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Rewind 2014: A Year in Photos

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It’s official…2014 is out, 2015 is in! But before we move on to all things new and exciting, I wanted to do a little revisiting, in part to look back on the wonderful year that 2014 was, and in part to have this post for posterity, and in case I ever need a reminder of some awesome things I did last year. If you hate those “me, me, me” posts, then this one may not be for you. Sorry (not really).

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2014 started out pretty well for me, unlike 2013 (credit card fraud galore!), I kicked off the year with a brand new video segment I created in partnership with Yorkdale and Max Kopanygin, called Styled By Nelia. Since January, we shot 9 segments, with 9 amazing retailers, and plan to shoot lots more in 2015. Since I truly hate to be on video, this was a huge challenge for me, but I got more and more comfortable with every episode we shot…and hope to get a little better with each video going forward.

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In February, I had the pleasure of participating in a photoshoot for eLUXE’s Spring 2014 lookbook, featuring Canadian bloggers. And as I will find out later, this will not be the last collab with eLUXE that I would shoot in 2014.


At the beginning of 2014, I also go to test out the Olay Regenerist Luminous skincare line, with beautiful results. Freckles, be gone!
More after the jump!
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Holidays 2014: Last-Minute Gifts That Don’t Suck

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Christmas is just a week away, but if you still haven’t finished (or start) your gift shopping, don’t panic. You can still come out of this alive and victorious without having to resort to those impersonal gift cards, I promise you. All you need to do is pick up a few of these last-minute gifts that don’t suck, and you’re all set. Extra points for personalizing your gifts with special monograms, but if you’re reading this and it’s Christmas eve, then don’t worry, even sans personalization, these are the gifts that anyone would be happy to open come Christmas morning. Here we go!

1. Touchscreen Gloves

With the prevalence of smartphones and other smart touchscreen devices, regular gloves just don’t cut it anymore. If your giftee lives in a climate with cold (and long) winters and is never seen without his/her phone, then touchscreen gloves are a perfect gift for them. Pick up a luxurious pair that goes with everything, and you’re all set!

2. Pajamas

I know, I know…pajamas sound kind of boring, but come on…who doesn’t love a new pair of PJs come Christmas morning?! Anything that’s a little fancier than your usual sleepwear will do – Gap and J.Crew do awesome sleep sets, and LaineyGossip just released a super cute line over at eLUXE. Bonus points for luxurious fabrics like silk, personalized monograms, and a pair of cozy slippers to go with those PJs. If you know your giftee’s taste and size to a tee, then a little something special from Agent Provocateur or La Perla would certainly be a hit. And I’m not talking lingerie either, a fancy robe or a silky slip are little luxuries that anyone would appreciate.

3. Booze

This one’s a no-brainer. Everyone loves alcohol, and fancy alcohol is even better. Grab a bottle of deluxe bubbly, designer liqueur, revered scotch, or better yet, a bottle of sparkling icewine, wrap it nicely, and you just picked up an awesome Christmas present.

4. Beauty Sets

This one’s obviously for beauty junkies in your life. On my last visit to Sephora, I spotted a ton of eye-catching, value-packed gift sets. Advent calendars stuffed with beauty must-haves, superstar product packs, sets for skin, hair, eyes, nails, lips…you name it! Kiehl’s skincare essentials are always a hit, and those gift sets are usually packed with extras to make it worth your while.  The Body Shop does wonderfully festive seasonal gift sets, and for every specially selected gift you buy, The Body Shop will make a contribution of approximately 6 cents to War Child to fund a class for a child. Get great gifts, and do some good while you’re at it.

5. Cashmere

Last but certainly not least, cashmere is a perfect last-minute gift that people on your list would absolutely adore. We don’t always get the little luxuries for ourselves, so it’s extra nice to receive such a treat for Christmas (or whenever, really). Whether it’s a luxurious sweater, a soft scarf, a pair of cashmere-lined gloves, or a cozy throw – one can never have too much cashmere in their life.

And there you have it, last-minute holiday gifts that don’t suck. Do you agree? Would you be happy to be on the receiving end of these? Share your last-minute gift ideas in the comments!

What I Wore: On The Street

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One day during NYFW, I was walking down the street, giddy from my delicious Shake Shack lunch date, when a man stopped me on the street and asked me whether I was a blogger. Since we were quite a ways away from Lincoln Centre, I was a bit taken aback when he asked me for a photo, but nevertheless obliged. I think you can actually see the apprehension in my eyes…but I’m really glad I stopped to chat with this man.

His name is Mangue Banzima and he’s a street style photographer. By now, I’ve spent a ton of time going through his site and Instagram, looking at the beautiful photos of people on the street. He has a very warm and approachable personality, and it’s reflected on his subjects’ faces…well, except mine that is. Hopefully, we can have a re-do another time, Mangue. Sorry for the bitchface in some pics.

This post is also the very first time I’m posting a photo of myself with my newly-ish silver/grey/platinum hair. It’s actually been nearly a month since I dyed my locks, and it’s decidedly less grey and more blonde now. But thanks to Mangue, I have it captured in all its silver fox glory. Stay tuned for my hair story about entering the Khaleesi/Gandalf hair territory. Happy Friday!

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I Wore: Dress – Finders Keepers (eLUXE); Leather Vest – Urban Outfitters; Boots – Saint Laurent (Winners); Bag – CHANEL; Earrings, Cuff – H&M

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Photo Credit: Mangue Banzima

eLUXE x Samsung Canada Lookbook!

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So excited to finally be able to share the results of the photoshoot I did back in June with eLUXE and Samsung Canada! A few Toronto bloggers and I got to style a look that would complement the new Samsung Galaxy S5 phone, and I chose this amazing striped Smythe blazer, thrown over a breezy strappy dress from Finders Keepers. Accessorized with the adorable blue phone, this was a total “me” look – perfect for work and play! My blogger buddy Kimberly Lyn also got to play dress up at eLUXE’s downtown offices, and she looked like a total knock-out in her Clover Canyon set. Fashion blogger Deanne Castro, also went for blue hues, rocking a statement necklace over a cobalt frock. The theme of the shoot was blue and gold, and while most of the bloggers wore blue, the outfits were all golden if you ask me.

To see the rest of the eLUXE x Samsung Canada blogger looks, check out the full lookbook here, and share your thoughts in the comments!

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More after the jump!

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Events: Blogger Bazaar Summer 2014

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Last month, I joined some of Toronto’s best fashion bloggers (Sharon and Tara backseatstylers.com, Kimberly thesoulsofmyshoes.com, Anita iwantigot.geekigirl.com, Hawley sidewalkhustle.com, Anya imtheitgirl.com, Liane etsy.com/ca/shop/thelostsea, Jessica everafterlacquer.com, and Monica aimeluxury.com) in the SALE OF THE CENTURY! Ok, maybe not. But it still felt pretty epic. Our second Blogger Bazaar, held at Toronto’s Soho House, was a huge hit. Lots and lots of readers, friends, and curious passerby showed up, shopped, sipped complimentary vitaminwater, met other like-minded aka fashion-obsessed peeps, and helped us find good homes for our new and gently used treasures. It was a fashion madhouse, and I loved every second of it.

As promised, we had amazing swag bags to give away, filled to the brim with goodies kindly provided by ALDO, Artemano Decor, Call It Spring, Dove, eLUXE, essence, FLARE, Forever 21, Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Paris, Roots, TRESemme, and vitaminwater. But even better than free swag, some of the deals were just too incredible to pass up. One lucky girl scored a gently-used Burberry trench for less than $200. Another picked up a pair of Wayfarers for $50. And of course there were even more deals on pieces from Hermes, YSL, Isabel Marant, Marni, Proenza Schouler, Prada…you name it – all priced to sell. Impulse buys, well-loved staples that sadly no longer fit, vintage goodies, there were all kinds of treasures to be found, and a lot of you made them your own. At the end of the day, 10% of all sales were donated to the Corsage Project charity. Just a little something to give back to our community.

The best and most memorable part of this summer’s Blogger Bazaar was once again meeting and interacting with our readers. So many of you showed up and spent the time to support our little event, and for that I am incredibly thankful. Without you, the readers, our blogs would just be empty shells, but you make it so much more than that. Thank you! Hope to see you again at the next Blogger Bazaar this September!

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More after the jump!

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You Are Invited: Blogger Bazaar Toronto 2014 Sneak Peek

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BLOGGER BAZAAR is almost here…we only have a couple of days to go until the BIG SALE, and just like last time, I wanted to give you a glimpse at the goodies that I’ll be parting with this Sunday at Toronto’s Soho House! It’s a mix of high and low, designer and fast-fashion, brand new and gently used, and I hope that a lot of these items find new homes.

10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Corsage Project – Toronto charity that provides formal gowns and accessories, free of charge, to Toronto area girls that need them. And we will once again have amazing swag bags that will be given out with a purchase of $30 or more (while supplies last). Stuffed to the brim, these gift bags will be full of cool items from ALDO, Artemano Decor, Call It Spring, Dove, eLUXE, essence, FLARE, Forever 21, Le Chateau, Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Paris, Roots, TRESemme, and vitaminwater! How epic is that?!

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So if an afternoon of shopping while hanging out with your fave fashion bloggers sounds like your idea of a fun Sunday, then make sure to pop by the BLOGGER BAZAAR this Sunday, June 1st at the Soho House! It’s steps away from St Andrew subway station, and right around the corner from the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, where you can grab a table and settle in for some post-sale afternoon high-tea.

Hope to see you all there!

WHERE: Soho House, 192 Adelaide St W, Toronto
WHEN: June 1st, 2014 12-4pm
GIFT BAGS WITH PURCHASE (minimum purchase of $30, while supplies last)
CASH ONLY
10% of all proceeds will be donated to The Corsage Project

Sale items with prices after the jump!

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Big City Style – Spring 2014 Blogger Lookbook for eLUXE!

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If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen a few sneak peek photos I took at the eLUXE showroom last week. Well, the secret’s out! The lovelies from the Canadian e-tailer eLUXE invited a few of Toronto’s top fashion bloggers to pick out their fave Spring 2014 pieces and style them for the website’s lookbook, shot by the very talented photographer Vincent Lions. I was super stoked to be invited!

The photoshoot was a blast. The amazing Aveda Canada team did our hair and makeup, and I  to shoot with some of my favest blogger buds Sharon and Gracie. Did I mention that we had a blast?!

For my look, I chose the stunning bodycon Clover Canyon neoprene dress, topped by a Tibi tweed jacket, and the most perfect white ela clutch. The outfit was very “me” – colourful and optimistic. It felt awesome not having to wear tights, and to have a summery braided do – summer may still be a few months away, but at least I got a taste of it last week.

If you still haven’t, make sure to check out eLUXE’s fun spring lookbook for a selection of covet-worthy pieces modelled by Toronto bloggers. Let me know what you think in the comments!

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One more after the jump!

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What I Wore: Toronto Life’s Most Stylish Party and Fashion’s Night Out Toronto!

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What an EPIC day last Thursday was! It all started with a visit to Toronto Life’s Most Stylish party held at the new Shangri-La Hotel downtown. Toasting Toronto’s most sartorially gifted, this event was one of the best I’ve attended in a long while. Greeted with life size cardboard cut-outs of the 25 Most Stylish, my friend Lisa and I made our way around the room, checking out the immaculately dressed crowd, and snacking on pretzel bread grilled cheese sandwiches, fresh oysters, and caviar. Fancy!

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I also got to finally meet Andrew Coimbra, the winner of Toronto Life’s Most Stylish Reader contest (which I was also a part of). And I have to say, he was the WORST! Just kidding, he was pretty awesome, and we are now the best of friends. True(ish) story.

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After mingling at Toronto Life’s fancy party, Anita and I headed out into the night…more specifically into Fashion’s Night Out! Our first stop was eLUXE’s pop-up shop, full of candy, Smythe jackets, and Rebekah Price baubles, where we did a little mugging for the cameras at the photobooth. It was FUN!

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More after the jump!

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Wishlist: Smythe for eLUXE and Holt Renfrew

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Is it too early to start making Christmas wishlists yet? Because I’m doing it! Kate Middleton-approved Canadian brand Smythe has partnered up with two notable Canadian retailers, creating two limited-edition blazers to die for. And I want them both!

For Holt Renfrew’s 175th anniversary, Smythe has created a gorgeous tuxedo jacket (right, $650), hitting the stores on September 6th across Canada, just in time for those TIFF parties!

Also, coming in September – Smythe’s collaboration with online retailer eLUXE. This lovely black slim cut blazer with gold hardware (left, $595) is a must-have piece, and would literally go with everything.

Now the question is…which jacket should I buy? The one from Holts or eLUXE? Better yet…which one would you get? Share in the comments!

Photo Credits: FASHION Magazine

Four Girls, Three Blogs, and Three Years of Style!

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Last week, a group of incredibly stylish Toronto lovelies took the Thompson Hotel Rooftop by a storm! Yes, I am talking about the Three Years of Style attendees…otherwise known as the readers and supporters of Style Blog, The Backseat Stylers, and The Souls of My Shoes – the three little fashion blogs that could.

Kim, Sharon, Tara, and I greeted our guests with fun swag bags, filled to the brim with goodies like Ardell eyelashes, eLUXE discount cards, essence cosmetics make-up, FLARE Magazine‘s August 2012 issue, Goody Double Wear elastics, John Frieda hair products, Nella Bella handbag hooks, Roots iTunes playlist redemption codes, Tweezerman tweezers, and Vitamin Water Zero. Pretty awesome, if I may say so myself.

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Our guests came dressed to the nines, ready to face off for those coveted “Most Stylish” prizes. But even knowing the number of people that have RSVP’d for our little soiree ahead of time could not prepare us for the maelstorm of stylishness and beautimosity that ensued…even Thomspon Hotel’s rooftop management noted that they haven’t seen a group this stylish in a while! You all looked so good, that it was a really tough call to make. But after some deliberating, we chose our 4 most stylish.

Aya McMillan took home the grand prize consisting of a $250 gift card from eLUXE and a Nella Bella bag, while runners up Jessica Chiu, Liane Fong and Diego R each walked away with $100 from Danier Leather, Roots, and Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

Our last prize of the night – a coveted $550 LINE Knitwear leather jacket, generously gifted to us by designers John Muscat and Jennifer Wells, was a ballot draw, won by the luckiest girl in the world – Wendy Leung, who dashed other hopeful attendees’ dreams of winning that perfect fall piece.

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The rest of the night was a blur. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of bloggers friends to ring in another year of blogging with. Kim, Sharon, and Tara have been amazing blogger-buds and event wing-women to me over the years, and it felt awesome being able to celebrate our success together.

Additionally, seeing so many of you at our party, taking the time to support our blogs felt surreal, humbling, and just really incredible. I got to meet some of my lovely readers, hang out with bloggers and industry insiders that never fail to inspire me, and spend some time reflecting on the three amazing years, doing what I love, and sharing my passion with all of you. Whether you were at our party in person, or in spirit, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Thank you for making our blog birthday party fun and exciting, thank you for tuning in week after week, and thank you for supporting our blogs and our dreams! I hope to see you again next year!

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More photos after the jump!

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