It’s here! It’s here! My vacation is here! So even though I won’t be able to check in on Twitter and email as often as I usually do, I did schedule a few posts for next week – make sure not to miss them! I’ll be gone for a couple of weeks, but I’ll definitely share some pics once I’m back!
Can you guess where I’m going?
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You know Pink Tartan, right? It’s a pretty fab Canadian label, and it’s currently on sale at Rue La La! There are also some deeply discounted hotel rooms available from Westin Hotels & Resorts, as well as numerous other steals and deals. It’s definitely not the Chanel sale, but if you’re planning on traveling somewhere soon, perhaps you should check out Rue La La.
Sales are available to members only, so you’ll need to click this link and sign up in order to be able to see the deals! Good luck, and let me know if you buy anything cool!
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Even though it’s going against the way I’m feeling at the moment (rather annoyed), I consider myself a very lucky person. I love to travel, and have been trying to get out of the city any chance I get. The last three years marked a particular spike in my travel hours, having been to Paris three times in as many years, Rome, Sorrento (one of favorite places for sure), Madrid, Krakow, London, Almaty, Lugano, Cabo, Varadero, Vegas, Houston, among a few others. And though I promised myself that last year’s European getaway was my last for a while, here I am planning yet another one this fall. I guess Europe just doesn’t want to let me go?
One of my stops this year is Milan – fashion capital of Italy. While looking for suitable lodging in the city, I came across Maison Moschino hotel, consisting of 65 rooms inspired by various fairy tales, from Alice in Wonderland to Little Red Riding Hood. The rooms look so chic and whimsical, that if not for the fact that I have to stay in Milan for 3 nights (and 300EUR per night will surely add up), I would no doubt book a room at Maison Moschino. Perhaps le boyfriend and I will check out the hotel bar instead, grab a dessert at their chic restaurant, and maybe even sneak upstairs to see the rooms in their cutesy glory.
But I guess with designer bars, restaurants and hotels being all the rage in Milan, I might be too busy dancing the night away at Just Cavalli Café, or dining at the glam Gold by Dolce and Gabbana, or maybe having a drink at the understated Armani Cafe - to be too sad about not staying at Maison Moschino after all.
What are your thoughts on Maison Moschino? Have you been to Milan or Florence? Do you have any “must-see” recommendations for us? Please share in the comments!
Photo Credits: Maison Moschino
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Great breakfast at Cosmos to start the day. A leisurely stroll around the Plains of Abraham. A dozen of macarons from Paillard. A scary encounter with a tunnel monster. An unexpected Porter sandwich on our way back to Toronto (on top of an incredibly above and beyond flight service).
A fantastic end to a fun trip to Quebec City.
What I Wore: Top, Denim Shorts, Feather Ring - Forever21; Blazer – Zara; Shoes, Turquoise Bracelet - Urban Outfitters; Scarf, Men’s Bracelet, Nail Polish - H&M; Bag – Longchamp; Earrings – Chanel; Sunglasses – Ray Ban
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After a day of shopping and eating in Quebec City, and falling on the bed half-conscious and half-incapacitated, getting ready to go out in the evening was a bit of a challenge, but I think we did ok. I finally got to wear my new H&M Fashion Against AIDS Missoni-inspired tank top dress. It’s definitely on a shorter side, and used to be quite see-through, before I’d attached my old white t-shirt as lining at the bottom, but I simply loved the color and the pattern of this tank! Surely, I’ll get lots and lots of use out of it on steamy summer nights, running barefoot on the beach…and did I mention that it cost me $15?!
Though I do question how lucky this particular dress is, because after getting a table at Savini on Grande Allée, some lady promptly managed to spill my drink all over my dress. Thankfully, the fabric didn’t stain and dried pretty fast (except for the t-shirt lining part). I didn’t let this little mishap ruin our night, and we ended up having an incredibly delicious meal, before heading to the hotel to get some rest for the next day.
What I Wore: Tank Dress, Men’s Bracelet, Belt, Nail Polish - H&M; Blazer – Zara; Turquoise Bracelet – Urban Outfitters; Bangles – Forever21; Necklace – Marc by Marc Jacobs; Backpack – Chanel; Shoes – Oscar by Oscar de la Renta
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Despite some mishaps and problematic planning, my birthday extravaganza (coined by le boyfriend) away from my friends for the first time, was a success. After a long-ish work-week, I was whisked away on a Porter plane to the faraway land of castles, small winding streets, horse carriages, and fab food – Quebec City.
Almost immediately after stepping foot into Old Quebec, I found myself staring at a Longchamp bag I’ve wanted for a while, yet have never been able to find (even in Paris…three times!). Well, as luck had it, the store did carry the version I’ve been lusting after, and I snatched it up without hesitation. Good start to the trip, right?
I also got to wear my H&M Fashion Against AIDS dress for the first time. Was supposed to wear it to Al’s birthday BBQ, but since we ended up missing it, I wore it in Quebec instead…to le boyfriend’s disappointment (he hates any type of leopard print).
The rest of the day was spent eating (Le Lapin Sauté), walking around and sightseeing, and drinking Blanche De Chambly, which is le boyfriend’s favoritest beer. The weather, thankfully, was quite perfect for a day of discovering Quebec city’s markets, streets, and patios. And since this was my first time in the city, my poor feet did not get much rest at all. But I guess, this is good practice for our next trip to Europe.
What I Wore: Dress, Turquoise Ring, Nail Polish, Men’s Bracelet – H&M; Blazer – Zara; Turquoise Bracelet, Shoes – Urban Outfitters; Belt – Forever 21; Sunglasses – Ray Ban; Backpack – Chanel
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More like “Gardening in Vegas”. Because I am wearing H&M’s Garden Collection in Vegas! See what I did there? Get it? Ok, I am done cracking myself up, and myself only. Forgive the bad jokes and the puffy eyes, it was a long weekend, and not very restful. But on the other hand, le boyfriend seemed to enjoy his pre-birthday gift of Vegas, poker, and good food (Wynn’s champagne buffet brunch is almost life-altering…almost) – great success! I wore the red dress to an adult Cirque show called Zumanity at New York New York hotel. We stayed at TI, on the other side of the strip, and somehow decided to WALK over to NYNY…not a smart idea. My feet are now mangled. And I think I pulled something in my ankle, because wearing heels has been enormously painful these two days. The things we do for fashion.
The other two dresses were worn out and about (multicolor) and to dinner at Botero (blue dress). Botero was another revelation to me. One of the best steaks of my life (I LOVE steak), and original Botero art all around us – I think I might do a Foodie post later on. If you’re in Vegas, absolutely try Botero – it’s everything a good steak place should be.
I am back in rainy Toronto now, and still wish I was waking up in Vegas this week. It’s like Disneyland for adults, anything you ever wanted, and Chanel on every corner, like Starbucks. Dreamland. I am catching up on LG Fashion week entries, so stay tuned for more coverage. Skin MD contest ends this Friday, so don’t forget to enter!
I Wore: Dresses, Brown Belt, Brown Shoes, Ring – H&M; Cardigan, Black Belt – Zara; Panda Ring – Forever 21; Black Shoes – Aldo; Purse – Louis Vuitton
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I have so many things to post, and yet I have been scrambling (and failing) to keep my mind in order for the last few days – month-end in the world of Finance obviously leaves no time for blogging. I am off on my little weekend getaway to celebrate le boyfriend’s early birthday at a secret for him location. Hopefully, I’ll be able to share some photos with you upon my return. LG Fashion Week posts are coming very soon (re: Andy The-Anh, Joe Fresh, Pink Tartan, Evan Biddell, Attitude by Sears, and the stylish FW attendees). In the meantime, you may enter the below Skin MD contest, which closes on April 9th. Hope you all have a very happy long Easter weekend!
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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.
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Off to Cuba! Be back soon!
XOXOs,
Nelia
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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
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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
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