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Alicia

Wedding

Wedding Planning: The Date & Venue

December 3, 2013
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The evening of our engagement, Adam revealed to me that he had one rule in exchange for the ring: I wasn’t to talk wedding planning for exactly one week.  He wanted us to celebrate and really soak up the moment rather than drown ourselves in venue hunting and budgeting.  Though it was more of a challenge than I’d expected, I’m glad we did it this way.  Especially since things have a way of happening for a reason, don’t they?
We began our planning with the luxury of time.  After much consideration, we both agreed that we’d wait until 2015 for the big day.  Most of our friends really enjoyed the planning process and we figured we’d just extend that since we’re not in a big hurry.  This put me at ease, as this industry can move fast with venues and photographers booking up really quickly.  Though I’m not someone who put a lot of previous thought into my wedding day, one thing I knew was that I didn’t want to get married in Vancouver.  There’s absolutely nothing wrong with getting married here, I just want something that feels like a mini escape.  On the contrary, I hesitate about making a destination too far, as I still want a large number of our guest list to be able to make it.  It’s all about finding what’s best for you as a couple, and for us that was a local destination.  Something a few hours away but easy enough for our friends and family to travel to.  As for numbers, our guest list was, for the most part, completed months earlier.  I’m here right now to admit to you that I’d already made a Word Doc of our hypothetical wedding guests, sorted in categories and listed by number.  Before we were even engaged, I knew that there was no way our list would be less than 150 people.

That brought us to the usually uncomfortable subject of money.  Since I knew little to nothing about wedding costs, it helped talking to a few close friends who were okay disclosing some numbers.  I also researched and found that the average Vancouver wedding costs about $30,000.  Explains why a lot of couples are eloping, doesn’t it?  The last piece important of the puzzle was to determine what kind of wedding we wanted.  There’s so much inspiration out there (shoutout to Pinterest) and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by options.  Besides pinning and browsing magazines, we also looked at a few of our favourite wedding photographer’s blogs.  This helped us come to the conclusion that we want something rustic and outdoors.  I’m totally picturing a long table meal outside with overhanging lights and beautiful views. Lucky for us, our search wasn’t far at all.  There was one particular possibility that stood out above the rest for us.  We arranged a visit as soon as possible and the second I saw it in person, I knew right away that we’d found it.  Just a few hours away and so us, we know it’ll be THE ideal spot for us to say ‘I do’.

And as of just last night, we have our wedding venue BOOKED for August 15th, 2015!  Feels as though a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders and I’m so excited to get that portion of the planning process out of the way.  Next will be an even tougher decision for me, and that’s photographer!  There are so many talented photogs around, it’s not going to be easy – wish us luck 😉

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Style

Deserted

November 29, 2013
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The Details //
Leopard Fur Coat, Plum
Grey Tee, The Gap
Faux Leather Jeggings, The Archetype
Suede Tote Bag, Massimo Dutti
Baseball Cap, H&M
Studded Booties, Zara
Bracelet, Olivia Solie c/o

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I thought this outfit only appropriate for a day like this, since it is Black Friday and all.  I’ve opted out of fighting crowds of anxious shoppers and will likely fill a couple online carts instead.  I actually made this blog template purchase late last night and made the change this morning.  There are a few wrinkles to iron out, but for the most part I’m very happy with it.  Please let me know if you catch any bugs, I literally just switched things over a few hours ago.
Can’t believe it, but I have my first Christmas party of the season to attend this weekend.  Though I am looking forward to get out and about, since I had an incredibly quiet birthday this year.  Pretty sure the big bday event was brunch and advanced tickets to The Hunger Games Catching Fire.  You know you’re getting old when!  Anyway, I’m making up for it with a party dress, uncomfortably high shoes, and lots of champagne tomorrow.  Wishing you all a lovely weekend as well xo
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Beauty

The Everyday Smokey-Eye

November 28, 2013
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Hair and Makeup by Kahlia Adams

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Everyday Smokey Eye - Kahlia Adams
Our inspiration came from Tom Ford’s 2014 runway look.  This included strong brows (as you do), a brown smokey eye, velvety skin, and a nude lip.  We achieved this with products like Face and Body foundation from MAC, combined with NYX mineral matte finish powder.  For the eyes, we did MAC Dipdown Fluid line in black track, mixed with Lise Watier Ombre Souffle in taupe fantasia.  The biggest difference for me was the lashes, which we took to the next level by adding just a few individual lashes and lots of L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black.  I was shocked at how easy the individual lashes were to apply and wear, will definitely be trying them out again soon.

Things were finished off with a Hoola Bronzer from Benefit to contour the face and a bit of MAC Lipstick in Blankety.  We then threw my hair up into a messy top knot to emphasize just how casual this look can be.  I’ve since recreated this one and am super happy with the results.  Thanks to Kahlia for once again working her makeup magic!

If you’re loving these beauty collabs, we’d love to hear what you’d like to see next!  Head on over to Kahlia’s Instagram or Facebook Page (or leave a comment below) with any questions or suggestions.  And if you’d like to book Kahlia Adams for an appointment of your own, you can do so here.  

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Style

Coats with the fur

November 28, 2013
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The Details //
French Connection Coat, WINNERS Robson Street
Chunky Knit Sweater, Kensie
Blouse and Booties, WINNERS Cambie Street
Jeans, American Eagle
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This is definitely my favourite find of the season.  You won’t even believe what I paid for it!  Pop on over to the WINNERS blog to read more about this gem of a winter coat and how I found it in my shopping travels.
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Style

Cold Hands Warm Hearts

November 22, 2013
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The Details //
Polka Dot Blouse, LOFT
Blazer, Forever 21
Coral BB Dakota Jeggings, Muse Social Fashion House
Loafers, Aerosoles
Assorted Rings, Pandora
Sunnies, 8th & Main
Bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target
Kate Spade ‘Cold Hands Warm Hearts’ Travel Mug, Chapters
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There’s lots to celebrate at the moment.  It’s Friday.  Which,  is usually cause for at least a sigh of relief.  It also just so happens to be the day before my birthday (I’m currently relishing in my last moments of 26).  The temperatures here have dropped dramatically, leading us to feel even more excited about the upcoming holidays than usual.  Gosh, this time of year ALWAYS has been in such a shopping mood!
Speaking of which, have you had a chance to visit the new LOFT location at Park Royal?  Their first Vancouver store, I’m so happy to be in such close proximity to polka dots, feminine embellishments, and gorgeous detailing.  In fact, I believe I’m overdue for a visit to the renovated Park Royal.  Told you, there’s so much shopping to be done 😉
To help celebrate the opening, LOFT has been generous enough to offer one lucky reader a $100 LOFT Gift Card!  See below for details – good luck!
P.S. Get all the latest and greatest and sign up to be a LOFT insider here.
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Style Travel

Adventures in Whistler

November 20, 2013
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The Details //
Iridescent Jeggings, American Eagle c/o
Solid Blanket Coat, Old Navy (on sale too)
Cat Sweater, P L E N + Y c/o
Toque, Target
Bag, Urban Outfitters
Booties, Dolce Vita

American Eagle and PLEN+Y

American Eagle and PLEN+YAmerican Eagle and PLEN+Y

It’s already happening.  That time of year when all I want to do is wear all black.  This struggle against my wardrobe must be stopped this year.  Why not be the one who wears gold sequins to the party, or iridescent blush pants in Whistler Village?  Honestly, it’s time to brighten things up this winter and avoid getting stuck on the colour wheel!  It was fun stepping outside of my comfort zone with these light coloured bottoms (and skinnies at that).  They’re really nice too, I suspect that I’ll be wearing them all year round.  Decided to pair them with my cozy cat sweater and new favourite wine coloured coat to complete this weekend casual look.
Just because it’s fun to see how we all interpret the same item, you’ll have to take a look at how Cee of Coco and Vera and Alex of To Vogue Or Bust styled the same piece on the American Eagle blog!
P.S. Our Whistler day trip was kind of the best because it involved the first snowfall of the season, a peppermint mocha, and scouting a possible wedding venue.  Pretty sure I need to go back ASAP.  Not to ski or snowboard though, just to walk around the village in cute outfits…duh!
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Style Vancouver

#OldNavyVancouverStyleOff

November 19, 2013
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The Details //
Wearing all Old Navy

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Old Navy Vancouver

Old Navy Vancouver

Old Navy Vancouver
Alongside Jen of Her Waise Choice and Alex of To Vogue Or Bust, I signed up for a good old fashioned Old Navy Style-Off.  The challenge was simple.  We’d arrive at the brand new Old Navy store on Robson Street at Granville and take a few minutes to get acquainted with the store.  Then, we’d each draw a piece of paper to reveal which winter inspired look we’d have to style.  The clock was then set to give us one hour to put together a head-to-toe Old Navy look (shoes, accessories and all) that was under $200 before taxes.

Easy, right?  I mean come on, how many times have I ripped through a store in a mad shopping hunt.  Plus, I had already caught a quick glimpse at the new store a few days before and knew that it was full of really cute stuff.  So, I drew ‘Skate Date’ which left things pretty open to interpretation and I let my styling instincts take over.  Based on this gorgeous coat that I’d seen my blogger friend Melanie wear just days before, I thought I’d build a look around that.  I’m all about layering and polka dots at the moment, so layering polka dots is a serious win-win.  I’d also been on the lookout for a great pair of black coated skinny jeans and these ones were comfortable, flattering, and of course, a great price!  Finished things off with a pair of tan booties and striped gloves, et voila!  Just to be safe, I styled up a second look as well and we all took to the fitting rooms to try on our first attempts.

I tell ya, things ended up not being as simple as we’d initially thought.  My second choice look just wasn’t quite right or as figure flattering as I’d hoped.  Sometimes when you layer as they show on a mannequin it doesn’t translate on your body.  I also wanted to make sure that my look wasn’t too close to the other girl’s picks.  So, I really wanted to this first outfit to work.  After adding up all the pieces though, it was over budget and with only 25 minutes left, I was worried I’d have to start from scratch.  I was absolutely saved though, when we checked the prices in their system and found out a few of the items were on sale.  This entire outfit came up to just $189.20!

If you’re in the area, you’ll have to check out the new store!  Especially because you can find our Vancouver Style Off looks on display.  And to let you in on the style-off fun, you can vote for your favourite look on Instagram @aliciafashionista, @tovogueorbust, and @herwaisechoice.  You should probably just double tap all our instas though, because there just might be a prize involved.

Happy shopping, Vancouver fashionistas 🙂

8 Comments
Style Travel

Everyday is a Winding Road

November 13, 2013
Everyday is a Winding Road
Everyday is a Winding Road

Everyday is a Winding Road

Everyday is a Winding Road
My Visa and I can always justify purchasing a new hat.  Especially a wool fedora, and ESPECIALLY a wool fedora that Her Waise Choice picked as one of her French Connection favourites.  Got a sweet little discount on it and everything.  Visa and I are very pleased.
Now join me on a nostalgic trip back to the 90’s with this tune. Sheryl had it right, you guys!
Scarf, Forever 21 (old)
Lisa Wool Fedora Hat, French Connection
Skirt, Express c/o
Shoes, Pour La Victoire (old)
Tights, Hue
20 Comments
Style

Ray Of Light

November 13, 2013
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The Details // Photos by Jen
Sweater, Loft82
Scarf, Front and Company
Leather Jacket & Bag, Zara
Boots, Steve Madden
Assorted Rings, Pandora

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Flying out of Heathrow has some major advantages.  For one, their convenience stores have Grazia magazine, as well as those delightful and addictive little Haribo candies.  This particular airport also gives you the option to shop some of your favourite brands at discounted prices, as they withhold which gate you have to report to until moments before you must be there.  It is both a blessing and a curse for an anxious flier like myself.  Back in July when we were heading back to Vancouver, I felt a little extra nervous as we paced around Heathrow.  I headed straight for Zara to calm my nerves, because we all know what a little retail therapy can do for the soul. Though, I don’t remember much after that, as I disappeared into a haze of animalistic shopping instincts.  It started with a rack of discounted leather jackets, which is of course, when I picked out this motorcycle-esque number.  Things didn’t stop there.  I brushed Adam aside as I blew through the store like a tornado, determined to find as much as possible on sale.  A moment where Adam witnessed what he describes as “a side of me he’s never seen before.”  After my Zara damage, we proceeded to head over to Ted Baker where I managed to spend the last of my British pounds on a floral maxi dress.  I boarded our flight that day with an extra large shopping back containing a pair of sunglasses, a beaded blouse, a leather jacket, and an unnecessarily formal summer dress.  
The best part is, that though I adore the jacket, it’s not necessarily something I would have purchased had I not been in a crazed state.  I’m trying my best to style it up though, as it haunts me every time I open our front closet.  Do you have any pieces you buy just because they’re on sale and you later regret?  It happens to me more often than I’d like to admit.
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