Tried and Tested: Alexa Chung for Marks & Spencer, Part 1

Alexa Chung for M&S blazer

Repetto flats

Zara shirt

H&M jeans

I bought my first ever Marks & Spencer garment this week.

Big pause. I hate Marks & Spencer's clothes, I always have. I hate their displays, the huge stretched- out hangers that make even size 6 trousers look like a size 18, the wishy-washy colors, and the hideous prints. But then they got Alexa Chung involved - and I love Alexa's style to the same degree that I dislike Marks's. 

Her school girl style and Mary Jane shoes always look super cool to me, although I realize they won't look that good on most girls or women past sixteen. Alexa must be aware of that as well, because her nostalgic archive collection for Marks & Sparks has a good range of styles, including a blazer, a tea dress, wide leg trousers, some jumpers and slip dresses. I immediately loved a blue cardigan which looks a bit like a grandpa jumper. The blue is exactly like Hermès' blue jean color, and I know I am going to love it over my J.Crew gingham shirts. And the oversized blazer is fantastic. There is no structure to it whatsoever (except for very thin shoulder pads) and it has three quarter length sleeves. It's perfect for covering up on a Hong Kong spring evening. Here I am wearing it with cropped jeans, but it is best over a mini dress - the longer length over a short dress feels really fresh to me right now.

I think you should go and have a look. Most of it will be best for your teenage daughters, but I think Alexa did a most excellent job.

Daria Werbowy Pink Lips?

Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Hot Pink

Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Pink Lily 53

And on Daria: L'Oréal Collection Star lipgloss in Blake

I think the clothes this spring could benefit from a strong bright lip - all those prints and ruffles can overwhelm a face rather easily. Bobbi Brown has expanded her Art Stick lip pencil range, and I absolutely adore this Hot Pink color. Cover it with Bobbi's lip gloss in Pink Lily or L'Oréal's Blake Lively lip gloss - and then go with mascara on the eyes only. So pretty...

Women of Hope Awards 2016

Gorgeous women who read this blog: thank you so very much! 

I love that out there in the world I have secret friends, women I don't know but who may smile at something I wrote and who decide to come back again and read some more. Supporting other women in the world is one of the most powerful things we can do, and should do. Some of us were fortunate enough to be born in countries where girls and women have the same opportunities as boys and men, but that is not the case in many places around the world. Although we may not have influence in places vastly different from our own, we can at least make every effort to celebrate women's achievements here at home.

On Thursday, May 19, the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation will celebrate their third Women of Hope Awards with a luncheon at the Asia Society. Eight women from various industries will be honoured, and we need you to vote for the nominee who inspires you most. Moreover, it would be lovely if you could join us for the luncheon as well. Find more information about the event and tickets HERE. I hope to see you there!

Moschino Belt, Givenchy Shoes, and Louis Vuitton Bag

basic black with a little bit of brown

Givenchy sandals with zipper detail (find similar HERE)

Miu Miu black skirt (find similar HERE)

J.Crew black shirt (on sale HERE)

Louis Vuitton Alma bag with studs (find similar HERE)

Moschino belt (find similar HERE)

The belt is my mum's! From the early 90's I think. She bought it in Antwerp, I remember that day well. I am so blessed to be able to raid my mum's closet every now and then. She's got loads of good stuff in there.

If you are going to wear clunky shoes to a party, #bringyourgame and go with Vuitton

#bringyourgame

The HSBC building sported the hashtag BRINGYOURGAME last night, in honor of the Sevens rugby tournament in Hong Kong. I was not there, but instead celebrated the eighth anniversary of Sevva, invited by a gorgeous friend, with lots of champagne on the 25th floor terrace and a bad case of poufy hair. Humidity has arrived back in town along with the Sevens, and I now wistfully think of all that cold dry northern Chinese air I have been complaining about for months.

Louis Vuitton sandals at LV in Harbour City, Hong Kong

I wore clunky open toe booties by Chloe and didn't feel so pretty all night. The mirrored bar right next to us didn't help - I couldn't escape those booties even after four glasses of champagne. I think if you go with a chunky heel at night, they may benefit from some embellishment. But only the kind Nicolas Ghesquière invents, like this pretty/cool pair above.

a drone in the sky to video the party - thankfully it couldn't see my shoes

Clouds Rolling In

Can never resist another taking another picture of this stunning city that's also my home.

Clouds rolling in around 5.30 PM.

The Gucci (Alessandro Michele) Effect

I want nothing but ruffles, bows, chains...  everywhere, all the time

(but I can't afford Gucci)

J.Crew ruffle shirt (in stores now)

Zara jacket (in stores now)

Bag from Shenzhen