Reading The Globe Style Advisor

The swag bag from Spark Sessions was jam-packed with goodies to test. The Canadian bloggers who attended are still digging through it and sharing our experiences as we discover products we love. The reusable canvas tote bag was provided by The Globe and Mail and included the latest issue of Globe Style Advisor.

It’s been months since I read an issue of Globe Style Advisor. After listening to editor Andrew Sardone’s keynote, during which he discussed the evolution of street style and his vision for the publication’s future, I was psyched to sit down and read the Holiday 2014 issue. I spotted Andrew’s byline on a few pages, where he writes about hotels, drinks and books. Naturally, I am most inclined to read the coffee table book he suggests for the wordsmith: Understanding The World: The Atlas of Infographics by Sandra Rendgen and Julius Wiedemann.

In the spirit of giving, contributors identify unique charitable initiatives they support. Photographer Laird Kay introduced me to Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight program, which lets disadvantaged kids travel to Disneyland. I cherish my memories at Disney theme parks, so thumbs up to Air Canada for giving more children the opportunity to make memories with Mickey.

Jeanne Beker penned my favourite article, “Homesteads for the Holidays,” which is an ode to cottage living. It’s refreshing to see Jeanne in clothes that are more casual than anything I’ve seen her photographed in before. The contrast between life in the city and the country is clearly depicted, as Jeanne explains why peers like Zac Posen enjoy escaping urban jungles.

I immediately gravitated towards the paragraphs with quotes from publicist Kelly Cutrone, a friend who Jeanne interviewed at the Eaton Centre during Kelly’s first Toronto book signing. “At the end of the day, I’d never go to a place like St. Kitts and be in a place full of New Yorkers! I find my farm life comforting. It gives me an air of normalcy,” says Kelly.

If you’re anxious to read more about the laidback lifestyle Kelly adopts when she’s not working, Chatelaine posted a ‘day in the life’ interview about how Kelly spends time with her daughter at the farmhouse she purchased after appearing on MTV’s The Hills.

Alex Bozikovic shares more insights about where Canadians relax during the cold months in his “Cabin Fever” piece. If you’re the outdoorsy type, pay attention to his interviews with architects and designers.

From cover to cover, Globe Style Advisor inspires readers’ gift-giving choices with luxurious items to swoon over by including attractive visuals to match. Practically speaking, I learned that monogramming is back in style and polka dots are equally whimsical and sophisticated.

Though most of the recommended products are out of my price range, I’ll keep it on my reading list because it’s nice to fantasize about how I’d spend money if I was rich. It is complementary to budget-conscious blogs and my ELLE Canada subscription because when you combine all of that content, you get a clear view of how Canadians shop and think.

Download a free copy of Globe Style Advisor to your iPad through the Apple App Store and let me know what you think!