Pinch of Chic
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

GET THE LOOK

event

Sid Neigum

WMCFW: DAY 1 Recap

In all honesty, I really didn’t anticipate on attending WMCFW at all. It wasn’t until a few days before fashion week was going to begin that my friend insisted me on going to experience the event for myself. With that, I decided why not..YOLO. I didn’t take it very seriously…In terms of… I had not planned for the event, I had not planned for my outfits..and I really had no idea what you were suppose to do.

In retrospect— Aside from the fact that Coco Rocha floated around my desk out of nowhere and exchanged words with me without notice the morning of, I would say that my fashion week kickstarted on a good note. I merely came out of the office in my work clothes and would walk over to David Pecaut Square where the majority of shows which I was attending was held. 

My first show was Sid Neigum. Upon my work schedule and last minute decision, my range of shows were carefully selected based on the hopes to make myself aware and see Canadian designers. The idea of going to a fashion show seems to be more worth wild seeing creative work over mainstream commercial clothes that i’ll eventually see in retail. 

Sid Neigum as my first show was not only a safe choice to go see but an amazing one. Keeping it real with the monochromatic palette, he has immensely optimized the results by mixing textures and experimenting with geometric forms. Seeing this makes me think— now that’s intelligent design, taking basic material and pushing the envelope with it.

SID NEIGUM RECAP:

A collection that seems to exude more with less.

Giving black and white a modern transformation, the attention and play with texture was highly predominant and effortless in detail. Sid Neigum’s line can be described as contemporary cool, laced with chic glamour.

 

All photographs belong to Cynthia Nguyen. 
Please ask permission before use.

outfit

Falling for You

Wilfred Cocoon Wool Coat
Ann Taylor Navy Trim Burgundy Cardigan
Ann Taylor Petite Mixed Button Down Shirt
Thrifted Club Monaco Printed Pants c/o The Kind Exchange
Banana Republic Bar Necklace
Banana Republic Matchstick Stud Earrings
Danier Red Leather Crossbody (Used as a Clutch)
J Crew Collection Etta Plaid Studded Pumps

Hello people! I am indeed still alive!! I’m giving out apologies for the absence– although I was still very active on Instagram (…by my standards). The week that has just past, I’ve been working nine to six, attending World MasterCard Fashion Week during the evenings, and catching even later dinners with good friends. It’s been quite complicated in terms of staying consistent in updating content onto my blog, however I’ve still been photographing and working very hard to create the quality images and reviews I want to showcase in the next few days. During the spent time, I attempted to take all opportunities to try and tear my eyes away from social media and disconnect myself less from the internet, with the intent to fully engage myself in more stimulating conversations and activities. It’s ironic since this was my first time attending fashion week in Toronto and everything in and around it seem to wildly and vigorously involve being wired to social media.

Tackling work and craziness aside– can we just all appreciate the absolutely beautiful autumn season? The vibrant, lush colours, the crisp breeze, the sharp crunches, and the need to wear more cozy knits. Seeing all the photos from my stroll to High Park makes me think…’wow…I really need to get out more…a bike with a basket would totally be a bonus too.’  *Note to self: need to get on that.

Here’s my celebratory Autumn #OOTD. I’m pairing warm coloured pieces that seem like a good representation of my mood, and the weather. Plaid for the season, lady-like details to elevate, party pants to make it all less serious, and Crushed Plum lipstick from Bobby Brown to compliment the lips. I want to thank my close friend, Anna for surprising me with these wonderful pair of pants from The Kind Exchange. I almost forgot my love for unconventional and fun pants. Thankfully Mother Nature and Anna has encouraged me to dress up in colour again.

What are your favourite fall outfits?
Tell me about the pieces you’ve fallen for and why you chose to wear
them at this colourful time of the year! I’d love to hear from you.

x

Have a good week guys!!
Hasta la vista, baby. Until next time.

interior

Treasure Box

Banana Republic Bar Necklace
Banana Republic Matchstick Stud Earrings
Banana Republic Sparkle Bar Stud Earrings
Banana Republic Mini Gold Stud Earrings
Vintage Bangles
Mom’s Vintage Seiko Watch

I’ve alway been obsessed with interior design. What probably seemed like the best part in being an interior designer would be the opportunities to create a collective of stories in each space. I too wanted my space to captivate my personality and display many of my memories and be somewhat of visual biography. To own a collection of phenomenal furniture and decor, I would highly recommend starting early and continue to collect as you live. Each piece will mean so much to you and eventually will become a supporting piece to the next new thing you bring home.

About two years ago, I had brought beach sand from my trip to San Diego as a souvenir. My genius idea at the time was to place all the sand, mixed with shells in a maison jar mixed as a homemade paperweight. Not that it wasn’t creative enough, but I didn’t go through with that idea. Here comes the official DIY. Eventually I found this keepsake, vintage glass box with brass edges. My idea of a homemade sandbox-inspired jewellery box struck me and I went ahead and sealed the inside edges with a glue gun; this would prevent sand from escaping. It clearly isn’t the most practical storage box, but it had personality, atheistically contained and cushioned my accessories, as well as stored my short-lived memories from the beach. But then again, I hang my necklaces on picture frames, and cool looking wine bottles. I often time myself collecting small vintage perfume bottles– these too can be placed in the glass box. Think of these bottles like little messenger bottles found washed up on the shore. Jokes. (For those who don’t know me, I don’t frequently visit the beach. For 1.) I live in Canada 2.) A decent beach is quite far from where I am. 3.) Lack of time and effort to go there. The summer that just past, not once did I go to the beach or pool!) I sound anti-social but I swear I’m not!

After these photos were taken, I ended up placing the dried rose petals inside the box as well. Adds some more contrast and colours. The beautiful part about these displayed rose petals were their origin. My mom would collect all the red roses gifted within the family. Every occasion was not to be missed: graduations, birthdays, valentine days, as well as christmas. My mom still collects and dries all the roses and displays them throughout our home.

Seriously though, sometimes I wish we had much more longer summers and more attractive, clean beaches in Toronto. If there are any worth mentioning, please feel free to recommend to me. PS. Toronto Fashion week is next week! Let me know if you’ll be attending!

x

I know owning too many accessories can be a pain…
So I want to know, how do you guys store your jewellry?

Comment below, or even share links. I’d love to hear from you! xx
Looking for more updates?  Follow my Instagram!

style file

Soft Side

Topshop Colour Block Fedora Hat (See similar here.)
Forever21 Collarless Faux Fur Jacket (See similar here.)
Pink Tartan White Suiting Trousers
Zara Stripped Long Sleeve Shirt
Zara Black Thin Strap Mule Heels
Anderson’s Navy Woven Belt 
Anice Stamped Initial Pendant Necklace
American Eagle Astrology and Gold Initial Earrings
Danier Black Leather Handbag

Whether you’re uncertain about something… always challenge yourself anyways. I was deeply contemplating if wearing this fur coat would make me look funny– for instance having any close resemblance to a mountain yeti. It’s out there (for me), it’s fun, it’s also pretty warm, and extremely soft. From my experience living in Canada, we’re exposed to all four seasons. It’s typically hard to make room for coats, but I love layering. I remember vaguely being brought up in North Bay; at age 3 or 4, there was a photograph taken while I was in a white fur jacket and place in the middle of my house covered in snow. All you could see was my round chubby face in a sea of white. I wish I could have done a before and after comparison. Funny enough, that short memory sparked my interest in getting this coat.

Speaking of dressing coats– last weekend was Nuit Blanche. An overnight event (7pm-7am) where you will get frost hands and a sight filled with creativity and art installations on the streets that takes place every year in Toronto. From my point of view, a perfect evening in Toronto can be participating in evening street festivals or events in the nippy weather, accompanied by huge group of close friends and perhaps some warm tea. For most of the event, walking or taking your bike/bixi  is a better way to get from one destination to another. I find that public transportation is not the best idea during this event since it’s ridiculously crowded, most of which a large percentage are over impaired.

Sunday: I enjoyed sleeping in and grabbing Pho for breakfast in Ossington. Sounds like a great way to end the weekend right? Afterwards, I finally went to experience eating at a place called Bang Bang Ice Cream and Bakery, where I got London Fog ice cream and vanilla bean in a fresh made Hong Kong egg waffle cone. Whoever said that eating ice cream in the middle of Autumn was a stupid idea clearly doesn’t know what they’re missing out on. London fog ice cream is just too perfect for this season. I personally love Ossington, being an area where you can find countless vintage stores and the best locally owned restaurants and cafes. Paying a visit here is a good idea since everything is typically less expensive and in my opinion, more rustic and crafty. My favourite place is Bellwoods Brewery.

I’m always interested in what others have to suggest.
What’s your favourite cafe or restaurant in your area?

x

Have a great day! 
Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and for more: follow this journey

Photos: Maximilan Kandler


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