Vancouver

Home for the Holidays – A Pastel Guide to Vancouver!

January 22, 2018January 22, 2018 by Alyssa Garrison

There are without question many drawbacks to living so far from my hometown, but as I get older I start to discover more and more advantages too. Time with family is that much more special, I covet the mountains and ocean more than ever and every time I go home to visit I find the city transformed with new developments I couldn’t have dreamed of!

When I originally left Vancouver fresh out of high school I was bored by the slower pace, but now I soak up every moment of quiet I can while back in town. That said, you might even find Vancouver has got a leg up on Toronto in some departments, with spots like Virtuous Pie vegan pizza, the stupidly beautiful Botanist restaurant and SO many craft breweries! Check out my full list of favourites new and old here:

New Finds //

Nectar Juice
Botanist
Anh & Chi
Hey Kokomo
33 Acres
Besties (and Sunday! Cider)
The Bird and The Beet
Brassneck
The Good Spirit
The Alibi Room
Small Victory
Nightingale
Ask for Luigi
Four Winds Brewing
Andina
Kissa Tanto
Virtuous Pie
Rainbow Alley

Oldies But Goodies //

Moderne Burger
Me n Ed’s Pizza
La Casa Gelato
Butter Baked Goods
Medina Cafe
The Cross
49th Parallel

I'll Follow You Anywhere

The West Coast Bff Tour Vancouver Guide

December 10, 2014June 10, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

Paige and I have posted massive amounts about our adventures in California, but by the time we got to Vancouver to celebrate thanksgiving with my family we were so exhausted that we suddenly found it much harder to make time to take photos. I’m from Vancouver originally, so it was such a fun experience to show Paige all of my favourite places around the city, and I figured it only made sense to share those same picks with all of you too. From sweet bakeries to adorable independent boutiques, we’ve got every corner of the city covered!

Rosemary Rocksalt // Named for their most well-known flavour, this Montreal-style bagel shop is perfect for a quick lunch, or if you’re craving a bag of unbelievably fresh bagels to take home (or in our case, on the plane)

Cafe Medina // The best brunch in Vancouver, hands down! Make sure you try the lavender lattes, white chocolate pistachio rose hot cocoa, waffles with salted caramel sauce… okay no, just try everything!

49th Parallell and Lucky’s Donuts // What could be better than hot organic coffee and delicious donuts made fresh on-site? 49th Parallell is one of my favourite Vancouver coffee shops, and their Creme Brûlée donut is seriously life changing.

One of a Few // Located in Gastown, Vancouver’s super cute cobblestone neighbourhood, OOAF is one of my absolute favourite places to buy clothing. The carry brands like Base Range and Rachel Comey, and there’s always an unexpected treasure or two lurking in the racks.

Sweet Bake Shop // On top of having one of the prettiest Instagram accounts like, ever, Sweet Bake Shop offers a series of unbelievable macarons, cupcakes, and the cutest little cake themed housewares you ever did see. It’s tempting not to spend every day snacking in here whenever I visit Vancouver.

Beta 5 // A specialty chocolate shop with all sorts of amazing seasonal specials. Think layered desserts in a jar, mysterious cream puffs, gold flecked chocolate bars and chocolate terrariums complete with chocolate moss and plants!

The Cross // If you love Tocca, Rifle Paper Co., gold, stationary and or/sparkly things, this is the decor shop of your dreams. Filled with magical treasures and furniture fit for a queen, The Cross is a truly a gem.

Earnest Ice Cream // Artisan ice cream with seasonal flavours like “Pumpkin Pie” sold in pretty glass mason jars- need we say more?

Dress Up

All Pink All The Time

October 6, 2014June 22, 2015 by Alyssa Garrison

Wherever I go, no matter what I’m doing, I always have my eye out for great coloured walls. I know there are some great ones in L.A. and San Francisco, but when it comes to Toronto I’ve had a really hard time finding any spectacular colours.

A few days before heading to Vancouver, I suddenly remembered that one of my favourite childhood ice cream spots was not only painted pink itself, but the owners had also painted the parking lot and neighbouring building’s walls pink too! Visiting “La Casa Gelato” for some ice cream and an outfit post immediately shot to the top of my priority list, and I’m so glad my mom and I made the trek. I mean, could it get any more pastel perfect?!

Sunglasses from Bicyclette, Bracelets by Crown and Leaf, Booties from Topshop, Skirt by Party Skirts, Tank top from Aritzia, Coat from ASOS