Monthly Archives: December 2010

December 24, 2010 · 10:15 AM

Home For A Rest

Like everyone else in the world, and especially at this time of year – we’re in need of home for a rest.  The fall season seemed to have whipped by in a flash and it’s hard to believe tomorrow is Christmas.  We’re looking forward to leaving the city and being at home, wearing no make-up, no high heels, no product in hair, and waking up to the sound of nothing – no alarm clock!!

Happy Holidays from Seven Dollar Pants and we’ll see you in the New Year!

Merry Christmas, Buon Natale, Joyeaux Noel, Seasons Greetings!!

Still the best Christmas song ever….

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December 23, 2010 · 8:06 AM

The Cropped Sweater

I am loving the 90′s inspiration with fashion these days.  Long skirts, crop tops, nudes, high waist pants.  I love it all.  I found this cropped sweater at H&M for $29 and I think I’m going to wear it a lot this winter.  I liked it so much, I went back and bought it in cream too.  It will go great with high waist skirts and pants, and it’s really warm too.  Fashion and function – a winning team.

I paired it with my wool pants from Zara ($52), lace-up boots from H&M ($69), and cashmere scarf by Arnold Brant (gift).  JD


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December 22, 2010 · 9:44 AM

Just Call Me Grinchy

Last night I had the pleasure of sitting among 5,000 kids (almost) at Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas at Toronto’s Sony Centre.  The set design and costumes were on point Seussical (I just made up a word), the music was festive and uplifting (I almost ruined the evening for the audience by singing along) and the actors were fun – especially the Grinch.

I couldn’t help but think of my latest purchase and it’s resemblance to The Grinch himself.  I can’t wait to cover myself in green sequins (SEQUINS!) New Years Eve.  I already plan on harassing the DJ to play show tunes from The Grinch.  Seriously though…why not? CM

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December 21, 2010 · 10:11 AM

The Places We Go – NYC

Last weekend we took our 2nd annual Seven Dollar Pants trip to NYC!  We had a great time and checked out a ton of great restaurants and bars.  Our top faves were Cafe Habana, Otto Enoteca, Cafe Gitane, Vesuvio Bakery, and the Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel.

Cafe Habana is a cute tiny Cuban place in Nolita and they are known for their delicious corn.  The place was packed, the tables were mint green and miniature, and the servers wore high waist pants with cropped vintage sweaters.  Awesome.

Otto Enoteca is at One 5th Avenue in Greenwich Village, and it’s one of Mario Batalli’s restaurants.  They play fun music, the food is delish, and in Seven Dollar Pants style – it’s very affordable.  We ate the spaghetti a la carbonara, pizza Margherita, and gelato.  Yum.

We stopped at Vesuvio Bakery for a cookie and coffee and we were thrilled that this historic spot was bustling with business again.  Last year we were captivated by its facad but it was all boarded up.

Cafe Gitane was definitely memorable.  There is one in Nolita but we went to the one at The Jane Hotel.  We just loved the vibe, music, old decor, and food.  A must stop spot!

Last but certainly NOT least, we spent an unforgettable afternoon at the Oak Room in the Plaza Hotel.  It was a brunch party called Day & Night and it was quite the party!!!  Within 10 minutes of entering the room we were sprayed with a bottle of Champagne.  The servers wore sequins bikinis and sat on the shoulders of half-naked male models.  Every few minutes they would emerge with batons of fire attached to the bottles of Champagne.  The DJ got the room going while party goers danced on tables and partied like it was their job.  Did we mention this all took place in the afternoon?  It was wild.

Check out our full album on Facebook by clicking here.

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December 20, 2010 · 10:51 AM

Gift of Gold

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of seeing The Nutcracker for the first time.  It was also my first visit to Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.  I am so behind on these things!  I wanted look somewhat festive without draping myself in red and gold.  I picked up this gold skirt for $30 at The Gap’s holiday event and paired it with my American Apparel 3D floral mesh jumper.

Rest of my outfit:

Jacket: Club Monaco
Booties: Spring
Headband: Forever 21
Tights: Hue

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December 16, 2010 · 9:28 AM

Lazy Monday

I was having a blah day and threw this on.  I was tired from NYC and just wanted to be comfortable going back to work.  Flats and a merino wool sweater was it, not to mention a skirt – pants are uncomfortable!  (Were you aware that I live in dresses and skirts and hardly ever wear pants?)  Julie made me take a few pics – I guess comfort can come off looking put together after all.

Sweater – Club Monaco $70
Skirt – Zara $70
Tights – Joe Fresh Style $4
Boots – Aldo $65

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December 15, 2010 · 9:17 AM

Yoga Jeans by Second Denim

Do you own a pair of Yoga jeans by Second Denim?  I didn’t until I visited Shopgirls Gallery Boutique and now I’m in love.  They are 100% Canadian made and the denim has 92% shape memory, while the industry standard is 64%.  They contour your body like second skin and hold their shape throughout the day….similar to a comfortable yoga pant.

Please note:  it does not mean you can wear them to yoga class – please do not.

Before getting my pair, I was told that I’d never want to go back to regular jeans, and that is precisely right.  You get the same look as a jean, but the feel of a yoga pant – PURE GENIUS!!!

Mine are the high rise skinny leg, but they come in a variety of rinses, shapes, and rises.  If you’re looking for a new pair of jeans, I’d definitely check these out.  They retail for $110 – a good investment if you ask me.

I’m also wearing:
* Lace top by Vero Moda from The Bay ($20)
* Belt from Zara ($10)
* Lace-up booties from H&M ($69)

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December 14, 2010 · 10:48 AM

Let Your Wardrobe Shimmer for the Holidays

We recently wrote an article for  HER magazine, by the Burlington Post.  The article is about adding festive pieces to your wardrobe for the Holiday season.  We all have parties and family gatherings to go to, and dressing with Holiday cheer is a must.  Check out our suggestions below:


Let Your Wardrobe Shimmer this Holiday Season
By: Christine MacDonald and Julie D’Uva of Seven Dollar Pants Blog

To prepare for the holiday season, and more importantly, holiday parties, we are adding a few extra pieces to our wardrobe to show off our festive spirit. Here are five trends to boost your holiday cheer.

Velvet
A big trend on the fall runways for 2011 was velvet and there is no better time to wear it than the holiday season. The rich, warming fabric offers a luxurious look and would be great for a cocktail party.  Try a velvet dress in jewel tones such as ruby or emerald, or spice up your skinny jeans with a black velvet blazer.

Tights
Style your little black dress with a fun pair of tights. Colour your legs with purple, blue and red, or be bold with patterned stockings in argyle, plaid, or polka dot.  The ultra feminine look can be achieved with a lovely pair of lace tights – try white lace with a grey or camel colour dress.

Leather & Lace
Nothing says glam quite like the combination of leather and lace.  For a bold party outfit -   wear black leather pants, a leather skirt, or faux leather tights paired with a feminine lace top in cream or black.

Sequins
Sequins happen to be a personal favorite of ours and December is the perfect time of year to wear them.  Add some shine to your day by wearing a lightly sequined sweater or change your leather bag to a sequined tote.  For an evening party, try a sequin bolero or cropped blazer – but stick to black for this one.

Coats
The chilly weather has set in and you probably already have your outerwear ready for the snow, but now is the perfect time to head out in search of the deals for fashionable outerwear. Fur and friendly faux fur are everywhere in stores, not to mention in the hottest print of the season – leopard!  Or show off your festive cheer with a bright red or white overcoat.  Either way, say no to boring black this season.

Happy Shopping! JD & CM

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December 13, 2010 · 3:29 PM

Good Quote

“May your journey deviate from the ordinary”

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December 10, 2010 · 9:00 AM

Closet Find – The Long Skirt

A while back I showed you a few pieces I took from my Aunt’s closet over Thanksgiving weekend.  I scored an awesome purse here, and a silk shirt here.

This long floral skirt was found in her closet as well.  It was a few sizes off so I had it taken to the tailor shop for a perfect fit.  It’s fun walking around in a long flowing skirt, and a nice change from the everyday wardrobe.

I paired it with my H&M lace-up booties ($69), top from Joe Fresh ($12), and boyfriend blazer from Suzy Shier ($30).  I added gold buttons to the blazer to give it a little somethin’ extra.  My belt is vintage.  What do you think about the long skirt trend – ugly or cool?  JD

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December 9, 2010 · 2:18 PM

Bryan Greenberg at the MOD Club

Earlier this week I went to see Bryan Greenberg in concert at the MOD Club on College St.  He’s an actor and musician, and I’ve been a fan ever since I saw the movie Prime years ago…you know the one where he dates Uma Thurman and her therapist is his mother? (played by Meryl Streep).  If you haven’t seen it – rent it!

He also happens to be in one of my favourite HBO shows – How to Make it in America.  Another great show you should definitely check out.  I wrote about it here.

I think he’s pretty cool so I had to see him in concert.  He was awesome and talked to the crowd the whole time.  He just seemed so chill, passionate, and  adorable.  I was in lust.  Check out the video I took!  What a dreamboat.  JD

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· 9:26 AM

Night of the Ugly Dress, Part Three

Last weekend our friends got together for the third annual Ugly Dress Party.  We spend weeks searching out the most hideous frock we can find and then drink a bunch of cocktails in them.  I thought that Julie’s was borderline pretty.  Mine was just hideous.  It is so ugly and unflattering that I am having problems even looking at this post.  To see a full set of pics from the night including the winner of the 2010 Ugly Dress trophy, click here to our Facebook page.  

To see last year’s post of the 2nd Annual Ugly Dress Party, click here.

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December 8, 2010 · 10:23 AM

Whip Cream and Cozy

I’m not a coffee drinker but I do like a hot beverage once in a while, so I popped by Starbucks for a hot chocolate with whip cream on top.   I felt all cozy and warm, until I had to remove my jacket for an outfit pic!  I was wearing something too skimpy to brave the cold, so I borrowed CM’s awesome sweater from American Eagle Outfitters (Reg. $70 on sale for $30).  I really love it – the cream colour brightened my day.

If you are on the hunt for affordable sweaters, I saw a bunch at M for Mendocino the other day. They had a lot of options and a lot of sales!

I’m also wearing: Joe Fresh distressed jeans $29; grey circle scarf from Spring $16; and lace-up booties from Spring $29.  JD

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December 7, 2010 · 8:48 AM

New Ballet

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.  I skip down the street singing this tune and often will throw in a couple tro lo lo’s (do me a favor and click the link) just for good measure.  Now, I am not talking about Christmas, I am talking about pre-Christmas markdowns and the promise of everything being at leas 40% off.  Ahhh markdows.  The buyers worst nightmare and my real life fairy tale.  I went into H&M before lunch and right before my very eyes was this pink dress with a big $10 sign.  As I had told myself that I was not going to make any clothing purchases through the month of December, I put it back on the rack.  Then I had this grand idea.  If I don’t continue on to purchase lunch and use the $10 for the dress instead, it will cancel itself out.  The only loss is the 500 calories I would have consumed – WIN WIN SITUATION!

The rest of my outfit:

Sweater – Ann Taylor Loft
Boots – Cole Haan
Vintage Belt – Borrowed from friend
Earrings – Borrowed from friend
Necklace – Forever 21
Bracelet – Tiffany
Tights – Joe Fresh

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December 6, 2010 · 10:49 AM

Librarian Chic

I kind of feel like a librarian in this outfit, but that’s ok – librarians are cool.  The best librarian I knew was a man who worked at DB Weldon Library at UWO.  My friends and I called him “Old Man Beard” – we never knew his real name.  If you went to him with a question, he would get so excited and would basically do your entire project for you. This is why we loved Old Man Beard….he was also nice and passionate about his job.  We were always psyched to see him working and never wanted to talk to any of the other librarians.

This long cardigan was found at Winners for $29 and I paired it with my grey pants from Zara, brown belt, brown shoes, and a boat load of accessories.  I love accessories.  These pants are the cropped type so when I sit down I have to make sure I have cool socks on because the socks show.  This grey and white striped pair is from Joe Fresh.  I bought a pack of 5 for $10. Steal!  JD

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December 3, 2010 · 9:29 AM

Navy & Camel

This may be my preppiest look yet.  I find comfort in preppy.  Maybe it is because of my suburban upbringing or, maybe it is because I secretly hope to find myself lost in the Fall 2010 Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign “Meet the Hilfigers”.  OBSESSED.  The Lauren Ralph Lauren denim shirt is from The Bay.  I kept my eye on it for months until it was marked down to $30 from $100.  Score!  Jacket and skirt is from Zara, tights are Joe Fresh and shoes are Aldo.  Happy Friday!  CM

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December 2, 2010 · 7:58 AM

Pink Hued

The dog days are over.  I realize this may have a different meaning to those who have heard the song, and to the song itself but, as for my dog days, my tan is over.  Julie and I take pictures of ourselves regularly (obviously) and it often makes us take a second look at what we are wearing and how we look in general.  These pics show me I need some bronzer stat!  Gosh I am pale!  I don’t think I am ready to take on the spray tanner but at this point…

I went down to the states over American thanksgiving.  I was there for family so my power shop allowed me to purchase this sweater from Ann Taylor Loft for $50 – I was drawn to the colour.  I wore them with my $19 Old Navy purple cargos.  I opted for an alternative to the army green cargos that are the rage these days as seen on Julie.

The rest of my outfit:
Bag – Joe Fresh
Jacket – H&M
Scarf – Arnold Brant
Necklace – Forever 21
Boots – H&M

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December 1, 2010 · 9:22 AM

Shopgirls Gallery Boutique

Do you find it difficult to find unique gifts with meaning?  Does purchasing something from a registry give you the creeps?  If you answered yes, I’ve found just the place for you!  Just in time for the holiday season – meet Shopgirls Gallery Boutique.

I have browsed Shopgirls a few times before, but I didn’t know what it was all about until I got the scoop from the shop’s owner and curator – Michelle Germain.

Located in Parkdale Village at 1342 Queen St. West, this is not your average boutique.  That’s because Shopgirls is part gallery and part boutique and everything they carry is Canadian designed.  Items include everything from clothing, art, accessories, jewellery, home décor, body products, and greeting cards too.

What I love the most is that every item they carry has a story.  It’s a meaningful shop and you will feel good to shop here for yourself and for others, and let me tell you there’s no shortage of excellent gift ideas.

Some interesting facts:
* They feature a local artist once a month with an art gallery opening.
* Artists and designers range from students to 80 year olds.
* Everyone who works at Shopgirls is one of their talented artists/designers.
* They started with 12 artists and now carry designs from over 80 artisans, mostly from Montreal and Toronto.
* Items range from $10 to $500 with an average price point of under $200

If you are looking for something different like recycled jewellery, vegan leather bags, cheeky home décor gifts, re-worked leather and fur hats, feathered brooches, and classic clothing with a twist, I highly recommend checking out Shopgirls Gallery Boutique. You’ll love its warm and cozy feel, vintage décor, and friendly staff.  Shop local, support Canadian artists!

For more information, visit www.shopgirls.ca

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