5 must-have fashion accessories for spring travel

May 13, 2022 No Comments

Spring is one of the best times to travel, whether in Canada or abroad. Milder temperatures are perfect for a range of active travel, including hiking, camping, luxury glamping, and more. From now until summer, stay dry (and fashionable) with these top five accessory picks!

Rain Boots

Make a splash this spring with Cougar’s new ankle-high Firenze glossy rain boots. Available in six colours including cute pastels like the Butter Yellow and Cucumber Green, these boots mimic the classic design of a timeless Chelsea boot. Stylish enough for everyday wear, these pull-on rubber-like boots are fully waterproof, and also have a removable moulded foam footbed which allows for extra comfort for more adventurous days. 

$80, cougarshoes.com

Carry-on Luggage

Available in three gorgeous pastel colours (lilac, sea foam green, and blush pink), the Mecca Collection by Bugatti includes three pieces of luggage, each of which is equipped with a zipper-release expansion system to store all you need. The carry-on luggage (H : 18.5 x W : 13.75 x D : 9 + 2 in. ) weighs just 6.2 pounds and features a hard outer shell made of lightweight and resistant ABS and single 360-degree spinner wheels for effortless, smooth and quiet travel.

$149.99, bugatticollections.com 

Crossbody

Made from water-resistant vegan leather, the Edition22 Flap Crossbody is a perfect ally to explore any new city. Designed to be carried over the shoulder or as a crossbody, it offers multiple organizational pockets to store all of your everyday essentials in the right places. Available in black or charcoal grey.

$100, bugatticollections.com

Dry Bag

Adventure travellers will love K&B Sport’s new collection of adventure bags. The Canadian outdoor brand specializes in gear for active travellers. Available in four different styles (5, 10, 15, or 30L), the Bolet (pictured), is made of a lightweight, water-repellant fabric that keeps your belongings dry, weather you’re paddling down the river, hiking through the mountains, or simply exploring on a rainy day. A hook on the bag lets you easily attach the bag to a kayak, canoe or paddle board, while a roll-top closure allows for quick access to contents.

$19.99, www.k-bsport.com 

Socks 

Easily overlooked, a good pair of socks is a must for any frequent outdoor traveller. Darn Tough socks are a brand of socks designed specifically for active travellers. They’re made from a naturally antimicrobial merino wool blend that stands up to multi-day backpacking trips. The lightly cushioned sole provides extra comfort for long walks, without contributing to blisters or swelling. Choose from a variety of fun outdoor-themed prints and colours!

$29.95, www.mec.ca 

5 things you absolutely need for glamping this summer

March 18, 2022 No Comments

Despite recent changes towards international travel rules, domestic travel remains one of the most popular avenues for Canadians who are looking for an escape. According to the 2021 National Travel Survey by Statistics Canada, in the second quarter of 2021, virtually all (99.1%) of trips were domestic. With domestic travel still very much a safe and viable option, camping has become more popular than ever, with nearly one third of all domestic trips (31.8%) dedicated to exploring Canada’s big backyard.

As such, the demand for luxurious glamping (a portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping”) facilities has also increased. Unlike a traditional campsite, which more often than not requires campers to bring their own tent and supplies, glamping takes an elevated approach to sleeping in the great outdoors, with cosy yurt-like structures that provide guests with everything from supplied feather duvets to meals prepared by an on-site chef. With warmer weather just around the corner, glamping will be more popular than ever. Explore the great outdoors in comfort and style with these items.

Crossbody

The Edition22 crossbody from Montreal designer Bugatti is a versatile accessory that can also be worn as a backpack or a frontal bag. Crafted from luxe nylon, this earthy, tan coloured crossbody (also available in colours black or plum) is as functional as it is stylish, thanks to four discreet zippered pockets, including one in the front that’s perfect for your phone. Two straps with buckles allow for customization when you’re on the move. 

$70, bugatticollections.com 

Rain Boots

Make a splash this spring with Cougar’s new ankle-high Firenze glossy rain boots. Available in six colours including cute pastels like the Butter yellow and Cucumber green, these boots mimic the classic design of a timeless Chelsea boot. Stylish enough for everyday wear, these pull-on rubber-like boots are fully waterproof, and also have a removable moulded foam footbed which allows for extra comfort for more adventurous days. 

$80, cougarshoes.com

Silk Pillowcase Set

Just because you’re leaving home for a few nights doesn’t mean you have to leave your beauty routine behind! Wake up to a great hair day, no matter what’s on the agenda, with the Blissy Dream Set, available in five colours including champagne and pink. Each set includes a silk pillowcase, sleep mask, scrunchie and skinny scrunchie, all made from 100 per cent pure mulberry silk, which is the highest quality silk on the market.

Starting at $219, ca.blissy.com

Sherpa Jacket

Keep cozy on cooler nights with this sporty sherpa anorak jacket. Made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, this sustainable piece is lightweight but warm. It features two drawstrings at the waist that allow for a more fitted look, but also keep you snug. The nylon panels at the front also protect the items in your pockets. Wear it as an extra layer, or opt to show it off as a stand alone piece.

$794, holtrenfrew.com

Duvet

Leave the sleeping bag at home and snuggle up instead with this luxurious, four-season duvet. The outer shell of this made-in-Canada duvet is crafted from a 400-thread count cotton satin shell, while the inside is made using sustainably-sourced loft white goose down that offers the perfect balance of lightness and warmth. 

Starting at $402, aulitfinelinens.com

Holiday Gift Guide

November 12, 2021 No Comments

1. COCKTAIL KIT
Impress and treat your guests with a professionally handmade cocktail from The Cocktail Box Co. Choose from six classic on-the-go cocktails to be enjoyed from anywhere, including the citrusy Moscow Mule or the smoky signature Old Fashioned. Each cocktail kit serves six and features high-end organic ingredients, a  bartender’s spoon and muddler, three cocktail picks, as well as a hand-knit cocktail napkin. Alcohol sold separately. $24.99.
(thecocktailboxco.com/ca/ )

2. LUGGAGE
Stuck choosing between checking a bag or cramming everything into a carryon? Away makes it easy, with their newest piece of luggage, The
Bigger Carry-On. Available in nine sophisticated colours, including Coast, Sand, and Asphalt, this smart suitcase features a durable polycarbonate hard shell and 360° spinner wheels, as well as a hidden interior laundry bag. There’s also a built-in TSA-approved USB charger which makes it easy
to stay connected on-the-go. $325-$355.
(awaytravel.com)

3. SANITIZER
My Paume is a luxurious, eco-friendly hand sanitizer that not only wards off harmful germs, but nourishes and protects skin as well — thanks to a unique blend of essential oils like lemon, cedar, citrus, rosemary, and lavender, and
premium plant-based emollients like certified organic aloe vera powder, and 69% ethyl alcohol. The Essentials Kit from My Paume features a refillable pump that can hold 8 oz of product, a 170 oz refillable bag, and a 30 oz
refillable bag (perfect for the car or the plane), for a total of 500 applications. All of the packaging from My Paume is crafted from biodegradable materials or recycled plastic. $72.
(mypaume.com)

4. ESPRESSO MACHINE
De’Longhi’s dishwasher-safe Dinamica LatteCrema automatic coffee and espresso machine features a one-touch LCD display that can create 18 unique espressos and specialty coffees at the touch of a button. An included milk frother creates the perfect foam every time, and the machine’s dual thermoblock system lets you create iced versions of your favourite lattes, cappuccinos, and coffees. There’s also a built-in conical Burr grinder that features 13 settings to freshly grind a variety of coffee and espresso beans. $1,299.95.
(delonghi.com)

GiftGuide-cocktail

5. ELECTRIC WINE OPENER
Tired of getting the cork stuck halfway? Rabbit, a leading maker of wine accessories and barware, has developed an electric wine opener with a non-stick worm that removes stubborn corks with ease at the touch of a button.
Finished in soft navy matte and satin-finished champagne steel that looks great on any kitchen counter, the Rabbit also comes with two wine stoppers. $109.95.
(crateandbarrel.ca)

6. BED SHEETS
Cold winter nights call for a cozy sleep. Proudly Canadian, these wrinkle-free sheets from Benji offer the ultra-soft luxurious feel of 1,500 threads per square inch, without the extravagant price tag. Made from high-quality double-brushed microfiber that’s both breathable and moisture-resistant,
these sheets are also environmentally-certified and free of harmful fibers or contaminants, making them the perfect pick for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Benji offers a variety of colours and patterns to choose from,
and also sells duvets, pillowcases, and comforter sets all made from the same soft fabric. $95.
(benjisleep.com)

7. CARD GAME
The holidays are meant for spending time with loved ones. “Hygge” is a Danish word that refers to a feeling of togetherness, which is why The Hygge Game is the perfect gift to unbox after dinner. With more than 300 thought-provoking, inspirational, and family-friendly questions, The Hygge Game aims to spark conversation and meaningful discussion based on a recollection of memories or moments, big and small. The Hygge Game is suitable for ages 14 and up and requires two or more players. $25.40.
(amazon.ca)

8. SKI PACK
Hit the slopes in style over the holidays with a stylish new ski pack from Mountain Hardware. The Powabunga was designed for those who enjoy backcountry skiing. Made from a durable, super bomber nylon fabric, it includes a padded hip belt that is attached at multiple lash points to allow for free movement, including while standing. The tuckable front helmet hammock allows for the helmet to be stowed below the pack, giving unobstructed access to the large-zip front navy tool pocket. $260.
(mountainhardwear.ca)

9. SLIPPERS
Perfect for the cottage or at home, L.L. Bean’s Wicked Good Moccasins are constructed from superior sheepskin and lined with cozy shearling that keeps feet warm and dry. Featuring rawhide laces, a contoured memory foam footbed, and also a durable outer sole, these moccasins can also be worn outside. Available in women’s from sizes 5 to 11, and men’s in sizes 7 to 14. $129.
(llbean.ca)

10. IPHONE 13 PRO
The camera is the focus on the all-new iPhone 13 Pro. Made from surgical-grade stainless steel and coated in a ceramic shield, this is Apple’s most advanced camera phone to date, with next-level hardware and superintelligent built-in software and a lens that can focus as close as two centimetres. Macro video capabilities that support time lapse and slow motion are also possible. Perfect for low light conditions, the iPhone 13 Pro brings night photography to life, with an even wider aperture, a faster sensor and all-new autofocus. It’s available in four trendy colours, including Sierra Blue, Graphite, Silver, or Gold. $1,399.
(apple.com)

Story by Christine Hogg

Gift Guide

November 24, 2020

From trinkets to treasures, make this season meaningful with gorgeous gifts from artisans, artists, makers, and designers from around the country…

1. HANDCRAFTED SOAPS Organic, sustainable, and handcrafted in small batches using ingredients local to Vancouver Island, there’s nothing we don’t love about Tofino Soap Company’s delicate soaps, candles, and accessories. (Starting at $13) tofinosoapcompany.com

2. COUNTERTOP COMPOST BIN Stylish, discreet, and available exclusively at Toronto retailer Hopson Grace, this handsomely hand-crafted Ontario walnut compost bin, with removable stainless steel insert, is perfect for that special someone who has it all. ($150) hopsongrace.com

3. CHOCOLATE BONBONS Named one of the top 10 chocolatiers in North America, Sweet Lollapalooza, based in Edmonton, hand-crafts chocolate confections using some of the rarest cocoa beans on earth. The popular assortment of 36 memorable morsels includes flavours like Burnt Butter Caramel, Iceberg Mint, and Raspberry Noir. ($80) sweetlollapalooza.com

4. FINE ART Specializing in eclectic Canadian art-work, the Auburn Gallery’s collection includes paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, bronzes, fibre art, and handcrafted jewellry. Though located in Gravenhurst, the heart of Muskoka, featured artists range from coast to coast. (prices vary) auburngalleryoffineart.ca

5. NECKLACE Thoughtfully designed and sustainably produced, the effortlessly elegant Hera necklace features a single freshwater pearl perched in an organic oval pendant. Allison Asis, the artist behind Cadette Jewelry, crafts each piece by hand in her Toronto studio. ($790) cadettejewelry.com

6. RAINCOAT Every strong woman needs a strong raincoat. Designed with meticulous attention to detail and quality in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Mernini’s flattering A-line raincoat – available in caramel or grey and sizes XS-XXL – is built to withstand any storm. ($279) mernini.com

7. BIRCH SYRUP So named for its location in northern Quebec, Escuminac is an award-winning producer of maple syrup. But for the foodie on your list, try their rare Birch Syrup. It takes 160 litres of sap to produce just one litre of the stuff. Smooth and strong, it’s a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, not unlike a quality balsamic vinegar. ($64.95) escuminac.com

8. HANDBAGS The CAP collection by Karen Wilson Handbags is inspired by her grandfather’s time in WWII when soldiers travelled overseas each carrying a canvas bag with handwritten names, numbers, and markings that told their individual stories. Karen’s vintage inspired bags are designed and handcrafted in Rockwood, Ontario, from elegant textiles, hand-waxed canvas, leather, and recycled fur. ($360) karenwilson.ca

9. PLATTER SET The Art Gallery of Ontario has a treasure trove of gifts. Like this set of Namwayut Recycled Glass Platters made by Kwakwaka’wakw-Tlingit artist Corrine Hunt, who designed the 2010 Olympic medals. Practical and beautiful, the lightweight serveware features Northwest Native forms and are great for everyday entertaining. ($94) ago.ca

10. MUKLUKS The stunning Metis Mukluk, with its signature beaded floral pattern, is made to carry you through winter in warmth and style. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Indigenous-owned Manitobah Mukluks, brings you the original winter boot of Canada ($359.99) manitobah.ca