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Zara sequin dress, Topshop Boutique blazer, Topshop ‘Aggie’ boots, Georg Jensen necklace, H&M bracelets, Rolex watch.

I always manage to have the worst luck with internet when on vacation. The snail pace wireless at our hotel literally took two minutes to load a twitter update, so Photobucket was definitely out of the question.

On the bright side, Cannes was reliably sunny and beautiful. Days passed in a slight wine haze as I devoured fresh seafood, and French fashion magazines dans la plage. We were overly pleased to stumble across my new favorite food destination during a random evening stroll. Each plate was more mouthwatering than the next, each sip led to dizzy satisfaction, and the atmosphere remained chic and buzzy until close. I’m just wondering if New York had the first Pastis, or Cannes? Or do they just happen to have the same name? Either way both are deliciously Parisian and addictive.

Now that internet has been restored to my life, it is time to check out all the New York Fashion Week action I’m missing.

Until next time…
xoxo

Just as I’m embracing Autumn fashions, the boy and I are once again heading to the South of France. I can’t say I’m complaining since I was born to live beside a scorching, sandy beach, but my mind is experiencing seasonal confusion. And to add more to the dizzying effect, the BBC has informed me it will be showering in Cannes. Cannes this really be possible? Good thing I am an eternal optimist, and don’t believe in the weather forecast fairy.

The boy and my wedding took place during typhoon season in Hong Kong. Being the clever, forward planners we are, the decision was made to wed outdoors in the most humid, hot, and wettest month of the year. Thunderstorms and torrential rainfall surrounded us during the moments of last minute wedding planning, in the two weeks leading to our big day. My face sustained a mask of worry, while my Father (also an optimist) guaranteed a Jackie Chan speech, and a perfectly sunny wedding. My entire wedding design would have been ruined by the slightest sprinkle, and we did not even have a marquee on reserve. The first guest arrived by ferry, 5 days prior to the ceremony, and a few last drops of precipitation fell an hour before his entrance. For ten days, where we threw the longest, most party driven wedding vacation, not a drop of rain visited. We experienced better weather than I have ever witnessed in a Hong Kong June. So let’s hope my lucky streak reigns, and our our french vacation is not hindered by “heavy showers.”

I will update tomorrow from Cannes, and keep you guys posted!

Zara boots, sheer top/tunic, and vest. H&M 100 den tights and bracelets. Rolex watch and Miu Miu sunglasses.

Sunday lunches have become a weekly staple since becoming serious with the boy. What started as a family reunion with his side, has now turned into a weekly tradition we practice with or without company. The essentials include: brasserie style restaurant, floods of wine, a great cheese plate, and hours of free time. Favorite Sunday lunch spot in Notting hill: Electric Brasserie. Favorite Sunday lunch spot in Brighton (where the boy’s family reside): Pascal’s or In Vino Veritas. I highly recommend this ritual as a satisfying finale to any week.

I predict these indulgent boots, and ridiculously fluffy vest will get tons of use through this winter season. I’m already in love after one wear.

Today was one of those indulgent Autumn days that are always welcome at the start of September. The endless anticipation for hot weather that never appears is starting to tire. London is a city far more attractive, and satisfying when the sun shines, the air is chilly, and the wind breezes lightly through your hair. We sipped cappuccinos, browsed vintage treasures at Portobello Market, and watched the sun set over a glass of wine. I managed to fall slightly in love with this very useful leopard print scarf, and look forward to the cozy, cold Autumn ahead.

A few posts back, I expressed a slight aversion to being different, wanting to descend from one place rather than ten. Although at times I wish my life and family were normal, I actually now embrace my unique lifestyle, family, and marriage.

In my teens I despised being “weird.” I pretended to not speak Mandarin, and yearned to be a “normal.” American, suburban family. My brother managed to play the part perfectly. He was on the varsity football team, threw keg parties, was incredibly popular, lived on fast food, and dated the prettiest girls (but never committed to one.) I on the other hand was not built to belong. I hated Abercrombie and 4-hole brown Doc Martens, but was swayed to mimic the uniform. My dinner of choice was always seafood, all kinds, whether it was raw or obscure. I enjoyed a refreshing novel over any music video, and wasn’t interested in dating jocks with polo shirts. My differences kept me at a distance from my friends, never having them as dinner guests, only wearing my fashion choices on vacations, and always spending summers in Hong Kong avoiding the boundaries my friendships built.

Luckily I escaped after junior high, commencing the international life which suited me best. I now realize “weird” can be a very good thing, and I’m happy to say my family, husband, and I are very “weird.” We married very young ignoring the many judgements from our friends. We do not desire children early, reside in a messy studio, party most nights, and don’t possess normal careers. He surprisingly is not phased by anything, his favorite dish at dim sum is chicken feet, would never wear a suit and tie, and is happy to take Sambucca shots with my Dad at a nightclub. We revel in our weirdness, shoving aside any expectations about marriage or career people throw our way, and I’m sure we’re happier than most “normal” people I know.

Topshop shorts, boots, and waistcoat. Striped tee from random boutique in Hong Kong, vintage necklaces.

Autumn/Winter fashion is fully consuming my mind at present. I have snatched the perfect leopard print coat off Ebay, acquired butter soft thigh high boots via Zara, and taken my favorite biker jacket and vintage fur out of storage. Now all I need is a few dashes of sequins and studs, the essential chunky cardigan, a cozy snood, and an assortment of fingerless gloves.

P.S. Has anyone noticed the three inches of hair missing in my last few posts? Why do hairdressers love to chop off my ultra long locks? I just don’t understand why an inch always means 3-4. I cry a little every time I view pictures of my waist length hair of the past. Hopefully the extra inches will find her way home in the next few months.

RVCA tank, Topshop skirt, necklace, and boots, H&M scarf.

Daily activities at my Dad’s humble abode include: sleep until noon, Japanese lunch poolside, leisurely swim followed by even more relaxing massage and facial, finished with lively family dinners accompanied by floods of wine. This RVCA tank served as a loyal companion for each of these activities. Ideal over a bikini for a stroll to the pool, perfectly glam with a pair of heels, and the softest sleeping attire I have ever encountered. I could ask for nothing more in a vacation buddy.

Now that we are back in cloudy London, I cannot bring myself to go near the trusty tank that makes me yearn for the sunny holiday I left behind.

Do you ever get curious looks when walking down the street, and have people approach wondering where you are from? This is almost a daily occurrence for me. “Where are you from?” may be one of the world’s most confusing questions. Well, for me anyway. Due to my obscure exotic looks, extreme height (for an Asian girl), tanned skin, distinct American accent, and definite Londoner status, I often get this question along with lingering stares. The lack of ability to locate a one word answer for this seemingly simple question has always annoyed me. I have always found envy for my friends who can proudly dictate their obvious answer for the hundredth time, like it is second nature.

The confusion starts here: My parents are both Taiwanese, but my Father has resided in Hong Kong for the past 20 years, and my Mother has called west coast U.S.A her home since her late teens. I met the world for the first time in California, where my family camped out through my single digit years. We then sporadically wheeled north, and decided Washington State would be the perfect home. Although my Mother and brother adapted perfectly, I quickly discovered I was not fit for suburban small town living. At the naive age of 15, a spontaneous decision was made to attend boarding school in England, a country I had never once visited. There I discovered a new comfort zone, released an abundance of insecurities, developed a lust for travel, and decided to never leave. At present I have lived in several big cities around Europe, found a home in Notting Hill, and hope to one day move back to California, or start a family in Hong Kong. When in America I’m a Londoner, at home in London I’m a Yank, while visiting family in Taiwan/Hong Kong I’m an ABC (American born Chinese), and in Europe I’m considered Chinese. So apparently I’m an west coast American, who is from Taiwan (well my parents are), that lives in London, but possess family in Hong Kong. I think I’m confused again. Maybe I’m just International.

Sorry for the stupidly long break from outfit posts! After several days of shopping, then partying until 6am in Hong Kong we took a little break at my Dad’s ‘country club.’ Being extravagant can be a slight understatement when it comes to my Father and Uncle (his twin brother)’s lifestyles, so instead of residing in a normal house, or even a McMansion, they have decided to live in their very own resort. No it is not open for business, but houses four restaurants, a spa, bar, hair salon, swimming pool, too many staff, and over 40 guest rooms. Most of my Dad’s side of the family dwell there in a permanent reunion, so it becomes the perfect catch-up and city escape. Only problem: the firewall on their internet does not allow access to blogger, twitter, or facebook. I think I developed a rash from extreme withdrawal.

So now I have plenty of posts to read, and even more pics to share. Will be updating lots this week to make-up for my hiatus.