Save on denim at Joe!

Save $5 right now on all kids denim, priced from $14 and up, and save $10 on adult denim, priced from as low as $29 and up.  Great washes, flattering fits, and amazingly low prices.  Oh, and of course since it's at the Joe shop in your local Fortinos/Superstore, you can also grab some burgers for the bbq tonight!  Talk about multitasking!  Get your coupons here!

You can't deny Amy Winehouse's impact on fashion!

While none of us are really fit to judge her lifestyle, we are certainly permitted to decide how we feel about her music & her image.  Personally, I found her music delightfully refreshing, and I'm grateful she paved the way for other British female powerhouses like Adele & Duffy.  When Amy came along I was beyond fed-up with what was (and seemingly still is) happening to most North American female singers - with so much auto-tuning and airbrushed magazine covers, the whole scene became devoid of all sincerity and genuine art.  In addition to unique & soulful music, I also appreciated Amy's sense of style.  Who doesn't love the Brigitte Bardot hair and 60's dresses?   If only we could have seen what she'd have done fully sober and as she matured in age.  Now that would have really been something.

Did you know it's "Wacky Wednesday" at IKEA?

On Wednesdays at IKEA locations across Canada, you can enjoy amazing savings of a couple of key items because it's Wacky Wednesday of course!  The deals vary from store to store, and are valid today only, so pick a store, check out these deals and take advantage:

• At IKEA in Vaughan the Legitim Chopping Board is $2.49 (down from $3.99)
• At IKEA in North York the Pragel Countertop is $19.99 (down from $99.99) and the Dudero Lamp is $9.99 (down from $14.99)
• At IKEA in Burlington the Klippan Footstool Cover is 99¢ (down from $19.99) and the Basisk Floor Lamp is $16.99 (down from $34.99)
• At IKEA in Etobicoke the Bolden Armchair (shown here with additional footstool) is just $49 (down from $129)!

Military Outlet Mall in NYC keeps getting better!

I think I've been shopping at the Military Outlet Mall in Niagara Falls, New York since I was around 10 years old.  It was pretty dodgy back then, with only a few Stores worth mentioning (remember Bass Weejuns? Wow, that takes me back!) and even in the days where the Canadian dollar was worth about 80 cents, it still seemed like a great deal.  Well nowadays our dollar has never been higher (today it's worth $1.06 US!!!), and the Stores at Military Outlet Mall have never been better!  You'll find a recently opened Barneys of New York with the best of designer brands there, as well as classic shops you love like Burberry, Coach, Cole Haan, Kate Spade, Nine West, Saks, and even Sunglass Hut!  So grab your high-worth loonie and head across the border for end-of-summer and back-to-school bargains!  Check border wait times here if you're nervous about delays!  They're even on twitter now @CBSA_BWT for real-time updates on your mobile device!  Who knew our government was so hip?

Porter flight sale! Cheap flights, luxurious service!

It's hard to ever imagine myself flying any other airline now that I've flown Porter.  Everything I hate about flying - the labyrinth roads leading up to the terminals, the excrutiating wait at the check-in desks, the insane customs experience, the long walks (with my heavy bag) to the gates - are all things you won't find at Porter!  Not only have they done away with everything annoying about flying, they've added luxurious extras like the best pre-flight lounges (free wifi, newspapers, espresso, juice, lounge chairs) but onboard you'll get gourmet snacks and free beer & wine!  You'll arrive at your destination refreshed, relaxed, and ready to enjoy the days ahead!  Their current 30% off deal makes it even more enticing - just enter BOAT30 as the promo code when you book before July 27th, and you'll have one more reason to love Porter!  To give you a taste of how low this can cost, I checked and found that you can spend a weekend in NYC (from Toronto) next month and your flight will only cost you $291 with all taxes & fees included!  For those of us who live in the GTA, we can finally say bye bye to the hellish madness of Pearson Airport - it's all Porter all the time now!

Summer Sale at Sherway Gardens!

There really is no end to the amazing deals you can find throughout July in the GTA/Toronto area!  This is when all your favourite retailers need to make lots of room for the fall & back-to-school (sorry kids!) inventory that is going to start arriving in the next couple of weeks.  What does that mean for you, the consumer?  Stellar savings, that's what!  One of my favourite malls in the GTA has always been Sherway Gardens.  It's big (but not too big), easier to get to than the fabulous Eaton Centre (with its insane parking costs and downtown Toronto traffic), it has all the best brands, and it's very stroller friendly for all us moms who refuse to give up on our occassional (yet highly necessary) shopping trips!  Current sales include up to 40% off at trendy Lacoste, buy-one-get-one 1/2-off costume jewellery at Bitter Sweet, up to 50% off at Calvin Klein Underwear, $20-$50 off backpacks & duffels at Eddie Bauer, and up to 70% off summer shoes at Town Shoes (who have an additional savings offer on their website)!  Happy July!

A little more Red Bag Sale info! Don't forget it starts today!

Another of my fave shops - Ohh! Beautiful Things - has some amazing deals for downtown Burlington's fabulous Red Bag Sale that kicks off today and runs through Sunday.  If you haven't been to Ohh! yet, you have to go check out their gorgeous and feminine fashions, delicate and funky jewellery, and the best housewares and gifts you'll find anywhere!  Their Red Bag Sale offers include up to 60% off clothing, up to 50% off jewellery, up to 30% off handbags, up to 70% off home decor items, and no tax on regular priced items!  Check them out on facebook if you want to see some of their current collections!

The Red Bag Sale details from Scrivener's Mens Apparel!

Stylish men's brands like BOSS Hugo Boss, Coppley and Tommy Bahama can be found here in Burlington at Scrivener's Men's Apparel on Brant Street.  I don't know who does their window displays, but they are some of the best in the business, which you'll undoubtedly agree with if you've ever driven by.  I always wish there were a stop sign on the road out front so I could get a better look!  Tomorrow night there's an even better reason to check out this store though - their participation in downtown Burlington's Red Bag Sale, meaning they'll be offering amazing savings and extended shopping hours!  It will definitely be too hot to do anything but spend time in air conditioning tomorrow if the weather predictions are right, so head downtown for an iced latte and some great deals from 5-9pm!  Scrivener's is offering up to 70% off summer sale items and a cool 10% off regular priced items too!  389 Brant Street right by the lake and across from Coffee Culture - see you there!

25% OFF Sale at Michaels!

Even if you aren't the 'crafty' type, there are still plenty of reasons to take advantage of this great sale offer at Michaels locations across Canada!  Now through Friday July 22nd, score 25% off your ENTIRE purchase, including items already on sale!  That means things you use no matter how craft-imparied you are - like wrapping paper, ribbon, picture frames, Crayola products for kids, vases, baskets, holiday ornaments - they're all on sale!  Click here for the coupon (just print it off their website - there's a link on the homepage) and enjoy the great savings!

35% off Sale at Gap - 2 days - online only!

35% off your entire purchase today and tomorrow with code GAP2011 at Gap online!  That applies to women, men, kids, and baby.  Fall stock is already trickling in, especially for kids, like uniform polos & khakis along with their very cute and always durable backpacks and messenger bags!

So do some back-to-school shopping while you're still on vacation and selection for items & sizes is best!  You don't even have to leave home (or your wi-fi'd cottage) because this offer is online only!

Downtown Burlington's Red Bag Sale starts Thursday!

What's the Red Bag Sale you ask?  Well imagine if all your favourite shops in downtown Burlington got together and decided to collectively rock your world with amazing discounts & extended hours!  Thursday through Sunday, grab your biggest eco-friendly shopping bag, head downtown, & look for these Red Bag Sale signs & red balloons to find the savings!  The most stylish stores in town are involved with the best offers of the summer.  Like 30% off selected premium denim styles & up to 50% off spring/summer sale items at Joelle's!  Not to mention Ohh! Beautiful Things, What A Heel, Jeff's Guy Shop, Tumblehome, In House & more - all open 'til 9pm on Thursday and treating you to smashing savings all weekend!  More details found here thru the week!

Burlington Mall sidewalk sale starts today!

 July's sale extravaganza continues with lots of local malls getting in on the action.  Burlington Mall contributes to your savings today by starting a week-long sidewalk sale!  If you want some extra-special offers from them, check out their facebook page where they promise some exclusives every day this week for people who 'like' them!  And speaking of Burlington Mall - you'll find a very well-appointed Old Navy outpost there, which is starting a "Stock Up" sale today thru Aug 4th.  Women's tshirts from $6, denim from $25, leggings from $8 and more! 

Ooooh! Exciting sale announcement tomorrow for downtown Burlington!

I told you July is the best sale month of the year!

Just wait until tomorrow for more juicy details!

The only advice I can give you before then is to prepare to crack open your piggy bank so you can take full advantage!

Did you know about J.Crew Factory online? Amazing deals!

Who needs an outlet mall, when you can shop J.Crew's online outlet mall from the comfort of your own home!  It's only open every so often, and this weekend is one of those times.  Now through Sunday night grab great deals on summer fashions that will last well into fall, like these cute skinny cargo pants for just $34.50! 

Weekend Sale at The Bay

Today through Sunday, enjoy 50% off women's spring & summer fashions at The Bay!  You'll find trendy affordable lines like Rachel Rachel Roy, Lady Dutch, Esprit, BCBGeneration, Jessica Simpson, Dex, and more!  You'll also get 25% off a few of my favourite lingerie basics lines like Esprit, Triumph and Maidenform too.  Almost every Store across the country is already enjoying a renovation sale, so prices throughout the Store are slashed on many items already.  I can't wait to see what the renovated Stores look like - we all know how long overdue that reno is!  One of Canada's oldest companies is finally getting the makeover it deserves!

Great savings at Lululemon online!

Lululemon never actually says they're having a sale (except their annual megasale in crowded convention centres across the country with 2hr waits in the rain...) but they've always got their creatively-named "We Made Too Much" section online!  So basically that's their way of saying sale, and if you check it out right now you can find great basics like this Define Jacket for $20 off (reg $99 on sale for $79) along with great tanks, pants, bras (the Ta Ta Tamer is amazing for those double d's!) and more!

Up to 50% off sale at two classic mall faves: Geox & Roots!

July's deep discounts continue with up to 50% off during summer sales at both Roots and Geox (locations across the country)! Geox is one of my favourite shoe brands as they are somehow fashionable and extraordinarily comfortable at the same time (a very hard balance to achieve in the shoe world, as any of you who wear heels know all too well...).  You can't beat their wedge heels for a long day on your feet at work, or those cocktail parties where you're on your feet the whole time (usually a total heel nightmare!).  And what can I say about Roots?  It is one of Canada's most iconic brands with their classic sweats and great leather goods.  I remember vividly the day I bought my first Roots sweatshirt at The Eaton Centre in Toronto with my Dad.  It was the summer before grade 8 and it was basically mandatory to have one before going back to school (otherwise you'd be shunned by the cool crowd on the first day).  I was so disappointed they were sold out of girlie colours like pink and light blue, so I ended up getting a navy one with a grey & white logo on the front.  My Dad thought that was a great choice (this from a man who once wore tight black and white striped pants in the 70's...)  but I was devastated beyond words.  As luck would have it, those colours ended up being far cooler that year than the traditional girlie ones, so my fashion cred was a little more solid (though not really earned through any good judgement on my part) and walking the halls throughout one of the toughest peer-pressure years of life was a teeny bit easier.  As much as Grade 8 was a catty nightmare, I still get nostalgic for those back-to-school shopping trips, don't you?

Early bird pricing from Mabel's Labels

I love Mabel's Labels for everything your kids take to school: their favourite hat, that adorable designer water bottle, fashionable backpack, new shoes, enviro-friendly lunch containers and more!  They stand up to dishwashers and washing machines, and ensure that all their belongings come home with them (...at some point).  There's a new Ultimate Back to School combo available, and if you grab some before the end of July you'll enjoy a little bit of earlybird pricing!  That means for $39 you'll get all the labels and tags (108 in total) you need for a school year that will hopefully be free of the annoying cost of replacing the things that usually go missing!  Money well spent!

Summer Sales in the GTA are ON!

I'm back from vacation so let's get back to business!

Aside from the post-Christmas insanity, July is definitely the best month for sales!  This month we'll spotlight some of the deepest discounts going on at your favourite retailers across the GTA! 

Getting you started is Jacob, with 50% off the regular price of everything in the Store!  They really loaded up on cute and classic dresses this season so you'll be able to find great Mad Men-esque silhouettes that will be as perfect for parties as they are for work and take you straight into fall with a great cardigan and some tights!

...on vacation with the fam!

Back next week!  Hope you all had a great Canada Day and are enjoying the beautiful sunshine!  In the meantime, don't forget Pane Fresco's offer is still valid through July 15th exclusively for Girl It Up! readers: buy any loaf of bread and get one of equal or lesser value FREE!   Just mention this blog and you're set!  Best bread in Burlington, I promise!   Best pizza too...and sandwiches...and croissants...and gelato...and Sunday waffles...

Pick #30: Best Restaraunt in Burlington

Recently anointed with 4 stars from restaurant critic Amy Pataki of The Toronto Star, I realized I could no longer put off dinner at Blacktree Restaraunt in Burlington.  Considering I live a mere block away, it's practically inexcusable that I hadn't been there yet in the almost 5 years I've lived there.  June 30th, in honour of the last day of my "Best of the GTA" series, I dined at Blacktree with my husband and close friends.  We were privy to a 4-course tasting menu with wine pairings, and what a feast for the senses it was!  After an amazing amuse-bouche, we opened our palettes to new treasures like boar, halibut, bison, and lobster ravioli, with complementing accompaniments too numerous (and perfect) to mention!  Dessert was a warm chocolate pastry with delectable coffee ice cream, and an Italian dessert wine that is now one of my personal favourites!  The wine pairings were magical, and ranged from Riesling to Chardonnay to Amarone.  We could barely keep up even though our leisurely tour of gastronomic delights took almost three and a half hours!  Chef Matteo Paonessa was kind enough to chat with us about our menu (among other fascinating topics) and our sommelier Peter was unforgettably knowledgeable and fun. One of (if not the) best meals of my life.  Kudos Blacktree! 

School's Out! Best GTA Fun for Families is my pick #29!

A tour-de-force of amazing family fun is my focus for pick #29 (late, yes - i was busy having family fun - haha).  So for anyone taking a local staycation this year I've got lots of fun ideas for you!  The golden horseshoe tour of fun begins at Niagara Falls to take in one of the wonders of the world, with a stop at Marineland of course (where this year a season's pass is only an extra $5 over regular admission - a great deal!).  Next we pop in to nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake to grab some fudge from Maple Leaf Fudge, marvel at the holiday decorations in Just Christmas (we're already half way to Christmas this year you know), and grab some unique toys from The Owl and the Pussycat.   Hop up Hwy 6 from there and don't miss The African Lion Safari - always a favourite with kids of all ages (where else do monkeys climb on your car?).  Across the 401 stop in at Mountsberg Conservation Area for some hiking, biking, boating or fishing.  You need a little exercise and nature on your holiday, right?  Then finish your tour at the most exciting place of all: Wonderland!  Those looping roller coasters will be the most memorable part of any summer staycation!  School's out - have fun and go make some memories :)