Asia trip update!

Hello everyone, 

I am having a wonderful, whirlwind trip so far!   Singapore to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Shanghai, and Shanghai to Qingdao on Tuesday.  Each city is unique and wonderful in its own way.  I will be posting individual blogs in the near future that highlight my favorite aspects of each city in greater detail. In the meantime follow me on Instagram for daily updates (agirlgonekiwi)!

Two things that have been consistent throughout my time here is the humid heat (thus the permanent sock bun) and how friendly people have been.  This trip so far had been such a great experience on so many levels! While learning about this part of the world I feel that I have also been learning about myself.  

Yesterday I had such a great day of shopping  and exploring (shout out to my new friend Sophia who was kind enough to show me around).  Today, in a few hours, we will go even deeper into the true Shanghai shopping experience! Stay tuned, in the mean time here are some photos from this journey so far......

SINGAPORE MOCA exhibit

Singapore harbor 

Shopping Center, Lucky Plaza

Marina Baysides Hotel

Going to see the Buddha, Hong Kong 

Max's noodle shop-each bowl represents a happy customer! 

Shanghai skyline

On the streets

Posting this now as I was unable to get anything to upload while in china!! 

Oxfords....they are so hot right now

Packing for my upcoming trip

Packing for our trips always gives me a level of anxiety...I usually agonise over what will go, what will stay, along with all the what-if's of travel and the clothes I will need should those "what-ifs" arise.   We leave in two days for Asia where in two weeks we will embark on a whirl-wind trip through Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and finally Qindao.  For this trip rather than stress and do my usual last minute panic packing I am giving my self plenty of time to pack. Pack a concise yet chic wardrobe for REALLY HOT & HUMID summer weather. 

I've done some Pinterest research which you can see below......time to put all that great Pinterest knowledge into action!!! 

I am determined this time to get as close as I can to that "ideal travel wardrobe" and show it to you in the days to come as I journey through Asia for the first time!! Stay tuned!!!

Lace....feeling pretty

Lace is a sweet whisper of sexiness that adds something to an outfit nothing else can.   It always brings an alluring femininity that I just love! 

Forever in Blue Jeans.......

Light, dark, & in bewteen

Acid-wash, stone-wash, no wash

Short, long, 

Tight, baggy

Shredded, cut, torn

Straight, flare

Overall, underall, skirt, top

Layered, denim-on-denim

However you wear it, it's never a bad idea!!! 

It's the little things.....

I wrote a thank you card today. It didn't take very long but it made me feel so good.  "It's the little things in life" so the saying goes.  Sometimes I miss the days of hand-written letters.  Remember the days of pen pals? I do! My dear friend Kazu was the most special pen pal I had.  She lived next door to me in Michigan when I was about 7 years old.   After her family moved back to Japan we began writing back and forth  and this continued until I was in my early 20's.  I still have many of her letters.  

Today we have so much technology that we can sit at home and instantly connect with people all around the world. I wonder if those connections, not matter how instant, can end up feeling less personal, less human.  

Since I moved to New Zealand I have periodically sent cards to my friends or family.  Most of the time it's for no real reason other than to I let my "peeps" know I'm thinking about them. That simple act somehow makes me feel closer to them.  And I always think it's such a nice feeling to open your mailbox and find something other than a bill don't you? 

So every once in a while, put down that texting device and write a note to someone......It will make you and however gets it feel special-I promise! 

This is the super cute card (from Target) I sent today! 

Worshiping at the ALT-ER

What can I say about Emanuelle Alt that has not already been said many times before. She embodies that elusive French-ness that I (along with many others) so desire.  

....

She woke up like this, I just know it. Perfectly dewy French skin, perfectly tousled hair, perfectly French everything.....you get the idea. 

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With the same shorts, leggings and OTK boots she creates two amazing looks just by changing her top and blazer-um, genius.....so simple but so brilliant! 

                       

Look at these kick ass shoes...gorgeous!!!! She is a fashion legend and will continue to be a source of inspiration and Frenchie envy for me!