seen

Thank you Rafael of Frock of Ages for the ego boost feature!

Check it out HERE!

I heart Chloé

top: Wilfred by Aritzia, trousers, belt & shoes: vintage

I think it's mainly the grass and the lighting that make me think of a Chloe ad. I recently found this belt at VV for something like a dollar 99. I was instantly drawn to it because of the buckle and how it looks so much like that coveted brass 'H' (if only on supple orange leather). 

crush a bit, little bit

oversized tee: Talula by Aritzia, jeggings: True Religion, wedges: Zara

Possibly my ultimate favourite cover of this song. I got a youtube account just to comment on her vidz. I hope that's not scary... 

"Fashion Is Freedom" fashion show at UBC

silk top & leather leggings: Aritzia, bag: Balenciaga

Yes, the runway was on the water! Pretty impressive. The tent added to the overall Bryant Park feel (as if Vancouver could compare). The show featured 2 local designers (Nicole Bridger and Drew William) and ended with a feature show by UBC's International Relations Student Association. I have to admit I wasn't a huge fan of the opening portion which aimed to show "UBC style"... I think that says it all. Hands down, Drew William was my favourite. 

Photos Courtesy: Wayne Mah 

L, 

Sunny Day & Candace Ang headbands

blazer & shoes: Thrift, top: Zara, jeans: Nudie

Where to start? It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood. Warm enough at least, to go out with just a blazer. I really like playing with androgynous looks -- although what I wear is considered "androgynous lite", I love pairing menswear inspired trousers, jackets, or shoes with (or without) girlier pieces. Actually, I prefer masculine styles made for women, and will choose those pieces over the girlier ones. The shoes I'm wearing in the photo were a recent thrift purchase. I found those at my fave Value Village with absolutely no wear on the soles.

As for my recent DIY project in the mix, I spotted these cute headbands at Holt Renfrew last summer in a variety of colours and styles. I tried one on and instantly fell in love. However, that faded quickly once I realized these headbands were retailing for $60.00 each. Not justifiable whatsoever.


My BFF, who was with me in Holt's at the time, came up with the idea that we should just make these ourselves. Actually having the spare time this week, I picked up some supplies and decided to try it out.

My total cost for supplies: $3.00. Here's the finished product!



I rushed to get this one finished because I got really excited about how it turned out! The zipper part almost looks navy in this light, but in person it's pure black. Pretty cool if I do say so myself.

*BALENCIAGA UPDATE: I made going to check out dyes one of my goals for this week. Didn't happen. Fiona Jackson (Life Coach) would not be impressed. This weekend for sure!

snow and cherry blossoms

maxi dress: Talula, raglan: American Apparel, boots: Frye

Black and grey dominates my closet. I'm open to colour, I'm just more drawn to the black hues. This maxi dress is actually a spring/summer piece turned fall/winter by wearing tights underneath and a long-sleeve raglan on top. It's surprisingly warm and super comfy.

black is best

vest: JNBY, jeans: Nudie, oversized tote: American Apparel, shoes: thrift 

It's been a while... I've been stuck in school/work mode oblivion. Only today was I able to indulge and feel like myself again. Vogue over food? I think so. 

This half dressy vest, half puffy vest was a LOVE purchase from JNBY. I remember seeing it when their Metrotown store first opened, and thinking I that I had to have it. The story behind my 14K lion head ring, is that my dad started rocking it. I loved it and wanted one of my own, and that day came on my 20th. 

Also, I bought THE leather jacket this week and no, it wasn't a Mackage. Don't get me wrong, I've always liked what Mackage has come up with, just never loved any of them on me. The jacket I bought is by Line, and it has the beautiful oversized collar resembling the drool-worthy Helmut Lang trademark: 

A different version:

This one is actually by Grais (photo courtesy best thing today.), but it looks exactly like the one I purchased, except in black. Ahh! I can't wait to wear it out! 

Lastly, today was the day I took advantage of my staff discount at Aritzia. I leave the store with both a bittersweet experience, and an amazing pair of leather leggings for half off. That pretty much explains the bittersweetness of that job... 

you got that ambition, baby

jacket & dress: Zara, leopard tights: H&M, clutch: Valentino

Off to my birthday dinner with my family! Plus, I can't believe I'm starting my Fashion Merchandising program in less than 2 days. I'm too excited!



This beautiful cake is from La Boulangerie and it's made of white chocolate ganache with white chocolate shavings on top (my fav)! Love from my BF.

& a BIG thanks to my friends and family for making my 20th so special! LOVE YOU

Seattle/Portland Bound

WARNING! Heavy post ahead.

Day 1

The BF & I started off early and headed to downtown Seattle to rest again before continuing into Portland.

scarf: TNA, dress pants: Zara, purse: Foley + Corrina

First stop: downtown Seattle. We visited the Nordstrom Rack in the area just out of curiosity (we wanted to save our splurges for Portland and take advantage of the tax-free shopping there). Lo and behold, I find a pair of Jimmy Choo patent leather, star-studded flats on sale for $99! I couldn't believe it, as I was contemplating purchasing the things for regular price ($475) at Holt Renfrew this past fall!

Moving on...

We continue our trek and finally (3 hours later) reach downtown Portland!

Our hotel: The Governor.

Day 2

sunglasses: Ray Ban, cardigan: Zara, knee-high riding boots: thrift

Another spring day in February. Downtown Portland, though small, is really a beautiful place. Our accommodations, the food, and even the parking was unbelievably cheap. No complaints at all.

I ♥ Pine State Biscuits

We decided to have breakfast at Pine State Biscuits -- a TINY breakfast spot in Portland serving specialty biscuits as well as other southern inspired eats. We saw this place on Guy's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network a week before our trip, and made it a must to visit while we were there. I ordered the (measly) egg & cheese biscuit, while my BF ordered the famous Reggie with an egg, cheese, bacon, a piece of fried chicken, topped with gravy. So worth it!

Day 3

leopard cardigan & fringe flats: Zara, jeggings: True Religion, bag: Louis Vuitton

Back on the road again. We say goodbye to our hotel and make our way back to Vancouver. That's not to say we didn't make any pit stops on the way -- 2 more Nordstrom Racks in fact, and my personal must-go when I'm in The States: Taco Bell.

An early birthday present to myself.

YES! It is the Valentino Amour Noued satin clutch. I was breathless when I found it at the last Nordstrom Rack we visited before returning home, and I couldn't believe the price: $395 + an additional 50% off! Its original retail price: $1095 USD...

Def worth the trip.

R.I.P. Alexander McQueen

sweater: thrift, boots: Frye, ring: Forever 21

Paying homage to the late designer who passed away yesterday. THE designer of the famous skull scarf, this unique piece can never be replicated.

This beautiful handmade skull sweater was a purchase I made at Value Village's 50% off sale this past Monday. Below is a similar knit worn by Rihanna.

As mentioned, McQueen's scarf is a particularly difficult piece to acquire "for less". While there are other versions on the market, the effect on an outfit just isn't quite the same. Below are 2 skull scarves: one from a thrift store (left) and one from Aritzia circa 2007 (right).

The McQueen scarf is really one of those key pieces worth getting authentic. While with other thrift finds that may not be exact replicas such as my sweater, because it's different in its fit, material, etc. you can make it your own. I'm finding it's more difficult to do that with these scarves, and I think that's what is tricky with thrift shopping.

Leader of the pack

scarf & jacket: TNA, sweater: Talula, pants & bracelet: thrift, ring: Forever 21

I can honestly (and proudly) say, that nothing I am wearing was purchased for regular price. Oh wait, except for the ring! I found the pants at yesterday's Value Village 50% off sale, and I found my Chucks there as well on another hunt. My army jacket is TNA circa 2005, and I absolutely LOVE it! The waffle scarf is also by TNA, and is an amazing piece to have because it's incredibly warm. I purchased my wolf sweater at Aritzia's Snooze You Lose Sale for $19.99 (regular $40.00!). Lastly, the sheer tee is by Wilfred of which I have in 2 other colours.

My boyfriend is developing into a handy and skillful photographer! xo