Photo Love {Inspiration}: Strength via Vogue Nippon September 2012

Life demands from you the strength that you possess.  Only one feat is possible, not to run away.

Dag Hammarskjöld

Vogue Nippon September 2012

What is strength?  One aspect of strength is to inspire and exude confidence in a certain area.  I've become stronger over the years (emotionally and mentally though I'm also working on the physical part!)  It hasn't been an easy path to getting stronger, but I've learned from the bruises and bumps over the years.

I remember crying in front of my boss when I was 25 or 26 years old because a client has lied about my performance and written a bad review of me (actually our whole team).  I remember feeling betrayed and hurt, but I also clearly remember the look of panic and disbelief from my boss when I started tearing.  He wanted to run, and he wasn't actually listening to me anymore.  Nope, showing emotion in this situation was not a good thing.

Though I am naturally a sensitive soul and quite emotional, I knew from that day onward that I needed to master my emotions.  I unfortunately had a few more bad experiences along the way (politics and shadowy games are just part of the job as one ascends that ever long food chain) but was determined to find a way to become stronger.  The process has been a combination of breathing exercises, playing the game a bit better, and learning how to effectively express myself.  I found and gained strength in myself along the way.  We all have strengths and weaknesses, but our strengths may sometimes be buried a bit deeper inside.  Go find it and discover how strong you can be.

Have a lovely week!


  

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Floral Fun in Fashion via Elle Mexico June 2012

Let us dance in the sun with flowers in our hair

Susan Polis Schutz

Elle Mexico June 2012

Flowers never cease to bring a smile to my face.  I visited some beautiful gardens just yesterday and part of the exhibit were different flowers undergoing their blooming processes.  There is such a sense of beauty, vibrancy and life in flowers. While I have always loved fresh flowers, I am perfectly content with having printed images of flowers (especially since I can't keep fresh flowers well - when I was growing up and got flowers from a guy, my father would help maintain them because I always forgot to change the water!)

I love this editorial because it reminded me that the beauty of flowers is often an inspiration in fashion.  Once can wear flowers in her hair, as a print in an entire dress, or as just a statement piece in an entire ensemble. One of my favorite jackets lately has been an H&M floral printed jacket - the cut and print are both romantic and modern at once.  Lovely things like that kinda makes me want to dance in the sun as well!

How do you like to wear florals?

Have a lovely week!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Pastel Power still going strong via Marie Claire Russia June 2012

I feel like I have a love/hate relationship with pastel colors every season.  Oh how I wish that blue were a bit more rich or hmm is the color too neutral?  But pastels still hold a steady place in my closet.  The light colors pair perfectly with the mood of spring - as the seasons renew, we also start to show more color and brightness (isn't there a reason why mint has been such a strong seasonal color?)

Perhaps pastels remind me of myself as well.  I don't always have to be bold and it's ok that I am not the life of the party. But I can still be fun in a subdued way.  I am quite content being subtle and still make a bright statement as well (hmm paradox?, I don't necessarily think so though!)

How do you make a subtle statement?

Have a lovely week!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Summer Weekend Activities

Always strive to excel, but only on weekends.

Richard Rorty

1, 2, 3

Another weekend has passed by and another Monday (groan) is upon us. I spent my weekend walking, walking, walking (oh my back!) around Shanghai and munching on a few lovely local things (mmm their fried pork buns are so good!) My husband and I usually try to go out to dinner with friends during the weekend. I just love chatting and sharing good food with friends and the bonus of warm weather is the opportunity to dine al fresco (with a fan nearby of course). We are also trying to get out more to visit local sites like the museums or see something around the city. Weekends are also one of the few chances we can do an active activity - while it is great to catch a full pilates or yoga class I want to finally finish teaching my husband how to swim (maybe we can start on the breaststroke now!)

I remember when the weekend used to mean going to the Lower East Side, dancing until the wee hours of the morning, and having a late night snack at a dive with other partygoers. I just don't have enough energy for that anymore, but it was good to have those days while they lasted.

I vary between fitting in a lot of activities to maximizing my relaxation during the weekends. Whatever I do, I do try to enjoy it to the fullest!

What are your typical summer weekend activities?

Have a lovely week!

FFF - Imperfections are beauty and Exploring Shanghai

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Inspiration

We spend most of our lives trying to fit in.  But what are your quirks that make you special?  I know that I am a spontaneous singer (luckily I can sing on pitch so it's not too painful).  I was with my husband at the gym once and got strange looks from him when we were on side by side ellipticals.
"Are you really singing right now?" he exclaimed when I took my earphones off.
What can I say - singing along to a catchy song gets me going sometimes.  It may not be common, but I hope it can bring a smile to someone that isn't obligated to say "that sounds nice" to me.
What are your beautiful imperfections?

Otherwise this weekend I am...
...exploring Shanghai! It has been a really busy week and  I hope to take a few pictures along the Bund and of course go shopping!  I would welcome any suggestions if you have been to Shanghai.  Where should I eat and shop?  Of course I'll also post about the fun places to explore here!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Happy Memorial Day via Victory Kiss!

The Greatest Glory of a free born people is to transmit that freedom to their children

William Havard

San Diego "Victory Kiss" statue - picture taken by me!

Remember...

...the opportunities that you have

...the family and friends that support you

...that you can choose your own path

...that you should never stop trying

...that complaints won't change your fortunes, but actions will

...that you are more fortunate than many other people in this world

I may only spend limited time in my native home of NYC these days, but I am so glad for the opportunity to have grown up there.  I take my upbringing for granted, but not as much today when I am on a business trip in a country where there is no freedom of the press or freedom of assembly (I am so hoping my message gets across the great firewall).   It is a beautiful to have choices and grow up in a place where our voices are encouraged (even if some of us may talk about travel, design and fashion!)  I am always conscious of trying to pass that on when we start our own family some day.

Thank you to those men and women that devote themselves to service and happy unofficial start of summer!

My posts will be very limited in the next two weeks, but I'll be back thereafter!

Happy Memorial Day and have a lovely week!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Mental break in Bali

One travels to escape from it all, but that is the great illusion: It cannot be done, since one travels with one's mind.

Ella Maillart 

 {Source}

Is it possible to actually get away from it all?  While I can't take much time off, I'm happy that I have the option to make a quick trip during the weekends (like this coming weekend to a wedding though it would be cool if it was in Bali!)  It is hard to stop thinking about all the things that I have to do, but it does help to have a change of environment.  While I can't fully escape thinking and worrying about ongoing issues, I can at least try to start thinking about trying to relax by a serene sunset.

I place such a high priority on travel not only because I want to see the world and family in different corners of the globe, but I also want to give myself a mental and physical break from the craziness of everyday life.  I find that if I am busy doing other activities, it does start to put my mind at ease, even if only temporarily.  We all need those breaks somehow, even if we may not all be lucky enough to go to Bali (though you deserve it!)  So I hope you can plan a vacation soon, recharge, and renew yourself.

How do you get away from it all?

Have a lovely week!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Beautiful escape via Numero May 2012

Beauty for some provides escape, who gain a happiness in eyeing the gorgeous buttocks of the ape or Autumn sunsets exquisitely dying. 

Langston Hughes

Numero May 2012

What do you find beautiful?

There are so many things about this season that I find beautiful - the budding bloom of fresh flowers, bright colors on a spring dress, and smiles from familiar friends (and new small friends as well).  I see beauty in both familiar people and objects as well as new ones.  I love to browse magazines photo spreads to check out not just the trends, but see pictures that really capture me.

It also reminds me of another reason why I like viewing other people's blogs.  I love seeing what they consider beautiful from their fashion and home editorials to new products to their own outfit posts.  It is definitely a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of my globe-trotting, apartment-moving, corporate days!  I am also reminded that while there is undisputed beauty in magazines, there is great beauty in the familiar and every day life as well.  Here is to wishing you beautiful things old and new that make you happy!

Have a lovely week! 

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Gritty City Beauty via Prada for LOVE S/S 2012

I have an affection for a great city.  I feel safe in the neighborhood of man, and enjoy the sweet security of the streets.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

{Source}: LOVE S/S 2012

I am and always will be a city girl (NYC to be exact!)  I grew up being surrounded by masses of people, a cacophony of street noises, and a hustle and bustle that always kept me moving.  I am living in my third major city now (NYC, London, sorta Paris, and now Singapore) and really love the characteristics of each place.  What I love about most of those cities (especially evident in NYC) is the energy of the people and almost the place itself.  It can be a dark and gritty place, but still remain beautiful.  There can be a buzz of activity and excitement that differs by neighborhood - just compare the Lower East Side to Midtown!  I think that this type of vibe rubs off on me as well and makes me want to do and see everything!

Well I am now off to do and see something a bit tamer in Kerala this week.  I am on a houseboat trip today exploring the backwaters of this mellow place.  While I do love these relaxing breaks, I am sure I will also be itching to get back to city life soon.

What is your favorite city?

Have a lovely week!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Touch of Whimsy

You must not ever stop being whimsical.  And you must not, ever, give someone else the responsibility for your life.

Mary Oliver, Wild Geese

 

{Source}

When was the last time you were whimsical?  Perhaps you sang out little a little too loudly?  Did you play a harmless little joke on a friend (nice ones please)?  Maybe you wore something bright and yellow, just because you felt like it (not to make a fashion statement)?

I was instantly drawn to these pictures by Rodney Smith because they combined a whimsical air with a touch of elegance.  I suddenly have a desire to host a grown-up tea party or brunch!  After all, being whimsical is having fun, being light, and enjoying a good laugh.  What could be bad about that?

Have a lovely week!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Remembering to have fun at any age via Mila Kunis for Harpers Bazaar April 2012

Enjoy yourself and have fun!

Sometimes I really miss being a kid.  That was the life!  Sure I had to do homework and create random projects for science fairs, but I also got rewarded with great treats.  If we were really good, my grandfather would take us to Coney Island (way down at the tip of Brooklyn) for a day trip during the summer.  It was almost as fun taking the nearly two hour train ride there and swinging from the subway handrails.  I loved the famous ferris wheel and bumper cars when I did eventually get inside the amusement park (I also loved a game where if you shot the bulls eye, the character would do something like play the piano!)

Adulthood certainly doesn't have the same fun and games as childhood. Careers, partners, and quarter life crises are no fun indeed. But that also means that it is even more important for us to set time aside, step away from every day seriousness, and do something fun! You can't always recreate your childhood but you can always create new, wonderful, and fun moments.

Have a lovely week!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Ushering in the delicate notes of spring via Valentino Spring Summer 2012

Dreamy images of beautiful clothing always put me in a better mood.

March may still be cold in many areas, but the end of March promises a transition to my favorite season; it is a season of new life, delicate colors, and renewals. I'm undergoing an internal sense of renewal myself as I start to think about a potentially different career path.  It is scary to think about switching to another, uncharted course and not know if the outcome will be what I expect.

But then, isn't life like the seasons?  It will grow, mature and naturally age as it transitions into different phases.  So I suppose I shouldn't be too alarmed and just enjoy the ride and beautiful views.

Oh and Valentino lace is typically stunning.  The workmanship definitely makes it worthy of a splurge some day!

Have a lovely week!

Inspiration: Life can be Wonderful

You said it Annette!

My life definitely is not perfect and hasn't been for a few months.

But I do have wonderful things like a great husband, family, and friends.

Remember the people, places, and objects that make your life wonderful.

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Camera confidence and model in all of us

Let your beauty shine!

Chic 'n Cheap Living

{Source}

Are you comfortable in front of a camera?  I haven't always been.  Well I used to love to ham it up for the camera when I was about five years old and knew that my pigtails and Cheshire cat grin could win anyone over.  But as I got older, I got shyer.  There was of course the inevitable comparison to the girls I would see in the magazines.  These women were of course taller, thinner, and had striking bone structure.  So if I had my picture taken, I should look like the best version of myself too right? Then I had to learn my good side, pose, and camera smile (not too many teeth now!); basically I had to practice being comfortable and feeling confident about having my picture taken.

I love these pictures of residents in Nairobi and the feelings that they exude.  They aren't your traditional models.  But they are beautiful, serene, dignified, and very happy to have their pictures taken for Love Spring Summer 2012.  They exude the type of confidence that models normally demonstrate. Aren't they just an inspiration for all of us to smile proudly and bring out our own inner models? We don't all having to be posing fashion bloggers or models, but can still learn to be comfortable and confident when our pictures are taken.

Have a lovely week!

Inspiration: Pessimist and Optimist

I'll be writing either very short posts or posting every few days for the next two weeks.  My blog disappeared for a little while and that was the catalyst for my decision to leave Blogger ASAP.

While I can be pessimistic or practical, I do try to keep my head up and learn from difficult times (in blogging or in life!) and at least here see the opportunity to do something different and better!

Source unknown

So stay with me friends and take advantage of those new opportunities!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Beautiful Backgrounds and Being a Wonderful Wallflower

Blend in Beautifully.

{Source}

There are definitely times I want to stand out and be noticed - "Look at me, I rock!" and there are other times when I prefer to take a social back seat and simply sit back and observe.  Maybe I prefer to be a wallflower during these ocassions.

When I saw these pictures by Cecilia Parades of people that actually blended into these walls with flowers, I was struck by how seamlessly they merge with the background.  But then I started to think that blending in can be a very good thing.  If I find a beautiful backdrop and can be a part of it (an environment, a culture, a place), doesn't that mean that I fit very well with that setting?  I can be an integral part of that setting, but then step away from the way and be myself.  Perhaps the most important thing is finding that beautiful place where you can blend in and fit just right.

Have a lovely week!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: New Year Resolution Success via Elle Fanning and Teen Vogue

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.

Abraham Lincoln

Magazine editorials don't usually inspire my New Year resolutions.  But it was a combination of the fresh, lovely tone of these pictures and my viewing of "Super 8" yesterday (what a lovely and innocent love story) that led me to think of the goals I want to accomplish for this year.  Most importantly, I want to aspire to be the best person I can be (by learning, changing and loving) while aiming towards a few resolutions for the new year.

1. Smile more and choose things that make me happy
Are you truly happy in every aspect of your life?  I can't say that I am, but I have been re-evaluating things that don't make me happy and trying to change or cut them out of my life.  I want to smile more in an open and honest way that truly reflects my contentment.  Life is too short and I want to constantly surround myself with people, places, and objects that really make my heart sing.

2. Keep in touch with loved ones
We have gone through some massive moves and are far away from our family.  I just found out that a good friend from college just had her second child (I didn't even know she was pregnant!)  Sometimes I am grumpy and think "Why don't they make the effort to keep in touch with me?!"  But is anyone really good about keeping in touch?  I want to know about the life changes - big and small - in my friend's and family's lives so I will definitely Skype and e-mail as much as I can.

3. Travel More
The Mr. and I certainly love to travel.  We plan on going to Rajasthan, Kerala, Mexico (wherever my friend's wedding will take place), Shanghai, Milan, Hanoi, London, Paris, LA, possibly Japan, and of course NYC in the next year.  It is pretty exhausting to think about.  But one of our favorite pastimes has been to travel and experience the world.  As much as I love to shop and talk about shopping, I end up spending more on travel.  I am blessed with the ability to perform this favorite hobby and want to continue to do it.

4. Streamline my Wardrobe
I definitely have those "I have nothing to wear!" moments.  But honestly, I have a lot of clothing and want to continue to add only apparel and accessories that make sense with my wardrobe as a whole.  That means cutting out trendy items and investing towards quality, classic pieces.  My ideal wardrobe list has helped immensely and while I still love to window shop, I try to only add pieces that I will truly love and stand the test of time (that means saving up for a Kelly with buddies Bessie and Kim).

What are your New Year Resolutions?

Have a lovely week!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Aging Elegantly and Continually Growing via Meryl Streep and Vogue

Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and growth.

Betty Friedan

 

US Vogue January 2012

There was a time when I used to miss my college days and early 20s.  I would reminisce about the carefree days of starting a new job, meeting new people, and dancing till dawn.  I also had a plan in those days of getting married at 24, having my first child at 26 and my second one at 28.  I thought I would be at a high flying role in a very fashionable industry.

Life didn't quite turn out that way, but I came to learn that it was perfectly ok.  I really enjoyed reading about Meryl Streep's story in Vogue for January 2012 and her unexpected life story.  She was a late bloomer by Hollywood standards and acted in her first film at 28.  But she never looked back and kept on excelling in her field to become one of the most celebrated actors of our time.  She has arguably gotten better with age and kept on giving herself new roles and challenges - why would age keep her from learning and growing?  Yes and one can still make her first Vogue cover, even at the age of 62.

I take her story to be a wonderful inspiration.  I did have a great time in my 20s and can not now do some of the things I did back then.  I have also undergone quite a few career and location changes (on my third continent now!) That is just part of the adventure.  I may not have done everything at the time I thought I would, but I know that there is so much more to do.  I will keep on growing and seeking those new opportunities.  I look back on those days with fondness, but will do everything I can to ensure the future is exciting in different ways.

Have a lovely week!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Picture Perfect and healthy lifestyles

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder.

Elle Italia October 2011

Isn't it funny how we can be our own harshest critics?  I remember staring at myself in some pictures (or perhaps my little belly) and thinking enough is enough.  I had steadily been gaining weight over the last year or two (not much because I am petite by nature) and just gotten generally lazy.  Even though my lovely brother poked my non-toned arms and I realized that I couldn't fit certain dresses any more, I didn't mind.  I wasn't overweight by any means, but I was eating way too many potato chips (especially when living in London - the English can make a mean crisp) and not exercising at all.  I was buying bigger clothing while shrinking into the background.

My husband also didn't love his own image when he looked at pictures.  We both decided to do something about it and started making healthier lifestyle changes.  Morning workouts have become routine and huge portions of vegetables/low portions of meat and starches make up our diet (if any, we follow low sugar/low carb most of the week).  It has started to make a difference both physically and mentally.  I'm starting to fit my old clothing again and more importantly, I feel good about myself.  

I don't think it is healthy at all to try to look like a waif if your body is not meant to be that size.  But I do know that you should be happy with yourself and how you look according to your body type.  I realized that I was using food as a bit of a shield or to give myself a sense of comfort in some unstable times in the last few years.  I didn't want to let my happiness be ruled by food.  I still have the occasional ice cream or burger, but I don't have to have it all the time.  Most importantly, I know that the lifestyle choices I make now effect me later.  I've learned to have fun with healthy eating. 

Be happy with the person that is reflected in pictures - I know I am!

Have a lovely week!