Calgary
February 8th, 2010
Valentine's Day Gift Guide Calgary
You can’t buy love, but here's a few ideas for what to get your sweetheart this year.
Just for You: Designs from the Heart ($56) by Pablo Correa is a collection of works and stories by designers, illustrators and artists from around the world with one common theme: how to say "I love you." At Dick and Jane’s, 831 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-228-1857, www.dickandjanes.ca
Heart-shape egg rings from Nood ($11.95). Breakfast in bed is good but heart-shaped pancakes or eggs in bed are even better. At Nood, 820 11th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-233-9022, www.nooddesign.ca
You treat him to a Coen Brothers Double Feature of A Serious Man and The Big Lebowski (February 7 and 10) and he treats you to a Fashionista Double Feature of Coco Avant Chanel and The September Issue (February 12, 13 and 15) and you both win. At the Plaza Theatre, 1133 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, 403-283-2222, www.theplaza.ca
Spell it out with a typographic love poster from Uppercase Gallery. Choose from six ($60 each) simple prints that include sentiments such as “love” and “happily ever after.” At www.uppercasegallery.ca
Take away the “o” and the “e” and love turns into LV. Spoil yourself with a neckalce by Louis Vuitton ($320), in red of course. At Louis Vuitton in Holt Renfrew, 510 Eighth Ave. SW, Calgary, www.louisvuitton.com
If you can’t say it, let Marvin Gaye sing it with his Number 1’s album ($7.99). It has his biggest hits including the most important one for this occasion of course, “Let’s Get It On.” At iTune. December 15th, 2009
Women's Holiday Gift Guide Calgary
For your mom, sis or BFF, we’ve got a gift for every woman in your life. Herewith, our Top 5 gifts (from save to splurge) for the gals.
Fill her stocking to the brim with delectably scented body polish from the newly launched Joe Fresh Bath line ($5 each). Choose from lemon, pomegranate, grapefruit or nectarine or, better yet, throw in all four. At Real Canadian Superstores, www.superstore.ca
If Christmas is about feeling like a kid, Julie Morstad’s fairytale illustrations take us back to the whimsies of childhood all year long. Choose from a selection of archival 8x10 or 11X14 prints (from $60) for the art lover in your life. At www.juliemorstad.com
A modern version of the classic friendship bracelet, the Shashi bracelets (from $70) combine colourful strings with sparkling stones for a gift your bestie will never take off. At Shopbop.com
Channel your inner Parisian with a nautical-inspired top, because something striped never goes out of style. This long, lightweight knit striped sweater ($85) from American Apparel is perfect for layering and a chic addition to any wardrobe. At www.americanapparel.net
The “It Bag” may be out but an oversized clutch is always a sophisticated alternative for carrying essentials day or night. A favourite among celebs this soft, buttery Onna Ehrlich clutch (from $225) has plenty of pockets and an optional wrist strap. At Mealan, 1518 Fourth St. SW, Calgary, 403-457-4020, www.mealan.comDecember 11th, 2009
Back to the Future
While we still can't convince the wee ones that an RESP contribution constitutes a gift, we're always in search of presents that will foster their future.
Tired of plastic gizmos that get abandoned before Boxing Day, we turned to Canadian site www.babynaturopathics.com. With adorable modern banjos by Plan Toys (pictured, $29.50), pint-sized natural wood pianos from Germany ($159), and even a skyscraper set for the future city planner ($57), there's plenty of old-fashioned fun to be had. And if she grows up to be a doctor, ($33.50) well, that RESP will sure come in handy.
November 13th, 2009
Under The Tree
This year make your shopping list a little more magic, a little less mall.
French eshop Little Fashion Gallery has a Christmas Gallery stocked with loads of whimsical toys, books and accessories for boys and girls that are organized by age/designer/price/gender (translation: even Dad could do the shopping).For utterly unique gifts (no Lego here), check out the Wooden Dog by Japanese neo-pop artist Yoshitomo Nara (66.05€, pictured), the minimalist Momoll Ding Archi Plexiglass House (174.75€) from Scandinavia and the ridiculously hip Dada magazines (6.27 € each)—perfect to keep your tween away from Tiger Beat
Shipping and duty calculated at checkout, www.littlefashiongallery.com
May 1st, 2009
Mom's The Word
Between scheduling your kids' play dates and piano lessons, don't forget to pick out something pretty for yourself for Mother's Day. Whether it's brunch or a bracelet, we've got gifts for every type of mom. (PS: Forward this along to dad—he'll appreciate the hint!)
The Foodie:
Painted utensils ($55) by Adina Gwatkin Designs are great for a Martha Stewart mommy to show-off at her next dinner party. www.paintedtools.com
The Yummy Mummy:
This fun and flirty jumpsuit ($190) by Barila Clothing goes from playtime to cocktail hour with a quick accessory change. Available in Vancouver at Fine Finds or contact Barila for a store near you. www.barilaclothing.com
The Crier:
Luxe Designs makes charm bracelets and necklaces perfect to warm a mother’s heart—and bring a sentimental tear to her eye. From $146 at Blue Ruby or online at www.luxe-design.com
The Earth Mama:
She can chase her little one around the market and help save the world with the stylish BYOB shopping bag ($37). For retailers across Canada visit www.bringyourownbag.ca
The Rookie:
Treat the new mom in your life to mimosas and eggs benny at the The Sutton Place Hotel. Vancouver and Toronto are introducing a baby menu on Sunday, May 10 just in time for family brunch. $46 for adults, $23 for kids under 12, www.suttonplace.com


