. Look for a second location this year |
| 416-248-5095 |
| 1700 Wilson Ave., North York Sheridan Mall |
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| Clothing – General, Canada |
| Thebigpage.com |
| Dedicated to the above average, it’s a complete directory of plus-size sites |
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| www.thebigpage.com |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Thyme Maternity |
| With 67 locations across Canada. Thyme Maternity is sure to meet the needs of women searching for casualwear, career wear, special-occasion fashions, lingerie, sleepwear and swimwear. Check out the web site to browse through the collection, learn about in-store promotions and chat with other soon-to-be moms. |
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| Available at various locations across Canada |
| [email protected] |
| www.thymematernity.com |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Tom\’s Place |
| Tom’s Place sits among the fish stores and fruit and vegetable vendors in the heart of Kensington Market. Although Tom’s Place has women’s items, he is best-known for his discount designer suits for men (you can find a Cerruti suit for $800). Savings are usually between 30 and 50 per cent. Top name dresses have been found here for $50, so don’t rule this place out, girls |
| 416-596-0297 |
| 190 Baldwin St. |
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| Clothing – General, Canada |
| The Bay Petites |
| In selected Bay stores across Canada. Fashions from Haggar for Her, Nygård Collection, Tan Jay Petites, Alia, Alia Sport, Alfred Dunner, Villager Signature, Liz Collection, Liz Sport, Liz Wear, Liz & Co., Jones New York Collection, Jones New York Sport, Bianca Nygård, Lauren Petites and The Bay’s private labels—Togo and Mantles—in sizes 6 to 16. |
| 416-972-3333 |
| The Bay at Yonge and Bloor |
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| www.thebay.com |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| The Petite Alternative |
| Career, casual and special-occasion fashions in sizes 2 to 14. From corporate suits to weekend denim—you’ll find a good range of clothing, from private collection pieces to brand name lines including Kasper, Liz Claiborne, Mac & Jac and Jones New York. Alterations available |
| 416-440-1444 |
| 463 Eglinton Ave. W. |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| The Warehouse |
| You’ll find clearance and ends-of-line casualwear. Brand names include North 44, Britches and London Fog. Expect savings of up to 70 per cent and don’t forget to check the back of the price tag for any extra savings. |
| 416-497-2659 |
| 574 Gordon Baker Rd. |
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| Clothing – General, Canada |
| Talletc.com |
| Most of the wide selection of pieces are available in sizes 4 through 20, with a standard inseam of 36” and a guarantee that sleeve lengths will fit longer arms. Most of the fashion pieces are in the junior section, which features the labels Anne and Frank in sizes 4 to 20. |
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| www.talletc.com |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| The Answer |
| Casual, business, special-occasion, aerobic and golf-wear styles, in sizes 12 to 24. The store carries an expansive collection of fine lines by Danskin, Elisabeth by Liz Claiborne, Jones New York, Anne Klein, Brian Bailey, Geiger, Cambio, Weinberg, Hucke, Tru, Eileen Fisher, Hilary Radley, Jax, Lucien Daunois, Steilmann, Basler, Marisa Christina, Gardeur, Marcia Golfwear, Spanner, David Dart and Olsen. Accessories, wardrobe consultation and some petite sizes are also available |
| 416-483-5663 |
| 2715 Yonge St. |
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| Clothing – General, Canada |
| The Bay Maternity |
| A mainstay of maternity clothing, including swimwear and lingerie |
| 416-972-3346 |
| The Bay at Yonge and Bloor |
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| www.thebay.com |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Tabi Woman |
| Tabi Woman, launched a year ago, is an extension of Tabi International carrying the same fashions and styles as the regular line, featuring colourful mix-and-match casual clothing and golf attire in sizes 14W to 24W. |
| 416-695-1584, 905-318-0747 |
| Sherway Gardens, Etobicoke, Limeridge Mall, Hamilton |
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| Clothing – General, Canada |
| Talbots |
| With 20 stores across Canada, Talbots is an old favourite, offering classic styles in career and casual fashions in miss sizes 4 to 18, as well as petite sizes 2 to 16. Browse through the catalogue of Talbots’ Woman line in sizes 12W to 24W and order on-line. A good selection of shoes and accessories is also available. Call for the store nearest you. |
| 800-TALBOTS |
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| www.talbots.com |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Tall Girl |
| A safe bet for taller women looking for sportswear, dresses, suits, jeans, chinos, outerwear, swimwear, lingerie, hosiery and sleepwear. Junior and contemporary styles made to fit tall, long-legged or long-waisted figures, available in sizes 6 to 22. Look for Tall Girl’s private labels and fashions from Bullet, Parasuco, Louben and Brian Bailey. Preview all the collections at tallgirlshop.com |
| 416-977-4023, 416-782-2260, 416-782-2260 |
| Atrium on Bay, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Square One Shopping Centre, Mississauga |
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| www.tallgirlshop.com |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Silvert\’s |
| Carries quality clothing designed specifically with seniors in mind. A wide selection of styles available for any lifestyle—from the physically mobile to the physically challenged, from sizes XS to 5XL—in a large selection of adaptive clothing with special features like snaps, Velcro and open-backs to ease the role of the caregiver. Offers footwear in all sizes, and for people with conditions such as swelling, corns and bunions. Wheelchair accessible. |
| 905-738-4545 or 800-387-7088 |
| 3280 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 18, Concord |
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| www.silverts.com |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Substance |
| A well-known secret among teens, college girls and the young at heart. That’s because all their fave brands—Parasuco, Buffalo, Silver Jeans, Kangol, C’est Moi and Vibe—are at least 20 per cent cheaper here than downtown. Be careful, though. There is always an anxious shopper behind you E ready to grab those jeans right out of your hands |
| 416-781-0771 |
| 514 Lawrence Ave. W. |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Sunny Choi Outlet |
| Invited to a formal party but don’t want to break the bank on a new dress? Choi’s warehouse sells formal wear at 50 to 70 per cent off. Merchandise consists of ends of season, discontinued and clearance product. Lots of traditional silk suits and separates. But there is sexy stuff, too. A drive-by turned up a slinky black top for $186 (regularly $465) and black silk velvet pants for $115 (regularly $385) |
| 905-709-1678 |
| 370 Steeles Ave. W., Thornhill |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Scarlett |
| Yes, the store is mostly devoted to new clothes from BODYBAG and the Collection Scarlett private label. But check out the great leather coats circa 1970 in the store’s centre rack |
| 514-844-9435 |
| 254 Mont-Royal Ave. E. |
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| Clothing – General, Canada |
| Sears Petites Sizes |
| Available in Sears stores across Canada. Sportswear and career collections in contemporary styles, from Jessica Petite (sizes 4 to 16), Nygård Collection and Villager Traditional styles from VI Petites, Tan Jay, Alia, Alia Sport, Haggar and Alfred Dunner. Select styles from Tan Jay and Alia available through the catalogue. |
| 1-800-747-0644 |
| Available at Sears stores across Canada |
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| www.sears.ca |
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| Clothing – General, Canada |
| Sears specialty sizes |
| Plus-sizes located in Sears stores across Canada. Sportswear, career wear and casual collections in contemporary and traditional styles in sizes 16 to 24. Lines include Alia, Alfred Dunner, Tan Jay, Jessica Plus and Image. Select styles are also available via catalogue. |
| 1-800-747-0644 |
| Available at Sears stores across Canada |
| [email protected] |
| www.sears.ca |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Roots Outlet |
| Sweats, shoes and bags at rock-bottom prices. An annual sale in February reduces Roots fare by another unbelievable 35 to 70 per cent |
| 905-501-1200 |
| Heartland Town Centre, 5950 Rodeo Dr., Mississauga |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Rubenesque |
| Filling the niche for a plus-size, high-end consignment boutique, Rubenesque, located in the heart of Toronto’s resale district, carries brand new and end-of-line fashions in sizes 14 and up. Look for styles by Jones New York, Louben and Brian Bailey. |
| 416-787-8893 |
| 1751 Avenue Rd. |
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| www.rubenesque.net |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Rugby north America |
| Champoins of waxy leather and minimal chic, Rugby minted its style in unstructured bags and classic-cut jackets back in 1987. Also available at Les Ailes de la Mode. |
| 514-849-9759 |
| 3526 St. Laurent Blvd. |
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| www.rugby-na.com |
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| Clothing – General, Vancouver |
| Ron Leal |
| A former soap opera actor, fashion model and designer for Mr. Jax, Ron Leal brings his worldly sensibilities to his own line of high-end ready-to-wear. Biannual warehouse sales of his collection, 90 per cent of which is sold only in the U.S., take place in April and October. Phone to be added to the fax list |
| 604-669-2511 |
| 305 W. Eighth Ave. |
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| www.ronleal.com |
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| Clothing – General, Vancouver |
| Room For Two Maternity Apparel |
| Casualwear and casual career wear in sizes 4 to 16. Lines offered: R.E.B.E.L. jeans, pants, tops and dresses, Du Date, Duet Designs, Mondor hosiery and a nursing line called Blissful Babes. |
| 604-255-0508 |
| 1409 Commercial Dr. |
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| Clothing – General, Vancouver |
| Roots Factory Outlet |
| If you’re lucky, the sought-after 2002 Winter Olympics merchandise that had to be chained down to store counters might show up here once the hype has worn off. Roots’ athletic wear for men, women and children is marked down 30 to 80 per cent. |
| 604-433-4337 |
| 3695 Grandview Hwy. |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Reitman\’s Encore |
| Excellent prices make Reitman’s Encore a no-brainer destination for casual summer clothes. This is where to stock up on T-shirts, walking shorts and flowing print dresses. The khakis and stretch blouses look crisp in spring pastels, alongside classic black pants and capris |
| 514-843-8623 |
| Place Montreal Trust, 1500 McGill College Ave. and 13 other Montreal-area locations |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Rhonda Maternity |
| This Yorkville establishment carries modern clothing covering the three Cs of dressing: casual, career and cocktail in its own private label made in Toronto. |
| 416-921-3116 |
| 110 Cumberland St. |
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| www.rhondamaternity.com |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Ritsi Plus |
| Aren’t you worth it? This is where to shop for exclusive suits by labels like Tamotsu, Brian Bailey and Dana Buckman from New York. Don’t miss the season’s new reversible raincoats by MycraPac or the summer linens by FLAX and What’s Up. Accessories are sized to suit full-figure women, including fanciful necklaces by Quebec designers Tanya Douchet and Kien. Ritsi Plus’ store-brand shirt, however, is the classic staple to have in Montreal. Tip: The luxurious change rooms are a treat |
| 514-481-4724 |
| 4873 Sherbrooke St. W., Westmount |
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| Clothing – General, Vancouver |
| Patricia Fieldwalker |
| Pure silk and Calais lace form the basis of Vancouver designer Patricia Fieldwalker’s elegant lingerie. Claudia Schiffer, Christy Turlington, Demi Moore and Sharon Stone are among the celebs who have filled out her creations. At biannual sample sales in December and early summer, items are priced below cost. The sales are the only place to find the designer’s U.S.-sold eveningwear in Canada. Call to join the mailing list |
| 604-689-1210 or 888-689-SILK |
| 402-343 Railway St. |
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| www.pfieldwalker.com |
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| Clothing – General, Canada |
| Penningtons Superstore |
| With more than 110 stores nationwide, Penningtons has outerwear, career wear, casualwear, weekend wear, intimates and accessories, all at great prices. Also, the junior line in sizes 14+. Call . |
| 888-385-8585 |
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| www.penningtons.com |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Petit Poids |
| Tucked inside this shop for baby clothes is a fabulous line of maternity wear called Bébé à bord by Quebec designer Nancy Perreault. She avoids the traditional black stretch pants, and instead offers burgundy, orange and apple green. The cotton, flower-print dresses are big sellers, as are the flouncy skirts, capri pants, pastel Ts and sleeveless shirts. Texturized materials are Perreault’s choice this season, giving her lightweight fabrics more body. Check out the atelier-boutique in Old Quebec City for the full line (866-524-8111). Prices are not prohibitive |
| 514-270-0091 |
| 281 Laurier Ave. W. |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Old Navy |
| Old Navy is one of those places to avoid at all costs when you are not in top form. Teens shriek, mothers yell, babies cry, music blares and harried sales clerks rush about wildly. However, you’ll find everything from piles of jeans and T-shirts to sweaters and dresses. The quality and tailoring are not the best, but the prices are so low you’ll think they’re kidding |
| 416-593-0065 |
| Toronto Eaton Centre, 260 Yonge St. |
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| www.oldnavy.com |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Oppens |
| Slip into the house specialty—the Oppens knit line of slinky skirts, tunics, pants, vests and non-constructed jackets. They’re washable, affordable and don’t come to harm in a suitcase. For spring, Oppens has boot-cut jeans with Lycra and an exclusive line of shirts by Pierre Poisson. Get ready for separates in apple green, mango and fuchsia. Oppens also carries sportswear from Spanners in Ontario, Jones New York and Lauren Vidal in Germany. Watch out for frequent sales, although prices are reasonable from the get-go. Closed Sundays and Mondays |
| 514-844-9159 |
| 4828 St. Laurent Blvd. |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Paris Samples |
| Anna K. Malkhassian says, “most of the time it’s a hit” at her store. She stocks samples from mostly Montreal designers in sizes 6 to 14. Everything is up-to-date and you’ll find beautifully made sportswear. Savings run anywhere from 20 to 75 per cent off |
| 416-926-0656 |
| 101 Yorkville Ave. |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Muskat & Brown Petites |
| For all occasions—weekend, casual, corporate and evening. Sizes 0 to 14 in lines by DKNY, Tahari, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Anne Klein, Ellen Tracy and Eileen Fisher. Also carries shoes sizes 4 to 7 1/2 |
| 416-489-4005 |
| 2528 Yonge St. |
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| Clothing – General, Vancouver |
| Neto Company Store |
| Ruched blue leather shells for spring alongside great basics in black, hunter green and camel, are examples of the sexy, sophisticated leather to be found at this new factory store for a leather goods company established in 1969. Award-winning designer Deborah Tissington prices her garments (most of which are only sold in the U.S.) at least 20 per cent below retail. |
| 604-875-8474 |
| 252 E. Second Ave. |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Neuf Lune |
| It’s all about baby blue this season at Neuf Lune Maternité, a manufacturer on Chabanel with a private label maternity brand for sale in the retail outlet. Try on the seven styles of denim pants or the two-piece business suits with long skirts. Stock up on maternity panties, which sell at a marvelously good price |
| 514-382-1366 |
| 111 Chabanel St. W., Suite 701 |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Mega Centre |
| A short walk from the Namur Metro, this sparse little strip mall has a few good destinations. Les Cuirs Danier (514-341-0110) has fantastic prices on end-of-season leathers and handbags. Jacket styles aren’t organized, so make time to browse. Down the left-hand side of Roots (514-906-2823), there are liquidation prices on everything from tie-dyed bedsheets to luggage and clothes. There’s a burgeoning Entrepôt Addition-Elle and L’Équipeur for basic khakis, and Aldo will have a liquidation depot opening soon. Wal-Mart is across the street with Payless Shoes. Lots of parking. |
| 514-739-2227 |
| 5455 des Jockeys St. |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| Melmira Swimsuits |
| Specializes in swimsuit fittings for all sizes, including A to G cups, petite and full-figure. Now stocking the “Miracle Suit.” Maternity and mastectomy suits available |
| 416-485- | |
