HOLIDAY '14 | 20 Gifts that WOW

via Pinterest

Originally posted in The CLOSET

It's never easy to find that perfect thing. Since time is of the essence, I thought I'd try to help, and since I know you have places to go and things to do, I'll keep this intro brief. These 20 gifts will wow them, from the highly sentimental to the just plain awesome. Oh, and be sure to check back next week for the most genius stocking stuffer ideas. Happy Shopping! 

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HOLIDAY '14 | Your Under-$200 Guide

Photo courtesy American Eagle

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Walking through the mall this month is like a really great binge-watch of Netflix. There's drama (MO-OM, you are SO embarassing!), there's intrigue (will she like it? will she loathe it?), and of course, that edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting terror (only 20 days left?!).

It goes without saying that the clock starts ticking more insistently than usual this time of year, leaving even the most organized among us in a panic. But is this all necessary? Can we just take a collective step back and put this in perspective? Can we try for a minute to remember what this is all about in the first place? Um, no. No we can't. Because unless you're a Saint or happen to reside in Whoville, presents are part of the big Christmas/Holiday/Chrismukkah package. Plus, it's fun to buy things for other people. As long as we're prepared. 

I've found 50 stellar gifts to please the picky, to wow the un-wowable, each for under-$200 so you can keep on budget while you're at it. Scroll through the slideshow below for my top gift picks and dial your panic button down a notch. Remember, it's your presents...er..I mean presence that counts...

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GIVE JOY | Our Top Gift Picks of 2014

Yes, a Crockpot can be cool, but only when done up in rainbow chevron.

Originally posted in The LOOK

It's the most wonderful time of the year. No, really, it is. But sometimes, all of that wonder and joy can get lost in the rush. One look at my December calendar and chances are you'll find me either crumpled in a quivering heap on the floor, seeking advice from my Elf on the Shelf and/or downing another box of Turtles. Between the parties, family get-togethers, work deadlines, school plays and Christmas concerts, I'm left wondering if I'll have time to shower. And don't even get me started on the lists: lists of cards to send, lists of things to do, lists of gifts to buy. And gifts. And more gifts. 

Speaking of gifts, I've put together a great gift guide for Intercity Shopping Centre that should help you as you look around for that perfect present. Check it out and sorry for the poor effort at posting this week. I've been busy (read: crumpled up in a corner, seeking advice from my Elf on the Shelf, eating Turtles)

xx

SEE THE GIFT GUIDE HERE...

Smart Buy Glasses | Why Not YSL?

In my YSL 6374's

SmartBuyGlasses.ca got in touch last week and asked me to pick out a pair of designer glasses from their site in exchange for an honest review. As someone who breaks everything, I often opt for inexpensive shades to avoid the crush of disappointment which will inevitably come when I scratch/drop/step on/sit upon them. Many $20 shades have come and gone but in my 30's, I've realized that I deserve designer shades. I can take care of two children - I should be able to handle a pair of sunglasses, right?

I waffled between Ray-Bans and Persols, trying to decide between Wayfarers and aviators. I could not have gone wrong with either. But when Yves Saint Laurent gets thrown into the mix, my philosophy is that you always choose YSL. 

I opted for the YSL 6374, a vintage-looking cat-eye that I knew would give me a glam little lift leading into the hols but also fell for the YSL BOLD 2. Each pair retails for around $230 which, for something I'll wear all year, I feel is totally justifiable. 

My glasses just arrived in the mail and as expected, I love YSL shades. They're solidly built, beautifully designed thanks to the interesting frame detail, and instantly flattering. I opted for tortoiseshell but if I didn't already own so many pairs of black sunglasses, would have loved them even more in black. 

Looking for the perfect gift for you or one of your favourites? Be sure to check out the Smart Buy Glasses Christmas Gift Guide. Aaand, since sunglasses are so deeply personal, a Gift Card always fits.

Love this site! Even if I am a little biased...

Yves Saint Laurent 6374 Sunglasses, $224, SmartBuyGlasses.ca

Yves Saint Laurent BOLD 2 Sunglasses, $234, SmartBuyGlasses.ca

Still undecided? Check out these YouTube vids below before you buy:

What a Guy Wants

Photo via KULfoto #hee

Originally posted in The CLOSET

While moms have to juggle jobs, homes and kids, the dads of today are in a similar boat. Not only do they have to keep their careers but over the years, dads have had to learn some skills that aren't really part of their manly DNA. Case in point: the ponytail. Ever watched a dad try to figure that one out? The poor guy usually ends up with a slingshot elastic to the cornea and your 4 year-old walks out the door as Cousin Itt. Men might not fold laundry as neatly or kiss a bruised knee quite as tenderly as moms but here's the thing - dads usually have way more fun doing it.  Bedsheets from the dryer become spooky ghosts in a haunted mansion and the simple act of putting a bandaid on a tiny cut turns into a full throttle imaginary ER, helicopters whirring and ambulances speeding in to save the day. Because when it comes right down to it, most dads, no matter the age, are just little kids trapped in big bodies. This Father's Day don't fight it - spoil him with toys for the gym, house or great outdoors, and indulge his fun-loving inner kid.

Check out the Gift Guide here