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Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

shopping

Style the Season: A Makeover Story

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A few weeks ago, I shared a very special contest: Promenade’s Style the Season. Entrants from across the GTA were vying for a chance to win a $500.00 Cadillac Fairview shop! card gift card; a one-on-one shopping session with me; a complimentary hair cut, style and makeup application at a participating salon; and dinner at Pickle Barrel with a guest on Sunday, October 27th, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

In other words, a pretty fabulous way to spend Sunday afternoon – wouldn’t you agree?

Now if you didn’t win the contest, you also had a chance to attend the “Style the Season” event in their Centre Court. In addition to sitting in on a free style session by yours truly, attendees had a chance to enjoy food samples (including delicious creations from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory), fashion and beauty demos, and the chance to win a $100.00 Cadillac Fairview shop! card gift card.

Oh, and did I mention the Vaughan Fire Fighters were signing their 2014 calendar? Yes, there was that.

For all those who weren’t able to join us, I’m so pleased to share some of my very favourite moments from the day. But first, have you ever visited Promenade Shopping Centre? It just happens to be one of the most fashion-forward malls in the Greater Toronto Area. In addition to having premier retailers such as Coach, BCBG Max Azria, M for Mendocino and more, it is also one of the most architecturally-stunning and intricately designed shopping centres I’ve been to.

Truly, the mall is gorgeous to behold.

The Style the Season event kicked off with my Holiday Style Session. Working together with fashion retailers such as Bench, Femme de Carriere, Garage Clothing, Jack & Jones, M for Mendocino, Olsen Europe, Soft Moc and H&M, I showcased some of the hottest trends for the holiday season.

The most notable must-haves are a) a day-to-night outfit, b) scarves in every colour, and c) a little black dress, of course. For accessories, chunky gold necklaces and bracelets are all the rage, while chandelier earrings will keep you on-trend and festively fashionable….

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Oshawa Centre: Style Approved (Take Two)

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If you’ve been following along on the ol’ blog recently, you’ll know that myself, along with four (4) other fashion bloggers, were invited to come and take photos of our favourite fall fashion finds at the Oshawa Centre. We perused the retailers, found the trends that spoke to us, and snapped away! And, a compilation of our photos has been published on the Oshawa Centre Style Approved Pinterest Board.

If you haven’t yet sneaked a peek, now’s a great time – because even more photos have been uploaded after our second visit to the mall. That’s right; it’s Oshawa Centre: Style Approved (Take Two). This time around, I discovered amazing Fall fashion, beauty and decor items at a host of retailers – everyone from The Body Shop to ALDO to Danier. And here are some of my favourite photographs of the day:

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Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: Promenade Pep Rally

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Hands up if you’re THRILLED the kiddos are back in school? (*Waves hand furiously*)

Now that a routine has been established, the weather has cooled off and I can happily get rid of one of my offspring for a handful of hours each weekday, I’m in the mood to celebrate! It’s safe to say that Fall really is the hap-happiest time of the year.

Another reason to love the season? Fall fashion, of course! A few weeks ago, I shared with y’all information about the Promenade Pep Rally. Well, I’m happy to declare that the event was a huge success! We had everything from performances from the Argo Cheerleaders and the Choir! Choir! Choir! glee club to fashion tips (courtesy of yours truly) and an anti-bullying workshop to get kids ready for school.

Well, what about those fashion tips, you ask? You know I’d never exclude my readers from the goodness I shared with the audience at the Promenade. However, since my segment was 15 minutes, and that translates into a very long blog post, I thought I’d just present you with the highlights. Introducing…

Lena’s Top 3 Fashion Trends for Fall

1. Cobalt Blue. I simply can’t get enough! There is a vibrancy and starkness that looks completely modern, and, it complements a rainbow of colours so well. Surprisingly, it even looks great with other shades of blue – making it an all-time universal favourite. Design brands such as DKNY, Victoria Beckman, Iceberg, Nautica, Costume National, Moschino, and Lacoste all showed off this electric blue during their Fall/Winter 2013 collections.

Pictured above, women’s fashions from Sandro – a new retailer at the Promenade. Missed Milan Fashion Week? Not to worry – all the latest in ladies fashions and accessories from Italy and France can be found here. This is the perfect boutique to find the hottest in European trends for the office, a night out or a special occasion. Located on the 2nd level adjacent to Club Monaco.

I popped into the store during the Pep Rally and my jaw dropped to the floor. So many covet worthy pieces, including the cobalt blue shift dress pictured above. They have stunningly gorgeous fashions – pop in if you’re in the area….

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Oshawa Centre: Style Approved

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A few weeks ago, I received an invitation from the Oshawa Centre to check out their newest fashions for Fall 2013.

Cue the confusion. Oshawa Centre? Fashion? Now don’t get me wrong, but I’ve actually never equated the OC with style. After all, we’re talking about a mall whose anchor store, Sears, bares a decrepit, previous-generation logo that is normally seen flashed across liquidation centres, not fashion malls. However, since the Oshawa Centre is just steps away from my in-laws, and as a shopaholic, I am an equal-opportunity fashionista, I accepted the invitation to visit the centre and check out what’s in store for Fall.

First good sign: I looked past the King Street/Sears entrance. The main entrance to the mall is actually very well designed; welcoming, architecturally interesting and in keeping with their newly refurbished look. I entered the mall with an adjusted attitude….

… and immediately, I realized that my prejudices were completely unfounded. Inside – the Oshawa Centre is chic, contemporary and frankly, quite gorgeous.

A brief history of the mall:

“Oshawa Centre opened in 1956. It began as an open-air shopping centre and in the early days included only 28 stores in its directory – just one sixth of the size that it is today. The 10 million dollar project was coined ‘Canada’s Most Beautiful Shopping Centre’ and housed the historic Eaton’s of Canada as its major anchor store. The centre undertook a major renovation into a completely indoor mall complex in 1968, renovated again in 1994, and redesigned the south end in 2009 to include H&M, Sport Chek, and Shoppers Drug Mart. Today, Oshawa Centre has grown into a 1,219,962 square foot super-regional shopping centre serving as Durham’s fashion, service, and entertainment hub.”

With fashion-forward retailers such as H&M, Melanie Lyne, Danier Leather, Aldo Shoes, Guess and Rockport – to name a few – it’s pretty clear that Oshawa Centre is a prime contender for one-stop shopping, including affordable and trendy fashion options. Colour me impressed! And, for shoppers in Durham Region, it’s a great alternative to braving the traffic flowing into the city….

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Shoppers Drug Mart is Cool Because Drizzy Says So

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A few weeks ago, while surfing the online entertainment sites, I somehow got looped into watching a video for Drake’s newest release – Started From the Bottom.

(I’ve linked the video instead of embedding it here because, let’s be honest, it’s Drake… and the lyrics are slightly explicit for delicate ears. Plus, I can’t understand half of what he says.)

Since it’s Drake and I have incredible respect for anyone from Toronto who’s made it to the big leagues, I paused to watch the video. In it, he pays homage to his days back in TO, including playing indoor soccer and working as a night manager at Shoppers Drug Mart.

After a good chuckle, I closed down the video and then took to Twitter to see what people were saying about it, because I’m curious like that. However, I was astonished at how many US media outlets were crediting “Walmart”, “variety stores” and “a Big Box Retailer” as the scene of Drake’s part-time job. DUDE! I recognized SDM the second I saw the uniform – never mind the tell-tale Life Brand product prominently featured by one discerning customer!

And so I did the only thing I could do – I set the record straight on Twitter. You’re welcome, Shoppers Drug Mart.

However, I soon realized that I was getting hot under the collar over a store that frankly, I hadn’t visited in months. How could a brand, so synonymous with Canadiana that I immediately recognized an employee uniform – have slipped off my radar for so long? I suppose, when it comes down to it, I’ve been lured by the convenience of the big boxes here in Canada; the chance to get everything in one place. And while I fill every prescription at SDM, I haven’t poked around there for quite a while. So, I decided to pay them a visit….

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Gold and AMEX in the Same Sentence? Yes Please.

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Although I keep telling people that I am a reformed oniomaniac, the truth is, I often fall off the wagon.

(Oniomaniac: from Greek ὤνιος onios “for sale” and μανία mania “insanity”, is the technical term for the compulsive desire to shop, more commonly referred to as compulsive shopping, shopping addiction, shopaholism, compulsive buying or CBD.)

The thing is, I just can’t resist a bargain. Or a promotion. Or a REWARD.

So, it makes sense that I am all over the new Scotiabank Gold American Express Card. First, it’s an AMEX Card. Hello! There’s just a certain prestige that comes with being an American Express Cardmember, and why not? AMEX is a worldwide brand that allows its Cardmembers to enjoy extraordinary service, travel benefits and rewards.

Second, for the frequent traveler or work-at-home-mom in much need of a vacation (waving hand wildly here), the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card allows you to reach your travel goals faster.

Here’s why it’s awesome: Not only do you receive 20,000 bonus points when you make your first purchase – you’ll also earn 4x Scotia Rewards points for every $1 you spend at eligible gas stations, grocery stores, on dining and entertainment. Translation: while I’m out and about spending money on the boring stuff like groceries and gas, I’m actually earning rewards that will bring me that much closer to a much needed vacation. Four times closer, to be exact. …

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Changing Room Wars: How to Come Out on Top

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Sometimes, shopping for a new outfit makes me do a happy dance.

And other times, I break out in hives.

If you are a woman, chances are there’s been at least one time (read: many times) in your life that you’ve dreaded trying on clothes. Whether it be because you’re not at your ideal weight, have struggled with an unruly body part (sadly, my hips don’t lie) or are prone to Cameron Diaz syndrome (flat chest and butt), changing rooms can be your enemy.

(Of course, one could avoid changing room wars with diet and fitness, but… do you know how delicious a Chipotle Burrito Bowl is? Seriously, it’s life defining.)

Before having children, I had about 10 years in what I now call my Changing Room Champion phase. Yup; I could try on any outfit with some assurance that it would fit – as long as it came in “XS” (oh, to be skinny again!). However, after producing a couple of boys in a couple of years, I’m now firmly in the “M” zone and have clothing considerations I previously didn’t have to worry about:

1) Remember those unruly hips? Out of control now. I need a good pair of Spanx to get them back in line.
2) Where on earth did this boobage come from? Forget strapless numbers – these knockers need the full support of two very sturdy bra straps. Pushing them up is like trying to lift the rock of Gibraltar.
3) It’s no coincidence that I’ve been nicknamed Kiki Kardashian. Yes, my butt makes its own entrance.
4) Mummy Tummy. You know; that little bit of excess skin that just didn’t tighten up after your belly stretched out about 30 inches during pregnancy. Gah.

Now, I’m not here to counsel you on diet and exercise; I hear Jenny Craig knows a little about that. What I do want to share with you today are my tips for owning the changing the room – how to feel better about yourself when trying on clothes, and those tips and tricks that make the process less painful….

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7 Back-to-School Trends You’ll LOVE

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The wonderful thing about back-to-school shopping for tweens and teens? They’ll tell you what they want need to wear. As in, “Mom, I really NEED a pink lumberjack shirt this year. All the guys are wearing one.”

(Thought you’d never hear that one, huh? But check out the Men’s Superdry Lumberjack Brush shirt in Smith Pink pictured right – it’s actually quite stylish. I’d totally love to see a Bieber-esque dude sporting one of these… especially with low-slung jeans and a pair of killer retro kicks. From To Die For Mens Clothing.)

So why will you LOVE these back-to-school trends? Simple – you can find them readily available, almost anywhere. No worries about pounding the payment to find obscure pieces; just add these popular items to your list of must-haves, pop into your nearest trendy store, and earn your status as back-to-school hero.

(And if you happen to spot a pink lumberjack shirt, do pass along deets or a photo! Dying to buy one for Ryder.)

1. Coloured demin and chinos. Or as I like to call it: The trend that just won’t die. Hence, you may as well grab a pair for both yourself and the kiddos, because as long as Jessica Alba is rotating her collection of likely 46 pairs, bright bottoms are here to stay.

(Side note: someone tell this girl to just stop. I get it, Jessica – you like coloured denim. But when you become the poster child for rainbow-hued pants, it’s probably time to mix it up.)

I’m digging these Rich and Skinny Legacy Skinny Jeans available at SHOP.CA. Pair these fun, bright, raspberry-coloured jeans with a simple white or black tee. Rich and Skinny has a reputation for making jeans that give you the longest, leanest legs possible (rich girls need not apply; skinny girls have a slight advantage here).

Other places you can snag a great deal on this back-to-school favourite:

Old Navy – love their Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans
H&M – the same look in a Stretch Twill Trouser – great for business casual
Marshalls and Winners – find a whole rack of options for as low as $19.95
Simons – Flash Colour Skinny Jeans come in an enviable variety of colour options
GAP –  iconic and affordable, 1969 Ankle Zip Legging Jeans are a best bet
Express – Zelda Coloured Jeans – their sexiest jean
American Eagle – Skinny Jeans in Teaberry Pink (my fave colour EVER)…

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Do you Mom 2 Mom?

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A few years ago, a good friend invited me to a local Mom 2 Mom Sale. It was my first time, and while I loved the concept – a ginormous garage sale run by Moms – I certainly didn’t know what to expect.

Turns out, I could have used a few pointers.

I was completely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people, products and prices. I felt like I had suddenly jumped inside the pages of Kijiji or Craigslist – a veritable cornucopia of children’s toys, clothing, strollers and more – with the added benefit of being able to touch and see the merchandise up close. I was duly impressed with the amazing deals… but every time I waffled on an item, it was swiftly purchased the minute my back was turned.

And through it all, I kept thinking to myself – “Why the heck didn’t WE set up a table? I have SO much stuff at home!”

Needless to say I didn’t make the most of my first Mom 2 Mom Sale, leaving empty-handed but with a promise to be better prepared the next time around.

Fast forward a couple of years, and I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Sandra Moniz Prencipe, Founder of the Woodbridge Mom 2 Mom Sale – one of the largest, most anticipated and highly organized sales in the entire Mom 2 Mom circuit. Sandra, an expert in the Hospitality Industry for almost 20 years, has planned and participated in hundreds of tradeshows and conferences… in addition to being a mom, of course.

With the annual sale just around the corner (April 21st), I asked Sandra if she would kindly prvode some tips and tricks for buying and selling at the Woodbridge Mom 2 Mom Sale. She was only too happy to oblige! And so I’m pleased to share the following advice for making the most of the sale – with the intention of saving you time and money! Thanks Sandra!
…

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Inside the 10 Coolest Shopping Malls on the Planet

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(Technically, the website only published nine (9) malls, but who’s counting? Except everyone, of course.)

You know how some people have a bucket list? I have a “mall bucket” list. As in, must visit these malls before I kick the bucket. Because life wouldn’t be complete, you know, unless I went bowling at the Cevahir in Istanbul.

Yesterday, Business Insider released a list of their picks for the 10 9 Coolest Malls on the planet. While there were some familiar favourites (West Edmonton Mall, holla! #CanandianPride) I did manage to experience at least four jaw-dropping moments. And so the following destinations have been added to my list:

1 UTAMA: Located in Selangor, Malaysia, it’s the fourth largest shopping mall in the world, featuring an indoor rain forest with koi ponds.…

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Tales of a #FanGirl: Sherway Gardens

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Some people talk about their kids. Others, their hobbies. Shopaholics talk about shopping malls. Of course.

My love affair with Sherway Gardens supersedes every relationship I’ve had in my life in terms of longevity and lust. (Well, perhaps my parents could be up there with the whole longevity thing… but Sherway Gardens is a very close second.)

It all began in April, 1978. I was born at the Queensway General Hospital (now known as Trillium Health Centre) which gosh darn it, happens to be RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET from Sherway Gardens. You know how some infants turn towards the light? Or the sound of mommy’s voice? It’s a well documented fact that I turned towards the mall.

Years later, even after my family moved from Etobicoke to Mississauga, I still remember making the trek to “Simpsons” and “Eatons”. This was, of course, pre-Square One (gasp!) so driving 25 minutes to the nearest mall did not seem out of the ordinary. Of course, after being treated to Square One, which was literally around the corner from my childhood home, I began to forget about Sherway Gardens; opting instead to hang out at Mississauga’s destination for mallrats which was conveniently only a 5-minute bus ride away….

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A Shopaholic’s Best Friend: ShopCatch

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I *may* have an unhealthy obsession with shopping.

Of course, never one to pay full price, I also have a very healthy habit of scanning flyers, signing up for e-mail promotions, using coupons, and trying to keep on top of what’s on sale – and where. And when. And how much, and for how long. Yeah, I could use a little help.

That’s why I LOVE ShopCatch. It’s a terribly innovative (and addictive) app that allows you to geo-locate shopping deals and special offers from retailers and brands you love – where and when you need them. For example, if you’re looking for new shoes, Shopcatch will tell you which retailers near you have great sales, promos or coupons available for shoes. Consider ShopCatch your mobile sales flyer! In fact, one of the things I love most about Shopcatch is its ability to find sales I didn’t even know about out. #dangerous

ShopCatch is über easy to use. Once you access the app, it lists all the deals of major retailers in a map view or list view, showing you deals closest to you based on your GPS. You can browse by category or search for specific products – it really couldn’t be more simple!…

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