older and wiser? or just older?

This past week I went through a revelation: I am getting older. All my life I've surrounded myself mostly with friends and partners that were generally older than I, so I've always been the baby. However, this week I found out one of my friends from Uni is engaged (a male no less, whom these days tend to marry later, if at all), I held my gfs newborn for the first time (I'm definitely NOT a natural), and I went to my first 40th birthday party (not related to me). Then, I realised...I'm getting older. I'm in no rush to force the process, I know all girls say that, but I really am not. I think it's mostly because my mother whom was a successful business woman (rare amongst her now chinese, tai-chi group of frds who have spent most of their lives raising their kids on their husband's money, who lives in China aka si lai) and she always reminded me to push the boundaries to create my own independence. Even til this day, she writes me emails telling me to be humble in happiness and work hard to make your own footprint. I'm still en route, therefore, in no rush to accelerate forward (...as Mass breaths a sigh of relief, lol).

Despite this all, I am still getting older and cannot fight signs of old(er) age. An example was this past weekend. Typically, my wknds spent in London are pretty simple. We have dinners and brunches planned and we're very happy people. However, we had some good friends of mine in town for the week/weekend and went out for a celebratory 'party' night on Sat eve. I'll be honest with you, by the time 10pm rolled around and I was putting on my outfit, I was pretty darn beat, and ready to throw in the towel. Nevertheless, I pushed through (the agony, the pain, and the muscle aches), and headed on out. Went to a club, Merah, which was the former Crystal. I went to Crystal about 2 years ago and saw the owner of the Chelsea football team there (with 6 security guards surrounding his table), shared a bathroom with Mel B from the Spice Girls, and saw that Hayden whatsherface (short term memory failure, another sign). Not that I'm a HUGE celebrity follower, but I mean, if these guys think it's good enough, who am I to think otherwise?

Last night, when we got to Merah, what a total joke (imho). If it weren't for the company, I would've walked right on out of there. Completely revamped, Merah was packed to the brim with 18 year old rich kids at tables grinding and dry humping each other. What once was a beautiful light show on the ceiling, became a dingy, unkept, unorganised, teen fest. I swear Mass was the oldest person in there, well except for the odd grandfather who came with his choice prostie that night (I'm kidding...uhhh, no I'm not). Luckily one of my good friends, and our friends eventually walked in (Anthony, I hate you), and in combination with the good mixes of house and rnb, I was pretty happy. The slight inebriation also helped things move along.

Maybe I just need to accept that life does move on, and days of dry humping and i'm-too-cool-for-school-that's-why-I'm-wearing-my-sunglasses-indoors, are the cool new things to do and I'm just hating on the better way of living because I can't keep up.

Then again, maybe not and if I do choose to go out, I'll just find another club to frequent.





Wearing: Maurie and Eve gold top, AA leggings, Roberta Freymann necklace, vintage gold bracelet, Pearl earrings from mommy, Cartier tank watch, Mac lipstick, and BCBG Mendel wedges

Ciao ciao, from the old age home.

Gofer

When I go back to Toronto, by ritual, the first thing I do is go to Go For Tea. Then, for the next however many days I'm there, I go at least once every other day, sometimes I even go twice a day. It's not that I think Gofer is a particularly amazing restaurant, with 3 star michelin quality food, nor am I really going for the unbeatable customer service, because tbh, none of the hostesses/servers make an inkling of an effort, especially when they see you every other day (sometimes twice!). I go because its my place. Because its a safe haven for my gfs and I to sit and talk without prejudice (apologies for the legal term thrown in there) and in confidentiality. We can sit for hours talking everything and anything, and although there's no booze there (as the name would state), we don't seem to require the extra inebriation in order to create for some interesting nights. Needless to say, its 'our place'. Can I get an amen for Gofer?

In London, where the gfs are far away and the Gofer substitute is absurdly poor, we need to find our niche spot to compensate for our voids. My UK equivalent (stolen from Mass) is a much smaller space with Italian instead of Chinese, and a european flare for customer service:Princi. I say to all the newcomers to London, you'll eventually get there; it's inevitable. Located in Soho, conveniently across from Mass' cigar lounge, its a cafeteria style dining, that incorporates fast food with good food (if there were ever such a combo!). Serves mostly pizza, various breads, salads, pasta, lasagna, and a to die for bakery section (my rec: the choc chip cookies! and passion fruit cheesecake). An added bonus is the coffee is made well enough to the picky Italian std, therefore Princi is sometimes a stop over between destinations. We never fail to go here at least 3x a week and it has become our Saturday ritual. This place originates in Milan, but infamous restauranteur Alan Yau and partner opened it up in London and now the place gets so rammed, we barely have standing room, (remind you of anywhere on a Fri night!?!)

All in all, this our Gofer.


Fairly poor image of Princi, by the coffee bar. Wearing: Habitual jeans, Danier leather jacket, Rabbit fur shawl given from mommy, Ca4la hat, Zara shirt, Miu Miu purse

Snapped a quick pic of Mass hailing a cab. MIB, yum. Wearing: Nico Di Donna jacket and trousers Marc Jacob sunnies, Ca4la hat, Birkemberg shoes, Italian scarf, and a bag made in Canada!

The following day, we decided to give Princi a rest and go for some good brunch eats at Joe Allens. American style bfast, complete with NYC decor, Broadway posters, AND american sized portions. Couple shots we took in the resto and outside it. Freezing cold day in London it was.





Wearing: AA shirt and leggings, Mendocino sequin vest, Topshop shoes, Club Monaco leather gloves, Moncler puffy jacket, Italian scarf, Raybans, Miu Miu purse

Ciao for now!

hoochie mama?

Before I started this blog I phantom stalked a thousand other bloggers. (That's a slight lie, because I still phantom stalk a number of them). I read an article in the Times the other day after the Milanese fashion week finished on how 40% of the fashion show attendees are now bloggers. There's an obvious debate between print and web, but if you can convince the designer's PR rep that your blog will bring in a wide audience, you're in the loop for shows. However, they probably won't pay you - like they do Rihanna, reportedly $100g per appearance to sit front and centre.

Personally, I'm really on the balance for fashion shows. I like them and all, especially because they're the first resource for all the ready to wear we see on the streets, but truthfully, I love the style on the streets so much more. The more original, the better. This is why I phantom stalk so much (admit it, you do it too - you're probably doing it right now ;) ), blogs are such a great way at being inspired.

The other day when I was going through my list of followings, I came across Mayas Agenda whom I've seen before in pictures but didn't find her blog until recently. She's the daughter of Elle Japan editor studying in Paris and she has one of the most inspirational styles I've seen in a long long time. Mind you, she has a great skinny body to compliment all these looks. She loves to pair shorts with tights/stockings. Now, I have never been a fan of that look, especially in London where girls do it so shapelessly, but after flipping through Maya's posts, I decidedly gave it a try.

I wore this outfit last Friday and as I was walking through Shoreditch to meet a few gfs for dinner, I kept getting hoochie calls. I know that Shoreditch isn't the poshiest of neighbourhoods and guys (boys) cat call after a few drinks (esp in Ldn where they start at 3pm), but this was abnormally much. I reckon its the shorts. Does Maya get cat calls? But she looks so effortlessly stunning in them! So my question to you is, how do you wear the tights/shorts look tastefully?




Wearing: Theory elbow patch blazer, t-shirt from Tokyo, AA shorts, random tights, Jonais boots, stolen from bf scarf which he bought in Turkey (yes that's his, not mine)

Ciao, from Shoreditch

oliveology

Lately, my travels have consisted of finding the best native (in)expensive food that the city/country has to offer. The great thing about London (contrary to popular belief) is that it has a dense variety of food lovers, hence an abundance of native food right at your doorstep.

It started around 6 years ago when I had an (ex) boyfriend that loved to dine. By dining I mean wining and dining. He loved going out to taste test various restaurants around town and I became accustomed to the variety of great food. Unfortunately for my subsequent boyfriends, I didn't lose the love; I'm no longer dating him, but I have become a semi-kinda-foodie.

Today, I'm so lucky to have found a bf that loves food (and wine) more than I do, therefore can appreciate a good meal when presented with the opportunity to try one. Mass is much more into wine than I, so much so that he wants to take a sommelier course. That palate is still being refined for me. He's taken me to fantastic restos in Italy, whereas I've taken him to eat the best of viet pho in Markham (you Torontonians know exactly what I'm talking about).

A few weeks ago my gf asked if I wanted to join her in a private supper club created by a friend and his partners. I ventured into Shoreditch (who am I kidding, it was right around the corner from my place...perfection!) and had dinner with another 11 people around a dinner table (9 of which were strangers). It was a cute concept of dining where it's done in a discreet location through word of mouth, kind of like eating at a friends place but with very cool decor. The interior was made all from sourced material and the overall atmosphere was quite relaxing. The food and tasting menu was provided by Oliveology where they taught us a bit about olive oil, olives, and their organic farm in Greece. Then, we had a lovely meal prepared by them. It was the second meal Full House had put on but I see big success in their future. Definitely where passion for food meets ambiance.

This is a quick shot of the dinner table (beet root salad as our first course) I took with my phone. I usually can't wait too long before indulging, hence why I never take pics during dinner. yum.

Before leaving the house, I decided to snap a couple shots. Mass is in Istanbul tonight, so I'm home alone :( This is what happens when I'm left to my vices (aka my camera).







Today I'm wearing a sweater/cardigan from Italy bought by Mass' mother (who has great taste, I swear my mom was buying me stuff I would never wear from HK for years until just recently where she discovered my love for fur), a tank zip up vest from Nico Di Donna, Current Elliot Jeans, J. Lindeberg belt, Jonais boots from Paris, Intimissmi socks (I LIVE on these socks, I have about 10 pairs - they are AMAZING, Mass got me seriously hooked on Italian socks), and Roberta Freymann necklace.

Ciao, buona notte

Apologies...

Firstly, apologies for the very much delayed post. In the aforementioned, I spoke about going to Paris. I was sent there to represent my school in a Negotiating competition organized by the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce). This intense competition ran for 5 days, 50 law schools globally, and 30 countries represented. Though we didn't place, it was an awesome experience (although our fellow UK team did! Congrats to Nottingham Trent!) My team and I prepared months for this and put in a lot of time and hard work, needless to say, we're much better for it. We're even looking to pilot a project based on it for the UK (details to follow) which I'm very excited about.

Anyway, I managed to squeeze in some shopping time - without any pictures - and snatched up a couple goodies. Got this pair of ankle booties on sale at La Fayette, I was so excited, I wore them that night out to dinner.



Everytime I go to Paris, I am reminded about just how breathtaking (in every sense of the word) it is. The food is also no exception. I have most recently revived my love for butter. Bisous.


View from our room in the Bahamas.

I came home from Paris to find myself on a flight to the Bahamas the following morning. This trip is actually a delayed birthday trip from Mass as I couldn't take it in November because of passport issues. Though the weather wasn't as loveable (it was really windy and at times, cold), Mass and I had a great time. It was the first trip we've ever taken just the two of us (though we love our friends and fam :) ) so we really thrived on it. It was his first time in the Carribean and he loved it so much, the night we came home, he was looking up dates to go again. We stayed at the Cove and had a continual debate all trip long on whether we should stay at the Ocean Club or the Cove next time. Personally, I loved the Ocean Club. We went for dinner at the Dune Valentines night - which had absolutely impeccable views - and I fell in love with the place.




My V-day outfit: Maje dress (another sale find from Paris, I love the swooping back and full front), Elisabeth and James shoes (also found on sale!), Roberta Freymann bib necklace (she is one of my most favourite jewelry designers), and Louis Vuitton s/s 2009 African Queen clutch in Masai Silk (my favourite purse ever).


A shot of Mass and I's shoes. No socks = heaven on a man.

The thing I didn't like about the Cove was the amount of fakeness and plastic everywhere (all Heidi Montag look alikes). Although the amount of yummy mummy's surpassed any hotel I've been in, I couldn't help but look at all the fake boobies everywhere.


Finally, as if going to Bahamas and the massage wasn't enough, my very thoughtful bf bought me the above dress from Nico Di Donna (see previous post), as a valentines day present. The story behind this is that during the summer, we went to Nicos store and this was one of the pieces I loved when I tried it on. However, Mass didn't like how it was so transparent (though I really don't see that!) so he didn't want me to get it. Then it magically turned up in a bag on my bed in the Bahamas. :)

Again, apologies for the extremely lengthy post! Hope you've had a fabulous couple of weeks.

Ciao, from Paris, Bahamas, and now...London.

ca4la

I've always been a hat lover. I think its because my head is fairly small (twss) and for the most part, small heads and faces suit hats well. I think you cld have a pretty neutral outfit, but the second you get an awesome hat on, bam, it becomes a head-turner. In London, like every major city, you do a lot of walking, therefore you need to be pretty bundled up during the winter months, ergo the need for a wide variety of hats (my second uncle who's a doctor really pushes everyone to wear hats because all your heat is released from there). I also get quite a few headaches and I do believe it's partially from my lack of headgear during the cold days.

For all those who aren't as keen on hats as I, I've found a solution for you: CA4LA. This hat shop will turn non-believers into lovers. It's a Japanese hat retailer whom, as far as I can recollect, only has a number (maybe 5?) stores in the world - most of them in Tokyo/Japan. Lucky for me, I live down the street from it's only UK/EU store :) Mass introduced it to me when I first moved into the flat and I now am a regular passer-by of the store. I even saw fellow blogger Sea of Shoes post on it during her trip to Tokyo. The store is filled with Japanese workers who really don't have any English speaking skills but they have such a unique style, it crosses all language barriers.

Above I'm wearing CA4LA hats from all different seasons (some mine, some Mass')

I'm in Paris tomorrow for the week so not sure how often I'll be posting but hopefully I have some goodies to show you when I return!

Bisous, from London

there's no place like home

This is our kitchen which we rarely use. It's not really conducive to cooking anyway. (that's what I tell Mass to get him off my back to cook every once in awhile :P)


Our breakfast stools/table we which definitely never use hence why I have my crap thrown on it. hehe.


A necessity in every man's home - surround sound and a flat screen. Again, rarely home to watch it but nevertheless required.


Finally, I just wanted to showcase the art piece that still hasn't been framed that I got Mass for his 31st birthday by artist Charles Fazzino whom is a wicked 3-d pop artists that uses swarovski crystals on his pieces. He's based in NYC but does numerous canvasses of the world. I got Mass the Rome one because his hometown is closest to there and he spent time living there during his Uni days.
(nb: the smallest xmas tree ever and his very italian humidor for his extremely bad cigar habit :P)


I guess casual wear wasn't only made for Sundays. (American Apparel unisex plaid shirt, Habitual jeans, a ring from the streets of NYC)

I can't take all the credit - ok that's a lie, I can't ANY of the credit - for my home. We live in a renovated loft that (supposedly) used to be a garment production warehouse. This means we have high ceilings (a must in Mass' architectual world) and lots of open space in which I can inevitably hear every little sound in surround sound, and by every little sound I mean including the washroom (I firmly believe the key to a long lasting relationship with a male is two separate toilets in the master bedroom but that's a whole other post). Despite this, I still love coming home not only because Mass is there (cue audience *aww) but also because I love our home.

Like I said, it was mostly his doing as I moved in after he had decorated. However, what inspired this post was the new art deco type lamp we got for my closet room. I love a white/neutral coloured canvas with a single staple piece for the room. I think we can bring this with us wherever we move. We got it last weekend from Habitat and I think it was a great purchase.


Ciao from the Brit Library