Fashionista Awards 2011: Cheer on BJ’s Fashionistas

I still remember MY Fashionista Photo Shoot like it was yesterday, except that it was TWO years ago!  Incredible how time flies in Beijing…

My title has long passed as one of Beijing’s Fashionistas, but the line of Meili Autumn‘s celebrated fashionistas continue strong. From the bright and preppy to the dark and edgy, each Fashionista’s style is unique and bold.

With 25 Fashionistas from 2010-2011, come out to cheer on and vote for your favorite CW Fashionistas as they strut the catwalk and compete for “Fashionista of the Year” this Saturday, November 12 at the glamorous R Lounge of the Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel (in ShuangJing).

“Come dressed for the red carpet and have an awesome night with your fun, fabulous, fellow fashionistas.” - Meili Autumn, Premiere Make-Up Artist & CityWeekend’s Fashionista Creator

With DJ Chozie in full effect, tunes should be perfectly suitable for Fashionistas to be in full form and the keep the dance floor rocking.

RMB 100 ticket at the door gets you 2 drinks + entrance to the fashion show walk off that happens at 9:00 SHARP and come show Beijing’s top fashionistas some love.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, November 12
• Time: 8:30PM-12:30AM *Fashion Show starts at 9PM SHARP!
• Location: R Lounge (Renaissance Hotel)
• Address:  61号 E. 3rd Ring Road Middle Chaoyang
• Ticket: RMB 100 (includes 2 drinks)

All Shiny & New: Beauty Make-Over by Meili Autumn

I am in the mood for change.  Maybe it has to do with the quick change in season, with the weather cooling down and autumn season upon us. Maybe it has to do with the fact that another year has already flown past and it’s already my birthday coming up (yet again). In any case, whatever the reason, I was after a new look, something different so I went to the only person who I entirely trust to make me look and feel more beautiful than I thought possible.

Hands-down, the most talented make-up artist I’ve ever met, Meili Autumn works wonders. She has a gift and thankfully, she is both able and willing to share this gift with others.  There’s just something about a new make-over – it’s both invigorating and re-energizing.  I’m not going to go so far as to say that a make-over can make you into something that you’re not, but it definitely helps to bring out the best in you and has a way of making you feel all shiny and new again.

Having been featured as one of CityWeekend’s first Fashionistas back in 2008 (click here for article), I got to experience Meili’s magic first-hand and was beyond delighted with the results.  Since then, she’s been my go-to-girl for any special occasion or in this case, a sudden need for a new do.

Meili is stocked with make-up brushes of all sizes and functions, eye color shades, false lashes and everything imaginable to suit any complexion, skin tone and style.

For me, she recommended a vibrant look with bold eye colors.  I really had no preference and with Meili, I always trust her sense of style and beauty above my own personal judgement. And as always, she exceeded all expectations!

Check out the massive difference with these Before & After Snapshots. Like I said before – she made me all shiny and new!

BEFORE & AFTER:

Meili is almost always booked up with various appointments for events, photo shoots, weddings and special occasions but if you are looking for a personal consultation or make-over, you can contact Meili directly to book an appointment.  She’s both professional and personable and highly recommended by both myself and everyone I have ever referred to her in my past few years of event planning, fashion shows and weddings.

Upcoming Event:

If you’re interested in a new look and better facial care, Meili is teaming up with Kocoon Spa Lounge for a Make-Up Seminar next Saturday, September 17.

They will be giving recipes for D-I-Y Facial Masks and Meili will be teaching participants how to pick and apply  the right foundation for their skin tone and lifestyle needs and bring out your cheekbones!

Call 6410-5016 to book your space asap as the seminar is capped at 8 participants.

LumDimSummary: 85 Broads Progressive Dinner

From L to R: Founder Kat Don, Speakers Lijia Zhang, Nancy Murphy, Nami Park and Lilian Chou, Event Coordinator Meili Autumn and Deborah Ehrlich

A global network of over 25,000 ambitious, intelligent women who aim to inspire others and make a difference in the world, 85 Broads began at Goldman Sachs on 85 Broad Street in NYC with its founding members and now includes everyone from students of the world’s leading universities to senior executive women and industry experts.

About once a month, Beijing’s 85 Broads Chapter organizes a unique platform for women to engage in an interactive event, connecting with each other and to a global platform of other women in the world today.

Their most recent event was a Progressive Dinner at ROOMbeijing.  An engaging and delightful evening, all attendees had the fortune of meeting four very unique and influential women in Beijing:

• Nancy Murphy, Senior Partner, JT&N Law and author of China Art Law Newsletter
• Lillian Chou, Food Editor, Time Out Beijing and Beijing LUXE City Guides
• Nami Park, Finance Consultant and a Power Circle member of 85 Broads since its inception in 1997.
• Lijia Zhang, Write and Author of “Socialism is Great!” (I bought her book immediately after hearing her speak)
  

It was truly a privilege to attend this event and I encourage all fellow ambitious, career-driven women to join 85 Broads’ global network and participate in future chapter events.

*Shout out to three very inspiring women/Beijing Chapter Founders: Kat Don, Deborah Ehrlich and Meili Autumn for organizing a lovely event!

If you are interesting in joining 85 Broads global network, sign up here: www.85broads.com and if you are interested in future Beijing Events: e-mail: beijing85broads@gmail.com.

The next 85 Broads Dinner will be in conjunction with Chi Fan for Charity as they are hosting a table of 10 at Ristorante Sadler with a local female artist as the evening’s guest speaker. Funds go to three worthwhile organizations including Rural Women’s Charity.  Details and Sign Up here: www.chifanforcharity.org

Hutong Spring Fayre

This Sunday, April 18, The Hutong’s Spring Fayre will be a great chance to spend the day checking out cooking demonstrations using seasonal organic produce, health talks, a ‘swap shop’ to trade unwanted goods (books, DVDs, clothes) and a host of stalls for you to stock up on all kinds of homemade/organic goodies including everything from cheese, coffee & teas, baked goods and clothes from local designers and groups.

The beautiful and talented Meili Autumn will also be displaying her original and hand-made collection of MeiMei Accessories including her beautiful headbands and earrings all selling at special price!

Check it out here!

Beijing Brunchathon + Second Sip

Beijingers are spoiled with choice when it comes to weekend brunches.

Brunch in Beijing means more than a hangover cure or a weekend gossip fest, it can ultimately be an all day excursion.

With heavenly places like the Orchard and the Vineyard Cafe, you can easily find yourself spending the better half of the day lounging around, enjoying the good food and good company, knowing that today is your day to relax, worry-free before Monday rolls around.

Orchard Oasis

Top 5 picks for a lazy Sunday brunch:

1. The Orchard – It’s a magical place. The Sunday Brunch Buffet is absolutely worth the RMB 180 considering the quality and wide assortment of delicious “European Comfort Food” dishes to choose from.  There is a delightful selection of fresh, home-baked breads (I’m a sucker for fresh bread), fresh, organic salads, whole salmon, 2 soups, over 10 different entree dishes (meats and veggies), and 5 different dessert baked goods.  Only downfall: it’s a nightmare to find and to leave if you don’t have a car/driver.
2. Vineyard Café – A hidden gem, down an alley across from Yonghegong (Lama Temple). I say ‘hidden’ in the sense that it’s a bit difficult to find, but it’s incredibly popular. Don’t go without a reservation, especially if you want to sit in their outdoor courtyard seating.
3. Chef Too - Known for their steaks, but I enjoy their eggs benedict.  See review here
4. DimSum Brunch @ JinDingXuan (Tuanjiehu branch) – 24-hour joint with buzzing atmosphere, and great, cheap dimsum anytime of day. See review here.
5. Café Zarah – (located on Gulou): A sweet little Cafe on Gulou with wifi, good people-watching perch, and satisfying breakfast combos and ice cream from Gustomenta

And then there are those dangerously tempting and not to mention gluttonous hotel champagne brunches.

When the Westin Chaoyang first launched their Sunday brunch, Bubblicious, I was there in a heartbeat since my ultimate Beijing champagne brunch is by far the Westin Financial Street brunch, Senses.  This is by far the most elaborate, extensive, high-quality hotel brunch in Beijing. Champagne included is close to RMB 400 including the 15% service charge, it’s about 50 RMB less without the bubbly.  See review here.

My previous experience of Bubblicious was satisfactory, winning bonus points with their fresh squeezed juice and smoothies selection along with a jaw-dropping dessert section.

This past weekend, my good friend and fellow foodie MeiLi Autumn just brunched it up at the Westin Beijing Chaoyang brunch, Bubblicious and as a LumDimSum fan, she would like to present to you a ‘second sip’ of this mega-brunch.

Bubblicious Second Sip by Meili Autumn

• This was my second Bubblicious at the Westin Chaoyang and I have to say it did not disappoint. At such Mega-Brunches, as I like to call them, one must have a clear strategy in order to enjoy all that the venue has to offer. Upon first walk-around I saw an impressive meat station, an extensive raw bar with lobster, oysters, prawn, and assorted sashimi, sushi chefs hand-rolling fresh sushi,  DIY Caesar salad bar, Chinese noodle section, dimsum and dumpling assortments, Italian section with pizza and handmade pastas, an amazing array of Indian curries, roasts meats, and naan, breakfast station with fresh juices, smoothies, eggs to order and all the sweet breakfast carbs (pancakes, French toast, waffles) and of course the breakfast meats (bacon, sausage, ham). I haven’t even gotten to the dessert and alcohol sections!

This was a lot to take in, I admit. But take it in I did, in platefuls and platefuls. It was decadent and over the top and I felt like royalty at a glamorous feast. The waiter never let my champagne glass get dry and they serve Vueve Clicqot too- one of my faves. If taking vodka shots is more your style on a Sunday morning, they also have a shot bar with different chasers and mixers.

My favorite little touch is their DIY Blini station. Blinis are small, yeast-leavened, buckwheat pancakes that originally come from Russia. Classically they are served with sour cream and caviar or smoked salmon. They go perfectly with champagne, oysters, and yes, vodka.

I have to say, I’ve been to many Mega-brunches in Beijing. Bubblicious is definitely at the top.

Best Part:

• LOTS to choose from and EVERYTHING was delicious
• Great Indian Food- some of the best I’ve had in BEIJING!
• Delicious smoothies and fresh juices
• Innovative and Creative
• Great Service
• Amazing desserts- try their custard bread pudding
• Family-friendly

Comments:

• A little disappointed at the weak looking oysters
• Didn’t care for the brand of ice cream- stick with Haagendaaz.
• Bit Pricey – they just raised it from RMB 368 to 398

**For the next two Sundays, the Westin’s Bubblicious brunch will be featuring the acapella group, “Under Broadway” singing Christmas Carols directed by my good friend, Cody Leung.

From Christmas Carols to DJ Kronic: Here is This Weekend’s Breakdown

Thursday, December 10:

Meili & Kristen’s Thai Dinner @ The Apartment

New White Rabbit Opens in Old ChinaDoll in Tongli

DJ Qbert @ Yugong Yishan for those who missed his AMAZING performance @ BLING last night

Friday, December 11:

1.  Under Broadway’s 3rd annual Christmas Concert @ the Goose and Duck (Chaoyang Park, 4th ring Green Lake Place)

With 20 Christmas carols and some gentle comedy, they’ll get your Christmas spirits up to gear.

This Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30PM, come and support my friend Cody!

2.  Renaissance Man @Punk

Two DJs (Downtown and Jaxxon) from Helsinki and tearing up the house world at the moment. Their first single “Spraycan” was met with critical acclaim. You won’t want to miss this event. Free entry.

3.  “Take Me to the Max” Party @ Kokomo featuring DJ Max P. aka DJ Diddle Nuts   (And Al’s going away party…)

90′s, Rock & Roll, Oldies & Party Music

Every 2nd and last Friday of the Month

Time: 10:30pm-2am

4.  Official White Rabbit Opening Weekend

5.  Neon 90′s Party & Open Bar 11pm-1am @ The Boat for RMB 100

Saturday, December 12:

Birthday Shout Outs to Tyler Zacharia, Mariel & Xiao Bizzle!

2. Mariel’s Birthday Party @ Club Matata (dance spot in basement of 3.3 Shopping Mall, Sanlitun)

Insight into the Beautiful World of Meili Autumn

I’d like to introduce LumDimSum readers to Meili Autumn‘s blog on fashion, beauty & style here:

http://meiliautumn.com/blog/

Invaluable beauty tips and make-up trade secrets aside, you will uncover her stories, her insight, and a little bit more of the creative and beautiful world of Meili Autumn.

Click here for the full article of Meili’s latest post featuring LumDimSum!

**Reminder:  Tuesday, December 8th (7:30-8:30pm) is the next Holiday Glamour Make-Up Seminar @ Kocoon Spa Lounge.

Together with a free holiday make-up seminar, this is your chance to stock up on Holiday Glamour Make-Up Kits featuring eyeshadow kits with golden shades and her secret smudge-proof gel eyeliner will all be up for grabs. And don’t miss your chance to grab top picks from her new feather accessories collection.

Learn Make-Up Trade Secrets: Holiday Glamour by Meili Autumn

With all the holiday parties, Christmas parties, New Years parties, family reunions, charity events, dinner feasts, and all the random excuses to throw festive get-togethers, there will be plenty of reasons you will want to look your best this holiday season.

Learn beauty and make-up trade secrets of professional MAC make-up artist & stylist, Meili Autumn at her make-up seminar at Kocoon Spa Lounge.

Mark your Calendars for Meili’s Free Make-Up Seminar @ Kocoon Spa Lounge:

• Tuesday, December 1: 7:30-8:30
• Tuesday, December 8: 7:30-8:30

Together with a free holiday make-up seminar, this is your chance to stock up on Holiday Glamour Make-Up Kits featuring eyeshadow kits with golden shades and her secret smudge-proof gel eyeliner will all be up for grabs.

Meili will also be launching her gorgeous feather jewelry/headband/accessories collection!! As this is the first time she is showcasing her new collection, all items will be available for special promotion prices.  ***This is the PERFECT Christmas presents for all your girlfriends!!

See here some photos of a few of her feather headpieces and hats:

She’s the talent behind all the Beijing Fashionistas, so come out with your girls and check out this fun make-up seminar for some quick tricks and tips and your chance to max out your make-up bag.

For reservations, call: 5208-6068

Fashionista: Project Runway

What’s on the catwalk?  CityWeekend’s very own Fashionistas taking their turn to strut their stuff on the runway.

Hosted by the beautiful and talented Meili Autumn @ Scarlett Wine Bar + Restaurant in Hotel G, this was such a fun event! For the first time, all the fashionistas got the opportunity to get together, get dressed to the nines, and have a ball.

As one of the previously featured Fashionistas, it was such a privilege to be among Beijing’s Fashion Superstars and see first-hand each Fashionista’s unique style and ingenious creativity in putting together every last detail and touch of fashion flair and finesse. From Allie Weisberg‘s high-waisted skirt, mini crop top and layers of jewelry to Candy Lin wearing her very own Candy&Caviar Fall Fashion Line’s Madison Hooded Tuxedo Vest and LinLin‘s denim work-of-art gown, it’s not hard to see how each fashionista earned their title to be on that runway.

Congratulations to Mo & Linlin!  (Mr. & Ms. Beijing Fashionista!)

Some Hot Shots of Beijing’s Fashionistas:

**Thank you to Meili, everyone at CW, & Hotel G for putting together such a fun and successful event!  And Happy Early Birthday to Meili!!

25 and None the Wiser

25 is a pretty intimidating number. As a kid, I always associated the number 25 with being an adult – someone with a career, who is financially independent, at a prime age to get married and start a family.  Ok, I’m 2 for 3.  As a kid, I also wanted to be a Disney fairy-tale princess and meet Prince Charming at the age of 16.

I realize age is just a number and age is absolutely relative. But just I don’t feel 25; I feel like I’m still 16.  Maybe that’s because the last time I had a birthday party was when I turned 16.  Due to the awkward timing of having a birthday in early September, my birthday always coincided with the start of a new school year, when everyone is still sorting out their new class schedule and their new circle of friends or in most recent years, my birthdays have coincided with vacation time – which was nice to be celebrating in an entirely new, exotic setting, but also away from my friends, my family, my home.

So for the first time in almost a decade, I have reached the quarter century mark and I was ready to go BIG.

My Birthday Week Break-down:

Monday: Pre-Birthday Home-made Dinner & Movie

Tuesday: Birthday lunch & Birthday dinner at my favorite restaurant Kagen Teppanyaki followed by birthday drinks @ d. lounge

Wednesday: Post Birthday Dinner and Pre-Birthday Party @ GOSSIP Pour Femme at [Touch] The Westin Beijing Chaoyang

Friday: Post-Birthday dinner & drinks @ none other than Hatsune @ the Village

Saturday: Birthday Champagne @ Riviera’s Pool Party

Birthday Make-Over courtesy of the beautiful & talented Meili Autumn (CW’s Fashionista Editor)

Birthday Dinner Party & Drinks @ Karaiya Spice House

‘Bling-isine’ Champagne Limo Ride courtesy of BLING (Can be booked regularly through BLING)

After-Party @ BLING

Sunday: Birthday Recovery @ Capital M’s Opening

By the same people behind M on the Bund in Shanghai and M on the Fringe in HK, Capital M launched its official opening this Sunday, September 13.

Best Part:

• The bright & colorful painted artwork that runs along the walls of the venue
• The pointed roof-top lounge area
• The spectacular view from the spacious rooftop terrace of the Tian An Men Area
• The boxed fireplaces throughout the space really warms and illuminates the venue for a very romantic and intimate lighting in the evening
• Fabian, the restaurant manager, was very welcoming, attentive and a perfect host
• The food was fantastic – I particularly was pleased to be served fresh oysters, and some top picks included the beef bearnaise and smoked salmon with poached egg and spinach. WOW, gave a really great first impression
• Capital M will bring more attention to the Qianmen area
• The location is a great destination for afternoon tea or dinner after a day of sightseeing around heart of Beijing’s history and culture
• They are bringing Danish Smørrebrød to Beijing!!  (world-famous piled-high, open-faced sandwiches from Denmark!)

Comments:

• WARNING for girls with high heels: Taxis can not reach the venue and you must walk quite far to catch one home.
• With a massive space that fills over 400 seats both indoor and the outside terrace, it will be interesting to see who their regular clientele are and their incoming business post-launch period
• It will also be interesting to see how Capital M will compare and compete with the Legation Quarter’s supreme dining outlets.

This past week I have been living in a cloud of BIRTHDAY BLISS – birthday lunches, birthday dinners, birthday e-mails, birthday text messages, birthday FB wall posts…I’ve been down-right spoiled with love, it makes me wish every day was my birthday!  I truly feel blessed to have had such a happy and loving birthday week – Thank you to everyone for making me feel so special, this birthday exceeded all my expectations. It was better than I ever could have imagined or asked for.

Here are some of my favorite birthday shots:

My 15 Minutes of Fame Just Got Extended

Not everyone gets the rare opportunity to relive their 15 minutes of fame. Hence, the reason why it’s only 15 minutes.

But tonight I was called upon to come back into the limelight.

Let me rewind:

Back in December 2008, I was featured as one of City Weekend’s Fashionistas.  This was by far one of the coolest things I’ve been lucky enough to partake in.  Not only was I featured in a full double-page spread in the magazine, I got a full make-over courtesy of the beautiful and talented Meili Autumn, who has a gift of making you look and feel stunning.

You can check out the final product here (City Weekend, Issue December 4-17):

FASHIONISTA: Beauty and the Bling

Kristen Lum lights up any room she occupies with her electric personality and 1000-watt smile. I just can never feel down or bluesy around her. She makes me want to giggle like a sixth grader during a sex-ed talk. Another thing Kristen has got going for her is a super cute figure, which often sports the shortest, brightest dresses I’ve seen in Beijing: trés sexy. As the PR girl for hot spots like Bling, All Star and newbie to the scene Domus, Kristen has her plate full of venues she has to look stunning in on a nightly basis. How does she do it night after flawless night? “The trick is to have a ‘go-to dress,’ something you can slip on and look great in no matter what the occasion,” she confides in me. Kristen finds these little numbers at Zara, in the Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park or American Apparel. For mini dresses and high heels, her secret place is LingLing’s shop in Jiayi Vogue Square stall #712. As a born and bred Cali girl, Kristen loves the summertime look: “beach wear, bright colors, being tan, sundresses and flip-flops.” Since coming to Beijing, she has had to learn to adapt to the cold, and while you’ll still find her at Bling on the weekends wearing tiny skirts and dresses, she’ll compensate for the length with thigh-high boots. “China’s really given me an opportunity to express myself through fashion. I love knowing that I can go out and never feel over-dressed.” Kristen leaves me with some parting words: “Now that I work at Bling, I’m all about the bling.” With that bright smile, and glittering jewelery, I consider Kristen one of Beijing’s fashion diamonds.

MeiLi Autumn

Name: Kristen Lum

Nationality: Californian

Occupation: Marketing and Media Director for Alchemy

Fashionista by MeiLi Autumn For more style analysis or fashion insight, visit MeiLi’s website,

www.MeiLiAutumn.com

Photographer: Tao Zi Hair and Makeup: MeiLi Autumn

About a year since I did the photoshoot for my Fashionista feature, I received an e-mail invitation tonight to participate in the upcoming FASHIONISTA Party, featuring a fashion show with all previous CW Fashionistas, for a chance to win the title Mr. or Ms. Beijing Fashionista and a VIP card to Hotel G for a night’s stay in this fabulous boutique hotel.

Save the date- Saturday, September 19, 2009 because I have a feeling that with all the Fashionistas together in one show, this event is bound to go down in the books…or at least go down in the next issue of CityWeekend.

See?  The fame is already getting to my head. And I can’t wait.

Come out and show your support and vote for your favorite fashionista.  Or just come out to Hotel G and take advantage of their 25rmb drinks and awesome tapas/cheese platters.