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Category Archives: Fashion

The white collared black shift dress

19 Wednesday Nov 2014

Posted by Barneys Girl in Fashion, Random Musings

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Tags

black dress, Cindiddy, Kate Middleton, Peter pan collar, Wednesday Addams, White collar black dress, Zara

You know which one I am talking about. I saw it at Zara the other day and was super tempted to get it, but decided in the end that I am just not cool enough to carry it off. People will probably just think I am dressing up for Halloween… a la Wednesday Addams, the original wearer of this dress.

WednesdayThough I have seen some recent iterations of it which have been inspiring. There was Kate Middleton’s ladylike and demure version:

The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Visit Child Bereavement UKAnd then there was my girl crush Cindiddy’s super stylish take on it.

Cindiddy in white collared black dress at Prada.  www.cindiddy.com

Cindiddy in white collared black dress at Prada.
http://www.cindiddy.com

Neither of which I think I can achieve. But it is always nice to look, admire and wonder. Which look do you like best?

Trapeze – I love and hate you

21 Saturday Dec 2013

Posted by Barneys Girl in Fashion

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

celine, trapeze

I’ve never liked the Celine Luggage bag. I’ve always thought that it looks like an ugly robot. The handle is too short to carry on your shoulder, and the shape is too long to comfortably carry on your arm without making you look short. But when I first saw the Celine Trapeze, I instantly loved it. It is different, and it looks great both on your arms and hanging on your shoulders from the long strap. And as I started to see more and more of it on the streets of Central, it was like calling to me, and I really really wanted one! So I got one last year for my birthday.

I love contrasting colors, but because light suede gets dirty, and plain leather gets scratched, I ended up with this black duck pressed leather trapeze, with black suede on the side. It looks lovely and classic, doesn’t it?

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I don’t change bags very often (i’m lazy), and when I like something I use it everyday for months. So far, in the last year, I’ve used the Trapeze for approximately 5-10% of my time. Why? Because I secretly hate it. It is the most ungainly, heavy (second only to my Chloe Paraty bag), uncomfortable and annoying bag I’ve ever owned. To begin with, I prefer carrying it on my shoulder using the long strap, and because the shape is so wide, I almost always bumping into someone or something. When I’m not bumping into things, the edge of the Trapeze constantly bumps my thighs – and after a while it actually hurts! But the most annoying thing of all? If you do not keep the buttons on the sides constantly closed, there’s not enough support and the buckle in the front will automatically pop open after a few steps. Frankly, if you carry anything marginally too heavy, the front buckle pop open anyway. And you do have to constantly open and close it. Given the design of the bag, that is the only way to have easy and quick access to your phone and transport card, without going through the whole process of unbuckling and lifting the front flap, and unzipping the bag (did i mention that the zip also needs to be always closed to avoid the popping?). While we are on the topic of the buttons on the side, mine is wrapped in black suede. And because I have to constantly open and close it, the black suede wrapping is already coming off to reveal cold grey metal underneath.

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So yes, while the Trapeze looks great, you should definitely think twice before getting it.

A Happy Thanksgiving

30 Friday Nov 2012

Posted by Barneys Girl in Fashion, Random Musings

≈ 1 Comment

Thanksgiving is a holiday that grows on you. My first year in college, I didn’t even really know what it was. I just saw it as 2 days off from school, and elected to stay in the dorm and watch anime, despite my family friend’s warm welcome for me to join them for Thanksgiving. We did the whole turkey thing at the dorm, but with the meager people left, it wasn’t exactly festive. I didn’t even know about Black Friday, except that Walgreen’s was going to go on crazy sale in the morning – which did not motivate me to get out of bed in the freezing cold.

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A few year makes a huge difference. This year, I searched all over the city looking for a ready-made turkey meal to bring Thanksgiving to Hong Kong (few people here have big enough ovens at home, not to mention know how to cook…). I finally found one at Dolce 88, at the JW Marriott. It even came with a delicious pecan pie and many sides. The turkey was also surprisingly succulent and juicy!

Doesn’t the Santa bread look too cute to eat? He’s from the MO Bakery. We had a whole ceremony where we mourned his passing, before we ate him. It was a fun night of friends just hanging out, ending with our eyes glued to TVB (the local TV channel of mindless TV). It reminded me that sometimes a meal is not about the ambiance, the food nor the crowd, but simply about spending time with people you love and enjoying each other’s company.


Of course, this Thanksgiving I also kept a close eye on Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals from across the ocean. I ended up with an Aqua cashmere color block sweater dress (one can never have enough sweater dresses in winter. And this one is cashmere!), and an Add Down shiny puffer jacket. The Moncler shiny puffer thing has finally grown on me. I only hope that it’ll fit. The smallest size they had left was 42, but this is Italian so they usually run small anyway. My ideal would be 40, but I reckon that puffer jackets are like boots. You always buy a size bigger to accommodate the layering. Wish me luck!

Image source: Shopbop, Bloomingdales

Oxblood from Aqua

18 Thursday Oct 2012

Posted by Barneys Girl in Fashion

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When I first heard that oxblood was the new thing, I thought “ugh, that sounds like the most un-appealing color ever. Like poop brown.” Apparently, it is just another name for maroon. Maybe just a shade or two lighter. Even though it is my school color (and indeed mascot, if a color can be a mascot), I’ve never liked maroon much. It just felt old. But since then, I’ve clearly been brainwashed by the recent onset of oxblood goods. On second thought, it may be just the right shade to go with all the blacks/grays of the season!



So I headed to Aqua from Bloomingdales to check out what they have on offer. It’s one of my favourite brands to go to off-sale season, as they’re always on trend and relatively affordable. In combination with well timed friends and family discount, the value is unbeatable!

When I saw the strapless red/silver dress, I knew I had to have it. It is just so pretttty and perfect for my upcoming birthday! It totally says birthday dress all over it. Plus, on non-birthday days, I can throw a leather jacket over it and get a rocker chic look (as the model does in their look book!). Alas, it was too warm on my birthday to wear a leather jacket. But it looked fabulous anyway! The material was a little flimsier than I expected from the pictures, but it worked out well as that (and the somewhat dizzying print) made it easier to DIY alter without anyone noticing.

As I was browsing, I also came across the red v necked dress, which I thought was the perfect addition to my winter wardrobe. Just to spice it up a bit. Imagine the red peeking out from underneath my black winter trench. Very Kate Middleton! I had concerns about the elastic waist looking cheap, but it is not anything a nice wide belt won’t fix. But alas, I was still disappointed with the actual dress when I got it. It was WAY flimsier than I expected. A winter colored summer dress. Maybe I should’ve read the fine print more carefully. Now I’m just trying to wear it as much as possible before it gets too told. It works well with a belt and black blazer.

Other items that caught my eye include the red leather dress and the red skinny jeans. I’m just not sure how comfortable a leather dress would be (how do people even wear leather skinnys???). As for the red skinny jeans, it is love. But I don’t buy denim online without trying them on, unless they are J Brand.

Image source: Bloomingdales

Summer fun

20 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by Barneys Girl in Fashion

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The problem with sales in Hong Kong is that they really try to push it to the last minute possible. They really don’t leave you much time to use your sales purchases before the next season comes along. Such is the case with my new Sofia di B yellow wedge sandals. There’s only a few more weeks of summer left before  I’ll have to retire them in favour of booties!

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But they were just sitting there on the sales table calling out to me. The design is simple, clean and easy to wear. And they were surprisingly comfortable when I tried it on! The straps are actually really well designed to support the ankles. At 60% off, they are also quite reasonably priced (though I’ve never heard of this brand and neither has Google, so I must assume it is a Harvey Nichols bred brand).

I did think about it for a week. Contemplating the versatility of yellow, and whether cork wedge looks cheap (as I’ve always thought so). My conclusion was that I love yellow anyway, and this shade can even pass off as a light off brown shade. I maintain that cork wedge looks cheap though, and this pair would be better served with a straw weaved wedge. But one cannot be overly picky during final sales (especially when the price is right), and this will be a great alternative to my summer flats, gladiators and strappy sandals!

Princess shoes!

16 Thursday Aug 2012

Posted by Barneys Girl in Fashion

≈ 1 Comment

I originally went to the Miu Miu consignment at Lafayette to check out their new bow pumps. But then my eyes fell upon these Miu Miu embellished ballerinas with crystal heels and I immediately fell in love. Who wouldn’t? They are pink, they glitter, they sparkle and they have a pretty bow.  They completely appealed to my inner (or not so inner?) fairy tale princess!

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Initially I thought the crystal heels impractical, and imagined how heartbroken I’d be if they fell off (I’m not the most light-footed of people). But I haven’t been able to get them out of my mind since I saw my friend’s pair of bejeweled Miu Miu heels on a night out. They looked so glam and comfortable!

At one point, I did valiantly put them down and took a walk around the shoe floor to cool my head. They won’t exactly go with my edgy going out outfits, and they’re a bit too sparkly for casual wear. The sparkles are already falling off and I’d likely lose a crystal at some point.

But in the end, I couldn’t help but go back for them! They are just too pretty!! Now, all I need are some tulle skirts to complete my transformation! 😉

Goodies from Paris

15 Wednesday Aug 2012

Posted by Barneys Girl in Fashion

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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

Posted by Barneys Girl in Fashion

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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 Barneys Girl in Fashion, Travel

≈ 1 Comment

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

I found a needle in a haystack!

03 Tuesday Jul 2012

Posted by Barneys Girl in Fashion

≈ 1 Comment

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!

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Tea with BG

A twenty something who loves having tea with scones and devonshire cream, while chatting with friends about fashion, love, life, finance and everything in between. And no, this is not a food blog.

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