Monday, November 18, 2013

Bargain Hunting: J Crew Sale



J. Crew Collection

I have a confession to make. I'm a bargain hunter. I love getting a great deal, especially on something that suits my style so perfectly. In that respect, I may share this love with a few others out there. Now I'm not the kind of bargain hunter that scours the shelves or internet for hours for the best deals out there, only purchasing at dirt cheap prices. I find this to be too time consuming and too often, the end result is a closet full of items that don't really suit me or my true sense of style. Oh, yes, I speak from experience.  






I've wised up. The key is...know thy self. And know your closet. Then when a sale announcement from your favorite shop lands in your inbox, go hog wild! Well, in keeping with your true sense of style and budget that is. I look for quality classic pieces that will weather fleeting trends and the passage of time. And hold up wear after wear. That means great construction and quality materials..fine merino wools, cashmeres, cottons. Throw in a few mixed blends for loft and durability. Silk for the occasional ladylike item (a girl's gotta have a few feminine pieces right?). 




I also find that a sale is the perfect time to branch out...just beyond the comfort zone. Like by adding a pop of color to a closet dominated by neutrals (or vise versa). Or mixing in an unusual print to give life to all those solids. And a little spurge on a fun trendy item  or two makes for a quick and easy update to a classic wardrobe. 




J Crew is my go to when it comes to getting my bargain hunting fix. J. Crew and I go way back. To the days when factory outlets were practically nonexistent. When the retailers actually came to you. As in came to your city, rented a warehouse and advertised their giant blowout factory sale in the newspaper. Since that faithful day, it was love at first sale. And I haven't turned back, even as I wean out giant retailers from my list in favor of independent businesses with soul. Their attention to quality and construction with just the right twist on classic style has me hooked, line and sinker. Here are my current bargain favorites...



Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Stay In and Get Comfortable…


It snowed. Not much, just tiny little windblown flakes made visible by the flash of passing headlights. But it was snow, nonetheless. Temperatures have dropped below freezing here. And there is nothing more welcoming than a steaming cup and a good read. Or attempting a novel, if the mood should strike. In bed or by the fire, snuggled under fluffy white covers.


I haven't experienced below freezing temperatures in years, except for the occasional ski trip to the mountains. So this is still all new. And a bit exciting. It's the perfect excuse to stay inside, light the fire, and put on something comfy and warm.


Stay In and Get Comfortable



1. Pebble Charm Necklace | Jay + Renae  2. Juicy Couture elastic waist pants 3. J.Crew Collection cashmere zip-front hoodie 4. TIBI racerback camisole  5. UGG Australia ugg® australia boots 6. Ethan Allen faux fur throw pillow  7.Tea mug 


Remember to sign up to receive an email when the Jay + Renae site launches and receive 30% off your first purchase!  Now that's a warming thought. 

Saturday, November 9, 2013

A Cozy Fall

Cozy Fall


Madewell clothing
madewell.com




Fall is here. In a real way. With leaves turning lovely shades of gold, bright orange and red. Collecting on the dewy grass and crunching beneath every step. And this cold weather here in Toronto has me thinking cozy, cozy, cozy. All I want to do is slip into something soft and warm. What better on a cold Fall day than a pair of comfy boots, a soft as kitten's fur sweater and a warm scarf to guard against the wind. Throw on a furry bag over your shoulders and you're ready to head into the cold in warm style...

Photo courtesy of Pinterest