MOVING

I have 40 minutes until the next j-school meeting (post-mortem), so I've decided to use this time wisely for a quickie.

I will be switching sites and moving onto wordpress - under my own domain. I may discard 'sincerelykyla' because lately I've seen too many 'sincerely ____' and I think my name alone suffices as an original blog..name. Anyway, my new blog will consist of my writing (and very minimal pictures) portfolio, as well as my never-ending love for fashion and music. I'll try to update it as MUCH as I can - but for those of you in an intense two-year program ... particularly in journalism -- you'll soon realize that the rights to a life outside the confines of a classroom is unattainable.

So, see you in a few!

So long sweet summer

I have come to a quaint realization: not once this summer did I buy any summer clothes. Okay - I bought a hot pink mini skirt and that's IT. No new tank tops, shorts, sandals, bathing suit, nada! And now fall is fast approaching. So I don't mind so much.

So what did I wear this summer? Basically everything in my closet from last summer. My cut-offs from Levi's did not fail me once! They were my 'go-to' item almost every day. And they go with everything! Perfect. I know. But it still saddens me that I didn't even take advantage of any of the monster summer sales at Aritzia, BCBG, H&M, even my store Levi's. Ugh, I'm pathetic - I know. Oh well, now I have a new season to look forward, and this one will definitely need a shopping spree!

But before I get into that (which I will) here's a look of what I looked like almost everyday:



Basically my summer wardrobe, with of course the occasional change of the top and minus the blazer; because this summer we saw some very hot temperatures!

...while realizing all of this I also just realized that I have not one single picture of myself on a beach...in a bikini...summer, don't drift so fast

EAT (pray, love)

Ciao!

I have realized that I haven't written any accounts these past couple of weeks, well months. It's been almost a month or so since I've written an entry. This is due to the lack of free time I can devote to writing personal blogs. Also because I have been so engrossed by reading 'Eat, Pray, Love.' Which I plan to share today.

I recently finished part one of Gilbert's number-one seller. And as I was finishing up part one I found myself basking in the same glory Gilbert was: eating. In part one Gilbert delights in the cultural delicatessens of Rome. And I, was indulging in a mocha cheesecake at Trees Organic in Gastown. They were voted 'Best Cheesecake in Town.' Eh, that's debatable, I have had my share of amazing cheesecake, and no offence Trees Organic, but even the cheesecakes at Safeway come to par with yours. Anyways, back to reading.

I guess it was a subconscious thing; where I found myself basking in the same experience as the author of the book I was reading, eating without taking those little crumbled bits of cheesecake for granted (or in her case: eating without taking any of that to-die-for pizza crust for granted). When I realized this, I decided to treat myself to a delicious meal; much like what Gilbert does throughout her journey in Rome. I went to my favourite eatery: Guu, again in Gastown. I swear by it, if Trees Organic can give itself the title of being having the 'Best Cheesecake in Town' then I nominate Guu for having the 'Best Yaki Soba in Town,' because literally - it leaves me drooling. Sometimes I wish I could take home one of the chefs from Guu and place him in my kitchen and have him yell at me in Japanese every time I enter and exit the room. /sigh, that would be quite the life.

So as I just read this over for editing purposes, it's fair to say, that if you haven't been to Guu - you should just go. And then you will understand what I am talking about in this blog. You will also understand why I think Guu's yaki soba is amazing.

On that note; I will keep you up-to-date on my further readings with Eat, Pray, Love. But will also try not to spoil anything. I want to finish the book as fast as I can because I want to see how Ryan Murphy (director) interpreted the book, and of course for Julia Roberts; the woman that never ages. Does she not look the same as she did in Runaway Bride?

Ciao!

Vogue Italy

I don't have a numerous stack of fashion magazines cluttered in my house, but I do have plenty of bookmarks on my computer to my favourite magazines online.

www.vogue.it is just a click away to savvy fashion picks, a peak away from yesterday's fashion trends resurrected by great photographs and of course everything else in between - without the pages. These are my favourites highlights from it's Trends and Beauty departments:

Burberry's beauties


Photo C/O of Vogue Italy

These models are stellar and beautiful to say the least. According to Vogue Italy they are the faces for Burberry Beauty's new campaign, each with particular qualities that radiates in front of and away from the camera. Read the full article here by Judith Jaquet

Too early to be posting pictures of over-sized knits? Nah, everything about this picture is just sick. Check out the safety-pin glasses


Photo C/O Vogue Italy

Winter isn't for another five months (maybe even earlier), but I just couldn't resist posting this picture. It does sort of make my head sweat, as I'm already perspiring just sitting here, doing nothing - but the black knit veil put against the woolly knit toque just did it for me. Amazing photo, amazing trends, amazing Italy.

Ankle-boot heels don't just look better, they're also much more comfortable


Photo C/O Vogue Italy

Vogue Italy likes ankle-boot heels and so do I! Cheers to Moschino's black buckle heeled-boot!

Thrifty in the City

I've been away from this blog lately, I apologize to all my readers (however many of you there are, if any at all). But I think part of the reason I've neglected writing is simply the lack of ideas. Horrible right? Because there is always something to write about. And I realized, it doesn't always have to be about fashion - but I'll leave that option for another day.

So, voila! Today I'll share with you some thrifty purchases that look good and put the meaning behind 'bang for your buck!'

First on the docket: my newest purchase of a skirt.

For someone on a budget, it's important to have that one staple piece you can wear and change up with a different top or shoes & this Element Zora skirt is just it!

The skirt is 100% polyester, designed by Element (the skate brand), has two seamless front pockets, DIY tie at the waist in a watercolour print that reminds me of peacock feathers. But it looks like it came straight out of a BCBG Max Azria catalogue. And at $40 it has become my all-time favourite piece in my closet. So far, I've worn it to my cousin's wedding, a company dinner, a surprise birthday party and a night full of events - like my RHCP concert t-shirt, I'll wear it out til the seams unravel. (but then I'll just take it to a tailor).

If you're looking for that staple piece, first ask yourself what you need most but never have. In my case I always needed a skirt, but never had one that was perfectly balanced between my work life and play life. For you, it may be that perfect jean that you can wear out shopping with the girls yet pair it with a sexy stiletto and go to work or enjoy the Vancouver nightlife. It may even be the 'go-to' bag (which I am still on the hunt for) or the perfect pair of shorts.

Also keep it in mind, you don't always have to get them in a neutral colour or shade, if you happen to get it in a colourful print (like my Zora skirt) you can always play off the colours and use it as a focal point.

Black flats: necessity in the shoe closet



I finally purchased my own pair of black flats during Aldo's massive Summer sale (it's still going on). I've gone through red flats, checkered flats, brown flats but alas! I now have a black pair. However, because the black ballerina shoe is a highly coveted item and almost every girl in the city owns a pair, I thought of looking for one with a unique design or element to it.

Therefore I chose these black flats with string criss-crossed through gold studs over a mesh layer. I love how the string is woven along the sides to create that unique addition. The gold studs add a hint of class while the mesh keeps it looking casual.

It's important to have versatile shoes if you're not one to throw your pay cheque on a pair of RocketDogs, for the casual days, and designer flats to go with your classy outfit in lieu of a heel.

Flats aren't meant to be comfortable that's why the sales person tried to persuade me to buy insoles, I refrained and am now paying the price with three bandages along my right foot.

GLAM + SPARKLES = ALICE + OLIVIA for MAC Cosmetics

Oooookay, because I've been getting free sample make-up pallets by Clinique, I've put off cosmetic shopping. However, when I was checking my email the other day, deleting all the unnecessary junk, the subject head of an email by MAC Cosmetics caught my eye: HIP + HAPPY = ALICE + OLIVE FOR MAC that is by far the most acceptable equation I will ever be happy to evaluate.

As you can tell by a couple posts down, I have become a mean fan of Alice + Olivia, I noticed their mention in FASHION magazine a couple issues ago. Needless to say, this line is quickly and steadily taking off. From the fashion industry to the make-up industry, Alice + Olivia is on one turbulent high.

The use of sequins in the clothing line, is transparent in the form of glitter, which is what makes the eye-Pigment, lipgloss and nail polish sparkle! Glam, hip, edgy and fun are all appropriate synonyms to describe Alice + Olivia.


I love dark eyeshadows, anything bold and eye popping, which is why this Partylicious shade is a new fav


Party lips kiss and never tell, which is why I'd pucker up with this shade of gloss called Dazzleglass Creme (first to the left)


& last, oh but definitely not least: a look isn't complete without the final touch of the fingertips. Right now, I'm rocking a tangerine nail colour but my go-to colour is, black (I know, what is up with me and this boring shade?) However, I'm down to be daring in this So Rich So Pretty purple lacquer!


*photo c/o of www.temptalia.com

Big things in small packages

I am all about compact things: compact make-up, compact phone (my BB is compact compared to the newer versions), compacts...in general, compact lipgloss (Payton's mom bought me three shades of mini lipgloss by Sephora - I take it with me everywhere) and compact laptop. I love carrying small, itty-bitty things, to keep my teeny arms from feeling like it's done 100 curls on the bus ride to downtown.

Greed - it's what turned this world into the blood sucking thing that it is, and pardon me - with all do respect, but I'd be arrogant to say I wasn't greedy when I now want an iPad. I already have a compact 11" laptop, but for some reason, the concept of this little pad that I can carry under my arm and decorate (according to Style Republic, Oscar de la Renta custom made 100 iPad clutches ... designer carry bags for an iPad?) has me screaming "I want one!!!" But first, I need the iPad. Style Republic also did a feature titled 'Technolo-Chic,' tips on fun and stylish products to keep your techno-gadgets looking sleek, on-the-go!

Now I'm pretty sure this lust will go away soon, but as for now (and for means of a blog post) here it is, the newest commodity the world of technology has to offer:


If for some reason I happen to pick one up, I couldn't possibly leave it bare, I made that mistake with my BB ... photo c/o Google Images

I think what makes me extremely excited about the thought of owning this is that I can carry it essentially everywhere! I can do last minute home work on the bus and as a soon-to-be editor of The Voice, I can stay up to date, efficiently and stylish-ly. I can get away with playing on apps and surfing the web instead of listening to my prof! Okay, I didn't mean the last one ... I always listen in class ... I swear. I'm sure just adding email and a data plan to my BB would suffice, but ... the iPad is just so pretty :) and I'm a sucker for pretty things.


iPad Clutch by: Oscar de la Renta $290, sometimes labels do matter. It also comes in white, marigold (yellow), and stone. photo c/o www.bagsnob.com


Compared to Oscar de la Renta's custom iPad 'envelope' this is priced at a thrifty $22 by Rogue Theory: iPad Techee, Yellow Wave | photo c/o www.etsy.com/shop/RogueTheory