Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
"Lei hai mm hai mai bei lei gau lam pung yao ah?"
Are you buying for your boyfriend?
Why does it have to be a boyfriend? I have a brother and a bunch of guy friends. I think the most embarrassing thing is that I'm not really buying for anyone in particular. I just make a beeline for every menswear store in HK and start ga-ga ing over every single piece. Double faced blazers, pleated shirts with faux ties, jersey vest hoodies, tailored vests with interesting detailing, skinny ties, graphic tees.... We saw this one suit jacket that has a vest buttoned onto it which could be worn as a neat collar or just the vest itself. So cool! Too bad it was 'expensive'!
So Robyn and I were walking in my now favourite mall in Mongkok when we spotted this one salesguy in the shop with this awesome blazer jacket. I asked if I could take a picture of him:
GAH!!! I just love how he takes a rather dressy blazer and rolls up the sleeves, pairs it with a red cap, plaid and pleated shirt with dark washed denim and sneakers. SO COOL! He carries it off sooooo well.
He understands so well that it's not only your entrance that is important, because exiting a room can be just as alluring. Especially if you have something like this on the back of your blazer:
That's one hot zipper! XD
Any guy with that jacket would turn my head. Not in a gay way either. XD
Anyway we spent a good half hour talking to this guy. When he was 19 he saved up his money as a stock/salesman at a boutique in the upper levels of the mall and then opened up his own store because he didn't like what he saw in the menswear department. He's 24 years old and has been running this store for five years now. Impressive. Very impressive. I fell in love with every single thing there. Frick. Blazers with a simple slit in the front placket to slide a scarf in (see the left jacket in the first image). Sparkly black piping along black blazers to add just a little oomph. He showed me and Robyn his other designs and catalogs full of Chinese frogs that I could get in Sham Shui Po. I ordered the blazer that you see in the first picture. So many reasons why I would buy it:
1)I like to support local designers and to buy into their vision.
2)He only makes about two pieces per design. It's almost like buying couture without the $100,000 price tag.
3)Everything is made-to-order: that means you can't just buy and take the item back with you, you have to order it two weeks in advance and he makes it to your specifications in China.
4)You can customize according to your own taste. Don't like the placement of the pocket? Change it. Prefer a charcoal grey over black? That can be changed too.
And it only cost $40CDN. That's cheaper than getting a blazer at H&M. aerawknrawewj! The only problem is is that I don't know anyone who would wear his stuff. I think a lot of guys would look good in it but I don't think they'd have the confidence to wear it. I don't think I even need a boyfriend now.. I just need about five guys who are willing to let me change their wardrobe for them at their monetary expense. That would be sooooooooooo perfecttttttttttt. Anyway.
Coming to HK has just made me realize... WHY ARE NORTH AMERICAN GUYS SO LAZY?! Okay I know it's partially because of the culture. I'm not asking for everyone to turn metrosexual but it would be nice if they dressed a little nicer. You know.. a little cleaner, a little more tailored, a little more style and edge. Less bedhead and baggy you know? We can eliminate the man bag, the hair gel, the draped shirts. I just find guys who wear blazers soooo appealing. XD Robyn can testify to that.
I got my blazer fixation yesterday in Causeway Bay. Jer, Robyn, Pui and I were people-watching from above in a mall (yes we're creepy like that) and there was this one particular guy with a silver grey blazer with black detailing all over. Sooooo good looking. I want his picture. He was so hot! And I mean that from a fashion standpoint. To see someone carry a very specific style with confidence is very very appealing. See usually the plaid and pleated shirt the designer's wearing would make me think "gay" but his attitude and how he carried himself would say otherwise.
It's funny to see how my fashion tastes shift gears. This time last year I was 'obsessed' over babydoll dresses, lace and anything extremely feminine in a doll-like vintage fashion. This year due to the influence of ABDC, the Olympics, athletic/neon trends, I've swung to the exact opposite: bright colours, shorts, graphic tees. You know.. the whole urban look. In just two weeks, besides practicing my cantonese, I've become fluent in Japanese urban/city brands like Base Control, b+ab, D-Mop, Y-3, Hyoma, Graphin, As You Know It, CDG etc. It's fun- while most people find that they should stick to one style, the one that all their friends see them in, I like experimenting with different styles.
Yet lately I've become really frustrated with womenswear. It's really going nowhere. While half the female population is still stuck on the neck bows, frilly dresses and babydoll looks, the other half is preoccupied with jersey knits, t shirts, short shorts and knee high socks. I'm in that stage where I am neither here nor there: I don't really like the whole girly look anymore nor do I like jersey and the entire tee and jeans look. Jersey pills easily plus if I am to spend money on clothing, it has to look like I actually spent money on it meaning that it should have something unique about it. And lately everything has been pretty dull which is why I've probably deviated to looking and buying menswear clothing. All the stuff I've bought for myself so far are from the cheap women's markets in Mongkok or Causeway Bay. The most expensive pieces I've bought are all for guys. lol.
Not sure who I'm even gonna give the stuff to. The most special pieces are the ones that I'd love if a guy wore it but I know there everyone would go into hiding as soon as I pull it out of my suitcase. But menswear here is delicious. HK has singlehandedly changed my mind about considering opening a menswear line in the future.
After doing a lot of people watching I've realized why guys look better than guys in... Canada. Whenever I see the males at any kind of dressy event, they've never really looked good. And at the time I didn't understand why that was the case. Now I know why! When it comes to suits the Western style in Canada is tailored to the larger Caucasian guy. The reason why Asian guys in Asia look so good in their suit jackets is because the jacket is designed for them: the button is lower to elongate their torso, the armhole is higher up and the suit is generally more fitted with less padding. I examine some North American guys in their jackets and they look as if they're kids dressed up in their dad's business suit: it's overall too big and almost swallows up their entire frame. I recommend every Asian guy in Canada to get a suit jacket made in Hong Kong. Plus there are more unique details you could add onto them with more youthful looks. Trust me. I'm in fashion. XD
Wow I cant' believe I pulled that one.
=========================================================
-A lot has happened the past few days: camping out at my cousin's 'place', a lot of eating and 'shopping', went to get a facial, a ton of walking and people watching. Got to see that old friend I bumped into at Times Square a week ago and we hit it off talking about movies, j dramas, actors and clothing brands. She knew the clothing store I bought that blazer from since her friend gets his clothes from there too. So funny. I showed her the pic of the designer and she starts laughing her head off.
-My cousin to my left, New York friend to my right, and Canadian friend next to my cousin we worshiped in the same church in Hong Kong. At that moment I realized that though I see my life fractured where each geographical world is its own separate entity, He could bring us all together even for the briefest moment. Although I see my life in New York distinct from that in Toronto which is wholly different from the life I had in Hong Kong, God has the power to bring all those things together. And I felt so grateful at that moment that for once all those worlds intersected; be it friend or family, city or suburbia, young adult or college student. Worship itself was wonderful: the lyrics of the chosen songs helped me to re examine my heart, my priorities and the issues I've been dealing with lately. The icing on the cake: everyone else enjoyed the service and the church too! My NY friend told me how she was really frustrated that it took so long to get to the church but as soon as she got there, she thought it was worth it. I was pretty happy to hear that.
-"Love keeps no record of wrong." I was shuttling this verse in my mouth yesterday as the pastor was preaching. It'd be interesting to hear a sermon based on this one line because I struggle with letting go of the wrongs people have done me and I end up focusing solely on the negative. I'm just really.. annoyed. I hate flakes. I hate them so much. Why aren't there anymore reliable people in this world?
-Absence makes the heart grow fonder. How true. Always wanting what I can't get and not liking the things that are attainable.
Are you buying for your boyfriend?
Why does it have to be a boyfriend? I have a brother and a bunch of guy friends. I think the most embarrassing thing is that I'm not really buying for anyone in particular. I just make a beeline for every menswear store in HK and start ga-ga ing over every single piece. Double faced blazers, pleated shirts with faux ties, jersey vest hoodies, tailored vests with interesting detailing, skinny ties, graphic tees.... We saw this one suit jacket that has a vest buttoned onto it which could be worn as a neat collar or just the vest itself. So cool! Too bad it was 'expensive'!
So Robyn and I were walking in my now favourite mall in Mongkok when we spotted this one salesguy in the shop with this awesome blazer jacket. I asked if I could take a picture of him:
GAH!!! I just love how he takes a rather dressy blazer and rolls up the sleeves, pairs it with a red cap, plaid and pleated shirt with dark washed denim and sneakers. SO COOL! He carries it off sooooo well.
He understands so well that it's not only your entrance that is important, because exiting a room can be just as alluring. Especially if you have something like this on the back of your blazer:
That's one hot zipper! XD
Any guy with that jacket would turn my head. Not in a gay way either. XD
Anyway we spent a good half hour talking to this guy. When he was 19 he saved up his money as a stock/salesman at a boutique in the upper levels of the mall and then opened up his own store because he didn't like what he saw in the menswear department. He's 24 years old and has been running this store for five years now. Impressive. Very impressive. I fell in love with every single thing there. Frick. Blazers with a simple slit in the front placket to slide a scarf in (see the left jacket in the first image). Sparkly black piping along black blazers to add just a little oomph. He showed me and Robyn his other designs and catalogs full of Chinese frogs that I could get in Sham Shui Po. I ordered the blazer that you see in the first picture. So many reasons why I would buy it:
1)I like to support local designers and to buy into their vision.
2)He only makes about two pieces per design. It's almost like buying couture without the $100,000 price tag.
3)Everything is made-to-order: that means you can't just buy and take the item back with you, you have to order it two weeks in advance and he makes it to your specifications in China.
4)You can customize according to your own taste. Don't like the placement of the pocket? Change it. Prefer a charcoal grey over black? That can be changed too.
And it only cost $40CDN. That's cheaper than getting a blazer at H&M. aerawknrawewj! The only problem is is that I don't know anyone who would wear his stuff. I think a lot of guys would look good in it but I don't think they'd have the confidence to wear it. I don't think I even need a boyfriend now.. I just need about five guys who are willing to let me change their wardrobe for them at their monetary expense. That would be sooooooooooo perfecttttttttttt. Anyway.
Coming to HK has just made me realize... WHY ARE NORTH AMERICAN GUYS SO LAZY?! Okay I know it's partially because of the culture. I'm not asking for everyone to turn metrosexual but it would be nice if they dressed a little nicer. You know.. a little cleaner, a little more tailored, a little more style and edge. Less bedhead and baggy you know? We can eliminate the man bag, the hair gel, the draped shirts. I just find guys who wear blazers soooo appealing. XD Robyn can testify to that.
I got my blazer fixation yesterday in Causeway Bay. Jer, Robyn, Pui and I were people-watching from above in a mall (yes we're creepy like that) and there was this one particular guy with a silver grey blazer with black detailing all over. Sooooo good looking. I want his picture. He was so hot! And I mean that from a fashion standpoint. To see someone carry a very specific style with confidence is very very appealing. See usually the plaid and pleated shirt the designer's wearing would make me think "gay" but his attitude and how he carried himself would say otherwise.
It's funny to see how my fashion tastes shift gears. This time last year I was 'obsessed' over babydoll dresses, lace and anything extremely feminine in a doll-like vintage fashion. This year due to the influence of ABDC, the Olympics, athletic/neon trends, I've swung to the exact opposite: bright colours, shorts, graphic tees. You know.. the whole urban look. In just two weeks, besides practicing my cantonese, I've become fluent in Japanese urban/city brands like Base Control, b+ab, D-Mop, Y-3, Hyoma, Graphin, As You Know It, CDG etc. It's fun- while most people find that they should stick to one style, the one that all their friends see them in, I like experimenting with different styles.
Yet lately I've become really frustrated with womenswear. It's really going nowhere. While half the female population is still stuck on the neck bows, frilly dresses and babydoll looks, the other half is preoccupied with jersey knits, t shirts, short shorts and knee high socks. I'm in that stage where I am neither here nor there: I don't really like the whole girly look anymore nor do I like jersey and the entire tee and jeans look. Jersey pills easily plus if I am to spend money on clothing, it has to look like I actually spent money on it meaning that it should have something unique about it. And lately everything has been pretty dull which is why I've probably deviated to looking and buying menswear clothing. All the stuff I've bought for myself so far are from the cheap women's markets in Mongkok or Causeway Bay. The most expensive pieces I've bought are all for guys. lol.
Not sure who I'm even gonna give the stuff to. The most special pieces are the ones that I'd love if a guy wore it but I know there everyone would go into hiding as soon as I pull it out of my suitcase. But menswear here is delicious. HK has singlehandedly changed my mind about considering opening a menswear line in the future.
After doing a lot of people watching I've realized why guys look better than guys in... Canada. Whenever I see the males at any kind of dressy event, they've never really looked good. And at the time I didn't understand why that was the case. Now I know why! When it comes to suits the Western style in Canada is tailored to the larger Caucasian guy. The reason why Asian guys in Asia look so good in their suit jackets is because the jacket is designed for them: the button is lower to elongate their torso, the armhole is higher up and the suit is generally more fitted with less padding. I examine some North American guys in their jackets and they look as if they're kids dressed up in their dad's business suit: it's overall too big and almost swallows up their entire frame. I recommend every Asian guy in Canada to get a suit jacket made in Hong Kong. Plus there are more unique details you could add onto them with more youthful looks. Trust me. I'm in fashion. XD
Wow I cant' believe I pulled that one.
=========================================================
-A lot has happened the past few days: camping out at my cousin's 'place', a lot of eating and 'shopping', went to get a facial, a ton of walking and people watching. Got to see that old friend I bumped into at Times Square a week ago and we hit it off talking about movies, j dramas, actors and clothing brands. She knew the clothing store I bought that blazer from since her friend gets his clothes from there too. So funny. I showed her the pic of the designer and she starts laughing her head off.
-My cousin to my left, New York friend to my right, and Canadian friend next to my cousin we worshiped in the same church in Hong Kong. At that moment I realized that though I see my life fractured where each geographical world is its own separate entity, He could bring us all together even for the briefest moment. Although I see my life in New York distinct from that in Toronto which is wholly different from the life I had in Hong Kong, God has the power to bring all those things together. And I felt so grateful at that moment that for once all those worlds intersected; be it friend or family, city or suburbia, young adult or college student. Worship itself was wonderful: the lyrics of the chosen songs helped me to re examine my heart, my priorities and the issues I've been dealing with lately. The icing on the cake: everyone else enjoyed the service and the church too! My NY friend told me how she was really frustrated that it took so long to get to the church but as soon as she got there, she thought it was worth it. I was pretty happy to hear that.
-"Love keeps no record of wrong." I was shuttling this verse in my mouth yesterday as the pastor was preaching. It'd be interesting to hear a sermon based on this one line because I struggle with letting go of the wrongs people have done me and I end up focusing solely on the negative. I'm just really.. annoyed. I hate flakes. I hate them so much. Why aren't there anymore reliable people in this world?
-Absence makes the heart grow fonder. How true. Always wanting what I can't get and not liking the things that are attainable.
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