Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

Small trifles in a stocking can be just as thoughtful as the large gifts under the tree, even if you left off shopping until the last moment. Here's a range of stocking stuffer ideas for guys and girls alike, all under $20.

• Principessa Bacio Me lip balm ($12 at BeautyMark). Shea butter, vitamin E, a delectable scent and a light pink hue all conspire to make the perfect winter lip balm. Principessa's pretty signature packaging doesn't hurt either.
• China Glaze 'Love Marilyn' nail polish ($8 at Spa Boutique). Part of the Eye Candy 3-D Glitter holiday collection, this red-and-silver-flecked lacquer was inspired by Ms. Monroe's assertion that "diamonds are a girl's best friend." I particularly love the look of a layer of 'Love Marilyn' over a favourite red polish.
• Joe Fresh sequinned wristlet ($5). She can use it as a teensy bag for an evening out or a glam makeup pouch in her everyday handbag.
• Monogram mugs ($6 at Anthropologie). Make sure the stockings are hung with care before putting one of these in!
• Principessa Notte Breeze dry shampoo for brunettes ($12 at BeautyMark). This talc-free formula containing vitamin E, aloe, chamomile and calendula is tinted brown to perfectly blend in with dark hair, which means no telltale white streaks. For those with lighter locks, Principessa makes a version called Bianco Breeze.
• "What happened?" bandages ($7 at Urban Outfitters). Give the lovably clumsy one in your life better alibis for their injuries.
• Dog USB splitter ($10 at Urban Outfitters). Laptops never seem to have enough USB ports these days, making this stocking stuffer both practical and adorable for the tech-obsessed.
• Joe Fresh mini brush kit ($16). Perfect for the girl on the go who's constantly touching up her makeup in the office bathroom before a big evening out.
• Pretty Polaroid notecards ($10 at Urban Outfitters). I may be biased because I'm a stationery geek and slightly OCD to boot, but who doesn't love having a box of all-occasion note cards handy for impromptu thank-you notes and birthday greetings?
• Skullcandy headphones ($14.99 at Future Shop). I have an unfortunate habit of rolling over headphones with my desk chair at work (oops), so I always opt for cheap ones. Skullcandy headphones are surprisingly good given the low price; the silicone cushions block out ambient noise effectively.
• Corporate flash cards ($14 at Front and Co.). You know, just in case they want to work on their value proposition and angle for a raise next year.
• Joe Fresh tiny bow gloves ($10). The small bow detail and cozy gray colour make them look more luxe.

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My Christmas Wishlist

Shoes, a colourful oversized envelope clutch, a camera lens, earrings, and more shoes...that pretty much sums up what I'm hoping Santa will bring me.

• Frye engineer 8R boots ($224.17). I have a pair of black leather ankle-length boots from Joe Fresh that probably won't last more than one or two winters more than this. A replacement pair from a brand renowned for quality would be great.
• J. Crew Viv pumps ($344). So pretty! Love the robin's egg blue and the elegant bow.
• Birks BLUE Collection diamond solitaire earrings (starting at $1,750). If this is going to be a wishlist, I might as well include something extravagant, right? Diamond solitaire earrings are a classic.
• Foley + Corinna mega parcel clutch with strap ($296.38). The raspberry hue and minimalist lines make this clutch a winner.
• Benefit High Beam luminizer ($30). This is a product I've eyed time and again but somehow never bought for myself. A little luminizer goes a long way in brightening up dull winter skin.
• Valentino studded leather ballet flats ($795). The desirability of these shoes speaks for itself.
• See by Chloe scallop ankle wrap sandals ($366.43). Feminine, slightly frilly and oh so perfect.
• Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 wide angle lens for micro four thirds camera (approx. $500). I've held off getting a second lens for my camera because I wanted to make sure that any lens I bought would be one I'd need and use often. After a couple of months with my new camera, I think I'd like a lens that could work in dim light conditions so I could take better photos at events where the lighting is poor. (Even the boy thinks it's a good idea.)
• Joules 'Evedon' wellies ($105). I found a pair of rain boots with bows on them to replace the Kate Spade ones!
• O'Clock gold face watch ($50.67). Fun, sleek, stylish alternative to the red patent Timex I always wear.

What are you hoping Santa will bring you?

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Kiss & Makeup Media Preview

If you're still shopping for the aunts, sisters and girlfriends on your list, look no further than Kiss & Makeup. Located in Park Royal Village, this skincare mecca, apothecary and lifestyle store is full of gift ideas, as evidenced by the media preview I attended a little over a week ago. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect in-store.

Stila eyeshadow palettes and boxed lip gloss sets would be welcome presents for any beauty lover.

I like the idea of giving a party hostess something for the home or kitchen. The Laundress products--natural non-toxic detergents and solutions for all your delicates--are practical and sweetly packaged. I picked up a bottle of Wool and Cashmere Spray for myself while I was there. The non-toxic, biodegradable, anti-bacterial spray freshens delicate knits between drycleaning trips.

You can't live in Vancouver without knowing at least one person who owns a pair of classic Hunter wellies. So how about getting her a pair of cozy fleece socks to go with her rain boots?

And for those who don't want a classic pair of Hunters, well, Kiss & Makeup has those too.

Erickson Beamon jewelry. Just divine.

Luxuriously scented and beautifully wrapped Atelier Cologne soaps are another great hostess gift idea.

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Gift Guide for Her

This gift guide is skewed toward beauty- and fashion-loving females who relish quirky, colourful pieces.

• Deborah Lippmann 'Get this Party Started' kit ($50 at Kiss & Makeup). This incredible boxed set contains three glittery nail polishes: 'Happy Birthday', 'Candy Shop' and 'Forget You'. They look great worn alone or layered over a solid colour. Break up the set for a trio of small stocking stuffers, or give the entire box to the nail polish fiend in your life.
• J. Crew bubble necklace ($174). Give a neutrals-wearing gal a colourful statement necklace; it instantly adds a dose of quirkiness to any outfit.
• ILIA pure lip care ($24.95 at BeautyMark). This locally founded organic lipstick line is wonderful year-round, but I especially like it in winter: the super-moisturizing lip-balm-like formula helps combat chapped lips. The colour goes on sheer or can be layered, making it a great gift for lipstick-phobes and devotees alike.
• Madewell first frost cardigan ($79.50). Keep away winter blues with a bright cardi. Trust me, they're surprisingly versatile.
• Juliet & Company 'Forget Me Knot' earrings ($26.35). Classic-with-a-twist gold earrings are a chic mainstay in most work wardrobes.
• Rebecca Minkoff MAC laptop case ($263.40). This cushioned bag will keep her beloved computer safe and also doubles as an oversize clutch for an evening out.
• J. Crew 'Edie' purse ($274). Timeless satchel silhouette, bold hue, simple lines. Utterly perfect in every way.
• Givenchy Les Ombres de Lune palette ($64 at Sephora). I'm biased because I received one of these palettes for review, but I think it would make a gorgeous gift for any beauty lover. Good things really do come in small palettes.
• La Mer Collections indo lucite watch ($115.89). A large watch lends some menswear-inspired polish to casual outfits.
• Jonathan Adler 'Links' 4G iPhone Cover ($30.55). An iPhone case this colourful and unique will garner compliments and envious looks alike.

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Gift Guide for Him

I'll admit, I was thinking of the boy when I put together this gift guide. But if the man you're shopping for is anything like my guy, you can't go wrong with cozy and stylish additions to his closet, a gadget or two and, of course, food.

• Banana Republic black wool top coat ($263.50). This single-breasted style slims and flatters. It's a classic topper he'll want to wear year after year.
• Coach House shortbread ($11.95 a roll; available at One of a Kind). I have yet to meet a guy who'll say no to food. A roll of shortbread cookies makes a great inexpensive gift for guy friends.
• Converse All Star Leather Slim ($75). Upgrade his standby sneakers to a sleek new pair.
• Banana Republic striped edge scarf ($55). Add some colour and warmth to his winter ensembles.
• Tretorn 'Strala' ($79 at Rowan Sky). These low-profile ankle-length rubber rain boots will keep him warm and dry in rain, slush and snow.
• iPad 2 ($520 and up). It's an iPad. Enough said.
• Crown Shaving Co. shaving cream ($26 at BeautyMark). This luxe shaving cream contains spearmint, eucalyptus and shea butter among a slew of other natural ingredients. It's perfect for an invigorating shave experience.
• A home-cooked dinner. If you're a dunce in the kitchen, Michael Ruhlman's roast chicken recipe is super easy and tasty.
• Herschel Supply 'Novel' weekender bag ($79). Make his business trips and quick getaways a cinch with a bag for all his essentials. It even has a separate zip compartment for his shoes.
• Gap mariner stripe crewneck sweater ($49.95). You can't go wrong with stripes.
• Panasonic Lumix G3 ($728 at Dunne & Rundle). I'm probably biased because I love my Lumix G3, but the boy--who researched my camera and works with it when taking my outfit photos--likes it too. It has the same functionality as an entry-level SLR but in a smaller micro four-thirds format.

What are you getting the men in your life for Christmas?

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Holiday Sparkle

From the top left (left to right): Theodora & Callum sand dollar necklace ($272.64), tuleste market large braided marble choker ($163.58), Kenneth Jay Lane gold large link bracelet ($227.92), CC Skye feather bangle ($65.43), Alexis Bittar pave woven bow cuff ($321.71), Rachel Leigh estates rock ring ($78.52), Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Gemma' ring ($139.59), Gemma Redux earrings ($183.21)

December is almost here, and along with it comes holiday party season. While I love a new party dress as much as the next girl, I'm also a big fan of giving the clothes in my closet a fresh look with costume jewelry. A distinctive bracelet or necklace can do wonders, breathing new life into a staid LBD or brightening up a plain frock. For costume jewelry that won't break the bank, you can always search the accessories aisles of Forever 21 or H&M, but won't one of these luxe picks from Shopbop be positively dreamy for a Christmas or New Year's fete? I can't even pick a favourite amongst the bunch. Can you?

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Joe Fresh Holiday Preview

For those of us who want a stylish, enjoyable holiday season that won't break the budget, it's Joe Fresh and PC Home to the rescue. The two Loblaws in-house brands have transcended their humble supermarket roots: Joe Fresh is opening ever more standalone clothing stores in North America and PC Home is going to be under the creative direction of Joseph Mimran going forward. But both can still be depended upon for cheap chic holiday attire, entertaining ideas and decor as evidenced by the well-attended media preview held in a luxe False Creek flat last week. Here's a glimpse of what a merry Christmas looks like according to Joe and PC Home.

Go for elegance with silver and white table settings.

Trim your tree and put gifts of cozy knits and portable travel mugs underneath.

Nutcrackers in the foyer make for interesting decorations.

A closet stocked with Joe Fresh: warm knits to snuggle up in, gold sequins and a fringed leather miniskirt.

Joe Fresh beauty can always be counted on for great colours and good quality at an astonishingly low price. My favourites at the preview: nail polishes ($4 each or 3 for $10), the portable holiday swivel palette and the huge eyeshadow palette.

I love advent calendars and this advent truck is one of the cutest I've seen in a while. All the doors open so you can stash tiny treasures inside and make the countdown to Christmas even sweeter.

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BeautyMark Holiday Preview

Philosophy product tree ornaments ($13 each)

It's mid-November, which means winter is well under way already and there's just a little over a month until Christmas! Think prepping for party season and buying presents for loved ones; luckily, one-stop shops like BeautyMark take the guesswork out of both. Here's a glimpse of what caught my eye when I attended their holiday preview last week.

Fleece-lined Plush tights to keep you cozy on blustery days ($42)

Give winter-weary skin some TLC with Pangea Organics skincare products. I've been trying some of these products for the last couple of weeks and will be writing a review soon!

Luxe men's grooming products make great gift ideas.

Get your manicures party-ready with glittery Deborah Lippmann nail polishes ($20).

Great colours and fun packaging make Butter London polishes ($17) the perfect stocking stuffer choice.

Sparkly bracelets and whimsical headbands

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Holiday Shopping Events

'Tis the season to make your list and check it twice! I'm talking about Christmas shopping, of course. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift, finding the finishing touches for your party decor, seeking holiday attire inspiration, or buying some warm winter things to bundle up in, be sure to check out these events happening in the next few weeks.

Gastown Shop Hop - Thursday November 17, 5-9pm

Some of Gastown's most fashionable boutiques will be open late for one night only, offering discounts, drinks and nibbles to shoppers hopping from shop to shop. Be sure to check out a few of my favourite stores: LYNNsteven, Ishara, (212) and Rowan Sky. For more information, check out the event listing here.

BeautyMark VIP Holiday Party - Thursday November 17, 5:30-8:30pm

Scope out the latest beauty goodies from Philosophy and Stila, stock up on moisturizing skincare to battle the elements, and pick up a gift or two for the beauty lovers on your list--all while enjoying a 20% discount on regular-priced items. See the flyer above for all the details.

Festive Collective - November 2-27

This month-long pop-up shop in the Rize showroom (196 Kingsway) offers an eclectic selection of clothing and accessories from some of Vancouver's best emerging design talent. Be sure to check out the sterling silver and laser-etched wood jewelry by my friend Fiona Louie. For more information, check out the flyer above or their website.

Le Chateau x FLARE Magazine Shopping Event - Saturday November 19, 1-4pm

The Le Chateau location at Pacific Centre is hosting a holiday party wear event this Saturday in collaboration with stylist Luisa Rino of FLARE magazine. If you're weary of duking it out with frenetic shoppers over pieces from the Versace x H&M collaboration, stop by for Luisa's presentation on holiday wear ideas and enjoy complimentary nail and hair touch-ups by Suki's salon.

The Style Spy x Gap Shopping Party - Tuesday November 22, 5-8pm

The Style Spy and the Gap on Robson Street team up to present a fun night of shopping. 25% off the holiday collection, a braid bar and candy bar, DJ, and gift bags for purchases over $50. See the flyer above for all the details.

Banana Republic x VitaminDaily.com 'Holiday Style in the City' - Wednesday November 23, 5-8pm

Join VitaminDaily.com's co-founder/editor-in-chief, Sarah Bancroft, as well as gorgeous bloggers/Vitamin Daily contributors Anya and Kelsey at the Banana Republic Robson flagship and enjoy 25% off the new holiday collection. Get help for your holiday party wear conundrums and search for the perfect cardigan for your beau. See Anya's blog post for all the details.

Got Craft? - Sunday December 4, 10am-5pm

Probably the most indie of all the indie craft fairs in Vancouver, Got Craft returns to the Royal Canadian Legion for one day only to purvey all things handmade.

One of a Kind Vancouver - December 8-11

One of a Kind Vancouver is like a one-stop shop as far as unique gift ideas go. Think dinnerware, food items, decor, art, clothes, jewelry...you can find anything and everything at this huge show taking place in the Vancouver Convention Centre. (I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at what's in this year's show earlier this year.) If you, like hundreds of others, are after some Coach shortbread, go on the first day and go early; they've been known to sell out in the first few hours.

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