From Geneva with love.

Photographs by Charles Mugel

Coat, skirt, and gloves by COS, Zara bag and Topshop boots.

An outfit post attempt from Geneva. After two years of dreadfully humid Hong Kong winters, I finally got to spend some time abroad during this festive time of the year (with a real Christmas tree and a proper gift exchange session which lasted for 3 hours.) While enjoying some time away from Hong Kong, I realised that I’ve been running this blog for three full years. No sentimental stuff (since I didn’t actually become famous because of the blog) but I do feel grateful that the memories of the past three years of my life have been carefully recorded and preserved. And I’m truly grateful for those who still stops by every now and then.

2014 is about gratitude – hopefully.

The One to Watch

Photos by dear mom.

Classic Oxford Lady by Daniel Wellington, Zara dress, blazer & bag, Topshop boots.

I never considered myself the classical type. Perhaps the word “classic” is so overused in PR messages that it has lost part of its meanings to me. Daniel Wellington’s interpretation of classic, in contrary, is unpretentious and approachable. Its clean and light design made wearing wristwatch relevant to my high digitized life, and the colorful interchangeable nato straps make perfect fashion accessories for those who changes her mind every five minutes. The beautifully designed wrist watches are offered at affordable price points ( generally between USD135 to USD 229). Click on the link to find out more about the story behind the brand and its selection of men’s and women’s watches and accessories.

*Disclaimer: The Classic Oxford Lady watch was gifted by Daniel Wellington. However this review reflects my true opinion on the brand.

Pre-Fall

By Sybil Kot

Photos by dear mom : )

(Club Monaco top, COS skirt, Topshop boots, Massimo Dutti bracelet, Zara jackets and shades)

When everyone else is still indulging in the crazy summer sale, I made an effort to pile on layers of fall winter clothes just to impress you – yea that’s what I do, freeze in February and melt down in August – just to impress you! Jokes aside, I’ve been quite impatient myself for the weather to cool down so that I can start wearing the dressy sweatshirts, full skirt and oversized coats… So here a sneak peek for the exciting season to come! Speak soon.

POLYU FASHION SHOW 2013

Back in June I was invited to PolyU Fashion Show where the undergrads present their final year project. The Institute of Textiles and Clothing in Hong Kong Polytechnic University is the most prestigious fashion design school in Hong Kong. With the likes of Vivienne Tam as alumni, the graduation show is definitely much more than a school project for the local fashion scene. The following are a few personal highlights of the show. 

Winner of the Overall Grand Prize, the Outstanding Menswear Award and the Creativity Award. Lee Pak Ho has certainly made his point of being an advocate for sheerness in menswear. The opening piece was a little bit of a shock to me but the rest are simply brilliant. The strongest piece in the collection would be the overall sheer plaid suit and the “cloudy” suit. Having said that, I probably won’t dress my boyfriend that way.

Francesca Chin‘s Time Sculptor collection is my favourite collection in the show. I love the form-fitted jacket with embossing details in cream color paired with knitted pencil skirt, also the turtleneck maxi dress with silver embroidery and the black lacer cut mini dress. The overall image of the collection is almost warrior-like to me. But the designer has carefully executed the collection into highly wearable pieces. 

Zac Tso‘s Tribe Futurist collection looks a slightly over-designed to me, but I do like certain details he experimented with this collection –  the sportswear-inspired side slit maxi skirt and the beaded cape jacket. 

Reichen Man‘s collection Coral definitely captured the imagination of the audience. showcases sophisticated craftsmanship. The bold pieces, though unwearable to most, demonstrated refined craftsmanship and sophistication in the pairing colors. I would love to see an accessory line by him.

Yankee Leung‘s Futurist Classic collection is a close investigation of the many possibilities of the future suit – The oversized sweatshirt which ensembles a suit jacket, the cut up tuxedo cape and the white jacket which comes in two pieces- a cropped top and a girdle, all of the above showcases the designer’s effort to re-define the “classic”. The collection is streetwear-inspired, slightly K-pop-ish at times, but certainly a highlight of the show.

And some really fun moments…

Rhyox Wan – …and we live off of the unsettling soul

Stella Leung – Kyotokyo
Joyce Kun – so long, farewell, my stranger

Lois Li – Steipnir in pastel

And it was really lovely meeting Twee from Ezzentric Topz. She has recently relocated from Australia to Hong Kong, so make sure that you check out her blog and online vintage shop.

Photos by me.

Dizzy Dizzy

Photographs by the best mom in the universe (as requested by her)

Cos top and skirt, Zara sandals and clutch, H&M cuff.

I visited the Cos store on Queen’s Road many times since it was opened in Hong Kong, but my first purchase from them only took place at their current summer sale. Just because they don’t do any fancy sequined cocktail dress, I categorized them as “pricey-minimalistic-casual-wear”  and haven’t been motivated enough to buy anything. But I realized the thing about Cos designs is that every item has a understated chic element in it which makes them well-worth the price over time. I hope you are not getting dizzy from looking at my multi-faceted clutch and my printed skirt (Coz my mom totally did.) Speak soon!

The Dream Outfit

Photographs by the best mom on earth.

Zara top and skirt, Topshop necklace, & Other Stories sandals, Hong Kong boutique jacket and clutch, Edge of Ember cuff.

I titled this The Dream Outfit because I literally dreamt about this outfit before actually finding all the items in the market. It’s a combination of everything I love – mint and gold, flowy chiffon, sportswear elements, wooden sandals, more mint and more gold… Perfection. What’s your dream outfit for summer?

Someone else’s story

Photographs by dear mom : )

REISS Alla Dress, H&M faux leather mesh top and shades, Hong Kong boutique spring jacket, & other Stories heels.

Sometimes it is amazing how different ways of styling can tell completely different stories about a piece. The classic and feminine Alla dress is a perfect outfit on its own, but I find it more fun and urban to layer an edgy mesh top over it. It is one of those outfits that are difficult to deconstruct at the first glance, but who doesn’t love an unexpected combination!?

Tempted by H&M’s new line & other Stories, which is currently available in selected European countries only, I asked my cousin in Amsterdam to “smuggle” a few pieces into Hong Kong. (You know it’s time to call up that one friend you have in the UK and ask for a favor!) I’m very happy with my first purchase, especially these heeled sandals. Will try to post the rest of my purchases in upcoming posts. Speak soon!

Inverted Edge x The Style Voyager Giveaway Part II

Photographs by dear mom : )

Cut-Out Top by Post December, Silk Skirt by Jayson Brunsdon (All available at Inverted Edge! ) Zara heels, Topshop jacket and shirt.

As promised, this is Part II of my collaboration with online designer boutique Inverted Edge! I’m wearing a cut-out top by Korean designer Post December. It is definitely a bold piece but also surprisingly versatile. You can layer anything underneath the top and get that futuristic look instantly. And I’m so much in love with the beautiful sequin pencil skirt by Australian designer Jayson Brunsdon. It is the dream piece for me, and by that I mean if I am to be exiled to an far away island with only a few items, the skirt will still be on my packing list. Hope you like my styling and now, win a chance to win the Post December top by entering my giveaway!

ENTRE THE GIVEAWAY HERE!

Opened internationally.
What are you waiting for!?

Disclaimer: All items listed above are loaned, not gifted, according to my request. Giveaways are sponsored and handled by Inverted Edge.

Brights

Photos by Inga Beckmann

Topshop faux leather jacket, Zara shirt and shorts, Sleeh.com shoes and Edge of Ember cuff.

  The weather in Hong Kong has been gloomy since forever. So this is my way to brighten up the days! Wearing my trusted Topshop faux leather jacket and Zara porcelain print shirt. Also on my favourite list are the cobalt blue shorts that every girl should own and the bright orange heels from Sleeh.com. Have a nice day!

On Gifting Well…Giveaway closed.

Here’s a true story. I haven’t received a proper gift for many many years. My parents gave up long time ago on trying to impress their hard-to-please daughter, and my boyfriends over the years tend to settle birthdays with food instead of gifts to avoid the “genuinely disappointed” expression on my face. Have we really given up on giving thoughtful gifts to our loved ones?

Recently I was invited to a blogger event organized by Giftwell. And by the end of it we were given a personalized gift card, selected by the organizer according to the our personal style. I was surprised what a difference this personalized factor made.

The idea of Giftwell is simple. By partnering with some of the most unique local retail businesses in Hong Kong, Giftwell hope to bring the concept of Gift cards to the city and encourage people to shop thoughtfully. A user can simply do a quick search on occasion, location and price range, browse through Giftwell’s recommendations and tips and decide what to buy for the loved ones. With the help of e-vouchers and next-day delivery service, we are all liberated from the numerous last minute shopping trips!

The following are my personal highlights, but please go ahead and see the complete list of partners of Giftwell! Stay tuned till the end for an exciting giveaway!

Vie – St. Francis Yard, Wan Chai

Vie on St. Francis Yard is your go-to Scandinavian fashion boutique.With a focus on cool designer brands from Scandinavia, the boutique presents a range of home, apparel, accessories, culture and lifestyle items, including the classic Swedish Hasbeens, minimalistic yet colorful TRIWA watches and Aarikka handmade wood necklaces from Finland, all recommended by the boutique.

TRIWA Havana Nevil in Orange | HK$2,500
Swedish Hasbeens Braidd Sky High in White | HK$2,500
Aarikka Necklaces | HK$550 – HK$750

2 ST FRANCIS YARD, WANCHAI, HONG KONG
+852. 2804. 1038

                                                            

MANKS – Sau Wa Fong, Wan Chai

MANKS introduces the quality and simplicity of Scandinavian living to Hong Kong. The store is located at a quiet corner on Sau Wa Fong, one block away from the buzzing neighborhood of Star Street. The interior design showcases nordic simplicity, but also preserved the original Hong Kong flavor with its window decor. The store offers a carefully-selected range of ceramics, home decorations and kitchenware. If you wish to see their furniture collection, contact their showroom in Wong Chuk Hang.

 

36 SAU WA FONG, WANCHAI, HONG KONG
+852. 3796. 0137

                                                           

KONZEPP I & III – Tung Street & Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan

Tung Street, Sai Street and Tai Ping Shan Street is another burgeoning creative area in Hong Kong. One can easily spend a few hours in the cafes, art galleries and shops in the neighborhood. KONZEPP, with its not-to-be-missed yellow facade designed by multidisciplinary designer Geoff Tsui, has opened up yet another store – KONZEPP III on Tai Ping Shan Street, focusing on street wear. Good news for us, they carry a good amount of womenswear!

Wood Wood (Denmark) Peplum Top | HK$ 1,900
Wood Wood (Denmark) Printed Skirt | HK$ 1,000
None The Wiser (Singapore) Bamboo Shades |HK$1680

14 G/F TAI PING SHAN STREET, SHEUNG WAN, HONG KONG
+852. 2803. 0339

                                                           

Kapok – Sun Street, Wan Chai

Kapok carries a well-edited selection of international and local brands and is known for introducing emerging exclusive brands to Hong Kong. In Kapok, you can find your daily fix of novelty candies, fashion accessories and lifestyle products. The store combines the concept of a lifestyle shop and coffee bar where visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee under the “community roof” and find inspiring designs. 

 

G/F. 3, SUN STREET, WANCHAI, HONG KONG
+852. 2520. 0114

                                                           

LOVERAMICS – Tung Street, Sheung Wan

The Concept store of LOVERAMICS is located on Tung Street. The finest collection of their own designs are on display in the store. LOVERAMICS comprises aesthetic craftsmanship and practical usage, and is known for being affordable. My favorites are definitely the “A Curious Toile” and the new “Flutter” Collection.

  

 

37 TUNG STREET, SHEUNG WAN, HONG KONG
+852. 2915. 8018

                                                           

Russell Street – St. Francis Yard, Wan Chai

Previously at a blogger event organized by Giftwell, we were all given a personalized voucher and mine is for Russell Street, a fashion boutique on St. Francis Yard. It is very thoughtful of the founders of Giftwell to do so, and I think their selection represents my personal style very well. I had a styling session at their store and here are two of my favourite outfits.

Wearing FUNKTIONAL jacket (HK$ 1,480), Clover Canyon dress (HK$2,280) and ATALANTA WELER heels (HK$ 3,980).

Wearing FUNKTIONAL jacket (HK$ 1,480) and Zoe Jordan pants (HK$ 4,600)

NO. 6, SAINT FRANCIS YARD, WANCHAI, HONG KONG

 +852. 2866. 0800

                                                           

Outfit photos by Inga Beckmann. Rest by me.

Already contemplating what to buy from these amazing businesses? The founders of Giftwell, Connie and Shirley Lee, had kindly offered the readers of The Style Voyager ONE HK$1,000 cash voucher for any ONE of Giftwell’s partners (see list). You only need to follow 2  simple steps:

1. Like Giftwell’s Facebook page here.

2. Comment below with
a) thoughts on your favourite local shops;
b) your Facebook profile name for us to cross-check your participation.

The giveaway is open from 3 to 10 May, 2013. (One day before Mother’s Day!!!)

Terms and conditions

This giveaway is open to Hong Kong readers only.｜The winner is picked randomly.｜ Please leave your correct email address when commenting, I will inform the winner through this channel only.｜The Giftwell voucher can be used in one shop of your choice only (See list of Giftwell partners.)｜ The Giftwell voucher is valid for 2 months from the day received.｜ Giftwell will be in touch with you about the delivery of the voucher.｜We will not transfer your personal data to any third party without your permission.

Disclaimer: I was gifted a HK$500 voucher to shop at Giftwell partner Russell Street. The HK$1,000 gift voucher which will be given away in this post is also sponsored by Giftwell. I have no further commercial ties with Giftwell and I am not affiliated with any of the shops listed above.