ASOS | Style Blog | Canadian Fashion and Lifestyle News

Style Blog Travels: Boating in Capri

26 July, 2017 Nelia

Before our trip to Italy this summer, I told le bf that we are definitely, 100%, non-negotiable renting a boat as soon as we get to Capri. Mostly, because one of my happiest memories in life involved boating in Capri and I wanted him to experience the joy of cruising around this beautiful island with me. He wasn’t psyched about navigating an unfamiliar boat in an unfamiliar area, but as I said – non-negotiable. Spoiler alert: he ended up loving it! If you’re into swimming, beautiful views, wind in your hair and sun in your face, then you too must rent a boat in Capri the next time you find yourself on this gorgeous island – it truly is the best.

While doing my boat research, I stumbled upon Capri Boat Banana Sport company and I am happy to report that they were professional, well-organized, and affordable – would hire them again without hesitation. Renting a boat for 2 hours cost us EUR 90 (each additional hour is only EUR 30, and the all-day rate is EUR 220), the staff was very helpful, walking us through the ins and outs of operating and anchoring their boats, as well as giving us a bit of background info about the island’s best sights along the way, before taking us to our boat. It was such a straightforward process, that both le bf and I immediately felt at ease.

Boating in Capri is very easy, even for inexperienced boaters – there is no reef to worry about, the water is fairly calm, there are plenty of spots where you can drop anchor and go for a swim, and the island itself isn’t very large, so you can cruise around without worrying about getting lost. As long as someone in your group has a driver’s license, you’re all set. There are a lot of stops to make along the way, so you may need more than 2 hours to finish the trip, but it was just enough time for us.

After our boating expedition, which included swimming, going through the Faraglioni arch, and just the overall feeling of being truly alive, we returned our ~~yacht~~ boat, and headed to Terrazza Brunella for lunch. We had a reservation, so we took the funicular to the center of Capri from Marina Grande – the quickest way to get to the top. This wasn’t our first time at Terrazza Brunella, and once again we were not disappointed – the food was top-notch, as was the service and the views.

Post-lunch we did some window shopping along Via Camerelle, but somehow I was able to walk away empty-handed. The store that really caught my eye on this trip was Wonderland, which carried a great selection of vintage bags and accessories. The shop itself is very cute, so check it out if you have time.

Because our boat to Sorrento was departing early, we didn’t have time for a visit to Anacapri, but having visited it in the past, I was ok with skipping it. We took the funicular back to Marina Grande and headed to our dock, sunkissed, with salt in our hair, and bellies full of clams. On our way back to Sorrento, le bf told me that boating around Capri was a highlight of our trip for him, and I couldn’t agree more.

Have you been to Capri before? What are you favourite activities on the island? Share in the comments.

More photos after the jump!
[Read more…]

Style Blog Travels: #FordConnections at Langdon Hall

18 June, 2017 Nelia

A few days ago le bf and I set off on a mini road trip in a brand new 2017 Ford Edge Titanium as part of the Ford Positive Connections program aimed to help bring people together on Best Friend’s Day (which also happens to be my birthday!) through a fun curated trip. First stop? Toronto Premium Outlets, because what’s a birthday weekend without a little #treatyoself?! With a few purchases from Saks Off 5th, J.Crew and Nike outlets piled up in the trunk, we jumped back into the car, and took the scenic route to Cambridge, Ontario. We drove by parks, farms, and fields, while the cooled leather seats kept us nice and comfortable, and the SYNC 3 system played my fave road trip playlist (mostly BSB, because I obviously have a great taste in music). Before we knew it, we were pulling into the picturesque Langdon Hall.

Since this was le bf’s first time at Langdon Hall, we did a quick tour of the property before settling into some comfy patio chairs with celebratory cocktails. With conversation flowing, the view of Langdon Hall’s main house in front of us, and the soft afternoon light in our faces, it was exactly what we needed after a few hectic weeks of all work and no play in the city. The next day, after a leisurely country table breakfast and a little R&R time by the pool, we packed our bags, checked out of our beautiful room and headed to Downtown Cambridge.

Back in town, we discovered that Cambridge was one of the filming locations for the Hulu show The Handmaid’s Tale (a current fave!). The bridge where the protest scene was filmed, the infamous hanging wall – both are super recognizable and we were so excited to have unexpectedly stumbled upon it. Needless to say, we were totally geeking out. After taking a million photos, we walked over to the nearby auto show, drooling over the vintage Ford Mustangs from the 60s and 70s (next year’s birthday present, perhaps?). We grabbed a couple of delicious Portuguese donuts from Malasada World, and hit the road.

The ride back to Toronto felt quick and easy, and since we had our Ford SUV for the weekend, we drove it from the house to Bar Isabel for yet another birthday celebration. It handled beautifully in the city, just like it did in the countryside. Le bf especially loved the car’s Personal Safety System that alerted us whenever another car was moving nearby unsafely, which came in handy a few times in the busy downtown Toronto. My favourite Ford Edge feature was definitely the cooled front seats – perfect if you like to drive with windows down, while keeping the rest of your body nice and cool.

Once the weekend came to an end and it was time to say good-bye to “our” Ford, I felt a little sad but very thankful for a lovely weekend of re-connecting with le bf and exploring new places together. I guess it’s never too soon to start planning our next road trip this summer!

[Read more…]

What I Wore: The First Long Weekend in May

18 May, 2017 Nelia

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”2678989″]
Victoria Day long weekend is just around the corner and for many Canadians this weekend marks the beginning of cottage season. While le bf and I aren’t cottage-owners, our usual Victoria Day long weekend plans involve packing our bags, renting a car, and driving to a hotel in Gravenhurst for a few days of sunshine, hiking, and swimming. Depending on the weather, my packing list for these trips is fairly uncomplicated – sweatshirts and comfy denim for chilly evenings, a dress or two for dinners out, a swimsuit, sunglasses, my fave HBC beach towels, beauty essentials, and a couple of easy to pack Tide PODS for clean laundry in a pinch (no musty towels for us!).

And since Victoria Day is the unofficial kick-off to cottage season, I partnered up with Tide to share the Cottage Laundry Care Guide for any upcoming weekend getaways you may have planned. Check it out after the jump!

[Read more…]

What I Wore: Seven Magic Mountains

1 May, 2017 Nelia

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”2656151″]
By now, I am sure you’ve seen dozens of photos from Seven Magic Mountains – the larger than life (temporary) art installation by Ugo Rondinone just outside of Las Vegas – but here I am with more…simply because the colourful rocks truly were incredible to see in person…and I had to show you my new favourite dress. Getting the shot involved waiting around for waves of people to subside, running over to the nearest vacant rock formation as quickly as I could, while my husband snapped away. We probably should’ve arrived at sunrise to avoid the crowds, but who wakes up that early in Vegas?! Not us.

We shot these photos on our way to Palm Springs from Las Vegas, taking the scenic route through the Mojave National Preserve instead of the boring highways, and were rewarded with endless Joshua trees, cool rock formations, and the open road – driving for miles with no other cars in sight. If you ever make the drive, I highly recommend taking this route, it will take longer to get to your destination, but the journey will be seriously worth it.

But back to my dress. Though I said good-bye to my unicorn locks, I’m still dressing like one…especially when in California. Which is why when I saw this tie-dye-inspired watercolour-dreams slip dress, I knew I had to have it. I ordered it from ASOS, and while sadly it was slightly too big, exchanging it wasn’t an option (so expensive!), so I wore it as-is…and though I probably flashed a few Joshua trees while twirling around in the desert, I am kinda digging the loose look of this maxi…and of course, the slightly-faded pastel print. I am sure I’ll wear it a lot this summer, even if the setting won’t be quite as picturesque.

So tell me, have you visited Seven Magic Mountains yet? Planning to? Share in the comments.

More after the jump!
[Read more…]

Valentine’s Day 2017: Gift Guide

26 January, 2017 Nelia

We are less than a month away from Valentine’s Day, and I honestly can’t wait! What’s not to love about a holiday that celebrates love and encourages people to eat copious amounts of chocolate? I am a sucker for heart-shaped and heart-printed clothing, accessories, and knick-knacks, so this year’s gift guide is for people just like me, so take note. If your partner’s idea of a perfect gift is not a heart-shaped neon light, then you should probably skip this post altogether…but otherwise, check out my fave Valentine’s Day-themed gifts from those beautiful and yummy Chocolates x Brandon Olsen to retro-adorable Love Is coin purse from Anya Hindmarch.
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”2367712″]
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”2389616″]
What are you giving your partner this Valentine’s Day? Share in the comments!

What I Wore: Bye, Falesia!

10 August, 2016 Nelia

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1845260″]
The worst thing about vacations is being back at the office, feeling like you could use another couple of weeks off. This is me right now, looking at the photos from my trip to Portugal and feeling severely homesick for a place that isn’t even home. Bizarre, non?

These photos were taken at Praia da Falesia aka Cliff Beach near Vilamoura in the Algarve. Falesia is one of several beaches that my friends and I were lucky enough to visit during our trip. It is a lovely and well-manicured beach, with all of the modern amenities – from swanky bars where you can grab a bottle of bubbly or some fried calamari, to beach umbrellas and loungers for rent, to all kinds of water sports within arm’s reach. Falesia Beach is also quite expansive, stretching to nearly 7km in length, which means there’s plenty of space to set up camp without feeling cramped.

This beach was closest to our incredible Airbnb villa in Vilamoura, and we spent two blissful days there, playing in the waves, dancing in the sand, and drinking all of the champagne, with views of the Atlantic on one side, and breathtaking cliffs on the other. It wasn’t the most beautiful beach we’ve visited on our trip, but it was certainly the most comfortable.

Have you ever been to Praia da Falesia? Share your travel stories in the comments!

More after the jump!
[Read more…]

Shopping: Best Boots to Buy This Winter

6 January, 2016 Nelia

We’ve had a pretty mild December, but now that winter is officially here, it’s time to take those snow boots out for a spin. And in case you need a new pair, now’s the best time to shop, since we are right in the middle of post-Christmas sales. Below are my top 6 must-have styles that will get you through winter in style.

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1308011″]
Over the knee boots are certainly not going to be your every day pair, but it’s a very cool style to pick up for those hot dates and special occasions. You can go for the high-heel or a flat version, both will make your legs look nice and long!

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1308007″]
Statement boots are my fave style. It’s another one you probably won’t wear regularly, but they save you on those “have no idea what to wear” days. These boots, whether glittery, printed, or patchworked, have the ability to make even the most boring outfits shine. Try a fun pair with black skinny jeans and a peacoat, or go all out – they can be surprisingly versatile.

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1308012″]
Depending on where you live, you can probably get away with wearing rain boots instead of hardcore winter boots, with a pair of fuzzy socks for warmth. I actually do that in Toronto on slushy days – my new pair of Sorel high-heel rubber boots is comfortable, warm and looks good with everything.
More after the jump!
[Read more…]

Holidays 2015: What To Wear to Holiday Parties

21 December, 2015 Nelia

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1291095″]
Holiday season is upon us, which means lots of parties and party outfits to plan. In case you are stumped for fun outfit ideas this year, here are my top three looks for three occasions that are super easy to pull off and that will have you looking festive this holiday season. Find these pieces at Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

1. Office Holiday Party
When dressing for your work holiday party, it’s important to err on the side of caution. Even with the ever-relaxing office dress codes, you don’t want to be the subject of office gossip the day after the big event. As such, put away that lame mini dress, and grab that trusty LBD instead. To dress up your look, put on some statement jewelry, throw your essentials into a sequined clutch, and wear the cutest shoes you’ve got. This look is all about accessories, so choose yours wisely.

2. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
This one’s pretty much impossible to screw up. Obviously, the key piece in your ensemble will be the Ugly Christmas Sweater (and there are a ton to choose from out there), but don’t dismiss the rest of your outfit! To make your look really stand out, put on a pair of reindeer ears or a Santa hat, wear some red and white striped tights, and a sequined skirt instead of jeans – the tackier the better. You’ll be the life of the party in no time.

3. New Year’s Eve Party
They say the way you spend NYE is the way you’re going to spend the rest of the year, so for me, the sparklier my party outfit, the sparklier the upcoming year…questionable logic, I know…but just go with it. With that in mind, sequins, lame, glitter, embroidery, and bright colours are all fair game. I am particularly fond of stars, so this sequined frock paired with the silveriest boots ever are just what the doctor prescribed. You can’t tell here, but I also sprayed my hair with silver glitter hairspray from Shoppers, because if not on NYE, when else can you have glitter in your hair without judgment?!

Photo Credits: Max Kopanygin

Holidays 2015: Best Ugly Christmas Sweaters of the Season

19 November, 2015 Nelia

Every year le bf and I throw an Ugly Christmas Sweater party at our house, getting together with friends to celebrate the holiday season. A few years ago, it was nearly impossible to find the perfect ugly sweater for the party, but each year, more and more cute ugly sweaters pop up all over the place. This year, I found so many awesome sweaters, that choosing just one is proving to be an impossible task.

There’s a ton of traditional Christmas motif sweaters out there, in addition to the fun ones like the IKEA Monkey, Mean Girls, Golden Girls, Star Wars, Game of Thrones…you name it! There’s even a Hotline Bling ugly sweater available. So whether you’re a catlady, a dog person, or a sloth lover…there’s a sweater out there for you. Which one will you wear this holiday season?

Cat
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1193811″]
Dog
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1193884″]
Unicorn
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1193823″]
Dinosaur
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1193859″]
Star Wars
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1197384″]
Lots more Ugly Christmas (and Hanukkah) Sweaters after the jump!
[Read more…]

Holidays 2014: Best Ugly Holiday Sweaters

24 November, 2014 Nelia

best-ugly-christmas-sweaters-2014
Guys, it’s that time of year again! The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Season is upon us! I may or may not have made that up, but truth is…these sweaters aren’t going away any time soon. And why should they? Instead of wearing some dressy whatever to holiday parties this season, why not bust out a fun coversation-starter sweater?! Just like last year, I scoured the web for some seriously awesome ugly (and not-so-ugly) Christmas sweaters, and I even threw in an Ugly Hanukkah Cardigan in there too. Go forth, find the one for you, and rock it with pride this holiday season.

Check them out after the jump!
[Read more…]