sequins

Pastel Christmas Looks, 3 Ways

December 11, 2015December 11, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

Other than early summer, this time of year is my absolute favourite for outfits. Honestly, the month of December is the only time when sequins and glitter are considered acceptable attire, and though I generally pay no mind to “the rules” it does feel nice to float around in a sea of sparkly people (In fact, I call it “sparkle season”).

This year I found myself extremely drawn to rose gold, peach, faux fur and all thing bejewelled, so I decided to combine all of those things into 3 holiday party looks (aka. Pastel Christmas Looks, 3 Ways). Which one if your favourite?

Look 1: Shoptiques romper, ASOS pom pom flats, Mink Pink “Oh Deer” coat.
Look 2: Dahlia dress, Miu Miu flats, The Whitepepper Moon purse.
Look 3: Keepsake dress, vintage coat and shoes.

Dress Up

Boy Meets Gold

August 27, 2015August 25, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

I’ve mentioned this a few times in the past, but I’m finding it harder and harder to find clothing I actually like in person. For the most part I’m limited to online shopping, especially with my sparkly, over the top taste, and though it’s fun getting special packages delivered to my door I definitely miss the actual experience of shopping.

A few weeks ago Honey reached out to me, and intrigued to see what they had to offer, I headed up to Yorkdale Mall for a little pre-birthday shopping spree. As soon as I walked into the shop I felt right at home- there were sequin pieces and hot pink dresses, statement necklaces and lace skirts. I knew I had found my new happy place, and I promptly tried on half of the items in the store.

I went home with two tops and a dress, and though I’ll be showing off all 3 over the next few weeks, I figured I’d start with this incredible golden magic crop top. Paired with simple light-wash boyfriend jeans, booties, and my classic Hoi Bo bag, it makes for a pretty perfect Autumn outfit, don’t you think?

Top via Honey, Jeans by Rag and Bone, Purse by Hoi Bo, Booties from Topshop.

*Note: Some or all of the products featured in this post were given to me as a gift for review, but I only write about products and experiences that I genuinely adore, I promise!*

Dress Up

Sparkle in The Sunlight

July 17, 2015August 16, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

So the pictures pretty much speak for themselves in this one because this dress is ahhhhhmazing!

I’ve mentioned in the past that I’m not big on going out (specifically partying), but sparkly little dresses like this bronze and mesh number from Maccs are the kind of motivator that always gets me out the door. I just love dressing up, especially when sequins are involved, and though I don’t get to wear outfits like this two often, I really go all out when I do. Who ever said you can’t mix short and tight with high heels and a big sparkly necklace? Someone with way too many rules, that’s who.

What are you waiting for? Let’s party!

Dress via Maccs, Necklace via North, Strong and Chic, and Clutch via Pop Basic

Photos by Johanna Martin

*Note: Some or all of the items featured in this post were given to me as a gift from the maker, but I only write about products I genuinely adore, I promise!*

Dear Diary Dress Up I'll Follow You Anywhere

XO Bicyclette Holiday Photoshoot

December 23, 2014September 19, 2016 by Alyssa Garrison

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of playing dress up with the Bicyclette team for their final look book shoot. We got all dolled up in lace and sequins, and played around with tinsel, balloons and champagne while rocking out to Taylor Swift. It was an inspiring and magical day, and I can’t wait to be a part of whatever Paige dreams up next!

Reposted from my dear friends at Bicyclette:

“She’s an explorer, a daydreamer, and never turns down an excuse to wear flowers in her hair. She believes in magic, likes the challenge in finding the perfect dress, and always mixes her favourite vintage tee with a dash of delicate sequins. There’s no problem a swipe of lipstick can’t fix, and she’s always up for a midnight adventure.”

Our final holiday lookbook, ‘XO, Bicyclette’, is dedicated to all of our Bicyclette Girls who have made this adventure such a magical one. We wanted to capture the essence of our quintessential Bicyclette Girl, the dreamers with stars in their eyes and love in their hearts, and celebrate the end of this particular fairy tale. So with an abundance of star confetti, glittery balloons and party-perfect outfits that are begging to be taken for a spin on the dance floor, this one’s for everyone who has been along for the ride, thank you for inspiring us and making our dream a reality.

Photographer: Scarlet O’Neill
Hair/Makeup: Ashley Readings
Models: Emily, Ana and Alyssa
Assistant Stylists: Marjory McClean and Katelyn Comeau
Shoes: Heel Boy

Looking for more? XO, Bicyclette // Behind the Scenes

Dress Up

Mermaid Lagoon

July 4, 2014November 1, 2016 by Alyssa Garrison

A few weeks ago Paige from Bicyclette and I went on a big road trip to a very special spot to shoot some mermaid photos. We climbed cliffs in tight dresses and waded through icy cold water, but it was all worth it for this magical editorial!

Far across the sea tucked into a bay, there’s a magical grotto filled with treasure, turquoise waters and sequins. To the untrained eye it appears empty, a secret mystical spot that’s rarely explored, but if you wait till the sky turns pink and the sun starts to set, you’ll realize there is so much more to this tropical spot.

Even if you stay for weeks, you might only hear a whisper, or on occasion your eye will catch a lock of mint hair as it disappears behind a rock. They’re always careful not to be seen, but have no doubt, they’re here. They spend their days braiding each others hair, stringing pearls onto delicate necklaces to wear, and exploring the deep blue sea. With cheeks that gleam like opals in the midday sun, and glittering fingernails, they drape themselves in silks, pastel knits, and tulle.

They are mermaids, and this is their home: the Mermaid Lagoon.

Photos by Jason Matos