BBC - Toronto's Competitive Vintage Scene

Wendy recognized, and featured, as a Toronto shopping expert by the BBC in the video,  "Toronto's Competitive Vintage Scene".

iVillage.ca - Canadian Handbag Designers

Check out the article Wendy wrote for iVillage.ca "10 Canadian Handbag Designers to Know".

Holiday Knock Out

Want to be a knock out at your holiday parties?  It is always so refreshing to see a woman wearing colour around the holidays, rather than the standard black.  Also, the shape of this dress makes it perfectly appropriate for any event, including one filled with work colleagues. 

Canadiana: Sarah Stevenson

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Sarah Stevenson is a woman filled with passion and a "joie de vivre".  She stands out from the crowd by designing stunning one-of-a-kind prints that she uses to make her clothing.  She does an amazing job of keeping her silhouettes simple and easy-to-wear, which allows her prints, and the women wearing her prints, to sing.  

If you're looking to add a feminine twist to your wardrobe, and would love a wearable piece of art in your closet, Sarah Stevenson is definitely a Canadian designer you want to discover!

A Sign

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An image that ever so gently reminds us to stop waiting for things to happen, and instead jump right into whatever our heart desires.

Keeping it Cozy

A warm sweater in a fine knit can be a cozy, yet pulled together outfit for work.  It will be super comfortable, and feel great to wear all day long... without sacrificing the power dressing needed for a well thought out work outfit.

iVillage.ca - Winter Boots

Check out the article Wendy wrote for iVillage.ca ~ "Winter Style: 10 Boots to Warm Your Feet".

DIY Toronto Holiday Gift Shopping Guide

Love every minute of your holiday shopping this year. (Truly.)

You are far too busy to spend December in the mall, pushing through crowds to line up to buy another sweater from The GAP. Not that there’s anything wrong with The GAP, but you, you want to give gifts that are original, that make the recipients feel special. What you really want to do is delight the adults and teens on your list, as much as the kiddies!

This do-it-yourself, digital shopping guide will make your gift-giving heart flutter if you:

• love the idea of hitting a well-respected professional shopper's favourite, in-the-know, spots for affordable luxuries (without having to do a lick of your own research)
• would prefer to make an experience of your shopping ~ a gorgeous day perusing beautiful, welcoming boutiques with a pause for a leisurely lunch (maybe even champagne?)
• want to support independent, interesting, friendly businesses with wares you and your “giftees” probably haven’t already seen everywhere else
• would love some fresh air and the scent of pine garlands while you shop

The Toronto Holiday Gift Shopping Guide from THE REFINERY will help you: 

• define your list, and the gifts you need to buy ~ with inspiration in four essential categories: host gifts, stylish gifts for her, stylish gifts for him, and stocking stuffers (three boutiques for each category to give you choice but not to overwhelm)
• plan and map your shopping strategy – whether you’re familiar with Toronto or not – so you’ve got plenty of extra time for eggnog and revelry
• find stores with truly exceptional service that you might not have known about, with special gifts – in any price range! – for the (tough to buy for) adults and teens on your list

Save time and have your most pleasurable year of holiday shopping in 2011. 

This Toronto Holiday Gift Shopping Guide and Map is a fully digital, easily downloadable document, lovingly researched by THE REFINERY. ~ $23

To purchase this beautiful document for only $23 click the "Add to Cart" button below, and receive the digital download instantly to your email box.

You're far too stylish, darling, to even think of lifting a word of this copyrighted material,  written in good taste by author Wendy Woods of The REFINERY. (If you're a professional who'd like to use it with your own clients, by all means, be in touch so we can discuss a tailored licensing agreement.)

Toronto Treasures: The Cat's Meow

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If you're searching for a one-of-a-kind cocktail dress, The Cat's Meow is a must hit shop.  This vintage boutique is filled with luxurious "couture" finds at a fraction of the price you would pay for the same quality new.  (Think fully hand-beaded dresses, that would take days to complete.)  You will also get peace of mind knowing you will be the only one at a party wearing whatever you have on, and what an amazing relief that is these days!  

The large selection of vintage jewellery, handbags, shoes, and clothes make this boutique a possible one stop shop for an entire evening ensemble... or you could find that one special piece to up your wardrobe's style anti.  

So... if you happen to be in love with the styles of the 50s and 60s, or you're just looking for somethings a little bit different, take a wander into The Cat's Meow - you may just find your perfect little treasure.

Visit The Cat's Meow at

180 Avenue Road, Toronto

647.435.5875

Approachable Softness

Soft colours can be both feminine and approachable.  This is an easy to wear outfit that requires little effort to put on in the morning, but has huge impact throughout your day.

Be Yourself.

Be Yourself.
Stand out from the crowd.
Shine like the bright star you are.

Wendy 'Woulds' | About Consignment

Finally, have your burning style question answered

Question submitted by Beth: "I am just wondering exactly how selling clothing on consignment works?" 

Hi Beth, thanks for your question!  

I often help my clients source the proper consignment store after we've done a closet cleanup.  The store you choose really depends on the labels you are trying to consign, the percentage profit you would like from your clothes, and how far you are willing to travel to bring your pieces to the store. 

Many consignment stores are looking for designer labels (like the labels you would find at Holt Renfrew, etc.)  Some may take the odd piece from more mainstream stores like Jacob, or Banana Republic if it's a really special piece, but it's unusual.  If you have specific pieces to sell, I would suggest phoning stores in your area to see if they accept the labels you would like to sell. 

When you bring your pieces to your chosen consignment store, they will choose the pieces they would like to keep.  The store will set the price - although sometimes you can have some input - and let you know the percentage they will keep, and the percentage you will receive.  Keep in mind that the lower the price, the easier it will be to sell.  There is a fine balance setting the right price for used clothes, whether they've been worn, or not, so I tend to trust in the store owner to help decide what price to set.  Keep in mind that what you keep will usually only be between 30 and 50 percent of the set price. 

You will sign something that states the pieces you left, and the price each is sold for.  Some stores also have a method for pricing "sale items" for pieces that haven't moved in a while.
Once the item is sold, the store owner should cut you a cheque for the amount they owe you.  If your items don't sell, they will be given back to you.  You can try to sell them at another store, save them to sell at a later date, or donate them to charity. 

I would recommend following-up with the store every 3 months if you don't hear from them sooner.

Hope this helps!
Wendy

Hip & With It

Sometimes, just adding one new piece to your wardrobe, like these brightly coloured jeans, can update everything in your closet.

Holiday Glam Event at Lola & Gigi

Come get your Holiday Glam on!  

On Saturday November 19th, Wendy will be spending the afternoon at Lola and Gigi, helping women size 12 to 24 find the perfect holiday dresses for all of their upcoming events.  

To reserve a free private consultation with Wendy on Saturday November 19th, please email Laura at Lola & Gigi. Appointments available from 10:30am to 2:30pm. 

Lola & Gigi is located at 92B Carrier Drive, Etobicoke - 416.674.1077.