KINGSLEY KINGSLEY KINGSLEY

So as many of you know I have become more involved with a handbag company out of the US called Kingsley Handbags. The company is just divine and they make the most lucious bags. The best thing about Kingsley besides their gorgeous designs is that all the exotic leathers they use or sustainable! For every one egg that is used for its leather 3 eggs are released into the wild. So while you are looking uber-chic you can feel uber-good too.
Lisa Kingsley modo is "Down to Earth Luxury" all of the bags are hand made in Mexico by a family of leather Artisians it's just another feel good factor to the brand that you know exactly who made your bag and you can be sure of  their working conditions. You can check this all out at the Kingsley website and watch the video.

Bottom line: Kingsley is saving the world one bag at a time, can you say that about your handbag?

Article for The List

Staying cool in the hot, humid summer in Hong Kong can be a bit of a task but doing so while being flawlessly chic can be hopeless! Here are a few tips from Image Consultant Laura Grace to stay cool while looking hot!

1. Fabric, fabric fabric!

Choosing the right fabric is key for staying cool in the hot, humid months. You will want to choose fabrics that breathe and are good at absorbing such as cotton, linen and other natural fibers. You also want to make sure that the fabric is lightweight and does not cling to the body allowing your skin to breathe and your body temperature to remain normal.

Certain fabrics can actually trap heat and increase sweat and nothing is worse then trying to be a fashionista while having sweat stains under your arms.  Avoid fabrics such as Nylon and Polyester as these can be your worst enemy during the summer months.

2. Clothing

We all have been at the gym for the past few months getting ready for our summer shorts, right? Well if you're not quite ready to wear your trendy "hot pants" out try showing a little ankle flesh and going for a Capri or a turned up hem, this will allow a bit more breeze then a regular pair of jeans. Also a maxi dress is a great way to achieve summer chic while still being very forgiving. Skirts and dresses are always great in summer as they allow your body to breathe. Another fun trend for summer is the "jumpsuit" - try strapless and in a solid colour, but make sure it fits you loosely and allows air to circulate throughout. If you're working in an office where the air conditioning is turned up high or you feel uncomfortable without hosiery, bring a pair in your purse and change when you get to the office so you can stay cool while in transit. Also if you have to wear a closed-toe shoe while at the office, bring a pair of open-toed in your bag to change into for after work drinks with the girls. Allowing your tootsies to breathe is a sure fire way to keep cool.  Cardigans, shawls and blazers are great pieces for layering when you’re inside and the AC is turned on high and they also don’t add to much bulk to your bag.

3. Accessories

We all know that accessories finalize an outfit. So when you’re choosing your accessories keep the summer heat in mind. Summer's hottest accessory is flesh but a sunburn is never in season, so always remember to wear sunscreen on the parts of your body that are exposed. A great pair of shades is an easy way to go Hollywood glam in the summer. Finding the right pair for your face shape can be a bit difficult.  Look for a pair that covers your entire eye area and keep your body proportions in mind - you don’t want to drown behind your sunnies. Hats are also a great way to hide from the heat but they also can trap heat in so be mindful of what your hats are made of. Fedoras are great and usually made of some sort of straw allowing breathability. Your summer accessories should be fashionable but also functional.

4. Colour!

I love summer because that is the time everyone puts away their LBD and brings out the LWD (Little White Dress). This summer’s hottest colours are being called "ice cream coulors" - whites, creams, beiges, peaches, light earth tones and icy blues. If you strive to be a little more flashy don’t be afraid to show your personality and try something a little brighter, like a turquoise or geranium. You can always add a bit of glam to an outfit with a "pop" of colour but always keep your colouring  in mind and only choose colours that suit you. If you feel like going for a print, tribal and ethnic prints are great for showing your summery side.

Melissa Plastic Dreams Shoes

Last week I attended the Sassy and Melissa Shoes event. I was pleasantly surprised that the Brazilian company was actually an eco fashion friendly company supporting sustainable development. All of their shoes are created from mono materials meaning that they can be broken down and recycled. And they do all of there recycling in house, so nothing nasty leaves their factory. Also Melissa shoes works with various non-profit organizations and social programs. They even donate a seasonal line's entire income to a charity of their choice. 

As if all that isn't reason enough to buy a pair of Melissa shoes they are absolutely fabulous. The brand teams up with both local, up and coming designers and major  all ready established designers to create fresh funky looks. Recently they have been working with Vivienne Westwood on some super fun shoes and they even worked with Zaha Hadid the first woman Laureate of the Pritzker Prize for architecture. Many of their shoe designs have stemmed from some part of architecture.

So if your ready to do your part and support a super fun, fashion friendly, company you can find their designs online, at Lane Crawford and Peddar Red

Kanchan Couture

Last Thursday I attended an Eco Fashion show by Kanchan Couture to celebrate her labels 2nd year in the industry. It is easy to see why she has made it thus far, her collection is full of surprises! She uses all kinds of colour combinations and textures. From bright shocking pinks and greens in sheen silks to soft pale blues and creams. She also plays around a lot with shape. Some garments were very structured for those who need to add a bit to there body lines and some were soft and flowing for those who already have curvy lines. The designs were both modern and classic. It was an interesting showcase as there really was something for everyone. The brand is called Kanchan Couture but make no mistake Kanchan Panjabi has everything from couture gowns to super chic daywear. She also does custom pieces and bridal gowns. If your looking for something new and innovative look no further!

Lisa T

Lisa T is an amazing designer based right here in Hong Kong. 

Her use of fine Italian cashmeres, heavy knits, crochet and special yarns give her pieces an elegant look that can be both dressed up or incredibly simple. I loved the fine detailing on her garments and the fact that she designs for every women. She has pieces that would suit the young and old, dramatic and classic. Her colour combinations are soft and romantic and should make anyone feel beautiful.

Currently you can find her clothing at the Four Seasons Spa, but don't be fooled it is much more then spa wear.

Fall Fashion

Hello Everyone,

So its official autumn is here! There are pumpkin's in the stores and your calenders are starting to pile up with holiday festivities. Its time to put away the summer sun dresses and pull out the sweater dresses. Although its now the fall/winter season that doesn't mean shove anything with colour in it to the back of the wardrobe. There are a lot of great colours that are hot this season.

A great way to add a little colour to your outfit, is by adding an accessory like a scarf and with chunky knits being everywhere this season you will be looking like a true fashionista. Be careful with your proportions and remember to keep things balanced.

If your unsure of your proportions try booking a style consultation where you learn all about it, plus the looks that truly suit you!

Drashta

So I went to preview the Drashta collection at Maya Boutique yesterday and all I can say is "Wow". What a beautiful eye this young woman has. Her collection was refreshing and unique. The silhouettes of her garments really accentuate a woman's figure and I love that! The collection used very rich fabrics and colour combinations that are great for the holiday season but could be carried over into spring. I fell in love with her bib necklaces (by the way are a HUGE trend this season, if you didn't already know) they were romantic and flirty and came in great colours. Adding one of her bib necklaces to any outfit would make a statement.

The only downside to this event was that all the garments were sample size and for a few of us thats just not going to work, but don't fear all of her pieces are custom made so when you do fall in love with that special piece it will fit you like a glove. Boutique, 43 Hollywood Road

You can check out Drashata at Maya Boutique, 43 Hollywood Road