Cynthia Macken
inspiration

Banking on Shoes

1. ALDO’s SERVANA heels ($59) / 2. Timberland’s Earthkeepers Stratham Heights strappy sandals ($120) / 3. Dolce Vita’s Kalila in Taupe ($149) /
4. Suzy Shier’s booties ($35) / 5. Just Fab’s Emanuele in Cognac ($54) /
6. Just Fab’s Tasia in Cognac ($54) / 7. H&M’s CONSCIOUS EXCLUSIVE Embroidered leather sandals ($179) / 8. Choies’ Pointed High Heeled Sandal Boots ($113)

Inspired by all things from Valladolid, Mexico, bohemian and expensive shoes. I give you my piggie-bank friendly list of shoes for the upcoming warm season for this month. Each have been carefully selected to include great support, comfort, good looks and decent pricing. Since Isabel Marant, Rag&Bone and certainly not Kanye West for Giuseppe Zanotti heels are out of my budget, I’ve been searching over the past few months to find the best options that can justify the price. With the mission to find long-lasting shoes, consider finding ones made with leather, with ankle straps and wide-heels for support.

I personally don’t buy too many shoes (although I would probably buy every shoe on this page), as I am very selective and constantly on the hunt for massive sales and great quality… and when it comes to quality, that means my shoes should be prepared for any exceptional beatings… not limited to music festivals, commutes, concerts, etc.

xx

design

Fancy Pants

 J Crew Wild Flower Necklace
H&M White Top
H&M Conscious Vanessa Paradise Floral Pants
Mexx Black Blazer
Zara Black Thin Strap Heels

Judgment day! Actually it’s just the second day to our YSDN Facet’s Grad Show. Here’s a few snapshots of my outfit and of Industry night. Wanted to wear something that would reflect my work, while simultaneously looking business appropriate. Hence, why I tossed in the black blazer… although I didn’t end up wearing my blazer. Funny enough, I thought I would wear fancy stuff to such a big day like this but ended up rocking a $10 shirt and $15 pants! Event photos c/o of my good friend Quan. Lots of mingling, snacking (barely), laughing and somewhat-fancy business talking. Met lots of cool creative industry people and alumni, including my gurlfriend, Dani!

Overall, it was a good night, just not for my sore feet. Until Next time!
Photos: Quan Duong and Fiona Yeung (cc: middle Instagram)

Congratulations to everyone! x

PS. Here are the dates and time to our design gallery at
the Fermenting Cellar in the Distillery District.

APRIL 21 6P – 10P:
Opening Night for Friends & Family

APRIL 22 6P – 10P:
Industry Reception which is Closed to public

APRIL 22 – 23 10A – 5P
Gallery Hours which is Open to public

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outfit

Crop Marks

 Wilfred Cocoon Wool Coat
J. Crew Gold Shield Necklace
Thrifted Black Sweater
Thrifted Ivory Satin Top
Thrifted Aeropostale Jeans (that received a trimming job haha)
Vintage Coach Leather Cross Body
Fossil Rose-gold Watch
J Crew Collection Etta Plaid Studded Pumps

Spring weather is kicking in. Internet is flooded with articles about musical festivals and promos for steep priced tickets. My Facebook feed is filled with wanderlust and virtual tears of joy or stress. The highlights of my days?– I stay indoors to work or study. Although, I did make the most of my Sunday and went to Yorkville and Trinity Bellwood area to source paper, as well as eat at my favourite restaurant, Kalendar!) Every chance I get to go outside, whether it’s to go out to print or walk to the library, that’s when I get my chance to heavily embrace the sun’s rays and the smell of fresh rain in the evening. I’m also considering looking for a classic trench or a white perforated anorak to replace my boring green one. We’ll see though. Final month before school ends!
I’m personally surprised I’m still alive and going.
Photos: Max Kandler

Best of luck to everyone! x

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design

March Favourites

1. J. Crew Eyelet Baseball Cap / 2. Ann Taylor Petite Shirttail Hem Sleeveless Dress / 3. J. Crew Floral Pastel Statement Necklace / 4. Ann Taylor Graphic Check Roll Sleeve Shirt / 5. Ann Taylor Petite Kaleidoscope Skirt / 6. Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Streak / 7. J. Crew Colourblock Baseball Cap  / 8. J. Crew White Stones Necklace / 9. Ann Taylor Embellished Cami / 10. Ann Taylor Pleated Colorblock Sweater Skirt /
11. Y.U.E – Pocket Backpack in Natural Raw

As you can see Ann Taylor and J. Crew can potentially save you from having a SS’14 wardrobe meltdown. I have an ongoing obsession with neutrals, colour blocking and blue. Of course, I don’t advise anyone to buy these things at full price, that’s my advice. But if you can’t wait, by all means! I say wait for them to be marked down once or twice, PLUS with the additional 40% or 50% off that price. A good shopper is a happy shopper right? I know that the J. Crew Floral Pastel Statement Necklace is one sale right now at $138 from $174…with 30% off, it’s $96.60. Still pretty steep for me and most people but a lot better than the original price!

In additional to the Crew product talk, I’m currently working on an editorial project, which includes hand illustrated images of all those pretty things.
*Check above, after the March Picks*

And since we’re also on the topic about illustration, I’d like to show you my good friend, Sara Eshak‘s illustration inspired by my previous blog post that featured my Zara Aztec printed wide-heeled sandals. She’s a Hamilton-based fashion illustrator, graphic designer and photographer. Talk about Jack-of-all-trades much?
Check her site and Society6 for more!

Credit for the black and white pattern photograph in
the background goes to Christoph Hermann.

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outfit

Stop The Wind

Melanie Lynn Tweed Fitted Lady Coat
Banana Republic Framed Turquoise Tweed Dress
Banana Republic Stud Zirconia Earrings
Banana Republic Gathered Chain Necklace
Zara Aztec Wide-Heel Ankle Strap Sandals

Happy Belated St. Patrick’s Day folks. It’s spring today, and the weather is progressively getting better (…not really) but at least during this time frame I won’t feel as guilty being a hermit at home. I need as much time as I can get before school finishes! Although, it’s ridiculously hard to stay focus when all you see are summer products being released, festival ticket sales and facebook status’ of upcoming post-grad trips to Europe, Asia and South America..
Photos: Nicole Kramer

Hang in there everyone! x

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