Swishlist.ca

No Top 10 this year, I have only one pick for Valentine’s Day. The good news is that you can buy it for yourself or you can put it on your wishlist to receive. But you had better drop the hint quickly. There are only 11 days left to order the Hello Gorgeous Microfiber Babydoll and Panties from La Senza. Really, it’s cute, it’s sexy, it’s sweet and naughty all at the same time. Just what you want in a ‘come-hither’ outfit for an evening of romance. Hmmm, bummer, I just checked online and there are only 2 sizes left: small and x-small. I guess I won’t be wearing it on the 14th but I would love to hear how it turned out for all of you size smalls.

For mediums and up I have another suggestion. It is at a different price point admittedly but just as sexy sweet is the Chantelle Pure Beauty Push-up Bra and Shorty. I really love the combination of the shell pink and the black lace. Classy but sizzling hot at the same time. If you can’t buy yourself (oops, I mean receive) beautiful lingerie on Valentine’s Day, when can you? Go for it. Even if your night includes nibbling chocolate bonbons while watching your favourite chick flick by yourself, there is no reason to do it in sweats.

Photos: La Senza, BareNecessities.com

For those of you frantically realizing that you only have 2 more weeks to shop, I thought I would break the blog silence with the swishlist holiday gift guide - yay. Luckily, you still have time to surf the shops from the comfort of your kitchen table while sipping your cup of Christmas Chai. Do it now people. I have coded the pictures with male and female symbols to help you tackle your entire list. I did not, however, have time this year to include a guide for kids…which is ironic since I have them now…not that ironic though since they are the reason I have not had the time to include them. I digress.

The first items on my list are geared more towards the ladies on your list. The Disaya Zip Zip bracelet ($226) in gold is just the coolest little accessory and such a funky gift. I would wear it to death with anything from a cozy sweater to a little black dress. The book Ecologique ($50), by famed enviro-friendly decorator Kelly Laplante, inspires us all to fill our homes with beautiful items that are reused, recycled, reclaimed and sustainable. We can create gorgeous spaces with earth-friendly goods and this gift will give your decorating loved-one lots of fab eco-ideas.

Slippers are always a great gift and the Emu Ridge ‘Daddy’ Slipper ($40) is a cushy choice for those who need to keep a wintery draft at bay. Who’s your Daddy? Um, I would have to say Daniel Craig, aka James Bond. I am not sure I even thought he was sexy until I saw him in his Italian outfit in the new movie: shawl collar cardi, crisp white shirt, tapered black jeans…mmm. Recreate this look for him with the 1968 Trouser ($160), the Tyler Stripe Woven Shirt ($167)and Set-in Shawl Collar Cardigan ($332) all at Activeendeavors.com. They are having a crazy 40% off sale until midnight December 10th so get busy.

What would make me squeal with delight this Christmas? I am completely in love with the Swarovski Beautiful Headband ($200). It would add some serious sparkle to the simplest of party ensembles and make you the most requested under the mistletoe. Delight her (or yourself).

Part 2 to follow shortly.

Photos: Retailers credited above

Even if you are not the kind to give gifts, Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to put in writing why you love someone. And these sentiments are not exclusive your partner - there are lots of people in your life who you could make smile just by reminding them how much they mean to you. I trolled Etsy to find some great handmade Valentine’s for you and my first pick for love notes is best used for that special someone in your life…they are individual cards that open up to reveal a mini love note crafted by you. You can make V-day last a whole week by hiding them in coat pockets or leaving on their pillow. The individual seals make them more adorable. By Canadian Etsy seller Corrabelle.

My next favourite Valentine is by Satsumalynn. The one shown on top is specifically for V-day with the word ‘love’ stamped into the bottom right corner. I love her line drawings and colour combos…this one may be more appreciated by a girlfriend. The next 2 cards shown are from a limited edition collection she did in collaboration with designer Lara Cameron. I would be tempted to order these at the same time to have on hand because they are just gorgeous. I have admired Lara’s textiles in the past and am happy to see her branching out. 

The V-day cards at Paperparasol are so retro-scandinavian and they leave lots of room for loving words inside. You could even put them in a little frame for a cool print.

I saw these cards on Design Sponge from Ice Cream Social and immediately loved their craftiness. I especially like the little suggestive feather on the passionate pink je t’aime card. Again, probably not for your mom.

And for just plain cute, try the messaged cards at Blueberryway. The owl you could send to just about anyone that you wanted to share your feelings with. I suggest getting on this task right away since we know how long a stamped letter actually sits at the bottom of our bag before it makes it to the mailbox…or is that just me?

Photos: Etsy Sellers Mentioned Above

I have recently noticed that jewelry is the hottest topic on my site. It makes sense for online shopping since (a) shipping costs are low due to its size and (b) it’s easier to know if a necklace or pair of earrings is going to fit rather than a pair of jeans. So what’s on the jewelry portion of the v-day hotlist? I have to re-iterate some of my favourites since it is such a perfect time to purchase that piece you have been eyeing. Plus some new resources that hopefully you will find equally shop-worthy…

There are lots of gorgeous baubles on the Forzieri site. If you have a lot to spend, the Torrini Dany Amethyst ring shown at the top left, is a stunning right-hand addition. For something more reasonable, the Torrini Trapezoidal Sterling Silver ring makes a clean, modern statement. I haven’t been kind to the boys in this category but a fun sports watch will round out any man’s dresser drawer…the matte black Haurex Challenger Black Carbon Fiber and Rubber GMT Date Watch is a classic look for his sweatier adventures. Free shipping over $165, Enter code 410055 until Feb.15, 2008.

For a delicate drop, the Tallulah Earrings at $53 are perfect for any hair length. For a more dramatic and romantic look, the Erin Earrings at $89 will turn heads. Both at Sugarlime.

If you are looking for sweet, try Dejarnette’s  i heart nola or lovelier necklace shown above, both unique and affordable at under $100.

These 18K Gold over Sterling Silver Starfish Earrings for $65 on Ice.com are a fun addition to your jewelry box. Pair them with a classic white v-neck tee, jeans and gold lipgloss. Shown above right, the one-of-a-kind Core Hand Carved Silver Heart for $250 is a cool modern take on the traditional heart symbol for love…a beautiful and romantic gift if you ask me. Get it at Rickson Jewellery.

**Don’t forget to visit my recent posts for other great jewelry finds: Melissa Clemente, Lori Leavitt (Lucky Breaks - 25% off until Mar 4, 2008), Aqua Skye (sale still on until Jan 31, 2008)

Photos: retailers mentioned above

It may seem early to you…you are probably still recovering from the Boxing Day Sales. For online shoppers however it is time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day. Now I am not a big sap, nor a supporter of commercially derived holidays, but I do think it’s nice to have an excuse to declare your love (or lust) in the middle of what is usually a long and dreary winter, as far as Canadians are concerned. And if you can’t afford to get away to a tropical destination, put a little sunshine in the life of your loved one. As far as hot gifts go…lingerie and jewelry always do the trick. The good thing about v-day is that you can actually buy yourself the lingerie and call it your gift to him. Sneaky - but effective. Here’s the underthings portion of the v-day hotlist:

> SmartAss - I am a big fan of mesh as well as the sweet but sexy combination of pink and black shown above. Try their EuroTrash Camisole Pink Hearts with matching Gal Short for a nice surprise under that wooly sweater.  

> La Senza - Again with the mesh, this time with a flattering empire-waist style. Get the Fine Romance Mesh Camidoll with matching thong for only $29.50. It comes in a grey colour called Storm that I think is pretty sexy too. Or, if you want something a bit more practical, how about the Decadence Deep Plunge Bra and Lace Thong. As Paris would say, ‘that’s hot’. Free shipping on orders over $69.

> Victoria’s Secret - The Very Sexy Stretch Lace Teddy for US$20 shows off sexy shoulders and okay, just about everything else. For something similar that actually looks comfortable, try the VS Logo Lace Halter Babydoll - it comes in some cute colours. Finally, for the real bombshell look, the Georgette Halter Babydoll is very glamourous if you have a warm house to parade around in.

> Figleaves - Now for the boys…I think the David Beckham ad campaign may have elevated Emporio Armani Men’s underwear to new heights…but it still doesn’t make me like briefs (interesting photo angle by the way). I am more into boxer briefs like the Emporio Armani Essential Trunk Short shown in the middle. Go for something with a bit of stretch to make sure they still look good at the end of the day.

> Bare Necessities - I like the look of the red and blue C-IN2 Bamboo Army Trunk - style and colour without making your guy look ‘flamboyant’.  Finally, the 2(x)ist Bold No Show Trunk just wraps it up in a nice little package, thank you.

Stay tuned for the jewelry portion of the v-day hotlist tomorrow

Photos: retailers mentioned above

The final chapter in the Swishlist Holiday Gift Guide is for kids. Your own, your friends’, your nieces and nephews…it’s fun to see their eyes light up as they tear the paper from their presents. Don’t be disappointed if they are more interested in the paper than the gift, they will appreciate it later when there aren’t so many distractions.

1. Glow in the Dark PJ Rex Pajama Set $32 www.hatleynature.com - can you think of anything better than glow in the dark dinosaurs?

2. “Well Bred” Horse Childrens Pajama Set $30 www.hatleynature.com - I don’t know a little girl that doesn’t have a soft spot in her heart for horses.

3. Trumpette Boy Camo Socks and Mary Jane Brights $36 each  www.room6.com - you know what they say, the shoes make the outfit. 

4. Red & White Wooden Sailboat $89 and Streamliner Rally Red Car $60 by Playsam  www.inhabitshop.com - classic Scandinavian design in sleek and imagination-inspiring timeless toys.

5. Olivia Children’s Book Series by Ian Falconer $9.99-$19.95  www.inhabitshop.com - for ages 2 to 7 years old, this award-winning piglet is a sure favourite.

6. Handknit “Mini” Blabla Doll $40  www.cheekymonkey.ca - a bit pricey for everyday but a nice, soft and socially-responsible treat as a gift.

7. vedaBABY Fresh Shampoo and Body Wash $46  www.upurea.com - a gentle and pH balanced wash that is gentle on baby’s skin (comes in a range of baby bodycare).

8. Switchring ‘Popularity’ Four-Pack $17  www.switchrings.com - these Canadian-made rings are the coolest, if I were a little younger I would wear them myself.

9. Boy’s Hoodie in Slate by Fig $40  www.figkids.com - an organic kids clothing company based in Vancouver that makes the softest, cutest designs

10. Gelaskins iPod Protector $14.99  www.gelaskins.com - what teenager doesn’t have an iPod these days…help them make it their own with these funky interchangable skins (shown: Red Robot Leaving the City, My Pop).

Now go out and get yourself some cool points.

Photos: retailers mentioned above

And now for the men in your life. Sometimes not as easy to please but it’s fun to dress them up and take them out every now and then…

1. Slim Fit Shirt $70  canada.armaniexchange.com - try a slim fit shirt, tucked in or left out, for a sexier Euro look. 

2. Ginch Gonch Sport Brief $31.50  www.ginchgonch.com - something a little more exciting under those jeans.

3. Sigg 1L Reusable Water Bottle in Camoflauge $26  www.room6.com - for sports or just city outings, feel better knowing that you are using less plastic.

4. Celestron Skyscout Personal Planetarium $399  www.brookstone.com - a very cool gadget for anyone who likes to stargaze outside of the city, so much more fun than a telescope. (Receive a rebate of $50 if purchased before Nov.30th)

5. Alessi 9090 Espresso Maker $177  www.gabrielross.com - if you know a man that loves his espresso this sleek stove-top version from Alessi will allow him his after-dinner treat at home without taking up much counter space.

6. Citizens of Humanity Kingston Jagger Bootcut in Kingston $213  www.revolveclothing.com - a great fitting pair of indigo denim can go anywhere these days.

7. The Max Belt in Brown Mess $60  www.vegetarianbelts.com - distressed canvas belt with a cool interlock buckle, made in Canada and no animals harmed in its making.

8. Vitaman Face Moisturizer $33.75  www.upurea.com - guys secretly want great skin too so treat them to an all-natural daily moisturizing cream to soothe their shaven mugs.

9. Yoga Athletic Pant Reg $88 Sale $66  www.roots.com - these pants are great for lounging, weekend errands and brunch, they also make a man’s butt look great but still look very city and stylish.

It’s Black Friday people - the day after Thanksgiving in the US, the official beginning of Christmas shopping and one of the busiest retail days of the year. Of course in Canada it isn’t as ‘official’ since for us, it’s not a holiday. However we can feel the vibrations of the cash registers from way up here and even if we don’t line up for hours for ‘door-crasher specials’ we certainly join in the fun by the time Cyber Monday comes around - one of the busiest online shopping days of the year. In honour of Black Friday and the up-coming Cyber Monday (although I would recommend making it Cyber Sunday so your boss doesn’t complain) I have come up with Part 1 of the Swishlist Holiday Gift Guide. Fabulous gifts that you can buy online for everyone on your list…and ‘Part 1′ because I have segmented the Guide into Women, Men and Kids to help you find that perfectly suited present.

Part 1 - The Swishlist Holiday Gift Guide for the Women in Your Life

1. Yutori Fuyu Slip-On Boots (in Tobacco or Black) US$130  www.puma.com  - so much cuter than Uggs but just as comfy, warm and convenient.

2. Chinese Laundry Patent Clutch (in Black, Bronze or Silver) $45  www.brownsshoes.com  - the perfect clutch for holiday outings, all colours are equally great, black is the ’safest’ choice.

3. Cashmere Lined Black Italian Leather Long Gloves $144  www.forzieri.com  - there is nothing like a new pair of gloves and it’s Canada so we need lining and ‘long’ says, ‘I know your wrists get chilly’.

4. Juicy Couture Cashmere Hoodie $398  www.ssense.com  - luxury with a capital L, save 30% off orders above $200 until Nov.25th (makes it much more affordable).

5. Hilary Druxman Silver 20″ chain with bronze coin, thin oval pendant and gold accent beads $80  www.hilarydruxman.com - interesting and a ‘now’ mix of metals for the everyday; a more modern length for those lower cut tops.

6. Tiffany Fringe Tower Earrings $1500  www.tiffany.ca - this is a splurge but something sparkly by your face always makes a girl feel pretty (and you don’t need a matching necklace when you wear these puppies so consider it a deal).

7. Art Banner Open Tote Bag $74  www.eco-handbags.ca  - everyone totes these days, to the grocery store, to the gym, to work…make it a bag that lasts, is eco-friendly and looks cool at the same time.

8. Elle Macpherson Intimates Belle Contour Bra and Panty $85 for the set  www.figleaves.com  - grey and black lingerie is classy and sexy at the same time, peek in her drawer for the proper sizing.

9. Frilly Lilly Nail Polish $12  www.frillylilly.ca - go for Respectable, Racy and Good To Go to cover all your bases. 

10. Champagne Brut Merveille $390 for case of 6  www.wineonline.ca (only in Ontario and Nova Scotia) - for the girl who has everything and loves her bubbly.

11. Verve Champagne Flute US$11 www.crateandbarrel.com  - funky but not too precious for any and every occasion.

12. Mint Cashmere Cream Glistening Supreme Body Mousse $24  www.cakebeauty.com  - Climate Neutral and deliciously rich and yummy.

13. Sigg .6L Reusable Water Bottle $24  www.room6.com - available in colours and patterns to thrill anyone, these are a must-have for a thirsty woman on the go.

Photos: retailers mentioned above