Ela Kowalewska | Style Blog | Canadian Fashion and Lifestyle News

What They Wore: Holt Renfrew’s Uncrate South America

25 October, 2016 Nelia Leave a Comment

A couple of weeks ago, the stylish Torontonians gathered at Holt Renfrew on Bloor St to celebrate the launch of Uncrate South America, the latest capsule collection of socially responsible products available exclusively at Holts. Made by artisans in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, this collection is chock-full of cool accessories, chic jewelry, and adorable toys – ethically-made using morally-sourced materials. If you’re looking for a unique present for any occasion, this collection should definitely be on your radar – there’s something for everyone.

You can learn more about H Project and Uncrate South America here. And check out the photos from the launch party below.

More after the jump!
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Shopping: Holt Renfrew’s H Project x ela Handbags x Burt’s Bees Collaboration

27 April, 2015 Nelia 1 Comment

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of ela Handbags. Each season I try to add at least 1 piece of ela’s special brand of “humble luxury” to my wardrobe, and I am always tempted to buy more, as cool new styles arrive. Well, now, thanks to the new collaboration between Holt Renfrew’s H Project, ela Handbags, and Burt’s Bees, there’s yet another ela bag that I have added to my bag rotation, and it’s a good one!

H Project has partnered with ela, Canadian accessories brand co-founded by Ela and Martin Aldorsson, and Burt’s Bees, to create an exclusive, limited-edition ‘editor’s pouch’ in support of Pollinator Partnership Canada– the largest non-profit organization in the world dedicated exclusively to the protection and promotion of pollinators and their ecosystems. The pouch was designed in Canada, featuring a stunning floral motif, and comes with three beautiful Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip Crayons – all that for only $50! 100% of proceeds will go to the Pollinator Partnership Canada, so you can feel even better about your purchase.

The clutch will be available at Holt Renfrew stores across Canada starting May 1st, just in time for Mother’s Day. Share your thoughts in the comments!

Photo Credits: Holt Renfrew

Holidays 2012: Canadian Fashion Insiders’ Gift Guide Part One

10 December, 2012 Nelia 9 Comments

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The holidays are almost here, and if like me you still haven’t started your holiday shopping, don’t worry and get happy, because this year, I asked some of my favourite Canadian Fashion Insiders to share their stylish holiday wishlists and gift ideas with us. What will a designer, a model, a photographer, a make-up artist, a stylist, an editor, a blogger, and a PR maven be getting and giving this holiday season? Read on to find out!

1. Ela Kowalewska, Designer, ela Handbags

One of my favourite Canadian accessories designers, Ela is without a doubt one stylish lady. This holiday season, on her wishlist is a gorgeous Cartier Juste un Clou ring (yes, please!), Margiela’s Untitled perfume, and a weekend stay to relax and play at Langdon Hall. As for her Give list…all I can say is her loved ones are pretty lucky, because this season she’ll be giving some pretty sweet presents. On Ela’s shopping list is the editor’s pouch from her namesake line ela, Caudalie beauty elixir (one of my fave skincare brands too!), Byredo Parfums’ Gypsy Water, and Tkees flip flops, among other lovely presents.

As for her favourite places to shop, Ela counts Holt Renfrew, eLUXE, and Chapters as her holiday mainstays. “Aside from spending quality time with family and friends over homemade dinners/cocktails on both sides of the Atlantic a touch of snow (sprinkle will do), a good Christmas market as well as a few laps around the Somerset House skating rink get us into the holiday spirit,” shared Ela.

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2. Jason Hudson, Photographer

Not only is Jason one of the most talented photographers I know, I am also obsessed with his personal blog. Chronicling the people he meets, the events he attends (and works), the delicious food he cooks, along with personal stories and helpful tips on a variety of subjects, his website is more than just a blog – it’s pretty much a life guide, and a very helpful one at that.

What more, Jason and his partner Jeff will be setting off on an adventure of a lifetime this December, taking a year off to travel the globe! Appropriately, on Jason’s wishlist this season is a new luggage set from Heys (something durable, that will survive a year of constant travelling), MacBook Air to record his adventures, and a pair of new Persol sunglasses, which he’ll surely need while sipping delicious drinks in Honolulu.

As for what he’ll be giving to his loved ones this holiday season, Jason shared that his go-to host gift is the “super Canadian” Sortilege Maple Whisky, and that champagne flutes from Tiffany never fail – “the blue box is high-impact and exciting, and the glassware is classic.” Jason and Jeff will also be buying a map of the world for their nephews, so that they will be able to “follow us on our travels around the world!”

More after the jump!

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Shopping: Ela Spring 2012 Collection

16 December, 2011 Nelia Leave a Comment

I’ve been a huge fan of Ela Handbags ever since I’d met Ela Kowalewska and Martin Aldorsson at Lainey Gossip’s Smut Soiree earlier this year, and since then have been seeing her gorgeous pieces everywhere I looked. And for good reason – from the stylish (and practical) M.I.L.C.K. Clutch (starts at $280), to the lovely Lady Bag (starts at $480) – all Ela Handbags are designed and made in Canada, using highest quality Italian materials (aka the best of both worlds).

Last month, the ladies (and gentleman) of Ela Handbags stopped by my blog office…errmm…table at Marche, to bring their travelling Spring 2012 trunk show to me (sweet, non?). And though I already liked the gorgeous Ela clutches, after being introduced to the poppy bright colors of the upcoming collection – it was no longer casual…it was love.

Ela Handbags Spring 2012 Collection is full of colors, suede, and happiness. I dare you to pick just one! Double dare you, actually! Right now, I’m hemming and hawing between cobalt blue, fuchsia, red, and yellow. Or maybe orange…or purple. I think I might need help. Which one would you choose?

To see more photos from Ela Handbags’ Spring 2012 Collection Preview, please visit our Facebook Page.