Christmas

Holidays 2017: Last-Minute Gifts That Don’t Suck

13 December, 2017 Nelia

We are less than two weeks away from Christmas, and I am happy to report that I am pretty much done with my gift shopping. If you’re still stumped about what to get for your friends and family, here are some last-minute gift ideas that (we think) don’t suck. You obviously have to know a bit about the person you are getting the gift for, but I doubt someone would be disappointed with any of these presents.

1. Their Fave Drink
If the person you’re shopping for loves to host parties, or if you know what their drink of choice is, then getting a beautiful gift set from LCBO is a no-brainer. I love this Grey Goose Martini Pack ($59.95), but there are lots of other gift set options available.
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2. Luxurious Touchscreen Gloves
Gloves are one of those things that people tend to lose all the time, so giving someone a beautiful new pair would certainly be appreciated. These Quill and Tine touchscreen beauties ($89) aren’t only made with 100% Italian lambskin and cashmere, but they are also crafted in Canada.
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3. The Gift of Film
If your person is a film lover (and who isn’t?!), then the gift of TIFF Membership (starting at $49) is one of the best presents you can buy. With exclusive year-round savings and perks, ticket pre-sales, discounts, and special offers and events, this is the gift that will keep on giving all year long. If you don’t live in Toronto, annual membership to their fave museum or art gallery would also make for an awesome present.

4. Comfy Pajamas
I am not sure if it’s just me, but I loooove getting new PJs for Christmas! Get a luxurious set or a cute onesie, throw in some nourishing skincare masks, and a box of hot chocolate, and you’ve got a lovely gift set that will make them smile on those cold winter nights.
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5. The Gift of Fitness
When shopping for someone who’s into fitness, there are plenty of gift options that are both cute and practical. Fitbit (and accessories) is something that I’ve given as a gift before, and it’s something that I use (and love) myself. Other fun gift ideas include: a fancy new yoga mat for your fave yoga lover, a nice gym bag for that gym goer in your life, a pair (or two) of cute grippy socks for a friend who loves to barre. If you know which gym or studio they frequent, a gift certificate to their fave workout place would also make for a thoughtful last-minute present.
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6. Their Fave Perfume
This one requires a bit of knowledge about the person you’re buying the gift for. If you know which perfume they usually wear, then buying a lovely perfume gift set for them will be both thoughtful and well-received. This luxurious CHANEL N°5 L’EAU Gift Box ($214) from Holt Renfrew is definitely top of my list, as is this adorable Miu Miu Mini Duo Set ($95) from Sephora.
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Holidays 2016: Best Beauty Gift Sets to Buy Now

16 November, 2016 Nelia

Despite what the weather outside would have you believe, we’re only a month and a bit away from Christmas, and if like me, you’ve been too distracted by the US election and this beautiful weather to even think about Christmas shopping, then this post is for you. I’ll be doing a usual gift guide a bit later in the month, but today’s post is dedicated to those beauty-obsessed people in your life.

Holiday time is the best time to buy beauty goodies for several reasons – not only are sales in full effect (Black Friday is coming, y’all!), but the stores are full of beautifully-packaged gift sets that offer amazing value as well. Just yesterday, I stopped by Sephora to grab a Caudalie gift set for $52 ($78 value), which contains a full-size serum that I use every day, and which normally costs $57! Even without the 2 additional products, this gift set is an amazing deal. Of course, not all gift sets offer this kind of value, some are just super-duper limited-edition, like this beautiful Pat McGrath Labs Metalmorphosis kit ($195). I don’t know any beauty junkie who wouldn’t be ecstatic to unwrap a gift like this on Christmas morning.

And then there’s another type of a beauty gift set – one that offers more than just beauty. At a recent holiday preview for The Body Shop, I learned that the company will restore 1 square meter of rainforest with every specially selected gift set purchased. How wonderful is that? And the best part is that there are so many fantastic gift sets to choose from!

Exclusive gift sets and value sets are all over the place right now, and whether you’re shopping to treat yourself or for a loved one, there’s no better time to pick one up. Below are a few of my favourites. Share your faves in the comments!

Makeup
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Skincare
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Hair
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Body
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Holidays 2015: What To Wear to Holiday Parties

21 December, 2015 Nelia

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Holiday season is upon us, which means lots of parties and party outfits to plan. In case you are stumped for fun outfit ideas this year, here are my top three looks for three occasions that are super easy to pull off and that will have you looking festive this holiday season. Find these pieces at Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

1. Office Holiday Party
When dressing for your work holiday party, it’s important to err on the side of caution. Even with the ever-relaxing office dress codes, you don’t want to be the subject of office gossip the day after the big event. As such, put away that lame mini dress, and grab that trusty LBD instead. To dress up your look, put on some statement jewelry, throw your essentials into a sequined clutch, and wear the cutest shoes you’ve got. This look is all about accessories, so choose yours wisely.

2. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
This one’s pretty much impossible to screw up. Obviously, the key piece in your ensemble will be the Ugly Christmas Sweater (and there are a ton to choose from out there), but don’t dismiss the rest of your outfit! To make your look really stand out, put on a pair of reindeer ears or a Santa hat, wear some red and white striped tights, and a sequined skirt instead of jeans – the tackier the better. You’ll be the life of the party in no time.

3. New Year’s Eve Party
They say the way you spend NYE is the way you’re going to spend the rest of the year, so for me, the sparklier my party outfit, the sparklier the upcoming year…questionable logic, I know…but just go with it. With that in mind, sequins, lame, glitter, embroidery, and bright colours are all fair game. I am particularly fond of stars, so this sequined frock paired with the silveriest boots ever are just what the doctor prescribed. You can’t tell here, but I also sprayed my hair with silver glitter hairspray from Shoppers, because if not on NYE, when else can you have glitter in your hair without judgment?!

Photo Credits: Max Kopanygin

Holidays 2015: Best Ugly Christmas Sweaters of the Season

19 November, 2015 Nelia

Every year le bf and I throw an Ugly Christmas Sweater party at our house, getting together with friends to celebrate the holiday season. A few years ago, it was nearly impossible to find the perfect ugly sweater for the party, but each year, more and more cute ugly sweaters pop up all over the place. This year, I found so many awesome sweaters, that choosing just one is proving to be an impossible task.

There’s a ton of traditional Christmas motif sweaters out there, in addition to the fun ones like the IKEA Monkey, Mean Girls, Golden Girls, Star Wars, Game of Thrones…you name it! There’s even a Hotline Bling ugly sweater available. So whether you’re a catlady, a dog person, or a sloth lover…there’s a sweater out there for you. Which one will you wear this holiday season?

Cat
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Dog
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Unicorn
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Dinosaur
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Star Wars
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Lots more Ugly Christmas (and Hanukkah) Sweaters after the jump!
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Holidays 2013: All I Want For Christmas…

18 December, 2013 Nelia

Christmas is officially only one week away and I am getting more and more excited with each passing day. Excited for all the family get-togethers, yummy desserts, holiday movies on the couch, and of course…the presents! This year, gift shopping was a breeze…half of it done online, with the other half swiftly purchased at a couple of select stores in a couple of easy visits. I was even able to grab something special for myself to celebrate yet another year of blogging, working, and keeping it all together. Hooray!

Sadly, le bf wasn’t as lucky. I have to admit, getting a Christmas prezzie for me is kind of a tough task, since I tend to be quite picky and lack any patience, which means that anything I really want (and can afford), I end up getting for myself. So this year, to make his ordeal a little easier, I’m making an official “Dear Santa/Husband” wishlist and calling it a day. Some of these are a little less realistic than others, some are catlady things that I’m pretty sure are on his “banned forever” list, but between the adorable Charlotte Olympia travel kit, and the cutest gummy bear clutches ever, I’m hoping this completely impractical gift guide will get him through this impossible task…and maybe give you (or your man) some ideas too. Happy Shopping!

1. Charlotte Olympia Travel Kit
2. Gucci Disco Bag
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Rue Cat Sweatshirt
4. Fornasetti Candle
5. Moschino Bucket Bag
6. Kenzo Tiger Sweatshirt
7. Moschino Clutch
8. Charlotte Olympia Gummy Bear Clutch

Holidays 2013: Gift Ideas from The Bay

11 November, 2013 Nelia

November is here, which means that the holiday season is just around the corner, which means family dinners, twinkly lights, and PRESENTS! I don’t know about you, but I have already bought a few Christmas gifts, and what made it really easy was attending The Bay’s holiday preview back in July.

At the preview, I got a chance to see all of the awesome gifts that The Bay stores are stocking this holiday season, from an impressive Library of Exotic Chocolate Bars for your favourite chocoholic (umm, that would be me!), to the seriously gorgeous handbags for your BFFs (the one from Zac Posen is a stunner!), to the softest cashmere sweaters that would delight anyone on your list, to the coolest toys any kid could wish for, there are hundreds of covet-worthy presents just waiting for you to scoop them up…all at one place!

As usual, HBC Collection pieces are high on my personal holiday wishlist. I already picked up a pair of HBC Converse sneakers, but I still want to grab a couple of striped Christmas stockings, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Santa will drop off the beautiful retro-inspired HBC Erdem Coat under my tree (pretty please, Santa!).

Apart from the best holiday presents you can give and receive, The Bay also has everything you need for entertaining this holiday season – appliances, cookware (best selection of Le Creuset in town!), showstopping dinnerware and flatware sets, and of course, holiday decorations galore! In short, there will only be a couple of gift-shopping stops on my itinerary this year, and The Bay is definitely one of my faves. Makes my life so easy!

See some of my fave holiday gift ideas below, and let me know which items catch your eye!

More after the jump!

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Merry Christmas, and a Happy Boxing Day!

25 December, 2012 Nelia

Merry Christmas, lovelies! Hope you are surrounded by your nearest and dearest today, and that Santa is extra nice to you. This year, le bf and I jetted off to the Caribbean for a different kind of a white Christmas…white sand, white dresses, and zero snow! But wherever you are, and whatever your Christmas looks like, hope it brings you joy and peace!

Also…don’t forget to do some major damage on Boxing Day! See you all soon!

xoxo

Nelia

Ann Taylor Holiday 2012 Collection Preview

20 August, 2012 Nelia

ann-taylor-holidays-2012

Though this weekend was pretty warm, shorter days remind me that fall and winter are just around the corner. Yup…pretty depressing. But one thing that tends to cheer me up is the promise of upcoming holidays and holiday goodies! Earlier this month, Ann Taylor gave us a sneak peek of what’s to come in the next few months, including sweet Christmas prezzies, perfect outfits for those awesome holiday soirees, and lots more.

My favorites included mint-colored patterned trousers, shiny baubles, and loads of pretty dresses. Lots to get excited about!

Take a look and let me know if you see something that you like!

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More photos after the jump!

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Gap Holiday 2011 Collection Preview

5 August, 2011 Nelia

Last month, the gorgeous ladies of Gap Canada held their Holiday 2011 preview. There were actual Christmas trees up in there! In July.

And while the weather outside was balmy, at the preview we were surrounded by Old Navy sweaters-galore, pretty holiday dresses and lots of gorgeous bling from Banana Republic, and the cutest boots ever from Gap. And though there were so many pieces to covet and ooh-aahh over, the items that caught my eye (and attention) for most of the preview, were Christmas-inspired headpieces and paddle-balls from Old Navy. Those things could keep me entertained for hours. HOURS, I tell you.

But if unlike me, you aren’t interested in cheap thrills, you’ll be happy to know that holiday season will be bringing many…oh-so-many lovely pieces (other than cute Santa paddle balls). I don’t know about you, but I’m putting Banana Republic, Gap, and Old Navy gift cards on my Christmas wishlist…right now. Don’t be ridiculous, it is never too soon to start a Christmas wishlist!

For more photos from the preview, please visit our Facebook page.

From Santa With Love

27 December, 2010 Nelia

So, after months of waiting, Christmas has come and gone. And apart from the extra pounds gained from eating turkey roast beef, various mayo-based salads, deviled eggs, prosciutto wrapped breadsticks, sfoglia, tiramisu, and a ton of chocolates…all that’s left are the presents…not that I’m complaining.

And though DVDs are certainly an amazing gift for Christmas, seeing how I’ve been watching How I Met Your Mother non-stop for hours now, my top three gifts this year were:

1. Ghost Chair (from Kitchen Stuff Plus)

2. YSL turquoise ring from (from Saks)

3. Chanel chain necklace/belt (from Chanel)

Granted, I loved everything else Santa brought me this year, but these certainly made me jump with excitement! Did you get everything you hoped for from Santa this Christmas? Or did you get everything you wanted during Boxing Day sales?