You guys know that I LOVE a good ol’ styling challenge! It’s the holidays, so I thought I’d tackle the classic ‘ugly Christmas sweater’. This red number, complete with a sleigh full of gifts, one reindeer, the moon, AND interactive 3D bows, is from Value Village. I was inspired to put my signature spin on things with a red lip, tulle skirt, and some statement heels. Et voila! It’s now something that I would actually confidently wear to a Christmas party. In fact, Vancity Buzz even shared this look in their recent Vancouver fashion roundup. Pretty darn cool!
The Details // White Tee, P L E N + Y Adriana Gold Denim, Mavi Mandel Booties, Duo Monk and Lou Faux Fur Vest, P L E N + Y Bag, Phillip Lim for Target Kam Dhillon 3070 Blush Glasses, Clearly Contacts
The past few weeks have been the definition of insane. I honestly don’t even know what day it is. The stress sure is piling on, as December isn’t just demanding work-wise, but our social calendar also fills up. It all sounds so petty, but I’ve honestly been running around like a chicken with its head cut off and I STILL feel behind and like I’m disappointing people. That’s just my own guilt though, and an entire other blog post! Yesterday was no different and I was leaving my home after some morning meetings. I was in another cab (no shame) on the way to the next event and we were just near my house driving through a school zone with a 30 km/hr speed limit. I was literally texting my friend “I’m in a cab and on…” when my cab driver stopped for a group of kids and a mother waiting to cross the road. Of course, unknown to us, the guy driving behind us wasn’t paying attention and BAM! Slammed right into the cab. I, of course, let out my signature high pitched and probably unnecesaary shriek. Chaos ensued around me as information was exchanged and I just kind of sat in the back of this cab like, what am I supposed to do? My neck was already feeling a bit weird, because of course I just had to be leaning forward and texting when it all went down. The other driver asked if I was okay and said he was sorry for hitting us, but I didn’t say much in return, as I know there’s certain protocol when an accident happens. Even though, my vague answers go completely against every conversational impulse I have. Sigh, it’s just always an adventure, ya know?
Am I supposed to talk about my outfit too, or are you all just loving me rant about these odd and often painful happenings? Okay, I’ll quickly just say that blush frames go with EVERYTHING. This fur vest is the best purchase of all time and I’ve been wearing these Duo leopard booties on the daily. I’m all about mixing the animal-like prints/fabric textures. Makes life a little more fun!
I used to think that pastels were only for spring/summer. How silly is that? Why shouldn’t we be able to rock a baby pink sweater and purple sunglasses in December? Fashion rules, out the window! I’m going to do my best not to succumb to the pull of an always all black attire and fight the urge to wear the same old ‘blah’ winter uniform. Vive la revolution!
I’m also back from Toronto now, and I think I might finally be defrosting and getting back to regular body temperatures. My goodness. I thought I knew what winter was, but I’ve apparently been living in a tropical paradise. I don’t know how you guys handle the extreme cold, I have a newfound respect for anyone who has to endure freezing temperatures for so many days of the year. And, the fact that a lot of you have learned to look stylish while doing so! Honestly, hats off to you.
A recap of my two days in TO on the blog soon, stay tuned!
Once upon a time, I met Brandon Stanton of HONY and he interviewed me.
Like many of you, I read Humans of New York every day. It’s something that brightens the often depressing time that I spend on social media. The power of HONY is incomparable. It opens our eyes and our hearts to those around us and gives us a unique chance to learn their story. It’s also probably the only place in all of the internet that I love enough to be genuinely excited to read the comments.
Since following, I am now far more aware of the times that I am quick to judge someone by their appearance. “But, they could be just like someone featured in Humans Of New York,” I think to myself. And that’s just it, we all have truths about our unique journey. Brandon somehow approaches strangers and in a matter of minutes can get stunning portraits and some of the most intimate details of their lives. So last week, when I was invited to Toronto for a speech by THE Brandon Stanton (as well as an amazing beauty preview, more details on that soon, promise), I was completely floored. I’ve never gushed so much in an email response. In fact, her first line in the reply back to me was: “I’m so excited that you’re SO EXCITED!” LOL. I couldn’t help myself! I adore Brandon and the work that he does.
After a series of emails back and forth, it was then decided that since I was such a big fan of Brandon’s, that I could be the one he pulls on stage to demonstrate his interview process with. I shook my head “No, no nooooo,” in paralyzing fear as I typed “YES, I’d be so honoured,” back to her. This was the kind of offer that I HAD to step outside of my comfort zone for. A ‘say yes now, figure it out later’ kind of situation.
Then tonight, in a beautifully decorated room full of fabulous strangers, I sat in a chair and realized that it was all happening – and it sure was terrifying! I’d spent the entire flight to Toronto trying to figure out what my biggest struggle right now is, as it’s a question that I know Brandon often asks. Unfortunately, I had overthought my response so much, that when the moment came, my answer seemed flat and rather rehearsed. I honestly started to think right there on stage, that I had no answers to anything at all and nothing profound to say, especially in front of a crowd. But a few questions in, under bright lights, with a microphone in hand, I opened up a bit. It was just Brandon Stanton and I having a conversation. I somehow shared a story about my Nana that I don’t even know if I’ve ever told. I wasn’t even nervous by the end. It was honestly magic.
Brandon has this gentleness and familiarity about it. It’s a bit of Southern Charm and an approachable assuredness that instantly makes you comfortable. I now understand how Brandon Stanton has excelled at what he does. If it had just been him and I on the street chatting, I would have absolutely shared something deeply personal. And I bet it would have been therapeutic.
After the public interview, I scurried back to my chair to down a glass of bubbly (hence my signature “I’ve had a drink” red face in the above photo) and was luckily able to snag a picture with Mr. HONY before the Unilever preview.
I’m still in shock over all of it, it was just beyond amazing. Thank you so much to Unilever Canada for an incredible experience here in Toronto and to Kelly Lynn and the Harbinger team for organizing. Of course, a huge thanks to Brandon for the chat and the inspiring Humans Of New York talk. It’s something that I will always cherish and well worth traveling across the country for. Now I’m off to catch some zzz’s before my last day of TO sightseeing! Goodnight, my darlings xo
I swear that I have the best productivity when I’m avoiding another task OR working under serious deadlines. What kind of blogging work ethic is that? I have a friend’s birthday dinner tonight and then I have a 7 am flight in the morning so I am, of course, supposed to be packing right now. Instead, I’m here, writing to you, while watching Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix. The bomb episodes from Season 2, which are two of my favourite episode of television of all time. But, back to mentally packing. I have an early morning flight tomorrow to… Toronto! And you want to know what? I’ve NEVER been! Excited to finally pay T dot (does anyone actually call it that?) a visit, even if it’s a very short stay. My biggest concern right now is obviously the empty carry on suitcase that’s staring back at me. Any ideas on packing essentials for East Coast cold? I’m a bit worried that my pea coat won’t be enough for their below zero temperatures. And if you have any must see/must do recommendations, I have a couple days to explore. Seriously can’t wait. Toronto, here I come!
I was sent a pair of cheetah print booties recently that I am in LOVE with, but they are unfortunately a size (or two) too big! Didn’t feel like going through the hassle of returning them and instead put on a pair of thick socks and wore them ASAP because, new shoes. So, there I am the other night strutting my stuff through Gastown, and over to Railtown Cafe for their winter menu tasting. Just as I passed by a group of trendy looking people loitering outside of a barber shop, I don’t even know how, but BAM I was on my knees. I let out an unflattering shriek due to the shock of it all, and the older woman I’d been following for a few blocks turned around to ask if I was okay. “Oh, pfffft. I’m toooootally fine!” I replied, as I stood up and continued on my way, secretly in immense amounts of pain. I couldn’t hear because my headphones were in, but I really hope the people who witnessed it were laughing. Anyway, got to the event and realized that I was definitely bleeding. I’m now a grown ass woman with a scraped up knee.
That was obviously my go-to story this week. In fact, I shared it on a double date we went on the next night. We all laughed, “Oh, what a klutz you are, Alicia!” It was raining by the time we were leaving the restaurant, so our friends offered to drop us off at home. And okay, I had like 15 steps to take in order to get myself from their vehicle to the front door of our apartment. It was dark though, and apparently there were too many potentially dangerous obstacles. I was walking in between two cars to get to the sidewalk when BAM my glasses fell off and I felt a sudden pain on the side of my head. “What just happened?” Adam asked in confusion. “I don’t know,” I replied, as I glanced back to see a bike rack mounted not he back of the vehicle. “I think I walked into that?” I declared. Ended up with a lovely bump on my temple and a mild concussion for the next few days.
Last week was all very Mindy Lahiri of me. Though, I swear those clumsy moments are always painted as endearing and sweet in movies and on tv. I assure you, that when they happen in real life, you’re left feeling nothing but embarrassment and pain. They sure make for great stories though! Hope you all had a great (and much safer) weekend xo
Okay, cancel your plans next Wednesday, I’ve got something waaaay better for ya. I’m going to be hostess extraordinaire at Clearly Contacts on Robson Street for their #MyEyeStyle Holiday Styling Event! I’m full of eyewear style advice, because if there’s one thing I know, it’s glasses. I’d basically be lost without them (seriously, my Facebook sidebar ads are basically only stylish specs and wedding rentals). The evening will offer tasty goodies, lots of laughs, and exclusive savings. Plus, the first 100 guests get a pretty awesome VIP swag bag! Don’t miss out, details are below.
Wednesday, November 26th, 2014 6pm-9pm Clearly Contacts 961 Robson Street, Vancouver
RSVP here, space is very limited. Hope to see you there xo
On that hunt for the perfect lip colour for fall. Turns out that my favourite autumn shade is just $6 from London Drugs! Product info and more in this quick beauty vlog:
I was having major blanket scarf FOMO until one lucky rainy day a few weeks ago. I’m currently sans car because it needs to be fixed and I know it’s going to cost an arm and possibly a leg, so I’ve avoided taking it into the shop. This has, unfortunately, also caused a lot of unnecessary chaos in my life because I now have to walk/transit/cab wherever I need to go. It’s a real indication of how spoiled I’ve always been with such convenient transpiration. On this particular Raincouver afternoon I was not dressed for the cold and wet weather and was definitely suffering. It was the kind of bone chilling cold that even a Starbucks latte couldn’t warm. I happened to wander into a boutique while waiting for my bus and there was this delightful blanket scarf. Plaid on one side and herringbone on the other, it’s reversible and super cozy! I’m so glad I stumbled on it because not only did it warm me up on that cold fall day, but I’ve been wearing it non-stop ever since. I mean, it’s half scarf and half blanket. It’s the best fall trend in a long time – amiright?!
