I simply had to ring my dear friend and colleague, Nathalie Atkinson to congratulate her on her recent reviews of the most stylish books. Thanks to her, I solved all my holiday shopping for my stylishly impaired relatives.

It was far too long since we had seen each other, so we agreed to do some holiday shopping for ourselves. She thought I would look smashing in Smythe’s holiday edition Boyfriend Blazer, which is black, but absolutely elegant with midnight blue silk satin lapels and lining and Juma’s Kurta pants. I did look wonderful, of course, but Nathalie owned the Kurta look at Fashion Week, so we decided to go more festive. She told me that I absolutely required a Christmas party outfit outfit that says, “Yes I dressed up, but didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard.” This is what she chose, and I do indeed believe that I look festively fabulous.

We started at the Mercy studio, where I tried a shocking Schiaparelli pink silk velvet minidress with side ruching, fluttery wide raglan sleeves and long tab collar detail. The wonderful Ms. Atkinson said,

“Even when you’re tired from all the fabulous holiday cocktail parties, this intense fuchsia gives your face a healthy, rested glow. It also radiates energy and confidence, so it’s a great fake and strategic colour choice on both counts.”

I ended up custom ordering the beautiful piece from Jennifer and Richard, but it will be worth it, especially when paired with skinny black Yoga jeans by Second Clothing, designed by Eric Wazana. Nathalie once again provided me with the best advice:

“These jeans are inky overdyed black and very skinny but they’re called Yoga jeans for a reason: they look chic and put-together but they FEEL like you’re wearing your comfiest sweatpants or flannel PJ bottoms because there’s 3% elastane in them and 92% shape memory. Also? If you want to wear boot with a tall shaft, these will fit into them like tights.”

I picked up my pair at Shopgirls in Parkdale, but I understand they can be ordered online at Mudshark Streetwear.

The accessories to go with such a fun outfit? Nathalie insisted, “since you’re already going bold with the hot pink, why not pile it on?” We stopped at Jessica Jensen’s studio to pick up her giant fold-over clutch in limited edition magenta goatskin that has a little sheen, perfect for the holidays.

The shopping tired us out, so we stopped at the Scotiabank Theatres for an afternoon matinee of Twilight. We are culture reporters, after all, so we have to keep up-to-date on everything hot. And we did conclude that teenage vampires are indeed hot.  We both agreed that Canadian actress Rachelle Lefevre was the most stylish vampire in the entire film. Her fashion was fabulous.  Nathalie was particularly intrigued with the chiseled Robert Pattinson, declaring him “the new River Phoenix.”  I, on the other hand, was preoccupied with the extended trailer for Confessions of a Shopaholic. I cannot wait to take Lady Miss Angora to that little movie.

After the movie break, Nathalie insisted I have my own version of her signature jewellery piece: the sterling silver Blowfish ring by Cinelli & Maillet.  I always admired her aubergine ring, and only a true friend would encourage another to purchase a similar piece. Mine is, of course, enameled in fuchsia.

Finally, we stopped at John Fluevog for Shoes - the black patent Audrey heel. Nathalie and I agreed that the shapely heel and scalloped details make them more interesting than a plain pump. And Nathalie added, “the black patent is so shiny, it looks like wet car paint!”

What a wonderful day we had together.