On the Instant Goddess radar this week: Lovely legs, beautiful bags and Giordano gives good separates

If you’re an Instant Goddess regular you’ll know that I’m a BIG fan of Marks and Spencer’s 5 pocket stretch jeggings, so I jumped for joy when I found out that if you buy one pair you can get 50% off the second pair from 28 January to 13 February. This time around, we’re promised 16 colours including more unusual shades such as antique rose, pistachio and ice blue but whether we get to see the whole range in every HK store is another matter, but I’ll definitely be stocking up on my trusty black and navy faves… call me boring but ALWAYS consistent, Goddesses!

Top left to right: ASOS snake pocket across the body bag $350, Mango crepe blouse $299,
ASOS opaque stone bib necklace $487

Bottom left to right: River Island grey boucle jewelled fluro trim jacket $1100, Marks and Spencer 5 pocket stretch jeggings $399, ASOS Limited Edition multipack stone and chain $695, ASOS Limited Edition big flower necklace $487

 

She wears the trousers.

First it was the slimming effect of those contrast panel dresses, now this trend can be seen working its slimming magic below the waist. Love her or hate her, Kim Kardashian carries off the trend well in her Sass & Bide monochrome numbers below, so is there an affordable high street option?

Kim’s trousers are Sass & Bide, ASOS monochrome trousers $487, Mango tailored track pant on ASOS $185, Tibi maverick slim pants on Shopbop $2377 (ok, not so affordable but it’s the best I could do… come on Zara, help us out)!

 

Object of Desire

If money grew on trees then I’d bag (excuse the pun) myself one of these:

It’s Mulberry’s Oversized Willow Tote in biscuit brown shrunken calf leather and will set you back a mere $25,000. Rather than name the bag after a pop star or an It girl, this time Mulberry decided to name it “Willow” after the UK factory where it’s made. I also love the fact that the front pocket detaches and becomes a lust-worthy envelope clutch in its own right. Two bags for the price of one… ok, even I can’t justify this whopping price tag with that line of reasoning.

A poor relation in comparison, but if you’ve got more dash than cash then this could be for you:

ASOS leather front pocket detail shopper $1045

 

Giordano’s S/S 2013 collection

The often-forgotten Giordano Ladies recently previewed its Spring/Summer 2013 collection and if I’m completely honest, although I wasn’t wowed by that much of the collection, (and in particular the lack of colour), there are some separates that stuck out.

Although the model here can carry off the head to toe digital print of this trouser suit combo it might be a difficult one for many of us mere mortals to master, so I would plump for one or the other rather than both jacket and trousers.

I also liked the silver glittery loafers above. Again they might be a bit OTT teamed with the whole ensemble but worth noting to introduce a bit of sparkle at some point in your wardrobe.

I liked the dip-dye print soft blazer above left – look closely to see the dip-dye effect on the sleeves. I often forget Giordano Ladies but it’s always worth paying a visit, especially if you need to stock up on affordable, good quality, separates like the black reversible tank above. I also liked the long line of the black sleeveless cardigan (above right) but wouldn’t team it with white as above; instead I’d opt for my trusty black M&S 5 pocket stretch jeggings (see earlier), a long sleeve lightweight black sweater underneath, plus a bright print scarf like the red leopard print H&M number above at $149 or necklace to give it a bit of oomph.

 

Midweek meal inspiration

So, it has been a week of big birthday celebrations (not mine but friends celebrating their 30 and 40 milestones) and after helping them to celebrate A LOT, I’m telling myself it’s time to be good before the next round of Chinese New Year eating. I came across this super healthy detox salad by Angela Liddon… even hubby is on board, taking it to work for his lunch. The full recipe is here.

Tip: We added cashew nuts, quinoa and avocado to give it a little extra pizzazz. Oh and we didn’t bother with the kelp granules … as seeking them out in the ‘Kong would be a step too far for anyone’s patience.

Yogi tea saying of the week: “Challenges help me go to my edge and… LEAP”

Instant Goddess saying of the week: “LEAP!”

Until next week Goddesses, remember you are ALWAYS worth it! XX