Are you on Groupon yet?

There's quite a few options these days for group discounting offers - Groupon, LivingSocial, Wagjag, Swarmjam - how to choose?  Quick explanation if you're new to the concept: retailers post an incredibly good value/offer on the site, and if enough people commit to the deal, it becomes a reality!  So far the ones with the most press and volume have been a $50 Gap gift card for just $25, and a $20 Amazon gift card for $10.  You can see how the value adds up for consumers!  Personally I am going to recommend Groupon, for the sheer size of their reach, the brainpower of their leadership team, and the easy navigation of the site itself.  But no matter which one (or all) you sign up for, you're going to enjoy great savings both nationally and in your own neighborhood!  Don't miss out - sign up now!

Banana Republic Weekend Sale!

Today through Sunday, shop any Banana Republic store in Canada (don't be lazy...get out to the mall because this ain't valid online people) and enjoy 30% off your ENTIRE purchase!  Plus, you get a chance to win a $100 spa gift card too, and who doesn't need that!?.  Go grab a classic trench for spring and let's hope the warmer weather is just around the corner!  Groundhog day is next week - fingers crossed that little Punxsutawney Phil doesn't see his shadow!!!  I don't know how much more winter I can take!

Tailoring Tricks to make the most of your wardrobe!

Before you go off and spend a fortune on new spring clothes this year (although I'd never tell you not to add some fun new pieces to your wardrobe), give some thought to taking your current items to a great tailor!  Usually when you're tired of an item it's because it doesn't fit you well.  Maybe you've gained weight, maybe you've lost weight, maybe your body has changed after you started popping out kids, or maybe that item never really fit you 'just right' so it's been sitting in your closet untouched as a result.  A tailor can really make it look like it was MADE for you, and when that happens, it instantly becomes new, modern and it looks so much more expensive!  Here are some GREAT TAILORING TIPS, and if you need the world's best tailor, I recommend Namet and his team at Classic Fit Alterations in Square One, Mississauga.  They're truly amazing!

17 Outfit Ideas Guys LOVE!

Last year I told you about outfits guys hate (Uggs, among other things), and now I am pleased to inform you of outfits guys LOVE!  Check out this list of 17 ideas and the next time you're getting dressed for a date you're all set! 

The Top 25 Beauty Secrets from the Stars!

Who better to give advice than celebrities who are photographed almost every minute of their public lives?!  I mean, if Lucy Liu says Aquaphor keeps your skin glowing when you're filming all day outside in the freezing Montreal winter...who am I to argue?  Check out these 25 Tips and add a little extra beauty to your day!

Lopsided tatas? Yes, I said it.

I really have no idea how many people this lopsided boob phenomenon affects, since I'm pretty sure it's one of those girlie problems that none of us actually discuss (much like the afterjoys of childbirth...) but for those who seek solutions, here's a great one: a bra with cups that are sold individually!  Fruit of the Loom has a Pick Your Perfect Pair line which comes in 'just about' and 'exactly' sizes A-D.  So...you could buy an 'exactly C' for one side, then a 'just about a C' for the other (with a bit o' extra padding to even you out) and you're all set!  Looks like Deepak Chopra doesn't have the only solution for finding 'balance' in your life :) 

All-in-one layered blazer & sweater! Genius!

Ok, it's a splurge, but what a great solution to the very preppy problem of layering!  I love this Veronica Beard jacket with a faux collar and cuffs that zip or snap right in and are also sold in interchangeable options!).  Almost a cool grand, but so timeless and chic they're hard to resist!

Golden Globe Fashion Recap

Generally an "ok" show last night at The Golden Globes, but what far outshone the awkward onstage banter between the acerbic host and the classy presenters, were the glamorous Red Carpet Fashions!  Here's my recap, and feel free to check out more fabulous photos HERE!

• Best Dressed: Olivia Wilde in the most sparkly Marchesa confection imaginable!  Wow.
• Best Colour: Clare Danes in Calvin Klein.
• Best Stand By Your Man with Style: Catharine Zeta-Jones.  Class act all the way.
• Best Cleavage Diverting ALL attention from anything else on your body or face: January "boom boom" Jones.
• Best Baby Bump: Natalie Portman.  Such a great maternity dress.  Definitely raised the bar.
• Best Bangs: Sandra Bullock.  The woman can do no wrong.
• Best Rookie: Jennifer Lawrence from Winter's Bone.  You go girl!
• Best Couple I Wish I Was In: Seal & Heidi Klum. 
• Best Yum: Robert Downey Jr. for looks and onstage comments & barbs.  Such a total rockstar. 

Tame your frizzy hair: beach or no beach!

The last in this week's beachy series (of products and fashions you can't travel without this winter) concludes with the best tamer of frizzy hair I have ever come across in the marketplace: Kerastase Oleo-Relax!  I kid you not, it is as light as air once it's in your hair, but it magically tames the flyaways, and adds a hint of sheen without a trace of oily residue.  You'll be addicted as soon as you try it, I promise.  Grab it at a local hair salon (like Art in Hair if you live in Burlington), or buy it online almost anywhere (eBay).  One of my absolute must-haves of the century!

Cutest sexy beach coverup ever!

Leave it to Ralph Lauren to come up with a beach coverup that is sweet and sexy all at once, and even more impressive is the price tag, coming in at just over $110 CDN on the Saks website!  Also comes in black, the boatneck, crocheted detail and 3/4 sleeves make it a really versatile piece for your vacation/summer wardrobe!  If you've got a pool in your backyard (or at your good friends' house down the street, like I do) this is a wardrobe staple for those summer bbq's!

Target is finally coming to Canada!

Just announced - The Bay (HBC) is going to be selling their Zeller's properties (so long, farewell) to U.S. goliath retailer TARGET!  Personally - I couldn't be happier - because I just can't make the drive over the border to Buffalo anymore to get to the nearest Target.  So many cool brands (Liz Lange maternity, Sonia Kashuk makeup brushes & palettes, designer collections like this month's infusion by William Rast), and the amazingly low prices on stylish items for house & home - SO EXCITED!  Looks like we could be seeing between 100-150 Target Stores in our local neighborhoods by 2013.

My new favourite nail polish colour!

Just in time for your tropical vacation (after your mandatory pedicure, of course), pop on this gorgeous and vibrant shade from Nars called "Schiap" (available online from Sephora), with a shimmer-free finish and a bright fuchsia base that will make you want to get your peep-toe heels out of the back of your closet again!

Jantzen Retro Inspired Heritage Swimsuit Collection

It's hard to believe an era of vintage-inspired modesty has returned in the land of the itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny bikini, but here we are, blessed with Mad Men and an all-around 50's sensibility, appreciating curves and a bit more left to the imagination.  Finally!  Continuing with this week's theme of beach & vacation fashions, let me introduce you to the very retro swimsuits of the Jantzen Heritage collection, reasonably priced and gorgeously tailored for real women! 

Still love Sperry Top-Siders! Even more so in patent leather!

I've always loved Sperry Top-Siders.  Wearing them in high school made me feel like I was going to be whisked away any moment by my Hampton-weekending, yacht-owning mystery boyfriend from Manhattan.  (and no, sadly, it never happened...) The iconic brand just celebrated its 75th anniversary and in all those years, they've never gone out of style.  Of course for true boaters, they're quite functional as well, with their grooved soles preventing those nasty slips on the deck!

It's BEACH week! Let's kick it off with swarovski flip flops!

I thought this week we'd do a little featurette all week on things you can use on your inevitable beach vacation now that the dreary snow and darkness of January is upon us.  Time to add a little sparkle to your feet this winter when you head south in your swarovski-crystal embellished Havaianas flip flops!  The price is a little steep ($98), but think of how much room you'll save in your luggage when you don't have to pack your heels for dinner!

Wedding Dress Sale - Ritché Bridal Super Sale

Need a wedding dress on sale or discount bridesmaid dresses or perhaps something for the lovely Mother of the Bride?  Well grab your friends and head over to the Ritché Bridal Super Sale this Thursday through Sunday at The Montecassino Hotel in north Toronto (3710 Chesswood Drive near Sheppard and Dufferin).  Hours are 12-9 on Thurs/Fri, 9-6 on Sat, and 11-5 on Sunday.  Free parking and designer wedding dresses on sale?  How can you say no!  Just watch out for those bridezillas :)