Northern Europe trip

Back to August, mom and I went to Northern Europe on a travel tour but I was so lazy to tidy up the photos till now. The trip started from Copenhagen, then Oslo to eastern Norway to visit natural landscapes like rivers, lakes and glaciers. It continued to Stockholm and last stop was Helsinki. It's a relaxing trip to enjoy the scenery which is so scarce and hardly be seen elsewhere. Also it's great to get fresh air and enjoy the slow pace of life, not to mention to escape from the sky high buildings for 10 days.

Nice sky on cruise

Norwegian woods ~~ (not "wood" as oppossed to the Beatles song and japanese novel, haha)

Josteda Glacier. My very first time on admiring glacier at such close distance. We took boat trip and walked to the lower part of it and felt it.

Sunrise at Helsinki from hotel room balcony. I cannot recall how long I haven't seen a sunrise but that's absolutely one of the most beautiful things to do ~~

Regarding food, there's abundant source of salmon. We ate almost every day during the trip... Steamed in Chinese style with black bean source is the most innovative way I've ever tasted..

After this trip, can't help but wonder what the next destination will be...

Dries van Noten "Garments, Lightscapes" exhibition

On a beautiful sunny Saturday, I visited Dries van noten exhibition entitled "Garments, Lightscapes" at Fringe Club. It showcased part of his 2012 Spring/Summer collection collaborated with photographer James Reeve, who is famous on taking city night photos. The clothes are printed with colourful lightscapes from Marseilles to Las vegas, in a very thoughtful and clever way that they're magically put together to become pieces of arts.

Look of the day

Bless grey knitted cape
ASOS taupe dress
Lanvin magenta ballerina
Celine tweed bi-cabas bag

Wrapped with love

Apart from getting gifts for your loved ones, Christmas is about sharing and giving. This year, Lane Crawford partners with Club Monaco for the "Wrapped with Love" program, by knitting small squares to large blankets to donate through Crossroads Foundation. It's a very meaningful event to help people in need with our little effort. I've collected the kit and started my work.

It's been a long time since my last knitting... I pick my favourite cable knit..

Suggested size is 8 x 8 squares but I think the yarn is enough for 2 sqaures. Hope I'll make 1 more before Christmas.

Collect the knitting kit from any Lane Crawford stores while you do your Christmas shopping. More information can be found here

Festival des Métiers by Hermes

After the launch in Europe and America, Festival des Metiers reaches Hong Kong as the first stop in Asia. This event allows the visitors to meet Hermes artisans at their workbenches and appreicate the execptional craftsmanship on silk printing, making a leather bag and engraving etc. Regular demonstrations are arranged and sure will satisfy all H enthusiasts.

 Leather inspection before making for leather goodies

Various leathers (up) and all the tools required for making the bags. The blue one hanging shows the inside of a Kelly. The two Constance on the shelf are so yummy...=)

The artisan demonstrates the process of silk printing (up) and the paints used for silk printing.

Be sure to drop by the Hermes Elements shop as well cause there're couples of rare bags on shelf (well, for display only)... =)

My wishlist for Fall 2011

Here comes to my third wishlist. Basically I'm still hunting for those listed last time, sometimes things just catch your eye and the list is simply left behind...=) Anyway, it's still good to have a shopping list to avoid impulse buy, esp. things are getting real expensive now!

1. Python python python

Love python accessories, esp. shoes and bags but not clothes (why pretend to be a snake?! haha). Natural python (cream/black combo) is always on top of my list but pink/red/purple also steals my heart (can't wait to get the CL magenta python pigalle, my 2 favourites go together). Watersnake is an alternative if price is considered but scale may curl up easily. The Prada OTK boots is bit over the top and my choice goes to the Dries van Noten python ankle boots (DVN shoes are surprisingly comfy compared with some high-end shoe brands)

Photo: style.com

2. Olympia le tan book clutch

I've been eyeing on the Olympia le Tan book clutch for sometime already. The idea is perfect, a clutch inspired from old book cover which is hand embroidered and lined with liberty floral print fabrics inside. Only 16 pieces are produced for each style (every clutch is numbered) and so when it's gone, it's really gone.

Each season comes with a theme. Last season was on natural disaster and this season is "Housewive's choice", typical life of a 50s housewife (from cookbooks to couple relationship). Indeed, it's difficult to locate the perfect one since I want to find the book which I really love, but it needs to be pretty and versatile and also truly represents yourself (that's so hard...). My 2 top choices are the Madame Bovary (love the film more esp with Isabelle Huppert) and "Ex-husband" (never read it but the cover is nice). No need to struggle yet coz I got to justify the 1000 euro price tag first.

Photo: colette.fr, matchesfashion.com

3. Scarf dress

I like printed silk scarf but cannot handle it properly (it tends to move around and loose shapes after hours). Looking forward to find some scarf printed clothes (hooked to horse and carriage prints lately). The Gucci scarf dress is very lady like (am sure high end street brands will pay "tribute" to it). Can't get my eye off from this one-of-a-kind Comme des Garcons dress which is made from various vintage scarfs.

Photo: style.com

4. Maxi skirt

I get bit tired of wearing leggings in winter and maxi skirt is a great alternative. A chucky sweater pairs with a light flowing maxi skirt sounds great and chic. On the hunt of body fitting skirts (which won't shorten myself at least) instead of flare or layered ones.

The list gets shorter coz just managed to score some items while writing this blog. See if you can spot them from the look of the day... =)

Vintage hunting

When I was in my early 20s, I was not fond of used stuffs and stayed far from 2nd hand shops or flea market. However, my affection grows as I get older and older, esp for 70s or 80s stuffs. It's not only because of the rarity and uniqueness on vintage stuffs, but also the fact that the new stuffs gets repeated heavily to "respect" to the old collection. Also, finding the perfect vintage stuff is just like treasure hunting which gives me lots of fun. So, let's share my little experience and hope can help your future hunting.

1.eBay

Without any doubt, you can locate anything on ebay. However, better play safe on getting things there, especially on the followings
- authenticity - there're both real and fakes, check carefully or ask experts to make sure what you get is authentic
- seller's feedback - stay away if feedback is bad
- follow eBay checkout process and pay with PAYPAL (do not use bank transfer or western union etc). You can then be covered by the eBay buyer protection and you can file complaint to eBay and get refund if the item is faulty, fake or get lost during delivery

The "saved search" function is fabulous on keeping you posted on any new auctions matching your search criteria.

2. Malleries

http://luxury.malleries.com/

From couture clothing to 40s jewelery, Malleries carries a wide range luxury products in both new and vintage conditions. Authenticity is guaranteed or 100% money back. The browsing and buying is very user friendly. Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter to keep update of new arrivals and upcoming sales.

3. Vintage Paris

http://www.vintage-paris.com/

Vintage Paris is a small shop in Marais area in Paris (I got a hard time on finding it last time). It's a small but cozy shop carrying many vintage bags/accessories/clothes. Great news that they launch their e-shop business finally.

4. Brandoff

http://tokyohk.brandoff.com.hk/

Brandoff is famous for selling second hand luxury goods in Japan. I've been very lucky on getting the Kelly bag and Jige clutch from them (great condition and very good price too). Indeed, price has been going up lately, maybe of the weak USD (or strong Japanese yen). I check it out from time to time on hoping to get the dreamy red Constance.

5. farfetch.com

http://www.farfetch.com/

Farfetch partners with worldwide boutiques and offers a wide selection of stuffs from new to vintage. I just placed order for a vintage YSL jacket and see how it goes.

Feel free to let me know if you know any great place on getting vintage stuffs... =)

Another year..

Time flies and I got a year older~~ Some ups and downs for the past year. I became aunt again and got a lovely and chubby niece. Reached my limit on finishing the half marathon. Health gets a bit better but still sleepless nights. Challenges at work and I almost crossed the line of myself (and also my boss's) etc etc... Anyway, got hopes and live life, as always... =)

This year bday was celebrarated in Prague. Well, a bit planned or unplanned coz it's almost the best time on visiting europe with the long day light (sunset at 9pm). How I wish I can spend my bday in different places every year (sounds greedy, kaka)...

Secrets of handbag

After the  Les secrets de la Veste event last Oct, Chanel set-up another exhibit entitled "Secret of handbag" on their famous handbags. We're taken through a journey of signature bags from 90s and the classical collection introduced by Mademoiselle Chanel.

A small room for visitor to watch the video on the process of making a handbag. Love the puffing on the wall and the burgundy/black contrast of the deco, just the iconic details of the handbag.

Chanel handbag requires tons of craftmanship and perfect details on everything, from picking a whole picie of fine leather, the alignment of the diamond stitiches, the interlocking chain and leather straps etc. 

One of the questions from the questionaaire after the exhibit is "will you consider getting a new Chanel handbag after this exhibit?" My answer is No (cause things are getting ridiculously pricey now), guess I'm not their target customer this time.. =D

Habillé(e)s pour

During Easter holiday, I watched a French TV show "Les 10 Ans d'Habillé(e)s pour" hosted by Mademoiselle Agnès, a retrospective of fashion moments for the past decade. Apart from being "insider" into the fashion shows and designers interviews, the host "played around" (it's not that she really plays, but the way she presents it) and made a very enjoyable show. She asked the front row people whether they'll come again if not front rows, enjoyed the cheese sandwiches along with desserts while talking on the trend of skinny models, disguised as Anna Wintour and marched into fashion shows without invitation (the security guard spotted her as fake, but not the PR!). Very hilarious indeed, not to mention I can practice my French... =)

On google her further,  Mademoiselle Agnès (Agnès Boulard) is a French fashion journalist for over 20 years and collaborated on other fashion projects as well. Great styles too, maybe most French women do?!

The show is produced by Canal+ France but I'm not sure which channel it'll be aired also. Not many records on youtube either, the latest one is "Habillé(e)s pour l'ete 2011" preview

Lane Crawford x Opening Ceremony

On celebrating the collaboration of Lane Crawford x Opening Ceremony on the project of exclusive capsule collection, LC launched a party in their shop at IFC. The shop was decorated like a carnival with booths of food/drinks and lovely display. Also featured the own designs by OC and cross-over with other designers like Agne's b, Rodarte and Chloe Sevigny.

The display is cute

 The OC collection

 They even set up a photo booth for the guests

Me and the drinks booth

For the look of the day

Topshop camel blazer

Zara white dress

Vintage Chanel necklace

Vintage gold bracelet

Vintage Celine black box bag

Bruno Frisoni ribbon heels



近期讀物

平時比較少看中文書, 外文翻譯的也偏好看英文的 (日文除外). 這個月捧了這幾本回家.

1. <挪威的森林> - 村上春樹

十多年前看過一遍, 覺得是"成人讀物" (談性的段落真的不少). 改編小說的電影上映了, 想重看書之後看電影. 剛看完書, 反而覺得比之前好看. 而電影呢, 真的邊看邊駡. 如果沒有看原著, 便不明所以,故事支離破碎. 如果看過呢, 就不斷駡為什麼改成這樣子...

2. <1Q84>- 村上春樹

聽朋友的評價和看網誌都有不俗的評價(可能是死硬派便喜歡..), 等第三本出版便一併買回家. 三本加起來真的很厚..

3. <天空之鏡> - 黎堅惠

喜歡看黎堅惠的文章 (寫時裝固然好看, 時裝以外的東西也不俗). 新書是寫遊南美的旅程, 但不僅是寫遊歷, 所以很期待, 還特地在她的網站訂書以表支持. 因為想一氣呵成, 暫時不看, 留待復活節長假期便展開我的心靈之旅.

Hermes Kellydoscope

Ever wonder what's like inside your handbag? After the exhibition in UK last Nov, Hermes brings the giant Kelly (4m x 1m) to Hong Kong. You can step inside the bag and experience what's like, also you can enjoy 3 short movies on the Kelly theme.

The bag is made from the same material of Kelly bag by the craftsmen from Hermes. The gold/white color combo is so lovely. All the subtle details of Kelly are followed.

The side for entrance.

A number of selected Kelly items are displayed in the nearby Hermes shop (not for sale). The red croc Kelly clutch is something!!!

2011 香港馬拉松

之前談過參加了半馬拉松. 在疏於訓練 (一星期一次是不足夠的) 和賽前的重感冒困擾下, 終於比法定時間 (三小時)多點完成了!!! 因為過了法定時間, 所以沒有證書 (也不打緊, 對自己來說已經是個break through record). 其實真的不能跑足21km, 邊跑邊行 (落斜跑,上斜行), 沿途拍照紀錄一下.

早上五時多的彌敦道. 起跑了, 人頭湧湧, 大家都好興奮..

經過大角咀, 美孚等, 近四號碼頭轉彎 (我被大會攝影機拍到偷懶, "行"不是跑, 哈哈)

奧運站, 已完成 11km

最期待的西隧, 比想像中容易跑

出了西隧(那個大彎位是最辛苦的), 已跑了兩個多小時

銅鑼灣, 只剩下1km.

無力也要跑過終點 (行好像不太好呢..)

賽後獎勵自己一個"大早".


回到家, 超累, 洗澡後倒頭便睡. 晚上起來雙腳無力, 要扶著才能走動. 翌日也是一拐一拐上班..

完成賽事的滿足感是很好的, 但尚未計劃明年是否參加 (跑快一點和花少點時間拍照應該可以達標, 但不知道老了一年的體力又如何呢...)