The Bumble and Bumble salon in NYC’s Meatpacking District redefined my hair salon experience. It was very, very spacious and the waiting area offered breathtaking views… a far cry from what I’m accustomed to: cramped spaces with prying salon gays who serve two customers at a time, not to mention nosy matronic patrons listening to every word you say. Bumble and Bumble was different. Talk about a major upgrade. I think it’s the first time I got a haircut as in salon haircut in Manhattan. They were quick, efficient and friendly. It’s a shame I was pressed for time (I sandwiched my trim in between meetings) otherwise I’d get my hair color done as well.

Oh and my hair stylist, the very tall and very hunky Rogan definitely made my our day. Rumi and I left the salon with a new adjective…

A few comments about the new-ish Dream Hotel Downtown in New York:

1) Great boutique hotel.
2) Terrific continental breakfast. I’m not a big fan of bread or carbs but the pastries here are DIVINE.
3) Do not get a room on the 2nd floor of one of the North Tower. Avoid at all costs unless you’re a night owl. Rooms are directly above one of the clubs and the noise level is INSANE.
4) The bathrooms are spacious but the sinks are VERY poorly-designed. I had to wash my face using the shower and brushed my teeth/spit in the toilet bowl.
5. Room service food is awesome.

I went to this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last night for the first time. I never thought I’d have fun in what seemed to be an over-stylized underwear show but I did. I really did. Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z and Maroon 5 performed. You know me — I don’t really keep track of celebrities or pop culture but I think I have a newfound crush with Adam Levine. Yeah, me and the rest of the world. Boo.

Sunglasses from Prada, jacket, shirt, trousers from Versace x H&M collaboration, belt from South Africa, shoes from Versace

It’s such a shame that no one was allowed to bring cameras therefore I wasn’t able to capture special moments. Before the show, I had a chat with the fierce Kate Lanphear, exchanged kisses with the stunning Giovanna Battaglia. Carine Roitfeld also went there — with Alexander Wang. The odd fash people aside, I have never seen so many, errm, mature men in suits and tuxedos in the audience. Yep. A lot of bow ties.

Anyhoo, I had lots of fun. It was not your ordinary show.

For a blogger, photographic evidence carry a lot of weight. No photos, no care. Since we weren’t able to take photos at the show, Rumi and I took home these gold and silver star balloons from the show. The first thing that came to my mind when they fell from the Armory ceiling was…. oh my god, blog props!

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It’s always nice seeing my Aussie friend Andrew in New York. Just hours before rushing to JFK airport for my flight to Milan, we did a quick round of our favorite spots uptown. Had our usual lunch at Fred’s in Barney’s (I love the lobster bisque and the grilled seafood salad), strolled around Central Park, had a strawberry mille-feuille at Lady M’s and finally, after him coaxing me to look at real jew-we-ry, we went down to Harry Winston and fawned over bajillion dollar jewels I (I don’t know about him) can’t afford. What a great way to end the twice a year madness known as New York Fashion Week.

Being separated from family, friends and loved ones isn’t easy. Especially when you and the other people involved have similar insane, hectic and continent-hopping lifestyles. No amount of emails, phone calls or skype/webcam conversations can ever replace face-to-face time or physical contact. It’s interesting how I’ve only been here in New York a few days and I’m starting to miss my family; haven’t spoken to my parents in a week. A phone call is definitely overdue.

If you’re in New York City this week, be sure to pop by my friend Michael Angel’s Summer Social on Thursday, July 21. Details below.

Here’s a quick tour of my bedroom and the view from the 48th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City. What a glorious view from the top!

Between you and me, I have to admit I’m not really a big fan of celebrity fashion lines. I was taken aback and did a double-take when I saw this amazing L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani jumpsuit at Shopbop a few weeks ago. It was love at first sight. Me in L.A.M.B? Who knew! I’ve never seen anything quite like it on the market and it’s a great piece. Why stop buying it simply because of the label? This is what I love about fashion. There’s always something for everyone and it doesn’t matter where it’s from. What matters is how we can make a piece of garment our own.

DAY: Sunglasses from Karen Walker, backpack from Alexander Wang, shirt from Prada, cardigan from Uniqlo, jumpsuit from L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani, shoes from See by Chloe

NIGHT: Sunglasses from Miu Miu, backpack from Alexander Wang, shirt from Banana Republic, jacket from Filippa K, jumpsuit from L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani, shoes from See by Chloe

Click HERE to buy the jumpsuit or for more information. Shopbop ships anywhere in the world for free! Also, the jumpsuit I’m wearing is a size medium. L.A.M.B runs big it seems. I should’ve bought a size small.

I went to Bergdorf Goodman yesterday afternoon in time for Rapture. Just in case the world ended, I wanna make sure I’m in one of my favourite places in New York having a glass of rose and a few scoops of gelato. It’s hysterical, all this doomsday hocus pocus, no?

It never ceases to amaze me how people like Harold Camping preach nonsense and make money, all in the name of “God”. Don’t you feel sorry for his believers?

While most sane people spend their weekend mornings sleeping in, I like the idea of waking up early then heading down to Balthazar for brunch with a friend. What’s on the menu? Orange juice, coffee, omelette and a great conversation.

Balthazar Restaurant, 80 Spring Street (between Broadway and Crosby).