you got that ambition, baby

jacket & dress: Zara, leopard tights: H&M, clutch: Valentino

Off to my birthday dinner with my family! Plus, I can't believe I'm starting my Fashion Merchandising program in less than 2 days. I'm too excited!



This beautiful cake is from La Boulangerie and it's made of white chocolate ganache with white chocolate shavings on top (my fav)! Love from my BF.

& a BIG thanks to my friends and family for making my 20th so special! LOVE YOU

Seattle/Portland Bound

WARNING! Heavy post ahead.

Day 1

The BF & I started off early and headed to downtown Seattle to rest again before continuing into Portland.

scarf: TNA, dress pants: Zara, purse: Foley + Corrina

First stop: downtown Seattle. We visited the Nordstrom Rack in the area just out of curiosity (we wanted to save our splurges for Portland and take advantage of the tax-free shopping there). Lo and behold, I find a pair of Jimmy Choo patent leather, star-studded flats on sale for $99! I couldn't believe it, as I was contemplating purchasing the things for regular price ($475) at Holt Renfrew this past fall!

Moving on...

We continue our trek and finally (3 hours later) reach downtown Portland!

Our hotel: The Governor.

Day 2

sunglasses: Ray Ban, cardigan: Zara, knee-high riding boots: thrift

Another spring day in February. Downtown Portland, though small, is really a beautiful place. Our accommodations, the food, and even the parking was unbelievably cheap. No complaints at all.

I ♥ Pine State Biscuits

We decided to have breakfast at Pine State Biscuits -- a TINY breakfast spot in Portland serving specialty biscuits as well as other southern inspired eats. We saw this place on Guy's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network a week before our trip, and made it a must to visit while we were there. I ordered the (measly) egg & cheese biscuit, while my BF ordered the famous Reggie with an egg, cheese, bacon, a piece of fried chicken, topped with gravy. So worth it!

Day 3

leopard cardigan & fringe flats: Zara, jeggings: True Religion, bag: Louis Vuitton

Back on the road again. We say goodbye to our hotel and make our way back to Vancouver. That's not to say we didn't make any pit stops on the way -- 2 more Nordstrom Racks in fact, and my personal must-go when I'm in The States: Taco Bell.

An early birthday present to myself.

YES! It is the Valentino Amour Noued satin clutch. I was breathless when I found it at the last Nordstrom Rack we visited before returning home, and I couldn't believe the price: $395 + an additional 50% off! Its original retail price: $1095 USD...

Def worth the trip.

R.I.P. Alexander McQueen

sweater: thrift, boots: Frye, ring: Forever 21

Paying homage to the late designer who passed away yesterday. THE designer of the famous skull scarf, this unique piece can never be replicated.

This beautiful handmade skull sweater was a purchase I made at Value Village's 50% off sale this past Monday. Below is a similar knit worn by Rihanna.

As mentioned, McQueen's scarf is a particularly difficult piece to acquire "for less". While there are other versions on the market, the effect on an outfit just isn't quite the same. Below are 2 skull scarves: one from a thrift store (left) and one from Aritzia circa 2007 (right).

The McQueen scarf is really one of those key pieces worth getting authentic. While with other thrift finds that may not be exact replicas such as my sweater, because it's different in its fit, material, etc. you can make it your own. I'm finding it's more difficult to do that with these scarves, and I think that's what is tricky with thrift shopping.

Leader of the pack

scarf & jacket: TNA, sweater: Talula, pants & bracelet: thrift, ring: Forever 21

I can honestly (and proudly) say, that nothing I am wearing was purchased for regular price. Oh wait, except for the ring! I found the pants at yesterday's Value Village 50% off sale, and I found my Chucks there as well on another hunt. My army jacket is TNA circa 2005, and I absolutely LOVE it! The waffle scarf is also by TNA, and is an amazing piece to have because it's incredibly warm. I purchased my wolf sweater at Aritzia's Snooze You Lose Sale for $19.99 (regular $40.00!). Lastly, the sheer tee is by Wilfred of which I have in 2 other colours.

My boyfriend is developing into a handy and skillful photographer! xo

simply put...

top: JNBY, pants: Talula Babaton, booties: Aldo

These peg-leg trousers are now $29.99 at my store (Aritzia), regular price $150.00 I believe. Craziness! Aritzia's Snooze You Lose Sale officially starts today, and as one of the few doing the markdowns last night, I can honestly say now is the right time to stock up on any basics, or anything you had your eye on during the Fall/Winter season.