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Major retailers boost mall – Metro US

Major retailers boost mall

winners photo

Winners’ summer merchandise is available at Gerrard Square.

Square on the upswing

East-End gals who find themselves heading downtown to comb the sales racks at major retailers need not leave their ’hood quite as often.

In case you haven’t heard, Gerrard Square at Gerrard and Pape has really improved. Now boasting quite a few budget fashion stores, this mini mall is worth revisiting.

FF was pleased to discover an excellent Winners, plus a La Senza, Payless Shoes, a spanking new Urban Planet location next door to an equally appealing and quite large Suzy Shier shop.

On top of this, there’s a stellar dollar store (Absolute Dollar) where you can find quality scrapbooking and jewelry-making supplies as well as hip hair accessories on the cheap. And, there’s a well-stocked Zellers, a Staples, a health-food store, yummy eats in the food court, a Siblings outlet (think La Senza Girl, but less expensive), plus Toronto’s only urban location of Home Depot that’s open late, plus lots more.

For a list of all of the stores and the mall hours, visit www.gerrardsquare.com.

Philips Bodygroom for men

If you or someone you love is a bit of a furball, then the new Philips Bodygroom shaver ($69) may just be your hair-removal tool this summer.

This waterproof shaver, featuring a hypoallergenic foil and an ergonomic handle, is ideal for trimming and/or completely removing body hair (no more velcro-esque back fuzz!).

Reportedly, it offers athletes and summertime exhibitionists an alternative to waxing, and it can be used in the bath or shower.

For more details on the benefits of a well-groomed body, Philips has also launched a site full of factoids about hair removal and more at www.shaveeverywhere.ca.

On sale: Madonna duds

Whether or not you’re a fan, stylistas may want to peruse the freshly discounted offerings from Madonna’s capsule collection of “classic” pieces for H&M (all in black or cream).

More expensive than most of the chain’s cheap thrills and not quite as fetching as the quickly raided uber-goodies from Stella McCartney, they haven’t quite lived up to the hype though select pieces are quite nice. Now priced at 40 to 50 per cent off, it’s worth a gander, note, however, that all sales are absolutely final.

FF recommends the retro-inspired summer weight cashmere sweaters ($59 and up), the low-rise trousers ($69) and the satin kimono dress in black ($69).

Rumour has it the prices might soon be slashed even further. www.hm.com

Cute and conscientious

Moms-to-be, new moms, as well as progressive friends and family of those on the cusp of parenthood should consider a visit to Leslieville’s recent addition: Baby On The Hip (969 Queen St. E., near Carlaw), a forward-thinking baby shop offering up a funky medley of eco-friendly gear for wee ones.

Whether you’re after organic cotton onesies and crib mattresses, PBA-free baby bottles, safe yet stylish furnishing, top-quality strollers, cute wearables and quirky toys, baby-related books, slings or cloth diapers, this is an excellent source. And, the shop also offers an unusual index of evening workshops taught by alternative health professionals, birthing coaches and early childhood education specialists.

Next Thursday’s session is focused on natural homeopathic treatments for childhood illnesses ($15).

For more info, visit www.babyonthehip.caor call: 416-465-4141.

nrfrugalista@rogers.com