Dubai: Skyscrapers & First Impressions

-Dubai Marina-

Hello! I am back from a much appreciated vacation to the other side of the world, literally the furthest point possible from this point. Dubai was nothing like I had expected, and more. It was truly a world of awe and mystique. It was a place of fusion, of the old and the new, exemplified by the breathtaking skyscrapers and the mosques at every other block. It was also a place where cultures co-existed vividly, exerting their influences on the city life through the food, restaurant and fashion scene.

The city is filled with all kinds of magnificent skyscraper, some of which are residences, office buildings and even malls, all with their record-setting story. Burj Arab being the only 7-star hotel in the world. The infinity tower in the Dubai Marina is the first skyscrapper with a 90 degree twist. The tales continue. Dubai never fails to impress.

 -The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi-

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//

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

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 





Coral in Caribbean

Hello Lovelies!

I am back from a good two weeks of over-gorging on pure yumminess and immersing in the turquoise and white abyss. We did two back-to-back cruises, spending seven days sailing along West Caribbean and another seven along the East. This was our first port-of-call at a private island called Labadee. This was an absolute shock to my eyes - the clarity of the water and fine white sand. Yup I could just lie there forever. In fact that's exactly what we did - we fell asleep on the beach and snuck in a little nap ;)

More updates to come!

xoxo,
Cecilia

Mural Magic

Sometimes we go through phases where we become absolutely obsessed with something. Perhaps it's something you've never paid attention to before. Perhaps it's a reoccuring subject that continuously catches your eye (like leopard print and me = if I see leopard print I get tunnel visioned).

I was looking through my photos from California and found several photos of murals that I took. Most of them are from Venice with the exception of one from Halfmoon Bay near San Francisco. I love these murals so much that I hope to get a mural painted in my future dream home. Yes, one day. It'll happen.

-Venice Beach-

Princess for a day

Wouldn't it be fun to be a princess for a day? (Oh yes Kate...only her.)

On day 6, we stopped by Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, eventually making our way to the main attraction, Hearst Castle in San Simeon. The castle rests upon a tall peak in the mountains, overlooking the oceans. Up top, you have a 360 degrees view of nature, as well as the opportunity to indulge in historical European and Roman architecture and artifacts. At times, I was sure I was in Europe somewhere....but the ketchup and mustard on the fancy dining table and the billiard in the gamesroom brought me back to California! If you are ever in this area, this is definitely a must-see. In a popular article who published an obituary for William Hearst, it said something along the lines of: "Most rich people have money but no fun. William Hearst was one of the few exceptions."

I am finally home in Vancouver and am now slowly going through my photos from this trip. I can't wait to finish sharing the remains of my adventure with you!

Outfit 6

White blouse //boutique in LA//

Yellow belt //h&m//
Hi-low skirt //brandy&melville//

*Restyling tips:

1. Wear a flowy skirt as a dress or top

2. Tie a knot with the end of your belt for a unique look

3. Wear a blouse as a vest/jacket

(yes it's that simple!)

Pismo Beach