In the rattle and hum of the holiday shopping whirlwind, a special someone often slides off the gift list: You. This year, why not splash out on a little personal sparkle? Investing in a statement necklace makes you feel sensational and adds instant glamour to your holiday party look. After all, even the most dedicated follower of fashion needs a shortcut now and then—think of it as a present to your future self.

This winter, opt for the season’s smash hit: short necklaces which frame the face, like the chokers originally made famous by ‘90s 90210 fashion plates Brenda and Kelly. Add mistletoe, and your Dylan equivalent won’t stand a chance.

Biko Mimi Necklace in Purple, $125, ilovebiko.com

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Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com

1. Wear more red lipstick

“Generally, blondes should look for a warmer red and brunettes a red with a cooler blue undertone. But it’s really about differentiating between personal preference and style. Orange is a little trendier, while blue-red is more classic.” – New York-based makeup artist Min Min Ma. Vanessa Craft

Image courtesy of Tina Zellmer

2. Wear a sock bun

There are two critical periods in any woman’s life: before the sock bun (oft signified by a sad, limp little twist of hair) and after (basking in the glory of a bountiful bun). It’s a game changer. Try it as a trendy, high topknot or at your nape for a ballerina-inspired ‘do. Kathryn Hudson

Step 1: First, cut the toe off your favourite sport sock.

Step 2: Make a ponytail and slip it through the sock hole, sliding the sock to the tip.

Step 3: Tuck the ends under and roll inward until you reach the top of your head.

Step 4: Secure your bun with a few bobby pins.

Photo courtesy of Norbert Mayer

3. Choose a signature scent

We all want to find that certain head-turning fragrance, but Nahla Saad, co-owner of Toronto niche-fragrance boutique Noor, knows that creating a scent signature isn’t about sticking to one perfume – rather, it’s about having a wardrobe of perfumes in the same fragrance family. “Think of fragrance as a colour wheel,” she explains. “If you love florals, that’s your red, but you can wear a floral with an oriental and create a pink. It’s still recognizable, but it adds some personality and depth.” Ally Dean

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Gucci, fall/winter 2011-2012 (Image courtesy ImaxTree.com)

Fur has been one of the biggest (and most controversial) fashion trends of the past few seasons and its dominance shows no signs of slowing down. The international fall fashion shows prove it: From the vibrant dyed toppers at Gucci, DVF and Louis Vuitton to the remixed sable, fox, chinchilla and mink numbers at Fendi, designers pushed this classic cold weather look to the next level.

So whether your fall fashion style is sleek and shine-y or wild and shaggy, there’s no shortage of furry options to choose from, including fabulous faux-fur pieces that offer all the cozy chic warmth of the real thing, without the guilt. This is however one fashion trend with style landmines a-plenty from questions of colour and pattern to the oh-so dangerous issues of proportion and volume.

Want to avoid looking like Chanel’s famous fashion show fur monster? Here are our tips on how to make the fur fashion trend work without channeling Where The Wild Things Are.

Barbara Bui, fall/winter 2011-2012 (Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com)

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Iconic American fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger chats with ELLE about his signature style, modern families and why his brand shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

ELLE Canada: Tommy, you have had an illustrious career in the world of fashion. Do you ever wake up and think to yourself: “I’m over it!”

Tommy Hilfiger: Actually, that’s a great question, and I do have an answer. I work more now as an editor because I surround myself with a team that inspire me and bring new ideas to the table constantly. Am I over it? Absolutely not.  They are what keeps me going; you’re only as good as your team.

EC: How do you keep your brand relevant in today’s fashion landscape?

TH: It just keeps moving ahead, and we always have to modernize our ideas. Make it fresh, but make it familiar; make it fun and stylish and make it affordable and wearable. Those are very important goals for the Tommy Hilfiger brand; more important than anything else.

EC: Given today’s economic climate, there has been a shift in fashion towards a more democratic approach in buying and selling. Do you think there is any place for democracy in fashion? Or should it always be aspirational?

It can most certainly be both. Aspirational can still be very affordable, you know. As a designer brand, we have a duty to the customer to bring “newness” out in a continual sense. This newsness can be in the form of colour, fabric, detail, shape, the way you mix and match pieces together; a nuance you may not have originally thought of.  It’s important to offer your customer a new surprise each time.

EC: Who was the original Tommy woman and how has she changed over the years?

TH: Well, there are more of them now, that’s for sure (laughs).  At the beginning she was a very specific, young, 22-year-old that liked trendy fashions. But now, we dress her mother, her sister, her aunt, her cousin. She’s an everywoman in the sense she wears black tie, she wears gowns, she’ll wear something to school, to work, out for drinks. The Tommy brand has a signature look: the nautical, preppy, red-white-and-blue, so our woman can buy these classics that will last forever, but she’ll also buy what may be fashionable this season, and not necessarily the next.  She’s fun, wholesome. Read the rest of this entry

Tommy Ton/Whem Tommy Met Anna exhibit at The Room at the Bay

1. Take a great photograph

“Wear something WTF,” advises photographer and blogger extraordinaire Garance Doré.” Wear a show as a hat, or make a skirt from your shower curtain.” And never underestimate the power of a good shoe. “If the heels are made from old doorknobs, Legos or stuffed animals, you get two points!” Alannah O’Neil

Crochet cut-out booties, Rodarte ($650); photo courtesy of Geoffrey Ross

2. Learn to break in those high heels

Instead of painfully teetering around your living room for hours, rub a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover on the inside of your shoe. The acetone gently breaks down the leather (without staining) and helps mould your footwear to your feet. Ally Dean

Photo courtesy of Geoffrey Ross

3. Accept your body

Sign up for yoga classes to reap more than just flexibility. A report in Psychology of Women Quarterly recently revealed that women who practise yoga are at the lowest risk of developing disordered eating and have higher body-image satisfaction. Meanwhile, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association shows that those who practise yoga are less likely to gain weight over the course of a 10-year period compared to those who do not, apparently because yoga build mindfulness, which helps to foster better nutritional decisions, curb emotional eating and bolster body image. Barbora Simek

Illustration courtesy of Tina Zellmer

4. Acting confident goes beyond your designer duds

Research from Harvard Business School concludes that holding “high status” poses, like the ones below, for a few minutes can stimulate testosterone – which is linked to feelings of power.  Kathryn Hudson

The Wonder Woman

Stand tall, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands on your hips, suggest Carol Kinsey Goman, author of The Silent Language of Leaders.

The Oprah

Gesturing with open palms demonstrates frankness.

The Don Draper

Prop your feet up on your desk, place your hands behind your head and hold a glass of Canadian Club (We made this one up, but we figure it’s foolproof.)

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Stock up on these essential cold weather pieces

By: Jessica Padykula

Kelly Millar, founder and president of KM Image Consulting shares her picks for the best winter fashion items to add to your closet this season. Here’s to staying warm  -  and looking chic despite the chill.

Pink Tartan

Fashion tip: Chunky knit scarf

“Your one essential must-have accessory this season is a chunky knit scarf,” Millar advises. “It seems every fashion designer this winter season has created a version of this stylish and cozy accessory.” Choose a vibrant hue and when it comes to size, the larger and chunkier the better. If your scarf is extra long, wrap it several times over your outerwear to create a relaxed, sophisticated look, she says. “Be playful and choose a fabulous texture or colour and be sure you don’t leave home without it.”

Haider Ackermann (Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com)

Fashion tip: Midi and maxi skirts

Get ready to embrace longer hemlines this season. The midi and maxi are here and poised to become fashion trends for winter. “Flattering for all body types, longer length skirts can be just as sexy and feminine depending on how you wear them,” Millar says. If you’re petite, stick to the midi style and show off your calves to add some length to your silhouette. If you are average height to tall opt instead for the longer maxi styles, which are feminine and flattering for a longer frame, she explains. Highlight your waistline with a cinch belt and pair your skirt with a fitted top, tights and long boots to create an overall slim, chic look perfect for the colder months ahead. Read the rest of this entry

Their jet-set lifestyle means they relax on the run. Here’s how top models chill after a long day

COCA ROCHA

Channel surfer: “I love watching a good crime drama, like CSI, NCIS or Law & Order. I love the intrigue and suspense.”

City escape: “There is this tiny park with a great view; you can see up the river to Queensboro Bridge and Long Island City. I’ve been going to the park with my husband, James, since we started dating three years ago. It’s where he first asked me out, and it’s my favourite spot.”

Quiet time: “I’m constantly bombarded with people, lights and sounds, so I love escaping into the peace and serenity of the countryside.”

Best beauty fix: “Lancôme makeup remover and moisturizer are good for clearing away the grime and stress of the day. I also rely on L’Oréal Paris Derma Genesis to help me relax.”

Soundtrack: “I love to play early ’80s shoe-gazing music when I’m trying to unwind. Anything by the Cocteau Twins puts me in a good frame of mind.”

Comfort food: “I love mashed potatoes, mac ‘n’ cheese and shepherd’s pie.”

-Barbora Simek

Yasmin Warsame

Must-indulge spa: “I love the Hacienda Don Justo Hotel Spa in Cólon, Argentina! After a 60-minute head-to-toe massage, they cover you with thick clay and you sit in the sun to bake for 60 minutes. Then you’re washed under a hot ‘sweet water’ waterfall. They finish by applying a rich moisturizing cream and giving you a glass of chilled, filtered lemon water.”

Secret Toronto hideaway: “When I’m home in Toronto, I like the water treatment at the Body Blitz Spa. They have pools filled with sea water and Jacuzzis filled with freezing-cold water. It’s amazing!”

De-stress with… “My bath. I use Epsom salts to sooth muscles and Kiehl’s vanilla body wash, and I always light a Jo Malone candle.”

Favourite scents: “I love lavender and patchouli oils; these smells melt the day away.”

Loungewear: “I love my red Ralph Lauren robe.”

-Amanda Wenek

CHANEL IMAN

Spa specialty: “There’s nothing better than a private seaweed wrap or a Swedish massage with hot rocks — ideally in the Caribbean!”

Evening ritual: “I turn off all the lights, light a few Diptyque Feu de Bois candles and run a nice, hot bubble bath with a couple of drops of Rodin Olio Lusso.”

Soundtrack: “Sade is my go-to choice; her music really soothes my soul.”

Soothing scents: “The smell of jasmine always makes me feel free and at peace.”

Comfort food: “I love warm chocolate cookies with milk, herbal teas and honey biscuits.”

Loungewear: “An oversized boyfriend hoodie with a great pair of underwear.”

Dream trip: “My next relaxation retreats are these two breathtaking resorts: Le Moana Bora Bora in French Polynesia and Viceroy Bali, in Ubud, Indonesia.”

-A.W.

What is your best tip to de-stress after a long day? Share in our comments section below!

Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com

If there’s one thing we love about beauty, it’s that everyone always has amazing application tips and tricks to share. And since it’s the festive season and we’ll definitely all be pulling out our best mascara for coats of thick, lush lashes, we decided to hit our Facebook fans up for some of their best tips and biggest don’ts. So get your wands ready for the perfect fluttering of lashes this holiday season! By the way, I adore the above image of the dramatic falsies at Louis Vuitton’s spring/summer 2012 collection. Aren’t they just divine?

What are your biggest mascara dos and don’ts?

Dana Zickar Lajeunesse Do wiggle that brush right into your lash roots, and don’t forget to get the finer hairs on your inner corner (or your eye).

Katelyn Blakeney Waterproof. Always.

Deborah Howard Patrick DO take a cotton swab and dab any smudges off underneath the lower lashes when you’re done…and DON’T put so many coats on that it looks like tar has been applied.

Amanda Popko Primer helps so much! Waterproof is such a pain to get off and you can damage your sensitive eye area trying to take it off — save it for special occasions only. Read the rest of this entry

From the editors bag to the bloggers boot, our picks on the top e-commerce fashion trends of 2011

By: Rachel Singer

Photo courtesy of Cambridge Satchel

The It-bag

Originally seen on Euro-bloggers Hanneli Mustaparta and Carolina Engman, the vibrantly-coloured neon Cambridge Satchel quickly became this year’s ‘It Bag.’ Until recently, the bag was only available online through the company’s website or on eBay but now, Holt Renfrew in Toronto carries it along with local shop, A2zane.

Photo courtesy of Nasty Gal

The blogger shoe

Every blogger and street style photographer was seen wearing the Jeffery Campbell Lita platform in 2011. This sky-high platform comes in hundreds of colours and patterns – from spikes to the American flag. Although the designer brand is available in certain shops in Canada, the very best selection is still found on the web, in particular the e-commerce site Nasty Gal.

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We’ve taken our ELLE street style photographers to task this week. The assignment: A tour around the globe’s meccas of style. The mission: To find those streeters in London, Paris, Milan and New York who best capture some of the most enduring fashion runway trends.

Did they succeed? Scroll down to view some amazing snaps of some pretty spectacular fashion.

THE ’70s COAT

Emilio Pucci, fall 2011-12

Paris, France

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