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]

Beach Brights

Still playing catch up. It has been a month since I came back from the cruise, yet I am still in the process of going through my photos. Having a two-week vacation sure was nice, but between starting a new job and catching up on errands, it felt like I was being haunted by a never-ending to-do list. I can't begin to count the number of times I had to remind myself to slow down, take a break and breathe. It sounds absolutely ridiculous to do the exact opposite when you are inundated with a series of errands waiting to be crossed off, but the momentary calmness truly allows you to re-seize control over the situation and approach the task with clarity and intention. This process allows you to act with efficiency and to enjoy the moments in between. Let's be honest here, when are our errands and responsibilities ever going to end? While going through the photos, I revisited the moment where I stood by the beach, watching and listening to the waves. So I recalled those feelings and made a pact to always slow down, listen and breathe deeply to take in the entirety of moment.

While looking at these snapshots (omg I haven't been this tanned for 5+ years), I not only remembered how beautiful Sapphire Beach was but also just how much I friggin' love this dress! This is the third dress I have purchased from Egocloset, which has one of the most hip, edgy and eccentric clothing collections in town. Everything about this dress gets my heart racing - the impressionistic mix of bright colours, the refined neon lines that flatters any figure, the cut-out back, the flowy quality of the fabric - like I said, it really sets my heart fluttering. If you are looking for some knock-out dresses for the summer, then you must check out the website for their newest collection! [This dress is no longer in stock but here's a cut-out electric blue dress that's just as hot!]

Even if you can't get away on vacation just yet, do whatever you need to do to get to your happy place. Whether it be hiking, doing a yoga class, shopping, gorging on delicious food, napping....do whatever it takes to make time for yourself. You know you are worth it.

xoxo,

Cecilia 





Strolling in Khaki

I love travelling. I enjoy exploring. I am also fickle. Often I find myself being so sucked into the vibe and allure of a new place that I start making promises to move there once and for all. However, every time I come back, my heart tells me that Vancouver is where I feel truly at home and the summer here is a constant reminder how much I love this city! When the temperature is right, it's more beautiful than ever.

Because the weather was so nice, we took a stroll in Yaletown and tried out a new restaurant called Kibo Restauarnt and Lounge. They had an interesting selection of sushi and appetizers. The service was great and the atmosphere was inviting. I didn't get a chance to try out their drinks, so I would definitely go back with some friends.

As for the outfit, I just love the versatility of this black utility vest. The collar helps to dress up a casual outfit and to bring out the luxurious leather quality of the heels. The straps are secured by velcro so it's super easy to put on! You know you are doing it right when it looks good and feels comfortable to wear.

 

 

//Black vest and khaki top. H&M//

//Necklace. Richmond Public Market (next to River Rock)//

//Black ankle strap heels. Nine West//

Hope you are all enjoying the sun!

CC

Beach Inspirations

TGIF! Looks like we are finally heading into a weekend of gorgeous sunshine and clear skies. I don't know about you guys, but I just can't wait to hit the outdoors. Below is a compilation of my summer beach essentials.

1. Spice things up with a Floral Bandeau from H&M (available instore at Pacific Centre)
2. An old favorite. Bright Fuschia and Orange Striped Knit Dress from Guess
3. Enuf is Enuf nail polish from Essie. A present from a good friend.
4 & 5. Bonus shots from Sapphire Beach in St. Thomas.

Cheers to a gorgeous weekend ahead!
CC



 

 

Coral in Caribbean

Hello Lovelies!

I am back from a good two weeks of over-gorging on pure yumminess and immersing in the turquoise and white abyss. We did two back-to-back cruises, spending seven days sailing along West Caribbean and another seven along the East. This was our first port-of-call at a private island called Labadee. This was an absolute shock to my eyes - the clarity of the water and fine white sand. Yup I could just lie there forever. In fact that's exactly what we did - we fell asleep on the beach and snuck in a little nap ;)

More updates to come!

xoxo,
Cecilia

Sayin' I Do

This summer has been filled with many beach days, bbq parties, and the most magical of them all, beautiful weddings. I had the chance to attend a charming wedding to celebrate the union of an absolutely adorable couple. The ceremony was held at Mayfair Golf Course in Richmond. Upon entering the building, guests walked through the dining area and towards a grass pennisula in the middle of the spacious golf course. The area seated just under 100 guests, and with the sun shining brightly, it was the perfect moment. Other than the fact that we were at risk of getting nailed by a golfball...it was picture perfect nonetheless.

Since this was an outdoor event, I decided to wear a flowy peach dress that I recently received in a package from my cousins in Taiwan (yay - love my sistas!). Weddings are a happy occasion, so I feel that colours are definitely necessary. This dress can actually be worn two ways - as a V-neck dress or reversed into a boat neck dress (wide neckline). It depends on your body shape, and personally, V-necks are usually more flattering on me. The dress has plaids consisted of soft blue and peach accents running across the bottom, so I decided to decided on a blue necklace to compliment the peach and to bring out the pattern.

Outfit details:

Peach Dress //Gift from Taiwan//

Gold Leopard Print Clutch //Locale//

Nude Peeptoe Pumps //Me Too//

Necklace //Boutique in LA//

Birthday Suit

TGIF!

It was my birthday this past week, and I just wanted to dedicated a post to all of mywonderful friends, family, coworkers who made this day so special.  I enjoyed the surprises, freshly-baked cupcakes, an authentic doughnut platter, thoughtful presents (everything was so ME! I was so impressed) and the surprise visits.  I booked the upstairs room at one of my favorite restuarants, the Mandalay Bay Steakhouse & Lounge, which overlooks the Steveston pier. There was a moment where I stepped out to the balcony next to the room and glanced into the room through the glass windows, and I took amental photograph of all my dear ones in a room together chatting and having a good time. This is it, I thought, this is the perfect “HAPPINESS” moment.  It is just so incredibly difficult to get people together as people move onto other stages of their lives, so I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to gather all the best people under one roof J The birthday girl/boy usually gets the spotlight on their special day, but as the birthday girl, I feel like it’s also a day to show your appreciation of the people around.

As for the outfit (the o-so-important part of theday), I wanted to veer away from the classic party dress and wear somethingbeachy and bohemian-inspired? The floral pattern, the frills and the high-lowcut are all qualities in clothes that I absolutely adore. To stay away from theblack leggings and shorts which are my go-to’s for colourful long tops, Ithought the denim mini skirt would do the trick especially to contrast the high-low cut of the top. Result? LOVE in the making.

High LowFloral Top //Forever XX1//

Denim Skirt//Jacob//N

ude Peep-toeHeels //ME TOO// (You can get this brand at Feet First)

Blank Canvas

 Hello hello!


Last week, I tried GYU-KAKU for the first time. They are a Japanese BBQ Restaurant in downtown and they have an amazing 50% Happy Hour Menu every Monday!


For a lovely meal on the patio on a nice summer day, I decided to put on a colourful summery dress. I paired it up with off-white neutrals. Instead of the safe ballet flats or lady-like strappy sandals, I wanted to jazz it up with some booties. To sum up my inspiration for this outfit is this quote: "Life is a blank canvas, so you need to throw all the paint on it you can."

Coral, grey, yellow leopard summer dress //Boutique//

White cropped blazer //

White ankle booties //Nordstrom Rack// 

***CC's Styling Tip: Go for a printed, colourful summer dress and pair it up with some interesting neutrals***

Little Miss Sunshine

Hello Friends!

I thought I would start off the new blog with a simple yet fun outfit. I am loving the bright hues this season (no puns intended) and just cannot do without this neon yellow tank top. Needless to say, the yellow and blue combo is an awesome contrast and makes the outfit ultra fun and summer-friendly.I also tucked part of the tank into the waist band, in order to create the illusion of height with the long skirt. Hopefully I'll get a chance to restyle this skirt over the course of the summer to get more wears out of it. If our clothes were humans, they would and should be our BFFs and not just a one-time acquaintance!

If you must know:

Neon yellow tank & Cobalt Blue long skirt /Forever 21/

Black peep-toe strappy wedges /Jeffrey Campbells/