Last Minute Gifts Made Easy

Last minute gifts for mom, sister, girlfriend, cousin, wife who:

- is difficult to buy for

- has everything

- enjoys creativity

- appreciates a thoughtful gift

- is worthy of some time for herself

THE REFINERY Gift Experience Certificates 

Convenience is Key!

- order online, by calling 416.262.4116, or via email

- gift certificate sent to you via email within 24 hours

- you can print the certificate and put it in a card

- gift receiver contacts THE REFINERY when they are ready to book

- all contact information located on their gift certificate

- gift certificate is good until the receiver uses it - i.e. no expiry

- simple, easy, convenient!

THE REFINERY Gift Experience Certificates 

THE REFINERY experience: 

- work with women age 20 to 50 to 80

- loads of personal recommendations

- multiple National media endorsements 

THE REFINERY gift experiences are the BEST last minute gift choice! 

*** Order until 11:59pm Thursday December 24th, 2009 ***

 THE REFINERY Gift Experience Certificates

Wendy Woulds | Winter Evening Shoes with Jeans

Question submitted by Karma B.: "What shoes can I wear to dress up jeans in the winter? I'm trying to get away from the typical black boot look..."

Wendy Woulds: "For winter it's easiest to stick with closed toe shoes, but you can still have a lot of fun! Use any of your closed toe evening shoes - a patent leather pump, something with a rhinestone, or velvet are all great for winter. I like the idea of a jazzier boot as well - try something new with metal studs, a different colour, or some lace.

"If possible, when it gets really snowy I highly recommend wearing trudging appropriate boots to and from the event and bring your other shoes with you.  You can change into the pretty shoes when you're inside and store your boots with your coat."

REFINED. Gift Experience Ideas - Extravagant!

For the fifth installment of REFINED. gift experience ideas, I have compiled a list of my top 5 extravagant Toronto* gift experience picks:

1. Decadent Retreat at Elmwood Spa - bring new meaning to the word joy. $433 per person.

2. The REFINED. Woman makeover with THE REFINERY - a full makeover will have her feeling amazing about herself! $600 per woman.

3. Flames of Passion at Hotel St. Germain - an evening, and morning, of pure pampering. starting at $349 per couple.

4. Time Management Experience with The Time Doctor - The gift that keeps on giving... an organized life. $250 per person.

5. Takumi Dinner at Sushi Kaji - known as the best sushi in Toronto, and the most authentic. $120 per person. 

*many of these gift experience ideas can be applied to similar business locations in your city.

Day to Evening Outfit Idea

Wendy Woods from THE REFINERY shows you a simple way to transform a work appropriate day outfit to a stunning evening ensemble.

All you need:
1. A sexy dress in a matte fabric.
2. A blazer that matches your dress.
3. Sparkling earrings.
4. An evening clutch.

REFINED. Gift Experience Ideas - Eco Chic

For the fourth installment of REFINED. gift experience ideas - 5 Toronto* gift experiences to give to the environmentally friendly woman:

1. Beginner Rock Climbing Lesson at Joe Rockhead's - A beginner course the eco chic woman can later apply to the outdoors. $35 per person.

2. Shop Your Closet with THE REFINERY - leave the consuming to someone else! 30 new outfits from the clothes she already has. $120 per service.

3. Cooking Class with Marni Wasserman - Marni teaches you how to cook fantastically flavourful recipes with organic sustainable foods. $105 per person.

4. Signature Pedicure with Healthy Esthetics - only healthy and eco-friendly products used for these pedicures. $28 per pedicure.

5. Dog Sledding through TryThat.ca - an exhilirating experience spent in the fresh air. $150 per person. 

*many of these gift experience ideas can be applied to similar business locations in your city. 

Wendy Woulds | stockings with a black dress

Question submitted by Victoria M.: "If I am wearing a little black dress do I wear black, neutral or no stockings? Need to know the latest trend." 

Wendy Woulds: "Black and neutral stockings are classic looks so both work well!  These days bare legs is also perfectly appropriate - it all comes down to your comfort level, and need for warmth.  If you want a more trendy look wear stockings with sparkle/shine, pattern, or bright colour." 

All your style questions answered!

REFINED. Gift Experience Ideas - For Men

For the third installment of the REFINED. gift experience guide - 5 Toronto* gift experience ideas for the REFINED. woman to give her man:

1. Wilderness Survival through TryThat.ca - fantastic survival skills for the outdoorsy guy. $99 per person.

2. Colour Analysis with THE REFINERY - without the benefits of blush, men need to use the colours they wear to their advantage. $150 per analysis.

3. 1-hour Private Snowboard Lesson at Mount St. Louis - whether he's a beginner or an expert he will have fun improving his skills. $75 an hour.

4. Boom Boom Cards - okay, so not an experience per se, but the cards encourage your man to create positive life experiences. $9.99 per deck.

5. Beer & Cheese Pairing at Leslieville Cheese Market - 5 beers paired with 5 cheeses to heighten the experience of both - delish! $30 per person. 

*many of these gift experience ideas can be applied to similar business locations in your city.

For the Love of It: Ashley Winnington-Ball

I love what I do... I meet the most incredible, talented people who inspire me and make me appreciate all of the effort and dedication that go into being an artist or designer in Canada.  What I especially love about what I do is hearing the behind the scenes story of how and why artists bring their visions to life. 

I first met Ashley Winnington-Ball about five years ago and was impressed by her unique  approach to jewellery design. Her ability to transform rusted metal, industrial, salvaged and antique items not only reduces the carbon footprint but re surges these found objects into true pieces of art.  Her eco-conscious designs give us some of the most original jewellery I have ever seen, and when you wear one of her pieces, you also make a statement to others about your aesthetic and your values.  Ashley is so passionate about her art form that she was chosen to be part of Sarah Slean's Recessionista tour, where the songstress donned recycled garments and accessories and donated these items to help raise funds for the David Suziki foundation.  “To me, it's about seeing things in a new light, seeing beauty where it might not be obvious or traditional. And ultimately, it's about resourcefulness, preservation and creative living.”

Ashley’s work is featured in the National Post, ET Canada, Toronto Living and Blog T.O.  Her following continues to grow and her dedication to her work is stronger than ever.  You can find Ashley’s work at Shopgirls Gallery Boutique at 1342 Queen Street West.

M. 

Michelle Germain, owner/curator of Shopgirls Gallery Boutique, showcases over 80 Canadian artists and designers in her Parkdale shop.  This 1800 square-foot creative and retail space features one-of-a-kind and one-of-a-few designs from emerging Canadians and also boasts carrying the biggest selection of Yoga Jeans in Canada.

The "LBD" myth

Many fashion writers make it known that in their opinion every women must have a Little Black Dress (aka LBD).  Let's just clear something up here: there are very few life necessities, and a Little Black Dress (aka LBD) is not one of them!

The information that these fashion writers actually mean to give you is, "A classic dress, in a solid neutral colour will make getting party-ready much simpler."  So what does a classic, solid, neutral-coloured dress look like?

Classic: A classic style is simple. If there are any details they are streamlined. Classic styles are "safe", and therefore also timeless!

Solid: "Solid" describes the colour.  It just means that the dress is made up of one colour - no pattern, no colour change.

Neutral: Neutral colours are actually "non-colours" called shades - think black, white, and gray - which makes them easy to match with anything.  Almost as easy to match, are colours like navy, brown, gold, and silver so they are often classified as neutral colours as well.

Next time you feel the need to get a LBD, know that you don't have to buy into the myth!  There are other dress options out there that are equally versatile, and fill all your holiday outfit needs!

REFINED. Gift Experience Ideas - Under $100

For the second installment of the REFINED. gift experience guide - 5 Toronto* gift experience ideas under $100: 

1. Aromatic Reflexology at Kalena Aroma - deeply relaxing treatment that calms the whole body. $70 per person.

2. Toronto Boutique Shopping Tour with THE REFINERY - guided by a personal style coach, she will discover some of Toronto's best boutiques. $70 per person.

3. Yellow Freedom Voucher with TryThat.ca - freedom to choose one of many different experiences through Try That. $100 per voucher. Various Locations.

4. Tickets to Nutcracker at Four Seasons Centre - a classic Holiday tradition for many. Tickets begin at $45 per person and increase from there.

5. 5 class pass at Breathe Yoga Studio - yoga is an amazing way to relax and give a woman some time to herself. $70 for 5 classes.

*many of these gift experience ideas can be applied to similar business locations in your city.

Wendy Woulds | stockings with open toe shoes?

Amanda L.: "One of your options for changing up your holiday dress is to wear strappy sandals.  How do you get around the issue of hosiery since we're talking about December here?   Is there a clever way to wear hosiery with your strappy sandals or do we just grin and bear the cold?" 

Wendy Woulds: "The easiest to execute - grin and bear it... just like this :D 

If you are confident in your abilities to match patterns I would suggest finding a patterned stocking like fishnets or a lace pattern to match with the strappy nature of your shoe. Important point: make sure you buy sandal foot stockings!"

Holiday Dress

You can wear one simple dress to every Holiday event you have this year!  Seriously.

There are many easy ways to create very different outfits from one dress.  If you do it right, I guarantee people won't even notice that you are wearing the exact same dress to each of your Holiday events.

To demonstrate, I've used a little black dress, but please know that you can apply the below ideas to any simple dress you have in your closet.

The Tips

Use jewellery to change the whole personality of an outfit: pearls look classic; while a chunky necklace can add drama; while chandelier earrings look glamorous.

Have some fun with shoes: Boots look strong when paired with a dress; flats are more relaxed; pumps give a classic look; while strappy sandals are sexy. 

Add layers: when you add layer pieces like sparkly sweaters and blazers over your dress, it totally changes the way the dress structure appears and therefore  the way you appear in that dress. 

Add an embellished handbag: take advantage of the Holiday season as an opportunity to use the great evening bags you have hiding in your closet.  Depending on the personality of the bag, you can add funk or elegance to your outfit. 

Once you start mixing and matching jewellery, shoes, purses, and layer pieces,  you will discover you have more outfits in your closet than you think!

REFINED. Gift Experiences Under $50

I was recently asked by a Toronto newspaper to sum up my gift shopping philosophy... my answer: "Be Creative!"  

This year my creative gifting wheels have been set in motion by local gift experience websites - a phenomena popular in the UK and slowing coming to North America.  For this stylish gift tip, I have interpreted the concept, and compiled a list of my top 5 Toronto* gift experience picks under $50: 

1. Waters Experience at Body Blitz Spa - a relaxing gift, and if you go together you have a chance to chat and catch up. $48 per person.

2. Test a Style Coach with THE REFINERY - a gift where she will discover clothing and accessory styles that make her shine. $40 per person.

3. Eyebrow Shaping at The Brow House - women love to pamper themselves, so give her a gift where she can do just that! $25 per person.
4. Afternoon Tea at MoRoCo - afternoon tea always feels so decadent and fun! $45 full tea, $18 cream tea; per person prices.

5. Tastings at the LCBO - the LCBO offers a wide range of courses for different tastes and budgets. prices vary - many between $25 and $45. Across Ontario.

At prices like these you can treat yourself to the gift experience as well and enjoy some time with this special woman.  And we all know time together is the best gift money can buy! 

*many of these gift experience ideas can be applied to places in your city.

...stay tuned for next week's top 5 gift experiences under $100.

THE REFINERY Holiday Gift Guide

Home "Sweat" Home

I LOVE sweats! That's right, I said it, I'm a closet sweat pant and hoodie lover!  Wow, does that ever feel good to get off my chest!

When I first started THE REFINERY, I thought that as a personal style coach I was going to have to let go of my passion for these soft and cozy items; since then I've embraced it.

Here's what I've realized... sweats have a time and place, and for me they signify it's time to relax.  There is something so comforting about coming home, putting on your coziest pair of sweats, and curling up on the couch with a tea - ah relaxation!

The issue with sweats is that they're so comfortable many of us want to wear them everywhere: picking up the kids from school, going to the grocery store, perhaps even out to dinner (you know who you are)!  To define those appropriate/inappropriate times to wear sweats I have devised a test. Before I leave the house in my most casual of outfits, I ask myself, "If I saw someone I haven't seen in 5 years at (fill in the blank of wherever I'm going) would I feel embarrassed to be seen like this."  If I think I would feel embarrassed by this situation, I change my clothes before I leave.  I want to feel confident in every situation I may encounter, and so should you!

Here are 3 places I always feel comfortable wearing sweats outside the house:

1. I'm on my way to an activity that requires I wear activewear

2. I'm going for a walk through High Park

3. Anytime I'm at the cottage

I have others.  In the end this is a personal comfort level that you need to decide for yourself.  Be honest with yourself.  Do you really feel fully comfortable in those sweats, because embarrassment is totally uncomfortable!

Wendy

Happy Hallowe'en!

THE REFINERY wishes everyone a Happy Halloween! Have fun playing dress up, handing out candy, and having a ball being silly! Today's the day you can pretend to be anything you want so have some fun!

Stylish Tax Deduction for Small Business Owners

Did you know that personal style coaching is a fully tax deductible expense for small business owners?  All the more reason to invest in yourself, your employees, or a gift for your customers.  You will be creating a positive face for your brand, and putting your best foot forward!

Toronto Designer Spotlight: Pricila Gomes

Pricila Gomes specializes in gorgeous hand crocheted jackets and sweaters. Her pieces are elegant, natural, and feminine all rolled into one.  As a designer and producer, Pricila has a keen attention to detail, which I absolutely love! I am always encouraged when a designer is more fastidious about the details on a piece than I am - I know it's well made! 

Pricila makes one-of-a-few pieces that you can see on her website, but her passion lies in creating custom pieces with her clients.  Contact her and she will rise to the challenge!  www.pricilagomes.com 

Bargain Shopping

I am a learned bargain shopper. I find shopping in a store where I know they will have my size, and I can easily see what each garment looks like much more civilized.  However, I have slowly taught myself how to shop for a bargain in order to get quality pieces at fantastic prices!  Here are some of the strategies I use in order to make bargain shopping manageable: 

1. Choose a target item: Focus on shoes, or pants, or shirts, etc. The more focused you are, the more manageable the coverage area. 

2. Know your colour: Having a focus on what colour you are looking for makes it easy to weed out other items. Rather than look at every pair of pants, you can walk down the pant racks, and pull out an item when the colour catches your eye.

3. Be skeptical of items with a lot of inventory: there is usually a reason why a great brand has a lot of one style left, the style doesn't fit well. You will find the best treasures when you dig deep and find the odd dress that is left in your size. Lucky You! 

4. Keep a reminder: if you find something in another size that you love, pull it out as a reminder to look for it in your size. 

5. Scour all marked size areas: discount stores are usually disorganized, so you will find items in your size in areas where they shouldn't be.

As the saying goes, "patience is a virtue." A virtue that you must have to find pieces that look fabulous on you and significantly discounted. Remember, it is only a bargain if the piece you buy gets worn a lot! When you do find a piece that is perfect - what a feeling!

Wendy Woulds | Dry Clean Only

This week's style question submitted by Amanda L.
"Are clothes labeled 'Dry Clean Only', really 'Dry Clean Only' or can I wash them at home in my machine?"

Water, warmth, and agitation can cause fabric to shrink. A 'dry clean only' label tells me the manufacturer is worried about garment shrinkage. In the end there may be a few pieces that you could wash at home, but I would suggest getting the "okay" from a dry cleaner you trust.

What style questions are you dying to have answered? 

Friday Afternoon Fun

A client recently sent me a link to a really fun website where you can plug in your body type, height, weight, etc. and play around making outfits on a model that looks just like you!  

It's the perfect website for a Friday afternoon at the office - don't tell your boss! 

Check out My Virtual Model at http://www.mvm.com 

I spent 5 minutes playing on the site and came up with this model and outfit. http://www.mvm.com/cs/media/p/41908.aspx 

I may be addicted! ;)
 

THE REFINERY Shopping Secrets Revealed

Soia and Kyo and Sense of Independence are holding a 15% off coat event on Thursday October 8 from 6pm-9pm.  Sense of Independence is located at 511 Eglinton Avenue West.  To RSVP call 416-481-8242.

Tie One On

"I love this scarf; I just don't know what to do with it!" Sound familiar?

I hear this sentence all the time during Shop Your Closet and Wardrobe Overhaul services. It comes from clients who own scarves that range from cotton H&M scarves to the coveted Hermes silk scarf. My advice on "what to do" is dependent upon the size, shape, and pattern of the scarf, and the body proportions and personality of the client. 

As a starting point for soon-to-be clients - and a reminder for current clients - a step-by-step video on 4 easy ways to tie a rectangular silk scarf.

Care-Full

As I offer alteration suggestion while organizing women's closets, I am often asked to name the people trust to care for my clothing. I am always happy to share! 

ALTERATIONS

As You Like It is at the top of my list for alterations in Toronto. I have been going there for 4 years, and I continue to be amazed at the quality of their workmanship. They have two locations in Toronto:

92 Avenue Road ~ 416.962.4167

8 Craighurst Road ~ 416.486.6915 

DRY CLEANING
I found Queen Street Cleaners after two years searching Toronto for a cleaner I trust. Finally a dry cleaner who cares about my clothes, as much as I do! 
1390 Queen Street West ~ 416.533.5583

Wendy's New Ring

Wendy is seriously obsessed with her new ring made by Ashley Winnington-Ball. It makes her feel like a princess, and dresses up any outfit. She's been wearing it since she got it! For Wendy this ring is the perfect example of how what you wear affects how you feel.  While she wears this ring, Wendy feels like she can conquer the world!  Wendy loves this piece so much she now has her eye on two others - a beautiful crystal necklace and an architectural wire mesh cuff.

Size 12+ Heaven

Lola and Gigi is a size 12+ heaven! A client of mine recommended I check it out, and I am so grateful she did! In a world where clothing for curvy women is hard to find, and clothing for the size 14 to 16 woman even harder, Lola and Gigi is there to save the day.  The boutique owner, Laura, stocks  high quality clothing that is up-to-date, looks great on the rack, and even better on the body! You can buy online or book an appointment to view the clothes in her showroom.  I love to touch fabrics and see their true colours, so I made the trip to her showroom at the 427 and Finch.  I highly recommend this boutique for great clothing that will make the 12+ woman feel fabulous!

Wendy Woulds | bra fitting

This week's question submitted by Lesley M.

"What can girls with ALMOST nothing in the boobie department do for bras?"

Wendy Woulds: "I trust all my bra shopping to the lovely fitters at Melmira! They are bra specialists, and therefore each fitter has a fabulous knowledge of "boobies" of all different shapes and sizes. They will get you what you need!" ;)

Submit your style question!

Explore Toronto - Steeped and Infused

One of my favourite parts about my job is exploring the small boutiques scattered throughout the streets of Toronto. The exploring gives me the opportunity to chat with other passionate entrepreneurs and discover hidden treasures - small businesses who really pay attention to the details. One of those businesses is Steeped and Infused. Now, I am a loyal Tealish customer, but when my new friend Jennifer Best opened up her tea boutique on the total opposite side of the city, I was excited to visit! My favourite part about her concept is the wall of tea on the east side of her store that has framed pictures of each tea with a short description. There are smelling samples below the description so you can peruse the tea on your own time. It's a fun spot to check out, and enjoy a "refined" beverage!  My current flavour of choice - White Chocolate Toffee Rooibos.

Steeped and Infused - 1258 Queen Street East

THE REFINERY Style Scavenger Hunt

For me, scavenger hunts bring back childhood memories filled with laughter and being silly.  We all need a little silliness in our lives, and a reminder that everything in life can be fun!  This week I hope to show you how playful you can be with your own personal style! 

To play this style scavenger hunt, complete each of the three clues below, and send your information to wendy@therefinery.ca by October 4th.  Points will be awarded for completing each clue, and as with any good game, there will be a "sur-prize" for the winner at the end!  Enjoy!

Clues:

1. Play dress-up in your closet! Take a picture in your favourite outfit creation.

2. Fill in the blank. The last time I totally spoiled myself was         . 

3. Complete the puzzle below and send a screen shot of the finished puzzle with your time.

THE REFINERY Style Scavenger Hunt Puzzle

FRIDAY AFTERNOON FUN!

A client recently sent me a link to a really fun website where you can plug in your body type, height, weight, etc. and play around making outfits on a model that looks just like you!

It's the perfect website for a Friday afternoon at the office - don't tell your boss!

Check out My Virtual Model at
http://www.mvm.com 

I spent 5 minutes playing on the site and came up with this model and outfit.
http://www.mvm.com/cs/media/p/41908.aspx 

I may be addicted! ;)

WINTER COAT STORAGE

The other day I realized I haven't worn my winter coat in a long while - time to store it away! Here are a couple things to consider when storing seasonal clothing like your winter coat.

Clean Clothes
The most important thing is to have your coat professionally cleaned. Stains set and darken over time. A stain you can't see now may turn black over a few months. Even if you wear your coat one time after you've cleaned it, you will leave oils that both attract insects and deteriorate fabric.

Storage
Seasonal clothing should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated, dark area. Cedar chest or closets are one of the best places to store clothing in your home as the cedar keeps away the bugs. If you're using a closet, you can add cedar hangers or cedar balls to deter insects. Moth balls are toxic for humans and leave a putrid smell in your clothing so cedar really is a better choice to keep critters away. Basements and attics should be avoided as they are often moist and can promote mildew/mold growth in your clothes.