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Tory Burch

Peer Pressure is (Probably) Okay

April 25, 2015 By Lena 23 Comments

In fact, it’s probably good for you, too.

It all started when Zeba of Ella Pretty Blog assured me that I should totally buy the Michael Kors “Colette” Medium Leather Messenger in Sun. Normally, I wouldn’t necessarily be swayed – it takes me forever to make a new handbag purchase, and even then, I create spreadsheets to analyze pros and cons – however, it was just before my birthday and I thought hell yeah, I totally should buy this.

Solidifying my decision was the fact that it was sold out everywhere (trust me, we checked!) which of course, created an inflated sense of “need” based solely on the fact that I couldn’t “have” it.

Introducing michaelkors.ca. YES! An online MK shop for Canadians, where (for a limited time) you can take advantage of FREE ground shipping to Canadian addresses, plus, the Canadian prices are on par with the US. It was literally a sign from the handbag gods that I happened to discover the online shop at the exact moment I decided to purchase a Michael Kors messenger bag, so I threw caution to the wind and smacked my credit card down onto the virtual checkout.

And four days later, ta-da! Sunny days ahead.
michael kors colette medium leather messenger toteI’m so happy with this purchase. Not only is it the perfect size – holding my oversized wallet, sunglasses and phone with ease – but I love that I can wear it messenger-style, as a shoulder purse, or remove the strap completely and use it as a tote. Plus, it brightens up practically every outfit that I’ve paired it with! See? Peer pressure is probably – no, definitely – a good thing from time to time.

Outfit: Jean Jacket, Express; Black Top, Marshalls; Leggings, Sweet Legs; Shoes, Tory Burch.

Have you made any impulse purchases this season? Do tell!

(Psst! With the warming weather returning, I think it’s time to bring back the covet list. So many things I want, need, have to have! It’s a good thing I’m fabulous with my finances… always practice safe spending, friends!)

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: express, Fashion, michael kors, outfit of the day, Tory Burch

The Monday Covet List

September 23, 2013 By Lena 21 Comments

Another Monday, another Covet List!

(A little background: Since I’ve decided that coveting is infinitely more agreeable than reckless spending, I was thrilled to be approached by Nadia Carriere of Child Mode to participate in the Monday Covet List. Together with some of my favorite fashion and style bloggers, Nicole Feliciano of Mom Trends, Vera Sweeney of Lady and the Blog and Audrey McClelland of Mom Generations, we’ll share 3-4 covet-worthy products that we are currently lusting over.)

Of course, I’ve realized that coming up with a covet list is way too easy because I tend to covet things all the time. This week, I’ve got the following gorgeous pieces on my mind (and perhaps favourited on my browser)…

This week’s Covet List is truly one to covet. (Translation – the pieces are *slightly* out of my comfort zone, and hence, I’ll have to make do with admiring from afar.) However, I am in full-on “must have” mode with these items:

1. The Swiss watchmaker known for exquisite classic and of-the-moment timepieces for men and women, Tissot showcases the best of elegant-yet-versatile timepieces, for all fashion and lifestyles.

Pictured above, L-R: Lady T072 Lady Automatic ($975.00), PRC 200 Danica Patrick Limited Edition 2013 ($595.00), Couturier Small Second ($1025). Ah, to have one of these beauties adorning my wrist! Tissot is the height of sophistication and grace. Attention husband: let’s skip the mortgage payment and do me up right.

2. The Pacey Bootie by Tory Burch. They may be the sexiest booties I’ve ever seen, and a sleek black ankle boot is as essential to a wardrobe as a classic LBD.

Smooth leather and a glossy patent cap-toe create an understated mixed-media take on color-blocking, while a hidden platform gives height and day-to-evening comfort. A thin gold band, topped with a discreet logo, adds just the right amount of polish and shine. ($495.00) Covet covet covet….

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #MondayCovet, Rebecca Minkoff, The Monday Covet List, Tissot Watches, Tory Burch

T is for Treat. Oh, and for Tory Burch too.

January 2, 2013 By Lena

As we start 2013 off with a bang, here’s something you should know about me.

I rarely treat myself.

It’s true. I am quite honestly the most fuss-free, no-frills person I know. I do at-home pedicures. I wear glasses 99% of the time. I often splurge on discounted toilet paper – but rarely discounted Dior. I clip coupons, make sure my boys want for nothing and try to find the best brands at the best price every day. Now I know you may be shaking your head, thinking “So what? Me too…” – you must realize, I am a recovering Shopaholic. As in, I once owned 12 Coach purses and didn’t think twice about dropping $398 for jeans.

(Also in my Shopaholic Hall of Fame? 4 brand new cars in 10 years, hundreds of CDs, a $900 leather coat, two Movado watches… OMG. This really should be a Wall of Shame. How I wish I could have that money back! I’d invest it tidily in a tax-free savings account. Yes, I have turned into my father.)

So this whole turnaround in character – from spender to saver – is relatively new to me, but trust me, I’m not complaining. This past year alone, I paid off all my short term debts and put a healthy amount in savings – while sending my son to private school and taking the boys on 3 epic vacations. So, obviously I’m doing something right. High five to me!

But, for quality products where there is simply no substitution… I crave.

See, I’m not one for knockoffs. I just don’t do designer dupes. So if I see an item that I simply must have, I do the following:

1) Tell all my friends about it. Seriously, I’ll call them, tweet them, e-mail them links… all while trying to justify the retail price and gushing about why I love the item so much. Ask my bestie Victoria how many times I did the math with her… or Tammi, yup, I tweeted her like crazy… and Robin? She probably has tension headaches over the amount of times I talked about my latest crush.

2) Begin stalking the designer’s website for sales, promo codes, anything that can save me a few bucks. I will Google the sh*t out of that item until I know exactly who sells it, and for how much. And, I’ll know how much cross-border shipping is, USD to CAD discrepancies, etc etc. Then, I’ll repeat #1.

3) When all else fails, wait for an epic sale like Black Friday or Boxing Day… and pray that they still have my size in stock. And if they don’t, bow my head for a moment of silence, knowing I missed out because I’m too cheap smart to pay full price.

Such is the case with the Tory Burch Amanda Riding Boot. I can’t tell you how long I’ve coveted them! Slim through the calf and the absolute perfect shaft height, I knew they would complete my entire winter and spring wardrobe.

Our must-have riding boot. If you loved the fit of our popular Selma boot last fall, meet Amanda. An exclusive style, the Amanda Riding Boot comes in tumbled leather with strap details and ankle logo hardware. It’s a wardrobe staple that’s in line with the perennially classic equestrian look. Tumbled leather upper. Side zip closure. Metal logo ornament at side. Leather lining. Padded insole. Round toe.

The one thing holding me back? The $525 CAD price tag. I couldn’t – no matter how I tried – justify spending close to $600 after taxes on a pair of boots. Gah! My dream of riding boot perfection was not meant to be.

But then… like magic… the clouds parted and a ray of heaven shined down on them… by way of a Boxing Week promotion.

So after 6 months of waiting, countless page visits and in-store stalking extravaganzas… the boots were marked down to $385. Plus an EXTRA 25% off sale items. And, they had my size.

Just like that, I treated myself in 2012. And in case you’re wondering, they go very well with my other favourite purchase of 2012. I have a feeling that 2013 will be a fashionably fabulous year!

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Amanda Riding Boots, Fashion, review, sale, Tory Burch

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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Instagram post 2198178178451471340_327607838 We've had a late start to decorating this holiday season, but every few days, we dress down in our comfiest clothes, turn up the Christmas carols and tackle another thing on our list! This past weekend the boys helped me put the finishing touches on our tree. Don't you just love our @UNIQLOCanada loungewear? My #ExtraStretch Long Sleeve Set has all-direction stretch for the ultimate in comfort, and the boys' #ExtraStretch Sweat Sets are their favourite chillin' clothes. (Psst - my #CurlyFleece Room Shoes are currently on SALE and make a great gift!) #LifeWear #UNIQLOCanada #ad
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Instagram post 2196198335807567733_327607838 The holidays are here, and what better way to share in the joy of the season than with a potluck! It’s the perfect way to celebrate togetherness, one dish at a time. Here are my best tips for hosting a fun potluck with friends:

1. Grab EVERYTHING you need from @walmartcanada. Yes, everything! Swipe ➡️ to see the amazing holiday-themed dishes and decor I purchased from my local store. From table runners to trays, serving dishes to sparkly ornaments, you'll be able to dress up your table in style while saving money.

2. Elevate your apps. I made a more grown-up spin on cheese and crackers by stacking flavourful Great Value Old Cheddar and Great Value Original Turkey Sausage Sticks on top of Great Value Wheat Thins - finishing with a sprinkle of chives. It's so simple to make and believe me when I say they go quickly, especially at parties!

3. Assign a variety of tastes, textures and flavours. This includes hot and cold appetizers, sweet and savoury sides and of course, make sure someone (or everyone) brings wine!

4. Use gift tags to describe the dishes. I lay out gift tags and a sharpie; as friends arrive, I ask them to write down their name and the name of the dish. Not only does it help at the end of the evening when it comes time to pack off the leftovers, it reduces the inevitable "What is this?" question from fellow guests.

Cheers to potluck perfection! #SpendSmallGiveBig #ad
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Instagram post 2194042482895765300_327607838 Experiences, not things. This holiday season, I’ve been focused on gifting experiences that can be shared with my loved ones. From adults-only travel adventures to one-on-one special time with each of my little guys, I’m convinced that the gift of time is the most priceless gift of all. Recently, I had an opportunity to enjoy a Priceless Experience with @mastercardca in one of their Priceless Cities, Miami. We sat at the executive chef's table at @three_wynwood and feasted on a tasting menu curated especially for Mastercard cardholders who book this experience. Visit my blog for all the details on our incredible date night, and information on how you can gift a Priceless Experience to a loved one this holiday season. #StartSomethingPriceless #ad
Instagram post 2192946946914561554_327607838 Each year, since the boys were very young, we've had a tradition: we head to @walmartcanada to choose a piece of holiday decor that gives them joy. It's usually an ornament, candle or stocking holder, but this year, Ryder and Reid both selected Nutcracker figurines. I love seeing the house filled with their beloved choices year after year. And since Walmart has so many seasonal goods at low prices, we never have to break the bank to create lasting memories. Because I always shop with my Walmart Rewards Mastercard, I was able to use my Walmart Rewards Dollars to pay for Ryder's Nutcracker figurine and got it for free! You can't put a price tag on holiday happiness, but our little tradition allows us to spend small and give big—exactly what the season is all about.
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Instagram post 2192587720832841284_327607838 “Frinter!" ❄️ You know, the season where it's not *so* cold that you're cursing mother nature and you're still enjoying the crunch of colourful leaves underfoot. I'm ready for all the elements in my @UNIQLOCanada #HybridDown Ultra Warm Short Coat. It's actually UNIQLO’s warmest down outerwear! Filled with down and AIRTECH technology on the outside, I love that the non-quilted design reduces the bulk and gives a smooth, modern silhouette. #UNIQLOCanada #LifeWear #ad
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