Chantsy’s Gift Guide: That’s Stunning

What’s the most cost effective way to add a bit of edge to your look and declare your personal style? Jewelry of course! It’s amazing how a little bling and chain can go a long way. Today’s holiday gift guide is all about supporting local and finding unique Ottawa gift ideas for yourself or your gal pals this Christmas.

What if I told you there is a sweet little eye-candy shop nestled on York street in the Byward market, just around the corner to Sussex. You’ve seen it, it’s by the parking lot, you just haven’t satisfied your curiosity enough to enter the white gates. The store is called Stunning, and if you haven’t been inside, you’re missing out!

I discovered Stunning last year, when I finally took the plunge and went in the shop, where I met the lovely store owner Mandy Gosewich and her dog Pearl. Now, I’m a seasonal regular. I wait for Mandy to post some bait on her Instagram feed, and then pop in when I am tempted to see the treasures in real life. That’s what happened when I spotted these little puff earrings!

Mandy has an exceptionally edgy style, and sources her goodies from all around the world. She has great stories about her buying trips to New York, and can tell you where each piece comes from. What I love about shopping there, is the reward for your individuality. Because there is so much to chose from, it’s up to you to find something that calls you, that suits your personal style. You know you will be the only one with the awesome necklace, or killer earrings, and that you were the one to find them! A challenge we easily forget when we go shopping at big retailers.

Mandy helped me pick out a few awesome pieces to showcase in this gift guide. I hope you love them as much as I do!

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I have a soft spot for long chains. This one in particular has a perfect blend of edge to it.

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Yup! Removal pompom on this tuque!
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I call this the puff cuff! You can get one or a pair! Can we also take a minute to stare at the ring!! It’s amazing!
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I loved these simplistic geometric earrings.
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This little candy shaped clutch stole my heart!
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Hoops are back, and this is a very cool way to warm up to them! Love the geometric design here too.
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These earrings to me are Kate Spade on a motorcycle… right?
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This bib was out of this world! Just wear all black and wear the rhinestone bib to the party!

So, what do you think? What caught your eye? I am in love with my little puff earnings and can’t wait to wear them for my Christmas party! I really want that long necklace too…

So will you satisfy your curiosity next time you’re in the market? If you head over to see Mandy, please tell her Chantsy sent you! Happy shopping and don’t forget to support local when you can this Christmas!

If you’re looking for more gift ideas, check out these WHITE & ROSE GOLD WIRELESS SUDIO EARPHONES or my new obsession with AMORE PACIFIC skincare routine.

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Chantsy’s Gift Guide: White & rose gold wireless Sudio earphones

I hate to admit it, but Christmas is around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about what we want for Christmas! Get the paper pad and pen…mama’s writing her list! Don’t get me wrong, Christmas is not about gifts, and it shouldn’t be. But you and I can both agree, there is nothing worse than getting stuck with a whole bunch of stuff you don’t like and won’t use. Let’s call it waste, instead of greed.

Here is a great gift idea, if you want to impress the girl who has everything… because I know she doesn’t have this! For lovers of wearable technology and athleisure goddesses around the world, I recommend these gorgeous Vasa Bla Sudio white and rose gold earphones ($140).

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These ear bud-style headphones are wireless and absolutely amazing! Did I mention that they are absolutely stunning too? Think of it as jewellery for your workout attire, exquisite!
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Sudio, is based in Stockholm Sweden, and promises quality studio sound and up to 8 hours of wireless playtime. It also has a built in microphone and remote control. It’s compatible with iPhone 7 and all other Bluetooth enabled devices too. The ear buds come in a nice little leather carrying pouch, and the kit comes with interchangeable ear buds in different sizes. I changed my ear buds to 2 sizes smaller than the standard size. The buds are quite comfortable and stay in your ear. To recharge the headphones, you simply plug them into a USB port.

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Here’s the best part! Sudio is offering my readers an XLusive deal!
To get 15% off your purchase, use discount code: chantsy15

Whether you’re going out for a stroll, or jet setting across the world this holiday season, don’t forget to do it in style!

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If you’re looking for more gift ideas, check out these check out my new obsession with AMORE PACIFIC skincare routine.

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What the heck is the difference between velvet, velveteen & velour?

I am the first to admit that I don’t know much about formal fashion vocabulary.  The benefit of having my blog is that I get to learn and educate others along the way! You’d have to be living under a rock to miss out on this trend alert: luxe textures like velvet, velveteen & velour are in! The question is do you really know which is which? Because the three fabrics share the common element of a cut pile, it’s often easy to mix them up. They actually have unique characteristics, and once you understand the differences you can actually tell them apart.

So are you ready to learn about the difference between velvet, velveteen & velour? Here goes!

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LLBD: Add a little more LEATHER to your Little Black Dress

Leather is hot. It was hot last year, and it’s still going strong this fall/winter. It’s the perfect way to add edge to a feminine outfit. I am so glad I invested when I had the chance, I think I have 4 skirts and 3 pairs of pants in some form of faux leather, but I want more. Here is the thing though… what about the LLBD- little leather black dress? I don’t have one of those! In fact, I think I’m obsessed and it may have something to do with this little number I saw on SmitheryStyle.com.  It was infiltrating my dreams, I want one so bad!

Whether it’s this  Westly Vegan Leather Dress or the ones I have picked out for you below, consider how much wear you will get out of it! Layer a cozy sweater or cardigan over it, wear a turtleneck or blouse  underneath, the combination possibilities are endless. Have I convinced you yet, that this sexy thang is a must in your closet?!

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Look no further for the ultimate little leather black dress- your secret weapon this season! Check out a few options I have picked out for you… yes, these come in an XL!

Lauren Ralph Lauren Zip-Front Long Sleeve Dress • $161.25
Imnyc Isaac Mizrahi Faux Leather Trim A-Line Dress • $89.40
Lauren Ralph Lauren Jersey Shirtdress • $134.25
Lauren Ralph Lauren Faux-Leather Sheath Dress • $147.75
LUXURY FASHION Short dresses • $64.20
Sarin Mathews Women Faux Leather Bodycon pencil Party Midi Clubwear Dress Medium • $24.99
Jada Dress • $213
Carmakoma Plus Size Faux leather dress • $115.33
Blanc Noir Faux Leather Fit & Flare Dress • Blanc Noir • $46.77
Junarose Faux Leather Shift Dress • Junarose • $121.72
Apart Plus Size A-line faux leather mesh dress • Apart • $164.76
Bar III Contrast Faux-Leather Fit & Flare Dress, Only at Macy’s • Bar III • $84.19
Calvin Klein Mock Neck Ribbed Dress with Faux Leather • $89.99
Guess Rosalynn Lace-Detailed Faux Leather Dress • $110.60
Joe Fresh Women’s Flared Mixed Media Dress, Black (Size M) • Joe Fresh • $49

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