Shopping Hot Spots: Hong Kong

I'd like to thank you, my dearest reader for your patience and continual encouragement as you are the very reason I return as a much more refreshed and ambitious fashion blogger, ready to bring you great finds, trends and related fashion content! I've finally returned from my mini-sabbatical, dabbling in my other greatest pleasure in life (aside from fashion), traveling. In my previous blog post, I promised you that I'd bring back a list of local hot shopping spots for each of the regions that I visited, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Phuket, Thailand. While each town had their own sense of style, Hong Kong was probably where I found the highest number of boutiques and items that matched my own personal taste preferences!

As I create this list, based upon advice from local Hongkies, and my own shopping ventures, I wish nothing more than for you to add to this Hong Kong shopping directory so that others may partake in your favorite finds as well! I hope to follow up with some photos of some of my very favorite purchases that I made while visiting this hustling, bustling town -- Hong Kong.

Island Shopping Center
Causeway Bay MTR Station - Exit E
Store Hours: 2pm-11:30pm

A 4 story building filled with uniquely hip boutiques for men and women! The boutiques carry leather handbags, cotton basics, vixen heels, and more! A perfect venue for buying standout pieces. The prices are generally more reasonable than department stores.



Elements
1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui
Kowloon MTR Station
Store Hours: Mostly Open by 11am

The newly built mega-mall is home to famous designers like, Pringle of Scotland, Prada, Gucci, Valentino Garavani, etc. and also to several moderately priced chains, such as, H&M, Zara, etc.




Rise Shopping Arcade
Granville Circuit, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station
Store Hours: 3:00pm-11:30pm

Much like Island Shopping Center (aka Island Beverley), this shopping arcade is a haven for eccentric boutiques selling a variety of trend-setting items, such as, cropped coats, golashes, chunky necklaces, etc.
























Granville Circuit - Alley
Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station
Store Hours: 1:00pm-11:30pm

Close in proximity to Rise Shopping Arcade, the storefronts along Granville Circuit are lined with boutiques displaying chic footwear, accessories and hard to find fashion trends.

Chic Boutiques in SoHo, Hong Kong Island

Recommendations from a friend led me to this quaint little district called SoHo. Little did I know that it was a jewel of a find for quality boutiques! These boutiques are set in charming little avenues, accompanied by small cozy eateries and dessert shops. Even if you don't buy anything, the walk is definitely worth your while!

Buttonhole
58-60B Peel Street, Soho, Central
Store Hours: 12:30pm-11:00pm

Tiny, but decadent boutique with goods from Italy to Japan! If you want a little diversity, you'll want to end your trip with a visit to Buttonhole.










Spy by Henry Lau
G/F, No.21, Staunton Street, Central
Store Hours: 12:30pm-11:00pm

Henry Lau is an independent, trendy local designer sought after by many local Hong Kong celebs and fans. His designs push the envelope through his very own "deconstructionist" style.












Fang Fong
67A Peel Street, Central
Store Hours: 12:30pm-11:00pm

Originally owners of a wedding dress shop, they've decided to move on into designing colorful, tailored dresses for the everyday fashionista!









If you have the chance to visit Hong Kong for some fun therapy shopping, I hope you'd find this guide helpful!

Goodluck!

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Shopping in the Far & South East Asia

I probably did not tell you all that I have been traveling! For the next two weeks I'll be hopping and shopping around in the Far & South East Asian region! My motive is to scope out local and irresistible shopping vendors so that if you were to travel there, you might find my guide a bit helpful! Today, I'm wandering the streets of Taiwan and I've gone to local night markets, like the Shilin Night Market where it has always traditionally been the hippest locale for recent fashion trends! Many shopping adventures await me and I will be posting pictures soon so please be patient with me! Tomorrow I head off to Hong Kong and then further South East to the pleasurable Phuket Island!

Bon Voyage to me!

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Links à la Mode: IFB Weekly Roundup

More fashion reads for your guilty pleasures feat. Studio Purpura Fashion Blog!!

• 39thandbroadway - Fashion’s Plus Size Dilemma; A different perspective on the plus size apparel industry.
• Breakfast at Saks - Biased Reporting on the Balmain show from a Balmain-iac
• Clutch 22 - Exploring Etsy - Three unique talents to watch
• Consume or Consumed - Stylish film looks channeled toward a more stylish life:
• Debutante Clothing - Special Report: YSL Vintage Clothing Auction in Paris
• Dogmom’s Dish - Alexander McQueen for Target: Post-Modern Punk Princess
• ericdwills.com - Here’s a look at the entire line-up of colors for the Kanye West x Louis Vuitton sneakers called the ‘Don’ and ‘Hi Top’ set to be released in June.
• Fashion Pulse Daily - Fashion Week reviews, Christian Siriano’s shoes, and much more!
• fete a fete - elegant FIEL flip flops, made with love from Brazil!
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Privacy Tips for Bloggers
• Mademoiselle Robot - A love letter to Jeffrey Campbell
• Nico Assatly - New Spring Polish that will knock your socks off !
• Retro Chick - The Primark Effect - Can cheap fashion be ethical fashion?
• Shopping and Info - Enter for your chance to win a Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Sweater from the Shopping and Info Spring Giveaway.
• Solo Lisa - Less expensive but equally charming alternatives to the new Tiffany key necklaces
• Studio Purpura - Milan Fashion Week Fall 2009 presents creative color schemes and designs to tickle your fancy!!
• Style Amor - THE DYING MAGAZINE: March U.S. Magazine Reviews
• Style Bite - Geared up for Etten Eller’s Newest Collection
• Style Symmetry - Eyeliah loves to layer tights!
• Style With Anna - How to Dress Bohemian
• THE COVETED - A real life review of the Vivienne Tam HP Mini

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Sarah Seven - An Etsy Gem

I never cease to find the most talented indie designers on Etsy. Introducing Sarah Seven, the designer of these breathtakingly gorgeous pieces...and more!



I bet you'd just want to frolic all day long in these dresses!

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Straight Off the Parisian Runway - Fall 2009

Paris Fashion Week yielded collections from designers like Christian Dior, Balenciaga and Lanvin. The ladies waltzed out in collections mimicking period pieces of the 1920s, with accessories adorning their heads while pacing in exquisitely flowing gowns. The colors subtle, intentionally drawing more attention to form. Balmain's pieces remind me what it would be like to have models appear on a sci-fi thriller movie, but in the hottest way possible! Here were a few of my favorites!

Balmain

Balenciaga

Christian Dior

Lanvin

What did you think of the show? Who was your favorite designer?

Photo Credit: NYmag

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Links á la Mode: IFB Weekly Roundup

I can't believe it's been a week already, oh how time flies! We've been fortunate enough to appear once again in IFB's weekly Links á la Mode!

• 39thandbroadway.com - Why we love working in the fashion industry and despite all the hard work and drama, clothing the world is often its own reward!
• Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy - Checks out the new recyclable laptop from who else, Apple
• Breakfast at Saks - loving preppy looks from Liz Claiborne, Burberry, and H&M
• ericdwills.com - Check out the new “Blow” sunglasses from Dior Homme. They come in 5 colors, with each color limited to only 500 pieces worldwide.
• Fashion Daydreams - London Fashion Week Fall 2009 - Ashish show and the IFB party.
• fashion in my eyes - Shoes that makes you wanna dream!
• Fashion Pulse Daily - Is there such a thing as too many fashion reality TV shows? The newest one on Bravo might prove that the theme has gone into overkill mode.
• Fasshonaburu - Top Five Fashion Trends from NYFW
• fete a fete - Vouelle Spring 09 couture shoes from Paris!
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Affordable Business Cards For (Somewhat Broke) Bloggers
• Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Fashion - Can the Remington Emi hairdryer create wavy hair in one easy step? Even on curly hair?
• Nico Assatly - Get in the Swing of thing!
• ShopDiary - Check out Net-a-Porter Notes Volume VII
• Shopping and Info - Shopping and Info found the most amazing crocodile embossed and python embossed Italian leather clutches.
• Solo Lisa - How to make high heels comfortable if you usually live in flats
• Star Fashion Addict - 2009 Men’s Summer Fashion
• Studio Purpura - London Fashion Week Fall 2009 Runway Sound Byte - Sultry, Passionate Designer Collections!!
• Style Bite - Handbags made out of paper? Gotta love it!
• Style Symmetry - Spotlight on The 100% Thrifted Pool!
• Style With Anna - The Right Jeans For Wider Hips
• THE COVETED - Vivienne Tam Hearts Bloggers
• the musings of ondo lady - Check out my review of the real life version of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ - ‘Running in Heels’

Enjoy!

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Milan Fashion Week Show - Fall 2009

Milan Fashion Week for Fall 2009 has come to a close and there will be one more stop in Paris before the show goes into hibernation until Spring 2009. There were a handful of designers that were fairly creative with their color schemes and design concepts, such as Marni and Costume National. I was particularly impressed with DSquared2 for the way they fused the rocker chic and lady sultry look!

Vibrant colored suede, lush fur, and cowl neck sweaters were a few common ideas shared among the designers!

Marni

Costume National

DSquared2

Missoni

What were your thoughts on Milan Fashion Week? What were your favorite looks?

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Photo Credit: NYMag

Weekly Editor's Picks - Bold Statement Jewelry

This season is all about the statement pieces characterized by an over abundance of ostentatious jewels and vibrant colors! Pair a tastefully chosen statement accessory with a simple outfit and you'll have every reason to rock it to an all new "dress to impress" look!

Here are a few key pointers that will help you choose your next key accessory:

• Sparkle - Every girl could use a lil' bling - find pieces that sparkle through diamonds, crystals (CZ's just as good, an affordable alternative)!
• Over-sized, bulky jewels - Look out for pieces that are adorned with chunky jewels. The best statement piece is able to draw immediate attention.
• Intricate Details - Bold jewelry does not necessarily mean that it has to be chunky. It can also mean an accessory that has gorgeous, eye-catching intricacies -- just enough to make you want more!
  

Giles & Brother Chaton Pyramid Drop Earrings - $113

Erickson Beamon - $46.99

Marlene Birger - $295

J.Crew Jeweled coronation cuff bracelet - $150

Rachel Leigh Jewelry Cleo Teardrop Earrings - $132

Have suggestions for the next Weekly Editor's Pick? Feel free to shoot them over!!

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

What I Want Now: Sophie Hulme Purple Sequin Dress

This Sophie Hulme dress is absolutely adorable with its purple sequined applique on a minidress and has been sold out ever since Pixiemarket launched Sophie's new collection! Lucky enough, it's back on site and still just as cute!
Find it at Pixiemarket for $267.00! Wear it with a pair of leggings or on its own!

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Camille Lorigo - The Che Camille Project

I'd like to introduce Che Camille, a sweet surprise in the midst of Glasglow, Scotland, filled with one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories, and patterns realized by resident designers. Founder, Camille Lorigo began this venture as a way to discover new and local talent. In less than a year, she has collected 20 designers with a broad range of expertise and introduced the concept of the "Glasglow 10" whereby 10 out of the 20 designers will be hand-selected to be part of the permanent design team. So far, she's chosen 4 out of 10, Robert Watson of Rabii Denim, Florence To a former Alexander McQueen intern, William Chambers and Rose Fleck. I have no doubt that this idea will turn into a brilliant success!

Check out the Che Camille Boutique here!

XOXO,
Studio Purpura