Fashion

Welcome to the New Laura!

June 7, 2016 By Lena 162 Comments

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of checking out the brand new Laura concept store at Sherway Gardens. This completely redesigned, completely gorgeous retail space features Laura, Laura Petites, Laura Plus and Laura Plus Petites – all under one banner, in one store!
The store itself is beautiful. Thoughtfully categorized, well-lit and with dedicated spaces to lounge while waiting for your shopping party, it’s a must-stop when looking for a perfect piece to update your wardrobe. In store, you can expect to find stylish workwear, casual separates and elegant eveningwear, plus an extensive selection of outerwear and accessories. …

You’re Invited: Laura Concept Store Grand Opening!

May 24, 2016 By Lena 25 Comments

Calling all fashion lovers in the GTA – have I got an invitation for YOU!

The latest fashions, impeccable service and practical style advice. That’s the Laura philosophy.
13103543_1262976010396366_3552315898681950462_n Laura has come a long way since 1930, when company founder Laura Wolstein opened her first boutique in downtown Montreal. Today, Laura has over 170 stores (and still growing). However, perhaps most exciting is that you can now shop from home; Laura has launched an eCommerce website, where you can browse the entire Laura collection and have it delivered right to your door. (Tees and capris are currently buy one, get one 50% off.) Love it! …

Slim, Sexy White Jeans. For Moms. Wait, What?

May 16, 2016 By Lena

Slim, sexy white jeans. And school-aged children. Think the two are mutually exclusive? Think again.

Introducing NYDJ Spotless Reputation denim. I’m wearing Ami Super Skinny jeans in – gasp – WHITE! And I can wear them confidently for a plethora of reasons I can’t wait to gush about – so moms, sit back and get ready to have your minds blown.
DSC_0345a First, and most importantly, NYDJ’s Spotless Reputation. The jeans repel certain liquids, like coffee and cola, for up to 15 washes. That means I can get right into the action without fearing errant spills or sticky fingers (both happen with alarming frequency when you have two young boys), and of course, be on trend for spring (white is everywhere!). I paired my jeans with my favourite comfy chambray shirt and floral rain boots – my go-to look this season. …

Travel in Style! RALPH LAUREN Parker Leather Tote

March 11, 2016 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

The sun is shining… the birds are singing… it’s the perfect time to get away! Now you *may* have noticed that I’ve had travel on my brain lately – between vacation reviews, our Sunwing Twitter Parties and my radio segments on What She Said – I’m itching to get away! The good news? There’s less than two months to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, which I’ll be once again attending with my family. Orlando, here we come!

Until then, I’m pleased to offer my readers a chance to travel in style with your own RALPH LAUREN Parker Leather Tote! Available at Hudson’s Bay, this classic leather tote is wonderfully lightweight and offers adjustable straps at each side to make it even more spacious. Stash your passport, sunglasses and a few magazines, and you’re ready for your next adventure!

– Double top handles, 9″ drop
– Top zip closure
– Removable leather luggage tag
– Signature “LRL” monogram at the front
– Adjustable straps at each side
– Inside slip pocket
– 13″ W x 11″ H x 6.5″ D
– Leather, Imported
– Available in three colours

The tote retails for $248.00 but you can now grab it for $20 off with code SPRING at Hudson’s Bay. And, if black isn’t your jam, you can also purchase it in beige or white.

(Though I love the timelessness of a good black tote, wouldn’t you agree?)

To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck everyone, and happy travels this spring! Click here to purchase the RALPH LAUREN Parker Leather Tote. …

It’s a Shopping Spree, on a Budget. It’s a Match Made in Heaven.

February 19, 2016 By Lena

I get it, I really do. It’s an oxymoron, I know. *How* could I treat myself to a shopping spree if I was on a budget? Aren’t the two mutually exclusive?

Folks, it CAN be done. With prepaid cards, it’s easy to splurge while sticking to a set spending limit! Think about it: open loop prepaid cards look and function like traditional credit and debit cards with a significant difference – they access funds that have been pre-loaded by a consumer or business. Therefore, they’re the perfect budgeting tool! They allow me to exert control over my spending and at the same time, avoid interest charges and overdraft fees (win-win-win!).

This past week, my good friend Zeba from Ella Pretty Blog and I went on a prepaid shopping spree. Armed with my American Express prepaid cards, we had a girls’ day at the mall with one mission in mind: spend the entire balance available to me (a whopping $500).

Which brings me to my second point: sure, you *could* spend a prepaid card on groceries (remember my previous post?), but I really want you to do something amazing, just for you. A prepaid card is often a gift – treat it like one! You only live once, and splurging on yourself is twice as nice.

Now, since Zeba is my official style advisor and the only person I trust to advise me on fashion and trends, you could say that we had way too much fun. But that’s the beauty of prepaid cards: you get to spend, spend, spend until the card runs out, and then, you walk away with amazing new things – not credit card debt!

Are you ready for the big reveal? Here’s what we bought!
AMEX IG Giveaway B Now I may be biased, but I think everyone needs a little Chanel, Minkoff, Spade and Kors in their life! Collectively, these are all items I would have coveted excessively but never had the gumption to actually purchase. Thanks to my American Express prepaid cards (which feel prestigious, almost luxurious, not gonna lie!) and a sweet shopping companion, I feel good about my purchases and know that I splurged the smart way. …

Save Time, Money and Sanity with UGO Wallet!

December 13, 2015 By Lena

It’s bound to happen to you at some point. Heck, it happens to me all the time.

I’m out and about shopping at my favourite stores. I’ve loaded merchandise into my cart; I’m congratulating myself on finding the *perfect* sweater and trendiest heels. I’m even feeling a little smug, knowing that I have a gift card to offset some of the costs. And just as I reach the checkout, in full I am so awesome mode, I remember… what I’ve forgotten.

I forgot to bring the gift card!

Has this ever happened to you? Sure it has. Because despite our best intentions, life is busy, and we don’t always want to lug around a heavy wallet filled with stuff. I mean, what if your wallet was nicked? You’d be giving away not only your identity… but your gift cards! To Sephora! To Winners! To Milestones! Those belong to YOU, dammit!

Enter UGO Wallet. The app now allows you to quickly add your loyalty and gift cards to your smartphone, and if you have a compatible phone, you can add participating credit cards to make small payments easily at many retailers with just a tap of your phone. Then, organize them any way you want so you can easily pull ‘em up right when you need them. By storing the cards on UGO Wallet, they are always easily accessible and you never have to worry about missing an opportunity to use them. Bonus: You can use every bit of your balance – and who doesn’t want to maximize all their spending potential?
Uploading your gift card to UGO is as easy as 1-2-3. First, make sure you have the UGO Wallet app! It’s completely free and takes seconds to download. Next, select your vendor and follow the prompts to either scan or manually input your gift card number. The app will return an error message if you try to upload the wrong bar code or serial number, so it’s pretty foolproof….

Gift Giving Guidance That Won’t Turn You Into A Grinch

November 23, 2015 By Lena

I can’t believe I’m admitting this… but I’ve already succumbed to Black Friday sales.

Now, before you “tsk tsk” or otherwise tell me I’m a weak individual, you should know that I thought long and hard before I made the purchase. (Just kidding. I literally jumped online, bought the boots and then sent out a link to my friends so they too could score a great deal.)
shoes And while it was completely convenient for me to shop online on a Saturday morning in my pajamas, therein lies the dangers of online shopping: it’s simply too easy to spend money. If, for example, my girlfriend had told me about this sale in-store, I would have had to (1) decide if it was worth the trip, (2) get ready to face the cold, (3) find parking at the mall… okay, you get my drift. …

Festive Fashion with Style & Co!

November 9, 2015 By Lena

The days are getting shorter… the nights are getting colder… and that can only mean one thing: the holidays are around the corner! This year, I’m once again pleased to team up with Style & Co to help get your festive looks in order – everything from cozy and comfortable to holiday glitz. And before I go any further, here’s a sweet little deal just for you:

Spend $100, save $25 until November 19th with promo code STYLE! Shop Online Now.
DSC_1670a So, what’s keeping you busy this season? How about work, school, parties, shopping, visits to Santa… oh my! Chances are, you’ll need a wardrobe that can play double-duty and still be fashion-forward (and affordable!). Enter Style & Co. Available exclusively at Hudson’s Bay, they offer on-trend pieces that are comfortable, wear well and can be dressed up or down for any occasion!

This year, I’m all about sweaters and tunics. They’re perfect layered over leggings and are equally appropriate for both the workplace and after-work drinks. I love the Mixed Pattern Sharkbite Tunic pictured above. Leopard and chevron collide! It has a pretty scoop neck and is just long enough to feel comfortable and carefree. I paired the tunic with Basic Leggings in a soft stretch cotton (a staple for any wardrobe). I love this look for every day office, holiday get togethers with the girls and even Christmas dinner!

(Don’t forget your accessories! Here, I added my favourite Double Heart Charm Necklace. It’s so versatile, I own it in gold, silver and rose gold. It also makes the perfect accompaniment if you’re gifting a special gal Style & Co clothing this season.) …

It’s Halloween Time at Disneyland!

September 27, 2015 By Lena

Can you guess the single most important event in my children’s lives right now? I’ll give you a hint. It’s not the birth of Jesus. Or the first day of school. It isn’t even their birthday.

It’s Halloween, of course.

Think about it. The chance to dress up as their favourite superheroes or idols. Free candy. Tons of spooky and ghoulish decor. Free candy. Songs and stories dedicated to witches, goblins and ghosts.

And, FREE CANDY.

Keeping their obsession in mind, when planning my family vacation to California (psst – hello! I’m currently blogging from the beach!), I was thrilled to see that our dates coincided with Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort. I’ll be back to tell you all about it after we join the party tomorrow night!

In the meantime…. drum roll please… may I present to you, my costume!
r2d2a Okay, so the dress – which I picked up from Hot Topic – definitely isn’t as short or low cut as pictured. Or maybe I just don’t have the same height and boobage as the model. What I’m trying to say is, it’s very PG! And, I posted both the blue and red lipsticks as it will be a last-minute decision – not sure I can rock blue lipstick, know what I mean? Finally, thank goodness Reid offered to lend me his R2D2 Mickey Ears… it really completes the costume! Though he *did* wear it better, I’m sure.

I’ll be sure to post photos during and after the event – follow me on Twitter and Instagram for all the fun! And, if you’re wondering what my two little Halloween lovers are going as… we’ll have a little Captain America and Spider-Man trick-or-treating tomorrow night!

What’s Better Than Vacation? A SKECHERS Shoecation, Of Course!

July 22, 2015 By Lena

Now, y’all do know that I wear SKECHERS absolutely everywhere, right?

Of course I do! For cruisin’ around the neighbourhood and doing errands, you’ll find me in my Glider shoes. When I’m pounding the pavement at Walt Disney World, you know I’ll be sporting the GOwalk 3 – they’re lightweight, breathable and keep my feet comfy all day. On a beach vacay? Can’t hit the sand without my GOwalk Move sandals – perfectly stylish and supportive! And as I travel from destination to destination, I always wear my (very aptly named) Travelers. The soft, durable nylon sandals are easy to get on/off in security lines, and transition seamlessly from airplane to boardwalk. So, where in the world are your SKECHERS shoes? We want to see where you travel with SKECHERS! Simply post photos to Instagram of your SKECHERS on vacation, using the hashtag #ShoecationSweepsCanada. Just for sharing your photo, you could win a travel prize pack that includes:

One (1) pair of Skechers shoes of winner’s choice (sizes and styles based on availability)
One (1) Peter Thomas Roth Shampoo
One (1) Peter Thomas Roth conditioner
One (1) DK Eyewitness Travelers Guide Travelers Book

The total value of this gift pack is approximately $150, and they’ve got EIGHT to give away! A new winner is announced every Monday starting on July 13th, 2015. So, you can enter now through August 28th, and if you share your pictures all summer long, you’ll have more chances to WIN! …

From Boardroom to Bar to… Boardwalk? YES!

June 10, 2015 By Lena

*BUMPING* because 99% of Style&co merchandise is now on sale! You can grab the looks below for 30-60% off the regular price – and summer hasn’t even begun! Start shopping.

I know you’ve heard the term “double-duty” fashion, or “it takes you from boardroom to bar” (translation: day to night). But what if you require outfits for:

a) a professional conference
b) a cocktail party
c) a special occasion brunch
d) a day in a theme park

Where should you shop? For me, I love Style&co. Available exclusively at Hudson’s Bay, they offer stylish, on trend, and most importantly, affordable pieces that will allow you to effortlessly create a summer makeover!

And today, I’m so pleased to show you a variety of easy, casual chic, and office-appropriate summer looks that are at the top of my rotation, especially while I was in Orlando for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! Yep… these outfits were modeled on location from my hotel room, at the resort, and of course, in the parks!
First, every mom needs a pair of Tummy Control Capri Pants. They have a control panel that helps smooth the silhouette; however, they’re not overly constrictive and are actually quite comfy to wear. Dress them up with a blouse for the office, or pair them with a tee for a weekend of shopping or lunch with the family. The capris feature a 5-pocket style and are available in 3 colours!
I chose to go casual-chic with a simple white Style&co tee with a scoop neck and woven cap sleeves. And to drop the “office” feel, I can simply switch out for these Drawstring Cargo Roll Up Capris in “Titanium”. I wore this exact outfit at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, and felt both stylish and comfortable! (The pendant necklace above is the GUESS Double Heart And Crystal Fireball Pendant Necklace.) …

SKECHERS: The Official Shoes of Summer 2015

May 3, 2015 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Okay, okay – I’m not sure if I can declare SKECHERS as the “official” shoes of summer (are there legalities around that??) – but I am absolutely certain that ’round here, SKECHERS are the top choice.

So, maybe we’ll call them the Official Shoes of Lena’s Family. (Not the same ring to it, I know.)

Here’s the thing. Y’all are always asking me what I’m wearing, what I’m buying, what I love, and what I lust after. And I’m always eager to share! So of course I want to tell you about my family’s favourite kicks this year.

(For those who aren’t hip to street lingo like I obviously am, “kicks” mean sneakers. I know this because I Googled it. Three minutes ago.)

It’s rather simple; we’ve all found an amazingly comfortable, totally stylish and incredibly affordable pair of shoes, and they all happen to be SKECHERS. From Memory Foam to Power Switch to Game Kicks, they’ve got us covered.
First things first – yes, our shoes are dusty, scuffed and less-than-perfect. And that’s because when I say they’re our favourite shoes, and we wear them every day…. they actually are! This is NOT a vanity review; we’re not putting the shoes on just to show them off, and then throwing them to the back of the closet. Nope! They’re actually always on our feet! …

Peer Pressure is (Probably) Okay

April 25, 2015 By Lena

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 tote I’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!)

Attn Foxy Ladies! It’s a Foxy Originals Sample Sale!

April 19, 2015 By Lena

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, and happen to love fresh, fashionable and ALWAYS foxy jewelry, have I got a sale for you.
10452958_10152787083498015_4288149784710178308_o It’s the Foxy Originals Spring Sample Sale! Taking place on April 24th and 25th this year, you’ll find Foxy Jewelry at 80% off, and Jeannie Lottie Brand purses at huge savings too! (Honestly, do not adjust your computer screen. You read that correctly.)

There are two things you need to know, so pay attention and I promise you’ll thank me later. …

Just Call Me Ms. Diaz

March 1, 2015 By Lena

Er… or maybe Mrs. Madden. Cameron Diaz is married now, yes?

Nevertheless, I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m obsessed with Cameron’s… everything.

Her style! Her hair! Her effortless way of exuding the perfect California beach babe. And through it all, remaining likable to both males (duh) and females alike. I mean, can anyone really hate on Cameron Diaz? She’s like the dream BFF (no offense to my BFF).

So it’s obvious that when I watched her performance in 2014’s The Other Woman, I instantly fell in love with her all over again. Of course, it *may* have had something to do with the fact that her character boasted the hottest collection of designer outfits and accessories – I’m talking drool-worthy with a capital D.

At the top of my list – her statement sunglasses from Saint Laurent, aptly named “BOLD1”. These YSL beauties are coveted for their classical look with a hint of modern styling, and although they are often listed as men’s sunglasses, they are striking on women as well.
The only problem? Finding them online was a chore, and when I did, they retailed for $345.00 USD. That’s over $430 Canadian! And while I’d be happy to spend that on a pair of sunnies I loved, I happen to own a lot of sunnies. So it just wasn’t in the cards.

Enter SmartBuyGlasses.ca. They afforded me the opportunity to review the site, and of course the very first thing I did was hunt down the Saint Laurent glasses. And not only did I find them; I found them for just $233.95 CDN with fast and FREE shipping. Hello! …

Get the Look: Gingham

January 26, 2015 By Lena

For years, I detested the decision of retailers to feature the next season’s fashions about 5 minutes after the current season began. I mean really, do I want to be looking at t-shirts and jean jackets in January – while temperatures are still in the minus digits?

But then I realized yes, yes I do.

For two reasons: one, I like shopping “end of season” clearance sales while I still have many months left to enjoy the discount fashions. Case in point: both my boys own GAP winter coats, purchased in January, for 60% off the regular price. And they’ll wear those new coats for the next three months!

Two, I like having a preview of the styles and trends to come, so I can take a tally of my closet and decide what can stay, and what needs to be refreshed. And while I rarely invest in multiple pieces of a key trend, I always ensure that I have at least one or two items to show off the season’s hottest look.

For Spring 2015, it’s all about gingham, baby.

“We’re calling it now: Gingham is the print of spring 2015. Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, and Altuzarra all agree.” – elle.com

“Gingham is by no means a novel print, but for spring/summer 2015, a handful of New York designers have gravitated toward the classic picnic-friendly textile, fashioning it in a way that felt fresh, new, and unexpected.” – instyle.com

“After making a brief appearance last season at Céline, gingham has infiltrated the spring/summer 2015 New York runways. While the traditional colored checks seen at several shows reflect spring’s flora and fauna, we’re partial to these graphic black-and-white offerings.” – NY Times

“The message from the New York Fashion Week runways was loud and clear. Give your neo-grungy buffalo checks a break this spring and try out light and feminine gingham instead.” – glamour.com

Are you giddy for gingham?
1. Gingham Blouse, Zara: $59.90 2. Cell Phone Case, Isaac Mizrahi: $25.00 3. Gold Cuff, Tory Burch: TBD* 4. MOTO Gingham Pants, Top Shop: $70.00 5. Gingham Scarf, American Eagle, $30.00 6. Jamaica Espadrilles, ASOS: $12.00 7. Mid-Length Check Trench, Coach: $575.00 …

My PIKA for Winter Fashion: SHOEme

December 22, 2014 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It’s a time-honoured recipe for success: Great Prices + Great Customer Service = Happy Customers.

And, happy customers are repeat customers.

You’ve probably heard of SHOEme – Canada’s online shoe store, offering over 180 brands and growing. But you may not know why it’s so awesome – or why it’s now my favourite place to shop online for footwear. And today, I really want to tell you.
I can break down my love affair with SHOEme into three distinct categories: Selection, Service, and their Star Attraction – PIKA. In fact, I’ve been lollygagging around town in my brand new PIKA Teya Button boots, and have been pretty damn pleased with myself. Congratulations on discovering your go-to boot for the season, Lena. Yes, I am congratulating myself, because I consider discovering SHOEme and these gorgeous boots a job well done.
But first, selection. It’s hard to find an online shoe destination with choice. And when I say choice, I’m referring to a wide array of premium brands, budget picks, and everything in between. Often, an online shoe retailer tends to sway in one direction or the other. Not the case with SHOEme. …

Holiday Fashion with Style&co.

December 9, 2014 By Lena

*BUMPING* Coupon expires December 11th! Use SnCoHoliday at www.thebay.com for $20 off purchases of $75 or more of regular, sale or clearance-priced Style & Co merchandise!

If there’s ever a time to double-duty fashion, it’s the holiday season.

How often to you find yourself juggling get togethers, office parties, family obligations, shopping dates, coffee with friends… honestly! The list goes on and on. And the last thing you need is to spend precious time worrying about what to wear.
My best tip? Find one or two key pieces, and then build your holiday wardrobe around them. And for stylish, on-trend fashions that are super affordable, I always look to Style&co. Exclusive to Hudson’s Bay in Canada, they offer authentic day-to-night ensembles that are perfect for women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

This season, I’m quite fond of this Style&co. Printed Sparkle Blouse with Draped Neck. Metallic glitter accents on the front of this blouse create a glamorous look, and the three-quarter sleeves and an elegant draped neckline finish this piece, making it perfect for both casual and dressed-up ensembles.

The blouse is ideal for layering under blazers (think boardroom) and leather jackets (think bar) alike. Plus, the stretchy fabric is super comfortable and forgiving, especially when you’ve had a gingerbread martini (or three).

However, the most impressive aspect of this gorgeous blouse? The PRICE! Currently on sale for just $20.40, here’s an example of chic, contemporary and sought-after fashion that won’t break the bank.

(In fact, ALL of Style&Co’s pieces are incredibly affordable, and most are on sale as we speak!) …

Oprah’s Favourite Things: Nine West Hadley Tote

November 22, 2014 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

See this picture? Me and Queen O are pretty tight. And I always love to hear her reco’s.

This year, with the release of her coveted Oprah’s Favourite Things list, you know I’m all over it! I simply adore her personal style, her off-the-beaten-path suggestions, and especially her ability to predict (dictate?) this season’s best sellers. So far, I’ve bookmarked about 12 things I must have.
oprah4f-8-web Topping that list? The Hadley Tote by Nine West. Lightweight and spacious with an edgy look, the Hadley Tote is the grab-and-go bag for any season. Enhanced with silver-tone studs and textured PVC, the Hadley can be worn comfortably on the shoulder and keeps items secure with the interior zipper pocket and snap closure. This versatile tote is a great everyday bag, vacation carry-on, or the perfect gift for the holiday season.

“This is a lot of look for $100: Exotic faux leather and studs elevate the classic, roomy, go-anywhere tote. I happen to love it in white.” – Oprah

Love what you see? Me too! I’m always looking for a fun and flirty tote, especially since I’m frequently on the go and often need a shoulder bag to keep my hands free. (Have you ever chased after two boys in an airport? In the mall? After school? Yeah… you get my drift.) I’m also a strong devotee of winter white; it’s the perfect pop of colour against a mostly dreary winter wardrobe. …

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