January Favourites

January Favourites - Angela McLean

New year, new monthly series on the blog! In 2019, I shared my favourite tunes with you each month through groovy, curated playlists. There’s one for every mood and occasion, so I highly (and humbly) recommend you go back and listen to all 12 — your music library will thank me later.

This year, I’ll be highlighting a sampling of all my faves — fashion, beauty, books, music and movies & TV — with monthly Favourites lists. Let’s face it: If I’ve been hooked on a product/show/song for a month, I’m in for the long run. So, get out your Notes app and shopping list — the fun starts now!

Fashion

* Blanket Scarves *

SIMILAR: Aritzia, $88 // Aritzia, $29.99 (exact from Aldo, $20 sold out)

I have to be honest — I’m not much of a scarf person. I end up getting super hot super fast and they always give me a bump in the back of my hair. But my outlook on scarves quickly changed when I picked up my first blanket scarf. The one pictured above is from Aldo and it’s a BLESSING — no fuzzies shed, I get the right amount of warmth and it’s a super cute accessory. Even on a bitterly cold night, I can wear a short sleeve shirt under my winter jacket, put this scarf on top and I’m in a perfectly warm cocoon. It also becomes an office-appropriate blanket if I keep it draped around my shoulders. Winning all around.

* Statement Booties *

SIMILAR (Buckle Booties): Topshop (The Bay), $190 (exact discontinued)

EXACT (Stud Booties) [NOT PICTURED]: Steve Madden, $129.98 on sale

I’ve written extensively about the power of a good pair of booties. The sound! The added height! I could go on and on. These Topshop buckle boots have been my precious babies for more than a year, so I’ve been devastated seeing them fall apart before my very eyes. 😿 While I look for the perfect replacement, I’m currently breaking in an edgy studded Steve Madden look that is easy to dress up or dress down. I just have to remind myself, no pain, no gain!

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24 Hours in Portland

Keep Portland Weird

Portland, Oregon, you officially have my heart!

Earlier this month, I found myself on a short getaway to the Pacific Northwest and a city that really knows how to “keep it weird.” The trip was filled with good eats, sweet treats, great sights and even better sounds — all thanks to my favourite bros, the Jonas Brothers.

While I was boarding my flight back home, I realized how quickly I had fallen in love with Portland.

  • Getting Around: The downtown area and surrounding districts were super walkable, with countless coffee shops, restaurants, bars and local shops to discover on every block.
  • Local Vibe: The people in Portland were some of the nicest I had ever met — shout out to all of the kind strangers who killed it as my personal photographers. 📷
  • Ideal Weather: The early October weather was PERFECT for my trip — no wind or rain, just sunshine and a light, refreshing breeze. Hello, fall fashion!

The best part: Many of Portland’s highlights and must-sees can be comfortably packed into ONE day.

If I haven’t already convinced you to book a ticket, check out my 24-hour Portland travel guide below and get ready to discover your next destination.

Staying There

Paramount Hotel Portland

The foundation for any great getaway is a welcoming hotel to call home, so find your way to The Paramount Hotel! This lively boutique property in the heart of Portland’s downtown checks off all the boxes — a prime location, great views, soft pillows, too-cozy-to-leave bed, perfect shower pressure and luxurious toiletries (love you, Gilchrist & Soames). Most appreciated was their incredibly kind staff. Checking in, I was greeted with a sweet upgrade to one of their Double Double Balcony rooms and a care package with some equally sweet treats, including a bag of local artisan Poplandia Popcorn — popped to perfection, of course!

Collage of photos from The Paramount Hotel Portland

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