This post was sponsored by Dove, Nexxus, TRESemmé and Shoppers Drug Mart. The opinions expressed herein are my own, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dove, Nexxus, TRESemmé and Shoppers Drug Mart
Can you even believe that it’s already time to talk holiday hair?! November means that party season is JUST around the corner and amongst all the gift buying, my to-do list for the next few months includes sourcing the right outfits and hairstyles to look and feel my best. I absolutely love this time of year, don’t you?
I narrowed down a few favourite Shoppers Drug Mart hair products below and even put them to the test for photo ready holiday hair. Be sure to read on to see how it all turned out!
Our last night in Cinque Terre, we suddenly realized there was a gaping hole in our plans. Our train to Naples was booked, but Adam had suggested we try to navigate the bus system to get to Positano. I looked at our luggage and envisioned us on the wrong bus, trying to speak Italian, exhausted and in the darkness of night. Thankfully, I contacted a shuttle service (literally think it was just called Positano Shuttle Bus) and they let us book just 24 hours before. So, the next day, we waited at the La Spezia station for our longest rail ride yet. It was a 7 hour journey to Naples and then the shuttle ride to our accommodation in Positano. Things got off to a tough start when our train was 45 minutes delayed, with no way of getting in touch with our shuttle driver. When we boarded, it was, of course, the first and only time that someone was sitting in our assigned seats. I nervously sat in other seats, probably staring at the man at our table, wishing we could just settle in our reserved spot (and too nervous to confront him, obviously). Luckily, he left about halfway through the trip and I was able to nap in peace. When we finally got to Napoli, we were crossing our fingers that the driver saw that our train was delayed and that he’d waited – thankfully, he was right there and happy to see us. We followed him out to the van, and I looked around, feeling extra thankful that we’d booked this inexpensive and convenient transportation. A short drive later, he parked at the Naples airport and mumbled something to us. “Did he just tell us to follow him into the airport?” I asked Adam. “I think he did,” he replied, as our driver opened the sliding door and motioned for us to leave the van. Giggling in confusion, we trailed behind him to the arrivals area where he instructed us to ‘wait here’ like we were his kids. He came back a few minutes later with 5 more people and we all awkwardly made our way back to the shuttle van. Adam and I moved to the rear of the van, which was courteous, but not ideal for my car sickness. Anyway, the drive ended up being a little longer because each group was being dropped off in a different spot, and Positano was last, but my goodness, what a delight it was to have a car service to and from Positano. A much better option than bus transfers and heavy luggage.
The next morning, we woke up in what felt like a different world. Perched on a hillside, Positano is an absolutely stunning spot on the Amalfi Coast. As I mentioned in the last post, we had an incredibly relaxing and romantic week there. We lived a simpler life, drinking good wine, eating good food, and enjoying/feeling grateful for those surreal views. Though we didn’t do a whole lot of exploring, I have tons of dinner recommendations outlined below, as well as a fun video of our travels!
It’s so interesting how things photograph versus what they look like in real life. This blouse is actually a bit sheer (in a classy way, mmkay) and has beautiful movement. Which, unfortunately, just doesn’t exactly translate in pictures, but it’s all good. Now you know. I purchased this one on sale from ASOS last month and absolutely love the dramatic high neck and feminine floral embroidery. I also appreciate a button up blouse that can actually stay closed, that is a rarity in my world. Can’t wait to re-wear this and style it up again soon!
I don’t know what the heck has come over me this year, but I’ve somehow already switched into Christmas mode. It is both irritating and awesome all at the same time. I’m currently singing along to Christmas music, have completed my gift list and even watched half of Elf the other day. This is truly a record early start for my holiday spirit, I’m using all my will power not to decorate the place this week (Adam says I must wait until this weekend, which I’m sure I can do…). I just don’t want the holidays to pass me by in a stressful blur, you know? I’m normally that person staying up until 2 am on Christmas Eve wrapping all my gifts. Not this time! I’d rather have time to do some baking and crafting and have all the shopping done. And I’m like 75 years old at heart, so this is probably going to be the best holiday season ever!
I used to read constantly. I remember powering through tons and tons of book a year and priding myself on reaching at least 10 completed books each summer through the children’s reading program at our local library. Then, school happened and reading was often required, which, thanks to my stubbornness, kind of took half the fun out of it. Don’t get me wrong, I was able to discover some childhood favourites like The Giver, White Oleander, and The Sky Is Falling. But, life got busier and busier and I let my bookworm side disappear almost completely for a time. Then, I met Adam, who is a major reader (every day, probably burns through one to two books a week, depending on the book, of course), and helped sparked my love for reading all over again. It’s so beautiful to step away from real life (and screens, tbh), to get lost in a really good book.
I’m always looking for something new and wonderful to read, and love trading books with my girlfriends. After Alex and I added some new chapters.indigo.ca decor pieces to get our shared studio/office ready for fall and winter, we got to talking and came up with the idea to start an online book club! How freaking cool is it that we could all read the same book and discuss our thoughts, but on opposite ends of the earth? I think that’s pretty rad!
So, we decided to start #areallygoodbookclub, because I think it’ll be fun and you’re all pretty awesome! If you’re interested, join us on Twitter Thursday, November 24th at 8 PM pst for the first #areallygoodbookclub discussion. To begin, we randomly picked a read from the Indigo Chapters fall selection, Jodi Picoult ‘Small Great Things’. I’ve never read Jodi, but hoping that I like her writing style. If not, I suppose you’ll be hearing all about that on the 24th!
Oh, and if you’re in Vancouver, we have TWO extra copies of the book to give away, so leave a comment below or message us if you want to come pick the books up from our Gastown office (first come, first serve basis). Details, including links to purchase these adorable decor pieces are below!
Fall. Sweet, sweet November. I really wanted to feel the seasons this year instead of letting them pass me by. When it seems as though you’ve blinked and tree branches are bare before you’ve had the chance to walk, pumpkin spice latte in hand, enjoying that glorious crunch of leaves beneath your feet, gently breathing in that crisp Autumn air. My daily outings with Reg have greatly helped me achieve this. I’ve been in the moment, at least for our hour together, soaking up the beauty of our familiar surroundings. Even though we’ve had record amounts of rain this month, I don’t feel robbed of this season (though, it has been less leaf crunching and more of a slippery, mushy leaf floor). Last night, I put a record on, lit a bunch of candles, and had a big glass of red wine. I said my goodbyes to October by cleaning out the fridge and organizing the pantry, because what else would I be doing in a trick-or-treater-less apartment on Halloween with a dog that’s absolutely terrified of firecrackers/works? It was like a smoking, movie set war zone out there, poor guy has been on edge for an entire week. And hey, today the kitchen is spotless!
This particular November, I will be turning 30. It’s something that feels somewhat final, as I’ve felt so much security in my twenties. Just another big shift, which has been a reoccurring theme in my life the last few years. I’m feeling optimistic for this next decade, but already nostalgic for my twenties. It’s almost a slight identity crisis. No longer a twenty-something, what will my thirties be all about? I mean, I’m the kind of person who looks up the ending to a movie I’m watching to see if everyone ends up okay. If only I could do that for real life too! As for the big 30th bash, I’m seconds away from booking myself a ticket to New York instead of throwing a big party here. Wouldn’t that be epic, waking up in NYC on your 30th birthday? Sounds pretty darn romantic to me!
For those of you asking, this wrap coat that I got from ASOS (which has since sold out) is still available on the New Look website! Plus, it’s available in a variety of colours. I got mine in a UK 14 and it’s true to size (I’m normally a North American size 10, which is the equivalent). Really happy that I found the New Look Light Brown Belted Longline Coat! I love the neutral but standout colour, the longer length (I’m only 5’4 and 1/2, but it absolutely works), and you can’t beat the price! Shop the rest of the look below:
I was so optimistic about travel blogging. I thought it’d be such a simple new and exciting chapter to seamlessly add to aliciafashionista.com. After a vow to myself to see new places as much as possible for the next few years, I have done just that for the last 365 days. The trouble being that I was slightly ambitious, as per usual. Adding “weekly” videos (in quotes because that most certainly has not happened yet), more lifestyle content, and an ongoing travel component has made it tough to keep up with things. Add in the time on the road and all the catching up required when you’re back, and I basically set myself up for travel blog disappointment.
The other night, the Contiki Canada team was kind enough to invite me to a little event to launch their newest travel packages. Not only did I have the loveliest interactions with the Contiki team, but I left there completely inspired. Just show me a 2 minute video about living life to the fullest and I’m already itching to go home and book flights somewhere. It was exactly what I needed. The time has come for me to catch up and fully commit to following my travel blog dreams. So, let’s pick up where we left off. Our honeymoon in Italy last year.
The most appealing thing about the minimalist fashion trend is investing in the basics and actually getting tons of wear out of them. This white tee was an impulse purchase while I was on a styling job. I was overheated in the long sleeve sweater I’d worn there, and decided to keep one of the pieces I’d used for the shoot. I’ve worn and re-worn it like crazy and it goes with everything! That slouchy side-tuck looks extra chic with a pair of high waisted trousers or a pencil skirt. It makes for the ideal workday look when dressed up with a blazer or a cardigan, depending on the dress code. I opted for a longer cardi because I never wear mine and wanted to prove that it could be done. I think it adds a nice longer line that compliments the sloped line of the tee/pencil skirt. After the clothing sale this weekend, I’m thinking I’ll use my rolling rack to try out this whole capsule closet thing. I really do love the idea of picking only a small amount of clothing to choose from, but still having access to an entire wardrobe. Have you ever tried it?
**UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to cancel Sunday’s sale. We want to thank everyone who stopped by on Saturday and for those who showed so much interest. We’ll be selling the remainder of items online with local pickup. I’m SO sorry for any inconvenience!
Since we’ve been doing a big apartment refresh, I’ve been purging a TON of items. I’ve had massive amounts of gently or unworn clothing, shoes, and accessories just piling up, ready to find a new home! The good news? THIS weekend, October 29th and 30th, I’ll be selling these items along with a ton of other local lovelies, so there will be an array of styles and sizes available. The two day clothing sale is hosted by darlings Tegan and Lindsay of Treasures & Travels, and held at their Gastown studio. Details are below, hope to see you there!
Also, we’ll be donating a portion of all the sales to Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, so if you’d like to bring any donations, they have a list on their website of needs here.
At a certain point in the last few years, comfort became key. Trends have played a part in this, with looks like athleisure, casual footwear, and oversized tops/dresses being in style. Another factor is that I no longer have to dress up for an office setting. The problem with all of this, is that, like most things in life, I managed to take things to an extreme. Somewhere along the way, I’ve lost both my motivation to dress up, and, well, my figure!
My new mission is to find once again find a balance between casual cozy and an elevated look. There has to be a way to blend my dressier style with a balanced comfort, right? With a new season, comes new inspiration and this look is a step in the right direction. This badass new Western belt from ASOS with some high waisted jeans gave me the ability to *shocked face emoji* find my waistline again! Loved matching this all black ensemble with this New Look belted coat that was only $80 CAD from ASOS. Can already tell that I’ll be re-wearing both of these a ton! Anyway, I feel like I wanted to say this out loud so that you guys can help keep me accountable. If it’s all giant sweaters and leggings in a row, maybe remind me of this post so that I can step my game up again. Cool? Cool! Knew I could count on you all 🙂
