The Bay

What I Wore: Cute Winter Boots

30 January, 2018 Nelia

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Breaking news! I finally found affordable, waterproof winter boots that look cute! After spending the entirety of December and most of January slipping and sliding in my stylish boots (or having to wear my clunky winter boots when the weather got really bad), I was determined to find a pair of waterproof leather boots with a non-slip rubber sole and faux fur lining, with a modest heel and at least knee-high, so I could wear them with culottes…but they had to be cute and versatile and also inexpensive (because I tend to ruin shoes almost immediately). That was quite a wishlist to fulfill…I considered La Canadienne – a Canadian brand I love, but all of the styles I liked were just out of my budget, and so I had to keep looking…until I found another Canadian brand – Blondo!

Let me preface this by saying that this is absolutely not sponsored, I simply fell in love with Blondo’s stylish selection of waterproof boots, and once I received my boots in the mail, I was super impressed with the quality too. So far, I picked up two pairs – a pair of ankle booties and these over-the-knee suede boots. Both are super comfy, waterproof, insulated, and they make every one of my winter outfits so much better. No more ugly winter boots for me. I honestly have no idea why I’ve spent so many winters in non-waterproof boots with slippery soles, the winterized Blondo boots were just as affordable and just as cute!

What’s your winter footwear strategy? Do you prefer the clunky winter boots? Do you know another footwear brand that makes cute winter boots? Share in the comments!

I Wore: Coat – Sonia Rykiel (The Room); Boots – Blondo (Naturalizer); Sweater – H&M; Bag – CHANEL

Holidays 2017: Best Gifts From Our Favourite Stores

21 November, 2017 Nelia

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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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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Style Days of Christmas: HBC Collection Gift Pack

4 December, 2015 Nelia

I’m not gonna lie…I want to keep today’s prize so badly! I am a huge fan of Hudson’s Bay’s signature stripes, and this gift pack (valued at over $400*) has it all – chic cardigan, comfy sweatpants, cozy blanket, and a roomy tote that is big enough to hold a week’s worth of shopping. If you want it, you’ll have to wrestle me for it!

Speaking of holiday shopping, once again, a ton of my Christmas presents were purchased from Hudson’s Bay – from their impressive beauty selection at Beauty Underground, to the quirkiest finds over at Drake General, to everything else in-between, it’s my one-stop-shop for gifts for so many people on my list. It’s no wonder that so many items on this year’s Gift Guide are from Hudson’s Bay. So whether you win today’s prize or not, I encourage you to bookmark their site for those amazing One Day Sales, and stop by one of their stores, for the most wonderful selection of pretty much anything and everything.

Now back to the giveaway…I was just kidding, you don’t have to wrestle me for it…follow the instructions below instead!

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Mary Katrantzou x Adidas Originals 2015 Collection

25 July, 2015 Nelia

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If you’re a fan of Mary Katrantzou’s masterfully printed frocks, but can’t justify the hefty price tag, then Mary Katrantzou x adidas Originals collection is going to be right up your alley! This is the second ‘fashion meets athleisure’ collaboration between the two brands, and it’s amazing!

The first collection, while pretty cute, was too heavy-handed for my taste – giant shoe lace prints all over the place are not my idea of casual chic. But this collection is different – the athletic theme is still clearly present (tennis racquets, badminton shuttlecocks, baseballs, darts) but this time, executed in a more subtle way. There are dresses that look like they could easily belong in Katrantzou’s regular line-up, as well as more casual pieces perfect for those sporty fashion-lovers.

In Canada, select pieces from the collection can be found exclusively at Hudson’s Bay online or at The Room in Toronto and Vancouver. If you’re in another part of the world, Shopbop carries some styles, while most of the collection can be found on MaryKatrantzou.com.

I already ordered my fave pieces, and if you’re into any of the styles, I recommend snagging them ASAP…lots of sizes are already gone online. Good luck and happy shopping!

More after the jump!
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Styled by Nelia: Wear Canada for Canada Day

27 June, 2015 Nelia

Canada Day is around the corner and this year we wanted to showcase some of the wonderful Canadian brands available at Yorkdale. Some, like HBC Collection are iconic and can be found in many Canadian homes, while others like Erin Kleinberg and ela handbags are less mainstream, but nevertheless deserve your attention.

If you did a quick glance inside your wardrobe, how many Canadian brands would you find there? Adding just a few more Canadian pieces to your wardrobe every now and then would help support local brands and designers, while promoting Canadian fashion industry in general. So many designers have to leave the country in order to find popularity, and it’s really sad, because the talent is all here, we just need to help nourish it.

So next time you’re looking for a work outfit, skip your fave fast-fashion retailer and consider picking up a few well-made items from Judith & Charles or Pink Tartan (avail at Holt Renfrew). Instead of buying a “designer” purse, invest in a timeless bag by ela or Mackage (avail at Holt Renfrew and Mendocino). Buy a stunning Dean Davidson (avail at Holt Renfrew) or Jackson Rowe (avail at Mendocino) jewelry piece that you’ll keep forever, or a trendy Brave leather belt (available at Mendocino) that will go with all of your outfits.

Once you take a look around, it’s really easy to find cool Canadian brands, and Yorkdale carries so many – ALDO, Aritzia, Brave, Cougar, Danier, Dean Davidson, Dsquared2, Dynamite, ela handbags, Erin Kleinberg, HBC Collection, Honey, Jackson Rowe, Judith & Charles, Mackage, Pink Tartan, RW&Co, RUDSAK, Tristan, Wilfred, and so many more!

I’m not saying that you should avoid all non-Canadian brands, but with so many amazing local designers, adding a few more Canadian pieces to your wardrobe should be a breeze. And what better time to start than Canada Day?

Share your fave Canadian designers in the comments, and HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Photos and Video by Max Kopanygin

You Are Invited: Design Lab Launch Party at Hudson’s Bay Yorkdale

1 May, 2015 Nelia

I’ve written about the fun new Design Lab collection back in March, and now that it’s finally warm enough to wear floral rompers, lace dresses, and fringed slips, Hudson’s Bay wants to invite you all to check out the collection in person! On May 9, join some of Canada’s top fashion bloggers (and little old me) at Hudson’s Bay Yorkdale to celebrate warm weather, cute clothes, and Design Lab!

Come for a fun shopping afternoon with your girlfriends, and stay for the delicious candy bar, foil tattoos, YSL touch ups, and a braid hair bar! Who What Wear will be at the event, snapping pics of the most stylish attendees, and there will also be an amazing giveaway of a $1500 gift card to spend on your own Design Lab summer wardrobe. Sounds like fun? Come and hang out with us next Saturday!

DESIGN LAB LAUNCH EVENT
WHERE: Hudson’s Bay Yorkdale
WHEN: May 9, 2015 2-4pm
RSVP: HERE or HERE

Holidays 2014: Last-Minute Gifts That Don’t Suck

17 December, 2014 Nelia

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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: Blue Plaid Coat

19 November, 2014 Nelia

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If you live in Toronto, or anywhere else in the world where winters and cold days in general last forever, you really can’t own too many coats. Outerwear is the one thing that people will see on you day after day, and it helps having more than one to spice things up. Which is why I was overjoyed when The Bay generously sent me this blue plaid stunner from Planet to wear and to love this fall.

Obviously, I wore it to dinner the same night, feeling like this new coat injected new life into my simple outfit. And while it looks like it wouldn’t be warm enough for our blistery days, with a little creative layering (a wool sweater over a shirt dress), it does the job splendidly. I will definitely enjoy throwing this coat on, to change things up from my usual wintery parka and to add some colour to my outfits.

So tell me, how do you handle cold weather? Do you reach for your trusty puffer, or do you like to layer and wear a lightweight coat instead? Share in the comments.

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I Wore: Coat – c/o PLANET (The Bay); Shirt Dress – Gap; Hat, Tights – H&M; Boots – Saint Laurent (WINNERS); Bag – CHANEL

Holidays 2014: Gift Guide

17 November, 2014 Nelia

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)

Styled By Nelia: Mad for Plaid

3 October, 2014 Nelia

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Ever since 424 Fifth arrived at Hudson’s Bay, I’ve been obsessed. Ladylike silhouettes, high-quality finishes, and a touch of quirk – sign me up! Well, last month, I got to introduce Yorkdale’s latest lucky shopper Emily to the brand and show her three ways of wearing plaid this fall.

More after the jump!