tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68668937971198680542024-03-24T03:09:55.150-04:00zhangling❤photography “You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” ― Ansel AdamsLinda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-89519141095294025802020-05-02T15:07:00.000-04:002020-05-02T16:26:41.716-04:00Mexican Holiday and 2019 ReviewSo I started this post in late November as a simple recap of a trip to Mexico, then it took a turn in late December when I decided to combine it with a year-in-review. It is now May. This post has been really hard and I struggled throughout with trying to articulate my thoughts and feelings in a way that doesn't come across as overly mopey or whiny. I try to keep things positive here but this issue has been clearly impacted all areas of my life, including blogging and photography, so here goes <strike>nothing</strike> my best shot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWjnNbwnckGQeN9-R4YPbMV9HeEa3bNd7Ll2cxdakOGzUgJS1Kfzd6JhH1uwEgdHFv24d4PpxaQ5CI85jkIGHsczjmgiWUq2ocCOvNwzoXSo_VowJsd6F37n-zFaf6MuqRU0B5Ap7x7YY/s1600/DSCF9887b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWjnNbwnckGQeN9-R4YPbMV9HeEa3bNd7Ll2cxdakOGzUgJS1Kfzd6JhH1uwEgdHFv24d4PpxaQ5CI85jkIGHsczjmgiWUq2ocCOvNwzoXSo_VowJsd6F37n-zFaf6MuqRU0B5Ap7x7YY/s640/DSCF9887b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
According to the Internet, 2019 was a rough year for everybody (in a whole different way give how 2020 is going so far). During my year-end "highlight/lowlight" review with friends, my mind was still preoccupied by a recent car accident I was in earlier that week. They all sympathetically agreed that was an understandable lowlight and a rough way to end the year. But when the party was over and I was working on this post, it suddenly occurred to me what was the true low of my 2019.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-TGt36RicvADinpdGWqQ5UDdr7VrEnvmgxz5MzjucUTR2BZmpTUeFIOP58N1V5K3pm5oLhC54si8RPtD5l6mAbGt_yEnE7Gs_ZmVXAbmf0wpJRO1MeErHkSqi6Sy-LrhVvOOWb0O5iac/s1600/DSCF9875b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-TGt36RicvADinpdGWqQ5UDdr7VrEnvmgxz5MzjucUTR2BZmpTUeFIOP58N1V5K3pm5oLhC54si8RPtD5l6mAbGt_yEnE7Gs_ZmVXAbmf0wpJRO1MeErHkSqi6Sy-LrhVvOOWb0O5iac/s640/DSCF9875b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In my <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2019/11/2019-fall-fashion-transitional-pieces.html" target="_blank">last post</a> (which was quite a while ago now), I shared a little bit on the struggle of dressing for my "growth spurt" and how I'm trying to rebuild my closet. But it's not just about the clothes. It's not about being less skinny or thinking I don't look good. It's about constantly feeling bad, and on top of that, there's a lot of guilt in feeling this way at all. Especially when people say "I think you still look great!" That type of dismissal, while well-intentioned, hurts the most. It underscores how bad I feel even though I'm trying to do the right things like going to the gym, eating (mostly) healthy, maintaining a regular lifestyle. I couldn't understand why I was feeling unhappy a lot, even though I was trying to do the same things that used to make me happy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1g_jjOX_Uw_3a8ZS2uQtHNz4J-f-IyvEvFG9KSEIOCBLz8vZOw0dRGgDAu5WNm5zEihRtrRh9l0iP8XnqduA1LJAE4aL8MoWefx9Rk7or-sMMt0e8VpBf4eraJAG3zsCinydU60PEW-9/s1600/DSCF9765b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1g_jjOX_Uw_3a8ZS2uQtHNz4J-f-IyvEvFG9KSEIOCBLz8vZOw0dRGgDAu5WNm5zEihRtrRh9l0iP8XnqduA1LJAE4aL8MoWefx9Rk7or-sMMt0e8VpBf4eraJAG3zsCinydU60PEW-9/s640/DSCF9765b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I still tried to keep up with my fashion photography, one of the few sure-fire things that sparked joy. I still felt the passion but I didn't like how I looked in my photos. All my poses felt stiff and my smiles felt fake. The posts themselves had to be cut shorter because I had trouble putting outfits together. I would plan them fine in my head but then abandon them once I saw how it looked on my now-foreign meat suit.<br />
<br />
I felt like a brain implanted in a new body, in full control, but the body doesn't feel like a part of me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiQHw3FsWI6WAM1plDPcZ1LSMo24dqGP6Q-yjYVuTbtpZzA5a52aUUCFnxacYg7P3451ASWiTQLPTG6BINBfESXIzxSYAu7JIP0L9hBZzhkybKYKelSyS_kpPc01rVwxz25-f9uFY3VsV/s1600/DSCF9776b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiQHw3FsWI6WAM1plDPcZ1LSMo24dqGP6Q-yjYVuTbtpZzA5a52aUUCFnxacYg7P3451ASWiTQLPTG6BINBfESXIzxSYAu7JIP0L9hBZzhkybKYKelSyS_kpPc01rVwxz25-f9uFY3VsV/s640/DSCF9776b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At some point, my body dysmorphia started making me question the choices I've made in life. Before I knew it, it had escalated into a full-blown identity crisis. I feel like I gave up who I was to be this nobody and not know who I am.<br />
<br />
People always say the path to self-discovery is a journey, but it feels like I've started down a long path and I haven't gotten anywhere yet. I'm really far from where I used to be and there's no turning back. But I also haven't gotten anywhere, so I'm just in the middle of nowhere. I'm incredibly frustrated that I gave up being <i>somewhere </i>to be <i>nowhere</i>. I want to trust that I'll get somewhere new eventually, but where and when will that be?? It's hard to even have that trust because I'm the one driving and I know for a fact that I don't know where the heck I'm going.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywftVUOXqwkfzO0vFG9bgTosCkHz7fnS5lOy8c-ZxmZVk8fu-Buvr6JO5JbmQG3_kk0o9SVst8Ue9wui3yCeY_XM-DKq2iw3BwW2L5aqLJGe-8Bcia11WFQfjkoGev2LtyVhMuKvbTLOT/s1600/DSCF9796b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywftVUOXqwkfzO0vFG9bgTosCkHz7fnS5lOy8c-ZxmZVk8fu-Buvr6JO5JbmQG3_kk0o9SVst8Ue9wui3yCeY_XM-DKq2iw3BwW2L5aqLJGe-8Bcia11WFQfjkoGev2LtyVhMuKvbTLOT/s640/DSCF9796b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_646315647"></span><span id="goog_646315648"></span><br />
This part of the story doesn't have a happy ending because I'm still living it. I haven't figured out the answer yet, I'm just taking baby steps to try to feel a little bit better each day. Some days are better, but some are harder. On the worst days, I can't make it to the office because I can't get dressed for work. The social distancing has been a cop out in that way. I feel less pressure to figure things out but I also feel myself stagnating and additionally anxious for when I'll have to reintegrate into society.<br />
<br />
In stark contrast, one of the most positive impacts to my journey was the Mexican holiday in mid-November -- which definitely ranks as my highlight of 2019. It was my first time in Mexico and my first resort experience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJVNUdeY9KEvxtrz8HgofblOMtyPEWUhQh49tvbKztuywW4S2cu8z9ptv5P1ONsLD5gnZxUYHTioicdKFIRyHu11h2zBt66S_BujlE1DkjiqffD9NTG0TSBlt8DfFNzjykHncZcrsZppo/s1600/DSCF0480b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJVNUdeY9KEvxtrz8HgofblOMtyPEWUhQh49tvbKztuywW4S2cu8z9ptv5P1ONsLD5gnZxUYHTioicdKFIRyHu11h2zBt66S_BujlE1DkjiqffD9NTG0TSBlt8DfFNzjykHncZcrsZppo/s640/DSCF0480b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Before the trip, I was a bit nervous about being bored and anticipating feeling guilty from doing nothing (burn-out generation, represent~). All my previous vacation trips were jam-packed with activities, leaving me more tired by the end of it ("<i>I need a vacation to recover from my vacation!</i>") but this was totally different.<br />
<br />
On top of the incredibly beautiful wedding of our friends, everything was so lovely and perfect. I feel as if I finally learned how to practice active relaxing, mindfulness, and pure enjoyment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMHi6TytcaN8qkS0N48XMEyxvsZDm-rA89V5KcSHUoV9LN6vCNjJVcXywgNKoZSoPTe6liQhISSC1AVIe5ZSffju8gG1W-3tCQDqqPiHtREZC9FZggkbU070wTYxObpA4A7QFBCN2FNwH/s1600/DSCF0451b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMHi6TytcaN8qkS0N48XMEyxvsZDm-rA89V5KcSHUoV9LN6vCNjJVcXywgNKoZSoPTe6liQhISSC1AVIe5ZSffju8gG1W-3tCQDqqPiHtREZC9FZggkbU070wTYxObpA4A7QFBCN2FNwH/s640/DSCF0451b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And for the first time in a long while, I wasn't just a brain anymore. And maybe it was the open bar and the (many) mango mojitos but I felt connected to everything from the top of my head burning in the sun to the tips of my toes dipping in the ocean. I danced and twirled and did cartwheels down the beach, gripping the sand in my fists and feeling the grains sift through my fingers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLw4YT-n0lqoeMgnazHYbO3rWeE-V8Loo4cfiMx4tabdvBnrt91l23nczD8pToYzBJJq0BUzEXWiXjs_1xQ6fRxFg8-FpS1lfX4gJzCmTiVr9htit5nsmCptZT-tzYE-wfeJHCvZ3Y7Bqs/s1600/DSCF2767b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLw4YT-n0lqoeMgnazHYbO3rWeE-V8Loo4cfiMx4tabdvBnrt91l23nczD8pToYzBJJq0BUzEXWiXjs_1xQ6fRxFg8-FpS1lfX4gJzCmTiVr9htit5nsmCptZT-tzYE-wfeJHCvZ3Y7Bqs/s640/DSCF2767b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLy-GHcPxUGpd3sYQgD-3N9PISu4wlR-qwr7UniXSqaHJ5SrRFJJNqE53jV12uAb_UkdSJvb2GMIlWm_9J-cxnonVnJQJkqKJXwyCM7WqamPV0AkcgLrAG0Tgc5VlgjWKKTDaNxqj7IrcY/s1600/DSCF2774b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLy-GHcPxUGpd3sYQgD-3N9PISu4wlR-qwr7UniXSqaHJ5SrRFJJNqE53jV12uAb_UkdSJvb2GMIlWm_9J-cxnonVnJQJkqKJXwyCM7WqamPV0AkcgLrAG0Tgc5VlgjWKKTDaNxqj7IrcY/s640/DSCF2774b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
To be honest, I debated for a long time whether to post these photos, really worried they're too self-indulgent. There's still a lot of hesitation and anxiety putting my current self out there but when I look at these photos, I remember how genuinely happy I felt in those moments. It's the new bar that I try to keep in mind, although I recognize it's is a high one. I can't just keep running off to Mexico (probably), so I'll need to learn how to find that feeling wherever I am.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3AVtB-KHUifg7v5nVUtf22eTH1Nwvo68IRjDJ_7Ap3mXpFI5wr0WrpNfcIDTNbx0lUodRQXfZ3It393hWivIef_fouburM9WMuIpp-upOt57uo-LOXuc8F0bouhAP6McYBSi_Un1V81-/s1600/DSCF0621b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3AVtB-KHUifg7v5nVUtf22eTH1Nwvo68IRjDJ_7Ap3mXpFI5wr0WrpNfcIDTNbx0lUodRQXfZ3It393hWivIef_fouburM9WMuIpp-upOt57uo-LOXuc8F0bouhAP6McYBSi_Un1V81-/s640/DSCF0621b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Another highlight I want to take the the time to acknowledge is the amazing support I've been receiving from my loving significant other. Nick has been incredibly patient and understanding and such a comfort during exceptionally devastating lows. He's also the one who suggested we take some Muay Thai photos on the beach to celebrate my new form and growing muscles. While I'm still struggling some low days and working on my abs, I love that I'm getting stronger and excited with my progress in training.<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
WOW it is such a relief to finally be done with this post! I know it was long overdue but I was really stuck. It feels great to be able to get all this off my chest and get back into blogging. Next on the docket is a big batch of photos from Thailand, so stay tuned!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading :)<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
Full gallery of Mexico photos here: <a href="http://zhangling.photography/8mexico/">http://zhangling.photography/8mexico/</a><br />
<br />
<br />Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-25124173093428960712019-11-29T22:01:00.000-05:002019-11-30T09:29:02.345-05:002019 Fall Fashion: Transitional Pieces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYR_B0JlpmeYbDqaMaV6HO057IB2fKMWBgGAnuepa8hUW6vDUZmt0vDli-xojYb1Vuvc6xx9k7L_ejehHtJYhXCACxYw-7e-7ANrBjJshyphenhyphen9HWJN5VMEqwlt1kPPmPI5iIax5FqQaxScEQ/s1600/banner-fall2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1080" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYR_B0JlpmeYbDqaMaV6HO057IB2fKMWBgGAnuepa8hUW6vDUZmt0vDli-xojYb1Vuvc6xx9k7L_ejehHtJYhXCACxYw-7e-7ANrBjJshyphenhyphen9HWJN5VMEqwlt1kPPmPI5iIax5FqQaxScEQ/s640/banner-fall2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I say this practically every year but fall is really my favourite fashion season. I love all the seemingly endless possibilities that come with layering and being able to play with different textures and materials. Oh, and all the rich colours! There's so many fun ways to pair fall tones.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, fall in Ottawa can be cut short by a cold front that takes us pretty much directly into winter. As much as I enjoy certain fall favourites (like light coats and leather jackets), it's really important to have solid transitional pieces that work well across both seasons so you can get more wear out of your items.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzTkvyFKflzdzkiyXVpTkcLKUAzPMc8tbFf3Qr1bK0MRM-OaYpVGjMmbBc2qeHgxNizuof0b_kLGLqvDEDPuAHj7slAHYzWnfhXSA3IEwS_raZZG4hGt2m0VKg1GJfGSDKjFiCYAKOcPl/s1600/DSCF9279-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzTkvyFKflzdzkiyXVpTkcLKUAzPMc8tbFf3Qr1bK0MRM-OaYpVGjMmbBc2qeHgxNizuof0b_kLGLqvDEDPuAHj7slAHYzWnfhXSA3IEwS_raZZG4hGt2m0VKg1GJfGSDKjFiCYAKOcPl/s640/DSCF9279-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage camel coat (borrowed from mom)<br />
Forever21/H&M chunky scarf (borrowed from mom)<br />
Lilac cashmere sweater from Babaton<br />
Vintage Levis (thrifted)<br />
BP booties from Nordstrom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Fall favourite: Vintage denim</b><br />
There's something so casual and chic about the washes and cuts in vintage denim that goes so well with the fall colours. A lot of blue denim or even black denim can look too saturated and harsh so I think that's where the softer washes of vintage denim come in. I found this pair of Levis at the thrift store and could not be happier with them. I'm not sure if they were meant to be raw hem or if the previous owner cut the bottom off but they're the perfect length to hit to top of my ankle booties. I couldn't wear this in the winter without feeling too cold on the exposed ankle but these are a definite favourite for those crisp and bright autumn days!<br />
<br />
<div dir="auto">
<b>Transitional piece: Chunky scarf</b><br />
I know I talk a lot about investing in quality pieces but sometimes fast fashion does the job just fine! I genuinely can't remember if this scarf is from Forever21 or H&M even though I was there when mom bought it. Nevertheless, this scarf has lasted a number of years now and still looks great. On lighter fall outfits, it adds extra warmth. On darker winter outfits, the chunky knit and rich coppery tone adds great colour and texture.</div>
<div dir="auto">
<br /></div>
<div dir="auto">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aOci722lg06BbUL4CP1Xfhw6viy0-F66cli62dWHh0tQ_xFSRclWSLryIdrOoZ5hTGjuNNmvH8Da7qGplwoZo_BLurhG7C0-0iLWWKlFguZdCTMsa0y9DrVaR0mQ0O7IsHBu8tmYK6MO/s1600/DSCF9419-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aOci722lg06BbUL4CP1Xfhw6viy0-F66cli62dWHh0tQ_xFSRclWSLryIdrOoZ5hTGjuNNmvH8Da7qGplwoZo_BLurhG7C0-0iLWWKlFguZdCTMsa0y9DrVaR0mQ0O7IsHBu8tmYK6MO/s640/DSCF9419-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leather jacket from Ted Baker<br />
Turtleneck from Zara<br />
Belt from Gucci (preloved)<br />
Snakeskin print skirt from H&M<br />
Italian suede booties gifted from mom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Fall favourite: Leather jacket</b><br />
What is fall without breaking out the trusty leather jacket? I wore my previous Danier one to death (I still keep it in Toronto though because I still love it so much!) and am now enjoying my new Ted Baker one. I picked this up at the Nordstrom annual anniversary sale a few years ago. It's an amazing sale in August where new items get dropped at a sale price then go back up after the sale is over. This jacket actually sat in my closet for a while because I couldn't quite fill it out at the time despite buying the right size. I would still open my closet occasionally to admire the supple leather and floral lining. Now that I've been hitting the gym more regularly, it finally looks good on!<br />
<br />
<div dir="auto">
<b>Transitional piece: Turtleneck sweater</b><br />
A turtleneck sweater is a great classic piece to have that carries well from fall to winter. The trick is to find the right weight -- not too thin or too thick. I have a couple of turtleneck sweaters in this weight but this wine red one from Zara definitely gets worn the most (previously seen <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4VQRBYkDtwoR9aU1mYzVs5X5VLv2IXzqljpEPSsLb1ybUR8dli8zELmWPjw7GzaSVTGacbtu60Wjw6tjVW-DeQpFpKzd21mApvdR6XoAAXW9XotyyP2scFuNNn5Ixl4ZjLqhrOO8Zv7g/s640/DSCF1842-lb.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>). The colour is super rich and lovely and I really appreciate the V design detail on the front that makes it a little more interesting. Some turtlenecks can give the negative illusion of saggy chest due to the extended length between neck and bosom, but I find any visual interest in the chest area will help combat that!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7r6OycroClJKBRuUaogGBHZl5ArblCYWEElHOEvH3uEX7rCKkTv4sGg5luot77VFAvRoO-ArVeZxD08_Yh3MPxAbCpmyF5REtogsq82zXJ7n53iBv7P7y8aDm_xNg1axmwK0ekxxVrVCb/s1600/DSCF9358-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7r6OycroClJKBRuUaogGBHZl5ArblCYWEElHOEvH3uEX7rCKkTv4sGg5luot77VFAvRoO-ArVeZxD08_Yh3MPxAbCpmyF5REtogsq82zXJ7n53iBv7P7y8aDm_xNg1axmwK0ekxxVrVCb/s640/DSCF9358-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bell-sleeve blazer from Calvin Klein<br />
Plaid sweater dress from Vince Camuto<br />
Vintage brooch from 613flea<br />
Ankle booties from Aldo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Fall favourite: Black ankle booties</b><br />
I love black ankle booties and own a couple different pairs! The pair in the first outfit is a dark grey/distressed black pair whereas this is a dressier option with smooth leather and a gold exposed zipper (I also have a lower heel Chelsea boot for every day). Unsurprisingly, these pair well with just about anything and also substitutes well for an office shoe if I didn't feel like changing into heels or flats that day. I used to have different colours in ankle booties but throughout the years, I find that black works the best for my outfits.<br />
<br />
<div dir="auto">
<b>Transitional piece: Sweater dress</b><br />
I love love love this sweater dress and it was such an epiphany when I paired this blazer on top -- double the ruffles! As far as sweater dresses go, I think they're just so cozy and feminine and definitely are a good option for winter at the office. There are lots of bodycon options out there which aren't as office-friendly so I really appreciate this forgiving shift cut. I still wanted to make sure I didn't look too shapeless so the blazer does a good job of providing some waist definition as well.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAlDssn1p30BQEdohrGsVc2bWHV7mQEx_lEontJrJBhVq79Q5NDLw-Ct63rlrD4x6Z0Lg72IepX2tPkowtJjHJORJP1vgxsQ4Ubhyplif7c0SMWFCNMAy42VWxmJ6vL3U_-3FLJ7bovD0/s1600/DSCF9404-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAlDssn1p30BQEdohrGsVc2bWHV7mQEx_lEontJrJBhVq79Q5NDLw-Ct63rlrD4x6Z0Lg72IepX2tPkowtJjHJORJP1vgxsQ4Ubhyplif7c0SMWFCNMAy42VWxmJ6vL3U_-3FLJ7bovD0/s640/DSCF9404-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage Mary Quant bow blouse from Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show<br />
Vintage wool skirt (thrifted)<br />
Guess by Marciano loafer heels (thrifted)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Fall favourite: Feminine blouse</b><br />
How cute is this vintage blouse?? My friend Joan actually picked it out at the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show and she graciously gifted it to me as it was more my size. At first, I was overwhelmed by the print and wasn't sure how to wear it but it quickly grew on me. The pumpkin-spice tones are perfect for fall and I really just can't get over how cute the bow is! Unlike most modern blouses that are thin and drapey, this one is actually a thicker wool-like material, which is probably why the puffy sleeves and bow keep their shape so well.<br />
<br />
<div dir="auto">
<b>Transitional piece: Wool skirt</b><br />
I don't know if you've noticed but this is the third olive green item in this post (first was the Italian suede booties and then the sweater dress). I think olive green is actually a great fall colour. There are other greens that are more festive and wintery but I love how olive pretty much looks great all year round, but especially paired with the warm rich tones in fall. As it gets colder and colder, I want to wear pants less and less and would rather opt for warm tights and boots. And since I don't have endless sweater dresses, a wool skirt in a pencil cut is a great option for the office as well. It's very ladylike and classy and I love how the vintage ones are super figure flattering. A lot of them have a nice band that really cinches you in right at the smallest part of your waist and bonus: all my vintage skirts have pockets! Major win for sure.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX582g5st_bvc3hOA_wRiYbcrPXc3CnVHau1t4Sv_RsGSirTK4Lyr6vi_9S7mMGmEZvat-8ZI5ZlJZoUim5OCZzOmkv7AeR0joXz29EvhbmTtHChaR0GrrFYxjQ1YURYkQ5lUFyuJ5Nuqb/s1600/DSCF9755-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX582g5st_bvc3hOA_wRiYbcrPXc3CnVHau1t4Sv_RsGSirTK4Lyr6vi_9S7mMGmEZvat-8ZI5ZlJZoUim5OCZzOmkv7AeR0joXz29EvhbmTtHChaR0GrrFYxjQ1YURYkQ5lUFyuJ5Nuqb/s640/DSCF9755-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage camel coat (borrowed from mom)<br />
Cropped mustard sweater from Banana Republic<br />
Hi-rise jeans from RW&Co<br />
Booties from Aquatalia (borrowed from mom)<br />
(in case you weren't sure, I did get a haircut in the middle of working on the photos for this post)<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Fall favourite: Camel coat</b><br />
Yes -- it's the same coat from the first outfit! My mom has had this coat for years, it was given to her by my aunt (her older sister) and I've always admired it. The warm caramel/camel colour, the super soft construction (pure cashmere!) the cute plaid inner print that peeks through -- it's a really special coat. There are lots of similar simple drapey coats out there in mainstream stores (notably Wilfred and Aritzia) but they all seem to be a bit thicker and also more stiff, likely due to the mix of other fibres, usually wool which is more sturdy. I've been keeping my eye out for a coat like this but this one has set the bar pretty high! In the meantime, I'll just have to borrow this whenever mom's not wearing it :)<br />
<br />
<div dir="auto">
<b>Transitional piece: Mustard sweater</b><br />
I've had this sweater for almost five years now and it's still one of my favourites. It's rare to find a cropped sweater that isn't too scandalously short and this one hits perfectly at the top of my high-rise jeans. The mustard colour is still as bright as the first day I got it and the cable knit is a classic style that will look good year after year. I paired it here with jeans for a casual look but I am looking forward to wearing this with the wool skirt in the previous outfit for a cozy and professional winter office look.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfpJVgzIENeOxv4VQ3jfeehhn99XsFACLL1Ei_tbHaQjQOYLx2AfTmGhMUD-pw2IYRe6FDzTnbS5vnJ7h1TnszGG7hk6sm7colkynS3nVaA2lLYsD18yfZciFEJKUxdS6cIOAoLLbwHO3/s1600/DSCF0756-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfpJVgzIENeOxv4VQ3jfeehhn99XsFACLL1Ei_tbHaQjQOYLx2AfTmGhMUD-pw2IYRe6FDzTnbS5vnJ7h1TnszGG7hk6sm7colkynS3nVaA2lLYsD18yfZciFEJKUxdS6cIOAoLLbwHO3/s640/DSCF0756-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage cloche from Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show (previously seen <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2016/03/snow-in-springtime.html" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
Vintage black roll-neck sweater (thrifted)<br />
Vintage skirt from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lilynolanvintage/" target="_blank">Lilynolan Vintage</a><br />
Italian suede booties gifted from mom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Fall favourite: Cloches and berets</b><br />
This was my very first vintage head piece I purchased (I have since acquired a couple more, black one pictured in this outfit <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGGxtAFymzqAXILRcZozzCaCSI6HrSxXMj33Zla6wMtQCLOOUaFAY83xiUnWgRcv8PFhp1DLw01U4pYYNtWlkygSsxb5mtxQxP3KWsqM1g4gHqvSxeZ1phd1cYjdJLd4qFDBJkzqgm-io/s640/_DSC9632-lb.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>) and I'm so glad I did! There was the initial hesitation of "<i>When would I ever wear something like this? Can I actually wear this out and not feel like I'm wearing a costume?</i>" but given the increasing number of vintage items I've added into my wardrobe, it's actually pretty easy to wear! Most of mine have been from the vintage markets but I've seen a number of cute ones at thrift stores too. Quick collage of my hat selfies (please excuse any silly face I may be making):<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A1K0s8go0RoPe-Mg0TprEnFLBSHk_khEIeU6Qfq_xQnE1BQCI4To8saJbRWQcTwEN003x1nqYM_voxEzi9JPlP7T4Rb4GAhVz-yKtdYfsNhdfWOFfsXn8Bu48i9OcYpI0D231fyzPQ85/s1600/pt2019_11_29_20_58_19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A1K0s8go0RoPe-Mg0TprEnFLBSHk_khEIeU6Qfq_xQnE1BQCI4To8saJbRWQcTwEN003x1nqYM_voxEzi9JPlP7T4Rb4GAhVz-yKtdYfsNhdfWOFfsXn8Bu48i9OcYpI0D231fyzPQ85/s400/pt2019_11_29_20_58_19.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can you guess which ones I bought and which ones I didn't?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I find that given my head shape and hairstyle, I tend to prefer hats that have some sort of interesting element, like a bow or something, on the side. Hats with no focal point tend to highlight how round my head is (Nick once laughed at me so hard when I came home in a new hat because he said I looked like I was wearing an astronaut helmet! I returned it after.)<br />
<br />
<div dir="auto">
<b>Transitional piece: Black sweater</b><br />
I've gone back and forth on this one over the years but I'm officially back in black. There was a period in my life where I said "no more black" and tried to collect every other colour out there instead. Now it seems I've come full circle in appreciating how timeless and versatile black is. There's something about black that's so un-distracting that it brings your attention to the details of the piece. In this sweater for example, I love the rolled high neck and the diagonal seams at the arms, and those were the first things I noticed about this sweater, not the colour. I hesitated briefly on the colour again but it was this sweater in particular that made me fully flip back to black.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzPIOdWIB2Obv2MXqR8jW-sZcPS1y17j59tTJ_DFX09kR1GNCfjt2bmGYqDnMcBTPgpA_fkobPDCBuBt7jpKyU2-OxwhEFUBN4NVVrMDE0ZV0pUqMS9HucfsWuJGXfTuo2zwWW3Q3nq3q/s1600/DSCF0749b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzPIOdWIB2Obv2MXqR8jW-sZcPS1y17j59tTJ_DFX09kR1GNCfjt2bmGYqDnMcBTPgpA_fkobPDCBuBt7jpKyU2-OxwhEFUBN4NVVrMDE0ZV0pUqMS9HucfsWuJGXfTuo2zwWW3Q3nq3q/s640/DSCF0749b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you've been following my blog for a while now, you may have noticed that I'm buying more and more vintage and thrifted items. It's funny that it's Black Friday weekend and I haven't bought any new clothing from modern stores. There's a couple of reasons for this change, including ones I've talked about in previous posts such as being more environmentally-conscious and eco-friendly and exploring more of my love for vintage style.<br />
<br />
On a more personal note, I briefly mentioned it earlier that I've been hitting the gym and seeing some changes. To be honest, it's been a stressful and challenging journey. It feels like I spent most of my life struggling with being too skinny, and then, just as I was finally starting to build a wardrobe with carefully selected items that fit me well, they didn't anymore. I felt the most frustrated trying to get dressed in the morning and feeling like nothing fit or looked good on me. At one point, I went through my older blog posts to try to find exact outfits that worked in the past, hoping to be able to rely on something tried and true -- and then breaking down when I didn't like what I saw in the mirror.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I love going to the gym and I love how I'm getting stronger and healthier. There are some upsides too, like that Ted Baker leather jacket fitting me better, and I feel more strong and confident in leggings and other athletic wear. I'm just very aware of the fact that this unexpected "growth spurt" isn't as simple as sizing up, but that I have to re-evaluate my entire style and what looks good on this new body shape. For example, modern jeans and pants don't really work for me anymore. I spent one day at the mall literally trying on every pair of jeans and pants at all the stores and left on the verge of tears. <i>When did my legs get so thick? Why does sizing up only make the pant legs longer, but not wider?? Am I really so disproportionately shaped? </i>Plus, I wasn't about to break the bank just to replace my pants when I needed to strategically rebuild my <i><b>entire </b></i>wardrobe.<br />
<br />
Shopping vintage and thrifting has been the one thing that has worked for me during this journey. A lot of vintage bottoms have the "small waist, loose leg" cut that I need. I've also found like-new items at the thrift store (Banana Republic, Aritzia, etc.) for a fraction of the price so even if they weren't a perfect fit, I could afford to get them tailored. It's also been a really positive experience sharing my struggles with the vintage sellers, many of which I've befriended and have been great about helping me find the right pieces to rebuild my style.<br />
<br />
I know that the answer to my problems is not just new clothes, but that there's a mentality shift needed as well. I need to come to terms that the girl in the mirror is the new me and let go of my previous mental image of what I'm supposed to look like. It's an ongoing journey so thank you to everyone who has helped me so far.<br />
<br />
I hope you liked these outfits and photos! Thanks for reading :)Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-26171891022592007072019-10-03T20:37:00.003-04:002019-10-04T01:41:26.172-04:00September back in Toronto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
You know how when you live in a place you don't really go out to explore because you live there and those touristy things are for tourists? That's the way it was for me growing up in Toronto. Aside from someone else visiting and me tagging a long, there's a lot I still haven't seen.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHhb6u3oYSxqCHWyJaQP8WiWtS6aSFbiF5rY241_r6svPTdH816CV1F7vo_vVVNir5Fs1Z0wGXNNs-ncI1myz0xfHMDKIV-tH13roe9MCsUjrVLFHjlG2hPFU1aGfmbJzBr9NrnV7Ii6f/s1600/DSCF8411b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHhb6u3oYSxqCHWyJaQP8WiWtS6aSFbiF5rY241_r6svPTdH816CV1F7vo_vVVNir5Fs1Z0wGXNNs-ncI1myz0xfHMDKIV-tH13roe9MCsUjrVLFHjlG2hPFU1aGfmbJzBr9NrnV7Ii6f/s640/DSCF8411b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> mix of old and new</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I moved to Ottawa five years ago as of this September (I talked more on the differences between Toronto and Ottawa in <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2019/05/may-in-capital.html" target="_blank">this post</a>) and for a long time it still felt like Toronto was home. When I first made the move to Ottawa, back in 2014, I was heading back to Toronto practically every week. In the last year, I've tried to head back at least once a month but sometimes even less if it's inconvenient because daily life is in Ottawa now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yHO3r3eMGQtP5krNxjYzhY1DNTUU7BeikwKKGUvFznOIHHkb8Qvy55nG1lTIUESIUiwlZi3unbAEVzeTlYFaW37gLdEuuENvXBK4yp6BdlMCVNhGOHgYGMtVmbBMQEvWxciQvC-rIV_o/s1600/DSCF8415b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yHO3r3eMGQtP5krNxjYzhY1DNTUU7BeikwKKGUvFznOIHHkb8Qvy55nG1lTIUESIUiwlZi3unbAEVzeTlYFaW37gLdEuuENvXBK4yp6BdlMCVNhGOHgYGMtVmbBMQEvWxciQvC-rIV_o/s640/DSCF8415b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydH-9eNF18xMmGN_imDfFq7ypzLPuiCsVTPpjdoBUGaMVPXWbtMkrnfCAGa4BNVf6K5XrsdJTqeQf3i4OfyG2ei6B3JOTLkP1hreLvLdpSXyTCyj3sFJpXqJshhr7aqJqZNNGs2GMdEKK/s1600/DSCF8418b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydH-9eNF18xMmGN_imDfFq7ypzLPuiCsVTPpjdoBUGaMVPXWbtMkrnfCAGa4BNVf6K5XrsdJTqeQf3i4OfyG2ei6B3JOTLkP1hreLvLdpSXyTCyj3sFJpXqJshhr7aqJqZNNGs2GMdEKK/s640/DSCF8418b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeVQHHvmcghYCfdwTnGbgMwUDFsim-SDSAUu56H91-bHRSFTH0y4YVnUV5xImZ0inBToFsWvoqpQvswd7um477tirFJr8Qsd3945HvAeREaqAzUN3Si30lOJtin03uUOwhY7qxj4PIIyH/s1600/DSCF8419b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeVQHHvmcghYCfdwTnGbgMwUDFsim-SDSAUu56H91-bHRSFTH0y4YVnUV5xImZ0inBToFsWvoqpQvswd7um477tirFJr8Qsd3945HvAeREaqAzUN3Si30lOJtin03uUOwhY7qxj4PIIyH/s640/DSCF8419b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When I do go back to Toronto nowadays, it's a totally different experience. It's a rather peculiar feeling like I don't recognize certain things but I know where I am. For example I still know all the streets but maybe a restaurant or store that I used to use as a landmark is no longer there. One of the plazas that is near my parent's house is now being torn down and made into condos and I was truly shocked when I drove by and saw the construction. I know I shouldn't be because that's just progress I suppose.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4AIIoP_ElxqFa-hXGtRz4HsGBs5HKYmNvDrkcm4la1OrRLv4qMhlo_n3tf113NYnya9jEie9b1FKaycyz3yoxOaeAOBGhY3dhSIxhc-25ET_YnX_mI38gBtfWWXNAeFG5r9WxBD8Z_F1/s1600/DSCF8427b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4AIIoP_ElxqFa-hXGtRz4HsGBs5HKYmNvDrkcm4la1OrRLv4qMhlo_n3tf113NYnya9jEie9b1FKaycyz3yoxOaeAOBGhY3dhSIxhc-25ET_YnX_mI38gBtfWWXNAeFG5r9WxBD8Z_F1/s640/DSCF8427b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the new slick street cars </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKR8REny-FSn2dLMGsdV1zy8wmqHMC6u6S-qWnT9X6Dnq-7mFhIo1uevxS1_OYKjBijIhRjNrW8Tjzmk43lxeZR9O0iFkvvFAwtzCKRwmOzJau1WyQEJcZhIE4Ezryr3233oydYeoXZif/s1600/DSCF8429b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKR8REny-FSn2dLMGsdV1zy8wmqHMC6u6S-qWnT9X6Dnq-7mFhIo1uevxS1_OYKjBijIhRjNrW8Tjzmk43lxeZR9O0iFkvvFAwtzCKRwmOzJau1WyQEJcZhIE4Ezryr3233oydYeoXZif/s640/DSCF8429b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mRSNBaKQ970kdX6q-KbtKS3oMWl5dDuQFw1mGMIAnCUr8-VuhoOzOx3HL3j4D5b30Tpc3YRF3foc_0HNq-Q4ohyimteEMs1mF8Z7mV4PP2-mcyl2p8hFy3L6lLGXV7Lh0AZdAXO-JP8T/s1600/DSCF8431b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mRSNBaKQ970kdX6q-KbtKS3oMWl5dDuQFw1mGMIAnCUr8-VuhoOzOx3HL3j4D5b30Tpc3YRF3foc_0HNq-Q4ohyimteEMs1mF8Z7mV4PP2-mcyl2p8hFy3L6lLGXV7Lh0AZdAXO-JP8T/s640/DSCF8431b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">endless construction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But I find I'm still able to indulge in nostalgia when I go home because for the most part, a lot is still the same. My parents haven't touched my room since I left which is sometimes nice but also sometimes a little disconcerting. All my childhood mementos are still tucked away, all my books still on my bookshelf. If I forget to pack enough clothes for the weekend and I end up putting on things I left behind, suddenly I'm a teenager again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOH-S-YO5BZxRTILtTzaqSUzxmSJUVz5X81lhIODX0a3W4MW0r0aU8H11e_8NeGrbwmqSVYF0J014fNGC5kG0vpQ-yxNfEvQTRsfS3cfdUyC86cnGE8o0GTpmAiZrMVvXY9MsM2WNR2v4/s1600/DSCF8436b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOH-S-YO5BZxRTILtTzaqSUzxmSJUVz5X81lhIODX0a3W4MW0r0aU8H11e_8NeGrbwmqSVYF0J014fNGC5kG0vpQ-yxNfEvQTRsfS3cfdUyC86cnGE8o0GTpmAiZrMVvXY9MsM2WNR2v4/s640/DSCF8436b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Eye Candy pop-up art gallery </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPUqTD7ItP8_ITMWQKgxDftVD_GPecD5z1ks8HC0u5QC3kgLnX_G5SU3zYYBUvu9pr2_dT50lrloI-uY6I5DKsiGS5rI-Z9icBk1CcTaaq-4BrQBooKXGSCH0ExMrnwWa3WFVHmphEJhK/s1600/DSCF8439b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPUqTD7ItP8_ITMWQKgxDftVD_GPecD5z1ks8HC0u5QC3kgLnX_G5SU3zYYBUvu9pr2_dT50lrloI-uY6I5DKsiGS5rI-Z9icBk1CcTaaq-4BrQBooKXGSCH0ExMrnwWa3WFVHmphEJhK/s640/DSCF8439b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My parents house is a bit like a time capsule or a time machine for me to be able to go back but I find that it's actually also a missed opportunity. I'm recalling that saying, <i>"the past is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there."</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyptrE8nBrKY8_AmT3PYu3SXi2OhWLJ24DEn6J5Tobg2zkYXBavSsRNtsGkTLg23vV5CsxNvcAOhp0DBE5K_WVAgSMFDV0Fer72eFwi5CDnyItf84SpUJ7JpArug5ex_IQOzIgHpRcbj7/s1600/DSCF8442b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyptrE8nBrKY8_AmT3PYu3SXi2OhWLJ24DEn6J5Tobg2zkYXBavSsRNtsGkTLg23vV5CsxNvcAOhp0DBE5K_WVAgSMFDV0Fer72eFwi5CDnyItf84SpUJ7JpArug5ex_IQOzIgHpRcbj7/s640/DSCF8442b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">streetcar cables remind me of a system of nerves connecting the city</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7HJAfbJ-GxlC9ZSGrO9Zz9NN6Q8dvjvuBU-NZ_wzrWcQPFQCHaO2kP4M3NGsXmLtehoFuw5ABj3M0FFBHHtqtwCGZ4gz5QpmclFdcblRHNZaBPFK-nT8FTZemNA4VaNVWyn7z03gAOib/s1600/DSCF8444b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7HJAfbJ-GxlC9ZSGrO9Zz9NN6Q8dvjvuBU-NZ_wzrWcQPFQCHaO2kP4M3NGsXmLtehoFuw5ABj3M0FFBHHtqtwCGZ4gz5QpmclFdcblRHNZaBPFK-nT8FTZemNA4VaNVWyn7z03gAOib/s640/DSCF8444b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few weeks ago I got to go back for work and so I was making my way around downtown and about to meet up with a friend after work for dinner. I looked around and suddenly felt like a stranger in a foreign land. I convinced myself to just go wander instead of hitting up the usual haunts, to go exploring instead of chasing that safe sense of familiarity. I am so glad because not only did we get to chat a lot, we had no shortage of conversation topics thanks on the new interesting sights we were discovering together. I'm grateful for that night renewing both my relationship with my city and with my friend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2_jp4xbLLllkw8ke8lE3jZVtr7LXDisOMiIJb8klFi1prCQz24GXF3nn5X3hxaUpXza2z35KMnrW_FGrD2lImE6M-1RAM14G1VvXSzQVTy7JLN4EyY0UN79ZEO-ljlH2aNDk1KOkOMV1/s1600/DSCF8459b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2_jp4xbLLllkw8ke8lE3jZVtr7LXDisOMiIJb8klFi1prCQz24GXF3nn5X3hxaUpXza2z35KMnrW_FGrD2lImE6M-1RAM14G1VvXSzQVTy7JLN4EyY0UN79ZEO-ljlH2aNDk1KOkOMV1/s640/DSCF8459b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bentway under the Gardiner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu3vG0IrykvhrisOsYFU4BxqC3NgfmrsOPiYhH9mXx4Z4bvVhOi_aX-XEBaqu2Gw6nXC61x_GIk5HZSKiP7Kb244Pmog1N3oTtFJmHZEW_-kK_ItlDFSEnxnOcJkvQ9ElqNrlcul2wTO-/s1600/DSCF8447b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu3vG0IrykvhrisOsYFU4BxqC3NgfmrsOPiYhH9mXx4Z4bvVhOi_aX-XEBaqu2Gw6nXC61x_GIk5HZSKiP7Kb244Pmog1N3oTtFJmHZEW_-kK_ItlDFSEnxnOcJkvQ9ElqNrlcul2wTO-/s640/DSCF8447b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum of the Moon pop-up art installation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh81rCNmek_f9MfgIIOv6ew95wo_KWP4PjHynpOZ-OOHWa7J8BCdWKcJYOGCvyY8KoTcRmEWSAJA_6DuErh76dgmFIU5UD2c5-vQLD7t_TpaiaIltAnSMOTsRthzBGYtk2d6yED_5glzF/s1600/DSCF8454b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh81rCNmek_f9MfgIIOv6ew95wo_KWP4PjHynpOZ-OOHWa7J8BCdWKcJYOGCvyY8KoTcRmEWSAJA_6DuErh76dgmFIU5UD2c5-vQLD7t_TpaiaIltAnSMOTsRthzBGYtk2d6yED_5glzF/s640/DSCF8454b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
On the train back to Ottawa, I thought about how the whole trip, and really life overall, goes through cyclical phases, like the moon. Waxing and waning and starting fresh and new with each rotation. Maybe it's because I've been going through some serious personal growth lately (more on this in a later post) but this experience really made me feel like it's inevitable that we change and more than possible to start over again.<br />
<br />
A reminder to myself that things don't have to be the way they are just because they've always been that way.Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-88898519157933571972019-09-03T22:35:00.001-04:002019-09-03T22:35:32.386-04:00August in New York State<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkAbtzesFrquHB69n3d7_iMOZFd-2HcYqcY2wRFz6DV3tiFvO92iILr398Tias_RNgiejdyVK6Z_V568EAJugKXLwWyffEEDi5WEHLVdK7VyseEWzOrttfKZ979pEE2B3XEud7Xkw7OFe/s1600/DSCF7498e-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkAbtzesFrquHB69n3d7_iMOZFd-2HcYqcY2wRFz6DV3tiFvO92iILr398Tias_RNgiejdyVK6Z_V568EAJugKXLwWyffEEDi5WEHLVdK7VyseEWzOrttfKZ979pEE2B3XEud7Xkw7OFe/s640/DSCF7498e-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Another summer has come and gone, too quickly as always! Seems like I just packed away my sweaters and pulled out my sundresses, and now it's already time to switcharoo right back.<br />
<br />
Still, I'm super grateful for all the adventures I got to squeeze into this short few months chasing sunshine and waterfalls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cdW9WYZ-3U8St_DXUsbYBOtVWqIDtl6LiE28tBWugsQ8AC5ILo_MEOoVyywC5M_HVP8H1cfCOdm1BmInMWJshak8W_riseRoSAlgqpkoB1iri6-WUpkR48RWoDyBxwCR4uQN1tCoeA0q/s1600/DSCF7474b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cdW9WYZ-3U8St_DXUsbYBOtVWqIDtl6LiE28tBWugsQ8AC5ILo_MEOoVyywC5M_HVP8H1cfCOdm1BmInMWJshak8W_riseRoSAlgqpkoB1iri6-WUpkR48RWoDyBxwCR4uQN1tCoeA0q/s640/DSCF7474b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 of 2 of my fave shots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewK8xjpaI17uxrAyecdRsCltdBdvwSyaG_iykaRkmY4jmjsr1UO-MWUfOYMDEUmDc2avYUe3ND5tNwG42a_4TIWO4LRUs9Z-nkRdwlN7VoG-kfTk8LXct-bU5vZnHSxfbBaWiKIyDDwWv/s1600/DSCF7475b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewK8xjpaI17uxrAyecdRsCltdBdvwSyaG_iykaRkmY4jmjsr1UO-MWUfOYMDEUmDc2avYUe3ND5tNwG42a_4TIWO4LRUs9Z-nkRdwlN7VoG-kfTk8LXct-bU5vZnHSxfbBaWiKIyDDwWv/s640/DSCF7475b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 of 2 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFOQzZRa252pxr7JK-sHsuqr08iKy-7bB0xfwd0_5bnPbcjwdvDhJk-ND6v-yJA5McmoZXruxjTm8rjTuZhnp2Fnes4tT11WLm4B-V6PRvq63LS0t81YOan8T-PSmv7pQ6uTD3Q5BuwJ8/s1600/DSCF7490b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFOQzZRa252pxr7JK-sHsuqr08iKy-7bB0xfwd0_5bnPbcjwdvDhJk-ND6v-yJA5McmoZXruxjTm8rjTuZhnp2Fnes4tT11WLm4B-V6PRvq63LS0t81YOan8T-PSmv7pQ6uTD3Q5BuwJ8/s640/DSCF7490b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">last few rays of sunshine on this family hike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When I first started this blog 5 years ago, I had an early post with one of my first ever waterfall shots (<a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2014/06/kingston-mills-scenery.html" target="_blank">link here</a>) and where I talk about my struggles in shooting landscape photography. Reflecting back to those beginning days, I do feel like I've made some strides in my landscape photography in these few years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSO-9Rn9UD349k7WWGzT_Mg88DOliTUOyFJUR4BLASZm7YIRUt2ygmwc62XN9RHiWsQ6qBQrF5zzk9V1Xqqe6vMq0NC3rnwTbWMPt7P-g4Xofmhm-TEWktPTq_hhE0OZ3J6vsfc48h5UZ/s1600/DSCF7681b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSO-9Rn9UD349k7WWGzT_Mg88DOliTUOyFJUR4BLASZm7YIRUt2ygmwc62XN9RHiWsQ6qBQrF5zzk9V1Xqqe6vMq0NC3rnwTbWMPt7P-g4Xofmhm-TEWktPTq_hhE0OZ3J6vsfc48h5UZ/s640/DSCF7681b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1l34t1QnouLTbwxqrwTLQMnYGZwWRyIHHyEs1vPcLwvyLyn0eB4FJeg-u4TQbX8wcIn6-S-urUYqrhdbDXzVALKUtgv1VzzaSC3ozxuS17fF_Kuabq5ffniVG77vsA9PvjiwRDhebcYM/s1600/DSCF7695b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1l34t1QnouLTbwxqrwTLQMnYGZwWRyIHHyEs1vPcLwvyLyn0eB4FJeg-u4TQbX8wcIn6-S-urUYqrhdbDXzVALKUtgv1VzzaSC3ozxuS17fF_Kuabq5ffniVG77vsA9PvjiwRDhebcYM/s640/DSCF7695b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbZ9-BL6dL-1fSC1uGmvftPGyfpk5_pvTa8MFH7ogpW9rjFQqbu-D4yLBkXRmYFuWpqQenoO6wfd3nNwqIABVxT8hgcFuix1sMz5myluFZm0-EE06HN8dBaMLJD7l5F99nijzXAxAjIjD/s1600/DSCF7708b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbZ9-BL6dL-1fSC1uGmvftPGyfpk5_pvTa8MFH7ogpW9rjFQqbu-D4yLBkXRmYFuWpqQenoO6wfd3nNwqIABVxT8hgcFuix1sMz5myluFZm0-EE06HN8dBaMLJD7l5F99nijzXAxAjIjD/s640/DSCF7708b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But something was off and I didn't immediately know what it was. I still gave it my all when taking these shots, but I knew it wasn't the same feeling as when I do a portrait or product or food shoot. I mulled it over the entire trip as we spent multiple consecutive days chasing numerous different waterfalls.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9SSHLELZvXzM5Cm4kosPV5_jkU2UyD6-n6pVnVdSJXNhT1ZREg5ogAti3ysFajzuaXQq7SP_UnvYeMpbbiINBljL0SFxyr6QzwXyhS0nLahnLBn8oZOHvBxAmaruQ1OlDO0lWjPxL2hE/s1600/DSCF7718b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9SSHLELZvXzM5Cm4kosPV5_jkU2UyD6-n6pVnVdSJXNhT1ZREg5ogAti3ysFajzuaXQq7SP_UnvYeMpbbiINBljL0SFxyr6QzwXyhS0nLahnLBn8oZOHvBxAmaruQ1OlDO0lWjPxL2hE/s640/DSCF7718b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">family photo right before the storm hit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimt1l53H7eyLJIHlTKa4nnG4-y5vrcNhkA62UMb8Z5zcpLMToE0K2doagguwXAs4mNI5gCR_VvqHGMGhpRlPWZZDMiQzuxwRK8pOkxWNVji796-OewCeSzQFmqH7gLthNk9E_5JdRIzF6z/s1600/DSCF7719b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimt1l53H7eyLJIHlTKa4nnG4-y5vrcNhkA62UMb8Z5zcpLMToE0K2doagguwXAs4mNI5gCR_VvqHGMGhpRlPWZZDMiQzuxwRK8pOkxWNVji796-OewCeSzQFmqH7gLthNk9E_5JdRIzF6z/s640/DSCF7719b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">peeking out from under my hiding spot to catch a glimpse of a fellow hiker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80cwro-RIgMH2VZdJJcjVWdKlw2oPbMz7bS9pwZEcFsgqfkJ64DzchcfiPdiFNDrl0zMd1ePc0rVvwW7PiqjoIcpdrEJQx8Hy_B9WgCNiPgEKS0dv0I2bRquPWY62h6p4booF6pAb1awc/s1600/DSCF7722b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80cwro-RIgMH2VZdJJcjVWdKlw2oPbMz7bS9pwZEcFsgqfkJ64DzchcfiPdiFNDrl0zMd1ePc0rVvwW7PiqjoIcpdrEJQx8Hy_B9WgCNiPgEKS0dv0I2bRquPWY62h6p4booF6pAb1awc/s640/DSCF7722b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">calm after the storm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These two serendipitous shots during/after the sudden thunderstorm were hugely satisfying for me and that helped something click in my mind. I think generally, photography skills can be broken down into two big buckets: technical skill and creative skill. Creative skill to me is the framing, composition, and the artistic vision -- the creation of something that could not exist without *me*.<br />
<br />
With landscape photography (and other types like astrophotography as well), there is a very high demand on technical skill: having the right camera settings, being there at the right time (chasing golden hour or sunrises), having the right gear, etc. I definitely feel weaker in this bucket comparatively speaking, and so it's hard to not feel like someone else could have come to the same waterfall and taken the same or a very similar photo. As much as I like some of the shots, I feel like I don't see myself in them.<br />
<br />
The one exception in this post being waterfall photos #1 and #2 due to the serendipitous nature of those as well -- it was a rebellious detour past a "closed" sign and the timing happened to be absolutely perfect for those sun rays to be streaming through <i>just right</i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65aRw0hPxvBibxVryslwkFpbl_tMptj1n7BHqHwsB90I18GY80w2GROPn5yvvvVklbhzBBH6_II6PGoaLAjHUaamZGsia-_BazUf7frKCO2ztck1A9DHs1ccSQvEteLh8HyPP31uMaH1N/s1600/DSCF7734b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65aRw0hPxvBibxVryslwkFpbl_tMptj1n7BHqHwsB90I18GY80w2GROPn5yvvvVklbhzBBH6_II6PGoaLAjHUaamZGsia-_BazUf7frKCO2ztck1A9DHs1ccSQvEteLh8HyPP31uMaH1N/s640/DSCF7734b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAj2pFx5UoVyOY66vXUBJwnf46RUpaAOmnodNkocBjTM5yb4eovYQoeupLt_jZPbjvuhRTXiXbIGaETktwNJuCMT1E8-yEVLyfVZhUOhKukVdHvVOj2USoKTiuMrfM0MMHHg0PQ8iZc9Hu/s1600/DSCF7735b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAj2pFx5UoVyOY66vXUBJwnf46RUpaAOmnodNkocBjTM5yb4eovYQoeupLt_jZPbjvuhRTXiXbIGaETktwNJuCMT1E8-yEVLyfVZhUOhKukVdHvVOj2USoKTiuMrfM0MMHHg0PQ8iZc9Hu/s640/DSCF7735b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajdXBCxUZQmRowqXpZ-ZEYLmZKtN8jgFPvLSSLy2phFGRayYkiedaQHFGy2T3TthfBjTb4dejX3WZUinIn-a07-Ry-b5eRVD56lEGDF-3HtItlgm_r7cyFgcbCMmSn7X_PQdgdinAJdhl/s1600/DSCF7745b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajdXBCxUZQmRowqXpZ-ZEYLmZKtN8jgFPvLSSLy2phFGRayYkiedaQHFGy2T3TthfBjTb4dejX3WZUinIn-a07-Ry-b5eRVD56lEGDF-3HtItlgm_r7cyFgcbCMmSn7X_PQdgdinAJdhl/s640/DSCF7745b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's also why I find street photography to be a good cross-over between landscape and portrait photography. A lot of the elements are already there, like the architecture, but so many things can change instantaneously based on the luck of the timing -- maybe there's construction, or a street performer, or new graffiti -- giving way to the opportunity for different framing and composition. There's something that's very sincere and genuine about that "in-the-moment", and that feeling can't easily be replicated or recreated. And to me, that's what makes it special.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKi-aCOcaiGuxXGogjRvvsVNnb3kMjid1HsiFRp1lXEgtKdjpesPk2AWVC3v4TR8fsysDQFqDGZGq7M8tIHapa7n57ICPrIGwx8FtNpG7c8hUTC7V9nidrEaKHj5VV_aoQHHkOsWFhexi/s1600/DSCF7755b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKi-aCOcaiGuxXGogjRvvsVNnb3kMjid1HsiFRp1lXEgtKdjpesPk2AWVC3v4TR8fsysDQFqDGZGq7M8tIHapa7n57ICPrIGwx8FtNpG7c8hUTC7V9nidrEaKHj5VV_aoQHHkOsWFhexi/s640/DSCF7755b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6m8tvs6xUrYctjWSxrponnRQxTO6N65-3AmisrBlqoRnHpqAJgxrQ5A0rs1b0FvOhAK8NPyQy_gSjvRuxjdohvOsvKov2-Wv0dVlYFSNRQyEP1UX-x_tp_fU6B0NUftY5q30P7vNPGFnn/s1600/DSCF7759b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6m8tvs6xUrYctjWSxrponnRQxTO6N65-3AmisrBlqoRnHpqAJgxrQ5A0rs1b0FvOhAK8NPyQy_gSjvRuxjdohvOsvKov2-Wv0dVlYFSNRQyEP1UX-x_tp_fU6B0NUftY5q30P7vNPGFnn/s640/DSCF7759b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this intersection also happens to be the names of the two lakes we visited! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All in all, it was a good trip and I did enjoy and appreciate more of the beauty and serenity of nature. Maybe that was the environment I needed to get all deep with my photography thinking and musings, who knows. And it was an undeniably good opportunity to practice more landscape photography.<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed these photos! Thanks for reading :)Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-75795884252120986332019-08-23T21:54:00.000-04:002019-08-23T21:54:14.464-04:002019 Summer Fashion: Stranger Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOfrqPux4DzjMFrC8ee00btdaHOHh6BLwSyBKmMIdP6oJQ6nX2e1nrfsSqB2KPdBakcTDnpWmYpJmFMRw9ekNN6fFsZdDZJBsH0r41MB4L9HNhqAFz-jP00zcYP33l2wghvoK3J9IKAkv/s1600/banner-summer2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1080" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOfrqPux4DzjMFrC8ee00btdaHOHh6BLwSyBKmMIdP6oJQ6nX2e1nrfsSqB2KPdBakcTDnpWmYpJmFMRw9ekNN6fFsZdDZJBsH0r41MB4L9HNhqAFz-jP00zcYP33l2wghvoK3J9IKAkv/s640/banner-summer2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope everyone is having a great summer because I sure am! It's honestly such a short season compared to the long long winter here so I'm determined to get the most out of it. I had started on the content for this post in July and put off posting because thought I'd shoot more outfits by now but it's really been a whirlwind of activities and I now have a bunch of other photos I'll want to get to so here we (finally) go!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQNgTRF_qajGyNWwr4dqyQMMWGNBbH8hVHUOdASCQhR94Ja-7JzL0kDfwzuXUGJ5jzsJ0f6NkcMyKJfcRyHgdQYT97LosWK8CVcP4E5T6bOhcOHqFYgCILp8wgyuSwemaIFzWTnlYK8Tq/s1600/salmon-romper-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQNgTRF_qajGyNWwr4dqyQMMWGNBbH8hVHUOdASCQhR94Ja-7JzL0kDfwzuXUGJ5jzsJ0f6NkcMyKJfcRyHgdQYT97LosWK8CVcP4E5T6bOhcOHqFYgCILp8wgyuSwemaIFzWTnlYK8Tq/s640/salmon-romper-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pom-pom romper from American Eagle<br />
Sunhat from Aldo<br />
Sandals from Aldo<br />
Vintage purse (thrifted)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I haven't shopped much from American Eagle in a few years now but totally fell for the pom-poms on this playsuit! Summer is such a fun time to be running around in playsuits and rompers -- they're easy to wear (like a dress) but with all the freedom and coverage of shorts! Truly the best of both worlds.<br />
<u>Disclaimer</u>: as cute as the Aldo sandals were and as much as I wanted them to work out, they were not real leather and fell apart in 2 weeks. Luckily I got a refund but it reminded me that quality materials matter.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyc5EjA73yfQnKZpzU2gCoajY846RBzJBL275QzpAtB510yAnhOp39aUNyB3WN-rzHIbLfpUPUXtWpngIzuGDmALkvZJu1-sjtq1yI5Uwj8PJrnmwhqh5wkYaUiZRqkYgx3KJUecMPyHc/s1600/salmon-shorts-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyc5EjA73yfQnKZpzU2gCoajY846RBzJBL275QzpAtB510yAnhOp39aUNyB3WN-rzHIbLfpUPUXtWpngIzuGDmALkvZJu1-sjtq1yI5Uwj8PJrnmwhqh5wkYaUiZRqkYgx3KJUecMPyHc/s640/salmon-shorts-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geo top from Forever 21<br />
Salmon shorts from American Apparel<br />
Vintage belt from my mom<br />
Vintage raffia bag (thrifted)<br />
Sandals from Massimo Dutti<br />
Sunglasses from J Crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From my last post, I've been trying to focus on classic colours that have stood the test of time. For summer, I love these salmon shorts that I reach for every summer. Who could have predicted that fun retro 80s mom vibe would be back in style? Is credit due to Mrs Wheeler and Stranger Things?? Last time I shot these shorts was for my <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2016/08/corndogs-cotton-candy.html" target="_blank">80s August retro carnival </a>shoot as part of my 2016 vintage fashion project and I find they're still a classic year after year. I know I don't show it too often in my blog but I wear a lot of my pieces in different outfits all the time. They're not always always shoot-worthy but I really like how this one turned out! I credit this cute geo print top which was a breath of fresh air to my closet full of striped tops (I might have an slight nautical obsession haha.) I wouldn't have normally thought to pair orange and salmon but I think it works with the brown neutral base tying it all together.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLcrSUi_7CPyRdHvKqIbLatwEtdUFzxOGh1W-CxSPXM5-6e58-tGxczgrnEapwdaBfmDLPQsMGbpIHonBg_CpU6WkUTiXGx9OJFMjeg0LMVh9IbAKGcshzE48l-MNcnYciIvrRf6Iswnh/s1600/stranger-summer-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLcrSUi_7CPyRdHvKqIbLatwEtdUFzxOGh1W-CxSPXM5-6e58-tGxczgrnEapwdaBfmDLPQsMGbpIHonBg_CpU6WkUTiXGx9OJFMjeg0LMVh9IbAKGcshzE48l-MNcnYciIvrRf6Iswnh/s640/stranger-summer-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilac blouse from Banana Republic (thrifted)<br />
Retro floral shorts (thrifted)<br />
Sneakers from GUESS<br />
Vintage purse (thrifted)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Speaking of Stranger Things and carnivals, I just found these super fun shorts at the thrift shop when I was waiting out a summer storm and this fair was the perfect place to break them out! As I was saying, the retro resurgence is hitting mainstream stores super hard this year but I personally prefer the thrift store for authentic pieces and at a lower price point too. As cool as it is to see the cyclical nature of fashion, it can also be tough holding onto pieces that are too thematic and are harder to pair when the trend passes. From that perspective, it's nice to not have to invest too much $$$ in a fun pieces you won't feel guilty about if you only wear it for one summer and can even donate back afterwards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8os4Ah59XfuCFiB4ysfbWTtqT-QYaDl8-5KCvRGkRYFth9ofcJg5_QPFo_u1nHLRjycShKvoL4JUnk8blzlU2INCmlou1fo2QmHcPbsy8edn2DNX5FegTHEjrqN6uaYVaS99JBjX4Ulq/s1600/summer-paradise-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8os4Ah59XfuCFiB4ysfbWTtqT-QYaDl8-5KCvRGkRYFth9ofcJg5_QPFo_u1nHLRjycShKvoL4JUnk8blzlU2INCmlou1fo2QmHcPbsy8edn2DNX5FegTHEjrqN6uaYVaS99JBjX4Ulq/s640/summer-paradise-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stripe tee from Forever 21<br />Retro denim shorts by Tommy Hilfiger (thrifted)<br />Sneakers from GUESS<br />Sunglasses from Zara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One thing that I definitely straight up prefer true vintage for is classic denim shorts. This is definitely one of those pieces that can stand the test of time. While the newer shorts tend to have the bonus of stretchiness, the cut doesn't seem quite right somehow, even in the ones labelled "vintage fit". I find that while the waist is higher cut, so are the legs. Not that there's anything wrong with showing more skin but it's hardly the retro silhouette I'm going for with half my bum cheeks hanging out. Fashion tip: with the lack of stretch, I do find I need to size up for a more comfortable fit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aHAEkw8hkO6i8v_bBndYA7AVO9sigxsKDbh3oxAsCtbE7LYBjWFif4N1x-alrvs1AW5kYko8nt6gQETGICvGf6nNwZBO_A11LDmdhsOCxquUh-QizWJs-zm9HFJM2ESWuER1eQrTAkGF/s1600/white-lavender-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aHAEkw8hkO6i8v_bBndYA7AVO9sigxsKDbh3oxAsCtbE7LYBjWFif4N1x-alrvs1AW5kYko8nt6gQETGICvGf6nNwZBO_A11LDmdhsOCxquUh-QizWJs-zm9HFJM2ESWuER1eQrTAkGF/s640/white-lavender-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage sunhat from <a href="http://www.ladyarkenstone.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lady Arkenstone Vintage </a>at 613flea<br />Vintage sundress from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lilynymphvintage/" target="_blank">Lilynymph Vintage</a><br />Belt from Tory Burch (thrifted)<br />Vintage raffia purse (thrifted)<br />Sandals from Massimo Dutti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another summer classic is the sundress. I love sundresses, especially in white. They're just so clean and fresh and a great look to stand out without overpowering flowers you might be posing with. This vintage dress is a great example of all of the tips I wrote about in my <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2018/08/vintage-finds-of-summer-2018.html" target="_blank">shopping for vintage finds post </a>from last summer. When I first laid my eyes on this dress, I fell in love <i style="font-weight: bold;">so hard</i>. The material is cotton with a unique eyelet pattern, solid construction and cute buttons. But the fit on first try wasn't perfect. The arm holes were weirdly tight and so was the neckline when it was buttoned up. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a lot of material in the cuff I could let out, and a quick pinning of the collar gave it a less stuffy look. I knew I could make it work and didn't want to pass up on this beauty. So happy to have been able to shoot it during the lavender festival!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUObhE0tduldNX8uF5i8XwBL_wG00ntZvBjH12V9xPVbjFp46QHCD-941_iOQ09huAfN9nUepguKSHVsqEqEe0KB0aFVTPxzXVll-k51yqEgnclK2gfX1-ik-ycdXIwg5bcJX44VJzIru/s1600/DSCF6747b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUObhE0tduldNX8uF5i8XwBL_wG00ntZvBjH12V9xPVbjFp46QHCD-941_iOQ09huAfN9nUepguKSHVsqEqEe0KB0aFVTPxzXVll-k51yqEgnclK2gfX1-ik-ycdXIwg5bcJX44VJzIru/s640/DSCF6747b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up of the lavender</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFr4NBm0vCFHN2aw-0hGwHuKf5e9Q-FbStFVKhk3Rpb824mYxK8F1K8q2I1BxT_mSdB6RBLG6wsVtDyHsQNwIhhVIP8sXdAWLGQKZDPcwQv2SjS-BCTwLBokERk-RGUH2cRZtp7DKVDmLW/s1600/retro-romper-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFr4NBm0vCFHN2aw-0hGwHuKf5e9Q-FbStFVKhk3Rpb824mYxK8F1K8q2I1BxT_mSdB6RBLG6wsVtDyHsQNwIhhVIP8sXdAWLGQKZDPcwQv2SjS-BCTwLBokERk-RGUH2cRZtp7DKVDmLW/s640/retro-romper-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage printed romper (thrifted)<br />Retro belt from Tommy Hilfiger (thrifted)<br />Vintage raffia purse (thrifted)<br />Sandals from Massimo Dutti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Given how fond I've gotten of rompers and playsuits, it seems quite fitting to open and close this blog post with romper outfits! When I found this piece at the thrift store, it was hanging in a completely different size section with no size tags on it. I had just watched the episode where Eleven from Stranger Things goes on her shopping spree and I was instantly certain this was my version of her romper.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://akns-images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/201969/rs_1024x759-190709153018-1024x759.stranger-things-eleven-romper-lp.7919.jpg?fit=inside|750:1100&output-quality=90" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">positively fabulous</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And amazingly enough, it was a perfect fit! Some things are just meant to be :) As much as I love the fun print on El's, I appreciate the versatility of my leaf print. See below how I originally wore the set, with my trusty sneakers and equally retro fannypack.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZpwvmufim_KKo3hXDHENh-Wbo0MdEiLNACZBMeEB7wd-VJSM0rBQ6mq5h55uG_Drasl9rv7VuY-3aDrPXiPj30VA7dYFm9eTePvSX6EEeQIZo77xN5vU3rIy1wajKx_5X6qDHqTImpli/s1600/mmexport1563744588493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZpwvmufim_KKo3hXDHENh-Wbo0MdEiLNACZBMeEB7wd-VJSM0rBQ6mq5h55uG_Drasl9rv7VuY-3aDrPXiPj30VA7dYFm9eTePvSX6EEeQIZo77xN5vU3rIy1wajKx_5X6qDHqTImpli/s640/mmexport1563744588493.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ribbit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Some may have noticed that I only have 2-3 different shoes and purses for all the outfits in the post. That's totally on purpose! I do own (many) other shoes and purses haha. In my recent efforts to edit down my closet, I found a lot of summer attire for women falls into "fast fashion" of lower quality materials and super trendy styles with high turnover. In other words, cheap little tee shirts and shorts that fall apart or out of style within a year. But with my shoes and purses purchases, I've found that I happily reach for the same reliable pieces again and again. It really goes to show that there's a good balance in which things it's okay to buy in trendy, short-term styles versus which things to invest in classic styles that will go with a variety of outfits and won't lock you in to a certain trend. It might not be the same for everyone, but for me, that means shoes and accessories that I know will look good and I don't have to stress about pairing.<br />
<br />
As mentioned in the previous post, there's a video of the trips where a lot of these outfits were shot! It was my first time trying my hand at video!! (was actually so hard) but here it is below. Hope y'all enjoy these clips set to one of my favourite songs Summer Daze by George Shaw:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/j13y0jbpfW4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j13y0jbpfW4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed this post! These fashion ones are always so much fun :)Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-22801480441202959932019-07-31T19:07:00.000-04:002019-08-17T14:29:24.200-04:00July at Small Town Festivals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbJWDYN7h4XfC9HlhYu36fE5Ezb1HRfpyAs4FMBaW373FqTJGWAM-bNcXaFCMR4TNZBnD53FxBi1j1Eu2y8Lua4qX3KWVmnzOyYt10x_M9y8yXJ3mKuBaaUjm_ec9sdVRfCi_ZjH-FBxs/s1600/banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1080" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbJWDYN7h4XfC9HlhYu36fE5Ezb1HRfpyAs4FMBaW373FqTJGWAM-bNcXaFCMR4TNZBnD53FxBi1j1Eu2y8Lua4qX3KWVmnzOyYt10x_M9y8yXJ3mKuBaaUjm_ec9sdVRfCi_ZjH-FBxs/s640/banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't believe tomorrow will be the first day of August!! Summer comes and goes so quickly, the FOMO can really get to you. There's all this pressure take summer vacation but that became less attainable after joining the working world.<br />
<br />
One trick I've found to compensate for lack of major vacation plans is to take mini weekend trips. I feel really fortunate to live in Ontario because I've discovered lots of cute destinations even just between Ottawa and Toronto!<br />
<br />
Starting off with Perth, a town about an hour out from Ottawa. I've visited Perth before (once with my family over <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2015/10/bohemian-autumn-thanksgiving-weekend.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a> and once again with Nick <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2017/08/picnic-pairings.html" target="_blank">for a picnic</a>) but both those previous times we really only went to see Stewart Park. This time however, we also made a point to walk around and explore more of what the town has to offer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VVr2ZZR5ffAOWDExnW8lZMUeQQQXPqK4Ojptqy147ehreDxCVtSjpUjdv7BXyuiscFmexkMHC7ld7DuivXOVEUO6RVwOjVUGH-WS_Z9xU1DjsaKl2ev1HsnStQFi8_vCaMmq3tBGrWkd/s1600/DSCF6944b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VVr2ZZR5ffAOWDExnW8lZMUeQQQXPqK4Ojptqy147ehreDxCVtSjpUjdv7BXyuiscFmexkMHC7ld7DuivXOVEUO6RVwOjVUGH-WS_Z9xU1DjsaKl2ev1HsnStQFi8_vCaMmq3tBGrWkd/s640/DSCF6944b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRgBS2dRbb1zpciLaU261sJPqxu2WoWFnNqbqxZky3WiiLfSPLgzWgeSejKAlziBx28FjAYYsWtRf8PLt7VwVwZIkJgW7S9ePmpxWh2mQximmtGTYzbBg2Vwln9cwlq3sLIRAASgAQzVJ/s1600/DSCF6977b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRgBS2dRbb1zpciLaU261sJPqxu2WoWFnNqbqxZky3WiiLfSPLgzWgeSejKAlziBx28FjAYYsWtRf8PLt7VwVwZIkJgW7S9ePmpxWh2mQximmtGTYzbBg2Vwln9cwlq3sLIRAASgAQzVJ/s640/DSCF6977b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CjO0cEhVkfmCRpDAnZVpbnwj37p67G0e-QZsu7z_Sf-iDTFvNbcO8rEHWs_i6KIad219qN9fGjhq62cuXj978k6Egci0ogCEcMH2kBBOEd54z-OwMNhWJu-cC-AjoKbeZSMwF8uXG2U5/s1600/DSCF6961b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CjO0cEhVkfmCRpDAnZVpbnwj37p67G0e-QZsu7z_Sf-iDTFvNbcO8rEHWs_i6KIad219qN9fGjhq62cuXj978k6Egci0ogCEcMH2kBBOEd54z-OwMNhWJu-cC-AjoKbeZSMwF8uXG2U5/s640/DSCF6961b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKqSoJUNQ7hmjMYH9vqJHHKUkdZaPjwisq7PNOtkVtYvsy_FFV5izXqbBZCfSzPTWeTrLw5Jp0q7DzKZh0X8SIp1c5N7Rf3oxcUU8rzj5g8mfuwaAxFldA0i7KF-8ocBXKbjUB5aQ_sHU/s1600/DSCF6964b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKqSoJUNQ7hmjMYH9vqJHHKUkdZaPjwisq7PNOtkVtYvsy_FFV5izXqbBZCfSzPTWeTrLw5Jp0q7DzKZh0X8SIp1c5N7Rf3oxcUU8rzj5g8mfuwaAxFldA0i7KF-8ocBXKbjUB5aQ_sHU/s640/DSCF6964b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaZp0oyyIj4lOF3iMh1LCnb8gN7ydQ4SKSRmCHEt3wmtI7_2JKr9FNvTYin5oaI33fy4xxB_W8N7nwYC8hcE3zQhtvAqxveM2EtFaTblgGDf9AyGT2rqqQEgSJ8C76LqdB036OZLb0YFW/s1600/DSCF6886b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaZp0oyyIj4lOF3iMh1LCnb8gN7ydQ4SKSRmCHEt3wmtI7_2JKr9FNvTYin5oaI33fy4xxB_W8N7nwYC8hcE3zQhtvAqxveM2EtFaTblgGDf9AyGT2rqqQEgSJ8C76LqdB036OZLb0YFW/s640/DSCF6886b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Although to be fair, Stewart Park is a huge attraction in Perth and if we're being honest, the Stewart Park Festival is what prompted us to visit again this time around.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh-uOQmC9V3jAgz4YgToNtvhiKSCcG3FaIGOZcDwvSGFkhHPqvCGadegeVejhYtxzFPmA7myxnbEJSQ5C2vKy9FrimOfW8pQu7z5ZFa-jLw6Td-tqhsVuxevmpW4jtu-akRFz484jIR1O/s1600/DSCF6953b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh-uOQmC9V3jAgz4YgToNtvhiKSCcG3FaIGOZcDwvSGFkhHPqvCGadegeVejhYtxzFPmA7myxnbEJSQ5C2vKy9FrimOfW8pQu7z5ZFa-jLw6Td-tqhsVuxevmpW4jtu-akRFz484jIR1O/s640/DSCF6953b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rubber duck racing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP67uSN9IAVahpOiiuAjTIFkJsPMld2IsJpFh9tjnDaCo-AZ8uW5nxj3OVOYlnUgLUoVBQI56KYsxeCW_OuesCrOHjlEl2Dh-3O8aMhM85wSCS8njJnTlPR2RnyWvtdwBsh3n5DxMGtwBT/s1600/DSCF6955b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP67uSN9IAVahpOiiuAjTIFkJsPMld2IsJpFh9tjnDaCo-AZ8uW5nxj3OVOYlnUgLUoVBQI56KYsxeCW_OuesCrOHjlEl2Dh-3O8aMhM85wSCS8njJnTlPR2RnyWvtdwBsh3n5DxMGtwBT/s640/DSCF6955b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">is there a more wholesome activity??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I find that festivals are a great way to discover small towns. It's really heartwarming to see the whole town come together to celebrate and it really does attract people from all over. The weekend before was lavender festival in Prince Edward County (between Kingston and Toronto) and Joanna and I made a girls roadtrip out, hitting up multiple small towns/cities on the way.<br />
<br />
Our first stop was Kingston. I love stopping in Kingston whenever possible, especially to visit my favourite sushi restaurant in Ontario (Vancouver is a whole nother level). It's a good pit stop since I don't have as much FOMO considering I lived here one summer and got my fill of exploring.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMCkn8p90NAaBc1GbKIy8XbYKOJH3KwZ0c_twGPAqFgf64n7oPGC5rbcRTjLA3waGcUvFu2FD7DDNg6IiKFvtX3B_35keBXac9jtTYmljPsme-AFwWg95blAxWLXy5GsR3neOjQc0Fg_k/s1600/DSCF6545b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMCkn8p90NAaBc1GbKIy8XbYKOJH3KwZ0c_twGPAqFgf64n7oPGC5rbcRTjLA3waGcUvFu2FD7DDNg6IiKFvtX3B_35keBXac9jtTYmljPsme-AFwWg95blAxWLXy5GsR3neOjQc0Fg_k/s640/DSCF6545b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">3 month old baby tired from walking around</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAlXUJs-bFObQ2S31lcMXV6h5xxy99PKpVOtwbeqStOYtUEe8V9W9cM7AmB7sS87W4sDXmKDopgLkhKL5cilqa83T54jGPcZBCq1JiS88XojVIccT5XwzvCtlv7U9cgrMWvPuuSSxkHF0/s1600/DSCF6565b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAlXUJs-bFObQ2S31lcMXV6h5xxy99PKpVOtwbeqStOYtUEe8V9W9cM7AmB7sS87W4sDXmKDopgLkhKL5cilqa83T54jGPcZBCq1JiS88XojVIccT5XwzvCtlv7U9cgrMWvPuuSSxkHF0/s640/DSCF6565b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flowers at the farmer's market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pRdU_mJt6wMa_afdGV5McGRX8kEM0cpSD7nCVsoYTeSE-JF_t4Qdb_WiedIKYdqlJPClzq5ZoaNPIfPj142pv0FghJOwSHZahBUi5w-qrhvIpVbroz3Nbl0PbinJYG7vzulOUJycsUkv/s1600/DSCF6572b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pRdU_mJt6wMa_afdGV5McGRX8kEM0cpSD7nCVsoYTeSE-JF_t4Qdb_WiedIKYdqlJPClzq5ZoaNPIfPj142pv0FghJOwSHZahBUi5w-qrhvIpVbroz3Nbl0PbinJYG7vzulOUJycsUkv/s640/DSCF6572b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">more lowers from the farmer's market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUfqhV9DK0MEwmJdV5n-w5gu5TA7FM5XieTAUSzqFuxjU656cCxBhfCRtRAXS0snWk8XwCB5otWhiRnCxgb4hX3HGlOt35p3ZiQdZn6k9pqABnNRMgADm5D0b9ahwtnFNH2zB5tVn24Xa/s1600/IMG_20190713_152530-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUfqhV9DK0MEwmJdV5n-w5gu5TA7FM5XieTAUSzqFuxjU656cCxBhfCRtRAXS0snWk8XwCB5otWhiRnCxgb4hX3HGlOt35p3ZiQdZn6k9pqABnNRMgADm5D0b9ahwtnFNH2zB5tVn24Xa/s640/IMG_20190713_152530-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">cute coffee shop in Kingston on Princess St</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've always regarded Kingston to be a good in-between a big city and small town destination. There's lots of surprisingly yummy and diverse food options and enough people for the "excitement" element but there's also more of a small town flavour that's super wholesome and down-to-earth.<br />
<br />
After our sushi lunch and walking around downtown Kingston, we stopped by in our airbnb in Belleville before heading off to see a beautiful beach sunset in Wellington.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgFoIvPUFV6TaiPR28OBgNDadrm1gwFrGLS1NliyC9dLw0yE4x16McGqdKxc9iZFdp5YXBcFfUlf-58DEl-w0wN9r1XIbZoO_ScuQOKSMzHKkFRVFJ9Whmu_UBmae3pXcUos-tEutofbh/s1600/DSCF6643b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgFoIvPUFV6TaiPR28OBgNDadrm1gwFrGLS1NliyC9dLw0yE4x16McGqdKxc9iZFdp5YXBcFfUlf-58DEl-w0wN9r1XIbZoO_ScuQOKSMzHKkFRVFJ9Whmu_UBmae3pXcUos-tEutofbh/s640/DSCF6643b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiv1jn4HvVV-eP2YEQUXjubZe9ZL0TzscLAlol7D9MZo9AAowjjYDbKydurFn2eyX4Z8KWUu-Z45JqDUY9El3NmHB-Hj4UWS_NNIt4-6B-aYkunW_kPDkTXSXovBCq-VMlvwk2lwI8kGz/s1600/DSCF6649b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiv1jn4HvVV-eP2YEQUXjubZe9ZL0TzscLAlol7D9MZo9AAowjjYDbKydurFn2eyX4Z8KWUu-Z45JqDUY9El3NmHB-Hj4UWS_NNIt4-6B-aYkunW_kPDkTXSXovBCq-VMlvwk2lwI8kGz/s640/DSCF6649b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There were very few people on the beach and it was one of the most peaceful places I've been. With nothing but the sound of the waves and the taste of the salty air around us, we stayed until the moon rose and shone brightly on the water.<br />
<br />
We had passed what looked like a carnival on our way to Wellington so on our way back to Belleville, we stopped to check it out. It was the Belleville Waterfront and Multicultural Festival (another festival!) and it looked even more amazing all lit up now that it was night-time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9DbJBrIDoPGGI-QkkXYEqrOTWDpkiVdPLEy02IR624YvpMdlpN0VliHuXJENtenCkmeb8ldtlnm5fcct_e1DZwG33zN7HwOOk5R45sZwSqM4uNZD8fSJHY7QeOjV_mkz5moz6JtcHGWY/s1600/DSCF6652b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9DbJBrIDoPGGI-QkkXYEqrOTWDpkiVdPLEy02IR624YvpMdlpN0VliHuXJENtenCkmeb8ldtlnm5fcct_e1DZwG33zN7HwOOk5R45sZwSqM4uNZD8fSJHY7QeOjV_mkz5moz6JtcHGWY/s640/DSCF6652b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLcixPEqj_Ohl7lp9nviZQnSAx3-0ggQY_8_vW2UjhWKo9MYAGYR6TBRVXrgIZDkJaxF_MzOwbwYLi1Zznc-qFh6RIXiUqyLy0RRP0BOxwKw9PAMyFxkByUly-jsFPkdv4uMn1lWfZ_Dv/s1600/IMG_20190728_005503_504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="850" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLcixPEqj_Ohl7lp9nviZQnSAx3-0ggQY_8_vW2UjhWKo9MYAGYR6TBRVXrgIZDkJaxF_MzOwbwYLi1Zznc-qFh6RIXiUqyLy0RRP0BOxwKw9PAMyFxkByUly-jsFPkdv4uMn1lWfZ_Dv/s640/IMG_20190728_005503_504.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We ran through taking in all the sounds and lights and Jo breathing in the Strangers Things Season 3 vibes. I had not yet seen that episode yet at the time but Jo told me to take it in while I could, and boy, was she right!<br />
<br />
We hadn't planned to explore much of Belleville but when we drove back to our airbnb for the night, we passed by downtown Belleville and noticed all the cute storefronts we would have wanted to check out -- FOMO finds us after all! Unfortunately, we had no time to spare as we headed out to the lavender festival first thing Sunday morning (but not until Pita, our airbnb co-host, got many deserving pets and snuggles).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxPGabC1Zv9YYDlCY7D_K4jDX6s1a1waA2hG5dO2Iddq3ZlUqbj8ZJ7j3Y_teYKUYx2TDEyvrBpEk0LCY4aHE7tSiEunvCu_VK5AdkegHiNAASwTNgZ4ax5hFxUc_SdUxPb7E7EIz6pw3/s1600/DSCF6728b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxPGabC1Zv9YYDlCY7D_K4jDX6s1a1waA2hG5dO2Iddq3ZlUqbj8ZJ7j3Y_teYKUYx2TDEyvrBpEk0LCY4aHE7tSiEunvCu_VK5AdkegHiNAASwTNgZ4ax5hFxUc_SdUxPb7E7EIz6pw3/s640/DSCF6728b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hello little tortie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As we pulled up to the lavender fields, I quickly realized that this was the same lavender fields I had visited with my parents <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2015/08/lavender-fields-model-mama.html" target="_blank">back in 2015</a>. But unlike last time, this was prime time -- <b><i>festival time</i></b>. I had never seen lavender is such full bloom in person before! I can only imagine this would be as good as it gets (until I manage to get out to Provence). It was truly beautiful but also family-friendly and not intimidating at all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTzWAcqXXc9QbLtbdj0K-WAMdiRcNJSrblKwNZmM_4YMZfk7sgykWyD7Wh1AYNf_VknpJY7Q9Hqt_XBb-Yr8ac2lYKcFZJ4oTfbzEbz4DlL17PE73heyGQGYT9ao63ACF00Pu66hfjAUN/s1600/DSCF6752b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTzWAcqXXc9QbLtbdj0K-WAMdiRcNJSrblKwNZmM_4YMZfk7sgykWyD7Wh1AYNf_VknpJY7Q9Hqt_XBb-Yr8ac2lYKcFZJ4oTfbzEbz4DlL17PE73heyGQGYT9ao63ACF00Pu66hfjAUN/s640/DSCF6752b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiyOb8PR5izPfXA2DA6_wy3i1COJiq193RAN4kTxL92dtrqu6E5EchNRjAWrwuhtVAXvuiWWY_ViuFvYB5hnu4PpxGMvdZ5G2gVqv5rbNxTF9uT3wUCHIhBWY5MIun63nOFWJNo8OXSik/s1600/DSCF6794b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiyOb8PR5izPfXA2DA6_wy3i1COJiq193RAN4kTxL92dtrqu6E5EchNRjAWrwuhtVAXvuiWWY_ViuFvYB5hnu4PpxGMvdZ5G2gVqv5rbNxTF9uT3wUCHIhBWY5MIun63nOFWJNo8OXSik/s640/DSCF6794b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOg_qLItfYWMY8BbVcQbEG0VZIjNJf_32jg06tSzCH1TxfL9c0Ctl-SsS-62wQB0hbkJoRfXjMmg5JcmnpAkbX6qYFgnIQiQ_x0A5J7yenRBq0LrOGfnccgrGyLaio_UtuV8fGOrn7-pOz/s1600/DSCF6803b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOg_qLItfYWMY8BbVcQbEG0VZIjNJf_32jg06tSzCH1TxfL9c0Ctl-SsS-62wQB0hbkJoRfXjMmg5JcmnpAkbX6qYFgnIQiQ_x0A5J7yenRBq0LrOGfnccgrGyLaio_UtuV8fGOrn7-pOz/s640/DSCF6803b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJsScLDpvbTIBsrtqFI_xnbZbRouW1jDO7QdBIy8zmjjR9hzE3bzBAF_C7foxtBxnZ-uWZ4L-2sfcbdmO0hlsShtD4EGxybh2cRrYrmjPQxnrpdNTRc-2huWusa7GR0Ndp6-HN1sHsAFr/s1600/DSCF6858b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJsScLDpvbTIBsrtqFI_xnbZbRouW1jDO7QdBIy8zmjjR9hzE3bzBAF_C7foxtBxnZ-uWZ4L-2sfcbdmO0hlsShtD4EGxybh2cRrYrmjPQxnrpdNTRc-2huWusa7GR0Ndp6-HN1sHsAFr/s640/DSCF6858b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTJ9YwlxCpwUsvgkhZ6ZOPaCfAB5GeSUhS6FRrB-kM2PlA0BU9N-ciDhyphenhyphenzlsz9JcJAaevixtFiTAf7IWM0W-z76eN1ofHpM6QOIwJmD8DupYwUJPVtEfxXSGSKhfQr0VgnRmAYPlITgFY/s1600/DSCF6807b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTJ9YwlxCpwUsvgkhZ6ZOPaCfAB5GeSUhS6FRrB-kM2PlA0BU9N-ciDhyphenhyphenzlsz9JcJAaevixtFiTAf7IWM0W-z76eN1ofHpM6QOIwJmD8DupYwUJPVtEfxXSGSKhfQr0VgnRmAYPlITgFY/s640/DSCF6807b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At first, I felt a little guilty and anxious hogging certain areas of the lavender, especially after a wardrobe change and then also putting up a tripod to take group shots with Jo. But then we noticed there were multiple groups where there were several people holding up giant photo shoot equipment, and that made me feel way less self-conscious haha.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHEFCG16F_H8u_NIe0gNOFdCN3nNKx9ns_Qrlg54p7TGJSoM115W22-QzS5rVVu69eaUmG_gR3bJUnFn3BBR22FlDRBB2T32bKd4EvjPf0oT3Wp1Kh_BUvF_4iHmxdp6Fu5zJg8glscCe/s1600/DSCF6815b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHEFCG16F_H8u_NIe0gNOFdCN3nNKx9ns_Qrlg54p7TGJSoM115W22-QzS5rVVu69eaUmG_gR3bJUnFn3BBR22FlDRBB2T32bKd4EvjPf0oT3Wp1Kh_BUvF_4iHmxdp6Fu5zJg8glscCe/s640/DSCF6815b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8P0Wbch24W1MiT2m5o4W-eDfT3TBcksVro6a0VWHvqZJJHSzc5vaWu8N6w-d9aq0xfeSnEwlGZB_pIk_jTO5JaJONEieB70SC4_c_WHmmUqXNE4iNy3zhpetlOyIF1LAtUhtIZft-uKM/s1600/DSCF6825b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8P0Wbch24W1MiT2m5o4W-eDfT3TBcksVro6a0VWHvqZJJHSzc5vaWu8N6w-d9aq0xfeSnEwlGZB_pIk_jTO5JaJONEieB70SC4_c_WHmmUqXNE4iNy3zhpetlOyIF1LAtUhtIZft-uKM/s640/DSCF6825b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_cGRFDh7wirkYuYgD7-l7tFvW6ZePtmb_mfXYBZsFjFKbBqJTan0e14HDzYEy9L0Vg0Q3_J_OvHhyV0q_EbrM_PyJmcBHA16y1eYfLLkj3xx907D98yoJbihUE0E-RovBS1Y29TCvYve/s1600/DSCF6853b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_cGRFDh7wirkYuYgD7-l7tFvW6ZePtmb_mfXYBZsFjFKbBqJTan0e14HDzYEy9L0Vg0Q3_J_OvHhyV0q_EbrM_PyJmcBHA16y1eYfLLkj3xx907D98yoJbihUE0E-RovBS1Y29TCvYve/s640/DSCF6853b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgx8ssL7RqtV-pHMgVYJqMX7PXGI7poCkFnjEaeXLgR8eGiMNACLh9DJyG87MNv4OiiyX_Sy-Ga0sYoEk9jv_dY5rVfBUkMJnqEwwMSHn9jIuFh2cPsJfkaIMGWjFdNhICx8o-33ZAlKQ/s1600/DSCF6845b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgx8ssL7RqtV-pHMgVYJqMX7PXGI7poCkFnjEaeXLgR8eGiMNACLh9DJyG87MNv4OiiyX_Sy-Ga0sYoEk9jv_dY5rVfBUkMJnqEwwMSHn9jIuFh2cPsJfkaIMGWjFdNhICx8o-33ZAlKQ/s640/DSCF6845b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We took our sweet time enjoying taking photos in the lavender fields as that was the main attraction, then made our way back to Wellington for lunch and ice cream (we had spotted a shop from the night before and made a note to come back). The sun was bright and all the colours around us seemed even brighter. I would have wanted to sit on that bench and eat ice cream forever if I could.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4l0LKGE1lBpSG3qhkKs62kzV0VwjVSB3bc5N6HV-Xuo8CxuP_yDU6Al-h_K3_Y19rKwgajULobTQzL89Og88U-aJmx6gnpBnc9jR9Lglx7ZXacUIaPuhnLLKR0Y2zbYFIoKryPAdJBwX/s1600/IMG_20190714_151851-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4l0LKGE1lBpSG3qhkKs62kzV0VwjVSB3bc5N6HV-Xuo8CxuP_yDU6Al-h_K3_Y19rKwgajULobTQzL89Og88U-aJmx6gnpBnc9jR9Lglx7ZXacUIaPuhnLLKR0Y2zbYFIoKryPAdJBwX/s640/IMG_20190714_151851-01.fjpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhNF8IXvKpJoC7PbxoWNf0xnnH3a-sItcYgD-NoBAbqBCHMTVQhqWWJeNgxfYEXHjBgRt6_PdIWIvxmyAldpEr4Fx8jfLfk-9NsvKNRpzYVeZKi5OXerorpLq46rmjffmAGQ01s2vlQwD/s1600/DSCF6880b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhNF8IXvKpJoC7PbxoWNf0xnnH3a-sItcYgD-NoBAbqBCHMTVQhqWWJeNgxfYEXHjBgRt6_PdIWIvxmyAldpEr4Fx8jfLfk-9NsvKNRpzYVeZKi5OXerorpLq46rmjffmAGQ01s2vlQwD/s640/DSCF6880b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">summer paradise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lastly, we drove through Picton on our way back to Ottawa but were pretty tuckered out, especially from the heat, but overall happy and satisfied from a weekend of wholesome activities.<br />
<br />
Special announcement: we took video clips of our trip! First time working with video and looking to put it all together but I'll definitely update this post when it's ready.<br />
<br />
Also, stay tuned for a summer fashion post featuring my outfits from these trips!<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed these photos!<br />
Thanks for reading :)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Update: Video is ready! It was my first time trying my hand at video!! (was actually so hard) Hope y'all enjoy these clips set to one of my favourite songs Summer Daze by George Shaw:</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/j13y0jbpfW4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j13y0jbpfW4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-71123052423646370102019-06-29T14:32:00.001-04:002019-06-29T14:35:01.828-04:00Juin à MontréalI've heard too many times now the age-old crack about Ottawa and how the only good thing about it is its proximity to Montreal. Now that Ottawa has earned a <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2019/05/may-in-capital.html" target="_blank">special appreciation </a>in my heart, I'm a bit tired of the joke. Still, I am thankful at the convenience to Montreal, which I've visited and revisited time and time again.<br />
<br />
Earlier this month, I got to go again on two separate occasions and was pleasantly surprised once more. It seems like there's never a shortage of something to see, and even places I've been to before will take on new meaning, show an alternate perspective.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXm8mco9qtFxObPmj3Cn2PHFtmJU7KjKopdJKe_5hAeBEpwKWh0EoDT8tHQxD1CcSscDYjSl51Vt4Z1p6kodtLKdn7CV5XBhKNZ1a6hwp4gnTO4tw4hKKJUmJtPsytnXY8gykZrrrYM2In/s1600/DSCF6202b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXm8mco9qtFxObPmj3Cn2PHFtmJU7KjKopdJKe_5hAeBEpwKWh0EoDT8tHQxD1CcSscDYjSl51Vt4Z1p6kodtLKdn7CV5XBhKNZ1a6hwp4gnTO4tw4hKKJUmJtPsytnXY8gykZrrrYM2In/s640/DSCF6202b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">revisited this spot and got my shot this time! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdU9U8GvXRzI8tRADWzErFw-geDLFy8LaOcILtCVM0-1dOOf_QafjZLnOTe7qjL6zIAnhyphenhyphen91bOFD2D0jtBlUc2jZz1oSmhQx5i6TwDURksBOi4kWT05-q73oXoG408PK3rMyzBICm7Udy/s1600/DSCF4872b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdU9U8GvXRzI8tRADWzErFw-geDLFy8LaOcILtCVM0-1dOOf_QafjZLnOTe7qjL6zIAnhyphenhyphen91bOFD2D0jtBlUc2jZz1oSmhQx5i6TwDURksBOi4kWT05-q73oXoG408PK3rMyzBICm7Udy/s640/DSCF4872b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQuGPKLxmCUgso-UI-1aV3_peTbDXDH1P9XpI3LpiQK_87J-cxTtptNa8uOzbRYpMgtDr7PCW8bxPxm3jBR4bYTRZ7MZ9WmUupoQRBafULH_4qIFeZNpQci00OZDUfDJS7helYpQ6yaXo/s1600/DSCF4880b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQuGPKLxmCUgso-UI-1aV3_peTbDXDH1P9XpI3LpiQK_87J-cxTtptNa8uOzbRYpMgtDr7PCW8bxPxm3jBR4bYTRZ7MZ9WmUupoQRBafULH_4qIFeZNpQci00OZDUfDJS7helYpQ6yaXo/s640/DSCF4880b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this ceiling! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1UvDx6XPlO4fPQqxJ-76GD6nllOj62qmWXdc5ksZp_WmULCyqIh0iIXQ3XgZ6_wrhNNthu5DQDDMsLUqnQK_9cKUSfng3Dp35Tna-8JdkxA-DzuVR-NXbdmuOskPesBNDi9d_OhjzQOZ/s1600/DSCF6203b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1UvDx6XPlO4fPQqxJ-76GD6nllOj62qmWXdc5ksZp_WmULCyqIh0iIXQ3XgZ6_wrhNNthu5DQDDMsLUqnQK_9cKUSfng3Dp35Tna-8JdkxA-DzuVR-NXbdmuOskPesBNDi9d_OhjzQOZ/s640/DSCF6203b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walkway under Square Victoria</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Being in Montreal always makes me feel extra in tune with my creative side. The city's culture is like a giant incubator for creative energies and artistic types. Everywhere I turn, I'm blown away by the talents of fellow creatives.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyHzXqHcVg-VZAluaHq2-_ehvWkINyC_EayBoyaNr4Ls0yZjwZS0uEDqfLUsEhORub-l9RQwCHd6NzBg9heK_5d_IJbT1Kh3hHLSlOw57N6H6Hsz7y5-nGijo_2p1wKnpckQ3HANNnjl6/s1600/IMG_5360b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyHzXqHcVg-VZAluaHq2-_ehvWkINyC_EayBoyaNr4Ls0yZjwZS0uEDqfLUsEhORub-l9RQwCHd6NzBg9heK_5d_IJbT1Kh3hHLSlOw57N6H6Hsz7y5-nGijo_2p1wKnpckQ3HANNnjl6/s640/IMG_5360b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuXuXBgwe-doMy2Q7QGvQpBEKC8A_bhTzSkJKW8c1AwVFXskUfo9uhwoe2E3x7Uavhkf0kJKf3oGd5iGxxPDVfRKPs_1xCtBRKIhNJFOLYf1efT8e6F-sIns5nionj9kcQDSWMF7qrauT/s1600/IMG_5350b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuXuXBgwe-doMy2Q7QGvQpBEKC8A_bhTzSkJKW8c1AwVFXskUfo9uhwoe2E3x7Uavhkf0kJKf3oGd5iGxxPDVfRKPs_1xCtBRKIhNJFOLYf1efT8e6F-sIns5nionj9kcQDSWMF7qrauT/s640/IMG_5350b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IWHosr3fMDTMnwG3MXF86_GDut4_hIrwxHLN6IQ90PhUVOGzPdfg02_2T4t3CNZK1aqXnQSMlbwE4XM3ggQmDPSsxLOuXUFJi7lN0RVtGeCjthdewfIaMTeJL1x6ItEafIzTIXUJ5up6/s1600/DSCF6165b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IWHosr3fMDTMnwG3MXF86_GDut4_hIrwxHLN6IQ90PhUVOGzPdfg02_2T4t3CNZK1aqXnQSMlbwE4XM3ggQmDPSsxLOuXUFJi7lN0RVtGeCjthdewfIaMTeJL1x6ItEafIzTIXUJ5up6/s640/DSCF6165b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">street market vendor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpLUdz3iI1YA9AE52bmJbt33MExBncN-sapiS-mgz8Td6cK_k9B_d7IDDvq9o0aKWZsTfl_NvrJc99Ste4EOdPjb-R6UJqjN6nUjYbaQRPxzn_X1znyd4ydDWoZZj7cdRhUvjsto_dZC8/s1600/DSCF6186b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpLUdz3iI1YA9AE52bmJbt33MExBncN-sapiS-mgz8Td6cK_k9B_d7IDDvq9o0aKWZsTfl_NvrJc99Ste4EOdPjb-R6UJqjN6nUjYbaQRPxzn_X1znyd4ydDWoZZj7cdRhUvjsto_dZC8/s640/DSCF6186b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">street performers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I know it's super touristy but Old Port is still one of my favourite places to walk around in Montreal and to explore. There are many little alleys or small streets tucked away that have hidden gems. Something that looks one way from the outside can have a totally unexpected interior.<br />
<br />
And then at night when all the lights are lit, it's a completely different sight to behold.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou1Af56lSJM0Pdd9ZMYxxgipScHjMutFWMOs5P7NGgMM_OdIgW6lD__u0SRgdA7wigRhxW6p99ewkzxnQilDOONZtjbXZsSi3LlPQ-XlmFoXB2PEOp3CUdpoNnypDue-hqskngt4Xk6Uv/s1600/DSCF0815b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou1Af56lSJM0Pdd9ZMYxxgipScHjMutFWMOs5P7NGgMM_OdIgW6lD__u0SRgdA7wigRhxW6p99ewkzxnQilDOONZtjbXZsSi3LlPQ-XlmFoXB2PEOp3CUdpoNnypDue-hqskngt4Xk6Uv/s640/DSCF0815b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">market hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQyUGT0cHzjtGF64Ghyphenhyphen5cd9OGc9xrEjXF0NChbLbd-zIRl7cihryrqF85V7wDhemCOaDeAP2mmT9Y0iGOGMgua20yc2Uo4TFPKdUnI4kv2ffIMFuRiqOCx2A4LdEUqBPUHUdfJMZtEjsr/s1600/DSCF0837b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQyUGT0cHzjtGF64Ghyphenhyphen5cd9OGc9xrEjXF0NChbLbd-zIRl7cihryrqF85V7wDhemCOaDeAP2mmT9Y0iGOGMgua20yc2Uo4TFPKdUnI4kv2ffIMFuRiqOCx2A4LdEUqBPUHUdfJMZtEjsr/s640/DSCF0837b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once I'm tuckered out from all the walking and exploring, I like to pop into any of the numerous cute cafes to re-energize and relax.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3jZN_qRFo_kC2IpwZ1kdymSIh9eqMg7A1xriiOw37uetcji6R5aIvgKpP7vaO7yvDKL_Qcp1wgsjTaJYjq6XCo1ynnLe8g5_NyMezUoSz82KN_ffHQzCESLtvVYTaP97XTJIcUKorD9m/s1600/DSCF6226b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3jZN_qRFo_kC2IpwZ1kdymSIh9eqMg7A1xriiOw37uetcji6R5aIvgKpP7vaO7yvDKL_Qcp1wgsjTaJYjq6XCo1ynnLe8g5_NyMezUoSz82KN_ffHQzCESLtvVYTaP97XTJIcUKorD9m/s640/DSCF6226b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe St Henri by Jean Talon Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOb8caaFcEXuQTHDmsEi5QiLBy8A-wOfYTqP0G1RgsKMERj9vFsZIl-fd2k5wBBZzKrNAP4FeE8jTcCj8byHLGf68c11piFxrezEToN3JCrcp_OAdeya8OaCpxxDRI4udbGA8yAz_wYYa/s1600/DSCF6223b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOb8caaFcEXuQTHDmsEi5QiLBy8A-wOfYTqP0G1RgsKMERj9vFsZIl-fd2k5wBBZzKrNAP4FeE8jTcCj8byHLGf68c11piFxrezEToN3JCrcp_OAdeya8OaCpxxDRI4udbGA8yAz_wYYa/s640/DSCF6223b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course, contemplate the real question: where should I eat next?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRted_y0dOZF5o3YlY2Sc9z8qxchnYsUBTOGDw49rTAep0BwkXdjihOzK8vtw1L46XEZUbBfnBNxnkeQ6xG7xLZvUJsolRt-Nfmi5hQiQEhrGjHd_31gIJhdTn323f1asvb60M57zNf37N/s1600/IMG_20190601_153048-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRted_y0dOZF5o3YlY2Sc9z8qxchnYsUBTOGDw49rTAep0BwkXdjihOzK8vtw1L46XEZUbBfnBNxnkeQ6xG7xLZvUJsolRt-Nfmi5hQiQEhrGjHd_31gIJhdTn323f1asvb60M57zNf37N/s640/IMG_20190601_153048-01.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">said to be the best poutine in Montreal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoUPW9dRlIW4Gev6_MB65cUqDZCtV5mEYWtpBXv3HbBbrAv9__woi9G_Rc8Uc-LDsZbahLpKjWXAnGNGj4Lg_PZcsNAf4qtQXvwhbvYyk1VvpuoETICMeFziuS0oXWZlupmB59zQbAW6w/s1600/IMG_20190602_205132-01-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoUPW9dRlIW4Gev6_MB65cUqDZCtV5mEYWtpBXv3HbBbrAv9__woi9G_Rc8Uc-LDsZbahLpKjWXAnGNGj4Lg_PZcsNAf4qtQXvwhbvYyk1VvpuoETICMeFziuS0oXWZlupmB59zQbAW6w/s640/IMG_20190602_205132-01-01.jpeg" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"bowl" resto (choice between stir-fry and poke)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJsUwecbSk2Ljmh1s011EiXOqkvSDG2O3bRfRPmJG1om5Nhe64wn4Va_upgFxmaE1WdopuvMa72zZag7D_RzwXdhf94DLjqMpu3ZzSxVS5cO9TFp7nXNtaThgQkr7a17EBnYqU_e0KN-Z/s1600/IMG_20190602_202157-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJsUwecbSk2Ljmh1s011EiXOqkvSDG2O3bRfRPmJG1om5Nhe64wn4Va_upgFxmaE1WdopuvMa72zZag7D_RzwXdhf94DLjqMpu3ZzSxVS5cO9TFp7nXNtaThgQkr7a17EBnYqU_e0KN-Z/s640/IMG_20190602_202157-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuH8V16PoeHkZ1devJ3-6BZExYFkagwsDrsqZpYqxLv3B9rlJrBdsfKBHttP56FYSqA_zW3pdxF58ZSl-haiC87ACHhEYFuA-HXtYl3rNclfCSdvBm78c7vFvfZm3xubpea_E6WPSLLwNW/s1600/IMG_20190612_190153__01-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuH8V16PoeHkZ1devJ3-6BZExYFkagwsDrsqZpYqxLv3B9rlJrBdsfKBHttP56FYSqA_zW3pdxF58ZSl-haiC87ACHhEYFuA-HXtYl3rNclfCSdvBm78c7vFvfZm3xubpea_E6WPSLLwNW/s640/IMG_20190612_190153__01-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuban Cafe near my hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aVsfv9mBhOSDk2pb6dqfIJQQ9ObLpu8Jw82Rx-9lP_VjqWh5y2LAZmk6vCQeQRNouLRIA5CUkzZ91bv9I6S2jrWJ_OXoeR73OESzJuThCm7bpfPsVRE3tbtBLJ2kLtClPhGmIKzAB8T8/s1600/IMG_20190612_183550-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aVsfv9mBhOSDk2pb6dqfIJQQ9ObLpu8Jw82Rx-9lP_VjqWh5y2LAZmk6vCQeQRNouLRIA5CUkzZ91bv9I6S2jrWJ_OXoeR73OESzJuThCm7bpfPsVRE3tbtBLJ2kLtClPhGmIKzAB8T8/s640/IMG_20190612_183550-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's always hard to not go back to known favourites but I try to push myself to try somewhere new, and nothing has disappointed me yet!<br />
<br />
Special thanks to Amanda for taking me around <3<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVsr28NH0ypKbLHqQUClLSqAvNAvKbfTCUAoBdBC9eL8GHubmJUi4ixrsyCsKKXM9khNrYAS_QVgF3U1BbdKibPTk4UlK802C4TtuHqaizVZshmHdAEm9KN2H-PqNTgHuFt5G_h9FPZtw/s1600/DSCF6196b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVsr28NH0ypKbLHqQUClLSqAvNAvKbfTCUAoBdBC9eL8GHubmJUi4ixrsyCsKKXM9khNrYAS_QVgF3U1BbdKibPTk4UlK802C4TtuHqaizVZshmHdAEm9KN2H-PqNTgHuFt5G_h9FPZtw/s640/DSCF6196b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed these photos!<br />
Happy Canada Day long weekend and thanks for reading :)<br />
<br />Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-48766977327405268252019-06-19T20:38:00.000-04:002019-06-20T02:03:39.170-04:002019 Spring Fashion: Pink & Purple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZQ5Z13NWRMkl4erN_4eSqAF4-OQwaDnqtaEJj228Nrb8Vfjr-W8DQfyITNz_5EyOWXi6YeZpkME29mEyx31pJAuTpqsCfPHyr-Wbiz0n4yUlsyR__oFrbV-1tAEqcawSJYTv-2wbydfJ/s1600/banner-spring2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1080" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZQ5Z13NWRMkl4erN_4eSqAF4-OQwaDnqtaEJj228Nrb8Vfjr-W8DQfyITNz_5EyOWXi6YeZpkME29mEyx31pJAuTpqsCfPHyr-Wbiz0n4yUlsyR__oFrbV-1tAEqcawSJYTv-2wbydfJ/s640/banner-spring2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've lamented in the past over how Ottawa doesn't have a real spring season and it jumps very suddenly from winter to summer, usually in May-June, right around the annual Tulip Festival. This year, however, we got some sort of pseudo-spring, with the frequent rainy days and fluctuating temperatures. The weather gods must be smirking down on me with their little practical joke but joke's on them because I was super motivated to come up with cute spring outfits! So here goes my very first Spring Fashion post, whoo-hoo!<br />
<br />
The theme for the outfits below are two colours that I've had a longstanding struggle to wear: pink and purple. I've mentioned in previous blog posts that growing up a tomboy meant rejecting a lot of pink and purple, that even to this day, I'm finding it a challenge to incorporate both colours into my wardrobe. A lot of historical attempts have always felt a little bit like playing dress up, as opposed to actually utilizing pieces that were an integrated part of my actual style. That's why I'm very pleased to showcase 5 outfits that I felt comfortable in and genuinely represent me (I would have wanted more but that's about as many as I could muster).<br />
<br />
Just to be clear: all these photos were of the outfits I actually wore out that day and not like "I dressed up just for these photos and changed immediately after". As a bonus, at the end I have two extra outfits of my close girlfriends as additional style inspos for the same theme! So without further ado, let's get to the good stuff :)<br />
<br />
There were some real chilly temps even when it was deceivingly sunny out, and I found myself repeatedly reaching for my Lindawanna pink bomber from last year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1S4nQgj11dx-Alnu8z0MyoNYUKzqly1b3h_UtWSy1096mkSLuUsAcxLRm6ty-l1PzrRet6YR40_67z0H1t8V4_dEYokL5UD0wGvRJWsyYNBRRKKvc0dBQKOvn9gnk0madIyUFVbG9A6X/s1600/pink-lady-lb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1600" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1S4nQgj11dx-Alnu8z0MyoNYUKzqly1b3h_UtWSy1096mkSLuUsAcxLRm6ty-l1PzrRet6YR40_67z0H1t8V4_dEYokL5UD0wGvRJWsyYNBRRKKvc0dBQKOvn9gnk0madIyUFVbG9A6X/s640/pink-lady-lb3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindawanna pink bomber from Club Monaco<br />
Grey lace top from American Eagle<br />
High-waisted jeans from RW&Co<br />
D'orsay flats from Franco Sarto<br />
Sunglasses from Kate Spade<br />
Scarf from Coach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A couple pieces from this outfit are new and instant-loves: first up, these high-waisted jeans are the perfect shade of casual blue without any distressing (side note: I was shocked at how hard it was to find cute jeans that didn't have any distressing! It was like jeans were either mom-style or torn-up festival style, very few in-between). I've been looking for high-waisted jeans for a while now since a lot more tops (and even jackets like this one) are made in the cropped length. Power to y'all brave enough to bare your midriffs but I do not yet possess that level of self-confidence haha.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfO92SNcxqGK105U-V_37bLUKABrzxgn7axpQGXWkfWTmLLFk2gW6vnH5FptvEpUfSuG4RH5UmTSeetD9ovlNRukeL-B6KLabzwmqPkMa0yYN1_NS_lFcnXPUagH_vT46AkAx-EDxBGTp/s1600/DSCF6341b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfO92SNcxqGK105U-V_37bLUKABrzxgn7axpQGXWkfWTmLLFk2gW6vnH5FptvEpUfSuG4RH5UmTSeetD9ovlNRukeL-B6KLabzwmqPkMa0yYN1_NS_lFcnXPUagH_vT46AkAx-EDxBGTp/s640/DSCF6341b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Secondly, I love these nude flats from Nordstrom! Needed to include this second photo to show off the cute d'orsay design and the ankle strap that make them easily walkable. I was looking for flats that would work for the weekend and not just the office, basically a slightly more polished weekend option over sneakers or sandals. Plus, they're the right shade of nude for my skin tone, which can be a tricky thing to find with nude shoes. Definitely fell in love with these at first sight!<br />
<br />
Another style-hack I use to keep warm yet still look seasonally appropriate is to wear maxi or midi skirts. I find as long as my legs are covered and protected from the wind, I'll mostly be okay.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDTdUjcBfZ5TB6pOA4_LdWp3eJcIb6uJGLH6kclup3XgHcnRlb5m2xTqhVx6VvYmLIJBWj8EueV6OZndZ5iDWV65j8Rh6BcSLg8MdtInuEAAUPlq2NqMLNqdYTN51h5REVXW0XVj69509/s1600/snakeskin-skirt-lb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1600" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDTdUjcBfZ5TB6pOA4_LdWp3eJcIb6uJGLH6kclup3XgHcnRlb5m2xTqhVx6VvYmLIJBWj8EueV6OZndZ5iDWV65j8Rh6BcSLg8MdtInuEAAUPlq2NqMLNqdYTN51h5REVXW0XVj69509/s640/snakeskin-skirt-lb3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mock-neck crop top from Forever 21<br />
Snakeskin pleated skirt from H&M<br />
Waist belt from Gucci<br />
Suede slides from Banana Republic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I had been trying to add a snakeskin print piece to my wardrobe for quite some time now, but every previous piece I tried (tops, dresses, shoes, etc.) all ended up being returned. I went to the store after I saw this skirt reviewed by Extrapetite, one of the bloggers I follow, and found this skirt worked perfectly for what I wanted! The snakeskin print somehow acts as a good neutral and paired well with the lilac/mauve-y top. I really like this outfit as a chic business casual option that transitions well from work to weekend.<br />
<br />
On the topic of transitional pieces, I was wracking my brain how to wear floral spring and summery dresses in an office environment, trying on all different combinations of jackets, when I finally had my "ah-ha!" moment: the white blazer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitK0J8w8YNl-0PfHfbAiQWnLPH2fiAWVulWwGSS11eCiQr86X2CG8t01u9VexcAlBdJlRT8mgoW1atYvrqVyptRWs2SufzEoU_0Dal5NZwl837GbELnFqtvLs5LOgDBfAcCPp3_TylyNt/s1600/lady-lilac-lb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1600" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitK0J8w8YNl-0PfHfbAiQWnLPH2fiAWVulWwGSS11eCiQr86X2CG8t01u9VexcAlBdJlRT8mgoW1atYvrqVyptRWs2SufzEoU_0Dal5NZwl837GbELnFqtvLs5LOgDBfAcCPp3_TylyNt/s640/lady-lilac-lb3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White blazer from H&M<br />
Vintage Japanese brand floral dress<br />
Skinny belt from RW&Co<br />
Suede flats from Coach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This vintage Japanese floral dress is just one of many cute light and breezy dresses that I love to wear and twirl in, but it's quite casual on its own (in all honesty, I felt like I looked like a Japanese housewife or school teacher, oops!) I found that a white or cream blazer is a great topper as it adds structure -- unlike a cardigan, which would've added to the housewife/teacher vibe -- but without making the outfit feel dark or heaviness the way a black or navy blazer would.<br />
<br />
I've featured a number of vintage items throughout my blog posts but one thing I'm very conscious in trying to do is to blend the vintage pieces seamlessly into everyday outfits.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW2NIYnFxy22QvN45T5W9KGZQuVUJk4cS4zIgeOFARPDjUVPrhkBiQ34N6iQHSQlZmlnUae5yikqeA4ORNnBfz7Red0VA3aO4OMoMUp3R5LbuXDTzJTDEebhQHhVea8H3BSTV3H39xkgC/s1600/vintage-florals-lb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1600" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW2NIYnFxy22QvN45T5W9KGZQuVUJk4cS4zIgeOFARPDjUVPrhkBiQ34N6iQHSQlZmlnUae5yikqeA4ORNnBfz7Red0VA3aO4OMoMUp3R5LbuXDTzJTDEebhQHhVea8H3BSTV3H39xkgC/s640/vintage-florals-lb3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Origami collar blouse from ASOS<br />
Vintage floral skirt<br />
Suede pumps from Aldo<br />
Berry trench from Burberry<br />
Purse from Chloe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With this skirt, I felt it was an easy way to change up regular date night by throwing in some vintage romantic vibes. I draped my trench for the cooler temperature in the evening as we were heading out to dinner, going for a complementary colour palette with the berries and olives in the skirt (berries and olives -- sounds like I'm making a salad!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-lX0yqeDSRQbBzH_hGHO8jHq4_T8UYKJ6lT0H-9xwiUHHqGkykIwR81uubjerm_CLhuGxR5pCnCSrhJD9lUzh5lMNoqju6u3-184_bcF8EKFW6H7WFMeNn2F6gH3CWbaieLqsflBAVFL/s1600/DSCF5669b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-lX0yqeDSRQbBzH_hGHO8jHq4_T8UYKJ6lT0H-9xwiUHHqGkykIwR81uubjerm_CLhuGxR5pCnCSrhJD9lUzh5lMNoqju6u3-184_bcF8EKFW6H7WFMeNn2F6gH3CWbaieLqsflBAVFL/s640/DSCF5669b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
These beautiful blossoms were actually right outside our building -- feel so spoiled to be so close to such pretty trees!<br />
<br />
Speaking of pretty flowers, the annual Ottawa Tulip Festival is always sight to behold. After dinner one night, we went out for a stroll by the Dow's Lake, where there are a lot of the tulips (featured in my last <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2019/05/may-in-capital.html" target="_blank">blog post on Ottawa</a>).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTF1rAlXR1uLyx_OmS6Q1X3nlhBDKXgvTgxs1tyzpYHGrenp-HViMRA1Wiro2gRoL2CrzFipZcZxa7ELXS4z879g-PSo3qPTAq2GgwrR43nl4JJkytyDSg1d-bO8QYZG-g52YLAsqbB68/s1600/plum-blossom-lb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1600" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTF1rAlXR1uLyx_OmS6Q1X3nlhBDKXgvTgxs1tyzpYHGrenp-HViMRA1Wiro2gRoL2CrzFipZcZxa7ELXS4z879g-PSo3qPTAq2GgwrR43nl4JJkytyDSg1d-bO8QYZG-g52YLAsqbB68/s640/plum-blossom-lb3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Chinese outfit from Hangzhou<br />
Vintage straw purse thrifted from VV<br />
Flats from Coach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEift9bVLvdFnjj0F_QC47nAYi91rDbel6mxGk5NMW0ix-t2LPYTHFTYj4AaVUOqc_3yeyZpvNmNhgftW4e8_4tYDlZSiCGGkiRq1U7XIbrfNcIy3Of6gcaQlyARIYrwLNgBLRm9u2O2UzOu/s1600/DSCF6342b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEift9bVLvdFnjj0F_QC47nAYi91rDbel6mxGk5NMW0ix-t2LPYTHFTYj4AaVUOqc_3yeyZpvNmNhgftW4e8_4tYDlZSiCGGkiRq1U7XIbrfNcIy3Of6gcaQlyARIYrwLNgBLRm9u2O2UzOu/s640/DSCF6342b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pressed flower earrings from street market in Chongqing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I bought these traditional Chinese pieces last year during my China trip and was amazed at how many young girls were dressed in these traditional outfits all along West Lake (in Hangzhou) just out and about, posing for casual photos. I was a little nervous and self-conscious at first wearing this in Ottawa but everyone who passed us by was nice and smiling smiled and I quickly overcame my shyness. It really means a lot to me to be able to wear this outfit in Canada without fear of being rejected.<br />
<h3>
Special bonus outfits:</h3>
I took these photos of Joanna the same day as my first outfit (a sharp eye might recognize we both have the same teal wood background in our photos hehe)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiovfnxpNUni2uykbKqUivmW_-7zcqEk2NUvzYPuxdVR7Ld-0IEMiK9ekyKvpJHjNMj_F3du6InQok9uU5Wz_TWawzMqFoS6k5JC3E2N-keHwCWwDPYMnrvwpZsAUiH2vYsln5buKZzXy/s1600/DSCF5266-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiovfnxpNUni2uykbKqUivmW_-7zcqEk2NUvzYPuxdVR7Ld-0IEMiK9ekyKvpJHjNMj_F3du6InQok9uU5Wz_TWawzMqFoS6k5JC3E2N-keHwCWwDPYMnrvwpZsAUiH2vYsln5buKZzXy/s640/DSCF5266-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowy trench coat from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/downtownunderground613/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Downtown Underground</a> at 613flea<br />
Vintage floral dress from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/frankiefindsvintage/" target="_blank">Frankie Finds Vintage</a> at 613flea<br />
Flats from Stuart Weitzman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJdx5Yv7z3ocvKBhChQbkMHusGaoGTAZqnmcyrBhDSljdlxM_BaxTWdAez6WlrFt3MFfkpK_cJU64al_Mw8HDiA8cHQBg_5O5PC3UfEZ51QUMOROyrZVnkHMF-LHkCR4lP_MvhV687DmY/s1600/DSCF5332b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJdx5Yv7z3ocvKBhChQbkMHusGaoGTAZqnmcyrBhDSljdlxM_BaxTWdAez6WlrFt3MFfkpK_cJU64al_Mw8HDiA8cHQBg_5O5PC3UfEZ51QUMOROyrZVnkHMF-LHkCR4lP_MvhV687DmY/s640/DSCF5332b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necklace from Forever 21</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I love love love a flowy trench even though I haven't found one that works for me (both my trench coats are more stiff and structured) but I think it's super lovely how Jo paired a longer vintage dress underneath for romantic feminine look that's still chic and modern.<br />
<br />
Even after Ottawa's blossoms were past bloom, we were lucky to find lots of gorgeous trees in Parc Maisonneuve during a weekend trip in Montreal!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEG4uDLceETBquj2P04TQGsTGD0lgzixi_MpsCDlU_fMZLQ_zesqxvrsg2XGtm7XkthYT69q4SimtAM8U-cdBHEu5VBFfbkrd7nmE0RO0peGxrC9jXo25PFBxDVyXXUBoS8HnO7HFWHZn/s1600/DSCF6103-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEG4uDLceETBquj2P04TQGsTGD0lgzixi_MpsCDlU_fMZLQ_zesqxvrsg2XGtm7XkthYT69q4SimtAM8U-cdBHEu5VBFfbkrd7nmE0RO0peGxrC9jXo25PFBxDVyXXUBoS8HnO7HFWHZn/s640/DSCF6103-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tank top from Vero Moda<br />
Soft pant from Dynamite<br />
Booties from Aldo<br />
Vegan leather jacket from ONLY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXgq7kHGixCFAXeRWeevCja8mrzl0MUI3Z6JTFTktQCnekX_dc92gEt1suCkELguvEl9R_DwPi35obfH2K5zVgPoSJQGdcyGv4HPUhweRJhJwD3TBzmUD5W1n-1hACpPUTPG2_1RwEKE2/s1600/DSCF6106b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXgq7kHGixCFAXeRWeevCja8mrzl0MUI3Z6JTFTktQCnekX_dc92gEt1suCkELguvEl9R_DwPi35obfH2K5zVgPoSJQGdcyGv4HPUhweRJhJwD3TBzmUD5W1n-1hACpPUTPG2_1RwEKE2/s640/DSCF6106b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bracelets from Coach & Kate Spade<br />
Purse from Michael Kors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have a pair of soft pant as well but I think this shade of darker blush/slightly mauve that Amanda has is sooo pretty! I also appreciate how she effortlessly combines flirty and feminine with modern and rockin' all in one outfit.<br />
<br />
Both of these ladies are dear dear girlfriends of mine who constantly inspire me with their unashamedly feminine style and personalities. Every time I see them, I'm reminded of how it's okay to give in to the girly side of me. Even though I've still got lots of work to do to undo the toxic mentality against being feminine that I've held from my younger days, I know I'm growing and changing, and it's amazing role models like these awesome ladies that are helping me along!<br />
<br />
I know I said this in the beginning but I want to reiterate again how this post is such a milestone for me in terms of advancing my fashion as well as fashion photography, and also personal and emotional growth. I'm grateful every day for the people who are supporting me in all aspects of my life and I'm happy for this platform to help document my progress!<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed these photos! Thanks for reading :)Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-2879490853416601132019-05-31T19:55:00.001-04:002019-05-31T19:55:34.273-04:00May in the CapitalExciting news, everyone! Earlier this week marked the 5 year anniversary of my blog **hooraaay!**<br />
It also means I've been in Ottawa for almost just as long, as I moved to the capital a few short months afterwards. I've posted about my activities in Ottawa a couples times in the past but in this special "travel" post, I'll be sharing some newer photos as well as some others that I never got around to posting :) Starting off with some shots I took on a evening stroll by Dow's Lake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpu6eX_3DdQ7T5-FD2opn5YVQLEmYypatN2ah7rHBCjDFReAEXroLKTTIxpziDtwqWaPJulR6hntVJIf8Bkz2TgcDzPEOJSyFpFmgvInOSWJ2skc1S7gFa0iN3tt7rGuk_MGEFilEX75c/s1600/DSCF5901b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpu6eX_3DdQ7T5-FD2opn5YVQLEmYypatN2ah7rHBCjDFReAEXroLKTTIxpziDtwqWaPJulR6hntVJIf8Bkz2TgcDzPEOJSyFpFmgvInOSWJ2skc1S7gFa0iN3tt7rGuk_MGEFilEX75c/s640/DSCF5901b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yes these are tulips! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Sometimes I genuinely forget how long I've been in Ottawa, notably whenever my Uber driver asks and I'm like, "oh I haven't been here that long, just since -- oh my god it's been like 5 years??"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhxSvMUqRNv4IQ03O8rSOjDmqE5biUGj9uCD5wQwin6awNmZ__NdcPKtOMTijACnvw6WXKtgzQVpgbWxVokd-IDKBL4Ts4dcoAy8UOaSIzC1zuHSRNb9xBheSTcHmxItk-3sDjK_3ehsw/s1600/DSCF5902b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhxSvMUqRNv4IQ03O8rSOjDmqE5biUGj9uCD5wQwin6awNmZ__NdcPKtOMTijACnvw6WXKtgzQVpgbWxVokd-IDKBL4Ts4dcoAy8UOaSIzC1zuHSRNb9xBheSTcHmxItk-3sDjK_3ehsw/s640/DSCF5902b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPPUveY_9iEiBUTpaV1mxNhisUqapjwzkty8vAPuSEnc8V7ppaWGcnL9rm7p-W7ebrmgPpHvgscLedSkehd_ZaJxLyZjt9_7rEVCaR1ts9HDWbaFjDp3muxERaIflspGQMHovuUEQMJKf/s1600/DSCF5909b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPPUveY_9iEiBUTpaV1mxNhisUqapjwzkty8vAPuSEnc8V7ppaWGcnL9rm7p-W7ebrmgPpHvgscLedSkehd_ZaJxLyZjt9_7rEVCaR1ts9HDWbaFjDp3muxERaIflspGQMHovuUEQMJKf/s640/DSCF5909b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx90lhLXbQFxcpi7Ba4YhiGOpXvTm0TgGGHnRhkWBC56A-dzUBayFRdZX60Il-EQDkUt9js9PUkzfGJ9G7LRfFsLIYK5nHWJxHSEAszSwrQcbNeAi3HebY4CYuqLWXdrqEY_9Ip9wGy1KW/s1600/DSCF5917b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx90lhLXbQFxcpi7Ba4YhiGOpXvTm0TgGGHnRhkWBC56A-dzUBayFRdZX60Il-EQDkUt9js9PUkzfGJ9G7LRfFsLIYK5nHWJxHSEAszSwrQcbNeAi3HebY4CYuqLWXdrqEY_9Ip9wGy1KW/s640/DSCF5917b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I was talking to my parents a few weeks ago and they asked if I plan on staying in Ottawa forever and if I think it's better than Toronto. And honestly, I get asked this question <i>a lot</i>. Everyone wants me to <b>PICK A SIDE</b> but in reality, it's not that one is better than the other, it's that they're very different. I know this sounds like a lame cop-out answer but hear me out! I have a very personal and lengthy explanation that I will now use the rest of my blog post to elaborate.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrmZmSCFyU_UOXpyjKW0r2bhBXHoFD177Am40kUpZKL2lxnCoJ3c_G_s1NPl3JZ2JjyuTB__K7luGUaIJQJ3JN3zrgGuI1VHHc37d_TMorVUU9quT8mWo13EMkKarSPrDsFke9YfGFAm0/s1600/IMG_0945b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrmZmSCFyU_UOXpyjKW0r2bhBXHoFD177Am40kUpZKL2lxnCoJ3c_G_s1NPl3JZ2JjyuTB__K7luGUaIJQJ3JN3zrgGuI1VHHc37d_TMorVUU9quT8mWo13EMkKarSPrDsFke9YfGFAm0/s640/IMG_0945b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica at twilight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2SZ2irS2fXcihShhPOOlXo14G-Mzw3Q6uTFoWRq9_ZeL3QQ4u_jq6K2QLuuWK_zEvf-BwGwtrfjmWlotk_MC5zs__C3RlG4aMb0YBDSPJNJVsMXxOdab365rkQMuw_F5lG5-v7aTE60o/s1600/IMG_4260b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2SZ2irS2fXcihShhPOOlXo14G-Mzw3Q6uTFoWRq9_ZeL3QQ4u_jq6K2QLuuWK_zEvf-BwGwtrfjmWlotk_MC5zs__C3RlG4aMb0YBDSPJNJVsMXxOdab365rkQMuw_F5lG5-v7aTE60o/s640/IMG_4260b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">door's open to the Ottawa Jail Hostel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfHdWN8BiMgfGgIRbSN9ZMxP6WSiIuhwNU7JDJJeIDs6HQ8vm9FagUBDxLbWpB9_TyJzV252rXqpzJFsk3bhORCgTIGYcwvkOuuyBGzzC4yVfg97sZXsS6X3yqMVVzqtnzJLLcuKhzge8/s1600/IMG_4303b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfHdWN8BiMgfGgIRbSN9ZMxP6WSiIuhwNU7JDJJeIDs6HQ8vm9FagUBDxLbWpB9_TyJzV252rXqpzJFsk3bhORCgTIGYcwvkOuuyBGzzC4yVfg97sZXsS6X3yqMVVzqtnzJLLcuKhzge8/s640/IMG_4303b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">jail cells that you can rent as a room for the night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Toronto for me definitely feels like home, it's where my parents are, my childhood, and still a lot of my friends. Plus, it's sooo exciting <b><i>all. the. time.</i></b> but it was only after I left that I realized how it created this underlying anxiety and stress and triggered a perpetual case of FOMO in me because there was <u>always</u> something happening. I felt trapped in this cyclone, this whirlwind of constant activity.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMciNO8ODySrnl1gqBNIQSQ7lqqlXEhH8P8mBSkKzi5KkGy7D7p5hdx1Om6TdRpcK4k-pIeMa1j4svnG1858JZ0oWdiXXl22GE572tiyF6sLKik6WuZO9teKD7r60aVxO_cnaOhuY30S92/s1600/IMG_4406b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMciNO8ODySrnl1gqBNIQSQ7lqqlXEhH8P8mBSkKzi5KkGy7D7p5hdx1Om6TdRpcK4k-pIeMa1j4svnG1858JZ0oWdiXXl22GE572tiyF6sLKik6WuZO9teKD7r60aVxO_cnaOhuY30S92/s640/IMG_4406b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">peaceful walkway at The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEMQqm5CqRE24JRuVvx2tUBzyyJLGZnJClp-o6MPXs5pjGBHfvCVvvP_s02XjITZGFYg2CkehDsXHlA6vjfE5BLI_prbfCLGZk37U2QT6ZFsGZ0SeV3oD0s2aS7jGyDn09c4mfiW3wgRK/s1600/IMG_3182b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEMQqm5CqRE24JRuVvx2tUBzyyJLGZnJClp-o6MPXs5pjGBHfvCVvvP_s02XjITZGFYg2CkehDsXHlA6vjfE5BLI_prbfCLGZk37U2QT6ZFsGZ0SeV3oD0s2aS7jGyDn09c4mfiW3wgRK/s640/IMG_3182b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gazing down this staircase in the Wellington building<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Meanwhile, in Ottawa it's more laid back -- some folks might call it "boring" -- but in my experience, it can be a great environment to allow you to really get in tune with yourself and explore the things you actually want to do. To that point, I truly feel like I learned more about myself by being in Ottawa and developed myself more as a person, whereas in Toronto I was just running around like a headless chicken from one thing to the next.<br />
<br />
<div>
Couple of personal breakthroughs/discoveries that I credit to my time living in Ottawa:</div>
<h3>
<b>1. It gave me the time and space to work on my photography (this is the big one).</b></h3>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsG14u6Cz6NvjU8EL7-3Igk3xL4jhG-qmL0vUXFt6bbEeKI3xmyepfXME-A5DGmTExYz-GmKVy1Gb_lf_GGxBBK6wNy1rEFf8drN8Jw0lF0j8ecY_8i2gOeGH1SX02zvq8cdV-uIEB9KVz/s1600/IMG_4471b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsG14u6Cz6NvjU8EL7-3Igk3xL4jhG-qmL0vUXFt6bbEeKI3xmyepfXME-A5DGmTExYz-GmKVy1Gb_lf_GGxBBK6wNy1rEFf8drN8Jw0lF0j8ecY_8i2gOeGH1SX02zvq8cdV-uIEB9KVz/s640/IMG_4471b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Machine </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5Wr_9wKcC2YFey3rf83HnhxIACxMxtF5bNADavqvotST_Rlj20jJSIZvjnpn-XZmcX_asaj7bITdI0rPk7TsUCsvrfZ-3coMcI9ayyEE7NN6Al7RQJJFw_ZTfuqs4PVBbG_AllN3a60R/s1600/IMG_4486b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5Wr_9wKcC2YFey3rf83HnhxIACxMxtF5bNADavqvotST_Rlj20jJSIZvjnpn-XZmcX_asaj7bITdI0rPk7TsUCsvrfZ-3coMcI9ayyEE7NN6Al7RQJJFw_ZTfuqs4PVBbG_AllN3a60R/s640/IMG_4486b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Ma awakens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKvDnGK18wDUep5qat8uZK1vK6B4ztdn74EVHpHY_HWyy_OEVbrOLiTl0HWcfn056I7brNgGc4k2UGSZKPe9AZF2BXEVtwGyDq_KU8dHfEK0A-pqtMo1FCWmIMnKFsp5gG_vv-eOkDCCq/s1600/IMG_4497b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKvDnGK18wDUep5qat8uZK1vK6B4ztdn74EVHpHY_HWyy_OEVbrOLiTl0HWcfn056I7brNgGc4k2UGSZKPe9AZF2BXEVtwGyDq_KU8dHfEK0A-pqtMo1FCWmIMnKFsp5gG_vv-eOkDCCq/s640/IMG_4497b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">staring in awe<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I was in Toronto I just felt lost and taking photos of everything. In Ottawa, I found I had the time and space to sit down and really think about what I wanted to get out of my photography, and that's how I came up with these annual projects and focused on specific areas I wanted to develop, and really got to turn photography from being just a hobby into a real passion project.<br />
<h3>
2. It brought out my inner foodie and developed me as a "phood fotographer".</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdQUdyln_pyTq6EVfKMJ0_NZQa_gUiMwUD8nvjNuL8b_gHdsoZAMr5fQVUX1V6tAVgGPdeQe3fMj5dxCn0Ir57gVvzuS7PzziHTlKDsCUo7pjnHSRT8BNF3V9QwGXmc8xVqNCx4Bv2pTx/s1600/DSCF1372b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdQUdyln_pyTq6EVfKMJ0_NZQa_gUiMwUD8nvjNuL8b_gHdsoZAMr5fQVUX1V6tAVgGPdeQe3fMj5dxCn0Ir57gVvzuS7PzziHTlKDsCUo7pjnHSRT8BNF3V9QwGXmc8xVqNCx4Bv2pTx/s640/DSCF1372b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">also I like beer, especially sours! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxNlOQb4TFHm_cgVhzlbb1BhNU2pD5MTiJzLOH5FiZeAvpNCdv36kqJIv4ulwkpjhWhJmPanZBTxPtH0nGMtJxs2jISWBG7GMWftgHtmuiXLR25lWLSB8-xQ_-_p0042Yl3-8Xz8-EHmf/s1600/DSCF1393b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxNlOQb4TFHm_cgVhzlbb1BhNU2pD5MTiJzLOH5FiZeAvpNCdv36kqJIv4ulwkpjhWhJmPanZBTxPtH0nGMtJxs2jISWBG7GMWftgHtmuiXLR25lWLSB8-xQ_-_p0042Yl3-8Xz8-EHmf/s640/DSCF1393b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvv9vvZ07kR0uqgCma10JkhxNzobVcrcMFUfbp9dgYOd7gsfjI7CTCN9OX811IvWVIm-cFUgBAybSWmYdj-ZO2faOApDVtHCCigAIkDUnLlslbvhDrQQT05Ti67IYvWqdglZgRn2retKW/s1600/DSCF1404b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvv9vvZ07kR0uqgCma10JkhxNzobVcrcMFUfbp9dgYOd7gsfjI7CTCN9OX811IvWVIm-cFUgBAybSWmYdj-ZO2faOApDVtHCCigAIkDUnLlslbvhDrQQT05Ti67IYvWqdglZgRn2retKW/s640/DSCF1404b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't really have a preference in food in Toronto because I found it so easy to go to any restaurant have it be decent. But the restaurant scene is very different in Ottawa and forced me go explore different things and figure out which ones I like and which ones I didn't like and basically led me to develop more of a personal taste and appreciation for food that I previously just took for granted. Furthermore, this really brought food photography to me as a new photography subject! Double win :)<br />
<h3>
3. It gave me a greater appreciation for travelling.</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHp6Bi8ieqdVG2e3ixg65TbyauT0sK2prKjBqNBcRju2VgH3LhLtCB2VuM18wligiuuNjuEjqNx5fWEi-tMngNNj2tuBTgVnhCGE_BKEK8-FEb6NCLYh_uvj5JYO900809BcLhnsTghYf/s1600/DSCF1530b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHp6Bi8ieqdVG2e3ixg65TbyauT0sK2prKjBqNBcRju2VgH3LhLtCB2VuM18wligiuuNjuEjqNx5fWEi-tMngNNj2tuBTgVnhCGE_BKEK8-FEb6NCLYh_uvj5JYO900809BcLhnsTghYf/s640/DSCF1530b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">forest of gold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-cYC_Kn02Kk-ABWNLIDFpHLnb27n-engMtiRAGSorwLXh7EIG_pm1ghEcXTfxkMC8T-wEv7cRhDLdI1NkZ9UIluynOfMZQUEwWWHGamUXhwRmWwjerZsGPNjoQJFwN_W1xzI3uS-yEEF/s1600/DSCF1539b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-cYC_Kn02Kk-ABWNLIDFpHLnb27n-engMtiRAGSorwLXh7EIG_pm1ghEcXTfxkMC8T-wEv7cRhDLdI1NkZ9UIluynOfMZQUEwWWHGamUXhwRmWwjerZsGPNjoQJFwN_W1xzI3uS-yEEF/s640/DSCF1539b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I was in Toronto, I talked about travelling but in the sense like "oh yeah, that'd be cool" but I didn't truly feel compelled to go anywhere because frankly, I was already stressed about trying to do it all.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp_St2l0wCzdTUPGhMCB5ijZuzCwOM-cPZ7qx8tQ-j6j3EAuNcmtr9W96uwT5gW7gzpVrikL97llEHDNsNzLqgIv7mXycQ_A7YxaslECbs6N__qAdPtWuY0dadu4yH0fSnKkATHOiJwvT/s1600/DSCF1617b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp_St2l0wCzdTUPGhMCB5ijZuzCwOM-cPZ7qx8tQ-j6j3EAuNcmtr9W96uwT5gW7gzpVrikL97llEHDNsNzLqgIv7mXycQ_A7YxaslECbs6N__qAdPtWuY0dadu4yH0fSnKkATHOiJwvT/s640/DSCF1617b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from the top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKC9k909gV7xTiWlbgRNfJxwmV9Wa6xeQobRGlG0iOAXIOm4OLF59q-a2AZbTsC8NosUy0xTC9zvEWin9ix0U4bfNqg3k_eqdcXqS8WFaAJ4OgCjLNz0zVvUz-hf4qZ_NlJU6KjTcx6YnZ/s1600/DSCF1553e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKC9k909gV7xTiWlbgRNfJxwmV9Wa6xeQobRGlG0iOAXIOm4OLF59q-a2AZbTsC8NosUy0xTC9zvEWin9ix0U4bfNqg3k_eqdcXqS8WFaAJ4OgCjLNz0zVvUz-hf4qZ_NlJU6KjTcx6YnZ/s640/DSCF1553e.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hiking buddies! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But in Ottawa, same with food and photography, exploring around and seeing the city, I figured out what I liked (the closeness to nature is definitely one of my favourite things about Ottawa) and also figured out what I was missing (definitely more exposure to Asian culture), and it's that combination that pushed me to go out and get it! I really think that's why I finally bit the bullet and visited Japan last year.<br />
<br />
In Toronto, it can feel like you're constantly being bombarded with signals and noise and which can be very overstimulating and overwhelming -- which again, is exciting for sure. But if there's less noise and you can hear your own thoughts, then it's easier to figure out what it is you want to get out of life, and then it's <i>your </i>life you're living.<br />
<br />
I do think I'll eventually go back to Toronto but I feel, contrary to popular belief, it's nice to be in a city like Ottawa at this age because of the personal growth and development. I feel like a lot of folks (my parents included) all consider Toronto as a better choice for young people because of all the career opportunities but I think it really depends on the person because, for me, life is not just work and I truly believe this is a pretty critical point in my personal development to figure out who I am and what kind of person I want to be for the rest of my life.<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed these photos and I hope I've did Ottawa justice in this post! I know not everyone has the same experience but I wanted to share my story and show my appreciation for this city. Extra shout-out to the friends I've made here that make this place extra special -- y'all know who you are and you da best :)<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
Events/locations photographed in this post (in order):<br />
<ul>
<li>Tulip Festival by Dow's Lake</li>
<li>Door's Open Ottawa</li>
<li>La Machine (part of Canada 150 celebration)</li>
<li>Beau's Oktoberfest</li>
<li>Luskville Falls trail in Gatineau Park</li>
</ul>
<br />
P.S. Some links to older posts featuring cool things to check out in Ottawa:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2017/10/lights-festival-at-carleton-place.html" target="_blank">Lights Festival at Carleton Place</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2017/10/family-photoshoot-and-mosaicanada.html" target="_blank">History Museum and MosaiCanada</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2017/06/belle-blossoms.html" target="_blank">Experimental Farms</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2017/05/myles-at-museum.html" target="_blank">Nature Museum</a> and also again <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2015/02/canadian-museum-of-nature.html" target="_blank">here</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2017/02/winterlude-2017.html" target="_blank">Winterlude (annual snow and ice festival)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2017/01/fall-walks-with-lily.html" target="_blank">Rideau Canal</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2016/03/photography-walk-on-capital-hill.html" target="_blank">Parliament and Majors Hill Park</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2015/01/national-gallery-of-canada.html" target="_blank">National Art Gallery of Canada</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-24350816742592886762019-05-03T19:02:00.000-04:002019-05-03T19:02:14.525-04:00April in the OrientApril was a difficult month for both this year and last. Coming out of March being sick, feeling behind and scrambling trying to catch up and make up for lost time...struggling to get back in the groove of things, it just felt like there was never enough time to do it all. Even this blog post, in all its brevity, still didn't manage to make my self-imposed month-end deadline.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEija7jOgVWrz7SOfFrd3J_YTYa3GJjm_QVcLaoB5t6jhNEG627WRcjNMjYgjFUvOgPdY5yVzT_4ozpfCuT1ej28UtxmnMn45fii_EXzOaaOY12kQQozctOlLraLvAJbO9sIH0ZmnKAvNHt4/s1600/DSCF2611b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEija7jOgVWrz7SOfFrd3J_YTYa3GJjm_QVcLaoB5t6jhNEG627WRcjNMjYgjFUvOgPdY5yVzT_4ozpfCuT1ej28UtxmnMn45fii_EXzOaaOY12kQQozctOlLraLvAJbO9sIH0ZmnKAvNHt4/s640/DSCF2611b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">boat at West Lake (西湖)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Meanwhile, last year in 2018, following the events of <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2019/04/march-in-homeland.html" target="_blank">my last blog post</a>, I had just left my hometown Chongqing and Wuhan and was about to embark on the second half of my China trip. I was really excited because I was about to visit cities that I've never been before and cities in China have so much variability from one to the next, it was almost as if you were visiting a totally different country each time. Of course, nearly right off the bat, I got incredibly sick. So sick in fact, when I went to take a painkiller, I put the bottle of meds I brought with me down on the ground and promptly left the whole thing behind.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhsTd0C2nE4x5BnIOnu0BvE1scn4iEmRvTDD3WIUfeQlpOj8UFcLI4He4uy0afaXVBcjhG5IxkYl-IgapNDtzuaLYfW6BXqgRhX_VpaRjd3m-vs4a76bkyh5Dfs2F81-lzdNCxT_W3bA4/s1600/DSCF2408b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhsTd0C2nE4x5BnIOnu0BvE1scn4iEmRvTDD3WIUfeQlpOj8UFcLI4He4uy0afaXVBcjhG5IxkYl-IgapNDtzuaLYfW6BXqgRhX_VpaRjd3m-vs4a76bkyh5Dfs2F81-lzdNCxT_W3bA4/s640/DSCF2408b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This happened while we were on Mount Putuo (普陀山), the renowned island for Buddhism in China. Folks travel from all over to go pay respects at the many monasteries on the island.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPH5Tn0loMTwgAT8KAH1Bo1ZmVbM7wxf_oSiHuUC8q7B7xGq2nlkfFR-A1vHBlm9Q7V6hFlinRs118KLQHyTlPIaN9zanXnoSmgdlvLvKQknKJ_j-87-Pj-6JGqBe127qk_AbYkDJusQO/s1600/DSCF2420b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPH5Tn0loMTwgAT8KAH1Bo1ZmVbM7wxf_oSiHuUC8q7B7xGq2nlkfFR-A1vHBlm9Q7V6hFlinRs118KLQHyTlPIaN9zanXnoSmgdlvLvKQknKJ_j-87-Pj-6JGqBe127qk_AbYkDJusQO/s640/DSCF2420b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">praying the entire way up the mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdpKp_hqfbN3jVKXqnKvC8t38QhhaXydujqtS4lLlcneSIyTiY9ccO8UoCUf1TKIZKKpj63zsui2qk_Tro9hnir20VLluzhvZ8RAl1ilA8nJfd6-K0ZpoVCJmzJ2swqcJ6YXQ8-zLgx7Z/s1600/DSCF2458b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdpKp_hqfbN3jVKXqnKvC8t38QhhaXydujqtS4lLlcneSIyTiY9ccO8UoCUf1TKIZKKpj63zsui2qk_Tro9hnir20VLluzhvZ8RAl1ilA8nJfd6-K0ZpoVCJmzJ2swqcJ6YXQ8-zLgx7Z/s640/DSCF2458b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCgA1kr9SfwNFU3FMQwDux8QI8IWG9LyFusRleYc9t8R1rr6VzBI3w3YDJG80d-tjSTD_ppaJ_GRkm9II0esxyb9rIp4gosW8TD2WQr9nGwGNluna3e9ZTV1pnqP5SnQGSYROLMQcyr0y/s1600/DSCF2445b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCgA1kr9SfwNFU3FMQwDux8QI8IWG9LyFusRleYc9t8R1rr6VzBI3w3YDJG80d-tjSTD_ppaJ_GRkm9II0esxyb9rIp4gosW8TD2WQr9nGwGNluna3e9ZTV1pnqP5SnQGSYROLMQcyr0y/s640/DSCF2445b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stuffed with money and all shiny from being rubbed for good luck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It is bad karma to complain or have negative thoughts while on the island and so I continuously asked Buddha to please forgive me, chanting (阿弥陀佛) like a monk-in-training as I lamented over my fever and aches and pains (and of course, my stupidity for losing the bottle of meds), all the while still climbing up the mountain to visit all the shrines.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI39LdGZHhJLN46OlsW1AsVSX2SP4PdUMmIx6v96Ev1w9QR6fXwd4jEkXJcMksKggtcX52GQgCglnm1ud99eijRwSC6xsF-C1wENak4d38VrMQOqXuJQhogxlQJEpzMVhNnO9_PQLKKUD8/s1600/DSCF2431b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI39LdGZHhJLN46OlsW1AsVSX2SP4PdUMmIx6v96Ev1w9QR6fXwd4jEkXJcMksKggtcX52GQgCglnm1ud99eijRwSC6xsF-C1wENak4d38VrMQOqXuJQhogxlQJEpzMVhNnO9_PQLKKUD8/s640/DSCF2431b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
It's fairly common to get sick while travelling (not my first rodeo, hence, the bottle of painkillers I knew to bring along) but the experience is wildly different depending on the situation. When I was sick in Japan, I popped a daytime cold & flu and still went about my trip without issue. I suppose the fear of missing out (FOMO) was too strong to keep me down, because I was going to enjoy my trip damnit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVsA4ixJ2WukXt2eoOAOslZtagFxTQxekbNrkaVDrVRivokJrk0bVaqUwRGIz4pM8PU6obi0EkqtwNSDmROltduHgQgktwUZ7DtjbwRtj3WtzYXxLIhDxKxoeBf_eZC8h46eN7jfcZNDc/s1600/DSCF2487b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVsA4ixJ2WukXt2eoOAOslZtagFxTQxekbNrkaVDrVRivokJrk0bVaqUwRGIz4pM8PU6obi0EkqtwNSDmROltduHgQgktwUZ7DtjbwRtj3WtzYXxLIhDxKxoeBf_eZC8h46eN7jfcZNDc/s640/DSCF2487b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xixi National Wetland Park (西溪国家湿地公园)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUOOSJLPWJfSKLzxtIZFDAIiLeZKMOKukjpNPww69nt_0nZaoV9t1ZYmFmHQV6Zw0o63ppxHi_msbtEoWO-0Lhh1ZrL3tuTcqtUk0PE4hLQplLtwgowOLLAo14ibF5lbzba61x3OUsiao/s1600/DSCF2525b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUOOSJLPWJfSKLzxtIZFDAIiLeZKMOKukjpNPww69nt_0nZaoV9t1ZYmFmHQV6Zw0o63ppxHi_msbtEoWO-0Lhh1ZrL3tuTcqtUk0PE4hLQplLtwgowOLLAo14ibF5lbzba61x3OUsiao/s640/DSCF2525b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMH1KGxZVpWyI0zHJAs8JMQhrDyoJeCQdrKioBFRIro04yYEk5rFfEg4FXUwAZKenKo2ybjemR86juHDAsZsrDMeU3V11WCa4KIb6Revazb-cVWB8xyo7iaP-AdvUT82Mn6uE9ONRoymrQ/s1600/DSCF2565b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMH1KGxZVpWyI0zHJAs8JMQhrDyoJeCQdrKioBFRIro04yYEk5rFfEg4FXUwAZKenKo2ybjemR86juHDAsZsrDMeU3V11WCa4KIb6Revazb-cVWB8xyo7iaP-AdvUT82Mn6uE9ONRoymrQ/s640/DSCF2565b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But this time around, and perhaps it was due to the lack of medicine (very likely) or maybe also the fact that I had an allergic reaction to some tea shortly after (also likely) but I could feel my brain was not functioning normally. Sure, I was covered in hives and in immense pain and discomfort, but what really struck me was the way my mind regressed to a simpler state. Consequently, so did my view of the world around me and I can see it reflected in my photos.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmKEeH6VK0cmk1b_l_2-zpP2q2yCwZjJspHVSNr9ydj7vdEG-_MbGg0ykVuyC-wL8kWHDJXv8Kc-Dj8p4PPtHPyr_aMLWwtWKXIVHNrbPgHT0ZV3Mk6uY5vErBlNYY984YJLYNDNhaGeh/s1600/DSCF2630b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmKEeH6VK0cmk1b_l_2-zpP2q2yCwZjJspHVSNr9ydj7vdEG-_MbGg0ykVuyC-wL8kWHDJXv8Kc-Dj8p4PPtHPyr_aMLWwtWKXIVHNrbPgHT0ZV3Mk6uY5vErBlNYY984YJLYNDNhaGeh/s640/DSCF2630b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZR6oU8_-pqq2OEM_jLkxtsQHLeGAdFI17xvxZoQ_IZ7FlCoDgwpsp1tyIPu1K5XK5WcPQ3SRkicTJiDIsXInfFanVP1ljrIpg1lzbrb39dgyGotZ_EFwPQz8TZPiItCvKGB_43nkSTN7/s1600/DSCF2636b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZR6oU8_-pqq2OEM_jLkxtsQHLeGAdFI17xvxZoQ_IZ7FlCoDgwpsp1tyIPu1K5XK5WcPQ3SRkicTJiDIsXInfFanVP1ljrIpg1lzbrb39dgyGotZ_EFwPQz8TZPiItCvKGB_43nkSTN7/s640/DSCF2636b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔) in the background -- no, we didn't make it there in time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqSyP069GJ-YJ8HbAVyyv_iT453u9y79Zmk9RnqGSUJpi93D6o9vbJbbBYpp6D6Yse2OD69SF1gw45ZoeD4P7wKyK0ft974guFzMNJ4_eG-J1ZVQeM0Ar3kxzE3BbRbWjYz-8Oz4OXLPE/s1600/DSCF2647b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqSyP069GJ-YJ8HbAVyyv_iT453u9y79Zmk9RnqGSUJpi93D6o9vbJbbBYpp6D6Yse2OD69SF1gw45ZoeD4P7wKyK0ft974guFzMNJ4_eG-J1ZVQeM0Ar3kxzE3BbRbWjYz-8Oz4OXLPE/s640/DSCF2647b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From volume alone, I took significantly less photos overall, largely in part because I did not take multiple tries at the shots I did take. I hate to quote this song but it's actually a pretty accurate description of my shooting process: <i>I see it, I like it, I want it, I shot it.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZQpYVhchC97J5BPb2r-O9tDbPcji86KxZjo9EJ-LCG9WE3da_00a4USFpdQZBUF494h08eP57JKA8YtBPEL9ukG9aRagfzOSWnhPoOJQ0PpyrsJv0M5fBRHrxRUyp-yvKiUisY2VLHoa/s1600/DSCF3060b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZQpYVhchC97J5BPb2r-O9tDbPcji86KxZjo9EJ-LCG9WE3da_00a4USFpdQZBUF494h08eP57JKA8YtBPEL9ukG9aRagfzOSWnhPoOJQ0PpyrsJv0M5fBRHrxRUyp-yvKiUisY2VLHoa/s640/DSCF3060b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">street in Shanghai</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpC2gowibZ51OathaT5IZUpTdXpFUTQ-x0IS56N1QMgfkPNwc3pI_xVxXE7cXBQUAnXg08J86FXE8H27J6j-pLXVy8ude-hehKchyphenhyphen7NYEsebPLyVV-3CkaUqOCd74g-c3dcHS6cobuStcc/s1600/DSCF3065c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpC2gowibZ51OathaT5IZUpTdXpFUTQ-x0IS56N1QMgfkPNwc3pI_xVxXE7cXBQUAnXg08J86FXE8H27J6j-pLXVy8ude-hehKchyphenhyphen7NYEsebPLyVV-3CkaUqOCd74g-c3dcHS6cobuStcc/s640/DSCF3065c2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">street dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzPF3DZ8sb3bTzq8aqKnAisY1-Kz_anuEW5ri3zbQZHv7bc7fhtF1Ljq_9DbdwhRXcmEGEKf1C-0bvSyhUMhg3Pg2GzGEehm0eYLwg5AQD2HGpk1hsCFbuDI7Md9jv7gCwlshOZY7-N9f/s1600/DSCF3068b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzPF3DZ8sb3bTzq8aqKnAisY1-Kz_anuEW5ri3zbQZHv7bc7fhtF1Ljq_9DbdwhRXcmEGEKf1C-0bvSyhUMhg3Pg2GzGEehm0eYLwg5AQD2HGpk1hsCFbuDI7Md9jv7gCwlshOZY7-N9f/s640/DSCF3068b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not a street cat, likely has an owner given the ribbon around her neck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For that reason, I feel lucky pretty to like a lot of the photos that I did end up with. And who knows, maybe I wouldn't have been able to get these shots if I were less reactionary and was using my brain to create certain images. Overall, I have mixed feelings for this half of my trip. I'm acutely aware of the things I missed out on (especially when I was passed out in the hotel and Nick was running around exploring) but I also don't feel negatively towards the trip, despite being so sick. I still enjoyed it immensely and I do like the photos I have to remember it by, and it was interesting to have a different shooting experience, albeit an involuntary one.<br />
<br />
In the end, the lasting sentiment is not "man, I missed out" but instead "<i>oh, I can't wait to go on my next trip!</i>"<br />
<br />
More photos from this trip here: [<a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2019/04/march-in-homeland.html" target="_blank">1st half of the trip</a>] [<u>full gallery link to come</u>]<br />
<br />
<u>Note</u>: Before anyone gets on me for using "orient" in the title of this post, I want to clarify I'm using it 1) <i>ironically</i>: one of my favourite jokes from an Asian comedian is, "oriental?? am I a rug??", and 2) <i>literally</i>: "orient" refers to the east i.e. Asia, of which, China is in the eastern portion, of which, the cities I visited in this post were on the eastern shore (if you didn't catch that, this makes it east of east of east), and 3) <i>as a verb</i>: to orient myself and get back on track, since I'm all discombobulated from being sick. Yes, I'm a "werd-nerd", thanks for noticing!<br />
<br />Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-82242638571544470232019-04-01T21:30:00.000-04:002019-05-01T12:33:55.149-04:00March in the HomelandDue to unexpected delays, this post is actually more timely now than originally planned. On this date exactly one year ago, I had just finished my visit to my birth city and parental hometowns. The photos from my trip sat on my hard drive for a whole year until I started writing this post.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtjtzpNkEaDiIOqDGVW7W7f0no5lM2uTPeCz6obb6Z63h_BCOzJToSYYhW81KXnoYAT2_x_EPoxiU4rAgjMxroB5x2a-UPnckVVlCxXXODMSwZ576udb32IJIDqH6CBAxSMnF_eSWlrGb/s1600/DSCF1953b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtjtzpNkEaDiIOqDGVW7W7f0no5lM2uTPeCz6obb6Z63h_BCOzJToSYYhW81KXnoYAT2_x_EPoxiU4rAgjMxroB5x2a-UPnckVVlCxXXODMSwZ576udb32IJIDqH6CBAxSMnF_eSWlrGb/s640/DSCF1953b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millennium Lucky Bell (千年吉祥钟) in Yellow Crane Tower Park (黄鹤楼公园)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My initial reaction at first review of the photos was the familiar sigh and groan at the sheer volume. I try not to be too trigger-happy when shooting but it's easy to lose track in this digital era. I did a quick scan and filtered out the ones I liked most. However, on my second pass, I felt this sinking feeling in my chest.<br />
<br />
These were my first couple picks (that I still really like):<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTQ_GadKUgqGxAjjGChDO0LK2DXlEy3zGoD4t8phSylnN9ASgqJPy8tyKS6mc70Qy_ju0sIbDixj39vCVYg5ZYGSUxS86N__U2mtyR3LwiDX6UPsBYfHYOLvjBgQBaUBC5s-yGoN58snd/s1600/DSCF1280b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTQ_GadKUgqGxAjjGChDO0LK2DXlEy3zGoD4t8phSylnN9ASgqJPy8tyKS6mc70Qy_ju0sIbDixj39vCVYg5ZYGSUxS86N__U2mtyR3LwiDX6UPsBYfHYOLvjBgQBaUBC5s-yGoN58snd/s640/DSCF1280b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic sites and an ancient village (古镇)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3shDQHqBtBObX_hshAbNn7Kc_XU-G2_ZKtrhk4hZX5Y1AlmvBRRhvjz3LjkwcAq6daRptdXSg_DF7PKsJXvC52GxAst6oU8qBMIaRoShjou4oETvhreXCt2WH_F6szV8jGNmaKfL9p0f/s1600/DSCF1615b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3shDQHqBtBObX_hshAbNn7Kc_XU-G2_ZKtrhk4hZX5Y1AlmvBRRhvjz3LjkwcAq6daRptdXSg_DF7PKsJXvC52GxAst6oU8qBMIaRoShjou4oETvhreXCt2WH_F6szV8jGNmaKfL9p0f/s640/DSCF1615b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But the sinking feeling was this weird sort of delayed shame. There were historic reenactors at one of the historic sites but all the photos I picked were of actual people going about their daily lives. I felt disconnected, invasive and intrusive. I felt like I was one of those <i>bad </i>tourists -- you know, those privileged kind that travel only to indulge in the exoticism and "foreign-ness" of a place, to compare and contrast with the modernity of their regular life. I felt extra shame that I might have behaved this way in my own home town.<br />
<br />
The next photos quickly showed me how foolish I was to have those thoughts. The sprawling cityscape of dazzling lights and high rises... I had loved the tranquility of walking through the villages, but this view of Chongqing had me absolutely blinded.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XeMnveyzZxeDmi6okVElh9hqGDAGYSLvzf5WVaDlQAWBO_zgtIyMzY4i0TUudGJ1dHGmZ1AwEaM-1nAwY-4G2zxv1Nk7vaWxPe6KUHDeclAVmSGqur0kKSKwJp5gqpqqfGxHYsbg444H/s1600/DSCF1519b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1600" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XeMnveyzZxeDmi6okVElh9hqGDAGYSLvzf5WVaDlQAWBO_zgtIyMzY4i0TUudGJ1dHGmZ1AwEaM-1nAwY-4G2zxv1Nk7vaWxPe6KUHDeclAVmSGqur0kKSKwJp5gqpqqfGxHYsbg444H/s640/DSCF1519b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hongya Cave (洪崖洞) under the Qianximen bridge (of the Twin River Bridges)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqoJ_qQMc4qkmD9MkF8X6t0w33dxOCQHPl_IJtOBrwy1E5HO9FPtf0wejlvhP0IMGJLE7PCFgI2WL2iFq-9wcEl-jCt8Odp46zUvffVXlXAvL8xjBX3SG2dI3xrvdBtzYOcrPKosbMpAE/s1600/DSCF1483b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqoJ_qQMc4qkmD9MkF8X6t0w33dxOCQHPl_IJtOBrwy1E5HO9FPtf0wejlvhP0IMGJLE7PCFgI2WL2iFq-9wcEl-jCt8Odp46zUvffVXlXAvL8xjBX3SG2dI3xrvdBtzYOcrPKosbMpAE/s640/DSCF1483b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close-up! reminds me of Spirited Away by Miyazaki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We walked through all of Hongya Cave and also drove across to see the view from the other side (first photo). We stayed until they turned all the lights off (which they actually do at 10pm) but made sure to stay and enjoy every minute of the flashing display while we still could.<br />
<br />
The common criticism of such speed of modern advancement is that it comes at the expense of nature. Throughout this trip, we saw both urban and rural areas, including some national parks, and I have some thoughts on the cultural differences when it comes to paying respect to Mother Nature (大自然 lit. "Big Nature"). *In my opinion*, western culture's approach to nature is focused on <i>preservation:</i> nature is beautiful, don't touch it, just appreciate it from afar; whereas in China, the approach is more about <i>presentation:</i> nature is messy and ugly, but we can fix that so we can all enjoy it. For example, all the lakes we've seen have "pool cleaners" -- folks who constantly paddle around on a boat to skim garbage and debris out of the lake. In the Golden Sword Gorge (photo below), there are ledges built throughout to provide a stunning hiking experience. Certain areas are so perilous that they provide an earthquake helmet in case you bump your head on any of the lower hanging rock formations.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7JrRR1NCIlVbMBTJ0-_ZQFKCyMKJ72pA0qdxMBsdA_8nTTDF0uFZbKr3q4hwH26RxLWE5WVdviubloTyfPNrf7l_0JP7-fGROm8lKI25RhG2Bv2bioDN4tqJxjwcIqadClOS8G6jlWnr/s1600/DSCF1821b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7JrRR1NCIlVbMBTJ0-_ZQFKCyMKJ72pA0qdxMBsdA_8nTTDF0uFZbKr3q4hwH26RxLWE5WVdviubloTyfPNrf7l_0JP7-fGROm8lKI25RhG2Bv2bioDN4tqJxjwcIqadClOS8G6jlWnr/s640/DSCF1821b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Sword Gorge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I even got to see wild monkeys for the first time in my life! There are no animals native the gorge so a handful of these fellows were imported in to roam around freely.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInX8H3igvFVbx2h5R37sBg75Jhcyj6uZ9PxhXBTGOXthCZqwdUrhFF1mAps4MkHzJC4Uvkzi3z-ab8JLZBaRhoel93fT7IzUG22HM6_WOqo00xS53HoQXrKcUbpzeHy-cRITMm0eg1B1S/s1600/DSCF1789b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInX8H3igvFVbx2h5R37sBg75Jhcyj6uZ9PxhXBTGOXthCZqwdUrhFF1mAps4MkHzJC4Uvkzi3z-ab8JLZBaRhoel93fT7IzUG22HM6_WOqo00xS53HoQXrKcUbpzeHy-cRITMm0eg1B1S/s640/DSCF1789b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">look at the baby! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j_f01JhQun8HbmM8FmoZxLzWaqHJk507g5Qk4kd402VDUoeWGff2x3qkH1mIzj_lt8_TBf-3gy3bZMnVhggn1zNLtsGhz0hLV-0jQJIAXJXX20CJ8y0hIcuNd_t6rC2hy7ZmDyDgb4Db/s1600/DSCF1768b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j_f01JhQun8HbmM8FmoZxLzWaqHJk507g5Qk4kd402VDUoeWGff2x3qkH1mIzj_lt8_TBf-3gy3bZMnVhggn1zNLtsGhz0hLV-0jQJIAXJXX20CJ8y0hIcuNd_t6rC2hy7ZmDyDgb4Db/s640/DSCF1768b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
My most vivid memory from this trip was just how quickly the sentiment changed from "oh neat, monkeys!" to "OH CRAP, MONKEYS!!!" I wish I had some photos but there's a real panic that sets in when a wild animal decides it's mad at you, and you can bet real money on me running faster than I ever have in my entire life.<br />
<br />
Overall, it was a really amazing trip for me, especially since my uncles and aunts were such incredible personal tour guides and we saw so much in just under a week. But at the same time, it was a hard visit as well. I was with Nick for the first time instead of my parents, and three of my four grandparents had passed since my last visit. I was anxious to see my maternal grandmother but decidedly more anxious to be visiting the grave sites of my other grandparents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmzTGbW2cDuMoAYS14pyIKILkX2QUyNjrh__i3AF_hmJi_8v5IbgoGpNc06h6yoPwkApIskAtZC2Nc8xNHXfqXfN1viAjhyFkkbj4GWoH-_eOc6wepg3MtYEvy5F20l9eK-8uxA4t42R9/s1600/DSCF1382b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmzTGbW2cDuMoAYS14pyIKILkX2QUyNjrh__i3AF_hmJi_8v5IbgoGpNc06h6yoPwkApIskAtZC2Nc8xNHXfqXfN1viAjhyFkkbj4GWoH-_eOc6wepg3MtYEvy5F20l9eK-8uxA4t42R9/s640/DSCF1382b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Lanterns from the Chinese New Year celebrations were still left up as we were approaching the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb/Grave-Sweeping Day. On the radio, there were constant reminders of the impending visit and street vendors were everywhere selling incense and paper money. Coming out of a long winter and a stressful period of work, I could feel these triggers stirring all the emotions I had previously bottled up inside. At the Chongqing graves, I felt some tremors, but my cousins kept me distracted with their lighthearted conversation. But when we got to my paternal grandparents' graves, I was inconsolable. I wanted to speak but no words came out. My mind was underwater, drowning in the tears I had kept inside for so long. One of my aunts, whether or not she knew the weight I was feeling, suggested we take a walk in Love Lake Park (遗爱胡公园) to take in the many spring blossoms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApk1uTFtZql31GTiz_wRlYR2K872D8vc_EddLvMKiL7zJxhLnsl-HpJJxvFQC6KZxscIc8RePFmrMS27lAyvND0IkPb2KMm-mr0rOIm2lJ7iJ_JPQLjCVN-OSOi8nFKr4KQimxVOhkJgm/s1600/DSCF2182b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApk1uTFtZql31GTiz_wRlYR2K872D8vc_EddLvMKiL7zJxhLnsl-HpJJxvFQC6KZxscIc8RePFmrMS27lAyvND0IkPb2KMm-mr0rOIm2lJ7iJ_JPQLjCVN-OSOi8nFKr4KQimxVOhkJgm/s640/DSCF2182b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtj66BArW6QJPEhvgPkU2PrdqyFKb4ReF0Iqd7BDGADH8jyEbv6FOVwJwncJWcN4L03-PfQQtfximox213vros49GmpY03yPPypkPJNzEMAfo12NCNzfFyD7nlL8BxDq0KgtC4KzehU0M8/s1600/DSCF2146b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtj66BArW6QJPEhvgPkU2PrdqyFKb4ReF0Iqd7BDGADH8jyEbv6FOVwJwncJWcN4L03-PfQQtfximox213vros49GmpY03yPPypkPJNzEMAfo12NCNzfFyD7nlL8BxDq0KgtC4KzehU0M8/s640/DSCF2146b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Creation of Adam but in blossoms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was a perfect day and the park was large enough for me to wander and get lost in my thoughts. I thought about how nice it is to actually have a spring season and if only Ottawa could have one too. I thought about how my name represented my parents' hopes for me -- to not bloom temporarily like a flower, but to thrive like a leaf (叶欣).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYpUgWlveTKyIi3nbiM1NYbBjtCaoKX6S_IYkBt0qVPyMtTY3r1udb1DOG6BF1i6beP1fbTlAaw_ZERm5HPOiZCPxHN5K4onlmbwJ2hHuFG8H3kKtbYtAe-kscr1GC6oyYiPP702sPO6K/s1600/DSCF2193b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYpUgWlveTKyIi3nbiM1NYbBjtCaoKX6S_IYkBt0qVPyMtTY3r1udb1DOG6BF1i6beP1fbTlAaw_ZERm5HPOiZCPxHN5K4onlmbwJ2hHuFG8H3kKtbYtAe-kscr1GC6oyYiPP702sPO6K/s640/DSCF2193b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I thought about how I made it through another season of the coldest capital in the world, and how this really is the birth of the new year -- not in January in the dead of winter -- but this, springtime, when everything, including me, is struggling to push itself out of the cold, hard ground and into the sunlight, into the warmth, and how all of this is part of the cycle of nature. I would continue to grieve for my grandparents again and again but for that brief moment, I felt at peace.Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-10236080044849077512019-02-28T21:45:00.000-05:002019-03-31T23:06:46.772-04:00February on the West Coast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I don't usually travel for work so when the opportunity arises to go somewhere new, it's still fresh and exciting to me. However, I quickly realized that it wasn't as glamourous as I had anticipated.<br />
<br />
I was actually really looking forward to seeing Vancouver again -- specifically, the beautiful scenery and delicious foods -- but in reality, I only got to see the office and my hotel room (not that those weren't nice in their own way). On Friday, I managed to squeeze out two hours until my train down to Seattle and I was determined to make the most of it. So I picked up my luggage and trekked out into the signature west coast rain.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjRs_9SyYRKrGB1xS6TeO4D-bCcQJvoGfe6OGP2uVEsmv-0FuMG29UFy7_BKjWR-0l7qfq5me9qMHktzF3E6_WLvqOC9E1F8uVX7-Q3HWhx7ZuNSaevMwE0HIiPfqnRkdK87HkVMDeCI2/s1600/DSCF2958b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjRs_9SyYRKrGB1xS6TeO4D-bCcQJvoGfe6OGP2uVEsmv-0FuMG29UFy7_BKjWR-0l7qfq5me9qMHktzF3E6_WLvqOC9E1F8uVX7-Q3HWhx7ZuNSaevMwE0HIiPfqnRkdK87HkVMDeCI2/s640/DSCF2958b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Telus Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuPr3MN_hYljaIMdm2ZRaAw3g_lA_UnhokdULUmcsuU4sy5uzFWvcBqOWaqiipYr5Z-SUXBde38rCBLRRx7AxOFl4Y1c-NN4d2uqsgClSPCTbVDCCDvum4sN26qmekZNFJ3NZaw6c4_Zn/s1600/IMG_20190215_150455-02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuPr3MN_hYljaIMdm2ZRaAw3g_lA_UnhokdULUmcsuU4sy5uzFWvcBqOWaqiipYr5Z-SUXBde38rCBLRRx7AxOFl4Y1c-NN4d2uqsgClSPCTbVDCCDvum4sN26qmekZNFJ3NZaw6c4_Zn/s640/IMG_20190215_150455-02.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk1vgSJmKFPjWDkslEzxAERXZma1-mvbbcy7uEraauLZVXv1_vBLbfYnvXKgNwWIBm6S7T-HUm-T_f2OyfpSeox2dTzvPfn7E6TAat4lG4uKP5R19ZA9CZRqJXc5Dy5HpPprXvuAOzH7v/s1600/IMG_20190215_150824-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk1vgSJmKFPjWDkslEzxAERXZma1-mvbbcy7uEraauLZVXv1_vBLbfYnvXKgNwWIBm6S7T-HUm-T_f2OyfpSeox2dTzvPfn7E6TAat4lG4uKP5R19ZA9CZRqJXc5Dy5HpPprXvuAOzH7v/s640/IMG_20190215_150824-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglA7X-BALtTVI4jSYsevr4PHbVptT5qKZEA6LPixn6ZReNvvyZUZ4G-snYxzoXiDAAx555gvNazJNDLmahgtIfg9iWSi2o9XEQ5gIR9kjGeRNrbuawVxFZlT0wq7V_lqiXgnKCssoV1tA6/s1600/IMG_20190215_153359-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglA7X-BALtTVI4jSYsevr4PHbVptT5qKZEA6LPixn6ZReNvvyZUZ4G-snYxzoXiDAAx555gvNazJNDLmahgtIfg9iWSi2o9XEQ5gIR9kjGeRNrbuawVxFZlT0wq7V_lqiXgnKCssoV1tA6/s640/IMG_20190215_153359-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFeAg6W-8Km9QK-OR8BRpyuepPckOyZYn-V-qgnPSZJTaIjF7b7_aonXmfeuiBXmuy7FttfZ2fMRWTLOEf2sm0P5l7GrLl1zRu2Gcuvpzf0Gw_IoUTaEAIdd6Qielfjr679wwMoO2TdC9/s1600/IMG_20190215_155159-02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFeAg6W-8Km9QK-OR8BRpyuepPckOyZYn-V-qgnPSZJTaIjF7b7_aonXmfeuiBXmuy7FttfZ2fMRWTLOEf2sm0P5l7GrLl1zRu2Gcuvpzf0Gw_IoUTaEAIdd6Qielfjr679wwMoO2TdC9/s640/IMG_20190215_155159-02.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I found myself alternating a lot between my phone and camera, partly due to the fear of rain getting on my camera, but also feeling the need for a wider lens for the architecture shots. It's really amazing how good phone cameras are getting nowadays and it's a good reminder for me to stay grounded to the photography and not get caught up in the gear.<br />
<br />
Walking alone shooting street and architecture photography always tends to put me in a certain mindset. It's a peaceful tranquil feeling, and it shifts my perspective the world to almost a child-like wonder, being drawn to sharp lines and bright colours.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43cdkkzE9eRo4geY24BnE-aJjcfM_YCXTxDeXfIdNt9WGU8CmhiIa_TPvbo2-GasSfUWiOiBQuaEaZ6KsgOE7XdOly1GCTe0oBTuw77uDew2Ys9ccitr-tsi_52BIDns06sCW9x9Wxb3Y/s1600/DSCF2966b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43cdkkzE9eRo4geY24BnE-aJjcfM_YCXTxDeXfIdNt9WGU8CmhiIa_TPvbo2-GasSfUWiOiBQuaEaZ6KsgOE7XdOly1GCTe0oBTuw77uDew2Ys9ccitr-tsi_52BIDns06sCW9x9Wxb3Y/s640/DSCF2966b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">doesn't get any brighter than that</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSO8zZgZRb7M8GCURwIrAnSV47yLsFfdh5XLnCi857sUC3rvK19nC5gzhBXBO6-NboqCEjVEU8kaWcc1qn8LCOchh-GXW7O8rMBY36IK7trO9RBgACdUxqL5Hen7HMJmluSH_CsXkd5phM/s1600/DSCF2975b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSO8zZgZRb7M8GCURwIrAnSV47yLsFfdh5XLnCi857sUC3rvK19nC5gzhBXBO6-NboqCEjVEU8kaWcc1qn8LCOchh-GXW7O8rMBY36IK7trO9RBgACdUxqL5Hen7HMJmluSH_CsXkd5phM/s640/DSCF2975b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5g0DA3sB1C1PdeK2ZzSNuor2SEsMGQkFPhhEuLMmf9kCErE573y3Obt38FqsYk4b_WugxJMdIrbceRQ3XgTGaFLFrH3afW0YBDeTMWwu8xf3E4cLN-VdOlkXx69PcuYw1M2QRVH6ZIRlx/s1600/DSCF2984b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5g0DA3sB1C1PdeK2ZzSNuor2SEsMGQkFPhhEuLMmf9kCErE573y3Obt38FqsYk4b_WugxJMdIrbceRQ3XgTGaFLFrH3afW0YBDeTMWwu8xf3E4cLN-VdOlkXx69PcuYw1M2QRVH6ZIRlx/s640/DSCF2984b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this fun building! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Seattle was more of the same rainy weather, although I've been told by everyone that's the authentic Seattle experience. I did manage to get some more variety in my photos though, with a few portraits and food photography as well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z3uLClu8ycmZHhGNX1f4yUDEBIKR8l-Fq4hOzY39S97jkCe91gomzkLKCJAFT5-JiUcr5loUuSJYA2747N8lKpD8cdsg4jYOJ38tfx9YkMChrZRd22gUR7eJo4p2oUPC9cuHsfXjpXxU/s1600/DSCF2996b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1600" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z3uLClu8ycmZHhGNX1f4yUDEBIKR8l-Fq4hOzY39S97jkCe91gomzkLKCJAFT5-JiUcr5loUuSJYA2747N8lKpD8cdsg4jYOJ38tfx9YkMChrZRd22gUR7eJo4p2oUPC9cuHsfXjpXxU/s640/DSCF2996b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">very appropriate graffiti </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TELTh22tKvZbavEb5uB_hDsb5r6Xh7eqJ_4CK-7hb_jJbmFNhGb5UhEqVASzxTsCcN7vN0tFQ1U9gJi5EnwEVdIRRW-GDKvQEvilWyUnjUMaqqJyNTePM9eF0kjEu7-UAS9_3Wr3nE5x/s1600/DSCF2997b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TELTh22tKvZbavEb5uB_hDsb5r6Xh7eqJ_4CK-7hb_jJbmFNhGb5UhEqVASzxTsCcN7vN0tFQ1U9gJi5EnwEVdIRRW-GDKvQEvilWyUnjUMaqqJyNTePM9eF0kjEu7-UAS9_3Wr3nE5x/s640/DSCF2997b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kitties at the cat cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtINL6dCunokJAxxBzjDc09k88gFvvBGJTHD6vwZggNtrXeolHN-_QUO13sV3qf9gvtA1Yynn8omcWcjtzyvxA1nofGLPcuIoWKpBY1Igg92MzCDHSqj8W209D9AGak3JT-R4BRNrkguy/s1600/DSCF3010b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtINL6dCunokJAxxBzjDc09k88gFvvBGJTHD6vwZggNtrXeolHN-_QUO13sV3qf9gvtA1Yynn8omcWcjtzyvxA1nofGLPcuIoWKpBY1Igg92MzCDHSqj8W209D9AGak3JT-R4BRNrkguy/s640/DSCF3010b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">such beauty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNT-YcHszWMOFMZIztvMJtiZP_wCBAPH0uh5jZms1YdUzzPsSCI2pV1Xw1M2StHzz1oYWE9EaO38YualzbrQ-33EajkEzURygPoGgor4AK9eqmL-o0Ys_Oc7CmZdMARNpT_DpmP_qbecQn/s1600/DSCF3017b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNT-YcHszWMOFMZIztvMJtiZP_wCBAPH0uh5jZms1YdUzzPsSCI2pV1Xw1M2StHzz1oYWE9EaO38YualzbrQ-33EajkEzURygPoGgor4AK9eqmL-o0Ys_Oc7CmZdMARNpT_DpmP_qbecQn/s640/DSCF3017b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our super sweet waitress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjoZBuVNPW9mQQgdxZggjOAhF2gQ4ggExV7L7G7QwT5YtJLQ5E1gCxgC1FtHqi7ryKZZ8pnM741xWXZCUR0Pj8l45gPm2YgpgCpLMRo4ibB_VPTj-yAiqVKVRvcee9TF74ZrK2K8GkY3_/s1600/IMG_20190216_135733_269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="850" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjoZBuVNPW9mQQgdxZggjOAhF2gQ4ggExV7L7G7QwT5YtJLQ5E1gCxgC1FtHqi7ryKZZ8pnM741xWXZCUR0Pj8l45gPm2YgpgCpLMRo4ibB_VPTj-yAiqVKVRvcee9TF74ZrK2K8GkY3_/s640/IMG_20190216_135733_269.jpg" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">food pic from my Instagram story</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-pGxrFKf9hCxK44zRvQVMu4Hzv8hL8UaZdh56CRSBAWJfYb3U8_eaZapySRBlcp2TmtHcpVVUuuKtRgCU2-Eo4QsdUJ3mcWOM4LagyLwHjWVYqcvjL2VO-I_4ChD5nJG8JmnnSV8r-jg/s1600/DSCF3028b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-pGxrFKf9hCxK44zRvQVMu4Hzv8hL8UaZdh56CRSBAWJfYb3U8_eaZapySRBlcp2TmtHcpVVUuuKtRgCU2-Eo4QsdUJ3mcWOM4LagyLwHjWVYqcvjL2VO-I_4ChD5nJG8JmnnSV8r-jg/s640/DSCF3028b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bouquet at tea shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhausBbQYRPjax3jKweL8CjuCHH-YYkujBcJcNTQ8ODhD37kn9vwMww3kccJW_iH2lX3jwFnGVh1UWi9P1fViGLGPN9B45SMCm3FkJ1lBAM9FRpIkGw9QNr4NotYpSc0SOxyh1M_uFG7_qO/s1600/DSCF3029b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhausBbQYRPjax3jKweL8CjuCHH-YYkujBcJcNTQ8ODhD37kn9vwMww3kccJW_iH2lX3jwFnGVh1UWi9P1fViGLGPN9B45SMCm3FkJ1lBAM9FRpIkGw9QNr4NotYpSc0SOxyh1M_uFG7_qO/s640/DSCF3029b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all of the teas!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Having only the day, I followed my local guide Eliza to the cute and yummy places she thought I'd appreciate (knowing how food motivated I am), and saved the typical tourist places (Space Needle, Amazon/Microsoft, museums etc.) for next time. There's a small part of me that wishes I got to see more but I knew that this trip was more to see her than to see Seattle. There'll be plenty of other opportunities to play tourist later.<br />
<br />
We did get to go to the Pike Place Market which came strongly recommended by everyone I talked to, as it was still food-related in addition to being a popular tourist area. It was filled with people but I managed to take some non-crowded photos as well as try the most delicious Russian pastry (Piroshky Piroshky).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7v3z1HX-AhjKCPjfKLq2jx6HIPii7wA-L0ro3spEmGAk3JQUHWqMj_d6EJ-9PGFPM0aS-rtpcPjENGHsmh9rsA4xTK35uHEo2rxmDJCEyr-j_SjWyil1GwZFWPFMh76HjmcWIJS1a5Lw/s1600/DSCF3030b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7v3z1HX-AhjKCPjfKLq2jx6HIPii7wA-L0ro3spEmGAk3JQUHWqMj_d6EJ-9PGFPM0aS-rtpcPjENGHsmh9rsA4xTK35uHEo2rxmDJCEyr-j_SjWyil1GwZFWPFMh76HjmcWIJS1a5Lw/s640/DSCF3030b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pike Place Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AGs3NsNzXUU3OPhSIhSgvvcEd58uZcup8pxEadkOVVztdcCXxnEw_4iwTwseuQgrDP1ESPBpGYoumluJggXZBpFB8EcgALs3KuGMx1swbfu0Lcet4YrrTXCrO8NnPnnOGdpKxsdb5JAr/s1600/DSCF3031b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AGs3NsNzXUU3OPhSIhSgvvcEd58uZcup8pxEadkOVVztdcCXxnEw_4iwTwseuQgrDP1ESPBpGYoumluJggXZBpFB8EcgALs3KuGMx1swbfu0Lcet4YrrTXCrO8NnPnnOGdpKxsdb5JAr/s640/DSCF3031b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">glancing down the gum wall -- it was truly disgusting </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWYeUtMUruA-5gI_VQ8xAQ4S9CwJ4TxhGIjMwMNPTVCnwTbxtkQgAMT03wv9XXY72SLz9fL4xGewclqeoxHBuWD2mMoOzN3MqsxgJ5LwOSzdx_WqZd9CwiOthWZyIYJBFWx4GXBmwm395/s1600/DSCF3034b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWYeUtMUruA-5gI_VQ8xAQ4S9CwJ4TxhGIjMwMNPTVCnwTbxtkQgAMT03wv9XXY72SLz9fL4xGewclqeoxHBuWD2mMoOzN3MqsxgJ5LwOSzdx_WqZd9CwiOthWZyIYJBFWx4GXBmwm395/s640/DSCF3034b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">inside of the market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFMwH-fdPyFTn7Xphg6_Suaqno_5OrDmjQazoHeOatMjUJ5h2mOnDHht1MPR5YqiTM2gCRFLWiLN4h32MrTy5QuHkLv_FTVcUE6g4cVF4yLiv-Pv28XnmRF-Pe8LkVlYTTBFNzy_mrZmf/s1600/DSCF3038b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFMwH-fdPyFTn7Xphg6_Suaqno_5OrDmjQazoHeOatMjUJ5h2mOnDHht1MPR5YqiTM2gCRFLWiLN4h32MrTy5QuHkLv_FTVcUE6g4cVF4yLiv-Pv28XnmRF-Pe8LkVlYTTBFNzy_mrZmf/s640/DSCF3038b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fluffy doggo friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwsK4B0Pw33WrSs82UrCIVO1KnLfMY0kJNYSIBU-qXAGGyDyvoAJA1MZawlSp40dSBvf5pN1DROh0fHWCTFMkxNWBWgV7Amj_NSly1svoHgRq9H_kGKw9Flr50_pRrREHFHmT29KNlmJH/s1600/DSCF3051b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwsK4B0Pw33WrSs82UrCIVO1KnLfMY0kJNYSIBU-qXAGGyDyvoAJA1MZawlSp40dSBvf5pN1DROh0fHWCTFMkxNWBWgV7Amj_NSly1svoHgRq9H_kGKw9Flr50_pRrREHFHmT29KNlmJH/s640/DSCF3051b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gloomy rainy skies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Flying again proved to be the most frustrating part of the whole trip, easily far worse than being rained on or squished between tourists.<br />
<br />
I don't think of myself as a particularly angry or hateful person, but I believe there is a special kind of animosity for any entity that stands in the way of you being able to go home. It's a common theme used in many epics and sagas -- the hero, after going off on an exciting adventure, has to battle monsters and demons to return home to their family. And I'd like to say I was the hero in my story, filled with purpose and drive, but in all truthfulness, all I felt was this numbing sort of anger. It radiated out from the pit of my stomach and I could feel the surface of my skin tingling and buzzing, like an old school TV right after you turn it off, still static-y and warm.<br />
<br />
When I finally collapsed into my own bed after the aching 23-hour long journey, I am not ashamed to say I cried myself to sleep. I didn't feel like a hero. I was just a weary traveler. And it was such a relief to be home.<br />
<br />
Moral of the story: a business trip is for business, but if you're lucky and/or plan for it, you maybe can squeeze in some sightseeing and adventuring.<br />
<br />
Also O'Hare is a death trap and United is garbage.<br />
<br />
Safe travels everyone.Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-85576662906890495902019-01-31T18:30:00.000-05:002019-05-03T00:32:34.010-04:00January in Japan: 2019 Travel Diary & 2018 Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnVIWWg5KGd0jGEB2HCsrKRtH23bpwOeeS9DHoZWrfII8uvmnTOe1zkG3TFkm3pZurfECTAYqaG2I2JUm2H7IcCwPTjU1_u183Bz_kAmIW6gEmaEt8kw7g3UkaabtXag0rOmk3Qq1kiKa/s1600/banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1080" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnVIWWg5KGd0jGEB2HCsrKRtH23bpwOeeS9DHoZWrfII8uvmnTOe1zkG3TFkm3pZurfECTAYqaG2I2JUm2H7IcCwPTjU1_u183Bz_kAmIW6gEmaEt8kw7g3UkaabtXag0rOmk3Qq1kiKa/s640/banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Normally, the first month of the new year blows by in the blink of an eye, but this month, I've been counting every single day.<br />
<br />
I have to admit, it's a significant year in my life. Young me always looked forward to 2019 as I thought I would at last be of the ideal age: established enough to have a comfortable lifestyle and yet still have a fair bit of that youthful wild side. Now that I'm here, I have to say, I was right, but also way off. There are things I expected to have (e.g. my own place) but also didn't think of at all (e.g. two little furbabies). It's funny how it feels like I made it here and yet "here" is some weird abstract concept that just doesn't feel real.<br />
<br />
Each day of this month has been counted for because I have high hopes and concrete goals for this year. This is my 4th year doing a year-long photography project and originally, my idea was to try to focus on pet photography. However, nearing the end of last year, and looking at all my other goals, I realized a couple of things:<br />
<ol>
<li>I'm actually rather pleased with the progress I've been making in my photography and in developing a stronger style, especially through the spotlight on lifestyle, fashion, and product/food photography</li>
<li>My written blog content has been more lighthearted and cursory lately, especially compared to the deeper, philosophical musings from when I first started writing</li>
<li>My backlog of travel photos has grown even more, given the 2 major trips I took in 2018, and I dread the guilt of additional backlog with the trips I have planned this year</li>
</ol>
From these points, I decided my efforts should be focused on a more holistic plan so all my different goals don't become competing priorities, and rather, complement each other. So for the blog, this year I will be working on sharing my travel stories and photos, both from this year as well as the ones last year that I've been putting off. I plan on going back to sharing more of my inner thoughts, including philosophical musings (even though mom sometimes complains that I write too much) because this blog is as much for me to write it as it is for those who read it. And in fact, I periodically go back and re-read my old blog posts, just to see how far I've come and to understand the kind of person I used to be.<br />
<br />
I suppose I'm actually a pretty nostalgic person, but I don't think of myself as someone who lives in the past. Some people have a continual sense of self but I feel like my younger self/selves are different people. And it's with that sort of mindset and emotions that when I look back, even just to last year, it feels warm and familiar and yet still separate from my current being. Have you ever seen where someone took continuous shots of one motion, and then layered them into one photo? Even though it's the same person, they're in the photo 6 times. That's kind of how I feel about past versions of myself -- even though we're still the same person, we didn't exist at the same time, so it's kind of like we're separate people.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Related image" src="https://www.pixoto.com/images-photography/sports-and-fitness/skateboarding/the-art-of-the-kick-flip-41024925.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">example of what I'm describing (source: Google images)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And that's why it's kind of funny for me to look back at older photos of myself, because it's me but it's also not me anymore. It feels more like, "oh, I know this person". And then when I read my old blog posts, it's like I'm reacquainting myself with "that person". It's actually a sweet, nostalgic feeling. And now when I look at where I was back in January 2018, it's fun and interesting for me to connect the dots to how the rest of the year transpired, and how that led me to where I am and who I am now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I remember when we first landed in Japan. The first two legs of the flight were all fine, even the extra long one, but the last leg, a short 30 minute domestic flight from Narita to Osaka, had us aching and grumbling. After a total full 24 hours of travel, we had finally made it. Only, somewhere between the multiple legs and layovers, we lost our initial enthusiasm. We were tired, we were sore, we were hungry, and we still needed to find our Airbnb.<br />
<br />
Then suddenly, seeing these lanterns on the streets brought it all back for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgta4Gi2-nt7W35CFgI36ZX6fVRUtH9G6MynmScQ9tcRZ-r_2TSJd-MwHW3V7Ko32uu08FS6hFODGdxOn5y0OvosRdzEWK7d3Cu7hITfH0jxA3G9kec8BF4HYNXupCSQZbYEJFLwTQWz1GO/s1600/DSCF5393b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgta4Gi2-nt7W35CFgI36ZX6fVRUtH9G6MynmScQ9tcRZ-r_2TSJd-MwHW3V7Ko32uu08FS6hFODGdxOn5y0OvosRdzEWK7d3Cu7hITfH0jxA3G9kec8BF4HYNXupCSQZbYEJFLwTQWz1GO/s640/DSCF5393b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDQCdCRaG0rDcJeSe6oTs7i9Bn2vQcfD9OSlxrrbsShwRC-yDDuwOevt8jg8s3jQ9UpJwFSUGtXoQInz7sEwn9M5Z6MWUXmqNtP7b4heKVDw1OvZF1qxHszsrm29ihTVjXUdLRbzNMVA8/s1600/DSCF5398b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDQCdCRaG0rDcJeSe6oTs7i9Bn2vQcfD9OSlxrrbsShwRC-yDDuwOevt8jg8s3jQ9UpJwFSUGtXoQInz7sEwn9M5Z6MWUXmqNtP7b4heKVDw1OvZF1qxHszsrm29ihTVjXUdLRbzNMVA8/s640/DSCF5398b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We made it. We were really here. The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is in fact these shining orbs of hope, providing warmth and comfort in moments of darkness.<br />
<br />
From then on, we only had 9 days literally on the ground, and we vowed to see as much as we could. Further time spent in transit was our biggest concern given a whole day was lost up in the air, but our high speed train ride from Kyoto to Tokyo was actually surprisingly rewarding.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6GgA7MJ_f349varQIQoo0Cxe4SYGtMacc3sGsZnoD7eTBXsmSPYS2S2C9QD2yPDN0yLJehyphenhyphensW0BNgQ-p1HOYAFC3VlAeKhWGZzGfgbhpne4OtByTBKfQUPmoDx3-5LukopzkjX80zG_6/s1600/DSCF6015b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6GgA7MJ_f349varQIQoo0Cxe4SYGtMacc3sGsZnoD7eTBXsmSPYS2S2C9QD2yPDN0yLJehyphenhyphensW0BNgQ-p1HOYAFC3VlAeKhWGZzGfgbhpne4OtByTBKfQUPmoDx3-5LukopzkjX80zG_6/s640/DSCF6015b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of Mt Fuji from the Shinkansen (high speed train)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I would revisit planes versus trains again later in Summer of 2018, during my first Ottawa-Toronto flight: a journey of 4 hours but only 40 minutes of which were spent up in the air. Whereas the train would have been just as long, but spent sitting in comfort for the entire duration. And even though I won't always get to see Mt Fuji from my window seat, I do have renewed appreciation for the views from the train.<br />
<br />
Summer 2018 was also when I finally bought a bike. Aluminum frame but still in the sweeping vintage style I adore, in my favourite shade of navy, plus, it was on sale! Seemed like all the waiting for the perfect bike paid off in the end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5sGeWylyabES-Poitc_r04hyphenhyphen1Q0IUeFaUDra3EGLrVX9sL3bTAnBdOBosvoxh7-54plO_o8gzZSNh5IF2m0nanuWWe8XILEn8-1SmLg486d4GtaEuDupE3tny2dnfmq17LHA2lx6KA13/s1600/pt2019_02_02_17_24_38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5sGeWylyabES-Poitc_r04hyphenhyphen1Q0IUeFaUDra3EGLrVX9sL3bTAnBdOBosvoxh7-54plO_o8gzZSNh5IF2m0nanuWWe8XILEn8-1SmLg486d4GtaEuDupE3tny2dnfmq17LHA2lx6KA13/s640/pt2019_02_02_17_24_38.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But now that I'm reviewing these photos again, I'm connecting the dots once more and wondering if seeing all the cute bikes in Japan had any influence on me finally pulling the trigger.<br />
<br />
One thing I was consciously inspired by were the wishes people wrote from visiting the shrines. I've never been very spiritual or religious, but I did always believe in the power of writing down what you wanted and then pursuing that goal.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71nGUnUWCgHN6l-1usWpjnjtUqWXWRjk__qWSQ0dNzL-rcf5Cd4Nhen1-mYcSyW5vKgVhq-Y67aZuaddrlG8miMC844b7AYYuqQ4BP0LvCfLs2bTxxCNOO-fM178nwLl_cDpAd0KjDj3P/s1600/DSCF5622b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71nGUnUWCgHN6l-1usWpjnjtUqWXWRjk__qWSQ0dNzL-rcf5Cd4Nhen1-mYcSyW5vKgVhq-Y67aZuaddrlG8miMC844b7AYYuqQ4BP0LvCfLs2bTxxCNOO-fM178nwLl_cDpAd0KjDj3P/s640/DSCF5622b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wishes written on small gates at Fushimi Inari shrine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In that regard, I'm quite proud of myself at how diligently I've kept at writing in my agenda and photography journal. I truly believe that putting that pen to paper, inscribing my goals and dreams down helps solidify them and push me towards to achieving them. I eagerly look forward to checking to-do's off in my agenda, colouring in the boxes for my habit tracker, and flipping through to see all my photography ideas that have come to life -- and also all the ones that are still waiting for me to make them real.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, especially when I'm out in a very public setting, I get pangs of inexplicable shyness and embarrassment. Maybe it's a new crowd of friends, or maybe I've already taken up too much time having people wait for me to get my perfect shot. Whatever it is, I feel myself pulling back and putting down my camera.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHKguLJS1N6GniDuPBYziAk-I8XwH5V0VcbsWKgVGR5TrV-dAIdAuzW6aAd2-oHpfHQ_Dd81aZqezJrLv4fZnd7WM-jb_9f3gQEIQlxSfA1fJKLbD3a8E9vQ-mtnFjppxybo0MNA-m8ht/s1600/DSCF6370b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHKguLJS1N6GniDuPBYziAk-I8XwH5V0VcbsWKgVGR5TrV-dAIdAuzW6aAd2-oHpfHQ_Dd81aZqezJrLv4fZnd7WM-jb_9f3gQEIQlxSfA1fJKLbD3a8E9vQ-mtnFjppxybo0MNA-m8ht/s640/DSCF6370b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When I see this photo again, it is a reminder that I love photography. It is akin having my reflection speaking to me: <i>this is part of who you are, the friends that are true friends will understand, and love you for it. Try to find the right balance in respecting others' time and patience, but also acknowledge that your art also takes time and patience. Don't give up on yourself so easily. <b>Do what you love, and do it unashamedly.</b></i><br />
<br />
I try to repeat this mantra to myself over and over and live it in every day life, but there are situations that are harder than others.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCpPcl-cMdGxT_IvkjJDGKeb9BRYh7ZBr6JdVoyRbShPn7oBgeS7N-q1_glznj84HXOeNsf9X5ZXPt30bdSb9s0G8-cDAs448bbCbERGmRCHFOY4DHRK2q39P5UPZ88kBihjOF12lBPht/s1600/DSCF5791b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCpPcl-cMdGxT_IvkjJDGKeb9BRYh7ZBr6JdVoyRbShPn7oBgeS7N-q1_glznj84HXOeNsf9X5ZXPt30bdSb9s0G8-cDAs448bbCbERGmRCHFOY4DHRK2q39P5UPZ88kBihjOF12lBPht/s640/DSCF5791b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okinawa-style restaurant in Ponto-cho </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Restaurants, for example. Trying not to keep everyone waiting as the food is getting cold. I laugh and joke, "<i>camera eats first</i>". I make sure to share the photos after so everyone can enjoy them, but also as a form of payment for their patience. Every time I click "send" and sit waiting for the response, hoping to hear praise. Not because I need the validation for my ego, but more to assuage my guilt. <i>Please, tell me, was it worth the wait? </i>From a quick review of 2018 food photos, especially restaurant photos, and I can clearly see the improvement in circumstances where I have more time. It's a reminder for me that I need to take that time to practice what I love in order to get better.<br />
<i><br /></i>
Some situations may appear easier than others but also have their own triggers for different insecurities. I love that 2018 has been a year full of food and fashion for me and my photography. Fashion continues to be a source of passion and inspiration and I don't see that ever changing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZ88M8GUtP3-2g4b5xXcnq547QkItIIzAP6LenQ_6KN8PEiaI2LkkVfg1lsTKpfEaCtKJgMkHJYOJIXHfuGLSP9BrP6HzE65pGPU3Ea7SweqAYGRME_Kqpyhyy-THxDFq0x8if1rONb9t/s1600/DSCF5725b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZ88M8GUtP3-2g4b5xXcnq547QkItIIzAP6LenQ_6KN8PEiaI2LkkVfg1lsTKpfEaCtKJgMkHJYOJIXHfuGLSP9BrP6HzE65pGPU3Ea7SweqAYGRME_Kqpyhyy-THxDFq0x8if1rONb9t/s640/DSCF5725b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful kimonos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I love taking fashion photos for others, but it is hard to coordinate with models when shooting isn't my full-time gig. And then for the photos of myself...I cringe from seeing myself as often as I do in my own photos, especially on my Instagram account. There is this fear I have of appearing too vain or conceited. I know it's somewhat silly because I had to do so many steps to get to the point where someone might be judging me for that photo I posted -- picking the pieces, putting together the outfit, shooting the outfit, picking the photos, editing the photos, and <i>finally</i> posting -- and so it is this frustrating, conflicting feeling. I suppose it's true of all my photos, that feeling of wanting to show my hard work but scared of harsh judgment. It just feels extra personal when it's photos of me.<br />
<br />
I'm probably also sensitive about my fashion choices as well. Sometimes it feels like I'm constantly being judged for looking a certain way or dressing a certain way. There's this nagging worry that through my efforts to express myself and my individualistic style, I will stand out too much, attract too much unnecessary attention, make the wrong impression.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpVLHB6xqd_V6AjJ5ayShpPLHvVKnV8V5_47Q8Szkt2l4mfJyBPOxcJR2wbf0zBzuLWPbO0NaZ6qYKfrxs9uLQw1BZuFXQdRTcnARoHGEFyzT3NnHnM9ljGdVEueE8fVft9flbDl8ICd4/s1600/DSCF6348b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpVLHB6xqd_V6AjJ5ayShpPLHvVKnV8V5_47Q8Szkt2l4mfJyBPOxcJR2wbf0zBzuLWPbO0NaZ6qYKfrxs9uLQw1BZuFXQdRTcnARoHGEFyzT3NnHnM9ljGdVEueE8fVft9flbDl8ICd4/s640/DSCF6348b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Taking another look at this photo, I feel a renewed sense of confidence, a surge of empowerment and assurance. Amanda said this once and I'm reminded of it again: <b><i>look good, feel good</i></b>. Being happy and confident with how I'm portraying myself to the outside world is a direct investment in my mental and emotional well-being. Otherwise, it can really wear a person down over time.<br />
<br />
In hindsight, 2018 wasn't the greatest year for me in terms of self-care or self-love. I neglected various aspects of myself due to a combination of stress and anxiety, worries and nerves, and a multitude of other factors. But those things will always be there, it's all a part of life.<br />
<br />
Starting at the end of last year, I strengthened my resolve to better take care of myself. I want to be more tidy and organized. I want to still be creative but not leave it to carelessness and instead have an intentional design.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycn7UArKmCWi9HD8F3VKd8S9TiB7i16Br5SgPXIjbc87FT9cRCDiPOnUK29NDKwD75KWCoZQRi80ja85djF5oUIEiWn0tT5fcxh15CBII0ebneD-btLoU1gDTn-M6mR8Y66fCCIY_XrzG/s1600/DSCF6186b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycn7UArKmCWi9HD8F3VKd8S9TiB7i16Br5SgPXIjbc87FT9cRCDiPOnUK29NDKwD75KWCoZQRi80ja85djF5oUIEiWn0tT5fcxh15CBII0ebneD-btLoU1gDTn-M6mR8Y66fCCIY_XrzG/s640/DSCF6186b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGL8B1UZdr5NSakKCeJOrisNvHBYRxIyn9rTUVNuaomB0NrL5nrdiDmF333fxoBvaQufPGRF5l3XhA9ELsK-LF0iLc_W8zW1EwRdMmQyFL26V76L2ZElDzWGrt_4qiWKk5UE4xzbu45UIi/s1600/DSCF6227b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGL8B1UZdr5NSakKCeJOrisNvHBYRxIyn9rTUVNuaomB0NrL5nrdiDmF333fxoBvaQufPGRF5l3XhA9ELsK-LF0iLc_W8zW1EwRdMmQyFL26V76L2ZElDzWGrt_4qiWKk5UE4xzbu45UIi/s640/DSCF6227b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stunning architectural orderliness and design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I want to get my house in order, both things and people. I want to spend more time with my family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHJ6bwR7GfG7XAxQ4frv-GzRBvefPktUWw0_Ws8GXWTzkm42xp2Rbi1WiLDiO85q8fMMe4vEMbMbVz4jeYGFJAeFDWUYIh8soqUR9XSrmUTh_3M5vgQj1_qY86vFgWFlH7Q2igAmthalq/s1600/DSCF6410b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHJ6bwR7GfG7XAxQ4frv-GzRBvefPktUWw0_Ws8GXWTzkm42xp2Rbi1WiLDiO85q8fMMe4vEMbMbVz4jeYGFJAeFDWUYIh8soqUR9XSrmUTh_3M5vgQj1_qY86vFgWFlH7Q2igAmthalq/s640/DSCF6410b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Knowing that I'm not a child anymore. Knowing we have to work hard to figure out a new dynamic, now as adults. It'll be worth the work to have a fulfilling relationship from here on out.<br />
<br />
I don't want them to worry about me as much. I know I can take care of myself but I also want to take risks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZD6iqQ3Tb8TAsjy_Q8NkNatUEQ754cDXuRiQsxB5jkBdl7mI5EUmuGYwpTiTJhhUrZ6f3tiUrIYdVMtqqUyZGGAdDPgDCSmW9nGUuV_9fjA35WDqeJcpsuaK1K2wohmQ202D6Bk2LkTM/s1600/DSCF6133b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZD6iqQ3Tb8TAsjy_Q8NkNatUEQ754cDXuRiQsxB5jkBdl7mI5EUmuGYwpTiTJhhUrZ6f3tiUrIYdVMtqqUyZGGAdDPgDCSmW9nGUuV_9fjA35WDqeJcpsuaK1K2wohmQ202D6Bk2LkTM/s640/DSCF6133b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crosswalk in Ginza </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...but calculated ones. I'll always watch out for traffic (and pedestrians). Risks will be necessary because I want to experience fresh perspectives, rise above challenges...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRnBFJPT3yP_pzMpcBgdt9Klu_VP1rimSduBzI8B10dwfbTMbvwKErwpgdoF018qsghkPGiv-VCAB0kAPws6m1Ix8MSyqOWL-CL5ZAO3-ZZT6iKvQ06Ygzdm98_hejUhE-saZL382OS4c/s1600/DSCF6406b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRnBFJPT3yP_pzMpcBgdt9Klu_VP1rimSduBzI8B10dwfbTMbvwKErwpgdoF018qsghkPGiv-VCAB0kAPws6m1Ix8MSyqOWL-CL5ZAO3-ZZT6iKvQ06Ygzdm98_hejUhE-saZL382OS4c/s640/DSCF6406b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of Toyko Tower from office building in Roppongi Hills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
...and look upon my accomplishments with pride, not guilt. I'm done with guilt, especially over things I can't control, like other people. I want to spend time with people who also want to spend time with me. I'm through with one-sided friendships and one-sided effort.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8NEcSdaVVYuYgLOMp2dJbge-UZEzTcRHy8FCQJmveIUezF05mfiQRZ4ZzvPWrqW65UgGJm-s8bMb5Vx3heaCH_jW8qnux7xPcrE3a6sd85hawELK76DMq9l71scPdyvN2IdZqE2HKc53/s1600/DSCF6349b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8NEcSdaVVYuYgLOMp2dJbge-UZEzTcRHy8FCQJmveIUezF05mfiQRZ4ZzvPWrqW65UgGJm-s8bMb5Vx3heaCH_jW8qnux7xPcrE3a6sd85hawELK76DMq9l71scPdyvN2IdZqE2HKc53/s640/DSCF6349b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I want to be with people who want me in their photos, not just those who want me to take nice ones of them. Thank you for your companionship. I'm so grateful for having you in my life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiME9gBV1uNJWgfMjY3wDqyw0-lQzr_10bfSpPzXJxUuUeP_dcgbbdRAUdUHUSSGyG_knbdWaw64yQJB1HMDyfRHEZS_AkvKTF7MqWPuQRW-G3d3Zu2RhjNp6W7la7DzQlD9ePRjjXMlSPE/s1600/DSCF6309b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiME9gBV1uNJWgfMjY3wDqyw0-lQzr_10bfSpPzXJxUuUeP_dcgbbdRAUdUHUSSGyG_knbdWaw64yQJB1HMDyfRHEZS_AkvKTF7MqWPuQRW-G3d3Zu2RhjNp6W7la7DzQlD9ePRjjXMlSPE/s640/DSCF6309b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For those late walks and talks, staying up late, talking about life and love and everything else.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0cfcvAO1a6hNAgnFzblvAmWZws0VjIvXwgUnScJ_JXmgw9SqYucoQoQZcl3Fdbc7ZOwOyxTl-3CzepYmmEyuGmSyo8WgnNLBUFEwZOZUpwYT3beKc31L8yzjl8tt6yePM9nk0ylm8bl_/s1600/DSCF6097b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0cfcvAO1a6hNAgnFzblvAmWZws0VjIvXwgUnScJ_JXmgw9SqYucoQoQZcl3Fdbc7ZOwOyxTl-3CzepYmmEyuGmSyo8WgnNLBUFEwZOZUpwYT3beKc31L8yzjl8tt6yePM9nk0ylm8bl_/s640/DSCF6097b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
But I also want to be comfortable with myself to sometimes be in solitude, to be able to appreciate those quiet moments alone, knowing very well that I've got my friends' backs...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv70Ln0UNaMTxhBXJ3zIbc6NGHOmGr1dL7rqgwom7ONhVceKg7sYjm6c7L3_-dNbvGvSlpKJH67athyphenhyphenz8dpYD-zrouchYQRZ8-3uq2Mcp_wlO1B0aPfiD6E_RuZDb3h-dqEvcjnaE0Kd65/s1600/DSCF5333b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv70Ln0UNaMTxhBXJ3zIbc6NGHOmGr1dL7rqgwom7ONhVceKg7sYjm6c7L3_-dNbvGvSlpKJH67athyphenhyphenz8dpYD-zrouchYQRZ8-3uq2Mcp_wlO1B0aPfiD6E_RuZDb3h-dqEvcjnaE0Kd65/s640/DSCF5333b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicago O'Hare Airport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
...and they've got mine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HtIzzwG2R-NRHFyLSF6XGY7j83qOJZyKUBjd83-837yu32S8cuWGbaslw5YfvG31lN2etpIv-M_dy6UbqvhGRMP5tMOXyQby2SLqYQLbXvAj2jSDDRbOjSp4vmSeJTDqZw1apsC7Z_FF/s1600/20180101192035b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HtIzzwG2R-NRHFyLSF6XGY7j83qOJZyKUBjd83-837yu32S8cuWGbaslw5YfvG31lN2etpIv-M_dy6UbqvhGRMP5tMOXyQby2SLqYQLbXvAj2jSDDRbOjSp4vmSeJTDqZw1apsC7Z_FF/s640/20180101192035b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arashiyama Bamboo Forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Cheers to another great year.<br />
<br />
More Japan photos here: <a href="http://zhangling.photography/5shinnenkai/">http://zhangling.photography/5shinnenkai/</a>Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-52873979294172299102018-12-21T19:26:00.001-05:002018-12-21T19:26:44.196-05:00Hot Chocolate & Holiday Casual<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_5hVpolL3Hb8YFg-yE3j6PGbeJ8eukB7jZ4RExt6rDrBFCv_aPGP-7yr3HDxbbLF8rmRDSjXQNaRTbcuYKnjXiIkn5S-t5_xRTrOJ_USZj1b1c7mdSVUoJedddA4i3s4UwvYwfmGRJND/s1600/dec-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1080" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_5hVpolL3Hb8YFg-yE3j6PGbeJ8eukB7jZ4RExt6rDrBFCv_aPGP-7yr3HDxbbLF8rmRDSjXQNaRTbcuYKnjXiIkn5S-t5_xRTrOJ_USZj1b1c7mdSVUoJedddA4i3s4UwvYwfmGRJND/s640/dec-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Happy happy holidays and happy winter solstice! It's last day in the office for me as we'll be driving home to Toronto for the holidays so I'm very excited. Lots of folks were complaining about the shortest day of the year but to me, it means that it's all uphill from here :) It'll be summer again before we know it!<br />
<br />
There's still a lot I have to do before we drive off into the sunset, including packing up the kitties for the trip and getting the apartment in decent shape so we don't come back and start the new year in a messy place. Plus, I wanted to get this post out before I leave as well so I can take my holiday photos when I'm home without worrying about getting these done.<br />
<br />
For the product shoot, it's a pretty simple concept but I really wanted to feature my favourite mugs. I love the shape and the cute blue dots, and they're handmade in Poland! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ5_x3O3t9CfjryHj6mvv9rkJq__BMdK-fkaZRPmq6giPZuJ8Le_TDjVy3qCVbuzMHDBn5X5S3oUhEbbvMbrnSSEiIFts_IOg0qUJ6w7czKi6LWrS_XEBw7Cn0uSVr98x95EaCksVRJqL/s1600/DSCF2684b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ5_x3O3t9CfjryHj6mvv9rkJq__BMdK-fkaZRPmq6giPZuJ8Le_TDjVy3qCVbuzMHDBn5X5S3oUhEbbvMbrnSSEiIFts_IOg0qUJ6w7czKi6LWrS_XEBw7Cn0uSVr98x95EaCksVRJqL/s640/DSCF2684b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjcI27Drui7JJVXpDQkKDLG9Fo811GFjoI1fVkc53Aqcz0PHB3r-IbRIJcOBYv5kQJeByeVOCAqdUulWfoQxCjgeYVyuGTFGMxNoGq6_TTRCZs-4u1uf9IMAqr4sHQ0e0b6AHbCcLT67o/s1600/DSCF2691b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjcI27Drui7JJVXpDQkKDLG9Fo811GFjoI1fVkc53Aqcz0PHB3r-IbRIJcOBYv5kQJeByeVOCAqdUulWfoQxCjgeYVyuGTFGMxNoGq6_TTRCZs-4u1uf9IMAqr4sHQ0e0b6AHbCcLT67o/s640/DSCF2691b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbZwypILgpNyl7niEZ9yVZUSet6M6zJhfcvZd8-hKuLLsXIyEvcWZQ2f_IRhi6kkjrclP2Y_9keplCvZ3OgQoUA9Tb5gzMXNTYl5KcI4FR5eWTMe1BSfcSI6Qeb4LnTHsEJ_iwjdhPP1M/s1600/DSCF2695b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbZwypILgpNyl7niEZ9yVZUSet6M6zJhfcvZd8-hKuLLsXIyEvcWZQ2f_IRhi6kkjrclP2Y_9keplCvZ3OgQoUA9Tb5gzMXNTYl5KcI4FR5eWTMe1BSfcSI6Qeb4LnTHsEJ_iwjdhPP1M/s640/DSCF2695b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Both mugs and these flower props were also found at the thrift store! I really lucked out finding these bunches in a $2 bag of miscellaneous holiday things. They're a good mix of red and gold, flowers and acorns and leaves. There were also little snowmen ornaments in the bag which I will be bringing back to Toronto to decorate my tree.<br />
<br />
If there's one thing I regret, it was not buying giant marshmallows for the hot chocolate. You can see in the second photo there were some small ones that came with the chocolate but they disappeared too quickly :( I also only just had barely enough milk for the mugs as well. If there's anything I learned from this shoot and the <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2018/09/japanese-beer-fashion.html" target="_blank">Sapporo one</a>, it's always prepare more food supplies than you think you need!<br />
<br />
With the holiday season in full swing, the office dress code has become more relaxed, but I still wanted to be careful not to over-load on the holiday apparel. Below, I've shared two outfits for how I would bring holiday vibes to my office parties.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSgOeSAdEALDIzn2k2t7wTlEfBPyXSRPU-gyjZjFK0QoU2tpsKP-Tc2AHTp1r4cESce3lcmGdR_3GnJ7cGIzU2F4s-bsdUdK2snmH1T-l1T7arwqos_Y_f8QSOopp4aQ647acALspvKVE/s1600/12december-vs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSgOeSAdEALDIzn2k2t7wTlEfBPyXSRPU-gyjZjFK0QoU2tpsKP-Tc2AHTp1r4cESce3lcmGdR_3GnJ7cGIzU2F4s-bsdUdK2snmH1T-l1T7arwqos_Y_f8QSOopp4aQ647acALspvKVE/s640/12december-vs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Outfit 1:</b> Knit top from Express, Blazer from H&M, Trousers from Massimo Dutti, Pumps from Marciano, Necklace from Banana Republic, Vintage glasses (thrifted)<br />
<b>Outfit 2:</b> Striped top from Dynamite, Windowpane mesh skirt from Forever21, Vintage brooch, Valentino Rockstud heels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Outfit 1: The Office Potluck</h3>
I had my office potluck lunch early this week, and have been getting all these food photos from my friends of dishes they made for their office potluck too! It's definitely potluck week, yum yum :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMqfAWDou0KVTxvF9cCodV2rDfui7eXPYI6sFIuFtfTnVTqSQHcFb6CGOBkv-Z8N5dCtI-f7hzNE7zta4yDc10T887CjdA-zfs6yPL1MKgc-XBB5klPkYsml8ICVic3zamdnouYCYjlm3/s1600/DSCF2699-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMqfAWDou0KVTxvF9cCodV2rDfui7eXPYI6sFIuFtfTnVTqSQHcFb6CGOBkv-Z8N5dCtI-f7hzNE7zta4yDc10T887CjdA-zfs6yPL1MKgc-XBB5klPkYsml8ICVic3zamdnouYCYjlm3/s640/DSCF2699-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This little sweater and oldie but a goodie because of how soft it is and the white dots remind me of snow. I also appreciate how some colourful spring-time items can make an appearance in the middle of winter -- like these red pants! Keeping the focus by pairing warm neutrals, topped off with some white pearly flowers and there you have it, a perfectly seasonal red outfit (without looking like Santa).<br />
<h3>
Outfit 2: The Dinner Party</h3>
I love how there are all sorts of different levels of occasions to dress up for around the holidays. And maybe it's the Canadian in me but I noticed I'm more of a red-and-white than a red-and-green kind of girl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6qs4Tk89zp_4pBHSh8mBac5R2wnbgtdat64sEJwYqJSOgV0YmRRP-vxw6_7QkTRdmeCH3YQYuah-G_l7O1FMCusvjT6gQb9dtsyCeNNkj1uzAGD0AV3d1saCbNBNQh2OEdMwSglVSehQ/s1600/DSCF2713-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6qs4Tk89zp_4pBHSh8mBac5R2wnbgtdat64sEJwYqJSOgV0YmRRP-vxw6_7QkTRdmeCH3YQYuah-G_l7O1FMCusvjT6gQb9dtsyCeNNkj1uzAGD0AV3d1saCbNBNQh2OEdMwSglVSehQ/s640/DSCF2713-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This top and skirt combo is one of my go-to medium dressy outfits. I normally wear a big statement bib necklace but wanted to keep the focus on my red shoes for this pairing. I have a handful of vintage brooches I've picked up from flea markets and thrift shops but struggled to wear them in a youthful way. This bird one caught my eye immediately and I'm rather pleased with how it looks on this top.<br />
<br />
With the more recent posts, I've been trying to up my game on a couple things. These last two have used actual lighting, something I've been meaning to step up for a while now! Additionally, I've been trying to work on developing my makeup skills. I think I'm making some progress, but my hair game is still super weaksauce... will aim to tackle that next.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed the photos! I can't believe this is the last post of my lifestyle project!! I think it's gone pretty well but I can't get my head around the fact that in less than 2 weeks it'll be 2019 and I'll be starting my new project (eek!) but I know that I'll continue food and lifestyle photography.<br />
<br />
Happy holidays!Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-40755781176248991702018-11-30T19:02:00.000-05:002018-11-30T19:02:39.356-05:00Movember & Menswear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERfgpz8CtrLEM9J-BBebzkRsv5ESi-ASpcMBdFdAOarXQAEV-IZojtcYJuXsfWb-jeYfSgPhCrS_81Ri8PnJRb_OUbG3iMhTfTH-kc6rnDqa3TSzfnPlopT_Ym3O1Aljrahg-IZtPOe5t/s1600/nov-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1080" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERfgpz8CtrLEM9J-BBebzkRsv5ESi-ASpcMBdFdAOarXQAEV-IZojtcYJuXsfWb-jeYfSgPhCrS_81Ri8PnJRb_OUbG3iMhTfTH-kc6rnDqa3TSzfnPlopT_Ym3O1Aljrahg-IZtPOe5t/s640/nov-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't believe that tomorrow will be December! Where has the month year gone?? I'm equal parts stunned and excited because I love the winter holiday season. One of my favourite things to do is holiday shopping. A lot of folks get stressed out by holiday shopping but I really enjoy it! The malls are all decorated and festive and I treat it as a treasure hunt finding meaningful and fun gifts for my loved ones.<br />
<br />
In the spirit of Movember (awareness month of men's health and moustaches) and to help prepare for the gift shopping ahead, I've put together some gift ideas for men as my product shoot for this month.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ51QPlEu1-c8v9THn8tAM_r0YTyKI59mYGWSgcji5G2DPQL7pXmrINvIgT-FfR3oq5enemr4027ZomIwLNCzueEeuUyieCfjy_miiozXirJ-seWtZp86PjRV_7TBljt986fBEzVsFmrxb/s1600/DSCF2311b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ51QPlEu1-c8v9THn8tAM_r0YTyKI59mYGWSgcji5G2DPQL7pXmrINvIgT-FfR3oq5enemr4027ZomIwLNCzueEeuUyieCfjy_miiozXirJ-seWtZp86PjRV_7TBljt986fBEzVsFmrxb/s640/DSCF2311b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkn8sDWUf1C8cKkjBsWiXcw_MFuKM3PzdltAm6oAl-IFAlRMGBOj-Mha1n5KbZRKQuQimzuF1t-0BiHK0W2lk95pwdDu7m0GfhiEnZEKw4IaFSfGdVtnWpGER_Ug25OLvrEbcRafO08KL/s1600/DSCF2294b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkn8sDWUf1C8cKkjBsWiXcw_MFuKM3PzdltAm6oAl-IFAlRMGBOj-Mha1n5KbZRKQuQimzuF1t-0BiHK0W2lk95pwdDu7m0GfhiEnZEKw4IaFSfGdVtnWpGER_Ug25OLvrEbcRafO08KL/s640/DSCF2294b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYg1svepragljHAjP1sdEhywg4l7_b9PwiRW80mD_0quB2icDzEWL5u7Hrh5Flxzb47aH3WxJU8AO2Dn-D0zuGZGytqyOwBeewjMr-eQr-qZqiQ0_ZEgmfrqYmCsR5VMAkO83bvrOSf2R/s1600/DSCF2282b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYg1svepragljHAjP1sdEhywg4l7_b9PwiRW80mD_0quB2icDzEWL5u7Hrh5Flxzb47aH3WxJU8AO2Dn-D0zuGZGytqyOwBeewjMr-eQr-qZqiQ0_ZEgmfrqYmCsR5VMAkO83bvrOSf2R/s640/DSCF2282b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
If these shoes look familiar, they are indeed my vintage Batas featured in previous outfits <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2018/09/japanese-beer-fashion.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2018/02/vintage-perfume-bottle-velvet.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Both the shoes and gloves pictured are actually mine/women's and not Nick's/men's because Nick's shoes are too big to fit in frame. And this matters because my photo shoot set is super ghetto -- see setup photo below:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJIYCGdYl9rKfliV5s6vlthKKEnTFDGJa_SpMjGXsaY_u3U-PR1ZD65RVm_pMWOuAzsw5_CFTXiObbMzOfJqqGH2jlzewK4zeztmFbQQfBBPBKnR1s3UX_YMuPJT7dHHIOzmkYHbGMgHp/s1600/IMG_20181129_211930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJIYCGdYl9rKfliV5s6vlthKKEnTFDGJa_SpMjGXsaY_u3U-PR1ZD65RVm_pMWOuAzsw5_CFTXiObbMzOfJqqGH2jlzewK4zeztmFbQQfBBPBKnR1s3UX_YMuPJT7dHHIOzmkYHbGMgHp/s400/IMG_20181129_211930.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yes the suitcase is there to prop up the construction paper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The black wood surface is the last place mat I bought from Simons, along with the <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2018/04/preloved-luxuries-millennial-pink.html" target="_blank">marble one</a> from May and the <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2018/07/peach-lavender.html" target="_blank">natural wood one</a> from August. I'm really glad I got to use all three this year and am very happy with the effects and price point! Definitely will pick up more in the future.<br />
<br />
Getting into the gift guide for men, here are my suggestions based on the items in my product shoot:<br />
<h3>
Gift Idea: Shoes</h3>
There's a funny Asian superstition that you shouldn't buy shoes for your man because he will "walk away from you" but I buy shoes for Nick all the time and he's still here :) Here are my favourite stores for men's shoes:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Cole Haan </b>- superb quality and comfort. A lot of my male coworkers have shoes from them as well. Lots of stylish choices for both office and casual wear. A little on the pricier side but I believe good shoes are a smart investment. Plus, they have outlet locations and good sale prices from Hudson's Bay and etc.</li>
<li><b>Winners </b>- lots of options but is a bit hit or miss when it comes to availability of styles and sizes. I have found Cole Haans at Winners too. Also, I've seen a couple locations carry Ben Sherman, which is another brand Nick likes.</li>
<li><b>Steve Madden/Aldo </b>- more mainstream but trendy styles and good sale prices with real leather options.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Gift Idea: Gloves</h3>
Winter is long and gloves get lost so easily. I like gifting gloves because everyone can always use an extra pair. Leather gloves are a nice little luxury and retailers are making them with "tech touch" so you can still use touch screen devices. Alternatively, I like cashmere gloves as well for the softness and warmth. My go-to stores for gloves are:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Club Monaco </b>- had great Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales! My buddy Adam got himself 2 pairs of leather ones and I picked up a cashmere pair for Nick in the last year's sale.</li>
<li><b>Rudsak </b>- super soft leather with tech touch and cashmere/real fur inside (pictured are my gloves from Rudsak, Nick's are still being delivered because of the current postal strike ugh). They can be pricey but they have frequent sales as well, and they bring back the same classic styles year over year.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Gift Idea: Wallets/small leather goods</h3>
I feel like all of my girlfriends (myself included) buys their man a wallet at some point in their relationship. In my case, this is the second one that I got Nick last Christmas (he had lost the one I got him the Christmas prior). This one is from Ted Baker and is really nice but accidentally got washed with his pants one laundry day womp womp. It's still holding up but I may be in the market for another wallet again this Christmas. Is that our Christmas tradition? Buying wallets? My recommended stores for wallets and small leather goods are:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Ted Baker </b>- I really like their wallet styles for men. They tend to be more fashionable and luxurious than other mainstream brands but at the same time still within the borders of affordable, especially on sale/at outlet locations. </li>
<li><b>Rudsak </b>- I just really like this Montreal-based brand of leather goods. Both Nick and I have winter parkas from them so clearly we're fans and their small accessories are good too. We also have a leather/metal key chain from them that is also solid quality.</li>
<li><b>Fossil </b>- a more accessible option but still good quality and reputable leather goods. Nick's first wallet was from Fossil and he liked it lots while he had it.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Gift Idea: Bow ties</h3>
Ties have always been a classic gift for men but I really like bow ties because they're simultaneously dapper/old-school and youthful/hip(ster). Nick's office has Tie Tuesdays so it's an every day gift for him too. The one pictured is a vintage Holt Renfrew from 613flea last year. I really appreciate the real vintage and silk construction plus, it was only $15! Flea markets are a great place to find vintage bow ties. I've seen some at consignment/vintage stores as well but those tend to be pricier. Other stores I go to for bow ties are:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>RW & Co </b>- I've picked up a couple of ties and bow ties for Nick here. They carry both silk and polyester, just have to careful to read the tag to confirm. The price range is quite large between their regular price and sale price, but they often have promotions on their regular price anyway so it's a good place to check for lots of different patterns and colours.</li>
<li><b>J Crew </b>- I don't think I've picked up bow ties specifically but definitely a handful of Nick's ties are from J Crew. They also have a variety of silk and poly and also wool. Lots of fun patterns and colours to choose from -- actually, the first tie I got Nick might have been his camera print tie from J Crew.</li>
</ul>
For my outfits this month, surprise surprise -- are also inspired by menswear, including some actual "borrowed-from-the-boys" pieces.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcImmuHMgBQxUVer76enE7s_tBWWIHqupKzmr2fEwDUX7ZRFCOD10yPDcX7HACPxfT5JVanaZTK4s0SpfyoDvdLpgUb-Ce5BQa1-Adcgcs2nMXf0KzwHkgOwptv-PWLHcBNAGGw0n4uy9V/s1600/11october-vs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcImmuHMgBQxUVer76enE7s_tBWWIHqupKzmr2fEwDUX7ZRFCOD10yPDcX7HACPxfT5JVanaZTK4s0SpfyoDvdLpgUb-Ce5BQa1-Adcgcs2nMXf0KzwHkgOwptv-PWLHcBNAGGw0n4uy9V/s640/11october-vs2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Outfit 1:</b> Vintage blouse (thrifted), Blazer from RW&Co, Houndstooth trousers from Zara, Pumps from Marciano, Necklace from J Crew, Suspenders borrowed from Nick, Vintage glasses (thrifted)<br />
<b>Outfit 2:</b> Chambray shirt from aerie, Chevron boyfriend Gap cardigan borrowed from Nick, Boyfriend jeans from Forever21, Vintage belt (thrifted), Vintage suede smoking shoe (thrifted)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Outfit 1: The Office Gentleman</h3>
I really love the old-school, dapper, "gentleman" look but have historically struggled with putting together outfits that felt odd or seemed like a costume because they were too manly or butch. This time around, I challenged myself to emulate the menswear style but have a look that was undeniably feminine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETSFj_Ma5fr__xERFDO-OgONvSxD6pMCRCdoXVV-xOCZoiEUCVabPIOnghweGFBL-UcvBVGFr_0TpjY2u37i0VOOzyzo3YoCrvkNPtRG0ePgZBtxWE3z3EhFOUDgWZZfixVhb1TjqbA30/s1600/DSCF2259-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETSFj_Ma5fr__xERFDO-OgONvSxD6pMCRCdoXVV-xOCZoiEUCVabPIOnghweGFBL-UcvBVGFr_0TpjY2u37i0VOOzyzo3YoCrvkNPtRG0ePgZBtxWE3z3EhFOUDgWZZfixVhb1TjqbA30/s640/DSCF2259-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I actually own quite a few blazers but this is my only long-line, men's style blazer. To combat the longer length, I paired high-waisted houndstooth trousers (perfect colour and texture for autumn/winter). These used to be a little longer but I rolled up and stitched the cuff in place to show more ankle. That, plus the neutral high heel, adds even more length to the leg-line so the overall look is still feminine. The wine red suspenders were a fun pop of colour and can be hidden surprise if I keep my blazer buttoned. Lastly, instead of a bow tie (which would've been my previous choice), I chose a sparkly bib statement necklace for the same idea but a more feminine effect.<br />
<h3>
Outfit 2: The Weekend Boyfriend</h3>
The weekend is the perfect time to throw on comfy clothes -- and what's comfier than your boyfriend's clothes? I love lounging around in loose, baggy sweats but with the right pieces, it's possible to comfy <i>and</i> chic!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYKrFB2i-na9AiJoEji0O_AExMp0OGYo_pfOWhvvl8M2Om-SqZhZADp7iTrgafoFJVCMrXRz8s5_-_3eirvydMkL2MmhBOj1s2SmwXz_3Inznfzn9PVlCVptedrZHI_ljNpTN8sFPFfGd/s1600/DSCF2278-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYKrFB2i-na9AiJoEji0O_AExMp0OGYo_pfOWhvvl8M2Om-SqZhZADp7iTrgafoFJVCMrXRz8s5_-_3eirvydMkL2MmhBOj1s2SmwXz_3Inznfzn9PVlCVptedrZHI_ljNpTN8sFPFfGd/s640/DSCF2278-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm currently on the hunt for the perfect grandpa cardigan, which is super trendy lately. The struggle for me is that I'm allergic to wool and a lot of those grandpa sweaters/cardigans tend to be made of wool for warmth. So instead, here is the boyfriend cardigan, temporarily <strike>stolen</strike> borrowed from Nick's closet. Underneath I paired a soft chambray shirt and boyfriend jeans on the bottom. I love how these jeans have these artsy-fartsy patches and paint splatters, like if I was painting a house or something -- just super chill and relaxed. The rich brown belt is a nice touch of some warm tones and also adds visual interest to the silhouette. Finally, to add a little bit of polish to the whole ensemble, I chose a vintage suede smoking shoe.<br />
<br />
In preparation for this post, I intentionally wore both outfits this week! Started off Monday with my gentlemanly blazer and finishing off Friday in my boyfriend look, getting ready for the weekend. I find that throughout this project, I'm trying to be more cognizant of making sure that the outfits I come up with for these posts are realistic and not just hypothetical.<br />
<br />
I've also very recently started another creative endeavour, possibly to replace the outfit flatlays that I stopped doing... sneak peek below:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW80oefuwirrPiiBbLUvJ-yTDufSVo0MOFWr4xBrOwg2SRcMM2B5q2jufy1Derqgdx95YCifBvnymPVqkAy3IDgGr0eYq2DZnn_fW4yQYkoJaWpHA_IcMKoxIdduMmgAPsXW42pyXRLC0P/s1600/IMG_20181129_031641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW80oefuwirrPiiBbLUvJ-yTDufSVo0MOFWr4xBrOwg2SRcMM2B5q2jufy1Derqgdx95YCifBvnymPVqkAy3IDgGr0eYq2DZnn_fW4yQYkoJaWpHA_IcMKoxIdduMmgAPsXW42pyXRLC0P/s400/IMG_20181129_031641.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">work in progress! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Eek! It's been a long while since I've been drawing but I've been motivated to pick it up again~ Honestly, I feel a little guilty that I couldn't keep up with the flatlays but they were really feeling like a chore and not inspiring me the same way creatively. I didn't get the same sense of satisfaction as the product shoots or the outfit shoots, and they were still really time consuming! I would much rather put that time to drawing or sketching instead. Or I don't know -- am I taking on too much? Should I just focus on photography?? I'll have to mull it over some more... only one month left and I still don't have any new ideas for a 2019 yet so I'll have to see!<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed these photos! Thanks for reading :)Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-33978205997673206822018-11-17T21:51:00.000-05:002019-06-19T20:09:58.093-04:002018 Fall Fashion Trends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGzrm1byvmmTqaWr67D6ijm9kPnM8-7mpI0w7hEyLgb4knmMs_c3V0rycueDd_klKK8EosxKWjxxUV_RuQN3U58XQBEGtwEy1Xc1UfT9sLjXGPNAp4JwCLvH0_Lt58F3Zo9jR9DRRDxGU/s1600/banner-fall2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1080" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGzrm1byvmmTqaWr67D6ijm9kPnM8-7mpI0w7hEyLgb4knmMs_c3V0rycueDd_klKK8EosxKWjxxUV_RuQN3U58XQBEGtwEy1Xc1UfT9sLjXGPNAp4JwCLvH0_Lt58F3Zo9jR9DRRDxGU/s640/banner-fall2018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ahhh I'm so glad I'm finally publishing this post! I've been planning and trying to work on this for so long (basically right after <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2017/11/favourite-fall-fashions.html" target="_blank">2017 Fall Fashion post</a>) but following more of the intentional structure of my <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2018/06/2018-summer-fashion-trends.html" target="_blank">2018 Summer Fashion Trends post</a>. So again, I have three trends that I've enjoyed through the varying stages of fall -- and actually, I believe would work well into winter too! Just pop on a thicker coat or parka and done. So without further ado:<br />
<h3>
Trend 1: Mad for Plaid</h3>
<div>
All plaid is pretty trendy but I've been seeing glen plaid (grey monochrome plaid) in particular everywhere this fall. From blazers to dresses to skirts to pants, I've been seeing this pattern in all mainstream stores (Zara, Dynamite, Forever21, etc.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY4gia6aMadbEIakxOrMqYMoQ3KI614b8LAoOyzkMJ8gmEz8vlmxW3_jeKKEcd-q7keUw_FBkykfVaLS5mzFOcnREb1tEJDDBtqEtXHkNHn3yMALip4KuikuOu-71MzaAWA0FPb8F-0-V/s1600/DSCF1866-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY4gia6aMadbEIakxOrMqYMoQ3KI614b8LAoOyzkMJ8gmEz8vlmxW3_jeKKEcd-q7keUw_FBkykfVaLS5mzFOcnREb1tEJDDBtqEtXHkNHn3yMALip4KuikuOu-71MzaAWA0FPb8F-0-V/s640/DSCF1866-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glen plaid pants from H&M<br />
Bustier bodysuit from Dynamite<br />
Leathers sleeve blazer from Danier<br />
Heels from Aldo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My pants are actually from last year December, another one of those purchases that sat in my closet for a long time until it's debut. Given the super high-waist, I had trouble wearing tops tucked in cleanly. Two tricks I eventually found worked for me were: 1) crop tops that meet right at the pants, and 2) bodysuits that tuck in cleanly. I really enjoy this print because it works casually but can be dressed up with minimal effort for work as well (see my <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2018/01/charcuterie-board-burgundy-plaid.html" target="_blank">glen plaid blazer </a>from way earlier in the year). It's now one of my go-to work pieces when I'm running out the door in the mornings!<br />
<br />
Some glen plaid inspo photos:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://www.forever21.com/images/1_front_750/00285910-02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever21 Blazer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image 1 of DOUBLE BREASTED PLAID DRESS from Zara" height="400" src="https://static.zara.net/photos///2018/I/0/1/p/7385/323/800/2/w/1920/7385323800_1_1_1.jpg?ts=1542024982298" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zara dress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://images.gdicdn.com/images/product/100039768/100039768_0PE_666x1000.jpg?version=8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dynamite jumpsuit -- on sale! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Trend 2: Chanel-esque Tweed</h3>
<div>
This trend is a fast fave for me given the vintage vibes! I've always enjoyed tweed and am glad to see it become more accepted in youthful mainstream fashion rather than considered "old lady" wear.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwr3NwDsxp9jN2nV5Inr1fsXoOMbGYKo8fVzlzxcHm2dgQi82nI6zkm2-bD0r8KalZQiox8RUVswPGwYBC9-Sxi-1CQA8-GeZnucBt1lrG45myG8jITiB9zZsn-GzbyUyPKtsVdW4-Mm-0/s1600/DSCF1850-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwr3NwDsxp9jN2nV5Inr1fsXoOMbGYKo8fVzlzxcHm2dgQi82nI6zkm2-bD0r8KalZQiox8RUVswPGwYBC9-Sxi-1CQA8-GeZnucBt1lrG45myG8jITiB9zZsn-GzbyUyPKtsVdW4-Mm-0/s640/DSCF1850-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tweed blazer from Banana Republic (thrifted)<br />
Black ruched dress from Banana Republic<br />
Loafer pumps from Guess (thrifted)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'm definitely at the stage in my career where I'm trying to dress more mature to help assert more presence at the office (sometimes looking younger than your age can be a real detriment!) It's pieces like this tweed blazer that act like armour, making me feel stronger and able to better endure the stresses of work. I love how it instantly makes a completely outfit out of a boring black dress. For the full vintage look, I paired my retro thrifted loafer pumps.<br />
<br />
I've talked about this before but wanted to reiterate how second-hand shopping has been so good to me. Since I've been working out more this year, I've started developing upper body muscles that previously were non-existent. I'm still pretty slim but I've felt the uncomfortable pull in blazers and jackets that don't have any stretch. I've had to give up a number of my favourite blazers, a couple of which were Banana Republic, and couldn't replace with a bigger size without it being bigger everywhere else. This tweed one I found is an older BR size 2 regular and fits me perfectly and comfortably! Compared to the modern BR blazers in which I used to wear 00P but am now hulking out of due to lack to stretch. Will definitely be on the lookout for more older blazers.<br />
<br />
Some tweed inspo photos:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for chanel tweed suit" height="400" src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/ell.h-cdn.co/assets/cm/15/01/640x682/54a789b5dd90c_-_elle-chanel-00-h.jpg?resize=480:*" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="375" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Chanel tweed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for guess tweed jacket" height="400" src="https://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Guess/81G806W7KD0-MULT?$2014_G_xxlarge$" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="297" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess modern tweed jacket and skirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-WrQsybhUFulwqP7aKAZQljLfIv8LqPu4KKkAvqa7qRhlui3R7pxN2kpgA_DbsIS_iLx8ncYyNn553GVxXmGBBIRCXW9QompqqeV8oG5T-QwZ1O6gTrC-sDnrpJ-k2Frr4dE3E152R_m/s1600/Screenshot_20180919-152423.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-WrQsybhUFulwqP7aKAZQljLfIv8LqPu4KKkAvqa7qRhlui3R7pxN2kpgA_DbsIS_iLx8ncYyNn553GVxXmGBBIRCXW9QompqqeV8oG5T-QwZ1O6gTrC-sDnrpJ-k2Frr4dE3E152R_m/s400/Screenshot_20180919-152423.png" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">co-ord pieces from Zara -- totally Clueless vibes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Trend 3: 70's Camel and Neutrals</h3>
70's as a whole has made a huge comeback lately and it's dominance over this season's fashion is undeniable. A big trend from the 70's comeback is the camel colour palette, as a neutral monochrome kind of look.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtGTvBQnFI8_2JQBjg4hp1UTqSOXnGyp743BG9WKs5re5sPDM3-w90fDlk8RbmpeV0d8SVXFymY4BHglnQ8B1QuSjY64pE8o6qDae_cJqRm4wK74hF9dZkE7mbbKX8XNp3skU12LY5eSa/s1600/DSCF1748-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtGTvBQnFI8_2JQBjg4hp1UTqSOXnGyp743BG9WKs5re5sPDM3-w90fDlk8RbmpeV0d8SVXFymY4BHglnQ8B1QuSjY64pE8o6qDae_cJqRm4wK74hF9dZkE7mbbKX8XNp3skU12LY5eSa/s640/DSCF1748-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camel sweater from Michael Kors<br />
White pants from WHBM<br />
Brown OTK boots from Hinge (Nordstrom)<br />
Brown purse (thrifted)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I really enjoyed this monochrome palette for fall, all warm and cozy with its colour tones! This sweater is one of my favourites from a couple years back. The double hem is a unique twist and there are cute gold zippers on the shoulder (not too visible in this photo) that help open the neck hole a little wider so it's easier to pull over the head. Also want to rave about these boots which are also super comfy. They're a slouchier, less formfitting style than my SW Lowlands and a true brown colour rather than the taupe of my Lowlands. I'm unfamiliar with the brand (Hinge) but I bought them from Nordstrom a year or two ago and have held up well so far. My little finishing touch for this outfit has to be the thrifted purse that I fell in love with for its rich colour and buttery leather texture. I also attached my little rabbit purse charm for a final touch of softness and whimsy.<br />
<br />
Some inspo photos for camel/neutrals:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for 2018 fall runway camel" height="283" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/32/ef/4b/32ef4b16bcfa7875227ff1952e4e1c5b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from the runway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://static.zara.net/photos///2018/I/L/0/p/1807/003/000/2/w/1920/1807003000_1_1_1.jpg?ts=1537446632223" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="295" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zara's 70's Show editorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_e1RSt9SX7ps2_w9O4DQlECbRHI05LRptg3PX8AFvRO3wR_wT-o_PLQJDA50Cd3H8SXnDeRt9TVdBTEA7QnLbCyR3cLaPoBPGzBrk_Q6QR5HYv8pJ9GUK0Ds6r0QtA2epyxt8EOe5pT9/s1600/received_432521870616614.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1015" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_e1RSt9SX7ps2_w9O4DQlECbRHI05LRptg3PX8AFvRO3wR_wT-o_PLQJDA50Cd3H8SXnDeRt9TVdBTEA7QnLbCyR3cLaPoBPGzBrk_Q6QR5HYv8pJ9GUK0Ds6r0QtA2epyxt8EOe5pT9/s400/received_432521870616614.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever21's Facebook ad banner -- featuring 3 different neutrals outfits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In my summer post, I had two outfits per trend to show two different ways to wear the trend. I liked the idea of showcasing multiple options but I wanted to try a different angle, like <i>what if the outfits had more than one trend</i>?<br />
<h4>
What is this, a cross-over episode?</h4>
<h3>
Plaid x Tweed</h3>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4VQRBYkDtwoR9aU1mYzVs5X5VLv2IXzqljpEPSsLb1ybUR8dli8zELmWPjw7GzaSVTGacbtu60Wjw6tjVW-DeQpFpKzd21mApvdR6XoAAXW9XotyyP2scFuNNn5Ixl4ZjLqhrOO8Zv7g/s1600/DSCF1842-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4VQRBYkDtwoR9aU1mYzVs5X5VLv2IXzqljpEPSsLb1ybUR8dli8zELmWPjw7GzaSVTGacbtu60Wjw6tjVW-DeQpFpKzd21mApvdR6XoAAXW9XotyyP2scFuNNn5Ixl4ZjLqhrOO8Zv7g/s640/DSCF1842-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burgundy turtleneck from Zara<br />
Vintage tweed plaid skirt (thrifted)<br />
Vintage brass bead necklace (thrifted)<br />
OTK sock boots (thrifted)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I really appreciate how the classiness of tweed makes it a really easy piece for work. This outfit, as with the previous two work outfits, was also taken at/around my office. Sometimes, I find myself creating these hypothetical outfits that I would consider wearing but finding out they don't actually work out -- so for these ones, I wanted to make sure they all passed the test of being actually wearable and worn before I shot them! This was also the debut of my OTK sock boots with the patent cap toe -- so stylish and was a crazy steal from the local charity thrift store. The sole is stamped Made in Italy and vero cuoio (genuine Italian leather) and was magically my size (EU35) -- thank you shopping gods! As a separate, the boots could look too fashionable for work wear but I think it balances out the rest of the conservative pieces in the outfit.<br />
<br />
I wanted to talk a little about the focus piece, the tweed plaid skirt. When I found it at the thrift store, I made sure to check the blazers rack in case it had a matching one that got separated upon donation. Surprisingly, I did find a matching buddy!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrDjaSMCLCXU42rOAneDGdt_WmffAb00sRyCpxwlM-Jb36wtM23inzgRGwQhb2kshR6tWWTwnUktA9S-L0APa8YNB-7VdoWVneoom-MeAVNnFMqeieDZFw8g52hMA-le4qgTPGXFMLgqx/s1600/IMG_20181019_161844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrDjaSMCLCXU42rOAneDGdt_WmffAb00sRyCpxwlM-Jb36wtM23inzgRGwQhb2kshR6tWWTwnUktA9S-L0APa8YNB-7VdoWVneoom-MeAVNnFMqeieDZFw8g52hMA-le4qgTPGXFMLgqx/s400/IMG_20181019_161844.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">please ignore my doggo socks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So the blazer was clearly not donated by the same person, being several sizes bigger, and the white parts were oddly yellowed. When I put it on, I realized it was due to smoke staining over time, as the blazer reeked of cigarettes - blech. Just a reminder that not everything at the thrift store is a winner!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Tweed x Neutrals</h3>
<div>
For the last tweed outfit, I wanted to show that tweed can be worn casually too, not just for the office or as blazers of stuffy college professors.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpPXFTE8KrVAN5Z3L6my7A7QVT8xeAqWOXRvFImRoew_FVO8_2-wmDc0-gtvnAY_q4MNoY8RwoJ6LvzvMHwRwW8Oyeh62cnfwSA0nDiHWEUq5hntpLl5WDpgoJcUd2cGnrC9npzIcZUdC/s1600/tweedxneutrals-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpPXFTE8KrVAN5Z3L6my7A7QVT8xeAqWOXRvFImRoew_FVO8_2-wmDc0-gtvnAY_q4MNoY8RwoJ6LvzvMHwRwW8Oyeh62cnfwSA0nDiHWEUq5hntpLl5WDpgoJcUd2cGnrC9npzIcZUdC/s640/tweedxneutrals-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cropped cashmere cardigan from Theory (thrifted)<br />
Striped bodysuit from Forever21 (underneath)<br />
Custom-made tweed skirt (hand-me-down)<br />
Wedge bootie from Locale (thrifted)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This tweed skirt has been in my wardrobe for years and years. A family friend's daughter passed it down to me when I was younger and still in school and not very into fashion, but even then I recognized quality pieces and always hung on to it. Funnily enough, my mom had gone to the tailor in China and had a similar skirt made of the same material, but hers has one large embroidered flower instead of several small ones -- so maybe I also kept it so I could match my mama :) The waist is high on this skirt so I used both strategies for high-wasited bottoms: bodysuit for clean tucking and cropped top to meet at the waistline. This Theory cashmere and merino wool cardigan is super warm and cozy and is a also definite winner from my thrift shop finds. It's finding pieces like this that keep me going back time and time again!</div>
</div>
<br />
(P.S. sponsor me please Coco :) I will take payment in the form of unlimited bubble tea, thanks)<br />
<h3>
Neutrals x Plaid </h3>
<div>
This crossover combo was the hardest for me because a lot of plaid I own is very colourful or in the cooler tones (like the grey glen plaid) but I really wanted to show how plaid adds a visually interesting element to neutral outfits.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksZPdl8YZpT5O9Fy2neCAq4ss3hrXu3GuCTtASpPFb9BULWmuCx6LKByQhvHO8Ty9W8ZWf0dWH74-IIIGLQR__PfvcsunByqWlH3tihKNCYaS1f7jfBu93ECih6c7H7Cne0NVcKjwP1yf/s1600/DSCF1798-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksZPdl8YZpT5O9Fy2neCAq4ss3hrXu3GuCTtASpPFb9BULWmuCx6LKByQhvHO8Ty9W8ZWf0dWH74-IIIGLQR__PfvcsunByqWlH3tihKNCYaS1f7jfBu93ECih6c7H7Cne0NVcKjwP1yf/s640/DSCF1798-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaid flannel shirt from H&M<br />
Cardigan from Dynamite<br />
Pants from Massimo Dutti<br />
Taupe booties from Coach<br />
Vintage brown belt (thrifted)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
One thing I noticed while putting together neutral outfits was how easy it was to wash yourself out. I originally had a different plaid shirt underneath that was a smaller plaid print but when I dug out this shirt, I felt like the outfit was bolder and more energetic with the bigger print. This process also helped me realize that my neutrals tend to be more cooler toned (grey, black, and navy) so it was actually more challenging than I expected. A couple of things I tried to do that helped shape the final outfits:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>not being afraid to use white instead of black </li>
<li>not being afraid to mix different shades of white/cream</li>
<li>watching out for the pitfalls of looking too equestrian</li>
<li>making sure I had a saturated focal piece to bring warmth and colour to the neutral palette (the purse, the boots, the pants)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Still, I felt like I could have done better so I'm including a couple more examples of neutral outfits done right from my lovely volunteers:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhSvzIkdqewD2CtOy-mvrlbvO1gUuog-INwoqAWMBlSCCXRF5oIo4CJX3FqOMykyN3jAPXVkavW5SarG7br1sBYGH_o_lRL-zRabnAdK2BsoBI4hyphenhyphen-WPAo-VtKZzYaGiy3NLket1Q8QD9/s1600/DSCF1767-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhSvzIkdqewD2CtOy-mvrlbvO1gUuog-INwoqAWMBlSCCXRF5oIo4CJX3FqOMykyN3jAPXVkavW5SarG7br1sBYGH_o_lRL-zRabnAdK2BsoBI4hyphenhyphen-WPAo-VtKZzYaGiy3NLket1Q8QD9/s640/DSCF1767-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White funnel neck sweater from Nordstrom<br />
Camel suede-touch skirt from Garage<br />
Tights from Uniqlo<br />
Booties from Zara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Joanna's camel skirt is the absolute quintessence of the camel palette vibes and I love that we got to shoot it with some fall colours! I like how she picked a thinner dernier pair of tights so her legs weren't opaquely black and I appreciate how she was able to use black in a way that doesn't overpower the outfit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmy-pZpVcV53oXm3I9FnltB1IsIbLxlpdETx9CD7eHMuhe_Los7kua4D034UAAc5J2CXDgIVuKHkNLl4Fa5-Qipn2zPFp3LgbgmYY9Hwmwcvv-12SuUkVkBl5jVEOn-v5Bw_Kmv9ydEhdc/s1600/DSCF1897-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmy-pZpVcV53oXm3I9FnltB1IsIbLxlpdETx9CD7eHMuhe_Los7kua4D034UAAc5J2CXDgIVuKHkNLl4Fa5-Qipn2zPFp3LgbgmYY9Hwmwcvv-12SuUkVkBl5jVEOn-v5Bw_Kmv9ydEhdc/s640/DSCF1897-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cream sweater dress<br />
Camel coat from Uniqlo<br />
Black OTK boots from Steve Madden </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I love Charlotte's camel coat and am glad to have an outfit in this post that includes outerwear (since none of mine do). Additionally, sweater dresses are so cute and cozy for fall and winter and OTK boots are a great way to keep covered up and stylish.<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed these outfits! These seasonal fashion posts are always super fun for me and a great way for me to flex my creative muscles in addition to my regular monthly posts. I'm trying more and more to do planning to keep up the commitment instead of just hoping I'll get to it when I get the time. Here's to continuing to put out more content like this!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading :)Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-83902191639493650462018-10-30T19:40:00.000-04:002018-11-15T23:42:41.952-05:00Lady Like & Casual Cosplay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
There's this ongoing joke amongst my girlfriends that I'm not meant to wear nail polish. Every time my nails get done, they're chipped almost immediately -- regardless of the formula, number of coats, whether I got them done at home or at the salon, etc. Once, Carlie went bowling right after we got the same manicure and her nails stayed intact after, while mine chipped in the car ride home. Sigh.<br />
<br />
Recently, I tried shellac nail polish for the first time, and after hearing all the testimonies of how it'll last for weeks and never chip, I was cautiously optimistic. Trying to be hopeful but also paranoid that I'll be the one weirdo where shellac doesn't work. Fortunately, it did! I went with an all-occasion, pink-nude and I was sooo happy, I couldn't stop touching or admiring my nails. I felt so put together, so lady-like, so <i>polished (badum-tss).</i> Needless to say, I've now decided I will always have nice nails because they're such a small thing but such a big confidence boost!<br />
<br />
So here's my product shoot of the month, featuring some of my favourite shades from Essie:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcS-TQAiyIf7uhGxIOEZmMMJeckqw6H5JlcEKfk6-nEWq6PS4q2u4-9BZuaqSY-meLv53SkhAnzvdTtk1oFonP7BhjVMyUQCE9isQhzQL5XsWpFoOT1vwyOsfYZXmBVyoAdsHHf5r24_d/s1600/DSCF1641b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcS-TQAiyIf7uhGxIOEZmMMJeckqw6H5JlcEKfk6-nEWq6PS4q2u4-9BZuaqSY-meLv53SkhAnzvdTtk1oFonP7BhjVMyUQCE9isQhzQL5XsWpFoOT1vwyOsfYZXmBVyoAdsHHf5r24_d/s640/DSCF1641b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left to right: Merino Cool, Comfy in Cashmere, Lady Like</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2rHlq24nled5p-XTDTRrSGKLuv3lhLL2JZCMFOlFimknGC2QPqdLhNBrZXXdQ6_9abun7KJZ4sdfBp9RcBnWDMU4S3EzGVny3S7SK-bZeSPhqCP5EHlPJ62BrPpS5xi-v8FqfDZHWtrs/s1600/DSCF1633b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2rHlq24nled5p-XTDTRrSGKLuv3lhLL2JZCMFOlFimknGC2QPqdLhNBrZXXdQ6_9abun7KJZ4sdfBp9RcBnWDMU4S3EzGVny3S7SK-bZeSPhqCP5EHlPJ62BrPpS5xi-v8FqfDZHWtrs/s400/DSCF1633b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lXYXYaI1vNTdPJzPEAgyTBS2S8Y44vsnTLx51D3dfKEV5xDkxuEYX-V_jdgOYWEZ8bOe-Y-nNnfiYvcy9lsLtGngmsdOKmZG2Eth5J5KGHxz1DpLm81U0cLyRnu5TQt5srcWlQY2gYR0/s1600/DSCF1634b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lXYXYaI1vNTdPJzPEAgyTBS2S8Y44vsnTLx51D3dfKEV5xDkxuEYX-V_jdgOYWEZ8bOe-Y-nNnfiYvcy9lsLtGngmsdOKmZG2Eth5J5KGHxz1DpLm81U0cLyRnu5TQt5srcWlQY2gYR0/s640/DSCF1634b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady Like: my go-to shade!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A friend recently asked me how I go about doing a product shoot, and having just completed my 10th one, I felt like I've established a little bit of a framework that I could share.<br />
<br />
The first thing I do is gather all the pieces that I think I'd like to include in the shoot. Then I lay them all out in front of me and look at them as a whole to make sure they all match the theme I'm going for.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPla8gSGxtD0Q-5ILx5ysh4pJgiVHuPQU02-R1EFvSnlUN1_rGHMD-Y_JcYz50kNyuuz_SCiPTUCV5i0xULqfuNJblPpfEqRIEGODh6AXx88HarTcFaZL4_4_4sj4nWULCVzy22JPDVm3/s1600/44929476_756014664731876_2439587101105192960_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPla8gSGxtD0Q-5ILx5ysh4pJgiVHuPQU02-R1EFvSnlUN1_rGHMD-Y_JcYz50kNyuuz_SCiPTUCV5i0xULqfuNJblPpfEqRIEGODh6AXx88HarTcFaZL4_4_4sj4nWULCVzy22JPDVm3/s400/44929476_756014664731876_2439587101105192960_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">behind-the-scenes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next, I play around with arranging them in different ways. I have 3 main perspectives I try to shoot: a hero banner style, a vertical portrait style, and a minimalistic flatlay. By giving myself these guidelines, I can switch to a different perspective whenever I feel like I'm hitting a wall with what I'm trying to do. That way I stop myself from getting frustrated when something's not going exactly how I want it to. For example, I hit a roadblock with my flatlay when I thought my earrings could only be shot at an angle, and was bummed I couldn't see them for the flatlay. Then, partway through shooting, I had a brain blast:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIv4SCyiTFkiQCGCetaoVJkDltYEM3Vh0FCDAJh0Kkn1p2FEOijdDhgl5WD9VXj1znbRtOjQSl01etjCuXyF5GMd3ufJR74I7GPUcPEguzv22HteffMwfqyfx6k7csCsmTddqpbi-ls4Kd/s1600/IMG_20181028_171630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIv4SCyiTFkiQCGCetaoVJkDltYEM3Vh0FCDAJh0Kkn1p2FEOijdDhgl5WD9VXj1znbRtOjQSl01etjCuXyF5GMd3ufJR74I7GPUcPEguzv22HteffMwfqyfx6k7csCsmTddqpbi-ls4Kd/s400/IMG_20181028_171630.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Flip the backs and ta-da! Little earring stand! It was a light bulb moment getting them to stand up on their own and I'm really happy with the shots.<br />
<br />
For the lookbook portion of this post, I took the prompt of lady-like nail polish and the upcoming Halloween occasion to create two outfits inspired by two of my favourite characters.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Do3TeDvPaRez-i4Yod8bd_e3ixzUtMxeR1CiU1UYuGJwLoR_ZVJ1eE9H_HpgMaNvjRBcww8jFCQ4jNeeXL809BLVYyHdIHibnUClAMtP9F5s0hAwECtB2YjfpHwRuftovMqnwYLi5Mbj/s1600/10october-vs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Do3TeDvPaRez-i4Yod8bd_e3ixzUtMxeR1CiU1UYuGJwLoR_ZVJ1eE9H_HpgMaNvjRBcww8jFCQ4jNeeXL809BLVYyHdIHibnUClAMtP9F5s0hAwECtB2YjfpHwRuftovMqnwYLi5Mbj/s640/10october-vs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Outfit 1 </b>(left): vintage cashmere sweater, vintage Danier suede skirt, vintage scarf, Cynthia Rowley lace-up booties, H&M earrings<br />
<b>Outfit 2 </b>(right): Banana Republic windowpane top, Old Navy white blouse (under), vintage berry pencil skirt, vintage pearls, Michael Kors heels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Outfit 1: The Sailor Jupiter </h3>
Growing up, Sailor Moon was one of the few girlier shows I watched. But it didn't feel too girly to me because they had cool powers and kicked bad guy butt! Didn't hurt that they looked good while doing it ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwa4I5JdAYGusf8vfLf6vM37oY1X8MccS_B0jt6K3NIaJJ4fmIcw5S7wqB-qKYlFsfEJ2UXKU-kC7sCAdaHAkpXxyYHFX4KyVVIgbA6LAWsPUXjVFGznVrMIDx9_SoDNndAPzi855egqM/s1600/DSCF1668-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwa4I5JdAYGusf8vfLf6vM37oY1X8MccS_B0jt6K3NIaJJ4fmIcw5S7wqB-qKYlFsfEJ2UXKU-kC7sCAdaHAkpXxyYHFX4KyVVIgbA6LAWsPUXjVFGznVrMIDx9_SoDNndAPzi855egqM/s640/DSCF1668-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sailor Jupiter was my favourite sailor scout because I identified with her the most. She was the tomboy and had brown hair tied in a messy ponytail i.e. my hairstyle most of the time. For the outfit inspired by her, I wanted to speak to the key elements: the green skirt, lace up booties, her signature rose earrings and green hair clips framed with the curled strands to the side. For the collar and bow, I tied a scarf to emulate the same idea without being too costume-y.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for sailor jupiter" height="400" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/p__/images/c/cc/Sailor_jupiter_crystal_render_by_luna_ris-d7gg7mf.png/revision/latest?cb=20140720013036&path-prefix=protagonist" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reference material</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Additionally, I thought of Sailor Moon because my nicely manicured nails also remind me of the transformation sequence for the sailor scouts!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon: Crystal Makoto Kino/Sailor Jupiter new transformation" src="https://myanimelist.cdn-dena.com/s/common/uploaded_files/1443513337-c7593a852b619dcc6ae906d77d6981b6.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jupiter Star Power, Make up! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Outfit 2: The Veronica Lodge</h3>
A more recent show I consider an anomaly to my regular programming is CW's Riverdale, the darker, modern take on the Archie comics universe. It's definitely a guilty pleasure as the plot is so dramatic and dialogue unbelievably ridiculous, but I do enjoy seeing the fashion choices, especially from Veronica Lodge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cpYUa0P48cP5sM9Pz_iUI7JOiuP7QAip8vbncfBHW0oDKu9lwZMcNffReYHLyHG70PskaykxW52dCE2w5XjNLPu3Kj3OxuxYNP4bU_mvxMNvz9vRX367Kvr1zlVl8R0UgCgtS91V28zo/s1600/DSCF1678-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cpYUa0P48cP5sM9Pz_iUI7JOiuP7QAip8vbncfBHW0oDKu9lwZMcNffReYHLyHG70PskaykxW52dCE2w5XjNLPu3Kj3OxuxYNP4bU_mvxMNvz9vRX367Kvr1zlVl8R0UgCgtS91V28zo/s640/DSCF1678-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Veronica always gives off a lady-like, put-together demeanor but you can tell she's secretly dark inside. And as Hiram Lodge's daughter, we sometimes catch a glimpse of that darker side and see what she's capable of. I feel like Halloween falling on a work day is the perfect opportunity to put together a Veronica-inspired outfit that's still office appropriate! The main elements to Veronica is a lot of darker colours (perfect for fall), in both clothing pieces and make-up. I tried a more arched brow to emulate Camila Mendes (the actress for Veronica) and her piercing stare. I also own a lot of pearls which is another key element to Veronica's outfits.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for camila mendes" src="https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/riverdale-veronica-main.jpg?quality=80&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=644%2C361" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reference material</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I really enjoyed doing the shoot and coming up with the outfits. Like that time I <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2017/06/belle-blossoms.html" target="_blank">accidentally dressed up as Belle</a>, I wanted to show that it's easy to create wearable outfits inspired by your favourite characters, rather than straight up costumes. This way, you can dress up like it's Halloween every day!<br />
<br />
I hope you liked this month's post! Thanks for reading :)Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-69154150371877800242018-09-29T13:03:00.000-04:002018-10-28T22:00:44.442-04:00Japanese Beer & Fashion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Last weekend, I attended my very first beer festival -- Beau's Oktoberfest out in Vankleek Hill (between Ottawa and Montreal). It was a really fun time and I'm already looking forward to next year! With beer on the brain plus a few cans of Sapporo in the fridge, I started brewing up ideas for this month's product shoot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZIQPT-tR3CkPJSWg_0sVS5fzeQcJdpQx-F2wJX9Dws8dtWpogohKCcPiFyODaCC0gesRcFRnpzb7cgeHAWEHDnjdw2XUeUpR0IT6iElTwt61ab7X7VZ_RerBHZmELLJ_9MWqM5y1tVdl/s1600/DSCF1435b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZIQPT-tR3CkPJSWg_0sVS5fzeQcJdpQx-F2wJX9Dws8dtWpogohKCcPiFyODaCC0gesRcFRnpzb7cgeHAWEHDnjdw2XUeUpR0IT6iElTwt61ab7X7VZ_RerBHZmELLJ_9MWqM5y1tVdl/s640/DSCF1435b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">background is authentic happi coat that I brought back from my trip to Japan!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mv-gsWzHqesNsu4OEyo9-WBm0KP_CdHhzc6YfN_-l-60kiWobEhhbG4ytgAP16lpy0MflplRsp_EquB1roPBJW0v-3Asx-It5ExZOPzPuBrPplWMenB5OIjT8d4x3wrmhnLY7KSPb-xz/s1600/DSCF1479b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mv-gsWzHqesNsu4OEyo9-WBm0KP_CdHhzc6YfN_-l-60kiWobEhhbG4ytgAP16lpy0MflplRsp_EquB1roPBJW0v-3Asx-It5ExZOPzPuBrPplWMenB5OIjT8d4x3wrmhnLY7KSPb-xz/s640/DSCF1479b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"the Avengers shot" - A.K.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9BfgPMPXIrPpJTmLAAcuvUDwgyGZanV0z8LJdi6qN_xp5Ov_WAgAfSHsb7b0hqSvwsmIW3Hs808Tc0sSkAnjESEy0dXLpcxdT-LzLJwtjtmccvbD7oYo5qVHprxqHqLhDor1F736ADxA/s1600/DSCF1488b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9BfgPMPXIrPpJTmLAAcuvUDwgyGZanV0z8LJdi6qN_xp5Ov_WAgAfSHsb7b0hqSvwsmIW3Hs808Tc0sSkAnjESEy0dXLpcxdT-LzLJwtjtmccvbD7oYo5qVHprxqHqLhDor1F736ADxA/s640/DSCF1488b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the samurai shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A bit of background on the photo shoot: my first attempt at shooting was during a power outage and so in editing the first batch photos, I had the weird feeling something was off. I quickly realized that I was missing the condensation/frostiness on the can and glass that conveys the message that the beer is cold. Frustrated, because we gave away basically everything in the fridge so it wouldn't go bad during the power outage (which included the rest of the beer) I ranted to my friend Charlotte. Coincidentally, she had a couple extra cans of Sapporo sitting in her fridge as well (she didn't lose power) but when I got home, I groaned out loud when I realized the cans were different! However, it actually turned out to be the best thing ever because the Avenger shot is easily my favourite and the Japanese on her cans were hella cool.<br />
<br />
Side note: I do still wish there was more condensation on the glass and cans. In hindsight, I really needed a spray bottle but I brought mine back to Toronto and didn't have time to pick up a new one :( something to keep in mind for next time!<br />
<br />
Continuing the Japan theme, I reflected back on my trip in last December when I got to see some of the fashion firsthand on the streets of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I wanted to recreate some inspired outfits, kind of like my personal take on modern Japanese fusion. FYI: I'll be commenting on more broad, mainstream Japanese fashion that I observed on the streets, not traditional wear like kimonos or any specific subcultures (harajuku, ganguro, etc.).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqDXNPUX9bTpVVbMBwYblueYn7-HX084Fxa6gKpkiuRzWNqOvgR_MvAsqXc7DHS8GRf6kJKO_pyuN04G5PhjLRnjuaPJhME2yU12sBNxaXCvaYCektVzPBZt-4tNpQZT3uJivgMyuj7es/s1600/sept-flatlay-vs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqDXNPUX9bTpVVbMBwYblueYn7-HX084Fxa6gKpkiuRzWNqOvgR_MvAsqXc7DHS8GRf6kJKO_pyuN04G5PhjLRnjuaPJhME2yU12sBNxaXCvaYCektVzPBZt-4tNpQZT3uJivgMyuj7es/s640/sept-flatlay-vs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Outfit 1 </b>(left): Cecil McBee ruffle blouse, vintage pleated skirt, Louise et Cie flats, vintage Anne Kelvin two-toned watch<br />
<b>Outfit 2 </b>(right): LOFT cream blouse, NOBLEGOUT skirt, vintage Bata brogues, vintage earrings + watch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For this post, both outfits are comprised of: one Japanese brand item, one current item from my local shopping malls, one vintage item from my local thrift store, and finished off with some vintage jewelry.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Outfit 1: The Ruffle Blouse</h3>
This ruffle blouse is all sorts of cute with the small polka dots and self-tie bow at the neck. I also like that the sleeves are shorter so it's a little less prim than true vintage blouses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSauvaqzOfvDxCeWP7w6eqlQL1oTVqCvSWbBXLYNVytu8gAprkacdthLKinB6G1Igb1cIZfQYlS2wdSB5Loe7rRa39tBLo-a0FOLHPo9qTMYMoilF1DS8uYaCsArqRwZNmMW8fQ0mna708/s1600/DSCF1407-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSauvaqzOfvDxCeWP7w6eqlQL1oTVqCvSWbBXLYNVytu8gAprkacdthLKinB6G1Igb1cIZfQYlS2wdSB5Loe7rRa39tBLo-a0FOLHPo9qTMYMoilF1DS8uYaCsArqRwZNmMW8fQ0mna708/s640/DSCF1407-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I picked this blouse for one of my outfits because I feel like it's a good representative of how there's a distinct Victorian, lady-like vibe (the saturated form being lolita, gothic or not). Frills, ruffles, lace, and bows were all common elements I observed. For this blouse, I paired a vintage pleated skirt and simple black flats.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Outfit 2: The Prep-school Skirt</h3>
With the cooler weather lately, it's the perfect time to start breaking out this wool skirt! I appreciate how there are many colours but it doesn't scream TASTE THE RAINBOW or anything too obnoxious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkw_IG4FOrPEezz4qCPqMgSbze2seVznWCWnGJhxPY4QIhwW3un7J5leRRKfz00xyDKPCaDRtKpvlMpHJ2m_uwUfe3MEIeTbynogUkHoXO2JOkjFbvYl0l-Q9OsyBLIeLuRFZLWdNxKIp/s1600/DSCF1412-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkw_IG4FOrPEezz4qCPqMgSbze2seVznWCWnGJhxPY4QIhwW3un7J5leRRKfz00xyDKPCaDRtKpvlMpHJ2m_uwUfe3MEIeTbynogUkHoXO2JOkjFbvYl0l-Q9OsyBLIeLuRFZLWdNxKIp/s640/DSCF1412-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The other facet of Japanese fashion I noticed was the influence of the school uniform. It was really cute to see lots of different school uniforms on the students walking on the streets which made it really easy to notice the similarities in some of the styles. Even in winter, the girls seemed to prefer wearing longer skirts and stockings instead of pants, and the styles were very simple and basic. The shapes also tended to be looser and flowy, and they like to layer on top instead of under (e.g. long top over long skirt, long scarf worn outside of the coat) whereas I tend to prefer tucking everything in (cinch the waist!) For this skirt, I paired my cream LOFT blouse that shares a similar but even more subtle grid-like pattern, and my vintage brogues.<br />
<br />
From this post, you can see that another reason I love thrift shopping is finding things from other cultures (not just traditional festive clothing like saris or qipaos) but pieces people brought from their trips back to Canada. I think it's pretty cool that this item traveled across the world only for me to find it in a thrift store -- almost like it's meant to be!<br />
<br />
I also wanted to take the time to show the details of some pieces from my vintage jewelry collection featured in the looks in this post.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRIXaTRFLK23F-JAWBlQNwV5VEu8OQtjk2GwsKGhMk54LgLfldM8a7vlSSfqYj0b3EGXxRZkMQn07edVL5KZSnK8Xp4DAksiluVh_c5sYAgBp0i-G8RAQe3FPbPmg5DtMHxP9RFEiZGyG/s1600/DSCF1418b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRIXaTRFLK23F-JAWBlQNwV5VEu8OQtjk2GwsKGhMk54LgLfldM8a7vlSSfqYj0b3EGXxRZkMQn07edVL5KZSnK8Xp4DAksiluVh_c5sYAgBp0i-G8RAQe3FPbPmg5DtMHxP9RFEiZGyG/s400/DSCF1418b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tiny watches and giant earrings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I prefer tiny vintage watches because I have small wrists and hands and big watches tend to be too heavy or clunky. I've collected a few over the years from different places, to pair with different outfits. From left to right: this jeweled Jules Jurgensen I got earlier this year from my local thrift store, to be worn for dressier events; the Bulova in the middle is a mechanical watch (no batteries needed! just wind it periodically) and I picked it up a few years ago at one of the first vintage clothing shows/flea markets I attended; the two-toned Anne Klein was actually a gift from my middle school teacher, and I like how it helps me effortlessly mix-and-match gold and silver accessories.<br />
<br />
Giant earrings have been an ongoing obsession but I've been hard finding the right ones ie. the right shape and size (not too big), and aren't clip-ons (those are so painful!), and at an affordable price (I don't need real gold or brand names). I did manage to find these three, which are all fairly recent acquisitions from the thrift store/flea market. Also, I found DIY instructions on converting clip-on earrings so am planning on trying that with a cheaper pair. If it goes well, then it should be easier to find more to add to my collection!<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed this post. Thanks for reading!<br />
Also, you can check out photo highlights from my Japan trip, now up on my website <a href="http://zhangling.photography/5shinnenkai" target="_blank">here</a>!Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-54714382482750480832018-08-31T20:09:00.001-04:002018-09-30T00:08:14.680-04:00Travel Luggage & Outfits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I can't believe it's the end of August!! It's been a good summer this year but part of me can't help but feel the FOMO. Soooo much of my Facebook newsfeed is a constant reminder of all the places I haven't been, but the one that hits super hard is the fact that I've still never been to Europe! I'm packing for the long weekend in Montreal but my imagination likes to pretend I'm going to Italy or Spain.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienhU_eEwyvnElsPt-9rb6LnI0zMi1vuHrqeVfcCnQeSRNxpP6q1f2HjnOTg2nhTWgk-dyFjP-5AGDOgGPABEU251X7zdq_0flBTxbtsOuiGwNEFvbaEbZ04ezWtARBUaXw-RCJJDTWOEQ/s1600/DSCF0790b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienhU_eEwyvnElsPt-9rb6LnI0zMi1vuHrqeVfcCnQeSRNxpP6q1f2HjnOTg2nhTWgk-dyFjP-5AGDOgGPABEU251X7zdq_0flBTxbtsOuiGwNEFvbaEbZ04ezWtARBUaXw-RCJJDTWOEQ/s640/DSCF0790b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One thing I noticed is that ever since I picked up my new DvF luggage set, I've enjoyed packing a lot more! I remember reading this article that builds on Marie Kondo's concept of only keeping/buying things that "spark joy", and the author of the article talks about buying a $50 rose gold stapler (wow!) but how the simple act of stapling piles of paper together now brings her joy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRwgRzahN8B8I2yMzgghgMkQXtZOA8pIJSJ_W4kxqOal6PIDEuBbqvjXjL9b7k1d5gbBmLGFi5mhqfO2i4mms2_ezsv9e6fUa-PoL8BXdzNkoq9_XRkjSWNUeBXe-v3lgnW67RIPDq6xU/s1600/DSCF0794b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRwgRzahN8B8I2yMzgghgMkQXtZOA8pIJSJ_W4kxqOal6PIDEuBbqvjXjL9b7k1d5gbBmLGFi5mhqfO2i4mms2_ezsv9e6fUa-PoL8BXdzNkoq9_XRkjSWNUeBXe-v3lgnW67RIPDq6xU/s640/DSCF0794b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvURbQzP3gsUTPLrGpMWx0EXq1Y-QDPuvtlp7BblumzNUXcYeIu_XIbUCfeB2L1Fb5lvtqyJCgSrBgqYKdGSp10ThA5BDdDB6HOUIEJBe9FJzU7OMe1wX8UUl8qvj0zYxm0hogGXqkDKB/s1600/DSCF0810b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvURbQzP3gsUTPLrGpMWx0EXq1Y-QDPuvtlp7BblumzNUXcYeIu_XIbUCfeB2L1Fb5lvtqyJCgSrBgqYKdGSp10ThA5BDdDB6HOUIEJBe9FJzU7OMe1wX8UUl8qvj0zYxm0hogGXqkDKB/s640/DSCF0810b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Given my regular trips home to Toronto with a few trip to Montreal sprinkled in here and there, sometimes it feels like I'm constantly packing and unpacking. So even though I didn't really need a new luggage set, I appreciate how it somehow feels less of a chore!<br />
<br />
I actually worked backwards for this post and picked my outfits first and packed them into the luggage for the lifestyle shoot. The looks I put together are realistic to what I'd plan to wear walking around Rome or Milan or Athens.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgHT5C1iVAb9L4jsV1rlG1qGRfqNCh2Qf-9SE2G4Mqc9hloPvG7hyphenhyphenBATq-WpE4acADfXTr-kwTAF7cCHzRNhWlhTfuW2_PQD-sZyzTla2Tb1s6WEhY1eWxNDHkik-Dw6sIa9J2bwvrvHp/s1600/august-flatlay-vs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgHT5C1iVAb9L4jsV1rlG1qGRfqNCh2Qf-9SE2G4Mqc9hloPvG7hyphenhyphenBATq-WpE4acADfXTr-kwTAF7cCHzRNhWlhTfuW2_PQD-sZyzTla2Tb1s6WEhY1eWxNDHkik-Dw6sIa9J2bwvrvHp/s640/august-flatlay-vs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Outfit 1</b> (left): American Apparel linen shorts, American Eagle ribbed tank, Chinese brand button-down shirt, Coach flat sandals<br />
<b>Outfit 2</b> (right): Choocolate (Hong Kong Brand) shirt dress, waist belt from La Petite Garconne, Cole Haan leather sandals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Outfit 1: The Linen Shorts</h3>
The first outfit I immediately thought of was centered around my trusty linen shorts. Linen is a material I strongly associate with European styles, especially in the warmer regions like Greece, or Spain, and Italy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF51WyVHcd795uDxv2Wxn9eSKaADQXp_CyqLldXj3NqJUcGTiUUVAvWwbUpEDCk5ciU_ZxVFagCC4-JrGJLxBDadMLDf1XiI1laiHd1ugqgt84y1b2F4AurPIk0mhT-S041YfiJry3jzpt/s1600/DSCF0662-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF51WyVHcd795uDxv2Wxn9eSKaADQXp_CyqLldXj3NqJUcGTiUUVAvWwbUpEDCk5ciU_ZxVFagCC4-JrGJLxBDadMLDf1XiI1laiHd1ugqgt84y1b2F4AurPIk0mhT-S041YfiJry3jzpt/s640/DSCF0662-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The colour palette for this outfit was me picturing the setting sun in an orange-pink sky, overlooking historical ruins. Nick also commented that I look like Indiana Jones so I think I'll call this my "Archaeologist Off-Duty" look :P<br />
<br />
<h3>
Outfit 2: The Cotton Shirt(dress)</h3>
One of my favourite brands is actually Massimo Dutti from Spain. The Spanish editorials almost always include a clean white shirt, or in my case, this shirt dress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-OzfCWDrpNQkZLaRN2KRz72XlEcV8q8JQRVja-R-KCxn_sxnHG5Tw3cLlJYhR6mBw5xJzX-1MNNu70SXFwaCJNEV-zUYOYBCBVTnQBtCnTEaJCJZCoLaDkvTf4cNsR-b3eMf83JKA9rj/s1600/DSCF0675-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-OzfCWDrpNQkZLaRN2KRz72XlEcV8q8JQRVja-R-KCxn_sxnHG5Tw3cLlJYhR6mBw5xJzX-1MNNu70SXFwaCJNEV-zUYOYBCBVTnQBtCnTEaJCJZCoLaDkvTf4cNsR-b3eMf83JKA9rj/s640/DSCF0675-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I kept this outfit pretty simple, with black leather accessories throughout. Funnily enough, I was reminded of Europe when I purchased these leather sandals from Cole Haan a few weekends ago. They're all leather, flat but with a little heel, and have built-in cushioning in the insoles. So comfy! When I put them on, the immediate thought was, "Man, I could walk all over Europe in these!" I was actually struggling with a concept for this month but it's funny how a new pair of shoes can change your outlook ;)<br />
<br />
Still dreaming of my European vacation but it was fun playing it out with this post! Hope you enjoyed these photos, thanks for reading :)Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-35338944556404293962018-08-26T22:40:00.000-04:002018-09-30T00:23:40.280-04:00Vintage Finds of Summer 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It's been a good summer for thrift shopping, both at the monthly 613flea markets and my local thrift stores so I wanted to dedicate a blog post to my summer vintage finds. I especially enjoy vintage items in the summer because they're a lot of fun to wear: big full skirts perfect for twirling, whimsical prints and colours to match the cheery, sunny weather.<br />
<br />
I also wanted to share some tips when shopping for second-hand vintage that I like to call: <u><b>How to tell Vintage Finds from Old Crap</b></u>. Read on for my tips + outfits from a weekend trip to Niagara!<br />
<h3>
<b>Tip #1</b>: Look at the tags to understand the materials - cotton, silk, etc.</h3>
Even some solid quality polyester has been good to me, like the skirt in this outfit below.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNW-dbUvQ6kH6QTtTMFtwp1lvtr9myG0q4ZTQs9qyYBP4vXGIey7awRP5r4eXW1uJ8WN7HAhfzmg4c77CS1-Nfkhk0ZX0SOnJSrkCehP645-W-JT4odliIhtVJBXuMHxWw7MU9znMcfx9R/s1600/DSCF0374-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNW-dbUvQ6kH6QTtTMFtwp1lvtr9myG0q4ZTQs9qyYBP4vXGIey7awRP5r4eXW1uJ8WN7HAhfzmg4c77CS1-Nfkhk0ZX0SOnJSrkCehP645-W-JT4odliIhtVJBXuMHxWw7MU9znMcfx9R/s640/DSCF0374-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage sunhat from <a href="http://www.ladyarkenstone.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lady Arkenstone Vintage </a>at 613flea<br />
Mustard ruffle top from H&M (thrifted)<br />
Pleated skirt from vintage Liz Claiborne (thrifted)<br />
Brown sandals from Massimo Dutti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This navy pleated skirt was an awesome find. As previously mentioned, one big reason I go for vintage skirts is that all the waists are "high-waisted". The length is ladylike but not dowdy, and the full skirt is definitely suited for twirling. It's 100% poly and completely wrinkle-free, holding up its pleats even after being shoved into a suitcase. Perfect for travel! Additionally, this sunhat is another wonderfully vintage find from one of the summer's 613flea markets. I already had other sunhats but this one with its lighter and brighter colour, vintage feminine shape (more oval instead of round and front brim slightly wider for better coverage), and the navy grosgrain ribbon bow, all made it very hard to say "no". I actually walked away from the vendor but ended up going back for it! If you can't tell, a sunhat is my go-to summertime accessory and I like to thoughtfully select the right one out of my collection to flatter each outfit.<br />
<h3>
<b>Tip #2</b>: Look for unique details such as intricate buttons and good stitching.</h3>
Even though you can always replace buttons, good buttons are usually a sign of quality. Furthermore, as with the outfit below, lots of times it's those little details that make the ensemble stand out!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhl6myARyriK77K3u0wIVsJ5sMEcJF5ZvP70gZazVhmAZJ6vXN1xVJ6404KaDZ9GYi97iluekGuTXcSs72G3-GZD-ykSgSv5ce7RcF4oczv-4hNKQESxqyM0vWeKE1kg00opFfXhfDNhB/s1600/DSCF0501-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhl6myARyriK77K3u0wIVsJ5sMEcJF5ZvP70gZazVhmAZJ6vXN1xVJ6404KaDZ9GYi97iluekGuTXcSs72G3-GZD-ykSgSv5ce7RcF4oczv-4hNKQESxqyM0vWeKE1kg00opFfXhfDNhB/s640/DSCF0501-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porkpie hat from Urban Outfitters<br />
Coord set from <a href="http://instagram.com/rinude" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rinude </a>at 613flea<br />
Vintage gold knot earrings from Sarah Coventry (thrifted)<br />
Sandals from Massimo Dutti<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This blouse + high waisted palazzo pant combo was my only clothing purchase at July's 613flea, but I still left that day a happy shopper. I immediately fell in love with the poofy sleeves and the big collar, but it was the little round buttons that perfectly matched the striped and dotted print that sealed the deal! Plus, I love how when worn together, it's a seamless, romper-like look, but they are still separate pieces so I'll be able to mix and match with other tops and bottoms to create different looks.<br />
<h3>
<b>Tip #3</b>: Look for classic styles that will stand the test of time. </h3>
One of the click-baity listicles I always click into are those where daughters wear their mom's old prom/wedding dresses. I really enjoy seeing how stylish items stay stylish throughout the years! This dress below reminds me of the dresses that my mom wore when she was younger that I wish we could've brought with us so she could pass them onto me now.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6Qh0dM3_dPEFtd6W1ZbEtXEFFdHT3GosOvvdkCeCxAA8_ER60zXo5ZtdgXGqsIE8hT8dVyZzsPcojPk2jMkD3T3YeH304E8Ui-FdyjdvX5Q_moRpGdH3V-2Vt6itzA-Vvz5ra0na87Up/s1600/DSCF0466-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6Qh0dM3_dPEFtd6W1ZbEtXEFFdHT3GosOvvdkCeCxAA8_ER60zXo5ZtdgXGqsIE8hT8dVyZzsPcojPk2jMkD3T3YeH304E8Ui-FdyjdvX5Q_moRpGdH3V-2Vt6itzA-Vvz5ra0na87Up/s640/DSCF0466-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunhat from Winners<br />
Vintage gold knot earrings from Sarah Coventry (thrifted)<br />
Vintage midi dress (thrifted)<br />
Sandals from Massimo Dutti<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This dress has been my go-to for long car rides because of the comfy material and the longer length. White buttons down the side and the matching white buckle on belt speak to Tip #2 as well!<br />
<h3>
<b>Tip #4</b>: Don't be afraid if it's not perfect off the rack. </h3>
Take a closer look to 1) see if there is good potential for the garment (see first three tips), 2) assess the skill level required for alterations (can you do it yourself? or do you need to take it to a tailor? is it worth the additional tailoring effort/cost?) The blouse below had these horribly long, boxy sleeves, but it looked like it was a good piece (100% cotton, Made in Canada tags, cute pearly buttons and fun summer print, classic button-down blouse shape) and it was a super quick alteration (fold the sleeves twice and stitch in place).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeL_EhFJWEYN0szGih3piIuqiAly5IqkLxSDD-EjRfi9-hBv9jQuZMhjI1jXOscrj0SLuvEHMWN3rU3BjnbxLm7QoSzm-XZOuTLbl2zNDQOVsekO6_baE-3VEeTsiK7L3gNYMjkDRNYaH/s1600/DSCF0734-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeL_EhFJWEYN0szGih3piIuqiAly5IqkLxSDD-EjRfi9-hBv9jQuZMhjI1jXOscrj0SLuvEHMWN3rU3BjnbxLm7QoSzm-XZOuTLbl2zNDQOVsekO6_baE-3VEeTsiK7L3gNYMjkDRNYaH/s640/DSCF0734-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage dotted blouse (thrifted)<br />
Garage high-rise distressed denim shorts (thrifted)<br />
Aldo brown cork sandals (thrifted)<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This blouse is actually one of my favourite little pieces, I call it my strawberry blouse. I went for the obvious "Daisy Duke" look here but it'll also look cute under a pinafore dress or layered under a sweater with just the collar peeking out.<br />
<br />
In addition to the 4 "Do's", there's a couple of "Don'ts" I want to share as well:<br />
<h3>
<u>Beware of the following pitfalls!!</u></h3>
<ul>
<li>Avoid items that have stains, rips and tears. Garments that are damaged are rarely worth the restoration cost or effort. No matter how cute it could've been, tell yourself to move on! </li>
<li>Avoid items that look too "costume-y" (unless it's for a costume). In my experience, costume-y pieces are items you might wear once for photos but they don't ever really get integrated into your closet, so you never end up wearing them again. </li>
<li>Don't be blinded by the brand. Sure, checking the tags to see the brands can be one way to get a sense of the quality of an item, but it's not a guarantee, and you might find yourself in the pitfall of "<i>but its [designer]!"</i> </li>
</ul>
<div>
BTW I'm not immune to these pitfalls and I'm only able to come up with this list based on my own experiences. Once, I saw a pair of Burberry boots in Vancouver but the soles were completely worn out. It was an internal struggle of "omg it's my size, it was meant to be" and "it's going to be so expensive to try to fix...if it's even possible" and "BUT IT'S BURBERRY asdjkflsdjf". Somehow I convinced myself to walk away but that was a year ago and I still think about those boots sometimes :(</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
More recently, I tried on this vintage Neiman Marcus dress that I literally had to laugh myself out of purchasing:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOU4FhEQkh6UePxzJagn8wQsQ3QvjhqthqgP9WRD_qpMsfgnpYOk907Ykfl27CZ3G4_wzbWR8JsBvpfRbYJwSLuYstTVOPApcvLFTDED4fp4BvM6rijRjqcsH0Bf_wfvhJOBNL97GOSpI8/s1600/IMG_20180721_174333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOU4FhEQkh6UePxzJagn8wQsQ3QvjhqthqgP9WRD_qpMsfgnpYOk907Ykfl27CZ3G4_wzbWR8JsBvpfRbYJwSLuYstTVOPApcvLFTDED4fp4BvM6rijRjqcsH0Bf_wfvhJOBNL97GOSpI8/s400/IMG_20180721_174333.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"THAT BOW IS BIGGER THAN MY HEAD LOL" -- was the point I kept reminding myself when the other little voice was like, "but B&W is so classic" and "it's in great condition" and "omg it's so unique" YEAH BUT THE BOW IS BIGGER THAN YOUR HEAD GIRL MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIFE.</div>
<div>
It was hard but somehow I managed :P<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Hope you enjoyed this post! Thanks for reading :)</div>
Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-39933904055844307782018-07-31T17:46:00.000-04:002018-09-29T23:52:48.169-04:00Peach & Lavender<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
From my <a href="http://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2018/07/quebec-city-lavender-fields.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, visiting the lavender farms really inspired me to appreciate the fruits and flowers currently in season. A quick google search for fruits in July turned up not only cherries and strawberries, but peaches! I've never been peach picking and unfortunately there aren't any farms nearby. However, I still wanted to take this post to pay tribute to the "fresh picks" of the month.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEULt70J5Jr5-XRTZdH76eRQULW0boho2nQi9zlKahK31-XPr9yxOboxNZc2Q4XDeyLT6JCoee6APAS71H7Jtvd5LbxUZca-Y7nf6XXK9y2Ssd77MOoYepI6yb7hRdbg4oMSrbN4Qk3Rh/s1600/IMG_8981b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEULt70J5Jr5-XRTZdH76eRQULW0boho2nQi9zlKahK31-XPr9yxOboxNZc2Q4XDeyLT6JCoee6APAS71H7Jtvd5LbxUZca-Y7nf6XXK9y2Ssd77MOoYepI6yb7hRdbg4oMSrbN4Qk3Rh/s640/IMG_8981b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">basket full of peaches!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttfH14dvNO-wrrmqadUYdZ__Qj05VO1eS0rwGb7-vz7W7CBDa94TtKsdNPJyj1PbYOKBpo8i-A5eBbWVnxFOCu3-EAkhyrL9W1PoyUXhgkKbxD_Te9yMuoPCOhrRAxiItHZkR-GfvHnMG/s1600/IMG_8968b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttfH14dvNO-wrrmqadUYdZ__Qj05VO1eS0rwGb7-vz7W7CBDa94TtKsdNPJyj1PbYOKBpo8i-A5eBbWVnxFOCu3-EAkhyrL9W1PoyUXhgkKbxD_Te9yMuoPCOhrRAxiItHZkR-GfvHnMG/s640/IMG_8968b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFCpUcDcm6IySdghNUTD9CZgQaJDi-YQo1Sis5qfpp5iymgewzbf3fqG7VHLEy0OjVgBVw3Gy7Xr5_U_r5t3rTvBPgQxv3nQ67k_60RB5fUThXOAopvAkIOXY8_VGtsfBWn8inWclV9or/s1600/IMG_8993b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFCpUcDcm6IySdghNUTD9CZgQaJDi-YQo1Sis5qfpp5iymgewzbf3fqG7VHLEy0OjVgBVw3Gy7Xr5_U_r5t3rTvBPgQxv3nQ67k_60RB5fUThXOAopvAkIOXY8_VGtsfBWn8inWclV9or/s640/IMG_8993b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mmm peach pie! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I couldn't find any real lavender on short notice but luckily Dollarama came through with their fake flowers section. And this way, they'll be reusable for future shoots as well! The props basket in my apartment continues growing haha! Peaches are also just from the grocery store but I just can't get over the super cute pie my friend Carlie made! Oh I helped too, I cut them peaches :3 (and possibly snacked on a few wedges that weren't pretty enough to make it into the pie hehe)<br />
<br />
Side note, fruit picking or flower cutting would be such a cute activity to do as a less conventional summer date idea, or even just bonding time with girlfriends. I definitely have it on my checklist for the rest of this summer!<br />
<br />
For the outfit pairings, I took the lead from the shoot and focused in on the two colours, lavender and peach, and how they are both colours that I struggle wear. I actually have some pieces in those colours that haven't made it out of my closet yet! So for this month, I challenged myself to finally put some outfits together using those "hard to pair" pieces.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1TPu2peFQWMT5n-R5siMUBw5cngUIPZUBR9gNWnoLS68RtCX0_GV17OIj__cSlJQrFBLWd8O4k5vfvn1gMxNUJTqtFeDXF7f-rPob1TO9SZmJ6VTixK0fArabIxSIvc8LKUt4Xc5YKAd/s1600/july-flatlay-vs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1TPu2peFQWMT5n-R5siMUBw5cngUIPZUBR9gNWnoLS68RtCX0_GV17OIj__cSlJQrFBLWd8O4k5vfvn1gMxNUJTqtFeDXF7f-rPob1TO9SZmJ6VTixK0fArabIxSIvc8LKUt4Xc5YKAd/s640/july-flatlay-vs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Outfit 1 </b>(left): vintage purple sundress, Vince Camuto bow flats, H&M sunhat, vintage straw purse<br />
<b>Outfit 2 </b>(right): Kate Spade silk top, vintage Alfred Sung silk skirt, Coach leather wedges </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Outfit 1: Monet's Lavender</h3>
When I first saw this lavender Monet-esque sundress months ago, I immediately wanted to put it on. It was a magical moment at the vintage flea market when it zipped up perfectly! I don't own a lot of purple shades in my wardrobe so I excited to add to my colour spectrum. However, I quickly realized why I don't have much purple: I have no idea how to wear it. After I brought this dress home and hung it up, I would literally take it out every day, look at it and sigh, and then put it back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqODEi1uRyvOp9vByIeAO5ZFPbug2I2esFkeOLf_o_7rXcJz2l4ZZSzp8gY2Uu9MgFkirGm8DIUJpvxTIMlawAT-MFlsONBdidBTJob8BOvFCAPrCUBopFqxilRDngTbSL4ndIvlVR9MM/s1600/DSCF0344-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqODEi1uRyvOp9vByIeAO5ZFPbug2I2esFkeOLf_o_7rXcJz2l4ZZSzp8gY2Uu9MgFkirGm8DIUJpvxTIMlawAT-MFlsONBdidBTJob8BOvFCAPrCUBopFqxilRDngTbSL4ndIvlVR9MM/s640/DSCF0344-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For the pairing, I went with a tonal/monochrome route with purple flats and a big sunhat with a purple polka-dot bow. Finishing off with a little straw purse to match the hat and I'm ready for a summer stroll with my honey!<br />
<br />
Side note: I've seen a lot of photos where girls wear purple to go take photos with lavender -- don't do it! This outfit is better suited for peach picking than lavender picking, in my opinion. If you look at the lifestyle shoot, you can see that the reason why the peach and lavender look good together is because the contrasting colours complement each other. If the flowers are already purple, you don't need to be purple too (especially not head-to-toe!) Go for a sunny yellow or a clean white to stand out against the flowers.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Outfit 2: Peachy Pink</h3>
This silk top was a fabulous find at Winners. I was instantly drawn to the pointed peter pan collar which I adore, but peachy pink was definitely not a colour I have a lot of experience wearing. I tried to wear it out a couple times but I never felt it worked and always ended up wearing a jacket over to cover it up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81yvcTFeaOXLN2Bxvnm4UVDvTo_hu4JAS2YS7W4lKWL38tB_9VI0qRjyfWm8sOnGNfNB6D7dGA5F9jlg6vS64k7QebWELjKFRmdj2fVDg1gjTYs2ipMQJOzZ6BnqiN9LIzjgwvh-yKZ2N/s1600/DSCF0323-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81yvcTFeaOXLN2Bxvnm4UVDvTo_hu4JAS2YS7W4lKWL38tB_9VI0qRjyfWm8sOnGNfNB6D7dGA5F9jlg6vS64k7QebWELjKFRmdj2fVDg1gjTYs2ipMQJOzZ6BnqiN9LIzjgwvh-yKZ2N/s640/DSCF0323-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For this pairing, I took the opposite approach and loaded up on colour. I stayed in the same fabric family, keeping the whole outfit silky and light, but brought in the contrasting green in the skirt with some fun flowers (also love how the red flower matches the colour in the collar), and finished off with a sunny yellow shoe to similarly mirror the yellow flowers in the skirt. I'm making a little guilty face in the left because oh dear, I wonder if I broke (m)any fashion rules with this outfit -- but I'd like to think that as long as you enjoy it yourself and you feel good, that's what fashion is supposed to do for you!<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed these photos, thanks for reading! :)Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-52358290750287887972018-07-08T23:19:00.001-04:002019-01-24T11:34:33.453-05:00Quebec City & Lavender Fields<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
As per tradition, last weekend for Canada day, we packed up our bags and headed out of town. It's been a busy year so far, and the last two major trips we both took were super action-packed and tiring. We decided that for this trip, we were going to take it easy and relax and drive to Quebec City. We both have been before so there wouldn't be as much pressure to do a bunch of the touristy things. The only thing on our list was to each delicious French food. And boy did we!<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Food</h3>
Our first stop was <b>Ophelia </b>for a quick lunch. We each had clam chowder (not pictured), octopus carpaccio, and fish accras (fritters). Nick really enjoyed the carpaccio but it had olives in it (which I don't like) so I steered clear. The fish accras were very fluffy on the inside and the flavour was yummy too. I think we both liked the clam chowder best, they were quite generous with the clam.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvC1KRd8mPhCKO2sfTcaAyTzjAnEj_ix43_rQpZdC8fz9X2sP0AJOJ_EpEw8vb4GZpZlTM1QSaQ-5-wbhNaQg45wHgg-4UH6EdVBtE_Q6nkZJMP37qWgmbaRHazNcsy6uvRTAvt4JFKM4/s1600/DSCF4338b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvC1KRd8mPhCKO2sfTcaAyTzjAnEj_ix43_rQpZdC8fz9X2sP0AJOJ_EpEw8vb4GZpZlTM1QSaQ-5-wbhNaQg45wHgg-4UH6EdVBtE_Q6nkZJMP37qWgmbaRHazNcsy6uvRTAvt4JFKM4/s640/DSCF4338b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">octopus carpaccio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFabZEK_N2M1xMlXl60qQtTv-Z1Aqt5Bfz9v1NxRXW6uyD057tQaoDiP_y75iDpDWjwSxL3LFaIvloIkllWG7Hvn7OQTT8I87iBSDgnhnhAw02wXdMAo8iXdG5MXBM1Tj0Q7wmzsdxqk0V/s1600/DSCF4339b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFabZEK_N2M1xMlXl60qQtTv-Z1Aqt5Bfz9v1NxRXW6uyD057tQaoDiP_y75iDpDWjwSxL3LFaIvloIkllWG7Hvn7OQTT8I87iBSDgnhnhAw02wXdMAo8iXdG5MXBM1Tj0Q7wmzsdxqk0V/s640/DSCF4339b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fish accras</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For dinner, we tried to go to <b>L'Affaire Est Ketchup </b>but it was booked full. The reviews mention they're a teeny tiny location (8 seats??) but highly rated so we'll have to try again next time! They referred us to a restaurant down the street called <b>Patente et Machin</b> which was another small hole in the wall. It was dark and gritty, with big hearty French dudes who translated and described the French menu in their fun French accent. I didn't get too many photos because of how dark it was but we had two appetizers ("machins"): the ceviche and mushrooms, and for mains ("patentes") we shared the piglet shank, which was incredibly tender, and a custom scallops dish since they ran out of pork belly for their usual scallops + pork belly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNYZZ79wBRDEjH3RIwOfwbP9eKNLh92s0qDsj539cs-lb-7TpuMugoiiLqvqvstVfV7bmb15guOXh5AqLHmg2VLG0jhy7V2t1tuKQFZwk_5LdOSUrLgBsdPoPT_mRtzIB-z6f84o4def5/s1600/DSCF4348b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNYZZ79wBRDEjH3RIwOfwbP9eKNLh92s0qDsj539cs-lb-7TpuMugoiiLqvqvstVfV7bmb15guOXh5AqLHmg2VLG0jhy7V2t1tuKQFZwk_5LdOSUrLgBsdPoPT_mRtzIB-z6f84o4def5/s640/DSCF4348b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">scallops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
The next morning, we returned to <b>Le Billig</b>, which we discovered last time we were in Quebec City. We loved it so much nothing else seemed like a good alternative so we went back. Their crepes are amazing and they have lots of options so there's always something new to try! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtmzWcRg2xEd_h3oQX_-koWsHlsuJWPNOaDEL7rBqFlc6X8vvtsZ3Oc_ugvT9-a1oFmjdReEvxR6NAptDqavWVoxExD0TDIIbyW3Ere6wqMTC5ZN37CsXqbEyyq7OTywR2s6_CejuDoX5/s1600/DSCF4353b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtmzWcRg2xEd_h3oQX_-koWsHlsuJWPNOaDEL7rBqFlc6X8vvtsZ3Oc_ugvT9-a1oFmjdReEvxR6NAptDqavWVoxExD0TDIIbyW3Ere6wqMTC5ZN37CsXqbEyyq7OTywR2s6_CejuDoX5/s640/DSCF4353b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">carrot soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqBe0-GYHlWcfZ0Ec7RLnwLmsJIXp7FVtBMkCwEAwlsTTJs5-EgMijzM9HoB5ZW_Hvk2BiivGFe35qtWVBCL2dzZ_kKA9xLqTEERc2xVvDBAFDN2gxLF7BjbaeKu560eKkYCS-XdzL7l4/s1600/DSCF4354b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqBe0-GYHlWcfZ0Ec7RLnwLmsJIXp7FVtBMkCwEAwlsTTJs5-EgMijzM9HoB5ZW_Hvk2BiivGFe35qtWVBCL2dzZ_kKA9xLqTEERc2xVvDBAFDN2gxLF7BjbaeKu560eKkYCS-XdzL7l4/s640/DSCF4354b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">artichoke hearts and prosciutto with salad </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhb7k5YZandncMlLXdu85aZMf6pmfI2Zvhu7kW_vsTSW6ePJRl9X2U64OdPyIAI5eSEaHHgCnMo1fy8VPbanVa-NRGFk1Q8XfkMUZybGNpX8zb8fxCA_IieJF7FtCf6mAf4Vdw6R4ZMp3/s1600/DSCF4355b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhb7k5YZandncMlLXdu85aZMf6pmfI2Zvhu7kW_vsTSW6ePJRl9X2U64OdPyIAI5eSEaHHgCnMo1fy8VPbanVa-NRGFk1Q8XfkMUZybGNpX8zb8fxCA_IieJF7FtCf6mAf4Vdw6R4ZMp3/s640/DSCF4355b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chorizo omnom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the last major meal in town, we tried a fancier place with an interesting menu. <b>Graffiti</b> was a super cool blend of pub-style take on fancy cuisine. We tried 3 different types of tartare and a seafood pasta. Everything was incredible and we'll definitely be back! </div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaLyd6yadmKyQ1TRlJKOt2br4gS-cUvQWhH-B_t65UzGBYtaHvzY34-CKezW33_xJsiAJepQrvq_I2zfTRxfKht_89_G7809bELCFgAJG4U6J_ZhNVTDQLDJ0i-HKlO6xQq9fVCqiGZmV/s1600/DSCF4413b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaLyd6yadmKyQ1TRlJKOt2br4gS-cUvQWhH-B_t65UzGBYtaHvzY34-CKezW33_xJsiAJepQrvq_I2zfTRxfKht_89_G7809bELCFgAJG4U6J_ZhNVTDQLDJ0i-HKlO6xQq9fVCqiGZmV/s640/DSCF4413b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tuna tartare and tataki -- Asian style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtiImcUIF6PCN_TIEJUwXrK5H_HJx20qiwXVuHKae7O32oHOWNm1MMTURtSZ-9szwLEAbLhxLpt7f5oHHoMid1-SgBc_zz6sEMIWCr0zPcs0LoEYu1srHebycPfdIybx0CY7r-ksdmN8r/s1600/DSCF4415b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtiImcUIF6PCN_TIEJUwXrK5H_HJx20qiwXVuHKae7O32oHOWNm1MMTURtSZ-9szwLEAbLhxLpt7f5oHHoMid1-SgBc_zz6sEMIWCr0zPcs0LoEYu1srHebycPfdIybx0CY7r-ksdmN8r/s640/DSCF4415b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">seafood scallop with lobster bisque sauce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTiPKMDeFlQo0IqZ7mMohbmOk18p3fd1mvhlFwZqbllTbNsGgw_TgvlR9QIfuqj0wVwRr3ujz11L7q4M4x_RARwgWLcUFGRNpKfOye7Ud5TX_9CWF3LviIpAVpu974kIdOv9G1G0TVbZW/s1600/DSCF4418b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTiPKMDeFlQo0IqZ7mMohbmOk18p3fd1mvhlFwZqbllTbNsGgw_TgvlR9QIfuqj0wVwRr3ujz11L7q4M4x_RARwgWLcUFGRNpKfOye7Ud5TX_9CWF3LviIpAVpu974kIdOv9G1G0TVbZW/s640/DSCF4418b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graffti's house beef tartare -- special salad and wholesome fries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGS8IdMdOLQwEt9At362cmOLovBDGrHM9iY9feLl5zSvTq4myRQzwgaByDA5ZqkLlcIilibZQx4Q4MaJdApjw796vvrUXLrW50YRkr-3CgZkYi_cy79eZmO3QZdiajp9xnLKMK477lRwp/s1600/DSCF4423b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGS8IdMdOLQwEt9At362cmOLovBDGrHM9iY9feLl5zSvTq4myRQzwgaByDA5ZqkLlcIilibZQx4Q4MaJdApjw796vvrUXLrW50YRkr-3CgZkYi_cy79eZmO3QZdiajp9xnLKMK477lRwp/s640/DSCF4423b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">salmon tartare with mango and pineapple chutney -- so refreshing! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
The Exploring</h3>
Since we've hit all the touristy locations previously, we took a more relaxed walk around town. First stop was the Old Port Market where we bought fresh local farm strawberries.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99TTunQJl_RKw3d0g-oQocMytifiD9q7lgDX4v3-saMtgFAP_VRUxHZGPylH11wapKiiFROXj61ZB7vc_28ftIGgU070jUOQoRHpWHcg2bde7fI59ks5DLimIIU_q5RarLlYsAW1Dc8mQ/s1600/IMG_20180701_124513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99TTunQJl_RKw3d0g-oQocMytifiD9q7lgDX4v3-saMtgFAP_VRUxHZGPylH11wapKiiFROXj61ZB7vc_28ftIGgU070jUOQoRHpWHcg2bde7fI59ks5DLimIIU_q5RarLlYsAW1Dc8mQ/s640/IMG_20180701_124513.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay strawberries! They were deliciously sweet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7xVOpTRUKSVSJG7iJEVIg-r96pEfcmAoNrkR1r063S9hSr4xiV34L_P1ZqQ91qPlnV6PEhRNgKSSU3KojAgbyobV3LuYHrwKC4FQFr4Ex9HrR98vLStb95zsJOYmwjFErw6WaZ3MaOpy/s1600/DSCF4360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7xVOpTRUKSVSJG7iJEVIg-r96pEfcmAoNrkR1r063S9hSr4xiV34L_P1ZqQ91qPlnV6PEhRNgKSSU3KojAgbyobV3LuYHrwKC4FQFr4Ex9HrR98vLStb95zsJOYmwjFErw6WaZ3MaOpy/s640/DSCF4360.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pigging out on strawberries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We noticed a giant cube outside the market and it turned out to be part of a city-wide public art circuit. Since we had no plans where to go, we grabbed a map and decided to check out all the installations. They were pretty interesting! Here's some of my favourites:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76yfW83Gx2KJzAbtQqTqWKy6jjVXPboQtZhBZf0qjDOlSFyL_z3iMg5nYNASiwUxCgenfK39V1ENKJYxHqEvkXlzgXhtSFAfw86sDhyEVhXjFmvLl68Itp7V1nRjLjnMs5rXzp1fWGveI/s1600/DSCF4359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76yfW83Gx2KJzAbtQqTqWKy6jjVXPboQtZhBZf0qjDOlSFyL_z3iMg5nYNASiwUxCgenfK39V1ENKJYxHqEvkXlzgXhtSFAfw86sDhyEVhXjFmvLl68Itp7V1nRjLjnMs5rXzp1fWGveI/s640/DSCF4359.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">happy castaways</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wIxY1ME7gw2HjjUrg5gJ8rqmBqrAIgakOo659PydRWeL2ZLJgqP2vDi38otxxyHtVN4MEQFKQ3uJ9caham2Bkqm5bdPvMwUGeGtHDXYQwUcLXSqp14ZNyrDj3O3fe6ZB6llQ1W5OKhel/s1600/DSCF4373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wIxY1ME7gw2HjjUrg5gJ8rqmBqrAIgakOo659PydRWeL2ZLJgqP2vDi38otxxyHtVN4MEQFKQ3uJ9caham2Bkqm5bdPvMwUGeGtHDXYQwUcLXSqp14ZNyrDj3O3fe6ZB6llQ1W5OKhel/s640/DSCF4373.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">uh-oh car accident</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi5cU8tT0vZZVazG5yeYhyB6VDMiQeI9-zWF65nV961e2NBz3nHSRVyk23a5HXylve54WIM2O-Ma9B-xl_eJaKB_bA4juvPh80e7VX-cK-JvPjruX7aJDRkiOQbgwft9mueQ5seZUACVk/s1600/DSCF4368e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi5cU8tT0vZZVazG5yeYhyB6VDMiQeI9-zWF65nV961e2NBz3nHSRVyk23a5HXylve54WIM2O-Ma9B-xl_eJaKB_bA4juvPh80e7VX-cK-JvPjruX7aJDRkiOQbgwft9mueQ5seZUACVk/s640/DSCF4368e.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"post-post modernism"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Following the art circuit, we ended up in Old Quebec, and I gasped super loudly when I saw that they replaced the previous spherical lantern with umbrellas. I always see pictures of umbrellas like this on Instagram but never in person! It was just as magical as I had imagined :3<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia2UwAc_-ooItUVvm6N_GNf2hm00x1DLyM_a45ZGzg1ZxIS1_TTht3xyGmnVU-kM8KyXcPPKgcCETz6mZsrJLpKAdt9QBW3gfGnRK7d0yjPZESSJ2unNzQDf1FcjJzqOx9jJDsZQNNv7J/s1600/IMG_20180701_143603_755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia2UwAc_-ooItUVvm6N_GNf2hm00x1DLyM_a45ZGzg1ZxIS1_TTht3xyGmnVU-kM8KyXcPPKgcCETz6mZsrJLpKAdt9QBW3gfGnRK7d0yjPZESSJ2unNzQDf1FcjJzqOx9jJDsZQNNv7J/s640/IMG_20180701_143603_755.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sZEswuNcMQ1b1P4MD1DkNzVurjky45yVVGfaldSojltAbYQmlDivNVFLKr3b3-wjawRH3lmpL_sR415lyDe2NetzUr0ucDs94Ur6Ej5NW1qLs2Ai8XWrSh5GVuGBNy7zGNxM26YRnFrJ/s1600/DSCF4397b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sZEswuNcMQ1b1P4MD1DkNzVurjky45yVVGfaldSojltAbYQmlDivNVFLKr3b3-wjawRH3lmpL_sR415lyDe2NetzUr0ucDs94Ur6Ej5NW1qLs2Ai8XWrSh5GVuGBNy7zGNxM26YRnFrJ/s640/DSCF4397b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-D9GwfvnkcwyLMiLEy2hLS_rTu0JJ5hcanpSrX9W6QUbMKW0s54WhUkuR9XoeE65-J_V1fKE7mtGVjIQWtpRK6UL34COkDVOEa0LLtXWSUUvHA-OWxFz_GZ1Y6jtwocby0hxvgK6IfE6/s1600/DSCF4402b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-D9GwfvnkcwyLMiLEy2hLS_rTu0JJ5hcanpSrX9W6QUbMKW0s54WhUkuR9XoeE65-J_V1fKE7mtGVjIQWtpRK6UL34COkDVOEa0LLtXWSUUvHA-OWxFz_GZ1Y6jtwocby0hxvgK6IfE6/s640/DSCF4402b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our last stop on our way back to Ottawa was a slight detour about an hour and a half out of Montreal, at the Bleu Lavande lavender farms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7xb4BK4M2_cEStZGtgMlfo5yXDPaHxjqzs6eM2k47AoeX7Y9H6wKTwKKBzlkj2VfqmO7_0lVu3635pG5utP1JXhvs-cpwngqri-AYIQJ5vKVHLDSEZm6d8UYFYKoUHhUCYWqbm17pIZl/s1600/DSC06989b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7xb4BK4M2_cEStZGtgMlfo5yXDPaHxjqzs6eM2k47AoeX7Y9H6wKTwKKBzlkj2VfqmO7_0lVu3635pG5utP1JXhvs-cpwngqri-AYIQJ5vKVHLDSEZm6d8UYFYKoUHhUCYWqbm17pIZl/s640/DSC06989b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUImGdxTVW1u8kLKBLJDel2yV0pJkrjteaYtTrfeB_RDDFMWcHCwT-2DomqVHFkn1U6yPbZUA6CwRF2sb2STXv19fCWf4Sg0kfR-SaLX2xRWxD6HqV4Bt0mUo9yR4OrMUv6obez75Sbp7d/s1600/DSC06983b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUImGdxTVW1u8kLKBLJDel2yV0pJkrjteaYtTrfeB_RDDFMWcHCwT-2DomqVHFkn1U6yPbZUA6CwRF2sb2STXv19fCWf4Sg0kfR-SaLX2xRWxD6HqV4Bt0mUo9yR4OrMUv6obez75Sbp7d/s640/DSC06983b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQQZcbebU6CgtOS75iYxNVifWc5pU2vm01MbHvV5G5DXT6xrBM5QOqjYv4IKDfMgv82Ey37Vc8kqewrbWHa5kY2Wh_kpOyUDDSaleHvz5Ef563UfapFqY_KzhjCZRYCSrgXcnTknKgSBO/s1600/DSCF4447e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQQZcbebU6CgtOS75iYxNVifWc5pU2vm01MbHvV5G5DXT6xrBM5QOqjYv4IKDfMgv82Ey37Vc8kqewrbWHa5kY2Wh_kpOyUDDSaleHvz5Ef563UfapFqY_KzhjCZRYCSrgXcnTknKgSBO/s640/DSCF4447e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
It was a huge farm, unlike <a href="http://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2015/08/lavender-fields-model-mama.html" target="_blank">the one I went to with my parents</a> a few years back in Prince Edward County. It's a little early for when lavender typically bloom but being a larger farm, they had different lavender intended to bloom sequentially so to attract as many visitors over as many months possible.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Lavender</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAX8NJEgwPrMQHB9xX32LbyiLX576GKYdlsYzzH4migFU09Wh0GjcglVAIkidCn4Psmpt33Oy-TXPOTpZMdk1V2UVd0mqQsSRQhuJt_i_2VornL3Oytm-hazbeoalbONpyLYu9-GBtWnF/s1600/DSC07017b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAX8NJEgwPrMQHB9xX32LbyiLX576GKYdlsYzzH4migFU09Wh0GjcglVAIkidCn4Psmpt33Oy-TXPOTpZMdk1V2UVd0mqQsSRQhuJt_i_2VornL3Oytm-hazbeoalbONpyLYu9-GBtWnF/s640/DSC07017b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9gLiCNprSgAX6OlUkFeq_rF90SZOUA0YUA0GwhcSDcJ0Hc3oDb1PmXm4eSuX2P4VZEjRmUOiQPfo8AQD6pvSg0BXXtgZRNdqVLJIZj6XfAF3O1n8nbmNxlD4_VDMoZEpx4hA4EBqshwX/s1600/DSC07029b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9gLiCNprSgAX6OlUkFeq_rF90SZOUA0YUA0GwhcSDcJ0Hc3oDb1PmXm4eSuX2P4VZEjRmUOiQPfo8AQD6pvSg0BXXtgZRNdqVLJIZj6XfAF3O1n8nbmNxlD4_VDMoZEpx4hA4EBqshwX/s640/DSC07029b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ49a-mgMIiiQw7yOjhyphenhyphen80gEKf9_RVRxy4jmcDOq8CL9FneutRqa1xUFeFMJ5vxXv-8bHtLINPGXq5WKR9tYDHddqDJtPSH7Fun9aHRUb5uH38Nrig_MRGyzr4K0GUW2wf45DWnksJUamQ/s1600/DSC07034b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ49a-mgMIiiQw7yOjhyphenhyphen80gEKf9_RVRxy4jmcDOq8CL9FneutRqa1xUFeFMJ5vxXv-8bHtLINPGXq5WKR9tYDHddqDJtPSH7Fun9aHRUb5uH38Nrig_MRGyzr4K0GUW2wf45DWnksJUamQ/s640/DSC07034b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKn_vMe7ZPehIF0SF-qzmJJh1RkcRtVT7havd9bU4ock5DAe98SnydpUClbT9DTe5shjpy6SE1v-un8Ztf2LWhGQqV_UyUBQujpXOLi2C-QnEin_TBAYdRCsrpneNdhHx6owQlYQ2VQ_5H/s1600/DSC07035b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKn_vMe7ZPehIF0SF-qzmJJh1RkcRtVT7havd9bU4ock5DAe98SnydpUClbT9DTe5shjpy6SE1v-un8Ztf2LWhGQqV_UyUBQujpXOLi2C-QnEin_TBAYdRCsrpneNdhHx6owQlYQ2VQ_5H/s640/DSC07035b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZNsjMkX1l7PiXQqxdOLGutZw9wVClpUch2wJ2eIZeRkK3DVTrelXBSCy8t311uhu6h1RbQLgU0g4XubZj6OlGycAGiYNyMRKZrVZ_pJNK_1JTPGd6OU0rnHBXoFfU5DpmOfABatQ-ou9/s1600/DSCF4426b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZNsjMkX1l7PiXQqxdOLGutZw9wVClpUch2wJ2eIZeRkK3DVTrelXBSCy8t311uhu6h1RbQLgU0g4XubZj6OlGycAGiYNyMRKZrVZ_pJNK_1JTPGd6OU0rnHBXoFfU5DpmOfABatQ-ou9/s640/DSCF4426b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgtpBqWubcB2_iGoArtddNz5c-OZ-FnNLXJXlfNY4WO6OMBPNErPVoO-USFztTb8tscgt6qCGSX-4C0sd782YlXe5iyhbpODVqrblcxsLLR7RBNcvh6YNQOPbmR4sdAK1-OKBpmll8y_p/s1600/DSCF4435b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgtpBqWubcB2_iGoArtddNz5c-OZ-FnNLXJXlfNY4WO6OMBPNErPVoO-USFztTb8tscgt6qCGSX-4C0sd782YlXe5iyhbpODVqrblcxsLLR7RBNcvh6YNQOPbmR4sdAK1-OKBpmll8y_p/s640/DSCF4435b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLokrGaCxyrQUs1Kq3xt27GAYjSUwltJ_ceL1ky6S_l2v_FObFO_4lLg-P7XN-iHSewV6d1cZR_wUSp4f6RLitd40dKYrNfslgJFYseAwSPngc5wGKugTiMDtmGrqWMAuf7H8CfMDhofUl/s1600/DSCF4441b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLokrGaCxyrQUs1Kq3xt27GAYjSUwltJ_ceL1ky6S_l2v_FObFO_4lLg-P7XN-iHSewV6d1cZR_wUSp4f6RLitd40dKYrNfslgJFYseAwSPngc5wGKugTiMDtmGrqWMAuf7H8CfMDhofUl/s640/DSCF4441b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Travel tips</h3>
Lastly, I wanted to share a couple of tips for traveling, packing, and taking photos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-Aw2Th_zN9caLRD7hbzECte7fQYf93ZcU9lY8T5Z5J4cfNcsXP9QNesvzIHQE-M7L7rRrr1S2Il6HoyJmX-HfN3c7qgqkSgnLgB5Bzr7gkjUAH5pK3y35etSfPrD7ldFryvNcmUCY0Ba/s1600/IMG_20180702_123558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-Aw2Th_zN9caLRD7hbzECte7fQYf93ZcU9lY8T5Z5J4cfNcsXP9QNesvzIHQE-M7L7rRrr1S2Il6HoyJmX-HfN3c7qgqkSgnLgB5Bzr7gkjUAH5pK3y35etSfPrD7ldFryvNcmUCY0Ba/s640/IMG_20180702_123558.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Packing</u>: It was suuuuper hot (and the heat wave just keeps on going~) so I made sure to pack a couple of breezy dresses, a twirly skirt, and a pair of shorts. Summer clothes are light and since it's so hot, it's nice to have multiple options on hand. The trick is to be tight on bags and shoes since they're heavier. I tend to make sure I only bring one purse to go with everything and have a pair of flats that go with all the outfits I picked out, and then a pair of dressier heels for fancier venues. A sunhat and sunglasses are also a must on a summer packing list. Oh and of course sunscreen! Definitely make sure to protect your skin.<br />
<br />
<u>Travel planning</u>: Usually our trips have more structure and a fuller itinerary, which is great for going to places you've never been before so as to get the most of the trip. For places you're returning to, I found that all you need is to make sure you have the basics: food, transportation, and accommodation. We booked our hotel, and when we arrived, we picked out where we wanted to eat. Then, since we were driving this time, everything else just fell into place. Plus, since the hotel was close by, we got to go back and take naps before dinner, which was just great :)<br />
<br />
<u>Photo taking</u>: It's never easy trying to take photos as a couple and in our packing, we somehow forgot to bring the tripod. I've touched on this topic before, but it basically comes down to behind resourceful and creative. Try to look for benches or mailboxes or recycling bins -- flat surfaces to put your camera down on. Use things you have on hand like lens caps or wallets to steady or prop up the camera. For the lavender photos, I used my purse, which was perfect because of the rectangular shape, and the low angle I wanted to shoot at to get the lavender in frame. I prefer this method over asking strangers because 1) as it was the case with lavender, there might not be anyone around, and 2) you might feel frustrated if they don't take the photo you were hoping for (an emotion I'm all too familiar with). So it's best just to turn on the timer and do it on your own. If you don't have a remote, make sure you turn the shooting mode to consecutive shots so you can get a bunch at once. The important thing is to just have fun with it!<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed these photos! Thanks for reading :)</div>
Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-72665394632704064632018-06-29T17:00:00.000-04:002018-09-29T23:54:31.404-04:00Summer BBQ & The 70s<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
One of my most anticipated activities for the summer is having a barbecue. It's always a good time with friends gathered around, relaxing with the patio door open, drinking refreshing beverages and chowing down on some good ol' fashioned comfort food. So when my super talented home chef friend Charlotte reached out to collab on a ribs & summer bbq concept in the spirit of Ribfest, I was all too happy to accept! Charlotte has cooked for me twice before, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeyD_2jllFU/?taken-by=zhanglingphotography" target="_blank">Korean stew</a> and brunch spread with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BfErAecFeSO/?taken-by=zhanglingphotography" target="_blank">dutch baby pancakes</a>. This shoot was a much larger operation as the she made an incredible amount of food that also took much longer to cook. It really was a whole day affair (not to mention the prep work she did the night before!) Plus, more dishes meant more moving pieces to arrange on the table. It was a definite challenge for me, but one that I was eager to take on!<br />
<br />
Our shoot was actually indoors, but drape a gingham tablecloth from the dollar store and you could believe we're outside on a picnic bench in a park, right? :P<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqZvN28KSK65DXlefESQEeOrPuczktWF9uSoXeMf1dcUUutsIiKWjUJRrm-7SmyFg3BXkp_HLB0qNGq6ba6IeHoU_mweuAt4uBuU-K93fVupZKcEFZWPiw1dWyEATN35LsYXcHrhVQS0r/s1600/DSCF4279b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqZvN28KSK65DXlefESQEeOrPuczktWF9uSoXeMf1dcUUutsIiKWjUJRrm-7SmyFg3BXkp_HLB0qNGq6ba6IeHoU_mweuAt4uBuU-K93fVupZKcEFZWPiw1dWyEATN35LsYXcHrhVQS0r/s640/DSCF4279b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">full spread! including fresh picked daisies :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5mP_H6eTa-IKwmd833M0zDtRJXZ_6bL-iKKUA0i12kQ3YfgaONEov4P53j7CKk7KW4LpyzbfXceSPT4i7BLeFFp303MpeQe_QC_ofXJDIqA0_Qeni1HBcJ4M_mewLPvsTiP5iYj3pv4W/s1600/DSCF4306b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5mP_H6eTa-IKwmd833M0zDtRJXZ_6bL-iKKUA0i12kQ3YfgaONEov4P53j7CKk7KW4LpyzbfXceSPT4i7BLeFFp303MpeQe_QC_ofXJDIqA0_Qeni1HBcJ4M_mewLPvsTiP5iYj3pv4W/s640/DSCF4306b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mmm garlic bread <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6KaxFZCfzpMLYGRMOM1z41o6b74o-uH4BatZMnDV-M-4C7PNv4oTZZB8gV97UHq_CB4qYdrZQpFd0-uTrZIVYPA-Q6WBTHzWmHSz3Wd6v77ntnUrdcIrcx2EbTTlAAXph9z51fk17Usv/s1600/DSCF4312b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6KaxFZCfzpMLYGRMOM1z41o6b74o-uH4BatZMnDV-M-4C7PNv4oTZZB8gV97UHq_CB4qYdrZQpFd0-uTrZIVYPA-Q6WBTHzWmHSz3Wd6v77ntnUrdcIrcx2EbTTlAAXph9z51fk17Usv/s640/DSCF4312b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">let's do it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had to go back and shoot a couple times after reviewing the first batch of photos and mentally assessing what was missing. In the end, I'm pretty happy with my top three. The flatlay is a must to show all of Charlotte's hard work; I always have a close up and I seriously do love garlic bread; and lastly, I wanted to showcase the drinks and the fun napkins, sort of as a "cheers!" to the whole shebang.<br />
<br />
Summer BBQs also remind me of the 70s for some reason, and "That 70s Show" was one of my favourite tv shows growing up. I recently started rewatching it (again) on Netflix and so the outfits are very fresh in my mind. I've noticed that many of the fashion trends of the 70s are making a comeback today, which is pretty neat! For my two outfits this month, I drew inspiration from the two very different female leads of "That 70s Show".<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DD1thpLV63ZYJ1Zy94cMZehpLm4X70svENxCpejtIBNtHbZhYd9JNJ_VUbQCPwonQyfrAE59JWorsseIB7Jd8Cdo1_FK9M53K-pxVXSLVzwdo6lNIQi-zN2RC5dNQUQknfVWHqXUxvZ-/s1600/june-flatlay-vs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DD1thpLV63ZYJ1Zy94cMZehpLm4X70svENxCpejtIBNtHbZhYd9JNJ_VUbQCPwonQyfrAE59JWorsseIB7Jd8Cdo1_FK9M53K-pxVXSLVzwdo6lNIQi-zN2RC5dNQUQknfVWHqXUxvZ-/s640/june-flatlay-vs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Outfit 1 </b>(left): Guess navy off-shoulder crop top with tiny flowers, vintage plaid midi skirt, vintage square scarf, Aldo cork wedges<br />
<b>Outfit 2 </b>(right): Zara girls self-tie chambray button-down shirt, retro Guess jeans in 'Nicole boot', vintage silk horsebit print scarf, Michael Kors espadrille wedges </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Outfit 1: The Jackie </h3>
Jackie Burkhart is the princessy girly-girl in the ragtag team of teenagers. She's super obsessed with fashion and her looks but it certainly pays off --she's always so stylish!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryD7L9iT3rAmkJIoB53Vh5YwLYb1rpn86Ngh9seWjRWR34OxfZQeaYRzMHnqY912-ZCWNxG8sv39ZRU1KHDYENeGSWJ1Axnjv-dNYhBEklw0d-jBRKhzpM_9qwOrUd4y9gtuJrpCsKIjD/s1600/DSCF4325-lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryD7L9iT3rAmkJIoB53Vh5YwLYb1rpn86Ngh9seWjRWR34OxfZQeaYRzMHnqY912-ZCWNxG8sv39ZRU1KHDYENeGSWJ1Axnjv-dNYhBEklw0d-jBRKhzpM_9qwOrUd4y9gtuJrpCsKIjD/s640/DSCF4325-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The skirt, wedges, and neck scarf are thrifted from my local thrift shop. I love the bold colours of the skirt -- it's rare to find plaid in these colours in modern pieces. The buttons are also detailed and intricate, which is a recurring element I look for in my items. Jackie wore a lot of neck scarves in the show so I definitely wanted to incorporate a neck scarf without feeling too tight in the neck and chest area. The fun and flirty, slightly off-shoulder top from Guess adds the little extra bit of exposure skin that balances out the scarf in a complementary way.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Outfit 2: The Donna</h3>
Donna is the tall leggy tomboy who is stunning in her own way. She will wear dresses for special occasions but loves to rock her flared jeans.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_zVbs5m_ge-dxCvO4REXViyYarVVqbOzgEXusURK53TH5fAB7UMfc9jCWpV0V1JHbcroPy0kiXaCbGPk21bJ8ike69V1Ok1NSd7OOMuWO5IrBojfFld-s6FORkx33x7g5I7DxciIHU4V/s1600/DSCF4330-lb-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_zVbs5m_ge-dxCvO4REXViyYarVVqbOzgEXusURK53TH5fAB7UMfc9jCWpV0V1JHbcroPy0kiXaCbGPk21bJ8ike69V1Ok1NSd7OOMuWO5IrBojfFld-s6FORkx33x7g5I7DxciIHU4V/s640/DSCF4330-lb-00.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These vintage bootcut Guess jeans are also from my local thrift store. I appreciate how vintage denim is like wine -- it gets better over time. The soft "broken in" feel is super comfy and usually if there is any distressing, it also tends to look more natural. Denim on denim is another trend from the 70s that seems to have popped back up again in recent trends (it came back once before in the 90s too). My self-tie top is actually from Zara girl's dept. Zara makes surprisingly high quality kids items and I will on occasion browse to see if there's anything that still looks like it could pass for an adult item. Crop tops are usually a safe bet since they're meant to be short anyway. I added some finishing vintage touches such as my trusty belt and a silk scarf as a bandanna. I'm only a bit taller than average height so my platform wedge espadrilles were a must to achieve the long leg effect of Donna Pinciotti.<br />
<br />
What's great about fashion comebacks for vintage/retro lovers like me is that I can wear my outfits out without feeling like I'm in costume! Additionally, while I still prefer thrift shopping for genuinely vintage/retro pieces, it's also nice to be able to have a lot more options readily available in regular stores.<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed the food photos and outfit pairings!<br />
Thanks for reading :)Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-50914940394730688962018-06-22T23:31:00.004-04:002024-02-29T15:35:05.932-05:002018 Summer Fashion Trends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74V8FQjrTs76m3MhVfkl3xBf_uf1iNMwFj-aV60QiPKKapGWJcYZwdtXYj6v3L7btLP3D_mKEj8SftpwvrBnc7WvwBhhsgItWoiq5KbH7erYdWiOsNraBCYMlP9Kki64YCcdVQFqYuBWB/s1600/banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1080" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74V8FQjrTs76m3MhVfkl3xBf_uf1iNMwFj-aV60QiPKKapGWJcYZwdtXYj6v3L7btLP3D_mKEj8SftpwvrBnc7WvwBhhsgItWoiq5KbH7erYdWiOsNraBCYMlP9Kki64YCcdVQFqYuBWB/s640/banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hooray it's summer! Even though it only <i>just </i>became official yesterday, I felt summer-like weather as of the very first day of the month! The winters in Ottawa are so brutally painful and long that any glimmer of summer vibes is cause for celebration. Last year's summer almost passed me by but its resurgence in September actually triggered new photography and blog ideas. My <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2017/09/summer-fashion-week.html" target="_blank">2017 Summer Fashion post</a> being the kick-off post, followed shortly by a <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2017/11/favourite-fall-fashions.html" target="_blank">Fall Fashion post </a>and a whole monthly fashion component to my yearly project. However, summer (and likely fall again later this year) deserves its own spotlight. This year, I noticed some fun trends in popular fashion that I somehow am keeping up with. I'm not usually a subscriber to current trends although I do like to observe them and it's just a happy coincidence when I happen to be on trend! Without further ado, here are the three trends I seem to be on board with this summer :<br />
<h3>
Trend 1: Paperbag bottoms</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dtR8BQ_g2_5rc2sMRY1WvoQBiEJiuF08X5M5d-ngP7peXiLyfggCzYGHdx5GwhETvkAWW2k9AbvZCoRaxDKFSkU42fp7B-P96DK3SuKjybjAsC5-oaCAXRzkgM8pmkQnmXytDr-F_KOz/s1600/DSCF3679-lb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dtR8BQ_g2_5rc2sMRY1WvoQBiEJiuF08X5M5d-ngP7peXiLyfggCzYGHdx5GwhETvkAWW2k9AbvZCoRaxDKFSkU42fp7B-P96DK3SuKjybjAsC5-oaCAXRzkgM8pmkQnmXytDr-F_KOz/s640/DSCF3679-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peplum jersey top from Jacob<br />
Thrifted skirt<br />
Belt from Banana Republic<br />
Red purse from Zara<br />
Flats from Louise et Cie<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Let me tell you just how accidentally on trend this skirt is: I bought this from one of my thrifting hauls...back in January! I loved it so much I went home and put the top and belt together right away. And then proceeded to wait 5 months until it was finally warm enough to wear it. I wore this outfit to work for casual Friday's and got oodles of compliments -- great boost of self-esteem! And then passing this row of lilacs on the way home = perfect photo op!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2u4qQX_MGgM2zj_ftfvx_B950j7H54iz_uTqt8Z6i0RWpOXR8a_CpyB7jNrfrsOFN86NjNReNpNCiZR94I8S1LPlzFjt_l7_sq8QLNxCty8VYLBUIEO36a-b_gJ80v9p4pIUwYYEpGa6/s1600/DSCF4229-lb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2u4qQX_MGgM2zj_ftfvx_B950j7H54iz_uTqt8Z6i0RWpOXR8a_CpyB7jNrfrsOFN86NjNReNpNCiZR94I8S1LPlzFjt_l7_sq8QLNxCty8VYLBUIEO36a-b_gJ80v9p4pIUwYYEpGa6/s640/DSCF4229-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blouse from H&M<br />
Pants from Zara<br />
Heels from Marciano<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This outfit is all newer pieces for me this season but I love how effortlessly it comes together. I surprisingly didn't own a rose print top and while I liked seeing the many paperbag pants options out there, it was this brick colour with the cuffs in the soft pant material from Zara that really sold it for me! What I really appreciate about this self-tie is that the pant itself is already cinched in the paperbag style without needing the belt, and so the belt sits flat and the bow ties nicely. A lot of other self-tie pants either have the string pulling through or the belt goes over, having the pleats unevenly distributed which can look kind of messy. This look has been my go-to for a classy girl's brunch out, and also a casual but professional look at the office. Yay multi-purpose!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Trend 2: Double Denim</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEo0NqL-JYpBqXytPb3pFKR9rIe6WxGcNztz3qAcA2OoaVkkJO1X-DVgGSL7nFkN2Ppu_fvNWPComYkKSfUP0mhj0fT_aecr-9Xbu3KHIALqg7zfCxZ3mVdr2Ghc8fkCmiV635-uqdsIc/s1600/DSCF3920-lb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEo0NqL-JYpBqXytPb3pFKR9rIe6WxGcNztz3qAcA2OoaVkkJO1X-DVgGSL7nFkN2Ppu_fvNWPComYkKSfUP0mhj0fT_aecr-9Xbu3KHIALqg7zfCxZ3mVdr2Ghc8fkCmiV635-uqdsIc/s640/DSCF3920-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chambray joggeres from aerie<br />
Crop top from Forever21<br />
Denim Jacket from H&M (thanks Amanda!)<br />
Crochet Sneakers from Guess<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These chambray joggers are also a new addition this season after an unexpected venture into aerie which proved to be quite fruitful! They are the perfect balance between "loose enough to be comfy" and "sleek enough to be chic". I wore these to Montreal and it got a little chilly at times so I borrowed Amanda's denim jacket for a "Canadian Tuxedo" look. Turns out double denim is a real trend, so great to see retro vibes making a comeback! This outfit has become my go-to weekend/photographer outfit. Camera fits nicely in backpack for when I don't need it out and the loose bottoms mean I can pop a squat whenever I need to get into intense photographer mode. Little secret...I'm slightly embarrassed to admit I wore this easy breezy outfit three weekends in a row (swapping in my own denim jacket the second weekend, and a different tee for the third)!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUAh_ysVUBh-MYBs6xOepM95cocBE-AxkHsZUpxYSyfwDcqlMmFcumgFgDVpcbju39XDI8RMCH9zJMNZJ4pVUjWkLdTygTyS9wVPhEPlx2gQaF1isgAGIAp2-cHpOV5YsoVg4ee3ZPiID/s1600/DSCF4235-lb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUAh_ysVUBh-MYBs6xOepM95cocBE-AxkHsZUpxYSyfwDcqlMmFcumgFgDVpcbju39XDI8RMCH9zJMNZJ4pVUjWkLdTygTyS9wVPhEPlx2gQaF1isgAGIAp2-cHpOV5YsoVg4ee3ZPiID/s640/DSCF4235-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chambray shirt from aerie<br />
Pineapple crop top from Hollister<br />
Denim shorts from Guess<br />
Slides from Town Shoes<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This chambray shirt was part of the same aerie haul and oh my gosh it is soooo soft. It's the perfect weight to throw on over summer outfits that are a little skimpier, to still have the cool without bearing too much skin. I used to wear this oxford men's-style shirt from Club Monaco as a cover up but I got some curry on it and now there's this bright yellow stain where I tried to wash it out :( Am glad now that I have a replacement! I also want to talk a bit about these shorts and actually just shorts in general. I'm at this point where I've accumulated a number of cute shorts but working Mon-Fri and then having all these other fun things to wear on the weekend, I really can't get through all my shorts in rotation! So I'm taking a heavy hand to editing more of the casual items in my closet. These shorts however have made the cut! They are easily one of my favourites, an oldie but a goodie. The mid-rise is really comfy, there's good bum cheek coverage (very important to me), pockets are a unique touch, and the wash is a classic shade of light blue. It's not always easy to edit a closet, especially for someone like me who has emotional attachment to a lot of my items, but the process can also give renewed appreciation for those pieces that you truly love!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Trend 3: Navy Shadow Stripes </h3>
Anyone who knows me knows that I love navy stripes and nautical theme overall. I own many (many many) striped items and navy stripes in my opinion are one of those classic styles that never go out of style! Nevertheless, I wanted to try a slight twist on an old classic, so I tried to feature pieces where the navy stripe is more of a subtle touch rather than the prominent pattern.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RdMKNOlGH3FMW-9_3u9Oin-lzsIosQd_RyZCl-FxexIMY2P1pel76G7xyyYURpkbT4FWtXB0egynVyHn7vGh4ISPuWaTUswxAGC_bEs3wLjUs0OlCq6sr72Jy13krf11eiZQgWaE6BHS/s1600/DSCF4132-lb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RdMKNOlGH3FMW-9_3u9Oin-lzsIosQd_RyZCl-FxexIMY2P1pel76G7xyyYURpkbT4FWtXB0egynVyHn7vGh4ISPuWaTUswxAGC_bEs3wLjUs0OlCq6sr72Jy13krf11eiZQgWaE6BHS/s640/DSCF4132-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bodysuit from Express<br />
Maxi skirt from Club Monaco<br />
Belt from Nordstrom<br />
Chloe Purse from my mom<br />
Sandals from Massimo Dutti<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This maxi-skirt was also purchased in the middle of winter, as part of the Christmas sales! I very quickly fell in love with the floral pattern with the navy stripes adding an extra layer of interest in the background but unlike the paperbag skirt, I didn't know how I wanted to pair it until the time came. Since I loved the pattern so much, I kept the other pieces simple to keep the focus on the skirt. I really enjoy the low heel of these sandals to give a bit of elevation so I'm not completely flat, but not too high so that it's overdressed. This outfit for me would be for a cute date night with the S.O :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdg9geXmvAHAQd7ViTUUI-dchFIZPTqHKSdg9MIxhBo1taJWtLmvnoYeSNhQwYH6UBN6mlhdWKWKQCaV9AyicmIWroqmdGLOXWib4qkiP687teMJc2JHVXU1sajw0pahJsSw3qNSed9vdI/s1600/DSCF4197-lb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdg9geXmvAHAQd7ViTUUI-dchFIZPTqHKSdg9MIxhBo1taJWtLmvnoYeSNhQwYH6UBN6mlhdWKWKQCaV9AyicmIWroqmdGLOXWib4qkiP687teMJc2JHVXU1sajw0pahJsSw3qNSed9vdI/s640/DSCF4197-lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romper from Club Monaco<br />
Vintage purse<br />
Sandals from Massimo Dutti<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another piece from Club Monaco, I've actually had this one for a few years now, but that's part of why I love it. Classic items never go out of style! The lyocell fabric is so silky and breezy, the wide leg for those palazzo pant vibes, and the cute little self-tie bow for a sliver of skin adds the special finishing touch. Side note, straw/raffia purses also seem to be trending now! I saw a number of designs at Zara and other mainstream stores, but I really like this vintage one that I found at the thrift store. It's very sturdy and well-made and has little metal feeties. I love feeties as I tend to put my purse down without thinking at times and the feeties prevent the bottom of the purse from getting dirty. A necessity for anyone who is like me in that sense!<br />
<br />
This post (and the outfits featured) were much anticipated for me. As I've mentioned, some pieces I've waited months to be able to wear out! Don't want to jinx anything but summer this year seems like it'll be a good one! Looking forward to more fashion fun in the sun :P<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed these outfits! Thanks for reading :)Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866893797119868054.post-43722698102366525092018-06-13T21:38:00.002-04:002018-09-29T23:58:16.640-04:00Summer Saturday Hangout with JoanWorking a regular 9-5, I try my hardest to make time to just hang out and catch up with friends weekend. Some days it's easier said than done! As much as I love photography, it can sometimes take me away or alienate me. I mentioned in my <a href="https://zhanglingphotography.blogspot.com/2018/06/montreal-weekend-fashion-friends-food.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, I spent a lot of time shooting the bar, which meant I missed out on some conversations with the girls. And while I was taking pictures of the food, I also missed out on most the group selfies (although they were sweet and made sure to get one with me as well!)<br />
<br />
That's why I really appreciate solo one-on-one hangouts. Especially when the friend is also down to be bossed around for some fun casual shoots hehe. I find it's easy to keep a dialogue going and the photos I snap up actually add to the conversation, rather than take me away!<br />
<br />
Which brings us to today's post, photos from my casual shoot on Saturday with Joan. We spent the afternoon at 613flea hunting for vintage treasures, followed by some girl talk (clothing, jewelry, and prosecco, duh? :P), then a cup of tea and sunset at the beach. That's what I call a great Saturday!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycoLWIlCHaRfAP_TBNoyjEvkSXtwFYsbZ0XyPRUV4An6IXGA5rLyJlHK5m3a5WI7Ztr7QWfmKswplm9buXPQe4RwWAENrqrbCblIAQS0dOKgFXgOoUEFbuTygmNWq94FIICcIzptLTGjL/s1600/DSCF3963b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycoLWIlCHaRfAP_TBNoyjEvkSXtwFYsbZ0XyPRUV4An6IXGA5rLyJlHK5m3a5WI7Ztr7QWfmKswplm9buXPQe4RwWAENrqrbCblIAQS0dOKgFXgOoUEFbuTygmNWq94FIICcIzptLTGjL/s640/DSCF3963b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWJCTh0GVJskpu-J-kHRn_mJx7LRyI68I9x5K59dWWtHNatKzYWZhYoR-_CxPypoHR4Y36A09DebwUzVdalZf-fEuwnrEGHX0mQ3QwFb-yl_K76p2lmsJNuxBnpm4xUzrYDUOkXTLkm68/s1600/DSCF3977b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWJCTh0GVJskpu-J-kHRn_mJx7LRyI68I9x5K59dWWtHNatKzYWZhYoR-_CxPypoHR4Y36A09DebwUzVdalZf-fEuwnrEGHX0mQ3QwFb-yl_K76p2lmsJNuxBnpm4xUzrYDUOkXTLkm68/s640/DSCF3977b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZkDkAQrGVvPRFR3yB0TGAiBbKnsRMdAFF5YISJm-6DnpsGQy1Z_aJllWFl-qtFB5GzbmjxCqfRx7T_mdz6yqxm4eBrIOV7ehdrFNh3sLMKhYbRHCTJOgf0mN1pGZpPeUfp6dS-pS4Bn-/s1600/DSCF3928b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZkDkAQrGVvPRFR3yB0TGAiBbKnsRMdAFF5YISJm-6DnpsGQy1Z_aJllWFl-qtFB5GzbmjxCqfRx7T_mdz6yqxm4eBrIOV7ehdrFNh3sLMKhYbRHCTJOgf0mN1pGZpPeUfp6dS-pS4Bn-/s640/DSCF3928b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fun fact: the lovely blouse, vintage bracelet and Dior earrings from this outfit were all fantastic finds from the flea market! Successful shopping day: check :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWer4Z-abo7jWVhgF1jBOxA85yC5ff05ynXWqYs0n6NvJiiaK4u0q3_Ki6-C-yFsEKjyqDNZvNR76CHC9SZtrWVihKjB_6vvm3oRdWfFO6YfI4T3wGVnZ_kYRZOreBvA29vCFslKU5-7Og/s1600/DSCF3936b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWer4Z-abo7jWVhgF1jBOxA85yC5ff05ynXWqYs0n6NvJiiaK4u0q3_Ki6-C-yFsEKjyqDNZvNR76CHC9SZtrWVihKjB_6vvm3oRdWfFO6YfI4T3wGVnZ_kYRZOreBvA29vCFslKU5-7Og/s640/DSCF3936b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrLlNv3cSpMQDqE3qFgKZX3CWUSCR0FxRai06LcFe_Rr83CTVnbg2mofYG_nlQVfh95nds7BkZRSgpzsca8U_q-SZl7Ziv2z1xkrlxzmdSdr95prIQkIt4MU63Ads4I1NYfWZH8hIzPCD/s1600/DSCF3982b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrLlNv3cSpMQDqE3qFgKZX3CWUSCR0FxRai06LcFe_Rr83CTVnbg2mofYG_nlQVfh95nds7BkZRSgpzsca8U_q-SZl7Ziv2z1xkrlxzmdSdr95prIQkIt4MU63Ads4I1NYfWZH8hIzPCD/s640/DSCF3982b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvml8_Kmk_6GWFozSedpAUQ7IKyb6uhuqlKJj0iMm60v25g-dSoA0OGJrATlzYDsCjJAJ7hO2s7uUoWcd0hMxGLkd4E_MzdZB7B6wnC4TAULlnM2kFQcooaUADpmVfdZRZjqOdI24n4x0l/s1600/DSCF3996b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvml8_Kmk_6GWFozSedpAUQ7IKyb6uhuqlKJj0iMm60v25g-dSoA0OGJrATlzYDsCjJAJ7hO2s7uUoWcd0hMxGLkd4E_MzdZB7B6wnC4TAULlnM2kFQcooaUADpmVfdZRZjqOdI24n4x0l/s640/DSCF3996b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunset glow <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrAKeCy9OTRZ5XjmPkv0joKg6Q6ItUCcwtH51rnIt0uhi-q-pdwnXWbfTMGYDqr4gzTa5vFk7O8lHRwZfNoaweSVpxMPBxV-rIbEsc_ZiLs-iXXM2ZA0GN07GLZRURk8l2znXjR2CUcN9/s1600/DSCF4006b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrAKeCy9OTRZ5XjmPkv0joKg6Q6ItUCcwtH51rnIt0uhi-q-pdwnXWbfTMGYDqr4gzTa5vFk7O8lHRwZfNoaweSVpxMPBxV-rIbEsc_ZiLs-iXXM2ZA0GN07GLZRURk8l2znXjR2CUcN9/s640/DSCF4006b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">that runway walk </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iTY3J0W96NJcWYLr0Ce76c61d6fCrwQnCC11IEdo1kV-SdJYvuYB7Cg7CjIxo2ivsZ_QwQ8gBbqKHWRerDmYOkB_zxIsX9cZtMlRUiUKumIKWcbZHlC231Fai8269bFMCjYYFL92QxDH/s1600/DSCF4025b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iTY3J0W96NJcWYLr0Ce76c61d6fCrwQnCC11IEdo1kV-SdJYvuYB7Cg7CjIxo2ivsZ_QwQ8gBbqKHWRerDmYOkB_zxIsX9cZtMlRUiUKumIKWcbZHlC231Fai8269bFMCjYYFL92QxDH/s640/DSCF4025b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love the translucent sleeves on this top!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBs56IonIbD10FzD2C39d51HjM38h7w5BtGfb9YQuT610jP7JF0wiTtudeJbBl7RrEZCs8OrtOayBOKl_hlEiawjtDc7V69s7yK349uW-IV5pfeOBhIf_AnuDKVorWmxXMRXi72GZnOJ7/s1600/DSCF4029b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBs56IonIbD10FzD2C39d51HjM38h7w5BtGfb9YQuT610jP7JF0wiTtudeJbBl7RrEZCs8OrtOayBOKl_hlEiawjtDc7V69s7yK349uW-IV5pfeOBhIf_AnuDKVorWmxXMRXi72GZnOJ7/s640/DSCF4029b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"spread my wings"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKTOFNwQKmPAgdPZu6_wVn8K67rzaymFK92NCkdUhYOnnBmpFcPmZTWRQyxP_XattX1JDYHt77r9zA9NDIcl29ur8v2Og4VXbA5h1uOBNbcWkgC8B3v5QVad-IyiODq1vshw8QPOhJfJC/s1600/DSCF4045b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKTOFNwQKmPAgdPZu6_wVn8K67rzaymFK92NCkdUhYOnnBmpFcPmZTWRQyxP_XattX1JDYHt77r9zA9NDIcl29ur8v2Og4VXbA5h1uOBNbcWkgC8B3v5QVad-IyiODq1vshw8QPOhJfJC/s640/DSCF4045b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gorgeous smile! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hangout aside, I really enjoyed shooting with Joan! It's always a little daunting when it's the first time, trying to work out the model/photographer dynamic, but we just clicked and chatted the whole time, it was a great experience all around. Plus, she has a super fun personality, if you couldn't tell from the photos! If you ask me, a friendship built on mutual love of vintage fashion is one that lasts ;)<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed the photos! Thanks for reading :)Linda Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17731057212628638166noreply@blogger.com0