HOLIDAY '14 | The Splurge vs. Save Edit

Photo courtesy Target

Originally posted in The LOOK

Ever get that feeling that you're in a time warp? One minute we're back to school shopping and the next - Thanksgiving, Hallowe'en, first snowfall, Christmas. Um, sorry, what just happened? Suddenly, there we are, white knuckled on the steering wheel, stealing parking spots from grandmas, sprinting through Target trying to score that last Zoomer Dino, pick up more tape (why does tape always go missing, btw?), and find more time. Can you buy time? If you find some, can you tell me where it's on sale?  

It's chaos. And since it's hard to think straight when our heads are spinning, ideas can be tough to come by. So, this year, I've decided to get a jump on shopping so I can enjoy every December minute. I've put together a list of the holiday season's most-wanted gifts to help inspire you while you're out shopping, too. And since, like time, our budgets are always stretched to the max this time of year, I've found splurges and saves for each perfect gift.

Time to put your slippered feet up, grab a glass of wine and remember your yoga breaths. It's not even December yet. You've totally got this...

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The All New Jean Machine

I love the idea of jean shopping but in practice? Let's just say it can be overwhelming. A few weeks ago, Jean Machine asked me to be one of the first to come in and shop their newly remerchandised store at Toronto Eaton Centre and since I hadn't set foot in the store in a few years, could not wait to check it out. After all, I bought my first pair of Silvers at Jean Machine with my first real paycheque and picked up many more pairs throughout the years, so we have a long history of hits and misses. Oh, if those changerooms could talk...

The invite to check out the new Jean Machine store came with a few exciting promises: a new and improved product mix (curated with the help of famed fashion/creative director, Susie Sheffman), a little personal shopping help from Jean Machine's expert in-store stylists, plus a $200 credit to pick out a full look. Um, yay?!

I showed up at Toronto Eaton Centre and right away, noticed the super cute campaign styling and a slightly more airy feel to the space than before. I was greeted by the team of Jean Machine beauties, eager to help me find my perfect pair. I let them have their way with me. 'Size me up, show me what's new. Only one thing: no blue. I want black.'

I passed loads of jeans, all beautifully organized by fit to make the jean-shopping process more manageable and was thrilled to see some of my favourite denim brands in stock throughout the store plus other labels I love like Soia & Kyo, ONLY, and Vero Moda. Beyond jeans, I saw loads of gorgeous coats, some super pretty dresses and fashion-girl musts like felt fedoras and oversized plaid scarves.

The girls picked out a dozen super pretty pieces (mostly black) and I had a super fun try-on sesh. While one Jean Machiner was rooting for an emerald blouse and body-hugging leggings, it just wasn't me. So we agreed that I should go for all black with loads of texture to keep it interesting. Being a mom can make you feel too good, if that makes sense. I needed some pieces with edge.

I ended up with a Guess faux-fur vest which I LOVE, a pair of perfect faux leather joggers from YDE Studio and a fun textured black tee. They look great together but I especially love that I'll be able to easily mix each piece into my wardrobe this winter.

If you haven't had the chance, be sure to check out the new Jean Machine. You'll love what they've done with the place.

BLACK FRIDAY '14 | Shopbop's BIG EVENT

If you're a serious shopper like me, you already know that Black Friday is our Superbowl. We wait for this day. We dream of this day. And since I'm not a huge fan of elbows to the face or all-nighters, I'm thrilled that you can now score the best Black Friday deals online.

Since Shopbop is one of my fav online obsessions, I have to share the site's BIGGEST Sale of the year that starts today at 7:00AM and goes all the way until Mon, December 1st at 11:59PM (Pacific Time Zone...need to be precise here. It's the big game after all....)

Now here's the crazy part. There are NO brand exclusions with this sale, meaning you can finally score yourself a SMYTHE, get that 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli you've been eyeing and pick up a few other designer treats for your sister/mom/friend while you're at it. Oh, and the more you purchase, the better the savings - so it's a great idea to team up with your friends on this one. 

Head on over to The Big Event HERE. This is your time. xx

#WIN IT | A Smart Set Holiday Giveaway

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

The holidays are only a month away (insert panic button here) and while this festive season calls for loads of comfy gear (think PJ's, parkas and plaid scarves), it also requires putting on your party best. From family meet-ups to festive fêtes, it's always a challenge to look unique. Luckily, you don't have to spend a fortune to outshine those twinkly lights. My go-to spot for cheerfully cheap party pieces? Smart Set, of course. This store's always got the season covered with embellished sweaters, sexy dresses and just-edgy-enough accessories to help you shine throughout the holidays.

To inspire you away from your LBD, I've put together 3 pretty party looks that keep style and comfort top of mind, from a bomber worn over a wind-chill-friendly maxi, to a cozy tulle skirt/sweater combo you'll want to wear everywhere.  And to help you shop your fav Smart Set look, we're giving away a $100 Smart Set Gift Card! 

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'TIS THE SEASON: Your Best-Ever Holiday Wardrobe

Photo via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Now's the time where we start to compile our wishlists and our seemingly endless to-do's. And while it's easy to let our wardrobes take a backseat since we have so many other things to check off our lists, here's some holiday food-for-thought for you. How can you take care of others when you haven't taken care of yourself? How can you shop when you're not properly outfitted? How, pray tell, can you host a holiday party when you're not the best-dressed babe in the room?

And so, I've put together the ultimate holiday wardrobe for you, from the coziest jammies (consider them your down-time partners in crime), to the best boots (some snow-friendly, some sparkly), to the most stunning party pieces to get you through the holidays in enviable style. 

It's all about holiday survival, ladies. And if survival requires shopping, you know I'm all for it...

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