1. J. Crew Twisted Stitch Sweater
3. Topshop Pleated Keyhole Back Dress
(Not exactly tangerine without the reddish hue but I thought I would add it in anyways since it has pleats, another big trend this season!)
(A nude colour that would pair perfectly with a bright bottom)
5. Modcloth Breathtaking Tiger Lilies Skirt
6. Gold-Toned Orange Enamel Necklace
9. J. Crew Sardinia Wedge Espadrilles
My apologies for not having posted for awhile – work and school have kept me pretty busy lately. I did however, find time to make a “birthday” cake for my nephew Lucas. Every since his birth last summer, my family has held a small celebration for him every month. So if you get really technical, this cake was actually a 10th monthsary cake.
My inspiration for this cake was a rainbow cake recipe I found in Martha Stewart’s Website (recipe here!). While a full rainbow cake would have been wonderful, making one would have required more time (which I did not have) and more resources. Instead, I thought I would do a tri-layer, pastel coloured cake with vanilla buttercream frosting in between. The recipe requires a lot of food colouring and some creativity. I found it was necessary for the batter to be much brighter than the desired colour because the cake loses some of its colour while in the oven.
My friend Sabrina (thankfully!) found the time to teach me how to trim, stack and ice the layers of a cake properly. The trick for icing layers: place a large amount of frosting in the middle and spread from the middle out. This trick ensures that you don’t actually touch the cake with your spatula and accidentally pick up pieces of the cake. To decorate it, we used sky blue buttercream frosting, rainbow sprinkles and made a writer out of wax paper to inscribe the name “Lucas!”, adding a special and personalized touch.
I really enjoyed making this cake and perhaps, I’ll even be daring and try the entire spectrum of the rainbow next time. On the other hand, while baking this cake totaled 2 days and 6 hours of fun, this amatuer baker believes the Cake Boss on TLC really makes this all look way too easy!!!!!
Leather Jacket from Top Shop, Blouse from Old Navy, Jeans from the Gap, Watch by Skagen, Bag Gifted, Shoes from Primark UK, Bracelet a Souvenir from my trip to Ibiza, Sunglasses by Rayban, Nail Polish by Essie in “Nice is Nice”
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My friend Annie and I took a trip to the wharf earlier today and had some fish and chips at Pajo’s, one my favourite places to eat in Richmond. Since they’re only open during the warmer months of the year, I look forward to their opening day every year. Not only are their fish and chips made with the most amazing batter, but their locations are absolutely beautiful – one at the wharf (the one we went to) and the other by the beach. With the opening of Pajo’s spring is certainly at our doorstep, now if only the chill in the wind would disappear…
I got back from my trip to the Bay Area 3 days ago but haven’t posted since then because my left hand has been in pain due to a little boiling hot tea accident at the San Francisco Airport. Thankfully, I am a certified first aider and knew exactly what to do! Word of advice, take a first aid course. You never know when it can come in handy.
Jacket from Topshop, Shirt from Nouvelle Nouvelle (lovely boutique in Gastown), Scarf from Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam, Tights from Stylemint, Shoes Gifted, Sunglasses by Rayban
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Here are some snapshots taken during the tail end of my trip. The first couple shots were taken in Berkeley at Indian Rock and Cragmont Park. These photos show me climbing rocks on a day when I was channelling my inner rocker chick. Hence the title of the post, rockin’ out! (Come on, I hope you guys are laughing or at least chuckled at bit.) The shirt I’m wearing has a really cute abstract design on it that isn’t seen too well in these photos (I’ll have to show the design in a later post). I’ve always been really into shirts with abstract designs – it’s my kryptonite!
The John Varvatos Shades I got for my boyfriend for his birthday!
These second set of photos were taken at San Francisco’s Ocean Avenue while the sun was setting. Like I said in an earlier post, I love San Francisco. I love the city’s cultural diversity, eccentric Edwardian and Victorian residential architecture (Mount Parnassus!) and the wide array of food options available at all hours of the night. I have visited many cities around the world that I have enjoyed and admired but few have inspired me. San Francisco is the latter. Until my next visit…
Ps. This is my new current “it” song. I make my iPod playlists according to the seasons and this one will definitely be headlining my spring playlist!
I am so sad my short vacation is coming to an end but as the saying goes, “all good things must come to an end”.
While in the Bay Area, I have started every morning off with a bagel from Noah’s Bagels. Their onion bagel is amazing! I like to have it with blueberry smear (spread) and although it may sound odd, the taste of the onion goes surprisingly well with the sweetness of the blueberry. I’ve also put aside Starbucks in lieu of Peet’s Coffee while I’ve been here. If I ever move to San Francisco, I think Peet’s would usurp Starbucks as my #1 coffee shop because well…I think their coffee is better (forgive me Starbucks fanatics!). Until then, I will continue to enjoy my soy, half-decaf caramel macchiato’s from Starbucks!
White Jacket by Dolce & Gabbana, Pants from The Gap, Sheer Blouse from Forever 21, Shoes by Burberry, Toe Nail Polish Lapiz of Luxury by Essie
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The sunny (but windy) Bay Area weather allowed me to have a quick visit to the beach yesterday. These photos were taken at Ocean Beach and The Beach Chalet in San Francisco. As you can see, I chose a more relaxed ensemble. I have an affinity for stylish outfits that appear to have been effortlessly put together and I believe this minimal outfit meets that description from the cropped khaki’s to the flowy blouse to the classic flats.
My freshly painted toenails are sporting a wonderful “dreamy ocean blue” shade – a shade that is different from what I chose for my fingernails (see here!). While some may say that mismatching toes and fingernails are a big “no no”, I say, “who cares!” After all, isn’t fashion a form of personally dictated art?
Ps. I tried a ring on at Forever 21 today and when I tried to remove it, it would not come off!!!!!!! The sales person and I finally found somebody with lotion (apparently they stopped carrying soap in case this exact dilemma occurred) and after making a huge scene, nearly an entire mini-bottle of lotion and 15 minutes, it came off. Undoubtedly one of the most embarrassing moments of my life!
Oh and if you’re wondering, I did not buy the ring.
Jeans Thrifted, Blouse from Talula, Cardigan from J.Crew, Shoes by Burberry, Purse by Guess, Necklace from Jewelmint (new!), Sunnies from Rayban, Watch from Skagen
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Another thing I love about coming to the Bay Area is getting the opportunity to play with and walk my boyfriend’s dog, Cassie. We took her for a walk at Point Isabel, a dog park on the bay. This park is every dog and dog lover’s dream. There, dogs can run freely and even swim a narrow channel. We ended Cassie’s walk with a nice wash at the parks’ version of a dog spa, Mudpuppy’s Tub and Scrub.
Taking advantage of the warm sun, I wore this new teal blouse from Talula that went perfectly with the Prairie Rose Necklace I recently purchased from Jewelmint. I should also mention that I went to go and get my nails painted after Point Isabel and I decided to match it with the pink beading running up the chain of the necklace. The colour I used was Essie’s Nice is Nice and it has been one of the best new colours I’ve tried in a long time. While it was sunny, the breeze by the bay was cold so I decided to use a thin cardigan and a pair of summer flats (my how I’ve missed wearing flats!). The trip to Point Isabel made me really miss the sun and the option of wearing light clothing. This weather in February(!) is another reason why I love The Bay Area!
Notice the dogs swimming in the water to the right?
A peach italian soda while waiting for Cassie to finish up her wash – so gooooood!!!!!
Ps. This is Max, my boyfriends family’s cat (thought he should get some blog time too!). Isn’t he adorable?
Shirt from The Gap, Belt from Front & Company, Watch from Skagen
Greetings from the Bay Area! I landed yesterday afternoon and I’m having a blast so far. Yesterday was a pretty low key day for me. The sun was shinning bright (a wonderful change from this!) so my boyfriend and I went for a walk around his hometown, Albany. I love the character of this small city, right down to their local watering hole where you can play board and card games (I learned to play cribbage last night) while sipping on a glass of wine or drinking your favourite beer!
Another wonderful thing about Albany is that it has Gordo’s, a taqueria that has the absolute best tacos and burritos. I mentioned Gordo’s in a previous post (here!) and I am thrilled to finally be getting a long awaited taste of it again. The picture below shows a crispy taco with an orange jarritos – an unbeatable combo anytime of the day! As if Albany coudn’t get any better, it’s right beside Berkeley (where I’ll be heading to in a few minutes), every foodie’s dream.
Ps. I just got a puzzle ring gift from Jewelmint and it’s literally a puzzle. Anyone know the secret to putting it together? I’ve been trying and no luck so far. Here’s to being persistent!
Pps. Here’s a shot I took today of the Golden Gate Bridge. Isn’t it beautiful?
Jacket by Topshop, Denim Blouse from J.Crew, Shirt from H&M, Leggings by Stylemint, Shoes from Le Chateau (old), Headband by Ban.do, Scarf from Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam, Purse by Chanel, Nail Polish by Rimmel in Chocolate Factory
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It’s back to work for me again tomorrow morning but thankfully, I only have 2 work days before jetting off to San Francisco for 5 days! The Bay Area has come to be a very special place in my life – more on that later this week.
My friend Annie and I thought it was time for the occasional tear inducing chick-flick and our movie of choice tonight was The Vow with Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum. I am not a fan of the monotone and oft-expressionless Channing Tatum so I was skeptical from the start. Also, nothing can compare with Rachel McAdams’ performance and connection with Ryan Gosling in The Notebook (a favourite!). In my eyes, she will forever be the passionate and strong-willed Allie Hamilton. Despite the initial skepticism, The Vow exceeded my (low) expectations. The movie also affirmed a life lesson I learned earlier in my adult life – the fact that we will always return to the people, places and things we truly love and that have made us who we are. A little cliche but it’s the truth. If you have the chance to see The Vow, I recommend it. It will clear out your tear ducts and have you feeling good about life, love and everything in between!
Typical rainy day in beautiful, and very wet, Vancouver.
I decided to go for my grey peacoat for the extra warmth. A pashmina from India also helped to keep me warm. My skirt is from Forever 21 and since buying it in November, I’ve worn it numerous times! I’m in love with it. So comfortable and adds colour to my wardrobe which seems to lack colour these winter months. Tights, of course, and black boots to finish it all off.
I’m loving the polka dot umbrella that I borrowed from a friend!
Don’t mind my hair… It was very windy!
Go-to purse: Coach
Ring: Tiffany’s
Nail Polish: OPI Planks A Lot
Trench Coat from Costa Blanca (old), Shirt from Style Mint, Black Jeans from The Gap, Shoes by Steve Madden, Bag Gifted, Flower Pin from Ban.do, Hat from Oviesse
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I went for a cold and wet walk earlier today (a big change from last week’s weather) and wore this rainy day ensemble. While I don’t own a lighter trench coat (like this one) or red rain boots (like this one), I thought this brown, wool houndstooth trench was perfect for the cold winter wind and it matched perfectly with the brown hat I’m wearing. Since getting this hat while I was in Florence last September, I have been dying to wear it and today was the perfect day (it was so windy my umbrella kept flipping over!). To finish the outfit, I pinned a flower from Ban.do to the coat’s lapel. I think it added a feminine and playful touch to the outfit. What do you think?
