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Alicia

Travel

{travel diary} bonjour, paris

August 10, 2013
Hotel Design Sorbonne

Walking along the Seine

Notre Dame de ParisNotre Dame de Paris

Paris Views

Portrait at Notre DamePortrait in Paris
Love Lock Bridge Paris

Seeing Paris for the first time isn’t comparable to any other experience in life.  Looking at those familiar buildings and sights, it was exactly how I’d imagined it to be, and yet so much grander and over the top than you could ever prepare for.  Reliving it through these photos still leaves me in awe, feels like it was all a dream or a very distant memory.


We stayed at the Hotel Sorbonne in the Saint Germain area, which was perfect for our first time in Paris.  After getting caught in classic downpour, our first day was a bit of a write off.  Turns out, that being a vegetarian in Paris is impossible.  I dragged poor Adam to an awful Italian restaurant crawling with tourists and bad, bad food.  You really can’t win it all, so that’s why we were so excited for our next day in the city.  My wonderful pal Cee of Coco and Vera (who is very organized, fluent in Parisian french, and currently living there) was playing tour guide for the day.  Honestly, our entire experience wouldn’t have been the same without her, we’re so thankful.  She showed us all of the essentials including some well kept secret locations, helped us take photos, and was just great company all day long.  Here are some of my favourite moments from that special day, that I like to look back on with a little jazz music and a smile.

Cafe de Flore Paris

Laduree, as you do

Reunited with Cee in Paris

Arc de Triomphe, Paris

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Tarte au Ctiron and Carrot Cake at the Rose Bakery Tea Room

Music Style Travel

OSHEAGA Style {Bold}

August 8, 2013
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The Details //
RACHEL Rachel Roy Tank, Hudson’s Bay c/o
RACHEL Rachel Roy Printed Harem Pants, Hudson’s Bay c/o
RACHEL Rachel Roy Cross Body Bag, Hudson’s Bay c/o
Sunglasses, Zara
Necklace, J.Crew c/o
Rings, Pandora
Beaded Sandals, DSW
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I wasn’t as excited about the music lineup on day two of OSHEAGA, but I sure was pumped about my outfit!  My goal is usually to stand out slightly, but this look obviously shouts and screams for people to notice.   I stood out a mile among thousand of people in that same bohemian festival style.  Plus, I was doing the hammertime dance/my best Bieber impression all day.  That might have earned some attention as well 😉 
Jimmy Eat World – Stars – Tegan and Sara – Imagine Dragons – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
I arrived just in time to catch the last half of Jimmy Eat World’s show, which obviously my teenage self was l-o-v-i-n-g!  Don’t know them well, but Stars was on in the background while I scoped out festival streetstyle and fulfilled my RACHEL Rachel Roy fashion correspondent duties.  Which, was super fun and I found some majorly stylish ladies around the festival.  After missing Tegan and Sara at Coachella, I was happy to catch them this time around.  Plus, they killed it.  Macklemore was so much fun, everyone headed to Squamish Music Fest this weekend is in for a treat.  The highlight for me, was when Tegan and Sarah made a surprise appearance on stage during Macklemore’s set to sing Same Love.  It was perfect. 
It’s also your last chance to score a $250 RACHEL Rachel Roy Shopping Spree at Hudson’s Bay. So…what are you waiting for?  Enter right MEOW!
Music Style Travel

OSHEAGA Style {Rocker Chic}

August 6, 2013
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The Details //
RACHEL Rachel Roy Skull Tee, Hudson’s Bay c/o
RACHEL Rachel Roy Sequin Burlap Shorts, Hudson’s Bay c/o
RACHEL Rachel Roy  Lace Detail Blazer, Hudson’s Bay c/o
RACHEL Rachel Roy Purse, Hudson’s Bay c/o
Bracelets, Free People
Booties, Dolce Vita
Hat, Sunnies, and Midi Rings, Urban Outfitters
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Getting to put together festival-worthy outfits for OSHEAGA was such a dream come true.  Before I even arrived at the Bay, my stylist Lael had already pulled looks that perfectly matched my personality; girly and fun, with a bit of rock and roll.  I really loved the contrast of pretty lace and sequins with a loose skull tee and boho accessories. This look was so comfortable, I’ll be remixing all of these pieces on the asap.

The first day of OSHEAGA was super hot.  Walking through the gates, I immediately regretted not putting sunscreen on, but was thankful I’d opted for a hat.  The guy beside me at Alt J fainted and others around were dropping like flies.  Oh, that heat in the East!  Despite the rising temperatures, I managed to see…

Alt J – Two Door Cinema Club – Ellie Goulding – Vampire Weekend – Phoenix – Baauer


It was great watching a few old favourites.  Alt J kills it every time and Vampire Weekend was basically made for festival performances.  It was awesome to finally see Two Door Cinema Club live and Ellie Goulding.  Ohhhh, Ellie.  Girl crush for sure.  You should have seen her abs, she’s also my new workout inspiration.  I ended the night randomly (as you do) and went to see Baauer on a whim.  He was awesome, who doesn’t love a good dance party with hundreds of strangers?  I even managed to catch The Cure performing Friday I’m In Love as I exited the festival.  Had to leave while I could still walk.  Heels were an ambitious choice.  The things that I do for fashion!

Like my outfit?  You should enter my RRR giveaway!  You could win a $250 RACHEL Rachel Roy Shopping Spree at Hudson’s Bay.  Details HERE.

Vancouver

{insta} Vancouver Honey Spots

August 5, 2013
I take a lot of pride in my city exploring.  Like a modern day Christopher Columbus, I
love navigating my way around Vancouver (and other awesome cities around the
world) to find the best eats, parks, coffee, neighbourhoods, streets, etc.  And what’s the fun in finding treasure if you
can’t share?  That’s where the Marc
Jacobs Honey Spot campaign comes in. 
I’ve been carefully documenting some of my go-to local spots using the
hashtags #MJHoneySpots and #myhoneyspot on Instagram and Twitter!
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My obsession with Matchstick Coffee Roasters is no secret. We’re talking delicious coffee (go Kanzu roast or go home), drool-worthy croissants, staff who take a moment to actually smile, and a fresh, yet cozy ambiance. An East Vancouver treasure, wouldn’t you agree?
 

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Speaking of East Van, I have to give a shoutout to my neighbourhood. I’m so happy to call Mount Pleasant home!
 

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Going for a run isn’t such a chore when this is the view you’re headed towards. Sunset jogs around False Creek are a just so necessary.
 

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Barbarella Pizzeria has been our go-to pizza place lately. In fact, we may or may not be headed there again tonight. After a quick Instagram poll though, it turns out there are a few other Vancouver pizzerias we have to try. And so, the search for the city’s best pizza continues!
 

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Concerts are a big part of my life.  I attend as many shows as my credit card will
allow me.  This is especially easy since
Vancouver has some gorgeous venues like The Orpheum or The Commodore
Ballroom.  It also helps when it’s
amazing act after amazing act that comes through town.  Just a few weeks ago we saw The Alabama
Shakes at The Orpheum and my goodness did they put on a great performance.  Can’t wait for their new album!
What are some of your honey spots?
HONEY Marc Jacobs is the bright, spirited
and spontaneous new addition to the Marc Jacobs fragrance family. HONEY is a
sunny delicious floral – happy and energetic, with notes of fresh green pear,
orange blossom and warm honey. Playful and polished, the bottle is elegantly
crafted with beautiful finishing touches that reveal the cheerful, bright and
sophisticated fragrance. HONEY Marc Jacobs is available at retailers across
Canada including Sephora, Hudson’s Bay, Holt Renfrew, Shoppers Drug Mart,
Murale and Jean Coutu. For more information, visit: http://www.marcjacobsfragrances.com/honey

 “Disclosure: This
post was brought to you by Coty Prestige via Glam Media Canada.  The opinions expressed herein are those of
the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Coty
Prestige.”

Style

Enter to WIN a $250 RACHEL Rachel Roy Shopping Spree – CLOSED

July 31, 2013
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Since this year has been a super crazy awesome one, I’m boarding a plane to Montreal tomorrow (never been – can’t wait.  Any recommendations?) and going to the sold out OSHEAGA Music Festival!  And as if that isn’t enough, the fun doesn’t even stop there.  I’m attending the festival as an official RACHEL Rachel Roy fashion correspondent.  This means that each day of OSHEAGA, I’ll be decked out in RACHEL Rachel Roy festival chic outfits, hunting for other Canadian RRR girls.  Sound fun?  You’ll be able to keep up with the adventure on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #RRRgirlCAN.
We want YOU to be a part of this experience too.  That’s why you now have the opportunity to WIN a $250 RACHEL Rachel Roy Shopping Spree at the Hudson’s Bay Company, Vancouver.  Complete with a personal stylist, you’ll get a fancy schmancy one-on-one shopping experience and $250 worth of RACHEL Rachel Roy fashions.
To Enter
1) Feast your eyes on the beautiful RACHEL Rachel Roy goodies on thebay.com
2) Comment below (or take to Twitter or Facebook) and let me know which pieces you’d spend your shopping spree on.
3) Then, you must Tweet “I entered to WIN a $250 @Rachel_Roy Shopping Spree at @TheHudsonsBayCo c/o @604fashionista – http://bit.ly/13tnw7T  #RRRgirlCAN”
NOTE: You must complete the above three tasks to be eligible to win.

Contest open to Vancouver residence only.  Contest closes Friday,August 9th, 2013 at 6:00 pm PST.  On entry per person.  Winner will be chosen at random and contacted shortly after. Good luck!

Travel

{travel diary} the english countryside

July 29, 2013
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The sole purpose of our entire trip was to pay a visit to our dear friends in Worcester.   Brandi, who is now due to pop within the next few weeks, is quite possibly the cutest pregnant woman ever.   It was so special being able to spend time with her and Andy, seeing their way of life and having them take us all around the English countryside.

Brandi and I became close friends in the sixth grade.  We bonded over Kit Pearson’s The Sky Is Falling and a subsequent affinity for all things British.  Back in middle school, we vowed to visit Europe together and it absolutely warmed my heart when I realized that I’ve managed to see Brandi every single time I’ve crossed the pond.  Total kismet.

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After an adorable surprise baby shower, it was back on a train.  Next stop, Paris.
Style

heatwave

July 26, 2013
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The Details //
Silk Tank, Joe Fresh
Floral Skirt, H&M
Sandals, DSW
Bag, Michael Kors
Ring, House of Harlow
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Style

très classique

July 19, 2013
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The Details // photos by Jen

Sunglasses and Blouse, Main & 8th
Boyfriend Shorts, The Gap c/o
Heels, Joe Fresh
Rings, Pandora
Necklace, J.Crew c/o
Purse, Urban Outfitters
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So, boyfriend shorts.  Probably the best invention ever.  Actually every piece in this outfit separately has been in constant outfit rotation.  These breezy summer neutrals have proved to be essentials.  And now, I’m going to put this look to good use and head to a patio to enjoy this Friday sunshine with friends.  Happy weekend xo
Travel

London Travel Diary 2013

July 16, 2013
east london, alicia fashionista, travel blog 2013

The adventure begins in London!

How on earth does one document and even attempt to describe a dream vacation come true? Over 6 years in the making and in the works for at least one, our first big trip together was absolutely surreal every step of the way.  In a general sense, the plan was simple.  Land in London, spend a few days staying in/touring around an area of the city that neither of us know very well.  Then up to Worcester to visit and stay with my good friend Brandi and her husband.  Back to London for a night before heading to Paris for 3.5 days, down to Antibes in the South of France for 4 days and then make our way back to London to fly out.  Two and a half weeks of absolute travel bliss.

Staying in East London was a brilliant plan (I only say this because it was, of course, my idea) and we just cannot say enough great things about The Hoxton Hotel.  Even if you don’t stay there, I highly suggest having a drink or two in their lobby bar.  The espresso martini is to die for.  Anyway, location was just a few blocks away from Shoreditch and only a couple tube stops from major London sights.  And as much as I love and appreciate pretty things, we always seem to gravitate towards grittier, East ends of cities.  In fact, we felt so at home there, we had a long conversation about whether or not it’s logistically feasible for us to move there for a year.

We spent our 2.5 days in London very wisely.  Dinners with friends, self guided tours of East London, an afternoon at Camden Market, and a quick stop at Big Ben and the London Eye.  Our last night was my favourite, as I finally experienced having a drink outside of a pub and we had the BEST Indian meal ever at Dishoom.  Just a generally special night and the perfect farewell to one of my favourite cities.

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