Author Archives: Barneys Girl

Goodies from Paris

15 Wednesday Aug 2012

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No matter how many broken belts and shedding capes Sandro throws at me, somehow I still cannot resist it whenever I go back to Paris. This time in particular, because it was mid-July and it was on SALE and everything was 50% off! And unlike in London, they actually have a lot of stock left in all sorts of sizes. Plus a cheap Euro and tax back, who can resist??

I had limited time at the store (I had a flight to catch), and the first thing that caught my eye was this retro floral dress (officially called the radio dress). At first glance, it looked a bit old fashion. The print looked like it belonged on curtains. But then, upon closer examination it was actually quite cool and awesome. The style is simple and easy to wear, and the design is actually quite trendy! Just look how sexy the back is!

Along with the bold black outlines, it gives the dress an unexpected modern edge that makes it oh-so-trendy. This is definitely a statement piece, and I was sold.

Just to share with you every detail of my thought process, they also had this print on a classic strapless dress, which is much more girly and feminine. But it was way too formal, and I have no garden party to attend. My dress is clearly superior. And I’ve had many compliments on it since! Mostly from my family so far. Apparently big floral colorful prints are huge for the older Chinese generation.

Moving along, I’ve been actively looking for a white mini skirt for a while (ever since I got this lovely yellow DVF silk blouse, which would look lovely with a white mini). You’d think something so basic would be easy to find, but it is NOT. First, the material has to be good, so I won’t have to worry about it being see-through. Then it has to be well tailored (and not too casual/jersey like or too tight like I was going to a club). So when I spotted this Joyeuse skirt in white at Sandro, I knew I’d finally found it. While my colleague did comment the other day that the material looked like a blanket (seriously, men), so far I’m loving it! It is super versatile, and looks perfect with my yellow DVF blouse.

Image Source: Sandro

Kotur: Morley Zebra Linen

13 Monday Aug 2012

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I’ve been loving the solid Kotur clutches ever since I spotted them at Harvey Nichols a year or so ago. They just look so fun and refreshing compared to the regular Chanel 2.55 that everyone wears on an evening out (here in Hong Kong anyway)! Best of all, they are actually quite affordable after sale (around US$150 -200).


I got my first Kotur earlier this year – the mauve espey sequin star (third from the left). Stars are not my favourite pattern (a little too primary school), but I like to think that one cannot see the stars from a distance in the evening anyway, since they’d be too dazzled by the sparkles! Thus far, it has been oodles of fun to use on a night out! Though I must admit, purple and red is a tad bit difficult to match with outfits.

 

So when I saw the gold Morley Zebra linen clutch a few months ago, I knew I had to have it! The zebra print is fun but not too bold, and I’ve identified gold as the missing color in my evening bag collection (along with something bright… like bright red or pink, but that is for another day). I finally picked it up last Friday, when they went on final sale. I was excited to use it immediately!

Unfortunately, in my excitement to find out how much I can fit in there (my iphone and camera maybe?), I may have nudged the gold stone clasp on top in the wrong direction… and the whole clasp just fell off!! I tried stuffing it back on, but obviously that did not work. Naturally I was upset. This is just not supposed to happen to a clutch that normally retails for US$395!!!! To give them credit, I emailed Kotur about this problem and they immediately offered to come pick it up and help me fix it (they’re based in HK!). But I don’t think it was so much as that bag in particular, as much as the laws of nature. 2 nails simply cannot hold such a big clasp onto linen and whatever else the clutch is made of, especially when pressure is expected to be exerted on it. In the end, I returned it and am now back on the market for a gold evening bag.

I’ve not completely given up on Kotur just yet though. They are still affordable and fun to use. Just be sure to buy on sale, and bear in mind the laws of nature when selecting the style!

Image source: Kotur

Topshop Spree!

11 Wednesday Jul 2012

Posted by in Fashion, Travel

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In the handful of times I’ve been to Topshop (in London, Singapore and New York), I’ve never been able to buy anything. As I’ve mentioned before, things just don’t look that great in reality and  seemed costly for the price point. Well, either they have improved in design and quality in the last few years or my perspective on things have changed (could it be that I’ve finally developed talent for finding the needle in the haysack?), because I’ve just had the biggest shopping spree there, and I love everything I’ve bought!

I only went in because Topshop just seems like one of those London landmarks that one should always stop by when they visit,like Barneys in New York. But then I saw the navy blue puffy skirt and fell in love. It is exactly the style I’ve been looking for (except in white) and the ribbed material is just excellent. It gives the skirt structure and doesn’t crease! Next I saw  the white Chanel-esque cardigan, and knew it was the perfect match for the skirt (and for many other things). Then I came across the black lace top, which reminded me of the nude/black lace skirt I have at home. Naturally I had to unite them. It also happens that this completes the blue skirt and white cardigan outfit!

Then of course there is the navy blue ribbed peplum dress. Ever since I saw the Alice + Olivia peplum dress (and bought it, though had to return it because it was so skin tight), I’ve wanted one. And this one is in an elegant navy blue color, and  is also in the sturdy stretchy ribbed material of the navy blue skirt, so it  is not so tight and thin that you can see my underwear. And compared to what Alice + Olivia is charging… this was a no brainer. I just had to decide how many sizes to go up to be more comfortable (the answer is 2). I even bought one of those blue triangle necklaces to match it (though I can’t find a picture for it)!

Next up is the bejeweled collar black top. How awesome will this look with skinny jeans and heels? It is the perfect top for a night out with friends! And jeweled collar IS the thing nowadays… I’m showed a lot of restrain already not buying the white top with the pearl jeweled collar!

Lastly there is the white boyfriend blazer. It was initially discarded in favour of the white Chanel-esque cardigan. But then I was standing in line at check out and looking at it, and it struck me how nice and versatile it is. A white blazer has always been a summer essential for me, and I am due for a new one. This one was relatively cheap (compared to the Tibi one I was eyeing, but has already sold out), the material is comfortable and easy to wear and the fit is pretty decent! And so just in the nick of time, I grabbed it too!

All in all, a very satisfying spree! I am just sad they don’t have the yellow shift dress I was also eyeing at the Knightsbridge store (and I’m leaving soon, so won’t have time to go back to Oxford Circus for it). It would’ve been a nice color to add to my work wardrobe!

Photo credits: Topshop

Tea at the Ritz

09 Monday Jul 2012

Posted by in Random Musings, Travel

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Ever since my visit to London in freshman year, I’ve wanted to have tea at the London Ritz. For a big fan of afternoon tea (I’ve even named this blog after it!), it just seemed like the quintessential thing to do. Many years later, after many trips to London, I’m proud to announce that I finally made it last Friday!!

I made bookings over 2 months in advance, and even then, I was left with only an 11:30am slot (and my table of 6 had to be separated into 2, though in the end they were able to put us together) on the Friday morning we arrived (forget about the weekends, I tried the Berkeley and the Carlyle one month ahead and was waitlisted, never to hear back again).

Its was everything I expected it to be. The service was impeccable,  the ambiance was opulent and luxurious and the tea selection was impressive. Even the waiters looked like proper old English butlers! Maybe it is because of the super advance reservations needed, but the crowd also struck me as very “English” as well. I barely saw other touristy looking people in sight! The super advance reservation appears to be warranted though. We arrived to a full scene at 11:30am (seriously, who has tea this early?), and like clockwork, it started to empty at around 1pm and people started to show up for the 1:30pm round!

As for the food,compared to the Mandarin London and the Lanesborough (the only 2 other places I’ve tried in London), it is definitely a cut above the rest. Compared to what I’m used to in Hong Kong, I think there’s room for improvement. Maybe it is just a matter of taste. The sandwiches were ok. The scones tasted just right, though the texture was more breadlike than I am used to. The devonshire cream and homemade jam was delicious though! As for the dessert part, everything was a bit too sweet even for my sweet tooth (or could it be because it is 11:30am in the morning?). The extra pistachio and carrot cake was a good touch. As I said, I reckon the food is all a matter of taste.

All in all, if you love afternoon tea and happen to stop by London, tea at the Ritz is definitely a MUST. It is as important as stop as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Tower Bridge when in London (or even more so!).

I found a needle in a haystack!

03 Tuesday Jul 2012

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I’ve never been a big fan of H&M, having relegated it to a  place for cheap basics and more recently, cheap beachwear to be used and thrown. Finding anything decent at H&M is like finding a needle in a haystack, and that has never been my forte. But then I came across Cindiddy in this casually chic white H&M shift dress, and thought, I want that dress!

And so, I went to H&M and carefully combed through the store looking for that chic white shift dress. Of course, I didn’t find it. But to my pleasant surprise, I did find a needle or two in the haystack!

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I’ve been craving a pleated mid length skirt all season, and when I saw this midnight blue pleated dress I was instantly drawn to it! One problem I always have with H&M, is that  everything looks H&M. But not this dress. The design is simple and trendy. The midnight blue color is subtle and elegant (they have a similar dress in pastel yellow and trust me, the effect is completely different!). Most importantly, the jeweled collar gives it instant glam (and makes it look at least twice as expensive)! Paired with a simple thick black belt and my hair up (to show off the collar of course), I felt feminine, ladylike and very pretty. I got loads of compliments, and everyone was surprised when they found out it was from H&M! The only problem I have with it is that the waist part is a bit narrow. Without a zip, I need to be very agile to get in and out of it.

My second “needle” is this apple green silk (I think?) blouse. The apple green shade is just so refreshing! The folded sleeves and the pleats in the center add just the right amount of detail to keep it from being too plain. Paired with white shorts (and properly ironed), it is  perfect for a day out in the sun. And I just so happened to have a boat trip to go to (this was day before the Dragon Boat races)! I was further surprised to find out that they go perfectly with my neon pink sandals too. Creates a whole neon look!

Who knew that finding the needle in the haystack could be so rewarding?

Photo credits: Obviously goes to Cindiddy for her inspiring Cindiddy x Darth Vadar spread!

Dragon boat racing

25 Monday Jun 2012

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20120623-222543.jpgYou know how many New Yorkers have never actually been to the Statue of Liberty because it is just too much of a hassle since it will always be there anyway? Well, that  is how I felt about the annual Dragon Boat races in Hong Kong. Held every May of the old calendar  (which roughly comes out to June), people crowd the beaches of Stanley to watch other people (I reckon mostly your friends?) participate in the Dragon Boat races, and do the “dragon boat swim,” which is supposed to give you good health. Huge crowds of hot, perspiring and salty beach go-ers and subsequent queues of people sandwiching together on the bus (because it would be a miracle to come across an empty cab) trying to get back to civilization just didn’t sound very exciting.

Well after 20 odd years in Hong Kong, I finally made it out there this year! Thanks to my friend’s invitation onto their company boat, it was a lot better than I’d envisioned. We were only stuck in traffic for a hour and lost for about 20 minutes, trying to find our way to the docks through all the traffic control. We arrived just in time to catch the last few races (in our opinion, the “best” ones!). For those interested, that is around 4:30pm. Many people i.e. my parents, are under the misconception that it all happens super early in the morning and is done by noon.

Just as we were frantically calling cab companies, to see if any would come in to pick us up and I was commenting to my friends that since we’re already on a boat, the boat should just take us back to civilization, someone came over to tell us that the boat was taking us back to civilization. I could not have planned it better myself!

Somewhere over the rainbow

19 Tuesday Jun 2012

Posted by in Hong Kong

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Instead of a typhoon (which is fine as long as it comes on very strong -so strong that it becomes a public holiday), at around 6pm we got a rainbow instead. One so vibrant and so rare that it got the whole office out of their chairs to take a picture. For those confused, a rainbow in the middle of Victoria harbor is literally unheard of in Hong Kong, let alone one so vibrant. Indeed this reaction was not limited to my office judging from the many pictures that quickly surfaced on Facebook from various angles. For those perceptive enough, one can even see the faint outlines of a second rainbow on the left of the more vibrant one!

Stripey or artsy?

18 Monday Jun 2012

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I just spent the last 24 hours debating the merits between the two dresses below from BB Dakota. Ordinarily, I’d save myself the trouble and buy both, since both still costs less than $100USD. But that seemed too frivolous for something I’ve never even tried on.

The inner child in me was instantly drawn to this fun and playfull blue and yellow striped dress. It even reminded me of the cup/plate I painted last summer! How great would I look frolicking at the beach in this? It is totally a stand out dress!

In fact, it is almost as if they copied my design onto a dress! But alas, I am not sure how it would look on, and whether it would stand out in the good or bad way. If not done properly, these bold stripes can go wrong.

And then I spotted this one, which reminded me of an abstract painting. While still summery and cheerful, this one has a bit more sophistication to it, and will probably be more versatile and wearable.

Having done a poll amongst my friends though, the general consensus has been for stripes, while both my parents like the artsy one. As for me? I am torn. I want to be fun and playful with the stripes, but I don’t want to buy something that may not be wearable either. I want to be summery and artsy too, but I don’t want to be dragged down by the dirty brown color either (as have been the comments so far). So I may just heed HG’s advice – when in doubt, buy neither.

Images: Zappos

Flower Power

17 Sunday Jun 2012

Posted by in Hong Kong, Random Musings

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The other week, I bought a Twangoo (another version of Groupon) with a few girlfriends to take a flower arranging class.20120617-191652.jpg

The class was a lot of fun, who knew that flower arranging can feel so productive yet tranquilizing? It was surprisingly easy. You put a metal grid net on top of the vase, cut and arrange the flowers such that you create a dome shape. Just fill in the holes. I can definitely do this at home! Or so I thought.

Come Saturday, having mentally prepared to go to the flower market in Mongkok all week to select flowers and arrange them at home, I wasn’t going to let a little rain stop me from going. I put on my trusted violet Hunter rainboots and headed off with my boyfriend in tow. Five stops away on the ‘other’ island, it was quite a journey for us HK islanders. The weather proved stronger than my stubborn streak. As soon as we arrived, it started to pour hotdogs. Not to let it put a damper on my mission, my Hunter and I ploughed on, with my poor boyfriend trailing behind in his flip flops trying to walk around the puddles (My Hunters were awesome!). We finally ended up with a pair of flower scissors, a metal net (after over asking over 10 stores!) and a bouquet of gorgeous flowers. Hydrangeas, roses and a bunch of other flowers that I cannot name. It was super fun picking them out!

After a long journey home, I immediately got to work arranging the flowers. After 20 minutes, I knew something was wrong. I was almost done with most of my flowers, and there were gaping holes everywhere! I ended up with the above arrangement in the end. Not exactly dome shape, I like to think of it as an artistic and deliberate triangular arrangement. The back however, is another story. I figured instead of having patches of baldness, better to have a good front!

I definitely need more lessons before I start DIY-ing again. In my defense, I later found out from my mom that I’d been using the wrong vase with a wider diameter, which partially explains for gaping holes.

Dinner with foreigners

31 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in Hong Kong, Random Musings

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This was passed around the Hong Kong community a few weeks ago. Not because we all wanted to recommend our “foreign” friends to go so that they can get a free meal at the Mandarin (though that’s not a bad idea), but because there are so many things wrong with the ad on so many different levels. I will not go into details, but would just like to point out 2 things:

  1. Out of curiosity, I called to find out what their definition of  “foreigners” is, and confirmed that it means Caucasian males.
  2. Upon further research, the reason why foreign men get to attend for free is because the event is sponsored by a German banker, who met his wife in one of these events and wanted to give “others” the same opportunity.

Also note that $4800HKD = $615USD. Seriously, only in Asia.