Instant Goddess finds out what Caty did next, gets fashion-forward with Cameo and stocks up on bargain sunnies

What Caty did next…

A self confessed jewel junkie, I am seriously going to have to stop walking along the stretch of Caine Road where my favourite HK jewellery shop, Caty, is located as there’s always something glimmering in the window that catches my eye!

As is normally the way, I usually end up buying more than one item as I just can’t make up my mind and to add to temptation Caty is offering Sassy Mama readers $300 off when you buy any 2 items. All you need to do is “like” Caty Style on their Facebook page and mention Sassy Mama during checkout.  But don’t delay as the offer is only valid from now until the end of April!

Here are some of the latest jewels to hit the store this week.

If you’re a newcomer to Caty they stock fabulous statement necklaces, cocktail rings, bracelets and earrings including names such as J Crew, Kate Spade, Stella & Dot, Banana Republic, Pandora to name a handful but at very good prices – but be quick Goddesses, they don’t hang around long and sometimes there’s only one up for grabs!

The small print

• To take advantage of the offer you must “LIKE” Caty Style on their Facebook page.
• The offer applies to any 2 items purchased in store at Caty and is only valid for one single transaction.
• Offer is valid from now until end of April 2013.
• Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other vouchers, promotions or discounts.
• VK Retail Intelligence Asia Ltd reserves the right to change or modify the terms and conditions of this offer without prior notice.

Caty, G/F 73 Caine Road (same side of road as Café O a few doors up walking towards Sheung Wan) Tel: 6018 7108.

Cameo appearance

I was pleased to see that Cameo has recently launched its S/S 2013 collection. A relative newcomer to the HK fashion scene, Cameo’s fashion credentials are good with Norwegian design duo Pernille and Tale at the helm. Pernille is a former model but continues to model the collection and also provides valuable input as the Creative Director of the brand, and Tale – with her strong background in fashion design – definitely make Cameo a label to watch.

Signature pieces include soft, draping silk blouses and figure-hugging, panel pants. Embellishment, together with oversized zippers, ribbons and chains are a favourite of Pernille and Tale giving pieces that all important edge. Whatever catches your eye you’ll be impressed with the cut and choice of fabric which are second to none.

Cameo is available to buy online and there is free shipping in Hong Kong!

And if you prefer to try before you buy, Cameo is hosting a special pop-up event this week at 13 Aberdeen Street, Soho, from Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 April from 10am til late. If you’re going to Artwalk why not pop in on your tour of the galleries or over the weekend for a glass of bubbles while you shop? There’s also a 10% discount for returning customers!

From the Lookbook:

On closer inspection:

Blue bomber jacket $2999 (also available in orange), Fitted panel pants $1929.

Coral 70s dress $2079 (also available in yellow), Orange baroque dress $2089 (also available in sky blue in the same print as bomber jacket above and note the braided neckline on the dress which has gold little skulls hanging down giving it that all important edge!)

Black and blue silk blouse $1599 (also available in a black and white combo), neon sequin skirt $1699.

Around Town

So of course, I’ve stuck my head in the doors of Zara this week (yes I know, I just can’t help myself) and quite enjoyed shopping with some ladies who were not quite as they seemed. There happened to be two transvestites perusing Zara’s wares in the Times Square store when I was there earlier in the week and as much as I tried not to look I just couldn’t help but give them a good up and down look – checking out their make-up, what they were wearing and what they were looking at. Anyway, once I had gotten over that, this is what I wanted to walk out with (but didn’t).

Lace dresses both $699 from Zara.

Marks and Sparks

I am LOVING the oh-so-affordable accessories this week in M&S and special praise must go to the sunglasses. Gone are the days where I used to splash out on designer sunglasses after arms being snapped off and frames being bent backwards by the errant and fast little hands of my toddler. So, these days it’s all about sturdy plastic jobs so there’s not too many tears if they get broken. And I also read yonks ago that often cheaper sunglasses offer just as much UV protection as the most expensive ones… so there you have it!

Sunglasses all from M&S priced around $169 to 220 mark.

Also, worth nothing are the bags and pumps in store at the moment… all very affordable and stylish.

Canvas tote bag in pink/bronze animal print and gold pumps with black bow detail both $449.

Hair

This week Andrea Clark, Creative Director, of The Mandarin Salon at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong tells us how to tame the mane.

It’s here already. Humidity changes the structure of our hair and is a nightmare. For those with full hair, we become fuller. Fine hair is worse as it sticks to our heads.

Like me, you might be torn between natural, mechanical and chemical solutions. I offer an overview. If natural is your aim then you could opt for a product with argan oil in it, the favourite choice of the moment being Moroccan Oil for de-frizzing and shine. You can plait and braid which helps control while you keep up with what is still popular in the fashion world. Or go faux. Buy a phony ponytail or chignon bun here at The Mandarin Salon. The phony pony is my best friend. Pull your hair back, add a bit of spray and attach.

Mechanical? This means heat, but I have sourced the latest hair dryers and smoothing irons called Thairapy 365, sold in Harrods and now here with us, for speedy styling with minimal chance of heat damage due to the latest heat technology in smoothing the cuticle. Chemical? My least favourite option as I still like my curls and I don’t want flatness, but the choice is yours after receiving professional advice.

We also need to find time to colour our hair which gives shine and covers coarse greys. It’s exhausting.

So… verdict? I opt for a good colour and trim, a phony pony, change to a different shampoo and conditioner in summer like Philip Kingsley’s Moisture Balance range, use a smoothing iron, a smoothing product that protects the hair, then finish and block out the dampness with a bit of spray. My favourite is Sebastians Reshaper humidity-resistant spray.

Midweek Meal Inspiration

I was in CitySuper and I just couldn’t face spending over $200 on 2 measly pieces of white fish from the counter so settled for 2 large pork chops instead for just over $100… positively bargainous in comparison I thought! (Yes I know, serves me right for shopping in CitySuper.) I got home and thought what to do? And then thought Mustard… I give you Pork chops with Dijon sauce. Easy, quick and tasty… right up an Instant Goddess’ street.

Full recipe here.

Yogi tea saying of the week: “True love is seeing the best in someone and accepting their worst.”

Instant Goddess saying of the week: “Come on sunshine, it’s time to shine down on the ‘Kong again. I’m waiting!”