Imagine a weekend away with your spouse, partner, or lover—could there be anything more decadent and luxurious? If you’ve got the budget to go all out, we’ve put together some truly self-indulgent getaway-for-two suggestions sure to leave you both feeling pampered, relaxed, and completely romanced. But we’re also big fans of ardor on a shoestring; why wait until payday to spend some quality time with the one you love? Remembering that true love is absolutely free in mind, we’ve also got tips for budget adoration that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. No matter what you can afford, be passionate about it! High: Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa Ste. Anne’s Country Inn and Spa Sparkling Hills Resort London House Inn & Spa Ten Spa at the Fort Garry Hotel Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello Low: Private Practice Mutual Massage Table for Two If you need a break from the kitchen, set the table with candles and flowers, and order in. Or go out to a quaint bistro with a simple and affordable menu. Try heading to a neighbourhood you don’t often visit and pretend to be tourists in your own city! Plan to have aperitifs at home, before retiring to the boudoir, which should be set up with candles, soft, sensual sheets—and, possibly, some new lingerie and The Kama Sutra. Stay in Bed Relax! Written by: Marissa Stapley Ponikowski |
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The advent of spring is a special time in every woman’s life—it’s time to get a pedicure, shave those legs, and rush out to engage in one of the most pleasurable endeavours in life: shoe shopping. We love shopping for all sorts of shoes, but have a soft spot for sandals, and particularly sandals of the strappy variety. The trends for this spring and summer have no shortage of straps and other embellishments, and frankly, we’re in shoe fetish heaven. Here’s how to put your best foot forward when hunting down the perfect pair of sandals, at any price. High: Ron White Our Ron White All-Day Heel favourites:
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Low: When we’re looking for high minded style, but our pocketbooks are feeling a little worn out, we always head to Payless Shoes. This season, we found a plethora of frugal footwear styles that look like they’re fresh off the runway for an absolute fraction of designer shoe prices.
Written by: Marissa Stapley Ponikowski You Might Also Like: |
Viva Python, $395
Barbie Black, $445
London Air Black, $355
Rockband Gold, $349
uarache Vintage Silver, $239
Lilith Jewel Sandal, $24.99
Paige Platform Gladiator Sandal, $39.99
Kendra Platform Cross Band Dress Sandal, $26.99
Lolita Sandal, $22.99
Strappy Dress Sandal, $34.99 When did rain boots stop being for splashing around in mud puddles and pottering in the garden and morph into haute fashion accessories? And, really, who cares? We’re officially enamored. The not-so-pedestrian rain boot is officially an adorably stylish way to stay dry on rainy days and can even allow the most high fashion of gals to get down and dirty, if she really wants to. High: Hunter Hunters have been around since the 1950s. And remember that adorable engagement photo of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in the doorframe, featuring the prince and princess-to-be in their Wellies? Yup, those were Hunters. The investment in these boots is worth it. They’re built to last, each one constructed by hand from natural rubber. And they’re so cute you’ll forget they’re rubber boots and fall in love with their equestrian sensibilities, trust us. (Also, you’ll love them so much you’ll want to write your name in them, which you can: each pair has a special place on the inside lining for you to inscribe your details so you can ensure your Hunters never get away.) The most famous style of Hunter boot is the original green, a tall boot in a deep, forest colour that brings to mind hunting parties and Sloan-ish gatherings. But these boots are not just for horse-riding snobs. The brand new Boa (pictured in black, left) is sold out almost everywhere, and will likely be singularly responsible for making rubber boots sexy. The glossy turquoise (not pictured) is this season’s other rubber boot must-have, and the short boot (pictured in black, right) is a more subtle way to sport high-end natural rubber. Tuck a pair of skinny jeans into the top of your Hunters, wear them with riding pants, or slide them over tights and a gamine dress. As far as we’re concerned, the splurge is worth it. Our plan is to hunt a pair of these down, pronto. For more information on Hunter availability in Canada, visit www.manmadesales.com. (The boots are currently sold at Get Outside, Heel Boy, Trustfund, Gravity Pope, Brown’s, Town’s, Little Burgundy, Capezio, Gumdrops, Holt Renfrew, and Winners.) Low: Winners We love Winners (www.winners.ca), because when we covet something high style and expensive, but can’t quite afford it (or simply don’t feel like dropping the dough), we know the store will offer us a more reasonably priced alternative. Which means, once we came down from our Hunter rain boot love affair high, we decided it might be a good idea to check out some lower end, on-trend rain boot alternatives at our fave one-stop shop. Were we ever glad we did! We got two pairs, and we don’t regret it at all. The first are leopard print and make us feel like we’re stalking black rhinos in Africa, not padding around in our backyard, chasing toddlers, making mudpies, and planting tulip bulbs. Meow! Also, these boots still boast the equestrian-esque strap across the side we love so much about the Hunter boots, and they’re sturdy, comfortable, and a true steal at $24.99. Sure, they’re likely not built to last forever, but we’re happy to have a single-season relationship with these wild child faux Wellies. The other option from Winners is slightly more demure: short and plaid with black and Wedgwood blue piping, and still with the cute little strap, these ones are also $24.99 and make us feel like we’d fit in at the polo club and still have money left over for a Pimm’s Cup or two. We’re pairing the plaid boots with cable knit tights and a sweater dress, which we bought with all the money we saved, of course. Who needs to save money for a rainy day? We’d much rather look pretty when the rain starts to fall. by Marissa Stapley-Ponikowski You Might Also Like: |
The highs and lows of being politeThere are easy ways to make big impressions when it comes to gift giving that show your appreciation without defaulting to over the top, expensive options. From purchasing your gift to saying your thank you’s, we’ve got the highs and lows for gift etiquette to keep you on Santa’s nice side this season. High - Decadent holiday gifts Low – Unique boutiques High – Wrap star Low – Eco-friendly wrapping High – Celebrity gift bags Low – Thank you’s By: Melissa Jenkins-Gray |
Whether the event is catered, in a restaurant, or at your home, you'll want to offer good wine that keeps guests smiling. Check out the following choices, courtesy of Foodtv.ca. LOW ($10 or less) 2006 Drostdy-Hof Chardonnay, South Africa. Offers up mild buttery oak, tropical fruit aromas, peachy and melon fruit flavours. Medium bodied, it will be a good match for rich seafood dishes, poultry and salads. 2005 Les Fumees Blanches Sauvignon Blanc, France. The wine opens with herbaceous aromas and a gooseberry, citrusy intensity. Refreshing and suited to lighter styled dishes. 2005 Chateau Cotelier, France. Dusky plum and blueberry with spice elements and softer tannic structure makes it a good match for either white or red meats. Excellent value! 2004 Osborne Solaz, Spain. A Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon offering perfumey, earthy, berry fruit with supple tannins. Great for a tapas-style event. 2006 Jeanjean Syrah Rose, France. Pretty pink wine with a strawberry, cherry fruit mix and mild spice notes. Suits a variety of foods. HIGH ($15-$25) 2006 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand. Offers up aromas of gooseberries and sweet, ripe pineapple with a crisp, refreshing style and a lingering citrusy finish. 2003 Toasted Head Chardonnay, California. Lots of tropical fruit flavours and ripe pear laced with cinnamon, spice notes and vanilla. Creamy rich body will lend itself to a variety of dishes, especially Asian-inspired wedding buffets. 2003 Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Meritage, VQA Niagara Peninsula. Impress the in-laws with this Bordeaux-style offering. Rich berry fruit, coffee, mocha and vanilla aromas with similar flavour replays. This solid, elegant wine goes with beef tenderloin and lamb. 2003 Goundrey Homestead Cabernet-Merlot, Australia. Perfumey sweet berry fruit and gentle oak upfront, backed by firm tannins in a rich, full Aussie style. 2004 Pansy! Rose, Kim Crawford, Marlborough, New Zealand. A Merlot-Pinot Noir blend, this dry yet fleshy rose sports berry fruit, tart currants and red pepper jelly flavours. (limited availability from province to province) Written by: Patricia Noonan Check out these "Wine School" videos on Foodtv.ca: Wine School, Part 1- Meet the Master Nose Wine School, Part 2 - Help Getting into Reds Wine School, Part 3 - All About German Riesling Wine School, Part 4 - A Glimpse at Some Rare Bottles Looking for ideas on how to pair food with wine? Check out Foodtv.ca's Food and Wine Pairing Tool. |
 Despite what Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft might have you believe, the perfect gaming platform has yet to be developed. Between them, these companies have produced the most powerful home entertainment units yet devised, and yet none of them can claim to be all things to all people. So if you’ve not yet taken the plunge, there are a few things you need to know about these costly consoles – and lucky for you, we’ve already started your research. Here are some of the pros and cons about the hottest next-gen video game systems on the market.
Sony Playstation 3 (Starting at $399.99) HIGH: LOW:
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 Get fit for lessThe local sports store is stocked with expensive workout gear that promises to tone you while slimming down your bank account after you quit the gym. But do you have to go bling to feel the burn? We shopped for home gym dream machines and then asked Extreme Fitness’s Johnny Desousa to train us with tech-free exercises that make bods look good for less. Treadmill HIGH: Since we’re starting with a topped up workout budget, let’s go for broke and the BH Fitness T8 basic treadmill ($2299 at http://www.treadmillfactory.ca/). Its pro gym features include a three-and-a-half horsepower motor and a cushy suspension system that guarantees you won’t blow your joints while you blast your thighs. When treadmill shopping, Desousa says shock absorption, large buttons (especially a big “STOP” key) and a manufacturer who offers quick fixes for wear and tear are features that make or break a hearty cardio machine. LOW: Bare basic cardio movements like jumping jacks, running up and down a staircase or lateral side slides on a slippery floor can get you ticker revved up as much as an on-the-spot run. Workout bike HIGH: Whether you go upright or recumbent, easing into a regular routine on a workout bike can be an exercise newbie’s best bet for long-term commitment success. Life Fitness’s C1 Basic Upright Bike ($1199.99 at http://www.fitnesssource.ca/) is regularly stocked in spinning classrooms because of its customizable riding programs and ability to take a beating. LOW: As anyone who’s ever gone hunting for a road bike on Craigslist knows, the free classified site’s cycling section is peppered with used workout bikes for sale. If you’d rather spend nothing, Desousa suggests rapidly jumping on and off a step that stresses the same bones and contracts similar muscles as a spin. Strength training HIGH: If you’re pumping 570 pounds or less, Hoist’s 985 complete ensemble cage ($2798 at http://www.fitnesstown.ca/) was rated the #1 home gym by the pecks and ass-loving peeps over at Men’s Health Magazine. The steel box is loaded with free and linear weights. LOW: Honest Ed’s, a legendary discount store in Toronto, lures in free weight workout warriors with its budget cast iron dumbbells priced at $1 per pound. Desousa says to pick up an adjustable bench to deliver maximum versatility to your workout. Sportchek.ca has a York pro series model for $149.99. Yoga and Pilates HIGH: You might think a monthly membership to your local yoga studio and a cheapo rubber mat is all it takes to get you limbered up but you can still go relatively over-the-top when stocking up for the stretching and balance stop on your fitness circuit. The Bowflex Pilates kit ($138 at http://www.fitnessdepot.ca/) coverts a Bowflex home gym ($1688 also at http://www.fitnessdepot.ca/) with a slip-free mat that de-skids its workout bench and extension cables that allow for deep stretching. Tone up with the included exercise ball. LOW: Most people know to stretch out the muscles they’ve used during their workout but Desousa also recommends stretching in the opposite direction to reduce resistance from opposing muscles that might limit your range of motion.
HIGH: Since we’ve already splurged on a Bowflex, we might as well make it our one stop workout spot. Aside from its Pilates potential, its pulleys, bars, presses and cables let you sweat through 70-plus exercises. All those bells and whistles are packed into a vertical configuration that’s friendlier to compact condo dwellers and other small home gym spaces. LOW: All your home workout gear has added up to $872.98 so far and Desousa would like to remind Toronto area slice.ca readers that a membership to Extreme Fitness starts at a sufficiently cheap $8 per month making it a very competitive Low option. Written by: Andrew Sardone |
 The Bee by Bugaboo, comes in at $595. Its higher end companion, The Camelion, also by Bugaboo is $995 These prams have styleAt Curbside Cycle, a Toronto bike shop that specializes in Dutch, Danish and British models, their newest offering is a Copenhagen-made three wheeler called the Nihola. The Nihola looks like a backwards tricycle with one wheel at its rear and a giant bin in front of the handle bars perfect for packing up the groceries, some garden supplies and the kids and hitting the road. The SUV stroller set is already circling. In this city, your place in the preschool social pecking order is determined by the size of your pram and the Nihola’s large scale instantly secures you a place at the top of that heap. Big strollers aren’t anything new. I remember my mom pushing me around in a humungous vintage pram. It was shiny silver with a navy blue fabric sun shade and giant springs which made sure I never felt a pot hole or sidewalk bump. But the eighties started to downsize as I hit grade one and strollers followed suit so they would easily fit the middle of the decade’s compact cars and suddenly frugal lifestyle. That lifestyle has gone from minimal to max again and the sky’s the limit when new moms and dads are spending on baby transportation. But do you really need to break the bank to solicit parent envy on the way to Gymboree? We test drove two strollers (one luxe, one less) to see if Junior really needs such a pimpin’ ride? HIGH: Bugaboo Written by: Andrew Sardone |
These must-haves will keep you coolLooking to include key summer trends to your wardrobe? Slice brings you the high and low variations so you don’t miss out on style. |
Great gift ideas for any budgetIt’s that time of year again. You’re probably finding yourself shopping for a wedding gift every other week. Sometimes, it’s for someone near and dear to your heart and you’ll shop for weeks looking for a perfect gift; other times it will be for your partner’s work associate that you only met at last year’s holiday office party. So for weddings of all types, try these gift ideas. Kitchen Appliances HIGH: Even if they already have kitchen appliances, they will likely recycle their old ones when they open these. Try the KitchenAid Slow Cooker for $179 or the KitchenAid Food Processor for $379.99. LOW: At this price, you probably won’t even mind if they use it as a regift. The Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker is affordable at $79. Serving HIGH: Aside from the visceral thrill the bride and groom will get when they see the iconic blue gift box, they will get years and years of use out this attractive but useful Refresher Set, for only $250. LOW: The Birks five-piece Stainless Steel Hostess Serving Set includes everything the bride and groom will need to host a dinner party, for only $150. Another affordable option is this Tiffany Weave Square Platter made of Irish Parian bone china for only $105. Green Wedding Gifts Of course, the most eco-friendly gifts are no gifts at all, but if you feel inclined to give a gift, here are a few ideas. HIGH: These Recycled Aluminum Bark Candlesticks are so gorgeous that you might want to buy a couple for your parents’ anniversary gift as well. You could also try a Gourmet Wine Gift Basket for about $225, but make sure you buy carbon offsets to compensate for the shipping or find a company local to the bride and groom who can offer something similar. LOW: This is a cheaper version, but includes three bottles of organic wine from France for approximately $80 or try this clear recycled glass wine decanter and set of four tumblers for $79. Baking Sets If the bride and groom love to bake, you can create your own dream bakeware set. HIGH: Williams-Sonoma offers to-die-for cake pans, such as the beehive and railway cake pans. Buy a few and build a baker’s dream gift set with high-quality baking ingredients, such as spices or specialty chocolates. LOW: You can pull off the same baker’s dream gift basket but shop at Kitchen Stuff Plus for a wide selection of baking pans. Fill it out with other baking accessories, such as measuring cups and spoons and a cake decorating set. Written by Reni Walker |
There’s no denying it anymore: You’re a grown-up. And with that come the pots, pans, and placemats of a fully stocked kitchen. Here’s how to make the transition in style, whether you’re ready to entertain at home or not ready to do any actual cooking yet but need to have something set up for when your mom comes to visit. The Apron HIGH: Domistyle’s aprons ($39) are embroidered with cheeky sayings like “Will cook for shoes” and “Caution: Hot dish” and are cute enough to coordinate with your wardrobe. LOW: Boojiboo’s vintage-inspired half aprons (about $20) will put even June Cleaver’s look to shame.
HIGH: Williams-Sonoma is the one-stop-shop for any budding gourmet. Where else will you find a pink spatula (about $12) and French-made Olive Wood Pasta Rakes (no, really, they’re used to serve pasta; about $30)? LOW: Kitchen Stuff Plus is an affordable option for all those gadgets you need but don’t use as often, like a pizza cutter or potato masher ($4 each). Tip: Visit Realsimple.com for a utensil checklist to print off before you go shopping. The Cookware HIGH: Get this pricier purchase over with by buying a full set of pots. Depending on how much you want to invest, Canadian Tire offers cookware sets from $50 to $600. LOW: President’s Choice lets you start off small with a basic pot for $15 or upgrade to a whole set for $150.
HIGH: Keep up with tableware trends as the dishes at Pottery Barn change with the seasons. Plain white is always an option too and will guarantee you’ll never get bored as you might with a busier pattern (about $40 for a set of four dinner plates). LOW: Not feeling fancy? Simple white dinnerware at EQ3 does the job too and starts at $5 per plate.
HIGH: Design your own napkins online at Foryourparty.com (from about $30 for 50) and visit Marthastewartcrafts.com for DIY paper flower kits (from about $15; available at Michaels). LOW: Ikea’s FANTASTISK paper napkins ($2), a FÄRM vase ($3) and a BLOMSTER faux flower to go in it ($4) will complete the look for under $10. Tip: Get party theme ideas at Hostesswiththemostess.com.
HIGH: Perfect for the vegetarian or breakfast lover, Chapters’ Food & Drink category also allows you to search by new release, bestseller, and many other options to find the book for you. LOW: Browse through Bookcloseouts.com’s Cooking, Food & Wine category for over 2,000 bargains from as low as $4. Last-Minute Tip: When setting the table for your culinary debut, figure out which forks and spoons go where with help from etiquette expert Emily Post Institute. By: Christine Walewski |
Holly Golightly or Hitchcock Blonde? Take your cues from two leading ladies.Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) The LBD HIGH: Natalie Portman wore one of three versions of that Givenchy-designed dress on the November 2006 cover of Bazaar magazine, which was then auctioned off at Christie’s in London for over £400,000! LOW: Not everyone can pull off an evening gown as everyday wear. Banana Republic’s wool A-line dress (about $180) is a shorter and more practical take on the silhouette. The pearls HIGH: The pearl necklace she wore in the movie’s opening scene wasn’t even real, but if you feel like splurging, a cultured freshwater pearl necklace from her favourite place, Tiffany’s, will cost you $775. LOW: A limited-edition reproduction of the necklace was created by jewellery designer Kevin Jay Lane; look for it on Ebay for about $100. Or try a mixture of chains, charms, and pearls for a modern knockoff of the movie classic (about $130; girlsforfrisk.com). The eyes HIGH: Stila’s popular mascara now comes in a bigger size; MAJOR Major Lash Mascara curls and defines for an Audrey-esque look ($28; sephora.com). LOW: Don’t have enough to work with? Shu uemura’s false eyelashes will help you fake it (about $16; shuuemura-usa.com). Grace Kelly in Rear Window (1954) Better known as Princess Grace of Monaco, Kelly plays Lisa Fremont, a model who “never wears the same dress twice.” The party dress HIGH: We don’t think crinoline works for the office, so Jacob’s Essential Cardigan in black ($39; jacob.ca) over Anthropologie’s white La Jolla dress ($155; anthropologie.com) is a toned-down version of the dress. LOW: Forever 21’s black Cropped Cardigan (about $20) and white Dotted Shift Dress (about $40) is a more casual way to go; forever21.com. The accessories HIGH: Aldo’s Glenladale clutch ($35) is bigger than the movie version, but Grace Kelly didn’t have to worry about carrying a cell phone and digital camera around with her on a girls’ night out; aldoshoes.com. LOW: Urban Outfitters’ Ruched Skinny Belt will fit right in with the rest of your wardrobe long after the soiree comes to an end (about $20; urbn.com). The red lips HIGH: Dior’s Rouge Dior Replenishing Lipcolor in “Red Premiere 752” sounds so good we almost don’t care what it looks like ($35; sephora.com). LOW: Benefit’s Pocket Pal tints lips red for a more subtle look. Not to mention that the company’s 50s-inspired packaging fits the Old Hollywood vibe (about $25; benefitcosmetics.com). Written by: Christine Walewski |
Get Beach-Ready on any BudgetPale, unfashionable, and lacking in accessories, you’ve booked that beach getaway only to realize you’re not exactly beach-ready. Slice.ca’s finds will help you out in time for your flight. The Glow If you’re definitely not what you’d call “sun-kissed” and plan on soaking up some rays, avoid a sunburn on the first day of your trip by getting a bit of colour before you go. High: Try the at-home version with some product, like Bliss’ A Tan for All Seasons (about $50; sephora.com).
No matter how well you tan, don’t think you’re above the damage the sun can do to your skin. A minimum of SPF15, please, and don’t forget to re-apply! High: Vichy’s Capital Soleil Total Block Cream SPF 45 will totally have you covered. Available at Shopper’s Drug Mart, $23. The Outfit: The Bikini Okay, maybe this one isn’t as easy as a trip to the mall, so bring a friend for moral support and don’t settle for a fitting room that doesn’t have a mirror inside it. High: Toronto-based designer Jennifer Bharti’s swimwear makes us want to order up a daiquiri and work on our tan. From $179; koiswimwear.com. The Cover-up Make your first—and second—trip up to the poolside buffet worry-free, by not baring all when you lean over to reach for the guacamole. High: Eberjey’s sheer Mosquito Net Kimono Dress leaves just enough to the imagination (about $80; eberjey.com). The Beach Bag With everyone lugging their groceries around in totes now, they aren’t hard to come by. Look for one with inside pockets for your ever-important MP3 player and cell phone. High: Kate Spade teamed up with artist Hugo Guiness to create the hugo poppy canvas griffen shopper, perfect for the beach. About $325; available at Holt Renfrew. The Sunglasses Sure, some are meant to go with just one outfit, but try investing in a pair that will last. P.S…don’t cheap out and make sure your shades have UV protection! High: If they’re good enough for Grace Kelly, they’re good enough for us. Relaunched in 2006, 20 years after they had ceased production, Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses still have icon status. From $375; olivergoldsmith.com. By: Christine Walewski |
Your digs will look fly with these tipsThe old stand-by: Paint High: Get crafty by using a stencil to give your walls some personality with a painted design or pattern. UK-based Stencil Library’s selection includes over 3,500 options. We like: Giant flowers (about $100) painted in white against a dark-coloured wall. Low: A simple coat of paint does wonders, too. Try out a colour before committing with Benjamin Moore’s 2-ounce Colour Testers (which contain enough to paint a 2’x 2’ wall surface); $5. For ideas on colour trends, visit benjaminmoore.ca. Big for 2008 are shades of grey, deep purples and organic-inspired taupes and beiges. Stick ‘em up High: Ferm Living’s wall stickers (from about $50) come in both small and large scale nature-inspired designs, like branches and bamboo. Low: dVider’s stickers (from about $30) offer 12 different colour options and everything from nature to holiday designs so you can change your place up with the season. Make the most of your beauty sleep High: Amenity’s organic cotton duvet covers (from about $350; available at pillowsandthrows.com) are a luxe way to be eco-friendly. Or design your own duvet cover by choosing fabric, colour, pattern and size at inmod Design Studio (from about $150). Low: PC Home’s duvet and shams set (from $40) are cheap and chic and come in a variety of solid colours. Accessorize High: Oromono’s flower-embellished cushions are too pretty to nap on, but we don’t hold that against them (from about $130). Low: Tonic Living’s cushions are more affordable and come in so many graphic prints, one is bound to match your décor (from about $25). Get some privacy High: UK designer Emma Jeffs’ patterned window film (from about $95/roll) gets rid of nosy neighbours and lets you live in style. Low: Ikea’s Amor Frost window film ($7/roll) isn’t patterned, but does the same job for much less. Clean up High: Pottery Barn Kids pinboards ($39) double as art: removable fabric pinboard covers ($29) in a variety of prints, add colour to your space and organize your clutter. Low: Umbra’s square thork bulletin board ($27) is a simpler, smaller scale take on the idea. By Christine Walewski |
Celebrate your love in style whether you’re loaded or strapped for cashDid you make reservations? Put champers on ice? Whipped out the strawberries and whipped cream? Whether you’re investing in Cristal or picking up a bottle of prosecco, we’ve got Valentine’s date ideas for you. High: High-class hotel Low: Low-class lust High: Steak and oysters Low: Fish and chips High: Travel luxe Low: Road trip romance High: Shake a fancy tail feather Low: Dance floor for two High: Love Broadway-style Low: Home theatre Written by: Vanessa Grant Related Articles from FoodNetwork.ca: Tips for Planning a Romantic Dinner |
Wrinkle-free on the cheapAdmit it: you’re vain. You inspect and scrutinize your face and lately you’ve been focusing on a disturbing new phenomenon: wrinkles. You’ve probably even done a few Google searches for Botox just, you know, out of curiosity. And you may have realized that in order to afford a little facial rejuvenation, you’ll have to choose between Botox and say, cable TV or your daily coffee for a while—and that would be a travesty. Read on for affordable and relatively pain-free wrinkle-reducing methods, most of which don’t involve needles! High: Botox Low: Freeze 24-7 Anti-Wrinkle Cream High: Restylane Low: Tri-Aktiline instant deep wrinkle filler High: Facelift Low: Facial Acupuncture High: Thermage Low: Euoko Aging Collection Written by: Vanessa Grant |
Made for walking, strutting; and puddle jumping‘Tis the season to cover up your feet (and ankles—and calves if you so desire). You’ve probably bid your ballet flats adieu and have been sporting last year’s snow kickers. But you know what? You deserve a new pair of boots and it’s the best time to buy. Boots of all sizes, shapes, and heel heights are currently en vogue. Some pairs might even migrate into spring. Below we outline the high-end inspiration and the high street equivalents. Do you see more rain than snow? Your best bet might be a cute pair of wellies. Burberry’s classic plaid versions are around $200. And while they might be your only hope to own Burberry till you retire, keep in mind that this is rubber you’re paying for. The cheap and chic option is from Spring. For around one-tenth of the cost of the Burberry versions, Spring’s two-tone boots in black and violet and red and black are cheery and bright and will keep your feet just as dry as the designer ones. Call them ankle boots, booties, or shoe-ties, while short boots may not keep your ankles warm, they will make you look hot. Take inspiration from Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2007 runway show. The towering ankle boots with wrap-around leather details and tiny buttons, zippers, and tabs look refined and fresh—and at over $1,000, they should look good. For a great alternative that won’t mean emptying your savings account, look to Aldo. Aldo’s black leather ankle boot with braided ankle strap and burnished metal grommets have all the details and you could buy six pairs for the price of the Vuittons. Jodhpurs are not flattering on the thinnest of models, but riding boots lend an air of equestrian aristocracy to any outfit. Celine’s are to-die-for. In camel and black, with a gold buckle at the ankle and super-low 30mm heel, they exemplify English country classic. And the price tag would pay for a ticket to the UK. Rockport’s “Plainfield” boots are a little well, plainer, than Celine’s but they won’t bust your budget for your Windsor Castle trip. Ski-bunny or bunny-wannabe, knit, pompommed boots will make you look sporty-chic. Juicy Couture’s versions are Fair Isle knit with fur trim and a slight platform wedge and, while they won’t cost your more than a grand, even $300 seems like a lot for accessories that you’ll only wear for a few months. Payless Shoes’ versions by American Eagle are cable knit but feature the same wedge heel, faux-fur trim and, of course, they too have pompoms, the perfect ski-bunny accessory. Fashion is funny. This becomes obvious when items like cuffed boots become high style. Not only are they reminiscent of Robin Hood, the pricey ones have fake zippers and can’t actually be un-cuffed. None of which takes away from the chic factor, of course. Michael Kors’ cuffed boots have a $360 price tag but the stacked heel, fake outer and real inner gold zips and supple brown suede make them almost worth it. “Almost” because you can get Made by Elves’ cute leather boots with a suede fold-over for just over $100 at Urban Outfitters—and you can choose to fold or not to fold. It’s like two pairs of boots for the price of one! Written by: Vanessa Grant If this article tickled your fancy, you must sign up for the newsletter, dahling. You can have this sort of thing delivered directly to you. Now that’s service. |
How to get the least hair for the least moneySo we’ve all done the shaving thing and, really, you can ignore those infomercials that illustrate the pain and horror of the Lady Bic because we all know that shaving one’s legs, armpits, and bikini line is pretty quick and effective. [Ed. Note: If you’re female and are shaving your face, you might want to look into one of the options below instead, but you already knew that.] But sometimes shaving just isn’t quick and effective enough. We’ve all envied (and secretly hated) those girls who try to shock you with the allegedly braid able leg hair they grew over the winter but actually show you smooth, shiny legs with barely any stubble in sight. It would be so nice to just throw on a tank top or dress without worrying about the last time you shaved and it’s possible, but it’s rarely cheap—or pain-free. Read on for the highs and lows of hair removal. High: Laser Hair Removal Low: no!no! High: Professional waxing Low: At-home waxing High: Electrolysis Low: Depilatory creams Written by: Vanessa Grant
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Get the look for lessAll too soon, fashion design will be copyrighted and your favourite masstige store will no longer carry an exact replica of that Zac Posen frock you want to wear on New Year’s Eve. Now is the time to study the season’s hottest runways so you can interpret the looks yourself with ready-to-wear from the mall, department store, and thrift shop. High Low Wear plaid with black basics like second skin turtlenecks, biker jackets and Mary Janes. And don’t be afraid to pair a plaid jacket or skirt with a coordinating but different plaid on a pair of heels or ballet flats. High Low Look for peacoats in new shapes. They should hit the hit but shoulders should be rounded, arms full or cropped and if you can find one with a mandarin collar or funnel neck, you’ve hit the jack(McCollough)pot. Finally, if it’s a trendy party dress you’re after, search vintage shops for genuine flapper frocks – black is best – embellished with sequins and beads. High Low High Low Raid your own closet for fuzzy turtlenecks and cardigans. Belt your turtleneck and wear a cardigan over a button-up shirt. Add a pair of patent booties if your ankles can handle it. If the word “cankles” comes to mind, opt instead for classic patent pumps. Written by: Vanessa Grant |
The highs and lows of being politeThere are easy ways to make big impressions when it comes to gift giving that show your appreciation without defaulting to over the top, expensive options. From purchasing your gift to saying your thank you’s, we’ve got the highs and lows for gift etiquette to keep you on Santa’s nice side this season. High - Decadent holiday gifts Low – Unique boutiques High – Wrap star Low – Eco-friendly wrapping High – Celebrity gift bags Low – Thank you’s By: Melissa Jenkins-Gray |
The trench is always in styleIt’s easy to get caught in the momentum of buying one of the most important wardrobe pieces this year, but if you aim for function but keep your eye on fashion, you can buy a piece that’s not only useful but will also be sharp and stylish every time you wear it out. That’s why it’s time we talk about the Trench Coat. Fall rain in Canada can be miserable. Nothing beats staying warm and dry; between the cute new Wellies that are out and a timeless trench coat, you can leave your house during a spirited storm knowing you’ll arrive to your destination happy and well dressed. High The ultimate investment piece, as far as trench coats go, is the Burberry Trench. Burberry, begun in 1856, adapted its 1895 Tielocken officer’s coat into what is now known as the “trench coat” in 1914. The infamous and trademark (and one of the most copied in the world) “Burberry Check” lining was introduced in 1924 and now is one of the more recognizable features of this tried and true piece. Did you know Burberry also invented the waterproof and, thankfully, breathable Gabardine fabric that it’s made out of? If you really adore Burberry, you can add a Burberry cashmere scarf and an accompanying stunning leather purse to your outfit. You can also have your Burberry custom made and tweak the color, style, or warmth. Retail price: $1,800 (Canadian).
If Burberry isn’t up your alley, but you would like to invest in a trench, this is a great example of classic styling, attention to detail, great functionality and a note of style that can be all your own. The leather on the elbows and behind the collar is a great surprise detail that ties in the additional leather nicely. It feels like a men’s smoking jacket but with feminine touches that make it definitely for “her” and not “him” (though he is most certainly going to admire it). This piece retailed for $100 at House of Vintage in Toronto. By: Natalie Gooding |
The Burberry Trench is an investment piece and fortunately not only looks stylish today, but tomorrow and many tomorrows from now; that is why there is a great vintage Burberry Trench market. Vintage Burberry can be purchased for as low as $150 on eBay. If you are patient and not fussy about the very latest look, you can find some really beautiful pieces online or through your local vintage dealer. 
Organize a bash that doesn’t cost you big cashYou may not be Daddy Warbucks, but you can still create a welcoming atmosphere with moonlight and music. Party Palace Choose a setting to suit the style of your party. For afternoon summer events, think gardens. For cooler seasons consider winter’s twilight indoors. High The Governors Ballroom is the venue of choice for one of the Academy Awards premier after-show events, The Governor’s Ball. For more than a decade, the wildly celebrated chef Wolfgang Puck has created decadent multi-course meals for the 1,600 guests who attend. Low Look for an inspiring signature venue that complements your party theme. Consider at booking a historic building or district, a designer boutique, a local art gallery, public garden or a studio space or a boat cruise. Merrymaking Libations Sparkling wine is always a nice way to toast to the occasion. High Pierre Pérignon’s influence on champagne is as popular now as it was back in the 17th Century. A Benedictine monk and cellar master in France, Pérignon worked to improve the quality of wines and champagne being produced in the Abbey’s vineyard; and introduced the process of blending grapes prior to sending them to press. For this innovation, the coveted Dom Pérignon champagne is named after him and as a sign of respect after his death, he was buried in a section of the Abbey reserved for abbots. The 96 Cuvee Dom Perignon Brut Rose sells for approximately $489 per 750 mL bottle. Low Good quality bubbly is available in every price range and mixed with fruit juices, each bottle lasts even longer. Hillebrand Trius Brut VQA sells for $25.15 for a 750 ml bottle and has a fragrant citrus and green apple aroma that pairs nicely with shrimp appetizers. Poppin’ Tunes Keep guests entertained with music that sets the mood. High Rock stars and musical artists are happy to perform at private functions, as long as the price is right. Russian billionaire Andrei Melnichenko hired pop diva J.Lo to perform at his wife’s 30th birthday party in London. The 40-minute performance garnered the pop diva an estimated at $2 million (USD), and the billionaire also covered costs to fly her entourage in from the U.S. Low Personal music players and matching stereo and speaker systems simulate musical performances with easy set-up and installation. A 30GB iPod carries more than 7,500 songs and allows the user to set up playlists ahead of time. For $299.00 (CAD), the ease of this device will keep the host mingling with guests instead of running around playing DJ all night. To amplify the music selections, the Bose SoundDock Digital Music System provides good range and amplifies high-quality sound. It comes in black or white and is available at $399.95 (CAD) – much cheaper than flying in a rock star. Written by: Melissa Jenkins-Gray |
Liven up your tableGirls’ Night In Get inspired by old Hollywood glamour for a movie night with friends. HIGH Wrap a piece of marabou (about $10; michaels.com) around the base of a hurricane lantern (from about $50; potterybarn.com) filled with mini disco balls (available seasonally). LOW Group a few martini glasses (from $10 for a set of four; kitchenstuffplus.com) and fill with faux diamond rings (available at dollar stores). Sprinkle gold star confetti around the base of the glasses.
Reminisce over your last day at the beach with a seaside theme. HIGH Make use of the shells you’ve collected on your travels. Arrange tealights down the center of a mirrored tray ($70; teatroverde.com) and fill in gaps with shells. LOW Pour sand into a beach bucket (available at dollar stores) and plant single palm fronds in it to create a tropical bouquet.
Compliment an afternoon tea party with a quirky centerpiece. HIGH Fill a ceramic teapot like Rosanna’s polka-dot Dottie Baroque style (about $40; rosannainc.com) with mini roses (about $5 for 6; available at flower markets). LOW Place a single daisy in a small glass of water and display in an empty tea tin like those from Harney and Sons (from about $8; harney.com). Bonus: Brew the tea you set aside from the tin at your party. These tins are home to exotic flavours like Chocolate Mint and Orange-Passion Fruit. Birthday Girl Celebrate by putting yummy-looking treats in the spotlight. HIGH Faking it just got easier. Amy Sedaris’ fake cakes come in chocolate, pink, LOW Display dessert at the center of the table to tempt guests with what’s to come. Arrange cupcakes in flavours like “A Touch of Pink” or “Nutella Dreams”($2.50 each; flourgirls.com) on a scalloped cake stand (about $50 for medium; williamssonoma.com).
Give a simple glass vase a facelift for a simple yet elegant dinner party centerpiece. HIGH Fill a large clear cylindrical vase (from about $60; pierone.com) halfway with water. Add a few drops of turquoise food colouring to the water and float a few orchids (about $4 per branch; available at flower markets). LOW Fill Ikea’s round Bladet vase ($10; ikea.ca) part-way with river rocks and rest a white pillar candle on top ($1 each; rocks and candle available at dollar stores).
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You’ve set the date and now you’re having panic attacks akin to those naked high school dreams because you’ve taken a good look at just how stupidly expensive having a wedding can actually be. You’ve even started considering City Hall, cheap champagne, and Chinese take-out. Fret no longer! You too can have a beautiful “celebrity worthy” wedding without maxing out the credit cards and fending off collection agencies. Dress dilemmas. Thanks to public media, we’re under a constant barrage of pictures of various celebrities in haute-couture dresses (Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier and Christian Lacroix). It’s a dress. It doesn’t need a name, it just needs to be beautiful. There’s no better place to find a stunning, classic dress than in a vintage store! Keep your eye out for wedding dress warehouses or outlets as well as vintage clothing shows. You can end up buying a designer dress for a fraction of the price. Blowing a good portion of your budget on a dress you’re only going to wear once sounds romantic, but when it’s sitting in your closet gathering dust and you’re wishing you had enough money for a vacation, you’ll wonder just what you were thinking. Exclusivity is excellent. If your budget keeps escalating with every guest you add to the list, then take a cue from Hollywood and go exclusive. Aunt Martha’s cousin and your father’s ex-business partner don’t have to come. It’s your wedding, not a conference. This way, you can put more money into important things like wine and food. Remember, you’re not being cheap; you’re being “exclusive”. Venue variety. Standard “halls” are boring. Okay, so maybe you’re not going to be able to get married in TomKat’s Italian castle, but take a cue from the concept. Different is the new trend. Check out unusual historical venues or public garden buildings. Book a restaurant or, for even more fun, a local pub. Amanda Peet got married at the Quaker school she attended. Heck, celebrities are even getting married at home. Okay, so you might not have a 15-room mansion, but you might have a friend or family member who actually does. The point is, most wedding halls will actually jack up the price and force you to use their caterers. With a little research “outside” the box, you can find something perfect and affordable. Ditch the classic dinner. One of the biggest expenses you’ll face is the food. This is because you’re not just paying for the actual meal and appetizers, but for the wait staff, the table and chair rental, dishes and cutlery. Even if you take the buffet route, your bill will still add up. Take a cue from Hollywood and get into themes. Many people are opting to turn the reception into a cocktail party with delectable appetizers rather than fork out the cash for a main meal. Think elegance at a lower cost. Another option is a “brunch” wedding, where the amount of booze will be limited simply due to the time of day. Consider an outdoor picnic theme with an afternoon wedding and fun sandwiches for people to enjoy. Or have a “tea party” theme. Serve homemade wine. Unique is chic and a great way to keep things cheap. Décor decisions. One of the biggest mistakes is “over” decoration. Elaborate bouquets are out. A few calla lilies and ribbon make for a beautiful bouquet. If you have creative friends, get them into making your bouquets for you. For your table decorations, go with fresh plants and a bit of ribbon or a bowl of fruit. They’re more eco-friendly than an elaborate floral arrangement and eco-friendly is the new trend. At the end of the day, if there’s enough wine on the table, no one is really going to care what’s in the middle of it. Fancy frills. Dazzle your guests with celebrity-worthy frills and don’t break the bank. How? Just have one or two. Chocolate fountains for dessert add elegance. Tori Spelling took on the traditional champagne fountain for her wedding. If you wish, put your frill money into a delectable cake. One or two frills can be affordable and still give the desired effect. Be creative.Stars have now started showing off their other skills by having homemade giveaways. Take it one step further and make your own invitations as well as giveaways. If you’re lacking the creative gene, get friends involved in lieu of gifts. Go eco and give personal seed mixes for people to plant. Homemade biscotti or jam will be appreciated more than a shot glass with your names on it. Say no to DJs. Celebrities who ask their friends to perform at their weddings have got it right. Not only can you end up sinking a ridiculous amount of money into a DJ, but often they can be pretty cheesy. If you happen to know someone, get them to host your wedding as their gift. If you’re lacking in musical friends, rent a sound system, burn a whole bunch of CDs with your favourite music and get your hip 17-year-old cousin to do the work. Go digital. Hey, famous directors are doing it, why shouldn’t you? It is now possible to find a professional photographer to shoot digital photos for you. Not only do you get to keep ALL the photos, but you can make as many copies as you want. (And, if the marriage goes badly, CDs are easier to destroy than tons of paper.) Wedding “funds.” For many celebrities on their second, third, or fifth marriage, having people give them traditional gifts is a waste. Instead, they create an account for either the wedding, or the honeymoon, and ask that donations be made as gifts. This way, you’re able to save your own money while still having the wedding/honeymoon you’ve been longing for! The biggest trend today is about making your wedding a “personal” affair. The beautiful thing about “personal” is that it doesn’t have to have an exorbitant price tag attached. Written by: Robyn Burnett |
 Spend a few dollars and look like a million bucksThis season’s trends have something for you, whatever your mood. 1. Sporty HIGH Workout wear from this trendy, ever-expanding line of cotton basics will do wonders for your conscience as well as your closet, namely the company’s socially responsible sweatshop-free business model. Visit American Apparel for some great finds, like the Sleeveless Sport Hoody ($25; americanapparel.net). LOW So budget-friendly you can treat yourself to a few colours, Joe Fresh Style’s line of activewear has many affordable options, like the Racerback Yoga Tank ($14; joe.ca). 2. Romantic Every girl who wears pink and dreams of cupcakes will have a field day with this trend. Flirty pastel pieces and floral prints will help you get in touch with your softer side. Don’t worry – there are less fussy options if bows and ruffles aren’t your thing. HIGH Well-known for its simple, feminine pieces, BCBG’s floaty Spring 2007 line includes a series of swoon-worthy dresses (from $300; bcbg.com/spring2007/home.php). LOW Here’s where the anti-party dress girls can tune back in. Gap’s denim ballet flats ($50; gap.com) are a comfier – and less obvious way – to add a girlie touch to your wardrobe. 3. Futuristic Shiny golds and silvers in patent and plastic fabrics ruled the spring runways. While they are a great way to make a dramatic entrance, they will surely blind your co-workers. Opt for a shoe or a new addition to your makeup bag instead. HIGH Paired with a simple black dress, Aldo’s gold “Amari” sandals ($70; aldoshoes.com) are the perfect gilt-y pleasure. LOW Or simply try lining eyes with a bit of sparkle. Nars’ Glitter Pencil in “54,” is a platinum/silver glitter combo ($35; sephora.com) that will do the trick. 4. Bold Fashion is having an ‘80s flashback (again). Purple, fuchsia, red or electric blue – bright hues are popping up everywhere. If you’re not feeling brave enough for an eye-catching dress, try an accessory. HIGH Try to venture away from safe, neutral accessories this season. Roots’ large Café bag in “Pacific Blue” or “China Red” ($358; roots.com) fits your lunch and your book – and beats the boring black one you’ve been carrying. LOW An inexpensive option is an easy way to experiment with a colour you’ve never worn before. Old Navy’s Smocked Empire dresses in blue or orange (about $40; oldnavy.com) are sure to stop traffic. 5. Minimal Black, white and clean, simple lines offer some relief from all the bright colours and patterns. Although very practical, it could use a little livening up with a graphic pattern or coloured headband. HIGH The go-to place for modern, monochromatic pieces, Club Monaco’s classic white shirts are a wardrobe staple (from $90, clubmonaco.com). LOW A fun take on the typical monochromatic piece, Foxy Originals’ gold-accented Sahara ring in black or white uses the colour palette, but adds interest with a fun zebra pattern ($31; snazzygirl.com). Written by: Christine Walewski If this article floats your boat, chances are you’ll like a lot of the other buoyant material we’ve got on the roster. Throw yourself a life preserver and hook it up with the slice.ca newsletter. |
 Use masterpieces as your inspiration to rock your home decorNo need to invest in expensive artwork when inexpensive alternatives are within reach. 1. Still Life Painting Appreciate the small things with the simplicity of an everyday object. HIGH The painting of everyday objects can be traced back as far as Egyptian tombs, but it came into its own when vanitas paintings, arrangements of fruits and flowers, became popular in the Netherlands in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It fell from grace slightly in the eighteenth century when the European school of thought favoured historical or religiously significant art, but the rise of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters, like Henri Fantin-Latour, Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne found still life gaining and maintaining its popularity. LOW Needless to say, Van Gogh’s "Sunflowers" is not an option. Reprints of your favourites are available at art.com, but if you’re interested in browsing for an actual still life painting rather than a reprint, up-and-coming artists’ work are within reach. Sites like dailypainters.com aggregate the blog posts of daily painters and habitual artists. Some paintings can be purchased directly from the seller, some are up for bidding. From $15. 2. Fashion Illustration A stylish and whimsical addition to your décor. HIGH One of the most renowned illustrators and referred to as the “Father of Art Deco,” Erté had a major influence on the style and design of the 20th century. With a career that included dressing screen and stage stars, he became famous for the more than 250 pieces of cover art and illustration he created for Harper's Bazaar. At age 75, Erté began to create limited edition serigraphs based on his designs which allowed him to expand his popularity. His work now belongs to prestigious museum collections like the Smithsonian and New York's Metropolitan Museum and is still in demand: depending on a print’s rarity, pricing can start at $300 and range as high as $12,000 or more. LOW Visit doverpublishing.com for books of Erté’s graphics and paper dolls of his fashion designs, starting from $6 per book. Simply frame individual pages for an inexpensive wall display. Another way to get your fashion fix: Visit condenastart.com for illustrated vintage Vogue covers. Tip: $30 US will get you a set of frame-worthy note cards featuring your favourite pick, and you can share the extras with friends. 3. Botanical prints Art meets science in these detailed drawings. HIGH Originally used to catalogue nature, botanical prints were illustrated with wood engraving, then copper engraving and later, copper etching. Gardening became fashionable in the 1600s and gained popularity through to the 19th century. The wealthy sent artists around the world to illustrate exotic plants. One of the most popular was Pierre Joseph Redouté, who painted for Josephine Bonaparte, a passionate gardener. His prints, available today, range from $1,000-$10,000. LOW Reprints are available inexpensively on Ebay for as little as $5, but if you’d like to take the trend a step further, purchase a piece of floral-patterned fabric and frame it. Look for a large, graphic print for the most impact. Visit marrimeko.com or designerfabrics.ca for some ideas. Written by: Christine Walewski |
 You can never know enough about pursesA little arm candy doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. 1. The Birkin: No must-have bag list is complete without this one. HIGH: In 1984, actress Jane Birkin (who jokes that the bag’s success has upstaged her own) was on a plane seated next to the president of Hermès. She spilled the contents of her too-small bag on his lap and the Birkin bag was born. It’s probably best remembered as the bag Kim Cattrall’s character, Samantha Jones, tried desperately to get after being wait-listed for one in a Season 4 episode of Sex and the City. The starting price? Around $7,000. (All prices approximate, in Canadian dollars.) LOW: Banana Republic’s Heritage leather tote (about $475; www.bananarepublic.com) has the same streamlined look and is big enough to carry all your working-girl must-haves. 2. Simply Chanel: The Parisian fashion house’s iconic bag. HIGH: An icon along with the Birkin, the Chanel 2.55 was designed and introduced by Coco Chanel herself in February 1955 (hence the name, 2.55) because she wanted a shoulder bag to free up her hands. The quilted bag, which was inspired by the jackets worn by jockeys, was reissued and updated in 2005 for its 50th anniversary, with a turning clasp instead of the original logo clasp. These aren’t easy to come by. Ebay’s your best bet, with auctions starting at around $1,500. 
LOW: Who can fit anything in those tiny shoulder bags, anyway? Juicy Couture’s Quilted Leather Bowler (about $400) offers a fresh take on the modern gal’s idea of freeing up her hands by keeping more than her mirror compact out of the way. Visit www.juicycouture.com for store locations. If you do prefer a cute little clutch, Old Navy’s Quilted Wristlets even have a Chanel-inspired chain strap ($5; visit www.oldnavy.com). 3. Louis’ Luxe Logos: Monogram fever started with this brand. HIGH: One of the most counterfeited bags around, Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Canvas design was created in 1896. Since then, it has gained international status, adorning the arms of celebs and socialites everywhere. Collaboration with various designers such as Takashi Murakami and Marc Jacobs has resulted in modernized versions of the traditional design, such as graffiti, cherries and most recently, the "Speedy Miroir"’s flashy silver or gold finish (about $1,300). LOW: For a playful take on logo-envy, Guess’ Corinne line (about $100; visit guess.ca) offers a more affordable way to try the trend. 4. Chloé’s Classic Keep your goods under lock and key. HIGH Apparently sold out before they even hit shelves, Chloé’s leather Paddington bag – 8,000 of which were produced for the Spring/Summer 2005 collection – features a functioning padlock and key. At around $1,700, some are now available at net-a-porter.com. LOW Sure, Aldo’s “Spain” bag (visit aldoshoes.com) closes with a metal clasp rather than a lock, but for $50 we’ve decided we’re not that paranoid about having our stuff stolen anyway. |
 The calorie-free way to indulge in some of your favourite treats at home – and away1. Wine A glass of red wine a day has been said to lower cholesterol, but its benefits to the skin are getting the most hype lately. Vinotherapy claims to repair skin and fight aging as a result of the grape’s antioxidant powers. HIGH Visit beyondwrapture.com for a list of BC spas that offer a Red or White Wine Vinotherapy Massage. It incorporates grape seed oil, shea butter and your choice of either red or white wine blended into massage lotion (from $100, price varies by location). Spa ISHI’s A Trip to Tuscany body treatment ($150) at Quebec’s Auberge des Gallant starts with a Salento grape exfoliation followed by a wrap in Piemont muscatel (a sweet wine made from muscat grapes) mousse and finished off with a massage using grapeseed oil and rosemary (1171 chemin Saint-Henri, Sainte-Marthe de Rigaud, 800-641-4241; gallant.qc.ca). LOW Caudalíe’s vinotherapy skincare line marks the first time stabilized grape seed polyphenols (which have been said to have the ability to trap free radicals and fight aging) were used and patented in skincare. The company even has its own Vinotherapie Spas in Spain, France, Italy and the US. Try the Crushed Cabernet Scrub ($44; sephora.com) for an at-home fix. L’Occitane’s Crushed-Grape Polish ($24, loccitane.ca) includes Provence grape juice, grape seed and walnut shell particles and grape seed oil, which work to exfoliate and stimulate microcirculation. 2. Maple Syrup Maple syrup’s anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties make it a healthy Canadian indulgence. HIGH The White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario offers a Maple Syrup Scrub and Wrap ($90) that includes an exfoliating brown sugar scrub followed by an application of heated maple syrup (253 Taylor Road SS4, 800-263-5766, ext.1502; whiteoaksresort.com). Or bring him along for Spa Eastman Montreal’s Duet Maple Sugar Body Polish ($145, 666, Sherbrooke St. West, Suite 1601, 514-845-8455; spa-eastman.com). LOW B. Kamins Maple Sugar Body Scrub ($59; bkamins.com) includes the company’s Bio-Maple Sugar and vegetable oils to exfoliate and improve circulation. Cake Beauty’s Creme de la Creme Bath and Shower Froth ($18, cakebeauty.com), is a buttery combo of Virgin Oil de Coco Crème and vanilla and Canadian Maple scents. 3. Chocolate Forget blaming it for your acne – antioxidant-heavy chocolate is now being praised for its ability to moisturize and smooth skin. HIGH Spa St. James is the official Ishi centre for Montreal, so expect to be impressed by the chocolate wraps and chocolate therapy facials ($125 each, 2190 rue Crescent, 514-844-4590; spastjames.com). Downtown oasis Pantages Spa – located inside Toronto’s Pantages Suites Hotel – offers a decadent Chocolate Souffle Wrap, which combines thermal mud, cocoa and red pepper, known for their slimming and detoxifying effects ($175, 200 Victoria St., 416-367-1888; pantagesspa.com). LOW Philosophy’s Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath is a yummy way to treat yourself without any of the guilt ($26; sephora.com). Open Sundaes’ Chocolate Cake Body Frosting Moisturizing Cream (6 oz., $25) moisturizes with shea butter, jojoba and rice bran oil or one their Chocolate Bubble Bath Cupcakes ($9) does the trick too. 4. Coffee Also packed with antioxidants, coffee lovers claim it fights cellulite and acne and diminishes signs of sun damage. HIGH The Hockley Valley Resort’s Café Mocha Espresso Scrub ($110) includes a cane sugar, macadamia oil, café mocha and vanilla exfoliator, followed by a Vichy shower and finishes off with vanilla moisturizing cream (Orangeville, Ontario, RR #1, 519-942-0754; hockley.com). AquaTerre Spa at Pacific Shores Resort & Spa in Nanoose Bay, British Columbia offers a Wake Up & Smell the Coffee treatment with a coffee and Dead Sea salt exfoliation, followed by a vanilla latté massage and finished off with a mocha pedicure and your choice of specialty coffee (1-1600 Stroulger Rd., 250-468-2404; aquaterre.net). LOW Sephora’s Indulgences Body Scrub in “Coffee & Cream” ($12) exfoliates with volcanic pumice, botanical extracts, oat amino acids and jojoba powder and notes of vanilla bean, steamed milk and hazelnut almost make it good enough to eat. Or light a Fruits & Passion Cucina Dolce Scented Candle in “Espresso” ($14; fruits-passion.com) to de-stress. 5. Tea Said to protect skin from the sun and even reverse sun damage as well as fight acne, tea makes for a soothing skin treat. HIGH Vancouver’s The Spa at Suki’s signature Green Tea Envelopment ($100) includes a bamboo, lemon grass and vitamin C body polish, which primes you for the detoxifying matcha (green tea) and seaweed wrap (3157 Granville St., 604-738-2127; sukis.com). Or take a dip in a hot green tea pool (from $35) at Toronto’s Body Blitz Spa (471 Adelaide St. W, 416-364-0400; bodyblitzspa.com). LOW Soak in tub with Lush’s Tea and Sympathy bath bomb which contains calamine powder, jojoba oil, clary sage and a chamomile tea bag in the middle ($5; lush.com). Written by: Christine Walewski |
 Get luxe rings and things for less1. Very Versailles: A Marie Antoinette moment inspires royal treatment in the accessories department. HIGH But a scheming countess gave a cardinal the impression that the queen wanted the necklace, and asked him to acquire it in secrecy. The jewellers handed over the necklace to the countess, whose husband rushed over to England to sell the diamonds. LOW 2. Holly Hearts Tiffany’s: Ever since Audrey stopped to ponder Tiffany’s window wares, women everywhere have yearned for a little blue box. HIGH Try the latest trend of adorning everything with hearts with a sterling silver Heart Tag Toggle Bracelet ($245) or a sterling silver Heart Tag charm bracelet ($220). Fun fact: Introduced the year the store opened, the blue box has been around since 1837. LOW 3. Celeb Sparklers: Nothing boosts a Hollywood love match better than a giant ring – and even if the relationship fizzles, the jewels live on. HIGH
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 We keep time with the best watches on the high and low endsTimeless investment pieces should be part of every woman’s wardrobe, from a killer pair of black boots to the multi-functional winter coat. Don’t forget about the details though. A classic watch, no matter the label, can be just the finishing touch you need. High With a 150-year-old history, great vintage resale value and pin-point accuracy, Longines easily finds itself on the "Haute" end of our High and Low lists. The Longines LungoMare collection, introduced in 2004, is aimed at a younger set with disposable income and an eye for classic design. While Longines sees this watch on the hip set “lazing on the elegant beaches of the Mediterranean resorts,” you can just as easily wear it to a board meeting or to check out an indie flick. While the inner workings of model L3.633.4.58.9 are nothing to balk at, being water-resistant to 330 feet (100 meters) and having quartz movement, it’s the simple, elegant and classy outer presentation that sets this watch apart. From the scratch-resistant sapphire glass face – meaning it has colourless optical characteristics that are superior to standard glass – to the silver satin-finished Arabic numbers, no detail seems to be missed. You can also time your laps to the second or tenth of a second, not to mention check the date (always handy after a long weekend). To finish it off, it has a black rubber strap with triple safety clasp and push-piece opening mechanism. This watch will set you back $1200, but consider it an investment in style. If you keep it long enough, it will eventually be worth twice as much. As a side note, if you go to a private jeweller (not a high end department store) you may be able to negotiate the price down by 20%. Bring cash. Low Already a successful manufacturer of mid-range price point watches, Fossil now creates licensed watch lines for Burberry, Emporio Armani and Diesel. You know you’re in good company when Burberry comes knocking at your door. The Croco Print Chronograph will look great in a meeting, at a casual dinner or just kicking around on the weekend. Its stainless steel face, surrounded by a twinkly topring, is secured by a handsome black strap. The clean lines of the silver hands don’t detract from the three chronographs or date window. The added benefits of water resistance (up to 50 meters), 11-year warranty and a stylish collectible tin make this a lovely addition to any wrist. You can find Fossil watches at most department stores, and many retail stores. They also issue new collections frequently and at a price point that makes it easy to build out your collection. Written by: Natalie Gooding |
 Jean GenieHigh I remember the first time I slipped on a pair of Paper Denim & Cloth jeans. They were so soft and buttery, it felt like I was wearing my cushy, at-home lounge pants. After seeing a friend wearing a similar pair, I went out and paid a good $250 for these babies. I’m sure some people would be traumatized by that pricepoint and say there’s plenty of other things they’d prefer to spend $200 on. I too was shocked by the price at first, which for some brands reaches closer to $300. But you get over that pretty quickly once you’ve given these jeans a test drive. Now I hate to be a denim snob here, but finding a good pair of jeans is tough, and once you’ve found your beloved—be they $1 or $300—the search is over. This is the thing with premium denim: once you’ve experienced it, it’s game over. There’s no going back to mid-priced brands. Take Citizens of Humanity, for example. They are—and I’m sure many of you would agree—quite possibly the best thing to ever happen to denim. Soft feel, impeccable fit, and (this is the ultimate test) your ass looks amazing in them. And the rearview is the thing when it comes to jeans, isn’t it? On the flipside of the comfy/cozy feel of Paper Denim, when you wear Citizens denim, you look like you’re wearing dressy trousers. These are special jeans: Wear them with a beaded top and heels and you’re ready for clubbing; Wear them with a wool blazer and black boots and you’re dressed for work. Oh, Citizens, let me count the ways I love thee. Low Now I’m clearly crazy about premium denim, so you probably think I’m going to diss any jeans that go for less than $100. But there are some merits to going on-the-cheap. So for you bargain hunters out there: an ode to the low-priced jean. Some of my girlfriends think chic ’n’ cheap jeans are where it’s at. They love Old Navy’s denim deals. When skinny jeans came out, it was an easy way to look trendy without breaking the bank. I mean, c’mon, $40 for jeans? You could afford to buy an entire outfit, along with shoes, for the same price as one pair of the premium jeans. But aside from that, at a quick glance, you can’t tell the difference between Old Navy jeans and higher-end brands. Seriously, I was floored one day when I asked a friend what jeans she was wearing and she said, “Old Navy, of course.” And here I thought they were True Religions. The horror! The horror! I call it the H&M/Old Navy factor: wear something from one of these shops and no one can guess you paid only $40 for it. In fact, they’ll think you dropped a few hundred. On a side note: über-pricey Paper Denim is actually going to the low end of the spectrum. Paper jeans used to cost about $200, but the company recently lowered the price to under $100! Definitely some good news for jeans fanatics—both high and low! Written by: Kristen Vinakmens |