As much as I've been swaying toward more edgy pieces as of late (see here and here), it just doesn't feel quite right, for my own personal style, to go all out with that aesthetic. To counter the boyish feel of leather and army green, I love the idea of pairing it with the girliest colour I can imagine: blush pink. This blouse is a new favourite for that task, with its airy chiffon layers and soft hue... and the patterned collar is an ideal way to tie the casual look together.
Wearing: YesStyle jacket and blouse (c/o), T.Babaton (Aritzia) pants, Pour la Victoire heels (c/o The Bay), Vince Camuto bag (last seen here), BCBGMAXAZRIA cuff (old)

 

So I may be a little late on the studded shoe bandwagon, but these two pairs of Valentino-inspired beauties took my breath away over the weekend, causing me to do a bit of unexpected damage. I'm probably done with my shoe-buying for the season now, but I'm so excited to wear them: they both fit into the slightly edgier aesthetic that I've been drawn to lately, and they'll be great at adding subtle detail to everyday looks. They are also versatile enough to go with pretty much everything, so prepare to be seeing both a lot!

Booties: Schutz / Boots: Zara

When the city is wet and hair is subsequently frizzy, as it has been for weeks now, I would really much rather spend a free day in bed than be out and about braving the deluge. However, since that mentality would probably keep me at home for the better half of the year, I'm thankful to have good friends who are not only wonderful photographers but also manage to make shooting in the rain fun (while making me look half-decent). Of course, a pretty umbrella is also beneficial, and this YSL one that my parents recently brought back from Japan helped seal the deal for a good day out in the rain.

Photos by Paul Milaire and Roderick Fung 

Wearing: J.Crew sweater and pants, thrifted blouse, YesStyle jacket (last seen here), random boots, Coach bag (last seen here)

I can't really think of better fall patterns than plaid and tartan, and had been in search for some good pieces to add to my closet for some time. These Topshop trousers, found during last Wednesday's pre-shop, were just what I had been looking for. And since the arrival of the print into my closet was a long time coming, I couldn't help but go a little overboard with the pattern mixing and double up on the motif using one of the coziest scarves I own.
 
photos by Alicia

Wearing: Topshop pants (these shorts are also great), YesStyle scarf (c/o), J.Crew sweater, H&M top, Zara shoes, Coach bag, bfrend and Jeweliq bracelets (both c/o), MAC lip pencil in Brick

Recently, I was given the unique opportunity to walk in a fashion show at a home & design show. As part of the feature, a crew came to film my closet, and asked me to share about my blog and personal style as well. The show was split into multiple categories (e.g. glam, cocktail etc.) and I was assigned "corporate". I don't actually work in a corporate environment, but it was fun to dream up what I would wear if I did! Here's the video that was produced!

p.s. It's always a little bit cringe-inducing to watch yourself speak on video, and even more intimidating to share it... so please be kind!

Even though it's undoubtedly getting very cold very fast, I am still in denial about the fact that I probably need to be pulling out the winter coats. I love a good trench, so to negate the fact that we don't have nearly enough time in a year to wear them here, I've been layering whatever I can underneath to add some extra warmth to my ensembles. Wearing a faux fur vest inside (yes, the vest again... have I sold you on one yet?) not only prolongs trench coat-appropriate time, but also adds another element of interest to the look.
 

photos by Alicia

Wearing: YesStyle jacket & vest, ASOS dress as top (in this season's colours here), Dahlia skirt, DKNY bag (similar), Zara shoes, Flashy Era necklace

Ending the week with a colourful, retro-inspired look that I wore to celebrate the launch of Topshop / Topman in Vancouver at The Bay this past Wednesday. I'm so excited for this amazing addition to the Vancouver shopping scene; the store looks beautiful and I almost felt transported back to the huge Topshop at Oxford Circus in London upon entering. And even more to be excited about: it also happens to be their largest international store in the world! A big hearty welcome to Vancouver, Topshop!

 You may remember my constant wearing of this faux fur vest (see here, here, here) last year. Hopefully, you're not sick of it as I've already pulled it out numerous times (i.e. almost everyday) this season. It's truly become a staple in my wardrobe, since it's the perfect piece to throw on over a sweater, under a jacket and really, wherever else it will fit. I'm currently eying this one from Club Monaco... a little pricey, but well worth it considering the amount it will be worn, right?

photos by Alex 
Wearing: T.Babaton (Aritzia) sweater and pants, YesStyle vest and blouse (c/o), Club Monaco necklace, DKNY bag (similar), Celine wallet, Vince Camuto heels (last seen here, quilted version here), MAC lip pencil in Brick

{the thoughtful & loving D, who surprised me with this amazing belated birthday gift}
"Pray more than you complain" is a sentiment that has been running through my head constantly for the past week: in the midst of rainy weather and a busy schedule, I've realized that there has been a serious need of an perspective check. It seems as though I am always telling myself to be more thankful, but as cliche as it sounds: simply counting and making note of the small things (no matter how seemingly trivial) can often be enough to turn an attitude around.
 

{a catch-up date with a friend over an indulgent breakfast}

{a stunning Reem Acra gown at the Creme de la Creme preview at the Four Seasons}
{a manual matcha grinder at one of the coolest new spots in the city - o5 rare tea bar on west 4th}  

{the amazing bright orange soles on these Joe Fresh beauties}

A quick post with an unabashedly colourful outfit to brighten up a grey, soggy Monday: here's to a day of setting goals, being productive, and most importantly, staying thankful. Hope you have a great start to your week!
 
Photos by Alex 
Wearing: Zara top, leather skirt (similar, and an affordable faux leather version here) and heels, 10 Crosby Derek Lam jacket, Jeweliq necklace, ASOS bracelet (old), bag from Asia

For whatever reason, I have been gravitating towards slightly edgier, more tomboy-ish ensembles ever since I had my hair cut. Though there are still days where I like to embrace a full-out feminine look, I have been finding myself drawn to a more relaxed and easy vibe lately. This silk tunic from JNBY allows me the best of both worlds: it's such a versatile piece that, depending on what you style it with, can completely change the mood of a look. I love that this brand offers so many unconventional and special pieces that do just that; it's really up to you to make a piece your own, allowing you to "Just Naturally Be Yourself".


photos by Alexandra  
Wearing: JNBY silk tunic (c/o), H&M pants (last seen here) and jacket (old), Christian Dior shoes (found on consignment!), Jeweliq necklace and bracelet

I think it's quite safe to say that the coloured cigarette trouser has become something of a wardrobe staple for me (see here and here). The ideal pair serves as a more polished alternative to denim while providing the comfort of a pair of stretchy leggings, and this forest green pair certainly fits that description. I know they will be well-loved for the months to come: I'm excited to dress them down with a cream sweater and cinnamon hued riding boots for a winter's day, and wear them with a silk blouse and a pair of sky high heels on a night out. Late last week, they were also perfect for an casual catch up breakfast with a friend.

photos by Mina 
Wearing: J.Crew pants, Zara sweater and shoes (similar), necklace and bag via boticca (last seen here), Coach trench (this year's bright options here)

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p.s. Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians! Of all of the things I've been blessed enough to be thankful for, this blog is among the top of the list. Truly, I thank you so much for reading this blog and for all of the kind words, support and encouragement.