From bow ties to skivvies, Christmas looks cool

    1 of 8 2 of 8

      Tie One On 
      Perfect for the dapper dude or new antiquarian on your list, Vancouver-based Cursor & Thread handmade ties are the bow that goes inside the present. Old-school beauties in everything from understated bicycle motifs to polka dots to plaids, they are the real deal—in fact, one of the best things about the little gift boxes just may be the antique-looking instructions on how to tie them. Don’t worry, though: there are clips for those who are either all thumbs or crunched for time. Just remember, as the folks at C&T says on its website, “Like a good marriage, once the knot is tied, the charm often lies in the imperfections.” Don’t forget that, these days, bow ties can be dressed down—with jeans, your favourite plaid shirts, and even baseball and denim jackets, not just your best tweed blazer. Prices are $59, at Gravity Pope (2205 West 4th Avenue), Vincent Park Clothing (4278 Main Street)WALRUS (3408 Cambie Street), and the Block (350 West Cordova Street).

      > Janet Smith
      Anna Sui's La Vie de Bohème is a modern, romantic scent.
      > Michelle da Silva

      My Secret Cravings tasty jewellery.
      > Janet Smith

       

      Daub + Design’s sleek undies.

      Panties of the Month 
      Why buy the stylin’ lady on your list a simple pair of panties when you can buy her a full-on subscription for a rad new set every month? That’s the idea behind Daub + Design’s new Panty of the Month series, in which a different version of the seamless, hand-dyed top sellers gets shipped out every 30 days—kind of like getting a Christmas surprise at regular intervals. Prices start at $59.95 per month, with a choice between three types of patterns: multicoloured, black on different colours, or a mix of both. Sign your gal pal, better half, mom, or sister up at Daub + Design's website

      > Janet Smith

       

      Blue Ruby's x Cause We Care holiday bracelet is a limited-edition offering.
      > Michelle da Silva

       

      Fjällräven's Totepack No. 1.
      > Michelle da Silva

       

      Get bold with Instance Socks' Warriors print.
      > Michelle da Silva

       

      Principessa Beauty's Bella Balm BB Cream.
      > Michelle da Silva

       

      Bath Binge
      Headily scented holiday bath bombs and other goodies come in a fun variety of packaging this year at Lush (various locations). We like the cartoon-illo’d, hatbox-shaped the Night Before Christmas set ($49.95), with some of the best Yule-themed bath products, including Cinders Bath Bomb, a warm orange-and-red mix of cinnamon-leaf oil, sweet-orange oil, and popping candy; and the Golden Wonder, a bomb shaped like a present that explodes into golden stars when it hits the water, then turns the bath blue, with a Champagne-like fragrance. Another kit comes shaped like lips; called Christmas Kisses, its mix contains Santa’s lip scrub and cola-flavoured lip tint ($22.95).

      > Janet Smith

      Comments

      1 Comments

      Jerome Smith

      Dec 5, 2013 at 8:19am

      I love the pattern on the bow tie above, but never in cotton. Real bow tiers wear silk and the best 2 places for American made bow ties are Ben Silver in Charleston and www.bowtieclub.com online.