The Style Seen

home on the main

elim_chu — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:02:43 +0000

A few months ago, I made a new friend at work. Through a project we did together, I had the pleasure of visiting J’s apartment. The second she opened her door, I was blown away by the space and how she had chosen to decorate it.

Her everyday dishes are vintage tea cups, plates and heirloom silverware.

Her home is a study in cozy, hippy/shabby chic, Provencal style that she is continuously and patiently adding to.

Suddenly all those House & Home magazines are not so intimidating anymore.

A cozy nook to read and dream (Christmas tree idea: keep it simple with white lights and angel wings)

It’s all in the details-clockwise: thrift store frames for treasured family and favorite snapshots, original fixtures in the bathroom, a chandelier in the kitchen, her grand-papa’s binoculars

Everywhere I looked, there was something to catch my eye and keep me still for awhile. J and her BF are huge music lovers (UNDERSTATEMENT). The last time I heard music on vinyl, I think I was ten years old. Note to self: I need to look for my dad’s record player.

“Cashmere pillows are the best investment EVER.”

Quilting and lace

details: the watch

elim_chu — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:11:26 +0000

so fresh

elim_chu — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:30:51 +0000

Faux fur stole from Joe Fresh for under $20? Yes, please.

it was all a dream

elim_chu — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:32:42 +0000

Every cliche in the book can apply to my year. It was a blink, a blur, two snaps of the finger…and then it’s midnight and I’m kissing in another new year with my Mr. Man. 2012 holds my wildest dreams, and I hope, yours as well.

My favorite drink: vodka & water with lime juice

ZARA dress / ZARA evening gloves

Tristan stockings / ALDO shoes

2012 goal: I cook for my friends and/or family twice a month (This is going to be BIG for me. And you better believe I will try and do it in heels)

It’s been a blur. Cheers to 2012, my darling.

merry merry

elim_chu — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:13:27 +0000

Have a very merry DIY Christmas, lovelies.

Cheers.

With love,

Elim

buongiorno

elim_chu — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:46:21 +0000

This is my new friend Marco from Italy whom I’ve met here at Central Saint Martins. He is fantastico.

The one and only

back in black

elim_chu — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 08:03:23 +0000

Talula Babaton coat // H&M denim shirt // vintage leather skirt

from the archives: military-ish

elim_chu — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:14:20 +0000

Forever 21 trench coat // vintage purse // JBrand denim

Skinny belt as bracelet

Another find from my mom’s closet

Aritzia bra // Aritzia silk button down

shiny and bright

elim_chu — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:56:13 +0000

I was running errands and deep in list making mode when I caught the conversation happening, quite literally, behind my back. They were discussing my coat and how the girl thought it had been lovely in the shop but after seeing “like, a thousand other girls” in the same coat, she no longer thought it was for her. Her man friend then interjected the conversation with “ew. I totally know what you mean”.

Long story short, I allowed this couple’s personal opinions get under my skin. However, something in my best interest happened out of it. A thought I had at the time of purchase came back. This warm, well tailored, beautifully lined, cashmere and wool blend, sensibly-chosen-in-black coat had one detail that I wasn’t 100% happy with: the buttons. I didn’t love the buttons yet never made the effort to replace them. A few weekends ago, I quit settling and made the effort.

The Coat: Talula Babaton “Howell” Peacoat

The chosen ones: Vintage 1920′s buttons from Button Button

Left: the “before” button // Right: the “after” button

These buttons are officially the oldest vintage pieces I have ever purchased

Something new from something old

one of a kind

elim_chu — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 06:00:14 +0000

Last weekend I was invited to the grand opening party for The Board Of Trade, a boutique on the edge of Vancouver’s Chinatown. I was able to meet with David and Eunice (the owners of the store) and above the hub bub of the stylish crowd, they shared their store’s story.

If you’re looking for one of a kind pieces, this is the place to go. David and Eunice source labels from all over the world and in small quantities. The chosen pieces are intentional and I feel that the store is probably a very tight edit of what their own closets probably look like.

What I’ll be back for:

-The jewelery hanging by the cash desk. Unicorns and toy soldiers cast in metal. It’s amazing.

-Shoes for my boyfriend. I’m eyeing a few pairs of slip-ons for him for Christmas.

What I’ll remember to check in regularly for:

-Tees and jackets that only 10-12 other lucky people in Vancouver may get to own.

PS: If you’re in to minimalistic design, this store is all that and more.

In love with almost every piece they had hanging in their accessories section

Clockwise: Erin of Haus of Hybrid and Ashley of Social Chair, Keiko

With David & Eunice

Memories of my childhood were in these bowls

LOVE polaroids and this was such a fun way to engage their guests.

Check out some of the pics from Shake It Media here.

Want to know more about The Board of Trade? Read about them in String Magazine.