Swishlist.ca

I felt I needed to spread the word to whomever is reading today that Dace is having a 40% off sale until midnight tonight, December 3, 2009. The reason I feel that you need to know is that I checked out some of their Fall 2009 pieces in person at a local Toronto shop this week and they are stunning. Dace really knows what fabrics complement their designs and I would be pretty excited to wear a number of their pieces to any holiday soiree this season. My faves include the Seamus Blouse (sits right at hip with soft, slightly sheer fabric), the Wild Card Dress (you can’t see the front but just a perfectly cut shift with some girly detail in the back), and the Madness One-Piece (spot on trend but super classy at the same time).

I am late posting the sale so get online before midnight and check it out.

Photos: Dace

It’s watermelon season again - although come to think of it I have been eating the mini seedless variety from Mexico all winter long. In any case, watermelon season also means it’s time to be more scrupulous about sunscreen application. So you can see the wisdom in pairing them up as Korres does in its Watermelon Sunscreen Stick with SPF30. The stick formulation makes it so easy to tuck into a handbag and apply at first blush…or preferrably before but nobody is perfect. It also acts as a highlighter so roll it on those sun-prone spots and shimmer away. (And I don’t mean in the shiny and very painful red lobster way.) This product is quite literally sheer joy and a must-have for every natural-beauty-product-lovin’ girl this summer.

Photos: Sephora.com

I always love that first warm day I can wear my new Spring jacket. No more long and practical down coats to defend against our winter weather. Bring on the outerwear chosen purely on frivolous fashion factors. One of my favourites this year is the Mackage Packable Pearl Rain Jacket. What could be cuter than this motorcycle-inspired nylon jacket that rolls up to pack neatly in this purse-like carrier? I am so inspired that I want to book a trip to rainy London just to get the use it deserves. Unfortunately it only comes in black and even though I promised myself I would not buy a black Spring jacket this year…I am considering breaking my oath.

Another one I have my eye on and actually had a dream about last week is this lavender cropped leather number that I had in my 2009 inspirations. It is a fantastic blend of feminine, edge and this Spring’s pastel trend. Still oh so inspiring. Another staple piece is this putty coloured canvas fitted jacket that exudes laid-back cool and allows you to wear the multitude of tank tops in your collection before the steamy weather sets in. It’s not as far away as it feels.

Photos: Mackage, Tobi.com, Victoriassecret.com

I was introduced to a new Canadian site last week called ModernKaribou.ca. It really fills a nice gap in the Canadian online market for design elements for the home including furniture by Gus* Modern, and home accessories by eco-conscious designers FLUF (who have closed shop in Toronto to focus on wholesale so this is a great resource for its followers). They seem to carry a few of my favourites who I have mentioned in the past: ferm LIVING (fantastic wall stickers and gorgeous wallpaper), and OFFI (affordable dining chairs and funky stools). This site is a perfect way to avoid cross-border duties and shipping and to find new and exciting Canadian design. They are offering free shipping on orders over $100 - which is pretty easy to reach with their tempting array of items. What do I have my eye on? FLUF Landscape pillows and the Gus* Modern Bathurst Cabinet…appearing soon in a living room near me. It has all of the elements Canadian online shoppers dream about: 5 stars.

Photos: Modern Karibou

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

I had this notion that a year after I had kids my life would settle back into a nice orderly rhythm. This has not yet happened. I am not complaining. In fact, I am enjoying (almost) every minute. However, add a few extra curve balls that I wasn’t expecting to have to deal with at this point in time and balls get dropped. Unfortunately the dropped ball was my daily blogging on Swishlist. Well, I am back in half force and am hoping to get a few juicy blogs written per week as well as finally launching the Swishlist E-newsletter. (If you haven’t signed up already, you can submit your email at the top right of the page.) Included here are a few of my inspirational images and ideas for Spring 2009 - I will touch on them over the coming weeks.

Photos: Casamidy.com, Grant McEachern, Living Etc, Revolveclothing.com, Shopbop.com, Goneshopping.ca, Ssense.com, upurea.com, Fruits & Passion, Tobi.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

Luxual Boutique has opened its virtual doors this Fall and is offering Swishlist readers a 20% discount on regular price items until November 30, 2008. It is a great resource for this season’s ‘boyfriend cardigan’ that spruces up both your work and casual wardrobes (invest in a skinny belt in a perky colour to make it zing). Check out the shoulder detailing on the fluxus pocket cardigan, above left, or the nautical stripes on the aude olsen. Other hard-to-live-without pieces on the site include the swell hoodie by tonic - a silky mix of bamboo and organic cotton to cozy up to on those crisp nights; along with the nerror shawl by kemi in a steely grey wool to toss casually around your neck day or night. Basics with a twist and free shipping in Canada to boot. Type SWISHLIST in the coupon field at checkout.

Photos: Luxual Boutique

Do you find your space is lacking those last side tables, lamps, artwork and curios that make it look magazine-ready? These ‘filler’ decor items or accents tend to give a room its personality so add some fun with a Tiki Stool for US$60. It comes in a selection of colours and acts as a stool or a retro-inspired side table to store books and hold your drink. Made from molded polypropylene, it can be considered eco-friendly since this manufacturing process does not produce dangerous emissions and it is recycleable in your normal curbside recycling bin. Although if you ever want to get rid of this cute little accessory, passing it on to a new owner is much more environmentally friendly. I personally like the black and white but the lime green would be a great addition in the backyard or in a kid’s room.

Photos: Stacks and Stacks

Nail biter? Finger-licker? Babies sucking on your hands? You need this polish. Butter London has come up with a line of toxin-free nail polish with fabulous, fashionable colours and beautiful packaging to make you feel flirty while doing your bit for the earth and your health. Butter touts itself as ‘3 Free’ which is kind of confusing on their site since it makes it sound like you are somehow getting 3 free bottles of polish. Not the case. What it really means is that they are free of the 3 most common carcinogenic chemicals found in polish: Formaldehyde, Toluene, and DBP. Hooray.

They ship to Canada from their site - just change the country in the top right corner to that familiar maple leaf. You can also find it in-store at Holt’s. I would recommend the Fashionista’s Favourite Fall 2008 pack for all of the shades you might require this season. Throw a base and top coat in your shopping basket for the complete treatment. To the salon junkies - this doesn’t mean you have to do your own nails. Bring it along and they will be happy to use your brand of choice. Spread the word, Butter is delicious.

Photos: Butter London