new year, new you?

Another year is coming to a close and I have come no closer to blogging on a regular schedule. I suppose we go through transitional phases and for some, these phases last longer (hi!).

rings I wore often; taken in early 2011

Over the past year I have cut back a lot on shopping and consuming in general. Instead of seeing something and thinking how much I would love to have it, I instead think of whether or not I need it.

This past year I have also watched a few food and corporations-related documentaries. For as long as I can remember, I have cared about the environment, which led me to find out more about mass-farming practices and how these practices affect not only the earth, but our health as well. For years I have relayed the shocking facts I've learned to as many people as possible, but the problem is, I've been preaching to an audience that doesn't necessarily want to listen (and an audience that usually includes my friends and family; people I care about). It amazes me how many people would hear these astonishing facts and then continue to live as if these facts had no impact on their lives at all. In short (ha! that was not short) I've become a little tired of preaching to the deaf and decided to put my words into action. It frightens me that while I'm watching the people interviewed in documentaries, there are many who think they are merely one person against government-funded corporations and they could never win. Change starts with one person.

Anyway, what this blog has in store next year is yet to be seen. Whatever it may be, I'll try not to get too preachy and advocate-y on you, dear readers.

Thanks for another year of support and hope you've all had a wonderful holiday season! All my best to every single one of you for the new year.

individuality vs dress codes.

What makes someone's style unique?

I'm sure everyone likes to think of themselves as having a personal style/individuality, but it's probably easiest to fall into the cookie-cutter masses of readily available chain-store apparel.

After reading Susie Lau's (aka Susie Bubble) piece in Elle UK, it got me thinking about how, on many occasions, I have been too concerned about what others would think about the way I'm dressed instead of catering to myself first. This "the public before me" thought process is inevitable: we need to dress appropriately for job interviews, weddings, etc. There are social norms, protocols, and whatnot that are drilled into our heads at an early age.

I'm not saying that dress codes are bad; I am all for them! To me, following a dress code is showing respect. Does following a dress code mean you have to be boring? Not at all. Working within restrictions is a great way to exercise your creativity. Push the envelope; see how far you can skirt the line between acceptable and wholly inappropriate.

While I was in design school, we were given projects with very little restrictions and encouraged to go crazy. Our instructors knew that once we graduated into the working world, we'd not have the same type of freedom for projects. When I first started working, I felt like my creativity was being stunted, but over time I've learned to inject little details that maybe the client didn't ask for, but definitely ends up appreciating.

Subconsciously, I have used the same attitude for design work as I do with my wardrobe: always let the details speak out for your creativity and don't let restrictions be the end all.

/random incoherent spiel

What do you feel makes your style unique? I'd love to know your views on this topic.

taylor tomasi hill.

I had always noticed Taylor Tomasi Hill on sites like Jak & Jil Blog over the years, but recently decided to look more closely into the archives of her fashion week appearances. AND THEN I BECAME OBSESSED.

Currently the Accessories Editor at Marie Claire (formerly of Teen Vogue), Taylor Tomasi Hill is a self-described clothing chameleon. While not as flashy as Anna Dello Russo (and I don't mean that in a derogatory way; I love ADR) and not as effortless smart-chic as the Paris Vogue team, Taylor finds a way to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. And even if you find her in a relatively "safe" outfit, her signature red hair is always the perfect stand-out accessory.

Another thing I've noticed is Taylor's not afraid to show off her current closet favourite or recycle old favourites into new outfits. While some fashion editors seem to travel from fashion week to fashion week with trunks of clothes, Taylor seems to work around some key pieces in her suitcase; I like to think it makes her seem more human and accessible.

Here are some examples of Taylor reworking pieces into different looks:

sources: The Sartorialist / Garance Dore

sources: STREETFSN / Citizen Couture

sources: Jak & Jil Blog / STREETFSN

If you're looking for more photos, I've started an archive on Tumblr: taylor-tomasi-hill.tumblr.com

Which editors' styles do you find the most inspiring?

confession time.

I haven't been blogging because I've been swamped with work and social obligations, but the main reason I've been M.I.A. is... I can't bring myself to blog about my New York trip. I've been feeling too much pressure to sort through the photos and put together a post. Obviously, this pressure is self-inflicted. Maybe I'm just trying to filter through the garbage and find a real voice for this blog.

Anyway, I'm being called upon for bridesmaid duties again in a week. I've already told all my friends this is the last time I'm being a bridesmaid and for fairly selfish reasons, I suppose: I get too exhausted from all the early mornings and running around. I still love to plan, and will help with that, but I refuse to do anymore 5am wake-up calls for hair and make-up. At least this time I won't be up 'til 2am the night before.

Here are the (back of the) shoes I'm getting for that day. (I just find the back more alluring.) Actually, I've still not decided between the peep-toe or closed-toe.

brief 'hello'.

I started this blog when I was at a crossroads in life... I no longer had a full-time job and I'd spent my savings travelling. My freelance work was sparse and starting a company was only in its first planning stages. I needed something to occupy my free time and an outlet to channel my creativity.

Now, three years later, I am more fully committed to a job than I've ever been. My business partner and I found a little office on the edge of Yaletown last April and really hunkered down. Hard work, as they say, always pays off. A year plus later and we are busier than we could ever have imagined. We've found wonderful part-time help and our client list keeps growing.

So, while I'm completely ecstatic about where I am with life, the state I've left option8 in is quite sad.

Things are falling into a more manageable schedule and pace now. I do commit more hours to my job than the average person (my friends who are not entrepreneurs will never fully understand), but I am understanding there is a need to save time for my non-work life as well.

All that being said (I am ever so long-winded...) I'm not saying 'goodbye' to option8. I think it will be feasible to schedule some time every couple weeks to blog.

Thank you to everyone who has continued to support my little nook of the internet. ♥

new york, part i.

If you've been a long-time follower, you may've noticed I had this whole New York trip planned last year. (Thanks for enduring all that [intermittent] 90 Days 'Til NYC hoopla!)

A year+ after the fact, I am finally ready to share some photos and tidbits from my trip. (I also have a travel blog - quelle voyageuse - if you would like to read all about my trip without any visuals. Yes, I am a very long-winded writer.)


top: our apartment
bottom left: old juxtaposed with new - buildings in Midtown/Upper East Side
bottom right: inside Alice's Tea Cup, Chapter II for afternoon tea
We rented an apartment for a week in Midtown/Upper East Side. It was an old and narrow building, with a distinct lack of hot water, but still, quite lovely.


afternoon tea at Alice's Tea Cup
There was a cute tea shop right around the corner and we managed to stop in twice. It's very cute, has delectable tea and scones, amazing fries (who'da thunk it?), and delicious mar-TEA-nis that they only wish more people would order.


good ol' KD
What do you do if you're starving at midnight? Brave the snow and make a late-night grocery store and drug store run.

leather and denim.

Guess what I bought...


these babies!


I've been a bit whiny about a (seemingly) lack of interesting shoes lately (past two or three months), so seeing these at Zara was a breath of fresh air for me.

Also, I tried on a pair of Sam Edelman Zoe boots yesterday. Sadly, they're not for me. I found the sole a bit too slippery and sticking grip soles on them feels wrong somehow (the sole has "Sam Edelman" stamped all over it in different fonts). If you are a size 6 though, they are priced down at Gia on Robson 'cause it's the display shoe. (Buckles are a tiny bit damaged.)

oh, hello. fancy meeting you here...

Yes, I have really sucked on updating le blog. I'm not even sure how I managed to earn an award for being so dormant. (Thanks Chloe!)


But since Chloe at This Girl's City was so kind to pass on The Versatile Blogger Award to me, I must oblige with sharing 7 random facts about myself.

1. I don't like olives.
   I think they are fine sliced up and on pizza, nachos, in dips, etc., but I can't do whole olives. I don't even like them in Greek salads; they're just too salty!
2. I cry watching Disney movies.
   Every animated Disney movie I've watched has made my eyes water, if not full-on cry.
3. There is always room for ice cream.
   Even if I'm stuffed to the point of feeling sick and someone suggests to have some ice cream, gelato, or sorbet for dessert, I will always say 'yes'.
4. I love quoting movies and tv shows randomly.
   It amuses me to no end, even though people around me usually don't know the reference. (PS. If you ever want to get into a quote-off with me, try Snatch, Napoleon Dynamite, Zoolander or Friends.)
5. Hanson is my all-time favourite band.
   It's hard to explain without being long-winded, but if I had to sum it up in one sentence, I'd say: they were there when I was growing up and they're here while I'm still growing and learning.
6. I can't swim.
   Or at least I haven't swam since highschool for PE (12 years ago) and I've never been very good at it. If it were a life or death situation, I could probably get myself to shore... I hope.
7. I'm anal retentive about my books.
   I don't like lending out my books unless I know the borrower will treat my books with as much care as I would. Exceptions to this rule: if I'd already "maimed" the book somehow (bent corner on the cover, oh noes!).

* *

A few months ago, I was also passed on the Trendy Blog Award from Miss Soo at The Habitue. (Sorry for the delayed 'thanks'!)



To accept this award:
1. Post about the award
2. Pass it on to 10 other bloggers
3. Send the link for the button. You can find that here.
4. Make an acceptance speech

I'd like to pass both awards on to (and in some cases, reciprocate):

1. Panda at Stud Muffin
2. Janis at My Suitcase Heart
3. Liv at A Beautiful Life
4. Miss Soo at The Habitue
5. Chloe at This Girl's City
6. Elisse at Für Elisse
7. Nicole at Le Mode du Jour
8. lanmao
9. Kelsey at The Anthology
10. Lauren at Loafing Odysseys

As for an acceptance speech... "I'd like to thank [insert your name because you are an awesome reader!]"

recently... birthday invite.

It was my birthday last week and while I was bed-ridden with the most horrible cold I've had in recent memory, I made this fun little invite.



I was inspired by early 20th century (c. 1920s) packaging and advertising in Shanghai and Hong Kong, mostly because of the decor and website of the restaurant, Bao Bei. (Yes, I would totally go back.)

tomorrow...

You're invited to our open house and fundraiser to benefit Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue (VOKRA)!

Chestnut St. Pixel Foundry are opening its doors to friends, family, and colleagues Thursday, February 24th from 7pm to 10pm.

Come see our loft-style co-working space and join us for fingers foods, dessert, refreshments, a silent auction and raffle draw!

Auction items include work from local artists and photographers, and more! Raffle prizes include wine, coffee, and scrapbooking gift baskets.

Please RSVP through our online invite.

More information about the event and VOKRA can be found on our mini-site here.

Hope to see some of you there!

2011.

with a new year comes new beginnings.

one such new beginning is the future of vogue paris, after a surprising resignation as editor-in-chief from carine roitfeld last month. what lies ahead for carine is still a mystery, but i look forward to following her new career! (incidentally, i am still a fan of this cnn special on her: click to view!)

taking the place of carine, announced friday, is emmanuelle alt, a street fashion photographer favourite. i've no doubt that emmanuelle will continue on the success that carine has built for vogue paris.


as for myself, i've set two goals this year. following the sad news that yoshokuya has shut its doors and still moping that i was denied eating at ping's last spring, i vow to not let restaurants on my to-try list slip through my fingers again! instead of saying, "oh yes, that place sounds great! let's eat there!" and constantly putting it off, i've decided i will try one new restaurant a week for the year 2011; 52 total.

another goal i've set is to watch one new (as in, i've never seen it before) movie per week, also making that 52 for the year 2011. my reason for this goal is mostly to (finally) watch all those movies that everyone talks about and are completely shocked to learn that i've not seen. (hopefully i can stop getting those "OMG HOW COULD YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN IT?!" reactions.)

i'll let you know of the progress for both, of course!

what resolutions or goals do you have for the year?

also, if you think setting resolutions just because it's a new year is silly, i totally understand. i'm not big on them either, but i wanted to set up some fun challenges for myself this year.