Friday 27 April 2012

$8 sandal alert!


Summer is upon us and we could probably all use a couple pairs of new sandals. I definitely love a good variety to wear with different outfits, so when I saw that Forever 21 has tons of styles and colours for only $8.50, I was impressed.

Yeah, they aren't great quality or even leather, but you could wear them on the beach without worrying about ruining them! I'm loving the pairs with the pop of neon in the top row, I want them all! At that price, I'm thinking it might be doable (to buy all 9 of the pairs shown would cost only $76.50 CAD, wow!).

(These are coming up as $7.50, which might be the price in the US).

Forever 21 shoes
$7.50 - forever21.com

Forever 21 shoes
$7.50 - forever21.com

Forever 21 shoes
$7.50 - forever21.com

Forever 21 shoes
$7.50 - forever21.com

Forever 21 thong sandals
$7.50 - forever21.com

Forever 21 shoes
$7.50 - forever21.com

Forever 21 thong sandals
$7.50 - forever21.com

Forever 21 thong sandals
$7.50 - forever21.com

Forever 21 shoes
$7.50 - forever21.com

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Coachella '12 Fashion Diary

So I took a little hiatus for a couple of weeks and went on an epic road trip to Coachella. It was a crazy ride, going down from Vancouver, through Washington, Oregon, staying the first night in Redding California, then a day trip to San Francisco, followed by a late night arrival in LA. Two nights in LA, then over through Palm Springs to Indio for the fest.

The festival was amazing! As a newbie, there were definitely some lessons learned (extremely cold, late night waiting for a taxi for hours... no more taxis and packed more clothes for the next evening). The fashion there was awesome, I was constantly looking around at what guys and girls were wearing. Some people kept it simple, while others went all out. I was going somewhere in between I think, having a little more fun but not going too crazy. 

If you didn`t find the perfect outfit, no worries... they had a vintage shop on site:


First day`s look- Top: Urban Outfitters (online) | Skirt: funny story, my skirt didn`t arrive from Asos in time (I think due to Easter Holidays) so I ended up using a tank top I`d just bought at Forever 21 as a skirt by rolling down the top on my hips LOL | Boots: Nine west | Hat: Aldo | Necklace: Forever 21

Day 1: Evening
I was totally unprepared for how cold it was, it was soooo horrible that first night! I basically threw on a denim shirt at first, just for some warmth. Here I am with a blinking Nick Simmons:
Later I added some tights I'd asked my friends to bring me from our hotel, and put on the tank I'd used as a skirt earlier. I also put a T-shirt that was a giveaway underneath since I was frozen LOL. 
Demin Top: Gap | Faux leather leggings: Forever 21 (rest is same as day)

Day 2 revolved around wearing a special piece- a breastplate from my Aunt's line "Artifaax" which she kindly lent me for the trip. Top: Vintage | Shorts: old 7's I cut myself | Sandals: Spring | 
Purse/Belt: vintage | Sunglasses: Michael Kors | Necklace: Artifaax

Day 2: Evening
After freezing my butt off the first night, I totally bundled up the second night. I may have been a bit exaggerated because I was pretty warm in all those layers LOL. Tops: Vintage | Coat: Le Chateau | Scarf/Pants: Forever 21 (shoes were Converse)

Day 3: This was probably my most fun/outrageous (for me) outfit. Top: Anna Kosturova (local line of amazing crochet-wear, I got asked by quite a few people where I got this piece) | Skirt/Sandals: Ross | Headpiece: Urban Outfitters 

There I am in the background of a paparazzi pic of Fergie LOL. I told her she was f**king hot and she said "aw, you are!" and grabbed my hand. I loved her outfit, she's a cool chick.

Day 3: Evening
OK, so I don't have any good pics of this look... they are actually quite horrible, but I am wearing
Dress: Joe Fresh | Boots/Hat: Urban Outfitters 

I must say that I had a lot of fun gathering inspiration, sourcing and finding the best deals I could. I honestly did not spend a lot on these outfits since everything was on sale! We are already planning for next year's trip so I'm looking forward to using some of our new-found expertise to plan an even better trip! Who's coming along??? ;)

Monday 2 April 2012

Smooth


When you are in a rush, smoothies can be an easy and nutritious meal on-the-go! Sometimes I'll make a half-size for a snack (great pre-workout or for those who have a hard time eating breakfast).

To avoid blood sugar spikes, I always add protein powder. I have tried a few, but I am currently loving an unflavoured/unsweetened whey protein powder I picked up at London Drugs for only $25.99. I like that it's plain so I can avoid excess artificial sweeteners and flavour it any way I wish.


I will say that I like my protein shakes thick and icy (like the consistency of a Frappucino). You can add more water or whichever type of liquid you use if you like it a bit thinner. Here are some of my current faves...

For all of these recipes, start with:
4 large Ice cubes (crush a bit in blender first, I use the "pulse" to do this)
1 cup Almond, Soy, Coconut or regular Milk (unsweetened is best). You can also use water, coconut water or juice. 
1 scoop Protein Powder of your choice

Then add any of the these combos to complete the recipes:

Peanut Butter Banana
1/2 or 1 whole banana (depending on how sweet you want it). I usually use frozen banana.
1 tbsp natural Peanut Butter (I use chunky)

Berry-Greens
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/2 banana (optional)
1 cup frozen berries
1 scoop Greens powder (I love Magnum Nutraceuticals Performance Greens)

Mocha
1/2 cup cold coffee (or a tsp. Instant coffee)
*Chocolate flavoured Protein Powder works best with this one, but if it's the plain/unsweetened type, add some Splenda, Agave or Stevia to desired sweetness (about 2 tsps/packets), plus 2-3 tsps of cocoa (depending on how chocolaty you want it).

Pumpkin Pie
1/4 cup plain, Pumpkin Puree (I use canned, just make sure it's not Pumpkin Pie Filling!)
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch nutmeg

Tropical
1/2  banana (I use frozen banana)
1/4 cup mango, diced
1/4 cup pineapple, diced
1 tbsp natural unsweetened flaked coconut

Oatmeal-Breakfast
1/2  banana (I use frozen)
1/2 cup berries (frozen/mixed or any single type)
1/4 cup dry, old fashioned Rolled Oats
1/4 cup yogurt (optional)

Choco-Banana
2-3 tsp cocoa + 2 packets Splenda or Stevia (unless you are using Chocolate Protein Powder)
1 banana (frozen)

*Some other optional additions for any of these recipes are ground flax, chia, hemp seed, wheatgerm, any fibre supplement, Udo's, coconut or flax oil. Enjoy!

Sunday 1 April 2012

Festival x F21

Festival x F21
Okay, so I am heading to Coachella for the first time in about 14 days and if people haven't already noticed, I swear I've reverted to my 9-year old self going to a New Kids on the Block concert or something. I am so excited for the music, the people and of course, the fashion!

One thing I do know is that planning this trip can be fairly costly for most. You are paying hundreds for the ticket alone and accommodations/flights seem to be double or triple in price during the festival! So something might have to give, but who really wants to sacrifice style?

I have found tons of pieces, many from the Sale section of the Forever 21 website. The most expensive piece amongst these is a neon lace dress (below, right) at a whopping $34 CDN! Woot woot...



Most of these pieces are actually under $20, which is amazing. I will say that I didn't buy anything for myself from Forever 21 out of fear that many people could be wearing it. But now that I think about it; a. Forever 21 has a quick turnover, so once a run of an item sells out, it's pretty much gone b. a lot of people there probably don't shop at Forever 21, nor would they want to be caught wearing it at a music festival. So there's a good chance you might be safe!
Festival x F21 #2































I think the key is mixing things up. Get a piece or some basics that aren't costly, go check out some vintage or second hand stores for quirky pieces and add fun/interesting parts to your look like cool shoes, accessories, hats or headpieces. Either way, have fun! Any festival is a great place to play around with your look and be inspired to wear something you wouldn't normally.

I'll be sure to post a little fashion diary from the festival of what myself and my girlfriends are wearing, as well as any cool spottings :).

Forever 21 sheer dress
$16 - forever21.com

Forever 21 colorblock dress
$15 - forever21.com

Forever 21 oversized top
$13 - forever21.com

Forever 21 shoulder handbag
$20 - forever21.com

Forever 21 jewelry
$6.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 long necklace
$3.80 - forever21.com

New Arrivals - 2000037570
$34 - canada.forever21.com

New Arrivals - 2015035474
$13 - canada.forever21.com

Forever 21 knit dress
$23 - forever21.com

Forever 21 top
$20 - forever21.com

Forever 21 top
$16 - forever21.com

Forever 21 top
$18 - forever21.com

Forever 21
$11 - forever21.com

Forever 21 sheer poncho
$17 - forever21.com

Forever 21
$18 - forever21.com

Forever 21 jewelry
$11 - forever21.com

Forever 21 rhinestone bangle
$4.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 hardware jewelry
$5.46 - forever21.com

Forever 21 knit cardigan
$7.99 - forever21.com

Forever 21 long sleeve top
$11 - forever21.com

Forever 21 top
$16 - forever21.com

Forever 21 top
$14 - canada.forever21.com

Forever 21 top
$19 - forever21.com

Forever 21 knit top
$4.99 - forever21.com

Forever 21 jewelry
$6.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 jewelry
$3.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 long necklace
$5.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 skinny braided belt
$5.80 - forever21.com

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