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Alicia

Beauty

Second Day Hairstyles

December 9, 2015

hal up hairstyle

As I’m sure you’ve noticed, I’m not usually super adventurous with my hair.  Maybe it’s a bit of a security blanket, but I have it down as often as possible and have been wearing it quite long for a few years now.  My go-to everyday style is always down and either natural waves or curling it with a straightener (I did a tutorial on how I curl my hair with a flat iron that you should definitely check out).  If I do these kind of curls, they often last me 3-5 days!  With the same ol’ look starting to get to me, I’ve been searching for other ways to style my ultra thick locks that isn’t high maintenance.

I gave a couple easy looks a try in case you’re also feeling like your second (or third or fourth) day curls are getting a little tired.

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Style

Tulle Infinity And Beyond

December 7, 2015

girly fall outfitI’m laughing at my own ‘tulle’ pun in all of these photos.  Just kidding, I only came up with that right now, but was still pretty darn pleased with myself.

As far as this whole tulle skirt and sweater look, I never thought I’d be able to pull it off!  The concept goes against my usual dressing rules, but by tucking in the sweater at the front of the skirt so that it created a flattering arc shape over the tulle and layering a fitted leather jacket also helped bring it all together.  Or at least, I hope it did!

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Travel

Venice Travel Guide

December 5, 2015

venice travel guide, what to do in venice, hipster guide to venice italy, alicia fashionista, best travel blogger 2015

Much like our individual taste in music, a travel itinerary is incredibly personal to everyone.  Just to give you an idea, our travel style is fairly laid back.  We like to pinpoint a couple sights each of us really wants to see in every location and then just wander and eat/drink our way around those spots.  We always prefer to get a glimpse of a city from a local’s point of view and tend to avoid crowded tourist spots whenever possible.  We do our best to see the usual tourist attractions, but don’t bother wasting too much time there.  Which, hey, really isn’t for everyone, but if you’re hoping for an alternative to Rick Steves, then here you go.

Venice can be VERY touristy.  Which, if you travel like we do, doesn’t sound the most appealing.  But if you search thoughtfully, you can absolutely find very genuine and special places in Venice.  Adam and I wanted to share with you what we found in Venezia.  Take a glimpse at our adventures, and be sure to leave any of your own recommendations in the comments below!

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Style

Poppy Barley in Vancouver

December 4, 2015

DSC_6538I have the toughest time buying boots.  In fact, I’d say that trying on bikinis is equivalent to having to purchase new boots in my little world.  Sounds dramatic, but when you’re #blessed with large calves, a wide foot, and unnecessarily exaggerated arches, boots aren’t exactly the easiest to find.  That’s why I’ve been eyeing POPPY BARLEY ever since they launched.  They’re a Canadian company (excellent) who custom makes (I need this in my life) leather footwear (quality > quantity).

Lucky for us, the lovely team at POPPY BARLEY are right here in Vancouver THIS weekend!  I definitely recommend going to see and feel their footwear in person and getting measured for your dream pair of luxury custom boots (or shoes).  Even if you don’t plan on buying a pair right then and there, you can most certainly keep your measurements on file for future splurges.  Or, perhaps a gift idea to pass on to family??!  Just saying!

You can book an appointment or walk-in, here are the details:

POPPY BARLEY Vancouver Pop-Up @ 4386 Main Street, Vancouver
Friday, Dec 4  // 11 AM – 7 PM
Saturday, Dec 5 // 11 AM – 6 PM
Sunday, Dec 6 // 11 AM – 5 PM

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Style

This Is The Remix

December 3, 2015

casual weekend wear

These photos sum up my entire life right now.  Walking aimlessly, drinking coffee, and basking in the glory that is leggings and oversized sweaters.  Thank youuuuu December!  I know you’ve seen a version of this look before, but that’s okay because everyone likes a good remix, right?

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Travel

Travel Diary // Venice, Italy

December 2, 2015

what to do in venice, venice italy travel guide, alicia fashionista

Leaving the Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia train station was like stepping out of a time machine. Staring at the hustle and bustle of the Grand Canal transported me into a movie scene of a busy port in the early 20th century. My moment of awe was quickly interrupted by the intense wave of summer heat.  Just as I was contemplating ditching my luggage right there at the station, Adam looked up from his map and pointed across the canal. “There’s our hotel” he said defiantly, “the Santa Chiara.”  Adam had been to Venice before and knew to book a hotel as close to the train as possible, something I was clearly unaware of until that moment.  Thankfully, this meant I could keep my suitcase and even carry it over to our accommodations without fainting.

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Style

Holiday 2015

December 1, 2015

what to wear holiday 2015, little black dress, curvy outfit ideas, vancouver style blog December!!!!  ‘Tis the season for party dresses and Christmas movies, baking cookies and an abundance of family time.  Or at least, that’s what I plan to do for the next month!  Anyone with me?!

I’ve finally learned my lesson and am going for total comfort at all holiday parties this year.  Which, is one big reason why this black maxi dress is ideal.  I paired it with a leather jacket and sensible pumps, but since this LBD is so versatile, I also wore this with black booties and a hat to a more casual function.  Love a dress that goes the extra mile!

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Beauty

5 Minute Face

November 30, 2015

5 min face, natural makeup, alicia fashionista, best vancouver beauty blog

A few key points about me, in case you were plagued with curiosity.  One, I am the queen of running late.  For obvious reasons, I’m not suuuuper proud of that, but it has been this way since…oh, I guess always.   Two, I’m all about the natural ‘no makeup’ makeup.  Thankfully for me, these qualities go together quite well.  Picture me, already incredibly behind schedule, waving a mascara wand around, cursing whoever created cosmetics.  All of this has clearly led to years and years of perfecting the 5 minute face.  Let’s begin.

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Style

As Free As The Wind

November 27, 2015

as free as the wind tee, west and wind, alicia fashionista

Are you obsessing over this tee as much as I am?  Well, my wonderful and talented friends Jen and Kait have teamed up to create greatness.  Please, meet the brand NEW line, West and Wind!  Featuring THE cutest original designs, these t-shirts are a must have for everyone.  No seriously there’s women’s, men’s, and children’s tees.  As you can see, the v-neck slouchy style is my personal favourite.  If you’re local, the gals will be at their pop up shop in New West this weekend.  I spent last night helping them with their launch party and left there feeling incredibly proud.  These two put in so much into this pop up and it absolutely shows.  You should go see it for yourself, here are the deets:

West and Wind Pop-Up Shop @ 42 Sixth Street, New Westminster BC
Friday Nov 27 + Saturday Nov 28 // 11 AM – 6 PM
Sunday Nov 29 // 11 AM – 4 PM

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