Escape the Mall Challenge (for charity) – part 6: BFF

So, if you’ve been following along, you’ll know I was given a nice chunk of change ($1,000) from PayPal. My task, go shopping for five family members and friends, spend $500 online using PayPal and $500 at the mall buying comparable gifts.

Here’s the run down of gifts for your BFF:

Online
What: Maddie Scarf & Betty Mitts (sale priced at $41.30)
Where: Preloved for eBay
Cost: $46.67 ($41.39 Maddie Scarf & Betty Mitts + taxes, free shipping)

In Store
What: Scarf and Mitts set; Scarf and Hat set, Leather gloves, socks ($88)
Where: Smart Set, Yorkdale
Cost: $57.07 ($88 Scarf and Mitts set; Scarf and Hat set, Leather gloves, socks – buy one, get on 50% off – 20% off total for purchases over $70 + tax)

Outcome
I happened to tune in to BT on Friday morning just as they were having a segment about holiday shopping on eBay. I learned preloved had partnered with them over the holidays and saw an awesome wool scarf and mittens set. Wow! What a time saver. There’s no way I had time to shop at Queen West but I could spend a few minutes on eBay with a fully-loaded PayPal account and support a local designer/retailer at the same time. I’m seriously considering ordering a set for myself. Although this was the first item I ordered, it was the second last one to arrive but it was the only one to come in a canvas shopping bag.

So, I guess the fair thing to do would have been to look for a scarf a mitts set of comparable quality at the mall. However, since I knew these purchases would be going to people in need and Smart Set was offering deep discounts on winter accessories, I decided to go there instead of somewhere like Banana Republic or Aritzia. For $10 more than I spent online, I got more than twice the amount of stuff and that will be able to keep more young women warm and stylish this winter.

Donated to: Red Door Family Shelter, Dec. 22

Related articles

• Escape the Mall Challenge (for charity) - part 1
  
• Escape the Mall Challenge (for charity) - part 2
  
• Escape the Mall Challenge (for charity) - part 3: dad and teen
• Escape the Mall Challenge (for charity) - part 4: young girl
  
• Escape the Mall Challenge (for charity) - part 5: grandma

My first impressions of Smart Set

You may remember I was contacted by Smart Set via their PR agency to participate in a program. In return, I got a mini-wardrobe consultation and a $75 gift certificate.

Instead of buying the suggested outfit, I bought a pair of casual cargo shorts for $26.99 (I’ve been living in them ever since). They were on sale from $35 and a week later, they were back up at regular price. I also picked up another pair of shorts for $9.99 but I didn’t love them so I took them back. Fortunately, Smart Set has a no-hassle return policy.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on the chain and noticed they have different specials every week. For instance, they’ve introduced lululemon knock-off yoga pants and co-ordinating jackets this week for an unbeatable price – any two pieces for only $50! (A set usually sells for $70.) I’m tempted to use the remainder of my gift certificate before they’re gone.

I also found a decent selection of jeans at very low prices. I think I’ve seen them on sale for under $30!

My friend Connie told me they’ve also started offering reusable bags and last week they were free with a minimum purchase of $40 or $50.

Bottom line:
I was pleasantly surprised to see so many women customers. I expected to find only teens. Staff was friendly, clothes seem to fit nicely and prices are very affordable. I probably won’t buy my work clothes at Smart Set because I find them a bit too junior and I prefer better quality. However, when it comes to basics and weekend wear, I’ll definitely pay Smart Set a visit.

Smart Set’s fashion & sourcing director gives me a wardrobe suggestion

A while ago, I was asked to participate in a project for Smart Set. They wanted me to help them launch their new brand and fashionatplay.ca – “a site demonstrating one of the key principles of the brand – that Smart Set is a place where fashion lovers can mix, match and accessorize ’til their heart’s content”.

For participating, they’d send me a $75 Smart Set gift card. To be honest, I hadn’t stepped into a Smart Set since I was about 14 but I’m open-minded and accepted the offer. Besides, I’d be nuts to turn down free clothes and $75 goes a long way at Smart Set.

My assignment: send in a photo of a clothing item in my wardrobe that defines me. In addition to the gift card, Smart Set’s Fashion & Sourcing Director, Lindy Omassi would put together an outfit just for me.

No brainer – I sent in a photo of my new black pants.

Lindy suggested the following:
• Belted striped blazer - $50
• Wood necklace - $16

I breezed through the store one day and saw the blazer on display. It was cute but not sure it’s what I’m going to by with my $75. What do you think?

I think I may hold out for a bit. You see, I need new jeans and Smart Set has partnered with Parasuco for a new line they’re introducing this summer. I also really like the purple top they’ve partnered with black pants on fashionatplay.ca. I’ll be sure to let you know what I buy with my gift card. Stay tuned.

Check out Smart Set’s Facebook fan page and/or download the Fashion Cube application, just make sure to have your photo ready if you wanna play.