Dear Bargainista – #19 Sample Sales

Dear Bargainista,

Thank you for posting all these wonderful deals! Especially your review about the Kobo – I was curious.

As for the Lida Baday sample sale next Friday, I'm definitely going. I already booked my day off! :)

I fell in love with this blue dress of hers but it's out of my price range, so I'm hoping to find it or something similar at a lower price.

My only concerns are what's the size range and what is the etiquette of a designer sale?

I've been to one sample sale with friends - fcuk - somewhere near Sherway and that was a nightmare. Clothes/shoes/bags/people strewn everywhere. I was not comfortable shopping there at all. Also I don't think I'm a sample size - dress size is an 8, shirts etc. can be a medium with pants 10/12.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

Cheers,

Janice

•••

Dear Janice,

Expect long line-ups especially for the change rooms. My understanding is although there will be items in a variety of sizes, most will be sample size (6, I think).

It's typical for merchandise to be messy and disorganized at sample sales.

As for tips, be open-minded. The chances of finding a specific dress in your size and colour are probably slim but the odds of finding some great additions to your wardrobe at excellent prices are high. Also, wear comfortable shoes and clothing that's easy to change in and out of such as leggings or yoga pants and a black cami or tank top under a lightweight blouse or jacket. Leave the accessories at home.

Please leave a comment on the blog and let us know how it goes.

Happy Shopping!

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us or send a tweet to @Bargainista.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Lida Baday Sample Sale - May 8
  
• Kobo - my first experience with full-size eReader
  

Dear Bargainista #18 - teachers’ gifts

Dear Bargainista has taken on a bit of a different look today because @kristyprima asked her question on Twitter…

“@Bargainista Any good recos for end of school gifts for teachers?”

•••

In 140 characters or less, here’s my answer:

“@kristypryma Although some think they’re impersonal, I prefer gift certificates especially when the class pools together.”

Well, I cheated a bit:
“@kristypryma Yorkdale GCs are quite popular with teachers in our neighbourhood. So are GCs from @lululemon, Indigo and movie passes.”

Teachers, we’d like to hear from you too. Which gifts do you enjoy the most and why?
Parents, what can you add to the list?

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us or send a tweet to @Bargainista.

Dear Bargainista #16 - imported beer

Tracy writes:

I recently returned from Scotland wanting to buy this amazing new beer I tried over there.......only I can't find it anywhere in Canada. Stumbled on your site....any idea if and/or when Molson will start selling Kasteel Cru?

Thanks,
Tracy

•••
Dear Tracy,

I sent your question to the folks at Molson. Adam Moffat, brand PR manager had this to say:

“After careful evaluation, and given our current state, we’ve decided the timing isn’t right to introduce Kasteel Cru to Canada. Instead we’re focusing our efforts on building our home grown Molson brands.”

Sorry, I don’t have better news for you. On the other hand, now you have an excuse for another visit to Scotland. ;)

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Dear Bargainista #16 - baby gifts

Leona from Toronto writes:

One of my oldest and dearest friends had her first baby (a boy) on July 8. She lives in Edmonton. Do you have some ideas for great baby gifts or unique shops here in Toronto where I could get a special gift?

Thanks for your help. Love the blog,
Leona

•••
Dear Leona,

It’s been ages since I had my babies and things have changed a lot since then. Seems every time I turnaround there’s something new. I’ve listed my top three suggestions:

I just learned about this great new baby bath towel called Kangaroo Towel ($39.99). You can wear it while you bathe your baby so you stay dry. When the bath is finished, you can simply pick up the little one and put him in the in the self-contained towel with it’s own hoodie while you dry the baby and then lay him on the change table. Bonus: the Kangaroo Towel comes in it’s own little organza bag perfect for gift-giving. Check for a store near you or your friend (you may be able to save on shipping costs if you order from a store near her).

I learned about the Kangaroo Towel from Parent Tested Parent Approved Media. You may want to check out some of the other great things on this year’s list of winning products.

The Bumbo Seat ($59.99) also makes an incredible gift. It’s a fun little seat for babies as young as 6 weeks old to 14 months. Babies can sit upright while interacting with you and you can have your hands free. There are so few things babies can actually sit up in during the first few months other than I car seat. The makers also claim it helps improve posture. You can pick it up at Mastermind or order it online. Either way, hey’ll wrap it up and add a gift card for you. I’ve had excellent experiences sending gifts from their online store for years.

Another one of my favourites is the Mini-Whozit ($12.99). It also makes a nice add-on. My little guy had one and wouldn’t go anywhere with out it when he was a baby. There’s a whole line Whozit toys at various prices. You can get it at Mastermind and lots of other place where baby toys are sold.

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Dear Bargainista #15 - buying a laptop bag

C. from Montreal writes:

I’m hoping to get over to Queen West to see my old place(s) and go shopping for a laptop bag when I’m in Toronto next week. You’d be appalled (simply appalled!!) that whenever I go out I just shove the thing in an ancient tote bag. I heard Crumpler was good. If you have any inside tips, I’m all ears!!

Take care. Hope all is well there!!
C.

•••
Dear C.,

I bought my first laptop (a macbook) in November and it doesn’t leave the house much. I just got a new laptop bag so I’ll be able to take it with me to events. (Yay!) I cheated though. Kate Trgovac gave me a two laptop bags that she reviewed on Squidoo.

Check out her Squidoo laptop bag lens. It held the number #1 spot on the entire site for quite some time and is still one of the top lenses.

The one I use one most often is from Flicka. It has big pink flowers and the black background. It’s great for conferences because it has a front pocket I can use to hold all the stuff I would otherwise carry in my purse.

I also have another laptop bag (that doubles as a sleeve) from Skooba Design. Check out Kate’s other Squidoo lens about laptop sleeves. Until last weekend, it was a blank canvas. Now it has a wonderful illustration on the front and some other interesting stuff. Stay tuned for an upcoming post with the details.

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Dear Bargainista #14 - locating a dress

Patricia from Montreal writes:

I live in Montreal and I go to Holt Renfrew for shopping. Last week, I saw a white dress with a zipper in the back from Lida Baday. Today, when I went back the dress was sold. I would like to find the same one - size 6 or 8. If you could help me I will be very happy. The saleswoman did not want to call Holts in Toronto to check. Just tell me where I may call to find that dress.

Thank you very much

•••
Dear Patricia,

Bummer! Did the saleswoman at Holt Renfrew explain why she couldn’t call the Toronto locations on your behalf? It doesn’t sound like you received the level of service I would expect from a store like Holts.

I suggest you try calling your local Holt Renfrew store and see if someone will help you. Otherwise, If you really want the dress, you may have to call another Holt Renfrew location yourself.

Alternatively, you may want to contact other stores that carry Lida Baday instead. I know The Bay on Queen St. in Toronto carries higher-end designer fashions including Lida Baday. I also suggest checking eBay since you already know your size - you may even find it for less!

I’d love to know what you decide and whether you end up finding what you want. Please leave a comment and let everyone know.

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Dear Bargainista - #13

Jay from Toronto writes:

I like reading your blog. Do you know where one might find good packs and tents for hiking for a good price?

•••
Dear Jay,
It's been long time since I’ve gone camping but here goes...

Summer is high-season for camping gear so if it’s a deal you're looking for, you’re probably better off waiting until the fall.

You may find different stores are better for specific items.

As for tents and packs, Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is always a safe bet. They only sell to members but it's worth the $5 for a lifetime membership. Their products are pricey but you’ll be paying for value, plus you’ll get a bevy of other membership benefits.

Tent tip: When buying a tent, I suggest going to a store with demos and trying them out. Depending on your size, you may find some tents more comfortable than others. From what I understand, MEC has several floor models you can check out in-store and some tips online.

Camp Connection isn’t known for its packs and tents but it’s a fine place for filling in the gaps and finding the smaller items and other basics you may need for your trip. Last time I checked they were well-stocked with knapsacks, including Obus Forme ones at reasonable prices.

Camper tips: If you’re planning on spending at least $200 there over the course of a year, it’s probably worth splurging $50 for a membership - you’ll save 20% off all purchases! It’s a hopping place in June while parents and kids are busily getting all their gear for overnight camp. I suggest buying a membership in June (or July, if you’re kids don’t go to camp until August) so it extends over two camp seasons.

There are several other camping stores in Toronto. What are your favourite camping stores? Do you have any camping shopping tips? Leave a comment.

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Technorati tags: camping, Camp Connection, MEC, tents

Dear Bargainista - #12

Debra from Toronto writes:

My son’s grade six graduation is coming up. He wants to wear a suit or a sports jacket. He’s growing like crazy so I know he’ll only be able to wear it once or twice. Do you know where I can find a stylish boys’ suit or sports jacket for a reasonable price?

•••

Hi Debra,

Congratulations on your son’s graduation. It sounds like he has good taste! I can barely get my sons to wear anything but t-shirts and shorts this time of year.

The Bay sells basic navy and grey boys’ suits for about $100.

You can find better quality items and more designer labels at Crawford Boys at Lawrence Plaza, Beatties Boys’ & Mens’ Clothing and Le Club both on Eglinton West.

If you don’t mind previously-loved clothing, try Play ’n Wear. It’s a resale store and timing is everything but it’s a good spot for barely worn designer kids’ wear at very reasonable prices. Let me know what you find.

Have a shopping question you’d like to ask? Leave a comment.

Cheers,
Eden

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Technorati tags: The Bay, Crawford Boys, graduation, Lawrence Plaza, Beatties Boys’ & Mens’ Clothing, Le Club Mens Wear, Play ’n Wear

Dear Bargainista - #11

Carla writes...

Hey Bargainista!
It’s getting nice outside, the sun is shining bright! And...I need sunglasses. Big sunglasses have been all the rage and I want a pair too. The problem is, there’s just too many places to get sunglasses and I’m not sure what style to look for. I currently wear prescription glasses, but it’s not too bad. I really want a pair of Marc Jacobs sunglasses because they are so cute. However, I haven’t had any luck finding any. Perhaps I’m looking in all the wrong places. So, will you throw some help over my way?
TYVM in advance!

•••

Dear Carla,
You have great taste. Marc Jacobs is one of the most talented designers on the planet.

I found a variety of online stores for you to choose from and FramesDirect.com even shows which frames work with prescriptions (including the pair pictured on the right).

giarre.com has a large selection of Marc Jacob’s sunglasses and a separate page for just for sale items. Yahoo! offers an easy way for you to do some comparison shopping.

As for the style, it’s always best to buy what suits you. No matter how great the style on it’s own, if it doesn’t suit you don’t bother. There are photos of models wearing several frames from Marc Jacobs’ collection at NeimanMarcus.com. Look at the shape of their faces and the frames they're wearing. It will give you an idea of which ones may best suit your features.

You’ll also need a pair that protects your eyes from harmful rays. Besides style, the other great thing about sunglasses with large frames is how much they protect your face and may help prevent premature aging. Read “Sunglasses - Choose Sunglasses that Look Great and Protect Your Eyes”at About.com for more information.

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Want to weigh in on this issue? Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Technorati tags: about.com, accessories, giarre, Marc Jacobs, Neiman Marcus, sunglasses, Yahoo!

Dear Bargainista - #10

Dear Bargainista,
My lovely wife is thinking of getting an Apple computer. Is this a wise move? Please advise and we will do whatever you say.
Regards, M.S.
•••

Dear M.S.,
Here’s my two cents...
Home computers are a matter of personal preference.

For the last seven years, I have used both Macs and PCs at work. As I wrote in an earlier post, I’ve always owned an Apple computer. I used DOS briefly in 1989 and didn’t touch a PC again until 1999 when I changed jobs and learned to use Microsoft Windows. Today, I use both PCs and Macs at work.

I prefer Macs for multi-media applications. To be honest, I’m not sure of the configurations on my PC but boy that sucker is fast. Like my home computer, at work I use an iMac with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. In my experience, Apple computers are easy to use, easy to set up and intuitive. There’s no shortage of user information available on the Internet.

But don’t take my word for it...

Read Jay Moonah’s insighful post, “The Cult of Apple - why I’m NOT buying a Mac”. PC and Mac owners also had a lot to say in the comment section.

Here’s what another Bargainista reader from Calgary had to say:

“Ah, the iMac Core 2 Duo.

I think Apple has had major manufacturing issues with this model.
They’ve been very, very silent about them, but I know the problems exist.

1. New iMac fails after one week of use. Spontaneously shuts down, turns
on only sporadically, then not at all.

2. Send new iMac (on Applecare, no less!) in for repair.

3. iMac languishes in repair shop for six (count ’em!) weeks while they
wait for a replacement “logic board” (which i take to mean “motherboard”
-- “logic board” is just a fancy, obfuscatory term). Turns out Apple has
a massive backlog of orders for replacement boards. Hmn... I wonder why?

4. I finally get the Mac back -- and something else is broken -- the
ventilator fan is toast; also, the unit was improperly reassembled, so
the DVD drive doesn’t eject discs properly (they get jammed and don't
come out while the eject motor chugs away)

5. I spend an afternoon on the phone with Apple in Austin. After
considerable back and forth (I manage to remain generally polite), I
finally convince them that it is time to replace the whole blooming thing.

6. Defective iMac shipped back, new iMac arrives... only it’s not new.
It's refurbished. It came out of the same facility I sent my toast iMac
to...

Oh man. It leaves much to be desired. Lofty promises from Apple, but
lousy execution. This experience made PCs look good. I will reserve
judgment on the refurbished unit, but I don't know how I'm going to
explain that to my customer...”

Bottom line: Do your research!
• Talk to your friends, family and co-workers - see what they have to say.
• Read as much as you can. There are lots of reviews on the Internet.
• Write a list of everything you want in a computer and buy the one that fulfills your needs
• Check out the technical support service, warranties and any additional costs.

FYI, Apple recently introduced a free consulting service to help customers with their purchasing decisions. (I know, I asked how it differs from speaking with any sales associate. I’m not sure I fully understand but apparently, it is.)

And if you (or your wife) decide to make the switch, consider spending the extra $100 and splurge for Procare. You’ll get assistance migrating your files from your existing computer and up to one lesson a week on anything Apple along with some other services.

Last but not least, whatever you do, let us know what you bought. E-mail me or leave a comment.

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Want to weigh in on this issue? Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Technorati tags: Apple, computers, customer service, electronics, iMac, Intel, Microsoft, Windows

Dear Bargainista - #8

Update: Best Buy Canada Inc. (owner of Best Buy and Future Shop) has announced it's eliminating mail-in rebates and offering more instant rebates instead. Their decision isn't unique, Staples made a similar decision two years ago.

On the eve of another special sale from Future Shop, Peter from Vancouver writes:

Hi Bargainista!
Found your site because I was looking for the rebate conditions on the “Trendnet Wireless-G Router and Wireless-G USB 2.0 Adapter package”. I got the $15 rebate check, but didn't get the $30 one, instead got a letter from Trendnet saying “Purchase was made outside the qualifying period”. I didn’t think so... Made the purchase on Dec. 31, but can’t find proof either way.

Would you happen to have the rebate conditions stored in your archives somehow??

I have a copy of my rebate submissions, but not of the actual conditions. I’d like to get back to them if I AM entitled to the other rebate - which I think I am, but have no proof.

Thanks for looking into this and helping!
Peter
•••

Dear Readers,
I responded to Peter’s inquiry within minutes letting him know I needed some time to investigate. I’m happy to report a couple hours later he sent me the following reply:


Hi Eden,
Thanks for your reply. You’re welcome to publish my email (sorry I said hi instead of dear :-D).

To follow up, I called Future Shop, and they put me through to Trendnet, and they discovered it was a mistake, and a cheque will be on it's way. I’m quite impressed actually how helpful both Futureshop and the Trendnet rebate center were.

Cheers,
Peter

As a footnote to this story, I was pleased to learn this story ended up well for Peter.

It’s always a good idea to keep a copy of any documents you send to manufactures for rebates. That way, if you don’t receive your rebate cheque in the specified time or run into any problems, you’ll have a record you can use when following up.

Have a shopping tip you’d like to share? Leave a comment.

Cheers,
Eden

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Technorati tags: customer service, electronics, Future Shop, rebates, routers, shopping, Trendnet

Dear Bargainista - #9

Connie from Toronto writes:
Hi Bargainista!
I thought you might be able to help us. My husband was quite devoted to the wrinkle-free/iron-free khakis from The Gap, but they no longer make them. Have you found any other easy-care khakis in your travels?

Thank you,
Connie
•••

Hi Connie.
I did some “fishing” and here’s what I came up with to solve your husband’s dilemma:

Tilley Endurables has a whole line of men's wrinkle-free khakis and other pants.

Orvis is an established American company who sells wrinkle-free chinos.

Turns out Lee jeans also makes a pair. They’re sold on Amazon.com.

Finally, just in case the above aren’t suitable, the ever-dependable Dockers also has their own version of sold on Pricegrabber.com.

Hope this helps. Let me know what you find.

Happy shopping,
Mich (from Chicago)

Have a shopping question you’d like to ask? Leave a comment.

Cheers,
Eden

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Technorati tags: chinos, clothing, khakis, shopping

Dear Bargainista - #7

Mish from Toronto writes:
I want to get a HOT bar set...something that I can have for a really really long time with a classic look?

I like the stuff at William Ashley and will probably go there, but if you have any other suggestions, that would be great.
•••

Hi Mish,

You’ve got great taste. I’d definitely check out William Ashley.

Mich (my fashionista sis) has the following suggestion: “To me, a good vintage set is best. It has more character and unique qualities.”

She’s amazing at scoring finds at antique shows and sales. Her last find was an old chair she had remodeled. It’s amazing and cost a fraction of the price of what she would have paid for a new chair of the same quality and style.

You should also check out The Main Course on Avenue Rd. (map). If you’re looking at mix ’n match, they have a bargain basement. Sometimes you can find entire sets and other times odd pieces or partial sets at great prices.

Try it out and let me know what you think. Leave a comment.

Cheers,
Eden

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Technorati tags: bar sets, glassware, shopping, The Main Course, William Ashley

Dear Bargainista - #5

Adam from Toronto writes:
Where can I buy andouille sausage in Toronto (it's smoked sausage typically used in gumbo recipes)?

Take care,
Adam
•••
Hi Adam,

Yes, andouille sausages are very hard to find in this city, but there are a few places that offer them.

1. Cajun Corner - Leslieville (map)
They are frozen but are not that bad. It is also a great place to get other stuff for gumbo recipes.

2. Healthy Butcher - Queen West West (map)
Very expensive but worth every cent. Call before going though because it is not a staple.

3. St. Lawrence Market - South Market (map)
Probably the cheapest and most reliable. They have several other varieties of sausages there too.

I know that Thuet serves them in a few dishes in his restaurant. It may be worth calling him (416.603.2777) and seeing where he does his shopping...however, it also wouldn't surprise me if he made them himself ;)

Let me know which ones work best for you. Leave a comment.

Cheers,
Mish

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Techorati tags: andouille, cajun cooking, food, St. Lawrence Market, Thuet

Dear Bargainista - #4

Conde Nast writes:
As you recommended, I went to Holt Renfrew to check out their sale.

The bad news – I went this past Sunday but it was too late. There were no Boss suits left except for one. And let's just say if it was the 70's I would have bought it in a heart beat.

The good news – There was indeed an additional 20% off so I managed to pickup a couple of great dress shirts and ties. Regular retail price for all my stuff was $860 (plus taxes) and I paid $307 (all-inclusive). So a pretty decent afternoon for your truly.

I'd also suggest for those shoppers who have kids that go to Holt Renfrew on Bloor, go the science/exploratory toy store on the – 1 level so you can pickup something for your kids. We did that and our 3 year old was happily occupied while we shopped.

Regards,

Conde Nast

•••

Dear Conde Nast,

Thank you so much for sharing your shopping news. Enjoy your new shirts and ties.

Eden

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Techorati tags: Holt Renfrew, Hugo Boss, menswear, sales, shopping

Dear Bargainista - #3

J from Chicago writes:

Dear Bargainista,

I need your help. I was invited to a night time party for a casual Bar Mitzvah and I don’t know what to wear.

•••

Dear J from Chicago,

I think a great pair of wide-leg dress pants with a flowing silk top and a fitted blazer would do the trick.

Let us know what you decide. Leave a comment or send an e-mail.

Mich (also from Chicago)

Techorati tags: Bar Mitzvah, evening wear, special occasions

Dear Bargainista - #2

Conde Nast (Need a Suit Today) writes:
Dear Bargainista,

I love Hugo Boss suits but not the price tag.

So going to Harry Rosen or Holt Renfrew's regular retail stores is not an option unless I don't feed my family for a month....

The only affordable place I know of to get Hugo Boss suits is their Factory Store. Good news is that suits are very cheap there (comparatively speaking).

The bad news is that it's located in Windsor, Ontario. Any suggestions or sales in the Toronto area you can suggest?

•••

Dear Conde Nast,

Today's your lucky day!

Holts just stepped up their sale today (up t0 70% off, see exclusions). Men's suits including Hugo Boss start at $400 and up - I called and checked. geekgirl thinks the sale lasts 'til the end of January.

Harry Rosen has men's suits starting at $599. Currently, there's an extra 25% off men's casual wear and leathers in addition to the current markdowns offered at up to 50% off.

Let me know what you find. Leave a comment.

Eden
Techorati tags: Harry Rosen, Holt Renfrew, Hugo Boss, menswear, sales, shopping

Dear Bargainista - #1

In the first of our Dear Bargainista series, Glen writes:

Dear Bargainista,

We have a gift certificate for Oliver Bonacini group of restaurants. Being vegetarian and travelling by TTC, which restaurant should we go to for something special?

• Canoe (heard it's mostly just the view)?
• Auberge du Pommier (they have horse on the menu - gross!)?
• Biff's (name is stupid - sounds like a sports bar)?
• Jump (went there 3 years ago, was okay).

Which place has the best deserts?

•••

Dear Glen,

For a great night out - I would choose between Canoe or Auberge. Both are on the subway line, have fantastic service, a provide a nice atmosphere for either a dinner with friends or a lovely night with the significant other.

As both are quite high-end, both would definitely have vegetarian options. Most T-dot 5 star restaurants also offer vegetarian and vegan tasting menus. You do have your choice on informing the host when you make the reservation, which may be a good idea as it will provide the chefs with a head's up, but it really is not necessary - after all, there is a growing number of vegetarians in the city.

Hope this helps. Please do tell me which one you go to. Both of these restaurants are on my top 10 favs in the city.

As far as desserts - both have great options. Auberge has a great bitter chocolate dessie that is oh-so-decadent. Simply divine.

mish

Techorati tags: gift certificates, restaurants, Toronto

Dear Bargainista needs you!

Friends have started asking me their shopping and fashion questions. I got to thinking, you might have some of the same questions. Why don't we all share with a new feature called Dear Bargainista?

Here's the scoop...

Three wonderful and wise women will answer your questions:
• Mich, the fashionista, who lives in Chicago and regularly shops on both sides of the border;
• Laura, the fashionista from Montreal, providing the teen perspective;
• Mish, the foodie/restaurant critic, from Toronto; and,
sometimes, I may even jump in with my 2¢. :)

So, whadda ya waitin' for? E-mail us your questions now. (Let us know if we can use your name). Stay tuned.

Technorati tags: fashion, food, shopping