Stripes on Granville Island

Kendra Scott Tessa Earrings c/o // Kendra Scott Elisa Necklace // Westward Leaning Sunglasses // 

F21 Striped T-shirt Dress // Frame Distressed Denim // SOREL Booties

I love me some t-shirt dresses! There is nothing more versatile than a piece of clothing that can be worn as a dress AND a shirt. I also love tops that cover your rump :) Summer makes me so happy because I get to bring out the bright colors and funky patterns. I paired this orange stripe t-shirt dress with rose gold accessories for a subtle touch of sparkle and shine. Even the details on my Westward Leaning sunglasses are rose gold!

Speaking of these sunglasses, they're the perfect size for smaller faced ladies, like myself. I find that a lot of the more stylish sunglasses out there are SO freaking big that I: 1. Look like a fool wearing them or 2. Can't keep them on my face to save my life. I love this pair because they fit snug and frame my face nicely. The best part? They have mirrored lenses, which are perfect for people watching!

Canada: Vancouver

Last week Ryan and I took a long 4-day weekend and drove up to Canada. I'd honestly never been out of the country except to Mexico, and that's not really "out of the country" when you grow up in Texas. Let me tell you-- I love Canada!

 Alex Fraser Bridge Crossing into Vancouver

Vancouver is SO clean and gorgeous. We hit it on a nice-weather weekend and it was amazing. Even though we went for Ryan to throw in the Harry Jerome track meet, we were able to do a little exploring in between.

Because Ryan was sponsored for this meet we stayed at the University of British Columbia. Don't get me wrong, this was not your average dorm! Travel tip: If you want to save money on your trip, check out the local university to see if they offer housing options for cheaper than staying in a hotel. UBC starts at $129 per night...does it get any better than that when you're traveling internationally and want to be comfortable?

Images c/o UBC

Not only can you stay at UBC, it is such a gorgeous campus. I've never been on a campus that was so visually colorful and interesting. There are great markets and cafes that are open year round in case you need a late night snack or want to grab an artisan pizza at Mercante.

Where we stayed at UBC

Not only is UBC a beautiful campus, it's a short walk to the beach where you can catch an amazing West Coast sunset. (Another post to come!)

Sweater // Abercrombie Leggings // SOREL Addington Chelsea Boots 

 Cueropapel&tijera Backpack // Jenny Bird Necklace

There are so many amazing coffee shops around Vancouver. You bet that was the first thing I wanted to do when I woke up on our first morning there...find coffee! I Yelped Rocanini which was on the way to the Harry Jerome and it was amazing! It's always nice to have a break from the usual grab-and-go quick Starbucks that I usually get in Portland. 

After coffee we headed down to Granville Island to walk around the markets and grab a bite to eat. It was a hard decision, but we landed at Off The Tracks which is a little bistro that offers, breakfast, coffee, sandwiches, small bites and beer and wine. I couldn't help but gravitate toward their amazing almond milk matcha latte :)

Off The Tracks Bistro

Rowing dock on Granville Island

One of the reasons I love Vancouver so much is because it reminds me of San Francisco!

Metro rail lines 

Backpack's Back, Alright

Abercrombie Striped Shirt  // Boyfriend Denim Shorts // Cueropapel&tijera Backpack 

Madewell Necklace // Westward Leaning Sunglasses // SOREL sandals

I spend a lot of time on weekends at track meets supporting Ryan during javelin season (we're headed to Canada this weekend!). It's super important that I have all my essentials in one place so I don't have to hike back and forth to the car throughout the day. I know I've talked about this Cueropapel&tijera backpack before, but it's a lifesaver. This past weekend I threw in:

+ a book to read
+ sunscreen
+ bottle of water
+ snacks
+ sunglasses
+ and other small essentials

I can't say enough how much I love it, not to mention that it pretty much goes with EVERYTHING! The best part? It's got tassels!

Heatwave

Alexander Wang Tee // Columbia Shorts // CueroPapel&Tijera Bag // Kendra Scott Necklace 

 SOREL Torpeda Lace Sandals // Westward Leaning Voyager Sunglasses

Y'all we've had a massive heatwave hit Portland the past few days! I'm talking 102° all weekend and into this week. I wasn't quite ready to break out the shorts, but was glad I snagged this summery pair from work. They're the perfect length and I love the colors. They're also super soft and comfortable. I'm also loving this Kendra Scott Layden Necklace that's made out of crushed abalone. It adds just the right amount of sparkle to any outfit.

Like my Westward Leaning sunglasses? Don't forget that you can get your own for FREE from DITTO.com and use the code TORILESIKAR when you register!

Breaking the Spring/Summer Rules

                                Plaid Sleeveless Dress // R13 Black Bomber // Illesteva Sunglasses 
SOREL Joanie Mesh Wedges

Like I've said before, until I moved to Portland I didn't own but maybe one plaid item. I've since changed and adopted this Portland staple and I've even been wearing it this spring. Who says you have to put away the plaid when the days start heating up? Not me! This day it was a little chilly so I opted to add a bomber. These SOREL Joanie Mesh wedges are also up for all day wear and are SO comfortable!