Just Rolled Outta Bed

It's currently 10:32 PM here in Taiwan...

but I decided to satisfy Jo's request and post the pictures I took from that amazing breakfast at The Avocado House we had together the morning of my flight (I was drooling while editing these photos). 

Because it was my last day (technically, morning) in the US of A and Alli happened to be in town, Jo, Alli (see her blog here and her website here ) and I decided to grab breakfast.

Despite the fact that Jo and I had no sleep a sleepover, we decided that waffles were worth it. Waffles, omelets, and other amazingly delicious American breakfast foods I can never get while I'm here in Taiwan *cries*. 

Alli, gorgeous as always. 

The super-fab-fiercely-real-independent-woman, Jo. Jo, if you're reading this, I tried to get it right. I really did. 

Ok. Let's be real here. The food looks pretty damn good right? I ordered a veggie omelet but it was oh so satisfying. And those waffles were doughy, syrupy, fluffy heaven. 

Another thing I really loved about the Avocado House was the homey feel and the spot on service. The Avocado House really is just that... a house. It feels like you're eating a nice hearty breakfast at grandma's. Not to mention the fact that everyone was so friendly! I remember a server carried a whole umbrella over to our table without our asking just because he saw that we were sitting in the sun. Here's the address if you ever want to check the place out because I highly recommend it:

The Avocado House
11618 Central Ave
Chino, CA 91710Phone number

(909) 627-9733 

T-shirt // NYC
Leather Shorts // Nordstrom Rack
Birks // Target
Bag // Rose Bowl Flea Market

As for my outfit that day, I quite literally was running entirely on caffeine, adrenaline, and the fierce desire to have some good quality waffles. Long story short, I was exhausted and too damn lazy to actually dress decently. Yup. That means I went to breakfast in my pajamas. 

I probably looked like a classic tourist with my t-shirt and giant DSLR but that t-shirt was honestly just what I went to sleep in. I think the leather runner's shorts add a sports luxe feel (not to mention crazy amounts of comfort) that seems to be every blogger's obsession lately.

Lastly, the birkenstocks, AKA the shoes that are either loved or hated in the blogosphere. They aren't exactly everyone's cup of tea. I personally love them even though they do remind me a bit of grandpa shoes. But, when it comes to comfort, these shoes can't be beat. These birks definitely aren't authentic simply because my price range is not nearly as generous for being a high school student but in terms of quality, they're decent and I get to play with the trend without seriously denting my wallet.

Also, the slightly faded gold texture/shimmer on the straps counters the grandpa-esque feel nicely.

By the way, if you're wondering what I'm doing in Taiwan, I'm volunteering here for a month and teaching English to elementary school kids! The humid weather, mosquitos, and uniform requirements don't exactly make my stay relaxing. But, I will say that teaching these extremely adorable kids is so rewarding.

Until I blog again...

- Crystal J. Tsang

Yes, I'm Alive.

JCJK Photoshoot 

I know it's been ages since my last post (I said ages, it's clear I've been watching too many UK youtubers). So, I thought I owed you guys a blog post. Summer has definitely been sweet. After one of the hardest school years of my life, I've been enjoying hiking, reading books that have NOT been assigned to me for close reading, eating as much as my heart desires, and sleeping til the late afternoon. This, this is the good life. I don't even want to think about going back to school. 

Unfortunately, my relaxation is going to be coming to an end because I'm leaving for Taiwan this weekend. I volunteered to teach English for a month to elementary school kids and I'm not prepared for the hot, humid weather and lack of In-n-Out. 

So... as a kind of salute to this amazing summer, my friends and I decided to have a little photoshoot at this abandoned railroad in Chino. 

Romper // Forever 21
Kimono // Fashion Q
Heels // DB Shoes
Hat // Rose Bowl Flea Market
Ring bracelet // DIY

Joanne has been one of my closest friends since junior high and I'm happy to say that we've managed to keep in touch despite the fact that we go to different high schools. I really like how the floral kimono adds the subtlest touch of bohemian vibes and girliness to an otherwise crisp black romper. The floppy hat ties the whole look together while also providing some much needed sun protection. 

Floral Dress // UO
Circle Skirt // Rose Bowl Flea Market
Cap // somewhere in Mammoth (not sure)
Nude Heels // Charming Charlie's
Clutch // Express

For my getup, I decided to go with one of my favorite summer pieces, this nude floral print dress from the sale section at Urban Outfitters. It's definitely a play on the classic tropical print everybody seems to sport when the weather warms up. Unfortunately, like most dresses, this one is extremely short on my 5'8" figure so I had to layer this silver circle skirt to keep from looking too scandalous. 

Some matching nude, zara-esque heels help elongate the legs, making me look even taller. I can't help but feel just a bit uncomfortable when I wear something too girly so I had to stay true to my tomboy self by popping on a random cap I dug out from the depths of my closet. I had no intention of going fishing that day, but hey, the colors coordinate with the rest of the look. 

Last but not least, the clutch. I have been absolutely in love with the hologram trend this year and this clutch is the embodiment of my obsession with everything chrome. I think it coordinates well with the colors on my dress and with the silver tone of my circle skirt. It also adds a bit of quirk and class, a match made in heaven.

As always, special thanks to Kyle Fong for being our photographer and discoverer (that isn't a word but who cares) of this very unique location. And also, shoutout to Jo who couldn't make it to the shoot but was there in spirit. 

I should probably stop making promises to post because I always end up breaking them. I'll post eventually...

                                          -Crystal J. Tsang