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On Thrifting Maternity Clothes

November 26, 2019
alicia fashionista, thrifting maternity clothes, value village maternity

Let’s talk about thrifting bump-friendly clothing!

This post is in partnership with Value Village.  As always, opinions are my own.

Pregnancy is, perhaps, one of the best times to be buying second hand!  We’re going to be staying in our one-bedroom apartment, so less is more.  It’s going to be a challenge, but we are trying not to get caught up in everything that we “have to have” when it comes to this baby.  That includes any baby-related items (for the nursery, clothing, gadgets etc.) and of course, maternity wear. Sure, I’ve purchased a few newer clothing pieces to accommodate the bump, but I’ve also found a lot of success in thrifting apparel that works with my changing shape. 

Cost is also a huge concern for us because the rumour is that kids are expensive lol. Investing in a ton of brand new full-priced maternity wear is…crazy. The fact that anything specifically catered to the bump will only be worn for a few months means that I’ve been hunting for pieces that I can make work now as well as beyond just these 9 months.  

All Value Village locations may not have designated maternity wear, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find amazing gems to add to your closet while you struggle to dress a changing figure.  Here are some recent finds and why they work with the bump!

alicia fashionista, thrifting maternity clothes, value village maternity

Look For Open Front Sweaters and Jackets

How cute is this faux leather Zara sweater jacket?  I’ve been feeling weird about how short cardigans look with the bump (I know, it’s random, but trust me on this one), so the open waterfall draping provides an ideal flattering silhouette to showcase le bump.  It has been ideal for me to wear jackets, coats, and sweaters that can be left open. Letting the baby bump breathe!

alicia fashionista, thrifting maternity clothes, value village maternity

Go For Oversized

I’m so thankful for the size range at my favourite Value Village location (if you’re local, it’s the Coquitlam store on United Boulevard).  Being a size Large but not exactly fitting into that now, I rely on XL and up in order to find pieces that work with the bump, especially if I do want to achieve that oversized look. I was so excited when I found this black silk button-up in the plus-size section a few weeks ago.  With the sleeves rolled up and belted, it is such an amazing fit! I’m pretty sure it was under $10, which is such a steal for a silk blouse! It is going to be such a staple piece for me for the rest of this pregnancy, as I always need something longer and slightly oversized to go with leggings and maternity denim.  The best part? I will absolutely be rocking this blouse postpartum and beyond.

This previously loved blouse is such a versatile basic, I love how just switching shoes and layering a coat can completely change the look and make it more casual.  

alicia fashionista, thrifting maternity clothes, value village maternity

Love For The Elastic Waist and Flowy Skirts

There was one more piece that I found on this gloriously successful Value Village trip that I haven’t photographed yet, but I can’t wait to show you!  It’s a kelly green vintage dress with a pleated skirt (pleats are ideal with the growing bump) that is going to be perfect this holiday season! Depending on how far along you are or how much you’re showing, it’s not impossible to find skirts and trousers that could work in the earlier portion of pregnancy and then for postpartum.  It helps if the fit is a bit looser as well, just to really give room for that elastic to stretch comfortably.

alicia fashionista, thrifting maternity clothes, value village maternity

Do you have any tips or tricks for thrifting maternity wear?  I would love to hear them in the comments below!

Featured Life

Pregnancy | The First 20 Weeks

November 16, 2019

I’m finally publishing this at 25 weeks, so I’d say I’m nailing this Motherhood thing already.  I’ll probably be that person developing newborn photos when this kid is in elementary school.  No really, I wanted to make sure I got all my thoughts down about what the first half of this pregnancy has been like because time felt like it was crawling until it wasn’t and now I can’t believe that we’ll be meeting baby in just a few months.  This post has been a long time coming, but here goes.

We found out on Father’s Day. We’d both suspected it, as I was mildly nauseous the entire week leading up to Sunday, June 16th and besides the odd hangover, nausea isn’t something I would normally experience. I set my alarm for 7 am, unable to wait for a second longer. Adam woke up as per usual, forgetting my plan to pee on a stick. I stood alone in the bathroom and witnessed a second pink line appear for the very first time. I stepped out of the bathroom in mild shock, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

I was all over the place that first week.  I happened to take a prenatal vitamin the morning we found out because we’d been sort of trying since January and I’d long before given up on taking them.  Suddenly panicked about having to care for something growing within me, I took one of the large prenatals that had been sitting in the cupboard for the last few years (they weren’t set to expire until a month later, so we were still good).  Except that we weren’t good. First of all, I took the prenatal vitamin in the morning and learned the hard way that to limit nausea, it’s best to take them at night. Also, I didn’t bother reading what was in said vitamin, and they were not vegetarian-friendly (I’ve been vegetarian since I was 2 years old).  My system rejected me so terribly, I threw up all the celebratory pizza we’d had for dinner and more. I was finally done puking the next morning and spend the next day completely exhausted. Don’t worry, I’ve since found vegetarian prenatal vitamins and they’ve been great!

If you’d asked me last year what I envisioned the beginning of pregnancy to be like, I’d have described a dreamy movie-worthy sequence.  Soft morning light, me in a gauzy white nightgown, touching my still flat tummy as I stare off reflecting on my gratitude for creating this life. What I’d never considered before conceiving, was how a surge of hormones would affect me.  How the cocktail of those raging hormones combined with the worst fatigue imaginable, would lead to spending the hours of the day that you are awake feeling like absolute trash. How could I have known that I’d be so bloated that my usual clothing didn’t fit right away?  That keeping everything a secret would be so tough. How insecure I’d be about not showing and having people constantly pointing it out. That I wouldn’t sleep through the night for my entire pregnancy. How I’d endure a bought of crippling depression and anxiety.  You just can’t know until you know.

So yeah, the first trimester was a complete mindfuck.  Baby starts out the size of a poppyseed. I remember sitting on our flight to Chicago, 4 days after finding out.  I was eating a vegan lemon poppyseed loaf and I stared down at this delicious baked good, marvelling at just how minuscule an actual poppyseed was. It made it even more difficult to imagine what was happening inside my body.  

The fragility of the first few months was a huge deterrent for me to feel any major bond towards this tiny growing thing.  I think that not getting TOO attached was a defence mechanism and my way to protect my heart. It’s this internal struggle of excitement, a big secret, feeling like garbage, and extreme gratitude for this gift.  

I think that a lack of connection (or at least the powerful kind I’d envisioned) so early is common.  Paired with the isolation of no one else knowing, I believe that this along with the hormones caused the superstorm of first-trimester depression and anxiety that I didn’t even realize was a thing.  I couldn’t get out of bed and when I did, I felt hopeless and depleted.  Motivations levels weren’t low, they were non-existent.  Every day felt like a fight to do mundane things and knowing that I was growing this baby was the only thing that forced me to get out and walk and still eat as healthy as possible.  Moving and getting nutrients helped keep my symptoms fairly manageable and on the really bad days, I kept telling myself that, “tomorrow is a new day and things will be better.”  And usually, they were. Seriously, if you’re in the early days of pregnancy and feel like crap, you are absolutely not alone in that, I promise you.

Adam has been incredible throughout my pregnancy, but especially within those first summer months.  He stepped up so much when I was plagued with low mood and picked up the slack with everyday tasks and chores without hesitation.  He is constantly thanking me for giving him this gift and for carrying and growing our baby and it’s so heartwarming. When I reached 13 weeks, he even asked for a performance review of his support during the first trimester. “Was I too much? Could I be doing more?” Gosh, he’s going to be the best dad.

I was extremely lucky and had very little nausea.  I mean, it was still there, but compared to what I know some friends have had to endure, I had it very easy. Thanks to the time of year, my biggest craving was sparkling water. Couldn’t get enough of it! My only aversion seemed to be chocolate and sometimes textures bothered me (I opened up a banana one morning and immediately started dry heaving lol).   Food-wise, I was really okay to eat my usual things, just in smaller portions and along with small healthy snacks throughout the day. Of course, we invested in a box of saltine crackers and I carried a few with me everywhere I went during those first weeks to keep any onset nausea at bay. It’s the strangest sensation for hunger to make you then feel like you might be sick. I’ve only had heartburn once thanks to a post-dinner bowl of lemon sorbet. My ears and throat closed, it was hard to breathe and, not to be dramatic, but I legitimately thought I was dying. I’d never had heartburn before, so I took a Tylenol and desperately tried to sleep. Luckily, I figured out it was actually Tums I needed at 3 AM and was able to sleep for a few hours. Ohhh sleep. I napped all the time in the first trimester and then would have to get up in the middle of the night to pee, but otherwise, sleep was fine. That turned into insomnia for my second trimester and I can’t go back to sleep for two or three hours every time I get up to use the bathroom in the night. So yeah, I guess I’ll catch up on my sleep in my 40s? Here’s hoping!

Looking back, I see nature’s plan now with those first twenty weeks.  My perfect Hollywood scene of pregnancy is actually more representative of the second trimester (but still a total dream sequence).  You need time. Mentally and physically. The first half of this pregnancy has already done an amazing job of preparing me for Motherhood.  I haven’t slept through the night since I peed on a stick. I’ve had to learn a new level of patience. We’ve had to do a lot of boundary setting with people.  There have been a few scary-to-us moments and what felt like tough decisions to make. Adam and I have had to be more of a unified team than ever before. Navigating days where I don’t feel like myself.

I know that more challenges are on the horizon, but I look forward to the rest of the pregnancy and can’t wait to meet this little babe. Thanks for being here on this journey with us, it’s been one wild and wonderful ride!

Featured Life Relationships

I have some news…

September 24, 2019
alicia fashionista, pregnancy announcement

I’m pregnant 🤰🏻

I have anticipated this moment for so long that now that it’s here, I don’t know what to say. It’s surreal to be finally sharing the news. Am I dreaming?

But it’s all really happening.

I’m 18 weeks along now and time is already completely flying by. Especially since I feel as though I basically slept through summer. You guys weren’t kidding about the fatigue…wow!

Adam and I opted to wait a bit to start telling people, so I kept a personal video diary the whole time. Edited it down to 11 minutes, if you want to see what this weird and wonderful journey has been like so far, here’s a peek:

I also want to mention that I know many couples are struggling with fertility right now and I wanted to say that I see you and I’ve grieved with you and I have so much hope for you. This entire process from trying to pregnancy is a huge lesson in how random and unfair things can be, and mostly how out of our control it all really is. Love and light, my friends xo

Featured Style

Long sleeve weekend looks for Autumn – 3 styles

September 14, 2019
ever new canada, ever new fall, alicia fashionista, vancouver style, mid size fashion blogger

Some Fall looks from Ever New Melbourne

This post is sponsored by Ever New Melbourne. As always, opinions are my own!

To celebrate the fact that EverNew.ca got a little makeover, I styled some pieces that I thought would make for the perfect wardrobe transition into fall! The new site now makes their various features (like in-store pickup and return options) easier to navigate and browsing a breeze!

There were SO many gorgeous fresh items in-store, it was really tough for me to narrow it down to only three outfits. I could have probably left with a couple of jumpsuits as well but had to use restraint (at least for now…). I tried to feature items that could easily be part of any fall capsule wardrobe and re-worn, I hope you love them!

ever new canada, ever new fall, alicia fashionista, vancouver style, mid size fashion blogger
ever new canada, ever new fall, alicia fashionista, vancouver style, mid size fashion blogger

We’ll start off with my personal favourite ensemble just because I can. This chunky knit sweater is beautiful, so soft, and most importantly, not at all itchy! I cannot stand a scratchy sweater. The fit is slightly cropped and boxy, which makes it easy to tuck into high waisted denim and trousers. I ended up pairing it with this faux leather wrap skirt (which fits like a dream btw) and my go-to black boots. It also looks great with white runners and a casual backpack-style purse.

SHOP THE LOOK:

The Cecily Roll Neck Jumper in Camel | Oversized, I’m wearing a M

The Kensley Wrap Mini Skirt in Black | Tts I’m wearing a 10

ever new canada, ever new fall, alicia fashionista, vancouver style, mid size fashion blogger, fall florals
ever new canada, ever new fall, alicia fashionista, vancouver style, mid size fashion blogger, fall florals

Ever New Melbourne knows how to do dresses and they do them damn well! Since I don’t have any upcoming events that would require an occasion dress, I gravitated towards a frock that is slightly more versatile. I’m really into the fact that you could fancy this up with a sleek heel or keep it more casual with ankle boots. It seems that dark florals are a thing this season as well, so this dress is an absolute win!

SHOP THE LOOK:

The Pippa Lace Insert Maxi Dress in Black Botanical | Tts, I’m wearing a 10

ever new canada, ever new fall, alicia fashionista, vancouver style, mid size fashion blogger, isla biker jacket
ever new canada, ever new fall, alicia fashionista, vancouver style, mid size fashion blogger, isla biker jacket

Though I’m loving this tank top that is definitely re-wearable, the Isla Biker Jacket is the real star of the show. I cannot even tell you how comfortable it is, there’s a ribbed elastic panel on the one side of the arm and my goodness, it’s heavenly. If you’re looking for a fitted faux leather biker jacket that isn’t too flashy, this is the one! Looks like they just re-stocked it too, so act fast because I’m sure it usually sells out.

SHOP THE LOOK:

The Isla Biker Jacket in Black | Tts, I’m wearing a 10

The Aimee V-Neck Knitted Tank Top | Tts but stretchy. I’m wearing a M because they didn’t have a L left and it fits just fine!

The Charlie Wrap Split Front Midi Skirt | Tts, I’m wearing a 10

Sigh, Fall fashion is the best! Thanks so much for reading, my friends. It’s so good to be back. Also, I’m dying to know…which of the three looks is your favourite?!

Featured Style

The Oversized Blazer

September 12, 2019
alicia fashionista, size 10 outfits, vancouver style blog

Wearing white after Labour Day.

Happy September, my friends! Well, we’re now almost halfway through the month but what the heck, time keeps slipping away from me.

I freaking love this time of year so much, it always feels like a new beginning. Which is exactly why I am making it my mission to bring this ol’ blog back to life! Thanks to some mental blocks (I’ll explain more about that in a post soon) and just feeling a bit lost in terms of career, I haven’t been sharing my writing for a long time. I have SO much content and some amazing blog posts that are all just sitting in my drafts folder unpublished and it’s time to get them out there!

Anyway, this is supposed to be about the outfit. I’m already on a major blazer kick and it’s not even officially fall yet. I’ve especially been loving this oversized navy number I found on sale at Lulu’s at the beginning of the season. Wearing it with all white felt a little close to Josie Geller undercover in Never Been Kissed, though I am missing the feathers which are a key component to her look LOL.

You might have seen this outfit on my IG stories back in June. I put this look together for our Chicago trip and have been meaning to photograph it ever since. Though the blazer has since sold out and the rest of my items cannot be linked, I have shared some very similar styles below!

alicia fashionista, size 10 outfits, vancouver style blog
alicia fashionista, size 10 outfits, vancouver style blog
alicia fashionista, size 10 outfits, vancouver style blog

SHOP THE POST:

Oversized Navy Blazer from Lulus | Similar style from Nordstrom

White Denim Culottes gifted from Joe Fresh | Similar from PAIGE and H&M

Ribbed White Tank Top from 8th and Main | Similar from & Other Stories

Chunky White Heels gifted from | Similar pair from Nordstrom

Sunglasses from Bailey Nelson | Similar pair by Karen Walker

Featured Studio

An Office Makeover with Article

August 7, 2019
article furniture, burrard chair, sede dining chairs, marble table, beau mirror, small office decor ideas

Styling a small shared office space in partnership with Article.

Does anyone else browse the Article site religiously? I have this “problem” where I am constantly redecorating in my head. These design daydreams even extend other people’s houses when I’ve exhausted thinking about my own spaces. So, yeah, basically I’m constantly bookmarking furniture and home decor pieces for these hypothetical (and sometimes real) design plans. It’s a slight obsession. I’ve always been a huge fan of Article, as I love well-made neutral pieces and their pricing is quite reasonable. Trust me, I do a lot of research and price comparison LOL.

The shared studio/office space I’m a part of in Gastown is gorgeous. With two large windows and crisp white walls, the square footage might be small but is filled with natural light and vintage charm and I don’t know what I’d do without it. Recently, there was a bit of a shuffle and the lovely ladies at Gloss Boudoir took over the lease and set up a desk as their office apart from their photoshoot studio. This also meant that the old set-up was gone and Alex and I were able to move our existing Article furniture into the common area of the small studio so that everyone could enjoy our lounge chair and table. Admittedly, we’d let our corner get slightly over cluttered and this shift was the excuse we needed to organize and makeover our area.

Since Alex and I have partnered with Article in the past, we turned to them when it was time to add a few more items to bring the studio back to life. We stuck with light and neutral hues, aside from the walnut framed mirror, which helps anchor the palette. It was essential that all of the pieces are able to mix and matched as well as movable, as it is a common meeting area, as well as a photo studio. Everything came together so beautifully, I’m really excited to finally be sharing it with you! I’ve also outlined which items are new and if you have any questions about the Article pieces, definitely let me know in the comments below!

article furniture, burrard chair, sede dining chairs, marble table, beau mirror, small office decor ideas

We needed something decorative and multi-purpose as a side table and potential extra seating. Article’s Bamba 16″ Pouf was a perfect choice! I adore the musted pattern, it goes well with the other natural woven fabrics and the grey tones in the surrounding chairs. We’re currently re-decorating our living room and home and if I’m being honest, I am leaning towards purchasing two of these.

article furniture, burrard chair, sede dining chairs, marble table, beau mirror, small office decor ideas
article furniture, burrard chair, sede dining chairs, marble table, beau mirror, small office decor ideas
article furniture, burrard chair, sede dining chairs, marble table, beau mirror, small office decor ideas

The Beau Mirror is everything. It’s built to lean on the wall and has the most stunning but subtle leather and brass detailing to compliment the clean walnut lines. We’re beyond obsessed, it’s such a standout feature in the studio now. I predict a lot of mirror outfit photos in my future!

article furniture, burrard chair, sede dining chairs, marble table, beau mirror, small office decor ideas

Last, but not least, we needed some comfortable but structured chairs to go with our marble Mara Oak Cafe Table. I am the first to admit that the previous two chairs I’d purchased from elsewhere (definitely not pictured) were a terrible, terrible choice. One of the chairs never even worked properly and it was a gamble to even attempt to sit in it. You get what you pay for, I guess! Anyway, it was Article to the rescue with a pair of Sede Thunder Gray Oak Dining Chairs. Cannot recommend them enough! So comfortable to work at but would also make really great proper dining chairs in a home.

article furniture, burrard chair, sede dining chairs, marble table, beau mirror, small office decor ideas

There are still a few items we want to add, like a bit of greenery and personal photos (why are those always the last things I get around to adding to a room?!) but otherwise, I am thrilled with how the office is looking. It’s like we can breathe again in our studio/office and I can’t help but smile every time I open the door to our new Article-heavy setup.

ARTICLE PIECES FEATURED (gifted):

Beau Mirror

Burrard Chair in Seasalt Gray

Sede Thunder Gray Oak Dining Chairs

Mara Oak Marble Cafe Table

Bamba 16″ Pouf

Featured Travel

Travel Diary: Whistler Weekend

May 27, 2019
fairmont whistler, spring whistler, alicia fashionista, all about me womens weekend, whistler in may

Who knew Whistler was so magical in May?

I was invited to experience the All About Me Women’s Retreat as a partnership with Fairmont Chateau Whistler. This is an honest account of the weekend and all opinions are my own.

I hadn’t realized how much I needed a few days away. This time of year always feels naturally joyous with all the flowers blooming and warmer, longer days. The social calendar fills up as everyone comes out of winter hibernation and the collective stress of tax season fades. We’ve been having the nicest weather and this sunshine has kept me in a near perpetually good mood. The problem is, that things tend to get busier and stressful without notice. That was until I reached that fresh mountain air and had room to breathe.

I picked up Alex at the crack of dawn on a Friday to head up to Whistler. We’d been invited to experience a women’s retreat at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and desperately needing a break, we both vowed to make it as recharging as possible.

Which is exactly why we were driving at first light toward Scandinave Spa. The outdoor spa is truly one of my favourite places on earth and it was such a treat to spend the entire morning in the pools, and then in a hammock, swaying with the breeze reading a romance novel to the soundtrack of nature and running water. Literally the perfect morning.

scandinave spa, spring in whistler, alicia fashionista, scandinave spring summer, whistler in may
fairmont whistler, spring whistler, alicia fashionista, all about me womens weekend, whistler in may

After a leisurely patio lunch at their Mallard Lounge, we were checked into our rooms and found ourselves each in one of the newly renovated Fairmont Chateau Whistler suites. I was completely blown away. The updates are modern but cozy, keeping the space bright and inviting. There are gorgeous mountain views, the familiarity and comfort of a Fairmont, but with a boutique hotel feel. My room had a dining area, living room, separate bedroom and two freaking bathrooms. I normally live in a 700 square foot apartment that I share with a man. You bet I used both bathrooms just because I could (though that did complicate the getting ready process, it was still worth it for extravagance). In all honesty, I could have spent my 48 hours just chilling in the hotel room alone.

Though we were post-spa zen and feeling the allure of napping on the plush bed, the afternoon was too beautiful to spend indoors. Alex and I set out on the short 10-minute walk to the village to wander around for a few hours before the retreat really began. We had a glass of wine on a patio in the middle of the village and soaked up that early evening sun.

I was admittedly a little buzzed (such a lightweight) and slightly nervous for the rooftop Weekend Kickoff, as this was my first retreat of any kind. But, it was actually a great way to start things off. A ton of the speakers took a minute to introduce themselves and that helped narrow down the itinerary for the weekend. There was such a variety of things to choose from like wellness talks, fitness classes, meditation, hikes, painting, etc. We then feasted on a delicious and healthy buffet, which I was really happy featured lots of vegetarian and vegan options for me. We met some lovely ladies and enjoyed the musician that played as the sun set.

Our friend Lynn was leading a candlelight Yin Yoga class that night and we had a much needed evening stretch. I love a good Yin to relax the mind and body.

fairmont whistler, spring whistler, alicia fashionista, all about me womens weekend, whistler in may
fairmont whistler, spring whistler, alicia fashionista, all about me womens weekend, whistler in may

They call this the Secret Season in Whistler. You can still ski a little, but it’s so warm that the likelihood of patio weather is high. The hoards of summer tourists aren’t here yet so you can avoid massive wait times and crowds. It’s honestly ideal.

We woke up on Saturday completely refreshed. There’s truly nothing that rivals sleeping in a Fairmont bed alone. I woke up feeling like a well-rested Kween.

Alex and I wasted no time, suited up and went straight down to the pool even before coffee. We snapped some pics and lounged around before grabbing breakfast. There was an early afternoon wellness talk and then we somehow ended up back at the pool for the remainder of the afternoon. It was just so warm for the beginning of May, how could we not? We had blended cocktails and talked about life and enjoyed the hot tub. As the theme of the ‘All About Me’ weekend is to make space for what you need in life, it was fitting that we were carving out a bit of time for ourselves poolside.

Realizing I rarely go out anymore, it sure was nice to get a little dolled up for the longtable dinner and soiree that evening. We had a great time getting to know the women we ended up sitting with and the live band was awesome! They gave out some prizes and after multiple courses of delicious food (more vegan goodness, I was so impressed) we got to squeeze in a bit of dancing before calling it a night.

fairmont whistler, spring whistler, alicia fashionista, all about me womens weekend, whistler in may
fairmont whistler, spring whistler, alicia fashionista, all about me womens weekend, whistler in may
fairmont whistler, spring whistler, alicia fashionista, all about me womens weekend, whistler in may

After a patio breakfast, our last talk was about the pelvic floor, and adorably called ‘Kegels and Coffee’. Since my LEEP experience and joining the BC Women’s Hospital Foundation Young Women’s Council (more about both of these things very soon), I’m extremely passionate about helping women feel empowered about taking control of our health. Kim was amazing. Her talk was engaging, educational, and opened my eyes to the fact that I might have to visit a pelvic floor physio for slight correcting after my LEEP. Again, I’ll have a separate post dedicated to this soon.

Not to sound too dramatic, but we left the Fairmont Whistler feeling incredible. We relaxed, sure. But it was also about connecting with other women and taking the time to learn something new. The Women’s Retreat was much needed and I have a few girlfriends that are already plotting for us to all go together next year!

fairmont whistler, spring whistler, alicia fashionista, all about me womens weekend, whistler in may
fairmont whistler, spring whistler, alicia fashionista, all about me womens weekend, whistler in may

Be sure to go check out Alex’s recap over at To Vogue Or Bust and a big thanks to Fairmont Chateau Whistler for partnering with us! If you’re interested in attending the All About Me Women’s Weekend next year, there’s more information here!

Beauty Featured Music Style

March Favourites

April 3, 2019
alicia fashionista, bruush, best electronic toothbrush 2019

A bunch of random things that I’ve been loving lately!

This is not a sponsored post, but by all means, if any of these people want to sponsor me, I’m avail 😉 I was also sick with an attractive cough/cold for pretty much all of February and most of March, so I cannot promise that these favourites will be the most exciting of all time. God, I’m such a gifted salesperson.

My Brüush Toothbrush

I was in the market for an electric toothbrush and my friend mentioned that a friend of hers had started an electric toothbrush company (seriously, what are the odds?) and that she was loving her Brüush! I reached out and they were kind enough to send one and you guys, it’s SO good! The packaging is gorgeous, but it’s also incredibly functional. Has a 4-week battery and simple charging station, 2-year warranty, and comes with a convenient travel case. There are different settings, so I find myself brushing for a bit longer to utilize the ‘gums’ setting, as well as the ‘tongue’ option. I also use the ‘gentle’ setting in the mornings, as my teeth are sensitive after I’ve clenched my jaw all night. I love that the brush head isn’t round, so it doesn’t just spray toothpaste onto every surface in the bathroom. I didn’t realize how quiet it is too. When I was brushing my teeth at my friend’s place a few weeks ago, she looked at me with shock and asked how my electric toothbrush was so quiet. I just adore my Brüush and wanted to give this new company some love!

Ole Henriksen Balance Collection

Well, I have finally done it. I’ve adopted some sort of a skincare regime. I’ve started off small and just do cleansing and toning every now and again, but that’s a vast improvement from my humble beginnings of doing nothing. I keep a Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser and Pore Balance Facial Sauna Scrub in the shower and use one or the other each time I wash my hair. Then I apply the Toner and Hydrator after my shower which leaves my skin feeling tingly and hydrated. I’ve really liked the collection, but I want to remind you that skincare is really different to everyone, so what works for me might not work for you. But, if you also forget to cleanse/tone yo face, I highly recommend the shower trick. It’s like a mini at-home spa treatment once a week!

The Vionic Joey Sneaker

When I was finally feeling better from my initial February cold, I was out walking Reg and somehow threw my back out. I’d never done that before and it was absolutely terrifying. I painfully crawled over to Adam, who was having a nap, and when he woke up and asked what was wrong, I burst into tears. That feeling of your spine not being able to support your body is one of the scariest things that has ever happened to me. I learned what to do though and was feeling better again by the end of that day. What this long-winded story is about, is that ever since I threw my back out, I have been wearing only my arch supportive Vionic Joey Sneakers. I liked them for travel last year but was such a white Vans loyalist that I didn’t really sport them beyond trips. Now I’ve worn them every day for the last month and they’ve been great. Ahh, the joys of ageing. If you have any other orthopedic shoe recommendations, I’m all ears!

aliciafashionista, wilderado

Wilderado

Adam and I went to see Mt. Joy at The Imperial last month and it was a great show. If you don’t already know Mt. Joy, their debut album is dope as hell and you should definitely go listen if you’re into Indie Rock/Americana/Folky Blues. What surprised us, though, was how much we fell in love with the opening band, Wilderado. They don’t even have an album yet, just EPs of greatness and plenty of Spotify plays. I. Can’t. Stop. Listening. Over and over again, all day long. It’s like I’m possessed. I swear the lead singer made eye contact with me during their set (though Adam claims he did with him as well LOL) and it was so intense, maybe he cast a spell on me?! If you’re yearning for, dare I say, Americana early 2000’s Coldplay vibes with some Folky Fleet Foxes-worthy harmonies (?), go listen and become obsessed like I am so that we can bond over their sound, okay?

These Perfect High Waist Denim Shorts

You may have seen these bad boys on my IG stories yesterday, but I have more to say, so here we are. I happened to see them on the TOPSHOP website at the beginning of March and I have stalked their Vancouver location just waiting and waiting for these beauties to arrive. From first glance, I just knew they were the high waisted denim shorts of my dreams and I was bang on. They’d already sold out of the lighter denim at my local store, but luckily I was able to try on the black denim. I love them so much, I ordered them in the lighter denim as well. I love how they’re loose in the leg and hips, but the paperbag waist keeps a sexier silhouette. You’ll be seeing these for the next few months, so prepare yourself.

What have you been loving lately? Let me know in the comments below!

Featured Style Travel

4 Airplane Outfit Ideas

February 20, 2019
airplane outfit ideas, what to wear on a flight, carry on only plane outfit, alicia fashionista

Want to look put together on your flight but still be comfortable? I’ve got you covered!

I don’t want to brag or completely oversell this post, but I have *almost* mastered the art of packing carry-on only and an essential component of this includes what I wear while in transit. I always want to be extremely comfortable, especially because it makes me feel more relaxed about flying, but also look put together. So, how do I achieve this?

I’ve outlined 4 looks that are all outfits I have legitimately worn on flights, most of them multiple times. They are all fairly basic, which is part of my minimal packing policy. I try to throw in a hat or standout piece, but for the most part, the pieces are classics that will be re-worn throughout the trip. It should be noted that I often do my hair and makeup for flights, which contributes to looking pulled together. I think it’s because of my flying anxiety, making the effort to getting ready gives me a sense of control to look and feel prepared.

Also, I am currently working on my carry-on only packing blog post so if you have any questions about how I manage it, let me know. Otherwise, here are some airplane outfit ideas for your next trip:

airplane outfit ideas, what to wear on a flight, carry on only plane outfit, alicia fashionista

My Travel Uniform

My go-to getup is as follows: comfortable loose denim like boyfriend jeans or black cotton leggings.  A loose, long t-shirt, usually in white or black. A roomier fit is imperative because in-flight bloat is a thing you guys, and it happens every damn time! Topped with a black leather jacket or denim jacket, as well as an oversized scarf, season dependent. Shoes are either white sneakers or black booties and I also wear a hat if I am bringing one on the trip so that it doesn’t get squished in my suitcase. Just don’t forget it in the overhead bin, as I have accidentally done more times than I’d like to admit. This combination is always cozy and works for a variety of destinations!

I originally took these photos for a campaign I did with Samsonite Canada, but I want you to know that I’ve continued to use this little pink suitcase for 2 years now and it is amazing. Holds a ton, super lightweight, and barely even has a scratch on it! I’m shocked that the reviews say it cracked, though I have only checked it a few times. I’ve linked to the same style, but in silver below.


SHOP THE LOOK:


airplane outfit ideas, what to wear on a flight, carry on only plane outfit, alicia fashionista

Winter Travel

I’ve done far more winter travel than ever before and this has really tested my ability to do carry-on only. I love going to Europe in November/December because it’s much quieter and the Christmas spirit is strong. The only thing is that the weather is completely unpredictable, so you must prepare for it all! I have a comprehensive guide to what I packed for 2 weeks in Europe with carry-on only coming up on the blog very soon, but for now, I will let you know that my travel outfit in colder months is a slight variation of the above-mentioned Travel Uniform.

The trick is to wear only a thin layer underneath a good winter coat because running around airports and train stations will inevitably overheat you. The coat can easily be stuffed into the overhead bin on flights. The most uncomfortable component for me is if I have to replace my usual footwear with winter boots. I find them so heavy and claustrophobic for my feet, but sometimes they are a necessity.


SHOP THE LOOK:


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