Thursday, March 26, 2015

SPRING


Hello, and happy spring! This morning I threw on my over-sized jean jacket over some skinnies because it was warm enough (yay spring!) and got on my crispy adidas stans because it was sunny and dry. It's really hard to keep white sneakers clean in Seoul because of all the walking you are bound to do (whether you like it or not) but today just felt like one of those days that deserved something fresh. 

Lately I've been thinking a lot about what this blog is all about and what my intentions are with each photo and each post. I suppose I've grown a tad bit immune to the whole lets-take-pretty-pictures because it makes me happy ordeal. I mean, things that only go as far as personal satisfaction usually tend to end up seemingly unsatisfying anyways. That said, I hope to recalibrate this whole creative space in a way that can more directly touch, inform, and inspire those that follow. Bear with me as I go through this uncertain, trial and error process. We'll see how things change, if it does at all.

Rambling aside, I have been quietly working on developing myself as an artist whether it's through the medium of dance (which, has been super, super fun) and or other art forms like calligraphy and styling. Most importantly, I've been putting myself against the daily practice to be bold and authentic because that's where creativity and innovation flows. There is so much content out there these days in cyber space, and I'll be honest, everything is kind of starting to look the same these days (visually at least). Trends aside, I'm realizing that the key to be set apart is, simply put, to be fully you. Anyways, it's 1am, past my bed time, and it's time to hit the hay. If you read this and have some thoughts or ideas, oh man even some fresh encouragement —  please, do not hesitate. I'm better at taking encouragement than advice, haha, (that's just my choleric character and stubbornness) but regardless I'm all ears. Good night!

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

INSTALIFE








FEBRUARY

1 ll Gwyneth Paltrow + Coffee       2 ll Flowers for Spring
3 ll Seoul Sky       4 ll Online Calligraphy Class
5 ll #ootd + Handlettering       6 ll Reminiscing about Japan
7 ll Paul + Susie's Engagement       8 ll Seflie Moment
9 ll Dried Flowers in Hapjeong       10 ll David's Tea
11 ll Toby's Estate, Williamsburg       12 ll Brian and Jane Kim
13 ll My Room       14 ll French Pressed Cafe Au Lait

"MaryinSeoul" hasn't been much of "MaryinSeoul" last month, I apologize. If you can't tell by the pictures, February was tremendously low key on so many levels, and much of it was kept to myself. In the midst of it however, I've picked up two online classes, started to read magazines — like, "read-read" them and not just obsess over the pictures, fallen in love with Vogue and the whole idea of its brand, and, learned tons about myself. Surprisingly I can stay alone for much longer than I had previously assumed, and though it's been different, it's very nice. March brings in the schizo weather here in Seoul, and maybe, just maybe I'll be inspired to go out and engage the world again. Till then, stay thankful and stay warm folks!

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

JAPAN


Here's my one week photo diary of my time in Japan. 
To all my missions supporters, this one's for you.

Minimalist, clean and possibly the most artistic place I've ever been to. I don't have too much to say in this post other than outside of our outreach schedule, my trip mainly consisted of pocky and other convenient store snacks — lots and lots of it. I prefer Osaka over Tokyo (although I'm not quite sure I can say that I've grasped the essence Tokyo just yet), and, I think Japanese dancers are possibly the best dancers in the world. With that, let me add that if you are a lover of food, Osaka is an absolute must. I swear by the ramens and the "Chococro" croissants! If there's one thing you gain from any of this, mark my words, "Chococro"...it will not disappoint.   

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

SEOUL CITY

Annnddd.... we back! Back to the thick air, real hustle, the obnoxiously crowded metropolis. The aesthetics aren't as comparable to the windy city, but I appreciate the grind. It's the New York vibes consolidated into a much smaller space (a bit over-the-top perhaps) but it inspires me to get my feet going. Speaking of feet, my goodness I didn't realize how much a person walks in Seoul. Forget shoe variety. At this point my nikes are my crutch for comfort, and if it weren't for these NY snags, I don't know how I'd be getting around the city. My poor foot has definitely been feeling the repercussions of this fast paced life, but I guess I prefer it over being immobile and carless. Note to self: being carless in America is no bueno!

Anyways, the weather in Seoul has been fairly decent, clear skies to say the least, and that keeps me in good spirits. The coffee prices are forever shocking but the food and people here are as delightful as ever. I would like to send my deepest condolences to my dearest friends in Chicago who are currently surviving their annual polar vortex, buried 6 ft under (the snow). I'd like to say I am alive and well, motivated, and glad that my feet are treading on dry grounds. Stay warm!  

Photos: Hannah Love Yoon (http://hannahloveyoon.com/blog/)
Look: Nike flykick 4.0, Zara Jacket, Oriental Swag Snapback