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]

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

Call in the festivities [Red x Camel]

It's getting quite chilly lately, but the crisp air is both refreshing and cleansing. The symbolic Starbucks red cup and the red-green-gold glitziness have emerged at the turn of every corner. I'll take a eggnog latte and a snowman cookie please. Snow? That can wait ;)

Inspired by the holiday décor, I transformed a piece of red plaid fabric into a snuggly scarf. The camel coat is a nice autumn go-to on the days you might like to take a break from the basic black and white. Someone amazingly called this the "Gingerbread on Christmas red" duo. Well-said girl! Let the festivities begin!

Now excuse me while I grab a latte. Cheers!
Cecilia

Stubborn Love

In the last week, it feels as if nature is just been squeezing out sporadic periods of sunshine like squeezing out the last dainty drops of lemon juice from the wedge. (Oh look I'm doing that Vancouverite thing again talking about the weather. Well whaaddup I'm ownin' it).

The Lumineers concert was last Thursday and took place at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby. We were truly blessed by some good dry weather, which came into effect pre-emptively in the mid-afternoon. After a brief costume change after work, voila, I transformed into a concert bo-ho with my trusty Hipster Lion (if you haven't met him, he made his first appearance on my birthday as a honorary Leo).

Fall into Autumn

Usually I am not a grey kind of gal, but lately I am definitely in the mood for all shades of grey (um not at all what you are thinking about). Not too long ago, I popped into the new-ish pop-up boutique Loft 82 and came out with a lovely birthday present for myself =) This skirt is perfect for a vertically-challenged girl, showing off a little legs in the front but not at all cutting off the elongated visual. Paired with maroon heels, I break the rule of pairing warm colours with only its own kind. Maroon and grey? Sounds like a foreshadow of a stylish fall lineup as we transition out of summer.

Perhaps the busy life has caught up to me. Lately all I want to do is curl up on my (new) couch and nap. I just bought a nice, long white couch and is currently working on the decor the compliment it. It is evident that how an individual lays out their place reflects their personality and mindset. In my case, I much rather prefer the simple neutrals and the earthy tones - a comfortable sanctuary to come home to everyday. Someone said the other day, and I paraphrase, "no matter where you are, it's the same body, same mind. It's just the situations that are different." If you can maintain a strong, stable spirit and mindset, you can do anything.

Have a great week!
Cecilia

P.S. Thanks to my man for taking these shots. I really think his photography skills are getting pretty awesome!

Stripe Affair

Pink Mink



This is me paying one final tribute to my white denim DIY shorts as the season passes by. Too soon, but we had a good run. It's been chilly, but not cold enough for a real jacket. So for a stroll and a quick bite at the infamous Nero Waffles, I threw on this light pink leopard scarf to keep warm and also to tie the fuschia and white together. There's no such thing as too much pink in my books. Just some extra sweetness for the road in case the sky gets a bit dim.

//pink hi-low blouse. Mink Pink from J2//

//pink leopard scarf. gift//

//white purse.Guess//

//black strap heels.Nine West//

Weekend in Portland

Here is a short and sweet recap of my summer days in Portland. Perhaps the memories are enough to counter the rain coming our way.

PORTLAND TO-DO's:

• Try Voodoo donuts at least once in your life. My advice is to line up early in the morning at about 9:30AM on a weekday to avoid excessive lineups. We lined up for 20 minutes, which was quite decent.
• Sport a breezy and cool tank top (polyester) with vibrant colours to compliment the artsy city, and a flowy light lace skirt. It was all about beating the heat.
• Walk the city and take time to admire the history and architecture...especially the brick walls, alleyways and cobblestone sidewalks decorated with wall painting and graffiti.
• Try out the food carts, EUROTRASH & SHOWROOM. Deep Fried Crab in a Ciabatta Sandwich & Pork Belly Burger (respectively). If I could only eat from foodtrucks for the rest of my life, I'd do it....in Portland.

What's your favorite thing about Portland?
Cecilia

//tanktop.Mink Pink at Plenty//

//black lace skirt. boutique in LA//

//brown cutout booties. Jeffrey Campbell//

The Summer Romper

As our summer starts to draw to a close with end of season sales and back-to-school commercials (too soon), it's a reminder to bust out those summer-friendly numbers before it ceases to see the light once autumn rolls around.

Rompers have been a huge staple of the summer. They are adorable and can be ultra comfortable and as easy to put on as any other one piece. However, be forewarned that taking it off may not be that easy. Try doing that in the washroom at your workplace. Yes - that was when I thought to myself "oh this is awkward," but thankfully I was alone in my embarrassment.

I have been playing tour guide in the last three weeks, while my cousins visited Vancouver for the first time. The gorgeous weather, more generous than I remembered it being in the last few years, was to be thankful for, as well as being able to spend time with family that I normally only see every 2 years or so. It can be a burden to be tasked with showing the best of a city to two tourists, but it was a great reason to revisit my favorite places in this city and to cross off some of those very bucket-list items of my own. Now that they have left, I hope to continue to cross out more items on my own.

What's on your bucket list for the rest of summer?
Cecilia

//romper. Taiwan//

//black suede flats. Steve Madden//

//sunglasses. vintage//

//earrings.Exposure//

Vanstyle Summer Nights Fashion Show

A couple weeks I had the pleasure of attending the Vanstyle Summer Nights Fashion Show, produced by Vanstyle, a fashion community run and operated by SFU students, at the exquisite Waterfall Building on 2nd Ave. Tucked away behind a waterfall was the beautiful triangular glass building, whose natural lighting and artworks served as the perfect backdrop for showcasing the three featured designers - Pretty Hipster (by Mark Abenir) & Ritzy Pin (by Anna Kudrjasova).

Below are some of my favorite pieces from both collections. The gowns from Pretty Hipster are glamorous and filled with surprises, such as cut-outs, and never lacking in their airy and grandiose quality. It's amazing that these are the works of an 18-year-old who at this young age had already chosen to follow his dreams - to pursue a career in passion.

The highlight of my night was meeting Anna Kudrjasova, the designer of the up and coming Canadian online retail brand, Ritzy Pin. Ritzy Pin is ready to launch anytime soon, and is set to become the go-to store to satisfy the cravings of "wild and free" spirits. This collection was brought to life with a bright colour palette and womanly silhouettes exude a strong sense of self-expression and fun-loving nature. Anna and her PR manager Lina, were both incredibly sweet and down-to-earth and were the perfect spokespeople for their brand. We are really looking forward to the official launch of Ritzy Pin and can't wait to get our hands on some of these unique pieces ourselves!

All in all, it was a night of great fashion, conversation and inspiration. After all, who could miss out on an opportunity to play fashionista for a night?

Photos:
1/2/3 - Designs from Pretty Hipster. (PS - doesn't the first gown look like something Danaerys from Game of thrones would wear?!)
4/5 - The fun, edgy yet girly designs from Ritzy Pin.
6 - The beautiful Anna, founder of Ritzy Pin, and Franny, my date for the night.
7 - Friends =)
8/9/10 - Tina, my other date for the night, Franny and myself in our fashionable attires.

Tribal Print Dress

This dress caught my eye 2 years ago in a boutique in LA on Melrose Avenue. Thankfully this classy hi-low cut and fun tribal print have proven to be transcendent of the ever-changing trends. Taking a look at this yearès trends and also flash-forward to fall and winter 2013, it is refreshing to see lots of new and unique patterns out on the runway. Not only are we thinking tribal print and baroque, but letès think bigger - hologram and colourful geometrics! Maybe I do have a reason to look forward to fall afterall.

 2 day countdown to the weekend!

Cecilia

All That Jazz

What a great summer day at the Jazz Festival! There were lots of bikes and people on site at Yaletown Roundhouse. Nothing like a hot and breezy day by the waters with some smooth jazzy tunes. What you doing this weekend?

//Cecilia

Sheer Content

Happy Monday! How was everyone's weekend? The weather this weekend called for but the flowy and the barely-there. (Could definitely lose the jacket though. That was redundant!)

The skirt I'm wearing is actually a hi-low skirt. The hi-low cut is super hot this year with skirts and dresses. To create a more unique and personalized look, try tucking the long end of the hi-low skirt into the waistband to create an asymmetrical, drapey, midi skirt look. Especially for ladies like myself who do not have long Giselle legs, the unevenness avoids cutting off your lovely legs and allow for them to appear elongated simply with a pair of heels. Plus, if we've learned anything from life, it's that imperfections (ie. asymmetry) can be beautiful and exciting.

How do you style your hi-low skirts to make it your own?

 

//black jacket. DKNY// White lace top. Banana Republic//

//white purse. Michael Kors//Long flowy skirt. Brandy Melville//

//black strappy heels. Nine West

Happy Camper [Khaki & White Denim]

If Vancouver could stay like this for half the year, I'd be a happy camper. Here is my ideal weekend ensemble - casual and comfortable.  I have arrived the conclusion once again after this weekend that there is absolutely nothing more relaxing than taking a walk to breath in the fresh air and catching up with friends over good food (and a nice hammock!). My DIY white cut-off denim shorts are my go-to's this month, with the two-tone blouse as a light jacket.

//black peep-toe wedges. Jeffrey Campbell//

//White shorts.DIY//Necklace.Flea Market//

Happy Tuesday - Only 4 more days to go!

Cecilia

Blazer. Blizzard. Enuf Said.

This is going to be a short and sweet one. I recently started a new job, so I kicked off a new beginning with a new wardrobe (well, only a few blazers anyway!). Here are a few tips for putting together some A+ summer work wear.

Chic Points:

• STRIPES | Get stripe crazy in different colours and widths.
• COBALT BLUE | This electrifying hue is making a comeback this summer.
• STRAP SANDALS | Lots of options this season. I took the easy road with comfortable kitten heels and classic criss-cross style, but this summer's style line-up isn't short of colour blocking and contrast of thin strap with sky-high wedges.
• SKORT | Fashion-meets-function.

Style Tip:

• Go for the monochromatic look but with a twist - the stripes!

//Blue Blazer. Jacob// Black camisole. Banana Republic// Skort. Thrifty Store//

//Strap heels. Nine West//

//Blizzard. DQ//