Category: Fashion

High Park In Full Bloom

For the past 2 years I’ve missed out on seeing the Cherry Blossoms at High Park. I’ve either found out about the blossoms too late, or have been working. Because retail knows no days off.
And this year I was afraid I would miss out again since I will be in Italy around the time the trees usually bloom – Must say, it’s a pretty fair trade though.

Luckily enough, the cherry blossoms came early this year and I was able to catch it this past weekend! Good thing too, because it’s been rainy and gloomy the past few days so I was able to go on clear skies.

I asked bae to take me because I thought it would be a nice little day date. Taking a walk in the park and snapping some photos. Plus, I had been waiting for the perfect moment to wear my Air Max 1 Print sneakers this season.
And this was definitely the perfect time.
Enjoy!

It was only right to wear my Cherry Blossoms to go see the Cherry Blossoms!

They also had magnolias!.. which at first I thought were just a special type of cherry blossom. Either way, so pretty 😍

Sweater: Marquee Noir

Of course, I couldn’t leave without taking a shoefie!

I literally had to lay on the ground and kick my feet in the air, but hey! Anything to get the perfect shot, right?

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

If you’re thinking of going next year, I would suggest going during the early hours of the morning to avoid crowds. We got there in the late afternoon around 5pm. Had to drive around for a while to look for parking because the entrance we tried to go through was blocked off. Perhaps the lots were at full capacity? Didn’t mind so much though because we were finishing the first chapter of the S-Town podcast… because Ellen suggested to give it a listen. So we had to, duh!

I was super excited to see the Cherry Blossoms that day. I’m starting to love and admire flowers a lot, so I believe it’s most definitely worth the trek.

A tree of pure florals? And they’re pink?!
Enough said.

Such gorgeous blooms though. For sure, my future garden goals.
You win nature.

xo
Stephanie

*Note: Use coupon code ‘steph10’ for an extra 10% off your Marquee Noir purchase!

May 4, 2017
FAB FINDS Feat. Kate Spade Jewellery

I may have a little shopping addiction when it comes to Kate Spade. More specifically their outlet stores.

They’re not the biggest of outlet stores here in the Toronto area, but I could easily spend over an hour in there without even realizing it. They just lure me in, because every visit I find they have new items.
Thus, leaving me in the same scenario which always ends up as follows – I’m waiting on a sales associate to price check an item for me that doesn’t have a tag, while I’ve got two purses on my shoulder and I’m balancing five items in my left hand so I can use my phone in my right to calculate my totals.

Never changes.

My last visit though, I told myself I was not going to buy anything since I was only there to help my sister shop for a birthday present. And I was doing very well, until I hit the jewellery stand. As mentioned before, accessories are my thing. Plus, who could turn down an extra 70% off?!

I’m a sucker for bows so I just love this detail. I had been eyeing this rose gold bracelet for a while. I passed it up a few times in exchange for some new purses during past visits. Then for a period, I never saw it in stores anymore and I thought I lost my chance, but when I saw they had stock, I couldn’t miss out again.

I especially like how this bracelet fits my hand nicely. I usually have trouble with sizing bracelets and bangles since a lot of them are too big for my hand and fall off.
This Kate Spade one is made smaller and has a clasp so I won’t need to worry about it slipping off. And I am obsessing over rose gold right now. I’m trying to build a collection and this piece will fit in perfectly!

Though I was content with just the bracelet, but I couldn’t pass up these earrings. I’m in love with this shade of blue. It’s not too bright and they’re just smaller than a dime, so I like how it subtly stands out against my brown hair. It just adds a little something extra, rather than your usual pair of clear gem studs. And they came in at just under $13!

I do love a good sale, so when I see a minimum of 50% off, I usually leave with a larger purchase like a handbag or wallet. Their small accessories always get me too. You can never have too many coin purses or card holders – at least that’s what I tell myself. Stop making such cute stuff Kate Spade!.. but don’t stop, because I love them.

In the end, I spent just over $32 for both items, which is a record for me in that store. So, I’m happy.

‘Til next time Kate Spade!

xo
Stephanie

March 15, 2017
STYLE STEALS Feat. Dynamite

Working in a mall has its perks if you love to shop, but working in a mall can also be the death of your wallet if you love to shop.

When I have time to spare on my lunch or after work, I’m aimlessly walking the mall. I’m always checking out what’s new in store fronts and seeing if I can find those items I’ve recently seen on my Insta feed, in store.
Though, for some reason I notice when I’m on the hunt for a specific item, I can never find exactly what I’m looking for. Or, what happens is I’ll go into a store on the hunt for a particular item, but leave with another. Especially if there’s a sale. I generally have good will power, but sometimes you just come across a really good buy that you can’t pass up!

Most recently, I stumbled into Dynamite because I was looking for this sweater I saw on @jessicajuliien‘s Instagram. Because obviously Instagram is where I do my online window shopping now. It was this black sweatshirt that read, in white print, ‘MY LITTLE BLACK SWEATSHIRT.’ I know, Captain Obvious, right? I just thought it was cute!

Photo by: @jessicajuliien

So I make my way around, scoping the racks of clothing and folded displays. Eventually finding it hanging in the back of the store and it’s as cute as it looks in the photo. At this point I’m basically taking out my wallet, but as I’m reaching to find a size, I’m surprised by the material. I was expecting your basic cotton blend because you cannot go wrong with a cotton sweatshirt. Instead, I’m feeling some shiny scuba knit, which I’m okay with on a skirt or dress, but not what I’m looking for in a cozy casual sweatshirt. How am I supposed to stay cozy, yet fashionable on my lazy days in scuba? It still looks really cute though… And the more I’m staring at this photo, the more I’m wishing it bought it. Dammit.

Anywho… Disappointed, I turn to leave, but of course have to stop by the sale rack to satisfy my internal bargain hunter. You just never know what you’re going to find.
Unexpectedly, I come across a navy blue, velour cami with straps that criss cross in the back. Only one left and a price tag of $5 – I am sold. I mean, duh. It’s $5! The cut for me is too low in the front because the straps are a tad too long, but that’s nothing a little needle and thread can’t fix.

Besides the price, I love how this velour cami can be dressed up or down. The blue is so rich, yet subtle that it can be your pop of colour or stay neutral. I can dress it up by tucking it into black trousers/pencil skirt and throw a blazer/cardigan on top. Or, pair it with denim/ripped jean shorts if I’m going casual. It’s also a stretch material, which I like because I won’t feel constricted if I’m wearing it all day.

Most I love though, is that it was on sale.
Sales are my best friend. Regular price for this shirt I believe was $29.99 – from what I could read of the original tag under all the markdown stickers. Either way, for $5 this was definitely a steal.
Totally happy.

xo
Stephanie

March 2, 2017
Confidence Boost for the Dreaded Interview

I had an interview last month.
I hate interviews.

I think you’re either great at them, or you’re not. And I’m not, but I try to fake my level of comfort as much as I can. Where in reality, I just want to sink into my seat, slide out the door and make a run for it.

Maybe because with most of the jobs I’ve landed, the interviews were more casual so there wasn’t too much pressure. Plus, it was for serving banquets and catering – my chinchilla can hold a plate. Then I got in to background/extra work for film and television. There’s no interview with bg agencies. You just need to be available when they call. Which is any time of day. My first movie was Total Recall and I was an arm’s length from Colin Farrell. We made eye contact. No one believes me, but it happened. And it was magical.
*sigh*…
What was I talking about?
Oh, right. Interviews.

That basis of an interview is to be able to sell yourself. Verbally. Which is hard for me because I don’t like talking about myself to new people. I’m more of a listener than a talker. So one thing I like to prep is the ‘tell me about yourself’ or ‘why do you want to work here’ questions because those are a given you’ll be asked. Everything else I try to wing and sound confident with my answers. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. And when it doesn’t, I eat chocolate. Chocolate understands. It’s the best consoler of all time. Even better when it invites ice cream to join the pity party.

When I don’t land jobs I just have to remind myself not to take it personally. Which is very hard to do sometimes. It straight up sucks being turned down. Especially if it’s something you really, really want and think you’d learn a lot and excel in. Though, it is kind of like a casting call. They’re looking for someone that fits their certain requirements and I can’t hate on that if I’m not it. I can cry about it, sure. Though I give myself 24-48hrs to sulk… and maybe hate a little… then tell myself to grow a pair and move on.

Then there are the other moments where I’m super stubborn – maybe even stupid – and apply and interview with the same company four different times over a couple of years in hopes the next interview will be different. True story. The last time I landed a call back for a second interview and was super excited until the owner told me in front of his partner, 2 employees and 3 other candidates that I wasn’t getting the job and should register for their 8 week, $8000 class. Thanks.
Needless to say, I stopped applying.

One thing I make sure to do, no matter how I’m feeling, is look my best. Even if I’m nervous, I like to wear things that make me feel comfortable and confident. Because let’s face it – when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, your mindset is more positive. And other people can definitely sense that.

So find your confidence boost. Accessories are my thing, so I make sure I’m wearing something that makes me feel like a billion bucks – because being a millionaire nowadays is overrated.
My showstopper necklace from Forever 21 is one of my favourite pieces I purchased in the last year. Some may find it tacky or loud, but it makes me feel bad and boujee when I wear it. In a good way.

I wore this to my last interview. And this was probably the most important interview I’ve had to date. It’s something I’ve been prepping for and patiently waiting over the past year. For a real full time job. That’s creative. With salary. Like adults have. Apparently, that’s still a real thing. Who knew?

So wish me luck! And I’ll keep you posted.

xo
Stephanie

Update: I did not get the job and I am currently in my Totoro onesie eating Boomchickapop because I ran out of chocolate and ice cream, but tomorrow’s a new day. On to the next venture!

February 21, 2017
Fur vs. Faux

When it comes to fashion, I am sometimes faced with the biggest moral dilemma.
Fur vs. faux.

It’s a constant debate in the fashion industry. I am a huge animal lover so I’m totally against animal cruelty, but I also love luxury. And fur is luxurious. Perhaps it’s the makings of media brainwashing taking its toll on me, but fur has always been a representation of status. From royalty to socialites to celebrity, there’s just something about it.

Which brings me to one of my biggest shopping regrets to date. And I am reminded and think about my loss every Fall/Winter season, but I stick by my decision.

I have this habit of trying on things that I think look weird or gaudy or, in my opinion, just flat out ugly. It makes for a great laugh or fun surprise, because sometimes you’ll fall in love with something you never thought you’d like.
So a few years ago I was in a Benetton/Sisley store and tried on this fur vest. It was super Jlo. Something I thought I’d never wear because it was too extravagant for my closet, but I tried it on and *sigh* Fell. Hard.
It was soft. It was full. It was browns and whites and tans. The colour transitions were impeccable. It was gorgeous. And it was on sale for only $99. So it was a steal. And I did not buy it. And I still shed a little tear thinking about it.
And the reason I regret it is because years later I am yet to find something that could match it and make me forget I ever walked into that store.

I recently bought this cute pink faux vest from Guess when they had a sale on outerwear. It’s a light pastel colour with this tie up detailing. I do really like it, but it just reminds me of what I could have had.

No faux vest has come close to the quality, style, shape or price of that Sisley vest. It was the one that got away. And I just have to live with that because at the time I just couldn’t do it. It would have ate at my conscience so long as I had my little fur balls at home.

Cookie aka Baby

I had two chinchillas at the time and they were in my head as I debated in store for a good half hour. My Stinky would have pissed on it, while Baby would have just looked at me in disappointment. So I just couldn’t.

*Unfortunately, Smelly is no longer with me. Now, excuse me while I go cry for 10min.

So I respect vegans. Whether it’s a health choice or just strictly because of their love for animals. It’s a lifestyle and choice that takes a lot of dedication. I admire those who live it. Maybe one day I’ll have the will power to do so too, but until then I’ll continue to sob and hunt for my vest.

xo
Stephanie

Poopie aka Stinky aka Smelly aka Smelly cat ❤

January 14, 2017