My name is Tina, and I’m soaking in the last month of being in my twenties. I’m a wife and a mother of two young children, living small in downtown Vancouver, Canada. Hammie my son is nearly 6 years, and Harlow my daughter is nearly 5 years. They were born 11 months (yes, less than a year) apart from one another. We joke and say that was too long for them to be apart because they are inseparable now.
TXC
How would you describe your style?
TINA
My favourite way to style my own and my kid’s wardrobe is with something new and something old. I’m a sucker for vintage Levi's, and we all have a few really great pairs of different cuts and washes of Levi's in rotation. My everyday uniform is a vintage pair of 501’s, a new top that I feel cute in, and a vintage handbag.
TXC
Who are your style icons and inspirations?
TINA
I’m totally inspired by the 2000’s era. The best jams, fashion, and cult classic movies. I know a lot of people might cringe if I say Paris Hilton, but the millennial pink, rhinestone tops, multicolour Louis Vuitton, girly Dior, I mean that’s all so on trend now. Oh, and SamanthaJones in her hip-hop phase, and Carrie Bradshaw forever.
TXC
What 3 pieces of clothing could you not live without?
TINA
My fav pair of vintage Levi's, my vintage Gucci sweatshirt, and my white chunky sneakers. Comfort is key.
TXC
What is your philosophy on dressing your kids?
TINA
My philosophy when dressing my kids is that I’m happy when they're dressed in something they feel comfortable in, rather than the poofy dress I spent 75% of my childhood wearing. I shop mostly indie brands Bobo Choses and The Animal Observatory (Links in edit) from small online shops and mix that with vintage Levi's and overalls I find at second-hand stores.
TXC
What is your pet peeve when it comes to fashion dos and don'ts?
TINA
I can’t say that anything really stands out and bugs me when it comes to styling. But I do try to avoid fast fashion and big box store clothing and the impact it has on our planet, so that’s why I mostly shop small or wear vintage.
TXC
What is your favourite city to visit?
TINA
Haha ask me this question again when I’m back from Hawaii in March ! But as for now, I love the bustle and food scene in New York City.
TXC
What is your favourite restaurant or cafe where you live?
TINA
In Vancouver my favourite restaurants and cafes can be found around my hood in Chinatown, like Honeybee Brunch, Bestiewurst, and hey Kokomo. I also love Aleph Eatery, Botanist Dining, and the old La Taqueria. (Links in edit)
TXC
Do you have any beauty hacks, or products that were game changers for you?
TINA
I actually go makeup free most days with the “glass skin look” with just serums and creams on my face. But glossier is my favourite skincare brand because their products feel fresh, light, and not so caked on (I dislike the caked-on feeling!). Also, a crystal facial roller like a rose quartz or jade one really elevated my skincare routine. (Links in edit)
TXC
What is your biggest indulgence or guilty pleasure?
TINA
Sour sugar covered candies, a glass of white wine, and carrot cake. Not all at once! Or maybe?haha. While watching Ru Paul's drag race on Netflix.
TXC
What was the most surprising thing about becoming a parent?
TINA
How knowledgeable I’ve become in the toy department haha. Ask me anything about My Little Pony or Thomas the Tank Engine.
TXC
Your photography settings, styling and aesthetic are so inspiring and original. What advice can you give to people who want to make their Instagram as 'follow'-worthy as yours!
TINA
Try to make your photos as cohesive in edits as you can, maybe pick a colour scheme with your favourite colours. And just post things that you really love and feel like posting! It’s fresh to see a feed that’s authentically you, and what inspires you and not just a bunch of sponsored posts.
TXC
What songs do you have on rotation for you right now?
TINA
I always have my playlist on of pop songs from the 90's and slow jams/RnB from the 2000's. I'm forever stuck somewhere in that time frame.
TXC
What can you always find in your handbag?
TINA
You can always find Glossier’s birthday balm dotcom, some kind of candy, and my iPhones (I carry around two. I still love my old iPhone 5s lol).
TXC
What are your style staples?
TINA
My style staples are my light wash denim, a puff sleeve top, and a vintage handbag.
TXC
TINA
My go-to brands for these basics are hands down Levi's for the denim jeans, jackets, shorts or skirts. LPA for a good puff sleeve. For vintage handbags, I love my multicolour Louis Vuitton collection, Fendi baguette, and Dior saddle bag.
