FASHION Magazine

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Realizing there can be very little wiggle room in the budget around the holidays, it takes imagination to juggle the season’s demands. We jump through hoops in search of the most perfect gifts while dealing with conflicting party dates with finesse. All that’s left is what to wear to all the festive affairs while making every dollar stretch. That’s where we come in with our 50 handpicked party dresses under $100. We’ve searched our favourite online retailers for dresses to suit every party mood you may find yourself in. If the night calls for a few friends hanging out for eggnog, a boho chic piece from Nasty Gal makes for a cool laid back look. For those ultra luxe dos that demand a little sophistication, we found a River Island metallic maxi and two vintage sixties cocktail dresses. For the life-of-the-party kind of gal, we have sequins, polka dots and a shoulder to ankle lacy number to keep the spotlight on you. We’ve left no stone unturned by including an on-trend tartan midi, florals and animal prints and even quilted and velvet finishes. Since a closet lined with options is essential in avoiding outfit déjà vu, these party dresses under $100 will have you festivity ready with just a few clicks.

See what else you can win during 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways! » Add to your growing Victoria’s Secret collection with a $250 gift card to use to your heart’s desire. If you’re watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show tonight, keep an eye out for Adriana Lima in the Very Sexy Long Line Push-Up Balconet […]

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See what else you can win in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways! » Bring on the holiday cheer! For the first day of our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways contest, this Holt Renfrew gift bundle will have all fashion lovers crossing their fingers. There’s a Rebecca Minkoff bag in luxe oxblood leather, an exquisite […]

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See what you can win in the 12 Days of Christmas contest »

Ho ho ho! We’re excited to announce that our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways contest is back for its third year running and, because we’re feeling extra generous this December, the prizes are better than ever. One look at what’s up for grabs and we promise even the Grinchiest people out there will suddenly rival Whoville’s best.

The premise of the contest is beyond easy: We have twelve awesome prizes, and, as of Monday, December 9, 2013, we’ll have twelve weekdays left before Christmas to give them away on. That’s right: there’ll be one prize to win each day, and you’ll only have 24 hours to enter to win before we move onto the next one. From a luxurious Holt Renfrew swag bag that includes a Rebecca Minkoff bag and Lanvin playing cards to big ticket goodies from Kate Spade, Clarisonic, Nespresso and more, there’s so much to be won!

Check back on Monday at 12:01 a.m. to enter the first daily contest and cross your fashionable fingers! Have a fierce holiday season and good luck from us at FASHION.

It’s hard to resist the urge to cover everything in tinsel this time of year. From glittering outfits to shimmering makeup to every Christmas décor item out there, ’tis the season to shine. But what about your nails? When it comes to manicures, there’s no better way to stand out than with some holiday nail art.

Pulling off an impressive DIY manicure is easy as pumpkin pie thanks to an abundance of festive nail polishes and beauty bloggers who love to document their inventive creations. We’ve scoured the web for some of the best holiday nail art looks for 2013 and come up with quite the list.

May we suggest a chic snowman? Or dressing your nails up like a cozy Christmas sweater? How about a tiny, decorated tree that rivals the best IRL decorations? Whatever you love most about the season, you can paint it on your nails. And whether you’re a nail art newbie or serious pro, these holiday nail art tutorials break each design down with easy-to-follow directions. So what are you waiting for? Scroll down to see the best holiday nail art for 2013 and start painting!

Ah, what to wear to the holiday party. It’s one of our most common refrains this season, and yet, never ceases to puzzle. As we juggle an ever-surmounting social schedule of cocktail parties, dinners and the like, falling back into the fail-safe LBD can be tempting. We’re here to take you away from the typical and get you going with some out of the box inspiration.

Channeling the holiday literally with red and green is always fun, but why not go the extra mile and blend those hues with high fashion flair? You can be flirty and feminine or even grungy glam if you please. So whether you’ll be a host, attend a glitzy affair at work or be entertained by family or friends, we’re challenging you to be unexpected just like the holiday style ninjas that make up our Style Panel.

Schooling us on the art of mixing and matching sequins, stripes and metallics is Lyndsey Forest of Over My Styled Body while Jen Tam of Her Waise Choice rocks a Topshop jumpsuit that is sure to make her the flyest hostess when she entertains guests at her annual party. Showing that one can never be too dressed up during the holidays is Cara McLeay of A Fashion Love Affair who is stunning in a BCBG Max Azria maxi dress.

So consider what to wear to the holiday party your next great adventure, not challenge.

Question 80: Party style! What’s your look going to be this holiday season? Read the answers now! »

ALYSSA LAU, EDMONTON | AMBER DESILETS, LONDON | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | IVA GRBESIC, TORONTO | JEN TAM, VANCOUVER | LEAH GUST, TORONTO | LYNDSEY FOREST, EDMONTON | MO HANDAHU, HALIFAX | NICOLE WILSON, TORONTO | SANDY JOE KARPETZ, EDMONTON | VICKIE LALIOTIS, EDMONTON

See more holiday hair tutorials »

As holiday party season kicks into full swing, so does the need to have some impressive hairstyle options in your beauty arsenal. December may seem like the busiest month—one where it’s impossible to add yet another obligation to your schedule—but our series of holiday hair tutorials are beyond foolproof and make it easy to learn a new technique in less time than it takes to sit for a blowout.

First up in our holiday hair tutorials for 2013 is the braided updo. This sleek style is serious enough for the swankiest of corporate parties and will certainly stand out in a sea of chignons. Our step-by-step guide was developed by Toronto-based hairstylist Margot Keith and is so easy to follow, we’re sure the braided updo will become your new go-to look. Ready to try? Read on to learn how to do this holiday hair tutorial.

Only one person can make us talk about holiday cheer and a doodled penis all in one sentence. In Miley Cyrus’ latest antic, she’s one-upping her notorious streak in a promo video for Love Magazine’s advent calendar in which the fully clothed singer lifts up a dress to reveal a nude leotard with a peculiar […]

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See the holiday windows 2013 »

With less than a month left until Christmas, the grand showdown that is holiday windows 2013 is in high gear. And while the weather outside might be frightful, these intricate displays are way delightful. Continuing in our tradition, we’re taking a virtual stroll through the streets of London, Paris, New York and right at home in Toronto to see which department store has the freshest displays this year.

This year, Liberty London showcased an opulent scene of Christmas crackers gone snap and bang. Each of the storied windows features a colour-themed display of Kenzo clutches, Fornasetti candles and more surrounded by an explosion of lights and sparkles. Across Oxford Street, Selfridges commissioned French foodies Bompas and Parr to construct an edible version of London’s lost architecture entirely out of gingerbread and frosting.

Meanwhile in Paris, Printemps collaborated with Prada to transform the store into an obsessional classic event: surrealist re-interpretation of the advent calendar with animated mannequins and gift boxes made of the label’s iconic saffiano leather.

We may celebrate Thanksgiving at different times but as our American neighbours recover from this week’s turkey and fixings with a little retail therapy, we too will join in the shopping frenzy that is Black Friday. The much-anticipated shopping day falls on November 29, 2013 and retailers are offering extended hours, not-to-miss markdowns, giveaways and […]

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See the L’Wren Scott for Banana Republic collection »

Your holiday wish list is about to get its heavy dose of glam by way of the newly released L’Wren Scott for Banana Republic collection look book. Two weeks shy of its December 5 launch date, here we present the 72 look collection in its entirety.

The designer’s first-ever collaboration brings a palette of lipstick reds, deep violets, emerald green and holiday-appropriate metallics. Quirky lip prints appear on everything from skirts and jackets to jeans, while sequins incrust cardigans and clutches. After dancing the night away in Scott’s party-ready cocktail dresses, relax in a pajama set, socks and blanket as you settle in and think of what to wear to the next get-together.

The wallet friendly collection, which ranges from $20 to $240, will be ready for purchase at select Banana Republic stores and online in just over two weeks. For now, here’s a peek at some L’Wren Scott for Banana Republic looks to get you into the holiday spirit.

View the holiday staff picks »

If you’ve made your list but have yet to confidently check it twice, our editors are here to provide a little FASHION-approved nudge. Here, we give you the scoop on what we’re personally coveting this season as well as what we’re planning on giving our loved ones. From chocolates direct from Paris to tomes from some of the industry’s insiders, there are plenty of A+ picks to choose from.

Jump to an editor: Bernadette Morra | Jacquelyn Francis | Elio Iannacci | Zeina Esmail | Caitlin Agnew | Randi Bergman | Caitlan Moneta | Brian Fleming | Rani Sheen | Erin Seaman | Sonya Van Heyningen | Paige Dzenis | Lesa Hannah | Eliza Grossman | Nancy Won | Mary Dickie