Toronto Premium Outlets is coming this Summer!

I love going on trips to USA to shop! Buffalo, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey are my favourites. I go for the deals but now a new outlet mall in Toronto is giving me a reason to stay!

Toronto Premium Outlets™ to Open August 1, 2013, Bringing Top Designers and 

Leading Brand Outlet Store to Canada

Savvy shoppers throughout the Greater Toronto Area are eagerly awaiting the opening of the country’s first upscale outlet center. Toronto Premium Outlets™, developed by Simon Property Group, the largest real estate company in the world, and Calloway Real Estate Investment Trust, will open on August 1, 2013. The new center will provide a truly unique shopping experience unlike any other in Canada and will herald the arrival of the first outlet stores for many designers and leading brands.

Toronto Premium Outlets™ will present a who’s who of top brands offering a wide range of high quality merchandise at savings of 25% to 65% every day. The center will be anchored by Hudson’s Bay Outlet. The collection of outlet stores will include:

· Banana Republic
· Bench
· Bose
· Brooks Brothers
· Coach
· Cole Haan*
· Columbia Sportswear*
· DKNY*
· Dynamite
· Eddie Bauer
· Gap Outlet
· Garage
· Guess
· Icebreaker*
· J. Crew
· Kate Spade New York*
· Lucky Brand Jeans
· Michael Kors
· Polo Ralph Lauren*
· Restoration Hardware*
· Ted Baker London*
· True Religion
· Zumiez

*First outlet store in Canada.Additional brands will be announced over the coming weeks.

Toronto Premium Outlets™, with easy access off Highway 401 at the Trafalgar Road interchange in Halton Hills, is conveniently close to Lester B Pearson, downtown Toronto and key areas in Southern Ontario. The center is Canada’s first Premium Outlet Center™. Simon’s well known brand of designer oriented outlet centers which include popular centers in the United States including Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in New York and Orlando Premium Outlets in Florida.


Stay up to date with Toronto Premium Outlets™ website at: www.premiumoutlets.com/toronto.

Which store are you excited for!

Summer Trends: Round Frames from Clearly Contacts

Back in January, I got my eyes checked again. My prescription changed. It still really low (I don't need glasses) but it's good for prolonged use. I have a square pair of frames but I wanted something new. 

Fresh and office appropriate! I decided to go with a round Derek Cardigan frames from Clearly Contacts.

Round frames are making a major comeback this summer in eyewear. This vintage-inspired look is a refreshing change that provides a new style direction. Whether you are ready to fully embrace perfectly round frames, or want a gradual transition with softer rounded shapes, Derek Cardigan, 7 for All Mankind and Kenneth Cole are just a few of the great brands that offer variations on this theme.

This was my first time getting glasses from the "internet". It's definitely a different experience. Don't get me wrong, I love going into the store and trying on different pairs... but if you know what suits you that really helps with the process. Clearly Contacts has a "Try on View" option which you can upload a picture of your self and then you can see how the frames work with your face shape. If you don't have a picture available, they have a bank of models of different genders and face types to try on the frames with. If you're not completely happy with your item, return it for FREE! Plus free shipping on any glasses over $99.

Make a bold statement with these Derek Cardigan 7012 Smoke eyeglasses. These round eyeglasses come in translucent dark grey acetate. To help show off your geek pride, the division and multiplication symbols are featured on the sides with the equal sign on the arms.  Not only do these frames have great style but are also incredibly comfortable with its flexible spring hinges.  

Do you wear glasses? If so, which frames do you wear.

World MasterCard Fashion Week: KORHANI home Carpet Couture Runway Show

It's that time again! 

World MasterCard Fashion Week. 

Toronto is buzzing with new trends, amazing shows and fresh faces!

I had the opportunity to attend the KORHANI home Carpet Couture Runway Show. 

I was completely blown away with the precise tailoring and unique designs. I had to keep reminding myself that they`re wearing Carpet during the whole show! 

Check out some of the shots I captured!

The first one is my favourite because it's creepy and invokes emotion.

Can you believe that this is carpet?

Trends: Thigh High Slits

It's been a while since I've done something on fashion trends.

Let's get started with this trend: Thigh High Slits.

I swear slits are one of those trends that will never die.  They just start getting higher and higher! 

Being 5'2, I'm not sure if I'm going to embrace this trend this summer.

Maybe I start out with a starter piece and go from there.

Here are a few fabulous ladies rocking the trend: 

Rihanna rocking an amazing dress from her river island line.

Maria Menounos in a canary yellow dress at the Grammy's.

Jennifer Lopez at the Grammy's look at that leg!

Would you rock the thigh high slit trend?

Fashion: The Garter/Suspender Trend

I love a great pair of pantyhose! It's a great item to throw on when you don't want to bare a lot of leg. The look of pantyhose is evolving!  Ladies are going beyond the sheer/fishnet look and are going for something much more risque!

I've been eying the garter/suspender trend for a while now. When I first saw Rihanna rocking it, I HAD to have it. I also knew off the bat that it was originated in UK.I really wanted these but I'm sure that I'd have to wait a LONG time for them to be delivered from UK to Canada.

I'm pretty sure that Rih is rocking the House of Holland for Pretty Polly Mesh Super Suspender Tights! The same tights that I recieved for review from Alexblake.com.

Alexblake.com is a new America based site that carries American brands as well as a wide range of fabulous European brands, many of which you can’t ordinarily find in North America.

I love them because they are risqué but don't show a lot! 

They look really cute with a pair of short shorts but I wore mine with an over-sized sweater dress.

Is this trend for you?

Every Girl Needs a Great Blazer!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express Canada for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Take a look in your closet, how many blazers do you own?

Would you believe that I own over twenty different blazers!
YES.. you heard me correctly!

I understand that twenty may be excessive to some but I'm a strong believer that every girl should at least own one great blazer. Whether it's cropped, boyfriend or tailored cut.
A good blazer is perfect to throw on to jazz up any outfit.

Have you ever walked into a store and found a blazer that fit you like a glove!
That's how I felt when I walked into Express Canada.

I found a blazer that didn't need to be cut or tailored and also complimented my skin tone.
I know that this this cheesy but I honestly feel like this blazer was made for me!

This picture was taken right after my movie date with my boyfriend.

Adding a deep coloured wine blazer was the perfect item I needed to break up my all black outfit.
It was definitely the focal point of my outfit.

My favourite thing about the jacket is the different colored lapel, material and length.
I can admit it, I'm short. I didn't need to cuff this blazer a lot because the arm length was perfect.

If I wore this blazer out for New Years Eve, I would pair it with a cute sequin dress!

It's hard to see but I wore these awesome Covered Wedge Bootie which is also from Express.
I love this shoe because it has a hidden 2" wedge heel. It zips at the side and has a skid resistant outsole.

Perfect for the Canadian winters!

Are you looking for outfit inspiration for the holidays and still need some assistance picking out a gift?

Check out Express holiday catalog & gift guide.

Pop-up Closets for Express Canada

This post brought to you by Express Canada. All opinions are 100% mine.

Retail is now evolving with the addition of Pop-up closets.
Express Canada will be holding a few pop-up closets this November.
You will have the opportunity to check out outfits, view accessories & win prizes.

The pop-up closets are to celebrate the Express Grand Opening event at Eaton Centre on November 21. Just in time for the holidays! I have several events coming up and I know that I will find an outfit or two in Express.

Express is the must-have sexy, sophisticated fashion brand for work, the weekend, or going out. It’s what’s new and what’s now for young fashion-forward women and men.

Location & time for the upcoming Pop-Up Closet:
Location: Eaton Centre (Level 1 across from MAC Cosmetics)
Date: Friday, November 23 – Sunday November 25
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm

You have the chance to win:

• A 1MX selling men’s dress shirt (my boyfriend is constantly raving about how great they fit).
  
• An Editor and Columnist women’s dress pant (Available in sizes 00 to 14).
  
• A $25 gift card.
• A special offer.

I had the opportunity to visit the very first pop-up closet which was at Toronto Fashion Week.

This may sound odd but my favourite part was the mannequins. I loved seeing the outfits that were put together. It gives you an idea on what will work for you. I’m not the size of the mannequin but I can definitely go in-store and look for alternative that would suit my body type.

It's less than a week until the Grand opening!
Don’t forget to try your luck and enter the $1000 shopping spree.
Here is the contest entry form. Good Luck!

EXPRESS comes to Canada!

This post brought to you by Express. All opinions are 100% mine.

Ladies! Have you heard? Express Canada is here! My boyfriend and I would always make a note to visit their stores whenever we were in USA. Last time we went they had a great sale and he came out with five ties! Now that they are local, we don't have to do the two hour drive.

I also had the opportunity to attend the EXPRESS Fashion show at Toronto Fashion Week last friday. They wowed the crowd with their Holiday line. I took a lot of pictures to share with you all!

World MasterCard Fashion Week: Holt Renfrew, Pink Tartan & Pavoni

World MasterCard Fashion Week kicked off to a great start. Designers from day 1 were Holt Renfrew, Pink Tartan & Pavoni. I was able to go backstage and get the scoop from Grace Lee, lead makeup artist Maybelline New York Canada and Jorge Jao, Redken's Lead Artist on the looks/inspiration for the show.

Holt Renfrew
Holt Renfrew decided to do something different this time around. They decided to make their collection based on what is available this season! Basically you could shop what you want off the runway. The look is wearable for everyday. Nothing over the top or overly glam. Grace Lee calls it "The Holt Renfrew it girl" look.

Eyes
Cat eyes mascara
Expert wear eyeshadow Nutmeg & Taupe
Gel liner
Face
Fit me foundation
Darker fit me power for contour
Lips
Color Whispers Mocha Muse

Givenchy Makeup & Fendi Fall 2012

Have you ever had the opportunity to be inside a Sephora before it opened to the public?
 I have!

How to Authenticate a Designer Bag

 I recently was sent a few tips by Shop Bella Bag founder Cassandra Connors
on how to authenticate a designer bag.

We all know that thrifting & buying pre-owned luxury items is on the rise. Nothing is worst that thinking that you got something authentic and getting home and realizing that it's a straight FAKE!

Check out these five tips from Cassandra:

• Counting stitches. While tedious and somewhat frustrating, counting stitches can really be a deal breaking when it comes to authenticating a bag. Keep in mind that the real deals often have a much more complex stitching design that most knock-offs.

• Examine interior and exterior logo stamp. While knock-off logos might look like the real deal at a glance, a thorough examination is necessary to find the minor detail differences between the real logo and the knock-off logo.

• Trace serial numbers. Serial numbers almost always seal the deal in authenticating a bag. The serial number assigns a specific number to one designer piece that involves the history of the bag. A knock-off serial number will not show up in a designer database as it was most likely made up.

• Test hardware magnetism. This has a lot to do with the materials there are generally used with a specific brand. When the material used of the real deal is known, it’s easy to compare the differences.

• Inspect zipper heads. Each brand uses a different zipper brand, and almost always uses the industrial ones. Also, zipper head designs are almost always altered, and because the zipper is such a small details, it can sometimes be hard to catch.

I hope these tips help! Feel free to share them with a friend.

Fall Fashion- Leather & Leopard Print

Have u ever envisioned an outfit in your head 

and hoped that it went together?

That is exactly what I did on Saturday. I had a whole day of Toronto Film Festival events to cover and needed the perfect "all day" outfit. I bought the skirt last Fall but couldn't find anything to wear with it. Leopard print is hard to pair with. You would never believe me but I got the skirt for only $7.00 in the Winners sale section! I honestly feel like this skirt and I was destined to be together. It honestly fits like a glove. It wasn't too tight and most importantly, not too long. I'm 5'2 and I hate when my clothes brush the ground.

The top was another deal as well for $8.00. I know.. I'm a bargainer! It's from the Pure by Alfred Sung for Zellers collection. Super cute with a military feel on the shoulders. I bought it in a size up so I could tie it on the bottom.

Since it was windy outside, I paired it with a leather jacket. Ladies, for Fall one leather piece in your wardrobe is a must have!

Lastly, My jeweled cross is from Express. It was a gift from the Murale/Sally Hershberger TIFF Suite. I have a great post on my experience coming up soon!

Ladies would you wear this outfit?

Introducing Footzyrolls!

Back in June, I made a promise to myself.

Start wearing heels occasionally!

I'm now in my late 20's. I don't look it, I know. 

I don't wear heels at all. My shoe collection is insane!

Wedges, platforms and pumps. You name it I have it.

My biggest issue is my low pain tolerance. Don't laugh! I can't handle the hassle of breaking in a new pair of shoes. I don't do blisters at all!

Thankfully, I was given the opportunity to try out a pair of footzyrolls.

The innovative shoe brand, Footzyfolds, makes traveling in style easier with their lightweight, foldable and rollable shoes & accessories.

 I know some of you out there are wondering how does foldable flats help me with my heel situation. These can easily be folded into my purse or tucked into my desk at work!

Each shoe comes with a gorgeous box or our new cylinder packaging, your Footzyrolls, a beautiful shoe bag for your heels, and a cute drawstring pouch to put your stylish Footzyrolls into when you need to put them in your small bag.

Basically, I don't have to leave home without them. I decided to go with the leopard loafers because I love animal print. This particular shoe can be found in the sale section.

The shoe sizes start at 4.5 and go up to 11.5:

Extra Small fits a woman's US Shoe size 4.5-5.5
Small size fits a woman's US shoe size 6 to 7
Medium size fits a woman's US shoe size 7.5 to 8.5
Large size fits a US woman's shoe size 9 to 10
Extra Large is a 10.5-11.5

 Footzyfold collections are currently sold in major department stores such as Macys, Bloomingdales, and Lord & Taylor, as well as over 3000 other retail stores. Canadians can order it directly from their website.

High-Low Trend

I've decided to embrace the high low trend. 

I recently read an article which stated that they're not for short girls but
I'm going to prove that "theory" wrong!

I recently went into a store that I never go to here called Urban Planet. 

I heard my mom rave about the maxi dresses that they sell and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

$23 dollars later I came out with this awesome bird print high low dress. 

Since I was going to be out all day, I paired it with a denim jacket and Indian bangles.

I know that this trend is not for everyone.

How do you feel about the High-Low Trend?

Spiked Bracelet from Danity Luxuries

I have been eying this Spiked Bracelet since my last Danity Luxuries order.  

After I bought my fossil watch, I figured this bracelet would be a perfect accessory to pair with it.

I love it because it edgy, fashionable and unique.

I debated between the gold and silver but I think I made the right choice.

My Danity Luxuries code for 15% off is still active:

SPICED15

Would you wear this bracelet?

Introducing Dainty Luxuries

Dainty Luxuries is a new online Boutique run by 21 year old Kadian Blake. 

I  love seeing girls become entrepreneurs at a young age.

It just sets the stage for great things in the future.

The best way to sum up the boutique via Kadian.

A Dainty Woman walks with her head held high and a switch to her hip. Always fancy, she takes pride in her appearance and exudes confidences. Exquisitely beautiful, challenges boundaries and is ready to face whatever the world throws at her with a smile on her face. A Dainty Woman is YOU. 

LOVE it!

JUNGLE FEVER
Mix and Match with this Crystal Studded Animal Print Stackable Bracelets
$20.00

Serious ARM Party going on here. Amazing quality bracelets (Not flimsy or cheap). Plus it looks amazing on my skin tone! 

ALLURING GLAMOUR
Crystal Studded Post Earrings 
$18.00  


Extremely classy and comes in three different colors.

CRYSTAL STUDDED
Basketball Inspired Poparazzi Earrings 
$20.00

Believe or not I have not seen "Basketball wife" inspired earrings in my part of the woods. These are huge I love them.

I'm obsessed with her site. *Sigh* Accessories will be the death of me.

These are calling my name...

Dainty Luxuries is giving my readers a 15% discount on her site for the Month of May

SPICED15

Which item is your favorite?