Hello, my name is Charlotte Chong! I am beyond excited to start my first semester as a Style Guru. Fashion has been one of my biggest passions since I was a little girl. I would not let my nanny dress me. Every day, I had to hand pick my own outfit, from my hat to shoes. It seems as if taking control of my outfits has been a priority of mine from the get go. Lately, I have been enthralled by the changes within the fashion industry, and I have completely immersed myself in the collections of Paris and New York Fashion Week.
On top of being a slave to this fast-paced industry, I have always loved to write. I used to write short novels as a kid and actually enjoy writing essays for school (I know, weird, right?!). Being a fourth year film studies major has opened my eyes to the different cultures, theories and, of course, the costume designs of different films.
Today, it was hot and I mean unseasonably hot for the month of May. Pushing 30 degrees Celsius, it was time to bring out the backless shirts. I am obsessed with anything backless; in fact, I am almost sure my future wedding dress will be backless. In addition to this trend being adorable, it also provides ventilation. I am feeling the breeze and it feels good. I’m wearing a black halter top with a slick addition of the metallic wraparound, high-waisted deep blue shorts and classic white snakeskin flats. Around my waist is a silk plaid button-down blouse that I am guilty of wearing probably a million times.
Living in the GTA has opened so many doors for me. One of my favourite things to do in the city of Toronto is to people watch while sitting at a coffee shop, sipping on a frappuccino and watching the world go by. The beauty of living in such a multicultural city is the fashion. Is that someone in a Monique Lhuillier mermaid ballgown? Probably. Do I see a guy dressed head to toe in Balmain? Yup. What I love most about people watching is never getting bored. Everyone in Toronto is truly an individual. And the absolute best part of living in one of the most diverse cities in the world? Nobody cares. You want to strut around in a bikini? Go for it. Feel like wearing hand-me-downs from 10 years ago? Nobody bats an eye. The freedom of being able to dress in whichever way you please has shot some local designers to the sky (Heard of Pink Tartan or Mackage? Both icons started their career in T dot!) The freedom and power of personal style has skyrocketed the success of the creativity of different Torontorians’ winter and fall collections. So if you ever see someone sitting at a table at Dark Horse (one of my personal favourite coffee shops on Queen Street West), just hanging out, go say hi, it’s probably me!
I am thrilled to start my first term here at CollegeFashionista. Here’s to a beautiful summer!
