LINUS + OOTD

Fall calls for smokey bbq and fall wear by neat wall spaces. Welcome, October — I embrace you with open arms. While Starbuck's pumpkin spice lattes are still miserably missing in my life, I have to say, the trendiness that Seoul embodies when it comes to the fall season makes up for it, I guess. Warm hues, barry lips, and cinnamon teas....I'm excited for this season.

Linus is a new Itaewon hot spot and a very popular one so it seems. While it very well could be that I've forgotten what "true" bbq pork tastes like, I'll say it was good enough to leave my fall cravings satisfied (though, I do think the pulled pork was a little dry). The ultimate plus? An awesome music playlist. To anyone that loves an all around solid food joint, I'd give Linus a go. Just be sure to take notice of those cool walls and snap a photo. Tagging me at #thesplendordisplay would be even better. Happy fall season! 

STANDARD SATURDAY

So generally, my saturdays are pretty routine. I'll wake up, grab a coffee, and head straight to the Itaewon sanctuary for practice. Somewhere in the day, I'll have an event — a birthday party perhaps, and in this case, my "goodbye-Itaewon-lunch" at Brick Oven Pizza in Gangnam (a must go for all American pizza lovers, link provided). And then of course, if my friends and I are coincidentally color coordinated, a photograph (!) ... is an absolute must. Sorry but not sorry to the poor guy pictured on the left. He must very well know by now that as a matter of friendship, photos — even the cheesy matchy-matchy ones — are a saturday code of conduct. For all of its embarrassing consequences, I am forever grateful to have friends who stand by me, or are at least understanding that I will not have it any other way. That's love right there. One more day, and then another saturday reelin in for another good vibe weekend.

CHUSEOK II

That one glorious day last week during the Chuseok holidays. Spicy octopus on a grill (쭈꾸미) and then a rooftop bbq with beautiful company immediately thereafter. (And by immediately, I mean, literally from one food extravaganza straight to the next). Aside from the food, I recognize the blessing of my rooftop. It's not an every day occurrence for a Seoul citizen to have access to this much sky —Thankful indeed!

THE ART OF HAIR

Today — we talk hair. 

I'm of the firm belief that hair styling is a form of art, and that the driving force behind styling or restyling is 1) a sensible stylist and 2) quality products. The diverse slew of hair salons in Seoul will give you a wide range of options. (Most will come with a cup of coffee and if you're lucky, a head message). Yet, the time-honored principle holds true — you reap what you sow. And so from an experienced hair-cut-perm-dye-treatment-constant-change addict, I say, it's worth it, pay the costs for quality. It'll do you good.

Anyways, the point of this post, besides sharing my new do, is to brag about my newly discovered hair stylist! If you know me, I am, keen on excellence, big on details, and more often than not... hard to please. What I like about this hair dresser is that she cuts out everything a consumer would see as "standardized business" and focuses on what's important — customer satisfaction. And so, if you're looking for a lady who means no other business than your own, I highly recommend her! She is excellent in what she does. She will politely share her opinions so that you are aware of the details and know what is plausible. Plus, she will not ask you a million shallow questions. (As a matter of personal policy, I like to get into my coffee + magazine without small talk annoyance. So important.) And, a perk: If you say that you found her through her personal blog, she will give you 20% off. Now with all this said, watch me as I painfully grow out my hair post 5 years of failure (or try to, at least). All of a sudden, a surge of confidence. *Lee Chul Hair Ker Ker Myungdong branch 2, Stylist: Eun.

Check out her blog here    /     Salon directions here     /     Map here     /