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Style Guide to a Smooth Valentine’s Day

1 February, 2017 Nelia 1 Comment

It’s no secret that Valentine’s Day is one of my favourite days of the year. I live for the cutesy boxes of candy and chocolates, can never say no to a cheesy teddy bear or two, and want to buy (and wear) heart prints all day every day during the month of February. Regardless of whether I’m coupled up or blissfully single, Valentine’s Day has always been my jam. Needless to say, I don’t mess around when it comes to planning my Valentine’s Day outfit and activities. Below are some of my personal Valentine’s Day tips, in case you need a few ideas.

1. #ChooseToSmooth
While I don’t generally encourage people to go out bare-legged in February, Valentine’s Day is certainly an exception to the rule. Wintertime can be quite rough on skin in general, and while some people use this time to let their leg hair grow wild, I find that shaving my legs regularly helps keep my skin nice and smooth, especially when I use Gillette Venus Swirl razor and shave gel. Venus razors are specifically designed for women’s curves with 5 individually adjusting Contour blades, and give me a quick (but long-lasting) shave, while gently exfoliating the skin all at the same time. And even when I’m too lazy to use the shaving gel, the water-activated MoistureGlide serum provides enough glide for a smooth and comfortable shave. As a result, my legs look and feel great during those rough winter months whether I’m grinning and baring it for Valentine’s Day, doing Barre on weekends, or just lounging around the house with le bf.

2. Plan Ahead
If you plan to go out on Valentine’s Day, then making a reservation ahead of time is key. Most restaurants will have various Valentine’s Day specials, but if you take too long, your options may be quite limited. If you’d like to try something new, Lavelle (where these photos were taken) is one of the city’s most beautiful new restaurants, with super romantic views of the city and a Valentine’s Day menu to drool for. Pre-buy your tickets online, and enjoy a (stress-free) romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.

More after the jump!
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Highlights from the Best Buy Life & Wearable Tech Expo and Fashion Show

31 August, 2016 Nelia Leave a Comment

Sponsored Post
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the 2nd annual Best Buy Life & Wearable Tech Expo and Fashion Show held at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto. Alongside my blogger buds Casie Stewart, Gracie Carroll, and Jay Strut, I checked out the latest in wearable technology, and chatted with tech expert Tom Emrich and stylist Afiya Francisco about all things style and tech.

With the abundance of new products on the market, it can feel both intimidating and exhausting trying to figure out which products are worth trying, so I asked Tom to share his Top 5 wearable tech products and why he’s excited about them. Thinking that I was already on top of all the latest releases, I quickly realized that I was wrong, because I’ve never even heard of the first must-have on Tom’s list – the kate spade new york wearable tech. Soon to be released are the most adorable fitness trackers you’ve ever laid your eyes on. You actually won’t believe that these accessories aren’t just meant to look good. Other items that made Tom’s list are the upcoming Fossil smartwatches (style and substance), Muse Brain-Sensing Headband (to remind you to take some “me” time), Merge VR Goggles (because VR is the future of gaming and possibly many other forms of entertainment), and iON SnapCam (for documenting life’s moments without interruptions).

Another thing to keep in mind when considering wearable tech products is definitely the style element. Afiya’s rule of thumb is to make sure that the product must suit your personal style, otherwise you probably won’t get much use out of it. This rang especially true for me, as seeing this gorgeous Fitbit Alta Metal Band made me choose this specific Fitbit model over other fitness trackers on the market.

After the interviews, my friends and I sat down for the fashion show, seeing just how wearable so many of the tech accessories are today. Though I won’t be strolling the streets with VR goggles on my head any time soon, I love the elegance and simplicity of the many smartwatches and fitness bands available at Best Buy right now…and I’m certainly excited for what’s to come in the near future.

So tell me, do you own any wearable technology products? Why or why not? Share in the comments.

More photos after the jump!
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Holidays 2015: Gift Guide

17 November, 2015 Nelia 1 Comment

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!

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

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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Holidays 2014: Gift Guide

17 November, 2014 Nelia 7 Comments

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!

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Wishlist: Kate Spade Vita Riva Wicker Lemon Bag

20 June, 2014 Nelia 2 Comments

Kate-Spade-Wicker-Lemon-Shoulder-Bag

Ever since I laid eyes on this adorable wicker Kate Spade lemon bag, I’ve been dreaming of Sorrento and ginormous Sorrentine lemons. And now, fresh off my French Riviera vacation, I find myself yearning for Sorrento all the more. And while I probably can’t take another couple of weeks off right now, maybe having this bag on my shoulder will make pretending like I am on vacation just a little easier. Don’t you think?

And if like me, you love citrusy fashions, I picked out several other fruity bags to make your summer a little sweeter. Enjoy!

Shopping: Summer 2013 Essentials From Yorkdale!

18 June, 2013 Nelia Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but summertime is my favourite! I can finally pull out my brightest lipstick, wear white lacey dresses with wild abandon, don those short shorts, and stop worrying about having to bundle myself up in 20 million layers of clothes. Summertime is the best! So to celebrate the official start of summer, I asked my fave Yorkdale employees and fellow Style Council members for their summer essentials, which turned out really fun, and I think y’all should check it out! From the must-have denim jacket, to your next fave summer read, Yorkdale’s got you covered!

My essentials after the jump!

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Style Days of Christmas: Yorkdale $100 Gift Card Giveaway

23 November, 2012 Nelia

Style Days of Christmas Day 6 Yorkdale Gift Card Giveaway

It’s Day 6 of Style Days of Christmas Giveaways, and though I try not to play favourites, I have to say that today’s prize is pretty amazeballs! As you might know already, I am part of Yorkdale’s Style Council, and last week, I attended the shopping centre’s expansion grand opening. With amazing retailers like LOFT, Ann Taylor, Ted Baker, Kate Spade, Tesla, L’Occitane, Anthropologie, Club Monaco, Diesel and more…the newly-built wing is a sight to behold…and a shopping heaven for the fashion-obsessed.

club-monaco-yorkdale-toronto

At the grand opening, I got to visit the first ever LOFT store in Canada, where I freaked out over all the shiny baubles (perfect for the holidays), tried on some holiday frocks at Ann Taylor, dressed a mannequin at Diesel, freaked out over everything at Club Monaco’s first custom-built store in Canada (the details are incredible!), and had to be dragged kicking and screaming out of Kate Spade, because I wanted it all!

And now, I want you to have it all…or at least a $100 Yorkdale Gift Card to use at your favourite Yorkdale store! Sounds good? Enter below!

ann-taylor-yorkdale-toronto

Details after the jump!

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Shopping: 8 Stylish Reasons to Get Excited About Kate Spade in Toronto!

9 November, 2012 Nelia 1 Comment

In just a week’s time, kate spade will finally be opening its very first shop in Toronto (at Yorkdale!), and I can honestly say that I have been waiting for this moment for a veeery long time. So to celebrate the imminent arrival of the cutest store in the universe, I bring you 8 Stylish Reasons to Get Excited About kate spade in Toronto!

Head on over to Yorkdale Shopping Centre’s Blog to read the rest of this post!

What I Wore: Dots, Stripes, and Velvet

21 March, 2012 Nelia 12 Comments

h&m-dotted-pants

Here’s what I wore last weekend to Blogger Brunch at Hotel Le Germain in Toronto hosted by the lovely Marta of With Love Gabrielle, where I indulged in some yummy drinks and food, made new blogger friends, and had an amazing time.

After brunch, I changed my shoes, threw my leather jacket on the couch, and went for a lovely neighborhood walk with le bf, soaking up the sunshine like a sponge. And it was spectacular!

dots-stripes-velvet-marni

I Wore: Top, Pants, Clear Ring, Necklace – H&M; Bracelets – Danier, Forever21, Kate Spade; Bag – Prada; Velvet Shoes – Miu Miu; Sunglasses – Elizabeth and James (via Shopbop)

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

20 December, 2011 Nelia 1 Comment

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.