Pinch of Chic
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Orange You Glad

Q. Why was the girl staring at the carton of orange juice?
A. It said concentrate.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Fuzzy Duster Robe Coat in White
Forever21 Essential Utility Shirt Dress via The Kind Exchange
Winners Oversized Big Cable Knit Cardigan
Pink Tartan White Suiting Trousers
Zara Black Pointed Toe Heels
Alpha Wool Scarf from Peru
Rayban Polarized Green Aviator Sunglasses
Danier Leather Passport Holder (Used as Clutch)

If you’ve been up to date with my Instagram, you’ve probably seen my recent posts from one of my all time favourite cafes in Toronto–called ‘La Merceria‘ on Adelaide St. West and Portland. It’s not the first time I’ve written a post about them. I wrote a post a few years back on my old blog, Steel Oneself. A cute coffee shop that has never let me down for almost 5 years now. I’ve taken both guy friends and girlfriends there. I decided to take girlfriend, Therese of Artiese Studios there for Nutella Lattes, light eating (their torta pascualina that looks like a pizza) and run some test shots with her new lens for her Mamiya film camera.

My hidden gems are usually comprised of small and cozy restaurants or cafes in Toronto. These are what I consider one of the best and most beautiful places to visit in Toronto. About 4 years ago, I barely touched coffee. Only socially. But now I have a new found appreciation and addiction to it. It’s almost a part of my routine everyday before work– making my mornings easier and feel like I’ve started on the right foot.

Recently, I’ve learnt to give myself an extra good 30 to 40 minutes before work in order walk at a casual pace to pick up some coffee. I think it’s a healthy way to wake up compared to running around like a headless chicken with 5 minutes to spare. I start off feeling relaxed, enjoying my surroundings and gathering my thoughts for the day. Then eventually I’ll feel a gradual transition to becoming alive, sharp and focused for work. Makes sense right?

Photos by: Artiese Studios & Max Kandler
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LA MERCERIA / 506 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1T5

 

What’s your favourite hidden gem in your city?
I’d love to see photos or links in the comments below too!

GET THIS LOOK

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Happy One Year

HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO THE BLOG!

A milestone I never really thought I would reach. Really though… this blog was my third or forth attempt and I couldn’t have been happier with it. I have so much to say but I feel that I should keep it short and simple. All in all, Pinch of Chic has been and continues to be my creative outlet– to show a side of myself and my work. A place for inspiration, personality and engagement. Here’s to the new year and to more new creative content to come! I am also very grateful for the viewers and loyal readers of Pinch of Chic! Not only are you guys my motivation to write and create but also the confidence in myself. So…thank you loveys! xx

PS. Thank you to my good ladyfriend Therese for celebrating my first “bloggiversary”
bunch with me today at Colette Toronto and for taking photos of me! x

J Crew Pinstripe Silk Jersey Tank
Club Monaco Varsity Sweater Jacket (See similar here.)

Stay tune for a *special update* on this very post!

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Soft Side

Topshop Colour Block Fedora Hat (See similar here.)
Forever21 Collarless Faux Fur Jacket (See similar here.)
Pink Tartan White Suiting Trousers
Zara Stripped Long Sleeve Shirt
Zara Black Thin Strap Mule Heels
Anderson’s Navy Woven Belt 
Anice Stamped Initial Pendant Necklace
American Eagle Astrology and Gold Initial Earrings
Danier Black Leather Handbag

Whether you’re uncertain about something… always challenge yourself anyways. I was deeply contemplating if wearing this fur coat would make me look funny– for instance having any close resemblance to a mountain yeti. It’s out there (for me), it’s fun, it’s also pretty warm, and extremely soft. From my experience living in Canada, we’re exposed to all four seasons. It’s typically hard to make room for coats, but I love layering. I remember vaguely being brought up in North Bay; at age 3 or 4, there was a photograph taken while I was in a white fur jacket and place in the middle of my house covered in snow. All you could see was my round chubby face in a sea of white. I wish I could have done a before and after comparison. Funny enough, that short memory sparked my interest in getting this coat.

Speaking of dressing coats– last weekend was Nuit Blanche. An overnight event (7pm-7am) where you will get frost hands and a sight filled with creativity and art installations on the streets that takes place every year in Toronto. From my point of view, a perfect evening in Toronto can be participating in evening street festivals or events in the nippy weather, accompanied by huge group of close friends and perhaps some warm tea. For most of the event, walking or taking your bike/bixi  is a better way to get from one destination to another. I find that public transportation is not the best idea during this event since it’s ridiculously crowded, most of which a large percentage are over impaired.

Sunday: I enjoyed sleeping in and grabbing Pho for breakfast in Ossington. Sounds like a great way to end the weekend right? Afterwards, I finally went to experience eating at a place called Bang Bang Ice Cream and Bakery, where I got London Fog ice cream and vanilla bean in a fresh made Hong Kong egg waffle cone. Whoever said that eating ice cream in the middle of Autumn was a stupid idea clearly doesn’t know what they’re missing out on. London fog ice cream is just too perfect for this season. I personally love Ossington, being an area where you can find countless vintage stores and the best locally owned restaurants and cafes. Paying a visit here is a good idea since everything is typically less expensive and in my opinion, more rustic and crafty. My favourite place is Bellwoods Brewery.

I’m always interested in what others have to suggest.
What’s your favourite cafe or restaurant in your area?

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Have a great day! 
Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and for more: follow this journey

Photos: Maximilan Kandler


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