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Thirteen exciting gift ideas for the fashionista in your life
Amy Verner, Danny Sinopoli, Andrew Sardone and Cameron Williamson

This article was published more than 10 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.

Red alert

This is the first time that Christina Remenyi, founder of the Toronto-based lingerie label Fortnight, has offered her signature Vega set in a deep wine hue. Its vaguely vintage design (the chevron-festooned fabric is sourced from a 180-year-old lace company in New York) provides support without underwire – a good way, at this time of year, to be both naughty and nice-looking. Fortnight’s Vega bra and bikini knickers in Wine, $176 per set through LYNNsteven (www.lynnsteven.com/collections/fortnight). – Amy Verner

Diamond jubilee

I have always appreciated how Toronto jeweller Myles Mindham takes his métier so seriously – witness how impeccably cut his diamond creations, set here in white gold, are – while approaching the designs with modern ease. In my dreams, one of these baubles, an investment for sure, would grace my wrist for many winters to come. From top: Hardware Collection bangles, $14,500 to $22,750 each, Asscher Lace bracelet, price on request, Diamond Domed micro-pavé cuff, price on request at Mindham Fine Jewellery (www.mindham.com). – A.V.

Photo finishes

Even though my makeup drawer is well stocked with red bullets, I’d happily make room for this NARS lip sampler inspired by legendary fashion photographer Guy Bourdin. The set includes two mini lip pencils and two mini lipsticks (cheekily named Roman Holiday and Damage). I won’t be restaging his provocative shoots any time soon, but a little lipstick role-playing seems entirely above board. Guy Bourdin Holiday Fling Lip Kit by NARS, $55 at select retailers (including Hudson’s Bay, Holt Renfrew and MURALE) or through www.narscosmetics.ca. – A.V.

Eternal pieces

It’s easy enough to find a handbag that’s chic or cool; it’s far more challenging to find one that’s clever. Gustavo Lins worked with the petit h atelier within Hermès to create a felt bag paneled in leftover leather pieces. Essentially, it is a beautiful byproduct of Birkin remnants. Hermès petit h Découpé bag, €1,850 ($2,677) by special order through Hermès (416-968-8826). – A.V.

Just watch me

On a recent trip to Tokyo, I could never quite figure out whether it was yesterday or tomorrow back in Toronto, which is why I could really have used Frédérique Constant’s new Worldtimer watch designed for Maison Birks and the Canadian market. In addition to its Swiss-precision works, day-night indicator and extra-large date counter, the time-zone display on the outer disk features Canada’s major cities highlighted in Canuck red. Frédérique Constant Classics Manufacture Worldtimer Maison Birks Edition, $4,295 at Maison Birks (www.maisonbirks.com). – Danny Sinopoli

Patriotic pixels

Canadiana-themed clothing always looks appropriate on Christmas Day, but I already own more than my fair share of buffalocheck scarves and holiday ski sweaters. This cashmere unisex crew-neck, however, features a clever, pixelated-Mountie motif, offering a more contemporary take on the True North aesthetic. Arborist cashmere Mountie sweater, $175 through the Drake General Store (www.drakegeneralstore.ca). – Andrew Sardone

Tie guys

Made in Toronto in limited editions of 15, Bay Cooper’s necktie collection consists of slim and standard-width pieces cut from men’s-wear tweeds and patterned wools. They’re also named after real and fictional dapper dressers including Jimmy Hoffa and Fox Mulder. Bay Cooper tie, $80 at boutiques across Canada (visit www.baycooper.com for retailers). – A.S.

Editor's letter

I’m not sure if legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland’s preference for dictating instructions via typewritten notes to her magazine collaborators – Cecil Beaton, Veruschka and Cristóbal Balenciaga among them – would fly with my Globe Style co-workers, but Rizzoli’s Diana Vreeland Memos: The Vogue Years has inspired me to pen an edict on the horrors of curls in photo shoots and see what happens. Diana Vreeland Memos: The Vogue Years, $55 at Indigo (www.chapters.indigo.ca). – A.S.

Monthly briefing

A steady supply of high-quality men’s and women’s underwear is just a click away at meundies.com, a site that ships members a monthly pair of ultra-comfortable, antimicrobial briefs in the style and colour of their choice – each 30 per cent cheaper than comparable store-bought brands. $16 (U.S.) per month (includes shipping costs) through wwww.meundies.com. – Cameron Williamson

Sayonara scruff

This ridiculously sharp straight razor, available for right– or left-handed men, was hand-forged by a blacksmith in Miki, Japan for Knifewear, a Canadian retailer specializing in Japanese-made blades. Japanese straight razor, $227 at Knifewear (www.knifewear.com). – C.W.

Bar culture

As far as I’m concerned, generic drugstore soap can’t compare with the natural, handcrafted bars made by Alighiero Campostrini, the century-old Tuscan company behind this handsomely packaged, oak-scented black bar. Giraterra soap by Alighiero Campostrini, $24 through www.menessentials.ca. – C.W.

Soul mates

Designer Richard Chai’s updating of Palladium’s iconic Pampa boot features leather uppers, futuristic Velcro straps and the brand’s signature rugged soles, which are still crafted – just like the original 1947 style worn by members of the French Foreign Legion – from a single piece of ultra-durable rubber. Pampa Tactical boots by Richard Chai for Palladium, $225 (U.S.) through www.palladiumboots.com. – C.W.

Well slung

Lotuff’s multi-pocketed leather backpack – available in chestnut, chocolate or black – is my idea of the perfect carryall: It’s casual enough to pair with a hoodie, jeans and sneaks, but dressy enough to throw over a suit or tailored coat. Leather backpack in Chestnut by Lotuff, $1,200 (U.S.) through www.lotuffleather.com; similar styles available at Zane (www.visitzane.com). – C.W.

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