This Time in Seoul

The most important thing about having a successful clothing shop is not the clothes. It’s never about the clothes, it’s about the feel of the shop itself.

When I walk into a place, any place, I first must feel as if I’ve discovered something wonderful. Then that feeling of discovery should provide some clues: is it the lighting? the colors? the fixtures? From there, it’s about movement, the flow of the space, if you will. If I am free to touch and discover on my own it will be a place that I will return to, if not, they could have the best clothing and I’d sooner go to a soulless department store than return and feel uncomfortable.

So far, I like the feel of this new place in Hongdae. I know that this is how I approach any space that I enter, no matter the purpose it serves.

After having lunch at Shim’s Tapas today I glided, angel style (ha!), into my favorite boutique in Hongdae. Ladies and Gentlemen: MamasKick.

I love the placement of everything in this store, the size is just right and the staff is ultra chic sans “the attitude”. Hee Young Kim is the CTO (Chief Technology Officer), so creative and always greets me with a warm smile whenever I stop by. She’s also a designer in her own right. Look at what she gave me this afternoon! I’ve been wanting a pretty little leather coin purse for ages but had yet to find one. She gave this to me, sewed it herself on the old fashioned sewing machine so artfully placed in the store. That was so generous and kind of her! Thank you Hee Young! I’ll make sure to find something beautiful just for you when I go to Thailand.  

Style will save you!
MamasKick
Website: http://mamaskick.com
tel: 02.325.5713

Still mesmerized by these beautiful marble stamps. Here in Korea, marble or wooden stamps are used for official documents as proof of purchase (houses, land, etc.), contract agreements, etc. I wish that we had this kind of domestic artistry in the United States. You know, just before I buy one of the three homes I plan to purchase, I get to hold one of these hand carved beauties in my hand to remember the occasion. 

I am going to work on a write a story about these brushes now. I can’t seem to look away from them. They make me think of Georgia O’Keefe’s flowers.

A couple of days ago I walked through Insadong feeling so excited about a new photoshoot and something made me go into a random calligraphy shop and ask if I could take some pictures. Now initially I stopped only to photograph the vast array of marble stamps. They were made in the likeness of fish, hares, dragons, etc. So beautiful, I mean, holding them was almost too good to be true. Those photos are coming, you will not be disappointed. Ah, but the brushes. Insadong is known for calligraphy, tourist shops full of celadon pottery for which Korea is known for and other souvenirs. I could not have dreamt of more beautiful brushes and the staff were very kind and generous to me. I’m still floating on air and yes, I will take calligraphy courses in February as it will teach me more about patience. I think that this will take me even deeper into yoga and make me a better photography. Enjoy life. 

Hello folks!

I went to another store that I’ve grown quite fond of, it’s located Myeongdong. Myeongdong is a mad house full of stark raving mad shoppers. Literally if you are six feet tall (comme moi) or taller you will most likely see the ebb and flow of black hair as you hurry (you have no choice) along to whatever store that catches your fancy to escape the crowds. Whew! Now, I haven’t been in Aland (name of store) in awhile but I was on the hunt for some Moleskin notebooks and I thought that I’d seen them in this store. Walking up the third floor to find all stationary and home decor items I was surprised to find a new branch of Jenny’s Cafe tucked in a corner that used to display bed linens, etc. I don’t know if I like this very popular cafe in my (yeah, that’s right) MY store. I don’t know if it works for me. What do you think?  The third floor is my favorite space as it has paper, stationary, home decor items and overpriced vintage furniture, but to add to it a little cafe? 

I was hungry. So, I ate. I ordered a little pizza, it was filling but left me unsatisfied. You know, kind of like a guy that you’ve been crushing on for a long time and when you’ve finally kissed him, well, the kiss makes you think that you could’ve called that Italian guy you know you’ll leave in about a week (I’m being generous here) but is such so sensual in the sack! God, I love everything Italian! Whew! Ok, I’m back. Take a look and tell me what you think. I think there’s too much going on. So much is going on in this place, A.P.C has it’s on exorbitantly priced section complete with DJ stand (give it a rest), there’s a second hand shop on the fourth floor. I’m getting ideas for my biz but more ideas about how not to overload the senses. If I had this space! (sweat beads on my forehead) I need a nap.

I was won over the minute I stepped into Mue yesterday. The endless space, the warm colors, the perfect temperature. After having climbed a large hill in a section of Gangnam yesterday I was rewarded with an architecturally stunning gem of effort. Mue reminded immediately reminded me of the Prada store in Soho but minus the hordes of people drooling over every piece of thread and of course, the attitude.  I shunned the elevator, took the stairs instead to find the men’s section of the store. Lo and behold, among all the angles, I found a huge round opening that was the men’s dressing room. I stood before it and I swear that the opening song to all that is James Bond rang in my head! It was so tempting to strike the pose where he points the gun at you during the opening credits. Amazing, funny and smart. It resembles a bank vault, no doubt sense you’d have to be extremely well off to afford these clothes.

Respect to the architect.

I find this store so delightful that I’ll have to have write another post about their accessories. Ooh, so gorgeous!Dar:l, is a new boutique in Sinsa-dong and I hope that it has a long future. It’s quite engaging as it is filled with appealing clothes, top quality fabrics, the cuts of these clothes are divine. When you find imaginative, handmade, well-made clothes, well, it’s a beautiful thing.You may notice the Virgin Mary print on some of the clothes, even some buttons. Love that!I’ve already purchased a perfect necklace here and will get fitted for the lovely tweed blazer you see before you. Ji Yun Kim is the young woman responsible for these beautiful creations and she deserves much applause. Thank you Dar:1!Dar:l in Sinsa-dong call: 82 2 3442 4534or call Ji Yun Kim, the designer: 82 10 8877 7503

This is actually the threshold to the entrance of an interior design shop in my lovely Hongdae.
The author of Revel, Riot and Rebellion is David Underdown.

Texture? Check. Design? Check. Good Vibrations? Check and check!
Susie Kim, founder of Thimbloom has great taste. She’s no fashionista (Thank you very much) she loves good design, pieces that are above fashion. What you will find in Thimbloom is incredible tailoring, lovely fabric and clothes that you will cherish for many years to come. Here are just some of the designers that she carries: Mina Perhonen, Hiromi Tsuyoshi and Henry Cuir.
Even her dressing rooms are fetching. Just go.

thimbloom website

Another great space that I walked into last Saturday. The name of this lovely boutique is called: by hoocho. “Hoocho” means pepper, I learned from the shopkeeper. She was so pleasant in letting me browse around freely (foreign readers who live in Seoul, know what I am referencing here) trying on everything that caught my eye and there were many things, folks! I usually don’t try on clothes when I shop but this shop had such an interesting collection of coats, accessories, etc. that I couldn’t resist. I contemplated buying most of what I tried on and that’s a rare occurrence. I must say that it was the light of this space that made me stay longer. I mean, when I start contemplating living in a shop due to the natural light allowed to flow in, well, that means something. Definitely worth a visit anytime you’re in Shinsa-dong.
Open hours: 11:30-20:30