My Holiday Wishlist

'Tis the season to be jolly. Fa la la la la, la la la la...

It's December and we all know what that means. Christmas gifts! To be honest I'm not really coveting for anything as much this year. I guess I'm pretty content on what I have right now so I thought why don't I invest on pieces that will last me a lifetime. Plus, I have other plans for the next couple of years ;)

Magnified Barbie

During the summer, I was literally obsessed with crop tops (and I still am). Now that I think about it, I think they are the second most purchased item that have been added to my closet this year. First were shoes, obviously. It doesn't matter anyway. I love pairing them with high waisted bottoms. AND they can either be dresses up or dressed down. I feel like whenever I buy a piece of clothing, I always say to myself, "I can wear this to some kind of event if I pair it with this or on a lazy casual day if I wear it with that." Which is actually a really good thing. I look for versatile pieces to mix and match.

Feeling the Holiday Spirit

Right before the last weekend of November, I headed to the dollar store and Walmart to buy some Christmas-themed bits and pieces. Most people prefer putting up the Christmas decorations in December or after Thanksgiving but I wanted to start decorating early before my schedule gets too hectic due to the holiday season. I've yet to finish the walls of the apartment so here's a preview of some of the stuff I've done. My family has always had red and gold themed tree. This year, I kind of "bent the tradition" and decided to have a silver motif Christmas tree. I added blues and pinks as well. So glad it turned out to be pretty good! Although the rest of the place has red and gold decorations.

PHOTO DIARY | TO Xmas Market

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock. Jingle bells swing and jingle bells sing ...

... What a bright time, it's the right time to rock the night away

It's the last weekend of November. Who's ready for Christmas season?? Because I am! Last night was the opening night of Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District (55 Mill Street). I've heard of this three-week long festivity since it started back in 2010 and I've always wanted to go. It was my first time and I was very excited because people have been saying so many positive reviews about it. AND THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. I headed there pretty early - probably around 3pm - to take photos before it gets dark and crowded with people. As night time comes, it was like the place was transformed (or maybe we got transported, who know) into a magical realm. Christmas lights were on. Families, friends, and lovers were all over checking out local artisan shops, craft beers, handmade gifts, and of course.. FOOD.

Garden of Flowers

It's been such a gloomy day so why don't I post something that will brighten your view :)

REVIEW | Doll Face Spa

I was invited to sample the services at Doll Face Spa by Melissa from Charming Media and opted to try their Advanced Facial. This treatment is for clients that are looking for that much-needed relaxation. It covers everything from the basic facial treatment, including pore extraction, as well as a facial mask and a collagen-boosting massage. This treatment requires a well-deserved break of 60-minutes.

It's All Scribbles

Have you heard of the origami skirt before? I thought they'd be an interesting piece to add to your wardrobe. Such a playful twist to a regular skirt. However, in this case, it's actually a pair of shorts. So.. a SKORT ! What struck me at first sight was its eye-catching print. Kind of reminds me of a seabed or something like that. I had no idea what to coordinate it with when I put it in my shopping bag. "Whatever. I'd figure it out once I decide to wear it," I said to myself.

I kept it fairly simple by wearing a light grey cropped long sleeve. When in doubt, go with neutrals.

D&B Holiday Menu Launch

***WARNING*** For all of you carefully watching their weight, step away now before it's too late.

Your time is up! Brace yourself because you will be entering the holiday sweets heaven ;) I had the opportunity to preview Desmond & Beatrice's holiday menu launch. Since I discovered this little gem on Queen Street East, they have been my go-to place for treats and give out as gifts. Cause who doesn't love cupcakes and pastries, right? The event was held at the 2nd Floor Events (461 King St W).

REVIEW | Evil Dead - The Musical

It was the night of the living dead.

The best way to spend Halloween.. Evil Dead - The Musical is back in Toronto for a limited encore engagement! This hilarious live stage show takes all the elements of the cult classic horror films, "Evil Dead", "Evil Dead 2" and "Army of Darkness", then combines them to make one of the craziest theatrical experiences of all time. Five college students go to an abandoned cabin in the woods, and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into Candarian demons. It's all up to Ash (a house ware employee, turned demon-killing hero), and his trusty chainsaw to save the day. Blood flies. Limbs are dismembered. Demons are telling bad jokes... and all to music.

GIVEAWAY | Fashion Saturday at WMCFW

Hello my fellow fashion enthusiasts! I am very excited to announce that I am giving away two tickets (value of $100) to the World MasterCard Fashion Week Fashion Saturday on Oct 25th.

Interested? Read more below.

Fashion Saturday presented by BMO is back this season! Taking place on Saturday, October 25 at the World MasterCard Fashion Week tent at David Pecaut Square in Toronto, the event offers the public an inside look at Canada’s leading fashion week.

Hosted by actor and host Lauren Collins (session one) and Cityline host Tracy Moore (sessions two and three) guests to the event will enjoy a special Spring/Summer 2015 highlights fashion show featuring top Canadian designers, followed by a trends presentation with style expert Afiya Francisco, Maybelline’s Grace Lee and Redken’s Cindy Duplantis.

Attendees will also be able to shop the designer pop-up market, experience the Fashion Environment, participate in hair and makeup installations, sample VIP-style food and drinks and much more. Tickets to the three sessions (1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.) are available for purchase online. Student rates are also available.

***Please note that the first session at 1:00 pm is the only session that allows under the age of 19 to attend. All other sessions require attendees to be age of majority.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be contacted through email.

PHOTO DIARY | Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends! Yesterday was the first Sunday after a really long time that I wasn't scheduled to work. Luckily, my sister also didn't have to work so we decided to go out in the morning and have breakfast. Well.. supposedly leaving early but as usual, it's hard to get out of bed so we ended up having brunch instead. Also very thankful to have an amazing weather. It was bright and sunny (although still cold. because, you know, summer is over).

Because It's A Sunny Day

I woke up to the sun shining brightly on my face this morning. I had planned to sleep in till around noon but ended waking up two hours earlier. As usual, I decided to stay in bed for a good hour. Just rolling around, checking my phone, and contemplate in life (just kidding! i pretty much stare at the ceiling).

Then I had my cup of coffee and I'm ready to start my day. So as I'm writing this post, my cup is already full of nothing. Empty. Which reminds me of a photo I found on Facebook and posted it on my Instagram. It says, "PROCAFFEINATING: the tendency to not start anything until you've had a cup of coffee."

Well, that word just sums up my everyday life.

Luxe Box | Summer 2014

I've never joined any online subscriptions before. Except for magazines. Early this year I decided to sign up on Loose Button. Luxe Box members receive a seasonal Luxe Box with 7 to 8 trial-sized beauty and lifestyle items specifically selected by Beauty Editors based on each member's profile and shipped to their address. Members also receive exclusive access to private events, product launches, and beauty tips and tutorials to help them stay trendy every season.

REVIEW | Optimera Day & Night Cream

Way back in June, I was fortunate to be invited to a media luncheon for a new skincare line that has launched in Canada. Sadly, I wasn't able to attend but they were kind enough to send me these products for review purposes. Honestly, my moisturizer journey has been a really tough one so there has been a lot of trial products on my makeup shelf. According to Nerium International, I can toss them all away and simplify my skincare routine by using only the Optimera Day and Night Cream.

Hashtag, What?

Stripes on a shift dress? SOLD! As I accidentally laid my eyes on this, my hand moved on its own and it quickly disappeared from the rack. Oh times like this, I don't have complete control over my emotions. It's a must have in my closet and also at a very good price! Wearing a silhouette like this sometimes gets a little bit tricky. Since the dress has a minimal print, I wore a denim shirt around to accentuate my waist line. By doing this, it also gives off a casual vibe to the outfit. Perfect to go out for lunch or to a mid-afternoon stroll. I added a subtle yet eye-catching necklace for some flair. I kept the shoes and purse simple.

A Hidden Courtyard

There are many hidden gems around the city; one of them is the University of Toronto campus. It has such great history and for all Harry Potter fans out there, this is the perfect place for you. Its walls and chambers has a Hogwarts feel. Dating from the 19th century, the architecture is described by a combination of Romanesque and Gothic Revival building spread across the campus. I haven't completely explored the university's grounds. With its green spaces and many interlocking courtyards, the university forms a distinct region of urban parkland in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Fun with Colour & Prints

I've been really into colourful patterns and prints this summer. A bright sunny day mixed with bright prints really makes my day. This outfit encompasses it all. For this look, I opted for a vibrant floral/tropical print flutter shorts. The whole day I felt like I was wearing a skirt. But no. It's a pair of shorts. For real. To be honest, I wasn't completely sure if pairing stripes and tropical prints was a good idea. I guess by focusing on a certain colour and working around it is the key.

As it turned out "coral" will be the focal point of this ensemble. You'd think this shade of orange isn't the best to wear on a hot summer day. On the contrary, it gives off a very cool vibe and pleasing to the eyes.

On Wednesdays, I Wear Pink

As a forever Mean Girls fan, this post is inspired by the movie. **points to the title** And if things can get any more coincidental... I am currently also wearing a pink shirt while I write this. Funny eh? I actually didn't realize this until right now. Anyway, for the past few weeks or months or specifically this season, I have been loving every shade of pink. I've always perceived it as a very girly colour in the past, but now I consider it to be a little more mature. Pairing it with black is one of my favourite combinations.

Grapefruit Moon

It seems that Mondays are my usual days off this month; so my friend and I decided to go out and grab food. I realized there aren't a lot of places that do weekday brunch. I have no clue brunch are usually on the weekends. Silly me ;) Anyways, we wanted to try a local restaurant across the city... While I was searching the internet about brunch restaurants in Toronto, I came across this around The Annex (Bathurst & Bloor). There were a variety of choices and I'm sure I will get to try most of them.

Mint Overall

Since I've become a lot more active in the fashion industry because of World MasterCard Fashion Week, my blog have gained a lot more exposure and awareness through social media. I've met new people and networked with industry professionals. Who knew it will come to this?

Back when I first started blogging, I didn't think I would get the chance to work with a street style photographer. Now, I have again teamed up with Jun Her (The Korean Barber). We decided to arrange one day every month to do an outfit photo shoot. You can check out the first time we worked together by clicking the link HERE. Half the year is gone and I'm grateful for all the things that have happened so far.

Burgundy Midi

Oh, hi! If you're following me on instagram (username: tiffanyc_), then you must've seen the huge change I've done with my hair recently. If not, I'll let you guess what it is ;) although I just gave away a very useful hint. Anyway, I had a phase where I had to purchase every midi skirt I see at retail stores.

Luckily, I got over it but I still shop for them if something really catches my eye. 

Lamesa Toronto

I've only known three Filipino restaurants in Toronto. And they're all very far from my place or from where I usually hang out. Couple years ago, I was intrigued by this little restaurant along Queen St W called "Lamesa." Their signage wasn't the same as when I saw it the first time. I guess they had a makeover since I discovered it. At first I thought it was some kind of Spanish restaurant so I didn't really bother looking too much into it. Until recently...

Polka Dot and Denim

I'm still in the process of learning how to mix prints and colours. Baby steps at first for everyone, right?

Sunset and Graffiti

YES!!! After a month of non-outfit posts...

TC and the City x The Korean Barber

Toronto had a taste of summer a couple of weekends ago. 20 DEGREES. Finally, but those days were cut short as it became colder the following days. So here we are again waiting. Anyway... last week I had met up with Jun Her of The Korean Barber and did a mini photo shoot at the Kensington Market. Of course, I believe we've already seen each other before because of World MasterCard Fashion Week but never really talked. Then one day I suddenly saw a photo of myself in his Instagram (@thekoreanbarber) and tweeted about it. Next thing you know we've arranged this collaboration!

REVIEW | MaskerAide Facial Sheet Mask

***Products were sent for review purposes.***

I haven't really included sheet masks in my facial cleansing routine. Although I like pampering myself one in a while by using those clay based masks that hardens on your face. As soon as I received an email from Charming Media regarding these masks, I was very excited to try them out. Rather than applying a thick paste to your face, sheet masks are made from a thin finer sheet that is cut to contour the face. The fiber mask is soaked in a highly concentrated serum infused with vitamins and nutrients.

Spadina House Tour

As previously mentioned in my last post {click here}, I had the opportunity to visit the Downton Abbey exhibit. Part of this was a tour of the Spadina house (285 Spadina Rd) and how the Austin family is comparable to the lives of the people in Downton.

Dressing for Downton

Sorry for the late post! Been feeling unmotivated and lazy for the past couple of weeks (and still am) so I need to find new inspirations to help with this "writer's block". Anyway, I realized most people I know haven't heard about the Downton Abbey costume exhibit that was showcased at the Spadina Museum.