Pinch of Chic
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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inspiration

Winter White

DETAILS ON THE BOARD:

  1. Lack of Colour Montana Wide Brim Hat via Free People/ Official Site here $99.00
  2. Kimchi Blue Fuzzy Duster Robe Coat $199 NOW $29.99
  3. Silence + Noise Tuxedo Shirt $59 NOW $39.99
  4. Pink Tartan Ankle-Length Pants $295 NOW $73.74
  5. Vera Bradley Drawstring Backpack $108.00
  6. ASOS Midi Skirt with Crossover Front $56.85 NOW $34.11
  7. Urban Renewal Recycled Sleeveless Tuxedo Dress $69 NOW $19.99
  8. Silence + Noise Asymmetrical Long Blazer $129 NOW $39.99
  9. For Love & Lemons Justine’s Tank in Off-White  $97.00
  10. Endless Rose Lattice Lace Culotte Pants  $105.00

What more perfect way to remind yourself to wear winter white than huge snow piles surrounding your hood? I know the recent few days in Toronto have been so terrible cold where the salted roads became white. Thus the chilly scene inspired me to seek out the brightest shade to stand out as the freshest daisy. ICY WEATHER CALLS FOR ONLINE SALES. (You can also shop the looks from the board below from the images.)

Now let me ask you–
What’s your favourite item on the board? 

PS. SUPER GOOD SALE happening over at Urban Outfitters.

Because really, what sale beats buying a chic robe coat for a mere $29? FROM $199?!
Thought I’d let you guys know. Lots of nice chunky knit sweaters for $19 and a handful of kimonos to stock up for summer which makes nice boho beach covers. Good luck, honeys! 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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style file

Camel Suiting

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Wilfred Cocoon Wool Coat
Goorin Brothers Heritage County Line Hat 
Black Market Thrifted Tweed and Suede Blazer
J. Crew Silk- Front Tank in Stripe
J. Crew Trousers in Desert (See Similar here)
Thrifted Brown Leather Gloves
J. Crew Arrow Drop Earrings
Zara Black Pointed Toe Heels

If someone were to ask me what’s one of my favourite places to shop around Toronto. I would honestly say the Black Market down on Queen St. Simply because everything in the store is $10 or less. This store is also one of the bigger reasons why I’m able to shop frequently without breaking the bank and where I find cool stuff to rework or wear. See? You don’t have to spend a lot to run a blog or to pull luxurious looks! It’s a lot like going on a treasure hunt, looking for the hidden gems. For me— I feel less pressure while shopping here because you actually have no idea what you’ll end up with. Whereas if you were to walk into a retail store like Ann Taylor and don’t end up finding that specific item you found online or piece you know they usually would carry because they cater to that kind of thing, then I would be a little disappointed. Different bars of standards, you could say. If you’re in need of a denim jacket, oversized suited blazer with thin pinstripes, cat eye shades, lace slips, duster robe coats they have it all… for literally only $10. They even have Christmas sweaters. I happen to land myself this awesome camel-coloured herringbone/tweed blazer with suede on the collar as for detail.     

This outfit was inspired by International Fashion Editor and voice of The Rake, Sarah Ann Murray. A talented individual who is constantly testing the waters and pushing the envelope with menswear. With that, I wanted to go for a chic, suited ensemble. What better way to start a sophisticated outfit with the colour Camel and turn it into a feminine suit? There’s this deep and crazy love I have for women in suits, flared trousers, silky button-downs, 6″ wide brim hats who also exude a knack for matching and pulling the most subtle yet stunning details. Are these the women who frolic around Paris? Garance Dore does a good job making it seem so. I paired my thrifted blazer with my Aritzia Wilfred Cocoon Coat. In my opinion, a camel coat is such a timeless piece, which can elevate and go with anything. It’s also a nice change from the black coat. Camel coats also remind me of the 1930-40s fashion in America— A golden era I tried illustrating through these images by photographing them on a historical site dated back in exactly 1937. For bottoms, I wore my J. Crew trousers in ‘desert’, which are actually 5-6x bigger than what I normally wear because I was for for a loose and straight fit, paired with a light striped tank and dainty black heels from Zara. I’ve always wondered…
 

When it comes to your style, which time period are you most inspired by?
Share your comments below and let me know. xo

 

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