Los Angeles lens-based visual artist • JP Morgan and LA Civic Arts collections
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Articles by Tommy Lei
My Experience with Somfy Motorized Shades — MYBELONGING - Modern Lifestyle. Home Interiors and Design. Travel and Menswear.
Spoken like a true skeptic, I didn’t think I needed motorized shade treatments. I thought they were too costly, too bulky, and too excessive to have around a modest-sized home. Like so many homeowners across the country, it was the last thing on my mind. Then Somfy happened.
Quarantine Wardrobe — MYBELONGING - High Fashion Menswear, Home Decor and Global Travel for the Modern Lifestyle.
I guess you could say it chose all of us, during these special times. I can’t believe it’s been over two months since my last post around these parts. Like most of you, I’ve been compartmentalizing my thoughts while taking some meaningful pauses along the way. I know I had promised a part 2, a more complete version of my house tour, but this will do for now. An update on my life. My robe life.
Before and After: Everything that Happened During My House Renovations — MYBELONGING - High Fashion, Menswear Streetstyle Meets Food, Travel and Editorial Experiences.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Floor and Decor. All opinions are 100% mine. First things first — I BOUGHT A HOUSE! Yes, my first real house purchase all on my own. While homeownership isn’t for everybody (and this I stress), I realize what a humbling position I am in to even be able to afford one in the competitive housing market that we deal with in the Los Angeles area.
7 Relaxing Things to do in Self Quarantine — MYBELONGING - High Fashion, Menswear Streetstyle Meets Food, Travel and Editorial Experiences.
Dear reader, We’re bigger than what’s currently happening in the world. I implore you to try to keep things in perspective as best we can and build community with one another — online or offline, whenever possible. It’s a tumultuous time for many, myself included. There’s so much uncertainty looming over industries across the spectrum; in the coming weeks and months, we may be experiencing more personal and financial losses as the world continues to - as I’d like to say - retrograde.
Book a Private Room at this Natural Hot Springs Spa. Your Mind and Body Will Thank You. — MYBELONGING - High Fashion, Menswear Streetstyle Meets Food, Travel and Editorial Experiences.
Dec 31 Dec 31 Book a Private Room at this Natural Hot Springs Spa. Your Mind and Body Will Thank You. Whether you’re intimately familiar with the concept of a natural hot springs spa or not, it’s time you book a stay at one in the near future. It’s certainly a rite of passage, if self-care is a top priority in 2020 and for many years to come. 5 Facts You Need to Know About Beitou: Beitou, Taiwan is home to one of the largest array of spas and hot springs in the world.
Haute Cuisine: The Sushi Omakase Experience — MYBELONGING - High Fashion, Menswear Streetstyle Meets Food, Travel and Editorial Experiences.
Nov 11 Nov 11 Haute Cuisine: The Sushi Omakase Experience What is sushi omakase? How is it different from your local sushi restaurant? Is it similar to the sushi delivered right to your table on a conveyor belt? Well, not quite. The omakase version of sushi literally translates to a pre-fixed, chef’s choice sushi experience. (A more formal definition: Omakase (Japanese: お任せ Hepburn: o-makase) is a Japanese phrase that means "I'll leave it up to you" (from Japanese "to entrust" (任せる makaseru).
A Primer on the Benefits of CBD Topical Ointments — MYBELONGING - High Fashion, Menswear Streetstyle Meets Food, Travel and Editorial Experiences.
Oct 1 Oct 1 A Primer on the Benefits of CBD Topical Ointments This post is sponsored by CBDMEDIC but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. Confession time: I am a huge proponent of CBD-medicated oils and ointments for a number of personal reasons — mostly work and anxiety related. When are we not on our phones? We are all guilty of it, including myself. Hours are spent on my laptop, whether it be editing photos or videos.
See What (Really) Happens During a Photoshoot at the Duomo
So I am not in Milan for fashion month this season, but that doesn’t mean I can’t reminisce all the memories I’ve made when I was there, in person, for the very first time back in June. I had the time of my life, powered through many aperitivos, and decided to take on the daunting task of snapping some photos at one of Milan’s most prominent landmarks — the Duomo. Specifically the Duomo di Milano. On this particularly sunny day, Jonathan Spada was my photographer.
How to Safely Navigate Downtown LA Streets for Photoshoots
Pacing and shooting around the streets of Downtown Los Angeles with Uber. In continuation with my location scouting post in Pasadena, I thought I’d highlight another favorite destination of mine to shoot in: Downtown Los Angeles. You’re no stranger to this, if you’ve been following me here or on Instagram. DTLA has become in so many ways the de facto spot for LA bloggers and content creators alike to photograph in.
Chasing Content, Scouting Locations in Pasadena
Contrary to popular belief, I don’t just idly sit and create content. I have to actively scour and seek unexpected locations off the beaten path. Said beaten path usually doesn’t mean rugged; in fact, it can be quite central and cosmopolitan. For me, it’s all about discovering (or rediscovering) local gems in the Pasadena area, which is right in my backyard. Pasadena, if you don’t know by now, is a prominent neighborhood located northeast of Downtown LA.
A Day at Uber’s Santa Monica Office
This past Friday I had the opportunity to visit Uber's Santa Monica office. It was a very special moment for me, as my partnership with the ride request app had recently hit a 3rd year anniversary. Certainly a first for MYBELONGING.
A Gamer’s Stroll Down Memory Lane
Next Dia:Beacon and Blue Hill Farms: Two Reasons Why Upstate New York is an Urbanite’s Paradise City Guide, TravelTommy LeiOctober 10, 2018Dia Beacon, Blue Hill Farms, COS, COSXDia, Richard Serra, David Barber Chef, Robert Irwing, Walter de Maria, Robert Smithson, Upstate New York Guide
A Safe Way to Get Around in New York City
Next 5 Hidden, Majorly Photogenic Locations in Los Angeles Travel, City Guide, Los AngelesTommy LeiJuly 25, 2018Uber, Safe Uber Rides, Hidden Photoshoot Locations, Los Angeles City Guide, Mi Corazon, Schindler's House, Coldwater Canyon, Yamashiro
5 Hidden, Majorly Photogenic Locations in Los Angeles
From Silver Lake, I ventured off to the Schindler House* -- a case study home that reflects an iconic, architectural time and trend in Los Angeles. This physical house is rather hidden within the suburban neighborhood of West Hollywood. While most neighborhoods, like this, are relatively safe, I always make sure to notify my Trusted Contacts (either a family member or close friend) that I am out exploring on my own.
How Uber Makes a Creative Entrepreneur’s Daily Routine Possible
However, as with any given day, there is no set schedule. We are whisked away by Uber to my next location at The Skirball, right after the shoot, where I attended a Jim Henson retrospective exhibit — an opportunity for me to mingle with my clients at the center and get a better understanding of what future projects could potentially look like. I can easily disclose my destination to my trusted contacts, so they either know about my whereabouts or can also attempt to join me there via Uber.
Best Way to Uber at a Music Festival
Next Tel Aviv City Guide: Where to Eat, See and Sleep City Guide, TravelTommy LeiApril 10, 2018Tel Aviv, Fashion Week Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv City Guide, Travel Photography, Israel, Jaffa, Jaffa Port, Yefet Street, Kalamata Restaurant, The Norman Hotel, Dan Panorama Hotel, The Market House Hotel
From NYFWM to Vegas: My Travel Grooming and Hair Routine
Without a doubt, my hair, my mane accessory, has to stay looking voluminous and fly all week long as well. There’s no question that Baxter of California, given its reputation for excellent hair grooming products, blesses me with the most sculpted and stylized hair throughout fashion week. Its ever-popular, clay pomade imbues my hair with just enough hold and a matted finish, followed up by a quick burst of the Clay Effect Spray, and you’ve got stunning hair all day long.
A 72-hr Long Weekend in Seattle City Guide
Eats While the PNW is commonly associated with food tends to be more starchy and decadent in nature, I actually managed to find quite a few culinary gems that are off the beaten path. Thanks to the marvelous efficiency of my uberX rides, I had no trouble getting there even in the heaviest of downpours. The Best-Kept Omakase Secret: Shiro'sShiro kinda blew my mind away.
How I Frilly in Hong Kong
Next From Marstrand to Donsö: Where to Stay, See and Eat TravelTommy LeiJanuary 2, 2018Marstrand, Donso, Gothenburg, Travel Guide, Travel Photography, West Sweden, Visit Sweden, Luxury Travel
From Marstrand to Donsö: Where to Stay, See and Eat
When in Donsö, don’t skip on the seafood. This is where restaurants, like Isbolaget, truly shine. The catch is fresh everyday, especially during the summer seasons. We were very happy to catch (pun intended) the last wave of seasonal seafood right as we arrived. The owner + chef, Christian, cooked up a signature best of his — smoked salmon with fresh dill creme and a side of fried heirloom potatoes. Trust me when I say this: The salmon and potatoes were both sensational.
An Absolut Holiday Cocktail Story
Previous Why Amazon Gift-Guides & Wish-Lists Sleigh the Holidays Fashion, Menswear, StreetStyleTommy LeiDecember 14, 2017Amazon Gift Guide, Amazon Lifestyle, Amazon Fashion, Amazon Wishlist, Mens Holiday Gift Guide, Mango, Prada, Garret Leight, FoundItOnAmazon
The Chicest, Warmest Thermal Pajamas You’ll Ever Own
Next How to AMP Up Your Holiday Energy StreetStyle, Menswear, Personal StrugglesTommy LeiNovember 21, 2017Amp Energy Drink, Organic Energy Drinks, Amp Energy, Healthy Energy Drinks
Tommy Lei (MYBELONGING)│ZARA Overcoat Looks
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Why Gothenburg is Your Next Scandinavian Destination
7. Gothenburg is a welcoming city for all.In an age where there is so much hate and tragedy happening around the world, Gothenburg and almost all of Sweden maintains a very politically-neutral environment that is accepting of all people from all walks of life. Sure, like anywhere in the world, it’s not perfect, but it gets it right in almost every aspect living sustainably and equally.
You Veuve, I Veuve
It’s a fun and celebratory time for all. As the drinks continue to flow and the DJ beats to slowly dissipate in the background, you suddenly realize that there is not a care in the world. Why? Because you and your amazing friends took an uberXL there, a reliable ride that could easily accommodate 6 in a span of one trip. Then there’s the split fare and multiple destinations, which we certainly took advantage of en route to the Pacific Palisades. Saving time and saving money — what’s not to like?
Is Personal Style Still 'Personal'?
Yet, in the recent months and during NYFWM, I couldn't help but question what "personal style" means to the masses anymore. One quick search under the hashtag #ootd or #lookoftheday and you'll see what I am talking about: A deluge, an over-saturation of personal style looks of every variation. In an age of Instagram, where we are primed to 'like' and 'engage' with looks or items that fit a particular mold, style or vibe, originality is starting to be overlooked and gradually obsolete.
Why I Still Power Lunch
Although I’ve haven’t held a full-time corporate position in the past 3 years, the power lunch is still my default go-to when it comes to meeting with my prospective clients and brands for the first time. The power lunch, by definition, is traditionally viewed as a business meets leisure lunch at an ambient hotspot around town. You might think it’s just a thing that exists in the yesteryears of advertising (a la Mad Men) or for the Wall Street hustler on the daily grind.
Unboxing The HP Spectre: World's Thinnest Laptop
So super thin, you have to see it to believe it. Designer-made is a term that is so often overused and abused to overcompensate for an inferior product or brand. A term that has been widely applied to As Seen On TV commercials to those atrocious QVC segments. It’s marketing speak and, for the most part, a loaded cliche. So, when the HP Spectre, heralded as 'the world's thinnest laptop,' I was intrigued to say the least.
Instantly Upgrade Your Travel Instagram Game
While in Aarhus and Copenhagen recently, I brought olloclip’s active lens along with the Studio Set to film some scenic sights and sounds. The results speak for itself. I couldn’t have imagined a better iPhone companion than olloclip - when both lens come together, they perform marvelously and with aplomb. It’s a much more freeing and user-friendly experience.
A Life Well-Travelled: 3 Lessons I’ve Learned
I boarded my first plane when I was merely 6 years old. A transcontinental flight that took me from Hong Kong (my birthplace) to the United States. Los Angeles, California specifically. This was back in 1994 on Cathay Pacific, where I was served a fun-sized lunchbox in a brief case and thought it was the coolest thing ever. This was my first memory of flight travel. Since then, there’s been quite a few, very remarkable and significant changes to say the least.
Paradise in Guanacaste, Costa Rica: Andaz Papagayo
When I landed in the Liberia International Airport in Costa Rica, a feeling of instant relief engulfed me. I was battling an intense cold prior in NYC during NYFWM — how convenient, am I right? I could easily trace the source of my ailment back to the countless, sleepless nights at the hotels. It was a vicious cycle of early mornings and late nights, culminating into a serious, relentless cough that only abated with lemon ginger and chamomile tea.
A Father's Day Memento: zerOz Card Holders
Fast forward almost 20 years later, I am running my own business that also requires me to be away — some trips being more sporadic than others. Just like my father, I've begun to discover keepsake gems over the course of traveling between cities, coasts and continents. A few months ago, I acquired these thin, minimal wallets from zerOz. As much as I love my day to day wallets, I’ve been in pursuit of simpler means to keep all my money and cards handy.
3 Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Office Space + Giveaway
Decorative ladders can be rather functional, especially this one from Umbra. I can use it to hang my clothing and keep things organized. It also helps define the area in which it is placed, whether it’s in a corner nook or to accent a sparse wall in any room. I intend on purchasing some tapestry to keep it visually interesting very soon. With the advent of smart phones and devices, the necessity for a wall clock has progressively declined. Call me nostalgic, but I have a soft spot for clocks.
A Weekender Guide with Metro Bike
As an Angeleno, life can be a string of inconveniences. Inconveniences in the form of a long queue at Trader Joe’s, finding parking, going to and back from the beach, visiting a friend who - gasps - lives somewhere on the Westside or far above the 101. For the past few decades, it feels as though we simply exist just to overcome these daily hurdles, in an attempt to find ways to be more connected with our city, our communities and our surroundings.
How I Designed My Office Studio on an App
And so can you. Right here, right now. Back when I was a full-time marketing manager and just ascending up the corporate ladder, I dreamt of one day having a corner office. This may come off as superficial for many, but to be in one holds much significance for me. It signifies that years of hard work, as a triple minority, has finally paid off and that I’ve successfully broken what Jane Hyun coined as the ‘Breaking The Bamboo Ceiling’ (great book, by the way).
Why My Roots are Important
In collaboration with HISTORY and 23AndMe — the story, words and experiences are my own. ROOTS is premiering on HISTORY this Monday, 5/30 at 9pm ET. Be sure to follow ROOTS on Twitter (#ROOTS) and Facebook, and to find out more, click here. The moment I submitted my DNA kit, I knew there was no turning back. Over the next few weeks, I looked forward to receiving the results on the 23andMe website. Well, it’s been an excruciating few weeks to say the least.
A Visual Takeover at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
A major part of this campaign is to emphasize the importance of having access to social and cultural institutions — such as the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles — at an early age. I was fortunate enough to have access thanks to the well-rounded education offer my experience in public school system, otherwise my world would’ve been that much smaller and myopic.
Finding My Roots with DNA Testing
Hi world — it’s about time to get personal. This is a long overdue introduction. I know some of you are and have been curious. Some of you have been on this journey with me, from the very beginning, while some of you are just joining in. Whether you are a loyal reader or passing visitor, you are important to me. Your presence is why I am here. Privileged enough to work anywhere and everywhere. But I’ve been holding back onto some personal baggage.
Coachella, Nochella: High Fashion Festival Style
On a more style-related note, I've never quite understood why we feel the need to purchase an entirely new wardrobe for the festivities and never wear it again. Since the day I started MB, I've been a fervent advocate of cost-per-wear. I'd rather invest in a few investment pieces that I can wear over and over again, well-beyond festival season. Once again, Century 21 Stores came to the rescue when it comes to finding timeless, season appropriate items without breaking the bank.
Comfort and Style Starts with Clark's
It astounds me when we choose to forgo ergonomics, especially when it comes to our choice of footwear. Sneakers and slip-ons, over the years, have taken the blog stratosphere by storm at astronomical levels. All for good reasons - they’re comfortable, easy-to-wear and literally goes with every outfit combination at any given time. Including the red carpet and formal occasion, as evidenced here and there.
Back to Carmel Valley: A Soulful Retreat
I’ve probably seen the airport more times than I have gone out or met up with my friends the last two months - the trips and miles are just racking up. Although I am grateful to be where I am in life, I desperately needed a mental and physical reset. Carmel is my sweet, sweet remedy. Just a 4 hour drive away and an hour flight from Los Angeles, Carmel holds a special place in my heart. It felt so nice to be back, especially in between a hectic travel and work schedule.
5 Reasons Why Cruises are the Perfect Getaway for Millennials
Seems to good to be true? Trust me, I was a non-believer too. My 5 day cruise expedition started off on a hectic start with my fellow traveling companion and womenswear blogger, Lisa Linh - some unexpected Uber issues arose en route to the port of departure. That uneasy feeling was quickly resolved upon check-in, as we were whisked away into the air-conditioned, spacious Celebrity Silhouette and greeted with chilled glasses of champagne.
#MrTurkOnDeck: A SS16 Cruise Lookbook
Color is not my forte - something I openly admit to everyday. This wasn’t always the case, however. Just a couple of years back, I wore color consistently (just look through the archives) — almost on a daily basis. As my full-time work schedule became increasingly jam-packed and life’s obstacles grew more relentless, my mood shifted to neutrals, blacks and the like to create a protective barrier of sorts. We all have all comfort blankets, and the monochromatic life was mine.
My Montblanc Legend Leigacy + Giveaway
Over the years I’ve amassed quite a collection of men's fragrances and perfumes, some more distinguishable and preferable than others. My olfactory senses have certainly changed and sharpened — resulting in an intense lust for subtle yet zesty bergamot notes. What I probably love most about fragrances is the application of it; there’s something about the act that strongly represents a rite of passage. A coming of age, as we discover newer forms of expressions.
The Hudson Hotel NYC: Where Style Meets Substance
Prior to the existence of social media, the way we travel has always been a bit myopic. Packing was more of a private ritual, only privy to our eyes, and which hotel we were staying at only mattered on our printed itinerary. Furthermore, our recommendations came from a tangible copy of the latest Frommer's guide. Those days are long gone, with the desire to constantly share how we and where we travel to on Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.
Meet Your Smart, Second-Hand Man: The Titan JUXT Watch
The ScenarioFor the past few months, I’ve convinced myself to try something new. And trust me - this was way out of my comfort zone. Around the time that smart watches started becoming a thing, I adamantly told myself I didn’t need another technological distraction. I’ve seen so many products out in the market with way too many app-driven gimmicks that wouldn’t necessarily add to my quality of life. To me a watch should just be a watch - tell time to keep me on time.
Swift and Strong at PROJECT Las Vegas
But wait there’s much more than meets the eye - Swift & Co has two patents pending for their environmental-friendly manufacturing process and midsole design. It’s scientifically proven to absorb shock from the everyday rigors of walking that supersedes even the most comfy sneakers - and I can attest to that! Their innovative approach has garnered them multiple accolades and even a sponsored stand at the neighboring FN Platform.
Behind the Scenes: The $13,500 EWOW Suite Experience
It's not everyday that you get to experience the EWOW suite at the W Hotels, specifically at their West Beverly Hills location and watch the SAG Awards in a suite all to yourself and a bunch of your closest friends/family. The hotel itself, despite being in close proximity to all the red-carpet action and celebrity sightings, is nestled in complete privacy. It's luxurious, intimate and totally designed for your next awards season viewing party.
Travel Diaries: LA Takes Mexico City
Welcome to Travel Diaries, where view the world through an Angeleno’s perspective. For this installation, we linked with My Belonging’s Tommy Lei who traveled to Mexico City.
Meet Kyle Hjelmeseth: Founder of God & Beauty
I recently sat Kyle down, in the midst of a busy schedule and the holidays, to speak with him on what it means and takes to be a Styleteller: Kyle, you’re quite the multi-hyphenate, consummate professional. Give us the short and sweet version of how this came to be. I was once told that my personality is like what, taking the least path of resistance. While that can be negative, I've chosen to live my life saying yes to experiences and letting the sweep me up in the rush.
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