Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Old Navy

Sunday Morning Shopping

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It’s the inaugural edition of “Where Has Lena Been Shopping on Sunday Morning?”

Technically, I can’t really make this a thing, because my husband is worried that I’m a little too quick with my “ADD TO CART” reflexes. So, perhaps this will be the first and last edition.

(In my defense, I could have been stuffing my face with stale doughnuts this morning, replanting my windowsill herb garden, or clipping the boys’ toenails. And instead, I chose to clothe our family with fabulous outfits at incredible prices. To say I feel unappreciated is an understatement, husband.)
091514_CDA_EN_PixieProductSpotlight_hp_PRIMLove, love, LOVE these pixie pants from Old Navy. Although I am obsessed with the Houndstooth print, I’m now wondering if it will be friendly to curvalicious women. Sigh – only one way to find out! Of course, at $25 and a very generous return policy, I’m feeling fine. …

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All the Highlights: Old Navy Family Day Festival

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If you missed the Old Navy Family Day Festival in Toronto on February 18th, BOO to you! An amazing time was had by all, and I daresay it was the most fun festival yet!

I was anxiously waiting on pictures from the event to share the experience with y’all, but Bunch Family did one better – they sent this awesome little video. You’ll see that I quickly introduce the event, and then it’s all family fun and games from there on in (and, of course, a little bit of shopping! The deals were crazy that day).

My two little munchkins make an appearance at 0:24 (Ryder) and 1:17 (Reid). And after watching this video, I FULLY expect that my readers in the GTA will put the Old Navy Family Festival in their calendars for 2014! Too much fun!

 

Come One, Come All: Old Navy Family Day!

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If you live in the Greater Toronto Area and are currently scratching your head over your options for Family Day – boy, do I have a solution for you.

Come join me – I’ll be hosting Old Navy’s Family Day Festival: a FREE wild and crazy party for families to celebrate Family Day from 1-4 pm!

This is the second year for the Family Day event, and if it’s anything like last year’s party, you will not be disappointed. Come on down to the Old Navy Etobicoke location – just minutes from downtown Toronto, the store is across from Sherway Gardens and offers free parking. Once inside the party, the whole family will enjoy:

3 Craft Stations
Cookie and Juice Bar
Twister-style Dance Floor where kids can show off their dance moves!
One-on-one wardrobe consultation with a stylist
A gift with purchase while supplies last

Plus – a coupon for $10 off when you spend $50 or more! So, if you haven’t yet stocked up on some Kidtacular clothes during the Kids & Baby Sale, here’s a perfect time to SAVE EVEN MORE.

Hmm… great shopping for you, tons of activities for the kids, a gift with purchase and further discount… all in a family friendly, incredibly fun environment? Yes please!

If you do join us, be sure to come find me and say hello. I’d love to meet you! I’ll be the gal walking around and chatting with everyone… while putting clothes aside for the boys, and trying on some of Old Navy’s fabulous new lightweight patterned shirts. Hey, it IS a shopping event!…

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Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve

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… or on your iPhone case, or on your shoes. This season, show the world that Love Conquers All – especially when it comes to your fashion choices.

The heart is a staple in style – transcending time and relevant year round. Who hasn’t seriously considered a variety store purchase of heart-shaped sunglasses? Most fashion icons have been photographed wearing the playful style at least once (if you’re Nicole Richie or Kelly Osbourne, multiple times).


Heart-themed clothing and accessories are fun, flirty and of course, romantic. The sweet pattern enlightens your mood and puts a spring in your step. And with Valentine’s Day around the corner, consider investing in a few key pieces that you can wear throughout the year. Here are my picks for affordable ways to put your heart in it – all under $60!

Party On! with Old Navy this Holiday Season

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My good friend and blogger, Robin Edwards of Shop with Robin, is a style maven. Truth: I once witnessed her pair a Michael Kors handbag and Tory Burch flats with a chic knit top from… wait for it… Walmart. OMG.

But that’s exactly what style mavens do; they know how to incorporate frugal fashion with haute couture – the end result being effortless style that’s fun and fresh. And it’s Robin that really turned me onto Old Navy; known for trendy pieces that won’t break the bank, she’s always pointing out stylish items that will add panache to my wardrobe. In fact, thanks to her artful suggestions, I now have a festive sparkly tank top to layer under cardigans and blazers for press events; a perfectly mod flared ponte-knit dress for holiday soirees; and the hottest red skinny jeans for jolly romps through the snow.

So here’s a tribute to Robin; my best picks from Old Navy that will take you through the holiday season with fashion and flair. These on-trend pieces are all affordably priced at under $60 – with the average price being JUST $20!!! Yup – if there’s ever a time to update your seasonal wardrobe, it’s NOW.

SPARKLE AND SHINE

These soft, medium-weight jersey tops have an edge over the competition – they’re machine washable! Available in a myriad of colours, they also pass the important “non-scratchy-under-the-armpit” test that so many other sequined tops fall victim to. You can grab the tank tops today for just $15!

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Good Things Come to Those Who Wait…

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… But, don’t wait much longer, K?

Today is the LAST DAY of Old Navy Canada’s Kids & Baby Sale. Now I did pop by at the beginning of the sale to grab a few summer essentials for Ryder (Reid, bless his heart, has more than enough hand-me-downs to make do. One of the benefits of having a shopaholic mother, I suppose; there’s always enough stuff to go ’round).

Halfway through the sale, I was quite annoyed to see an announcement declaring “Further Reductions on Kids & Baby!” I quickly calculated how much more I would have saved had I waited – alas, the $8 difference didn’t inspire me to schlep into the store to have my receipt adjusted.

But this morning, being the last day of the sale, I decided to jump online to see if there were further last-minute savings to be had. Success! When you shop online and use code ONSAVE15, plus the further reductions, you can make out like a bandit! Start the car!

Now to be fair, sizing is limited and you do have to pick through to find what you’re looking for. But if you’ve got some extra time on your hands, and growing kids that you can buy for one-size-up at ridiculous prices, now’s the time. Here are a few of cheapest Best Bets:

Toddler Boys (6m – 5T)
Golf Shirts – just $4.69 after discount.
Regular Fit Jeans – just $7.65 after discount.
Muscle Tees – just $3.40 after discount.
Solid Heel Flip Flops – just $2.11 after discount.
Drawstring Jersey Shorts – just $3.74 after discount.
Micro Performance Fleece Pullovers – just $3.37 after discount.
Fireman Raincoats – just $14.44 after discount.

Toddler Girls (6m – 5T)
Jersey Tanks – just $3.40 after discount.
Shoulder Tie Empire Dresses – just $5.10 after discount.
Flutter or Ruffle Sleeve Graphic Tees – just $5.10 after discount.
Printed Full Length Leggings – just $5.07 after discount.
Gladiator Jelly Sandals – just $5.58 after discount.
Jersey Pocket Shorts – just $3.40 after discount.
Cross-Back and Halter Swimsuits – just $6.80 after discount.

Of course, older boys and girls styles are on sale too, but since I have little experience shopping for big kids, you’ll have to navigate on your own :)

Click here to visit Old Navy Canada.

#OldNavyFamilyDay: Now THAT was a Party!

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I’ve said it once and I’ll say it before: Old Navy knows how to throw a party, y’all.

(Insert any track from “Dance Hits 2000” here.)

If you happened to catch one of their #OldNavyFamilyDay celebrations on Monday, you’ll agree with me all the way. From the Crazy Cookie Bar to the Accessory Creation Stations (which were a HUGE hit with all the kiddos – standing room only!!) the entire store was packed with families, shoppers and little ones busting a move on the Funky Floor. Here’s Reid showing the party people how low he can go (very low, from the looks of it). You’ll also notice big brother Ryder in yellow, standing around trying to look cool. #nicetry


Other photos from the event, courtesy of the über talented Racheal McCaig:

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GTA: Family Day FUN at Old Navy Etobicoke

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Ah, Family Day. However did we spend quality time with relatives before being explicitly told to do so?

(I’m not complaining. LOVE the extra day off!)

The perfect Family Day celebration would be equally enticing for everyone involved: shopping for me, unadulterated fun for the kids, and golf for my husband. I guess two out of three isn’t bad.

On February 20th, I know where I’ll be – Old Navy’s Family Day Funnovation Imaginariaum, a FREE wild and crazy party for families to celebrate Family Day from 1-4 pm. The event features activities, a catwalk, a dance party – and much more!

Kids from Etobicoke and all over the Greater Toronto Area are invited to this special in-store event to experience the Funnovation Imaginarium, a place where you have insane amounts of fun while being crazy creative. Highlights include:

• A Crazy Cookie Bar!
• A Funky Floor where kids can show off their dance moves
• An accessory creation station
• A Funnovation Catwalk to model their wacky accessories
• A Funnovation Lab to create crazy creatures and monster machines
• A free gift with purchase

YES PLEASE! I already know my two little guys will be camped out at the Cookie Bar, and I can’t deny that merging shopping and cookies may be one of the greatest combinations of our time (definitely surpassing Sonny and Cher, but not quite at a Peanut Butter and Chocolate level just yet).

If you do stop by, be sure to say hi! It promises to be fantastic family event!

Old Navy Canada: Baby Sale!

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It’s one of my hap-happiest times of the year!

Since my kids aren’t of school age just yet (one more year for Ryder – eek! Where did the time fly?) I generally look forward to the Old Navy Baby Sale, which happens every year around this time. And from now until September 22nd, the mad savings are back!

Step 1: Visit Old Navy in-store or online and enjoy savings on EVERY item (average discount 30%), from sizes Newborn – 5T.

Step 2: If shopping in-store, be sure to visit Old Navy’s FB Fan Page first and print out your coupon for an additional 30% off one item (excludes clearance, gift cards and jewelry – BUT you can use it on non-clearance items in the baby sale, which covers just about everything). Valid until September 22nd. The coupon code is universal so you may want to print two and ask the cashier to separate the transactions: I do it all the time and it works like a charm.

Step 3: If you decide to shop online and have yet to sign up to receive ON news (or have an extra e-mail address you can throw in there… shhh… I won’t tell) you’ll instantly receive a coupon for $10 off your purchase of $50 or more (which equals 20% off your entire purchase if you only spend $50). A bonus? You’ll score FREE shipping.

I’m off to rummage through Ryder’s fall/winter stash to see what he needs for the upcoming season. Poor Reid is always good to go with big brother’s hand-me-downs; perhaps I’ll grab him a few new threads in the sale as well. He deserves it!

Click here to shop at Old Navy Canada.

Summer Fashion: Old Navy

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*Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only*

There is only one place on earth that I can find bright looks, an incredible selection and phenomenal prices on summer fashion finds for the entire family…

It’s Old Navy of course!

This season, easy, breezy looks are at the top of my list and Old Navy aims to please. From long, flowing dresses to versatile shorts and capris, I’m having a hard time choosing my top picks! But if I had to purchase just one piece today, my shopping cart would definitely include this ultra girly Polka Dot Ruffled Drop-Waist Top.

With a rounded neckline with ruffled trim, drop waist with cinch string-tie and a peplum hemline, this top is both affordable (just $24.94!) and fabulous. I envision teaming it up with white “The Diva” Clean-Front Denim Bermudas and Raffia Wedge Sandals. The cost of my hot summer look from head to toe? Just $66.43!

Or is it??? Until July 12th, save 25% on ANY online Old Navy purchase with coupon code ONCAN25, making the ensemble just $49.82!

Now THAT’s a dealio!

It’s also no secret that I dress my boys almost exclusively in Old Navy threads. The clothing washes well, keeps it’s shape, and is always available in oh-so-cute styles! At the moment, the sale and clearance sections are neatly stocked, so go save a bundle on your child’s entire summer wardrobe – for this year or next.

Gotta love these looks for toddler boys and girls!

Dudes, I haven’t forgotten about you. Men’s Applique Plaid Shirts are just $29.50!

Featuring a pointed collar, button-flap chest pockets and a shirttail hem, the shirts are made from soft, dense cotton poplin and sport applique graphics across the back.

When shopping online at Old Navy Canada, shipping is always free on orders over $50 and your cart total can be combined with purchases from GAP and Banana Republic. Be sure to take advantage of any one of their numerous promotions; from coupon codes to One Day Wonders, there’s always a chance to save major $$$!

You can also shop in-store and chat up their helpful staff for advice on styles, sizes and sales. There’s always a reason to pop by and take a look – I’ve been known to comb their clearance racks and walk away with a few great steals.


Shop online or find a store near you for the most fantabulous selection of hot summer fashions!


One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win a $50 Old Navy Gift Card!

To enter, jump online and decide how you’d spent your gift card. Then, leave a comment here telling us which items you’d choose.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena! (2 extra entries!)
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(4) “Like” Old Navy Canada on Facebook
(5) Follow Old Navy Canada on Twitter
(6) Tweet daily: Please use this Old Navy Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on August 7th. Good luck everybody!

Old Navy: Online Shopping in Canada!!!

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OMG! Coming to a computer near you… Old Navy online shopping for Canadians! I practically fell off my chair when I saw it on @OldNavyCanadaPR’s Twitter Page:

“Online shopping in jammies for Canucks comin Aug. 2010.”

Words cannot described how stoked I am, especially since the US website constantly has a great selection of sale and clearance items for kiddies. I’ll never have to dive into a jammed sale rack again! (It somehow lacks sophistication, if you know what I mean.) They also have percentage off discounts/coupon codes just about every week, so no more scrounging for coupons. Just crossing my fingers that they keep shipping rates reasonable…