Back in the Jing and the air tastes sweeter. Getting ripped off by taxi drivers while they cackle at my lack of linguists; navigating the streets trying to overtake old dears with zero spacial awareness; ice-whipping cold, feel that slap? Feels like the Jing.

We already spoke about Honkers and how it was seducing me to spend, spend, spend. Well here's what I spent on, I managed to limit myself and picked up some simple bits that are going to be easy to wear and re-wear and layer and so on.

Before we get to clothes, there were a few other essentials such as pictures for my apartment, loads of chocolate and some underwear (Marks & Spencer) . My knicks have been getting super twisted in the Jing, battered and ripped up by the washing system and it's been hard to find any replacements. So happy to spot that dark green lettering, knowing that I could wrap myself in comfortable, well-fitting, good quality under garments.

Italian leather handbag from vintage store Bang Bang! 70s an instant connection, had to have. This hidden shop was filled with vintage designer bags and sunnies, enter if you're willing to splash, it's hard to leave avec cash.

H&M 2 basic tees which are going to get worn on a constant basis.

Black perfect length jumper from COS. Which by the way has become one of my fave high street retailers after this stint in HK. I had never been drawn to their clothing until now, so either I've changed or they've changed, something has and I honestly wanted everything. This jumper has an exposed zip running the length of the back, usually I don't like this but the zip is black so it fades into the jumper, providing a nice subtle interest. The length excites me much, perfect over tights, leggings, jeans and the rest.

Another COS purchase. A smart 3/4 length black dress, that can be made to look casual and fits great. Love the neck line.

COS again, grey cardi alert! Can't stop wearing it, it's another item with a length to die for.

Final purchase a cashmere hat from COS. I get a little paranoid when it comes to head wear so I was happy to find one that I don't feel completely ridic wearing, in fact I enjoy it.

Big thanks to my Jing sis and bestie Justine for snapping moi in the outfit pics, such a good eye xoxo

 1st post of 2013, there you go! Happy New Year to you lot, hope all was fab! Any resolutions this year? Things to give up, start, end, change?? It's interesting to have an exact point and reminder of things that should or could be changed. I'm never motivated enough to actually use this date to commit to anything too significant, for a start Jan 1st always starts off with a sore head and a navigation from one point to another... This year I started 2013 with a brief stop off in Shanghai, which highlighted endings and most certainly not beginnings, cryptic perhaps but I can't share everything with you.

The stand out change from 2012 was my move to Asia, a big enough movement that leaves hope for a calmer and more grounded 2013. I suppose that is what would be a sensible "resolution" until next time - a little root making.

Yesterday I had an interesting convo with an old friend, who took it upon himself to tell me what was wrong with my outlook and life decisions. The majority of what was barked towards me showed a lack of his understanding but there is of course a little truth here and there, so I suppose changing my focus to include a mini glimpse towards the future and less "living in the present" couldn't harm, we'll see.

Back to New Year's itself, my night was a really fun and odd affair. Girl pal Talulah Blue (see previous Talulah interview here) was in town performing at Hong Kong's Legend of India restaurant. The night consisted of burlesque, Indian food, music , performers and some "shot girls" (?) slash dancers. It was an interesting set up, much like being at an Indian wedding or the like, children dancing, parents eating and Talulah Blue entertaining. My Jing roomie/bestie came along too, a really enjoyable way to start 2013.

Hello there dear friends, I just had a little look and am slightly concerned that the last time I posted on here was October 28th, can you imagine? What was once close to daily has turned into a rarity, am I even a blogger anymore? It's hard to say. Let's just play it by ear.

I have some time on my hands as I've left my job and am starting a new one in just over a week, I've spent the last few days in Hong Kong making the most of this valuable time. Aaah Hong Kong! Such a torturous place, I feel so greedy and overwhelmed with consumerism, there is so much great stuff everywhere, I want, want, want it all. Food, shop, coffee, shop. It's been 4 days and all I've done is hopped around exploring what's on sale, no sight seeing, no ferries or whatever it is people do here.

Things got off to a sketchy start when I was staying in a gross and grimy hostel, vile doesn't cover it. I spent 2 nights trembling and unclean, being out in the city was great but as soon as I got back to hell, it was a matter of lock the door, fix the chain and thank the lord for being hard of hearing.

Facing (somebody else's) non-moving blood clot every time I brushed my teeth became too much, I must be stronger than I think.

Since leaving the clot I've found a much nicer hostel and Hong Kong is so much better for it.

When packing for the trip I carefully thought about choosing clothes that could double up for day and eve, as usual my confidence in this decision making process was flawed and impractical. I packed two pairs of high waisted-lycra, shiny leggings, no jeans, one t-shirt and a load of awkwardness. Things seemed so attainable, fun and glamorous until I arrived, realised I had no friends and no comfortable clothing.

To make things worse, I paid no thought to how my hair was going to react to the change in climate and suddenly captured myself through non-Jing eyes and saw my eyebrows as if for the first time.

Anyway my new safe environment provided a social opportunity, finally I got a chance to dress up a little and integrate with travelers and locals.

Today has been lovely, it's been raining but that's fine, great, who cares? It's not minus 20 and my skin isn't cracking up... Rain on me all you want HK. I walked for hours, exploring a variety of markets and shops including:

Ladies Market
Goldfish Market
Bird Market
Flower Market

Of all places the goldfish market was the most interesting, tropical fishes in bags and turtles desperate to escape, causing emotions to build and erupt in an almighty crash as I fell in love with a young pup.

Jokes aside, I have honestly fallen for this little chap, since I said bye I've thought of little else, picturing a life with the two of us. Ginger and I in the Jing.

Love and kisses, speak soon perhaps.

Another new-recent-ish find to share with ya'll. Love this fun white(?) (off-white?) braided design sweater. Purchased from my new-fave vintage shop that I mentioned in my last post.

Have we even spoke about how expensive vintage clothing is here? Compared with relative pricing for non-designer clothing, vintage is oddly priced H-igh in the Jing. Although the quality (and gorgeousness) within the few stores I have become obsessed with is well worth it, but still.

The build up t0 Halloween has been getting to me and I've been trying to juggle a lot around, sometimes though you just need to accept rest. Which is what I'm doing tonight. Just me and my lappy snuggled up, saying hello.

Another fun outfit post snapped by Ron, here's a little more of his gorge Chinese-capturings for you to enjoy!

Watch out Beijing is turning cold! The weather has suddenly spun and I'm afraid that winter has opened up. Despite the shivering and rattling of my bones I decided to brave a one-last-blossomed summery/autumnal look, wearing my new flowery shirt. That may well be the last time I'll experience the Jing sans cardigan/jumper/manteau for a while.

Wear it:

• Tucked in
• Left out
• Worn open
• Layered

Wear with:

• Leggings
• Jeans
• Skirts
• Over/under dresses/playsuits/jumpsuits

Big thanks to my main-man Ron for taking these transport-tastic pics. A talented gent, in love with this beautiful recent snap of his, sans moi but so chic.

Outfit: Shirt - Vintage (Beijing) • Leggings - American Apparel • Boots - Carvella • Handbag - Ochirly (Beijing)

Interesting that getting on the subway requires a metal detector, the way of the Jing I suppose.

Beijing Time: 21:04
GMT: 14:04

Ah ha so I've finally located a photographer for the "Jing" so great to be back on an outfit-posting-tip. Fell in love with this grey-maxi the second I saw it hanging in "Arthur's Shop". Shoulder pads, a twisted back and good quality tailoring, simple et chic.

This dress was I think the first clothing item I bought in Beijing (I think...?.) I was rooting around the Silk Market feeling a little disheartened when I spotted this fabulous mini-tique, filled with Korean fash-delights. I love those successful, positive shopping experiences. Delightful staff, management, clothing, pricing. Good, great, let's go again.

Outfit: Dress - Arthur's Shop (Beijing) • Sandals - Bertie • Handbag - Ochirly (Beijing) • Blazer - Urban Outfitters

A lovely day running around Beijing with my growing-love-friendship-new-blog-photographer Ron! Huge thanks for taking these grey twisted snaps xoxo

Beijing Time: 21:13
GMT: 14:13

My Mid-Autumn Moon festival is almost over! China has been on pause, celebrating the 8th Lunar month of the year and Beijing has been pleasantly chilled. I had hoped to spend this week off running around Shanghai, but all train tickets were snapped up so quick, there was no hope pour moi.

Instead I settled for getting to know the "Jing" a little more and make the most of the closer to home. You already know all about my camping expedition, that was merely a part however.

First things first my girl Vanessa invited me round for some home cooked Chinese grub, cooked by her charming bloke. We gossiped and ate and later went out to dance to Brazilian Ska. The next thing on the agenda, was finally getting rid of those nauseating acrylics and going back to gels. With camping on the horizon, I went for a starry midnight sky design. The girl sat next to meet in the salon was all attitude with pink and silver tips, time to fierce things up.

I've already given you a glimpse of Beijing's art district 798 a I took my 3rd trip over there and soaked up the Lunar Hols vibe, Nut-ting to it.

Things took a turn towards the amazing, when I got an invite to Nettie's wedding. Aaahhh one of the girls at my work was getting hitched and she invited moi and my boy Brian. Kill me now, it was all too much. 90's power ballads, poodles whipping rings up the aisles, synchronized bride & groom moves. I was a heaving, sobbing wreck. Find me a Chinese man and find him now.

Aside from all the above, I went to an insane water park yesterday called "The Water Cube" a great place for the suicidal. The rides/slides were beyond fearful. Lost for words.

Et.. Shopping, bien sûr. I have picked up quite a few bits and pieces that I can't wait to share with you, still working on finding someone to take some snaps, but soon, soon.

Love and Kisses xoxo

When I say "Great wall" you say "slippers"

"Great wall"
"Slippers"
"Great wall"
"Slippers"
Now, when I say "hiking" you say "slippers"
"Hiking?"
"Slippers"
"Hiking... What else?"

Footwear and handbags are becoming a little issue-esque recently. Let's start with handbags.

I bought one out with me, it broke. I bought one out here, it broke. Broken, broke, done. No bag, no fun.

Now shoes is another, so many heels but not-a-practical-thing in site. So, it's either walk the streets in heels or slippers. One or the other neither is the solution. But shoes are hard to come by, they need to be in my size and nice, a tough balance. A night of camping on the great wall, meant it was me and my slippy plastics, not good to look at and not particular easy to walk in.

That's right a night spent camping on China's great well, a great experience minus the camping. Cold and hard.

Beijing Time: 01.51
GMT:18:50

You know how quick your time is slipping when you realise after 6 weeks you've not touched your eyebrows. I've been aware of this, bien sûr. However, as much as I knew finding a local threader was essential, other things have got in the way.

Note - The lighting is bad, so you can't see just how unruly things got.

BB (Before Beijing), I get threaded every 10 days to 2 weeks. 6 weeks is not ok. Top priority for yesterday's day off was getting back to "basics". Mission "know yourself".

My eyebrow genius (Faye) back home, warned me to stay on top or I'd lose the shape, I was well aware of this so I can't complain that they're not exactly how I like them but, they've been tamed. Enough said.

Here's a little more of what's been going on. I miss our chats! Sending kisses xoxo

A few of these picturess were taken by fab new friend Ron - adore his pics.

Nǐ hǎo. How cute is this little bird I bumped into earlier? Sat on a bike basket watching people go by, such an inquisitive little face - d.r.a.w.n  t.o  i.t.

Gosh, so what's been happening? Good question. The apartment hunt has been on and the whole process is draining the little spirit I can muster, I'm tired and want a place to live! The apartment I told you about last week fell through and until yesterday there was not a single thing of interest. Fingers crossed I get the apartment I viewed then and I can get settled and start getting to know Beijing a little better.

And share this all with you, bien sûr. There is a lot going on that I am desperate to capture and share so hold on tight and I promise we'll get there. Love, love, love xoxo

Beijing time: 21.01 pm
GMT: 14.01 pm