Goodbye Target Canada

The big retail news the week was the decision by Target to close all of its Canadian stores. As a frequent and enthusiastic Target shopper, I was really sad to hear this. I feel sad for the employees who will be out of work and disappointed at the waste of money and resources used to overhaul spaces that, here is Halifax, were only operational for 16 months.

I'm aware that Target Canada was not readily accepted by a lot of shoppers, and I'm not sure why. Some of the reasons I've heard is that the shelves weren't stocked, there weren't enough people to help on the floor, and the prices weren't as good as in the States.

I estimate I visit Target about three times per month, so I have a fairly good idea of how the store normally looks and operates. I admit, the first few weeks the store was open, I noticed the shelves weren't fully stocked. Not a smart move by Target, but once the initial rush of the grand opening was over, I generally always found what I wanted was in stock. I wonder if there were some people who only visited Target once, shortly after the opening buzz, and decided not to return for that reason. I always thought there were a lot of employees around to ask if you needed help finding anything, and they were always very friendly.

As for the prices, I've yet to see a store come to Canada (except Coach) and offer the same prices in the Canadian stores as the States. Of course the prices aren't as good - but neither is Forever 21 and we've seemed to accept that store just fine. I almost bought a jacket in Vegas at Forever 21, but decided against it as it would have taken up a lot of room in my luggage. When I got home and scoped it out at F21 here, by the time I factored in the tax, I would have been spending about $25 more on the exact same product. Guess who didn't buy the jacket?

Besides the really cool stuff they have in the home decor section (bye bye Nate Berkus), they have a huge selection of make-up and hair products. I'll be stocking up on my Frederik Fekkai (the only place I've found it in this country). Their stationary department was amazing too! They have an entire wall of boxed thank you cards and invitations, the cutest gift bags, and really unique greeting cards.

Bought these this week! So cute and only $12.99 each. About 7 inches tall.

Our door mat. $14.99 

The worst part about Target closing (for me) is that we won't be able to access the designer collaborations. I lived and breathed for these. Some of my very favourite items in my closet are from Target collabs. I will sorely miss showing up at the store for the 8:00 AM launch of these lines. I never really understood why Canadians didn't spring on these collections like people in the States do.

One of the five 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target items I bought. My favourite line!

Dress: Peter Pilotto for Target

Dress: Sarah Stevenson for Target (a Canadian designer!)

In addition to Target closing, other Canadian stores have left (or are leaving soon). Sad goodbyes go out to Mexx, Smart Set, and Jacob.

I'll miss you, Target Canada. Sniff sniff.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Guest Post: The Hemline by Eclipse

Stop on over to The Hemline by Canadian fashion retailer Eclipse to check out my guest post! Thanks Eclipse for the opportunity to share my fashion predictions for 2015. The questions were really fun to answer! What do I think about trends, prints, and a gal's must-have item?

Click here to see the post.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Wedding Wednesday: Photos in Juno Garden

After our long and drawn out ceremony (just kidding, it was nine minutes and perfect!) it was a great relief to feel like the more formal part of the day was done. We had Juno Garden at Caesar's Palace for a very short time - about a half hour after the ceremony - so we had to be pretty quick at getting the photos done. 

With my mom and dad

With R's mom and dad

We were incredibly lucky to have so many family and friends be able to join us. In total we had 60 guests from all over Canada and the States.  There were many important people who couldn't be there, but we tried to focus on the fact that we had a really great turn out for a destination wedding, and our guests got along so well!

Our wedding guests

Happily ever after. 

Coming up in the next few weeks will be photos from our limo tour of various spots on the Vegas strip and the reception. Check out my earlier posts on the ceremony, getting ready, and the walk to the garden.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

My 2014 Shopping Budget Review

In 2014, I approached my shopping budget a little differently. I used to give myself a monthly budget, but I found it restricting when it came to buying more expensive items. I found myself buying more quantity of less expensive stuff and the quality was suffering.

Partway through the year, I decided to go with a quarterly budget, which I still summarized every month. My budget was $500 per quarter, which allowed me to buy pricier items without going over my monthly budget.

I allow myself to carry over any money that is left at the end of one quarter into the next quarter. This includes any money that is left over at the end of a year.

I don't count clothing/money I get as gifts (or gift card money) in my budget. I had birthday money this year that I chose to spend in Vancouver on clothes. So I actually had more than $2000 in spending if you count gifts. I don't count things like PJ's, socks, bras, etc as well because these are necessities and really don't count towards evolving my personal style.

If I ever make any money on clothing (e.g consignment) I would put it towards my budget as well. I hope to sell a few leather jackets this year.

For 2014, I came in $25 under budget, which will roll forward to 2015, giving me a clothing budget for this year of $2025.

Since I've been budgeting, I find I am so much more careful with what I buy. I really analyze items to make sure they make sense in my wardrobe. Trying to picture at least three ways to style something with my current wardrobe before I buy it helps.

My top picks for 2014 are the five items that I bought that I think have had the most use or the potential to be used for years to come.

1.Top Shop black sandals I bought in Vancouver. I wore these so much last summer and they were really comfortable. They weren't on sale, but at $50, so well worth the price and then some.

2. Banana Republic black dress. OK, I've only worn this once, but it has the potential to be in my wardrobe for a really long time. With the leather detail it is truly a "me" dress.  Fabulous buy at $50.

3. Converse black leather Jack Purcell's. I am sooooo glad my mom convinced me to buy these in Vegas. I've worn them a lot and they go with way more things than my black canvas ones. When I go to a Converse outlet, I can't help but buy another pair. Some people collect stamps. I collect Chucks. Such a steal at $24.

Wearing the dress and shoes here. 

4. American Eagle jeans. At $7.50 I've worn these so much that they're down to a quarter per wear I'm sure. These are the perfect length, rise, and fit. They are my "go-to" jeans for sure.... especially now when I'm feeling the effects holiday over-indulgence and squeezing into my lower rise jeans is kinda painful.

Jeans and shoes worn here.

5. Nine West red handbag. This was actually a gift from the Nine West store at Mic Mac Mall. In truth, I like it better than my Kate Spade bag for functionality. The outer pocket fits my phone which is so convenient.

Have I inspired you to stick to a budget for the new year? It really helps to curb impulse buys and makes you take a good hard look at what your wardrobe actually needs.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl