For what had seemed like months (or maybe even years) now, the only word that had become appropriate for my hair situation was... "sad". My mane was limp, my bang situation unfortunate, and a good hair day was a concept that was completely foreign to me. Naturally, then, I jumped at the opportunity when I was invited to get my hair cut by Mark McLeod, a master stylist at ARROJO in New York (yes, the Nick Arrojo!) who had just relocated to Vancouver. It did not disappoint to say the least; a master at his craft, Mark knew exactly what would look good and implemented it effortlessly. Knowing that I wanted to keep my length but that I also needed a major upheaval, he renewed my bangs and gave me an abundance of layers to frame my face. I love my new tresses, and am now a complete believer that an expert haircut can truly elevate your look!

Vancouverites: you can get your hair cut by Mark at Kore Salon in Downtown Vancouver, for $108 CAD (worth every penny). New Yorkers, Mark still returns to NYC every 8 weeks to cut hair at Arrojo!

I had been looking for a pair of bright red pants for what seems like years now, but always held off as I had never come across a pair in my ideal shade. The unabashedly intense hue (fittingly dubbed "Lipstick") on this pair that I finally came across recently was not only the exact colour that what I was looking for, but they also happened fit like a glove. I'm looking forward to using them to add a brilliant pop to a dressy camel ensemble, and going casual with a heather grey tee. For now, though, here's a classic pairing with black, white and gold. How would you style red pants?



photos by Alicia 
Wearing: YesStyle jacket and blouse (c/o), Aritzia trousers, Zara shoes, MICHAEL Michael Kors bag, House of Harlow 1960 sunglasses, Jeweliq jewelry (c/o)

Now that it's starting to get dark significantly earlier, it can be a bit stressful to find the time to take blog photos during the hours of natural light. That's why I was so happy to have stumbled upon this back up spot last week for when the days are too packed; although the area is a little bit sketchy (an old homeless man kindly told me during the shoot that my sweater made me looked pregnant), the artificial light actually does quite well at illuminating clothing... especially these semi-shiny trousers.

Wearing: Aritzia sweater, YesStyle blouse, H&M trousers, vintage Bally bag, Zara shoes (similar), Flashy Era necklace (c/o boticca)

As much as I like the look of the long time crowd favourite and ultra-popular chevron print, I'll admit that I've found it a little hard to wear in the past without looking like everyone else. This dress, however, caught my eye right away: I love how it is a slightly more subtle play on the pattern, and the great way in which it incorporates a vintage vibe without looking dated.

Wearing: YesStyle dress and jacket (similar), Coach bag (old), Pour La Victoire wedges (I recommend sizing up 1/2 size), Jeweliq necklace and bracelet

Last week, I turned 24. Although I know that I'm not yet old, I do feel like I've gotten to the age where I'm really not young anymore. Though that may seem like cause for worry to some, I really couldn't be more thrilled to have aged a year... likely because of how spoiled I was this year! My birthday started off with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers & a sunny picnic with D, followed by surprise supper with an intimate group of friends. The day after, my girlfriends treated me to a fancy dinner & equally fancy cookbooks, and we ended the evening with wine and chatter. To top it all off, D took me to Seattle on the weekend, where we explored new places & got to do a bit of shopping.
To say that it was wonderful would be an understatement. Turning a year older feels pretty sweet when you are blessed with amazing people in your life; here are a few highlights from the past few days.

{a wonderful birthday picnic on an uncharacteristically hot September day}

{spoiled rotten with birthday treats}

{feel so blessed to call these ladies my friends}

{timeless new earrings from D, displayed on a tray found at the Fremont Street Market in Seattle}
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Side Note: The winners of the JEWELIQ giveaway are barb c, JANELLEINC.COM & Aerly. Congratulations, ladies! I will be emailing you shortly.

As much as I enjoy dressing up, sometimes it's nice to go for something a little more laid-back. These khaki coloured trousers not only filled a hole in my wardrobe, but they are ridiculously comfortable and soft. I also like that they're relaxed yet not too loose, allowing them to maintain an element of put-togetherness. Happy Monday!




{photos by Alicia}
Wearing: H&M pants (c/o), Old Navy chambray, J.Crew sweater (similar), Zara shoes, House of Harlow sunglasses, DKNY bag (similar), Essie Topless and Barefoot nails, MAC lip pencil in Brick

A short & sweet post today (it's my birthday!): here's another 'transition' type of look as the temperatures continue to drop: simple matching neutrals with my new favourite sweater & old favourite shoes, paired with pops of cobalt and tweed- two of my favourite fall trends!




Wearing: Aritzia sweater, Zara top and shoes, YesStyle shorts (old, similar here), YSL ring, bag from Asia
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p.s. Make sure you enter to win some great statement jewelry from Jeweliq here. I'll be drawing for three winners after this Friday!

Just a couple of contrasting outfits styled around this gorgeous dream (seriously just a dream at $3000) of a bag: The Reed Krakoff Atlantique. I love that although it's such a standout bag, it works so perfectly as a neutral; as such, I paired it with statement pieces and toned it down by topping each look with a pair of very different but equally classic glasses. Happy Tuesday (and don't forget to enter the Jeweliq giveaway here)!
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UPTOWN: Topshop dress, Balenciaga sunglasses, Jeweliq necklace, Kate Spade earrings, Versus heels // DOWNTOWN: Topshop blouse, rag & bone jeans, Barney's CO-OP booties, Ray Ban glasses

If there's anything I like more than statement jewelry, it's getting pretty baubles at an amazing price... and San Francisco-based JEWELIQ offers just that! Each gorgeous piece on this fun site is $25 or less (with a $4.95 flat shipping fee for Canada, and free ship in the US), so you can treat yourself and a friend to some arm, neck or ear candy without breaking the bank. And...to make things even sweeter, I've teamed up with the site today to start the week off right: we're giving three (3!) of you any piece of your choosing from the entire collection - and trust me, it will be a tough choice to make! Details on how to enter & a few additional picks below...


To Enter:
- "Like" JEWELIQ & her waise choice on Facebook.
- Leave a comment here letting me know that you did, along with an email address to contact you if you win.
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Contest is open to residents of USA and Canada, and runs until one week from today (Monday, Sept 17) at 11:59pm PST.

some other favourites... {1, 2, 3, 4}

My Sunday afternoons after church are often spent relaxing around the city with D. Usually it includes trying new coffee and sweets coupled with lots of walking, and this past weekend was no different. Since we're both out of school and individually busier now, we don't get to see each other as much as we'd like. However, these simple afternoons spent together are more than enough to make my whole weekend. I hope you are enjoying your Labour Day long weekend!





Wearing: 10 Crosby Derek Lam jacket (sold out, but here's super fun aztec piece for only $13!), YesStyle blouse (c/o), Aritzia pants, Zara shoes, Coach bag (last seen here), JEWELIQ jewelry (c/o - here & here)