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Alicia

Style

4 Fall Layering Combos To Recreate Now

October 17, 2016

layering outfit ideas, how to layer a blazer women, alicia fashionista, pinterest outfit ideas

Layering.  This is just one of many reasons why I freaking love autumn.  All the possible combinations of stacking your favourite clothing pieces on top of each other while still trying to maintain a relatively flattering silhouette.  So much cozy styling fun!  Since I’ve been cooped up at home and Pinning all day long, I saved some inspiration from my Simple + Chic // Outfits To Recreate board.  This is my favourite way to bookmark looks that I want to wear at some point and can be quite a saviour in those “what the heck am I going to wear?!” moments!  Are we following each other on Pinterest?  If not, we should be!

Below are a few unique ways to layer pieces that you might even already have in your closet!  I’m definitely going to be giving these a try this season.

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Style

Oh, Mickey

October 13, 2016

alicia fashionista, disney style outfits, casual curvy outfits, vancouver street style

The first big fall storm is rolling into town and I am kind of looking forward to curling up and listening to the wind and rain outside.  We’re apparently to get three different storms, which is thanks to the remnants of a cyclone or something dramatic.  Sounds pretty darn cozy to me!

I still have to get my winter coats out of storage at my parent’s house (I may or may not use my childhood bedroom as a free storage locker – sorry mom!) so I’m crossing my fingers that temperatures don’t dip TOO much.  Speaking of items in storage, I’ve finalized a date for that clothing sale I mentioned, so if you’re in Vancouver, pencil in some shopping for October 29th/30th!  It’ll be in Gastown and there will be a few of us selling our gently loved items, so there’s be tons of size range and selection.  More details soon!

For now, you can shop the look below:

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Beauty Life

Test The Water

October 12, 2016

simple skincare, best makeup remover wipes, alicia fashionista, canadian beauty blogger

Have I ever told you the story of how I discovered Simple Skincare?  I was in a local drug store on a mission for a new face moisturizer.  The only person in the cosmetics department was there in association with quite a high end makeup brand and when I posed the question, she, of course, showed me what that particular company had to offer.  I looked down at the price tag and decided to just be blunt.  “Do you have anything that’s kind to skin, but at a lower price point?” I asked her.  She smiled kindly and guided me to a green and white display an aisle over.  “I’d recommend Simple Skincare,” she said, scanning the rest of the shelf, “and…that’s pretty much it.” she concluded.

For her to have such a high opinion of the brand gave me a ton of confidence in my purchase and to this day, their face moisturizer is what I use daily.  Their products seem to really work well with my skin because I also use their cleansing wipes to remove my makeup everyday.  Somehow, their formula removes all of the product from my face, without irritating or drying the skin.  They’re also gentle enough that I don’t get a ton of lash breakage (which is a HUGE problem for me when removing makeup) or any breakouts.  A little trick, I find that I get the best results when I add moisture to the micellar makeup remover wipes with some warm water (though it’s not necessarily needed).  Seriously, cannot recommend them enough!

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Style

Easily Persueded

October 11, 2016

alicia fashionista, vancouver street style, best curvy fashion blogger, top canadian style blog

There’s a lovely little story behind this suede jacket.  I was hopped up on cold meds, sweating and dizzy, navigating my way through the basement level Nordstrom Rack in Seattle.  Wandering the aisles, I stumbled upon this jacket and somehow mustered the strength to try it on.  A while later, Adam found me and payed for our items. My mind was so cloudy, that I actually forgot about the purchase until three days later.  It was a wonderful surprise, though.  Good to know that despite how out of it I was, I still managed to stay on track with my fall shopping must-haves.  Priorities = in order!

GET THE LOOK:

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Style

Rainy Day Style

October 7, 2016

what to wear in the rain, rainy day outfits, pacific northwest style, alicia fashionista

I am determined not to let that Pacific Northwest rain drag me into months of only leggings and oversized sweaters.  Of course, that WILL inevitably happen at some point (see, yesterday’s post lol), but I hope to mix it up when possible.  Rain boots don’t always have to mean leggings or jeans, so I took a note of inspiration from Gal Meets Glam and Atlantic Pacific and have been trying to pair my Hunters with skirts or dresses for something slightly unexpected.  The only thing I was missing this day was a darn hat.  So much for straightening my hair, only to let it be exposed to the elements and turn into a voluminous frizz ball!  Next time, my rainy day style will absolutely include a giant hat that I can hide under.

Hilariously, we are quickly learning that Reggie does NOT like the rain.  I have a theory that he was a littlest hobo for a while, living on the streets of Cali and fending for himself.  This was really apparent when we got caught in a downpour the other day.  He did anything he could to get under a shelter, be it a tree, an apartment entrance, or a storefront overhang, and thought I was genuinely crazy for not doing the same.  Such a funny little dude, always learning new and silly things about him as he gets more comfortable and his personality shines through.

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Vancouver

Cozy Sweaters and Sunny Adventures

October 6, 2016

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Under the river and through the fields, to Tsawwassen Mills we go!  I must say, that I love venturing outside of the city and discovering areas of the Lower Mainland that I don’t know very well.  Especially when it means I get to do some shopping!

We actually got a sneak peek of Tsawwassen Mills last week before it was even finished and honestly, it is so impressive how quickly these retail stores can set up their elaborately decorated stores in a matter of days.  The amount of detail and thoughtfulness put into the space is so lovely and enhances the retail experience.  Felt more like walking through a gallery with all their beautiful art installations.  For such a grand space, I just knew their grand opening celebrations would be spectacular.  We were there yesterday amongst thousands of eager shoppers, many of whom were lucky enough to get a gift card with their spot in line!  It was a really cool experience to be there for ribbon cutting and to see the excited crowds.  Even though it was so populated, nothing felt claustrophobic and they were really prepared and organized.  Had a great few hours of shopping, already can’t wait to go back!

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Style

Light Layers

October 4, 2016

alicia fashionista, how to layer with stripes, fall 2016 outfit ideas, curvy fashion blogger, best canadian bloggers

Now, this might sound ridiculous.  But, how the heck have I never thought to layer with stripes?  Such a simple concept, and yet, all this time I felt limited to collared blouses and white tees.  I mean, what’s next?  Silky greys?  Delicate lace?  I feel so many possibilities coming on.  I have a few striped tees lying around, and after seeing the look on Alex, I had to give it a try myself.  And as much as trends come and go, I always feel so comfortable in the timeless classics like black and white.  I updated the usual rouge lip colour for this slightly burnt orangey red shade.  It’s one of my favourite bold lip colours at the moment!

GET THE LOOK:

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Travel Vancouver

Naramata Bench Travel Guide

September 30, 2016

best weekend trip from vancouver, where to stay in naramata, best wineries in the naramata bench, a naramata bench travel guide, what to do in pentictonCan you even imagine living amongst these views?  My new life goal is to own property in the Naramata Bench.  It’s absolutely ridiculous that Adam and I had never been, we are now Okanagan Wine Country obsessed.  In fact, I’m heading to Vernon the next TWO weekends in a row.  What can I say, there’s just more wine to drink and vineyards to tour!

The Naramata Bench is such a special spot within BC.  Just a 4 hour drive from Vancouver, but feels like a completely different world.  We’d spend our mornings sipping coffee with our lake/orchard views, the afternoon vineyard hopping, early evening reading at the beach, and the nights enjoying delicious meals.  If you’ve never been, you absolutely MUST go, it is THE perfect weekend getaway!  Below, I’ve outlined what you’ll need to know to book accommodation, where to eat the best food, snap the best views, and of course, where to DRINK!

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Style

Back To School Style

September 29, 2016

disney05

This is, by far, my favourite time of year.  I’ve always been a sucker for the back to school hype, despite the fact that I haven’t been enrolled in classes for quite some time.  It’s that prospect of change, soothing new, and a fresh start.  September is the real new years.  I’d march into school, with a shiny new outfit, head held high, convinced that this was going to be the best year yet.  And you guys, I really feel like it could be!

Inspired by the Ardene Disney collection, I simply couldn’t miss out on playing back to school dress up!  My classroom look is definitely always comfortable classics, light layers, and pieces that are ready for whatever weather the day brings.  Especially here on the west coast, it could be bright and sunny at the start of lecture and doomsday monsoon rain by the time you leave.  A chic hat can help that and also keep an air of mystery.  Seriously, this look makes me want to sign up for a couple courses again!

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