FASHION Magazine

Toronto’s The 10 Spot (749 Queen St. W., 416-915-1010, 10spot.ca) has carved out a nice little niche for itself. When it first opened in 2006, it was one of many new nail bars spreading like wildfire across the city. But it was instantly likeable for its totally cheeky and hilarious attitude, and in the way it branded itself as the anti-spa, positioned way more as a place to congregate with your chicks rather than unwind and tune out the world.

Now, owner Kristen Gale has removed the relaxation/isolation component from facials with the addition of a Facial Bar,

After a Zen retreat from holiday excesses, we’re whirling back into social life with some really hot ideas to help us get through the next few waves of cold:

Montreal Highlights (to March 1): if you’re a foodie or a culture aficionado you know where to go: montrealhighlights.com.

I have a confession: The seemingly permanent real estate that the blackheads on my nose have claimed makes me fear they’ll never go away and I’ll have to start referring to them as freckles to avoid the shame of being a beauty director with clogged pores. Even with a finely applied layer of foundation I can’t hide them—a midday shine gives me away, uncovering my dirty little secret. So, in utter despair and, I’m not going to lie, 11 months of unwanted abstinence, I booked a facial ($95) with Jennifer Cueto, aesthetician for Concepts Salon & Spa (60 Bloor St. W., 416-922-1558, conceptstoronto.com).

Considering that I rarely ever make it to the gym these days (I blame my toddler), when the offer of a body treatment that guaranteed at least a six-inch loss over the course of two hours was presented, how could I say no?

It’s not always easy to find those special gifts for your loved ones, but this year I’m sharing some fun gift ideas!

By Kate MacLennan

If you’re anything like me, right about now you’re in an eleventh hour panic for at least a couple holiday presents. Exhale. We’ve got some last minute gift ideas that any fashion savvy soul could pull off as her (or his) own.*

Hunter rain boots (from $129)
*Vancouver availability listed, but most items available across Canada.