Pinch of Chic
chic eats

Fly like Paper

American Apparel lightweight Dylan trench in Paperback
Ecru lab Shakepearean Luv silky button-down cami
Zara white wide leg trousers
Yves Saint Laurant Nude Wrap Ankle Block Heels
Sunglasses (Similar here and here)

Perhaps it’s time to acknowledge that I have a brunch addiction. It’s pretty evident and real. And no, I’m not ashamed. Truth is, it’s an actual expense I put aside for…for each and every weekend, if possible. It’s the joyful time I look forward to each weekend while vigorously going over geo-locations and foodie blogger Instagram’s  for enticing food photos.

Had the great pleasure of kicking off my brunch adventures at Bar Reyna on Cumberland St. with Darlene of The New Girl. The space was nothing short when it came to interior and exterior decor and the food itself. Impeccable Greek fries with shaved feta, delicious oysters and tasty shakshuka. (If you’re looking for a good Shakshuka— I recommend the one served at the ONE Hazleton restaurant.) Oh, and a nice glass of mimosa of course. In a extremely odd way— it’s almost therapeutic for me when I’m sitting down and eating brunch…after a long period of shooting the untouched food. Maybe it’s just good food in general moves people like that..  Or maybe I developed this love for food through being raised by a chef as a father and stay-home mom that cooks phenonmenal Vietnamese food. Don’t be jealous! x

All in all— I love brunch. I have a shirt that says it. And no— an all day breakfast wouldn’t count!  

Photography by: Darlene Anderson

outfit

Sweet Escape

 

J.Crew Cotton Off-the-shoulder Top
Massimo Dutti Front Slit Skirt
Lack of Color Spencer Boater Hat
Yves Saint Laurant Nude Wrap Ankle Block Heels
Massimo Dutti Suede Cross body bag

See below for similar options!

I know I take a crazy load of time when it comes to preparing a blog post.. which is why I hold immense pride once I’ve curated and launched a post. Whether I’m told that I should stick to posting more frequently or to ‘just get a post out the door..’ I would much rather bite my tongue and hold back until I’ve produced an exquisite article filled with wonderful photos.

Photos that are not only simply taken against a wall and tweaked via post production but are well thought through with a direction.. a particular narrative. A narrative that my readers can follow along and immerse themselves in a different world. A world infuse with excitement and femininity. Creating an escapism for my viewers through my craft and lens is what I yearn to do and is the major…if not the sole reason why I blog. To share all this with you.

From the choice of clothing, to the colour palette, the location, the poses and expressions..along with the placement of each element.. on site or within the posting stage. I want to create that lush, warm presence in the curated landscape I’ve built up.. without being too far away from my own home. One day, I’ll have it down. The beautiful and editorial way of creating escapism. Just like Gary Pepper Girl, Tuula Vintage and Park and Cube.

Now you know why I take such a long, damn time to create a post like this…

I hope you genuinely enjoy this article!

Photography by: ARTIESE STUDIOS
If you get a chance, check out her new Barcelona travel guide.

 

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

White Overalls

OUTFIT DETAILS:

The Reformation Misty Top
Mango White Denim PInafore Dress
Yves Saint Laurent Wrap Strap Wide Heels in Icy (Similar here) via The RealReal
Ray-ban Aviators Sunglasses
arc Jacobs Limited Edition Bunny Hop Tote Bag

See below for similar options!

Nothing screams youth and summer like rocking a pair of overalls.

To elevate the look and make it look more mature and feminine, I paired the pinafore dress with a lace off the shoulder top from The Reformation. (An amazing eco-friendly label!) Whether it’s an off the shoulder top or dress, I feel like the exposure of your shoulders is ultra feminine, sexy and still appropriate while still wearing some sleeves. It’s a beautiful area to reveal…including your collar bone. Baring my shoulders is one of the reasons why I look forward to summer. It’s a nice subtle way to show some skin for those hot days and add a bit of mystery.

For my style these days, I catch myself mixing unique pieces that feel different from each other. One day I’m very minimal, another I’m very feminine and classy, some other days I feel a tad bit edgy… overall chic I hope! I like to sum it all up and say my style is a collective inspirations. I still think in age and time I’ll become less edgy and more minimal with a hand full of romantic pieces, since I find basics to be timeless and easy to work with. I’ve yet to visit Europe and I have this strong feeling that it’ll heavily impact my style when I do get a chance to travel there. It’s funny because when I received the Misty Top from the mail, the first thing I thought of was a Barcelona inspired look, with an old chapel backdrop at sun dust, red lips, holding a oversized, cascading bouquet of greens– A shoot Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Girl would definitely approve of. Ideas for the next shoot I suppose. *wink wink*

Do you guys have a “off-the shoulder” top or dress?
If so, I’d love to see how you styled it. If not let me know what you think of the trend!

Photography by: Verne Ho

GET THE LOOK:

style file

Airy and Distressed

OUTFIT DETAILS

Club Monaco Elizabina Silk Top 
Urban Outfitters BDG Slim Boyfriend Jeans
Forever21 Pinstriped Open-Front Blazer
White Leather Snake Embossed Crossbody (Similar here) c/o Therese
Yves Saint Laurent Wrap Strap Wide Heels in Icy (Similar here) via The RealReal

As many of you may have noticed I’m usually caught wearing either semi-formal and conservative pieces. If I’m wearing jeans, they’re often form-fitting and don’t look that worn out.

For me— it was quite the challenge to find a decent pair of boyfriend jeans, let alone a pair with what seems to be the right amount of rips and tears. Took me a couple years really. I found myself going through the GAP, J. Crew, even the thrift stores… contemplating if I should make my own pair. But most of which I found at thrift stores were either too large in length or width. I wanted to find a pair that wasn’t so expensive and that would fit nicely on my petite frame.

I’ve been frequently shopping at Urban Outfitters and saw that they carried a whole bunch of jeans, including boyfriend jeans and distressed ones as well. To own a wear of boyfriend jeans— I guess sacrifices have to made in terms of the unflattering fit around the rear aka no bum look… also known as border-line mom jeans. Right? But here I am today, finally a proud owner of a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans from UO.

On to how I wore out mine…

To maintain out my ultra femme and clean style, I paired my DBJ (distressed boyfriend jeans) with a flowy, white silk top from Club Monaco (in love with the lace up collar) and nude wide heel sandals that have wrap-around straps from Yves Saint Laurent via The RealReal for ONLY $115 which were retail for about $700. New in a box, with tags and dust bag. (SCORE!) I’m a huge fan of wide heels for good support and distant walks. My girlfriend and talented photographer, Therese also allowed me to borrow her adorable snake skin embossed cross body which she got from Asia to continue the light look I got going on. To tie the look altogether and contrast the light palette outfit, I wore my pinstripe navy blazer for a hint of dapper chic.

x

We all have different body shapes, so finding the right pieces to compliment and enhance our bodies is important. There’s no rush in fitting in the latest trends. I felt the same pressure when Zara and GAP started releasing a whole bunch of boyfriend jeans for a hefty $60-80 about one or two years ago. But I was able to hold back for a while and wait until I found a decent pair that as equally flattering and comfortable to wear. x

Speaking of The RealReal… I’d highly suggest anyone who’s interested in finding cost-friendly designer goods to go there. It’s an online consignment platform for all luxurious goods, from handbags, shoes, coats to works of art. Some things are second hand, vintage or even brand new. First timers even get an additional $25 off their first purchase!

Visit the link here!

Photos (Film and Digital) by: Artiese Studios

I want to give a shoutout and huge congratulations to my best buddy and talented photographer Arnold Lan for winning the Jubilee Project Fellowship in L.A and the Dreamjob Photojounalist competition to Norway. You have such a bright future ahead you. Way to go bestie! xo

GET THIS LOOK:


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