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Alicia

Travel

Sex & The City Tour Giveaway

May 21, 2010
SATC Giveaway NEW

TGIF…I am so happy to announce my very first blog giveaway. In honour of the SATC 2 movie coming out next week, I am giving away two tickets to the New York Sex & The City Hotspots Tour, which is an $84 USD value! The tickets never expire so you can use them any time you find yourself in NYC (which happens surprisingly often, trust me). I have actually been on this tour twice myself and it is soooo much fun, I highly recommend it!

Some of the Tour Highlights Include:

Shop at the store where Charlotte bought her “Rabbit”
Stop at “Scout,” the bar owned by Aidan
Enjoy cupcakes like Carrie and Miranda
Go on location to the art gallery in SoHo where Charlotte worked
Shop at the hottest boutiques & stores in Greenwich Village
Visit Buddakan, site of Carrie and Big’s wedding rehearsal dinner
See new locations from Sex and the City: the Movie

To Enter, simply leave a comment with your email address and which Sex & The City character you think you are most like. For example, I am very much a Carrie. The contest ends Friday May.28th at 10 pm, when the winner will be picked at random and contacted by email.

Good Luck 🙂
Life

oh to see it with my own eyes

May 17, 2010
Here it is, the beginning of Aliciafahionista Photography.

Yesterday I thought I’d test out a Flickr account to decide whether or not it was worth it. I love the larger size of photos and the faster upload. Blogger, how you’ve caused me so much grief trying to upload pictures over the years! I haven’t even begun to try and figure out camera settings but I was fooling around with the cam this weekend.

This is Abel looking adoringly at food. Abel is always hungry…Abel loves food

Abel sees some food!

Austin feels the same way about food, especially cheese. He loves cheese!
"what's this?"

Saturday was a delight because I had a long awaited hang out with my cousin Melissa. She offered to come out my way, but I know she drives out to Vancouver all the time to see Mike so I told her I’d come out to see her instead. It worked out perfectly because we spent the evening in White Rock and watched the sun go down!

Had to do outfit pics by the tree. In case you care, this is what we wore:
hands in pockets

looking away

I am loving Melissa’s trench from The Gap! I’m adding it to my must-haves.love The Gap trench!

Going to White Rock without getting ice cream is a CRIME! This was Mel’s photo idea and it turned out so well. A little bit of a vintage feel.
ice cream is essential

We were both carrying too much on our walk, it was such a process every time one of us took a picture. Total girls about it!
girls...we juggle so much!

sun setting

cousins in White Rock

Hopefully you all love the new picture quality! I think I’ll just pay for the Flickr, what’s another $30 on the credit card?

Local Natives-Wide Eyes

Life Vancouver

A piece of BC History

May 11, 2010
Growing up I always felt left out because my friends had grandparents who were super young and lively. When I was born in ’86, only my Nana was left. It was a tough time for my parents, my dad lost both of his only a few years apart and my mom lost her father while she was pregnant with me. Though my grandma was alive, a big part of her died with my grandpa and the 20ish years that I knew her was basically her downfall. Nana was always old and frail. She slowly gave up all her interests, first it was baking, then sewing, then knitting, then gardening, and soon she did nothing but crosswords and watch Jeopardy. It’s very sad when you think about it, but she once told me that I kept her alive for all those years, which obviously meant a lot.
It’s unfortunate that I didn’t live the way that my friends did with their young grandparents, but if anything I think it makes me far more curious about who my grandparents were.

This is when my grandparents had just arrived in Vancouver (I think 1947?) Apparently a lot of people have this same photo because someone was taking and selling street photographs.

The day Jim Knight and Joan Lancaster became Mr and Mrs Knight

I love this picnic photo!

Nana in the snow, I believe somewhere in Northern BC

Ahh yes, the terrifying bear rug. My grandpa donated it to a museum and my mom swears she saw it once in Chilliwack

Proud parents in Kamloops 1951 with their first son, Vince

Another photo that I adore

Valleyview, 1951

The legend is that they were so isolated in Kamloops, that Vince started to bark before he started to talk, since his only friend was a dog.
Thought this BC sign was super cool!

A work party in Evelyn, B.C.

Grandpa’s Business in Kamloops

The PNE
Mom and Ron in Kelown 1961. The Ogopogo looks a little bit dated 😛
Their house in Surrey, BC. Look at their car…obsessed!

Otis Redding-These Arms Of Mine

Studio Style

my nine to five

May 6, 2010
I don’t normally talk about it here on le blog, but today I feel like sharing with you some aspects of what I do for work (well one of my jobs anyways). I work for a local clothing company as their “junior stylist”. Hardly junior, I have now been employed with the company for five years, and working in the design department for three years as of June. Since it’s a small company, I get a ton of hands on experience in marketing such as press releases, their twitter account, and if I’m lucky…advertisements! I also put together the style books of the company’s designs each season, create all trends and product knowledge projects, and make all their in-store signage.

My favourite part of the job lately has been the styling. Up until a few months ago I had to choose outfits, dress them on a mannequin, photograph them, and post them to the web. This was fun at first, but after a while you realize that dressing a mannequin is an absolute pain. After years of asking for it, I was finally allowed to search for my own real live model and if she passed the test shoot then they’d consider using her for all website photos.

It was easier than I imagined finding someone, since I simply used my social network to post an ad and got quite a great response. We ended up hiring Erin, who is not only gorgeous and super enthusiastic, but she also loves fashion and is very stylish herself!
Here is a small sample of some of the photos we’ve done so far…

She looks so stunning in this Max & Cleo dress!

I’m definitely getting these white earrings…

I have this dress in pink…love!
Does this dress look familiar? It’s just like the white one Sarah Jessica Parker wears in the ads for the new Sex and the City movie!
I can’t decide whether I need this blouse or not, and I really want this skirt but do I really NEED another skirt?

I have to get this top…it’s only $35!

I have this boyfriend blazer too in grey haha wow I have a shopping problem!

I think this is one of the prettiest pictures of Erin so far!
I love the lime green and papaya colour combo, the necklace was Erin’s idea.
This look always makes me wish I was on a beach somewhere!

There are tons more photos here.

Completely unrelated to my work, I have to say congratulations to my best friend who was hired today for an amazing job and is finally starting her career/path to fame and fortune. After the “alleged” Olympic incident this year (a whole other story) and obviously for her hard work and talent, she totally deserves a break like this! Heart

Relationships Style

my heart is beating & so i’m free

April 27, 2010
It was exactly 3 years ago yesterday that I was on a date with Prince Charming (you can read about how we met here).
I’m lame and wrote this on his card…

Ha. Ha.
Adam actually drew me another picture and wrote on the back, which is amazing because he’s not one to write down his feelings. The card was really cute, something about how 3 years ago he was just a boy excited to call a girl and then ended it by saying he’s still just a boy excited to call a girl 🙂

We agreed on watches as a gift exchange and OMG he got me the most amazing Marc Jacobs watch! I seriously couldn’t have picked out anything better myself! He also really liked the Nixon watch a got him…phewf!
I obviously wanted to look nice for our anniversary, but I’m having such a hard time dressing for this weather. It seems too far into Spring to wear tights, but it sure feels early to have bare legs! Oh well, I went for it and rocked a skirt sans tights.
I tried to imitate the hair that Marlee did last week.
Fail.

The deets on the skirt..airplanes!

Striped Tank Top from Next (England)//Printed Ruffle Detail Skirt from Anthropologie//Vintage Blazer//F21 Accessories//Aldo Shoes

Adam had a $50 GC to the Italian Kitchen so we decided to celebrate there. It worked out perfectly because they gave us a cute table for two by the window. Food was delish but I had one glass too many of the wine. Although, that makes 3 years in a row we’ve been tipsy on our anniversary…so it’s tradition.

Thanks for a lovely weekend Adam and three fantastical years together (aww).

Inara George-Fools Work

Style

i feel the rain coming down…it reminds me of who i used to be

April 24, 2010
Danielle and I did a photo shoot outside, but weather conditions were less than ideal. I really wanted to show off my new Zara trousers. Ha, I just wanted to call them trousers because that’s what the website said and I thought it was cute. I went to Zara to return the shoes I bought a while ago and desperately tried to make fit, but apparently my feet didn’t shrink this month. I somehow didn’t make it into the store within the 30 days they give you to return items…of course. The sales girls in retail terms “made an exception” for me. They wouldn’t give me money back or a store credit though, I had to get something of equal or more value.

Of course these pants came up $5 short of the target price, so they sent me searching for something more. Basically, instead of getting money back like I’d originally planned, I left $30 poorer. Figures.
Green Slub Tee & Tan Belt with Gold Studs both from Plum//Pants from Zara//Necklace from Forever21//Shoes from Nine West
Just have to be careful about how you stand in these pants or else you get the illusion of parts that I obviously don’t have (sorry if you’re turned off Adam hahaha)

I got a really great (and slightly embarrassing…in a good way) surprise at work today. Someone buzzed the office because he had flowers for Alicia. I was confused and forgot there was any special occasion coming up and got totally red in the face about the whole thing. The guy handed me a beautiful bouquet with a card that read Three Years! Love, Adam.

Thanks Adam, can’t wait to do an unnecessarily mushy post about our 3 years together 😉

Brandi Carlile-Follow

Relationships

10 spring date ideas

April 22, 2010
photo from weheartit.com

I’m feeling super in love today because it’s sunny and it’s our 3 Year Anniversary this Saturday (ahh please don’t run away Adam :P) So when Tieka did a post about Spring Date Ideas I was impressed and greatly inspired. How on earth, had I never thought to do a post about date ideas??? Everyone needs date ideas. Those in relationships need date ideas to spice up their dates and break out from routines. Those who are single need a rolodex of date ideas in case the opportunity arises. Ugh, the worst when the guy gets you to pick the second date’s activities and you can’t seem to think of ANYTHING fun. Also, those of you who could care less about relationships could use these ideas with friends. It doesn’t have to be romantic…just no making out!

Here are 10 of my favourite Spring Date Ideas…

1. Drive-In Movie

To tie in my love for everything vintage these days, I was thinking it would be adorable if you both dressed up from a different era and went to a drive in movie. You could even go to a diner before hand for dinner and milkshakes! It’s ideal if you can somehow get your hands on a pickup truck because snuggling with blankets under the stars is so romantical!
For Vancouverites, our only drive in theatre is in Langley at 260th & Fraser Highway. Admission is $12.

2. Pull an All-Nighter

I did this once with my friend’s youth group (yes, I said it) and it was super fun. You can pre-plan a bunch of activities at places that are open all night like bowling, arcades, etc. It would also be fun to go get food in the middle of the night and it doesn’t necessarily have to be something like Denny’s. For those of you who are local you could try The Naam in Kits! I’ve rarely done it because I’m never up early enough, but you could also plan it out so that your date ends in the perfect spot to watch the sun rise.

3. Hike & Picnic

This is so classic, yet I don’t think I’ve ever done this on a date. If you live in the Lower Mainland you have a ton of scenic hikes to choose from for anyone from amateurs to experienced hikers. I found a list of trails here.
Packing a picnic lunch is so cute and this date is so awesome because it incorporates exercise and being active!

4. A Photo Walk Together

This date is very simple and has the potential to be completely free. To begin, both people pick a location that they feel would be great for photo taking. You can have any criteria, depending on whether you like nature shots, fashion photography, city shots, etc. You then travel to each location and take photos together. It may sound boring, but it’s actually really fun to be creative and try to spot creative photo opportunities.

5. The Zoo/Aquarium

I don’t know why humans are still so fascinated with seeing animals and fish moving around in cages, but we are. So a trip to your local zoo or aquarium is actually a really fun date. For those of you here, the Greater Vancouver Zoo is $20 and the Vancouver Aquarium is $22. If you’re broke like I am, I’d suggest packing your lunch!

6. Be a Tourist in Your Town

Perhaps you’ve lived in the same town your whole life, or maybe you are just getting to know the area you currently live in. Either way, it’s always a fun idea to go do something super touristy in your own town. For Vancouverites, something like Capilano Suspension Bridge or UBC Botanical Gardens works.

7. Have a Laugh

I am a firm believer that laughter keeps relationships alive, so take a moment to share something funny together. Comedy Clubs are a great way to do this. One of my favourite places for a good chuckle is the Improv Theatre on Granville Island, which you could incorporate with a nice dinner beforehand. You could also go see a funny play, or a funny movie depending on what is playing at the time.

8. Camp Out

Remember when you were a kid and camping was the most exciting event EVER? Why not have a camp out for two?! You could pack everything up and head out to a nearby campground or you could even set up the tent in your own backyard! It’s obviously ideal if you can have a fire because roasting s’mores and hot dogs (for those of you who eat meat) is a blast! If you’re not as poor as I am, you could do a date like this in luxury by going on a weekend trip to a cabin or B&B. The islands on the Sunshine Coast are a beautiful spot for those trips.

9. Cook an Entire Meal Together

Most of us love food and many of us don’t take the time to cook an entire meal for dinner. My idea is to choose some recipes and make a whole meal together. Appetizer, Main Course (meat, potatoes, veggies) and dessert. This will take a ton of time, but the results will be deliciously gratifying. If you’re a couple that lives together and always make meals together you could put a twist on this and try a new recipe, take a cooking class together, or perhaps make your own alcoholic drinks for the night!

10. Step Outside Of the Box

Many people stick to routines and rarely take a moment to step outside of the box. Doing an activity that you have never tried before that maybe even scares you, will create a special bond with those you share it with. I’m of course thinking of things like bungee jumping in Whistler or getting tattoos, but it doesn’t have to be so extreme. It could be as simple as trying a new type of food or going rollerblading (because some of us are scared of standing on wheels.)

All of these dates are just starting points to get you guys going on a fabulous day or night out together. I just hope I can get you out on a fun adventure xx

Beauty Style

& if you smell those omens man///i think you better run

April 21, 2010
I just decided to sort through all the papers all over my room (literally all over…in bags, in boxes, on desks, in purses, etc.) to get a head start on this whole packing up my life and moving thing. As I was sorting/reading some Christmas cards, I happened to stumble upon a $50 bill which I laughed about out loud for a good two minutes in disbelief. As I’m still stewing in the glory of finding 50 bucks out of the blue, I opened the next card to find a $20 bill. The lesson here kids, is if you’re as messy as I am with your filing, you may just find $70 in old Christmas cards….it’s true!

I would like to take a moment to introduce you to my new cupcake ring. This little gem caught my eye while shopping with Melissa at Barefoot Contessa on Commercial Drive. The entire line is based on an Alice in Wonderland theme, which was so cute I could barely choose just one! I think the packaging is what lured me in…

We also need to talk about the hair genius that is Miss Marlee. This girl is all “oh hey, why don’t you just come in for a haircut on Sunday?” and then transforms my mufasa mane into the most amazing hair cut/style I’ve ever received.
The best part? It cost me $10.
Yep, if you go to JC Studios in Gastown you can get a cut & style from a student for only $10! They are all so talented, it’s such a steal!

I took my gorgeous new hair out for a spin…err a walk around Gastown and some of the seawall.

Randomly chose Kasabian’s 2004 album as my “city walk soundtrack”…perfection!

Don’t even pretend that you don’t like the ghetto trash bin/abandoned bbq in the background…

Adam and I had some eats and jazz at The Main on Main Street…yum!

Randomly the ‘E’ on my keyboard is stuck today…this is not good. It’s already driving me bonkers! How do I fix?

Kasabian-Cutt Off

PS As far as I know, I have 6 people signed up from my post challenging you to become a registered organ donor. I’m so proud of all of you, keep it up peeps and tweeps 🙂