Pinch of Chic
outfit

Falling for You

Wilfred Cocoon Wool Coat
Ann Taylor Navy Trim Burgundy Cardigan
Ann Taylor Petite Mixed Button Down Shirt
Thrifted Club Monaco Printed Pants c/o The Kind Exchange
Banana Republic Bar Necklace
Banana Republic Matchstick Stud Earrings
Danier Red Leather Crossbody (Used as a Clutch)
J Crew Collection Etta Plaid Studded Pumps

Hello people! I am indeed still alive!! I’m giving out apologies for the absence– although I was still very active on Instagram (…by my standards). The week that has just past, I’ve been working nine to six, attending World MasterCard Fashion Week during the evenings, and catching even later dinners with good friends. It’s been quite complicated in terms of staying consistent in updating content onto my blog, however I’ve still been photographing and working very hard to create the quality images and reviews I want to showcase in the next few days. During the spent time, I attempted to take all opportunities to try and tear my eyes away from social media and disconnect myself less from the internet, with the intent to fully engage myself in more stimulating conversations and activities. It’s ironic since this was my first time attending fashion week in Toronto and everything in and around it seem to wildly and vigorously involve being wired to social media.

Tackling work and craziness aside– can we just all appreciate the absolutely beautiful autumn season? The vibrant, lush colours, the crisp breeze, the sharp crunches, and the need to wear more cozy knits. Seeing all the photos from my stroll to High Park makes me think…’wow…I really need to get out more…a bike with a basket would totally be a bonus too.’  *Note to self: need to get on that.

Here’s my celebratory Autumn #OOTD. I’m pairing warm coloured pieces that seem like a good representation of my mood, and the weather. Plaid for the season, lady-like details to elevate, party pants to make it all less serious, and Crushed Plum lipstick from Bobby Brown to compliment the lips. I want to thank my close friend, Anna for surprising me with these wonderful pair of pants from The Kind Exchange. I almost forgot my love for unconventional and fun pants. Thankfully Mother Nature and Anna has encouraged me to dress up in colour again.

What are your favourite fall outfits?
Tell me about the pieces you’ve fallen for and why you chose to wear
them at this colourful time of the year! I’d love to hear from you.

x

Have a good week guys!!
Hasta la vista, baby. Until next time.

style file

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?

x

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

Photos: Maximilan Kandler

outfit

Lace Trim

Club Monaco Kareema Cropped Cable (See similar here and here.)
Club Monaco Taura Pleated Lace Skirt
JustFab Sanna Heels
J. Crew Wild Flower Necklace
J. Crew Gold Drop Earrings
Vintage Seiko Gold Watch c/o Mum

Happy Tuesday to all my lovely folks. I hope everyone in Toronto is not too bothered with drunk Mother Nature. I know I’m enjoy every bit of the staggering, warm weather. I still love Autumn regardless– it’s my favourite time of the year… to indulge in all meals that contain pumpkin (more so desserts…) as well as stock up on Bath and Bodywork’s seasonal candles. On a side yet relevant note: I am very determined to attempt baking a pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese icing. If successful, I will document my process and upload the outcome! If not, I’ll let you know where to find the best pumpkin cake. I’m hoping to also brush up on my piping skills in order to make a rose cake. Fingers crossed.

Because it’s autumn but we’re still holding onto summer for dear life– I found that it’s imperative to own a timeless, at the same time super appropriate sleeveless sweater. As of late, I’ve always pondered and wanted to wear a midi accordion-pleated skirt without looking matronly and short. Seeing the lace trim on this silhouette– it effectively carries a very sophisticated tone and adds the illusion of more length to my legs via exposed through the lace. To ease my deep and not-so hidden obsession for Sophia Webster, I scored a pair of very cost-effective heels from JustFab for about $20. (JustFab has this VIP membership program going on where you simply sign up and with any first purchase, it’ll be $20.) They look like a spitting image of the Mila heels by Webster. Don’t you agree?

Speaking of shoes. What’s your must-have footwear for this fall?

x

Shout out to one of my best girlfriends: Lilly.
Happy belated Birthday Lovey!

Photos: Maximilan Kandler

style file

Cabana Stripes

Melanie Lynn Tweed Coat
Ann Taylor Petite Mixed Button Down Shirt
Ann Taylor Cabana Stripe Long Shorts
Anice Stamped Initial Pendant Necklace
Vintage Skinny Leather Belt
Danier Black Leather Handbag
Zara Black Thin Strap Ankle Heels

Here’s an outfit from last week. After pondering for a while and the goal to be more comfortable at work, I decided to break out all my satin pants for my nine to five days. Usually people wouldn’t think that wearing satin pants to an office environment would be appropriate… since they’re more so meant for being worn inside the bedroom, lounging around in the house or vacation. But I managed to elevate them in a way that it would be suitable at the same time, relaxing for work.

I chose a silky and oversized, striped variation to help give the illusion of more length and to appear more like a gathered, pleated skirt. Hope you guys are prepared to see more satin pants and shorts appearing more often on my blog– because boy, are they comfy. Pajamas for work ftw! Just kidding but no really. If people can challenge the idea of wearing undergarments in public… then pajama-inspired items should be okay right?

Photos: Maximilan Kandler and Anna Laing-Fraser

Looking for some new music? Check out my soundcloud.
PS. Went to see Bonobo with my girlfriend Anna on Saturday. 
Thanks for introducing his music to me and taking me there! x

style file

School Boy

J Crew Contrast Knit Blazer
J. Crew Black Jersey Eyelet Top
Gap Gingham Button-down shirt
Vintage Herringbone Mini Skirt
Banana Republic Chain Necklace
J. Crew Stud Earrings
Vintage Coach Cross Body
To Be Announced Esther Boots

My #OOTD for the Hamilton’s Super Crawl on Saturday.

I’m excited to share one of my favourite events that happens once every year in my hometown, Hamilton… the Super Crawl. It’s one of the few events that I’ve been attending for the last 3 years now and the inspiration for my first blog. Originally… For those who didn’t know– I started a street style blog called Steel Oneself based in Hamilton with my dear friend Matt. We started in the summer of 2011; photographing Hamiltonians who showcased individuality through their personal style. The idea of the blog was to showcase the positive and creative side of Hamilton, to replace the stigma outsiders had about Hamilton. For example people here in Ontario call Hamilton ‘Steel City’ because of their steel factories, or the ‘armpit’ because of the smell within the city because of the factories. Meeting people while photographing them lead to hearing about the Art Crawl. From there, we started attending, photographing and blogging about the people in Hamilton who went to the Art Crawls, including the Super Crawl that happens in September. Steel Oneself was a collective of Hamilton’s visual culture, charm and its folks.

Visit Steel Oneself.

 In the last year– It became increasingly difficult for Matt and I to continue Steel Oneself with our relocation to Toronto for school. My new year’s resolution is to maintain an outlet where I can express myself through various mediums which I’m passionate in producing and sharing with others.

Attending this year’s Super Crawl allowed me to reminisce about my previous experiences in blogging, photographing, and encouraged me to do what I do today.

What is the most inspirational event you’ve attended and why?
And for those of you who blog: what has inspired you to start blogging? 
Just curious!

Photos: Maximilian Kandler


Looking for Something?