Pinch of Chic
collaborations

Think Pink

OUTFIT DETAILS:

J. Crew Regent Blazer in White Linen
Banana Republic Straight Fit Jeans (Similar here and here)
J. Crew Silk Front Tank in Stripe (Similar here and here)
Elsie d’Orsay Pumps in Delicate Petal c/o J. Crew
Ann Taylor Skinny Leather Belt (Similar here and here)
Zara Nude Cross Body Bag (Similar here and here)
J. Crew Ornate Stud Earrings

J.CREW X PINCH OF CHIC

What better way to add chic and elegance to your looks…

Meet Elsie d’Orsay, the perfect kind of pumps to have for those warm days. Owning a pair in Delicate Petal already screams the epitome of feminine elegance and in my opinion the best way to celebrate spring and summer with open arms.

For those of you who’ve asked and wondered how I’m able to walk in heels all day, everywhere and everyday: the simple answer is choosing the right silhouette of your heels carefully.

For starters, the height and width of the heel is most important for visual proportions and support. The slender the heel, the better it is to go for short height. The higher the heel, the better it is to grab the one with the widest/block-like heel which supports your weight with each step you take. The slender heel of the Elsie d’Orsays is super conformable for those who don’t often wear heels and the silhouette is suitable for anyone. Second to that, the majority of ladies can also agree that pastel is just too on point for Spring and Summer. You can seamlessly transition from desk to dinner or to a casual outing with these pumps, at the same time add some feminine vibes to spruce up your outfit. In the form of a chic shoe fused with the dusty pink hue— neutral and versatility is an understatement. Take a look at Jil Sander’s beautiful FW15 collection below capturing the array of pink shades. Despite the collection made for fall and winter, I’m one who loves to mix and match and go with what I believe looks great. You can see the flowers in the background of the runway too right?

Jil Sander FW'15. photo from www.style.com Jil Sander FW’15. photo from www.style.com

If you haven’t caught me on my Instagram, I mentioned a week or two ago about my little project with J. Crew, and now it’s time to unveil the shoot I’ve done with blogger girlfriend-not-boyfriend, Therese of Artiese Studios.

As for my ensemble, I went for a casual look with the addition of the Elsie d’Orsays to elevate my look and incorporate a chic finish. Other than jeans, they go great with a stunning, bold coloured dress to contrast, loud print to compliment with accent of the light shade, or even paired up with trousers to elongate your legs with the trick of the nude shade to your feet— the combinations are endless. The cuts on the side of the shoe coming to the front point makes for a timeless and sleek detail. When it comes to colour, I’m not shy about it but as of late I’ve been sporting the neutral shades. In place of my enthusiasms and love for colour, I decided that a bold backdrop would be appropriate to contrast my super neutral and light outfit. Because who doesn’t love pink astroturf??

So… think that a pop of pastel pink is just too girlie for your wardrobe? Think again.

Photos by: Artiese Studios

Let me know what you think of this colourful direction for my posts in the comments below!
And have a wonderful rest of your week loves! x

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Suede For Me

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Club Monaco Elizabina Silk Top 
Banana Republic Suede Mini Skirt via Kind Exchange (Similar here and here)
Thrifted Black Gold-studded Leather Belt via Black Market
Thrifted Vintage Coach Brown Leather Cross Body
J. Crew Hammered Choker Necklace (Similar here too)
Zara Aztec Woven Ankle Strap Wide Heel Sandals

Check out below for more links to similar pieces!

Here’s my attempt for a desert-Coachella-LA-vibes-western kind of look.
A combination inspired by WhoWoreWhat’s Danielle Bernstein and Lust for Life’s Olivia Lopez.

To further explore and take my art directing up a notch, I decided to change up my visual style to curate more interesting stories for my readers to see other than my usually expected whimsical and overexposed lit posts. Because change is good right? Or should I say variety.

This outfit was shot at Toronto’s Allen Gardens. Since the winter of last year I wanted to shoot at this location for a while but decided to wait until spring’s warm weather rolled in. I thought to myself… what area in Toronto would make the closest resemblance to California’s hot landscape? Or it went more like: where can I find a few palm trees? Even a bunch of Monstera leaves would do as well. In the end, a room full of cactuses was found at the green house and that seemed to do more for me than palm trees.

I currently have a mild obsession with cognac-coloured suede at the moment and have been trolling the internet slash lurking through countless vintage stores for brown suede pieces for a couple of months now. Next on the list… if possible.. would be to find a fringe suede jacket that actually doesn’t give me gigantic football shoulders. While on my search for a girlfriend’s birthday gift I was lucky to have found a Banana Republic suede mini skirt from the Kind Exchange, a consignment store on Queen Street for $30. Don’t you love it when you’re looking for someones gift but end up coming out with 3+ items for yourself? Regardless, this was a way better price for a real suede skirt compared to buying from Zara. (No hate– that was actually going to be my last resort.) 

Below, I attached some music by Alina Baraz to compliment the photos photographed from above. Hope you guys can see the Tumblr image x  Majestic Casual vibe here.

Just wanted to give a shout out to Dennis since it’s his birthday today. 
Happy birthday buddy!

Photographed by: Dennis Grishnin aka Mandala Beats

Speaking of Coachella the music festival… what’s your opinion on the trends showcased at music festivals?
Q: Is it just me or do you find that the outfits of today’s festival-goers are ignorantly using statement pieces from certain cultures? (i.e. headdresses and bindi gems.)

Let me know what you think in your comments below! x

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Four Monochrome Ways

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Club Monaco Varsity Sweater (Similar here)
Urban Outfitters Mock-Neck Mini Dress
ASOS Midi Front Split Black Pencil Skirt
Thrifted Gold Tipped Leather Handbag
Zara Heels

Shop similar looks down below!

I guess the post should have been called four ways with the mock-neck dress. Oh wells..

Let me tell you, when I say this outfit can be worn 4 ways with the same items– it’s possible.

I started out wearing a mock-neck mini dress as a top piece that gave me a lot of upper coverage paired with a pencil skirt over for a more business appropriate place. A light varsity sweater to cover up the shoulders and take away from the fitted look, as well as go for the casual-relaxed look. Keeping in tune with this dark ensemble, I tossed on some minimal black heels.

From here and on… my outfit gets a wee bit outside my comfort zone, since I don’t normally like to prance around the public wearing skin tight clothing while baring my arms and legs. Surprisingly, not once did I go into a secluded area to change either. So call me bold..since I really just went for it and simply slipped off my pencil skirt in public. Something youthful and hilarious about doing that. From there I was ready to go out, with my sweater for coverage of course. I saved both the exposed arms and legs for for the rest of the later evening. Good for a busy Friday right? (I actually kept the skirt and sweater on eventually since the night cooled down and on top I went out for some good o’ Bang Bang Ice Cream) 

Versatility is something I really look at in a piece before buying. Can it be worn day and night? Every season? Every year? How about if I were to put it on top of this current item I already have? You get the gist of it. I’m all about finding items to build outfits on. Hope you get smart with buying your clothes too. Good luck!

Photos by: Arnold Lan

Ever worn a dress as a top underneath? Tell me about it below! x

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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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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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