WEAPON OF MASS DISTRACTION

Shooting around

2012-02-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

My friend Rjay Huelar is just starting up his street style blog and asked me to be his first model, even though I don't model. I apologize for my awkward poses and facial expressions, but I promise that it will improve.

Oh and if you're wondering, yes I was cold, it was actually freezing that day even though we had no snow. This is what a true friend looks like.

Faux fur vest from H&M, sweater from F21, Talula shirt from Aritzia, thrifted shorts, socks from Zara and Aritzia, Jeffrey Campbell Tardy, Wilfred scarf from Aritzia, necklaces from SM and F21

Photo credits to Rjay Huelar

Now featuring: Plaitwrights

2012-01-19T19:06:00.000-08:00

Xylk (one of the members of Plaitwrights) has always been a unique individual. During high school we barely spoke maybe said a few words to each other, we had mutual friends and that was the only way we interacted. But even if you didn't have a close friendship with him, you could tell he was popular. But it wasn't the type of popular where he was douchey, he spoke to all walks of life (literally), never afraid to take risks.

This goes with not only the way he approached his life at school, but the way he approached his sense of style, and ultimately his music. Plaitwrights is a unique duo. They have a different sound, and if that isn't enough their videos are visually distracting and extremely out of the box.

Angela, the female counterpart of Plaitwrights, also the singer (no offence Xylk) has her own steeze. Even though she rolls with the boys, she still keeps her independence and makes her own covers, and she can play ukulele and guitar. She has an amazing voice, so check her videos out too!

My favourite part about Plaitwrights is that they really showcase their roots. Whether it's from the clothes, filming in the city of Toronto, and even getting their friends to do cameos in the videos.

Right now their main concern is to finish school. Xylk will be finishing up advertising at Seneca. Then Angela will be finishing up an independent music program at Seneca/York. Right after graduating, they'll be taking music full on.

But just because they're in school doesn't mean they'll be taking breaks, the two always surprise their audience with new videos and tracks. Be sure too look out for Plaitwrights!

Plaitwrights' next official music video will be released on February 13th: Hometown Punc.

Please support by 'LIKE"-ing them on Facebook. Follow them on twitter. Check out their YouTube!

One of the boys

2012-01-18T20:38:00.000-08:00

Since the snow finally melted I was finally able to wear the Converse that my sister got me for Christmas. I'd usually wear them with leather pants, but I was on my way to my boyfriend's volleyball game and didn't want to attract too much attention to myself.

Anyways, aside from my shoes, check out the turtle neck. I'm trying to convince myself that I'll get a lot of use out of it, but I want to wear it without looking like an old man. I've already worn it with a faux fur vest which worked great. I thought the camo jacket worked well, it made my look more trendy and tomboyish at the same time.

Thrifted camo jacket, T. Babaton turtleneck from Aritzia, Talula chinos from Aritzia, gifted Converse, DIY cut-out gloves, Michael Kors watch

Probably not the smartest thing to cut out these gloves, my fingertips were freezing!

T. Babaton cashmere turtle neck. No scarf necessary, you can wear it with tights, pants, or nothing (joking). And it's so warm, that I can't wear anything under it or I'll start sweating buckets.

Varsity

2012-01-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

Before dying my best friend's hair, took some pictures in her very ~artsy~ garage for some below standard outfit photos. I know it's in the middle of winter, and I probably shouldn't be wearing a skirt but it's not my fault Canada is having mood swings. For future reference: always wear shorts under ANY skirt. I'm pretty sure 10 people have seen my ass today from the damn wind.

TNA scarf, BDG varsity jacket, American Apparel velvet skirt, Boots from Browns

Something old and something new

2011-12-31T18:21:00.000-08:00

Spent my New Year's Eve at work, and with my family. I don't know if all Asian/Filipino families do this but everyone in my family is always forced to wear red. I don't really own anything red so I thought this wine sheer blouse would suffice. Apparently it'll bring me good luck.

I'm also wearing these new combat boots I got from Browns. I saw it on a customer and just had to ask her where she got them, I bought them the next day! They make me look like I have clown feet but they're super comfortable.

Surprisingly got a lot of compliments from customers on my outfit so I thought I'd share it with all of you even though I sorta look like a bum.

Vintage cardigan, F21 blouse, TNA scarf from Aritzia, F21 faux leather pants, Studded combat boots from Browns

This picture doesn't do the shoes justice.

Keep me company

2011-12-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

When I saw this poncho on sale at ASOS, I instantly wanted it. I've been on the hunt for a decent poncho, but the ones at thrift stores made me look like a grandma, but this one, this one makes me look like a tree. So much better right?

When my order did come in, I looked at it and instantly had buyer's remorse because it was massive. Then I couldn't figure out what to wear with it, without making me look like a sack of potatoes. But that's where leather pants came in handy. The contrast of the different fabrics aren't half bad either.

ASOS poncho, ASOS faux fur snood, GAP knit sweater, F21 leather pants, Sam Edelman studded boots from Style Sense.

The Weekend

2011-11-28T22:04:00.000-08:00

Had some fun last Friday night for my friend's 19th birthday. Went to Panorama located Downtown, which is a lounge on the 51st floor that overlooks Toronto. Personally, I wouldn't go again. The venue was nice, the view was nice (but didn't go outside to really get the most of my $5 cover charge since it was freezing out). The lounge space that was reserved for the party was very tight but I guess this was their attempt to make it more 'intimate'. The food was overpriced, the drinks were standard, the service was awful.

But thank God, for good company.

Black is the new black

2011-11-15T11:08:00.000-08:00

I have this new appreciation for black pieces. It's refreshing to see that I've outgrown my constant pastel outfits (but not completely). These are three items that I've been eyeing lately, they're all over the place, and make no sense but I need to have them - all them. At least I'm being realistic, they're all in my lovely low budget.

L-R:

Marc by Marc Jacobs logo laptop sleeve ($58 at Aritzia)

Jeffrey Campbell Tardy ($199.95 at Solestruck)

American Apparel knee high socks

Something different

2011-11-14T21:56:00.000-08:00

I recently got my hair did, actually it's almost been a month since my friend Aisa bleached my hair. But I'm really happy that the pink stayed in my hair. And even though my hair is incredibly dead, I'm more than satisfied with how it turned out.

I'm also trying to wear more clothes from work, so that I don't have that awkward blank stare when customers ask me where I bought my clothes. I've also taken note that I don't wear pants enough, so stockings are currently my best friend. I don't think I'll be going to crazy with the patterns, but I'll be purchasing some very Gossip Girl-esque colours. EXCITED!

Wilfred blazer from Aritzia, Faux fur vest from H&M, Dilemma dress from Aritzia, Necklace from H&M, Wedges from Aldo

Also, please check out Aisa's YouTube channel here.

The Ongoing Conflict

2011-11-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I'm not the only one that goes through the ongoing conflict of figuring out which items they should splurge on and which items they can go about being thrifty.

Classic and timeless pieces are an investment- SPLURGE:

An investment bag - i.e. a Louis Vuitton Speedy or a Chanel quilted chain purse, because the style has been very consistent over the years with little differentiation, and prices increase over time so you might as well buy it now. (But buying designer purses on consignment can still help you stay on your budget)
Black heels - they will never go out of style, and when you buy quality heels your feet will thank you
A gold watch - gold is a timeless colour and watches are a perfect accessory, very easy to wear
A great pair of jeans - it's okay to buy to have at least one pair of J Brands or Citizens. It's hard enough finding the perfect jean, so when you do find it, make sure it's quality and even if it means that you have to pay the price for it. It's better to pay for a good pair than a bunch of uncomfortable jeans that were on sale.
Silk blouse - silk blouses can be dressed up and dressed down, you get the best of both worlds and it's very easy to accessorize.
Sunglasses - Ray Bans are always in style, need I say more?

Trendy pieces come and go - THRIFT:

Dresses - I've always believed in the philosophy that a dress can make a statement, but after you've already worn it once, it's time to move on. Especially when you're going out to a club, it makes no sense to splurge on a dress that you're eventually going to spill your drinks on. (But of course there are exceptions)
Clutches - Finding simple plain clutches are really easy to find from thrift stores to the mall. From personal experience, clutches from thrift stores have a lot of character and are unique so no one else will have anything like it
Shoes - Sneakers like Converse are very inexpensive and I'd like to think that they're still fashion forward. They don't take away any attention from an outfit. And when you have a lazy day, they're still the perfect shoe.
Anything trendy - whether it's lace, crochet, velvet; I guarantee you can find these items at your local thrift store. And because they are a trend, you don't want to end up splurging when it's eventually going out of style. For instance, you can't wear crotchet in the middle of the winter (or maybe that's just me because I live in Canada)

Enjoy!

The other side of Halloween

2011-10-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

Apparently Halloween is every girl's excuse to be a 'slut', but it's still a week too early for that. Let's save all the tackiness for next Monday. The BF and I decided to take my little sisters and his little cousin out to go pumpkin picking and carving (how cute right?).

So we went up to the middle of no where and went to this great tiny little farm where there was no admission fee and all the pumpkins were really cheap. They had a cute little fair, a tractor ride, and tons of pumpkins and food.

As far as my outfit, it was really warm out so there no need for a jacket but layering was still very necessary. And seeing as we were going to farm, I did not want to be the least bit pretentious and strut around in heels. But I think my faux fur hinted at my materialistic self.

Faux fur vest from H&M, Wilfred scarf from Aritzia, Thrifted swater, Citizen corduroys from Holt Renfrew, Silk blouse from Mendocino, We Who See combat boots from UO, Sunnies from Kensington Market, Bag from Costa

Bright plum

2011-10-21T23:09:00.000-07:00

This whole new trend of dark lip stick has finally hit me. I went to MAC (and received awful service but that's not the point) and picked up Bright Plum lipstick. Honestly, I feel like a whole new person. This colour makes me want to wear black 24/7. It's really edgy, and I love that the colour is long lasting.

Oh yeah, the velvet dress that I'm wearing is from H&M. And I'm wearing it backwards. ~bad-ass~

Layers

2011-10-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

After a warm sunny week, it only seemed obvious that Toronto would get hit by clouds and rain. This usually gets people to complain about the cold damp weather, but I was excited. Fall is my favourite season to dress for. For the sole purpose of layering! I bought the perfect layering piece - a knit sweater from The Gap. It's super comfy and soft, and I bought it in a large just so I could have that oversize feel and make it over the shoulder, and being able to roll up the sleeves doesn't make the sweater so dull. I just want to buy this sweater in every colour, it's so comfortable!

Knit sweater from The Gap, Knit scarf from H&M, Jacket from H&M, Tights from H&M, 'We Who See' combat boots from Urban Outfitters

Super awkward picture of me

I couldn't believe that I was able to snag these boots for $29.99 at Urban Outfitters. I told myself that I should stop making impulse purchases, but this was a deal that I could not pass up.

Borderline comfortable

2011-09-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

T. Babaton silk blouse from Aritzia, Sweatpants from F21, Jeffrey Campbell wedges from Stoneridge, Jewelry from F21, Aldo, Stoneridge

Sometimes it's okay to dress up and have no where to go.

I drink to that

2011-09-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

I turned 19 this week, and I am now legal in all of these Canadian provinces. Bye-bye fake ID! So I decided to celebrate with all of my closest friends, and we closed down W Burger - no big deal. I am so lucky to have such great people in my life, thank you for those who came and celebrated it with me.

Dress from Top Shop, Betsey Johnson heels from Marshalls, Necklace from H&M

This dress from Top Shop was actually a last minute idea, I originally wanted a dress from ASOS but I'm a student on a budget (believe it or not). I bought this when I was in the Philippines and it's a size too big, but it was love at first sight. It reminded me of flamigos...I love flamigos. But I'm glad I picked it out, it really screams BIRTHDAY GIRL.

Shots on the house

Cheers xo.

Playing dress up

2011-09-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

Dress from Spoof, Necklace from H&M, Thrifted YSL slingbacks, Studded wristlet from The Gap

I don't know how many debuts I've gone to over the last year and a half, but it never gets old. If you didn't know a debut is a coming of age party in the Filipino culture. I love the food, speeches, performances, and dancing. I was really excited when I got invited to my friend Elley's and I haven't dressed up in a while so it was a very big deal. I like the princess style of this cocktail dress without it over doing it. I didn't wear a lot of jewelry just wanted to keep it really simple and clean.

COZY

2011-09-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

Faux fur collar from H&M, T. Babaton silk blouse from Aritzia, Cardigan from H&M, BDG coloured denim from Urban Outfitters, Boots from Aldo, Necklace from H&M

The upside of working at a mall and going to school beside a mall is H&M, if and when I have 15 minutes to spare, a trip to H&M is mandatory. I've been doing mini hauls lately, and I'm always finding something. My favourite has to be the statement necklace. I love it so much that I bought it in gold and silver. I've also been a fan of coloured denim, I didn't think it would make a comeback when I bought these red beauties back in December, but I'm glad they aren't going to waste.

Jean jacket from Old Navy, Shirt from Muji, Pants from The Gap, Bag from Roots

The photographer to a majority of the photos of my blog, the BF, striking a pose in his Fall swag.

Representing 1 LOVE T.O. oh and Canada

Talk of the town

2011-09-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

Wilfred t-shirt from Aritzia, Faux fur vest from H&M, Thrifted denim shorts, Vintage belt from Giordano, Jewelery from F21, Louis Vuitton Speedy 35, Combat boots from Aldo

I bought this faux fur vest as an impulse buy and with the compliments I received today, safe to say it was a good buy. It's always a hit and miss when I go to H&M, I'm either a) overwhelmed with the abundance of clothes or b) I can't find a size 2 anywhere. I hope it wasn't too soon to pull out the fur vest but I just couldn't resist!

What if this is as good as it gets?

2011-08-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Wilfred blazer from Aritzia, Wilfred t-shirt from Aritzia, Shorts from Promod, City canvas bag from American Apparel, Jewelry from F21, MK watch, Thrifted sunglasses

Is it too early to start dressing for fall? I made a subtle attempt to combine my excitement for fall and Toronto's recent weather confusion. And I was really anxious to wear my new Wilfred blazer (also seen on Emma Watson might I add).

Also went to The Exhibition with Z, and ate more food than someone should probably eat in a week.

The greatest part about being Canadian - poutine

Deep fried ice cream sandwich - yupp, you can pretty much deep fry anything

Home of the Krispy Kreme burger

Mango Hurricane from Booster Juice

$1.99 Spaghetti

Confessions of a Shopaholic

2011-08-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

Once my friend posted this on her twitter, I found it so accurate. Of course, I'm a shopaholic and need everything I see. But in reality, I have dresses in my closet that I've only worn once or haven't worn at all (it was less than $20, it was practically stealing). And yet with so many "timeless" and "classic" pieces, I'm constantly updating my wardrobe for the upcoming season, damn those trends. And don't get me started on sales, especially at Holts, yeah let's not talk about it.

What has been your most unnecessary purchase of summer?

Mine would have to be all the heels that I've purchased...but wait, I need those.

Photo credit: twitter

But on Thursday

2011-08-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

Lucky is an understatement. I am so blessed to have a best friend that appreciates the finer things and who doesn't mind sharing the wealth. My best friend went thrifting today at our local thrift store and stumbled upon a pair of YSLs and Christian Louboutins. She called me right away and got us each two pairs. Safe to say, I don't need any other heels after this. These heels are beyond classic.

For any of you music junkies, I'm sure you guys are excited about The Weeknd's release of their second mixtape "Thursday". If you haven't already downloaded it, here's the link http://www.the-weeknd.com/ and it's free. I'm also glad that they've finally added some colour on their album art.

Respect the thin line

2011-08-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

Spending my week-end like every other 18 year old - sitting on the couch watching High School Music. Yup, I'm pretty much living on the edge. Then I realized I should probably go out and some what partake in adolescent behavior. So, Z and I went shopping for the Baptism tomorrow, then went to a Chinese AYCE buffet in Pickering called Great Wall (2 for 1 coupons y'all). Everyone asked me if I went to work today because of my not so casual outfit, but I just really wanted to dress up - nothing wrong with that...right? Plus, I should really make the most out my pastel clothing before summer ends.

Thrifted blouse, H&M oversized sweater, H&M silk A-line skirt, ALDO platform wooden heels, Michael Kors watch, F21 bracelets, Thrifted earrings

And if you hadn't noticed, I accomplished the infamous "white girl bun". Where's my trophy?

1 LOVE T.O. Grande Opening

2011-08-12T22:13:00.000-07:00

After years of pop up shops, 1 LOVE TO has finally open up their own shop on Bathurst and Dundas. The Grande Opening was very exciting for everyone, and the 1 LOVE TO did an awesome job to make sure everyone had a good time. It's especially exciting for Torontonians who don't need to rely on the pop up shops anymore and can finally rely on the physical store. There was a huge block party, and if you hit it up early (like I did), you could've bought your shirt from T-Rex (the host of Rap City on Much) and Shawn Desmond. And if you weren't already rocking a 1 LOVE TO shirt, everyone still had their own steeze - gotta love Toronto street style.

Skam doing his thing

Z and I with T-Rex

People lined up to get their 1 LOVE TO shirts from Shawn and T-Rex

I finally got my shirt too - pink, of course!

Want dinner for under $10, go to BBQ Express on Queen St. You won't regret it, and neither will your wallet!

BBQ chicken leg, with a side of rice, pasta salad, and fries

Chicken waaaangs

Out of my comfort zone

2011-08-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

If you can't beat em, join em. I thought I could pass the whole turban/turband fad but I've been bored with my looks lately and thought - "Why the hell not". So, I went on YouTube and searched for a quick tutorial. Needless to say, it's very easy, all you need is a scarf and voila, after a few knots and twists you have yourself a turban/turband. I also decided to do the semi-sheer maxi skirt, popularized by American Apparel. I did it with a maxi skirt that I already own, and just folded and safety pinned the lining. Ta-da, I just saved myself a few bucks.

Thrifted scarf, thrifted blouse, H&M maxi skirt, Mom's shoes, Michael Kors watch

I also went out for breakfast with an old co-worker of mine, Jess. We ate at Markham Station (by Markham and Sheppherd) and had the daily special that only cost $4.99, and it was more than filling. It was good to finally catch up with her.

Daily special comes with: eggs, home fries, bacon or sausage or ham

Oh and toast, and I ordered a hot chocolate for my drink

Meet the lovely Jess.

Here's the YouTube tutorial that I learned from. She actually doesn't talk at all, but she shows you various ways of how to make a turban and/or turband. Enjoy it and try it out!

Life is a beach

2011-08-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

Every time I go to the beach I can't but notice that - damn, us ladies really do over pack! When essentially we only need a few key items.

Long Champs bag: It's the cliche purse of 2010/2011 but it's because of how well it compliments any outfit. The bag itself is very durable, it can handle a heavy load and it's water resistant. I suggest all you Canadian ladies to buy yours across the border at the Duty Free, I got mine for only $80 compared to the ones here that cost $150.
Towel: I feel like we all tend to back very thick and heavy towels, when really all we need is a thin light towel. Lighter for obvious reasons, and thin because it's easier for the sun to dry up. I purchased mine from Old Navy and it comes with a string to hold it together.
Raybans: Whether it's Aviators, Wayfarers, Club Masters - Raybans are a classic sunglasses and are timeless. Enough said.
Watch: It's time to stop relying on technology (specifically our cell phones) to tell us the time. Michael Kors has a great selection of watches, and if that doesn't suit your price range there's always Fossil.