Happiest of happy Christmas…

or as they say in Mexico – feliz navidad

How could I say no?

Shops are busy, my office is just about empty and my suitcase hasn’t been packed…gotta love the holidays.

I want it all for Christmas…

My drop top’s in the parking lot…

[otk's by spring, tna leggings, h&m cowl neck sweater, random korean parka, fendi bag]

Some of you might have known that my car was on loan to Toyota for a couple weeks in November. Despite being my daily driver, Scion’s aren’t launching til next year (I imported mine) so in exchange they gave me this gorgeous isc to take me around town. Ste and I decided to do a little shoot action after bubble tea and although it was probably colder than desirable we had lots of fun taking this baby out for a spin. I miss my boxster so much!

I know I’ve blogged about this jacket before but I absolutely love the fuzziness of it! And just in case I ever lose love for the fur, all of the furry bits are simply attached with buttons so it’s a great transitional piece. I also keep getting questions about these otk’s. Truth is they were super cheap $120, incredibly comfortable and because they’re faux leather they don’t actually stretch so they stay up with just enough slouch to make them look worn in. Love them!

There’s nothing more I love than a fast car, sexy convertible and a cool summer night.

But as Meatloaf so eloquently put it, “Two out of three ain’t bad”.

On the 6th day of Christmas…

Classic CL Babel’s…some day I’ll find you on sale somewhere. Some day…

Just hear those sales bells jingling…

[Salvage sweatshirt dress with chain back]

I actually received a lot of feedback from my last sale post about this week’s sale. Last night was the VIP preview night so there were no lines, tons of sizes and first dibs on the latest jeans, samples and swim suits from the folks at TorontoSampleSales.com. I decided to take a few pictures to give you a glimpse of the madness and stock available for your to pick up the latest in premium denim, hoodies, dresses or t’s no matter what your size.

Highlight of the sale for me was an awesome tunic dress that fully satisfies my love for hardware and embellishments with an overly exposed back complete with cross over chains. Loves! Even better was the fact that the tag revealed that it was a fall 09 sample for half the price! Amazing. I went slightly bananas and picked up two other dresses, a couple tops from Romeo & Juliet Couture and a crazy comfy pair of J Brand flares. All in all, a sale well spent! So if you want to up your chances of a successful rummage through a sample sale, here are a few tips:

1. WEAR SIMPLICITY the pop-up nature of these sales means busy business and communal change rooms. Dress in clothing that can be easily peeled off and on without too much fuss. For girls, ditch the curling iron and opt for a pony tail or clip.
2. GRAB AND GO sample sales + crowds = scarcity. If you’re at a real sample sale, then it’s more than likely that items are one-of-a-kind and may or may not be true to size. That means take a careful look at sizes, smalls can be bigger and larger sizes might run small. If you’re not one to try things on then a sample sale is not for you.
3. HAVE CASH WILL NEGOTIATE get down and dirty. The dynamics of a sample sale means prices might be flexible (not true for every sale but kee it in mind) and if you buy in bulk you might be able to chat up a manager who can knock off a few bucks on your bill.
4. CHECK YOUR COAT park your parka at the door because extra bulk is dead weight. Don’t worry about the cold, because low prices and tightly placed racks causes temperatures to rise.
5. RESIST SPONTANEITY while it’s easy to be tempted by the deals and steals at a sample sale, always remember there it’s impossible to return or exchange items when the sale is over. Instead, right before you go up to the cash lay out your finds in front of you and do a once over to see if you can spot the impulse. When you figure you’ve got exactly what you need then proceed to pay.

I highly suggest that you check out the sale if you’re in the market for some new basic jeans or if you’d like to experiment with a new brand at a much cheaper than retail price. And don’t worry if you suffer a mild burst of buyer’s remorse – I’m sure you can find somebody else that could use a new pair of Rock & Republic jeans for Christmas.

Happy Shopping.

For more information about Toronto Sample Sales and to get on the VIP list click here.

What does it matter how much it storms, I’ve got my love to keep me warm.

[Spring OTK's, Talulah Leggings, Checked shirt by Alba Rosa, Covergirl Blazer, Mackage Coat, f21 lucite necklace, Chanel Maxi & pacific mall ear muffs]

There’s nothing more I love than the holidays and the pretty decorations that comes with it. After a super fun clothing exchange called swapify organized by my girl Gloria @ urbanebloc.com – Ste and I headed over to Yonge and Dundas for a little impromptu fun. I actually really love these ear muffs which I found at some crazy accessory store last year. I can just imagine them being left behind from some old school korean music video featuring any of the k-pop bands whose names were bizarre acronyms (h.o.t., s.e.s., fin.k.l., etc…)

Back to the super fun swapification at Proper Reserve – while I’m typically not a big fan of second-hand I hauled a few items downtown that I felt could use a better home. I think they did! Not only did I part with my birthday dress and a perfectly sequined holiday number that I never took off the bench, I got rid of a stack of coloured skinny jeans I somehow acquired over the last year. I’m psyched about a silk dress I found that I’ve been dancing around my room with and discovered looks amazing belted. WoOt!

Anyway, things are starting to heat up for me. I had my first taste of grad school and I’m beginning to think that accounting isn’t that bad after all. With the holidays literally around the corner and the festivities starting to happen, I have a feeling that 2010 is going to be a great year.

Photography by Ste. Ho from Shutter.lit.

Sounds of the Season

As I slowly come to the final weeks of my second round at CBC, I have to say it truly has been a pleasure. Although the last week was a serious exhausting process, the spirits of the audience and guests on December 4th gave me a euphoric high that kept me going on less than 3 hours of sleep. I’m happy with the way everything turned out, from the wrangling of talent, silent auction items to making sure the poinsettia’s made their way to the atrium – it was a crazy day! Thanks to all who came out, listened in and donated to local food banks. If you haven’t had a chance, our drive goes ’til January 4th (a significant day for so many reasons!) and you can always donate online here.

TODAY: Sounds of the Season

Shameless plug but it’s such a great day of programming and events that I couldn’t resist! If you’re already downtown or have the nerve to play hooky from work – come by for coffee, a cookie and for a cause! We’re doing our part to stop hunger in the G.T.A.

I’ll see you there!!

xxo

Really Reel Asian…

 

[Tunic from Rose Fan Fan, F21 leatherette shorts, AA tights, neon pink shoes from Top Shop, Mackage winter coat, H&M hat]

Taking full of advantage of the mid-day holiday in November, the team at Blink decided to head to the mall to get ready for the Reel Asian Film Festival. The Opening Night Gala was the HK-flick Overheard, which was absolutely stellar! The actual review is still pending (Mark…any day now!) but in the mean time enjoy the pics taken by our favourite photographer Ste. Ho fromShutter.lit.

Speaking of favourites, get a load of those wedgey booties which are actually from…get this…Spring! Remember Transit? But they’re actually incredibly comfy, in that suedette finish with the big buckles – you know I love my hardware! Anyway, no matter how cold it gets I’ve sworn to give my Top Shop sandals play. Thank goodness for tights!