Coco and Vera

Unconventionally Mean

2012-03-09T07:00:00.002-08:00

Last night, I talked to my dear (and sadly far away) high school best friend, Mila - after we covered the very important subject of an upsetting haircut she endured at the hands of a stylist-in-training, we moved on to a surprise. In the ten or so years that we've known each other, through four or more computers, Mila has saved all of the writing I've sent to her. And she sent it all back to me.

I recognised most of what I found in the folder almost immediately, but there were a few surprises; one was a transcript of a particularly awkward MSN Messanger conversation that I had with one of our male friends during first year university. It was ten pages of pure agony, and I knew from page one where the conversation would lead... By page three I was laughing so hard that I had tears in my eyes. My husband, probably concerned that I was having some kind of fit, started to read the dialogue over my shoulder.

Without paraphrasing too much - because my teenaged life really isn't that interesting to anyone other than me - I will say that it was when we came to the part of the conversation where I told my smitten friend that he could spill is guts about his absolutely unrequited crush on me because I wouldn't mention it when I saw him the next day, and then promptly emailed the entire conversation to Mila that Ian shook his head. "You were mean. Unconventionally mean!"

How true.

Sweater-H&M Dress-Aritzia Shoes-Rocket Dog

Happy Friday, my lovelies! I'd love to hear stories about what you were like as teenagers in the comments section!

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Bold Statement

2012-03-07T07:00:00.021-08:00

As much as I love pastels this season, I still feel my best - most like my true self - when I'm dressed in head-to-toe black. There are only so many variations on the black-on-black theme, and that's where accessories come in. I've been on the hunt for a beautiful statement necklace for ages, but I had the same problem that I so often do when I'm looking for a particular piece; I started shopping with a particular necklace already in mind, and was inevitably disappointed when it didn't exist outside of my imagination.

The obvious solution is just to start making my own clothes and jewelry. But since I have none of the neccessary skills (and in fact actually failed sewing in all of the years I was required to take it at school), I was thrilled to find my dream necklace at H&M. I've worn it practically every day since I bought it, with all of my favourite clothes, but it looks best against solid black.

Sweater-Aritzia Pants-J. Crew Shoes-Steve Madden Necklace-H&M

Happy Wednesday, my darlings!

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Macaron Colours

2012-03-05T07:00:00.039-08:00

I know I've already said this, but it's worth repeating - I am officially obsessed with pastels. My wardrobe seems to be taking cues from the macaron display case at Patisserie Laduree in Paris; the colours that have recently found their way into my closet could easily be called pistache, citron, petales de rose and vanille.

It could just be that my desire to escape to Paris is manifesting itself in an unusual new way... But whatever the explanation is, my outfits this spring are going to be very colourful indeed!

Blazer, Belt-Zara Tee-American Eagle Dress-H&M Shoes-Lela Rose for Payless Earrings-La Vie Parisienne

After a restful weekend spent mostly in front of the TV with NetFlix and certain members of my teddy bear collection keeping my company, I am officially on the mend - just in time to go back to work. C'est la vie, I guess.

Happy Monday, mes cheries!

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Sunday Surprise

2012-03-04T07:00:00.006-08:00

This week, I'm posting the sixth - and final - excerpt from the first chapter of my book! The working title is After the Shots. I'll be posting a chapter excerpt every Sunday in the upcoming months.

In case you missed last week, I'll give you a bit of background. After the Shots is the story of a young woman named Sophie who leads a double life- living as an average student in Paris, and moonlighting as far left political activist in the South West of France. The quiet life she leads in Paris is complicated when she meets an ex-boyfriend - and faces the risk of revealing herself completely in order to be with him.

I just have one favour to ask... if you like what you read, send out a tweet about it! The hashtag is #cvbook - thanks lovelies!

Chapter 1 - Part 6

Lauran clears his throat abruptly. “It’s getting late, Sophie.”

I turn my head and look out into the street. I’m almost surprised to seethat darkness has settled over Paris. It feels like we just sat down. “Oh?”

“I have to go.” Lauran stands up and begins to button his coat, leavingme no chance to protest. “My girlfriend will be waiting.”

My girlfriend. For one agonising second, my heart stops. Agirlfriend. I don’t know why that possibility never crossed my mind. Lauran issmart and handsome and unexpectedly witty, under the right circumstances. It’sonly natural that another woman would have seen that. Devastating, but natural.I reach for a cigarette. It’s a nervous tick, the same way that my anaia absently stabs thing when he isalone with his thoughts. I feel calmer when I have something to hold onto.

“Of course.” I have planned this too carefully to let one sentencederail everything. I never expected Lauran to open his arms to me after onecafé; hope he would, maybe, but never expected it. This will take time. Weeks,maybe even months. But I am not the sort of girl who shrinks away from achallenge. Lauran has a girlfriend now. That doesn’t mean he will forever.“But,” I light my Gauloise, filledwith false bravado, “I haven’t finished my story. Will I see you again nextweek?”

“Maybe,” Lauran shrugs. He drops a few Euros carelessly on the table andwalks off down the sidewalk.

Bellissima Giveaway Winner!

2012-03-03T07:00:00.016-08:00

And the winner (chosen by random.org) is...

Alison*Elle!

Check your inbox for an email from me about how to claim your prize!

Happy Saturday!

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La Playa

2012-03-02T07:00:00.003-08:00

I was supposed to going to a beach wedding this spring. I'm not really a beach girl - sand is messy, bikinis make me uncomfortable and, well, I could go on but I think you can all already see that I'm totally neurotic. But I was excited about finding the perfect beach wedding dress.

The wedding will now be taking place in Winnipeg, so I'll be wearing a dress from my already extensive collection - and probably a sweater. But if I were going to a beach wedding, this beautiful dress from Bellissima is exactly what I would want to wear - the colours caught my eye immediately. I just can't resist aqua this spring!

Dress-Borrowed from Bellissima Heels-J. Crew Bracelets-Aldo

I'm feeling a bit under the weather, so I'm planning to spend a very quiet weekend wrapped up in blankets with a stack of pillows and my browser open to vintage clothes on eBay :) Happy Friday, lovely ladies! Don't forget to enter my Bellissima Giveaway!

Oh, and the lovely Kate over at Petite Adventures featured me in her Style Profile this week - stop by and say hello!

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Marilyn Moment

2012-02-29T07:00:00.082-08:00

On Saturday, I met some of my lovely local blogger friends, and Jenna from Smitten, who was visiting from Edmonton, at Thierry for macarons, chocolat chaud and, of course, a good long chat about fashion blogging. It was an incredibly windy day out, which I didn't realise when I left the house... When we stopped to take some photos next to the Burberry store, I found myself having a real life Marilyn moment, holding my skirt down against the wind!

In unrelated, but still very exciting news, I've finally found an Android app like Instagram. For those of you who follow me on twitter, you've probably noticed a sudden increase in the number of photos I post... And there are many, many more to come! I feel like a little kid with an exciting new toy, snapping photos of everything.

With Alexandra, Matina, Leonie and Jenna

Coat, Sweater-H&M Tutu-NafNaf Boots-Aldo Purse-Rebecca Minkoff Necklace-Brideblu Earrings-La Vie Parisienne

{Photos by Alexandra}

Happy Wednesday, my darlings! Don't forget to enter my Bellissima giveaway!

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Pastel Princess

2012-02-27T07:00:00.003-08:00

The opening number in Funny Face always makes me laugh - "Think pink! Think pink! When you shop for summer clothes. Think pink! think pink! If you want that quel-que chose. Red is dead, blue is through, green's obscene, brown's taboo. And there is not the slightest excuse for plum or puce
—or chartreuse."

When the song ends, the magazine editor who championed the shade scoffs at the idea of wearing it, "Me? I wouldn't be caught dead." She's always reminded me a little of myself - I'm most comfortable and happy in black, season after season, no matter what shade is on the cover of magazines. But this season, I am officially in love with pastels. This aqua skirt from Zara had me at hello. I'm in love with all of Chanel's spring nailpolish shades - April, May and especially June. I can't wait to have a closet full of coral and mauve and yellow... If only the weather would catch up with me and get into spring, I would be one happy girl!

Sweater, Heels-J. Crew Skirt-Zara Bracelets-Aldo

Have a lovely Monday, my darlings! Don't forget to enter my Bellissima Giveaway!

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Sunday Surprise

2012-02-26T07:00:00.007-08:00

This week, I'm posting the fifth excerpt from my book! The working title is After the Shots. I'll be posting a chapter excerpt every Sunday in the upcoming months.

In case you missed last week, I'll give you a bit of background. After the Shots is the story of a young woman named Sophie who leads a double life- living as an average student in Paris, and moonlighting as far left political activist in the South West of France. The quiet life she leads in Paris is complicated when she meets an ex-boyfriend - and faces the risk of revealing herself completely in order to be with him.

I just have one favour to ask... if you like what you read, send out a tweet about it! The hashtag is #cvbook - thanks lovelies!

Chapter 1 - Part 5

My biological parents refused to call me Sophie; to them I was andalways would be Amaia. I spent my first summer with them when I was four. Theexperience perturbed me from the moment that I was dropped off in Bilbao. My aita smelled like gasoline and thestubble on his unshaven face scratched like sandpaper. He was rough when hecarried me, and insisted on carrying me even though I could walk. He took mefrom my guardian, an impartial civil servant charged with my safe transit overthe border, and packed me into the back of a windowless van where two strangemen held me still because there were no seatbelts, or even chairs. They talkedto each other in a language I couldn’t understand; the words sounded as thoughthey were spoken under water.

I had no idea where we were going, and could see nothing along the way.If I cried, I don’t remember- I suspect I was too shocked to react at all. Whenthe van finally stopped, the two men carried me out of the van by my arms andput me down on a dusty, unpaved road. There were small houses on either side ofit, once white, their faded paint chipped and floating away in the breeze likesnow falling backward. Some had broken windows; others were missing frontdoors, or their concrete steps had crumbled. “Mais, ç’est affreux,” I murmured, but neither man gave anyindication that they had heard me.

I let the strange men take me into one of the houses and leave me with askinny, shaky woman they called ama.She bathed me under an icy hose in the back yard, fastened my hair in plaits sotight that it felt like my scalp would rip in half and then left me alone inthe kitchen while she wandered the tiny house, silent and listless.

After that first traumaticafternoon, I remember only bits and pieces of my first summer in Euskal Herria.I learned to speak Euskara- I had no choice. I discovered that I had a brother.He turned six that August, and aitapresented him with a Browning 9mm pistol. We rarely played together. Thechildren in the small town were dirty-faced and shoeless, but it was they whogave me a wide berth. Ilari, my brother, was one of them, and did the same.

Apart from daily hosing in the yard,I was left largely to my own devices. I rarely saw my aita, and ama was, to putit gently, a little unhinged. She wandered the house all day in a pair ofmismatched pumps, only pausing her routine to prepare meals, and after I wasdressed, acted as though I wasn’t there. If I needed to be taken care of, likewhen I cut my hand on a throwing knife left on the living room floor – I stillhave the scar, see? – the two strange men from the van would appear as if by magic.There was no telephone to call them on- they just came to the door and whiskedme away. Balere and Remiri. I thought they must be my uncles.

Two bewildering months later, I wasdriven back to the airport in the back of the windowless van and grudginglyhanded over to a civil servant, who accompanied me across the border to Arnéguy.

It took time for me to adjust tolife in France- not just the first time, but every year after. I didn’t answerwhen people called me Sophie. I spoke Euskara instead of French. It seemed whenI finally got back into the routine of being Sophie Cassou, summer was justaround the corner and I had to become Amaia Sagastizabal again.

My childhood in Arnéguy is the only one I knew, but even if theexperience was the closest thing to normalcy I had, it was no picnic in thepark. When I started school, the children I had always played with began to actdifferently around me. They were all very, very kind- too kind; I was treatedlike a near-invalid until I was about ten. It was years before I found out thatFather Philippe, the so-called priest, had told the Sunday school children thatI went away every summer because I was sick, so they should keep me in theirprayers.

As far as Father Philippe is concerned, anyone who is not purely Frenchis diseased.

I don’t suppose I ever thought of being Euskadi as something that waswrong with me, but I never felt comfortable with it. In truth, by the time Iwas twelve, I never felt quite right anywhere. My classmates in Arnéguy hadlost interest in my alleged disease; they thought I was odd at best andoffensive at worst, mostly thanks to my brother Luc, who waged a personal andpublic assault on me for years, calling me Spic and worse. Aside from Margaux, agirl whose great crime was having an American mother, I was alone.

Margaux and I stuck together. For two social pariahs, our teen yearswere quite charmed. We gained a reputation as bad girls for smoking at lunchhour and took advantage of it, lipping off to teachers and enjoying the companyof boys in rebellious phases. Well, mostly Margaux. I only ever had oneadmirer, the decidedly dull Patrice Carbodel- the grocer’s son. And the extentof his efforts to win me over was to slide things down the back of my dress inchurch. He had the nerve to put a frog in there once! Naturally, FatherPhilippe attributed my screaming in the middle of mass to my, “culturalaffliction,” as he described it.

When I think back on the girl I was then, and the things she did- Ihardly feel like it was me. Once, in our French class, we had to choose aseries of adjectives to describe ourselves. My classmates chose nice, kind, generous, fun and smart almost exclusively. I wrote ambiguous, extraordinary, lovely, nervous and wild. As every time I spoke in class, a stunned, judgmental silencefollowed.

I’ve gotten off the subject. What I meant to say was that in spite ofthat, I had Margaux. But every summer, I had to leave her. And every summerwas…

Come one, come all!

2012-02-25T17:56:00.001-08:00

I'm so excited to officially announce the first ever Vancouver Fashion Blogger Clothing Sale - Saturday, March 17, 2012! I hope to see many of you - and your friends - there!

If you want to spread the word on twitter, the hashtag for this event is #vanbloggersale

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Giveaway: Bellissima!

2012-02-25T07:00:00.022-08:00

I've had a fabulous time collaborating with Bellissima. And perhaps the most exciting part of our collaboration is that my friends at Bellissima have generously offered a $100 giftcard for one of my readers!

This giveaway will run until Friday, March 2nd, and is open to British Columbia and Alberta readers only. The winner will be announced on Saturday, March 3rd. The winner can pick-up their giftcard at their local Bellissima store, or it can be sent by mail. The rules are simple...

1. Follow Coco and Vera on Blogger and/or Bloglovin'

2. Follow Bellissima on Bloglovin

3. Comment on this post to let me know you've followed. Please include your email address so I can get in touch with you if you win!

4: You can earn a second entry by following Bellissima and Coco and Vera on Twitter.

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Runway to Reality

2012-02-24T07:00:00.009-08:00

Last fall, I had a little Carrie Bradshaw moment when I got to sit in the front row at Vancouver Fashion Week during the Joseph Ribkoff SS2012 show. I fell in love with a black gown that reminded me of Dior's New Look suits from the 1950s. I had no idea I would ever have a chance to wear it myself... To say that this post if what fashion dreams are made of is an understatement.

When I visited Bellissima a few weeks ago, the Joseph Ribkoff dress of my dreams was waiting for me on the rack of gowns. The very kind and patient store manager, Gail, was nice enough to let me take it out for a spin for the afternoon... I didn't have any special to go, but as far as I'm concerned, a beautiful dress is it's own excuse. I would wear this one anytime, anywhere!

Dress-Joseph Ribkoff (borrowed from Bellissima) Heels-J. Crew Earrings-La Vie Parisienne Bracelets-Aldo

Happy Friday! I hope you all have weekend plans that involve pretty dresses!

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Even in Australia

2012-02-22T07:00:00.022-08:00

When I was little, one of my favourite books was Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Alexander went to bed with gum in his mouth and woke up with gum in his hair. There were prizes in every cereal box but the one he was eating from. And he teacher didn't appreciate his artistic genius when he drew an invisible castle.

The refrain of the book - it was a kids book, after all - was, "Some days are like that, even in Australia." I suppose that's probably true... But this week, I'm really tempted to run away from my life, anyway. Or maybe just go shopping and buy lots of things I can't afford! I'm sure that would help ;)

Sweater, Purse-H&M Jeans-BDG Boots-Sigerson Morrison for Target Earrings, Necklace-La Vie Parisienne Glasses-Chanel

Happy Wednesday, my lovelies! If you have time, stop by the Smashion Lounge to see my interview!

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Matinee

2012-02-20T07:00:00.001-08:00

This weekend, I took my BFFFFF out, and we used the birthday gift I gave him - two tickets to see Margaret Cho at the Vancouver Comedy Festival. Topher loves Margaret Cho, but I have to admit, I don't get a lot of her jokes... Mainly because they don't really sound like jokes to me. I'm never quite sure at what point I'm supposed to laugh, and when I do, the rest of the audience is usually dead silent.

Sigh.

We still had some lovely quality BFFFFF time, with sour berry cocktails and grapefruit margaritas (and only one broken glass!) But now, we're back to quantity BFFFFF time - another week in our lovely office. Mondays are definitely my least favourite day of the week.

Blouse-Madewell Dress-Asos Heels-Pour la Victoire Belt-J. Crew Earrings-La Vie Parisienne

Happy Monday, my darlings! I'm guest blogging for Bellissima today, I'd love it if you stopped by to say hello!

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Sunday Surprise

2012-02-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

This week, I'm posting the fourth excerpt from my book! The working title is After the Shots. I'll be posting a chapter excerpt every Sunday in the upcoming months. This week's excerpt is a short one, but I promise to follow it up with a long one next week.

In case you missed last week, I'll give you a bit of background. After the Shots is the story of a young woman named Sophie who leads a double life- living as an average student in Paris, and moonlighting as far left political activist in the South West of France. The quiet life she leads in Paris is complicated when she meets an ex-boyfriend - and faces the risk of revealing herself completely in order to be with him.

I just have one favour to ask... if you like what you read, send out a tweet about it! The hashtag is #cvbook - thanks lovelies!

Chapter 1 - Part 4

Lauran puts his coffee cup down on the table. A brown, foamy residuecovers the inner edges, but the cup is empty. I feel my stomach knot. Untilthis second I had managed not to think of how happy I was just to sit acrossthe table from him again. I’m terrified that he will stand up and leave thecafé without another word to me. Part of me knows that I probably deserve asmuch.

My heart bangs against my rib cage. I light another cigarette, desperatenot to show that my hands tremble and fumble when I strike the match. As Iinhale, Lauran raises his hand to signal our waiter- two more café noisettes.My sigh of relief is nearly audible. I think Lauran almost smiles before henods for me to continue, but I tell myself I must have imagined it; the highermy hopes fly, the further they have to fall.

Good Things Come in Pretty Packages

2012-02-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Just some pretty things that have shown up in my mailbox lately...

A twelve-days-of-Christmas gift from Bec

Pretty postcards from Club Monaco

A lovely bracelet in equally lovely packaging from JewelMint

Happy Saturday!

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Brighter than Sunshine

2012-02-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

I've been having serious New York Fashion Week envy lately... But since I can't be on the streets of Manhattan, dressed to the nines and hopping from party to party, I'm concentrating on all of the exciting things that are happening in my life. My big closet clean-out, for example.

I know that doesn't sound exciting, but I've been doing it because we Vancouver fashion bloggers are hosting a clothing sale at the Waldorf Hotel on March 17th! Pencil us in... and if you have a company that would be interested in collaborating with the Vancouver fashion blogger clothing sale, let me know! We're accepting sponsors and donations, but most of all, we want to share great things from Vancouver with stylish women in Vancouver! Plus we'll all be on facebook, twitter, pinterest, instagram and our blogs talking about it, so it's a great chance to get your brand out there.

Blouse-Style Sofia Skirt-Aritzia Shoes-J. Crew Earrings-Gudule (Paris) Glasses-Chanel

Happy Friday, my darlings! I am so ready for my two days of rest... And for my hair appointment tomorrow. My roots have been looking decidedly unfashionable lately. Bisous!

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Love, Love, Love

2012-02-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

Happy belated Valentine's Day, my darlings! I hope you all enjoyed a day filled with love, happiness and lots of chocolate yesterday. And if your day wasn't as much fun as you had hoped, the good news is that all of those red-and-pink-wrapped chocolates are on sale today - time to indulge! I know I will be.

I'm in the process of putting together an FAQ section to add to the Meet Cee page on my blog, and I'm curious... What questions do you all want to see answered in a Coco and Vera FAQ? I can't wait to hear your feedback.

Blazer-Zara Blouse-Aritzia Jeans-Hudson Heels, Bracelets-Aldo Clutch-eBay Earrings-Accessorize Hairband-J. Crew

Happy Wednesday, lovely ladies!

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Pretty Baubles and Pretty Girls

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

All you really need in life are good friends and good jewelry. I love fashion, but clothes come second to jewelry for me - a beautiful bracelet can elevate a t-shirt and jeans to high fashion. When I read about JewelMint in InStyle magazine, I fell in love with the concept of mail order jewelry. Every month, JewelMint releases a new collection of jewelry, and selections are curated based on your personal taste. I've been counting the minutes until they started offering shipping to Canada and now... the wait is over!

My friends at JewelMint sent me the gorgeous Huston Heritage bracelet and it was love at first site. But I dutifully kept it in the box for a special occasion... The first blogger meet-up of 2012, which I hosted yesterday. It was so much fun to catch up with my favourite bloggers again, and meet some new girls, too.

Pretty thing are always more fun when you can share them. And I'm so excited to be able to share JewelMint with all of you... As a little gift from the Vancouver MBA Team (and me!) to you, enter winter1012 at checkout for 50% off your first month of JewelMint. I'm sure you'll all love it as much as I do!

My beautiful Huston Heritage Bracelet, from my friends at JewelMint

With Randa, Leonie, Veronika, Alison and Alicia

Dress, Skirt-Club Monaco Sweater-Aritzia Belt, Boots-Zara Earrings-La Vie Parisienne Bracelet-c/o Jewelmint

Happy Monday, my darlings!

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Sunday Surprise

2012-02-12T07:00:00.001-08:00

This week, I'm posting the third excerpt from my book! The working title is After the Shots. I'll be posting a chapter excerpt every Sunday in the upcoming months.

In case you missed last week, I'll give you a bit of background. After the Shots is the story of a young woman named Sophie who leads a double life- living as an average student in Paris, and moonlighting as far left political activist in the South West of France. The quiet life she leads in Paris is complicated when she meets an ex-boyfriend - and faces the risk of revealing herself completely in order to be with him.

I just have one favour to ask... if you like what you read, send out a tweet about it! The hashtag is #cvbook - thanks lovelies!

Chapter 1 - Part 3

Of course I’ve told you all of this before, but I’m sure you’ve blockedit out, and I hardly blame you for it; I would have done the same. I was bornpremature and dangerously underweight to a frail young girl with two blackeyes. She named me Amaia. The hospital kept me in an incubator while my weightwas slowly brought to a normal level. They were on the point of releasing mewhen my aita charged the emergencywaiting room, armed with a Kalashnikov, demanding my immediate release, asthough I were a political prisoner, not just a sickly baby.

It was at that point that the Spanish Social Services intervened.

This sounds farfetched, I know. I have a hard time picturing the scenemyself, a mad man in a white mask and beret storming a hospital with a Russiansemi-automatic to demand a baby. It’s easier if you think of it as a comicbook, frame by frame in garish ink with clipped dialogue. You can almost see itnow, can’t you? The characters throw telegraphing punches, rebound off eachother’s fists with sounds like whizz andbiff.

I try to imagine it that way myself. It makes it easier to stomach,somehow.

I was too young to be placed in foster care, so I lived the first tenmonths of my life at Hospital Civil de Basurto. I was just shy of my firstbirthday when I was adopted by a couple from a border town in South WesternFrance.

They were Ghislaine and Vincent Cassou, the couple I called maman andpapa when we first met. They had a four-year-old son, Luc, and sevenmiscarriages after him. Docteur Lafitte had told Ghislaine in no uncertainterms that she would die if she tried to conceive again. I came home to Arnéguyjust before Christmas in 1987.

I will never know if maman and papa planned to tell me I was adopted.The point was rendered moot when my biological parents, and their legal counsel,descended on Arnéguy the following year. After all was said and done, we rarelydiscussed my unusually chaotic entrance into the world. If anything, maman andpapa went out of their way to avoid the subject.

Maybe you’re old enough to remember the court case, I don’t know. Maybeyou were sheltered from it, living on the west side of town. I was too young toknow what was happening, but my earliest memories are of flashbulbs and beingcarried above crowds. It went on for more than two years. The media set-up a camp,made their own shanty town of new trucks just outside of the town limits. A fewof them- you might remember Julien Durand, the little man with the notepad? –never left, even after the judgement was handed down.

The verdict shocked Arnéguy, and the rest of France as well. The judgefound in favour of neither family. There were errors of procedure rampantthroughout the case, although when I read through the documents a few yearsago, none of it made sense to me. All I could tell for certain was that theSpanish Social Services had assigned a professionally derelict old man tohandle my adoption, and his ability to complete required paperwork was onlyslightly superior to that of a houseplant charged with the same task. There wasexactly one sheet of paper that could prove my adoption by the Cassou familywas legitimate. And it was a photocopy. I was allowed to stay with them in Arnéguybecause in spite of that, there was ample proof that I had thrived under theircare.

But my biological parents were not cut out, either. The judge decreedthat although I was to be raised and educated in Arnéguy as a French citizen, Iwould spend the summers in Basque Country, learning the language and culture ofmy birth family.

Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner!

2012-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

And the winner (chosen by random.org) is...

Jessica Gitler!

Shabby Apple will contact you by email to get your beautiful Spanish Steps dress to you.

To all of my lovely Western Canadian readers, I have an exciting giveaway coming up for you very soon! Happy Saturday!

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Arty

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

There have been a lot of changes in my life in the past few months - many of which are really exciting, and that I can't wait to share. But one was very unexpected, and while in the long term it's for the best, in the short term, it has resulted in my clothing budget taking a nosedive.

When I actually sat down and added up how much I spent on clothes last year, I was a bit embarrassed. With a strict budget of $300 a month starting January 1, 2012, I've been forced to be a lot more creative with my existing wardrobe to make up for the fact that I can't afford as many new things anymore. My new budget constraints have always made me rethink some of the items on my wishlist. I've wanted a YSL arty ring for ages, but in the end, I settled for the Romwe version - which, at $18, cost only one tenth what the real thing would have.

Maybe there's a smart shopper in me somewhere, after all!

Coat-Vintage Sweater-J. Crew Skirt-Club Monaco Boots-Aldo Gloves-Le Chateau Ring-Romwe

I'm getting ready for a blogger meet-up this weekend - I can't wait to see all of my favourite local fashionistas together for the first time this year! Happy Friday!

And don't forget to enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway! The winner will be announced tomorrow!

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Reflecting Pool

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

A little sun goes a long way. I spent practically all of last weekend outside, just taking in the blue sky. After weeks of rainy Saturdays, it was almost novel to be able to spend time outdoors and be dry at the same time. Ian and I took a walk around downtown on Saturday afternoon before making our way to Topher's for a movie night. On our wander, we stumbled upon an outdoor art exhibit behind the Shangri-La Hotel. I don't know much about art, but I know a great backdrop for outfit photos when I see one... This was just too good to miss!

Sweater-Aritzia Jeans-J. Brand Boots-Aldo Purse-Louis Vuitton Earrings-La Vie Parisienne

My work week has been surprisingly low stress this far, and I am relishing every second of it. Ian has been busy in the kitchen - there are homemade croissants rising as I type. I never get tired of being married to a man who bakes! Happy Wednesday, darlings.

Don't forget to enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway!

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Cherry Boots

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

The last time I was in Seattle, I walked into Madewell and my eyes locked on a pair of cherry- coloured ankle boots. They were way out of my price range and, in spite of being my size, were somehow too big... but I couldn't make myself leave the store without them.

This all happened months ago. And yet these beautiful boots have never made an appearance on my blog because in addition to the fact that they don't fit my feet well, they don't fit well with my wardrobe. To say I've struggled with how to style them is putting it mildly. But when I woke up on Saturday morning, the sun was shining... And I decided it was time, for better or worse, to give my cherry boots their debut.

Are there any pieces in your wardrobe that you love, but struggle to style?

Sweater-Old Navy Skirt-Zara Boots-Madewell Hat-H&M Earrings-La Vie Parisienne

Happy Monday, my darlings! I hope the weather is beautiful where you are.

Don't forget to enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway!

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Sunday Surprise

2012-02-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm posting the second excerpt from my book! The working title is After the Shots. I'll be posting a chapter excerpt every Sunday in the upcoming months.

In case you missed last week, I'll give you a bit of background. After the Shots is the story of a young woman named Sophie who leads a double life- living as an average student in Paris, and moonlighting as far left political activist in the South West of France. The quiet life she leads in Paris is complicated when she meets an ex-boyfriend - and faces the risk of revealing herself completely in order to be with him.

I just have one favour to ask... if you like what you read, send out a tweet about it! The hashtag is #cvbook - thanks lovelies!

Chapter 1 - Part 2

Lauran and I walk in silence, sideby side. My old instincts tell me to reach for his hand, but I hold back,clench my fist so that my nails dig half-moon shaped indents into my palms. Myhigh heeled footsteps echo off the walls of the empty hallway. I’m grateful forthe sound of blaring car horns and barking dogs when we step out of La Sorbonneinto the cobbled street. When there are no words, Paris never fails to fill thesilence.

I send a message to my brother tolet him know I’ll be late coming home. It’s still strange, at times, to realisethat he worries about me. So much as changed since we were squabbling siblingsin our little town, a sports star and his ill-behaved adopted sister.

Without discussion, we both turn in the direction of Café des Éditeurs. Starbucks is closer,but I feel traitorous whenever I order a coffee topped with whipped cream.The streets are faintly wet with rain, but the sky is dry. I notice the detailsbecause I am concentrating so hard on holding all of the words I want to sayinside of me. They are on the tip of my tongue in a jumbled mass, and threatento spill out of my mouth at any second. I have planned this so carefully. Ican’t let myself ruin it when I am ten steps away from success.

In spite of the chill in the air, we choose a table outside, under theheavy red awning. I order café noisette; Lauran signals to the waiter that hewill have the same. While we wait for our coffee, I slip my box of Gauloises from my purse and offer one toLauran. He shakes his head, still silent, stubborn. “Suit yourself,” I shrug- Iknow he smokes- and light one for myself. I relax as I inhale, and the collarof my sweater slips again.

Lauran shudders as it slides, a second before my scar is actuallyvisible. “What happened to you?”

I take a slow drag on my cigarette before I respond. There is a shortanswer and a long one. If I give the short answer – I was shot – he will standup and walk away before his coffee arrives. “That happens near the end of thestory,” I smile, maybe a bit coyly. “I’m going to start at the beginning.”

“Deux café noisettes,” our waiter announces, obtrusively slamming outcups down on the wooden tabletop.

“How long is this story?” Lauran wants to know… But he asks gently, inEuskara, and I can see him studying the shatter marks near my left shoulder. Ican see that he remembers the way it looked when he used to know each other,before the scar. And maybe, just maybe, that it makes him sad to remember.

I slip my sweater back over my shoulder to cover the scar. I know that Ihave a chance now… And if I say the words right, they might be enough to makehim forgive me. “It starts just outside of Bilbao, in Spain, in 1986. That’swhere I was born…”

Giveaway: Shabby Apple

2012-02-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

I've had European destinations on my mind lately - and pretty dresses, of course, but that's nothing new. So... I couldn't be more thrilled that my friends at Shabby Apple have offered to give one of my darling US readers their Spanish Steps dress. Shabby Apple is known for their collection of unique, vintage-inspired womens dresses. The Spanish Steps is a sweet and feminine dress with a bow waist lovely detail on the skirt; perfect for the spring weather we're all so anxious to see!

This giveaway will run until Friday, February 10th, and is open to US readers only. The winner will be announced on Saturday, February 11th - just in time for Valentine's day! The rules are simple...

1. Like Shabby Apple on Facebook

2. Follow Coco and Vera on Blogger and/or Bloglovin'

3. Comment on this post to let me know you've followed. Please include your email address so I can get in touch with you if you win!

4: You can earn a second entry by following Shabby Apple and Coco and Vera on Twitter.

Good luck!

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Limoncello

2012-02-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

If you had told me - well, ever, that one of the most-often-worn pieces on my wardrobe would someday be a lemon yellow pleated tea-length skirt, I would have laughed. Probably for longer than was strictly polite. My favourite colours, ranked in order, were always purple, blue, red, pink... yellow fell at the bottom of the list, just above brown. [But only just. I'm actually a pretty big fan of brown.]

But this little lemon number from Club Monaco just somehow matches everything perfectly. [I mean that. I've worn it with purple.] And slipping on a bright skirt is without a doubt the easiest way to brighten up a dreary Vancouver day!

Coat, Dress (as top)-H&M Skirt-Club Monaco Shoes-Pour la Victoire Bracelet-Fortune

Happy Friday, mes cheres!

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Croissant aux amandes

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

On Saturday morning, I met up with my lovely blog friend Alexandra for breakfast at Thierry Chocolates. We were obviously long overdue for a chat, because we stayed long after we had polished off our pastries - two very photogenic macarons and a delectable, but messy, almond croissant - talking about life, blogging, fashion and, bien sur, la France. It's shocking to think that our blogs brought us together almost a year ago; the time since our first blogger meet-up at Central Bistro has flown by!

It was an early morning, and the weather outside was wet and dreary, so I opted for a casual weekend ensemble... Which included, for the first time ever, coloured denim! I just bought these bordeaux-coloured BDG jeans and I have to say, I think I may be in love.

Cranberry and chestnut macarons

My almond croissant... There were crumbs everywhere, but it was worth it!

I was so inspired by Alexandra's gorgeous layered look that I tried to recreate it with pieces from my own closet.

Coat-H&M Scarf-Romwe Sweater-Aritzia Jeans-BDG Boots-Frye Purse-Rebecca Minkoff Earrings-Accessorize

Photos by Alexandra

Happy Wednesday, lovely ladies!

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Inspired by Alexandra

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

I'm not exactly a champion of dressing for the weather, but the cold and rain have forced my hand - you can't fake being warm, I've learned over and over [and over.]

My lovely friend Alexandra has been putting together all kinds of enviable layered looks this winter. When we met for breakfast at Thierry Chocolates this weekend, she was wearing a beautiful silk dress with endless layers of gorgeous pieces piled on top. [Photos of our outing are coming later this week.] After I finished pondering how my croissant could possibly be so good, that warm but stylish ensemble got me to thinking about how I could create similar layers with pieces in my own closet. I pulled this look togther for a quiet Sunday walk. And for once, I didn't freeze! Amazing.

Sweater, Dress-Aritzia Scarf-Gift from Nicole Boots-Aldo Purse-Rebecca Minkoff Earrings-La Vie Parisienne Ring-c/o Social Experiment

Happy Monday, my loves!

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Sunday Surprise

2012-01-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

Finally, the moment that at least some of you have been waiting for... The first excerpt from my book! The working title is After the Shots. I'll be posting a chapter excerpt every Sunday in the upcoming months.

Before I start, I'll give you a bit of background. After the Shots is the story of a young woman named Sophie who leads a double life- living as an average student in Paris, and moonlighting as far left political activist in the South West of France. The quiet life she leads in Paris is complicated when she meets an ex-boyfriend - and faces the risk of revealing herself completely in order to be with him.

I just have one favour to ask... if you like what you read, send out a tweet about it! The hashtag is #cvbook - thanks lovelies!

xox,

Cee

Chapter 1

Today is the day. I’ve decided. Histheory that Euskara holds the key to Proto-Indo-European has been viciouslyrefuted by our linguistics professor. He is angry and ashamed; gathers histhings hastily when the lecture ends. The timing, his mood… I couldn’t haveplanned the scene more perfectly.

When I see him leave the lecturehall, I hurry out in the opposite direction, taking the back door. In thecorridor, I spot him immediately; he strides toward me with his head down, athick textbook tucked under his left arm. I rush towards him, my posture squareand determined. We collide in ten paces, shoulder against shoulder. He dropshis textbook, the same way I did all of those years ago in the school hallway,and the look of surprise, of embarrassment on his face when it hits the groundsends my memory hurtling back to our first chance encounter.

I was fifteen. I’m older now, andmore self-assured, but when I stand so near to him, I still feel my heart knockagainst my rib cage like it’s trying to escape.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbles, flustered,eyes on the ground. We both bend down, but I’m faster. I reach the book first,and hold it back. I’ve played this scene over in my head a thousand times, atleast once every day since the first time I lived it. I know every beat, evenin reverse. “Da ados,” I tell himgently in Euskara. “That’s okay.”

“Sentitzendut,” he repeats himself in Euskara, still more flustered and confused. Hereaches again for the book. I pull it further out of his grasp and he looks upat me, finally, pleading. Lauran Echeverria. He still has the bluest eyes I’veever seen. “Sophie?”

“I want to talk to you.”

He shakes his head firmly, no. “Ineed that book back.” He speaks the words deliberately, in French.

“All I am asking is one kafea,” I tell him in Euskara, my voiceequally measured. “There are things I need to say to you. If you want to leaveafter one cup, that’s your choice. I won’t hold it against you.” I extend myhand to pick up his book, and the cowl neck on my sweater falls forward toreveal the scar on my chest. Lauran’s eyes widen. He swallows. I can see hisdetermination waiver. “One coffee,” I repeated. “Please.”

“Just one.”

A Girl's Best Friend

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Diamonds, naturally. I've always been a yellow-gold-and-gemstones kind of girl, but I couldn't resist when the lovely people at Anjolee offered to send me a white gold band from their collection of diamond wedding ring styles, I couldn't resist.

I wear my own bridal set every day - my fingers feel naked without them! - but I find that being tied to a set of rings makes me covet different ring styles even more. Maybe it's because they're somehow forbidden...? I can't pretend to explain the psychology of it, all I know is that when I was browsing through the selection of anniversary rings and gemstone rings on the Anjolee website, I was drooling. I highly recommend it to all of my jewelry obsessed readers.

Sweater-Kensie Blouse-Club Monaco Jeans-Asos Shoes-J. Crew Ring-c/o Anjolee Earrings-Blue Ruby

It's been raining buckets in Vancouver, hence the indoor photos. The sun finally came out yesterday and it was glorious... Finger crossed that it sticks around for my BFFFFF's birthday tomorrow! Happy Friday, lovelies!

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Guest Post - Tee

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies,

The weather in Vancouver has been miserable, which has seriously impeded my outfit photos... Luckily, my BFFFFF, Topher - the Tee to my Cee - has stepped up with a guest post about his take on high heels. And this is a man with experience! Enjoy!

xox,

Cee

Hello Grrrls! It issuch an honor to introduce myself to you all. I have been following C&Vever since its inception and am amazed to see people from all around the world,support my BFFFFF and her passion. But enough with the pleasantries, let’sget down to business. HEELS, yeah!

I know you’rethinking, what could this Tee character possibly know about wearing high heels?One, I’m gay. And two, I can strut, run, dance, leap (I do mean split) and Ican do it even better with broken heels! I have been doing drag since… when wasit Cee? Elementary school! Heels are incredibly sexy. I won’t lie, if it weresocially acceptable, I’d be strutting around in a pair of hooker heels rightnow! They’re magical. They have the power to make and break any outfit. And theymake your legs look longer, thinner and SEXier. That’s why it absolutely painsme to see women who do not know how to properly buy, and wear, a good pair ofheels.

Guess which pair belongs to Tee...?!

I remember shoppingfor my first pair of high heels. I was playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray.I had always taken to character roles, but this time had to be special. Thistime I had to give my best performance (outside a bedroom) because it was alsomy last performance before saying goodbye to the limelight and moving behindthe scenes permanently. So my mother and I, pre-coming out, went to the backroom of the local transsexual store and bought size 14W cherry red heels thatmatched my sequin gown perfectly. I was a hit! I was incredible! People to thisday say I far outshone the Ednas of stage and screen. And the most commonlyasked question I get is still, “How did you dance in those shoes?”

It wasn’t easy. Heelstake work! That’s my answer… aside from being awesome. I walked around onthe balls of my feet for hours and did more crunches than Zac Efron when hefirst started taking his shirt off on camera. I broke those heels in so muchthat I still walk with a strut.

So the next timeyou’re shopping for a hot set of heels, remember these tips;

Have your feet properly measured. I’m talking length- and width-wise. A good department store has all the tools you need for this.
Get the appropriate size heel for your feet and body type. Ankle straps make your legs look thicker. T-straps make your legs look shorter. Round toes make your feet look narrower. Pointed toes make your legs look longer. Think about it. You want to put your sexiest self forward.
Do not purchase heels that kill your feet within the first minute.

And the mostimportant of all…

If you cannot even walk in any semblance of a straight line, then you have the wrong shoes on your feet and are about to waste your money.

Stores are filledwith minimum wage workers whose job is to make sure your shoes fit. At somestores…if you’re not easily offended, they’ll even make sure you don’t walk outof that store with hideous footwear! All you have to do is ask! Still, womenwalk the streets, ankles wobbling and end up barefoot on the dance floor. As apersonal favor, the next time you’re looking in the store window, drooling atthe sight of the perfect heels to wear with your outfit later that night, justtake a moment to ponder, “What is [insert sassy gay friend here] going tothink about these shoes?” Because grrrls, if you fall as you’re wearing thewrong shoes I will laugh at you, and I will take pictures to remind you thenext, and every, time you think about putting on a pair of heels that you cannot work like a gay man!

xox,

Tee

A Lesson in Creativity

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Lately, all of my shopping has been taking place in my own closet. It really is amazing to think how many untested outfit combinations hang on those silver bars... Some days, it's genuinely satisfying to create something new out of several old things. Other days, it's unbearably frustrating not to be able just to charge a brand new outfit on my credit card. Fashion blogger problems.

Since I started shopping my closet this month, I've rediscovered some old favourites. In particular, I've fallen back in love with my Sigerson Morrison for Target booties. I bought them on eBay almost four years ago, when I lived in Winnipeg. They're suede, and I was so afraid to ruin them in the snow that I barely wore them. In the past month, they've become my first choice shoes - they add a pop to even the most plain outfit.

Blouse-Madewell Skirt-Club Monaco Boots-Sigerson Morrison for Target Earrings-La Vie Parisienne

Happy Monday, my loves!

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Yes, Please

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

I had a series of Best Friends necklaces when I was a preteen; hearts split down the middle with the words Forever inscribed on the cheap metal. [The most memorable in my collection was a pair of martians that linked arms - very stylish.] But no matter how innocent the intentions, the necklaces never lasted - one half got lost or, worse, stopped being worn after a bitter disagreement. It wasn't much fun being a twelve-year-old girl, at least as I remember it.

Apart from having bills to pay, I have no complaints about being an adult. In fact, one of my favourite grown-up things is the friendships - they're genuine and melodrama free! And, occasionally, come with pretty friendship jewelry, too. My blog BFF, Bec, sent me a Oui ring for Christmas. She wears a matching one. The idea is that they will remind us to say yes to things we really want in life, even if they are expensive or impractical. After all, life is short.

Blouse, Shorts-Club Monaco Boots-Aldo Scarf-Street Vendor Earrings-Alexis Bittar Bracelet-Lauren Elan & Denj Ring-From Bec

Happy Friday, dolls!

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Charade

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

This outfit was inspired by Audrey Hepburn in Charade, which I have watched at least three times in the last month. Black and yellow is a combination I've always shied away from, out of an (obviously irrational) fear of looking like a bee. When I saw Audrey sporting a mustard coloured coat with all black, I knew I had to recreate a similiar style with pieces from my own wardrobe... Sadly, it was extremely windy out when we took these photos, so I wound up feeling much more like Winnie-the-Pooh on a very blustery day than Audrey's Regina Lampert.

It probably goes without saying, but I'm most definitely counting down the days until spring!

Blazer-Zara Dress-Banana Republic Shoes-Vintage Salvatore Ferragamo Gloves-Le Chateau Clutch-J. Crew Bracelets-Aldo

Happy Wednesday, my loves! Thank-you so much for all of your denim tips, I feel like a much more informed shopper now.

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Les Jeans

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

I learned a lot about myself and my style in my year without denim, and what I now know for sure is this: I am a jeans girl. I love twirly skirts and pretty dresses, but I'll always feel most at home in the perfect pair of skinnies. In my year without them, I felt like an integral part of my wardrobe was missing, and I'm slowly restoring a balance of skirts and skinnies. This gray pair from Asos was my first post-holiday purchase, and I've practically lived in them since they arrived.

After a year away from the world of denim, I'm feeling very out of touch with brands and styles. I'd love it if you all shared your favourite brands and styles of jeans with me in the comments section! I need all the help I can get.

Blazer-Urban Outfitters Jeans-Asos Scarf-Romwe Heels-Steve Madden - Glasses-Chanel

Happy Monday, lovely ladies!

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Just Say Oui

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been asking myself what I want more than anything else in the world. I don't mean what pair of shoes, or what designer purse [although the answers to those two questions are Christian Louboutin's simple pumps in black and a Chanel classic flap handbag, respectively.] I mean what I want to do with my life... what I want to get out of my life.

The answers are deceptively simple. It's the how that's a bit more complex. But I've reached a point in my life when I don't feel like I can wait for a better time. There are always a thousand reasons not to take a leap - but all you need is one reason to take it.

A belated Christmas gift from my dear friend Bec arrived yesterday, and in the package was a beautiful little reminder to say yes to more things we really want to do. It's a philosophy I've really embraced in my life this year, and I can't think of a more perfect treasure to commemorate it. What do you want to say oui to this year?

Dress, Clutch-Club Monaco Heels-Steve Madden Earrings-Accessorize

Happy Friday, my darlings!

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Twirl

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

"What's life without whimsy?" my favourite television character, Doctor Sheldon Cooper, often asks.

I'm naturally a very rigid, routine-driven person - I even have a special spot on the couch, just like Doctor Cooper. But I've been making a concerted effort to embrace simple whimsy and spontaneity in my every day life. And that extends to my clothes, which should explain how I came to decision that I should pair my (backwards!) tutu with a plaid shirt. I have to admit, this outfit did make me feel like twirling... You can see the evidence if you scroll down!

Blouse-Hollister Tutu- NafNaf Heels, Bracelets-Aldo Glasses-Chanel

Happy Wednesday, lovely ladies!

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Good Things Come in Nordstrom Boxes

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

At least, this sweater did. It was waiting for me under the tree on Christmas morning, wrapped in white and gold paper, tucked inside a telltale silver gift box. I've worn it an almost embarrassing number of times since, including Christmas day and New Year's Eve. It works with everything - skinnies, minis and, my personal favourite, denim cut-offs. [I'm counting the days until it's warm enough for that combination.]

Oh, and did I mention that it's comfortable enough to be a pajama top? Yep. Best sweater ever.

Hat-Zadig et Voltaire Sweater-Marc by Marc Jacobs Skirt-Wilfred Boots-Aldo Earrings-Anthropologie

I spent most of the past weekend in my real pajamas, watching Disney movies and researching travel destinations. It's really a shame it had to end! Happy Monday, my loves.

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Adventuress

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's the start of a new year. Maybe there's just something in the air. Or maybe it's just my gypsy nature. But lately I've had an unbearable itch to just run away from everything and have an adventure... one that takes place in a glamourous city where I live in a beautiful apartment and wear gorgeous clothes, of course.

Sweater - Jacob Dress, Belt - Zara Scarf - Club Monaco Heels - Aldo

I plan to spend the whole weekend plotting a grand foreign escapade. Happy Friday, my darlings!

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Drawn

2012-01-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

This morning, I woke up to find an email from fellow blogger, Iran Perera, in my inbox. Iran is a freelance artist from Sri Lanka, and he drew these two amazing portraits of me. Be sure to stop by his blog and give him some love!

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Red Door

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

This blouse has been a bone of contention between my photographer-husband and me. He claimed it looked like a dentist's smock; I maintained that it could be beautiful, with a little astute styling. Eventually, a girl has to put her money where her mouth is a prove that her man-repelling pieces can be sexy [even though for the record, sexy is definitely not what my style is all about. I always dress for myself; my rationale basically boils down to, "What do men know about fashion, anyway?']

Personally, I think I won this round. But then again, everything looks good next to the impeccable tailoring of a Chanel jacket. I'm still astounded that this gem hangs in my closet!

Jacket - Vintage Chanel Blouse - Marks & Spencer Belt - J. Crew Skinnies - Zara Heels - Steve Madden Pearls - Blue Ruby

Happy Wednesday, mes cheres!

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Aubergine

2012-01-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

I started this year in the perfect way, as far as I'm concerned - after sleeping in late, my husband and I went to a matinee showing of The Muppets, an activity that included an enormous bag of popcorn I couldn't remotely finish and Sour Cherry Blasters. Plus, when we came home, I took a nap.

What can I say, I've been spoiled. And I think I'm off to a good start with my resolutions. This lipstick may not be perfectly red, but I've been experimenting with all kinds of lip shades recently, and this eggplant hue from Revlon is one of my favourites.

Coat - H&M Skirt - Club Monaco Boots - Aldo Gloves - Zara Purse - Louis Vuitton

Happy Monday, my darlings!

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2012: New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

I've spent the past year living glamourously [read: without denim.] Challenging myself to twelve months without my beloved skinny jeans was difficult but ultimately rewarding - I learned so much about myself and my style. But in the end, I can't deny that my internal punk rock teenager is still alive and well. Some days, she just wants to slip on a pair of skinnies with her heels, and I don't blame her. After spending three hundred and sixty-five days in skirts, I'm ready to embrace denim in a whole new way.

I have a few new [mostly fashion-related] goals I want to accomplish in the coming year, too.

Happy New Year! What are your resolutions for 2012?

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2011: My Life in Review

2011-12-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

I found myself reflecting on my favourite memories from 2011 yesterday and realised that I couldn't let the year end without sharing some of them. I've had so many adventures in the past twelve months - I wouldn't trade a single moment. Of course, early 2011 has a very special place in my heart... I spent part of January and most of February on my honeymoon in Paris. I find myself reminiscing about it almost every day!

In April, I organised the first ever Vancouver blogger meet-up. I met Lynn from Hearted Girl, Veronika from Girl & Closet and Alexandra from To Vogue or Bust at Central Bistro in the West End. I really just wanted to personally connect with some of the girls I felt I knew so well from reading their blogs; I had no idea at the time how large our Vancouver blogger circle would grow! I still treasure our first Sunday afternoon meeting over (a little too much) wine. I adore all of my blogger friends, but these three lovely ladies will always have a special place in my heart.

By mid-year, my working life was frantic - luckily, the weather in Vancouver was balmy. I spent most of my weekends relaxing on the beach at English Bay with tea and good company.

I did take one day off work in June when I had the opportunity to meet Estee Lauder's Alan Pan, and I'm so glad that I did. Alan is witty, engaging and hilarious. It's hard to find a photo from that day where I'm not laughing hysterically! Of course, I picked up some great make-up tips, too.

Ian and I travelled back home to Manitoba in August to attend the wedding of two dear friends. [They're now expecting - congratulations Jen and Mike!] We don't make it home very often - it was lovely to enjoy the warm prairie weather while catching up with family and friends.

On September 24th, I turned older than I ever actually imagined I would be. [Still not telling how old that is, by the way.] But I took advantage of every possible opportunity to celebrate, including a blogger birthday bash with our ever-expanding group of blogger friends. It was a real treat to blow out birthday candles with two other September babies, Jen and Louise.

My BFFFFF spoiled me rotten on my actual birthday, with mani/pedis, French toast, and a princess Aurora birthday cake. The party ended with cocktails, dear friends (both of whom will probably kill me for posting the picture I've included here - love you Nicole and Topher!) and, of course, my darling husband, Ian, who is always behind the camera.

I attended my very first runway fashion show in October - I even had a seat with my name on it, which made me more excited than I should probably admit to. The Jacqueline Conoir and JAC collections were both stunning, which didn't hurt, either.

I also took time to relax this month, which is something I rarely do - for those of you who have been wondering if there is any truth to my mentions of an absurdly large teddy bear collection, you now have proof!

The holiday season brought all kinds of surprises, some wonderful, some unexpected (and some that haven't quite arrived yet - thanks Bec!) I loved almost every moment of it... but now I'm anxious to see what the new year will bring.

Thank-you all so much for being with me through 2011 - I can't wait to share 2012 with you! Wishing you all the best for the New Year.

Lots of love.

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2011: A Year of Fashion in Review

2011-12-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

My year of living glamourously is quickly coming to an end. It's hard to believe that my twelve months without denim have passed so quickly - I've developed a deep appreciation for tea-length skirts along the way, found some truly amazing vintage pieces to add to wardrobe and, in the end, come to realise that I am a modern woman... which means I will wear jeans sometimes.

I'll share my reflections on living glamourously with you all soon. But for now, I've assembled a collection of my favourite outfits from 2011; one from each month of the year. There are a few pieces that pop up more than once in these shots [I'm talking to you, crystal peeptoes.] I guess I really do know what I like!

I just want to take this opportunity to thank-you all again for your overwhelming support and kindness in the past year. [And special thanks to Lynn for beautifying my space so splendidly!]

Wishing you all the best for a very stylish 2012!

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Holiday Happiness: Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm the most spoiled girl I know. I had a beautiful and delicious holiday with people I adore (and my very first Christmas tree!) and took pictures the whole time. I just can't resist sharing a few of my favourites.

My Audrey 100 book from Topher is almost as big as me!

The perfect wrapping for my BFFFFF's gift...

...he was pretty excited about what was in the package.

But I might have been even more excited about what was in mine.

Our annual holiday photo...

...turned silly pretty quickly!

I had so much fun picking out my first set of sparkly ornaments.

One of our neighbours had the Penguins of Madagascar lighting up their lawn!

I loved these shadow-play reindeer, too.

Club soda and griottine cocktails... So delicious (and almost guilt-free!)

Ian's Christmas gift - a copper pot from France's Mauviel. The risotto he made in it was to die for... I ate it too quickly to get any photos!

My tree wouldn't have been complete without a little bit of Paris.

Happy Holidays!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas that left you feeling blessed. Love you all.

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Happy Holidays

2011-12-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

To all of my darling readers, faithful supporters and true friends,

You have made my first full year of blogging a wonderful adventure. I'm so grateful for the kindness, generosity and warmth you've shown to me in the past year; it means the world to me that you take time out of your lives to stop by my space every week. Je vous adore!

I want to wish you all a holiday season full of magic, wonder and, of course, chocolate! Love to you all.

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Shabby Apple Giveaway: Winner!

2011-12-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

And the winner is...

Lindsey from Ruby Girl

Shabby Apple will be in touch soon to get your beautiful dress to you!

Happy holidays, lovely ladies. I'll be back later today will a fun Christmas post, but in the meantime, I hope you're all indulging in the wonders of the season. Especially the chocolatey ones!

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Buttercup

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm probably dating myself by saying this, but my favourite movie (besides all of the Disney classics, of course) is The Princess Bride. I've seen it more times than I can count, and one of the things I love most about it is Princess Buttercup's gorgeous, brushed out curls. I wear my hair curly almost once a week, but for some reason it only occurred to me last weekend to try to emulate the Buttercup wave.

Dress - Anthropology Belt - Martin & Osa Boots - Zara Earrings - La Vie Parisienne

Christmas is only two days away and I'm starting to get little girl excited. I have big plans to sleep, eat and sleep more! Exciting, I know. What are your plans for the holidays?

Don't forget, today is the last day to enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway! I'll be announcing the winner tomorrow.

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Pretty. Quiet.

2011-12-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

Since I've been working on my book, I find I have less to say for myself in general. I think it has to do with the fact that my head is in another world a lot of the time, contemplating upcoming scenes and potential plot twists.

I have been enjoying the lead up to the holidays, generally over-indulging in delicious treats and spending time with dear friends. I've also been preparing a post-holiday shopping list; so far, it includes a new red lipstick, J. Brand twill skinnies in deep green and, if I can track it down, a blue-and-white striped dress from Asos' summer collection. Do you plan on doing any post-holiday shopping?

Coat - Vintage (from Grandma) Blouse - Madewell Pants, Boots - Zara Bag - Furla

Happy almost Christmas, my lovelies! Don't forget to enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway!

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Chapter Six

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

For the past six months, I've been slowly, slowly working on my book. On Friday, I finally made it to chapter six. I actually started working on this book when I was fifteen - and I had planned to stop writing in the middle of chapter two, but one of my friends picked it up and insisted I continue so that she could find out what happened.

I've rewritten the story about eight times over the years, but I feel like I've finally found the voice I want. Another six months, or maybe a year, and I might even finish...!

Jacket, Hairband - H&M Blouse - Aritzia Skirt - Zata Flats - Marc by Marc Jacobs Earrings - La Vie Parisienne Bracelet - J. Crew

Happy Monday, my darlings! Don't forget to enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway!

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