It’s a given that shopping involves spending money, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be smart about it and save a few dollars along the way! There are plenty of tips and tricks to help you save money while you shop. And in girl math, the money you save is just extra earnings in your pocket! From browser extensions to the best times to shop, consider this your savvy shopping guide.
Use these tips to save money the next time you go shopping:
Use Browser extensions, such as Honey
If you’re new to the world of browser extensions, you’re in for a treat. Honey, for example, is completely free to download, and it automatically searches for coupon codes while you shop. At checkout, you just click the Honey extension, and it does the rest – trying any and all recent coupon codes that customers have used on the specific site you’re shopping at. (Not sponsored, we just love it).
Wait for sales
It goes without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway – wait for sales. Especially if you’re planning on going on a shopping spree. That way, you’ll only spend a fraction of what you normally would. Different stores and brands have varying sale patterns, but dates like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Boxing Day, and towards the end of each season, are safe bets to expect markdowns. Also… you already know we love a good warehouse sale.
Make Wish Lists
One of the best ways to save money is by avoiding impulse buys. Keep a shopping wish list on hand and try not to stray from it. For example, if you notice a particular gap in your wardrobe, jot it down in your notes app and focus on shopping for the things on your wish list rather than just aimlessly shopping. You can also make wish lists directly on most online retailer’s websites in order to keep tabs on your most coveted pieces.
Pay With A Credit Card
You have to be careful with this one, as it can be all too easy to slip into debt, but simply paying with your credit card instead of debit or cash (only spending the amount you would on debit or cash, anyway) can earn you points and cashback (depending on your plan), but it also allows you to shop in a secure way.
Sign-Up For Emails
As much as no one likes receiving too many branded emails in their inbox, you never know when that one email with a coupon code or information on a limited-time sale will come in. It’s definitely worth signing up for your favourite brand’s email subscriptions! Fun fact: In our weekly newsletter, we always include a round-up of 20 sales happening at the moment. 😉
Join Rewards Programs
Almost every brand you shop at likely has some kind of rewards program at this point. Be sure to join the reward programs from your favourite brands to get all kinds of perks. Sephora, for example, offers a point-based rewards program, where you can earn points to get free products or money off – plus get access to exclusive discounts during sale times.
Know The Return Policy
We’ve all been guilty of buying an item, it not working out, and then it just ends up staying in the bag past the literal point of no return. Before buying anything, make sure to know the return policy, and actually return within the return window if it doesn’t end up working out! Otherwise, you might as well just throw out your money.
Compare Prices
Shopping savvy is all about making informed shopping decisions. Before pulling the trigger on a specific item, do your research to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Use Coupons
Whether you’re shopping online or in person, never neglect the power of a coupon! Browse the internet, check your mail for flyers, and tune into your favourite influencers offering discount codes!
Do Your Own Quality Inspecting
When shopping in person, always do your own quality inspection. Check for any flaws, loose seams, or signs of a poorly made item. Follow @wangjenniferr on TikTok for tips on what to look for when checking garments for quality. When shopping online, be sure to perform your own little inspection when you receive it before pulling off any tags.
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All items featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Spooky season is upon us, and Halloween is just around the corner! Whether you’re planning to attend a Halloween party, take little ones trick or treating, or simply can’t resist the urge of getting dressed up, it’s time to start planning your costume. As much as we all love a spook-filled Halloween costume, we can’t deny the appeal of wanting to feel your most chic and stylish on the holiday dedicated to dressing up – even while pretending to be someone (or something) else. In other words, if you don’t want your Halloween costume to disrupt your aesthetic Instagram feed, these are the costumes for you.
Look ultra chic this Halloween in these costumes!
Galinda & Elphaba
With the new Wicked film coming out not long after Halloween, it feels extra relevant to dress up as Galinda or Elphaba this year! Either of the characters works as stand-alone costumes, but would be even more recognizable as a duo! It’s giving Yin and Yang vibes.
Bridgerton
Get super glam this Halloween by dressing up as a character from the iconic Regency-era show, Bridgerton. All you need is a dress with an empire waist, some statement costume jewellery, and an elegant updo. Add a crown to channel your inner Queen Charlotte.
1920s Flapper
One of the most chic and stylish costumes to date is dressing up as a 1920s flapper. Join us in a brief history lesson. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a flapper was a “fashionable young woman intent on enjoying herself and flouting conventional standards of behaviour.” They were known for wearing “short” dresses (at the time, knee-length), sporting a bob haircut, and enjoying a good time.
Fairy
~ She was a fairy ~ Fairies or faeries, have been a classic Halloween costume choice for seemingly all of time. You may have even dressed up as a fairy for Halloween in childhood! The theme of fairies has flourished over the years and has become reimagined as an entire aesthetic (i.e. Fairycore). If you want to look cute but still dressed up, you can’t go wrong with a mini dress, wings, and a flower crown.
Carrie
Okay, so you want to be a little scary and chic this Halloween. Carrie is your girl (and we’re not talking Bradshaw. Although, her character also makes for a great costume). Essentially, get ready like you’re about to attend prom, and then accessorize with fake blood. It’s fool-proof.
The Joker
Who knew dressing up as The Joker could be so chic? For this costume, it’s really all in the hair and makeup – you don’t even need to shop for a costume! Get some green hair paint (temporary, of course), and then have fun with creating a Joker-esque makeup look. (Editor’s note: I did this costume last Halloween, and it was super fun).
Black Swan
Is there a costume more chic than the Black Swan, herself? Take ballerina-core to the next level this Halloween and dress up as the infamous Black Swan – bonus points if you have a friend who wants to be the still chic, but more innocent, White Swan.
Mia Wallace
Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction is such an easy costume to put together, yet is still so recognizable with the help of a chic black bob wig and a fake nosebleed. The rest of the costume you likely already have in your closet!
Betty Boop
Take notes from Olivia Rodrigo and dress up as the iconic Betty Boop for your next costume party! With a mini red dress, a heart garter, and face-framing curls, everyone will know who you are. She’s the definition of glam, if you ask us.
Poison Ivy
IRL, Poison Ivy is so not chic – but for Halloween? The chicest. We don’t make the rules. There’s nothing chicer than saying “Don’t touch me” in the form of a costume.
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According to our calendars, it’s officially spooky season! It’s time to binge all of your favourite scary movies, visit your local pumpkin patch, and, of course, decorate your home for Halloween. As much as the holiday of ghosts, vampires, and witches is short-lived, it remains to be one of our favourites to decorate for! Because what other time of year is it socially acceptable to adorn your space with cobwebs, skeletons, and tombstones? Whether you want to fully embrace the “spooky” in “spooky season” or are looking to achieve a more whimsical vibe for Halloween, there’s no shortage of decor items to shop.
Halloween decor to shop:
All products featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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Vintage lovers, set your alarms for this weekend. The Toronto Vintage Clothing Show is back!
This Saturday, September 28th and Sunday, September 29th, head over to the Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place to shop vintage clothing, jewellery, and accessories from the 1920s to the 1980s.
Entry is $15 and there will be over 125 vendors in attendance – meaning you’ll have no shortage of options to shop. It’s the perfect time to revamp your wardrobe with unique one-of-a-kind pieces for fall!
Some notable vendors who will be showcasing their impressive collections include Vintage Soul Geek, Wild Thing Vintage, Tell Them It’s Vintage, and so many more.
From suede fringe jackets to rare vintage dresses, you never know what gems you’ll find at Toronto’s Vintage Clothing Show.
The details:
Date: September 28th & 29th
Time: Saturday: 10am-6pm, Sunday: 10am-5pm
Location: Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place, 180 Princes’ Blvd. M6K 3C3
Admission: $15 +hst (children under 12 are free)
Credit and Debit accepted.
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It’s no secret that vintage and resale fashion has been on the rise. More people are embracing secondhand fashion for various reasons, from sustainability to economics to aesthetics. Recently, resale went even more mainstream with the cameo of Vestiaire Collective in the new season of hit Netflix show, Emily in Paris! Mindy, Emily’s best friend, visited a Vestiaire Collective storefront in Paris to sell her Balmain couture blazer dress in order to make funds for her career endeavours.
Since style is a main focal point of the show, highlighting resale fashion, especially in the luxury space, will undoubtedly bring extra attention not only to the featured online retailer Vestiaire Collective – but also to secondhand shopping in its entirety!
“This partnership marks a significant milestone towards the integration of circular fashion into mainstream programs, and reflects the importance of the fashion resale market today,” says Fanny Moizant, co-founder and president of Vestiaire Collective.
In case you weren’t aware of Vestiaire Collective before the brand’s debut in Emily in Paris, it’s a pre-loved luxury and premium fashion hub with more than 35,000 items added every day online. And like Mindy, anyone can sell their authentic designer goods on the site. Emphasis on ‘authentic,’ as authenticity is guaranteed at Vestiaire Collective.
“Since day one, trust has been at the heart of everything we do. We’ve pioneered pre-loved fashion authentication, with guaranteed 360° buyer and seller protection policies, comprehensive quality control, and proactive customer care. Plus, we’ve built a Collective of trustworthy fashion lovers, so you can buy and sell with confidence.” – Vestiaire Collective.
In part of Vestiaire Collective’s collaboration with Emily in Paris, the platform has released a curated collection of designer items inspired by the fashion showcased in the show.
“Even before our feature on this new season, many of the outfits from previous episodes have been sourced on Vestiaire Collective, so when the opportunity to be featured on the show came up, we felt it was a great fit,” shared Samina Virk, US CEO of Vestiaire Collective.
Shop our picks from the edit:
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On a warm summer day, there’s nothing quite like sipping a cold drink on a patio—especially in the lively streets (and rooftops) of Toronto! There are plenty of patios nestled in the city offering great sips, bites, and vibes—if you know where to look. You’re going to want to visit these patios before summer is over!
Here are 8 of the best patios to visit in Toronto:
Grape Witches
Visit Grape Witches at 1247 Dundas Street West to sip over 350 natural wines on its relaxing front or back patio! The back patio is fully covered, offering weather protection and much-needed shade on a hot summer day, and features an adorable fountain, adding to the serene ambiance. Oh, and it’s dog friendly!
Pennies
If you’re in the mood for affordable bevies and easy bites in a bright and fun atmosphere, head over to Pennies. The patio has an assortment of picnic tables and benches (and umbrellas for extra shade), perfecting for enjoying a few drinks nd laughs with friends!
Sky Yard At The Drake Hotel
Enjoy a weekend brunch, sunset dinner, or evening cocktail on the rooftop patio of The Drake Hotel! Overlooking Toronto’s iconic Queen West neighborhood, Sky Yard provides great views alongside its thoughtful artistic design (and impressive food and drinks).
Bellwoods Brewery
Bellwoods Brewery’s Ossington location has a dreamy patio with a white picket fence, giving the ultimate backyard vibes, great for enjoying a specialty beer (or two). The brewery is known for its wide selection of tasty house-brewed beers.
Sunnys Chinese
Inspired by the high energy dining cultures found throughout China, Sunnys offers regional chinese food, that yes, you can enjoy patio-side! From noodles, skewers, slushies, and more, you’re sure to leave Sunnys vibrat patio feeling full and satisfied.
The Rooftop At The Broadview Hotel
Who doesn’t love a rooftop bar on a nice summer day? The Rooftop at The Broadview Hotel in the east end of Toronto is a must-visit if you love great food, delicious drinks, and picturesque views!
The Porch
Tourists and locals alike flock to The Porch to enjoy cocktail-filled sand buckets, ice-cold margaritas, and, of course, spectacular views. It offers views of the CN Tower and is just three blocks from the Rogers Centre. If you find yourself craving a drink while downtown and are up for lively party vibes, head over to this rooftop patio!
KŌST
Sitting 44 stories up on Bisha Hotel’s rooftop is Kōst restaurant; inspired by the Baja Peninsula, Kōst offers a quick escape to the California coastline right here in Toronto. Its infinity pool provides a refreshing element to the elevated patio dining experience, which features seasonal menus with modern cuisine and fresh cocktails.
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Looking for a way to cool off from the summer heat? Without a doubt, hot and sunny days are best spent lounging by the pool and taking a refreshing dip. Luckily, there are a bunch of public pools that you can visit throughout Toronto and the GTA. Grab your friends, a towel, some sunscreen, and enjoy!
Here are public pools to check out this summer in Toronto and the GTA.
Stanley Park South
Location: 700 Wellington St W, Toronto
Get more information
Leaside Outdoor Pool
Location: 5 Leaside Park Dr., North York
Phone Number: (416) 396-2846
Get more information
Riverdale Park East
Location: 550 Broadview Ave, Toronto
Phone Number: (416) 392-2489
Get more information
Giovanni Caboto Rink, Pool and Tennis Courts
Location: 1367 St Clair W Ave, Toronto
Phone Number: (416) 392-7762
Get more information
Flagstaff Park Outdoor Pool
Location: 42 Mercury Rd, Etobicoke
Phone Number: (416) 394-8487
Get more information
Amesbury Sports Complex
Location: 155 Culford Rd, North York
Phone Number: (416) 395-6683
Get more information
Streetsville Outdoor Pool
Location: 335 Church St, Mississauga
Phone Number: (905) 615-4355
Get more information
High Park Outdoor Pool
Location: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3
Phone Number: (416) 392-7807
Get more information
Kiwanis Outdoor Pool
Location: 375 Cedarvale Ave, Toronto
Phone Number: (416) 396-2847
Get more information
Monarch Park
Location: 115 Felstead Ave, Toronto
Phone Number: (416) 392-7831
Get more information
Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool
Location: 1755 Lakeshore Blvd West, Toronto
Phone Number: (416) 392-7915
Get more information
Rosedale Outdoor Pool
Location: 30 Greenhill Ave, Hamilton
Phone Number: (905) 546-3724
Get more information
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If you’re looking for a way to spice up your movie night plans, then head on over to the drive-in! There are a handful of spots to visit across Toronto and the GTA and beyond, so no matter where you live, you can have the full outdoor experience. Grab a blanket and some snacks, and enjoy the show.
Here are drive-In theatres to check out in Toronto and the GTA.
Starlite Drive In Theatre
Location: 59 Green Mountain Rd E, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2V5
Phone Number: (905) 662-4800
Get more information
5 Drive-In
Location: 2332 Ninth Line, Oakville, ON L6H 7G9
Phone Number: (905) 257-8272
Get more information
CityView Drive-In
Location: 20 Polson St, Toronto, ON M5A 1A5
Phone Number: (416) 469-5655
Get more information
The Stardust Drive-in Theater
Location: 893 Mt Albert Rd, Sharon, ON L0G 1V0
Phone Number: (905) 836-4444
Get more information
Skyway Drive-In
Location: 1956 RR 20, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0
Phone Number: (905) 892-1155
Get more information
Lindsay Drive In
Location: 229 Pigeon Lake Rd, Lindsay, ON K9V 4R6
Get more information
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As nice as buying a bouquet of flowers is, it’s even more special to create a bouquet by hand-picking the flowers yourself! Plus, it makes for a great activity on a summer day. There are a ton of pick-your-own flower farms less than 2 hours away from Toronto offering seasonal pickings of a variety of blooms!
Here are 7 farms you can pick your own flowers at
Windecker Woods Flower Farm
Location: 215 Windecker Rd, Cayuga, ON
Windecker Woods Flower Farm is a bit of a drive from Toronto, but would make for the perfect little day trip! The farm is open from dusk until dawn, 7 days a week from late May to October. The experience is completely self-serve, you simply grab a pair of clippers (supplied by the farm), and a basket, and explore the fields to create your perfect flower arrangement. You pay at the end based on how many flowers you’ve picked.
Andrews Scenic Acres
Location: 9365 10 Side Road, Milton, ON
Not only can you pick seasonal produce at Andrews Scenic Acres, the farm also has flower picking available too! The flowers rotate seasonally, so check out its Instagram or call ahead to make sure the flowers are available for picking at the time of your visit.
Campbell’s Cross Farm
Location: 3634 King Street, Caledon, ON
Starting in August, you can go sunflower picking at Campbell’s Cross Farm, located just about 30 minutes away from Toronto, at one of its Sunflower Pick & Create Workshops! The farm has over 700,000 sunflowers come August and it’s quite a sight to see!
Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery
Location: 410 Concession 12 Townsend, Waterford, ON
Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery has lavender picking available from June into October, while the flowers are in season! The farm’s sandy loam soil has the perfect characteristics for growing the popular French (intermedia) and English (angustifolia) varieties and cultivars. If you like wine and lavender, you’ll need to check out this farm!
Country Cut Flowers
Location: 970 Miller’s Sideroad, Newmarket, ON
From dahlias to zinnias to strawflower to sunflowers, Country Cut Flowers has it all for you to pick! A ticket allows you to explore its field and fill a 1-litre-sized mason jar with your own flower pickings! The farm just asks guests to bring their own scissors/clippers so you can cut the flowers with ease.
Robintide Farms
Location: 2720 King Vaughan Rd, King City, ON
Towards the end of July you will be able to visit Robintide Farms to pick your own flower bouquets out of its stunning assortment of blooms. Entry is $11 and small bouquets will cost $15.95 and large ones will cost $21.50. Mark your calendars for later in July for flower picking, in the meantime, you can pick strawberries!
Avalon Lavender Farm
Location: 347036 Mono Centre Road, Orangeville, ON
This Summer, Avalon teamed up with Balzac’s Coffee to whisk you away from Balzac’s in Liberty Village (43 Hanna Ave #123, Toronto, ON M6K 1X1) straight to its farm every Saturday for $62, which includes access to the bus, field, and farm’s offerings! Or you can simply visit on your own accord with a $17 Field Admission Ticket and $10 to be lent Avalon scissors and given a bundle bag to fill with your own freshly cut lavender.
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July 1st, AKA Canada Day is this weekend, and Toronto is hosting its annual firework shows to celebrate! You’re sure to see fireworks displayed throughout the streets of the city by locals putting on their own little shows, and if you’re looking to get out and enjoy a spectacular night of sparkles in the sky that are sure to take your breath away, you can head over to one of Toronto’s organized fireworks shows!
Here’s where you can watch fireworks in Toronto for Canada Day
Centennial Park
Address: 256 Centennial Park Road, Toronto
Gather your family and friends and head over to Centennial Park, located at the northwest corner of Toronto, for a spectacular Canada Day fireworks show starting at 10 PM this July 1st!
Ashbridges Bay Park
Address: 1561 Lake Shore Boulevard East, Toronto
Ashbridges Bay Park is located on the waterfront in Toronto’s east end, promising for a beautiful picturesque fireworks show! Grab your spot before 10 PM and watch the magic unfold!
Milliken Park
Address: 5555 Steeles Avenue East, Toronto
Milliken Park, located east of McCowan Road, is hosting its own fireworks celebration open to the public to enjoy beginning at 10 PM. Finish off the Canada Day festivities in the best way!
Stan Wadlow Park
Address: 888 Cosburn Avenue, Toronto
You can go to Stan Wadlow Park this Canada Day for a fireworks show along with other fun festivities like a parade, vendors, drinks, rides, and more. The fireworks will start at, you guessed it, 10 PM.
Downsview Park
Address: 70 Canuck Avenue, North York
Spend the day and evening at Downsview Park in North York for its annual Canada Day festival, which will include live entertainment, games, vendors, and of course fireworks (and so much more). The fireworks will kick off right before 10 PM, and admission is free!
It’s also worth noting that there will be NO fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square, or Fort York National Historic Site this year.
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