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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Simons Ottawa now open in newly renovated CF Rideau Centre!

Last year, around the same time, I had the privilege of attending the media preview for the first Simons opening in the area. The Simons Gatineau store opened in Les Promenades Gatineau on August 14, 2015, and I remember being told to stay tuned, because Ottawa was getting a store in August 2016. One full year later, and here we are! I can’t believe how fast time flies. The Simons store in CF Rideau Centre opens this Thursday, August 11, 2016!

The space is gargantuan, about 104,000 square feet! Like, you WILL 100%, most definitely get lost on the 4th and 3rd floor of the Rideau Centre (and you should!). Remember the old theatre?… there! The store is perfectly laid out, and includes the signature Simons price-point “mix & matching” merchandising strategy. There is no discrimination here, this shopper knows what she wants and can confidently style herself in a unique way.

“Oh fun! This $3000 purse will go great with my $40 jacket”

We had a chance to meet Peter Simons again, who does a lovely job of teaching us fashion bloggers the strategy behind maintaining a large private Canadian company, keeping the passion alive after 180 years of business, the thrilling ride of merchandising and buying, how to remain socially responsible and predicting trends coming out of the European fashion scene. He has a wealth of fashion knowledge and I feel like a sponge when he talks. (PS- feminine Parisian style is making a comeback, but this time it’s your own interpretation. No cookie cutter moulds for you to follow… so put some thought into it, would you?).

I did manage to snap a few photos, but focused on live video this time, to give you the full experience. You can check out the videos on facebook and twitter!

 

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A very basic capsule collection of shoes are available in the men’s and women’s section!
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View from the 4th floor of the atrium.
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Classic pose of myself and Chloe Gordon, fellow Ottawa fashion blogger. Turn out last year I wore white and the same shoes/purse combo! How bizarre! Thank you to Julie from www.trysmallthings.com for the pic!
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Unique Canadian art installation, a signature theme of all Simons stores.
Simons Ottawa CF Rideau Centre Byward Market Ottawa fashion blog
The perfect blogger coffee table! Simons Home section is out of this world!
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