REVVED-UP RUBBERS
Gumboots are usually considered about as stylish as beekeeper gear and fanny packs. But Corrina Beesley-Hammond is bringing a new look to the unglamorous but practical standby. Using flock, a powdered-wool substance usually used for wallpaper designs, the artist paints flora and fauna on the sides of the rubber footwear. Giraffes, vines, and, in her current B.C. Wild series, deer and bear decorate her adult line, while dragons give the kiddies’ boots a boost. Beesley-Hammond—who once played bass in local indie-rock band Maow with Neko Case—will be selling her rain-proof creations at Tuque, the Western Front Annual Holiday Craft Fair & Fundraiser next Friday and Saturday (December 1 and 2) for $45 a pair.

> Shawn Conner

ROCKING STOCKINGS
Wool and cotton knit stockings have never looked so good. Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette rocked the look for sure. Now we’ve sourced out a label so you can nab your own pair without pilfering an 18th-century-costume shop. Odd Molly of Sweden (think land of H&M and Acne jeans) takes folksy, cozy knits to a whole ‘nubba level (one for the MAD TV fans). The thigh-high garterless stockings are cute under skirts and keep you doubly warm under pants—so much sexier than long johns. Or, for the less risqué, try one of its hand-knit or hand-crocheted sweaters. Prices range from $80 to $220 for knits; items are available at www.oddmolly.com/ and coming this January to Hill’s of Kerrisdale (2125 West 41st Avenue), Holt Renfrew (633 Granville Street), and various Aritizia boutiques.

> Luisa Rino

GIFT BAGS
It’s like winter crispness brings on a need for all things warm and fuzzy. Melissa Beth’s felt laptop bags ($210) are just the ticket for keeping your baby safe from cold temperatures. But that’s not really why you want one. It comes with internal padding and all the requisite pouches and pockets for techie ease, but it’s the modern take on felt, the bubble gum–pink contrast lining, and the ’50s-inspired leather trim that really put it in the Christmas top 10. Available at Jeweliette (692 Seymour Street) or at www.melissabeth.com/. Look for it under Pocket Full of Puter and you can choose from orange, party pink, sky blue, grey, and pear green.

> Luisa Rino

FOOT WARMERS
Slouchy socks may still bring on bad visions of the ’80s and Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now”, but nothing says you won’t look super-cute in a pair of Hue’s Slip’rsox Socquettes ($14). Cozy like a sock and completely slouchable, they even feature mini–grip pads on the bottom for traction. For the really cold winters, pair them with some Cowichan knit–style slippers ($20), fuzzy faux fur on the inside, on-trend knit on the outside. If not for yourself, they make ideal stocking stuffers for your gal pals. Both are available at BeautyMark (1120 Hamilton Street).

> Luisa Rino

SKIN SAVERS
If the blistering wind doesn’t get you, the blasting furnace inside will. Skin takes a beating this time of year, but a few products are responding to the distress call. Dermalogica’s soothing MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque has been nicknamed by aestheticians who use it “911 in a bottle”, and small wonder: antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, and essential fatty acids restore and protect, while beta glucan calms irritation. Treat yourself to this rich, home facial–style ($62 for 75 millilitres). Snowboarders and skiers, meanwhile, swear by the same brand’s Climate Control, a handy glide-on balm that rejuvenates ravaged skin at the same time it protects from the environment. Packed with natural ingredients like shea butter, wheat-germ oil, and vitamin E, it’s $56 for just over 21 grams. Both are available at sources like Vida Wellness Spas (1088 Burrard Street and 845 Burrard Street), Spruce Body Lab (1128 Richards Street), and other retailers via www.dermalogica.ca/.

> Janet Smith

OBAKKI ON THE MOVE
Gastown continues to evolve as the city’s most stylish centre for design. Just in time for the Christmas-party season, Obakki is set to move into a restored heritage building at 44 Water Street in the first week of December. Flanked by InForm and Salt, and with style-setting Richard Kidd just across, it’ll have a big new profile in the area and a space to match: the store will have five times the room of its old location up the street. The atmospheric boutique, designed by mcfarlaneGreen, will feature a tea bar alongside the fine fashions of in-house talents Genevieve Graham and David Wallace.

> Janet Smith

WARM AND WOOLLY
Those who scour secondhand shops for authentic Scandinavian ski sweaters can indulge in the real thing with Dale of Norway’s new vintage-style collection of women’s knits. The colours, from olive and white to lime green with black, paired with the retro snowflake iconography, will make you think of ’60s and ’70s ski bunnies in St. Moritz. Technical advances mean an added bonus for those subzero days in the mountains: wind-stopper lining helps make some of the 100-percent-wool styles extra-cozy. Prices range from about $269 to $359 for the Women’s Vintage line; the Men’s Heritage line runs from $299 to $339. Dale of Norway is available locally at stores like the Quarterdeck (1660 Duranleau Street on Granville Island), the Swiss Sports Haus (490 15th Street, West Vancouver), and in Whistler at the Whistler/Blackcomb resort shop.

> Janet Smith

INTENSITY AND SUBTLETY
Holiday makeup is a story of extremes this season. At one end, there is the dark and dramatic look, with smoky eyes and dark lips. The name says it all with Jewels & Velvet Compact for Eyes from Elizabeth Arden: rich Plumsmoke, Graphite, and Indigo shadows along the crease and lashes are set off when glinting Tulle and Sandstone are applied to the brow bone ($42 at department stores). Pair it with a jewel-toned lip palette, packaged in a red, velvety case ($38). At the other end of the spectrum is a trend toward luminous, natural glimmer. Estée Lauder is highlighting subtly sparkly Pure Color Crystal Lipstick and Pure Color Crystal Gloss in a limited-edition Golden Nude ($30 and $28 respectively, at department stores), matched with Pure Color EyeShadow in understated tones of Vanilla, Ginger Drop, and Copper Penny ($20).

> Janet Smith

ANYTHING BUT OLD HAT
Claudia Schulz’s sculptural winter hats are a snappy respite from the shapeless tuque. Falling somewhere between the avant-garde and the cartoonishly whimsical, the Vancouver designer’s felt caps, with mod little peaks and earflaps, round over the head like bowlers or jockey helmets and feature whimsical details like toggles, buckles, and pompons. One grey version has a string that converts it into a cool little clutch. Look this year for furry versions as well, in colours like red and black, and marked by their signature pointy earflaps and pin-on star appliqués. Prices are $125 to $150 at mooncruise gallery (235 Cambie Street).

> Janet Smith

ALL DECKED OUT
This holiday-party season, guys finally have the chance to get as dapper as Fred Astaire dancing his way through Daddy Long Legs. Forget the minimalist black jacket and white shirt. Embrace your inner dandy and go all out with velvet blazers, embroidered vests, satin shirts, and French cuffs. The trick to playing dress-up is in the accessories, though. For a look that won’t gouge your wallet, check out Le Château’s (various locations) jacquard tie/pocket square/cuff link set for $39.95; opt for bold black-and-white stripes or ruby red for instant sartorial splendour. On the designer end, set off a satin shirt with the appropriate bling: Tateossian’s sparkly cuff links ($160), set off with jewel-toned stones, are available at Harry Rosen (701 Georgia Street and Oakridge Centre).

> Janet Smith