#QuarterCentury - Collab with North of Heaven x Andrew So x Judy Lim Makeup

Quarter century milestone [✓]. But really, I'm a 75-year-old grandma trapped in a 16-year-old body. For this special milestone, I collaborated with Van (Designer of North of Heaven) to design a glam (but NOT prom) dress that still aligned with my simple style. Because I rarely get the opportunity to dress up, I thought it'd be fun to step out of my comfort zone.

This was my first time working with a designer, and it was amazing to be able to have creative input into the dress design, as well as see it come to fruition. It was also the first time getting my hair and makeup done for the shoot, and Judy (Judy Lim Makeup) was an incredible sport considering I'm extremely picky. My face is also set to derp by default, so shoutout to Andrew for being able to capture decent non-derp angles of me. 

This entire experience encompassed many firsts, but an incredibly fun one at that!

#Thuglyfe My attempt at a more 'street' look with the dress

#BTS Van being the perfectionist she is <3

Dress designed by North of Heaven // Zara strappy heels (old) // Aritzia Mackage Kenya Jacket (Similar) // Converse All Star Shoreline Slip

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Check out their work! // Photographer: Andrew So // Hair and Makeup: Judy Lim // Dress design: Van Tran

#Happy2016 - Collab with CV Photography

I had the pleasure again of shooting with Cam, from CV Photography, in her own mini studio. We were in the middle of a winter storm warning the day of the shoot, so why freeze our butts off when we can shoot inside? I told myself to avoid wearing black, but that was indeed the one thing I did. If you like cheese, skip to the end of this post where I highlight my top 3 best memories of 2015. 

Zara Dress (Old) // Oak + Fort Hat C10 (Sale) // Zara Block Heel Leather Ankle Boots (Sold out; Similar) // Aritzia Mackage Kenya Jacket (Sale)

Now onto my Top 3 Memories of 2015!

1.  Starting simplyteee

Finally starting my blog this past September was the best decision of 2015. I decided to erase all the doubts I had, get my lazy bum off the bed, and eyes unglued from watching shows, and finally do something I've always been passionate about. It's …

Finally starting my blog this past September was the best decision of 2015. I decided to erase all the doubts I had, get my lazy bum off the bed, and eyes unglued from watching shows, and finally do something I've always been passionate about. It's still a work in progress and I'm still figuring out what works for me, but I've learnt more about myself and my goals in the past 4 months than I had all year.

2.  Getting regrammed by American Eagle

 This was only my second shoot since the launch of my blog, so to wake up one morning with 150 additional followers and to be regrammed by one of the largest brands in North America, was largely uplifting. It was a sign that this was what I should b…

 

This was only my second shoot since the launch of my blog, so to wake up one morning with 150 additional followers and to be regrammed by one of the largest brands in North America, was largely uplifting. It was a sign that this was what I should be doing, and I questioned why I never started this earlier.

3.  Making SnowMax

 Non-fashion related, this took about a couple hours, but it was so worth it. My obsession with Baymax still lives on to this day.

 

Non-fashion related, this took about a couple hours, but it was so worth it. My obsession with Baymax still lives on to this day.

As I started scrolling through my Facebook timeline, I realized just how many memories were made in 2015. It was hard to narrow it down to the top 3, but the biggest accomplishment is definitely simplyteee. I started this journey as a personal creative outlet, and in doing so I have met so many inspiring people along the way. Collaborating with photographers, brands, and other fashion bloggers, and having the support of the local blogger community has only driven me to pursue more of my goals. Thank you to my family, friends (old and new), readers and followers for supporting me on this journey.

Here's to an even bigger year, with bigger dreams in 2016!

#YinYang - A Special Collaboration with Shakura Galloway

I am finally able to share my collaboration with my friend and colleague, Shakura Galloway. This lookbook shoot marked a first of many: Our first shoot together, my first shoot period, and her first fashion shoot. I'd like to give kudos to anyone that films regular lookbooks, as it is NOT easy. The medley of good weather, a nice location, lack of crowds, change area, sufficient camera battery, and not to mention the avoidance of deodorant stains on your tops, is enough to make someone stray away from filming one lookbook, much less make it a weekly occurrence.

However, we both learned a great deal from this experience, and there is no one I would rather pop that lookbook cherry with, than with Shakura. She is incredibly talented, an inspiration, and her amazing work speaks for itself. GIRL, GET YOUR WEBSITE UP!

Below are some snapshots from our shoot, as well as some not so flattering GIFs to entertain you with. 

Now for some fun GIFs!

Forever 21 Cropped Turtleneck (Similar) // Aritzia Babaton Johan Skirt // Aritzia Mackage Kenya Leather Jacket // Forever 21 Peep-toe Booties (Similar)

Club Monaco Cropped Top (Old) // Aritzia Babaton Cohen Pant // Prada Wallet (Old) // Oak + Fort Flats (Old)

Forever 21 Semi-Sheer Oversized Shirt // Aritzia Babaton Antoine Shorts (Old) // Topshop Tiga Lizard Skater Shoes // Tory Burch Robinson Crossbody (Similar)