Sydney Lounging at Home

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...

..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

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

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

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!

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!

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!