I’m thankful that I don’t have an incredibly long holiday shopping list. A few kiddos here, a grandma or two there. And for the most part, I’m after simple gifts – ones that I can likely order online without too much energy or stress. And at moments like this, I’m both happy and sad that I don’t have teens or 20-somethings to shop for, because honestly, nothing would please me more than to indulge in a little fashion shopping spree.
And then, everything changed! A few weeks ago, my friends and I opted to exchange stocking stuffers this year. It’s been too long since we’ve treated ourselves (see “kiddos and grandma” reference above), and even longer since I’ve been able to pick out some stylish gifts for girlfriends. Game on! Last weekend, I shopped like it was 1999.
My fashion destination: Lime Ridge. You may remember the epic #LimeRidgeShoeParty I held back in September. Well, since then, I’ve been looking forward to working with the stylish shopping mecca again. So when they proposed that I come check out all of their fashionable finds as part of the blogger #ArtofGifting Challenge, I was definitely on board.
Since the day it opened in August 1981, Lime Ridge has enjoyed its position as the Hamilton area’s dominant shopping centre. With over 200 shops and services, Lime Ridge offers the community the widest variety of fashion retailers carrying the latest styles and hottest brands. Ideally located on the escarpment, it’s just 45 minutes west of Toronto and perfectly situated for the fashionably discerning shoppers in Hamilton and surrounding area.
I spent a wonderfully chilly Sunday afternoon relishing in the festivities of the season: twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and through it all, the soft glow of retailer’s holiday displays. BCBGMAXAZRIA. Danier Leather. Forever XXI. H & M. Aritzia. Victoria’s Secret. It is a fashionista’s place of worship.
My first stop, Forever XXI, yielded a plethora of gorgeous accessories for every woman on your holiday list. From bangles to bracelets, chunky rings to statement necklaces, the colourful baubles are the perfect finish to a holiday outfit – and the perfect stocking stuffers! Below: Coordinating bangles priced at $4.50 – $7.50.
The options are perfectly endless at the fountain of accessories. With most items under $12, I picked up three gold cuffs ($8 each) and a little something for myself, too.
On the upper level, I found a whimsical little cart with everything from wallets and clutches to travel umbrellas. Although I didn’t find a suitable stocking stuffer for the gals on my list, I had a great time sifting through the accessories and made a mental note to return.
Next, I popped into Victoria’s Secret, where I found a heavenly gift set. And even though it was almost too tempting to resist, I opted to keep shopping and place it on my “maybe” list. Aritzia provided a lot of “OMG I WANT!” moments, but with only leggings and phone cases priced under $50, it was hard to round up an appropriate stocking stuffer. However, I did love the range of affordably-priced rings at Pandora, and picked up a sweet little ring for $30.
As I rounded the corner, I couldn’t wait to visit BCBGMAXAZRIA. For years I considered it my own little fashion haven, coveting just about every item in the store. Case in point: these shoes.
Yes, I know they’re beyond my “stocking stuffer” budget. Santa? If you’re reading this, I’ve been a VERY good girl.
I did, however, find an amazing little gift that I’m saving for my BFF. (Avert your eyes, bestie!) It combines the best of both worlds – sweet and sassy… and a little bit dangerous. Don’t you just adore this spiked cherry jewelry box? It was placed among gifts between $35 and $75 (the jewelry box retails for $70).
(I also took a shining to this spiked pewter-style apple – I’m just afraid the boys would steal it off my bureau!)
Although I could have stayed in BCBGMAXAZRIA forever, I did have two more names on my holiday list. Next, I visited Danier Leather, where I found a coat for my own “must-have” list, but nothing for my friends’ stocking stuffers. Undeterred, I made my way to Loft.
Friends, it is a gift-giving paradise. In addition to gorgeous fashions for the style-conscious women in your life, the accessories are on trend, affordable and most importantly, diverse enough to suit a variety of tastes.
I instantly fell in love with these warm, cozy slippers. For under $30, I crossed one of the remaining two names off my list. And this warm, bejeweled winter hat? Most adorably stylish accessory ever. Love it!
And just like that, my holiday shopping was complete. I do believe I’ve mastered the #ArtofGifting!
Live in the Hamilton or Greater Toronto Area? You’ll want to stop by Lime Ridge this season for the the widest variety of fashion retailers carrying the latest styles and hottest brands. Its best-in-class retailers have all the styles you need to look your best this season, and all the gifts you need for under the tree!
(Hint: Take advantage of Holiday Hours – Monday to Saturday 9:00 am to 9:30 pm, and Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm)
For more information on Lime Ridge, visit www.limeridge.ca and “Like” Lime Ridge on Facebook.
This is a sponsored post as part of the Cadillac Fairview Art of Gifting challenge.
The opinions on this blog are my own.
Sometimes it just feels so good to shop amongst the glitz and glitter for those wonderful little treasures for ourselves and others. Wonderful pictures!
Thank you Loria, I completely agree!
Looks like such a fun mall to visit :) Might get to visit it one day, we just don’t make it over that way too often and if we do we usually have other things planned and shopping is not on the list.
I actually quite enjoy the mall! Definitely pop by for a visit when you’re in the area!
Oh I love shopping for friends, my adult children, teens, and littlest, are difficult. I totally enjoy looking at things more my age for my girlie friends.
Agreed! It’s been a long time since I shopped for adult gifts!
I love Forever XXI…I could spend hours in there. Also, the Loft is awesome! Btw, what camera are you using here to take the photos? The photos have super good quality and resolution.
Thank you Sarah! I’m using my brand new Canon EOS Rebel SL1!
Forever XXI is my go-to for statement pieces! They make excellent stocking stuffers.. very affordable too! I have never stepped into BCBGMAXAZRIA but it seems like I should! It looks like they have some really nice stuff!
Love that you love Forever XXI, and yes, please do check out BCBG!
I miss the days when the dollarama things santa brought made my kids excited. Santa brings to kids, daughter boyfriend, mom in law and hubby but he always forgets about me. my gift is watching everyone love the things santa tries so hard to find for them.
Aw, I’m sure Santa will remember you this year, Chandra!
I love Lime Ridge-used to go there quite a bit when my sister was attending Mac!
Nice! It’s a great mall!
I can’t remember the last time I had the chance to visit Hamilton (it has been that many years). I guess this is going in my bucket list of things to do next summer :o)
Yes please! I feel like we need to meet up next summer when you’re here!
Love everything!!!
Thanks! I love my picks too!
been there a couple of times never really saw all of it always seem to be rushed but for some reason I like going into the seen on tv store love looking at the stuff there
You need to visit when you have some time. It’s a wonderful shopping centre!
You sound like such an efficient shopper!! I might head to LOFT today to check out some potential stocking stuffers, inspired by you.
Hope you made out well, Victoria!
Those are some cool multicoloured clutch bags
They were all so nice!
Sara loves the store Forever 21…when she realized that they were opening in Victoria…she was so excited!
Aw, so nice! Happy shopping!
So many nice items!
Thanks Jennifer!
I love Lime Ridge Mall but haven’t yet had the chance to check out some of their newest stores!
Pop on by, Deb – there are some awesome new stores!
I can’t believe I missed out on that cherry jewelry box – it is perfection! I need to stop by BCBG more often!
Yes you do! I LOVE it – one of my fave purchases ever!
Will have to check them out online
I really love the bracelet with the peach and orange,it so pretty for all year round with the perfect outfit
The first time I went to Lime Ridge mall it was shortly after my accident in 1988 and I remember thinking how huge it was and that I’d never get through it