Boston

I met my parents at Boston, recently. I've never been and I have always wanted to go. The city reminds me a lot of SF; the ephemeral nature of the weather, the amasing seafood. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Charles River

Harvard Campus

 

Bartley's

Coleslaw in the hamburger.

Cappuccino Chip Ice Cream

Lobster Dinner with Steamed Short-Neck Clams.

Lobster Roll. Buttery goodness.

The Mayflower II

Cape Cod

Being able to spend time with my mom is always so special to me. If I have the time and resources to see her, I will make that trip. This time was no different. Boston was fun, but the best part was spending time with people I love.

The Ubquity of Longchamp

If you want to buy one

Like it or not, an unspoken uniform exists among the DC women professionals. When I was in law school, the Kate Spade tote bag was *the* bag indicating you were no longer a student, but a working woman. These days, it's the Longchamp "Le Pliage."

The tote bag du jour of yonder years. (Source)

Why this observation? Whilst walking to my local Whole Foods, I found it interesting that at least twelve different women were carrying the infamous bag to their destination of choice. They were all wearing similar outfits: a shift dress, nice heels, manicured nails. Not that there is anything wrong with the bag, or the presentation of the outfits. They all looked lovely. I just chafe at the idea of uniforms.

For the price of the Longchamp, I feel there are better alternatives than a nylon bag. Don't get me wrong, I love a good nylon bag, but do you really need to spend that amount for a nylon bag? How about a nice leather one? Even if the name is not Longchamp, does that make you less of a professional?

I understand the manner in which you dress does affect the treatment you receive from other people. But, as I see my neighbourhood changing, I cannot help but feel the ubiquity of Longchamps, the Tory Burch flats, and the many Ann Taylor Loft dresses, is a sign that uniqueness no longer is celebrated.

A Slow Return

After six months of not writing, and a gentle nudge from Ashley, who is such a wonderful spirit, I am going to try my hand at blogging. Again.

During the time off, I realised, during the six months I blogged about what I wore, I *hated* photographing myself, much less figuring out what to wear. I love to dress well, and I still enjoy looking at fashion blogs, but taking a picture each and every day became such a chore and increased my stress level the more I did it. And looking back, some many of my outfits are mock-worthy. I was trying too hard and it showed. My focus for the blog was not true. The tone of my blog, in essence, was not my finest hour.* That said, I admire those who have the tenacity to take their picture year in and year out. I commend you.

So what now? Instead of focusing on photographing my poor sartorial choices, I will focus on my writing. I love to write and living in the DC Metro and with the internet, I have many, many topics from which I can choose.

With that, I hope you enjoy the changes. If not, I understand.

-Jane

*I hope to write more about my thoughts on fashion blogging as a whole, but at this time, it's just tentative. - JM

Burnt Toast

{Source}

I know I haven't really been writing very much, but to honest, I'm a little burnt out. I have so much to say, but I don't know if I'm not just not ready to get into the swing of things or what, but all I want to do is just watch TV, sleep, and just chill out. Every time I start typing, I feel like it's a chore, and that's when I know I need to clear my mind a little. Maybe enjoy the brisk chilly air. And, get a latte.

I'm still ruminating the future of this blog; i.e. in what direction should I go? I met so many wonderful people both in real life, and also via email through this blog and I hope to continue to meet more. For whatever reason, I am on the shyer side. I do well in smaller settings than a huge crowd when it comes to mingling. This blog allows me to interact with everyone one-on-one, rather than flit through a crowd of people I don't know. I feel very lucky to be able to do such a thing each and every day.

With that, I hope you will understand the sporadic posting since December. I haven't forgotten you, and I love to write. I hope you continue to support me during my "slow" phase.

Much Love, Jane.

Sartorialist in Seoul!

Still in Korea, and my friend just told me that the Sartorialist will be in Seoul! I'm definitely interested in seeing what pictures he'll take. For some cringe-worthy moments, read the comments. Some are interesting, as they tell of where to go, but some, to put it mildly, is just, "wow."

Hope you had a great New Year's Eve! I'll be posting soon.

xoxo, Jane.

Who is a Korean-American?

{Source}

Jenny, from the online project named, aptly, "I am Korean American" contacted me via email advising me about their venture. As a Korean-American, I was happy to find such a wonderful site that documents the unique, yet similar, experiences of different individuals who call themselves Korean-American.

Like any group of people, Korean-Americans are an amalgamation of different personalities, different experiences. Reading through the different accounts, here are some of my favourites:

Susan S Lee: I can totally relate to her! Especially about Korean school. I *hated* with a passion.

Anthony Kim: His loving account of his grandmother brought some tears to this grouchy Asian lady's eyes.

Linda Beck: This girl is awesome. I swear she's my twin. I love her sassy attitude and I love her story.

Michelle Koehn: An interesting perspective of an adoptee.

Jonathan Carfield: Another interesting story about a Korean adoptee. Except he's come to Korea. I can empathise with him.

There are so many interesting stories, many which I can relate, and many which are so deeply personal. I loved going through many of them and I know you will, too.

If you have the time or inclination, take a look at this project. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Thank you again, Jenny, for bringing this extraordinary project to my attention.

Korea Through My Eyes

Hey guys! It's really snowing outside. So beautiful that I'm about to go outside and take some pictures. My parents live up in the mountains so it truly is a sight to see, but terrible for going to the city. Booooo.

Anyways, since I'm cooped up at home, I wanted to update you on a few things I've been doing:


Where I'm Shopping:

Kyobo Bookstore, Gangnam

Duty Free! This pic is for you, Michelle.

What I'm Eating:

Degustine Menu at Table 34

Absolutely amasing! It was a white chocolate egg that melts away.

Beautiful Sashimi at Asian Live

This entire meal was less than 8USD. And so delish!!

Lastly, and most importantly, I got a PERM. I know. I'm not sure how I feel about it.

Lastly lastly (for reals this time), I didn't bring my tripod thinking my mom would have it, but she can't find it, so I'll try and post as many pics as I can. Until then, I hope you enjoy the snapshots of my holiday!