the proof is in the pudding

Doesn't she look gorgeous? Ban.do rocks.

hello anonymous number 2 with the summer wedding shoulder covering dilemma

You are spoilt for choice! First is a little number I picked up in Sydney, you could take similar material (to suit your dress) to a tailor and ask them to make it for you, it's a very simple design. Second is a gorgeous Pocket Venus jacket from a few seasons ago, as worn by a very glam friend of mine (who has no head, the poor love). Next is another Pocket Venus beauty in silver which could be casual or dressed up with a vintage style brooch or corsage. Last, but not least, is a gorgeous cropped jacket I found on Net-A-Porter.

not remotely fascinated by fascinators

I can't stand them. Every single wedding album on facebook is full of the hideous things. It seems to me women panic when confronted by wedding attire options and run for John Lewis, only to be cajouled into purchasing some overpriced flimsy feather item (which, by the way 78 billion other people will also be wearing in a similar colour) to stick on their heads. I feel passionate that we should bring back enormous hats and giant corsages. Now, I am not one to complain without providing a solution so here you go. Feast your fascinatored feathered out eyes on the amazing vintage head peices at ban.do, brought to our attention by the lovely daily candy people, they can customise anything to your specification and post it all the way to little HK! Or, when next in London, find your inner child/creative hub and make your own (or ask the assistant nicely) at VV Rouleaux. Phew...thank goodness I got that off my chest!

"the economy is going to explode..

...so we can't go around buying organic carrots" says The Boy during a recent supermarket venture. My lord. Whatever next. I, on the other hand can't stop shopping, I am spending an unhealthy amount of time at the tailors and am somehow justifying it with the reasoning that, I, single-handedly, am keeping the economy afloat. I learnt a new phrase there this week. Lydia and I speak mostly in sign language regarding nips and tucks in clothing and with her attempt at English and my feeble Cantonese we get by. This week we were nipping in the new lace dress I bought in Sixty Six, Marylebone High Street. It's very of the moment and Prada esque, with a purple lace over a dark slate grey slip, yummy. Lydia called it "babai" which is better than "ho langer" (beautiful), it means stunning, which we got to after a lot of gestures and confusing descriptions of how brides look on their wedding days (by me). I plan to use it again, when I remember how to pronounce it, but isn't it exciting that you learn a new thing everyday? Lydia, 3/F, Yuen Yick Building, Wellington Street (almost opposite Yung Kee), Central, Hong Kong. It is best to call for an apppointment first, (852) 2522 5788.

six seasonal lessons

It may well be 30 odd degrees in Honkers and winter seems a decade away but I can't help getting excited about the autumn seasons shopping basket! There are some yummy items around, but despite what Vogue says I refuse to wear tartan, it's just too Rod Stewart. If I were you I'd stick to purples, pinks and greys. So lesson 1 - purchase a bright pink belt, to nip and tuck simple tops, shirts, cardi's and make them ten times more exciting. Lesson 2 - do the big pussy bow blouse, but buy a v-neck style so it nestles in your cleavage rather than strangling you (Mango has some great ones, see left). Lesson 3 - purple boots, is it just me or are these just the sexiest things in the world? The boy doesn't think so but remember he thought DVF was called DVD. Honestly. Onpedder has some amazing ones in the window but if you can't handle the price tag head to M&S for their Autograph version at GBP 49.50. Lesson 4 - oh the irony, just as I slim my thighs down they bring out wide leg jeans, how hum. The best pair are called Ginger at 7 for all mankind or try Mango for a HK$515 pair. Lesson 5 - a leather jacket, cute vintage styles can be found at Kookai, super soft pricier versions in gorgeous colours at Zadig & Voltaire and very small ones (warning you must have no boobs!) at Magic Wardrobe (see previous posts for details). Lesson 6 - last but not least boyfriend cardigan's, as the name suggests, slouchy, over-sized and in warm, cosy fabrics. Zadig & Soltaire have delicious ones but for cheaper versions try convincing a friend to buy you a light grey version from Gap in Tokyo or Singapore. Lessons over, you're set for the season honey! Let's all sit at home with the air con turned up high, loving our new purchases.

boyfriend cardi's and marylebone heaven

Clemmie loves her boyfriend cardi's, in all colours. She is super cool, I only met her for a few hours and she taught me the term "mashed" and introduced me to the uber trendy magazine Lula. Super cool. I was in London last week, so obviously went shopping, a lot. London shopping is stressful. I have found the perfect way to cope. Marylebone High Street is calm, cool and full of britishly beautiful boutiques. Start near The Conran Shop and go to Cath Kidston, pop across the road to Sixty Six for the best in designer goodies, Velvet tops, New York brand Only Hearts, Temperley and gorgeous handbags. Wander on to Emma Bridgewater, Matches and Brora. Pop into The Natural Kitchen for a latte and healthy fruit pots, then amble on to The White Company and Whistles but don't miss out on Daunt Books, the most amazing bookshop in London. Take a left down Marylebone Lane for French Sole, VV Rouleaux and the divine KJ's Laundry. If you have the stamina for more head for St Christopher's Place for a Jiggy injection (Jigsaw) and whoopsadaisy you are bang next to Selfridges!