Club Monaco – Page 2

Dear Diary Dress Up I'll Follow You Anywhere

Finding Happy in Hamilton

March 20, 2017March 20, 2017 by Alyssa Garrison

I’ve made it pretty clear that I’m really all about travel right now, but that doesn’t mean “travel” has to be a luxury vacation on the other side of the continent.

One of my favourite places to go since moving to Toronto is actually a bit of a shock to some people – Hamilton. Despite its bad reputation amongst Toronto residents, I adore Hamilton. I love the quiet streets, the community feel, and the beautiful spaces that can only be created in a place with something we Torontonians lack – space.

I have a full-on city guide in the works for this special place, but since it’s a little too cold to wander around outside taking photos right now I’m going to hold off and just talk about the specifics of my Saturday visit a few weeks ago.

Though it’s only a short trip, Hamilton feels worlds away from Toronto when I need a break. Breakfast at Saint James Espresso, waterfall hikes with my good friend (and Hamilton resident) Rachelle, and the best vegan chocolate macaroons EVER at Green Bar are all staples, and then of course there’s Berkeley North.

I’ve heard about this new West Coast-inspired eatery from Hamilton and Toronto friends alike, so I was determined to visit during my one day stay. Honestly, it’s not often that I do a full restaurant review post, but this was one of the best dining experiences of my life. The space is cozy, the staff is next level friendly, and the food was honestly off the charts. They have seemingly endless vegan and vegetarian options, and even offer a foamy vegan sour on the cocktail menu!

By the time dessert came around we were totally stuffed, but we still couldn’t say no to the decadent vegan cheesecake. It was the perfect place for meat eaters and vegans alike to meet, and by the time we left we felt like family. If you have no other reason to take a day trip to Hamilton, this spot is reason enough – oh, and there’s a great wall for photos right across the street too!

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Dress Up

Stand Under my Umbrella

September 30, 2016September 30, 2016 by Alyssa Garrison

Whether you want it or not, Fall is on the way. I know, it’s sad to think of saying goodbye to the the sunshine, but I can’t help but feel semi-excited about pumpkin spice treats, hot tea, and Fall fashion!

Oh Fall fashion, you perfect amazing wardrobe transforming force. The scarves! The boots! The jackets! I’ve ranted again and again about how I despise the cold, but even I will admit that those few precious weeks of real, crisp Fall weather are total heaven. There’s nothing quite like the crunch of Autumn leaves under your loafers, or taking a new pair of wool tights out of the package to pair with your favourite long sleeve dress. Fall has always been a transformative time for me style-wise (I loved having a new look for the new school year), but one item that has remained steadfast every year since I was 16 years old was the trench coat.

As embarrassing as it is, I fell in love with Breakfast at Tiffany’s by way of Gossip Girl the summer I turned 16. Not the Gossip Girl TV show, that was much later, but the actual books! Blair loved Breakfast at Tiffany’s, so I loved Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and though my love affair with Gossip Girl faded shortly after, my love for Audrey Hepburn and her nameless cat never faltered. Anyway, that Fall way back when I saved up my back to school shopping budget and splurged on a classic beige trench from Aritzia. It reminded my of Audrey with her classic elegance, and I lived in it that Autumn (well actually, every single one after until the coat literally disintegrated.)

Seriously, it basically broke down into threads and pieces of fabric, but in all fairness I wore it nonstop for TEN YEARS! I knew I couldn’t stretch it another year, so when I turned 26 this year I went out to Club Monaco (the queen of classic chic) and picked out this perfect peachy number. It was weird to upgrade, but after searching for the perfect replacement for so long it felt like something I needed to do! Paired with platforms and a cute new romper, this outfit actually makes me super excited for Fall. How about you?

Trench and Onesie from Club Monaco, Platform Shoes by Miu Miu, Bag by Kate Spade, Umbrella from American Apparel, Hair clips via Eternally in Amber

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Dear Diary Party Time

My Night at the #CMmarket

May 17, 2016May 16, 2016 by Alyssa Garrison

I’m not sure what’s happening, but has anyone else noticed Club Monaco has been on point lately? Their melon and coral Spring colour scheme is truly wardrobe perfection, and don’t even get me started on the delicate accessories and ladylike frilly details. Even the menswear is what prince dreams are made of!

When the Club Monaco flagship on Bloor launched the #CMmarket last summer, a small gathering of local businesses in sweet stalls in front of the shop, I was totally smitten to say the least. You can imagine my glee when I was invited to the launch of this summer’s market! It was basically like a wedding with a talented live band, twinkle lights overhead, and a smattering of amazing treats and cocktails unlike any other. Highlights included fresh Sweet Woodruff floral arrangements, popsicle cocktails, and crazy good treats from Bake Shoppe (as always.)

Make sure you add this special little pocket of Bloor street to your must-see list this summer!