Hello from Mont Tremblant!

Sorry for the radio silence for the past couple days, things got busy and I needed a bit of a break, to be honest.  The good news is, holidays are here.  Marco and I are taking a mini three-day vacation to the little ski village in Quebec to relax, ski (him) / snowboard (me) & spend some QT together.

We ended up getting a late start today, ran errands, did some Black Friday shopping and eventually hit the road to get here in the late afternoon.  We checked in and our one-bedroom suite is really cute and has a cottage feel to it.  We have a balcony and are super close to all the little shops and restaurants.  We went for dinner tonight at Le Forge for burgers & chilli while we sat looking out at the mountain.

Tomorrow we plan on hitting the slopes so I'm hoping for some mild weather because we are both big wimps when it comes to the cold!  I have been vlogging since we left so I'll have a video recap of our weekend once we're back.

Have a great weekend!



In March 2013 my BFF and I travelled to Toronto, courtesy of Maybelline, to attend World Mastercard Fashion Week.  It was so fun to go backstage, get our hair and make-up done and attend the shows.  In between fashion and runways we ate a ton, explored the city and did some shopping.  Check out the vlog to see the full experience.


Related:
* Hello from Toronto! (An explanation of how we won this fab trip)





For my 29th birthday, my boyfriend took me to the Mayan Riviera, Mexico and we made a little video while we were down there!

We stayed at the Aventura Spa Palace (which will soon be torn down and turned into a Hard Rock resort) on the adults side.  This 5-star resort was beautiful with many great amenities (and the food was AMAZING).

We visited the Coba Ruins, played tennis, attended a chef's dinner, got pedicures, ate a ton (of coconut ice cream!) and relaxed.  










What does one wear to Fashion Week?  I didn't know, and to only go for two days, not know what your itinerary is, nor what shows you're seeing, I am please with how well I packed--in a small rolly suitcase, might I add!

Since we were only going to Toronto for just over two days, I knew I would need two outfits for each day at Fashion Week (if in fact we were going both days, at the time, we did not know), something to wear around town, that would be comfy to travel home in, and of course the clothes I wore there.

I packed four pairs of shoes, as you can see above, which I thought was strategic and amazing.  C'mon, four pairs for two days, you know that's not easy, especially when you don't know what you will be doing.  I wore the hi-top wedges there, during our second day of sightseeing, and eventually to Fashion week (which wasn't planned), and on the plane home.  They are comfortable, stylish and can work with multiple outfits.

The Ash olive green open-toe buckle booties were perfect for our first day at Fashion Week.  I felt they were the edgy kick my on-the-chic side outfit needed, plus I was comfy on my feet for several hours.

The cap toe flats were worn once, when we had breakfast in the Diner of our hotel on the first day for breakfast (with leggings and an oversized t-shirt/tunic that I'm not showing you here), and sadly since it didn't work out for us to change after shopping for day 2, my cap toe heels never got worn.

Day 2 Outfit:
* Max Studio top which you've seen with dark denim skinnies & also for Christmas dinner 2011.
* Zara utility style pant which you've seen casually on the weekend.
* H by Halston cap toe pumps (from my trip to Vegas; haul video HERE).
* Accessories:  Joe Fresh necklaces (different seasons), Auslini bangle & F21 clutch/purse.

I never ended up wearing this outfit, sadly, as we didn't change for day 2 and just wore what we had on from our sightseeing and shopping.  I love olive green and rose gold together, and I felt the pretty silk top, heels and rougher style pants really paired well together.

Leopard accessories:
* Ardène chain-strap clutch/purse.
* Cleo pony-hair belt.


Day 1 Outfit:
* Jessica Simpson blazer with faux leather sleeves, which you've seen with tuxedo style pantswith a sequin skirt & with a leopard tunic.
* Urban Planet ruffle cami from my Spring Vlog.
* H&M waxed pants which are probably my most favourite pants, currently.  You've seen them at Thanksgiving, with my hi-top wedges, and with those cap toe heels up top.
* Ash booties that are definitely in my top 5 of all my shoes (but don't get the play they deserve; got to keep 'em fresh!) and you've seen them with black skinnies.
* Accessories:  Sirens geometric necklace, Joe Fresh bangles (both gifts from my sister) and leather & metal bracelet (a birthday gift from a dear friend).


Travel outfit:
* Dynamite faux leather jacket which you've seen with a red pencil skirt (in one of my most favourite outfit posts ever), with a skirt and flats & in a very old outfit post but I like it (and had forgotten about it).
* Unknown silk tunic with a Jules & James chiffon tank (with zipper).  I wore the chiffon tank over the silk one as the former is longer to cover my butt, but wanted some dimension with the chiffon.
* American Apparel leather-look leggings which you've seen with some bad-ass wedge boots (that I don't wear enough).  I actually ended up wearing my new snow-leopard skinny pants I bought at H&M with this outfit instead as seen HERE.
* Accessories: I re-wore the triangle necklace.



In case you missed it:


Day two (Friday) of Toronto Fashion Week was such a fun day and since we didn't have to be at Fashion Week until 5pm (and we weren't getting our hair and make-up done this time around), we had time to explore the city a little bit.

Again this post will be a little photo heavy so click the link below to see more pictures after the jump.


Three days before I left for Mexico, I went to Toronto with my bestest girl to take in Fashion Week.  Maybelline hosted us, as we had entered a contest and they picked Sarah's name, and we truly lived like Queens for the two days we were there.

I have a ton of photos to share with you, so I'm breaking it up into two parts.  Click the link after the jump to read on.



Hello!  I'm back from a beautiful, sunny week in the Mayan Riviera, and what an amazing trip it was.  We filmed while we were there, so I'll let you know when I finish editing and uploading that.

We did so much while on vacation from climbing the Coba ruins, playing tennis, enjoying the beach, eating a ton and much, much more.  I would love to share some pictures with you, but it's pretty photo heavy, so click the jump if you're game...


Hey everyone!  I'm currently on vacation in the Mayan Rivera, Mexico with my boyfriend adn we are having a great time.  We arrived at midnight on Saturday night (our time, so it was actually 10pm Mexico time which enabled us to get a late-night dinner snack, which was good as we were so hungry) and have been soaking up the sun, drinking colourful drinks and just relaxing (or trying to relax; does anyone else have that difficulty of just 'shutting down'?  I know it always takes me a few days).

Things will be a little slow around here this week, but I'll be back to regular posting after Easter.  We do have free wi-fi here--what a treat!--but I don't want to spend hours logged on, if ya know what I mean.  I will have a full recap when I get back, plus more on Toronto Fashion Week and more.

Keep up with me on Instagram (I'm @acoest1984) while I'm away; talk soon!
Hey everyone! Sorry for the radio silence but the past couple days have been a whirlwind and I don't have wifi where I am (currently writing this post from my iPhone!).

In short, my bestie won a trip for us to World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto via Maybelline! They flew us here Wednesday night, put us up on a swanky hotel (The Thomspon) and sent us backstage at Fashion Week and to two shows. On top of that, gave her a cheque for $1000 to spend freely (we've had some great meals and done a bit of H&M shopping).

Yesterday, we got to the tents around 4:30 and were taken backstage. We had professional Redken hair stylists do our hair and Maybelline make-up artists for our faces. Backstage was craziness and so hectic. Models and people everywhere rushing around between shows! Once we were all ready, we were taken to the VIP lounge for a drink and professional photos then onto the shows! We saw the Soia&Kyo show and then the Rudsak show. Both amazing with beautiful outerwear. Tons of leather and fabrics mixed, fur lined hoods, vests and chunky boots. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to fall or at least incorporating some of this into my wardrobe now (via shopping my closet, mainly) before Spring hits (it's still snowing here).

Today we are going back to Fashion Week but don't know which shows we are seeing. We fly home tonight so are hoping to get some shopping in during the day today.

I'm Instagraming as I go and live-tweeting too so keep up with me there. Will have a full recap soon and we are vlogging this trip so ill have a video for you once I'm back from Mexico!

Have a great weekend!



Guess what you guys?!  I'm going to Mexico!  My boyfriend is taking me to the Mayan Riviera for my birthday and I could not be more excited (who gets a trip for their birthday!? What!).

I started packing the other night and put a pretty good dent into it. My suitcase is being filled with a lot of bright colours, wedges and bikinis (and cover-ups because I didn't pack enough of those for my trip to Punta Cana).

We are staying at the Aventura Spa Palace in the Mayan Riviera which is a five-star, adults-only resort and it looks beautiful.  I can't wait to relax, spend some QT time together and indulge in a carefree week. 



* Let's Chat sesh coming up so check back shortly!
I am currently en route to Montreal to see Cirque du Soleil, a gift I received for Christmas! So exciting.

Unfortunately, we awoke to a may-jah snowstorm this morning and the roads are less than desirable to be traveling on. However, we are still going.

Here are some snowstorm snaps. I'll check back in tomorrow but until then, travel along with me on Instagram.

 
At the airport  |  On the plane with my friends (we flew West Jet and the crew was amazing)

Hello friends!  I'm back and feeling slightly guilty for leaving my blog unattended for a full week (a first in almost three years!) but quite rested from my trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  

We left on a Saturday and stayed for seven days at the Sirenis Cocotal resort, a four-star resort with a beautiful beach.  I went with my best friend, her hubby and my other close friend.  The weather was a mix of beautiful and hot, and crazy thunderstorms with heavy rain.  The buffets weren't the best but the a la carte restaurants were delicious!  I'd love to share some photos with you...

Upon arrival at our resort.
Outfit deets:  Le Chateau hat, Joe Fresh cardigan, H&M tank, Sirens leggings, Walmart flats & Winners bag.


 ...and then it poured rain.


Our first day at the pool | Our first dinner out
Outfit deets:  (left) Gap bikini top & Gucci shades  (right) Winners dress, A.Co Designs shredded scarf (as a top) &  Bamboo gladiator sandals.


 Yummy slushy drinks  |  Beautiful pools


One morning on our balcony, we saw a grounds keeper up in a palm tree trimming the palms and throwing down the coconuts.  We watched him climb up use a rope attached to his waist and the tree to climb up and down (unbelievable!).  We cheered him on and next thing we knew he showed up at our door with two coconuts, cut open, to drink from.  We were pretty excited!  (BTW, don't do this; although we were excited, the four of us spent the next four days in the bathroom - eep, TMI).
Outfit deets:  Target bikini top & La Senza bottoms


Two nights out.
Outfit deets:  (left) Urban Og dress, Aldo wedges & J.Crew necklace  (right) Joe Fresh dress, Aldo wedges & eBay necklace.


 Our night at the Japanese restaurant.


I cut my hand really badly while washing a glass (the glass blew out) two days before our vacation which required a trip to the emergency room and three stitches.  I wasn't allowed to get it wet (the entire time!) so had to swim around with my hand out of the pool.
Outfit deets:  Rampage hat, Payless shades & Victoria Secret bikini (borrowed).

 
Partaking in a game on stage during the nightly show.


Our favourite drink of our holiday:  the Sirenis cocktail.


Outfit deets:  Giant Tiger hat, Foster Grant sunnies & Lisa Curran bikini.

 
Dinner time outfits (and can I just say styling your hair in serious humidity sucks.  Every.  Single.  Night).
Outfit deets:  (left) F21 top, Wet Seal shorts, Aldo wedges & Suzy earrings  (right) Ardene top, Sirens shorts, Spring gladiator sandals & Suzy necklace.


Limbo on the beach with my bff.
Outfit deets:  Le Chateau hat, Gap bikini top & Garage bottoms.


Outfit deets:  Ardene hat & American Eagle bikini (from separate lines).


Four amigos (our last day).


Related posts:

Today I leave for Dominican Republic!  And since we are going for a week, I packed 11 'night-time' outfits.  Naturally. 

Anyone who said packing was easy is lying.  Or maybe I just am really, extra terrible at it. 

Whatever.

The bottom line is, it's done and I'm happy with my oufits.  Ha.

I love to dress up my shorts at night with a fancier top, but threw in a few dresses and skirts aswell.  I tried to create new outfits I haven't worn before but creatively use things I already owned.  Since I was recently in Vegas, and styled many of my favourite outfits for that trip, I wanted to try to take different items for this trip. 

However, you might recognize that aqua, gauzy skirt from Vegas, the heart romper from the same trip and the pink shorts/black fox top combo from a night out this summer.

Here are some photos of what else is coming along with me...

Daytime outfits.


More daytime outfits (wink).
(The large hats were purchased for my sister's bridal shower, so I'm stoked to have 'em).


Heels for night time.




Related posts:
* What I packed for Florida 2011.
* What I packed for Florida 2012.
* What I packed for Toronto 2011.


Today I am heading to Montreal for a photo shoot and am so excited!  It has something to do with my vlogger gig, but I'm not sure I can say anymore at this time.  

I was up bright and early (for a Saturday) and am currently on the train.  It will be a long day of shooting but it's so fun.  I've never done a professional photo shoot before and am going to be getting hair and make-up done and will be styled as well!  Cool, 'eh?  

I'll try to get some snaps 'behind-the-scenes' to share with you, if I can.  Wish me luck!


Outfit deets:  H&M jacket (thrifted), Winners sweater, H&M tank, Sirens leggings, Rampage boots, Aldo purse (green), Mat & Nat bag & Gucci shades.

4am at the Ottawa airport, Thursday morning.
Outfit deets:  Gap denim jacket (DIY'ed), H&M tank, Max Studio skirt & Rachel Roy pashmina.

Going to Las Vegas with my bestie, Sarah, last week/weekend was amazing.  

We walked a ton (we did at least 10km the first day.  Ouch!), shopped even more, ate great food, saw the I Heart Radio concert and just enjoyed being on vacation.  We stayed at the NYNY hotel which had the comfiest beds ever and was right on the strip (and across from the MGM Grand).  

It was a quick four days and while some people say that is more than enough, I personally feel as though we only scratched the surface of Vegas.  I can easily say I would love to go back.  

I took a ton of photos (and several videos but that still needs to be edited together before I can share with you) and would love to share...

At the Las Vegas airport after about 15 hours of traveling.


 First Vegas meal:  Chicken tortilla salad at America in the NYNY hotel.


 A special Moet (and fancy cheese plate) surprise awaited us when we got to our room (!!!).


Bright and early on our first day we woke up at 5:30am and made our way 
to breakfast at 7:30am.  We had steak & eggs (for $5.95!) at Pampas.

 
Our hotel from afar.


 After breakfast we spent the day shopping (and walking the strip).
Outfit deets:  F21 romper (that was Sarah's and she gave to me! Yay!), Bamboo gladiator sandals & Foster Grant shades.


 We grabbed a quick NY pizza dinner at our hotel before the concert on Friday night.


 Ready for the I Heart Radio concert!
Outfit deets:  La Senza top, Costa Blanca skirt & clutch and Aldo wedges.


 On Saturday morning we headed out for breakfast and more shopping.
Outfit deets:  Lola romper (new from Vegas!), Spring gladiator sandals & Target bandeau swimsuit top.


We ate a late breakfast at Zingers: worst. french. toast. ever. (for realz)


 The strip from a walk-overpass.


After spending over eight hours shopping, we were too exhausted to go back to our hotel to get ready for dinner, so we just went straight to eat at Diego (in the MGM Grand).  Afterwards, we went to Fiamma for dessert and tea (and where this picture was taken).


Combo plate at Diego:  chicken enchillada, fish taco & beef burrito.


 Dessert & tea at Fiamma (tiramisu for me!).


 On our last day we got up early to get breakfast and take a walk down the strip.  
Then it was onto the airport to catch our 11am flight.
Outfit deets:  Sirens lace top & shorts, Garage tank, Bamboo gladiator sandals & nameless bag (from Winners).


 Steak & eggs (again).


Sad to be leaving Vegas, despite our smiles.
Outfit deets:  Sirens top & leggings, H&M tank & Bamboo gladiator sandals.


Related posts:
* Vegas update (written upon arrival).
* Additional photos on Instagram.
* How Sarah won a free trip for us to Vegas.

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