Scandalous

Photos by Kat Son

 Want to know how to get a boy slapped  by his girlfriend in Korea? Or have little, old ajusshi's talk amongst themselves in hushed voices? Show some shoulder. PS. Both of these stories are true, thanks to this top. It's the last weeks for cherry blossom viewing though, so obviously looking cute for photos with pretty flowers is worth the gossip that comes with shoulders.

Spring

Photos by Subomi Bankole

 Spring is finally here! Actually, it was here about two weeks ago, when the first blossoms were coming out. Right now, everything is actually in bloom, or green. It's awesome! So much better than the greys and browns of winter (Gongju is looking beautiful again!).

Winged for Seoul Fashion Week

Photos by Kat Son and Byeonggi Jo 

It's now a life goal to work and live in a city with some sort of fashion week. Once again, I attended Seoul Fashion Week (well, more like Seoul Fashion Day given that I could only attend on Saturday). I saw the R. Shemiste show (super grungy, but still appealing to my need for feminine clothing) in the morning, then spent the rest of the day being mobbed by photographers. Last year I wore some very basic outfits and while I was photographed, it didn't happen too often. This year I opted for a beautiful backless shirt that I'll never be able to wear in Korea again. The statement piece got a lot of attention – a group of girls just wanted a picture of me (from the front), and when I turned around (because let's be honest the front of this outfit is boring, and trying to pin it into a crop top was a failed attempt) there were a lot of squeals of surprise and praise. To show this much upper body skin is still uncommon for Korea (even in Seoul!), so anything with thin shoulder straps (let alone my beloved off the shoulder pieces) is a no go. Not that that will stop me, but it is something I consider when go out on the weekends, whether it's to metropolitan and slightly more liberal Seoul, or my more conservative countryside town. I've literally had ajummas come up to me on the street to adjust a wayward shoulder strap so that it once again covers my bra strap. So kind, but so annoying. But back to fashion week... 

R. Shemiste Runway Review - Seoul Fashion Week F/W2016

This fall runway season was all about the 90's, and R. Shemiste made sure to include that theme in their signature grungy aesthetic. 

Known for it's oversized sweatshirts and sukajans, R. Shemiste included wide-legged denim, bohemian silhouettes and some amazing colours in their fall collection to bring a cohesive collection onto the runway. The show was inspired by 19th century anarchist, Emma Goldman, a perfect muse for the show's distressed and layered looks. While I'm not a big fan of grunge (I'll leave the plaid at home, thanks), I loved the amount of layering going on at R. Shemiste. My favourite look? A distressed slip camisole over a ruched sleeve blouse. A trendy wrap skirt gave the illusion of a jacket or shirt layered and wrapped around the waist to add to the illusion of multiple layers. The idea of layering a loose camisole over a shirt has been very popular in Korea this winter – I've seen oversized, v-neck camis everywhere – and while most have been in suede (last seasons textile of choice), I have a feeling R. Shemiste's take on the trend will be making it's way to storefronts soon.

Why won't I be in Korea by the time this jacket comes out?!

Harajuku Girl

This is a deceptive title, since I wouldn't really call it Harajuku style. But I bought these gorgeous pants in Harajuku... so....

They're my new favourites, and pretty much all I wore in Japan and Taipei. They're super comfortable, and look like a skirt (you know how I love flowing silhouettes). And they layer perfectly with the new Asos vest and All Saints Sweater I bought. This outfit is the epitome of my store obsessions - All Saints (there's a store in the bus terminal in Seoul, which means I'm in a danger zone as soon as I step off my bus), Asos, Zara, and now, Goocy. 

Etude House Berry Delicious Review

Another month, another cute Pink Box from Etude House! For February's Pink Box, I received the new strawberry themed spring collection. Not only does everything look adorable, but it all smells delicious too (like strawberry candy)! An added bonus? It's probably my favourite collection of products from Etude House I've used thus far.

Etude House Big Cover BB Review

Happy belated lunar new year! February 8th marked the start of the year of the monkey, which means I’m getting old. It will be my second monkey year, which means I’m getting old. And to think, I could have celebrated it in Taipei too, if my co-teacher had remembered it was a holiday and instead of telling me I had to be at work that day (I got back a week ago, and spent a very boring new year binge watching Face Off and Master of None). Not exactly pleased with him.

But enough with my grievances. For the lunar new year, Etude House has launched a new base makeup line, as well as limited edition (super cute) eyeshadows. 

Etude House sent me the new Big Cover Concealer BB and Big Cover Cushion Concealer to review, along with three shades of the limited edition eyeshadows. Compared to the Play 101 multi-sticks, I’m loving everything about this line.