12 Gift Ideas For The Man In Your Life

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Men can often be tricky to buy for. Does your guy like a practical gift? Does your Dad want something personal? Here are a few ideas I’ve found to help you get started on your Christmas shopping.

I like to get something cool for the guy in my life; then add a personal touch, like something hand-made or something extra personalized. Etsy is a great place to find some unique gifts online, and if you’re living in Vancouver like me, check out your local shops on Main Street or in Gastown and support your Canadian stores!

Gift List: Men's

If you like this post, please take the time to like my page on Facebook. I will be posting more gift giving ideas throughout the rest of December!

Reader Question: How do I wear oversize cowls?

“I’m liking the new crochet cowls with the big wooden buttons, but how or what do I wear them with?”-Jamie-Lee

There are a few things to think of when purchasing a cowl. Here are my questions for you:

1. Are you wearing it for warmth from the outdoors?

If you are from a cold Canadian province, you may want to consider wearing a nice chunky cowl. If it’s large enough, it could be multi-purposed into a hood, and if it’s wool, it wont absorb wet snow or rain. That is something key to look for! But don’t match this cowl to your outfit, match this cowl to your coat, because I’m sure it will be too warm indoors for you to want to rock a heavy wool cowl.

2. Are you wanting to make a fashion statement?

If you are wearing your scarf to make a statement, then you WILL want to match your outfit. Go for something that is a bit more lightweight. The challenge with wearing cowls with your outfit, is that they tend to work like a turtle neck, which aren’t the most flattering look. If you have a lovely long neck, you can get a cowl that is shorter and goes up to your chin. If you aren’t blessed with a long neck, go for the more flattering alternative, an infinity (or circle) scarf. You can wrap it longer, and still show some neck with this look.

Don’t forget, you’re already making a statement by wearing such a big fun scarf around your neck, so bring it home by being bold with colour too!

3. Are you sensitive to fabrication?

This is something logical to think about. Can you handle wool that close to your face? If you can’t, consider looking for something softer like silk, cotton or cashmere. They’re harder to come by, but they’re out there! And, if you’re wanting something trendy that will only last for one season, by all means, do acrylic. Acrylic is a cheaper synthetic fabric that pills, but if you’re dollar conscious and not concerned about longevity then acrylic is for you.

My last few tips:

  • I’d suggest getting a colour that brings out your eyes and flatters your skin tone, especially since it’s so close to your face.
  • Scarves like these are casual, so don’t wear it them with your pretty party dress! Pair with your favorite jeans and a T, and make sure you play up the arm candy! You can get some cute bracelets if you click here.
  • If you’ve got long hair, chunky scarves look better with your hair up, if you have shorter hair, go nuts!
  • Most importantly, have fun with fashion. You don’t need to over-think it. If you feel good, then you probably look good too!

The last three images were provided by my new favorite Etsy store: Yokoo.

Last but not least, if you haven’t checked it out yet, click on my page BY Black is the New Black. I’m showcasing a few of my creations that are available for purchase too!

 

Marilyn Monroe Lives on Through CHANEL No. 5

CHANEL recently released this footage of Marilyn Monroe sharing what she wears to bed. She admitted she loves wearing only CHANEL No.5. You gotta love her! Check out the never before released footage here:

2012 Women’s Sweater Trends

Sweaters are all the craze this season. Have you found your perfect sweater yet? If not, here are a few trend ideas that will help you weed out the good, and pick out the most stylish pieces!

The Oversize Sweater:

The Classic Pullover:

The Animal Sweater:

The “Party In The Back” Sweater:

The Burgundy (Oxblood) Cardigan:

The Ripped Sweater:

The High-Low Sweater:

People’s Sexiest Man Alive Predictions

Rumours are swirling around the net saying this year People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive is going to be everyone’s favorite stripper, Channing Tatum. I get it, Magic Mike (and 21 Jump Street) was a huge success for him this year. He’s not exactly my cup of tea, but I GET it. Have you seen him dance?! Not only that, but also seems like a very down-to-earth guy that isn’t afraid to make fun of himself. Major bonus points for that!

Who else would you add to this years sexiest men? Usually the men on the list are on it due to a popularity contest, and not just based on looks. Here are a few of my predictions this year:

With the success of Looper and The Dark Night Rises, there is no way Joseph Gordon-Levitt wont make the cut.

The Hemsworth brothers had great successes this year. Liam in the smash hit Hunger Games, and Chris with Avengers and Snow White and the Huntsman.

Mark Wahlberg can pretty much always make the list. He keeps pumping out hit comedies like Ted, and action movies like Contraband, this wont be the end of Marky-Mark any time soon!

Do you recognize this face? You might not, since in Tom Hardy’s biggest hit this year he was wearing a mask playing Bane in The Dark Night Rises. He also starred in a the western hit Lawless, where his chemistry with Jessica Chastain was magnetic! Tom is just starting his way into MAJOR stardom. (BTW- if you haven’t seen him in Bronson, and you’re OK with a little violence you must watch it. Brilliant acting!)

Robert Downey Jr. keeps pumping out huge hits such as The Avengers and Sherlock Holmes, which means we can guarantee to see him in the pages of People. Pretty sure he hasn’t left the list since the ’80′s!

After wooing all the ladies with his a capella abilities in the comedy Pitch Perfect, up-and-comer Skylar Astin is sure to make the list.

Because what girl doesn’t secretly wish she had a run in with James Bond? Skyfall was just released and it is rumoured to be Daniel Craig’s best performance as Bond yet!

It wouldn’t be a Sexiest Man List without finishing it off with some Ryan Gosling. It’s mandatory.

Who would you vote to be People’s Sexiest Men Alive?

Men’s Fall Outfit Pin-Spiration!

Since the ladies got a post on Fall outfits inspired by Pinterest, I thought my male readers should get one too! Yes, men are on Pinterest, however I don’t think they get as neurotic and obsessed as us women do! A little secret for my man friends, if you want to impress your girlfriend/sister/mother/boyfriend- go on their Pinterest page! You’d be surprised how easy it is to find that perfect gift or how much you could get to know about her just by doing a little online creeping!

Have you ever looked to Pinterest for style inspiration? If you’d like to follow me on Pinterst click here. 

 

 

Some Fall Outfit Pin-Spiration!

Pinterest is a source for many of my outfit ideas. If you haven’t gotten addicted to Pinterest yet, you must be hiding under a rock…or you’re a dude. This post is all about some awesome outfit creations I’ve come across recently. Hopefully it inspires you to re-look at your closet and make some cute fall outfits!

The repurposed maxi skirt is so fun. I love wearing my long skirts and dresses in summer, and these are some great ideas on how to bring them into my fall and winter wardrobe. I’d suggest wearing tights and ankle booties under the skirt, for some added warmth!

I am in love with using plaid as the new layering piece. I like styling it as a cardigan or do four layers; tank top, plaid, cardigan, and jacket. Make sure when doing a looser layer on top that you are wearing a fitted bottom, like in both these photos.

I’m loving all the arm candy! Just because you’re wearing long sleeves doesn’t mean you need to stop wearing bracelets. In fact, go for bolder, larger pieces to get more attention!

I am in LOVE with both of these looks. These outfits just gave me some great ideas for new ways to layer. Mixing denim is so in right now, and these photos show two great ways you can bring your summer denim shirt into fall.

Loving these two street-chique looks. Coloured denim is a trend that is even bigger this year, and these two shades are hot hot hot for fall! (I must admit I have both shades myself!)

Follow me here, and you can see at the latest little gems I am pinning!

 

For The Love Of Oxblood

For The Love Of Oxblood

Peplum dress
, 130 CAD / Embellished top, 79 CAD / AllSaints leather biker jacket, 545 CAD / Rich & Skinny super skinny jeans / Mid heels, 395 CAD / Leather shoes, 89 CAD / Alexander Wang leather tote bag, 915 CAD / Alexander McQueen enamel jewelry, 125 CAD / CÉLINE sunglasses, 275 CAD / Wool hat, 51 CAD / NARS Cosmetics matte lipstick, 25 CAD

Oxblood is the hottest colour this season, and the reason it’s caught on so big is because everyone can wear it! If you have a cool skin tone, look for a more purple based oxblood and if you have a warm skin tone look for a more orange/rust based shade.

I wouldn’t suggest rocking this colour head to toe, but pick a piece or two and pair with your favorite neutrals. I enjoy oxblood paired with leopard print! Have you purchased something in this colour yet? I myself purchased some jeans, nail polish and lipstick in this shade!

10 Things I Can’t Live Without

I’m sure all of you have tried and true products or tools that you use on a regular basis. I thought I’d share with you 10 Things I Can’t Live Without:

1. My Clothes Steamer

A steamer makes life so much simpler. I never think twice about buying anything due to the fabric, because I know it just takes 2 min to steam it before I step out of the house!

These days you can purchase hand-held steamers and they actually work quiet well! I take my hand-held steamer while travelling and its great! Who still irons these days?

2. Sephora Pore Cleansing Pad

This little baby is a miracle worker on my skin. I use it every night before bed, and I now never have flakey skin! I wrote about the details of this product a while ago, check it out.

3. Ojon Damage Restore Instant Restorative Hair Serum

This stuff works wonders. I have platinum blonde hair, and this is one of the best things to tame my ends. I use it after every wash to smooth out the cuticle.

4. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

I’ve been using this product probably for 8+ years. I love the texture, and the coverage. It’s light like a powder, but you can build it up to cover like foundation. I have also recently tried All In One Face Base from The Body Shop, and it is a very close second. It doesn’t have quite as good coverage as Studio Fix but since using it, my skin has cleared up a bit more…so depends which you prefer!

5. Quo Cosmetic Applicators or Q-Tips

These never ever leave my beauty routine. The Quo Applicators look similar to a Q-Tip, but one side is pointed and the other is flat, like an eye shadow brush. I use these bad boys to spot remove make-up, help repair a cat eye or create a smokey eye with shadow. These are a must have tool.

6. Mineral Oil

I’ve been using mineral oil to shave my legs for years, and it is the only thing that doesn’t dry them out. Not only does it help give you a smooth shave, but the oil also increases the longevity of your razor. Just put a few drops in your hand and smear all over your legs for a silky smooth finish!

7. Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner

I love the look of the classic cat eye, and I’ve searched and searched for the perfect liquid formula. I love the Stila liner because it stays on all day, dries quickly, and the pointed felt tip makes it easy to apply.

 

8. Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Blush

It’s no secret that I have very fair skin. I embrace it, but I NEED to wear blush without looking like a ghost! This blush is amazing. It’s a cream blush that is highly pigmented, so you don’t need to use much to get the impact. This stuff never seems to run out and the best part is, it lasts all day! Make sure when you are applying it goes under your powder but over your foundation.

 

9. Klorane Dry Shampoo

It’s cheaper than the products you find in Sephora, and you can find this brand at most drug stores. This dry shampoo doesn’t leave your scalp white and helps absorb the oil for a full day or two. It’s a great refresher if you don’t like to wash your hair every day, or if you have more of an oily scalp. I use dry shampoo because I colour my hair and it’s not heathy to wash everyday, but my scalp is still quite oily and this dry shampoo prolongs my colour and keeps my hair looking fresh. I especially recommend it if you have bangs! ‘Cause oily bangs are the worst!

10. True Blue Spa Super Softening Hand Lotion

I’ve been using this lotion for years, and I absolutely love it. It is really rich, and doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily. I use this lotion as a part of my nighttime routine, just before going to sleep I lather up and don’t massage it all the way in, this lets it absorb throughout the night. If my hands need some extra moisture, I’ll wear spa gloves and load up on the lotion while sleeping. When you take the gloves off in the morning my hands are silky smooth! You can find this lotion at Bath and Body Works.

What are a few of your favorite products? Are you loyal to certain brands or do you like to try new things?

My Montreal Vacation Via Instagram

20121016-163210.jpgMy Mom and I spent a week in Montreal and we had a blast. Above was the first cafe we visited! It was so lovely and right close to the condo we stayed at in Old Montreal!20121016-163449.jpg20121016-163538.jpgOne of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen in my life. The Notre-Dame Basilica was stunning. A picture doesn’t even capture it!20121016-163728.jpgWe went to see an awesome Cirque show! It was a mix of hip hop dance and crazy circus acts! 20121016-163852.jpg

20121016-164236.jpgAbove and below is in Quebec City, we took a day trip up there and it was worth it!! Such a pretty city!
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20121016-164530.jpgFor those who don’t have a clue what this is, its called Poutine. Originated in Quebec, this Canadian delicacy is made up of fries with cheese curds and gravy on top. My Mom and I got fancy poutine, one with guacamole, sour cream and salsa, and the other added bacon. Both were super yummy!20121016-164617.jpg20121016-164651.jpg

20121016-164749.jpgThis is a shot from the botanical gardens. This is a 280 year old bonsai tree! Below, was the lantern festival that was in the Chinese gardens. It was really pretty at night!20121016-164820.jpg

20121016-164910.jpgMy last day in Montreal was pouring rain, but it’s still beautiful! I had a wonderful time, and would totally go back again! Have you ever been to Montréal?