Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

2011 was a great year for me. I made amazing memories with my family & friends, celebrated two wonderful years with Brandon, moved to Vancouver into my own apartment, started school & gained experience with an amazing, luxury company (both of which are immersed in fashion), spent the holidays surrounded by my family & rang in the New Year with family, too - not to mention the countless other adventures and things that happened along the way.

I think it's important to constantly reevaluate ourselves. I mean, resolutions are great and all, but shouldn't we make them year long? Nevertheless, the beginning of the year marks a new start for some. Here are some of my "resolutions" for 2012:

- Train smart for my upcoming half marathon (yes, gifted from my parents for Christmas! I am a lucky girl) to reduce injuries and to make me a stronger runner.
- Practice yoga more often and incorporate more strength training for my non-running days
- Be more outgoing: It is easy to fall into a comfort zone, but I also love meeting new people, so I would really like to make a lot of new friends this year!
- Keep in contact with old friends & family as well. Visit often and have visitors often!
- Find a job I can stay at for a while! Temporary positions are nice to increase work experience, but I am ready for something that will challenge me more & develop my skills.
- Continue to do well in school (of course!)

Happy New Year to you & your loved ones!

What are some of your New Years Resolutions?

Home for the Holidays

Christmas Eve means pajamas & Christmas movie marathons!

Snuggled up for the movie marathon with my lovely sister.

Festive table ware!

This photo session was hilarious. No matter how many times my mom tried to snap a picture of the three of us (my uncle is in the middle), it always ended up where one of us wasn't ready. Looks like I was the one a little slow on the smile in this one.

Popping into the coffee shop for a warm drink. We went to the Butchart Garden in Victoria on Boxing Day, then stopped for dinner on the way home for some soup & garlic toast. Such a good day!

Poinsettias were every where at the gardens! I loved this festive Poinsettia tree (kind of?) in the coffee shop. They also had multiple trees decorated with Christmas baubles & seating near a fire place.

I arrived back in Vancouver on Tuesday evening, and since Brandon had to work over the holidays, we had Christmas dinner & opened gifts together yesterday. I loved seeing his reaction to all the things I brought home, including the huge amount of presents with his name on them!

Stocking stuffers accumulating on the coffee table... Yes, now that everything is open, we have a lot to clean up and organize in the household!

I hope you all had an amazing holiday with your family & loved ones! Bring on the new year!

Merry Christmas!

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mama in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

I wish you all the happiest of holidays! I am home for Christmas, and there is nothing better than spending this festive season with family and friends whom I love so much! Plus, homemade cinnamon buns and coffee with eggnog for breakfast isn't so bad either :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Holiday Sparkle: Make Up Time!

Hi everyone! So now that you have your dress, shoes, & jewelry, it's time for your make up!

I searched through some of my favourite YouTube bloggers & created a Holiday-inspired tutorial roundup for you all. I love all of these looks, and I hope to incorporate them into my Christmas-esque looks!

I chose these three because they are easy to follow and incorporate so many Christmas colours. Gold, silver, cranberry, and anything sparkly is always fun to add to your Holiday look for a glamorous feel. Although I am not too adventurous with my make up choices (I'm a neutral or nothing kind of girl, but I DID just purchase red lipstick... How daring, hey?), Christmas is a fun excuse to experiment a little. Besides, it's always fun to watch the tutorials and having a guideline when you're doing something new is so helpful!

Which look would YOU pick for Christmas?

 Other Posts in the Holiday Sparkle Series


1. Holiday Sparkle: The Outfit
2. Holiday Sparkle: The Shoes
3. Holiday Sparkle: Jewelry

Tales of Recent Fortune

This month has been great as far as luck & fortune is concerned! What a perfect time to have this winning streak, as Christmas is a mere eight days away (can you believe it!?), and it always feels good to have happiness come your way around this time! I wanted to share with you some happy things that have happened to me lately!

1. I finally splurged (slightly) and bought myself a Cambridge Satchel. I have been drooling over this large size purple satchel at work for weeks now, and I figured it would be a nice Christmas present to myself that ALSO gets the whole shopping bug out of my system for a while (yeah, I say that now..).

2. Every week work has been doing something different as far as treats and staff-celebrations are concerned. One week we had free cupcakes, this week we had a potluck, and there is pizza & other goodies coming up throughout the month! I snagged a mini gingerbread cupcake that was "gone in 60 seconds," but in my case, inhaled in .5!

3. I won this lovely red cocktail ring from Social Experiment (search her on Etsy, absolutely beautiful pieces!) through the blog Belle Epoque 21. Thank you, lovely ladies, for this prize! I'm wearing it now!

4. Some days call for cozy flannel. I had this hidden away in the bottom drawers of my dresser, and while I was frantically trying on outfits and throwing clothes on the floor this morning, it dawned on me that I hadn't worn this shirt in a while. I actually found it at a local thrift store in my hometown, and it is so warm and cozy (perfect for the cold office/weather since I am closing at work tonight). Top it off with a high ballerina bun and some bow earrings, and I'm good to go. That is, after I finish my coffee.

Have a lovely weekend everyone! Do you have your Christmas shopping ready? It's sneaking up fast!

Holiday Sparkle: Tiffany & Co.

Images from Tumblr/Weheartit/Tiffany & Co website

I can't be the only girl who has her fingers crossed for a blue & white box under the tree. Tiffany's jewelry is timeless. You can wear pieces throughout the year, and they can truly make an outfit special. This is particularly important during the holidays as the events and parties during this time seem to be endless! While they are countless makes of jewelry you can pick from, I wanted to focus on some of my favourite pieces from Tiffany's. If you are a frequent visitor of the Tiffany's website, you'll notice that you can find the majority of my picks year round, but the seasonal goodies are just so sweet, too!

PS. Can you believe there's only ten days until Christmas!? Wow, time flies.

Other Posts in the Holiday Sparkle Series

1. Holiday Sparkle: The Outfit
2. Holiday Sparkle: The Shoes 

Keep Calm; It's Nearly Christmas!

1. Mini candy canes brought in by a co-worker the other day. There's nothing better than cappuccino and gingerbread flavoured candy!

2. Some days just call for faux fur! Faux fur scarf: The Gap, Satin blouse: Jacob. Note: You gotta love when your eyeshadow has so much fall out that it smears all over your nicely done foundation. Yeah, it was a struggle with that powdered eyeliner & I can tell you it will not be happening again. I hate messy make up!

3. Christmas-themed doodles at the office, from me to you.

4. Keep calm, everyone! It's almost Christmas! On the other hand, stress out because you aren't nearly prepared enough as you should be & you still have Christmas shopping to do! I can't be the only one who is feeling that way right now. Less than two weeks until Santa is here!

Have a happy Tuesday everyone!

Check out what else has been happening on HLDFashion:

Holiday Sparkle: The Outfit
Holiday Sparkle: The Shoes
Bag Lovin'
Snaps of the Week
Ahh, Dior!

Holiday Sparkle: Shoes

Retailers are already putting out their Christmas merchandise, and Holiday themed display windows are popping up as well. When I think of Christmas, besides the standard green and red, I also think of colours such as gold and silver. Likewise, SEQUINS and GLITTER soon follow! There is nothing better than adding some shimmer to your Holiday outfit, so in the Holiday Sparkle series I will post for you glitter-covered ideas to help inspire your Holiday ensembles!

1. The classic pump, but with a twist - finding shoes with cap toes in a metallic finish will instantly add glam to your outfit. I love the pointed toes with gold caps. When I spotted these Christian Louboutin's online, I definitely thought of Christmas! However, Louboutin isn't the only one creating these capped pumps. You can find them in almost any shoe store for a fraction of the cost!

2. Glitter oxfords & smoking slippers (not pictured, but you can find them in this post). I have seen these EVERYWHERE this fall! From Aldo & Spring to Browns & Holt Renfrew, you will have no problem finding these trendy shoes in glittery finishes. Plus, you may even be able to save them for spring!

3. Glitter flats - One thing I love about flats is how you can find them in any colour, pattern, and texture. They are less dangerous in snow than their higher counterparts, the stiletto, but your feet will still look Holiday pretty while being comfortable, too! It is a winning combination. Like the glitter oxfords & smoking slippers, sparkly flats have been in numerous stores throughout the fall season. I recently spotted a dusty gold pair at Winners with very fine grains of glitter to polish them off. I would highly recommend checking out your favourite shoe store for glitter flats; you are bound to find them!

4. Glitter heels - Tall, small, kitten heels, booties, you name it. Heels glitter heels are a festive and fun addition to your Holiday outfit. You can find them in many colours, and the glitter itself can be found in a variety of textures. Personally, I would like to find a lower glitter heel to keep it work & school appropriate. As much as I love towering stilettos, the practical girl inside is telling me no!

Are you a pointed toe heels, flats, or oxfords kind of gal?

Images found from Weheartit, The Glitter Guide & Tumblr

Hilarious Holiday Fun

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Thought I would share this super funny video I made of Brandon & myself. I love this website, except I wish you didn't have to pay for the premium cards! Although they are a reasonable price (I mean, you can't go wrong for one whole dollar a month), I think I'll stick with this funny freebie for now!

Happy Holidays! xo

Holiday Sparkle: The Outfit

 

Deciding on the perfect Holiday dress or outfit can be one of the most difficult tasks a girl can have if she's looking to impress at a Holiday party. Employers often have Christmas parties, and it's important to look festive and classy, especially if you are going as a guest. Here are a few of my picks to make a great impression during the Holidays.

1. Jacob Lace Corset Dress ($99). This lovely dress also comes in red. The great thing about a little black dress is you can wear it again, and again! It is a classic investment piece, and fortunately this one won't break the bank! I would pair this with minimal accessories (maybe a delicate bracelet & diamond earrings) and a pair of glitter heels.

2. Delicate fabrics - Delicate fabrics such as silk look so pretty with some extra sequins. If you are not feeling a totally sequined shirt, I would wear one with minimal sparkle but still lots of details (think bows and nice draping & pin tucking). Having a piece in a simple color such as blush, white, or even black is still kept Holiday appropriate with the correct accessories. Plus, it is ultra feminine and transcends into future seasons.

3. Marc Jacobs Draped Black Tube Dress. Okay, so this one isn't as budget friendly as the Jacob dress (#1), so check your local Holt Renfrew or other luxury department stores for their price. My guess is at the very least, $1000.00. What I love about this dress is that you can make it as glamorous or as simple as you wish. A Breakfast at Tiffany's style necklace (lots of pearls) and a swirled bun on the top of your head would look classic and chic, or you could pair it with a deep red lip, great shoes & diamonds for a look that is ultra-glam!

4. The Olsen Twins - take a look at the clothing that these iconic twins wear day to day. I love the lace detailing on the sleeves of Mary Kate's black dress. It adds texture, and lace is definitely appropriate for the Holidays. Similarly, a printed dress like Ashley's allows you to focus more on your hair and make up rather than accessories. Prints certainly speak for themselves! Their bold lip is wonderful, too.

5. Last but not least, sequin overload! I have been seeing skirts in several stores that are fixed with sequins of all shapes and sizes. If you have a big Holiday party coming up (such as a girls' night or a casual Holiday dinner with friends & family), feel free to be more adventurous. Royal blue and ink blue especially are a lovely contrast against the usual reds & greens of the Holiday season. However, when you have such a flashy & fun dress, you can keep your accessories and shoes simple. You want to avoid looking like a Christmas tree (as pretty as some of them are)!

What is your go-to Holiday outfit this Christmas?

Photos from Weheartit, Tumblr, Jacob & Style.com

Christmas Inspiration

Nothing like snoozin' during the holidays! 

Traditional Christmas colours haven't been lost this season, but for the past few years I've noticed that there are no hues that are off limits. I love how simple and elegant silver & blue look together, and a hint of dusty gold mixed in is lovely, too! Definitely makes me want to decorate (even more).

This is my alter ego... If you get what I mean (ha, ha. I'm so funny).

 We'll be seeing you soon, Santa! Remember my Marc by Marc Jacobs bag & half marathon entry, please!

Yesterday I received a package with some Christmas decorations in it from my family's home on the island. It's so nice to have festive additions in my apartment, not only because it helps me get in the Christmas mood, but because it's a little touch from home as well. As much as I love you, VanCity, I love my family more & will be happy to see them for Christmas!

Instant Fun with Instagram

I wanted to share with you all the latest snaps from Instagram! I have way too much fun with this application on my phone, and I am already at over 400 photos on my little iPhone! Crazy how they all accumulate, but I'm the kind of person who wants to take pictures of EVERYTHING. It drives Brandon crazy, but as my mom says, "I'm making memories!"

Here's the latest! My Instagram username is HLDFashion - easy to remember!

1. Benefit goodies from a staff sale at work. Erase paste & Eyecon eye cream are quickly becoming favourites! I also picked up a mini sample of NARS firming foundation that I have yet to try, and the Shu Uemura lipstick (at the top) is so pretty and SO moisturizing. I love it!

2. Blo Blow-Dry Bar post cards at The Style Spy x The Gap shopping event.

3. Holiday treat for Christmas shopping.

4. Mannequins styled with pieces from The Gap by The Style Spy team.

5. Lauren & myself at the shopping event.

Hope you all have a lovely day! If you are on Instagram, leave me a comment with your username & chances are you will have a new follower! ;)