Loving....

Ah, Drew Barrymore. Annoying lisp? yes. A little too "free-spirited"? A lil' bit. Totally fabulous? I think so!

Paying homage to old Hollywood glamour, Drew Barrymore worked a figure-hugging Alberta Ferretti gown for the premiere of HBO flick, Grey Gardens. I love Drew's flapper look replete with cute wave, netted fascinator and of course those gorgeous red lips. I am all about this girl's style right now!

E

The End of an Era

After a good, almost 2 year run, My dear partner Suzanne and I have decided to part ways. While I stay on with Gift Shop Girls and this blog, Suzanne has set up shop as a solo Image Consultant, and My competition:) you can visit her fab new site at Your Shop Girl.

Look for big changes in the next few months, when I finally get my army of "free spirited" (re: flaky) web guys to finally complete the New Gift Shop Girls site, which will include a name change down the road.

Cheers to Suzanne and her new venture!

E

Date Night

Ah, Spring. Rebirth, renewal….romance! This time of year, many of us find ourselves immersed in the dating scene, whether it be with new loves, or old flames. It’s fun and exciting right? But we have one question: what is the perfect date outfit?

For some of us, it’s a jeans and a t-shirt, for some lucky few it’s a ball gown. But for those of us who feel unsure, there are a few easy rules to follow:

1. Don’t wear something you have never worn before. It’s a good rule to wear something you feel comfortable in, has proven it’s reliable, and you know looks good.

2. Be yourself. Let your outfit be a refection of your personal style. if you put on an outfit that feels like a costume, it will be difficult to take your mind off of your appearance and focus on your date.

3. Show off your best feature. Great legs? Show ‘em off. Sexy cleavage? A lower neckline will surely impress. Got both? Luck you!...but only pick one asset to flaunt, too much flesh is certainly overkill.

4. Layers. Spring weather can still be a little hard to predict. Be sure to bring a quick and easy cover-up to throw over yourself if the temperature dips (see the trench post below for inspiration). A blazer is a sexy alternative with casual jeans, or try it over a dress with a funky belt.

5. Have fun with it! Walk out the door feeling sexy and confident. If your outfit requires a lot of maintenance (i.e.: fidgeting, hiking up, adjusting.. )ditch it and try an alternative. The goal after all is to look good, have fun, and show off your killer style!

Now go out there and get lucky! ….Because you’re worth it

Erin

April Showers Bring May Flowers....

Hi Everyone! Forgive me, it's been a while since my last post. A special note from the lovely Miss Becca over at Femme Next Door kicked me in the butt, and reminded me to post!

It's been a particularly dreary week here in our fair city, and that got me thinking trench coats.

There is no doubt that a well fitting trench is one of the most classic wardrobe staples of all time, as well as a must-have for any woman who lives anywhere where there is the slightest hint of precipitation.

The perfect trench for you makes you look and feel sophisticated, put together, and smart. If you find the classic camel/beige shade to be a bit dull for you, try one in an eye-popping shade of fuchsia, green or red, or find one in an interesting pattern that reflects your personal style.


When summer finally rolls around and drives our blues away, pop that sexy trench in the closet, and forget about it until the Fall. Your perfect trench should do double duty for you in the autumn months.

Right now I am loving the modern takes on the classic trench done by such labels as Club Monaco, Pink Tartan, and Soia and Kyo. All Canadian, EH!

Happy Trench Hunting:)
Erin

Get a Little Support With Tryst Lingerie

We all love to put our best foot forward, and looking polished and put together is key to a positive Image. Often times, our best accessory is the one that no one can see at all.
When Personal Shopping, we always put a lot of emphasis on the importance of smooth, proper fitting undergarments. Unfortunately for most of us women, we are wearing the wrong bra size, and many of us don’t even know it.
Tryst Lingerie Toronto has bra fitting down to a science. Discreet and low key, you can walk in feeling dowdy and leave feeling liberated. The staff is incredibly well trained, and since boobs are their business, there is no need to feel awkward and exposed:)
Carrying top notch brands like Fantasie, Freya, Chantelle, Paige and more, they are brimming with beautiful undergarments for all shapes of women. A J cup? No problem! Tryst has you covered. They are also knowledgeable and sensitive to personal issues, such as with clients who have undergone mastectomy procedures.
Tryst goes above and beyond to make us feel like the beautiful goddesses we are, and the price tag doesn’t leave you feeling guilty either.
Tryst Lingerie, 2 locations- 465 Eglinton Ave West Tel: (416) 484-6678 and 559 Queen Street West
Tel: (647) 430-0994

I'm Loving....

Spring is around the corner, and my closet is eagerly anticipating some fresh new additions. First on my list? Some pieces from Lorick New York. The shapes and colour palettes of the Lorick spring 2009 collection really jumped out at me. The earthy tones, clean lines and feminine silhouettes are simply divine. Even us Canadian girls can get in on the action, Lorick can be found at Revolve Clothing.

Made In Canada

In my never ending search for online shopping that caters to Canadians, I came across Mudshark Streetwear. Proudly Canadian, Mudshark features a really healthy range of home grown designers like the Eco-friendly Flora and Fauna, Dace, and my personal fav Anastasia Lomonova. Prices are in Canadian dollars, and shipping won't break the bank. I think I might be doing some online shopping today...

xoxo E

Using Image Consulting to help you save money

Most people associate Image Consulting and Styling with celebrities or politicians, but in reality their services make more sense for everyday people. The initial investment is small compared to the amount of money saved in the end. While most people would rather prefer quantity over quality, Image Consulting helps you save money by helping you build your wardrobe starting with the basics. In our society clothing has become extremely disposable.

Items that just months ago were “hot” are now “not”. While trends are a vital part of fashion, they are not at the core. You cannot bake a cake without the flour and sugar, trends are just the icing on the cake.

Image Consulting allows an outside and professional opinion that makes it easy to start over. Whether you want to have your present wardrobe evaluated and organized or you are ready to start a new image consulting can help you do it. Moreover since initial consultations are included many times all the shopping can be done prior to your time together, thus saving your time and money. All you have to do is show up and try it all on! After your time spent with these shopping experts, not only do you learn how to shop better you learn how to shop smarter. Your experience should not only be an informative one, it should also be fun. Not all of these fashion specialists are corporate, search for one that you resonate with!

Fashion Deals

So, not only did we discover an amazing website for fantastic fashion deals we have also been given the incredible opportunity to be featured monthly on their blog. Scarlett Lounge, http://scarlett.redflagdeals.com/ covers travel advice, star’s styles, green living, “mommy” tips and everything in between. Check out their “Good Idea” section as it is actually, gasp, filled with good ideas. After sorting through people’s closets for a living we loved the article on “Get it Together”. If you care to take a gander at their blog you will also find two familiar faces. This month we discuss some of the Spring’s best trends. Next month…who knows. You’ll have to tune in.
xo
S & E

The best things in life are free, but you can give them to the birds and bees...I want Louboutins!

Shoes glorious shoes! No matter what kind of shopping day you are having you can always find a pair of shoes that fit. There is no better way to dress up a LBD or make your legs and butt look just that much better. Ahhhhhhhh the smell, the look the feel. I love shoes!!! Luckily Spring-Summer 09 does not disappoint. With Neon and neutrals canoodling, exotic leathers, metal details and precious stones, there is something for everyone. The ultra feminine trend transcends into the world of accessories and makes for some spectacular heels. Rather than buying up the magazine rack, pick up a Collections edition to see all of your favourites rolled into one.
Here are some of my favourites
xo
S.


CHRISTIAN



CHANEL



PRADA

Toronto is below average in above average stores

Don't get me wrong I love Toronto: the food, the people, the little cultural pockets all over the city and although we are catching up in the fashion world we are still lacking in one major category- Above Average clothing stores. Not only are we lacking, but what little representation we do have is an embarrassment. The big box stores simply churn out synthetic fabrics in dated styles. Where are all the decent clothes? Answer? the Internet . Focusing on dresses (a girls second best friend), I have scoured through a pretty decent list of extended sizes and speciality above avergae stores to bring you the top five online stores. Plus, they all help out us Canucks by shipping to Canada.

1. Lane Bryant- By far the most professional looking website. The jean finder is priceless and they have a decent selection of items in all categories. And at buy one get one half off, no matter what your number your tag says, do not miss out on their great accessories. The black dress featured is just one of their many classic pieces(check out their trenches!)

http://www.lanebryant.com/

2. Lola and Gigi-The second website is the only Canadian representation on the list. What this website lacks in other areas it makes up for in dresses. This navy Tadashi is an incredible alternative to the little black dress. Petites may have to alter the lengths, but this still remains a great place to search for that much needed spring dress.

http://www.lolaandgigi.com/

3. Kiyonna- While the selection isn't huge the inventory is really well selected. Work wear is classic and even the lounge wear has great slimming details. Don't forget the dresses! This wrap dress, is as easy to throw on a as a pair of sweats, but looks a million times more chic.

http://www.kiyonna.com/

4. Alloy- While the models are not even average, nevermind above average, I can't help but be drawn to their amazing selection of clothes. The sizes are extended, so they are not going to cater to all above average; however, it is a step in the right direction; trendy clothes for everyone!

http://www.alloy.com/

5. Igigi- That's fun to say. If you are in the market for a formal dress, look no further, Igigi has some really great options. Even their casual dresses stand out. This colour block dress creates the illusion of a teeny tiny waist. Who doesn't love that?

http://www.igigi.com/

Even if they don't fit you can always send them back; remember, it is better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all

xo

S.

Weekend Obsession YDE by Ole Yde

The YDE spring/summer '09 collection by designer Ole Yde of Copenhagen is a feast for the eyes. Mixing elements of tradition, fairy tales and femininity, the simple colour palette of creams, blacks, browns, and pinkish hues is nostalgic, yet completely modern in execution. This wardrobe is the perfect example of a modern romantic like moi.

Spring Romance

It's been soo frigid in our fair city this week, I have spent a good chunk of my time huddled under blankets, flipping through magazines devoted to all things Spring. Of course, I am a sucker for feminine frills and romantic details. Here is a peek at (a fraction of) my wish list!

Stay warm!
E

Weekend Obsession: The Other Hepburn

I am not normally a huge fan of old movies, there is just something about them I can't relate to. However, now that I am on a major vintage fashion kick, Many of fashion's greatest starlets have convinced me to give old films a second chance.

Ever since I caught The Philadelphia Story over the holidays, I have had a bit of an obsession with Katharine. Her grace, her presence, her androgyny.... It's something I am really feeling at the moment. To me though, her greatest triumph in this film is the wardrobe, and the way this woman can just pull it off. In particular, The cream and sequined Gilbert Adrian Gown that she wore (above) takes the cake. It visits my dreams every night, and I am now a better fashionista because of it.

So to those of you with a short attention span like moi, give this movie a try, you might be inspired! ......Oh, and the men aren't too hard on the eyes either:)

Xoxo E

Recession Blues + Cheap Vintage = Happy Face

Hello Everyone, and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a lovely holiday, and were spoiled as much as possible!

A lot of the conversations I have these days revolve around addictions, and where to get a quick fix on a budget. The addiction, of course, being fashion. Since many of us have a death grip on our wallets these days, there can be a lot of guilty feelings about wasteful spending. During these penny pinching times, I turn to my computer for a fashion miracle. As of late, both Etsy and Ebay have offered me some cheap thrills.

I wanted to post a few pics of my recent purchases. The total price tag for all of these items being under 200 dollars (including shipping) 1. an adorable yet sophisticated take on sailor-chic. Dress (Etsy) 2. Some buttery black vintage riding boots (Etsy) 3. An amazing vintage Cartier burgundy leather purse (Etsy) 4. A chiffon flutter sleeve caplet (eBay)

So go, take a little peek....don't be shy. You may find something really tantalizingly cheap to indulge your fashion tooth, and to tide you over until your GST rebate cheque rolls in:)

Who's Your Style Icon?

A new year a new me. So where do I start? Where any respectable fashion loving, style seeking girl would start: Audrey Hepburn; my style icon. As one of the most beautiful and stylish women in history she continues to influence the fashion world. Cigarette pants, men's shirts, black flats, trench coats and scarves: At any given time Audrey was dressed in a manner worthy of anyone’s top ten list. I could sing her praise for days; so the real question is, how does her style influence me in everyday life?

1. When I shop I look for basics

Audrey did not wear many accessories. Her style was clean and classic; neatral colours and great tailoring. She stuck to what worked on her. Which leads me to number two

2. I stick to what works on me

We may love items on other people, but you have to respect and acknowledge your body type. I rely on shapes and fabrics that work for me.

3. If I find one designer or label that I love, I will buy as many pieces as I can

Audrey had the luxury of having one of the most incredible designers in history as a close friend; Hubert de Givenchy. We cannot all be that lucky, but we can have the same commitment to a designer if we love their pieces. Pick up a collections magazine and browse through to discover which collections you are drawn to. You may not be able to afford the real thing, but at least you can keep an eye out for the reproductions.

Together, it all leads back to what made up her signature style. Maybe 2009 will be your year to find yours.

Here’s to a new year and the possibility of making fashion history.

Cheers, S