Best. Gift Guide. Ever.

Photo: Burberry.com

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Who am I to say what makes a great gift?  After all, the beauty of giving is always in the eye of the Christmas-morning-bushy-tailed-beholder and of course, it goes without saying that presents are utterly personal.  The thing that might make me squeal with joy might make someone else inwardly cringe, and while a grom (thanks Urban Dictionary) might go mental over that new board, I'd be like, "Ooh, thanks! Um, sorry, what do I do with this?"

Regardless, these gifts are pretty much guaranteed to delight, whether you're trying to find the perfect thing for your stylish sister, your fitness fanatic friend, your teenage Twihard, your Monster High-obsessed mini-me, your husband who doesn't want anything (really), or even your ever-loyal pooch.  Happy shopping y'all! Only 27 more sleeps! x 

1. Legacy Leather iPad Case, $178, Coach; 2. Chiffon Polka-Dot Blouse, $35, Smart Set; 3. Rowenta Precision Valet Garment Steamer, $159.99, Personal Edge; 4. Michael Kors Runway Watch, $220, Watch It; 5. Kate Spade Photo Frame, $50, The Bay; 6. Opera Length Leather Gloves, $85, Danier; 7. Rollover Boots in Tribe Leather, $248, Roots   

1. Metamorphosis by Tracy Anderson Set, $89.99, Showcase; 2. Yoga Mat, $40, Titika; 3. Burton Feather Snowboard, $399.99, SportChek; 4. Under Armour Seamless Tank, $44.99, SportChek; 5. New Balance Ioxnix Runners, $119.99, Footlocker; 6. Nike SportWatch with GPS, $169.99, SportChek 

 1. Nintendo Wii U 8GB Gaming System, $299.99, The Source; 2. Skull T-Shirt, $14.95, H&M; 3. Vanilla Bean Lipgloss, Bath & Body Works; 4. Just Dance 4, $49.99, EB Games; 5. Legacy Leather Large Wristlet, $108, Coach; 6. Sephora by OPI Gelshine At Home Colour System, $189, Sephora; 7. Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith, $15, Spencer's; 8. 4-Pack Hair Ties, $4.90, Garage

1. Toddler Boys Knight Hoodie, $26.95, babyGap; 2. Monster High Skull Shores Doll, Walmart; 3. Apptivity Angry Birds Game, $19.99, Showcase; 4. VTech Text and Chat Walkie Talkies, $39.99, The Source; 5. Cat Slippers, $9.95, H&M; 6. My Pretty Petal Dollhouse, $82, Walmart

   1. Sephora Favourites Shaving Kit, $25, Sephora; 2. Bowery Quilted Jacket, $448, Coach; 3. Halo 4 Game, $59.99, EB Games; 4. UGG Ascot Men's Slippers, $164.99, Soft Moc; 5. Trans Canada Airlines Small Banff Bag in Tribe Leather, $448, Roots; 6. Samsung Galaxy Tablet 16 GB, $299.99, The Source

1. Jonathan Adler Dog Bowl Mat, $13, The Bay; 2. Printed Legacy Stripe Leather Dog Collar, $88, Coach; 3. Jonathan Adler Chevron Leash, $16, The Bay; 4. Temptation Treats and Hartz Cat Toys, Walmart; 5. HBC Collection Striped Dog Bed, $82.50, The Bay 

Holiday. Celebrate.

Hermes Boxes - source: Pinterest

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When it comes to gifting, practicality becomes a bit of a bad word around my house.  I could definitely use a new blender and we definitely need laundry detergent - but you see, those things remind me of work and at Christmas, for just one short time during the year, I kind of just feel like not working.  Are you with me?  Can I get a 'woot, woot' for that?  I remember once when my dad got my mom a microwave for Christmas.  She hated microwaves.  And of course, the time when my husband bought his poor mom a new power drill.  Guess who ended up using it?

Now, 'wishes' and 'wants' on the other hand are definitely top of mind.  The best gifts?  The ones that make your sister, wife, husband our bestie feel super special.  These ultra-stylish presents will do exactly that, and although they all technically serve a 'purpose', their raison d'être is really just to make your favourites look and feel fabulous.  Love!  Check back soon for more great gift ideas, including ideas for the athlete, the classic beauty, the kid (and kid-at-heart) and even your dog.  Oh he's going to get so spoiled this year...

1. Twill Parka, $168, Gap; 2. iPhone 5 32GB, $279.99, The Source; 3. Skull Loafers, $120, ZiGi at Town Shoes; 4. Lana Del Rey: Born to Die, $11.99, Sunrise Records; 5. Tory Burch Cat-Eye Glasses, $149,Sunglass Hut; 6. Eva Lace Skirt, $189.50, Club Monaco; 7. Two-Tone Leather iPad Case, $54.95, Gap; 8. Jewel-Encrusted Ring, $15.98, ALDO Accessories; 9. Jonathan Adler All-Occasion Card Set, $15, The Bay; 10. Laser-Cut Barrel Bag, $55, ALDO Accessories; 11. Isabelle Double-Breasted Coat, $369, Club Monaco; 12. Distressed Denim Shirt, $29.95, H&M; 13. Pushlock Crossbody Bag, $25, American Eagle Outfitters; 14. Metallic Sequin Blazer, $150, RW&CO.; 15. Mohair-Blend Cardigan with Sequins, $49.95,H&M; 16. NARS Lipstick in Schiap, $30, Sephora; 17. Delsey Aero-Lite 18" Carry On Spinner, $99.99, The Bay

1. Nixon 51-30 Watch, $599.99, Boathouse; 2. Native Union Soft Touch Pop Phone, $39.99, The Bay; 3. Bowery Quilted Jacket, $448, Coach; 4. Reversible Cotton Belt, $24.95, Gap; 5. Davis Slim-Fit Chino, $69.50, Club Monaco; 6. Soundgarden: King Animal, $14.99, Sunrise Records; 7. Sunglasses, $12, ALDO Accessories; 8. Bleecker Letter Opener, $98, Coach; 9. Mixed Media Camo Bag, $74.95, Gap; 10. Fitted Herringbone Shirt, $69, RW&CO.; 11. Tweed Tie, $34.95, Gap; 12. iPod Nano 16GB, $169.99, The Source; 13. Cable-Knit Sweater, $49.95, Gap; 14. Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Solo HD Headphones, $219.99, The Source 

A Wise Choice

Kate Bosworth at the Burberry Prorsum Fall '12 show - source: vogue.fr

Whooo-who's got the cutest sweater in town?  You do, you do. Sure, you can wear it with your skinnies (yawn), but I love it most of all when worn à la Burberry Prorsum - pair it with a chic tweed pencil skirt (or pants), a cute cropped jacket, a pretty bow belt and little ankle booties.   

Pick up your Softest Printed Crew Sweater (only $32.94) now at Old Navy (also comes in fox and sheep print if you can stand it)

PS - Perfect timing alert - Go to Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic and get 30% off your purchase (online only) w code CAGIFT30. Sale ends tomorrow! 

Fête Accomplie: Part 1

Beyonce in the November 2011 issue of Harper's Bazaar

Originally posted in The CLOSET

So, I realize that you probably haven't even bought your Hallowe'en candy yet. And I know that the holiday season is probably not the first thing on your mind.  But, you have to admit, the scattered mentions of parties, presents and the chubby guy in red mean that Christmas, Kwanzaa and other merry festivities are really not that far away.  And since several friends have mentioned that their offices have already booked their holiday fêtes (crazy, I know), it means that now is a fabulous time to start pre-planning your party wardrobe.  

This season, step away from your basic little black dress and instead, think outside of the perfectly wrapped box.  White Oaks Mall is full of pretty finds sure to set you apart from the crowd at your next office party, cocktail toast, or full-out holiday bender.   Here, we share 3 chic, party-ready looks (PS - Be sure to check back next week for 3 more)

I know it's early but I'm already excited.  You? xo

Photos courtesy 3.1 Phillip Lim

1. Short-Sleeved Dress, $39.95, H&M; 2. Statement Necklace, $17.95, H&M; 3. Icon Sunglasses, $16,American Eagle Outfitters; 4. Striped Top, $19.95, H&M; 5. Laser-Cut Clutch, $40, ALDO Accessories; 6. Red Suede Pump, $69.98, ALDO

1. Pinstripe Trousers, $69.50, Gap; 2. Statement Choker, $24.95, H&M; 3. Leather Bomber, $349, Danier; 4. Stretch Cami, 2 for $26, Smart Set; 5. Mimi Bow Belt, $59.50, Club Monaco; 6. Schutz Eunice T-Straps, Club Monaco; 7. Gemstone Flapover Clutch, $69.95, Le Château

1. Red Carpet Collection Clutch, $89.95, Town Shoes; 2. Red Peplum Dress, $39.90, Dynamite; 3. Erickson Beamon Earrings, $149.50, Club Monaco; 4. Calvin Klein for Town Shoes Strappy Heels, $170, Town Shoes; 5. Sephora by O.P.I Trend Tips Real Lacquer Strips, $14, Sephora

Go Commando

Yesterday, I bought this belt.  Black leather-panelled leggings, cream chunky knit and flat boots in desperate need of a military twist.  I tied it on, allowing the camo and hit of neon to partially hide out under my sweater. Then I made a pit-stop at Starbucks.  Baristo peppered me with questions about my order (breakfast wrap with that? a pumpkin scone perhaps?) and then engaged me in a little friendly fire while staring not-so-subtly at my waist. Yup, full-on frontal assault. 'Where did you get that belt?' he finally demanded.  'Gap.' I replied with a curt nod. I rolled out, did a few army crawls through the parking lot and made it safely to my vehicle.  Headed out at 1600 hours.  Destination? Daycare. Had to do some serious progeny recon.  Worked my way through the toddler mêlée until I reached my target. Son and I marched purposefully towards the parking lot.  He glanced up and then, in a small voice shouted, "Cool belt, mom." Mission accomplished.

Pick up your Printed Calf Hair Belt ($34.95) (like now, soldiers) at Gap.   Warning: it's well-camouflaged, naturally, but worth the search.