0 - WELCOME

Welcome to May!

How is it May already? I can’t believe we’re a third of the way through the year. Last month was a whirlwind — I was completely consumed by work and barely had time for anything else. (I was on a due diligence for a merger, and it was crazy.) Anyway, that’s over now so things are back to normal. This month, I’ll be heading to Toronto for work, which is quite exciting because it’s the first time that I’ve had a Toronto-based client!

Separately, I mentioned back in my April newsletter that I will be launching personal styling services. Call this a soft launch, but if you’re interested in styling for every day wear, a special occasion or anything in between, I’m happy to help! You can reply to this email or shoot me a note at jc@jacquelinechiu.com :)

1 - FASHION

What I Wear To Work

Work outfits are the bane of my existence. Since I started travelling every week for work again, it’s been a struggle on Sundays to pack. Thankfully, I can wear jeans, so it hasn’t been too much of a change compared to what I usually wear. That being said, sometimes I still find it challenging to figure out an appropriate, yet fashionable outfit. Here’s what I have been wearing:

• Jacket: I like blazers that are oversized, but aren’t big enough to engulf me. I also love a good shacket (shirt jacket) and utility jacket. My favourite brands for jackets are Anine Bing, Toteme and MM Lafleur (you can also use JACQUELINE20 for 20% off)

• Tops: I’ve never really been a fan of blouses, so I’m usually either in a jacket or sweater (i.e. variations of turtlenecks, crewnecks, v-necks and vests). I also like to layer collared shirts underneath my knitwear for a more formal look

• Pants: I love juxtaposing tailored pants with something more casual. Long gone for me are the days of “business formal”, so I pair tailored pants with sneakers or something less polished like a leather jacket. I wear Frankie Shop’s Gelso Pants religiously — I have them in many colours

• Jeans: I wear black, dark grey, or dark blue jeans in a loose/straight fit — nearly all are from Toteme. My all-time favourite, as you know, is Toteme’s Grey Flare Jeans — the 1% elastane provides the perfect stretch. When I need completely black jeans, I like Re/Done’s High Rise Loose jeans or Toteme’s Black Flare Jeans

• Shoes: It’s still quite chilly in Toronto, so I’ve been wearing my comfortable, but stylish Toteme Kitten Heel Boots (I put in 16K steps in them last week and my feet were great) and Gianvito Rossi Martis Ankle boots. Once the weather warms up, I’ll be wearing flats, loafers and sneakers all day long

• Bag: My “workhorse bag” is a Medium Celine Cabas Phantom tote, which fits my laptop easily as well as a water bottle and other items. I also use a Bottega Veneta Arco Tote, which I love. My dream work bag is The Row Margaux 17 — one day!

Below are some work-appropriate options:

Five Things I Bought

Below are five things I bought and loved last month:

2 - TRAVEL

Toronto

As you may know, I grew up in Toronto (after moving from Hong Kong) and spent many years in the city post-graduation. I love Toronto — it’s such an underrated city with great food, people, and culture. I’ve shied away from sharing a Toronto travel guide because I selfishly want to keep the city for myself, but, it’s time! Here it is:

Things To Do

• Explore: As a tourist, there are the typical things to do in Toronto (like the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Centre Island, St. Lawrence Market, etc.), but I think the real draw of the city comes from exploring different neighbourhoods. Toronto is very diverse and multi-cultural — some neighbourhoods that I enjoy include Bellwoods/Ossington, Queen West, Kensington Market, Distillery District, Little Italy, Korea Town, and Danforth

• Shop: I love visiting VSP Consignment, Mjolk and 119 Corbo whenever I’m home

• Watch Films: TIFF Bell Lightbox is my favourite theatre — when I lived around the corner, I used to pop in for a solo movie on weeknights and weekends. The Toronto International Film Festival takes place every September and is a must-see

• Exercise: If you’re a runner, the path along Queen’s Quay/Lakeshore is beautiful. I go to Muse Movement for pilates and Studio Lagree for megaformer

Where to Stay

• There’s no shortage of great hotels, including the Ace Hotel, 1 Hotel, Drake Hotel and Four Seasons

What to Eat/Drink

• The food scene in Toronto has always been great, but last year, Michelin finally came to Toronto and rated our restaurants! The list of fantastic restaurants is endless, but I always go back to Pai, Byblos, Buca Yorkville, Joso’s, Giulietta, and Osteria Giulia. The list goes on and on…

• Coffee culture is big in Toronto. Great coffee is everywhere — my favourites are Neo and Dineen

• If you want delicious Chinese food, which I think is probably the best in Canada, you should head to Markham, which is a suburb north of Toronto. A lot of people like Fishman Lobster Clubhouse. For dim sum, I like Casa Victoria, but I just go wherever my parents take me lol

• Tim Horton’s (affectionately known as Timmie’s) is Canada’s iconic coffee chain and worth a visit

General Advice

• I recommend visiting in the spring/fall, because winters (Dec-March) are rather cold and snowy

• Toronto is a fairly walkable city — there are obviously subways and streetcars, but I prefer walking to get around (at least when it’s warm)

3 - OTHER

4 - PARTING NOTE

Thanks to the recent travels, I’ve been eating out a lot recently, but I’m really craving a home cooked meal. What are your favourite recipes?

Until next month, friends.