Always on the look out for new brunch places, I couldn't refuse when a friend proposed we try out Café Melbourne's Pop-Up Brunch. The service was slightly slow but the food was absolutely worth it and unexpectedly packed with so many flavours for what seemed like a basic breakfast meal. We had the Elle Macpherson and the Nicole Kidman (descriptions and prices at the end of this post).
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Who said off-the-shoulder tops were only for the summer? ... Or perhaps I am still in denial that winter has hit already. As this semester comes to an end, I've come to realize how time can fly by in a blink. I can't pinpoint exactly why everything seemed to happen so fast. Now is one of the rare times during this semester where I have been able to sit down and simply acknowledge everything happening. As I was constantly getting bombarded by various deadlines, I never had the time to truly think about where I was headed towards in the next few months.

As some of you probably already know, the main fact that I have yet to fully absorb is that in about a month, I will be waking up in... Hong Kong!! I'm not quite sure how I suddenly decided I wanted to spend an entire semester in a city that is completely stranger to me. For the last couple of months, I have been going through all the different steps of the longest application process ever. This includes writing the cover letter to getting accepted into the exchange program and now choosing classes which I will be taking on pass/fail aka plenty of time to just Hong Kong and chill (but still passing chill). At the time, everything seemed to be so distant and to be honest, it still does. I don't even think I will really grasp what's going on until I actually land. Until then, I will be crawling back to my finals hibernation mode until mid December.

 SHOP THE TOP: HERE


Fall rhymes with back-to-school library crawl, no chill windchills that gets you curled in bed like a ball and mainly... a bipolar weather confused Montreal! If you live here, you probably know these photos were not taken in the last 24h as Montreal is currently covered in a thin white layer and temperatures dropped below zero degree Celcius overnight. However, I still think it's possible to get around the city without taking out that chunky wintercoat that's been laying in your closet for three seasons already. The key to surviving this weather without blending in with the non-locals and their Canada Gooses is LAYERS OVER LAYERS OVER LAYERS.



Contrasting from my mainly monochrome and neutral wardrobe is this little green fall staple: the bomber jacket! I remember feeling the material in-stores at Zara with a friend and completely dying over how fluffy it was. I initially hesitated to purchase it at full price (70$+) due to its outside material as the exterior surface layer felt easily damageable/ripped if ever caught in anything. However, when the price dropped to half, I knew I couldn't resist so I told myself I’d just be careful and got it straight from the app as soon as I saw it (I got it in XS since it's fairly oversized). Overall, it's incredibly light and soft on the outside while still being able to handle the chilly beginning of fall temperatures. At 35$, this is definitely a steal.


The beginning of a new semester has always been hectic and stressful. It's often a reality check especially when you're in university and basically trying to figure your life out. Should I keep this major? Should I do a minor? Do I have time to join a club? You might also get caught in recruitment season and have a hard time balancing your schedule. But eventually, you get over all of it. A year ago, I'm convinced I would've had a hard time going through all of this. It's once you realize you're doing something you couldn't have done just a year ago that you know you're probably headed in the right direction.


Instagram has become a powerful platform used for multiple purposes, let it be commercial (brands), artistic or personal. To me, I see it mainly as an artistic platform where I can share curated photos of various things of my everyday life from food to fashion and from landscape shots to cafes. However, anyone who uses Instagram long enough knows that many of these photos are not completely accurate depictions of real-life. In fact, if you know a thing or two about editing, you're probably already familiar with or have heard of VSCOCam, Facetune, Lightroom etc. Third-party applications are becoming more and more common and gives more freedom to what your feed can look like. However, taking an already good unedited shot and making adjustments to it afterwards undoubtedly go hand in hand. Here are 5 tips and tricks to take great shots and to edit them while potentially gaining more likes/followers.

  1. Good lighting is key.

I would say 90% of the time, natural lighting beats artificial light. Taking photos when there is daylight usually results in more freedom in choosing what shots to take. However, cloudy days can also be great for photos but keep in mind that the darker you take your photos, the grainier and less constrasted they will look if you try to raise the exposure or brightness afterwards. It probably sounds obvious to some, but it's easier to preserve the quality of the photo by darkening an already bright photo (if that's the effect you're going for) than to try to brighten a dark photo (unless you have a god camera then plz go away this is for #iPhoneOnly lolol) . Therefore, find the lighting that suits your photo best and minimize editing if your photos are already dark to keep them crisp and clean looking.

2. To make your feed more coherent, vary your editing techniques and edit every photo accordingly.
A photo posted by PING YU🌹 (@pinggyu) on

People often ask me what application I use for all my photos and what filter I apply to make my feed look coherent. Truth is, there's no universal editing pattern that applies to every photo I take. Each picture is different in so many ways (lighting, colors etc.) that in order to make them all "match", you will most likely have to vary your editing techniques. The main apps I use for Instagram are VSCOCam, Lightroom, Facetune, Afterlight and especially Snapseed. VSCOCam is great to keep track of your feed as it has it built in with a good variety of some of my favorite filters such as A6, SE3 and S2 (but remember, don't over edit with filters ! ). Snapseed is my second most used as it preserves the quality of the photo despite editing it on mobile and allows you to edit specific parts of a whole photo (ex. increasing the brightness in one spot). Be creative when trying the different apps as you can really play with what it has to offer. For example, I never use Facetune to edit portraits (which is primarily what it was designed for). However, I have found the teeth whitening tool to be incredibly useful to whiten various surfaces from bedsheets and tables to concrete floors and walls to make them look more clean/uniform. Find your own editing style and stick to it. 


 3. Use the grid on your camera if you have an iPhone.
A photo posted by PING YU🌹 (@pinggyu) on

This is pretty self-explanatory. Even if you think you don't need it, the camera grid really helps with proportions or simply to take straighter pictures from the start. It might take a while to get used to if you've always taken photos without it, but it's a useful feature to integrate. Additionally, you can also use AE/AF lock to focus and keep the same exposure on the main subject on your photo while changing angles by simply keeping your finger pressed on the area of focus while taking the photo.

4. Quality over quantity and engagement over numbers.

Take your time when trying to photograph something (take multiple shots of one thing! ) and be patient when editing it. One posted photo usually has many blurry or not so good ones behind it. It's better to post something that you're completely satisfied with than to post a bunch that you'll later want to delete because either you start seeing every single flawed detail about it or it simply doesn't match your feed and you're scared of losing followers. But on that topic, beyond the number of followers that is displayed on your profile, you should be reaching out for engagement from them. This way, it is also unlikely they will ever unfollow you. Comment back on their photos, use hashtags to find other people to follow with feeds that interests you or similar to yours or even DM them if they're in your town (considering you've had already had some sort of interaction). It's pointless to have 5k, 10k or even 50k followers if only a few of them even bother to interact you. I'm aware that it's currently a thing for some to buy followers but that just makes it even more obvious (by looking at the likes/comments) that they aren't real. And what does that bring to you? Absolutely nothing. Personally, one of the most things I'm most grateful about since I started Instagram is all the people I've been able to meet through the app. All kinds of people, with different backgrounds, from different cities.

5. Be authentic.

This is probably the most important tip I can give. You don't want to just have a figure behind a computer screen. If there is a meeting between Instagrammers, you don't want to come off as a completely different person than what you choose to share online. Behind your image on the Internet, no matter how many followers you have, you're a real person just like everyone else. Social media can help you build valuable real life connections but in the end, what will stand out is what kind of person you are both in real life and behind a screen. Show your personality through your photos and add your personal touch. If you're looking to collaborate with a brand, find those that genuinely interest you. For example, I love trying new skin care products and I'm mostly focused on food/ fashion-based collaborations.

Let me know if this helped x Happy weekend !


While I'm still in a state of denial that summer is almost over and fall semester is close to restarting, I've been slowly transitioning my closet towards more comfortable pieces. One of the most recent staple piece I picked up was this oversized denim shirt from Zara during their summer biannual sale. When I say oversized, it is really HUGE. But that's also what is so great about it! You can simply throw it on any outfit to make it look more laid back. It's EXTREMELY SOFT since it's more of a cotton and lighter material than actual denim. Though this is probably sold out because Zara sales season is ridiculously crazy and things sell out fast on their website, I would definitely recommend trying to find a similar soft oversized denim-but-not-really-made-of-denim shirt as it seriously combines style, comfort and versatility.

  While talking about comfort, I also came across the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever owned. They were sent to me by Sanuk Footwear and I got to choose the style myself from their website (here) + they're also available at Little Burgundy if you don't like ordering online. The pair I chose is called the YOGA DEVINE and from the name, I initally thought these shoes were specifically made for Yoga. That's until I found out, they're actually so incredibly comfortable because they're made of real YOGA MAT MATERIAL! So why don't you give your feet a break from heels and let them cry out: "Nama-stay in these shoes."
Series of unedited photographs shot in film by @dav.dsong - Top from Editorial / Pants from Zara / Shoes from Reebok

Culottes are unarguably a summer staple this season that combines style and comfort while being extremely versatile. They can be dressed up or down with either heels or simply white sneakers. This outfit is flowy and a good counter for the heat.

In the current digital era, it's become rare to come across someone who still shoots on film. It's interesting to see that little extra focus and thought put into the shot before pressing on the shutter button because unlike digital, the cost of film and to develop it is proportional to number of photos taken. Overall, by looking at the results, it's clear that photography isn't all about the gear, but about the photographer's ability to utilize it to create great photos.
 


Frank + Oak has always been a clothing brand recognized for its simple yet trendy designs while maintaining a good price-quality ratio. However, up until now, in its 15 stores spread out mostly in the Montreal and Toronto area, it has only been focused on menswear. That's why I was thrilled when they reached out to me in order to draw attention towards the launch of their Women's Collection which is expected to launch in Fall 2016! There will be an exclusive pre-sale event that you can access by simply signing up by clicking here.

Meanwhile, I have decided to style their Canvas Roll-Top Backpack from their current collection. As the fall school semester slowly approaches, I've been on the hunt for a backpack that would fit my laptop while not being too bulky. For the past few years, I have been a regular tote bag for school and while it did fit pretty much everything I needed, I have finally decided to say goodbye to them (and potentially also goodbye to tilted shoulders or back pain). As my textbooks get chunkier and heavier, spreading the weight between two shoulders feels much better. When I first saw this bag on the Frank + Oak site, I thought the strap closure would slide easily and not hold well as most bags have a zipper. However, this one only has a side pocket with a zipper and the main compartment is closed by a magnetic clip, then rolled. Surprisingly, despite filling the bag, the strap closure holds really firm and the quality of the bag is pretty good too. The only inconvience would be that it takes longer to put and remove things than if it was just a zipper closure. I still think that the rolled up design adds a nice touch and gives it a minimalist effect.



To me, leather jackets will forever be a closet staple independent of what weather or season is outside my door. Layering them may not be appropriate for summer but having them for chilly summer nights or sunshower days (in collaboration with MontrealBipolarWeather.ca) gives a finishing touch to your outfit while remaining temperature appropriate. Paired with this versatile Zara high neck crop top and slit midi skirt from Aritzia, it's a simple yet comfortable and classy look. To make it more casual, my beloved Stansmiths fill that role perfectly. I hope you enjoy these series of photos
taken between sun and rain, as day approaches night.


Working out regularly is no easy task especially when combined with the need to also maintain a healthy diet to go along with it in order to keep your body in shape. I used to think that I could eat anything I wanted while being a burrito on my couch watching Suits all day and still stay skinny. From the exterior, it seemed to be working so I kept believing my body could tolerate it because it stayed the same and looked "healthy". It's only when I started University that I realized I was only looking at it from the tip of the iceberg. In fact, having to deal with the pressure from school, I started feeling more and more tired on a daily basis, fell sick more often and generally had a really bad sleep schedule because I couldn't fall asleep. That's when I knew even if my body wasn't significantly physically changing, it wasn't necessarily healthy.

Staying skinny from the outside didn't mean I was leading a good lifestyle. Don't get me wrong, I've started to work out more and eat healthier but I do have my lazy days and still indulge in heavenly Costco fries and poutine once in a while hehe. It's easy to say that you want to change and embrace a better routine but everyone knows it can't be done overnight. However, it can only be done once you realize how important your body is and to motivate yourself to take care of it beyond what it looks like on the outside.

Motivating yourself is probably one of the hardest parts but something that can help is good fitness wear. I was thrilled to have the chance to collaborate with Industry Active (thank you Vanessa!), an active wear brand that combines fashion and functionality. I like to compare what I wear when I work out to what I decide to wear for an exam. This may sound strange, but I usually put the extra effort to dress well when I know I have a midterm or a final that day because it gives me an extra boost of self-confidence. Dressing well when working out could also give you that slight boost of motivation to push yourself harder. Of course, functionality is also important. All the pieces I've tried from Industry Active were both fashionable and comfortable. My favorite pieces from the collection and those that I recommend are probably the mesh leggings and this sick pattern jacket! You can check them out here and contact them for more info if you're interested in buying any of their pieces.
 


Pleather is one of those timeless materials that can look expensive while actually being quite affordable. Pleather skirts especially can be easily dressed up or down depending on the rest of your outfit. I paired this pink toned skirt with a high neck sleeveless top from Zara for a casual yet put together look. Along with my beloved trench coat also from Zara, this is definitely one of my favorite outfits to go out as it is both simple and feminine.



I recently came across a local Montreal brand called T. Lees Soap Co. that specializes in handcrafted soaps, natural beauty products and soy candles. Not only are their products so aesthetically pleasing and affordable but above all, they also smell SO GOOD. In all honesty, I don't usually go out of my way to buy organic products as they are often more expensive than the average soap or lotion but the benefits provided by natural ingredients in these four products outweight by far the low price tag on them. I have tried each of these products enough to share what my thoughts are on them.

♢ ♢ ♢

 1 - Amber & Rosewood Hand and Body Lotion (238ml) 
This hand and body lotion is made of Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Sweet Almond Oil that all contribute to leaving your skin soft and moisturized. Though I was hesitant at first to try it as I was unfamiliar with the scent fearing it would be too overwhelming, it actually smells really light when applied. Overall, it mainly just serves its purpose while being contained in a cute functional little bottle.

2 - Cucumber & Lime Soap (100g-115g) 

Cucumber and Lime?! Who would've thought this combination could pair so well together? Cucumber is known to have plenty of health benefits (seach up cucumber water for example) but in this case, the cucumber peel extract serves as a powerful antioxidant. Along with the fresh lime fragrance, this is not your regular soap scent and definitely one to try.

 3 - Pink Grapefruit & Mint Lip Balm
Here it is, this little item that was hidden in a corner of the box that I always threw away is probably one of my favorite products of this brand and it is a simple lip balm. Once again, it is made of all natural ingredients such as Mango butter and beeswax to moisturize your lips. So what's so special about this lip balm you're wondering? 3 words: Pink Grapefruit and Mint. You know that refreshing feeling you have after you brushed your teeth? Well imagine that on your lips everytime you use this lip balm. It leaves them soft and without carrying that generic smell that most other lip balms have. This is definetely a product I would recommend.

 4 - No. 20 Fleur D'Oranger Soy Candle

Last, but not least, T. Lees Soap Co. is known for their wide variety of carefully handcrafted candles that come in many different scents. The one I tried is called Fleur D'Oranger and though it smelled good at first, I just found this scent too strong. If you like a deep floral smell, I would say this could probably suit you but for myself, I would probably go for something even lighter. The candle itself looks really well made and as usual, there are only positive things to say about the packaging.

♢ ♢ ♢

1 // Amber & Rosewood Hand and Body Lotion (238ml) - $15.00
2 // Cucumber & Lime Soap (100g-115g) - $7.00
3 // Pink Grapefruit & Mint Lip Balm - $4.00
4 // No. 20 Fleur D'Oranger Soy Candle - $7.00-$30.00

IG: @ tleessoapco // Website: www.tleessoapco.com 



I remember stepping past these gates a year ago and feeling like I was walking on foreign unexplored territory. Now, it just feels like going to a second home (and actually main home during finals season). Looking back, I feel like this first year of University went by both in a fast and slow way. The slow parts were mostly the midterms/finals periods which kept me busy for the past three weeks. That was also the reason why I've been mia and haven't posted on here at all but HEY I'M BACK. Even though I'm taking summer classes to lighten up my course load when I'm going on exchange next winter (!!!), I have a few posts ideas coming up including two collaborations that I'm pretty excited to share, hinted on insta ;) Now that I can finally breathe again, I'll be back to posting regularly again.


A few weeks ago, I met up with Tiffany and Lily who both have their own youtube channel, Garlic Milk, to film a lookbook styling turtlenecks and skirts in 7 different looks. Here were the extra shots taken of my second outfit and the video. Enjoy x


If you're a student around McGill University, you've most likely already stepped your foot into this cafe at least once or seen it packed as you were rushing late to your way too early 8:30am class. Café Humble Lion is literally a long hole in a wall sandwiched between two other student hotspots. You probably will not find a spot if you show up in the middle of a school day unless you get lucky or if you camp someone while staring at them intensely until they feel too bullied to stay at their table. In my case, I didn't feel like waiting so I went with the second option... (jk I got lucky)
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