HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: SHOP LOCAL.

Isn't Christmas gift shopping basically impossible? Or am I the only one who feels this way? These days it can be hard to find something personal for people. At least at the mall. Sometimes you need to look elsewhere.

This year I'm shopping local, keeping my business inside Ottawa for Christmas gifts. Why? Well, along with the unique-ness of the gifts, I also get to support entrepreneurs from my region and give back a bit to my community. What better way to spread Christmas cheer?

If you're in Ottawa (or even if you're not, and you like to explore new and unique shops), here are a few really great places to pick up gift ideas:

1) Castellammare Jewellery.

Castellammare Jewellery Sparkle Ribbon Bow Necklace in rose gold

I haven't stopped talking about Ottawa-based jewellery company Castellammare Jewellery for a reason. For that jewellery loving friend/wife/girlfriend/mom, this could be your one-stop-shop. Quality product at a great price. And so much rose gold. You are guaranteed to find something for everyone. Check out the regular shop here, and their Etsy shop here. Sometimes they have a slightly different selection on both sites.

2) Purple Urchin.

Purple Urchin was started a few years back in Sault Ste. Marie and Ottawa, Ontario. Basically they make soap and other skin/beauty products with no chemicals. Most of their products are 100% vegan-friendly and all are 100% vegetarian friendly and biodegradable. I was at Terra20 this weekend and picked up a few of their products, including their lip balm, chocolate face mask, and lemon meringue hand balm (all pictured above), as gifts. They've got an online store too, which is a bonus!

3) Locally-Owned Restaurants.

(Pictured: Grilled Octapus @ Town. Kelly & Jenna, I knew this photo would come in handy one day!)

Who's tired of Lonestar, East Side Mario's and Boston Pizza, raise their hand. *raises hand*. If you're going to take your friend, family or significant other out for a great meal, treat them to a local hot-spot.  Something native to the area. Over the last few years, Ottawa has developed a unique array of original restaurants. One of my recent favourites is Town. Focusing on locally sourced food, they say every dish is a story about the great region we live in. Personally, I love their ricotta stuffed meatballs and their grilled octapus is delish. I've got a Christmas dinner date with a girlfriend, and I'm excited to try something else fantastically tasty.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. There's much more to choose from, if you look hard enough :)

Now, I wish you luck with the rest of your Christmas shopping. Please wish me luck, too, cause I'm not done just yet...

FEATURE: BABES & GENTS CLOTHING.

Can I just say I love Ottawa? I'm so lucky to have grown up near such a great city, and moving downtown was the best decision I made. But part of what's awesome about Ottawa is the budding entrepreneurship. As you all know, I've been working with Castellammare Jewellery, an Ottawa-based online jewellery store. And today I get to introduce you to Babes & Gents Clothing, a new streetwear brand from Ottawa. 

I had the chance to interview Amir, owner of Babes & Gents Clothing, to learn more about the brand and clothing line. Also, these awesome shots? From their lookbook - check it!

What made you decide to start your own clothing line?

I come from a visual art background (acrylic paintings) but I never could connect with my customers, so after a friend suggested to put my art on tees and sell them, a spark went off.

I love how closely Babes & Gents is tied into art. Why did you make this a focus?

The focus of the brand is changing for the next spring/summer collection, but art will always be part of the brand, since it’s a big part of me. And to answer your question, I got into this business because of the art, and now I’ve realized that I got to treat it more as a business, simply because the best art doesn’t necessarily always sell!

Your brand generously donates 10% of its profits to UNICEF. What inspired this decision?

I’ve been taught to always give back from what I make to people who need it the most, and also because I believe people (especially children) are a lot more important than dogs or the environment.

Where do you draw inspiration for your shirt designs?

This first collection was based on all my art aspirations, and I wanted to give a taste of what is to come in the next 5 years. Each design will become its own collection in the near future.
Back to your question though, these works all have different inspirations behind them, and those inspirations come to life a little bit more with the feel that one might get by looking at the look-book (check out the look-book here).

If you could get Babes & Gents on any celebrity in the world, who would you chose to show off your clothing?

I would have to go with Kanye West. He is my idol in every way, especially on the creativity front. 

There you have it folks!

Check out Babes & Gents here.

Personally, I've got my eye on the cute love birds crop tank. 

You can follow along on twitter here.

*Photos courtesy of Babes & Gents lookbook. 

ART IS IN & A SHOPPING TRIP.

This past weekend was fantastic. Thanksgiving is always an amazing time of the year, but lucky us, we had three days of sunshine and warm weather. With turkey eating and relaxation time filling up Sunday & Monday, my cousin Renee and I met up for some lunch and shopping on Saturday.

We first stopped at Art Is In Bakery. If you are from Ottawa and haven't been here, you're missing out. It would take you weeks to try everything. From pastries to meals, they offer a wide range of food for your breakfast, lunch or snacking needs. I had the chocolate chip & peanut butter cookie and there were real peanuts inside it. For serious. It was the best cookie I've ever had.

Then we walked from my place to the Rideau Centre, passing through some of Ottawa's beautiful downtown greenery. It reminded me of a minuscule version of central park, just because of all the people on benches reading, chatting or just enjoying a coffee. Okay- so there's no one on these benches, but I swear we passed tonnes!

To end the day we did a bit of shopping. And by a bit I mean she did a lot, and I did some. I finally splurged on a sweater from American Apparel that I have been eyeing for a few months now. Can't wait to show that off to you all soon.

Until next time!

An outfit and a clothing sale.

H&M sweater dress; Walmart tights; Call it Spring boots and scarf; Aldo bag

Hey look! I have decent photos on the blog! Know why? I had a photographer. Thank you to Marianna for these awesome shots, and for asking me to work it against the stairs, on the stairs, and on top of the stairs. ;)

These were taken Saturday when we both hit up the Dress for Success "Hidden Treasures" clothing sale together. I had never been so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I would definitely call it a "success"! (see what I did there???)

I came away with this dress for $10. Perfect for work. I may get the sides taken in a little because nothing structured ever fits my hip-to-waist ratio, but it's a great, professional little black dress!

If you haven't heard of Dress for Success, it's a non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged women by providing professional clothing, support and career development services. The Ottawa chapter held their "Hidden Treasures" clothing sale last Saturday to fundraise and clear out old stock for fall donations. Love supporting an awesome cause!

Unfashionable Ottawa? Think again.

Anyone who still says Ottawa is an unfashionable city should bite their tongue. Over the last few years, Rideau Centre became home to Zara and Forever 21 for fast, trendy fashion. As Bayshore shopping centre introduces Ottawa's first H&M store this October, Rideau Centre fights back again- claiming the title of "Ottawa's premier shopping destination"- with a redevelopment plan of their own. Thirty-four months and $360 Million later, downtown Ottawa's shopping hot-spot will get an enormous face-lift.

Cindy VanBuskirk, General Manager for Rideau Centre, introduces the re-development plan.

What do we already know? Nordstrom is coming. This was big news, but now it's old news. Yesterday, Rideau Centre announced they'll soon be home to some new players in Ottawa retail: Victoria's Secret, Simons and even... J.Crew. Yes ladies, you heard that right. J. Freaking. Crew. (planned opening Oct 2014).

Now you tell me- what are we missing? Anything? My shopping needs will be completely satisfied. I won't need to travel to Montreal or Toronto to take advantage of the great shopping. Soon I'll have it just steps away from my front door. Are you just as excited as I am? Well you should be.
This is a good change for Rideau Centre and for Ottawa shopping.

Now for some pictures of Rideau Centre's Project Preview Reception, where they announced the massive redevelopment:

With Grace of 613style

With some of Ottawa's most fashionable! Emily of Tinfoil Tiaras & Lauren of A 5'3 Perspective