Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Who's that Girl?


I almost couldn't believe my eyes! Yes, that's Mary Kate Olsen in case you're still in shock.

This came quite unexpectedly. I think the Olsen twins are cute...but MK's fashion sense is a bit too...eccentric for me at times. She looks clean and polished here...kinda like her sister Ashley though.

Still a nice outfit nonetheless. I think the twins tend to dress a bit old for their age sometimes though...it's not a bad thing, but I sometimes wonder what they look like in a regular 20 year old outfit of jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt? (more directed to MK...I think I've seen Ashley do casual.)

At the same time, it already feels awkward to me that she's dressed like this. Maybe I miss her ripped leggings already?_?

photo: perezhilton.com

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Sephora online: up to 75% off!


I'm not sure how long this sale has been going on...but this is probably your last chance to pick up seriously cheap goodies online at Sephora.

The Sephora brand Piiiink My Party Kiiit is only going for $10USD right now! Pretty good deal I say!
$1 goodies include eyeshadow, eye dew, and a french manicure set (All Sephora brand).

Beauty snobs who prefer something with an actual 'brand' or just good quality may want to pick up the Nars lip palette in Hot Sauce, down to $30 from $55. The palette includes 6 lip shades in reds and pinks (and a dark grape). Check out more products here

As usual, free shipping with $75 USD or more and $120+ for Canadians. It's not too hard to fill that requirement if you buy non-sale items. So take advantage of the deal if you're shopping online already. From what I know, the stores don't have sales often, and if they do, stock is usually very limited.

P.S. Don't forget to choose 3 FREE samples when you checkout!

Spa Week For Everyone: April 16-22

I haven't blogged in too long. Not such a good way to start off my blog...but school's been busy and I haven't been out much.

Anyways...back to topic. I realize my posts have been more beauty related and localized to Canadians. Well, this one is for the Americans as well...but still beauty related.

The spa week event is where Americans (and Torontonians) get to try out a spa treatment for only $50 as opposed to $100-$200+. Go to the spa week site. for details. Sign up, and you'll get to view which spas in your area are part of the event. I guess you call to book and get to spa for $50 if you ask them about spa week.

I personally have never joined this event before.. but if anyone is into facials, massages and stuff..I guess this is a way to get your usual for a low price. It's also a good ways for those who want to try a new spa place before shelling out hundreds of dollars.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Make Up Do's and Don'ts Event = Free Clinique Blush @ Sears March 17-30, 2007

Receive a free 5 month supply trial size blushing blush powder blush in your choice of 2 shades (aglow-shimmery peach; or ___aglow which is a shimmery pink..sorry forgot the name, and it's not on the site) with a makeup consultation at any Sears store. (the pic is a regular sized one)

Anyways, if you have anything you want to buy from Clinique...wait one more month if you can because the next GWP at Sears is April 20th...and I heard it's a good one :)

Check out the Aglow shade at the Clinique website

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Decisions, Decisions...Damier or Monogram Canvas?

*edit* pic is up :)

I haven't been blogging much lately...too bombarded by midterms @__@ which means no time for shopping/entertainment.

I did manage to purchase my first 'large' sized designer bag last Friday. Since I'm on a budget...I had to keep it under $1000 and I wanted something classic...something that I can wear for years to come (cos I'm frugal like that).

In the end, I got the Louis Vuitton Damier Speedy 30. Every fashionista has to own a piece of Louis Vuitton right? All the Miu Miu leather bags I wanted, classic Chanel bags were $1000 +.

Hrmm...but now I'm still debating...should I have gotten the monogram instead? (even thought i'm not big on monogrammed goods...). I know the damier is actually the first, older design..but it makes me look kinda....'mature'. I'm not a career woman just yet.

*sigh* I still love it though. What to do? Any suggestions?

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Starbucks Coffee Break ( a.k.a. Free Coffee): March 15

Just saw this in my email today...and it's totally relevant to my previous food freebie post.

The picture says it all.

"Enjoy a 12 fl oz. cup of premium drip coffee on us..."

March 15, 2007
10 am-Noon.

I think I'll be checking it out (if the lines aren't too bad). I have at least 3 Starbucks that are within 5 minutes away from each other anyways. Muahahaha XD

I wonder if you can get tea? Starbucks coffee is too strong for my liking. Anyone know?

Gotta Love Free Food

Free cosmetics are always nice...but equally nice is free food (to me at least...i loveeeee to eat)! The great thing about downtown (besides shopping, food, entertainment, people watching...etc.) is that companies always do promotions and give away freebies for you to remember them. I've gotten countless coupons, 'VIP' discount cards and pens in past years, but this year...or school year rather, I realized I've been getting lots of free snacks. Take today for example, I received the cute banana candies at St. George station from some Telus promoters (the monkey gives it aways anyways). I also got a small pack of fresh popcorn at Union Station today. I was definitely satiated! A month or two ago, I remember getting free Reese's Peanut Butter Cups at Union Station again...we're talking full size here!
The best part? These kinda freebies waste no time at all (unlike cosmetics where you have to get a consultation/makeover and then possibly purchase something and end up spending more). Now THIS is a real freebie!

Sunday, March 11, 2007

My Bargain Buys: Marc by Marc Jacobs Cotton Ball Print Cami


I picked up this adorable MJ camisole at Holt Renfrew Last Call for an additional 90% off the already reduced price! I forgot the final price, but thank goodness for the reduction from $325...which is absolutely ridiculous for a cotton camisole that was made in Sri Lanka.
I couldn't figure out the straps for the longest time...but if you can see in the last pic, I somehow made it into criss cross straps after playing around with it.
I bought this awhile ago, so you probably won't be able to find it anymore, but Holt's last call store is always overstocked with clothing, shoes, lingerie and accessories from past seasons at heavily discounted prices. Actually, most of the time I find the stock there hideous. It's messy, some clothes are old and damaged.....I almost gave up shopping there because 85% of the time, I never find anything. Even Winners is neat compared to it! Fortunately, the past few times I went, I was able to pick up something, so don't give up! Like vintage shops, last call is always hit-or-miss. If you have time, scrounge around and maybe you'll find some good quality items at ridiculous prices! At least you'll have the confidence that Holt's won't be selling you inauthentic goods!


Locations:
Toronto
1 Bass Pro Mills Drive
Vaughan, ON L4K 5W4
(905) 886-7444


Winnipeg
393 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6
(204) 942-7321

Friday, March 9, 2007

Cosmetic Sets: Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

Ever since I hit university, I started to have an interest in quality skincare and makeup. With Sephoras popping up in Toronto, and the expansion of the beauty counters at SDM and Holt's, trying products other than Maybelline or Cover Girl seemed inevitable.
With my growing preference for quality products but being on a student budget, gift sets are the ideal way to purchase normally 'expensive' products for a fraction of the price. Gift sets often feature popular products as well, so you're bound to find a few items you'll like. If the item simply doesn't suit you, you can give it away as a gift or stocking stuffer like I do. It looks great without spending a lot. It's also a great way to try out different products before you pay full retail price for them.
My Recommendations:
1) Smashbox All Access VIP: it's a great deal for $69 CAD. It's a perfect set for someone starting to use makeup.
2) I got the Cargo 10th anniversay set for $49 CAD and it contains 5 full sized products, all of which are best sellers.
3)The Caudalie VinoGo Weekend set is priced at $32 USD, but it's also $32 CAD! I love Caudalie products, especially the foaming cleanser.
4) Stila On The Go Set: $41 CAD with the lovely and highly pigmented shadow quad, lip glaze in honeydew and full size convertible colour in the best colour (IMO) Lillium ( it's not on the sephora site anymore...not sure if it's sold out).

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Exercise without Exercising

I used to be quite athletic.....back in elementary school that is. I was on the relay team, track and field team, and I loved hockey. I even got good grades in Phys.Ed! Unfortunately, halfway through high school marked the end of my 'regular' fitness regime.

I wouldn't say that I HATE exercising....but I'm just not doing it very regularly anymore. I bought some Windsor Pilates DVDs..but that got boring real quick. I have a treadmill and bike at home, but it's really there just for show. Let's just say...I don't like exercising in a confined space (i.e. gym, at home).

Then I read 'French Women Don't Get Fat' and it inspired me. Guiliano says that the French also don't enjoy working out in the gym, so how do the ladies stay so slim? Surely, besides eating well, some type of physical movement is necessary. Well, the French simply WALK. Being outdoors, people watching and sniffing the flowers makes the environment much more interesting than seeing a group of people, clad in spandex, sweating on the treadmill.

Ok, so maybe walking won't exactly let you lose those 10 lbs. in a week, but if you're like me, simply wanting to stay fit for health purposes (and less for trying to lose weight), walking works. I try to walk to school now instead of taking transit, and it doesn't feel like I'm 'exercising', yet I feel so good knowing that I walked for 30 minutes and I feel even better when I break out in sweat. Guiliano even suggests that you can try finding different routes to reach your destination (to make things more interesting). I think that's a fabulous idea, just imagine what you might be able to discover by taking new routes!

If you don't like to go to the 'gym' like me but want to stay fit, try walking. You'll be surprised at the physical and mental gratification you can get. Besides, who knows what goodies or deals you may end up finding while 'exercising'?

Pic credit: http://www.mireilleguiliano.com/index.htm

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Lou Lou Readers Get Free Makeup from Holt Renfrew!

I just received my Lou Lou magazine and saw this fantastic freebie!
Receive a complimentary make up lesson and personalized face chart at any Holt Renfrew Bobbi Brown counter and the first 25 readers at each counter will receive a sample of blush in pale pink.

The first 25 readers at each Prescriptives counter in Canada will receive a sample of Magic Illuminating Potion, a foundation primer.

Offer valid from March 2-29, while quantities last. The original coupon on p.158 of Lou Lou magazine must be presented to receive the offer.

I don't know if I'll have time to check it out, but it's a fantastic freebie for those who can go. It's worth it to just buy the magazine to get the freebie (if you're sure you'll be one of the 25 people who reach the counter). Check out the Lou Lou site for more details.

Monday, March 5, 2007

DC Samples Sale: March 9-10

Whoo...lots of posts today since my internet was down on Sunday.
Anyways, the DC sale will be held at Holiday Inn (370 King St. W) this year. I've been to DC sale about twice or so...the lines get longer each year. I'll be passing on this one though. Just posting it here for those interested.

Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch: March 25, 2007

The poster says it all. I'm excited to take part in the TFBB this month. The lovely Anita from I want-I got kindly invited me while I was "promoting" my blog (lol). I don't personally know anyone going to this event, but that makes me more excited about it. I'm actually a shy girl (no, really)... so Toronto readers and bloggers out there, come brave it with me and join this event. I think it'll be great to make new friends and see fellow bloggers and readers in person. Besides, isn't brunch at the uber-cool Drake hotel already a good enough reason to join?

More details from Adrian at http://fashionverbatim.blogspot.com/

Online Discount Cosmetics Store: Bombshell Bargains

For all you bargain beauties out there, it's time to check out Bombshell Bargains, if you haven't already done so. Get all the goods from brands like Clinique, Lancome, Too Faced, MAC, Chanel etc. for a fraction of the retail price. The clearance section offers buy 1 get 1 free offers, and prices start as low as $4.99! Did I mention that the prices are in Canadian dollars? Shipping is $10 flat rate for Canada and the U.S. and $15 International. Us, Canadian girls can even save on duties! If you purchase over $75, you get free shipping. The company is proudly Canadian, and items are shipped from Vancouver. Check out the home page for special offers that change every now and then. The current special offer I like is that you can get a free Lancome Le Stylo eyeliner with any Lancome mascara purchase. I personally haven't ordered from them yet even though I found out about this site awhile ago (I'm on a make-up shopping break). Share your experience if you've purchased from them before :)

Saturday, March 3, 2007

Lancome Women's Week Gift with Purchase@ Sears


From March 3-9, pick up the gift shown above (Renergie Microlift, Definicils Mascara-Black, Le Rouge Absolu SPF 15, and a mini Tresor EDP) with any Lancome product purchase. It's a great deal without having to spend a minimum amount (which is usually $33). So go ahead and pick up that artliner or juicy tube and enjoy these freebies! One per customer, while quantities last.

Urban Outfitters Sale Slashed to Additional 75% Off

This might be old news to some, but the Canadian UO stores are having an additional 75% off all sale items. The stock is mediocre but they do add new stock to the sale racks. Most of the good stuff is probably gone from the previous additional 50% off sale, but this is a good time to stock up on basics such as tees, tank tops, leggings and jeans. I bought 2 tops, one for $7.50 and the other for $11.50. I heard that there were Miss Sixty jeans for $39.99, Keds and Converse shoes for $10 (not in the Toronto location). Most small sizes are gone, but there are still some medium-larger sizes left. Call your local UO in advance to see if they are having the sale in your area though before you run out the door.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

DEAL ALERT: BCBG MAX AZRIA RIDING BOOTS



So, I was shopping at the Eaton Centre yesterday after school and dropped in at the BCBG store. Seeing sale signs from 20%-70% off...what do I do? Head for the 70% off section of course! I bought a pair of BCBG Max Azria wedge sandles last summer and they were the most comfortable 4-5 inch shoes I've ever worn. Keep in mind that I'm NOT a heels girl because I like to be comfortable..and heels just aren't very practical when you have to walk a lot like me. These leather riding boots aren't heels but they are def cute. They retail for over $500 in Canada and $395 in the U.S. It comes in black leather, green tea (brown/taupe) leather and mahogany croc. The catch? These are now 70% off and selling for $151 in stores! Too bad I couldn't zip them up (my calves are a bit big) or else I would've snatched them up.

Check out Zappos if you're in the U.S. or visit the BCBG Fall 2006 site to see the other colours.

picture credit: Zappos.com