An Ode to Running

Running is how I like to stay fit. Each year, well almost every year since 2012, (skipping 2013) I've run the BMO Half Marathon in Vancouver. (Yes, 21.1km!)

My exposure to long distance running began from runs completed during Phys Ed in high school. I'd huff my way through those runs, and be thankful I even managed to run the distance (a measly 1.5km). I also joined cross country because my long and gangly awkward self did not fare well in team sports. In the spring I'd join Track and Field, and even tried short distance sprinting but I didn't have the explosive energy to make the cut! What with lack of fast times from the 100 meter dash or the endurance to run 400 meter sprints, my butt was whooped. Figuratively and literally (literally being the pain in my butt from trying to sprint 400m). I stuck to the "field events" and only participated in team relays.

After high school I looked forward to joining Track in university, but student life does not pave the way to pay for equivalence in tuition for gym membership or to joining the ever elusive university team (which, you also had to fork over money and commitment for). I wanted to stay fit and challenge myself so I started running longer and farther.

To this day, I give credit to my running coaches throughout highschool, as I was motivated to take on long distance running as it was, seeing how innate it had already become to them. Running was a great way to get my mind off of school, my part time job, and my then boyfriend (goodbye teen angst). What keeps me running now aren't these things at all, it's more about the personal challenge, and pushing my body to the limit. I'm no expert, but I can't see a life without running part of it.
























I ran the Vancouver Sun Run a hand full of times, the Fall Classic, Scotiabank Half Marathon, the Rock and Roll Half Marathon (now discontinued, it was the most beautiful course), and every year I train for the Vancouver BMO Half marathon. I found an amazing run guide that's kept me motivated and on track, take a look at it!!

Every time I go out to get a fresh breath of air (cue the rapper Drake's - Fancy) , I know I'm out for an adventure. Something about being stuck in a gym just doesn't entice me. (I know, girls and our love for cardio ). I make sure my running form is in check, plug into my running playlist to help pass the time. And then I run.

The Stanley Park Seawall and I

Chasing this Lovely Sunset!

Colours for Spring

Yes, I spell colours this way because I'm Canadian. Here are some item's I've been obsessed with lately. AKA Things I would buy if money grew on trees and my wallet would not have a burning hole in afterwards. 

1. Givenchy Small Antigona 

1. I cannot say enough about this Givenchy Mini Antigona, I have a mini in black. At first when I purchased this I thought it was too small, but it works wonderfully as a crossbody and despite its boxiness the tapering at the top allows the bag to stick closer to your body rather than jut out awkwardly. Currently its on sale and in this gorgeous baby blue shade that is perfect and crisp for spring. 

2. Frye Ellen Deco Button Short Boot

2. These boots are Frye's?!? They look like the child of a YSL Suede Boot and the Chloé Suzanna Boot without the hefty price tag. These are as seen on Megs of Purseblog (my favourite blog for all things purse related!) I see myself wearing these all throughout spring summer and fall. They have a chic boho meets motorcycle badass vibe to them. The boot hits higher on the ankle meaning I am not limited to wearing them with ankle socks.

3. Theory Whitney Shoulder Bag

3. At first I was obsessed with the Chloe Nile Bag, then I found out that this bag came out prior to the Nile. I was intrigued as it seems that designers have redux's(?) of the same purse. The tortoise ring detail is much more carefree than the brass ring of the Chloe. Furthermore there have been issues with the Chloe ring rubbing on the leather leaving stains on lighter coloured leather. I have a Chloe Faye mini backpack which I will do a review of this winter.  

4. Botkier Carlie Block Heel 

4. There's something about a suede slide sandal that alludes me every year. Will I bite the bullet and go for it?? As dreamy and soft this colour looks, I think I will go for something more along the lines of pink, nude or grey in a criss-cross sandal pattern. The shallow heel here will make it look less casual but I imagine myself falling flat on my face. Yes, I'm clumsy.

As ever, purse obsessed. 💖

My Classic Camera Bag

I couldn't contain my excitement

My boyfriend and I are quite minimal. We don't tend to shower each other with gifts for "special occasions". He knows that I'm extremely picky and we usually end up asking each other if there's something that we're eyeing. Most often, I end up treating myself, and my heart was set on the Gucci Disco Soho. I previously only had contemporary designer mini bags (i.e. Rebecca Minkoff and Mackage).

I fell in love with the design of the Disco Soho bag designed by Frida Giannini, creative director for woman's ready-to-wear and accessories for Gucci before Alessandro Michele took over. With the impending price increase and rumours of the bag being discontinued, I scoured Purse Forum for more info. Even thought the tassel turned some people off from getting the bag, I adore it, and the new versions of the Soho come without a tassel. I wanted to purchase the bag second hand, but this being my first Gucci purchase I didn't trust that I'd be able to authenticate it myself. 


I had previously stepped into the Gucci Store on Georgia Street in Vancouver about a year prior and really loved the look of the bag. Even though the GG logo is quite large, it is one uniform colour and still subtle without being an over the top in-your-face designer bag. My mom has a vintage Chanel Camera bag that I absolutely adore, but I think the Gucci is the one OG bag that I won't tire of and is more youthful and timeless (not to mention within my price range of ~$1,000). The bag's dimensions are 8"W x 6"H x 2.5"D, and it has a linen cloth interior with two inner pockets, making it easy to find items inside. 

With my should I or shouldn't I bag purchasing thought process out the window, I went into the Gucci boutique store under Hotel Vancouver on Georgia Street. They said they only had a few Gucci disco bags left in stock, black or rose beige (red was sold out!). I tried on Rose beige, and as beautiful as it was it didn't have the ooomph factor of the black against the light gold hardware. Ultimately,  I decided on classic black, it is an original classic, and I wouldn't have to worry about colour transfer. Eep! I fell head over heels and handed my plastic over. 

It wasn't till I had walked home to my boyfriend's apartment (whilst carrying a Gucci bag feeling super extra) and opened the box and dust bag that I thought to myself, this one's a keeper. 💕

Fresh Out of the Box and packaging!

Cue Lego hands, also the sun was so bright that I was frowning ☹, not complaining about the sunshine though! 📷 : @80km2e 🌚❤️

A post shared by Amanda T. (@amandaasaur) on Feb 26, 2017 at 2:57pm PST

P.S. I know we're not all predisposed to drop 1.5K on a purse. Here are some alternatives that are odes to the camera bag. 

Status Anxiety Plunder Bag

Status Anxiety is a company based in Australia and this bag is wonderful. I have seen the camera bag in Plenty Stores (in Canada) and the leather on this black one seems especially durable. They also make a duffel bag that is similar to the Alexander Wang Rockie bag without the studs. 😏

Alexander McQueen Crossbody Bag

Alexander McQueen makes a great alternative.

 

Saint Laurent Loulou camera bag

Again, if money is no object I would recommend this bag from Saint Laurent, people say the bag is more durable and will hold its shape, and it has similar aesthetics to the Soho Disco.