Fashion

One of my favorite pass time during the weekend is eating. No, it is not just binging on a bag of chips while watching a movie on the couch. Although, I do indulge in such moments, I also love dressing up to take my family for brunch. I put on a stripe sweater and shimmy into my skinny jeans. Then, I take out from its box a pair of pink Chanel flats. Until today, they are still new as they are finally going to make their day view. It is still quite chilly outside, so I wear one of my oldest coats from my closet. It makes quite a statement with my simple classic outfit. My daughter puts on a yellow A-line dress and a cute light green sweater. Nothing beats a mother and daughter outfit of the day moment. In our car, we drove down to the city crossing the bridge to a neighborhood called Pleasant Point. The street was lined up with the cutest stores of vintage shops, cafes and bakeries. We chose a restaurant at the corner of East Avenue just steps from Bentley Park. Walking up towards the front of the restaurant, we open the French doors to reveal a foyer decorated with gold hardware chandeliers and mosaic stone floors. The aroma of fresh savory dough made our mouths watery. Up beat jazz music filled the air. Eyeing her favorite treats, my daughter points up from her stroller to the ice cream bar. At the left of the entrance was a counter with a glorious display of croissants, cannolis and miniature cakes. The walls displayed jars of coffee beans, cookies and pasta. The marble counter stretched all the way to a coffee bar where a man wearing an apron stood. He was carefully preparing two steaming cups of coffee. Then, he gracefully places them onto a tray and serves them with a side of biscotti to a couple sitting on one of the tables. As we stood waiting to be ushered into a table, the waitress gave us a wave and a welcoming smile as she inquires, “Table for three?” My husband and I nodded in agreement. Sitting down on a corner booth, my daughter settles in her high chair. I bring her a pack of crayons and a coloring book to doodle on. Keeping her entertained, we survey the menu. I mutter “These all look good. What are you thinking of ordering?” gesturing to my husband with a grin. It has been a journey taking our daughter out to dining with us in restaurants but it is also one of the best things I enjoy. I have always looked forward to exposing her to all the different flavors and dishes. I love to watch her reaction, either to say her famous words of approval or dislike of yummy and yucky. She has been a picky eater these days but fries and nuggets are her forever favorite food. For me, I love to get a good classic dish of pasta. You cannot go wrong with pasta and its my favorite dish. At once, the waitress came balancing a plate of fries and nuggets, pasta and shakshuka. The food looked picturesque like a page from a magazine. My daughter, as soon as she sees the plate of fries, reaches for them in glee. In between chumping down the nuggets and fries, she took big slurps of her fresh lemonade. After finishing the last pieces of French fries, then came the chocolate strawberry cake with ice cream on the side. Her eyes widen with pure happiness as the plate settles down below her. Picking up her fork to taste the decadent chocolate icing, she examines its delicate decor. As we sit comfily on the booth with our bellies full, my husband enjoying his ice latte and my daughter enjoying her cake, I usually sip on a warm cappuccino. At this moment, I could not help think and admire about how sweet our little gourmet adventures have become.

It was a Saturday. The day begun early with an alarm clock ringing for 0500 am sharp. She reached for the phone to hit the snooze button. Steadily trying to wake up, she peers to her side to see her daughter still sound asleep. Her lips open to let out a little snore. Her hand under one cheek with one foot tucked against her mother’s side. They slept together in a king size bed that her husband and she had bought as a step to furnish their new home. Similarly, her daughter has her own bed in the adjacent room but just prefers to sleep nestled between her mom and dad. Now these mornings, her inspiration to get up is having a warm cup of coffee clasps between her hands and smelling its aroma. She loves coffee and it is why she loves her early mornings. Her mornings are like a golden window where time is slowed down. As everyone is still asleep, she can indulge in quite moments with a coffee and watch pink sunrises.

By 7 am, she was dressed and ready to go on her way to a work conference. “A conference on Saturday morning? What was she thinking signing up for this but its ok,” she thought. Although, she will be missing her daughter and feeling a pang of guilt, she felt it was something she should try. Perhaps, she might get a little inspired from it. Plus, it’s nice to have a little change of routine for a mom. Putting her thoughts behind, she pauses to take a look at her closet to choose between two tote bags. She picks her favourite purse that she often takes to her travels and chucks in her necessities for the day. Then, looking into the mirror, she dabs on a little Givenchy lipstick on her lips and adds it in her tote.

Luckily, for being in the midst of winter, the sun was plenty and the temperatures were mild. Delighted, she wrapped the belt of her new light blue coat around her waist. Soft and cozy, she was looking forward to wearing her new coat today. A coat she had recently bought for Christmas with a pretty penny and now, she thought, I am making her to a good use. Her coat went well with a pair of straight leg trousers, a stripy blouse and a pair of white sneakers. With a feeling of chicness and confidence, off she went to cease the day.

Eight hours later and another cup of coffee, she felt she deserve a little treat. It was a free afternoon for her after all since her daughter is staying with her grandparents for a day. Then, her phone buzzes as she stops at the main lobby of the conference building. Picking it up to read, “How was your day? Let’s go for a coffee date, we haven’t been in one for awhile!” It was her husband asking her for a date like it was 9 years ago. “How wonderful…” she thought. So, she typed in “yes” and pressed send. With her purse in the crook of her arm, she was met with the buzzling city as she walked to cross the street to meet her husband at a café called La Grande Parapluie. The couple indulge in a bite of croissant and some cappuccino before taking a stroll at the promenade.

Later on, that evening for dinner, they decided to make their way to their favorite oyster restaurant. It was tucked away in a small side street. As they entered, they were greeted by a waitress who ushered the couple to a booth beside the main window. The restaurant was cozy with a west coast vibe. It had maroon leather seats paired with light brown heavy wooden tables. On the window was etched the name “The Cove Oyster House” in a classic white font. It made her feel like, instead of being surrounded by pavements and towering buildings, she was back near the ocean where boats were anchored along the foggy board walks and the breezy air salty from the water. It was reminiscent of their family trip together when they visited Victoria Island. Settling down to take their coats off, she reveals her outfit for the evening. A white blouse paired with the same pair of flowy black trousers. Her dainty heart shape pendant necklace from Tiffany’s rested perfectly on her neckline. Her hair was tied back to show a pair of pearl earrings. She was elegance itself. They sat opposite of each other. They laughed and cling their glasses for a toast as they smiled droving deep into a conversation over a plate of their favorite east coast oysters and scallops. Perfectly centered, the window framed them like a scene from a rom-com movie. Even after these years, this is them now. A little older, but wiser. Now parents to a toddler. They smile with a bit wrinkles that show. Their life busy. But, upon this free afternoon, they discover that they are still them.

Have you ever entered a shoe shop and immediately, as if your mind rewinds back to your pass, you are hit with nostalgia? There, they were on the shelves, lined up in a row to boast that they are the new trend of the season. I am talking about platform shoes. From platform boots, heels and sandals, they are back! I have known them in the 90s as the Spice Girls shoes. I remember passing by the trendiest stores and glossing over the windows wishing to get my feet on one of them. I pondered how these pair of shoes would transform me to look and feel as the trendiest girl. Until one day after all the admiration from a far, I finally bought them. They were my go-to pair of stylish foot ware. Oh, how cute they looked on me! Casual to dressy outfits, I wore them. I cherished them as I displayed the pair in my room. “My very own,” so I thought with pride. I loved them so much that I even added another style in mary jane platforms to wear to school.

Until one day, side by side, fashion and time moved on. I came to looked at them realizing that they were clunky and chunky. Today, I am enamored by their latest comeback. From designer stores to high street fashion, these trendy shoes have caught my eye. But I do not plan on purchasing a pair mainly due to the fact that it will be quite a hazard for me to balance in those as I chase after my toddler. Second, they are not my style anymore. My style has evolved in so many levels that I never would have thought. From the 90’s style influence to girly frilly dresses, now I am more after the simple and chic look. However, the silver lining of this trend comeback is the nostalgia that fills me. Even though, I think they are too trendy and may one day be looked upon as a cringy fashion faux pas, I think there is something about the 90’s fashion that I miss and adore even if it means just admiring them from the other side of those window displays. It reminds me of the time I started to discover my sense of fashion and the simpler times of my life.

What do you think of platform shoes? Yay or nay? ......

Fashion has been a great influence on myself since I was a young girl who wore the same navy school uniform for almost 20 years. With nothing much in my closet but a pair of jeans that I had bought from Old Navy and some hand me down sweaters from my mother, I looked onto the glossy pages of magazines for the latest fashion trend. As I turned the paged, there it was the latest fashion must haves. Oh! I wish I had that red baby doll dress by Marc Jacobs. It was only then when I had graduated and went to university that I was able to fully expressed my love for fashion. I loved feminine designs but also unique style. I loved adding sequence to a pair of jeans and adding lace to a Fairweather sweater vest. As I became more in tune of my self-expression, it only made sense that I would add shoe shopping to my fashion exploration! I grew a heart for beautiful shoes and acquired a few pretty pairs. I even wore high heels to class. The classes I attended were not of business or fashion but nursing! Yes, I was a nursing student but I loved to dress up. My collection of clothes and shoes would only expand even more as I started my career as nurse. Then came Louis. Louis Vuitton. I do not recall how I came to know or where I met Louis but he charmed me into browsing their website. I was eyeing a particular purse. The iconic and classic, speedy 25. I thought this purse would look so beautiful paired with the simplest outfit, a white t shirt and skinny jeans. After months of oohs and ahhs at its picture, the day finally came when I decided to go to the store and buy the bag of my dreams. Hence, welcome to my life my first designer purse! I look back and admire my young self. My twenties were full insecurities but these fashion moments would never be tarnished by negative experiences. I would always remember those moments as how ambitious I was when I was in my twenties. Now, I am a mom in my thirties with a style different from 10 years ago. Motherhood has change how I feel about my body and how I want to present my beauty. Simple, chic and effortless are three words that I would use describe my current style. I still love dressing up even if it is just going for a walk to the park with my daughter but of course, its a mommy friendly outfit. These are clothes I am comfortable to wear as I carry or ran after my daughter as she plays. I feel quite elegant and confident in my latest style. Its less frills and sparkles, but its chic and effortless. My recent travels has reflected a lot of these elements of fashion.

Magical shoes

It was in the midst of the Fall season. The trees have just turned their beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red. At her vanity, she sat by the window while glimpsing at the mild weather outside. Fall was her favourite season of all. Today, she is getting ready for a lovely afternoon tea party at the famous Shangri-La hotel. While thinking of what to wear, her thoughts wondered off for a moment. She sat thinking...she missed the wonders of travelling. She missed the excitement of seeing cities foreign to her eyes. She longed for the thrill of visiting beautiful landmarks...the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Il Duomo di Firenze in Florence and Mount Fuji in Japan! The corners of her lips curved to form a smile as she remembered her visits to these places. With a sigh, she thought, someday! As she snaps back to choosing her OOTD, she picks out an asymmetrical cut dress with a hem that flows longer at the back. Adorning the dress are dainty embroidered red roses with green vines. Suddenly, an inspiration came to her! She decides to match her dress with a special pair of stilettos. Fixing her eyes on the lowest level of the shoe shelf, she pulls out a box. From the box, she takes the shoes out from its soft red pouch revealing her one and only pair of Christian Louboutin. There, in front of her eyes, stood the most elegant pair of shoes she had ever owned. Beautiful in its red velvet material. This will surely add a pop of colour to this outfit, she thought. Admiring them, she gracefully puts them on her feet. On such a special occasion they deserve to be worn!

In her Christian Louboutin, with each step she took, she felt she was bringing along the glamour of Paris! Its glossy red soles transforming her pathway into cobbled stones just like Parisian streets. Tracing her magical journey from the famous avenue of Champs-Elysees, the historic wonders of the Louvre, and to the glittering glamorous Eiffel tower! They were indeed magical shoes that took her to a great fashion adventure.

XOX

Dress: Zara, Shoes: Simple pump by Christian Louboutin, Purse: MCM

A fashionista in the heart of Paris

Beneath the clouds of Paris, a cherry blossom tree sheds its flowers. Blown by the soft cool wind, a flower is flown up above the roofs of romantic buildings. It twirls in the air as it dances with the wind. Gracefully it passes a Parisian, on a balcony, gazing onto the city's skyline to a woman sipping coffee at a cafe. Then, as if it was meant to be, the wind coming to a slow, the flower spirals down onto a travelling fashionista. Falling onto her palm, she smiles admiring the dainty flower.

Coming from Chatelet-Les Halles station, she stood with her suitcase on one hand, catching her first glimpse of Paris. To her own discovery, she stumbles upon the magnificent view of a beautiful old Gothic church. In awe, its grand stature reminded her of the reason why she wanted to visit Paris. Paris with its culture and historic architecture has romantically enchanted her fashionista heart.

On her way to find her flat, towards the busy street of rue Montorgueil, she thugs along her suitcase. She blends with the rich culture of the city as she walked on old cobbled stone streets. From the sights and sounds, she felt as if she was truly submerged into Parisian culture. Here, she was in the heart of Paris.

Passing a picturesque restaurant, Au Rocher de Cancale, she turns onto a narrow street. A quaint little street with charming Parisian homes. There, between a bistro and a lovely patisserie, was the door to her flat. Her flat was small and cozy. It had a romantic Parisian charm from its old staircase and a balcony that opened to the beautiful views of the city.

Taking in the view from the balcony and hearing the symphony of the lively rue Montorgueil, she tucks the cherry blossom flower into the soft curls of her long hair, looking pretty in the heart of Paris. With her blushing cheek perch onto the palm of her hand, she sighs with a smile. Her heart enchanted with Paris.

xox

Dress: Zara, Sweater: H&M, Shoes: Zara, Bag: Kate Spade

Kyoto would make you fall in love with its charms again and again. It was evening, the sunset painted the horizon golden. After a long day of sightseeing, I was on the search for a cafe. On the way, I discovered its historic streets and architecture. To the eyes of a fashionista, it is a city of neutral earthy tones but yet so enchanting and rich in culture.With lanterns lit, their glow illuminated against the wooden panels of low rise shops creating a perfect picture of a traditional town. Strolling towards a small bridge over a bubbling stream, the city appeared calm as ever. Then, in the shadows of the Kyoto evening, I hear the melody of a shamisen. I hear it mysteriously as I try to find its playing artist but there was no other person insight. It was artistic, unique and most of all, romantic. It was like the city itself was serenading to me. I didn’t end up finding a café that evening, but discovering a mysterious playing shamisen was magical!

I have placed Kyoto at the heart of my adventures and also, it seems, in my sense of fashion. If Kyoto was a fashion trend it would be demure, elegant and chic with a play on earthy tones. Dressed in my favorite knit wear, I have deviated from my usual pastel colors to wearing more neutral warm tones. As such, in this outfit, I surprisingly love wearing this black dress with a navy scarf. Having this oversize scarf makes me feel as if I am wearing a kimono. In keeping with neutral tones are my sneakers in black and blush. As a nod to the beautiful hairstyle a geisha wears with her kimono, I have kept my hair in a simple relaxed up do of a chignon! As for make up, I love keeping it simple with a thin eyeliner, a bit of blush and red lipstick, for a pop of color. To top off this Kyoto inspired style are a pair of simple pearl earrings. I hope to have inspired you with this Kyoto style!

xox

Dress: Club Monaco, Scarf: Gap, Shoes: Kendall & Kylie, Holt Renfrew

August, summer at its peak. Puffs of clouds float across the blue sky as the sun's rays seep through. Flowers at full bloom and its vibrant shades beautiful to the eyes. Bees buzzing about. Butterflies, from flower to flower, spread their wings in a graceful dance. In the midst of this summer metropolis, a fashionista walks about in a Parisian park. Her long silky locks flowing. Her skin feeling the cool gentle summer breeze. Like little red riding hood, she wears a red gingham dress with pretty bell sleeves. On the crook of her arm, she carries her favorite casual tote purse, perfect for carrying her summer essentials. In her red gingham OOTD, she is perfectly dressed for this summer afternoon.

As she ventures along, her senses are awaken by the aroma and vibrancy of the city. Sweet perfume from vines of Jasmine wafts along the pathway as she pass by. Then, making a turn to Rue Montorgueil, she sees a vision of old Parisian culture. It was a lively cobbled stoned street filled with the hustle and bustle life of the city. A lady in an apron with a bandanna fastened around her hairdo stood surrounded by buckets of fresh white and pink flowers. In a high pitch voice, she calls out, "Lilla, lilla, lilla!" Adjacent to her, a vendor sells chess board games. On each side of the street were restaurants with foodies socializing and sipping wine as they sit on their tables set along the busy side walk. Across from the restaurants were an array of markets for fish, vegetables and fresh fruits. Apples, oranges and many more arranged in its own crates at the stores' front. From all these, one particular shop captured her excitement. Displaying its most decadent sweets, from macarons to luscious chocolate eclairs, luring her into the shop like fashionista to a pair of Dior heels, she stops by the patisserie. From the assortment of desserts, she satisfies her sweet palette with a macaron and a puff pastry with creamy chocolate filling. Happy with desserts, she ventures to a boulangerie. A boulangerie emitting the inviting smell of fresh baked bread in which one could not possibly resist to taste!

With a baguette on one hand and a hot chocolate on the other, she sat on a park bench. As she enjoys her tasty treats, she admires and savor this moment of luxury. It was a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon in her favorite gingham dress.

Dress: Zara, Shoes: Kate Spade, Purse: Louis Vuitton, Hat: BCBG

xox

At 8 months in my belly, she continuous to grow. She kicks and moves so energetically. Time is passing so quickly that I wish it would slow down so I can enjoy this pregnancy just a little bit more. Those memories of being nauseated and feeling extreme fatigue faded. I love feeling her move in my belly and wondering if it is her hand or foot. During my pregnancy, despite some sleepless nights, I have never felt more beautiful. My definition of beauty is now having a round growing belly and feeling more confident than ever. Faint red vines underneath my belly started to show but it is ok. I still feel beautiful and I love showing this new radiance by wearing my favourite dresses. With each passing month, I just could not resist taking baby bump photos including no shame selfies. Until I meet my mini me, I want to enjoy and savor every moment of this pregnancy.

A table for three

John Doe

Upon a free afternoon

John Doe

Trendy shoes

Kyoto style

Once upon in gingham