Hallowe'en Treat

Lida Baday is having her semi-annual sample sale Nov. 3 and 4. (See map.)

Her collection is available in only the best department stores including:

• Holts
• Andrew's
• Sak's

It's one great sale you won't want to miss! Whether you're looking for something sophisticated for a day at the office, a night out on the town or that special something for a holiday party, this Canadian designer is not to be missed. I'll be there will you?

Technorati tags: bargains, Bargainista, fashion, halloween, Holt Renfrew, Sak's Fifth Avenue, sample sale, shopping

Pink link

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, I hope you don't mind indulging me by reading this personal request.

I'm promoting my pet "pink" item and asking you to support my efforts in bringing us 79,200 steps closer to a cure.

Next September, for the second time (I walked in 2004), I will be walking 60km in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer to Princess Margaret Hospital. I can't do it alone. I need your help in raising $2,000 so I can participate.

Be among the first to sponsor me for this wonderful event. (I know, me bad, I haven't personalized my web page yet. Stay tuned.)

Thank you,

Eden

P.S. If you like the cool pin above, buy it and support The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Technorati tags: breast cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, fundraising, Princess Margaret Hospital, Weekend to End Breast Cancer, walking

Sweet dreams

A gift from Kathryn...

Technorati tags: bedroom, bathroom, coupon, duvets, home decor, linens, sales, sheets, shopping, towels

These boots are made for walking

After having my regular Saturday morning workout and taking my kids for haircuts, the next most important item on my weekend to do list was buy winter boots for the boys.

I'd been sick most of the week so all I wanted to do was find them, try them, fit them and buy them. Atypically, price wasn't my top priority.

Our first stop, Adrian's on Yonge St. They used to been known as a children's shoe store and has been branching out into women's and men's footwear lately. My eldest son is wearing men's sizes now! I thought if I played my cards right, I'd be able to buy both pairs with one-stop shopping. No such luck. The limited selection didn't do it for him. Fortunately, my younger son saw and updated version of his previous pair, tried them on and bingo! Only one problem, mom the Bargainista, left her wallet at home. (I told you I haven't been feeling well.:) Fortunately, dad was in tow and took care of the bill. I almost croaked when I learned the price. I reminded myself that the number of people who have the expertise to fit childrens' shoes is at a premium. Adrian's is one of the few places in the city I trust to do it properly.

Next we thought we'd trek to The Shoe Company (Town Shoes' discount store). Adult boots were a lot more expensive and the Bargainista in me was making an appearance. The boots he wanted were a small fortune ($130-$160). The only saving grace was the $30 coupon toward another same-day purchase and he needed a new pair of shoes. I almost caved thinking it would only be more expensive elsewhere. Unfortunately, they didn't have the right styles in the right size. The service, although pleasant, sucked anyway.

Yorkdale here we come. As much as I dislike department stores, The Bay seemed like a good place to start. En route, I spotted Timberland. I suggested we make a quick stop to check out the inventory. The same boots we saw at The Shoe Company for $159.99 were $150. (Hey, I thought The Shoe Company discounted all footwear.) Then I noticed the sign, all mens' footwear was 25% off. The very helpful salesperson found us the right size within minutes. Et voilà they fit! $112.50 (+tax) later, mission accomplished.

Technorati tags: bargains, boots, sales, service, shoes, shopping

For shoe-er

Now this will get me shopping. Aldo has a certain sensibility...

Where will you buy your shoes?

Technorati tags: bargain, boots, sale, shoes, shopping

New shoes, great smell?

Town Shoes is at it again. Sorry, but I just don't get it. What to chocolate and body lotion have to do with shoes, boots and purses?


Technorati tags: body lotion, boots, Calvin Klein, marketing, promotion, purses, shoes, shopping

Bargainista alert

The 1st Ever Factory Authorized Warehouse Sale (whatever that means) starts today through Sunday at the International Centre on Airport Rd. in Mississauga.

Hours:
Wed. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thurs. & Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Save up to 80% off a huge selection of name brand clothing and accessories including:
Mexx
DKNY Jeans
liz claiborne
Enyce

Visit StyleDemocracy for more information. If you go, be sure to add a comment and tell Bargainista what you think.

Technorati tags: bargain, clothing, designers, fashion, sale

Old Navy, new clothes

Here's an Old Navy coupon for those of you planning an upcoming visit:

Technorati tags: clothing, coupon, Old Navy, sales, shopping

Pink stink?

I stumbled upon a Ron White – The Foot Shoppe the other day. Perhaps it was the chocolate brown tee with pink ribbon that caught my eye. If you've been reading Bargainista for awhile, you should know how supportive I am of pink products but something about this bothered me.

Read more...


Technorati tags: advertising, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, fashion, marketing, pink ribbon campaign, PR, publicity

Head for the Hadassah Bazaar - this Wednesday

The first time I remember attending the Hadassah Bazaar, it was in Halifax and I was modelling a housecoat from the Holt Renfrew store in Montreal. I was four years old! In high school I chalked up some of community service hours by helping with the set up.

Now, I live in Toronto and the scope and scale of the annual mega mecca for bargain hunters is something to behold. I'm salivating just writing about it. Just think, savings galore on all kinds of awesome new clothing, accessories and home decor, while supporting wonderful charities ( i.e. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Hadassah Medical Centre and The M. Fanny Comprehensive Breast Care Institute at Assaf Harofeh Medical Centre in Israel.)

Details:
Wednesday, October 25, 2006 - one day only!
National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place, Lakeshore Blvd. (Direct Energy Centre - Hall B)
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (be there early, be prepared for long lines)
$4 (children 5 and under free)

Wear comfortable shoes and share your finds with Bargainista.

Technorati tags: bargains, charities, clothing, fashion, food, fundraising, multicultural, sales, shoes, Toronto

Winners and losers - part 2

Bargain alert!!!
Like this great AE bomber jacket? I saw it there today for $140 and at Winners on College for only $49.99 in black, brown and ivory!

I actually had some luck at Winners - I bought a great pair of Roots yoga pants for $29.99. I missed on a another great little AE light-weight down filled jacket though. The lining was ripped and I didn't think the $9 off they offered was enough to pay for the repair. In retrospect, it was a stubborn move, where else would I find a great jacket for $40 even if I had to pay $20 to get it fixed. It even had a nifty iPod pocket and another one for my wallet! Duh!

I'm also really p-oed because they have a knock-off of their own shoe, the Franco Sarto I bought at Capezio, with a lower heel and what appears to be cheaper leather (but I can't say for sure) for only $69! I paid $125 and that was after the coupon for $25 off.

Technorati tags: bargains, clothing, fashion, iPod, jackets, sales, shoes, shopping

Week in review

Check these out:

Alternative Fashion Week
L'Oreal Fashion Week

More info. to follow...

Update: I was in the process of updating this post. I had all kind of neat stuff to share, the Blogger had a hiccup and I lost it all, eventhough I had saved it! Maybe I need to find a new host. Yikes! Gotta go now but I'll be back soon. I promise.

Final Update:
Participants from L'Oreal Fashion Week:
Marie Saint Pierre
Arthur Mendoca
Dean Horn
Katya Revenko
Juma
David Dixon
French Connection
Fashion Nation
Zoran Dobric
Common Cloth
Bustle
Andy The-Anh
Kavi Kavi
Rococo
DC Clothing Company
Izzy Camilleri
Joeffer Caoc
Charles and Ron (Malta)
Greta Contantine (Milan)

Note: This post was originally titled "Weekend update".

Technical difficulties, please stand by

My ISP has been causing me lots of grief this week. There's lots of great news for me to share but I can't get decent Internet access. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, here's a funny comic (as long as you're not bothered by the sexist remark)...

Technorati tags: computers, Internet, ISP, technology

My name is Eden

This week I was "outed" and I'm proud. Yes, my name is Eden Spodek and let's face it, most of you already knew that. But this post isn't really about me ...

I want to give a big shout out to Michelle Tampoya, fellow AIMS member, marketer, foodie, blogger and the list goes on, for telling the rest of the world who I am and all about Bargainista on her blog: Mish's Playground. It's is an eclectic and engaging place with thoughtful posts and all kinds of cool things going on that speak to my inner-geek. I subscribe to her RSS feed 'cause I don't want to miss a thing she has to say. Check it out!

Thanks Mish and stay tuned. I promise I'll post about the local designers and indie shopping scene too.

Technorati tags: AIMS, blogs, Bargainista, fashion designers, foodie, geeks, marketing, Mish's Playground, RSS, shopping

30 minutes and free

Six weeks ago I joined Curves. I haven't changed my eating habits one bit and I've still lost some pounds and inches. I love having a regular workout routine but honestly, I hate exercising. Between work and home, I don't have a lot of time for the gym either.

At Curves I can do a complete workout in just over 30 minutes. I'm close enough to home that I can drive there in five minutes and don't have to use communal shower. On Saturdays, I walk there (3km) with my friend Teri for that extra bit of calorie burning.

Pink thing - donate the initiation fee
Local Curves locations are fundraising to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Join this week and the initiation fee (up to $199) is free ... instead pay a minimum of $20 or more and Curves will include it in their donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Update: I understand you can donate $20 or more in lieu of the initiation fee, to a breast cancer charity of your choice.

Free thing
Just in case you're commitment shy, here's a guest pass:


Technorati Tags: Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Curves

Hidden gems

Toronto is a thriving metropolis filled with lots of places to shop from big-box stores and chains to luxury boutiques and ethnic specialty shops. There are also a slew of fabulous hidden gems in T-dot. Many with loyal customers; others striving to build a regular clientele.

Hidden gems usually cater to a niche market. They may have some run of the mill stuff but they often carry amazing merchandise you won't find anywhere else.

Need a neat housewarming gift? What about new hotel-chic sheets, towels, nic nacs, and skin care or cheery cozy clothes for lounging around the house? Check out Living², one of the hidden gems in my neighbourhood. It's at 1766 Avenue Rd. just north of Lawrence (see map) in an old converted house about 10 steps above the sidewalk.

Living² is a great little store that you'd never know about unless you stumbled upon it on a sunny day while strolling along Avenue Rd., most likely with a Starbucks' latte in hand as I did. Prices range from very affordable (you can buy great gifts for under $20) to higher-end luxury linens – now on sale for 20% off.

Lots of other interesting stuff is currently on sale from 30%-50%.

Have a hidden gem in your neighbourhood? Let Bargainista know.

Technorati tag: Starbucks, Toronto

Pink slip

This month, Nine West is donating 9% of Canadian sales of their "blush" pink Luvmylats ballerina shoes to Rethink Breast Cancer in support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For $90 and you'll get a cute matching pouch, a Schick Quattro razor (it's a pretty good little razor, my current razor de jour) and a pamphlet outlining a new breast self-exam.

Just tell me one thing, why doesn't ninewest.ca have any mention about this promotion on their website, especially when ninewest.com does?

Technorati tags: Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Luvmyflats, Nine West, Rethink Breast Cancer, Schick Quattro

Downtown Joe

A couple of weeks ago I told you about Joe, the cheap chic clothing line at Loblaws Superstores. The line was only available in the 'burbs and one or two locations outside the city core. This week two former Caban stores (St. Clair/Bathurst and Queen's Quay) were converted to Joe stores. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Technorati tag: Loblaws

Seeing (Red)!

Seeing (RED)!? You're not imagining things. Product (RED)! was launched as an international initiative in January by Bono and Bobby Shriver in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Today is the official U.S. launch. By leveraging strong consumer brands and connecting them with Product (RED)!, they are bringing greater attention and money to The Global Fund to help end the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. The campaign is extremely clever and engaging.

Product (RED)! sponsors include:
• Apple
• Giorgio Armani
• The Gap
• Motorola
• American Express; and,
• Converse

MTV is on board as the first U.S. media sponsor.

Watch Bono on Oprah today as they help launch the U.S. campaign and paint the town (RED)! with the help of special guests Penelope Cruz and Kanye West.

Maybe I'm living under a rock but I haven't seen any Product (RED)! in Canada. Strange Eh? Just because Stephen Harper didn't go to the XVI International AIDS conference, doesn't mean we don't want to get involved. This is such a wonderful program. Let's hope the products make their way to the Great White North soon.

UPDATE October 14: The Gap has lauched their Product (RED)! line in Canada.

Get involved! visit the (RED)! website.

Technorati tags: AIDS, Apple, American Express, Bono, Bobby Shriver, Converse, The Gap, Giorgio Armani, Kanye West, Motorola, MTV, Oprah, Penelope Cruz, Product (RED)!, (RED)!, Stephen Harper, The Global Fund, XVI International AIDS conference

Falling down

Have you ever gone shopping and come home with absolutely nothing? I mean nada, zilch, not even a single new lipstick. I need, want some new fall clothes but nothing out there is doing it for me. I'm not even that fussy, I just want something new that's not meant for either a teen or a grandma.

Everything is black, white and grey. You'd think it wouldn't be a problem because I wear those colours the most. Only problem is the styles are awful. Skirt lengths are soooo short, my model-like, tall, slim teenage neighbours don't even wear them! I can't even find a decent pair of pants. I keep on seeing wool shorts but it's too cold outside.

Jeans I can find no problemo. Unfortunately, they won't cut it at the office.

Are you having better luck this season? Let me know and I'll spread the word.

Bundle up!

After this past weekend, I could have sworn summer was just around the corner. I know it sucks but it's that time again. Is it true they are calling for snow up north this Friday? Just in case, Old Navy has a sale on fall and winter outerwear for the whole family. Shop early and save.

Know of any other sales on winter jackets and coats? E-mail me.

For the love of chocolate

I have a sweet tooth and there's nothing I love more than chocolate. I'm not so sure a free caramel Aero bar would be enough to get me to buy a pair of shoes or a purse... but that's exactly what Town Shoes is banking on. They've asked me to pass this coupon along to you. And remember, it's available only while supplies last.

Pink Plaid Cookbook

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32. I was young and I never really understood when people commented about her bravery.

As an adult, I have met many women who are brave. Thanks to greater awareness, early diagnosis, medical research and better treatment, they are here with us today.

One such friend is Laura Ciarello. Laura was only 36 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, with a supportive husband and two beautiful young daughters, she is a survivor. You can read more about her story in the Better Homes and Gardens Special Edition Pink Plaid Cookbook ($26.95). Proceeds from the sale of each book go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Getting in touch with your Roots

This weekend Roots is having a 25% off sale on all regular-priced yoga gear and outerwear. But it gets even better, for those of us who subscribe to their e-mail update list, and/or want to print out the coupon on this post, the sale starts now! Thanks to Bev for the tip.

Lemony fresh

Lululemon knows how to give women what they want (see the Globe and Mail article about their research and development seminars.) Check out their new Heart Beat Bra and Monitor. The bra sells for $185 and apparently the monitor is sold separately but I couldn't find one on Lulu's website.

What do you think of the new bra? Do you think customer participation in product development is the key to their success? Leave a comment or e-mail me.

And it's too late, baby...

I really wanted to share a Gap coupon with you today but this is what I found on their website...

Check out the expiry date. 'Nuff said!

Think Pink!

Holt Renfrew is teaming up with Estée Lauder again this year to raise money and awareness breast cancer research in Canada.

Buy the awesome Limited Edition Holt Renfrew Private Brand cashmere tee for $98. Holt Renfrew will donate 100% of the net proceeds to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (see the Elizabeth Hurley wearing last year's tee in the photo.) What a steal! This year they've designed a turtleneck tee in a different shade of pink. While you're there, look for lots of other "pink" stuff in the cosmetics dept. I'm off to Yorkdale to buy mine today! See you there!

Note: In support of Breast Cancer Awareness month Bargainista will be plugging all kinds of great pink products throughout October. E-mail me with your "pink" finds. A percentage of every purchase you make will help us get one step closer to a cure.