Tokyo, long time no see

Bar III jumpsuit, Zara shoes, Banana Republic earrings, Michael Kors watch, Ferragamo bag

My first visit to Japan was in 2003 — right before I became obsessed with Lost in Translation. We visited again last month, and got to stay at the Park Hyatt where much of the film took place. It was just as enchanting as I’ve always imagined. 

The pictures above were taken at the New York Bar. The food there was excellent, the atmosphere was amazing, and the views were absolutely breathtaking -- it’s definitely a must if you’re visiting Tokyo. It's easy to find yourself lost, pretending what it was like when when Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson were there, retracing scenes from a movie that left such a lasting impression even 10 years later.

Miami Heat

Wearing: Aryn K. dress, Marmalade pendant necklace, Jennifer Zeuner horizontal bar necklace, Michael Kors watch, Cartier bracelet

I had such a pleasant experience staying at the Delano in South Beach. The atmosphere here is so stylish and the all-white decor makes everything feel very dreamy; and the pool is so pretty -- it's really such a gorgeous hotel. You can't beat the location - it's right along the beach, near all the action and not too far from OLA, the restaurant that serves the best corn empanadas.

During my stay in Miami, I attended a beautiful wedding and love this dress I wore for that occasion. I do have a love/hate relationship with these open-back dresses, though. I'm attracted to how delicate it looks, they're very sexy and feminine. But the problem is the straps are so thin and the material is so sheer, it makes it tricky for undergarments. Fortunately, I discovered these and they're simply the best solution for this kind of outfit. 

Man Repelling

H&M kimono, Jennifer Zeuner necklace, bandeau bikini top, leopard bikini bottom, sunglasses

This past weekend, on my trip to Miami, I was able to finish a book by one of my favorite bloggers, Leandra Medine from Man Repeller. Certainly one of my highlights since her writing is so clever and witty. It was really such an easy and enjoyable read on the beach.

Since January, I've become a bit of a beach-snob after being spoiled with the crystal clear waters in Palawan. It's a little unfair to expect Miami to contend with that, but at the same time the saturation of people on the beaches was so overwhelming, it's hard not to draw that parallel of how drastically different the two places are.

Nonetheless, Miami from my memory has always been in the Awesome category of Place I've Been To And Look Forward To Returning, so I was very excited to be back. Plus, I had a few beachy pieces that didn't make an appearance in the Philippines and Miami was the perfect place to channel the diva-inspired attire!

However in this case, the embroidered kimono + bandeau top + leopard print bottom + half-tinted-sunglasses combo were apparently so "man-repelling" to my own boyfriend, he despised every second the morning I sported that get up.

Although his reaction was neither shocking and in fact, based on the book I just finished reading, his response was pretty spot on. If you need further instructions on how to do this, Man Repeller's book, Seeking Love. Finding Overalls is full of good examples.

LA Part II

Wearing: Zara skirt, Cole Haan shoes, Marc Jacobs bag, Jennifer Zeuner necklace, Michael Kors watch, Cartier bracelet

Here are a few photos taken from the Griffith Observatory on my latest trip to LA, about a month ago -- shortly after we returned back from the Philippines. This place has the best views of the city, and I was very surprised it was my first time visiting. As a Los Angeles regular, it's always fun exploring new parts and some exciting discoveries I made on this trip included: the Beverly Hills Soul Cycle studio, a new favorite LA instructor name Lauren, tasty tofu tacos from James Beach in Venice, and a super cool neighborhood - Silver Lake. Don't get me wrong -- I do like my routines so there was a mandatory bread pudding stop at Urth Cafe, a coffee break from Alfred's, and dinner + drinks at Chateau Marmont!