Holiday Gift Guide: Give the Gift of Toronto #giftguide

I'm a proud Canadian.  I also try to support Canadian products and companies on the whole. And I'm a sucker for hyper local anything -- if the product tells a story about Toronto or the GTA (or somewhere nearby), I'm pretty well hooked.

That's why when I learned about Nadia Lloyd just this year, I needed to know more. Nadia is a Toronto-based artist who admits to only picking up a paintbrush for the first time in 2010. In 2012, she launched her first cushion collection, and in the spring of 2016, launched her fashion collection. Every single piece in her repertoire tells a story of Toronto. And it's gorg. Like totally, unexpectedly beautiful and unique. 

Of course, those of you who know me and my blog know I'm pillow obsessed. It's a thing. In fact, it was Nadia's cushions that first caught my eye and attention on Instagram. Many of them are abstract, almost graffiti like, and depict a blend of scenes or feelings you might get while in Toronto. I went to university downtown Toronto, so some of her designs really bring me back to my days as a student, slugging my books through the subways and nearby streets. 

She also has a specific "Toronto" Collection, featuring Black and White designs with the famous Toronto landscape, available in cushions, accessories, tees and scarves.  

This pillow (centre) is appropriately named "Loving the 6ix". And it's totally perfect for the Torontonian, the hipster, the artist, the dreamer, AND the pillow lover! It's 18" x 18" and is made of a blend of cotton and polyester and would make an excellent gift under the tree. And it's so unbelievably unique, it's sure to be a conservation starter. 

Price point: $50, but it's currently on sale! Also, ships locally and FAST! Available online and at a few boutiques in TO. And since you're on Nadia's website, why not take a look at her luxurious scarf collection. 

Remember when I said I was pillow obsessed? Well, pillows are a close second to scarves. Silk, eternity, cable knit, pashmina -- I must have hundreds of scarves in my collection.  

But I didn't have a Nadia Lloyd. 

I do now. 

Just like her cushion collection, every scarf tells a story and you can kind of guess what it is, based on their individual names. The six scarves in the collection each hold a name of a TTC stop, and are reflective of that particular community or area in the city. Summerhill is bright and breezy, while Museum is very eclectic and urban. 

My scarf? It's Osgoode. Bright and cheerful, but also quite professional, too. 

Each design is abstract in design and easy to wear. And let me tell you about the fabric. It's a silk scarf, that much I expected. But it's actually 100% silk chiffon that is so lusciously soft and silky, I don't ever want to take it off. 

At $69, these scarves are perfect for the scarf aficionado like me, but also someone who loves a unique piece to add to their wardrobe. They are statement pieces and worth every penny, imo. The scarves are also available online, but you can visit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg (and a few downtown shops) to see them -- and touch them! -- in person.  

I am so unbelievably excited to share that Nadia Lloyd is generously giving away one of her beautiful pillows in time for the holidays. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below. Thanks for supporting local, Canadian artists!

a Rafflecopter giveaway