Hello Darlings,

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,

As one of my favorite fashion icons—Audrey Hepburn—said:

" The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years."

With her words in mind, I embrace yet another year passing birthday. As I was laying in my large comfy bed in a hotel room with 1 hour before the clock fit 12 am, I could not help but feel blessed and slightly overwhelmed. With the best parents, caring family, amazing friends, loving boyfriend and readers as wonderful as you...I feel truly blessed and thankful! Therefore, I would like to thank everyone for making me smile everyday, for making me feel as loved as I do and for making me want to be the best person that I can. I can't express enough gratitude and send out enough thanks!

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,

Following a week trip to Montreal, I was visited the charming city of Trois-Rivières. The city was named such because the Saint-Maurice River, which is divided by two small islands at the river’s opening, has three mouths at the Saint Lawrence River.

Trois-Rivieres is a quaint small city about 200 kilometers from Montreal, but my experience was more about noise, crowds, and high-speed action since I was visiting to attend the Grand Prix Trois-Rivières car races held on the city streets each August.

Situated around the beautiful port, Trois-Rivières is filled with charming cafes and restaurants. Grand Prix weekend, the main des Forges street is closed to cars for a huge party. I've heard they have more than a 100,000 people walking the streets on both Friday and Saturday night on this special weekend, and I believe it.