Fall 2018 Trends Lookbook

While winter has worked its way to the rest of Canada, it hasn't quite hit the West Coast yet (thankfully). I've put together my favorite fall trends that I'll be carrying into winter with me.

Summer Lookbook at Van Dusen Gardens

ZARA Dress | URBAN OUTFITTERS hat |  ROJU STORE purse

You can probably tell my favourite way to accessorize my outfit is with... a floral backdrop, as seen in many of my Instagram photos.

This started in the spring, where I'd randomly see beautiful bushes in bloom. It's probably the only reason I've fallen in love with Vancouver. Yes, there's mountains and an ocean, but nothing beats the amount of flowers blooming in the spring and summer. And ever since, I've been trying to take my photos in front of one of these bushes.

24 Hours in Seattle - A Mini Travel Guide

Seattle is probably one of my favorite cities... to eat in. While I mostly focus on the food (seriously, it's so good, I don't even remember to take photos of it - I just dig in), I do like to explore and try a new thing or two each trip. I've been on underground tours, and seen the Space Needle; explored Pike Place Market and visited the original Starbucks (and the much newer Reserve Roastery). Here's some of my must visits when you're only in the city for a day.

The Best Spots for Cherry Blossom Photos in Vancouver

BERSHKA TOP | BP. SKIRT | ZARA SANDALS | CULT GAIA PURSE


You know spring is finally here when the cherry blossoms start to bloom in Vancouver. They're our first signs that the rain is nearly at an end, and we have sunny days for the next couple of months.

Despite the cold spells (read snow) and rain storms (read wilted and rotting flowers), I've managed to find some of the best spots for all your cherry blossom photo dreams.

What to Wear This Valentine's Day

ZARA SWEATER | ZARA SKIRT | H&M HAT | MEJURI EARRINGS | BLONDO BOOTS | ZARA BUCKET BAG 

Happy Valentine's Day! To celebrate, the boy and I will be spending the day at the Vancouver Aquarium, and the weekend at the new Takashi Murakami exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

As we'll be walking a lot, I chose something comfortable (thick-heeled boots are a godsend), and of course, pink and red for those Valentine's Day feels.

Pair with a beret for a cute, French inspired look, perfect for any art gallery!

5 Things to Do in Seoul If You've Done It All

When you visit a country for the fourth time, especially if you've lived there for a period of time, it's hard not to fall into old habits – staying in with friends and ordering takeout, going to you usual haunts, or just running all your errands (and by errands, I mean shopping to restock on makeup and skincare). 

I found this conundrum on my third trip to Seoul last January, and struggled even more on my fourth trip in October for Seoul Fashion Week! While most of my days were filled with shows, there were some that I needed to fill – and while spending the day at the hostel helping the owner improve his English is fun, it's not ideal (not going to lie, most of my early evenings in were spent drinking tea and discussing cultural differences with him, it's great to learn something new!). So I've put together a few tips for anyone who's making a first, second, or third trip to one of my favorite cities. 

Seoul Fashion Week S/S 2017 - Backstage Moments with Gayeon Lee

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show does not show how hectic backstage is at a fashion show is. I mean it does, but it's a whole 'nother beast in person.

I was lucky enough to be one of the backstage photographers for Gayeon Lee's show at Seoul Fashion Week this year. She is the absolute sweetest, and I've loved her designs since first trying to get tickets two years ago (but her show was on a weekday as the best always seem to be). Of course I couldn't attend, as back then I taught and was only able to go to the Saturday shows, but I still fell in love seeing the photos online.

Seoul Fashion Week S/S 2017 - Ti:baeg

Can a dress be anymore perfect? 

Ti:baeg impressed at Seoul Fashion Week with it's feminine style, inspired streetwear, and traditional inspirations. I might need to make a trip to Doota for their upcoming spring collection - because this dress is the definition of perfection.

Trend: The Denim Skirt

OAK + FORT TOP | ZARA SKIRT | CALL IT SPRING BOOTS | ZARA BUCKET BAG 

As the fall weather rolls in, I find my style changing from flowing bohemian, to something a little edgier. This season's biggest trends are checked blazers, and the baker hat... and while I do own one of the two, that post won't come for awhile. In the mean time, I'm stilling rocking summer's hottest trend: the denim skirt. Okay, I shouldn't say "still." Last weekend was the only weekend I wore one, having just bought my first in the beginning of September!

Dressed For the Beach

ASOS DRESS | HM SHIRT (old) | ZARA PURSE (old) | GENTLE MONSTER SUNGLASSES

The Little White Dress

FREE PEOPLE DRESS

I've had a slight obsession with the beach since freezing in Korea last year. I was in complete and utter denial there, and kept buying the beachiest, warm weather clothes I could... it didn't matter that it was -10ºC with 60% humidity (that's cold, even for a Calgarian!)! I've been taking advantage of the beaches here in Vancouver this summer, stocking up on new bathing suits (still obsessed with white one pieces), and new dresses.

The Open Back

Photos by Stephanie Ling

FREE PEOPLE TOP | AMERICAN EAGLE SHORTS | ALDO SHOES | CHLOE PURSE | MONKI SUNGLASSES

I'm lucky to have friends who are as into visiting art galleries and museums as I am. Even luckier because they're usually willing to take a few photos too (in all fairness, if they want photos, they know I'm always willing to take some as well). I think I changed outfits nearly five times when my friend and I decided last minute to check out the Vancouver Art Gallery! It was one of the first hot days of the season, so I wanted something cool and breezy, but not too casual. Silk tops are my preferred choice, and this Free People top is perfect with it's open back. I should probably go braless next time though....

Maison on Granville

Photos by my Dad!<3

MLM LABEL DRESS | KEDS SNEAKERS | CELINE PURSE | H&M SUNGLASSES

In celebration of Father's Day, I present to you the photos I forced my dad to take during a family trip to Vancouver. He's gotten to be quite good under my tutelage! But seriously, after I returned from Korea (and realizing how much easier it is to have another person take photos of my for Instagram or the blog instead of a tripod and remote), my dad has become my go to photographer. I think he may have hated it/me at first, because I'd constantly yell at him to squat in order to make me look taller (tricks of the trade, I tell ya). Or I'd complain about his composition. But seriously, he's okay now! Even with a few months break, he still remembers how I like my photos taken. Happy Father's Day!!!! Love you Dad!

Millennial Pink

Photos by Piotr Filipek

ARITZIA DRESS | ASOS SHIRT (old) | CALL IT SPRING BOOTS | ZARA PURSE (old) | DANIEL WELLINGTON WATCH

Spring is one of my favorite seasons, especially when there's all sorts of different flowering trees, as I'm sure you know given how much I talk about cherry blossom season in Vancouver, and previously Korea. And what's more perfect for spring than blush hues?! Although apparently, we no longer call it "blush" or even "rose quartz." Yes, it has a new name. "Millennial Pink."

Dress Over Pants

All photos by Michael Chan Photography

KOREAN SHIRT | ARITZIA DRESS | ZARA PANTS | ZARA BOOTS | CHLOE PURSE

Since moving to Vancouver, I've rediscovered my two favorite things about the city. Food, and cherry blossoms.

#SmileFearlessly - Trying Smile Brilliant's Whitening System

Oh the bane of loving coffee (and tea… and chocolate… and even a new affinity for red wine)… and having teeth prone to staining. A good buffering from my hygienist and unsightly coffee stains are no more, but what’s a girl to do when she only wants to pay for that once a year?

A Cozy Sweater

H&M SWEATER | UNIQLO TURTLENECK | ASOS SKIRT | ZARA BOOTS | ZARA PURSE

The last of the snow pictures. One must admit, these can't help but make me feel a little bit nostalgic. I'm pretty sick of all the rain in Vancouver (hereby known as Raincouver).

The Slip

All photos take by Hartej Virdi

ARITZIA TURTLENECK | ARITZIA SLIP DRESS | ZARA JACKET | CALL IT SPRING BOOTS | ZARA PURSE

Common Ground

Photos by Katherine Son

Does anyone else think they move at the most inopportune times? It seems that now that I've resettled again, I've been asked to numerous events in my previous abodes. I guess I'll just reminisce instead... and maybe mope a little.

Winter Layering

Exciting news! I will now no longer have any snow pictures (that's totally a lie, there will be at least one more post with snow). I've officially relocated to Vancouver – a haven of greenery despite Canada's harsh winters.

While I say I won't be posting so many snowy photos anymore, I don't know how true that is, as I seem to have brought the snow to Vancouver with me. Just call me Elsa (maybe I should go blonde?)?