Rating: NNNNN
Wicked purchase? Check. Awesome wrapping? Check. Perfect scissor-curled bow? Check. Your gift may be the belle of the present pile, but if you don’t tag that baby, finders-keepers could leave your giftee empty-handed. If she’s a mad-for-makeup gal, label it with a Cargo Cosmetics Glossy Greeting . Each festive card (five/$9) includes a dot of pink lip gloss, and proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Available at the Bay , 176 Yonge. 416-861-9111, www.cargocosmetics.com.
Bargain brawls
If you’re planning to brave the Boxing Day lines and sucker-punch your way through the deal-craving crowds, guarantee your buy will be worth the abandonment of your pacifist principles by visiting Lileo ‘s December 26 blowout. Trendster-pleasing brands including Lacoste, Hugo Boss and Diesel will be flying off the shelves at 50 per cent off. Choose between saving your dough or your dignity when doors open at 10 am. 55 Mill, Building #35. 416-413-1410.
Locals for less
Homegrown fashion retailers silence those “Canadian clothing is so-o-o expensive” whines this Boxing Week with super sales. Skirt (903 Dundas West, 647-436-3357) has On & On Ecolo Chic’s collection of puff-sleeved sweaters on sale for half-price. Studio Labiri (548 Danforth, 416-778-6820) makes your New Year’s Eve dress hunt easier with picks from Arthur Mendona discounted by 30 per cent. And Boutique Le Trou (940 Queen West, 416-516-7122) offers a $50 rack of its artsy attire and accessories.
Artsy agenda
The picked-over calendars remaining on store shelves after New Year’s usually feature things like babies in flower pots, but the City Streets 2006 calendar (published by the Artists Foundation ) costs a tiny $12 and is more Toronto-rrific than tacky. Each month showcases an artful pic of the city by a local painter. Copies are available at Pages (256 Queen West, 416-598-1447) and other indie bookstores, and sales benefit Sketch, a group that helps street kids learn life skills through art.
Send Sweet Deals tips to fashion@nowtoronto.com
