Instant Goddess ponders whatever Next? And needs some Zzz’s

So, it looks like this winter (what winter?) could well and truly be over after this weekend’s top temperatures of 27 degrees, and so it may well be time to dust off those summer clothes, Goddesses! Are you in need of a little summer shopping? I found myself on Next’s website the other night (strictly in the name of research for this blog, of course!).

If, like me, you’ve found yourself living in jeggings recently and want some more summer-friendly options, Next has a great range of affordable summer separates. For the uninitiated; Next is a UK high street fave that recently started free delivery to Hong Kong which arrives in 3 working days… at last another affordable high street option delivered direct to our doors!

To kick off, I’m loving the look of these tapered jersey trousers, they look super comfy, light and airy, which not only makes them a great, quick, pull on, run-about-town option, but a great travel choice for when you want something comfy for the plane but more stylish than trackie bottoms.

Other non-jegging options…

These Textured Chinos $300 above will be a bit looser than your trusty jeggings, so hopefully cooler, and come in a range of colours. And below we still have a casual day look but slightly more tailored in these cigarette pants $400. Made from cotton, they should also keep you a little cooler.

If you want a smarter trouser option which will work in the day but can be jazzed up for an evening out, these Floral Jacquard trousers $450 are a fab tailored look and I am loving the pink shade.

Still don’t want to say goodbye to the jegging look? As it heats up, go for the cropped look below in a spring colour.

Cropped jeans $310. And if just the thought of these tight little numbers brings you out in a sweat, but you want to keep the jean look then go for a looser crop, like the boyfriend jeans below:

Relaxed cropped boy fit jeans $345 and sticking to jeans but in wonder fabric denim Tencel, these wide leg jeans will be cooler as Tencel is a breathable fabric. They also come in a short version which have a longer line, so are kinder to chunkier thighs. Denim tencel trouser $510 and shorts $360.

If it’s ever trusty shorts you’re after, then how about these?

Linen blend shorts $235. And then I couldn’t help but cast my eye over the shoes… there’s some good looking shoes knocking about on the Next website and at very affordable prices to boot (no pun intended). 

From left to right: Laser slingbacks, Studded cuff sandals both $630, denim and tan platform courts $505 and Tan leather peep toe shoes $775.

Finally, all things Zebra… not worn all together of course, but Zebra print just kept catching my eye:

Zebra print point strap shoes $400, Leather zebra print pony skin tote $1180, orange wood cuff bangle $170, Zebra print shorts $325 and red textured top $175.

Prices on nextdirect.com are shown in US dollars but have been converted above into HK dollars for ease of reference and so are approximate.

Around Town

And if you can’t wait (or won’t wait), and fancy a little trip round the shops, this is what caught my eye around town this week…

From left to right: turquoise necklace $399, print scarf $599 and multicoloured ethnic necklace with stones $299 all Zara.

And not to be forgotten, Uterque (part of Inditex, the group also behind Zara and Massimo Dutti) Two-tone watch in steel and acetate, water resistant upto 50m $1990 and T buckle peep toes in bovine leather with shiny patent finish $1490.

Uterque, Shop 1025B, IFC Mall, Central, Hong Kong. Tel: 2234 7748.
Opening hours 10.00-22.00 Mon – Thur, Sun & public holidays and 10.00 – 22.30 Fri & Sat.

Marco Visconti

Marco Visconti, a recent newcomer to the local Hong Kong fashion scene – offering much needed reasonably priced ladies wear – launched its S/S 2013 collection last week. The collection is called Equestrian Elegance and takes its inspiration from the “the timeless charm and sophistication of countryside equestrian style. Drawing from the rich heritage of classic English country estates…” Below are our favourite looks, (with or without a horse in HK), but quite how you would mount your trusty steed in these dresses is beyond me. Maybe they mean post hunting, while you sip sherry in the drawing room before dinner, oh how very Downton Abbey…

Left to right: Arlene flared dress in Jacquard $1580, Bertha Lantern Dress $1520, Mona Black Collar Shirt $880, and Jeanette wrap pants $1120 (again in wonder fabric Tencel… they’re all using it! It feels like silk but is far more breathable and more environmentally friendly don’t you know!)

Marco Visconti, SoHo store: G/F, 63 Staunton Street, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong. Tel: 2803 2307.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12pm to 8.30pm.

Cyberport: Shop 306, L3, The Arcade, Cyberport, 100 Cyberport Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. Tel: 2148 6166.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-8pm

 

Midweek Meal Inspiration

This week, fed up with our usual chicken, prawns etc, I found that M&S stock tinned white crab meat which is really rather very good and not too pricey either. We loved the easy peasy, quick as a jiffy, Vietnamese Crab Noodle Salad below:

Ingredients

½ x 250g pack Rice Noodles
200g fresh white crab meat (or 170g tin White Meat Crab, drained, I use Marks and Spencer)
20g pack coriander, finely chopped
½ x 20g pack mint
1 lime, plus extra to serve
3-4 tbsp Blue Dragon Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce

Method

Place ½ x 250g pack Rice Noodles in a bowl, cover with boiling water and set aside for 4-5 minutes.
Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly, then return to the bowl.
Add white crab meat to the bowl, together with 20g pack coriander, finely chopped, and ½ x 20g pack mint, leaves finely chopped, the juice of 1 lime and 3-4 tbsp Blue Dragon Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce, to taste.
Toss all the ingredients together and serve with extra lime wedges to squeeze over.

Preparation time: 10 minutes. Serves: 2

Yogi tea saying of the week: “Take life as it comes. Run when you have to, fight when you must, and rest when you can.”

Instant Goddess saying of the week: “Oh for a lie-in… too many 5.30am toddler wake up calls means no sleep for the Instant Goddess. So much for ‘rest when I can!’”