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Holidays 2014: Gift Guide

17 November, 2014 Nelia 7 Comments

For some reason, this year, I am woefully unprepared for winter’s arrival, but since it’s practically end of November and there’s snow on the ground, I guess it’s time to snap out of my denial and start shopping. Full disclosure: I have yet to buy any presents, but I do have some ideas as to what I’ll be picking up for my loved ones this holiday season. And just in case you’re in the same boat, I thought I’d share some of my fave holiday gift ideas with you.

I glimpsed most of these back in July, during the annual holiday previews, and I have to say that this year in particular, those previews came in super handy. I got to learn about the existence of cool adult onesies, played with the Big Love Ball, and tried on the gorgeous Thomas Sabo infinity ring; I self-medicated with the all-natural Saje Pocket Pharmacy, and sipped on Inniskillin sparkling icewine. In short, I got to preview and test out a lot of the picks below, and I hope that this gift guide gives you some ideas for your holiday shopping this season. If you’re looking for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and presents for him, her, and the kids, then this is a great place to start! Happy Shopping!

1. Bombki Russian Christmas Ornaments (Net-A-Porter)
2. FLOWER Beauty Powder Brush (Wal-Mart)
3. TOMS for Target Candle (Target)
4. Falconwright Coin Purse (Falconwright)
5. Drake General Store Mountie Thermos (The Bay)
6. kate spade new york iPhone 5 Lucky Cat Case (Holt Renfrew)
7. Saje Pocket Pharmacy (Saje)
8. Big Love Ball
9. Gap Calf Hair Tech Gloves (Gap)

1. The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Doll (The Body Shop)
2. Shupette My Precious Glitter Set (Holt Renfrew)
3. Tiffany T Square Bracelet (Tiffany and Co)
4. Jenny Bird RiRi Collar Tri-tone (Jenny Bird)
5. Balenciaga Florabotanica Rollerball (Sephora)
6. Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham (Indigo)
7. CHANEL Patchwork Shearling Bag (CHANEL)
8. ALDO FAHLSTROM Boots (ALDO)
9. Moschino iPhone 5 Case (Net-A-Porter)
10. Thomas Sabo Glam & Soul Ring (Thomas Sabo)
11. NARS Modern Future Roman Holiday Gift Set (Holt Renfrew)

1. H&M Oh Deer! Sweater (H&M)
2. ALDO Wallie Shoes (ALDO)
3. Yo Sox Burger King Socks (The Bay)
4. KRUPS Barista Espresso/Coffee Machine (The Bay)
5. Samsung Gear 2 Smart Watch (Best Buy)
6. Grey Goose VX (LCBO)
7. Jack Black Cobalt Brush (Holt Renfrew)
8. Drake General Store Arborist Mountie Adult Onesie (The Bay)

1. Indigo Expressions Pillow (Indigo)
2. Oster French Bull Toaster (Target)
3. Louis Vuitton Fashion Photography (Indigo)
4. Holiday Ribbon Dessert Plates (Indigo)
5. Inniskillin Vidal Sparkling Icewine (LCBO)
6. Byredo Parfums Loose Lips Candle (Holt Renfrew)
7. Nadege Pastries (Nadege)
8. David’s Tea for the Tree (David’s Tea)
9. HBC Collection Cuppa Teapot (The Bay)

1. HBC’s Priscilla the Fox (The Bay)
2. Melissa and Doug Felt Food Taco and Burrito Set (SHOP.CA)
3. Tuck Shop Neighbourhood Toques (Mini Mioche)
4. Sugarbooger Doll Teether Set (Mini Mioche)
5. H&M Sweatshirt with Print (H&M)
6. GummyGoods Nightlight (Mini Mioche)
7. Ele and Ela Bib (Etsy)
8. Seedling DIY Snow Globe Kit (Indigo)
9. Uncle Goose Russian ABC Blocks (Uncle Goose)

Wishlist: Balenciaga Fall 2013 Shoes by Alexander Wang

28 February, 2013 Nelia 2 Comments

balenciaga-shoes-fall-2013-alexander-wang-paris-fashion-week

We’ve all been waiting for it – Alexander Wang’s first-ever collection designed for Balenciaga! Presented during Paris Fashion Week last night, Balenciaga Fall 2013 was full of chic covet-worthy pieces. “I’m going back to the roots, identifying the codes of the house, and translating them into a functioning, full wardrobe,” said Wang, and while I truly loved the entire collection, I fell IN LOVE with the shoes.

I mean…just look at them! These shoes are classic, and yet they are not. Chic, but edgy. Comfortable? Probably not, but I want them all nonetheless. These shoes are what dreams are made of. And today, I am going to enjoy dreaming.

What did you think of Wang’s first effort designing for Balenciaga? You can see the entire collection HERE.

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Photo Credits: Style.com

Style Fille: Kristen Stewart in Balenciaga

7 November, 2012 Nelia Leave a Comment

Really digging Kristen Stewart’s Balenciaga outfit that she wore to the premiere of her latest movie On The Road. Love the simplicity and the elegance of it…even with the bared rib cage, this looks classy to me.

Now that it’s been announced that Nicolas Ghesquiere will be leaving Balenciaga, everyone and their stylish mother wants to know where-oh-where he’ll be going to next…and also…WHO will be filling his crazy-amazing shoes at Balenciaga. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.

Do you like Kristen’s monochromatic look? Share in the comments.

Photo Credits: Fabsugar

The Met’s Costume Institute Gala: Worst Dressed

8 May, 2012 Nelia 4 Comments

kirsten-dunst-rodarte-met-2012

After unsuccessfully trying to narrow down the Met’s Costume Gala 2012 Worst Dressed list to 5 celebs, I gave up and included all 6 outfits that I found either too boring, too ill-fitting, or too reminiscent of Santa’s wifey.

Yeah, I’m referring to Kirsten Dunst in that last one. When I first saw her Rodarte outfit, I actually kinda (really) liked it. And I almost put her on my Best Dressed list, until…it hit me! She looks like Mrs. Claus!!! If this was a different color combo, I would’ve loved it…but in this light, in this photo, it looks like Kirsten is rocking a look straight out of Mrs. Santa’s closet. Once I saw it, that’s the only thing I could focus on.

gwyneth-paltrow-met-2012-prada

Oh, Gwyneth. I love you…and generally, you bring some serious style-porn. But not this time. This Prada dress made your boobs look saggy, and though you’ve got some gorgeous gams to show off, I found this dress ill-fitting, and a bit too short for you. Oh well, can’t win them all. Great accessories though.

coco-rocha-met-2012-elizabeth-taylor-givenchy

I wanted to love Coco Rocha’s vintage Givenchy jumpsuit, previously owned by Elizabeth Taylor. I tried to like it…but I just just couldn’t. I think it might be the awkward length, that probably worked like a charm on someone petite (like Elizabeth Taylor), but looks all wrong on Coco. And let’s face it, had we not known that this jumpsuit belonged to Elizabeth Taylor, would this outfit have gotten as much attention? I don’t think so. Also, that dyed-to-match hair? What was she thinking?

anja-rubik-met-2012

So, Anja Rubik…we get it, you’re a gorgeous model with a banging body…but when your slit goes all the way to your hip bones, and we can almost see your “humanity”, and when even Angelina Jolie thinks that you’re posing a bit too hard…perhaps it’s time to stitch that shit up…at least a couple of inches.

sjp-met-gala-2012-valentino

It breaks my heart to rag on SJP, but it has to be said…”Oh, honey, NO!”. Ok, now I feel better. Maybe on a leggy supermodel, with an up-do, and a few minor alterations, this vintage Valentino could be…interesting…but SJP drowns in it, looking more like fashion roadkill than fashion inspiration.

kristen-stewart-balenciaga-met-2012

And lastly, we have what probably is one of the most controversial outfits of the Met Gala 2012 – Kristen Stewart in Balenciaga. I won’t lie…I kinda like the dress, and I really like the shoes…but not together, and not at the Met, and not on Kristen. With her body and youth, I am sure Kristen’s options were plentiful…and out of everything she was offered, she chose THIS? Sorry, Kristen…maybe next year.

Photo Credits: Fabsugar

What I Wore: Holts Muse

6 March, 2012 Nelia 2 Comments

When I got an email from Holt Renfrew, asking me to participate in a Blogger Style Challenge for Holts Muse, I was ecstatic! Getting to roam the store, pick out anything and everything I liked, to put together 3 outfits – sounds like a dream, right? Well, it certainly was a lot of fun. Gracie, Elizabeth, and yours truly were each given a fun spring piece to style three different ways, and were then photographed by the amazing Adam Moco. Tough job, but someone had to do it.

My spring item was a sporty yellow mini from DVF. For my first outfit, I paired it with a kick-ass Balenciaga leather vest, a lovely Joie striped tee, and a red Balenciaga bag to complete the look. I also wore my own H&M tights, and Stuart Weitzman booties.

holts-muse-holt-renfrew

For my second outfit, I mixed prints by wearing a lovely DVF cardi over the versatile Equipment blouse, and finished off the look with an adorable neon pink DVF clutch. A little color to brighten up the day. I also wore the Loeffler Randall Natane lace-up stilettos…aka my wedding shoes. You like?

holts-muse-holt-renfrew

One more outfit after the jump!

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Oscars 2012: Emma Stone vs. Nicole Kidman

26 February, 2012 Nelia 2 Comments

emma-stone-giambattista-valli-nicole-kidman-balenciaga-oscars

Back in 2007, Nicole Kidman wore arguably one of the best Oscars gowns ever. It was a red Balenciaga dress with a dramatic bow, and she looked gorgeous in it. Fast forward to 2012, and to lovely Emma Stone in a gorgeous Giambattista Valli gown…which I loved, but seeing how similar it is to Nicole’s iconic look, I had to ask. Who wore it best? Whose dress do you like best? Did Nicole do it better in Balenciaga, or is it Emma’s look that is red hot in your books? Take the poll below, and let me know!

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Style Fille: Miroslava Duma

24 February, 2012 Nelia 5 Comments

As always, am in love with Tommy Ton’s street style photos from Fall 2012 shows for Style.com…or rather his photos from outside of the Fall 2012 shows. After clicking through the lot of them, I spotted a few photos of my fave Russian Style Fille – Mira Duma, in a variety of amazing looks. From office-ready, to winter-cozy, to perfectly 70’s.

I love that this girl can pull off pretty much ANY look, without looking like a fashion victim. I also love that Balenciaga leather jacket of my dreams (below on Mira’s friend), and the fact that I have the same vintage Chanel backpack as Mira. I don’t know why it’s even important, but for some reason it made me happy.

So, what do you think of Miroslava Duma’s fashion experiments? Which look of hers is your fave? And how in the world can I get my paws on those awesome leather overalls? If you know, share in the comments.

Photo Credits: Tommy Ton for Style.com

Valentine’s Day: Last-Minute Gifts for Her

13 February, 2012 Nelia Leave a Comment

Okay, so truth be told…most of these gifts are not last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts for “her” per say, but mostly for me…Stuff that I like, find pretty/cute/adorbs, and wouldn’t mind getting this Valentine’s Day…*hints, nudges, and pokes all around* If you think your girlfriend/friend/wife/lovah might like the same things…well, more power to you…I think any of the above would make a sweet gift to the one you adore. Or just buy it all for yourself, because the relationship that you have with yourself is the most important one. Am I right, or am I right?

What do you want this Valentine’s Day? Aside from yummy chocolates, of course! Share in the comments. Or if you’re still undecided, click here for more Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

More after the jump!

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Style Fille: Miranda Kerr

21 December, 2011 Nelia Leave a Comment

What is it about a combination of leather and stripes that gets me every time? It always looks chic and fresh to me, no matter how many times I might’ve seen it already. This Balenciaga leather jacket on Miranda Kerr in particular is so stunning, but so out of budget, that it’s making me shaky with frustration trying to find a similar one online…so far without much luck.

What do you think of Miranda’s look? Share in the comments.

Photo Credits: chicyfabuloso.blogspot.com

Style Fille: Nicole Richie

22 April, 2010 Nelia Leave a Comment

Sometimes all it takes is a couple of classic pieces to make an outfit. It also helps if you’re Nicole Richie. That girl has an innate ability to make things look cool. Nicole sticks to her favorite Balenciaga, throws a denim jacket over a boho dress, and a pair of aviators to top it all off, and voilà – instant chic. And to think that just a couple of years ago she used to be besties with Paras Hilton. Seems like a different life now.

Photo Credits: www.fabsugar.com