j-diaries

HOME! AFTER 6 MONTHS

2012-02-09T23:44:00.007-05:00

How would you measure six months? For me, it was three seasons long in a continent far from home. But little seems to have changed here while I was gone, when my whole world flipped upside-down-and-back-around within that span. Beauty of home is that it will always be waiting for my return whenever I do decide to set off on my adventures, and it has always remained pretty much almost the same, as if I had never left.

xo Jen

WINTER STREET STYLE - KOREAN EDITION

2012-02-07T21:14:00.006-05:00

[Click here to see the original article on Kavenyou]

Korea is the land of trends. Almost every person, mannequin or billboard on the streets seems to be sporting the same reappearing “it” items. Here are the four most prevalent pieces on the streets of Korea that you may want to add to your wardrobe for the upcoming winter season.

THE “SAFARI JUMPER”

Heavily padded safari jumpers are starting to replace autumn’s khaki safari jackets, as fashionistas prepare for the cold winter. Winter’s jumpers generally have the same relaxed look as fall’s, but with added fur linings, hoods and more obvious bulk for extra warmth. The jumper is a popular choice for those looking for something comfortable and casual. The most common color is khaki green, but details like zippers, buttons, pockets and strings differ in each jacket for personal taste.

THE “CAPE”
Those in favor of a less bulky and more feminine look will not pass on the variations of capes that are coming out this winter season. The classic cape is a sleeveless, cloak-style coat. For the winter, capes are looking heavier with high collars and often fur-lined hoods. A wool cape with a cleaner design (e.g. less buttons) gives off a more chic and modern vibe, whereas a more textured fabric with busier details is a casual alternative.

THE “WARMER” (CIRCLE SCARF)

Another key winter item for the practical and stylish is the “neck warmer” (as they’re called in Korea, also known as circle scarves). When matched properly, circle scarves can touch up any mundane outfit into an instantly fashionable one. There is no specific color or material that is trending among warmers, though mustard yellows, jewel-toned blues and reds are common on the streets. Different colors and fabrics can compliment personal style or exude a certain ambience: a thicker-knit scarf of warmer tones can soften your look to romantic, whereas contrasting the colors of your scarf and outfit makes a bolder statement.

THE “LACED BOOT”
It is impossible to count how many pairs of laced boots you will spot on the streets of Korea. These stylish shoes are expected to be a continuing big trend this winter. From ankle-length to even knee-highs, modified combat boots of various shades are a hit among both ladies and men. The classic army-style boot (with flat soles) has a thicker sole for a bold, heavy-duty look. Combat boots are generally paired with casual outfits, but can be worn to add edge and texture to a chic or modern outfit (e.g.: a blazer and tights). Heeled lace boots vary in style depending on the length, color, texture and heel of the boots: longer black boots are edgier and sexy, whereas brown boots look more relaxed. Beat the cold and keep in style this winter with a trendy winter item of your taste.

xo Jen

2011-07-11T21:09:00.001-04:00

As if someone's splashed cold water over my face, I've jolted to a realization that I must learn to place special value on the things that were always "so obviously" there for me.
Too bad this happened no earlier, with less than three weeks left to my departure to Asia.

xo Jen

BYEBYE RGSS

2011-07-03T22:37:00.002-04:00

Both the Chae sisters have officially graduated from RGSS, the best high school ever.
My not-so-little sister is all grown up now... Congratulations on this milestone of your life. Cheers to our future ahead :)

xo Jen

HIDDEN GEMS

2011-07-03T22:33:00.001-04:00

There's gotta be more undiscovered / non-mainstream spots like this one around Toronto.
I must find them all!

xo Jen

MELT YOUR POPSICLES

2011-07-03T22:17:00.006-04:00

I could be writing about this trendy French resto on Front street I went to last night, or the cute summer outfits I've been eyeing... But who really cares? (Sorry if you do.)
Figured it'd be much more meaningful to blog about two of my best friends. Oh, and these awesome popsicles I made them try.
I've known them for 6+ years now, before entering the world of constant bustle and superficiality outside of our little hometown. I also got to experience first and second year of University with them, downtown Toronto, where we resided together at the hipster student ghettos of Baldwin village.
These two are also the only ones (excluding extended relatives) who call me by my full Korean name (only when applicable, e.g. when they're mad at me).
After a patio lunch, we decided to go buy these strawberry/apple-flavoured popsicles at a nearby Korean supermarket. Then we went to a pretty park and hung out until our popsicles melted.

FYI: These popsicles are my fave... not only because they're shaped funny, but because they taste SO good and are surprisingly very thirst-quenching. They're called Screw bars :S. I just searched it on google to see what would pop up... and there are some really interesting ways to eat these screwbars... Like attaching it to the end of a screw drill. Ha.

xo Jen

VICTORIA, BC

2011-06-10T17:16:00.002-04:00

Discovered the outdoorsy side of me in beautiful Victoria, Vancouver island.

xo Jen

SPRINGING WITH KP

2011-06-10T16:47:00.003-04:00

My kind of day. A floral dress, fuchsia-tinted lipstick with good company at Harbourfront. Whenever this freelance photographer and I hang out, this is what we like to do: strolling around on a nice day with non-shallow conversations and his notorious DSLR.

xo Jen

SANITY IN ORDER

2011-03-26T02:52:00.001-04:00

Finals are near and it's time to pull all strings possible to keep my sanity. Aside from blogging as a form of procrastination, I've been surviving off lavender-scented candles, my bedside window's view, my self-repeating iTunes and some old and new friends. Random panic-attacks and emotional break-downs have become a part of daily life and are starting to phase me less and less... Is that bad?

xo Jen

WINTER, FAREWELL

2011-03-26T02:41:00.001-04:00

Waist-belted shiny nylon jacket (add), lace-up boots (Aldo), velvet purse (Juicy Couture), leather gloves (Coach).

What I often looked like in attempt to survive this past(?) Canadian winter in style. add(click for link) is a new brand that I discovered (and quite enjoy) while browsing for a new parka. They have some cute trenches out for the spring as well.

xo Jen

LOOK THROUGH MY EYES

2011-03-26T02:23:00.002-04:00

The most beautiful of things, in my eyes.

xo Jen

EYEOPENER: "SAVE YOUR SHOES FROM SALT"

2011-02-10T01:24:00.003-05:00

04 Feb 2011, click HERE for the full article

By: Jen Chae

Photo cred: Jennifer Cheng

With the slush, snow and salt, winter can be your boots’ worst nightmare, especially if they’re made of high-maintenance materials like suede and leather. If you haven’t been taking special care of them, they probably look faded and salt-encrusted. But fear not: it might not be too late to restore them. Here are a few how-to tips that can save your shoes.

Prevention: Stop it before you catch it
Most cashiers recommend a protective product for your leather or suede boots at checkout. These waterproof sprays or balms act as a coating to protect the surface of your boots from salt or water damaga. After applying the balm, it is crucial that you wait 24 hours before going out in them. You can pick up a waterproof leather spray at most shoe stores, drug stores and some grocery stores. For $7 to $15, you can prolong that new-shoe look.

Damage control: Natural remedies
Mix two tablespoons of water with two tablespoons of white vinegar for a homemade stain remover that works miracles. Here’s how to apply it:

For leather: Dip a soft piece of cloth into the mixture. Gently scrub the stains in a circular motion, frequently rewetting the cloth with the solution. Finish off by rinsing the surface with a water-dampened cloth to remove the smell of vinegar, then let the boots air dry.

For suede: Soak a nylon scrubber or sponge with solution. Blot the salt stains and rub in small circular motion. Finish off by washing the surface with a water-dampened scrubber to remove the smell of vinegar, then let the boots air dry.

Heavy Duty Solutions: Chemical cures
Cleaning solution may not renew your boots 100 per cent , but it can make them look much nicer. Just be sure to read the instructions carefully before use. Leather or suede stain removers can be purchased at your local shoe store or drug store for anywhere from $5 to $15. Be sure to polish your boots regularly, as the salt can eat away at the fabrics if it isn’t removed.

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J-SCHOOL VS. RTA KARAOKE NIGHT

2011-02-02T02:07:00.001-05:00

The two notorious rival programs of Ryerson University, Journalism and RTA (Radio Television Arts), faced off in a karaoke battle at the Ram in the Rye this past saturday.

Doors opened at 9 p.m. Tickets were only a buck or a canned food item in advance or a toonie at the door. The bar abided by a wrist-band policy and checked for ID at the door.

By 11 p.m., the venue was “rammed” with pitchers of beer and loud chants of students from the two competitive programs. Many student had to stand, as there were not enough tables and chairs to seat everyone. Cheery students enjoyed food and refreshments while clapping, laughing and watching their friends sing in not-so-perfect pitches.

J-school vs. RTA karaoke night is considerably the biggest annual event organized by the JCU (Journalism course union) and CURTAS (course union for Radio and Television Arts students). The proceeds were split equally between the two groups.

Throughout the night, the karaoke machine had a couple technical glitches that forced some singers offstage. The karaoke company (that set up and hosted the event) apologized and promised to deduct $125 off the rental fee. The JCU says the funds raised will go toward lounge improvements. Members are currently seeking to fundraise more for new sofas and decors for the Journalism lounge.

-30-

xo Jen

ROBYN HANGS WITH T.O.

2011-02-02T01:46:00.001-05:00

Last wednesday, pop singer Robyn serenaded her Toronto fans at the Sound Academy just as she had for Blair's birthday on Gossip Girl. The crowd was [surprisingly] evenly distributed in girl-to-guy ratio. There were some hardcore fans who flew in from Barbados just to see her. Her concert was overall, eccentric and charismatic. She spared no energy throughout her two-hour show, even going to the extent of munching on a banana on stage. Even though she didn't play my favourite song (Handle me), I am still absolutely obsessed with her.

xo Jen

SWEETS

2010-12-12T16:34:00.003-05:00

There seems to be many ways to attain that jittery feeling you get when you're sugar-high, more than you'd think. I feel a sweet taste in my mouth when simply in view of colorful, delicate pastries like french macaroons.
Have you ever felt the same kind of sugar-rush when watching your loved ones opening presents? When picturing quality time with your family? Or when you're reminded of your cheri, who makes you smile ear-to-ear?
There seems to be so many ways to get your endorphins circulating, calorie-free; no sugar needed.
I hope you find your own sugar-high in a lot of things in your everyday life.

xo Jen

J-SCHOOL SEMI

2010-11-30T21:06:00.002-05:00

One night of the year where you can mingle with fellow j-schoolers in your cutest cocktail dresses and bow ties. Dessert pastries and drinks were served, accompanied by a live jazz band soundtrack. The venue is no cheesy banquet hall, but upper-level of the Hardrock cafe. A slight resemblance to a Gossipgirl party, wouldn't you say? As chic as a University semi could get.

I ♥ j-school.

xo Jen

LG FASHION WEEK

2010-11-29T23:38:00.002-05:00

Nothing better to satisfy my craving for glitz than this little girlies' night out. Apparently some people would rather avoid flashy lights and over-dressed crowds... But it's exactly what I need every so often.

xo Jen

AIR SHOW

2010-11-29T02:28:00.003-05:00

What better way to end off the summer than lunching on a patio with your family while watching ear-blasting jets fly by? The CNE's annual air show was something different and cute for an august afternoon.
My sister and I may have started yawning after the first two choreographs, but all the fathers and boys there seemed much too enthused for the entire four-hour show. Definately something to consider taking your dads. What is up with men and airplanes anyway?

xo Jen

BOOM BOOM BOOM

2010-11-29T01:42:00.002-05:00

The loud pow's I heard in my apartment weren't gunshots. They were fireworks at Nathan Philips Square, just in sight of my kitchen window. Apparently this was for the Cavalcade of Lights, an annual event sponsored by Scotiabank that has been happening for 44 years now. Reminds you just a little of the Katy Perry music video, no? Well I totally bust out in the Fireworks tune when I saw this, not gonna lie.

xo Jen

2010-11-23T13:14:00.003-05:00

Wowww. 193483711092198741876234 things are due. This week and the next two weeks.
Blogging will be on hold until after then... Plus, my camera broke (just in time?) so I guess it works both ways.
Good luck with exams everybody!
xo Jen

SUNSET HOUR

2010-11-18T16:40:00.003-05:00

My favourite kind of hour is when the sun is setting to an eye-level with my living room window. Orange rays manage to hit all sorts of spots in my apartment. Different shapes and sizes of light patches take over every surface, including the side of my face.

It's some kind of relaxation for me and a definate absorption of pretty endorphins for my furniture.

xo Jen

OH, CHARLIE

2010-11-16T12:30:00.002-05:00

Charlie, you may be all soft and chubby and adorable and all,

but you smell like fish.

xo Jen

DEAD TREES BECAME BEAUTIFUL...

2010-11-15T18:01:00.003-05:00

I've finally reconciled my relationship with autumn, its dull-toned streets and naked branches. What I've labeled all along as eery has become picturesque, stale is now nostalgic, nippy is invigorating. I guess there are perks to living in my own bubble.

xo Jen

SOMERSET

2010-11-10T17:11:00.004-05:00

Only across the border will you find palm trees and castles in a shopping mall. This all may have been a teeny bit overwhelming for my Canadian eyes at first, but now I'm left craving for more of that blatantly flaunting, unnecessary extravaganza.

xo Jen

LIGHT-HEARTEDLY

2010-11-05T00:40:00.004-04:00

1271 sappy songs on my iPod later...
I still can't get enough of them.

xo Jen