#2016Bye - 3 Confessions Behind the Gram

I started blogging last September, so 2016 was a year of many firsts. I've met so many local creatives I now call my friends, have partnered with many of my favourite brands, and been invited to exclusive events I've only dreamt of attending. Even though there are moments I feel like quitting and question why I'm doing what I'm doing, I ultimately love it and am excited for what 2017 has in store. Keep reading below for 3 confessions behind my Instagram shots!

Photos: À La Crisp // Check out Chris' work via @alacrispbrand

Zara Metallic Fine Pleated Skirt (Similar from F21 here) // Zara Suede Effect Jacket (Similar here) // WRSTBHVR Nomad Top // Marc Fisher Yale Pointy Toe Chelsea Bootie

Now onto the confessions...

1. It's all about perspective - Left is what I posted on Instagram and to the right is what it took to get the shot. Also how many of y'all have painted just your thumb to take a photo...(guilty)

2. What 99% of my pictures actually look like - I shot with Chris yesterday and we ended up with 1100 photos, of which only 20 were decent.

3. Most of my shots aren't actually pure white - Left is the original picture and to the right is after edits. If you missed it, you can check out part 1 and part 2 of how I edit my photos.

Cheers to keeping it real in 2017!

#Giveaway - Smashbox 12 Day Holiday Reveal

I'm excited to announce I've partnered with Smashbox Cosmetics Canada for an amazing holiday giveaway consisting of a multitude of their products! I'll be revealing the items over the next 12 days, so keep checking back to see what you could win!

To participate, simply:

1. Follow me (@simplyteee) and @smashboxcanada

2. Tag a friend on the giveaway announcement picture on my Instagram (you can tag as many as you like). For additional entries, comment on this post below and let me know what you're most looking forward to this holiday season!

Reveal Part 1: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primers

Left to Right: Hydrating, Original, Pore Minimizing

Reveal Part 2: Smashbox Try It Kit Best Sellers

A collection of Smashbox' best sellers (valued at $64) including their Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Full Exposure Mascara, Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Filter, Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner in Raven, and Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Disco Rose. All travel sized!

Reveal Part 3: Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick & Be Legendary Lipstick

Pictured: Chill Zone (obsessed, and seen on me here), and Punked

Reveal Part 4: Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Stick Trio

Left to right: Contour, Bronze, and Highlight

I am completely obsessed with these Contour Sticks! They're incredibly creamy, which makes it easy to blend (so you don't end up looking like Cruella de Vil). I use Highlight for the inner corner of my eyes, nose and Cupid's bow,; and interchange between Bronze and Contour for the bridge of my nose.

Reveal Part 5: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water

I love this makeup primer spray for more than just priming, but as a setting spray and whenever I need a skin refresher!

Reveal Part 6: Smashbox O-PLUMP Intuitive Lip Plumper With Goji Berry-C Complex

Plump up those lips, while tinting them with your own unique shade of pink!

Reveal Part 7: Smashbox Halo Highlighting Wand

A liquid illuminator in a click-through pen form.

Reveal Part 8: Smashbox Step-By-Step Contour Kit

A Light/Medium contouring kit that teaches you how to sculpt, shape, and define your features with three shades for defining, bronzing, and highlighting!

Reveal Part 9: Smashbox L.A. Lights Blush & Highlight Palette

A palette with two tonal shades of blush and a matching highlighter.

Reveal Part 10: Smashbox Photo Finish Lash Primer

A 10-in-one mascara primer. 

Reveal Part 11: Smashbox Indecent Exposure Mascara

The unique fibers in this mascara makes it easy to define every lash and coat it from root to tip. Use it with the lash primer in the above picture for an added oompf.

Reveal Part 12: Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kôhl Liner

A waterproof kohl eyeliner with the precision of a liquid liner that self-sharpens every time you twist the cap off!

Winner of Smashbox Giveaway Is...

@stottvanessa! Congratulations Vanessa, I'll be DMing you for more details! Thanks so much to everyone that participated! I continually appreciate all the comments and the support. Hope everyone has a great and safe holiday!

-- Giveaway now closed --

#Velvet - Collaboration with American Eagle Outfitters

American Eagle was actually the first brand to regram one of my outfits on Instagram when I was just starting out as a blogger. I couldn't contain my excitement and that was definitely one of the highlights of last year. My first job in high school also happened to be at American Eagle, so it's crazy how it's come full circle. You can view my feature on their blog here! 

AEO Velvet Tie Dress // Zara High Heel Leather Ankle Boots (Similar here, here, and here) // Urban Outfitters BDG Beanie (Similar here)

Photos: Andrew So

This post is sponsored by American Eagle Outfitters

#AEOSTYLE #AEOPartner

#WhiteSpringmas

It ain't even cold outside, not where I'm from

Feeling like it's mid-April under the sun

My parka don't get no love, no hats and no gloves

But it's the holiday season, and I want to do some winter things

Okay, enough of repurposing Ariana Grande lyrics, it definitely does not feel like Christmas right now. A combination of the warm weather and not a hint of snow, the holiday crept up this year and next thing you know it's 7 days until we ring in 2016. I'll skip the cheese for my new years post, so all I'm going to say is that in light of Boxing Day tomorrow, everything I'm wearing just happens to be on sale :).

Merry Springmas to all, and to all a goodnight!

Aritzia Wilfred Chevalier Jacket // Aritzia Babaton Carson Bustier // Aritzia Babaton Cohen Pant