New York State of Mind

New York makes me feel alive. There's just so much happening in such a condensed city, it's equally stimulating and exhilarating. My all time favorite places to check out are Soho, Bleecker Street, Brooklyn, and of course, Broadway for the odd musical and show.

We saw the musical "How to Succeed in Business" featuring Daniel Radcliffe (that guy from Harry Potter), by scoring lottery tickets in the morning when the theater just opened. It saved us a ton of money, but only gave us more reason to shop. 

Soho

Bryant Park

Streets of Soho

Hide-Chan Ramen in Midtown

Locanda Verde in TriBeCa

Chrysler building

Times Square

The Best of Hong Kong: My Top 5 Highlights

I thought I would share some photos from my Hong Kong trip from the perspective of my point-and-shoot camera. The trip was such a colourful experience, visually and personally. It was inspiring to see the colours from the flower market, the lights from the oversized neon signs, the sun setting behind the mountains and to see old China juxtaposed against modern skyscrapers.

Also, I learned on this trip that I am just too snap happy when it comes to food.


Here are my top 5 highlights of Hong Kong that you shouldn't miss:

1. The Peak: for amazing panoramic views of the city. Plus you get to ride a tram to get to the top.
2. The Big Buddha: It's probably the biggest Buddha I've ever seen. It's a little bit of a tourist trap, but it's definitely worth checking out.
3. Mong Kok: for cheap shopping and bargains at the market. Remember there is no tax and you'll have to haggle!
4. Flower Market: for the impressive variety of flowers and inspiring colours
5. Causewaybay: for the extensive amount of shopping and the most damage to your credit card. There is Laforet here and a street called Fashion Walk lined with Marc Jacobs, Isabel Marant and smaller boutiques.

Hong Kong Shopping Guide: SoHo

During the last leg of my Asia trip, we stopped over in Hong Kong to do some much needed fabric/trim sourcing, fashion trend researching and just some good old fashioned shopping. 

Let me tell you, the shopping in Hong Kong is excessive, extravagant and a bit dizzying. It seemed everywhere we went, there was a large mall, a street market, or a back alley of shops conveniently located near every metro stop. SoHo, Hong Kong, has the most unique boutiques and more one of a kind items. The crowd here is more international, with Expats and European business men hanging out in wine bars or hip little bistros.

Here are some of my favorite boutiques in SoHo, Hong Kong, that you shouldn't miss.

Van D is a cool little store on Staunton Street. The stairs inside were lined with a Persian rug and they carry everything from Sass and Bide, luxury denim to Haivanas. 

Van D, G/F, 34B Staunton Street, SoHo

Van D, G/F, 34B Staunton Street, SoHo

Present Lingerie is a cute little shop that carries luxury lingerie, vintage inspired accessories, cute headbands and jewelry.

Present Lingerie, 41 Staunton Street, SoHo

Mezza carries designer labels, cute accessories, jewelry, and upstairs they have a rack of evening gowns and pretty party dresses.

Home felt like walking into my friend's bedroom. You could pull out drawers and it would be filled with scarfs or belts. They carry everything from clothing, bath and body products, shoes and handbags, all imported from Korea.

Home, G/F, 63 Peel Street, SoHo

Home, G/F, 63 Peel Street, SoHo

Japanese Delicacy in Hong Kong: Mochi Cream

Two years ago I was in Japan and I discovered MochiCream in the Ginza shopping district. Much to my delight, I rediscovered MochiCream in the Hong Kong Sogo department store yesterday. They are filled with specially flavored bean jam, handmade cream and wrapped in glutinous rice. You also have wait five minutes for them to defrost before you can eat them (if you can wait that long!).

So delicious. I'm completely addicted. Is it bad that I am already planning my next snack?

Side note: prices are in Yen as these are original pictures are from my Japan trip