Post cards from Barcelona, Part 2

May 16, 2016 by Patricia Chang in Fashion, Food, Travel

Ciutadela Park, wearing Shopbop — Ciutadela Park, wearing Shopbop

Welcome back for Part 2 of our trip! I mashed together some of my "naturey" photos and ended up with a parks list. I have come to realize I have a soft spot for parks when I travel. When you're running around seeing all the sights, it's especially relaxing to sit and listen to some water trickling while soaking in the surrounding culture. My favorite place was Ciutadela Park, as we went back twice by choice. There's something about this park that brought out a sense of home away from home. It reminded me of a condensed Central Park in NY, except this park has palm trees galore!

We also went back to the beach for a second time. The first time, we stumbled upon it on our way to the cable car that takes you up to Montjuic. We saw people selling blankets and decided to come back for a picnic if we had time. On our last day we happened to walk by the beach again. Before making it to the sand, we got distracted by some people making large bubbles for the crowd. It was then I noticed groups of people buzzing around on electric bikes and scooters of all kinds. Right there in the middle of the board walk we spotted a rental place and had a spontaneous ride! I definitely recommend going along the entire boardwalk this way. It was so fun that had we discovered it sooner I may have convinced my husband to do all day rentals everyday~

El Nacional is a gem! There are multiple restaurants in one large open space with THE most fabulous interior. Our Airbnb was just around the block and I would have missed it had I not just seen it on my friend's instagram (@mjtraynor). I think we tried most of the sections and I can't really recommend one over the other. The tapas section was a unique experience because they come around announcing available plates in their hand (kind of like dim sum carts). Definitely check out this space if you're in the neighborhood!

Post cards from Barcelona, Part 1

May 13, 2016 by Patricia Chang in Fashion, Food, Travel

Mini Croissant, Hot Dog by Patricia Chang

Hotel El Palace, Jacket by Patricia Chang

El Nacional, black squid ink paella tapas

On our first day we did a tour of Palau de la Música Catalana soon after we landed. We went during the day to see the light flood in through the incredible stained glass ceiling in the most beautiful theater you'll ever step foot in! Though not by Gaudi, it was a taste of the unique architecture we would see in Barcelona. I was especially happy to see mosaics and colorful tiles all throughout the city.

The food was just as vibrant as the surroundings. Mercat de la Boqueria is a must - there are many repeating stands, one of them being fresh juices displayed on ice with pretty and enticing colors. I tried as many flavors as I could, one of my favorites being 'Mint Coconut' - yum!! A restaurant you must try is Tapas 24 - sadly we never made it to lunch or dinner. So on one of our last days we tried to go early to beat the crowds and ended up trying their breakfast menu. It was one of the most memorable meals I've ever had! The fried calamari baguette - please order this and thank me later.

Packing wise, the weather is pretty much spot on to New York so I brought layers for early May. We had a range of chilly to very warm days during the first week. One piece I packed and loved were these denim shorts from Shopbop. They are meant to be casual so they are baggy and super soft, making them the most comfortable denim in the world. I always like playing with looking a bit dressed up, but having that element of bringing it back to casual and easy.

This was Part 1 so stay tuned for more recommendations!

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Happy Place

central park

April 05, 2016 by Patricia Chang in Fashion

cocotrish patricia chang central park 11

cocotrish patricia chang central park pretzel bag

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cocotrish patricia chang central park 10

If you haven't noticed by now, I am going through a lace top phase~ If the "sheer"ness makes you shy away from lace tops yet you love the look, try this top. (Bonus: it just went on sale!) For accessories, I put my black wool hat away and traded it for a neutral one that I've been wearing during the transition to spring. I topped the look off with my handy dandy trusty pretzel bag that matches every look. I seriously have yet to come across an outfit that the pretzel bag doesn't match!

Central Park is such a nice break from work and the city. If you followed me for a while, you know how much time I spend there. This is really the happiest time of year for me when I see the buds and blooms pop up, promising warmer weather and picnics ahead. Do white cherry blossom trees remind anyone else of popcorn in the sky? :P

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MilkBots in Bed

March 29, 2016 by Patricia Chang in Family, Fashion

My friend has an amazing kids' shop that carries the chicest children's items called Milk + Bots! The items are cooler and more modern than anything I own for myself. If you met the owner you would understand why her shop is so charming and lovable. Their new bear duvet cover is to die for and gave Chase's room a complete "look and feel" makeover. We broke it in by playing in bed, which we do multiple times a day. It's our favorite way of bonding by rolling around and us parents can semi nap while the kids play! If you're lucky it will transition to a baby napping as well. Sure I don't wear lace to roll around in bed, but it's easier on the eyes for you guys than my oversized tee and sweatpants (Haha, you can see that on my Snapchat). Check out her shop and let me know what you got for your fashionable little one!

Duvet cover, pillow case, plate, tea towel, cloud pillow and Chase's outfit from Milk + Bots

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Drop the Mic Ice Cream

Drop the Mic Ice Cream Factory

March 22, 2016 by Patricia Chang in Fashion, Food

Chickalicious has been one of my favorite restaurants for many, many years. I learned recently, that it is called "Drop The MIC Ice Cream Factory" on Mondays through Wednesdays from 3pm to 11pm, where they serve 7 flavors of ice cream. Last week, Chef Mieko was kind enough to let me try them all to share with you!

I kid you not, the Black Truffle is hands down the most flavor packed truffle ice cream I've ever had. If you love truffle, this flavor is a taste of heaven! I can't wait to go back to have it again! I catch myself thinking about it from time to time, wishing I had ordered one more while I was there.

I randomly tasted the Pink Grapefruit Sorbet first and I recommend starting with a sorbets as a nice way to whet your palate with a fresh flavor. Another memorable one for me was the soothing Purple Potato ice cream. Many of my friends said they loved the Roasted Banana the most. Let me know which ones you try in the comments below! I'd love to know your thoughts, as well as where you went while you were in the neighborhood. My friend Sun, founder of Sjouel, was my date and we went to eat at Momofuku Noodle Bar afterwards just around the corner (I love everything on their menu, but there's not a visit I don't order the Pickle Jar as a side!).

I'm wearing a lace top by Alexis which I love so much that I own it in 2 colors. I was in a neutrals mood this day. I intended to wear pastels, but there's something zen and fresh when I think about this space, it affected my outfit otherwise. When I met Chef Mieko it solidified that it is indeed a peaceful place. There are no distractions so all your senses are focused on the flavors dancing in your mouth.

FLAVORS:

Black truffle ice cream, semifredo, cognac soaked cake

Purple potato ice cream, sour cream semifredo, bourbon soaked cake

Pink grapefruit sorbet, brown sugar semifredo, grand marnier soaked cake

Roasted banana ice cream, cacao nib semifredo, almond cake

Coffee milk sorbet, semifredo, sambuca soaked cake

Granny smith sorbet, white chocolate semifredo, calvados soaked cake

Sweet potato ice cream, semifredo, orange cake

Photography by Sun Chung
Recommended by ChubbyChineseGirlEats

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Play Date with H&M

March 18, 2016 by Patricia Chang in Family, Fashion, Vlog

Behind the scenes for blog post on Cocotrish.com

Everyone is wearing H&M
Locations include: The Standard Hotel, Sugar Factory, High Line Park, Whitney Museum

Nancy and I have been friends for many years. From being single girls and going on memorable trips, to entering the new world of motherhood, we've had a lot of adventures! I've learned that the best kind of friend to have is one that wants the best for you. Nancy is that friend. Even if it's something I may not want to hear, she will always give me her genuine loving advice. She's someone I can count on, which is priceless. I hope that Chase and Charlotte will grow to be best friends! They're well on their way!

1) What do you love most about your friend?

Patricia says about Nancy: Her ability to have a conversation with anybody she meets. I admire how much respect she has for others.

Nancy says about Patricia: She's so fun to hang out with and talk to - its always a good time whether we are just sitting around, chatting at home or going out on the town!

2) What do you think she appreciates most about you?

Patricia says about Nancy: Keeping it real.

Nancy says about Patricia: That I am always here for her to talk to and will always give her my honest advice/feedback.

3) Her favorite thing about you is?

Patricia says about Nancy: I will understand and always be there to listen.

Nancy says about Patricia: Perhaps same as above (#2).

4) Best memory of you and your kids together?

Patricia says about Nancy: The fact that they have met since birth.

Nancy says about Patricia: When we took the kids to Freedom Tower.

5) How are you parenting styles different?

Patricia says about Nancy: By default, Nancy is a working mom, and I am a stay at home mom.

Nancy says about Patricia: Patty is a whole lot more creative and artistic and those qualities manifest in her interaction/play with Chase.

6) Best piece of parenting advice she's given you?

Patricia says about Nancy: Too many! I love how much she sings to the kids, so I sing more at home.

Nancy says about Patricia: That they'll be fine!

7) How would she describe herself in three words?

Patricia says about Nancy: Elegant, well rounded, loyal.

Nancy says about Patricia: Creative, lovable, business-savvy!

8) How does she react to her kids tantrums?

Patricia says about Nancy: Haha, she hides her stress well and uses a calm voice.

Nancy says about Patricia: She's very understanding and loving.

9) Name her favorite tv show? Favorite guilty pleasure tv show?

Patricia says about Nancy: Oh gosh! I can't say that I know. We watched an episode of Odd Mom Out together once.

Nancy says about Patricia: The Bachelor and Real Housewives

10) Funniest thing she's ever done?

Patricia says about Nancy: I don't think she would want me to repeat it! She has probably said the funniest thing I've ever heard a friend say.

Nancy says about Patricia: Back in the day she would ride her scooter every where, even while wearing designer dresses and heels

11) If you spend a date together with your kids, what would she want to do most?

Patricia says about Nancy: Go eat at Ootoya (a Japanese restaurant) and then go to a playground.

Nancy says about Patricia: Picnic in Central Park.

12) If your friend could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Patricia says about Nancy: Paris. It never gets old for her.

Nancy says about Patricia: Currently, maybe Morocco or Greece.

13) Most perfect day for your friend “sans kids”?

Patricia says about Nancy: The spa and shopping.

Nancy says about Patricia: Enjoying/exploring the city with her girl friends!

14) What's a guilty pleasure that she wouldn't want to admit?

Patricia says about Nancy: Shopping!

Nancy says about Patricia: Bonchon chicken.

15.) If your friend could have one wish what would it be?

Patricia says about Nancy: To go to Paris with her husband on a whim.

Nancy says about Patricia: Being the sweetheart that she is, for her husband, son, sister, parents and closest friends to live happily ever after alongside her!

16.) Who is your friend's style icon?

Patricia says about Nancy: Anyone with elegance.

Nancy says about Patricia: Lena Perminova.

17.) If she could be anyone for a day who would it be?

Patricia says about Nancy: The President.

Nancy says about Patricia: Angelina Jolie or other style icon/celebrity of equal status.

Photography by s o k o p h o t o s
Video footage by Connie Kim
Styling by Nancy Kil and myself in partnership with H&M and HeyMamaCo

Shop my favorite H&M looks

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Head over to an H&M store or shop online at HM.com

Join Us!

I'll be co-hosting this event and would love to meet you this Sunday!

Fairytale at The Checkered Plaza

The Plaza Hotel

March 13, 2016 by Patricia Chang in Fashion, Food

cocotrish patricia chang plaza hotel lace outfit

What was meant to be a trip to get my favorite slice of cake at The Plaza Hotel, ended up being an experience straight out of Alice in Wonderland. While shooting in the elevator, the doors opened to the most stunning floors which we explored in awe. This iconic hotel is truly a gem that makes New York so magical!

Cake from Lady M at the Food Hall in the lower level of The Plaza Hotel