Red Brick Background

Decided to take some quick photos of today's outfit at the elementary school across the street. There's just something about the red brick and bright yellow picnic tables that makes me so nostalgic about my childhood (though I don't think we had either at my elementary school!)

I also finally got my hair cut after about 4 months. I know you're supposed to get a trim every 6 weeks but I'm so bad about getting it done! However, I will admit that my hair does feel much softer and healthy now that all the split ends are gone.

 Blouse: Wilfred / Tank: TNA / Pants: 7 For All Mankind / Shoes: Lindsay Phillips

Necklace: House of Harlow / Bracelets: Kenneth Jay Lane & gift from friend

Summer Solstice

I decided to celebrate the first day of summer by going to the beach today! There was perfect weather (hot but not too hot) and it was so nice to relax under the sun. I'm lucky to live such a short walk away from this:

What else have been up to lately? Well, in addition to preparing for my impending trip to Europe (in less than 2 weeks!), much of the past month has been occupied by Canucks games and spending time at some favourite food & drink spots around Vancouver.

Catching a game at The Commodore

A whole potato spiraled on a skewer dipped in your choice of topping = heaven on a stick at Night Market in Richmond

 

I've been obsessed with the white wine sangria at Steamworks

 Japanese tapas at Hapa Izakaya

Patio drinks at The Mill in Coal Harbour

My first time at La Casa Gelato, where there are over 200 different flavours of gelato - including Curry Peanut Butter, Balsamic Vinegar, and Garlic!

Sunday afternoon tea at The T Room

I'm obsessed with Cream of Earl Grey Tea (this tin's from Davids Tea)

Reflections

Does anyone recognize this kimono from my Zara wishlist post made back in March? Well, as you can see, I did manage to get my hands on it! It only comes in one size (medium), so it's a little baggy but I suppose it's okay for the whole "loose and flowy" look that I love so much anyway.

Thankfully, I had also recently rediscovered these white jeans that my aunt gave me a while ago. When I first got them I scoffed at their impracticality, but they were totally necessary for me to blatantly rip off Zara's lookbook.

 Kimono Wrap: Zara / Tank: Smart Set / Jeans: Falmer

Heels: Ralph Lauren / Wristlet: Coach

In other news, I woke up this morning reeling from last night's events. For those of you who aren't in Vancouver and don't know what happened, essentially a bunch of hooligans took to the streets after the Canucks' Game 7 Stanley Cup Final loss, wreaking havoc throughout downtown. They set cars on fire, smashed windows and looted stores... (there are some devastating photos online if you Google them). I can't believe people would do this to their own city. This wasn't the Vancouver I know and love. Thanks so much to everyone who has shown their support for our hockey team and our city by helping with clean-up efforts this morning. ♥

Hem Gems: An Inexpensive Way to Temporarily Alter Your Jeans

This post about about Hem Gems is long overdue (Laura at Hem Gems sent me a box to try out last year), but better late than never, right? They really are such an ingenious idea - especially when you've already spent tons of $$ on premium denim. Basically, you use these little pins (they come in four different styles: silver rivets, gold rivets, silver studs, and gold studs) to temporarily alter the length of your jeans depending on the type of shoes you're wearing.

Since visuals are key, I decided it would be best to demonstrate myself:

 The inseam on these jeans is so long on me, they're even almost too much for heels!

With hem gems, they're now perfect for flats!

Blouse: Jacob / Blazer: Zara / Jeans: Paige Premium Denim / Flats: Marc By Marc Jacobs

The pins are a little hard to work with sometimes since they need to be quite strong to go through denim, and obviously you're not going to get the perfectly "clean" look you'd get with a professional alteration, but Hem Gems are perfect for those pairs of jeans you want to wear with both heels and flats. Plus they're only $19.99 for a pack of 8 that you can re-use again and again.

A Chunky Knit in the Summer?

Despite the fact that temperatures are rising here in Vancouver, I could not stay away from the Patterson J. Kincaid Melinda Sweater (which is actually currently on sale at ShopBop). I immediately fell in love with the chunky knit, nautical stripes, and extra-long sleeves. It's perfect to throw on when the summer breeze hits or if I'm stuck in the shade, though I've already been envisioning plenty of Fall outfits too. Yes, I realize I have been complaining about the lack of Summer weather and now here I am almost wishing it was Fall...

 

 Sweater: Patterson J. Kincaid / Skirt: Forever 21 / Sandals: Shellys London

Necklace: H&M / Hat: Banana Republic

For my fellow Canadians, do you guys shop at The Bay? I have recently been reacquainting myself with our historic department store (it's where I bought this sweater!) and seriously, it is soooo much better than it used to be when I was younger. They have done such a great job re-branding and bringing in brands like Rachel Roy, Brochu Walker, Free People, among others. Plus I love the change rooms at the downtown location! So many mirrors!

Sunshine & A Pop of Colour

Apologies for my lack of recent blog posts... I've been super sick for the past week with one of those coughs that just will not go away. You know the kind where you literally cannot sleep because you are coughing for three hours straight? Yeah, that's what I had.

But thankfully I'm finally getting better... perfect timing because this looks like it's going to be an awesome weekend. Can't wait to go for walks outside, drink sangria, and cheer on the Canucks!

 

Silk Top: Forever 21 / Tank: TNA / Trousers: Talula / Belt: J.Crew / Wedges: Nine West

Bangle: Marc By Marc Jacobs / Bag: Joe Fresh Style / Sunglasses: Aldo