It Takes Two

Riding in Burgundy

How lucky were we to catch a sunny break this weekend? It's been a movie marathon weekend for us. I finally saw two of the movies on the top of my list - Skyfall and The Hobbit. I've still yet to catch up on the rest of the Oscar favorites, but at least I've gotten two out of the way so far. Skyfall - a homage to the classic and traditional Bond & The Hobbit - a trip down memory lane when I first dove into the world of J.RR. Tokien novels.

Inspired by the British accents, the refined London architecture and her Queen Majesty references, this was my way of paying respect to the old English ways as 007 did in the movie. Instead of pleading my allegiance, I put together a classic riding outfit with a spin - a splash of burgundy. I'm loving these boots as they extremely versatile as well as being quite the looker, with removable leather straps that can double up as a bracelet or removed completely for a more polished look. Someone once told me that I'm a sucker for detail, and they were right after all.

Now onto the burgundy hat. When I first saw this hat, I thought it was the cutest thing ever. I bought it with New Years festivities in mind! A bit silly...but red's for good luck right? (PLUS, there's a tonne of silliness out there on the other side of the world. Like Elmo and Winnie the Pooh surgical masks. Yes case and point.) It's great to have moments in life where we don't have to take ourselves too seriously. It brings on a sense of relief and inner peace at times we need it most.

A Walk in the Park

Hey Lovelies,

I am loooong due for an update! I have been in the process of reorganizing my place to get ready for some home renovations, so I have been nonstop packing and moving furniture. It's getting me in good shape, but all the holiday goodies are definitely NOT helping. I have downsized to my four-leveled book shelf, so I only have access to a small, yet practical in my opinion, portion of my closet. With the reorganizing in order, I realized the importance of OPTIMIZING what I have. At the face of the endless holiday sales, I definitely need the voice of conscience in the back of my mind, while I make smart purchases that reflect my own style. It's like trying to find your dream job. Sometimes you just want what's hot and what seems good on paper, but after awhile you realized that you jumped in too quickly without figuring out what it was exactly that you wanted. It's about knowing who you are and what you want to represent. 

Now, onto the outfit. The good thing about going through your wardrobe once in awhile, is that you not only can pick out items to donate or give away, you also remind yourself of things you used to love or have neglected for a long time. For instance, I came across these suede wedges I bought last winter. Oops! Time to give it some loving. I admit the hat and trench vest makes me look a bit like an explorer (not Dora the Explorer though, totally different thing), but I quite like the cut and the colour of the dress. 

Thanks to my BF for the great photos. I really think that his photography skills are improving. It's common for style bloggers to have photographer/videographer boyfriends, so hey for once I may actually have a positive influence on him!

Holiday cheers everyone. Have fun getting ready for Christmas!
Cecilia

Birthday Suit

TGIF!

It was my birthday this past week, and I just wanted to dedicated a post to all of mywonderful friends, family, coworkers who made this day so special.  I enjoyed the surprises, freshly-baked cupcakes, an authentic doughnut platter, thoughtful presents (everything was so ME! I was so impressed) and the surprise visits.  I booked the upstairs room at one of my favorite restuarants, the Mandalay Bay Steakhouse & Lounge, which overlooks the Steveston pier. There was a moment where I stepped out to the balcony next to the room and glanced into the room through the glass windows, and I took amental photograph of all my dear ones in a room together chatting and having a good time. This is it, I thought, this is the perfect “HAPPINESS” moment.  It is just so incredibly difficult to get people together as people move onto other stages of their lives, so I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to gather all the best people under one roof J The birthday girl/boy usually gets the spotlight on their special day, but as the birthday girl, I feel like it’s also a day to show your appreciation of the people around.

As for the outfit (the o-so-important part of theday), I wanted to veer away from the classic party dress and wear somethingbeachy and bohemian-inspired? The floral pattern, the frills and the high-lowcut are all qualities in clothes that I absolutely adore. To stay away from theblack leggings and shorts which are my go-to’s for colourful long tops, Ithought the denim mini skirt would do the trick especially to contrast the high-low cut of the top. Result? LOVE in the making.

High LowFloral Top //Forever XX1//

Denim Skirt//Jacob//N

ude Peep-toeHeels //ME TOO// (You can get this brand at Feet First)

Blank Canvas

 Hello hello!


Last week, I tried GYU-KAKU for the first time. They are a Japanese BBQ Restaurant in downtown and they have an amazing 50% Happy Hour Menu every Monday!


For a lovely meal on the patio on a nice summer day, I decided to put on a colourful summery dress. I paired it up with off-white neutrals. Instead of the safe ballet flats or lady-like strappy sandals, I wanted to jazz it up with some booties. To sum up my inspiration for this outfit is this quote: "Life is a blank canvas, so you need to throw all the paint on it you can."

Coral, grey, yellow leopard summer dress //Boutique//

White cropped blazer //

White ankle booties //Nordstrom Rack// 

***CC's Styling Tip: Go for a printed, colourful summer dress and pair it up with some interesting neutrals***

Rock the Weekend Chic

Vrroom Vroom...

How was your weekend? I can't believe how gorgeous the weather was this weekend. Having spent a week and half in California left me anticipating an uncomfortable period of sunshine-withdrawal... and instead I'm being spoiled. THANK YOU VANCOUVER!

I was blessed with all the good things this week - sunshine, my best friend coming home, anniversary with my man and the best of it all *drumroll* winning a pair of tickets to the Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil (courtesy of PUR Movement where I've been taking dance classes)! BEAUTY.

This weekend, I sported a Rock and Roll Chic look. With a new top I have acquired during the course of my roadtrip (Desert Ridge Outlet Mall - near Palm Springs. Best outlet ever), my favorite booties and an edgy necklace, I was ready to rock the weekend. I've had these booties forever and they are actually extremely comfy. Nine West make great leather shoes and surprisingly my feet are free from blisters after hours of strutting around the streets of Vancouver. Function AND fashion is possible I tell you!

coral blouse //bebe//

 black tank top //banana republic//

denim leggings //sirens//

necklace //gift//

black ankle booties //nine west//

**CC's Styling Tips:**

1) Make an outfit unique by adding 1-2 elements of surprise. Go for some edgy statement jewelry OR an unconventional piece of clothing. 

2) Don't be too concerned about being matchy-matchy. For example, instead of black leggings to match the black shoes, I went with denim leggings with a black stripe on the side. Unconventional.....but trust me it works.