Pages

Sunday 10 November 2013

Call in the festivities [Red x Camel]

It's getting quite chilly lately, but the crisp air is both refreshing and cleansing. The symbolic Starbucks red cup and the red-green-gold glitziness have emerged at the turn of every corner. I'll take a eggnog latte and a snowman cookie please. Snow? That can wait ;)

Inspired by the holiday décor, I transformed a piece of red plaid fabric into a snuggly scarf. The camel coat is a nice autumn go-to on the days you might like to take a break from the basic black and white. Someone amazingly called this the "Gingerbread on Christmas red" duo. Well-said girl! Let the festivities begin!

Now excuse me while I grab a latte. Cheers!
Cecilia

Sunday 29 September 2013

Stubborn Love

In the last week, it feels as if nature is just been squeezing out sporadic periods of sunshine like squeezing out the last dainty drops of lemon juice from the wedge. (Oh look I'm doing that Vancouverite thing again talking about the weather. Well whaaddup I'm ownin' it).

The Lumineers concert was last Thursday and took place at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby. We were truly blessed by some good dry weather, which came into effect pre-emptively in the mid-afternoon. After a brief costume change after work, voila, I transformed into a concert bo-ho with my trusty Hipster Lion (if you haven't met him, he made his first appearance on my birthday as a honorary Leo).

Tuesday 17 September 2013

Fall into Autumn


Usually I am not a grey kind of gal, but lately I am definitely in the mood for all shades of grey (um not at all what you are thinking about). Not too long ago, I popped into the new-ish pop-up boutique Loft 82 and came out with a lovely birthday present for myself =) This skirt is perfect for a vertically-challenged girl, showing off a little legs in the front but not at all cutting off the elongated visual. Paired with maroon heels, I break the rule of pairing warm colours with only its own kind. Maroon and grey? Sounds like a foreshadow of a stylish fall lineup as we transition out of summer.

Perhaps the busy life has caught up to me. Lately all I want to do is curl up on my (new) couch and nap. I just bought a nice, long white couch and is currently working on the decor the compliment it. It is evident that how an individual lays out their place reflects their personality and mindset. In my case, I much rather prefer the simple neutrals and the earthy tones - a comfortable sanctuary to come home to everyday. Someone said the other day, and I paraphrase, "no matter where you are, it's the same body, same mind. It's just the situations that are different." If you can maintain a strong, stable spirit and mindset, you can do anything.

Have a great week!
Cecilia

P.S. Thanks to my man for taking these shots. I really think his photography skills are getting pretty awesome!

Wednesday 4 September 2013

Pink Mink


This is me paying one final tribute to my white denim DIY shorts as the season passes by. Too soon, but we had a good run. It's been chilly, but not cold enough for a real jacket. So for a stroll and a quick bite at the infamous Nero Waffles, I threw on this light pink leopard scarf to keep warm and also to tie the fuschia and white together. There's no such thing as too much pink in my books. Just some extra sweetness for the road in case the sky gets a bit dim.


//pink hi-low blouse. Mink Pink from J2//
//pink leopard scarf. gift//
//white purse.Guess//
//black strap heels.Nine West//

Wednesday 28 August 2013

Weekend in Portland

Here is a short and sweet recap of my summer days in Portland. Perhaps the memories are enough to counter the rain coming our way.

PORTLAND TO-DO's:

  • Try Voodoo donuts at least once in your life. My advice is to line up early in the morning at about 9:30AM on a weekday to avoid excessive lineups. We lined up for 20 minutes, which was quite decent.
  • Sport a breezy and cool tank top (polyester) with vibrant colours to compliment the artsy city, and a flowy light lace skirt. It was all about beating the heat.
  • Walk the city and take time to admire the history and architecture...especially the brick walls, alleyways and cobblestone sidewalks decorated with wall painting and graffiti.
  • Try out the food carts, EUROTRASH & SHOWROOM. Deep Fried Crab in a Ciabatta Sandwich & Pork Belly Burger (respectively). If I could only eat from foodtrucks for the rest of my life, I'd do it....in Portland.

What's your favorite thing about Portland?
Cecilia

//tanktop.Mink Pink at Plenty//
//black lace skirt. boutique in LA//
//brown cutout booties. Jeffrey Campbell//

Sunday 25 August 2013

The Summer Romper

As our summer starts to draw to a close with end of season sales and back-to-school commercials (too soon), it's a reminder to bust out those summer-friendly numbers before it ceases to see the light once autumn rolls around.

Rompers have been a huge staple of the summer. They are adorable and can be ultra comfortable and as easy to put on as any other one piece. However, be forewarned that taking it off may not be that easy. Try doing that in the washroom at your workplace. Yes - that was when I thought to myself "oh this is awkward," but thankfully I was alone in my embarrassment.

I have been playing tour guide in the last three weeks, while my cousins visited Vancouver for the first time. The gorgeous weather, more generous than I remembered it being in the last few years, was to be thankful for, as well as being able to spend time with family that I normally only see every 2 years or so. It can be a burden to be tasked with showing the best of a city to two tourists, but it was a great reason to revisit my favorite places in this city and to cross off some of those very bucket-list items of my own. Now that they have left, I hope to continue to cross out more items on my own.

What's on your bucket list for the rest of summer?
Cecilia



//romper. Taiwan//
//black suede flats. Steve Madden//
//sunglasses. vintage//
//earrings.Exposure//






Wednesday 14 August 2013

Vanstyle Summer Nights Fashion Show

A couple weeks I had the pleasure of attending the Vanstyle Summer Nights Fashion Show, produced by Vanstyle, a fashion community run and operated by SFU students, at the exquisite Waterfall Building on 2nd Ave. Tucked away behind a waterfall was the beautiful triangular glass building, whose natural lighting and artworks served as the perfect backdrop for showcasing the three featured designers - Pretty Hipster (by Mark Abenir) & Ritzy Pin (by Anna Kudrjasova).

Below are some of my favorite pieces from both collections. The gowns from Pretty Hipster are glamorous and filled with surprises, such as cut-outs, and never lacking in their airy and grandiose quality. It's amazing that these are the works of an 18-year-old who at this young age had already chosen to follow his dreams - to pursue a career in passion.

The highlight of my night was meeting Anna Kudrjasova, the designer of the up and coming Canadian online retail brand, Ritzy Pin. Ritzy Pin is ready to launch anytime soon, and is set to become the go-to store to satisfy the cravings of "wild and free" spirits. This collection was brought to life with a bright colour palette and womanly silhouettes exude a strong sense of self-expression and fun-loving nature. Anna and her PR manager Lina, were both incredibly sweet and down-to-earth and were the perfect spokespeople for their brand. We are really looking forward to the official launch of Ritzy Pin and can't wait to get our hands on some of these unique pieces ourselves!

All in all, it was a night of great fashion, conversation and inspiration. After all, who could miss out on an opportunity to play fashionista for a night?

Photos:
1/2/3 - Designs from Pretty Hipster. (PS - doesn't the first gown look like something Danaerys from Game of thrones would wear?!)
4/5 - The fun, edgy yet girly designs from Ritzy Pin.
6 - The beautiful Anna, founder of Ritzy Pin, and Franny, my date for the night.
7 - Friends =)
8/9/10 - Tina, my other date for the night, Franny and myself in our fashionable attires.


Wednesday 31 July 2013

Tribal Print Dress

This dress caught my eye 2 years ago in a boutique in LA on Melrose Avenue. Thankfully this classy hi-low cut and fun tribal print have proven to be transcendent of the ever-changing trends. Taking a look at this yearès trends and also flash-forward to fall and winter 2013, it is refreshing to see lots of new and unique patterns out on the runway. Not only are we thinking tribal print and baroque, but letès think bigger - hologram and colourful geometrics! Maybe I do have a reason to look forward to fall afterall.


 2 day countdown to the weekend!
Cecilia

Sunday 28 July 2013

All That Jazz

What a great summer day at the Jazz Festival! There were lots of bikes and people on site at Yaletown Roundhouse. Nothing like a hot and breezy day by the waters with some smooth jazzy tunes. What you doing this weekend?

//Cecilia

Friday 26 July 2013

What to do this Weekend

The positive weekend weather forecast and the anticipation of Friday 5pm to roll around have got all of us looking forward to the weekend. If you've got a weekend getaway, good for you for planning ahead. For us folks staying in the big city, we begin to mull over the big question: what should I do this weekend? To save some time and energy for everyone, I have put together a list of cool things to do this weekend. Trust me - there is something for everyone.

The summer will not last long, so let's not allow these precious weekends to go to waste! (and of course if you rather sit on the beach or on your patio, kudos to you too)

-EVENTS-



Honda Celebration of Light
Sat. July 26th
United Kingdom – Pyro 2000. 


-EAT-


"QE POD" – the new food truck pod in Vancouver!
Opens July 26th
11am-3pm daily
Next to Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Features 6 new food trucks: Aussie Pie Guy, ChouChou Crepes, Culver City Salads, Dougie Dog Diner, Fat Duck Mobile Eatery, Reel Mac and Cheese



Vancouver’s Food Cart Fest
Every Sunday
215 W. 1st (between the Cambie Street Bridge and Olympic Village)
Every Sunday from 12pm-5pm ($2 admission)


-SHOP-



Light Activewear Warehouse Sale

July 27 & 28
10am-6am
#111 - 5911 Minoru Blvd, Richmond
Up to 75% off everything. ALL sizes and all styles available.



Gravitypope Outlet Sale
July 26, 27, 28
11am-6pm
24 West 7th Avenue
50% to 90% off everything - shoes and clothing.

Sunday 21 July 2013

Sheer Content

Happy Monday! How was everyone's weekend? The weather this weekend called for but the flowy and the barely-there. (Could definitely lose the jacket though. That was redundant!)

The skirt I'm wearing is actually a hi-low skirt. The hi-low cut is super hot this year with skirts and dresses. To create a more unique and personalized look, try tucking the long end of the hi-low skirt into the waistband to create an asymmetrical, drapey, midi skirt look. Especially for ladies like myself who do not have long Giselle legs, the unevenness avoids cutting off your lovely legs and allow for them to appear elongated simply with a pair of heels. Plus, if we've learned anything from life, it's that imperfections (ie. asymmetry) can be beautiful and exciting.

How do you style your hi-low skirts to make it your own?

 

//black jacket. DKNY// White lace top. Banana Republic//
//white purse. Michael Kors//Long flowy skirt. Brandy Melville//
//black strappy heels. Nine West

Monday 15 July 2013

Happy Camper [Khaki & White Denim]

If Vancouver could stay like this for half the year, I'd be a happy camper. Here is my ideal weekend ensemble - casual and comfortable.  I have arrived the conclusion once again after this weekend that there is absolutely nothing more relaxing than taking a walk to breath in the fresh air and catching up with friends over good food (and a nice hammock!). My DIY white cut-off denim shorts are my go-to's this month, with the two-tone blouse as a light jacket.



//black peep-toe wedges. Jeffrey Campbell//
//White shorts.DIY//Necklace.Flea Market//


Happy Tuesday - Only 4 more days to go!
Cecilia

Monday 8 July 2013

Blazer. Blizzard. Enuf Said.

This is going to be a short and sweet one. I recently started a new job, so I kicked off a new beginning with a new wardrobe (well, only a few blazers anyway!). Here are a few tips for putting together some A+ summer work wear.

Chic Points:
  • STRIPES | Get stripe crazy in different colours and widths.
  • COBALT BLUE | This electrifying hue is making a comeback this summer.
  • STRAP SANDALS | Lots of options this season. I took the easy road with comfortable kitten heels and classic criss-cross style, but this summer's style line-up isn't short of colour blocking and contrast of thin strap with sky-high wedges.
  • SKORT | Fashion-meets-function.
Style Tip:
  • Go for the monochromatic look but with a twist - the stripes!

//Blue Blazer. Jacob// Black camisole. Banana Republic// Skort. Thrifty Store//
//Strap heels. Nine West//
//Blizzard. DQ//

Tuesday 2 July 2013

Made in Canada

How was everyone's Oh Canada Day long weekend?! If you answer with any negativity, I am going to call you a liar. No matter what you were doing - at the Salmon Parade in Steveston, near Canada Place, at the Jazz Festival like me or just chilling out in your backyard - the weather was a natural mood-lifter. Last year, I celebrated with the big crowd down at Canada Place while watching the fireworks explode in the sky. This year, I celebrated in the traditional way - wearing red and white, proud and loud. (and I secretly yearned for a Molson Canadian Beer :p )

Even though I was not born in Canadian, but I am happy that the stars aligned some 15+ years ago and that I somehow found myself in this wonderful place that I would call home for many years and counting. Therefore, I am proud to say that I was made in Canada!

And to top off the love and patriotism, I am sporting a top from Jacob who is celebrating their "35 years of chic" and also a necklace with a pendant with Aboriginal art. (Furthermore, I watched Man of Steel last night and *SPOILER ALERT* Superman ends up in Canada somehow.)

//Red sleeveless top. Jacob//
//White denim cut-off. DIY//
//Black peep-toe wedges. Jeffrey Campbell//
[Image via Etsy]


Stand proud y'all!
CC

Sunday 23 June 2013

Carousel At Sea

Who knew you could find a carousel in the middle of the ocean? Cruiseships are really out-doing themselves these days and I ain't complaining! Here's a trip down memory lane and a reminder that we will never be too old for a carousel or classic amusement park goodies (candy apple and cotton candy, anyone?!) Fun is age-less and the ocassional  guilty pleasure is what keeps us alive.

 //Dress. Egocloset//
//Shoes. Jeffrey Campbell//


xoxo,
Cecilia

Wednesday 19 June 2013

Beach Brights

Still playing catch up. It has been a month since I came back from the cruise, yet I am still in the process of going through my photos. Having a two-week vacation sure was nice, but between starting a new job and catching up on errands, it felt like I was being haunted by a never-ending to-do list. I can't begin to count the number of times I had to remind myself to slow down, take a break and breathe. It sounds absolutely ridiculous to do the exact opposite when you are inundated with a series of errands waiting to be crossed off, but the momentary calmness truly allows you to re-seize control over the situation and approach the task with clarity and intention. This process allows you to act with efficiency and to enjoy the moments in between. Let's be honest here, when are our errands and responsibilities ever going to end? While going through the photos, I revisited the moment where I stood by the beach, watching and listening to the waves. So I recalled those feelings and made a pact to always slow down, listen and breathe deeply to take in the entirety of moment.

While looking at these snapshots (omg I haven't been this tanned for 5+ years), I not only remembered how beautiful Sapphire Beach was but also just how much I friggin' love this dress! This is the third dress I have purchased from Egocloset, which has one of the most hip, edgy and eccentric clothing collections in town. Everything about this dress gets my heart racing - the impressionistic mix of bright colours, the refined neon lines that flatters any figure, the cut-out back, the flowy quality of the fabric - like I said, it really sets my heart fluttering. If you are looking for some knock-out dresses for the summer, then you must check out the website for their newest collection! [This dress is no longer in stock but here's a cut-out electric blue dress that's just as hot!]


Even if you can't get away on vacation just yet, do whatever you need to do to get to your happy place. Whether it be hiking, doing a yoga class, shopping, gorging on delicious food, napping....do whatever it takes to make time for yourself. You know you are worth it.

xoxo,
Cecilia