Designing Gal : Holidays

Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts

Happy Labour Day + Sales

Kew Beach - Toronto, Ontario

Happy Labour Day weekend! I've been spending the long weekend at the beach, exercising, running errands and getting ready for a brand new week and the start of a new adventure. It's sad to say goodbye to summer (well technically it's still summer for a few more weeks but we all know this holiday marks the unofficial end of summer). I am looking forward to cozy fall weather and all the fun festivities autumn has to offer! Not to mention fall fashion is my favourite by far. I hope you are all having a fun and restful long weekend too and are enjoying every last moment of the summer season! Now bring on the pumpkin spice lattes!!

In case you are doing a little back to school or work shopping there are a bunch of Labour Day sales happening right now (click on each store for full sales details):

• ASOS - 15% off everything with code LASTHURRAH
• Forever 21 - up to 70% off end of season styles
• Kate Spade New York - extra 25% off sale items with code DOTTY
• Club Monaco - 40% off with code FAREWELLSUMMER
• Ann Taylor - extra 40% off sale items
• Ann Taylor Loft - extra 50% off sale items
• Old Navy - 50% off jeans, tees and dresses
• Anthropologie - extra 25% off sale items

Deanna xo

• 35 things to do this fall.

• What to wear to a fall wedding.

• Kendall Jenner shares her social media secrets.

• The perfect shade of burgundy lipstick to flatter your skin tone.

• Recipe for the most delectable browned butter salted chocolate chip cookies.

• How Julianne Hough stays fit & healthy and still eats pizza!

• 7 new beauty products that will blow your mind.

• Coziest cocoon cardigan for fall.

Photo via

· Summer cocktail recipes to liven up your next party.

· How to style your favourite jean jacket this summer.

· The best books to read at the beach.

· 6 magical ways to top grilled corn.

· The right way to contour for your face shape.

· 20 tips to get toned arms faster.

· 5 easy steps to give your living room a summer revamp.

· The biggest summer fashion trend that even Kate Middleton is wearing.

· The hottest espadrille wedge sandals of summer 2016.

· How to find the most flattering cutout swimsuit for your body.

Image source

FLORAL BIKINI (ASOS - no longer available; similar style here) | CROSS STRAP SANDALS (J.Crew - no longer available; similar style here & here) | VERSACE SUNGLASSES | BOOK

Happy Canada Day! Now that summer vacation season is in full swing it's time to enjoy every minute of the sunny weather. A few essentials to have at the ready to enjoy your summer weekends...

1. Great pair of neutral sandals that are easy to slide on & off and go with everything, like these:

2. A pretty bikini that flatters you in all the right places, like these:

3. A quality pair of sunglasses that will protect your eyes in the sun and look super stylish, like these:

4. And you have to have a good book to read when you are lounging at the patio, pool, beach or lake, like these:

Have a wonderful holiday long weekend and get out there & enjoy the sunshine!

Deanna xo

Whether you are heading to the beach or pool to celebrate Canada Day or Independence Day next week or taking a summer vacation to a beach destination I've got your fashion covered. I've pulled together all the items you need to have a chic holiday at the beach (or pool). I'm a sucker for anything in navy and white and this bikini is perfection! The striped beach towel is made of 100% Turkish cotton and it's available in a variety of colours. The sturdy straw tote bag will carry all your favourite magazines & snacks and works great as a farmers' market tote too! Have a great holiday!

Deanna xo

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Mother's Day is just a weekend away and I've pulled together a few of the prettiest gift ideas for all budgets that would charm the mothers in your life!

Deanna xo

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Stumped on what to get your man for Valentine's Day? I've got you covered with my V-Day gift list, tailored just for men to suit all budgets. If you are looking for what to get the woman in your life then check out my feminine Valentine's Day gift ideas here.

Deanna xo

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Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you are looking for gift inspiration for her then I have you covered with my high/low feminine gift ideas for all budgets:

LOW

Vince Camuto Crossbody Bag

Kate Spade Pave Monogram Pendant Necklace

Black Bow Babydoll Chemise & Briefs Set

HIGH

Chole Crossbody Bag

Astley Clarke Diamond & Gold Locket Pendant Necklace

Cosabella Lace Babydoll Chemise

Deanna xo

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It's no secret that pink is my favourite colour and with Valentine's Day less than a month away I have pink on the brain! Here are a few of my favourite pink things that would also make great Valentine's Day gifts (hint, hint!). I'm loving those glossy pink Hunter boots and pink Ray-Bay aviator sunglasses. And that blush pink Chloe Drew bag is dreamy. J.Crew knows how to do pink right with that beautiful warm wool toggle coat and soft, cozy sweater.

Deanna xo

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Instagram Lately... Holiday Edition

A look at my style this holiday season as shared through my Instagram account...

Christmas Day Style... POINTELLE KNIT SWEATER | PLAID BLANKET SCARF | RED BALLET FLATS (J.Crew sold out; similar style)

STEWART PLAID SHIRT (Zara; similar style here & here) | CRYSTAL NECKLACE

Santa Style... RED CABLE KNIT SWEATER | CREAM POMPOM HAT

I hope you had a wonderful (stylish) Christmas too!

Deanna xo

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Wishing you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas!

Deanna xo

POM-POM BEANIE HAT (Gap last season; this year's version) | CABLE KNIT SWEATER | PLAID SCARF

I'm ready to get in the holiday spirit and this festive outfit is everything! I have never been more obsessed with cable knit as I have this season - maybe because there are so many affordable options out there. It's just so cozy and classic. I paired this creamy cotton Gap cable knit sweater with a Gap pom-pom beanie and the most festive Lord & Taylor tartan plaid scarf (I like to call it Christmas plaid). How perfect is this outfit for picking out your Christmas tree or heading to an outdoor ice rink for a skate & hot chocolate?! Bring on the holidays!

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Deanna xo

Gold shimmer and sparkle... a few inspirational photos featuring golden Christmas decor. Make a holiday statement by pairing gold with green, pink, silver, white or black (or a combination of).

Deanna xo

Images via Pinterest
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FAUX FUR TRIMMED CABLE KNIT SLIPPERS

Put your fuzzy slippers on, grab a mug of hot chocolate and snuggle in to shop the best of the Black Friday online sales. Why fight the crazy lines and sift through a mess of sweaters looking for your size when you can shop the sales online right now and get all your purchases shipped right to your door (and in most cases for free)? So get ready to access the best Black Friday online deals now:

AMAZON || this year's lowest prices and sales on electronics, DVDs, video games, fashion and more

ANN TAYLOR || 50% off everything | Nov 26 to Nov 27 | CODE: CELEBRATE

ANTHROPOLOGIE || 25% off everything | Starts Nov 26 | CODE: SHOPTOIT

ASOS || 30% off everything* | now until Dec 1 | CODE: BLESSED

BANANA REPUBLIC US & CAN || 50% off sweaters and 40% off the rest of your purchase* | Nov 26 to 27 | CODE: BRFRIDAY

GAP US || 50% off everything* | Nov 26 to Nov 27 | CODE: BLKFRIDAY

GAP CANADA || 50% off everything* | Nov 26 to Nov 27 | CODE: GAPFRIDAY

J.CREW || 30% off your purchase plus extra 40% off sale styles* | Nov 25 to Nov 29 | CODE: HOLIDAY

J.CREW FACTORY || 50% off everything* and free shipping on purchases $50 and over | Nov 25 to Nov 29 | CODE: SHIPGIFTS

LOFT || 50% off almost everything* (excludes Lou & Grey new arrivals) | Nov 26 to Nov 27 | CODE: CORNY

MACY'S || deals on designer handbags, juniors clothing, women's coats & sweaters plus an extra savings discount* | Nov 25 to 28 | CODE: THANKS

MADEWELL || 25% off entire purchase | Nov 24 to Nov 29 | CODE: CALMDOWN

NEIMAN MARCUS || take an extra 20% off sale items | Nov 25 to 27

NORDSTROM || up to 50% off select styles + free shipping & returns | Nov 26 to 27

OLD NAVY US || Up to 60% off select styles and 40% off everything else* | Nov 26 to 27 | No code needed

OLD NAVY CANADA || 50% off everything* | Nov 26 to 27 | No code needed

Happy shopping!!

Deanna xo

*restrictions apply. Please check store's website for full details.

I'm guilty of wanting to watch holiday movies and listen to Christmas music all year long. But that would ruin the anticipation and specialness of the holiday season, so I do my best to wait until the middle of November before I indulge in my favourites. It doesn't matter how many times I've seen these movies, they always put me in a festive spirit and I never tire of watching them again & again. And of course I own them all on blu-ray or DVD so I don't have to wait for them to air on TV or spend money renting them on demand every year. I thought I would share with you my very favourite holiday movies that everyone should see and own. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Home Alone (1990) - can you believe this movie turns 25 years old this year!
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (1964) - I save watching this special one for December 1st. It reminds me of my childhood and it marks the true start of the holiday season for me.
Frosty The Snowman (1969) - this seasonal cartoon is celebrating it's 45th anniversary this year. I can't wait to make a Frosty with my little nephew this winter!
The Holiday (2006) - it's a Nancy Meyers film, need I say more? And Cameron Diaz's stylish winter wardrobe is to die for!
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) - the perfect holiday comedy. I can still hear my mom squealing when the squirrel jumps out of the Christmas tree!
Love Actually (2003) - a charming holiday film that puts the romance in Christmas.
It's A Wonderful Life (1947) - this movie is a true classic that will warm your heart.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) - this cartoon about an evil green Grinch who hates Christmas has been around forever but it never gets old.
White Christmas (1954) - this beautiful holiday musical is my absolute favourite. I've watched it every Christmas Eve since I was very little.

Honourable Mention....

Every Rankin/Bass holiday film ever made - they may have been created for children in the 1960's and 1970's, but as an adult I still love them.

The Sound of Music (1965) - it's not actually a holiday movie - there are no Christmas scenes. But every year it airs between Christmas and New Year's and the holiday season isn't complete without it.

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Deanna xo

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As we near closer to December your inbox starts to fill up with all those holiday party invitations and you realize you have nothing to wear. Don't fret, I have your dress needs all wrapped up for you! My holiday party dress guide is a one stop shop for all the holiday parties on your calendar. From an ivory sheath dress with a pretty sheer yoke for your office holiday party to a festive green lace fit & flare gown for your friend's Christmas open house to a hot little navy sequin number to wear while you ring in the new year. Many of these dresses come in a variety of colours (just in case you prefer a different shade) and they range in price from $100 to $250. Time to get shopping!

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Deanna xo

There is nothing better than getting cozy & comfy indoors (or outdoors) during the holiday season and winter months. We may be going through a little unusual November heatwave but before we know it the chilly weather will set in and I want to be ready for it. I've pulled together a list of my favourite cozy finds from the Gap that will keep you and your loved ones toasty warm throughout the season. I am so impressed with the Gap's holiday selection & quality and right now Gap is having a no exclusions friends & family sale (until November 8th in Canada). If you are signed up for their subscriber emails you already have all the details of the Gap friends & family sale in your inbox. This is the perfect time to grab these great items while they are still in stock and get a jump on your holiday shopping!

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Deanna xo

Last weekend I took a road trip out to Elora, Ontario for the afternoon. Elora is considered Ontario's most beautiful village and my first trip to the little town was quite charming to say the least. I was excited to see Elora in the fall with all the beauty the season has to offer... vibrant leaves in autumn colours surrounding the scenic Elora Gorge and the seasonal decorations outside of the local shops & restaurants. What I had not expected were the spooky monsters that lurked around the village! For the entire month of October large paper & wire monster sculptures by famed artist Tim Murton are put on display outdoors and let me tell you they are not for the faint of heart! I couldn't help but snap photos as we walked throughout the village to capture the creepy beauty of Mr Murton's work as well as other eerie village scenery. I definitely recommend that you check out Elora's monsters (on display until October 31st) and I hope you have a happy Halloween!