Mad Men Event tonight at Banana Republic!

Celebrate Mad Men Style Event at Banana Republic is TONIGHT: Wednesday, February 29, 5pm to 9pm.  You can be among the first to shop the new collection and get the complete Mad Men look.  And in my opinion, there is no finer fashion era than the late 50's and early 60's.  It looks great on every body type, and every age.  So flattering, so feminine, so timeless!

Hit the event at Banana Republic Yorkdale and receive retro-chic styling tips from noted fashion expert Tammy Palmer...Get Joan’s perfect red lip and winged eyeliner from MAC...Enjoy complimentary shoe shining and Betty-approved cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  Plus, at Yorkdale, as a gift with purchase, the first 50 guests who spend $200 or more will receive Mad Men Season 4 and a $20 Yorkdale giftcard.*

*Gifts with purchase while supplies last. One per purchase per customer.

You can also hit similar parties at Banana Republic Stores in Mapleview Mall in Burlington, Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke plus Eaton Centre and Bloor Street!

Marshalls is opening in Burlington on March 29th, 2012.  That's a month away, but as you can see, the sign is already up!  Those of you who aren't familiar with shopping at Marshalls can get familiar by simply shopping at Winners for now.  They're very similar stores.  Marshalls will tell you that you can get "the best brand-name styles at surprisingly low prices, all year round. With new shipments arriving weekly, Marshalls is the destination for designer apparel, footwear and accessories for the whole family — at prices well below those you’ll find in department stores and boutiques."  Yep.  This sounds identical to Winners to me, which shouldn't surprise anyone since both stores are owned by the same company!  Time will tell if I like the experience better at Marshalls.  What I'd really appreciate is better merchandising and fewer racks stuffed so full I can't even shop them.  That might actually get me in the door every now and then.  The Burlington Marshalls store will be located at Brant Street just north of the QEW.

Leap Day Sales! Who knew?

Incase you (like myself) didn't realize there was such a thing as Leap Day Sales - you're in luck because not only do they exist, but they're pretty darn good!  Maybe that extra sales day in the year gives our entrepreneurial friends a little more wiggle room to play with their pricing!  That's great news for those of us who love to shop!

Case in point - a couple of my favourite retailers in Burlington are having Leap Day Sales tomorrow (that's February 29th for those of you who haven't been paying attention to your calendar).

Ohh! Beautiful Things will be giving shoppers 29% off STOREWIDE all day on February 29th (10am-5pm)!  That's a fantastic deal on things like yoga jeans, girlish dresses, lacey tops, gorgeous jewelry, greeting cards and cute little chandeliers!  And sale items?  Take an additional 29% off those!  I love their Pink Martini line of tops & dresses.  Ultra feminine with such an affordable pricetag.

Joelle's and Jeff's Guy Shop are clearing out their sale inventory by slashing the price on anything that was originally $200 or less and letting you have it for just $29!  Are you kidding me?   Women's sweaters, men's dress shirts, maternity items - that's quite a bargain!  Open 10am-6pm tomorrow.

Mabel's Labels is also offering 29% off today - a GREAT deal!  Plus you'll find special Leap Day savings at your local IKEA!  (thanks SheriB!)

Looks like The Bay is in on the action with lots of online deals today only as well!

If you hear of any more impromptu Leap Day Sales, be sure to let me know at victoriabhughes@gmail.com

Happy Leap Day!

Try This Tuesday: Joe Fresh Lipgloss!

I am happily and excitedly giving my official stamp of approval to Joe Fresh lipgloss today!  At $8, I wasn't sure it would live up to some of my other faves like Mac Lipglass or Clinique Glosswear (both of which are around $20), but you know what?  It did! 

It's got a great texture, solid staying power, and comes in great colours to flatter any skin tone.  Plus it is virtually scentless, and I am pretty finicky about ensuring that my makeup doesn't smell like a perfumery.  One of my biggest pet peeves is opening a new brand of lipgloss only to find that it smells like cotton candy or english roses.  That's a pretty strong smell when you're wearing it about 1 cm from your nose.

The fact that I can grab some while I'm picking up bread and cheese at all the grocery stores that carry the Joe Fresh line also makes it far more convenient than heading to a mall and fighting for a parking space.  I really miss living on Queens Quay in Toronto where I could browse through their huge boutique attached to the Loblaws at the bottom of Jarvis.  Damn, that's a great spot.  Remember when it was Caban?  Ahh...the good old days.  I still can't believe Caban is gone...

Anyhoo - worth a try if you love lipgloss and hate spending too much on it!

Monday's Muse: Gwyneth Paltrow at the Oscars

As much as it pains me to say it since her blessings seem infinite and she has a wee bit too much self-esteem, I think Gwyneth Paltrow looked absolutely flawless last night at the 84th Academy Awards.  Sleek, elegant, fit, and glowing, she really wore that Tom Ford dress - and cape - perfectly.  Few people in this world can pull off a cape (unless they're a superhero), so I have to give her kudos for taking that kind of a risk.  Her low-key hair pulled back in a loose ponytail was awesome, and the thing I liked best about the whole outfit was the glittering diamond cuff bracelet.  I'll take two please.

Does she need my accolades?  No.  I think she's doing quite well with her rock star husband, uniquely-named children, fancy homes in NYC and London (is 33 rooms really enough space?), dinners with besties like Jay-Z and Beyonce, guest-stints singing on Glee, magazine covers, and dishing out lifestyle advice to the masses who can't afford most of her suggestions on Goop.

But as irritatingly perfect as it all is, I still have to call a spade a spade: her Oscar outfit was definitely one of the best of the night. 

Girls Summer Camp: Camp Stella Puella

Stella Puella, which means Star Girl in Latin, will be running for a fifth year this summer! At Camp Stella Puella their learning focus is social action and self-esteem.  By providing interactive workshops throughout the week exploring these ideas, they empower girls to feel confident in their own skin, teach them to make a difference as global citizens, and foster personal awareness.

 

At Camp Stella Puella Summer Camp for Girls, they create a supportive environment for girls where they can have fun while learning more about themselves and the world around them. Through engaging activities including crafts, sports, photography, self-defense, drama, and swimming, girls will improve both their teamwork and leadership skills.

 

Sounds like a perfect camp to me!  If you have a young girl age 5-9 in your life who is interested in day camp (makes sense if you live near Dunville - a 30 minute drive south of Grimsby near Lake Erie) or their new and exciting week of overnight camp in August,  I highly recommend it!  The 3 amazing young women who run it are guaranteed to be great influences on your girls!

Friday Fetish: Alexander McQueen

Can you believe the Fall 2012 collections are already being coveted? We haven't even had a taste of spring yet (or much of winter, for that matter) but already it's time for buyers and fashionistas to look ahead and plan.

I think this Alexander McQueen Fall 2012 skirt brings us the best of all seasons.  A vibrant bouquet of flowers, the layered black backdrop - I can imagine wearing it year-round.  In winter with opaque tights, black pumps and a fitted black turtleneck.  In summer with flat patent sandals in any colour of the rainbow and a simple crewneck white tee. 

Head designer Sara Burton is still hotter than ever after having designed Kate Middleton's wedding gown last year, and clearly shows no sign of slowing down. 

Love it.  Want it.  Most definitely can't afford it.

Snuggle Bugz Warehouse Sale this Saturday in Burlington

Snuggle Bugz Warehouse Sale - one day only - February 25th, 2012


FYI if you need any baby or maternity items, including gliders, strollers, cribs, and many, many other awesome items, you should go check this sale out.  Saturday only, 8am to 4pm at their warehouse: 3375 North Service Road, Unit 11.  That's in between Guelph Line and Walkers, just north of the QEW.


Showing up early will get you the best selection but...as the day progresses, the already low prices will get lower and lower, like an additional 10% off starting at noon, then another 10% more after 2pm. 


You can see some of the items up for grabs already by checking out the Snuggle Bugz Facebook page and plan your attack!

Thrifty Thursday: Tumblehome Burlington Closing Sale starts today!

11 am this morning marked the opening of the huge closing sale at Tumblehome in Burlington.  Outdoor lovers are sad for this locally-owned shop to close, but are certainly willing to line up in chilly weather to squeeze into the jam-packed store and score up to 73% off classic items for adventure-loving nature-enthusiasts.  You can see the lineup from the picture at left, but you can't see the dozens of shoppers inside taking advantage of some great markdowns.  With the "biggest snowstorm of the year" expected to hit us tomorrow (who knows what that even means this year), you may need those down-filled jackets and Thinsulate gloves more than you thought!  Hiking boots, North Face jackets, kayaks, sleeping bags - it's all on sale!  As the saying goes...everything must go!

Cheers to Tumblehome owners Jim & Patti for 25 great years, and here's wishing you the best in your next adventures!

Taste of Target today! Pop up Target store in Toronto starts at noon.

I have neither the time or inclination to brave the chilly weather and long lineups that will greet shoppers today, but regardless, it will still be a cool retail moment to see Target launch a 6-hour pop up store today in downtown Toronto. Featuring hot designs by Jason Wu - who will be present in person for the special event - I predict a sell-out situation long before the doors close at 6pm.

Cannot WAIT for the full invasion next year.

More details about the launch of Target in Canada.

Try This Tuesday: Chatelaine's Savvy Woman's Money Guide

Chatelaine's new Savvy Woman's Money Guide offers expert advice on how to overcome your money struggles, and set goals for financial success.  It's on newstands now and at $9.95 will probably end up paying for itself in about 10 minutes after you start implementing some of the strategies.  This is must-read material for those without a financial plan yet, and a great gift for upcoming graduates setting out on their own for the first time.  You'll find tips on things from buying a home in this insane market, getting rid of student debt, and timeless topics like RRSPs and prenups.  Plus, in a lightweight magazine style format with pops of colour, it's just plain prettier than the usual gamut of financial advice books and magazines, and for a girlie girl, presentation always matters!

Monday's Muse: FLOTUS

If you haven't yet familiarized yourself with the term, FLOTUS is a handy abbreviation for First Lady of the United States.  If you haven't yet familiarized yourself with her style, then it's high time and long overdue!  Michelle Obama (and her stylist, rumoured to now be 28-year-old White House aide Meredith Koop) effortlessly seems to mix affordable feminine pieces from the likes of Target and J.Crew with the very best of couture designers and gets it right every single time.  She's got a real woman's body with a nice balance of post-childbearing curves and well-toned arms that she works hard for like any mere mortal.  You'll see outfits on her like classic cardigans with boldly printed skirts, unique and bright colour combinations, all of which are accessible looks that any working mom can pull off...it's absolutely inspiring!  And just like any working mom, she doesn't even ask for a special discount when she shops.  I love this woman! 

Friday Fetish: Everything by Milly

First choice for me in the Milly line currently available on Piperlime is this awesome miniskirt!  I am such a sucker for a striped print, as any of my friends will tell you.  Especially when it's multicolour, which is surprisingly hard to come by.  Too pricey for my current budget ($250), but I'd definitely splurge on this if I could because it will never, ever go out of style.  Oh...and if I had the legs to pull it off (I do not).   Note to my leggy friends Krista and Nicole - this skirt is totally made for you.

Milly's collection has feminine dresses galore, bikinis, sexy beach coverups (anyone going to Bahamas in April?  I think YES!) and fabulously flowing tops.  Oh, and don't worry if you don't know your size in whatever Milly items you like - and you don't want to shop online for it - lucky for us all, you can grab lots of great pieces from the Milly line in person because Joelle's in Burlington carries Milly too!

This week's biggest & best sales!

Thrifty Thursday is here again, and with it comes your weekly update on fashionable finds across the GTA (and the web) at shockingly good prices!

• Nordstrom Shoe Clearance for men, women & children is ON!  Awesome brands like Cole Haan (so luxurious), Vince Camuto (so sexy), Sperry Top Sider (get a jump on spring with classic boat shoes) and Nike (no snow = run anytime).  I am so coveting these black & fuscia Mary Janes by Vince Camuto for just $82.20 please!   My birthday was last month so if you didn't get me a present yet, honestly, it's not too late :)  I'm a size 7.
• Ridiculous final winter clearance at Eddie Bauer with prices starting at a paltry $5 for items like women's gloves & mittens, scarves & boot socks!
• Check out the Deals Store on Amazon.ca for steals on items like 50% off best seller books, and ever-changing deals on watches, home items & more!

Whatever Wednesday: Marni for H&M launching in March

Marni is a great Italian designer label worth checking out when they launch their spring collection for H&M on March 8th. 

It's bound to reflect Marni's traditional traits of femininity, bohemianism and european flare.  The main difference - yay for us - will be the pricetag!  More affordable, but still beautiful bold patterns, prints and silhouettes! 

Try This: Neatspace.ca and the hooknook knob

You know when you walk in your front door and you wish you had somewhere to put your bag and your phone?  Well innovation knows no bounds and I find whatever you ask for, the universe will bring you!

I am loving this Hooknook Knob available at Neatspace.ca for $17.  It's the right size to hang your giant bag over, plus it has an adorable little cubby that's perfect for keys or your iphone. 

Neatspace is Canadian, and their goal is noble and near & dear to my heart: We hope to bring you pieces that will help you cook better, work more efficiently, travel with ease, and keep you organized.  

How perfect. They'll also grant you free shipping on orders over $100!

So what's next on your wish list?

Monday Muse: Adele

The reason I love Adele - aside from her voice and the heartfelt songs she writes - is the way she really makes the most of her gorgeous attributes.  The hair, the curves, the bone structure in her lovely face, and her eyes.

She's natural, she's voluptuous, she's womanly.  These are things worth celebrating, and she makes us all do so on a regular basis.

The fact she has one of the best and most soulful singing voices of the century doesn't hurt.

Critics be damned (yes, I'm talking to skeletal and pale fashion designers with initials like KL).  This woman is here to stay, beautiful inside and out, and there's nothing like a March cover of Vogue to prove it :)

Friday Fetish: Christian Dior spring couture

Honestly, this dress (in all its womanly glory) is probably the least feminine piece of Dior's entire spring 2012 couture collection.  It's certainly the most sensible.

As gorgeous as it is for après work cocktails in Manhattan (I dare to dream), you have to check out the entire show to fully appreciate what is easily the most ladylike collection of the year thus far. 

Embrace your curves and girlish whimsy in a beautiful parade of ethereal organza.  You truly won't believe the ballgowns!  It's a great mental holiday from the February blahs, I promise!

Thrifty Thursday Part II: so many sales this weekend!

Hi again - had to let you know about a couple more cool sales going on this weekend.

• 30-40% Off Everything Kids & Baby sale starts today at Old Navy.  Great stuff for spring and summer, or March break holidays somewhere sunny, including bathing suits, swim shoes, sandals, pajamas, tees & shorts!
• Clinique Bonus Days are on now at The Bay.  Get your 7-piece gift with any purchase over $28.50 before taxes. 
• Jet Baby in Oakville (very cool clothes for kids) is having a HUGE sale this weekend where EVERYTHING is 50% off!  That's clothes (like rocker onesies), shoes (like little converse), accessories, books, toys & more!  Saturday and Sunday only!  (note: free cupcake samples on Sunday!)
  

Thrifty Thursday: A recap of current sales in the GTA!

Calling all deal-loving fashionistas.  Here's what's coming up this weekend in terms of great deals, events and sales in Toronto, Burlington, Oakville & beyond!  This week's focus is FITNESS!  So for those of you with active lifestyles who love being fit and enjoying the outdoors...enjoy the sales!

• A bunch of classic power Y tanks on sale at Lulu Lemon right now! ($29 instead of $52!) among many other things!
• Giant Winter Clearance is on now at Sporting Life!  So stylish!  Grab half price ski jackets by Descente, Rossignol, Spyder and Volkl, 20-50% off winter boots for the whole family (like Sorel!) and 20-40% off skis & snowboards!  I'll take this happy pink one please :)
• Check out the clearance page of Mountain Equipment Co-op for some serious markdowns on activewear and outdoor gear!
• You know the Running Room has an online clearance section too right?
• Toques, mitts & gloves are buy 1 get one 50% off at Sportchek right now.
• Corbetts in Oakville is having their mid-season blowout sale from Feb 9th to 12th so head over there pronto for deals like 40% off all kids outerwear, 30% off Burton snowboards, 40% off Burton outerwear, and more!

Whatever Wednesday: Lego as home decor?

If you're feeling crafty, and you're also tired of stepping on your kids' errant lego pieces (one of life's greatest pains is doing that with bare feet), I say why not kill two birds with one stone and make something of it!

Here's idea #1: a lego napkin holder for your kitchen table.  Imagine the possibilities in size & colour!

It's Wednesday - why not? Here's all the info on how to make a lego napkin holder.

Funny and sassy Valentine's Day ecards!

Try-this Tuesday is all about the best free ecards online you'll ever see!  Someecards make HILARIOUS and sassy and free ecards.  If you want to send someone a funny ecard that takes saracasm and wit to a whole new level, you have to check them out.  And with Valentine's Day just a week away, you can find a wealth of hysterical and risqué ecards to send to everyone you love, including your single girlfriends, gay bff, ex-boyfriend, current flame, and more!

Monday's Muse: Madonna rocks it at the Superbowl Halftime Show

53.  That's right.  She's 53.  If I can dance, sing, rock a mini skirt, and do cartwheels when I'm that age, then there will be nothing left to accomplish!  I'm not a fan of lip syncing, but with the noise levels in the stadium from the fans so high, I understand why it's sometimes necessary.   Loved the roman look she wore by Givenchy & Bulgari.  Nice job Madonna!

Oh, and I think that a bunch of guys played some football before and after her concert, which is weird for a concert but whatever.

Friday Fetish: Spring shoes from Factory Shoe Outlet in Burlington

Given that we haven't really even had a winter, is it any surprise that I'm already craving spring shoes?  I popped over to Factory Shoe Outlet in Burlington this morning (prompted by the coupon I just got from WagJag for $20 off) and was delighted by a sea of shiny new spring shoes!  I have been looking everywhere for some red wedges for an upcoming trip, and lo and behold I found these gorgeous Franco Sartos.  I'm loving the kiwi green patent ballet flats too.  Oh, and how adorable are these baby wellies from Robeez?  Who cares what that groundhog said yesterday about 6 more weeks of winter.  If winter is like this (above zero temps & no snow) then bring it on!

Thrifty Thursday: A recap of current sales in the GTA!

Online, score 40% off select items at Saks Fifth Avenue including evening wear (any upcoming spring weddings to go to?) and contemporary fashions like this gorgeous Michael Kors sheath dress - so perfect for work and Friday night cocktails! 

Always good to check out InStyle magazine's website for monthly steals & deals!  This month includes a promo code for $30 off a cute piped blazer at Banana Republic! 

Finally feel like getting around to doing that photo collage you've been meaning to do?  Michaels has a great sale on right now where all frames - wall and tabletop - are 25% off the regular and sale prices!  So helpful when you're buying multiple frames!  Just remember to take the coupon with you!

Whatever Wednesday: Valentine's Day Ideas galore!

Stuck on what to do 13 days from now?  Yep.  That's Valentine's Day people.  Don't worry - you can get a ridiculous amount of ideas from the Burlington Tourism Blog today.  From restaurants to unique gifts to date ideas and hotel packages, you'd be surprised how much Burlington has to offer around Valentine's Day!   And if the handsome man in your life needs a little reminder, just leave the blog open in your browser window tonight and you're all set :)