40% off French Connection

Starting today and all this weekend French Connection is having a 40% off regular price items. Nice, huh? I went to the Eaton Centre to check it out, but didn't get anything. Nothing too special and nothing I really wanted or needed. There were tons of people and the line up to pay was pretty long, but still, nothing. I am so proud of myself! I am slowly losing interest in shopping. I have decided it would probably be better to chill on the buying of the clothing. Sure, I love this coat! But it would look too boxy on me I think. I am not a box. And she looks like she's in a beaver costume.

In a way, it's kinda funny about these "Customer Appreciation sales". Guess had one yesterday (didn't even bother going to check it out) too. I'm just wondering that if they really cared for their customers so much, why would they mark-up their clothing so much on regular days? With these sales, they're basically tell us that every other day, their clothes are just overpriced and not worth it. When they aren't having these sales, I hardly see anyone in their stores. Sad.

I might go to Buffalo next weekend so I can get a head start on my Christmas shopping! However, I still think the whole trip in general would be a waste of time since it would probably take at least 2 hours to get there and 2 hours to get back... Still debating. Hmmm.

Joe Fresh

I really enjoy Joe Fresh :) H&M and Forever 21 prices, but more black, grey, and white (my favourite colours! :) and good for work and interviews. Plus, since there are only a few Loblaws stores (Yes, you read that right... Loblaws.) that carries the line, not many people will have your clothes. The only disappointing thing was that I went on Saturday morning and they didn't have any of the dresses that are advertised on their website. Boo! I was so going to buy the Houndstooth dress for 29$. 29$!!! Can you believe that?

They also have cheap socks! 4 pairs (2 white, 1 white and gray, and 1 black) for $6. And if you buy over 100$ before tax, you get 10$ off. And the Joe Fresh girl was supercute and tiny and nice. I had a 5 times the points coupon for PC points (I'm a loser, I know), and she gave it back to me to use again telling me, "You can have it back!" Total girlcrush.

Also note: Advance polling has begun for the Ontario Election and Referendum for a change in the voting system. Don't forget to vote at your advance poll or Election Day on October 10th!

When you're not near a mall...

I have noticed that when your job/school is not directly beside a shopping mall or on a street filled with stores, there is significantly less shopping. This is important when you are deciding on where to find a job or school and what your intentions with your paycheque are. If you want to save, go far, far, far away from these money-sucking enterprises. If you want to spend, being close is good. But it's best if it's at least a few blocks or subway stops away.

Now that I'm back in school, there is hardly any shopping to be done. Of course, there's no time for the shopping, but that's not the point. If you're that close, you make time to wander around and look at things. It can be quite therapeutic. I would suggest wandering around stores to MK, who "currently" has iron deficiency anemia, once she feels less fatigued and would like to start exercising again. Oh my, school truly has started! Best of luck to those in the workforce (near a mall or not) or still in school. Enjoy!

Random thought:
Have you ever noticed that when major life events happen to people, they are suddenly logging into things like facebook or msn or friendster more? I.e., new boyfriends/girlfriends, a new job, getting accepted into a new program at school, etc. I don't know about you, but I find this very curious. It's kinda like bragging, but in an indirect way. People that haven't logged on to facebook after years, (I'm talking years here!) and suddenly they're adding pictures, new friends, leaving people messages on their walls, etc., etc. I just find it incredibly hypocritical and annoying. If you're on facebook or such, keep the updates going from the start! You're not THAT busy. Come on! Don't lie.

Missing the Ikea breakfast photo

I have come to the realization that I am not meant to blog everyday. It's just not in the cards.

However, there are a few things worth mentioning on the shopping and sales front. First of all, it's back-to-school next week. Imagine my sad face. *sad face*

I will miss the summer! I had a great time at my workplace that was conveniently located next to the Eaton Centre. But it honestly wasn't just the shopping. The people and work were great too! I will miss you, SMH! If I don't get SMH as my SPEP site and someone else gets my beloved... I will be sad. Imagine my sad face. *sad face*

Ok... Moving on.

Anyways, Urban Outfitters is having its 50% off sale items sale again. Got a pair of beige boots and home decor items (candle holders in the shape of a dove). They also have really funny gag books and coffee table books. Kinda novelty, kinda weird, kinda dirty (yes, THAT kind of dirty), kinda fun... You'll like! Check it out, I think it's still going on.

IKEA: Save the tax event is on. (Discount is equivalent to the amount of tax you would have to pay. Duh.) This discount is also applied to the "As Is" section. Went with my cousin and splurged on a 1$ breakfast. lol I used to have a picture of the Ikea breakfast, but I can't find it.

H&M: Love their fall stuff. I bought a jacket and dress in a rush last week (I had an appointment). Usually, I don't do that. (See Guess experience.) However, whenever I see something I like at H&M, the next time I go back, whatever I wanted is never there anymore! So act fast! Buy it if you like it and then you get 30 days to return it if you no likey.
The jacket was wool and quite itchy once I wore it for a longer period of time at home so I returned it a few days later. Dress: minimal do-it-yourself altering is a must, but still good!

This just in via email: Club Monaco is having an up to 60% off sale for Labour day weekend. Not too sure if it's any good. Sales haven't been that good this summer.


**NB: I know that the H&M is supposed to have the "and" sign in the tags section, but blogger won't let me put it as such! ACK!

Oh my good God!

Feather Blouse Solid, Giant Tiger, $24.97

Why would someone do this to this poor woman? She's wearing a clown suit! I don't know what's worse, the fuzzy crap across her chest or the thick straps. I just think it's too much. Perhaps if the ruffles weren't as wide... No, perhaps if it was non-existent. And the sleeves with the ribbon on it are not flattering either. The silhouette is not balanced at all.
Too bad, because this lady is pretty cute. She deserves to wear something better for her.

And even though I've never been to this all-Canadian one-stop store, it seems like a very honest and practical place to buy clothes for families looking for a good bargain. It's just that this item is pretty sad. Will check this store out sometime this summer...

Ridiculously expensive jeans version 2.0

I bought two pairs of ridiculously expensive jeans a few weeks ago. I guess I forgot about this in my last entry because I was so excited to write about my most recent finds.

Anyways, the reason I bought TWO pairs of jeans was because they were on sale at 50% off the sale price at ssense. (Totally hate the spelling of the store by the way. Just spell it properly! Sheesh. Why do stores have to try and be so "clever" these days?)

Going back on topic, there was only QST on it since I ordered them from Quebec. I fretted for a while that they wouldn't fit and I even went to a store downtown to try on the appropriate size before ordering.

I have now decided that expensive jeans are expensive for a reason. They're so incredibly soft without looking like they will fall apart after 3 washings (one from Hong Kong tend to do that, trust me...), have a clean cut, a classic colour, and dammit, make you feel good! And the stitching is absolutely perfect. Almost pristine, untouched, and made to perfection. Highly recommend Citizens of Humanity or Seven for All Mankind ones now. Rock & Republic I am still on the lookout for you...

I lied.

Wow! It's been 20 days since my last post! It has been too long. I've just been internet shy over the past few weeks. After coming home from work, it's hard to sit in front of the computer and do it all again to write for this blog. I get tired!
However, I will always find something to talk about when I do post and I will try to do the daily postings again from now on. Or... just write while at work. Haha, just kidding.


Well, there hasn't been much on the shopping front. I have been trying to avoid the malls in order to save up for an ETF and it has been very difficult.

BUT I did get some fabulous accessories off the Transit/Spring website. 50% off sale and lots of good things last week when the sale started. Now... well not so much, but please do check it out. Maybe they've replenished their stock!
I would like to post what I bought, but the pictures were missing from the site last time I checked. I got a zebra striped headband ($2) and a black and white clutch purse thingy ($10). And some belts, but I don't really like them so I'll probably return them.

And another thing I would like to confess. I actually bought a dreaded pair of leggings ($6 from Club Monaco). I would never wear them alone with a dress on top because of my body shape, BUT I will wear them on those cold winter days under my pants. Also got a leather belt at the store, but it's for someone else. I can't quite pull off the big belt look. It just looks weird on me.
Club Monaco is having a 75% off sale right now and I saw a number of t-shirts and tank tops for $9. Was tempted to buy, but they looked pretty bad on me. Please someone try them on and if it looks good on you and you love, please buy. Material is top notch! Would pain me to see a good quality SALE item go to waste. Owwww...

I also have noticed I have been very non judgemental this summer. I haven't really found any ridiculously looking pieces of clothing that are worthy of commenting on. However, this dress freakin' sucks. You know which one I'm talking about.

Trip to Buffalo

I'm back from a weekend trip to Buffalo. So sorry for the lack of postings these past few days. Also went to Niagara Falls with the parents, but no shopping was done at the Falls, so we'll move on to Buffalo!

Stopped by Fashion Outlets Niagara and got some good stuff at the Banana Republic outlet. Prices are much cheaper there than in regular stores. Shirts were 35$ or under. Of course, the quality wasn't even close to the material and fabric in the regular stores, but you get what you pay for. The store was having 40% off everything in the store, so that was the only reason why I bothered looking and buying a couple of t-shirts, a dressy black top, and a white summer shirt.
Not much else to comment on since we didn't stay for long, but there was a Coach outlet for those interested. I didn't have time to check it out and also don't understand why people would buy Coach purses and wallets and such. I have yet to find the appeal. It seems like these handbags became famous overnight! Will do some background reading and investigate.

Next we went to the Walden Galleria mall in Buffalo. Went to Bath and Body Works and Forever 21 and picked up some sweet pea bath products (5$ for lotions and 5$ for creams) and clothes. I tried finding pictures of my clothes online, but I guess they're a few weeks or months old and they're not on the website anymore! That hurts.
Anyways, I got a short-sleeve green jacket with big buttons that ties around at the back, a white woven top, and a crazily printed tunic dress thingy. I suppose you could wear leggings with the tunic, but... I don't do leggings. Not a fan of the leggings. When I was in elementary school they were ok. But they make your legs look like blobs! BLOBS! And I'm not in elementary school anymore.

Anyways, Bath and Body works is having an antibacterial handsoap sale Aug 6 (5 for 15$) and you can get a free body lotion as well. It's very tempting to go back. I love that store!

As for Forever 21, I have decided I like the American stores better than the one at the Eaton Centre. The one I went to today was so well-kept and I could see all the clothes laid out properly on the hangers and items were grouped together, so it wasn't like you were at Winners and have to go through a rack to see everything. That just kills me when stores becomes Winners-like. I can't shop there. It's just too much stuff to go through and I don't have the patience. It's funny because I can go to the mall and walk around for 2 or 3 hours without buying anything, but I could never spend 2-3 hours in Winners and not go absolutely crazy. I think with malls or shopping districts, it's easier because there's the variety with going into different stores, taking a break between stores, looking at people going shopping, but it's so much harder when you go to one store with racks and racks of clothes to sort through and their garish lighting. Good lighting is a must.

I heart Shoppers Drug Mart

So what if they're the corporate pharmacy giant. I still love it! And I love it even more with the 30% off regular price employee discount! So convenient. Sometimes I'm not sure if my friends like me because of this discount or because they like my sarcasm, enthusiasm for the weird, or personality. I'd like to think it's not the discount. But I would totally understand if it was. ;)

Seriously, don't be shy if you want to come with me to use my discount! Highly, highly encouraged!

Forever long line-ups...

Silk-Blend Dress by Forever 21, $27.80 US
Couldn't find this at the store in Toronto.

I went to Forever 21 today. I really wasn't in the mood to buy anything since it was so hot outside and inside the store there were so many girls looking at clothes and trying stuff on and making the damn store even warmer. It was a mess inside and I couldn't find anything I wanted.
It's true! Even cheaper than H & M and the quality is... well it's not good, but it's not THAT crappy either. Which isn't saying much, but at least we're talking about it, right? And isn't that what they want?

Interesting to note:

Mirrors
No mirrors are on the first floor. The line up was at least 20 people long to get inside the change rooms, where I would hope, there would be some mirrors. Let me know if you venture in there. There is one giant mirror on the second floor. Staff said they would be getting more mirrors in this week.

Sizes
They got some weird sizing going on in this store. There was a "large" shirt that I thought would fit me perfectly. And there was a "small" shirt that could fit multiples of me. Very random. They mainly have 3 sizes - small, medium, large.

Return policy
You can't return anything for your money back. You can only get store credit or exchange within 21 days of your purchase with the receipt. No returns on jewelry either.

I'm kinda on the fence about this store. Don't hate, yet don't like it that much either. Too much estrogen in one place, but it will probably dissipate as they open more stores in the city. Mostly, you won't break the bank, but you might go crazy with the long line-ups if you decide to go in or suffer in the heat looking around.

And I don't think you'd find anything that you Love. You know what I'm talking about. The feeling you get when you find something that you know you'll wear it once a week or bi-weekly and you plan your wardrobe cycle around it. You know you do it! Don't lie!

My friend bought a dress and I picked out 4 things, but it was just too hot in there that I didn't feel like trying anything on. We were thinking to go early in the morning one weekday to thoroughly go through the clothes store. Then we came back to earth and realized that was not going to happen anytime soon.

Opens at 10 am everyday. Let me know if the stuffiness improves. Maybe I'll go again one weekend. Too bad we can't buy their stuff online yet. Cause that would be much, much easier.

* * *

"Celestial Black/White Star" by Keds, $29.99 + 25% off

Brown's is continuing with their sale and if you buy something on sale, you can get your second item (must be the lower-priced sale item) for an additional 25% off. They don't say on the posters, but any other additional sale items (i.e. your 3rd, 4th, etc.) get the 25% off too.

Go to the sale with friends if you need/want new shoes!

I went with another friend to the store at lunch and we picked up some good stuff in a very short amount of time.

Gifts!

Nothing to report on the shopping front. But I did get a number of shirts from my Aunt who has come to visit from the homeland. Yay! Gifts! :) Will check out Forever 21 tomorrow. Was too hot and bothered today.

In other news, Paris is out of jail and is going to be on Larry King on Wednesday. Will she be a trainwreck? I'll be watching and rooting for that! Will you?

This bra squeaks. Serious. (REAL emails)

Convertible Strapless from La Senza, $8.50 (SALE)

FYI. I feel strongly about squeaky bras. This one squeaks. Not cool.

------

Thank you for your e-mail.

In regards to this matter, we would like to advise that all La Senza products do go through extensive testing. This is to provide accurate information on the care label to prevent any problems such as squeaky noises.

We would like to advise therefore, that all bras purchased at La Senza must be hand washed and hung to dry as washing in a machine can causes stretching of the bra chambers which gives the wires room to move.

We have also brought your comments and feedback to the Executives of our buying department.

Kindest Regards

La Senza Lingerie

-----Original Message-----
From: Terri [mailto: Terri]
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 9:54 PM
To: OnlineManager
Subject: ProductQuestions

Date: 06/19/2007,

Name :

Terri

Email address :

(Terri)

Comments :

Hi, I just wanted to let La Senza know that the Convertible Strapless bra 30149-0151 is very squeaky because of the plastic/elastic lining on the bottom of the cups. I think its due to the friction between the plastic lining and the underwire. Is the underwire plastic coated as well? I purchased two of these bras and they both squeak and others who own the bra have noticed as well. I have been a long time customer and would like to know if there's anything I can do because I can't wear them because of the noise. Anyways, hope you have some suggestions! Thank you.

My Chair

Oh yeah, I forgot to write an update on my chair hunting expedition. I finally found a chair worthy of my buttocks and room 2 weeks ago. I found it at the Tent Sale from De Boer's - a "fine furniture" store. I couldn't find a picture of it online and I'm too lazy to take a picture of it in my room and post it so I'll let your imagination take hold. It's a cross between the two chairs pictured here. It's got the arms of the 1st chair and the rest of it is like the second chair, except a little smaller in width and the chair back is taller in height. I'm happy with it. :) It in no way goes with the decor of my room (which is painted light green with flowered wallpaper if you must know), but I figure in the future when I move into another house, it will go nicely in my living room.

Disappointed with a Capital D

Lake Hodges, Hollister $19.90

Went to the Eaton Centre today to report on the sale situation. There's really nothing to report. It was an utter bust. Nothing that good or worth spending hard earned after-tax dollars on. Save it and invest it and get better stuff in the future!

Went to Banana Republic and practically everything is on sale, but it was still expensive. Lots of nice dresses and dress shirts, but still over 120$ and 60$ respectively. Too expensive for me!

Also stopped by French Connection and nothing to report. The good stuff only had Large and Extra Large left. Saw some nice handbags though.

Also went into Hollister. Why? Good God I don't even know why. Damn salesgirl at the front didn't to greet me when I came in the entrance and when I was halfway into the next section of the store had to blurt out her spiel to me. "Hi! Welcome to Hollister!" Wait, I don't think that's what she said. Some sort of contrived statement that I don't remember. I felt bad, so I mumbled an acknowledgement. But I just ended up looking like an idiot since I was already halfway to the back of the store.
Oh! Now I remember why I went in. I want this sweater, which is supposed to be ON SALE according to the website, since it's so cold at my desk at work. Went to the sale section and this damn sweater could not be found! Disgusting! How could they tease me like that? Blast!

So feeling wounded, I went to Over the Rainbow to try on Ridiculously Overpriced Pants and the ones that I posted about yesterday could also not be found. Double Blast!
I tried on another pair of the same style, but the material was that shiny jean material in a lighter blue/grey colour and somewhat reflective. I don't like that. It's weird. It's like wearing mirrors on your lower body. Or that reflective tape that bikers wear so car drivers don't run them over at night and make them have to go to the hospital and die. Or on the street if no one bothers to call 911.
I honestly don't see what the big deal is (about the pants, not the dying part. Dying is bad, even if they were bikers). The material was thinner and more stretchy, but totally not worth the 290$ price tag. And I felt so short because the pant leg was so long that I had to fold at least 6 inches of it and the security tag practically had to be folded in as well.
Saw a cool jacket and asked the cashier if they do holds. She said, "I can hold it for 1 hour." WHAT? What's the point!?! Just say you don't do holds, I won't cry about it.

So I didn't get anything today or find anything worthy of your attention. It was a bust. But at least I have some inane material for this post. I'm out.

The Designer Jean aka The Ridiculously Overpriced Pant

Kurt by Rock and Republic, $255

I've never paid over 75$ for a pair of pants (among them formal black dress pants), so it pains me when I see 300$ pairs of jeans on the market and women who buy them. However, I've never personally tried on such pants, so I really can't judge these women. Or the pants. But, it still pains me.

Anyways, I got an email from Over the Rainbow and they are having a 30% off Spring/Summer sale. And I noticed that the brands Fidelity and Rock & Republic were featured in the email as brands on "sale". This is definitely interesting. Oooo, $300 to $200. Wheeeee!

One of these days, I'm going to try on a pair of these pants and see what the whole big deal is. I like the "Kurt" ones by Rock and Republic from just looking at it on the website. No idea how it would fit my ass though. It better have a lot of stretch the way I'm eating and not exercising these days (I'm a walker, not a sweat-er).
Will report back soon. Too bad I don't have a budget for this site where I get money from others to pay for Ridiculously Overpriced Pants. Any takers? No... I didn't think so. I know my readers aren't knucklehead idiots.

Too bad Rock and Republic is The Cheese though. They name all their jeans after selected musicians in rock and roll. I think that's even more cheesy than one of the lines of the lululemon manifesto mentioned in yesterday's post about watching a plant grow so you can be a better person blah, blah, blah. Can you imagine Kurt Cobain groaning in his grave after hearing he now has a pair of pants named after him? Because he totally is. And I can't say I blame him. But hey, I guess it's a sign of respect and a pair of pants is still better than say, a piece of cloth that is used to mop off grime from kitchen counters all over the world (i.e. a Terry cloth). Or being called Cherry Chan from a nurse or Mr. Chan from a librarian. I digress.

Lululemon goes public

It was bound to happen... Lululemon is going public! They are hoping to get around 200 million in a public offering of stock and will be listed on the TSX. Hahaha... more opportunities for me to post on my blog about it! I have been pretty vocal about my strong dislike for this company and their crazy "marketing" shenanigans. But mostly because of me and me being stupid enough to wait in line for a couple hours in the freezing cold to go to a sale, and not even lining up long enough to get in! Never again, and don't you try either! I'm warning you!
Anyways, they have nice stuff, but it's too pricey for casual/work out clothes in my opinion. I'd rather spend more on formal clothes. But maybe it's because I don't really work out. I'd rather take walks outside or in malls! Heh heh heh.

Lululemon just kills me. I have decided to write them a letter offering my comments on their "manifesto".

Dear Lululemon,

After going through you website, I have decided that I would like to offer some comments regarding your "manifesto". I believe, it is in your best interest to seriously consider some minor adjustments if you will, so your brand can remain at the forefront of yogian fashion for years to come. I suspect many more potential customers and investors alike will be drawn to your website since there is news that you will be going public and it is your corporate responsibility to write the best manifesto possible to get the most number of customers to buy your yogian garments that are known to make the derriere so the much more superior. I have bracketed my comments after each line of the manifesto.

• Drink FRESH water and as much water as you can. Water flushes unwanted toxins and keeps your brain sharp. (Really? Have they done a randomized controlled trial? References please.)
  
• Observe a plant before and after watering and relate the benefits to your body and brain. (Wow, that is so cheesy.)
  
• Coke, Pepsi and all other pops will be known as the cigarettes of the future. Colas are NOT a substitute for water. Colas are just another cheap drug made to look great by advertising. (I wouldn't go that far to call it a "drug". Sure, it's bad for you, but colas do not in any way fall under the definition of "drug" as defined in the Food and Drugs Act in Canadian legistlation. "Drugs do not include any substance... food, drink or cosmetic, or any substance in Schedules A or B." If it was even colloquially a "drug", a more specific term would be "drug of abuse".)
  
• Be yoga. Breathing has you live in the moment and stretching releases toxins from your muscles. (No, I don't think so! Someone should do a Medline search!)
  
• Do yoga so you can remain active in physical sports as you age. (And can buy more lululemon clothes!)
  
• Listen, listen, listen, and then ask strategic questions. (This, I actually agree with. Though some questions are not necessarily "strategic". Some are just stupid. I should know!)
  
• SWEAT once a day to regenerate your skin. (Sweat sometimes causes acne if your face or body isn't washed shortly thereafter, right Debra?)
  
• Compliments from the heart elevate another person’s spirit and will often result in an encouraging word for someone else ... a domino effect. (Agreed.)
  
• Your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself. (Maybe... but is it a causal effect or a correlation? Hmmm.)
  
• Life is full of setbacks. Success is determined by how you handle setbacks. (True.)
  
• Write down your short and long term GOALS four times a year. 2 personal, 2 business and one health goal. A university found only 3 percent of the students had written goals. 20 years later, the same 3 percent were wealthier than the other 97% combined. (Agreed. Do it! I find it keeps you more focused on your goals and what kind of person you want to be/become.)
  
• You ALWAYS have choice and the conscious brain can only hold one thought at a time. Choose a positive thought. (Agreed.)
  
• Communication is COMPLICATED. Each person is raised in a different family with a different definition of each word. (True.)
  
• Love. (True. But find someone who loves you back.)
  
• Jealousy works the opposite way you want it to. (I don't get this one. How is someone supposed to use jealousy to work for them? Make someone like them more? Still don't get it. I think I'm even more confused now.)
  
• Nature wants us to be mediocre because we have a greater chance to survive and reproduce. Mediocre is as close to the bottom as it is to the top. Be creative. Do one thing a day that scares you. (True. But I think "scare" is too strong a word. Maybe "uncomfortable, but in a good way!" would be better. But I guess that doesn't have the same flow as "scare". Boo.)
  
• Take various vitamins. You never know what small mineral can eliminate the bottleneck to everlasting health. (I don't think this is a wise decision. It's better to have a good diet and to follow the Canadian Food Guide. Supplement only when you have a deficiency and talk to your pharmacist or physician before you start on it if you can! And please don't believe the junk on herbals. They can interact with other medications and most don't work! Check out www.camline.ca for more information. Sorry, had to plug it, I just had to. That's what working on a review for 3 months does to you.)
  
• Dance, sing, floss and travel. (Maybe... I agree about the flossing, I have narsty plaque when I don't. Aren't you glad I tell you this stuff? Yeeeah. But it's fun to be right at home too. I always find I love coming home after being outside the city and I appreciate it more.)
  
• Do not use cleaning chemicals on your kitchen counters. Try vinegar and lemon. Someone will inevitably make a sandwich on your counter. (Well, I'd rather use chemicals than get food poisoning by E. coli, but this comment is understandable. I would use alcohol instead of vinegar though. It can kill some viruses too. Uetrecht said so.)
  
• Just like you did not know what an orgasm was before you had one, nature does not let you know how great children are until you have them. Children are the orgasm of life. (I'm not sure whether I should be sickened by this one or not. (Thinking, thinking... yes, I definitely should be sickened). "Orgasm" and "children" shouldn't be in the same sentence. Ever. Oh, nooo... Michael Jackson joke coming... No, I can't! Too, too easy!)
  
• Friends are more important than money. Don’t trust that an old age pension will be sufficient. (Duh, of course it's not going to be enough. That's why you should save for retirement and invest early, so you don't end up po'.)
  
• Live near the ocean and inhale the pure salt air that flows over the water. Vancouver will do nicely. Stress is related to 99% of all illnesses. (Well, maybe, but what kind of stress? Oxidative stress? This one needs further clarification and further references. We are evidence-based here at FFAC.)
  
• One hour of aerobic exercise will release endorphins to regenerate cells and offset stress. (See above.)
  
• A daily hit of athletic induced endorphins will give you the power to make better decisions and help you be at peace with yourself. (See above.)
  
• Wake up and realize you are surrounded by amazing friends. (But what if you have sucky friends that stop talking to you for months after helping them get through a rough patch? Are those "amazing friends"? Just saying! They're out there, I suppose.)
  
• lululemon athletica was formed to provide people with components to live a longer, healthier and more fun life. If we can produce products to keep people active and stress free, we believe the world will be a better place. (But your clothes are so expensive! What if someone if working so hard trying to keep up with your fashions that it is *gasp* CAUSING their stress? How can you forgive yourself, lululemon? How coooould you?)
  
• Do it now. The world is changing AT SUCH A RAPID rate that waiting to implement changes will leave you two steps behind. DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW! (That's true. No time like the present).

So as you can see, I have thought long and hard about your manifesto and though your current version needs some work, it is definitely a good start. I hope you take into consideration my comments and I hope you will update your website shortly.

Sincerely,
Terri of FFAC

CitiPetro Points Mastercard

Very practical card. 2 cents off a litre of gas at Petro Canada and you get 10 Petro Points for every $1 charged on the card. You just swipe and go at the gas station. No signing for it or anything. I got one because they called my house, told me join, and I fell into their sneaky little trap. I don't drive, so my dad uses it. He likes it and he's pretty picky about this kind of thing.

Oh, story! Whenever I say I don't drive, I always follow up with the excuse that I don't because we only have one car. Though it's true, even if we had two cars, I still wouldn't drive. I heart the TTC. Serious. I even joined the facebook group and I'm the Leslie Station representative. Yeah, I know I'm cool. *hair toss*

Yeeeeah, bring on the cats. I'm ready. Meow.

Shoe shopping is fun. When they don't hurt your feet.

Katchen5 by BCBGirls, 98$ US

Ok, I must admit, I would never consider myself as a "shoe person". I like them, but I don't have 26 pairs like the "average" woman does, and I wouldn't buy them just because I like a pair. First of all, I have slightly wider than normal feet. I prefer the "B" width to the "A" width, especially with heels. This makes it difficult to find ones that don't hurt like the devil.
I have come to the conclusion that for me, I must buy shoes at regular price and at better stores than Aldo. Aldo is quite evil in that respect.

I have honestly bought more things this summer and spent more money than the last two years put together. I think it's because since I was working in retail pharmacy and research with lax dress policies or no dress policies whatsoever, I didn't really see the need to go out and my more business casual clothes. I have so many pairs of jeans, hoodies, t-shirts... it was just fine wearing those. But now, well it seems like it's more important to look more "professional", especially with recruitment dinners coming up ;) And fancy dinners from CSHP (I'm serious, you HAVE to join, it's worth it for the food alone, I'm not kidding).

Sorry, I'm losing track of my point of this post. Anyways, I bought heeled flats (I don't do pointy shoes. PAIN!!!) with the pattern of the shoe pictured here. And they were comfortable! Yay!

Forever 21 is coming...

Forever 21 is coming to Toronto! Yay! 2 weeks away until it opens and I'm really excited! Cheaper than H&M and in my opinion, better styles and a wayyy better website. Very user friendly and many hours of browsing. I'm currently scouring the website so I can plan my shopping trip. It opens on Saturday, June 23 where the Gap used to be on the corner of Yonge and Dundas, near the Eaton Centre. I hope the quality isn't REALLY cheap. :( If it is, I will be disappointed, but I will still probably buy something. Haha... ;)

This company seems to growing very fast and I think it will do well in Toronto. It's going to be beside H&M and I'm sure it will make it an even more competitive market for "cheap chic" clothing. Sure, the company is having some legal problems, since a famous designer is suing them for coping her dress, but I don't think she will win, since there are no copyright laws for fashion design. The sad things is, it's not like she's losing any money over it.
I don't get it, do you think people who could afford her REAL dress would go to a store like Forever 21 and buy a fake one instead? Come on. Just let it go, woman! You weren't going to make any money off those people in the first place!

You know what's funny? There was an ad for the Bedo 50% off sale (I went to the Fairview location, nothing good, so don't bother) in the Metro last week and they spelled Yonge street as "Younge". Hee hee.

End of May Sales!

There are a lot of sales going on this weekend. I went to the Eaton Centre and Yorkdale yesterday and bought a lot of new stuff. Banana Republic has a clearance sale right now, French Connection is having a Friends and Family sale with 40% off regular priced items, and of course there are the sale racks of other clothing retailers. So, if you're looking for something for less money, now's the time! In the span of a few days, I picked up some summer flats, 2 jackets, a skirt, a pair of jeans, and 2 shirts.

The good thing about working near the Eaton Centre is you can pass by stores on your lunch break and check out the sales before other people get there! The bad thing is that there is really no time to try anything on or pay for something if you happened to try something on, so in the end, there's no significant advantage except you feel smarter that you knew about a sale before everyone else. Which really is meaningless. Bitter? Yes. I can't help it, I'm waaay too results oriented.

Also, a lot of the times I forget about this: some stores offer price adjustments on clothing you purchased previously. You can bring the receipt in (some also require the item to be brought in as well, but most don't, so you should ask first) within a certain period of time and they will refund the difference in price to you if your item has gone down in price. That's pretty sweet in my opinion. That way you get the best selection and the size you want and the lowest price. The crappy thing is that you have to remember to do it within the time period and sometimes it doesn't change in price. I've only did this twice so far in my life. One time I got 20$ back and the other time I got nothing. Maybe I'll try it again this time... if I remember.

UPDATE on my Benton Chair
A few weeks ago, Bombay also had a sale with 50% off all regular priced items and I was totally ready to buy that "haute couture" chair I was talking about in an earlier post! But I looked at it and there were a lot of runs on the silk fabric of the chair. Silk is not for sitting on I guess. It's more for wearing. Hurumph. Very disappointing. Why must we sacrifice function over aesthetic beauty? WHY?

Little Miss Sunshine!

I feel a little dead inside after today's "mental workout". Good thing I came across these! These t-shirts are so cute!
Reminded me of the movie "Little Miss Sunshine" too. Have you seen it? Huge thumbs up. Makes me wanna dance! :)

The Guess Sale

Sicily Mini (Coal) by Guess, $50

Today we went to the Guess customer appreciation sale at the Guess store at Yonge and Dundas. It was pretty busy! Lots of women shopping in the 2nd floor sale section and on the main floor at the Guess store on Yonge and Dundas. However, MY GOD the music was loud. I felt like I was being harassed by inane thumps over and over and over again disguised as "music". Those poor salespeople. If they don't lose their hearing in three months, I'd be surprised.
Anyways, the sale stuff wasn't even close to being good (70% off). Nothing. Empty handed! The regular priced stuff was OK though (30% off). I got a purse (shown) and 2 pairs of pants. Since the change room line was too long, I didn't bother trying on the pants and just bought them... When I tried them on at home, one was overly baggy and the other was too tight. And they both were the same size! That always annoys me. Oh well, I have 30 days to return it and I guess it serves me right for not trying it on first.

So this purse. I like it. I like it a lot. It's the perfect size. Wallet, cell phone, go! (And it was 30% off too, which is always nice!) Simple. Black. With just the right amount of studs and silver.
Last season, Guess handbags were just too much. Too many tassels coming off of it, too many buckles and chains, too many weird colours on one bag. Overly large logos strewn across the front, huge capital "G"s all over the bag didn't help either. But this year their stuff is a lot better. Nice spring colours and nothing too crazy.

These are obscene

**Guess is having their Guess Appreciation Day this Thursday where customers can get 20% off regular priced and 50% off sale priced items. An additional 10% off for customers with an SPC card.**

Dear Guess:

I would like to inform you that these Marsala Overalls are atrocious. When I saw these at the store, I got mad at you. It's true that I shop at Guess sometimes (rarely, but yes, I have gotten several items from the store), however, this item displayed at the front of the store was abominable. Could tall women actually look "good" in these? No. Could super skinny models look "good" in these? No. In fact, no one could look good in these. Ever. It's just too much denim material on one person. I bet the model purposely told you to cut half of her head out of the picture, just so it would be harder to identify her. THAT WAS A HINT! She was trying to help you!
If you could, please remove this item from your stores and website immediately and I won't be mad at you anymore and we can be friends again. Thanks.

Sincerely,
Terri

Yes, I know this is a chair

Red Benton Chair from Bombay, $499

I saw this chair in the Bombay advertisement this morning. I am in love with this chair. So majestic. So luxurious. Me like! Me like a lot!

This was the description:
"Deep tufting and sleek plantation mahogany stained legs complete the haute couture look."

Just to have it in my room would make the day interesting. I could just look at it and sigh about how much I like it and finally have a chair that completed my room's "haute couture" look. lol.

I have been searching and searching for an additional armchair for my room forever, and I think I've found it. Right now, I currently have an Ikea desk chair, which is very boring. Functional, but boring.

What I want is something cool and non-functional, which is this chair! It's so outrageous, I know! The only downside is that it's $499. Non-functional doesn't come cheap.

I'm going to wait for it to go on sale. Or until I get a coupon for at least 20% off. Usually they have coupons on the last page of their ads for 20% off regular priced items, but it wasn't there in today's ad. Boo. Yes, this is what I spend my days thinking about.

ESPE - You read my mind!

Garden L Red by ESPE, under 20$

I really, really like this wallet! Makes me happy!
And very fitting now that spring is here (or is it?)

The new online shopping website is going to be up soon and I can't wait! Company is Canadian too and all materials are animal friendly.
Check out www.espe.ca for more fun stuff.

I am one step ahead of Over the Rainbow

Mine's better than yours, I can teach you. Ha! Visit Over The Rainbow to see my point.

I'm not a big fan of Over The Rainbow. Their prices are too outrageous. When I went to their "50% off" sale back during the winter break, I just came out disappointed. Everything was STILL too expensive! And they're winter stuff wasn't that great either. Maybe one nice jacket. ONE. That's despicable.
It's pretty cool that they have a link to Pink is the new blog though. They'd be smarter to have a link to Lainey though. She's Canadian and I think more of their customer base is familiar with her or should be familiar with her stuff. Not that I'm biased or anything... Right.
Maybe Trey is paying them the big bucks? Who knows.

Over the Rainbow
101 Yorkville Ave
416-967-7448

Good things some in small packages...

Jeanne Lottie, Spring 2007 collection, "E90SA"
$90

As most of my friends know, I love bags! And this year, I have received/bought many new ones to add to my growing collection. However, I don't have any small, cocktail purses such as this one. Since I don't go to many formal events, I don't really care. But if I went to more than 1-2 a year, I think I would get something like this. Sleek, simple, elegant. And I like the shiny crystals on the handle. Nice touch.

I do however, have a problem with the name of this bag. Come on, "E90SA"? How about something more creative, huh Jeanne? Just saying.

Jeanne Lottie
106 Yorkville Ave
Toronto, ON
(416) 975-5115

Browns!

Ok ladies, here's a good deal for you! Browns has a special coupon of $25 off an online purchase over $125 when their online store opens. Sounds good to me! :) I guess the only sucky part is trying on the thing beforehand to see if it fits or not... Although the website does have some cool shoe pics online...

Lacoste - Spring/Summer Collection

Lacoste has a new Spring/Summer Collection! I like the background music (Zero 7, whoo!).
Have I ever bought anything from Lacoste, ever?

No.

However, I can still enjoy! Look at that assymetrical marzipan jacket she's wearing. It's very worthy. Like the pants too! But the jacket. The jacket is the true star of this whole photo.
I love how her face is like, this jacket is too good for you, so HA! So haughty, so snobby...

Another obscenity from Hollister

San Elijo, Hollister
http://www.hollisterco.ca
$24.90 ($69.90)

Abercrombie and Fitch, as well as its more budget friendly sibling Hollister, boggle my mind. Not crazy about the style of clothing, the brand recognition, or the awful lettering on the back. Definitely not a fan.
On the other hand, if someone gave this shirt/sweater to me, I would wear it. Only because it looks quite comfortable. I don't think I'd take my jacket off though in an effort to conceal the logo. What's with the giant CA on the back? As if the HOLLI(enter)STER wasn't enough. Sheesh.

The store is having a sale. Check it out online and then head to the Eaton Centre to save the shipping and try on stuff if you're interested. I hear it's wise to buy one size up from your regular size. Oh yeah, if you visit the site and turn your speakers on, get ready for some man to shout gibberish at you. Why? I have no idea. I seriously don't get this company.

The circus called, it wants its clown back

Moonglow by Wonderlust
$40 ($150 regular price)
http://www.paper-doll.com

I feel bad for this model. It looks like someone who ate a huge box gumballs threw up on her.
And that yellow "hair/weave"? Thumbs down. At least it wasn't red. Then she'd REALLY look like a clown.
All she needs is a rubber nose and a rubber chicken and she's set to join the circus!

Can't decide about Betsey's Slip

Intimates Ruffle Flounce Slip by Betsey Johnson
Now $24.99 (Was $58.00)
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com

Now this garment (I just wanted to write garment, it sounds more uppercrust, yes?) is quite interesting. I'm sort of stuck in the middle. Kinda like it, kinda don't. I like the front. But that flower thing in the middle is weird. Kinda makes it less haute couture and more... weird. But hey, I guess that's Betsey Johnson's way.

Check her other stuff at http://www.betseyjohnson.com/

(Does she scare you, or does she scare you? Cause she definitely scares me.)

Betsey Johnson
102-104 Yorkville, Toronto Ontario
416-922-8164

La Senza is for Bimbos

I used to hate La Senza. I thought it was too girly and only bimbos shopped there. Well, I started shopping there (particularly online) a couple years ago, so I guess I'm one of them now. Tee. Hee.
What I like about the store is that it has really good pjs and sales for not half bad quality clothing and undergarments.
I guess it was the front window displays and TTC bus shelter ads that always made me mad. I felt like I was being bombarded with naked women and that just made me uncomfortable. Very. uncomfortable. The women were always too tan and very shiny (I always never know how to spell shiny. Note to self. No "e" in shiny). Like personal lubricant was all over them. I'm feeling uncomfortable as I even write this.
And is it just me, or do some of their models look like... men? (See above picture.)

Anyways, point is: La Senza is having a 15% off sale online and in stores. You can use the special Prestige discount (thanks JC!) and get an additional 10% off. You can see if the Visa code works too for another additional 15% online. (http://www.visaperks.ca/visaperks/offer.cfm?cat=all&offertype=all&merch=2070029&clear=y&CFID=7477696&CFTOKEN=80395693)

Happy shopping!