Ruffles

 

creative direction CYNTHIA NGUYEN photography VINCENT KO in collaboration with SHEIN and NICOLE VIENNA

Pinch of Chic Shein Ruffle Sleeves

Let’s understand what’S HAPPENED

This entry is my second article published in 2017— another little milestone reached! In between all this crazy hustling and bustling, there’s no better way to give yourself some positivity but to take a breather from reality and just start typing away your feelings…or ‘feels’ if you will.

Man, has this year gone by rocket fast… It feels like only a few months ago did I decide to start a blog in my little bedroom I was renting out in a student house during my final year of post secondary. My full-time work schedule has shaded so much of my vision and attention that I had completely forgotten that my blog had turned 3 years old! January 7th marks the day this site launch. I told myself 3 years ago that I only had 3 years to hit that ‘blogging peak.’ You know, that pinnacle of success— that tier where one gets all the endless invitation to Paris Fashion addressed with ‘Madame’, get offered cool collaborations with Louis Vuitton and be gifted Chloe Drew bags of every neutral shade. I told myself that if I didn’t reach that peak within 3 years that I was going to fail the rest of the way because that new wave of bloggers will simply come and surpass me and my reach. There was no real over arching purpose for Pinch of Chic, other than to share my favourite outfits, foods, rants as well as inspirational pins from my Pinterest boards. In my previous post, I had mentioned that I migrated from Squarespace to WordPress and during the midst importing all the photos, I came across all my earlier blog posts when I had just started back in 2014. It was super nostalgic and pretty heart-warming to see where I’ve begun. J.Crew obsessed and Sophia Webster-loving… Wow, talk about trekking down memory lane.

Now, seeing my spurts of effort in the form of blog posts created alongside such talented photographers makes me feel kind of touched. All my great efforts to keep this blog alive, even with the sporadic posting times still did me good.

Looking at today, I wouldn’t exactly say that I’m an established ‘influencer.’ I don’t have the numbers and I definitely don’t have the kind of time like the full-time, dedicated ‘established’ influencers do. I would much rather call myself a content creator if anything. With that being said— I don’t really know how far this blog will go but 3 years has certainly passed and I’m still sitting here writing in this text field… All in all, it’s just real nice to know that I got this far with this platform— with opportunities to create and collaborate with great people anytime. Pinch of Chic not only has just been a blog but a portfolio book for me, as well as a platform for people to be inspired and feel as if they were engaging in conversation with me. It’s funny to acknowledge that this blog has opened so many doors for me— making great friends, pushing my creative thinking, practicing my entrepreneurial and negotiating skills, working with cool brands and independent designers, encouraging me to constantly go out and uncover the hidden gems, network and hunt for the most awesome brunch places all around my city. To showcase my hood through my taste and brand voice.

I’d say I’m doing pretty alright, even if I haven’t received my Chloe bag yet.

You can find me me doing a victory dance to surviving 2016 in exaggerated ruffles (only $15! See details below) with my good friend, latte.

 


Caught up with Vincent over some beautiful, and I mean really beautiful brunch at Baddies. Test drove the granola yoghurt + chia pudding.

OUTFIT DETAILS— Top SHEIN Suede pants BANANA REPUBLIC Watch NICOLE VIENNA Elenah heels NINE WEST

 

 

 

 

Tinsel Town

creative direction CYNTHIA NGUYEN photography VINCENT KO in collaboration with LIVSSTIL

Happy 2017! It’s another new year and what does that mean?

The whole ‘NEW YEAR, NEW ME’ kind of stuff. Which equals new changes! Good changes? We’ll see.
Here’s to hoping it all works out well of course. With that being said— it was time curate a brief hit list to post on my little o’ blog.

Time is indeed too precious to remain comfortable and not to take some risks. So I made some goals…

Number one— For this particular blog, I wanted to explore and further develop my articles more creativity and editorially.
For that, I had to migrated from different blogging platforms… THOUGHTS???

Number two—  Realized that life is getting way too short for me to stick to basics all the time. Here I am, wearing sparkles from head to toe in broad daylight, out and about eating brunch at La Société on a regular Saturday morning. No, I was not performing a cover of Michael Jackson for Snapchat or Youtube. I decided for myself– I can enjoy a meal in public in a getup like this. Why not. Why shave off your years of youth without making at least a day or two outrageously fun for you and glorious for others to see.

Number three—I told myself to travel at least twice a year. I traveled to Europe for the first time just late last year! Yippee!

Number four— I [just] started working out. Confession, I don’t gym… at all. Only on a few of those blue moon days a year do I suddenly get that spurt of motivation that only lasts for about maybe 2-3 hours. But unfortunately for me… my metabolism HAS slowed down for me in the last year. I saw the shift in my weight, I whined about it for a bit before committing to change my lifestyle with regards to including time to do real fitness and choosing what I eat more mindfully. Next, I need a blender. Fancy shakes and acai bowls, here I come!

Number five— Start posting about interior. And get more furniture. I’ve lived in my home for just over a year now. (My home anniversary was December 14, 2015–YAY! Does such an anniversary exist? Who really knows.) Next thing is to print and frame my work, get a sweet rug and a couple of end tables.

Shop my entire look at LIVSSTIL

Brunch: croque madame, pain au chocolat, buttermilk pankcakes, mille feuille at La Société

rogue bag c/o COACH
oversized jacket in metallic RELIGION
cargo trousers in metallic RELIGION
the progress hat FALLENBROKENSTREET

in this photo
mille feuille La Société

And…..what are all your lovely goals for 2017?
Let me know in the comments below!
+ Happy new year, folks!

Glitter at my Feet


Melanie Lyn Tweed Coat (Similar here)
Audrey Flounce Dress via Fashionably Yours (ONLY $8!) (Similar here and here)
Danier White Passport Holder (Used as a Clutch)
ZeroUV Pink Sunnies
Kindling & Co Baguette Ring c/o
Rox N’ Bunny Monty Rings c/o
Call it Spring COOLA Heels in Multi Metallic c/o

 


It’s that time a year! When the air around you starts to feel much colder and you start to see red and gold everywhere you go. 

With all this holiday spirit and winter rolling in, it’s no wonder we start to think of the cutest, festive outfit to sport at potentially your work party, S.O’s family’s dinner or just a night out with the gals to celebrate the beautiful holiday. I know when December drops on me– the first thing I start to think of are timeless, budget-friendly pieces, paired with something that screams ‘IM GLAMOUROUS,’ and ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS’ without being too obnoxious about it. I’m definitely not one for dressing up in any combination remotely close to red and green. But if you can work it, by all means!

For my outfit– I went with a flounce dress I scored at my local consignment boutique on Queen West, called ‘Fashionably Yours’ for a mere $8! Dressed it up with glittery gold COOLA heels from Call it Spring. I’m a firm believer that even wearing sparkles on your feet can make your entire outfit shine. Even with the most basic dress, top or skirt! The simple dress I chose to be paired with the heels makes a quick and effortless outfit for Christmas or New Years. This season is probably the only time where wearing glitter is urgently called for and is super forgiving if anyone who’s not used to wearing such sparkly items. For a little more lady-like silhouette, I layered my Melanie Lyn tweed coat, added some gold accent rings and grabbed a minimal white clutch. (Technically it’s my passport holder but it works for me.) Pink sunnies to contrast the sophisticated look and give it some fun, extra feminine vibes.

Photography by: Artiese Studios
Thank you to Call it Spring for sponsoring this post.


Winter White


DETAILS ON THE BOARD:

  1. Lack of Colour Montana Wide Brim Hat via Free PeopleOfficial Site here $99.00
  2. Kimchi Blue Fuzzy Duster Robe Coat $199 NOW $29.99
  3. Silence + Noise Tuxedo Shirt $59 NOW $39.99
  4. Pink Tartan Ankle-Length Pants $295 NOW $73.74
  5. Vera Bradley Drawstring Backpack $108.00
  6. ASOS Midi Skirt with Crossover Front $56.85 NOW $34.11
  7. Urban Renewal Recycled Sleeveless Tuxedo Dress $69 NOW $19.99
  8. Silence + Noise Asymmetrical Long Blazer $129 NOW $39.99
  9. For Love & Lemons Justine’s Tank in Off-White  $97.00
  10. Endless Rose Lattice Lace Culotte Pants  $105.00

What more perfect way to remind yourself to wear winter white than huge snow piles surrounding your hood? I know the recent few days in Toronto have been so terrible cold where the salted roads became white. Thus the chilly scene inspired me to seek out the brightest shade to stand out as the freshest daisy. ICY WEATHER CALLS FOR ONLINE SALES. (You can also shop the looks from the board below from the images.)

Now let me ask you–
What’s your favourite item on the board? 

PS. SUPER GOOD SALE happening over at Urban Outfitters.

Because really, what sale beats buying a chic robe coat for a mere $29? FROM $199?!
Thought I’d let you guys know. Lots of nice chunky knit sweaters for $19 and a handful of kimonos to stock up for summer which makes nice boho beach covers. Good luck, honeys! xx


GET THIS LOOK:

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!


GET THIS LOOK


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