Blue Fit & Flare Dress, Gap c/o
Sunglasses, Forever 21
Shoes, Vintage
Marina Tote, Michael by Michael Kors
Leopard Belt, Plum
Watch, Marc by Marc Jacobs
Bracelets, J.Crew
There’s a new essential LBD in town – the little BLUE dress, of course! Never thought somethings as simple as tossing on a cobalt blue frock would get me as many compliments as it does. Shows you the power of a great colour and perfectly cut piece! The flattering fit and flare shape easily transitions this number from work to play, which is ideal for days when I have an event to run to from the office. It has come in super handy this week too, we’ve been experience the most glorious heatwave. Makes me so excited for summer in the city 🙂
This is me finally blogging some of my favourite days ever – a year later. Â These South of France photos simply cannot waste away on my computer any longer. Â I had to share them with you because they’re just so delicious I want to jump back into these moments and never come back!
As you might remember, we were staying in Antibes, which is just past Cannes and right before Nice via train. Â The perfect distance to venture out on a day trip! Â We walked everywhere, soaking in the sights and sounds of the popular city. Â I loved the Mediterranean influence in a lot of the architecture, as well as the dreamy pastels and pops of flora. Â There are moments of perfect symmetry and then beautifully stacked organized chaos. Â We wandered Old Town and hit the usual touristy sights like the Promenade des Anglais and enjoyed breathtaking views from the Bellinda Tower at La Colline du Chateau. Â We had a break for coffee and then another break later on for wine and appies. Â Because you know, living the dream life is exhausting, right? Â We did a bit of shopping and lots of people watching. Â We ate dinner at a mediocre touristy restaurant because we were having one of those indecisive moments AND being a vegetarian in a place like France is a real nightmare. Â It was still a great meal, and as we were paying our bill I looked up and saw that the sky was positively on fire. Â The sunset was something I cannot even describe to you. Â Buzzing from our wine, we ran as fast as we could back to the Bellinda Tower, laughing and stumbling along the way. Â We managed to climb all those steps once again to the top and captured the sunset over Nice, as night fell over the city.
Read more from our France adventures here, here, oh, and here.
For the last few years, I let my health become last priority. There was no time for exercise because I had client work to do. I couldn’t eat healthy because chocolate existed. Adam and I would rarely eat at home and when we did, it was a rotation of the same 5 bland meals. We’d buy the exact same groceries and any time we’d find a sliver of motivation to buy an excess of produce, we’d end up throwing most of it away. I was tired, I was lazy, and I was stuck in a terrible rut. It was honestly really scary. I’m supposed to be in my prime, not huffing and puffing after climbing a few flights of stairs. I knew I needed to change things, but I was in a lot of denial.
That’s why I needed to take a week. I hated not blogging for so long and there were many days that I really missed it, but starting the challenge meant that I needed to pause this for a moment and search for that magical unattainable unicorn called balance. Suddenly making time for things like meal prep, grocery shops, exercising, and even more frequently washing my hair was no easy task. There were a lot of top knots happening last week. But, the Whole Life Challenge was exactly what I needed. We’re only 10 days in, but I already feel absolutely amazing. Eating clean is something I NEVER thought I could do, but it’s actually really, really easy. Exercise is and always will be a struggle, but I’m finding ways that work for me. It’s going to be a tough journey, but I already see and feel results. I wore this same skirt just a few weeks ago and it’s already a little looser on me. Which, it just a testament to how many unnecessary calories I must have been consuming prior to WLC – eek!
The challenge certainly didn’t stop us from celebrating our moms yesterday. With Flower Factory bouquets in hand, we met up with our families for delicious wine and appies at Van Urban Winery. It was such a blast, and I don’t think I need to write a speech to say how thankful I am for my mama. Plus, I have a pretty awesome mother-in-law to be. She raised her boys right! Anyway, hope you all were able to send lots of love to your moms yesterday. Thanks for sticking around while I took a mini break, y’all are simply the best.
It was recently discovered that two of my best girlfriends and I haven’t ever gone on a girl’s trip together. It was also pointed out that two of us have never been to Vegas before. The math was simple and we’re booking a weekend away in July in Sin City. I seriously can’t wait, but it’s definitely been on my mind about whipping myself back into shape beforehand. I’ll also probably have to start dress shopping this summer and I want to feel my best in a white dress!
Segue to yesterday when my studio mate Bethany and I impulsively joined the Whole Life Challenge. I love that their basis is “taking small steps outside your comfort zone, but taking them everyday”. I need something to help kick my butt into gear! I’m happy to not be cutting my favourite foods out completely, but rather be drastically limiting how often I consume them. Have you ever done a similar challenge? If so, I’m accepting any tips because it’s going to be a tough couple of months, but I’m just crossing my fingers that it’ll make all the difference! High fives for early summer workout motivation 🙂
Seriously, how amazing would it be to actually be poolside right now?! I would certainly love to transport back into these photos! Going into one of those weeks that I know is going to be crazy and just bracing myself for the chaos. Which means I’ll be spending tonight doing super glamorous things like cleaning and grocery shopping. It’s always amazing how much better the week ends up being when you take the time to get organized on Monday! Hope you’ve all got a great week ahead xoxo
I have been on a shopping roll lately. Which, is great news for my wardrobe and a real sad moment for my credit card. This little number was one that I found amidst a sea of clothing at Forever 21 in Portland. It was a spontaneous choice, but the girl working fitting rooms insisted that I couldn’t leave without it. For a $30 dress (tax free too), I was all “Okay, okay, twist my arm, I’ll buy it.” It ended up being perfect for Palm Springs with the cutout detail in the front and low V back. And will definitely be remixing this one for a wedding related event in the future!
Also wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who entered the Robson Street Spring Giveaway. Lucky gal Thandi won the $100 ARITZIA Gift Card, so a big congrats to her!
After Saturday’s biking blunders, I opted to leave before the group to get a head start. I knew I was in super cute but not bike friendly boots and that my behind hurt enough that I’d be needing to take breaks. Sometimes in those high stress situations, I just need to be solo and do my own thing. It was way better this way. Had Disclosure blaring on my phone as I biked my way through PGA West. I couldn’t help but smile because the day was already off to a way better start. Then, something extra magnificent happened. I actually never even told my friends about this out of shame at the time, so if they’re reading this – surprise! As I turned the corner to phase 3, a man across the street in a truck yelled out to me “You need a ride?” Initially hesitant, “actually?!” I mumbled as I attempted to get my clunky feet to start pedaling again. I turned around and saw the truck making a u-turn and pull up beside me. “Are you serious?” I asked, still amazed that this was happening and also now realizing it was a woman. “Oh yeah, this is what I do!” she assured me. For simply a tip she was willing to drive me through phases 3 AND 4. She had home printed business cards for her “service”. She spends her extra income from the two weekends on fixing up a bike of her own. This woman is my hero.
We were all meeting at the side beer garden for Chance The Rapper. He opened with Cocoa Butter Kisses and Justin Bieber made an appearance. I discovered $11 spiced rum and cokes – a game changer.
We all felt like more dancing and Rob suggested we make our way over to Rudamental. We found a great spot to the right of the stage with plenty of room for movement and the girl behind us even had one of those spray fans to cool us off every now and then. Rudamental put on such a great show, I have a serious girl crush on the blonde pictured below with bad ass braided hair. They even had one guy who’s sole purpose on stage is to hype the crowd up – and it definitely worked! We were breaking it down when all of a sudden I felt a tug on my hair and heard a sputtering engine noise. I did my best to turn around and see what I had suspected. My hair was caught in the girl’s fan. Luckily, it was a small chunk and I have plenty of hair to go around. After a photo to document its ridiulousness, we just ripped the rest of my hair away and the fan even continued to work. We got lots of extra air and water too, I’m sure out of guilt. But yes, an excellent show. I recommend you check out their song Waiting All Night – in fact, you might already know it! There we were dancing away
Then came one of my favourite acts from the entire two days. There is something to be said about music with a really great beat (Songza just taught me that it’s called trap music) so Adam brought a few of us to Flosstradamus. Oh my goodness, it was THE most epic dance party of my entire life. We posted up at the fence just outside of the Mojave tent. The people in front of us who were technically in the tent never had any room to move at all, so we definitely lucked out with our spot. It was an hour straight of dropping it like it’s hot. We had impromptu dance parties with other randoms from the crowd. We jumped up on the cables, we sang, we loved every second of it.
I’d scheduled Calvin Harris in as my resting period. This never happened. We ended up dancing with the entire side beer garden for the duration of his set. How could I deny those hits?! It was so much fun. Then Adam and I broke away because I really wanted to see Daughter and I knew their show would be almost empty because everyone would be pushing to go see Lana Del Ray. I like Lana enough but I made a judgement call. Anyway, there was maybe 50 people there waiting for Daughter, so we got an amazing spot and I got to hear them perform Smother and Human live.
Disclosure was next, but I’m such a snob and just can’t compare it to their Osheaga show where there was only a couple hundred watching and I was front row. I think the rest of the group really enjoyed them though, they really are a fun duo. Last, but certainly not least came the epicness that is Arcade Fire. Debbie Harry made a cameo for a rendition of Heart Of Glass. We danced away and sang along to all the Arcade Fire hits and favourites. It was a Coldplay at Pemberton Festival kind of moment that I’ll always cherish. Sunday was absolute Coachella redemption.
The biking was of course, not over yet! Somehow on this last ride, Adam and I got lost (ugh, so something we would do) and ended up going 20 minutes out of the way on a trail that spat us out into unfamiliar territory. We eventually found our way, but I definitely said a few curse words under my breathe as we rode the extra few blocks. At least by that time, I was a bike riding pro and was already going at a much fast speed and easily maneuvering through the crowds and cars.
Can’t believe it’s all over already. I’m having desert withdrawals! Another Coachella adventure is complete – hopefully not my last music festival of the year!
It’s tough for me to find a store that I genuinely love. Like any good relationship, there are so many things that must fall into place in order for us to be a successful team. LOFT just so happens to check almost all of the boxes. Their price point is extremely reasonable (I tried not to question it, but they even had 40% off the entire store while we were there last week. Who does that? It was a start the car moment for sure). They only have one Vancouver location in Park Royal, so you definitely feel a sense of uniqueness. Or at least assured that you won’t show up to an event and be twinsies with someone. They also carry an array of sizes AND their fits are larger. Thinking of it, this should almost be point number one. I’m a very average clothing size, yet so many stores in our great city only seem to carry up to a size 8 (please don’t even get me started on that subject, I will rant forever). And it’s not the biggest deal, but it’s kind of a nice change to be requesting a size smaller from the fitting room. Speaking of fits, that’s my last point. They aren’t just a big chain that mass produces their styles and don’t care about how their collection fits on body. Their pants, for example, have been absolutely perfected. I will be back to purchase these trousers in another colour, they’re so comfortable and such a nice alternative to denim.
I really could go on and on about LOFT, but how about I do that in person instead? Jen of Her Waise Choice, Alex of To Vogue Or Bust, and I will be at LOFT Park Royal this Sunday and we want you to come shop with us! We’ll be showing you our favourite spring pieces, talking personal styling, and giving away three $100 gift cards! I really hope to see you there 🙂
LOFT Park Royal | 2002 Park Royal South, West Vancouver
I forgot how simple summer styling is. In the heat, it’s just about grabbing a key piece to wear and accessorizing around that. No layering or jacket needed. My kind of life, I see why California bloggers are so consistent. This look was my third festival look had I been able to be there on the Friday. The fringe would have been perfect for dancing. I’ve also decided that I don’t care if it makes me 75 at heart, I just love Palm Springs. Coachella aside, it’s dessert heat that’s only a 2.5 hour flight away. It’s beautiful and relaxing. They have pools and palm trees. What’s not to love? I would go back tomorrow if I could! Also, part deux of my Coachella Guide is coming up tomorrow but in the meantime, have a good Good Friday.
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