Shop New Canadian Designers at FashionCan.com!

Feel like checking out & supporting some indie Canadian designers with fabulous clothes - but not sure where to find them?  You could walk back and forth along Queen West in Toronto...but who has time for that these days?  We all know I won't be doing it anytime soon with a double stroller :(  No worries though - just click on over to fashioncan.com and you'll find unique, well-designed, innovative fashion from Canadian designers you've probably never heard of but will LOVE regardless!  $9 standard shipping in Canada, and beautiful things like this cute dress from Valerie Dumaine.  Enjoy my fellow Canuck fashionistas! 

Rentfrockrepeat.com - rent designer dresses!

We've all done it...spent hundreds of dollars on a gorgeous dress that we wear once, and then never have the chance to wear again.  Either it just isn't right for the events we're going to, or we always see the same people everywhere we go so we don't want to repeat the same outfit again.  Problem solved with rentfrockrepeat.com.  Become a member and you can rent yourself the gown or cocktail dress of your dreams, at a fraction of the full retail price, and then return it when you're done and never see it again!  Brands include Badgley Mischka, Nicole Miller, Tracy Reese and Pink Tartan, and dresses that would cost over $500 to buy can be yours for less than $100.  They'll send you 2 sizes to be sure you get the right fit, and they'll do all the dry cleaning for you!  It arrives by Canada Post whatever day you request, and that's how you send it back as well (in the prepaid envelopes they provide!)  How easy is that?  Love it!

Nailpolishcanada.com

Why shop here?  Well, it's a Canadian site - that's my first great reason.  Secondly, the amazing selection is impressive to say the least.  It's not like you have a lot of choice in the nail polish department when you're online at Sephora, or even at your local drug store.  Nailpolishcanada.com has Zoya, Essie, China Glaze, OPI and more, along with a great Hot Deals section full of discounted prices.  And when you're buying a bunch for yourself, or as stocking stuffers or girlie gift bags, why not go bulk?  Free shipping in Canada for orders over $29 doesn't hurt either!

Le Chateau has a new website!

I just get so happy inside when I see Canadian retailers improving their e-commerce sites!  We can now add Le Chateau to the growing list of shoppable sites!  Dresses, suits, shoes & accessories can all be found online now.   You can grab hard-to-find brands like Vince Camuto here - a great designer who was behind brands like Nine West, Jessica Simpson, BCBG Max Azria shoes and Tory Burch footwear as well!  I love this hot patent pump of his for $135!  Shipping is $10 throughout Canada, and right now you'll save $50 off any footwear purchase over $200. 

Wedding Cakes by Design in Burlington

I love to highlight local talent, and it certainly seems that Pastry Chef/Owner Meagan Rigby-Leroux of Wedding Cakes By Design is one talented cake artisan!  Check out some of the amazing wedding cakes she has designed and crafted and you'll see what I mean.  Many people consider the cake to be a true focal-point of their special day, so you really need someone to trust when you're deciding who to work with.   Wedding Cakes by Design has a gorgeous showroom in downtown Burlington at Village Square and you can book a consultation online anytime. 

Loving Sperry Top-Sider's new collection

These shoes look comfortable, practical, and stylish - and they also happen to be reasonably priced.  What more can you really ask for?  All weekend when you're wearing your favourite jeans that aren't quite hemmed high enough for flats, yet you certainly don't want to be walking around all day in office heels, it's always such a limited option in the old shoe closet, isn't it?  Well check out these new Sperry Top Siders and you'll be in cute & comfortable heaven!  I loved them back in the 80's when my friends were wearing the classic "boat shoes", and I love them even more now with their funky designs and mix of materials and heel heights.  My personal fave is this cognac suede Darlington shoe for just $110.  For all the Stores who carry Sperry in the GTA, just click here!

Love Clinique Bonus time at The Bay

There are three products I absolutely LOVE by Clinique.  Their High Impact mascara, their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, and their Long Last Glosswear (with SPF 15).   So I always patiently wait to restock when Clinique Bonus Days roll around again!

Starting September 20th as long as supplies last, when you spend at least $26.50 at the Clinique counter, you get $70 worth of trial-size products in either a nude palette or rose.  They're just the right size for when you're traveling, and they also make excellent stocking stuffers (sorry, but it IS only 3 months 'til Christmas on Sunday). 

Shop online now at The Bay!

Long overdue, but better late than never!  Incase you hadn't yet heard, you can now shop online at The Bay, offering just one more way to easily score some of their great deals on an ever-increasing number of cool brands.  The shoe shop is pretty comprehensive, with brands like Ugg (see awesome boot to the left!), Sam Edelman, Franco Sarto, Jessica Simpson, Converse, Hunter and Nine West!  You can also grab affordable Lord & Taylor cashmere sweaters or Ralph Lauren's new Denim & Supply line (youthful, vintage-looking pieces!)  Overall, it's well done and I look forward to an ongoing growth in the brands and items available in the years to come!  Another kudos for Bonnie Brooks and her team!

Emmy dresses in one word: Gorgeous!

Amazingly intricate Pucci beads on Gwyneth, a bold & bright blue on Katie, Elie Saab amazingness on the likes of Kate Winslet and Emily Blunt, Evan Rachel Wood totally redeemed herself from her bland suit @ TIFF last week, and my personal favourite: figure-hugging Vera Wang on Sofia Vergara.  It was a really spectacular and tasteful Emmy's tonight.   See the full slideshow here.  So happy to see my favourite tv-couple - Claire & Phil from Modern Family - both win well-deserved Emmy's themselves!  Cheers!

Do you know your Boutique Shopping Etiquette?

Love this article from today's Huffington Post and just had to share!  Boutique shopping etiquette is a conversation loooong overdue.  I'm a firm believer that the philosophy that the customer is always right should never fly in the face of good manners.  Check out the full content here and learn about taking food & drink into your favourite shops, fitting room speed (should you rush?), pets (whether they fit in a handbag or not), washrooms (entitled?), phone calls (always, always rude!) and more! 

Not happy with Target this morning...

First day of Missoni for Target launch and the website is already displaying MAJOR bugs.  Collection won't load up in full...can't put anything in an online 'shopping bag'... basically, shopping online there this morning is not possible.  A shame for such a large retailer.  You would have thought they'd expect additional traffic and make it a better experience for those without a Target nearby.  Having to rethink my excitement that they're coming to Canada next year.

Update: As of 6pm, entire site has been down almost all day and continues to be unloadable.

Update#2: One full day later, site is still crashed and there are over 23,000 Missoni for Target items already being sold on eBay at ridiculously marked up prices.  

TIFF Fashion slideshow

What better way to start another Monday than cruising through a little slideshow of fashionable looks from TIFF 2011 so far!?  Personally, I think Ryan Gosling is the new Clooney.  Am I alone in that?  I think not. You'll also find Jon Hamm and Brad Pitt here too.  Wow - Toronto's hot factor is truly epic this week.  Enjoy this tasty monday treat ladies!

Huge shoe sale at What A Heel in Burlington

Sad to see this shoe store closing its doors after more than a decade, as it was truly the only shoe store in town with a decent selection of designer brands!  Their current closing sale is definitely worth checking out, as you can grab any TWO pairs for $139.99!  Walking through the other day I saw a couple of beautiful pairs of Coach pumps - one black, one caramel - perfect for work (if only I had an office to go to...)!  Plus you'll find brands like Michael Kors and Cole Haan as well!  Hurry up before all the best ones are gone!  What A Heel!  453 Brant Street - Burlington.

Joelle's Fall Fashion Show 2011

The summer weather sure bid us farewell earlier than usual this year.  We have all been feeling the fall chill this week, so it was perfect timing that Joelle's of Burlington hosted a fabulous fashion show this evening!  Those of us who wish we were at New York Fashion Week can always count on Joelle to give us the next best thing, and tonight did not disappoint!  Delicious wine from Thirty Bench, tasty hors d'oeuvres, and trendy fashion from great designers like Michael Kors and Trina Turk left us all excited for the season ahead.  Part of the night's proceeds benefit a great local charity for single moms, INCITE, which I highly recommend you check out and support.  Check out the video above (or click here if you're having trouble seeing it) for some of the highlights from the runway!  And be sure to stop by Joelle's to see the great new lines she is carrying, and the stylish renovations happening throughout the store!

The price discrepancy between Canadian & U.S. Retailers

Yes please, let's get to the bottom of the reasons there is such a price discrepancy (20% on average) between what Canadians pay for retail goods, and what Americans pay.  I've always been told that there are "higher costs" in Canada (rent, labour, etc...) and that there are "additional costs" as well, which still remain a bit of a mystery to me, despite working in retail management for both American and Canadian retailers for 10+ years.  If there are truly added costs, let's uncover what they actually are, so that we - as consumers - are empowered with that knowledge and can use it to facilitate CHANGE.   This change does not have to punish our homegrown businesses, especially the ones who provide the right product at the right price with excellent service.  Certainly there is room for the removal of unnecessary barriers (to both retailers and shoppers) that hinder the pocketbooks of hardworking Canadians who completely deserve to decide for themselves what to buy & where to shop.

You can imagine why I was so happy to hear today that our Finance Minister - Jim Flaherty - will be probing into this.  Flaherty wants the Senate committee to investigate the factors that affect retail prices, including transportation, freight costs, tariffs on consumer goods and real estate.  "We need to ensure prices are continuing to move in the right direction and reflect the value of our stronger dollar," he said. "We must also better understand why certain price discrepancies may continue to exist."

We eagerly await your findings Mr. Flaherty! 

Don't forget about Beyond the Rack!

Just over a year ago, I bought the most beautiful bright pink wool coat by Pink Tartan on Beyond the Rack.  It was hundreds of dollars cheaper than when I spied it weeks earlier at Holt Renfrew in Toronto, and it has to be my favourite coat of all time.  I check in with this discount site from time to time, and this week has some impressive offers I thought I'd share with you.  Ray Bans now through September 8th - like these funky Wayfarers in black and orange - for less than $100!  Even aviators for $114.99  Or Esprit outerwear, until mid-day September 7th, like Peacoats for $89.99, puffy coats for $69.99, and beautiful tailored wool jackets for $99.99!  Have a look - it's usually well worth the time!

Happy Back To School 2011!

Tomorrow is the big day: Back to school!  And, for those of us over a certain age...back to work!  The long and sunny days of summer are gone, but don't despair!  Even if Jake Ryan won't be in your class, I am here to remind you of all the wonderful things that lay ahead in the beautiful days of autumn!

1. Pants. Have you missed them?  I know I have.  I'm a little tired of worrying about the evenness of my tan, the condition of my stubble, the mosquito-induced imperfections all over my legs.  I welcome pants back into my life every fall with girlish glee. 
2. Sleeves.  Madonna and Michelle Obama undoubtedly enjoy showing off their buff arms to no end, but I feel a little more modest about mine, so I will be thrilled to see draping silks and lightweight knits resting on mine in the weeks ahead.
3. Blazers.  Truly one of my favourite fashion pieces of all time.  I love the blazer.  Especially the schoolboy blazer, all preppy with funky piping detail or elbow patches and a vibrant patterned lining.  Too hot to wear 'em in the summer, but they are absolutely perfect for fall.
4. The Firsts!  Everything seems so new in the fall.  The air is newly crisp and cool.  The friends & teachers are new.  The classes are new (I am a tad nervous about starting Intense Strength tomorrow night but hopefully I will survive!).  The possibilities are truly endless!

Why not add some newness to yourself as well?  Reinvent yourself a little this fall!  Each year when we start fresh at school or work, after a summer full of memories and great vacations, we are entitled to incorporate those new experiences into our persona and make a few updates & modifications!  Pick a new fashion item to bring into your wardrobe and really have fun with it!  Whether it's a hat, a chunky scarf, a bold handbag or a signature piece of jewellery, make it your own and enjoy a little freshness!  And whatever you're up to tomorrow...have a wonderful First Day!

30% off Edit by Jeanne Beker at The Bay

I quite like this new line by Jeanne Beker.  If anyone in Canada should know fashion, it's Jeanne Beker.  She's been covering the fashion scene for Fashion Television since 1985.  Wow...I was only 10 years old then.  Time sure flies.  You know, I still never get tired of hearing Animotion's version of "Obsession" everytime that show comes on!  Whatever happened to them?  Anyway...Jeanne is a feisty pioneer, doing ample time in the catty trenches of the fashion world, and has certainly earned the credibility to build her own line!  Edit, available at The Bay, is full of staples, essentials, and a few trendy pieces each season.  It's a very simple line, and great for work and the social scene.  Grab 30% off the fall collection now through September 8th!

40% off sale at American Eagle this weekend

Back to school for teens is super easy this weekend with 40% off at American Eagle.  Such similarly cool clothes to Abercrombie & Fitch, only without the overwhelmingly perfumed store environment.  Although walking by the Fifth Avenue A&F store last summer with my girlfriends, we didn't mind the two uber hot guys at the entrance with no shirts on and abs that could cut glass. 

I love the rugby stripes for guys, especially in the fall.  Totally classic.  This is my favourite men's shirt in the store (pic @ left).  I keep meaning to pick it up for the hubby.  At 40% off, I think today's the day.  If you're shopping online, the discount code is: 28678011! 

50% off sale at PORTER! NYC Baby!!!

Ok, now I really have no excuse for not hitting NYC this fall for a little weekend getaway.  50% off ALL Porter flights (yes, the only way to fly) now through September 7th (for travel up to Dec 15th!) with promo code WOW50.  Wow indeed!  NYC, Boston, Montreal, Mt. Tremblant, Chicago.  The world is our oyster girls...let's go!  I just tried their website & I'm pretty sure it's crashing from the overwhelming interest!  I think I hear The Highline, The Standard, The Boathouse, and Lincoln Centre calling my name!