Boaters

I was rummaging through a fashion magazine I picked up on my last trip to Tokyo a month and a half ago and I became reminiscent of all the trends that I saw.

But I must say… the MAY-JAH trend that I saw was the “boater” hat (a straw hat with a stiff all around brim). It was EVERYWHERE. EVERY store sold them, in a variety of different colors, with different accessories, and all of the “Shibuya” girls were rocking them. I didn’t venture too far out on my trip, I mostly stayed around the Shinjuku and Harajuku areas, but the presence of those hats was pretty evident.





The fedora hat trend has been pretty strong in the states as well as in Europe and Asia, but I wonder if the “boater” hat trend will make its way states side. Though I have seen them at a few American style stores here in Seoul, I have yet to see the trend make a big impact in the American market. Though there’s still a lot of time. Many trends start in Japan and eventually, months later, suddenly appear in the American Fashion Industry.

I personally think the hats are cute and will look amazing with the season’s romantic flowery dresses don’t you think?

Meyong-Dong

Yesterday I went to Myeon-Dong, a shopping area in Seoul quite famous for its outdoor market. The great thing about the market is that you can bargain with the sellers. Everything there is in the low to mid price ranges and being able to bargain is an extra bonus. It’s a paradise for bargain hunters and they have awesome shoes and accessories for UNDER 20 dollars (about 20,000 Korean won). And the crazy thing is that there are no taxes. Yeah... NO taxes… AND tipping is actually considered rude, which I found quite difficult to get used to when I first got here. Kind of nice right?

But if you are claustrophobic, I recommend you don’t wander there on the weekends. It’s INSANELY packed. I’m used to it, and to be honest I enjoy it and totally don’t mind the crowd at all. If anything, I think it makes the place more interesting, and it’s great for people watching, which I LOVE to do…is that bad? ; )

There’s also a recently opened H&M that’s insanely massive, and an equally massive, if not bigger, Forever 21 and Zara are there as well. The great thing about Myeong Dong is that there's such a big variety, if you are looking to bargain, you can do so with the outdoor vendors, and if you’re looking for brand names, there’s Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Balenciaga,Comme des garcons, Marc Jacobs, Chloe and MANY, many, more in the gorgeous Shinsegae, and Lotte Luxury Department stores (The Korean version of Canada’s Holt Renfrew, but with a way bigger brand selection)



The restaurants there are also to die for. Yesterday I went to my favorite Italian resto called Pene Pasta. The atmosphere in the restaurant is very chill and the décor makes me feel like I’m in a cute restaurant in Italy. There were too many cute couples dining there for my taste…but then again, when ISN’T there cute couples in Korea. Korea is such a “couple-y” (yes, I just made up that word) country, which a totally other post in itself. Maybe I’m just bitter…?







On another note, I can’t wait to get my new camera on Saturday! As some of you know, I’ve been camera-less for a while, let's not talk about how that happened... and it’s been driving me crazy. I’ve been using my friend’s camera for the past week, but come Saturday I’ll be able to post many more pictures and videos! Olé!

P.S I purchased the forever 21 rings that everyone is sporting, cute no?

Doing the touristy thang.

I’ve been known to either lose cameras, or destroy them (leaving it out in the scorching sun for a couple of hours wasn’t my proudest of moments). But I don’t feel so bad after the fact because the ones that I have lost or destroyed were just normal digital cameras. I’m investing in a DSLR and I spent this beautiful Sunday trying one out. My friend just bought the new Samsung NX 10, it’s definitely a beginner DSLR, which I definitely am, but I’ve fallen in love with it and I’ll probably be purchasing it next weekend. Can’t wait!

Today was a beautiful Sunday. The weather was perfect, not too cold, not too hot. We decided to go for a stroll around Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, as well as hit up Namun Market for some souvenirs to take home. Families were out in full force. Speaking of, many families here dress up in matching clothes. Kind of scary, but very cute at the same time.

Here’s a few pictures of the Fortress:

This was taken right at about sunset on the way back...love the contrasting colors.

Awesome picture of a child playing with his kite. The kits on the sky looked beautiful. You can also see the top of the Fortress in the background.

Just one of the many temples within the wall.

Here's a shot of the wall of the Fortress. Pretty long wall actually. It takes a good couple of hours to walk all the way around it.

Pretty, No?

Tootles.

An Ode to Emmanuelle

I was talking to one of my close friends from Canada and she asked me to describe what 20 something Korean women were wearing right now. As I was describing the “Korean” woman, I realized one thing: I was in essence describing Emmanuelle Alt.

I came to the conclusion that Emmanuelle Alt’s superpowers have had an amazing influence on the way many women here, dress. I’m sure most women here don’t know who she is, but little do they know the influence this woman has had on their sense of style.

Emmanuelle Alt (Fashion director of Paris Vogue) is the epitome of rocker chic, and for the past year or so, I’ve seen a major influx of leather jackets, Balmain style blazers, knee high boots, ankle boots, leggings, skinny ripped jeans, oversized 80’s tops and black…lots and lots of black. With most girls here being a size 0, they are easily able to pull this look off amazingly. Here’s a few pictures of the absolutely ferosh Emmanuelle.

Even though I was describing the fall/winter look that many women were rocking, many of these looks are still being carried over into spring, especially the blazers and leather jackets, as they are great transitional items. It’s been kind of a whirlwind as far as temperature is concerned here in the Seoul area. It is FINALLY starting to feel warm, and spring like…but let me tell you it’s been a LONG, LONG winter.

Summer, please hurry up and get here.

Xoxo Cloudy.

First Official Post!

I would like to initiate the first post by saying WELCOME!

As an avid fashion/beauty/lifestyle blog reader for many years, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of writing my own. As some of you know, (from my other personal blog) I’ve moved to the other side of the world to experience…life? I’ve graduated and have all of my life ahead of me, which is exciting. I decided to move to South Korea soon after school and I haven’t regretted it since. It’s been a life changing experience.

The culture…the fun language barriers… the once in a life time experiences that I could only get here. Unforgettable, bonkers, HILARIOUS things happen to me on a daily basis… needless to say, I’m enjoying myself here.

I live around the Seoul area. Seoul is an unbelievable city. It’s full of energy, and creativity. It’s young, modern and has a lot to offer. I’ve seen so many new and…different things to say the least. And this will be a place to put all of my experiences to writing.

To give you a little introduction over what I feel this blog will be about, here is a list (in no particular order) of what this blog will consist of:

1. Fashion/ Beauty. Those in the know already understand that I live and breathe all things fashion! Korean women and men are so unbelievably stylish… the youth here lives and breathes fashion. Seoul is a walking runway, and not to mention the fact that Tokyo is a mere hour and a half place ride away…The shopping on this side of the world is ridiculous. Creativity and Inspiration is everywhere. I bust out my camera every chance I get.

2. Technology/Lifestyle in Korea. Korea is INSANELY technologically advanced. I came here and felt like I had travelled 10 years in the future. It’s full of technology that makes complete sense AND…not so much sense.

3. My general life in Korea… I don’t speak the language…hilarity ensues. 'Nuff said. But I get by…somehow.

4. Fashion PR, and PR issues in general. As a Communications and Public relations graduate I also live and breathe PR.

But enough about that, I’d like to take this time to welcome you once again, and invite you to drop by every once in a while (or every day if you want to…no pressure…teehee) to check things out. I'll be posting many pictures and videos! Check them out soon!

-“And Emily… that’s all.”