Pinch of Chic
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
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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

outfit

Lace Trim

Club Monaco Kareema Cropped Cable (See similar here and here.)
Club Monaco Taura Pleated Lace Skirt
JustFab Sanna Heels
J. Crew Wild Flower Necklace
J. Crew Gold Drop Earrings
Vintage Seiko Gold Watch c/o Mum

Happy Tuesday to all my lovely folks. I hope everyone in Toronto is not too bothered with drunk Mother Nature. I know I’m enjoy every bit of the staggering, warm weather. I still love Autumn regardless– it’s my favourite time of the year… to indulge in all meals that contain pumpkin (more so desserts…) as well as stock up on Bath and Bodywork’s seasonal candles. On a side yet relevant note: I am very determined to attempt baking a pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese icing. If successful, I will document my process and upload the outcome! If not, I’ll let you know where to find the best pumpkin cake. I’m hoping to also brush up on my piping skills in order to make a rose cake. Fingers crossed.

Because it’s autumn but we’re still holding onto summer for dear life– I found that it’s imperative to own a timeless, at the same time super appropriate sleeveless sweater. As of late, I’ve always pondered and wanted to wear a midi accordion-pleated skirt without looking matronly and short. Seeing the lace trim on this silhouette– it effectively carries a very sophisticated tone and adds the illusion of more length to my legs via exposed through the lace. To ease my deep and not-so hidden obsession for Sophia Webster, I scored a pair of very cost-effective heels from JustFab for about $20. (JustFab has this VIP membership program going on where you simply sign up and with any first purchase, it’ll be $20.) They look like a spitting image of the Mila heels by Webster. Don’t you agree?

Speaking of shoes. What’s your must-have footwear for this fall?

x

Shout out to one of my best girlfriends: Lilly.
Happy belated Birthday Lovey!

Photos: Maximilan Kandler


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