Queen West

Opal Hair

November 2, 2015November 2, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

I generally get creative with my hair on my own, but every once and awhile I partner up with a local salon and let someone new get crazy with pastel colours on my mane.

A few weeks ago I booked an appointment with Carolyn and Kelly, a cut-and-colour dream team operating out of Medulla and Co. on Queen West. Together we dreamed up a pastel oil slick colour look, which we later would rename opal hair. With hundreds of tiny strands of pink, purple, baby blue, this colour work basically glittered by the time the blow dry was finished.

The best part? This colour work faded so perfectly into a slight iridescent pastel effect on my ends with a perfect blonde root. Some might call it extra skilled work, but I’m choosing to call it opal magic…

What pastel hair should I try next?

Dress Up

A Hint of Leopard Print

November 12, 2014June 22, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

In a completely random twist of fate a few weeks back I somehow found myself at the Vans sample sale here in Toronto, and upon learning that all of the shoes just happened to be my size, I knew I’d been brought there for a reason.

Even though I’m usually not super into animal prints, I found myself inexplicably drawn to a pair of leopard print Vans, and after comparing them with a few other much more typically RAOP pairs, I decided to take them home.

As strange as it sounds, these loud slip ons have managed to breathe new life into my wardrobe, providing a much needed pop of texture and fun to otherwise ordinary outfits. Though they seemed like a strange purchase at the time, I’m so glad I “adopted” them into my pastel life. I guess you never know when or how you’re going to surprise yourself!

Coat and Sweater from Aritzia, Backpack by Golden Ponies, Jeans from Wildfox Couture, Sunglasses by Ray Ban, Shoes by Vans

Dress Up

Flashes of Delight

August 22, 2014June 22, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

It’s been confusingly chilly for the past couple of weeks, and I think I speak for almost everyone in Toronto when I say we’re not really sure how to dress anymore. Usually I’d be spending my August days cycling around in cute strapless dresses and gingham shorts, but all of those summer outfits have already been closeted in favour of warmer pieces.

To say I’m a little down about this strange weather is an understatement, but there has been one upside to this whole thing that really lifts my spirits: I can wear some of my new Fall clothing early!

A couple of months ago I had the pleasure of designing some custom items through Bow and Drape, a U.S.-based company where everything is handmade locally, and each piece is totally customizable! One of my favourite designs was the Geo Sweatshirt, a super soft textured cream sweater with gold zippers down the side. I dressed it up with some crystals and a little unicorn applique, and now thanks to the shift in temperature, I can start wearing it!

Shoes by Golden Ponies, Horse clutch by The Whitepepper, Sweater from Bow and Drape, Jeans from Garmentory, Sunglasses from Bicyclette

Dress Up

Local Love: Bicyclette

May 16, 2014July 28, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

Where do I even start with Bicyclette?

I have so much love for the ladies that run this whimsical little shop. A bright sparkling shop tucked away in a busy stretch of Queen West right by Trinity Bellwoods park, Bicyclette is a breath of fresh air in a city that’s so often much too dark and dingy.

Paige, the owner of Bicyclette, and her team of superstar staff redecorate the shop constantly, adding magical handmade touches each season to compliment the always adorable clothing. This past week the store was filled with cute little plants and bright coloured sunnies! Carrying some of my favourite brands like Wildfox and Ban.do, and a whole bunch of labels I’ve never seen anywhere else, this shop is by far my favourite place to play dress up!

Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Paige in real life, and together we came up with a bi-weekly blog series for the Bicyclette blog called Take Me Out. Basically I get to take clothing from her shop out on adventures around the city and blog about it (there’s a very sweet new post coming out today in fact, so keep your eyes peeled!) I’ve been a fan of the shop itself since I moved to Toronto six years ago, so its been extra lovely to get to know the woman behind the fairytale. Every time Paige posts on instagram or whips up a new blog post, I’m always swooning, and I feel so lucky to not only be a fan, but a friend now too.

Photography by Brianne Burnell