BonBon!

Austin Fashion Week '10: Monday

 

 

I had a great time at jewelry designer Dean Frederick's "The Heist" party last night, featuring eats from Mulberry and Franks, Tito's vodka, a diamond giveaway, and live music by local greats The Soldier Thread and Quiet Company. I'm already so tired of little sundresses and tanks, so I instead chose this thrifted black jersey dress - lightweight enough that I didn't die from heat exhaustion, but still with a little more edge than a boho frock.

Also, check out this cute bag I found at - wait for it - Goodwill. It's a no-name brand, but is supple, buttery leather and I think it elegantly captures the current ladylike trend in bags. Check back soon for more of my latest thrift finds! ;)

Harajuku Lover, and Beyond

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to spend four days in Tokyo with my good friend Ying. Our three goals for the trip: Shop in Harajuku, go to a kitty cafe, and sip a latte on a skyscraper observation deck at sunset. We accomplished of all these, and then some.

HARAJUKU SHOPPING

Harajuku is a shopper's paradise! The LaForet Mall, bursting with trendy US, European and Japanese lines including Kitson, Helmut Lang, Topshop, and Sixh, snared us for a couple of hours. I found a perfect gift for a close friend at one of the boutiques here - but it'll have to remain a secret until I can give it to her in August!

A little way down the street on Omotesando Ave. is a plethora of high-end designer boutiques - everything from Celine to Ann Demeulemeester to Chanel. Omotesando is Tokyo's Rodeo Dr. I found plenty of pieces to lust over!

After working up an appetite with all that walking, we stopped at an adorable crepe stand for lunch-on-the-go. I ordered a huge crepe rolled into a cone with a yummy, savory combination of smoked salmon, cream cheese and capers. Ying went for an equally tasty sweet option with strawberries, ricotta, whipped cream, and cinnamon.

KITTY CAFE

The first time I heard about cat cafes, I knew I had to visit one. I am, perhaps, one of the most avid cat lovers in existance - naturally, I think the cat cafe concept is the best business idea I've heard in a while. Each cafe has a "staff" of kitties on hand, and a drink menu. Patrons arrive, sanitize their hands, remove their shoes, and enter a peaceful sanctuary where they can pet and play with the cats, enjoy fresh-made tea, draw or write about their experiences in one of the available journals, and simply escape the hustle and bustle of the busy Tokyo lifestyle.

On the suggestion of Jane over at Sea of Shoes, Ying and I went to Chamamo Cat Room, located in Jingumae District (right outside of Harajuku, in walking distance of LaForet). The friendly English-speaking human staff, equally friendly and healthy feline staff, delicious milk tea and quiet atmosphere made Chamamo a perfect place to spend a hot afternoon. Highly recommended!

ROPPONGI HILLS MORI TOWER

 

We spent our last evening in Tokyo at Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, first checking out the attached museum and then settling down at their 52nd floor observation deck to watch the sunset over a beautifully illuminated cityscape. It was especially striking to watch Tokyo Tower slowly light up right as the sun slid below the horizon.  

I can't wait to go back for a longer visit, and with more luggage space!

Art is Life

 

Art does not exist to be understood. - Joseph Beuys

An artist cannot complete his or her creation by him/herself. - Marcel Duchamp

Fear is the very reason for artistic creation and art is a means to obtain the freedom. - Bya Kabakov

 

(Exhibit at Mori Art Museum, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo) 

Summertime, and the livin' is anything but easy...

Heartfelt apologies for my extended absence. My list of excuses (to be elaborated on in future posts, never fear!) is below.

1. Emceeing my school's end-of-semester assembly -

   

Pros: I got to wear this fabulously over-the-top blue dress. When else in my life will I have an excuse to wear this many sequins and not feel the least bit embarrassed?

Cons: The entire assembly was conducted in Chinese. You try entertaining an audience in Chinese for two hours straight.

2. Lounging poolside at the Doubletree Hilton -

Pros: Huge grassy knoll with cabanas for relaxing, a delicious brunch buffet, and the only Beijing pool I know of that is open to the general public.

Cons: All of the beautiful ladies you see here (myself excepted) have since returned to the States, justifying my previous reluctance to spend time in front of a computer away from their company.

3. Graduation from spring language intensive -

Pros: Three week break from school, starting.... NOW.

Cons: Finals, and too many bittersweet goodbyes.

4. Great Aircraft Carrier Party!

Pros: An all-night international electronic music festival/dance party on board a decommissioned Russian aircraft carrier.

Cons: Much as I dislike Red Bull, it became a necessity that night.

5. Tokyo

Pros: A whirlwind vacation in the culturally rich shopper's paradise that is Tokyo, Japan.

Cons: Not enough time. 

   

Polkadot Tuesdays

Some of my favorite wardrobe pieces are unlikely thrift store finds. Take this maxi dress for example. Originally from Forever 21, snagged by me from Buffalo Exchange, its credentials are inauspicious to say the least. But the full flowy cut, long versatile ties and whimsical pattern unfailingly make me feel a little cheerier and more free-spirited every time I put it on, whether I'm playing creekside or sitting for hours in a sweltering Chinese classroom (guess which one I did today?).

I Need This Dress

Flipping through my latest issue of Vogue China, I stumbled upon this picture and promptly fell in love. But nowhere can I find mention of who designed the dress - just photography and styling credits! I think I may have to take it in to one of the local tailors (an amazing resource!) and have them make me something similar to wear next holiday season.

I'm also in the midst of an exciting project personally designing a one-of-a-kind dress. I have high hopes for the dress as well as its potential for use in a future philantropic endeavor. Stay tuned for more details!

Thao Nguyen Bridal

I did a lookbook shoot a little while back for local Austin bridal designer Thao Nguyen, and was blown away by her soft, feminine style and the quality of her work. Thao works on a individual basis, commissioning one-of-a-kind gowns for her clients. I loved wearing her creations for a day!

If you'd like to talk with Thao about your own wedding needs, I'll gladly pass along your contact info. 

Botanical Delights

1. Fruit Slices Memo, Urban Outfitters, $6  |  2. Ginger Lily Tea Sets, Pier 1 Imports, $20 and $25  |  3. Assorted Cobalt Glass Bottles, Pier 1 Imports, $6  |  4. Assorted Peony Stems, Pier 1 Imports, $5  |  5. Vintage Faucet Soap Dish, Urban Outfitters, $14  |  6. Provence Society Perfume Bottle, Small, Anthropologie, $18  |  7. Provence Society Perfume Bottle, Flagon, Anthropologie , $38  |  8. Ludde Sheepskin, IKEA, $39.99  |  9. Helianthus Goblet,  Anthropologie, $8  |  10. Skeleton Key Bottle Opener, Urban Outfitters, $12  |  11. Plucked Petals Measuring Spoons, Anthropologie, $24  

I'm coming back to Austin in mid-August (after 8 months spent in spare Chinese dorm rooms) and I'm already busy designing the decor for my next apartment. Since a lot of my furniture is pretty modern and minimalist, I'm focusing on using accents to bring a little more warmth, cheeriness and personality to my home. I love these vintage-y botanical touches - I can't wait to incorporate them! What are your favorites? 

Tote-ally Summer

Up until about 6 months ago, I was a one handbag at a time kind of girl. Regardless of season or outfit, I'd just sling my black leather satchel over my shoulder and head out the door without a second thought. But - as my girlfriends will no doubt be relieved to hear - I've recently come to the realization that your bag, just as much as your shoes, can make or break your look. As dewy, sunkissed makeup, beachy braids and day dresses become my early summer afternoon go-tos, I need a cute new bag big enough to hold all my hot-weather essentials. I've currently got my eye on the Ted Baker Print Basket Tote ($110 at Nordstrom). It has room for a water bottle, SPF, wallet, sunglasses, and a magazine, and the combination of bold colors, textured straw and darling bow accent is to die for.

Yummy Surprises

 

Making reservations and looking forward to a delicious meal is wonderful. But perhaps even more wonderful are those rare instances where you just stumble on a little culinary gem, totally unanticipated. This French croque madame, field greens salad and carrot-ginger bisque - not to mention a berry bellini or two - made my day when I stopped in to a little Xintiandi patio cafe for an impromptu lunch in Shanghai. They were demolished in two seconds flat.