798

Here’s a few snaps from the 798 art district in Beijing. We had a fantastic time exploring the huge complex filled with artist's studios, galleries, cozy shops, and outdoor cafes. The whole place is just so interesting looking. It’s vibrant, artsy, and quirky set in a rugged industrial compound. Sprinkle in some random art installations and we barely gave our cameras a break. And it’s not populated with throngs of crowds like other touristy places in Beijing. Definitely a plus.

jeans - Zara ; yellow tank - The Ramp ; striped cardi - Mango ; boots - So Fab

Last batch

Here's some leftover outfit shots from the trip. I especially like the first pic where C and I look cool and candid. It was semi-candid :)

And for the second picture, it's the same place where J took this photo two years ago.

Oui Paris

After months (years) of anticipation, we finally visited J! We went to 3 major cities - Berlin, Paris, Barcelona. The trip got pretty hectic at times - particularly in Paris, where there’re so many lovely areas to see. I especially enjoyed the grand courtyards of the Louvre, the winding streets of the Latin Quarter, and the city view at Montmartre. And I’ll forever pine for those perfect croissants. Every day we’d buy bread from the bakery, fruits from the produce store, cheese or meats from the delis, and we’d feast on our delicious meal back in the apartment. It’s the relaxing moment of the day before we start power walking through the city. And note, snail paced power walking is possible.

3 layers of tights

I look like a full-fledged Koreana! Had a chance to wear the Hanbok in the Korean Folk Village. It’s made of 2 pieces - a sleeveless dress that ties at the back like an apron and a long sleeved bolero top that knots at the front. It’s really pretty. As much as I’d like to wear it the whole day, here’s what I really wore:

I practically merge with the background. Unfortunately my winter wear is very limited and they tend to cover the spectrum of brown and black.

I love the street style in Seoul by the way. The people look effortlessly pulled together. Nothing fancy, just comfy chic. Tights and skirts, slouchy sweaters, capes, boots, hoodies, messy buns – they carry it with relaxed flair. And their cosmetics stores are insane. They’re everywhere. I don’t normally look up skin care or beauty products except for the occasional eye shadow or lipstick, but being surrounded by all those stores is infectious. It makes you want to pamper your face.

 

pretty scenery nestled in the Korean Folk Village

Overall I enjoyed Seoul. I like walking around with no major “must see” places in mind. I get stressed if there are plenty of places to visit in a short amount of time. Not to say there aren’t sites worth visiting in Seoul. I just prefer touring around in a slower pace, even if it means not getting to see a lot. And for this trip, it has a somewhat relaxed pace. But not so relaxing dynamics. And that’s an understatement I won't elaborate here :o)

coat – New York Company ; scarf – Bayo ; skirt – Promod ; boots – F21

Korea 2011

 

Namsan Tower

 

locks of luvvv

 

Pajon. Spring onion seafood pancake. So so good

Bibimbap. Mmmm.

 

one of the palaces

 

Cool shops in Insandong. The colorful blocks on the right side is the directory

 

Thanks K for all the shots :)

 

Cutest sleepy owl ever

 

Amazing night parade at Everland

 

At Cafe Bene

 

Sticky rice bread with cream cheese filling

Hello outdoors

I’ve always liked the look of Doc Martens but never had the guts to wear a pair. They look so 90s and grungy (which I apparently like, coupled with crop tops and loose shirts). They exude attitude that I don’t think I can pull off. So to substitute, I got these (faux) suede lace-up boots in light brown from So Fab. Not as harsh as black leather, yet it toughens up an outfit all the same. They look like a milder version of hiking boots. And they’re functional enough for an impromptu game of kick ball (which I previously did in barefoot when I only had sandals). Style + clean feet = happy girl.

And here I got a pic of C while she was talking to J. Sneaky sneaky, haha, I kid, I got her consent. I like the boho vibe, the mix of stripes and polka dots, and the different shades of green.

On h: boots – So Fab ; tank – Promod, crop cardigan – Zara ; shorts – Greenhills tiangge

On c: skirt – Babo ; striped top – Bayo ; bag – Greenhills tiangge ; slippers – Haviannas

merhaba!*

Sis H is right...my internship has been super hectic, I was away for a week in Istanbul, I am behind with my photo-editing of a portrait shoot, and I am starting to look for permanent jobs...

...but I'm baaack. At least, long enough to post an outfit :)

I now tend to see my days as tiny manageable task-oriented time blocks these days. Otherwise, I get so overwhelmed!

Sooo different from our Istanbul trip, where time was divided into big chunky spectrums of daylight and night, without care of definite hours :) Istanbul was a fun, awe-inspiring and glutinous experience!

Glutinous because of all those baklava and Turkish delights called lokum. Not to mention my new favorite desset... tavuk gogsu, a sticky milky pudding made out of chicken breast! Chicken breast, can you imagine?! Also, I gained 1 kg from that week alone...can you imagine?! Thus the over-enthusiastic twirl of the babydoll top. My belly's twirling by so fast, I'm hoping you don't even see it :)

But most importantly, Istanbul was amazing because of its history and people. It is the land of the Ottomans, the Byzantines, of Constantinople. They're things I had only previously read in history books. I cannot believe that I was standing in landmarks that represented the center of culture and / or religion thousands of years ago! The Aya Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Catholic Church of Chora...they simply blew me away.

During our trip, Istanbul was a tad bit cold though, thus the layers you see in my photo. I never thought to layer a strapless babydoll top with a long cardigan with a grandpa cardigan, but there you go...necessity (to escape the cold) is the mother of all inventions :)

* "hello" in Turkish

babydoll top and grandpa cardigan - Zara; dark blue cardigan and black jeans - H&M

owl necklace - Pimkie; sunnies - MNG

Ye Olde Street

We joined a tour to Pagudpod last week. It took us 12 long hours to get there. It sometims felt endless but I shouldn’t complain. Our cushy bus had reclining seats, lots of leg room, and a huge TV that entertained us with Sound of Music and Gone With the Wind. We travelled in style.

One of our numerous pit stops was Vigan. The famous Calle Crisologo was really pretty. Spanish-era houses with wooden frames and worn down stucco lined the cobble-stoned street. It’s a festive market place too, albeit sometimes pushing the boundaries of the old-world setting. At one point, I could hear Fergie’s 'Big Girls Don’t Cry' blaring from the speakers of a corner store. We quickly walked along before some rap song plays. Or worse, an 80s power ballad.

On H: striped top – F21 ; crop cardigan – Zara ; shorts – Promod ; hat – from Pagudpod ; bag - Egg ; scarf- Babo
On C: striped top – Topshop ; chambray shirt –
Rockwell tiangge ; bag - Eastwood tiangge ; shorts - ?