she yearns for the day she left behind...

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.

she often searches for the answer you desire...

Topshop boutique tunic/dress, Asos dress, H&M necklace, bag from random boutique in Hong Kong.

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.

she considers the possibility of an alternate road...

AA sheer mesh dress, RVCA tank, Wrangler vintage denim waistcoat, Topshop boots.

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.

she sticks to the heat like a long lost friend...

AA tank, New Look Skirt,Diesel scarf, Asos boots/Matalan shoes

Hong Kong is busy, hot, and ridiculously enjoyable! I've been slightly attached to this outfit in the past few days due to it's durance in humid weather. My daily activities include rising far too early as a result of jet lag, lunching on sushi, dim sum, and assortments of cakes, afternoon cappuccinos, naps, visiting Hong Kong's many quirky boutiques, delicious cocktails during happy hour, and partying till the early a.m. Tomorrow we head to my Dad's place, so we can hang in the lap of luxury. Some much needed rest is definitely necessary.

she seeks the embrace of a familiar thought...

Topshop customized top, AA wet look skirt, Topshop boots, Miss Selfridge headband, Dorothy Perkins large bangle, vintage necklaces.
(my reliable outfit)

Sipping a foamy cappuccino while browsing Vogue editorials, the feather light touch of an overused tank when worn to bed on a sticky summer night, the embrace of his sweet, musky scent as you rest lightly against your lover's chest, a perfect, reliable outfit that seduces you to dance until sunrise.

My reluctance to a life of organization, and forward planning has not stunted a fondness for familiarities. I am a slight nomad, a modern nomad. We jump from one apartment to the next, shifting our preferences due to season, budget, and proximity to our new favorite bar. The inability to find commitment with a property has lead me to latch onto other habits that produce a feeling of home, no matter the location. Comforts are instead derived from rituals, experiences, food, garments, and most importantly, an extra large comfy bed.

I possess several fail-safe garments that ensure my confidence, comfort, and ease. Along with the boy's obsession for dining at every restaurant in the Zagat guide, we circulate a sprinkling of eateries where we are welcomed as friends, and order sans menu. A craving for Dominos always hits at noon on the day of a hangover, when the boy and I consume the piping hot delivery in bed. And Summer means several long weekends in Cannes, where we return to our quaint flat, and frequent the same beach we found over two years ago. Each custom can pacify my mood as quickly as a security blanket for a young child.

Tomorrow we jet off towards Hong Kong, a place I have visited every summer since the age of twelve, the city where the boy and I said our vows, a home for family, and one of my favorite shopping destinations. I can already feel the wet heat, see the disheveled racks of quirky shoes, and taste the oak scent of my Father's favourite bottle of Puligny-Montrachet. Can't wait for a perfect two weeks!

What are your favourite comforts?

she has always wanted to carve her own path...

Blazer, Dress, Boots all Topshop. All bracelets H&M. Cartier watch.

I have been avoiding excessive social interaction lately due to a sudden aversion to 'friendly' opinions. I find expectations a daunting aspect of life. Back in my insecure teenage years, my Mother found it incredibly frustrating that I felt the need to meet 'social' standards so closely. She held onto high hopes of me not absorbing the judgemental words of others, willing me to be whoever I wished to become. The concept was lost on me during those naive years, when I grasped to the belief that I needed to be the picture of perfection in everyone's eyes, otherwise happiness would evade me.

This need has evolved as I matured, after moving away from our small town, I learned the importance of taking what I wanted in life, and escaping the over zealous recommendations of others. Although I have released myself from immersing my mind in assumptions, I still feel a yearning for approval. Often my solution is to isolate the boy and I, ignoring anything that may puncture the safe bubble. I dodge opinions on our lifestyle, 'career' goals, avoidance of order, and even fashion choices. We are all programmed to have our own ideal, and mine is incredibly unique. I have never felt the need to follow the expected path, be an adult in the most boring way. I don't posses a savings account, have absolutely no urge to invest, often sleep until noon, never plan anything more than two weeks in advance, most likely will be 20 minutes late, and have no idea where I will be this time next year. I take life one day at a time, fulfilling my needs for the present. I never fear the future, I embrace it. A five year plan is not necessary to know I will be happy in five years.

she leaves a red print upon his cheek...

Michael Oats for Allure

I get an abundance of emails enquiring about my skin, hair, and make-up rituals, so here I go...it's beauty post time!

WARNING: I don't have a strict beauty regime, and would definitely rather see my dough hanging in my closet, or adorning my feet, rather than filling my bathroom cabinet, so sorry for the lack of miracle products.

Hair
I am not a hair product junkie and usually use either Loreal Elvive Repairing shampoo and conditioner or the Pantene Pro-V 'Ice Shine' range. I have tried numerous pricier brands and never felt the benefits, so the decision was made to stick with my wallet friendly choices. I always brush my hair with an Aveda paddle brush, and use a serum in my wet hair before brushing. The one product I have found worth every penny is Kerastase Ciment Thermique. You use it on wet hair before blow drying, resulting in super shiny, soft, protected locks. A little goes a long way as well! I also always use a shine spray after blow drying. I don't stick to one brand, I find any shine spray does the job.

Skin
My favorite cleanser is Eve Lom. It takes off all your make-up, and keeps your face hydrated and smooth. At the moment I am using Philosophy 'Hope in a Jar' day cream and Garnier Ultra-Lift night cream. I am not attached to either of these, and often just get the face cream that has a pretty package or is "buy one get one free." More often than not this is Loreal or Garnier. For the body, I'm obsessed with Soap and Glory body butter and Soap and Glory 'Easy Glistening' on bare legs. I also stock up on Nuxe body oil, which smells amazing, and gives your skin the perfect sheen. A date night essential!

Make-Up
I find it impossible to live without Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner, Guerlain bronzer, and YSL Volume Effect mascara. I'm very adverse to foundation (any foundation!) and weaning myself off a YSL Touch Eclat addiction. I like to give my skin room to breathe at all times. Other products that are used pretty much daily are Mac eyeshadow in Smut and Black Tied, Bourjois Rouge hi-tec lip tint, Pout Plump lip gloss in clear, and Rimmel Passion Red lipstick.

And I think that's it...If you have any other ?'s leave a comment and I promise I'll answer :-)

she keeps her secrets tied to her heart...

Topshop jacket, AA sexualitee, H&M skirt, Vintage necklaces.

I was tagged by Confiture-Chic to reveal ten random facts about myself.
Here we go:

I spend a ridiculous amount of time in bed; math confuses me; I speak fluent Mandarin; an enormous chunk of my life is spent reading novels; I prefer to apply my make-up on the bed, using a small compact mirror whilst watching music videos; hair extensions kinda gross me out; I'm completely adverse to bras with underwire; I'm American, but attended an all girls English boarding school from the age of 15; sports scare me (playing them, not watching them); I'm very clumsy and manage to fall over A LOT!

I tag everyone that wants to be tagged :-)

Happy Saturday!

xoxo