YeeeeeeHAW!!!!

I was fortunate to be invited again to my friends clothing swap today.

Amazingly enough however, I came home with only 4 items. I know, right!?  Only FOUR!!!!? You see, over the years, I have become a little more picky when choosing what will come home with me.  I think in the end, it's the purging rather than the finding that makes my swapping experience so much more enjoyable.  I felt a certain "lightness of being" walking home with so much less than I came with.

My "Lizzdom" for the day came when someone handed me a sequined skirt.

To which I replied:
 "Thanks but I make it a rule to never wear sparkle on my butt!"

Laughs were had all around, I can assure you!

I do have to take a moment to commend the wonderful girls who all went out of their way to pass things to me from the pile to try on.  They were so sweet when something didn't fit me or look right.  But as I said then, I will say now:  For all the hits I've had over the years, I certainly don't mind a few misses.  And so even though I didn't come home with a bunch of new dresses or skirts, I can say with complete and utter contentment that I LOVE my new white cowboy boots (thanks Tara!!!!), that I will get SO much use out of my pink retro clutch and that I have already started wearing one of the two belts I found!

Did I mention how RAWR these boots are!?  *Giggle* 

Stay Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizz.desavoye@gmail.com
lizzdom.tumblr.com

The Power of Threes!!!

This past Saturday I was forced to hoof it from the subway to my friends Wedding (to help with last minute set-up) because there were NO streetcars for miles and miles! I had left home 2 hours prior in an effort to be early. She was getting married in a few hours and the Toronto Transit Commission was earning themselves a gigantic FAIL!!!! 

So as I'm hurtling down the streets of Toronto like a mad woman, I see something white from the corner of my eye zip down beside me.  I stop dead in my tracks only to discover that a bird had pooped on my Chanel Baguette handbag!!!!

Deliver me from Karl Lagerfeld,

You have never seen a woman shriek more like Homer Simpson!  I whipped out a tissue faster than you could say "SACRILEGE!" and wiped down my handbag furiously!  I was INCENSED!!!!

Now, in some cultures it's good luck when this happens.  So I took a deep breathe and called to the Fashion Gods.  "This one is SO on you!"  I proclaimed, shaking my fist at the sky!  And then I pulled myself together and proceeded to make miracles happen for my friend in the next 2 hours and thought nothing more of it.

Until Wednesday.  Apparently that good luck has started to come my way!

Since that fateful (or I should say- poopful) incident I got my beloved $110 Portolano red leather gloves for a song!
http://www.portolano.com/

By chance on Wednesday I asked the girls in the accessories section at the Bay when they would be having their one day glove sale.  I showed them the pair I had been eyeing since August and wouldn't you know it, they had been reduced to 60% off!  Couple that with the $30 HBC gift card I had been saving, I walked away with those little cuties for $20!!!

Insert Happy Dance HERE!!!!

And then I got to see the LEGENDARY Oscar De La Renta in the flesh yesterday!

He was at the Bay to promote his new Fragrance "Live In Love"...a delightful floral I might add!

Jokingly I told everyone that if I ever even made it to the 3rd floor to see him, I'd be lucky if I got to spy his pinkie finger as he would most likely be surrounded by so many adoring fans. But the fates chose to be kind to me.  As I left my shop to go make change in the cash office, I got to watch him walk past me with his entourage.  Sigh.  He was SO debonair as he kissed his guests good-bye.  Yes, I am STILL swooning!

So I wonder what lucky happening #3 is going to be? *Giggle*  I better go play the lottery on pay day tomorrow!  Who knows?  I could be a "thousandaire" if I play my cards right!

Cha-ching biznatches!!!

Stay Gorgeous!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizz.desavoye@gmail.com
lizzdom.tumblr.com

ANOTHER Fabulous Find!!!

On my lunch break yesterday I had to venture out into the mall for a new pair of tights for my friends wedding (the following day).

And as per usual, my Bargain Birdie started chirping in my ear.

"Go to H&M, go to H&M" it cooed!....

So I listened. And what a payoff it was!

Not only did I find a pair of opaque black tights in size XL (thank you H&M for finally understanding that curvy girls like you too!), but I found a new pair of black lace up boots for $40 AND....

drum roll please!!!!!

My new favorite black and white polka dot dress, on sale, FOR $10!!!!!

insert maniacal laugh HERE!!!!!

I love my new dress so much I am going to wear it to my friends wedding today. AND I'm going to be sensible and wear my crimson red patent ballet flats. What can I say?  I work on my feet in retail on a hard marble floor, and I'm getting over the flu.  I don't need to be a fashion hero in heels.  I'll let the Bride do that!

Stay Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizzdom.tumblr.com
lizz.desavoye@gmail.com

Free Or Less!!

So THIS is how extreme obsessions begin!

For the past 6 months I have been taking contests and promotions a little more seriously.  It's become a part of my endeavor to shop for "Free or Less".

And my "mini" obsession is starting to pay off!

I won this sweet little bottle of Chloe Eau de Parfum at work yesterday. 

Giggle!  Now that's what I call a deal!

Stay Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizz.desavoye@gmail.com
lizzdom.tumblr.com

I ♥ CLARINS!!!!

I have been a loyal skin care freak ever since I quit smoking 8 years ago.  To me, your skin is something irreplaceable, and should be treated with the utmost care. 

It's because of this belief that I splurge on skin care products.

Now, before you start rolling your eyes, and start to tell me that it's all a "waste of money" and that all you need is "soap and water" blah, blah, blah.....keep this in mind...

Soap and water does NOT cut it.  If it did, that's all I would use.  Further more, one of my favorite products is all natural and made by a friend of mine in Toronto.

But for everything else, I go to CLARINS.

Why you ask?  Because their products are all plant based.  They are so gentle on my skin, it's always hydrated now, the price point is so very do-able and they have the funnest gift-with-purchase events!

Last night was one such event!  After work, I went and treated myself to some pore-refining serum and some heavy duty make-up remover. I had booked my appointment weeks in advance to get my 6pm time slot.

I arrived on time, treats in hand, (I love my Clarins girls!) and with that my team of hair and make-up artists went to town and turned me into a total babe.


And I've got the picture to prove it!

Can you say Zooey D meets Katy P?  Giggle.  Their photographer is a magician!

It was enormous fun and I can't wait to do it again.

Remember, take care of your skin 1st and the rest will follow!

Stay Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizzdom.tumblr.com
lizz.desavoye@gmail.com

I MADE THIS!!!!

Last year I had the good fortune of finding a floor length black suede a-line skirt at Value Village for $4.  Seriously!  4 freaking dollars!!!

Although I appreciated the Maxi length, I knew it just wouldn't be practical and I would never wear it at that length.  So me being me, I shortened it to just below the knee.

And I have loved wearing it ever since!

I didn't know what to do with the extra leather at the time so I saved it. Fast forward a year later. And now that corset belts are all the rage, I have finally found my solution!

I took that extra suede, added a black corduroy cord to each side,

et voila!

I am now the proud new owner of what I consider to be an absolutely adorable and chic suede obi!

It looks really wide when undone......

But it overlaps quite nicely.  Can you see the corduroy bow?


Stay Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizzdom.tumblr.com
lizz.desavoye@gmail.com

Fab Fall Looks under $50!!!! Pt.1

Herring Bone Skirt: Goodwill      $4
Leather Belt: Salvation Army      $2
Bird Necklace: Forever 21           $4
Teal Blouse: Value Village           $4
Black Cardigan                           $40

I love my fabulous finds!!!!!

Stay Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizzdom.tumblr.com
lizz.desavoye@gmail.com

I LOVE Shopping For FREE!!!!!

For years I balked at the idea of collecting rewards points from loyalty programs.  It just seemed like a giant pain in the ass....that it would take forever to collect them. And redeeming them!?  Oh, don't even get me started!

And then I began to work at the Bay.  I started to see how many points my customers would earn with their purchases....so I started collecting my points like a squirrel collects nuts!  And WOW do they ever add up fast!

Instead of using those points every time I earned a $10 gift card, I saved them.  Until one day I fell in love with the cutest little thing!

Et Voila! 

I used $50 worth of loyalty program points and only paid $4.25 out of my own pocket!

Did I mention how I use my Coach wristlet EVERYDAY, I love it so much!?

Sigh.  I love shopping for FREE!

Stay Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizzdom.tumblr.com
lizz.desavoye@gmail.com

I MADE THIS!!!: Tshirt 2 Tote

I was at Old Navy back in May and I saw this amazing t-shirt on sale for $10.  I had hearts in my eyes as soon as I saw it.  But I had sworn off buying anymore t-shirts since I can't wear them very often these days. 

So what's a girl to do!?

Get struck by inspiration!  That's what!

I decided that I was going to turn that amazing tee into a tote bag!  I can wear THAT everyday, even with my retail wear!

And here's how I did it!

This is the shirt!  I love candy skulls SO much!

1st thing I had to do was pin the front and back together so I could cut an even pattern.

Because the shirt is made from jersey knit, I ironed it onto some interfacing to prevent it from warping.

To make assembly easier, I sewed the edge of the interfacing and knit together.

I then made a lining out of satin I got from a prop sale at work (I think it cost me 50c.?)

I even put in a multi-function pocket with pen holder. It's SO handy!

After sewing together the outer shell and lining, I sewed on the handles (made from left over raw silk I used in a previous dress).

Et voila! 

My new end-of-summer tote!  I have literally used it everyday since I made in last week!

What fab t-shirt will you use to make YOUR new tote!?

Stay Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizzdom.tumblr.com

ANOTHER Fabulous Find!??

When I was a little girl, my Mother had a pair of Burnt Sienna Leather Clogs that I would wear around the house all the time.  It drove her crazy, she was convinced I was either
A) going to break her shoes
or
B) break my ankles.

Neither ever happened thankfully.  But I have always wanted a pair of my own as an adult.  And until recently, it was always very difficult to find a pair that weren't "orthopedic" in style.

Then about 2 years ago Karl Lagerfeld put them on his models feet for Chanel's Spring Collection and Wammo!, Bammo!, they were everywhere!  But they were also $200 at least.  Out of principle, this was out of my price range and therefore, not an option.

Until recently!

Back in early Spring this year, I spied a pair at Joe Fresh for $79.  Real leather uppers, wooden sole.  Totally the real deal.  But I was still sure I could do better than that.  And so I left it to the law of the Universe.

If I was meant to own these clogs, I would get them for $10.

And today I did just that!

My little bargain birdie went off and I found the sale rack for Joe in a totally random part of the Real Canadian Superstore.

And there waiting for me, were my black clogs!

I'm never going to take these babies off!

Did I mention how awesome Joe Fresh is yet!? If you haven't gone yet, go, go, GO!!!!  They have new dark wash skinny jeans for $19 a pair!!!!

Stay Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizzdom.tumblr.com

HellllllllLola!!!!!

Lately I have been endeavoring to find ways to spend as little as possible while still managing to feed my shopping appetite.

It's a challenge I am relishing with great delight!

For those of you who don't know, I work in a large department store. Every now and again this store holds various contests to drive sales to different departments.

Long story short, (and with the most "bounce backs" to a certain perfume counter)
I won a huge a$$ bottle of Marc Jacobs Lola perfume!!!!

*Giggle*

Talk about feeding the beast!  

It's almost the size of my head!!!

And how much did I spend!!?  Hahaha.....And Happy Dance!

Stay Gorgeous Darlings!
XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizzdom.tumblr.com

Another Fabulous Find!

If you don't know about Joe Fresh yet, you've been living under a rock!

Yeah, I said it!

But seriously, I have been shopping at Joe since it opened in the Real Canadian Superstore back in 2006.  I love the price point (it's crazy low-jeans start at $19) and the look is pure classic chic.

With stores now opening in the U.S., the Joe Fresh Empire is about to explode!

check it out!
http://www.joefresh.com/

Oh yes, back to my Fabulous Find!

So there I was last payday poking around the new collection for Fall when I found the SALE rack!

A little tip:  Just because it's on sale doesn't mean you NEED it!

But there are things that I DO need that sit in the back of my mind ready for reference whenever such an occasion arises.

With that in mind, I found....THE DEAL OF THE YEAR!!!!

This GORGEOUS off-white SILK blouse was waiting for me to try it on!  I did and it looked faaaaabulous!

Normally retailing for $39 (an amazing price already), it was on sale for......drum roll please!......

$6.97!!!!!!

I did the happiest of happy dances in that wee change room, shed a little tear and then freaked out a little when my mascara began to run as you can't get mascara out of anything white.  I composed myself, put my hands on my hips, threw a little "blue steel" at the mirror, put my clothes back on and quite happily paid for my amazing bargain.

Did I mention that I can't wait to rock this baby when Fall arrives!?

If you haven't experienced Joe Fresh, I challenge you to go for it! You'll be pleasantly surprised how great you look and how rich you are after wards!

Have a great start to the week and as always,

Stay Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizzdom.tumblr.com

Get Yer Kicks!

Despite the gorgeous end of Summer weather, boot season is just around the corner. Stunning leather confections are popping up in stores everywhere like morning glories in the garden and I couldn't be more excited!!!

Furthermore, the 2 tone trend (a la Prada) has come into full effect. 

Not only in the form of saddle, brogue and oxford but also in a boot.  I am SO jazzed I called this one!  Remember those gorgeous 2 tone lovelies I bought back in June!? http://lizzdesavoye.blogspot.com/2011/06/return-of-doc.html

Until I can find a gorgeous Prada-esque pair,  what I'm really leaning towards is another pair of Doc Martins.  Not only because they are hellah comfortable...but because they yet again re-invented themselves to add a more nostalgic and romantically retro feel. 

Take the Vintage 1914 Triumph lace up boot!  I think that is definitely on my wish list!

Dreaming about them is great!  Breaking them in totally sucks! 

But there are ways to diminish the suckage factor. 

1)Cut a long strip of cardboard from a beer box. 

Don't judge me! It's some of the strongest cardboard out there. Cut the strip wide enough to curl around your ankle and mid calf. You'll need 2 pairs of long socks to execute this method properly.  Put on the 1st sock.  Take masking tape and tape card board to the back of your ankle and calf.  Put 2nd sock over. 

I know, I know!  You're probably cringing by now, but it really does work!  I cringed too when a crusty punk kid shared this secret with me oh so many years ago. But it has prevented SO many painful blisters and I use this method with every boot I break in!

2)Wear thick socks.  Even if you're not going to use card board, a thick pair of socks will give you just the right amount of wiggle room later. I find men's sports socks to be the best.

3) Put thick band aids over any pressure spots.  This is more a proactive measure than anything else.  Not only will it prevent any blisters, it also helps stretch out those trouble spots.

4) Go dance your heart out a few nights in your fabulous new boots.  The adrenaline of a great song will work your new kicks in better than anything else!

There you go!  Now tell me you don't feel like a super star when you break in your next pair of boots!

Stay Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizzdom.tumblr.com










 

I MADE THIS!!!

The other night I dreamt I made a black lace shrug.

I literally imagined the entire process from pattern to finish.  And when I woke up I went right to it.

Yes, I am that crazy.  and let me tell you, if I had the time, I would wake up and create every ball gown and statement coat I dreamt about. But work just seems to always get in the way.

What's that about!!?

And so, in one hour this past Friday morning, I made myself a gorgeous, Valentino inspired black lace shrug with lapel applique to wear to work that day.

I didn't have enough of one lace for the entire garment, so I chose to use the most intricate for the back and front panels and the more generic for the sleeves.

To add to that romantic retro feel, I also made the sleeves puffier.

Et Voila!  I could wear this little beauty over anything EVERY DAY!.....but I'll try to just limit myself to once every 2 weeks.
On to my next project! 


Stay Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye

lizzdom.tumblr.com

The Fashion Ninja Strikes Again!!!

I had THE best day off with my BFF Toby today!

I'd been feeling a little down lately, and Toby being the extreme sweet heart that she is, took me out for my Birthday Brunch.  Although my Birthday was back in May, we just never got the chance to do anything until today.

She took me out to this quaint little resto at the end of her street called: ZOCALO, just steps from Dundas West Stn.

http://www.blogto.com/restaurants/zocalo-toronto

And what a gastronomic delight it was!

Although very small, the decor was delightful.  It matched Toby's dress perfectly!
I was quite taken with our water bottle. If only I had brought a larger handbag......

I fell in love with the little bar in the back too. I can only imagine how romantic it must look by candlelight!

The Gerber daisy was a perfect match!

While there wasn't much to choose from the menu, I did appreciate the organic ingredients and locally grown produce they endeavored to use.

I felt very Parisienne in this space.

 The art work was nice too.

The watermelon lemonade would be AMAZING with vodka!

I have GOT to try and make this myself sometime.

Our cheese plate was sheer heaven!  The strawberry/onion jam was out of this world.  And the cheese!?  Amaaaaazing! The almonds are roasted in house and the break sticks are as well!

 I had the poached eggs with garden salad.

Toby had the roasted tomatoes and veggies with garden salad.

I will definitely go back to this place again.  Everything about it was wonderful!!!

***I can't forget to mention about the AMAZING bath salts that Toby makes!  She spoiled me with a new batch!  I can't wait to take a bath with them!

After our amazing meal, we headed out to the Eaton Centre to go find Toby a pair of shoes for her BFF's wedding @ the end of August.

Apparently Toby NEVER goes into a mall, ESPECIALLY on a  Saturday, so I am UBER complimented that she trusted me enough to brave the hoards of pedestrians to find THE perfect shoe!

 And we did!  This is us having a "victory" iced chiller after wards!

These were not them.  We just thought they were the cutest things in Forever 21.

These are the shoes!  And they are GORGEOUS!!!!

We found them for $39.99!  AND they're leather!

Oh yes, they were also originally $99.95!!!!!  The budget was $60.  I think we killed it quite nicely, don't you?

We were feeling SO rich we splurged on leopard print hair clips at Forever 21 and split the pack between ourselves.  Did I mention I only paid $1.50!!?

Aaaaaahahahahha! I was so giddy about that!

And then we stumbled upon a sale @ Bath and Body Works.

The Nectarine Mint moisturizing hand soap:  was $5.50, got it for $3.00

The Dancing Waters Shower Gel:  was $11.00, got it for $4.00!!!!

All in all, today was the perfect day and the perfect pick me up! I am so rich with amazing girlfriends!

Go tell your BFFs how much they rock!

And of course, as always,

Stay Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
Lizz de Savoye
twitter@lizzdom.com
lizzdom.tumblr.com

In your face "Heat Bubble"!!!!

Heat Bubble!!!!

The very word makes me giggle.....and sweat!  It just brings up visions of eggs cooking on sidewalks, 3am sci-fi movies and crazy iced-coffee commercials!  And if I were lucky enough to be beach bound, I might not mind it so much.

But I'm not. I am work bound instead.

So how do I keep my body core temp low enough to avoid heat and or sunstroke when I am forced to leave my wonderfully air conditioned cocoon at home!?

Well, these options may not be the most glamorous, but they work and right now, that's good enough for me!


1) Soak your DARK t-shirt (or dress) in cold water and put it on. I stress dark as you don't want to give a show, you just wanna be comfy! By the time you reach your destination, you'll be bone dry and one cool cucumber!

2) If that is too gross for you, just try soaking a dish towel in ice cold water and putting that around your neck.

**When I got on the air conditioned bus yesterday, I then folded it up and put it in my freezer bag amongst the ice packs that were keeping my dinner cool.  By the time I was waiting for the subway home last night, it was SUCH a delight to pull it out and cool off while waiting amongst the over heated masses!

My freezer bag is not nearly as FF as this Prada one....but a girl can dream!


3) If that seems too complicated for you, go old school!  Just wet your hair and put it up in a pony. That'll keep your head nice and cool alllll day long. I wouldn't recommend doing it all the time as it can be rough on your roots and will increase breakage, but for short term respite, it's perfect!

4) I cannot stress enough how wonderful option #4 is!!!  Use your umbrella to block out the sun! It stave's off sun stroke better than any hat!

I'll be doing it again today, I promise you!

And of course, if you are lucky enough to be near any body of water: lake, pool, public fountain.....Jump in and enjoy!  Cuz Jan. is only 6 months away!

Stay Cool and Gorgeous Darlings!

XOXO The Fashion Ninja
LiZz de Savoye
lizzdom.tumblr.com
twitter@lizzdom.com