Hello Darlings,

As J. Crew comes to Canada the company held a launch party at the uber popular Yorkdale shopping mall. The high-profile New York-based brand is not only adored by Michelle Obama but by the world alike. I don't blame them, the style is classic and preppy. But was the Canadian welcome a warm one towards J. Crew? That is debatable!

Regardless of the buzz and excitement, shoppers walked away with sticker shock or in some cases angry with their mailman. J.Crew's expansion into Canada was done with "raised merchandise prices by about 15 per cent in its Canadian store and on its new Canadian e-commerce site compared with those at its U.S. outlets. For online customers, taxes and duties raised the final price for orders in some cases by as much as 50 per cent compared with the U.S. site they previously ordered from,"reported Globe and Mail. Following price backlash, J.Crew took immediate action to calm the nasty forum buzz.

The harsh reality is that a recent study showed that Canadians generally pay 20 per cent more at retail than Americans. Now, to whom do we write a complaint letter? The shopping fairy godmother?

I am really excited to announce the collaboration between Ontario-based bank, Ukrainian Credit Union and With Love... and a chance to win a $1000 shopping spree with me just in time for Christmas! The campaign is being launched at North America's largest Ukrainian Festival in the Bloor West Village West on September 17, 2011.

As a part of the festival, Ukrainian Credit Union is hosting a meet-and-greet with me. If you're in the area or would like to come out and say hello, I am going to be at Jane and Armdale between 12:30 and 2:30pm on September 17,2011. It would be a pleasure and a highlight of my day to meet some of you and have an opportunity to say a hello in person :)

Hello Darlings,

The waiting game for Topshop lovers is over! In March, The Bay confirmed its involvement in bringing British fashion giant Topshop and Topman to Canada. Although Topshop did make its first appearance last June at the Jonathan+Olivia store, The Bay claims the exclusive rights for Canada.

The Topshop merger is a part of the revival process for The Bay which stands to receive quite an influx in its cool factor and revenues come October, when the first store opens its doors at the Yorkdale location. With Topshop arrival, it is yet another foreign giant to invade the Canadian fashion industry. What does this mean for the Canadian retail market and price tags?

It is the more the merrier for the fashion lovers but on the opposite side of the spectrum local fashion industry is struggling to make an impact. From Zara, Forever21 to H&M and now Topshop and Target in 2013; it makes it for a tight market for Canadian retailers such as Joe Fresh Style. With international giants dominating the bargain-chic this makes it difficult for Joe Fresh Style-like retailers to survive.

Hello Darlings,

Do you consider yourself a rational person, who makes good spending decisions and exercises restraint? Every so often there is an item that I really want it, but just can’t seem to justify the cost. At the end of the day, I usually feel pretty good about making wise choices.

For me right now, that item is an Yves Saint Laurent Oval Arty Ring. For a year I’ve admired this little gem from a distance until a few days ago. When you’re debating to spend more than you think you should, a second opinion is highly recommended. So after being responsible for so long it was my mother who encouraged to finally buy the ring!