'Mall-Rat Curls'? What the heck?

Do you recognize the women to the right? The picture is straight out of 1993 - well, it is Mariah Carey.
Now according to Christopher Turner, 'even the 'mall-rat curls' and ho-hum dress couldn't keep Mariah down'.

Now, I'm not a fan of either Mariah or Christ-o-pher Tur-ner, but I would like to know one thing.... who the heck is he and what gives with the 'mall-rat curls'. Is he just another in a long list of self appointed fashion guru's put on this earth and the pages of magazines and the internet - telling women how they should and shouldn't look, discouraging personal style and directing all women to be as he approves? These guys make me ill.

Which brings me to a funny conversation I had last week with a close friend of mine. She says 'don't you find it funny how the balding, paunchy, poorly dressed, un-kept, bad breathed men are always the pickiest, opinionated, jerks when it comes to women?' I couldn't agree with her more. She also shared what most of us already know - 'us girls are just way too hard on ourselves' - we should really be more like most men and not give a shit.

But, why is that the case. What gives the guy, with a paunch hanging over his pants (which are likely sliding down his butt) and the ketchup stain on his shirt (which is missing a button and looks like the dog slept on it last night) any right to comment on, condemn or voice his opinion

(which is usually something like....'hummm, she a bit on the porky side for me, I like my women a whole lot thinner and better dressed than that one') about the women he encounters.

Now, just for the record - I happen to really like shaved headed guys. I encourage any man who has thinning hair he is fretting about to just get rid of it. Either go super short or take it all off baby. There's this hot older guy, in our gym who....... yeah, you know the rest of the story.

Back to these so called fashion experts. Who the heck are they to say that 'skinny jeans look good on every body type? And, 'you need to have a least a few pairs in your closet'. For what? To take up extra hanger room, jammed in beside other 'got to have, clothes that never look good on this body'. I'm here to tell you, this year's fashion statement 'skinny jeans' do NOT look good on every body type! Oh, and 'Average' is NOT 5'8" 108lbs, size 2/4! Check the stats baby - that's a 12 year old girl and even then, likely not the average.

So, what are we going to do about it? Just rant away, complain to ourselves. No way girlfriend.
Here's what I propose:
#1- the next time you are standing beside 'hiding the fact that I'm loosing my hair' with the paunch and he makes a comment about another women not being up to his standard - ask him just what the standard acceptable is for a man who needs to loose 50lbs and either shave that comb over or get implants.
#2 - develop your own style. Who gives a shit if it's on the runway this year - do you like it, does it look good on you, does it say 'I'm one hot mama'?
#3 - kiss the postman. Why? I don't know, it gets your mind off being pissed at 'potbelly-guy'.
#4 - as my friend Sylvia would say 'don't be afraid to be beautiful!'
#5 - join a group of Hot Cherry Review shoppers and come on out for an evening of trying on those new fashion statement clothes - try before you buy! (email us with your contact info and we'll let you know when it's happening)

In closing, a wee remark to buddy Chris-to-pher (likely a fashion faux pas himself) - I kinda like Mariah’s 'mall rat curls' - better to have curls than no hair at all!

The case for getting things gone and red boots

It will come as no surprise to regular readers and those who know me personally, when I say 'I love ebay'!

My story of the day starts with a horse race that I can't attend. I thought I could but circumstances beyond my control are not allowing me to. I currently own 4 tickets to this major race event. A few hours ago, I owned 6. Sold 2 of them on ebay. With any luck, I'll sell the other 4. The other thing I like about eBay, is PayPal.

So, I've sold a few things and bought many on eBay, using PayPal to complete my transactions. I can say (knock on wood) that I have been very happy with the outcome. eBay has an interesting system of 'self policing' wherein the users of the auctions are encouraged to leave feedback about those they are dealing with. This is public record. Any one can check your 'score' and decide for themselves if they want to 'deal' with you or not.

eBay doesn't stop there. Say for example that my ticket sales go south, that the winning bidder decides that they don't want the tickets and won't pay. I can file a grievance with eBay and leave the negative feedback so that other bidders won't be caught. The winner of the auction can do the same, if for example, I do not ship after they have paid.

On the subject of payment. By using PayPal, you are able to protect your investment. If my winning bidder pays and I don't ship, PayPal will launch their own investigation and if the matter can not be resolved, they will refund the bidder the money he sent to me. It makes dealing online a whole lot easier and safer.

So, I sold my first pair of tickets - yippy - and bought myself a pair of really wicked 'Chinese red' high boots. Don't know what's gotten into me this year, but I have this thing for red. Not the muted red... the really hot red! (btw, if you have someone in your household, ie. your significant other who wonders where something, such as a wicked pair of hot red boots came from.... here's a great response 'I got them at a wicked price, through a second hand vendor - aren't they cool!' - not one word is a lie and you've got a clean conscience and a cool pair of boots)

I'm not alone with this fascination for hot Chinese red btw. According to this month's LouLou Magazine, red is the hippest colour of the fall. (I'm also becoming addicted to this mag, despite the fact that it is a 'Rogers' production, thanks in part to my 'Girly Friend' - Lanny - who is very tolerant when I borrow her copy and don't give it back for almost a month)

I opted for the tall version of hotness, though, I was torn. Also shown and seemingly 'hot' for this season are the ankle boots. I
think you might have to have a certain type of leg for these types of boots (aka long, thin, not athletic), so I went with what I know... tall is good (left). There is of course an even shorter version of the ankle book, which would look amazing with jeans. Justifying multiple pairs of boots in the same colour though, is a bit more of a challenge. Wait..... there's the 'case for black'! (back to the significant other and their questions - why do you need multiple pairs of the same colour boot? 'Why dearest, they are not the same style of boot. I can't wear the booties with a skirt and don't the tall ones just spell 'sex'?')

Want to find these cool finds? Let me know or check back in later today and when I find the links for you.

I've decided that my next post should be about Halloween - the best holiday (it should be National and a day off work). I'll cover last minute costumes, where to get the gear you need and some places to hang out for a wicked good time.

As always, your suggestions, comments and cool finds are welcome here! Have a rockin' Cherry Day.

Hot-ness for today

Continuing the trend of the week..... what have we learned today.

There are a couple of really cool and interesting events happening both this coming weekend and next week. Geared for cool hip chicks.

It is l'Oreal Fashion Week time of year again. The event kicks off next Monday, October 16th and runs until the 21st. For information, tickets, schedules check out their site at

http://www.lorealfashionweek.ca/

As all hip chicks know, October is breast cancer awarness month. If you live in the Ottawa, Ontario region, this weekend, you have a chance to make a difference and a contribution. Oh, did I mention and have some fun?

The Lifestyle Event for Women^TM
Sunday, October 15th
Brookstreet

Blossom is a showcase of woman-owned and woman-managed businesses in the areas of fashion, accessories, catering, wellness, image, fitness, and more. Learn about entertaining, health, wealth, home décor, and image transformation. Shop for beautiful clothes, accessories to complement fall fashions, jewelry from some of Canada's hottest designers, or that original gift you've been looking for -- all while supporting breast cancer research. Click here for schedule information, tickets and details about the venue. Grab your girlfriends and spend a Sunday afternoon doing something fun.

The White Dress shirt

The white dress shirt - men, women, teens - everyone needs to have one. (seriously, you need one at least) Button down, long sleeves, nice collar, no frills, crisp and bright white.

Easier said than done. Finding a proper dress shirt that can either go under a suit jacket or stand alone is a very difficult task. Why - mostly because of the styles of the cut. There are also other elements to consider as well, that can make finding the right shirt just down right difficult.

Once the 'right' shirt has been found, it should be purchased and guarded - never tempt the 'white shirt gods' by laundering your prize shirt with colours.

This entry isn't so much about finding the proper white shirt as the story that goes with it. I found such a shirt after what seemed like an all day expedition. It was a Winners in Ottawa Ontario. It was a perfect fit, perfect style, perfect cuffs - home it came.

I wore the shirt for the first time last week. When I was on my way out of a meeting, suit jacket in hand I noticed a small hole in the sleeve - it looked like a bad tare from a pin or staple. I must have missed it when I tried the shirt on in the store.

I took the shirt home and figuring that there would be no way Winners would take the shirt back, I washed it. (following directions of course) Well, can you imagine my utter disappointment when it came out, shrunk up almost 2 sizes?

I was about to give up and donate it when I stopped and called the Winners I had bought it at. I told the manager my story. She told me bring it back. It was a bonus that I had kept the receipt. "It sounds like you have a real dud" she said, "bring it back in and we'll take care of it". I asked several times - 'really?'

So, kudos today go out to Winners, Bells Corners (Ottawa), Ontario. Now I'll keep you posted on what happens when I take the shirt back, but I don't anticipate any problems.

I am very happy to be able to report this very good instance of customer service. Unlike many shops I frequent, the return and refund policy of Winners is one that every shopper can live with. It is something that other stores should be looking at. Who says we need to shop at a store that says 'no refunds, exchanges or returns' and 'all sales final'?

Winners Canada - www.winners.ca

Boots made for a Hot Cherry

As promised yesterday, here are some of my fav online places to find the great shoes and boots of the season. Some are Canadian, others are located elsewhere in the world.

Before you begin clicking and shopping, there are a few things to remember about buying online.

1) Always ask questions before you commit to purchase - sometimes it is too late afterwards.
2) Use sizing charts and if in doubt ask seller for insole measurements or compare measurements with existing shoes you have and like the fit of.
3) If in doubt about the size, cheat - find the shoe style in a store and try it on. 9 times out of 10 you will be able to get a better price shopping online - so check out both options.
4) Check the cost of shipping. Sometimes you will find a very low price on a pair of shoes/boots only to find out the shipping is through the roof.
5) Boots almost always fit true to size, though check the circumference of the calf. Different styles of shoes fit differently.
6) If you are buying pointy toe varieties, many retailers suggest buying a 1/2 size up - your choice.

Here are some links to check out -

for Authentic Italian designer shoes and boots give these guys a look - they are located online and in Toronto, Ontario

for a bit of everything, try The Valley Girls Shoe Closet - they have a very large online selection and some very decent pricing

yet another site, with a bit of everything, Foot Fashion Frenzy has an online store and ship out of Toronto, Ontario - there shipping costs are very good as well.

Oh and a tidbit for Canadian Readers - if you have the time and energy - check out Winners Stores. Their shoe orders appear out of nowhere though, so you have to be committed to checking often. Don't wait for the hot styles to go on sale either - they sell out quickly. The nice thing about Winners is that if you find a better deal elsewhere they will give a full refund (with receipt and tags) within 10 days - no questions asked.
Also, with Winners, if you find a flaw in the article you want no matter how small, ask for a discount - they will almost always give one to you. Find a store near you and pre-shop online at www.winners.ca

For US readers, Winners is a TJX Company - aka TJ Max.

Feel free to share your shoe/boot shopping leads and tips - post your comments today!

Good luck and good shopping.