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Holidays 2018: Gift Guide


Shopbop
I love Shopbop for many reasons, but the amazing selection of high and low must-haves is what keeps me coming back again and again. If you’re looking for perfect holiday gifts, there’s no better time to get your Shopbop on. You can get up to 75% off sale and up to 25% off full-price items until November 25th, using promo code MORE18. Think vintage CHANEL and Hermes pieces that never go on sale, toasty cashmere, silk pillowcases, chic PJs…there are stylish gifts for every budget and every wishlist! And don’t forget to treat yourself while you’re at it.


Holt Renfrew
Holiday sales at Holt Renfrew are pretty epic. Over the years, I’ve treated myself to some lovely designer finds at a fraction of the original price, and this year I hope to continue this tradition. But while holiday shopping for yourself can be super satisfying, Holt Renfrew makes it super easy to stock up on prezzies for everyone on your list, from fashion lovers to tiny tots. There are sweet Parisian indulgences (Angelina Chocolate, anyone?), luxurious beauty finds (Diptyque gift sets, limited-edition CHANEL perfume, oh my!), stylish offerings from Canadian brands like Smythe, and too many heart-stopping pairs of shoes to count. Holt Renfrew is truly a one-stop Canadian shop for those unforgettable magenta-wrapped gifts anyone would be thrilled to find under their tree.


Indigo
Whenever I’m shopping for hostess gifts, presents for the little ones, or some cute but useful stocking stuffers, Indigo is my go-to. My faves this year include Becoming by Michelle Obama, cozy reading socks, a chic mirror compact that doubles as a cell-phone charger, the latest Fitbit Charge 3 (it comes in rose gold!), Jenny Bird pins, and one of the hottest gifts this year – the gravity blanket (for those with anxiety issues or trouble sleeping). Lots of pre-Black Friday sales are happening at Indigo at the moment, so it’s a really great time to get your shop on and save some money on those holiday presents.


Shoppers Drug Mart
If you collect PC Optimum points, then holiday shopping at Shoppers Drug Mart is a no-brainer. You can buy some really great presents, while earning points to treat yourself later. At a recent holiday preview, I spotted some wonderful gift ideas like magnetic makeup brushes by Quo, a wide selection of designer fragrances, luxurious beauty advent calendars (like this huge one from Artdeco), sleek electric toothbrushes, and so much more! There are plenty of gifts for kids, tech geeks, makeup lovers, hosts and hostesses, husbands, boyfriends, the mailman…you name it. And best of all, a lot of these gifts are available online, and plenty of stores are open 24/7, letting you shop around the clock.

Shop after the jump!
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Holidays 2017: Best Gifts From Our Favourite Stores

If you still haven’t started your holiday gift shopping, don’t panic. Black Friday is the best time to get deals on everything from hostess gifts to treat-yo-self goodies. And since one of the biggest sale days of the year is quickly approaching, I wanted to share my fave gift ideas from my most-frequented shops. My number one Black Friday (and Boxing Day) strategy includes a bit of pre-planning, favouriting all of my must-haves in my internet browser, and then buying it all online once sales are in effect. So go ahead, check out the fun gift ideas below, save your faves for later, and don’t forget to get something awesome for yourself!

1. Shopbop

Shopbop Sale is already in effect, and you can get up to an additional 30% off sale and regular-priced items until Nov 26th with promo code MORE17. My fave things to buy from Shopbop are usually the things that never go on sale, like Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots, and vintage CHANEL bags, but it’s also a great time to stock up on essentials like pretty undies and luxurious pajamas.


2. Sephora

Sephora is obviously a great place to shop for beauty, but what sets it apart is its selection of fab limited-edition gift sets. If you have a true beauty obsessive on your shopping list, treat them to a chic Armani Palette or the dreamy Naked Vault Volume IV…there are so many cool gift sets to choose from! My personal fave thing to order from Sephora (for myself) are the Caudalie sets – such a good deal compared to buying each thing separately!

3. Hudson’s Bay

I am still kicking myself for missing out on one of the recent Bay Days sales on Dyson vacuums, but thankfully, more hot sales will keep coming in the next few weeks. This year, I’m picking up some beautiful L’Occitane gifts from Hudson’s Bay, HBC PJs, and holding out hope for deals on anything from SMEG!

4. Indigo

Indigo is literally my happy place – any time I need a pick-me-up, I head on over to a store near my house to find my next fave book. This year, I highly recommend Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman (the movie is a masterpiece but so is the book). There are also a ton of gifts for anyone and everyone on your shopping list – from Fuji Instax Smartphone Printer to glam Jenny Bird earrings.

5. Holt Renfrew

1. Diptyque Constellation Candles ($145) 2. Charlotte Tilbury Naughty & Nice Magic Box ($250) 3. Twilly d’Hermès Eau de Parfum ($147) 4. Tiffany & Co. Piggy Bank ($170) 5. Me To We Choker ($50) 6. CHANEL Brush Collection ($234) 7. Holt Renfrew 2017 Holiday Bear ($55) 8. Bastide Bath Oil ($65)

If you haven’t been to Holt Renfrew on Bloor St lately, I highly recommend a visit – there are so many special activations and pop-up shops to discover, you’ll have a blast while getting things checked off your shopping list. There’s the CHANEL Gifting Studio with awesome freebies and exclusive items; a Tiffany & Co. pop-up shop with the chicest gifts around; there’s the Bandier pop-up where you can find sporty gifts for your loved ones or a perfect workout outfit for yourself. Either way, you are guaranteed to find a luxurious prezzie or five for your nearest and dearest.

Happy Shopping, everyone!

More after the jump!
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Valentine’s Day 2017: Gift Guide


We are less than a month away from Valentine’s Day, and I honestly can’t wait! What’s not to love about a holiday that celebrates love and encourages people to eat copious amounts of chocolate? I am a sucker for heart-shaped and heart-printed clothing, accessories, and knick-knacks, so this year’s gift guide is for people just like me, so take note. If your partner’s idea of a perfect gift is not a heart-shaped neon light, then you should probably skip this post altogether…but otherwise, check out my fave Valentine’s Day-themed gifts from those beautiful and yummy Chocolates x Brandon Olsen to retro-adorable Love Is coin purse from Anya Hindmarch. 



What are you giving your partner this Valentine’s Day? Share in the comments!

What I Wore: Hawaiian Lu’au

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Feels a bit wrong sharing outfit posts from Hawaii while it’s snowing outside, but I’m thinking that a little escapism never hurt noone. I already wrote about our excellent hotel stay in Maui, and mentioned the fun that we had at the Drums of the Pacific Lu’au. Well, this is what I wore that night – a pleated Club Monaco dress roomy enough for all the food, yet pretty enough to go with the lovely orchid lei. I loved how it moved with each step…almost like a grass skirt during a hula dance. It’s definitely a new fave and I can’t wait to wear it again when it’s warm enough to pull it out of the closet. Is it June yet?

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what-to-wear-to-a-hawaiian-luau-7
More after the jump!
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Holidays 2015: Gift Guide

Christmas is just over a month away, which means you’ve got just enough time to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. For someone the perfect gift might mean a bespoke bag, while someone else might be dreaming about a cordless vacuum cleaner (seriously guys, Dyson V6 Animal has changed my life!). This year, I put together a shoppable gift guide, with my fave things like ceramic cat mugs from Etsy, adorable housewares from Indigo, philosophy holiday gift sets, and CHANEL everything. I hope it gives you some ideas and makes your holiday shopping a little easier. Happy Shopping!

Christmas-Gift-Guide-2015-Presents-For-Her
1. CHANEL Small Patent Calfskin Wallet
2. CHANEL Round Runway Sunglasses
3. Lanvin iPhone 6 Case
4. ela handbags M.I.L.C.K. Clutch with Chain
5. Apple Watch Hermès
6. Hugo Boss Bespoke Bag
7. Coach Glitter Passport Case
8. Jenny Bird Pearl Choker

Christmas-Gift-Guide-2015-Presents-For-Him
1. Drake General Store Holiday Happy Hour Gift Pack
2. The New York Times 36 Hours Guide: World
3. Triple C Backup Phone Charger
4. TOMS Sunglasses
5. Comme Des Garcons PLAY Converse High-Top Sneakers
6. Drake General Store Work Week Sock Pack
7. Kenzo Logo Sweatshirt

More gift ideas after the jump!
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Giveaway: Visa Checkout x Indigo Great Canadian Summer Collection

visa-checkout-indigo-great-canadian-summer
Sponsored Post

I shop online a lot – for heavy things like books, for items not available in stores, and on sites that offer free shipping and free returns. Everyday I visit my fave online stores and peruse the new arrivals. It’s easy, convenient, and pretty addictive. Yet when it comes time to paying for the items in my virtual shopping cart, I tend to get frustrated. If I’m shopping on my phone, typing in my credit card details becomes an ordeal, and when I am comfortably curled up with my laptop, somehow my credit card is always in another room of the house, forcing me to go on a mini treasure hunt, when all I want to do is remain on my couch. The struggle is real, y’all.

I’ve considered saving my credit card details on my most-visited shopping sites, but have never felt like it was safe enough to do so. And so, I carried on fumbling with my card each time, cursing under my breath, wishing for an easier solution. Well, my prayers have been answered! Introducing Visa Checkout!

Visa Checkout provides a single account sign-in that can be used on all devices, making online shopping even more convenient and enjoyable. All you have to do to take advantage of Visa Checkout is:

– Create a username and password
– Enter your payment and shipping info (one time only!)
– Look for the Visa Checkout button when shopping online, enter your username and password, and you won’t have to worry about inputting your payment/shipping info!

Visa Checkout is available at many Canadian online retailers, with lots more joining each month. You can see the full list here: http://checkout.visa.com/shopping

And in case you’re paranoid about credit card fraud like me, Visa Checkout gives shoppers a secure way to pay online with Visa’s advanced security tools and Zero Liability for consumers in case of fraud!

But that’s not all! Until May 31, Canadians who use Visa Checkout on Chapters.Indigo.ca will receive 20% off their purchase! Currently, I’m obsessed with everything on Indigo’s site – from the colourful and inspirational “Be Amazing” Pillow, to the Great Canadian Summer collection that includes this Stacking Drink Dispenser and party-ready Mason Jars, to this beautiful Annie Seaton art print. There are also great cookbooks that will help me be the coolest hostess this summer. And I can stock up on these summer must-haves at 20% off by simply using Visa Checkout.

GIVEAWAY!!!

I truly think that this is a quick, safe, and convenient way to shop online, and I’m giving away $100 Visa gift card to help one of you get ready for summer with Visa Checkout and Indigo! Sounds good? See the details of the giveaway below!

– Tweet at us sharing why you are excited to use Visa Checkout (eg: “Hey @styleblogca, I am excited to use @VisaCA #VisaCheckout @chaptersindigo because _____”)
– The giveaway will close on May 22nd at 11:59 EST
– Giveaway Open to Canadian Readers, 18 and older
– Winner will be selected at random

Good luck and happy shopping!
Visa Checkout

Holidays 2014: Gift Guide

For some reason, this year, I am woefully unprepared for winter’s arrival, but since it’s practically end of November and there’s snow on the ground, I guess it’s time to snap out of my denial and start shopping. Full disclosure: I have yet to buy any presents, but I do have some ideas as to what I’ll be picking up for my loved ones this holiday season. And just in case you’re in the same boat, I thought I’d share some of my fave holiday gift ideas with you.

I glimpsed most of these back in July, during the annual holiday previews, and I have to say that this year in particular, those previews came in super handy. I got to learn about the existence of cool adult onesies, played with the Big Love Ball, and tried on the gorgeous Thomas Sabo infinity ring; I self-medicated with the all-natural Saje Pocket Pharmacy, and sipped on Inniskillin sparkling icewine. In short, I got to preview and test out a lot of the picks below, and I hope that this gift guide gives you some ideas for your holiday shopping this season. If you’re looking for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and presents for him, her, and the kids, then this is a great place to start! Happy Shopping!

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1. Bombki Russian Christmas Ornaments (Net-A-Porter)
2. FLOWER Beauty Powder Brush (Wal-Mart)
3. TOMS for Target Candle (Target)
4. Falconwright Coin Purse (Falconwright)
5. Drake General Store Mountie Thermos (The Bay)
6. kate spade new york iPhone 5 Lucky Cat Case (Holt Renfrew)
7. Saje Pocket Pharmacy (Saje)
8. Big Love Ball 
9. Gap Calf Hair Tech Gloves (Gap)

gift-guide-christmas-presents-for-her

1. The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Doll (The Body Shop)
2. Shupette My Precious Glitter Set (Holt Renfrew)
3. Tiffany T Square Bracelet (Tiffany and Co)
4. Jenny Bird RiRi Collar Tri-tone (Jenny Bird)
5. Balenciaga Florabotanica Rollerball (Sephora)
6. Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham (Indigo)
7. CHANEL Patchwork Shearling Bag (CHANEL)
8. ALDO FAHLSTROM Boots (ALDO)
9. Moschino iPhone 5 Case (Net-A-Porter)
10. Thomas Sabo Glam & Soul Ring (Thomas Sabo)
11. NARS Modern Future Roman Holiday Gift Set (Holt Renfrew)

gift-guide-christmas-presents-for-him

1. H&M Oh Deer! Sweater (H&M)
2. ALDO Wallie Shoes (ALDO)
3. Yo Sox Burger King Socks (The Bay)
4. KRUPS Barista Espresso/Coffee Machine (The Bay)
5. Samsung Gear 2 Smart Watch (Best Buy)
6. Grey Goose VX (LCBO)
7. Jack Black Cobalt Brush (Holt Renfrew)
8. Drake General Store Arborist Mountie Adult Onesie (The Bay)

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1. Indigo Expressions Pillow (Indigo)
2. Oster French Bull Toaster (Target)
3. Louis Vuitton Fashion Photography (Indigo)
4. Holiday Ribbon Dessert Plates (Indigo)
5. Inniskillin Vidal Sparkling Icewine (LCBO)
6. Byredo Parfums Loose Lips Candle (Holt Renfrew)
7. Nadege Pastries (Nadege)
8. David’s Tea for the Tree (David’s Tea)
9. HBC Collection Cuppa Teapot (The Bay)

 

gift-guide-christmas-presents-for-the-kids

1. HBC’s Priscilla the Fox (The Bay)
2. Melissa and Doug Felt Food Taco and Burrito Set (SHOP.CA)
3. Tuck Shop Neighbourhood Toques (Mini Mioche)
4. Sugarbooger Doll Teether Set (Mini Mioche)
5. H&M Sweatshirt with Print (H&M)
6. GummyGoods Nightlight (Mini Mioche)
7. Ele and Ela Bib (Etsy)
8. Seedling DIY Snow Globe Kit (Indigo)
9. Uncle Goose Russian ABC Blocks (Uncle Goose)

Mother’s Day: Gift Guide 2014

mothers-day-gift-guide-2014

Though it certainly doesn’t feel like it, May is here, and with it – Mother’s Day! If you still haven’t figured out what to buy for your mom, as usual, we have some ideas to help you in your search. From a personalized leather tote, to a fancy perfume, to a bottle of delicious bubbly, to a pair of comfy pajamas, there’s something for every mom (and every budget) on our list.

What will you be picking up for your mom this year? Share in the comments!

1. Monogram Travel Mug – Indigo
2. Atlas Bangle – Tiffany and Co
3. Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Gear – Best Buy
4. DOLCE & GABBANA Dolce Eau de Parfum – The Bay
5. Nespresso VertuoLine – The Bay
6. Personalized Leather Tote – Cuyana
7. Les 4 Ombres – CHANEL
8. Listen to the Squawking Chicken by Elaine Lui – Indigo
9. Pajamas – Joe Fresh
10. Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne – LCBO
11. D/N Bag – ela handbags
12. Orchid Statement Necklace – Banana Republic
13. Embroidered Floral Topper – Ann Taylor
14. Canapile Heels – ALDO
15. YSL Volupte Sheer Candy Lip Balm – Sephora

More after the jump!

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Holidays 2012: Canadian Fashion Insiders’ Gift Guide Part Two

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Welcome to part two of our Canadian Fashion Insiders’ Gift Guide! If you are still on the hunt for that perfect gift this holiday season, make sure to check out our experts’ picks for some fun and fresh gift ideas. Whether you are looking for something stylish, practical, or simply adorable, we’ve got you covered!

1. Grace Lee, Lead Makeup Artist, Maybelline

Having watched Grace do her magic backstage at Toronto Fashion Week for two seasons now, I am still in awe of her makeup skills and her personal style. If you are shopping for Grace this holiday season, her wishlist includes the Grace Coddington Memoir, an iPad mini, and a custom-made closet from California Closets (me too, pretty please!).

For Christmas this year, Grace will be giving some practical presents like Starbucks gift cards, and Baby Lips lip balms from Maybelline (I’ve seen Grace also use them on cheeks!). Additionally, she will be picking up some adorable rings from ByBoe (how cute is that bow ring?!) for her friends and family.

As for her favourite places to shop for Christmas gits, Grace shares that she can never go wrong with Holt Renfrew, Williams Sonoma, and La Di Da Boutique. When asked what gets her into the holiday spirit, for Grace “it’s all about the kiddies. Once the tree, lights and decorations are up, I always feel festive.”

Canadian-Fashion-Insiders-Gift-Guide-Holidays-2012-Talia-Brown

2. Talia Brown, Stylist

“Growing up in the North, Holiday spirt was sprung with the dusting of the snow, the smell of the fire and the taste of good old fashioned cocoa. Here in Toronto you, can feel and see the joy in the streets, the eye candy of the window displays and of course the music that just becomes part of the movement. The hustle and bustle,the busyness of the shoppers, all in good spirit, of course.”

When I first met Talia, I was smitten with her sweet and bubbly personality, and her talent for styling. This holiday season, Talia is wishing for a perfect pair of rag & bone ankle booties, a Chibi Lady purse by ela in rose gold, and a gorgeous lace dress from LOVER. Ever the stylist, the three pieces go really well together and make for an amazing holiday outfit. Here’s hoping she gets it all!

On Talia’s shopping list this season are adorable (and yummy) gifts that she’ll be sharing with her loved ones, like the Peppermint Bark from Williams-Sonoma, the limited edition Missoni x Holt Renfrew stuffed animals (they are the cutest!), and luxurious lipstick from YSL, perfectly matched to her girlfriends’ personalities.

Talia will be doing some holiday shopping at MoRoCo Chocolat, The Cashmere Shop, and Bicyclette this holiday season.

More after the jump!

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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)

WHAT I WORE

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