Cheap chic

>> The sweet lowdown on looking good for less, from designer rejects to real retro deals

by ALEXIS DIAMOND and LORRAINE CARPENTER

Brand-name bargains

When it comes to designer threads, the secret to great shopping lies in samples. Brand-name manufacturers design samples to entice retailers to carry their wares, but for whatever reason, some are not conscripted for mass production. Often, the pieces are one-of-a-kind and in perfectly good condition. And they're sold at discounted prices. So read on, fashion adventurer, for the really good buys. Hours vary, so call ahead.

Encore & Encore A cozy store in the heart of Mile-End. They sell samples of Part Two, Martinique, InWear and Marc Starr among others, for men and women at a 30-50 per cent reduction in price. New stock arrives every week, so there's plenty of choice. They also sell accessories, like bags and jewellery. Open daily. 227 St-Viateur W., 279-3232.

L'Antre du dragon This bright boutique's treasures are hardly visible from outside, but well worth a look. Offering original samples from Asia, Europe and North America, as well as mini-lines from local designers at a 40 per cent discount, you're further rewarded by their tax-included policy. They also sell accessories. Open daily. 5121 St-Laurent, 270-8036.

103 Entrepot de chaussures This is the place you should check first for footwear. They import European lines like Diesel, Palladium and Ted Lapidus, and Pajar boots. Plus, if you buy one marked-down sample pair from the display wall, you get the second sample pair for half-price. They offer their lowest prices year-round. Open Thursday-Saturday. 103 Mount Royal E., 842-6402.

Surplus Fifty per cent reduction on samples, seconds and surplus of Diesel for men and women and locally based Luscious; more if damaged. They also sell jewellery and Diesel bags and hats. Stock changes every season, but they have new stuff coming in every few weeks. Open Thursday-Sunday. 5168 St-Laurent, 948-5005.

Le Chateau In addition to selling Le Chateau stuff, this location sells designer samples and seconds. Stock changes about every four months and is not always in the best condition, but you can score 50-70 per cent off high-quality stuff, like Versace and Armani, although there are no guarantees. They also carry Miss Selfridge, René Derhy, XOXO and more. Open daily. 5158 St-Laurent, 274-0271. (AD)

The real retro

Ever wonder how Plateau friperies get away with massively overpricing their retro gear? Easy: these stores are conveniently located, visually appealing and pretty well-organized. However, if you're willing to travel to big ugly stores and sift through loads of scary prom dresses, stretched-out sweaters and acid-washed jeans, you'll pay a third of the price, if not less. So here's where to find some of Montreal's cheapest retro wear and low-rent glam gear.

Fripe-Prix Renaissance This smaller, lesser-known discount chain is actually cheaper than Village des Valeurs, with a $1-10 price range, no tax and a 30-per-cent-off sale on Mondays. Old-lady blouses and big polkadotted everything abound and, cheesy '80s fiends take note: they have Bon Jovi shirts here. At the branch on the Main, there's the bonus of a used book, record and computer basement in case you get tired of plowing through the winter coats and sweatshirts. 7250 St-Laurent, corner Jean Talon.

Salvation Army With four locations in Montreal proper, and a new branch in NDG, Sally Ann's is the classic shop for the poor (and the cheap). Gear up for winter with hats, coats, blazers, blouses and an unending supply of sweaters, with prices ranging from about $1-25--although most items stay under the $10 mark. The new NDG digs have a much more clean, organized and generally inviting layout than the old NDG location a few blocks west. Stirrup pants, anyone? 5766 Sherbrooke W.

Village des Valeurs This classic chain needs little introduction. With several locations around the city, including one in the heart of liquidation-centre land near Namur metro, Village sells everything from costume jewelry to lingerie (ooh, sketchy) and fur-lined leather coats. Most clothes fall into the $3-12 price range, while household supplies and knick-knacks start as low as 29 cents. 4906 Jean-Talon. (LC) lll