Where to Shop - sparkleshinylove

Roxymandy November 25, 2015

Dressing for the Holiday’s with Toronto’s Room 29

Not only are most of us stressed about what holiday gifts to buy, but we are also battling with what can be an even larger holiday problem – what the heck are we going to wear to that all-important holiday party we have coming up?

Toronto’s Room 29 is a fashion boutique that has a curated collection of designer wear that is a bit of a dream come true for someone looking for something from either an established designer, or an emerging one. Finding something to wear to a holiday party is beyond easy with their selection! I almost couldn’t decide what to choose when they let me stop by to choose an outfit for a live taping with Social Common on Tuesday night!

The store itself is located at 454 Eglinton Avenue West in Toronto, but they also offer online shopping and shipping. I visited the store myself and had an amazing time trying on all kinds of dresses and sweaters that I hadn’t set my eyes on before. It’s so much more fun to shop at a boutique rather than the mall because the odds of someone else wearing the same dress as you are significantly lowered.

The dress I am wearing in this post is called A Thousand Sacraments Dress from Sass & Bide .

This fitted dress is knit and is very warm! It’s perfect for cold and snowy nights when you still want to wear a dress, but don’t want to freeze to death. The bodycon style is very flattering because of the pattern on the dress. It’s a very slimming pattern, and the dress was beyond comfortable.

Room 29 has a great selection of dresses for the holiday season, along with some on-trend sweaters and tops that had me thinking all about how I could incorporate them into my party style. They carry all kinds of brands including Mackage, Alice McCall, Wildfox.

For more information about Room 29 and to shop the store please visit them here.

Roxymandy November 16, 2015

Teacher Holiday Gift Guide For Under $30

I can’t believe it, but the holidays are fast approaching! I already feel like I’m behind preparing for the holidays, but it’s only mid-November!

I have a hard time thinking of a gift for my son’s teacher each year, and although I’m sure they appreciate gift cards, it’s nice to give them something to show appreciation for all of the hard work they do.

I feel like my son has learned so much more from his teacher this year than I have ever taught him! It’s hard enough to leave our children in someone else’s care, so it’s especially comforting when that person treats them like they are special. My son’s teacher is lovely, and truly seems to adore him so she deserves something thoughtful for the holidays.

I’ve rounded up some of my favourite gifts for under $30 for that special teacher to receive this holiday season. It’s difficult to determine how much is appropriate to spend, but I’m sure in the end most teachers are happy just to be acknowledged for all of their efforts at this time of year!

1. 2016/2017 kate Spade New York Desk Calendar

2. Chalkboard Tea Cup

3. Personalized Reusable Starbucks Travel Cup

4. Kate Spade Daisy Place Pencil Cup

5. Nadege Macarons

6. West Elm Brass Hashtag Desk Paperweight

7. Kitten & the Bear Jam

8. L’Occitane Hand Cream Delights

Roxymandy November 13, 2015

My Coveted New Chanel Classic Flap Bag

I never thought I would have this bag, so I’m still a little shocked that it’s in my possession! For the past year I’ve been saving for a Chanel Flap Bag, but part way through the year when I was closer to my goal I had a hard time locating one! I couldn’t even see one in store – every Chanel in Toronto said they were completely sold out of this bag.

I was shocked it was so hard to even see one, let alone buy one. I was unable to be put on a wait list, so I was told to call as each new collection hit stores to see if this bag came available.

Luckily enough my Dad convinced me we should visit the Chanel in Orlando while we were away, and I was excited to find out they had one! I never thought I would be able to buy this bag, and I already had a similar one in mind as a consultation-prize of sorts. I was also thinking about the experience mentioned on Ella Pretty Blog about buying a vintage bag.

My experience just purchasing the bag was interesting. I had no idea then when buying this particular bag the authentication card was personalized at the store. Inserted into the storybook of the iconic handbag which came with the bag, a simple card was inserted with the handwritten serial number, location of purchase, date and my name. No other bag from Chanel is treated this way.

Unwrapping the bag at home was lovely as well. It was packaged straight from France, so I was the first to unwrap it and handle it after being painstakingly created by hand.

It’s easy to say that this is my most coveted item in my closet, and will likely always be!

Roxymandy November 12, 2015

My Favourite Vacation Looks

Packing for vacation is a total headache for a girl like me who likes wearing different outfits each day. I’m always scared to place my luggage on the scale at the airport! On the way home from a trip that airport scale is never my friend since I obviously shop along the way and the last thing I want to do is pay fees for overweight luggage.

Last week I was away for 10 days, and putting everything I needed into one suitcase and one carry-on was stressful, but I didn’t do a bad job. I only brought a couple pairs of shoes and bags, but I had a different dinner outfit, bathing suit cover up and bathing suit for each day! I can do this because I don’t tend to spend a lot on my holiday outfits. I like to get as many fun outfits as possible for a great deal, and know that I’m likely not going to get a lot of wear from these pieces.

Here are a few of my favourite looks from my trip below, along with links on where to shop them yourself.

Solid Colour Ruffle Off the Shoulder Dress – Zaful | Lace Up Heels – Zaful (similar here) | Clutch – Prada (Similar) | Ray Ban Aviators – Ray Ban

Red Long Sleeve Off the Shoulder Dress – Zaful | Lace Up Heels – Zaful (similar here) | Clutch – Prada (Similar) | Ray Ban Original Wayfarer Classic – Ray Ban

Retro Floral Two Piece – Zaful | Lace Up Heels – Zaful (similar here) | Ray Ban Aviators – Ray Ban | Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette – Louis Vuitton

V-Notched Strapless Jumpsuit – Forever 21 | Lace Up Heels – Zaful (similar)

Off the Shoulder Dress – Dynamite (only in stores| Wedge Sandals – Aldo

Black Strappy Dress – Forever 21 (similar) | Lace Up Heels – Zaful (similar here)

Mixed Mosaic Print Dress – Zaful

Hand-Stitched Beach Cover Up – Cozumel Market

Roxymandy October 26, 2015

Updating your Existing Wardrobe with a Faux Fur Collar

Long Faux Fur Collar – Dynamite | Faux Leather Zippered Moto Jacket – Forever 21 | Heels – Charlotte Russe {similar} | Floral Dress – Forever 21 {similar}

There are so many jackets and sweaters with faux fur collars on the racks right now, but dressing up some of your existing outfits with an add-on fur collar is a really fun way to update your wardobe and save lots of cash in the meantime! To me saving money means more shopping money down the road, so really it’s a win-win.

This faux fur collar is from Dynamite, and I love that it’s so long and warm.

Fur always seems so luxurious – I felt like I was playing dress-up with this collar. I can’t wait to wear it with a white sweater to add some interest to a more simple piece.

I’m so used to wearing scarves to accessorize my outfits, so it was nice to switch it up with faux fur.

Fur collars are one of my favourite winter trends. What are some of the winter trends you are excited for right now?