Exactly What is a Shopaholic?

According to dictionary.com a shopaholic is defined as a person who shops compulsively or very frequently. Are you one of those girls who feels an urge to shop for no apparent reason, other then the fact you just love to shop? Well, I know I'm definitely one of those people.

Just the other day I went to the second day opening of the new H&M store at Coquitlam Centre. I wasn't extremely excited about going because of all the people and everything. But, when we got to the parking lot, an extremely overwhelming anxiousness came over me. I couldn't wait to be in the store so I started walking faster. I knew I had felt this feeling before, so I thought of what caused it. I came to the conclusion the feeling I experienced is a shopping high and damn does it ever feel good!

So, could it possible be that millions of women are addicted to shopping and we could possible be shopaholics? I wonder if my local community centre offers shopaholics anonymous? I know some girls who will go shopping after they brake up with their boyfriends just to cure the emotional pain. I have began to think maybe shopping is healthy for us or I am just brainwashed. Whatever shopping does for you, I know it will make me feel better any day of the week, especially if I get a great deal on something I absolutely love!

Aritzia Warehouse Sale 2007

Here, I have the details for the highly anticipated Arizia Warehouse Sale for 2007! The dates are Thursday, August 30th - Monday, September 3. The times are Thursday & Friday 8:00am - 8:00pm, Saturday 10AM-6PM, Sunday & Monday 11AM-5PM. The address is 88 West Pender St. If you go to Stadium Skytrain station, just get off and walk towards Tinseltown mall.

Expect a line up and be prepared for huge crowds of shopping frenzy girls trying to get a deal on last seasons styles.

H&M Opens at Coquitlam Centre Today

It has been called the Ikea of fashion and BC is getting its first H&M store at Coquitlam Centre. H&M opens today (Thursday) at 12 noon with a ribbon ceremony, 20 percent discount for the first 150 customers and a stylish gift with every purchase!

Hennes & Mauritzis (operating as H&M) is a swedish fashion clothing retailer for men and women, offering everything from the basics to the latest international trends, and all at relatively reasonable prices. H&M is known for offering exclusive collections by fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Viktor & Rolf.

Along with wardrobe staples like leather jackets and handbags that won't soon fall out of fashion, H&M is known for churning out inexpensive versions of designer trends soon after they've made their runway or red-carpet debuts.

H&M tells the Vancouver Province it went to Coquitlam first because there was space available there. It plans to open a flagship store at Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver soon.

H&M has over 1300 stores in 29 different countries and has more then 60,000 employees, so if your looking for a good employer, may I suggest applying at H&M.
While having a new H&M store here sounds pretty convenient, I think it could be dangerous to my pocketbook!

Is it Better to Rent or Buy a Designer Handbag?

With all the hype on renting designer handbags, I decided to do a little research for myself. Before researching I was asking myself, is it better to rent of buy my designer handbags? Well, I guess a lot depends on what you want in a designer handbag? If you get pleasure out of shopping for the perfect handbag to match your outfit and mood, then I believe buying is the right choice. But, if you must only wear designer handbags and need multiple to satisfy your obsession, then I believe renting is for you.

My personal favorite is Shoulder Candy which is Canada's main designer handbag borrowing service. Some other sites offering rental services include: Bag Borrow or Steal and From Bags to Riches.

Most of these sites have memberships. The membership you choose dictates which designer handbags you can rent and also the number of bags you may have at one time. Other sites have flat rates for renting each handbag.

You can keep the bag as long as you like, which is convenient if you really want to wear a certain designer handbag only for a special occasion. How ever long you like - one week or six months. When you get tired of your designer bag, simply return it and pick out another that your dying to get your hands on. Give rental a try and enjoy your always changing designer handbag!

Are You America's Ultimate Bagaholic?

Bag Borrow or Steal is looking for "America's Ultimate Bagaholic" to serve as their Chief Bag Officer. If handbags are your passion and addiction then I think you are a perfect candidate for this contest.

Just by entering this contest you'll receive 20% off any handbag you would like to borrow. If you win the Chief Bag Officer position, you'll win the opportunity to carry six of fall's hottest, must-have bags, blogging about the experience and sharing your impressions with over 250,000 passionate handbag enthusiasts. But that's not all... you will also enjoy one year of borrowing luxury designer handbags for free!

To win this dream job, simply submit a video capturing your passion for handbags and explaining why you are the ultimate bagaholic. Videos will be judged on creativity, audio/visual quality and, most importantly, expression of complete handbag infatuation. They must be 100MB or less and under 10 minutes long.

They will select five semi-finalists and an elite panel of judges from the fashion world will determine who deserves the title of "America's Ultimate Bagaholic." Some of the judges include Ashley Baker of Glamour, Susan Cernek of Glam.com, Carol Han of Elle.com, Faran Krentcil of Fashionista.com, and Lesley Scott of Fashiontribes.com. The grand prize winner will become Bag Borrow or Steal's Chief Bag Officer.

So if you think you are America's Ultimate Bagaholic the hurry and enter the contest at Bag Borrow or Steal Entries must be submitted by August 10 and the grand price winner will be announced on August 28. This contest is open to US residents only... to bad Canada. Consider yourself lucky Americans, if I was able to enter this contest I would definitely be the Ultimate Bagaholic. (Bag Borrow or Steal)

You can also visit the YouTube contest page and check out the video's that have been submitted. They are truly hilarious!

Pic from Bag Borrow or Steal

Shop at Vancouver's Most Fashionable Store

Leone is one of Vancouver's number one specialty fashion stores. Located downtown in the Sinclair Centre, you can find a variety of world class fashion collections including: Prada, Miu Miu, Dior, Hugo Boss, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Versace, Roberto Cavelli, and Galliano. This glorious store is very unique, hosting a complimentary cappuccino bar and many exclusive boutiques. Leone has the best customer service, hands down. They even offer private after hours shopping upon request. This place is where visiting and local celebrities do their shopping!

The Now or Never Sale at Holt Renfrew

Oh gosh, I just can't resist a sale! I'm going to bed early tonight so I can shop by Holt Renfrew on my way to work in the morning! Save 60-70% on selected men's, women's, and kids spring and summer fashion and accessories. Say goodbye to my savings!

This Summers Best Buys in Vancouver

Ladies, say goodbye to razors, ingrown hairs and missed waxing appointments. My pick for this summers best buy is the best lasor treatment and the best deal on lasor hair removal in the city! For just $89 you get both bikini and underarm lasor hair removal! Try it out at Evropa Spa 955 Hornby Street. Or visit their website for more information at http://www.evropaspa.com/

This years must have sexy shades are colourful and retro inspired Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses for only $100! You can buy these wonderful sunglasses at Art Face 1118 Robson St. and Sky Optical 1100 Robson Street.

Continue your shopping day by checking out Tiffany & Co. on Burrard Street. May I recommend a charm bracelet to express your own personal style. The 925 silver charms are out on display without glass casing for you to caress and coddle. There are so many different ways to wear Tiffany charms - of course on a bracelet, a chain, your purse or bag, cell phone, belt loops, or even your stilettos! Individual pieces starting at only $160.

LOTUSWEAR

When it comes to yoga and active gear, no one designs it quiet like LOTUSWEAR. The yoga-inspired active and casual wear is ideal for any day of the week. They offer both lines for men and women.

The company also thrives on being environmentally conscious by offering customers with eco-friendly products. All of the products designed by LOTUSWEAR are made in local factories.

If you are interested in LOTUSWEAR, I recommend checking out their retail stores in the lower mainland at:

Lower Mainland Store Locations
West Vancouver, BC - The Village at Park Royal

Vancouver, BC - Kitsilano at West 4th

Surrey/White Rock, BC - King George Highway

Langley, BC - Willowbrook Mall

And if you are die hard fan of LOTUSWEAR, I really recommend checking out their Factory Outlet located in East Vancouver. They have great deals and a decent selection.

1310 E Hastings
Phone: 604 215 9265
Hours: 9-5 Monday-Friday
10-5 Saturday

Queensborourgh Landing Factory Outlets

Some really good deals can be found at this wonderful outlet mall located minutes from Vancouver. It is located right by the Fraser River. Drive across the Queensborough Bride and the outlets will be to your right, you cannot miss it!

Some of the outlet stores include: Guess, Mexx, Aldo, Le Chateau, Garage, Tommy Hillfiger, Esprit, Liz Claiborne, YZZA, Fairweather, La Senza and so much more! Located in the same complete is a huge Best Buy, Home Outfitters, Pet Cetera and a Walmart for your conveniences!

Vancouver Warehouse Sales

If you are a Vancouverite, you have probably noticed the locally inspired brands that everyone and their dog wears! Just to name a few, we've got, lululemon, TNA (aritzia), and Dorinha Jeans. These brands are very casual and essential for any Vancouverite shopaholics wardrobe!

In case you haven't noticed or heard, you can get these brands at discount prices at certain times of the year or at underground locations.

Lululemon is great for active wear! I wouldn't be caught dead without my lulu plants on a Sunday morning! I love what they have to offer for "comfy clothes." However, sometimes I do not like the hefty price tags for some of the pieces. So, if your like me and scavenge for a bargain, then you should check out the Lululemon warehouse on Clark Drive and East 3rd Street. The hours of operation are: Friday 12-6, Saturday 10-6, and Sunday 11-5.

Aritzia has taken over the fashion world for local woman and young girls of all ages. They have been around for years and have no sign of dying off anytime soon! They carry an adorable active wear line called TNA (talula national athletic) and a more sophisticated line called Talula. The store also carries many other brands like Juicy. They are also stocked with designer jeans, such as, Seven for all man Kind, Citizens of Humanity, True Religion and Rock, Republic. If you love this store as much as I do, you must check out the annual Aritzia Warehouse Sale, which usually happens at the end of the summer. In the past years, it has been held at the Tinseltown Mall in Chinatown by Stadium skytrain station. It is usually put on the last weekend of August or first weekend of September. Be prepared for a massive line up.

If your into the 1 inch zipper and the fabulous Brazilian jeans by Dorinha, make sure you stay tuned for the Dorinha Warehouse Sale!!! This sale usually happens in April and you can receive up to 70% off! Last time I went to this sale it was located downtown Vancouver in a storage centre on Richards St. Dorinha the successful Brazilian Fashion Entrepreneur was even there in person! Check for the lastest updates at: www.dorinhawear.com

I hope everyone finds this information useful! I know I did! If your a shopaholic like me it is always fun to find a great deal on brands you love so much!

Across the Boarder Outlet Shopping

From personal experiences and extensive research, I share with you my most valuable secrets of across the boarder shopping! One of my favorite shopping trip routines involves driving down to Seattle for a weekend.

First of all, if you are driving down to the states you should definitely check out the duty free on the Canadian side. It is located on the right hand side just before you go threw customs. If you miss it, to bad, you cannot turn around! However you pay absolutely no taxes, what you see on the price tag is what you pay. Everything is sold well below retail prices.

The best outlets are called Seattle Premium Outlets. They are located just off interstate 5. The selection at this outlet plaza is insane! There is everything from Burberry to Coach. Some of my other favorites include: Banana Republic Factory Store, Guess, BCBG Max Azria, Kenneth Cole, DC Shoes, Aldo, Nine West, LeSortSac, and Sunglass Hut/International Watch Station. For a full list of all the stores, driving directions and other useful info, visit: www.premiumoutlets.com

Shopping Hint: The Coach store at the Seattle Premium outlet mall only carries the leather lines of their brand. You can find the signature lines at a different outlet mall approximately 25 miles north of Seattle Premium. The address is:
COACH ALDERWOOD MALL
3000 - 184TH ST. S.W. SPACE #988
LYNNWOOD, WA 98037
(425) 670-6785
Store Hours: M-THURS 10-9:30 P.M.; FRI 10-10PM; SAT 8-10; SUN 11-7PM

You can also look up driving directions and view a map on http://www.coach.com
If you are seriously thinking of investing in a new coach bag I would strongly suggest checking out the coach outlets. They have factory direct prices and usually have an additional 20-30% off. The outlet mall where the signature coach outlet is in does not have any other interesting stores at all. Its only worth the stop to see the signature coach purses!

So if you are going to Seattle, the epicenter for shopaholics would be on 4th Ave. Seattle's downtown shopping district is overloaded occupying several blocks with brand names such as: Abercrombie and Fitch, Gap, Betsy Johnson, and Urban Outfitters. Banana Republic and Nike even occupy their own buildings with multi level stores. One of my favorite department stores is also in this neighbourhood... Nordstrom! In this glorious store you will find all of your favorite designer name brands and much much more! They even have a Chanel boutique. I could spend hours on end in this one store, so go check it out! You have no idea what we are missing out in Canada! If you like mall shopping then I would recommend Pacific Place. There is a variety of stores including: Ann Taylor, J. Crew and my fav Tiffany! Also, within a few blocks radius you will find designer stores like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Coach.

Since I enjoy Nordstrom so much! I will let you in on a huge shopping secret! The department store has other stores in which they discount all their old season items. They call this store Nordstrom Rack. There is many locations in Washington. The one downtown Seattle is located at 1601 2nd Ave. For more locations in Washington visit: http://www.nordstrom.com/

HELPFUL TIPS FOR ACROSS THE BOARDER SHOPPING

• The Canadian duty free is only for US bound traffic, so you cannot shop then turn around




• Remember your licence plate number before you go into the duty free, if you buy something the cashier will ask you for it




• You still only need your birth certificate and government issued photo ID to cross the boarder.




• The duty free's on the US side are display shops. You pick what you want, pay and pick up your goods drive threw style before crossing the boarder.




• Make sure you know your personal exemptions when going across the boarder just for shopping. Customs has no tolerance for people who try to hide the stuff they bought. They will find it so don't bother trying to hide it. Just be honest and show them your receipts. If you are only going to the day, don't bother shopping because you can only claim up to $50 worth of goods without paying duties. After 48 hours you can claim up to $400CAN worth of goods without paying duties and after 7 days you can claim up to $750CAN without paying duties. From my experience, if I go down on Friday night and come back Sunday night, the customs officers usually count that as 48 hours. For up to date boarder and customs/duties info please visit: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/

New Home for Holt Renfrew Vancouver Flagship Store

For 32 years the successful store was located in the heart of downtown Vancouver at 633 Granville. The new home for Holt Renfrew is even bigger and better, located almost next door to the old location! With the grand opening for the public today, it was utterly astonishing to see the new store!!!

I took the pleasure today to stop in at the brand new 137,000 square foot dream come true department store. As soon as I walked in I seen the boutiques of Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci. I was in a serious shopping high! I had to hold myself back as I was only looking to buy a birthday present for my best girlfriend.

The facility was built with the newest and state of the art furnishings and fixtures. They did not hold back on the design of this location at all. The selection was amazing! They had so much inventory on the floor of all the brands you could ever imagine including: Miu Mui, Jimmy Choo, Robert Rodriguez, LAMB, Marc Jacobs, Coach, Kulson, and Laundry. The fragerance department was also a definite must see!

To jump start the opening Holt Renfrew is hosting their designer sale with up to 40% off selected items. I would recommend everyone to go and check out this world class haven for shopaholics!