trying something new

Acne Manon Dress from Oak NYC
See by Chloe Wrap Around Ankle Boot from Saks
Before Sunrise & Before Sunset: Two Screenplays
Ocean Eyes by Owl City
추억비 (Choo Uk Bi)'s Blog

better than it looks

On my last day in Japan, I went to Harajuku/Omotesando for some last minute shopping and people watching. Despite the fact that the two districts each has its own subway station, the distance between the two is about less than a mile's walk. On a long stretch of road, trees dot the spaces between major designer houses and fanciful cafes. Anything and everything you could ever dream of is here. Chanel sits next to Martin Margiela, and one could spend a down payment on a house in a one block radius at Comme des Garcons, Prada, and Dolce & Gabanna.

Photography was restricted inside all the stores, but each building had a unique exterior - a deep tribute to Tokyo's reverence to mixing its architecture with high fashion.




The Comme des Garcon store has a clever piece of window decaling. I personally think it's to prevent photographers from getting a good shot of their merchandise. It pretty much distorts any view of the inside unless you are literally standing in front of the window, peering in between the space between the dots.

The store itself is set up like a maze, and I had a rather difficult time navigating through it. (Only because I'm extremely left brain challenged.) The workers are selectively friendly. I feigned disinterest until the girl with the mushroom cut came over to assist me with her delightfully adorable snaggletooth smile. I tried on a few of the runway pieces until I realized that I wasn't fit for most of Rei Kawakubo's creations. But I did manage to find a few pieces that I liked, which will eventually find their way onto the blog once the weather starts to cool down.



Spotted: trendy man walking down the street. I stalked him until he entered the D&G store. He works there.




The Prada building was extremely fascinating. You couldn't walk into the building because there are no doors on the building itself. You had to enter through this side tunnel that felt like you were entering a depth of credit card hell. Gives you a moment to think and turn around before damning yourself to bad credit.



I'm not a huge fan of Louis Vuitton, but the windows were very enticing. The monograms on the left would light up in intervals, and then there would be a sparkle display. It was exciting. Even for 10 in the morning.



I was super excited to see the Dior store, which was designed by Sanaa - the people behind The New Museum in the Lower East Side in NYC. I'm a huge fan of their avant garde design work, as well as Kazuyo Sejima's sartorial preference (Comme des Garcons).

on the streets of kangnam

I'm back in Seoul. My last two days in Tokyo will be coming up soon. I actually ran into a few of the people Jane saw on her trip there and had an interesting conversation.

But today, Liana and I ate lunch at this really nasty Donkatsu place near the #7 exit of Kangnam subway station. So GROSS. We wandered around the streets and hung out at the American Apparel where I talked her into buying a pair of acid wash denim shorts. They're so cute!

We have quite a number of events planned before I leave Korea on the 20th, so keep posted... and a certain dress might be making an appearance VERY soon.

P.S. Yes, these shorts are very short. And yes, lots of people stared and assumed I was a hooker. No, I do not sell my body for money. Ask me again in about five months, and we'll see.






top. Katayone Adeli. shorts. Blank denim. jacket. Zara. bag. Gucci. shoes. Aldo. hat. borrowed from Linette.

first day in kyoto

The train from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station.

On my first day in Kyoto, I decided to acquaint myself with the history of the city so I headed to the Museum of Kyoto where I got a free English tour of the second floor. The city was founded by a group of Koreans in the 9th century in the Heian period (which means peace and tranquility). Once the capital of Japan, it's supposedly perfectly located as a natural fortress and fertile farmland. As interesting as that was, I was more interested in the food.


A dining style. There's an open space under the table for your legs.

So, for dinner I had a Japanese style course meal. It cost around 2,800 yen, which is about $28.

Clockwise from the top left: Kirin beer, a hand towelette, black tea, chopsticks, miso soup, rice, tempura dipping sauce, and tempura.
Inside the box from the top left: sashimi & soy sauce, egg jjim, egg/pork/fish side dish, shrimp & edamame, dessert with jelly, pickled side dish, and some kind of beef with sesame seeds on top.

she said that i was the brightest little firefly in her jar

On Saturday, I went to the Hong-dae area for the Saturday market with Felicia. We grabbed lunch at this cute little restaurant called Agio, where they served organic Italian fare. As we chowed on our ravioli and spaghetti, we watched a number of amateuer photo shoots and created our own commentary to the photo directions.


cropped top. Topshop. dress. A.Wang. shoes. TBJ.

The area plays host to a noted art school (Hong-ik University), and therefore has a more eclectic crowd. People are more adventurous with their fashion choices here. I wasn't able to document any, but I plan on going back sometime next week to pick up some items and I'll be sure to have my camera in hand.

and now i'm headed for nowhere

Making my way to Japan... Kyoto, here I come.

waiting for sunday

On Friday, I went to Myung-dong with my friend's little sister to help her find a bathing suit. We saw lots of Japanese tourists and a surprising amount of little people. And I think I saw my first Korean gay couple. Since Korea is such a conservative society, it's difficult for gay people to be openly gay. By coming out of the closet, they risk alienation from their families and friends. I wish people would understand that love, in all forms, is beautiful and worth treasuring.


crop top. AA. skirt. borrowed from friend. hat. borrowed from friend. bag. Gucci. shoes. Converse.

saffron @ banyan tree bangkok

On my last night in Bangkok, I went to the contemporary Thai restaurant in the Banyan Tree called Saffron. Aside from the staples of pad thai and green curry, they had a great twist on seafood and the most incredible tasting sauces. The presentation was impeccable.

We started with a complimentary dish of some sort of rice cake and this chicken based sauce that was sweet and tangy.

Then came the appetizer, that was fried shrimp & fried fish (I think). One of the sauces was extremely sweet. The other one was sweet but with a spicy aftertaste.


The sea bass was cooked to perfection. It melted in your mouth. I think they sprinkled a hot pepper juice on it. I couldn't see the spice, but it was definitely spicy. I preferred the sea bass to the grilled sea food combination plate. Being from the South, I'm picky about my BBQ, and if it's not lathered with BBQ sauce, it just doesn't feel right to me.

the last shots from bkk

Thailand was a whirlwind. There was so much going on each day that I barely had enough time to sleep, let alone blog. We first stayed at the Royal Sheraton on Charumkrong (sp?) Road, and then moved to the Banyan Tree Hotel near the embassies. The Royal was on the river, so it was nice in that sense. But the Banyan Tree was excellent when it came to its restaurants and its spa. I indulged myself in some well needed R&R with the Banyan Tree Back Revival massage, which proved to be beneficial for that night. I wouldn't say no to getting another one.

I'm in Seoul now and spent the last five or so days meeting with family and catching up with friends who are here. But starting tomorrow I'm going to be back on duty on the streets of Seoul, camera in hand.


in the lobby of the Banyan Tree Hotel in Bangkok


the many floors of the Central World Plaza


a patio in Khao San Road; an offering to Buddha


another offering to Buddha


I stumbled upon this kitty on Khao San Road near the Starbucks.


a view of BKK at night from the Banyan Tree Hotel