Instant Goddess is on a roll!

Roll up, roll up! Another week, another fashion preview… it’s such a hard life, but if one must, glass of champagne in hand… here we go!

Nine West strikes again!
This week, it was Nine West’s turn to preview its Spring/Summer 2012 collection. I know I’ve already blogged about Nine West’s glorious pops of colour, great use of print and classic monochrome looks which are all bang on for S/S 2012, but I just couldn’t resist throwing these pieces into the mix which got through the net last time. This label has got city dressing down to a tee this season; ok, it may be a little more than you might want to spend but the quality is good and we all know if you pay peanuts you get monkeys.

Bright purple & orange crepe dress $1300

This Ikat floral print skirt is such a fabulous print (the photo doesn’t do it justice!) and it looks best teamed with pink on top. Also, I’m loving the trilby action ($650, available in white or black with multi band).

Orange dress with contrast coloured print stripe ($1300); this orange colour block dress combo ($1500) looked great on one of the PR peeps; black and white dog tooth vest ($800) and black cropped pants in a lovely silk blend ($1200, also available in white).

But what about the shoes?!
We know Nine West best for its shoes but I have to say that this season, the clothes appeal to me more! But there are some good bejewelled ballet flats and others styles in zesty block colours, plus chunky platforms galore – not really my cup of tea but if you like a platform then you’ll love what Nine West have in store.

Flamingo multi peep toe wedge ($1150)

Orange platforms (around $1150)

Cyndi flat ($900), nice and soft with a slight wedge

These sandals are more my cup of tea ($1050); I also like the Boutique 9 sandal with gold chain strap detail (around $1500).

Available at Nine West, CENTRAL/CENTRAL, 1/F Central Building, Central, Hong Kong, 2147 5838 (see all other Nine West locations in Hong Kong here)

SOGO and where have all the Mangoes gone?!
I currently have some SOGO vouchers burning a hole in my pocket, so I made my way over to Causeway Bay to spend, spend, spend. A friend had told me that SOGO can be pretty good for offering a one stop fashion shop and to my delight, as I stepped onto the affordable fashion floor, there was a Mango concession. I thought the lesser-spotted Mango had become extinct… the one in IFC closed down and the one in Pacific Place is no more either, so where have all the Mangoes gone?

But what I didn’t realise is that you can shop online with Mango in Hong Kong… why didn’t I know this?! Shipping is a bit pricey at HKD$100 per order. But before you get too excited, sizes are limited so it is a bit of a lottery if you can get what you’re after online, no surprises there!

I loved these reasonably priced Relax Fit Dresses, which are great for in-between seasons and would work nicely as a tunic over skinny jeans. Pile on the statement jewellery with the plain ones.

Paisley relax fit dress ($469), blue and green relax fit dresses ($299, also available in coral and navy).

 

I also loved this nautical navy and white stripe Cotton Sailor Blazer ($599), bang on trend for S/S 2012, whilst and this Peach Combi Cotton Dress ($599) also caught my eye. All available online and in store at Sogo.

These sleeveless dresses are great for when it hots up, both $639, and available online from Mango.

Mango aside, other concessions at SOGO include Kookai (but why so expensive?!), Juicy Girl, Sinequanone, EQIQ, Melani, Laura Ashley, Biba, Voom USA, Crimson Ivy, Vanilla Dew and a few others that I didn’t have time to jot down.

VERDICT: Sogo is worth a punt if you’re in a hurry and want a selection of labels under one roof, but don’t go expecting a knock your socks off department store selection of concession labels that we’re used to back at home. Also, beware of the Velcro shop assistant!

SOGO, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2833 8338

Shop Mango online for Hong Kong here.

Zero Noir
You know me, always on the lookout for local talent! It was Tangram last week and this week it’s Zero Noir. I popped into favourite newcomer boutique Polkadot for one of the popular “Sip n Shops”, which they hold on a regular basis to showcase new designs. If you’re not on their mailing list, get on it for these events… vino while you shop, an offer too good to refuse!

Zero Noir is the brain child of Tiffany Bisley, a lovely Australian designer who comes to your rescue for those ‘Oh what should I wear tonight?!’ dilemmas.

Playsuit $985, Bling Back Dress $1120, Leopard Print Dresses, $980

Also breaking news… Polkadot has moved to Hollywood! 2/F, 29 Hollywood Road, Central to be exact.

BEAUTY

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

‘Who doesn’t love the look of a sexy “Smoky Eye”? But how do we avoid looking like a raccoon or too gothic rock for a mom’s night out? Try a “Smudgey Eye“!

Prep your eyelid with primer or concealer to be sure you are starting with a good base. Use no eye shadows at all, but instead, apply a soft brown, black or grey eyeliner all over the lid from lash line to socket (not above that). Take a clean finger and delicately smudge and blend that liner into an upward angle motion, drawing the eye up and out and blending any harsh line.

Finish by smudging the same liner along the lower lash line and applying it to the inside wet rim. Top with two coats of black mascara, top and bottom, and you are well and truly smudged! Practice makes perfect, so go ahead and get started!’

MID-WEEK MEAL INSPIRATION

Mustard Chicken Normande from old school favourite Mary Berry is a wonderfully delicious chicken dish flavoured with apples and mustard. Simple and fast just the way Instant Goddess likes it! Full recipe here:

Yogi tea saying of the week: “You are unlimited”.
Instant Goddess says: “You pay peanuts, you get monkeys”.

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

Check out the rest of Katie’s Instant Goddess columns here.