Holidays 2011

Holidays 2011: Beauty Essentials

29 December, 2011 Nelia

Some of my fave beauty products that will keep anyone cheerful and beautiful this holiday season…from head to toe!

1. Greg May Peppermint Cream Conditioner ($21.99)

Every time I use this product, I feel a happy jolt of energy that only the smell of fresh peppermint could provide…Its decidedly Christmassy scent makes me want to smell my own hair all day long (it’s not weird, I swear!), while the botanical extracts and proteins moisturize, condition and add body to my hair, leaving it soft and shiny. This one’s a keeper, ladies and gents!

2. Topshop Metallic Nail Polish ($11)

It’s pretty much a given nowadays that New Year’s eve requires the highest wattage of sparkle and shine. And with a plentiful selection of glam and glittery polish over at Topshop, you are sure to walk away beaming! Your fingers and toes have never looked so pretty!

3. Nip + Fab Eye Fix ($20)

Long nights of partying, lack of sleep, and a little too much eggnog can result in some nasty under-eye issues. Nip those circles in the bud by using this fab duo of eye cream and concealer. Works like a charm!

4. Mary Kay Really Red Lipstick ($16.50)

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been in dire need of a good red lipstick, so when I got this Really Red one from Mary Kay, I jumped for joy! The color is simply perfect, the texture is creamy, and it actually stays put. Will surely come in handy for that New Year’s Eve kiss.

5. Benefit Cosmetics Dallas Powder ($28)

Here in Ontario, the sun don’t shine from September to…well…June. So what’s a girl to do to keep herself from overdosing on self-tanner? Go to Dallas! Ok, not literally. But seriously, Benefit’s Dallas Powder is a personal favorite and an instant glowifier (yes, I made that one up). Shimmery and light, it won’t make your face look cakey and overdone…unless that’s the look you’re going for, in which case all you have to do is layer it until you achieve the desired…errr…result. See? Easy, peasy, beautiful!

What are you fave holiday beauty products and tips? Share them in the comments.

Happy Holidays from Michael Fassbender and I!

27 December, 2011 Nelia

Seems like Elf Yourself has become a holiday tradition here at Style Blog…and this year, I’ve decided to wish you the merriest and the happiest of holidays with a little help from my latest crush – Michael Fassbender. This holiday season, I’ll be catching up on all things Fassy, starting with Jane Eyre…and since making this Elf video was so much fun, I might just make a few more.

Make sure to watch Michael Fassbender in a role of a lifetime below! And hope your holidays are full of silliness and fun!

Holidays 2011: Disco New Year

27 December, 2011 Nelia

So I’ve (barely) survived Christmas. After 5 days in bed (and on the couch) with a terrible cold/flu thing, watching my new Ally McBeal DVDs, I am still congested, and dizzy from the meds, but fingers crossed, I’ll be alright for New Years. This year I’ll be attending a 70’s themed New Year’s Eve bash, and this is what I would like to wear. A little bit of sparkle mixed in with a little bit of velvet will hopefully make for a comfy, yet fun combo. Here’s hoping I don’t catch another killer cold.

Are you going out to celebrate New Year’s Eve? What will you be wearing? Share in the comments.

1. Ball Clutch – Zara

2. Star Bangle – Tamara’s

3. Lightning Bolt Brooch – ASOS

4. Disco Ball Earrings – Topshop

5. Glitter Platforms – Aldo

6. Velvet Dress – Topshop

Wishlist: YSL Ycons Collection

22 December, 2011 Nelia

How freaking awesome is the new YSL Ycons collection? From the enamel cuff and rings, to the oh-so-lovely charm necklace…I literally want every single piece! YSL Ycons ($295-$695) are a perfect blend of whimsy, style…and everything I love: hearts, stars, “love” charms, and YSL – it’s like it was made just for me…

So if you feel compelled to buy me a Christmas gift this year, you know what I want (what I really, really want)! YSL YCONS with a pretty bow on top! Please, and thank you.

Photo Credits: NET-A-PORTER

What I Wore: Lucky, Lucky, You’re So Lucky

20 December, 2011 Nelia

Last month, I received this super adorbs tee from Lucky 7 – and immediately wished it was Valentine’s Day…because seriously how appropriate would it be?! Well, Valentine’s Day or not, I ended up wearing it to dinner with le boyfriend at home, because sometimes it’s nice to wear something other than grandma pjs to dinner. And sometimes it’s even nicer to wear a sequined heart on your chest, simply ’cause it’s cute, and you love your man…until SIKE – he finds out that the tee actually says LOVE STINKS (it’s a perfume bottle, get it?)! I don’t think I’ll ever be too old for ironic t-shirts…especially as cute as this one.

Also, see if you can spot the new letter ornaments I picked up at Anthropologie for our first Christmas tree together. They were handmade in Haiti, with each ornament sold, supporting local artisans, as well as local economy. These would make lovely stocking stuffers, if you’re still looking for one or two.

I Wore: Tee – c/o Lucky 7; Skirt – c/o Banana Republic; Necklace – Forever21; Shoes – D&G; Bracelet – Kate Spade

Holidays 2011: Last Minute Gifts from The Bay

19 December, 2011 Nelia

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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What I Wore: Tweed and Snakeskin

16 December, 2011 Nelia

Finally got to take a photo of my new obsession – no, not the Joe Fresh snakeskin shirt (even though I do looove it). My new obsession is this simple, classic, and (me thinks) flattering tweed skirt from JACOB. It fits like a dream, looks great at the office, but doesn’t make me feel like I should be picking up my kids from soccer practice. You know what I mean? It’s still youthful, and work-appropriate…and I oh-so-love it!

Speaking of JACOB! In case you didn’t know, the store is having a Christmas Stocking Promotion! There are $290,000 in instant prizes (stuff like a wardrobe full of JACOB clothes, valued at $10,000!) to be won at check-out at any store – all you have to do is print out a Christmas stocking from their site.

And if that wasn’t enough of an incentive, for each stocking brought in store, JACOB will donate $1 to Goodwill and Renaissance, non-profit organizations whose mission is to facilitate the social and occupational reintegration of women experiencing difficulties. For an additional chance to win a $10,000 wardrobe, all you have to do is share it with some friends. Sharing is caring, right? You can enter here: http://surprisesjacob.ca. And if you end up winning, don’t forget to share the love!

I Wore: Shirt – Joe Fresh; Skirt – Jacob; Necklace – Forever21; Leggings – Target; Boots – Proenza Schouler (The Room); Bag – Prada

Battle of the Sales!

1 December, 2011 Nelia

Two major MAJOR sales start this week: one at The Room at The Bay on December 3rd, and the other at Holt Renfrew tomorrow! Both promise up to 40% off luxury goods, aka some pretty spectacular deals on Fall 2011 merchandise.

I don’t know about you, but come Saturday, I’ll be rummaging through The Room’s shoe rack, while looking for a perfect gift for le boyfriend at Holts. I still haven’t made a dent in my Christmas shopping…so now is the perfect time to start. See you there?

Style Days of Christmas: Misikko Giveaway

28 November, 2011 Nelia

I can’t believe it’s Day 12 of Style Days of Christmas Giveaways already! It went by in a flash, and I really hope that the winners enjoyed their prizes, and everyone else got a few holiday gift ideas in the process.

Our final giveaway is here, and it would make for an amazing Christmas present! Up for grabs is one Hana Professional Flat Iron (est value $205), courtesy of Misikko! If you were looking for a new professional-grade flat iron, you’re in luck, because Misikko carries some of the best flat irons in the industry…ones that make hair soft, shiny, manageable, and pin-straight (if you are so inclined)!

Earlier this year, I got to test out Hana Elite flat iron, and I really loved the results. You can read all about my experience here. In the meantime, don’t forget to enter our giveaway below!

Enter after the jump!

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Holidays 2011: Gift Guide for Him

27 November, 2011 Nelia

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)