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Fashion

Fabulous Sunnies at Incredible Prices? Now that’s a SmartBuy!

March 31, 2019 By Lena Leave a Comment

It’s 2019, which means you can do practically everything online – including shopping for a pair of sunglasses you’ve been lusting after. Have you heard of SmartBuyGlasses? They are, hands down, my favourite place to source quality, designer frames at the very best prices.

Ray-Ban. Balenciaga. Celine, Gucci and Tiffany & Co. These are a few of my favourite things… and they’re all available for a fraction of the price you’d find in-store. In fact, with 180 brands and over 80,000 products on the website, you’re almost guaranteed to find the designer eyeglasses of your dreams!
I selected this timeless pair of “Amarissa” aviator sunglasses by the late style icon, Kate Spade. The perfect colour combination of silver and blue make this pair a great addition to any outfit – and look especially great if you’re beach-bound. It was easy for me to choose these sunglasses because I’ve worn similar styles in the past, but I could have also taken advantage of the new 3D Virtual Try On feature from SmartBuyGlasses; their new cutting-edge technology ensures you love the way glasses look and fit on you before you buy.

More reasons to love SmartBuyGlasses.ca:

1. Introduce your friends to SmartBuyGlasses.ca by sending them a unique discount code. With this code, they can get C$10 off their first purchase – and once your friends use the code, you will get C$10 off your next order.

2. SmartBuyGlasses.ca offers FREE standard shipping on ALL eyewear, and in many cases, you’ll receive your glasses within a week. All international shipments will be sent with duties and taxes to be paid by the recipient – however – if you are asked to pay customs fees, simply pay the amount in a timely manner and then e-mail your receipt to the customer service department to be immediately reimbursed for your expense!

3. Not sure if you love your new sunglasses? If for any reason you are not fully satisfied with your order, SmartBuyGlasses.ca gladly offers a 100-day refund policy, starting the day you receive your order. (The product must be returned unused with all the authenticity tags and manufacturer seals still attached.)

4. To further ensure complete satisfaction, SmartBuyGlasses offers their own exclusive 24-month warranty against manufacturers’ defects. You can shop with confidence at SmartBuyGlasses!

5. Designer eyewear at SmartBuyGlasses is guaranteed to be authentic. I’ve ordered sunglasses 4-5 times in the past three years and have always found the items to be 100% as described, and I’ve never doubted the legitimacy of the products.

But the very best reason for shopping and SmartBuyGlasses.ca? You simply won’t find a better price! (In fact, they guarantee it; for items marked Best Price Guarantee, if you find any eyeglasses or sunglasses less expensive somewhere else, let them know within 14 days of placing your order and they’ll credit the difference back to your account. See here for full terms and conditions.)

Summer is on the way! It’s the perfect time to pick out fabulous designer eyewear at an incredible price.

I received a pair of sunglasses from SmartBuyGlasses.ca for the purpose of this review. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: designer eyewear, designer sunglasses, smartbuyglasses, SmartBuyGlasses.ca

Winter is here! Step Outside with Kamik

December 20, 2017 By Lena 40 Comments

And it’s not just any winter; it’s Canadian winter, the very best kind.

Sledding and sliding,
Snowshoeing and slush.
Skating and making snowmen,
I love it all so much!

Are you ready for the season? We recently had our very first snowfall, and to say my boys were excited is an understatement – they literally sat by the window and watched while it fell to the ground! When there was a sufficient amount of the white stuff covering the lawn, boom! They were outside in a flash.

Ah, to be a kid again!
This season, I’m thrilled to partner with Kamik. Family owned and operated in Canada, each pair of Kamik boots comes with over 100 years of history and expertise. They have a saying I love – “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad footwear” – and I couldn’t agree more! Kamik boots are both fashionable and functional, offering stylish options that are temperature rated up to -40 degrees Celsius. …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #kamikstepoutside, kamik, winter boots

The Name of the Website Says it All: SmartBuyGlasses.ca

October 15, 2017 By Lena 28 Comments

Now you *know* I love to save money. In fact, when I first started my blog back in 2008, it was to share some of the hottest deals with my family and friends. And even though I’ve come a long way from my coupon-clipping, price-matching days (not that I don’t still do it, I’m just less likely to do it obsessively), I still love a good deal. In fact, if I can hack the system to avoid paying full price, I’ll do it.

Enter SmartBuyGlasses.ca.
If you’ve been paying attention to my social media feeds, you may have noticed the to-die-for shades that have been popping up in photos. What you may not know, however, is:

1. I coveted these sunglasses for almost a year.
2. I feel like a million bucks when I wear them.
3. They can be found for 25% off retail price at SmartBuyGlasses.ca. …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: fall fashion, online sunglasses, SmartBuyGlasses.ca

Fall Florals – I’m Ready in George!

September 20, 2017 By Lena 37 Comments

Dear Fall Season – I could not love you more.

From falling orange leaves to pumpkin spice lattes, to slouchy gray cardigans, to over-the-knee boots, you really rock my world.

This year, I’m ready to get flirty in florals.
Floral prints are my go-to look whenever I want to feel pretty without being overdone. They’re effortlessly romantic and lend just a bit of sweetness to any outfit. Whether you choose a colourful blouse or an artfully demure dress, there’s no wrong way to take on this season’s hottest trend. …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #readyingeorge, fall fashion, Walmart Canada

New School Year, New Kicks and a NEW Way to Shop for SKECHERS!

September 18, 2017 By Lena 29 Comments

If you’re a long-time follower of my blog, and you happen to pay more attention to detail than most, you’ll have picked up on one, indisputable, impossible-to-ignore truth –

My boys ALWAYS wear SKECHERS shoes.
They love the fresh designs and wide array of colours and styles; I love the durability and affordable prices. From S Lights to Skech-Train, SKECHERS GOrun to Nitrate, my boys have worn them all. …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: back to school, Boys Casual Shoes, emoji shoes, SKECHERS

Back to Routine: Get Your Sparkle On

September 8, 2017 By Lena 207 Comments

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only. This post contains affiliate links.

We DID it, friends! We got the kids off to school in a sophisticated and orderly fashion.  There were no protests, no tears and definitely no tantrums as they headed out the door.

Oh, wait! That was a dream. It was actually a hot mess, as usual.

On the bright side? I had so much fun back-to-school shopping over the past few weeks. While I’m shopping for my boys, I also like to pick up some shiny new accessories for myself. It’s a great way to recharge, refocus and of course, buy a few gorgeous things because dammit, we deserve it. But I’m not into splurging; instead, I like to find designer dupes that will do the trick. And for the last month, I’ve found some pretty (and pretty darned affordable) gold “working girl’ items from Amazon.ca.
Why gold? Why not! It’s shiny, sparkly and lends a touch of sophistication to all of your tech and office needs. And even though many of these item are priced too-good-to-be-true, I’ve been testing them out for the past month and can attest that they’ve stood up to my frequent (and not so delicate) use. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to take on the gold trend, here are a few must-have pieces! …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: amazon prime, Amazon.ca, fall trends

Back to School #ParentWins with Walmart Canada!

August 15, 2017 By Lena 31 Comments

It’s crunch time, moms.

With just a couple of weeks to go before the BIG DAY, chances are, you have places to go and people to outfit. (In many, many outfits….) So where can you find stylish, affordable clothing that can keep up with your kids and their fashion personas? Walmart Canada, of course!
Pictured Above: George Boys’ Graphic Shirts ($12.97), George Boys’ Skinny Fit Jeans ($11.97), Athletic Works Boys’ Smith Athletic Shoe (on Ryder, $24.97) and AND1 Boys’ Fantasy Basketball Shoes (on Reid, $29.97). …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #GeorgebyWalmart, #ParentWins, back to school, Walmart Canada

Beach Day Essentials, Amazon News + A Giveaway!

August 7, 2017 By Lena 252 Comments

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Also note: This blog post contains affiliate links. Why? Because I’m a brand new Amazon Associate!

But of course I am; my love affair with Amazon.ca has spanned years – fifteen, to be exact – which is actually longer than any romantic relationship I’ve had. From DVDs to photography equipment, clothing to makeup – and now, even food and pharmacy items! – I take advantage of great prices, fast, FREE shipping and unparalleled selection.
Pictured above: Sojos Sunglasses – nineteen (19!!!) friends ordered these beauties when I featured them last month. You can see my girlfriends modelling the sunnies here and here and here! They’re just $17.99 with FREE shipping and returns for Amazon Prime members. …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: amazon prime, Amazon.ca, beach essentials

My “Must Pack” List for Fun Weekend Getaways

July 12, 2017 By Lena 209 Comments

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

We’ve been travelling a lot lately, normally for a week at a time. In fact, since February 2017, we’ve been away from home every single month! I don’t always love pulling my kids out of school, but some of the opportunities that have come our way (Disney Social Media Moms, Expedia/ Visit Orlando, Pandora – The World of Avatar and Visit California) were just too good to turn down. So, we accepted, we experienced, we have the incredible memories. Hashtag blessed.

However, the only negative aspect about constantly being on the go is the catch-up phase, which never seems to end. Over the past few months, most of my emails began with “I apologize, I’ve been travelling, I’m just catching up…”. Ugh. It seems so lame, but it’s the truth! One press trip blended into the next and I still have about 436 emails to go. But I’m not complaining – just acknowledging the underlying reasons for my douchery.

So when my 10 YEAR wedding anniversary rolled around – yes, a HUGE milestone – I couldn’t bear another long vacation, another month of catch up, another relocation which involved packing, passports, etc. I know it’s awful that I was burned out for our special day, but, given our previous travel experiences and the fact that I already have four more press trips booked for later this year, I like to think that we have a year long celebration going on!
But we couldn’t just let the big day pass without acknowledging it in some way. And our decision was an easy one – spend a weekend in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where we were married 10 years ago. We knew it would bring back such wonderful memories of 07-07-07, our very lucky wedding date. …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Amazon.ca, Fashion, sudio sweden, weekend getaways

Carb Dashian

June 21, 2017 By Lena 30 Comments

Today, I wore my favourite t-shirt to my favourite bakery to pick up my favourite baguette to complement my favourite pasta dinner.
I’ve tried low carb and no carb diets. I’ve even tried limiting my consumption of breads, cereals, sugars – etc, etc. And I’ve been successful… for about a week. But then I fall right off the wagon, because I love carbs, dammit.

Today? This t-shirt? Let’s just say I officially surrender. You got me, bread. Do what you will.

Is there a food that you just can’t quit? Do tell!

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: bow and drape, carb lover

Got to Have it: What’s Your Spring and Summer Uniform?

June 5, 2017 By Lena 198 Comments

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Ah, sprummer. It’s not quite spring… not quite summer. The weather is warm (but not hot), open toed shoes are back and layers are a must for a day-to-night wardrobe. Do you have a uniform? I’m all about casual dresses, comfy shoes and my beloved distressed jean jacket. Add a colourful tote and I’m good to go!
Aside from my trusty jean jacket, my head-to-toe look in the photo above is from Mark’s. Yes, Mark’s! If you haven’t checked out the brand in-store or online recently, you may be blown away. Stylish-yet-casual fashions, boardroom-to-bar work wear and on-trend accessories.

(Dress: Denver Hayes Smocked Waist Dress, $44.99. Shoes: Denver Hayes Women’s Brenda Braided Cork Slide Sandals, $59.99. Tote: Denver Hayes Daphne Floral Tote Bag, $29.99.) …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: business casual, marks, summer style, toronto fashion

The Perfect Boyfriend Cardigan: I #GotItAtSears!

April 24, 2017 By Lena 47 Comments

After a few false starts, I was finally able to do it, with confidence: I put away my winter coat. GASP! I know, I know, I’m dangerously close to jinxing us all – Mother Nature has been less than forthcoming this season – but I’m pretty confident that the cold temps are behind us, once and for all.

It’s officially sweater weather.

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect boyfriend cardigan, a staple piece for every fashionable mom. The cardigan, also known as an “oversized sweater” or “open knit cardigan”, is roomy and long enough to wear over leggings, skinny jeans or with a slim dress, making it a wardrobe must-have. And when I saw this marled grey cardigan from Sears Canada – featured on their brand new Sears Label – I knew I had to have it!
_DSC2172aIt’s super soft and, hello – deep pockets! I love that I can dress it up for a client meeting or go casual with skinny jeans or leggings. The generous sizing means that I can even wrap and belt it for a more structured look. It’s priced at just $34.99, but you can grab it right now for a sweet 30% off, making it just $24.49! A steal! …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #GotItAtSears, affordable fashion, Sears Canada

Affordable Chic? Think Chic Marie

December 13, 2016 By Lena 23 Comments

Note: The following giveaway is open to residents of the Greater Toronto Area only. 

It’s the middle of the December, which means you’re probably entering the panic zone for that hard-to-shop-for friend, sister or daughter-in-law.

She’s stylish and savvy, always chic and at the forefront of fashion trends. She loves clothes and is a shopaholic, but often has buyer’s remorse when the credit card statement arrives. She wears her heart on her sleeve, and that sleeve is the latest season’s fashion, accessorized perfectly with statement jewelry, a stunning handbag and perfectly pointy peep-toes.

(Maybe that hard-to-shop-for woman is…. you?)

Introducing Chic Marie. Fresh off its success in Quebec, Chic Marie, a booming clothing rental business with a service based on an affordable monthly subscription, is now available in Toronto!
chic_marie-_bannerweb_2500x930Chic Marie’s mission is to offer women a range of quality clothing at a wallet-friendly price. This holiday season, if you’re shopping for a professional woman – someone who normally dedicates a healthy portion of her budget to wardrobe spending – here’s why Chic Marie may just be the perfect present for her – or YOU! (Start dropping those hints, girl!) …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: affordable chic clothing, chic marie, women's clothing

The Pièce de Résistance? The Ugly Christmas Sweater, Of Course!

November 18, 2016 By Lena 32 Comments

“But WHY is it called an ugly sweater?” my mom asked.

“Well,” I explained, “it’s like this. For years we’ve received these hideous – but well intentioned – holiday sweaters from parents and grandparents. And now it’s time to turn the tables and own it! So before you run out and buy me a Christmas-y sweater, I’m beating you to it. It’s ugly and I’m proud to wear it!”

“I still don’t really understand why it has to be ugly,” she replied. “Why can’t it be a nice sweater with a jolly Christmas motif? Like reindeer or elves or a picturesque snowy Christmas town?”

POINT. MADE.
_dsc0686abIt’s colourful. It’s ironic. It’s like Christmas exploded and you swept up all the pieces and turned it into jaunty pullover. Whatever it is, the ugly Christmas sweater has marked a special place in our hearts during the holiday season. …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #SaveMoneyStyleBetter, ugly christmas sweater, Walmart Canada

Dress it Up… and Fall into Style.

October 2, 2016 By Lena 279 Comments

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Hello, sweater weather. It’s been much too long! And I’ve been awaiting your return – especially since I’ve updated my fall wardrobe to include a few key, timeless pieces.
_dsc0160aThis season, my go-to look is an oversized, chunky sweater with slim jeggings and slouchy boots. It’s the perfect combination of chic comfort and casual elegance, and I was able to find everything (including the boots – hello!) for just $75.91 pre-tax at Walmart.

YES, Walmart.

Ladies, when was the last time you visited the women’s section at Walmart? It’s teeming with the latest fall essentials from George at affordable prices. This year’s collection features everything from quality knits to stylish sweaters, and if the selection doesn’t blow you away, the prices surely will. I fell in love with this George Women’s Mock Neck Boxy Poncho with Sleeves for just $29.97. …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #FallLooksforLess, fall fashion, george clothing, Walmart Canada

Fall in Autumn Style with Ease: Three Ways to Sneak in Comfort!

August 29, 2016 By Lena 41 Comments

Some will suggest that the very best part of fall is the beauty of the season; colourful leaves, stellar sunsets and a layer of shiny dew on green grasses.

Others will point to the bountiful harvest; sweet apples, crunchy pears and Pumpkin Spice Lattes. (Oops, do those count as harvest?)

Me? I’m all about fall fashion. For weeks I have been admiring chunky, cable knit sweaters; soft, oh-so-stretchy pants and structured, fashion-forward footwear.
fallNotice a theme with the items I’m coveting? They’re all a nod to chic comfort – the best way to take on fall style. Because, if you’re like me, the most important thing about a fashion trend is that it’s actually wearable! And there is nothing chic about hobbling around in too-high heels or too-tight jeans. (Trust me. Been there. Done that.) So today, I’m sharing three ways to sneak comfort into a chic wardrobe. …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #WomenSHAPEtheworld, ecco shape, fall fashion

Designer Deals. Back to School Delights. This is Dixie Outlet Mall.

August 26, 2016 By Lena 23 Comments

If you’ve yet to read my previous post, “Back to School: Deals and Delights at Dixie Outlet Mall,” go ahead. Take a peek. Because you’ll want to know how I came about the following fabulous fashion finds at Winners, and how my shopping experience was actually entertaining, thanks to the VR Adventure Lounge (limited time only – ends September 4th).

All done? Great. Now for the big reveal.

Winners has always been one of my go-to places for exceptional deals on kids’ clothing. The store at Dixie Outlet Mall is large, well-stocked and jam-packed with back to school items – everything from popular themed backpacks to the trendiest denim styles. And for just $100 before taxes, I was able to grab three outfits for the boys – two for Reid and one for Ryder!

(Why did Reid get two outfits? It’s repayment on my part for years of making him wear Ryder’s hand-me-downs. Plus, out of the two, he’s the fashion lover!)
DSC_1371I purchased this adorable – er, masculine and sporty – Adidas track suit for just $29.99. It’s lightweight and perfect for fall school days. Reid is big on layering as he tends to go from hot to cold and hot again very quickly, and I can’t deny the quality and styling that make Adidas track suits high on the list of “must-haves” for little boys. …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #dixiedeals, #Wildforvr, back to school, dixie outlet mall

Back to School: Deals and Delights at Dixie Outlet Mall

August 26, 2016 By Lena 15 Comments

When it comes to back to school shopping, I want to know all the things.

Tell me where the deals are. Tell me about the hottest fashions. Tell me how I can outfit my boys in clothes they love, at prices I can afford. Tell me how I can make back to school shopping fun for them and (relatively) painless for me.

Oh, you want to know too? You’re in luck – today, I’ll tell YOU how to make it happen.
20160824_185513For my readers in the Greater Toronto Area, when was the last time you checked out Dixie Outlet Mall? As one of Canada’s largest enclosed outlet shopping centres, it’s a virtual mecca of your favourite stores at heavily discounted prices. And, especially when it comes to back to school, who can resist a deal? …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #dixiedeals, #Wildforvr, back to school, dixie outlet mall

School Looks for Less? Yes!

August 12, 2016 By Lena 33 Comments

My boys are at an age where they’re starting to develop self-awareness. This means that their hair must be styled a certain way (“More pomade, Mom!”), there are taboo clothing choices (cords?) and of course, they have their preferences when it comes to back to school style.
bysThank goodness for Walmart. They have everything I need for back to school, including a wide selection of quality fashion for boys at affordable prices. From preppy shirts to hoodies for layering; popular graphic tees to on-trend stylish denim, back to school shopping for outfits is such a breeze. …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #schoollooksforless, back to school, kids fashion, Walmart Canada

Back to School: Your Surprise is Waiting.

August 9, 2016 By Lena 23 Comments

One more month. One more month to spend time with my little guys this summer; to watch them smile, hear them laugh and run around footloose and fancy free. One more month to listen to their sweet voices…. arguing and yelling. One month of watching them push, punch and fight…

Okay, so perhaps this month can’t go by fast enough.

Et voila! Back to school time is upon us. The happiest time of the year just got happier for me, because I’ve had a chance to indulge in some back to school shopping, scoring fabulous name brands at out of this world prices. In fact, here’s how I grabbed “First Day of School” outfits for BOTH my boys – for under $100!

Surprise! I found everything at Marshalls. They even have a back to school checklist published online that you could quickly glance through prior to your shopping.
DSC_1134Marshalls is always top of mind for me for back to school, because they have everything I need to make sure my boys start the year in style. Plus, where else can I deck them out in brand names such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Levis 501 and more – for less? …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #lovemarshalls, back to school, kids fashion, marshalls

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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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