Sneakers & Platform Oxfords

My Monthly Must-Reads girls and I have teamed up this month for a reunion post (it's been a few years since we last posted together) to discuss our favourite Spring trends. If you've seen my outfits you'll know I don't straight up follow trends and I also don't wear much colour so instead I have decided to share two types of shoes I've been loving this season.

First up: sneakers! I am especially happy that they have made a comeback... not that they have ever been "out" per se... Obviously sneakers and runners have a utilitarian function, but there's no denying that it's become much more mainstream for people to now wear them outside of the gym. I wear my black Nike Frees a ton, both to work out and as casual wear, and I recently picked up a pair of Nike Air Max Theas.

Another shoe trend I've recently gotten on board with are platform oxfords/brogues. They give height but are comfier than stilettos, and I think look great with menswear-inspired looks. These Nine West Vinata Lace-Up Oxfords (c/o) are a reasonably-priced alternative to the popular Stella McCartney platform oxfords we've been seeing around since last Fall, and they come in a range of colours apart from this black/pewter combo.

• Alison*Elle - Alison has been embracing 2015 with a helpful reminder from this love wall.
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle discovers her favorite Express camisole comes in a Spring-worthy floral print. 
• Ella Pretty - Zeba was super-excited to get a full page feature in a Canadian magazine!
• Fifth & Bloor -  Mehreen is loving her extremely ripped jeans! She talks about how to style them here.
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen just announced Baby #2 and shared some pregnancy updates.
• Schnelle Couture -  Danielle discusses her new hair care finds.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette channeled her inner Betty Draper with this dress for spring.

Shopaholic Tag (& October Must-Reads)

Question of the month: Lots of questions because it's the SHOPAHOLIC TAG!!!

1. Would you consider yourself a shopaholic?
Yes, definitely!

2. How would you classify your style? 
"Downtown chic." I've actually blogged about this before and I'd say it's still the same.

3. What store can you not leave without buying at least one thing? 
Aritzia.

4. Where do you find the best deals? 
Joe Fresh and Old Navy are really inexpensive and often have cute pieces.

5. What designer are you willing to splurge for? 
I'll splurge for most designers if there's a piece I really love (and can afford!). However, you can't go wrong with Chanel.

6. Do you have a "go to" shopping outfit? 
Leggings and a tanktop (with  layers on top). If there's a long line for the fitting room I usually just try clothes on over them.

7. What is your guilty pleasure (aside from make up)? 
Does that mean nail polish doesn't count? If so, then tea. I am constantly buying new teas to try.

8. What is one staple clothing piece you cannot live without?
A nice wool coat.

9. What is a trend you hope never goes out of style? 
Leather.

10. What trend did you love that passed way too quickly?
I don't follow a lot of trends though I was obsessed with bell-bottoms when they were popular in the late 90s. I would raid my grandmother's basement for pairs that my mom and aunts used to wear when they were young.

11. Who is your fashion icon? 
I always say Rachel Bilson or Olivia Palermo but lately I have been loving a lot of Jessica Alba's looks as well.

• Alison*Elle - Alison has busted out all of her Fall staples in honour of her favourite season... plaid, faux fur, ankle booties, and more!
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle shared photos of her honeymoon in paradise!
• Ella Pretty - Check out Ella's fall clothing haul: Camo Jeans, Sparkly Sweaters & Wrap Dresses
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen is slowly transitioning into fall with some sparkly sweaters.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle took the leap.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette went for a fall stroll in her new Tory Burch Boots!
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen shared her lipstick collection with us this month !

Celebrity Lookalikes (& September Must-Reads)

Question of the Month: Who is your celebrity doppelganger? Do people keep telling you that you remind them of someone?

Honestly, I don't think I have any celebrity doppelgangers so I was very surprised when Ella said that I was the inspiration for this month's question. Apparently every time she sees the girl in Far East Movement's "Like a G6" music video (Erica Ocampo) she thinks of me! A blog reader also once told me that I resemble Bianca Manalo, Miss Philippines 2009.

Erica Ocampo (left) and Bianca Manalo (right)

As you can see, both women are absolutely gorgeous but I personally don't think I look like either of them. I'm certainly flattered by the comparisons though! What do you think? Do you have any celebrity lookalikes?

• Alison*Elle - Alison is sticking to a tried and true combo of blush & black 
• Ella Pretty - Ella reviews her new Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC bag
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay loved the golden light at her maternity photo shoot...
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen shared her favorite budget friendly beauty products.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle custom ordered mommy and me headbands
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette does Mod in the rain! 
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen dresses casual chic and breaks in her new Louboutins

Top 10 Lip Products (& July Must-Reads)

Question of the month from Mehreen: What are your top 10 lip products?

As a lip product junkie, it was hard narrowing it down to just 10 - never mind the fact that my favourites tend to change with the season or new product releases. However, here's what I'm loving at the moment...

LIPSTICKS
Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in Mademoiselle (worn here)
Lavshuca Dramatic Memory Rouge Lipstick in PK-3 (worn here)
MAC Lipstick in Shy Girl (worn here)
MAC Lipstick in Vegas Volt (worn here)
MAC Lipstick in Pink Nouveau (worn here)
Annabelle TwistUp Retractable Lipstick Crayon in Mai Tai (worn here)

LIPGLOSSES
NYX Butter Gloss in Maple Blondie (worn here)
Lise Watier Gloss Bollywood (worn here)

LIP BALMS
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Rosé
Smith's Rosebud Salve


P.S. Don't forget to see the other girls' picks and their must-read posts for the month of July!

• Alison*Elle - Alison is obsessed with embellished dresses for summer weddings
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle attended her beautiful bridal shower
• Ella Pretty - Ella's picked up some wardrobe staples and designer dupes
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay can't get enough of these recipes
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen shared her Recent Purchases from those late night feedings!
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle talks about all of her favorite summer beauty products.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette does black and white in a cotton skirt
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen is having a blog sale! Tiffany, Michael Kors and Sydney Evans oh my!

What's In My Beach Bag? (& June Must-Reads)

Question of the month from Kristen: What are your beach bag essentials?

Vancouver's been having a heat wave recently so this question comes at the perfect time. Here are some of the things I like to carry with me when I'm spending a day at the beach (which is conveniently just a short walk away from my home!)...

BEACH TOWEL
Mine is from Aritzia. I have a stockpile of these in various colours/designs because they've been the Private Pre-Sale gift for Tier 1 customers for the last few years.

SUNSCREEN & ALOE
My go-to sunscreens are Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Water Light Daily Face Sunscreen (reviewed here) and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen. The AVON Sun+ Cooling After Sun Aloe Gel is also a must... my boyfriend and I used a ton of this when we were in Hawaii after we spent a bit too much time in the sun.

DRINKS & SNACKS
I always fill up a water bottle with ice to keep it cold (mine is a Klean Kanteen) and bring along a few snacks. Lately I've been loving dried fruits and veggies from a local store, AYOUB'S.

READING MATERIAL
Right now I'm reading The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. This book is SO funny that I've actually become one of those people who laughs out loud in public when I'm reading it.


I'm always curious to see what other people carry in their beach bags (or bags in general) so if you've done a similar post, let me know. And don't forget to check out the other girls' must-reads for the month of June!

• Alison*Elle - Alison is obsessed with her new neutral colourblocked pants!
• Ella Pretty - Ella reviews the differences between Moroccan Oil and Macadamia Oil
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay's loving a printed maxi in Maui
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen shared Eleanor's birth story in pictures
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle got a pair of rainy day flats that can brighten up the cloudiest of days
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen wants you to come meet her newest addition to the family
  

My Go-To Recipes (& May Must-Reads)

Question of the month from Kristen: "What's your go-to recipe?"

Thanks to Pinterest, I've discovered a number of great recipes which have now become part of my regular cooking repertoire. In fact, one of my favourite things to do on lazy days is to scour the site looking for yummy food pins... often ending up hungry in the process!

When my boyfriend and I were low-carbing last month, I made these Prosciutto-Wrapped, Boursin Cheese and Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breasts for dinner a few times. To make the dish less meat-heavy, I often stuff them with asparagus instead of bacon.

Paleo Pancakes have also become a breakfast staple for me. They are so easy to make and I love the banana flavour. I make mine with 1 banana and 1 egg because I find 2 eggs a little too "eggy."

For dessert, this recipe for Easy Vanilla Coconut Rice Pudding has been a great way to use up leftover rice on the rare occasion we eat it (I don't really like rice but rice pudding is a whole other story!) Plus, I love anything made with coconut/coconut milk.

If you have any go-to recipes of your own, please do share! And don't forget to check out the other girls' must-reads for the month of May below:

• Alison*Elle - Alison is giving white denim another go this season.
• Beautygirl24 - Target did it again - Noelle found the perfect Summer wedges from the Sam & Libby collection.
• Ella Pretty - Ella's got a brand new bag!
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen is all ready for baby's arrival and shared her nursery with us.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle talks makeup and highlights where to save and where to splurge.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette has finally found her perfect striped skirt!
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen organized Makeup drawers.

Musings on Personal Style (& March Must-Reads)

Question of the month: How would you describe your own personal style? How has it evolved over the years?

I always find it hard to put a definitive label on my personal style but some of my friends have described it as "downtown-chic" - so I'm going to go with that! I tend to prefer more understated looks with lots of layers, neutral/monochromatic colour palettes, leather details, and a designer piece (or two) thrown in here and there.

Look 1 / Look 2 / Look 3

Look 4 / Look 5 / Look 6

Look 7 / Look 8 / Look 9

When it comes to the evolution of my personal style, however, I would say that my tastes have stayed fairly constant for a number of years. My most recent style "phase" (previously mentioned this post) occurred about 6-7 years ago when I preferred to purchase the bulk of my clothing on trips to Asia or from Asian boutiques. 

I was actually able to find some evidence of this phase via some photos I posted on My Style Diary back in the day. Crazy to think that I've been documenting my outfits for that long! As you can see, my style was more girly than it is now (I was obsessed with lace), and I also gravitated towards large statement graphics.

P.S. Don't forget to check out the other girls' answers to this question and their must-reads for the month of March.

• Alison*Elle - Alison is keeping it weekend-casual in an asymmetrical sweater and boyfriend jeans.
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle took a stroll through the park and enjoyed the Spring flowers. Her green dress matched the scenery.
• Ella Pretty - See Ella's Target & Outlet-shopping haul from her US vacation.
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay shares 5 Things about herself, now it's your turn.
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen is dreaming of warm weather and summer BBQs with her Spring Wishlist.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle shows off her first postpartum OOTD.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette is playing up the yellow and cobalt trend.
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen shares her inspiration for her baby girls nursery.

Top 10 Pink Nail Polishes (& February Must-Reads)

Question of the month from Kristen: Inspired by Valentine's Day... what are your favourite pink items?

I love the colour pink (it speaks to my girly-girl tendencies), but I don't actually own that many pink items. The exception, of course, being my makeup and nail polish collections!

For this month's post, I thought it might be fun to share my top 10 pink nail polishes. It was hard narrowing it down to just 10, but I think I managed to get a good spectrum of shades in.

Clockwise from top left [links to swatch posts where possible]: Deborah Lippmann Sarah Smile, OPI Bubble Bath, MAC Snob, Lise Watier Power Punch, Illamasqua Loella, Essie Plumberry, China Glaze Strawberry Fields, OPI A-Rose At Dawn... Broke By Noon, OPI Japanese Rose Garden, Essie Pink Parka

P.S. Don't forget to check out the other girls' answers to this question and their must-reads for the month of February.

• Alison*Elle - Alison finally found her perfect pair of boyfriend jeans.
• Beautygirl24 -  Noelle said yes to a wedding dress! She also started decorating her new home.
• Ella Pretty - What Ella's been wearing and an update on her shopping ban!
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay has a new love.
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen shared her Beauty Wishlist for spring.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle shares her birth story in her final BUMPdate.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette of course wore red for Valentines - see the dress here.
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen reveals the gender of her baby ... And gives us a bumpdate !

Get Fit (& January Must-Reads)

Question of the month: How often do you work out? What's your preferred method of exercise?

I exercise 4-5x a week. Right now I am taking Zumba and yoga classes, and mixing those with cardio/strength training at the gym. Zumba is probably my favourite workout (I've been taking classes for about 3 years), but I find fitness classes in general to be the most fun since you have the guidance of an instructor and the exercises are always varied. While in Calgary, for example, I also dabbled in ballet barre workouts. Now that I'm back in Vancouver, I'm planning on getting a personal trainer because I want to learn how to deadlift!

And while we're on the topic of working out, I thought I'd share a few health and fitness-related items that are currently on my wishlist:

1. oGorgeous Beverly Bow Yoga Bag
2. Nike Free Run 3+ Running Shoes (here)

3. Flavour It Glass Water Bottle w/ Built-In Fruit Infuser

P.S. Don't forget to check out the other girls' answers to this question and their must-reads for the month of January.

• Alison*Elle - Alison is branching out into bright colours with a new favourite coat.
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle kicked off the new year in her favorite glittering skirt.
• Ella Pretty - Check out Ella's Forever21 haul: Statement necklaces & a quilted bag!
• Lilly's Style - Lilly's striped out!
  
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay got a big girl camera for her birthday & is polka dot obsessed.
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen found out if she's having a Lil Miss or Lil Man with her gender reveal party.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle is about to finally meet her little girl, check out what she has packed in her hospital bag.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette splurged just a bit on a little accessory - see it here!
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen organized her makeup and gives us a peek into her collection!

What's in my Makeup Bag? (& December Must-Reads)

Question of the month: What make-up do you carry around in your handbag?

It's been a while since my previous "What's in my bag?" post, in which I also gave you a peek into my makeup bag, so it's about time that I shared an update! Here are a few of the items I'm currently toting around (although I do regularly switch out my lip products):

MAC Studio Fix (here), MAC Pressed Blot Powder (here), Lippy Girl Lip Love Lip Conditioning Stick, MAC Lipstick in Shy Girl (here), Za Plumper Lips Lipstick in Sunset Glow, NARS Lipgloss in Giza (here)

Non-makeup items in my makeup bag include hand sanitizer, hand cream, a nail file, hair ties, bobby pins, and Band-Aids. 

P.S. Don't forget to check out the other girls' answers to this question and their must-reads for the month of December (we're a bit late this time due to the busy holiday season).

• Alison*Elle - Alison shares a tutorial on how to make a super cute cupcake mani.
• Ella Pretty - Ella's posted her holiday party outfits, red skinnies & bubble necklaces. 
• Lilly's Style - Lilly's rocking a red blazer.
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay tried a retro style dress & a new hemline...
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen announced and shared her pregnancy story.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle is expecting her little girl any day... or week now. Check out her 33 week BUMPdate.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette says "December is THE month for red, right?"
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen OOTD : 19 weeks pregnant

Things I've Learned (& November Must-Reads)

Question of the month: What are 3 of your favourite things you've learned from other blogs/Youtube?

Blogs and Youtube are such great sources for inspiration and new knowledge... in fact, I've learned so many things from both that it was hard to narrow it down to just 3!

1. HOW TO USE A CURLING IRON
Even though a curling iron is now my go-to styling tool, there was once a time when I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. This video by MakeupByTiffanyD was the first one I ever watched.

2. HOW TO TIGHTLINE
Tightlining makes a huge difference because it fills in the gaps between your lashes and is a great way to add some subtle definition to your eyes. When I first heard about the process a number of years ago I was super confused so naturally took to Google in search of answers. I can't remember the exact site I ended up on but this Makeup for Life tutorial breaks down the steps really easily.

3. HOW TO MOONWALK (but not very well)
In my first year of undergrad, my friend and I spent countless hours trying to teach ourselves to do all sorts of cool dance moves when we probably should have been studying for our exams. We watched videos on moonwalking, house stepping, and hand waving, and practised in front of the mirror in our rez floor bathroom. Unfortunately, 8 years later I am left with little talent to show for our efforts!


P.S. Don't forget to check out the other girls' answers to this question and their must-reads for the month of November!

• Alison*Elle - Alison has found her perfect sweater.
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle was finally able to layer for the chilly weather, and decided to try it with burgundy and fuchsia.
• Ella Pretty - Ella shares recent outfits and her Black Friday purchases.
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay debuted her new bangs and found a new love for glammed up collars!
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen is ready for the holidays and has her wishlist made!
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle has popped and is making the most of her pregnancy style.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette is remixing a summer silk tee by adding a dark blazer.
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen is preggers and is taking us on her journey!

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner in Calgary (& October Must-Reads)

Question of the month: What did you eat today?

I'm taking a large and liberal interpretation to this question because I've been dying to share some of the yummy places I've discovered here in Calgary. So let's imagine we're being very unhealthy and eating out for every meal "today" as I give you a run-down/snapshot tour of some new faves for breakfast, lunch, and dinner :)


BREAKFAST: Galaxie Diner

The Galaxie Diner is one of those super tiny retro 1940s-throwback diners where you can actually see the cooks grilling up your food right in front of you in their open kitchen.

In addition to delicious home-made milkshakes, they serve breakfast all-day, and you can easily get the classics or opt for a special like the Montreal Smoked Meat Hash (made, of course, with authentic Montreal Smoked Meat). The diner also offers bottomless hashbrowns. But honestly, they give you so much food anyway that it's hard to eat much more. Still nice to have the option though!

There's always a huge line (as is the case with popular brunch joints), but it moves pretty quickly and I'd say is worth the wait.

Address: 1413 11th St. SW, Calgary, AB
Website: http://www.galaxiediner.com/


LUNCH: Boxwood Cafe

The Boxwood Cafe is hands-down one of my absolute favourite restaurants in Calgary. I actually have dreams about the sandwiches here... kind of sad, haha!

Located in the restored gardens of Central Memorial Park, this cute little restaurant offers a range of sandwiches, soups, and stews made with local and sustainable ingredients. It's also got a great rustic decor and communal tables for a more homey vibe.

The Roast Bite Beef Sirloin sandwich is my favourite item on the menu (and the subject of those aforementioned dreams). It's served on fresh house-made ciabatta bread with arugala and other seasonal ingredients. So. freaking. good.

Address: 340 13th Ave. SW, Calgary, AB
Website: http://www.boxwoodcafe.ca/


DINNER: UNA Pizza + Wine

In Vancouver, fancy pizzerias have been popping up all over the place for the past few years (remember my post on Nicli Antica?), but I think I actually like UNA the best. Too bad it's in Calgary!

The restaurant's decor is modern without being overly trendy and it's a great place to come for a date or girls night.

Since I like my pizzas as plain as can be, I always opt for the Margherita. UNA's version is made with san marzana tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, crushed basil, and the most delicious crust I have ever tasted. I don't know how to describe it properly but it's super crunchy and kind of buttery. Basically I could just eat the crust all day but that would probably result in a very sick and carb-overloaded Alison.

Address: 618 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, AB
Website: http://www.unapizzeria.com/


P.S. Don't forget to check out the other girls' answers to this month's question, as well as their October must-reads!

• Alison*Elle - Alison caused a dressing room scene and lived through the embarrassment to share her story.
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle used one of her favorite bloggers as inspiration to create a pretty outfit.
• Ella Pretty -  Ella attended her first fashion show - and received free pants!
• Lilly's Style - Lilly is enjoying wearing burgundy this Fall.
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay's lovely layers.
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen has been Falling into Fashion with these style inspirations.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle mixed black and brown for the first time and was pleasantly surprised.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette's fall wardrobe has consisted of a lot of skinny jeans and flowy tops.
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen's coveting these items ... And recently knocked one off her list!

Currently Using: Bath Products (& September Must-Reads)

Question of the month: What bath products are you currently using?

1: UNITE Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner (c/o)
UNITE is a premium boutique line of hair products that cater to many different types of hair needs. I love the smell of this shampoo/conditioner but unfortunately I haven't found it to help much in the way of volumizing.

2: UNITE 7SECONDS Detangler (c/o)
Like a leave-in conditioner, you simply spray this on tangles after you get out of the shower and your comb glides right through. This product is seriously amazing and also doubles as a heat protectant.

3: Cake Beauty Bath & Shower Gel
It's no secret that I love Cake Beauty (see here and here). I can't get enough of their delectable scents!

4: Mèreadesso Beautiful Body Balm (c/o)
I'm a fan of the Mèreadesso Lip Treats, and this body balm is quite nice too. It's supposed to be an all-in-one type product for all skin types and has great moisturizing properties. However, I tend to prefer thicker, more creamy products for Fall/Winter so I think this would be better as a summer lotion for me. It's also quite pricey at $54 CAD a bottle.

As for a few other bath-related products I've been using lately, my LUSH Ocean Salt Scrub and Breath of Fresh Air Toner (that I posted about here) have also been in heavy rotation!

P.S. Don't forget to check out some of the other girls' monthly must-reads. So happy to now be a part of this group :)

• Alison*Elle - Alison's treated herself to a birthday splurge from Chanel.
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle celebrated her birthday in a sparkling gold skirt.
• Ella Pretty -  Ella's dressing for fall - she's loving her chambray shirt & heart scarf.  
• Lilly's Style - Lilly's is enjoying mixing bright colors.
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay's been loving leopard.
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls -  Kristen has been loving jeweled headbands for fall.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle revealed all of her party details and the gender of her new baby!
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette has jumped into two fall trends in one with bordeaux and printed pants!
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen loves her Chanel this Month (and this Chanel "esque" tweed blazer!)