Staged

by Jen on Wednesday, August 31, 2011


{Photos by Paul Milaire & Roderick Fung}

The flowy skirt is actually part of a vintage dress that belongs to Cara (see her wearing it here). While the piece is gorgeous, the top unfortunately didn't fit me properly and as a result I had to improvise and wear something over it. It's a shame I couldn't do this lovely piece justice, but the skirt in itself is pretty enough to showcase! Paul, Rod and I wandered into this old auditorium and it was too perfect not to use for our location to shoot these photos.









Wearing: Vintage dress (swapped with Cara), H&M sweater (similar in dress version), Zara shoes (similar), Jacob belt (similar)

Vancouver Magazine

by Jen on Tuesday, August 30, 2011


I was recently contacted by Vancouver Magazine to be featured in an article for their September issue, highlighting the city's best style and fashion bloggers. After rubbing my eyes for some time to make sure I wasn't dreaming, I answered some interview questions and joined Sarah Bancroft, Victoria Potter, Paul Melo & M'c Kenneth Licon in the heart of Gastown for this photo (by Chris Haylett). What an immense and unexpected honour - big thanks to Vancouver Magazine for thinking of me!

See the online version of the article here (you can read the words on the photo clearly there).
p.s. do you like how my bag looks like it's absolutely bursting at its seams?! I don't even remember what was in it.

Nostalgia

by Jen on Monday, August 29, 2011


{photos by my oldest girlfriends xo}

There's nothing like a trip to your childhood school to trigger feelings of nostalgia. These photos were taken by two of my oldest girlfriends, at the school where I attended kindergarten to second grade. I didn't meet these girls at the school (I met them at church at around the same time), but they've become like sisters to me. I'm so grateful for friends who will give advice that comes from a genuine intention to help you become a better person and make the right choices, regardless of how much you might not want to hear it.




Wearing: MINKPINK cardigan, H&M shirt (similar), Gap skirt (similar), DV by Dolce Vita loafer flats, BCBGMAXAZRIA headband, Joe Fresh earrings & bracelet, clutch gift from Sharon

Sneak a Peek

by Jen on Friday, August 26, 2011


{A second "swapped" piece makes it debut}

A peek at what's coming next week...

But for now, have a great weekend! And East Coasters, please stay safe and well prepared in anticipation of the hurricane!


{Python flats for fall - (on sale here!)}

Downtown

by Jen on Wednesday, August 24, 2011


{Photos by Roderick Fung}





Wearing: Zara silk tunic (very old) & trousers, Aldo shoes (on sale here!), MICHAEL Michael Kors clutch, Tom Ford sunnies, vintage Salvatore Ferragamo belt, earrings found at Value Village

Tuesday Treats

by Jen on Tuesday, August 23, 2011

{a go-with-everything headband that I've been wearing constantly (also worn as a necklace here)- best $14 I've spent all summer}

It seems as though summer is gradually coming to a close: the sun is going down earlier, clouds are rolling in and I have even seen a leaf or two on the ground. Although this is a time of year that I tend to dread (I'm almost convinced that I have some form of seasonal affective disorder), I've been constantly reminding myself not to anticipate the coming cold weather too much and just enjoy the lovely little smile inducing things that are happening right now. Here are a few of them.

{stopping in a candy shop during a late afternoon walk with a friend and indulging in a decadent treat}

{a little one wearing lace up chucks - so cute!}

{being on the beach during golden hour}

{a gorgeous new bag that I can't wait to carry into fall - c/o Coach}

Cardigan

by Jen on Monday, August 22, 2011

{Photos by Thomas Tsang}

I have Cee to thank for this outfit: I'd already worn her cardigan recently here, but I adore it so much that I wanted to style it again-- this time for a casual walk around downtown. The print really does it for me and the merino wool is so soft to the touch. Here's to amazingly versatile pieces that still happen to look beautiful and not boring!



Wearing: J. Crew cardigan (swapped with Cee), Talula blouse, H&M skirt (last year), Banana Republic necklace, Halston Heritage flats, Joe Fresh jewelry, Coach bag

Chocolate Caramilk Cookies

by Jen on Friday, August 19, 2011



Taking the summer off post-graduation is a blessing that I am entirely grateful for. As relaxing as it is, though, I've found that I feel awful when I get into the cycle where I'm doing nothing that's actually productive or self-enriching. In an attempt to counter that, I've been putting in the effort to do more of the things I enjoy that typically would have taken a backseat during busier times. One of these activities is baking. Several days ago I made these chocolate-caramel cookies, which was effective in satisfying both my restlessness as well as my sweet tooth at once.










What are some of your hobbies? I'd love to know!

So Clutch

by Jen on Wednesday, August 17, 2011


{Photos by Judith Wong}
While I feel incredibly blessed to know so many great girls in the blogosphere, there are a few out there who are really something else. Upon hearing that I had recently graduated, the lovely Sharon made this clutch (as well as another that I will soon debut) for me, and sent it over along with some Hawaiian chocolates as a gift. Isn't she sweet? I especially love the surprise factor and attention to detail in the leopard print lining. Thank you, Sharon, for being so kind, thoughtful & generous with your talents!




Wearing: Modcloth blouse, le fou by Wilfred (Aritzia) shorts (with added sash), Aldo shoes, Tom Ford sunnies, Juliet & Company earrings, BCBGMAXAZRIA "necklace" (it's actually this headband!), Tom Ford sunnies, clutch gift from Sharon!
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What A Stud

by Jen on Tuesday, August 16, 2011


Clockwise, from top:
1. Marc by Marc Jacobs / $48 2. GUESS / $25 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs / $38 4. Gorjana - $35 5. Tinley Road / $20 6. Kate Spade / $48 7. Betsey Johnson / $25 8. Juicy Couture / $48

I have a confession to make: I, a once self-proclaimed "bigger-is-better" statement jewelry wearer, cannot remember the last time I wore dangly earrings of any size. If you scroll through the pages of this blog, I don't even think there's been a single pair in sight for a good couple of months. These days, I can't help but prefer the way that smaller studs provide a touch of femininity and refinement without distracting the face. While I'm not ruling out the wearing of bold earrings for good, here are some lovely & affordable pairs that have caught my eye for the time being.


{my most worn earrings, left to right: vintage clip on, Juliet & Company, Joe Fresh, vintage (mom's)}

What are you wearing on your ears?

Ode

by Jen on Monday, August 15, 2011


{photos by Mina Sadat of Faboulista}

Here are some better photos of what I wore to the Banana Republic Mad Men launch last Thursday. Though I admittedly don't know a lot about fashion from previous eras, I thought a pussybow blouse and pencil skirt was a little reminiscent of both Joan from the show and the office-friendly collection at the store. I also took the opportunity to wear a piece that was borrowed at the blogger swap last weekend: this gorgeous printed cardigan belonging to Cee. The quasi-rorschach / floral print is amazingly bold yet feminine, and I must admit that I wish I had it for myself!







Wearing: J. Crew cardigan (swapped with Cee!), thrifted blouse, self made skirt, vintage Bruno Magli pumps, MICHAEL Michael Kors bag

Going Mad for Mad Men

by Jen on Friday, August 12, 2011


Last night I had the privilege of attending and shopping the store debut of the Banana Republic Mad Men collection, the just-launched collaboration between Banana Republic and the show's costume designer Janie Bryant. With no shortage of lace and leopard and plenty of pretty separates, the clothes are in great basic, retro-inspired cuts with just the right touch of sassiness- ideal for office ladies who want to inject a dose of personality into their work attire. I walked out with this classic and undeniably versatile lace shell in black, which I know will serve me very well throughout the seasons.

The Banana Republic Mad Men limited edition collection is available in stores now and here online (but not for long!). Will you be getting anything?


{with lovely, stylish girls Mina, Alicia, Melissa & Lisa}




{oh hello, Don & Betty Draper!}



Thanks again to Lisa Kwong for the invitation. Stay tuned for a full outfit post of what I wore on Monday. Happy Weekend!

Blogger Clothing Swaps & Reunions

by Jen on Wednesday, August 10, 2011



On Sunday, I attended my first blogger clothing swap, which was a delightful afternoon of champagne and pretty clothes hosted by the lovely Cee. It was great to see new faces (Cee, Cara and Louise), along with the familiar (my dear friend Mina). Afterward, I took the opportunity to catch up with Mina over dinner since she just returned from a trip to Japan and Romania (lucky girl!). From the day I ended up borrowing three new-to-me pieces that have me so excited; I can't wait to style them and show you the looks!


{Mina, Cara and Louise}


{the lovely hostess and my Joe Fresh skirt, which Cara ended up with!}





Wearing: Forever 21 top, Zara skirt, Club Monaco belt, Coach flats, MICHAEL Michael Kors bag, BCBGMAXAZRIA headband and bracelet