Pinch of Chic
style file

Bell Sleeves Gal

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Urban Outfitters Bell Sleeve Top
ASOS Skaters Skirt
MANGO Strap Cord Sandals
Forever21 Brown Cross Body
Thrifted Brown Leather Belt
Goorin Bros. County Line Black Hat

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Hello lovely readers! I see you eyeing at my bag and scratching your heads. Trying to figure out ‘Cynthia got her hands on a Drew bag by Chloe? But how??’ Simple answer. It’s actually Forever21! If you haven’t already seen it on other bloggers then low and behold, this ‘Drew’ inspired bag from Forever21 is only about $30! In three different colours too.

For me buying and wearing affordable pieces is always a good idea when it comes to dressing up for music festivals. When you’re actively smashing into sweaty, incoherent people in the attempt to find space to dance at a festival, It’s good to know your Saint Laurent Lulu bag is safe at home and that you’re just ringing out a F21 bag.. that in my opinion looks just as good! The day which this outfit was taken was for the Bestival Festival in Toronto. While neoprene crop top with crazy cut outs sounds cool and all. I opt for the bell sleeves and skater skirt for a flowy and comfortable feel. The rainy weather actually got me into wearing a lot of black which explains a lot. Fingers crossed for rain-free festival days in Toronto!

What festival will you be attending or have already attended? Would love to see links to those outfits too! 

Photos by Verne Ho.

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outfit

Like Mother Like Daughter

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Forever21 Strappy Black Stripe Jumpsuit
J. Crew Etta Cap Toe Pumps in Jade (Similar here)
Ray-ban Polarized Aviator Sunglasses
Banana Republic Stud Earrings
Vintage Gucci Satin Shoulder Bag
J. Crew Panama Straw Hat (Similar here)

ON HER:

Melanie Lynn Perforated White Top (Similar here, here and here)
Melanie Lynn Perforated White Skirt (Similar here, here, and here)
Kenneth Cole Brown Sandel Heels (Similar here, here, and here)
Karen Walker Sunglasses (Similar here)
Movado Harmony Watch (Similar here and here)
Coach Madison Gathered Leather Juliette Handbag in Parchment White

Happy Belated Mothers Day to Everyone’s Moms and Mine too!

So last Sunday..

Because we’re not in Japan or into joining mosh pits of people at High Park to celebrate the arrival of cherry blossoms and Mother’s Day– my family decided to make a small trip to Niagara Falls instead for old times sake. Thinking the family was going to take some classic snapshots by the famous falls in Ontario, we stumbled onto a short path of Magnolia blossoms that seem to suffice in place of a ‘romantic’ (as my mother likes to call it) backdrop for blog pho… I mean family photos. My attempt to pull Faithfull-like photos with my jumpsuit didn’t come close.. but this seeing this area pretty much screamed photogenic mother-daughter photos.

In this post, I decided to include my mom’s #ootd, because ‘the apple really does not fall too far from the tree.’ With that being said, it’s kind of obvious to gather where I get my inspiration (and wardrobe pieces) from. She’s probably the reason why I suddenly developed a mild obsession with all white outfits and airy looks. Mom has not only raised me right and shown my unconditional love but she’s also a big supporter of my part time hobbies and is always looking out for me. Often, when she’s not asking me if I’ve eaten or tech support, she keeps on a lookout for items to share with for me to wear on my blog, pitches looks she’s pulled together and is also a ‘newsletter’ subscriber to Pinch of Chic. (Pretty sure she’s the only one who’s subscribed…but who really knows..) We’ve got this whole BFFL-kind of relationship down and pat… and I’d like to think I take full advantage of it.

How did you celebrate your Mother’s Day with your lovely lady?
I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

In light of Mother’s Day, I thought I would toss in a throwback photo of my beautiful mother when she was in her early 20s into the mix to celebrate and place emphasis on her practically immortal and ethereal beauty. Looks like she just jumped right out of Hollywood’s Golden Age era– agree?

While I’m at, I thought I would document this:

Sunday May 9th, 2015 at approximately 1:42PM… Marks the moment in history where my father asked me where the reverse camera function is.. on his Motorola camera.. in order to take a #selfie.

The outcome of this ground-breaking moment (in my life at least) is captured here on the photo on the left.

Until next time… x

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style file

Airy and Distressed

OUTFIT DETAILS

Club Monaco Elizabina Silk Top 
Urban Outfitters BDG Slim Boyfriend Jeans
Forever21 Pinstriped Open-Front Blazer
White Leather Snake Embossed Crossbody (Similar here) c/o Therese
Yves Saint Laurent Wrap Strap Wide Heels in Icy (Similar here) via The RealReal

As many of you may have noticed I’m usually caught wearing either semi-formal and conservative pieces. If I’m wearing jeans, they’re often form-fitting and don’t look that worn out.

For me— it was quite the challenge to find a decent pair of boyfriend jeans, let alone a pair with what seems to be the right amount of rips and tears. Took me a couple years really. I found myself going through the GAP, J. Crew, even the thrift stores… contemplating if I should make my own pair. But most of which I found at thrift stores were either too large in length or width. I wanted to find a pair that wasn’t so expensive and that would fit nicely on my petite frame.

I’ve been frequently shopping at Urban Outfitters and saw that they carried a whole bunch of jeans, including boyfriend jeans and distressed ones as well. To own a wear of boyfriend jeans— I guess sacrifices have to made in terms of the unflattering fit around the rear aka no bum look… also known as border-line mom jeans. Right? But here I am today, finally a proud owner of a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans from UO.

On to how I wore out mine…

To maintain out my ultra femme and clean style, I paired my DBJ (distressed boyfriend jeans) with a flowy, white silk top from Club Monaco (in love with the lace up collar) and nude wide heel sandals that have wrap-around straps from Yves Saint Laurent via The RealReal for ONLY $115 which were retail for about $700. New in a box, with tags and dust bag. (SCORE!) I’m a huge fan of wide heels for good support and distant walks. My girlfriend and talented photographer, Therese also allowed me to borrow her adorable snake skin embossed cross body which she got from Asia to continue the light look I got going on. To tie the look altogether and contrast the light palette outfit, I wore my pinstripe navy blazer for a hint of dapper chic.

x

We all have different body shapes, so finding the right pieces to compliment and enhance our bodies is important. There’s no rush in fitting in the latest trends. I felt the same pressure when Zara and GAP started releasing a whole bunch of boyfriend jeans for a hefty $60-80 about one or two years ago. But I was able to hold back for a while and wait until I found a decent pair that as equally flattering and comfortable to wear. x

Speaking of The RealReal… I’d highly suggest anyone who’s interested in finding cost-friendly designer goods to go there. It’s an online consignment platform for all luxurious goods, from handbags, shoes, coats to works of art. Some things are second hand, vintage or even brand new. First timers even get an additional $25 off their first purchase!

Visit the link here!

Photos (Film and Digital) by: Artiese Studios

I want to give a shoutout and huge congratulations to my best buddy and talented photographer Arnold Lan for winning the Jubilee Project Fellowship in L.A and the Dreamjob Photojounalist competition to Norway. You have such a bright future ahead you. Way to go bestie! xo

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style file

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
x
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!

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