Tea Time Holiday! Ladurée Le Macarons, Biscuits de Pauline & Nippon Bone China Teacup Served with Thé du Louvre Côté Cour

Paris fashion week trip in September provides me a great exploration more of the luxury marketing strategies: the private runway, the grand showroom and the insightful conversation, all are the valuable access to the industry knowledge. Besides of the food for the brain during the work, gaining a box of le macaron from Ladurée after office hours is a must-do before departure at Aéroport Charles de Gaulle.  

The flavor choices of square box of 8 piece macaron are Chocolat, Rose, Caramel Fleur de Sel, Pistache, Fraise Bonbon, Framboise, Cotton Candy & Bubble Gum. These mini round pastries are crispy on the outside, smooth and soft in the middle, if not able to consume at the moment of purchase, then removing them from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes prior to serving, can offer the best quality. Caramel Fleur de Sel is still one of my favourites, while for the seasonal selection, it is quite difficult not falling in love with Bubble Gum, which owns the rosy taste of upper/bottom crumbly bites, but creamy ice cream feel of ganache fillings. 

Ladurée mini chocolat au lait 41% de cacao is not just one of the best souvenirs to processes, but also the easy treat to friends or colleagues. At afternoon teatime,taking a small mouthfulness of milk chocolate neither causes the overdose of sugar nor the sense of nausea, while the pick of the tea is the key. 

 

After tasting courtyard tea at MUSÉE DU LOUVRE, Thé du Louvre by PALAIS DES THÉS, is the must-get souvenir after the museum day. This 20 hand-stitched cotton tea bags with whole leaf tea, offers blended black tea from Sir Lanka, India and China, with 2% of bergamot and forest fruits, plus a slight amount of cornflowers petals, brewing in 90 Celsius degree with 5 minutes, squeeze the organic honey as the final touch, rich but not bitter, are the best flavor to enjoy during the holiday season.  

 

François-Xavier Delmas, The founder of PALAIS DES THÉS, who travels the world in search of the finest teas for the past 30 years, with in-depth knowledge of the tea regions and techniques, together with Mathias Minet, set up the Tea School to share their experiences at tea expertise in 1999. They are as well co-authors of Le Guide de dégustation de l’amateur de thé in 2007, and Tea Sommelier, Le thé en 160 leçons illustrées in 2016.

  

Japanese KUTANI teacup completes the whole cozy holiday scenario of the table. The term ‘kutani’ means ‘Nine Valleys’ 九谷, now a part of Kaga, Ishikawa, was first mentioned in 1655 during the MEIREKI ERA. The styles of the traditional Kutani were Aote 青手and Iroe 色絵, which hand-painted of dark green, mustard yellow, teal blue and deep purple. KUTANI production was closed down ciera 1730, the possible reasons may traced to the shortage supplies of the pigments, or the manufacturers’ financial difficulties. Therefore, the demand of the KUTANI is comparatively high at vintage market. 

 

The white eggshell mini teacup I found this August at Helsinki secondhand store, 10 EUR each set, is decorated with pastel grey on the body and embossed with art deco styles of willows trees in snowy winter days. While pouring the Thé du Louvre, it is visible to view the mini branch pattern at the bottom of the teacup, and the saucer echoing the background, which makes the whole teatime chic and highly symbolic. 

 

Fashion Fun VENEZIA! Sonia Rykiel Tank Top, MIU MIU Cardigan & GUESS? High Rise Denim Cruise at Piazza San Marco di Piazzetta

November 20-25

Piazza San Marco, Venezia

 

O! Solo Mio! Ciao, Venezia! Piazza San Marco, ‘The Drawing Room of Europe’ by Napoleon I, the drama stage of The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, and where the author of Gospel of Mark reclines nearby, is composed of the Doge’s Palace, San Marco Basilica, San Marco Clock Tower, administrative mansion buildings connected with the Napoleon Wing Buildings and the San Marco Biblioteca. The rectangular square surrounded by the Grand Canal, is about 170 meters long, 80 meters wide on the east side, forming the social, religious and political centre of Venice since 1177. 

 

In 2022 we aim for VENICE BIENNALE, within three weeks we secure the biennale pass, the last-minute deal from RYAN AIR, experience the 2-hour delay and finally land at MARCO POLO AIRPORT for my birthday week celebration. Hotel GORIZIA A LA VALIGIA is only 5 minute walk to Piazza San Marco, the water buses, the gondolas, the souvenir shops, the café and outnumbered restaurants are in walking distances. We are fortunate not to suffer from any flooding moments, while supremely unfortunate to witness the thunderstorms on November 22^nd , unwilling to race with the chilling raindrops through the seven bridges from Arsenale Biennale Di Venezia via Piazza San Marco. 

After a good rest and visiting designer outlet NOVENTA DI PIAVE, the outfits of the day at Giardini della Biennale are relaxed yet posh. SONIA RYKIEL 66% virgin wool and 34% viscose knitted tank top offers a sheer sexy look, while the fine materials still keeps the warmth; wearing Calvin Klein pastel pink underwear contrasts the ivory hue a posh style. 

 

Publicly launched in 1993, MIU MIU was established by Miuccia Prada, with a cutie-themed collection in pastel colour tones, MIU MIU items usually decorate the final whimsical touch of my rather posh styles. MIU MIU square cardigan in dark grey containing 67% mohair, 28% polyamide and 5% wool, is a great bargain found at NOVENTA DI PIAVE; furthermore, its rather slimmer sleeves allow to tuck in BY MALENE BIRGER puffy wool coat, which contains 34% kid mohair, 34% wool, 27% polyamide and 5 % of elastane, not only keeps me warm in chilly morning in Venezia, but also bestows the Nordic simplicity and detailed quality. 

 

Made in Mexico, GUESS? high rise regular denim owns 99% cotton and 1% spandex, with vintage iron tone of the buttons, to provide relaxed touch yet lavish details. I adore its 100% cotton reversed triangle GUESS with poppy red question mark logo tag on the right rear pocket, with its high rise waist design, the silhouette of buttocks and thighs are extremely smooth and sexy. 

As for accessories, MIU MIU round-frame glittered acetate sunglasses own the gradient lenses, which are suitable to wear indoors at VENEZIA BIENNALE; they are also handy to tuck up for the instant hairband. DIOR CEINTURE SADDLE offers a removable calfskin belt will bring a touch to any outfits. A subtle homage to the Dior Saddle collection with its flap and metal D stirrup magnetic clasp, with two card slots and one zipped pocket and Fatto in Italia, not doubt I manage the easy cozy style for Venezia Biennale.

TOP TIP 1: In Venezia, take a spare pair of plastic slippers or rain boots for the unexpected climate impacts

TOP TIP 2: Check and avoid the high tide moments of Venezia before book the tickets, wear the layering style to adjust the chilly mornings and evenings

Further Readings in Chinese -> THE MILK OF DREAMS ART CRITICS 2022-23

Special Thanks: Wendy

 

Fashion Fun COLOSSEO! AC/DC Cotton Tee, Zara High-Waist Jeans & Dior Oblique Accessories in Urbs Aeterna

Piazza del Colosseo 1, 

00184 Roma, Italia

 

The largest elliptical Amphitheatre ever built, the paramount wonders of architecture, Gerard Butler’s office in Rome, the principal landmark on GOOGLE map, and the living proof of faith and cruelty in human history. 

 

From Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holidays, from Giovanni Paolo Panini’s oil paintings, from Roman and Greek Mythology, from Latin language seminar, even from the American short story Roman Fever by EDITH WHARTON, COLOSSEO, COLOSSEUM in modern English, has been capturing my fugue since childhood. Deciding to take the adventure to Roma, with cousin Jenny, in despite of my previous concerns on the security of the City of Eternity, it is our collective agreement that Roma is one of the best travelling destinations to come, to see, to conquer. 

 

 

Our history tour guide Federico is a full-time archaeologist, unfortunately trying very best to dress down as a homeless. From his description, that Roma is a city in similarity of lasagna: the layering constructions presenting each epoch of the glory; the city was built with magnificent marbles, solid rocks and pure perseverance. Therefore, In order to survive the day tour from Roma FORUM to COLOSSEO under the burning hot autumn sunlight, and for the contrast to the colour of brownish COLOSSEO, my outfits of the day at Colosseo are H&M AC/DC 100% cotton tee and ZARA high-waist black 100% denim, in fast-fashion casual outlook still keep high voltage spirit from one of my favourite Hard Rock bands, AC/DC, for the metaphor of their Rock or Bust album to signify COLOSSEO. 

 

H&M Summer Collection usually collaborates with rock and roll bands to release the affordable 100% recycled or organic cotton tees with authorized logo or album cover prints, which captures high attentions around the globe. My second AC/DC H&M Summer Collection cotton tee owns its vintage beige tone with classic logo (as well my first worn at TUSKA FESTIVAL), a lighting in between, is a tribute design to AC/DC eighth studio album, For Those About to Rock We Salute You, in 20 November 1981, for such an surprising coincidence, this date is (almost) exact of my very own birthday.

 

As for bottom wear, Made in Bangladesh, Zara high-waist straight jeans provide the airy space between the denim and skin, to prevent from the possible humidity to cause the uncomfortable stickiness. The vintage copper buttons decorated on the slightly bleak-grey tone of denim fabric, perfectly match the brownish ancient elliptical Amphitheatre.

 

CHANEL 25mm sling backs with black shining tweet are the ideal travel essentials, for their elegance and comfy, especially a full-length straight jeans shall match with rather girly silhouette than the bulky sneakers. YSL classic round-shape sunglasses are the must-carry during the city tour; the iconic golden logos stand still on the edge of les cadre, and indeed amplify the details of design. 

 

DIOR Pochette CEINTURE SADDLE in oblique jacquard is one of my favourite souvenirs from Paris Rue de Royale boutique. J’ADIOR bracelet set is the last-minute decision at ISTANBUL ZORLU Centre. The hallmark Dior Oblique bracelets are in navy blue with embroidered cotton, its adjustable with handmade tassel cords can be worn in singular or stacked. And no doubt, together with DIOR SADDLE, they are all Made in Italy! 

 

For Those About to Rock, We Salute You. 

 

TOP TIP 1: Choose one size up cotton tee to allow the skin to breathe and as well create a casual rock look

TOP TIP 2: Carry le sac on the chest or on the waist for the safety, and always carry a cotton tote bag on the road

Special Thanks: Jenny

Cuisine Crush Roma! Gelato da Caffè Ciampini & Spritz con Seafood Spaghetti

CAFFÈ CIAMPINI

Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina, 29 

00186 Roma 

 

When in Rome, let’s do as Romans do! Recommended by a passionate staff from AESOP, CAFFÈ CIAMPINI at Piazza San Lorenzo is the perfect place to take a scoop of gelato break, gaze the spectacle of international tourists and locals intermingling. 

During a lunch break on a burning hot sunny day in October, we kick off from Roma Termini to Fountain Trevi, walk down Via Sistina to the Spanish Steps, and then continue along Piazza San Lorenzo to see what lay beyond this local hub of tourist activity.

 

The extensive view of pastel-tone apartments and bell towers mingling among terra cotta rooftops encouraged a desire to linger. Drooling at the CAFFÈ CIAMPINI gelato counter, the professional manufacturer spends every morning making the fresh dairy ingredients following the family tradition. Gelato literally refers ‘frozen’, contains 4% to 8% of butterfat, much less than those 14% butterfat ice cream in the United States; therefore, gelato freezes less solidly than those commercial ice cream to melts in our mouth faster.

 

Furthermore, gelato has a much higher flavor density comparing to those mixing with air and water to increase volume and weight. In Italy, it is illegal to overrun the air and water during the manufacturing process. Even more, that artisanal gelato shall be frozen immediately in small batches to keep its fresher and higher quality in order to be eaten within a couple of days of being made. 

 

My choice of the day at CAFFÈ CIAMPINI is Swiss Chocolate—limited daily without any chemical preservatives nor artificial colourings—the crunching dark chocolate with 70% of cocoa combining together with crispy biscuit cone, no doubt an instant remedy under the 30 Celsius-degree day, a dream truly fulfilled from the childhood, and surely the pure pleasure in Rome. 

https://ciampinigelato.com

RISTORANTE TRATTORIA ANTONIO 

Via dei Pastini, 12

00186, Roma 

 

Randomly spotted through Google map, bustling street next to the Pantheon, RISTORANTE TRATTORIA ANTONIO is an enduring trattoria serving elevated traditional Roman dishes in an elegant, tranquil setting. Its yellowish ambiance, interior and décor, with a fresh glass of SPRITZ, the history of the restaurant tracing back to the Basilica of Marciana once stood, Sor Antonio opened a rotisserie in 1934, soon its house made spaghetti and carefully selected Italian wine conquer the palate of countless diners, including Prime Minister Fabrizio Preti, till the current moments. 

 

Jenny orders homemade spaghetti with mixed seafood while I always fall for the Primi di Mare—Octopus with potatoes and citrus mayonnaise—tender, juicy but yet fresh and salty sauces offer the ultimate Italian food experience. We reach to the final agreement that the homemade spaghetti from TRATTORIA ANTONIO is far yet the most prime version we’ve ever tasted—smooth and chewy, with a sense of wheat flavor. 

 

Last but not the least, tiramisú is the must-have on foodie’s bucket list! Traditional tiramisu contains a short list of ingredients: savoiardi, egg yolks, sugar, coffee, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder. A common variant, such as we order, involves soaking the savoiardi either in dark rum, brandy, amaretto or a coffee liqueur, topped with Irish cream and cocoa powder, layers within yeasted panettone. At the first scoop of tiramisu, are soft and slightly cold touch from the top, secondly spongy and airy in the middle, and base crust gives out the rather strong alcohol odor. 

 

Solo mio! How could you ask more of Italian food?

www.trattoriaantonio.it 

Special Thanks: Jenny 

Fashion Fun Roma! Zara Tweed Corset & Regular Denim, YSL Logo Sunglasses & Dior Pochette Ceinture Saddle at Banca d’Italia

Via Nazionale 90

00184 Roma 

 

Buongiorno Roma!! From Paris ORLY to Rome FIUMICINO, the unexpected Easy Jet delay is never brining any us down, since the October sky is still burning high in this city of Eternity. 

 

Taking Leonardo Express to Roma Termini, HOTEL AUGUSTA LUCILLA PALACE is merely 400 meters away. After we treat ourselves a full rest with the seafood spaghetti, icy spritz and a good night sleep, the city walking tour kicks off the very next morning, from VIA NAZIONALE, through PONTIFICIA UNIVERSITÀ GREGORIANA to FONTANA DI TREVI. 

Established in 1893, now a part of the European System of Central Banks, Banca d'Italia on Via Nazionale is also called Palazzo Koch, a Renaissance Revival palace built from 1888 to 1892 ,named after the architect Gaetano Koch. Measuring 37 meters in height, the main façade of Banca d’Italia is made of travertine marble and owns features of the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders. The first piano nobile houses chandeliers made from Murano glass, and Salone dei Partecipanti is the location of our outfits of the day photo campaign.

 

How to wear chic and facile during the city tour? ZARA tweed corset with 40% polyester, 33% cotton, 23% acrylic, 2% viscose & 2% metallised fiber with bleak black, forest green, peachy pink, plum purple interlock with shining silver, sparkling teal blue plus glittering fuchsia threads, spice up my bare shoulder silhouette; its 100% cotton lining provides the comfort, with Calvin Klein balconette by adapting single removable strap, the corset style offers a effortless touch while keeps the shape resolute. ZARA high waist regular straight jeans with 100% denim, the vintage copper buttons and the fringe edges grants the sensual tweed corset materials look a more of easy feel. 

 

ZARA high waist regular straight jeans bestow the Roma day trip a breezy comfort, while CHANEL slingbacks with its elegant and slim design, interwoven with silver and black tweed, avoid the bulky clique. In comparison of 4,5cm version, the heels of 2,5cm are amiable to kick off the city tour without worrying the slippery of the back strap. 

As for sac de jour, DIOR saddle ceinture saddle is a modern alternative to the classic belt pouch. Crafted in blue Dior Oblique jacquard, it offers a hidden pocket for my alcohol pads and the major compartment for key card, credit cards, IPHONE and travel sizes of Dior Addictive Lip Maximizer and Le Volume de Chanel mascara. Its calf skin removable belt brings out any outfit and can be worn over the shoulder, cross body or carried by hand, definitely the must-have-now after purchasing from DIOR Rue Royale Boutique! 

 

Continue Via Nazionale, we are ahead for those Goddesses in Urbs Aeterna, Rome. 

TOP TIP 1: Always carry a virgin wool cardigan for the chilly night out

TOP TIP 2: Either bare shoulder corset mix with casual jeans or sexy bottoms match with covered shoulder sleeves, showing off a portion of skin is way more sexier than giving all away

Special Thanks: Jenny 

 

Magazine Madness VOGUE UK: Timothée Chalamet Mad About the Boy in October 2022

VOGUE UK October 2022 

“No hard drugs and no superhero movies,” Titanic heartthrob bequeathing TIME magazine Next Generation Leader cover star, nicknamed ‘thé sucré’（甜茶）in Asia, TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET, for whom the half-French, half-American, fourth-generation New Yorker becomes the first man to appear solo on the print cover of VOGUE UK. With angular facial silhouette, abundant wavy hair lock, fluent French and playful American accents, Timethée Chalamet was under my radar since Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, while not until Great Gerwig’s Lady Bird did I detect the touch of his masculinity, with his maturity in David Michôd’s The King, my attention to Timothée effect has paying high ever since. 

 

Photographs by Steven Meisel and styling by Edward Enninful under photo shoot for VOGUE UK October 2022 issue, Timothée Chalamet wears Balmain leather trousers mix-and-match with fringed leather waistcoat, a vintage T-shirt, or merely half-naked. With the upcoming premiere of Luca Guadagnino’s Bones and All, the inspiration of nomad style with MIUMIU leather boots and Intimissimi cotton vest, Chalamet’s greasy messy or spiky pinkish punk hairdos do not quite meet his melancholy still warmly energetic personalities. 

 

Partly a road movie, purely an addiction allegory, Timothée Chalamet in Bones and All plays cannibal drifter, Lee, opposite to Taylor Russell, on a bloodied, nomadic flee through America. It is a performance highly pristinely heartbreaking, with tenderly horrific, a deep touch of both violent and vulnerable life, as Chalamet’s works often do, carved out a new genre of man.

 

Journalist Giles Hattersley occasionally spots a flash of kindly exhaustion in Chalamet’s: His manners are almost comically superb and an antenna attuned to the energy of absolutely everyone around him at all times is a terrific resource for an actor--- the October interview consumes quite some paragraphs on how the New York hostess’ or first narrator’s gazes locking on Timothée --- while fails to bring out more lifestyle facts or film industry perspectives from this ‘boyfriend of entire generation.’

 

Indeed Timothée Chalamet is no doubt a Nepo baby. Growing up in an artistic family, he is the brother of actress Pauline Chalamet, the nephew of director Rodman Flender, the grandson of screenwriter Harold Flender; though received the rejection calls from The Theory of Everything in 2014, The Neon Demon and Manchester by the Sea in 2016, still, Chalamet scored the deals with Wes Anderson for THE FRENCH DISPATCH, Denis Villeneuve in DUNE and Adam McKay at DON’T LOOK UP, as his agent mentions, that ‘Chalamet excludes the need to go on any audition past 7 years’ for which, there shall be much to overture and debate, despite of Chalamet is undoubtedly a talented lucky bewitch, from the perspectives of cultural discussion and film industry analysis, rather than a bare and pale description onto his appearance or a mere ‘husband or father material’ paparazzi topic cliché. Nepotism babies wining at every walk of life, from Roman Empire to modern Hollywood, from academic professor to Swiss Guard, the most intriguing discussion could possibly lead to, is Chalamet’s personal working secrets toward to the awards winning with his notions about entitled tradition. As to achieve uphill to the professional interview satisfaction, apparently that VOGUE UK may still take a long way to marathon. 

Timothée adores fashion and jewelry, graces CARTIER as an ambassador and wowa the crowds with floral Alexander McQueen, knitted Vivienne Westwood and glittering Louis Vuitton on red carpets. For his taste on the impeccable styling ideas, Timotheée has surpassed beyond his family traditions or under social influences, he pocesses a sense of wisdom beneath this young heart but yet old soul. As for his points of view on being British Vogue’s first solo man cover star? “It felt right to not make it too statement-y,” neither attempts to overthink it or overstep, Timothée simply wants to enjoy the performances, to live within the fashion, to love the shooting process and incorporate women’s wear and liken collaborating with several fashion photographers, includes VOGUE UK October issue STEVEN MEISEL.

 

As for my own flat lay photography to the adoration of this rising star, I adopt the snowflake deco bulbs to highlight the cover boy, and select LABORATOIRES FILORGA Paris 15 ml Night Mask & Wrinkle Cream, the 7 ml correction cream & ultra-lifting serum and 4 ml eye contour creams in order to indicate my souvenir hunt from September Paris Fashion Week trip. By handpicking CHANEL camellia to cover the magazine price tag, and indeed CHANEL AW22 Amour earrings and silver pedants to fulfill the bluish and white colour tones of October issue. For more of the French touch, I unbox CHRISTIAN DIOR 20g mini candle Thé Osmanthus, its warm fruity fresh yellow allows me to set the perfect focal point to contrast the pastel pink daisy and greyish green eyes of Timothée Chalamet.

 

Fashion Fun Paris! D. Exterior Wool Jacket, By Malene Birger Mohair Coat, Chloé Twill Trousers & Chanel SS19 Sur la Plage Sac at Galeries Lafayette for the Paris Fashion Week

September 26-October 4, 2022, Paris Fashion Week 

Bonjour Paris! Paris est ma ville préférée pour flâner et un lieu de travail dynamique. Pendant le Paris Fashion Week, il y a un fashion show, un arrangement de Untitled Showroom, un entretien de Universidad de Aalto et mon cher cousin Jenny vous attend. Je reserve HÔTEL IMPÉRIAL PARIS derrière GALERIES LAFAYETTE, donc il est facile d’accéder à tous les lieux et restaurants. 

 

It will take several long ways to meet each other, but our Paris-Roma tour magically achieves. FINNAIR direct flight from Helsinki to Paris CDG arrives at 10:35am, while the TAP flight from Cancun México will stopover at Lisbon Portugal, then reach to Paris ORY approximately at 15:00; therefore, due to the drizzling daytime continues, I catch the PRESSIANT fashion show by taxi around 16:00 and much later we ladies finally reunite at hotel room, and go for the dinner at a nearby Japanese ramen restaurant. 

 

After the fashion week projects, we crave for the lovely afternoon tea at LADURÉE and then shop around l’Opéra neighbourhood. The outfits of the day on the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette are formal yet elegant. D.EXTERIOR 100% wool jacket, with zipper at front, the style can be a solo piece or accompany a camisole; while the metallic iridescent chains alongside the off-white wool braids give the touch of CHANEL of the early 90s. Founded by Nadia Zanola, D.EXTERIOR originated in Brescia in the late 1950s, with the garments all made in Italy, its practicality and elegance undoubtedly creates more fashion fun from my recent collection. 

 

Founded in 2003, the Guldknappen Award winner BY MALENE BIRGER offers both rigid and soft personalities from the essence of Danish men’s wear. The black long coat with slightly puffy sleeves I wear for the showroom appointment and on the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette contains 34% kid mohair, 34% wool, 27% polyamide and 5 % of elastane, and the label carving bleak buttons at ankle length, bestows the Nordic simplicity and detailed quality. 

 

The House of CHLOÉ founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion, her vision of providing luxury prêt-à-porter has made the impact of fashion industry ever since. With the youthful and bohemian aesthetic, CHLOÉ high-rise cropped wool-blend twill slim trousers in mid-beige with 96% wool, 3% polyamide, 1% elastane and 100% cotton lining keep me warm and chic; made in France, its pressed creases, folded cuffs and two front flap pockets with beige buttons give the simple-cut a more of playful design, yet the two front slant pockets and back welt pockets allow the functional convenience on the road to the interview and fashion show. Indeed, I can insert my alcohol pads, travel size mascara and hand cream for the emergency needs, surely. 

 

As for accessories, CHANEL SS19 SUR LA PLAGE double sac indicates Monsieur Karl Lagerfeld’s (1933-2019) playful design of CHANEL getaway beach resort, while at Paris Fashion Week 2022, the sac rabat transforms into posh essential. Divided by the adjustable interweaving chain, the wallet-on-chain size sac in ivory white is perfect for IPHONE and credit cards, while the black pochette can be treated as daily cosmetic kitbag, either worn as cross-body or shoulder style, the only concern is the supple lambskin is comparatively fragile on the run between the interview and showroom during the drizzling days. CHANEL silver mingled with black tweed sling backs accompany me to casual shopping trips and formal interview sessions around the globe. Its 2,5cm heels and lambskin interior soles support both effortless and elegant silhouette. 

 

SAINT LAURENT 100% acetate and 100% UV protection D-frame sunglasses own shaded lenses grant the comfortable sunset view at the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette. Made in Italy, the bleak hue decorated with golden tone YSL logo, together with 100% calfskin glasses case have become one of my 2022 favourite accessories on the go. 

 

Paris Fashion Week is highly educational and sensual, notwithstanding the schedule if intensively busy, while the knowledge and connection are expanding, the eyesight is wide open, and the mindset is progressively blooming.  

 

TOP TIP 1: Beige colour is great together with black and white, while the materials of each item shall be coherent to create a more of chic look

TOP TIP 2: Always take a pair of sunglasses on the road, definitely the perfect accessories to style-up and to protect of the eyesight from UV attack

 

Special Thanks: Jenny, Peggy & Untitled Showroom 

Hôtel Holiday & Cuisine Crush STOCKHOLM! Best Western Hotel Bentleys & TJABBA Thai Restaurang

BEST WESTERN HOTEL BENTLEYS

Drottninggatan 77, Norrmalm, 111 60 Stockholm, Sweden

Housed in an 18^th century Gustavian-era décor, BEST WESTERN HOTEL BENTLEYS locates on Drottninggatan shopping street in Stockholm central, provides buffet breakfast with veggie and seafood options every morning in the glassed-in inner courtyard, in additional the light snacks and drinks in the lobby bar from 11:00 daily!

 

Due to the early departure of my travel companions, after the check-out procedure at IBIS STYLES STOCKHOLM ODENPLAN, I decide to check-in a luxury yet convenient location for the once try-out. It’s a genuine luck that the single small room promoted to a double standard, with inner courtyard view, high-speed Wi-Fi and electric kettle, the resting hours never get fatigue; as well the satellite channels allow me to review the basic Swedish ability. 

With the abundant amount of natural lights from the palm trees surrounded courtyard window, I adore how BEST WESTERN HOTEL BENTLEYS painted the bedroom walls the pastel pale olive green, together with brick orange curtains, dark brown hardwood parquet floors, contrasting to the art-deco crystal bedside lamps, a rather Nordic minimalism mixed with Gustavian romantic. As for the ensuite bathroom, the showering shield and the sink are in coral-reef emerald, matching with the pale caramel marble walls, without equipped with travel-sized skincare products instead of with larger volume jar, the clean and thick 6 towels in total provide the handy reach for a shower moment. 

 

Strolling alongside of shopping walk of Drottninggatan, kiosk 7-ELEVEN is only one block away, and INTIMISSIMI, The Body Shop, H&M or ZARA for either shopping or urgent needs with less than 10 minute-walk, further ahead will be T-CENTRALEN metro and airport express, surely the most convenient neighbourhood for the city solo traveller. At the nightfall, my crush on cuisine with reasonable price is hungry, let’s dress casual and hunt! 

TJABBA THAI RESTAURANG 

Wallingatan 7, 111 60 Stockholm, Sweden

 

Since the immigration flow during the 90s, Stockholm fosters a community of Thai, ever since, the authentic cuisine is merely 20 meters away to secure at the corner of BEST WESTERN HOTEL BENTLEYS! 

 

Established in 2001, TJABBA THAI treats the top notch Thai food from different parts of Thailand and offers the fresh high quality handpicked ingredients. Without the reservation, still the staffs warmly welcome the solo traveller with informative suggestion. My order of the day goes for stir-fried knuckle of pork, served with Chinese broccoli, chili, garlics and oyster sauce. The taste of the meat is tender yet crispy at skin, the chili makes me sweat for a while, all in all is perfect with abundant of onions and Chinese broccoli, the well cooked jasmine rice can bring the flavor of oyster sauce, the portion is affluent so there is no space to devour any starter or desserts. 

 

It’s quite essential to realize that At TJABBA THAI provides the collective agreements to guarantee the staff in good terms, pension and insurance. During my dining time, not only I had a great conversation with the staff, also noticed the team were working effortlessly at open kitchen together, with smiles and singing Thai pop songs. A healthy working environment perhaps the greatest secret makes the cuisine and team successfully, for the next round, what shall we order?   

Special Thanks: 

@HOTELBENTLEYS

@TJABBATHAI

WWW.BOOKING.COM

Fashion Fun Stockholm! Calvin Klein Brassiere, Vivienne Westwood Cotton Cardigan, By Malene Birger Wool Wear, Zara Autumn Leggings & Chanel Goatskin Espadrilles at Stockholm Design Week

At Norrmalmstorg, Stockholm, Sverige  

September 9-12

 

På Moon Festival och Design Week besöker vi Stockholm! Hej igen Sverige! Silja Serenade avgår vid Helsinki Olympia Terminal på fredag kl 17:00, exakt samma schema som sommarresan 2017. 

 

Staying overnight on board from the evening deck view with amazingly glittering full moon, the juicy chicken burger combo meal till live performance and royale casino scenario, is highly amused. We ladies witness a flirting game at bar table, a group of drunken juveniles at cabin hallway, and a large amount of karaoke entertainers trying their best to obtain off-keys at neon ballroom. Nevertheless, after a good dream sleep, Stockholm harbour again welcomes our curiosity and excitement, cordially warmly. 

STOCKHOLM DESIGN WEEK was initiated in 2002 by Stockholm Furniture Fair, debuted in 1951, nowadays is where holding in a variety of venues across Stockholm city centre, from galleries to showrooms, cultural institutes to Nordiska Kompaniet. We kick off our city trip at Odenplan to T-Centralen metro station, visiting NK for the furniture and sculpture design check and strolling all the way to Norrmalmstorg. 

 

The outfits of the day at Stockholm city tour shall be basking warm and lightweight, for the occasional chilly wind sneaking through. Barely purchasing balconette without underwired or pads, while CALVIN KLEIN brassiere with adjustable straps is available to style as a sexy top, with 80% lyocell, 17% polyamide and 3% elastane, also a convenient night wear for the shared room moment. 

 

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD 100% cotton black cardigan, made in Japan, with ribbed details and engraving designer’s signature buttons, is always my favourtie bargain from OKINAWA Outlet Mall ASHIBINAA. I always match this essential item with mini wool skirt and complete the Oxford loafer looks, while mix with ZARA autumn leggings, immediately create an alternative punk style in a rather Nordic minimalism touch. ZARA leggings are unquestionable the simple must-have at every seasonal sale, but the garments blending with 57% acrylic, 26% nylon, 9% wool, 4% alpaca, 2% cotton and 2% elastane with slight off-white polka dots, are yet a detailed design, surprisingly. 

 

Defined by its ‘clean lines, sharp tailoring and bold details,’ the award-winning Danish brand BY MALENE BIRGER offering timeless collections are cut from luxurious materials and hand-embellished. The puff sleeves wool piece in creamy tone and label carving dark brown buttons, with 34% RWS wool, 34% RMS mohair, 27% polyamide and 5 % elastane can bring out either a lightweight short coat or a single outwear. Notice that the 68% of the natural materials are from The Responsible Wool Standard and The Responsible Mohair Standard (RWS/RMS), which require farmers, ranchers and retailers must meet animal welfare, land management, and social requirements and certified to the final business-to-business transaction. Found BY MALENE BIRGER at Helsinki STOCKMANN clearance sale in May, by realizing the brand established from an eco-friendly designer and the manufacturers, instantly I become a loyal fan. 

For the accessories, I go for MIUMIU round-frame glittered acetate sunglasses with gradient lenses, CHANEL CC logo light brass earrings, CHANEL 2019 Cruise collection Sac de Silver Seaside Villa in lambskin and beaming silver edges, and last but not the least, CHANEL shining silver lambskin espadrilles. Ultimately in love with the intercrossed logo, Chanel espadrilles have been on my annual shopping list since 2015. The monotone silver goatskin espadrilles in the double-stitched straw construction offer the comfort walk on either pebble or marble pathways. The supple interior with lambskin pads prevent the heel bites, the rubber outsole is more of scratch resistant; wearing a thin layer of invisible socks is very durable for a half-day tour. The only warning of wearing any espadrilles is that avoiding the rainy or snowy days, for the straws and leather in between would easily get mildew. 

 

Let’s continue to GAMLA STAN for the souvenir hunt, HALLWYLSKA MUSEET and Royal Palace of Stockholm! 

 

TOP TIP 1: By supporting the eco-friendly designers’ brands for Vivienne Westwood’s ‘Buy less, choose well and sustain longer’ motto

TOP TIP 2: Accessories in silver is always a lovely mix-and-match idea with ivory/creamy white outwear 

Special Thanks: NING, Wendy

@visitstockholm