One aspect of traveling I covet most, are the new ideas you come across. Whether it be the locals sense of style, home decorations or simply the music they’re listening to. Whatever it may be, I tend to come back more inspired than ever and this trip was no different. I think I’ve harped enough as to how much I’m inspired with the bold under takings of my chachi and this outfit explains why. The piece she is wearing may appear to be a jacket, but is actually a big circular piece of cloth with two holes for your arms, which essentially means the possibilities are endless. I’ve hinted a few times that one day she’ll realize it has disappeared. I think that’s fair warning enough, no?

To say that I was fully prepared for the sub zero temperatures in Shanghai and Hong Kong would be a lie. My cute but skimpy H&M jacket wasn’t cutting it so my chachi (remember her?) lent me her jacket, belt and little did she know an idea. The jacket itself is a potato sack, but with this belt that can be tied in numerous ways, turned out to be the solution to the ultimate combo of looking put together and being extremely warm.

 Belt borrowed, Coat borrowed, Zara Pants, Halogen Boots, Handbag picked up from the local market in Shanghai

| Dessert at the Four Seasons Hotel |

| Mini pink velvet cushions – sadly these would not fit in my suitcase |

| Impulsive purchase of the orange gloves were mandatory for the unkind freezing temperatures |

|Shrimp in mango chutney at The M restaurant |

| Painted paper plates – what a nifty little idea for decor |

| Tea tasting at a Buddhist Temple |

| After dinner stroll along the Bund |

| Window shopping at the local markets |

| Red paper lanterns adorned the streets of the Pudong area |

Filed under: Travel Tagged: Pudong, Shanghai, The Bund, Travel ]]> http://hautechai.com/2013/01/21/ni-hao-continued/feed/ 0 myadav23 Photo Dec 19, 7 54 15 AM Photo Dec 19, 2 56 44 AM Photo Dec 19, 2 43 18 AM Photo Dec 19, 7 00 10 AM Photo Dec 17, 12 45 19 AM Photo Dec 17, 10 32 37 PM Photo Dec 17, 6 50 48 AM Photo Dec 18, 3 59 12 AM Photo Dec 17, 3 33 03 AM http://hautechai.com/2013/01/21/ni-hao/ http://hautechai.com/2013/01/21/ni-hao/#comments Mon, 21 Jan 2013 17:26:29 +0000 Manisha http://hautechai.com/?p=675 ]]>

| The Cool Docks – an open promenade of restaurants and shops in the South Bund area |

I’m extremely grateful to have parents who love to travel and this time we had the opportunity to stumble upon the world’s most populous country. 3 airports, 2 layovers and 32.5 hours of flight time later we reached Shanghai. We had the wonderful opportunity of  staying at Shangri-La, Pudong hotel and if you ever get the chance, make sure you do because the experience is like no other. I plan to outline some must-do things in a later post, but for now here are some snippets from our 3 day stay in Shanghai. Enjoy!

| Mr. & Mrs. Bund – amazing food by world-renowned Chef Paul Pairet |

| Wall display at Shangri-La Pudong Hotel |

| Steamed Dumplings for dinner at Four Seasons – Shanghai |

| Mandatory dragon shot at a local Buddhist temple |

| Perusing food markets in the Pudong area |

| Breathtaking Shanghai skyline |

| Locals burning incense at a Buddhist temple |

| Couples dance class in the park |

| Lobby of Shangri-La Pudong |

| Hot soup to keep us warm at Mythos restaurant at the Cool Docks |

| Machine at the Silk Factory where we saw how silk blankets are made – and perhaps one may have slipped into my suitcase |

| Our trusty tour guide who ensured we got to see all the main points for our short stay |

Fovever 21 Vest, Top, Pant , Aldo Shoes, Francesca’s Clutch, Kate Spade Studs, Michael Kors Watch

Zara Blazer, Urban Outfitters Top, Zara Pants, Jessica Simpson Shoes, Tory Burch Case

I traveled to Owl’s Eye Vineyard in Shelby, NC this past weekend for a long time friend Emily and Kyu’s wedding. It was nothing short of a quintessential fairy tale. Aside from a little rain during the vows (which will serve as a great wedding story later down the road) Emily looked stunning and Kyu’s family was so warm and welcoming. The evening was full of dancing outside under a crisp starry October night, peach sangrias, re-union with old friends and ended with bidding farewell to the bride and groom down an aisle full of sparklers. Congratulations to Emily and Kyu!

If it isn’t obvious from this blog my immense love for mint green – well here is my official declaration. I am constantly drawn to the cool, calm, and peaceful hue and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Also, don’t let these pants fool you into thinking they aren’t versatile, because they are. So far, i’ve been able to pair it with a black peplum top, a cream top with a black blazer, a dusty rose button down, and now this mint green top…till death do us part. Yes, it’s that serious.

Forever 21 Top, Zara Bottoms, Steve Madden Shoes, Francesca’s Clutch, Michael Kors Watch

1st outfit : Alice & Olivia Top, Forever 21 Shorts, Jessica Simpson Shoes, Francesca’s Necklace, Michael Kors Watch

2nd outfit: Forever 21 Top, Forever 21 Shorts, Ann Taylor Sweater, Jessica Simpson Shoes, Michael Kors Wallet

Forever 21 Dress, Forever 21 Skirt, Zara Shoes, Forever 21 Belt, Swarovski Earrings, Michael Kors Watch