Instant Goddess – if the shoe fits…

Instant Goddess says if the shoe fits… buy a pair in every colour pronto! And with that in mind off I went with a spring in my step to Steve Madden’s Spring/Summer preview.

Steve Madden
So where to begin?! There’s something for everyone in Steve Madden’s S/S12 Collection ranging from sensible dash around town ballet flats to massive platforms and killer heels not for the faint hearted. In the words of Steve Madden: “It’s an Urban Jungle out there” and with this collection you’ll be equipped for anything this City can throw at you.

So here it is – heels, platforms, flats, sandals (and bags to match!)… I’ve got it all covered, Instant Goddess style!

Ballet flats
The choice of spring colour and print was definitely on message for this season. My faves are the nude patent with gold zip detail at back, the hot pink patent and the Missoni lookie likie print. Oh and don’t forget the leopard… but if you’ve got more dash than cash, they may be at bit pricey at $990.

Missoni-esque ballet flats $590, leopard print $990

Flat Sandals
For when it hots up and your trotters are in need of an airing but you still want a bit of bling to add to your bow, then Steve Madden has these little bobby dazzlers up his sleeve.

Stone and suede sandal $990

Diamante t-bar sandal $950

Jewel encrusted backs $850, and I do love a gold braid or two, like on these sandals $790

Metallic strands $750, multi braid $850

If bling ain’t your thing, then these could be the answer:

Suede fringe effect $790, fabric braids $750

Platform Sandals
The platforms are big and bold. Again bright block colour and big prints are a prominent feature. There’s a wedge for every outfit in this collection.

Multi-coloured wedges $1190, leopard high platform wedge $1390

Heels
These babies will make the teetering and tottering all worth it!

Black & beige cross over heel $890, snakeskin effect peeptoe $890, crystal encrusted heel with peeptoe $1290

Oooh and the bag! Don’t forget the bag!

Silver & black zig-zag pattern a la Missoni $550

The Grand Finale…
I’ve saved the best to last; a serious traffic stopper (especially if you fall over!).

Not in store yet, price to be confirmed! Could I walk in these without doing myself a serious injury? Even if I can’t, I want them. A definite taxi shoe – no walking allowed!

Some photos by Sabrina Sikora Photography.

EQ:IQ
Couldn’t help but notice these as I passed EQ:IQ, also in Central/Central… If you love boots and hate the thought of giving them up for summer, maybe this is the answer but have trim calves at the ready!

EQIQ gladiator sandal boots with heel $2050

Steve Madden and EQ:IQ are available at CENTRAL/CENTRAL, 1/F Central Building, Central, Hong Kong, 2147 5838.

See other Steve Madden locations in Hong Kong here.

Massimo Dutti
Not to be outdone in the shoe stakes, Massimo has these for your tantalisation:

Strappy sandals with heel $1290, patent leather court shoe $1290

If it moves, accessorise it!
So this blog is the accessories blog – if you hadn’t already guessed! We’ve done the shoes but what about the other bits and bobs? I’m always a fan of Massimo Dutti’s jewellery and bags, and wasn’t disappointed with these little gems:

Dragonfly bangle $290, star fish pendant necklace $390, chunky gold & cord necklace $490

Two tone leather shopper $1690, leather clutch with studded wrist strap & silver flash $690, combined leather shopper $1290, iPad cover (also available in hot pink) $1090… a great present idea!

Zara also has some great affordable bib necklaces in store at the moment which will look great over a plain tee.

Egyptian Style necklace $399, multi-coloured beaded bib $259

Geometric panel necklace $179, pearl and silver bib necklace $299

Find all Massimo Dutti store locations in HK here.

Find all Zara stores in Hong Kong here.

Beauty

Steve Madden would be proud of these sky high lashes…

This week, favourite make-up artist Jaime Smith of Smudge Make-Up Artistry says:

Lashes can be the perfect facial accessory, but it’s so hard to apply false eye lashes to your own eyes! You have to close one eye and you completely lose perspective. Some women find it easier than others, but if you struggle try following these tips for easy lash application….

1) Choose your desired falsie, be it individual lashes, a small section or full strip lashes. A thinner or clear strip usually makes for a more natural look.

2) Squeeze some glue on the back of your hand and let it partially air dry before applying to your lash. You want the glue to be tacky not fresh from the tube. This helps the lash stick and not slide when applied.

3) While the glue sits, bend your strip lash around your finger in both directions, to make the lash more pliable. Cut your lash strip with small scissors to fit your eye.

4) Apply a thin layer of the tacky glue to the entire lash strip with a toothpick or small pointy tool, making sure to get the ends well smothered. Bobbi Brown is famous for using a match back stage at fashion shows, so really anything goes.

5) Place yourself in front of a close up mirror and rest your elbows on the table to help keep a steady hand.

6) Lift your chin and look down your nose into the mirror. Apply the lash as close to your lash line as possible. Attach lash in the centre first and then press each end into place.

*Tip* Use white/clear lash glue to allow room for mistakes, but allow about 3 minutes for glue to dry from white to clear before walking out the door.

Voila! Luxurious Lashes!

Still too difficult? Here’s a cheeky tip: if you purchase any Shu Uemura false lashes at any of their shops or counters, they will apply them for you for free! What a fun treat for a moms night out and they are reusable for up to three times!

See all Shu Uemura locations in Hong Kong here.

Midweek meal inspiration

With the weather beginning to hot up, I’m starting to crave salads again. So this week’s recipe is from Australian Women’s Weekly and it’s Chilli Lime and Chicken Salad and best of all it’s LOW FAT FAST Goddesses… what we love, love, love! Full recipe here.

Yogi tea saying of the week: “You were born an original, don’t die a copy”.

Instant Goddess says: “The sky is the limit in these heels; taxi where art thou?”

Steve Madden says: “Peace, love, shoes”.

Until next week Goddesses… and remember you are always, always worth it!

Check out all of Katie’s Instant Goddess columns here.