elevator love letter

Wearing: Elina Cheung shirt from Shanghai, Habitual Skinnies, BCBG Ponyhair Mendels Wedges, AA tank, Club Monaco gold necklace, La Vie jacket

On Saturday we had to go to Nikita, the self-proclaimed best Russian restaurant in town. I had absolutely nothing to compare it to so, two thumbs up? Though I did try the dark cherry russian tea which turned out to be very soothing. Anyway, we were there for a birthday and apparently the place is usually bustling with accordion players and the like but with the bank holiday this weekend, there was no one around. Works for me, I like it when we get the place to ourselves.

Above is one of those day-night outfits again, though the 6.5 inches platform is questionably a shoe to bring you through the day. The shirt is ahhh-mazing. It has about 4 different ways you can wear it and I'm all for versatility. Versatility is a good justification for why you should buy it despite the bigger price tag. That and quality, you'll wear it all the time, you don't have 17 other white shirts that will do the same trick...

Anyway, gotta run - I shouldn't be posting, I have the last of my LLM exams tomorrow!

Ciao for now! Happy Monday!

HELP I WANT TO BE IN PRISON

ph. by Bona Drag

I am in looooove with this Pamela Love Double Cage Ring. Anyone know if they sell it in London? Or EU?

Thanks beautifuls! Ciao!

he ain't heavy, he's my brother

Wearing: Blazer from Intermix in NYC 2 years ago, Mandarin collar shirt from Asos, Tights from Wolford, Brogues from Cesare Paciotti, Broach from consignment store in Tokyo, Earrings from mommy

Anyone who loves Japanese food in London knows of the Nobu equivalent, Zuma (and by association, Roka). Restauranteur Arjun Waney sought an Italian, upscale, winebar opportunity during the recession and opened up Il Baretto in Marylebone. Roka being one of my fav go-to places for japanese when visitors are around, we decided to try Waney's newest creation to see if he lived up to his former expectations. My rating: half and half.

Good news first? The sea bream I had was fantastic - I'm a big fan of seafood so my own expectations were slightly higher to start. The wine is a Mass Toscana favourite, Solare, which means, 'can't go wrong with Sangiovese grapes' in Italian. A good wine list paired with a good meat is always a plus. However, this only put us at mediocre after the terrible service at the beginning. Poor hostesses, 1/2 hour wait after our reservation (our reso was for 9:30pm!), another wait to take our order, impolite hostesses (did I say this one already?), all boils down to ineffective scheduling and organization. Sorry, no Michelin star for you Waney.

Half and half like a man who wants to cut down on the 18% cream in his double double but can't bear the thought of total saturated fat in his coffee.

As an aside, the above look is pretty simple/classic. Nothing too fancy schmancy. The tight japanese looking bun works well the overall slick structure of the outfit. The broach I bought in Tokyo was love at first sight. If you look close enough it has the American flag all over it (yes, the American flag in Japan). And if any of you ladies ever want to invest in a kickass pair of tights I highly recommend Wolford. They are so silky, have yet to run, and make your legs feel like soft butter all day long (but don't mind how big my legs look in the above pics - I blame it on ballet for 20 years). A bit pricier than your normal tights but definitely worth the price.

Happy Friday!

Ciao ciao bellas.

who would you rather be, the beatles or the rolling stones?

Wearing: Nico Di Donna jumpsuit, Necklace gifted from Mass from Stefanel, Frog ring from street vendor in Chianti, Italy, Silver ring on top of frog ring gifted from Mass from Mont Blanc, Silver ring from art market in Shanghai, Mesh silver ring from Tiffanys

More than clothes, I love love love accessories. From street vendors to Bulgari (not that I have any of these pieces). And in case you haven't noticed, the bigger the better. Statement pieces are key. I like to cover all my exposed skin with pieces from all the places I visit. This necklace I saw in Shanghai but it was ridiculously priced (as are most Italian merchanise in SH) so I held off buying it. When Mass was in Rome a few weekends ago, he picked it up there for me (alongside an even more gorgeous multi shaded green ring made using glass from Venice, and if you follow me on Twitter I posted a snapshot there). Clearly my accessories binge has not gone unnoticed to the bf.

Oddly enough however, on my feet I like simplicity, especially in a good flat sandal. I think it is partially because I'm short, therefore my legs are short so the less clutter on feet means elongating the little leg I have. Always been a fan of Giuseppe Zanotti for his jeweled foot creations. My online window shopping has brought me to these. Simple I know, but I think they should do the trick. What do you think?


Ciao for now!

help i'm alive my heart keeps beating like a hammer

Wearing: Louis De Gama dress/top (Portuguese born, London Independent Designer with an awesome eye for flow and structure in one), H&M high waisted sequin shorts and necklace gifted from Mass, DVF Opal wedges, Louis Vuitton purse, Rayban Wayfarers

Yesterday was one of those rare HOT and sunny London days. One of those days where you walk for miles just to make sure you catch all the rays because this sun won't last as long as your burn.

Fortunately for us, today is also one of those days.

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Ciao darlings.

what you see is not always what you get

I'm wearing: Stefanel long sweater from Rome, H&M faux silk dress, Uniqlo snakeskin print belt (reversible too!), Roberta Freymann bib necklace, Miu Miu patent pumps, bead bracelet from Mass' mom/Italy

Mass is wearing: Nico DiDonna jacket and pants, Blue Suede loafers from Lardini, Scarf from Woo where you saw us buy it here in Shanghai, Blue Glasses from Persol

Yesterday I told you I had planned on being uncomfortable (really, who actually PLANS to be uncomfortable, isn't our sole goal in life to BE comfortable?) and above is what I'm referring to. Sure, at first glance it doesn't seem all that difficult, looks warm at the very least, doesn't it? Don't let your eyes fool you. Here's the breakdown:

- the sweater from Stefanel: though terribly warm and comfy looking, it is made partially out of wool and you know what that means...itchy. So itchy that when I wore it in the Bahamas (at night it was alarmingly windy) I couldn't keep it on my skin because the heat, moisture, and wool combined into an unpleasant feeling. *shudder*
- the belt from Uniqlo: I love this belt, it is so practical and it literally goes with everything (silver is on the reverse) and the best part...it was £6. Steal, not deal. However, when worn like above, it cinches my waist like it's no ones business. Ouch. So I need to always sit up straight (guess it has good effects for my back) and try not to breathe...too much.
- the bracelet from Italy and Mass' mom: I LOVE this bracelet. In fact, I even wore it to Mass' bros wedding last August with my Andy Theanh dress (another post...). BUT, as I type this (and I spend most of everyday in front of the computer/studying including this beautiful sunny Sat) it is uncomfortable on my wrist because it props it up too much..hence wrist cramps. Yes I'll take it off, and no, that's not the point.
- the shoes from Miu Miu: my muse. My love was reaffirmed yesterday when I accompanied my gf who purchased a classic dress from their s/s 2010 collection. However, these shoes will hurt in about...say 5 hours (and I am wearing them the whole day). I brought plasters (English for bandaids) but I have a feeling that they won't even help.

So all in all, not a bad outfit to the eyes...maybe not so great to wear. Do you have a fantastic outfit that pinches, pokes, and prods in all the wrong places? How do you deal?

Signing off for this wknd...fabulous day everyone.

Ciao.

knowing me, knowing you...uh huh.

Wearing: Vintage Jean Jacket, AA t-shirt, Mendocino dress/skirt, Lardini Scarf, Necklace from street vendor in Sardinia, Italy

There are many things you sacrifice living in a city, i.e. car, high heels, space, money, etc. So when you need to go from the library, to a quick stop at Selfridges, followed by an afternoon tea, then ship yourself to grab a quick bite then off to the theatre (you guessed it, my day today - but don't be fooled, its not like this everyday, not even close), you're going to need to find the right/properly comfortable clothing to ease you into the night. This includes shoes (even in sneakers your feet DO eventually get tired) sweaters/jackets, and most importantly, a huge satchel to throw it all in.

The above pic is a typical day to night sorta outfit (unseen are the DVF Opal Wedges you all know about). Just enough casual to keep warm.

Tomorrow will not be one of those days (yes I plan my outfits in my head 24 hours in advance) as I plan on being totally impractical and completely uncomfortable. wait and see...

For now, ciao to those of you going away for the long wknd in NA and for those of you who will join me back here tmr...bonjour :)

they still strike me as being totally iconic

MIU MIU 101


Wearing: Miu Miu bow tie, Ring from street vendor in NYC, Theory blazer

First started by Miuccia Prada in 1992. It is her younger, daily-oriented line from the house of Prada. Created a with a little more dare and edge, this line is takes the conservative appeal of Prada and brings it to the forefront of what's aesthetically new. The collection was named after Miuccia's nickname. Though the flowered patterns on the chunky shoes and cartoon characters on collars may not be everyone's saving fashion grace, Miuccia has quite the subtly inserted her playfulness into the everyday line.

Though no expert, I remain a big fan of Miu Miu. A simple piece like the one above creates the whole outfit. The bow tie is from s/s 2010 and gifted from Mass.



s/s 1995, Drew Barrymore for Miu Miu

Happy hump day!

Ciao bella :)

VIAJANTE

As you know from my post here, El Bulli was knocked off the no.1 spot for The World's Best 50 by S. Pellegrino. Another thing they lost out on was Nuno Mendes. Nuno is an ex chef from El Bulli, bred from Portuguese background, whom started his own culinary masterpieces here in London recently. To date, he's delivered Bacchus, The Loft (which is a neat Chef Gallery concept for 15 people weekly in Nuno's own Loft - close to our place in fact), and most recently, Viajante. After rave reviews from my gf on The Loft, we were anxious to try Viajante and because he's in such high demand, the first dinner booking available wasn't until mid-late June. The anticipation for the dinner reservation killed us, so we decided to try lunch figuring that at worst, it would act like a teaser for the next one (it also serves the 6 courses akin to dinner, however the dinner menu also has a choice of 9 or 12). It was fantastic. He somehow knew my secret love for beets and decided to make one dish with a variety of beet textures, needless to say my mouth was happy (insert twss joke here please).

We decided to keep our dinner booking for mid-June.

After lunch and a sufficient 6 wine pairings later, we took a few shots outside the resto/hotel, the old Bethnal Town Hall. Happy and slightly inebriated (the good kind).

I'm wearing: Balmain strong shoulder blazer (suspect it is fake, bought in SH and a fifth of the price - sorry I take that back, KNOW it is fake), Asos Silk trousers, Jonais ankle boots, the purse you know all about from SH, Two scarves intertwined together from Woo posted here, Prada over the elbow lambskin gloves (which if you follow me on Twitter you know Mass found these in a cab a few weeks ago.)

Mass is wearing: Armani jacket, Italian scarf from Superman in Fabriano, DuChamp pocket square, and Nico DiDonna shirt

Happy Monday!

Ciao :)

these shoes were made for walking

From L-R: Ugg Slippers, French Sole flats, Cesare Paciotti Pink heels, DVF Opal wedges, Marc Jacob patent leather ankle boots, Elizabeth and James cut-out wedges, Cesare Paciotti blue brogues, Miu Miu thick heeled pumps, Jonais black ankle booties

If you ask my mom or sister how many pairs of shoes I've accumulated over the past years, they'll tell you countless. I don't think it's particularly because I have a huge amount, but more specifically because I don't throw out the old ones (old is such a harsh word). Like any other girl, I wear the shoes of the moment to death, then get a new pair, and sometimes revert back to the 'old' ones. I play favourites, I'm not going to lie.

Since London is going through a 'I know it's spring but you don't deserve the warm temperature yet' phase, these are my shoes of the moment - some spring, some still very winter.

But, above all, my favourite pair of shoes are not the ones that make you feel long legged and sexy, they are my Uggs - I swear I would never buy a pair, however the slippers don't count. Uggs are heaven for your feet when you slip them on after a long day in heels, hence why they made it into the rotation. I don't care if it's 25 degrees outside, I'll be wearing them inside. Love

Have a great weekend everyone.

Ciaooooooooo.

RANDOM SHANGHAI

We headed to F1 two hours after we landed to watch Schumacher race during the practice runs. But of course, we were focused on the Italian team: Ferrari.


Justin and I at Constellation: every mans dream. Over 250 whiskies and you can smoke cigars. My Easter gift to Mass was to smoke a cigar with him. Here I am smoking a....I already stopped caring :)


Wearing my new Miu Mius for the first time! (thanks for the advice everyone - I decided to keep them!)


Normally I wouldn't take pics of the hotel (think its a little tactless but that's just my opinion) but this hotel was exceptional. We stayed at the Peninsula on the Bund and because it just opened in December 2009, I think we were the first ones to stay in that room. haha. It was so technologically advanced I was in heaven. Buttons for EVERYTHING. They even had a little nail dryer in the wall in my make up/closet room. This is a picture of one of the many buttons to instruct the room.


Antique Market: Chairman Mao


What I love most about China: Massages. They break you but you keep coming back for more. £10 will buy you luxury at this place. I went there on at least 3 occasions.



Think that's it! Back to reality.

Have a great day. Ciao!