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Holiday Gift Guide 2011: 90 of the best presents money can buy

Holiday Gift Guide 2011

By Fraser Abe, Karolyne Ellacott, Kevin Naulls and Mark Teo | Photography by Carlo Mendoza

The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and we’ve tackled the ever-difficult task of narrowing down a list of items that would be perfect for the men, women and children in your life. We find it is always a big to-do finding that special something for the wine snob who likes to aerate his or her wine, but we’ve got it covered, and to spare moms, dads, uncles, aunts and friends from waiting in line for this year’s Tickle Me Elmo, we’ve found some cool options for rug rats that won’t break down and send a greedy child into a tantrum. Check out the 90 presents that make up our 2011 ultimate holiday gift guide in a gallery after the jump »

The Goods

Buyer's Market

November 21, 2011 | 5:00 am

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Holiday Gift Guide 2011: 18 yuletide treasures for the best darn gals ever

Holiday Gift Guide 2011

By Fraser Abe, Karolyne Ellacott, Kevin Naulls and Mark Teo | Photography by Carlo Mendoza

Pay no attention to what the advertisers tell you: there’s no gift “perfect for every woman in your life.” Still, we’re pretty sure discerning females will find a few things on this list to love. As the winter drags on, a Philip Lim muffler is sure to get a lot of use (and envious glares), and for women with a style all their own, we’ll show you where you can mix some custom fragrances. Finally, for that very special lady, we have a diamond necklace that won’t break the bank. Check out 18 gifts that are sure to make any gal smile in a gallery after the jump »

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Buyer's Market

November 21, 2011 | 5:00 am

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Holiday Gift Guide 2011: 27 impressive mid-range presents from $100 to $499

Holiday Gift Guide 2011

By Fraser Abe, Karolyne Ellacott, Kevin Naulls and Mark Teo | Photography by Carlo Mendoza

Sometimes it is hard to stick to a limit, because sometimes the gifts over $100 really are the perfect presents. We’ve found a touchably soft mink fur bear (don’t knock it till you’ve touched it) that will win the heart of any child or, really, human being, as well as a humidor for the lady or gentleman who subscribes to Cigar Aficionado, a pelt rug, an intoxicating men’s fragrance from Eau d’Italie and everything in between. Check out 27 higher-end gifts between $100 and $499 in a gallery after the jump »

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From the Print Edition

November 1, 2010 | 1:00 pm

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The Bay vs. Holts: the Bay’s scheme to steal the fashion crown from Holts

The sensible shoes and twin–sets are gone, replaced by stilettos and crystal-encrusted gowns. There’s valet parking and personal shoppers, and they’re serving champagne up on three. It’s all part of the Bay’s scheme to win the loyalty of society shopaholics—and steal the fashion crown from Holts By Leah McLaren

(Image: George Pimentel)

One evening last March, Toronto’s stylish set put on their best frocks and headed to a retail baptism. Sarah Jessica Parker, celebrity high priestess of fashion, was in town to launch the Halston Heritage label at The Bay. The party, which reportedly cost over $200,000, was meant to establish Canada’s oldest department store as a major player in high-end womenswear. If retailers can be born again, this was The Bay’s moment to lean back and dip its head into the holy water.

Fashion media and socialites were ushered into the Queen Street flagship store and up the escalator to sip champagne on the third floor. That’s where The Room is located. The upscale designer dress salon was renovated a year ago for approximately $4.4 million in a high modernist style by the designers Yabu Pushelberg. The result is a treasure trove of conversation piece baubles, heels, flirty cocktail dresses and gowns by some of the most prestigious designers in the business. It’s the beating heart of the new Bay.

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Toronto Fashion Week

October 21, 2010 | 12:49 pm

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A return to the good old days at Joe Fresh Style

(Image: Jenna Marie Wakani)

After yesterday’s news that Joe Fresh is making new Scouts Canada uniforms, it wasn’t a shock to see wilderness looks in its spring show last night. Navy turtlenecks, slim-fitting button-downs and even cigarette pants were decorated with merit badges (proficiency in budget shopping, perhaps?). In menswear, khaki shorts with red trim, loafers (with socks) and olive shirts echoed our childhood scout uniform—though this time around, we wouldn’t throw a tantrum every time we put them on.

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Rogue Fashion Week

October 15, 2010 | 3:29 pm

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The Brick Works debuts as a fashion show venue

Spotted: models at the Brick Works

We already get organic purple carrots and Jamie Kennedy french fries there on weekends, but the Evergreen Brick Works moved from food to fashion last night with its debut as a show venue. Audi presented the collections of Joeffer Caoc, Dimitri Chris and Nada in the massive kilns building, which will be used as a gallery for art exhibitions and installations. It’s an amazing venue, but last night the hangar-like space was unheated, and as the temperature plunged, host Glen Baxter of Fashion Television laughed, “It’s so cold I can see my breath.” Us too, Glen.

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From the Print Edition

October 6, 2010 | 9:05 am

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Best of fall fashion: nine favourite must-haves

Three of the city’s most stylish personalities reveal what they’re buying this fall, plus six of our favourite autumn looks after the jump.

NICHOLAS MELLAMPHY
Creative director of The Room

Black Brown 1826’s cashmere jacket
$399, The Bay
“This cashmere jacket from Black Brown 1826 is going to be the centrepiece of my fall wardrobe—I live in denim and jackets. I’m getting it in both black and charcoal. I love the luxurious texture of the fabric and the super-slim cut.”

JULES POWER
Womenswear designer

18 Waits’ Johnny hat
$225, 18waits.com
“I’m completely in love with 18 Waits’ Johnny hat for fall. It was designed in collaboration with Biltmore, Canada’s oldest hat maker, and made in Guelph. It’s an amazing smoky grey colour and totally in keeping with the earthy gypsy style that’s inspiring me this season.”

COCO ROCHA
Model

Greta Constantine’s Doris dress
$1,595, gretaconstantine.com
“I love the draping on Greta Constantine’s new Doris dress, a midnight blue gown that recalls Old Hollywood. It’s perfect for a red carpet event anywhere.”

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Good Stuff Cheap

September 28, 2010 | 8:09 am

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Sales roundup: North Face sample sale, Knoll sale, children’s trunk show

FASHION AND BEAUTY

JULES POWER
It’s time to scoop up Jules Power’s grey knit track pants; the Toronto womenswear designer is hosting an evening shopping party and trunk show with 15 per cent off the fall line. Power has also made T-shirts for Rethink Breast Cancer, sales of which will benefit the charity. Sept. 29. 6–9. 345 Sorauren Ave.

NORTH FACE SAMPLE SALE
We don’t want to think about winter, either, but it’s coming, and North Face’s puffy jackets, hats and gloves—sold here at wholesale prices—are renowned for their warmth. Backpacks, footwear and sportswear are also on offer. Cash only. Sept. 30, noon–8; Oct. 1, 10–8; Oct. 2, 10–6; Oct. 3, 10–5. 21 Vaughan Rd.

WHITE
This week’s bridal trunk show at White is Jenny Packham’s spring 2011 collection. Packham’s gowns maintain modernity while being totally feminine; many have details not seen on run-of-the-mill bridal dresses. By appointment only. Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. 19 Hazelton Ave., 416-849-9196, whitetoronto.com.

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The Find

September 2, 2010 | 3:00 pm

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Attention: a military-inspired fall jacket that’s already on sale

End-of-season sales are still going on in shops across town. Many are selling summer goods at 70 per cent off, but the items left are often the picked-over dregs. Style Exchange, the Montreal-based denim purveyor, is already discounting pre-fall goods. This Groggy military-style jacket is only $59.95. It’s a great layering piece over tank-tops and tees and is a match made in heaven with skinny jeans. But if you live downtown, you’ll have to travel for the deal—the store is in Vaughan.

Style Exchange, Promenade Mall, 1 Promenade Cir., Vaughan, 905-707-6684.

The Goods

Good Stuff Cheap

July 27, 2010 | 10:58 am

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Sales roundup: 70 per cent off Andy The-Anh, half off Philip Sparks, Toronto’s largest antique sale

FASHION AND BEAUTY

107 SHAW GALLERY
This weekend, the gallery will host a vintage sale, with clothing from local vendor LAB Consignment and others. July 31 and Aug. 1. 11–6. 107 Shaw St., 1zero7.com.

ANDY THE-ANH
The-Anh’s spring-summer collection is now up to 70 per cent off. 27 Bellair St., 416-922-9553; Bayview Village, 2901 Bayview Ave., 416-590-0167.

CANOPY BLUE
The midtown by way of L.A. womenswear store is making way for its fall merchandise by marking down summer clothing by 40 to 75 per cent. 2582 Yonge St., 416-483-2583, canopyblue.ca.

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The Find

July 26, 2010 | 4:53 pm

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Great lengths: our pick for a long summer dress

Long dresses have been a hit this summer, and this German-designed Marc Cain number at Paola Di uptown is one of our favourite versions, not least because it hits on another trend: the techno influence as seen in the Versace, Escada and Pucci spring collections. Besides, subtle animal print (around the neckline) is always in style. The sleeveless dress is versatile—it can go from day to night with a simple accessory change—and transitional; add a little biker jacket (as shown in this photo) and wear it until fall breaks. It is on sale right now ($350, down from $500), along with the rest of the store’s summer offerings. Paola has a number of exclusive lines from all over the world not found elsewhere in the city. It’ll be worth the trip.

Paola Di, 3357 Yonge St., 416-322-0430.

The Goods

Good Stuff Cheap

June 22, 2010 | 12:17 pm

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Sales roundup: Canadian designer sale at Eleven, half off at Over the Rainbow, 70 per cent off at Ella and Elliot

FASHION AND BEAUTY

ELEVEN
Spring and summer collections from such Canadian designers as Lucian Matis, Pink Tartan and Joeffer Caoc are now between 30 and 50 per cent off. Accessories are up to 70 per cent off. 116 Cumberland St., 416-966-3935, shop-eleven.ca.

GEORGE C.
Save up to 50 per cent on men’s and women’s summer shoes, clothing and accessories. 21 Hazelton Ave., 416-962-1991, georgec.ca.

GRETA CONSTANTINE
This appointment-only sale gives customers the chance to purchase one of Greta’s summer dresses at a fraction of the original price. Expect to pay between $180 and $250 for frocks once marked at $595 to $795. Until June 30. 25 Nicholas St., Ste. 301, info@gretaconstantine.com.

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Shop Talk

June 21, 2010 | 2:38 pm

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Just Opened: Topshop makes its Toronto debut at Jonathan and Olivia

The Topshop area is tucked in the back of Jonathan and Olivia

The place: Fast-fashion chain Topshop enjoys a cult-like following in Britain and the U.S. thanks to its collaborations with celebs (Kate Moss) and designers (Mark Fast). So when the company announced that it would be opening an 800-square-foot mini-shop inside Ossington boutique Jonathan and Olivia, the city’s fashion pack was all a-Twitter. It’s a strategy Topshop used when it first opened in New York, taking over a floor of the Opening Ceremony store to prime the market before committing to a stand-alone location.

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Good Stuff Cheap

June 4, 2010 | 9:14 am

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Last-minute weekend sales: Holt Renfrew, Greta Constantine, Canopy Blue and more

Is it the forecast of a grey weekend that has the city’s retailers rolling out the sales signs? Don’t know. Don’t care. Whatever the reason, there are some fab deals to be had.

CANOPY BLUE
Shoppers should print this coupon out to receive 25 per cent off their purchase at the midtown womenswear boutique. Until June 6. 2582 Yonge St., 416-483-2583, canopyblue.ca.

HOLT RENFREW
Get up to 50 per cent off a range of men’s and women’s spring designer clothes (until June 13) and 25 per cent off all designer sunglasses (until June 6). 50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2333, holtrenfrew.com.

LIV BY AU LIT
Clothing, furniture and linens are up to 25 per cent off at this weekend’s summer event, where a stylist will be on hand for personal consultations. Bonus: free Starbucks and a gift with purchases over $100. June 5 and 6. 418 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-481-2300, livbyaulit.com.

VIRGINIA JOHNSON
Leave a comment on this Virginia Johnson blog post and be entered for a chance to win one of her colourful shawls. Until June 10.

The Goods

The Find

May 4, 2010 | 1:00 pm

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Get sprung: a casual jacket for cool spring evenings

Tabula Rasa, the Latin term for “blank slate,” is the name of a new shop on Broadview that reminds us of the lively boutiques we frequented when travelling in Australia. There’s a mix of vintage and new clothing, like this jacket ($169) from Aussie label Something Else, which is right on trend with this season’s draped looks. It’s a casual and comfy piece to be worn on a cool spring evening.

Tabula Rasa, 745 Broadview Ave., 416-465-4450, tabularasaclothing.com.

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