Just hear those sales bells jingling…

[Salvage sweatshirt dress with chain back]

I actually received a lot of feedback from my last sale post about this week’s sale. Last night was the VIP preview night so there were no lines, tons of sizes and first dibs on the latest jeans, samples and swim suits from the folks at TorontoSampleSales.com. I decided to take a few pictures to give you a glimpse of the madness and stock available for your to pick up the latest in premium denim, hoodies, dresses or t’s no matter what your size.

Highlight of the sale for me was an awesome tunic dress that fully satisfies my love for hardware and embellishments with an overly exposed back complete with cross over chains. Loves! Even better was the fact that the tag revealed that it was a fall 09 sample for half the price! Amazing. I went slightly bananas and picked up two other dresses, a couple tops from Romeo & Juliet Couture and a crazy comfy pair of J Brand flares. All in all, a sale well spent! So if you want to up your chances of a successful rummage through a sample sale, here are a few tips:

1. WEAR SIMPLICITY the pop-up nature of these sales means busy business and communal change rooms. Dress in clothing that can be easily peeled off and on without too much fuss. For girls, ditch the curling iron and opt for a pony tail or clip.
2. GRAB AND GO sample sales + crowds = scarcity. If you’re at a real sample sale, then it’s more than likely that items are one-of-a-kind and may or may not be true to size. That means take a careful look at sizes, smalls can be bigger and larger sizes might run small. If you’re not one to try things on then a sample sale is not for you.
3. HAVE CASH WILL NEGOTIATE get down and dirty. The dynamics of a sample sale means prices might be flexible (not true for every sale but kee it in mind) and if you buy in bulk you might be able to chat up a manager who can knock off a few bucks on your bill.
4. CHECK YOUR COAT park your parka at the door because extra bulk is dead weight. Don’t worry about the cold, because low prices and tightly placed racks causes temperatures to rise.
5. RESIST SPONTANEITY while it’s easy to be tempted by the deals and steals at a sample sale, always remember there it’s impossible to return or exchange items when the sale is over. Instead, right before you go up to the cash lay out your finds in front of you and do a once over to see if you can spot the impulse. When you figure you’ve got exactly what you need then proceed to pay.

I highly suggest that you check out the sale if you’re in the market for some new basic jeans or if you’d like to experiment with a new brand at a much cheaper than retail price. And don’t worry if you suffer a mild burst of buyer’s remorse – I’m sure you can find somebody else that could use a new pair of Rock & Republic jeans for Christmas. 🙂

Happy Shopping.

For more information about Toronto Sample Sales and to get on the VIP list click here.

spring is in the air…

Nothing beats the winter blues than thinking about the spring that comes right after. Although we’re only weeks into our cold weather Sear’s opened up their office doors amidst the holiday rush to present their newest and very exciting collections due in stores mid-February.

SAIL AWAY, SAIL AWAY, SAIL AWAY…

Like most designer’s cruise collections, the spring preview for women’s wear is nautical-inspired with graphic, vivid combinations of navy, ivory and coral. Feminine brush strokes and wave stripes offer a much toned down look after the bright and bold colours of the fall. You’ll find lots of blazers, shorts, dresses, biker jackets and sexy jumpsuits and rompers. Lots of stripes, patterns and loose layers of lightweight materials create silhouette’s that are free-flowing yet distinctly feminine. Clearly, you can tell…I’m a fan!

Highlights include Kensie and Kensiegirl collections that offer women a look that is girly yet still sophisticated. Perfect for transitioning from day to night, the focus is on pretty prints, bold folds, drapes and textures that capture the playfulness of the typical Kensiegirl without compromising comfort, quality and price. One collection that Blink readers will be particularly interested in is the new Press line. Created by the same designers of the ohsopopular Talula and Wilfred lines of Aritzia, Press offers something for everyone with basics like light weight sweaters and knits including tanks, dresses and contemporary cardigans and wraps. The dresses and embellished tops can be layered with great basics like tanks and tees from the versatile neutral palette.

BOYS LOOK GOOD IN GINGHAM

If you haven’t noticed I have a thing for plaids so naturally I love plaid’s close cousin gingham. For the man who thinks that decent dress shirts are only available at Holt’s and Harry’s you’ll be surprised at the quality and style available in the Retreat, Driven and Distinction lines. Preppy meets proper, the spring collection introduces real colour with pastels like aqua, lavender and peach. Fine knit sweaters feature colours of the season and can be layered over button down shirts or worn underneath a suit. Guys take note, the key items are versatile and lightweight cotton sweaters in a vest, pullover v-neck and cardigan styles and the gingham check shirts.

WHOLE HOME AND WELL PRICED

I decided to conclude my preview with a quick tour of the Decor collections Sears with Maureen. Although I’m not exactly in the market for home furnishings, I know a lot of my friends and readers are. So you’ll be excited to learn that ikea isn’t the only place to find moderately priced bedroom, dining and bathroom products. The spring collection boasts strong style and colour coordination that offers customers a foolproof way to decorate (they have over 2000 finishes to pick from). From shabby chic to cool and inviting, there are pieces, accents and accessories to make your house a home with serious personality. Tween’s and the young at heart might also find the My Stuff collection interesting, this fun and funky line is affordable and on-trend – just don’t try to find a duvet cover for a queen size bed (their largest size is a double!).

While the days of department store shopping seem a thing of the past, it’s nice to  know that change is taking place and spring has definitely sprung at Sears.

Thanks to Eliana & Maureen for the awesome tour, see you in summer!

STYLE: Taylor-made inspiration to Chuck

Ladies know that the holiday’s require some serious shopping, we need the perfect dress/outfit for Christmas parties for work, friends and  family and don’t forget the outfit that takes you into the New Year. But it’s not just girls that are concerned about putting their best look forwards when the clock strikes twelve, men are feeling the pressure too. Take inspiration from Twilight babe, Taylor Lautner (Team Jacob!) and lose the baggy looks in favour of streamlined silhouette’s.

IF IT SUITS YOU…

Don a suit over the holidays. While dress codes have evolved and regressed into style codes, take advantage of the opportunity to dress up and leave the crystal-studded shirts at home. Ties are optional but if you take this path, don’t be sloppy, wear your pants on your waist and try to avoid taking off your tie mid-party.

PLAIN OLD PLAID

Nothing says festive like a holiday print and what better print than plaid? It comes in a variety of colours and although the more courageous can pull off a jacket or pants, cautious fashioni-sirs can opt for a plaid tie, shirt or pocket square. Just remember to keep your accessories to a minimum and stick to neutral basics on your feet.

[Buckler Clever Plaid Shirt]

DRESSY DENIM

Maybe you prefer denim over dress pants but this season there are many options besides the typical bejeweled jean bums to cover your legs. I particularly love the look of Not 4 Everyone’s Rocker Jean that takes a much more subtle approach to decorative denim and at a savvy $100 a pair you’ll have plenty of funds left for last minute holiday shopping.

[N4E1 Rocker Jean]

FINISHING TOUCHES

All too often I find myself checking out a guy’s belt. For some reason I pay close attention to the finer details. Stores like H&M, Zara and Top Shop have made it easy to achieve good style without high prices. So if you’re going to invest in something, make it a classic belt.

Holiday Looks for Men by cocofresh featuring Gucci

[Top Shop Man and Gucci Jackets and shirts, Dark Denim by Not 4 Everyone, Top Shop Ties & Bowties, and Hermes, Gucci and D&G belts]

Sale Alert: Fill your stockings with premium denim!

It seems like just yesterday I raved about the Toronto Sample Sale at Le Park Hotel and here comes another one. But this time I’m giving you a perk for being a Blink reader. It’s not advertised but the sale actually has it’s doors open today for the VIP night. That means, no lines, no crazies in the change room and plenty of size 26 jeans in just about every brand and style.

Last time I was delighted to bring home a gorgeous Romeo & Juliet couture dress that was the perfect blend of vintage prom and Herve Leger. So be sure to check it out, pick up some last minute presents and while you’re there pick up a pair of jeans or two for yourself.

Happy shopping!

Baby it’s cold outside…but I’ve got my boots!

Holiday shopping has begun but have you seen the weather outside? This fall I went on a quest to find comfortable, stylish but quality boots that will get me through the harsh Canadian winter. In walks NAOT – a new line that is not only trendy, but also incredibly comfortable. After years of denying my height by wearing towering heels, it’s nice to know that chic footwear is available and doesn’t cause my chiropractor grief.

The other great thing about NAOT is that it’s easy on the environment. Now typically, being “green” is very likely the last thing on my mind when buying a pair of shoes (a good pair of shoes can last a lifetime so why would you throw them out?) the new line is completely hand-sewn, almost glue free and boasts being 90% bio-degradable!

I guess we’re going to have a white Christmas but with NAOT it is possible to have a green winter 🙂

The NAOT Store is located at 5891 Leslie Street in Toronto, ON 416 496 9116. For more information or other buying locations visit www.naot.ca

Thanks to Cathy at iAMBIC Communications for the images.

Shop Over the Rainbow!

I know YOU’LL find this useful BLINKers, print out this coupon and get $35 off your next purchase of $100 or more. Stock up on Uggs, get your Mackage on, or make sure your bum’s bejeweled with the latest jeans from their killer denim wall. Don’t forget to snack on the free jujubes on your way out!

Happy shopping!