Sometimes when I’m not feeling very creative, I rifle through the archives for hints of inspiration. I realized in my most recent search, that these photos from our last night in Antibes somehow went unpublished. My hair was a lot shorter (and of course looking at these, I want to chop it off again right now – always happens that way) and my worries were a lot less. It was July first, so my white and red was a nod to the true north strong and free. We were bronzed from our day at the beach and buzzed from our pre-dinner cocktails. The sunset was the most perfect swirl of cotton candy pastels and I was in a fit of giggles (you should see the outtakes for this one lol). This exact juncture didn’t feel so significant at the time, but just breathing in the memory, it was such an innocently happy moment. Makes me want to hop on a plane and jet off to the south of France riiiiight meow.
This is me finally blogging some of my favourite days ever – a year later. These South of France photos simply cannot waste away on my computer any longer. 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. The perfect distance to venture out on a day trip! We walked everywhere, soaking in the sights and sounds of the popular city. I loved the Mediterranean influence in a lot of the architecture, as well as the dreamy pastels and pops of flora. There are moments of perfect symmetry and then beautifully stacked organized chaos. 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. We had a break for coffee and then another break later on for wine and appies. Because you know, living the dream life is exhausting, right? We did a bit of shopping and lots of people watching. 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. 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. The sunset was something I cannot even describe to you. Buzzing from our wine, we ran as fast as we could back to the Bellinda Tower, laughing and stumbling along the way. 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.
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
The Vibe: A small, friendly city with decent food culture and cool people
Bonus: Tax-Free Shopping
Nearby: The Oregon Coast and plenty of wine country
We left on a Friday evening. A little bit later than we’d hoped but Adam got caught up at work and my Bombay Brow Bar appointment went long. Priorities, people. The border offered us a generous hour and a half wait, but we didn’t really mind. We look forward to the six hour trek to Portland. We fueled up with gourmet Subway sandwiches in Bellingham and continued on our way through Washington. Which, I must say seems to be the state that never ends. We even had to stop for emergency lattes at one point. I’d kindly taken over the last 20 minutes of driving (I know, such a hero) and was happy that our hotel was so easy to navigate from the highway.
We pulled up to The Nines to some fancy people with expensive cars. The valet took our keys as Adam and I struggled to gather our mismatched and poorly packed luggage. I was feeling a little disheveled until we spotted a couple in North Face and hiking packs checking out. Then I felt like at least we weren’t the most casually dressed pair in the lobby. In all seriousness though, I LOVE this hotel. The decor is exactly how we all wish our homes were decorated. Pops of bright colours, a luxurious mix of patterns, accent chandeliers, marble bathroom counter tops, and dreamy all white bedding. The bed – OMG. It’s one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in. If only The Nines could reveal their secret to such a cozy mattress! Plus, you can’t beat their views. The picture below is the view of downtown Portland we enjoyed from our room.
Our first day was spent seeing the usual Portland favourites. A lot of downtown walking. Pearl district, including, Powell’s of course. I have to limit Adam on time and budget in that place, or else we’d spend the entire two days trapped in a book store. We did some leisurely shopping at any boutiques we spotted on the walk. We made our way to the market and just people watched for a good chunk of time. Adam even got a free hug. It was all very Portland. That night we thought we’d cab to a restaurant we remembered as amazing from last time. We were greeted with a 45 minute wait, which was fine enough, especially since she told us to go hang out in their lounge until our table was ready. Would have been all good, but instead this restaurant decided to completely ruin our night by not serving us drinks because we didn’t have our passports with us. It’s all so ridiculous, considering we’re both almost THIRTY years old. We really should have just left but we had no transportation and no wifi to find something else in the area. It’s under a bridge in an industrial area too, so walking around didn’t feel like the best option. We still ended up having dinner there, but the server also wouldn’t serve us drinks. So we basically pouted our way through that meal and left as quickly as possible. Sorry, I know this isn’t yelp. My dinner rant is over. Thankfully, we were able to enjoy a to die for dessert and drink at Departure restaurant – no passports required! We should have just gone there in the first place, we’ll definitely be back to Departure soon to have dinner on their rooftop patio.
Somehow the last two times we were in Portland, we’d never ventured over to the bridge. We received so many recommendations on the East side, that we knew it’d be crazy not to drive over there. We spent half the day on Alberta Street. The first stop was Pine State Biscuits for an amazing and inexpensive breakfast. Adam is still talking about that biscuit. We walked around and enjoyed the scenery and quirky Portland moments. Salt and Straw ice cream was soooo worth waiting in line for. I ended up ordering the lavender honey, though I do wish we could have also had the coffee and bourbon flavour. We were just too full. How does Anthony Bourdain do it?!
We toured around Mississippi Street next and then over to Cascade Brewery for a drink on the patio. We enjoyed Oven and Shaker pizza for dinner and then opted for a late night VooDoo Doughnut visit – I pretty much haven’t eaten since lol.
Portland is just hands down one of our favourite cities. There’s so much to love, but one big observation we made this time was the people. They smile and say hello and strike up conversation, even with strangers. On the East side, everyone seemed to know each other and the sense of community was palpable. We also noticed that no one was buried in their phones. In fact, we hardly saw any phones at all. People were soaking up their time together and being present. It was beyond refreshing and even encouraged us to think twice before reaching for our own cellular devices. Something we’ll hopefully be able to continue doing here in Vancouver 🙂
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!
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.
!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘d27mzdfpkg2pgg.cloudfront.net’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’ && d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);
My alarm went off at 5:30 am on Saturday morning and I couldn’t help but laugh to myself. Considering that after the wedding I’d gone to bed at 2:30, it most certainly constituted more of a nap than beauty sleep. This was going to be a long day. When I landed in Palm Springs, I searched for my driver, trying to remember the instructions the car service had provided. Finally I saw an old man with a printed sign with my name on it. “Where ya been girl?” He says to me, as he adjusts his newsboy cap and motions us towards his vehicle. I go to open my door, “Let me guess, it’s locked?” he asks in annoyance. “I hate this damn car,” he mumbles as we begin driving. “Let me tell you, this drive is going to be HELL.” he informs me, “this damn Coachella. It’s RIDICULOUS. People everywhere, just an absolute disgrace.” He goes on and on about his hatrid for the festival before I finally reveal that it also happens to be the exact place I’m headed. “Oh,” he says after my confession, “Well, I’m certainly well past my Coachella Festival days.” Being that he was late 70’s and adorably grumpy, I would have to agree with that statement.
I was able to squeeze in one hour of pool time, which was exactly all I needed to get enough of a tan for my all white/blush outfit for the day. Thank you, skin! I was super pumped to wear the outfit I’d picked for my first day. For someone with my figure, it’s not often that I’m able to sport a crop top. I felt great in it though, because when paired with something high waisted (with an elastic waistband that flares away from the body – key) it ends up just showing the tiniest bit of skin. It’s important to feel sexy in your own way, especially in an environment where a lot of people are pretty much naked.
So, last year we’d taken taxis to and from the festival each day and we decided that bikes would be a better decision. And I say “we” as in the whole group thought this and I just went along with everyone. To be honest, I can’t remember the last time I was on a bicycle. We opened the garage to our 7 bicycles lined up in a very intimidating row and I hopped on mine. It’s true what they say that it all comes back to you, but it doesn’t necessarily happen right away. I was almost immediately at the back of our bike gang as I followed my friends on this supposedly short ride. The heat. The uncomfortable seat. My crop top. My stupid crop top. My burning legs. I bet my hair is being ruined by sweat in this helmet. Whyyy am I so out of shape? Then, we finally arrived at the first security checkpoint and I screw up. Somehow didn’t notice that I was in the guy’s lineup and was sent to the very back of the girl’s line. Most of the group waits. I walk my bike through the people, legs burning so much. I’m frustrated and tired and the day has barely even begun. We somehow lose everyone and Adam (such a patient man, God bless him) helps me lock up my bike so we can hustle our way through security point number two and to the first show.
So we hurry our way to Gobi to catch sultry female powerhouse, Banks. Who wouldn’t want to catch her do Waiting Game or This Is What It Feels Like? Actually, us. I looked at Adam after one slow, kind of quiet song and asked if he wanted to leave. Banks would be amazing at The Commodore Ballroom, not in 35 degrees and the first show of the day. After our ride in, I needed something to lift me up. Thankfully, Bombay Bicycle Club (I just realized the irony there) was at Mojave tent next door and we were able to easily get a spot. They put on a great set and we were happy that we caught them.
We’re a classy bunch and love buying overpriced cold pressed juices and adding vodka to them. It’s a real travesty to the cold pressed juice (I have a client who could be reading this and shaking his head) but makes you feel semi okay about what you’re ingesting. Nutrients and poison together in one bottle. Seems okay, right ;)? On our way over the side beer garden, we heard a bit of Chvrches and City and Colour who both sounded great. After some sunning though, we made our way back into the crowd to catch Kid Cudi. He wore a weird crop top and I didn’t know any songs he performed. I was cursing myself for not researching more Cudi before that moment. The wind started. We left early towards the middle beer garden. This is a trend you will sense for the rest of the day.
Our group meeting spot at the middle beer garden worked out and we were all finally reunited. Capital Cities was next up and after seeing them at Venue last year, I knew they’d put on an entertaining show. We drank some more, I had a slice of pizza, and we took a lot of selfies. We also belted out their rendition of Sinead’s Nothing Compares. It was a good set. This was also when the wind really started picking up.
Coachella Outfit Details //
Crop Top, Latest Scoop / similar
Floral Headband, Handmade by a friend / similar
Faux Leather Skirt, Club Monaco
Runners, Top Shop
Lilac Sunglasses, Forever 21
We made our way to Lorde. And it was beyond packed. Couldn’t see a thing. Heard Buzzcut Season and felt satisfied that I’d fulfilled my Lorde fix. We then, admittedly, completely wasted the next few hours. The wind was so intense and we’d wanted to watch Empire Of The Sun but the crowds were insane. I mean anxiety inducing, over sold, wasted, cold, tired people kind of crowds. We couldn’t move. We ended up sitting in another beer garden amongst garbage and abandoned glow sticks for an hour. To be honest, it kind of sucked. We tried our best to rectify the situation and make our way back to the middle beer garden for Pharrell and Muse. Instead, Adam and I approached the hoards of people attempting to funnel their way in and I backed away slowly shaking my head no. Claustraphobia to the max. We stayed outside the garden and I mustered up the last of my energy on Pharrell. So glad I did. Adam and I had a grand dance party to old school NERD, new Pharrell tunes, plus tons of cameos from Nelly, Snoop, Gwen Stefani, etc. We caught a bit of Muse and decided it was time to start biking home.
My lack of sleep caught up to me on the bike ride home. In my head, I broke our journey down into 5 phases and by the end of phase 3, I had to stop and refrain from breaking down into tears. My bottom hurt so bad. I was tired. It was cold. I was covered in dust. There was sand in my eyes. My feet ached. And we still had two more phases of biking to complete. After my pity party, we FINALLY pulled up to the condo. I had the most amazing hot shower of life. I hand washed my clothes. I forgot to pack loungewear and looked in Adam’s suitcase for some shorts and a tee and instead saw a Smirnoff Ice staring back at me. I broke the cardinal icing rule and ignored it. There was just no way that I was going to chug a Smirnoff Ice at 2 am after all that. It was, you might say, just the icing on top of the entire day.
We have many regrets about Saturday but there were just so many factors working against us. We stayed as upbeat as we could and even though I seem to have many complaints about Saturday, it really was okay enough. I laugh now when I think back and I mean for the most part we had fun. My Sunday recap is coming up soon and it was a very successful Coachella day, I promise!
!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘d27mzdfpkg2pgg.cloudfront.net’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’ && d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);
Blouse, 8th & Main
Shorts, Joe Fresh / similar
Jacket, Top Shop / similar
Earrings, LOFT
Sandals, Joe Fresh
Arm Party, J.Crew
Watch, MARC by Marc Jacobs
Nothing says the first day of Spring like nautical. NOTHING. Except maybe pastels. And cherry blossoms. And probably Easter. But really, standing by the pool in Florida in navy stripes and a red jacket is for suuuure a decent representation. Despite being a little grainy, I’m glad Alex and I were able to snap a couple pics that night. The purple sky was spectacular.
Soooo it turns out that I get two weeks off teaching dance (yes, I’m also a dance teacher once a week because I take the phrase “wears many hats” very literally) for spring break. This left us with an open weekend and a need to travel. We’re heading to Portland after work tomorrow because it is one of our favourite cities and because its been three years since our last visit. So be sure to follow along on insta @aliciafashionista #AFxPortland and @themadadub. I’ll warn you in advance though, that there will be photos of delicious Stumptown Coffee and Voodoo Doughnuts. Just saying.
Turn on your JavaScript to view content
