This is a sponsored post however all opinions are every much my own.
Gucci Girlfriends Gigglefest
As I look back on my blogging journey, going on some thirteen years now (crazy!), without a doubt the greatest joy my blog has afforded me is meeting friends.
We had our annual girlfriend meet-up in Vancouver last week and were lucky enough to have our stay sponsored by The Blue Horizon Hotel.
Our massive suite was perfectly designed for four fashion obsessed bloggers. It came with two large bathrooms, separate bedroom, large balcony and wrap around windows that flooded the room in natural light and gave a spectacular view of English Bay and the North Shore Mountains.
Be sure to check out Abode, the hotel restaurant. I ordered the seasonal fruit crisp twice. I would have ordered it again had we stayed longer. It was so damn good it was shocking. Marilyn, the lady from the elevator seems to agree with me.
Three of us are vegetarians and were delighted with the varied selection available at Abode. I ordered the Veg Pappardelle and I’m still dreaming about it.
What else did we get up to in Vancouver you ask?
Secondhand Shopping
Every year we make a little trip to one of Melanie’s favorite consignment stores, My Sister’s Closet where Sherry was lucky enough to score several items, one of which she wore during the photo shoot.
We had fun playing mannequins in the window.
We always pop by The Used House of Vintage for a look-see.
I came home with this vintage maxi skirt…
Sleepover!
Our meet-ups are very similar to many sleepovers I had as a teenager, filled with raucous laughter, experimenting with makeup, playing dress-up and numerous pillow fights in our underwear. Ha ha! I wanted to see if you were paying attention. We left the pillow fights out this time round ; P. The rest is 100% true.
Get Your Gucci Game On
You may remember our 20’s theme or last year’s Prom Do Over Night theme. This year was Gucci. As 90% of my wardrobe looks like Alessandro Michele’s vintage inspired Gucci it wasn’t a stretch for me.
Makeup First
We were lucky enough to have professional makeup artist, Suzy Thomas from Mac come by to do our makeup in the room before the shoot.
This is the first time I’ve had my makeup applied by a professional in some twenty years. We were all blown away by Suzy’s work. Somehow she translated each of our personalities perfectly via makeup. My lashes were so fluffy they reminded me of feathers! I felt if a stiff breeze came along I might up and fly away.
We enlisted the help of Vancouver Barbara to take some photos of us getting groovy in the Blue Horizon exercise and pool areas.
Gucci Girlfriends Gigglefest
There were so many more hilarious out-takes but this post is going to take forever to load as it is.
Here’s To Friends!
They make my life infinitely more interesting and enjoyable.
Which photo was your favorite?
When was the last time you and your girlfriends played dress up?
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl
Elle says
This post is an elaborate feast for the eyes as well as a sunshiny happy diary. All of the outfits are superb and very much done in the Gucci inspired way. So much creativity on display. Indeed it is wonderful to meet new friends who have the same interests.
Whenever I go to my exercise room I am forever going to think of these photos.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
suzanne carillo says
I need to share more of the out-takes Elle. Hopefully we will have an action packed video soon that I’m sure you’ll also love.
Elle says
Oh I do hope so!
That would be so much fun
To watch!
❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Melanie says
Bwahahaha! When I see you with the scarf over your face I think of our dialogue, you saying “I can’t breathe,” me answering, “That’s okay,” and then you saying, “Oh, okay.” We shook it up a bit this time, hey? And your line about workout plastic cracked me up.
How great it was to see all of you again. The laughter will sustain me for a long time to come. And the outtakes. The room was perfect. And the locations were excellent, we didn’t even have to go out in the rain.
And dang, I should have put my post up first – you have some of the exact combinations and layouts I was going to use!
suzanne carillo says
Ha ha! I knew we’d all wind up using similar layouts and photos.
My husband loves the photo of me covered in the scarf. LOL What does that say?
Sherry - Petite Over 40 says
The scarf photo still makes me crack up laughing when I see it! Both the dialogue Mel mentioned and the look of it is a riot. I’m not sure what it says that Robert likes that look! Ha ha!
I’m a bit late on my comments but I so much enjoyed reading your post and remembering all the giggles we had. I had 6-pack abs from laughing so much by the time we all went our separate ways! A post with outtakes would be hilarious. That’s where the real magic happened.
Sending you big, scarf attack hugs. 🙂
– Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com
Taste of France says
This is so much fun! I have a big smile from looking at your photos. Your glam looks juxtaposed with the gym are particularly funny.
The plastic on Patti must not have been comfortable, but it’s very striking, especially with that iridescent top.
I love all the makeup!
suzanne carillo says
I have a shot of Patti that shows just how uncomfortable that collar was which I need to share. She was such a sport for wearing it as long as she did.
The makeup really did have a transformational effect.
Ann says
What a feast for the eyes, Suzanne. You guys do know the meaning of the word fun! The view from your hotel suite (suite!) is just spectacular, and you’re all vying for my attention with your fabulous Gucci inspired outfits. I’ll be off for a little trip in about 15 minutes, so I’ll properly pore (and drool) over all your photos when ensconced in our B&B suite (ha!), but there is no way I couldn’t mention that fabulous photo of you posing about that blue tiled wall. Simply magnificent! xxx
suzanne carillo says
Enjoy your trip Ann!
Those blue tiles were perfect for photos : )
Shybiker says
So happy for you! Obviously a super-fun event. A makeup artist — lucky you!
I’ve been to My Sister’s Closet (the one in Victoria); Sheila took me. They have a nice selection of clothes.
suzanne carillo says
When you come up next we need to go to Sephora. Apparently you can get free makeup lessons. It’d be fun for both of us, don’t you think?
beate says
awwwww*****
totally fabulous!
gorgeous women in very cool clothes having lots of fun!! i must admit – i´m a tiny little bit envious…..
love the pic with you stealing mel´s shoes <3
fantastic post!!!
xxxxx
suzanne carillo says
You would have fit right in Beate! Shame you live so far away.
Patti says
Oh sigh, my heart wants to go back to Van and be with you all right now. You’re gorgeous in Gucci! I interpreted your pool pic with Mel as you rescuing her – all of us artistic types have minds of our own, yeah? Miss you lots, xox.
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
suzanne carillo says
Ha ha! Yes, we all have our own interpretations. Mel looks a bit freaked out that I’m rescuing her.
Miss you too!
jodie filogomo says
With all of you together, I’m shocked you could have serious photos like those. I’d be giggling the whole time!!
But what a fabulous time (although I see nothing wrong with pillow fights)!!
The makeup artist was a perfect touch!!
XOOX
Jodie
suzanne carillo says
There are so many more photos that are hilarious. I had no idea I stick out my tongue so often! LOL
Anne M Bray says
So much fun!
Maybe someday I’ll be “retired” and can join you all.
Gotta say, the makeup is kinda scary. Patti looks like, um, who was that mean fashion critiquer who had too much plastic surgery? Gah. Brain freeze.
I distinctly remember that cobbler. Stellar. I think I had it twice during my 2015 stay.
xxox
suzanne carillo says
That is interesting that you don’t care for the makeup. We were all so jazzed by it. I think it helped us “get into character” LOL.
Was it Joan Rivers you were thinking of? I thought Patti reminded me of Elizabeth Banks in The Hunger Games a bit.
Anne M Bray says
YES! Joan! I came back because I kept remembering, then forgetting, then remembering, then… I had to write it down and you answered me, but I don’t seem to get notifications. Oh well.
I haven’t seen The Hunger Games yet, someday soon.
Nancy says
When you are all together or must be a blast! And those photos are fabulous! I love the one with Patti and Melanie an VS with you all in the work out room. What a fantastic makeup!
suzanne carillo says
It was a scream. I’d love to do this every month rather than once a year. Sigh.
Kim says
It looks like you ladies had the best time! I don’t know how you even kept straight faces for any of the photos. I like the photos of you all together on the steps and in front of the pool wall.
suzanne carillo says
Believe me…we are pros! Hahahahahahaha!
Veronica Cooke says
Well – that looks like the most fun you can have with your clothes on! What amazing accommodation and you all look absolutely fabulous. Full professional make up too – lucky you!
Nothing better than hanging out with friends, I think, and you lot did it in spades!
xxx
suzanne carillo says
Ha ha! I love how you put that Veronni!
Marilee J. Gramith says
I’ll bet it was very difficult to say goodbye after enjoying such a deeply creative group focus.
These are no ordinary artful looks and I’m guessing they tell a story that reveals part of each individual’s personna. I’m sure the influence of the group’s energy is somewhat hidden behind those “model serious” faces. You had to be giggling non-stop as you set up these shots.
These are the times that restore women and their friendships.
sonia // daring coco says
This is so inspiring. I love the amazing connection you have with these lovely bloggers. I’ve made so many amazing new friends but none are local enough for get togethers like this. Oh how I wish they were though. This truly looks and sounds like such a beautiful gathering. And those photos don’t lie! I love the “I want her shoes”. But all of these look fantastic, it’s like flipping through a high end editorial.
Sxx
daringcoco.com
Señora Allnut says
wowww, your meetings look like the best thing ever! You Totally Rock!
Love this absolutely fabulous photo shoot!, your makeup and rockstar attitude is absolutely magnificent!, love every picture!
Best Thing Ever, indeed!
besos
Jill says
You all look just amazing – what a treat to be fully made up professionally. Love the fun Gucci inspired shoot, sounds so much fun . I am surprised you managed to get yours shots through the laughter. The joy of friends with the same interests met through blogging- lucky you can all get together .
Jessica A Jannenga says
Oh my gosh, this looks like so much fun! I would love to play maniquin in the window and you girls all look like fashion rock stars! Suzanne, your makeup looks amazing! I never had my makeup professionally done, it is so neat to see how someone thinks to accent your features. I love all of the pictures, and Patty looks quite glamorous! The shops there sound like fun. I enjoy shopping secondhand, although for my condition, I do it online mostly.
So fun!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Nicole says
It looks like fun was had by all. Loved all your outfits. I like the photo of you all posing as mannequins in the window 🙂
No Fear of Fashionn says
Oh what fun!!! I felt as if I was there with you. I would have loved to be there with you. Perhaps next year I should join. Right? Shopping in My Sister’s Closet… loved it.
You all look absolutely terrific. But a special mention to Patti. She looks like a famous model, my goodness. Love her make-up, wig, collar, Mel’s specially made clothes. It all comes together.
Thanks for sharing these photos. You made me having a great time as well.
Greetje
Porcelina says
A quartet of gorgeousness – the makeup and styling is so good! It looks like you had a blast, what fun. Xx
Shelley@ForestCityFashionista says
Apologies for being late to the comment party; I lost track of whose post I had commented on 🙂 You’ve got all the right ingredients for a stellar meetup – great location and wonderful company! I really like the first photo of all of you together.
HappyFace313 says
🙂 Dear Suzanne,
this looks like so much fun! I can imagine all of you enjoyed the time together.
Looking forward to the result of your next girls meeting!
Take care!
Claudia xo