Everytime I travel to Korea I tend to come back with a whole lota something that never seems to make it out of the closet after returning to the states. Why is that? Well I’ve come to realize that I have a weakness for falling into the traveller’s fashion trap — essentially falling into step with the local fashion and convincing yourself that you can make that work back at home. The truth is, it just doesn’t work. At least not for me. The fashion in Korea is always at least 2-3 degrees more feminine than the US. When I’m there, I always start to feel like what I’m wearing is too rugged and not refined and polished. I’ll go about buying up nice skirts, frilly tops and a lot of sickeningly sweet hair pins and and accessories. By the end of my trip I’m looking quite girlishly Korean. Then of course, after I get home I’m looking at these pieces trying to be creative and integrate them into the rest of my “California” wardrobe… to end up just pushing them far into the depths of my closet. So word of advice when travelling — don’t get brainwashed by the locals style and buy up every trend you’re running into. I’d say get a few unique items to mix into your existing repertoire so it’s a fun reminder of your trip out there and it could add a freshness to your look, but don’t sell out like I do

Anyway, wanted to share a few pics of my  days in Seoul, Korea.

The Westin Chosun

My luxe hotel room at the Westin Chosun. I stayed here once in college with my Mother and fell in love with the design of this bed. We tried to model my bed in my parent’s house after it… didn’t work quite as I’d imagined.

Myung-Dong Shopping District

Myung-Dong — one of Seoul’s most trendy
shopping districts. I was able to take the full day to myself.. roaming
the streets and shops all alone — my happiest state when shopping!

I went into this Starbucks shown above… my very first experience at a Starbucks in Korea. I was mersmerized by the “Iced Doppio Espresso” they made me. Somehow coffee tastes better to me in Korea. I think it’s the richness to the cream used there. I’m craving that same flavor every day…

A cute little “Nail Art Studio”. “Nail Art” is big big time in Korea these days. I almost fell into the trap… I was about to get my nails painted bright pink with glitter. I ran out of time though phew.

Another Nail Art Studio… very cute interior design.

Red Mango Frozen Yogurt

Red Mango = My most favorite treat in all the world. If you are no up to speed on the Yogurt war in in LA.. Red Mango vs Pink Berry — please read up on the issue! Red Mango forever!