Cynthia Macken
outfit

Like Mother Like Daughter

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Forever21 Strappy Black Stripe Jumpsuit
J. Crew Etta Cap Toe Pumps in Jade (Similar here)
Ray-ban Polarized Aviator Sunglasses
Banana Republic Stud Earrings
Vintage Gucci Satin Shoulder Bag
J. Crew Panama Straw Hat (Similar here)

ON HER:

Melanie Lynn Perforated White Top (Similar here, here and here)
Melanie Lynn Perforated White Skirt (Similar here, here, and here)
Kenneth Cole Brown Sandel Heels (Similar here, here, and here)
Karen Walker Sunglasses (Similar here)
Movado Harmony Watch (Similar here and here)
Coach Madison Gathered Leather Juliette Handbag in Parchment White

Happy Belated Mothers Day to Everyone’s Moms and Mine too!

So last Sunday..

Because we’re not in Japan or into joining mosh pits of people at High Park to celebrate the arrival of cherry blossoms and Mother’s Day– my family decided to make a small trip to Niagara Falls instead for old times sake. Thinking the family was going to take some classic snapshots by the famous falls in Ontario, we stumbled onto a short path of Magnolia blossoms that seem to suffice in place of a ‘romantic’ (as my mother likes to call it) backdrop for blog pho… I mean family photos. My attempt to pull Faithfull-like photos with my jumpsuit didn’t come close.. but this seeing this area pretty much screamed photogenic mother-daughter photos.

In this post, I decided to include my mom’s #ootd, because ‘the apple really does not fall too far from the tree.’ With that being said, it’s kind of obvious to gather where I get my inspiration (and wardrobe pieces) from. She’s probably the reason why I suddenly developed a mild obsession with all white outfits and airy looks. Mom has not only raised me right and shown my unconditional love but she’s also a big supporter of my part time hobbies and is always looking out for me. Often, when she’s not asking me if I’ve eaten or tech support, she keeps on a lookout for items to share with for me to wear on my blog, pitches looks she’s pulled together and is also a ‘newsletter’ subscriber to Pinch of Chic. (Pretty sure she’s the only one who’s subscribed…but who really knows..) We’ve got this whole BFFL-kind of relationship down and pat… and I’d like to think I take full advantage of it.

How did you celebrate your Mother’s Day with your lovely lady?
I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

In light of Mother’s Day, I thought I would toss in a throwback photo of my beautiful mother when she was in her early 20s into the mix to celebrate and place emphasis on her practically immortal and ethereal beauty. Looks like she just jumped right out of Hollywood’s Golden Age era– agree?

While I’m at, I thought I would document this:

Sunday May 9th, 2015 at approximately 1:42PM… Marks the moment in history where my father asked me where the reverse camera function is.. on his Motorola camera.. in order to take a #selfie.

The outcome of this ground-breaking moment (in my life at least) is captured here on the photo on the left.

Until next time… x

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style file

Airy and Distressed

OUTFIT DETAILS

Club Monaco Elizabina Silk Top 
Urban Outfitters BDG Slim Boyfriend Jeans
Forever21 Pinstriped Open-Front Blazer
White Leather Snake Embossed Crossbody (Similar here) c/o Therese
Yves Saint Laurent Wrap Strap Wide Heels in Icy (Similar here) via The RealReal

As many of you may have noticed I’m usually caught wearing either semi-formal and conservative pieces. If I’m wearing jeans, they’re often form-fitting and don’t look that worn out.

For me— it was quite the challenge to find a decent pair of boyfriend jeans, let alone a pair with what seems to be the right amount of rips and tears. Took me a couple years really. I found myself going through the GAP, J. Crew, even the thrift stores… contemplating if I should make my own pair. But most of which I found at thrift stores were either too large in length or width. I wanted to find a pair that wasn’t so expensive and that would fit nicely on my petite frame.

I’ve been frequently shopping at Urban Outfitters and saw that they carried a whole bunch of jeans, including boyfriend jeans and distressed ones as well. To own a wear of boyfriend jeans— I guess sacrifices have to made in terms of the unflattering fit around the rear aka no bum look… also known as border-line mom jeans. Right? But here I am today, finally a proud owner of a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans from UO.

On to how I wore out mine…

To maintain out my ultra femme and clean style, I paired my DBJ (distressed boyfriend jeans) with a flowy, white silk top from Club Monaco (in love with the lace up collar) and nude wide heel sandals that have wrap-around straps from Yves Saint Laurent via The RealReal for ONLY $115 which were retail for about $700. New in a box, with tags and dust bag. (SCORE!) I’m a huge fan of wide heels for good support and distant walks. My girlfriend and talented photographer, Therese also allowed me to borrow her adorable snake skin embossed cross body which she got from Asia to continue the light look I got going on. To tie the look altogether and contrast the light palette outfit, I wore my pinstripe navy blazer for a hint of dapper chic.

x

We all have different body shapes, so finding the right pieces to compliment and enhance our bodies is important. There’s no rush in fitting in the latest trends. I felt the same pressure when Zara and GAP started releasing a whole bunch of boyfriend jeans for a hefty $60-80 about one or two years ago. But I was able to hold back for a while and wait until I found a decent pair that as equally flattering and comfortable to wear. x

Speaking of The RealReal… I’d highly suggest anyone who’s interested in finding cost-friendly designer goods to go there. It’s an online consignment platform for all luxurious goods, from handbags, shoes, coats to works of art. Some things are second hand, vintage or even brand new. First timers even get an additional $25 off their first purchase!

Visit the link here!

Photos (Film and Digital) by: Artiese Studios

I want to give a shoutout and huge congratulations to my best buddy and talented photographer Arnold Lan for winning the Jubilee Project Fellowship in L.A and the Dreamjob Photojounalist competition to Norway. You have such a bright future ahead you. Way to go bestie! xo

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event

Twenty-three

OUTFIT DETAILS:

GAP Gingham Navy and White Button-Down Shirt
American Eagle Denim Chambray Button-down Shirt
Zara Aztec Skirt (See similar here)
Zara Aztec Ankle Strap Wide Heels
J Crew Wild Flower Necklace

See below for similar options!

Twenty-three and still counting. I’m just floored to say that out loud while coming to terms that I’m twenty-three now. But then again, what’s the difference? We’re all growing older every day in all sorts of ways (lol I just rhymed that)… physically, mentally and in the grand scheme of things..our overall experience as well!

Anywhooo, glad to know that those around me and I are still alive and kicking. I still got my plenty of youthful years ahead of me before I build this so-called life of mine and a huge empire that generates enough capital to survive this life, and contribute to this economy and people’s lives. I’m not selling myself in the best kind of way am I? But this is reality in a nutshell and ‘you only live once’ so you might as well make use of that and do all of your favourite things before you regret it!

On the brighter side—  2015 is looking good, more that enough days to take risks, indulge in even more amazing and new foods, the weather is warming up and I got a few big things to look forward to that I won’t spill out just yet…just in case you know…I don’t jinx anything.

I’ve got these crazy mixed feelings while I’m reflecting and writing this post. Feels like just a year floated by but it also feels like the year flew by extremely quick— now I’m busting out these intense emotions towards things that seemed so small to me before but now I feel like I want to reach out and hold them close to me. Family, good friends, old talents, even my mom’s cooking taste even so much better than before… (could also be because she’s just such an awesome home cook… home cooked meals > restaurants.) Ready for some warm cheesiness? I’m pretty much really blessed to have all the things and relationships that I have and are about to receive too. Can’t stress enough how much one can forget to appreciate the little things while working mindlessly throughout their week.

Now is definitely a great time to think less about myself in terms of birthday festivities but to celebrate the people who brought you into this world, the people who continue to constantly raise you and the people who shape you into be the best person ever. In addition to that, I’d like to make note to say thanks to each and every one of you. (Including the haters too! Hehe)

Time to not take myself seriously but also really seriously..

Photos by: Arnold Lan

I thought I would throw on something super easy, comfy and but extremely playful (taking advantage of the few days that were gorgeous and warm of course). I’m mixing up three busy prints but within the same monochromatic palette making them appear as if they were blending together and breaking them up the difference with a denim shirt, which I’m sure many of us have in our closet. This outfit has the illusion of a casual dress, but it’s really not! I didn’t want to take away from the fun combination of the prints, so I put on a clear and jewel statement necklace which added a bit of bling but also elevated the outfit a bit more since the Gingham shirt and the denim chambray button down on the top portion of the outfit are made of two very casual shirts that are often worn out a lot. I also decided to continue the awesome aztec print from my skirt and paired it with some wide heels with the similar print. For petite women who decide to wear pencil or midi skirts, I strongly suggest wearing thin-ankle strap heels. These heels are the most flattery as they expose the majority of your feet, therefore creating the illusion of elongated legs! Now… who doesn’t want long legs? I doo! 😀

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style file

Two Blocks Away

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Ann Taylor Crepe Colourblock Topper Coat
J. Crew Men’s Stripe Dress Shirt (similar here)
J. Crew Colourblock Cotton Wool Blazer
Banana Republic Sloan Fit Five Pocket Pants
ASOS Gold Arrow necklace (similar here)
Zara Black Pointed Toe Heels (similar here and here)
Danier Leather Black Handbag (similar here)

Ever felt the slightest bit of envy when you’re introduced to one of your new friend’s long time best crew? I’m talking about those who are in their late 20s, 30s, or even 50s and have been the best of buddies as a group since practically grade 2 and counting. Friendships that have grown longer than my own age— now that’s something amazing.

Living in the big city like Toronto, I found myself growing apart from those who I truly wanted to keep in touch with. Despite the ‘No excuse’ cliche which still holds tremendous amounts of truth, I still find myself struggling to try to find ways to rekindle or keep connected. I figured— friendships formulate from two sides. My side and your side. Seems easy right? Both sides should be understanding, accepting and should show some sort of amount of investing effort.

A couple days ago I met up with my one girlfriends who held the status of being my oldest best friend— the thing was I only saw her bi-annually and that did not share the same group of friends. We only lived 50 minutes away from one another as well. Could you say it’s our busy lives? ‘No Excuse.’ I only realized the severe lack of getting together until we met at the same restaurant which we visited from last summer. (Cafe Nervosa on Yorkville Ave) We both share the same love for eating a lot of carbs as a way to catch up… #loveitalianfood.

With all this being said I decided to make new goals to revamp my friendship and family skills:

1.) Make a list of people you haven’t kept touch with but would like to. New or old.

2.) Make a list of the cutest cafes, brunch or dining spots you wish to explore and hold your festive reunion at. Either in your city or theirs. Maybe just pick up a box of donuts and coffee?

If they happen to reciprocate, great. They are probably the kind where you can easily speak to and pick up where you left off. No change in feelings, but just pure excitement. If not, harsh but true— it’s time to move on. No harm in trying right?

3.) Get it together and toss them a text, call or Facebook message. Ask for their availability. 

You can gather from here whether or not it’s worth a shot to keep your friendship going or growing. Being almost 23 years old, I have already found myself weeding out people from my life—something I never found myself doing since I used to want to be everyone’s friend. But eventually you learn you keep the ones who care about you, your health, your sanity, your work, and who’s supportive of your wishes. 

**PS. I dedicate this post to my hometown girls.**

Photos by: Arnold Lan

No matter how far apart your friends or family might be, there are always ways to stay connected. Still count the brief yet great moments you share. That being said, I’m blessed to have the many strong friendships I have today and only want have them further grow and deepen them.

x

Apologies for the MIA. As it was my dad’s birthday this past week and wrap up in projects.
Happy belated Birthday to my dad. x

What are some cute ideas or ways you spend with your old pals?
I’d love to hear. Share them below! If you like for me to share more food posts with details.
Let me know! And PS. Have a good long weekend! xx

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inspiration

Winter White

DETAILS ON THE BOARD:

  1. Lack of Colour Montana Wide Brim Hat via Free People/ Official Site here $99.00
  2. Kimchi Blue Fuzzy Duster Robe Coat $199 NOW $29.99
  3. Silence + Noise Tuxedo Shirt $59 NOW $39.99
  4. Pink Tartan Ankle-Length Pants $295 NOW $73.74
  5. Vera Bradley Drawstring Backpack $108.00
  6. ASOS Midi Skirt with Crossover Front $56.85 NOW $34.11
  7. Urban Renewal Recycled Sleeveless Tuxedo Dress $69 NOW $19.99
  8. Silence + Noise Asymmetrical Long Blazer $129 NOW $39.99
  9. For Love & Lemons Justine’s Tank in Off-White  $97.00
  10. Endless Rose Lattice Lace Culotte Pants  $105.00

What more perfect way to remind yourself to wear winter white than huge snow piles surrounding your hood? I know the recent few days in Toronto have been so terrible cold where the salted roads became white. Thus the chilly scene inspired me to seek out the brightest shade to stand out as the freshest daisy. ICY WEATHER CALLS FOR ONLINE SALES. (You can also shop the looks from the board below from the images.)

Now let me ask you–
What’s your favourite item on the board? 

PS. SUPER GOOD SALE happening over at Urban Outfitters.

Because really, what sale beats buying a chic robe coat for a mere $29? FROM $199?!
Thought I’d let you guys know. Lots of nice chunky knit sweaters for $19 and a handful of kimonos to stock up for summer which makes nice boho beach covers. Good luck, honeys! xx

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