Pinch of Chic
collaborations

don’t call me lucky

creative direction CYNTHIA NGUYEN 
photography VINCENT KO 
in collaboration with ANN TAYLOR

“I am not lucky. You know what I am? I am smart, I am talented, I take advantage of the opportunities that come my way and I work really, really hard. Don’t call me lucky. Call me a badass.”

— Shonda Rhimes

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Here’s the deal.. if I had it my way, I would buy my entire Fall wardrobe each and every time the new year rolls in. But like most people, whether it’s cost or closet real estate—that’s not my reality. That being said, this reality leads me to be highly selective with the pieces I choose to invest in for years to come and all season long.

Having been a loyal fan to Ann Taylor since the start of my university days, I’ve teamed up with them on their “let’s work together” campaign to share with you my favourite modern, versatile picks from their Fall line.

The thing to know about Ann Taylor is that they’re not just a one-stop shop for a basic suit, but they’ve evolved the concept of “work dress code” for modern women like myself, by offering pieces that can be taken from 9am to 9pm and on— staple turtle necks that can be used every year, to minimal wrap coats, topped with trend-forward trousers, paired with sleek, pointed toe kicks.

If you’re looking for something to wear for an interview, a presentation or even a celebratory promotion dinner, Ann Taylor pretty much covers all the basics and sophisticated, on-trend pieces to play with and get you prepared for all of your occasions. The idea of staying in one outfit for work, dinner and attending a party is considered effective if you’re able to use the same pieces to adapt to any situation or place and have it stretched beyond your 9-5. And who doesn’t want to look like the most polished yet still feminine one in the room? I wouldn’t mind flaunting my work pieces and admitting to coming from work. x

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collaborations

Pants are Power


creative direction CYNTHIA NGUYEN
photography VINCENT KO
in collaboration with ANN TAYLOR


You know that feeling when you find that pair of pants that holds you in the right places, stops at the appropriate areas just like the original design and doesn’t require a belt?

Now, imagine you were not allowed to wear pants— ever.
And that you could be arrested for slipping into a pair.

In light of International Women’s Day, I’ve teamed up with Ann Taylor to celebrate the brand’s commitment of over 60 years— making women feel empowered through their apparel, as well as the evolution and right for women to wear pants. Not only speaking to the historical shift in fashion but more-so the right in equality and social which women have fought for back in the 1940’s. 

It’s a fascinating thought to see how much of a statement and value is behind the mere act of women wearing pants.

 

Doublecloth Bow Sleeve Coat 
Frayed Cuffed Girlfriend Jeans
Marled Newbury Blazer

 

 

I’m sharing with you Ann Taylor’s campaign video that follows the journey from the year 1940, when women were once arrested for wearing pants in public, followed by today, 2018, where women can now wear pants freely– wherever, whenever. Including the Oscars. This video pays tribute to National Women’s History month and commemorates the evolution of how women have fought for not only the rights to wear pants that make them feel confident and empowered in fashion but for equality as well.  

 

outfit

Soho Vibes


I think most of us have been there… Actually, I’m pretty sure it’s the vast majority who feels the same way about Fashion Week..let alone NYFW. Fashion Week for me is like putting #FOMO x #BROKE together for me. But don’t let the prestige of designer pieces or top bloggers mingling with celebrities and socialites get you down. Let this be a time to motivate everyone who’s not attending fashion week to be extra bold and experimental! Then you can blame social media and fashion week all together when you need a good excuse to wear that pink fur coat or that military hat I see Chiara Ferragni sporting.

Speaking of Fashion Week, my outfit here isn’t all that crazy (since I was just out for lunch from work) but I still love the vibes of the shooting location. I personally think that creating candid Fashion Week street style photos gives a nice change from lifestyle photos while also giving a little underline fierce tone. Who would know I’m still situated in Toronto instead of Soho? That’s the beauty creating your own images! xx

Outfit details below!

Q: If you were attending NYFW, what would you wear?
Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear!

Photos by: Carlo Calope

 

Ann Taylor Colour Block Coat
The Fifth Label Dress via FSHNBNKR (Similar here and here)
Forever21 Black Booties
Zara Blanket Scarf in Navy Plaid (Similar here)
Rox N’ Bunny Gold Monty Ring Set
Lacoste Black Tote Bag

See below for similar options!

 

style file

Mi Villa


OUTFIT DETAILS:
Ann Taylor Stripe Wrap Dress
Banana Republic White Skinny Belt
ZeroUV Sunglasses
Thrifted Shoulder Bag
Ardene White Sneakers

See below for similar options!

Happy Friday!

I’m short with words for today’s post but filled with beautiful photographs. I found a little piece of Europe in Toronto I’d like to share with you guys. Nothing seems to scream wanderlust and holding onto my Europe trip virginity more than these photos.

I’m currently getting my ducks in a row so I’ll write more next time!

Enjoy my short and sweet post! x

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collaborations

Think Pink


OUTFIT DETAILS:

J. Crew Regent Blazer in White Linen
Banana Republic Straight Fit Jeans (Similar here and here)
J. Crew Silk Front Tank in Stripe (Similar here and here)
Elsie d’Orsay Pumps in Delicate Petal c/o J. Crew
Ann Taylor Skinny Leather Belt (Similar here and here)
Zara Nude Cross Body Bag (Similar here and here)
J. Crew Ornate Stud Earrings

J.CREW X PINCH OF CHIC

What better way to add chic and elegance to your looks…

Meet Elsie d’Orsay, the perfect kind of pumps to have for those warm days. Owning a pair in Delicate Petal already screams the epitome of feminine elegance and in my opinion the best way to celebrate spring and summer with open arms.

For those of you who’ve asked and wondered how I’m able to walk in heels all day, everywhere and everyday: the simple answer is choosing the right silhouette of your heels carefully.

For starters, the height and width of the heel is most important for visual proportions and support. The slender the heel, the better it is to go for short height. The higher the heel, the better it is to grab the one with the widest/block-like heel which supports your weight with each step you take. The slender heel of the Elsie d’Orsays is super conformable for those who don’t often wear heels and the silhouette is suitable for anyone. Second to that, the majority of ladies can also agree that pastel is just too on point for Spring and Summer. You can seamlessly transition from desk to dinner or to a casual outing with these pumps, at the same time add some feminine vibes to spruce up your outfit. In the form of a chic shoe fused with the dusty pink hue— neutral and versatility is an understatement. Take a look at Jil Sander’s beautiful FW15 collection below capturing the array of pink shades. Despite the collection made for fall and winter, I’m one who loves to mix and match and go with what I believe looks great. You can see the flowers in the background of the runway too right?

Jil Sander FW'15. photo from www.style.com Jil Sander FW’15. photo from www.style.com

If you haven’t caught me on my Instagram, I mentioned a week or two ago about my little project with J. Crew, and now it’s time to unveil the shoot I’ve done with blogger girlfriend-not-boyfriend, Therese of Artiese Studios.

As for my ensemble, I went for a casual look with the addition of the Elsie d’Orsays to elevate my look and incorporate a chic finish. Other than jeans, they go great with a stunning, bold coloured dress to contrast, loud print to compliment with accent of the light shade, or even paired up with trousers to elongate your legs with the trick of the nude shade to your feet— the combinations are endless. The cuts on the side of the shoe coming to the front point makes for a timeless and sleek detail. When it comes to colour, I’m not shy about it but as of late I’ve been sporting the neutral shades. In place of my enthusiasms and love for colour, I decided that a bold backdrop would be appropriate to contrast my super neutral and light outfit. Because who doesn’t love pink astroturf??

So… think that a pop of pastel pink is just too girlie for your wardrobe? Think again.

Photos by: Artiese Studios

Let me know what you think of this colourful direction for my posts in the comments below!
And have a wonderful rest of your week loves! x

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