Instant Goddess makes a swim for it

Bikini season is upon us whether we like it or not! So this week it’s all about swimwear and beach attire.

She wore an Itsie Bitsie yellow polka dot bikini… I feel a song coming on!
Goddesses, looks like our prayers have been answered: at last a new designer swimwear shop in town and more decently priced. Itsie Bitsie, recently opened on Hollywood Road by Cristina Wilkinson is a great shop bursting with fabulous swimwear and beach cover-ups. Cristina, a very talented lady, designs all the swimwear herself and sources lovely silks and prints from Bali for the beach cover-ups, which she then either designs from scratch or adapts existing designs to her own specifications to make them more wearable.

Take A Bow top $390, bottoms $350

Inspired by OPI nail polish names, each bikini has a tongue-in-cheek name, but more importantly looks good and is designed to be wearer friendly… i.e if you need a boost here or a nip and tuck there, then Cristina has the bikini for you! Each piece is priced separately, so you can also mix n match tops and bottoms – a godsend if you have a larger top half than bottom or vice versa… come on, no-one is perfect in this world of excess!

My favourites in the collection are:

Left to right: Three Times The Charm top $420, bottoms $380;  Lady Jo Bond top $390, bottoms $350; She Sells Sea Shells top $420, bottoms $380

Left to right: Tie Me Up And Frill Me top $400, bottoms $380; Plunge In Solas Top with Bali Brief top $400, bottoms $380 and Flamenco Dancer top $420, bottoms $380

But it’s not just all about bikinis! Itsie Bitsie also stock one pieces and I liked this panelled design in black – great if you need to disguise a bit of post-natal wobble or just general wobble. The legs are cut quite high but don’t fret as this will elongate your leg… if you don’t believe me go and see for yourself.

Panel Me Up And Dip Me In $750

So, that’s the swimwear, what about the beach cover-ups? These include glorious silky kaftans and stylish maxis.

Left to right: JoJo Crochet Maxi $750; Mia Maxi $585; LuLu Maxi in silk $1500

One metre of silk alone goes into the making of the pleated bandeau detailing of the top of this dress!

Sarah Maxi with studded detailing on neckline, $850

These beach cover-ups will look equally good in town teamed with leggings or white jeans.

Left to right: Poncho Bali in Blue $390; Karawang Bali $690, also available in white and peachy orange; Poncho Bali in Grey $390

I love the pom-pom detailing on this vibrant green silk cover up below, again $390

Watch this space: Itsie Bitsie’s website www.itsiebitsie.com is set to launch in the coming weeks and you’ll be able to buy online.

SASSY MAMA DEAL: Buy a bikiki and get a kaftan half-price at Itsie Bitsie until 31 May, 2012! Simply say SASSY BITSIE at checkout to get the special offer!

SASSY GIVEAWAY: You can also win a $1000 voucher to spend on resort-wear at Itsie Bitsie as part of Sassy’s May Summer Hamper giveaway! Enter here.

Itsie Bitsie, 1/F, 45 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 9101 7198, [email protected]

Kaftanmania

On the subject of kaftans… my favourite kaftan shop in Hong Kong, Aavishkar Designs, is having a clearance sale. Exquisitely beaded numbers are going for as little as $250 – so get yourself down there pronto!

Aavishkar Designs is in The Mid-Levels and tucked away on Seymour Road behind Robinson Road’s Wellcome. Make sure you email or call before you go to check they are open.

Aavishkar Designs, G/F, 13 Seymour Rd, Mid-Levels, Central, Hong Kong, 2104 9288, [email protected]

Bikinimania

If you’re still after a more reasonably priced option, then you can try H&M… but as to whether they have your size, you’ll have to leave that up to the Gods! These bikinis caught my eye:

I know, I know the tan lines are going to be a biatch with this one… so I guess it’s fashion not function! Neon pink bikini top with crochet detail halter-neck $129, matching bottoms $99; dark grey bandeau bikini $129 and matching bottoms $99, also available in a lush tangerine if you want a pop of colour.

Floral bikini top $129 and matching bottoms $99; kimono $199

Don’t forget your hat! H&M have some fabulous floppy sun hats from as little as $99! And once you’ve got the bikini, the cover-up and the hat, now you need something to put it in… I love this M&S silver beach bag for $350.

Beauty

This week favourite make-up artist Jaime Smith of Smudge Make-Up Artistry is making room for new summer colours, bronzers and waterproof make-up by clearing out the old.

Since most products don’t have an expiration date, here are some quick tips to help you clear out the clutter:

The general rule is that it’s time to purge any cream or liquid make-up after 6-8 months. Powders and shadows, can last for up to one year.

Mascara needs to be replaced every three months or so. Regularly clean the wand to prevent it becoming clogged with product.

Throw away any dried-up make-up products and anything that separates. If a product smells bad or looks waxy, chuck it!

Keep lip and eye pencils sharp regularly to remove any layers of bacteria that build up and this helps to keep them fresh longer. Purge after 18 months or so.

Don’t forget to give your tweezers, curling wand and pencil sharpeners a freshen up too. Try wiping them down with a few drops of tea tree essential oil. Also, throw that makeup bag in the washing machine or trash it and buy a new one!

Mid-week meal inspiration

Now, I bet after all this bikini talk you were thinking that I was going to plump for salad… well you’re wrong! But the thought of sea and sun made me think of prawns and I love this Creamy Seafood Crumble recipe from TV chef Jo Pratt (I would have changed that name). Check out  the full recipe here.

Yogi tea saying of the week: “What you are, is what you have been, what you will be is what you do now.”
Instant Goddess says: “When will the shopping ban end?!”

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

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