hang me up to dry

1. the guardian 2-4. my photos

When I think of Shanghai, I think of lush, green grass (there's no grass in Korea - at least where I live), fireworks/campari on The Bund, and hanging laundry. Lots of hanging laundry. En route from the airport to our hotel I remember being shocked by the number of high rises that were basically ensconced with curtains of hanging linens. Throughout the rest of the trip, the weather was rather uncooperative, which I think curtailed the outdoor drying - but on sunnier/drier days, I can imagine the city looking a little more like this. I love it.

souvenir

While it was fantastic being in Shanghai for the Chinese New Year, the downside was that many shops were closed. I did, however, manage to pick up this antique picture book (and the perfect pair of vintage round sunglasses). The images are beautiful and although it cost next to nothing, it's one of my favourite souvenirs that I've acquired since being in Asia.

in china

British Vogue, 1979
(via)

I'm off to Shanghai early tomorrow morning to celebrate the Year of the Tiger and I really can't believe it (as it usually takes until I'm in the air for these things to sink in). Armed with a most reliable travel companion (and a handsome boy), I'm looking forward to visiting here, to shopping and eating in the French Concession, and to taking lots and lots of pictures. Happy New Year!

french concession

My favourite look for spring (well, my favourite look year-round, really) is classic stripes. It seems that I can't get enough, owning no less than 4 striped tops which I've been rotating on a weekly basis for the past...while. Luckily, I think these would be perfect (and perfectly cliché) items to wear in Shanghai while exploring this beautiful area.

shanghai surprise

With an ill-placed vacation day in May pushing back Tokyo travel plans, my boyfriend and I have decided (rather spontaneously) to make like Madonna and Sean Penn and head to Shanghai next week for the Chinese New Year (and an extra special Valentine's Day). We're staying here and I can't wait to see what this grand, romantic city has to offer.