GIVE JOY | Our Lovely Last-Minute Guide

via theofficialpandora on Instagram

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Whether you've finished all of your shopping or haven't even started yet, I'm not here to judge. After all, life is busy and December? Well, judging by my headache and ever-growing list of things to do/places to go/people to see, it's even busier. Since my job involves shopping and research, I love putting together gift guides each year. It's a win-win: I get to figure out what I'm buying everyone, I think of ideas to give people who ask what I want, and I get to share all of it with you in case you're super busy, too. 

These gifts are luxurious but come in all shapes and sizes for a wide range of holiday budgets.  My favourite thing to do when I can't afford to go it alone? Round up my family members or friends and go in on a bigger gift - strength in numbers, as they say. I found tech gifts and sweet gifts, fun gifts and fashionable, expected gifts and some not so much. Take a look and hopefully it will inspire you as you head out into the snow to pick up things for the ones you love. Good luck out there and remember, the best gift of all is you. And my daughter would argue a hoverboard...

SEE THE GUIDE HERE...

SEEING STARS | 39 Reasons We Want Stars on Everything RN

via Elle Sweden

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Day or night, they are everywhere. Stars. Stars on errthang. Turn on Netflix and it's all about the Gilmore Girls and Stars Hollow. Apple Music? We get it The Weeknd: you're a starboy, starboy. Before I launch into this post, let me just remind you of the ridiculous lyrics to Starboy:

I'm tryna put you in the worst mood, ah
P1 cleaner than your church shoes, ah
Milli point two just to hurt you, ah
All red Lamb’ just to tease you, ah
None of these toys on lease too, ah
Made your whole year in a week too, yah
Main b*$%@ out your league too, ah
Side b*$%@  out of your league too, ah

House so empty, need a centerpiece
Twenty racks a table cut from ebony
Cut that ivory into skinny pieces
Then she clean it with her face man I love my baby

I don't get it. Just me? Why is his girlfriend cleaning a piano with her face? Does anybody else get these lyrics? Like, love you The Weeknd but.... Le Petit Prince is a legit, OG starboy. I guess Chris Hadfield could call himself a starboy if he really wanted to. Like I said, I don't understand what makes the Weeknd a starboy or why he'd ever want anyone to call him one.

Back to stars, though: I'm obsessed.  From Valentino and Alexander McQueen's starry fall frocks, to the street, where every fashion girl is currently going galactic, stars make everything look so much cooler. Whether you go dainty with a sweet silver star charm necklace or dare to rock stars all over with a metallic starry dress, forego every other print this season and reach for the stars. I don't know about you but I can't get enough. 

I've rounded up 39 starry finds I'm loving right now, perfect for adding a bit of celestial charm to your wardrobe this winter. Happy shopping! 

SEE MY STARRY FINDS HERE...

SHINE BRIGHT | 4 Fun New Ways to Dress Up This Holiday Season

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

December has arrived and here we are: officially in the thick of it. We're about to embark on a month-long bingefest of eating and drinking and general merry-making. And while you might be tempted to throw on your flannel onesie, snuggle up in your mermaid blanket and just call it a day, remember that 'tis the season for dressing up, too. I mean, other than summer, is there any time of year more social than December?

You'll be out grabbing gifts with your fellow shoppers, fuelling up at brunches with big men dressed in red, sipping cocktails with your co-workers and fêting all things festive. And then there's all that time with your family - from Christmas recitals to epic full-day feasts. Your flannel onesie is not going to impress your mother-in-law. You are better than your flannel onesie...

SEE 3 MORE PERFECT HOLIDAY OUTFITS HERE...

GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK | Why You Should Shop for GEN1 This Holiday Season

It might be what's inside that counts but when it comes to gift giving this year, might be time to reconsider the outside, too. The new Canadian Women's Foundation Shop for GEN1 collection features party supplies and gifting-made-chic finds that give back in a big way.

Before you go ahead and pick up just any random wrap, consider this: 100% of the net profits from the line are invested in emergency shelters, programs that help women rebuild their lives from abuse and prevention program designed to teach young people how to put an end to violence - for good. The Foundation's aim? Help build the first generation of women in Canada to experience true gender equality and live without the fear of violence. And you thought it was all just pretty packaging. 

Find the Shop for GEN1 line at WINNERS and HomeSense stores now, perfect for adding meaning to any gift or gathering this holiday season. 

FÊTE SET | Our Holiday Party Fashion Edit

via Saint Society

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Here's the thing about mid-November: we know what's about to hit us. We know that before too long (if we're lucky), our calendars will start to overflow (if they haven't already). We know that between coordinating family and friends and co-workers, managing recitals and get-togethers and dinners, and somehow fitting the joy of the season in there somewhere, the next month is guaranteed to be cray.  

While flying by the seat of one's snowpants is highly encouraged this time of year, a wardrobe that's ready to party will stylishly set you up for whatever invites might come your way. Pick up a proper topper now and that Baileys and Sleigh Ride soirée will be one for the books. You can't control what Betty in accounting does on the dance floor, but a perfect party dress will guarantee you Best Dressed at your corporate Christmas party. Sequined pants will go swimmingly with your Ugly Christmas Sweater while festive red kicks will look all kinds of lovely at your family Christmas dinner. 

And, should you prefer to decline the invites and opt instead for a shopping party for one, this list should come in handy, too. After all, party invite or not, who doesn't need a sparkly sequin box clutch, amirite?

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