BLEED FOR FASHION

I've Got A Good Thing

2013-05-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who made it out to my little birthday shindig at The Queen's Republic on Thursday, and also to those who wanted to come, but couldn't. I'm truly blessed to have people in my life who constantly remind me of why life is so wonderful. For more photos, check out my Instagram.

My official birthday isn't until tomorrow and to be perfectly honest, I feel old (seriously, I'm still hungover!). I realize being 25 isn't a bad thing, though, and that not everyone can accomplish what I have at 25. I'm learning to celebrate my success because I deserve it and I've worked damn hard to get where I am.

My boyfriend and I are now off to Whistler as it's a long weekend here in Canada. We have an ATV tour planned for tomorrow afternoon, followed by soaking in the soothing outdoor baths at the Scandinave Spa, and then dinner at Bearfoot Bistro. Fingers crossed that the sun will make an appearance.

XOXO,

I Just Wanna See You Be Brave

2013-05-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

AMERICAN APPAREL OVERALLS, FREE PEOPLE LACE TOP, YSL SHOES, LOUIS VUITTON CLUTCH, CHLOÉ SUNGLASSES, ARIEL GORDON JEWELRY INITIAL L NECKLACE

It would appear I have a lot to say:

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, including my amazing and incredible mama who selflessly gives her energy, time and love to me, even when I don't deserve it.
I had the pleasure of seeing Sara Bareilles perform live at Rio Theatre with my friend, Diana, a few nights ago. Hearing her music resonates with me. There isn't one song that doesn't make me think of something significant in my life, whether that be an experience, a feeling, a person or a mixture of all three. Diana said it best when she said, "I'm sad her music isn't played on the radio more often. We are fed so much electronic, auto-tuned 'music' these days that we've forgotten what it's like to hear a person sing with just a microphone and a piano or guitar. I appreciate Sara Bareilles for her rawness and sheer dedication to her craft. And because she's just so freaking awesome."
My hair's getting longer, plus I'm growing out my bangs, which means I now barely put effort into my hair, and by barely I mean no maintenance at all. To get my look, all you need to do is toss out your hairbrush, adopt a messy sleeping habit and whip your hair back and forth, Willow Smith style.
I'm proud to say that my very first project on Aritzia's Digital team is now up on our Facebook page. To see it, click here and here.
Exactly one week until my 25th birthday. My boyfriend and I going to Whistler for the long weekend, but if you're in Vancouver on Thursday, May 16th, please join me for a night of drinking, dancing and debauchery at The Queen's Republic. I'll be the girl in the lace dress.
Note to self: "Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you think you need." Written by a 90-year-old.

PHOTOS BY PETER OF THE STARVING STYLIST (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

Embracing Optimism

2013-05-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

EIGHT SIXTY FLORAL JACKET C/O EIGHT SIXTY, FREE PEOPLE HOODIE, T BY ALEXANDER WANG TANK TOP, MINKPINK DENIM SHORTS, CHLOÉ SHOES, CHANEL BAG, ARIEL GORDON JEWELRY INITIAL L NECKLACE

I survived my first two weeks at my new role and I couldn't be happier. Starting a new job is always scary, or at least for me it's always scary. It's like the first day of school, but it's during the "uncomfortable," that you learn the most. I'm fortunate to work with such brilliant, driven and like-minded people who not only take pride in their work, but have a passion for what they do as well.

Bittersweet thoughts swirl inside my head, though, with the realization that today would've been my sister's 33rd birthday. I'd do anything to have her here with me. Rest in paradise, Linda. I love you and miss you more every day.

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

The Proust Questionnaire

2013-04-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

MACKAGE MOTORCYCLE JACKET, HANDSOME SWEATER, ALLSAINTS DENIM SHORTS, VALENTINO SHOES, T.BABATON HAT, CHANEL BAG, CHLOÉ SUNGLASSES

Like so many other people, I'm fascinated by the lives of our most prominent cultural figures, especially when they answer questionnaires. My favorite by far is the Vanity Fair adaptation of the infamous Proust Questionnaire. These questions originated as a 19th-century parlor game popularized by contemporaries of French essayist and novelist, Marcel Proust, who believed that an individual's answers reveal his or her true nature.

Now, I'm no cultural figure, but see my answers below:

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Peace of mind.

What is your greatest fear? Abandonment.

Which historical figure do you most identify with? Marie Antoinette.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Not caring about consequences.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Cruelty and greed.

What is your greatest extravagance? Designer shoes and handbags.

What is your favorite journey? Anywhere, as long as I'm with good company.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Religious observance of any kind. Spirituality, on the other hand, is another matter.

On what occasion do you lie? I'll never tell.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? "Ugh."

What do you dislike most about your appearance? Oh lawd, where do I begin?

What or who is the greatest love of your life? One can be more than once in love—that's the most important thing, but currently: my family, my boyfriend and every dog I meet.

When and where were you happiest? Every single morning when I wake up and see my boyfriend's sleeping face. I can't help but get lost in the romance of it all.

Which talent would you most like to have? The ability to sing and/or play a musical instrument.

What is your current state of mind? Full of optimism and hope, but scared shitless.

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? I'd like my sister to be alive.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being employable.

Where would you like to live? On the beach, with free Wi-Fi.

What is the quality you most like in a man? Tenderness.

What is the quality you most like in a woman? Strength.

What do you most value in your friends? Loyalty, reliability, intellect and humor.

Who are your favorite heroes of fiction? Strong female protagonists who defy gravity, challenge male subjugation and revolt against the limitations that society has placed on them.

Who are your heroes in real life? Those who invoke and inspire change.

How would you like to die? Swiftly and painlessly, with expensive shoes on.

What is your motto? "Hope for the best, expect the worst."

I urge all of you to answer these questions, whether it be leaving a comment below, posting them on your own blog or on a piece of paper. You might just surprise yourself.

PHOTOS BY REZ

XOXO,

I Was Meant for This

2013-04-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

CHEAP MONDAY DENIM JACKET, FREE PEOPLE OVERALLS, WILFRED CROPPED TANK TOP, BASE RANGE BRA, PRADA SHOES, MICHAEL KORS WATCH, CC SKYE BRACELETS

So here's my exciting news: I'm starting my new job title as Online Experience & Social Media Coordinator on Monday! Unlike when I got promoted to Customer Care Supervisor, I'll be transitioning into a new department entirely. My life over the past couple of months hasn't been all rainbows and butterflies, so I'm incredibly grateful that the Universe finally and miraculously has decided to throw me a bone (a great big awesome bone!). I'm going to get to do what I've always wanted to do, and I intend to inspire and to stay inspired.

Additionally, I've decided not to move to East Vancouver after all. My boyfriend and I have been talking about possibly moving in together in the future, so I may as well avoid the stress of moving and love the home I'm in just a little while longer. As a result, I've started redecorating and rearranging, which got me thinking my blog is due for a makeover too. Thoughts?

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

Anywhere Your Heart Desires

2013-04-15T10:50:00.003-07:00

ZOE KARSSEN SWEATER, JNBY PANTS, ALEXANDER WANG SHOES, I LOVE UGLY HAT, RAY-BAN SUNGLASSES

If you haven't already noticed, I live in sweaters. Also, these pants are at least three sizes too big for me. It's terrible and awesome at the same time.

If I could describe to you what life feels like right now, it would sound something like this—sometimes exuberant, sometimes scattered, sometimes harmonious, sometimes crazy, but always beautiful. More details to follow.

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

Homies

2013-04-07T22:55:00.000-07:00

BRIAN LICHTENBERG SWEATSHIRT, NAVEN FAUX LEATHER SKIRT, GUCCI SHOES, LOUIS VUITTON CLUTCH

Life as it currently stands:

Big day tomorrow. If all goes well, I'll finally reveal what my exciting news is. Wish me luck!
I'm contemplating extending my 3/4 sleeve to a full sleeve. I have a consultation with my tattoo artist later this week to discuss.
I'm also contemplating moving from Yaletown to East Vancouver.
As my 25th birthday comes closer, I've been thinking more and more about the people in my life and how each of them affects me in their own special way. By doing so, I've realized that I have too many amazing people in my life to waste my time on those who don't deserve it.
One of my favorite things to do in the whole world is listening to live music. I recently had the pleasure of seeing Nicky Romero, Calvin Harris, A$AP Rocky and Rihanna. Next, I'm going to see Sara Bareilles. Can't wait!
Finally, safe to say I'm a bit obsessed with this sweater.

PHOTOS BY REZ

XOXO,

Our Deepest Fear

2013-03-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

WILFRED FREE SWEATER, ALLSAINTS DENIM SHORTS, WIFRED SCARF, GUCCI BACKPACK

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." — Marianne Williamson

Note to self: Never underestimate the power of your own will and determination. Sky isn't the limit; shoot for the stars and beyond.

P.S. As mentioned previously, I went and got my hair dyed by Calvyn, who gave me a very subtle, natural looking ombre. If you're in Vancouver, you should go see him. You can thank me later.

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

Hello Spring

2013-03-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

WILFRED FREE OVERALLS, TALULA TANK TOP, PLAY COMME DES GARCONS CONVERSE SHOES, RAY-BAN SUNGLASSES, GUCCI BACKPACK

This week has been one of the most relaxing weeks I've had in a while. I'm currently on a staycation and been sleeping in till 9am (yes, that's sleeping in for me!), taking a Barre Fitness/Cardio class followed by a steam, and hanging out with my boyfriend every day.

We took a bike ride along the seawall on Monday, watched a movie on Tuesday, cooked dinner together on Wednesday, celebrated Persian New Year and his mom's birthday yesterday, took another bike ride along the seawall earlier today, and tomorrow we're going to hike the Deep Cove Quarry Rock Trail. Too often couples fall into a routine where everything becomes expected and the relationship loses its luster and excitement, so we're making more of an effort to try new things together.

Additionally, I'm getting my hair dyed for the first time in 3 years tomorrow. With every seasons change, comes the desire to have a change in appearance. Stay tuned for photos.

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

Sunshine After the Rain

2013-03-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

EIGHT SIXTY PEPLUM TANK TOP C/O EIGHT SIXTY, WILFRED FREE FAUX LEATHER PANTS, YSL SHOES, CHANEL BAG, TOM FORD SUNGLASSES, MICHAEL KORS WATCH, HERMES & CC SKYE BRACELETS

The sun finally decided to make an appearance this past weekend after what seemed like an eternity of rain, which gave me the opportunity to wear my new Eight Sixty peplum tank top. To be honest, aside from these pants and scarf, I don't normally wear floral prints, so this top is definitely a step out of the box for me, but I love it nonetheless.

On another note, thank you to all entrants for participating in the Klo Portfolios giveaway. I enjoyed reading your answers and sincerely wish I could give away a custom portfolio book to each and every one of you. That being said, please join me in congratulating the winner, Karen Ly!

Everyone else: as another lovely treat, the ultra faboosh Tarlan is extending a 15% discount to all my readers. Simply email info@kloportfolios.com and mention my blog to receive the discount until April 30th. Happy portfoling!

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

Growing Apart From Your Best Friend

2013-03-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

*time out*

"You want there to be a reason. A concrete reason as to why you no longer feel the way you once did about your best friend, the person you grew up with and have been close with for forever. A reason would make it easier. It would make you feel less guilty. It would make the dissolution less strange and painful.

But sometimes there isn't one. Sometimes you grow apart from your best friend and there really isn't a good reason as to why. It might be completely one-sided too, which makes you feel even worse. You're drifting away and they still feel like nothing's changed. You wonder if you're a cold-hearted jerk for throwing away years of friendship. People are really invested in this idea of time being the ultimate marker for closeness and I think it's sort of BS. "We've been friends just for so long, you know?" Yeah, so what? You've been friends for years and now you've grown apart. Do you keep it going, do you force the connection, just because it's been going on for so long? If anything, keeping a friend around just because you've known them for so long seems more heartbreaking than just ending it. You'll just always be reminded of how close you USED to be and how everything's now changed and you're not sure why. To me, that seems more painful than just cutting the friendship off.

Sometimes you just grow apart from people. You get older, your personality matures or devolves, and all of a sudden you find yourself not having a whole lot in common with someone you once did. This is just a casualty of growing up. For some reason, "growing apart" is the hardest thing to come to terms with. You wish you could just get into an explosive fight with your best friend and use that as a scapegoat. The reality, however, is that you will always love and care about them. You just don't necessarily feel the need to have them in your life anymore. The catch up phone calls are becoming forced, you're grasping at straws trying to come up with conversation topics. They live in a different state and aren't involved in the day-to-day of your life which makes things difficult. You begin to dread these catch up sessions because not only do they take forever but there's this underlying tension you are both trying so hard to avoid. The more you try to pretend the friendship is the same, the more obvious it becomes that it's changed.

There's no easy solution for this. What do you do? Do you call them up and say, "Look, I love you and always will but I feel like have nothing to say to you anymore?" You can't do that! Can you?

Or do you just let it slowly die? You ignore their phone calls and then finally you put the nail in the coffin by being in the same city as them and "forgetting" to see them. That'll let them know that it’s officially over.

I don't know. You wish you could just be honest with each other but that's hard, But you know what? Lying is hard too! It might even be harder than telling the truth. If you grow apart from someone, can you just be real about it? Can you ever tell them how you really feel?

Maybe. Regardless of how you choose to have the friendship end, it's over. And sometimes that realization is harder to come to terms with than anything else." — January Nelson, Thought Catalog

Letting go will always be harder than holding on, but sometimes you need to stop holding on so you can start moving on.

*now back to your regularly scheduled programming*

XOXO,

Klo Portfolios Giveaway

2013-03-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

VEDA LEATHER VEST, ALLSAINTS SLEEVELESS SWEATER & DENIM SHORTS, GUCCI SHOES, T.BABATON HAT, CUSTOM PORTFOLIO BOOK C/O OF KLO PORTFOLIOS

I've mentioned before that the best thing to ever come out of starting this blog is all of the wonderful people I've had the privilege of meeting, and this still holds true today.

I recently connected with Tarlan Seyedfarshi, owner and founder of Klo Portfolios, who generously offered to make me my very own portfolio book. If you're not familiar, Klo Portfolios specializes in creating beautifully unique and customizable portfolio books. Each book is cut-to-order and produced locally here in Vancouver, and receives the utmost care and attention to detail before being shipped to their new homes.

In partnership with Tarlan, we're offering what is absolutely the best giveaway I've done to date, where one reader will receive a custom bespoke portfolio book of their own! Open to Canadian and US residents, to enter "Like" Klo Portfolios on Facebook and leave a comment below with your name and email address, and answer the following question: How would you fill up the pages of your own custom portfolio book? Winner will be selected next Wednesday, March 20th. Good luck!

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

Change is Good

2013-03-07T18:34:00.002-08:00

THEORY SWEATER, T.BABATON SKIRT, BURBERRY PRORSUM SHOES, WIFRED SCARF

Life has a funny way of working itself out. Just when I lost all hope, I received exciting news that could potentially change everything.

You never know what you're truly capable of until the moment arises. More on that later.

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

I Can Live on Your Smile

2013-02-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

MACKAGE MOTORCYCLE JACKET, WU+SEN SWEATER, CLUB MONACO BLOUSE, ZARA FLORAL PANTS, GUCCI SHOES, CHANEL BAG, TOM FORD SUNGLASSES, CC SKYE NECKLACE

Thank you all for your kind words with regards to my boudoir shoot, especially Giulia of LUMINOUS LIA who drew this beautiful picture of me. I have the best and most talented readers in the world.

Lately I've been deep in thought about many things in my life. One, namely being, my sense of self-worth. I've been concentrating so much on what I don't have, that I've taken for granted everything (and everyone) that I do have. That being said, I've been through enough to know that this is just a phase and the clouds will part and I will feel the sun on my skin again.

Everyone has their own personal struggles. This is mine.

PHOTOS BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS

XOXO,

My Boudoir Shoot (NSFW)

2013-02-11T22:13:00.000-08:00

(Image heavy post after the jump!)

These are just some of the many photos that Christie Graham took of me in her home studio in Kitsilano. She made me feel at complete ease and is undoubtedly an extremely talented photographer. It was truly a pleasure and a blessing to work with her.

I believe every woman should experience a boudoir session at least once in her life. A boudoir session is not defined by having or not having a significant other, or even by your physical appearance. Instead, it's a great reminder to yourself that you're beautiful inside and out—and "to be beautiful means to be yourself. You don't need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself."

We owe it to ourselves to celebrate us, for us and no one else. We're all aware of our flaws and insecurities, but how often do we concentrate on the positive and let a creative soul like Christie help put that on an image that you can keep forever? To Christie: thank you for the reminder.

PHOTOS BY CHRISTIE GRAHAM
HAIR BY CALVYN CASS
NAILS BY CHARISMA SPA LOUNGE
STATIONARY BY DESIGN BY DAINTY

XOXO,

Primp, Polish, Repeat

2013-02-08T21:09:00.000-08:00

Nothing makes me feel more polished (no pun intended) than a fresh manicure and pedicure. In preparation for my boudoir shoot, last Thursday after breaking a sweat during a Cardio Barre class, I visited Charisma Spa Lounge for an afternoon of pampering.

From every Essie and O.P.I color under the sun to additional services like waxing and eyelash enhancement, Charisma Spa Lounge is a boutique spa that's committed to providing their guests with a 5-star experience. By placing focus on superior nail and beauty maintenance, utmost professionalism, hygienic procedure and flawless finished product, owner and founder, Christa Baumgartner, aims to ensure a complete experience of the highest quality to each and every guest. Not only that, but Christa is also one of the sweetest people I've ever had the pleasure to meet.

If you're in Yaletown, I encourage you to check out Charisma Spa Lounge on 82 Smithe Street. I promise you won't regret it.

XOXO,

The Beginning of Something

2013-02-01T22:29:00.000-08:00

FOX HOUSE CAMO JACKET, AMERICAN APPAREL SLEEVELESS TURTLENECK, TOPSHOP JEANS, YSL SHOES, CC SKYE NECKLACE

Me post-boudoir shoot. I can't wait to see how the photos turn out and to share them with you all.

I woke up this morning with an orgasm. February is going to be an awesome month.

ETA:

This is why I shouldn't be allowed to retail in-store.

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

Simple Living

2013-01-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

H&M FAUX FUR JACKET, MACKAGE MOTORCYCLE JACKET, LOFT 82 TUNIC, WILFRED FREE FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS, CHLOÉ SHOES, GUCCI HAT, CHANEL BAG

My boyfriend and I go to Whistler every other month and always have a wonderful time, and this time was no exception. We arrived there on Saturday and enjoyed everything Whistler Village had to offer. On Sunday we went on the Cruiser Snowmobile Tour at Cougar Mountain, where we rode through beautiful terrain on backcountry trails. We had so much fun, and I'm proud to say I didn't tip over or crash. I only got bruises on my legs because I put my weight on the front of the machine rather than the back (a lesson learned for next time!). For photos, check out my Instagram.

Even though the weekend's over, I'm grateful to have this time off. One of the best feelings is going to bed after an eventful day, knowing you don't have to go into work the next day. This Friday I'm doing my first ever boudoir shoot, just in time for Valentine's Day. Much to my boyfriend's dismay, I'll be posting the photos here on my blog so stay tuned.

In sadder news, last week I received word that my brother-in-law's dad passed away. My brother-in-law's understandably upset. Me, on the other hand, isn't as affected as one may think. Truth be told, I'm numb when it comes to deaths. Maybe it's because it doesn't sink in quick enough to matter, and when it finally does, it's been too long for the reaction to be the same. Or maybe it's because compared to my sister, who passed away on July 29th, 2007, they're not as important. Perhaps I'm too ~~smart~~ realistic to know that shit like this happens every day; it's just a bitch when it becomes personal and it happens to you. Life is simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

Ready for Whistler

2013-01-26T06:46:00.000-08:00

CHLOÉ & SOREL SHOES

Be right back.

XOXO,

Point Taken

2013-01-17T23:10:00.000-08:00

CLUB MONACO SWEATER JACKET, AFTER PAINS TANK TOP, RAG & BONE/JEAN JEANS, VALENTINO SHOES, T.BABATON HAT

I have work at 4:45am tomorrow and should be sleeping. Point form it is:

I'm happy to report that I'm recovered enough from the flu to resume taking photos. Look how stylish I am, I'm wearing a tank top and jeans! Side note: I'll never get over how narcissistic and silly outfit posts make me feel.
I'm also wearing my new Dior Addict Extreme 987 Black Tie lipstick by Christian Dior. So hot right now (insert Mugatu voice).
Now that our holiday period has come to a close for 2012, I'm excited to unwind and take time off from work (aka a staycation) for 8 days starting next Saturday. My boyfriend and I are going to Whistler that weekend, and we're going snowmobiling for the first time. Wish us luck!
Seeing older couples who are still madly in love is one of my favorite things.
Life is too short to waste it on those who don't make your heart smile.
That is all. Goodnight, friends.

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

I'm Still Here

2013-01-12T20:20:00.001-08:00

As I write this blog post, I'm fighting a terrible fever, cough and stuffy nose. This means you'll have to wait until next week for an outfit post, hopefully when I'm no longer an incubus of viral plague.

In the meantime, I wanted to share 10 Good Reminders for Stressful Times. This is exactly what I needed to read right now.

1. Happiness is never constant, and it's not supposed to be. You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life. To believe that you can reach a state of happiness and stay there forever, is like the tide believing she can reach for the shoreline and remain there forever; or like a fruit tree believing that if she only holds on tighter, she can keep her fruit from dropping to the ground. Happiness is simply a series of moments that come and go and add sweetness to our lives. Learn to accept this, and the more happy moments you will have.

2. Failures are temporary situations that teach us necessary lessons. Life's best lessons are usually learned at the worst times and from the worst mistakes. So yes, you will fail sometimes. The faster you accept this, the faster you can get on with being brilliant. You'll never be 100% sure it will work, but you can always be 100% sure doing nothing won’t work. Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. So get out there and try! Either you succeed or you learn a vital lesson. Win – Win.

3. Even if you can't see it now, you are making progress. You may not be where you want to be yet, but if you think about it, you're no longer where you once were either. You have good reason to believe that you can trust yourself going forward. Not because you've always made the right choices, but because you survived the bad ones, and taken small steps in the right direction. So cry for a moment if you have to, and get it out of your system. Crying doesn't indicate that you're weak; since birth, it has always been a sign that you’re alive and full of potential. Once you're done, keep going! You're undoubtedly getting closer to where you want to be.

4. How you feel when you're stressed is not a true measure of reality. Just because you're afraid, doesn't mean you're in danger. Just because you feel alone, doesn't mean nobody loves you. Just because you think you might fail, doesn't mean you will. Look beyond your doubts and keep searching for the truth. Be aware of your mental self-talk. We all talk silently to ourselves in our heads, but we aren't always conscious of what we're saying or how it's affecting us. The way to overcome negative thoughts and destructive emotions is to develop opposing, positive emotions that are stronger and more powerful. Listen to your self-talk and replace negative thoughts with positive ones. The sun is always shining on some part of your life. Sometimes you just have to forget how you feel, remember what you deserve and keep pushing forward.

5. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. You can learn great things from your failures and mistakes when you aren't busy denying them. If you've been asking the same questions for months or even years, yet are still stuck, it's probably not that you haven't been given the answers, but that you don't like the answers you were given. It takes a lot of courage to admit that something needs to change, and a lot more courage still, to accept the responsibility for actually changing it. The most important step forward is taking the first step. The simple act of getting started and doing something will give you the momentum you need, and soon you'll find yourself in a positive spiral of positive changes, one building on the other.

6. You are not what happened to you in the past. No matter how chaotic the past has been, the future is a clean, fresh, wide open slate. You are not your past habits. You are not your past failures. You are not how others have at one time treated you. You are only who you think you are right now in this moment. You are only what you do right now in this moment.

7. Not getting what you want can be a blessing. Not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of good luck, because it forces you reevaluate things, opening new doors to opportunities and information you would have otherwise overlooked. Remember, some things in life fall apart so that better things can fall together.

8. Being a 'work in progress' is a great state to be in. Stop berating yourself for being a work in progress. Start embracing it! Because being a work in progress doesn’t mean you’re not good enough today; it means you want a better tomorrow, and you wish to love yourself completely, so you can live your life fully. It means you're determined to heal your heart, expand your mind and cultivate the gifts you know you’re meant to share. May we all be works in progress forever, and celebrate the fact that we are!

9. Nobody else can do it for you. Keep doing what you know in your heart is right for YOU. Let your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions louder than your words. Live by choice, not by chance. Make changes, not excuses. Be motivated, not manipulated. Work to excel, not compete. Choose to listen to your inner voice, not the jumbled opinions of everyone else. It's your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.

10. Life is not easy, but it's worth it. If you expect it to be, you will perpetually disappoint yourself. Achieving anything worthwhile in life takes effort. So start every morning ready to run farther than you did yesterday and fight harder than you ever have before. Above all, make sure you properly align your efforts with your goals. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it in the end.

XOXO,

Quarterlife Crisis

2013-01-04T02:11:00.002-08:00

WILFRED FREE CARDIGAN, FREE PEOPLE OVERALL, WILFRED TANK TOP, CHRISTIAN DIOR SHOES, CHANEL CLUTCH, HOUSE OF HARLOW NECKLACE, MICHAEL KORS WATCH, CC SKYE BRACELETS

Along with the New Year comes the realization that I'm going to be turning 25 in a couple of months. I recently came across this book and thought I'd share this excerpt:

"Jim, the neighbor who lives in the three-story colonial down the block, has recently turned 50. You know this because Jim's wife threw him a surprise party about a month ago. You also know this because, since then, Jim has dyed his hair blond, purchased a leather bomber jacket, traded in his Chevy Suburban for a sleek Miata, and ditched the wife for a girlfriend half her size and age.

Yet, aside from the local ladies' group's sympathetic clucks for the scorned wife, few neighbors are surprised at Jim's instant lifestyle change. Instead, they nod their heads understandingly. "Oh, Jim," they say. "He's just going through a midlife crisis. Everyone goes through it." Friends, colleagues and family members excuse his weird behavior as an inevitable effect of reaching this particular stage of life. Like millions of other middle-aged people, Jim has reached a period during which he believes he must ponder the direction of his life—and then alter it.

Chances are, if you're reading this book, you're not Jim. You know this because you can't afford a leather bomber jacket, you drive your parents' Volvo (if you drive a car at all), and, regardless of your gender, you would happily marry Jim's wife if she gets to keep the house. But Jim's midlife crisis is relevant to you nonetheless, because it is currently the only age-related crisis that is widely recognized as a common, inevitable part of life. This is pertinent because, despite all of the attention lavished on the midlife crisis, despite the hundreds of books, movies, and magazine articles dedicated to explaining the sometimes traumatic transition through middle age and the ways to cope with it, the midlife crisis is not the only age-related crisis that we experience. As Yoda whispered to Luke Skywalker, "There is another."

This other crisis can be just as, if not more, devastating than the midlife crisis. It can throw someone's life into chaotic disarray or paralyze it completely. It may be the single most concentrated period during which individuals relentlessly question their future and how it will follow the events of their past. It covers the interval that encompasses the transition from the academic world to the "real" world—an age group that can range from late adolescence to the mid-thirties but is usually most intense in twentysomethings. It is what we call the quarterlife crisis, and it is a real phenomenon." — Alexandra Robbins & Abby Wilner, Quarterlife Crisis: The Unique Challenges of Life in Your Twenties

I feel like I've been having a quarterlife crisis for years now, where nothing is wrong and everything is wrong at the same time. They say sometimes the heart doesn't know what it wants until it finds what it wants. I say my life would be so much easier if my heart would just do what my head tells it to.

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

For 2013

2012-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

ALICE + OLIVIA PEPLUM TOP, VINCE PANTS, YSL SHOES, CHANEL BAG, WWAKE NECKLACE, MICHAEL KORS WATCH, CC SKYE BRACELETS

"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best and expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you." — Unknown

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. I was fortunate to spend Christmas Day with both my family (who came to visit from Calgary) and my boyfriend's family under the same roof.

2012 was life-changing, and I'm sorry I didn't document it as much as I should've. If you're reading this, thank you for your continued support and for keeping me on bookmark. I promise for 2013 I will be on here more doing what I love to do: write.

Be safe and Happy New Year, friends.

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

Snapbacks & Tattoos

2012-12-22T15:05:00.000-08:00

TNA PARKA, AFTER PAIN SWEATER & HAT, CURRENT/ELLIOTT JEANS, CHRISTION DIOR SHOES, MICHAEL KORS WATCH, CC SKYE BRACELETS

This is my new theme song. I want it to play every time I enter a room.

P.S. Apologies for being MIA. I've been working like a mad woman. I'll do a more substantial update soon, I promise.

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

2012-12-04T21:49:00.000-08:00

VEDA LEATHER VEST, PIKO 1988 SHEARLING DRAPE JACKET, OAK + FORT SWEATER, J BRAND BOYFRIEND JEANS, GUCCI SHOES & HAT, ALEXANDER WANG CLUTCH

"Chapter I: I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter II: I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I am in the same place, but it isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter III: I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there. I still fall in. It's a habit. My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. ~~I get out immediately.~~

Chapter IV: I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.

Chapter V: I walk down a different street." — Portia Nelson

This poem speaks so much truth, it's ridiculous. I'm currently on Chapter III. Which chapter are you on?

PHOTOS BY REZ (EDITED BY TESSA OF A MILE IN HER HEELS)

XOXO,