Friends and family members, be reassured. Here, we wander into the realms of fantasy and unlimited budgets. This is, by no means, my actual Christmas list, and the usual sweaters and stationery will be gratefully received. But if you do happen to go past the Chanel store...
Chanel No 5 Eau de Parfum
For years, I appreciated Chanel No 5 without wanting to wear it. As exquisite as it is, it never felt like “my”scent. Then a couple of months ago, having arrived ridiculously early for a flight, I sprayed it in the duty-free shop and was converted. Perhaps I’ve aged into it and now, in my late 30s, feel grown-up enough to wear it. Regardless of the reason, this is top of my Christmas list. The extrait de parfum is the classic 1921 fragrance, though many prefer the lighter eau de toilette. My pick is the eau de parfum, which has the floral notes of the original, but with more peach and a hint of leather. It’s ballsy, bold and modern, and I love it. $265 at all Chanel beauty counters (Holt Renfrew, Hudson’s Bay and select branches of Shoppers Drug Mart)
M0851 Asymmetrical Swing Coat (pictured right)
I already have a fitted jacket from the Montreal brand with the impossible-to-remember name. The cotton twill fabric is coated with polyurethane to make it waterproof (the brand says water resistant, but I’ve never sprung a leak), and it’s machine-washable. So why do I want another? Because this one is longer and has a trapeze-y shape that will comfortably accommodate the many turkey dinners I’m planning on scarfing down over the holidays. It comes in white, black and soft grey, which is what I’ve got my eye on. $545 at M0851 stores and M0851.com
Hermès x Apple Watch Series 2
Apple launched the second iteration of its watch on my birthday, when my presents had already been released from their paper prison, so it went straight onto my Christmas list. It’s now waterproof so it’s perfect for a daily swimmer like me, and has independent GPS so it’ll record workouts even when I’m far from my phone. This collaboration with Hermès ($1,779) comes with a double-buckled, handcrafted leather strap and you can choose faces from iconic timepieces including the Éspace and Cape Cod. Of course, it’s probably not advisable to go swimming with a leather strap, so I’ll accept the silicone-strapped version – a snip at $489. At the Apple store and Apple.ca
Zara backpack (pictured left)
My usual wardrobe is 500 shades of grey, with some black and navy thrown in to keep things interesting. But the grim weather makes me want to add some real colour. I won’t be going crazy. This yellow polyurethane backpack still has a simple shape, but will add a little sunshine to a grey day. $35.90 at Zara
THEFACESHOP Mini Pet hand-cream trio
If it’s nearly Christmas, it must be nearly time for my annual resolution to apply handcream more diligently. Perhaps these cute mini pots will make it a little easier. $20 for three at THEFACESHOP and TheFaceShop.ca
