Category Archives: Uncategorized

I’m on a Boat

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Although I was born and raised on the BWest Coast (the Best + West Coast!), I am a terrible swimmer, and much prefer to be sittin’ on the dock of the Bay. However, I shouldn’t let my fear of the ocean deter me from dressing for a maritime occasion.

I fell in love with this fabric when I first laid eyes on it; I waited for the perfect sewing project to turn it into something magnificent. Luckily my mom had the perfect dress pattern. Under her watchful eye, with her nagging guidance, and my patience tested, I transformed the fabric into a summery dress that’s ready to set sail. The seafaring look would not be complete without my nautical rope belt and my yellow peep toe Mary-Janes help accent the pops of yellow in the dress.

I’ll look fresh on the boat for the America’s Cup opening ceremony. Dare I say my cup runneth over with style?


home-sewn dress (similar) / U.O. belt (similar here & here) / J.Crew Mary-Janes (similar here & here) / vintage straw clutch (similar)

Shake it Like a Polaroid Picture

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In elementary school, I remember being forced to take awkward Polaroid mug shots for no reason. As a kid, my siblings and I would fight over using the Polaroid camera, and then watch in awe as it magically spit out the unprocessed image. It was pure magic to witness the pictures develop right before my eyes.

So with this nostalgia, I was elated to find this awesome tee shirt at a museum store during my visit to Toronto a few months back. I had long been looking for a cool “tourist” tee shirt – one with a graphic of a camera slung around the neck – and this one fit the profile perfectly. It was old school in all the right ways.

Lately my go-to casual outfit has been: graphic tee, blazer, jeans, strappy heels, and dog tags. This vintage yellow blazer added the right pop of color to an otherwise neutral palette. I wore this outfit to a quick casual dinner, and soon afterwards, I was ready to shake it like a Polaroid picture at a local bar without feeling too underdressed or too pretentious.

Who’s ready for their Polaroid mug shot?


personalized dog tags (similar) / vintage blazer (similar here + here) / graphic tee (similar) / Me Too shoes (similar)

Into the Wild Summer Solstice

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Soak in the sunshine because this is the longest day of the year. It’s the official start of summa summa summa time, time to sit back and unwind.

I was wild about this dress when I spied it on the racks of the thrift store safari that is Salvation Army. I swiftly pounced on it like my prey before another shopper could have the chance. Not only was this dress animal printed, but also the print was a mix of three different animals: leopard, cheetah, and tiger. To top it off, it had the animals lounging on the hem of the dress. With tiger and leopard accessories to match, I created the perfect wild look that could scare the summer solstice daylights out of someone.

Unfortunately it was feeling more like winter during my photoshoot. It was bitingly cold, and so I tried to think like an animal in the wild. What would the leopard do? The cheetah? How about the tiger? And just like that, I struck a pose in the cold wind like a beast. Am I worthy of being America’s Next Top Model? Maybe. Oh, except that I haven’t quite mastered the art of smizing. Sorry Tyra, I have failed you.

thrifted dress (similar) / cardigan (old, similar) / thrifted necklace (similar) / bangles (old, similar here + here)

Into the Wild

Papa Don’t Preach

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But I made up my mind, I’m writing this post about you.

When I look at my father’s 60-year-old frame today, it’s hard to believe that he was once an energetic young dad dealing with four kids. Looking back at old photos of him, I’d say he was a pretty stylish guy.

He wasn’t around much when my siblings and I were younger because he worked hard to make sure he could provide for us and feed our hungry tummies. This was one of his biggest regrets, he later told me, that he missed out on so much of our childhood. To make up for lost time, he would lecture us on various facets of life, lectures I always dreaded. Only in recent years have I started to understand the meaning of his lectures. Whether it is advice on finding the right man or finding a career I’m passionate about – he has two cents to say about everything. I’ve realized that my dad is a very smart man. He has bestowed on me many words of wisdom, of which I realize the truths to his words much later.

Dad, thank you for always challenging me and providing the inspiration for this outfit! Like father, like daughter.


unlabeled jacket (similar) / U.O. tee (similar) / vintage trousers (similar) / Me Too shoes (similar) vintage D&B purse

The Great Gatsby

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His name was Jay Gatsby and he threw the most lavish parties.

I know I’m a month behind the times, but I finally watched Baz Luhrmann’s version of The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby. Oh how I would’ve loved to live during the great Jazz Age just to experience the booze, the dancing, and the fashion of the roaring 20s. Who doesn’t want confetti dumped on them from a huge champagne bottle?

The movie was a spectacle of bright colors, fast moving scenes, and dramatic theatrics. Even more stunning were the costumes: the dresses, hats, accessories, suits, and hairstyles. Words cannot describe the glorious outfits, which were designed by Catherine Martin in collaboration with Prada and Brooks Brothers. Nevermind if the movie itself was a disappointment and the character development lacking, but at least the costumes and fashions were a feast for the eyes. Martin’s version of the 1920s style translated easily to present day and were freshly modern yet retro at the same time. The soundtrack is also to die for: with Jay-Z as executive producer, the music is worthy of much more than just jazz hands.

Alright old sport, I’ve received my invitation, now all I have to figure out is what to wear to the party.

When in doubt, crop it out

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There are just 14 days until the start of summer and I’m already experiencing hot flashes. How can I keep my cool during these heat waves? When in doubt, crop it out.

I’m not inclined to bare it all unless I’m in Vegas. However, when the temperature reaches the mid 80s, a cropped top is a perfect way stay cool and shows off a little skin without feeling too exposed. Not to mention it’s an excellent solution to get some color in your midsection, if you don’t mind a funny tan line.

My aunt was cleaning out her closet and I became the lucky recipient of her groovy 1960s two-piece dress. The openness of the sleeves is not only stylishly cute, but has a functional purpose, for it serves as a much needed ventilation to my overheating body. This photo shoot was taken in the late afternoon, with the sun beaming down on me, and not a shady spot in sight. I think I might be too hot to handle, quite literally.

Is it hot out here or is it just me?

two-piece vintage dress (similar top & skirt) / vintage heels (similar here & here)

Sin City Blackout

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Meet Vixen Vic, my alter ego.

Last week I went to Las Vegas and committed the greatest cardinal sin of all: I didn’t pack enough accessories!

Specifically, I was missing a belt. I know what you’re thinking: after a couple of drinks and dancing to loud music in dimly lit clubs until sunrise, does anyone really care? I do.

Call me a prude if you may, but I am no friend to Vegas attire; dressing in as little as possible has never been my forte.

However, shopping in my closet yielded an appropriate solution: black short shorts (hey it’s just like running shorts right?) and a sheer black top (the chest pocket placement is not an accident). Add a dash of glitz, gold, and vintage – you’ve hit the jackpot in the city of sin. Oh craps, I should’ve worn a necklace. Send another gin and tonic to me at the penny slots please!

My favorite detail in this outfit: the filigree-like loopy 1960s gold earrings that I scored at a vintage market in Toronto.

I returned home with no photographic evidence of my trip there, because as we all know, “whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” Enough said.

Vixen Vic vs. Chic Vic – readers, what do you think?


Silence & Noise blouse (options here & here) / Silence & Noise shorts (options here & here)   Nine West Rocha Pumps / vintage earrings (options here & here) / vintage belt (similar)

Crop it like it’s hot

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When them boys try to holla at you, crop it like it’s hot.

As the temperatures rise, so do the hemlines of shirts, in the form of crop tops. Are you telling me you don’t have toned abs? Never fear, because the good news is that you don’t necessarily need to expose your entire 1-pack. The cropped top can show skin ranging anywhere from under your ribcage to the top of your belly button – how much you choose to expose is up to you.

Although this certainly isn’t a new trend, I am a stranger to showing off my mid-section in public, unless I’m at the beach. If I were to sport this trend in the future, I’d reveal only a sliver of skin and wear a high waisted bottom of some sort – no bellybutton exposure for me! Stay tuned to see if I can successfully crop it like it’s hot.

Crop it like it's hot

G.I. Jo Camo

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Atten-shun!

The last time I wore something with camouflage print, it was in the form of a baby tee. At age 13, I recall pairing it with my favorite flared khaki pants and my tan utilitarian button up. But since then, I have not felt the need to incorporate camo back into my life. That is, until now. I’ve performed a complete about-face.

Not just any camo will put me at ease! Specifically, I’m looking for a lightweight jacket or parka that hits at the hips, with a belt or drawstring that cinches at the waist. Is that too much to ask for? Wear it with a graphic tee or a casual blouse. I would contrast it with something ultra feminine, like a skinny jean, pencil skirt, or even show a lot of leg with a pair of shorts. Finish with a girly espadrille wedge heel to make the outfit spring appropriate. It’s the perfect utilitarian chic look that will command attention even from across enemy lines.

Time to hit up the local army surplus store or a Forever21. Consider this my fashion tribute to Memorial Day.

Jo Camo

Chic Chambray

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Chic Chambray

When I first met the chambray button up shirt, I didn’t care for it too much, thinking that it certainly would clash with all the denim jeans I owned. Who wants to wear head to toe denim? Not I. Yet, slowly but surely, chambray found its way to my heart. Suddenly I longed to make one mine and looked forward to creating all sorts of beautiful outfits with it.

So, what exactly is chambray? Originally made in Cambrai, France, true chambray fabric looks rough and uneven. It is traditionally woven with blue threads and a white horizontal thread to give it that mottled look. However, now chambray can also refer to blue dress shirts or shirts that are denim in color.

Old Navy chambray (on sale! cuter option here) / Unisa espadrilles (similar here & here)   vintage Lord & Taylor jacket (similar) / vintage envelope clutch (similar)

I am surprised at how much I like denim on denim. The key to this outfit is to wear different shades of blue. The casual fit of the shirt felt a bit matronly on me, but nothing that a skinny belt can’t fix. To add some flair to an otherwise plain blue denim palette, I incorporated a leopard urban turban and a similar wild print in my espadrilles. I decided to pin a 1960s flower brooch on my shirt instead of my jacket to help break up the monochromatic look. Even in this balmy spring weather, a lightweight jacket is a must. I chose this peach colored vintage Lord & Taylor jacket to complement my blue-clad ensemble. And what look wouldn’t be complete without a purse to hold my essentials? This woven straw envelope clutch adds a punch of texture to my outfit.

Chic Vic in chambray. This shirt is sure to be a staple in my closet for the warm spring days ahead. Oh hey, can you say chambray all the way?