It’s almost holiday party season (whatever that looks like in 2020), which means it’s time to start thinking about what needs to be added to your winter wardrobe. This year, trade in ugly Christmas sweaters for chic, buildable festive fashion pieces you’ll wear all winter.
Shopping for occasion-specific items can be limiting, and chances are, they won’t get much use outside of the holidays. Instead think of items that can dress up your outfit, like elegant knits, sophisticated silhouettes, and metallic accessories. To help with your seasonal shopping list, we’ve scoured the web for 13 festive fashion items inspired by this year’s hottest trends.
Shop 13 festive fashion pieces you’ll wear even after the holidays:
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December is right around the corner, which means ’tis the season of giving. But this year, why not go the extra mile and give a gift that gives back?
If there was ever a time that the world needed a little extra merriness and cheer, it’s in 2020. In case you don’t know where to start, we’ve gone ahead and compiled a list of gifts that give back that everyone will use and love this holiday season. Like what you see? Don’t forget to bookmark this tab for next year’s holidays, since many of these brands give back year after year.
Shop these 15 gifts that give back:
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As 2020 starts winding down, winter is winding up. With cold temperatures, snow, and ice in the forecast for most of Canada — and with COVID, you’ll probably be spending tons of time outdoors despite the winter weather — last year’s winter boots aren’t going to cut it.
But that doesn’t mean breaking the bank. This year, you can be fashion-forward without leaving your savings behind. These 12 men’s winter boots are the best for a budget-friendly shopper who doesn’t want to sacrifice style.
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Across the country, snow’s started falling, the days are getting shorter, and if you listen carefully, you might be able to hear the gentle sound of jingle bells in the distance. You know what that means — time to start shopping. And what better way to spread holiday cheer than by shopping Canadian? Put a smile on everyone’s face with these 10 made-in-Canada gift ideas that you can shop right now.
10 Made-in-Canada Gift Ideas
Gifts For Your Co-Worker
It’s not always easy shopping for somebody you don’t know very well. Avoid gifting the overdone throw blanket and opt for consumables (remember the three Cs: cheese, coffee, candles) or items that feature a new twist on an old favourite. Whatever you end up getting, if it’s made in Canada, they’re going to love it.
Gifts For Him
There might not be as many parties this holiday season, but that doesn’t mean you and your No. 1 man can’t look (and smell) good. Help him out with thoughtful pieces that complement his personality and are useful no matter the occasion.
Gifts For Her
Treat your favourite gal with made-in-Canada gifts that make her feel beautiful (but really just accentuate her beauty ♥️). Accessories are a must, and remember the golden rule: You can’t put a price tag on love.
Gifts For Mom and Dad
Mom and Dad have done a lot for you over the years, so why not return the favour? Show them a little extra love this holiday season (we could all use it) with these great made-in-Canada gift ideas.
Gifts For Yourself
It’s been a long year — treat yo’ self! And do it guilt-free by shopping these awesome made-in-Canada gifts that’ll last you year-round. (And hopefully the next one goes a lot smoother.)
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Halloween parties might be happening mostly online this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the holiday in style (at least from the waist, up). Whether you’re planning to just stay in and watch some spooky favourites or you’re hosting the year’s most lit Zoom karaoke party (complete with a “Thriller” dance-along, we hope), here are 11 Instagram-worthy amazing Halloween costumes you’ll love showing off online.
Tiger King and Carole Baskin
It’s hard to believe our obsession with Tiger King happened earlier this year, but that’s what a pandemic will do. The infamous zookeeper and his arch nemesis (and former Dancing With the Stars contestant) make for amazing Halloween costumes in 2020.
Shop the look:
Alexander Hamilton Circa 2020
Broadway might be closed till spring 2021, but Hamilton is still one of this year’s (and possibly this decade’s) most talked-about musicals. Take Lin Manuel Miranda’s Alexander Hamilton into 2020 by adding a face mask to an already iconic outfit. It makes for an amazing Halloween costume.
Shop the look:
Queen B in ‘Black Is King’
Leave it to Beyonce to bring some much-needed enjoyment to a rather dismal year. Her surprise visual album, Black Is King, was created in partnership with her album The Lion King: A Gift. As always, Queen B serves up a ton of inspiration — including some Instagram-worthy outfits that would make amazing Halloween costumes.
Shop the look:
David Rose, Fashionista of the Outfield
Coming off its amazing Emmys sweep, Schitt’s Creek is certainly the talk of the town. There’s no doubt any of Moira Rose’s outfits would make an amazing Halloween costume, but don’t forget about David. His outfits are cool and comfortable so they’re ideal for this type of holiday.
Shop the look:
The WAP Women
WAP is a part of our vocabulary now (for better or for worse). It’s likely going to become a pillar of pop culture when we look back on this year. While most years, wearing just a bodysuit in October would be a terrible idea, in 2020 it just works. It’s an amazing Halloween costume to show off over Zoom from the warmth of your home.
Shop the look:
Emily, 2020 Parisian Style Icon
Most of you have probably already binged Netflix’s Emily In Paris, planned your post-pandemic Parisian getaway, and started a florals-filled mood board. (Isn’t French fashion the best?) Emily’s gotten some minor flak for being basic, but isn’t that why we love her? This Halloween, don your best beret and blazer, sip a pumpkin spiced latte, and let your basic B shine.
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Nurse Mildred Ratched
If you’re looking to get down and spooky this Halloween, dressing as Nurse Mildred Ratched is a solid choice. There’s something inherently creepy about old-timey insane asylums, but the dark and twisted Nurse Ratched takes that ominousness to a whole new level.
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Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The world lost a civil rights icon when Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away this year. Show RBG some love by holding court over your friends this Halloween. Everyone presents their case on why they should get all the candy and you pick the winner. (Make them pay their court fees directly to you in the form of half their haul.)
Shop the look:
Pennywise, But Make IT Sexy
We’re hereby crowning Demi Lovato Queen of Halloween. She slayed last year as a sexy-yet-spooky Pennywise, and this iconic look should definitely be on your IT-list. Scary clowns will always be an amazing Halloween costume, but we want to see you amp it up a notch for 2020.
Shop the look:
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Things are no longer beachy-keen for Canadian bathing suit retailer, Swimco. The former shopping mall staple just announced that it’s closing after 45 years in business.
The company posted a notice on its website saying it “was unable to make a viable proposal…and is thereupon deemed to have made an assignment into bankruptcy effective October 10, 2020.”
The company’s history
Swimco started as a home-based, mail-in order business out of founder Corinne Forseth’s basement. The first store opened in Calgary in 1983. The chain was later passed on to Forseth’s daughter, Lori Bacon.
“[They] mastered the art of personal service catering to women,” said retail real estate specialist Michael Kehoe. (They also sell men’s swimwear, FYI.)
All about body positivity
Another reason to love the brand: Swimco was all about feeling beautiful in your body the way it is.
“When you walk into a Swimco store, you see REAL models that look like the people around you — because being aspirational isn’t just about what happens on the surface, it’s also about what happens beneath it,” its website says.
But COVID hit North America at the worst time (Spring Break — RIP beach vacay) for Swimco.
“Swimco was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down the cruise ship industry and international vacation travel. The loss of the local iconic Swimco brand, a family owned and operated legacy fashion retailer, will be mourned.”
The beginning of the end
All 20 of Swimco’s brick-and-mortar locations across Canada have closed, but you can still shop its online store. All sales are final and you won’t be able to use your gift cards (*sad face*), but you can take advantage of the 45% off sale. You know, in case you want to lounge around your house in a bikini. It sells bathing suits from a ton of different brands, like Adidas, Roxy, and Polo Ralph Lauren, in addition to its own Swimco line, so there’s plenty to choose from.
You can also enjoy free shipping on orders over $150, so you should definitely stock up for your post-lockdown, pandemic-free tropical getaway. Make sure you get your order in fast so you don’t miss out.
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This year has sucked for pretty much everybody, but Diesel’s found a silver lining. The Italian brand just opened its only full-priced store in Canada in Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
You’ve probably seen Diesel in Yorkdale before, since it’s held various locations there since 2012. But it used to have a much larger presence across Canada. Unfortunately, the company was forced to shutter its Toronto flagship on Yorkville Ave. in 2019, as well as a larger location on Montreal’s Rue de la Montagne. It still operates large outlet stores in both cities, but has said goodbye to many other units across the country.
Anyone outside Toronto can shop Diesel online or at multi-brand retailers, such as Hudson’s Bay.
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There’s more sad news on the retail front: H&M has announced plans to close 250 stores in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company saw a 5% sales decline in September after it temporarily closed 80% of its brick-and-mortar locations. The good news? Online shopping continues to gain popularity.
“More and more customers started shopping online during the pandemic,” H&M CEO Helena Helmersson said in a statement. “We are increasing digital investments, accelerating store consolidation and making the channels further integrated.”
With more than 5,000 stores globally, the upcoming closures will account for 5% of the company’s total number of stores.
However, the company is looking optimistically towards the future.
“Although the challenges are far from over, our assessment is that the worst is behind us and we are well placed to come out of the crisis stronger,” Helmersson said.
We’ll be watching closely to see if there will be any more shutterings to come for this fast fashion giant.
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