Sonia Rykiel for H&M - First Photos

The first photos of Sonia Rykiel's new collection for H&M have hit the internet.

I personally love Sonia Rykiel for her knits so I was not lining up when she did a lingerie line for the store. Well, this time, I'm lining up. This line is very HER. I love the colours and shapes for this line (although I'd like to see them in person to make sure the quality is there too).

My faves (I think) are the black & white striped & yellow sweaters but I kinda also like the pink dress. Let me know what you guys think!

Not sure about prices yet, but I'll fill you in once I've got them!

Happy shopping!

Boxing Day Sales - Did You Score?

I do have to say that my boxing day purchases this year left me wanting more.

As tradition dictates, I hit Holt Renfrew Last Call but I have to say most of their sale was mediocre. I like to think of a good sale at Holts Last Call being at least an additional 70% off their lowest price.

Most of their items had an additional 50% off, which is a deal that is pretty common there so not "Boxing Day" worthy in my opinion. The only exception to this is shoes. They had a lot of shoes at an additional 50% off and these were a score!

The other great deal were the boots / booties, which were an additional 70% off.

After thoroughly walking up and down the isles, trying everything on and then doing a second walk through of the store (in case anyone returned something they were holding on to), I managed to score some Rupert Sanderson Kit Kat booties for $125 (regular price $1100) and some Prada suede zebra pumps for $150 (regular price $780). The Pradas were found during my second walk through.

That was the extent of my shopping, but I am still anticipating post-Boxing Day sales. Look out for my emails and follow me on twitter (CaRecessionista) for quick updates on the latest sales. Today's tweet included Danier leggings for $79 and an additional 30% off sale items at Aldo).

Happy shopping!

Banana Republic Coupon - 40% off your entire purchase

Banana Republic is having another sale.

This Thursday, Dec. 17, take 40% off your entire purchase. The offer is not valid at Banana Republic Factory Stores or BananaRepublic.com.


I've seen some of their recent collection and they have gorgeous pieces for both men and women and their accessories lately have been pretty impressive.

Click here for the coupon (you have to print it out and bring it with you) as well as to find the store nearest you and for any sale "fine print".

Happy shopping!

Online Sales - Wrap Up!

A few of my favourite online sale sites have some great reductions happening right now: Here's some you might want to check out:

TheOutnet.com is having a flash sale on Balmain items at up to 85% off. Balmain is pretty pricey but if you love the brand, this is your chance to get some pieces at somewhat affordable prices.

BeyondTheRack.com has Fendi handbags, wallets, mittens and scarves for up to 40% off and Gucci men's ties for up to 50% off. Both events are perfect for Christmas gifts! Remember that this site is by invitation only. Click here for the invite!

And don't forget about the Hautelook.com sales I told you about yesterday: Elizabeth & James shoes, all at 50% off and Herve Leger dresses (gorgeous) for 75% off. Again, this one's by invitation only. Click here for the invite!

Happy shopping!

Hautlook - Tuesday Dec. 15 Sales

Hautelook.com is having a couple of good sales tomorrow.

These ones will definitely come in handy before the holidays

when you'll need to put on your best party dresses!

Both Herve Leger dresses and Elizabeth & James
(by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen) items will be on sale.

The site does not mention the mark down, but we'll know in the morning.

Remember, the site is by invite only, so here's your invite: http://www.hautelook.com/invite/521136

Happy shopping!

Gap 30 % off - Dec 14 - Dec 15

Just print this barcode and you'll have your discount.

Not valid in Vancouver, at Gap Factory Stores or online. No adjustments on previous purchases. Not valid on Stella McCartney, babyGap home or Junk Food™ merchandise. Offer must be surrendered at time of in-store purchase. Discount applies to merchandise only, not value of GiftCards purchased or applicable taxes. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Cannot be combined with other offers. See store for more details.

Outnet.com - Sale of the Year

Outnet.com always has great discounts on designer goods.

But they've just started a sale that gives an extra 50% discount on selected items.

That means that this Hervé Léger bandage dress is now $593.75 (originally $2375.68).

There's also a gorgeous Calvin Klein tank dress originally priced at $2275 now on sale for $341 and a Chloé strapless dress for $425 (originally priced $2125)

At these prices, a lot of the pieces will sell out so get there fast!
(Get faster updates to these sales by following us on twitter.com/CaFashionista.)

Happy shopping!

UMBRA Warehouse Sale

My favourite sale of the year ... (except for Holt's Last Call on Boxing Day)!


If you like furniture, home accessories, etc., then you can't miss the Umbra annual warehouse sale. I find lots of modern / cool stuff for my house every year and also end up buying lots of Christmas gifts here.

Some of my scores last year: A U+ Pella coat rack for $50 (regular $315), a U+ Vesta Fireplace screen for $50 (regular $475) and Magino stools for $50 each (regular $263).

I also manage to get lots of photo frames and clocks for about $20 each, which make great gifts.

This year I'm hoping to find the Vesta fireplace tools to match my screen, curtain rods for my bedroom (usually around $10) and some large black or white photo frames for my walls.

Can't wait!

Happy shopping!

IKEA Sale - 50% off selected items

Ikea is having a Midnight Madness sale on Friday night.

Save 50% off select items and store wide specials.


With Ikea's new designer line in stores, it's worth popping by your nearest store for a look.

The sale is on from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Happy shopping!

Montreal Sample Sales

ILoveSampleSales.com has released its list of current sample sales.
Here are some of the highlights:

Kelly Opticiens: 25% off and more
Designers include Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Dior, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Prada. You also get a free sample of contact lenses when you purchase glasses or sunglasses and 50% off on all frames when you purchase lenses.

When: now until Dec. 15
Mon/Tues/Wed: 10 - 6, Thurs/ Fri: 10-5, Sun: 12-5

Where: Les Cours Mont Royal Shopping Center - 1455 Rue Peel, suite 204, Montreal


Bedo Warehouse Sale - Up to 80% off.
Find pants and denim at $30, coats at $100 and shirts at $20

When: Dec 10 - Dec 13
Thurs / Fri: 10-9, Sat/Sun: 10-5

Where:4908 Jean Talon Ouest, Montreal

Jeans and More - Sample Sale

If you happen to live in Toronto, check out the Vanguard Apparel Sample Sale.

You'll find deals on Citizens of Humanity; Robins Jeans; Christian Audigier, Dylan George; Paco Chicano, Crystal Rock and more.

When:

December 9: 10am - 8pm

December 10: 10 am - 8 pm

Where:

Vanguard Apparel - 90 Wingold Ave, unit 7 (near Dufferin & Lawrence)

Thanks to my friends at ilovesamplesales.com for this one!

Happy shopping!

Vancouver Sample Sales

Thanks again to my friends at ILoveSampleSales.com for the head's up on these sales:

Vera Wang, Elle Macpherson, Nordstrom's, Neiman Marcus
There's 50-70% off pyjamas, robes, nighties, tap pants, etc. in silk and cotton -- buy 2, get 1 free. Also at the sale, excellent deals on a wide selection of Christmas decorations, candles, gift cards and more.

When:
Tuesday Dec. 8 - Tuesday Dec. 22: 10am - 6pm daily

Where:
1578 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

Skout Agency: LnA, Colcci, Sam Edelman, 80/20 NYC, Eryn Brinie, Zoe Tees, Samsoe Samsoe, Muchacha, Designer's Remix
Get up to 90% off on women's clothing, shoes, accessories and more. Items restocked daily. Cash only!

When:
Wednesday Dec. 9, Thursday Dec. 10: 10 am - 8 pm daily

Where:
#130 - 1355 Parker St. (buzz 130), Vancouver

Happny shopping!

TWITTER --- Finally

I've realized that a lot of you are missing the opportunity to be the first to check out the sales I blog about. Let's face it, once-a-day emails are great, but sometimes you need to know about a sale the minute that I know about it.
That's why I've joined twitter. Now you can find out about sales as they happen, and before other recessionistas steal the best deals.

Follow us on www.twitter.com/CaRecessionista.

Happy shopping!

HOLTS Annual Sale

Holt Renfrew is having their annual 50% off sale. Last year I scored a gorgeous D&G corset dress as well as Marc Jacobs casual dress for a great price.

Ooooh, maybe I'll find the Dior and / or Chloe wedges I'm dying for.




The sale is on now until Dec. 24 when the prices will be slashed for Boxing Day. But on that day, I'll be at Holts Last Call where the deals will be insane.

Run, yes run, to your nearest Holts now.

My Recessionista Experience (or "How Far I Would Go For a Deal")

Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I'm getting married. And in true Recessionista mode, my wedding dress needed to be both amazingly beautiful AND an amazing deal.

Well, this weekend I succeeded in finding the perfect dress.

After visiting the Vera Wang boutique in Toronto, I realized that I really, really wanted a VW for my dress. Only problem is, the most reasonable dress I tried on was $3950. I walked out of the boutique in love with that dress but thought that there must be a better price out there.

I called the VW boutique in NYC. They also had the dress ... for $2950 AND they were willing to give me a 10% trunk show discount.

So yes, a deal ... but was it the BEST deal?

Thanks to a fellow recessionista, I found out that Saks was having a 70% off sale on their sample wedding dresses, including Vera Wang, Monique Lluillier, Kenneth Pool, etc., etc.

And thanks to my amazing fiance, we drove down to NYC the same night in time for the second day of the sale. I thought it would be picked over, but there were still tons of dresses left and they were all 70% off (not "up to 70% which is what most sales are at) and there were no lines and no crazy shoppers. Compare that to the Vera Wang sale happening in NYC this weekend when the line ups will start the night before for savings of "up to 70% off, I think I did well.

In any case, after sending my fiance to stroll 5th Ave., I tried on a bunch of dresses and found a beautiful, beautiful gown at 70% off. AND on top of that, the ladies at Saks opened a Saks account for me so I got an extra 10% off.

That's right ladies. My dream gown at 80% off. I only wish I could show you photos, but since my fiance follows this blog, I can't risk it.

My next mission - a beautiful and classic pair of wedges (I'm getting married on the beach and my fiance is tall). I'll let you know once I score those too!

Happy shopping!

Vintage Online AND at a Discount

I've been monitoring the High N Society website for a while but it's finally time for me to introduce it to you.

The site offers vintage designer gems at a discount and now, in time for US Thanksgiving, they're taking an extra 60% off all items.

The sale begins tomorrow and continues until Sunday November 29.
Just enter the code "GOBBLE" at the checkout.
This Marc Jacobs dress is on the site right now for $150 (regular price $425) and with the 60% discount it will be $60. That's insane.

There's also offerings from Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana and even Louis Vuitton. Need I say more?

Happy shopping!

Fashion Group International Sample Sale

My good friends at Ilovesamplesales.com have tipped me off to another great sample sale in the Toronto area.
Sale items include pieces from David Dixon, Wayne Clark, Ines Di Santo, Pat McDonagh, Philip Sparks, Lundstrom and more.
There's also jewelry, bags and other accessories on offer.



Date: Thursday Nov. 26 & Friday Nov. 27
Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Liberty Market Building: 171 Liberty Street, Suite 118, Toronto
Cash, Visa & Mastercard!

Happy shopping.

Club Monaco Sale - 25% off Sale Prices

Club Monaco is reducing its sale prices for the next few days.

Happy shopping!

Gap: Give & Get - 30% off

Head over to the Gap, Old Navy or Banana Republic and you can save money, while donating to a good cause.

The sores are having a "Give & Get" sale between Nov. 12 and Nov 15.



Print out this coupon and take it with you to the store.

You'll get 30% off your purchase (even at factory stores) and 5% of what you spend will got to the company's non profit partners: Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, Canadian AIDS Society of Canada and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Feel good spending? How can you go wrong?

Happy shopping!

Stella Has Arrived ... at the Gap!

All you yummy mummies have been anticipating Stella McCartney's collection for Gap Kids and it's finally here.

The jackets are adorable so if you have kiddies (or nephews or nieces) there is no better time to introduce them to the world of fashion!

The collection is only available at the following stores:

Montreal - Montreal Eaton Centre

Toronto - Toronto Eaton Centre, Bloor & Bay sts., Yorkdale Mall, Sherway Gardens

Vancouver - Robson St.

Calgary - Chinook

Happy shopping

Reia Studio Sample Sale --- HOOOOT!!!!

Reia Studio is having another sample sale and it's gonna be hot! Some of the brands included in the sale include Lanvin, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten, Robert Rodriguez .... etc., etc.

When:

November 11: 8 am - 8 pm

November 12: 9 am - 8 pm

November 13: 9 am - 6 pm

Where:

555 Richmond St. W., Suite 706

Toronto, ON M5V 3B1

416-777-9722

info@reiastudio.com

I'm getting there early ... just saying!

Happy shopping!

Old Navy Outerwear Sale - 50% off all outerwear!

Old Navy isn't exactly couture, but I thought I'd share this.

Happy shopping!

Banana Republic Coupon - 25% off $100

Banana Republic is holding another private sale tomorrow: Thursday Nov 5.

The sale begins at 5 p.m. and is good for anything in the store on total purchases of $100.

The offer is not valid in factory stores, but this is still a great chance to get some of Banana Republic's newest stock at a discount.

Click here to find the store nearest you!

Happy shopping!

Hautelook Sale: Mackage & Rolex

Hautelook.com has got a couple of sales worth checking out today!

Mackage coats are up to 45% off and considering the temperature's dipping below 0 degrees tonight, there's no point in putting off coat shopping any longer.

Rolex watches are also discounted up to 25% off, which isn't a great discount, but hey, at that price, any discount helps!

Don't forget that Hautelook.com is by invitation only, so here's your invite!

Happy shopping!

Coach Sale - Start your

Coach Factory Outlets are having another sale so you can start your holiday shopping early!

Enjoy an additional 20% off their already low prices. Sale continues until Sunday, November 15!

Canadian locations:

Here's the Canadian locations:

CANADA ONE
7500 Lundy's Lane
Niagara Falls, On L2H 1G8
905-353-9782
mon-fri: 10am-9pm, sat-sun: 10am-6pm

WINDSOR CROSSING
1555 Talbot Road, suite #506
Lasalle, On N9H 2N2
(519) 250-8635
mon-fri: 10am-9pm, sat: 9am-6pm, sun: 10am-6pm

Happy Shopping!

Even Recessionistas Need to Eat!

My good friends at restaurant powerhouse Sircorp sent me an invite to save on gift certificates on their website.

The company includes Jack Astor's, Canyon Creek, Alice Fazooli's, Four, r.e.d.s, the Loose Moose, Far Niente and Petit Four bakery on their roster so now you can get great food at an even better prices.

Just head to Sircorp.com to purchase your gift certificate at 20% off and enjoy!

Bon appetit!

Louis Vuitton on Sale???

Yes it's true.
I've found a new site that specializes in pre-owned luxury goods. Portero.com sells everything from bags to jewelry to accessories and even to housewares. Brands include Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Cartier and dozens more.

Things I love about the site:
1. Amazing finds, both in terms of the items available and their prices (up to 85% off).
2. Everything is categorized by designer, price point, style of item and even condition of item so you can pinpoint exactly what you want, rather than browse through thousands of items in vein.
3. There's a 1-800 number and a live chat option so that an agent can answer your questions on the spot.
3. They ship to Canada (although they warn that this will entail customs and shipping charges).

Here are some of the finds I saw today:

Louis Vuitton Vintage Monogram Canvas Brown Leather Messenger bag: Retails for $1,590.00, on sale for $530.00. That's a 67% discount.

Hermes Black Crocodile Sac Ring Bag: Regular price $21,800, on sale for $2,516.00. That's a discount of 88%.

Fendi Zucca Monogram Blue Watersnake & Beaded Baguette Handbag: Regular price $2980.00, on sale for $695.00. That's a discount of 77%.

With these deals, I'll definitely be checking out this site regularly!

Happy shopping!

Fendi and Prada and Chloe, Oh My!

BeyondTheRack is holding a designer bag sale.

Brands include Fendi, Chloe, Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Bottega Veneta and more.

Bags are going quickly so get there now!

Don't forget, the site is by invitation only enter the code: NAC470DABE3 for access.
Happy shopping!

Banana Republic Coupon - 25% off

Banana Republic has just released this coupon that will give you 25% off everything in the store, including sale items.

Just print out this coupon and you're good to go!

Here's the fine print:

Offer valid from 10/23/2009 through 10/24/2009 at Banana Republic Stores in Canada only. Offer not valid at Banana Republic Factory Stores or BananaRepublic.com. Limit one coupon per customer per transaction. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases. Qualifying amount applies to merchandise only and cannot be applied toward Gift cards purchased, packaging, applicable taxes or shipping and handling charges. Employees are not eligible. Cannot be combined with other offers. May not be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent.

Happy shopping!

Club Monaco Sale

Another cold weekend up ahead.

What's a recessionista to do?

Why go shopping!

Make sure you check out Club Monaco's weekend sale. Their basics are always classy and great quality (and even better bang for your buck when they're on sale).

I'm actually headed there right now. Seriously!

Happy shopping!

Sample Sale - Just in Time for Winter

Thanks to my friends at ILoveSampleSales.com for this head's up.

The Triluxe sample sale is taking place October 22 to 24 in Toronto.

The sale includes great offerings from Pringle of Scotland, J.Lindeberg, Sand, American Vintage and more at discounts of up to 80% off. The flyer sent to me included lots of photos of coats and leather jackets so this is perfect timing considering the dropping temperatures!

Where: 63 Wingold Ave, Suite 120, Toronto
When: Thurs. Oct. 22 and Friday Oct. 23 from 10 AM to 8 PM and Saturday Oct. 24 from 10 AM to 4 PM

Happy shopping!

Gucci Watches - Less than Half Price!!!

I've always loved Gucci watches.
Heck, I got a Gucci watch from my parents on my 16th birthday. And now might be the time to get another one.

I recently got an email from an online sample-sale site that mentioned that Gucci watches were 50% off.

That prompted me to do a search for watches and what turned up? Amazon.com!

They have Gucci watches for over 60% off.

This beautiful black bamboo watch is only $274.00US!

There are literally dozens of pages of Gucci watches to choose from. If you're in the market for something nice for your wrist, then it looks like Amazon.com is the place to go.

Happy shopping!

Steve Madden - 20% - 25% off

I love my designer heels but when I can't afford to splurge, Steve Madden s one of my go-to sources for trendy, yet affordable footwear.

This week, the "affordable" part gets even better.

Stevemdden.com has discounts happening until September 29.
Take 20% off purchases over $100 or 25% off purchases over $250.

Can I tell you that I just bought my daughter a pair of Madden boots for school yesterday? Wonder if I can take them back?

Happy shopping!

Love Banana Republic? Love it for 40% off!

Hi recessionistas,
I've blogged plenty of times about how I love Banana Republic for it's classic pieces.

I especially love their accessories and leather goods.

Well, I'll be headed to my nearest store a little later today to take advantage of their "secret" 40% off sale. It's on at all Canadian stores!



Hope to see you there!

Happy shopping!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses Sale!!!

I know summer is almost over (and yes, I'm also aware that it has only just begun) so I wasn't really in the market for new sunglasses.

Then I found out Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses are as little as $69 at BeyondTheRack.com and suddenly, I can't resist.

I love his aviators and considering I'm headed to Mexico next week, I think they'll look great while I'm laying on the beach.
Head there early because I already noticed a few styles selling out.
And don't forget that BeyondTheRack.com is by invite only so enter this invite code: NAC470DABE3 to check out the sale.

Happy shopping!

Christian Louboutin - 50% off and more

Who doesn't crave a pair of Christian Louboutins.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that theoutnet.com has a wide selection of Louboutins for 50% off and more.

Prices start at $149 for basic flats but you can get great Rolando platform heels for $272. That's 70% off the original price.

(Why oh why did I not get paid this week?)

Well, just because I can't take advantage of this (I'm kicking myself) does not mean that I can't pass the savings on to you! No 'thank you' necessary!

Happy shopping!

Half-Price Fendi!

Hautelook.com has done it again!

Half-price Fendi! Insane, I know.

You have to get there early because I've noticed that some styles are already sold out.

Cosmetic bags are under $100, small bags start at about $255 and regular bags are about $380 and up.

How can you go wrong?? Really??

Don't forget that Hautelook.com is by invitation only, so here's your invite!

Happy shopping!

Aldo Sandals - Additional 50% off

I just went to the Aldo.com to check out their latest sale and believe me, there are some hot shoes for cute prices.

I always envy seeing women in hot yellow or fuchsia shoes that coordinate with their outfits but I never want to spend a lot of money on shoes that I will ware only once in-a-while. Well, this sale will actually let me add a few coloured pieces to my shoe wardrobe for a price that's too low for me to worry about.

Have a look for yourself and tell me I'm wrong ... I dare you!

Did I mention that there's free shipping for orders over $100?

Happy shopping

Robert Rodriguez & more at Hautelook.com

It's no secret to anyone who's been reading this blog that I'm a huge Robert Rodriguez fan.
Now Hautelook.com has a few of his pieces at 60% off.

No one does frills and layering like Robert Rodriguez. I'm loving the top in the ad, and at $141 it will be gone in no time.

Remember that to shop at Hautelook.com, you need to be invited so here's your personal invite code.

Happy shopping!

Gap / Banana Republic / Old Navy: Give & Get

The Gap brands are holding a "Give and Get" Sale until Sunday.

If you use the barcode below, you will get 30% off their regular price and Gap will also donate 5% of the cost of your purchases towards their non-profit partners.

So, not only can you save money, but you can feel good about spending because you're also giving to charity.

(Please note that this deal cannot be combined with any other discounts).

Happy shopping (and giving)!

Toronto: Fashion Crimes Sale

A fashion crime is usually a bad thing but Fashion Crimes in Toronto is a cute little boutique that makes you feel like a fairy princess.
It's full of beautiful gowns and accessories that make any girl feel happy. Case in point, I love going there and my 14-year-old daughter says it's her favourite store in the world.
Well, now I'll have to make sure I take my daughter there this weekend because Fashion Crimes is taking an additional 50% off their sale prices for a total savings of up to 90%.
Considering I'm in the market for a wedding gown and accessories, I will definitely be checking this out.
If you love pretty, whimsical dresses, flowers, feathers, sequins, etc. then check out this sale!

Location:
322 1/2 Queen St. W. (east of Spadina)
Toronto, ON
M5V 2A2

Hours:
Monday - Friday: 10 am - 8 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 7 pm
Sunday: 12 pm - 6 pm

Happy shopping!

Yoox - Still One of My Fave Sites!

I have always said that Yoox.com has got great deals.

I checked out the site today and was not surprised to see some amazing deals again.


These Chloe sandals are only $142 (regular $355).


And how can you not love this D&G bikini, especially at $49 (regular $120).


Or this Stella McCartney tank for $79 (regular $180).

There are WAY too many deals to mention.

This is just a small sample, and further reason as to why Yoox.com is one of my favourite online retail sites.

Happy shopping!

Bluefly: Extra 20% Off

Bluefly.com is having another sale, taking off an additional 20% to their already reduced prices.
Some items are now at 75% off.
To be fair, most items that are remotely interesting are between 35% to 55% off but there are good deals even at those discounts.

Happy shopping