Hong Kong Hustle Here I Come

It's official - I'm heading to my beloved hometown Hong Kong for a fabulous whirlwind of a week over Easter.  It's too bad I'm going to just miss the Rugby Sevens, which is something like a giant ex-pat drunk fest, but next time.  Anyhow, I am so pumped!  Some things I'm looking forward to: scouring Muji for home finds, shopping in micro malls and boutiques in Causeway Bay, hooking up with some girlfriends in some swanky bars in Soho, and of course, porking out on things you just can't get here (or they just aren't quite the same).  

I stumbled up this fun blog, Hong Kong Hustle, which is a guide to all things great in this nutty city. I'll definitely be logging on more and more as I get closer to my departure date.

More to come on my HK trip!

Ooh La La - An Apartment in Paris

I'm thinking about spending a couple of weeks in France this year and I'm dreaming about renting a lovely flat in Paris for a few days. Enter Swell Apartment, in the heart of the very arty, very Parisian Montmartre. It looks very romantic, with a hand made bed covered with thick goose down bedding. The apartment is part of an art-nouveau block built in 1914. Moulin Rouge is just a few blocks away, and an array of cafes, delis, and restaurants are there to tempt.

Unlease your inner artist on Valentine's Day

Most men's favorite holiday is coming right around the corner, and I thought this little new place, Raw Canvas, would make such a fun date on cupid's day.  It's up the road from where I work, and when I walked past it, I was immediately intrigued by the host of impeccably hip, artsy types lounging around in there.  I haven't had a chance to try them out yet but I'm hoping to as soon.

Raw Canvas is a "cafe, lounge, studio, gallery, inspiration" according to their website.   Their concept is based on social gathering spaces in Hong Kong which promote "art jamming".  At Raw Canvas, you can sip your latte and paint away all day long while nibbling on your panini.  You buy a canvas from them (various sizes available)  and they supply all the paint, clean up etc.  Did I mention they serve wine?  If you're a shy about everyone watching your artistic genius at work, I am sure a few glasses of god's juice will help put you at ease.

As someone obsessed with the Impressionlist period, with all of Paris' lively cafes full of intellectual and artsy sorts, this sure sounds romantic to me.  Unfortunately, my hubby's birthday is right up against V-Day; therefore, this day is not celebrated in our lives.   Bummer.

Note: they even held a Bob Ross night.  How wicked is that?

Cool people hanging out.

Possibly drunk people creating art.

More cool people hanging out.

(All pictures courtesy of Raw Canvas)

Matt Bernson Spring and 15% Off

One of my favorite shoe lines, Matt Bernson, has launched it's new spring line of shoes.  The low key sandals are in the vein of what one usually expects from Bernson - low, sexy but comfy, boho sandals with nice details such as studs and zippers.  This spring brings an Indian feel - these sandals would pair perfectly with what i've seen from the Anna Sui and Antik Batik spring collections.

I was very pleasantly surprised by the hot wedges they have to offer - as you know, I am currently obsessed with any tall shoes that have me strapped, wrapped and zipped.  This pair has my toes-a-tingling.  

I've got a promo code for 15% off so I just might be tempted to give in.

Matt Bernson is available at several Vancouver retailers, including One of a Few and Two of a Few.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen on Oprah Looking Fab

I stayed awake for long enough today to catch the Olsen twins on Oprah, which featured a segment on young moguls. They both looked fabulous, and healthy too. Ashley sported some stunning large pearl earrings and strappy black stilettos, while Mary-Kate wore a black dress with dramatic white trumpet sleeves and black cut-out booties (an obsession for me right now). Check out Oprah's slide show to get the full scoop on their outfits. They were also there to promote their new book, Influence, as well as their fashion lines The Row and Elizabeth and James. I had never seen them in an interview before and was actually quite impressed with how eloquent they were, and how passionate and hard working they were regarding their businesses.

Here is a link to a segment from Oprah which takes you inside the day in the life of these twin moguls and how they run their fashion lines. As you can see, they are very hands on.

Beautiful Break

It's been quite a few days since I posted and I just wanted to let you know it's because I've been quite sick. I'm slowly getting better so will be getting back to posting very soon.

A Beautiful Bride and Manolos

My beautiful friend Maxine got married last fall and she recently posted up this picture of us at her wedding, showing off our shoes. She's sporting her very first pair of Manolo Blahniks, and matching that with her gorgeous, puffy, very princless like wedding gown by Judd Waddell. I am wearing double Betsey Johnson creations. We had to take a pic of our designer shoes being the shoe fiends that we are.

Maxine always has the biggest, brightest smile, and on this day, the mega-wattage was higher than twice our shoes combined.

Wedding photos courtesy of Jonetsu Photography, who also happened to snap my wedding photos.