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

SHOP THE LOOK:



 

 

 

 

chic eats

Black Uniform


Brose Black Satin Tuxedo Blazer
Frank + Oak The Boy Tee c/o
Zara straight leg black trousers
Zara Pointed Toe Loafers
Nordstrom Gold Hoop Drop Earrings

I’ve always been so fond of the tee and suit combination… but for the longest time, I’ve had no success in finding a simple white tee. You know…a tee that has the right arm length for the sleeves, the feel and stretch of the fabric, the kind of flattering scoop neckline.. etc. You know the saying that it’s tough enough to find the right boyfriend? This case is pretty comparable to finding the right shirt to go with your beloved jeans or black straight leg trousers. This issue became so serious that I considered paying a visit to the male section at The Bay to find their pack of 3 white tees in XS for myself.. but would that be appropriate? Can I tear open the package just to try them on? Who really knows.

But fortunate for me and for the rest of you— Frank + Oak has finally launched their very own womenswear line!! The long awaited line of essential apparel for the ladies has now graced Frank + Oak‘s website with awesome sweaters, bags and even body care. Just in time for the holiday shopping!

Photography by Vincent Ko.

outfit

Satin Pantaloons


Theory striped button-down shirt (Similar here)
Thrifted satin navy pants (Similar here and here)
Yves Saint Laurent nude wrap Strap block heels (Similar here)
Banana Republic mini zip crossbody
Le Chateau gold drop earring

See below for more similar options!

A thought that crossed my mind while looking through the window from within the TTC streetcar down King St. (how cinematic) was… where would my life be if I wasn’t in the creative field doing all the things I love and exercise on the daily? If I was in a cube doing accounting for the next 40 years of my life, could I do it? Not to say I’m bashing on them accountants— if anything I give them mad props for being able to focus in and pull that all off. But it’s just not what I’m capable of doing. But yes, let’s say I’m very fortunate to be a creative. To be in a super supportive industry where people leverage, provided and motivate one another. The growth of success is exponential and astronomical when you least expect it. You can also visually see the support from other fellow creatives.

On another note, I’m also very fortunate to be in a place where creative is in demand and is appreciated. The most powerful part about any creative output not only depends on creative input… but the most important contributor that leads to appreciation is stemmed from how we are wired and how we perceive things. The way we structure and understand these experiences. To make something new doesn’t necessarily have to be totally new but can be also familiar. Just like music, when you break it down to the bare backbones.. all those notes are found from repetition. Those catchy beats I tell you! What looks good is because we are informed what is good or trendy…or tasteful. Which leads me to my next question, what is luxury and why “luxury”? TBC.

Photography by: Artiese Studios

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!

 

outfit

What the Deuce


Wilfred Cocoon Wool Coat
Goorin Brothers Heritage County Line Hat
Banana Republic Faux-Leather Trim Cable Knit Pullover
Banana Republic Coated Trill Skinny Ankle Pants (See similar below)
J Crew Aggie Suede Booties (See similar)
Banana Republic Bar Necklace
Banana Republic Matchstick Stud Earrings
Banana Republic Mini Gold Stud Earrings
Danier Black Leather Handbag
Zara Scarf

The thing about about working a 9 to 5 is that you barely get any time to plan or coordinate a decent time to shoot! Let alone…get home, have the will power and strength want to jump on the computer again to write…after spending the entire day at one. I guess that’s a conflict that I’ll be facing but hopefully overcoming soon. I still don’t regret it though… and since the holidays are rolling in— breaks and vacations are in order!!

Two days ago, I met up with my girlfriend Therese of Artiese Studios and photographer Derek Hui for a quick impromptu shooting session and lunch at Babur on Queen St. W. Here, we got together to discuss the pros and cons for Canon and Nikon cameras and did a few test shots. (Therese may or may not convert to the dark side… that being Nikon, hehe.) I suppose, here I also learnt that the best time to shoot during our Canadian winters with my schedule..is at noon if you’re looking to shoot in natural lighting.

On another note, you folks might be wondering why is this post titled ‘What the Deuce..’ Right??? It’s actually a homage to the Family Guy’s Stewie Griffin and his famous exclamation he almost always utters. No, I’m actually kidding, but that is what he usually says.

MAISON MICHEL Virginie Felt Hat

 

If you guys have been following my Instagram, I’ve been hinting about getting a Maison Michel-inspired hat for a much more cost-effect price! I’ve been a long time follower of Maison Michel and Janessa Leone‘s designs and couldn’t help but want to own one myself. *Inserts hat obsession* A basic black fedora is something you can wear all year round, and practically forever. Why not invest in creating THE one? The likelihood of passing it down is completely possible too, as long as you take care of it! After countless long searches for places in Toronto that customize hats, I’ve found out Goorin Brothers (just on Queen St. too!) can do the job. May it be with feathers, pins or pinches– in my case for a Deuce Trace! A Deuce Trace is a type of pinch on the hat– created by using merely steam and pinching on the hat. Inspired by this hat‘s pinch, I went on into a deep investigation to make it possible for my hat dreams to come true. Since I’ve only bought the hat at its’ primary stage with only the pinch done, I’ll be writing a separate post to showcase the on-going production and process of customizing my entire hat– including where to look for quality leather trims or bands and hunting for the perfect vintage pins. I’m also going to throw in the idea of getting a custom gold-plated pin, with my monogram engraved… I hope you guys are excited as I am about doing this! Because I’m more than happy as a clam thinking about it right now.

Photos by Artiese Studios

What is your must-have item that you see yourself wearing forever?
Feel free to share your thoughts with me. I’d love to know!
Until next time! xx

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