Saturday, April 30, 2011

Tina Fey's Fashion Advice (note: take with a generous grain of sarcastic salt) :)

In an experpt from her hilarious new book, Bossypants (I'm reading it on my iPad this month and it is fantastic), one of my top female role models, Tina Fey, illuminates us on her style sense.  Self-deprecating sarcasm aside, I think this is excellent advice:

A wise friend once told me, ‘Don’t wear what fashion designers tell you to wear. Wear what they wear.’ His point being that most designers, no matter what they throw onto the runway, favor simple, flattering pieces for themselves. Anyone who has never met me can tell you that fashion has always been very very very very very very very important to me. For example, I once told my cousin that my dream would be ‘if the whole store Express was my closet!’ How prescient, because now, of course, I wear nothing but Express. It can’t be said enough. Don’t concern yourself with fashion; stick to simple pieces that flatter your body type … By 19, I had found my look. Oversize T-shirts, bike shorts, and wrestling shoes. To prevent the silhouette from being too baggy, I would cinch it at the waist with my fanny pack. I was pretty sure I would wear this look forever. The shirts allowed me express myself with cool sayings like ‘There’s No Crying in Baseball’ and ‘Universität Heidelberg,’ the bike shorts showed off my muscular legs, and the fanny pack held all my trolley tokens. I was nailing it on a daily basis. Find something like this for yourself as soon as possible.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding Dress!

Much like the rest of the world, this gorgeous bride and her equally stunning dress took my breath away!  A timeless choice done by a modern designer, Sarah Burton for the House of the late visionary designer, Alexander McQueen.  Today's events are a true fairytale come to life, with a beautiful and unique 'commoner' marrying a handsome prince.  It is truly surreal to watch!  We spend a wealth of our time each day watching and worrying about all the terrible events happening around the world on the news, and an equal (and unreasonable) amount of time watching the pointless and trivial escapades of the new generation of self-involved 'celebutantes', so I find no harm in dedicating a few hours of my day celebrating the happy marriage of two people who will spend their lives in service to their country and countless charities.  Best wishes to the happy couple, and kudos to all the amazing fashion we are being treated to on this memorable day!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

The Royal Wedding!!!

Less than 24 hours away now until what will likely be the most-watched wedding in history!  They're young (but not too young), they're educated, they've lived together already - I have modest but reasonable hopes that this one will last :)  For now, I'm more interested in THE DRESS!  Who will design it?  Will it have sleeves?  How long will the train be?  Silhouette?  Embellishments?  My guess is Sarah Burton (for Alexander McQueen) or Alice Temperley.  Sleeves?  My guess is yes, but maybe off the shoulder.  The train?  I'm going for 12-15 feet.  Silhouette?  I say fitted with a slight flare below the knees.  Embellishments?  I'm going with a splash of colour and a little lace.  Is anyone placing money on this?  And what crazy hats will the celebs wear?  Can't wait!  Go to bed early ladies, because this one is worth seeing LIVE :)

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Canadian Tire Burlington Grand Reopening this weekend!

4 Days of Great Savings from Thursday, April 28th through Sunday at the Canadian Tire in Burlington, Ontario!  Save $100 on a Schwinn 21-speed mountain bike, for example, regularly $249.99 - but just $149.99 this weekend.  Other great deals include as much as 65% savings on plants for your outdoor gardens, 55% off a double hammock, half price outdoor furniture and more!  Plus, you can enter in-store for a chance to win one of four $1000 shopping sprees!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Mix & Match Swimwear at Athleta!

I love this line - not only does it have great sportswear and well-priced alternatives to Lulu Lemon's constantly rising prices - it has mix & match swimwear in gorgeous youthful colours and styles! 

These are sporty swimsuits, so if you're fit and active, Athleta is a great site for you!

You'll also find excellent yogawear, cargo capris, sport bras, etc!  You can also browse by sport, such as hiking, surfing, or triathlons! Bring on the summer of fitness and feeling great :)

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Men's Levis on Sale for under $40!

It's hard to go wrong in a pair of classic Levis 501 jeans, especially if you're a man.  I remember that little red tag when I was in high school - it really conveyed that you were wearing the 'right' jeans.  I totally stole an old pair of my Dad's in the late 80's, tapered them like crazy, cut the bottom to leave a ridiculously frayed hem, and bleached them almost beyond recognition.  And I have to tell you...I looooved those jeans!  Remember those relatives from overseas who would demand that you pack your suitcase full of Levis 501's whenever you visited because they were so hard to get outside of North America?  I guess the internet has changed all that.  While now there are a zillion different designer brands, good ol' 501's have stood the test of time and have updated their fits and washes to stay current.  Grab a pair now at The Bay during Bay Days until April 25th for $38.88, almost half price!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Heard of Locale yet?

As per their website info: LOCALE is a new footwear & accessories boutique-style concept store that celebrates art, fashion & community.  Featuring innovative shoe design from leading brands, the LOCALE concept grew out of a desire to feature an international scope of design in a unique environment, specifically one driven by local innovation in the arts. Taking the communities in which each store will be located as a source of inspiration, LOCALE will highlight the work of individual visual artists working locally in a series of curated in-store exhibits.  Aside from shopping online, you can also check them out in person at Sherway Gardens!  What great value is this timeless almond toe pump for just $110?

Friday, April 15, 2011

30% off at Banana Republic

April 15-17, get 30% off and free shipping at Banana Republic online by using the code BRTHANKSCA at checkout!  How about this cute lace dress for an unpretentious urban wedding + this gorgeous bracelet to go with it?  At 30% off, you can get both for less than $200!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Cutest shoe for summer!

I'm so loving this gorgeous yellow jute & leather wedge from Aldo!  Just $75 and beyond cute for those backyard patio parties you'll be invited to all summer out in the 'burbs :) 

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Bay on Queen Street blew my mind...

So I checked out Bay Days in person yesterday...and yes, the deals in the Store lived up to my expectations, so don't miss out.  But regardless, can I just say how GORGEOUS that Store is now?  I honestly felt like I was walking around Macy's Herald Square in NYC.  Stunning merchandising, from the candy jars in front of the Juicy Couture wall, to the (finally) designer shoe selection of Louboutins and more, to the designer boutiques all over the 3rd floor (Halston Heritage, See by Chloe, Calvin Klein, Edit by Jeanne Becker) to the dazzling newly launched "The Room" full of couture eye candy.  Wow!  If only all Bay Stores had 8 giant floors to play with!  Just imagine how great it will be when Oliver & Bonacini opens their new restaurant Bannock on the Bay Street side this fall!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Bay Days are on NOW! Don't miss out!

My love affair with The Bay (since Bonnie Brooks took the helm) continues... Unlike past years when Bay Days seemed to happen every month and we all got completely desensitized to the whole event, Bay Days are now just twice a year, and REALLY contain significant savings!  Now through April 25th you get the best prices of the season.  Check out this gorgeous and timeless shift dress - perfect for work and any cocktail party - now just $40.80!  You really can't go wrong with that one.   Plus grab kids stuff, bedding, towels, appliances & dinnerware all at amazing discounts.  FYI, I signed up for their emails and scored a coupon for an extra 10% off the already reduced prices today only - so consider doing that asap as well!  You can check out the values online here!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Room for a new Department Store in Canada?

Marshalls is up and running in several locations in the GTA now: Leaside (Toronto), Warden/Eglinton (Scarborough), and Woodbridge, with Mississauga and Ajax both opening April 28th.  Will this U.S. retailer find a niche in the mix of Stores like Sears and The Bay, and the soon-to-be-here Target?   Or is this just direct competition for Winners?  Their tag line is "Big Brands. Unbelievable Deals" and after a little tour of their website, it seems they have some cute & trendy inventory but I find it disappointing that I didn't see a single 'name' of a single 'brand'.  Still, when I researched a little harder on local blogs, I saw great finds like Prada, See by Chloe, Nine West and James Perse BUT several people feel that it's almost identical to Winners (although personally I've never heard of Prada at Winners...).  It all has me considering a road trip to see for myself!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Rock the Fedora this spring!

Women look great in menswear, that's a given.  Especially when they mix it with really feminine details.  Men find it so sexy when a woman is wearing a fitted suit with killer heels, or a bold tie with a crisp tailored dress shirt, and this spring I highly recommend another menswear trend that will really push you out of your comfort zone: the fedora!  Hats may not be your thing, but this one is almost universally flattering, especially if you follow these tips:

1) Make sure it fits your head properly!  Not too tight, not too loose.
2) Pair with a pretty basic top like a white tee, tank, or blazer. Forget loud patterns & let the hat be the focal point!
3) Pull it down further on your head, don’t let it just rest on top.
4) Make sure the crease on your Fedora is prominent!
5) Add some embellishments, ribbons or a jeweled broach for example, to really 'girl it up'  :)

Monday, April 4, 2011

Stylish iPad 2 cases

Nothing you own can escape the need for the right accessory.  Belts for your dresses...Shiny rims for your car...Flowers for the garden in front of your house.  Why leave out your technology?  Here are 28 stylish iPad cases for you to choose from when you accessorize one of the most expensive things you'll ever put in your purse! I'm partial to this cute kid-friendly one in blue :)

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Rouge Coco Shine by Chanel is almost here!


Why am I so excited about this lipstick/lipgloss hybrid?  Because I have wanted a lipstick/lipgloss hybrid for about twenty years now...and finally it looks like a great one has arrived!  Launching next Wednesday, April 6th, Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine promises a glossy look with a lightweight lipstick's staying power and a true lack of 'sticky'.  I can't wait to grab one and see for myself!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Spring Sale at Old Navy

Ladies, your guys need a spring fashion infusion in their closets too, so why not grab the basics they love from Old Navy while they're in stock and on sale!?  Up to 40% off almost everything right now (women & kids too) both in Stores and online.  I like this military inspired army green polo - now just $14.50 - are you kidding me?  Not too flashy but enough detail to make it interesting!  Comes in black and grey too.