Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Sears

I Didn’t See That One Coming.

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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!

SEARSiously, You Can Find This Stuff at Sears

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Sears has changed. No longer the store where your mom takes you to buy bath towels and hosiery (at least, that’s what my mom did), you can actually find some pretty cool and on-trend pieces at FABULOUS prices. My picks:

Jolie Petite Strapless Dress

The most incredible thing about this dress is the price – at only $49.94, this could conceivably be your little black dress of the season, taking you from party to party. In fact, Sears currently has 64 cocktail dresses under $50 (with many of them being on sale for only $30 or so – sale ends November 18th).  So, if you’re looking for a little sparkle without breaking the bank, do check them out soon.

The Baby’s Room

OMG. After just three minutes browsing online, my ovaries are already aching. Must look away! Currently, with their Sears Days promotion, you can save 20% off a wide selection of goods for babies. Everything from strollers and cribs to baby monitors and bath toys – you’ll find it at an awesome price.

(Don’t forget – whether online or in-store at Sears, you can use your Sears Club Points to purchase the items that you want!)

Speaking of Sears Club Points, we recently redeemed 20,000 (that’s a $200 value) to grab two of these sweet Heys Eco Orbis 26” Upright Spinner Luggage pieces.

“The Eco Orbis is lightweight spinner luggage made from 100% recycled ABS plastic and inspired by geometric and abstract works of art. Its merging of haute fashion and environmental concern makes the Eco Orbis a very unique luggage piece, while never compromising on strength, durability, and flexibility.” Love!

Celebrating 60 Years of Wishes

Who doesn’t have fond memories of the iconic Sears Wish Book? This year, they’re celebrating with 60 Days of Deals – check online daily for ideal gift ideas at great prices. You can also sign up to receive the exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox every day until December 24, 2012.

KitchenAid Architect Series Stand Mixer – Raspberry Ice

You may have noticed that I currently have a KitchenAid Mixer giveaway happening at the moment – but from all the colours you can choose from (and there are 26 of them!), you can’t choose Raspberry Ice. Matching your mixer to your lipstick? Hell yeah, I am ALL over that. And check out the GLASS mixing bowl! Very fashion forward.

“Designed to reflect your passion for cooking and entertaining, this Architect Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with its 5-quart glass mixing bowl is an attractive addition to any kitchen. The bowl features an ergonomically-designed handle for easy lifting and steady handling.”

And guess what? It’s currently on sale for $412.49. Would look great with a bow on it!

Think you know Sears? Think again. Spend 10 minutes today and check out their:

Women’s Outerwear • Men’s Cardigans • Kid’s Bedrooms • Wall Decor … and much, much more.

Reno-cation: Main Bathroom

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My Reno-cation wrap up continues with my main bathroom. This was perhaps one of the hardest rooms to makeover, specifically because:

a) It was orange before. Yes, orange. Like a bright, happy, Home Depot orange.
b) I liked it orange.
c) No one else liked it orange.

BEFORE

Now I’m not exactly sure what drove me to paint the main bathroom in such a vibrant shade, but it just screamed “Lena!”. For contrast, I used stripes and circles in blue, green and white.

(In case you’re wondering, that’s a storage case filled with beauty products to review. I don’t actually own that much makeup!)

Alas, there was no middle road for this bathroom – visitors either loved it or hated it (curiously, those who vehemently disliked it were generally born before 1960. Just sayin’.) So when it came time for a reno-cation, I grudgingly agreed that it would be best to grab a more bathroomy colour from PARA Paints. A soothing mint green, anyone?

AFTER

Paint:
PARA Paints Big Girls Don’t Cry, #P5031-24

NOTES

Here’s another shade that can look slightly off in different lights. As you can see, the candlelight in the first shot makes the room look more bluish than green, but the second picture depicts what I believe to be the true colour – mint, pistachio, seafoam… whatever tickles your fancy. I picked up black Umbra accessories from Kitchen Stuff Plus (use this coupon to save 25% off one item until May 31st) and hung a framed photo depicting the vineyards of Sonoma, California.

(Hubby was watching an episode of The Nate Berkus Show where he insisted that your home decor should incorporate your most vibrant memories – hence a picture of our honeymoon destination beside the toilet, where I spent three months throwing up thanks to the honeymoon baby.)

I’m also pretty excited about my new shower curtain. Purchased from Sears during their recent White Sale, it features a gorgeous black and sateen silver damask pattern. It pairs perfectly with the milkiness of the light green, and as I’d been lusting after it for ages, I just couldn’t resist. Word on the street is that there are coordinating bath mats too… perhaps I’ll let my Visa take a breather before I explore that option ;)

Only a few rooms to go!

Fashion Obsession: Boleros

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Ever since Gossip Girl returned to the airwaves, I’ve once again become obsessed with just about everything in Blair Waldorf’s closet. I’m not alone; Googling “Blair Waldorf Style” returns 2,760,000 results. Yikes!

This season, I’ve decided to focus my fanatical ways on the bolero, which, based on paparazzi shots from the upcoming episodes, seems to be on everyone from Miss Blair to rocker-chic Jenny (but not Chuck, of course. Drool).

Since I was looking for a hot retro style, I turned to Forever 21 – who doesn’t disappoint – check out these super fab pieces:

All of the styles are under $30, making them a must-have this season! And, if you don’t have an F21 near you and prefer not to shop online, check out your local Sears for a bounty of boleros! There are too many styles to post, but click here to access the page.