wildfox

What’s Your Flavour?

August 4, 2015August 4, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

No matter how long I’ve been away, it’s always such a treat when I get to visit Vancouver again. I’m always eager to try out new spots I’ve seen on Instagram or heard about from friends, but I also can’t help but return to special spots from my past again and again.

This last trip was no different- I tried the junky vegan goodness at Meet for the first time, sipped tasty cocktails on the patio at Wild Tale, and basically ordered everything on the menu at Tacofino. When everything new was crossed off of my list, I circled back to some of my go-to spots, like Sweet Bake Shop, Cartems, and Rain or Shine Ice Cream.

But of course a trip to my hometown wouldn’t be complete without a stop at one of my favourite childhood places, La Casa Gelato.

The fact that I’ve always loved this place says a lot about who I grew up to be. With over 500 flavours on site, this ice cream shop is massive, and the entire building and surrounding area is painted pink (including the parking lot and the building across the street!) In short, it’s always been high on my Vancouver must-see list, and in more recent years it has become my all-time favourite place to take photos and try tasty new flavours. This summer’s choice was Dragonfruit, and conveniently it matched my outfit!

Shoes from ASOS, Skirt via Style Check In, Top from Aritzia, Sunglasses from High Street Fashion Stores

Dress Up

A Hint of Mint

July 9, 2015July 8, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

After almost a year of waiting, by first ever trip to Mexico is finally here! When my cousin and his fiancé first announced their destination wedding location I’ll admit I was a little bit under enthused. I mean Mexico in July? And a resort with no towns or villages nearby to boot? But now that the week has arrived, I’m so excited to escape the city and spend some time with my family near the sea. Who knows what I might discover, right?

I’m heading to Vancouver for a few days of fun with my bestie before heading down to the land of margaritas and sunshine, and though I haven’t quite nailed down my packing priorities, this laid back tropical ensemble will most definitely be making the cut. After all, it doesn’t get much more laid-back vacation than a loose printed tank, acid wash shorts and sneakers!

Shorts Via Fox and Feather, Top via High Street Fashion Stores, Sunnies by Fellow Earthlings, Shoes from Topshop.

Photos by Paige Boersma

Dear Diary Party Time

RAOP Turns 2!

July 4, 2015July 6, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

I’d be lying if I didn’t say this “blogiversary” totally snuck up on me. RAOP has become such a part of everything I do that it’s sometimes strange to think there was a time when it didn’t exist. Just like a love that feels so right from the moment you find it, RAOP feels like it’s been part of me for a lifetime, even if the date stamps on my posts prove otherwise.

For two years I’ve poured my heart, soul, dreams, spare time, spending money, sweat, and sparkles into these pages, and though it was a slow start, these days I get back so much more than I ever could’ve imagined. In the past 6 months alone I’ve had the chance to work with some of my favourite brands and designers, my audience has almost doubled, and each morning I wake up, look around me and think “I am so lucky to have this life”. On top of getting to play dress up in pink outfits and eat sugary treats for a living, I also have the most amazing community behind me, both online and off, and the love and support I receive on a daily basis truly is beyond my wildest expectations.

I don’t have much time (I’m setting up a very special blog birthday party for this afternoon, so be sure to follow along on Instagram), but I guess what I really wanted to say is thank you. Thank you to all you dreamers out there who believe in what I do, who read my posts and comment on my photos, and who don’t think it’s unreasonable to live a bright, glittery life. Without you, none of this would exist, and my colourful world would be so much darker.

One last thing! I’ve been thinking for awhile how fun it would be if I could see all of your random acts of pastel out there in the world, and what better time to start than now? If you’re up for it, hashtag your pastel pics (on Instagram, Twitter, wherever!) with #randomactsofpastel and I promise I’ll find them, like them, and share my favourites on my feed!

Sweater by Wildfox via. High Street Fashion

Photos by Johanna Martin

Dress Up

Sunshine and Samantha Jones

May 25, 2015June 10, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

I’m not ashamed to admit I’m a massive fan of Sex and the City. Let’s be honest- when you’re a single woman living in an urban setting and you’re feeling confused and lost and crazy overwhelmed, there is nothing more comforting than a few hours spent with Charlotte, Miranda, Carrie, and Samantha. Yes, it’s just a TV show with fictional characters, but it’s smart, witty, and over the years it has helped me through numerous breakups, provided expert dating advice, and helped me justify my terrible spending habits (okay maybe that last one is more of a negative side effect…)

Though I love all four of the characters, Samantha has always been my favourite. Unapologetic, confident, and honest, I’ve been channelling her bold ways more and more as I get older, and I have to say it’s been a nice change of pace.

When I saw Clashist’s epic “Samantha Jones Powersuit” tee on Instagram I knew it had to be mine. What better summer essential than a pink t-shirt covered in Sam Jones? Paired with pastel jeans and bold sunnies, this might just be my new favourite warm weather go-to.

T-shirt by Clashist, sunnies N/A, white jeans by Wildfox, Sneakers by VANS, Necklace by Coco’s Frosting Shack

Dress Up

Dreaming of Spring

February 11, 2015June 10, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

I hate to admit it, but I’m really not a fan of winter at all. Sometimes I dare myself to dream of living in a place where it never snows and the temperature always stays above zero, but for now I’m trapped in Ontario, and boy does it ever get cold.

A few weeks ago there was a Sunday where the sun came out, the snow started to melt, and it was actually possible to stand outside without being bundled so strategically that you can barely move. Of course I got a little bit ahead of myself, and rushed outside to shoot photos in clothing that I’d been anxiously saving for Spring. This ripped jeans look that I posted the other day went first, and after realizing it was maybe still a bit chilly for just a t-shirt, I switched to an outfit that included my favourite little pink coat, white denim, and a little sparkle of rainbow.

P.S. Like my Maccs top? Check my Instagram post from last Friday to enter to win a $50 gift card to their online shop! All you have to do is follow @shopmaccs and RAOP, like the pic, and tag three friends before Friday morning!

Jacket from ASOS, Top by Maccs, Jeans by Wildfox, Shoes by Seychelles, Necklace N/A

Photos by Brianne Burnell