Pinch of Chic
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Hello Honey!

OUTFIT DETAILS:
GAP honeycomb sheath dress (Thanks Cassandra for this!)
ZeroUV Sunglasses
Zara Aztec Woven Ankle Strap Wide-Heel Sandals
Danier Leather Passport Holder (Used as Clutch)

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So summer is almost over since it’s now September. And I’m holding onto our weather for dear life. This calls for easy-slip sheath dresses, shades and polished yet funky heels…and super high pony tails. Kind of rare to see that, right? 

These photos were taken a while back when I connected with the beautiful blogger Joelle of La Petite Noob. My first blogger meet that I’ve initiated myself! Despite the meet was short due to the down pour that evening, it was super fun to click with someone who gets why you take flat lays of lattes or can celebrate your fresh blooms obsession. Speaking with Joelle definitely made me want to reach other with other bloggers and connect with them as well. Whether it was over coffee or brunch– it was mostly about getting to know one another on a girlfriends kind of basis, creating business ventures, bouncing ideas and collaborative projects and see how our blogging process came about. Some draft PDF layouts of their whole Instagram feed with backlogs of up to two weeks, others create hit lists of hot spots to shoot or reuse their photos as old as two years to fill up their feed. There would also be conversations that cover gossip on high profiled bloggers too! There’s quite a bit that goes into the blogger game and it’s just so darn fascinating to hear it from others themselves. 

Photo Assistant by: Joelle Anello
Editing by yours truly!

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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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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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