As Simple as Black and White

It's getting to be one hot summer. While the sun calls for light-weight summer tanks and dresses, I have been relying on pants and layering to survive in the office. Pants are necessary because while it's blazing hot in the sun, my office has decided to become freezer. To that, I offer two tid-bits:

1) Layer up: Think more than just cardigans and scarves. Vests are great ways to add character to your oh-so-simplistic tshirt while keeping your "core" warm.

2) Vouch for "Viscose": Check the label for viscose or viscose rayon. It's a super comfortable fabric with high absorbancy, even more so than cotton. It  wicks perspiration from the body, allowing it to evaporate and keep your skin dry.

There you have it, some food for thought. Now excuse me while I go grab some free 711 slurpees.  Have fun in the sun this weekend!

~CC~

 

 

White cropped top //  H&M

Black utility vest // H&M

Black and white graphic print pants // Jacqueline de Yong {8th & Main Boutique}

Brown peep toe cut-out shoes // Jeffrey Campbell

Lilac Summer

 

[lilac layered top from Moon // ruffle skirt from Forever XX1] 

[black peep toe shoes by Jeffrey Campbells]

Hello! I have been on a short hiatus due to work, some studying, half marathon training and just life in general. However, I'm excited to be back and keeping this blog alive and going.

This post is filled with snapshots from the Fisherman's Wharf in Steveston, Richmond (whaddup my hood!). It's starting out as a gorgeous summer and the shoreline at Steveston has become our go-to route for running.

As a bonus, here is a photo from Mega Sushi, recently voted #1 Japanese Restaurant in Richmond, and their infamous Godzilla Roll. Who knew flamed gozilla could taste that good?!

 [Godzilla Roll from Mega Sushi]

Oscar Style Notes

Oscar is one of the most anticipated award ceremony and event of the year. It's where the most prestigious, the best dressed and most popular stars of the film industry gather. While we don't have the dough in the bank to fund their million dollar outfits, it doesn't hurt to take some style notes from them to look like a million bucks! With spring and wedding season coming up in a couple months, it's a good time to start looking for that perfect dress.

Oscar Style Notes: Peplum // Navy // Natural Glamour // Spring Pastels

 PEPLUM

J-Law

Dubai: Skyscrapers & First Impressions

-Dubai Marina-

Hello! I am back from a much appreciated vacation to the other side of the world, literally the furthest point possible from this point. Dubai was nothing like I had expected, and more. It was truly a world of awe and mystique. It was a place of fusion, of the old and the new, exemplified by the breathtaking skyscrapers and the mosques at every other block. It was also a place where cultures co-existed vividly, exerting their influences on the city life through the food, restaurant and fashion scene.

The city is filled with all kinds of magnificent skyscraper, some of which are residences, office buildings and even malls, all with their record-setting story. Burj Arab being the only 7-star hotel in the world. The infinity tower in the Dubai Marina is the first skyscrapper with a 90 degree twist. The tales continue. Dubai never fails to impress.

 -The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi-

Roar

 

This post is especially dedicated to my kitty lovers!  I picked up this coat at Front & Co. a few months ago. It's a nice warm but neutral alternative to the classic black coat. One of the best things about the weekend is being able to roll out of bed and just throw on whatever you feel.

I am counting down until my vacation in Dubai, land of spectacular skyscrapers. Only 6 more days to go! Not sure what to expect since I have never been to the Middle East before, but I look forward to a much needed new adventure!

Mashup

Sometimes there are no themes or any sense of coherency to an outfit you choose to wear. The key is that every piece consists of a story, one that you want to remember or are reminded of. The Coach clutch reminds of my double-date trip to the States with my good friend where we ended up overdosing chocolate pretzels from Trader Joes. The skirt from a favorite aunt, which I had been dying to wear,  with polka dots and all, is perhaps a reflection of how she still sees me - as if I was still the same girl at the age of 9 trying on my mother's lipstick and running around the playground causing all kinds of trouble.

This is all just a mashup of items, but like all mashups, there's something that ties it altogether - your unique story, one that that only you know or are bursting to share. Hopefully there's a good memory that will bring a smile to your face.

Cecilia <3 

Hello 2014!

Hello to a new year! It's nice to be snuggled up at my favorite spot on the couch on a sunny afternoon ready to spill my heart out to the world. The holidays offered the opportunity to reconnect with and indulge in the joyful, often simple, things we loves so much in our lives. Family gatherings with more than three generations present. Old friends flocking back to homeland. Silly conversations accompanied by copious amounts food and wine.

I searched deeply for words of inspiration as I celebrated the end of another interesting year. Some simple wisdom that could be applied daily instead of an elaborate New Year resolution or rigid goal, nor another cliche of positivity. The perfect words came to me while I was doing some serious reflecting (aka. watching an old episode of Bones!|). It's probably one of the most honest and encouraging song, called "No Envy No Fear" by Joshua Radin.

Beyond all other things that I want to be achieving this year, I want to live each day with no envy and no fear. Instead of allowing envy to take over with judgement, honour the success of others.  Borrow the positive energy and drive and use it well. Have no fear. Fear often stems from past experiences and apprehension with the unknown. Get comfortable with unfamiliarity and with that will come the freedom to feel and be yourself. Let yourself be happy. It's as simple as that.

And with that, here's a toast to another exciting year ahead!
Cecilia