2015 Holiday Gift Guide

A Note From the Editor

Etsy.ca

The best gifts tend to be things you wouldn't normally buy for yourself. I've curated a few items I thought would speak volumes to those who enjoy fashion, and follow politics in Canada as well as south of the border. As much as we may want to buy an adorable Obama pillow for our POTUS-loving sister from Etsy, we have a few gift ideas that will stand the test of time, and can still show off the love of politics in a much more discreet and stylish way.

- Jessica Eritou

Sentaler.com

Sentaler's Baby Alpaca Scarf
For the majority of Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau's public appearances, stylist Jessica Mulroney chose Canadian luxury label Sentaler for her sophisticated coats on multiple occasions. The Sentaler scarf can be worn every day and can keep you toasty during our cold and bitter Canadian winters.

HoltRenfrew.com

Jo Malone's Red Roses Travel Candle
This doesn't have any political affiliation, but needs to be included in the guide. Small and compact, but full of fragrance and delight. Beauty guru's worldwide are fans of Jo Malone and your gift recipient will be appreciative of its wholesome and luscious ambience once it's lit up. Due to its small size as the title explains, it is perfect for someone who travels too.

For the Liberal - Brooch Boyfriend's Justin Trudeau brooch
Perfect for pinning on a scarf, or even just leaving it next to your makeup table, this adorable Justin Trudeau brooch is for the ultimate Liberal fanatic. Please note: due to high demand, the company is no longer accepting custom brooches for the Christmas season, may we suggest to still gift with a picture of the JT brooch with a note saying "Coming Soon", as it is something to look forward to as it's on the way.

Etsy.ca

For the NDPer - Tommy Douglas pin
This is a similar idea just from the Opposition.

Amazon.com

For the Conservative - Brian Lilley's "CBC Exposed"
Former Sun News Network host, now The Rebel co-founder and correspondent Brian Lilley wrote an insightful look on the CBC media landscape from his standpoint. As Amazon explains, "CBC Exposed is a book like no other. This book takes on the holy grail of the Canadian media landscape and lays bare the truth about CBC... This book does what the consensus media cowards are afraid to do, tell the truth about CBC. From reporting driven by vendettas to outright biases against conservatives, gun owners, Israel and any other group that doesn't fit their vision of Canada, CBC Exposed is a call to action to rein in this broadcasting giant. Once you read this book you too will be convinced that the only way to tame the beast is to sell it."

BarbieJones.com

For the Republican - Barbie Jones' GOP Red Elephant Necklace

Perfect for recipient's next Republican fundraiser this non-partisan jewellery maker has a bundle of items and accessories for men and women.

BarbieJones.com

For the Democrat -  Barbie Jones' Blue Donkey Silk Tie

Again, from the same designer, this piece is a great conversation starter. As well, this silk tie has a matching bow tie and pocket square. 

Independent.co.uk

For everyone - David Axelrod's "Believer: My Forty Years In Politics"
No matter which party you belong to, we think David Axelrod's latest book is for anyone interested in politics (Canadian or American), as he was his campaign manager from the very beginning and the mastermind behind Obama's idea of "CHANGE". The book follows Axelrod's life through the ups and downs of the campaign and his time in the Obama Administration.

I know when that Mulcair ring...

If you were wondering what Tom Mulcair has been doing since the election, it turns out he got just as turnt up as everyone else who is loving Drake's new single, "Hotline Bling". The NDP leader appeared on CBC's This Hour Has 22 Minutes for a quick cameo.

This gag is a great way for Mulcair to ease back into the spotlight with a sense of humour after a crushing defeat of the Liberals this past October. 

For the full video:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/tom-mulcair-dances-to-drake-s-hotline-bling-for-22-minutes-1.3302564

Maclean's National Leaders Debate

Justin Trudeau, left, Elizabeth May, Tom Mulcair, and Stephen Harper smile for the cameras for the first debate of the election season. Image: NetNewsLedger.com

Ahhh, the debates. 

It's best to start off this blog off where all four major leaders were in the same room, at the same time. When Maclean's and CityNews hosted the first National Leaders Debate on Aug. 8, thousands of Canadians watched, streamed, and listened to the PM and the three hopefuls go at one another in a tactful manner.

As this blog features a non-partisan view, below you'll find notes on each of the candidate's style choices for this event.

Image: Cbc.ca

JUSTIN TRUDEAU
Highlights: The impeccable fit of the suit. Trudeau's a young guy and has the right build for a trimmer suit. Bigger lapel. Also note, the only one not to wear a pin on a lapel. Sported a rich colour of burgundy for his tie.
Appealing to: Everyone.
Significance: If he chose a red tie, it would have been far too predictable. The burgundy is a subtle nod to his party's colour. As some may say he's just not ready, he presented himself like he is.

ELIZABETH MAY
Highlights: A safe black skirt-suit combo, with the white blouse collar sticking out (faux paus of mine). Glad May went with this and not a trouser as this gives her height and elongates her leg although we couldn't see much of the bottom half behind the podium.
Appealing to: Everyone.
Significance: May needs to show her party can take on the Big Three since the Green party is often left behind in election coverage. By giving her height on television against three already super tall men (height=strong, strong=powerful), May's team may have chose this option to show she can take on the Big Three seen as a subtle way for the viewers.

TOM MULCAIR
Highlights: No orange to be seen anywhere. Mulcair has broad shoulders but can pull off the smaller lapel quite nicely. His awesome chestnut shoes, which again, like May, was stuck behind a podium.
Appealing to: Everyone.
Significance: Mulcair's suit dimensions were perfect to scale. Smaller lapel, thus, wider shirt collar. If your outfit is perfect to scale, you look good and confident. Perhaps Mulcair's team was hoping the viewers caught on to that.

STEPHEN HARPER
Highlights: Classic fit for a conservative guy, of course. Wore his party's colour for his tie.
Appealing to: Everyone.
Significance: Harper can't go wrong with something that is traditional. You want to wear what you feel most comfortable in when you take on a debate like this. The media and viewers can't Harp on him for that. Is this look an ode to traditional values?

Closing thoughts: Everyone kept it safe and what was expected of them.