Happy Holidays to all ISTYLEU readers

Thank you for all the support and feedback in 2010. I wish you and your families love, peace and great style this holiday season. See you in 2011.

ISTYLEU's LAST MINUTE Favorite Things this Christmas

The clock is ticking and you don't know what to buy for your Boyfriend, Husband, Dad, Grandfather, or Buddy.   Some of you might cave into the pressure of still going that extra mile for a cool present, and some may just get what ever first catches you eye given the time you have left. Here are a few suggestions of what to get HIM before the clock strikes 12 on Christmas Eve.


1) The iPAD from Apple. This gadget is so readily available its like candy. Available in most of the large electronic retailers like Best Buy and Future Shop and also on the Apple store, this gift is one that is quick to find and get for your man. It comes in 16, 32 and 64gb  flash drives, wi-fi and 3G options. Starts at $499.

2) Techno Hoodie from Old Navy. This zip-up sweatshirt comes with machine washable ear buds (the earbuds are threaded through the drawstrings and the jack emerges from the right front pocket), attached to the hood so you can just plug in your music wherever you go. Great for lounging, running, walking or hanging out...while listening to your favorite beats. On sale now for $15 (Reg.$29.50) at Old Navy

3) A Subscription to style and fitness: GQ and Men's Health Magazine. These are my two favorite magazines in terms of content and quality of writing. Both provide helpful tips on style and good health. And what better way to start 2011 but give him new ideas on how to look and feel better. Men Health, $1.49/issue. GQ, $1.00/issue. While you're at it, throw int the GQ Style Manual, $10 as well. Its a great compilation of GQ fashion tips in 2010. 

4) Argyle Sweaters and Slim Jeans from JOE. For $39 each, you can't go wrong with these items from JOE Fresh. I have a pair of their Slim Dark Denim and I love them. It feels and fits like an expensive jean, but costs much less. And the argyle sweaters come in variety of colors that go well with dark denim. Visit your favorite JOE store today. 

5) Gift of Sight: Bruce Eyewear. This is my favorite specialty eyewear store in Vancouver. Its got an amazing selection from brands like Cutler and Gross, Alain Mikli, Harry Lary, Mykita, Theo, Robert Marc, Dita, Retro Super Future and Kirk Originals. Get your man a gift certificate towards a new pair of prescription glasses or a pair of cool sunnies. For more information, check out Bruce Eyewear online or at their Gastown store in Vancouver.

ISTYLEU's Favorite Thing #8: Everyone COMUNE this holiday

"COMUNE was formed from the idea that there will always be people out there who not only embrace the rawness and imperfections of everyday life but also use it to creatively push the boundaries of what’s possible in skateboarding, fashion, art, and music their own way, with complete disregard of the consequences. Their goal is to provide clothing that reflects this lifestyle of carefree idealism and to support the people that choose to live it."

One brand you should check out this holiday is COMUNE. Its got too many stuff to talk about here so I'll let your fingers do the checking online. Visit COMUNE here. 

There's a few things I love about this brand. They make cool t-shirts. The creative line drawings, letter logos, and use of black and white imagery make the shirts unique. They make an assortment of denim whose fit goes beyond that of the skater look. The euro-feel of some of the jean cuts, makes them great for stuffing them into your boot. Lastly, they make great accessories. From weekender bags to card wallets,the clean and cool aesthetic of this brand makes it one of my favorites.

Here are my favorite things from COMUNE this season.

ISTYLEU's Favorite Thing #7: Vestal Lynwright Sunglasses

Nothing says "True Hipster" than the Vestal Lynwright Sunglasses. This architecturally inspired piece makes every guy look cool. From the clean lines to the quality lenses, this is a must have for the guy who has everything else.

It's very rare to find a pair of sunglasses that both on trend and on price. The Lynwright bodes simplicity and exudes great style. Available in three frame/lens combinations, Black/Grey, Tortoise/Brown and Milky Grey/Grey. For more information, visit your nearest Vestal dealer and check out Vestal online. 

ISTYLEU's Favorite Thing #6 - All Saints Ludlow Sweatpants

I've been a big fan of the brand All Saints since I first set foot in London this year. Their leather apparel, vintage denim and most importantly their plethora of boots can fill my closet any time. Since that visit, All Saints, has recently opened a store two hours from me in Seattle, WA.

This season, one of my favorites from this label is something very basic -- sweatpants! Not just any ordinary sweatpants, its from All Saints. The Ludlow's dropped crotch is inspired by the popular harem pant. The generous amount of room in that area allows for alot of movement whether for sport or just lounging around the house. The fleece back sweat pants with a heavy vintage wash feels comfortable on the inside and the outside.

If you're looking for that classy, cool and stylish sweatpant that you can wear anywhere, this is the one to pick. Price $100, £60.

ISTYLEU's Favorite Thing #5 - beats by dr.dre RED Special Edition HD On Ear Headphones with Control Talk

Is your man an audiophile? Can he tell the different levels of treble and bass? If he is, then Monster's beats by dr.dre headphones could be the perfect gift this Christmas. Popularized by Grammy-winner Dr.Dre, these headsets captures every detail of sound that runs through its wires. The sound is balanced and the bass thumps..a lot. Although bigger than the usual headphones, the smart tri-fold design make for easy storage when not in use. 

And who say's this headphone is only good for your music. Solo HD's cable also works with your iPhone utilizing Monster's ControlTalk™ for iPod® playback control allowing for music phone hands-free calling.Its also a head turner with its stylish design and high gloss finish that comes in black, white and the special edition RED. A portion of the profits from the Beats Solo HD (PRODUCT)^REDSpecial Edition headphones will go straight to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. Retail $280, available at Future Shop and Best Buy or wherever Monster headphones are sold.

ISTYLEU's Favorite Thing #4 - Scented Chocolate Bars from Cocoa Nymph and Ayala Moriel Parfums

I like chocolate. And so do other guys although they may not admit it. What's better than great tasting chocolate? Great smelling chocolate. Vancouver-based artisan perfume house Ayala Moriel Parfums has joined forces with CocoaNymph chocolatiere Rachel Sawatzky to create the ultimate indulgence - scented chocolate bars. 

With three amazing scents and flavours, choose from Espionage, with smoked salt, jasmine, and juniper; Guilt, a combination of orange blossom, blood orange, and wild oranges; and Roses et Chocolat, a fiery rose, saffron, and chilli.

Chocolatier Rachel Sawatsky describes the Espionage bar as multi-layered. “It is chocolate, flowers, smoke, spice, and wood all at once. If I don't eat anything else, I can still taste it after an hour. The finish is extremely long and lovely.”

And for those of you that are dark chocolate aficionados, the Roses et Chocolat is a great choice. "Roses et Chocolat was the hardest to complete,” admits Rachel. “But it is also the richest and darkest. The bar is dark and brooding, like a boudoir from Baz Luhrmann`s film Moulin Rouge.”

This present makes a great stocking stuffer for the man who loves fine and decadent chocolate.The chocolate bars are $12 each or 3 for $30 and are available at CocoaNymph Chocolates & Confections, located at 3739 West 10^th Avenue in Vancouver, BC and online at cocoanymph.ca and ayalamoriel.com.

ISTYLEU's Favorite Thing #3: iBottle Opener IPhone Case by iPhoneBottleOpener

First it was the flip flop with a built in bottle opener. And now its an iPhone case. I'll guess you'll never know when you're going to crack open a bottle of cerveza while on the phone. Not only can it open your beer bottle, but it also serves as a protective case for your iPhone. Its hard shell slip on case alongside its soft touch feel makes it a great add-on to your collection of phone cases. Just imagine the number of beers you can drink while your checking Twitter, Facebook or playing Angry Bird. MSRP $19.95 plus S&;H. Available online at iPhoneBottleOpener.

ISTYLEU's Favorite Thing # 2 - Premium "Tight" Gray Selvedge Jean from Cheap Monday

Gray is the new Black. Whether it a solid Dark or a washed out fade, gray is my "pick" color this season. One of my favorite things in stores now is Cheap Monday's Premium Gray Selvedge"Tight"Jean. What is selvedge? It means its never been washed or bathed. Its denim at its purest form. The Swedish brand known for its quality denim at a moderate price has created a nice fitting jean that looks amazing with a pair of cool sneakers or with a  distressed boot. 

The pant has a normal high waist with a long rise, tight fit and tapered leg. Given the unwashed nature of the jean, it can feel really snug. "Tight" is the original Cheap Monday fit born in 2004. The Premium Tight is an updated version using a higher end denim that has selvedge finishing  on inside seams. Check out Vincent Park and Cheap Monday. Retails for $155. 

ISTYLEU's Favorite Thing #1 - Converse Chuck Taylor Storm Boot XHi with Woolrich Fabric

Winter is all about cool boots. You'll see alot of them on ISTYLEU's Favorite Things this holiday season. First up is the Converse Chuck Taylor Storm Boot XHI with Woolrich® fabric. This boot is cool for many reasons. It can look both rugged or casual. It features a dual upper that has a leather outer layer and a Woolrich® inner layer.  It keeps your footsies warm with its soft cotton lining. It's also one of kind (yes, I haven't seen one like it anywhere else).  Lastly, the Storm boots also sport heavy duty eyelets and a rubber lug outsole to give your feet "grip" in bad weather. I've worn this in snow and rain, and they function amazingly well. 

Definitely a must have for the guy that wants to stand out from the crowd by being cool, rugged and stylish. For more information, check them out @ Converse MSRP $170. Available in Vancouver at Town Shoes, Gravity Pope and Little Burgundy.