Swimwear is by far one of the hardest things to shop for — it’s right up there with jeans and bras. Finding the perfect swimsuit that is both trendy and economical is hard enough on its own. Add in finding one that’s of good quality and actually fits, well, that’s a whole other story.
Here are Canadian swimsuit brands to keep on your radar for summer.
Saltwater Collective
Saltwater Collective is manufactured closest to home — right here in Toronto. The brand prioritizes the body-type and size of the everyday woman, catering to actually realistic figures. Saltwater’s swimsuits are made of high-quality fabrics that come in bold as well as unassuming colours. The bottom line is that this swimwear brand carries some of the trendiest yet practical bathing suits on the market!
Selfish Swimwear
Selfish Swimwear is geared towards the less modest with swimsuits being trendy, reasonably priced, alluring, and playful. These swimsuit designs are all about being sexy and in these cheeky looks, you’ll definitely be turning heads while you’re laying by the pool this summer.
Beth Richards
Beth Richards is a Vancouver-based swimwear company started by designer, Beth Richards, hence the brand’s name. All of her designs are manufactured right here in Canada, and they’re made with the environment in mind! Beth Richards’ goal is to produce as little waste as possible, and some of its pieces are even made out of recycled materials. Expect to shop monochrome bikinis and one-pieces that are simple, yet still chic, as well as a few more extravagant looks if you’re looking for something a little bolder.
Anna Kosturova
If you’re on the hunt for some true bohemian beachy vibes, look no further than Anna Kosturova. Based in Vancouver, this is the ideal swimwear line to bring out your inner hippie. This line is known for carrying high-quality crochet pieces — with a price point around $100-$250.
Knix
Joanna Griffiths has revolutionized the intimate apparel industry with Knix, a Toronto-based brand that’s designed to make women feel more comfortable in their own skin. Not only does the company carry its infamous underwear and bras, Knix also has a lovely line of swimwear!
Left On Friday
The Vancouver-based brand, Left On Friday, is serving up all of the summer looks. The Canadian swimsuit brand believes in a life where nothing holds you back, especially your swimsuit. Its designs will keep up with you all day long, whether you’re swimming or surfing.
LONDRE
Not only are LONDRE‘s styles super cute, but it also places a major focus on its environmental impact. So far, LONDRE has recycled over 200,000 plastic bottles off of streets and beaches into their sustainable garments offering. Plus, all of the water used in the process is able to be reused into new materials.
Mimi and August
Mimi and August is a Montreal-based ethically-made apparel brand with an exclusive swimwear line carrying sizes XS to 4XL! Its swimsuits were created and designed to include all women. While browsing, you can expect to find unique prints on full-piece and 2-piece swimsuits, which are designed to fix and match how you please.
Visual Mood
Visual Mood was founded in 2026, right here in Toronto! With the aim to provide both stylish and comfortable swimwear for women, the brand offers beautiful silhouettes and prints that you’ll never want to take off – and they’re even made of sustainable materials! If you want swimwear with a romantic feel, look no further!
437
Another Toronto-based swimwear gem is the viral brand 437! After doing a semester studying abroad in Europe, 437 founders Hyla and Adrien noticed a gap in the swimwear market when they weren’t able to find any bikinis that flattered their bodies. After graduating, 437 was born. The brand has since grown to have over 320K followers on Instagram, popularly known for its staple swimwear.
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Makeup can get quite pricey, especially if you’re loyal to designer makeup brands. The good news is that there are actually a handful of discount beauty websites to shop at that your wallet will thank you for. Plus, even some beloved stores have an awesome sale section for designer finds! Not only do these shops help you hunt down the best high-end makeup deals, but some of them also help you save on all your favourite drugstore beauty products.
Here are places to purchase designer makeup.
Winners & Marshalls
Winners and Marshalls are mainly recognized for having incredible deals on designer clothes, handbags, and home decor. And while all that is good, they also have a beauty section with some worthwhile deals. Their selection is limited at times, but they carry designer makeup and skincare products for 60% off the original price, and professional hair tools for under $40.
Rue La La
Like HauteLook, Rue La La’s sales are an ever-changing, moving target. But when you manage to spot a deal on your favourite designer product, it’s always a big one. For example, instead of paying $70 for a Laura Mercier palette, you’d get it for $18. This site also ships worldwide, so no matter where you are, you can take advantage of these amazing discounted prices.
Beauty Encounter
Beauty Encounter is great for a number of reasons, but their best feature is likely that they carry high-end and drugstore products at a discounted price, all under one virtual roof. So, instead of having to pick up that reliable Cover Girl mascara you’ve been using for years, and that Christian Dior foundation at two different stores, you can order them both from the same place, and both will be on sale.
BuyMeBeauty
BuyMeBeauty has all the beauty cult-favourites, at majorly discounted prices, and if that wasn’t already enough, their shipping is only $5. Sometimes we fill our online shopping carts and then realize that the shipping cost is through the roof, so we ditch our entire order. But Buy Me Beauty makes sure that you can put the better part of your budget towards products instead of delivery.
Glambot
Glambot is particularly interesting because it is the consignment of beauty products. Most people think that buying gently used items is limited to consignment clothing stores, but Glambot has broken all the rules. Here, you can find gently used designer makeup products for a fraction of the original price. You also have the option of selling any products you may have to linger around that you haven’t really used, for cash that you can put towards other items.
Saks Off 5th
The American discounted department store chain was founded in 1990, and is a subsidiary of the luxury department store chain Saks Fifth Avenue. Shop designer makeup brands like Chanel, Gucci, Dior, and more for up to 70% off.
Image Beauty
Image Beauty is great for a lot more than just makeup. Here you can find hair care products, hair tools, fragrances, skincare products, bath & body products, and of course, makeup — all for a great deal. Like Beauty Encounter, they carry high-end and drugstore products, and shipping is free on orders over $55.
Sephora
The beauty giant, Sephora, carries makeup, skincare, haircare, various fragrances, and more. The sale section is full of designer beauty finds at awesome discounts. Stock up on a whole new makeup collection here!
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Being a fan of makeup nowadays can end up being a rather expensive habit. We love Sephora, and there certainly are a few products from there that are simply irreplaceable. But there are also a few products that can be swapped for the much cheaper drugstore version, without compromising quality.
Here are drugstore makeup products that are just as great as your high-end favourites, but won’t break your bank.
NYX Epic Wear Eyeliner Pencil, $11.50
The options of makeup looks from these coloured NYX eyeliners are literally endless. Which ever mood you’re feeling, there’s a colour for that too. The product is smudge-proof and long lasting. All for under $12, what more could you ask for?
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, $10.99
This foundation is easily the most diverse out of all the drugstore foundations you can find. It’s oil-free, smooth in texture, lightweight, controls shine, blurs pores, and comes in 16 different shades. It also has the ability to be layered for full coverage or used sparingly for lighter coverage.
L’Oreal Paris InfaIllible Foundation, $19.99
Although a tad pricier than most drugstore foundations, this one is easily worth the cost, and still saves you on spending $50 or more on high-end foundation. The great thing about this product, is its stay-power. It’s everything you love about a lightweight foundation, but with an added advantage: 24-hour coverage. Additionally, it provides a hydrated, dewy, radiant finish, to keep you looking fresh all day. Click here to read more about the best drug-store foundations on the market.
NYX Colour Corrector, $13.50
Many colour correctors are on the expensive side for such a small tube of product. This NYX formula is just as long-lasting as higher end with the drugstore makeup price. There are 24 shades to choose, find your perfect match and fall in love with this concealer.
Rimmel Matte Natural Bronzer, $7.98
This bronzer competes with the best of the best, in my books. For $7.98, you have a bronzer that will last you months. This product has a strong pigment, so a little goes a long way. On top of that, it is extremely versatile. If used with the correct brushes, and paired with just about any highlighter, this bronzer can be used for contouring as well.
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara, $9.99
When it comes to mascara, it can actually be more difficult to find one that doesn’t get the job done. But nonetheless, it’s easy to convince ourselves that spending $30 on high-end mascara makes a big difference, even when it may not. This mascara could easily compete with most mascaras, high-end and low-end. It’s clump-resistent, fragrance free, flake-free, and comes in both waterproof, and regular.
L’Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base, $12.99
Many don’t even bother using primer, because it’s just another thing to spend money on. But this primer will definitely change your mind about that, without breaking your budget. For $12.99, you can smooth the look of your skin under makeup, prevent makeup from settling into fine lines and wrinkles, and minimize the look of pores.
NYX Vinyl Liquid Liner, $10.99
This liner is an absolute must-try. It features a sleek, fine brush for precision, to help get your wings right on the first try, and a glossy, jet-black finish.
NYX Hydra-Touch Powder Foundation, $16.00
NYX is by far the most superior and affordable drugstore makeup brand. Nearly every single one of their products is solid enough to go toe-to-toe with your high-end faves. But nothing compares to their Hydra-Touch Powder Foundation. This hidden gem is a weightless pressed powder that offers buildable coverage, for any occasion. It can be added on top of foundation to set your makeup, and provide extra coverage with a smooth finish, or it can be used alone for gentler coverage.
NYX Micro Brow Pencil, $12
This NYX brow pencil will make you never want to spend $27 on an Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ever again. This ultra-fine-tip mechanical brow pencil fills brows in, creating the illusion of actual eyebrow hairs, for a natural finish.
Elf Cosmetics Baked Highlighter, $4
Choosing a highlighter can be tough since they all look so similar, so we tend to gravitate to the more expensive ones from brands we can trust. But this one is bound to change your mind. For just $4, you can choose from four different shimmery shades, and achieve a glow that could even compete with Fenty. Plus, it’s infused with Vitamin E and hydrating jojoba, rose hip, sunflower, apricot, and grape oils to nourish your skin.
Featured image: Instagram/ @nyxcosmetics
For those of you who don’t already know, Le Nordik is probably one of the greatest spa franchises in all of Canada. It’s not your typical relaxation retreat, to say the least.
Le Nordik is an indoor and outdoor oasis, consisting of numerous hot, warm, cold, and salt-water pools, steam rooms, saunas, outdoor and indoor bars, and restaurants. They also offer luxe spa services like massages, body wraps, and treatments. The best part is, you can stay there all day if you want to, for no extra fees.
Originally, as its French name suggests, Le Nordik, AKA Groupe-Nordik, started out in Quebec. They’ve slowly but surely been expanding to other parts of the country, and we’re so excited to share with you that there’s going to be a massive new Le Nordik spa opening in the fall of 2020, just under an hour away from Toronto in Whitby.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new Le Nordik spa opening just under an hour away from Toronto!
According to the company’s website, construction on the Spa began October 2019, and it Will Be Opening In Whitby, Ontario in the fall of 2020.
Groupe-Nordik, understands that having just gone through such a trying winter, waiting another couple of seasons before gaining access to such a luxurious and well-deserved spa retreat is going to be difficult. But the good news is, they’ve decided to give us all a sneak peek of what we have to look forward to.
The Spa will be able to accommodate 700 guests.
To put that into perspective, that is about the size of eight football fields — impressive, we know. It also means that their capacity is also quite flexible. In a day, they may see about 1,100 customers, without overcrowding the space.
The Spa Is Putting The Already Existing Nature On-Site To Good Use
As Le Nordik will be located in Cullen Central Park, they’ve decided to build around the trees and shrubbery, to add to the nature element of the spa that is both visually pleasing as it is environmentally conscious.
Guests Will Have Access To eight Different Dry And Steam Saunas.
Seven of the eight saunas are more on the quiet, private side, while one has more of a community-style bathhouse feel.
Aside From The More Exciting Areas Of The Spa, There Will Also Be A Designated Relaxation Area
It is simply a more social area of the spa that’s filled with a line-up of comfortable lawn chairs, outdoor mattresses, hammocks, and even a fire pit. Basically it’s the perfect place to kick back, unwind, and enjoy a cocktail.
The Most Popular Treatment At Le Nordik, Besides The Thermal Experience, Are The Float Tanks
This is also known as The Kalla Treatment. There is an underground and indoor lit salt water pool where guests quietly float around. This Epsom salt aqua-therapy treatment promotes de-stressing, healing, and stimulating creativity.
One Of The Most Impressive Features Of The Spa Is The Outdoor Waterfall
In the thermal pool area, there is a larger cold pool, with a massive waterfall that guests can swim alongside to cool off. According to the spa, in order to gain the maximum benefits of the thermal pools, guests are strongly encouraged to alternate between the warm and cold pools numerous times throughout their visit. We’re in!
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At StyleDemocracy, we know shopping! We deliver the scoop on all things retail related including how to get the best value at your favourite stores. Hidden offerings, insider secrets, and the ultimate savings.
We’ve rounded up the 10 things every Canadian Tire shopper needs to know. Keep reading for the top tips for shopping at Canadian Tire.
Canadian Tire Money Has Gone Digital
Instagram/@daddio630820
Canadian Tire money has been around for ages. But in an effort to be more environmentally friendly, in 2018 they announced that they will be expanding their reward-program to a loyalty card called Triangle Rewards. This expansion means that you can redeem points at not just Canadian Tire locations but also at stores like Sport Chek and Mark’s.
They Sell More Than Just Tires
Instagram/@canadiantire
I’m not going to lie, for a long time, I assumed that Canadian Tire was nothing more than a big-box store that sold car-related products, cleaning, camping supplies, and gardening supplies. I was shocked to find out how much they’ve expanded their horizons. Nowadays you can find appliances, snacks, outdoor furniture, home decor, pet food, and more.
They Will Price Match
Instagram/@aurora.lighting
As long as you have proof that another local retailer is selling the exact same item for a lower price, Canadian Tire will price match it for you.
They Will Accept Returns And Exchanges For 90 Days To Any Canadian Tire Location
Instagram/@canadiantire
So long as the item is still in perfect condition, and you still have your receipt, you can bring it back and return it. However, if you ordered the item online, you will not be refunded the shipping cost.
You Can Check In-Store Availability Online Before Heading Into The Store
Instagram/@jessicasaramorris
If you’ve found the item you’re looking for online, but you aren’t sure if it’s available at your nearest Canadian Tire store, you can easily find the answers you’re looking for without having to call the store. Instead, you can fill out the “Please select a pickup location to check inventory”, select your preferred store location and presto, you’ll not only know if it’s available there, but you can find out if it’s available at any other Canadian Tire location near you.
They Offer Home Delivery Service
Instagram/@westriverdesign
If you are unable to make it into the store and physically transport your purchase, don’t fret. For a small fee of $4.99, you can have most Canadian Tire products delivered straight to your front door. It doesn’t get much more convenient than that!
You Can Sign Up To Be Notified Whenever They’re Having A Sale
Instagram/@autoglym_dave
Constantly having to check online if a store is having a sale, or having to wait for the weekly flyer to show up in the mail can be a hassle. Instead, you can create an account on the Canadian Tire website and request to be notified whenever a sale is going to occur.
They Offer ‘As Seen On Tv’ Products
Photo via Canadian Tire
In the era of commercial-free TV, it isn’t so easy to stumble upon an infomercial, call in, and order an item anymore. But you’re in luck because Canadian Tire offers all the obscure, As Seen On TV home gadgets and cooking supplies that you’ve probably been curious about trying!
You Can Order Items Online That Are Out Of Stock, And They Will Ship It To You As Soon As It Becomes Available
Instagram/@canadiantire
If you’ve tried to buy an item in-store and it wasn’t available, and it doesn’t seem to be available online either, you still have a final option. You can order the item online, and have the item shipped to you as soon as possible — eliminating the possibility of it going out of stock again before you can get to it.
There Are Certain Items Online That Are Not Available In-Store
Instagram/@miatastreet
There are quite a few perks to online shopping — the main one being that you don’t have to leave your house. But Canadian Tire offers one more perk, and it’s a major one: online exclusive items. I know the name speaks for itself, but this essentially means that if the item indicates it’s an online exclusive, you cannot find it in any Canadian Tire store.
Featured Image: Instagram/@canadiantire
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In a perfect world, being able to afford luxury items wouldn’t be such a struggle. But I guess you might say the whole appeal of designer clothes and accessories is how valuable they are. It isn’t an easy thing to drop hundreds — even thousands of dollars on a single item.
But if you’re still jonesing to add a designer item to your wardrobe, even if it’s just something small, the good news is that you can — and you can do it for under $500.
Prada Keychain, $452
Photo via Farfetch
Who wouldn’t want to flash the Prada logo every time they start their car, check their mail, or lock their front door? This item may be small, but that logo can be spotted a mile away. This keychain is timeless, classy, sophisticated, and it’s made in Italy. What’s not to love?
Gucci Belt, $420
Photo via SSENSE
Wearing a Gucci belt with any outfit is the ultimate symbol of luxury — plus they’re practical because they hold up your pants. This off-white and gold, Toscano leather belt is the perfect staple item to add to your wardrobe.
Chanel Earrings, $481
Photo via Farfetch
These brassy gold vintage Chanel earrings are not only adorable, but classic Chanel. The imperfections and antique-style of the earrings are what make them so unique, and you could pair them with just about any outfit.
Burberry Scarf, $435
Photo via SSENSE
Burberry is the pioneer luxury brand of tartan. If someone spots that classic beige, black, white, and red plaid pattern, they just know it’s got to be Burberry. This timeless, silk, and wool Burberry scarf that will keep you toasty warm and tie together almost any outfit.
Prada Wallet, $470
Photo via SSENSE
This black, leather, quilted, bifold, Prada wallet is stylish and practical. It neatly stores your cards, cash, and coins, and also makes taking out your wallet to pay for things way more chic.
Alexander McQueen Sunglasses, $225
Photo via SSENSE
Black cat eye sunglasses are an absolute summertime must-have — they’re a shape and colour that never go out of style!
Versace Earrings, $395
Photo via SSENSE
The classic golden Versace Medusa head symbol hanging off both of your ears is exactly what you never knew you needed. The detail on these two droplet earrings, alone, are worth the cost. When it comes to Versace, you really can’t go wrong.
Fendi Card Case, $379
Photo via Nordstrom
Some people prefer something a little bit less bulky than a wallet — and that is where card cases really come in handy. But if you’re going to invest in a worthy one, Fendi is the only way to go. This pale pink Fendi card case has six slots as well as a small, main compartment for cash.
Givenchy Beanie, $385
Photo via Farfetch
This particular item is a lot more streetwear looking than most of Givenchy’s classic styles, but that’s what makes it such a hot commodity. Next time you’re having a bad hair day, cover it up with a cozy, embroidered Givenchy beanie.
Featured Image: Instagram/@therealreal
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Rihanna has gone from superstar songstress to fashion icon, to owning her own highly successful makeup line, to now, being a gifted fashion designer—it has us wondering if there’s anything she can’t do? The girl is a force to be reckoned with, and so is her evolving empire.
LVMH has decided to collaborate with Rihanna on her very first official luxury fashion brand, and naturally, we have a ton of questions. But the good news is, we also have answers.
Here is everything we know so far about Rihanna’s LVMH-backed luxury fashion brand!
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Rihanna Has Invested A Ton Of Her Own Money Into This Project
A project of these kinds of proportions is expensive, no doubt, and Rihanna seems to be extremely confident in the future success of her endeavours. Especially since she invested $45,648,113 CAD of her own money into it. On top of that, LVMH also injected $30 million euros into it, so with that much money backing the project, we can surely expect great things.
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She Is Nearly A 50% Shareholder In The Company
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Since Rihanna has invested massive amounts of her own money into this project, she is also a main shareholder of 49.99% through her company Denim UK Holdings.
She’s Working With The Best Of The Best To Try And Shatter Records
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As for the people that have been hired on to contribute to the final unveiling of this project—it isn’t their first rodeo, by a long shot. Rihanna is dedicated to setting new records, and although her name could probably carry the entire thing, she has also only drafted the greatest talents in the industry to cement its success. This includes hiring directly from Louis Vuitton and Celine. She has also named Jean-Baptiste Voisin, LVMH’s chief strategy officer as her brand’s president.
Her Line Will Include More Than Just Women’s Apparel
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It is fair to assume that a luxury fashion brand would be solely directed at high-end women’s clothing. But she is thinking way bigger than that. She will be including: women’s apparel, of course, men’s apparel, kids’ clothing, athletic wear, leather, eyewear, lifestyle goods, office supplies, home decor, garden decor, and more. She is aiming to cover as many bases as possible, to reach the largest demographic.
This Is Not Rihanna’s First Partnership With LVMH
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There is a very good reason why LVMH has chosen to partnership with RiRi on this project and it is because they have already worked with her before. The trust has already been established and they know that working with Rihanna is obviously going to be a winning lottery ticket.
We’ve been led to believe that Fenty is owned by Rihanna—which is only partially true. But the Kendo division of LVMH actually owns Fenty as well, and that is where their friendship truly blossomed.
She Just Released The Name Of Her Line
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First and foremost, Rihanna is a well rounded musician and performer, and she has not forgotten where she started from. She’s paying tribute to her music-roots by naming her upcoming project “Project Loud France” — inspired by her 2010 album “Loud.”
This Will Be LVMH’s First Brand From Inception Since Their 1987
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LVMH hasn’t teamed up with someone to this degree on a project since they collaborated with Christian Lacroix way back in 1987. So, although this is not the first time LVMH has partnered up and launched a brand through someone else, it’s the first time they’ve done so in a while.
I think we can all agree that they’ve chosen the perfect person to go on this journey with—someone that will guarantee this project reaches its utmost potential.
Featured Image: Flickr
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H&M is a store that we trust to supply us with all the latest trends, for any occasion, and all for a reasonable price. They’ve been around for long enough at this point, that we couldn’t imagine they would be harbouring any secrets. However, thanks to some former employees, we were able to get the scoop on everything that we loyal, longtime H&M customers should know about.
Get all the dirt on what really goes on behind the scenes at H&M with these 7 secrets revealed!
H&M Will Accept All Your Used Clothes That You Are Willing To Part Ways With, And Will Reward You With A Discount
Instagram/@nature.hg
This isn’t exactly a secret per-se, since they do advertise it in-store. However, this nifty tip sometimes gets swept under the rug. If you’ve been accumulating old clothes that you’re willing to donate, you can bring them to your nearest H&M location, and they will gladly take them off your hands. Not only are you de-cluttering but they’ll also reward you for a 15% discount that you can use to shop at any H&M store across the country, and even apply to items that are already on sale. Best of all, you can rest assured knowing your donation will be put towards social and recycling projects.
All Sizes Run Small
Instagram/@hm
If you’ve ever tried on what you thought was your size at H&M, but found it was fitting a bit more snug than you’re used to, don’t fret. H&M sizes are all made marginally smaller than the standard sizes you might be used to. For example, if you typically wear a size 6 in most stores, opt for a size 8 or even a 10 at H&M.
The Store Is At Its Tidiest Before Noon
Instagram/@sandra_kirkov
H&M has a bad reputation for being somewhat of a hot mess—especially during their busy seasons. It can be quite a mission to find anything you’re looking for when everything is so disorganized. However, this is one of those instances where the early bird gets the worm, because if you show up anytime before noon, the store will be looking pristine—which makes shopping a lot less stressful.
Basics Sell Out The Quickest
Instagram/@deco.szuflada
H&M is the ultimate spot to pick up your basic t-shirts, tank tops, sweaters, and other comfy essentials—but here’s the catch: they sell out fast. Former employees recommend that you pick up your basics haul-style to save you from not being able to find the styles or sizes you want later.
There Is No “Extra” Stock In The Back
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Being asked to “check in the back” for a particular item in a different size is something that retail workers know all too well. Unfortunately, H&M doesn’t have a secret stash of extra sizes in the back room for every item in the store—in fact, most stores don’t.
Markdowns Happen Every Few Weeks
Instagram/@angebotsteufel
This usually happens with items that don’t seem to be selling as quickly as anticipated so big sale pushes happen at the end of every season, when they’re trying to clear out last season’s leftovers to make way for new collections. No matter how much an item is marked down, you are still able to combine it with the discount you receive for donating used clothes. So, if an item is 50% off, and you also have a 15% off card, you can combine the two for a whopping 65% off.
New Items Are Always Featured On The H&M Website Before They Appear In-Store
Instagram/@hm
If you are really trying to get ahead of the game on new arrivals, always shop online before heading in-store—that’s where you’ll find brand new styles that won’t be hitting the shelves for another three weeks.
Featured Image: Instagram/@solomoncansamba
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Prom season is right around the corner, and you may not know the first place to start looking for a dress. Well, I’m here to let you know that if you don’t have time to shop right here in Toronto, then why not do some online prom shopping instead? There are so many amazing e-stores where you can find a dress that will turn heads all from the comfort of your home. Plus, some of these stores have speedy shipping and also won’t cost you a fortune for a dress you’ll probably only wear once.
These 7 online stores all have prom-worthy dresses that are just waiting for you to click on!
Lulus
Instagram/@lulus
The gowns available at Lulus are priced around $100, which is an absolute steal for the quality. They stock prom-worthy dresses of all styles, colours, and for all shapes. Whether you’re looking for something big and bold, or something effortless and elegant, they’ve got you covered. If you’re running last-minute, they also offer express shipping for $35, to get your package delivered to you in no more than 8 days.
Showpo
Instagram/@showpo
Showpo is an Australian-based company, that offers an incredible selection of reasonably priced gowns for special occasions—like prom. Their styles are classy, timeless, under $100, and almost every dress comes in plus sizes too. For a flat express shipping rate of $20, expect to see your dream dress in about 5 days, so you won’t be left waiting for too long!
Missguided
Instagram/@missguided
Missguided is a UK-based company that offers hundreds trendy gowns and accessories all for an insanely good price. Most dresses are under $80 and because the selection is so wide, you’ll probably fall in love with more than one dress, which is a problem you want to have around prom season. On top of that, with express shipping, you can receive your package in just 2 days, or pay standard shipping and wait only a week.
Revolve
Instagram/@revolve
Revolve is definitely on the pricier side of this list, with gowns all sitting around $200-400 each. However, it’s definitely worth the splurge. Each dress is colourful, bold, and unique— so no matter what you’ll celebrate the end of senior year by standing out in style. Standard shipping will have your package delivered to you in approximately one week but express shipping can have it to you in around 3 to 5 days.
ASOS
Instagram/@asos
ASOS has a huge variety of affordable gowns all in inclusive sizes. They offer super trendy dresses in petite, tall, maternity, and plus sizes, in countless different styles, as well as accessories and shoes. Prices sit around $100-$300, but the delivery times can be lengthy—often taking approximately 2 weeks.
FashionNova
Instagram/@fashionnova
If you’re looking for a dress that is, what some may call boujie, then FashionNova is the first place you should start your search. Their gowns are a perfect match if you want to sparkle and feel dressed up to the nines without spending more than $150. Best of all, you can do all your shopping in one place as they not only supply gowns but the shoes and accessories to go along with it. All of which can be delivered to you in one week—and on most days, everything on the site is 30% off.
BooHoo
Instagram/@boohoo
Last but certainly not least, we have BooHoo—the ultimate online store to find the perfect prom dress for less than $50. Whether you’re looking for something over the top or something simple, they’ve got it all. Standard shipping takes approximately one week, but if you pay the extra fee for express shipping, your package can be delivered to you in 2 days.
Featured Image: Instagram/@shopbop
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Let’s face it, we all live and breathe Sephora. I go there several times a month, even if I don’t need anything in particular. There’s just something about the store that draws me in, and I know I can’t be the only one.
As long as we can all admit that we have a problem, that’s the first step on the road to recovering from makeup addiction! But as much time as we spend in the store, there’s still a lot we don’t know. Thankfully a few former employees have taken to the internet to share some little known facts about the place hemorrhaging all our money, that may surprise you.
Check out these 6 secrets revealed by Sephora employees!
Instagram/@gabrielleroberto
Employees Must Wear Makeup At All Times While On The Clock
Similarly to working in most retail or beauty-related positions, employees are expected to show up looking their best. Naturally, since Sephora is a makeup and beauty store, they want their staff looking the part. Unfortunately, this can be a tedious thing to ask of employees, since doing a full-face of makeup can sometimes take over an hour on someone’s best day. They don’t just have to wear makeup, there are actually very specific amounts of makeup they are supposed to wear, and specific trends they have to follow. Essentially, they want everyone to have a similar look.
Most Employees Aren’t Actually Makeup Artists
Instagram/@megannaik_
To get a job at Sephora, you do have to go through a pretty lengthy hiring process. Employers are scouting out people with makeup experience preferably, but will never rule out someone who just seems suitable for the job because their makeup is on point, they’re impressively self-taught, and they have sales experience. As a result, only a small percentage of the staff are professional makeup artists or estheticians.
The Travel Sized Items Located In The Cash Line Are Put There For A Specific Reason
Instagram/@jordynamberr
It’s really no surprise that Sephora intentionally places products in the line-up area so that customers grab a few extra things on their way to the cashier. But they specifically choose to stock their travel-sized items in this area because otherwise they have a hard time selling them. Displaying the mini sizes on a customer’s way out of the store makes it seem like it’s just a small, inexpensive item that they’re adding to their basket— but usually the items are still quite costly. It’s all an illusion, really!
Employees Get A Ton Of Free Products
Instagram/@sephora
Approximately every third week, the staff are trained on new products and methods, at which time they are given the product of the week for free. The smaller brands tend to be a bit more generous with their free offerings, but ultimately, in just a matter of months an employee can have collected several free items.
The Makeup Brushes That Are Used To Apply Makeup On Customers Might Not Always Be Clean
Instagram/@sephoraunionsquare
I’m sure you’ve probably noticed before that Sephora is an incredibly busy place to be at almost all hours of the day, every day of the week. The staff are only human— it can be difficult to keep up with their duties, and the duty that usually gets swept under the rug, more often than not, is the proper sanitization of the communal makeup brushes. In-store makeovers are high in demand, brushes get passed around dozens of times in a day, and no one is really keeping track of what’s been cleaned or not.
They Use Theatre Terminology
Instagram/@hellosylviaa
This is an interesting fact, to say the least. Most workplaces try to spice things up to make themselves unique, and add a certain exclusivity for their staff. In Sephora’s case, they use show-biz terms to describe the areas of their store, the uniforms. But here’s the real kicker: They must use this terminology. It’s not optional. The staff must refer to the floor as the “stage”, managers as “directors”, other staff members are called the “cast and crew”, and their uniforms are called “costumes”. Seems a bit over the top!
Featured Image: Flickr
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