Hi from Hamburg, I am spending the weekend in this urban town. I (among others) fell in love with this silky acne shirt.. the cut and style is genious. I will wear it gently, I promise.
It took me a while to find the perfect white nail polish but I now swear by the american apparel one. They have 3 different shades of white. I bough them all, cos sometimes I want to be cream and sometimes I need dusty white. Today I wore the cotton one.
chanel nouvelle vague nail polish, fjallraven kanken backpack, saint james striped shirt, genetic jeans
My current go-to bag (in my favorite color) and botched nail(s). I like to steal Lulu's nail polish when I see her lol. I'm currently trying to kill time before my aunt, her boyfriend, a cousin, and my younger brother get here from LA. BF is currently in Alaska and I won't see him for another week. This weekend I have to show my family around doing touristy things I never do and missing Wolf Parade. Speaking of bands I liked in high school, anyone listened to the new Arcade Fire? Still not sure what I think about it but I'll get back to you.
In other news, I had a dress named after me, so thanks Modcloth! I'd be wearing that dress right now if the weather weren't so bad in the Bay Area right now. I'm saving it for LA next week. I also answered a couple questions for their blog here and after rereading it I just realized that I'll never be as suave or cool as I'd like to be. Maybe I should have fudged the answers to seem more interesting lol. //sarcasm
Pictures from my cousins wedding that took place on a cold day in may. It was pouring down for most of the night, but I doubt that the happy couple even noticed. They cried, I cried, everyone cried, but it was happy tears. An overall beautiful ceremony, day and party.
I got to wear my asos dress from the black collection paired with chanel tattoos and miu miu heels. It all turned out a bit dramatic, but dramatic in a good way.
Every other summer saturday, that's how often the train stops here. This should be informative enough to describe the pace of living in this part of Finland..
we had one cold day, and then it was back to tropical heat. I of course was estatic as I got to pretend it was autumn and finally a chance play with my new shoes! aaaaaaahhhhh I am in love. Their comfyness is a plus (not that it makes a difference, I haven't felt my feet in years)
the knit dress is my new fave (thank you golden pony) and the cashmere coat cost me 4 euros and 70 cents at a flea market. So now that all the new fall stuff is hitting the stores I need to put my credit cards somewhere unreachable, I am thinking freezing them in a huge ice cube à la confessions of a shopaholic.. BUT when you already know all your codes and card numbers by memory.. THAT IS WHEN YOU KNOW YOU HAVE A PROBLEM.
A few of you may have already seen a couple pictures on my Twitter from our trip to Ippuku, a Japanese izakaya that just opened in Berkeley this month right off BART downtown. Shochu is their specialty, accompanied by typical Japanese bar grub such as yakitori and other grilled delights. I actually had no idea that an izakaya was opening in the East Bay until Brent told me that one of his favorite customers at his wine store was one of the owners! I have to admit, we haven't been eating out at nicer restaurants lately since we've both been a bit busy.
The space itself is something you have to see for yourself (although this blog has some fantastic behind-the-scenes photos from before the place opened), but the first thing you see is this right above the bar. Pretty impressive, right? It wasn't until after we talked to the bartender that we found out about the different variations of shochu that existed made from sweet potatoes (imo), barley (mugi), etc. and that Ippuku actually carried a couple bottles which are rare even in Japan! If you're adventurous and willing to try a different type of drink, come here. The staff is super helpful about explaining the types of shochu and specific bottles and we actually ended up trying (and getting drunk off) quite a few: one made from sweet potatoes called Ayamurasaki, two from barley, Sasayaki and Gokoo (the latter is actually aged in barrels for three years and has an oaky taste, if you're into that), an Awamori (long rice) one which I can't remember for the life of me, and finally, my personal favorite of the night, a drink made from black sugar (Kokuto) called Amami which was preeeeeeeeetty effing good. Before you think of us as total boozers, I must add that these drinks were spread out throughout the three hours that we were there. But anyway, now that that's out of the way, let's move on to the food.
Starters: chicken gyoza (Jidori Gyoza) and a Chinese-style chicken salad (Ban-Ban-Ji)
Next: pork belly skewers (Kurobuta Bara), chicken breast (Mune).
Then: chicken thigh with leek (Negima), minced chicken with egg yolk (Tsukutama).
See those last skewers with the egg yolks? Those are actually the second and third ones we ordered of that plate since we liked the original one so much when it was brought out to us. When it arrived at our table, it was the only plate we had not ordered ourselves and contemplated saying something to the waitress; however, once we finally decided to keep it and took our respective first bites, we looked at each other at the same time and realized it was probably sneaked into our meal on purpose (touché!) and were thankful when we ended up ordering two more as our last bites of the night.
In addition to the shochu, I convinced Brent to order these chu-hai cocktails which came with their own citrus reamers and meyer lemon halves! At the time, I thought it deserved its own cheesy video (since I love anything that involves being hands-on with food) and ended up with this completely necessary bit. Hmph, it seemed like a good idea at the time...
Finally, a maccha sundae of green tea soft serve topped with mochi, anko, and ten-kasu. I'd call it a perfect way to end the night but we were actually there much longer (with more drinks) talking to the chef's wife, Erin, who was a complete delight and amazing hostess. If you're reading this, thank you so much for your hospitality and wonderful service!
Last pictures from Nice... I really wanted to show you this beautiful cementery located on top of the town. It's breathtaking, you can see the whole city from up here!
Today I finally get to spend some time with my sister, maybe we'll have time to take some pictures as well..
.. that I just lost it and finally bought these acne boots... I tried them on 3 times before, so today I was walking around town slightly 'tired' from last nights crayfish party and I needed a little pick-me-up. Well I am quite picked-up now.. and will remain for a while......
A.P.C. shirt, GAP legging jeans, parka from a Korean boutique, Miu Miu clogs
I totally forgot to blog these photos, man I've been so out of it lately. Life's been a bit hectic but I'm dealing with it. I'm kind of tired of these kitchen photos but it's the best I can do when I don't have someone to take my photos during the day. Not much to say other than HOLY FUCK HOW GOOD WAS INCEPTION?! I'm so tempted to watch it a third time. JGL! AHH!
This has absolutely nothing to do with this post, but I'm due for a Rapid Rewards free round trip flight from Southwest after my next flight to LA (I'm seeing Real Madrid play LA Galaxy at the Rose Bowl!). Where should I go? New York? Chicago? Portland? Help me choose!
Ooooh look what I got! these are by Avi Jacob, see more of his work in his blog, Thank you so much Avi, I am honored!
ps. he also mentioned that he takes requests if anyone is interested!
ALSO THE FEATHER NECKLACE WINNER IS...... SARA L. CONGRATS! a huge thank you to everyone that took part and for the sweet comments!! more giveaways to come for sure! xxx
Just arrived home to a beautiful finnish summer evening.. still have a few photos from Nice, hope you are not totally bored just yet..
this was from yesterday afternoon, I am wearing a mens shirt I found in a local little store in the charming old town. But I am most excited about the bag! I have been picturing something like this for a while and finally I stumbled across this one in the most perfect ethic print. I came with questionable pompom handles but I cut them of so now I have a new favorite clutch, huge and slouchy.
also don't froget to take part in my giveaway ending tonight!
Last days in Nice, nooo... it has been amazing here, Cours saleya is the local market where they sell everything from flowers to jewellery... depending on the day, but monday morning was for vintage clothes and accessories, how perfect. It was really heartwarming to see the old french lady's hosting their own tables, selling their beloved designer possessions.. it felt like they really cared where their treasures ended up, so it was more like adopting than buying. Every piece came with a story told in french that I tried my best to understand, I am surprised that I am still able to communicate in their language, with my rusty basic skills from school (also speaking english with a french accent made me feel like I was fully in on the convo...)
sadly there was too much I could not take home with me.. but some of the stuff I bought is in the last pic.. the feather bangle from the 1960's might have been the best find so far, have been using it on my upper arm non stop..
update (and to calm down my dad): I did not get the Hermes bag, it was 2200€..
