The Shopping Queen

No shopping today...

2004-09-27T21:08:00.000-04:00

...but I did wear my new white shirt to work (see yesterday's post). Crisp and clean and it stayed pretty well tucked in without wrinkling for the whole day.

The best part? I'm sure that I'm the only one that knew that I spent only $19.98 on it at ... YOU'LL NEVER GUESS:

WalMart!

Yup. That's right. Walmart. That new George line the have been advertising. It's not that bad. Not the greatest quality and the styles are a little stale, but this shirt was MORE than worth the $20 I paid.

I tried on another top too. It was ok, but too big. I think their sizing is a little limitted.

Final verdict? Buying clothes at WalMart, not as bad as you might think!

A Shopping Queen Spree

2004-09-26T19:22:00.000-04:00

I went on a mini shopping spree today, here's what I picked up:

1. Crisp white shirt
2. Triumph t-shirt bra
3. Rimmel Volume Eyes mascara (very good!)
4. hair conditionner
5. 4mm knitting needles

Total dammage: $65

I had gone in just to buy the needles and came out with everything else by accident (oops!)

Shopping and the American Dollar

2004-09-24T23:03:00.000-04:00

I heard an American economist say this morning that he wouldn’t be surprised if the American Dollar weakened to the point where we’re getting 0.90$ (CAD) to the dollar. Can you believe it? I don’t think I was alive the last time that happened.

And, shoppers… do you know what that means? It’s time to shop “South of the Border”! For Shoppers in the Ottawa area, this often means a trip down to Watertown or Buffalo (or for the really devoted, the Shopper’s Mecca, Woodbury Common). Now, most of us haven’t cross-border shopped since the 80s because the exchange rate left us feeling sick to our stomachs. Sure, the selection is always better in the U. S., but what’s the point if we’re getting 0.53 (CAD) to the dollar?

But now, our time has come! And even better, now we don't even have to drive all the way down there because of...

Online Shopping !

Take advantage of the weak dollar by buying from your favourite mail order companies that are now online. You’ll find that their websites are well organized, clear and offer everything you need to know before buying.(a few to try: www.jcrew.com and www.victoriassecret.com) .

Want to save a few extra dollars? Save on shipping costs by pickingup your purchases in the U.S. There’s a mailboxes etc. in Ogdensburg, NY where they will hold your package for just $5. They’ll even call you when it has arrived! This is particularly useful for companies that don’t ship to Canada such as www.gap.com and www.ninewest.com .

MailBoxes Etc.
2981 Ford Street Extension
Ogdensburg, NY 13669

You can try on your purchases in the dressing rooms at the Walmartacross the street (but beware of the Greaters, they’ll try to check yourpackages).Return anything that doesn’t fit straight away. It’s free for the return shipping.

If you want to save even more, and don’t mind doing something ever so slightly illegal, don’t declare your purchases at the border (try to “wear” them home if it’s winter and you don’t mind the extra layers). You’ll save duty and sales tax. A good cover story is that you went to Joanne Fabrics to pick up some sewing supplies notavailable in Canada. There’s rarely duty on them, especially if you spend under $20.

In Ogdensburg don’t miss the Amish shopping at Walmart (!) and eating at the McDonalds (!!). They also sell hand-made baskets in the parking lot.

Wool-Tyme Warehouse Sale

2004-09-23T20:15:00.000-04:00

I dropped into the the Wool-Tyme Warehouse Sale tonight to see if they had any of that self-patterning sock wool - They did! Two balls for $9.99 (usually they're $7.99 each, I think). Too bad that they only have a few colours left, and nothing fun, only blues and greys and you have to dig to get them.

Other than that, the warehouse sale wasn't that exciting. Lots of wool... but nothing that really caught my eye. I think this type of sale is more suited to experienced knitters that knows what to look for.

I did buy some wool and a pattern to make a baby sweater (very cute!) and signed up for their finishing class.

Store information:

Wool-Tyme is probably the best knitting shop in Ottawa
it's at 190 Colonnade Road

Hours:

Monday 9.30 am to 6.00 pm
Tuesday 9.30 am to 6.00 pm
Wednesday 9.30 am to 6.00 pm
Thursday 9.30 am to 9.00 pm
Friday 9.30 am to 6.00 pm
Saturday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Sunday Closed

or www.wool-tyme.com (you can buy online)

mexx - Valued Customer Sale

2004-09-22T23:09:00.000-04:00

If you're on their valued customer list, you should have received an invitation to an exclusive mexx sale: 30% off their latest men's and women's collections and 15% off the children's collection.

The sale lasts three days only: September 27-29, 2004 and you need to present the invitation to get the discount.

mexx is in two locations in Ottawa: Rideau Centre and St-Laurent.

There are also two "outlet" locations: Silver City and Merrivale - I'm not sure the invitation will be valid there.

For more information go to: www.mexx.com or 1.800.565.MEXX

Ottawa Shopping Event!

2004-09-22T07:41:00.000-04:00

Here's some info on an upcoming Ottawa Shopping Event:

What: Ottawa's Fall 2004 Designer Clothing Sale DC Samples Sales
Where: Aqua Club and Lounge (160 Rideau at Dalhousie)
When: Sept. 30th to Oct. 2, 12-7pm
Who: Paul Frank, Diesel, Kenneth Cole, and many MANY more