Totally Gifted

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Christmas is a'coming, so to aid you in your quest for the gift most likely to elicit squeals of delight, tears of pure joy and total freak-outs, I've compiled a gift guide for (almost) everyone on your list. There really is nothing better than finding that perfect present, don't you think?  And, if you've been more nice than naughty (and I know you have been), pass this guide along to your family and friends as a gentle nudge in the right direction.  Hint, hint!  Happy shopping!

1. Freeform Bangle, Metalsmiths Sterling, $368; 2. Laura Mercier Book of Nudes, Sephora, $48; 3. Mirrored Bracelet, American Eagle Outfitters, $16; 4. Nail Polish in Tuxedo Chic, Jacob, $6; 5. Occasion Sequin Flap Cross-Body Bag, Coach, $198; 6. Tory Burch Sunglasses, Sunglass Hut, $250 

1. Stila Dream in Full Colour Palette, Sephora, $39;  2. Nixon The Rubber Player Watch, West 49, $200; 3. Just Dance 3 for Wii, EB Games, $39.99; 4. Skinny Stretch Flannel Pajama Pants, Aerie, $25.80; 5. Nixon The Apollo Button Mic Headphones, West 49, $90; 6. Burton Hero Smalls Junior Snowboard, SportChek, $269.99; 7. Striped Texting Gloves, American Eagle Outfitters, $16

1. Fair-Isle Pajama Pants, Jacob, $19.99; 2. Ballerina Pullover, Smart Set, $25; 3. Hostess Tea Gift Set, Teaopia, $30; 4. Chalet Mukluks, Roots, $40; 5. Bamboo Gift Set, Fruits & Passion, $38.50; 6. Shimmer Pashminas, RW&CO, $20 each

1. UGG Men's Sheepskin Slippers, Soft Moc, $99.99; 2. Men's Sweaters, Club Monaco, prices vary; 3. FP Homme Must-Have Gift Set, Fruits & Passion, $48; 4. Mossien Metal Watch, ALDO Accessories, $40; 5. Good Sport Cufflinks, Metalsmiths, $148; 6. Whigby Goalie Ornament, Roots, $25; 7. Marware Eco Flip Pad for iPad, Wal-Mart, $52.24 

1. Striped Sweater Hat, Gymboree, $13.12; 2. Chunky Hooded Cardigan, babyGap, $44.95; 3. Agit Sno Rider Freestyle 2-Person Sled, SportChek, $34.99; 4. Momiji Book Club Doll, Green Earth, $15.99; 5. Kids Tea Set, Teaopia, $25; 6. Rose Petal Bag, GapKids, $19.95

1. Sorelia Earhart Boots, Soft Moc, $399.99; 2. Hooded Toggle Coat, American Eagle Outfitters, $123.88; 3. Beaver Canoe Throw, Roots, $128; 4. Ski Goggle Toque, ALDO Accessories, $15; 5. Faux-Fur Trapper Hat, Club Monaco, $69.50; 6. HBC Collection Snowman Kit, The Bay, $40

Speaking of gifts, don't forget to enter White Oaks Mall's shiny new Fashion Makeover Contest - We're giving away 3 $1,000 shopping sprees with me!  Amazing, right?!  Tell us why your closet needs some help, send a few pics or for the tech-savvy, upload your video to youtube, and you and I could be hitting the mall together. Not to toot my own horn but when it comes to shopping, I'm quite good :)  Contest details can be found right here.  Good luck and can't wait to see all the entries! 

The Clash and Canada's Cyber Monday

SJP in Prabal Gurung, Matthew Williamson Fall 2011, Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli

I've always been a big fan of unlikely pairings:  cheese with honey, melon with prosciutto, Demi and Ashton, to name a few;  so it comes as no surprise that I love a good colour clash.  This season, the way to wear red is with a shocking dose of pink.  Once reserved strictly for Valentines Day, bold red and pink look positively right, right now.  RLR Style Tip:  Nervous about making such a loud colour statement?  Test out the pairing in small doses - say a pair of red pants and a tan sweater with a bright pink clutch or a red sweater with a bold pink scarf.  Tans, camels and golds are the perfect neutral to set everything off.  Be brave and you'll reap the style rewards. xo

PS - Don't forget that today is Cyber Monday.  If you haven't already finished your Christmas shopping, today's the day to get it done.  I surfed around and found some fantastic deals at Esprit, The Bay (surprisingly great sales on Ralph Lauren Childrenswear), amazon.ca, Chapters, The Body Shop, Sears, Toys 'R Us, Forever 21, Roots and J.Crew.  Let me know if you've found any others.  After all, it's always more fun to share scores with friends, no?  

RLR hits the Big(ger) Time

The kids waiting behind some serious stage moms to meet Santa

Jack and Charlie waiting for Scott Schuman.

Stella the Snow Princess rocking some furry mukluks.  

Zoë shining in the spotlight.  The next top model?

Kolton and Charlie in their TV debuts, though they acted like old pros.

All I can say is 'Phew!'  We taped our first CityLine segment yesterday for iVillage.ca and I now have a whole new respect for people who do TV for a living.  You put in hours and hours researching, shopping, calling in favours, requesting samples, finding models, putting together looks and trying to remember what to say - and then in 6 minutes flat, it's over.  We came, we saw, we modeled, and apparently I used the word 'festive' a lot.  I honestly don't remember much of it...but I will never forget the incredible Robyn Shanks from iVillage, the cool, calm, collected Carolyn from CityLine, the beyond helpful moms, and most of all their divine kids (my models) who rocked every look and will undoubtedly win the hearts of Canadians on Dec 6th when the show airs.  Would I do it again?  In a Toronto minute! Any more model volunteers?

Thanks for your patience with my paltry posts this week.  The madness has ended (for now..) so I'll be working Tyra-like to get you back in the fashion loop.  In the meantime, remember to set your PVRs for Dec 6th at 9 am. Eek!

xoxo

PS - An especially big thanks to my bella sorella, Jo, my magical elf who knows how to get it done - from being my post office to scouting cute wee ones to helping me put all the crucial finishing touches on all the looks - i'm a little biased but i think she's a genius.  love, love, love you! smooches xo

Isabel Marant...Enfin!

There's just something about owning a piece of designer clothing that brings a little happiness, however fleeting or superficial.  My budget has never allowed me to own anything by Isabel Marant, so I was super excited to learn that to mark World AIDS Day, Gap is introducing an exclusive tee by Mlle. Marant, one of my all-time fave designers.  Printed on Gap’s classic heather grey v-neck tee in a boyish over-sized style, the playfully print and slouchy silhouette epitomize the under-stated easy style of Isabel’s collection. Strictly limited edition, the t-shirt is $39.95 and will be sold from November 28^th in select Canadian Gap stores: Toronto Eaton Centre and Bloor Street in Toronto, Montreal Eaton Centre in Montreal, and Chinook Centre in Calgary. Fifty per cent of profits from the sale of all tees will go to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

Isabel Marant comments, “I am very thrilled that Gap has given me the opportunity to contribute to such an important cause. This is one of those rare occasions when fashion can do something to help make the world a slightly better place. I am more than honoured to follow in the steps of the impressive collaborators who have worked on the RED project before me”.

I'm always happy to see when fashion can help (even just a teeny, tiny bit) to make the world a better, healthier place.

I'm Dreaming of a...

  

Neoprene 'Veuve Clicquot' Coat, Joe Fresh, $99, there will be waiting lists.

Snake-Print Clutch, Zara, $99.90 

Le Labo City Exclusive Scents (incl. New York, Paris, London, Chicago, Dallas, LA, and Tokyo), available at 6 by Gee Beauty only from Nov 1 - 30.  Not under $100 (in fact, embarassingly guilt-inducing) but super cool.  

Resin Bracelet, J. Crew, $80 

Vogue:  The Covers book by Dodie Kazanjian, at Chapters/Indigo, $37.95

Just a few things I'm hoping are under the Christmas tree this year.  I've compiled quite a list (it's my job after all...) and was asked by iVillage.ca to come up with a top 10 under $100 and another top 10 under $50 gift guide, perfect for the hostess, the Secret Santa, the teacher, or any other deserving people in your life. 

And exciting news...I'm going to be on CityLine next week, talking about dressing your kids for the holidays!  I'd tell you to set your PVR's but kind of want to see how the taping goes first ;)  Can you blame me?!

Happy Friday to all, and to all a good night xo