A's wishlist

Check out A's wishlist !

A Day of Window Shopping

This is a a long over due post but here it is.
Yes we did it.  We went shopping together and stuck to the rules!  I believe this is the 1st time that I have gone shopping with T where she did not buy anything lol =P   Maybe it's because we have become smarter shoppers, paying more attention the quality of clothes but there was really only one thing we both would have bought...

The lovely Zara purse was hard to walk away from for the two of us.  We both love the braided detailing and adorable lining.  For $30 it would be worth adding to our collections but alas we can only admire the picture. T might try to replicate it with some leftover leather she has...I'd be interested to see how it'll turn out.


We also fell in love with these Marc Jacobs bags for Aritzia but we would never buy them unless we were rich.  We especially liked the 2nd one =)

 Here of the some pictures of other items that caught our attention.

Classic trench from Banana Republic

Who knew BR sold shoes?! 

A girl could always use a little sparkle in her outfit ;)

Boyfriend blazer from Zara

T loved the button detailing

Another blazer from Zara

Silk dress from Urban Outfitters

We will post more when we have time, and we hope to start the wish list soon!

Love,

T&A

Tip of the week

Take advantage of make up bonuses!  I honestly can't remember the last time I bought mascara, eyeshadow or make up remover.  That's because the majority of my make up comes from Lancome and Clinique bonuses =)  Between the 3 girls in the house it's easy to buy enough to get the bonuses and usually there's something in the bonuses for everyone.  I love the cosmetic bags too, they make great clutches and pencils cases!  The best bonuses come from Holt Renfrew, you have to spend a little bit more but the bonuses are much better.  For example, this spring there was an amazing Clinique bonus from Holt Renfrew that included a bag designed by Milly!  I just love the print and it's a great size too.

Another great thing about bonuses is that the samples they give you are the perfect size.  Honestly I don't go through eyeshadow that much and mascara needs to be thrown out every 3 months so it's a waste to buy full size.  It's also nice to have new products to try, some of them are so expensive I would have never bought them.


So what do I buy?  I love Clinique skincare products, my staples are clarifying lotion 3 (toner) and dramatically different moisturizing gel.  Their acne stuff is pretty good too.  In terms of make up I use the Almost make-up (tinted moisturizer) in medium.  Some of my favorite bonus items are Lancome definicils mascara in deep black and eye shadow quad in chic,  Clinique colour surge eye shadow in come heather and Take the day off makeup remover.


I hope this tip helps and that you take advantage of Bonuses!


Love,
A   

oh where, oh where are my winter boots?

Do you ever have that ONE thing that you are looking for? One thing on your list and nothing else..Well, right now, there can only be one thing on MY list of things to buy. ..WINTER BOOTS (my one exception!!) I have been searching since last year for a good pair of winter boots. I started looking last year, and I never found the perfect pair. So, I toughed it out for the winter with my cheap old pair (which started to get a hole in the heel, and my feet got soaked a lot of the time, sadly). I thought, "I will find the perfect pair....eventually!" In the end, I never found my new pair of winter boots. Luckily last year's winter didn't seem to last too long!

And so this year, the hunt begins (again)!! I am looking for a simple, leather boots, very low heel, warm, and good quality (heel/sole & material).

I found a pair while I was in Toronto this past week at 'Winners'. They are Ralph Lauren $129.99 leather (brown) boots, size 7.5. I bought them (as a back up) while still searching for the same style in black. I found out the return policy was after 10 days, I would get a full refund. And so in those 10 days, I was hoping to find the same pair but in black to replace the brown ones.  I brought the boots back home with me to Ottawa. Here, i continued my search for the boots at almost every single 'Winners' in Ottawa. I found a size 8 (too BIG) and a 6.5 (too tight!), and more brown pairs! Not what I was looking for. I finally decided to just return the ones that I had already purchased. Although I really like the brown ones, I felt like a black pair would be more practical and easier to match with my winter wardrobe (clothes and coats). And as my sister puts it, "You don't want BUYERS REMORSE"; where I would regret buying these without being completely satisfied and always wanting more. Since I am only allowed to buy one pair, I felt like waiting to find a pair to my standards was worth it! What do you think..good decision??

boots I originally purchased.

boots I was searching for but couldn't find!

I just want the search to be done! The thing I dislike most (possibly even more than not shopping at all) is looking for that ONE item and not being able to find it. I am the kind of person to just leisurely shop, and will buy whatever I like when I see it. I eventually bought so much of everything, that I never actually had a list of necessities (aside from these winter boots). Shopping was like therapy for me...super calming and worry-free! It's my 'sanctuary', and now it is ruined by this annoyingly ridiculous chase.

If you are looking for winter boots too, I hope you are having better luck than I am!
Love,
T

for the love of a "good deal"

So, 'A' and I are back in the same city. After starting this little 'project', I think that it has definitely brought us closer. In the past, we still kept in touch and got together whenever we could. But, I feel like in doing this challenge, it is making us realize how much we think alike. We are finding new things about ourselves and more things we have in common. Just recently, we met up and tried to start a new part in our challenge, we wanted to introduce a section called "Clothing Re-Invention". Where we would like to alter old clothing and make them new again! However, it is taking us longer to start then expected. We began looking at some of the potential clothing to use for this project, but somehow got sidetrack and talked for hours on a lot of things happening in our life; basically a huge catch up time for the past 4 years of university. Good times for sure!

Anyways, while we are usually on the topic of shopping/fashion, it was bound to come up in this particular conversation. We talked about how to us, shopping is not just about us buying loads of merchandise for ourselves. When we shop, the satisfaction (a lot of the time) is in finding that amazing deal; something unique, useful, and at a good price (of course)! And when we find this great deal, it doesn't necessarily have to be for us. As long as someone we know is getting the good deal, it is still most definitely satisfying for the both of us. We can resist for ourselves (sometimes, because we realize that we have too much already), but will try to convince another to buy it just because of how much we think it is a good deal.

I wore this dress to a wedding this past weekend. My favourite part is the detailing on the shoulders; very origami-like
The shoes I paired with the dress! [Comment: "those are beautiful shoes!" - my mom's great aunt (made my day)]

For example, when I was shopping with my friend last in Toronto, we were searching for a dress for her to wear to a wedding. Therefore, it wasn't a dress that I needed at all, it was all for her! And so our search began. She tried on so many dresses, and she wanted to find the perfect one for the wedding. So, we came across this great dress, 100% silk, black & simple, with a dash of purple colour. Everyone needs something like that, don't they?? I mean, it wasn't exactly the kind of dress she envisioned herself to wear to this particular wedding, but it was a great dress! and everyone needs that "little black dress" somewhere in their closet! And, to top it all off, the dress' Original price: $129.99 and Sale price: $69.99. To me, this was a great deal - for quality, style and use! What do you think?? I tried my hardest to convince her that she "needed" this dress, but I failed. I wanted someone to have this dress. Her will power was too strong. In the end, she didn't end up buying the dress. And, as for me...a little while after, I ended up buying the dress because I loved it so much haha. Also, I believe that 'A' and I saw this while we were shopping a long while ago, but it was too expensive at the time.

If you would like some company on finding your own deals, I would gladly come with..&be your "personal shopper"? I promise I won't buy anything for myself!

Love,
T.

Why does my life feel more exhausting without school?!

So, since 'A' has been bugging me to write more..here it is! 

SO, everyone STILL doesn't believe that I can do it! Although 'A' and I shop frequently together (whenever we're in the same city), talk about shopping whenever we can (sharing our thoughts about fashion), updating each other on the latest trends, fads & styles...for some reason, most people think it COULD be possible for 'A' to complete our no shopping challenge, but for me...it's another story. I wonder why that is? Yes, I do shop a lot and I admit my wardrobe does not technically NEED more. But, I could have will power too!

When telling friends and family about the challenge, some of the responses are:

"Are you crazy?"

"That is so unreasonable! You can't do that"

"You will not last! I guarantee it"

"You can't do it...I will give you a million dollars if you do" [hope this one actually comes true!]

"I will buy you something big at the end of it"

"That sounds interesting, but are you sure you can do that??" 

When telling others about the "gift rule" (allowed to receive gifts, but will not be able to use until the 365 days are up) I've been told "Why would you do that? That is disrespectful to the gift giver. They want you to enjoy the gift! If you just let it sit there for a year, that is just rude!" 

I love the encouragement!

I am determined to prove everyone wrong..I WILL COMPLETE THE 365 DAYS! 

It's actually strange, lately I haven't really thought much about shopping. I will admit, there are a few times that I am just "in-the-mood" to shop (just one of those days). But for the most part, I have definitely kept myself busy doing other things. 

I am currently trying to set up a portfolio and website that will include all my previous work I have done during my university years. It feels like it is a never-ending process; almost as if I was back in school. 

I have also been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, they are currently doing a build in Stittsville (woot!) It is super tiring but I love it. I have always wanted to work with Habitat, and I finally got the chance this summer/fall! The people there are great, and I love hearing stories about their experiences with Habitat (and just life in general, since they are all most likely at least double my age:) It is also an awesome new experience for me.

And then last, I am still working as a server at Wasabi Sushi Restaurant in the market downtown Ottawa as a part-time job while I continue looking for another job. Although I only get 2-3 shifts a week, I am surprisingly super tired from work. It is almost always the night shift, and just being out and getting home around 11:30pm each time, makes me exhausted (especially when the bus ride is about an hour...one way!)  

Also, whenever I am at home, my parents always have a never-ending chore list to do! So that's an added BONUS!! *cough cough*

Anyways, that is what I have been up to these days.

I will try to write more..

Talk soon! 

T.

p.s. sorry if this all sounded super random...definitely not as structured as 'A', but that's me!

Rain Rain Go Away...

 I really regret not buying rain boots before we started this no shopping thing.  I use to think that rain boots were ugly and looked too childish.  But I have come to realize the practicality of rain boots.  As a university student who walks pretty much everywhere they are essential.  Yet  somehow after 4 years here I managed to not own a single pair.  Perhaps it's because I think most rain boots are ridiculously overpriced, look too childish on me and the fact that I will only be on campus for one more year.  I did look at some but my favorite (shown below) was sold out by the time I found it! Sooo sad =(

Burberry rain boots from theOutnet.com, they were only $30 btw!

At this point I'm wondering if I should break the rules and just go get a pair?  They are a necessity, my cold wet feet are suffering...at least I bought my raincoat before September!   What do you guys think????

Love,
A

NY Fashion week review

I know it's been over a week since NY Fashion week ended but here's my brief review.  Better late than never!
This was the season for shiny, colour, print and the unstructured.  Designers were certainly taking risks for RTW spring 2011,  and even the normally reserved ones stretched themselves.  I was surprised to see Herve Leger's bandage dress actually take on a very different form for once, with added ruffles, lace and grommets.  Victoria Beckham certainly pushed herself and her collection contained more unstructured dresses for once.  Vera Wang went more edgy this time with lots of loose pants.  One of my favorites, Monique L'huillier played with print this season and the results were amazing, see below.  

Another collection that is always on my radar is Marchesa, they always have dramatic dresses but this year they also added harlem pants.  There were still plenty of dresses though, here's my favorite. 

The laser cutouts are insane!  Rebecca Minkoff makes great bags but this year she was able to style models from head to toe.

 I love her styling and this is one collection that I will try to replicate with my own wardrobe, so stay tuned for pics. One collection missing from fashion week was the Row, MK and Ashley's high end line.  Unfortunately their samples didn't arrive in time so they will be showing their collection in Paris.  It's too bad because I was looking forward to their collection, although I must admit I like their Elizabeth and James line better (which just added shoes btw!). Well that's all for now, there are just too many shows to write about, London (finished), Milan (ending), and Paris (starts this week...I'm so excited)!  I so much more to Blog about, but I just have too much work.  One week till I reunite with T =)


Love,
A




*No copyright infringement intended. I do not own these photos, they belong to style.com  

Sites I love

So a lot of you have been asking what are the fashion sites I normally look at, especially for NY Fashion Week, so here they are:


 What celebs are wearing:
http://closetcravings.onsugar.com/ 
- tells you exactly what they are wearing in the pic + links to buy

http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/100701-coco-rocha--today-im-wearing.aspx

 - diferent celebs explain what they are wearing for a whole month

http://www.thevoguediaries.com/ - mainly pics of celebs
http://fashionism.ca/style_winners_losers/ - reviews of celeb outfits from the week


Fashion on the streets
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/ 
- photographs taken around the world of people with an interesting sense of style


http://whatshappeninginmyfashionworld.blogspot.com/ - Emilie shares her sense of style


Runway shows
http://nymag.com/fashion/?f=fashion
http://style.com/


Other blogs
http://rawshoes.wordpress.com/2010/07/ - insane shoes!
http://thelodown.com/
 - Lo from the Hills! shares tips on beauty, fashion, life


http://www.newdressaday.com/ 
-  each day Marissa  re-invents a vintage dress that she bought for $1


Yes, I know it's a long list and no I don't look at these sites everyday nor do I use those fancy blog following sites.  I just don't have the time to be doing that.  Anyways I just thought I'd share them with you.  Take a look and let me know what's your favorite.  I will post my favorites of NY Fashion week soon!


Love,
A

Busy Busy Busy

Wow, it's been two weeks since I last wrote.  I'm sorry for my delay but as you can tell I have been very busy.  Right now I'm in my second week of teachers college which takes up a lot of my time.  I've already had numerous assignments and readings to do but enough about school.  As much as it is a welcome distraction from shopping, I still need a break once  in a while.  


So far I haven't found myself changing my shopping routines.  As I was reminded by someone, it is better for us to just face our temptation.  So unlike T, I did go into my regular stores when school was just starting up.  It was slightly depressing to go into a store knowing that you can't buy anything.  However I found that as I was combing the racks of clothes I kept saying to myself "I don't need that, I already have something simiar etc".  I think it  also helps that I like to window shop at stores where I know I don't buy anything  anyways.  It's a pastime that one might think is pointless, looking at the unattainable but I enjoy just looking at things and getting ideas.  This is why I enjoy reading other fashion blogs, websites and magazines.  So right now I have been preoccupied with NY fashion week instead of my usual online stores.  I'm loving what I'm seeing so far =) 
I also encourage all of you to take a look at some of the photos of NY fashion week and see how you can put a similar look together with what you already have in your closet.  That's going to be my challenge for the next year.


When I have more time I will try to write a post about cleaning out my closet and one for my shopping tips.  If you guys have any questions or topics you want us to write about let us know! 


P.S. I will try to add photos to my blogs too 

being early for work is not good for me..

So, some people (most people) always say "it is better to be early for work, than late.." In my case, it is not such a good idea. Today, I was super early for work. I was just going to take my time getting to work after running a few errands. It turned out that my errands took too little time and I had all this extra time to do whatever I wanted until my shift started. And, what do I always do when I have nothing else to do...SHOP! (especially when there are plenty of stores around downtown Ottawa (Rideau Centre) and "The Byward Market").

In the end, I chose ONE store that I would let myself go in. I came across 'Frou Frou' and 'The Sassy bead Company' (two stores linked on the inside). They are sister stores that keep up with artistic and original items! I love going in to that store; it makes me feel inspired and creative.

Anyways, not expecting to buy anything, let alone see anything I would need in there, I just wanted to take a look at all the beautiful items since I have not been in the store for while. I came across these shoe, and they were something that I have been wanting (not necessarily needing, but could be useful!). And, the price was pretty good too! It is such a shame I could not purchase them...

I have been looking for either white (or black) pointed flats: only $19.98

I always like to see what kind of beads I can buy next to make some earrings or something. I think my next choice of colour will be white. Perhaps start with that leafy one "and grew a wing".

That is my first time seeing something that I actually really wanted, and could not do anything about it. If i was not doing this "no shopping deal" this year, those shoes would be MINE! Ah, c'est la vie.

Love, 

T

WHAT WILL WE DO?!

So, I recently got back from a trip to Toronto, and I thought I would talk a little about my experience there (now that I will not be able to shop).  I had come up with some friends along with my sister (who lives in Toronto).

This past weekend was the first time in Toronto since I have not been allowed to shop!! I couldn't believe it...I was on my way to Toronto and it was JUST the beginning of my "NO SHOPPING DAYS". How can this be happening? If you don't know me, I visit Toronto a lot. I have family there; it is a great excuse to come! Usually, what I end up doing is eat and shop...two things Toronto is very good for. Anyways, this time, I could still eat, but absolutely NO shopping!! 

Funny thing is, one big reason why i love Toronto is so that I can shop! It has all the stores you need. My sister and I have a tradition: We always go downtown and shop! We start at the "Urban Outfitters" near Queen Street (West) and Spadina Avenue, then work our way all the way down Queen Street to the Eaton Centre. We don't take breaks, even for food! Just straight shopping. (In fact, some of my friends tried to come along on our shopping day, and I don't think they could handle it. They were desperate to take breaks and sit down while my sister and I continued on). So, when my sister found out I was starting the challenge of 'Shopaholics on the Sidelines' she thought, "What are we going to do when I visit Toronto each time?! We needed to find something to do!!". 

First day I arrived in Toronto, first place I went was downtown. It made me sad, passing by all those stores and people with shopping bags in their hands. I wanted to shop too! It forced me to find other means of entertainment, and not look at all the materialistic things! We had dinner at "Woo Buffet restaurant & Lounge".  I was expecting a lot more from that place. I was so disappointed and I do not recommend this place to anyone, it was that bad. After dinner, I wanted to see the Harbour Front, since I had never seen it before. I guess going at night didn't really help since I could not actually see much. Although, I did see their gorgeous perfect garden area and saw "Mother Willow" in the center of it all, which was sweet. I was happy! Also saw the largest ship in Canada, I think it was. Then, more disappointment...the 'interesting' wavy/curvy dock by the water. Later, I watched 'The Other Guys' and I just was not feeling that movie. I could barely keep my eyes open, I thought it was boring. I think there was so much disappointment that day because I was always expecting too much from these places. Meh, it was alright.

Second day,  we decided to have brunch downtown at "Eggspectations". I love breakfast food! Then, apparently it was Brazil day, so much was going on in Younge-Dundas Square just outside the Eaton Centre. If I had gone on my usual shopping outing like I normally do, I would have not seen this amazing picture; all the Brazilian colours...and that crazy man who seems extremely upset about something. It made me laugh when I saw I captured his exact emotion at that moment (by accident!).  

bottom right corner..and the green and yellow in the background.

Also, it seems I went downtown (aka the place to shop) every single day I was in town.
Later that day, we needed something to do. So...we went BOWLING! We all have not been in such a long time and our scores clearly proved that! Our goal was to break 100, and we all...FAILED! It's all good though. The main thing is, we had lots of fun failing miserably. It was a  good day, even without all the shopping.

So, on the third day, I had lunch with a friend at "Congee Wong" (actually amazing congee that day, I was really happy about that). Then, headed downtown to visit the Royal Ontario Museum for the first time. I have been wanting go and actually have my own opinion on the the architecture of the building instead of go by what I hear for it or against it, as it can be a very controversial subject to some. "The Crystal": is a flamboyant design; shows that he (U.S. architect Daniel Libeskind) teaches us that beauty comes in many 'guises'; does not contribute to the streetscape; and others believe it is out of keeping with the heritage building. So, there are plenty of opinions on this particular building, as many of you may have heard. It can either be seen as a beautiful sculpture or a awful annoyance seen from the street. If you want to hear my opinion, you can ask me in person as I do not want to go on about this in too much detail.

Anyways, I like to get up close and personal with a building, as I have been trained to do through my studies. It gives me a better sense of how I see the world. This is most definitely a plus to my "no shopping days". I have always wanted to do all the touristy things in Toronto, as I do not get to do much since my visits are always too busy for that kind of thing. Now, I will have time for sightseeing and exploring the city from a different perspective. Visiting the museum definitely distracted me from my want for some shopping!

For the last night in Toronto, I went to "Caffe Demetre" for dessert! All their desserts are amazing. A little hard to manage by yourself, so I would suggest sharing with a friend. Last time I was there, they ran out of strawberries AND bananas! I was so shocked...so this time strawberries and bananas were a MUST for me. I shared a strawberry/banana/oreo cookie waffle with vanilla ice cream...mmm mmm goood! Then, we watched "The Lion King". Best movie ever!

The next day, we were heading out back home (Ottawa!). I could not wait to be back in my own bed/room/home. Toronto definitely was a good time, but it was time to come back home. On our trip back, we stopped in Kingston and had dinner with a few friends. We went to this sushi place called "Arisu" and the server just made it even better. He was just so cheery and smiley!   

I love distractions from shopping! I need more please to last the year though...

Thanks for listening/reading, 
T

the day has finally come!

"When I shop, the world gets better, and the world is better, but then it's not, and I need to do it again".  - Rebecca Bloomwood Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

I am not sure how many people have this feeling, but the first time I saw this movie, I could just relate! I know that I feel this way almost everyday! I love shopping! I love finding that perfect purse, sweater, coat , shoes...just that perfect everything! When I'm bored, I'll shop! When I'm sad, I'll shop! When I'm frustrated or upset, I'll shop! When I'm happy, I'll shop! Whenever 'A' and I have nothing to do, but we want to get together, WE shop! When all else fails, I will shop! It is just something that is always there, all those items in the store, tempting me to purchase and give them a home. 

"A man will never love you or treat you as well as a store. If a man doesn't fit, you can't exchange him seven days later for a gorgeous cashmere sweater. And a store always smells good. A store can awaken a lust for things you never even knew you needed. And when your fingers first grasp those shiny, new bags... oh yes... oh yes". - Rebecca Bloomwood Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

Before starting this crazy challenge, I have been trying to think of everything I would possibly need before I won't be able to shop anymore! I want to have everything I need for the upcoming year. The thought of not being able to buy anything scares me. It has been so difficult already. I realized how many things I buy that I convince myself I "need", when really it's just a want. I keep thinking, what if I find a perfect item and bargain? I won't be able to buy it! What will I do?? I will be so sad.

As I take a look at all the items I have, I finally realize that I  DO have more than enough! To me, it doesn't seem like too much, but when I compare to others, I can see why THEY think it's too much. Right now, all my clothes, shoes, purses, etc. take up three closets and it's still not enough space! I will never stop wanting more, but I know I should stop because I don't need everything I want. Hopefully, by the end of this journey, I will be able to resist the temptation to buy all my wants and only look for what I need.

Most people (meaning everyone I know) don't believe that I can do it, and I am determined to prove them all WRONG! Here we go...the time has come. No more shopping!

Love,

T.

And the challenge begins...

The week before we took on this challenge has been a shopping frenzy for me.  I think I literally went to all my favorite stores  to make sure I had everything I need before we started.  And I think.... I'm ready.  I know this journey will be painful at times...I think it'll hit me the most at Christmas!  But it will definitely be worth it in the end.

The following is a little bit more about me and my thoughts on the challenge itself...

SHOPAHOLIC.  Yup that's me.  I love to shop for everything and anything, that even includes groceries...just ask my housemates lol.  I love the thrill of a wearing something new,  the hunt for a bargain, and the excitement of seeing what's new in stores.  Shopping just makes me happy.  Although I'm usually a window shopper, I still have quite a bit of stuff in my closet.  And I have realized over the past few months that I really should not be so materialistic.

I would have to say that out of the two of us, most people believe that I won't have a problem completing this challenge. But in T's defense I have an unfair advantage: I'm still in university and the city I'm in has only ONE mall. That's right ONE.  This definitely helps curb the temptation to shop but I am definitely an online shopper.  I have been blessed that most stores don't actually ship to Canada for free but some have started! That means I have to say bye bye to Forever 21, Threadless and what not.  But what hurts even more is the fact that Gap and Banana Republic have just launched their online Canadian store.  Alas I know that once this is over my need or compulsion to shop will have decreased.  Anyways  I hope you all enjoy reading about our journey.

Love, A