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cheap chic

I Didn’t See That One Coming.

September 21, 2013 By Lena

This is Bar Refaeli. She is a Victoria Secret model, a Sports Illustrated cover girl, and has been featured in countless designer campaigns, in addition to walking a runway or two (or two hundred). And this is her latest campaign; stylish, trendy and tailored clothing, with an easy style and casual flair.

Think she’s modelling outfits for a stuffy American fashion designer? Think again.

“Sears is raising the bar on stylish and casual fall fashion with the launch of the new Nevada line for fall 2013. Designed by the Buffalo Group, one of the world’s most renowned denim brands, this newly designed Nevada line is the ultimate expression of casual sophistication, and features celebrity model Bar Refaeli.”

It’s true! When I first saw the images I was sure she was modelling fashions for a Hilfiger-esque designer, so you could have knocked me over with a feather when I realized I could find these items at Sears. At ridiculously good prices. I’ve got my eye on the Mia Coloured Skinny Denim Pant (on sale for $27.99), Laurel Chambray Shirt (on sale for $27.99) and the Blondie Printed Blouse (on sale for $24.49). Bar Refaeli for Nevada? I didn’t see that one coming… but, it’s a wonderful surprise nonetheless!

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Bar Refaeli for Nevada, cheap chic, Fashion, Sears

Green With Envy: St. Paddy’s Day Picks

March 16, 2012 By Lena

Feeling lucky? You must have a bit of ol’ Irish in you. And since tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve decided to celebrate early with my best picks for cheap chic – influenced by one of my all time favourite hues: bright, bold and boisterous GREEN.

The following items can all be found in Canada for less than $100 each; making these choices affordable and incredibly hard to resist! In fact, I’ve pretty much decided to buy those H&M trousers this afternoon – a girl’s gotta get her shamrock on before the big day!

“May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks! May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours… that stay with you all the year long.” Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: cheap chic, Fashion, green, St. Patrick's Day

Joe Fresh Opening Day Haul

March 24, 2011 By Lena

As Mother Nature decided to toy with us last night (hopefully for the last time), I wasn’t able to make the pre-launch of Mississauga’s Joe Fresh at Heartland Town Centre. No matter, I bundled up the kiddos and made my way over this morning, where I was beyond excited to take in all the Joe had to offer (minus the grocery cart, of course).

(I’ll have to let you know here that I was so terribly excited to actually be in a Joe Fresh stand-alone that I completely forgot to take pictures inside. Of course, running after Ryder as he tore around the store was also a slight distraction. Above is a photo I borrowed from Joe Fresh’s Facebook; but check out pictures of my haul below.)

Now today only, every one can score 20% off (almost) everything – I say “almost” because their daily deal, Womens Boot Cut Jeans and Mens Classic Fit Jeans, were just $10 (!) and thus excluded from the promo. But really, who’s going to argue for a further discount on $10 jeans??? Such a sweet deal!

My first impression of the store is that it is very well laid out. Ladies in front, mens in the middle and kids/ babies at the back. Plus, cosmetics are conveniently nestled close to the checkout – no doubt so that associates can keep on eye on them, too. The store is very bright, clean and uncluttered – exactly the way I like it. Helpful associates were at every turn ready to help, and did an awesome job of keeping the store immaculate and the lines moving (approx. 3-4 minute wait for a change room; less than a minute wait to check out).

Selection for ladies is jaw-dropping compared to their grocery store alternative; I don’t know if this is just a Jedi mind trick since the clothing is spread out so well, or if there there really is that much more stock and selection. I flew through menswear (sorry hubby) to the back, where I found items for baby and toddler similar to those I’ve seen at Loblaws and Superstore. BUT, at 20% off, I felt compelled to load up my cart (um, stroller – no baskets/bags were offered during the shopping experience, making it slightly difficult to hold on to everything, especially cosmetics). Since I’m still on track to shed 10 pounds before summer, I took a pass on clothes for myself and instead grabbed a few to-die-for threads for Ryder – but wasn’t loving the babies wear much, so sadly, Reid went home empty handed.

I also made a very necessary stop to the cosmetics counter and grabbed a variety of Joe Fresh nail polishes – since they’ve inspired a cult-like following (and are 3 for $10!), many shades were already sold out just half an hour into opening day.

Here’s my haul:

Nail Polish, from Left to Right:
FIG, STORM, ESPRESSO, GUNMETAL, PRUNE AND PAPAYA

Top:
BASE/TOP COAT, PETAL (which was my FREE gift with purchase – today only!)

I also grabbed BLOOM – a bright pink peony – but I forgot to include it in the photo above. Oops. For those who are interested, it is said FIG is a dupe of OPI’s Parlez Vous OPI, STORM is a dupe of OPI’s Metro Chic, and GUNMETAL is a dupe of Chanel’s Steel. A dupe for under $4? Yes please.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Edwin, Joe Fresh’s Cosmetics Coordinator, and we had a great conversation about the best way to apply Joe Fresh nail polish:

1. Always apply a clear base coat first.
2. Apply one or two coats of nail polish – MAX – these colours are not meant to be piled on like other brands; they’ll get goopy and chip easily. The only exception would be shimmer shades like Gunmetal, where you may have to work to get the coverage you’re looking for.
3. Apply a top coat to finish.

Now for the affordable & stylish toddler clothes:

The entire haul pictured above cost just $46 before taxes. The shorts were the most expensive at $14 each ($11.20 after discount), but the quality was above average and I just loved the matching belts.

Of course, with all the pretty summer clothes on display, I just HAD to grab something for myself, so I settled on this ultra-girly floral appliqué top in coral – just $16 ($12.80 after discount). The tee is available in a variety of colours – I had a hard time choosing.

To top it all off, I took my purchases home in a cute reusable tote – a thoughtful finishing touch!

Overall, the store size and selection met my expectations; the staff’s availability, helpfulness and friendliness exceeded them. Of slight concern is the absence of shopping bags/hand buggies to help haul around your merchandise, but its an easy fix and I’m hoping the store takes note.

For those who live in the Greater Toronto Area, make a trip out to Heartland and visit Joe Fresh – it’s pretty darn fabulous.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: cheap chic, GTA, Joe Fresh, review

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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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