For some reason all of the summer sales have hit retailers early this year – I don’t recall having sales until mid summer (end of July-ish). I’m not going to attempt to attribute this to an economic factor (though I’d speculate it would have to do with consumer confidence and attempts to salvage diminishing profits for the year, but uhm, you didn’t hear that from me).

Sales are virtually everywhere (and with great agitation and frustration I will share them with you). Why do I hate sales? Because I’m a person that likes to buy regular priced. I like great display, I like getting something ahead of the pack, and I absolutely loathe seeing it go on sale $30.00 off and being refused a price adjustment, despite being an extremely important customer (I hate you Club Monaco, watch that CRM go down the drain when you next spam me).

Anyway. Listing of online sales listed below (mutter mutter).

Urban Outfitters (extra 20% off, ends June 30 at midnight)

GAP

Aritzia goes on sale twice a year – this year it’s already on, with 20%-75% off.

Club Monaco is on crazy sale.

AE is on clearance (moreso than usual)

Shopbop.com is on sale sale sale.

If you know of anymore, let me know!

Interesting stuff – Aldo has recently started up a blog portion on their website (go Web 2.0, your ways are all-encompassing). Most companies tend to just stick with a press section, but Aldo went a step above and created a platform to relate to their youth / yuppie audience. Strange thing is that most of the stuff on the blog is shameless promotion, product plugs, and a complete overabundance of corporate self-indulgence.

Thanks but no thanks Aldo – try coolhunting shoe polish or something next time.

> sorry aldo, the image is snagged from you

So everyone’s been ranting lately about the leggings trend – how they’re not a supplement for real pants. But as much as I agree with that perspective, leggings are evolving more and more into the anti-jean, comfortable trend.

But to a certain degree, some leggings are just getting too elaborate, spandex-y, and shiny. One hot up and comer is Lisa Kline with her LNA leggings line (strangely like Canada’s TNA from Aritzia wouldn’t you say?). This designer has chosen to capitalize on the tights-as-pants fad with adornments such as zippers and materials that scream of borderline scandalous and tacky. Furthermore, it’s with the eager Hollywood following propelled by celebrities like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian that really allows you to judge what kind of trend this is. Grab your fluorescent semi-pants for only $108.00.

Rock on ridiculousness!

> images courtesy of lisakline.com

Anyone remember those jeans that were actually sweatpants back in the early 2000′s? Anyone? Remember how they were sold with the likes of Mavi’s, Guido & Mary, and Parasuco?

If not, well lucky for you you can catch the second wave of the “what-you-see-is-not-what-you-get” trend. Highlighted above are some of my favourites – feel free to share your finds too.

They say never to wear white after Labour Day. I say, abuse this rule while you can, and adorn yourself in that flowing, angelic shade.

And that’s exactly what FASHION Magazine did on one gloriously bright Saturday afternoon. Gathering a flock of all types (models, FASHION Editors, and just plain pretty people), the Flash Mob hit Yonge and Dundas Square Downtown Toronto to create a spectacle. With crisp white lanterns hung from above and a bevy of calm statuesque subjects, the event generated an incredible and artistic presence.

Check out some coverage here and here.

> images courtesy of fashionmagazine.com, ps: thanks Marc!