Gift Giving Guide: {For the Impossible To Buy For Guy}

A little later than planned, but the second edition of j.love's Gift Giving Guide is here! A few friends have told me how hard it is to buy presents for their boyfriend/husband, brother and even dad. So, for the guy who has everything and needs nothing, I present to you the Gift Giving Guide: For The Impossible To Buy For Guy!


1. Jack Spade iPhone Cases --- Is your man glued to his iPhone 24/7? Does he seem to love it more than he loves you (it happens)? Well, if that's the case, his gadget may as well look the best it can with one of these cute manly Jack Spade iPhone cases. My favorite is the duct tape look-alike!

2. Cheers DVD Set --- Arguably the greatest sitcom of all time, Cheers is sure to put a smile on any guy's face. The bar setting and quirky cast of characters is a favorite with the guys, but you won't mind sitting through a few episodes too because deep down, Cheers is just a love story (shhh, the guys don't have to know).

3. iPhone Gramophone --- Add a touch of vintage elegance to your man's living room with something as simple as an iPhone docking station. Simple has never looked so good. This gramophone from Restoration Hardware is definitely a conversation starter.

4. Knit Tie --- Sometimes you really can't go wrong with the classic tie. This holiday season, give a tie from The Tie Bar - they're stylish, unique and most importantly, affordable.

5. Power Pot --- The Power Pot is the perfect gift for the outdoorsy man on your list. This brilliant device generates electricity by boiling water. That's right! Simply fill this lightweight pot with water, place over fire and voila! you've got electricity via usb cord. 

6. 101 World Whiskies to Try Before You Die --- With over 100 different whiskies to try within the pages of this book, this gift will keep any guy busy until the next holiday season. And hey! If you're feeling extra merry, even throw in a bottle of the good stuff. You may just get a few extra kisses.

7. Sparkling Mike --- If all else fails and you still don't know what to get that guy on your list, go with Sparkling Mike from Restoration Hardware. A wind-up robot that shoots sparks out of his chest. Because I dare you to find a guy who doesn't want a robot. Particularly one that shoots sparks out of it's chest.

8. The Wave Coffee Table --- If you're in the mood to splurge than The Wave coffee table by Because We Can is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. This coffee table is full of LED lights that are motion sensitive, creating fun patterns of light when touched. It's sleek design and curved wooden base will compliment any room. This table is sure to be the life of the party!

As always, happy shopping and leave a comment if you would like to see a specific gift giving guide for that special someone on your list this year.

j.

That 70's Outfit

blouse & vest {sample sale} - dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - 

white desert booties {thrifted in Toronto} - bracelets {Flirt boutique & etsy} - gold watch {Target}

 

Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong decade. I think I would have really enjoyed living through the 60's and 70's. Both of these decades had fantastic fashion and styles. So I'm glad that it's acceptable to wear outfits today that are reminiscent of times gone past. Or at the very least, it's acceptable to me. And that's really all that counts.

On a completely unrelated note, I'm going to give myself a challenge to NOT shop until December 26. That's right, I will not buy myself any clothes, accessories or shoes for the next 40 days. Sounds easy enough... For those of you who don't know the importance of December 26, it's a little day us Canucks like to call Boxing Day. It's like Black Friday, just without the human stampedes and getting trampled to death. My bestie in Calgary and I are seasoned Boxing Day shoppers. In our prime, we hit three malls in one day. We have it down to a science. Our outfits are layerable for the ease of trying clothes on, we start early and ensure we stay well fed and hydrated throughout the day and we are not above dropping trou' in the corner of a store to try on jeans (well...she may be but I am certainly not, I mean who closes their change rooms on the busiest shopping day of the year?!). Here's to the next 40 days of not shopping so that I can go crazy crazier than usual on the 26th!

j.

One Poncho, Three Ways

I've secretly wanted a poncho for a long time and recently one just happened to find it's way to me. Turns out ponchos are quite the versatile piece of clothing. Not only do they double as a blanket on a long flight but I played around with it and you can wear it different ways for completely different looks.

You can belt it and bunch it to wear it almost as a sweater. Pair this version with jeans and ankle booties for a casual look.

Of course, there is the traditional poncho, worn loose with the longer sides in center front and back. This was how I wore it on the plane. Pair with leggings and warm boots for the comfiest outfit that is not pajamas.

poncho {sample sale} - dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - black booties {Topshop} - brown belt {Jacob} - 

black leggings {Aritzia} - knitted boots {Winners} - black dress {Jacob} - nude pumps {Madden Girl via DSW}

Lastly, I wanted to dress it up a bit so I wore it over a black dress with nude pumps. I turned the poncho so the longest points were at my sides and used a skinny belt to add a bit of waist definition.

Did anyone else notice the background transition in these three photos? The first one was taken yesterday when Calgary had basically no snow and green grass. Overnight turned the city into a Winter wonderland, as seen in photo number two. And with the snow not letting up all day (and still no sign of that happening), I chickened out and took the third photo inside.

j.

It's a Mod, Mod World

jacket {Gap} - turtleneck, red skinnies & necklace {Forever 21} - black booties {Topshop} - purse {vintage Dooney & Bourke}

I (finally) left the house this past weekend after being cooped up all week. What a glorious time I had with my friend Sesame. We met for breakfast, then found this amazing waterfall to take photos in front of. We wandered around the Rockefeller Center area, popping into a few shops and even scored tickets to watch Jimmy Fallon preview his evening monologue. Way cool!

I am flying home tomorrow night for the start of Love Fest 2012, also known as, my brother's wedding. I am so excited to be a part of such a special day. I will try and post while I am away but I'm not making any promises ;)

Have a good week friends!

j. 

You're Never Too Old For Dress-Up

These nine photos brought to you by sheer boredom and way too much time on our hands. I simply asked Kiki (my roomie) to show me how I should do my make-up for my brother's wedding next week. That took all of ten minutes, which led to "can I give you a smokey eye?". Why yes, yes you can. That quickly led to "oooh, I should tease your hair!". Logical. So at that point it only made sense for the hats to come out.

All kidding aside, Frankenstorm Sandy came and went earlier this week and left destruction, death and flooding in her wake. We are lucky enough to be living in an area that was not badly affected, we never lost power and all of our friends are safe (although a few are homeless for the time being). We are grateful for that. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by Mother Nature's latest tragedy.

Due to the storm, classes and internships were cancelled all of this week which has meant a whole lot of time inside the apartment. With transit obviously not in service, we have nowhere to go and not a lot to do (obviously studying is out of the question). So, when life gives you lemons...put on copious amounts of eye make-up, tease your hair real good and have your bestie take way too many photos of you making ridiculous faces.

j.