Best account for shopping- ING Direct THRIVE chequing

I just recently signed up for this new account and so far so good! It's a free chequing account, and includes unlimited debits (great for the shopping habit), free unlimited bill payments, free interac email money transfers, and  free unlimited deposits and withdraws. The only drawback (for some) is that there are no brick and mortar banks. As someone who does all their banking online this doesn't bother me. On their website it says if you need a bank draft they will courier it to your house for $10, which sounds quite reasonable. The first book of cheques is free as well. If you need to withdraw money from an ATM they have a list of free ones to use in your area. It looks like its all the credit union ATM's that can be used for free (at least in the Niagara area).
Another bonus for this account is if you sign up and use a valid 'orange code' you get a $25 dollar bonus when you open the account and deposit at least $100. Also if you switch your payroll deposit to this account they give you an additional $100 :) Another interesting bonus is that this account actually pays interest. Although it's not much, it's a rare feature of chequing accounts these days.

If anyone needs a valid orange key here's mine- 35972618S1 (as of July 17, 2011) Just enter it in when signing up for the account and $25 will automatically be deposited once the account is opened with a min of $100 (there's no requirement to keep the $100 in there). Happy shopping!

Deal of the day- babydoll dress from Old Navy

I picked up a cute dress from Old Navy (in store) for an amazing $11.99! It looks like it's slightly more expensive online for $14.99 in some colours, and $21.99 in others. Their Canadian shipping policy is free if you spend $50 or more, and there are always free returns.

 

Best shopping option = Winners

My favourite shopping destination in the Niagara (Canada) area always seems to be Winners.... there are less designer items/good finds than in other areas, but at the same time less shopping competition than in the greater Toronto area or say, Montreal (home to my favourite Winners). Today I found a cute Theory plaid dress for work, regular price $225 I got on clearance for $45! It must be said though, you have to be in the mood to search..... I'm also a fan of Marshalls, the American version of the store. In the States items seem to get marked down so much more than in Canada. However, they have recently opened Marshalls in Toronto, Mississauga, Ajax and Woodbridge, but I have yet to check them out.

Hard Candy makeup line

So.....Hard Candy is now available exclusively at Walmart! I know I'm way behind on this one, but I don't shop there very often. A quick google search told me it's been at Canadian Walmarts since August 2010. Back in the day I would buy the nailpolish from Sephora, it's interesting that they dropped the price point so low while keeping the products so similar. I bought some bronzer and the quality is good :)

Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail polish strips!

I'd been on the lookout to find these in Canada ever since I saw them advertised a few months ago...and today I finally picked some up! I chose "misbehaved" which is a silver colour with a black fishnet pattern. The product is actually pretty amazing, it's real nail polish but is already dry. It did take quite some time to apply but I got more efficient as I went along. Each package comes with 2 packs containing 8 different size strips. I only had to use one pack because it's really easy to cut some of the bigger ones in half and use on two nails. Also included is a little file and a cuticle stick.You basically just peel off the strip, press it down, and file away the excess. They seem to go on better if a little warm, and once the plastic is peeled off the quicker you put it on the better it works. Now let's see how long they last! On a side note, I'm also a fan of Sally Hansen's complete salon manicure line. The polish goes on really easily but I find I need to add a good topcoat if I want it to last more than a couple days. I really like the wide, angled brush and the colours they have available which has caused me to accumulate about a dozen so far...

The results!

OFF FIFTH and the Fashion Outlets, Niagara Falls NY

One of my favourite over the border destinations would have to be Saks Fifth Avenue's discount store- Off Fifth. Located in the Fashion Outlets on military road, there are always great deals to be had. If you sign up for their emails, they always send coupons and notifications of current promotions. FYI, right now its the Labour Day sale, 25%-50% additional discount off entire store, until Sept 7th. It's one of the best destinations for designer jeans, they always have Seven's and Rock & Republic's in stock, and usually a good selection. My best finds in recent times have been LAMB by Gwen Stefani stilettos (I've gotten lots of wear out of them, shown below), Dior sunglasses (there's always a great sunglasses selection too), and a Marc Jacobs dress for my sister. You have to put in the time if you want to search through the clearance rack, but it's usually worth it!

Other favourite stores at these outlets include Michael Kors, Banana Republic, Marshalls, Ralph Lauren, Coach, Burberry, GAP, Old Navy, and the newly added BCBG (tons of cute cocktail dresses).

The sad demise of the La Senza bra club card

While in La Senza recently I was informed that they will no longer be handing out bra club cards (you know.. buy 9 bras get one free). They will keep stamping and redeeming existing cards until December 31 of this year... luckily I just filled one out, so time to cash in. I love how you can get the most expensive bra in the store! However, they are keeping the Prestige card that gives 10% off so that's a small consolation.

In other news, Victoria's Secret opened their second Canadian location at theYorkdale mall in Toronto after opening their first at the West Edmonton mall. They also opened up PINK stores at the Mapleview (Burlington), Square One (Mississauga), the Scarborough Town Centre, Vaughan Mills, and Constoga (Waterloo). When Victoria's Secret bought La Senza they originally said they wouldn't be bringing the VS brand to Canada.. I wonder where they will expand to next! Perhaps more in Toronto or maybe Montreal?