Outlet shopping!

The Bay Outlet- Woodbine Centre, Toronto, Canada

I love a bargain. Can’t help it. I just love knowing that I scored a great deal and only paid a fraction of the actual cost. Some might call me cheap; I call myself a true frugalista! LOL

I started a new job recently and I was in desperate need of some blazers and professional attire for work (my job has a strict dress code). I went shopping and purchased a couple of pairs of dress pants and a few blazers, but I still needed more outfits. Unfortunately, wallet was seriously running on empty.

After throwing down beaucoup cash at some higher end stores on my shopping extravaganza, I decided to take a chance on The Hudson’s Bay Outlet store.

 

I set out to go to the Bay outlet for the simple reason that I know TONS of people who have shopped there and paid next to nothing on designer clothing. And after plunking down a lot of money already, I wanted to see if I could get some more clothes at an affordable (ahem, CHEAP!) price.


Although I love saving, I don’t really enjoy digging through lots of clothes to score the deal. It takes a lot of time and energy, and damn it, I’m a lazy shopper. But you must keep in mind when you shop at the Bay Outlet; you better expect to spend at least 2 hours sifting through a sea of clothing and bumping into a million deal-hungry shoppers. Luckily, it didn’t take me too long to find my bargains. I found my purchases in an hour.

 

I scored a tweed grey and black Mexx jacket for 39.99. The original cost.....$199.99. I also got a black and grey fitted dress that originally cost $99.99. Guess how much I paid? $30.00!







I am sooo happy that I decided to spend part of my Sunday afternoon in the outlet. Love my purchases, and I can’t wait to rock them at work!

Happy shopping!



Michelle





Help Japan

I didn't have a chance to immediately write about the devasting earthquake and tsunami that happened earlier, but I would like to appeal to everyone to please keep Japan in your thoughts and prayers.  And if you can, please donate to a reputable charity.



-Michelle

Leggings in the workplace

Are leggings appropriate for the workplace?

I know I’m not the most in your face fashionista—everyone knows I rock a cardi and a Mad Men-esque dress 24/7! Yes, I thoroughly looove the sexy librarian look! LOL!


My issue is that I recently visited a professional office and I noticed that one of the employees was wearing a pair of leggings with a short jacket. I don’t want to sound like I’m 100 years old, but are leggings okay in the workplace? Is it still possible to look professional while wearing skin tight clothing?


YOU let me know. E-mail your opinions to michelle at happygrrls.com or leave a message on the blog. Thanks!


Michelle

Protecting your hair and skin in harsh weather

Be it summer or winter, you must remember to apply skin hydrating products that will protect and nurture your hair and skin.



This winter has been particularly cruel, so I’ve had to bring out the big guns. My skin and hair were both calling out for some TLC, so I’ve unleashed a few products from my cosmetic bag that keep me hydrated and glowing. Check ‘em out!


Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner

This little bottle of conditioner may cost less than 3 bucks, but it works like a charm! I’ve tried expensive hair products, which work well (I’m partial to Aveda products), but if you can get results from a cheaper brand, why not use it!


The Hello Hydration conditioner smells great (like a tropical fruit smoothie) and makes my hair feel soft and manageable. It works so well that I even use it as a deep conditioner. All I do is add olive oil for optimum hydration, and I’m good to go.


This is my staple go-to hair product. I heart Hello Hydration.


L’Occitane Pure Shea Butter

My sister turned me on to L’Occitane years ago. She sang its praises soooo much that she unwittingly convinced me to try some of their products. I did, and I will say L’Occtaine makes outstanding products. I have tried their bath oil, soaps and body lotion, but nothing beats my must have for harsh weather—their cute l’il tin of Pure Shea Butter.


I have yucky dry skin and I need something heavy-duty to keep my skin looking quenched. A lot of products claim that they are formulated for people with dry skin, but unfortunately they never work for me. That’s when I dig deep into my purse and turn to this product.


I use it on my hands, my elbows and even on my chapped lips! It always takes away the ashiness and leaves me with supple skin. This is sooo my go-to product for winter.


MAC Ambering Rose Sheertone Shimmer Blush

This shimmering blush doesn’t necessarily add any moisture to my skin, but it does look like I have an illuminating glow.


I normally wear Hushabye Blush (also from MAC) for every occasion, but I tried my “less used” blush Ambering Rose to work last week, and it made my visage look incredible! My skin looked radiant—as if I just got back from a Caribbean getaway. I love the way it looks on me. It adds some drama to my somewhat dull winter skin.


These are a few products products that I turn to keep my skin beaming during the winter. What to you use to combat the harsh elements?


Michelle

Q& A with Amy Lu

I’m not embarrassed to say that I’m in a fashion rut right now. My clothes are lacking that oomph factor and I am in need of some stylish clothing stat!



In addition to checking out a plethora of fashion mags and religiously watching What Not To Wear, I thought to reach out to a fashionista and find out everything I need to know about fashion, but more importantly, what the hottest trends are for Spring 2011.

I contacted Amy Lu—fashion stylist extraordinaire, to ask her about her career as a stylist, and of course to get the 411 on what I should be wearing this spring.




When did you know you wanted to pursue fashion as a career?
I must admit that I have been in love with clothes for as long as I can remember. Most of my childhood memories start with what I was wearing or what I can remember someone else wearing, so it was a very natural progression for me to pursue a career in the fashion industry.


Did you go to school for fashion?
I studied marketing for two years at Camosun College in Victoria, also at the Fashion Merchandising program at Blanche MacDonald in Vancouver. I completed a one-year Couture Sewing program from a woman named Blossom who taught out of her home in Vancouver (and studied under Jacques Fath). In addition to that schooling, I took continuing education courses at Emily Carr in photography, sewing, print making. All of which has been beneficial in some capacity of my career.


How did you get your break into fashion?
I get asked this a lot in interviews and to be honest there was never one specific event that was the trigger but rather a series of things that led me in the right direction. I suppose my first shoot was key and I got that because I contacted a student photographer who was looking to collaborate with a fashion designer on a photo shoot. I contacted him and convinced him to give me a shot.


What has been your career highlight so far?
I have experienced many fabulous moments with celebrities and fancy productions but the highlights are often times very unglamorous and easy to overlook. I suppose some of my sparkliest moments so far have been shooting Selena Gomez which was a real treat because her persona is so big yet she was such a sweetheart.

What are some of your fave stores to shop?
I love Aritzia, it is my go-to shop. I enjoy Holts and BCBG when I can splurge.


What is your favourite city to shop?
Hmmmmmm, I love different cities for different reasons but I always get lucky in Seattle. Chicago and New York are also winners but they take effort. LA is good too but parking is a struggle. Vancouver is amazing too!


If you could have any other job, what would it be?

I can honestly say, photography and fashion is where my heart and soul is, so I'd be lying if I mentioned another job. I do however, want to expand my skills into helping people look and feel their best on a much larger scale, self-esteem is at the root of people's success and style is an easy way to access that.

What celeb would you like to style and why?

Kate Moss. I love her, I grew up watching her career unfold and she is so inspiring not to mention the most stylish person ever!

What are the hottest trends for Spring 2011?

Pleated trousers, cropped tops, clear rimmed glasses, and platform sandals.

What are some trends we should stop doing now?

One-shoudered tight dresses, all things covered in grommets and spikes. The Kardashians killed those trends!

Where are you based?

I reside in Toronto at the moment but am away more than I am home.

More stats on Amy

 

* Amy began her career as a fashion stylist in 2001

* She has styled editorials for FASHION magazine, Zink, Vanity Fair, Toronto Life, among others



* In 2003 she was awarded BC’s apparel Fashion Stylist of the year



For more information on Amy Lu, please visit http://www.amylu.ca/

Michelle

Styled by Amy Lu

Ask Michelle

Have some issues that you want to get resolved in 2011? E-mail me at michelle at happygrrls.com and I will try to include it in the next instalment of Ask Michelle



Dear Michelle,
I have a little problem. I used to be friends with my best friend’s sister, but we have become less close over the years. Nothing major happened, we just grew apart. Ironically, my best friend and I have become great friends during this time.


My problem with my besties’ sis is that even though we don’t have a great friendship anymore, she randomly calls me up when she needs help. Sometimes it’s for a ride to the mall; if she needs some help with homework, and believe it or not, if she needs a reference for a job!


At first I didn’t think much of it because she’s still kinda my friend, but the fact that she calls me out of the blue only when she needs something is starting to really piss me off!

She’ll call me, and then I won’t hear from her for at least 3 months. I don’t want to sound rude, but we’re not even good friends anymore and I don’t like that she calls and texts me when she needs help. How do I tell her to leave me alone? What should I do?


Signed, I don’t like users!


Dear I don’t like users!
I totally agree with you. I don’t like it when someone talks to you only when they need something from you. That’s not how a friendship works.


Your situation is a little complicated, though. On one hand you don’t want to jeopardize your relationship with your best friend by being rude to her sis, but on the other hand, she’s totally taking advantage of your kindness!


Maybe what you might want to do is be less available to her. When she calls or texts you, don’t answer. I know it sounds super immature and juvenile, but after a while she’ll get the picture and stop using you and probably move onto the next victim!


Hope that works for you. Let me know how it works out.




Michelle

Happy New Year: A look back at 2010



2010: Year in Review

 



I love the beginning of a new year because it gives me a chance to reflect on the past 365 days. And my fave part of looking back is reflecting on the songs and artists that made the year special.

Here’s a short list of the songs that made 2010 memorable.


Teenage Dream, Katy Perry
This has become one of my all time fave songs. Serious. Say what you will about Katy Perry, but she has created an awesome youth anthem.


Find Your Love, Drake
I love practically all of Drake’s songs (it was very difficult to choose just one for this list!), but this song is my favourite. Not only is the song hot, but the tropical setting for the video ups its sexy factor!


OMG, Usher f/ will.i. am
This high energy single is great for getting your dance on in the club or getting your sweat on in the gym. OMG came out earlier this year, but has yet to leave my playlist.

Telephone, Lady Gaga f/Beyonce
Awesome song and equally entertaining video. Gaga owned 2010!


Grenade, Bruno Mars
A tormented love song? How could I not love it. J’adore Bruno Mars.

Bullet Proof, La Roux
This isn’t a song that I would normally listen to, but I have to admit, this bubbly dance track is so catchy and infectious, it’s damn near impossible to ignore. I love the 80s vibe and techno feel. This song reminds me of the summer of 2010.


Only Girl In The World, Rihanna
Thankfully Rihanna released this upbeat song. Her last CD was a little depressing (remember the song, Russian Roulette?) and I was actually questioning if I would ever like another Rihanna track. Luckily Only Girl In The World was released and I have remained a Rihanna fan.


Your Love, Nicki Minaj
What Nicki lacks in talent, she more than makes up with her wildly fascinating personality and creativity. She took an almost forgotten Annie Lennox track and retooled it to create one of the hottest songs of the year. Shout-outs to Lil X for the riveting video!


Monday Morning, Melanie Fiona
After listening to the song just once at work, I fell in love. It’s a melange of Motown-esque orchestration with a hint of reggae. Her raspy soulful voice blows all the wannabe songtresses out of the water. She’s def my fave new artist of the year.

I Invented Sex, Trey Songz

Okay, the title is a little raunchy and boastful, but it really is a great r&b song(ahem, baby making song!). On this track, Trey lets his woman know that he’s that good, that it’s like he invented sex. Daaaam!

Thanks for reading my list. What do ya think? What were some of your fave songs for 2010?

-Michelle