Now you might be thinking we’ve been here before – and yes, your right!

If you’ve been following these blogs you’ll know that in Spring/Summer there was a candy colour movement which incorporated a monotone flavour.

It was cute, it was minimal and it was a fantastically easy trend to follow.

Now with each season comes the evolution of trends, based on the previous season/s.

And this A/W is no different! Designers and Tastemakers use last season as a base and work upwards from their, adding details that define one season from the next despite the trend being similar.

Head-to-toe colour is still highly trending, and yet there are new rules that apply in this colder season!

Firstly, monochromes main mission – to completely take over – still ranks HIGH!

Although depth has become an important factor. And ‘depth’ is added by accompanying tights, trimmings or accessories in a tone that complements the one-colour-factor without distracting from it.

This new addition to the monochromatic dressing means that you can experiment more, layer more, and quite frankly in fashion – so often more, is MORE! (in a good way!)

The other separator of S/S and A/W when it comes to the one-colour trend are the textures that can be added this season.

While last Spring/Summer the emphasis was on minimalism and very sleek outfits, these colder days and the colder tones that go in hand with that demand that they get showcased in texture!

Whether that be damask, wool, leather with laser cuts or burnt velvet – colour is dowsed with an amazing amount of touchable texture, which creates a huge amount fo visual ‘depth’ even if not overly layering your ensemble.

An evolution of the skinny Jean, which is seasons old, yet still remains a starting point for most pant designers – the tapered trouser is defined by a cropped leg which falls right above the ankle and a silhouette that skims the shape of your leg, but doesn’t cling to it like it’s fore-father the Skinny Jean did.

And since nothing truly fashionable is ever done without true statement – to emphasize this pants shape, this seasons trousers are also equipped with pleats
Now this combination is not going to be for everyone.

And that’s not due to personal preference – the style sits beyond that sorry fashionistas!

Due to the server cut, the Peg-Leg trouser only really flatters a few body shapes.

(Body shapes being the Rectangle, Hourglass, Apple, Strawberry and Pear)

Now ‘Rectangles’ and ‘Hourglass’ shapes have got automatic access to the hype and wearability of this style of trouser. *Jealous much!?

Those who don’t fall into the above categories, myself included, wont be able to wear the pant with such ease – but can still wear it regardless!

It will just take a little more styling and garment manipulation to get it right.

The ‘Strawberry’ (also known as the ‘inverted triangle’) will find that due to being quite top-heavy, this tapered look will simply enhance the already inverted triangle-like frame.

To side-step this possible sartorial disaster balance is the key!

Work towards evening out your proportions but firstly choosing a pair of tapered pants that instead of having a typical flat-front – have a pleated or ballooned waist trousers.

These details will add just the right amount of volume to your slim hips, lending you more of an hourglass shape.

Another option for those with top heavy assets – simply wear a darker top than the pant.

This will visually minimise your top half adding the balance you need to look chic in this new style.

A minimising bra and plenty of bust support will also work in your favour!

Now, girls with a bust to boast of – your not the only ones that may struggle with this shape.

If you have a short torso will end up loosing your waist line in a high waist, ballooned hip peg-leg trouser (which works perfectly on shapes that have long torsos).

First step – find a pair of tapered trousers that don’t have a high waist. Easy.

Another trick which will see you sporting this seasons Peg Legs with no trouble is wearing monochromatic colour schemes (and resist a belt, which will only emphasise your shortened torso)

All up balance is key with this pant Ladies – so concentrate less on the trend and more on your proportions.

Think hard, angular and with a depth that can stock your most favoured items.

This season the bag to be draping all lady-like over your arms is a ‘box bag’.

Now the name of the bag says it as it is – there is nothing flouncy or textured or intricately woven about this style – it is pure in its simplicity.

It is likened to a box.

Now that may not sound so editorially exciting, but I want you to think back to the story “The Paper-bag Princess”.

That fashionista could wear anything and make it look runway worthy – even a paper bag!

So take this fable and apply it to this seasons box bags….

As minimalist as they are, they are sound accessories for someone who knows how to work any item into their savvy style!

In the case of the box bag, it doesn’t wear you, you wear it – which is a commonly mixed up motto when it comes to fashion, often leaving fashion victims trialling new trends only to look starkly unnatural in their fashion choices and not comfortable at all.

The trick is not to try too hard!

Fashion doesn’t need to be obtrusive to be noticed, sometimes it’s the smallest things, the finer details that dub a person fashionable.

So embrace the quieter trends which may appear rather unnoticeable, and add them to your outfit choices.

Use them to enhance what your wearing and not to draw attention away from your outfit.

And a box bag, in its subtlety, will do exactly that!

Partner it with bright colours, loud prints and overtly ‘look at me’ attire and you’ll find it merges in perfectly with your extravagant choices!

Firstly, as DIY as the fashion trends currently are, leave the beauty sector to the professionals with a maintanance visit once ever 3 months.  If you have:
· Fine brows: Tweezing provides more control for those with fewer hairs.
· Medium brows: Waxing removes more hair at one time — meaning less pain!
· Heavy brows: Threading is fast and removes thick and thin hairs alike.

Now if you do find a stray hair or two and decide to pluck the evidence away, reduce the pain of plucking by moving this beauty reigim to the spot right after a hot shower.
Also try applying a skin-numbing ointment, and pull your skin taut to grab hairs at their base as you tweeze.
If it just so happens your heading out straight after, the best way to prevent post-tweezing trauma which may come in the form of pufy or blotchy red skin, then apply a icy cold makeup sponge to your lid to sooth the swelling and use a brightening concealer to reduce redness.

Shaping aside, the key now to perfecting your brow shape starts with delicately defining your brow shape.
This season MAC has launched a wide array of pencils, gels and eyebrow shadows that you can use to create the perfect brow.  Which product you choose to use completely depends on your natural inclination towards what you feel most comfortable applying, as all are supurb.
Just remember:
· For a natural look, choose a brow colour that is one shade lighter that your hair colour to avaoid looking too harsh.
· Fill in your brows with short, soft upward strokes, drawing mini mock hair lines.

After you have filled your eyebrows in, add definition and shine with an eyebrow gel – these come in both clear and a tint.
For that catwalk favourite fuller brow look, brush the thickest part of your brows, near the inner corner, straight up before applying gel.

The ‘Stylish Brow’ MAC collection is currently available at all MAC beauty counters.

It’s boxy nature, +sized garments and over-indulged layering lends for a silhouette that is not exactly form fitting and figure flattering.

But it does hold a charm to its disheveled chicness that has the likes of Mary-Kate Olsen, Rihanna and Gwen Stefani sporting lush layers, draped and stylishly slouchy.

This look is one that takes a little practice to master and more importantly a body confidence in knowing that your going to generally appear bigger than you perhaps naturally are – that’s the point of the fad.

Gone are the days of body-con dresses! This season is about hinting at form and draping over it in a very sculptural manner while implying a slight laziness to the workings of fashion.

It’s a wonderfully contradicting trend – which makes pulling this look off even better for your fashion rankings!

If working this trend into your wardrobe is something you want to do – here are 3 of my favorite oversized items for this season:

Oversized Blazer

Perhaps a personal fav, the oversized blazer is the kindest of garments. Wear it with equally oversized trousers and a top that is slightly tighter, ever so hinting at form and you’ll gracefully own the boxy layers.

Or if your wanting to ease into this trend a little more subtly – try a large blazer with a shorter hemline and some leg lengthening chunky heels.

Oversized Coat

It’s true that volume can also work to make you look smaller – and this is exactly what +size coats do! All you need to remember is to emphasize the area of your body that are on show – in particular your neckline and your feet.

Wear impressive heels and an equally eye-catching statement necklace and you will have a completed the requirements to look superbly stand out in an oversized coat.

Oversized Clutch or Tote

Now an oversized clutch/tote can have you looking like your hiding behind an oversized piece of paper.

So to make it work for you, try pairing a single-colour clutch with a daringly bright and patterned ensemble. That way the winning factor is your outfit and the complementing one is the clutch.

Or simply make sure your colour choice is the opposite of your sartorial choice!

With an knack for filling the basic but luxurious demand – Lindsay has developed a range of silk shirts, all based on the same pattern but executed in various colours with an array of embellishments.

Lindsay, as a designer, has taken a wardrobe essential – the shirt – and given it a platform in which to shine upon (literally if your looking at here jewel embellished collar shirts!)
And the beauty is that yes, her cut remains the same for this first season of hers.
A tactful approach if you ask me!

One that allows her following to find comfort in her predictability – which might I add you should make the most of this season and stock up on the wide range of colours as come the Summer, Lindsay has a new line with new cuts waiting to be released.
Although don’t fret – her silk obsession (which once you wear one of her shirts you’ll be quick to adapt) will remain in her collection as it continues to site the softness and suppleness of silk.

Here are 5 ways you can wear a silk shirt this season:

1. Tummy Tie
Now the crop top is in – a slight daunting trend for most, but easily achieved with minimal skin on show via a shirt!
Simply leave the last few buttons undone and tie a knot with the ends of the shirt up around your waist line.
The illusion is a cropped top, despite not necessarily having a lot on show!

2. High collar
There’s nothing like a buttoned up collar to show off your latest pendant or neck cuff.  Wear your buttons done all the way up for a conservatively elegant look that will move all focus to your neck jewellery.

3. Subtly sexy
Because of the luxurious movement that silk has, it can dip and drape wonderfully so on your body.  Unbutton your shirt (& wear a plunging bra) for a sexy play on the conservativeness of a typical shirt.

4. Big boys Club
Oversized and boxy is a Tomboys best friend this season!

With Vaughn shirts being but in such a wonderfully classic size you can wear a small OR a large and still make it work for you! With the weather turning humid & hot, why not try an oversized and breathable version for a dramatic and stylishly boyish change?

5. Working Girl
Move your starched and structured classic white work shirt aside and replace it with a slinky silk shirt from Vaughn – it’s an automatic upgrade of femininity and comfort!

Lindsay sells her stunning silk creations on-line at: VAUGHAN – with prices starting at HK$970.

You can also visit Polkadot Boutique in SoHo for the Vaughan range:

Polkadot Boutique
2/F
29 Hollywood Road
Central, Hong Kong

Tel: +852 2521 0636

info@shoppolkadot.com

Opening Hours
Monday Saturday: 11am – 8pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm

Every thread that is intricately woven to adhere to this seasons material tastes, are done so via a coastal community in Thailand who are weaving not only fashionable threads but are also weaving hope into the survivors of the tsunami.

The clutches themselves have a very BoHo appeal to them with their thick weaves and the rawness of the technique which is both sturdy and ethnic in application.
With multi-coloured flavours and metallic sheens, the diversity in colours make for an easy incorporation into any wardrobe – regardless of if you consider yourself a Trendsetter, a Tomboy, a Classic beauty or a Conservative one.

My personal favourite – an envelope structured clutch with more than a daring dash of neon green and bead embellishments.
A black pompom puff adorns the zip and pulls the complete look together as something quite unique with an obviously handmade flavour.
And these – the details that dub Emi & Eve as handmade – are where Emi&Eves trendsetting nature situated itself.
Not afraid of imperfections, or individuality, the raw qualities of these bags allow for their story and origin to seep through into a world which is stereotypically manufactured and perfect.

Disabled and illiterate woman from all over China are also employed to partake in the creating of Emi & Eve’s designs – making Asia a place of fashionable resurrection in terms of trades and skills.

Via Emi & Eve, fashion approaches a challenge that is supported by the trendsetters and tastemakers – and its only via fashions privileged that those that once had very little scope, can start to build on the beauty of turning a tragedy into its opposite.

Cassandra currently sells online and is also stocked in Polkadot Boutique.

Polkadot Boutique
2/F
29 Hollywood Road
Central, Hong Kong

Tel: +852 2521 0636

info@shoppolkadot.com

Opening Hours
Monday Saturday: 11am – 8pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm

I think on a girlie night out the other week – perhaps fueled by one too many glasses of bubbles – we decided her stage name should ABSOLUTELY be ‘Sabrina Sparkles’.

Now for others desperately seeking sparkle, it’s not always an easy road!

Overdo the heavily hair-sprayed sprayed ‘do’, pile on the sparkly eye-shadow, and accessorize with a metallic clutch and shoes and you’ll only end up resembling a 9-year-old Texas beauty queen!

Or a disco ball.

And neither are fashionable statements.

So edge away from all that glitters, and delicately choose just one item from which to use as a shimmer platform (NOTE: Body Glitter STILL counts as glitter even though it’s 90% moisturizer – so resist the urge to bedazzle and abandon for more subtler techniques!)

Less is more ladies.

The general rule is choose ONE item of sparkle!  And contrast it’s intense shimmer with garments that compliment it in a way that doesn’t compete with it.

Try a sequined blazer with a white shirt and tapered jeans.

Or perhaps a brightly dazzling sequined mini with an oversized T- shirts and contrasting flats to match.

The real key lies in the sartorial partnerships.

Work towards throwing the GLAM off balance with edgy apparel or ultimately causal garments.

You want to make your glittered number look as relaxed and appropriate as possible and there’s no better way to do that than to match it with understated apparel.

One fabulous thing about sequins this season, they are absolutely day/night appropriate.

Not that that means more than 1 item in the evening, the same rules apply!

But at least your not restricted by occasion or time of day – so feel free to experiment with making your sparkles effortlessly glam in an understated way!

The Truth: There is LOTS of room for negotiation!

Cosmetic counters – as pro as the perfectly made-up beauty expert serving you can be, and no matter how invaluable the advice she may pass on is – are after the SALE.

Beauty is a business after all!

So don’t be fooled by beauticians quoting their brand as being formulated so that all products work together harmoniously. To some extent this is true, but you also need to take on the role of scientist yourself.

Brands have their specialities, even though they might cover a wide range of products.

They may be superb at formulating deep pigments of colour for long lasting and vibrant eye shadows – but on the flip side lack the research and formulas that equate to an equally effective foundation.

Just because a beauty brand is good at one thing, doesn’t mean they reign at all.

The trick to knowing – is basically trial and error.

Remember: Your skin doesn’t know and doesn’t care which brand you use – just as long as the product works!

Now, admittedly I do depend on the consistency of a brand – which often means means low risk and minimal effort on my end. But I do know with certainty that updating a beauty regime is something worth investing in – both in terms of money and time!

We are talking about your FACE right now – and that’s something you want to look after!

From the continuous gold stacked Yves Saint Laurent products in the photos attached, it’s easy to note I have a tendency to lean towards YSL for my make-up base (foundation, highlighter, powder).

When I find a brand that works well in a certain area, I build a loyalty to that product and veer off track only to sample others, often coming back to my original choice.

YSL works for my skin, colour tone and the style in which I apply my make-up.

It’s the base of my routine – but it’s not the only brand I use!

Mixing and matching beauty brands is a little like cooking a divine dinner; You don’t choose ingredients from one brand, you vary, choosing the best, at different price ranges, from different supermarkets – in its diversity, the combination of the specifically picked ingredients makes up the ultimate meal.

Think of your beauty regime as a well cooked meal – it takes a variation of brands to perfect the process.

And for anyone that lives out of their bag in the same manner that I do – then this is a trend that your going to adapt with such thankful ease!

This season everything is going oversized !
You may have seen that clutches and sunglasses are already leading the way in terms of largeness, and the classic tote is not far behind.

Now in terms of dimensions or measurements, there aren’t any particular numbers on the market that determine what is exactly ‘oversized’ – what it really comes down to is the bags proportions when set against your body.

For the petite framed, an oversized bag might in actual fact simply be a ‘large’ bag for someone who is a of a more solid structure – so use your fashionable scene and simply work with your own body shape as opposed to copying the buying habits of another fashionista with the same trend in mind.

Now the idea of this trend is that the tote (which can be slouchy or structured depending on your preference) is quite overbearing.

It will cover a lot of your body, so be prepared to be the noticed second, as all eyes will be on your bag!

This is also key to remember when styling.

When choosing an outfit to wear, try not to overload your already bulky look with attire that is just as big.

Be careful on how you layer and the denseness of your clothing, so to not appear 3x the size you really are.

They idea is for the bag to look huge – and you small in comparison.

Play with sartorial proportions with this in mind and you’ll master the seasons oversized look.

But for us city bound in Hong Kong, stepping out into the concrete streets of central in a barely there, midriff top was a fashion trend that seemed less appropriate than trendsetting in our urban culture.

Designers seemed to have taken note however, and a new range of tummy baring tops are being released this season.

The key to this seasons change is the length.

While the first generation of 2000′s crop-tops were sent out revealing more than their fair share of stomach – the bare skin has been minimized so that now, the key-look is simply a slither of stomach.

This season it’s all about giving a hint!

Skin on show is expected to be only slight, making this trend now a Hong Kong adaptable one.

Our city-scape is now the perfect backdrop to showcase this not as daring but still slightly risque look.

Now it does still hint on decades long gone, so to keep the look modern, keep it smart!

It’s not a look that does well in a sloppy T or loose denims.

Style in a sophisticated and structured manner.  Lending the look its rightful position on the high fashion tier.

High wasted skirts and tops can also help bridge the gap, easing the amount of skin on show.

As a trend that takes a lot of confidence – but not necessarily a flat stomach due to the more forgiving proportions, don’t dismiss the cropped trend too fast!

Work the detailing rights and you may find that this edgy flash of skin not only puts you at the forefront of the Tastemakers but is more subtle in it’s allure and just the right amount of sexy than initially expected!

Known via the show as having a flair for over dramatizing, a knack for winning Photoshoot competitions but not the hearts of the judges, and more than just a hint of narcissism – the character Chan plays on the ‘Reality TV’ show really does do wonders for ratings!

As for reputation – I met and chatted further with Helena about the (miss?) representation that the show projects…

Charming soft spoken, Helena Chan in her signature breezy BoHo blouse and tight jeans (spotted often in the ‘elimination’ rounds – click forward to 48.53min) was all smiles on arrival – a stunning trait that continued throughout our coffee and was eagerly matched with sugar laced words.

Helena seems a socialite by nature, a quality that was applauded by the ANTM in episode 8 where she graced the crowd and charmed the attendees at a VIP Red Carpet event.

Now for someone who is rumored at becoming Hong Kongs next ‘celebrity model’, this is a characteristic that will enable her rise in the world of Ana R, Angelababy and Janice Man-  to name a few of the model/celeb’s HK adors.

Helena’s well manicured manners do lend to wonder at the PR personality she may have adopted for interviews, but then this reality TV Diva has definitely carved herself out an easily identifiable personality – making her daemons her diamonds – which is a refreshing ability to see.

Helena is not just perfect smiles and pretty poses, she possesses faults and attitudes and opinions and graces – a genuine show of both good and bad, which is REALITY at its best!

Helena and I talked rumours, we talked judges, of course we chatted arch enemies on the show and what it’s like to move beyond the confinement of the model house, back into the ‘real world’.

And yes, it’s all interesting, but what I found most interesting about Helena Chan, is not the words that matched my questions, but HER.

That fiery persona that demands a love or hate reaction…

Now I did a little resurch pre coffee meeting with Helena and did find that most my model friends, who know and have worked with Helena, do have the most lovely things to say about her.

Which goes to show, that being a friend and being a competitor bring out two very different Chans.

Which, if I’m right is what she warned at the beginning of the ANTM show.

She’s one to watch – this beautiful, confidently fiery creature

And one to equally watch out for!

But either way Hong Kong I have no doubt you’ll be seeing this multi talented young lady more!

We’ve seen it via embellished beading, pyramid studs, leather inserts and patterned tights – and now we see it even more so in accessories as they take on ‘weaving’.

Now the weave is not complex, it’s simply on mass! Which gives it it’s WOW appeal.

Entire clutches can be seen with the snaking and almost ethnic weaves, as can man-bags and wallets.

The weave isn’t tribal however, but more over-lapping in nature, and it’s perhaps this simplicity that makes it an incredibly wearable trend.

As even though the weave draws attention, it doesn’t demand it – making a woven accessory a compliment to any outfit.

Holding a woven bag along side a statement head-to-toe patterned ensemble would do wonders at complimenting the look as opposed to competing with it. Making this woven style a fashion fad for its pairing versatility!

This trend is not limited to a singular sex either, and can be seen appearing in accessories sported by males just as much as females.

Where a female might carry a bag, a male might wear a woven bracelet.

Entwined, twisted, and wrapped plaits of the woven orient can also be seen on shoes.

More common in the shoes of men, yet uncommonly on sneakers just as much as brogues!

A stylish statement on the shoes of females, high heels are also taking too the textural fad, best highlighted in neutral tones.

Black and tan seems to be the colours of choice.

Whether a clutch, a bracelet, an iPad case or a pair of fashion sneakers – these traditional colours showcase the weave in a light where it is most notable, adding a tone of tradition to the pieces it’s on.

Via these colours, the weave this season does take on a very ‘Old English’ manner – perhaps a style point from which to extend the rest of your look?

There are formalities that you simply cant side step.

However, Ladies – the ridged rules of masculine apparel does not apply to you, so you have the luxury of the fashion playground belonging to you when it comes to the Short Suit this season.

A trend that is unisex, but more striking on females simply due to it’s classical restrictions of belonging only to the males of fashion, the Short Suit is a fabulous play on the traditional suit.

And yes, the only detail that needs to change is that on your bottom half.

With pants being swapped out for shorts (of any length may I add – from Bermuda to hot-pants, the choice is yours!) this is a trend that is easily recreated and doesn’t require amazing amount of fashionable confidence to pull off!

Even the more meeker of fad following can master this look.

Now although technically suits are a set, best brought together and worn together. This season allows for a little tweaking of that rule.

As long as you match the colour – you can fool the onlookers with separates worn together but brought apart.

The easiest colours for this are obviously the basics: Black, White and Navy.

However if the colours in your wardrobe adventitiously extend beyond those then feel free to step out in a striking turquoise or femininely lush apricot.

And in saying that, since we are going as far as mxing’n'matching apparel, why not try the same with colours!

Now it’s not the norm, but nor is this trend – so in partnership with that notion, why not opt for a different coloured blazer next to your shorts.!?

This isn’t technically a ‘suit’ but it is an option when you want to wear the trend without necessarily shopping for it.

Now you can stay formal, with a precisely tailored Short Suit that is ever inch rule abiding apart from the length on your bottom half – OR – you can pull in your favourite floral blazer and pair it with shorts that pull in a colour from the print. Either a sartorially safe and both are incredibly on-key!

Nicki Minaj, the spiritedly songster, and MAC Cosmetics continue to reign with brightly infused lip colours for an appeal to bring awareness to the issues of HIV and AIDS.

Well known for supporting the cause, MAC has been releasing VIVA GLAM collections since 1994 in order to sway a better educated society and at the same time raise funds for their cause – with every cent of their VIVA GLAM sales going towards AIDS/HIV charities and communities.

At an awesomely priced HK$145, the Nicki Manaj X MAC limited edition lipsticks were released in Hong Kong on the 4th April, and are still in store now.

With Minaj being well known for wearing outlandish costumes and wigs, she has continued the same extravagant colour choices throughout this collaboration.

The lipstick featured in this post is dubbed ‘Nicki’ and described as a “bright creamy pink lipstick.”
With a satin finish (which means it has a creamy, semi-matte finish – no shimmer) once applied, it remains quite opaque on the lips, holding an almost chalky quality to its finish.
As medium pink tone with noticeable blue undertones, the lipstick itself is slightly deceiving as the stick itself appears softer than it really is. Once applied, ‘Niki’ booms with a neon brightness that seems in sync with Minaj’s vibrant colour choices.

Now as satin lipsticks can often emphasise dryness or flaky lips, I recommend you prep your lips with an exfoliant, moisturising lip balm straight after your morning shower, then enjoy your coffee, read the latest blog posts, get dressed & by the time you start to put on your make-up your lips will be lush & ready for a kiss smack of colour!
A ‘lip primer’ wouldn’t go amiss either!

The lipglass in this collection, a very pale hue of lavender is as thick as honey, and sits on your lips as sweetly so!
Lasting 3-4 hours, it does have a tendency to settle into the cracks and lines of your lips, so I do recommend wearing it as a highlighting lip product, adding depth to a lipstick as opposed to by itself.

Now The Huffington Post described Minaj’s fashion as “risk-taking”, “bold sartorial choices”, and “far-out”, with Yahoo! commenting that her costume was “colorful”, “crazy” and stated that “the world would certainly be very quiet without Ms Minaj”.
All these tributes to her character can also be applied to this VIVA GLAM collection – the colours for the more bolder of makeup wearer.

Shapes or purely crazy dimensions, angles that cut and re-shape your face, add-ons that glitter and sparkles and simply stand out are exactly what is needed to give the minimalism of this seasons silhouette the drastic glam we all love!

Bejeweled sunglasses are a seasonal fav, and if your the DIY inclined fashioinista then you would probably already have discovered that re-creating catwalk looks is one to add to the handy-craft list.

Those who aren’t so crafty have options in front of you that will make your face simply irresistible to look at! They are the feature of highlight this season, and absolutely on e to capitalize on!

Now the options are many and the colours simply psychedelic in terms of choices – but one thing you’ll want to get right is the basics: Your Face Shape!

Everything balances on matching your oversized and outlandishly ornate sunnies with your bone structure. So keep these things in mind…

Firstly if you have an Oval shaped face, your a fashion favourite! You can basically shine in any shape of frame, leaving this seasons choices wide open to your personal preferences! Enjoy the freedom of having a perfect face!

Ohhh, but before you get too much of an inflated ego with your perfection – do remember your proportions!

If you have a smaller face, then smaller frames will suit you. A larger oval face suits equally larger frames.

Th Cateye or Butterfly frame is ideal for those with heart shaped and square faces.

Quite often the heart faces has very defined chins and wide foreheads – the cateye frame adds balance to your narrow jaw.

If your a square or oval shaped face, the cateye works in your favour by giving lovely amounts of contrast and contour.

If you have a moon-like round face, think ‘oversized’ for a longer and leaner look. Rectangular or angular shapes offset your roundness, adding perfect balance.

Whatever face shape you have, the direction of the sunnies should be absolutely stand-out this season – hold nothing back!

Seeing this mounted motto in ‘Rigby&Peller’s Landmark store, I couldn’t help but nod in appreciation of the quote.
Half a lifetime of wearing a bra and for the first time (literally) I’ve been resized and re-directed towards a different style of lingerie that better suits my lifestyle, fashion style and body shape.

‘Rigby&Peller’ are respectfully luxury, fine lingerie specialists who’s focus lays in professional bra fittings.
For decades, the head of the company, Mrs.June Kenton has been operating in the dressing rooms of the Britain Royalties, cupping and measuring the breast of Queen Elizabeth the 2nd and her Mother, as well as the former Princess Diana.

Being the Grantee of Royal Warrant as Corsetire is a privilege that Mrs.June Kenton has had since the early 1980′s.

During meeting the sparky yet incredibly comforting Mrs.June Kenton during her recent visit to Hong Kong, it became apparent why she had been granted such a title and access to Royalty – her natural inclination to ease an awkward situation with quick witted and honest remarks while holding the stance of a well trusted old soul (who’s ‘seen it all’!) are characteristics that mark her a trusted lingerie stylist and are ALSO the traits that are installed in the ‘Rigby&Peller’ shop floor stylists.

Edith Chan was the ‘lingerie stylist’ who looked after me in Hong Kong.
Our 50min session was a process of measuring, with both the cup size & back strap being of focus. Once determined, we continued via working through styles, fabrics and structures that best suited not only my individual shape, but the way I moved, the clothes I wore and my personal aesthetic preferences.
I came to find that the process of finding a bra is an investment in time that is absolutely a necessity for all woman – and one that is hardly ever acted upon!

Poor fittings can result in an unnecessary drooping of the breasts, an awfully uncomfortable day and a distasteful shape when clothed.
Getting it right Ladies, will save you in bra costs and later cosmetic costs if your that way inclined.

Now my personal consultant, the charming Edith Chan, introduced me to the possibility of wearing bras that were simply (and quite sexily) composed of lace and under-wire

(QUICK TIP: Make note of the placement of where a GOOD under-wire sits on your body ladies, the width & depth makes a huge difference in terms of support!)
Padding, push up and a smoothly shaped surface has always been a preference of mine in terms of bras. Having bigger breasts was not a priority, I find clothes drape better on a smaller bust size, so what was important to me was that feeling of being both contained and supported – which I felt the sculptured foam & padding gave me.
Two qualities that I have now learnt can be found in the most delicate of lace, thin and wonderfully sheer – as long as the fit of the bra is perfection!

I left ‘Rigby&Peller’ with two sets of lingerie from the ‘Aubade’ collection – “Lady Erotic” from the SS/12 line and “French Kiss”from this years most recent collection.

Lady Erotic Bra: HK$1,499

Lady Erotic Knickers:  HK$949

French Kiss Bra:  HK$1,139

French Kiss G-string:  HK$649

Two very vixen pieces that are literally barely there in terms of materials used, making the bras feel wonderfully light and romantic, yet all the time well supportive.
They are also delightfully feminine in design and shapely despite not having any foam or padding to imply a perfect roundness.
The correct cup size, wire width and functional design results in a bra that fits & shapes in a way the works in sync with my body.

Ladies my advice: Assume you’ve got it wrong!

(I now realize I did!)

And book in with an expert who can help you get your bra size right.
It’s going to cost you more than what you may pay at mainstream lingerie boutiques but you will find you can buy 2-3bras that will last you a lot longer, maintain your shape, and which are perfectly YOU in terms of structure & design and not wast money on fashion bras that look good but are a hindrance to your breast health and your everyday comfort.

Click HERE to view a fun short video of me in-store

Landmark – Rigby & Peller

Address: Shop 310, 3/F, LANDMARK

Phone: +852 2877 5655

Opening Hours:  10:30am-7:30pm daily

Click HERE for the website

There is a huge fashion move in the direction of clean lines, minimal fuss, sport inspired styling and the gender swap of sartorial picks.

Ladies, do start getting used to the notion that frills and whimsical flair are being replaced with boyish structure and understated feminism.

And a trending item that lends to this new direction – the Bermuda Short.

Defined mostly by it’s length, the Bermuda short is of a longish nature which sits baggy and at ease on the hips. They are quite the change from the denim cut-offs which dominated the fashion scene last S/S, and perhaps one you’re going to have to work a little harder at when it comes to styling them in a fashion that works for your body shape. But ultimately more flattering.

On the catwalks you’ll see that designers are verging on the ¾ length Bermuda short – however have reinterpreted that look for RTW as shorts with a little less length.

Long shorts literally cut your leg in half, minimizing the length we all strive for, hence the designer adaptation for those that are not modelesque.

If you feel the measurements are too hard to work with, simply loose the bagginess – but keep the length!

Keep the fullness of the short under control by choosing a slimmer cut short, and it will make for a more flattering leg-line.

Also, try maintaining a balance point via high heels.

Wear Bermuda shorts with shoes that will work at extending your leg, counterbalancing the shortening effect.

Now what Bermuda shorts do perfectly is cover your upper thigh and any imperfections ( like dimpled or flabby thighs) they also lend a more easy-going nature to a look that is best paired fierce heel height, meaning you can wear this look to an easy Sunday brunch without looking shabby or over-dressed.

Don’t’ be afraid to loosen your garments and wear baggier choices on both your top and bottom half!

Remember to work your limbs, making them appear long and thin (achieved with finer jewellery – no bulky cuffs or statement necklaces) and enjoy being able to operate in completely non-restrictive apparel!

As Chloé’s fifth and largest boutique to open in hong kong. located in Landmark Prince’s Building, this new milestone, was celebrated alongside some of Hong Kong’s most fabulous celebrities, fashion personalities and of course models: Cissy Wang, Irene Wang, Karena Ng, Elanne Kwong, Janice Man, Anna Yau, Jocelyn Luko…

(who’s dress for the event was pure amazingness! I passed her her as I was leaving and literally stopped in my tracks… Note To Self: Find out who the designer was! (Chloé??)…

Anthony Sandstrom, Sammie Yu, Ankie Beilke, Shiga Lin, Veronica Lam, Ingrid Chen, Jenny Chau and Sharon Cheung…. and then there was little old me.

The grand opening ceremony was also attended by Geoffroy De La Bourdonnaye, chief executive officer of Chloé, and Clare Waight Keller, creative director – we in Hong Kpong were lucky that evening to have such a fashionable array of industry favs!

As guests, we wondered this light-filled 2-level boutique freely, enjoying the quintessentially elegant and freshly bold aesthetics that denote Chloé, and most excitingly, partook in a treasure hunt inspired by an event held in 253 Rue Saint-Honoré flagship boutique in Paris.

Large chests were placed throughout the store, which were opened using the Chloé key that was attached to our invitation card.

Inside – An anniversary album, fragrant candles, classic perfumes, candies (do check out my VINE video!)

The event in its originality was charming and modern – exactly what you would expect from Chloé.

Wondering about the SWAG BAG… here is what was in the Chloé treasure trunks…

Polished sterling sliver, a thread of darkened snake chain and interchangeable charms lend for a fashion forward, but very much individualized piece of jewellery.

Making this piece not only a statement of the times, but of oneself.

I recently attended a divine lunch at Amber in the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, and sat surrounded by the dazzling colours of tiny beads, all faceted to reflect the light in Swarvoski’s signature way.

With a tray of beads in front of me and Bloggers next to me, it was an event that caught the imaginations and design skill of some of HKs most fashionably creative as we all threaded, un-threaded, mixed & matched colours and chose little icons to best suit our personal style and character.

Pavé crystals, colourless and clear drew my attention when searching for a starting point from which to develop my bracelets character.

With my birthday on the 29^th April, and the thought that I would like charms that represented me RIGHT NOW, I chose clear Swarovski crystals – likened to my birthstone the diamond – as a symbol of me.

Flowers were an easy find, mimicking in their delicacy my floral name: Jasmine.

And hearts – a playful stance on my new relationship status: Married.

The only slightly off-beat charm I chose was the iconic glitzy skull bead, set in aged silver and topped with a glamorous royal crown featuring black pavé crystals.

Paying homage to rock n’ roll opulence, the classic Swarovski/Chamilia bead is designed with faceted black crystal spikes evoking a Gothic look… which for me was held less definable meaning as my other choices were laced with, and instead was chosen out of pure materialistic motives – I simply loved the look of it!

The ‘J’- a personalized gift from Swarovski was the perfect match in clear, white and silver.

The joint collaboration between Chamilia and Swarovski is a divinely playful one that lends room for individuality and marking life’s milestones with a little bit of glam.

AVAILABLE:

End of April 2013

Swarovski Boutiques in: Hysan Place, Causeway Bay and New Town Plaza, and Sha Tin.

PRICES:

“Silver Bead Bangle” – HKD$880

“Love Lock Bead”- HKD$830

“FLICKER: Bead Cry” – HKD$595

“White Paisley Bead”- HKD$960

“White Starlet Bead”- HKD$750

“White Jasmine Bead”- $750

“B/W Metropolis Bead”- HKD$750

“Forever Connected Bead” – HKD$880

“Skull Majesty Bead” – HKD960

Hong Kong this wonderfully feminine trend is one that is well suited to the Tai Tai’s and simply the Tastemakers of Hong Kong – The Midi!

The midi is a skirt that ideally finishes mid shin – just where your leg starts to thin out after your calf muscles.

Now get this length either 2 inches shorter or longer and the entire look (and your bodies proportions not to mention!) will be thrown off! Resulting in a more Granny-like appearance than a fashionable one.

Now length is everything, so do make the most of the Hong Kong tailors and have your skirt altered to perfection to side step a frumpy silhouette.

Once you’ve perfected the midi-length, your next sartorial mission is to style this skirt!
Here are some ideas to ensure your a fashionable match-maker in a romantically midi sort of way:

• Tuck!: Your midi needs to be on show – from waistline to hem – and the only way to do this is by tucking your top in! Now the reason I say this is important, is because it simply looks more flattering and streamlined.Now there are ways to wear an un-tucked top, but they are slightly tricky, and honestly, more for the natural stylish rule-breakers of fashion.

• Layer! As we are still in the cooler season, layering is a must for warmth, but also something that can be done for style too when it comes to pairing layers with a midi.Anything cropped (cardi, biker jacket…) will work wonderfully in terms of proportions! Once again exposing your waist line so not bulking or boxing your shape out too much.

• Length Matters! Petite ladies look best in midis that are just over the knee, while taller ladies can wear them longer. Make sure to complement your size with the right hem proportions!

• Low Heels! A fashionable fav for the season is low heels – a style that matches the midi wonderfully! Low shoes extend the leg line without the added height of soaring heels. Now that’s not to say don’t wear soaring high heels – please do! But just know you have options!

This season ‘Sporty Clothing’ is proving that it belongs beyond its previous gym constrictions and on the bodies of the most style-stalking worthy fashionistas (this includes YOU!)

The Tomboys of the fashion world, who have been growing in numbers radically for some time now, are now merging stylishly with their sporty cousin and drawing on inspiration from football, gym gear and masculine sports.

What started with simply wearing a Boyfriend Blazer has developed into an obsession with sporty attire (caps, varsity jackets, racer necklines) and made a once off-limits fashion genre an everyday norm.

Zips, toggles & buckles, Lycra, wetsuit structure and swim-front gowns are purely inspirational garments that have given fashion time to calmly reorientate itself to an extremely wearable and comfortable style.

Now mastering the look isn’t hard, there is plenty of apparel out there to satisfy anyone’s tastes, but to ensure sporty perfection, keep these details in mind:

• Look for sporty cuts (tank tops, racer backs, running shorts, track-pants) in luxe materials such as leather, silk, sheer or silk knits. Mixing the style with unexpected materials is the way to keep an outfit incredibly modern.
• Look for details such as elastic strapping, exposed zippers, plastic buckles, snap closures, rope ties and utility buckles – these can tell the story sometimes easier than a sporty cut.
• Added differences in expected clothing. For example sporty pockets on an evening dress or racer backs with suspender straps, these can be all you need to ace this style trend. Sports bras with multi-strap detailing are also fantastically wearable under sheer outfits while still maintaining fashionable appropriateness & modesty.
• And if clothing just feels too gym-like or casual on you, then opt for an accessory that will highlight this seasons style direction. Neon strap watches with big dials or fashion sneakers that have a contrast neon colour lace up or strap do lend a sporty feeling to even the plainest ensembles

Strippers footwear suddenly became the norm as designers fed on 6inch inspiration, pulling it into their collection and pushing it our to the fad followers who totted and tried to elegantly walk in platform soled heights of extraordinary proportions.

How well we did at carrying this sky-high look off is considerable debatable.

The catwalks that year were lined with miss-haps as many a model fell during shows.

I have no idea who many ‘normal’ fashionistas encountered the pavement after strutting the streets but I do know that the weirdly balanced walks of Victoria Beckham and Lady GaGa are NOT the norm by any means!

Victoria Beckham made wearing 6inch Christian Louboutins while carrying her newborn daughter look effortless (and gave the title ‘Super Mum’ a new definition) and Lady GaGa didn’t blink an eye during her airport arrival in Alexander McQueens sculptural ‘Armadillo heels’.

Least to say they are extreme cases of a trend that has reach its limits.

The backlash – a season of sensibility.

The stocky heel is the latest shoe trend to appear on the fashion radar, and with a sigh of relief may I add.

It’s short, stout and completely practice height is very much of the moment and backed by Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta and Chanel, these heavy, chunky heels are an evolution that allow for a new confidence in heel wearing that doesn’t involve any preordained incidents of falling from great heights.

The ballet-flat, evening slippers and loafers are reaching their due-date and hastily being taken over by what is really a flat perched on a 1ich block.

This heel, although minimal, still adds that essence of prim tailoring (in a superbly quirky way) to outfits – increasing their ‘fashionista’ ranks while still being wonderfully wearable.

Worn with anything from a short suit to mermaid-hemmed skirts, these low-heeled shoes make that crisp and incredible trending change to nay outfit you may pair them with.

And THAT’s another reason they work so well, they really can accompany any attire, look editorially on-trend, and give you that touch of hight in the most comfortable of ways!

They are an inseparable duo that never fail to strut the catwalk as readily as the streets.

The thing to note with stripes however, is that it’s the minute details that have this season distancing itself from last season.

And the details to look out for – well there are two!

Let’s hit the first with some style tips to match…

WIDE STRIPES!

The loudness of graphical designs and geometric floral patterns from last season has lead us to a place where boldness still reigns!

Think thick!

Stripes are verging on the paneling edge as their width expands beyond what it has been for many a season.

Forget the dainty lines of the past, this seasons stripes come in an array of ‘wide’ and ‘wider’.

Now the fantastic thing about this is that the normal rule of thumb does not apply!

As a rule, horizontal stripes have the wearer looking wider than they naturally are and are to be worn with caution (which still stands true) but because the width of this seasons stripes are beyond what is normally classified as a ‘stripe’ the stripes are instead seen more as ‘sections’ of colour (a fantastic carry on from colour blocking!)

Wear your outrageously wide stripes with minimal jewellery and perhaps a hint of a buttoned up collar and you’ll be on the same track as those strutting the catwalk.

Designers sent models down the runway in structured, skinny trousers, and stiff skirts – teamed with pointy heels and finished plainly with a striped top.

An easy look to recreate as it requires minimal styling.

Now the other thing that defines these stripes as clearly belonging to 2013 are the colour partnerships used.

Forget your typical (and predictable) Navy and white, or black and white and manoeuvre your colour charts along more jewelled earth tones like mustards, forest greens, reds and even wine reds. Navy replaces black and a cream shifts white out of its normal resting place.

The stripes may even take on more than two colours at a time – although it’s highly recommended that you try not to appear a rainbow child in an awful array of colourful stripes!

Now you may be of the extreme nature and dowse yourself head-to-toe in the boldness of these stripes, or may take the more ‘All-American-Chic and pair them with denim. Nautical navy might be your colour preference as might a more vibrant play on colours – whatever flavour you fashionable serve up – simply make sure that at the base of it all your stripes are W I D E !

You’re Face!?

Well… it doesn’t quite work on the magical mirror, sleeping beauty, poetic sense, but it absolutely works on the editorial sense!

Mirrored glasses were first spotted about his time last year on the catwalks – and with all trends, it has taken it’s typical time to slip its way down to the everyday consumers platform.

You might have seen a few of the fashion tastemakers sporting this reflective look.

Blogger Addie T from ‘Pretty lil Things‘ and Stylist Tina Leung are well known for their shiny specs, and in being at the forefront of the fashion trends, they wore them with stylish pizazz at a time when the majority of those wearing sunglasses were still focused on the ‘cat-eye’ trend.

Buy your not late, don’t worry!

Those in the industry are expected to trial the trends first, making it easier for others to re-create the look once the styles hit the high streets… And now it’s your turn!

You can opt for round-shaped sunnies with iridescent lenses or bigger, brighter flashy frames – either ensuring you looking completely on-key.

And remember, just as there are gradients of ‘dark’ when it comes to the normal lenses of sunnies – so too do these fabulously mirrored sunglasses, meaning you can opt for tones that suit your already existing wardrobe.

There are variations in the colours that these oily-like eye-wear reflect.

Everything from smoky reflective lenses to glossy gold-rimmed and yellow tinted sunglasses.

Blue plays a dominant colour choice in the mirrored series too, as does bug-green.

Regardless of the details, the obvious remains: Mirrored glasses are now here for the taking (well, wearing!) and you’ve got a lashing of fashionistas to look too for style advice!

Fearne Cotton, Ezgi Kiramer or Rihanna (amongst many) will give you all the visual advice needed to wear your mirrored specs with confidence and stylish ease!

So don’t be afraid to swap out your traditional lenses for those with a bit of editorial bite – and Google a style star or two while your at it to help with the perfection of sporting your new oil-eyed specs!

This seasons bejeweled clutches are one of the most trending items – and not because of their obvious glam and girly lushness – but because of the way they spin an unconventional look onto the TonBoy influenced styling direction which is on MASS!

You would have read numerous blogs from me on sporty, androgynous, sculptural structure, all of which balance between masculine and feminine – with feminine being the wearer of the trend and masculine being the huge influencer.

Now as strong as this styling direction is, and my advice is not to stray from this overall tone of the season, for there is space for lashings of girlishness and forceful femininity in the details!

And the clutch is one of these!

With mass amounts of jewels and shiny bits and bobs glued, stitched and fastened onto clutches, costume jewellery seems to have thankfully overstepped it’s mark by extending beyond the classic cocktail ring to the clutch instead.

Where once jewellery was the statement, a clutch now is, giving ample opportunity to shimmer and shine.

As mentioned, this season is very structured and has nothing but Tomboy tones to it, which can be hard to work with when trying to insert glam into what is essentially free of all typical feminine notions.

So inserting overly jeweled clutches into an outfit is on e of the best option in keeping fashionable on-key.

It hints at gender without throwing your cultivated boyish styling off balance.

Clutches, traditionally are very structured themselves, and one of the big reasons they work so well.

And the jewels ,well they are just a fabulous element of surprise which will add a fantastic amount of Tastemaker glam to this seasons more causal looks.

A fashion focused pair of pumps can make all the difference needed to your classic (and 3 season old!) LBD – taking it from last season into this one with simply a new pair of shoes!

It’s the most inexpensive way to become a subscribed member to the new trends!

Stepping into 2013 will have your feet in a flurry of print and pattern!

Whether you take a more anamalistic approach to the way to prowl the fashion streets (in leopard print pumps) or if your more of a floral fashioionista – the prints that are showing up on shoes this season are countless!

Earthy ethnic or drama fuelled graphics – when it comes to footwear designers are by no means limited!

An approach that you should also mimic in your footwear choices.

Now if classic leopard print, which seems to be re-worked every season to give a modern twist to the ever-present print is what your after then your in luck when it comes to sartorial matching!

As this print has claimed its mark on fashion as a pattern that can always be worn, it’s almost seen now as a neutral.

Meaning you can pair it with the predictable tones of black, white, beige and navy – OR – you can add it to any ‘it’ colour of the season and never have a foot out of place!

This season, one of the most trending fashion colour is Wine Red.

Wear a Wine Red peter -pan collared dress and a pair of leopard print pumps and you’ll be dressed to strut along side the Tastemakers and Trend-Setters

More of a discretely floral girl?

Then you’ll probably want to verge on outfits that aren’t so lavish in their pull for attention.

Try pairing your heels with a softer look – boyfriend jeans and a boxy blazer perhaps.

Now by all means wear head-to-toe floral print, which is one of this seasons most elaborate and well loved micro-trends, and enjoy the girly boldness of the trend.

Or as mentioned, keep to is organically soft roots of subtle colours and equally feminine fashion choices.

Now drama and sophistication, all thanks to a new pair of shoes, can be achieved with a chunky pair of ethnic print pumps and likewise graphic flavoured patterns are just as dynamic.

Both come with minimal sartorial rules, and both are as easy to wear as the more traditional leopard print and the more feminine, floral.

Which ever print you feel best represents for take on the latest trends and your existing wardrobe – enjoy the vibrancy of bright shoes!