HRH COLLECTION

BACK TO THE GRIND

2012-01-29T22:15:00.000-08:00

Back from Shanghai and ready to jump back into work!

Just a short post with a photo taken at night on People's Square.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead!

INCHEON

2012-01-26T01:46:00.000-08:00

Ni Hao, Hi!

I have to say.... Its been a ridiculous experience not having access to basic sites while away. Ive SO missed blogging, and catching up with all your posts! Who would have thought a beautiful western hotel wouldn't have a VPN which allows basic sites? Though at checkout they claimed to have a completely open VPN after I refused to pay for in room wifi. lol.

As for my visit, I had amazing time and squeezed as much in as possible in my shy of one week jaunt. Visited my old apartment and the local, less than fortunate shop keeps and their families and passed out hong baos to some to show thanks for all their kindness to me while I lived there. They remembered me, and in a strange way it felt rewarding? Shanghai has changed so incredibly much over the last four years, it was recognizable but Shanghai as I knew it is definitely no more. I don't think my itch to return will be such a constant in my life, though I will definitely visit in the future.

My flight back to LA is in a couple hours and I'm seriously trying to stay out of trouble and the Duty Free advantages. Full sized Chanel, Prada, MCM and Louis Vuitton are literally down the terminal. Maybe I'll just have one little peek?

xoxo

SHANGHAI MEET UP

2012-01-22T18:21:00.001-08:00

Hi All! I'm blogging from my phone as China has definitely added more sites to its blacklisted list since I was here last. Im able to access sites from my phone through international roaming, and even though my western hotel claims to have a VPN I am still unable to access certain sites.

I am planning a meet up for tomorrow afternoon at Xi Tian Di. One of my favorite spots and I haven't been back yet so am excited to visit it! Coffee or a late lunch? Not sure yet. Those of u who want to meet up please comment with suggestions :) so looking forward to meeting some of u! I also update by instagram which I believe is accessible in china. My user name is hrhc. Zai jian for now! xx Alex

WHATS IN MY CARRY ON

2012-01-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

All packed and ready to leave for Shanghai tomorrow morning!

So excited!

I will set a meet up when I arrive and hopefully I will be able to meet some of you in one my favorite city!

My assistant will be here three days next week to answer emails in my place, Yay! Thank you, Dominika!

I plan on blogging from Shanghai... So, only "zai jian" for now!

Talk to you all soon, from the other side of the world :)

Longchamp large size carryall. Purell hand wipes. A variety of magazines and two books I hope to finish on the 13 hour flight(The 5 Love Languages and The Great Gatsby). Passport/ Chinese visa. Travel wallet purchased from Marshalls years ago. Neck pillow. MacBook Air and a Chanel dust bag doubling as a sleeve. Rebecca Minkoff shoulder bag. ipod shuffle. 45 calorie pop tart snacks. Cannon Power Shot Elph 100 HS. Lipglosses: Chanel #16, MAC in Japanese Spring and Mabelline Baby Lips. L 'Occitane hand cream.

IN MOTION

2012-01-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

Full speed ahead.... I leave for Shanghai this Thursday to be reunited with a best friend who I haven't seen in years and with a city who stole my heart. Im so excited to finally have made the time to visit! I miss it SO much! I'll be there from January 20th- 26th and would absolutely love to meet up with any of my subbies in Shanghai. I haven't held a meet up yet and think having my first one in Shanghai would be so special! Please email me if you are visiting or live in Shanghai and would like to meet <3

Knit sweater: H&M. Jeans: GAP. Boots: Zara. Infinity scarf: H&M (last year). Bracelets: HRH Collection (two new styles to be launched soon and the Ultra Luxe bracelet). Handbag: Chanel jumbo flap. Sunnies: D&G.

THE STATE OF MY LIVING AREA

2012-01-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

After my video on "Decor: Arranging a Coffee Table " it seems that the most requested topic I receive after OOTD's has to do with sharing more of my place. My loft is constantly evolving and in particular, what decorates my coffee table.

I will try my best to share rearrangements and changes with you.

Alternating trays, books and candles happens weekly.

Its so fun finding new ways to display and enjoy my favorite treasures. I am currently in the process of looking for my dream Chinese style- coffee table but have been discouraged with the nightmare price tags. Unfortunately, my current coffee table is much too small and almost uncomfortable. Other key pieces are needed as well, but think its better not to rush into furniture, as it's expensive and I'll likely live with the pieces for years to come.

So for now, this is the state of my living area <3

Coffee Table: Found on overstock.com. Entertainment center: Ikea. Small wicker lounge chair: Ikea. Silver twig lamp: Z Gallerie. Hide rug: Ikea, though my other hides are from random merchants found around California. Most small decor items are from vintage, found at flea markets. Small white bud vases: Jonathan Adler.

TRANSITIONING

2012-01-09T17:56:00.000-08:00

With still a bit of chill in the air, but not typical January weather, leather shorts warmed up with opaque tights and a chunky sweater gives the perfect amount of warmth. Hair pulled back with lose bangs, a swipe of red red lipstick and gold chains for some edge and sophistication.

Sweater: Zara (Sale). Leather shorts: H&M. Tights: Target. Boots: Zara. Sunnies: H&M. Handbag: Prada. Necklaces: HRH Collection (The Original Cuff and Chain of command in grey and bronze).

DAY IN THE LIFE

2012-01-04T22:35:00.000-08:00

Like for most of us, putting in long hours at work is typical and expected of me.

It's 2012, and young, independent and driven women are seriously the future.

I take the utmost pride in my work, so sometimes I don't realize how long I have been working until I look up from the computer and realize the sun is beginning to set.

So not to get too overworked, I try to reward myself with coffee breaks at my favorite cafe, Bao snuggles and if there's time, a rooftop date with friends, for a cocktail at sunset.

NOBODY WALKS IN LA

2012-01-03T16:12:00.000-08:00

Who says nobody walks in LA?

One of the best parts of living in a city scene is how walkable it is.

My favorite skinny jeans and quality flats are staples along with blouses with some kind of distinct character. Sleek, clean lines and basic colors paired with my favorite chains add a unique edge and pretty much defines my everyday walking style.

Top: H&M. Jeans: GAP. Flats: Halogen by Nordstrom. Bag: Prada. Watch: Michael Kors. Sunnies: RayBan. Jewelry: HRH Collection (Necklace: Tres Chic. Bracelet Uptown Edge and Metallic leather tassel wrap bracelet coming soon!) Lipstick: MAC Snob.

2012!

2012-01-03T00:16:00.000-08:00

MY FIRST VIDEO OF 2012!
Its gonna be a great one, I can feel it!

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday and new year!
...
Simple Entertaining with me!

HAPPIEST HOLIDAYS

2011-12-21T21:31:00.000-08:00

Snapped a few photos on my way to a holiday party.

Flashes of unexpected color and glitter made what could have been rather plain outfit, perfect for a holiday party.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend and magical holiday <3

Coat: Zara. Fur stole: Heirloom from my great grandmother.

Plain, loose black tank: no name.

Skirt: Zara. Chains: HRH Collection (The Original Cuff and Sheba).

Tights: Target. Shoes: Miu Miu.

WHAT'S IN MY COSMETIC POUCH(ES)

2011-12-20T22:50:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but my cosmetic pouch is constantly evolving.

It's mostly the lip products that I change weekly and sometimes even daily. To make it easier, I decided to add a smaller pouch just for lipsticks to my handbag, so I don't have to sift thru compacts or be selective.

Now instead of one favorite seductive red and one daytime muted option, I can carry all my favorites!

First photo detail: YSL/ Volupte sheer candy #5. Maybelline Baby Lips/ Pink Punch. MAC/ Russian Red. Maybelline Baby Lips/Cherry Me. Chanel/ Gabrielle. Maybelline Baby Lips/ Quenched.

Second photo detail: Chanel compact/ translucent pressed powder. MAC blush/ Pink Swoon. Benefit Bad Gal eyeliner. Sanrio My Melody comb and mirror. Brushes/ Trish Mc Evoy and Chanel.

Third photo detail: My Melody pouch from Sanrio. Chinese "silk" pouch from H&M.

OFFICE SPACE

2011-12-14T18:14:00.000-08:00

My loft is coming together little by little, and i'm slowly learning how to creatively manage a multi use space. Because I spend most of my time in the "office" area, I feel like it is one of the more completed parts of the loft, so far.

I used the same pieces from the office in my previous apartment {seen here} just arranged differently.

Like my sense of style and the rest of my place.....It's not perfect yet and is always an evolving project...

Inspiration/ happiness board

Storage boxes and brand labels

Some cheerful color on my desk

Cold water and yogurt covered almonds to help me work into

the wee hours on busy nights.

I'VE BEEN SPARKLED

2011-12-12T23:04:00.000-08:00

I don't know if it's because the holidays are here, but I have an abnormal amount of sparkle in my life lately! From decor to clothes and beauty products....

I find glitter surrounding me EVERYWHERE!

Miu Miu sparkle booties.

Honey drizzled Bre, imported salami, Gherkins and amazing Urth Cafe fruit and nut bread, is one of my favorite lunches, or if im really hungry....bad girl snack.

Shiny silver ombre effet glass (flea market find), sparkly cloth napkin (Target) and metallic painted bubble plate (Crate and Barrel)

A glittery music note hung from my extensive and always ready for a party- bar cart.

An antique mini salt shaker filled with silver German glitter keeps my pen holder company atop my desk.

Mini Deborah Lippmann glitter polish trio.

ALEX, THE BOY

2011-12-07T19:32:00.001-08:00

sweater: gap. cords and boots: zara. hrh collection: bracelets.

mac lipstick in russian red.

TIDBITS

2011-12-07T00:12:00.001-08:00

IN MY LIFE THAT MAKE ME SMILE LATELY:

Chanel inspired boots by Zara. The perfect dirty rose color handbag. Edgy black accessories. Blush pink "leather" ultra short shorts from F21. An old favorite book/ new notebooks and Moleskine agenda.

MERRY

2011-11-30T20:10:00.001-08:00

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!

Especially holiday decor!

Keeping with my minimalist/ monochromatic taste, I opt for metallics when it comes to decorating for the holidays. This is only a peek, and I have yet to decide whether or not I'll be adding a tree or not this year...

My Dining Area:

Arranged on my black cow hide rug, my Docksta table, faux bamboo chairs which I re painted and upholstered.

I purchased them all (3, one of which I painted a sea foam green and upholstered the seat in a muted zebra for my bedroom) for $50 from an acquaintance who hadn't taken to them. They were originally a natural wood finish and taupe faux suede seats. I finished them in a high gloss black and chose color, yes...COLOR (lol),

hot pink raw silk fabric for the seats.

I couldn't be happier with them!

My table is decorated with a silver antler candlestick holder, silver brush Christmas tree a homemade holiday flower centerpiece and silver candles.

Silver sprayed Eucalyptus and various other fillers

make holiday decor simple and chic.

My signature cinnamon sangria recipe is yummy, red

and therefore perfect for the holidays, no?

Close up of some of my entertainment center's holiday cheer.

My Foyer Area:

I haven't added too much decoration to this area yet, only long sprigs of silver Eucalyptus.. but plan on adding a bowl of ornaments soon for a bit more sparkle.

Lucite table from CB2. Vintage, hand-painted, Asian silk, framed in a mirrored frame from a flea market. J Adler and flea market vases. Lamp and

Chinese silver drum from TJ Maxx.

Twinkle lights and a downtown view :)

YAY! The holiday's are near!

LOFT

2011-11-15T23:25:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone!
I'm blogging from a friends flat at the moment.

I've missed you and apologize for being so MIA since the move.

I've tried to keep in contact by Twitter and Instagram though!

Fingers crossed, my internet should be fully running by tomorrow! Moving into a historical building requires more self sufficiency than a single girl is used to! My flat is a converted factory from the turn of the century and was abandoned for years, so getting necessities like internet and cable is a bit more challenging than Im normally used to. Its always been a dream of mine to live in a historical building of some kind....im just so thrilled things came together so well.

Im absolutely loving my new loft and feel so inspired and free in my new area. If you've been following my blog, you would have gotten a sense of how much I miss my time in Shanghai. The energy of being in a bustling city and everything it offers appeals so much to me. Im just so happy to have found a place for Bao and I with historical charm in a big city. {Here are some photos I snapped over the past few days}

ME

2011-11-11T03:31:00.001-08:00

My sense of style is pretty defined, meaning I stay true to cuts, colors and styles I like and don't diverge too often from it. I also live by a strict quality over quantity philosophy and will save up for one quality item rather then buy multiple versions of lesser quality.
I may have a less full closet, but each piece was carefully chosen to effortlessly pair with the rest of my collection :)
Here are some of my favorite pieces, which you may have seen in previous videos or photos, mixed and matched, creating a new look :)

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! xx

MOD SQUAD

2011-11-07T21:47:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's because i'm indecisive and seem to have too many gorgeous candy colored polishes lately, but I haven't had simply polished nails in weeks.

This way I get to use more than one of my favorite polishes on each nail...

It's easier than it looks and if you have a steady hand, it will take you no time and even less effort.

I used glitter (Just Dance) and flat (Mod Square, the perfect Matel pink) polish in this photo, but two flat polishes look equally as bold.

HOW TO:
-Just choose complimenting flat and glittery polishes
-Coat the entire nail with two coats of flat polish.
-Carefully sweep two coats of glittered polish across half the nail.
-Seal with a top coat.

CHAINS + LEATHER

2011-11-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday OOTN:

OOTD: CALIFORNIA FALL

2011-11-02T00:58:00.001-07:00

SNAP SNAP SNAP

2011-10-31T23:22:00.000-07:00

Random snapshots from my life as of lately:

Maroon lips, H&M forest green blouse, HRH Collection Silver Cuff necklace and tousled hair.

This and a variation thereof seem to be my

signature look these days.

Some new bottles for my bar cart to add more options as well as keeping with my monochromatic decor.

...and...

My newest "food" addiction: Alain Millait raspberry nectar.

In Shanghai we used to sip the most delicious fresh raspberry martinis at a fabulous bar on the Bund called Laris. I haven't been able to find a similar version since I left CN, until I came across this raspberry nectar.

Looking forward to trying the morello cherry as well.

New Steve Madden chunky heels
found at Marshalls and totally in love.
Very Miu Miu esq, no?

I was completely allured by the smell inside of one of my newest fashion magazines and found it was BVLGARI's Jasmine Noir sample. Bloomingdales had a gift set of two, for day and night. I'm loving sensual fragrance, perfect for the cold seasons ahead.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2011-10-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

Little Angel Bao and his life size

pumpkin, all ready for halloween!

Hope everyone has a safe hoilday <3

BFVA EVENT

2011-10-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday night was the Beauty and Fashion Vloggers Alliance event, hosted at the Hollywood museum.

I was so thrilled to be a part of it!

It was great to finally meet other gurus I had been watching even before I started my channel! They were all so sweet, it felt like I had known them for years :)

We spent the night chitchatting over pretty hors d'oeuvres, manicures and beauty applications.

...

Because I had a meeting the next morning near the event location, I decided to stay at a little boutique hotel I've been wanting to visit, Petite Ermitage. It was unique, small and unexpected with pretty rooftop gardens, relaxing lounges by the pool and yummy cocktails...The definition of Bohemian Chic.

It was quiet when I checked in, the perfect atmosphere for sitting buy the pool and catching up on work.

THE HOTEL:

THE EVENT:

What I wore:

With some of my favorite gurus <3

Macarons!