Instant Goddess is EXCITED!

Now, Goddesses, you know how VERY, VERY excited I get when a new affordable store opens in HK. This week I give you Uterqüe which has just opened its lovely polished doors in the IFC. It’s part of the Inditex group which also counts Zara and Massimo Dutti as part of its portfolio and the Spanish hallmarks of great leatherware and accessories ring true once again for this brand.

The name Uterqüe has Latin origins and means “Both’ and “The one and the other”. Uterqüe was founded in 2008 with a clear mission to make accessories the stars of a woman’s wardrobe but at affordable prices.

Uterqüe is committed to constantly renewing its product as each design is produced as a limited series… so Goddesses… get it before it goes!! You have been warned! The prices are higher than Zara and Massimo Dutti but they still are affordable; the quality and design is good and it’s a lovely shop space to while away any spare time you might have in the IFC. Prices are around the $590 to $1300 for necklaces and bracelets.

As always the jewellery was the winner for me! My top picks are:

So, thank you Inditex for leading the way and being one of the few willing and able to give us affordable fashion in HK. Come on Top Shop where are you?!!

Uterqüe Shop 1052B (CitySuper end, opposite Coach), IFC, Central, Hong Kong. 

What to wear now?!

So, it’s hot out there! Are you constantly in a wardrobe dilemma at the moment? Here are some simple, less is best, breathable fabric ideas.

C&C California Tank Dress $475 from Shopbop. C&C California Maxi Dress in Zig Zag Print $475 from Shopbop.
“Ellen” Crochet Maxi dress from Itsie Bitsie (here in HK!) $637 reduced from $750.

C&C California Eyelet Hem Dress $628 from Shopbop. Karen Zambos Vintage Couture maxi dress $1755 from Shopbop. Karen Zambos Vintage Couture “Dani” dress $1933.

Gap denim skirt $449. Massimo Dutti Printed Halterneck Top $650. Zara appliqués top $399.

“Kate” dress by Jekyll und Kleid on Etsy $1050. Massimo Dutti “Romantic Cape” top $550. Maxi “Infinity” Dress by Vintage Origin on Etsy $1472.

The Accessories

The jewel junkie strikes again! I am loving the statement necklaces that Zara currently has in store.

Green Necklace and Crystal Cascade Necklace both $399 and Clear Glass Necklace $259 all from Zara.

Hair

This week Andrea Clark, Creative Director, of The Mandarin Salon at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong gives us her very own version of The 50 shades of Grey.

No ladies, I am not talking about the book! The kind of gasps you hear from those glued to the pages of the book are a little different from the gasps of horror the day we find our first grey hair, or “natural highlight” as I like to call it.

We start with one or two here and there and when, sooner or later, we wake up to find fifty then something has to be done. There has been a lot of research into the gene that is responsible for stopping our colour pigment production but I’m afraid to say we are a long way from solving the mystery of grey hair.

There is pressure on all of us to remain youthful in our looks and to hide our age. To be sure, we colour our hair to hide the specks of grey, but if you’re lucky enough not to have “natural highlights” then it’s no problem for you to visit your stylist to change the colour or add some highlights. Covering the grey is easy, and when done every 6-8 weeks you can fool them all!

I recommend that at the first sign of grey you start with a semi permanent colour, perhaps try some highlights or lowlights, to camouflage and break up the re-growth. Tinting is very effective but try not to make it too dark so your re-growth will be less noticeable and the overall look will be softer when compared with your skin tone. It is recommended you leave colouring to your stylist however tempting it may be to do the touching up yourself, for you may overlap and cover more than the re-growth, damaging the condition of the hair.

You may have said a hundred times “don’t look at my grey hair, I’m getting it coloured.” But in actual fact no one is looking… because they are all too busy reading!

Midweek Meal Inspiration

This week’s midweek meal inspiration Tuna Mornay is set to become a store cupboard winner in our house and what’s more it’s not only low fat and easy to make BUT comforting and hearty. Full recipe here.

Tip: Risoni (also known as Orzo) is pasta that is the size and shape of rice, if you can’t get hold of it any type of small pasta like the small alphabet shapes, small macaroni etc will work.

Yogi tea saying of the week: “Compassion will uplift your spirit and nourish your soul self”.

Instant Goddess saying of the week: “Tuna Mornay plus jewellery shopping = complete soul nourishment thank you”.

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