My friend made it into Holts' window

This post is long, long overdue. At the end of June, Holt Renfrew unveiled a new series of windows as a tribute to some of the best fashion bloggers in the whole wide world.

I knew about the Holt’s windows and the shout out to bloggers for a while and I owe a huge apology to my friend Anita Clarke of I want – I got for not posting this sooner. In fact, I probably took one of the first photos of Anita’s window before it was revealed. Anita invited me to her “reveal” party the night of the unveiling and unfortunately, I wasn’t able to join in the celebration.

Why should you care?
A tribute to bloggers demonstrates Holt’s awareness of the importance of influential blogs, customer reviews and word of mouth (online and off) for sharing knowledge about fashion, what’s hot, what’s not and where to buy. They didn’t stop at the windows, they’re also having a contest where you can vote for your favourite blog correspondents on Facebook using a touchscreen computer outside their Bloor St. store or your own devices.

Here’s a list of the other incredible fashion bloggers who made the cut:
• Scott Schuman
• Bryanboy
• Tommy Ton
• Jane Aldridge
• Garance Doré

Why should I care?
Well, way back in the fall of 2006, shortly after I started blogging, I got an email from Anita. We had never met in person. Outside of some PR and marketing folks who I had met briefly at two-part AIMS events and my friend Glen, I really didn’t know any bloggers. I certainly didn’t know any who were blogging about fashion or shopping.

Anita invited me to join her and a small group of friends who were heavily engaged in the local and international fashion blogging seeing. She invited to me to join them for an upcoming Toronto Fashion Bloggers’ Brunch, a group founded by the ever-so-talented Danielle Meder from final fashion. I haven’t looked back since. We’ve all remained friends and I owe it to Anita and Danielle for welcoming me into their community.

So to those of you who think us bloggers are a bunch of computer nerds hanging out in our basements, think again. ;-)

Related articles by Zemanta

• Scott Schuman: Street smarts (nationalpost.com)
• Holt Renfrew Reveals Fashion Blogger Windows (newswire.ca)

Marc by Marc Jacobs catches my eye

I’ve been whining about my sunglasses for at least the past year. I wanted a change but hadn’t found the right pair: something fashionable, yet not equal to half a mortgage payment; something that suits my face, yet fits the bridge of my nose… you get the picture.

Not that I always want the newest, shiniest pair I can find but the ones I’ve been wearing for the past several years were getting tired looking and the lose arm just kept getting looser no matter how much I fixed it. Check out the picture my friend Alexa Clark took of me wearing my at the post-BookCamp get together below and you’ll see what I mean.

So, last week, with a bit of cash in hand from a birthday gift, I walked in Holt’s on Bloor and headed straight for the sunglass display. Presto, within five minutes I found the perfect pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs – oversized by not exaggerated. As my husband said, “Big, but not too big”. As Goldilocks would say, “They’re just right.”

When I got home that night I wondered why after looking for a new pair for so long, I was able to find the right pair within minutes. Was the selection that different? Was it my frame of mind?

Hmm, I thought some more. Then it occurred to me. It’s the way Holt’s merchandises their sunglasses that made the difference. Hundreds of pairs were on the wall. How was I able to sort through them so quickly? I’m convinced it had to do with the airy feel and the room between each pair along with more than lighting. Perhaps not so eco-friendly but definitely customer-focused.

What about you? Have any examples of smart merchandising to share? Oh yeah, and what do you think of my new shades?

photo credits
top photo: Mr. B
bottom photo: Eden, Lex, Gerry & Sue by lexnger on flickr

Toronto’s plastic bag tax starts tomorrow

Starting tomorrow stores in Toronto will have to start charging customers a $0.05/plastic bag tax, in accordance with a new city by-law.

Over the past year or so, I’ve been bringing shopping bags with me most of the time I go grocery shopping. I’ve also been making a special effort to take shopping bags to the mall or outdoor shopping districts. Sometimes it’s tough to anticipate just how many bags I’ll need in advance and what size is most appropriate.

Fortunately, I’ve been building up quite a collection. Seems like almost every retailer has a branded reusable bag for sale these days. Not to mention some help thanks to my sister and Mr. B. They’ve been buying me classic shopping bags during their travels.

I’m still drooling over an amazing reversible printed cloth bag I saw at Holts today but the $400+ price tag was way out of my range. And no, it wasn’t one among the sale items, which now are 40% off though June 18.

What’s your favourite shopping bag and what do you think of the new tax?

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.

Spending Saturday at Vaughan Mills

I don’t know why our family started a ritual of going to Vaughan Mills at the end of December but we did. In the beginning, we focused on three places: Build-A-Bear, NASCAR SpeedPark and Eggspectation.

Vaughan Mills is a haven for outlets but we weren’t there for the bargains.

2007 was no exception. First, we ate lunch at the food court and then went bowling at Lucky Strike Lanes. What a blast! This state-of-the-art bowling alley isn’t your typical bowling joint. It’s upscale and spotless. Had we planned better, we would have eaten lunch there too.

If I’d had my way, I’d have spent more time at Holt Renfrew Last Call. They always have great stuff, sometimes even at affordable prices. I need new jeans and there was a 7 For All Mankind promo for $59, plus racks of other designer denim for under $100! But I did a dumb thing: Instead of trying on jeans when I got to the mall, I waited until we were about to leave. The line-up for the change rooms was huge and I didn’t have the patience to wait. Even Bargainista can pass up a good deal!

Next visit, my guys can go bowling or to NASCAR and I’ll go shopping.