It was a relatively cold day for Cuba. Maybe under 20 degrees Celsius! Plus cloudy, windy, etc. So I really had to hold on to my hat for most of our day in Havana to prevent it from flying away. But my new H&M Men’s tee was perfect for such a day. Long sleeves that roll up, yet with enough volume not to be too hot when it got sunny. Plus it’s…that’s right…it’s striped! I know, I know…I need help.
And the shoes…I really don’t get it. I’ve worn these sandals in Rome, Paris, Sorrento, Mexico, Toronto…everywhere…and they’ve always been nothing but comfortable! Yet this time around, I had to stop a few times, just to let my blisters feet get some rest. What gives? Is it time to throw these babies out? I don’t think I am ready yet.
I am wearing: Shirt, Hat - H&M Men; Shorts – Forever21; Bag – Old Navy; Sandals – Zara; Sunglasses – Ray-Ban; Bracelet – Iberostar Laguna Azul
Style Blog, February 24th 2010 |
Tags: Cuba, Forever21, H&M, Havana, Old Navy, Organic Style, Ray Ban, Street Style, Stripes, Travel, What I Wore, Zara
Posted in Fashion, Organic Style, Travel, What I Wore
Off to Cuba! Be back soon!
XOXOs,
Nelia
Style Blog, February 8th 2010 |
Tags: Cuba, Travel
Posted in Random, Travel
So after much deliberation (and tripadvisor scouring), le boyfriend and I have finally settled on our next vacation place. We’re going to…drumroll…CUBA! And we’re leaving next Monday! Ughh…only one week to get everything ready and in order. I am not even going to start on my flab issues…not enough space on this blog! So yeah, a much-needed vacation away from technology, accounting, and Microsoft Excel! And while I have a plentiful supply of bathing suits to last me for at least the next 10 years, I just couldn’t resist posting about my new favorite swimsuits!
We Are Handsome is an Australian brand, which sells handmade, limited edition swimsuits. I’m not usually a fan of one-piece suits, but We Are Handsome designs are just too awesome to pass up! My favorite of the bunch is Africa. It’s definitely reminiscent of Christopher Kane’s Gorilla and Alligator tees, which just goes to show…who wouldn’t love a roaring beast for a stomach? I know I would! The suits sell for around $180 AUD (~$166 USD) and aren’t the cheapest out there, but hey, it’s unlikely that anyone else at your local pool will have one! And they are guaranteed to turn some heads and maybe even scare away a few creepos too!
Photo Credits: We Are Handsome
Style Blog, February 2nd 2010 |
Tags: Cuba, Swimsuits, Travel, We Are Handsome
Posted in Fashion, Shopping, Travel
I’ve only been gone 4 days, but it feels like forever! That’s what being in Texas does to a girl. Some of you might know that I’ve spent a few of my college years in Houston, and out of those 4 or so years came a lot of friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime. Well, last weekend one of my dearest friends, Jen, got married to the love of her life Joe. And to celebrate that wonderful occasion, le boyfriend and I flew to Texas! Unfortunately for us, no carry-ons were allowed on flights from Canada to the US at the time, and perhaps due to my horrendous “luck” with baggage, ours was lost somewhere in Atlanta, which meant almost 3 days (out of 4), including the wedding, without our clothes. Rock and roll, right?
Well, after much stress and frustration, we went shopping and I finally was able to find these hot Aldo cage sandals in my size and on sale! I also bought a tweed Zara blazer, a one-shoulder Zara dress, and a few other items that I’ll be posting about later on. These pics were taken on our last day in Houston, after we’ve received our luggage. So it’s really a mix of what I brought with me with the items I had to buy out of necessity.
Note that the weather is…beautiful! This was taken on January 11th! While it was frigid and snowy in Toronto, le boyfriend and I frolicked in the sunshine, not wearing much clothes at all! And all those Texans still complained about the cold! Had I never moved to Canada, perhaps I wouldn’t appreciate those sunny days either…But I did move, and I did appreciate. Sunny days, delicious food, Southern hospitality, even if you only have one pair of underwear…what can be better?
I’m Wearing: Shoes, Bracelet - Aldo; Blazer – Zara; Top – Jacob; Pants – Forever21; Sunglasses – Ray Ban; Earrings – Chanel; Purse – Marc Jacobs
Style Blog, January 14th 2010 |
Tags: Aldo, Chanel, Forever21, Houston, Jacob, Marc Jacobs, Organic Style, Ray Ban, Street Style, What I Wore, Zara
Posted in Fashion, Organic Style, Travel, What I Wore
It’s been almost 2 months since my trip, and I still haven’t posted the pics…Who’s bad? All I have to say in my defense is that pictures take forever to format and upload and I had so many other things to catch up on! Well, I finally got around to it, and the first batch is here.
When I went to Paris last year, the trend that a lot of Parisian women were rocking were the MC Hammer pants…this year it was the Boyfriend Blazer. I am always amazed at the ease with which European girls (and guys) pull off their outfits. Very nonchalant, yet you know that effort was put forth. Love! So here’s a little glimpse into the style on the streets of Paris from my (stalker-like) perspective. Krakow post is coming soon (fingers crossed).
Update: I just realized that I didn’t take any photos of women wearing boyfriend blazers! I think I was too busy pointing them out to my boyfriend as a growing trend, instead of pulling out my camera and shooting away. Oh well…I guess you’ll just have to take my word for it. They were everywhere!
More pics after the jump!
Read more…
Style Blog, September 8th 2009 |
Tags: Europe, Organic Style, Paris, Street Fashion, Street Style, Travel
Posted in Fashion, Organic Style, Travel
I have to admit that despite my looove for clothes, I am not a big shopper during my travels. The last 3 summers in Paris I bought…a silk handmade scarf for my mom, Louis Vuitton coin purse and a speedy strap, an Eiffel Tower keychain, and a bunch of vintage poster reproductions…all mementos of my stay in my favorite city in the whole entire world (well…almost). So these pics are from this summer…practically the only stores I visited on my trip. Sad, I know.
Chanel…no explanation necessary, right? It’s a Parisian must-see. Enough said. LV…we were in it mainly for the free champagne…and The Kooples? If you’re in Paris, absolutely check it out! Loved everything in the store! Wish we had it here in Toronto. Clothes that look like you could share them with your boyfriend, in soft and touchable fabrics. Amazingness!
Style Blog, August 27th 2009 |
Tags: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Paris, Shopping, The Kooples
Posted in Fashion, Shopping, Travel
Ahh, summer! I really wish we had a better one, but you gotta take what you’re given and squeeze every last drop out of it.
I love water! I love swimming and chillaxing on the beach, so living in Ontario is quite cool, since we’re surrounded by so many lakes! The only glitch is, if like me, you don’t have a cottage, it gets quite tough to find nice accommodations in Muskoka. Last time we were planning a trip North, I’ve spent hours (literally) searching for a nice place to stay. There are tons of cottages for rent, but not all of them look nice, and most of them will cost you an arm and a leg. B&Bs could work too, but are hit and miss, unless you stay at highly recommended ones, which usually book up way ahead of time. So what to do?
Stay at the Marriott! Seriously, it was cheaper than a B&B and you get your own bathroom, kitchen, King bed, balcony, complimentary breakfast and parking, and other amenities, like a hot tub and a swimming pool! Residence Inn Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf opened in 2009, and is brand spanking new! The rooms are impeccable, and you can cook inside if you choose to (they even have pots and pans!). Most rooms also come with a pullout couch, which is super convenient if you’re staying with kids or friends. The hotel is well-situated, right at the Muskoka Wharf, literally a 5-minute walk to the marina. The room only cost us $149 per night (including breakfast!). I really loved everything about this hotel, and would definitely go back!
And if you’re wondering if this is a paid plug, it is not! Just a friendly, and hopefully helpful tip for those that are planning a Muskoka trip soon.
Style Blog, August 13th 2009 |
Tags: Hotels, Marriott Residence Inn, Muskoka
Posted in La Vie, Travel
Nowadays, it’s never surprising to see a celebrity fronting a beauty campaign for a big brand, so obviously I wasn’t shocked to see so many hot celeb guys’ pics at the duty free shop in London. What surprised me, however, is that most of those guys are on my Freebie 5 (or very close runner ups)! Coincidence? I think not! Definitely made my layover much more enjoyable! Have a look at these awesome ads and the gorgeous gentlemen in them. Beautiful, aren’t they?
My future hubby Clive Owen for Lancome. Hypnotising!
Click to see more hot ads!
Read more…
Style Blog, July 12th 2009 |
Tags: clarins, Clive Owen, davidoff, Ewan McGregor, givenchy, gucci, James Franco, Justin Timberlake, l'oreal, lancome, paco rabanne, Patrick Dempsey, Will Chalker
Posted in Beauty, Travel
Ladies and gents, I am off to Paris via London tomorrow! Will resume posting as soon as jet lag wears off. Have a fun and safe weekend!
xoxos,
NB
Style Blog, June 20th 2009 |
Tags: Paris, Travel
Posted in La Vie, Travel
I am so happy! Got an envelope in the mail today, and immediately knew that it wasn’t junk or boring bills! I am going to Houston because my friend Jen is marrying the love of her life Joe in January!!!!!!! Could not be happier for these two! Gotta book my vacation days and flight for their big day! Can’t wait!
Photo credits: www.jenjoewedding.com
Style Blog, May 29th 2009 |
Tags: invitation, Wedding
Posted in La Vie, Travel
My boyfriend’s style isn’t bad. Unlike many guys out there, he actually cares about his clothes and doesn’t just pick stuff off the floor in the morning and pile it on randomly. He likes to look good. He also doesn’t own any off the shoulder boatneck sweaters like some people I know (and thank goodness for that!). So when he told me that he is bringing a pair of running shoes for our trip to Europe, I was a bit taken aback.
After the initial reaction of “YOU ARE WHAAAAAAAAAAAT???”, I could kind of see where he was coming from. The pair of Converse high tops that he usually wears and that I love dearly are not very comfortable and won’t be an ideal choice for long (loooong) walks that we are bound to take (blisters aren’t fun in Canada, can’t imagine they’d be a blast in Europe)…So what now? Am I going to let him look like a typical North American tourist in a t-shirt that reads “I am CANADIAN!”, khaki shorts, thick white athletic socks, and…running shoes??? I might as well sign him up for the Da Vinci Code tour around Paris and be done with it!
Instead, I thought a little showcase of what else is out there in casual footwear might do the trick in preventing him from crossing over to the dark side. In my humble opinion, a simple black sneaker/casual shoe could be just as comfy as “the shoe that will not be named”, and look a thousand times better! Just ask Patrick Dempsey.
Style Blog, May 27th 2009 |
Tags: converse, d&g, diesel, gucci, john varvatos, men, Shoes, Travel
Posted in Fashion, La Vie, Travel
I got these ridiculous-looking shoes at H&M a few weeks ago. They are green, purple, yellow…They are ridiculous and I love them! A while ago I wanted to buy 2 pairs of shoes, same type, different colors and wear them mixed/matched (ie. blue on one foot, pink on the other). I never could justify buying 2 pairs of the same shoes, even if they were different colors, thus I never brought this idea to life. With my new ridiculous H&M shoes, however, I think I’ll be able to achieve the same look without shelling out for 2 pairs.
And even though the collage of what I’m planning to wear in Paris doesn’t really show the actual shoes, the ones below capture the idea pretty well…alas not as ridiculously.
Style Blog, May 25th 2009 |
Tags: Chanel, denim, Flowerbomb, H&M, Paris, Travel
Posted in Fashion, Travel, What I Wore
Going to Europe for the third time in a row! This time my itinerary includes London, Paris, Krakow, Zakopane, and Almaty! It’s coming up so soon and I am way too excited! And for a shopoholic such as myself, one of the most exciting things about going away is…packing and deciding what to bring!
This year’s trip will definitely be a test of my packing skills. Thing is…I am going for 3 weeks, and all I am allowed to bring is a carry-on size luggage (20 kg) and a large shoulder bag. Some (Al and Mar) would say that it’s an impossible task, others (myself) would call it a challenge! I’ve been able to make ends meet with such a modest luggage allowance for the past 2 years, but that was only for 2 week-long trips…not 3! One extra week of clothes might break this proverbial camel’s back. Let’s see, shall we?
So this WIW (What I’m Wearing) features items that I am planning to bring to Krakow, Poland. I’ve never been to Poland, but for some reason, I keep thinking florals, wavy/braidy/hippy hair and red lips. Thus, the set below, which features all of the above. I wonder how the old cobblestone streets of Krakow would feel under these naughty YSL cage shoes?
Items featured in this set
Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: YSL
Bag: Miu Miu
Make up: Clinique
Style Blog, May 23rd 2009 |
Tags: Clinique, Europe, Forever 21, Krakow, Miu Miu, Travel, YSL
Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Travel, What I Wore
