Pinch of Chic
style file

Porcelain Walls

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Babaton Galden Camisole in Black
Zara Black Trousers
Calvin Klein Gold and Black Suede Tote Bag
Dior-inspired pearl duel necklace via eBay
ZeroUV Sunglasses

See below for similar items!

Nothing seems to get me more excited than going to new places and new museums. Got the opportunity to visit Aga Khan with my girlfriend Therese of Artiese Studios. Let me tell you it was the wrong day to wear black, hence why most of the documented visuals shows me hiding in the shade later. But the wall large walls definitely make it feel much more cool and Greece-looking than it really is. Regardless it’s a beautiful museum that celebrates Islamic art.

Wearing all black seems to call out several different moods and going to a space like Aga Khan kind of made me feel super minimalist– and that allowed me to put on my $1.00 eBay Dior inspired necklace which I thought I would never ring out because of the eccentric form. It has both this dainty and bold feel to it. The change into a minimalistic mindset also made me want to experiment with the outcome of the photos. So showcasing our trip in a more fashion editorial x street dreams mag manner seemed appropriate. I decided to also share from photos from the little trip we made. Let’s call them #BTS photos with what I like to call… what really goes on behind bloggers.

I think I’m going to continue sharing some #BTS photos to allow my readers to see what truly goes on and what a blogger.. using me for example.. seeing what I really eat and do. I only figured out recently that apparently some bloggers order food for the photos and don’t even touch it afterwards. Wow! Talk about waste… I might as well show you me eating Tim Hortons and challenge myself to make that look pretty Insta-worthy. Anyways, gutta keep it transparent!
Let me know what you think! x

Photos by: Artiese Studios

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Two Blocks Away

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Ann Taylor Crepe Colourblock Topper Coat
J. Crew Men’s Stripe Dress Shirt (similar here)
J. Crew Colourblock Cotton Wool Blazer
Banana Republic Sloan Fit Five Pocket Pants
ASOS Gold Arrow necklace (similar here)
Zara Black Pointed Toe Heels (similar here and here)
Danier Leather Black Handbag (similar here)

Ever felt the slightest bit of envy when you’re introduced to one of your new friend’s long time best crew? I’m talking about those who are in their late 20s, 30s, or even 50s and have been the best of buddies as a group since practically grade 2 and counting. Friendships that have grown longer than my own age— now that’s something amazing.

Living in the big city like Toronto, I found myself growing apart from those who I truly wanted to keep in touch with. Despite the ‘No excuse’ cliche which still holds tremendous amounts of truth, I still find myself struggling to try to find ways to rekindle or keep connected. I figured— friendships formulate from two sides. My side and your side. Seems easy right? Both sides should be understanding, accepting and should show some sort of amount of investing effort.

A couple days ago I met up with my one girlfriends who held the status of being my oldest best friend— the thing was I only saw her bi-annually and that did not share the same group of friends. We only lived 50 minutes away from one another as well. Could you say it’s our busy lives? ‘No Excuse.’ I only realized the severe lack of getting together until we met at the same restaurant which we visited from last summer. (Cafe Nervosa on Yorkville Ave) We both share the same love for eating a lot of carbs as a way to catch up… #loveitalianfood.

With all this being said I decided to make new goals to revamp my friendship and family skills:

1.) Make a list of people you haven’t kept touch with but would like to. New or old.

2.) Make a list of the cutest cafes, brunch or dining spots you wish to explore and hold your festive reunion at. Either in your city or theirs. Maybe just pick up a box of donuts and coffee?

If they happen to reciprocate, great. They are probably the kind where you can easily speak to and pick up where you left off. No change in feelings, but just pure excitement. If not, harsh but true— it’s time to move on. No harm in trying right?

3.) Get it together and toss them a text, call or Facebook message. Ask for their availability. 

You can gather from here whether or not it’s worth a shot to keep your friendship going or growing. Being almost 23 years old, I have already found myself weeding out people from my life—something I never found myself doing since I used to want to be everyone’s friend. But eventually you learn you keep the ones who care about you, your health, your sanity, your work, and who’s supportive of your wishes. 

**PS. I dedicate this post to my hometown girls.**

Photos by: Arnold Lan

No matter how far apart your friends or family might be, there are always ways to stay connected. Still count the brief yet great moments you share. That being said, I’m blessed to have the many strong friendships I have today and only want have them further grow and deepen them.

x

Apologies for the MIA. As it was my dad’s birthday this past week and wrap up in projects.
Happy belated Birthday to my dad. x

What are some cute ideas or ways you spend with your old pals?
I’d love to hear. Share them below! If you like for me to share more food posts with details.
Let me know! And PS. Have a good long weekend! xx

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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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inspiration

BEAU’S WISHLIST

DETAILS ON THE BOARD:

1. Olivers People ‘LOU’ Shades
2. Fujifilm X100T Digital Camera
3. Tag Heuer Grand Carerra Calibre 36 RS with Chronograph
4. Gucci Navy Leather Gold Buckle Belt
5. Nike Roshe Run Shoes 
6. Agent Procovateur Idalia lace and stretch-tulle underwired bra
/ Agent Provocateur Larizsa embroidered tulle and satin briefs

Valentines Day is in exactly three days. I’ve created a guide for the ladies in search of their boo’s gift. Please feel inspired to get them gifts from the choices on the board. These are some of the essentials every man wants. Last but least, have fun shopping for them, especially with No. 6 on the board. It’s a win win for you and him.

Good Luck! xo

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lifestyle

Proper Dialogue

Zara big cable knit sweater
See by Chloe Scalloped Tie Waist Shorts
Jo Malone Nectarine Honey & Blossom 100mL Perfume
Lancome La Vie Est Belle Body Lotion
 I WONDER by Marian Bantjes
“C” 14K Gold Plated Custom Initial Pendant Necklace by Anice Jewellery 

I’m calling this post ‘Proper Dialogue‘ with Yourself.

I haven’t touched upon the topic of health and wellness. But I would like to take the time to write about my version of it on here, as this is a personal platform for my intimate thoughts to be share with my readers.

For those of you wondering, the winter season usually gives me a lot of time for me to reflect and assign certain goals to myself for the summer and/or for the rest of the year or two. But at times, I also find myself not accomplishing all the things I’d like to do within the given  span of time. For instance, I remind myself that I’m simply 22 years old, others will tell me I have a long way to go with plenty of time to build myself. I’d like to think that by the time I’m 28 years old, I would have built some sort of empire by then– a small to medium scale business per say while have been well-travelled to all the parts of the world that I wish to visit before settling down.

Other times, I doubt myself. And in those times, you ask yourself ‘am I on track?’ ‘Am I good enough?’ ‘But really, what is enough?’ These are the moments of self-criticism. These are the questions you ask yourself even during the best of times where you love yourself the most. You could probably relate to the saying ‘It happens to the best of us.’

I am my most toughest critic. On top of that, I’m a perfectionist…good combination right? Working as a designer, I am convinced that we enviably gravitate towards a stressful lifestyle, (correct me if I’m wrong but maybe it’s because I’m still young and haven’t figured out a good balance yet) in terms of standing out in the creative industry. Sleepless nights, vigorous meetings to appeal to all heads at the table… sound familiar? With that being said, I often forget how much I’ve done for myself and how well I’m doing. I usually blame myself big time for events that are really not worth fuming over, instead of remembering all the good I’ve done. It’s easier said than done but don’t allow yourself to become introverted where you might end up going into a dark place. People don’t usually realize how far deep they find themselves in the depths of depression and blame themselves. I believe in karma. I also believe in the law of attraction as well. So surrounding yourself with positive thoughts and positive people will definitely lift you up. ‘Something good comes out of everything that’s negative.’ A lesson, an experience, wisdom, relationships— whether it’s with someone else or yourself.

“You simply have to tell yourself that ‘this event does not define who I am.’
You’re an amazing individual with so much to live for.”

Don’t doubt yourself.

Here’s a new trick my wonderful girlfriend pitched for me to do when I do find myself in this instance and I would like to share with you guys. Firstly, grab yourself a writing tool. Pen, pencil… then get yourself a piece of paper or clean notebook. 

Prepare yourself to write out:

  • 3 things about career that you would like to achieve or work on. If you don’t have your career down just yet, then write about what you are aiming to do. What are your interests which you’d like to have your job encompass? Give yourself a plausible timeline.
  • Write out as many good things about your relationship that you can work on. It can be with your significant other, a family member, your best friends, long lost friends. I found that after school, a lot of my old friends and I have lost touch and I would like to change that.
  • Write out 3 things you are happy with yourself. It can be physically, emotionally, big accomplishments, great relationships you’re proud to have built.

Look at this note every 3-4 months to see your progress.

I want to dedicate this post to my younger sister as I want her to know that although I’m not always physically there, I want to still be as supportive as possible. Hope this advice helps my readers. I am also hoping to try out this trick and check back in 3 months or so and post an update.

Until next time, have a good weekend everyone. xx

 

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