SPRING BRINGS NEW BEGINNINGS

It's been awhile since I've written about the job front, but not for lack of activity. When big changes are unfolding, I often prefer to sit back and let the whole story unfold before divulging info. That time has come.

During my first month in my new position, I was quickly exposed many aspects of the company - the company vision, work environment, management style - some positive, some negative. True to form, I decided to keep alert and see how things play out over time. By the end of Februay the negative were posing signifant diffculties and I decided to resign. The short stints aren't necessarily my style, but with experience I've learned to disuade concerns of outward appearance and act in my own best interest.

Since then I've returned as a volunteer with the PR company that manages the runway room at L'Oreal Fashion Week. I've also contracted with Reia N Studio doing a combination of admin, set-up, and sales work for Fashion Week and the Fashion North Womenswear trade show. Working in fashion, accessories to be exact, has been a blast!
From the wonderful purses to the wonderful people, it's been a great experience.

They say March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, so I'm pleased to sit back, rest my feet, and see what the Spring holds for me.

A FRESH LOOK AT FASHION

At the wise young age of 30, I'm passed the pressure of spending a small fortune on my wardrobe, though some pieces definitely warrant the investment - winter coats, dress pants, and classic shoes, I say.

My greatest shopping glory comes from assembling fabulous ensembles on a stricter budget. I actually think budget shopping is a greater testament to good fashion sense. It's easy to look fab with a plump spending budget, but with limited funds, one's vision, sharpness and resourcefulness really come into play.

Some of my favs for budget shopping are H&M, Kensington Market, Le Chateau, Old Navy, and Winners of course. But sit down ladies, the mother of all affordable trends has arrived. Introducing Joe Fresh!

Joe Fresh is a new apparel line designed by Canadian fashion icon Joseph Mimran (the designer behind Alfred Sung, Club Monaco and Caban) and get this - the men's and women's wear are being sold in The Real Canadian Superstores!! So, as the cashier is checking your stuffed green olives, PC Butter Chicken, and litre of skim milk, she can also ring in your $17 classic dress shirt, $6 tank, and $10 polo for the guy in your life. Plus, there's less guilt involved if you get some sustenance with your new Spring wear. There's a big marketing story here, but I'll save that for another day.

For now, you'll have to venture to Steeles & Dufferin, the sole Toronto location, to take advantage, but I'm guessing it's worth the drive!

www.joefresh.ca

DIVAS NEVER DIE: How Mariah Stays on Top

You gotta hand it to Mariah. One day it's all about the uber-diva's near-nervous breakdown, then after two years of releasing greatest hits and remix albums (the beginning of the end in my eyes) she reemerges at the top of the charts with The Emancipation of Mimi. Ms. Carey, unarguably a supreme vocal talent, caught our attention in the 90's with her self-titled debut. But ballad after ballad and hip hop collab after weak hip hop collab, I didnt' think any of us still cared.

So I've figured it out. We don't care. But there is a new generation of teens that do. See unlike Madonna who grows and ages with us, Mariah simply continues to target the same demographic. As her fans age and move on musically, a new batch of teens are there to witness her timeless (i.e. hasn't changed in 8 years) performances. As long as there are 14 year old girls, Mariah will continue to succeed.

Knowing this, it makes perfect sense that Mariah opted to go low-end with her new jewellery and accessory line, Glamorized. Taking a different route than most celebs her age, the jewellery line will retail exclusively at Claire's Boutique Outlets - you know, the cheezy little stores in 'high school' malls like Dufferin Mall, Fairview and Eaton Centre - the 14-year old girls haven!

As much as I find her laughable, I am still caught singing the high-pitched hooks. You gotta give it to Mariah, she's hard to shake off.

Be good.