Tag: toronto fashion

Top 5: Luxury Handbag Wishlist 2023
So apparently, I’m a handbag collector now because my closet has grown significantly over the past few years. Mostly during quarantine, which technically means I can blame the lockdown for all my online window shopping… that eventually turned into cart checkouts.

I know, I know! I can’t help it.
A favourite hobby of mine is shopping.
It’s in my blood. I’ve accepted my fate.

And I can’t be mad at it.

📷: Pinterest

Now, before we get to the good stuff, let’s get the pleasantries and catch up out of the way.

If you are new here, welcome!
If you are a returning reader, I hope you’re doing well. I know I said I’d be writing more and only posted 2 blogs last year, but at least my ghosting didn’t last as long as the last MIA.

On that note, Happy New Year! Hope you had a lovely 2022.
Hope 2023 is going awesome for you so far.

I had a bit of a rough start, but we are trying to get our boujee ass on track, make that shmoney so we can continue looking and living fabulously. Plus, I’m itching to do some traveling this year – potentially solo travel – because I need to refresh and reset my nervous system.

Side note: Did you know that was a thing? Resetting your nervous system because it harbours trauma which is a reason why we have anxiety? So much to learn… but I digress.

📷: Pinterest

Ok let’s get to the fun stuff!

Here are some pretty little things that have been on my radar.

Some of these you may consider basic or older styles, but I am trying to be more selective with my purchases so I can build my curated handbag collection.

Right? I said curated. I’m trying to be fancy, but also because I know that sometimes I get distracted by trendy or colourful things, when I simply require a black leather bag and yet, all I have are rainbow sequins.

📷: Pinterest

Now without further ado, and in no particular order, here are my top 5 handbags for 2023 that are on my current wishlist. Plus, some honourable mentions that may be a more affordable option with a similar style.

Top 5 Luxury Handbag Wishlist

Gucci, Aphrodite
Surprisingly enough, I’m still yet to make a handbag purchase from one of my favourite luxury brands. And with Alessandro Michele’s recent departure from Gucci, I do want to add one of his designs to my collection before they’re completely off the shelves. I’ve always eyed the GG Marmont shoulder bag or the super mini Dionysus, but for some reason never made the commitment. And now that I’ve waited this long, I can’t justify paying that price increase knowing what I could have bought it at. Side note: have we seen current the prices of Chanel?? Deceased.

I was going to settle for an Ophidia GG mini bag, which I’ll probably still get since I like that the canvas material makes it a more casual, everyday bag, but then the Aphrodite was introduced. And this is one I think I’m ready to commit to.

While I prefer the price of the shoulder bag, I do like having the option of the removeable long strap and chain handle of the small shoulder bag. Though, I’ll be happy with either or.

Honorable mention:
Maison Margiela, Glam Slam Hobo

I’ve always been a fan of John Galliano’s extravagant designs while he was at Dior. And while the Maison Margiela style is not for everyone, I do love their line of glam slam bags.

I currently own the mini red carpet and I think the look is so cute. Plus, the leather is so soft and cushiony. So when I saw they recently released this hobo style, I knew I might have to add this pillowy goodness to my collection.

When it’s on sale of course.

Givenchy, Mini G-Hobo
Givenchy will always have my heart when it comes to handbags. I think I’m up to 5 now. I really didn’t know much about the brand until Riccardo Tisci came into the picture and I laid my eyes on the Antigona. Some may think it’s old news, overrated or played out, but I think it’s become such a classic style for the brand.

Then, to be honest, I wasn’t really feeling any designs from Givenchy after Tisci left, but it wasn’t until recently that my eyes are starting to perk up again. Seems Mr. Matthew M. Williams has gotten me curious about the direction of this brand with a few of their newest pieces. Some designs are still questionable for my taste, but so far I’m really into the mini Voyou. While I love a good shoulder/crossbody option, I do love a grab and go look, and this mini G-Hobo looks like it’s it for me.

Seriously, that blue? Ex-squeeze me? I think we found our 6th member of the group. I know I’ll probably have to baby the bag because of the colour, but I love how simple and no-fuss the design looks. Like, just take my money already.

Honorable mention:
Kara, Crystal Fringe Bean

I’m a sucker for sparkles so anything with a little (or a lotta) rhinestones and bling will obviously catch my eye.

And Kara is doing it right. This brand’s embellished handles has been on my radar, but what got me about this style is the way these crystals will cascade off your shoulder like a sparkly waterfall.

My only concern is the crystals getting caught in my hair or clothes, but I would rock this with a simple cotton t-shirt and jeans/leggings vibe and then have this to make my outfit pop.

Mugler, Spiral Curve
Ok, so the only thing I really knew about Mugler was their iconic Alien perfume – which surprisingly I don’t own. Then, it wasn’t until I saw Kim Kardashian at the 2019 MET Gala that sparked my curiousity in the brand’s clothing designs. Shortly after, I started seeing this name more and more with their show-stopping spiral leggings (that I’m sure half the people out there are wearing Fashion Nova dupes). While I do love them, if I’m being completely realistic, at the end of the day I have no business wearing these anywhere I need to go in life. So a bag would be a better suited introduction to the brand.

Now… enter the Spiral Curve handbag. This is the first handbag designed for Mugler and all I can say is yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

I know this bag is probably looked at as trendy because of the the design, but that’s what I love about it – the curves. It looks so futuristic and alien-like, which is genius for the brand – for obvious reasons.

I’ll have to see this bag in person to actually get a feel for the structure and design. Plus, I want to know what the inside looks like because I have no gage if this bag can actually hold a wallet or cell phone. Though, another thing I’m a sucker for is denim bags. There’s just something so cool and casual about them, yet they go with everything. So this mix of denim and leather on this design just makes sense to me. And it would make more sense if it were in my closet.

Honorable mention:
Jacquemus, Le Bisou

We’ve all seen the Chiquitos take over our IG feeds the past couple of years. Honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan of that bag, but I did like the Bambinos line. However, I didn’t want to jump on the bandwagon just because.

Then they came out with this. There’s something about this specific handle that I’m drawn to and it will get bonus points if it’s removeable so I can attach my own crossbody chain.

My only hesitation is how skinny the bag is. I really don’t carry a lot, but I also don’t want my phone or Fenty lip gloss to be poking at the leather.

Celine, Ava
@s_pasquali
Celine is another brand that I never noticed until the Luggage Tote and Box Bag took over all the handbag collection videos I used to watch on YouTube. And I know there are a lot of die hard Phoebe Philo fans out there because of it. Omgosh, maybe YouTube is what subconsciously contributed to my growing closet? Damn, the power of the influencer.

Previously overlooking this fashion house, I think with the switch up from crossbody to shoulder bags and the simplicity of their logo, I’m finding myself drawn to the Ava line. And it wasn’t until I saw this bag in person that I had to put it on my wishlist. You know, we’re a logo ho at heart.

Honorable mention:
Ganni, Knot

This is a more casual take on the crescent moon shaped bags with a fun twist with the knot detailing. If you’re not feeling the black, it does come in a lot of bright, fun colours. There is a mini pink one that obviously calls to me, but we’re trying to be more selective, remember?

Also, there is this crinkly, velvet textured version which is pretty cute if the baguette size is too large for you.

Valentino, Locò
@tamara
The rockstud era of Valentino is what drew me to the brand. I once considered buying their signature Rockstud Ankle Strap pump for my wedding in rose gold sequins instead of leather, but the $1400+ price tag wasn’t doing it for me. Plus, I ended up finding the sale of a lifetime with my wedding Loubous. See here to read all about that!

I always admired Valentino’s rockstud bags, but it wasn’t until they introduced the Roman Stud version that I really wanted one. And then, Pierpaolo did the whole Pink PP Collection thing? Stop. That whole line is my fashion spirit animal.

Now, I did manage to get my hands on the delicious Roman Stud small quilted shoulder bag, which then opened up my tastebuds for more. So next I’m eyeing something in the Locò line. I do prefer the razzle dazzle of sequins, but my credit card is bringing me back down the earth with the canvas Toile Iconographe. So if this ever goes on sale, we might have to add to cart!

Honourable mention:
Fendi, Baguette

Ok, this is probably the only exception to my honourable mentions as this isn’t really a more affordable option. However, if I’m being true to my wishlist, it’s honestly a toss up between this mini Jacquard FF Baguette and the Valentino Locò.

Baguettes are having their moment, especially since the 25th anniversary celebration. So, it’s only right to add a piece to my collection. Plus, Fendi was founded in Rome, which is where I like to shop when we go to Italy to visit family, so it’s pretty much part of my heritage. And I can’t upset my ancestors, right?

And thus concludes our list.

Of course, it’s still early on in the year so I don’t know what other goodies or fashion collabs and/or surprises will be coming out in the following months, but so far I think I have a decent list. And I’m going to try to stick to it. Meaning, I’ll try not to buy any other luxury handbag design this year that’s not on the list. Try being the key word.

I’m hoping to be a little more selective this year, hence my pursuit of the curated closet. Especially if I go to the outlets or anything, I’m going to have to tell myself no. You know how those 60% off Kate Spade or Coach sales usually get me. We’re practicing will power this year.

Anywho… what’s on your handbag wishlist? What recent additions to your collection have you made? Or, do you currently have a curated collection? Leave your comments below!

On that note, I’ll see you soon in the next post. I’m saying soon, so I can hold myself accountable and make sure I continue posting.

And again, hope 2023 has been treating you good so far!

xo
Stephanie

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Top 5: Luxury Handbag Wishlist 2023

by luxeandloaded March 16, 2023

Current Mood: forBitches (…am I that b*tch?)

by luxeandloaded August 5, 2022

Hello. I missed you ♥️

by luxeandloaded June 3, 2022
March 16, 2023
Current Mood: forBitches (…am I that b*tch?)
How do you discover a new brand?

I love seeing what’s new in luxury and learning what’s trending out in the fashion world. And I while I have my trusted go-to brands I enjoy browsing online and obsessing over their runway looks, I also like to mix up my style with some up and coming/underground brands (which are realistically more in my price range).

And what’s sometimes the best way to discover something new?
Accidentally.

I first came across forBitches earlier this year when I was online window shopping on italist. I was looking for a new brand to obsess over and wasn’t feeling the ones that were being fed to me on social media. Not knowing where to start, I scrolled the designer list, came across ‘F’ and there it was – ‘Forbitches’.

I laughed to myself and clicked on the name as I was curious to see what was designed for these so-called ‘bitches’. And with one glance, I loved the concept instantly.

Plastic Barbie looking purses and shoes.

Like, excuse me? Tugging at the heartstrings of my 8 year old self?
How dare you. I want it all now.

Unfortunately, I had just been on a handbag shopping spree and didn’t need another one to add to the collection. Especially, since I knew nothing about this brand other than I liked the name.

So I did my research.

Italian designer. Label is a play on his real name ‘Forbice’.
Designs inspired by toys and dolls.
Very girly. Very nostalgic.
Literally a life size Barbie bag.
I. Need. This. Now.

Now, I can already tell this brand is not for everybody. Once it grows in popularity, I predict the traditional luxury world will describe it as very kitschy. Or, gaudy. Or, even childish. And after scrolling through their IG, I wasn’t sure if it was for me either.

Though, something about that bow bag was calling me.

So, I put it on my mental wish list in hopes I would have an excuse to buy it for the summer.

And low and behold, a wedding invitation arrives in the mail weeks later. Of course, I had no idea what my outfit or shoes would be, but I knew damn well what bag I was bringing.

Now that I needed this bag for ‘wedding purposes,’ I had to make sure it was practical as it was cute, but where in the heck would I find this bag in-store? Unfortunately, while it’s so easy to discover new things on the internet, it’s not always tangible or available in your area. So I couldn’t try it on and get the full picture.

There were also no YouTube videos or reviews on this bag. And the select few I found, almost no one opened the bag to show what could fit inside. People… always open the bag and show us what can fit!

So once again I had to be my own guinea pig and blind buy – just like the time when no one was doing lash extensions and I wanted to try them, but had no experiences to fall back on so I just had to go and hope my lashes didn’t fall or burn off. Well, after that success, almost everyone around me started getting extensions and then they blew up to what they are today… but I digress.

After scouring the internet and social media, I finally found someone who showed they could at least fit their phone and credit card inside. Perfect! I found the best deal on italist, clicked ‘order’ and let me tell you, I was not disappointed when it arrived in the mail.

Even the little booklet is comes with has this nostalgic Barbie doll pamphlet feel to it!

Love everything about it.

I decided to wear all black to the wedding, so this bag would definitely go with my LBD. Also, on casual days, if I wanted to throw on pair of jeans and a t-shirt, I know this would be a super cute accessory.

Hello?
Do we see the black bow with the pop of hot pink for the handles?

Obsessed.

I’m not going to lie, there were moments I thought that maybe I should go more elegant or traditional with a sparkly clutch or Alexander Wang/Benedetta Bruzziches style bag for this wedding. That maybe I would be that girl who everyone questioned my taste and secretly made fun of my plastic bag. That perhaps this was a bit too childish for me.

However, Wang was out of my price range and I’m still on the fence about purchasing Amazing dupes/imitations of luxury goods (I just can’t bring myself to do it yet).

So, I didn’t go that route.

And honestly, I don’t care if people make fun of this bag because I love it.

Yes, I am that b*tch with the Barbie bag.
And this was made forBitches.

Now please enjoy some more pics below.
Until next time!

xo
Stephanie

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August 5, 2022
Hello. I missed you ♥️
Ok, sooo… what happened?

I can’t be the only one to wonder, what the heck happened these past 2 years? Like, one minute I’m sitting at my work desk answering phone calls, the next minute our city goes into lockdown. From what I recall, I happily packed up my things to take home, thinking we just landed an awesome 2 week March break. Then next thing you know – cue actual world pandemic and fast forward 2 years.

Like, whaaat?

It’s been pretty much surreal. I don’t need to reiterate, as majority of us probably experienced the same thing, but all I remember was going in and out of multiple lockdowns, learning to work from home, binging Tiger King, tie dying, trying IG coffee trends, TikTok hacks and accumulating an amazing wardrobe of cozy sets and athletic sweats.

Matching set: Aritzia

Now, let’s catch up.

2020? Manageable.

As mentioned above, it was all tie dye, sweats and dalgona coffees.

2021 on the other hand? A nightmare.

Ok I’m being dramatic.
Or, maybe not.
But it definitely wasn’t the best of years.

Within a year, I had worked 3 different positions in the same company, essentially landing the ‘dream job’ that, I guess, I had been working towards my whole career with them. While I am grateful for the experience, it was challenging to say the least. The restructuring of departments and various positions basically gave me a workload that previously would have been a 6 person job.

Many sleepless nights. Many bathroom cry breaks.
These became weekly rituals.

I was officially burnt out and running on empty.

Then once I finally found myself in the groove of things, they let me go.

📷: Pinterest

With all the changes that happened/were happening within the company it was expected. I was prepared, but it was still surreal to hear those words.

They say everyone should get fired at least once in their life. That it builds character and… (insert whatever quote here about life lessons and the universe). At least for my sanity, it wasn’t because of my performance or incompetency. I know I’m super creative and have a damn good work ethic. And no one can take that from me.

📷: Pinterest

What else?

Well, not only was I grieving the loss of my job, I was also grieving the loss of my bestie.

Oh yes, within days of each other I found myself jobless and petless.

When it rains, it pours.
Right?

Last year was a pretty rough year for my little furry friend. We enjoyed a nice last summer together, but sadly I had to say goodbye after 13 wonderful, floofy years. As stressful as it was learning a new position while working from home, I am super appreciative for the fact that I was home and was able to spend those extra moments with her. Screw coffee breaks when you have pet the floof breaks.

Those were my favourite.

Anyways, I’ve been a little lost since then. It’s like a part of my identity is gone, but I’m trying to navigate what my next chapter should be. Or, even how to start it for that matter. It’s taking a little longer than expected, but as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

In the meantime…

Hello again. Sorry for ghosting you for 2 years, but I’m hoping we can pick up where we left off. There’s so much to say… and so many shopping goodies to share 😉

Until next time, please enjoy some of my favourite floof pics.

Talk soon.

xo
Stephanie

My girl, Cookie 😇♥️

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June 3, 2022
Boujee on a Budget: Saint Laurent
Were you ever on the verge of maxing out your credit card, so you swore to yourself not to put any more purchases on it until you’ve paid it down?

That was me about a month ago.

And then shopaholic me, realized it was long weekend and so the outlets must be having a sale!

When you shop enough, you can literally sniff a sale out.

Now, over here in the Great White North we have something called Victoria Day. Falling on the third Monday in May and blah blah, skipping the history lesson… it pretty much means an extra holiday. Thus, resulting in a long weekend.

This year, I was blessed to enjoy it. And enjoy it, I did.

I think my will power has gone down slightly since I’ve met bae – don’t tell him I said that.
I’m still very good at saving, but I’ve also been splurging on myself a little more than necessary – but then almighty question of life

Is it ever necessary?

Majority of the times no, so why not just say f*ck it and throw it in the bag please!

So I had a slight itch to buy something.
Like a real ‘treat myself, girl power, I deserve the world‘ kinda itch.
Meaning, no ordinary sale at TopShop would do.
And then ding!
I received an email from Coach for their long weekend sale – 70% all bags + wallets plus extra 20% of clearance.
Now that’s what I’m talking about – outlet sales.

So next thing you know I’m at the Toronto Premium Outlets.
Kate Spade and Coach had the same sale, so it was a matter of which store and styles I liked better.

Coach was the first store and I left empty handed. I did have a cute, light pink, snake skin, cross body, wallet bag in my hands, but wasn’t sold on the sale price of $100 so I put it down.
Kate Spade was next and I walked away with a belt bag and a small card holder, totalling just under $89. In complete honesty, I wasn’t completely sold on the belt bag and pretty certain I made the purchase just for the purchase.

My heart wanted and needed more.
My shopping itch was not soothed.

Now, with still only my – potentially returnable – Kate Spade purchase, I was in the last store of the day – Saint Laurent.

They hadn’t any of the purses or colours I like in there, plus they’re way above the price I’d pay – remember people, our VAT is not included. We pay 13% tax on top of the price tag. So if something costs average, $1000 that’s already an extra $130 I’d have to pay.

So I was just browsing around.

I’ve always found their sneakers cute, but they didn’t have the star ones I’ve had on my mental luxury wishlist.

But then… *cue heavenly music*

I saw these 😍😍😍

Super cute.
Super me.

With an outlet price of $339, it wasn’t bad at all.
Then add tax and it becomes closer to $400.
*womp womp*

That’s a little too much for me to pay for sneakers at the moment.

And then my sister overheard a lovely sales lady say the sneakers were an extra 30% off.

Huh? Ok.

Quick calculation and…

Excuse me… do you have this in my size?

Bae is a sneaker head, so I know with Jordans and Yeezys averaging $250-$300 before tax for regular releases, and not even considering the resell market, this shoe was a total steal!

And with them being sneakers not heels, I knew it was definitely going to get its wear. So it was totally worth it IMHO.

Plus, it was the last pair – which I’m sure is a just a line all associates use to solidify a sale end of day, but whatever. It works!

So allow me to introduce you to my newest Boujee on a Budget purchase.
You guys… 🥰🥰🥰

Shopping itch has been scratched.

Thank you and goodnight.

xo

Stephanie

Shoe: Saint Laurent

Model: Court Classic SL/06 Lolita Sneaker in Leather

Size: 35

Original Retail Price: $739 + tax

Outlet Price: $339 (plus extra 30% off) + tax

Sale Price: $237.30 + tax

Savings: over $560

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Check out my previous posts below
June 23, 2019
Boujee on a Budget: Louboutin

As any fashionista or shopaholic, I have always been into designer shoes… though I’m more of an avid admirer than a collector/spender. And at least for myself, I know that I would get more use out of a designer handbag than shoes.

So I choose to save, spend or splurge my monies on purses – always outlets of course. I think we’ve cordially introduced my Kate Spade habit.

Though let’s rewind back to earlier this year.

Let’s say… April.

Basic scenario as follows… borderline broke bride with no budget for her wedding she has to plan that’s 4 months away, needs to find shoes to pair with her wedding dress that she has no idea what it will look, or fit like, because she is forbidden to touch or try on her dress until the wedding day and she still hasn’t gone dress hunting.

Did you catch all that?

Yes ladies and gents, that was me!

No money. No budget. No plan. No vision.

Pretty much every wedding planner’s worst nightmare.

Fortunately for me, I was my own wedding planner.

So how did I snag a pair of slingback Louboutin for practically half price??

Pure luck and coincidence.

Honestly, I wish I had a better story of me camping out for a major Black Friday sale, or I met the GM of North American Louboutin boutiques by rescuing their dog from an oncoming bus… but it was pretty much *drumroll please*

I walked into a store.

Checked out the sale rack.

And there she was.

😍😍😍

Surprisingly, it wasn’t something I set out to look for. And knowing that I had a rough budget for my dress, but no sense of what my dream wedding shoe would be, I didn’t put much thought into it. I was too concerned about my dress shenanigans and worried about it fitting me, that honestly shoes didn’t seem important.

Plus, knowing I was getting married in Italy and what the environment would be – aka the cobblestone hills I’d be walking up and down for my photos – I didn’t think designer shoes would be the most comfortable or realistic.

But TG for once my nonchalant, care free attitude worked out because these beauties just fell into my lap.

How?

I was downtown one day, walking through Yorkville on Bloor Street and my sister asked if I wanted to go in to DAVIDS footwear store. I was hesitant because I didn’t want to tease myself with gorgeous shoes that I couldn’t afford to buy, but she walked in.

I headed straight to the sale rack.

And then a little glitter catches my eye.

They were pink. They were peep toe. They were slingback. And they had a platform.

It was honestly the perfect shoe for my non-existent dress. Then I looked at the price tag and they were on sale for around $695 – down from $990. That on it’s own is a pretty good deal, but take into consideration the tax.

I drooled over them for a bit, then put them down because I already had set in my mind that I’d be spending no more than $200 since I was still dress hunting and didn’t know what that total would add up to.

Then the sales associate came around and starting talking to me. Mentioning how cute they were and they were a great price since they were 30% off. I said yes, but it’s still a little too much for me. Then she corrected me because they were an extra 30% off the lowest ticketed price.

So that now brought them down to about $485!

Well okay, for THAT price, I had to try them on. And lucky me, they were the last pair in my size. And once my foot slipped in, I was in love. They were actually really comfy and my toes weren’t squished!

I debated for about 30 minutes. Walked back and forth from the mirror to the bench. I was seriously about to say no, but I imagined future Steph would be kicking herself for not snagging these because they were a total steal! And I doubt that future Steph would find Loubous like this for this price ever again.

So wedding shoe or not, I could not pass on this.

And there you have it.

My first pair of Christian Louboutin.

Welcome to my closet!

Oh, did I wear them for my wedding you ask?

You’ll have to wait and see!

Keep an eye out for wedding posts 😉

xo

Stephanie

Shoes – Christian Louboutin (120 Glitter Tisse Patent Poudre)

Shoe: Christian Louboutin

Model: 120 Glitter Tisse Patent Poudre

Size: 35.5

Original Retail Price: $990 + tax

Sale Price: $485 + tax

Savings: over $505

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For more pictures, follow me on Instagram @s_pasquali!

November 18, 2018
HAUL IT Feat. Kylie Cosmetics

Okay guys. Love them. Hate them. Hate to love. Love to hate. Whatever the case may be, the Kardashians know business.

They are major influencers in the fashion and beauty game.

And they are killing it.

That’s one of the reasons I got in to the show. I always love seeing how they did their hair and makeup and their clothes. And though I’m more of a Kim fan myself, my curiousness couldn’t help but wonder what the fuss was all about with Kylie Cosmetics.

And so I caved and placed an order – but of course only when there was a sale!

Top: In Love with the KoKo | Bottom: The Birthday Collection (Mini Matte)

So my complete honest opinion?

I really like them!

They are #2 for my favourite matte liquid lipsticks brand at the moment – just after Lime Crime.

The Birthday Collection (L to R): All Nighter, August Bug, Angel, One Wish, Gorg & Baby Girl

I really like the consistency. I really like the pigment. I like how it’s smooth and doesn’t cake. I like that it’s long lasting and the wear and tear is pretty good even after meals. And they even smell delicious! Plus, the packaging is super cute.

I was really excited to try the nude colours. So automatically I loved Angel and One Wish from the Birthday bundle, and Bunny from the Koko bundle. These are perfect for me for when I only rock black liner and no eyeshadow.

For colour, I fell in love with Doll from the Koko bundle. It’s a nice change from a red lip, as it’s more orange, but still gives that sense of Hollywood glam. And for days when I want my lips to pop, but don’t want to be too bold, Baby Girl is a nice substitute. It comes in both bundles, but I love the tiny size from the Birthday Collection. Fits right in my wallet when I’m out for a quick errand and don’t carry a big purse.

In Love with the Koko (L to R): Doll, Bunny, Baby Girl, Sugar Plum

I really have nothing to complain about.

EXCEPT…

It’s not exactly a Kylie issue, but more of a customs, tax and duty issue.

I carefully made an order that was just over $60 US to receive the free international shipping. I even did some quick research before placing my order to see if people had to pay anything extra. And everyone said if your order is under $100 it will be fine.

Well they lied.

Because no it was not fine. And this is where companies like Lime Crime and Colourpop spoil me.

I expected not to pay any surprise, hidden or extra duty/delivery fees when my makeup came to my door. However, I ended paying an extra $10. Which may not sound like a lot, but in the grand scheme of things, I had to pay conversion because currency was US. So a $60 US order was now basically $100CA.

And it left me a little sour.

Because I’d think that for a name and company of Kylie’s stature, this would be something I wouldn’t have to worry about. Because if Lime Crime and other companies can do it, so can Kylie Cosmetics. And at least older sister Kim has the right idea with KKW* where the fees are calculated at checkout so there are no surprises.

*Note – This refers to KKW Fragrance. I recently checked for KKW Beauty and you are subject to additional fees upon delivery.

Would I order again?

I’d love to, because I actually genuinely like the product. And the pricing for the lip bundles, with or without sale, are very decent – even after the conversion to CAD.

Though, because now I know there are fees upon delivery, I’d rather stick with Lime Crime if I’m going to online shop for new liquid lipsticks.

However, knowing me, I might cave once some of my favourite Kylie colours are done. Oh the tough decisions cosmetics brings!

Anyways, check out more pics below!

xo

Stephanie

In Love with the Koko: Regular $40 US| Sale $32 US

Top to Bottom: Doll, Baby Girl, Bunny & Sugar Plum* (*gloss)

L to R: Baby Girl, Angel & One Wish

The Birthday Collection: August Bug

The Birthday Collection Mini Matte: Regular $36 US | Sale $28.80 US

Top to Bottom: All Nighter, August Bug, Angel, One Wish, Gorg & Baby Girl

*Disclaimer – these lip bundles were received in 2017 so the Birthday Collection is currently unavailable.

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September 30, 2018
Current Mood: Champion x UO

Tracksuits. Matching sweats. Athleisure clothing.

Whatever you want to call it, this whole sporty chic trend is in full swing. We’ve seen the return of some brands that I used to wear when I was a child, are making the biggest comebacks in fashion.

One of which being Champion.

And I am obsessed with my new pink tracksuit.

I stopped wearing full matching tracksuits around 8 years old. And never looked back.

Maybe because at the time they were sent in from Italy by my grandparents and were the cheesy children’s sweats of the ’90s. Known to me, at the time, as my tuta (pronounced too-tah) – which I just now Google translated and see that it simply means ‘suit.’ Makes sense.

My nonna and nonno always sent care packages around Christmas time, filled with homemade cookies and clothing. Sometimes pyjamas. Sometimes a tuta, but always bold and colourful with patterns and random words.

How ’90s.

I remember one was a bright, leprechaun green with flowers. Only once did I received a nice blue Kappa tracksuit. Which again, at the time it wasn’t cool to wear Kappa, but now I’m totally styling because I’m retro – Yes I kept it. No I don’t wear the pants because it doesn’t fit over my bum… but I’m holding on to the hope that I will once again be able to squeeze them over my cheeks.

And growing up I’ve always had clothes for the house and clothes for going out. I change out of my house clothes when I go out. And I change out of my going out clothes when I get home.

So the fact that I can reminisce about my childhood while at the same time rocking my new millennial tuta both in and out of the house is currently the greatest thing. And the fact I just coined the term millennial tuta is second greatest.

Let’s bring the tuta back.

#MILLENNIALTUTA

How do you feel about the latest athleisure fashion takeover?

I can’t hate. Most trends that I find weird at first, I eventually start to warm up to – like aviator sunglasses, skinny jeans and wearing leggings as pants.

And this colour is so me!

xo

Stephanie

Sweater: Champion (Urban Outfitters exclusive)

Shoes: New Balance

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Music: bensounds

June 17, 2018
Wedding Planning: What’s a budget?

So I think I’m going to spontaneously combust.

Not because I want to, but that’s just how I feel after trying to calculate a budget for this wedding. Because it seems to have mysteriously doubled overnight without my permission.

And yes, it was our decision to have a destination ceremony and reception. And yes, it was ultimately our decision to invite 100 people – this is still debatable though because parental influence plays a huge roll on the family invite list.

And yes, there are many other things that, in the end, are our decision.

That doesn’t change the fact that I want to spontaneously combust.

I’m not having a bridezilla moment…
I’m just having a ‘life crisis, I’m broke ass’ moment.

And it’s really stressful. Especially when you’re trying to crunch numbers and you think you’re doing a decent job at saving and budgeting, but then more things pop up that you forgot to consider. Like the church donation. Or, photo permits. Or, transportation. Or, even something as simple as a guest book and seating chart.

Every little thing costs.
And then on top of that, for bae and me, every other little thing needs to be converted to Euros.
And the Euro sucks right now. Major suckage.

Wallet: Valentino

Is this something we should have really planned for?
Yes.
Could we have started saving for this a long time ago? Like even before our engagement?
Yes.
Are there areas we can cut costs?
Most definitely, yes.

But a lot of things in life that happen are unforeseen.

Sometimes you just really aren’t prepared.
Period.

Kind of like studying for an exam. Whether you’ve studied a full week, or crammed the night before, you can still walk into that exam room, read the first question and your mind just goes blank. And no matter how hard you try, you really can’t remember any sh*t you studied, for the life of you.

So how am I coping?
To be honest, I really have no idea. I’m just taking things day by day. And trying to check things off my list as they come.

I’m usually great at saving and setting affordable goals, but this wedding was something that started off small and kind of exploded. And now it’s at a number that scares me.

But I know we can do it. We’ll be okay.

And yes, the next couple of months are going to be all about the hustle. Or praying we win the lottery. Because realistically, this wedding is more than we can afford, but we’re going to get’er done. It’s something we both want and we’re all about the positive vibes right now. And I’m positively certain we’ll win the lottery jackpot before the wedding. Might as well try to put that out there to the universe.

At the end of the day, money comes and goes. Obviously, it’s preferable that we have money… and lots of it, but if this wedding is costing more than we thought, then we’ll just have to work 10 times harder. Whether it’s in the next couple of months, or the next couple of years after our wedding. We know there will be times when we’ll have an abundance of income. And times when we may be strapped for cash.

C’est la vie.

This is in no way shape or form my life advice for the world. These are my thoughts for my life and what works for me and how I’m choosing to go about things.
Is it ideal? Maybe not.

Though, you only have one life.
So, really… what’s a budget?

xo
Stephanie

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May 27, 2018
Wedding Planning: The Beginning

It’s official!

I’m getting married!

This may be old news to some, but I think it’s the first time I’m officially posting about it. I just didn’t want to mention anything until we confirmed our date and planning has begun.

That being said…

Today marks 1 year to the day that bae got down on one knee and proposed! And I kid you not when I say our experience was exactly how it you would see it in the movies.

Everything fell into place perfectly… except maybe my outfit. Though I wouldn’t dare change a thing… Future post to come about our engagement story and I’ll divulge all the deets.

Anywho…
For a while I was living off the engagement high. Re-telling the story until people were sick of hearing it. Flashing my ring until I was all bling-ed out… which I’m still not and don’t think I’ll ever be.

And then the questions started.
Do you know when you’re getting married? Have you picked a date? Do you know where? Have you gone dress shopping? Bridal Party? Church? Venue? Flowers? Photographer?… blah blah blah.

People. Can a person go through one month of enjoying their engagement without being bombarded?
The answer is no.
But I tried to do it anyways.

And it wasn’t until last December that we selected and finalized our date.
And then I realized it was less than 8 months away.
And cue panic.

As a student, I may have been a bit of a procrastinator. I remember starting essays the day before they were due and pulling all nighters. Totally a bad habit to develop, but sometimes it happens.
Though, it would also put me in the zone and once I get started on something and my mind is focused, I do not like to be interrupted. It puts me in work mode. And I always get the job done.

Same goes for this wedding. It is the beginning of May and right now my mind is on wedding mode and there are no time for distractions. So, sorry life, but you’re going to have to take a break… and please don’t throw any more drama my way. Ain’t nobody got time for that!!

Bae and I are having a destination wedding and so we took a trip to Italy last month. Mostly to secure our date and to meet with the caterer and see some venues and churches to confirm we could, indeed, get married this year.
Once we got the green light from everybody, it’s been go go go.

Operation: Tivoli Wedding – is now in full swing.

Though, let me tell you, it is not an easy ride.

We thought we were on the right track. We started the year meeting with the Italian Consulate and making sure we knew exactly what we needed for our civil paper work. And since we are having a Catholic Church ceremony, we needed to get the religious paper work in order as well.

So we began the process.
Signed up for our Marriage classes. Started gathering our marriage searches and translated birth certificates.
Thinking we were on the right path and ready to send our papers over to Italy, we find out we were missing a big chunk of requirements that needed to be sent to the Canadian Embassy in Rome. Which was basically where we just came back from a 2 week trip.

Then the snowball effect.
Thinking we could go ahead with our religious documents, we find out from the priest, they have begun restoration on the front of the church. Aka – scaffolds.
Okay, well I can at least get the invitations started, right?
Oh no, wait. I can’t. Because the caterer and his assistant still haven’t gotten back to us with the pricing. So we haven’t selected our venue. Which means, we can’t do our invitations.
And I can’t budget for a photographer or anything else, if I don’t have a rough estimate of what the venue and food will cost me.

But at least I’ll have fun dress shopping and going to my fittings?
Oh, that’s right. I don’t have a dress yet.

Because did I also mention I can’t try on my wedding dress until my wedding day?

Thanks to my mum and her lovely superstitions, I’m not allowed to try or even touch, my wedding dress until the day I get married.
I’ll let you process that for a moment. And I will write a blog post totally dedicated to my dress shopping experience.

So, to say I’m stressing, is to say the least.
I can feel the grey hairs sprouting. And I can feel the chocolate settling into my thighs, but I know everything will work out.

I am sending that out in to the universe.
Please universe. Be kind. I know Mercury has been in retrograde and will be going back, but please, let this be the worst part of planning and help us get back on track.

And if you can add a couple more zeros to the end of my bank account that would also be most appreciated.

Thank you.

xo
Stephanie

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May 11, 2018
Current Mood: Goal Digger

Alright, so we’re almost halfway through March and already, I’m failing at my 2018 blog goals.

#ISuckAtLife

Honestly, I coasted through January thinking I’d have so much more time to update my blog. I started off in the right direction. I wrote almost 10 postings last December just to make sure I had material to spit out every week or two. I upgraded my blog and have my own domain. I filmed and edited a few short videos to post.

And then adulting happened and I don’t even know where February went.
Basically, I wasn’t going to write about it since I didn’t want to get too personal, but my best postings come about when I write what I know.
And I know, I’m freaking the f*ck out right about now.
So here goes…

Bae and I are engaged.
We’re getting married in Italy.
Our hopeful date is for this August 2018.
And I say hopeful because we don’t have our venue book.
We don’t have our church booked.
We don’t have all our civil paperwork done.
We don’t have our religious paperwork done.
I don’t have my dress.
And that’s just the beginning because the list goes on…

Get why I’m freaking the f*ck out?

I’m going to Italy at the end of the month to at least get my venue and church crossed off. And potentially my dress – which is a whole other dilemma on its own and I will probably write a post solely on that. Just know this… I’m not allowed to try on or touch my dress until my wedding day.

Get why I’m freaking the f*ck out now?

Plus, I’ve been trying my hardest to save as much money as I can, but it seems like the closer we get to August, the more damn expensive the Euro becomes. And then there’s a bunch of other stuff going on in and around my life, I feel my head is on the brink of explosion.

Yet, when I feel like that, I give myself a mental, imaginary slap in the face.
Because this year is all about being a

#GOALDIGGER

Sweater: Bow & Drape

I’ve been eyeing this Bow & Drape sweater for so long. It’s super cute and super soft and I thought it was never going to have a decent sale, but just after Christmas it became 50% off. So I snatched it.

Mostly, I like it for its GIRLBOSS message. And the fact that it’s in sequins screams kick ass, but stay glam – which is totally me.

Hard to admit, but lately I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed and having a difficult time staying positive and just being in a good mood in general. This goes for both my work and personal life.

At the end of the day, I need remember to breathe and take the time to pause and remind myself that this too shall pass.

Cliché, yes, but so true. There is nothing I know can’t do. And I shouldn’t focus on what I don’t have. Rather, I need to focus on what I’m working towards.
And that’s getting married, making more money, finding ways to turn my passions into a career and maintaining an amazing blog.

Because I’m super cool and know I can do it.
Period.

Now excuse me as I start digging for goals.

xo
Stephanie

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March 11, 2018