By Lory Diaz
September is fast approaching, and that means holiday gifts shopping is right around the corner! Torontonicity was invited to attend the Home for The Holidays showcase at designer Erin Tracy‘s studio showroom on July 25, 2017, and I found some beautiful items to help me avoid the holiday crowds this year.
The preview event was hosted by Toronto jewelry designer Erin Tracy in her Liberty Village studio, just off of Fraser Avenue. Her overall style can be characterized as a modern take on timeless pieces, with individual collections being quite distinct from one another. She’s inspired by the colour palettes of other regions, using precious and semi-precious stones with colours that remind her of the aquamarine waters she saw in her travels to Mallorca, Spain.
Erin also has a collection of jewelry that uses concrete, with pieces for men and women that can be customized upon request. Her craftsmanship of the concrete and metal is so impeccable that it elevates the material from the cold and unappealing to something undeniably beautiful. Erin is currently working on a line for children, inspired by her own daughter’s love of jewellery, and expects to release it this coming fall season. Make sure to check out her work for any jewelry lover with a distinctly clean aesthetic on your shopping list!
If you know someone who loves to live in leggings, and is always running to and from a sweat session, make sure to check out Yoga Culture! This company creates sustainable and locally made yoga pants in bold and colourful prints. They’re made from Eco-Poly so they not only have four-way stretch, but are also very durable, and retail for $89 a pair.
Loversland, located at 215 Ossington Avenue just south of Dundas, was also at the event! They’re one of my favourites when I need to find a fashion-savvy friend a gift. This beautifully curated shop carries a fantastic collection of accessories, as well as in-house made kimono robes in lovely pastels and floral prints. They also carry other local Toronto vendors, so check out their selection of Fortnight Label intimate apparel and lingerie for holiday gifts on your list!
Pretty In The City‘s founder Veronica Tran was there providing brow makeovers too. I never let anyone touch my brows, as I’m a fan of how full they are. Veronica carefully pointed out a slight change that could be made to enhance the natural shape, so I let her work her magic. I absolutely love how they turned out! She also introduced me to an amazing Japanese liquid brow marker: Amaterasu. I highly recommend you visit her brow and lash bar at 188 Davenport Road, or gift an appointment for a loved one!
The Home for The Holidays event also introduced me to Ashley of BASD body care line. She started BASD this summer with the goal of creating an organic, non-GMO, and cruelty-free line of products that allowed people to care for their skin without the worry of chemicals or harsh additives. The BASD coffee body scrum retails for $19.99, and leaves your skin feeling so smooth. My personal favourite is the invigorating mint scent, but creme brûlée smells decadent and delicious!
Another company founded upon the power of all-natural ingredients is Province Apothecary. Aromatherapist Sarah was there to speak about their upcoming facial brushing system, which is launching in October of this year. It’s meant to wake up the lymphatic system, and can be used in conjunction with the body dry-brushing technique we already know and love. They also has a fantastic line of all natural soaps that are great for delicate skin, and an eczema rescue kit that is safe for babies!
After all the previews, testing, samples, and goodies I saw at the Home for the Holidays event, I had an extensive list of holiday gifts for friends and families. I even found an uplifting roller ball scent for myself from Province Apothecary that is meant to clear the mind! I feel ready for the holiday shopping to start, and hope this helped with ideas for anyone causing you gifting grief!
