I was having a really stressful day last week and before I knew it, I was at one of my favourite local boutiques buying a dress. I can no longer turn to chocolate for comfort, so purchasing clothing is definitely a suitable replacement! I love the mod Megan Draper-esque cut of this frock and of course the leopard/tropical floral combo is a total win. Even had to size down. Definitely no regrets.
Blue Fit & Flare Dress, Gap c/o
Sunglasses, Forever 21
Shoes, Vintage
Marina Tote, Michael by Michael Kors
Leopard Belt, Plum
Watch, Marc by Marc Jacobs
Bracelets, J.Crew
There’s a new essential LBD in town – the little BLUE dress, of course! Never thought somethings as simple as tossing on a cobalt blue frock would get me as many compliments as it does. Shows you the power of a great colour and perfectly cut piece! The flattering fit and flare shape easily transitions this number from work to play, which is ideal for days when I have an event to run to from the office. It has come in super handy this week too, we’ve been experience the most glorious heatwave. Makes me so excited for summer in the city 🙂
For the last few years, I let my health become last priority. There was no time for exercise because I had client work to do. I couldn’t eat healthy because chocolate existed. Adam and I would rarely eat at home and when we did, it was a rotation of the same 5 bland meals. We’d buy the exact same groceries and any time we’d find a sliver of motivation to buy an excess of produce, we’d end up throwing most of it away. I was tired, I was lazy, and I was stuck in a terrible rut. It was honestly really scary. I’m supposed to be in my prime, not huffing and puffing after climbing a few flights of stairs. I knew I needed to change things, but I was in a lot of denial.
That’s why I needed to take a week. I hated not blogging for so long and there were many days that I really missed it, but starting the challenge meant that I needed to pause this for a moment and search for that magical unattainable unicorn called balance. Suddenly making time for things like meal prep, grocery shops, exercising, and even more frequently washing my hair was no easy task. There were a lot of top knots happening last week. But, the Whole Life Challenge was exactly what I needed. We’re only 10 days in, but I already feel absolutely amazing. Eating clean is something I NEVER thought I could do, but it’s actually really, really easy. Exercise is and always will be a struggle, but I’m finding ways that work for me. It’s going to be a tough journey, but I already see and feel results. I wore this same skirt just a few weeks ago and it’s already a little looser on me. Which, it just a testament to how many unnecessary calories I must have been consuming prior to WLC – eek!
The challenge certainly didn’t stop us from celebrating our moms yesterday. With Flower Factory bouquets in hand, we met up with our families for delicious wine and appies at Van Urban Winery. It was such a blast, and I don’t think I need to write a speech to say how thankful I am for my mama. Plus, I have a pretty awesome mother-in-law to be. She raised her boys right! Anyway, hope you all were able to send lots of love to your moms yesterday. Thanks for sticking around while I took a mini break, y’all are simply the best.
It was recently discovered that two of my best girlfriends and I haven’t ever gone on a girl’s trip together. It was also pointed out that two of us have never been to Vegas before. The math was simple and we’re booking a weekend away in July in Sin City. I seriously can’t wait, but it’s definitely been on my mind about whipping myself back into shape beforehand. I’ll also probably have to start dress shopping this summer and I want to feel my best in a white dress!
Segue to yesterday when my studio mate Bethany and I impulsively joined the Whole Life Challenge. I love that their basis is “taking small steps outside your comfort zone, but taking them everyday”. I need something to help kick my butt into gear! I’m happy to not be cutting my favourite foods out completely, but rather be drastically limiting how often I consume them. Have you ever done a similar challenge? If so, I’m accepting any tips because it’s going to be a tough couple of months, but I’m just crossing my fingers that it’ll make all the difference! High fives for early summer workout motivation 🙂
Seriously, how amazing would it be to actually be poolside right now?! I would certainly love to transport back into these photos! Going into one of those weeks that I know is going to be crazy and just bracing myself for the chaos. Which means I’ll be spending tonight doing super glamorous things like cleaning and grocery shopping. It’s always amazing how much better the week ends up being when you take the time to get organized on Monday! Hope you’ve all got a great week ahead xoxo
I have been on a shopping roll lately. Which, is great news for my wardrobe and a real sad moment for my credit card. This little number was one that I found amidst a sea of clothing at Forever 21 in Portland. It was a spontaneous choice, but the girl working fitting rooms insisted that I couldn’t leave without it. For a $30 dress (tax free too), I was all “Okay, okay, twist my arm, I’ll buy it.” It ended up being perfect for Palm Springs with the cutout detail in the front and low V back. And will definitely be remixing this one for a wedding related event in the future!
Also wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who entered the Robson Street Spring Giveaway. Lucky gal Thandi won the $100 ARITZIA Gift Card, so a big congrats to her!
After Saturday’s biking blunders, I opted to leave before the group to get a head start. I knew I was in super cute but not bike friendly boots and that my behind hurt enough that I’d be needing to take breaks. Sometimes in those high stress situations, I just need to be solo and do my own thing. It was way better this way. Had Disclosure blaring on my phone as I biked my way through PGA West. I couldn’t help but smile because the day was already off to a way better start. Then, something extra magnificent happened. I actually never even told my friends about this out of shame at the time, so if they’re reading this – surprise! As I turned the corner to phase 3, a man across the street in a truck yelled out to me “You need a ride?” Initially hesitant, “actually?!” I mumbled as I attempted to get my clunky feet to start pedaling again. I turned around and saw the truck making a u-turn and pull up beside me. “Are you serious?” I asked, still amazed that this was happening and also now realizing it was a woman. “Oh yeah, this is what I do!” she assured me. For simply a tip she was willing to drive me through phases 3 AND 4. She had home printed business cards for her “service”. She spends her extra income from the two weekends on fixing up a bike of her own. This woman is my hero.
We were all meeting at the side beer garden for Chance The Rapper. He opened with Cocoa Butter Kisses and Justin Bieber made an appearance. I discovered $11 spiced rum and cokes – a game changer.
We all felt like more dancing and Rob suggested we make our way over to Rudamental. We found a great spot to the right of the stage with plenty of room for movement and the girl behind us even had one of those spray fans to cool us off every now and then. Rudamental put on such a great show, I have a serious girl crush on the blonde pictured below with bad ass braided hair. They even had one guy who’s sole purpose on stage is to hype the crowd up – and it definitely worked! We were breaking it down when all of a sudden I felt a tug on my hair and heard a sputtering engine noise. I did my best to turn around and see what I had suspected. My hair was caught in the girl’s fan. Luckily, it was a small chunk and I have plenty of hair to go around. After a photo to document its ridiulousness, we just ripped the rest of my hair away and the fan even continued to work. We got lots of extra air and water too, I’m sure out of guilt. But yes, an excellent show. I recommend you check out their song Waiting All Night – in fact, you might already know it! There we were dancing away
Then came one of my favourite acts from the entire two days. There is something to be said about music with a really great beat (Songza just taught me that it’s called trap music) so Adam brought a few of us to Flosstradamus. Oh my goodness, it was THE most epic dance party of my entire life. We posted up at the fence just outside of the Mojave tent. The people in front of us who were technically in the tent never had any room to move at all, so we definitely lucked out with our spot. It was an hour straight of dropping it like it’s hot. We had impromptu dance parties with other randoms from the crowd. We jumped up on the cables, we sang, we loved every second of it.
I’d scheduled Calvin Harris in as my resting period. This never happened. We ended up dancing with the entire side beer garden for the duration of his set. How could I deny those hits?! It was so much fun. Then Adam and I broke away because I really wanted to see Daughter and I knew their show would be almost empty because everyone would be pushing to go see Lana Del Ray. I like Lana enough but I made a judgement call. Anyway, there was maybe 50 people there waiting for Daughter, so we got an amazing spot and I got to hear them perform Smother and Human live.
Disclosure was next, but I’m such a snob and just can’t compare it to their Osheaga show where there was only a couple hundred watching and I was front row. I think the rest of the group really enjoyed them though, they really are a fun duo. Last, but certainly not least came the epicness that is Arcade Fire. Debbie Harry made a cameo for a rendition of Heart Of Glass. We danced away and sang along to all the Arcade Fire hits and favourites. It was a Coldplay at Pemberton Festival kind of moment that I’ll always cherish. Sunday was absolute Coachella redemption.
The biking was of course, not over yet! Somehow on this last ride, Adam and I got lost (ugh, so something we would do) and ended up going 20 minutes out of the way on a trail that spat us out into unfamiliar territory. We eventually found our way, but I definitely said a few curse words under my breathe as we rode the extra few blocks. At least by that time, I was a bike riding pro and was already going at a much fast speed and easily maneuvering through the crowds and cars.
Can’t believe it’s all over already. I’m having desert withdrawals! Another Coachella adventure is complete – hopefully not my last music festival of the year!
I forgot how simple summer styling is. In the heat, it’s just about grabbing a key piece to wear and accessorizing around that. No layering or jacket needed. My kind of life, I see why California bloggers are so consistent. This look was my third festival look had I been able to be there on the Friday. The fringe would have been perfect for dancing. I’ve also decided that I don’t care if it makes me 75 at heart, I just love Palm Springs. Coachella aside, it’s dessert heat that’s only a 2.5 hour flight away. It’s beautiful and relaxing. They have pools and palm trees. What’s not to love? I would go back tomorrow if I could! Also, part deux of my Coachella Guide is coming up tomorrow but in the meantime, have a good Good Friday.
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My alarm went off at 5:30 am on Saturday morning and I couldn’t help but laugh to myself. Considering that after the wedding I’d gone to bed at 2:30, it most certainly constituted more of a nap than beauty sleep. This was going to be a long day. When I landed in Palm Springs, I searched for my driver, trying to remember the instructions the car service had provided. Finally I saw an old man with a printed sign with my name on it. “Where ya been girl?” He says to me, as he adjusts his newsboy cap and motions us towards his vehicle. I go to open my door, “Let me guess, it’s locked?” he asks in annoyance. “I hate this damn car,” he mumbles as we begin driving. “Let me tell you, this drive is going to be HELL.” he informs me, “this damn Coachella. It’s RIDICULOUS. People everywhere, just an absolute disgrace.” He goes on and on about his hatrid for the festival before I finally reveal that it also happens to be the exact place I’m headed. “Oh,” he says after my confession, “Well, I’m certainly well past my Coachella Festival days.” Being that he was late 70’s and adorably grumpy, I would have to agree with that statement.
I was able to squeeze in one hour of pool time, which was exactly all I needed to get enough of a tan for my all white/blush outfit for the day. Thank you, skin! I was super pumped to wear the outfit I’d picked for my first day. For someone with my figure, it’s not often that I’m able to sport a crop top. I felt great in it though, because when paired with something high waisted (with an elastic waistband that flares away from the body – key) it ends up just showing the tiniest bit of skin. It’s important to feel sexy in your own way, especially in an environment where a lot of people are pretty much naked.
So, last year we’d taken taxis to and from the festival each day and we decided that bikes would be a better decision. And I say “we” as in the whole group thought this and I just went along with everyone. To be honest, I can’t remember the last time I was on a bicycle. We opened the garage to our 7 bicycles lined up in a very intimidating row and I hopped on mine. It’s true what they say that it all comes back to you, but it doesn’t necessarily happen right away. I was almost immediately at the back of our bike gang as I followed my friends on this supposedly short ride. The heat. The uncomfortable seat. My crop top. My stupid crop top. My burning legs. I bet my hair is being ruined by sweat in this helmet. Whyyy am I so out of shape? Then, we finally arrived at the first security checkpoint and I screw up. Somehow didn’t notice that I was in the guy’s lineup and was sent to the very back of the girl’s line. Most of the group waits. I walk my bike through the people, legs burning so much. I’m frustrated and tired and the day has barely even begun. We somehow lose everyone and Adam (such a patient man, God bless him) helps me lock up my bike so we can hustle our way through security point number two and to the first show.
So we hurry our way to Gobi to catch sultry female powerhouse, Banks. Who wouldn’t want to catch her do Waiting Game or This Is What It Feels Like? Actually, us. I looked at Adam after one slow, kind of quiet song and asked if he wanted to leave. Banks would be amazing at The Commodore Ballroom, not in 35 degrees and the first show of the day. After our ride in, I needed something to lift me up. Thankfully, Bombay Bicycle Club (I just realized the irony there) was at Mojave tent next door and we were able to easily get a spot. They put on a great set and we were happy that we caught them.
We’re a classy bunch and love buying overpriced cold pressed juices and adding vodka to them. It’s a real travesty to the cold pressed juice (I have a client who could be reading this and shaking his head) but makes you feel semi okay about what you’re ingesting. Nutrients and poison together in one bottle. Seems okay, right ;)? On our way over the side beer garden, we heard a bit of Chvrches and City and Colour who both sounded great. After some sunning though, we made our way back into the crowd to catch Kid Cudi. He wore a weird crop top and I didn’t know any songs he performed. I was cursing myself for not researching more Cudi before that moment. The wind started. We left early towards the middle beer garden. This is a trend you will sense for the rest of the day.
Our group meeting spot at the middle beer garden worked out and we were all finally reunited. Capital Cities was next up and after seeing them at Venue last year, I knew they’d put on an entertaining show. We drank some more, I had a slice of pizza, and we took a lot of selfies. We also belted out their rendition of Sinead’s Nothing Compares. It was a good set. This was also when the wind really started picking up.
Coachella Outfit Details //
Crop Top, Latest Scoop / similar
Floral Headband, Handmade by a friend / similar
Faux Leather Skirt, Club Monaco
Runners, Top Shop
Lilac Sunglasses, Forever 21
We made our way to Lorde. And it was beyond packed. Couldn’t see a thing. Heard Buzzcut Season and felt satisfied that I’d fulfilled my Lorde fix. We then, admittedly, completely wasted the next few hours. The wind was so intense and we’d wanted to watch Empire Of The Sun but the crowds were insane. I mean anxiety inducing, over sold, wasted, cold, tired people kind of crowds. We couldn’t move. We ended up sitting in another beer garden amongst garbage and abandoned glow sticks for an hour. To be honest, it kind of sucked. We tried our best to rectify the situation and make our way back to the middle beer garden for Pharrell and Muse. Instead, Adam and I approached the hoards of people attempting to funnel their way in and I backed away slowly shaking my head no. Claustraphobia to the max. We stayed outside the garden and I mustered up the last of my energy on Pharrell. So glad I did. Adam and I had a grand dance party to old school NERD, new Pharrell tunes, plus tons of cameos from Nelly, Snoop, Gwen Stefani, etc. We caught a bit of Muse and decided it was time to start biking home.
My lack of sleep caught up to me on the bike ride home. In my head, I broke our journey down into 5 phases and by the end of phase 3, I had to stop and refrain from breaking down into tears. My bottom hurt so bad. I was tired. It was cold. I was covered in dust. There was sand in my eyes. My feet ached. And we still had two more phases of biking to complete. After my pity party, we FINALLY pulled up to the condo. I had the most amazing hot shower of life. I hand washed my clothes. I forgot to pack loungewear and looked in Adam’s suitcase for some shorts and a tee and instead saw a Smirnoff Ice staring back at me. I broke the cardinal icing rule and ignored it. There was just no way that I was going to chug a Smirnoff Ice at 2 am after all that. It was, you might say, just the icing on top of the entire day.
We have many regrets about Saturday but there were just so many factors working against us. We stayed as upbeat as we could and even though I seem to have many complaints about Saturday, it really was okay enough. I laugh now when I think back and I mean for the most part we had fun. My Sunday recap is coming up soon and it was a very successful Coachella day, I promise!
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