2013... So Far.

by Jen on Friday, March 29, 2013


As we approach the quarter mark of 2013 (already?!), it seems like the perfect time for a little bit of reflection. This year has started off on a wonderful, at times exhausting, sometimes stressful, but truly rewarding note. Between a brand new job that I love, the success of The Style Common, a few amazing blog opportunities, and having a few things going on personally, I have been feeling so blessed, so thankful, so full. Thank you so much for reading my blog and always leaving kind words of encouragement and love. Have an amazing Easter long weekend and I'll see you on Monday!

Between the Lions

by Jen on Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Although it's frequently teeming with birds (one of my greatest fears) and the smell of marijuana, I still think that the outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the prettiest spots to photograph in the city. It's about as grand as architecture gets here, and it also happens to provide the perfect canvas for blog photos. I've been blessed enough to have several of my friends help snap some photos at this spot while spending downtown (see here, here, here) but I think these recent ones by a girlfriend are my favourite so far. Do you have a favourite spot for photos in your city? I'd love to know!
Wearing: BCBGMAXAZRIA jacket, Zara peplum top, Levi's jeans, Pour la Victoire pumps (on sale here!), MICHAEL Michael Kors bag, Nixon watch, Topshop necklace

Borrowed from the Boys

by Jen on Monday, March 25, 2013

I'm not quite sure why, but almost everything I've been drawn to sartorially lately has veered toward the masculine side (with a feminine twist). This pinstriped blouse from Joe Fresh is the latest addition: I like how relaxed the fit is and the "borrowed from the boys" vibe it gives off, but the fact that it's made from silk keeps it somewhat feminine. Since the piece itself seems to give the best of both worlds, it only felt right to pair it with equally tomboyish jeans and heavy chains, polished off with red lips and a sky-high heel to maintain some girly appeal.
Wearing: Joe Fresh blouse (c/o), CURRENT/ELLIOTT denim, Brian Atwood pumps, Artessorio bag, Nixon watch, Club Monaco necklace

Colour me Happy

by Jen on Friday, March 22, 2013

Perhaps it's been because of the general lack of sunshine (save for a few days) lately, but I have been especially drawn to all things yellow in the last little while (see here and here). This Joe Fresh shell is the newest addition, and although it's not warm enough to wear on its own yet, I know it's going to be a go-to piece come summertime - I'm already envisioning it with the new camo print shorts I recently bought.  What colours have you been loving lately?
Wearing: Club Monaco peacoat, Joe Fresh shell (c/o), thrifted blouse, Levi's jeans (c/o Plen+y), Zara shoes (similar), DKNY bag, sunnies borrowed from Alicia

Closet Creation

by Jen on Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Over the past few years, I've become much more interested in building up a wardrobe consisting of quality basics such as silk blouses, wool/cashmere coats, and leather pants, to name a few. I know this isn't exactly groundbreaking news, but this black cashmere turtleneck (also worn here, here & here) has really proven to be one of my best purchases ever and is definitely indispensable in my closet. Making smarter shopping decisions and buying less are steps I'm actively taking to edit my closet into a good one - and for me, that means excellent basics, peppered with separates that have outstanding details (like this jacket). What does your dream closet look like?
Wearing: Zara peplum, trench and pumps (similar), J.Crew turtleneck, Aritzia trousers, Jeweliq necklace, Nixon watch (c/o Watch Co.)

Dobie

by Jen on Monday, March 18, 2013

Because I frequently "suffer" from the Asian condition of being told I look younger than I actually am, I have, until now, been a little hesitant to wear graphic shirts in spite of being a fan of the look. However, this Doberman tee I came across recently was just a little too good to pass up. Paired with polished separates that have a hint of edge, the shirt feels like a fun element in the look without appearing juvenile.
Wearing: YesStyle tee (c/o), Coach trench, Zara leather skirt (love this faux leather one with zippers), 3.1 Phillip Lim shoes, MICHAEL Michael Kors bag

Make Up, Minimized

by Jen on Friday, March 15, 2013

While packing for New York last month, I was faced with a bit of a challenge: I wanted to bring everything I needed, but had to make sure I'd still be able to handle my luggage on my own (it was my first time traveling independently, and honestly I am kind of weak). Since I was bringing a ridiculous amount of clothing with me for fashion week, I needed to pare down on the toiletries. Make up-wise, I wanted to make sure I wasn't lugging around my entire up collection, while still having everything I wanted to look fully put together. Here's are some tricks on what I did to minimize; some of these products have been used since the last time I did a make up related post (here), but I've also found many new favourites since!

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All Year Round

by Jen on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Being in a position where I have both a limited budget and closet space, I love the pieces that you can truly wear during each and every season (in a moderate enough climate, of course). These new faux leather shorts from Club Monaco are a prime example of that: while they're perfect right now with a pair of tights as we shift into the next season, I'll definitely be wearing them sans-tights in the summer months, and doubling up on the hosiery to bring them into the winter months.
Wearing: Club Monaco shorts (c/o), YesStyle blouse and vest, BB Dakota jacket (old), Stuart Weitzman boots (c/o), MICHAEL Michael Kors bag

Tuesday Treats

by Jen on Tuesday, March 12, 2013

{loving the bursts of colour showing up around the city!}
Seeing that I have (self diagnosed) seasonal affective disorder, every Winter tends to pull me under the covers where I'll want to stay until daylight savings rolls around in March. Since it finally happened this weekend, I am now happily feeling like I'm starting to crawl out of hibernation. A recent unique opportunity to shoot some street style around the city gave me the perfect chance to do just that: much of the past week was spent walking around and slowly experiencing Vancouver waking up for Springtime. Here are some highlights. Happy Tuesday!

{the best brunch I've had in a while - proscuitto, brie and pear tartine at Catch 122. divine.}
{going casual and ready to approach strangers to shoot their style!}

{getting matched to my perfect shade of foundation at an Estee Lauder event - they offer this service at all counters!}
{new menswear inspired basics from Joe Fresh and Nixon}
{the cutest watchdog sunbathing in a boutique's display window}

Spring Jewels

by Jen on Monday, March 11, 2013

For whatever reason, I've always tended to equate jewel tones with the colder months. Since I only acquired this deep purple feather vest a couple of months ago (and most of that time it's been in the closet safe from the rain) though, I wasn't ready to put it away quite yet! Pairing the piece with lighter wash jeans and brightening it up with a white blouse and a fun statement necklace immediately made it feel Spring-ready.

p.s. I just need to share how much I have been loving this amazing product as of late. It's given my mostly limp Asian hair tons of much needed volume!
Wearing: Club Monaco vest and sweater (c/o), YesStyle blouse (inside) CURRENT/ELLIOT jeans (on sale here!), Zara pumps (old, but a fun style for summer here), Adia Kibur necklace (old)

Sporty Stripes

by Jen on Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Due to a lack of time, and writer's block, today, I'll let the photos speak for themselves (thanks to my talented friends Rod & Paul for creating such great ones). Have a wonderful Wednesday and I hope your week has been productive and fulfilling so far!
Photos by Paul Milaire & Roderick Fung
Wearing: H&M sweater (old), Vince Camuto blouse, YesStyle vest, Aritzia pants, Zara shoes (old, but pretty much identical pair on sale here!), MICHAEL Michael Kors bag, Joe Fresh beanie, Clinique Chubby Stick in Plushest Punch (my current favourite lip colour!)