#BeMyValentine - Collab with Andrew So x Chris Nguyen

Here's some Valentine's Day inspo for y'all! Although, since it's unfortunately going to range from -15 to -25 degrees Celsius this weekend in Toronto, wearing this probably won't be the best idea. I was already freezing my bum off during this shoot, and it was only -7.

Had a great time shooting with Andrew and Chris, even though it took way longer than I expected (4 hours to be exact). Check out some of their work on their Instagram (linked), as we wait for them to get off their lazy bums and make an actual website.

Also changed up my layout! I felt it needed a revamp. It may or may not change again, depending on if I find a better one. What's really cool about this one is it spews animated hearts when you like the post. How appropriate! 

Some artsy fartsy:

Some BTS and the sad moment when Chris lost the balloons:

Some bloopers aka derp Tina aka real Tina:

#Caramel - Collab with Chris Leung

I was really hungry during this second shoot with Chris, so if you can see in my eyes that I was craving some Nandos, you'd be absolutely correct.

These Aritzia Allant pants are the most comfortable pair of pants I own, and they've been on high rotation since I got them last week! I thought the Babaton Cohens were my go-tos, but I definitely prefer these. The material is thicker, so you can get away with wearing more than just seamless panties!

And here are some BTS shots of Chris working his best angles:

Aritzia Mackage Kenya Jacket // Aritzia Babaton Shea Blouse // Aritzia Wilfred Allant Pant // Salvatore Ferragamo Boots // Zara Scarf (Old)

#WinterWonderland - Collab with Andrew So

I attended my annual work retreat this past weekend in the winter wonderland that is Muskoka. We were definitely spoiled this year. Weekend was filled with amazing company, food, activities, an incredible improv comedy show by Bad Dog Theatre Company (HIGHLY recommend you check out), and breathtaking views of Lake Rosseau. 

Also got a chance to experience dog sledding for the first time! The dogs were adorable, I could barely keep my excitement in. Ariel (featured below), was a pure joy and stole my heart with her tenacity and heart.

Now onto actual outfit details... Shot by my awesome friend and colleague, Andrew So. He doesn't have a website yet, so feel free to check out his Instagram!

#Lazy-ik

This is the epitome of a lazy outfit. I wanted to stay semi-warm and comfortable so I opted for my Nike Juvenates, a long coat, jeans, scarf, and a dress I tied into a t-shirt. I meant to wear the coat with the dress, but saw the weather and was too lazy to change out of the dress, so I tied it instead. :)

If you're curious to learn more about my lasik experience, feel free to continue reading! If not, you can simply scroll down to my lovely face.

My Lasik Experience

As mentioned in my last post, I'm now glasses and contacts free! It's a very strange feeling. The past few days I've been trying to rest my eyes, and stick to the recommended eye drop regime. My eyes are extremely dry, and I keep thinking I'm over wearing my contacts. My usual routine of removing my contacts before I shower or before bed, or putting them on in the morning, are now nonexistent. I think the biggest change is being able to wake up and simply see -- I can't begin to explain how amazing that feels. Still blinded by my phone every morning though.

How long is the procedure? The procedure itself was quite scary, and equally so even if I had known exactly what would happen next. It felt longer than 15 minutes, but the surgery doesn't surpass that. People waiting outside can actually view the process via a monitor.

What procedure did I qualify for? I qualified for bladeless lasik, so the first part of the surgery was the creation of the corneal tissue. It essentially feels like pressure being put onto your eye, to the point where you go from seeing an orange laser to just black. The second part is where the surgeon performs the laser vision correction treatment, and is where you can smell that infamous disconcerting smell of burning flesh. It is not your eye burning however, but rather the chemical reaction of the laser on the cornea.

Where did I have the procedure done? TLC Laser Eye Center in Mississauga. Dr. Dean Smith was recommended by my optometrist, so I didn't bother looking into Bochner or Lasik MD (both highly reputable places).

Did I take a relaxant? Yes, I was given one prior to the surgery. Lucky me, the relaxant didn't kick in until after, so I spent most of Friday in and out of sleep, excessively tearing and drooling. The 2 hours post surgery were the most uncomfortable, but once I was able to take a nap, things got better. The morning after, I significantly saw a difference in my vision. 

Is there pain during or post surgery? No, just uncomfortableness. They numb your eye with freezing eye drops, so you don't feel a thing. Some people feel a stinging sensation with the eye drops post surgery, but I didn't experience that. 

Would I do it all over again if I had the choice? Yes, the results are worth it. However, I am hoping that I don't need to go in for an enhancement. I would rather not experience the surgery and healing process a second time around. 

It's been 3 days and I'm still healing. They say your eyes may take 3-6 months to fully heal, so I'm taking it one day at a time. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!

#Switcheroo

I'm excited, nervous, anxious and scared to be getting Lasik surgery tomorrow. It was something I've been wanting to do for a few years now, but the decision to finally go ahead with it was rather last minute. For 2 weeks leading up to tomorrow's surgery, I've been wearing glasses everyday, so I was completely blind during this impromptu shoot. Clearly I was indecisive on what sunglasses to pair the outfit with, as I started the shoot wearing Quay's 'My Girl', only to switch to the 'Cha Cha's half way through.

Stay tuned for a more detailed post-Lasik update in my next blog post!

#MyContactsPoppedOut - Collab with Chris Leung

Right when Chris and I parked at our shoot location, my right contact decided to pop out of my eye. I didn't have eyedrops on me so I wasn't able to pop it back in without irritating it. Anyone that wears contact lenses understands how weird it is to only wear it in one eye, especially when you're half blind. I contemplated taking my left one out, but with my eyesight being close to -8 that wasn't an option. #contactlensproblems 

This is my first time shooting with friend and photographer, Chris Leung, and it was also his first fashion shoot. Definitely won't be our last collaboration! Feel free to check out more of his work on his flickr account.

Aritzia Wilfred Free Lin Sweater // Club Monaco Chambray Shirt (Old) // Aritzia Wilfred Capucine T-Shirt // American Eagle Jeggings (Old) // Chloe Medium Drew // Salvatore Ferragamo Boots // Urban Outfitters BDG Ribbed Beanie

#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!

#ChickenBiryani

During this shoot I was craving chicken biryani, so I made it my mission to get some good biryani the next day. Now I'm craving some shanghai noodles and fried rice, so by the time you read this I will probably already be at Asian Legend.

Tip: Never write a blog post hungry. Also you don't want to know me when I'm hangry. :)

Club Monaco Moto Jacket (Similar) // A&F High-Rise Girlfriend Jeans // Urban Outfitters BDG T-Shirt // Salvatore Ferragamo Boots // Quay Invader Sunglasses

#WhiteSpringmas

It ain't even cold outside, not where I'm from

Feeling like it's mid-April under the sun

My parka don't get no love, no hats and no gloves

But it's the holiday season, and I want to do some winter things

Okay, enough of repurposing Ariana Grande lyrics, it definitely does not feel like Christmas right now. A combination of the warm weather and not a hint of snow, the holiday crept up this year and next thing you know it's 7 days until we ring in 2016. I'll skip the cheese for my new years post, so all I'm going to say is that in light of Boxing Day tomorrow, everything I'm wearing just happens to be on sale :).

Merry Springmas to all, and to all a goodnight!

#SnowProblem

Went into H&M looking for an ugly Christmas sweater to wear to a White Elephant exchange, and ended up snagging this cute holiday shirt from the men's section. It's been on high rotation since, doubling as pyjamas at night. The weather has been incredibly warm for this time of year, so it still amazes me that I haven't yet reached for my parka. Not complaining, but it would be nice to have a white Christmas.

Forever 21 Denim Jacket // Club Monaco Men's Cardigan (Old) // H&M Men's Holiday Shirt // Topshop Leigh High-Waist Ripped Jeans (Similar) // Browns La Canadienne Serena Boots

#Neutrals

50 shades of... Beige? Taupe? Nude? 

This neutral palette was inspired by Hot Miami Styles' mocha turtleneck bodysuit, which they kindly sent me. It's the first bodysuit I've ever owned, and probably my last as I just can't wrap my head around the need to unbutton a flap every time I need to use the restroom. This very reason is also why I stay away from rompers. However, impracticality aside, it's a versatile piece that I can see myself pairing with various items.

#NoFace

For anyone that doesn't get the reference above, shame. Also my face on the derpometer was a classic Patrick, so no face it is! I had the honour of being an elf that night for my company's first Kids Christmas Party and it was the most fun I've had in awhile. It's scary how smart kids are nowadays! When I was 3 I could barely talk, much less make snow globes and tree ornaments.

Zara Block Heel Leather Ankle Boots // Aritzia Babaton Silk Blouse (Similar) // Aritzia Wilfred Cocoon Wool Coat (Similar here and here) // Club Monaco Cropped Striped Sweater (Old) // American Eagle Dark Jeans (Old)

#OnceYouGoBlack...

You don't go back. Or in my case I do, and this all black leather 'about-to-rob-a-bank' get-up was because my black laundry pile had just been washed and I wasn't feeling creative that day. Also it's starting to get really cold and my #rbf is becoming more permanent.

#WhiteOut

Let's be real, white stays white only never. You already risk getting makeup on it while changing, then there's at least 10 hours of avoiding food stains during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Let's not forget to account for unforeseen stains from walking, driving, or simply sitting. It's a classic case of #firstworldproblems, but if you're lucky enough to make it home spotless, you've made it farther than 90% of your peers and deserve a large plate of juicy ribs. 

#NotAnAromaAd - With CV Photography

Contrary to what some of these pictures may show, this is not an Aroma ad. I ordered a simple hot chocolate, but they must not have heard the chocolate part because it tasted like hot bland milk. This is my second collab with the lovely CV Photography and definitely not the last! Do ignore the bulge that is my ankle as this was 30 minutes-post-sprain :).

I've also recently teamed up with Lawsofashion! You'll be able to find all my upcoming fashion posts and my recent #2Fast2FURious post there, as well as other fashion inspirations created by other bloggers globally.

Forever 21 Draped Trench (Old) // Zara White Sweater (Old) // Zara Low-rise Tapered Jeans // Jeffrey Campbell Holvey Suede Heels // Chloe Medium Drew

#2Fast2FURious

Couldn't stop feeling myself in this incredibly soft faux fur vest from Aritzia. I decided to layer a jean jacket underneath for some added warmth and dimension. This is probably my favourite outfit to date, and is a perfect example where comfort and chic play Switzerland and aren't butting heads.

Aritzia Talula Romilly Vest // Aritzia Wilfred Free Tank (Similar) // Aritzia Talula Edo Jacket // Topshop Leigh High-Waist Ripped Jeans (Old) // Vince Camuto Dally Flat Espadrille // Chloe Medium Drew // Urban Outfitters BDG Ribbed Beanie

#DontLeafMe

I was told it was going to be drizzy outside on Saturday, so I was expecting a lil wayne. What a re-leaf it stopped raining long enough to take pictures though. I've taken a lichen to gloomy weather because it offers the best lighting for shoots. Whoever said being punny is a wok in the park was clearly lying. Think I'm ending this blurbage at the white time, and I'm sure this won't be mist. There's definitely mushroom for improvement here, but I hope these will grow on you. Now lettuce all cry because these puns are soda pressing.

Aritzia Mackage Kenya Jacket // Aritzia Community Ionic Cape // Urban Outfitters BDG Dress (Similar) // Tory Burch Robinson Crossbody (Similar) // Browns Wishbone Settignano Booties

#PinkPawty - First Collaboration with CV Photography

This little pink gem reminds me of Candy Land in the movie Wreck It Ralph. It brings out my inner Barbie, and I can't help but belt out Aqua's 'Barbie Girl' as I'm shooting. Unlike Barbie though with her rigid plastic limbs that you can pop out and in as you please, my limbs are a little bit more delicate. A failed mid-air leap led to a sprained ankle (minor thankfully), but also meant I was treated like a spoiled princess all week.

The shoot is my first collaboration with Cam of CV Photography, and it definitely won't be my last. Cam is an amazing photographer with an even more awesome personality, and I highly encourage you to check out her work! Feel free to also creep her on Instagram.

Oh I guess I can talk about the outfit too. I've actually been on the prowl for the perfect grey fall coat and I finally found it at Topshop. It's been on repeat since I bought it, and it's not leaving anytime soon. These Jeffrey Campbell heels are also incredibly comfortable and I can't say that about many heels, period.

#DoubleChinConcealer

A turtleneck is a quadruple threat. It's not only cozy, warm and cute, but it's a great cover-up for double chins, hickies, weird rashes, and of course your neck (for days where you just ain't feeling it). It's also versatile in what you pair it with, whether that be a skirt, jeans, leggings, shorts, or if long enough -- simply nothing.