Cindy from Noveltylane.com brought the girls and I over to their studio in North Point to try out their huge 2011 Fall/Winter collection. Freshly put together by local fashion designers, each piece has its very own style and characteristics. Their stuff is pretty diverse, so it is really an one stop online shop that covers your entire wardrobe, from your sweats for pick up a few groceries to your upscale party pieces. Their online shop's layout is quite similar to Net-a-Porter, so it is fairly easy to navigator, with the added bonus of lower shipping fees, since they are Hong Kong based.
We had lots of fun picking out our favourite pieces to try on, and Jasmine did a whole lot of shopping right on the spot, so aren't we lucky that Cindy has decided to offer a whopping 10% discount for all Gillian Chu - a Hong Kong Blog readers? It is all quite easy, just quote the discount code 10GILLIAN when checking out on their site from now until Tuesday, 28 February 2012, and the discount will come up as if by magic. Here are a few of our top picks for different occasions:
Office Wear
For an attractive look at work, Keely picked out this white/orange patch dress from Instinct Femme, paired with a black leather belt from Novio-Novia, a brand with a special Spanish name meaning boyfriend-girlfriend. The classy brown python shoulder bag from Za is perfect both for heading to work and off to LKF for happy hour. The black leather lace-up peep toe from Zhoezzy looks awfully cute on her, and certainly lives up to their brand's mission in providing trendy and sexy options to shoe lovers.
Jessie, on the other hand, decided on trying this black top with zipper details from Instinct Femme, with this brightly coloured pencil skirt from Girly Fashion, which is eye-catching and yet comfortable enough to take you through an entire day at work. The lovely black patent leather wedge heels from Za also compliment the look rather well.
Jasmine picked out this cute grey cropped knitted top from Girly Fashion to go with this black high waist skirt from Novio-Novia, which oozes a metro-sexual look with a feminine twist. Paired with the duffy necklace and the beige furry cuff from Hyperreall, the unique and trendy accessories certainly jazzed up her look rather well.
I chose this flattering orange/navy blue colour blocking dress and a black drawstring jacket from Instinct Femme, which caters for both the temperature inside and outside offices in Hong Kong. I also had on these grey suede peep toe with cut out details from Zhoezzy, who are experts in making heels, since they know that shoes are the souls of every girl's look. This pair is definitely Jessie's favourite, since she has been eyeing it the entire time we were at the studio.
Casual Look
Jasmine had on this vintage yellow checkered dress from Cuckoo's Nest, which is great for a casual walk around town. The pair of white framed sunglasses she had on from Elements Deluxe features a more contemporary structure with refined details, and yet doesn't compromise in its comfort.
Keely threw on a more neighbourhood look with a baggy tee from Paper Doll and a smooth combination of shorts with pants from Girly Fashion. The colourful fringe necklace she had on from Hyperreall definitely spiced up her look by using unusual materials to establish her individuality and style. The catchy angel tote bag, with a cherub sticking his head out, is from Crazy Macramé, and would make an awesome conversation piece during the relaxing tea time with the girls.
For a weekend look, Jessie favours the charcoal grey sleeveless dress from Girly Fashion, and this grey leather crossbody bag from Novio-Novia to shove all her bits and pieces in. The bag reflects its founder's love for men’s fashion, which led to adapting the designs for women's wear. The cool white platform with colourful wing-like decoration from Flux brings a touch of femininity to the look with creative details and fun elements.
I, on the other hand, tried out this black flared knitted dress from Instinct Femme for a cute number on the weekend. It is great for a relaxed yet flirty look, which is rather well-suited for a chill brunch date along Soho, and a stride along the art galleries in the neighbourhood afterwards.
Evening Ideas
For a black tie event, Jasmine decided to try out the androgynous look with a black/white colour blocking suit jacket and a pair of black patched leather pants, both from Instinct Femme, which is so in for this season.
Jessie chose a more girly look with a white/grey silk chiffon abstract print top from Novio-Novia and an orange signature slit skirt, adding a touch of high-end glamour with a black fur patchwork scarf, both from Instinct Femme.
Keely threw on a grey studded fur dress from Girly Fashion for a mildly punk look, which has such a smooth touch that none of us can keep our hands off it. She paired it with a grey python bag from Za, which she tried out the brown version of in her office look. It is such a versatile piece, since you can just tuck the strap inside and instantly turn it into a clutch like how Jessie held it, so I am sure it will become a well-loved staple in your wardrobe.
For an elegant evening look, I love this comfy orange loose cut dress and the complimenting silver clutch, both from Girly Fashion. The black netting necklace from Flux adds a dab of art to my look with its structural shapes and unconventional materials, while the sophisticated mink scarf from Instinct Femme just instantly glams up my look.
Accessories Tips
They also feature some nostalgically local jewelry by Ali, a Hong Kong artist; exclusive retro hair accessories from the Jim Collection; as well as vintage inspired glasses from Mido Eyeglasses that are fit for glasses collectors. Go on, surf their website, and discover a whole new world of Hong Kong designs!
Novelty Lane
Website: www.noveltylane.com
Email: info@noveltylane.com