Shopping with Sophie

Old Navy gets it right with boys sizes!

Heather — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:31:02 +0000

There have been a lot of discussions online lately about boys and self-esteem and body image. Women have been dealing with these issues for decades, but now it seems our boys need the same attention.

There just don’t seem to be as many supports to help boys feel comfortable in the size they are in- they come in all shapes and sizes.

I was really pleased to see that Old Navy is trying to do better with a variety of “shapes and sizes” for all boys! While this has traditionally been offered for adults, many kid’s stores just still don’t get that the need for a various cuts and styles.

The best example at Old Navy is the jeans- available in Regular, Skinny and Husky (many on sale right now!). They have a fabulous size chart to help you find out what you need.

Put Old Navy on your shopping list for this Back-to-School season….they “get it”.

If you shop online- shipping is always free over $50 and returns are a breeze!

Sophie xo

Fall Fashion Preview from H&M

Heather — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:21:39 +0000

Are you ready for Fall Fashion???

I know you don’t want to give up your hot summer looks to cover up for fall, but every fashionista and shopping addict knows that if you want the next season’s must-haves, you have to get them early!!!

H&M is a retailer who GETS fashion- and at an affordable price! Whether it’s an accent piece to update your wardrobe, a top you never thought you’d wear or even some faux fur to bring out your inner Diva, they have it all!

Their website is one of my faves for great fashion editorial. Their H&M Life section bring you the latest looks for the upcoming season with fab photos, celebrity sightings and trend reports.

All Autumn items in their preview will be available instore after July 18th. Check Store Locations.

H&M Autumn Preview:

1. London love letter
The irreverent style of British girls influences this look, blending a polished trenchcoat with animal prints and oxblood tights.

2. A chicer chick
An elegant fake fur collar and cropped slim jacket is the perfect match to this girlish skirt and weather-ready boots.

3. Funky college
Shake up the classic college look with some daring colour combos, fun layering and a beanie hat. The bright tights are an instant pick me up for rainy days.

4. The wild one
Show off your naughty side with a cropped biker jacket and black mini skirt. If the jacket says “Don’t mess with me”, the golden chain says “Glam bam, thank you ‘mam!”

5. Boho sparkle
Take some style cues from late 1960s boho girls, but refine the look with some nice jewellery and an embellished t-shirt.

6. Black and white babe
Wild-patterned tights are set against a tailored blazer and long warm scarf. Staying with a black and white colour scheme makes it easier to nail this urban cool girl look.

7. Colour shock
Cobalt blue is one of the season’s key colours. If you’re feeling brave enough, go for the total monochrome look. You’re bound to stand out from the crowd.

Show Your Colours!

Heather — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:45:54 +0000

While Canada Day has come and gone, the Canadian pride is about to come alive again with the Olympics coming to London at the end of this month!

Who better to outfit our athletes than our own national retailer, The Bay!

Visit any Bay store right now and you will be greeted with the red and white Official Canadian Olympic Team clothing; tees, winter gloves, knapsacks, baseball caps, denim jackets with badges and even babywear! You can’t help but get Olympic fever when you see the designs and variety in what is available this year for kids and adults!

Even if watching the Olympics on tv is not your thing (opening ceremonies start, July 27th), you can still show you support for our athletes by buying a cute tee or fun accessory!! Prices are really reasonable with most tshirts at $20-$30.

SOPHIE’S PICK?

It’s gotta be this hot Ladies Denim jacket! Right now, all denim jackets are 50% off – and you can order directly online (using your HBC credit card gets you free shipping over $45!). If you have a jacket already and you just want to add your own unique Olympic flare- buy a new or vintage patch for $2.50 and sew it on!

How will YOU support our Canadian athletes??

SaveBig at Old Navy Canada TODAY ONLY!

Heather — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:51:26 +0000

In the mood for a little shopping???

Today is the day I shop online- no special reason and I don’t need a thing… except that I just saw that Old Navy Canada is offering 30% off instore and online!!!

Not only can I shop in my bathing suit, while I sit in the backyard…but I can get free shipping with any purchase over $50!

Happy Shopping! Download printable offer or use code SAVEBIG online!

Walmart’s Campaign to say “Thanks Mom”

Heather — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:40:58 +0000

Thanks Walmart- for celebrating moms,
16,909 times over.

That’s how many entries that Walmart Canada received for their Mom of the Year contest. The Mom of the Year program is the perfect way to give thanks and say, “here’s to mom.” I’m a huge fan of Walmart and now even more so, with this incredible program. Walmart is always looking for unique ways to give back to the community and to their consumers with philanthropic initiatives. Well done, Walmart on another successful campaign!

Over 16,000 tribute pages, just for Mom.
Every Mom of the Year nominee received a profile page that could be shared with her friends and family. Her loved ones could add their own heart-warming comments, making it more like a tribute page where she could see how loved and appreciated she really was.

While the nominations are now closed, you can go on their site and read the inspiring stories from moms across Canada.

The Mom of the Year will receive:
•A $100,000 donation to the cause or charity of her choice.
•$10,000 for herself.
•A day of pampering and a photo shoot in Toronto
•A seat on next year’s Selection Committee.

The 7 other finalists will each receive:
•A $10,000 donation to the cause or charity of her choice.
•$10,000 for herself.
•A day of pampering and a photo shoot in Toronto.

Meet the Selection Committee
The Selection Committee is an elite group of amazing women (moms) who are busy going through the nominations in search of the 8 Finalists. The Final 8 will be notified around August 15. These 5 Mom Ambassadors bring a wealth of experience to the table – Good luck to them on this very difficult selection process! We can’t wait to meet the finalists!

Karine Ewart- Today’s Parent Editor-in-Chief

Karine Ewart began her publishing career in New York City at Harper’s Bazaar. Upon her return to Canada, she served as Features Editor and Editor-in-Chief for various brands at FASHION magazine. At Today’s Parent, Karine has overseen a relaunch of the industry leading brand, helping readers celebrate life as a parent, embrace the happy chaos, and remember they are not alone. Karine has four kids aged 6-10 years old, and strongly believes in her parenting motto: whatever works for your family is the right answer.

Shelley Broader- President and CEO, Walmart Canada

With over 20 years of leadership experience across the North American retail industry, Shelley Broader was appointed President and CEO of Walmart Canada in September 2011. She often brings her two children to work with her, encouraging their personal development and their natural interest in the business. Shelley grew up inspired by her own mom, who raised four children. One common thread exists amongst Shelley’s many roles – whatever the job, she strives for excellence, an example she sets for her colleagues and children alike.

Natalie Choquette- Soprano Opera Singer

Canadian soprano Natalie Choquette is a classical entertainer who presents opera with an irresistible, humourous twist. She decided to become a professional opera singer when she was 11, after falling in love with music and theatre while in Rome. Natalie exposes her three daughters to the world of performing arts by incorporating them into her productions. Like Mother, Like Daughters, a live performance, and Noël de la Diva, a Christmas album, both feature her children.

Hayley Wickenheiser- Professional Hockey Player and Olympic Gold Medalist

Four-time Olympic medalist Hayley Wickenheiser is regarded as one of the best female hockey players in the world. But she is also a community leader, mentor, an accomplished businesswoman, and the proud mother to 12-year-old Noah – whom she adopted as a baby. Hayley owes a lot of her success to her own mother, who has been her pillar of strength since childhood. Now required to travel a great deal, Hayley is always able to rely on her mom to help take care of Noah, and is continually inspired by her unwavering support as a parent.

Emma Fox- Senior Vice-President Marketing, Walmart Canada

Emma’s Walmart career began in the UK in 1999 where she worked for British supermarket chain and Walmart subsidiary, Asda. She joined Walmart Canada in July 2011, bringing with her the same management style she applies with her three children – open, fun, honest, and firm but fair. Emma is intimately familiar with the balancing act required to manage both family and career – she believes that collaboration is the only way to drive common goals, making it the key to achieving success with both colleagues and children.

Stampede Fashion by Roots

Heather — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 17:00:27 +0000

I love proud Canadian retailers! They never forget their Canadian ‘Roots”….

The Calgary Stampede is celebrating one hundred years – and what could be a more perfect synergy than the Calgary Stampede and Canadian icon, Roots.

Stampede” fashion has be around in Calgary for a while now and even hit other cities from time to time- in fact, even Sophie had a few pairs of cowboy boots in her 20s! Of course mine were red suede!

I love that Roots wanted to support and celebrate this event with a signature bag and jacket with a custom logo! I also admire the bag’s design and authentic western hide. Roots always brings the leather quality, but also the modern look of this style could be used in any urban setting for the next 100 years! Roots is timeless. While they only seem to sell the bag in stores in Calgary…I’m sure they will be available for FREE SHIPPING on their site soon.

Roots helps celebrate 100 years

More on the Calgary Stampede running July 6-15th- watch this fabulous video.

My Pick This Week: Maxi Skirts by Joe Fresh

Heather — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 21:30:33 +0000

Joe Fresh has my vote!

Summer is here and the hot weather has really hit us this week in the T-Dot. When this weather hits, I love to feel cool in dresses and skirts for work and play but I don’t want to look like I should be on a beach!

MY PICK FOR THIS WEEK:

Remember the freeing feeling when you wore the peasant skirts from a few years ago…the same feeling comes with this season’s MAXI SKIRTS!

Unlike the MAXI dress (that looks like you are going to a pool party), the MAXI skirt can be matched with a simple tank or tee for a much more casual and everday look. My sandal choice would be a cute flat gladiator sandal for daytime or even a cheap pair of flip flops from Joe Fresh for after work!

I was actually getting some groceries today when my eyes met this incredible MAXI skirt in the JOE section….I knew I had to have it! It cost less than my favourite summer ice cream at $19! Can you believe that price? I totally love that JOE is not only accessible, but the prices are just unreal…seriously crazy low!

Find the closest store to you… http://www.joefresh.com/en/stores/

Do you wear more skirts and dresses in the summer? Will you try this long flowing look?

Sophie xo

It's MINE....thanks Joe

Shopping in the Big Apple- nothing sweeter!

Heather — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:25:40 +0000

I just got back from an amazing trip to NYC on business….and since some of my business involves shopping and brands, I had to do some “research”!What a fabulous time of year to get amazing sales on the looks for summer 2012!

While I walked the streets of SoHo, I found the key items that I needed to update my look. I was in search of Gladiator sandals with chucky jewels and found them at Marshall’s Shoes for only $22.99!!!

I even wandered into Anthropologie to see their new fabrications and just to browse their displays. They blow me away every time, with their attention to detail. While this store is often out of my budget, I found the gem in the basement….sale racks!!! I found an amazing moss green wrap tank for $30!!!

While I wouldn’t normally visit a shack with tshirts featuring an illegal drug, I did notice that they were also selling the most amazing scarves….I had seen tons of them in the higher end stores, but didn’t want to spend $50 for this accessory. My friend in the shack sold me two stunning scarves for $10! Now I can try these 6 ways to wear a scarf!!! I love the way this finishes any simple top!

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP IN NYC?????

The Power of Colour!

Heather — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:20:08 +0000

I was just watching this morning’s CityLine about the “Power of Colour” and I’ve been inspired to put some new energy into my blog and write about my LOVE of colour this spring! Even my “go-to” colour trend source, Pantone, is behind this fab summer brights!

SOPHIE'S PICK!

Whether it’s an accent wall of a hot new shade of paint, fabulous new pillows, (I found tons on Esty) or new linens to update your home it’s hard to escape the hottest trends this this Spring!

My closet consists of every pant, skirt, dress or jacket in black, mixed in with some denim, but for this season, I decided to hunt for ways to update my own look with colour (while keeping to my budget)!

I went to two fabulous parties this weekend and what was everyone wearing? CORAL! Seriously, we looked like we were a school of goldfish! Pair your best jeans, with a cute coral top and sandals and you can make an entrance at any party!

Forever 21, Winners, RW&Co. are great places to pick up that cheap and cheerful coral tee or a flowing top.

SOPHIE’S PICK

I found my coral SHOE PICKS at Town Shoes. They have fabulous tangerine embellished flats or wrapped up wedges now on SALE!!!

What have YOU done to add some colour to your closet? Where have you found the season’s hottest shades on sale?

Winter Hat Know How

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:06:47 +0000

As an owner of naturally curly hair nothing makes me happier on a wet winter day than a great hat to cover it up! Here are some cool hats I found out & about for fall!

There are lots of great ones at Target this year, Old Navy, Ross, ect. Of course the ones featured here are runway inspired but I recommend using the runway for inspiration & making smart purchases at a lesser retailer.

Floppy fun and I love the knit look.

Beloved Beanie’s are great & I personally only wear them when my hair is long to avoid the boy look!

Wide brim keeps the hair dry & the do in place! Top pick for sure!