Local Sparkle
Vancouver jewellery designer Keltie Maguire, of Keltie Leanne Designs, has fashioned handmade earrings, bracelets, and necklaces featuring darker gemstones for her fall-winter collection. Think rich garnet, black spinel, and shimmering blue labradorite, all set in gold fill and sterling silver. We like the Abundance earrings ($78 at Fine Finds Boutique [1014 Mainland Street]), a cluster of pyrite, rubellite, and labradorite gemstones that dangle like holiday berries. The gold-linked Talisman bracelet ($65) is another subtle nod to the Christmas season—its red and green charm pendant resembles mistletoe. If you’re looking for a statement piece for parties, try on the Black Prince necklace ($78), with its geometric black spinel gemstone.

Easy on the Eyes
Holiday parties mean there are plenty of chances to try out this season’s dramatic beauty looks. As part of its holiday collection, MAC Cosmetics (various locations) has released Stroke of Midnight eye kits ($47.50), three eye shadow palettes that each contain five complementary colours. The easiest to wear on every skin tone is “Cool”, which includes varying shades of pink, plum, and purple. For a foolproof smoky eye, start with the darkest hue near the lash line and gradually lighten up towards the brow bone. Slip the sleek Art Deco–print eye shadow compact in your purse for easy touchups, or save the makeup bag for home and take the Stroke of Midnight face palette ($59.50)—which includes three eye shadows, a bronzing powder, two lipsticks, and an eyeliner—with you on the go.

Cozy and Chic
When you’re dressed to the nines, you don’t want to top off the look with your bulky parka. Club Monaco (various locations) has released a collection of stylish coats and blazers to ensure that your outerwear is as showstopping as what’s on underneath. Two coats stand out in the Canadian-founded company’s luxe Collection series. The Mariella Calf Hair Coat ($1,200) features calf-hair panelling—in unexpected navy—over a classic double-breasted silhouette. The deep-V neckline, perfect for showing off a statement sparkler, is balanced out by a hemline that hits mid-thigh. Also part of the Collection series is the Dree Shearling Coat ($1,500), a plush black shearling coat that pairs just as well with an evening gown as it does with your favourite pair of skinny jeans. If you’re looking to add a lighter topper to your wardrobe that you can start wearing right now, try the Agata Velvet Blazer ($269) on for size. The tailored black blazer is a classic and looks chic over a cocktail dress.

Naughty or Nice
Rich colours and delicate textures feature in Fortnight Lingerie’s holiday 2013 collection. Canadian designer Christina Remenyi was inspired by visual artists Helen Frankenthaler, Lee Krasner, and Georgia O’Keeffe when creating the 12-piece collection for her three-year-old label. All Fortnight lingerie is handmade in Toronto, and this season the company has introduced two new fabrics into its pieces: stretch jacquard lace and matte Italian jersey. The popular Mira long-line bra ($110 at LYNNsteven Boutique [225 Carrall Street]), which is available up to an F-cup size, gets a dark makeover in midnight blue and black. The striking colour combination is also offered in the Mira bodysuit ($165), which includes black-lace side panelling and a sexy back cutout. The silver and snow-white Mira slip ($165) is ideal under cocktail dresses.

Matte Mani
Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann always has her finger on the pulse when it comes to the hottest nail colours, and for this season, Lippmann’s eponymous nail polish line has added the Silk Collection. Inspired by silk items, the collection of three nail polishes consists of Red Silk Boxers, a ruby red colour; Pseudo Silk Kimono, an eggshell white; and Harem Silks From Bombay, an eggplant purple ($20). What makes these polishes different is that they can be worn alone—they have a slightly shimmery half-matte finish Lippmann calls “matteen”—or topped with Flat Top, a top coat that creates a completely matte effect. The matte finish gives these classic winter hues a slightly mod look. Deborah Lippmann nail polishes are available at retailers including Holt Renfrew (737 Dunsmuir Street) and Kiss and Makeup (The Village at Park Royal, West Vancouver).