Off to Cuba! Be back soon!
XOXOs,
Nelia
Valentine’s Day: Gift Guide
Only one week left till Valentine’s Day! So excited! As I’ve mentioned before, Valentine’s is my favorite holiday EVER! All the red and pink everywhere, hearts, flowers, more hearts, lips, kisses, stuffed toys, balloons, chocolates, jewelry, fancy dinners and dressing up! What’s not to love? I do think that the holiday has become very commercialized, and the whole meaning of celebrating love gets lost somewhere between a trip to Godiva and all the money spent on expensive lingerie, but I still really, really love it. Sue me.
This year, just like last, le boyfriend and I are very lucky to be able to celebrate Valentine’s Day down South. Last year we were in Los Cabos, this year we chose beautiful Cuba! If only I wasn’t horrifyingly sick (complete with snot fountain, dry cough, fever, headaches – the works), I would be jumping up and down in excitement right about now. Unfortunately, since I am disgusting, I can only try to get some rest and drink endless cups of tea with lemon and honey, with only faint hope of getting better by tomorrow.
So enough about me, what about you? Have you gotten your boyfriend a gift this year? If not, you still have one week left to pick up something special for your loved one! Below is a little list I put together, to, hopefully, give you a few ideas, just in case you were in a panic mode! I ran these gift suggestions by le boyfriend, and he approved. But then again, different people have different tastes. Make sure your choice suits your man’s style! Happy shopping!
1. Sports Jersey – Does your boyfriend watch hockey or soccer religiously? If so, he might want a jersey of his favorite team! And if he already has one, some teams have different jerseys every year, so it might become something of a collectors’ item. Though, make sure you’re not getting him the exact same one he already has!
2. Espresso Machine – Who doesn’t like to wake up to a steamy kiss? We all do! But when you’re not around, a cup of hot and yummy home-made espresso might do the trick!
3. Call of Duty 2 – I know about this game, not because I’ve played, but from my male friends and le boyfriend, who are all obsessed with it. If you go with this one, please don’t blame me if quality time with your man goes way down. This is not just a game – it’s a lifestyle.
4. Magazine Subscription – Does your man care about style? Does he like to take care of himself? Does he like to read? If so, a men’s mag subscription might be a cool and an inexpensive gift that keeps on giving! Men’s Health, GQ, Esquire, Vanity Fair, Vibe, Toronto Life…the list goes on and on.
5. Graphic Tee – Most men are kids at heart. When I asked le boyfriend about He-Man vs. Hulk, his eyes lit up. If he’s into superheroes, a cool (maybe even vintage) tee might just be a perfect gift for him.
6. Cookies, cupcakes, meat – Well, pretty much any type of food that your man enjoys would make an awesome gift. Plus, cooking for him, will let you showcase your amazing kitchen prowess…and if said prowess is lacking, then The Cupcake Shoppe is the way to go.
7. iPad – Ok, this one is quite pricey, but every single man I asked said that he would definitely love to get one. Men like gadgets – simple as that.
8. Sunglasses – I am only putting this on this list, because that’s what I got le boyfriend this year. A pair of classic Ray Ban Wayfarers. I lent him mine a few times, and loved the way he looked in them, so since he needed a pair for our vacation, I went and got him a pair just like mine. Yes, we’ll be disgustingly matchy-matchy on our vacay. And I love it (and him)!
9. Lingerie – Well, this one isn’t exactly for him. But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t enjoy it just the same. Maybe even more so.
10. Rock Band – I got this one for le boyfriend last year. Drums, guitar, microphone, and a list of super-awesome rock songs to rock out to. What man wouldn’t love to “slap some base” with an upgrade from his usual air guitar?
And if none of these gifts work…a simple “I Love You” note and a make-out session go a long way! Ok, I am done being disgustingly cringe-worthy about the Valentine’s hoopla (but I love, love, love it!).
Check out the Christmas 2009 gift guide for more gift ideas!
J.Crew Spring 2010 Lookbook
Just looking at this J.Crew lookbook makes me really antsy for Spring! I am not a fan of pastels, but the styling of this photoshoot really works for me. Especially love the above photo with the fedora (so jealous, because they never look good on me), and the one below with nude socks…who knew that grandpa-chic could be both cute and sexy? Is it Spring yet???
Photo Credits: www.refinery29.com
Friday Faux Pas: Louis Vuitton Trash Bag Purse
So, the ridiculous just keeps on giving this week. If you still haven’t gotten a gift for your loved one, this trash bag Louis Vuitton “Raindrop Besace” would make a perfect gift! And if you thought the Chanel “Easter Basket” purse was a tad overpriced, this one will only set you back a “measly” $1960.
Seriously, do designers just think that if they release anything as limited edition, people will be dumb enough to buy it? And come on…$1960 for a plastic bag? No, thanks. Which celeb will be the first to wear this? I say…Paris Hilton?
Photo Credits: www.refinery29.com
Erin Wasson for Pinko
Pinko, in my mind, will always be associated with this ugly…and I mean UGLY…baseball cap my best friend insisted on wearing during our trip to Italy. And no amount of begging and hating could change her mind on that hideous article of headgear. A few years later, Erin Wasson is the new face of Pinko, and the hate is subsiding. Love the shots (Terry Richardson to the core)! Love the styling! Especially the see-through lace dress! Very reminiscent of Erin’s earlier looks. Maybe next time I’m in Europe, I’ll finally be able to set foot in Pinko without shuddering at the memory of that cap, and think about Erin instead!
Photo Credits: www.fabsugar.com
A Toronto Evening With Oscar De La Renta
I know I don’t, but if you have $15,000 lying around idly and if you are a fashion lover, then this event might be for you! On April 13th, Oscar de la Renta will be present at a Suzanne Rogers’ fundraiser forchildrens’ charities! Oscar’s personal story is very inspirational, and he genuinely seems to care about helping children, as he helped build Casa Del Niño- a school and day-care centre in the Dominican Republic (his native land), which helps the impoverished children of La Romana. I watched Oscar on the View the other day (I was sick and there was nothing else on), and he really is a charismatic and engaging speaker. It would be amazing to hear him speak live, and to see his designs on the runway, of course!
And as for the $15,000 price tag, to be fair, the price is for a table of 10, which ends up costing “only” $1,500 per person. Still steep for most of us, but for the lucky few that can afford it, more power to you! Proceeds from the evening will go to benefit “HealthyKids International”.
You can request a table here!
What I’m Wearing: Check Yourself
Ok, so my love for all things striped is still going on…and on…and on. Went to Yorkdale the other day, and almost bought two more striped things (a dress and a top). When will this madness stop? But the truth of the matter is…I feel comfortable and chic wearing Breton stripes…and that’s that. Stole my mom’s Ralph Lauren scarf…it is just soo comfy and warm! She won’t let me keep it, so I have to “borrow” it occasionally when she doesn’t wear it. Still loving my Aldo boots. Yeah, the heels are super high, but these are still the comfiest boots I own.
Oh, and I am also wearing my new Urban Outfitters “Texas” necklace!!! First spotted it at Buffalo’s Walden Galleria, regretted not buying it…tried to find it in Houston (without much luck), and finally got my paws on it in Toronto! You can’t see it here…but I’ll post a pic soon! Love it so much!
Guess The Price!
Okay, so before you start guessing, you need to know that this is not an easter basket left over from last year’s egg hunt…and it is is made by Chanel. Haha. Yes, that Chanel! Remember the Spring/Summer 2010 barn show? Well, this was one of the “bags” that the models carried. If you thought that this “bag” was made out of recycled flower baskets, stuffed with some straw and hay…you were almost right! Now how much would you shell out for this piece of crap art?
Guess the price and then click to see if you were right!
Style Fille: Kirsten Dunst
I haven’t been a fan of Dunst’s in a long while. But once upon a time, the girl definitely had “it” power and she dressed like it too. I’m actually not hating liking this outfit, which hopefully means that Kirsten Dunst is back? Well, maybe not based on just one cute outfit, but one can hope. In my opinion, the girl is talented; so maybe this self-imposed break was good for her creativity, and soon we’ll see more inspiring outfits from her?
Photo Credits: www.popsugar.com
¡Cuba Sí!
So after much deliberation (and tripadvisor scouring), le boyfriend and I have finally settled on our next vacation place. We’re going to…drumroll…CUBA! And we’re leaving next Monday! Ughh…only one week to get everything ready and in order. I am not even going to start on my flab issues…not enough space on this blog! So yeah, a much-needed vacation away from technology, accounting, and Microsoft Excel! And while I have a plentiful supply of bathing suits to last me for at least the next 10 years, I just couldn’t resist posting about my new favorite swimsuits!
We Are Handsome is an Australian brand, which sells handmade, limited edition swimsuits. I’m not usually a fan of one-piece suits, but We Are Handsome designs are just too awesome to pass up! My favorite of the bunch is Africa. It’s definitely reminiscent of Christopher Kane’s Gorilla and Alligator tees, which just goes to show…who wouldn’t love a roaring beast for a stomach? I know I would! The suits sell for around $180 AUD (~$166 USD) and aren’t the cheapest out there, but hey, it’s unlikely that anyone else at your local pool will have one! And they are guaranteed to turn some heads and maybe even scare away a few creepos too!
Photo Credits: We Are Handsome
Foodie: Ame
Ame
19 Mercer St.
Toronto, ON
416-599-7246
Perfect For: After work drinks, Romantic Dinner, Girls’ Night Out
Sometimes a work week is so long and gruelling, Friday night after-work drinks become a must! A couple of weeks ago, Al and I decided to check out Ame (pronounced Ah-may) – Japanese restaurant on Mercer St. (formerly Rain). We went without reservations or expectations, with just one goal – to get a couple of drinks and have a nice chat. From the get-go, we both were very impressed with the decor and the service. The space is very warm and inviting; Asian decor influences are mixed with modern lighting and wooden panels. Each place setting comes with a cute pebble, on which to rest your chopsticks on. And both the server and the hostess were very attentive and welcoming.
Now to the food. The best Spicy Tuna Roll ($14) I’ve ever had! As in the best. Fresh fish, amazing seasoning, and crushed pepper. Delicious! All six pieces were gone in a flash. Al’s Robata Grill Butter Fish ($19) came covered with a large, green, chip-like shell. It was spicy, but tasted a bit like a Cheeto. Not exactly sure what to make of it, but it was tasty. The Butter Fish was small, garnished with mushrooms and some sort of a creamy sauce. Ah-mazing! Really, really flavourful. But not as flavourful as the Sushi Rice ($6) side. Such yummy rice! It was really tough to eat it with chopsticks, but if I had a few more Stellas, I would lick the plate! By the time we polished off our dinner, both Al and I were blissfully happy.
Another thing we loved about Ame, is that noone ever bothered us about holding a table for 3, while waiting for le boyfriend to arrive. He made it to the restaurant about 2 hours after we first sat down and we never felt rushed and neither did we. After le boyfriend polished off his Tuna Sashimi ($16), we were all ready for some desert!
One Liquid Chocolate, one Lemon Meringue, and one Apples and Chestnuts later (each $9). We were stuffed and unable to move. All three deserts were visually beautiful, and tasted divine! Combinations of crunchy, liquid, mousse, and ice-cream…simply amazing. The names don’t give those deserts justice!
All in all, our Ame experience was very solid! Attentive service, yummy-licious Japanese food, gorgeous, and just as yummy, deserts, all set in a wonderfully decorated dining room – added up to a belly-full night to remember. Wish more of my restaurant experiences were this fab! If you love Japanese cuisine, and still haven’t checked out Ame…you’re really missing out!
Deserts after the break!
Friday Faux Pas: Tavi’s Bow
To some, even the thought of a 13-year old in front row of a Dior couture show is already blasphemous. But to have to watch a show from second row through Tavi’s “pesky hat”, must’ve been mighty annoying. What are your thoughts on this? Is it wrong to wear an obstructive hat in front row, or is she entitled to wear whatever she feels is right?
Photo Credits: Grazia Live
What I’m Wearing: Orange You Glad?
Don’t usually feel this way, but I felt decidedly girlie the other day. Hence the floral skirt, pearl earrings, and bow necklace. I love playing dress-up in my closet once in a while. It used to be way more often (like a few times a day), but now…with all work and no play, dress-up takes a back seat. Which is kinda sad.
Oh, and I bought yet another Breton-striped shirt. I think this is officially a full-blown obsession…I have over 10 very similar striped tops (cropped, tank, tee, long sleeve, long sleeve dress, 3/4 sleeve, and a few others)…and I still have an eye on one more at H&M. Do I need an intervention?
To Buy or Not To Buy: Miss Marc Edition
So on my latest Holt Renfrew jaunt, something impossibly adorable caught my eye! A Miss Marc by Marc Jacobs t-shirt, featuring the oftentimes grumpy cartoon character with her boyfriend (?) sitting on a ski lift in full ski gear. Super cute for any fashionable ski/snowboard addict out there, right? But this being Marc by Marc Jacobs, the t-shirt cost $65! Now the question is this…worth it or not so much?
I left the store empty-handed that time, persuaded by my friends that dropping that much money on a cartooney t-shirt (however adorable) was not a smart thing to do. But now, a week later and with a snowboarding trip coming up, I find myself still thinking about my little grumpy Miss Marc. Can’t find an actual photo of that t-shirt, but the photo above should give you an idea. So what say you, lovely readers? Yay or nay?
Update: And here’s the reason why I couldn’t find a photo online for a bit…Mr. and Miss. Marc Ski Lift Tee launched exclusively at Holt Renfrew as the new limited-edition Miss Marc Hearts Canada issue. The Canadian in me says…go get it!
Photo Credits: 1st photo – TFS, 2nd photo – Holt Renfrew
