cosy culottes

Trust me these are brilliant. Ridiculously comfortable, flattering and look great with a cropped top or silk shirt. I spied them at the new Aritzia store in Flatiron. Similar styles seen here are from & Other Stories and mohair from Whistles. 

shopping at cos..and finding great black trousers

I just found the best black trousers at Cos, maybe not a Memorial Day must-have but there you go. I popped into their Soho store and loved...this jumpsuit, this print, this metallic coat, this dress, this top, and this cut-out one, and these sandals. The culottes and jewels looked great too.

everyone in new york is wearing…

I can't stop posting black and white pics. Anyway, I've seen a lot of culottes at Christmas parties these past few weeks, they look amazing and are great for impromptu lunging/dancing. Obviously. I wore my jumpsuit one with feathers. Someone thought it was Celine but they were probably very drunk. Another friend had a Tibi pair and another girl wore hers with pop socks and cool pointy pumps….lovely. What I really had my eye on though was the leather bow my hairdresser wore (Mai at Bumble & Bumble downtown, amazing colorist), she always always wears black and was rocking this large leather bow around her neck. Great idea, a twist on the 70s blouse look which was all over the catwalks. You could add it to a simple grey t-shirt and wear with skinny trousers or a big skirt like this one (worn by Alex at The Frugality), found these ones on etsy. Great Christmas day outfit?

animal print trousers by zara

I got so many comments on these Zara trousers in the summer, they were more leopardy than the ones above but the same slouchy cool style. This pair landed earlier in the week. If you gobbled too much this weekend they have an elasticated waist. Whoop! 

h&m sequined out

Sorry for the late post this week, I've been at a wedding in Switzerland, a lot of fun, I will post pics soon. Now you may look at these and think ridiculous….but honestly they are great. Add a baggy jumper or t-shirt and they can look brilliant, plus you could add a blazer for a party…and all for only 39.95 USD, sold out in store but still available online x

that whistles coat (...plus sales!)

This coat makes me want to wear a ridiculous dress, high high heels and drink cocktails in an old fashioned UES bar. Whistles are offering 25% off until 6 Oct with code WH25AW14. You might also like these lace culottes, this off the shoulder top, this knit dress, this lace top or this navy fedora. Remember Bloomingdales are stocking Whistles and have started their Friends and Family 20% off sale and Warehouse have 50% off too...code 50FREE, I love this cape.

skinny black jeans

A stylish girlfriend recently recommended Whistles jeans, they are mid rise, stretchy comfortable and jet black. Skinny legs. Boom. The key is in the mid rise cut (especially for those of us with babes :) ), the Frame Le Skinny de Jeanne are also completely amazing, and apparently a Madewell pair are the worlds most flattering jeans according to Cup of Jo. So there you go.

*image from pinterest

zara printed trousers

I spied these on a glam mum in Bleecker playground. I know. They are silky feeling (polyester mmmm hot), lightweight and nip in at the ankle. Zara online seems to have sold out but try in store as I saw a few pairs left on 5th Avenue for 24.99 USD.

light blue gap jeans

These are on my wish list for spring (if it ever arrives), they look great with slippers or pointy flats. Always Skinny and Boyfriend Jeans from Gap.

embrace yellow

Inspired by the yellow at the Emmys I purchased this bright cashmere jumper at Uniqlo this week (they have a sale on cashmere until Sunday), love it with grey skinnys and spiky jewels. 

Yellow cashmere jumper at Uniqlo / Anton Heunis necklace and earrings at My Wardrobe / Skinny Jeans by Rag & Bone (image via Shopbop)

gold is the new black

Ok I got a bit carried away with the gold theme. Just loving the GB team in the Olympics and their incredible gold rush this weekend, even Murray had a smile for us. We rock x

from top left: Maje top, Giles & Brother bracelet, Temperley sequin skirt, Topshop glitter ballet pumps, Isabel Marant necklace, Stella McCartney necklace, Mulberry Bayswater, Stella McCartney trousers, DVF shorts

floral trousers

They look so good it makes you want  some...if you can find them. The Topshop (worn by Olivia) pair have sold out, but you can still find a few at Zara or River Island at Asos...wear with a neutral top (or pick a colour from the trouser print) and add a black or navy (less harsh with softer colours) blazer.

hong kong sales: vintage at cat street and summer at the space

Twiggy is excited...and so should you be...

Tacina Smith is coming back to HK to host another fabulous vintage sale. She will be at Cat Street Gallery on Thursday 16th June in the evening, and Friday 17th and Saturday 18th during the day. Expect to see lots of Ossie Clark, Dior, Louis Feraud, Ungaro, Bruce Oldfield, Caroline Charles, Biba and Vivienne Westwood. I went to her last sale and picked up three awesome dresses so you shouldn't miss this one.

Summer Sale at the Space this Saturday, I posted last week so this is just a little reminder to pop along. Some of my favourite brands are there, including Nude is Rude (gorgeous basics), Niin (glam ethical jewelry), Melissa Lo (stylish gems and jewels), Marijoli (unique cuffs, earrings and more), Mirth (interiors heaven), Gizzy & Nacho (cool LA labels), Kapok (Star street style gurus) and Flaunt (flirty and pretty lingerie labels from the US and Aus)...plus much more. See you there x

hong kong style: the best way to do colour

I am loving the colour movement. The brights in the shops rock right now. As usual Zara has nailed it, with eye-popping blue dresses, pinks, oranges, dusky pink and fuchsias. Nothing says colour better than a jean or trouser though. Reserved for the brave, the savvy wearer knows that colour blocking works and they don't mind being likened to a zoom ice lolly. So join them, yes you can add a neutral colour / grey top / navy blazer, but don't chicken out. Do it while you can, we will be back to dull and dreary minimal before you know it.

Red jeans by Acquaverde, from Rue Madame, they have them in light pink (ideal for Hong Kong summer) and teal too (this colour has sold out but more stock is coming soon...)

Blush coloured jeans by Rag & Bone, from Net-A-Porter

Bright pink skinny trousers, love them, by Zara

And in blue, they do jeans too, by Zara

Can't face those options? I love this dress, seems everyone else did too as it has virtually sold out, if you see it, buy it, Zara

the best flares in town

I have been searching for the perfect flares. A break from the skinnys, they are ridiculously flattering, great with wedges and rock the 70s trend. So take advantage of our (rather manky) cooler March/April weather and try some out. Here are the best flares around...

The fashion insiders fave, the Marrakesh by MiH, available from My-Wardrobe, also try their New York style for a slimmer flare

A slightly more subtle flare from Rag & Bone, available from Net-A-Porter

Wide leg trouser jean, smarten up and you could wear them to work, from Gap

Some flare inspiration from The Sartorialist...

hong kong style dilemma: how to wear pleats

I've recently been emailed and quizzed a lot by my styling clients about pleated skirts....and yep, they are tricky to wear, but pleats are a key trend for Spring/Summer so why not try them? Skirts in general are making a come back this year, and after our obsession with the dress and skinny trousers, isn't it nice to see a touch of ladylike dressing? So here are some options and ideas on how to wear your pleats...

Q: Can I wear them? A: Yes, try to mix them up with some of the bright colours which are out at the moment, or toughen the look up with a leather jacket or rocking heels

Q: Will I look like a granny? A: Nope, just make sure you don't wear court shoes, try platforms or on-trend heels (see below the blush pink pleats styled by My-Wardrobe), ballet pumps, which were seen on the catwalk, are only for the brave

Q: What do I wear them with? A: Nothing bulky or floaty on top, team with a white or grey t-shirt / slim blouse / colourful skinny belt / lightweight knits...keep it simple

Carrie Pleat Skirt from Whistles in a delicious pink, I guarantee this will be sold out soon!

Tick two trends with one item, a camel number from Zara

Ballet inspired blush pink pleats from D&G at My-Wardrobe

Simple black, easy for work and evenings out, from Topshop

...and if you fall in love with pleats then go for the whole look, I love this dress by Halston Heritage at My-Wardrobe

stylish, slimming sportswear

Happy New Year! I hope 2011 is rocking so far for you. January, time to talk about sportswear. I went to Vancouver last year (amazing thrift shopping by the way) and discovered that the entire city was clothed in Lululemon. At first I wasn't too sure about this obsession, as a Hong Kong girl I am not used to walking around all day in yoga gear, its all heels and manicures here. I succumbed and bought some of their yoga trousers, whoop, my legs look awesome, I got oodles of compliments, plus I can wear them to yoga and work, as they look a little like the J Brand Agnes. Whilst in Lululemon land I was lucky enough to hang out with their Head of Design Shannon, and her super cool boyfriend Hamish (who is a fantastic photographer, see his site here), so I quizzed her on her role and why their sportswear rocks so much...

The gorgeous Hamish and Shannon

1 - How did you come to work for Lululemon, how long have you been there?

I’ve been with lululemon for just over five years now. When I started, the company was so much smaller than it is now. I think we had only 20 stores and had only just started opening up California. We have about 150 stores now and are a publicly traded company.

I was already based in Vancouver from doing my bachelor’s degree here and was a huge fan of lululemon already. I have always been an avid athlete and was very into yoga so I love their products and what the company stands for. One of my best friends from school had started as a designer a few months prior and told me to apply because they were growing quickly and needed more talent. So I did and started about a month later working on the mens line as a design assistant. We’re both still there and have since had all of our close industry friends hired as well! We’re one big family. Now I am overseeing womens run, outerwear and mens.

2 - What is a typical day for a the Head of Design at Lululemon?

We should almost look at a typical month because every day is so different depending on where we are in the season! Most of my time in my days are spent communicating. I am in constant conversations with all of my cross-functional team members and with my design team. Whether it is about the current line, the future season, the issues in production, what is happening on the retail floor, what is happening in the industry, it is a ever-changing puzzle that takes full focus every day.

I spend a lot of time traveling to Europe, Asia and to our store locations as well for research, development and inspiration at all levels of the business. When I look at a week ahead, my days are split between creative & research time, important meetings about current issues or future developments, fittings with the design & development team on current product, and if I can squeeze it in, “nothing” time so I can think.

3 - What do you like/dislike about your job?

I love the opportunities, the people I work with and how the product affects the world. It is extremely positive. But it is also very fast paced as all of the apparel industry is and because we are a high-growth company at the moment sometimes there is more opportunity within my role than I can handle! It’s a funny thing to say that a dislike could be too much opportunity!

4 - Is it the cut and contours of the trousers (and other pieces) which makes my legs look so slim?! Is that a deliberate design strategy?

It is absolutely 100% deliberate. One of the original intentions of lululemon product was to provide women with product that allowed them to look and feel great (while being 100% functional) during their athletic endeavors because this was an area of the market not being serviced. Every product that we design goes through excruciating debate and analysis on the body during development to ensure that every seam is enhancing the female figure. We want you to feel amazing about yourself. And it’s important that the designs are classic and timeless enough that you can wear our pieces for years.

5 - Which are your 3 favourite pieces from the current Lululemon collection? Are there any great items coming up in the 2011 collection which we should keep an eye out for?

My favorite pieces of the moment are a special input of winter running products called the “Resolution Line” that delivered on Dec 26th. We planned this specially for people returning with gift certificates ready to take on the new year with new goals and new energy. The line is full of cozy performance fabrics that feel buttery soft against your skin – comforting enough to get you out of bed on a cold morning. Check it out online!

In 2011 we have so much in store! We’ve honed in on hot yoga as a category, UV protection, cycling and commuting, as well as regular yoga and run.

My personal favorite of the moment is every version of a beautiful sweater wrap for apres-yoga. They are gorgeous! Antonia the yoga designer outdoes herself every time we delivery a new one!

6 - What do you think makes the brand stand out against other sportswear clothing brands?

We are out to elevate the world by inspiring people to take themselves on and be the best version of themselves. We provide components for people to live longer, healthier, fun lives — from our product to our goal setting tools to our support of our communities, to our ambassador programs for local athletes. We are devoted to living authentic lives. Being creative, spontaneous, having fun, following our passions, our dreams and embracing the challenges along the way. There aren’t many brands in the world with such high aspirations! I think the world needs us.

You can pop to their store in Hong Kong or purchase some items at Pure Yoga. Enjoy x

london update

Most of you are about to jump on a plane home to fffwwweeeeezing England. A few updates from the London scene: not enough cape wearing for my liking (such a gorgeous winter trend!), a lot of fur, especially hats (or was that just the Russians in Selfridges?), a sprinkling of chavs, lots of grumpy taxi drivers, gorgeous winter window displays and festive Christmas lights everywhere. I find London trips are great for stocking up on the staples, as well as discovering new shops. Lucy in Disguise, Lily Allen's new vintage store was one of those, defo worth a visit, and I finally found time to browse around Dover Street Market, plus I found a fabulous wedding dress boutique. Enjoy your trip, I'm jealous.com x

Staple 1: Is a leather skirt a staple? Whatever

Staple 2: Snood, obviously I bought it in grey, not cream, from GAP

Staple 3: Heat tech tops from Uniqlo, you can actually wear them without looking like your gran

Staple 4: Cargo skinnys from GAP, again

Staple 5: Stock up on new French Soles

Staple 6: Slick and simple riding boots from Office

Staple 7: Long jewel coloured leather gloves from Jigsaw, why not?

Pretty lights on Marylebone High Street

Lucy in Disguise in Covent Garden

I found a great leather skirt there, some well priced vintage dresses and stylish hats, they hire out a lot of items and host girlie pre-party pampering evenings. There is an area for boys too, with one of those x box things to distract them from nagging you

Contemplating getting married again, probably to the same man, but in a dress from here

Sloane Square and Peter Jones, always comforting

save the date...a christmas affair

I am back, with a touch of lag d'jet. Christmas fairs everywhere but this one can't be missed, all our favourite brands in one place...Cochine, Nude is Rude, Niin, Kiribati, Halo and much more...

introducing nude is rude

Of course you've booked your Oyster 655 to sail round the islands off Phuket this Christmas. You need outfits for said trip. A mix of glamour and comfort is the key to stylish yachting attire. I've found you a brand new boutique which is ideal for holidays, and perfect for when you get home too. Marisa Zeman has launched her own label Nude is Rude, we met up in her showroom and I wasn't intending to buy anything, 2 hours later and whoops. I know a few people who have done the same. Love her stuff, perfect for posing on the pontoon, by the pool/beach bar/club la la. I found outfit upon outfit, from cosy soft cottons in great shapes to slinky silk dresses, foxy jumpsuits (I'm in heaven) and kaftans in fabulous Matthew Williamson-style prints. Her prices are spot on, from around HK$580 upwards. The hot Kiribati bikinis by Bridie are also available, as are my favourite Cochine candles and scents by Kate. Jewellery and bags are coming soon, she's been a busy bee. Pop in before the masses find out and snap it all up. Call first on +852 2867 8842, 16/F, No.1 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong.

Love rug

I headed straight for this rail, love the gold

Stylish casual separates which can be dressed up very easily

More gold

Gorgeous silk kaftans, shirts and dresses

Bright prints, perfect for posing

I really wanted to steal this mirror, spot the lovely candles and bikinis too...