coveting some toronto cuties

Most of the fashion bloggers I follow are these long-legged, tan babes from California. I love them, but one of my biggest criticisms about their style is that they have few hurdles when deciding on their outfits. You can wear anything in warm, temperate weather--no worries about the inevitably cold evenings, slipping on ice in your heels, salt staining your shoes (why do I live in the northeast again?). How about a challenge like "oh it's -30 degrees ... can't wear a skirt today I guess". I recently discovered a fashion blog that hits the spot for me. Two petite, Asian college ladies from TORONTO. Their style is over the top, eccentric and feminine. I find them overwhelmingly inspiring too. They're only in college, but they have collaborated their skills (from design, photography, and digital arts) to create their own fashion line. 

Kastor and Pollux

They are my favorite. 

what does kate wear?

This is my first personal outfit post! This will not be a normal thing because I never have a willing person available to take my photos (also I'm a little shy in front of the camera). This past week, my friend asked to take photos of my outfit for her online magazine Mochi Magazine. These photos were taken in Copley Square while it was snowing. I normally wear this type of outfit in the winter time (high-waisted skirt, tights, thigh-high socks and a cropped jacket/top plus hat for warmth). Enjoy!

Outfit details:

Shoes Aldo//Skirt&Hat H&M//Sheer tights Target//Belt Bldg 19//Velour Cropped Sleeveless Turtleneck & Locket Necklace Buffalo Exchange//Jacket Vintage//Purse Second Time Around

XXOO

cheap thrills

I hope you know that I am more than just a fashion blog. There is a petite Asian woman behind these entries, who not only dreams about being trapped in Erin Wasson's closet, but enjoys many other things! You know those sublime moments of happiness you get from listening to a particular song or the cozy mood you're in after watching a fantastic film or the thoroughly cleansing feeling after reading a great novel? Those are cheap thrills--William James also called them good moral feelings (side note: WJ thought reading was bad because these good moral feelings stop you from doing good actions in the real world since you're receiving good morality on the cheap through books ... but he's long dead so who cares...). Well I want you to feel what I feel, so please take my word of advice and experience my recommended cheap thrills (because even though I know a long-winded career in a high-profile job will be rewarding, I want to get that shiny feeling NOW + QUICK).

Book

If you love thorough, clear characterization, an exploration of the meaning behind man's moral decision between good and evil, and Christian allusion then you have to read this.

Film

I hardly enjoy action movies because I've been scarred by The Expendables and new James Bond movies to really believe that these movies can be anything more than thinly veiled car advertisements. But I was really astounded by this 2011 British-German action thriller film. If you enjoy young kickass heroines (e.g. Kickass, Leon:The Professional, Persepolis), dark fantasy elements (specifically Grimm Brothers) and Eric Bana (who doesn't????), then hopefully you'll love this too.

Music

Been my current listen this past week. Enjoy!

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I hope these cheap thrills energize you to look at the world through happier eyes.

XXOO

Grammys 2013

I was really excited for the Grammys this year primarily because I never watch it. It's always good to try new things, I heard once said! My highlights were Miguel proclaiming to the world his sex appeal (+ his beautiful girlfriend) and Beyonce being Beyonce. My dislikes were Katy Perry's ridiculous cleavage. Also, I was upset that Fun. won best artist. Frank Ocean should have won, for pure sex appeal alone (I'm sorry for my crude objectification of all these celebrities), and also for his soulful music. Actually Miguel should've won everything.

Anyways, this blog is about fashion and not my cynical remarks about the music industry! Here are my picks for best dressed and worst dressed:

Best Dressed

Rhianna always brings down the house. I really loved what she wore last year, but this year, she is the definition of classy.

Worst Dressed

Does anyone else see someone trying really really hard? Okay JLo, I get it. You're sexy for a 40 year old, but please refrain from slits that cover "just enough" to not reveal your lady parts.

To be honest, this dress is really beautiful. It unfortunately is so revealing that I'm distracted from the person wearing it.

XXOO

Prabal Gurung x Target

So I don't normally follow collaborations between "Famous Designer" x "Department Store" because I hate to say it, but I don't care what's going on in stores. Funny, right? I have this fashion blog and me saying something like that. I mean I follow trends to an extent (from what I glimpse through the lives of fashion bloggers, but COME ON, they do not wear clothing from Target/Regular-People-Stores. It's Chloe Susanna booties and Celine luggage bags for them [for deeper insight on what bloggers wear, visit Shit Bloggers Wear]). But while I was perusing instagram (I'm so sorry, it is my guiltiest addiction) and I saw someone post a photo of a pair of shoes from the Prabal Gurung x Target collaboration -- I fell in love. While further researching the topic, I realized this collaboration is a big deal, inspiring hope into the idea that these kinds of collaborations can be successful (unlike the Neiman Marcus x Target collab). This collection was opened to the public on Feb 10, and a lot of items are already sold out (that was only yesterday...). Furthermore, Prabal Gurung is a really cool dude from Singapore who is famous for designing some outfits for Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton. Anyways, I wanted to point out my favorite pieces from the collection.

You're probably thinking that these items are overwhelming girly, and you're right. I am such a victim of floral prints that I hate myself sometimes. 

But damn, those shoes are sexy.

XXOO

a typical winter outfit

north east winters always keep me off guard because it'll be a sunny 50 degree sunday afternoon and you think 'yolo, i dont really need a jacket' but then it's monday and you can't stop that trembling starting deep inside you. i don't know why i always forget about the physical pain i get from the winter cold. anyways i hope this entry gives you that special warm fuzzy feeling to keep those winter winds at bay.

Isabel Marant Sky Sweater

i won't belabor the point. sweaters are pretty important to me. 

Topshop

i don't know why, but i'm really against pants. they restrict my leg movement and i hate the heavy material enclosing my legs. so even if there's snow on the ground, i'm more likely to be doning a skirt made out of thick material like corduroy or a heavy cotton. and of course i chose a pleated skirt ... its just so cute

Anthropologie Popcorn So Soft Thigh Hi

 i'm not just bared-legged in the winter. i pair a combination of tights and thigh-hi socks with my skirts. its layering for my legs! 

i know, this isn't a winter jacket, but i am crazy about anorak jackets right now and technically it's still fall so this jacket is still appropriate ... i hope 

Dolce Vita Jemma Platform Boot

a chunky black boot to keep things interesting

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this outfit seems burdened by heavy, thick materials so of course you need to keep everything underneath super light and delicate, but that's just my opinion :)

i hate winter 

XXOO

sweater weather

northeast falls offer great fashion opportunities like layering, scarves, muted color palates and sweaters. i enjoy wearing oversized, thick sweaters with everything, especially with a corduroy skirt and ankle lace-up boots. also i wear lacey bras under my big sweaters so it peaks through when my sweater slouches over my shoulder or just as a surprise :) here is a variety of sweaters featuring my favorite shapes and colors.  

SheInside Navy Long Sleeve Geometric Print Pullover Sweater

The wide crew neck can showcase your collar bones. You can also let the sweater slouch over a shoulder.

Mini-cutouts to prevent overheating plus to allow lacey bras to peek through

Pair your slouchy sweater with a chunky bejeweled necklace and bracelet cuff to add contrasting textures. Also wearing a sweater can offset leg-revealing short shorts.

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I love the woven texture of sweaters and can't help falling for it in non-sweater forms

Free People Heathered Highland Boot Sock

I love the delicate eyelet lace that will peek at the top of ankle boots adding a feminine hint

Madewell Wool and Gang Knit Pom-Pom Hat

The red pom-pom contrasts starkly against the muted grey and white tones in the hat

I hope I infected you with the sweater-weather bug

 xxoo