The next generation of couponing is springing up in our travel plans this year. While the peak travel season has passed (January/February) there are a lot of great, local “weekend getaway” deals floating around. Check out the following sites that specialize in offering Canada travel couponing:

What a great excuse to get away…
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1) Groupon Getaways: The one who started it all. Groupon now has millions of members and is the largest couponing website in the world. This allows them to offer discounts and get resort locations that others might not. It also means they may be less in tune with what is a good local B&B like the following Canadian-based companies.

2) Jaunt.ca: The adventure-based travel expert. In association with WagJag, another daily deal site, the organization of this site is clean and offers travel deals accross Canada. Each Jaunt offers a unique experience that includes hotel accommodations and other delights including winery tours, spa packages, gourmet meals, outdoor adventures and more. They are exclusive to Jaunt.ca and only available for a limited time.

3) Teambuy.ca: Canadian and international travel deals make this site a must stop on your way out of town. Each week they feature new trips, getaways, or adventures to exotic, local, and familiar destinations around the world.

4) Dealfind Travel: B&B’s, hotels and resorts – take your pick up to 70% off.

I find the easiest way to keep track off all these sites is to sign-up for the email updates and download the apps to your smart phone (if you have). The trick to finding the best deal is to be patient and consistent! You don’t want to miss out on that perfect trip – because these deals do sell out!

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Happy Traveling!

~Chelsea

Stuck paying international shipping? Here are two stylish sites that will foot the bill for you.

Can you imagine handing over your purchase to the clerk at your local mall only to have her ask, “priority or standard?”… “Excuse me?” you ask in response. She explains, “do you want to pay the priority or standard rate to take your purchase home?” Hearing the annoyance in her voice you shy away from confrontation and whisper, “standard”. You fork over the additional $10, grab your purchase and scurry out the door. “What just happened?” you wonder.

Wouldn’t it be crazy if your local boutique starting charging you for the costs of running the store? From shipping, to international duty charges, to steaming-out wrinkles, stocking the shelves…can you imagine seeing those charges listed on your receipt as you walked out the door?

The reality of living in Canada and buying online is not that far off from the situation I’ve just described. The Shopping Supplement asks, “Why do companies charge loyal consumers like us these ridiculous charges?” The answer is something you may not want to hear…Because they can. Most online merchants pass additional costs, like shipping or duty, on to the buyer because they know that they can get away with it. Online shoppers, especially those in Canada, are so used to the “pay-to-ship” model that they don’t even think twice at checkout.

Let’s focus on what’s real. We don’t want to pay any more than we have to which is why I’ve put together a list of stores that get it. Free shipping, all the time, to everyone, period. It just so happens that these are also the sites I visit most and find some great deals:

• ASOS.com: Chose your currency, style, size, color –you name it and the option is there for faster shopping. Oh, and don’t forget free standard shipping wordwide, no minimums. Find your country rates for priority shipping here.
• Shopbop.com: What’s better than free shipping? It could only be one thing: Free Express Delivery, no minimums. Enough said. (But, btw: they also have every designer name you could ever want).

There are countless other sites that offer free shipping with a minimum purchase, but why settle? I know you’ll fall in love with at least one of the two I’ve mentioned above. And if I haven’t convinced you, check out an example of a “Savvy Sunday” deal at Asos that runs each week. Just another reason to love Sunday’s… and Asos:

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~Chelsea

Fall's Boot Lineup

As the cold breeze rolls in and the leaves begin to fall my attention turns to all that fall fashion has to offer. Perhaps one of the most transitionable pieces in your wardrobe are boots and this season is no exception. From ankle to over-the-knee these accessories can be dressed up or down and keep your toes warm too. 

There are so many styles and fabrics to choose from I don’t know how you’ll ever decide, but in case your wondering where the best boots are hiding online I’ve got you covered: (and of course they ship to Canada):

1.ALDO : Never dissapoints in style or price – you get what you pay for. Plus easy returns in store make shopping online stress free. My favourite: The go-with-anything mid-calf boot from Aldo ($160)

2. TOP SHOP: The lineup is undeniable, boots at every pricepoint, style and fabric who knew Top Shop was so devoted to winter footwear? My pick: The classic tall boot with a twist for those chilly winter days (this boot is fleece lined!) (85 pounds)

3.  FOREVER 21: You certainly can’t argue with the price. Trendy and reasonable my pick is the $24 lace up ankle boot:

4. Other places to look for fabulous boots: BrownsShoes.com, Urban Outfitters, MySpringShoes.com, BlueFly.com (designer wear), Overstock.com (for those rare finds) and try your luck at Hautelook or Beyond the Rack where you may be able to nab a designer pair at up to 80% off!

~Chelsea

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Here are the top 20 transitional trends that ship to Canada and will take you into fall without a big hit to your bank account (courtesy of Rachel Zoe).

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1. Over the knee boot: If you splurged for a good pair last season you can pull them out of storage and carry them off as the leaves begin to fall. Perfect with tights or skinny jeans they’ll keep you warm and looking good. (Boot below: Top Shop $210 – ships to Canada!)

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Top Shop Over-the-knee-boot

2. Military Jacket : Army green will take you from cool summer nights to chilly fall days. Dress up or down this piece is truly transitional in more than one way.

3. Adorned Belt: Think 80s inspired black leather studs brought into the millennium as a waist-cincher that will really go with so many items you already own.

4. Printed Blouse: Thin, flowy and an animal print inspiration this top is good for work and play.

5. Cutout Wedges: All over the runway, pair alone with shorts or wear with thinly bunched knee-high tights and a skit for that back-to-school look.

6. Wide-Leg Trousers: Ah the return of the wide leg, which never really left the office, but will see a return in denim and dress this fall.

7. Felt Fedora: No more straw fedora’s for Fall, think earthy colours for a go-with-anything cool vibe that’ll protect those locks from the sun and keep your head warm in the Fall.

8. Leather Skirt: Black, below the knee and leather, need I say more?

9. Leopard Clutch: Not into the animal print on top and all over? Use your clutch to add a bit of spice to your wardrobe.

10. Deep Lip Colour: Whether its the oh-so-popular lip stains of the moment or a more moisturizing tube go with a dark colour to add a bit of mystery and maturity to your look this Fall.

For the remaining 10 on this list visit: Rachel Zoe Online

~Chelsea

]]> http://shoppingsupplement.com/2010/09/20-transitional-trends-for-fall/feed/ 0 http://shoppingsupplement.com/2010/08/deal-of-the-week-shop-bop-delivers-the-goods-for-free/ http://shoppingsupplement.com/2010/08/deal-of-the-week-shop-bop-delivers-the-goods-for-free/#comments Wed, 25 Aug 2010 01:18:46 +0000 Chelsea - Shopping Supplement Creator http://shoppingsupplement.com/?p=556 I first thought that an amazing deal online couldn’t get any better for you, my readers. But wait… what if the deal of the week wasn’t just a great quality, high-style item, but it also shipped free?! Well…then you’d have this week’s DOW: A cashmere, 3/4 length, go-with-anything, fall and spring appropriate sweater…that ships free internationally from Shop Bop.

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This particular gem was regular $240 and is now 70% off. Also comes in a stunning “ultramarine and limestone” combination, but my pick for fall is the gray that can be easily paired with fall’s winter white jackets. All items, including this one, ship worldwide in  three days or less so if you want to wear it this weekend you can! Here’s some more details for you meticulous shoppers:

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Shopbop’s own exclusive label.
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This scoop-neck striped cashmere sweater features a 12-button back closure. Ribbed banding at edges. Elbow-length sleeves.

* 20″ long, measured from center back.
* Fabrication: Fine knit.
* 100% cashmere.
* Hand wash or dry clean.
* Imported.

PS: The button-up back is just as charming as the front.

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If this sweater just isn’t your style be sure to check-out Shop Bop’s sale section for other great finds!

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~Chelsea

Ever since Gossip Girl appeared on the fashion scene and stole the show (in both TV land and NYC fashion) I’ve been noticing the twists on plaid skirts and crisp white shirts. Whether you’re a Blair or a Serena or don’t care either way, the pleated mini is back in a new way this fall (seen at Alexander Wang, Philosophy and DKNY).

Here’s my picks for this season’s pleated mini at all price points, and all ship to Canada.

[View with PicLens]

The above items are available at:

Overstock.com ($35)

CharlotteRusse.com ($20)

ShopBop.com ($50 and $250) *free shipping

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PS: Don’t forget this season’s knee high tights paired with your summer or fall shoes (open-toe no matter!) for the complete look! Play it cool on top if you aren’t actually restricted to a uniform – don’t want to be mistaken for a high-schooler do we?

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~Chelsea

Christian Louboutin wool peeptoe ankle boots

1 ShopBop: Shop by designer, size, colour and get free delivery to Canada on any order size. I love the organization of this site – it makes it incredibly easy to find what you’ve been searching for!

2. ShoeMall: Forced online because you can’t find your size? Don’t be discouraged. You’ll find it at ShoeMall without sacrificing style. Shipping to Canada, you’ll find shoes in sizes 4 through 14 and widths 4A to 6E.

3. Browns: A Canadian girl’s shoe paradise. Offering  Brown’s own quality lines and other famed shoe designer brands Manolo Blahnik, Stuart Weitzman, UGG and more – the selection won’t dissapoint. My favourite is the return policy – ordered the wrong size or changed your  mind? Simply head over to your local Brown’s store for a hassle-free return. Shipping is very reasonable at $5 to Canadian addresses.

4. Saks Fifth Avenue: A designer girl’s dream shopping mall, filled with high end designers and the season’s most coveted styles you won’t find it if you can’t get it here. What I love is they make it easy for Canadians to shop – adjusting all prices and shipping to the Canadian dollar. Whether its the red backed heel of the Christian Louboutin’s, the Prada leather boots or the Jimmy Choo stiletto sandals you desire – you’ll find it here.

5. Naturalizer: I know, the thought doesn’t scream style or designer BUT they do offer incredibly comfortable work styles that can’t be beat. If you’re on your feet all day or have need a legitimately comfortable pair of work heels then you won’t be disappointed here. Need a sleek pair for an upcoming presentation? Most items will arrive within 2-5 business days at a charge of $6.50 for shipping to Canada. They also offer four width sizes and shoe sizes 4-12. Another bonus – you can read reviews by other buyers about the quality of the shoe, fit and design. If it’s a business shoe wardrobe your after then keep your eyes peeled for great sales at the end of each season with much more stock and size availability than in store.

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There you have it! Never go shoeless again. If you have a specific designer or brand in mind but not sure where the best place to find it online is (that ships to Canada!) use our handy online shopping directory here, type in the brand you desire in the box and we’ll find you the place to buy that ships to Canada! What could be simpler? (Caution: what style or colour you buy is up to you!)

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For other shopping advice ask here.

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~Chelsea

Not only can you stay at home and avoid the oh-so-dreadful three-way hall of horror mirrors in the dressing room but you can find your size and the style you crave stress free!

1. Alloy.com – Shop the latest trends in sizes 0 to 25 or XS to XXXL. For pants, inseams range from 30″ to 37″ for you long legged gals!

2.Carissarose.com – “It will fit, and you will look beautiful – or your money back” is their guarantee. For women with larger busts, this site offers stylish work wear, dresses, and more.

3.Norstrom.com – Offering endless brand names and sizes, use the advanced search option to filter out the type of clothes your looking for, whether it be petite, plus or tall sizes. Bras come available from 30AA to 52JJ.

4. Shoemall.com – Having a hard time finding stylish shoes that fit your tootsies? Shemall allows you to search from sizes 4 through 14 and widths 4A to 6E.

5. AdditionElle.com – Also offering styles from Penningtons, this is your one-stop-shop for plus size clothing and fashions that ship to Canada. They offer a standard low shipping rate and free returns to Canadian customers.

If you have any specific sizing needs not addressed in this post, feel free to visit the SS Style Advice section and post a question or email me and I’d love to help. Not being able to find your size in cute clothes is a curse no one should have to bear!

*Just be warned, most of the above sites charge higher than normal shipping rates because they are American-based. But clothes that fit and ship to Canada are worth the extra dollar!

~Chelsea

1. Denimology.com – Know what style, brand, shade your looking for just don’t know where to buy it? This is your one-stop shop. Denimology searches 77 different retailers to help you find your perfect pair with less of your own time spent searching! Just be sure to double check the retailer they recommend is Canada friendly!

2. DenimTherapy.com – Found your dream pair of designer jeans but caught them on a sharp corner or the zipper is snagged? DenimTherapy is the lifeline for your favourite pair. Bring them back to life for an average cost of $35 – they cater to Canadian online shoppers!

3. RevolveClothing.com – Any brand you can name or see on celebrities, you’ll find here with free shipping and returns to Canada! Plus easy search and browsing options make browsing stress free.

4. Forever21.com – Any style you’ve loved but can’t afford you can find here for less, starting at just $10! (Forever 21 has a dedicated site to Canadians!)

5. Singer22.com – Saw a pair on a celebutant  you just have to have? You’ll find the dish on who’s wearing what here from Rihanna to Rachel Bilson and where to buy.

You’ll be able to find whatever jeans you wish and bring your faves back to life with this guide. The difficult task may be deciding which ones are best… but that’s up to you!

~Chelsea

Here’s an online shopping site worthy of your time: The Breast Cancer Site Store (they ship to Canada).

The one and only time you can spend your entire paycheque shopping online and on yourself without feeling even a tinge of guilt! The site carries every breast cancer support item you’ve seen in stores plus much, much more – and ships to Canada. From home decor to kitchen appliances to clothing and jewelery this site will satisfy all your cravings to browse and buy!

Check out my favourite items found on the site:

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If you happen to be looking for those cute pink Kitchen Aid appliances, the ones that remind you of the plastic appliances your Barbies used to have, you can purchase those online here (my favourite is the toaster). Buying a pink appliance will generate up to a $50 donation to Breast Cancer research.

Or if your not in the mood to shop (what?!) then you can donate to Breast Cancer research on the Breast Cancer Society of Canada’s website, bringing some good feelings your way by giving hope to others!

~Chelsea