The hand-shaped board, all 10 feet and HK$12,800 worth of it, was officially launched in the dual celebration of the expansion of the Shanghai Tang at Pacific Place.

The ‘Shanghai Tang X MOORS’ board is currently on display at in store at Pacific Place and can be purchased both in Hong Kong and Singapore stores.

With backpacks, oversized envelope clutches and satchels being very much a necessity in terms of accessories, what a man uses to carry around his daily essentials has developed fast into a statement that denotes not only style, but lifestyle!

A bag is a fashion feature that speaks loudly of your stature – it shows whether your a minimalist techno-user, operating on an iPad and able to store your belongings into the sleekest of envelope clutches. Or if you gravitate more towards a backpack – your active and outdoorsey inclination apparent in your back slinging bag.

And now there’s the Duffle Bag to through into the mixture of this seasons choices.

By no means a new style – the Duffel bag is a manly classic that has been circulating since the 1940′s.

It first reached a height of popularity in sub-cultures of post-WW II California. Seen as a ‘surfie’ essential, it was the mark of a beach-loving, bleach-blonde hair, tanned, athletic surfer.

Australia, was also another country that claimed the duffel bag as an accessory that extended beyond the military (where it’s origins lie) and allowed it to acquire considerable status in surfer communities.

This spark in style happened a little later than in California, with the duffel bag becoming a stylish surfboard accompany in the late 1960′s.

Now come 2013 – the duffel bag (also known as kit bag, gym bag or holdall bag) has fast regained its usability and fashionable grounding.

Although unlike the 40′s/60′s, it’s no longer so strongly associated with waves.

Nowdays, there’s a strong luxury tone that goes along side the Duffle Bag, making it less of a bag used for convenience (gym, surf) and more for contemporary lifestyles of fashionable travel and daily life of the more stylishly inclined.

With the duffel bags traditional features, it has become the choice of bag for the modern man, with its thick fabric – which can come in various colours, no longer restricted to military tones – and its sleek leather trimmings, which add flavour and freshness that denote the bag as modern.

Interior zip pockets and detachable shoulder straps are features that are another mark of the type of duffel bag on the markets today, all extras that add the ease of practicality, making the duffel bag the perfect accomplice for the modern man on the move!

But this overly underestimated and under used colour has now become one of this seasons signature colours.

Orange has hit the runway and relatively quickly been adopted by the mainstream beauty addicts.
With the colour being featured to various degrees of intensity on all section of the face, lids, lips, and cheeks have not shed away from the bright and fashionable movement.
Nails too are receiving lashings of coats in this fruity colour.

With a collection dedicated to the brightness that orange is, this season, MAC cosmetics delivers an array of tones for the dramatically inclined.

From matte, to lustre, to cremesheens and frost – it’s “all about Orange”.

It’s one of the new global super shades that pops and sizzles with cool sophistication.

Available from May 23^rd onwards at all MAC locations, this trend screams international impact, and is one to try!

I checked out the ‘Honey Jasmine” satin blush – how could I not when it has the same name as me!

Its warm coral tones work well on my pale skin, its vibrancy is slightly muted which gives a softer effect on the skin – it’s orange, yes – but not wildly so, making it a fresher and more fashionable option over traditional apricots.

The powder has a satin finish, which works well into the contours of your face and isn’t as stark as a matte finish.

The wonderfully dubbed “Sushi Kiss” lipstick which draws on the Asian influence of the collection – apparently Orange being a colour highly associated with Korea and greater Asia – is an awesome satin finished lipstick that has great amount of colour omph in its mid-tone coral cream.

I personally found this colour super easy to merge in with my makeup kit as it draws more on peaches than the startling brightness of pure orange.

Now the photo above unfortunately doesn’t do the lipstick that much justice, the colour looks muted – definitely refer to the colour swatch below!

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Now the other lipstick that I tried was “Tangerine Dream”.

It is a warm orange cream lipstick has a lustre finish and its colour potency is interesting!

It’s light and reasonably sheer, with a great amount of wetness to its sheen which is typical of a luster lippy.

The tone itself is so unusual however, making it wonderfully noticeable even through it is a barely there lipstick (in comparison to the amplified and matte lipsticks MAC produces).

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This lipglass, although orange, doesn’t belong to the “All about Orange” collection, it’s actually from the “Fashion Sets” (which you can read about HERE) but since it’s base colour is the same, I thought I would throw it into this mix.

I do love a MAC lipglass for even application and non-sliding temperament. They always seem to stay put!

“Ablaze” has a very opaque color coverage, and is a dark, deeper orange, which is bold, but not neon as the colour, when in it’s container, suggests.

It is described as a “bright orange” and seems to be quite a medium-dark orange with red undertones which applies beautifully and holds a slight golden orange shimmer.

Lipsticks: HK$145

Lipglass: HK$145

Colour change gets people thinking… And hypothesizing.
The question on most people’s lips – “But WHY?”

(Andy (Left) and John (right) debating colour… Fire Red, Amber or deep scarlet – hmmmm)

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Changing hair colour is often associated with some sort of sudden change – a breakup, divorce, marriage – all huge life changing conclusions to come to, especially considering dye is often a simple cover-up conclusion when faced with grey hair, wanting to try out a new trend, or upgrading a faded or out-lived look.

For me… It was a mix of both an emotional response and a fashionable one.

(Conclusion met, the biggest decision of the day – ‘which shade’ has been made!)

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Now there wasn’t any break-down, or a break up – I could make a reach and say there was a break-through (just got married, just turned 30 – yeowww!) but the simpler truth is that I simply wanted a fresh look for summer.

My blonde persona had been playing its part for YEARS now – I wanted a new vibrancy!

(And the process begins – NOTE: Never be fooled by the colour in its raw state – like above, the intensity is always more than the final colour will be!)

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Taking a note from some of the vixen locked Ladies of celebrity status – Emma Stone, Rihanna, and Isla Fisher, Andy, my colourist and I, debated our way through shades that ranged from amber, to deep scarlet to fire engine red… and decided on a subtle, more ‘natural’ tone of red that synced in effortlessly with my skin tone.
All the above shades we do have plans on getting playful with and will incorporate them into my look over the next 6months or so. But we wanted to edge gracefully into the new colour zone, invoking a more gentle response as opposed to a gossipy one (in which a more dramatic colour would have lead to!)

(Bye Bye Blonde!)

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Mass thanks to the creative team at GQ Private I!

(And HERE it is – the end result!  Now it’s Johns turn…)

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Andy, the technical genius behind my colour has been working wonders with different shades of blonde and my ombré look for some time now – and has proved his talent of color/skin matching once again with this awesome ‘exactly-ME’ shade of red!

Andy Charges HK$900-$1500 for a single process colour (which this current red is)

(Now for the cut – John decides he wants it shorter and with layers)

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John, has been helping me maintain my hair length and condition through regular trims… That all went out the window when he cut a good 3-4inches off my length and gave a layers around my face.
Ironically the shortening and layering actually make my hair look thicker and longer!

John charges HK$880 for a cut BUT mention me or this blog and he will cut your hair for a privileged price of $600

(John perfecting his layering)

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(And DONE!  I’m officially a RED HEAD)

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GQ Private i

Click HERE for the website

Address:

Podium Level 6,

Four Seasons Hotel,

Central,

Hong Kong

Phone: 2521 0070

Email: qgprivatei@psgroup.com.hk

Opening Hours:
Mon–Sat
10:00–21:00
Sun & Public Holidays
10:00–19:00

Mirrored lenses have proven their stylish stickability and are here for another season.

Making their way from high street to mainstream fashion circuits with colours that range from yellow to rose and the currently hyper trending blue, the importance of the ‘mirror’ is being replaced with the colour that is the lenses base.

With an array of colour choices choices the world is taking on different hues as we view it via tinted lenses of Amber, Orange, Rose and Blue – but be warned!

These colour altering lenses do change the tones perceived when worn, but they also make for some of the slickest specs around!

Safilo recently held their Press Day in Hong Kong – displaying a HUGE array of S/S’13 Sunglasses.

The trends were on mass and my ‘wish-list’ quickly piled up!

So to keep my fashionable lust to a realistic level, I decided to find ONE trend in which to concentrate on…

And that was the trending BLUE look so many specs are showcasing this season.

Tones of blue are at their height in popularity this season and can be found in sunglass lines by brands such as Carerra, Hugo Boss and Tommy Hilfiger to name a few.

Their cooling effect lends a vibrancy to the world that with any luck carries you through the extreme heat of the Hong Kong summer.

Other colours to keep an eye out for and their resulted effects are lenses in tones of:

GREEN

Green sunglass lenses provide a cool, soothing tone to colors. They are also the classic base of most aviator-styled sunglasses so hold a masculine and adventurous look about them.

AMBER

Made for visual superiority when it comes to colours, amber lenses block out nearly all blue light (they are frequently referred to as “blue blocker” lenses or “shooter’s sunglasses.”)

More popular amongst hunters than fashionistas, they provide clarity when looking up into they sky (at birds or clay targets for example).

PINK, ORANGE, ROSE and BLUE

Completely different colours, but all with the same majorly colour altering effect – these lenses are worn less for their technical ability to change your perception of colours, and more so for their fun and vibrant look.

Created with ‘fashion’ in mind, the hunters and the adventurous leave these tones to the designers and the fahsionistas of the world.

TRENDSETTER who sport the blue style…

Which means, that you should be following in the same rainbow bright steps!

Regardless of whether the shoes come in the form of colour blocking, colour contrasting, or just all over mixed colour – the fact is that this season is one for pure colour.

If your fearful of the styling skills that need to be adapted in order to wear such fashion forward tones – DON’T BE!

The beauty of a bright shoe is that it literally goes with anything this season!

Here’s how…

Now bright shoes don’t necessarily need to be partnered with bright clothing – FACT ONE!

You can indeed rock head to toe print and patterns of the most pop bright of fashions AND match your attire with equally eye-popping shoes of various colours.

But this is definitely a technique taken on more so, by those that walk the fashionable streets during Fashion Weeks – those looking to be snapped by the style paparazzi!

OR…

If your just wildly confident, this is something that would be an eye-catching and bold fashion move on the streets of Hong Kong.

BUT…

If you prefer a more subtle approach to your daily style picks, then there is no reason you cant wear you bright shoes with any of the following mixes…

• All White
• Contrast the sleekness with a banging pair of statement heels! White is the perfect canvas to announce your confident love of colour on! Wear a matching lipstick or nail varnish to subtly pull in the head-to-toe harmony and thrive on all the sparky attention you will get!

• Colour Blocking
• Choose a base colour from within your colour blocking outfit, and mimic that in your shoes. Since colour blocking is restricted to a maximum amount of 3 colours, then your not going to look like a psychedelic blur of multiple colours.   Keep it slick by wearing a pair of heels that work in with the colours in your attire.

• If in doubt – ACCESSORIZE
  Now you can be wearing all back, notes of neutrals, stripes or bold and colourful patterns – and STILL be able to merge your outfit choice with a pair of bold heels.BUT, if in doubt – the trick is to accessorize in the same colour as your shoes. Hold a clutch of as equally bright fuchsia as your pumps, or a statement necklace that pulls in the same tangerine as in your shoes. Make the shoes make sense by pairing them with the same colour somewhere else in your attire, whether that is a lipstick, a clutch, a scarf or statement earrings.

Colour isn’t restricting, it can be worn freely and with everything from black to neutrals to head to to prints!

Experiment and have fun!

As a comfy lead on from last seasons brogues, smoking slippers are not only swapping feet, from the tradition males to the stylish females, but swapping their natural habitats too!

The ‘Mans-Den’ slipper has now stepped confidently out onto the streets of New York, Paris and Hong Kong and are looking decidedly confident and by no means sleepy as they do so!

With very little adjustments made to their appearance, the style stays classically the same.

The only difference laying in the toe embellishment (and occasional heel detail).

Oversized gold monograms are still flashed more regularly than not, keeping true to the classic slipper.

As is the velvet material the slippers are constructed in.

NOTE: Velvet is NOT an ideal material for a rainy day and is easily frayed and rubbed when over worn or miss-treated. Velvet takes love and delicate footwork!

The smoking slipper also holds that panache that simply can’t be compared to other slipper styles that broke the house-bound restrictions and took to the streets – like Ugg boots.

The Ugg, traditionally a house-slipper is now an outside style, that’s one thing it changed – but it’s reputation remained the same.

The Ugg is ever a casual and slouchy boot and can be seen more at BBQ’s than on the fashionable high-streets.

Smoking slippers on the other hand, now they still hold their high society standings.

They are not seen as sluggish or sleepy in any manner, but instead as classy casualness.

They can be seen paired still paired with blazers and yes jeans, but not the comfortable house type – the structured and precisely styled type.

Smoking slippers are ideal in terms of comfortable flats that still hold wonderful amounts of class and style.

They are easily styled and an ideal shoe for those who prefer to stay on the upper side of casual.

Her recently launched e-com site: “My Friends Wardrobe” reflects and fuels the above stances, as well as graciously allowing YOU to become actively involved in these roles that Diane knows so well.

My Friends Wardrobe is in its basics, a site where you can buy and sell pre-loved clothing.

With a standard quite typical of Hong Kong luxury, Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood and Chloe make regular appearances on the browsing platform, raising the ’2^nd hand’ bar to one that meets the consuming habits of most shoppers in Hong Kong.

Although there aren’t any hard rules that specifically allow one designer and not the other – Diane’s curation does play its part in keeping ‘My Friends Wardrobe’ on a lusty level where coveting your ‘friends wardrobe’, is all part of the buying process.

Through ‘My Friends Wardrobe’ you can find the Tastemakers, serial shoppers, and designer buyers of Hong Kong and in a sense raid their wardrobe – for a fair price that is!

Once you have joined the ‘community’ you have the option of ‘following people’ who’s style you adore, size you fit, or look you want – making ‘Style Stalking’ a viable thing!

Shopping by designer or simply browsing the pre-loved pages of fashionable items are also options that the site suggests.

Now if there is an item or two that you decide would work perfectly into your existing wardrobe, the purchasing process holds a few steps simply to insure that the 2^nd hand item that your buying, is as well suited to the price and description as the seller suggest.

The team at ‘My Friends Wardrobe’ will pick up and inspect the item you want, assessing its quality, making sure it is as the seller described – and if so, will deliver it to the buyer, wrapped in tissue paper and resembling a ‘new’ item in cleanliness and presentation.

‘My Friends Wardrobe” will also hold your payment for your security until they manually check the quality of the item, making sure you are getting exactly what you are paying for.

And with a strict NO FAKE POLICY – one thing you are insured of is genuine designer goods.

A percentage (TBC) of the price paid, goes back to ‘My Friends Wardrobe’ as commission for hosting and delivering the sellers 2^nd hand items, and the seller begins to build an on-line portfolio.

Buyers are encouraged to post comments and questions to sellers in order to get more details on items on sale, and to keep a flow of genuine goods and fair fashion on the site.

I recently went through the process of having two items delivered to me – a Christian Dior silver clutch and a pair of stilettos which will become my Christmas FAVs with their red and green toe bows!

Both items were in fine condition – they lacked any wear and tear that damaged the overall look or function of the item and I suspect were closer to ‘new’ than ‘used’.

I absolutely recommend the buying process posed by ‘My Friends Wardrobe’..

And, will tell you more about the selling process in due time!

I have a stack of clothes and shoes to feature on the site (once up I will post the news on Facebook for you to keep an eye on!) and will document the process for you to get a better idea of what’s involved from the sellers position.

This 1960′s frayed embellishment, which once played a major fashion role in the wardrobes of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin has now been resurrected and re-styled by that the likes of Tastemakers like Chanel Iman and Ruby Aldridge and designers like Isabel Marant.

Fashions elite have taken what once seemed like a musicians psychedelic uniform and adapted it to the modern culture.

This textured detail can take on an array of personas – the western spirit or subtly bohemian vibe runs stong, as does the intensely rock’n'roll theme and, as ‘The Great Gatsby’ is on the minds of most fashionistas, the 1920′s hails its swinging part too!

Now take your pick!

When wearing fringing this season, you dont need to type cast yourself into any of the above, but simply draw inspiration from them.

Perhaps consider a denim fringe vest layered over a tailored blazer and white button-up shirt, teamed with studded leather pants, strappy sandals, and a Wide Brim Hat? Part Western (wide brimmed hat), part BoHo (denim vest) and part Rock (studded leather pants).

Fringing can be worn in a various mixed manners that result in perfectly cool ensembles that boasts a unique and modern flare

Not restricted at all to day-time attire, fringing can take on the evening and merge into outfits that are as edgy as they are glamorous.

Try a black fringed dress, slinky and full of movement for a slip of sexiness after-hours.

Or if the direction you would like to head is more low key – look for a classic brown suede jacket with fringing details that can be layered over a fine knit and oversized cardi and a pair of linen haram pants.

Whatever way you work this seasons fringing, it is an accompany to both night and day apparel and will have you standing out in the crowd!

This season, draw inspiration from a surfers life.

Think neon boat shoes, relaxed totes, Hawaii-inspired jewels, swim cut tops, and colour-print, coulour-print, coulour-print!

This theme is not as skimpy as a triage bikini, so don’t worry about the revealing factor – nor is it made with heavy wet-suit material! So no, your not going to over-heat!

This theme is more experimental in the larger sense of a surfers life.

It’s about taking the beachy details and wearing them in rather unpredictable ways.

For example printed coconut palm tress on your city pumps, or the neon brights of a surfers board-shorts on your structured body-con dress.

Summer is time to be playful!

Leave the florals and the foliage prints to Spring and dive into the deep turquoise tones of the Caribbean, wear your hair in mermaid waves and smack bright coral tones on your lips!

Summer is fresh, it’s vibrant and it’s all about creating a fierce athletic look via surf inspired details.

My suggestion: Keep an eye out for pineapple print Tshirts or shorts in a singular but flashy colour like colbolt blue or coral orange – these items are some of the easiest to work into wardrobes and use to mix’n'match!

Once you get a feel for the colours and the tropical theme, then you can confidently start orientating your way to bright pumps or loud mini-skirts!

This central city, Hong Kong based urban spa is a space of pure sophistication.

Perfectly situated between the comforts of vintage and the sleekness of modern living you’ll find on arrival your welcomed to lounge in the largeness of the scuffed brown, worn leather of armchairs set amongst the surroundings of stark black and white detailing, polished and sparkling with the gleam of modern adornments.

This feeling of ‘familiar yet brand-spaking-new’ translates into the way in which Flawless has positioned itself on all levels.

There is an easily identifiable familiarity that allows relaxation on entering this surprisingly spacious spa – and yet the techniques and treatments this urban delight has to offer are fresh!

They breath life into the predictability that so many spas have become and offer both newness and trusted quality.

(ABOVE: Sandra Grau – the owner and beautiful force behind ‘Flawless’)

The prices Flawless pitch are in perfect tone too.

I booked in for a Shellac manicure and pedicure (HK$850 – 135min) which are perfection in their appearance.

I changed my nail shape from square to wonderfully pointed and went for a light pink pearl on my hands – not a colour I would usually choose, the colour options were on the slim side and it was as close to ‘nude’ as my skin tone suited.

The initial ‘ohhhh well’ reaction to the colour resulted in a completely different response once completed and I am now thankful for the nudge in a new nail direction.

Delicate in colour, in shape and in thickness, my nails now look fabulously manicured in the most natural of ways – my guesses are you’d suspect they were natural if I hadn’t just been so honest in their fake base.

My husband found the new nail style and colour pleasingly feminine! Without any ‘Jazz Hand’ performance to make him notice the newness, he opted up compliments.

My tootsies break the colour matching rule as I opted for a fiery orange to coat my nails.

The process in perfecting the presentation of my feet had me realizing just how much I need to make regular pedicure appointments. Stepping out with sculptured toenails now gives me every reason to embrace summers strappy styled shoes!

Ohhhh – and the massages!

I was treated to a quick hand and and foot massage after each of my treatments, a service I have NEVER had performed as thoroughly as at Flawless.

FLAWLESS

4TH FLOOR, SEA BIRD HOUSE,

22-28 WYNDHAM STREET,

CENTRAL,

HONG KONG

TELEPHONE:  (852) 2869 5868

EMAIL:  BOOKINGS@FLAWLESS.HK.

NOT to be paired with metallic blue eye-shadow the wooden heel is claiming THIS season as its own, and in turn creating a little distance between the 70′s fashion fads and itself.

You’ll find wooden chunky heels, although robust in their form, are taking on a more delicate appearance with their finely balanced contrast of a light wooden heel and either a tan or black topper.

Usually rounded at the toe, or with a soft and thickly spaced straps, they are the perfect heel for the more tom boy of dressers.

They are neither flouncy or overly elegant, making the an easy heel to master for the more casually inclined.

They work amazingly with skinny jeans, short skirts and shorts – in fact wearing them with anything that is slightly ‘western’ in theme works well and brings out the Daisy Duke in its wearer too! The more casual the attire, the better these heels will compliment them.

The wooden chunky heel draws attention to your legs with their largeness, making your legs look in contrast, long and thin.

A fabulous balancing act for any leg type!

A summer favourite for their low key manner, the chunky wooden heel is a sparky alternative to your classic flats and due to their structure are as easy a shoe to walk in!

I recently styled a post for Education Post, the online education media of ‘South Morning China Post’ Group – looking at how accountants can work their image in the office by following… – looking at how accountants can work their image in the office by following the conservative rules of a ‘suit’ but exploring colour, print and texture to upgrade their look from being quite predictable, to being more fashionable!

Check out the article HERE

Yes, by nature they are conservative, and represent societies structure, but they are also an outlet for maverick style.

With a shortened cuff or a inserted panel, you can turn a suit from the expected norm into a fashionistas stage for broadcasting something completely unexpected.

Now as drastic as that whole process sounds, the reality is that it’s quite simple to achieve.

Here’s a few tips on how to take a suit and wear it like it is a catwalk creation and not an office uniform regulation.

|| Partner it with Patterns ||

Step away from the grey, black and navy and insert some personality into your suit choice via the loudness of patterns and print. Opt for a colour of vibrancy that is focused on your SUIT, not the blouse or pants your wear which is the usual way.

Break the rules a little and switch things round by keeping your blouse/trousers neutral and your suit full of life!

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|| Cropped Trousers||

With a slight hitch to your hem-line, you can re-mold a suit to holding an extremely modern way about it.

Matching your traditional suit jacket to a pair of Capri pants will add a chic cuteness to your classic suit.

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|| Inserts ||

Wearing a navy blue suit with a black lapel, or a grey with black (the colour choice it completely open ended!) will add a depth to your suit that can only be dubbed as fashion forward.

This ever so slight alteration is not only wonderfully appropriate for the office in its subtlety but perhaps the easiest fashion forward alteration that can be made to a suit!

Which men, you’ll want to take into consideration when dressing in what is a seasonal fav.

That is unless you decide to keep your stripes to your watch strap, socks or bowtie – in which case, you are less restricted by the rules that denote whether you’ll look like a Tommy Hilfiger model or a Sesame Street character.

If a Tshirt, shirt or pullover is the focal point of your stripes, then you’ll need to know that you have two fundamental options to consider when choosing between the kinds of stripes to wear: horizontal or vertical.

If your going to go horizontal, which is the more casual choice of the two, and seen more so on causal Tshirts and pullovers, then you’ve chosen what is also the more stylish (in terms of street fashion) stripe.

Now rule number one is to keep in mind that the horizontal stripe, is also an optical illusion of sorts.

These stripes work to make you look wider, and if your already wide or large or heavy set or over-weight – no matter what you call it – stripes will only work to emphasize this.

So be wary!

Vertical stripes on the other hand, do the opposite.

They don’t carry the negative side effects that the horizontal stripe does. In fact, it will work to elongate your torso, creating a leaner frame.

For the shorter man, the vertical stripe is a tool to make you seem taller – an optical illusion, that unlike the horizontal stripe – works in your favour!

Now the weight of the stripes themselves also play into the way your body size/weight is perceived.

The thicker the stripe the thicker you will seem – the smaller the stripe, the thinner you will seem. Now this is equally applied to both horizontal and vertical stripes.

This strong Spring motif, does come with it’s fair amount of rules and restrictions.

But don’t’ over think it!

Designers know the way in which stripes work and have done most of the deciding work for you – only presenting stripes that will make the wearers of their clothes look effortlessly stylish!

J.Crew, Dolce & Gabbana or Zara Men (wherever you decide to buy this seasons stripes from) will not let you down!

To dress in the most flattering of ways is to simply know your proportions.

Once you have your body shape and personal proportions figured out, fit flows easy after that!

One aspect of your body that you should always keep in mind when dressing is your bone structure.

Now keep in mind that the size of your bones has nothing to do with your weight. A large woman can be small boned just as a slim woman can be large boned….

Take a look at your wrist and ankles.

If they seem proportionally delicate to your arms and legs, then your bones are fine and you have a fine bone structure.

On the other hand if your wrist and ankles are proportionally less distinct to your arms and legs, then you probably have large or heavy bones.

Now there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

So just keep in mind your structure and try match it up with this seasons ‘Ankle Strap’ trend.

Ankle straps, those comfortable and reliable things mean you never slip out of your shoes, you can strut with ease knowing your foot is secure, and they have a distinct sex appeal to them.

BUT – worn the wrong way and they will do your legs absolutely NO justice!

If you determined that you have a delicate bone structure, then you most likely have ‘Thin Ankles’, and if so you should…

• Wear THIN straps to show off your ankles to their best advantage.

• Look for slender rather than chunky heels

• Wear pointy toed heels that flatter the leg

• Small/fine details like side clasps or buckles work best with your bone structure.

• Look for fine heels with minimal detailing so not to distract from your natural sleekness.

If you have discovered your bones are on the heavier side, determining you to have ‘thick ankles’ then here’s what to do…

• Wear styles with detail at the front, that draw attention away from the ankle.

• Look for heels that comes straight down from the base of the shoe giving your ankle shape.

• More substantial shoes, in proportion with your ankle, for example – a platform shoe , a chunky loafer or wedge – are going to work awesomely with your proportions
• Round toed shoes look wonderful on you.
• Styles with bold details like buckles, patterns, flowers and bows or loud prints are styles you can carry off perfectly.
• And as for straps – go WIDE! Look for ankle straps that are going to match in with your equally wide bone structure

It defines.
It stops lipstick from bleeding and your face from seeming older than it is
It can create defined a defined shape and even change the natural shape of your lips!
And it ensures long lasting lipstick.

Now here’s how to use lipliner to your advantage.

1). CREATE A LUSH LINE
Start from the corner of your upper life and draw your lip pencil upwards.
This is going to help create a fuller lip.
If you draw the line from the middle down into the corners, what your essentially doing is dragging your lip line down and thinning your lips.
So for plumper kissers, go from the corners upwards.
Then finish the upper lip by drawing in the shape of your cupids bow.
Then repeat on the bottom lip, drawing upwards for extra boost

2). FILLERS
To create a real depth of colour and a long lasting lip base, fill your lips in with the lipliner.
The extra advantage of doing this is that lipliner has a tendency to stay put on your lips even after your lipstick has worn off!
So a cocktail or 3 down the track, with more lipstick on your glass than on your lips, your lipliner will still be keeping all beauty appearances up!

3). THE FIRST COAT
Time to fill your lined lips in with an initial coat of your chosen lipstick.
Now in terms of colour matching, you should ideally choose the same tone as your lipliner – always try to match the both as closes as is possible.
Again, work for the corners up and to the centre to plump up your look!

4). THE PRESS
Now don’t think of this next step as a waste of good lippy!
Yes, it’s practically pressed off during this step, but just like the lipliner, it also ensures long lasting lippy perfection!
Take a swab of tissue or toilet paper and put it between your lipstick ready lips.
Press down on the paper once (do not wipe!) and then remove the tissue.
This action presses the lipstick to your lips, creating a wonderful base on which to apply your final coat.

5). LIP SMACKING READY
This is the final step in basic lippy application for lush lips!
Swipe the same colour over the base you have created and presto!  Your lips will be luscious and long lasting

TIP:
If your looking to add and extra element to your already perfect lips, at this final stage you can add a dollop of lipglass to the center of your top and bottom lips for a beauty boost.
Don’t smear the lipglass over your entire lips, it will only drip down over time and create a mess.
Placing lip gloss in the center highlights the fullest part of your lips, making them seems kissably larger!

MAC FASHION SETS
MAC cosmetics has released Fashion Sets (lipliner, lipstick, lipglass,eyeshadow and nail varnish) in complementary colors for fail proof combinations.
I have a colour from each of the three sets available at all M.A.C locations
Of which today, I used the ‘Embrace Me’ vivid pinkish fuchsia lipliner HK$145 and  ‘Embrace Me’ Lipstick (matte) at HK$145

Colour combinations from the other Fashion Sets are:

‘Heroine’ – Bright colbolt blue

‘Ablaze’ – Mid-tone coral

‘Silly’ – A clean blue pink

And as featured in this blog – “Embrace Me” which is a bright fuchsia.

- All images are from the REAL life behind-the-scenes action of the on-line boutique Backroom.

Ladies first up – if your thinking of wearing a pair of leggings as pants: DO IT!
I definitely do…
And secondly LOOK in the mirror before you leave the house!
If thunder-thighs is a description attributed to your body shape, then perhaps leggings are not going to be the most flattering on you.
These wonderfully snug and barely-there attire  absolutely need some sharp self-critiquing before they leave the house.

And if it is indeed your decision to brave the judging streets in fashion that is highly criticized but awesomely dramatic when worn right, then my one piece of advice for you: BALANCE

A balanced outfit is your saving grace – and your ticket to walk with the tastemakers and trendsetters of the glam world.
It also keeps the negative comments at bay.

If you wear a body hugging pair of leggings, then counterbalance that tightness with a draped and loose garment on your top half.

Try an oversized shirt, a boyfriend blazer or for the hotter of days a draped and loose singlet with a cropped denim vest overtop.
Whatever your upper garment is, it could range from a boys sweatshirt to a Grecian blouse, make sure it skims and swoops over your body and hangs quite long making sure that absolutely no waistband is vissable.
If you can see the top of you legging then your shirt is too short!
Covering up is the key.
That booty does not need to be on display!
You want to ensure that your legs are featured as the focal point (wearing heels with leggings will add to this!) and not the entire lower half of your body.

The rules are easy: Self Critique (& be honest), balance out your top & bottom half and remain conservatively covered.

If you tick all three style tips – hotties you’ve aced the legging look!

Now where to buy a pair… My pick is R.I.By.Carry – a local Hong Kong designer (check out my blog here for more info on her).
Sleek, chic and original in pattern and colour.
Not to mention her patterns and colourings are designed in a way to make your legs look slimmer (NICE!)

Ohhhhhh and ALSO – I received a skirt in the same funky print and similar material to the legging – I’ve paired both the leggins and the skirt with the same garments/accessories so you can see how easily interchangeable they are.

Check out her website HERE for more designs and styles

MY PICKS:

- Violet Earthquake Mini Skirt – USD 69.00 – Check it out HERE

- Pink Lightning Leggings – USD 69.00 – Check it out HERE

But my slightly raised eyebrow, seems resigned to lower itself as American Apparel presents a sartorial  selection that fits more adeptly into the Hong Kong market.
With especially designed limited edition pieces, sketched by the father of the Founder himself – alongside a curation that is toned to meet consumer market with confidence, the 1,500square foot urban brand has adapted and become a welcomed and well needed brand.

Featuring the companies signature basics, dresses, shoes, swimwear and its California select vintage products, as well as exclusive items for the Asian market, American Apparel is described by Morgan Tan, the Vice President of LAB concepts (where American Apparel is solely distributed) as having “a deep understanding of our customers needs”, and enabling LAB “to position and offer new exclusive brands every season to tailor to their evolving taste.”

“We have worked very carefully to develop a strategy for Hong Kong”, Tan continues – a comment that is evident in the way in which the brands longstanding reputation has been re-worked and projected to complimentHong Kong’s culture.

It just goes to show American Apparels ability to adapt and focus on the aspects of the clothing company that are both acceptable and recognizable to both expat and Asian consumers.

The teen focus continues to reign, with a few selections appropriate for the older consumers amongst us – with that said, I do have my eye on their Lycra cropped tops – one in black and a matching in white will no doubt play prominent roles on my wardrobe this summer!

LAB CONCEPT
QUEENSWAY PLAZA

Address:

Queensway Plaza,
93 Queensway,Hong Kong

Yet not always as predictable as you might think!

This season, sailor stripes are accompanied with some of the most adaptable accessorizing and styling, making the nautical theme a wonderfully easy one to pull into your personal style!

Take stripes for example – nothing is as sailor associated as navy stripes.

But if your feeling the urge to side step the norm, although continue to pay homage to the traditional, why not opt for the closely resembling black?

Or for more flavor red stripes are always a fantastic variation.

Just stare clear of any red and green combinations, this will only conjure thoughts of candy canes and Christmas!

Another link to the nautical, but more it’s operational side, are weaves.

Regardless of whether it’s rope woven together in an intricate way and worn as an accessory, or cane like material that forms bags – both are incredibly sea-like visually and hint on the nautical in a slight be easily read way.

For further subtle fashion references, try a neck tie.  So sweet and sailor like when worn looped and loose with a high neck Peter-Pan collared top or shirt.

For the same slight nautical flare, remove the stripes but hold the navy and work a monochromatic look with accents in white.

Brass, buckles and more masculine trimmings will work well into any attire.

Remembering that although the nautical works wonderfully on the female form , the key is to keep your look rather structured and semi-androgynous in nature.

A stark skirt or simply cotton striped top will represent nautical flair far better than a flouncy skirt or billowing blouse.

This season is all about structure and subtleties.

In all honesty those words really just don’t appeal.

My phobia of them induces feelings of stockiness, slouchy posture and overly laid-back attitude… none of which I admire at all.

But, flats are a summer necessity, and when the heat causes swollen, sweaty feet, the last thing you really want to be doing is stuffing your tootsies into a pair of pumps.

Open, strappy, flat sandals really are the footwear of choice, and as I’ve been experimenting with how exactly to wear them of recent – I’m finding that they are more versatile than their laid back reputation implies!

First up, in order for a flat sandal to look fashionable, it needs to be fashionable by itself!

Even the most talented of stylists will struggle with an ugly (but always comfortable) flat sandal, so you might as well do your styling self a favour and purchase a pair that are as good looking as they are comfortable!

Now since flat sandals are crafted for comfort, the same idea should follow through to your clothing.

That doesn’t mean you have to be too casual, simply err on the casual side.

Continue to wear your oversized statement earrings with your slouchy cotton Tshirt and patterned harem trousers or your plunging a-line maxi dress – but swap out the traditional summer wedges for some equally flattering flats!

The night time can also set the scene for a pair of flat sandals.

Simply make sure the pair you choose aren’t the overused and much loved, scuffed and stretched leather sandals you live your daily life in!

Swap these out for a more delicately put together pair of patient or embellished sandals and you’ll find that satin, slinky and sexy are words that will work in well with flats for an evening of fashionable ease on your feet!

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