Ally Redhead

2011-06-23T20:37:00.001-07:00

2011-06-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

Testing

2011-06-22T18:58:00.001-07:00

Testing

2011-06-22T18:32:00.001-07:00

Testing

2011-06-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

Testing

2011-06-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Testing

2011-06-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

Quote of the Day

2010-04-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

"The beauty of the world has two edges~
one of laughter, one of anguish
cutting the heart asunder."
-Virginia Woolf

(Photo via Dress Design Decor)

Life in a Cottage

2010-04-01T15:32:00.001-07:00

When I was first old enough to dream of where I would live one day I always had one sort of place in mind. Since I was little I have wanted to live in a guest cottage, a tiny little garden hideaway behind a big, grand home in a beautiful and quiet neighborhood. I have never seen a place like this in my Vancouver apartment hunting but it hasn't dampened my dream to one day live in such a place. I can picture a tiny little home smothered in ivy and surrounded by gorgeous gardens~ a place where I could escape from the busy noise of the city, revel in quiet and set up home for awhile. These photos make me yearn to find my dream cottage.

One day...

Positive Thoughts

2010-03-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

I have been absent for awhile, I know. This has been for a few reasons but two I'll share with you.

One~ my computer has up and died on me. I was on my two year old Mac laptop one night as per usual, doing nothing offensive or particularly high risk (unless you consider surfing for fab spring clothes high risk, which I suppose it could be, but only to a credit card!). The pesky little coloured wheel wouldn't let me do a thing and so I shut the darn thing off. Lo and behold, when I turned it back on I was staring at a blue screen and nothing else. Everything was gone in a few, mere seconds. Beyond frustrating. It's being looked at now but I have no idea if anything can be salvaged.

Two~ I have been feeling blah lately. And not just a tiny little blah, but seriously uninspired. Do I keep going with this with no determined game plan? How much can I possibly blog about things to buy or what to wear? I love these posts on other girls' blogs as much as the next person but it's not terribly meaningful or affecting anyone.

I started this blog because I had something to say and things to share and somewhere along the way I lost my love for it. It became competitive and I hate that. I'm not interested in competing with anyone. I do this for me, even if three people read it (one of which is my mother). So I will continue to share things I love on Ally Redhead, be it a happening in my life, a story, an anecdote or a pretty dress. I need to return to what I felt when I started this little thing almost a year ago. So keep posted for new things, new inspirations and a new me.

So here are a few of the wonderful, happy and thrilling (or even just good) things that have happened to me lately. Let's take a moment for positivity...

My friend Kristen had a gorgeous baby girl, Anabelle

My best friend Nicole had a fabulous birthday celebration

I've told off someone it felt damn good to tell off

I got a new bed (the most blissful, cozy thing in the world)

I let go of someone who treated me badly

I've made some incredible new friends
(quite thrilling at 30 to still meet amazing, cool, generous and warm girlfriends)

I decided to not let bad feelings keep me from doing things I love~ including this!

Thank you for visiting, sweet readers, and I'll be back on top form, blogging away soon!
xoxo Ally

ps- Love this cute little floral dress and denim jacket for spring!

True

2010-03-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

Dear You

2010-03-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

Dear you,

You know who you are. And I love you so much. I know right now is a hard time. You are so strong and you put on a tough front, but it has nonetheless been a difficult few weeks. It is so okay to admit that. You are so lovable. You are so loved. Do not doubt that for a second.

You are everything that is good in life~ caring, passionate, thoughtful, funny as heck and unfathomably beautiful, inside and out. I feel so fortunate to know you and know you well. I wish I could take any pain you feel away. I can't. It is human to go through it, to feel it. And in time it will start to dissipate and then one day it will be gone altogether. You will wake up and it won't be the first thing you think of. It will be gone and you will feel free. And happy. I promise.

You don't have to be so strong all the time. It is okay to admit you are vulnerable. Hell, you know how I bother you all the time! Every thought, every detail. You can come to me, with anything and at any time. Never forget what a truly incredible person you are. Hold onto that and know that the future holds every happiness for you. Without a doubt, it is out there for you and soon enough, it will be yours.
I love you.

Love, me
xoxoxo

We're Waiting For You, Baby Girl

2010-03-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

This upcoming Sunday I'm so excited to be attending the baby shower my mother, grandmother and wonderful family friend Nancy are throwing for my cousin's wife, Kate. Patrick and Kate will welcome their (undoubtedly) beautiful little girl next month and I can't wait to meet her (and find out what her name will be)! In the meantime, I'm so excited to see what heartbreakingly adorable goodies everyone will bestow upon the impending bundle of joy!

If money were no option then this nursery would be lovely for a little girl. The palest of pink walls, antique cane back chair and pretty white crib are sweet and soothing, while the flowered pendant light is a genuine show stopper. Nurseries should be just as stylish and creative as the rest of any decor lover's home and this room is perfect for any budding girly girl.

I can't wait to see you, little one!

(Photo via The City Sage)

Words

2010-03-12T16:24:00.000-08:00

(Like being told you have the most charming handwriting)

Have a lovely weekend!

Coffee Table Books

2010-03-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

I'm in search of a new side table for my living room and I love this idea~ a substantial pile of coffee table books stacked to make a table! This obviously requires quite a few large, heavy books (which clearly won't get read while doing table duty) but an idea like this is as easy to put together as it looks chic.

ps- I just bought the most amazing coffee table book~ Taschen's Paris. It is a huge collection of the best restaurants, hotels and shops in the city of lights. Love!

Ghost Love

2010-03-11T17:35:00.000-08:00

Today I'm obsessed with this office. Although I think it's too pretty to be called an office~ den? study? No matter. It's darling. I adore the tiny, crystal drop chandelier, the fantastic gallery wall and especially the Philippe Starck Ghost chair (maybe I love this most of all because I own one, but it's not sitting as pretty in my living room as it does in this perfect space). I think if I had a room like this I would never leave~ I could write that book I've been longing to or just look at Shopbop all day! Love!

(Photo via The City Sage)

Quote of the Day~ By Winnie

2010-03-11T12:59:00.001-08:00

"Rivers know this: there is no hurry, we shall get there someday."

-Winnie the Pooh

In Bloom

2010-03-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

Florals for spring? Not exactly original, I know. Nevertheless, I'm a person less about cutting edge and more about wearing what is pretty and what feels right~ and that absolutely includes prints laden with blooms as we head into the months that bring us such loveliness sprouting from the ground and dripping from the trees.

Wearing flowers is to be dressed in the best nature has to offer and I, for one, have loved it since my British grandmother introduced me to Liberty prints as a little girl. What can I say? I love finding inspiration in the small, daily things and this above photograph makes me want to dress for a walk in an English country garden or an outdoor picnic. This spring I'm on the hunt for printed dresses, a sexy skirt and accessories that are literal blooms.

These make a very good start, I think.

J.Crew's long pale pink and nude rose trellis gown would be stunning at an evening wedding.

Hand painted cherry blossom bangles would be gorgeous on any girl's wrist. This would be wearing a true work of art! Bracelet by Amy, via Silver Blue.

I adore the bold print on this pencil skirt. Forever 21 is laden with pretty florals this season.

I saw this delicately printed bustier dress in the window at Guess this week and was immediately drawn inside. It's now on my To Buy list and I'll juxtapose its sweetness with a shrunken leather jacket to wear at night.

J.Crew's amazing evening bag is literally comprised of gorgeous shredded silk and chiffon blossoms. Every girl would envy the one who carried this to the party.

Anthropologie is always the source for perfectly feminine pieces and this watercolour floral strapless dress (called Cooling Magma!) is both whimsical and beautiful. The shape is flattering to many body types and it would be perfect for date night or for a dinner with the girls.

You choose!

Quote of the Day~ By Winnie

2010-03-10T09:54:00.001-08:00

Anyone who reads this blog on a regular basis knows by now my love for quotes. I think this partly comes from being an English major, and the subsequent years and years I spent immersed in the most powerful of books and awed by the beauty of our language. Also, in part, I love quotes because I'm constantly amazed at how only a few words or one simple sentence can so profoundly move me.

Yesterday was a fun day. While texting with a girlfriend she brought up Winnie the Pooh. Don't ask me why. It just happened that way. I'm a sucker for children's books, especially the enduring classics. Books for kids are generally so wholesome and simple and sweet, but hold messages about life and love and friendship that everyone can relate to. I spent some time after work last night reading through Winnie the Pooh quotes and I immediately felt warm and fuzzy. And so, here starts my latest devotion to Winnie and his lovely way of life. Hmmm, I think I feel like some hunny!

Quote of the Day by Winnie:

"When late morning rolls around and you're feeling a bit out of sorts, don't worry; you're probably just a little eleven o'clockish."

"If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear."

more to follow...

(for the Christina's)

My Life~ Christina's Birthday!

2010-03-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

It was my bestie Christina's birthday this past week and on Saturday we celebrated her! It was a love and fun filled night~ the perfect combination of amazing girls and guys, killer cocktails and food, laughs and hugs. Nobody deserves happiness like this girl~ she is an absolutely unbelievable friend, the kindest, sweetest and most thoughtful of people. Ever. I feel so lucky to know her and to be able to call her my friend and it was such a treat to celebrate her. My beautiful Berg, to many many more birthdays together! I can't wait!

(that's the gorgeous birthday girl in the middle in purple!)

The Three Musketeers

The beautiful birthday girl!

At the restaurant, Society in Yaletown~

instead of bread to start they bring COTTON CANDY! Now that's my kind of place!

Muah!

Besties xoxo

Quote of the Day

2010-03-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

"We teach people how to remember,

we never teach them how to grow."

-Oscar Wilde

Redhead Crush in Pink Shoes

2010-03-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what it is exactly. Maybe it's because there are so few of us that when I see another redhead I feel a weird sort of kinship. We're a dying breed you know! And I definitely have a few redhead girl crushes~ Amy Adams, Isla Fisher and the incomparable Nicole Kidman.

This beautiful wedding from Once Wed has the most lovely redheaded bride (and her groom is pretty delish too!). I adore that she is not afraid to use a massive amount of pink, a colour we are traditionally told to wholly avoid! Pink shoes, pink sugar rimmed champagne coupes and pink macarons? Major crush!

(Photos via Once Wed)

Oscar's Golden Girls

2010-03-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

Here are my Oscar favourites only a few hours after these beautiful women walked the red carpet. The night undoubtedly belonged to Sandra (okay, okay~ after Kathryn Bigelow of course!). Bullock has been touted to win the Best Actress award for weeks and besides that, this weekend she actually turned up to collect her two wins for the "Razzies" (the worst of the worst acting awards, for which she "won" for All About Steve). Who could not love a woman who doesn't take herself at all seriously?

I love her and am so thrilled she won tonight for The Blind Side.

Sandra's speech for Best Actress tonight was everything the very best of acceptance speeches always are~ unrehearsed, witty, tender and touching (without being hysterical). There were tears pouring down my cheeks for two reasons: 1) When she choked up mentioning her late mother and how she had supported her no matter what she wanted to do, and 2) The obvious adoration she has for her husband, Jesse James, displays to me what I believe a true, forever kind of love to look like. Plus, her references to her competition with Meryl Streep were laugh out loud hilarious. Hands down my favourite part of the evening!

Sandra's dress was absolutely one of my favourites. Her metallic and lace Marchesa gown looked so vintage to me and it was lovely on her. Her sideswept hair and gutsy bright pink lipstick were also beautiful. Oscar's golden girl looked perfectly the part this evening.

My absolute favourite dress of the night, however, definitely belonged to presenter Cameron Diaz. Her gold beaded, strapless Oscar de la Renta gown was the stuff of dreams, as was her ridiculously gorgeous hair and red lips. I worshipped everything about this look and I can't say enough enthusiastic things about it. This now belongs in my All Star roster!

Second on my list was the always incredible Rachel McAdams. Her watercolour-esque Elie Saab gown was original and daring and I feel like her brave choice paid off. Painterly prints are still very hot, even after being so popular last spring and summer. I hate to label this look as trendy. Hopefully it will stick around for seasons to come as it's just so feminine and artistic and inspiring. To me, Rachel looks like a goddess. Everyone else may not love it but I think it's drop dead gorgeous. This is how Canadian girls can rock it!

I adore Elizabeth Banks (you would too if you caught her episode of Modern Family a few weeks back) and she looked like a vision in this grey blue Atelier Versace gown tonight. Calling to mind for me Penelope Cruz's Versace in 2007, it is comprised of a lot of ruffles. A lot. I would never wear this many ruffles in a million years, but it's the Academy Awards for crying out loud! If you can't strut around in something this unabashedly girly on Oscar night when the heck can you? I don't adore this angle but the girl looked genuinely amazing on that huge stage and she has the Grace Kelly-like, blond, patrician good looks to pull off so big a dress. Not my number one choice, but one I surprisingly adored.

I hope you had fun watching tonight and feel free to share with me your favourite moments and gowns! I suppose I should see The Hurt Locker now...!!

Oscar Love

2010-03-05T15:08:00.000-08:00

Photo of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly backstage at The 28th Annual Academy Awards, March 21, 1956

This weekend is one of my favourites of the entire year~ it's Oscar time, friends! I'm so excited to watch the ceremony on Sunday with my family! We can get pretty competitive, betting on the outcomes of every category... for money, of course! I haven't seen too many of the films up for consideration this year but, nevertheless,

I better win this Oscar pool!

My favourite part of the evening (after the speeches that always make me teary eyed) is the fashion! This is the best night of the year for drop dead, fantasy fashion~ plus jewelry, shoes, hair and makeup! All the over the top gorgeousness makes my heart quicken! Here are a few of my absolute favourite dresses over the past few years...

My all time favourite Oscar dress is Renee Zellweger in vintage Jean Desses from Lily et Cie. I became obsessed with owning a yellow dress after this. It's a bold colour choice but the silhouette is so perfectly subtle and feminine. Years later I still love it just as much.

I adored Gwyneth Paltrow in this pale pink Stella McCartney gown. The structured, corset-like bodice and full skirt are unfathomably romantic, her diamonds were crazy beautiful and I loved the simplicity of her long, wavy hair. Perfection.

Angelina Jolie was impeccable in the above white, Greek goddess gown by Marc Bouwer. So simple, so glamourous, so hot! This woman makes anything look amazing!

I'm not one for wearing red personally, but Anne Hathaway was lovely in this ruby red Marchesa gown with floral detail. The draping is so beautiful and I adored her perfectly, curled ponytail as well. A ponytail to the Oscars! Love!

Nicole Kidman has worn more famous gowns to the Academy Awards, but my favourite is this pale blue Chanel gown with its irreverent feathered skirt. The pale shade suits her to perfection and I thought she was at her most ice queen loveliness in this. Plus, her upswept hair and diamond collar are incredible. Coco would be proud.

While Tom Ford was still designing for the house, Julianne Moore wore this emerald green strapless gown by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. Redheads are often perfect in green and this is no exception. Julianne looked sexy and confident in this ruffled number and it proves that bold colour certainly works on the red carpet. Sigh.

I miss you, Tom Ford!

Last but not least, Kate Hudson looked simply enchanting in this nude lace Versace gown. What is not to love here? Romantic lace, cap sleeves, full skirt, gorgeous hair, copious diamonds... everything is flawless on this golden girl. This is consistently voted the best Oscar look of all time and I am hard pressed to not choose this as my number 2. This is everything that Oscar fashion should be~ timeless, elegant, romantic, fashionable, feminine. Perfect.

Have fun watching! I'll share my favourites from this year on Monday! I can't WAIT for Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin as presenters. And I better win that darn Oscar pool!

Somewhere

2010-02-28T11:08:00.000-08:00

Be Back Soon...

2010-02-26T00:53:00.000-08:00

I'll be back soon, blog friends! Thank you for reading and visiting even though I've been absent over the past two weeks. Three more days and then the Olympics are over and normalcy can return to my life! I'll be sad to see both the Games and people alike leave, but these things are not meant to last forever (otherwise I would die of burn out!). I sincerely can't wait for life after these thirteen hour days~ time to sleep in, for a pedicure, to read more than one page of my book, to watch The Time Traveler's Wife, to relax! Stay tuned for life as normal next week!

ps- It is my firm belief that humans are not meant to spend twelve hours a day on their feet, especially when at least six of those are in 4 inch heels. Ugh!

My Life~ Olympics Edition

2010-02-22T21:12:00.000-08:00

Today was a GREAT day! I had the afternoon off and so I was able to be a tourist in my own hometown, so to speak. I met up with my friend Kayli in the afternoon and we roamed our city, participating in
Olympic fever!

We started out with lunch on Granville Island, currently home to the French Quarter, Atlantic Canada House and Swiss House. We ate at Sandbar, which was hopping as usual (no surprise there!). Well fed, we then walked over the Granville Street Bridge on this ridiculously beautiful day. It may technically be winter but here it is lovely, mild and sunny! Once downtown we wandered through the mob at Robson Square, where we saw the zip liners soar over our heads and took a few photos behind our beautiful Art Gallery. We then made our way down to the waterfront and the new Convention Centre to take in the Olympic Cauldron and its incredible flame. It was a truly wonderful day and I felt inordinately proud to be a Canadian
and especially a Vancouverite!

ps- My cute hat is from The Cross at Homer and Davie! If you live in Vancouver come and get your own!

One

2010-02-21T22:49:00.001-08:00

Six billion people in the world.

Six billion souls.

And sometimes... all you need is one.

Grown Up Kid

2010-02-21T15:01:00.000-08:00

Today I Would Rather Be Here

2010-02-21T13:15:00.000-08:00

(Photo 3 via A Cup of Jo, other photos via Vi.sualize)

Dying For...

2010-02-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

Dying for... a tent like this one to write in, read in, lie in, dream in. Very a la The Holiday (one of my favourite go-to girly movies ever), isn't it?

Photo via Paper Tissue

Dying for... a bar just like this one, via A Cup of Jo. I'm definitely on the hunt for the right table, chest or cart to form a mini bar in my kitchen. This one is so cute~ a simple wooden tray on a vintage trunk! Love!

Dying for... this absolutely perfect gallery wall, via Apartment #34. Mixing art with books with the bold and graphic letters = super stylish. I NEED this for my huge, bare wall in the kitchen!

Dying for... this sweet way to display flowers, via Coco + Kelley. The sweet lettered mugs are from Anthropologie and you can spell anything you want for your own lovely message!

Dying for... this incredibly fresh and chic floral minidress via Erin Ever After. It's the perfect addition to any wardrobe for the spring that is right around the corner! Can't wait...

Dying for... this super HOT pink kitchen via Apartment Therapy. Now THIS is a place I could happily eat my cereal in the morning! So bold, so stylish, so worth the risk!

Dying for... this little girl's perfect outfit via Dress Design Decor. Perfect trench, perfect rolled up jeans, perfect ballet flats, perfect ponytail. Sigh.... even French children are uber chic!

Dying for... all the NEGATIVE NELLIES from foreign news stations to shut it regarding the mild weather during our Winter Olympics here in Vancouver! Hey people, we don't choose our weather! We're not doing it on purpose to spite you! Enjoy our beautiful city and suck it up! The games are still going on, mostly without a hitch, and the weather to enjoy the festivities in the city is incredible! Deal with it! :)

Boys

2010-02-18T13:28:00.000-08:00

Olympic Fever and Animal Love!

2010-02-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

Life is so crazy during the Olympics right now I barely have time to eat nevertheless blog. Which is sad, because I miss my outlet of creativity! Yesterday I worked an 11 hour day (in heels, on my feet) and I came home and collapsed. On the positive side~ at least my insomnia is gone! I'm excited to go explore the city next week (Ziptrekking over Robson Square! Yahoo Fancouver! Heineken House!) when things calm down a little bit, but for today it's back to work in just a few hours! And while the inspiration runs a little dry at the moment I have to share these photos that I gushed over on Yahoo~ animals that love each other that normally shouldn't! Aren't they the sweetest?!

A rather random post, but hopefully one that brings a smile to your face as it did mine.

(Photos via Yahoo)

Love

2010-02-16T23:24:00.000-08:00

"Have you ever been in love? Horrible, isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up. You build up all these defenses, you build up a whole suit of armor, so that nothing can hurt you, then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life... You give them a piece of you. They didn't ask for it. They did something dumb one day, like kiss you or smile at you, and then your life isn't your own anymore. Love takes hostages. It gets inside you. It eats you and leaves you crying in the darkness. It hurts. Not just in the imagination. Not just in the mind. It's a soul-hurt, a real gets-inside-you-and-rips-you-apart pain. I hate love."

-Neil Gaiman

I don't hate love. The farthest thing from it~ I love love, but this passage rang so true for me that I had to share it. I think many many people go through this kind of pain in love, but I so absolutely believe going through this makes you a stronger person and you will be a better partner for it one day, for someone else. Still, in the moment, it sure does suck. But it's so worth it.

DIY~ Painting Furniture

2010-02-16T00:50:00.001-08:00

My domestic streak has continued since I started painting my bedroom last week (a project that has been postponed for the moment, until the end of the Olympics). DIY time! One of the first pieces of furniture I purchased when I first moved out on my own was an Asian lacquered chest from Moe's on South Granville. I liked the proportions and the details of the chest but I hated the dark, shiny wood. I bought it because the price was fantastic, always with the idea in my mind that I would have it professionally spray painted, a technique I see done by Sarah Richardson on her HGTV design shows all the time. Little did I know that having the chest painted would cost as much as the piece itself! I was quoted over $300! Um, no.

Several years later and it was still a dark eyesore in my otherwise pale, pretty apartment. I researched online the best way to repaint a piece of furniture myself and tackled the job last Monday (while simultaneously watching One Tree Hill, Life Unexpected and my favourite, Castle). It was so easy! I sanded the heck out of the glossy finish, applied three coats of oil based primer and then two coats of latex paint with a foam roller. Voila! My chest is exactly what I'd always hoped it would be~ pale, girly, me! I couldn't be more thrilled that my crafty tendencies were a success! And instead of costing $300 it was a mere steal at $40 for the supplies and paint! I feel like Martha and couldn't be happier about it...

but you still won't find me making potpourri!

My inspiration piece~ the photo that sold me on going blue! A bold choice but I adore it!

The initial product. Just not my thing. I'm not a fan of dark furniture.

Oil based primer is the DEVIL! It gets everywhere and doesn't come out! By far the worst part! It still covers my sink. Ugh. I used three coats to cover the chest.

Exploring

The final result! I love it and am thrilled it's completed!

Canadian Pride

2010-02-15T22:55:00.000-08:00

I'm all about Canadian pride right now! My beautiful hometown is hosting the Winter Olympic Games right this very moment and the city is awash with athletes, tourists and a ton of local pride. Everywhere I look people are swathed in red and white and I just had to join in on the fun! My toque is courtesy of The Cross and is a crazy steal at only $13.00! Get yours and show the world your true colours! GO CANADA!

This Little Piggy Went to Market

2010-02-15T00:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to me!

Meant

2010-02-10T23:26:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Day

2010-02-10T06:17:00.000-08:00

"Anyone can slay a dragon... but try waking up every morning and loving the world all over again. That's what takes a real hero."

-Brian Andreas

The Last Time I Will Mention Valentine's Day

2010-02-09T22:30:00.000-08:00

Oh, Valentine's Day. You are everywhere right now. I don't love you, nor celebrate you, but you sure are pretty (for some people).

If I were to expect or wish for a sweet, little present this Sunday, then these would seriously make my day. Everyone needs a little romance, after all, like this incredible bouquet (above). Peonies aren't yet in season, but my goodness, do they make my heart skip a beat!

(Photo via Style Me Pretty)

A pale pink volume of incredibly beautiful and soulful poetry would be incredibly thoughtful. Goose bumps guaranteed.

This sweet, little message in a bottle from Anthropologie would be ultra romantic for any girl wishing for a tiny love note on the 14th. The best gifts are always heartfelt and sentimental

(to me, at least).

La Perla's lacy corset is seriously sexy and would definitely set pulses racing. Every girl deserves pretty lingerie... can this be mine?

Irene Suchocki's beautiful photographs of Paris transport me there in a moment. I would love this whimsical one framed for my prettily painted bedroom.

They say the best things come in small packages. Well, I happen to agree! Amanda Vogler's pink amethyst and white topaz earrings (below) from The Cross would be my ultimate wish list item this Valentine's Day. So elegant, so feminine and as able to add the perfect finishing touch to a tank top and jeans as they would to a sexy, little frock. Sigh.....

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Best Kind

2010-02-08T23:35:00.000-08:00

The Olympics Are Coming!

2010-02-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

Our city of Vancouver has been morphing into Olympic land for months now~ and we are finally getting so close! The games will officially start this Friday the 12th and people from all over the world are already starting to infiltrate our lovely city. They will be pleasantly surprised~ it's spring weather out there!

There are so many things to see, enjoy and experience but my favourite thing so far are these breathtaking light beams that bisect English Bay every night. They are truly incredible to see as I've been walking through the downtown core after work at night. They light up the whole sky. Amazing. Thank you to The Cross for the above incredible photo.

I'll be filling you in on more Olympic madness/fun as it unfolds throughout February!

Do Not

2010-02-08T00:45:00.000-08:00

(Photo credit unknown)

No J.Crew in Vancouver is a Bad Thing

2010-02-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

I love living in Canada for many reasons. Universal health care. Relatively inexpensive university education (and my university has a nude beach, no joke). The birthplace of Aritzia, Club Monaco, Ryan Reynolds, Tim Hortons (and tons of other cool things, I won't go on).

Something I'm bitter about however? How is it that we are hosting the Olympics but we have yet to open a J.Crew?! The closest store to Vancouver is a significant border line up and then a solid 2 hour highway drive in Seattle, Washington. Hallelujah for online shopping! These fantastic looks for spring are quintessentially J.Crew~ casual but perfectly pulled together, easy but stylish, effortless but chic. I adore the layering and perfect accessories throughout. I can't WAIT for the girls shopping trip in April! I'll be ready to buy spring clothes!

I love this vibrant coral tank and I'm oddly finding the distressed denim alluring!

I love the casual denim shorts paired with the more structured blazer. Easy chic.

Dress up jeans and a simple jacket with a sequined tank. Wear anywhere.

I'm in lust with this shrunken leather jacket. It looks as great with shorts and a tee as it would over a little cocktail dress for evening!

Love love this sweater and scarf combo. The watery colour of the sweater is so soft and flattering~ and just happens to match my new bedroom wall colour!

Quote of the Day~ Sickie Edition

2010-02-07T16:26:00.001-08:00

"The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time."

-Bertrand Russell

This awful cold is still kicking my butt so today I spent the afternoon curled up on the sofa in my pj's, watching a Sarah's House marathon on HGTV (my fave!) and hanging with my fur monster. Though it feels like a wasted day I both needed and enjoyed it (hence the above quote). Down time is good! Plus, it gave me an opportunity to start my Wish List for my spring redecoarating project. And, wow, is that list long (a carpet for under the dining table, floating shelves for a big bare wall and chic accessories are just a start)! Details to come, but for now....
I think it's nap time!

Lilac Love

2010-02-07T13:51:00.000-08:00

This is not about want. This is about need.

When the Olympic fervor in Vancouver dies down and my bank balance is wonderfully fatter after the craziness of the games, this baby will be coming home with me. There is nothing like a pretty coloured handbag to kiss spring hello.

(Photo via Coach)

No Domestic Goddess Here

2010-02-05T14:35:00.000-08:00

I am no domestic goddess, believe me. Though I love amateur decorating and baking the odd piece of sugary goodness (usually from a mix), I am no Martha Stewart. This hugely frustrates me. I wish I were effortlessly crafty and handy. I am definitely not.

Today I started painting my bedroom. After a little over a year in my apartment I have finally felt strong and assured enough in that my roomie and I will stay for awhile and so I took myself off to the paint store to celebrate settling in a bit more. The colour I picked is called Skylight and is a soothing, pale aqua~ very reminiscent of this pretty room and this one above. One litre, two hours and several repeats of my current fave iTunes playlist (featuring Phoenix, Mumford & Sons and The Silversun Pickups) later there is one wall done. One! So why does it feel like I scaled a mountain?! I'm a wuss, I know! But seriously, one litre equals one wall?! Back to the paint store I go tomorrow. Still, it looks dreamy. So much better than beige. Who needs a beige life? Not this girl. Even if I did step in the paint can lid several times. See what I mean? Definitely not a domestic goddess.

Dying For...

2010-02-04T16:11:00.000-08:00

Dying for... an afternoon nap and maybe a candlelit dinner in this treehouse-like hideaway.

Photo via Vi.sualize

Dying for... this ultra chic navy blazer and white denim combo for spring, via Shopbop.

Dying for... this lovely way to display jewelry like little art pieces via

The City Sage

Dying for... this Clockwork cutie. Adorable, no?

Dying for... this Art Deco mirrored coffee table (the first thing on my To Buy list!) via The Cross

Dying for... these glamourous yet soothing white spaces on

All Things Lovely

Dying for... this jaw dropping jewel encrusted minaudiere via

Coco + Kelley

Dying for... some of this white powdery stuff for the Winter Olympics next week here in Vancouver... wishful thinking? Maybe. Probably!

14th

2010-02-02T20:54:00.001-08:00

Hmmmm.... February. The month of the groundhog (boo to 6 more weeks of winter!) and the most loved/hated holiday of the year. Oh, Valentine's Day. You are half sweet and you half gross me out. This year I am going to bake cupcakes for my girlfriends, treat myself to something super pretty and will spend the night at my new work (this I will actually enjoy!). If I were into VDay then this saccharine sweet mini dress from BCBG would fit the bill. An entire dress covered in tiny, fluttery red hearts? I think I feel a toothache coming on....

sweet, sweet, sweet.

Quote of the Day

2010-02-02T20:42:00.000-08:00

"Most people don't know there are angels whose only job is to make sure you don't get too comfortable and fall asleep and miss your life."

-Brian Andreas

(Photo via Vi.sualize)

Oscar Nominations

2010-02-02T11:23:00.001-08:00

The 82nd Academy Award nominations were announced this morning and it's a day I look forward to every year. Though I haven't seen many of the films at the centre of attention right now (no, not even Avatar yet), I'm certainly planning on it before the ceremony on Sunday, March 7. Every year there is always much discussion on who was rightfully nominated versus who was callously snubbed (read that here) but regardless of that, the nominations announced this morning were much expected.

See the full list of nominees here.

I, for one, can't wait for three things: seeing my huge man crush George Clooney in Up in the Air, the amazing gowns the actresses will wear and the ceremony's co-hosts Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin one upping each other all night at the big event. So excited!

The Hollywood Issue

2010-02-01T17:05:00.001-08:00

Ever since I was in high school and a little obsessed with being an actress (ha ha ha) I have been transfixed by the Hollywood issue of Vanity Fair. It is always, by far, the dreamiest and coolest issue of the year, from the collection of the hottest actresses (and once in awhile, actors) of the moment on the cover to the ingenious, photographic magic of the spread inside. This year is no exception. With the Academy Awards pushed back this year until March (to accomodate the Winter Olympics here in my hometown, Vancouver) the issue will be released well before the most important night of the year in Hollywod, but no matter. An issue like this stands alone.

This years collection of fresh, young faces on the cover are (from left to right) Abbie Cornish, Kristen Stewart, Carey Mulligan, Amanda Seyfried, Rebecca Hall, Mia Wasikowska, Emma Stone, Evan Rachel Wood and Anna Kendrick. Lucky, lucky girls. I can't wait to get my hands on this issue!

See some behind the scenes footage here.

(Photos via Vanity Fair)

Quote of the Day

2010-02-01T12:35:00.001-08:00

"To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So go do it."

-Kurt Vonnegut

(Photo via Vi.sualize)

Not Just For The Bedroom Anymore

2010-02-01T12:14:00.000-08:00

I adore scrolling through the lookbooks on Shopbop.com, ever in search of what-to-wear inspiration. Their latest had me stopping dead in my tracks with a slackened jaw. Is it hot in here or is it me?! Hello, sex appeal. Lingerie inspired looks are more popular than ever for the upcoming spring season and I can't wait to be able to dive into this trend. Clothes that look like they should be hidden as underpinnings have such a naughty but nice edge~ forbidden fruit and just as sweet. Corset inspired tops, lots of lace, slippery satin, pale blush colours and barely there hemlines? Sign me up, immediately.

Drool over the lookbook yourself here.

Mane Thoughts

2010-02-01T00:20:00.000-08:00

Now that my hair is a significant 5 inches shorter I'm dying to wear it tousled, loose and sexy~ exactly like Keri Russell in this InStyle editorial from last year (January 09). She looks sultry but fresh~ the very best kind of bed head. Throw a little more eye makeup on and put together a cuter, more eclectic, French girl style a la these photos and I'll be set for spring. Now if only it were April...

What do you prefer... curly or straight hair? Shorter or longer?

Mad for Manolo

2010-01-31T23:19:00.000-08:00

While out shopping recently with friends, the future Mrs. Ewert (aka my friend Sarah) took the rest of us to see the dream wedding shoes she is contemplating. The four of us had lustful eyes for Manolo Blahnik's d'Orsay pumps in raspberry satin~ they could not have been any more beautiful. In fact, the store had the shoe in a bevy of vibrant colours, all lined up and looking like candy. Well, eye candy at least. Turquoise, purple, yellow. Drool.

So what did I (ever so foolishly and impetuously) do? I went and fell in love (like, serious love) with $750 yellow shoes! Now I ask you, what paycheque challenged girl would reasonably allow herself to even look, nevertheless fall for, $750 shoes (and yellow at that, damn you Chris Martin and your beautiful song)? Falling hard for something you seriously can't have is like falling for a married man.

Hello, super off limits!

What can I say? True love~ it's real and it's deep and hey, you know what they say... it strikes you when you least expect it! As for me, perhaps not. As for Sarah... well, we're working on her!

(Do it, Sarah!)

Broken

2010-01-30T15:03:00.000-08:00

(Photo via Vi.sualize)

Green With Envy

2010-01-29T16:25:00.001-08:00

A stunning redhead in emerald Gucci. Need I say more?

I. Want. It.

(Photos via Style Me Pretty)

Bargain Hunting is Fun

2010-01-29T11:24:00.000-08:00

Miu Miu Aviator sunglasses, which I accidentally threw in the garbage thus breaking my heart as they were my faves... $300.00

Forever 21 Aviator sunglasses to replace aforementioned pair that are now residing in a landfill... $5.80

Finding fantastic shades that literally look as great as my original faves at 3% the cost... priceless!

Quote of the Day

2010-01-29T09:50:00.000-08:00

"You think you know someone. You think you know what they're about, what they feel, how they think. And then in one action, one moment, you think "they've changed". But then the realization sinks in. It's not the person who's changed, it's your perception of them that's changed. They are the same person they were, it's how you view them that's changed. And it makes you think... did you ever really know them at all, or were they merely the creation of what you wanted them to be?"

-Henry David Thoreau

(thank you, jenka)

City Hall Celebration

2010-01-28T16:30:00.000-08:00

I have friends who had their formal wedding in Mexico but will legally tie the knot at City Hall here in Vancouver next month. Just because it's City Hall certainly doesn't mean you can't go all out, like this adorable civil ceremony in San Francisco. I adore the fact that these two made their simple wedding so chic and sweet, like the bride's stylish white cocktail dress and vibrant bouquet. Plus, that is one gorgeous City Hall!

(Photos via Once Wed)

Easter Egg Dresses

2010-01-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

Nah, I'm not seriously dreaming of spring... whatever would make you say that? Just because I am longing to break out my sunglasses again, throw a light jacket over my shoulders and spend my days in thin, gauzy frocks in Easter egg colours doesn't mean that I'm dying for spring. Le sigh. Okay, okay. You got me. J.Crew's lovely dresses have given me the itch and as much as I am a sweater and boots kind of girl, I have a serious yen for prettiness and femininity again instead of heavy layers and utilitarian warmth! Bring on the sun!

(ps- We have had the mildest winter here in Vancouver, seriously. This is hugely ironic as the Winter Olympic Games are set to start here in two weeks!)

Mean Reds

2010-01-27T20:48:00.001-08:00

Today was a day filled with a rather serious case of the mean reds. It was pretty awful. So it's time for a bath and an early bedtime to wash it off me and put it behind me. Tomorrow is another day. Hopefully it will be a lovely one. Good night, all.

Dying For...

2010-01-26T20:48:00.000-08:00

Dying for... these incredible cage shoes (not to mention loving the beautiful photograph) via The Cherry Blossom Girl

Dying for... this lush arrangement of berries and flowers via

Green Wedding Shoes

Dying for... the spare simplicity of this bedroom and its stylish chalkboard art via Erin Ever After

Dying for... this Palm Springs wedding via Style Me Pretty

Dying for... this uber French girl outfit (and on a Parisian bridge no less) via Dress Design Decor

Dying for... this dramatically hued study via Coco+Kelley

Dying for... this heart melting face... but who could argue with that?!

Inspiring Interiors

2010-01-26T10:13:00.000-08:00

During the winter months I feel the urge to nest, big time. Hiding inside from the rain creates in me the urge to make my interior the one of my dreams. I've been thinking and plotting non stop about what I'd like to do with my apartment and my plans are starting to be laid. These beautiful spaces are hugely inspiring me right now...

I adore the living area above. It doesn't typically look like something I would love but I'm very drawn to the strong, modern wallpaper juxtaposed with the traditional tufted sofa, the beautiful bright painting and the unexpected, pale blue console. In fact, this could be the very colour I paint my own TV console (a job I've wanted done since I purchased it three years ago).

I have a large empty wall that would be absolutely perfect for a gallery of frames. I especially love the different size of frames hung opposite from each other. Now if only someone would install them perfectly for me...

This Parisian bedroom makes me melt. I love its soothing, creamy palette with its punctuation of brighter colour. Plus, I'm in search of a mirror similar to this one to put over the mantle in my living room. The search is officially on!

Everyone knows I love colour so I am drawn to the boldness of this gorgeous yellow painting and vivid blue lamp. A truly gutsy use of brights. Love!

I worship everything about this incredible living room~ the stunning crystal chandelier, the wall of display, the feminine palette. I definitely plan on incorporating more colour into my apartment based on this lovely home.

(Photos 1-4 via Made by Girl, photos 5, 6 via Vi.sualize)

Seeing Double

2010-01-26T01:20:00.001-08:00

While I absolutely loved Diane Kruger on the red carpet at Saturday's SAG Awards and she was undoubtedly my fashion favourite, I couldn't help but feel this look had been done before. From her pulled back blond knot to her red lips to the incredibly distinctive shade of her marigold yellow gown, Diane could be a double for Michelle Williams in Vera Wang at the 2006 Academy Awards. No matter. Fashion is nothing if not cyclical and both look equally breathtaking.

Quote of the Day

2010-01-26T00:40:00.000-08:00

"The only real elegance is in the mind;

if you've got that the rest really comes from it."

-Diana Vreeland

(Photo via Paper Tissue)

The Pursuit of Happiness

2010-01-25T16:06:00.000-08:00

I think it's high time for a happiness list, don't you? It's 2010, a year so full of every possibility and eleven whopping months left! I have a huge amount to not only be happy about but utterly grateful for.

Here are just a few...

10 Things That Make Me Terribly, Wonderfully Happy

1. Weekly Sunday brunch/girl time with my best friends

2. Unspoken chemistry

3. Perfect knees (trust me, this is not overrated!)

4. Earl Grey martinis

5. The perfect haircut (and from an amazing friend at that)

6. The very distinct prospect of visiting England (and maybe France) this year

7. Sleeping in on a rainy week day when everyone else is at work

8. Warm from the dryer, clean sheets and flannel pj's

9. Feeling loved and perfectly accepted

10. My new job! I can't wait to start!

Wedding of my Dreams

2010-01-25T15:40:00.000-08:00

Dear me in the future (like, well in the future),

When you get married please have your wedding look like this (especially the dress).

Oh my, for all the loveliness. Unfathomably dreamy.

Love, current me

xoxo

(Photos via Once Wed)

Rainbow Bright

2010-01-25T09:30:00.001-08:00

Now this is what I like to see! There was a wealth of vibrant colour on the red carpet at Saturday night's SAG Awards and I absolutely loved it! My absolute favourites? Diane Kruger's marigold Jason Wu gown (especially with her red lips) and Glee's Lea Michele in emerald Catherine Malandrino. Even though it's still January it makes me feel like spring is in the air!

One Year With My Bear

2010-01-21T13:15:00.000-08:00

One year ago today I followed an impulse that has since made me incredibly happy. It was a grey Wednesday when I left a doctor's appointment and with a free afternoon I took myself to the SPCA at Clark Street to find myself someone to adopt. The SPCA was not at all as depressing as I feared it would be. Cheerful and kind volunteers buzzed around everywhere, holding the animals and keeping them company. I took my time exploring the cat room, peering into every cage and whispering to the animals.

I fell in love immediately with a great ball of grey fluff. She was the only one to jump off her perch and come rub against the cage door in affection. My heart was gone. Her name was Kahlua but there was no way that name was staying! I was impressed with the SPCA's detailed application process but after about two hours I was able to take my new pal home. It was my luck and her charm that made Rob, my brother and roommate, fall even more in love with her, even though he was resistant to me adopting an animal. It was his suggestion to name her Lulu and it seemed to fit her absolutely.

It has been a wonderful year, filled with laughter and toes being bitten and 5am snuggles. I absolutely love having a pet and Lulu is an amazing one. I don't know Lulu's real birthday so we will always celebrate January 21st as our anniversary!

I love you my Lulu monkey bear.

(the above photo was taken the very day I adopted her with her first toy)

Quote of the Day

2010-01-20T09:56:00.001-08:00

"What we really want to do is what we are meant to do. When we do what we are meant to do doors open, we feel useful and the work we do feels like play to us."

-Julia Cameron

Today I am chasing a small dream and trying for something that I would love to do!

We will see! I'll keep you posted!

New Possibilities

2010-01-19T10:48:00.000-08:00

I'm off to work early today so there is little time to blog but I'm beyond thrilled because I have a job interview tomorrow with my dream company! My fingers are crossed and I'll reveal all as soon as I know the details! I feel so positive and excited I could burst. Life is pretty beautiful right now!

Have a wonderful day! I, for one, have a Gravol hangover because I took one in the hopes of a decent night's sleep. Finally! I actually had one. In the meantime, wishing I was here in this magical little cottage, reading a book by the fire... xoxo

Quote of the Day~ I Hope So

2010-01-18T13:52:00.000-08:00

Golden Globe Favourites

2010-01-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

The Golden Globes were last night and sadly I missed the telecast because I was at work. However, the first thing I did when I got home was pounce onto People and Us Weekly online to see what the beautiful people of Hollywood were wearing. A rare rain in Los Angeles gave the red carpet a twist, as many of the actors were photographed under umbrellas, which I thought was charming. Hey, even the stars have to worry about humidity ruining their hair (the bane of my very existence)! The fashion itself was not as spectacular as I had hoped~ lots of black and did everyone call each other before the show to agree on wearing one shouldered gowns?! There was a shocking lot of them (Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon here, not to mention Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard, Drew Barrymore and Anna Kendrick).

I am giddy in anticipation of the Academy Awards. Oscar night is one of my favourites of the entire year! My family gets together at my parent's house, we eat dinner and bet on every category! We still laugh at my brother for the year he lost every category because he kept betting on Ratatouille! I won (naturally!)

Here are my favourite three dresses from last night...

Reese Witherspoon (above) presented in a simple and elegant inky navy blue column. I love that she wore blue over the more obvious choice of black. Her hair is sexy, tousled perfection and the girl seriously glows (as usual). Poor, poor Jake Gyllenhaal (I'll take him)!

I'm a girly girl so Best Actress nominee Emily Blunt's pale pink Dolce & Gabbana is dreamy perfection to me. I think she looks angelic and subtly sexy. She is going to make one beautiful bride. She's ridiculously talented and she gets to marry my dream man (John Krasinski and no, I don't like him from The Office. More along the lines of It's Complicated)! Lucky girl!

I've been watching a lot of Friends reruns lately and I'm loving Jennifer Aniston again. Rachel! I often find her boring on the red carpet (come on, Jen, would it kill you to do your hair a little differently once in awhile?!) but last night she looked A-mazing! Her black Valentino is a more obvious sexy (hello, cut up to there slit!) but she majorly owns it. I love her wavy hair and her skin literally gleams. All I can say is... wow!

Perception is Not Reality

2010-01-18T02:04:00.000-08:00

It's 2am and I can't sleep. Again. This insomnia thing is really hanging on for dear life. I hate being up at this time of night. Except for the consistent sound of traffic outside my window, I feel isolated~ not lonely, just awake on my own, with no one to talk to... and so I play out what is in my head onto this blank page. Lulu is asleep, upside down and with her paws covering her face, at the end of my bed. I can see Christmas lights glowing in the apartment across the alley. They keep them on all night, every night. And I'm thinking about people.

It is a lesson I would rather not learn over and over again and yet I do. Why are people never in reality the way I see them in my mind? I know that sounds weird and I don't mean it in a bizarre, controlling way. More in a disappointed, seriously?! way. It is so easy to think you know someone when you have seen them over a long period of time. You don't even have to really know each other and yet from repeated interaction you feel you know them, what they are really like, what kind of person they seem to be, what they value.

And then you find out things that are so absolutely to the contrary, that they are not at all what you had thought they were for years. It is such a shock, a loss even, because the person you thought existed, in fact, doesn't. It was all simply made up, or perceived (incorrectly), in your mind. Remember that stupid old adage, "you can't judge a book by its cover?" Here is mine... you can't know what someone is like without actually knowing them. I would like to assume that everyone I seem to know and like are sweet, kind, shy, nice. Reality check? They aren't. This is not cynicism. This is growing up and learning yet another lesson. One I value.

So maybe it's okay... no, maybe it's really freakin' good I don't truly know these people in the first place. Disappointment, be damned.

(Image via Vi.sualize, song lyric Bixby Canyon Bridge by Death Cab for Cutie)

Amanda Vogler at The Cross

2010-01-17T22:30:00.000-08:00

There is not much more I love than the sparkle of perfectly feminine, delicate jewelry. I adore the way it can change an outfit, the way it can make everything I put on look that much more polished and pulled together, the way it can lift my mood just to see something pretty at my ears or throat throughout the day. I looooove jewelry! Amanda Vogler is a local Vancouver jewelry designer whose stunning earrings and to die for necklaces make me weak at the knees whenever I get the chance to gawk at them at my favourite store, The Cross. Amanda's designs showcase gorgeous semi-precious stones, such as pink topaz and aquamarine, set against the most delicate of gold chain and I goggle at her beautiful creations and incredible talent.

Visit The Cross online here to view or purchase a piece of your own.

I reach for my 8 stone aquamarine drop earrings constantly and I know you will love Amanda's jewelry as much as I do. Trust me, it's impossible not to!

Aquamarine with leaves earrings

Grey moonstone 42" necklace

Rose Quartz Drop Necklace

Candlelight Bride

2010-01-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

Since Leah and Greg got engaged and I have been deemed Maid of Honour (!!!) I have been wedding obsessed (for them, very much not for me). I am dying for this breathtaking wedding portrait. It is truly one of the most beautiful images I have ever seen in my life. Heaven.

Love love love.

(Photo by Christian Oth via Erin Ever After)

Moments

2010-01-15T16:42:00.000-08:00

Life is made up of millions of little moments. Some are good, some you forget in an instant and others are so memorable they give you chills and you are pretty sure they are seared in your mind for a lifetime. I love these moments. They often come out of nowhere, occur when you least expect them and are gone just as fast. Nonetheless, they are magical.

They are the truly good stuff of life.

I had one of these moments last week and I keep re-running it through my mind. It was just a snippet of time, two minutes and no more in a dim coatcheck room. I can't stop thinking of it. Sometimes it seems as if two humans really are meant to connect with each other, on an unspoken level beyond normal social niceties. No words were really needed. I'm not even speaking of a physical moment, just a small snatch of seconds. To want to re-create that with this person is understandable but will it then ruin the rarity of that potent moment?

Would trying to re-enact the moment only serve to detract from it?

The thing with moments like these is that they are so specific to one person. They are mine and mine alone. They completely symbolize the singularity of the human condition. No one else can know the feeling of the hundreds of these incredible moments in my life.

And I really really love that.

(Photo via Flickr)

It's a Nice Day for a White Wedding

2010-01-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Bride (aka Leah),

As you are contemplating an all white wedding, how about this dreamy confection for your MOH to wear? Its filmy beauty gives me goose bumps! Le sigh.

Love, me.

(Photo via Shopbop)

Jonesing for Jeggings

2010-01-14T13:15:00.001-08:00

It's a wet and rainy January and if I'm not at work you can usually find me in a cozy sweater, boots and either my favourite skinny jeans or leggings. However, the new incarnation of "jeggings" (a hideous word but one I love to say over and over with childlike glee) has me going crazy for a pair (or three). The look of denim with the soft comfort of leggings?! Um, yes please!

I love skinny jeans but after a few washes they lose their perfectly slim, leg hugging fit and tend to bag around the knees and calves (no matter how skinny they were in the first place). As I love to wear mine tucked into tall, slim riding boots this bagging is my worst enemy. Grrrr. The advent of jeggings seems to be the answer to my annoyance at this very problem! After all, leggings never bag and are always perfectly suctioned against the leg! Hooray! No where to find the perfect pair? In Vancouver I have no idea yet. I'm on the hunt. However, my favourite go-to website, Shopbop, has a wealth of denim leggings to covet.

Here are a few I'm liking the look of...

Blank Denim's Super Soft Denim Leggings are ultra fitted, cropped to look great with heels and a chic dark wash. Plus, a great price at $78US.

Joe's Jean's Denim Leggings are rock star-esque because of their inky black wash and stylish zippered ankles. Still a great buy at $89US.

These Paige Verdugo Denim Leggings are a little pricier at $158US but as I love my regular Paige jeans so much I would be willing to spend a little more for these. This pair are a little more like jeans with their button waistband and five pocket styling but they are definitely cut to be leggings. Worth the buy, I'm sure.

Would you buy denim leggings?

Does anyone know where to get them in Vancouver?

New Obsession~ Dreamy Kitchens

2010-01-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

The only thing I truly dislike about my heritage apartment is the kitchen. Ugh, the kitchen. Its only redeeming quality is that it has two original (aka 90 year old) dreamy built in china cabinets with leaded glass windowed doors at its entrance and room for my full, six seater white dining table. Other than those two things? Grim. It was renovated a few years ago when the daughter of the building's owner lived here~ and at least it has had a small renovation. I hear some of the kitchens here are majorly dated (did I mention the building is 90 years old?!). Seriously, it has green laminate countertops (green. laminate.), taupe tile backsplash (not the worst but seriously blah) and blond wood cabinets (boring). Did I mention fluorescent lighting? Eek.

I dream of even a tiny kitchen renovation. My Wish List items~ Stainless steel appliances? Sigh. White marble countertops and backsplash? Mmm hmmm. A pretty chandelier? Please!!! These kitchens are enormous inspiration points and I'm strategizing ways I can convince my landlord for a bit of an upgrade... yeah, I don't think it's going to happen either!

One day, I say, one day.

Incredible tile floor, red accents, gorgeous hardwood table and dining benches to boot?

Serious deep love here.

Professional gas range meets pretty mirror and stunning light fixture.

Utilitarian juxtaposed with feminine... love!

The gallery wall in the kitchen is heaven!

All white? I'm all in.

I adore this carriage lamp fixture for over my dining table, seen at Pottery Barn.

(Photo 1, 2 via The City Sage, 3, 4 via Erin Ever After, 5 via Vi.sualize, 6 via Pottery Barn)

Rainy Day

2010-01-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

What is it about a rainy day that is so lovely? It is so much more delicate than the aggressive beauty of sunshine. I love to watch it teeming down, drumming against my windowpanes and making its soft music on the pavement. I love rainy days... but only from my cozy perch at the window.

(Photo 1, 5 via Google, 2, 4 via Flickr, 3 via Paper Tissue)

Wedding Party Chic

2010-01-13T12:56:00.000-08:00

I can't help it! Now that I know I'm Leah's Maid of Honour I can't stop daydreaming about gorgeous dresses, sparkling jewelry, perfect hair and delicate flowers. And I know I don't need to even mention killer heels! I fell hard for these beautifully styled and glamourous shots on one of my new favourite blogs, Erin Ever After. Aren't these dresses and shoes drop dead amazing?! I would die for either of the grey or black ribbon heels. What an unbelievably chic and fashion forward

wedding party!

(Photos via Erin Ever After)

Raspberry Crush

2010-01-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

Even though it is just a snippet, the photograph of this living room makes me swoon~ and I'm not even really that into pink. Still, it reminds me of my favourite Parisian apartment that I posted yesterday. I naturally gravitate towards spaces decorated mostly in white or ivory with just small bursts of colour. I love the vibrancy this raspberry hued chair brings to the soothing room, not to even mention the amazing mantle, carved mirror and minimally decorated built ins.

Serious perfection.

(Photo via Made by Girl)

Delightful Blogs!

2010-01-12T13:50:00.000-08:00

I want to extend a huge and thrilling thank you to Lynda at

Delightful Blogs

for featuring Ally Redhead in their amazing directory! I couldn't be happier about joining the ranks of other such talented bloggers around the world and being a part of such a wonderful website!

Visit Delightful Blogs to rank my blog, leave a comment or to source other fabulous writers!

Thank you, Lynda!

Is it still a Christmas Party if it's in January?

2010-01-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

Last week we finally had our staff Christmas party and let me tell you, we seriously let loose! December is one of, if not the, busiest months of the year for us so we simply can't have our party before the holiday itself. Still, it was quite lovely to be able to get together and celebrate knowing that the chaotic nuttiness of the season was well behind us!

We were taken to blue water cafe in Yaletown, where we feasted on their unbelievable sushi, oysters, prawns and sashimi, not to mention three additional courses. Did I mention there was an open bar?! I won't go into the details but suffice it to say I have a new resolution for 2010~ no more unlimited cocktails for me! I am lucky enough to work with some amazing people, including three of my best friends and two incredible bosses, so it is always (mostly always) a joy to go there. In fact, after 5 days off already after my knee surgery I'm more than ready to go back! Here are a few candid shots from our fantastic evening...

My BFF, Leah, and I got ready together and started the evening with a few Cosmos!

Leah shows off her stunning Birks engagement ring! Greg did GOOD! Nah, he did great!

All ready in our party gear! My dress is BCBG, my pale pink heels a steal from Aldo.

The blissful, newly engaged couple!

Girl time in the ladies room, of course! Leah, Jenny, Nic and myself.

Smooching time at dinner!

The boys hanging at the (open!) bar!

Bestie time!

Hamming it up for the camera! It was such a fun night!

Quote of the Day

2010-01-12T12:04:00.001-08:00

"There is nothing wrong with change,

if it is in the right direction."

-Winston Churchill

The Resentment of Change

2010-01-11T21:32:00.000-08:00

Change. I know it is inevitable. Time ticks by, things change, the world moves on. I understand that with change there is progress and without that we wouldn't live in the amazing world we live in today. But why does progress sometimes come at the cost of good? I hate change sometimes and it sickens me to see things I love being ruined and taken away for the purpose of... nothing. This may sound trite but all I see around me sometimes is greed and money and commercialism taking over.

When I was little we lived on a street and at one end of the street was a fence. On the other side of that fence was a big, undeveloped lot with an ancient farmhouse and cows grazing in the grass. The neighbourhood kids would walk along the top of the fence and wiggle through a loose board to romp in the huge, wildly overgrown field. It was heaven for a child. Our own kingdom, to explore and play and dream in. I still drive through that neighbourhood to look at two of the houses we lived in there and where I grew up but the farm yard is long gone. Pavement and cookie cutter houses stand in its place.

Yesterday brought back the sadness I feel whenever I see the over developed neighbourhood of my childhood. There was this house that stood on the corner of the neighbourhood where I went to school. It stood behind huge columns of trees and an imposing gate at the front so that you could barely ever get a good look at it, but I used to babysit two doors down and would walk the kids by it whenever I got the chance. It was huge and dark and dramatic, a house out of movies rather than the bland suburban neighbourhood it stood in. I always wondered what it looked like inside. Was it bigger than it looked from outside the gate... or was it much smaller, like re-visiting a place you loved as a kid and realizing it is, in fact, tiny. Was it as grand as it looked, or just ordinary? I worshipped that house and everything it represented to me

as a child.

Yesterday I drove by. In the passenger seat of my mom's car, I was gazing out the window when I saw... the emptiness. It had been torn down. I gasped. It made my stomach clench in repulsion. That beautiful house gone and for what? So that, like the rest of Richmond, it can be developed into three tiny, stupid, generic townhouses cramped onto one lot. I have witnessed the constant over development and changing of my hometown with a fair amount of ambivalence up until now. I, for the most part, understand (if not embrace) change. But this was too much. This was the destruction of a dream, the tearing down of a mythical palace from a little girl's imagination. I can't truly express how much it saddened me. Why do things that are so beautiful get torn down? How can the city allow that to happen?

Today I hate change. And the developers that will stick up those ridiculous townhouses. Shame on them. These are days when I am proud that money doesn't mean everything to me.

Today I hate change.

(Photo via Paper Tissue)

Sur la Rive Droit (and that's the only French you're getting from me)

2010-01-11T20:38:00.000-08:00

When I was searching for places to rent in Paris a few years ago I found only one I fell utterly in love with. I still look at this picture regularly and dream of staying in this one bedroom apartment in a three hundred year old building on the Right Bank. It combines everything I love about heritage styling~ gorgeous and substantial crown moulding, stunning herringbone wood floors and an amazing stone fireplace mantle. Most of all I love the soothing neutral palette (mostly dreamy white) punctuated with the one, vibrant blue armchair.

The TV on the floor is a different story. That's weird.

Still, I love to look at this photograph whenever I need a reminder of how I want my apartment to feel. Or when I need to dream of places to stay when I visit Paris next.... (this year??!!)

Quote of the Day

2010-01-10T22:20:00.000-08:00

"Life is better with company."

-Up in the Air

(Photo via Vi.sualize)

Beautiful Blogger Award

2010-01-10T13:23:00.001-08:00

Thank you so much to my thoughtful and lovely (and I think, a little partial) friend Chloe of My Favourite Things for passing on the Beautiful Blogger Award to me! As a writer of such a wonderful blog, I am honoured she has chosen me and in such talented company, as well.

Here are the rules:

-Thank the person who nominated you for this award.

-Copy the award & place it on your blog.
-Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
-Tell us 7 interesting things about yourself.
-Nominate 7 bloggers.
-Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

Here are 7 (hopefully) interesting things about me:

1. I am a complete Anglophile. I adore anything out of England~ music (Radiohead, Coldplay, Oasis, The Beatles naturally), movies (I've watched Pride & Prejudice no less than 40 times), literature (my degree is English Lit), fashion, culture. I've been to England three times and can't wait to return. I think this has much to do with my grandmother being born there and I wish to live there at some point in my life.

2. I'm a sugar addict. Anyone who knows me, knows this. Sugar sugar sugar. I'm all about it. Candy, dessert, you name it, I love it.

3. I'm a left handed redheaded. I believe that this is pretty rare.

4. My brother named my cat Lulu after Lulu Island (now Richmond) where we grew up. At the SPCA, where I adopted her, she was named Kahlua. No way was I calling my cat after a liqueur. But at least Lulu is close enough.

5. In my wildest dreams, if I could do anything I wanted I would be a photographer, write novels or be a ballerina. Or all three.

6. I hate bananas more than anything in the world. And eggplant. I used to hate avocados and now I'm obsessed with them.

7. My only (other) addictions (besides sugar) are coffee and red nail polish.

And now I nominate these amazing blogs

(in no particular order)

The Wild and Wily Ways of a Brunette Bombshell

Thank you, Chloe!

Dress Perfection

2010-01-10T12:41:00.000-08:00

Sarah Seven still manages to astound me with her beautiful couture cocktail dresses and gowns on Etsy. Though she still sells the designs

I profiled before here, these two new designs took my breath away. The ivory cocktail dress, Tea For Two, is ethereal perfection, both innocent and flirtatious, sweet and subtly sexy. The navy and red gown, Midnight Stroll, is incredibly dramatic and would catch any eye in a sea of black dresses. This young designer's talent continues to grow and flourish and I can't wait to see what her future holds.

I pray for one of her designs for myself someday!

(Photos via etsy)

Valentine's Day

2010-01-10T00:06:00.000-08:00

"Love is the only shocking act left on the planet."

Perhaps this is true. After so many people get their hearts broken or lose love, isn't it surprising that the majority of people still want to fall head over heels? Ummmm.... no, actually. Love is the most amazing thing on Earth. Valentine's Day, however, is not. No, this is not "the lady doth protest too much"~ I genuinely dislike Valentine's Day.

I've never had a good one.

Nevertheless, this movie looks ridiculously cute. Brought to life by Garry Marshall, the director behind Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride, Valentine's Day surrounds over a dozen plus characters on this one very special, Hallmark card holiday. With such cast members as Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Garner, Patrick Dempsey, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Eric Dane and Ashton Kutcher~ how do you go wrong? That is a lot of talent for one movie.

It is released, appropriately, on February 12 but humor me and
watch the minute and a half trailer here.
If you don't laugh out loud like I did... well, then maybe I'm just a love geek. Seriously. Watch. Adorable City. Warm fuzzy feelings beware.

Need I say... Bradley Cooper, major swoon.

(Photos via IMDb)

Advice For The Boys Part I

2010-01-09T18:57:00.001-08:00

I don't know much about the intricacies of men (what goes on in those minds?!)~ but hey, I know what my girlfriends and I like. We've had fifteen years of dating them, after all. I know what we look for, what we swoon over and what turns us off in a microsecond. Sometimes, we wish we could make a list and hand it out to all the boys we meet and date, a sort of To Do/Not To Do list. Dating and love is a funny thing but here's a girl's point of view...

1. Let's start slowly here. Own a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors. Girls love those shoes (and I love them most of all). Don't get them in a juvenile pattern or colour. Navy, black or grey will suffice. Invest the $50. They are low in price and high in style. Pair them with nice jeans and a button down shirt or edgy tee. Effortless cool. Nice dress shoes are also incredibly sexy. Swoon.
2. For that closet with your nice jeans and Chucks, invest in a gorgeous coat. This will preferably be a classic navy pea coat or a duffel coat (toggle front, hooded, camel, grey or navy only). A good quality coat will set you back a few hundred dollars but will remain in your closet for years. Plus, girls love a good coat. Trust me, we notice. If you come to pick us up for a date in a nylon windbreaker...? Just don't.
3. Know how to chit chat. Yes, it seems impersonal and lame but we need to know you can sustain the conversation without bringing up the weather. Seriously, it's a skill to make small talk but small talk often turns into genuinely getting to know someone and what they're about. We also need to know that you can ask us about us, ask good and insightful questions and are interested in something other than talking about yourselves. Trust me, being inquisitive about who we are goes a very very long way. Major points scored this way.
4. Be sweet without being creepy. Be thoughtful without appearing overbearing. Compliment a girl genuinely. We appreciate it. Hugely. A $10 bouquet on a fourth date? Just do it. Know how to romance in the 21st century. We all want a romantic guy... but don't act like a girl. It's a fine line. If you're thinking of making a romantic gesture for a girl you're dating, ask a girl friend. And ask for the truth. Bottom line, girls seriously crave romantic gestures. That's why we date in the first place. Come on, guys, step up.
5. This should go without saying, but sadly, it doesn't. Don't criticize (even if joking), don't make us feel self conscious, don't talk about your exes (ever ever ever, unless we ask and only then, mention very little), don't text or talk on your phone while with us (it's rude), don't ignore us if we're meeting your friends for the first time and try very hard not to look at other girls when we can catch you. Oh, and don't say to our face that you hate cats/dogs if we have said cat/dog. Just keep your opinion to yourself.

Like I said, I'm not some dating or relationship guru. (I could laugh at that thought for days) All I know is what I like and what my friends like and the boys we naturally gravitate to. No guy we date has to be perfect but if you're a jerk, trust me, we'll walk away.
Hey, a little advice can't hurt, right?

Stay tuned, boys, for more posts on a girl's point of view.

(Photo via Vi.sualize)

Clocktower Apartment Love

2010-01-09T15:53:00.001-08:00

I want to live here so badly I can feel it in my bones. Wouldn't it be amazing to wake up every morning under the glow of this beautiful clock? But only if it ticks very very quietly. This converted loft in Brooklyn, New York is as magical a place as I can imagine living. It reminds me of the giant clocks in Paris's Musee d'Orsay (below)~ which is probably why I love it so much. I adore pretty much anything that reminds me of Paris. I am definitely meant to live somewhere heritage and full of character. Isn't this place inspiring?

(Photo 1 via Vi.sualize, Photo 2 via Google)

Wedding Inspiration for Leah and Greg

2010-01-07T13:50:00.000-08:00

For their upcoming 2011 wedding my best friend Leah and her fiance Greg are considering having their reception in a beautifully rustic barn in the Okanagan. Though unconventional, this idea is both charming and romantic~ much like the couple themselves.

For inspiration and tips (part of a MOH's duty of course) I have been visiting the amazing blog Once Wed to view the weddings of other couples across North America. The wedding of Ryan and Laura particularly stood out for its rain soaked beauty, romantic elegance and especially for the magical barn setting! I love the idea of taking something incredibly earthy and natural and transforming it into a place of unexpected glamour.

I can't wait to see what Leah and Greg choose. No matter what, I know it will breathtaking!

(all photos via Once Wed)

Taking a Break

2010-01-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

Well, this morning I had a little minor knee surgery. Bad news~ this means being on crutches for a week, no showering for five days and basically being all around inept. Good news~ seven days of forced relaxation, endless movie marathons and cozy afternoons under a blanket on the couch. This also means quality blogging time so expect a few fun posts this upcoming week.

Right now, though, my weird morning has taken it out of me so nap time is beckoning.

MOH Chalkboard Evidence

2010-01-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

The bride and me, only moments after she asked me to be her
Maid of Honour!

And Thus My Mascara Started To Run

2010-01-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

I have had the loveliest honour of my life. Last night we were celebrating on the town and I have to admit there were quite a few cocktails involved. So when my best friend Leah made some flippant comment about going to look at a chalkboard, I shrugged it off and thought it was only a random remark. When she mentioned it again I had to go explore. I found the chalkboard on the other side of the restaurant and it took me minutes to see what I was meant to see. There in pink chalk read

ALLYREDHEAD MOH

Naturally, I burst into tears. I am going to be Leah's Maid of Honour! I'm so overwhelmingly excited and so incredibly moved she has asked me. I can't wait to be the best, most steadfast and loyal MOH, because that's exactly what she deserves.

To the most beautiful bride to be, I love you and it truly is the most lovely honour of my life.