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?

Groceries + fashion = Joe fresh

I can't even believe it's September 1st already.. although it was super hot today (31.. felt like 40 with humidex) I started thinking about my fall wardrobe. While at the Loblaw's superstore I checked out the Joe Fresh fall collection. Still can't get over the fact that you can buy cute clothing at the grocery store! Designer Joe Mimran, chair of the FDCC and of Club Monaco fame, has managed to make his fast fashion extremely affordable yet still desirable and trendy. In fact, Joe Fresh shows at Toronto fashion week and is one of the hottest tickets. Anyway, I picked up a few shirts and a sweater.. everything was in the neighborhood of $12 to $29.. Amazing.

Score from Macy's

I was down in Rochester a couple weeks ago, and decided to go shopping for a dress and shoes for an upcoming wedding. I was very successful, I found an amazing black strapless BCBG cocktail dress. Then I scored a deal at Macy's- I found an awesome pair of black suede strappy stilettos (which by chance happen to be BCBGeneration) marked down to $50 and were the last pair left. When I went to pay they came up as $26!! Nothing better than a great deal.... I love shopping over the border:)