St. Patrick's Day: The Black Velvet Cocktail

Forget the green beer this year, we're going for a more refined feel for St. Patrick's Day this year! I feel like most of the cocktails I've been gravitating towards lately all have champagne or prosecco...not sure why that is, but hey, sparkling wine is always fun. I wanted to do something other than the usual green beer or boozy milkshake for St. Patrick's day this year, and came across a simple and tasty recipe from Guinness: the Black Velvet. It's half Guinness (an Irish stout) and half champagne - that's it! The champagne adds a nice lightness and sweetness to the Guinness. And I garnished it with a sprig of mint to add an essential pop of green.

Black Velvet Cocktail:

• Coupe or champagne flute
• Pour Guinness until half full
• Top with champagne (I used Henkell sparkling wine)
• Garnish with a sprig of mint

Of course you know me, a good cocktail is to be accompanied by an equally good matching outfit. This green Chicwish dress (on sale right now!) is so cute, and is a nice thick material which is great, considering it's still March. It's not spring quite yet. If you want to see the full dress, you can check it out on this post from St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. Then I found these SUPER cute St. Patrick's Day nails from Kiss that are just perfect. If you weren't already aware, I'm obsessed with Kiss nails in general - they stay on for like 2 weeks (with a couple replacements). I always use the included glue, rather than the adhesive tabs. The St. Patty's style, with solid white, sparkling gold, and clover leaves are perfect for the occasion!

While things are starting to open up here again as Omicron wanes, I'm thinking this will still probably be another St. Patrick's Day spent closer to home, so I've been perusing food options that I could serve with this cocktail. I came across this yummy-looking Guinness, bacon, cheddar and barley risotto that I may try out.

What do you have planned for St. Patrick's Day this year?

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

Spa Day at Home

Was in need of some R&R this weekend, so I pulled out a few of my favourite spa essentials, and 

whipped up a cocktail to match the refreshing vibe!

My other half found these great Sparkmouth tonics in the flavour cucumber mint, which are SO refreshing. I think you can get them at Safeway here locally. I thought they'd make a great spa-inspired cocktail, mixed with gin. I added 1 oz Tanqueray gin and topped with the Sparkmouth Cucumber Mint Tonic and then garnished with a slice of cucumber and a couple sprigs of mint. By the way, if you're curious what glass I'm using for this cocktail, it's the Edge wine glass from Crate & Barrel (these glasses are also similar). A nice elevated cocktail if you want something boozy instead of the usual 'spa water' infused with cucumber or lemon.

Sipping a spa cocktail is the perfect way to pass the time as you wait for your face mask to do its magic. I tried out the StriVectin Multi-Action Blue Rescue Clay Renewal Mask, and loved that it was a massage-activated and colour transforming mask. Once applied all over the face (in a light blue), you massage it into the skin, and it turns a deeper blue! Then just leave on for 10 minutes. The formula aims to reduce the look of fine lines, enlarged pores, rough texture and dullness. I can't speak for the fine lines, but my skin definitely felt glowy and smooth afterwards.

For the full spa experience, I have my Saje diffuser to make the whole apartment smell calming. The diffuser I'm using here is the Aroma Lift Kit - Uplifting Edition, and I used 10 drops of the Spa Spirit essential oils blend that is included in Saje's Relaxation Room Calming Diffuser Blend Collection. Spa Spirit is a purifying diffuser blend that has scents of grapefruit, eucalyptus, vanilla-spice and balsam. By the way, Saje's diffuser blends are 100% natural and vegan!

Do you have a calming ritual or spa must-have that helps you relax? I'd love to hear it in the comments below!

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

Cocktail Bombs: The Easiest Way to Make Yourself a Bellini!

I'm all for trying the latest cocktail trend - the latest of which has been 'cocktail bombs'. You've probably seen them on Instagram or Tik Tok. They basically work and look exactly like your classic bath bomb, except this one you drop in your favourite sparkling beverage (like sparkling water or sparkling wine). LegalLee Blonde got me a box from Cocktail Bomb Shop for Christmas, and I've been excited to give them a try. I figured they'd not only be a fun spectacle but would also make for a quick and easy cocktail.

I tried the Peach Bellini bombs, and dropped it in a glass of prosecco, with a few candy peach rings for garnish. While the blue colour didn't seem like what I'd expect for a Bellini, it tasted just like I expected it would!

They also have all kinds of other classic cocktail flavours like margarita, pina colada, mojito, and lemon drop, as well some tasty-sounding concoctions like raspberry lemonade, dreamsicle, and love potion. Depending on the cocktail bomb you choose, there's a recommended alcohol paring. But the great thing is, if you want it to be non-alcoholic, you can do any of them with any sparkling beverage of your choice.

Watch below to see how it works! What flavour would you try?

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Bodysuit - SheIn | Nails - Kiss | Skirt - Kassinka

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

A Slice of Paris (Angelina Paris!) at Home

 Having the chance to visit Angelina Paris was such a special experience. Maybe it's because the first time I tried to visit while in Paris several years ago with my girlfriends, it was closed and I was devastated. Fast forward another several years, and I was finally able to visit Paris once again, and of course Angelina Paris was on the top of my must-visit list. It was just as amazing as I'd hoped it would be: the most gorgeous and luxurious Parisian tea house, with ornate and charming decor, and impeccably-designed pastries. They are most well known for their signature Mont Blanc (which is made with meringue, light whipped cream, and chesnut vermicelli) and their famous hot chocolate. I'll share more about visiting their tea room another time. Today, I just want to talk about their hot chocolate!

 I picked up a tin of their hot chocolate mix while I was there, and it's been a nice way to transport myself back to Paris with just a sip. I make it with hot milk, and a tower of whipped cream on the side. Having a little dish of whipped cream on the side, to add to hot chocolate or coffee seems to be regular practice from what I could see in Paris. I pulled out my best teacups and gold spoons (from the Buckingham Palace shop on a previous trip to London) too for this occasion.

Of course, when creating your own Paris fantasy at home, it requires a Parisian outfit that is fitting of the scene! This beautiful Louis Vuitton BB Bandeau I'm wearing here was the most wonderful gift from my cousin Angela while I was visiting her in Luxembourg. It's in the quintessential Monogram Forever LV pattern, and makes such a versatile accessory. In addition to being a beautiful hair tie and handbag accessory, it looks excellent tied around the neck. It's a classic luxury piece to have in your wardrobe. As for the rest of the look, my beret is from a local hat shop here on Granville Island, my cashmere sweater was a thrifted find from Value Village, and the blazer is from H&M. And voilà, a Parisian-perfect outfit for a 'visit' to Angelina Paris. Now excusez-moi while I sip my hot chocolate while playing a french playlist on Spotify...

Have you been to Angelina Paris before? If you've been to Paris, what's your favourite cafe or tea house there? I'd love to get your recommendations for future trips!

You can shop my look here:

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

Champagne, Roses & Tulle for Your Valentine's / Galentine's Plans

Your Valentine's or Galentine's Day plans call for a rose cocktail and a hot 'fit!

Roses are always a quintessential part of any Valentine's Day, so I wanted to create a quick and easy cocktail incorporating the flavour of roses. Truth be told, I love all floral flavours like rose and lavender. I know they're not everyone's favourite - some think florals taste soapy, but if you are one of those people like me that do love florals in your food or drink, I think you'll really like what I've whipped up! 

Rose champagne cocktail:

• 4oz Vranken Pommery POP Rosé Champagne (I've visited Pommery's champagne house in Reims, France, and it was an incredible experience! And I just love these mini bottles the have, which come in both blue and pink).
• Top with Fentimans Rose Lemonade.
• Add a splash of rose water, if you really love rose flavour like me! We found some at our local Persian market.
• Garnish with a rose petal, speared with a cocktail pick (I got mine here from Amazon).

I think a coupe glass is perfect for a champagne cocktail like this one. I found my gold rim coupe glasses from Indigo years ago, but here's a similar set if you're looking to add some to your bar. I also like these vintage-looking ones from Indigo as well. Pair your cocktail with some pink macarons, and you've got a nice treat to celebrate in style!

Now for the outfit. Lace is always associated with Valentine's Day, but I think sheer tulle can also be just as hot. As an example, have you seen those super-trendy Gucci tulle gloves?? They exude a classy sexiness. Well as much as I'd love to drop $800 on a pair of those luxe Gucci gloves, that just wasn't in my budget for this Valentine's Day, so instead I found this gorgeous polka dot tulle top (similar to a swiss dot look) from SheIn! The best part: it's just $10! It also comes in pink and red - how appropriate for the occasion. I've also linked some other similar tops and dresses below.

What are your Valentine's or Galentine's Plans this year? You can let me know in the comments below!

Here are some of my top affordable picks for sheer tulle polka dot tops and dresses, including the top I'm wearing! For reference, I'm wearing a size medium.

Happy Styling!

~ Britta

Scotch & Shortbread for Santa (or the Scotch Lover on Your Holiday List!)

Growing up, we always put out a glass of egg nog and homemade whipped shortbread cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. When I moved out on my own, I continued to make whipped shortbread every Christmas, and it has such a nostalgic taste now for me. That, combined with my love of wearing plaid, especially during the holidays, and it probably comes as no surprise that I've got some Scottish in me.

This year though, I thought I'd go with the Scottish theme a little more and switch out the usual egg nog, instead pairing with some scotch. Jak's, a local BC-based liquor store, has Muckle Flugga Single Malt Scotch Whiskey that is great - all the way from Speyside, Scotland, it's nice and smooth with aromas of sweet spice, blossom, pear and honey, and aged in ex-Sherry casks with over wintering in the Shetland Isles to add a touch of salinity.

I quite enjoyed sipping on this by the fire! If you have a scotch lover on your holiday list, I have a feeling they'd love this as a gift too.

Keep scrolling for a video featuring Muckle Flugga, and some holiday style inspiration!

Headband - Zara (similar), Sweater - Forever 21 (thrifted), Leggings - Zara (similar), Heels - Betsey Johnson (similar)

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If you've got a scotch recommendation, I'd love to hear it - just drop it in the comments below!

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

Disclaimer: This Muckle Flugga Scotch Whiskey was provided complimentary of Jak's. All opinions are my own.

 

Halloween Costume & Makeup: Cruella

 I always love creating Halloween looks. It's such a fun creative outlet - from creating the outfit to the makeup. Some of my favourites over the years have been Harley Quinn, The Countess from American Horror Story, Maleficent, Marion Crane from Psycho, Zoya the Destroyer from GLOW, and Liv Moore from iZombie. But I've gotta say, I think this year's costume I'm the most proud of.

As I was watching the new Cruella movie, I knew right away that I wanted to do at least ONE of the many looks she rocks for Halloween. Honestly, the movie is so full of great costume ideas, but I really wanted to attempt her 'The Future' makeup look, which is what you'll see below! Let's break down the whole look here:

Cruella Makeup

Good news: this makeup look was actually easier to re-create than I'd expected! It takes some time, sure, but not super difficult. Click here to watch my Cruella makeup tutorial on Instagram. I picked up most of my makeup products below from London Drugs.

1. Put on your foundation/base as usual.
2. Use scotch tape and scissors to cut out and piece together 'The Future'. 'The should be smaller, and 'Future' bigger (as seen below).
3. Stick your 'The Future' piece of tape on your face. Just make sure you've got the letters facing the right direction so they're not backwards for those looking at your face!
4. Use a black loose eyeshadow powder and a thick eyeshadow brush to dab on the face over top of the tap (just around the eye and nose area of the face). I'm using a holiday set I have from Pixi (the Fairy Dust Favourites). 
5. Line your waterline with a black eye pencil (I use an Annabelle Kohl Duo pencil)
6. Line your lids with a cat-eye using Rimmel's waterproof Wonder Ink Eyeliner
7. Coat your eyelashes with a black mascara (I'm wearing L'Oreal's Lash Paradise)
8. Peel off the tape to reveal 'The Future' stenciled on your face!
9. Apply a sparkly red lipstick - like NYX's Glitter Goals in Cherry Quartz
10. You're done! Makeup give a spritz of a setting spray if you have one (like NYX's Matte Finish Setting Spray).
11. I found some gorgeous matte black glue-on nails by Quo at Shoppers Drug Mart that have really pretty studded black accent nails. Perfect way to finish off this look!

Cruella Costume

1. Cruella wears an awesome black cape jacket in the movie, so this SheIn jumpsuit I have was a close enough match. It's out of stock, but there are a few other options here and here on Amazon.
2. I got this great black and white wig off of Amazon, and I'm actually super impressed! It's not exactly like real hair, but it's waaaay better than any wig you're going to find at a Halloween shop. Highly recommend this one from Haircube.
3. Then I just accessorized with a few other black & white pieces, including my Gucci belt dupe, Aldo clutch, and some fabulous Zara heels I thrifted last year from Salvation Army. Anything high fashion will work (as long as it's black & white!).

Happy Halloween Styling! xo

~ Britta