Instant Goddess sales on towards a brand new wardrobe

So, what has hit the Instant Goddess shopping radar this week? I have to say I’m totally over all the shabby sale leftovers still cluttering up the once neatly merchandised shops and pleased to see that some new collections are starting to creep into the shops… AT LAST! Following on from last week’s Spring/Summer 2013 Forecast I can already see some of my predictions coming true.

Blue For You

Cobalt blue, royal blue or whatever you call it. There’s a lot of blue out there and it’s a good shade – not drab but not too in-your-face… Instant Goddess likes! If you’re also liking the blue, H&M have a good blue story going in store right now.

H&M blue print trousers $199; team with this H&M white blouse $199 or Zara blue blouse $399; toughen up the look with a S/S ‘13 approved biker jacket below:

More dash than cash? Jacket $399 from H&M; Zara biker jacket with buckles $2299; want a longer line?
Zara blazer with zips $1199.

It’s Black and White

As predicted, monochrome is big this season and already noticeably making its mark in the shops. Even if you don’t want to fully embrace this nod to the 60s, it’s a trend that’s pretty easy to subtly reference with existing black or white separates, or just update with new black and white accessories.

I’m loving these accessories, all from H&M: Studded bag $399 – I have been lusting after a Valentino studded bag for yonks but to no avail, so I’m pleased to see H&M’s homage to the Big V; Zebra print scarf $99; and perforated black imitation suede boots $499

Goddesses – last week I warned you about the bare midriff coming to bodies near us very soon – but I say ignore the abs in photo 1 and instead hone in on the classy Zara Studio blazer with elegant satin-look lapels; $1199. Still after leather look jeggings? You might be interested in these leather -effect waxed jeans from Massimo Dutti at $690; Monochrome stripes are all over the shops and this black and white stripe blouse from H&M is only $149.

Combined studio top $599 (team with the leather effect trousers above); studded clutch $899 and
combination striped top $399, all Zara.

Dresses & biker jackets

The photos here don’t really do these Massimo Dutti pieces justice.

The navy print jacquard dress ($1190) has an elegant texture to it; Vintage checked foulard $490;
Brown leather jacket $3290.

The leather used in Massimo Dutti jackets is really soft, which you obviously can’t feel here but believe me when I say it’s soft, soft, soft!

Use the blue leather biker jacket $3290; to toughen up this silk print dress $1190; or the jacquard shirt dress above. And I do love a big bag – all the better for hiding things in on the way home from the shops – dressy leather handbag $1990.
All Massimo Dutti.

Neon Fizz and Sherbet

If you’re looking to brighten up your wardrobe (or your day for that matter,) GAP has the answer. It has gone neon crazy, echoing the sherbet confectionary shades seen on the S/S ‘13 catwalk. GAP stores are still a bit hit and miss in HK stock-wise, but you can also shop online via the HK site, which may be a safer bet – for the English version of the site scroll down to the bottom right hand corner and click on English beta.

Butterfly print blouse $449; neon orange bag $749; active yellow sweater $449.

Light neon orange jeans $349; neon double pink sweater $399; neon coral bag $349.

All these wonderful clothes… if only money grew on trees. Enter our Baby Central giveaway and you could win $4000 to spend on your tot, freeing up some extra cash to spend on your wardrobe. Now there’s an idea…

Midweek Meal Inspiration

I’ve been feeling a little under the weather this week due to a cold passed on from my little girl, and when I’m ill there’s nothing better than a hot, comforting bowl of soup. So, this week I give you Aggie’s Soup-er Soup from Good Housekeeping. She’s been making this soup for about 20 years so has managed to well and truly nail this recipe… it’s quick and easy to make, economical, comforting and pretty low in fat, until you start grating mountains of cheese over it at the end (but if you’re being good you can, of course, omit this naughty part of the recipe). This is sure to become a go-to favourite in our household.

Heat a little oil in a large pan and gently fry a large chopped onion, 3 chopped celery sticks, 2 chopped garlic cloves and a sprig of fresh rosemary (I left out the rosemary, and it was still pretty darn tasty!) until the veg are softened. Add 1 litre (1 ¾ pint) vegetable or chicken stock, a 400g tin chopped tomatoes and a 400g tin drained and rinsed cannellini or haricot beans. Bring the mixture to the boil and simmer for about 40min. Remove rosemary sprig and whiz in a blender – you want to end up with a soup with texture, but a definite creaminess within. Check the seasoning and sprinkle with grated Cheddar or Parmesan cheese before serving. Heartily serves 4.

Yogi tea saying of the week: “In order to be old and wise, you must be young and crazy.”

Instant Goddess saying of the week: “Sale leftovers? No thanks!”

Until next week Goddesses, remember you are ALWAYS worth it! XX