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Great Bump Pics from The Great Wall

25 Jan
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Morgan and Brett Hutchinson

From the day we found out we were expecting little Olive Bee, we joked about how one day she would reach an age when telling people that she was born in Beijing, China would seem like bragging rights. Well…since we stripped her of that joy – we thought the least we could do was take photos of her in utero on The Great Wall of China. A big thank you to photographer Diego Ferrini and to make-up artist Meili Autumn.

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Brett and Morgan Hutchinson

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Morgan and Brett Hutchinson
Photography by Diego Ferrini. Make-up by Meili Autumn.

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Please stayed tuned for A Blonde in Beijing’s big blog move….coming soon!

All images courtesy of Diego Ferrini.

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Through the Seasons: Suit Up

25 Jul

In need of a suit?  If so – lucky you!  Thanks to numerous ready-to-wear designers, buying a suit is no longer a sentence into conformity.  Not to suggest that the chicness of a well-tailored, classic black suit in a high quality fabric is on the outs – but why not jazz it up a bit with something a little more inspire?  In reminiscing through seasons past – I tried to find options to “suit” a variety of tastes.  Whether you are a lover of color, prints, or a modern take on shape – here are a few inspirations for SUITING UP!

An off-white look is a nice alternative to classic black. The cape-like sleeves offer an additional element of style. John Richmond Spring 2012

Only Balmain could take their typical motorcycle jacket look and turn it into a sexy, yet very wearable suit. Balmain Spring 2012

For the VERY bold and beautiful. Sonia Rykiel Spring 2012

A bit of whimsy with a touch of sophistication.  Although…the hat is really not that “office friendly”.  Moschino Spring 2012

This could read “men’s pajamas” if not properly tailored – but suits with prints are certainly a current trend. Stella McCartney Spring 2012

Sleeveless in Suitville! Here is an alternative approach to the basic suit shape. Rachel Roy Pre-Fall 2012

Metallic – why not? Chadwick Bell Fall 2012

This could go “part-time CLOWN” fast – so be sure you have the right body type and accessories to go with it. Duro Olowu Fall 2012

For the print lover. Derek Lam Fall 2012

Tired of the same old shape and color – this will certainly mix it up. Peter Som Fall 2012

What a great way to liven up a basic black look. Also perfect for “dirty hair” days when you need to wear a pony. Dion Lee Resort 2013

Casual Fridays? What could be more perfect than a denim suit? Gucci Resort 2013

How about a little color? Versace Resort 2013

Yigal Azrouel Resort 2013

A modern twist on a classic. Alexander McQueen Resort 2013

I am liking the idea of a printed tux for ladies…not so much for our counterparts though.  That just reads, “PIMP”.   Roberto Cavalli Resort 2013

Happy Suiting!

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Think Pink

23 Jul

While having a little girl on the way is relatively new to me…having the color pink on the brain is certainly not!  That said – it has enhanced my love of the color even more – which I didn’t think was possible.  And – it seems that I am not alone in my affinity for all things PINK.  Numerous designers used the girly hue in their resort collections.  I believe that many of them chose the specific Schiaparelli shade that you see below to pay tribute to the brand’s big comeback.  I personally cannot wait to see who will be named the new head designer of the infamous label.  Waiting on PINK pins and needles until September…

Fendi Resort 2013

Monique Lhuillier Resort 2013

Ports 1961 Resort 2013

Rachel Zoe Resort 2013

Ralph Lauren Resort 2013.  Ralph – can you please make this in maternity?  I think it would work!

Skaist-Taylor Resort 2013

Valentino Resort 2013

Images courtesy of http://www.style.com.

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Through the Seasons: Florals

20 Jul

It seems that in the very fast paced world of today, some fashion trends come and go before they even hit the store shelves.   On the flip side, some looks seem to find a more permanent place in our hearts and on our runways.  I thought it might be fun to highlight some of these “trends with staying power” with a Through the Seasons Lookblog.

Up First: FLORALS – they seem to be having a moment in the sun…

Temperley Spring 2012 RTW

Costume National Spring 2012 RTW

Isaac Mizrahi Spring 2012 RTW

Valentino Couture Spring 2012

Elie Saab Couture Spring 2012

Bibhu Mohapatra Fall 2012 RTW

Chadwick Bell Fall 2012 RTW

Jenni Kayne Fall 2012 RTW

Alexander McQueen Resort 2013

J. Mendel Resort 2013

Jill Stuart Resort 2013

Stella McCartney Resort 2013 *This look is a double winner for longevity. Florals + Tuxedo Pants = Separates to Transcend the Seasons.

Images courtesy of http://www.style.com.

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True Resort

10 Jul

Originally resort wear (as indicated by its name) was created by high-end designer labels for their customers that were expected to “holiday” in warmer climates after the cooler Christmas and New Year’s Holidays.  Fast forward many moons and the resort collections have adapted to reach a broader audience and provide year-round looks to accommodate a variety of lifestyles.  As I type – Brett and I are T minus 15 hours away from our departure from Beijing to the Maldives.  So naturally…with thoughts of the crystal clear Indian Ocean on the brain,  I would like to focus on the “True Resort” looks that graced the runways during Resort 2013.  While they are not available yet – I did find inspiration in every look as I packed this morning.  (And to answer any questions…YES  – being almost 6 months pregnant created quite a few “packing challenges”.)   Only time and pictures will tell…

Collette Dinnigan Resort 2013

Collette Dinnigan Resort 2013

Issa Resort 2013

This looks is just begging for a giant sun hat! Rachel Roy Resort 2013

Where else can you wear a turquoise sequined jumpsuit other than a tropical holiday? Chado Ralph Rucci Resort 2013

Bibhu Mohapatra Resort 2013

Gucci Resort 2013

Naeem Kahn Resort 2013

BCBG by Max Azria Resort 2013

Giambattista Valli Resort 2013

So this is goodbye to you until next week and hello to the W Retreat & Spa Maldives!   再见我的朋友! (See you soon my friends!)

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Crazy for Couture: Days 3 & 4

9 Jul

The final two days of Paris Couture were filled with sparkles at Elie Saab, drama at Jean Paul Gaultier, classic colors at Valentino, and a bit of whimsy at Ulyana Sergeenko.  Each collection provided its fair share of eye candy.  Let’s have a taste.

Elie Saab Couture Fall 2012

Elie Saab Couture Fall 2012

Elie Saab Couture Fall 2012

Elie Saab Couture Fall 2012

Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Fall 2012

Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Fall 2012

Valentino Couture Fall 2012

Valentino Couture Fall 2012

Valentino Couture Fall 2012

Ulyana Sergeenko Couture Fall 2012

Ulyana Sergeenko Couture Fall 2012

Do you have a favorite?

I have a tie between Valentino’s classic red gown and Sergeenko’s snow bunny bride!

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Styled by Lady Liberty

4 Jul

Happy Fourth of July!  A wonderful day to be an American…and yet, a rather sad day to be an expat (especially when it falls on a Wednesday!).  But not to worry – we will listen to God Bless America as many times as we can stand it while eating as much American junk food as we can get our hands on.  For those of you celebrating in the land of red, white, and blue (not just RED) – I hope that you channeled your own inner Lady Liberty to dress the part of America’s independence celebration!  In case you need help – here are a few festive looks for the fourth:

For the Lady Liberty in All of Us

Andrew Gn Resort 2013

Carlos Miele Resort 2013

For the Hipsters Watching Fireworks on Brooklyn Rooftops

Isabel Marant

For the Lady Liberties Who Beach

Norma Kamali Resort 2013

Michael Kors Resort 2013

For a Picnic in the Park

Antonio Marras

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013

For a Fancy Fireworks Fête

Prabal Gurung Resort 2013

Rachel Zoe Resort 2013

Christian Dior Resort 2013

MY PERSONAL FAVORITE!! L’wren Scott Resort 2013

 

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Crazy for Couture – Day 2

4 Jul

For me – the highlights of today’s couture shows in Paris were the milky whites of Chanel and the furry embellishments of Givenchy. Now all I need is a slew of special occasions in a snow dusted locale, either Karl or Riccardo to design me “bump-friendly” versions of these looks, and a money tree with which to buy them.  Not looking so good really…

Chanel Haute Couture Fall 2012

Chanel Haute Couture Fall 2012

Chanel Haute Couture Fall 2012

Chanel Haute Couture Fall 2012

Givenchy Couture Fall 2012

Givenchy Couture Fall 2012

Givenchy Couture Fall 2012

All images courtesy of http://www.style.com

 

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Crazy for Couture – Day 1

3 Jul

The Paris Haute Couture shows have started, and the collections shown on day one were all about volume and/or color.  Here are my favorite over-the-top looks of the day:

I mean who doesn’t need a tu-tu cape? Alexis Mabille Couture Fall 2012

Or a giant tu-tu collar? This would have been perfect for our Circus of Love last August. A day late…and a lot of tulle short. Alexis Mabille Couture Fall 2012

Pretty-in-Pink. How very Enchanted Evening Barbie! Christian Dior Couture Fall 2012

Hello Neon! Christian Dior Couture Fall 2012

You know I love a hoop skirt. Christian Dior Couture Fall 2012.

Peplum Perfection! Christian Dior Couture Fall 2012

Giambattista Valli Couture Fall 2012

Perfect for hiding a very flat chest. Giambattista Valli Couture Fall 2012

Giambattista Valli Couture Fall 2012

All images courtesy of http://www.style.com.

 

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“Sorry – I Can’t…I Am Knocked Up!”

3 Jul

Last week Beijing celebrated Roberto Cavalli’s new fragrance at the Legendale Hotel with champagne, martinis, and one crazy Eastern European exotic dancer (i.e. – her full time job is most likely a stripper at Chocolate…click to read about this Beijing “treasure”).  I, on the other hand, celebrated with sparkling water and a headache from the strobe lights and the massive amounts of perfume being pumped through the vents.  Don’t get me wrong – I had a great time…but it turns out that some parties are less preggers friendly than others.

Brett & Morgan Hutchinson – Roberto Cavalli Fragrance Launch Beijing 2012

Sarah Wilson & Morgan Hutchinson – Roberto Cavalli Fragrance Launch Beijing 2012

One thing I certainly do love about being pregnant in China is that the local ladies praise you for the smallest of accomplishments.  Case in point – the mere fact that I was wearing heels awarded me many an admiring word.  But the highlight of my night came just moments after the “dancer” finished her routine and left the stage (more of a life-size trophy stand really).

“Exotic dancer” and an admiring male model at the Cavalli Fragrance Launch

As I stood there watching and chatting with Brett and Sarah, one of the local PR girls responsible for the event approached me and asked if I would like a “go”.

 “A go?  A go… at what, Miss?”  I quite confusedly asked her.
“Would you like to go next?” She responded, pointing to the trophy stand.
After my initial shock and short, yet warranted bout of laughter – I said to her, “Sorry, I can’t – I am knocked up!”
This of course was a bit lost in translation, so I quickly added, “I mean – I really shouldn’t,  I am 5 months pregnant”.  And then guess what happened?  That’s right – more praise for the high heels.  Fabulous.

I must be honest though – I was tempted.  If only the “stage” had been a little larger (and safer).  What a great story it could have been to tell the little one some day…  But alas – I guess I will just have to stick to the legendary tale of how her grandmother, Momo, beat out scores of 18-year olds at age 37 to win a HOT LEG’S CONTEST.  Not even an official mother yet – and I am already a disappointment  to our family’s legacy ♥

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