In honour of the start of Spring, Vince Camuto recently asked a few bloggers to wear our new Two by Vince Camuto Utility silk shirts while highlighting a favourite local spot. Because I definitely spend a little bit too much time and money on trying things (particularly food) around the city, it certainly took some time to settle on what to feature. After much deliberation, I decided to share Faubourg with you guys: with amazing pastries and high tea, great coffee and the fact that it's located in one of my favourite neighbourhoods, it's definitely one of my most-loved places to spend an afternoon.

It's officially become that time of year: the days are getting noticeably longer, the skies are becoming clearer and spring/summer merchandise is starting to trickle into stores. What I seem to forget every year around this time, though, is that it's actually still cold. I was admittedly freezing in this outfit, and probably should have opted for layers instead. After a few months of winter, though, I'm always a little too eager to pull some of my spring pieces out of hibernation. I hope I'm not the only impractical one here... do you do the same?

 

p.s. Lots of fun things happening on the blog this week. Stay tuned!

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Wearing: 10 Crosby Derek Lam jacket, H&M blouse (wore it in white here... kind of obsessed with it!), Hudson jeans, 3.1 Phillip Lim shoes, bag from local boutique, Joe Fresh beanie

As big of a fan as I am of colour blocking, I have, for whatever reason, tended to combine the same colours over and over again in the past. In celebration of Valentine's Day last week (and this video created with the girls of The Style Common), I wanted to put together a festive but not overtly themed look... and matching the typical red with an unexpected plum hue just felt right. What are your favourite colours to wear together?

Wearing: Zara cape (old), YesStyle blouse, Aritzia pants (similar here on sale), Club Monaco feather vest, Brian Atwood shoes, Salvatore Ferragamo bag

Tiffany & Co necklace | Henri Bendel clutch | Jeffrey Campbell flats (in black) | Equipment blouse | J Brand jeans via luxury retailer Matches

Although leopard is and probably will always remain my first love, I've been finding myself slowly but surely adding more of the subdued and equally versatile snake/python into my wardrobe lately. And, being Chinese, the Year of the Snake provides the perfect excuse to invest in something of the print! From statement flats to wear-everyday jeans to an amazingly extravagant necklace, there is basically something for everyone, no matter how adventurous or how safe you want to play it. Are you a fan of python?

I don't remember the last time I had a pair of light coloured denim in my wardrobe (it was probably sometime back in high school when I would wear flared ones with a hoodie and Skechers shoes). I decided to finally jump on the train again when I finally found these on super sale recently. They're definitely a lot more stylish than the last version I owned them in, and I am currently loving them dressed up with my favourite classics.

Wearing: BCBGMAXAZRIA jacket and cuff, H&M blouse, CURRENT/ELLIOT jeans, Zara shoes, Joe Fresh beanie, Coach bag and rings

For as long as I can remember, I've avoided boots that cut right below the calf like the plague. Since I've been a regular runner since high school, that region is not the skinniest (or lengthiest) in the world for me... and as a result boot choices have been limited. Enter this pair from Vince Camuto: as corny as it sounds, it felt like a whole new world of comfort + style was opened the moment I slipped them on. I love that they are cut in a way that is actually quite flattering for the leg, and of course I couldn't say no to the cool stud detail. I may be overreacting a little, but I'm actually so excited about a pair of boots that I can walk all day in that actually look good. Happy Friday!

p.s. I am pretty sure that this Joe Fresh beanie, which I randomly got in an event gift bag a couple of years ago, is becoming my new black faux fur vest (refer to here if you don't know what I mean ;)).

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Wearing: YesStyle jacket and vest (c/o), H&M blouse, Hudson jeans (insanely comfy!), Vince Camuto boots (c/o), MICHAEL Michael Kors bag, Joe Fresh beanie

Leathers and furs. Blues, burgundies, and soft neutrals. A collection "inspired by the beautiful history inlaid within ... Istanbul", I absolutely loved the BCBGMAXAZRIA show. It was sportswear... "with just the right amount of feminine appeal", all topped off with sumptuous cashmere beanies... and it was the perfect inspiration for the edgier looks I've been liking for the past couple of seasons.

Last week, I went on a whirlwind two-day, two-night trip to the Big Apple with BCBGMAXAZRIA to see their offices and attend their Fall 2013 show. To say that it was special would be an understatement: I had been longing for another visit to the city after a trip there last May, and to be able to attend with a brand that I've been shopping at for years made it that much sweeter...

In the past year, my personal style has definitely veered from being quite obviously feminine to quite a bit less so. The addition of this moto jacket into my closet has definitely added fuel to a more edgily inspired style. I recently paired it with equally boyish blackwatch plaid trousers and a chained anklet, but to keep it from looking too grunge-y I added a girly fuchsia lip and a fresh-out-of-hibernation bright orange clutch. Wearing: Talula jacket, Zara blouse, Topshop trousers, MICHAEL Michael Kors bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim shoes, Element 7 anklet (c/o)

Several weeks ago, I received a very exciting email asking if I would be interested in going to New York for a couple of days to attend a few events leading up to and at NYFW. Obviously, the word "yes" couldn't fly out of my mouth fast enough, and by the time you read this my whirlwind trip to New York City will be well on its way! I'm thrilled to be back in the big city again, and naturally I will be sharing on the blog next week. For now, though, you can follow my adventures in real time on instagram here!

Wearing: H&M blouse (old), YesStyle jacket and vest (c/o), J.Crew pants, Aldo RISE shoes, DKNY bag

{catching up with a girlfriend over afternoon tea in the prettiest china}
It's been a while since I've done a Tuesday Treats post, because to be honest dreary rain doesn't exactly spark inspiration to notice lovely things. Now that it's February, though, things are looking up! Though it's still wet for the most part, I am seriously thrilled that it doesn't get dark until 5pm now. I'm also getting in the mood of anticipating spring-related fun like pastels, outdoor brunches and long days out. Have a lovely Tuesday!

{testing out pretty new spring polishes from Joe Fresh}
{trading in heels for flat leather loafers - like walking on clouds} 

{I love this quote in a restaurant we recently went to for brunch - who wouldn't want to dine at a place like this?}
{fun balloons for a polka dot themed quarter century birthday party!}

While I feel that it's pretty straight forward to look put together when a pair of heels are thrown into the mix, lately I've been leaning towards casual comfort. It's admittedly been a challenge to feel stylish when dressed in an ultra laid-back look, but I think that pieces like this new vest I found on clearance are key: it has a great silhouette, is cut at the right place, and is armed with lots of little details that draw the eye in for a closer look.
Wearing: J.Crew turtleneck and bracelet, Maison Martin Margiela for H&M vest, T.Babaton trousers, Browns loafers, Artessorio bag, BCBGMAXAZRIA necklace (old), Joe Fresh beanie

This past week has been one of the busiest of my life. Without going into too much detail, there have been numerous projects which have sprung up, seemingly out of nowhere... and all at once! I feel immeasurably blessed and joyful about it all and it's definitely been one of those instances where it feels like everything in the past has worked together for a purpose. I'm excited to share more with you soon, but in the meantime, here's a casual & comfortable look I wore to meet with the Style Common ladies this past week (which is one of the exciting projects!). Have a great weekend!

Wearing: YesStyle shirt and vest, Talula (Aritzia) jacket, H&M trousers, Zara shoes (similar), MICHAEL Michael Kors bag, Board of Trade Co. hat