Recognize this blouse? I recently wore it here for the Twin-Set Canada ‘Send Your Favourite Blogger to Italy‘ Contest. It’s so gorgeous and easy to pack, I couldn’t help but wear it again so soon! This time, over a pair of faux leather pants and topped with a structured blazer. All in the name of a delicious English meal at Albert’s Shed in Manchester. And I must say, visiting Manchester was a really cool experience! But, more about that tomorrow…
Slightly tucked away amongst the Carnaby Street chaos is an office building that houses the boohoo showroom. A space that normally hosts media, stylists, and celebrities, the boohoo showroom was stocked with spring’s hottest UK trends. Being a fast fashion brand, they are concentrating a lot of their efforts into Festival wear (just a few weeks too late for me), the California Dreamer, and this season’s favourite Geo Traveller look. The boohoo Boutique line is also popular amongst their slightly more mature boohoo customer.
Since the UK tends to be ahead of Vancouver, I felt like it was a fun afternoon of trend forecasting. For one, I’m definitely curious to see if dungarees (overalls to us) take off here as much as they have there. One thing we do have in common are the bold patterns and pops of colour that adorned the boohoo racks. This spring is sure to be an extra bright one!
Arriving in London proved to be a bit overwhelming. Perhaps the 9 hour flight and 8 hour time difference had something to do with it, but I think it was mostly because this trip all came about within the matter of a week and a half. Still as I sit here, it’s hard to fathom that I was walking the streets of central London just a few days ago.
First of all, the Dorset Square was all kinds of lovely. I hope to stay there or at one of their sister hotels again soon. The location is tough to beat, and their service and decor were just perfect. Thumbs up to really awesome boutique hotels! After settling in, Jen and I had the extreme honour of meeting THE O My Heart Kate and spent the day exploring the city. We managed to take care of some of the usual tourist spots like Oxford Circus, Hyde Park, Picadilly Circus, and Regent Street. We ended the day with a delightful meal with the rest of the crew before a much needed good night’s sleep.
Next up? Highlights of our boohoo experience, including a trip to Manchester! Stay tuned my friends.
I’m back and feeling positively refreshed. A big accomplishment to be filed under independent woman status, I survived my very first flight alone AND it was a 9 hour one. As someone who very much dislikes flying, this is a big step in the direction! Now that I’m back, let’s get caught up on the latest…
I had THE most delightful time writing blog posts for one of our major papers on behalf of Metropolis at Metrotown. From stripes to florals, Far East inspiration to Pantone’s colour of the year (and so much more) check out my guest blog posts for Vancouver’s The Province newspaper.
Looking for the perfect pump-up jam? Ever since seeing this love at Coachella, I can’t stop playing the Eric Prydz remix of M83’s Midnight City.
As mentioned in my last post, I’ve entered the Twin-Set Canada Facebook Contest. Why, you ask? Because the winner gets a trip to Italy, Roman Holiday styles. Would mean the world if you’d VOTE for my look. I could repay you in love and Italian blog posts. A fair trade, no?
A little late to the party, but after visiting the UK my latest obsession is Grazia Daily. Fashion, celeb gossip, and genuinely interest content. Going to look into a subscription on the ASAP.
Lastly, I have to say a belated happy 6 year anniversary to Adam. He spent the evening winning hockey finals and I spent it galavanting around London. We’re just a pair of hopeless romantics!
Folding a pile of coloured sweaters for the third time that day, I stared out the window to get lost in a daydream. It was a slow day in the store, but I often longed for those moments to get lost in my own thoughts. And I wasn’t thinking of my psychology homework that was due, or about my boyfriend at the time. Inspired by the clothing around me, I imagined my dream career…a life in the fashion industry. It looked so perfect, complete with buying trips, fashion shows, and of course, lots of schmoozing. Maybe I’d be a buyer, or a stylist to the stars. Or perhaps I’d own my own boutique. Whatever it was, I decided that a personal ‘I made it moment’ would be staring out the window on an airplane en route to a big city, all in the name of fashion.
April 13th, it was aliciafashionista.com’s 5 year blogiversary. I contemplated what I’d do to celebrate. Considered throwing a party, or doing a celebratory blog post, but as the date approached, I knew I wouldn’t have time for anything special. And yet, on the day that this blog turned 5 years old, I received a very exciting/surreal/squeel-worthy email. Here I am, sitting on a plane on the way to London for an exclusive boohoo.com experience. I’ve struggled, I’ve hustled, I’ve recognized opportunities, I’ve understood failures, and most importantly, I’ve worked my ass off.
I don’t care if it’s a humble brag, I’m having an ‘I made it moment’.
Follow along in real time on instagram @aliciafashionista #boohootakeover and thank you all for reading, supporting, inspiring, and loving. This crazy adventure wouldn’t be the same without you.
We’ve completely skipped over my look on the second day of Coachella because 1) I forgot to take outfit photos before we left for the day and 2) it’s all a bit of a blur.
We’d started off the day at 2Chainz which was a surprisingly good time. I hadn’t realized how much Adam played their music at home and I knew almost every chorus. Which definitely makes a show more entertaining. The group split into Portugal, The Man and Hot Chip and even though I saw Hot Chip, sounds like both shows were awesome. The Moby set is a must-see, seriously fun dance party. Alas, I’m SO sad we missed The XX and Two Door Cinema Club, but there were too many conflicts. Hopefully I can catch them next time they’re both in town.
Right, so Sunday. This was probably my favourite Coachella outfit, which makes it extra disappointing that this dress is currently covered in dust and an unfortunate red wine spill. Fingers crossed that I can salvage it! That’s always the risk you run at a festival.
Grimes – The Lumineers – Tan Lines – La Roux – Vampire Weekend – Wu Tang – Eric Prydz
Sunday equalled The Lumineers, which is pretty much all I cared about. They put on such a FUN live show (as I ranted about here). I also had to support Vancouver native Grimes. Didn’t know Tan Lines or La Roux at all but both shows were fabulous. As much as I go to watch artists I love, it’s such a bonus to discover new tunes.
To everyone going this weekend, have a blast! Coachella, I’ll see you again next year!
Dressing for the first day of the festival felt like a big gamble. I had no idea what to expect, which is why I opted for classic rock and roll. And I figure, you can never go wrong with red lipstick, as long as you have chapstick with spf over top! Heels were a bit ambitious, but I was fine until the evening, at which point I thankfully had a pair of flats in the bag to change into.
As for the Friday lineup (mostly for those going this upcoming weekend), we started our day as early as possible. Which, unfortunately for me, meant that I crashed much earlier and left a lot sooner than I would have liked. I managed to see….
Lord Huron – C2C – Alt J – Of Monsters And Men – Modest Mouse – Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Band Of Horses
If I could do it all over again, I’d definitely still leave Alt-J early to catch most of Of Monsters And Men because both shows were awesome. Instead of rushing to Modest Mouse though, who’s performance I was most disappointed in, I’d have stayed for Local Natives. I know they put on a great show and it would have been a great sunset setting. The only other thing I’d change is staying awake to be able to watch Tegan and Sara, but we can’t win them all, right?!
Just a few highlights from our very first Coachella experience. What an AMAZING time! I’m definitely still recovering from a weekend of sunshine, live music, pool parties, dance tents, and even a wind storm.
Coming up tomorrow…more about Coachella fashion and my tips for those going to weekend 2!
Though it’s still a few months away, we’re really starting to get excited about our upcoming trip to Europe. Visiting friends and family in England and then venturing over to France for 5 days in Paris and 4 days somewhere in the south of France (exact location is still tbd).
I’m currently sitting in a coffee shop surrounded by every Paris travel book you could imagine, lost in numbered districts and hotel options. We’ve never been to France and are definitely feeling a little…lost. Have you ever been to Paris and/or the south of France? I would be so appreciative of any recommendations you can offer. Especially when it comes to accommodations, delicious restaurants, unique shopping, or just generally special spots/views we simply MUST see! Also, we’re a little overwhelmed about where to go in the south of France, so if you’ve been somewhere great, please let us know!
Thank you in advance for your help. Let me know in the comments below or email me aliciafashionista@gmail.com with any tips/advice. xoxo
