take every chance. drop every fear

Wow..not practicing how to pose for over a month makes for weird expressions on the face.

So I've concluded...harem pants are just not my thing. I wish I could pull it off like some boys and girls because it feels amazing, like I'm walking outside in my underwear, but it just makes me look like I have a big front and back butt. Boo.
Add to the fact that I sprained my ankle twice in a span of 7 days and have been immobile, my butt looks big probably because it is.. Anyways, glad to be back blogging and seeing what you lovelies have been up to:)

On another note, I like this quote: some things are worth taking every chance for, and worth dropping every fear for.

*muah

xoxo, amy.

Really gotta work on my facial expressions..

[Wearing: Floral romper, ring: F21 | Harem pants: Joe Fresh Style | Leather jacket: Mackage | Shoes: Aldo]

the only exception

This weekend I was lucky enough to get the chance to check out a fashion show, and it wasn't your typical show either (more on that in another post when I get my hands on some photos:)

Afterwards, I went on a minishoot with one of my girlfriends who not only has amazing style (check her out in the outfit below), but she made my blah outfit come to life with a click of her camera. Comparing her SLR to my point and shoot is like comparing a Lexus SC to a pair of dingy rollerblades that came with a wheel missing and a flower growing out of the left skate ; it just doesn't make sense. And if it isn't so obvious, I want a pretty camera.



she is too cute for words.

On Cee: Leather jacket: Mackage | Silk top and harem pants: F21 | Ballet flats: Zara | Aviators: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Cecilia quilted purse: Marc Jacobs

See? Big cameras ftw.

Wearing: Blazer: Zara | Dress, accessories: F21 | Boots: Anne Klein | Berry quilted purse: ASOS

Photos by Celia L.

xoxo, amy.

working with garvin lee photography

During the holiday break, I had the unbelievable opportunity to style for the very first time, for a shoot with photographer Garvin Lee. Of course, I was as nervous as a boy named Nelly and visions of plain white tanks and blue jeans mockingly danced around in my head.  I managed to pull together a few looks and thanks to the amazing photography skills of Garvin Lee, makeup by Sandy Phan and gorgeousness of the model Joddi Alden, the photos turned out to be nothing short of spectacular.

Photography: Garvin Lee
Styling: Amy Kuan
Hair/Makeup: Sandy Phan
Model: Joddi Alden

What do you guys think? I definitely think there are tons I need to learn still.

Happy Friday loves.
:)

xoxo, amy.

part of your world

During my cousin's visit from the east coast, I got the opportunity to play tourist in my own city and went to the Vancouver Aquarium. It's been a while since I've been there, but it was exactly as I remembered when I used to go there as kid Amy: exciting, educational, fun..I was in awe of all the things mammal and amphibian like living there. Also saw a fatass squirrel in the parking lot.

Highlights from the aquarium were:

A cutie porpoise named Daisy who every time saw your camera, would swim towards you and hover so you can take a picture of her.

The dolphins who put on a show for their audience.

Sea otter high-fiving my cousin.

Hatpin urchins who just looked so badass.

And in fashion related news:

Cheers to Elin Kling, the first fashion blogger to collaborate with H&M and launch a collection! How amazing is that?? 

Read article here:

Fashion blogger designs first collection for H&M

Thanks for the article, Cat!

Turtles who totally came into the picture after they saw the flash.

Wearing: Jacket: Talula | Off the shoulder shirt, studded boots, feather earrings: F21 | Woven belt, bag & bracelet: H&M | Cargo pants: Costa Blanca

xoxo, amy.

it's a new day

This is the time where many reflect on the year that's gone by; laugh at the good times, shake our heads at the stupid ones, and cry about the moments we rather forget. I hope everyone can look back and learn from 2010, and continue to do bigger and better things. Personally, 2010 was a year of change and I am ready and looking forward to 2011. Things I've learned this past year:

*Sometimes it's not what you know, but who you know.
*Great people talk about ideas. Average people talk about things. Small people talk about other people.
*If you believe you can do something, do it. If you let others dictate your life, you'll only have yourself to blame.
*I like blogging and am thankful for meeting many awesome people through it.
*I take alot of food pictures.

What have you guys learned about yourself this year? And most importantly, what do you want to discover next?

Thank you to my amazing family, friends, readers and followers; you guys helped light the fire under my butt and I am throwing myself into life. :)

O ya, new year eve's outfit!

Me, Jenn, and my cousin Vicky at the Marriott in Richmond where DJ Vinny V and J-Mes spun wicked beats all night long.

Please ignore pose. Focus on details of the lace dress.

Me and fellow blogger babe The Broke Runway! (I had to wear stockings to hide the five new bruises I got from snowboarding. %?!$&)

 Me and one of my closest (not to mention gorgeous) girls, Jenn.

Wearing: Lace dress: F21 | Shoes: Aldo | Quilted Purse: Asos | Accessories: F21, Aldo, HK
On Jenn: One shoulder lace dress: F21 | Purse: Coach

Cheers to a fresh beginning!

xoxo, amy.

holiday hiatus

Wearing: Top, jeans, shoes & ring: F21 | Necklace: gift from mom

Sorry for the cruddy pictures, but this was what I wore on Christmas Day to dinner. The shirt was a gift from one of my sisters and was the perfect top to wear to hide the food belly after stuffing myself with a turkey that was cooked to absolute perfection, mashed potatoes and gravy, cheesecake and pecan tarts.

And I've been MIA during this month due to excessive eating and hanging with my favourite people. Below is a recap of the things that are making their way through my digestive tract:

Top left to bottom right:

1. Tomato bruschetta prepared by a girlfriend during an Xmas potluck get together.
2. Tiramisu for dessert from Argo's Cafe
3. BBQ duck spring rolls at Crime Lab. Freakin delicious.
4. Veggie Burger at Crime Lab; goat's cheese, tofu & mushroom patty on a fresh ciabatta bun with cucumber, tomato, avocado, lettuce & aioli served with yam fries. This is easily one of the best veggie burgers I've ever had.
5. All you can eat sushi and Korean BBQ at Shabusen on Granville. Yes, this was for a table of five. Yes, we also failed at consuming most of what was on that table .
6. Drinks at The Marquis; gin & tonic and tequila shots for our good friend Shy's birthday.
7. This picture does not do the turkey justice, but it was what I could manage after the family devoured the turkey in mere minutes. The white meat was so tender I swear it melted in my mouth. My cousin's husband is an amazing chef!
8. Biggest and most colourful jello shots I've ever seen or consumed. An Xmas getogether with a few of my volleyball mates.

Needless to say, I have put on a couple of happy pounds. I am happy, but my NYE dress probably not so much.

Hope everyone had an amazing holiday so far. Tomorrow's New Years Eve!

xoxo, amy.

natural born ninjas

A casual outfit I wore out for a night of drinks and singing tunes. What else would you wear if you were going to break out in song and dance complete with a cartwheel? I didn't do one, but if I had to, I would've been ready. Oh for sure.

This outfit was neutral and understated but I'm a believer that it's all in the details; the shimmer in the shirt, the grommets and woven detail on the hobo bag, a pair of sleek boots, and my new favourite ring from F21 gifted to me by my sister, made this look slightly more than ordinary.

Wearing: Leather jacket: Zara | Sparkly shirt, matte leggings, accessories: F21 | Scarf & tank: unknown | Hobo bag: Aldo | Boots: Alfani | Nails: OPI's Lincoln Park after Midnight


On another note, wow my hair looks horrendous. It's been dry, tangly and so flat that I've resorted to tying it up like I'm ready to go to bed (refer to above pic).
So good thing I had an appointment with my stylist yesterday. I finally took the plunge and got a cut I've been contemplating about for several months now! I am such a chicken!
Now without further a due, please meet the 15-year old version of me:

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.

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I got bangs! I know..it's not like I hacked off 8 inches or dyed it ruby red, but my hair is my security blanket and changing it scares the shit out of me. I'm sure that's why it took me ages to finally do it. I even backed out while in the salon and opted to just do side swept bangs. Big heavy side ones though! I reasoned. But my stylist and friend whom I've known for years, simply said no, we're doing it today. That's all the convincing I needed. And to make it as dramatic as possible, he took a chunk of my hair and ninja chopped it in one fell swoop.
As nervous as I was, he did an amazing job and my fringe turned out better than I hoped for. It'll be fun trying to play with different looks now:)

A real picture of me freaking out. I am so dramatic.

p.s: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on tonight at 10pm ET! I'll be in class, but feel free to twitter me with updates on the show and if 3,000 crunches per day is enough to get abs like that. Thank you.

xoxo, amy.

just as long as your love don't change

 

  

How I wish I took a picture of the mini blizzard we had here in Vancouver a couple of days ago. I gave up on trying to take pictures outdoors and instead, resorted to an underground parkade. It's funny; as soon as a singular snowflake comes down, I (among some) freak out and wonder: should I call work and say it's too crazy out there and that I can't make it in? Should I just skip school? Should I cancel everything that has to do with walking out the front door? Yes, you laugh but the knee-slapper part is your employer, professor, and friends usually all understand. We are so weak, so weak ;)

This is what I wore out to a girlfriend's dinner yesterday. She just came back from a long trip to Asia. We celebrated her homecoming with yogurt soju, delicious Korean food, and hilarious topics of conversation.  In moments like that, I wish I had video clips and not just pictures.

Wearing: Cardigan: UB | Dress, socks, accessories: F21 | Tights: UO | Bag: H&M | Boots: Aldo

xoxo, amy.