Pinch of Chic
style file

Stella

ASOS Long Line Coloured Check Coat
Zara Angora Turtleneck (See similar here)
Zara Aztec Skirt (See similar here)
Ann Taylor Skinny Belt (See similar here)
Zara Aztec Ankle Strap Wide Heels
Fossil Rose Gold Medium Boyfriend Watch (See similar here)

Happy Monday! Can we all stop for a moment and see how amazing this coat is because it looks like the Stella McCartney one that’s right off the runway? (Photo reference below) Hehe.. I love it! Another item to add to my plaid collection for winter! I’m only really wearing 3 pieces– a turtleneck, a skirt and a coat (duh, because we’re Canada and it’s winter). Two pieces that have two very distinct prints and one, being the turtleneck to create some balance and contrast with the outfit. If you’re looking for nice turtlenecks and printed pencil skirts, do check  out Topshop and ASOS for those. The thing that ties it all together is the neutral shades they come in. Here’s the other thing… Use a skinny belt to create a waistline and perhaps some nude shoes to go with. Conveniently, I was in sheer luck to own a pair of heels that matched the skirt, so why not add an even more playful element to it?

In my last post, I made a point with winter being boring in terms of frequently seeing black coats, big boots, etc. Not that it’s a problem or a bad thing..Don’t get me wrong, you can rock it like how a lot of Garance Dore’s captured models has on her blog does. But winter should not limit someone’s creativity in their style. But as long as you own a couple turtlenecks, layer some long sleeves underneath, wear one to two wooly camp socks with your trousers or skinny wants to weigh out the top heavy layer you’ll be doing.. then I believe it’s okay to put down the parka.

Although this outfit may seem impractical on some days, make your picks with the weather! Because when I was out with this outfit, I was doing good. The only thing I would have probably switched out would be to some ankle booties with socks instead to complete the winter look and add some extra warmth to my feet. To add to this.. I was out for quite a while since I was using a tripod to take photos. Don’t let not having blogger boyfriend or photographer friends around stop you from shooting amazing photographs! But I’ll go into detail about this next time.

And there you have it! My not so typical winter ensemble. One that’s also chic and wearable for any date or dinner with your girlfriends. Since we’re also on the plaid trending topic, 
I’d love to know what’s your favourite plaid item in your winter wardrobe?

Have a good start to your week!

PS. Just two more days until my GIVEAWAY on Instagram
for the Urban Decay SMOKED Palette ends! Click here! And good luck! xx

 

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Almost There

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Thakoon Addition Pink Floral Printed Shawl Collar Dress
Ann Taylor Crepe Colourblock Topper Coat
Thrifted Faux Snake Printed Vest
JustFab Sanna Heels
Topshop Gold Fringe Necklace
Danier White Leather Passport Holder (Used as a clutch)

HAPPY SUNDAY! Hope you all are having a beautiful weekend! I’ve spent the weekend going to the Lawrence Farmer’s Market, attending family and friend’s dinner, ice skating and editing photos from the Wedluxe show! *Hint hint.. future post coming soon* On another note, I don’t think I’ve ever cried while taking out the garbage… until I was surprised with a bouquet of these stunning peonies during the process. Tears of joy I say… also the best kind of tears too. In addition to happiness, I’m extremely ecstatic that it’s been pretty warm this weekend to do all your favourite winter outdoor activities.

One of the few things that I love incorporating into my fall/winter wardrobe other than big cable knits is COLOUR! I’m a true believer in the psychology behind colour selection, what one chooses to wear is a pretty accurate reflection of their emotions and persona, whether you consciously or subconsciously pick out. 

Every winter in Toronto, the sea of black parkas roll out. For me, I try to layer to stay warm. Owning a coat that is a couple sizes bigger than what you normally wear allows you to wear all of your favourite sweaters– one on top of the other. At the same time, I like to wear my favourite vivid colours, hence my bright blue J. Crew cacoon jacket. It’s actually a size 4 regular, while I usually wear a 00 petite. For this look, I wore my floral printed Thakoon Addition dress for a splash of colour… as well as to showcase my excitement and eagerness for Spring! If you’re looking to rock florals in the winter, I highly recommend poking around in Topshop.

Make sure to follow me on instagram for my weekend adventures and see my first GIVEAWAY!

Hope you all have relaxing, fun & rejuvenating weekend!

xxxx

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event

Shimmer Chic

Alice + Olivia Sequin Dress (Found at Value Village!!)
Forever 21 Collarless Faux Fur Jacket (See similar here.)
J Crew Collection Etta Plaid Studded Pumps
J Crew Gold Drop Earrings
Banana Republic Gold Link Chain Necklace (See similar here.)
Danier White Leather Passport Holder (Used as a clutch)

So you guys have a few hours before you start celebrating the start of 2015. Here’s my last minute scramble of a NYE outfit. Many thanks goes out to Anna for finding this stunning sequin dress by Alice + Olivia from Value Village. (Similar to Salvation Army.) Woo!

Thinking about New Years events always rings in old hollywood looks, glitzy pieces, and glamorous vibes for me. Just google ‘Great Gasby Daisy’ and you’ll get an idea of what I’m talking about. Unfortunately… not all of us are as lucky as Daisy Buchanan to own a blinding $200,000 headpiece from Tiffany’s. Celebrating new years eve can already be expensive enough, so why not take the cost-effective route for your outfit? I’ve brought in some big, fancy fur from Forever21, sizzling red lips, and lots of silver and gold. The lovely thing about new years is that you can step outside your comfort zone, throw on the most extravagant ensemble with as much bling as possible and get away with it completely. A great way to display all that sparkly bling you want to show off is to layer; for example your necklaces. Same goes with rings and bracelets. (You can give yourself an #armparty!) If you’re not into wearing so much jewelry because you don’t want to feel all that weight of the hardware, I strongly suggest finding a top or dress with a very ornate neckline, like the one in this post and putting on one statement necklace on top!

And that’s pretty much it! So take it easy, have some champagne but drink responsibly! Most importantly don’t forget your sparklers and to smile for all those lovely flash photos!

One more thing— darlings, this will be your bestest friend for any late evenings. I swear!

Every now and then I get asked by my parents– ‘What exactly is it that you do now?.’ And I struggle to figure out the right words to describe everything I currently do… a designer? A photographer who shoots here and there? A home-based blogger? I’m still in the midst of exploring my interest in UI/UX design, advertising and art direction…or editorial design. Which could potentially lead me to a fantastic ‘Lauren Conrad’ lifestyle and maybe my own reality tv series (just kidding). But no really, editorial design is still an option that could open me up to styling and fashion creative projects. But all in all, I only wish that there wasn’t so much pressure, especially on the kids that attend school to find exactly what your big time career should be. Being practical is a must, but getting hate for not having a ‘practical’ job is not good encouragement. My parents…sad but true, probably still don’t know what I’ve studied for four years in university, as I’ve heard them tell their friends, ‘Oh, she does fashion and arts’… when in reality, I’ve been a slave to the design– studying interactive, graphics, etc. and theory of design. PS. I have aggressively reminded them on an infinite number of times about what I do!

My new year’s resolution: I would like to try and pursue the things I like to do in my areas of interest, despite the judgment from my family and outsiders. I think one should be able to hold the freedom in their hands and begin to make decisions on their own to do what they love. Things will change over time– that’s exactly how I think people are able to grow, through their experience. And what kind of experience would it be without variety, as well as ups and downs?

I believe that the best of things will come to you when you work really hard– no matter the task. Here’s to the new year– bringing in love for you, your love ones, and love for yourself. Success will eventually come, but happiness for yourself should be your priority whatever is it that you’re doing. In this age, will are fortunate enough to create jobs for ourselves. That leaves plenty of room for the opportunities to do what you love and to further expand on that. As long as you can feel joy within all the hours of your day, including sleep, I believe that is where every human should be. xx

What are you doing/did to celebrate the last day of 2014?
Feel free to share your thoughts with me. I’d love to know!
Until next time! And happy new years to you and yours! xx

For more updates: follow this journey.

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Cobalt Craze

J Crew Stadium Cloth Cocoon Coat in Regal Blue (See similar style here)
Club Monaco Leala Cropped Sweater in Moonstone
ASOS Flippy Skirt in Black Crepe
JustFab Aimee Black OTK Boots
Banana Republic Mini Gold Stud Earrings
Danier White Leather Passport Holder (Used as a clutch)

I was super tempted to call this post “CoAl2O4,” but before you guys ask me what postal code that belongs to, I will digressed from creating unnecessary confusion… The funky code you see is the chemical compound name for the cobalt blue pigment. Nerdiness aside, here is my #OOTD from this week.

Miss wearing skirts in the summer but can’t commit to wearing them in the winter?… Especially the kind of winters you get from living in Canada. My kind-of-obvious solution is to own a pair of OTK (over the knee) boots! They’re honestly the next best thing to thigh high boots… but better.. warmer…and I say hotter. They go with pretty much everything! You can dress them down with black leggings or black jeans to accentuate the legs. As for those fancy evenings, a nice long-sleeve dress, paired with the OTK boots… then toss in a cute clutch. BOOOOOM!!! There you have it!– a stunning ensemble for the festive holiday. 

To end off this post….my little surprise for my readers will be unveiled on Sunday!
Along with my awesome go-to-gift list for those generous procrastinators.

xxx

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outfit

What the Deuce

Wilfred Cocoon Wool Coat
Goorin Brothers Heritage County Line Hat
Banana Republic Faux-Leather Trim Cable Knit Pullover
Banana Republic Coated Trill Skinny Ankle Pants (See similar below)
J Crew Aggie Suede Booties (See similar)
Banana Republic Bar Necklace
Banana Republic Matchstick Stud Earrings
Banana Republic Mini Gold Stud Earrings
Danier Black Leather Handbag
Zara Scarf

The thing about about working a 9 to 5 is that you barely get any time to plan or coordinate a decent time to shoot! Let alone…get home, have the will power and strength want to jump on the computer again to write…after spending the entire day at one. I guess that’s a conflict that I’ll be facing but hopefully overcoming soon. I still don’t regret it though… and since the holidays are rolling in— breaks and vacations are in order!!

Two days ago, I met up with my girlfriend Therese of Artiese Studios and photographer Derek Hui for a quick impromptu shooting session and lunch at Babur on Queen St. W. Here, we got together to discuss the pros and cons for Canon and Nikon cameras and did a few test shots. (Therese may or may not convert to the dark side… that being Nikon, hehe.) I suppose, here I also learnt that the best time to shoot during our Canadian winters with my schedule..is at noon if you’re looking to shoot in natural lighting.

On another note, you folks might be wondering why is this post titled ‘What the Deuce..’ Right??? It’s actually a homage to the Family Guy’s Stewie Griffin and his famous exclamation he almost always utters. No, I’m actually kidding, but that is what he usually says.

MAISON MICHEL Virginie Felt Hat

 

If you guys have been following my Instagram, I’ve been hinting about getting a Maison Michel-inspired hat for a much more cost-effect price! I’ve been a long time follower of Maison Michel and Janessa Leone‘s designs and couldn’t help but want to own one myself. *Inserts hat obsession* A basic black fedora is something you can wear all year round, and practically forever. Why not invest in creating THE one? The likelihood of passing it down is completely possible too, as long as you take care of it! After countless long searches for places in Toronto that customize hats, I’ve found out Goorin Brothers (just on Queen St. too!) can do the job. May it be with feathers, pins or pinches– in my case for a Deuce Trace! A Deuce Trace is a type of pinch on the hat– created by using merely steam and pinching on the hat. Inspired by this hat‘s pinch, I went on into a deep investigation to make it possible for my hat dreams to come true. Since I’ve only bought the hat at its’ primary stage with only the pinch done, I’ll be writing a separate post to showcase the on-going production and process of customizing my entire hat– including where to look for quality leather trims or bands and hunting for the perfect vintage pins. I’m also going to throw in the idea of getting a custom gold-plated pin, with my monogram engraved… I hope you guys are excited as I am about doing this! Because I’m more than happy as a clam thinking about it right now.

Photos by Artiese Studios

What is your must-have item that you see yourself wearing forever?
Feel free to share your thoughts with me. I’d love to know!
Until next time! xx

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