Pinch of Chic
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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

Check out for similar items below!

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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Minty Fresh

THE OUTFIT DETAILS:

Vivian Chan Chriselle Top (Similar here)
Zara Black Trousers
Sophia Webster Bonita Espadrilles in Mint
Thrifted Vintage Handbag
ZeroUV Sunglasses

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Hello new folks and fellow readers! Here I am in the pixel and light, in a much more basic look. Aside from wearing your standard dress and skirts for the summer. I decide to get in tuned with my minimal slash casual side and toss on the most common shades– being black and white and spruce it up with my mint Bonitas by Sophia Webster. Which by the way, I’ve been dying to wear since I scored them for nearly nothing from the Net-a-Porter sale from last winter. (Pssssst… they’re having another huge sale right now too.) And if you know me well, you know I don’t put my heels down just for any pair of flat shoes.. And who could ever turn away from Sophia Webster? I remember doing one of those ground-shaking squeals of happiness that day I saw the Net-a-Porter black box at my doorstep. That day marked a huge moment for me– becoming a proud owner of Sophia Webster’s shoes. Maybe I’m just a wee bit biased since I’m secretly a huge fan girl of her work. No lie. I still dream of the day where I’ll own my own pair of Mila and Riko heels..

Recently, I’ve been going on this streak wearing all black for only God knows why.. on the hottest days in the city. I’m thinking it’s a good idea since I’ve been running around everywhere and wearing all black is easy. It looks put together and it gives me less stress about staying clean. Here, I switched it up with this beautiful shirt I received from Vivian Chan, an LA-based fashion designer known for captivating feminine nature and beauty in her pieces. Can I also say how great the sheer panels in the back are? Tiny details actually make my heart just go over the moon. Just like those fringe details on those Bonita shoes! As much as I like to think that my outfit was a pretty cool ensemble, the Chriselle top motivates me to find a white, full midi skirt to go with this shirt..or a white, silk accordion midi skirt. How pretty would that combination be? Honestly, these photos don’t do justice for this shirt…so I’m going to re-wear this top again soon!

Until next time kiddies! x

Photos by: Jamie Phongphilack

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Suede For Me

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Club Monaco Elizabina Silk Top 
Banana Republic Suede Mini Skirt via Kind Exchange (Similar here and here)
Thrifted Black Gold-studded Leather Belt via Black Market
Thrifted Vintage Coach Brown Leather Cross Body
J. Crew Hammered Choker Necklace (Similar here too)
Zara Aztec Woven Ankle Strap Wide Heel Sandals

Check out below for more links to similar pieces!

Here’s my attempt for a desert-Coachella-LA-vibes-western kind of look.
A combination inspired by WhoWoreWhat’s Danielle Bernstein and Lust for Life’s Olivia Lopez.

To further explore and take my art directing up a notch, I decided to change up my visual style to curate more interesting stories for my readers to see other than my usually expected whimsical and overexposed lit posts. Because change is good right? Or should I say variety.

This outfit was shot at Toronto’s Allen Gardens. Since the winter of last year I wanted to shoot at this location for a while but decided to wait until spring’s warm weather rolled in. I thought to myself… what area in Toronto would make the closest resemblance to California’s hot landscape? Or it went more like: where can I find a few palm trees? Even a bunch of Monstera leaves would do as well. In the end, a room full of cactuses was found at the green house and that seemed to do more for me than palm trees.

I currently have a mild obsession with cognac-coloured suede at the moment and have been trolling the internet slash lurking through countless vintage stores for brown suede pieces for a couple of months now. Next on the list… if possible.. would be to find a fringe suede jacket that actually doesn’t give me gigantic football shoulders. While on my search for a girlfriend’s birthday gift I was lucky to have found a Banana Republic suede mini skirt from the Kind Exchange, a consignment store on Queen Street for $30. Don’t you love it when you’re looking for someones gift but end up coming out with 3+ items for yourself? Regardless, this was a way better price for a real suede skirt compared to buying from Zara. (No hate– that was actually going to be my last resort.) 

Below, I attached some music by Alina Baraz to compliment the photos photographed from above. Hope you guys can see the Tumblr image x  Majestic Casual vibe here.

Just wanted to give a shout out to Dennis since it’s his birthday today. 
Happy birthday buddy!

Photographed by: Dennis Grishnin aka Mandala Beats

Speaking of Coachella the music festival… what’s your opinion on the trends showcased at music festivals?
Q: Is it just me or do you find that the outfits of today’s festival-goers are ignorantly using statement pieces from certain cultures? (i.e. headdresses and bindi gems.)

Let me know what you think in your comments below! x

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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

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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