You guys. I blinked and suddenly my twenties are…almost over?! Because, my friends, today I turned 29 years old. That’s right. I have only one year left of this youthful decade, and what a strange and exciting journey it has been.
Living in the Pacific Northwest leaves you no choice but to get used to the rain. It’s not as bad as everyone makes it out to be (looks out the window at this dismal day…), but it really is a part of life here. I’ve grown up in/around Vancouver, so I’m fairly well equipped and unfazed by these weather patterns. This did change slightly, when I became a young professional. Back when I was a student, I really didn’t care what I looked like in class. I was probably far more concerned about writing the paper I’d undoubtedly left until the last minute. Nowadays, I have meetings/general adultness to look presentable for. Getting around this city involves taking transit or driving, plus we ALL know that I’ll be stepping out at some point to get a coffee (or two).
Since we’ve established that looking even semi-chic in the rain is quite a challenge, below are a few of my favourite alternatives to the usual rain boots and practical outerwear, plus a tip or two on how to salvage your ootd in the rain!
Much like everything wedding related, I had a very specific vision in mind for our website. I wanted something simple but professional looking that was useful for our guests. This site was going to set the tone for the big day, so let’s just say that my expectations were high. What I wanted actually ended up being impossible to find (don’t worry, this story has a happy ending, read on). In the end, it turns out that our silly little wedding website is one of my favourite things that I created for the big day, so I thought I’d pass on a couple tips. Be sure to check out the final product below, I know you’ll love it!
The formula to a perfect office outfit goes as follows. You NEED (not want, they’re most definitely a necessity) comfortable, low heels. It’s key to do light layers, as the warmth of that office heat sure is a shock to the system once you step outside in the cold for lunch! Next, is a tote bag because a day at the office and/or running around usually requires the kind of bag that can hold all of the things. And lastly, sport a bold lip colour to really jazz things up and bring the entire ensemble together. It can also do wonders to distract others from giant bags under your eyes, which can happen from time to time. Like me, today.
Roma. Where do I even start? The magic of this city hit me the moment I got my first glimpse of the Colosseum. I had fallen asleep in our cab, as the fourteen hour overnight journey hit me as soon as I sat on that worn leather seat. My eyes happened to flutter open and glance out the window just as we made a slight left curve around the amphitheatre. There it was, in all of its glory, right next to a busy street and across the way from a strip of tourist trap restaurants. It perfectly represented the way remnants of the old world and pieces of modern times exist harmoniously in Rome.
There are the days I wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed, and then there are those mornings I hit snooze as many times as possible. And on those extra exhausted occasions, if there is ever a way for me to wear leggings as pants (in a respectable way, of course) then my goodness, I’ll take it! This outfit hits maximum levels of comfort and was the perfect ensemble for some cozy fall activities. Get the links to shop the look below!
There was no particular reason why it happened. It wasn’t a specific turbulent flight, or a questionable landing. It was just that one day, about 14 years ago, I sat on a flight and felt every NO sense possible. My airways tightened, as the plane’s engines revved up and picked up speed for take off. I clenched my fists and my teeth, and my entire body. I prayed. I hummed. I opened my eyes and then shut them as hard as I could. I kicked my legs around in a desperate attempt to make this terrible feeling go away. My breaths became increasingly faster, which made my head feel lighter and my body warmer. I was having my first panic attack.
Thankfully, I travel with my inhaler, even though I have VERY mild asthma, which helped subdue the hyperventilation. I was also with my family, so my mom was near by to help calm me down. But it was so much more than those few minutes. It was a sense of fear that I would carry with me forever.
I don’t like to call it a phobia, as I can and will still go on an airplane. Heck, sometimes I even enjoy flights now! I like to refer to it as being a “nervous flyer” because I can now be okay 95% of the time, but there’s always that possibility of another episode.
Since air travel is such a common occurrence, I know that I’m probably not the only nervous flyer out there. That’s why I’ve compiled a few of the ways I make flights as comfortable as possible, without the help of drugs, in hopes that it might help you feel a little more at ease on your next trip!
On the big day, my hair was, what some might consider to be, well, a bit on the boring side. Down and parted down the middle with an everyday curl, just as I always wear it. I wanted to feel like myself and I know that my usual signature look is comfortable and photographs well. It was a safe bet, but it was the perfect way to add a casual element to my otherwise fancy attire. No regrets, but since I went for something so basic, I teamed up with my crazy talented wedding hair stylist Nadia Bullock, to create some other bridal hair looks to possibly inspire. And hey, it’s always fun to see what could have been!
There are some absolutely stunning hairstyles below, ones that I know you or your stylist could easily re-create. These are obviously done on very thick, long brunette hair, so if you’re working with a different texture or length, please leave any questions in the comment section below. It’s tough to choose, but the elegant half up is probably my favourite. Next time I get married, I’ll definitely be rocking that look 😉 Which one is your favourite of the bunch?