Tire of your normal doorlock?

Recently heard the founder of the company talking about this innovative lock set. I've seen few of these before but this is the first one that actually looks highend and clean cut.  Definitely on my to get list!  This Goji lock is available in June!

dots dots everywhere!

If there is one artist who is known for dots, it has to be Yayoi Kusama.  She obsessively puts dots everywhere.  And I mean EVERYWHERE!!!  She was originally born in Japan but moved to the States in 1958 to NYC.  In the 60s, she regularly exhibit along with Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg and her art was associated with Pop Art movement.  In 1973, she moved back to Japan and continue with her art as well as published several books.  In 1993, she represented Japan at the Venice Biennale.  She has been exhibited at MOMA, Tate Modern, Walker Art Center, LACMA, Centre Pompidou, and Whiteney Museum of American Art among others.   One of her artwork was sold for $5.1M recently which made her the highest auction record holder for a living female artist.  Luckily for us mere mortals, we can purchase her soft sculpture at Whitney for $350.  Pretty good deal if you ask me.

Hiroshi Sugimoto + Hermes = sublime

Hiroshi Sugimoto needs no introduction to anyone who have taken art history 101 in college.  But for those of you whom are not familiar with him, he was born in Japan and moved to US to study at Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles in 1970.  He is mostly known for his photographic series that captures abstract qualities such as movement, spirit, light, space, and time.  He had exhibited at Hirshhorn Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in NYC, The Met, MOCA in Los Angeles.  Basically who's who museums in US and around the world.

True to his photographs, these scarves that he collaborated with Hermes have sublime quality to them.  Somehow they just look ethereal.  Personally I would just frame any of these scarves and hang them on walls instead of wearing them.  Scarves can be purchased here.    

Valentino table made by Valentino?

Who knew Valentino makes marble tables....Well, not exactly.  This table, although called Valentino table, is actually designed by Emanuele Zenere for Cattelan Italia.  Table may look slightly unstable, but cylinder in white Carrara marble ensures that this table ain't going anywhere.  I think it's perfect as a conference table and definitely elegant enough to sit in any Valentino boutique.  Don't you think?

Pietra dura, the modern way

For those of you unfamiliar with what pietra dura means, it basically is using cut stones to compose an image and inlaid it into a piece of furniture.  The technique has been around since Ancient Rome but was most popular during 17th to 19th century.  Many highly prized 18th century French furniture are embedded with pietra dura. 

Patrick Naggar of Ralph Pucci took the concept and ran with it.  The result is something reminiscent of the past but yet distinctly present.  This gem cabinet is truly unique and will fit into your modern interior seamlessly. 

The new Le Corbu

When I first started studying architecture, I fell in love with works from SANAA.  This Japanese firm is headed by two architects: Sejima and Nishizawa.  I find their work elegant and beautiful.  They are not the type to design something with crazy shapes or color.  Their work is more subtle and minimalist.  I think they are the modern day Corbusier.  I believe good architecture doesn't need to be flashy but it needs to have a good proportion with great detail.  SANAA achieved that and then some.  That's why they were awarded with Pritzker Prize in 2010, the highest honor any architect would dream to receive.  In 2009, they designed the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London.  This is what they said about their project: "The Pavilion is floating aluminum, drifting freely between the trees like smoke.  Its appearance changes according to the weather, allowing it to melt into the surroundings.  It works as a field of activity with no walls, allowing uninterrupted view across the park and encouraging access from all sides."  The pavilion is no exist but Serpentine Gallery sells SANAA prints of the pavilion on their online shop! 

Marc by Marc Jacobs tablet sleeve winner!!!!

Congrats to Xunle M.!  You are the winner of my Marc by Marc Jacobs tablet sleeve giveaway!  Please send me your US mailing address within a week so I can mail your prize out promptly.

Thank you everyone else for entering.  Until next time.  Have a great week!

From one Michelin star to two

I remember going to Quince when they first re-opened at their Jackson square location.  Food was wonderful.  I specifically remember their huckleberry souffle.  It was just divine!  At that time, they had one Michelin star.  I returned couple times since.  The last time I returned, they were upgraded to two Michelin stars.  The menu had changed as well.  I can see why they were upgraded.  The menu feels a lot more concise and controlled.  Before they had a la carte menu but now they only offer prix-fixe menu.  I can see why they did that as that gives them a better control of the food and presentation.  The service felt more orchestrated and refined as well.  Not that the old Quince was a mess or anything but now everything just feel like it's coming together nicely.  Typically for me, I feel like there is always some kind of miss in an one Michelin star restaurant, but when you get to two Michelin stars, all the kinks should have been worked out.  I can honestly say that everything I had at Quince last time was delectable; everything was cooked perfectly; I can't think of anything to complaint about.  Oh yes, there was one.  When they bring out the petite fours at the end, it was 6 different ones and both my best friend and I have always, always fought over who gets the pate de fruit.  But Quince had that solved as well.  They brought out additional pate de fruit for the whole table without batting an eye.  Everyone at the table agreed that we are coming back again! 

Not your average hammock

We all have an affinity to anything that swings; I think it probably reminds us of our childhood.  Well, Jim Zivic took it up a notch with his hammock.  This one is not the one you used to swing on your local childhood playground.  This adult version is ultra luxurious and great for taking a nap on anytime.  Get your fix at Ralph Pucci in NYC or Weho.

awwwwww, that is so cute!

Pugs have been celebrated since forever... from Queen Victoria of England to fashion god Valentino.  Meissen, the first European factory to produce white gold (aka true ceramic) in Europe have been making pug accessories since 18th century... be it finial of a walking cane to snuff boxes.  For all you ladies who want to show off your love for pugs, you have a modern option: pug pendants.  Meissen recently came out with a pug pendant that you can dangle it from your necklace or charm bracelet.  Just be aware that whenever you wear it, you will get a lot of "awwwww, that is so cute!" comments.

Jet.set.go!

I recently came across this intriguing tile design.  I just thought it is one of the nicest bathroom mosaic tiles available on the market today.  I just love the grayish blue color juxtaposed with white carrara marble.  I can totally see this inlaid in a Hollywood Regency bathroom floor or set as a feature wall at the end of a long hallway.  Love the honed finish.  Perfection.  See more on Walker Zanger's webite.   

Saint Louis crystal is branching out!

Everyone knows Saint Louis Crystal is one of the top premier glass maker in the world.  After all, Hermes carries them in their boutiques and you know Hermes only associate themselves with the best of the best.  Well, Saint Louis has dipped their toes into modern aesthetic!  This gorgeous light designed by Godefroy de Virieu & Stefania di Petrillo is nice, simple and yet elegant.  Nice to see Saint Louis Crystal broke away from their traditional forms.    

Marc Jacobs Electronic Tablet Sleeve Giveaway!

Let's see what is the occasion this time....?  How about just because!  I'm giving away a green Marc Jacobs Electronic Tablet Sleeve.  As it states elegantly on the packaging:

This Marc by Marc Jacobs electronic tablet sleeve is the ultimate home away from home for your electronic tablet.  The form fitting construction is lined with faux fur to keep your baby safe, secure and oh-so-scratch-free.  The Marc by Marc Jacobs custom styling shows the world you know how to let loose, even when you play it safe. 

Please note: apologies to my international friends - I wish I could extend these giveaways to you but legal restrictions prevent it. Thanks for understanding.  

A little Bedazzling never hurts

It never hurts to add a little bit of bling into your interior as long as it's not over the top.  I came across this wallpaper company called Meystyle the other day and I just have to share it with you.  Founder Maria and Ekaterina Yaschuk are a perfect combination for this endeavor; one is a textile artist while the other one is a spatial designer.  Together, the sisters started this company that produces wallpaper bedazzled with Swarvoski crystals!  While their wallpaper can be a bit overwhelming with tons of patterns, I think they are perfect for small areas like powder rooms or statement walls like behind master beds or entries of boutique hotel lobbies. 

Lucite Chic

Who knew Lucite can be so chic?!  Italian firm Silia knew.... They are transforming ordinary lucite blocks into sexy table lamps.  This Fume lamp has overlapping rectangular shapes encased within a rectangular block.  How did they do that?  Don't be looking at me as I have no idea.  But the result is 70s vintage chic that has been transformed into modern glam.  Get yours at Flair Home. 

Not your grandma's fruit platter

If you are looking for something that goes with your grandma's doily, this ain't it.  However, if you are looking for something that look like out of this world... perhaps something extraterrestrial, then head off to Mosspop.  That's where you are going to find Amanda Levete's FS bowl!  Why would you want it?  Well, not only is the bowl in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, but this Belgium made bowl will become the talk of the table when your guests sit down for fabulous dinner party you throw regularly.

Is that done by CNC milling?

When I first took a look at this picture, right away I thought to myself CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling.  I mean how else can can the walls/ceiling be done?  Well, turned out that this restaurant named Auriga (in Mumbai, India) was done by hand sketches with carpenters onsite!  Architect Sanjay Puri literally go to the job site every other day and direct carpenters where all the angles are going to go and how they are going to be connected!  As you can see, the result is spectacular!   

Here comes the bees!

You can't get more versatile than Movisi's modular shelving system.  This polypropylene "cubes" can be freestanding or mount on walls.  There is only one module but because you can turn them in many different sides, they look like they are all different.  It comes in white or black.  It also comes with or without back so you can have a more see through look or not.  Furthermore, it can be used as seating when you have extra guests stopping by your home.  Your bookshelf has never been this versatile!

Bowl of fire

In a cold crisp night, nothing is better than snuggle up against a love one sitting next to a fire pit... or in this case a large fire bowl.  Eldorado Stone fire bowl is perfect to keep you nice and toasty in those frosty spring and fall nights.  The shape is versatile enough that it works for a traditional or sleek modern backyard.  You can find more information on this bowl here.       

Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the fairest bangle of them all?

I love jewelry inspired furniture.  It always bring another dimension to an interior.  By that I mean it amps up the glamor factor of a space.  This sexy and chic dining table is no exception.  I mean when was the last time you think of your dining table as something that any glam squad would admire?  This table also works as a library table as they can customize it to any size you want.  You can find more info at Hudson Furniture.

Den Blå Planet

Or in English it's called The Blue Planet.  This national aquarium in Denmark is breathtaking!  It is currently the largest and newest aquarium in Europe.  Located right outside of Copenhagen, architect 3XN was inspired by the circulating currents of the whirlpool.  By the look of the building, I say they hit the nail right in the head!  If you like this building, check out their newest monograph.  Their other projects are equally inspiring. 

Benu on Hawthrone

Benu restaurant sits right at the same place where old Hawthrone Lane restaurant was.  That was the only thing both restaurant shared though.  Benu has consistently been rated as one of the best restaurant in San Francisco and there is a good reason for that....  food is exceptional (and they have two Michelin stars to prove it), service is on point, decor is understated, and the music choice is somewhat odd (to me anyway).

Its menu is Japanese/ Chinese inspired Californian cuisine.  The overall presentation is elegant, simple, and very precise.  My favorite experience has to be the birthday cake.  Our server came out with a wooden music box that has little LED lights under.  I crank the box and happy birthday song came out.  Turn out the wooden box has a plate underneath with a delicious birthday cake.  It was a very cute and a pleasant surprise.  I highly recommend this restaurant for every occasion.  

Régence vs Louis XV chairs

People know there is Louis XIV style and Louis XV style but did you know that between those two styles, there is also a period called Régence style?  Between 1715 and 1723, France was actually governed by a Regent named Phillpe d'Orleans due to Louis XV's young age. 

Many people are confused with Louis XV style (right green chair) and Régence style (left brown chair) because they look somewhat similar.  In fact, I see a lot of people mistakenly called Régence style furniture Louis XV.  But then again, the mistake is understandable given that most people are not aware that Régence style exist.

The easiest way to differentiate a Louis XV chair versus a Régence chair is look at the feet.  If there is an x-stretcher connecting all four legs but have undulating legs like most Louis XV style chairs, it's most likely a Régence chair.  If there is none, then it's a Louis XV chair.  It's as simple as that.  Of course there is other differences such as shape of the back (in the example above the shape of the back is different but often Régence chair back is shape very similar to the green chair example above), how undulated the legs are, the overall look of the chair.  Louis XV chairs should look more delicate and free form.   Régence chair will often look heavier because it's transitioning from a formal Louis XIV style into a less formal XV style.

Now that you know the difference between a Régence and Louis XV chairs, go to your local museum and test yourself! 

Menacing digital chair!

This has to be one of the most menacing looking chair out there!  It looks very hard edged and uncomfortable to sit on.......  But I love it!  I admire Zhang Zhoujie's creativity and his tenacity to make his designs come to life.  To me, this chair looks almost manga-ish... so out of this world...  See more of this China born and British trained work here. 

The excellent adventures of Charles & Ray Eames

One of the most creative pair in 20th century has to be Charles and Ray Eames.  I had the pleasure to work on the "Work of Charles and Ray Eames: A Legacy of Invention" exhibition at Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 2000.  It was very cool to dig through LACMA's Eames collection.  I remember going to LACMA West, which was the former May Department Stores building at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, and cataloging what was there.  LACMA was lucky that Eames front office at the 901 Washington Boulevard in Venice was donated to them awhile back.  The museum literally had everything lock, stock, and barrel.... down to clay flower pots.  I knew whom Charles and Ray Eames were at the time but I would say I have much more appreciation of their craft today than back then.  It was fun coming across this PBS documentary.  It's about hour and a half long.  If you are a Modernism fan or an architecture student, you owe yourself to watch this excellent documentary.   Watch the Full Documentary Film

Missoni bag winner revealed!

Drum roll please.......and the winner of the Missoni bag giveaway on this Valentines day is....... Jen F.!!!  Congrats and please send me your US mailing address!!!  Thank you all for entering.  Until next time!  Have a great Valentines day.  XOXO

Secret Gardens in Los Angeles that most out of town visitors skip?

It has to be the Huntington Botanical Gardens and Library in San Marino.  Typically visitors to LA would go to the Getty Museums, Hollywood, Disneyland, and Universal Studios.  They may even go to the muscle/ Venice beach or Santa Monica Piers.  But most don't venture inland to Pasadena area.  But if they do, they would discover one of the best gardens in Southern California.

Huntington Botanical Gardens and Library is more than just whole bunch gardens and a library, it also has a very nice fine and decorative art collection.  The main mansion that Henry Huntington used to live now displayed his collection of English and French art.  Probably one of the prolifically copied painting in the world is Gainsborough’s Blue Boy and Lawrence’s Pinkie.  Pretty much every antique store I ever been to probably has a copy of either and or both (which drives me crazy but that's another story)!

The gardens (207 acres) here are to die for.  Some of my favorite is the rose garden (when it's summer time and all the roses are open, the fragrance of the roses are just intoxicating) and the Japanese Garden.  In the Japanese Garden section, they have a large collection of bonsai.  These bonsais are kept meticulously.  Every year Golden State Bonsai Federation holds annual fundraiser for the GSBF Collection.  I've been to the gathering once and the bonsais displayed at the event were just marvelous!

I have yet to explore all the gardens at the Huntington Gardens.  My next goal is to see the Chinese garden.  It was built in 2000 and from the pictures I've seen, it looked amazing.  I'm sure it is gorgeous in person.  Can't wait to see it on my next trip to Los Angeles!               

If only this bomber jacket can swim in water....

Exotic?  Yes.  Crazily price?  Yes.  Timeless?  Yes.  Something a bit more luxurious from Lanvin is this water snake leather bomber.  The color is amazing and so is the texture.  And it's not loud enough that if you wear this 5 years from now, people won't be like "isn't this from 2014?"  Lanvin. 

Plates fit for a queen! Literally.

Commissioned by Catherine the Great of Russia in 1773, this 952-piece Frog Service was one of the most expensive commission that Wedgwood created.  Each piece was to display scenes from English estates which required 1244 illustrations (Hermitage states 1244 although Victoria & Albert museum states 1222).  The result was magnificent and fit for a queen!  The set included 680 dinner and 264 dessert pieces for 50 people.  But today, you don't have to be a queen of Russia to own some Frog Service pieces.  Wedgwood have decided to make special edition.  The frog is now gold instead of green and the edge of the plates are now gilded as well.  Who says you can't eat like a queen?

Big Bulb wall sconce

Industrial cool comes into my mind when I see the Big Bulb Wall Light.  Designed by Italian designer Loris Sensolini, it is impossibly chic for something that looks so retro and yet so now.  It comes in polish nickel or polish brass finishes and the wire comes in red or black.  Perfect for powder room or long hallways.  Get your fix here.    

Is that a Rolling Stone Bomber Jacket?

 
There's no doubt that Hedi Slimane was inspired by Rolling Stone for Spring 2014 collection.  I love this Saint Laurent Paris Black Sequin Embroidered Viscose Bomber Jacket.  A bit flashy really but a nice statement piece nonetheless.  I always think a person needs one in your face piece every season and this bomber jacket is definitely it IMO.  Mr Porter.

Happy Chinese New Year Missoni clutch Giveaway!

This is the year of the wooden horse!  To celebrate Chinese New Year, I'm raffling a Missoni hand clutch.  This bag has the signature zigzag that Missoni is known for.  With pink and red combination, it will pop with any outfit you have on!  Thank you again to my readers.  Happy New Year!  May you have a healthy successful year.

What is a Cumulus?

A cloud forming rounded masses heaped on each other above a flat base at fairly low altitude... or to Ted Abramczyk, who studied at Pratt Institute in architecture, means an inspiration for a chandelier!  I love his translation of cumulus.  The black one feels more chic than the white ones IMO.  The proportion is perfect as a light over dining table.  A perfect "cherry on top" over a sleek Minotti dining table.   

What would an armchair inspired by Quartz crystal look like?

 
One of the most oddball armchair you will ever see is Quartz Armchair.  It is inspired by crystal formations and is basically made of whole bunch pentagon and hexagon-shaped upholstered cushions inserted into a wood frame.  Besides the awesome looking shape, you can pull the cushions off the armchair if you have company that needs extra seating.  So essentially you are buying an armchair that is made of 15 poufs.  And naturally you will have to pay dearly for a privilege to own such an unique looking armchair....14k!  That's right.  You read that correctly.  It's for sale on TouchOfModern.  These armchairs pop up every few months on the flash sale website.  But with that pricing, I'm pretty sure you can call T.O.M. up and order them even if they are not on the sale calendar because after all, not too many people are clamoring to own a 14k armchair.  Oh, and if you know of people who can afford it AND willing to pay for it, please have them contact me as I would love to be their interior designer!  ;)

Mr Porter Final sale.

So not sure if any of these will still be available for sale when this blog goes live but here are my favs from the line up.

This Bottega Veneta aviator sunglasses look as cool as ice.  70s inspired sunglasses never look so chic.

Leather shorts with leggings are in.  This Givenchy version should last you several more seasons of this current trend.

You can never go wrong with a statement tshirt from Givenchy.  But then you probably won't want to wear this tshirt again after this season because after all, it was so f/w 2013-14.

End all be all cashmere coat from Lanvin.  At 60% off!  Classic color and cut.  This coat should last you a lifetime.  A great investment.

A little zigzag never hurts anyone.  This Missoni gilet is nice and warm.  It's reversible too.  So you get two looks in one.  What's not to like?

Nothing screams summer than this seersucker sports coat from Thom Browne.  This coat is from this past spring season but it's a sports coat which means it's not exactly fashion per se.  It's a bit loud but if you dare to wear it, it's one fine coat to have.

Can you go wrong with a Kelly Wearstler's ottoman?

Sometimes one just have to put one's foot down and ask can one go wrong with Kelly Weastler's souffle ottoman?  Well, IMO, you can never go wrong with it.  ;)  I love the hand-ruched lambskin on the ottoman.  This technique really gives it an extra dimension.  The proportion is perfect as a vanity chair or an extra seating in living room.  Luckily, it is also in stock so no long lead time!  And it's made in the USA (Los Angeles) to boot!  What's there not to like?  Get yours on her website.

Missoni Margot Throw at a discount? You bet!

50% off?  Checked.  Free shipping?  Checked.  Fabulousness?  Checked.  What more can one ask for?  Amara in UK has discounted their Margot Throw from Missoni by 50%!!!  This is the cheapest Margot Throw I have seen on the market.  Even Gilt.com sold theirs (in pink colorway) at full price few years ago.  This particular colorway that Amara is discounting has a beautiful earth tone to it.  It will work in a rustic setting or in Rachael Zoe's posh modern home.  And because it has so many colors in it, you never have to worry about not being able to match it in most interior.  They have three in stock.  Pick one up before they are gone!

If it's good enough for Kylie, it's good enough for me.

One of my current favorite leather brand is Zagliani.  They are great at producing exotic leather bags and this snake skin messenger bag does not disappoint!  It's head designer Mauro Orietti-Carella, a former dermatology student, injects the exotic leather with silicone and resin so that its stiffness gave way to a buttery softness.  A-listers seen carrying Zagliani bags include JLo, Rihanna, and Kylie Minogue.  Get yours here.       

 

Winner of Marc by Marc Jacobs Wallet revealed....

Winner of Marc by Marc Jacobs Wallet revealed....Congrats to Billsn!  You are the winner of the red Marc by Marc Jacobs Wallet raffle!  Please Send me your US address and it will be on its way to you!  Please reply by January 22, 2014.

Thank you everyone for entering.  Look for other goodies to pop up in the future.  Happy New Year!

Ribbon Chair CL9 by Cesare Leonardi & Franca Stagi

 
This gorgeous chair is one of those that needs to be put back into production ASAP!  Designed by Cesare Leonardi & Franca Stagi in 1961 for Bernini, it's the epitome of simple and elegant design.  Unfortunately one can only buy this at resale stores/ auction houses.  Kelly Wearstler's store in LA carried a pair of black ones before.  Christie's auction house in London also sold a pair of white ones in 2012.   Wright auction house just sold one in black in December 2013 so they are around if you look for them diligently.      

Possibly the best lunch ever?

It's very hard to decide the best lunch I ever had but if I have to choose a top 3, then one of them as to be Jean-Georges restaurant in NYC.  First, the interior design for the restaurant is stunning; very understated and elegant.  I think it's a perfect pairing with Jean-Georges' food.  Second, the service was impeccable.  No complaints here.  And lastly, the food.... it was divine (hello 3 Michelin stars).  Everything was cooked perfectly and all the courses were equally delectable.  I mean there is no bone to pick.  Literally and figuratively.  Seldom can a restaurant achieve perfection and Jean-Georges certainly did that gracefully.  Can't wait to go back!       

Is that a Jeff Koons Balloon Dog Bookend?

One of my favorite place to shop for clients is SFMOMA museum store.  The stuff they sell had been curated by curators so rarely do I see things in store that make me go puke in bathroom.  One of the fun thing they sell at SFMOMA is a balloon dog bookend.  It comes in orange and purple.  The finish is matte so it has a nice serene quality to it.  I think they are perfect for a quirky desk, book case, or a baby room.  And NO, they are not made by Jeff Koons.... I mean just check out the price...$40!  I'm pretty sure that anything stamped Jeff Koons will cost more than that.  And yes, Jeff Koons did try to sue the maker and yes, he had to drop the lawsuit because balloon dog shape has been around for quite a looooong time....you know, before he was born....

Do you En Noir?

There's a reason why Barney's New York picked up En Noir.  This brand has been bubbling up for awhile now.  Pretty much who's who in hip hop community has been wearing this brand in the past couple years... Kanye, Flo Rida, Drake, Usher, Big Sean, etc.  Even Jay-Z included this brand in his collaboration with Barney's.  Prices is definitely going up so better pick up the basic black leather t and leather tank top before they get even more expensive!  Don't say I didn't warn you..... 

Jean Paul Gaultier Teddy Bear

Who says a teddy bear can't be shocking sometimes?  Of course leave it up to Jean Paul Gaultier; only he would put a nose ring and a chain that links nose ring to a ear ring.  Bizarre?  Yes.  Almost sacrilegious I would say.  Last thing I associate a cute and cuddly teddy bear is one dressed like a punk.  But then again, why should I be surprised?  Jean Paul Gaultier did manage to put a pair of cone bras on Madonna after all?  Catch Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at Brooklyn Museum in New York and pick up a teddy bear while you are at it.  It may become one of those collectible bear in the future.  You just never know.... Plus if you are a fashionista, how could you not have one?        

Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet giveaway

Happy New Year!  Let's start this year with a bang shall we?  To celebrate 2014, I'm giving away a red Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet.  This wallet has many compartments and is a perfect gift for the upcoming valentines day, save it as a fabulous birthday gift, or keep it for yourself!

Thank you for checking out my blog and may 2014 be a great success for you!

Please note: apologies to my international friends - I wish I could extend these giveaways to you but legal restrictions prevent it. Thanks for understanding.  

2013: A Year in Review

With 2013 coming to a close, I look back to a wonderful year I had.  My business reached a new height.  Thank you to all my clients.  Without you believing in my vision for your home/ office, I would not be where I am today.  Thank you to all my readers for keeping up with this blog.  I know readership for blogs has gone down year over year as people's lives had gotten more and more busy.  So I appreciate you still stopping by.  I am thankful for the good health my family has because without it, life can be miserable.  Lastly, I am grateful for the freedom I enjoy.  Having just visited a few communist museums in ex-communist countries in Europe, and watching the movie 12 Years A Slave, made me grateful for living in this country in 21st century.

I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for me!  May your 2014 be a healthy and prosperous one.  See you next year! :)    

Machedron chandelier by Bec Brittain

 
How gorge is this chandelier?  It looks like a meteor!  The light is very retro looking... reminds me of something came out of 1970s.  But at the same time, it also feels very now.  I can't quite explain it but I just think it's the chicest thing I have seen in awhile.  I can totally see an installation of this down a large hallway... like five of them in a row.  It would be the coolest thing.  This light would look great in a super modern setting but I think it would also juxtaposition quite well against a traditional interior like a wood paneled library.  Light comes in 24", 30", or 42" configuration.  It would also look very cool if you put all three sizes together say in the foyer area and hang them at different height.  Get your fix at Roll & Hill.

Jannis Brevet at Ikarus Restaurant

Ikarus is a restaurant in Salzburg that invites top chefs all around the world to come and be a guest chef for a month in their kitchen.  It has one Michelin star.  But as you can imagine, quality of food varies from month to month.  Luckily for me, I got Jannis Brevet on my trip to Ikarus.  He's one of the most respected chef from Netherlands.  His restaurant, Inter Scaldes, has two Michelin Stars.  And yes, the food I had at Ikarus was definitely a two Michelin star quality.

Here was my menu with non alcoholic drink pairing (indicate below with *)

Egg with cauliflower, smoked eel and basil sabayon

Langostino with a cream of onions, granny smith, sea banana and lavender vinaigrette *Cucumber sour

Dutch caviar with a brandade of sturgeon and white grapes *Grapes chai

Luke warm potato salad with black truffle, radish and parmigiano reggiano *Quince bitter

Cream of Peking ducking with popcorn foam and fig chutney * Carrot fennel

Atlantic turbot with fennel, pumpkin seed oil, marinated vegetables and mace broth *Soothing pear

Anjou pigeon with epoisse cream, carrots and white truffle *Soya cabernet

Relief construction, cardamom, blueberry, caramel, tomato *Cassis shake

I have never seen any non alcoholic pairing with any food before in any restaurants.  This is a first and I'm a fan!  The food was so delectable.  Let's just say next time when I go back to Netherlands, I'm stopping by his restaurant!!!  Btw, Ikarus restaurant is in Hanger 7 which stores Red Bull's owner's "toys".  What I mean toys is fast cars, planes, etc.  It was cool to walk through the museum.  The service at Ikarus was very formal and exact; no complaints from me for sure (unlike Joel Robuchon in Las Vegas...Just saying...).

F/W 2013 Sale Round up!

Merry Christmas!  

It's that time of the year again.  Sale sale sale!  So many things to buy and not enough money to go around.  But at least everything is marked down so you can get more bang for your buck.  Here's a list of places where you can find your guilty pleasure at:

Ssense: Some of the stuff are already at 70% off.  This is the best place to get the best bang for your bucks right now.  But be aware that sometimes for one item or two, Ssense will price it higher than other stores so I would check around to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Neiman Marcus: It's up to 60% off.  Key words "up to".  That means most of the stuff you want will probably be more like 40-50% off.  Still not a bad deal but just not that 60% off deal in the headline.

Saks: Now it's also up to 70% off.  But the discount differ from brand to brand.  I saw Brunello Cucinelli stuff are only 40% off while a prada iphone 4 sleeve is marked down 65% off.  Don't forget to enter "Holiday" for free shipping and as always go through sites like Ebates to get additional 8% rebate back.

MatchesFashion: Up to 50% off but most of the more desirable stuff are only 30% off.  I say give it some times before everything hits 50% off.  Most of their listing prices are 10-20% off other retailers already from the get go so I give it some slacks.

Lanvin: Its ready to wear were marked down 50% off few days ago when I checked.

Bottega Veneta: Same as Lanvin, this venerable brand has most of its F/W 2013 collection marked down to 50% off when I check few days ago. 

Marc Jacobs: As always, MJ never cease to amaze me at their 70% off sales.  Rarely does a high street brand cut their prices so low on their own website.  Only MJ does it.  The markdown had been going on for awhile.

Missoni: Again 50% off.  What's there not to like?

Mr Porter: The day of instant 50% off sale are gone.  They torture you with 30% off with some whatever brands at 50% off.  It's no longer exciting to check Mr Porter anymore.  Other websites like MatchesFashion and Ssense give better discounts IMO.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest

With plethora of luxury hotels in the world, one of the hotel that consistently ranks in the top 10 in Conde Nast Traveler magazine is Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace in Budapest.  I can see why.  Like all Four Seasons Hotel world wide, you get top notch services but this particular one, really go out of their way to make you feel cuddled.  I really felt cared for when I stayed here.  Without a doubt, I would rank this as one of the top three hotel I have ever stayed at.

First, the hotel is absolutely gorgeous.  Unlike most Four Seasons Hotels around the world, this one is special as it's historical in comparison.  I believe it was built during Art Nouveau period and it definitely looks it.  While I appreciate other Four Seasons Hotels like the one in New York city that was designed by I.M Pei, there is just something more special about staying at a 'palace'.

Second, the food is top notch.  I would say the bar food I had was just as good as the ones I would get at any other Four Seasons hotel.

Third, the service was just unbelievable.  They really go out of their way to make you feel special.  Every night they leave several petite fours as a night cap when they do turn down service.  These petite fours are restaurant level not some stale day old left over from their restaurant downstairs.  The night before I checked out of the hotel, they left plastic zip lock bags for my toiletry.  I have never seen that before in any hotel stay.  While it's only a plastic bag, but it felt they really thought about all their guests' needs.  Budapest also is known for theirs thermal baths around town.  This Four Seasons hotel gives out free prep bags with various amenities such as slippers, towels, lotions, etc. for their guests to take to baths.  How thoughtful is that?!

If you visit Budapest and stay here, definitely make sure you pay the extra bucks to face the Chain Bridge side of the hotel.  I see some of the rooms face side streets or interior courtyard.  Personally I feel if you are flying all the way across the world to go to Budapest, you might as well stay in a viewed room.  Interestingly, the hotel has a mezzanine floor so if your room is on the 1st floor, that means it's actually on the 3rd floor (in American term since 1st floor in Europe is American second floor).  My room was on the 3rd floor which means it's actually 5th floor.  With double pane windows and french doors, even though I was facing the busier street in front, my room was rather quiet.    
    

How to wear a starchitect on your toes?

Don't believe me?  Well, you can..... if you can pony up a pretty penny.  This pair of shoes designed by Zaha Hadid for United Nude is absolutely incredible.  United Nude's design director, Rem Koolhaas (another fellow Starchitect) said "Zaha consistently reinvents the program with her own ideas and interpretations. Her visionary creations are often unexpected, yet reinforce their origins.  I could not resist the challenge to work with Zaha. We gave ourselves the greatest degree of experimentation and used the latest digital design and manufacturing technologies to create one of the most innovative shoes ever produced.”  Get your limited edition (100 per color with three colors available) shoes here.