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2005 Spring Shopping Guide:
Where to shop and what to grab this spring…
Spring is such a finicky season. One day it's snowy, the next it's warm like summer, then it's rainy and cold. Well, no matter what the weather is like, I know I can always perk myself up by going to the mall. The moment I step through those doors, I feel like I'm at home. The smell of brand new, never worn clothing, the bright lights of the displays, and the fresh new colours and styles always make my heart skip a beat. Yes, I'm in love…with the mall.I love retail stores. I have a few favourites…well, is ten a few? I hit the mall weekly, and mentally calculate in my head what I should buy next, but every week something new hits the stores…and really, my wallet can't keep up! So I've taken the liberty of jotting down some great steals in some of my favourite stores.
Smart Set: A great place for colourful tanks.
- Smart Set
This store has a wide variety of tanks, camisoles and T-shirts. Mix and match, layer up or wear them solo. These are a must-have for the warm weather, and are under $25. There is every colour imaginable available, from turquoise to yellow to mango to cocoa.
- Esprit
Full sparkle is very in this season. Embellishment, metallic, and shine is everywhere. Look to Esprit for a sexy crossback sequined halter in lilac. If that doesn't spark your interest, perhaps a cute straw and leather picnic basket-inspired purse in green or pale pink will.
- American Eagle
Hit American Eagle for beach accessories. Sexy yet cute straw cowboy hats for $26.50 - wear it at the beach instead of a beach hat...now that's HOT! Their ever-popular printed T's are on sale for $16.95, and bath wraps (use at poolside or any wet establishment) in pink, white or turquoise go for $14.50. Carry all these items in a punchy beach bag at only $29.50.
- Le Chateau
Le Chateau is great for high turnover and different items that are constantly hitting the racks. Le Chateau always keeps on top of things by carrying colours that are new and fresh. Once known as the "mod" store in my high school days, Le Chateau has grown up and lays out better style and quality then in its earlier days. First thing I notice when I walk into any Le Chateau this season is colour. It's everywhere. Whether you like the soft pastels of pink and lavender, punchy yellows and blues, or the spice of burnt orange, chocolate and jade green, they have it all. Their prices are a bit higher than the average (it's a wonder how teenagers can afford the clothes), but for the right piece, it's worth it! Such as the black beaded viscose/polyester blended skirt I found for $70. It's spicy sexy, the ethnic look of a classic Spanish piece. Wear it with a casual white tank, flip-flops and a straw cowboy hat...that's HOT! Look for it buried behind other pieces or ask for it.
Le Chateau: A great place for fun and flirty skirts.
- Dynamite
The hot skirt this season is the full skirt (see "Leave it to Beaver"). Who knew June Cleaver knew what she was doing when it came to trendy fashion? Dynamite has a few full skirts for different tastes. Black for only $35, they can be worn with a bright tank and flip-flops; you can score a turquoise, yellow and white graphical choice for $40, or multi-stripes in oranges pinks and browns on sale for $15! That particular one looks so great in my closet.
- The Gap
The ever-popular flip-flops are in every store in every colour. These particular ones caught my eye in GAP at $34.50. Their metallic straps set off the sparkle of the jewels that graze the top of the foot in a single line. They come in four different colours, and would dress up a pair of denim capris and simple white T.
- Jacob
This season try a print on, especially if your wardrobe consists of all solids. Try a 60's pucci print sash or floral trench coat. I love prints - they're something unique that will make heads turn or start a conversation. Jacob has a $65 white skirt sporting "O"'s in beige, chocolate, frost blue and passion fruit. That's right, "O"'s like the letter (or, at least, that's what it looks like to me. See for yourself). And check out the matching short-sleeved cardigan for $55.
- Jacob Connexxion
The more casual and less expensive of the duo, Jacob Connexxion carries T's and skirts in soft colours at prices that lets you eat out too! A spring/summer essential is the capri. Right now Jacob Connexxion carries a handful of capris. I just purchased a soft cream and a navy pair for just $19.99 each. They fit great!
Reitmans: A great place for printed tops.
- Reitmans
Mother store to Smart Set, Reitmans have come along way from when my mother use to shop there. They carry both career oriented and casual wear, in tall, average, petite and above average. Pick up a fun printed top in orange, aqua, deep rose or jungle green. Orange is big this season, and that orange printed top looks great in my closet too! Along with all the other orange items I've purchased in the past few months.
- Sirens
Sirens isn't a store that I would consider a favorite. Honestly, it wouldn't even be a store I would even consider. And yet, an item I spied in their storefront stopped me in my tracks and made me go in: a natural coloured ethnic inspired print skirt, with black and violet accents - wow, and good for them for bringing in another buyer! Unfortunately, they didn't have large for me to squeeze my one thigh in, but I encourage you to go check it out!Trying different stores and keeping an open mind will surprise you. Check out my other favourite stores: Ricki's, RW&Co., Banana Republic (only in my dreams), Zara, H&M, Aldo and The Shoe Company. Who would have though I would have left the Shoe Company with a baseball hat? I got a deal on a bright orange NIKE baseball hat with the swoosh in white. HOT! Only $14.99! My boyfriend asked why I needed a baseball hat, as he's never seen me wear one before. I told him, "Well, now I have a reason to."
"What a great colour," I think to myself as I put it in my wardrobe. The wardrobe was purchased when I moved into my boyfriend's place as his closet was too small for the both of us. Shopping problem? Me? No… ¤ Barb