Cultivate Your Whimsical Side - Daydream Nation

Published exclusively in this site on 23 January 2012.

Daydream Nation, a cute and whimsical brand that is firmly rooted in our very own city, is having a crazy sale at their Wanchai shop from now until Tuesday, 31 January 2012, with everything up to 90% off, as well as a whopping buy 3 get 1 free!

This quaint brand, with over five years of experience behind them, is the creation of a talented brother n' sister team, Jing and Kay Wong, both of whom are graduates of the renowned Central Saint Martins. Majoring in theatre and textiles design, their collection simply adds the missing dramatic effect to your everyday wear.

Each of their pieces tells an unique story, which has inspired many local celebrities including Sammi Cheng, Charlene Choi, and Ivana Wong, as well as the globally celebrated fashion blogger, Susie Bubble. They have also collaborated with an esteemed range of worldwide brands, including Shangri-la and Urban Outfitters.

Aside from checking out their collection of clothing and accessories, which is on a ridiculous sale, you should also find out more about their featured local artists, indie bands, and creative workshops while you are there!

Daydream Nation
Address: 21 Wing Fung Street, Wanchai.
Telephone: 2817 6313 
Email: nation.of.daydreamers@gmail.com
Website: http://www.daydream-nation.com/

Chinese New Year Gatherings - What to Wear

Published exclusively in this site on 16 January 2012.

Chinese New Year is just right around the corner. Have you planned out what you will be wearing for your family gatherings and celebrations? Here are a few ideas:

Heading over to the racecourse on Wednesday, 25 January 2012? ranee_k has the ultimate Chinese New Year look that will make you shine through all the tai-tais. Its founder and designer, Ranee Kok, with her refined sense in materials, colours, and forms, has created a beautiful collection that fuses the best of East and West together. The Parsons graduate, with her experience in working with Donna Karen, has her brand featured prominently both in New York and Hong Kong. With her very own unique blend of cultural influences, she brings a sense of confidence and identity to woman from different corners of the world. Grab one of her beautiful cocktail pieces and pair it with a beautiful Ascot hat from Jaycow!

Are you the kind who only ever wears black, and don't really want to invest in a big red wardrobe that you will never ever wear again? Rosarini is here to your rescue! They provide practical and stylish ponchos that can be worn in huge variety of ways, such as putting it on as a wrap, a top, or even a skirt, giving you the option of many different red looks without buying lots of pieces. What's more? The ponchos are wrinkle free, so it will still look sharp and crisp even after you wearing it every day for Chinese New Year. Make your granny happy by dressing up like a laisee packet!

Madeleine Thompson are set on designing six new knitwear every year for their women's collection, and these red cardigans in their 2012 S/S collection are as usual simple but with a slight quirk, and absolutely comfortable. The quality of their garments is superb, with most of their products made of cashmere. Grab their elegant red pieces from the Spa at Four Seasons, and be prepared in getting flatters for it!

Lane Crawford, the city's very own luxury department store, is now presenting their 2012 S/S collection, with bold and powerful pieces from most of the designer collections. The red tops from this season are uplifting, with classic patterns that are wearable yet feminine. Take a closer look at the new collection here, and put together a look that is both trendy and auspicious!

Pandora has created some cute sterling silver Chinese zodiac charms, and in order to add a dab more of the festive atmosphere, they came up with the 14K gold fortune charm, as well as the 14K gold and sterling silver blend dragon pendant, right in time for the year of dragon! Gold and red just goes awfully well together with the Chinese New Year, so match these charms with your red clothing to complete the entire look!

Tiare, after establishing their online store and physical store in SOHO, have officially moved into the Repulse Bay Arcade earlier this month. Grab an auspicious red Mischa clutch made of luxurious Japanese silk for a bag that goes with your Chinese New Year look, as well as take your pick through their exclusive collections from Los Angeles and New York brands, such as the renowned Joie and Paper Crown.

Shopping Guide - Lace

First published in Elysiants on 13 January 2012.

Lace is a big trend for 2011 Fall/Winter, especially with the sultry black lace, which oozes a vibe of sexiness and seductiveness. I love how, with black lace, just a little bit of it would spice up the entire look. It seems like all the designers have the same idea for this season as well, so here are a few pieces that you could try for some sassy hot looks in the hopefully soon-to-be cool weather!

Shirt

Making shirts with lace just give a whole new spin to your wardrobe’s staple, so Anne Fontaine and Zeuz decided to come up with pieces that will turn heads at work. These items on its own are already rather feminine looking, so it would go better when paired with a pair of pants to play down the look, as well as putting the lace top in the limelight.


Dress

Seed Heritage and Oscar de la Renta decided to do something different and use white lace instead, which is pretty much the exact opposite of its black counterpart, but equally flattering. The magic with it is just a dab of white lace can turn the look entirely pure and angelic. When incorporated this into a dress, it could be as casual as Seed Heritage’s take, or as formal as Oscar de la Renta’s prom-looking dress.

S.Nine and Bottega Veneta created some slinky cocktail dresses for your endless round of Christmas balls! Made of quality black lace, it is as mysterious looking as it is attractive. Now all you need to do is stay away from Velcro and rough surfaces for the evening.

Jacket

Hong Kong has rather tame winters, so it doesn’t exactly calls for down jackets. The lace trench coat from Anne Fontaine and the layered jacket from Valentino would be sufficient for keep warm and not bulk up. Lace is usually thought of for small pieces, so it was rather surprising to see it made as a coat, but when I tried it on, I must say, the effect was much better than I anticipated.

Cardigan

Eric Bompard is famous for turning your usual functional but dowdy-looking cashmere garments into an airy modern look, provide warmth without the bulk. This cashmere/lace vest is warm yet seductive, making you will be the centre of attention. Opting for something more practical? Get this cashmere jumper with lace attached on both shoulders. It reminds me of a H&M shirt back in summer, except this one is made of cashmere, which will last through the Hong Kong winter (or air condition, which is probably colder).

Shopping List

Anne Fontaine: Shop 2096, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon.
Bottega Veneta: Shop 311, L3, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Central.
Eric Bompard: Shop 214, L2, K11 Shopping Mall, 214 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Oscar de la Renta: Available from Joyce Boutique at G/F New World Tower, 16-18 Queen’s Road Central, Central.
Seed Heritage: Shop G109, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay.
S.Nine: 17/F, 37 Hollywood Road, Central.
Valentino: Shop 2070, L2, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central.
Zeuz: Online shop with offices at Room 1703-1704 Sino Favour Centre, 1 On Yip Street, Chai Wan.

More Ozzie Trends Flowing Along - Elite Showroom

First published in Elysiants on 4 January 2012.

After Seed Heritage, there is more of the unique Australian taste rushing into Hong Kong, this time in the form of an online shop. Elite Showroom, based in Australia, is now testing the waters of the Hong Kong market with the best from their collection of clothing and jewelry. I particularly like this pale grey shrug, which gives off a rather soft and feminine look, making a great match for daily office wear.

They try to bring together the most trendy high end fashion elements, all in the convenience of a mouse click. Their stuff is really for girls who like to blend the latest styling trends with their existing wardrobe, creating her own special flair.

Elite Showroom also caters for those who don't fit into Hong Kong's typical size 0, offering the custom made service especially for our little city. Just drop them a line with your specific measurements, and they will deal with the rest. Happy shopping!

Elite Showroom
Website: http://www.eliteshowrooms.com/
Email: info@eliteshowrooms.com

Completing Your Chinese Look - Hulu 10

First published in Elysiants on 3 January 2012.

Did you go off to buy a pair of Kung Fu Kicks, and now looking for pieces to compliment your new shoes? Head over to Hulu 10 and pick out your latest set of Chinese inspired clothing and accessories with a contemporary twist!

Named after the Calabash, which back in the ancient times they would make bottle gourd out of, it reflects their Chinese heritage (and makes a rather easy name to pronounce). Right on 10 Glenealy in the heart of Central, it is a perfect place to drop by for some quick ethnic wear shopping before your happy hour.

Their pieces give an entirely different view of Chinese wear, which would usually be associated with tight fitting silky qi-pao from Shanghai Tang. Hulu 10 takes a different view of traditional Sino-Tibetan clothing, making pieces more for days when you would let your hair down. They are more trying to get to the antique lounge wear than old fashioned cocktail dresses.

Their 2011 Fall/Winter collection is inspired by the Tibetan lifestyle, riding around the boundless grasslands and snow-capped peaks, enjoying the bright sunshine with blue skies that feels so close you can almost touch it. Their collection is filled with comfy nomadic felt wraps, creating pieces that you will fall in love with instantly. You can almost see the strings of colorful prayer flags fluttering around their tribal campsite!

Drop by Hulu before you head off to the Chinese Timekeeper's charity cocktail tomorrow night, 7 December 2011, held at Hush right down the road, for some Chinese-inspired pieces to pair with your lovely new Chinese watch! Or if it suits you better, Hulu is especially opening for the coming Sundays, 11 December 2011 and 18 December 2011, so that last minute Christmas shoppers can scan through their Facebook Fan Page in advance for ideas in getting some unique presents!

Hulu 10

Address: 10 Glenealy, Mid-Levels, Central

Telephone: 2179 5500
Email: info@hulu10.com

Website: www.hulu10.com



Lounge Around Seductively with Back Label

First published in Elysiants on 1 January 2012.

When I see those seductive perfume ads starring Hollywood celebrities lounging around their humongous mansions looking all sexy and sultry, I can't help but wonder how much of the truth does it reflect. However beautiful these people are, I am sure they have their down time at home, looking rather messy with scruffy t-shirt, shorts, and flip flops on.

But that is enough about them. Today's post is really about you, and how you could look as fabulous as those A-list celebs even in your sweats at the Hong Kong version of luxury flats. Back Label makes no ordinary sweats. Amy Perricone designed a unique collection of elegant loungewear made of rare, natural, and pure fibers, ensuring that everything is as comfortable as it looks. All of their products are handmade in Italy, with 100% natural materials like baby cashmere, peace silk, bamboo, and organic cotton, as well as being coloured with natural dyes made of milk protein and vegetable pigments. Not only would it not cause any irritation, it is also anti-bacterial, making sure you smell fresh and clean.

As an intimate loungewear and undergarment brand, Back Label has paid lots of attention to their woven label stitched to their pieces. You know those bits that usually stick out and scratch your neck? Well, they have turned it into somewhat of an art, having it made of fibers extracted from the stems of lotus flowers unique to Inle Lake of Burma. As if that isn't exotic enough, the labels are interwoven by hand with silk yarns. All their undergarments are sewn with blind stitch, an amazing technique in sewing two pieces together without any overlapping, creating a fine yet durable piece that is ideal even for machine wash.

Just imagine: wooden paneling, hot chocolate, and your significant other. I am sure this fantastic collection will rock your cozy Christmas nights in! Just keep an eye out for it when you are in Sidewalk next time, picking out your throws and runner for your Christmas dinner from Makaron's latest collection!

Fashionably Cozy - Cashmere for 2011 Fall/Winter

First published in Tell Us Fashion on 17 November 2011.

Madeleine Thompson, with her brand firmly established in London and New York, recently launched her 2011 F/W collection at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. Her prized pieces for 2011 F/W, including cashmere printed scarves and the iconic Maddy Beanie, are all made of top quality cashmere, paired with elegant designs, making you feel graceful even on your day off.

Specialising in cashmere items, Madeleine Thompson makes pieces that are simple but with a quirky twist, and always super comfy. Being her first retail outlet in a luxurious five-star hotel, the Spa at Four Seasons is the ultimate place to relax and rejuvenate. Who needs an excuse to pamper themselves with chill spa treatments and amazing winter essentials?

Looking for a good deal? Serenity Fair is a cashmere wholesaler that does a bit of retailing on the side, ensuring that you get the finest cashmere products made of top quality yarns straight from Inner Mongolia, which is the best place for cashmere as a result of their harsh winters. They offer both fashionable and function clothing, as well as prestigious throws, so have fun shopping online!

Eric Bompard and Monica Bellucci have paired up to give our cashmere wardrobe this season a will of its own! For 2011 A/W, Eric Bompard especially designed a line for his latest brand ambassador, Monica Bellucci, filled with chunky cable-stitch knits, flattering hooded jackets, and lace ridden v-necks. Eric Bompard’s famous multi-stitch cashmeres provide warmth without the bulk, and bring out the best of you.

Eric Bompard’s cashmere comes all the way from the high plateau of the Gobi desert, where the Capra Hisca produces its own au naturale wooly jumper [Read: I am thinking Wallace and Gromit]. His special ways of knitting cashmere thins down the knit to generate a more airy modern look. The making of his pieces is pure magic, combining the Mongolian wools with the unique expertise of traditional knitting techniques, creating garments of unparallel comfort. Spice up your daily work wear with his sultry products!

Online/Offline Fashion - Tiare Boutique

First published in Elysiants on 6 December 2011.

Are you looking around for something unique to wear? Tiare, the city's latest online and physical women's wear store, is here on the rescue with the hottest LA and NYC brands. They carry exciting brands including Paper Crown, which is the most recent collection by Lauren Conrad, and Tiare is the first to launch the brand in Asia. Their pieces are feminine, yet understatedly elegant, creating an effortlessly classy look.

Kathleen Sweeney

Kathleen Sweeney, the mastermind behind Tiare, has a multi-cultural background, bringing together her in-depth knowledge of the fashion world in American and Asia. Her theory in fashion is that it should be fun rather than serious, which is why she established Tiare, a friendly and attentive store that sells exclusive styles in small quantities, so you never have to worry about showing up to an event in the same outfit as someone else. She is also passionate about ethical imports, so she insists on being an authorised retailer and buying directly from the designers, just to ensure that you don't get any fakes or so called cut label samples. Want to grab a few more fashion tips from her? Follow her blog for her personal commentary on each item they carry, as well as up-to-date styling tips and fashion news straight from America.

Tiare innovatively combined an interactive online store with a traditional physical shopping concept, so that you can opt to shop online and pick it up at the store if that is more convenient for you. Of course you can still go into the store and try things out, or buy it online and get it delivered, but isn't it great to combine the best of both worlds?

Tiare 
Address: G/F 53 Staunton Street, SoHo, Central
Website: http://www.shoptiare.com
Telephone: 2540 3188
Email: service@tiareboutique.com