Insta-Snaps: Hawaii Edition

I can't believe it's already been one month since my family and I returned from our trip to Hawaii. We split our time between the islands of Maui and Oahu, here are a few glimpses of our vacation from my Instagram:

1. My daughter and I picked plumeria blooms every day
2. Mokule'ia Beach wearing a Peixoto bikini
   
3. On the beach in an ASOS maxi dress
4. StunningTurtle Bay Resort
5. Sunset in Kihei
6. Matsumoto Shave Ice 
7. Fried spam musubi
8. Waimea Bay
9. Mother/daughter beach yoga
10. Refreshing coconut water straight from the source

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

Palm Print

Romper | Bag | Swimsuit | Tee | Skirt | iPhone case | Dress

I've loved palm trees from the moment I first laid eyes on them and the infatuation has only grown over the years. My travel destinations almost always include a place where they grow abundantly so that I can revel in their tropical presence (and take lots of photos of them too). It's no surprise that I'm drawn to clothing and accessories with pretty palm patterns - my favourite is the romper with the adorable pom pom hem. You can shop more of my palm picks below!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

Bold Neon

{ Maxi Dress: ASOS (on sale!) // Sandals: Aldo (old, similar here and here) // Bag: J. Crew (similar) // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban }

Photos by Eleanor Chow

I never thought I'd be bold enough to wear head-to-toe neon, but this hot pink ASOS maxi dress ended up being the ideal piece to wear on the beach in Hawaii last month. It was so eye-catching that a woman came up to my family and I and insisted that she take family photos for us (she took over 20). If you're ever in need of someone to help take your picture, wearing a neon dress may do it without you even having to ask :)

< SHOP MY LOOK >

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

Floral Romper

{ Floral Romper: Urban Outfitters // Belt: Wilfred via Aritzia // Clutch: ASOS (similar) // Booties: Shoemint (real deal here) // Sunglasses: Chloe // Bracelet: HRH Collection "Luxe Hardware Cuff" }

Photos by Eleanor Chow

Fact: I have cherry blossom fever and it has now extended to my clothing in the form of this romper. The long sleeves and open back, along with the cherry blossom pattern, made this playsuit a must-have and it was perfect for my recent trip to Hawaii. Check out more floral rompers on my radar below!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

April Showers

{ Denim Jacket: H&M (similar) // Tee: J. Crew // Skirt: ASOS // Booties: ShoeMint // Bag: Cole Haan // Sunglasses: Prada }

Photos by Eleanor Chow

It's not very obvious in these photos but it was POURING rain when we were taking these shots outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Needless to say, it was a very quick shoot and totally worth getting rained on to capture the canopy of pink cherry blossoms as a backdrop. Oh, and I've officially ditched the tights. Bare legs until mid-October!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

Spring Fashion Under $50

One $39.95 // Two $31.15 // Three $24.84 // Four $40.00 // Five $27.99 // Six $8.49 // Seven $41.40 //  Eight $44.80 on sale

Each new fashion year usually brings about an urge to update the wardrobe with seasonably specific colours, prints and textures. These sartorial renewals don't have to break the bank though. As we transition from Winter to Spring (only five more days!), here are some fresh springtime picks all for under $50.

< MORE SPRING PICKS UNDER $50 >

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

Rose Gold

{ Bomber Jacket & Sunglasses: Zara // Tank: HRH Collection // Shorts: OASAP // Boots: Chinese Laundry // Bag: Alexander Wang // Headphones: Frends // Jewelry: Wolf Circus necklace; Oia Jules bracelet; ASOS & JewelMint rings }

Happy Love Day, darlings! What are your plans for today and most importantly, what are you going to wear? As much as I love pink and purple, I'm not usually one to wear either colour head-to-toe or dress up in a super girly frock. My style choice to celebrate Valentine's Day is to mix up edgy with femme. A little crochet meets leather, with hints of rose gold for a touch pink. This is Valentine's Day style just the way I like it. xoxo!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

Sweet Valentine

1. Sincerely, Jules Yes to Love tee $35.00 || 2. Jennifer Zeuner Love necklace $155.00 || 3. ASOS Heart Elbow Patch sweater $44.32 || 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs lips tablet cover $44.99 || 5. Miu Miu sunglasses $438.45 || 6. ban.do gold heart clutch $23.00 on sale || 7. JewelMint XO ring $29.99 || 8. Victoria's Secret Kissaholic lip stain $20.00 || 9. ShoeMint Adriene heels $99.99

With Valentine's Day just 10 days away, I'm getting in a lovey dovey mood with lots of pink, red, and plenty of hearts. Get into the spirit this Valentine's Day with these pretty and girly picks to celebrate the love-filled holiday.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

Garnet

{ Trench Coat: eShakti (c/o) // Plaid Shirt: J. Crew // Skirt: ASOS // Boot Socks: Target // Boots: Zara // Clutch: Coach // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban // Rings: ASOS & OhKuol }

Photos by Eleanor Chow

Happy Chinese New Year! I'm donning my custom eShakti trench in lucky garnet red to ring in the Year of the Horse. I don't own much red clothing but for Chinese New Year, I always make it a point to wear whatever pieces I have in that colour to bring good luck my way. Happy Weekend and Lunar New Year to all who celebrate!

< SHOP MY LOOK >

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

Touch of Turquoise

{ Sweater Dress: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target // Infinity Scarf: Inner Fire (c/o) // Belt: Wilfred via Aritzia // Booties: Aldo (similar) // Bag: Coach (old) // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban // Jewelry: ASOS rings; bracelet from Greece }

Don't let the palm trees and bare legs fool you - I'm very much still in Vancouver, though this is probably the last time I can get away with not wearing tights with my dresses. Also, today's the last day to enter my giveaway for an Inner Fire infinity scarf! Entries close at 11:59pm PST. Good luck and happy weekend!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

Red October

{ Denim Jacket: H&M // Crochet Sweatshirt: H&M (last season) // Faux Leather Skater Skirt: ASOS // Booties: Zara (old) // Bag: Chanel // Sunglasses: Prada // Jewelry: J. Crew necklace; HRH Collection bracelet }

When the sun is shining, the autumn air is crisp with a slight chill, and the trees are on fire with vibrantly coloured leaves, it reminds me of this quote from my favourite childhood book:

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

* this post has been submitted to IFB Project #121: Skirting Around

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

Moto Chic

{ Faux Leather Jacket: H&M (old, similar) // Lace Tank: Wilfred // Jeans: James Jeans c/o To Vogue or Bust's giveaway // Heels: Pour La Victoire // Clutch: DIY // Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs // Jewelry: Erica Weiner necklace; ASOS rings }

I've never considered myself lucky when it comes to contests. I was always the one who never won things no matter how many times I entered. But that all changed this year! My most recent win were these amazing Moto Combo James Jeans from a blog giveaway that Alex of To Vogue or Bust hosted. Let me just say that I was beyond ecstatic and when they arrived, it was like Christmas morning. The moto-style stitching and patches make these the most unique pair of jeans I own, and they really up the style ante of any outfit that I put together with them. Be prepared to see a lot more of these jeans on the blog :)

< MY JAMES JEANS PICKS >

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

Fall Fashion Cravings

One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six

This season, I'm sticking to the basics to update my wardrobe for Fall, and letting the shoes and accessories shine. A black and white colour palette is classic while textures like leather keep things current. My personal favourites: the shoes and bag, of course. A little leopard and hot pink go a long way to make an outfit pop.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! I'll be checking out the Phillip Lim x Target collection on the 15th. Anyone else going?

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

Cake for Breakfast

{ Leather Jacket: H&M The New Icons Collection (old, similar here) // Ampersand Tee: Cake for Breakfast (tip: size up) // Shorts: Persun (c/o) // Booties & Bag: Zara // Sunglasses: Prada // Jewelry: DIY necklace (similar); ASOS rings }

If I were to actually change out of my pajamas to eat breakfast, I think this is something along the lines of what I would wear in the morning. This soft Cake for Breakfast t-shirt paired with these loose, drawstring shorts from Persun creates a pulled together look that has the comfort of sleepwear. I accessorized with a pearl necklace and delicate gold rings to make myself feel fancier since I am eating cake for breakfast, after all.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

California Dreaming

One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight

If you follow my Instagram feed you already know that I'm jetting off to LA for my next vacation and I couldn't be more excited. I've always had a soft spot for California with its sunshine, palm trees and casual, cool style. Here's an outfit I pulled together that's inspired by the Sunshine State and that I'd love to wear while I'm there.

< SHOP MY CALIFORNIA DREAMING STYLE >

PS: Since it's been 10 years since I was last in LA, I'd appreciate any recommendations on where you love to eat, play and shop!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

Camo Shorts: 2 Ways to Wear them Day or Night

Day Look: Blouse | Shorts | Bag | Sandals | Sunglasses

Night Look: Crop Top | Tassel Necklace | Shorts | Clutch | Heels | Rings 

Summer style is all about ease and staying chic in the heat. On days when you need to go from morning brunch and flea market shopping, to cocktails with the girls, you don't necessarily want to change your entire outfit. For this day to night look, the common piece is a pair of high-waisted camouflage shorts from Garage, which stocks lots of fun, effortless denim. Both looks play with prints, with the day look featuring a striped and floral tank from Persunmall and the night look adding a bit of luxe with Clare Vivier's haircalf clutch.

What are your tricks for taking a piece from day to night?

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER

PARIS

{ Paris T-shirt: ASOS // Sequin Shorts: Zara (old, last seen here) // Shoes: Christian Louboutin // Bag: Zara // Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs // Necklace: HRH Collection // Lipstick: MAC Candy Yum-Yum }

Audrey Hepburn once said Paris is always a good idea, but until I can get myself there again, this Paris print boyfriend tee from ASOS will have to do.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN' | CHICTOPIA | BLOGGER