This Spring, Neon is the Thing

 

Lately, have you noticed a lot of neon flashing you in the face upon entering a store? You've most likely seen the acidic hues splashed across magazine pages, too. Well, my friends. Neon is back for the Spring 2012 season! Although I like to think that I am fond of this trend, part of me (the comfortable, I-just-want-to-stay-in-my-pajamas-all-day side) says, "Don't do it!" However, I think it is rather easy for a neon newbie like myself to embrace the trend. In small doses, neon can be funky without being an eye sore, such as nail polish or a bit of aqua on a simple pair of flats. If you really want to get crazy, though, colour blocking neons and mixing neon patterns will take your look to the next level. Just try not to look like a highlighter!

Neon: Yes, or no?

 

Collage by HLDFashion

Versace x H&M - Yes, Again.

I must say, I wasn't too thrilled with the Versace x H&M collection that sprang upon us before the holidays in 2011. There's something about all that gold and loudness that didn't resonate well with me. However, I came across this on Tumblr (I apologize - I forget which blog it was from!), and I must say I am surprised and actually looking forward to the collection.

Above: Versace x H&M Cruise Collection.

I think it is perfect for the spring season as it incorporates so many colours that are trendy for the upcoming season. Once spring rolls around (goodbye, dreary rain!), I will be more than happy to add some flashes of colour and prints into my wardrobe. I especially love the purple printed dress (top right corner), as well as the shoes and funky belts! I think any of these pieces would be fun to style & work with, too!

Anyway, just a little preview for you! Happy Thursday, friends!

Very Cherry & The Pursuit of Happiness

Blouse: Jacob

Experimenting with some red lipstick for the first time since the dancing years! Recitals were all about wearing loads of make up that will make you stand out on stage, red lipstick included. However, I've never been bold enough to try it off of the stage. I am wearing Very Cherry (635) by Maybelline, and I love it!

Why yes, those are candy canes & Christmas ornaments hanging in the background.
Vintage inspired mirror: Ikea, 

Loved this movie, and I love this quote just as much. I often think about people who are famous or those who I admire & wonder how they got there, why aren't things happening as quickly for me, etc. etc. However, it's not about that whatsoever. Maybe they just got lucky, or perhaps they were born into it. Nevertheless, you have to go for what you want & it will happen eventually!

Snaps of the Week

This past Sunday was Brandon's birthday, so we headed out to Brown's Social House in Richmond for some dinner & drinks! Being the girl that I am, I had to go for the mimosa on special rather than the Caesar - SO yummy, so filling!

A project of mine on Tuesday at work involved a lot of ribbons. Lots, and LOTS of ribbons (and continued on until Wednesday).

New running shirt from Skinny Runner. I love it already & have used it on the majority of my runs!

Soft, delicious oatmeal banana cookies. I used this recipe, but used 1/2 cup raisins & 1/2 cup sunflower seeds. These babies are so yummy, especially fresh out of the oven. Bonus: make the whole house smell fantastic!

A couple treats before my last exam this past Monday evening. Sometimes it's nice to just sit by the window in a coffee shop and see what's happening - most of the time you see some pretty darn funny things, too! I enjoyed a shortbread cookie (with white chocolate icing, um hello, heaven!) with an almond milk caramel macchiato. Oh, and in the bag are some shoe ornaments for the little tree in the apartment!

Hope you've all had a good week!

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2011

I can has your legs? :)

 

Adam & Anne are adorable! 

November: The month of mustaches & of course, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!

Check out the video above to learn more about the casting process. It's interesting to know that every year there are approximately 12 new models that step foot onto the famous VS fashion show runway. If you aren't too familiar with this annual event, you should probably Google it! In all seriousness, however, it is always fun to watch and the amount of details and effort they put in to make this show happen is remarkable. Likewise, it's amazing how they can strut around wearing those wings & such tall heels. It's a wonder they don't fall over!

One thing Miranda Kerr & I have in common: I often wear bras worth over a cool 2 million dollars, too!

Did you tune in to watch the show? What did you think?

Colonel Mustard

Above pictures from The Sartorialist & WhoWhatWear

Striped Knit Sweater, Forever 21

Double Breasted Coat, Zara

Mustard is one of those colours you either love or hate. While I personally have nothing of the hue in my own closet (I don't find it all too flattering on myself!), I think some people can pull off the colour beautifully! As I was browsing online today I found some street style snaps incorporating this bright fall colour. It is interesting how people style it as well - I mean, a backwards cardigan? Such a cool idea!

If you don't have room in your budget for the high end designer take on mustard, have no fear! Retailers such as Forever 21 & Zara have embraced mustard in their merchandise lines. The more I look at this interesting colour, the more it kind of grows on me.

What do you think - are you a mustard (the colour, not the condiment!) fan?

Christmas Wishes: Running Edition

Fitness and health has recently become a big part of my life. A couple years ago I lost about 30 pounds through healthy eating and exercising - none of that diet pill garbage or starving yourself (I like food too much!). Although I love dancing (I danced ever since I was 4 up until grade 11), running is my exercise of choice, combined with yoga and some strength training. A large portion of my Christmas list is dedicated to the sport of running. While others think I am crazy for loving running, it honestly is such a good way to get out any frustrations and start the day off on the right foot. Plus, it does wonders for your legs & booty!

Here are several items featured on my running list:

Zensah compression sleeves for calves. This is especially helpful when I experience soreness in my legs from a hard work out and keeps the blood moving!

Foam rolling is definitely something all runners should be doing, but I just haven't gotten my hands on one of these bad boys! I've seen them at Winners and various sportswear stores, but I guess I just thought, "next time." Nevertheless, foam rolling prevents injuries throughout your training & is so important to stave off injuries in the future.

A Garmin Forerunner 305 has had tons of great reviews, and lots of fitness bloggers I read swear by this little device to clock their time, splits & distance. So helpful considering I have nothing like this!

 The most important (to me) item on my Christmas list isn't exactly something tangible. It has always been a goal of mine to run a half marathon, so my wish this Christmas is to be signed up for the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon! It would be such an amazing gift, because not only is it something I HAVE to use, but it will give me motivation to work hard with my training and accomplish one of my (many) goals.

 

 Running tights & crops are way better for running than short shorts when the cold weather hits. Unfortunately it already has here in Raincouver (I mean, Vancouver..)! 

 I already have a subscription to Runner's World magazine (it should be here any day now! Fingers crossed), so any running related books are on my Christmas wish list, especially this one by the Olympic distance Runner, Kara Goucher.

 Running t-shirts & tanks. It is so tempting to run in a big comfy t-shirt, but the fact of the matter is that heavy cotton shirts are NOT your friend when it comes to running. You want something that will wick away moisture and keep you cool (or warm depending on the garment). I am building my collection of running T-shirts & tanks, but it doesn't hurt to have more!

Finally, the last item I'm sharing with you is the iPod shuffle. I have an iPod nano & an iPhone, but I really dislike having to hold onto something as I run. Often times it takes me a while to get comfortable with something in my hand and headphone wires hanging every where. It gets difficult and frustrating when you are getting tangled up along your run! An iPod shuffle is perfect, because you can clip it onto your jacket or the waist of your pants (or even a sleeve) without worry.

Okay folks, that is all for the Running Edition of my Christmas Wishes! If you work out, what is your exercise of choice? Do you have any equipment for this particular activity that you would like for Christmas?

Have a lovely day!

The Style Spy Shopping Event x The Gap: Pictures

 

On Monday I had the pleasure of attending a shopping event hosted at The Gap by The Style Spy. My lovely friend Lauren accompanied me, and together we wandered down to Robson Street to participate in the fun (and shop, of course)!

Swag bags were given to everyone (while quantities last) who purchased $50 worth of merchandise. There was also a 25% promotion on regular priced merchandise, which made it awfully tempting to get a little spend-crazy. Don't worry, MasterCard, you're not broken (yet)!

My outfit of the evening! Unpictured are a pair of black glitter heels I found while running errands (and clearly getting distracted by shoes) with Brandon.

I am wearing:

Joe Fresh faux fur scarf
Suzy Shier blazer & tights
H&M dress

Faux fur heaven. Seriously - I can't get enough of faux fur! Check out this video where I show you my latest faux fur finds!

Feelin' thirsty? The Style Spy team had Jones Soda placed around the store for the party-goers to sip on throughout the night. 

They also had a candy bar! If you know me at all, you know I love me some candy. Or rather, anything sugar-coated and sweet. I just can't say no to candy!

The lovely ladies of The Style Spy styled these mannequins, and everyone got the opportunity to put their name in the draw to win $500 worth of merchandise based on their favourite mannequin. I am not sure which one I would've picked had I won - they are all so cool & incorporate elements of my own style!

Insert witty comment here.

Blo Blow-Dry Bar had braid stations set up in store. It was fun to see so many girls rocking different braided hairstyles throughout the night. The ladies at Blo were amazing!

Me & my fishtail braid. I remember learning how to do this via YouTube & wearing the hairstyle for about two weeks straight. Soon, people started to catch on. "Haven't you been wearing your hair in that same braid for like... A really long time now?" Perhaps I should revisit the style now!

The woman creating Lauren's hair-do did a beautiful job. It reminds me of a Grecian Goddess. I wish I could do that!

My Jones Soda fortune. 

Lauren & myself. Hey, Jones. I'm promoting your product here (you can sort of see the label), so that must mean I get incentives, RIGHT, RIGHT? :) I kid!

Thank you to The Style Spy & The Gap for hosting such a fun event. It was nice meeting the beautiful ladies on your team & celebrating in style with everyone who made the event such a huge success!

Shopping Finds and a Video!

Yes, here is an awkward video of me sharing my finds from The Style Spy shopping event! Stay tuned tomorrow for pictures of the event.

Have a great day everyone! Let me know if you have any suggestions for future video blogs. I am terribly new to it, and it feels strange talking to my computer!

xo Holly

PS. Sorry it's so long!

Fall in Love With Fall

Nothing screams fall like crisp weather, pretty leaves & outwear hitting the stores before the leaves even change colours. My ideal way to spending a fall day would have to include a nice hot cup of coffee and an equally hot breakfast (my breakfast of choice is always, always oatmeal with a dash of peanut butter), cuddles & cozying up in fall clothes. However, things like school and life gets in the way of that sometimes. Don't get me wrong - it's nice heading to class and seeing how others have styled their fall pieces. Likewise, hitting the streets of Vancouver on a chilly day is amazing for people watching. The style here is outstanding!

What will YOU be wearing this fall?

photos from polyvore & tumblr

Updates to Inspire

Well, here's another mish-mash of pictures for you. I know in my last post I said I would post tomorrow (meaning Friday, September 9th), but I'm sure you have already gathered that I failed to do so. Why you ask? Friday was the day I moved into a basement suite at my relative's house. Unfortunately, things aren't working out there as well as my family & I hoped. However, I spent some time searching online for apartments, and my mom came over on Tuesday to view one with me. Sadly that one was a no-go: paint splashed across the cupboards was considered a "fresh coat of paint," the carpet was dirty, and a million other things made us stray away. Finally, as we ventured up Oak St., we noticed a block that consisted mainly of apartment complexes. The rest is history - I found my new soon enough and already made the damage deposit. Things may be a little hectic between now and October 1st (ETA at the new apartment) because of school and what not, but now that I have a stable internet connection thanks to my school (VCC), I will be able to visit you all again!

PHEWF. Glad I got that all aired out to you. Now, for the real post.

The above pictures are currently inspiring me as I make the transition between unfinished basement to apartment, and out of highschool to college student. Don't get me wrong, both of these avenues are ridiculously exciting. However, it doesn't hurt to find inspiration through pictures to get you through, right (are we still following, by the way)?

1. I love the mainly white colour scheme of this bedroom. If I was able to afford an apartment with a room like this (the French doors with an ocean view of the balcony somehow hint that it MAY be expensive...), I would WANT it to look EXACTLY like this. How inviting and comfortable, most of all, does this look!?

2. Everything about this room appeals to me here. I love the mix of green and turquoise - a colour combination that would look great in an outfit as well (eg, rich green suede heels and an oversized turquoise clutch). For my future room that I will SOON be decorating (EXCITEMENT!), I want to find some accent pieces in these colours. I already have a picture for the wall that is turquoise, so I'm almost there!

3. Again, some beautiful turquoise shoes and a gorgeous ring. I saw a lot of this colour for summer, and if you already have pieces in this hue, you'll easily be able to transition them into your fall wardrobe for a fun pop of colour!

4. Coral. I. Love. Coral. I can't get enough of it. My first day of school outfit (for Retail Buying) consisted of a fun beige pleated dress from H&M (a slightly heavier fabric and half sleeves makes it perfect for fall) and some coral lace-up sneakers. Thank you to Liz at school who complimented them!

5. Sequins, red, magenta, Loubitins! In a perfect world, these would be appropriate shoes for every. single. day. Actually, scratch that. Who says they can't be!? I am fairly certain I spotted these at Holt Renfrew the other day. Unfortunately, my student budget doesn't allow me to have these in my hot little hands! One day!

6. Nothing says fall quite like knits. As I was perusing some New York Fashion Week photos, I noticed that a lot of designers are into strategic cut outs. Well, same is true for this sweater. I could picture myself wearing this with a pair of dark skinny jeans and some motorcycle boots for an edgy touch, or a pair of riding boots with some buckle details. Lovely!

Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday! xoxo