#OneStar - Collaboration with Converse

True story and captured on my Instagram stories: My CEO Sanjay (not just a random uncle) was complaining to 300 of our clients at our annual user group conference about how he has to pay for Converse and I get it for free (through partnerships with the brand). The PR rep for Converse saw on my IG stories and sent him a code so he could redeem his own pair. It seemed natural then to take a picture, so here we are. Sanjay was way too excited for this.

#Jumper

Alright I'm having major late '90s to early '00s flashbacks and so I thought I'd list out my top 10 favorite games to play as a child:

  1. Boom Boom Volleyball on miniclip.com - There's a level you can unlock so the women play topless :3 #WhatMoreCouldYouWant
  2. Tomb Raider II on Playstation 1 - Never knew wtf I was doing but the memories are real.
  3. Twisted Metal on Playstation 2 - HOW AWESOME WAS THIS GAME THOUGH!? I sucked at it (even as Sweet Tooth) but HOW AWESOME WAS IT!?
  4. Makeover game on barbie.com - A bit of a guilty pleasure, but I loved playing makeover or any of the fashion games on that website. I even had a PC version where I could design my barbies' clothes and then print them (but it never printed properly).
  5. Space Room game on postopia.com - I don't remember the name of this game, but you could design your own themed room (in space, a cowboy bar etc.).
  6. Neopets - I always went for Kacheek. And Kacheek would always die.
  7. Gunbound - What asian didn't play Gunbound or Maplestory, really?
  8. Sonic the Hedgehog on Sega - There's one part where Sonic would run underwater and that was always my favorite part.
  9. Castle of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse on Sega - This game was lit af.
  10. Tony Hawk Pro Skater on Playstation 1 - If you never played this game, you don't know what you're missing out on.

#Seventies

My first day of Kindergarten I was paired up with a classmate named Lina to show me around. However, there was this one girl named Eliza (way prettier) I was eyeing to be my friend and I wanted her to be my buddy instead. When recess started, I ditched Lina and ran towards Eliza. We became friends and I was brought into her crew (the "popular" bunch). We would sing Spice Girls on top of a bench every recess and would play "The Damsel in Distress" in the playground as the boys would come rescue us (I know, talk about stereotypes). One day, my "friends" decided they didn't want to be my friend anymore. I started crying, they felt bad, and eventually we drifted and I found real friends. 

Fast forward 21 years later, I'm still superficial af and bullying is still very much a real issue.

Hot Miami Styles Ribbed Turtleneck Bodysuit (Similar here) // Oak + Fort Jean G019 // H&M Leather Belt // F as in Frank Thrifted Sunglasses (Similar here and here) // Rebecca Minkoff Mules from Nordstrom Rack Sale (Similar here, here, here and here)

Photo Creds: Alistair D'Cruz & Karuna Israni (@whatweworeblog)

#Vibes

So I woke up one day some time ago with this symmetrical red grid like pattern on both my butt cheeks. It didn't hurt nor was it itchy, and I had no idea how I got it. And if you're wondering how I found out, no I don't wear pants when I'm home. Like any rational millennial, I googled 'red grid like patterns' and came across this website. Like you are, I was shocked (and amazed) to find out the same exact pattern had been experienced by multiple people worldwide, even dating back to the '60s. Curious to find out more, I emailed the author of the website who sent me a long email asking me to fill out a questionnaire detailing the mark so we could figure out if it was from the same phenomenon. I got cold feet at that point, so nothing ever came of that and the mark eventually faded. And that was how I was marked by an alien. The end.

Aritzia Wilfred Lalemant Pant // Topman Denim Shirt (Similar) //

Photo Creds: Cynthia Nguyen @cynthyeah

#CanadianTuxedo

Can I date 2001 Justin Timberlake in this outfit though? Or better yet have a threesome with him and Brit? Can I be Ryan Gosling's costar in the sequel to Drive? Can I join the cast of That 70's Show? All questions that run through my mind when I'm repping the Canadian tux.

#CoolTones - Collaboration with Frank And Oak

Frank And Oak recently launched their Style Plan - A monthly subscription providing personalized recommendations on their latest collections, ongoing discounts and free shipping. It's basically made for the lazy shopper (like me). Receive $30 off your first month by using this link: http://www.frankandoak.com/invite/simplyteee :)!

#Breezy - Collaboration with Luxfindz

For those in Toronto, I highly encourage y'all to check out Luxfindz' Pop Up Shop tomorrow through Sunday at 111 Jarvis St W for up to 70% off selected pieces! 

The metal accent sleeves on this simple white dress makes me feel like a Greek goddess. However, with how all of my shoots go, 99% of it says otherwise. Keep reading for the top 5 bloopers from this shoot!

Luxfindz Pure White Dress // Photo Creds: Andrew So

NOW TIME FOR THE TOP 5 BLOOPERS

1. When you get sand in your (non-existent) boobs

2. When you felt a spider on your shoulder, but it was really just your hair

3. When you think you're all cute frolicking in the sand, but this is the result instead

4. When your hair simply doesn't want to cooperate

5. When your photographer tells you none of the shots turned out good

#Yeezy

You can still take advantage of the huge Nordstrom Warehouse Sale hosted by StyleDemocracy until April 17th at the International Centre (Hall 6) in Mississauga! Below are the hours:

  • Friday, April 14: 11am - 9pm

  • Saturday, April 15 - Sunday April 16: 10am - 6pm

  • Monday, April 17: 10am  - 5pm

If you have the patience to look through racks and racks of clothing and are prepared for potentially long lines, then you'll probably walk out with 10 items for under $300. I was able to snag these Rebecca Minkoff mules and shirt for $70!

Alsoo, check out the spotlight StyleDemocracy did on yours truly: http://www.styledemocracy.com/style-spotlight-tina-dao/

COS Oversized High-Neck Sweatshirt // Zara Oversized Tee // Garage High-Waist Jegging // Zara High-Heel Ankle Boots (Similar here, here, here and here) // Chloe Drew Leather Shoulder Bag // Forever 21 Round Sunglasses (Similar here, here and here)

#Overalls - Collaboration with Converse

Now these are kicks to converse with! The Converse Pro Leather LP is the perfect white leather sneaker for Spring and is available in stores as of April 3rd! Yeah, the date sneakered up on me too.

Also, everyone go watch 13 Reasons Why on Netflix. 

And it wouldn't be a simplyteee approved blog post without a GIF:

Converse Pro Leather LP // Forever 21 Distressed Denim Overalls // Forever 21 Off-The-Shoulder Top (Similar here, here and here) // Chloe Medium Drew

#Camo - Collab with Mavi Jeans

I decided to dedicate this blog post to some BTS gifs and how 99% of my shoots actually go. Scroll down for bloopers!

SOME GIF BLOOPERS

#That70sShow

This photo set was actually taken on 3 separate occasions, which is why you'll notice the varying lipstick shades and the different hairstyles.

  • Day 1 Early Afternoon: Hair down, neutral lips - It was extremely cold and windy outside, so we decided to take pictures inside. 
  • Day 1 Evening: Hair up, neutral lips - To combat the wind, I opted for a ponytail instead and attempted some shots outside.
  • Day 2: Hair up, dark lipstick - I then realized I wanted to pair the outfit with a dark lippie, so figured third time was the charm.

I picked my favorites from each set and the results are what you see below!

#White - Collaboration with Call It Spring

Partnered with Call It Spring for a fresh spring look! Though it definitely doesn't feel like spring right now, and this outfit wasn't so fresh after the spilt matcha latte on my pants...#CanYouSpotTheMatcha. The sandals dressed themselves, so I kept the outfit simple and colors minimal!

How-To: Look Fabulous with 7 Day Old Hair

Well, half decent. Since I was rocking 7 day old hair here, I'm going to share some tips on how I maintain it without actually washing it. Going to keep it short and sweet - just like me. Minus the sweet part.

1. Let's Get Dirrty - (As Aguilera would put it) No matter how oily or smelly your hair is, or how itchy your scalp gets, don't give in. You need to train your hair, especially if it's used to being washed everyday. 7 days may be excessive, but washing your hair at least every other day ensures your scalp is not overproducing oil to compensate for the dryness. 

2. Cozy up with Dry Shampoo - Let dry shampoo become your best friend. My favourite is Batiste's Original or Bumble and bumble's Prêt-à-Powder. I apply it in-between washes to my roots, and massage the powder into my hair.

3. Let's Tango - With your comb, that is. Being an unnatural blonde, I usually wake up looking like a dragon lady with dreadlocks. After I comb out all the tangles, my hair is 10x more manageable and I can style accordingly.

4. Smooth Criminal - (had to reference MJ) For that finishing touch, to make it look like you just washed your hair and got a blowout, Bumble and bumble's Hairdresser's Invisible Oil is great for adding shine and taming flyaways (especially those stubborn baby hairs). I can't leave the house without it!

And that's how I get away with not washing my hair for 7 days. Would love to know the longest you've gone without washing yours!

Aritzia Talula Kent Blazer (Similar) // Zara Cropped Top (Similar and cuter) (This one's nice too) // American Eagle Shorts (Similar here and here) // Zara Lace Sandals (Similar - Love these ones) // No Weekends Luna Sunglasses (Blush)

SHOP THE POST

#BabyPink

Baby pink, baby food, baby Spice, babies, baby Bieber - all my favourites :).

Yes I still eat baby food, yes peas and pear are my favourite flavours, and yes up until grade 6 I still drank the instant baby milk powder because I preferred the taste to regular milk.

#InterestingFactOfTheDay

#StanSmith

F1n411y r34ch3d fu11 8451c 837ch 5747u5 w17h 7h353 574n 5m17h5. :)

Who else understands 1337? Brings me back to my gaming days..

Stan Smith

#Culottes

Everyone get these pants because they are the most comfortable pair of culottes you'll ever own. That's all.

Zara Bucket Bag (Similar) // Vince Paeyre Leather Sneaker (in black) // Aritzia Wilfred Brion Pant // Club Monaco Crop Top (Similar here and here)

SHOP THE POST

#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

SHOP THE POST

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

#Camel

Toe. Hehe.

I find it interesting when people meet me, and say I'm outgoing, social, and bubbly. I think I'm actually socially awkward, and a lot of times I feel quite anti-social. Fun fact: I was pretty much mute in school until grade 6. I only spoke to one other person (my best friend), but didn't speak a word to anyone else. I was put into ESL class because my teachers thought I couldn't speak English, but really, I just chose not to speak. Now you can't shut me up.

And there's your random tidbit of the day!

#NoFrills

I recently got accepted into rewardStyle, and am super stoked about it! I didn't think I would given that I'm fairly new to blogging, but am excited for the opportunities that may come of it. Also for anyone that has not seen We Bare Bears, watch this 5 second clip and tell me you're not obsessed!

Zara Frilled Poplin Shirt // Aritzia Babaton Cohen Pant // Zara Block Heel Leather Ankle Boots (LOVE this one)

#WeRunTheWorld

Who run the world? WOMEN! This outfit was to commemorate International Women's Day yesterday. There's a quote that says, "Girls compete with each other. Women empower one another". Since I started blogging 6 months ago, my favourite part about it is the opportunity to meet amazing, creative women that all support and empower each other through the same craft. These women inspire and motivate me to actively pursue my goals and not give up on this dream.

Aritzia Wilfred Limoges T-Shirt // Club Monaco Blazer (Old) // Aritzia Citizens of Humanity Rocket Indie // Tory Burch Robinson Adjustable Shoulder Bag (Similar) // Zara Lace-Up Pointed High Heel Shoes