have yourself a merry little christmas

It is finally that time of year again, and while Vancouver did not have a white Christmas this year (currently still a bit upset about that), it's still the season to be jolly in festive colours. 

PS. To make up for my lack of posts these last two months, this one is extra long. Yay! 

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backstreet's back

Fall is here and I couldn't be happier!! The weather is finally starting to cool down, and I have never been happier to be able to wear jeans again without sweating a puddle. I spent, what I considered to be, the first day of autumn at my friend's house for yet another Board Game Day. Although lately, it's less board games, and more Cards Against Humanity. Who can complain though, the game is extremely fun and hilarious, and the hours flew by whilst we played it. Finally, when it seemed that it was getting later, I took some pics quickly, and then went to Neighbour's for an early dinner with my friends, Jessica and Marian. The vegetarian deluxe pizza was so bomb, oh god I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Before the night ended, I watched the first episode of Season 2 of Sherlock, as well as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for the second time. While both were extremely great to watch, I really should stop late-night binge eating/watching.

There's just something about double denim. Yes, there is a very fine line between trendy and looking like a Backstreet Boy, but I feel like how good well-done double denim is, is worth the risk. So, I thought, what better way to ring in the cold weather than with classic denim on denim? I wore my favourite jeans that go with absolutely everything (not to mention are comfy as heck). I paired it with a simple denim shirt that took me forever to find, since nowadays almost every single button down has some sort of design or stud added to it. For a pop of colour, I grabbed my bright red bag, and I wore my usual jewelry. Lastly, since I knew I wasn't going to be doing much that day, I wore my basic Vans, giving my feet a nice break from the heels I usually wear.

I love how bright this bag is. Usually, I'm a bit conscious and scared to wear such bold colours, but because of it's size and structure, I truly feel like this is such a perfect bag to add "oomph" to an otherwise plain outfit.

Just a quick picture I took while in the middle of our Cards Against Humanity game. Please don't mind the bad quality. Despite what it looks like, we actually had a lot of fun.

Fun fact: everytime Jessica (pictured here) types my name onto her phone, it autocorrects my name into all-caps. I feel like that is an extremely accurate depiction of our friendship.

 The pizza at Neighbour's with Jessica and Marian! Oh god I could really go for some pizza right now.

If you had a pizza but didn't take a picture with it, did you really have a pizza?

OUTFIT INFO: 

Shirt: Forever 21 (similar)
Necklace: Topshop
Watch: American Apparel 
Bracelet: Brandy Melville (similar)
Jeans: American Eagle 
Bag: Aldo (similar)
Shoes: Vans (similar in black)

god save the queen

Around two years ago, I had somehow managed to save up enough money to afford a record player for myself. Of course, I forgot about tax and my dad had to help me, but that's not the point. A few months ago, I noticed that there was something wrong with my needle, and had to order a new one. It finally came in a bit ago, and I decided to celebrate by going down to Main Street, and stopping by one of my fave record stores, Neptoon Records, to see if there were any I wanted to buy. Unfortunately, records are expensive, and I am unemployed, so the trip resulted in me leaving empty handed and heart-broken as I had to leave the Weezer record back in the store. I was with two of my good friends, on our way to meet up with a third, and while we planned to go to the Art gallery, life decided to just take us on a different route for that night. While walking towards a cafe, we came across this gorgeous wall, and spent ages taking pictures in front of it (I almost died when people stopped and stared). After, we decided to ditch the cafe and go to The Warehouse to eat (cheap and delicious, I love it). Before heading back to my house, we did a bit of window-shopping, and then ended the night off with a fourth friend and Insidious 2.

I have always considered plaid as my go-to clothing item for a lazy day. It's gotten to a point where the moment I come into a room wearing plaid, at least 2 of my friends look at me and say, "Lazy day?" Although, while they're right 99% of the time, there are the occasional days where I purposely wear plaid, for more of a dark, grunge feel. Yesterday, was a mix of both. I first picked out a Sex Pistols shirt, since I was in the mood to dress a bit more tomboy/grunge, and the plaid was just a perfect pick to throw on on top or just tie around my waist. I haven't worn these grey jeans in at least a year, so imagine my surprise when I found out they still fit. Fall is finally starting to peek it's head, so I threw on my cutout boots, and picked out a large bag in case I decided to buy any large stuff (I didn't). Lastly, I bought those sunglasses that day at one of my favourite stores on Main, Front and Company. You can always do with a pair of sunnies; I mean, how else are you supposed to look at people without them knowing?

I searched far and wide to find this record, and when I did my heart did a little flutter of joy. I rewarded myself with this shirt. That's not great logic, but whatever.

 I found this bag at a store called 8th and Main. Although, when I first got it, the store was apparently so new that they hadn't named themselves yet. Imagine the looks on people's faces when I would reply to their question of "Where did you get your (insert item here)?" I'd say, "A store on Main with no name."

 I never thought I'd find a person with a head as round as mine, until I met Coco (not so) Tan. That's okay, we embrace our full faces, even though sometimes we tend to look like meatballs or Chinese bread buns. While we had multiple pictures of us trying oh so hard to look cool in our sunglasses, I ended up choosing this one as it's the best representation of both our friendship and Coco as a person. Fun fact: Coco laughs like a donkey. 90% of the time, her laugh is funnier than the joke. And it's the best thing in the world.

 Squaaad. Okay, yeah that sounded as lame in my head as it does here.

Here's a quick picture of Allison, Coco, and I at The Warehouse. I do wish that I got a pic of the restaurant though. It has such a nice feel. It's like a little hole-in-the-wall, and while the music is sometimes a bit much, there will be times where they will play the perfect song, that goes with it's grunge-y, somewhat ratty (but always nice) atmosphere, and the food will just be so mouthwatering-ly delicious, and there is truly no words to describe how great that feels.

 OUTFIT INFO: 

Plaid: TNA/ Aritzia (similar)
Shirt: I forgot (I'm so sorry my memory sucks)
Bag: 8th and Main
Jeans: Hot Topic (I think) (similar)
Watch: American Apparel 
Necklace: Long: Urban Outfitters (similar)
                 Short: Topshop
Shoes: Topshop (similar)

pastel dream

Even though the weather is still warm in Vancouver, the fact that it's September immediately puts my brain into "Fall-mode," leaving me stumped on what to wear on these hot-weather days. Yesterday it was cooler than the past week, but sadly still way too warm for jeans and basic layering. I started off the day by going with my friend to Metrotown so I could pick up an album I ordered (the Guardians of the Galaxy Deluxe Soundtrack. P.S. it's bomb as heck), and ended up accidentally getting a second album for free (I got the Black Keys album. My change was supposed to be $10, but I got $20. Score). We "celebrated" the good luck by going to Cafe Joie for a quick drink and snack before taking shots. After the pics, I went to go meet up with my parents downtown, where we tried to shop for cameras (and failed, we'll try again next week), and ended up at Faubourg Paris. Seriously, at this rate they should have my face somewhere in the cafe, I go there way too much. Anyways,, we went home, and ended up watching an excellent documentary called Terms and Conditions May Apply as well as we started the Sherlock series. I know, I'm a bit behind, but with a show where new episodes come out pretty much once a year, I don't think it's ever too late to start Sherlock (PS, I totally get the hype now, it's amazing).

Like I mentioned earlier, I was quite stumped yesterday morning when I realized it was too warm to layer. This meant I had to search through all my shorts and desperately come up with an idea for what to wear. Thankfully, these gems protruded from the depths of my closet and gave me a great idea for a pastel-based look. I usually pair these flower shorts with a black shirt and statement necklace, but this time I tried to find little elements that wouldn't toughen it up but instead match it's soft look. The pink blazer matched the flowers, as did the pastel bag, and the white just adds a light feel to the whole look. Of course, I had to go with heels since I'm weirdly obsessed with making myself look taller 24/7, and went with these sandals that I've thankfully broken into. No need for those band-aids anymore, yes!

I remember the day my mom and I found these necklaces at Topshop. We spent a few good minutes scouring the jewelry section, to finally find the pair that came with an "M." It was definitely worth the hunt.

Fun fact: I first laid my eyes on these shorts about 2 years ago, I think at Aritzia and they were waay overpriced. My heart broke as each time I would come into the store, they would just hang there, taunting me with it's cuteness and expensive price tag. Fortunately, that year at the Aritzia Warehouse Sale, I found these shorts for, I think about 1/4 of the original price and in my size! I think that was the day I learned that patience is a virtue.

P.S. I apologize for the blurriness. I just had to post this because I love these shoes so much.

 Here's a close-up of my jewelry! To be honest, what else is new.

Here's a quick pic of the outside of Cafe Joie. It's small but really cute and the food's pretty good. Plus it's actually not that far from where I live. Finally, a cafe I don't have to travel through the seven wonders for.

OUTFIT INFO: 

Blazer: Aritzia
Shirt: Topshop
Shorts: Aritzia
Necklace: Topshop
Belt: Forever 21
Bag: Kate Spade
Watch: American Apparel 
Sandals: Madewell (similar)

spotted

In September, Vancouver weather tends to be the most annoying thing on the face of the Earth. Why? Well, in the early morning, the weather starts off quite chilly but somehow, by the afternoon it suddenly becomes sweltering hot, only for it to be freezing in just another few hours. Basically, the weather goes from frostbite-worthy, to the face of the sun, to the sub-Arctic. Every. Single. Day. Sadly, yesterday was no exception. I went to go meet up with one of my friends, whom I hardly ever get to see, for a nice catch-up day in Downtown. We strolled, gossiped, and went to Cafe Crepe and one of my favourite cafes, Faubourg Paris. When the sun was starting to set, we skytrained to Canada Place, for some more strolling and gossiping. As you would expect, just as the sky was painted by the most beautiful colours, our legs were in danger of getting frostbite, and that's when we decide to trek on home, whilst cursing the Vancouver weather.

 

Anyone that knows me pretty well, or basically even sees me quite often, can probably tell that I love monochrome outfits. There's something so classic and interesting about pairing an entire outfit, head-to-toe in the two most basic shades (and don't get me started with how much I love adding just a pop of colour into it, sigh). That's why black-and-white patterned clothing articles excite me so much. They make monochrome outfits so much more interesting and add a layer of dimension in my opinion. When I saw this shirt at Topshop, it truly was love at first sight. I decided to make the most of the (briefly) warm weather and paired this patterned shirt with my black shorts and black boots to make a monochrome outfit. Of course, for the pop of colour I just put on a statement necklace (a must-have in anyone's wardrobe. Seriously. It'll come in handy), and wore my Kate Spade bag. In total, I used a total of two shades and one colour for the entire outfit (if you ignore the gold in the necklace). Love it.

Here's a close-up of both my shirt and my necklace. Wow, double whammy!

Fun fact: one of my closest friends, who has taken 90% of all the pictures on this blog, took her dog out yesterday during our little mini shoot. Her name is Coco and she may just be the cutest thing I have ever seen.

OUTFIT INFO:

Shirt: Topshop
Shorts: Hot Topic (I think????)
Necklace: Topshop
Bracelet: Brandy Melville
Watch: American Apparel
Bag: Kate Spade
Shoes: Topshop