BonBon!

Currently...

I could blame my lull in posting on my extremely rigorous class schedule - and be telling the complete truth - but honestly I'd find time anyway. I love you guys too much. The real reason for my absence is that my computer died. This is the second laptop to die on me in 6 months, and as I'm understandably unwilling to purchase a new one in China, fully-formed picture-laden posts will have to wait until mid-August when I return to Austin. As it stands, here's what I can offer you via my iPod Touch (indispensible!) and a spotty Chinese wifi connection. :)

CURRENTLY...
Reading: Dune, by Frank Herbert
Craving: Gnocchi Alfredo with mushrooms and sundried tomatoes
Overwearing: Fuschia peep-toe floral jelly flats
Loving: Bright white nail polish
Planning: Austin Fashion Week event outfits!
Tired of: Speaking Chinese
Lusting for: Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony buckle boots
Trying to like: Harem pants
Overwhelmed with: Internship applications
Writing: Fall wardrobe shopping list
Packing for: lake swimming and BBQ-ingthis weekend at Qian Dao Island
Listening to: Tupac
Eating too much: Watermelon
Looking forward to: Ballet Austin fall classes
Drinking: Snow beer, chrysanthamum tea
Thrifting for: Large leather envelope clutch; gold men's watch
Saving for: the perfect leather blazer
Missing: Beijing's Wholesale Clothing Market
Crafting: a leather-bound travel photo folio

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? 

Sunny Side Up

 

For some reason, I never thought I could pull off wearing yellow. I've gotten over that misconception, and lately, I'm obsessed with it - buttercream, golden wheat, lemondrop, sunshine, and almost every shade in between. This impossibly lightweight linen halter dress I picked up in a Mexico border town boutique is quickly becoming a summer staple. It's perfect for fuss-free and festive outdoor lounging, preferably barefoot.

ACL Music Festival - Inspiration Board

All my friends and family have heard me complain ad nauseum about my regret at missing the Austin City Limits music festival in 2005 - I still maintain that 2005 was the best line-up ever. But the just released 2010 Line-up is a close second! I have from now until October 8 to make my own schedule, listen to new artists, and most importantly, decide what to wear for those three warm, sweaty days in Zilker Park (and the warm nights inevitably to follow)... Here are a few of my inspirations.

1.

Free People gets this look right from head to toe. Love the cross-body coffee-colored bag, mixed prints, rugged leather belt and windswept hair. I'd substitute a comfy, cheap pair of gladiators for her heels, toss a bottle of sunscreen, shades and my camera in the bag, and be ready to go!

2. This girl, featured on The Sartorialist, is so free and summery with just enough of that music festival - indie rock kick.To duplicate this look, I'd pair a bandeau top and loose tank with grungy cutoff jeans, and accessorize with a voluptuous bib necklace, sun-bleached fedora, wrist cuff and espadrille flats.

 

3. For an especially warm October afternoon, I'd love to emulate this runway shot snagged from Forever21's blog, The Skinny. Relaxed linen shorts and a daring crop top under an open menswear-esq buttondown would look so darling paired with aviators and brogues.

Who's going to make it out to ACL this year? I'll see you there!