Virtual Virgin

I have to say at first I was hesitant to start online shopping, there was too much risk.  I like the tangibility of actually going shopping, and it is almost like a sport to me! However, recently I started to break into it, ordering some stuff here and there… now I feel practically addicted! Not good for a student making minimum wage, but what can I say, its all for the cause.

I lost my innocence to www.aldoshoes.com, which wasn’t an A+ experience but I did get my ordered and it didn’t take long to ship to me either. I did experience quite a few issues with the website itself; mixed up order numbers and sent my receipt to my friends email.  Forget about calling customer service, after an hour and a half waiting on hold I gave up.  In the end the order arrived correctly, and I was so pleased to receive what seemed like a present in the mail that I forgot all about that.

                  

 My next online experience was much better. I recently became a customer of www.nastygal.com, an online shopping site based out of the U.S, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. They were having an epic sale so I couldn’t resist putting in an order for some cute garment. $300 dollars later, and three of my girlfriends additions to my order, I took part in my second online shopping transaction. It took only about five business days to arrive, and I was pleased with what I got, as were the other girls. The box and wrapping were so cute and featured kiss marks, and with the tracking I always knew exactly where it was and when I was to expect it. In addition it was free shipping to Canada on orders over $50, and the duty wasn’t outrageous, as standard $39.99. I will definitely be ordering again.

                    

The most important thing I’ve learned from shopping online is that reading the size description is a must! For Nasty Gal I found this to be most important with because the sizing is inconsistent, some items I fit a small, and some a medium. However the site makes it pretty easy for you to see what size you want because it gives you the measurements of the garments, as well as the pictured models size and stats.  Overall I have to say I enjoy online shopping, you get unlimited selection, and usually you end up with better prices or deals from buying online, sounds like a win-win situation for my closet, my credit card statement may be another story.

-Adriana Sandu

No date for Valentines? No problem!

We've got 8 Dateless-Valentines-Day-Goodies and you won't need anybody but yourself. 

1 Gluten-Free Chocolate Avocado Pudding (See recipe below!)

• Eating chocolate is almost like falling in love. We came across a wicked healthy chocolate pudding recipe and it takes 10 minutes to make! See the recipe after the jump -------

2 Lush bath bombs

• A nice relaxing bath with Lush's bath bombs is sure to make you feel smooth and revitalized. If you're still feeling a little bitter about the whole "alone on V-DAY" thing, pick up the "Ex-Factor" bath bomb (here) for $4.95 and watch your worries go down the drain.

3 Four Tet, Patti Smith and Death Grips

• For your listening pleasure, we have chosen a unique combination of records that are created by inspiring, independent artists. Each group has their own obscure and out-of-the box sound. Take some time to find the creative person within yourself and do something great like these three groups. 

4 Bear Flag White Wine 

• Initially, we picked up this bottle of white wine because of it's catchy label full of indie inspired drawings. It wasn't until we started drinking that we realized it has these cool little arrows on the side telling you at which point of drinking you turn from a pessimist to an optimist. If you enjoy a full, fruity wine pick up the Soft White blend - if you're looking for a dryer white, I'd go for the Bright White Blend. 

5 Chocolate and Macaroons

• So cliche, but everybody wants chocolate on V-Day. Why don't you go ahead and spring for a box of sweets from the prettiest bakery in the city, I recommend Nadege Patisserie on Queen W in Toronto where they have cute Valentines inspired treats for you and ... yourself!

6 St Ives Facial Scrub

• Whatever, we all need a good scrubbin' now and then. Wash away your troubles and your tiny flaws to make your face feel smooth and rejuvenated. Pick up this simple facial scrub and a cleansing mask at your local drugstore.

7 Auroshikha Incense

• Candles are the obvious choice, but we really only burn incense in this house. Auroshikha's natural incense comes in a ton of different scents (I like the eucalyptus and lemongrass the best) and are "pure light and inspiring". If you're living downtown Toronto, check out Shanti Baba on Queen W for these. Light one, grab a glass of wine and have a nice Lush bath.

8 Victoria's Secret

• Who said you can't be sexy for yourself? We all want to feel good about ourselves and there's no time you'll look better than half naked in your sexiest lingerie sprawled out on your silk sheets surrounded by candles, incense, a tall glass of wine and a good record.

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Gluten-Free Chocolate Avocado Pudding (See recipe below!)

Ingredients:

     • 3 avocados (skinned and chopped finely)

     • 1/3 cup chocolate chips

     •1/3 cup natural cocoa

     • 1/2 tsp salt

     • 1/2 cup sugar 

     • 1/2 - 3/4 cup almond milk

     • 1-2 tbsp cultured coconut milk

     • 2 tbsp honey

     • Optional (to taste): cinnamon, coconut flakes, peanut butter, agave etc...

     • Use a hand blender and a big bowl if you have one, if not use a blender but add the    ingredients slowly

VEGAN: For this recipe, you can substitute the honey and sugar for agave, however use less almond milk in the process to make sure it still keeps the pudding texture. Add a little bit at a time to your preferred taste and texture.

Instructions:

•  Cut avocados in half, scoop out the pit and throw away, remove skin. Chop the avocados into fine pieces and set aside.

•  Add 1/2 cup of almond milk to bowl or blender. Add dry ingredients (sugar, cinnamon, salt, coconut) and blend. 

•  In a bowl, melt the chocolate chips and honey and pour into mixture. Blend right away.

•  Slowly add chunks of avocado and blend into mixture. 

•  If needed, blend in more milk during this process.

•  Scoop into bowl, chill and serve pudding in a number of different ways. You can stuff strawberries as found here on the Damy Health website, you can use pudding as fondue with cut up fruit (as we did), or you can use as a light frosting when baking. If you guys find any other uses let us know! :) 

Enjoy & go get sexy ;)

Love,
LeahBradley

Connected Retail

By Li Dai (LILY)

Over the past decade, retailers of all sizes have been driven by changing consumer to invest in digital channels including e-commerce and mobile platforms.

But now, more retailers are starting to use sophisticated interactive tools into the store layout including from digital displays to interactive tools. Simply adding digital or attaching a flat screen TV or table in store is not the answer. The era will have a Connected Retail experience.

Bloomingdale’s had screens throughout the store like digital wall or pillar, as compared to some larger retailers will flat screens in the back of the store. Some retailer like UNIQLO has in-wall screens tightly integrated with physical store design.

Converse offers digital tools to allow consumers customize the shoes in-store and walk out with one of the many designs printed on the sneakers. Marks and Spencer Paris location offers co-browsing for associates to move to endless aisles together with the customers in a high-traffic mall. In Sephora stores, there is a touchscreen kiosk served as a centerpiece in the fragrance section. User can quickly navigate to the type they like. Beauty iPads are also positioned along the vanity mirrors at the makeover stations. Users can check out how-to videos and tips. Sephora’s mobile app has a scan feature to scan the product bar code, and then pulling up additional information and reviews on the product.

The digital displays are very powerful but also need to execute well. Companies all tried to drive customers to go online 10 years ago. Today, it is not about online or offline but the key is multi-channel so that shoppers can engage with brand and stores anywhere anytime.

Getting The 1D Look For Less

One Direction released their newest album Take Me Home just this month, and have had all the tweens worldwide swooning over the boys and their music since their discovery on X Factor in 2010. 

Their fashion choices have had girls and boys all over the world asking, “Where and how can I get that look?!” Let’s have a look into what their stylist, Caroline Watson put together for the boys in the past, and how everyone can get a similar look for much cheaper than 1D.

Caroline Watson's choices:

Our Picks:

Checking out these designer finds with the same 1D look, you can save big time and still get that same preppy, boy band look for less!

For more great finds, shop online at:
http://www.franklinandmarshall.com/en
http://www.topman.com
http://www.fredperry.com
http://www.converse.com
http://www.usc.co.uk



Written by: Nicole Grisell

Pavlyn Boutique

By: Y-Yen (Bambi) Nguyen

Twitter: @bambi_nguyen

http://www.pavlyn.com

Online shopping today seems to be very popular and now a days everything we see on celebrities is available online, but most of them are based in the USA and we as Canadians have to deal with the shipping fee, paying additional costs when we receive our package etc.

I recently found this website via Twitter called Pavlyn Boutique. I was not sure what it was but hey I like shopping and I like online shopping so why not check it out. To my surprise it was a Canadian online shopping site that was started in 2011 by two best friends, Anna and Maria.

Founders of Pavlyn Boutique

Their website is easy to use and very easy to shop, you can shop by category, designer, celebrity, or the editors pick. They also have a style service that they provide which I find not a lot of online website have. What you is email them  what you are looking for providing as much detail as possible so they can help narrow down an outfit and picks for you.

I am absolutely in love with this website and love the brand that they carry.  For all you fashion and online shopping addicts should definitely check it out.

Website: http://www.pavlyn.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/pavlynboutique

Blog: http://pavlyn.wordpress.com/

Cooper It's Cold Outside!

By Erin Powers


I'm not sure about everyone else out there but the weather here in good ol' T.O. has had me less than thrilled to go outside lately. As much as I love the outdoors I have to admit that I'm definitely more of a beach bum than ski bunny, and the thought of layering on all those pieces of clunky winter protection just to take Cooper (my Shih Tzu, and love of my life) out for a walk leaves me feeling slightly underwhelmed at the beauty of the season. So in order to make this daily task as enjoyable as possible in -25 degree weather, I have tried to ensure that my "clunky winter protection" is as stylish as possible.


My first line of defense is always a great pair of boots. Cooper loves to go ploughing through 2 foot high piles of snow, and since he is just a little guy, I inevitably end up in the snow pile digging him out. This year I got my hands on a pair of Rachel boots ($235.00) by the canadian company Pajar and my feet have been thanking me ever since. They stay dry and warm during our snowy adventures which is more than I can say for Cooper. For a full list of retailers carrying these boots head to http://www.pajar.com/en/store+locator






My second weapon in my battle against the cold is my Lululemon Pinnacle jacket ($298.00). It is the warmest jacket I have ever put on and the belt ensures that I dont look like the abominable snowman. The hood is big enough to fit over my winter hat, but still stays on during windy days,. Go to www.lululemon.ca for more details on availability at stores near you.





The last thing I never leave the house without is an extra warm scarf, in a bright colour to remind me that spring is (according to Wiarton Willy) just around the corner. Kenneth Cole does a really warm and soft cashmere blend pashmina that comes in six great colours ($69.98). To find a retailer near you carrying these pashminas go to www.kennethcole.com and click Find A Store, or you can save some time (and not have to go outside - Bonus!) and order directly from the website.





Lastly, since I have been chattering on about my cold weather ordnances, I certainly do not send my adorable little dog out into the elements unprotected. He is a small dog with a huge heart and I thought he should have a jacket that shows everyone just how tough little dogs can be. I bought this little security jacket at Pink Paw in Yorkdale, for more information go to
www.thepinkpaw.com

Happy Shopping!