doctor's note

hat from urban outfitters // skirt from h&m (old) // the black keys concert tee // dolce vita ankle boots // joe fresh polish // mat & nat clutch // beaded wrap bracelet from plum

okay, i don't actually have a doctor's note to give you.  just wanted to say ahhhhh!  this month has been quite an adventure.  i was forced to take an unplanned break from blogging due to a crazy schedule of travel, new client work, and unfortunately sick days.  the only positive thing about being sick though (and let's not get all worried, i'm totally fine now) is that i always get dolled up as soon as i'm feeling better!  my days in pjs allowed me time to put new outfits together and get excited about something as simple as styling my hair and putting some make up on.

so, thanks for your patience friends.  i look forward to getting back to our regular scheduled programming.  happy long weekend xo

{styling} vintage daydreams

Photography: Andrea Gurniak
Make Up/Hair: Sarah Samra
Styling: Alicia Quan
Model: Shannon Stewart

thoughts on new york style

dress from pixie market - purchase it here // leopard print belt from plum // house of harlow key ring // structured brown bag from front and company // adam's nixon watch // black dolce vita ankle boots // necklace from jessica decarlo jewelry

packing for new york was no easy task.  factoring in walking for 10 hours a day, as well as extreme heat and humidity really threw a wrench into my usual outfit planning.  i found myself envying those in new york who were wearing make up in the day, shoes with any sort of heel on them, and layers.  how, i still wonder, does one wear more than the bare minimum in 35 degree weather?  i mean really, even with ac...that is impressive!

but what really stuck with me when it came to new york street style, was how much of it there was.  growing up casual west coast, i'm not accustomed to so many stylish people in one city.  don't get me wrong, vancouver has come leaps and bounds in the last few years, but we are still a very casual culture.  if i wear heels in the day, a hat, or something deemed as "out there" i get the major stares.  and i don't think it's right that i'm the odd man out because i'm not wearing jeans and a tee.  there were so many people in nyc rocking awesome personal style that adam and i left our vacation completely inspired; motivated to stay true to who we are and what we want to wear.  i often succumb to the pressure of fitting into the vancouver scene, but after our travels i say bring on the side eye looks!  i think that there's something incredibly special about seeing someone with a look that is very true to them.  and we all know that when you look good, you feel good!

how about you?  what's the street style like in your hometown? 

{NYC 3} Brooklyn: Bridge // Flea // Willamsburg

This was my favourite day!  Hopped on the 6 to the Brooklyn Bridge, so we could both experience our first walk across it.  This was also the first day I brought my 35 mm 1.8 lens along with us and it sure saved the day.  The views from the Brooklyn Bridge are stunning and we went photo crazy.  Once in Brooklyn, we explored around DUMBO for a bit and grabbed a small bite.  Took a cab over to Lafayette and Vanderbilt aka the Saturday Brooklyn Flea.  Cannot say enough great things about this flea market!  So much amazing junk, art, treasures, handmade pieces, and local food vendors.  We spent a few hours soaking it all in, taking shade and Popsicle breaks when necessary.   I also bought a beautiful necklace from Jessica DeCarlo Jewelry, which I'll be showing you very soon.

We then cabbed over to Williamsburg and spent the day shopping and sitting at McCarren Park watching a squirrel hang upside down, two overlapping baseball games, and general BK life.  We had happy hour drinks and the most deeelicious meal at Allswell on Bedford Ave.  They change their menu daily, which means you're getting a fresh, local meal.  Highlights were the spicy fried chick peas and vegetarian flatbread.  Their patio is small, but definitely worth trying to score a spot on.  Easily took the L train back home to refresh and have some late night drinks.  It was a Saturday night on vacation after all!

{Day 3 BROOKLYN Recommendations}

HOW TO GET THERE: Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is a must.  The L Train is also super easy/speedy.

WHERE TO SHOP: I have a soft spot in my heart for Flea Markets, so I very much recommend paying the Brooklyn Flea a visit.  Also worth seeing is Beacon’s Closet for their great treasures.  Bought a shirt from an awesome vintage store that I cannot remember the name of.  Will look into this and get back to you.

WHERE TO EAT + DRINK: People’s Pops Popsicles.  Coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee .  Dinner and drinks at ALLSWELL on Bedford Ave.  Ended the night back in NYC with drinks at the Ace Hotel Lobby Bar, which was always full of cool people.  We shared some great convo over 90's R&B jams.  The BEST!

{NYC 1+2} The Ace Hotel // Midtown Sights // West Village // SoHo

It really was the city that never sleeps on our first day in NYC.  Neither of us caught a wink of it on our red eye flight, and arrived at our hotel at 9 am.  We had many hours to pass until our room was ready, which we spent experiencing all the necessary tourist attractions.  After 28 hours of awakeness, our room at The Ace was ready and we were able to check in.  We were welcomed by an incredibly (by New York standards) spacious flat.  Decorated in a dark, simple bachelor pad meets art deco inspired space with the most amazing views of The Empire State Building!  We had a quick power nap, refreshed, and went back out to walk and explore the city at night.  Such an amazing first day!

{Day 1 NYC Recommendations}

HOW TO GET THERE: My favourite YVR to JFK flight is the oh-so-smooth Cathay Pacific red eye.
WHERE TO STAY: The Ace Hotel @ 29th and Broadway.

WHERE TO EAT + DRINK: Overpriced but super hip brunch at The Breslin.  Iced coffees at Stumptown.  Mexican dinner at Dos Caminos.  Sit on the patio and enjoy their margaritas, fresh guacamole, and delicious tacos!
WHAT TO DO: Must-see tourist attractions like Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Empire State Building, and the Flatiron Building.  The Night-life in the Meat Packing District.  We happened to catch an outdoor salsa party before dinner.

Having completed some very touristy things the day before, we set off to discover more neighbourhoods instead.  Starting in Union Square, we made our way through shops (mostly for AC relief) until we hit Washington Square Park for a water and people watch in the shade.  Kept exploring through the West Village, where I found Carrie Bradshaw's doorstep and Magnolia cupcakes.  Made our way down to SoHo from there, where we did more shopping at an insane sample sale and even witnessed a real NYC traffic jam!  Followed by few afternoon drinks and appies from Delicatessen.  I definitely had a touch of heatstroke on this day, ended up napping and then we went for a late sushi dinner in Korea Town.  Ended the day with hot fudge sundaes from McDonald's and found a giant outdoor screen and seating showing the Olympics while on the walk home.  Sat for a while and enjoyed our ice cream and some Olympic events.  Another great NYC discovery.

{Day 2 NYC Recommendations}

WHERE TO WALK: Start at Union Square and walk Broadway until you hit the NYU buildings.  Make your way over to Washington Square Park and then back up through West Village.  Then down to SoHo for shopping and celeb sightings.

WHERE TO EAT + DRINK: Cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery in the West Village. Coffee from Dean and Deluca in SoHo.  Drinks and appies at Delicatessen in SoHo.
WHERE TO SHOP: The Strand bookstore is all kinds of amazing.  DSW in Union Square is no place for a shoe addict.  Great boutiques and shops along the way in the West Village.  SoHo has lots of shopping.  Big names such as Madewell, TopShop, Aritiza, J. Crew, Scotch & Soda, as well as lots of awesome little boutiques.