Style

Let me introduce you to the lovely Ketch Shoes!

This post is in partnership with Ketch, but as always, opinions are my own!

Ketchshoes.ca has arrived for all of your online Canadian shoe needs and I am so here for it. They’ve shown up just in time for those of us who aren’t as comfortable browsing in stores at the moment but need a more personable shopping experience in order to make a successful purchase.

Some of my absolute favourite shoes from over the years are from brands that Ketch carries. Like my supportive Vionics including these sneakers and these flats (I love this whole outfit, must recreate it soon). These Wittner Dafina sandals are still my go-to summer heel and I see that Ketch has them on SALE, wow run don’t walk. I’ve had a long, beautiful history with Miz Mooz and as you’ll see below, I adore their Django and Juliette line!

The concept of the ketchshoes.ca Shoe Guide is brilliant. A community of artists, creatives, and professionals there to provide honest opinions and help you find the best shoes for you. I was initially drawn to the Django and Juliette Ferras Ankle Boots in black. How cute with black tights or skinny jeans, right?! The problem is that, though I adore the look of them, I had a feeling my wide feet would reject this slim looking boot. Usually a size 8.5 W in boots, I suggested that maybe if I sized up I could maybe even perhaps make them work? Well, one of their Shoe Guides who wears the same size tried them on for me and confirmed that they simply wouldn’t work. Talk about helpful! This is how we ended up with these gorgeous Jinks Ankle Boots. In another life, I think I would have gone for the bright standout Hernan Boots and if I had petite calves, I’d be all over the Inkjet Lace-Up Boots. Pretty much I want all the shoes!

If you sign up for their newsletter, you can get free shipping on your first order and Ketch has also just started a Rewards program! It’s so refreshing to see a customer focused, supportive feeling online shopping experience.

THE GIVEAWAY

That being said, I am so excited that Ketch wanted to partner and gift one of you a pair of their shoes. You literally have the option of any pair from their site! Whatever your heart desires. How freaking awesome is that?

To ENTER to WIN a pair of Ketch Shoes:

1. Follow @ketchshoes.ca and @aliciafashionista on Instagram
2. Tag your favourite shopping buddy in the comments on this Instagram post (the photo in my feed where I’m in this exact outfit)
3. BONUS Entry if you comment on this blog post and tell me which pair you’d get if you won because I love to know these kinds of things.

The giveaway is open to Canadian residents only (sorry, international friends) and ends on Dec 22, 2020, at 9 pm PST. The winner will be picked at random and announced soon after. The contest is not affiliated with Instagram. Good luck xo⁣

OUTFIT DETAILS AND FIT NOTES

Django & Juliette Jinks Ankle Boots in Tan (c/o Ketch). These beauties are so soft and the colour is really gorgeous in person. Heel height is ideal (2 1/3″) and I love the pointed toe. I think these would also look great with a skirt or dress and maybe even under straight leg jeans if you are into those. My large calves ✨could never✨. I’m normally a size 8.5 Wide and the 39 fits perfectly (with only v thin socklets).

H&M Mama Cotton Jersey Top in Black. I live in this top, in fact, I just ordered another one even though it’s technically ‘maternity’. I find that I live in jeans or leggings and this cotton long sleeve shirt at home. It’s the perfect length and the cotton is super soft. I would say it’s fairly true to size. When I was pregnant, the large was best, but my re-order had to be a medium because it’s all they had left and it works too!

TOPSHOP Long Herringbone Check Coat (previous season). Different colours, but similar styles here, here, and here.

TOPSHOP Jamie Jeans. I sized up in these for my postpartum bod, I believe these are a 34. Not sure what the exact wash is, but the linked pair is v similar.

A gorgeous bracelet for a good cause!

UPDATE: The True North Bracelet sold out in a few weeks! Y’all are amazing, thank you so much to everyone who purchased.

I am so excited to introduce you to this stunning limited-edition True North Bracelet. This 14k Italian gold beauty isn’t just a pretty face, the meaning behind the design makes it the perfect thoughtful gift to yourself or someone you love this holiday season. The designer, Tori of True Curated Designs, created this as an homage to adventure, a reminder of the journey and the destination, a way to wear your north star on your wrist. 

All net proceeds from the sale of each bracelet will be going to BC Women’s Health Foundation, so beyond the special personal significance, wearing one of these bracelets also means you are supporting both a small business as well as donating to an important cause. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with this one!

My true north star has influenced me every step of the way this year. That intuition and guiding light are what have helped centre me amidst the chaos of 2020, especially as I’ve navigated my new role as Mom.

My interpretation of the compass is also unique this year, as I’ve found a new simpler sense of adventure. Who knew that staying in our 700 square foot apartment could be such a fun journey? We were able to explore some lovely spots close to home in the summertime and now I look at the compass with an appreciation for where I currently am and as a promise that we will travel abroad again one day.

This VERY limited-edition True North Bracelet is $169 CAD and all net proceeds will be going to BC Women’s Health Foundation. You can purchase one here.

An honest review of the TOPSHOP Straight Raw Hem Jeans

I missed denim so much, that I bought jeans online at 2 months postpartum. Was this a great idea or an epic self-sabotage?

Taking the pressure off myself for this strange body moment right after having a baby, I had planned to size up in some basics. Unfortunately, thrifting is out of the question right now, so I have been looking at other budget-friendly online options.

The first mission was jeans. Oh, how I missed them! My maternity denim worked for a few weeks, but now they fall down without the bump to hold them up. A few pairs of my stretchy skinny jeans fit me now, but only while standing LOL. The moment I sit down they’re so tight, I worry my stomach will pop the button right off and it’ll go flying. It’s a safety hazard, really.

TOPSHOP Canada recently had a denim 2 for $100 sale and I still had a gift card, so I decided to put it to good use. Let me start by pointing out that I do own these jeans already in my “regular” size. Who really knows what that size will be going forward, but if you’re new around here, I was previously a size 10/Size 30 or 31 in denim. I own these TOPSHOP Straight High Rise Crop Jeans in a 32 waist (I always have to size up slightly in TOPSHOP denim) which you can see here and here. Basically, I wasn’t going in completely blind when I ordered these online. I knew I liked these jeans already and I hoped that just jumping up a size would work for now.

I absolutely adore these jeans. The length is a perfect raw hem crop (I’m juuuust shy of 5’5″ for reference) and they fit my hourglass figure like a glove. They are snug and the denim is sturdy enough that I feel supported and not like I’m spilling over the waistband. They do have a small amount of stretch which is necessary for movement but does mean I have to wash them a bit more often because the knees bag out slightly after a few wears.

The size 34 worked well with my lingering postpartum bump that could very well be here to stay, only time will tell. You know I loved my high waist bottoms before, so thankfully the cut still works now. I’m happy with the purchase and hope to begin to phase out daily leggings and to feel a little more like myself soon.

SHOP THE LOOK:

OUTFIT DETAILS + FIT NOTES:

Denim | TOPSHOP Mid Raw Hem Straight High Rise Jeans
The way TOPSHOP sizes their denim, I usually size up (previously was a 30/31 and got a 32. Post-baby, I got a 34, pictured above). These are a good quality fitted denim with a touch of stretch. Being so structured, I definitely wouldn’t classify these as go-to postpartum denim. As an option, I wanted something slightly fitted as a personal preference and I also know that all of you reading this aren’t in the same spot right now. So, if you didn’t just have a baby a second ago, I highly recommend these jeans!

T-Shirt | TOPSHOP Roll Sleeve T-Shirt
I have this t-shirt in 5 different colours, it’s that good. Slightly cropped and boxy, I sized down and got mine in a S/M (I’m normally a L).

Jacket | Joe Fresh Duster Coat
This is an older style from their S/S 2019 Collection, but they have a very similar duster currently in stock that might be even better (I find the bows on this one to be a bit cumbersome). I love this kind of soft mid-length light jacket to throw on with a t-shirt and jeans, it’s a must-have!

Shoes | White Keds Champion Originals Leather
I got these for our babymoon to replace my worn-out canvas Vans and I love them! Soft, slightly cushioned insole and the leather outside is much easier to clean that canvas.

Scarf | One Wednesday Leopard Universal Throw
Currently on backorder, but they have other great styles in stock! This is such a great piece to have on hand. It’s a stylish layering piece for me or a chic blanket for baby!

Accessories | Black Scrunchie (similar)
Turns out that having a hair elastic on-hand at all times is a must as a new Mom 🤷🏻‍♀️

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!

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!

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.  

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.

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

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!

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 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

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?!