Sydney Hannah Wilkes as an Indian Princess

This sultry looking babe is my god daughter, age 18 months. The stunning outfit she's wearing belongs to her daycare provider.

Go see Angel -- She really is one!

Angel, the owner and stylist of Boutique Michelle at First Markham Place is such a uniquely wonderful spirit that even our lack of basic common language (she speaks Chinese) has not impeded our relationship. She has great and original finds and will always make you a "good price" if you mention me (Janet). I went by today to wish her a Happy Christmas and she gave me a gift of a beautiful scarf. As far as I'm concerned, the world needs more Angels!

More vintage finds

Nothing like crystals and jet for the Holidays!

A Gift from My Sister

This is one of my all time favourite things, purchased in New York City. My sister and I met a lovely woman who had a vintage jewellry store in Soho, but closed up shop. A year or so later Claudia managed to track the woman down, showing vintage pieces out of her loft. We both fell in love with this brooch. I think it's 1940s plastic with crystals, but I could be wrong. The clasp needs fixing, but otherwise it's in perfect shape!

This is Toby, the Wonder Dog!

Rant of the day: The no return policy

Even a savvy shopper occasionally makes a mistake. You know what I'm talking about. You buy something and the minute you walk out of the store you have shoppers remorse, BIG TIME. And what makes the whole experience worse is having to deal with a retailer who treats you with disdain and contempt, pointing to a dippy little sign next to the cash that reads: "ALL SALES FINAL, EXCHANGE ONLY".

A dissatisfied customer should be able to return any purchase for full refund within a reasonable amount of time, if said purchase is obviously unused with original sales tags intact. Retailers who give attitude instead of service will find themselves without customers. End of rant.

It's the spending time of year

The Christmas season is all about shopping, love it or hate it. For the mall-averse, it's time to suck it up and brave the hordes of unwashed masses. For the shopaholics among us, MAJOR credit card damage. I can almost hear mine snapping under the strain.

Stay tuned for some of my fabulous finds ...and feel free to share yours!

A Shout Out to All Women 40+ With Style

Here's today's rant:

What happens to spunk in middle age? I'm talking abou the good old-fashioned Mary Richards kind, that always drove Lou crazy...Why are so many women over 40 afraid to let their freak flags fly? Pertaining to matters of dress and personal style, it pains me to see so many women settling for neutral colours or worse -- NO colour. Here's a news flash: head-to-toe black is NOT necessarily a fashion statement!

No one wants to identify as BORING, so cultivate your inner fashionista. If you're unsure about how to work more colours into your wardrobe, get in touch. I'm here to help.

Don't be afraid of the 905

I know there are lots of you out there, so don't bother to deny it -- you're in a shopping rut. Queen West, Bloor, Yonge and Eglinton ...if it's not on the transit grid, why bother to go there? Well my friends, you are missing a world of fun and fashion excitement north of the city and here's my tip of the day:

www.firstmarkhamplace.com

Go there. You'll see what I mean. Stay tuned ......

Shop smarter

Welcome blogger shoppers!

Is there anything more thrilling than a truly great find? Whether you're a trend-setter or style challenged, I can help you shop smarter and look fabulous. I have lots of secret shopping faves right here in Toronto, and I'm always on the lookout for what's new, exciting and worth visiting.