Canadian Gift Guide

I was lucky enough to attend the opening of J Crew’s 12th store in Canada this past week – located in Calgary’s Market Mall (a fabulous shopping destination in general, for the record). See, here’s the thing. I LOVE fall shopping. Way more than summer (wherein 90% of what’s on the racks ain’t exactly work appropriate). Unlike some people, I actually get excited to try on a sweatshirt in the middle of July. So having been at the opening, I had a chance to make a shopping list of things that may just have to be in my wardrobe very soon. For the record, if you aren’t lucky enough to have a J Crew in your city just yet (they’re currently located in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto) you can ship online with no problemos – enjoy $9.95 flat rate shipping and duty free shopping.

From L to R

Seamed Stretch Cotton Dress in Yellow – $198: Just because the sunniest season of the year is ending, doesn’t mean you have to shelve bright tones. A cheery yellow works well with autumn foliage – your wife or mom that looks radiant in gold would love this! Yellow not for you? There’s also vanilla and navy.

Star Cluster Necklace – $136: I have a thing for star prints in general, so it was refreshing to see the pattern worked in a few ways, including this radiant necklace. Looks awesome with a simple, dusky blue or black top as a backdrop.

Gold Star Ecru Shirt – $108: A hearty, cream-toned denim top is an ideal pick to pull on as the barometer drops. Looks cool with jeans for a weekend look, but can be dressed up with a pencil skirt for a tomboy chic take.

Metallic Leather High Heels – $228: I’ve got a New Year’s wedding to plan for so I’m already scoping out some shoe ideas. These versatile gold sandals work with just about any formal dress – and round out the warm and shimmery side of my picks at J Crew.

Turner Pant in Hidden Floral – $98: These pyjama-esque pants caught my eye the second I walked into the store. They’re ridiculously comfortable and super of-the-moment. Surprising fact: the more busy your bottoms are (whether a skirt or pants), the more they actually match with in your closet.

Valentina Mirror Pumps – $248: A metallic shoe can be quite the utility player in any woman’s wardrobe (don’t be surprised your sis or roomie nabs these). I especially enjoy the lower heel, making these work-appropriate and cocktail hour ready.

Toile Sweatshirt – $78: I am obsessed with all things toile, so naturally this sweatshirt will be mine. It’s got a slightly cropped, boxy fit to it that’s very of the ‘mo. And if I really get hardcore about it, there’s a matching pair of sweatpants…

Stationery Clutch in Heart Perforated Metallic Leather – $160: My sister and I were at a different J Crew store a week or two before the Market Mall opening and we were both oohing and ahhing over this pretty, slightly oversized clutch (i.e. you won’t have a problem stuffing your phone in there). The heart print makes it fun and festive, while the metallic silver makes it super versatile.

Silk Sleeveless Blouse in Heart Dot  – $118: There’s a whole range of items at J Crew right now featuring this sweet, Orla Kiely-esque heart print – from a variety of tops to a skirt to shorts. Again, fun prints like this are actually super versatile, and this one is modern and chic enough to wear to work.

Want a bonus entry into my Charmed Aroma giveaway? Visit the J Crew website, pick out what’s on YOUR must list for the fall, and share a link below.