Calgary
December 29th, 2011
Editors’ Picks: Wicked Wines
Raise a glass! Our editor share their favourite holiday wines:
Pfaffenheim Gewurztraminer is a mouthful to say but the French wine is floral and fruity and pairs nicely with Thai takeout making for a perfect night in. $18.49 at Kensington Wine Market, 1257 Kensington Rd. N.W., Calgary, 403-283-8000, www.kensingtonwinemarket.com —Jaelyn Molyneux, Calgary editor
Moving from London back to Vancouver meant that my favourite wines (usually from Spain) were suddenly a lot more expensive. The Rioja Crianza from Campo Viejo is a good staple when you don’t want to spend much money, it is oaky, fruity, and rich (all the things I hate in a white wine but love in a red.) $14.99 from BC Liquor Stores. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, Vancouver fashion editor
For a sparkler that won’t set you back, we love Sieur d'Arques Première bulle Blanquette de Limoux mousseux (2008) ($17.55). It’s the perfect girly sipper, from the pretty pink label to the fruity bubbles. At selected SAQ locations. —Jennifer Nachshen, Montreal editor
As a rare girl that doesn’t like Champagne, I always make sure to stock up on riesling, which can feel just as festive and taste just as sweet. This one by Tantalus is my personal favourite: very floral with strong hints of both apple and pear. Its full-bodied, yet breezy palette makes it a great companion for any celebration. $22.90 at Village VQA Wines.—Anya Georgijevic, Vancouver beauty editor
Cedar Creek Riesling 2010 ($17.90) I’m a seafood-aholic and this light, bright riesling goes beautifully with almost anything from the ocean. —Kelsey Dundon, Vancouver lifestyle editor
Outis Etna is a fabulous wine that we discovered at Terroni. According to Max Stefanelli who runs the L.A. outpost, this ruby red is best paired with meats and caponata. $16 per glass, $74 per bottle at Terroni, 720 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-504-1992, www.terroni.com —Athena Tsavliris, Toronto editor
After living in Argentina, I figure you can't ever go wrong with malbec. The full-bodied flavour and richness of the Andeluna Malbec pairs perfectly with nights spent reminiscing around the fire with old friends. $25 at Firefly Wines, 2857 Cambie St., Vancouver, 604-875-3325, www.fireflyfinewinesandales.com —Kelsey Mulyk, Managing editor
Bear Flag's smooth red blend wins points on several counts: a female winemaker, a highly drinkable blend oozing vanilla and cherry, an accessible price point, and an illustrated label by an emerging artist (because, yes, packaging counts!) $ 12.99 at BC Liquor Stores. —Sarah Bancroft, Editor-in-chief
December 28th, 2011
Editors' Picks: Books to Curl Up With
There's nothing better than curling up with a good book, our editors share their favourite reads:
Will Ferguson’s Canadian Pie serves up slice-of-life stories the humour writer has collected throughout his career, all of which confirm we live in a delightfully quirky country. $32 at Shelf Life Books, 100, 1302 Fourth St. S.W., Calgary, 403-265-1033, www.shelflifebooks.ca — Jaelyn Molyneux, Calgary editor
Watership Down is one of my favourite books. My husband read it recently and he was enamoured. It is the beautiful story of a group of rabbits running away to start a new life, and a perfect feel-good-make-me-smile novel. $9.98 at www.amazon.ca —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, Vancouver fashion editor
For some spine-tingling spookiness pick up Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children ($14.43), peppered with vintage photographs for a multi-sensorial reading experience. At www.amazon.ca —Jennifer Nachshen, Montreal editor

If you read one book over the holidays, let it be Téa Obreht’s debut novel, The Tiger’s Wife. What a beautifully written book from a young author with startling talent. $12.27 at www.amazon.ca —Athena Tsavliris, Toronto editor
Of the several books published on Coco Chanel just this year, Intimate Chanel gives us an unprecedented glimpse into her private life, thanks to Chanel’s grandniece and only living relative, who opened the family archives to the author. Through family photographs, correspondence, gifts from her friends and lovers, the book has a voyeuristic feel, like rummaging through someone’s secret drawers. In this case, it’s “Auntie Coco’s.” $42.64 at www.amazon.ca — Anya Georgijevic, Vancouver beauty editor
I really loved Jeffrey Eugenides’s last book, Middlesex, so I’m going to spend some quality time with my couch this holiday and power through his just-published tome The Marriage Plot. $24.31 at www.amazon.ca —Kelsey Dundon, Vancouver lifestyle editor
For a seriously good cry nothing beats the tragic romance of The Time Traveler's Wife by Audery Niffenegger. Make sure you have ample Kleenex, a cozy blanket and glass (or bottle?) of red wine while you wallow in the delicious sadness of this beautifully written novel. $15.88 at www.amazon.ca —Kelsey Mulyk, Managing editor
December 26th, 2011
Editors' Picks: Films for Lazy Afternoons
Over the holidays there is nothing quite as indulgent as spending an afternoon watching your favourite movie, our editors share their top picks:
The Future
The Future begins with a thirty-something couple adopting an injured cat and continues through 30 days of questioning mortality, the need for attention and profound loneliness, all told through the poetic mind of writer/director/ star Miranda July. $34.95 at www.amazon.ca —Jaelyn Molyneux, Calgary editor
Lord of the Rings trilogy
The Christmas tradition I look forward to the most is my annual viewing of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I always opt for the extended version, and it takes me a few days to watch since I usually fall asleep a couple times. There is nothing better than lounging on the sofa watching good looking, burly guys riding horses and saving Middle Earth. $68.99 for the Special Extended Edition Trilogy at www.amazon.ca. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, Vancouver fashion editor
Jersey Shore
I’m only slightly ashamed of my addiction to Jersey Shore, but I’ll break open the boxed wine to enjoy the gang’s pre-rehab antics in Italy from Season Four. $19.99 at www.amazon.ca —Jennifer Nachshen, Montreal editor
Age of Innocence
Martin Scorsese may be best known for his dark, brooding crime dramas, but this adaptation of Edith Wharton's 1920 Pulitzer Prize-winning, melancholy, yet cleverly funny novel about New York's high society is just as complex. “Period drama?” he’ll ask. “It’s Martin Scorsese,” you’ll explain. $9.49 at www.amazon.ca — Anya Georgijevic, Vancouver beauty editor
Baz Luhrman’s Romeo + Juliet
I can’t wait to grab my girlfriends and reminisce about a time when “Love Fool” was all over the radio, Claire Danes looked all of 14, and Leo was like ohmigod so cute. $16.98 at www.chapters.indigo.ca —Kelsey Dundon, Vancouver lifestyle editor
Bill Cunningham New York
The Christmas holidays can be crazy, but if I finally get to watch the Bill Cunningham doc in a quiet room with leftover turkey and trimmings, I’ll be very chuffed. $23.99 at www.amazon.ca —Athena Tsavliris, Toronto editor
Amélie
This beautiful French film (shot in Paris) takes you along on a quirky love story just perfect for a snowy day. You'll want to practice your French on your sweetie after watching this adorable film. $15.68 at www.amazon.ca —Kelsey Mulyk, Managing editorNovember 25th, 2011
Editors' Picks: My 5 Favourite Things
Ever wonder what items our editors can't live without? All week long they'll be sharing their favourite things. Today Jaelyn Molyneux, our Calgary editor shares hers:
Fragrance combining from Jo Malone
I own a handful of bottles each with a different scent that I mix and match depending on my mood. My current combo is a spritz of orange blossom layered over vanilla and anise. A collection of six 9 ml colognes are $110 at Holt Renfrew, 510 8 Ave. S.W., 403-269-7341, www.holtrenfrew.com
Capri Blue Volcano Candle
I’m a scented candle convert. The soft flicker is a little luxury on a chilly winter night and you can pat yourself on the back every time someone pops over and comments on how great your place smells. My favourite candle is the Capri Blue in Volcano. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and floral. $32 at Anthropologie, Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-252-7411, www.anthropologie.com
Davines Essential Haircare
At $23 per bottle of shampoo this made-in-Italy hair care line has formulas that grant your hair “wishes” is worth the splurge. I like the Melu formula for damaged hair. A tiny dollop is all you need and the more water you add the more lather you get. At Volume Beauty Bar, Fashion Central, 805 1 St. S.W., 403-245-1935, www.volumebeautybar.com
Twist ’n Sparkle
There are some kitchen gadgets that are needs and there are some that are wants. The Twist ‘n Sparkle carbonator is the latter, but it sure is fun. Insert a soda cartridge in the lid pop it onto the bottle that is filled with a cold liquid. Twist the top and watch the bubbles form creating an effervescent beverage. $75.95 at Williams-Sonoma, Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-410-9191, www.williams-sonoma.ca
Cruffs Cream Puffs
Cupcakes, doughnuts and cookies are all top tier sweet treats, but the made-to-order cream puffs from Cruffs are my current favourite. The fluffy pastry is crunchy on the outside and injected with delicious creams in flavours including chantilly, hazelnut chocolate, strawberry and Baileys. Snack solo ($1.95) or buy a dozen ($22.25) to share with friends. Cruffs, 2312A Fourth St. S.W., 403-453-1134, www.cruffs.com —Jaelyn MolyneuxNovember 18th, 2011
Editors' Picks: Favourite Online Shops
We asked our editors to share their favourite places to shop online:
Revolve
My husband (admittedly a bit of a clotheshorse) has just discovered Revolve and now there's no going back. These trousers from Closed shipped for free and fit him perfectly. Here's hoping he gets his Christmas shopping done so efficiently! —Sarah Bancroft, Editor-in-chief
Room in Order
When I lived in London, childless and fancy free, I surfed shoe porn on luxury etailers, but nowadays it's all about ways to make my life easier. Room in Order, who's tagline is "Organize, Declutter & Simplify", provides solutions for my current, less glamorous life: stylish dishracks, modern storage boxes, slick coat hooks and fancy white boards. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, Vancouver Fashion EditorEtsy
Etsy is the besty! The virtual home of thousands of artists and artisans, it’s filled with unique pieces that are made with love and shipped right to your door. Like those from Canada’s own Scout & Catalogue, whose beachy, bohemian pieces would look great under my tree. —Kelsey Dundon, Vancouver Lifestyle Editor
Sophie’s Closet
This finely-curated jewellery destination offers the best costume baubles from both present and past, from hip and studded Edie Borgo, to glamorous and glitzy Erickson Beamon, to rare and timeless vintage like Chanel and Dior. —Anya Georgijevic, Vancouver Beauty EditorFoley + Corinna
I'm picky when it comes to bags. I like 'em simple and clean but in the current sea of designer handbags there are often way too many chains, buckles and other extras. Enter Foley + Corinna. Their streamlined clutches and dream totes have me continuously scheming up ways to justify one more bag in my closet.—Kelsey Mulyk, Managing Editor
Modcloth
Sure you can get yourself a lovely fabric frock on Modcloth.com. Vintage inspired, of course, and from designers including Betsey Johnson, Cheap Monday and Skinkfunk. You can even vote on whether a design should go into production at the Be The Buyer tab. But ’tis the season to give so click on the gifts tab and peruse the fashion, accessory, home décor and novelty items categorized by person, price or interest. —Jaelyn Molyneux, Calgary EditorPresent & Correct
I’m a total paper geek, with drawers jammed full of letterpress, notepads, post cards and ephemera. Present & Correct is a newly discovered playground of mine with more fabulous paper goods than a girl like me could ever imagine. Only my very special friends get vintage glitter on their xmas cards though. —Athena Tsavliris, Toronto Editor
Paris Couture Antiques
Everything on this site is incredible. I am always particularly taken by the jewellery section, but for quirky antique Parisian finds- there is no competition. For the creepy crowns alone, you need to take a look for yourself… —Katherine Holland, Toronto ContributorIbrilo
Though we love gifts we can wrap in a bow, we turn to ibrilo for unique experiences we can share with those we love, like a 3-hour brunch workshop ($75) with Olive & Gourmando, an upside-down yoga workshop at Naada Yoga ($99), or personal styling featuring local designers from BeSleek ($450). Big things come in no packages.
—Jennifer Nachshen, Montreal EditorSeptember 6th, 2011
Editor’s Picks: 5 Fall Looks We Love
Leather, layering and the reinterpretation of history’s best style trends. We’re falling for fall fashion with these five items to add to our wardrobe wish list.
It is too early talk toques as a necessary head topper, but a jaunty hat helps talk the edge off the fall chill. Anthropologie’s verdant fields cloche hugs the head and bells out with 1920s elegance all tied up with a matching wool bow. $58 at Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com
This season’s Goldilocks of denim is Gap’s 1969 slim trouser jean. It is looser than the skinny jean but not quite as wide as the trouser. Instead, it is a just right silhouette that is fitted and flared in all the right places. $89.95 at Gap stores, www.gapcanada.ca
Luxe layering comes easy with the right blazer. Amsterdam brand Scotch & Soda’s cropped jacket in an all-over floral pattern create a prim and polished outfit. $225 at Scotch & Soda, www.scotch-soda.com
Tote all of your technology in Sarah Shell’s 442 McAdam media bag with separate pockets for your iPhone, iPad and computer. Embossed Italian leather, gold-plated steel hardware and a lambskin strap make it a grown-up version of your back-to-school backpack. $340 at www.442mcadam.com
John Fluevog’s Notting Hill boots were made for walking, or browsing British bookshops hoping to stumble across Hugh Grant. Their almond-shaped toe, side zipper and leather heel lifts make for comfortably classic footwear. $449 at John Fluevog, www.fluevog.com —Jaelyn Molyneux



