Two things I hate about Hong Kong

Old Nina Ricci velvet sandals

Old-ish Valentino bag

AG jeans (find black version HERE)

Hendrica silk T-shirt

The pollution and the humidity.

Every time I buy something I think to myself that it'll go so great with jeans. But when do we get to wear jeans in Hong Kong?

N E V E R.  Extreme humidity makes wearing jeans unbearable.

So in this first post under my new name on a 33 degree day I should not be presenting you with a dinner outfit option including jeans, but... I love them so. These are new - the Jodi Crop from AGJeans - fitted through the thigh but then flare out just a tiny bit. Really perfect with pretty sandals.

The sandals are Nina Ricci, from a few seasons ago, and they totally need jeans to balance the drama. The stripy top is from my own tiny little line Hendrica, and is totally (accidentally) on trend with its mustard, blue and pink stripes. I bought the fabric last year because I loved it - and had no idea those stripes were going to be a fall fashion thing. The top is perfect with dark blue jeans. But when do we get to wear jeans in Hong Kong!

Oh and the bag. How cute is that, but let me just say right away it doesn't fit my plain old iPhone 6!

If you are a regular at I LOVE FASHION, I hope you like the new look. For years it has annoyed me that my blog name and url didn't match. I considered bidding on I LOVE FASHION but that only led me to doubt the name.

I have now been an expat for more than half my life and fashion is the most exciting and favorite thing I know after my family. I did this all yesterday, suddenly got a mad burst of energy and when  F A S H I O N E X P A T  popped in my mind I rushed breathlessly to GoDaddy and here we are today.

Thank you very much for reading xx Di

Nina Ricci velvet sandals (sorry no longer in stores but check HERE for some other very lovely velvet shoes)

Update on my BIG Zara blazer

Blazer by Zara (HERE)

Old Cropped Jeans (Point Sur at J.Crew)

Old Boots (Isabel Marant)

Old shirt (IRO)

A big blazer transforms all your old clothes this season. Absolutely the best buy for fall if you ask me. It's also perfect for evening, to hang over your shoulders when you wear a pretty dress.  Zara has many different ones, Tibi has a very nice one (HERE) with a matching skirt, but the very best ones are by Raf Simons for Calvin Klein (HERE). Absolutely beautiful that last one, but quite a splurge.

As an update I add photographic evidence that throwing on this blazer for your milk run can make you look dressed even with bed hair and an old Nike T-shirt and sweatpants.  I say that only because I got an enthusiastic compliment from a fellow shopper at Market Place at 8.05 this morning.

Ominous Pre-Typhoon Sunset on 26 August 2017 in Hong Kong

Project Keep Calm

work in progress

I decided as soon as we arrived home from vacation in California that I would make sure this time to hang on to the deeply relaxed feeling that had descended upon me the moment I stepped off the plane in LA. But nothing like sitting in traffic, kids fighting, school starting and bills to pay to find stress and anxiety crawling up my spine back into my head. 

Among other things I am trying stress coloring to keep the peace and so far it's remarkably effective, at least while you are doing it. I was never terribly inspired by flora and fauna coloring books (HERE), but this Vogue Paris version is awesome. The drawing above is based on a David Simms photo from December 2016. The clothes are Givenchy. I am getting to recolor the whole lot on yet another typhoon day in Hong Kong. Serenity Now...

Happy Sunday and keep safe everyone.

What a difference a day makes - Hong Kong after Typhoon Hato

Hong Kong seen from Lugard Road on the Peak

Hong Kong's South Side and Lamma Island, and the East Lamma shipping channel, seen from my bedroom.

Most beautiful place I have ever lived for sure.

Eighties Inspiration: Big Blazers

(all pictures taken from my own copies Vogue Paris 1983-1984)

Moon Print Midi Dress at Zara

Dress from Zara, find it HERE

I was about to say it looks quite expensive, but it actually is expensive for usual Zara standards I think. Or maybe I haven't been paying attention. In any event it's made from a nice weight viscose, and the print is quite pretty. 

W A N T E D : Zara Boots - Reward offered

I am only half kidding about the reward.  If you happen to own these in a size 38 I'd be willing to make a convincing offer...

I have seen these on the Zara website for a few weeks paired with other clothes but can't remember ever seeing them for sale. It's possible I just missed them I guess.

Half sock boot, half patent leather, with a sharp metal heel and a square toe - they remind me of the early nineties, of the incredibly stylish Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. 

Anyone???

A trip to Los Angeles is not complete without a visit to Anine Bing on West 3rd Street

Anine Bing blouse - unfortunately not available on the website, but check it out anyway HERE 

Anine's store on West 3rd Street is spacious and bright, and all the pieces go together beautifully - it feels like you are in Ms Bing's personal, perfectly edited walk-in closet.  Despite the fact that the designer is Danish she is also Los Angeles style personified.

My only slight criticism is that her shopping website doesn't come close to conveying how pretty these clothes are in the shop. But her blog does a much better job of that (HERE)

Anine Bing blouse

Zara jeans (HERE)

Céline sandals (old)

Anine Bing Vintage Tee

Bag by Chanel

Jeans by AG Jeans

Shoes by Louis Vuitton

T-shirt by Anine Bing (find it HERE)

The eighties are very much back

T-shirt: Isabel Marant Étoile (find it HERE)

Jeans: Isabel Marant Étoile (find them HERE)

Belt: Marc Jacobs (old)

Shoes: Alexander Wang (old)

Necklace: home made Stella McCartney (see how HERE)

The eighties are very much back and I am sort of embracing it.  I really loved the eighties then, and the new version is fun, and refreshingly comfortable.

Dressed in jeans for my last day in LA

T-shirt by Madewell "Rivet & Thread"

Jeans by AG Jeans

Sandals by Christian Louboutin (old)

Taking advantage of the dry summer weather by wearing jeans one more day before I return home to Hong Kong.

The T-shirt is made in LA, and the jeans were bought in LA.  AG's Legging Ankle is getting updated with a slightly higher rise, and I love this brand new pair.  Muffin top all gone.  So sad to leave this place tomorrow.

OOTD for museum day in LA

Isabel Marant Étoile linen top

AG jeans

Chanel shoes

The Biltmore in Santa Barbara

Feeling incredibly relaxed at The Four Seasons Biltmore in Montecito, just outside Santa Barbara, California. Oprah has a house in Montecito and she probably isn't the only billionaire in town. It's nothing less than idyllic.