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)

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)

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)

Cartier Tank Solo Women's Watch

Other than a few fashion watches, which I have typically treated more as accessories than time keepers, I have not worn a watch in years (we're talking early high school). However, relying on an iPhone to tell the time, which is what I've been doing, can sometimes be annoying and even inappropriate depending on the situation (meetings, court hearings, and other events where you shouldn't be seen "playing" on your phone).

As I've gotten older, I have become increasingly interested in luxury watches. This is a world that's pretty foreign to me, unlike designer bags and shoes, and it turns out watch collectors can be serious fanatics. I still don't really understand all the intricacies of luxury watches but I knew I was looking for something that had the quality while remaining fashionable yet versatile. For me, this ended up being the Cartier Tank Solo Watch.

The Tank Solo Watch comes in two sizes; I opted for the smaller size since I have small wrists and I think it's perfect for me and my lifestyle.  It's a simple, classic design which won't go out of style.

I also like how the rectangular face makes it look a bit like a cuff... this also makes it great for stacking with other bracelets since it's not too large. Below, I'm wearing it with my Pandora bracelet and my Louis Vuitton LV & Me "A" bracelet.

To be honest, I was initially concerned that I wouldn't like wearing a watch but putting it on has quickly become part of my morning routine. I like that it's super light and feels comfortable, plus checking the time on my watch has now become second nature. It's nice to just look at my wrist instead of fumbling around in my bag for my phone. I guess you could say I'm officially a wrist watch convert!

Prada Suede Block Heel Pumps

I recently added a new pair of shoes to my designer shoe collection: Prada Block Heel Pumps in black suede. I've had great success with Prada shoes in the past like my Saffiano leather pointy toe pumps (also seen here and here), and these are no exception.

They feature an interesting design with the squared toe, and come in a super comfortable height at 2.5 inches. However, thanks to the unique round block heel, I don't have to worry about the unflattering kitten heel effect you can get with that style of lower heel. On the contrary, I think they actually look really great when worn (definitely not as "grandma" as some people probably think they are)... they're the perfect day-to-night shoe to take me from work to evening. I'm envisioning these with a lot of cropped skinny pants which often form the basis of my everyday work outfits.

I also love Prada's signature pink soles... so pretty! Now if only our weather would clear up so I don't have to worry about ruining the suede in the snow and rain!

Chloe Susanna Boots

The first iteration of the Chloe Susanna Boots (then called the "Susan") first came out in 2008 and I've been waffling over them ever since. On one hand, I couldn't tell if they were too over the top and maybe a little bit "country" which is not my style at all; on the other hand, I was somehow inexplicably drawn to them.

Over the past 5 years or so, booties have become an absolutely integral part of my Fall/Winter wardrobe (for example, my Alexander Wang Kori Oxfords are now well-worn and my Vince Yarrow booties bought in January are getting there too) so I finally decided to bite the bullet. With the gold hardware, these are definitely a unique addition to my shoe closet.

These were also a birthday present to myself since I just turned 30 on Monday (ugh... I still can't believe I'm no longer in my twenties). As you guys know, I typically buy myself something from my lust list each year. Last year it was my Burberry trench coat and the year before that it was my Proenza Schouler PS11.

Since purchasing my Chloe Marcie bag I've kind of become obsessed with all things Chloe so these were an easy pick. Plus, what else would you expect from a girl with a shopping addiction who's looking to take the sting away from getting older? Retail therapy is the answer, obviously.

DVF Wrap Dress

There is one item that has been on my wishlist for years: a Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress. However, when it came to investing in such an iconic piece of clothing, I knew I wanted to find a print that I absolutely loved. So, each season, I scoured the new print releases until this one (Indigo Snake Leaves) finally caught my eye earlier this year. I ended up purchasing it in the New Julian Two style which means the dress is knee-length with 3/4 sleeves and no collar. Overall, a very classic silhouette that's perfect for summer work outfits!

Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg (other colours) / Sandals: Naturalizer

Bag: Mulberry (here) / Bracelet: Mark. (c/o)

Miu Miu Metallic Cap-Toe Skate Shoes

A new addition to my small but beloved Miu Miu collection (joining my mini bow bag, St. Cocco bracelet, and velvet loafers) are these metallic cap-toe skate shoes (here and here). Although I know their designs may not be to everyone's taste, Miu Miu holds a very special place in my heart because it was one of the first designer brands I ever loved.

As for these shoes... well, they match basically 90% of my wardrobe and really could not be more "Alison." You'll definitely be seeing them a lot on the blog!

Quay Australia "My Girl" Sunglasses

I'm a little late on the Quay Australia bandwagon since, as many of you are already aware, this affordable sunglasses line has been all over social media for the past few years. Oh well... better late than never, right? I wear my Ray-Ban Flash Aviators all the time (just a few recent examples here, here, and here) and wanted to a pick up another pair of sunnies with reflective lenses in a different style. These Quay Australia "My Girl" sunglasses caught my eye with their blue lenses and fun cat eye shape, and you can bet they'll be making many appearances this summer.

Top: Oak & Fort / Leggings: Wilfred (Aritzia) / Denim Shirt: TNA (Aritzia) 

Booties: Vince / Sunglasses: Quay Australia (here, here, and here)

Bag: Auxiliary (Aritzia)

KENZO Tiger Sweatshirt

Wow, sorry for falling off the face of the blogging world this month... to be honest, this year has been off to a very rough start for me healthwise (I've been sick, quite literally, for the entirety of 2016). I try not to be all "woe is me" on the Internet but you guys, it has really sucked.

After 3+ weeks of misery (and sadly I'm still not feeling 100%), I did muster up a bit of energy to take some outfit pictures this past weekend because I really wanted to share my favourite Boxing Day purchase -- my new KENZO Tiger Sweatshirt! I have wanted one since 2013 when these were all the rage, in part because I apparently can't get enough of designer sweatshirts (see here and here) but also because my Chinese zodiac sign is the tiger and I've always had an affinity for the animal. To sweeten the deal, I got it for 50% off! Turns out that sometimes the wait is worth it.

Sweatshirt: KENZO (in grey and burgundy) / Jeans: Frame (here and here)

Shoes: Reebok x Sandro / Bag: Chanel

Chloe Marcie Bag in Dark Velvet

Before I (somewhat impulsively) purchased this Chloe Marcie Bag, it was actually never one I'd ever considered before. However, when I wandered into Nordstrom and saw this Dark Velvet colour sitting on the shelf, I was instantly smitten. This bag is surprisingly practical and fits a ton without being bulky, plus the top handles fold down so they don't get in the way if you want to wear it on your shoulder or cross-body. A warning to the people of Vancouver: you can expect to see me toting this bag around everywhere this Winter!

Coat: Community (Aritzia) / Pants: Babaton (Aritzia) / Booties: Vince (here)
Bag: Chloe (here) / Headband: Club Monaco (similar)

Stay Gold

Sometimes I feel a little magpie-ish in that I am attracted to anything sparkly and shiny (case in point: one of my most recent shoe purchases). That was exactly the case when I happened upon these gold sneakers at the Sandro boutique. Designed in collaboration with Reebok, they are seriously everything.

P.S. Today's post title comes from one of my favourite songs, "Gold" by Adventure Club (feat. Yuna), which definitely warrants a listen if you've never heard it before!

Sweater: Oak and Fort / Jacket: Noul / Pants: Babaton (Aritzia)

Bag: Auxiliary (Aritzia) / Shoes: Reebok x Sandro

Burberry Kensington Trench Coat

Every year I buy myself a birthday present (last year it was my beloved Proenza Schouler PS11) and this year it was the classic Burberry Kensington Trench Coat. My Aritzia trench coat has gotten a ton of wear over the years (see in 2010 and 2012, just for example) and has been slowly falling apart, so the time had finally come to invest in a coat I knew would be a wardrobe staple. With all of the rain we have been getting lately, it has proven totally worth it.

Dress: Club Monaco / Trench Coat: Burberry (here)

Rain Boots: Hunter (similar cut in black) / Bag: Proenza Schouler (here)

Miu Miu Crystal Embellished Velvet Loafers

Miu Miu has always been one of my favourite designer brands due to their fun & girly designs, and I have been wanting a pair of Miu Miu shoes for years. It was just a matter of finding a pair that really spoke to me...  and now, finally joining my my mini bow bag and St. Cocco bracelet are these amazing crystal embellished velvet loafers.

I'm obsessed with the bling (seriously, the funnest), and the maroon velvet both looks and feels incredibly luxe (also available in navy and glitter options). Of course, these aren't necessarily the best shoes for rainy Vancouver but on dry days you can be certain that these have been putting an extra pep in my step.

Festival Dressing Minus the Festival

Today's outfit is quite a bit different from my usual style and, in fact, is probably more appropriate for an outdoor music festival than going to see a movie (which is what I did instead). However, I have been on the hunt for the perfect white peasant dress all summer long, which is actually a more difficult feat than you might imagine. This Free People Pippa Dress caught my eye months ago but I'm glad I waited because I ended up getting it for 60% off... plus an additional 25% off!

Also, how cool are my new Harley-Davidson motorcycle boots? You may recall that I already own a pair of their cowboy boots, but this time I decided to venture into what the company is truly known for: motorcycles and motorcycle-related paraphernalia -- footwear included. I can't wait to pair these with skinnies and layers come Fall.

Dress: Free People (here) / Boots: Harley-Davidson (c/o) (here)

Cameo Lace & Chambray Playsuit

Last year, Free People released a blue version of their Dolce Vita Gardner Romper that I super loved but was not willing to pay $300 for given its limited wearability (unique design, material, colour). Since then, I have been keeping my eyes open for something similar and when I happened upon this dupe, the Madge Cameo Lace Chambray Playsuit on Boohoo, into my shopping cart it went. The chambray material makes it comfortable and breezy while still maintaining some weight. For once I'm actually glad I waited before making a purchase!

Romper: Boohoo / Sandals: Fly London (here) / Bag: Monserat De Lucca (here)
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban (c/o) (here) / Bracelet: Melanie Audrey

On the Fringe

Fringe has totally become my summer faux fur so when I saw this Monserat De Lucca Bochoa Shoulder Bag, I kind of had to have it. The tiers of fringe might seem slightly over the top to some and I'm pretty sure I read a review where someone mentioned it could look a bit like a dead pet... both clearly non-issues to me!

Tank: Express (here) / Kimono: Winter Kate / Shorts: Rag & Bone (different wash)

Sandals: Roberto Vianni / Bag: Monserat De Lucca (here and different colours)
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban (here) / Necklace: Charles&Grace (c/o)