While Zellers‘ days are doomed (the giant mass merchandiser was bought out by Target, slated to move into existing Canadian stores by 2013), it seems to be kicking it up with trendier fashions, cheaper finds and more name brands than ever.

I know, I can’t believe I am writing this either – but after a recent walk-through (I was looking for a mop) I couldn’t help checking out all that was calling out to me in the ladies fashion section. Current, trendy tanks with chain details, periwinkle and honeysuckle blouses, cool fabric blends, stripes, florals and ruffles….and 25% off signs everywhere!

Of course it’s all mass-produced and flimsy – but again, I was surprised by the quality of certain brands. Of course there’s Pure by Alfred Sung (decent pieces I swear no one would recognize as being Zellers buys), Jules & James, Mixage and Devoted – all cheap and chic, and although made in China – so are most of the clothes we buy.

So although I don’t plan to start buying my clothes at Zellers, I have to admit I did buy a couple of tops – and I guarantee you wouldn’t know whether they were from a discount retailer or any shop in the mall.

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Campaign

From April 15, 2011 and throughout May, Rethink Breast Cancer and the Joe Fresh® brand are introducing colorful new bullseye tees (no pink) and totes to raise funds for breast cancer research, education and support.

Tees are $12 and totes are $24. The limited-edition sequined bulls‐eye is $14 but only 1000 will be available at select Joe Fresh locations (including 540 Granville St, Vancouver; 396 St Clair Ave, Toronto; 10 Lower Jarvis St, Toronto; Heartland Town Centre, Mississauga).

The face of this year’s campaign is model and two-time cancer survivor, Patti Hansen, who poses with her two daughters Theodora and Alexandra Richards (the girls’ father is Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones). Hansen was honoured to be asked to be part of one of cancer’s most fashionable fundraising initiatives and donated her time to be part of the campaign.

Wear your Fashion Targets Breast Cancer tee on Fashion Targets Friday – Friday May 27, 2011. Join hundreds of Canadians across Canada who will wear their target tee on this day to remind women to “target” their breasts and help raise awareness for the cause.

Today’s online vintage shops have really stepped up their marketing game with not only providing quality picked merch, but by providing photos and style ideas to give potential buyers a idea how to wear items.

After all, it takes talent to be able to sift through old, second-hand items and envision an awesome outfit.

Boat People Vintage, a Quebec City based online vintage stop, does most of the work for newbie vintage buyers – Check out the photos and great style ideas. But you better hurry, stuff goes very quick! (not everything shown is still available)

The latest ‘global’ trend for Spring 2011 has actually been around for eternity – Beautiful, colorful prints, exotic  looks, leather, nude tones and animal motifs. The only upside of it becoming so popular is that price points have plummeted. Everything here is under $100 at Aldo and Aldo Accessories.

By now you’ve got to know that Joe is the ‘cheap & chic’ line of clothes and accessories that is mainly sold in Loblaws Superstores across Canada. The brainchild of Creative Director Joe Mimran (Club Monaco/Alfred Sung/Caban ) – the Joe Fresh clothing that comes out every season is totally trendy and very affordable! And I always say, I love the kids stuff.

I loved the Joe show at L’Oreal Fashion Week last October (see the photos here >>) – but here are some pics from the current lookbook. As always, the styling is top-notch. There are some really great ideas on how to put together trendy basics (note: button-downs under shirts…)