Exploring Toronto.

Took a MUCH NEEDED fashion week break to roam around the city and munch on some yummy food with my fashion friends: Tiffany Cruz and Sasha Xiao. Satisfied my dimsum craving and got a beautiful view of the CN Tower right by the water, all at once. DOUBLE WIN!!! For anyone touring the beautiful city or for those who have visitors in town, I definitely recommend you check out Pearl Harbour Front. Check out the mouthwatering pictures below. 

XOXO <3

-Margaret

Toronto Fashion Week with Lucian Matis.

Designer, Lucian Matis made his long awaited comeback to World MasterCard Fashion Week (WMCFW)! The spring 2016 collection is surreal! Models gracefully walked the runway with rich colors, chiffon and pearl detailed gowns. And can we talk about the individual headbands that matched each of the beautifully constructed gowns?! Beyond breathtaking! 

Conveniently ran into these blogger baes before the show. #SQUADGOALS anyone?! [From left to right: Filipa, Tiffany, Jenny and myself). 

 And even more baes before the show. How gorgeous are Justine and Ania?! 

 

With the designer and Canada's best lifestyle expert, Janette Ewen, following the show.

[Outfit details] Turtleneck: Uniqlo, Sweater: Topshop, Overalls: Zara (sold out, similar), Purse: Tory Burch (sold out, similar), Shoes: Topshop (sold out, similar), Jewelry: PANDORA.   

Photos: Sonia Recchia/Getty

XOXO <3

-Margaret

Toronto Fashion Week, SS16 with Matthew Gallagher.

Third season attending World MasterCard Fashion Week (WMCFW), also known as Toronto Fashion Week. Let me just say that this season was the best because of the weather!!! It wasn't snowing and surprisingly, I did not need a coat at all the entire week I was there. Shocking, I know! 

Started my first day of fashion with FOOD!! Visited the new bakery, Millie Patisserie and  Creamery for a quick caffeine fix and a sweet treat, of course! I had the green tea crepe cake and my girl, Tiffany of City Sleek Chic had the tiramisu crepe cake. Let me just say that it wasn't as smooth and decadent as the infamous crepe cakes at Lady M in New York City, but it definitely satisfied the craving. And can we talk about the marble table and tiny flower vase of flowers?! Instagrammers dream come true!  

Embraced the negative space nail trend this season and let me just tell you, my nail technician back at home was not thrilled to try this on me, it's not easy to apply as it may appear. But she NAILED IT! :D 

Started my week with designer, Matthew Gallagher. Each piece from his upcoming collection is unlike the other. You can tell he took his time on details and making sure each piece is one of a kind. Loved the structured dresses, long and flowy gowns and sequined jumpsuits. Gallagher even personally styled jewelry on each of his models prior to the show. First time I've seen this as typically a stylist/assistant handles this job. 

 Love the Timeless Elegance collection from PANDORA's new Autumn Collection. How chic are the Twinkling Forever bangles stacked on the models?! The jewelry definitely made the runway SPARKLE! 

 

Matthew clearly admires my Snpachat skills :D! Fabulous collection!! Until next time... stay warm, stay chic! 

[Outfit details] Sweater: Topshop, Dress: Forever 21, Mules: Zara (sold out, similar), Purse: Tory Burch (sold out, similar). 

XOXO <3

-Margaret

NYFW with Nanette Lepore.

Best way to end New York Fashion Week, SS16? With the Nanette Lepore presentation of course. This season, Nanette went with a creative approach by hosting a fun fashion party at her SoHo store on Broome St. Attendees got the full experience of how models get ready for shows from make-up, nails, hair, jewelry and all. After the prep session, attendees had a chance to witness the look book photo session. 

There were 10 models who changed four times throughout the night, and actually interacted with attendees and photographers- very convenient for us bloggers. And with a dj, canned wine and fun vibes, the night turned into a dance party!

My favorite looks are below. What do you guys think of the new collection?!

 I was in complete make-up envy. Absolutely love the popping eye liners by Stila showcased on all of the models. 

Totally need this dress. Nanette Lepore X eddieeddiebybillytommy collab. 

Caught up with the beautiful blogger behind, Viva Luxury Blog, Annabelle Fleur.

With the fabulous designer, Nanette Lepore.

Photos by: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

XOXO <3

-Margaret

NYFW with Concept Korea.

As a Korean-American, one of my all-time favorite shows during New York Fashion Week always happens to be Concept Korea. As I've never been to the country, it's always nice to see and experience the culture of Korea during my favorite week of the season. 

So if you don't know the story behind Concept Korea, each year four different designers are invited to showcase their work in New York City. The program is organized by the Ministry of Culture, sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, the Daegu Metropolitan City, the Korean Creative Contents Agency and Korean Research Institute for Fashion Industry.

As the two menswear designers already showcase their collection at the first ever menswear fashion week earlier this year, the two womenswear designers, Jarret and Kaal E. Suktae showcased their spring, summer 2016 collection on Monday, September 14, at Moynihan Station. 

I had a chance to go backstage before the show to quickly meet with the designers to find out more about their collections. Each designer had a unique story to tell about their collections. Designer, Kaael E. Suktae's collection is inspired by the second chapter of the Book of Daniel, "A Dream of King," which explores the idea of human beings coming from nothing and going back to nothing. Kaal E. Suktae's collection featured basic colors of white and black, but each piece was either decked out with Western-style buckles or fun prints to minimally make a statement. 

Jarret's collection told a fairy-tale like story, as it was inspired by Snow White's alter ego, the witch queen. The bold colors and intricate patterns definitely spoke for themselves. 

Below are pictures from my backstage experience and of course, pictures of my favorite pieces. Can't wait till they hit stores!!!! 

 [Outfit details] Dress: Trouvé Drape Front Midi Dress from Nordstrom, Jean Jacket: Nasty Gal, Sunglasses: Mango, Bag: TopShop

Kaal E. Suk Tae, SS16 [Photo Credit: Dan Lecca]

Kaal E. Suk Tae, SS16 [Photo Credit: Dan Lecca]

Jarret, SS16 [Photo Credit: Dan Lecca]

Jarret, SS16 [Photo Credit: Dan Lecca]

XOXO <3

-Margaret

Baltimore Restaurant Week.

Three-course dinner for $30?! Yup, you know I had to participate in Baltimore Restaurant Week! First stop: Maggie's Farm, a farm to table spot a bit away from the city in Harford. They have outdoor and indoor seating, and a dimly lit bar area inside. They apparently have a prix fixe menu for $30, every night- what a steal! 

My friend and I started off with the "Nashville Hot Chicken Bun" and "Crispy Brussels Sprouts." I was a bit disappointed with the bun, it's literally one piece of poorly fried chicken nugget mashed into a small bun. I definitely recommend getting the brussels sprouts- perfectly crispy in every bite, and the grapes surprisingly complement these edible buds. 

For our main course, my friend picked the "Curried Mussels" and I opted for the "Coffee Roasted Brisket." My friend loved the nicely seasoned mussels and fried rice hidden underneath- they definitely don't skimp out on the portion. My meal on the other hand, wasn't bad, but I've had better brisket. The sauce on top of the brisket is amazing, but it's only at the top so I was out of luck towards the end of my meal. As a Korean, I must say, the kimchi-chard slaw that came with my meal was actually pretty good. I'm typically not a huge fan of slaws as I am not a fan of mayo, but the kimchi masked the taste. Sadly, I was pretty disappointed on the cornbread...very, very dry and flavorless. 

And of course, we ended with dessert. It's nice to see they brew local, Zeke's coffee. My friend got the ice cream scoops and I went all in with the peach cobbler. Both were amazing! You could tell from the vanilla beans visible in the ice cream that it was homemade. Not to mention, the peaches in my cobbler were so fresh and plump! Overall, I'll give this restaurant a 4/5 rating. I definitely want to go back for brunch... heard they have donuts! 

 

Second stop: Aggio. A bit tucked away near Power Plant. As soon as I step into this two-story Italian restaurant, I feel like I'm inside a fancy, schmancy Italian restaurant in New York City. 

For starters, my friend got the Caesar Salad and I got the Octopus. I have never seen a caesar salad with fried oysters used as croutons- yum! And my octopus was amazing- perfectly prepared. I was not a fan of their savory funnel cake they gave us to nibble on though- very bland, same with their tasteless rosemary bread. I would have been fine without these two freebies. 

For our meals, my friend got the chicken- perfectly seasoned and cooked, and they were generous in her portion. And of course, I had to get the scallops- the real reason why I went. And I must say, I was a HUGE fan of the risotto underneath- perfectly seasoned and cooked (al-dente). I literally almost licked the plate. 

Lastly, dessert! My friend got the chocolate dish, which came with pistachio ice cream. And I went for the tiramisu. I have to say, I've never had tiramisu quite like this. Pretty hard to describe, but imagine a cube of hardened whip cream with pieces of tiramisu cake in between...YUM! And to end, they gave us a lemon, meringue cookie to cleanse our palette. I have to give this restaurant a 5/5 for sure!

I end with a sweet tip... Baltimore Restaurant Week is extended till August 9th! For a list of restaurants participating, check here: 

http://www.dinedowntownbaltimore.com/RestaurantWeek/

XOXO <3

-Margaret