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The Story Of A Little Blue Box

November 28, 2012
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I was never that kid who hunted around for the house wanting a peek at Christmas presents before the big day.  Despite my control freak tendencies, I like the anticipation of opening and unwrapping a gift and being completely surprised!  This is why I freaked out last week while I was frantically tearing our bedroom apart in search of something to wear.  I was determined to find and borrow a men’s plaid shirt to layer under a sweater.  Adam’s closet had no such thing, and so, I resorted to the drawers.  I opened the bottom drawer first in some sort of twisted logic and there, staring back at me was a ball of navy blue silk fabric with orange polka dots.  I knew what it was a blouse pour moi and slammed the drawer shut.  Adam had told me that he’d gone shopping for me in London and I felt so guilty that I’d seen the purchase.  I changed my outfit plans and pretended like nothing happened.
As an admittedly bad liar, I was sure to practise my “OMG I loooove it!” reaction for the day of my birthday.  The day of, I was doing some work in my p.j.’s on the couch when Adam told me to close my eyes because it was time to open my gifts.  When I was allowed to open my eyes again, he had his arm extended out with a card.  I opened it, and closed it immediately as I was too emotional, “I’ll read this later,” I told him.  He then handed me part one of the gift, which was a pair of coasters.  They’re an adorable his and hers set and really thoughtful, since I hate our current coasters and bash them on a daily basis.  He then reached to grab part two of the gift, which I immediately prepared myself for.  Sure enough, there were those familiar polka dots and I did my best ooh-ing and ahh-ing act.  He seemed to buy it and just when I was about to get up and go try it on, he stopped me for an unexpected third gift.  Tucked behind him, I caught a glimpse of a very distinct shade of blue.  It couldn’t be…could it?

Opened Tiffany & Co. Box




I’ve never received anything so extravagant   I thought that the “big” gift this year was a silk blouse from England.  I mean, we’d started off with coasters, people!  That’s not exactly a warm up for Tiffany’s.  Adam had barely even shown me the box and I began to cry.  I was upset that he’d done something so kind, and that I was wearing pajamas.  “I would have gotten dressed first if I’d known,” I told him, “It just doesn’t feel right opening Tiffany & Co. in my pajamas.”  It was a good 5 minutes before I even opened the box (well, I HAD to instagram a photo of the box before opening), which contained a beautiful pair of Silver Elsa Peretti Colour By The Yard earrings.   Turns out he’d purchased more than one item for me on his travels across the pond!

Silver Elsa Peretti Colour By The Yard with tsavorites 
My very first Tiffany’s!
silver Elsa Peretti Colour By The Yard with tsavorites from Tiffany & Co.

Thank you so much Adam, I feel so undeserving and absolutely spoiled!


P.S. I forgot to tell you that Adam saw right through my “acting” and asked me afterwards if I’d known about any of my gifts.  I didn’t even try to cover it up, had to confess that I’d accidentally seen the blouse.  He said he knew it based on my reaction.  Might have to ask Santa for some acting lessons this year…
23 Comments
Style

Optical Illusions

November 27, 2012
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Pleated Maxi Skirt from Club Monaco // Vero Moda Sheer Black and 
Gold Jacket // Pointed Toe Flats with Bow Detail from 
Joe Fresh // Kate Spade Bag // Necklace c/o Cinder and Sage // 
Sunglasses from Barefoot Contessa (old) // Gifted Ring from Melissa

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{Photos by Melissa}

Yes, judging by these photos you might think that it’s either unusually warm
 or that I have recently moved to California.  Unfortunately, neither is true.
I actually shot these a few weeks back when the winter chill hadn’t quite hit
yet and I was still able to wear such seasonally inappropriate attire without
getting sever hypothermia.


I did, however, use one of the oldest tricks in the book in order to
get away with this outfit.  By simply wearing a pair of leggings underneath
the maxi skirt, I was able to keep my legs warm without being too bulky or 
uncomfortable.  Just a little layering magic trick, you’re welcome 😉

16 Comments
Style

A Black Friday Birthday

November 23, 2012
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Hair & Makeup by Kahlia Adams // Large Leaf Hair Piece and Necklace 
c/o Cinder and Sage // Blouse borrowed from Kahlia // Gold Sequin Skirt 
from Joe Fresh // Leopard Print Fur Coat from Plum // Dolce Vita Joust Booties

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The fact that my birthday is on Black Friday is practically the definition of kismet!
It’s as though all of America, as a country, is telling me that I MUST shop today.
And what better way to celebrate your 26th than with balloons, sparklers, and
finally purchasing those items that you’ve left in your online shopping cart
for months?  Throw a cupcake in there and it’s like, omg, the best birthday evarrrr.


I don’t quite know how I feel about twenty six yet.  It’s not my favourite number.
Not for any particular reason, either.  It’s just a little meh.  Not as fun and easygoing
as twenty five, but also not quite as serious as twenty seven.  Because for some
reason, twenty seven is that magical number when I have to really start acting
like an adult.  That’s what I’ve decided, anyway.


Whatever the number, I am excited to celebrate with my friends and family.
I have a lot to be thankful for, such as health and happiness, and being surrounded
by so much love.  Thank you all for that xo

42 Comments
Style

{Beauty} Inspiration: Cobalt Cat Eye

November 22, 2012
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Featuring {left to right, top to bottom}:


The Dior eye palettes // Mac Paint in Untitled // YSL Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils Long wear cream eyeline
 in No.4 Sea Black // Jane Iredale SPF 20 Loose mineral powder in Golden Glow // Pro-Derm
 Day cream base // Micabella Mineral blush in Sierra suede // Mac loose pigment in Naked
// Laura Mercier Secret Camoflage in SC-5 // YSL Golden gloss in 20 // Guerlain Bronzing 
powder in 04 // Chanel Eclat Lumiere // Mac brushes // Dior Iconic Supreme Mascara

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Hair & Makeup by Kahlia Adams


{Hair}
1. Find your part and section your hair into two
2. Fishtail braid both sides
3. Twist/position both braids into each other and onto one side
4. Bobby pin the crap out of it.
5. Finish the look with a hair gem like this Large Leaf Hair Comb c/o Cinder and Sage


{Makeup}
Inspired by the cobalt cat eye trend seen on the Fall 2012 runways, we decided
that a special occasion called for something very beautiful and dramatic.
Starting with Mac paint eye primer (as a base for long lasting eye makeup), Kahlia
 then mixed different blue hues from the Dior eye palettes.  Adding the 24 hour-wear YSL
 eyeliner and Dior Mascara, we went for a natural glow on the rest of the face.
Lips were also kept neutral in order to keep the focus on the eyes.


For more beauty inspiration, follow Kahlia on Twitter and Facebook.
8 Comments
Style

FASHION Style Panel: Winter Hats

November 21, 2012
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Blazer and Shorts from Aritzia // T-shirt from The Gap // Hat from Front and Company // Scarf from Forever 21 // Dolce Vita Joust Boots // Bag from Urban Outfitters // Bracelets from H&M 

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I’m very thankful for the mild winters we get here in Vancouver. And though 
we’re able to avoid a ton of snow, we definitely endure a ton of cold, 
soggy days instead. My favourite defence against the West Coast winter 
elements is a large brimmed felt hat. It manages to keep my head warm, 
as well as protect my hair from the rain. An oversized winter hat is 
basically the perfect compromise between practical and trendy. 
In order to keep warm, I also pair it with essential winter accessories 
like a big scarf, gloves, and boots.

What’s your favourite way to keep your head warm in the winter?
11 Comments
Style

{Save The Date} Deck Your Closet hosted by The Style Common

November 21, 2012
The Style Common

The Style Common is coming soon to a computer screen near you!


A project started by Jen T., Alexandra, Jennifer P., and myself, The Style Common
came about unexpectedly.  While enjoying one of our usual blogger coffee dates
(we’re always well caffeinated), we found ourselves lost in discussion over the
current state of fashion blogging and what future goals we all had for our blogs/careers.
This led to one of those brilliant ideas that has turned into a labour of love and
new adventure that we’ve secretly been working away at for months.


Though we’re not revealing too much yet (our official launch is next week,
so stay tuned), we are kicking things off with a fun Holiday event!


Please see the save the date below and be sure to, well, save the date!  Would
absolutely LOVE to have you all there at The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver
on Sunday, December 9th!  It’s going to be quite the luxurious afternoon of
shopping, treats, and holiday inspiration.  Sound like fun?  Tickets will be
for sale at the end of the week.

Deck Your Closet SAVE THE DATE

{Photo by Paul Milaire and Roderick Fung}

For now, be sure to keep up with all the latest Style Common news here:


Tweet @TheStyleCommon // LIKE us on facebook.com/TheStyleCommon // Instagram jam us @thestylecommon // Pinteresting things happening /TheStyleCommon

9 Comments
Style

Alicia Fashionista x The Man Repeller x Secret Location

November 19, 2012
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Sparkly Jacket from Aritzia // Ruffle Front Blouse and High Waisted Trousers from Next {UK} // Bag from Urban Outfitters // Pumps from Winners // Assorted Jewellery from H&M

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{Photos by Jen and Melissa}


Standing in Secret Location, the coolest retail/restaurant concept store in
 Vancouver, I was able to catch a glimpse of THE Man Repeller herself.   
Waiting in line to meet her, I contemplated what I’d say to Leandra, the loveable blog 
celebrity from NYC.  Surrounded by some of this city’s most fashionable, I 
was sure they’d already asked all the great questions.  And I kicked myself 
for never taking any journalism courses, as interview skills
 would sure come in handy at moments like these. I decided that I’d meet The Man 
Repeller with no plan at all, except to just be my weird self.  And so, that’s what I did.  I’m
 not even sure what exactly was said, but we did a bit, complete with impressions and
 funny voices, had a good laugh, and then took a few photos.


Leandra was exactly how I thought she’d be and even sweeter.  I’m so glad
she came to Vancouver and that I had the honour of meeting her.  Thanks so much
to my dates for the evening Miss Melissa and Style Without Borders, to Secret Location
 for having such a great event, and to The Man Repeller for laughing at my jokes!
17 Comments
Style

Frenchie

November 15, 2012
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Houndstooth Booties from Army and Navy // Skirt from Archetype on Main Street // Necklace from Plum {old} // Make-Up by Kahlia Adams MUA // Rino the Frenchie…borrowed 🙂

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For years now, Adam and I have really wanted to get a French Bulldog.
We sometimes pretend that we already own one.  In case you were wondering,
his name is Charles Pony.  Yes,  you could say that we have an imaginary dog, 
and this is sadly only a glimpse into the weirdness that is our relationship.  
Anyway, we’ve put off the puppy purchases for now.  
We are at peace with the fact  that we both don’t have the
 time or energy to take on such a responsibility.  I mean, I barely keep myself 
alive on a day to day basis, can’t imagine also trying to take care of a puppy.
That, and Adam recently found out that he’s technically allergic to dogs.  So, if
we end up breaking up in the near future, you’ll know why 😛

On a completely un-related note, I picked out these cute houndstooth booties
on a spontaneous lunchtime Army and Navy shopping trip.  Marked
at $49, I almost fell over out of shock when the cashier read my total
as $11.  Somehow it wasn’t indicated that these boots cost less than a movie
at the theatres.  Don’t you just LOVE those moments?  It’s a rarity, but
it’s like winning the lottery.

Stay tuned for an awesome make-up tutorial tomorrow,
as part of a NEW weekly beauty feature.

21 Comments
Life Style

In The Loop

November 15, 2012
Closet Confessions: Alicia QuanCloset Confessions: Alicia Quan
Take a glimpse into my world!  I had fellow blogger Randa of The-Unprecedented and
 amazing photographer Kaoverii over to my house so I could confess all my fashion sins.
  Check it out, The-Unprecedented’s Closet Confessions: Alicia Quan.

I’m on the hunt for an intern!  Sound enticing?  Read my fashion internship posting and
 apply to aliciafashionista@gmail.com SUBJECT: Internship if you’re interested.

Wearing out the repeat button with Grimes as always, but today I’m all about Obvlivion.

Not only does the latest issue of Framework Magazine have me in the Holiday spirit, but it 
also contains an exciting first for me.  On Pages 50-57, I was able to showcase my 
photography skills and shoot the Fashion 101: The Modern Girl’s Guide to Holiday 
Dressing feature.  Worked with an amazing team, you’ll recognize model Alex of 
To Vogue Or Bust, and stylist Jen of Prairie Girl In The City.  Give the entire issue a read,
 I promise you’ll be in love with every single page!
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