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Holidays 2011: Last Minute Gifts from The Bay

Back in July, I attended The Bay’s Holiday 2011 Preview, showcasing amazing gift ideas for the holidays. Now that the holiday season is actually upon us…and Christmas is but 6 days away, I thought I’d share some last-minute gifts that you can easily pick up at The Bay store near you. From colorful Toy Watches, to Lucia mini soaps, to Polaroid cameras, to all things HBC Signature (coats, doggy sweaters, snowman kits, travel pillows…), you can find a gift for anyone and everyone! Seriously, these beat any gift that you can find at the gas station on Christmas morning. Hands. Down.

As for me…I think I might actually be done! Started a bit late this year, but nevertheless, have managed to pick up prezzies for everyone on my list. Feels good to be done. And if you’re still searching, shopping, and trying not to lose any remaining bits of holiday cheer (and sanity) – I wish you short line-ups, huge discounts, and bundles of patience. You’ll need it.

For more gift ideas, check out our Gift Guides!

More photos after the jump!

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Holidays 2011: Gift Guide for Him

This year, le boyfriend and I have decided to limit our gift-giving to one present each. So whatever I end up getting him really has to count! Unlike me, he doesn’t get very excited over presents (crazy, I know), so practical is the way to go for him.

Now, I am not saying a $3K coffee machine is necessarily practical, but if you can afford it, this Saeco Xelsis Digital ID SLX 8870 MS is a Lamborghini of coffee makers, complete with fingerprint technology. And it makes the best cappuccinos ever! Perhaps I should’ve put it on my wishlist instead.

What’s on your man’s wishlist this year? Share in the comments.

1. Saeco Coffee Machine ($3,200)

2. Gucci Formal Lace-Up ($640)

3. HBC Collection Burton Snowboard ($795)

4. Official 2012 Team Canada Olympic Apparel (from $15)

5. Beer of the Month Club Membership (from $29.99 per month)

Holidays 2011: Gift Guide for Her

What’s the new black, you ask? Well, BLING, of course! This Holiday Season, surprise that special woman in your life, by showering her with gifts that are luxurious and over the top. But over the top doesn’t have to mean super expensive! From the RACHEL Rachel Roy Owl Ring to the gorgeous Marc by Marc Jacobs Glitter Mouse Flats, there’s a gift for every budget.

What’s your fave?

1. Python-print Blouse – Joe Fresh ($29)

2. Glitter Owl Ring – RACHEL Rachel Roy at The Bay ($48)

3. Star Bracelet – Dolce and Gabbana at Net-A-Porter ($755)

4. Glitter Belt – Miu Miu at Net-A-Porter ($275)

5. Panther Clutch – Marc by Marc Jacobs Panther Clutch at Saks ($328)

6. Glitter Mouse Flats – Marc by Marc Jacobs at Holt Renfrew ($240)

7. Gold Sequin Shorts – Joe Fresh ($69)

8. Lip Ring – RACHEL Rachel Roy at The Bay ($38)

Holidays 2011: All That Glitters

All that glitters is certainly not gold. But who needs real gold when you have these beauties to covet?! Thanks to the impending holiday season, this month I am all about glitter, gold, and glam. Not that you could ever tell from my day-to-day clothing, but a girl can always dream.

What are you dreaming of this holiday season?

1. Wooden Tic Tac Toe ($29.50) – Get it at Indigo

2. House of Harlow 1960 Star Earrings ($45) – Get it at SeCe Apparel or Holt Renfrew

3. Lulu Guinness Lip Clutch ($435) – Get it at Lulu Guinness

4. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish ($20) – Get it at Donato Salon and Spa

5. Miu Miu Glitter Pumps ($650) – Get it at Net-A-Porter

6. Aurelie Bidermann Star Necklace ($398) – Get it at My Theresa

7. Charlotte Olympia Cat Flats ($660) – Get it at The Room (The Bay)

Gap Holiday 2011 Collection Preview

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.

Giveaway: My Mom, Style Icon

When this book landed in my mailbox, I couldn’t put it down. Looking through some old-school photos of other people’s stylish moms, reading their stories, made me go right back to my own family photo album. My mom has a few photos that I really love to look at…especially from the 80’s, with her short black hair, high-waisted jeans, and cool sweaters – in those snapshots, she is the epitome of 80’s style – young, cool and not at all mommy-like. Makes me wish I had more photos of her from those days.

“Moms are people, too…fashionable people! Before we came along to yank on their skirts, they showed leg, sported killer bangs, and flaunted bikinis. Some even wore feathers and halter tops and drove around on motorcycles. Was their style shocking? Yes. Covetable? Absolutely. Based on Piper Weiss’s hugely popular blog of the same name, this book features 200 color photographs from decades past of moms showing us how it’s done. A perfect gift for mothers, daughters, and style mavens, My Mom, Style Icon is an entertaining celebration of the very first—and most important—style icon in a young woman’s life.”

If you’d like to win a copy of this book (right in time for Mother’s Day), here’s what you need to do:

1. Leave a comment, telling me what you love about your mom’s style

2. For extra entries, RT the following “@styleblogca I’d love to win a copy of “My Mom, Style Icon” #mymomstyleicon! https://styleblog.ca/?p=9746”

3. You don’t have to be a follower, but it’s always appreciated

4. This giveaway is open to everyone!

5. C’est tout

This giveaway closes on Sunday, May 1st at 11:59pm (EST). Good luck! And the winner is…drumroll…textstyles! Congrats, and thanks for entering! Please email me your address, and we’ll ship you the book! Another contest is coming very soon, so stay tuned.

Valentine’s Day: Gift Guide For Her

Valentine’s Day is less than 2 weeks away, and I am still stuck on le boyfriend’s gift! What to get for a man that has (seemingly) everything? Well, that’s my problem to solve (unless you have some helpful advice). And though I won’t likely be doing a men’s gift guide this year, here are a few gift ideas for the guys that might also be struggling with what to buy for their beloved (obsessed with that word).

I am always happy to get a perfume for any occasion, and if you know your girlfriend well-enough, a sexy fragrance might just be what the doctor ordered! My current faves are below.

1. Coach Poppy Perfume ($60)
Recently launched, Poppy is simply lovely, with notes of jasmine, gardenia, cucumber, and rose petals. I got a chance to try it for myself, and I must admit that I really liked it! It’s light and fresh…and simply amazing!
2. Calvin Klein BEAUTY Perfume ($89-$115)
I’ve said so much about BEAUTY already. Read all about it here to decide whether your girlfriend might love it, or check out a tester at the mall.
3. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb ($105-$185)
This is the one I use right now. The fragrance is sweet and feminine, the bottle is all glitter and glamour – the best of both worlds!

If perfume is not your (or your girl’s) thing, a few other gifts might sweeten her day.

4. Danier Red Clutch/Wallet ($39 on sale)
Perfect for a romantic dinner out, this leather clutch will hold all of her essentials and spice up her outfit.
5. Louis Vuitton Heart Coin Purse ($455)
Penny-pinching has never been so stylish! Also comes in a showstopping leopard print!
6. Banana Republic Bracelet ($50)
Don’t buy her earrings or a cocktail ring for Valentine’s Day, lest she confuse the small box with an engagement ring! That one might create some awkwardness. Get her a bracelet or a necklace instead. Banana Republic has a really lovely selection (at amazing prices).
7. Locher’s Necklace ($53-$71)
Speaking of necklaces, I’ve been a Locher’s fan for years! The designs are cute and sassy. And if your girl has a sense of humour, I guarantee that she will love it!
8. Heart-shaped Macarons ($4 each)
They are macarons, shaped as hearts. Go get ’em NOW at my fave MoRoCo Chocolat.
9. Your Love (priceless)
If all else fails, a simple I LOVE YOU should do. Adding “just the way you are” at the end will earn you some brownie points. It is a day to celebrate your love, after all…not some materialistic holiday, masterminded by Hallmark to bilk you out of millions of dollars!!!
10. A Card 
Even though I said that thing about Hallmark, most of us (ladies) would still like a card. So make sure to get her one (Papyrus  cards are amazing)! The one I got for le boyfriend this year kicks ass!

So this little post might or might not have been helpful in your search for a perfect Valentine’s Day gift. If it wasn’t very helpful, I am sorry…email me for more genius ideas. Happy Shopping!

From Santa With Love

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?

Wishlist: Dior Rings

“I want Lanvin, not diamonds” – said the pouty-mouthed Natasha Poly in the Lanvin for H&M promo video. Well, now that I do have Lanvin (for H&M), I also want the diamonds. Ok, not the really flashy diamonds – I’m no golddiger – but the super cute ones, adorning these lovely Dior rings. How cute are they??? I know this isn’t news, as these rings have been around for quite some time now, but for some reason I am really loving them right now. Oui Oui, Mon Chéri!

Photo Credits: Dior

Holidays 2010: Cool Guy Gift Ideas

For some awful reason, gift-buying for le boyfriend is particularly difficult this year. I don’t know if it’s due to the lack of paying attention on my part, or due to his lack of wanting things. I’m guessing it’s the former.

If you’re unsure, uninspired, and completely don’t know what to get your special someone this Christmas, check out a few gifts I’ve given in the past, and would consider giving in the future. Once again, prices range from $29.95 to $450, to fit various budgets.

Oh, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for here, check out Holidays 2009, and Valentine’s Day gift guydes. Any other suggestions? Please feel free to let me know in the comments…I am still not done shopping!

1. Old Navy Fair Isle Cardigan $54.50 (Old Navy)

2. Marc Jacobs BANG $69 (The Bay)

3. Burton Snowboard from $450 (Burton)

4. Nokia N8 Cell Phone $79.99 with 3-year plan (Rogers)

5. Danier Weekender Bag $199 (Danier)

6. Philips SensoTouch 3D Shaver $139-$329 (The Bay)

7. Converse Jimi Hendrix Sneakers $120 (Converse)

8. Lanvin for H&M Bow Tie $29.95 (H&M)

9. Macallan 12 Year-Old Scotch $89.95 (LCBO)

10. Cookies (baked with love…works every year)

WHAT I WORE

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