Style

That step into fall is often a slow and steady one.  You have some unexpectedly super hot days peppered amongst some brisk cold ones.  It’s a real gamble this time of year, I tell ya!  Styling wise, I try to keep things on the cooler side and lightly layered.  Much like this look, I re-wore a summer dress, but paired it with fall booties and an oversized slouchy sweater.  Sort of preps me for whatever mother nature throws our way!

This time of year is also about getting ready for fall/winter in our home.  As I’m sure you saw in yesterday’s VLOG, I cleaned out my closet to discover I have an embarrassing amount of clothing to donate and sell.  I’ve often felt quite wasteful about the amount of items in my closet and how blatantly irresponsible it is to this earth to be cycling through so many pieces each year. It weighs on my conscious about where clothes are made and what impact it has on the environment, which was highlighted even more when Value Village/Savers invited Alex and I to their art installation last month.  Ever since, I’ve been trying to consciously balance the amount of new, fast fashions I’m purchasing and trying to reuse and thrift when possible.  Old habits die hard though, especially in the excitement of shopping for fall.  I am trying though, and it’s these small gestures can hopefully equal a huge impact on the environment!  Do you ever think about this too?!

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This is the last of my summer outfit content, except for one superbly creamsicle coloured dress that will be featured next week along with our Penticton/Naramata Bench recap.  Summer is slipping away, you guys!

Remember this shoot at Lighthouse Park with all the racoon drama?  Well, THIS is the dress I was talking about!  Now you can get the full visual of me in a beautiful floor length dress, running away with only my sunhat and no shoes.  At least we can all laugh about it now, right?!  This exact print is sold out, but I’ve linked some very similar styles from the same label!  There is also this exact cut in a gorgeous lilac purple, if you’re so inclined.

Hope you all had a positively wonderful week and a bright weekend ahead!

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Can’t believe it’s September 7th right now, how did that even happen?!  I’ve already been patiently awaiting the arrival of autumn for quite some time (the ol’ curse of the fashion calendar, stemming from my days in the industry) and am so happy to finally be starting the full fall transition!

One of my go-to pieces to spruce up my existing fall wardrobe, is a good duster jacket.  I love how chic they turn even the simplest looks, like a plain white tee and black shorts!  They add instant drama and are the perfect finishing touch on any fall look.  As the days get a bit colder, I’ll definitely be re-creating this but with some slimmer denim.  If you haven’t tried the duster length yet and are hesitant because of your height, I’d start with a bit of a heel to create the look of longer legs.  This definitely helps offset any feelings of being swallowed completely by a coat.

Also on my fall love list is everything from ela!  This mini black saddle bag has the cutest tassel detail and is a great everyday size.  The leather is gorgeous in person, and though there’s a slightly spendier price tag, it’s very much reflected in the quality of their bags.  If you’re wanting to treat yo self, you can use the discount code: Aliciafashionista_15 for 15% OFF your purchase – score!

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Don’t mean to sound like a total drama queen, but August is ending and I feel like tomorrow it’ll be Christmas.  Seriously, this year is absolutely flying by!  The days are already getting noticeably shorter and summer is winding down and I don’t know how to feel about it all.

My favourite fashion trend of summer 2016, was most definitely the exposed shoulder.  From tops to dresses, I simply couldn’t get enough!  In fact, I totally impulse purchased this boohoo exaggerated ruffle sleeve off the shoulder dress (sound high maintenance much?) from ASOS a few months ago.  It was under $40 and I was intrigued by the unique sleeves (sold out now, but there is a similar one here).  Other than being completely see-through, it was a great buy.  After probably giving everyone a bit of a show the day we shot this look, I’ve since worn a black slip underneath and all is okay again.  Pretty sure I’ll be re-wearing this one at Bumbershoot this weekend!

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The peplum silhouette always seemed appealing, but I wasn’t sure if on my frame, it’d be too loose at my waistline.  Which, as my smallest point, isn’t exactly something I like to hide, especially not with billowing fabric (legit concern though, peplum tops can flip up in windy conditions).   I had a feeling it all just *might* work after all though and grabbed a few really inexpensive peplum tanks at Old Navy a few months ago.  The looser fit is everything in the heat, and I have been wearing both of the tops non stop all summer!  Don’t you just love when that happens?!

It took a moment to figure it all out, but my trick with a peplum tank is to always pair it with skinny or slim denim.  I try to elongate with a long trench coat or duster jacket, but in these warmer days, a casual scarf like this tie dye one does the same trick.  Sometimes a longer necklace can have this same effect.  I just like to keep the illusion of being taller, especially when I pair peplum and skinnies with flats!  How do you feel about peplum?  Does it work for you?  Would you try it?!  Would love to hear in the comments below xo

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Have you ever found really great shopping in an extremely unlikely spot?  I did, right here in Vancouver, at one of our most hilarious “malls”.  Complete with its own parody Twitter account, it’s also the closest shopping centre to us, so I often find myself there to run errands.  Such was the case last month when I was picking up a missed package at Canada Post.  As I was leaving, I happened to notice a new clothing store with some eye-catching fabrics and styles on display.  I wandered into the place and couldn’t believe it!  Right there in Kingsgate Mall, was a really cute boutique with lots of beautiful trendy things for amazingly reasonable prices.  Obviously not prepared to shop, I went on my way, until I found myself back there a few weeks go.  I was there to fill my new inhaler prescription (isn’t asthma sexy?!) and the pharmacy told me it’d be about 15 minutes.  AHA!  The perfect amount of shopping time without doing too much damage to my bank account.  I wandered over to the store and left with two new dresses, including this pretty summer dress.  They even give you a STAMP CARD and if you buy 10 pieces, they give you one for free.  I don’t know how that works business model-wise, but it certainly is an adorable way to build customer loyalty.  Lolli Pretty in Kingsgate Mall really is a hidden gem, if you’re in the neighbourhood, I highly suggest you check it out!

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I’ve sneezed like 18 times today, what the heck is up with that?!  Better not be a sign of a summer cold or flu, I definitely do not have time for that!  This month has been busy enough as it is.  Adam and I are back today from a last minute few days in the Okanagan.  I cannot even WAIT to start putting our Naramata Bench travel guide together.  Can’t believe I’d never been to our wine country region!  All you do there is eat delicious food, drink wine, and enjoy the glorious hot weather.  It’s holiday perfection and only a 4 hours drive from the city!  Anyway, more about that later this week.

My best investment so far this season, which I know will carry on well into the fall, is this fresh pair of white sneakers.  I am so happy I found these Vans that are somehow more flattering for my shape than some of the other go-to sneaker styles out there.  I love how easily they pair with my pretty summer dresses and they’re definitely easier on the feet than most of my footwear.  A perfect go-to work look for my super casual studio office.  My days often require a bit of running around, so comfort is key!

Oh, also, you should definitely check out this fun little interview I did with Kelsey of Jorssen Marketing!  We talk about what this blogging life is really like and some hot button topics like how I feel about buying followers.  She’s a real gem, if you’re in need of someone for contract social media consulting or management, she’s probably your gal!

Hope you’re all having the best day xo