Style

The Details // Photos by Alex

Blouse, Club Monaco (on sale too!)

Skirt, Zumel and Co / similar

Faux Leather Jacket, Joe Fresh

Beanie, Joe Fresh

Sunglasses, Le Chateau

Shoes, Shelley’s London

Bag, Phillip Lim for Target

I know that I’ve already told you that the past few weeks have been absolutely nutty, but let me tell you, the madness continues.  It’s as though the craziness grows and gains momentum like a tornado, collecting more insanity as it moves along a destructive path.  But hey, I’d pick being too busy than being bored ANY day!  That being said, this packed schedule has sure made the holidays a different experience than usual.  It’s like my retail days all over again, sans the angry Christmas shoppers, of course.  I don’t say any of this to complain, it’s more that this is all that I can think about.  Plus, I need a place to unload, even if it’s only in a paragraph, the clutter that has been bouncing around in my head!  Hopefully I’ll be able to share more details soon, just finalizing a bunch of things right now.

Are you obsessed with the lighting in these photos, or what?  We happened to catch the last of the sunlight downtown and couldn’t pass up on this golden opportunity.  That Alexandra, so talented!  She had to meet me at the Joe Fresh store because I’d basically ran there when I saw this post.  I knew that I needed this toque in my life, and searched until I found it, the last one in store and everything.  Alex then convinced me to wear it with my already all black ensemble and it was definitely the right call.

Alright, I’m going to dive back into the craziness, but I have two great holiday posts coming your way in the next few days – stay tuuuuuned!

The Details //

Sweater, Noul (old)

Long Rain Coat, Massimo Dutti

Denim, Mavi

Vionic ‘Sydney Driver’ Flats, Shoes On Fourth

‘Cady’ Gold Wrap Bracelet, Jamie for Stella and Dot
Rouge Gourmand Velours ‘Red Velvet’ Lipstick, Lise Watier

Manicure, CND Vinylux

Tan, Vita Liberata
Coffee, Beaucoup Bakery

After my tumble a few weeks back, I knew that I needed to make smarter choices when it comes to footwear.  Segue into these Vionic Sydney Driver Flats.  They are actually…*drumroll please*… orthotics!  That’s right, I’m secretly an old lady who just wants comfy shoes to bop around the city in!  And now, I can live the undercover life of comfort that I’ve always dreamed of, because no one knows that these adorable flats are actually orthotics.  Well, except now all of you do – darn!  I couldn’t keep this hidden forever though, these shoes would make the perfect gift for a fellow woman on the go!  Or for yourself, because this time of year is definitely also about treating yo self.

Since this week has been super nuts, I’ll likely continue this running around all weekend.  I’ve barely even started Christmas shopping and everyone around keeps generously offering up a countdown until the big day.  Just 13 more, in case you hadn’t heard yet today.  That’s okay, I’m sure I’ll get my life together in a few short days. Yeah, that definitely sounds like a attainable and realistic goal to me.

Happy Weekend, you filthy animals!
P.S. That’s a Home Alone reference, in case you were temporarily insulted.

The Details //
Tacky Christmas Sweater, Value Village
Tulle Skirt, Beautulleful
Cobalt Pumps, H&M
Lipstick, Lise Watier Red Velvet
Bag, Le Chateau
Bracelets, Olive + Piper

You guys know that I LOVE a good ol’ styling challenge!  It’s the holidays, so I thought I’d tackle the classic ‘ugly Christmas sweater’.  This red number, complete with a sleigh full of gifts, one reindeer, the moon, AND interactive 3D bows, is from Value Village.  I was inspired to put my signature spin on things with a red lip, tulle skirt, and some statement heels.  Et voila!  It’s now something that I would actually confidently wear to a Christmas party.  In fact, Vancity Buzz even shared this look in their recent Vancouver fashion roundup.  Pretty darn cool!

The Details //

Polka Dot Blouse, LOFT

Pink Sweater, Joe Fresh

Black Jeggings, P L E N + Y

Black Boots, Dolce Vita

Bag, Phillip Lim for Target

Sunglasses, Forever 21

‘Diva Red’ Lipstick, Rimmel 

I used to think that pastels were only for spring/summer.  How silly is that?  Why shouldn’t we be able to rock a baby pink sweater and purple sunglasses in December?  Fashion rules, out the window!  I’m going to do my best not to succumb to the pull of an always all black attire and fight the urge to wear the same old ‘blah’ winter uniform.  Vive la revolution!

I’m also back from Toronto now, and I think I might finally be defrosting and getting back to regular body temperatures.  My goodness.  I thought I knew what winter was, but I’ve apparently been living in a tropical paradise.  I don’t know how you guys handle the extreme cold, I have a newfound respect for anyone who has to endure freezing temperatures for so many days of the year.  And, the fact that a lot of you have learned to look stylish while doing so!  Honestly, hats off to you.  

A recap of my two days in TO on the blog soon, stay tuned!

The Details // Photo by Alex

Plaid Blouse, TOPSHOP

Navy Trousers, LOFT

Coat with Faux Fur Trim, WINNERS

Sunglasses, Le Chateau

Earrings, Olive + Piper

Pumps, Le Cheatau

Bag, Le Chateau

I swear that I have the best productivity when I’m avoiding another task OR working under serious deadlines.  What kind of blogging work ethic is that?  I have a friend’s birthday dinner tonight and then I have a 7 am flight in the morning so I am, of course, supposed to be packing right now.  Instead, I’m here, writing to you, while watching Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix.  The bomb episodes from Season 2, which are two of my favourite episode of television of all time.  But, back to mentally packing.  I have an early morning flight tomorrow to… Toronto!  And you want to know what?  I’ve NEVER been!  Excited to finally pay T dot (does anyone actually call it that?) a visit, even if it’s a very short stay.  My biggest concern right now is obviously the empty carry on suitcase that’s staring back at me.  Any ideas on packing essentials for East Coast cold?  I’m a bit worried that my pea coat won’t be enough for their below zero temperatures.  And if you have any must see/must do recommendations, I have a couple days to explore.  Seriously can’t wait.  Toronto, here I come!

The Details // Photos by Kiara

Sweater, Left On Houston

Biker Leather Jacket, Zara

Black Skirt, Bardot

Printed Scarf, Thrifted

Cat Eye Sunglasses, Le Cheateau

‘Capulet’ Booties, Miz Mooz

Khaki Tote Bag, xoBella

I was sent a pair of cheetah print booties recently that I am in LOVE with, but they are unfortunately a size (or two) too big!  Didn’t feel like going through the hassle of returning them and instead put on a pair of thick socks and wore them ASAP because, new shoes.  So, there I am the other night strutting my stuff through Gastown, and over to Railtown Cafe for their winter menu tasting.  Just as I passed by a group of trendy looking people loitering outside of a barber shop, I don’t even know how, but BAM I was on my knees.  I let out an unflattering shriek due to the shock of it all, and the older woman I’d been following for a few blocks turned around to ask if I was okay.  “Oh, pfffft.  I’m toooootally fine!” I replied, as I stood up and continued on my way, secretly in immense amounts of pain.  I couldn’t hear because my headphones were in, but I really hope the people who witnessed it were laughing.  Anyway, got to the event and realized that I was definitely bleeding.  I’m now a grown ass woman with a scraped up knee.

That was obviously my go-to story this week.  In fact, I shared it on a double date we went on the next night.  We all laughed, “Oh, what a klutz you are, Alicia!”  It was raining by the time we were leaving the restaurant, so our friends offered to drop us off at home.  And okay, I had like 15 steps to take in order to get myself from their vehicle to the front door of our apartment.  It was dark though, and apparently there were too many potentially dangerous obstacles.  I was walking in between two cars to get to the sidewalk when BAM my glasses fell off and I felt a sudden pain on the side of my head.  “What just happened?” Adam asked in confusion. “I don’t know,” I replied, as I glanced back to see a bike rack mounted not he back of the vehicle.  “I think I walked into that?” I declared.  Ended up with a lovely bump on my temple and a mild concussion for the next few days.

Last week was all very Mindy Lahiri of me.  Though, I swear those clumsy moments are always painted as endearing and sweet in movies and on tv.  I assure you, that when they happen in real life, you’re left feeling nothing but embarrassment and pain.  They sure make for great stories though!  Hope you all had a great (and much safer) weekend xo