Ok, in truth, this isn’t a new obsession, more like a rekindled one.

The thing about Winners (or Marshalls or T.J.Maxx for those American shoppers) is that it’s like shopping at a charity/thrift store where everything is NEW. Seeing something in one size doesn’t guarantee you’ll find in in YOUR size, but if you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, a little digging can prove very successful.

Case in point,  brassieres. Where else can you find good, and I mean good, bras for $15 or less? You may have to try on 20 or so to get a few goods ones but if the idea of getting 3 or 4 for the same price as one at La Senza or Victoria’s Secret appeals to you, then it’s worth the effort.

Winners now has a loyalty program (and I’m a sucker for these types of things). A few perks include registering your card automatically enters you into a contest for a $1,000 shopping spree and your exchange period extends from the 10 days to 30. Handy if there’s something you want to snatch up before someone else does but you’re still not 100% sure it’ll work for you.

Let me know in the comments what you love to shop for at places like Winners.

Pants: H&M
Jacket: Zara (last winter)
Top: Proenza Schouler For Target (years ago found here - one of my faves in the States)
Blazer: Rain (Winners - last year)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff  Mini Mac (ebay!)
Shoes: Eüro Soft by Söfft (Winners- last year) See again here, here and here  (that’s not even all of them!)
Ring: Chinatown Market – see again here and here, Bracelets: Jazz Festival see again here, Blue Ruby (old) and the Quick Nickel, Earrings: Ardene (old)
Nail Polishes: OPI Big Apple Red (fingers) and OPI Sun-Body Loves Me! (toes)

First off, it’s getting me back on the bike (literally), which only inspires me to bike MORE.

Here are a few weekend shots from last weekend’s seawall adventure (to the west end).

Anybody doing Critical Mass this summer? Let me know in the comments!

Top: Part Two c/o Twist Fashions
Jeans: Fidelity (Stevie in DEW) c/o Twist Fashions
Blazer: Tobias (sold at Plum - found at Re-Fashion)
Shoes: Sperry Top Siders (vintage – were my mum’s for our boat when I was a kid – before the hipsters took ‘em from the seas to the streets)
Sunnies: Joe Fresh, Watch: Fossil, Bracelet (old – Blue Ruby), Scarf: Gift from a client. See styled here and here. Earrings: The Bay (similar), Bag (in basket): Savers (Maui, HI)

Coat: Zara, Jacket: PSI, Blouse: Marc Jacobs, Pants: Jacob, Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, Necklace: Nygård, Earrings: Target, Ring: Marc Jacobs Daisy solid perfume, Sunglasses: Joe Fresh

Over the weekend we went to see one of my favourite plays, The Importance of Being Earnest. I laughed pretty much the entire second half. I think it’s pretty impressive that a play written over a 100 years ago can still be so witty and entertaining today.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2012. Thanks for all your support for the first year of my business and my little blog.

Jacket: my Mum’s from the ’60′s (DIY faux fur collar, updated vintage buttons), Dress: Express (last year), Jacket: Lady Chic (thrifted), Pearls: PURE by Alfred Sung, Sapphire ring: gift, Earrings: Claire’s, Bag: bought in Spain (last year), Tights: Joe Fresh? (old), Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Turban: DIY, brooch: Fine Finds

Photo Credit: Waleed Khalid Photography

Here’s what I learned about what Seth Aaron has been up to since winning season 7 (Season 9 recently finished) and his latest collection.

After we were introduced the first question I had for Seth Aaron was what had he been up to since winning, besides designing he has been been hosting events and giving talks, as well as filling in for Tim Gunn for season 9′s casting (Tim personally asked him).

Seth Aaron describes his garments as “sustainable sexy” and “fashion with a conscience.” So what does that mean? He has teamed up with Earthtec to provide ‘fashion-forward apparel that is 100% sustainable – made from recycled water bottles and organic materials’. I told him that reminded me of Canada’s own accessories designers Matt & Nat with their vegan and eco-friendly purses, bags and wallets.

The collection we saw walk the runway was his high fashion vision that he said he will be using as inspiration for a ready-to-wear collection that will be available in stores starting in Spring 2012. He is currently in talks with several different American chain stores.

I asked Seth Aaron what the inspiration was for his prints. He replied “my face”. And it literally was. He took a picture before he shaved his head and digitally worked it before turning it into prints.

I asked where he wanted his brand to be in 3-5 years. His response: Everywhere. With negotiations to have his collections mass produced for large department stores like Macy’s or Target starting Spring 2012 that might just happen.

As Tim Gun would say, “Make it work.” Good luck Seth Aaron!

Turtleneck: Danier, Sweater: Mexx (Twist), Cords: Paige (Twist), Socks: Joe Fresh, Boots: Ecco, (Twist), Earrings: Claire’s

Top: PURE (Alfred Sung), Jacket: Michael Kors (Twist), Brooch: Vintage (Flea Market), Cords: Paige (Twist), Boots: Ecco (c/o Twist), Earrings: Claire’s, Scarf: Consignment? (very old),  Jacket: Michael Kors (DIY buttons), Bag: Coach

What have you borrowed for your significant other to wear? Share in the comments below.

Coat: Via, Blazer: Michael Kors (Twist), Brooch: flea market, shirt: H&M, Necklace: Nygård, Faux Fur stole: H&M, Gloves: Stills (Twist), Bag: Coach, Jeans: Seven’s (my Husband’s), Shoes: Nine West, Watch: Fossil, Earrings: Nikko, Nail Polish: Big Apple Red (OPI)

Anyone else enjoy seeing their clothes on the little/big screen? Share in the comments!

L-R
Picture 1&2: Top: Anthropologie, Jacket:  Costa Blanca, Jeans: Simon Chang, Shoes: Roberto Vianni, Necklace: gold w/ emerald pendent (Birthday gift from my husband), Earrings: Austrian Crystal (The Bay), Nails: Big Apple Red (OPI)
Picture 3: Top: Anthropologie, Jacket: BCBG, Necklace: Tiffany & Co., Earrings: Austrian Crystal (The Bay)

Hope you had a party-filled weekend, too!

Dress: Bedo (old), Cardigan: Rain (Winners), Tights: Hue (the Bay), Shoes: Naturalizer, Bag: Coach, Jacket: Via (old), Bangles: Talize, Watch: Fossil (the Bay), Earrings: Ardene (old)