#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!

#OliveJuice

I don't know how it works and it does have a semi-uncomfortable burning sensation, but ChinUp Mask rid 2 cm off my double chin after using it for 30 minutes. I also have a very ticklish neck, so it was hard to keep a straight face with the mask on, but IT WORKS.

#OnceYouGoBlack - Collaboration with Frank & Oak

I'm proud to partner with Frank & Oak for their new permanent women’s collection, which is now officially available online and in store! C-c-check out my entire look and all the new styles here: www.frankandoak.com/invite/TinaDao

Also for anyone that's never tried Shin Black ramen, guaranteed you won't go back once you've had a taste.

#Pink - Collaboration with Petite Studio NYC

Let's excuse my 10-day unwashed hair here and let's focus on this pink, velvet midi skirt from Petite Studio NYC. I keep caressing it because of how soft it is, and love how the knife pleats give it dimension. Only thing it's missing is pockets! 

#Monochromatic

My friend and I debuted our first single together called, "Joey, Your Poo Really Stinks" for our friend Joey's birthday 6 years ago. Here's a preview of the lyrics: It doesn't matter what you eat, Don't matter what you drink, Oh Joey, your poo really stinks, Your poo really stinks (x8). So if you're wondering why most of my Instagram captions are poo or fart related, it dates back long before I met them, and was only amplified with our friendship.

#LunarNewYear - Collaboration with Coach

I've been overplaying the La La Land soundtrack since I saw the movie a week ago, and I fall in love with it more each time. For those that haven't seen it, stop what you're doing and GO WATCH IT. It was so beautifully done - from the directing, the music and the costumes, to the actors and their chemistry on-screen. On an unrelated note, what I really love about Coach's new Dinky bag is the attached kisslock purse inside - perfect for all the red pocket money I'll be receiving this weekend for Lunar New Year!

#Suede - Collaboration with Petite Studio NYC

Being a petite gal (5'2"), I often struggle with finding clothes (especially jackets) that fit me. It's why my wardrobe consists of only a few brands, because once I find something that works I stick with it. When I discovered Petite Studio, I fell in love with their entire line. The quality pieces are made for, of, and by petite women, so they know exactly what works and what doesn't!

#Layers

Yes, I'm selling my Chanel bag. Yes, I just bought it 2 months ago in Florence. Yes, I still love it. Yes, it was an impulse buy (as with most of my purchases). Yes, it was an expensive impulse buy.

I've been eyeing the Chanel boy for years. When I set my eyes on this one in Italy, it was love at first sight. I loved the colour, the design, the soft Nubuck leather (at the time) and how much I was able to fit in the bag. However, I quickly came to realize that Nubuck leather is sensitive to pretty much everything. I find myself frequently ensuring the suede is all going in the same direction, and am afraid to wear the bag out in constant fear that I'll get something on it. The cost of the bag also has me wary of wearing it out, so in the end it's not worth the price I paid for it.

However, just because it wasn't a right fit for me currently, doesn't mean it won't be for you! Baby Chanel is looking for a new home, so if you're interested holla at me via @carousell (my username is simplyteee)!

Photos: Chris Leung (@iofmine)

Club Monaco Tommie Merino Sweater // Topshop Striped Shirt (Similar here, here and here) // Abercrombie High Rise Girlfriend Jeans (Similar and on sale at AE here) // Chanel Chevron Nubuck Boy Large Bag // Vince Easton Nubuck Bootie (thanks Marshalls Canada!)

All about the angles:

#2016Bye - 3 Confessions Behind the Gram

I started blogging last September, so 2016 was a year of many firsts. I've met so many local creatives I now call my friends, have partnered with many of my favourite brands, and been invited to exclusive events I've only dreamt of attending. Even though there are moments I feel like quitting and question why I'm doing what I'm doing, I ultimately love it and am excited for what 2017 has in store. Keep reading below for 3 confessions behind my Instagram shots!

Now onto the confessions...

1. It's all about perspective - Left is what I posted on Instagram and to the right is what it took to get the shot. Also how many of y'all have painted just your thumb to take a photo...(guilty)

2. What 99% of my pictures actually look like - I shot with Chris yesterday and we ended up with 1100 photos, of which only 20 were decent.

3. Most of my shots aren't actually pure white - Left is the original picture and to the right is after edits. If you missed it, you can check out part 1 and part 2 of how I edit my photos.

Cheers to keeping it real in 2017!

#Winter Things - Collaboration with Quartz Co

I've never owned a Quartz parka until now, but it's honestly the lightest parka I've tried. It's amazing how warm it is when I'm outside in -20 degree (Celsius) weather, but don't feel like I'm in a hot sauna wearing it indoors (like most parkas). As I'm always in the city, I want something that's durable but not too bulky. The fact that it's also made in Canada is a plus! I'm wearing the Laurentia in a Navy XXS, but am also in love with the following styles:

#Velvet - Collaboration with American Eagle Outfitters

American Eagle was actually the first brand to regram one of my outfits on Instagram when I was just starting out as a blogger. I couldn't contain my excitement and that was definitely one of the highlights of last year. My first job in high school also happened to be at American Eagle, so it's crazy how it's come full circle. You can view my feature on their blog here! 

AEO Velvet Tie Dress // Zara High Heel Leather Ankle Boots (Similar here, here, and here) // Urban Outfitters BDG Beanie (Similar here)

Photos: Andrew So

This post is sponsored by American Eagle Outfitters

#AEOSTYLE #AEOPartner

Top 5 Must-Do's in Florence & Sorrento

Having not travelled to Europe before, I didn't know what to expect. I was excited to take in the architecture, history, culture and amazing food. On the other hand, I was prepared for the worst with many people telling me to take heed of pickpocketing and theft. Our itinerary included Barcelona, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Florence and Geneva. As my heart was left in Italy, below are my top 5 things to see and do in two of my favourite cities.

Florence

1. Explore the city - I walked over 20,000 steps daily exploring Florence and felt I still had so much more to see. It's so easy to get lost; every wall, alley and building starts looking like the next, but I feel like that's the best way to truly know a city.

2. Eat your heart out - I had the best meals of my life in this city. Every single pasta dish, pizza slice and scoop of gelato I had was made with the freshest of ingredients. I normally am not a fan of coffee, cheese or wine (I know), but was in love with all three here. Yelp and I were closer than ever on this trip, and she never once let me down.

3. Go to Piazzale Michelangelo - A panoramic view of Florence, live music and arguably the best spot in town to watch the sunset. It's best to come about an hour before the sun goes down if you want to grab an open area on the stairs to enjoy the view.

4. Visit The Mall - If you're looking for deals on designer goodies, this luxury outlet 45 minutes outside of Florence is the place to be. It's the most beautiful outlet I've been to, and you can shop over 30 different brands. There's also a Gucci Caffè restaurant on the top floor of the Gucci store with an outdoor terrace offering incredible views of Tuscany.

5. Climb the Duomo - I recommend buying the all-in-one ticket (15 euros), which gives you access to see all 5 monuments in Piazza Duomo: Cupola, Bell Tower, Baptistery, the Crypt below Cathedral and Opera del Duomo Museum. Climbing to the top of the Bell Tower and the Duomo is about 900 steps altogether and is no easy feat! Being a 400 lb 95-year-old on the inside, I almost didn't make it. 

 

Sorrento 

1. Go to Raki for gelato - This place was recommended by a colleague, and it was by far one of the best gelati I had in Italy. It had the perfect texture and richness, and there's not an overabundance of flavours to choose from that you're standing there for 30 minutes trying to decide.

2. Take a day trip to Positano and Amalfi - I'll let the views speak for itself. If you decide to take a bus from Sorrento, the thrilling trip is about 30 minutes to an hour, and offers the most breathtaking views of the coastline. Warning: side effects may include nausea, dizziness and headaches due to the extreme twists and curves in the road.

...and I ran into another Toronto blogger (@cynthyeah) there I had only stalked on Instagram, and never actually met until walking past her down the Amalfi coast:

3. Visit the shops and walk along the coastline - Sorrento is a very small coastal town that you can walk from one end to the other in a mere couple hours.

4. Stay at this Airbnb solely for the balcony views - The place also has a great host, is located right in the heart of the city, and your room is cleaned every night as if you were staying in a hotel!

5. Take a day trip to Pompeii - I was so immersed in the history of this old Roman city and exploring the excavated ruins, that I didn't take a single photo of the vast archaeological site. To make it up, here are photos from Montserrat (an hour away from Barcelona):

That pretty much sums up my trip, give or take my phone being stolen in Barcelona, and me being appalled at two drinks at Starbucks costing $17 in Geneva. Would love to know what your favourite cities are in Europe!

#EasyBreezy

It was really windy during this photoshoot, and I wasn't wearing any pants under this 'dress' (which is supposed to fit like a regular tunic on taller folks). Luckily, there weren't that many people around to witness the multiple Marilyn Monroe moments that occurred. I'm also currently in Barcelona and haven't slept since 8 am yesterday, so goodnight!

#RAIN - Collaboration with Miss Pap

Figured it was appropriate to wear my first pair of over-the-knee suede boots when it was downright pouring out. (can you tell?)

Miss Pap Emily Grey Suede Over the Knee Boots // Topshop Dress shirt (Old) // Abercrombie Shorts (Old) 

#HotDogs - Collab with kareemaq

Hadn't eaten a hot dog in probably 5 years, until the day Kareema and I shot this look. Good was an understatement. I met Kareema while shopping at Aritzia a year ago, and I had just started my blog at the time. We had been planning this collaboration for a year now, and it finally happened! Follow this girl on Instagram and check out her amazing blog!

#Twist

Has anyone seen the pilot episode of This Is Us? It was the cast that initially drew me in, starring Mandy Moore (c'mon, I watched A Walk to Remember 8x in a row), Milo Ventimiglia (I had a huge crush on him back when he was on Heroes) and Justin Hartley (who wasn't obsessed with Passions and Smallville) to highlight a few. The episode was decent, but the twist at the end had me keen on watching more. Crafted by the writer of Crazy, Stupid, Love, you can only imagine what the twist could be. And once you know there's a twist, it's impossible not to see it.

#ItHasPockets - Collaboration with Drop Boutique

Not only does this feminine lace romper twin as a dress, but it has pockets. Pockets means more bags of candy, Cheetos and Twinkies I can carry on the go. And that means I'll never walk around hangry ever again. #KeyToSuccess

Drop Boutique Lacy Romper // Forever 21 Denim Jacket (Similar) // Adidas Stan Smith

#BTS - Collaboration with Andrew So

I always thought BTS stood for Back To School, but apparently Google thinks it's a Base Transceiver Station piece of equipment that facilitates wireless communication between user equipment and a network. It also stands for Behind The Scenes, Between The Sheets, Be There Soon, Break The Seal, Born Too Soon, Burn/Bun That Shit, Burning Tonkomong (Butthole) Sensation, and is also a South Korean pop band. #WhoKnew

Jazz Hands

#Blanco - Collaboration with Miss Pap

Does anyone actually know the origin of the no-white-after-Labor Day rule? Do people actually abide by this rule? Apparently, since hot weather = wear white, once Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, society eventually adopted it as the natural endpoint for summer fashion, and hence you weren't allowed to wear white. Silly, if you ask me! #HistoryLessonsWithSimplyteee

#Denim - Collab with Mavi Jeans

I've never owned a pair of Mavi jeans before, but I am pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they are! The fit is perfect, and even gives you a butt lift ;). I'm in the pool of asians with no bum, so that's a-okay in my books!

Mavi 'Alissa' High-Rise Super Skinny Jeans (Same here) // Zara Crop Top (Similar and 65% off) // Topshop White Blazer (Similar and 40% off) // Banana Republic Sandals (Similar here, here and here)