Spring has finally sprung! But is your closet ready? I’ve finally packed all my winter gear away (yes!!) and have been evaluating my warm weather wardrobe from last year. Some pieces are looking rather haggard and beyond saving, while others now seem like, well, questionable purchases in hindsight. The conclusion? I don’t need a whole new spring wardrobe (nor can I afford it!), but a few essential updates are in order, stat.
A seasonal closet refresh that won’t break the bank means only one thing: a trip to Sherway Gardens! The upscale fashion and lifestyle centre is one of the best shopping destinations in Toronto’s west end, thanks to its over 200 stores, including many of my favourite retailers. My spring wish list isn’t long, and I know exactly which budget-friendly boutiques at Sherway Gardens will have what I want need:
1. Sweet Skirts - M for Mendocino
I’m ready to shed my black tights and show some leg – under some darling little skirts, that is, like the ones I’ve spotted at M for Mendocino at Sherway Gardens. Ever since I was introduced to Mendocino‘s trendy, more affordable sister, it’s been on my list of stores to visit for my fast fashion needs. My spring wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without the ladylike, blush-coloured skirt ($49) and whimsical turquoise polka dot skirt ($62).
2. Lightweight Knits – The Bay
With my thick winter knitwear packed away for the season, my sweater drawer is looking rather sad and empty. What it’s sorely lacking is a few lightweight knits like RACHEL Rachel Roy‘s Country Lace Pullover ($109) and Open Tie Back Pullover ($89), which have been on my wish list ever since I spotted them at the brand’s spring preview. Both styles are available at The Bay at Sherway Gardens, where generous sales may mean snagging these sweaters for up to 40% off.
3. Spring Jacket – Club Monaco
The arrival of spring calls for a new spring jacket! From light parkas to jean jackets, the possibilities are endless. The price tags on my two picks from Club Monaco, the Christy motorcycle jacket ($239) and Emma short trench ($279) aren’t cheap, but they are classic, investment pieces that can be worn for many seasons to come. Club Monaco’s Sherway Gardens location has many more styles where those came from, too.
4. Coloured Denim – Gap
Resistance is futile: coloured denim is where it’s at, so it’s time for me – and you! – to get on that bandwagon. Gap at Sherway Gardens offers jeans in different cuts and all the hues of the rainbow, starting at $69.95. I plan on taking the coloured denim leap in a pair of emerald green jeans this spring. I might even get my courage up for a pair of bright yellow skinnies by the time summer rolls around. What colour will you be rocking?
5. Wedge Sandals – ALDO
Surely there’s no better excuse for new shoes than a new season! This spring, I’m on the hunt for a new pair of wedges. ALDO Shoes at Sherway Gardens has plenty of open and closed toe styles to choose from and in a range of colours. A neutral-toned pair to wear with my new coloured jeans, like the Kanosh ($120) or Botwin ($90), is definitely a must. But which pair to choose? Perhaps there’s room in the budget for both after all.
So there’s my five-stop trip to Sherway Gardens all planned out, though I have a sneaking suspicion I’ll be making unscheduled visits to many of my other favourite retailers along the way. Holt Renfrew, Stuart Weitzman, Sephora…here I come!
Inspired to plan a shopping excursion too? Tell us what’s on your wish list for a chance to win a $100 Cadillac Fairview shop! card® gift card that will kick-start your very own spring shopping spree at Sherway Gardens! Contest rules are below – good luck! And be sure to check out Sherway Gardens’ brand new blog The Endless Closet and online store directory and follow the centre on Facebook and Twitter to help you plan your upcoming trip.
xx, S
Contest Rules [CLOSED]:
1. To enter, leave us a comment on this blog post telling us what’s on your spring wish list and ‘like’ Sherway Gardens’ and The Backseat Stylers’ Facebook pages here and here.
2. For a bonus entry (you must complete step #1 first), follow both @sherway_gardens and @backseatstylers on Twitter, and tweet the following: “Step into spring with the @sherway_gardens x @backseatstylers $100 Cadillac Fairview gift card #giveaway! http://bit.ly/KbVTqZ #contest”
3. The contest closes at midnight on June 17, 2012. The winner will be selected randomly and announced on June 18, 2012. The winner will be notified by e-mail.
4. This giveaway is open to our readers located in the Greater Toronto Area only.
5. There are no prize substitutions. Prize does not include travel and cannot be redeemed for cash.
UPDATE:
Thanks to everyone who entered the contest. Congratulations to Beth on winning a $100 Cadillac Fairview gift card for Sherway Gardens!
SPONSORED BY SHERWAY GARDENS
Image Credits: Sherway Gardens, M for Mendocino, RACHEL Rachel Roy, Club Monaco, Gap, ALDO Shoes




















Oh la la. What’s on my spring wishlist? A classy tote that will fit all my daily goods. Thanks Backseat Stylers!
There are too many things on my wishlist! I will say a pair of high heeled colour blocked (neutral + splash of colour… blue perhaps?) sandals. I’ve been on the look out for a while!
I’ve liked your blog and also Sherway as well
TY once again for these great contests and Canadian style insights!
I’m definitely wanting some yellow denim. Especially loving the Gap ones. Would pair them with some neutral or oak-coloured shoes. Can’t wait!
Followed on Facebook/Twitter and tweeted for a second chance at winning (@erinleighstevie). Thanks again for another giveaway
My spring wishlist: coloured denim, a denim or leather jacket cute flats and anything bright and sunny.
1. I already like your FB page, but just liked the Sherway one now!
My spring wishlist includes bright shoes, different coloured blazers, and more handbags. : )
2. I already follow you on Twitter, but just followed Sherway now!
Tweeted here: https://twitter.com/#!/jessy757/status/203278361198469122
On my wishlist at the moment is coloured denim, a pair of white shorts, some bright tops!!
I’v liked you both on facebook!
Thank you so much for this giveaway
xx
Liked Sherway Gardens and Backseat Stylers on fb.
My spring wish list includes a Michael Kors tote in orange; an Aspinal of London laptop bag; and more slingback kitten heels a la Sam Edelman and Via Spiga. All great for work!
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/#!/jesswroblewski/status/203343352794587136
MY spring wishlist, consists of everything and anything in the Gap. I was recently in there “window shopping” and saw those coloured demin’s that I NEED for my waredrobe. They always have a lot of light knit sweaters that would be perfect for a cool summer’s day!!I also need a pastel pink blazer, Ive been dying for one of those since I saw “Serena” wearing one on Gossip girl! lol
Ps. liked, tweeted, and followed!
like both pages on fb
would love a new pair of coloured jeans like those that you showed from the gap
On my Spring wish list is an AWESOME bag from Michael Kors! I wish I could afford one.
Tweeted for a 2nd entry: https://twitter.com/#!/loucheryl/status/203556041114402816
The number one thing on my spring wish list is a new spring jacket. I’m wearing the same one I’ve had for about 16 years! I also need new sandals and capris!
I wish for a new Christian Louboutin pumps!
Where to begin with what I’m currently craving for this spring
I would have to say my top few items on my spring wish list would be a peplum top, neon yellow pumps, colored skinny denims defiantly in a light yellow and vintage Celine sunnies
Cymone
Xo
In desperate need of a few easy summer dresses to kick off the summer
My spring wishlist:
- Mint-coloured blazer
- Floral-printed pants
- Cream-coloured lace/eyelet dress or skirt
Short shorts are def on my spring wish list!!
I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/#!/ek03yr/status/205061414648414209
Dresses and skirts are on my spring wish list!
Spring wish list: Tory Burch bag, cute summer dress, and wedges!
wish list- colour pants, and shoes with colour soles…
I’ll be going to California this summer so some things on my list include some new swimwear, sheer maxi skirts, huge floppy hats, and wedge sandals like the one on your list!
My wish list includes Fitflops, new shorts, and a rocking summer bag!
Tweeted as @30minutes4me
Oh, far too many things to name! But here are a few: a floral midi dress for the Sunday brunches, neutral/neon wedges from ALDO for after-work drinks with the girls, Cambridge satchel for work, Vans Authentic’s in Gossamer Green for walks in the park, and Essie “Haute as Hello” nail polish and MAC Lovelorn lipstick to add some more colour to it all.
Love your blog! Cheers.
My summer wishlist includes a flowy pastel coloured maxi skirt, peach/pink wedges, and a holey sweater (like the kinds at American Eagle right now!) – and of course, who doesn’t want a nude clutch or satchel?!?!?!
My spring list consists of only one thing, finding the perfect blush pink blazer!
Top of the spring wishlist includes some coloured denim, a maxi skirt or dress, and TONS of fab nail polishes!
Everybody liked and tweeted!
On my wishlist is a new messenger bag for Summer! I completed the mandatory entries.
I was new summer swag! New tees, new sunglasses and some board shorts!
My spring wishlist is the Spring Jacket from Club Monaco and the Wedge Sandals from ALDO
My wish list would consist of all these items downsized!!!!!!! Show me 3’6″ fashion!!!!
My spring wishlist: coloured Gap denim in pink and green! Throw on an amazing pair of heels from ALDOs and then i’m set to hit the town!
Would love to get some wedge sandals!
Liked on Facebook and tweeted as @avalen1
What I love about spring is the mixture of clothing and the ability to really wear a variety of clothing for different seasons. I would love a new pair of wedges to work now and into the fall
MK tote in black and a great pair of sunglasses!!!! Memememememe
On my Spring wishlist is a playful and fun dress for my engagement shoot!!
I love the new coloured jeans and the wedge sandals to give me some height
like on FB, following on Twitter and tweeted
A pair of lovely Navy sandals are on my Spring wishlist!
I have liked both Sherway Gardens and Back Seat Stylers on Facebook as Lisa Carbone. I also follow both @Sherway_Gardens and @backseatstylers on Twitter as @LittleMama71. I have retweeted this contest here:
https://twitter.com/LittleMama71/status/211891129002639361
Thanks, Lisa
On my spring wishlist are some colourful jeans, patterned shorts, and many pairs of wedges!! i love all the fashions this season!! xxx great blog!
The top of my wishlist are bright coloured jeans in pink, green, blue and yellow! Oh! And a hi-lo dress!
I’ve followed Sherway Gardens and the Backseat Stylers on facebook.
My spring wishlist consists of summer dresses in pastels like mint green to wear on my vacation to Florida.Aswell,as neon wedges and accessories to transform my wardrobe.
I liked Sherway Gardens and Back Seat stylers on facebook and I already happen to follow you both
Thanks for the wonderful contest
@blynnn
The colourful pants from GAP are definitely on my wishlist!
I have also liked both facebook pages and followed you on twitter:) @clairehohoho
Entry #2 followed both on twitter and tweeted: https://mobile.twitter.com/AerynLynne/status/214471509027205120
Thanks!
The top item on my wishlist is a new skirt that I can wear anywhere! Work, out, & that will keep me cool during the upcoming humid summer! Tweeted the contest: la_vegan is me!
On my Spring Wishlist: Coloured Denim, Floral Dresses, Neon Accessories and a classic tote to go with everything together.
I’ve liked both Sherway Gardens and Back Seat Stylers on Facebook as Tanya Goncalves. I followed both on Twitter too. And I have tweeted the contest as @itstanyag on Twitter.
My spring wishlist is a new pair of flats to replace my fav shoes – just can’t seem to find a pair that measure up!
I would take that gift card and put towards something at Holt’s and their current 60% off sale
There is always something I don’t need that I want! Shoes, shoes, shoes! Nude one’s.