UNDER $100 | 35 Cozy Sweaters to Beat the Chill

via HUNKYDORY Stockholm

Originally posted in The LOOK

Sweater weather has officially arrived and I couldn't be happier. Now that I've packed away all of my summer things and brought my sweaters out of storage, I can't wait to cozy up in all of my favourites. There's the chunky fisherman knit that I know I'll have forever. There's the huge oversized cardigan that I put on anytime I'm tempted to wear my pajamas all day. And of course I've got some fun brights that I love to wear on those extra grey days. 

The thing about sweaters is this - after a summer of high exposure, they're awfully awesome at giving your body a break.  Whether your arms are more rotund than toned, or your stomach's never quite forgotten that you had kids (why won't it ever forget? why???) you can always count on a forgiving knit to keep you covered. Sweater, IMO, should be always be soft and luxuriously oversized (ie. don't be afraid to go up a size). Sure, a sleek tight turtleneck works for layering but otherwise, I like to keep my knits loungey and loose. So how to avoid looking sloppy? Wear tailored bottoms like waxed skinnies or leggings to give your outfit balance.  

While it's worthwhile to invest in a really good wool sweater, you don't necessarily have to destroy your budget to stay cozy. I've rounded up 35 under-$100 sweaters at Intercity Shopping Centre to beat the chill this fall. And of course, no sweater round-up is complete without a Shawn Mendes 'Sweater Weather' cover...

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FALL FASHION | How to Shop Smart on a Small Budget

via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

September always feels like the perfect month to start fresh. Whether you're back at school or just sent your little ones off, whether you're getting getting back into a fitness routine or just paying those endless bills, bills, bills, September can be a crazy expensive month. 

Since fall is my favourite shopping season of all, I've been tasked with finding ways to look on point without doing major damage to an overstretched budget Luckily, there are loads of smart chic buys flooding into stores for fall that don't feel like you have to sacrifice a thing. From layering pieces that'll make you want this heatwave to end, to the boots that will make you swoon, read on for the smart buys that will help you reach your full fashion potential this fall. 

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HOLIDAY '14 | Your Under-$200 Guide

Photo courtesy American Eagle

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Walking through the mall this month is like a really great binge-watch of Netflix. There's drama (MO-OM, you are SO embarassing!), there's intrigue (will she like it? will she loathe it?), and of course, that edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting terror (only 20 days left?!).

It goes without saying that the clock starts ticking more insistently than usual this time of year, leaving even the most organized among us in a panic. But is this all necessary? Can we just take a collective step back and put this in perspective? Can we try for a minute to remember what this is all about in the first place? Um, no. No we can't. Because unless you're a Saint or happen to reside in Whoville, presents are part of the big Christmas/Holiday/Chrismukkah package. Plus, it's fun to buy things for other people. As long as we're prepared. 

I've found 50 stellar gifts to please the picky, to wow the un-wowable, each for under-$200 so you can keep on budget while you're at it. Scroll through the slideshow below for my top gift picks and dial your panic button down a notch. Remember, it's your presents...er..I mean presence that counts...

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JEANIOUS: My DENIZEN Ambassador Gig

We all know about Levi's, of course, the cool-since-1873 denim brand. But have you heard of the brand's newest off-shoot, DENIZEN yet?  The line just launched in Canada at Target last year so like me, you may not have tried them on quite yet.

When DENIZEN asked me to be their brand ambassador recently, I finally had a chance to check them out in earnest.  They sent me several pairs of jeans in different fits and washes to test drive - modern skinnies, modern straights, pull-on skinnies and super soft leggings. The two things that impressed me the most? The modern styling and, most importantly (especially when it comes to denim), the fit. And unlike most affordable jean brands, the quality's there, too, with reinforced side seams, metal rivets at the corners and Levi's premium quality denim, ensuring jeans that will last.

I've been in desperate need of great black skinnies and happened to be at Target grabbing Hallowe'en gear yesterday so picked up a pair of DENIZEN's hi-rise skinnies to try (on sale for $25 - most styles sell for around $30 at regular price. So seriously, how could I not?) You know how a lot of black jeans can look faded and worn out from the start? Well, DENIZEN's black is perfect - a true, saturated black that I'll wear anytime I want the look of leggings with the flattering structure of jeans. 

Stay tuned for more how-I-wore-them posts from DENIZEN and a video series we have in the works for the holidays. So exciting!

Happy Hallowe'en my sweets! When faced with the option of trick or treat tonight, might I suggest the treat :)

5 Fall Outfits | 9 Gorgeous Pieces | $400

With time and budgets stretched to the max, I love choosing clothes that mix and match together to make reliably stellar outfits. This week, iVillage.ca asked me to pick 9 fall pieces to make 5 perfect fall outfits. The tough part? Do it all (clothes, shoes and outerwear included) on a $400 budget. I do love a good fashion challenge...

SEE THE 5 OUTFITS HERE...