talkshopping

Recession Posessions

2009-02-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

Shopping--or should I say, the avoidance of it-- during these troubling times is problematic for the fashionista. However, as one who can say of Recessions:"been there, done that and lived to blog about it", I'm finding it easier this time around. Has my overstuffed closet and ginormous debt load finally made an impact on my sense and sensibility? Or am I now able to weed through the treasures and junk, my own as well as those on sale, and discover what I truly love and need is already within my grasp?

Even with limited or no resources I will troll the malls and boutiques for inspiration to get through this mess. However, before I actually make a purchase, I pause long enough to assure myself that I will suffer no buyers remorse. What I cannot afford in this period of economic uncertainty is one more day feeling miserable about my non-existant income and retirement fund, and uncertainly about my future. If I find something to reaffirm my belief in good fashion karma, I will grab it -- and you should, too.

Cop Copine for Fall

2008-08-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

For the past five years or so, I have been seasonally delighted by this fabulous French label, whocse designs are always wearably innovative. Like the truly great designers, Cop Copine is about a style, not a demographic, and I have found that the clothes look amazing on all sorts of women.

Where to see the line in Toronto? Take yourself to Kama Kazi at 781 Queen West, Great space, great staff, worth the trip!

Just to whet your appetite, check out the Cop Copine website:

www.cop-copine.com

Get That Summer Glow Goin'

2008-07-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

Just visited the new midtown spa, Bronzeado. They specialize in spray tanning, and guarantee that their process will not leave you streaky, freaky or orange -- so even the most sun sensitive can get a sun-kissed look. I am a sun lover and tanner, myself, but I could not resist trying the spa's "signature" facial, which uses Jurlique products (all natural). LOVED IT! Contact www.bronzeado.com

Of Sales and Sizing

2008-06-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

As every smart shopper knows, there's nothing like a clearance sale to max out a credit card. So when sale shopping, follow a couple of simple rules and you won't suffer buyers remorse. For clothing: Look at everything on the racks, try only things in great condition and don't be stuck on sizes. A Size 6 does not necessarily fit true, and what passes for a size 42 in European designers can vary. You have to look at the garment to see whether it fits your body type and/or whether slight alteration might make it a worthwhile purchase. Not everyone can do this so if you're style challenged, call me. When it comes to accessories, use the sale period to buy shoes/bags that add style to your wardrobe. Accessories have a long life span in a wardrobe, which means you can, and should, take some chances... at 40% off.

Pianurastudio: Bellissima!

2008-04-10T04:37:00.000-07:00

Run, do not walk (actually you may have to drive!) to Basique Boutique in Richmond Hill for the latest from the outstanding Italian design group. Located on the upper level of Times Square www.times-square.ca, the store has THE MOST BEAUTIFUL clothing, shoes and accessories in the GTA.

Check out what I'm raving about: www.pianurastudio.it/

Sydney Lounging at Home

2008-03-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

Check out the adorable Miss Wilkes in this outfit from Snug, on the Danforth. I bought it for her this past X-Mas, so don't even think about purchasing as we're into a new season (thank God) and a new collection. The store is definitely worth a visit, however, as they always have a great selection of kids wear ... and Mommy-wear too!

Okay, so you can't afford Miu Miu...

2008-03-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

..No worries! There are fabulous shoes on sale at K&J Boutique, and it's worth the drive to First Markham Place. The fabulous Bella Poon, proprietor, specializes in comfortable, fashionable footwear for small sizes. She's clearing out the stock room, so GO! For more info call 905-474-3982.

An outstanding necklace by Su Martin

2008-03-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

What can I say about this fabulous Canadian artist except ... she's fabulous! I particularly love this wearable sculpture, and covet her paintings. Check out her online studio at www.q66.ca.

When Retail Relationshops Go Bad

2008-02-07T15:07:00.000-08:00

Like all the relationships I've had, my love of fashion has taught me the hard truths about retailers. Some are good, some are not -- and a lot of them have NO CLUE how to treat a customer. And when a retail relationship goes bad -- which happened to me this week -- you have to walk away, no matter how great the merchandise is (sad to say).

I put a deposit on a pair of boots at a boutique where I have been a VERY good paying customer, if you catch my drift. We're talking thousands spent in that establishment over a period of years. As I have recently become more aware of the need to better manage my spending, I put a deposit on the (expensive) boots and was expecting the boutique owner to allow me to pay off the balance over a reasonable amount of time. Two weeks later the owner called me to inquire about settling my bill and, instead of asking me politely whether I still intended to purchase or wanted to put more money down, got snarky about having to call me at all.

I ask you: is this a smart way to run a business? I know that putting a deposit on an item does not mean that a store will hold it for me indefinitely. However I do expect some forebearance as a regular customer and at the very least I would hope to be spoken to without attitude. In this case, it's clear the owner couldn't care less about me and I am so put out by the way I was treated that I am now prepared to forego my deposit and will never set foot in that store again.

Don't give me crap about "store policy". There are so many more impersonal ways to shop these days, that no one should put up with rude store owners. I'm sure those boots will end up on eBay, anyway...

Rediscovering the Room

2008-01-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

Toronto Fashionistas should make tracks over to The Room at the Bay on Queen. There are racks of designer pieces at 50-70% off -- including some DIVINE Rachel Roy dresses! But perhaps the best thing about visiting is the chance to chat with Roberto, a man who knows fashion and has charm and wit to go-go along with it. Apparently, the venerable fashion institution (we're talking the Bay of course) is going through a re-genesis of sorts at the behest of new management, and we are pleased with the apparent focus on customer service. Can't wait for my next visit!

Creativity Cures Mid-Winter Blahs!

2008-01-27T07:08:00.000-08:00

I often need to be reminded of just how many wonderful and creative people there are in Toronto. Case in point: my wonderful friend Barb Symons (www.barbsymons.com), whose Mussels & Monoprints workshops help so many people get in touch with their artistic natures. Barb entertains small groups in her studio (she whips up fabulous pizza and martinis!), and participants play with colours and shapes and essentially learn the basics of printmaking. These days, when we're all so obsessed with technology, it's so important to get back to the basics of human connection. The immediacy and spontaneity of just messing around printmaking with someone as much fun as Barb is really what the good life's all about!

Going...Going...Gonzo!

2008-01-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, you're all shopped out after Christmas...too bad 'cause January sales in Toronto are awesome. Rina's Boutique in Hazelton Lanes and on Steeles (West of Yonge) are clearing the fall-winter collection of shoes, boots, etc. and if you have a shoe fetish I GUARANTEE there will be something there to tantalize your eyeballs, even if your size has already been scooped up! Finishing Touches on Yonge is always a fabulous place to check out what's fashionable and wearable and their last chance 70% off selection is dwindling by the minute! Finally, you really should do yourself a favour and call me for a guided tour of what's great in my neck of the woods, because honestly -- the best in fashion at the best price is north of the 401!

Heated in Housewares

2008-01-13T06:15:00.001-08:00

Last week I needed to buy a new mattress cover -- not exactly MY idea of great shopping but whatever...I went to Home Outfitters where I had to repel off the high shelves (I'm short!) to get the size I needed. There was absolutely no one around to help me and the department looked like a mess, quite frankly. The folks at HBC should take note: Bed Bath & Beyond has opened in Richmond Hill and in the first flush of business it's all about service in there! You can't step two feet into the store without running into a helpful staff person. Whether they know anything about their products remains to be seen.

Great Service, Great Shoes, Great Sale!

2008-01-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

For those of you who haven't discovered the joys of shopping on the Avenue Road strip north of Lawrence, get off your butts and get on up! I can never resist a visit to InStyle Shoes--truly an outstanding selection with something to appeal to every taste. I bought a Co-Lab handbag there in October, which by December needed to be sent back to the manufacturer for repair, and they could not have been nicer about handling the whole thing. (Incidentally, if the folks at Christopher Kon happen to stumble upon this entry, I thank you too.) Anyway, it's sale time and there's PLENTY to tantalize your feet and eyeballs! Tell 'em you read it on Talkshopping!

Happy New Year in Montreal

2008-01-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

What can I say about my hometown except ... je t'aime toujours!

Now that the post-Christmas markdowns are in effect, no one who plans to be in Montreal in the next little while should deny themselves retail therapy. We recently visited Sarah Pacini (www.sarahpacini.com) in Les Cours Mont-Royal ( a BIG KISS and thank you to Yvan, Rachel and friends...) and my advice is to get there quickly as the line is truly amazing and sizes are becoming more limited as the clearance items move out!

Also hit Aqua Skye on Crescent St. (www.aquaskye.com) for my earring fix, Specchio on Mountain St. for shoes, some of the fab-o shops on Sherbrooke in Westmount (hello Intermix!) and ogled shops on Laurier but ran out of shopping time, can you believe it?!

Sydney Hannah Wilkes as an Indian Princess

2007-12-28T07:59:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-12-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

Nothing like crystals and jet for the Holidays!

A Gift from My Sister

2007-12-19T15:24:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-12-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

Rant of the day: The no return policy

2007-12-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-15T07:27:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-15T07:08:00.000-08:00

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.