hong kong sales | ribbons & roses | bejewelled bespoke | the powder room | marijoli | dimsum & thensome | s.nine

Missing my beloved Hong Kong...especially at this time of year when the parties are ridiculous and I am wearing 78 thermals and my friends are all rocking around the islands in kaftans. Ho hum. Enjoy these fabulous sales girls... xxxx

hong kong girls launch online sustainable fashion boutique a boy named sue

Hong Kong girls Sam and Tania have just launched their new online boutique, A Boy Named Sue. Their mission was to find sustainable fashion labels which look good. I think they've succeeded, love this jacket made from reclaimed leather, the iPad cover/clutch (very this season), pink bobble hat (everyone in NYC seems to be wearing these...see stylish ways here) and a simple soft grey tee. P.s they ship all over our little world...

loving the h&m floral print dress

Loving these floral print dresses from H&M. Add stylish accessories (vintage bag, cute short boots, gold cuff or layer a big necklace for the evening) and nobody will know it cost 30 USD!

h&m collaborate with maison martin margiela

Will you be queuing for this new H&M designer collaboration? Check out the video from last night's starry launch in this amazing venue in New York. I  love these looks...see the whole collection here. Maison Martin Margiela for H&M lands on November 15, get your sleeping bag ready. 

hong kongers...secret sale at cat street gallery

Some Saigon lovelies will be hosting a sale for their labels on Friday 5 October. Wondaland (which you've heard lots about), THLHO (new label from the Head Designer at Theory) and stylish bags by Eddie Harrop. Head to Cat Street Gallery, 222 Hollywood Road, 11am-8pm. Enjoy x

harlex handbags in hong kong

Sometimes simple bags are best. Harlex Hong Kong designs beautiful ipad cases, clutches and this gorgeous cream and gold number. More affordable than a Miu Miu at 225 USD.

cos hong kong...what the fashion editors buy

So did you pop into the new Cos store in Hong Kong yesterday? Did you love it? I quizzed a few fashion editor friends in London on what they go for...they always pick up simple dresses for work, well cut jackets which look way more expensive that they are, and classic tops and trousers in great colours. They also reckon the underwear is very reasonable. So enjoy Hong Kongers! And Cos Gods...next stop NYC please...

new york and hong kong happenings this week

You know me, I don't post on anything I wouldn't love to buy, have bought or would get out of bed for...so check these out happening this week...

WHEN: 6/19 – 6/24; Tue-Sat (10-8), Sun (noon-5)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
(Between 28th & 29th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
N / R/ 6 Trains to 28th Street

* via the stylish city

 

J.Crew opening in Hong Kong + Cos arriving soon...

I'm in the Hamptons, the home of the prepster crew, so it seems fitting that the news broke about J.Crew landing in Hong Kong at Lane Crawford this October. I quizzed the New York girls on what they buy there...classic tees are a hit, so are the jewels, the cece ballet flats are the comfiest around and everyone loves the cashmere. So there you go, get excited Hong Kong...Cos arriving soon too, opening on Thursday 28th June.

high high heels at charlotte olympia

If I could wear super high heels without wobbling there is no doubt I would wear Charlotte Olympia. Rocking colours, great design and the odd quirky detail here and there. If you love high high heels you must check out her new boutique in New York at 22 East 65th Street, or at OnPedder in Hong Kong. I am the ballet-pump-wearing-wimp who buys the earrings.

hong kong news..topshop at harvey nichols...victoria beckham and more...

Lots happening in HK. My blogger spies are at a special presentation by farfetch - if you don't know them check their site out. Topshop is launching another mini collection, this time at Harvey Nichols, they will stock designer collaborations and Topshop Unique (as heard on the D'Vine), Victoria Beckham will be in town next Wednesday at Lane Crawford introducing her Victoria Victoria Beckham designs and new handbag designer, Bracher Emden, has arrived at I.T. Enjoy!



(Brache Emden clutch, Topshop dress, Victoria Victoria Beckham dress, 3.1 Phillip Lim playsuit at farfetch)

introducing hong kong boutique the9thmuse

The9thMuse officially opened last weekend in Hong Kong, they have a showroom on Lyndhurst Terrace and are well worth checking out for gorgeous well-priced jewellery. The girls behind it are high school roommates and long time friends Charlotte and Jing, together they've have sourced unique pieces from independent designers in New York, LA, Chicago and Europe. Love it. P.s. they ship internationally.

cos opening in hong kong..net-a-porter hong kong...and secret sales

So much going on in the Kong. I heard a rumour COS was opening and its been confirmed, arriving this summer on Queens Road Central! Net-A-Porter are expanding to Asia and looking for fabulous people - if you're keen check here or contact Jeanine at Niin or pop along to her event at The Space tomorrow (flyer below). Orlebar Brown are popping up at Sidewalk boutique for two weeks so stop the boy from looking like Tony Blair on holiday any longer and pop along to the launch - 4 Gough Street - Thursday 8 March - 7-10pm.

what to buy...marni at h&m

Are you going to queue for Marni at H&M?  I think I'd rather chew my arm off. I wholeheartedly approve of this designer collaboration though, I love Marni and their standout prints and chunky jewellery. If you brave the mayhem...head straight for these...launches this Thursday 8 March...

 

forever 21 hong kong...opens today

So Forever 21 opened today in the beloved Kong. Did you see the scrum? Can you cope? Nope. Thought not. So I peeked in the Union Square New York branch for you...and sifted out the good stuff...

(p.s the pics are taken with instagram so some colours are odd - i.e. the pinks look more red - but they are a rocking pink and look fab on so go try them, oh and the blue jacket sold out - its a goodie...oh and the hat selection is really good...oh and check out the peasanty tops...very Isabel Marant...)

 

...check more pics out on Instagram @secretstylist...

Forever 21 Hong Kong

5-19 Jardine’s Bazaar
Capitol Centre
Causeway Bay

where to find...thrift chic

Saving money. Not something that comes naturally to me, but recently I have embraced the thrift world. The fleas, the seconds stores, consignment, items posing as vintage, pre-loved.....yep all of it. And I love it. Why?

1) Designer goodies can be discovered for a quarter of the price
2) You find things you saw donkeys ago and never bought (or they sold out)
3) You won't rock up to a party/wedding/bar in Zara like every other person on the planet
4) Its good for the environment
5) You feel smug afterwards

So here is where to go....

New York - there are a gazillion places and I don't profess to know all of them...but I like...

Second Time Around - Always great (see pink dress below), I saw a stunning Dior jacket in 7th Avenue and a very pretty Tibi dress in Thompson St / Mott St / Upper East Side
INA - I saw a stunning DKNY leather laser-cut dress for USD 125 (looked like it was worth USD 1000) in their Thompson St branch
Housing Works - I like the one on West 10th Street but others are meant to be great too, especially for furniture
Williamsburg Flea - I have seen furry coats for USD 60, bought a gorgeous cocktail stand for USD 30 and a vintage looking rocking chair for USD 50...ahhhh love it, it reopens in April

London - my favourites are...

Mary's Living & Giving Shops for Save the Children - these are brilliant because the trash has been removed and you often get designers lending items, head to Primrose Hill and Westbourne Grove

Hong Kong - a rarity but...

The Oxfam Shop under Jardine House can be a treasure trove of Tai tai cast-offs!

There has been a mixed reaction to this bag but come summer I reckon everyone will love it. It is a beautiful jade green with gold piping and the gold shell-style clasp is too pretty. Zoe Knight unfortunately no longer designs, she is however, one half of stylish boutique Wolf & Badger in London. I found this bag in Mary's Living & Giving shop in Primrose Hill. They have amazing stuff. I nearly bought a vintage pram there I loved it so much. Mental.

This gorgeous (fake) fur gilet (or as they say here - vest) was GBP 40, from JK clothing in Cranleigh, in deepest darkest Surrey

This dress is by Milly, I bought it at Second Time Around (UES) for USD 99, it was originally USD 400. The pic doesn't do it justice but the colour, shape and V back are stunning...an ideal look for SS12

new year's resolution...wear more hats

One very nice thing about living in New York is that no one really cares what you wear, they won't blink if you rock a tutu on a Monday afternoon and they certainly won't think you are a poser if you wear a hat (unlike my adorable p*ss-taking UK friends). I adore hats. They are perfect for hiding under when you are hungover, and they make a simple outfit suddenly more interesting. There are some great bargains to be had in the sale so why not try one out...

From left to right...

Blue hat from Matches, in the sale for GBP 94, free delivery worldwide until 16 Jan

Navy hat from Zara, also in the sale 119HKD (roughly GBP 9), a billy bargain

Browny/grey 70s style from Rag & Bone, 75 USD in the sale

Claret (very winter 2012) trilby from Topshop, now GBP 12 in the sale

Camel outback hat from the loveliest East Village store, Pork Pie Hatters, 60 USD

Classic black fedora from Rag & Bone again, 150 USD

christmas gift guide...part three...bea

Last, but not least, Bea. Incredibly busy and very important. The world will implode if she takes her eye off her blackberry. She needs to chill. Insist that she relaxes this Christmas and indulge her with...

a glamorous hotel room for the night (Mr & Mrs Smith)
starry silk pyjamas to wear in...or out of the house (J.Crew at Net-A-Porter)

a desk in bed...for when the world does indeed implode (iwoodesign)
stylish print cushions to please the eye (Launched yesterday...Korla Home and Jali Designs)
a comedy Christmas jumper which makes her giggle (Mulberry)
a subtle print watch to distract her from checking her phone (Liberty)
fashion trump cards...to amuse (Amazon)
a scented candle from Saigon...to calm (Cochine)
a pair of cosy cashmere slippers (Madeleine Thompson for Cowshed)

a pretty play suit to float around in (Beautiful Bottoms)

secretstylist christmas gift guide...part two...patsy

Everyone loves Patsy (by the way, I cannot wait for the Christmas special). Completely nutty and definitely naughty, she's not shy and loves anything that sparkles and often causes a stir with her wardrobe. It is soooooo easy to buy for her this season, try...

a Jimmy Choo coffee cup holder, of course (Net-A-Porter)
a little bit of Liz...a serious 1950s vintage sparkler (Atelier Meyer)
make-up designed by Daphne Guinness herself (Mac - launches 26 Dec)
a rock n' roll ring (Melissa Lo)
Army gold (DAY Birger et Mikkelsen at The Outnet)
a very subtle, sparkly jumper (Discopony at Chictopia)
an equally subtle bracelet (C Wonder)

a bling cape (Love Moschino at My-Wardrobe)

making her chat more with this mystic pendant (Marijoli)

racy lacy trousers (Zara)

dalmatian print loafers to run between parties in (Topshop)

secretstylist christmas gift guide...part one...tallulah

Just humour me on the names. I've created three Christmas gift guides which you can forward on to boys, brothers, fathers, lovers, friends and mothers...

First up is Tallulah, she loves to travel. She would rather spend her money on a flight to a far flung country than a new pair of shoes. She thinks Prada is a flesh eating fish. Make her throw away those revolting half zip trousers and inject some glamour into her rucksack with....

a cosy scarf for long plane and train journeys (Charlotte Taylor at YBD or Anthropologie)

a cross-body suede bag (Meli Melo at Young British Designers)

a new peacock bikini from We are Handsome (Barneys NY or Net-A-Porter)

rocking boots she can wear anywhere (Zadig & Voltaire)

a stylish ipad cover to wow the hostel dwellers (J.Crew)

a blush dress she can wear to parties (Elizabeth & James at The Outnet)

a beautiful book to inspire her (Assouline)

a leopard print dress for the beach bar (Zimmerman at Net-A-Porter)

Moroccan style earrings to wear endlessly (KJ's Laundry)