Fitting Room Try-Ons: Nordstrom Halogen x Atlantic Pacific

The exclusive Halogen x Atlantic Pacific Collection dropped at Nordstrom this morning and while I don't typically go crazy over blogger collabs, there's no denying that Blair Eadie is one of the OG fashion bloggers with some seriously enviable style. I originally only went to Nordstrom to see if they had the polka dot tulle blouse but unfortunately, the Vancouver store didn't have it (they only got a small portion of the collection in). However, since I was there anyway I decided to take some fitting room pictures for my friend and figured I might as well share them here on my blog too.

The one and only piece I ended up purchasing was the Heart Jacquard Topper. I'll probably wear it as a light coat but I like that it could be worn as a dress too. It's very feminine with the flared skirt and the heart print is so cute!!

I also liked the Faux Fur Cuff Plaid Coat which Blair pairs with the matching pants in the lookbook as a super chic suit. I didn't buy it because it's not really my style but the pink faux fur cuffs are really soft and it gives off major Cher from Clueless vibes.

I was drawn to the It's In The Cards Sweater as well but once I tried it on I knew it was something I'd never wear. While the print is really fun, I just don't like to wear this much colour on an everyday basis. The sweater is really soft though and I can see it working for a lot of other people.

Last but not least, I decided to channel my inner Blair Eadie with this combo of Bow Collar Blouse and Full Organza Midi Skirt in Navy Plaid. This outfit looks amazing on Blair in the collection lookbook but I am apparently wayyyy too short for it and look absolutely ridiculous. I knew the skirt length would probably never work for me but I did want to like the blouse on its own because I love bows. Sadly, the shoulders were just too poufy for me.

Overall, the collection was very true to Blair's style and I thought the pieces looked and felt really nice in person. It's no surprise it's selling out fast so I'm glad I was able to get a little piece of it. Not really sure where I'm going to wear my new heart print topper but I'm sure I'll find something!

Fjallraven Kånken Mini Backpack

Anyone remember this wishlist from 2015 where I mentioned wanting a Fjallraven Kånken Mini Backpack? Well, three years later I finally own one thanks to my bestie who got it for me for Christmas! It's so cute and perfect for casual weekends, like this one at Granville Island which I spent walking around with a coffee in hand. I also love that it's waterproof which is much-needed for our rainy Vancouver weather.

Hoodie: Brunette the Label (similar here and here) / Tights: Lorna Jane
Backpack: Fjallraven (here and here) / Shoes: New Balance
Sunglasses: Quay Australia (here)

Gucci White New Ace Elastic Band Sneakers

Anybody who's seen my shoe collection knows I own a massive amount of sneakers (I am, after all, almost exclusively in athleisure in my down time). However, I've never been too interested in designer sneakers... until I saw these. Gucci has been pumping out variations of these sneakers for some time now and while I've always liked the Stan Smith-eqsue silhouette, if I'm going to spend the $$ on casual shoes they need to have a unique element. This logo elastic band was it for me. Now if I can just figure out a way to keep these white kicks clean!

Sweater: Oak + Fort / Jeans: Frame (lighter wash) / Sneakers: Gucci (here)

Bag: Proenza Schouler (mini version) / Necklaces: Pyrrha (similar)

Sunglasses: Gucci

Louis Vuitton Surene MM

Happy New Year! 2018 was such an amazing year for me that I don't think it can ever be topped, but I am honestly looking forward to a much calmer 2019. Although I don't believe in making resolutions, two of my top priorities for the new year include focusing on my health and decluttering my apartment. In the vein of decluttering, I'm also trying to be more mindful of my purchases and buy things I truly love and know I'll get a lot of use out of.

This Louis Vuitton Surene MM is a recent purchase that has already proved its worth given how much use it's gotten. I have been wanting a new LV bag for a few years but nothing has ever caught my eye until this one. A medium-sized tote with three separate compartments (the middle is zippered for security), it features LV's iconic monogram canvas which is my personal favourite from the brand. It's been perfect for work but isn't too big to schlep around on weekends either. All I can say is it was definitely worth the wait!

Top: Wilfred (Aritzia) / Skirt: Wilfred (Aritzia) / Coat: Massimo Dutti
Boots: Steve Madden (similar) / Bag: Louis Vuitton

Chanel Mini Backpack

Ever since I jumped back on the mini backpack train and also started using one for my office commute, my love for "fashion backpacks" has grown. It was really only a matter of time before a luxury one entered my collection, and what better than a classic Chanel with gold hardware? Special thanks to my new hubby -- I've bought all my own designer bags up until now and it seems I've finally rubbed off on him because he got me this one as a random just-married present!

Coat: Ever New / Blanket Scarf: Dynamite (c/o) (similar)

Boots: Stuart Weitzman (here) / Backpack: Chanel

Hat: Mackage (here) / Gloves: Club Monaco (here)

90s Tommy Hilfiger

I remember back when I was in middle school and high school, flares and bell bottoms were all the rage and my mom/aunts telling me that they used to wear the exact same clothing. Well, I'm now old enough that trends are making their way back round again. Not gonna lie, it's a little weird!

For the recent I Love the 90s concert (featuring C&C Music Factory, All 4One, Young MC, and Salt N Pepa) I attended, I wanted to dress the part. Thankfully, my mom is the type of person who never gets rid of anything so she had this OG Tommy Hilfiger coordinates set that is actually from the 90s unworn and hanging in her closet. Funnily enough, I swear I've seen teenagers wearing this exact outfit. Turns out I'm actually into it... in fact, I will definitely be wearing it again and not just as a pseudo-costume.

Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger / Leggings: Tommy Hilfiger / Shoes: Reebok x Sandro

Hoop Earrings: Leah Alexandra

Engagement Shoot Portraits

With our wedding date slowly creeping up, my fiancé and I had our engagement shoot with our amazing photographer, Sara Rogers, about a week ago. We picked Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver as the location since we often spend time there if we miss the ferry when we are heading up to the cabin in the summer.

Being the over-prepared type of person that I am, I actually had my outfit ready for months in advance. I think I ordered this dress last Fall in anticipation for our shoot and I've got to say, it was totally worth it... the photos turned out better than we could have imagined and we can't wait to have some printed and framed for our home. Sara also took a few portrait shots of me which means I can now share the look with you!

Dress: Love Verity / Boots: Sam Edelman (here)

"Leather" & Lace

... not real leather in this case, but faux leather in the form of this very versatile waterfall jacket I picked up on the cheap a few seasons ago. It pairs perfectly with this dress from Tobi for a girly look with a slight edge. I know they say you can never go wrong with an LBD, but I think the same can be said about an LWD (little white dress) too!

Dress: Tobi (c/o) / Jacket: Zara / Shoes: Prada / Bag: Chanel

Watch: Cartier

Ready for Spring

Despite what these photos imply (they were taken during a very brief sunny respite), it's been raining non-stop and the weather has seriously been getting me down. S.A.D. is totally real, you guys. I know we're lucky here on the west coast in that we haven't had any snowstorms at all this winter but I'm definitely ready for spring to arrive. To that end, I've already started picking up some new pieces, like this Emma Floral Maxi Dress from Tobi, which I know I'm going to be rocking once it finally starts to warm up.

Dress: Tobi (c/o) / Boots: Sam Edelman

All Laced Up

I know these lace up sweatshirts and tops have been around for a while now, but this Sophia Lace Up Sweatshirt Dress from Tobi such a fun take on the trend... plus, it has pockets. Can't go wrong with that, am I right?

Sweater Dress: Tobi (c/o) / Jacket: Zara / Boots: Stuart Weitzman

Toque: Roots

All Saints Kita Small Backpack

Happy New Year! Sadly, I started off 2018 with the flu (wasn't even awake at midnight) so hopefully that's not an indicator of how this year is going to go... especially since I've got a lot planned like my wedding and honeymoon this Fall. Thankfully I'm not superstitious!

In other news, this All Saints Kita Small Backpack has become my new go-to work bag. You may recall my love for my leather mini backpack from a few years ago so I've been on the lookout for something hands-free for my daily commute. This All Saints backpack was the perfect find because it fits a lot for its size, goes with everything thanks to minimalist design, and the best part -- it's convertible. You can wear it as a slim backpack but you can also change and remove the straps to carry it as a tote.

Coat: Wilfred (Aritzia) / Blanket Scarf: Wilfred (Aritzia) / Leggings: Club Monaco (here)

Shoes: Alexander Wang (here and here) / Bag: All Saints (here)

Loving My Mackage

Brrr! Vancouver has been having a few cold snaps in between our usual downpours so I've brought out one of my fave parkas that keeps me warm & toasty. Mackage is definitely one of my favourite outerwear brands (I also own two leather jackets and a wool coat from them)... even better that they're Canadian so they know how to do us right for winter.

Parka: Mackage (similar here and here) / Leggings: Alo (here)
Shoes: New Balance (here) / Toque: Roots (here)

Big Changes

As you all know, I started this blog almost 8 years ago while I was attending law school. Since graduating in 2011, I have been working as a lawyer in a very specialized practice area and have, for privacy reasons, made efforts to ensure that my professional career is kept separate from my blogging hobby. In keeping with this caveat, I actually have some big news to share: as of today, I am officially leaving private practice! This decision was not an easy one to make as I truly love my firm and the work that we do. However, private practice has proven difficult for me in many ways and resulted in considerable stress and health issues over time. I felt I owed it to myself to see if there was a way I could transition my career into something more sustainable for the long-term. So, starting today, I will be taking on a new role at a large organization (still in law). Although it's a bit nerve-wracking to be taking this step, I am very excited about the new opportunity.

To celebrate, I had to buy myself something -- obviously. I love a bit of flash and this Prada Lion Bag definitely fit the bill. Who wouldn't love a statement piece that resembles a large door knocker?!

Blouse: TWIK (Simons) (c/o Chick Advisor) / Jeans: Frame (similar)
Boots: Vince / Bag: Prada (here)

Sweater Dress-ing for Fall

Sorry for yet another absence... I was having far too much fun on vacation in sunny Arizona (a few pics are on my Instagram and I'll have a full recap up soon). As you can imagine, it was quite a shock returning home to rainy Vancouver. Thankfully I do love Fall outfits, especially a good sweater dress like this one), and wanted to add another into the rotation this season. The navy is a classic colour for pairing with neutrals, and I'm also loving the mini cable knit detailing and flared skirt.

Dress: TWIK (Simons) (c/o Chick Advisor) / Tote Bag: Madewell (here)

Socks: Wilfred (Aritzia) / Boots: Rachel Comey (different colour)

All About The Bows

I haven't done a ton of Fall shopping this year but when I saw this dress, it went straight into my online shopping cart. I mean, I really couldn't say "no"... I love bows (evidence here, here, and here). Naturally, I also had to keep on theme by pairing it with this bag.

Dress: re:named (here) / Boots: Steve Madden (here and here) / Bag: Kate Spade

Flower Power (& I'm engaged!)

Oh hey guys... remember me? Summer is always busy but I feel like this one has been particularly so. In between numerous weddings and wedding-related activities, concerts (The Offspring/Sublime, I Love The 90s featuring TLC, Lady Gaga, and Metallica), and many weekends away either at the cabin or on mini trips, I just haven't had any free time at all.

Plus, something kind of major happened. I got engaged!! Just as things were finally slowing down, looks like I'll have to start wedding planning soon... good thing I'm looking forward to it :)

Dress: The Latest Scoop / Sandals: Stuart Weitzman (here)

Bag: Monserat De Lucca / Sunglasses: Polette (c/o)