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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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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)

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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)

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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)

 

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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

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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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Breakfast at Tiffany’s New Yorkville Boutique!

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After 24 years on the south side of Bloor Street, Tiffany & Co. relocated to 150 Bloor St West to a larger and brighter new store. With high ceilings, gorgeous light fixtures, tons of light streaming through doorways and windows, and many intricate Tiffany-blue accents throughout the store, the new Tiffany & Co. Yorkville boutique is a gem.

Last week, I stopped by to have another surreal (but oh-so exciting!) breakfast at Tiffany’s, and as someone who’s already married, I must admit, I was a tad jealous. The engagement salon at the new store is so charming and inviting, it made me want to get engaged all over again. So many beautiful rings to choose from…it seems a little unfair to have to choose just one, non?

After lots of oohing and aahing, pawing at the new Atlas Collection, and the drool-worthy Fall 2013 handbag collection, I had to rush to the office, back to reality, but it didn’t matter – my week has already been made.

Next time you’re on Bloor Street, you really must stop by and check out the new store. Once you spot the bright Tiffany-blue facade, and a stack of iconic blue boxes, you’ll know that you’re in the right place…and trust me, you won’t want to leave!

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More after the jump!

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The Great Gatsby Collection by Tiffany and Co

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Last week I got to finally watch The Great Gatsby, courtesy of Tiffany & Co., and I’ve got to say that I was dazzled. We’ve all read the story, but I truly loved Baz Luhrmann’s (director or Moulin Rouge and Romeo and Juliet) interpretation. Glitzy, loud, and visually stunning, this is definitely one summer movie you shouldn’t miss!

But the main reason I loved this movie as much as I did (other than the chemistry between Carey Mulligan and Leo DiCaprio) were the jaw-dropping costumes and jewelry! Tiffany & Co. created stunning The Great Gatsby and Ziegfeld collections for the film, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a collab executed more beautifully. From Gatsby’s “Daisy” ring, to Daisy’s over the top party accessories (I mean…that bracelet!!!), to Jordan Baker’s flirty earrings, to Tom’s gift of tassel pearls…each and every Tiffany’s piece felt like it belonged in the movie…on those characters…and in my jewelry box. “The jewelry symbolizes the story’s themes of wealth and privilege, and we approached its design with the utmost style and luxury in mind,” said Jon King, executive vice president of Tiffany & Co.

As we left the movie theatre, the shiny pearls and diamonds continued to sparkle in my mind, as did Mulligan’s stellar performance. If you still haven’t seen the film, I highly recommend it…if not for the story, then for the eye-candy. And after the movie, you can walk over to your closest Tiffany store and see the collection in person. Now that’s great!

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More after the jump!

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Valentine’s Day: Gift Guide 2013

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Valentine’s Day is almost here, and if you’ve known me long enough, you know that I’ve been enjoying all that leads up to the actual day – all of the heart-shaped candy, stupid/cute stuffed toys, and everything red and pink. But surprisingly, I still haven’t gotten a present for le bf just yet. It’s so unlike me to procrastinate on things like that, but now that we’re married, and house-hunting, Valentine’s Day gift shopping has taken a bit of a back seat.

Having said that, being a Valentine’s Day-obsessed freak that I am, I still felt that it was important to share my favourite gift picks with you. Either to inspire your loved ones to get you that something pretty, or to inspire you to spoil yourselves. Who says that you need to have a lover to enjoy Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas after the jump!

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Rewind 2012: A Year in Photos

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I have to admit, so far 2013 is kicking my butt. I caught a cold on January 1st, found fraudulent activity on my debit card, and have had pretty bad migraines all week. Hopefully, from here, the only way is up.

But don’t you worry about me! 2012 was pretty sweet, so instead of focusing on the negative, I’ll just look back on some awesome moments from last year, and hope that things turn around soon.

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1. The best thing that ever happened to me in 2012. Sorry if it sounds cheesy, but spending time with our friends and family in Italy, and then marrying the love of my life was a dream come true. Truly. Seeing our wedding featured in the pages of Wedding Bells was a cherry on top.

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2. In February, I participated in a fun photoshoot with fellow bloggers Gracie and Elizabeth for Holt Renfrew’s blog Holts Muse. Shot by the talented photographer Adam Moco, this was a fun project to be a part of, and definitely started my year off right.

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3. Had I ever dreamt that one day I’d have a byline in FLARE MAGAZINE?! Nope. But that’s exactly what happened in 2012. Granted, it was for Flare’s website, but I was simply thrilled to write my 9 Unique Ideas for Wedding Day Style story in April. Flare also showed Style Blog some love in their Flare Magazine’s Wear Canada, Blogger Style: Spring Shoes, Back to Work, and Street Style round-ups! What a year!

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4. Canadian retailer JACOB asked a few Toronto bloggers to help them create a Live Chic City Guide to Toronto, and I was super excited to be a part of it! Featuring bloggers’ favourite Toronto hot spots, this guide is an awesome way to explore the city and visit some of its lesser known attractions.

Check out more highlights after the jump!

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Happy 175th Anniversary, Tiffany & Co.!

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Last month, something pretty epic happened. Tiffany & Co. invited yours truly, along with 3 of my blogger besties to experience the magic of Tiffany during the holiday season. Rocking our LBDs, we got to try on and play with anything our hearts desired during our after-hour private soiree, and boy, did we ever indulge!

As someone who’s always been obsessed with Breakfast at Tiffany’s, this unique experience was certainly one for the history books. The girls and I tried on everything in sight, from canary yellow diamonds (my fave), to Elsa Peretti bone cuffs (stunning!), to diamonds by the yard (!!!). I felt like a kid at a candy store, only way luckier!

Accompanied by the lovely Andrea Hopson, Vice-President of Tiffany & Co. Canada, the girls and I munched on Tiffany-blue petit fours, and sipped champagne in honour of the company’s 175th year anniversary…all the while pinching ourselves.

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Needless to say, after the whirlwind shopping spree, the girls and I had to add more than a few Tiffany & Co. pieces to our Christmas wish lists. Here’s hoping that Santa will deliver (pineapple salt and pepper shakers for me, please!).

As for all of those guys out there, if you still haven’t gotten a gift for that special woman in your life…and let’s face it, most men leave to the very end…you can never go wrong with something (anything!) from Tiffany & Co.! Seriously, just seeing that blue box with a perfectly tied ribbon puts a huge grin on anyone’s face. It’s no wonder the company has been around for almost two centuries!

Do you wish for something from Tiffany & Co. this holiday season? Which pieces are your favourite? Share in the comments!

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More photos after the jump!

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Holidays 2012: Canadian Fashion Insiders’ Gift Guide Part One

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The holidays are almost here, and if like me you still haven’t started your holiday shopping, don’t worry and get happy, because this year, I asked some of my favourite Canadian Fashion Insiders to share their stylish holiday wishlists and gift ideas with us. What will a designer, a model, a photographer, a make-up artist, a stylist, an editor, a blogger, and a PR maven be getting and giving this holiday season? Read on to find out!

1. Ela Kowalewska, Designer, ela Handbags

One of my favourite Canadian accessories designers, Ela is without a doubt one stylish lady. This holiday season, on her wishlist is a gorgeous Cartier Juste un Clou ring (yes, please!), Margiela’s Untitled perfume, and a weekend stay to relax and play at Langdon Hall. As for her Give list…all I can say is her loved ones are pretty lucky, because this season she’ll be giving some pretty sweet presents. On Ela’s shopping list is the editor’s pouch from her namesake line ela, Caudalie beauty elixir (one of my fave skincare brands too!), Byredo Parfums’ Gypsy Water, and Tkees flip flops, among other lovely presents.

As for her favourite places to shop, Ela counts Holt Renfrew, eLUXE, and Chapters as her holiday mainstays. “Aside from spending quality time with family and friends over homemade dinners/cocktails on both sides of the Atlantic a touch of snow (sprinkle will do), a good Christmas market as well as a few laps around the Somerset House skating rink get us into the holiday spirit,” shared Ela.

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2. Jason Hudson, Photographer

Not only is Jason one of the most talented photographers I know, I am also obsessed with his personal blog. Chronicling the people he meets, the events he attends (and works), the delicious food he cooks, along with personal stories and helpful tips on a variety of subjects, his website is more than just a blog – it’s pretty much a life guide, and a very helpful one at that.

What more, Jason and his partner Jeff will be setting off on an adventure of a lifetime this December, taking a year off to travel the globe! Appropriately, on Jason’s wishlist this season is a new luggage set from Heys (something durable, that will survive a year of constant travelling), MacBook Air to record his adventures, and a pair of new Persol sunglasses, which he’ll surely need while sipping delicious drinks in Honolulu.

As for what he’ll be giving to his loved ones this holiday season, Jason shared that his go-to host gift is the “super Canadian” Sortilege Maple Whisky, and that champagne flutes from Tiffany never fail – “the blue box is high-impact and exciting, and the glassware is classic.” Jason and Jeff will also be buying a map of the world for their nephews, so that they will be able to “follow us on our travels around the world!”

More after the jump!

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Gift Guide: Mother’s Day

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With only a handful of days left until Mother’s Day, the clock is seriously ticking. And just in case you’re all out of gift ideas for the woman who gave birth to you, check out some of our latest picks below. From the Aldo tote that can hold all of her essentials, to the rose gold MOM necklace from Tiffany’s, there’s a present on this list for any budget and taste. All you have to do is pick one.

What are you planning on giving your mom this Mother’s Day? Share in the comments.

1. Bathing Suit – Old Navy ($29.94)

2. Le Clos Jordanne Pinot Noir – LCBO ($30)

3. HBC Signature Cashmere Travel Set – The Bay ($174.99)

4. “Mom” Heart Pendant – Tiffany ($330)

5. Nokia Lumia 800 – Telus ($529.99)

6. Hearts Initial Necklace – Etsy Seller PTInspires ($30)

7. Nespresso PIXIE – The Bay ($249.95)

8. diptyque Candles – Holt Renfrew ($60)

9. The Other Bag – Aldo ($25)

 10. Hugs and Kisses – You (free)

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