Sassy Hong Kong

New Sassy Site!

2009-12-14T12:34:00.005+08:00

Please redirect all links and your browsers to http://www.sassyhongkong.com to check out our new site - all our posts now live over there!

We've been hard at work over the past month on our new Sassy website, which we're now super-excited to show you. We'll be posting all our new posts up over there, and we've moved all our content over too so you can still find all these blog posts. There are still some tweaks to be made, so apologies if some of the pages are a little screwy, but we'll be fixing these over the next couple of weeks. The most exciting part of the new site is our new City Guide section, so we'd love to hear what you think!

Italian Christmas Market at Goccia on Sunday 13th

2009-12-12T16:59:00.003+08:00

Buon Natale! It's time to celebrate the festive season the Italian way, with prosecco, panettone and pizza at Goccia while you shop for gifts for family and friends from VIPbox, Mischa Designs and Bejewelled Bespoke to name just a few. The fun kicks off at 3pm tomorrow and goes into the evening, so you can shop (and eat) 'til you drop!

Rob Ryan Wall Decal

2009-12-12T13:47:00.002+08:00

For a few years now I've been completely in love with the work of Rob Ryan... I even designed my wedding invitation to look like one of his pieces. I'm also very confused as to whether Starbucks will get into trouble for blatantly completely ripping his work off (umm, maybe a little like I did with my wedding invite?) with their Christmas campaign.

I'm really wishing for this wall decal from Areaware to place above my bed. It's called "I Love You More Than Sleep", and the only thing stopping me from whipping out my credit card and buying it right now is the US$120 price tag. It might be going on my Christmas wishlist though!

There's an App for that...

2009-12-11T10:55:00.005+08:00

We were so excited this morning to discover that someone has created a free "Hong Kong Lifestyle" Blackberry application, featuring content from CNNGo, HKClubbing, Lifestyle Asia, NecesCity and Sassy! You can download it here. Unfortunately as I have an iPhone I'm not able to check it out... we'd love someone to create an iPhone app for us though!

The Candle Company

2009-12-10T14:17:00.007+08:00

My life for the past week has been filled with big brown boxes, bubble wrap, packing and unpacking. That's right, I moved! While it is absolutely exciting to be in a new apartment, the process can be overwhelming. Now I'm at the fun part, I'm flipping through magazines trying to get inspiration for ways to decorate my new abode....I've been dreaming of all the possibilities for my new space. It's almost like moving is a fresh start, a new beginning. As usual when I move into a new space I keep making all kinds of promises to myself about how organized I'm going to be now, how I won't let any clutter build up....this time I swear I will stick to this!

My mother reminded me on a phone call yesterday that I have actually moved 18 times in the past 12 years. Wow! Through the years I've learned a few tricks about making a house a home. For a simple way to make your place cozy I recommend candles. Candles really warm up a room, and there is such a welcoming feeling when a candle is burning. I know when I go to Maura's apartment, she always has a candle lit in the kitchen and in her family room. The scents can be so pleasant and really lend in making a relaxed environment.

Lyndhurst Terrace is home to probably the best candle boutique in town; The Candle Company. Filled with every shape, size, colour, scent and accessorie imaginable... tea lights, tin candles, jar candles.....They also carry some of the most fragrant oils and oil burners like Ginger Lily and Sandalwood that are sure to make your apartment smell fresh!

I'm down to unpacking my last few boxes. I will definitely be heading over to The Candle Company to pick up some candles over the weekend. The best part is, if I can't make it out, The Candle Company offers delivery service so I can just place my order online!

By the way, candles make a great Holiday gift for just about any girl whethere it be your mom, mother-in-law, friend or even colleague!

The Candle Company
11 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 2545 0099

tanya-b launches her first yoga line and you are invited!

2009-12-10T13:04:00.009+08:00

We are very excited to announce the launch of tanya-b, a new yoga inspired clothing line that was created for girls who want functionality without sacrificing fashion.

The tanya-b collection will make its official debut on Monday 14 December and you are invited to celebrate with the founder herself (Tanya Boulton) as she holds a day long party filled with shopping, drinks and music! Daytime shopping hours will be from 12-6pm and the evening launch party/shopping event goes from 7-11pm.

We got a sneak peak at some of the clothes in her line and we love the look of them and can't wait to try everything on come Monday. I am loving the tie dye yoga tops and think this may have to go on my Christmas wish list. I am flying to the U.S. for the holidays on Tuesday so my plan is to stock up on tanya-b attire to make my long 16 hour flight a little more comfy!

We don't think you will need another reason to stop by this shopping event but if you do then we have one for you! The event will be hosted at Candace Collective which is a New York style loft which has been featured in Home Journal, SCMP and Cosmopolitan. We are in love with the space and think the designer Candace Campos is amazing!

Word of Advice: Hit the ATM before coming because this is a cash only event.

What: the launch of the first collection from tanya-b

Why: a fun come and go shopping event

When: Monday, 14 December

Time: 12-6pm - Day time Shopping & drinks

7-11pm - launch party, DJ, Shopping and fun

Where: Candace Collective 1/F, 171-177 Hollywood Road

Inquiries: info@tanya-b.com or 6448 7310

Hope to see you there!

Don't Miss Eco Action Day: Saturday 12th December

2009-12-10T10:40:00.003+08:00

We have trouble reminding ourselves that this season isn't only about partying, sparkly dresses and fabulous gifts sometimes - luckily all through December there are some great charitable efforts (like the great HK Alley Cat Fundraiser on Tuesday!) to keep our feet on the ground.

This weekend, take advantage of the beautiful sunshine and mild weather we're enjoying to head out to Lantau to take part in the Eco Action Day Challenge. The day kicks off at 9am at Ark Eden Eco Centre in Mui Wo and Eco Challengers will battle beach rubbish (target is 100 bags), wrestle disused agricultural land into submission, build raised garden beds, sprout a native seedling tree nursery and compost all the organic rubbish from the event. A lunch break and snacks will be provided for all participants.

The Eco Action Day Challenge ends at dusk with a vegetarian feast at Ark Eden, followed by a reggae party at China Beach Club with Rocksteady Ska, Dub & Reggae Club (all proceeds to Ark Eden Foundation), and a candlelit vigil on Silver Mine Beach 12.30pm to support ‘tck tck tck’ & ‘350’ call for a real climate deal in Copenhagen.

To learn more about the Ark Eden Eco Day Challenge and to find sponsorship & donation details visit the Ark Eden Website. For further details regarding the Eco Action Day Challenge, email jenny@arkedenonlantau.com

Simplicity Wine & Crêpes

2009-12-09T12:02:00.003+08:00

Last Thursday on the day after our big Xmas party, we took our hungover selves in search of comfort food to the newly opened Simplicity Wine & Crêpes (from the team behind FINDs) on Wyndham Street. A crêpe is a French pancake which can be served with either sweet or savoury fillings, and which in France are served as an unpretentious street food to be wolfed down on the go.

Simplicity Wine & Crêpes is a tiny, cosy little cafe opposite Solas and just next to the LKF hotel decorated in neutral, modern colours. They're still waiting for their liquor license to come through, so in the meantime it's BYO if you'd like the enjoy a glass of wine with your meal. The great thing about crêpes is that they are good at any time of day depending on the filling you choose and sensibly Simplicity have decided to open a little window at the front of the cafe so that they can even cater to the 2am punter rolling out of Dragon-I with a growling tum. The Hungry German pancake which is filled with sausage and potato sounds like the perfect late-night stomach-filler!

We tried the regular Ham & Cheese, the Greek and the Hong Kong crêpes. The Ham & Cheese was a bit of a mild child, but the Greek (with feta and spinach) and the Hong Kong (with char sui and hoi sin sauce) really hit the spot. We finished up with one of their destined-to-be-famous Snickers crêpes, which was meltingly delicious. They're obviously still working out some minor kinks in their soft opening period and they'd love your feedback! Stop in to enjoy a crêpe before the 10th December and enjoy a free soft drink with your meal. I'm going to be imagining myself back in the Swiss Alps and enjoying one of their hot chocolates as a winter warmer.

Pssst... they will also be serving up their special french fries to the late-night crowd, so there's no need to go in search of a kebab shop to fulfill your carb craving!

Simplicity Wine & Crêpes

G/F 41 Wyndham Street, Central

2123 1558

Backcombing, Hairspray and Big Big Hair

2009-12-09T11:22:00.005+08:00

Every year my primary school in the UK would have a dress-up day for Comic Relief, where all the kids would donate money to be able to come to school in costume. One year when I must have been about 5 years old, my mum dressed me as a 1960s glamour puss, complete with backcombed beehive and kohl-lined eyes and my love affair with big hair began. Despite the fact that I know it's terrible for one's hair to backcomb, I just can't resist, but have always had to suppress the urge to crazy. This season though, there's no need for restraint. Big updo's are back for the festive season, and there's no better way to give yourself a quick party-ready look in 5 minutes. It even works better when your hair isn't squeaky clean, which gives you an extra 30 minutes in bed on these cold winter mornings!

If your hair is freshly-washed, or if it's tipped over into greasiness, dry shampoo (try a cheapo brand like Batiste - there's no need to go high-end with these products) will work absolute wonders sprayed onto your roots. It gives a nice matte texture to your hair, and adds volume. Backcomb at the crown using a long-handled comb and then spray with hairspray with your head upside down.

For the top look, this is a classic French chignon basically (or what in the US they call a French twist). Here is a good guide to how to achieve this look. You can make it as big and messy, or small and neat as you like (go big! go big!). For the bottom look, you can follow these instructions to how to create the perfect messy bun. Remember, for both these looks you do not need to put your hair in a pony-tail band first. You only need bobby pins, hair spray and a comb.

Inspiration: Your Work Space

2009-12-09T11:12:00.002+08:00

I love having an inspiration board by my desk as I work. Not only does it give a room a burst of colour, but you can also change items out regularly so that your workspace always feels fresh and stimulating. I love these magnetic buttons from Suzy Jack you can use to display papers and photos - a really modern and fun alternative to using thumbtacks, and useful if you only have a metal-walled cubicle in your office!

Passionately Yours

2009-12-07T19:17:00.009+08:00

The cold weather season is upon us and if you are looking for ways to heat up the holidays then look no further than Passionately Yours. Passionately Yours was founded to help people in Hong Kong feel comfortable about bringing a little spice into their life. Their product line is filled with a variety of toys, books, music and DVDs that will inspire both the shy and outgoing of us all!

We often get asked about Hen Parties or Girls Night Out ideas and we think it would be so fun to have a Passion Party. Grab your girlfriends and plenty of wine (think this is a must have!) and invite Passionately Yours into your home for an eye opening evening filled with education and tons of laughs.

The whole idea of the parties is to have girly fun and learn about what is out there in a friendly and social environment. They also have Gift Collections so you can really treat the Bride on her big night out! The three of us are pretty shy when it comes to these sorts of things so we were happy to find out that the girls at Passionately Yours can create a party that is as vanilla or far out there as you want! Click here for more information on their parties.

We do blush a little talking about this so if you want to learn more visit the Passionately Yours website to see all the different toys and games that are out there for you to enjoy! They also do private appointments or can help you over the phone so don’t hesitate or be nervous about asking anything at all – chances are they have heard your question before!

P.S. - You can find some sizzling Holiday gift ideas on their site as well….’Tis the season to be naughty!

Shake 'Em Buns

2009-12-07T12:55:00.004+08:00

Shake 'em Buns was one of the sponsors for our Sexy Xmas party last week - amidst all the chocolate covered strawberries and cupcakes, we knew we needed something super-filling to keep the guys happy. The mini sliders they provided were perfect bite-sized mouthfuls of deliciousness, and provided a great foundation for all the vodka-drinking that went on that night!

Maura and I stopped in to Shake 'em Buns' cafe on the corner of Wellington Street and Pottinger Street last week to try out some items from the menu for ourselves. We'd been running around all morning on an empty stomach and were starting to drool at the idea of a burger lunch. The little cafe is decorated in an American diner-style, with a couple of cosy booths and a row of high stools perched by the window so you can munch happily while watching people make their precarious way down Pottinger. The menu and style of the restaurant is full of funny names (sample burger names are "Missionary", "Gang Bang" and "Cushin' for the Pushin'), signs and humour - upbeat tunes boom out of the sound system, and you can feel your mood get better with every minute inside.

I ordered the Debbie Does Dallas burger, which is essentially a cheeseburger topped with bacon, fried onions and barbeque sauce. It's an oozing, juicy dream of a burger which packs a huge flavour punch. It's not the tidiest thing to eat, so maybe not one to choose if you're on a date. I wolfed it down in about ten seconds flat - you can probably see from my greedy grin in the picture above that it wasn't going to last long! Maura ordered a basket of sliders, which come in several different combos so are great if you can't make up your mind as to what you'd like to try.

There also aren't just burgers on the menu - my husband is OBSESSED with their fried mozzarella sticks, and if you're having a "trying to be healthy" day, I recommend the chicken salad, which unusually for a burger joint actually has very fresh salad.

We'll definitely be stopping into Shake 'em Buns again soon to satisfy our burger cravings!

Shake 'em Buns

76 Wellington Street, Central

2810 5533

Feline Fetish Party at Solas

2009-12-07T07:20:00.008+08:00

Join the HK Alley Cat Watch (HKACW) tomorrow night at Solas from 6pm-late for their Feline Fetish Party. Put on your best animal print attire and join the girls from HKACW for a sizzling night of fun, fabulous food/drinks, entertainment, prize giveaways and fundraising.

All are welcome and a door donation of $150 is appreciated. Those who make a donation will receive 1 free standard drink and a lucky draw ticket. 100% of the proceeds from the evening will go to help Hong Kong's street cats.

We are really looking forward to this party as Hester and I both have cats and support everything that HKACW does for abandoned cats here in Hong Kong. My own cat was rescued from Lamma Island so I am definitely looking forward to helping HK Alley Cat Watch and enjoying the amazing party that they have put together.

What: Feline Fetish Party

When: Tuesday, 8 December 2009

Where: Solas (Wyndham Street)

Entry: $150 donation (includes 1 standard drink and a lucky draw ticket)

Entertainment: Bachelor & Bachelorette auction, pole-dance performance, musical performance,

Hope to see you there!

Exclusive Interview - Piecco

2009-12-04T17:54:00.011+08:00

Girls, meet Piecco - a fabulous handbag designer who just launched his collection in Hong Kong (and Paris too!). We love his clutches and have been keeping them a secret for way too long so we are excited that we can now give you a look into the collection.

Miriam

Diana

P.P. Tote

Chelsea (purple)

Piecco (who previously worked in the banking industry) creates beautiful handbags made from exotic animal skins in amazing colors and textures. He currently has two lines: Haute Couture and Merci Dani. The Haute Couture Collection is all about being unique so when you order a bag from this collection you will sit down with Piecco and determine the concept and design for the bag. The Merci Dani Collection takes inspiration from the bags that are created in the Haute Couture collection. We love his clutches that are inspired by your own mobile phone number – so creative!

Piecco is such a great personality that we couldn’t write about his bags without interviewing him. We suggest heading to his new studio on On Wo Lane (NoHo) to really get the full Piecco experience. We guarantee he will make it entertaining for you!

Question 1:

Sassy: Why did you decide to leave the financial world for a career in the fashion/handbag industry?

Piecco: The decision wasn't really made by myself... I believe when the right time comes, you will mostly know and grab on to it. It's very simple in Chinese, 春來草自生

Question 2:

Sassy: What is your favourite piece from your new collection?

Piecco: I like the "Diana clutch" as it's easy to carry, dress up/dress down and it is very multi-functional.

Question 3:

Sassy: What type of girl carries a Piecco handbag?

Piecco: I would say a girl with an open mind who likes to explore new things. My handbags are about concept, texture and color (including my black bags as they are different shades of black). I believe it takes time to see what they really are and that's why there is a description card in every bag.

Question 4:

Sassy: What is your must have fashion essential?

Piecco: Pink cotton shirt, white sailor pants, funk bright Addidas sneakers and of course a "piecco".

Since the quality is great the clutches are not cheap but we can think of a million ways to justify having one of his little black clutches - we are in love!

piecco - First Floor, Number Eight, On Wo Lane, NoHo

Photos from Sexy Xmas Party at Prive

2009-12-04T09:52:00.002+08:00

The photos from our Sexy Xmas party with NecesCity.com are now up on our main site. Click here to view the gallery!

Last Night's Sexy Xmas Party

2009-12-03T18:28:00.003+08:00

The lovely Liza from Hip Hong Kong filmed this video from our Sexy Xmas Party last night night at Prive, of our chair dancers from Aerial Arts Academy. As you can imagine, this got everyone on the dance floor pretty quickly as soon as the performance was over. More about the party tomorrow when we'll be posting the photos on our main site - things definitely got pretty pretty crazy and we had an amazing time. Thanks so much to everyone for coming out and letting loose on a Wednesday night! We've definitely kick-started the party season!

Sexy Xmas Party Tonight!

2009-12-02T07:25:00.003+08:00

Posting has been very light on the blog this week - we're sorry! We're in full crazy-mode gearing up for the Sexy Xmas party tonight so we've been running around doing all sorts of last-minute errands and taking care of preparations. This is our second big party following our Launch Party in September, and there are definitely a lot more elements involved in this one... We've been sourcing our decorations in Sham Shui Po, interviewing Santa and his helpers and rounding up a whole host of naughty prizes and goodie bag items.

We're so lucky to work with such wonderful companies as our party sponsors - people who have bent over backwards to be creative, patient and helpful, and we couldn't do it without them.

You can still pre-purchase tickets at the price of HK$200 until 12pm, or pay HK$250 on the door tonight. Be sure to come early to enjoy the free-flow cocktails until 9.30pm and to be one of the first 150 people who gets a goodie bag!

Sonia Rykiel for H&M

2009-11-30T14:46:00.002+08:00

It seems just like yesterday that the Jimmy Choo hysteria had girls in Hong Kong lining up at obscene hours of the morning outside stores, and now get ready for yet another designer collaboration for H&M - Sonia Rykiel designing slinky undies. We've taken a peep at some of the limited images available online of the collection, and we're not sure these pieces will have the same "got-to-have-it" appeal of the Jimmy Choo line. The flowers on the boobs and butt of the pieces above would seem to make them almost unwearable under tight-fitting clothes (unless you like that lumpy-bum look of course!).

These pale pink items look super-cute on the models, but we all know high-waisted skin-coloured knickers can steer into big-time granny territory (remember Bridget Jones?), so I think I'll be looking out for the flesh-coloured bras and black stockings and giving the rest of it a miss. The collection is due to launch on the 5th December officially, but perhaps because of the Jimmy Choo hysteria, there are already a few of the pieces in the Queen's Road store at least.

Let us know your thoughts! Will you be heading to H&M to check out the collection?

Party Dresses at Karen Millen

2009-11-30T12:50:00.009+08:00

I've never been the biggest fan of Karen Millen - something about the style of the clothes always felt a little bit too structured and WAG-ish for me... the kind of garments I can imagine girls with perma-blow-dried glossy hair who always wear a full face of makeup to the gym would wear (e.g. possibly the kind of girl I should aspire to be!). It's on the more expensive end of high street fashion, and I never really thought the designs could justify the fairly steep price tags.

This season though my opinion has totally changed, and I spent a very happy hour or so in the Wellington Street store the other day trying on numerous great little slinky dresses in the hope of finding something to wear for our Sexy Xmas party on Wednesday. From romantic and floaty to super-tailored and sleek, there's a party dress there for every style and body type, and some great shoe options as well, all with super-high spiky heels.

There's a lot of detailing to the dresses which is great in such a monotone season, and which elevates them beyond what you can usually find on the high street, and which is used to flatter curves and skim over bumpy bits. Sequins and chiffon abound, and it's great to see some red and grey amongst the sea of mostly black. Prices aren't low, with more basic dresses starting around HK$2,400 ranging up to HK$4,600 for more embellished sequin-ed numbers. You get 10% off with an HSBC credit card though, so every little helps!

Karen Millen

G/F 56-58 Wellington Street, Central

2530 2092

Detour Art Festival 2009

2009-11-30T08:12:00.004+08:00

Yesterday I checked out the DETOUR 2009 exhibition at the old Police Married Headquarters on Aberdeen Street. DETOUR has been running since 2006, and is designed to stimulate creativity and dialogue about art and life in Hong Kong through appreciation of various art installations and design projects. DETOUR have completely taken over the disused historic building to transform it into a community space for play and contemplation. The ground floor which was an abandoned scrubby courtyard has been re-imagined as a sand-covered playground with deck chairs and huge inflatable balls, for you to sit and relax while music is played from the enormous speakers and images from the project are shown on a large screen. This is also the venue for many talks and performances throughout the fortnight. The unmissable talking point of the courtyard is the red-painted bamboo bridge that looms overhead, connecting one side of the building with the other.

Leaving the courtyard and beginning to explore the abandoned apartment rooms, you feel like you are a voyeur as you peep through windows and linger in doorways to gaze at the exhibitions. A huge effort has been made to fill almost every room with something thought-provoking, including a "Pimp my Pushcart" installation where street pushcarts are souped up and given a new lease of life as an uber-luxe baby pram for example. Climbing up through the floors you'll come across a room completely floored with deep cotton wool (the tiny kids at the event were LOVING this), an exhibit dedicated to the appreciation of all the bakery and confectionary Hong Kong has to offer, and the intriguing and mysterious Room 414. Room 414 has been designed by the brand, G.O.D, and is actually the room that Donald Tsang grew up in.

DETOUR 2009 is a really enjoyable experience, and definitely thought-provoking, particularly when it comes to Hong Kong's heritage and city-planning. The setting of the Police Married Headquarters is extremely successful and it is a rare treat to step inside a piece of history that is so untouched by time. Stop by until the 9th December - make sure you don't miss out!

Holiday Gifts for the Metro Guy

2009-11-27T08:59:00.013+08:00

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S, flying first class up in the sky... These gifts are great for the guy who enjoys living a luxurious lifestyle.

A Classic Masculine Experience at the Mandarin Barber

He likes to take care of himself and knows that a well-groomed exterior maketh the man. Treat him to a special Mandarin Shave Treatment at the Mandarin Oriental Barber, which includes hot and cold towels infused with essential oils and the closest shave imaginable with a long razor. Extend the special experience by treating him to a manly cocktail in the Captain's Bar - we recommend ordering an Old Fashioned (Kentucky Bourbon with a touch of sugar, spiced aromatic bitters and an orange twist) or a draft beer served in a silver tankard. He'll think you're a mind reader!

Price: HK$350 for the special Mandarin Shave

Where to buy: You can purchase a gift voucher directly from the Mandarin Oriental Barber inside the Hotel. For enquiries call 2810 6190.

Hermes Playing Cards

With the Hermes Playing Cards he will be able to bring style to the game. He’ll be King of the table and impress his buddies with these attractive cards. This posh set comes with two decks and each is lined in silver. His game of Texas Hold-Em is sure to improve with these luxe cards. Hermes carries an array of styles.

Cost:$620
Where to Buy: Hermes Hong Kong: Pacific Place and The Galleria Shops

The Metrosexual Guide to Style:

If you’re guy can’t walk past the mall without taking a peak inside, loves to be spoiled and pampered, thinks that he must always be sporting the latest fashions, then The Metrosexual Guide to Style by Michael Flocker is the ultimate lifestyle gift for him. This savvy handbook is loaded with tips from travel, fitness and grooming to décor and dining. He’ll get all kinds of advice , do’s and don’ts on topics such as etiquette and even romance. After reading this book he will certainly be well polished!

Cost: Approx $116
Where to Buy: www.amazon.com Dymocks and Book-a-zine

Messenger Bag:

The Louis Vuitton Utah Messenger Bag is uber chic and multifunctional. Whether he needs to carry files from work or wants to use it as a carry-on when he jets sets to the trendiest Asian destinations; this bag will compliment his outfit as well as his daily needs. Finished with antique polished brass pieces and a discrete LV stamped monogram, this masculine bag is one he will get lots great use of.

Cost:$18,000
Where to Buy: Louis Vuitton Stores

Holiday Gifts for the Sporty Guy

2009-11-27T08:11:00.007+08:00

If your guy is all about competition and staying fit then these gifts will be sure to get his heart pumping.

Polar Watch

If he strives for only the best then get him a Polar Sports Watch this holiday so he can be sure to maximize his training to the fullest. The watch will give him the inside scoop on his fitness level by measuring heart rate, combined speed, distance and calories burned. With a gift like this he will be ready to test his endurance in the Standard Charter Marathon come February!

Price: Ranges from $700 - $4,000 HKD

Where to Buy: Visit the Polar Website for store locations in HK

Go Karting at the International Kart Circuit in Diamond Coast

If your man feels the need for speed then take him to the International Kart Circuit, which is Hong Kong’s only Go Kart racing track. A few laps around the circuit will be sure to get his adrenaline pumping. We suggest taking him and a couple of friends so they can race against each other while you take photos of the racers in action. Or if you are sporty girl – you should join in!

Price:

$260/person for the Normal Package (includes safety video, written test, 3 laps road test and a 10 minute session)

$600/person for the Special Package, which can be used for 2 months (includes safety video, written test, 3 laps road test and four 10 minute sessions)

For more information visit: www.dckart.com

Let's Get Physical by VIP Box

If his workout regime is getting a little bit “routine” then get him the Let’s Get Physical Gift from VIP Box. This gift allows him to choose 1 gift from 6 different activities such as Martial Arts, Surfing, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Personal Training Sessions and Sports Massage. All VIP Boxes come in a fun package with all the information your guy will need to select their activity. The VIP Box is one of our favourite gift ideas this year – we love them!

Price: $1,000

Where to buy: Visit VIP Box’s website for online ordering and retail locations.

Take him to the Sky with a Paragliding Course

If he has done every sport imaginable on the ground then he should now move on to the sky! By giving him Paragliding lessons this holiday he will see Hong Kong from a whole new perspective. Sky Adventure is specialized in paragliding instruction and The Student Pilot Course is the first step towards obtaining your own license. He will learn how to launch, basic flying techniques and spot landing. The course is conducted in Ma On Shan and Sai Kung Country Park over 4 flying days and 12 flights.

Price: $4,000

Contact: Mr. Man Kam Fai (Instructor) at 9620 0577 or skysport@netvigator.com

Holiday Gifts for the Creative Guy

2009-11-27T08:00:00.007+08:00

He loves to write poetry, he can't wait for the next gallery opening, his dream is to have all the time in the world to discover new ideas and concepts....then these gifts are perfect for him!

Art Jamming Session:

His creative juices will flow as he spends a few hours unleashing his inner Picasso! Art Jamming provides all the necessaries to make his vision come to life: the paint, brushes, canvas , and even some music to set the mood. It doesn’t matter if he is talented or challenged when it comes to painting, this is a great gift for any guy who wants to chill out and unwind. Warning, he may come home with “artwork” that he thinks will be perfect for over the family room couch!

Price: $400 - $1200
Where to Buy: Art Jamming, 123 Wellington Street, Central, 2541-8816

Photography Lessons:

The Hong Kong skyline screams out “take my picture!” HK is the perfect place to take a photography lesson. With some of the world’s most incredible buildings and gorgeous beaches like Shek-O it is definitely the ideal setting for the novice learner.

Price: Varies depending on private or group lesson
Where to Buy: www.hongkongphotographic.com

Cooking Classes:

What is better than a guy who can cook?! The YWCA offers all kinds of cooking courses like Chinese, Thai, and even baking homemade bread. He will absolute love learning the latest culinary secrets to help him create the most delicious dishes.

Price: $280-$440
Where to Buy: YWCA, 3/F 1 MacDonnell Road, Central, 3476-1340

Holiday Gifts for Dad

2009-11-27T07:50:00.003+08:00

Dad's are sometimes the most difficult to shop for, these are our ideas:

For the New Dad:

Jogging Stroller

If Daddy likes to exercise and spend time with baby, then he is going to love a great jogging stroller. Baby will enjoy a nice ride and probably nod off to sleep while Dad gets the chance to burn those extra calories. Jogging strollers are great for HK because they are durable enough to handle all the bumps, curbs and steps along the way.

Visit Bumps To Babes to find the make and model of your choice. For location information go to www.bumpstobabes.com

For Your Dad:

Sony Digital Photo Frame

Your father will be moved when you give him a digital photo frame pre-loaded with pics of you and him. We promise this frame will go straight to his desk at the office and he will be the proud poppa showing all his colleagues the photos of Daddy and Daughter!

$700
www.amazon.com

For Any Dad:

Cooper Cooler Wine Chiller

Not only does this chiller get a bottle of wine cooled in less than 6 minutes, in only 1 minute it gets a beer can ice cold. For the wine enthusiast this may be the ultimate gift. This is a fantastic gift that any guy from your own father to your boss will love.

Approx $600
www.amazon.com

Holiday Gifts for the Gadget Guy

2009-11-26T11:04:00.013+08:00

If he loves to be in the know about the latest new toy to hit the market then he may be wishing for the following gifts this year.

Wired Magazine Subscription

This will surely be his go to guide for up and coming things to hit the tech, business, media and entertainment market in 2010.

Price - $540 for a 1 year International Subscription

Where to Buy: Visit the Wired website for details on how to order

SONOS S5

If your guy is addicted to his iPhone then this gift should top your holiday list for him this year. The SONOS S5 speaker delivers music to one room of your home without ever having to dock your iPhone in a console. You can control the music from your iTunes library via your iPhone and you also have access to thousands of free Internet stations throughout the world.

Price - $3,100

Where to Buy: Tekk88 Limited, 3/F Wing Fat Bldg, 3Jervois Street, Sheung Wan (Showroom is open by appointment only so call 2111 9558)

PlayStation 3 Slim

Now as girls we will never understand the need for the Slim version of Playstation 3 when they already have the "not so slim" one but the men do, which is why this is a great holiday gift this year. Giving the gift of video games really ups your cool factor with him and we are positive he will be bragging to all his friends about how "in the know" you are when it comes to gaming systems.

Price - $2,399

Where to buy - RenChi Limited - Unit B, 3rd Floor, V GA Building, 532 Castle Peak Road, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

If your man travels a lot, these noise-cancelling headphones are an absolute must to drown out all those crying babies and snoring seat-mates. They can also be used to give amazing sound quality while he games, and stop you from having to listen to the sound of Call of Duty gunfire while you're trying to relax at home.

Price - HK$2,000

Where to buy - Check the Bose website for HK Store Locations

Holiday Gifts for the Executive Guy

2009-11-26T10:43:00.007+08:00

For the workaholic in your life...

Dunhill Passport Holder/Wallet

Get your guy organized when he travels by giving him a Passport Holder/Wallet this year from Dunhill. If he is always heading off to the International Airport then this wallet will keep his passport, travel documents and frequent flyer cards organized so he will waste no time jetting off to his next business meeting.

Price - $2,900

Where to Buy: Visit the Dunhill website for HK store locations

Thomas Pink Cufflink Box

If you can’t bear to buy another cufflink this year then give him this Thomas Pink Cufflink Box so he can store all the fantastic cufflinks you have bought him over the years. Not only will it look great on his nightstand but it will also save time in the morning (which means getting to the office sooner) since he will no longer have to go rumbling around to find a matching pair.
Price - $1,280
Where to Buy: Pacific Place, Level 2
Selection of Big Business DVDs

Even on the weekends the executive guy is usually thinking about the office so get him a collection of DVD’s that he can relax to while thinking about big business at the same time. Any selection of the following movies will be a hit for any corporate man in your life. (P.S. we suggest getting the Blu-ray versions if he has a Blu-ray DVD player)
- Boiler Room
- Wall Street
- American Psycho
- Glengarry Glen Ross
- Rogue Trader
- Trading Places

Price - ranges between $100-$250 for a DVD
Where to Buy: Visit the HMV website for HK store locations

Thanksgving Inspiration

2009-11-26T09:53:00.015+08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

A typical Thanksgiving for me back at home (Miami, Fl.) would be a day spent with my family. Every year since I can remember my family and I go to my Aunt Caryn's house for an afternoon and evening filled with laughing, food, and story telling. We always gather around the table and share the things we are most thankful for. Year after year the menu never changes(traditions)...turkey and stuffing, Granddad's famous mashed potatoes, Aunt Caryn's sweet potato casserole, Mom's delicious deviled eggs, Grandma's secret recipe baked beans, and lots and lots of Aunt Caryn's homemade pies (apple, pecan, pumpkin). I'm already full just thinking about it!

This year I will be celebrating with friends at the American Club, then off to Maura's where she and her husband Paul are hosting a gathering in their apartment complete with turkey, green beans, sweet potatoes and of course pumpkin pie! I'm sure that just like "home" there will be lots of laughing and memories to be made.

If I had the space in my apartment to have people over, these images would definitely be my decorating inspiration.

Photos Courtesy of : Martha Stewartand Country Living

Exclusive Interview: HK Fashion Geek

2009-11-25T09:29:00.008+08:00

One of our favourite Hong Kong fashion blogs is Hong Kong Fashion Geek - a super-quirky glimpse into the fashion-obsessed minds of two HK girls who until recently have only been known by their pseudonyms: hkFashionGeek and hkShoeGeek. We sat them both down to ask them some probing fashion questions. First up, hkFashionGeek takes the hot seat!

Sassy: Who is your style icon?
hkFashionGeek: I don’t have a specific style icon per say but I do admire people who accept their body shape and make a statement a la Beth Ditto. The world is too obsessed with size especially in Hong Kong where a normal sized girl is routinely bashed for being XXXL.

Sassy: What is your favourite store in Hong Kong?
hkFashionGeek: Fashion wise, there’s this tiny boutique in Island Beverly Mall in Causeway Bay called Princess. All their clothing is by a local Hong Kong designer and they have super funky pieces. Regular readers will know that us Geeks love convertible clothing and Princess has some of the most versatile pieces I’ve found at affordable prices. I also have this fascination with the lifestyle section of City Super. I am never bored in there. There’re so many interesting gadgets, toys and other random items to check out. (See why I call myself FashionGeek?)

Sassy: What is your number 1 tip for making the most out of your wardrobe?
hkFashionGeek: I’m all about the accessories and the same outfit can be completely transformed with different jewellery, chain harnesses, brooches, belts, bags, shoes, scarves and caps. You name the accessory, I probably have it.

Sassy: Worst fashion mistake you have ever made?
hkFashionGeek: Oh boy, this is a toughie. Probably the worst mistake was when I was still going to raves and wore this nude fishnet lacy see through top with really baggy blue jeans. My only excuse was that I was young.

Sassy: Can you describe your favourite outfit for us?

hkFashionGeek: The outfit is simple (see above picture!). A black knitted thigh length tunic that I bought from Tokyo paired with the most awesome leggings I picked up from one of those mass disposable fashion stores in Wanchai for HK$50. The leggings look like someone had slashed through the material and neon yellow shows up underneath. A studded neon yellow belt from Pac Sun in the US completes the outfit along with a pair of Galliano fishnet stilettos. (I never used to have a shoe fetish until ShoeGeek infected me.) To finish off the outfit, I am wearing jewellery by Chic Infinity, specifically The Planets are Aligned necklace, All Chained Up necklace styled as a bracelet and the All Chained up ring (see image of amazing Chic Infinity silver rope ladder harness necklace below).

Sassy: If you had unlimited money to spend on just one item for Autumn/Winter, what would it be?

hkFashionGeek: The Giuseppe Zanotti zipper ankle boots. Of course, if I had them, my many visits to Lane Crawford just to take a look at the boots will have to end but I’m sure I’ll find something else to obsess over. If I could go back in time with unlimited funds, I would totally buy the Giuseppe Zanotti boots that in our logo.

Sassy: What do you love about Hong Kong?

hkFashionGeek: That there is such a wide range of fashion choices available from disposable fashion boutiques where you can get clothing for under HK$100 to high end places like Lane Crawford. There’s nothing like mixing the cheap with the super expensive (although for the Geeks, the super expensive is likely to have been purchased at a warehouse sale) to create the ultimate statement.

Sassy: Least favourite thing about Hong Kong?

hkFashionGeek: The lack of winter. I bought four gorgeous coats (including an ankle-length one) last year and only got to wear them once!

Thanks hkFashion Geek! Next week, look out for our interview with hkShoeGeek!

I am Thankful for - Cocktails!

2009-11-24T17:50:00.004+08:00

My favorite holiday of the year is approaching and it is killing me to be missing out on all the Thanksgiving festivities back in the states. While Thanksgiving is technically on Thursday it starts out on Wednesday evening with a big night out, followed by a lazy day of eating with family on Thursday and Shopping with friends on Friday (the biggest shopping day of the year!).

I am hosting Thanksgiving dinner at my apartment this year and if you know me well enough you know that I hardly ever cook (I literally just got off the phone with Relish Kitchen who will be providing me with my Thanksgiving feast). Since I hate cooking I try to always have a fun drink served at family gatherings so I need to figure out what that will be for Thanksgiving 2009!

Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not you should definitely have a festive fall drink on Thursday!

Check out the following sites for how to make the drinks above:

Pumpkin Pie

Gingersnap Cocktail

Pumpkin Divine Martini

Spiced Apple Mixer from Stirrings - I used to buy these mixers all the time in the US but haven't found them here in HK :-(

I think I am leaning towards the Pumpkin Divine!

Photo Courtesy of Hostess (with the mostess)

Tuesday in Hong Kong

2009-11-24T08:55:00.010+08:00

You would think by all the events going on tonight that it might be a Friday. For a Tuesday night in Hong Kong there are so many fab things going on around town. In fact, there is something for everyone...

The Fitness Girl:

Sassy's Bikini Bootcamp is down to the last few sessions. Come out and get in ship shape with the girls before we indulge on all the delicious treats during the holiday season. This is a great way to work out whether you're a first time novice or an experienced fitness Queen!

Time: 7:30-8:30pm
Location: Hong Kong Park (we meet at the HK Sports Centre across from the Peak Tram)
Cost: $150

The Fashionista:

Mischa was one of the faves at Chic Boutique. The girls who came to the event couldn't get enough of the vintage obi handbags that are designed by Michelle Lai. Well tonight, guests are cordially invited to a special viewing of the new collection of Mischa handbags & accessories and the Vera Wang Spring 2010 collection of party wear. You can enjoy a glass of bubbly and fashion show at HK's exclusive carrier of Vera Wang party wear. Guest will receive a VIP discount on purchases of dresses and handbags made on the night.

As places are limited please RSVP to mail@mischadesigns.com

The Activist:

If Hong Kong's pollution is something that really upsets you, then the Clean Air event at Box Thai is for you. Clean Air Network (CAN) and Box Thai are hosting a night of cocktails along with AsiaSpa to raise awareness about air pollution in Hong Kong. The night will include a live performance by the band David Bowie Knives, and an art display by David LeBeuf Photography.

Time: 7-9pm

Location: Box Thai, Arbuthnot Road

Cost: Free

The Tweeter:

Tweet Camp is for anyone who is interested in learning all about tweeting. Twitter is quickly becoming the most attractive way to reach the world. Learn from tweet expert Perri Gorman all the tricks and secrets to mastering this 140 characters or less world! Tonight's topic is Social Media for Social good and all about examples about how different companies use Twitter to grow their businesses.

Time: 7-10pm
Location: Center of Excellence Unit 502, Summit Insurance Building 789 Nathan Road Kowloon
Cost: $480 per person. Free to anyone involved in a charity.

Have a great night girls!!

Shopping in Sham Shui Po

2009-11-24T07:28:00.003+08:00

For a long time in Hong Kong we've been hearing about this semi-mystical place called Sham Shui Po where you can get all these wonderful things like haberdashery items, decorations, film props, cheap clothes and much much more. Spurred on by the need to find decorations for our upcoming Sexy Xmas party, we finally took to the MTR to venture out there (full disclosure: we don't venture Kowloon-side as often as we should). We got there earlyish at about 11am when some of the street stallholders were still setting up their stalls and when the streets were still pretty empty. We headed first for Fuk Wing Street which is a treasure trove for all things Christmassy: baubles, tinsel and fake trees galore, and all at wholesale prices so there's not a lot of room to bargain. Despite our lack of Canto-speaking we were able to find kind people on the street who took pity on us and helped us arrange delivery of all our purchases to the Island with the shopkeeper - essential if you're going to keep on shopping!

Leaving Fuk Wing we headed to Nam Cheong Street passing TONS of clothes stores where we glimpsed reasonable looking knitwear and exercise gear (including yoga tops and leggings) and arrived in the haberdashery area which is around 100 Nam Cheong Street. Piling into the tiny stores we were thrilled to discover all manner of trims, ribbons and exciting items, like fully-beaded bib necklaces of the kind that you'd buy in a boutique in Central, and patches and badges to sew onto jackets. We picked up some necklaces and beaded belts which were not originally on the shopping trip but which just had to be got, and then ended up wandering along Cheung Sha Wan Road which was full of even more clothes shops stocking kids fashions. We saw some items that we've bought in Stanley Market for nieces, nephews and god children back home for literally a fraction of the price.

The shops aren't exactly set up for retail customers, so be prepared to have a bit of a rummage, and you will also need to be quite assertive when it comes to finding the shopkeeper to find out prices. If you can handle this though, you're sure to find some great bargains for your Christmas shopping, and you don't even need to venture over the border!

Our favourite store was:

Hang Yip Garment Accessories Company

G/F 108A Nam Cheong Street

Sham Shui Po, Kowloon

(exit B2 from Sham Shui Po MTR station will take you to Fuk Wa and Fuk Wing Streets).

Harvest Bagels & Cafe

2009-11-23T10:13:00.003+08:00

Until now the only place I really knew to go for a good bagel was The Press Room on Hollywood Road. You have to understand that I am a complete bagel snob! The thing I love about The Press Room is that they actually import H&H Bagels from New York. The only problem is The Press Room only serves these dough rings on the weekends.So Monday-Friday I have been out of luck. Thank goodness I can now satisfy my bagel craving anytime thanks to Harvest Bagel & Cafe.

Harvest opened recently on Lyndhurst Terrace. On the menu: bagels, loads of bagels, onion, plain, cinnamon crunch, everything.... I personally love just a plain bagel toasted and smothered with extra cream cheese! By the way, the cream cheese is homemade people. That's right, I said homemade. Flavors include plain, sun dried tomato, black olive, Cajun powder, pineapple, strawberry and even avocado. Guess what? They also make bagel sandwiches to order with all kinds of options from salmon to curried chicken. Also on the menu you'll find a tasty array soups, salads, and smoothies.

Take your bagel to go, or if you have time to sit and unwind Harvest sprawls over two floors. The bottom floor is more like a cafe and upstairs there is plenty of room to dine.

Harvest Bagel & Cafe
G/F, 36 Lyndhurst Terrace
Central
3107-1623

Pre-Christmas Luxury Emporium at FINDS

2009-11-23T07:42:00.003+08:00

At Sassy we love doing things with a twist which is why we can't wait to stop by the Pre- Christmas Luxury Emporium at FINDS this week. This is not your regular Christmas Bazaar girls - there will be shopping, cocktails at Happy Hour prices, and yummy food which is perfect for any Sassy Girl who wants to get a head start on her holiday shopping.

When: Monday (23 November) until Wednesday (25 November)

Time: 5:30 pm - 10:30pm

Where: FINDS (2/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street)

Enjoy: Fab Finds, 2 for 1 drinks on all standard drinks until 10pm and Scandinavian food!

Why buy when you can rent?

2009-11-23T07:33:00.005+08:00

So we all learned about Bag Borrow or Steal in Sex and the City where you can rent fabulous bags without the designer price tag attached. Well, now there is a company (sorry Hong Kong - it is just in the US) that is helping girls out with their attire too! ShopitUPchic.com is a virtual closet where you can rent clothes for almost any occasion imaginable.

There are three membership levels (I Have To Have It, I Need It and I Want IT) and you are charged monthly from $19.99-$39.99. Each item can be kept for 10-20 days depending on your membership level.

I love this concept for party dresses since I always find myself wanting to wear a different one to each party/wedding I attend. With a website like ShopitUPchic.com I could wear a new dress for each occasion without shelling out loads of cash for something I will only wear once.

Now, the website is missing a FAQ section so I am still wondering what happens if you spill a glass of red wine down the front of your rental dress which has been known to happen to me!

The perfect gift for the man who has everything?

2009-11-22T18:29:00.006+08:00

Over the coming few weeks, we're going to be trying to help out by giving as many gift suggestions as possible for the man or men in your life... We know the pain of wracking your brain for hours, spending days of your life traipsing round the shops only to pick out what you think is the perfect gift, only to have it greeted with lackluster enthusiasm and then to be tossed aside never to see the light of day again. We really think that for men it's so easy to pick out gifts for us - clothes, accessories, shoes, jewellery, perfume, holidays etc., we're pretty much an open book about what we love! We're going to try to turn the tables a little to give you the best gift ideas straight from the source - men themselves.

First up, one that we can't really wholeheartedly endorse as a surefire winner - the man skirt... or should that be the mirt? Seen on the catwalks of avante-garde labels for many a year and season, and modeled by David Beckham in sarong-form, they've never really caught on, have they? This time they're going mainstream in 2010 for H&M's Spring collection, and the one shown in the image above is about as wearable as it's every going to get. Worn with skinny (preferably cropped pants) underneath, like this and paired with a nonchalant attitude, we actually are starting to like this look. We're excited to see the mirt hit the streets of Hong Kong!

Image via Hypebeast

Favourite Winter "Recipe"

2009-11-20T13:35:00.003+08:00

For me, winter is really the time for indulgence and a little bit of naughty eating. When I lived in Switzerland I came to associate winter with those warming and sinful cheese dishes like Fondue and Raclette that the Swiss like so much. I even brought my raclette machine with me when I moved to Hong Kong, although it hasn't had an outing yet!

For a little delicious treat at home though, there's nothing better than some steaming hot, molten, oven-baked Camembert, enjoyed with some crusty French bread. It's the perfect comfort food to serve a friend who just happens to pop by around dinner time when the fridge is bare, or curled up on the sofa watching a movie. The funny thing about it is that people actually think it's more impressive than the two minute preparation time - it's all in the styling you know!

Here's how you do it:

Buy a nice ripe camembert that comes in a wooden box (Oliver's and CitySuper have good cheese counters). Open the box and unwrap the cheese. Put the cheese back in the box. Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub over the top of the cheese. Pour a little white wine over the top of the cheese so that it sits on the top. Put the lid of the box back on and place in an oven pre-heated to 200 degrees c or Gas Mark 6 for 10-15 minutes.

Carefully take out of the oven, and serve in the box on a wooden chopping board with some fresh baguette (allow your guests to tear off chunks with their hands). You can also accompany with some cornichons (little gherkins) and mini pickled onions for the authentic twist.

Enjoy!

Heart by Ban.do

2009-11-20T11:36:00.003+08:00

Ban.do have launched a new more affordable line (all pieces under US$50) aimed at teenagers, called Heart... As always, super-cute styling in all their images, and I don't see any any reason at all why those of us who've crossed that over-25 line couldn't indulge in some of these items! My favourites from the line are above - the heart headband would just be too perfect for Valentine's day.

My Favourite Winter Garment: The Jacket!

2009-11-19T09:44:00.007+08:00

My number one fashion "security blanket" in the winter is definitely the jacket. For me it is something that you can dress up or down depending on the occasion and instantly look stylish.

Instead of posting loads of amazing jackets I have decided to showcase 1 jacket to show how versatile this fashion "must have" really is. Just changing up a few things here and there such as your shoes, bag and jewelry can instantly take a jacket from daytime casual to work and then on to a sultry night on the town!

Take a look!

Daytime - Just throw on some light jeans, a colored tank and some fun embellished flats for a look that is low in maintenance but high in style.

Work - Add some color to your work day by paring the jacket with a purple shift dress. Throw on a pair of ultra high heels (best if you are sitting at a desk all day!) and a bib necklace.

Evening - I love a mainly black look with a burst of color in the shoe so for evening pair the jacket with a sparkly tank top (the jacket can come off when you are showing off your moves on the dance floor!), dark denim jeans and cool black accessories.

Jacket: Lanvin

Daytime: Tank: Fab Ribbed Racerback Tank Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana, Bag: Chloe, Small Marlow Top Handle, Jeans: Hudson Midwise Bootcut Jeans, Necklace: Dream Pendant

Work: Dress: Moschino Cheap and Chic, Necklace: JCrew Sparkle Bib Necklace, Shoes: YSL grey flannel platform pumps, Bag: Karen Millen Cyber Chic Multi Pocket Small Bag

Evening: Tank: Bird by Juicy Couture Sequined racer-back tank, Jeans: Citizens of Humanity Kelly Bootcut Jeans - Star, Bag: Bottega veneta , Shoes: ALDO MICKOLICK, Ring: MARMÈN - BLOODY CAGE RING, Earrings: Black Large Ball Studs

Keep Warm in Hong Kong

2009-11-18T21:48:00.006+08:00

Brrrrrr.... it's freezing in the city at the moment! Lack of any kind of central heating and buildings designed more for keeping cool than warm combine to make any sudden plunges in the mercury feel extra-dramatic. To keep our minds off our chilly fingers and numb toes, we present the Sassy Guide to keeping warm in a cold spell:

1. Dress warm, but stay fabulous - Huge knits, jeans tucked into riding boots and faux furs are in, scuzzy tracksuit tops and ropey old socks with holes in them are out. Pull out all your winter clothes and go through them ruthlessly to weed out the things that haven't survived the year in humid storage... There's a smell of mothballs on the streets right now and that's sooo not what you want - wash and dry clean those sweaters and jackets to make sure you are only wafting freshness behind you!

2. Eat up! When your body is cold, you need more calories to keep you warm. Now is not the time for dieting (it's not really the Sassy way anyway!) - indulge in some good stick-t0-your ribs fare to keep your engine running. Pasta, shepherd's pie, tons of steamed rice and spicy curries - yum yum.

3. Keep your hands warm by clutching a warm cuppa - take your pick of herbal teas (we love the Yogi tea range sold at Life Cafe) or delicious hot chocolate. I was sitting shivering today in front of my computer for hours before I realized I should just go and put the kettle on! It's central heating for your insides. I also love a Hot Toddy, usually made with rum, which is a delicious wintery treat - the Captain's Bar at the Mandarin Oriental is the idea place to try one!

4. Fingerless gloves keep typing fingers flying over the keyboard - black lycra ones like the kind often worn by shop assistants in HK can be bought in the Lanes in Central, or at the Ladies Market. Lacey ones a la Madonna won't keep you very warm though, so choose carefully!

5. Take to your bed - preferably with a cuddly pet or warm person to join you! Cuddle up under the duvet and stack layers of cosy blankets on top of you. Light candles. Read under the covers. Luxuriate. Refuse to leave unless it's a DIRE emergency. For candles, try the Candle Company, and for cuddly blankets, we head to the 3rd Floor of the Princes Building...

6. If you're not able to take the preferred option of staying in bed all day, exercise is another great way to get the heart pumping and the blood flowing - how about trying a Hot Yoga class? Or join us as we run around Hong Kong Park on Tuesday nights for Bikini Bootcamp!

And voila! We're toasty and warm... How will you be staying warm this winter?

You're Invited: Sexy Xmas

2009-11-18T15:42:00.006+08:00

When: Wed, 2nd December, 8pm 'til Late
Where: Prive
Cost: $200 in advance sassyhongkong.com or $250 at the door
Dress: Sexy

You are officially invited to the most scandalous party of this season; Sexy X-mas. So leave your Christmas sweaters at home ‘cause we’ll be turning up the heat together with the boys from NecesCity.com for a tantalizing night guaranteed to make even the nicest feel a bit naughty.

Santa will be on hand for you to divulge your spiciest holiday wishes while his helpers will be serving free flowing drinks until 9:30, rounds of shots throughout the night, and sinfully sweet nibbles.

The sexiest dressed guy and girl will win prizes that we can’t begin to mention here! The first 150 to arrive will get lucky and go home with a goodie bag overflowing with all kinds of ooh la la items from La Perla, Showtime and Passionately Yours!

Be sure to bring your guy friends, boyfriends and husbands, they won't want to miss out! Space for this seductive night is very limited.

Reserve your spot via the main sassyhongkong.com site.

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!

2009-11-18T15:16:00.008+08:00

For all you chocoholics out there (I am open about my addiction), if you are looking for a way to stay warm in this ever so cold weather--I have the solution for you in the form of (you guessed it) chocolate!

After work instead of heading home to your -brrrrr cold flat, grab a cab and head straight to The Peninsula Hotel Lobby. I'm sure you've been there for afternoon tea, but I will let you in on a sweet secret, the Peninsula serves the absolute most decadent cup of hot chocolate. Forget about that powdery stuff you just add water to, this is rich, creamy and made from real bars of melted chocolate. I promise this stuff will make you think you've entered chocolate heaven!

The Peninsula Hotel

Salisbury Road, Kowloon

2920-2888

Fashion Inspiration: Feather Capes

2009-11-18T11:03:00.002+08:00

We were just talking about feather capes, and then I stumble across this amazing one that Betty is wearing... It just makes me want one even more!

My Favourite Winter Garment: The Sweater Dress!

2009-11-17T09:27:00.005+08:00

It's cold outside, and our thoughts have turned to how to stay warm and cosy this winter! One of my favourite clothing items is the sweater dress - you can dress it up with heels for work or play, or dress it down with flat boots or even over skinny jeans or leggings. It also has great potential for layering - slip a long sleeved t-shirt underneath, or throw a gilet or long wool cardigan over the top.

We've put together some outfits centering around sweater dresses, beginning with this one that is a funky day look. You could easily switch out the boots for flat ballet pumps if you're not up for 4-inch heels (shame on you!)... I love this Alice + Olivia bag which is just the perfect casual autumn/winter accessory.

Moving on to a work-appropriate look - just because it's winter doesn't mean we have to do head-to-toe black. In fact, the three of us were totally called out on that yesterday by Perri. It's easy to get stuck in the rut of dark clothes, but by being bold with colour you'll really stand out in the crowd. Again, for me this outfit is all about the bag - another little Temperley number coincidentally! I love this sailor-inspired dress available on the Outnet.

Finally, sweater dresses can also be super-sexy, as fine knits will cling to your every curve (Spanx anyone?)... If you're lucky enough to still be sporting vestiges of your summer tan, shimmy your golden limbs into this sparkly number and dare to bare. Bold accessories such as this cute lip bracelet and fierce feather cape will turn up the heat. Not sure if the cape would have any kind of warming effect, but I really want one!

Daytime Casual (clockwise from top left): Vince Shawl; Crumpet Sloppy Joe Cashmere Sweater; Alice + Olivia Bag; Taylor Studded Peep Toe Booties.

Workaday Pretty (clockwise from centre): Thread Social Wool boucle sweater dress; Orange Chalcedony Drop Earrings; Marc by Marc Jacobs Coat; Temperley London Electric Hobo Bag; Silver Studded Platform Shoes.

Slinky Evening (clockwise form centre): Stella McCartney Dress; Topshop Feather Collar; Alaia Shoes from the Outnet; Lip Bracelet from ASOS.

Fashion Inspiration: Jade Jagger

2009-11-17T08:00:00.000+08:00

Jade Jagger shows us how to do effortless style and the perfect bed-head hair. I love the pop of her heavy jewellery against her black silk dress. Beautiful.

Temperley London Bag Line

2009-11-16T06:57:00.000+08:00

Alice Temperley is one of my absolute favourite designers - I nearly always drool over her collections (I have to saw AW '09 was not one of my faves though), and love her personal style. In the last few years it seems as though the Temperley brand has just exploded - spreading her signature eccentric, embellished and flowing look across many different product lines. I had no idea Temperley London had a range of bags, so was pleasantly surprised to find them. Her clutches in particular are fabulously decadent, and I have a sneaking suspicion that she might be the one to finally bring us the holy grail of the bag world: the perfect hobo.

Prices are of course steep ranging from 300-700 GBP, but like most Temperley pieces, they have a timeless appeal that somehow allows them to sit outside of the changing whims of seasonal fashion, perhaps because they draw so much on vintage influences. I'm craving the Ophelia evening clutch (bottom image) for party season!

Monday Morning Inspiration: Cappuccino

2009-11-16T06:00:00.000+08:00

After a summer of iced lattes, I'm back on the cappuccinos... Never be embarrassed to ask for more foam - it's your coffee, and delicious frothy foam is the whole point of a cappuccino! Cappuccino literally means "little hood", which is perfect for these dark wintery days when all you want to do is pull a hood over your head and hibernate. The Starbucks red Christmas cups brighten up my day, but there's nothing like a cappuccino in a real porcelain cup.

Bonnie Marcus, Where Fashion Meets Paper

2009-11-15T19:11:00.010+08:00

Call me old fashioned, call me a romantic, call me simple.....I am a sucker for receiving a handwritten card in the mail. It's a little gesture, really a gift that makes me smile knowing that someone took the time to choose stationary, write a greeting, and get it out in the post all just for me!

One of my favourite card houses in the US is the Bonnie Marcus Collection. I absolutely covet her chic designs and stylish stationary, but really it is her story that I love so much more. You see Bonnie was a pregnant mom-to- be with the vision of taking fashion to paper, and she did just that. Bonnie always had a passion for fashion and glamour as she worked a number of years in the industry for designers like Diane Von Furstenberg, then as a high end event and wedding planner. She realized that while there was so much fabulous stationary out there, she never could find contemporary designs that reflected the cosmopolitan lifestyle in a vintagey yet fashionable way. So during the last months of her pregnancy rather than resting and nesting, Bonnie rode out her third trimester hard at work at her dining room table creating the stationary that I adore!

The Bonnie Marcus collection naturally launched as a wedding invitation line Down The Aisle In Style, and today her collections include everything from Holidays and Graduations to Pregnancy and Lifestyles. While her line only retails in places like the US, Australia, England and even Puerto Rico.....her items are also available online and can be shipped internationally here to Hong Kong! Phew!

I definitely say that Bonnie Marcus is one sassy lady!

Chambord and Ruffles

2009-11-15T16:16:00.002+08:00

I've somehow been falling in love with purple lately, and as I have always loved anything with ruffles, this "Tiers to You" dress from Modcloth is making my pulse race... I love it. Have to have it.

I've never really looked at Modcloth before, but the style is very feminine and a bit vintage-inspired, so there's plenty for me to drool over, like this, this and this!

The Girl Effect

2009-11-14T12:29:00.001+08:00

This video was shown at the Quintessentially Foundation and Room to Read fashion event last night before the catwalk show...

Cupcake Fridays

2009-11-12T18:12:00.016+08:00

One very Sassy girl, Sabrina, has come up with the most brilliant (not to mention delicious) idea.....CUPCAKE FRIDAYS! She has officially declared Fridays to be the perfect time to catch up with friends after a long week while indulging in yummy cupcakes. Sabrina's exact words "every girl deserves a sweet treat at the end of the week!" Here at Sassy we love cupcakes, in fact, we don't discriminate--- chocolate, vanilla, sprinkled or not, homemade, store bought---whatever! I am definitely going to get on board with Cupcake Fridays. Unfortunately it may be followed up with Sweat Saturday (burning off those calories).....it is soooo worth it though!

Here is a list of some of our cupcake favourites:

Sweet Secrets
G/F, 35 Graham Street,
off Hollywood Road,)
Central
2545-8886

Sift
G/F, 46 Graham Street
Central
2530-4288

Cake-A-Licious

11 Lyndhurst Terrace
Lower G/Fl., Central
2815-2218

Complete Deelite
6/F California Entertainment Building
34 - 36 D'Aguilar Street
Lan Kwai Fong
3167-7022

Babycakes
Shop 1114, 11/F
Horizon Plaza
2 Lee Wing Street
Ap Lei Chau
2890-cake

Happy Friday :)

Living Walls

2009-11-12T10:17:00.003+08:00

We've always got an eye out for small space solutions, and this one is just perfect if you have a little balcony or terrace that you'd like to add some extra colour to, or even if you'd just like to cover up an ugly outdoor wall.

Woolly Pockets can be hung on walls to allow you to garden vertically - they can even be used indoors if you like. I really love the lush look that they give. Unfortunately I don't have any outdoor space with my apartment, but even just keeping this solution in mind would open up new possibilities as I'm going to be house-hunting in the new year!

via OhJoy.

Sassy Recommends: Makeup Artist Sarah Baker

2009-11-11T08:28:00.005+08:00

We first met Sarah when she did our makeup for the Sassy Launch Party back in September - we needed a little boost of confidence, and her upbeat personality and skillful work made us feel great on our special night.

Sarah has been passionate about makeup since she was very youg. After leaving university she worked in central London as a freelance makeup artist, mainly in fashion. Since leaving London she has worked as a makeup artist in theatres, fashion shows and for many different international magazines, as well as teaching the art of makeup. Sarah's mission is to show people that anyone can feel like a billion dollars with the minimum effort.

We reached out to Sarah to ask her about her favourite products and tips!

Sassy: What are your real must-have products?

Sarah: My "can't live with outs" are Mac Plush Lash Mascara - for thick, long and very sexy winter lashes, Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation with SPF 15 (oil free) and La Roche-Posay Hydraphrase Face cream - an inexpensive but high quality skin products from Paris.

Sassy: What is your tip for autumn/winter beauty?

Sarah: Keep skin moisturised and hydrated, and during the party season do not be afraid to try something different with your makeup, even if it is a new lipstick or some pretty false eyelashes. The smallest changes can sometimes make the biggest difference!

Thanks Sarah! You can contact Sarah at sarahlmb@googlemail.com if you have a special event coming up!

Happy Birthday BootCamp!

2009-11-11T07:34:00.003+08:00

The trainers at BootCamp have worked us hard over the past few weeks and one of their orders for us this week is to Party!

BootCamp is turning 5 and they are inviting all Sassy Girls to attend their Birthday Party which will be held this Friday, 13 November at Habitat Lounge in Wanchai. The party starts at 9pm and goes until late so I am thinking there will be a little less working out going on come Saturday in Hong Kong!

To RSVP for this celebration email Zoe at zoe@botcamp.com.hk or call 2869 6883

Less is More!

2009-11-10T22:04:00.004+08:00

I thought I had seen it all..... That is until I went to Elements in Kowloon yesterday. OMG, they had on display a Mercedes convertible fully covered in Swarovski crystals. Yikes, this is taking "bling" just a bit too far. I can only imagine how long it must have taken to convert this car from nice to tacky. Glad that wasn't my job!

Invite Shanghai White to your office for Friday Happy Hour!

2009-11-10T16:22:00.004+08:00

What could be a more perfect end to the week than gathering your colleagues around to have some celebratory and free TGIF drinks (well, sloping off to the pub with your mates, but we won't mention that)?!

If you get in quick, and email Rob at CB Fresh (rob@cbfresh.com) you may be able to persuade the CB Fresh crew to bring their cocktail-making prowess to your workplace for free! Their cocktails are all made using Shanghai White vodka, and they will mix them and serve them right at your desk. And did we mention it's free?

It makes us sad Sassy doesn't have an office!

Join Sassy for a BootCamp Chef Nutrition Seminar

2009-11-10T09:51:00.005+08:00

I went on holiday to Phuket last week and let me tell you I totally indulged. The amazing Thai food was always calling my name and since I was on vacation anytime time of day seemed appropriate to have an alcoholic drink (my favourite for the week was the blue margarita!)

Now that I am back in Hong Kong I need to get back to my fitness routine and this means getting serious about the types of food I am putting in my mouth. Lucky for me we have a Special BootCamp Chef Nutrition Seminar scheduled tomorrow and we are inviting you to join us so we can learn together the ins and outs of healthy eating. We will even get to taste some of the yummy food that the BootCamp Chef experts recommend for getting and maintaining a flat stomach!

Here are the details on the seminar:

When: Wednesday 11 November

Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm

Where: The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, 1301 Kinwick Center, 32 Hollywood Road

Price: $150, which includes the seminar, food and drink (Payable by cash or cheque made out to Sassy Hong Kong)

RSVP: Just show up on the day!

Hope to see you tomorrow!

Sassy Hour at Mrs. Jones

2009-11-10T09:08:00.005+08:00

The last Sassy Hour of 2009 couldn't have been more perfect! Mrs. Jones is the most quaint and cozy restaurant and was a fantastic setting to relax after a long week. Over 75 girls came out to sip complimentary Bellini's and wine while chatting with friends. Oh, and the canapes were absolutely yummy!

Lucky girl, Sabrina was the winner of a $500 gift voucher for dinner at Mrs. Jones.

We are definitely looking forward to a BIG Sassy Holiday party in December, and of course to the return of Sassy Hour in January 2010!

Click here to view all photos from this event.

Introducing Sassy Deals with Valupedia

2009-11-09T14:45:00.006+08:00

We're very excited to bring you the results of a new project we've been working on here at Sassy! We're teaming up with Valupedia to present you with the latest and greatest health and beauty deals in Hong Kong. Every fortnight we'll be telling you about the biggest and best promotions and discounts to help you pamper yourself in style and keep in shape without breaking the bank.

Without further ado, here are Sassy's deals of the fortnight:

1. 40% discount on Facial and Body Treatments at Let's Spa. For example, try out their 60 minute Smelling Me Softly aromatherapy massage for $980 reduced from $1680. Indulge yourself in one of their beautifully simple 8 private rooms. Mention Sassy Valupedia deals when you book to get your discount.

2. Enjoy a 2 week free trial at Yogalimbs studio in Sheung Wan. Learn about the Hatha Yoga principles of alignment, use of props and an in-depth understanding of body, breath and mind. The small class sizes will help you receive the personal attention you need to kick-start your yoga practice. Click through to the Valupedia site to download your free voucher.

3. Sense of Touch have a whole host of November promotions across their various locations. Enjoy their signature Love Is a Many Splendoured Thing treatment for couples for $2680 (reduced from $2980) at their Repulse Bay location, while you can receive 20% off any facial when booking a Wax Treatment at their Arbuthnot Road spa. Take a look at the Valupedia deal page to learn about the full range of special offers.

We hope you enjoy these offers - please let us know what you think when you try them out, and look out for the next set of discounts coming your way soon!

You, Jimmy Choo and 72

2009-11-09T11:37:00.005+08:00

Jimmy Choo are partnering with the Elton John AIDS foundation to raise awareness and funds for AIDS victims. The two organizations have launched a special photo competition to support the launch of Project PEP, a specially designed collection that will donate 25% of sales to the Simelela Rape Centre in

South Africa

. The money goes towards providing the HIV-preventative PEP vaccine and counselling to victims of rape. The PEP collection is inspired by a punk rock motif (see clutch image above and cuff below).

As the PEP vaccine must be used within a 72-hour window to be effective, the photo competition asks entrants to take a photo on the subject "You, Yours Shoes and 72". You can see some example entries below for inspiration!

You can submit your entries to the competition online, and the ultimate winner will get a jaw-droppingly fabulous VIP experience where they will be invited to visit the VIP room at Jimmy Choo HQ (don't know how they'll work this for global entrants!) and select 7 pairs of shoes and 2 handbags to keep.

Get your thinking caps on HK girls! This is too big a prize to miss!

Weekend Inspiration

2009-11-07T13:18:00.002+08:00

Is it so wrong to have a strong urge to buy this perfume just because of how beautiful the bottle is? And then to want to style my dressing table with cupcakes and pretty undies? Have a great weekend whether you're Clockenflapping, checking out LKF street fair or the SoHo Village on a Hill!

Best Coffee Shops in Hong Kong

2009-11-06T09:43:00.006+08:00

Hip Hong Kong have put together a great guide to the best coffee shops in HK - go take a look!. There are definitely a few Sassy favourites in the list, like Cafe Lavande in the picture above where you can sip a latte in a pretty glass and watch all the dogs playing outside, and Pop Bites.

My absolute favourite spot for coffee though is Segafredo Zanetti on Wellington Street, as the coffee is REALLY good. I hear a lot of complaints about the standard of coffee in Hong Kong, and while I'm pretty happy with a Starbucks as long as it has plenty of sugar syrup in it, Segafredo is where I'll head to get a real caffeine fix. They do great cakes there too!

Sassy Hour at Mrs. Jones

2009-11-05T10:44:00.004+08:00

Mama Mia! We can't believe that we are already reaching the end of the year. Tonight is our last Sassy Hour of 2009 at the fab restaurant Mrs. Jones. Should be lots of fun catching up with old friends and making new. Plus we can't wait to eat some of the famed Mrs. Jones lemon tarts!

When: Thursday 5th November, 6.30-9pm
Where: Mrs Jones, Basement Floor, Harilela House, 79 Wyndham Street (on the corner of Pottinger Street)
Cost: Free for our lovely Sassy girls - a welcome drink, prize giveaways, delicious lemon tarts and happy hour prices!

"Ohhhhhoh...Mrs Jones...We've got a thing.... going on...la la"

Join Sassy for an evening of sipping and socializing fun. Boys welcome as of 9pm. You can RSVP at sassy@sassyhongkong.com or just show up tonight!

Handmade Hong Kong

2009-11-05T10:37:00.002+08:00

This weekend in SoHo, between 12 and 9pm Shelley, Elgin and Staunton Streets will all be closed to traffic for a very special community market, as part of the SoHo Wine and Dine Carnival. I'm really excited to go, as when I lived in Switzerland, one of my favourite things to do at the weekend was to potter around the flea market or the German Christmas Market when it came to town. This should be a great opportunity to get a bit of a headstart on some Christmas shopping too!

Look out for some Sassy favourites like Bejewelled Bespoke, Random Art Workshop, Flip, Mademoiselle Slassi and many more. Take a look at handmadehongkong.com for further details.

Serious Girl Crush

2009-11-04T22:06:00.005+08:00

Love Alexa Chung! Her style and easy laid-back attitude are a breath of fresh air... plus, her eyeliner always looks really cool (I'm aware that makes me sound about 13). She makes up for the fact that Gok's Fashion Fix plays endlessly on BBC Lifestyle and he never ever loses the challenge. Ever. Even though the outfits he styles sometimes look like a bit of a dog's dinner. Sorry Gok. I love you too really.

New Sense of Touch at Repulse Bay

2009-11-03T16:52:00.006+08:00

Sense of Touch is one of our favourite spa chains in Hong Kong - consistency, fantastic service and reasonable prices are their hallmark, and the reason we go back again and again for their treatments (I'm a huge advocate of their waxing in particular!). When we heard they were opening a new location in Repulse Bay we were excited - we love heading out of Central for our pampering as it's a great way to relax.

The Sense of Touch in Repulse Bay has more of a day spa feel than their other locations due to the garden area. You feel that you could relax before or after your treatment with a cup of tea under the pagoda and let your troubles drift away... The treatment rooms are all beautifully decorated with fabulous wallpapers and each one is named after a spice. Our favourite is the couples room which comes fitted with an extra-large shower so that you can get in and wash the body scrub off your partner - oo-er! The treatment you want to book if you want to make use of this room is the "Love Is a Many Splendoured Thing" package, which includes the aforementioned scrub, a massage and a body treatment for two. This package costs $2980 for 120 minutes.

We had wondered in advance of checking out the new location how it would measure up against another Southside fave, "The Retreat". We think there's definitely room for two such heavy-hitters in the same area, especially as their positioning and vibes are so different. The Retreat is a more new-age-leaning with white futuristic decor, eco-cafe and innovative offerings, while the Sense of Touch is a sumptuous, cosy and glamorous cocoon against the outside world. The other great thing about the new Sense of Touch also is that as it is located in the Repulse Bay Arcade, you can pop in before or after doing your shopping, or grab a book from the Dymock's just across the street to read while you're having your pedicure done!

We'll definitely be making time for a lovely trip down South to enjoy more from the Sense of Touch team - the "Love Is a Many Splendoured Thing" package just begs to be tried out for a special Valentines treat!

Sense of Touch Repulse Bay - 2592 9668

G211, 1/F The Repulse Bay Arcade

109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay

Launch of Snatch's Love Bud Collection

2009-11-03T16:23:00.001+08:00

Sassy member Louise Farnay is launching the new collection of her bag label, Snatch, tomorrow night (Wednesday 4th) at the newly-opened OBOH on Old Bailey Street in SoHo, and she's inviting all Sassy girls to her launch party! Come and enjoy a special Love Bud cocktail while browsing the styles and enjoy 15% off shopping on the night. Any posse of 3 or more girls will receive a special Louise Farnay gift.

Louise's new collection is entitled "Love Bud" (hence the specialty cocktail) and features the unique functionality of her main line, allowing you to customize the size of the bags by zipping in and out to create a shoulder bag, clutch or i-Phone carry pouch, while displaying a whimsical and feminine look that is all new. We especially love the black design with the ribbon strap - very this season.

See you tomorrow night at OBOH between 6.30-8.30pm!

SoHo Wine Walk Wednesday 4th November

2009-11-03T10:14:00.002+08:00

It's the annual SoHo wine walk tomorrow evening - passes are HK$100 from participating venues, and include 6 tickets to enjoy a wine experience at one of the bars or restaurants on the route. You will be able to spot which venues are taking part by seeing the large inflatable wine bottles placed on the street outside. Sassy favourites are Olive, Red SoHo, Staunton's and Life Cafe.

We'll be bringing you details of another fun event being held tomorrow night later - with all that's going on this week, we hope you will save your energy for Sassy Hour on Thursday!

Tory Burch shows us how to do Transitional

2009-11-03T09:57:00.002+08:00

It's officially November and the temperature has started to really drop after a beautiful few weeks of Indian Summer. We're starting to pull sweaters and tights out of the various boxes we have stuffed under beds, sofas and in long-forgotten corners of cupboards and rediscover another side to our wardrobe. The fact still remains though, that in HK with our endless summers and heat, the vast majority of your wardrobe will consist of summer items, so you're going to know how to work those items for all seasons.

We're taking inspiration from Tory Burch's styling today, throwing a long cardi over a brightly printed wrap dress, adding dark accessories and black opaques (above).

A long-sleeve scoop neck or boat neck tee can be paired with a summer-print skirt or worn underneath a sleeveless dress. Adding a waist-cinching belt gives a summer skirt or dress structure, and makes it more work-appropriated. We're not quite ready to pull on our boots yet - we still need the mercury to drop another couple of degrees, but that day is getting closer and we're excited!

Kate Moss New Christmas Collection

2009-11-02T18:12:00.003+08:00

Kate Moss's new Christmas Collection for Topshop is out now in the UK, and the promo pictures are pretty hot. I love the rose-print blouse in the middle image. Expect to see these pieces at Lane Crawford soon!

Getting your 5 a day

2009-11-02T14:42:00.003+08:00

In the UK, one of the biggest public health campaigns centers around the idea that you need to get your "5 a Day" - 5 portions of fruit and veg every day to keep you healthy. Since I was tiny I've been a very reluctant fruit and veg eater - often needing to be kept at the table by my mum for hours sitting in front of an offending carrot or piece of tomato. Recently I've been making a big effort to increase my intake, so have been trying to include more fresh things in my diet.

Here are some 5 ideas to help you get your 5 a day! One portion is defined as 80g of fruit or vegetables, roughly a handful if you are a visual person.

1. Start your day with a glass of fresh fruit juice or a smoothie. My absolute favourite is a Sunshine Shake from Life Cafe on Shelley Street. Remember that no matter how many juices or smoothies you drink, they can only count as one portion due to the breakdown of fibre when a fruit is juiced.

2. Grab a banana or apple during your morning coffee break. I find that giving myself a treat, like a nice coffee helps the fruit go down more easily!

3. Put veggies in your lunchtime salad. Bell peppers, tomatoes and avocados are a great addition to salad leaves that give you an extra nutritional boost. I'm often guilty of having just lettuce to accompany a sandwich, which are mostly water and therefore don't add much value.

4. Snack on dried fruit during the afternoon lull. After lunch between the hours of 2 and 3, we often experience a drop in energy levels that corresponds to a dip in our biorhythms. Snacking on dried apricots, raisins or mango (check they don't contain any added sugar) can help you get through this sleepy time.

5. Make your own healthy pasta sauce with chopped tomatoes (tinned is fine), aubergine and courgette. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes and serve with wholemeal pasta.

Be careful when you up your intake to make sure that you cut sugar in other areas of your diet - suddenly eating 2-3 more portions of fruit a day adds a lot of (natural) sugar into your diet which will up your daily calories.

If you're interested in joining Sassy's fitness drive, we're doing Bikini Bootcamp tomorrow in the Hong Kong Park. Come along!

Versace Private Sale: Thursday through Saturday

2009-11-02T11:27:00.002+08:00

Halloween Craziness

2009-11-02T08:38:00.005+08:00

It's taken me until this morning to feel totally human again after the Halloween craziness - not sure Halloween should EVER be held on a Saturday night ever again. I left it until 6.30pm to figure out my costume, which meant a run down to Queen's Road to try to hit up Sasa, H&M and Pottinger Street all at once. Seemed about a million other people had exactly the same last-minute instincts, so it was a total bun fight and I didn't even venture up Pottinger.

Once we were ready we fought our way down through SoHo and along Queen's Road once again to have dinner at Zuma. The crowds were cheering the party buses going down the street and it looked as though there was a couple of hours wait at least to get into LKF. Once we were at Zuma we didn't really want to do anything other than just stay there, so I'm admiring of those brave souls who hit up several successive parties! The most popular Halloween costume this year for girls seemed to be Cleopatra - saw at least 6 looking hot just at the Alive Not Dead bash.

Wow, now it's on to getting ready for Christmas already! We're planning a big Sassy event in early December, so watch this space.

Photo via LifestyleAsia.

Vegan Handbags from Matt & Nat

2009-10-30T18:22:00.002+08:00

This fun bright handbag is actually made of vegan-friendly leather (nope, not sure what that means either, but it's a good thing if you're vegan) and a lining made from recycled bottle tops. Great to see vegan and eco-friendly design moving out of the crusty realm into the mainstream - perhaps Matt & Nat will soon be giving Stella McCartney a run for her money.

Image from Peonies and Polaroids.

Last Minute Halloween Costumes

2009-10-30T17:50:00.002+08:00

When I can't figure a solution out, I often just try to ignore the problem until it goes away... the problem with applying this approach to a Halloween costume is that the date just gets closer and closer until everyone is talking about it and has their outfit all figured out! We've got a few really last minute ideas that should help if you've done the same as me and left it until the night before to create your costume.

1. Anything that involves dressing in black and backcombing your hair is great. Everyone has a black dress and a comb, right? A slick of dark lipstick and black nail varnish, heavy kohl around your eyes, rip up your stockings and put a safety pin through your ear and you're a goth... Not the most original, but we're down to the wire here people.

2. In contrast to the above, wear all white flowing clothes, curl your hair into loose ringlets, powder your face and smudge shadow under your eyes and you're Ophelia... or a ghost. Either way.

3. A great Audrey Hepburn look is only a little black dress, sunglasses, string of pearls, cigarette holder and a pair of long gloves away. Maura is a master at this look.

Hitting up Pottinger Street for accessories is best done first thing tomorrow morning - the crowds later on in the day will be pretty crazy. Have a great Halloween weekend!

Kanchan Couture Turns 2 and Launches New Collection

2009-10-30T11:34:00.002+08:00

Last week I headed down to Play in LKF for the second anniversary party of Kanchan Couture, the fashion line designed by the lovely and extremely talented Kanchan Panjabi (in the pink hat above). The new collection was also debuted in a runway show down the centre of the packed venue, featuring some Sassy girls as models! In designing her latest collection, Kanch was inspired by the idea of recycling and cutting out waste in the production process, and also by blue and white porcelain. There also seemed to be influences in the line both from the 1980s in the bold bright colours, and also from the 1950s with the nipped in waists and full skirts on display. It was a great event, and I was able to admire Kanchan Couture's new branding by ufo republic which was in evidence all the way down to the little blue and white cupcakes.

Kanchan Couture is run out of a studio on Wellington Street, and you can make an appointment to view the latest designs there.

My Most Recent Delivery

2009-10-30T10:34:00.008+08:00

My obsession with all things short is continuing...

I just received this cute (and short!) grey dress from YesStyle and it is absolutely perfect for the weather we are having right now. I plan to wear it with a pair of black tights and it looks adorable with a little jacket - which is perfect for when the cool wind moves in towards the evening.

I am quickly getting addicted to online ordering!

Sassy Hour at Mrs Jones, Thursday 5th November

2009-10-29T18:58:00.004+08:00

For us Brits, the 5th November is synonymous with one thing - Guy Fawkes night, where we gather round a bonfire, burn a straw-stuffed effigy while watching fireworks and of course, drink far too much. Here in Hong Kong this 5th November, we'll instead be celebrating our last Sassy Hour of 2009!

Come and join Sassy at Mrs Jones, a super-cosy Italian bar/restaurant on the corner of Wyndham Street and Pottinger Street (you'll be familiar with Pottinger if you've been Halloween-costume shopping recently). As usual we've arranged for all Sassy girls to get a free welcome drink, some fab giveaways, and even some of Mrs Jones' delicious lemon tarts. We'll be chatting, making new friends and generally having a fun time.

All together now.... "Ooohhhh, Mrs Jones.... we've got a thing.... going on!"

See you there!

Rickshaw Bus

2009-10-29T14:10:00.002+08:00

Saw the Rickshaw Bus go by today - the picture above is from their website which doesn't show that the design is pretty cute. There's even a fake rickshaw canopy attached to the back of it. Worth checking out if you have visitors or family in town who don't know Hong Kong, as their routes around the island sound quite good, and at HK$50 for a hop-on hop-off all-day ticket, it's a pretty good deal. Having visitors can be tiring, so this way you can pop your visitors on board and go enjoy some time to yourself!

Small Spaces: Elodie in Paris - 280 sqf

2009-10-28T09:35:00.005+08:00

We're always on the lookout for great ideas for small spaces (HK is renowned for it's teeny apartments), so when we stumbled across the pictures of French fashion blogger Elodie's 280 square foot apartment in Paris, we wanted to share them as inspiration! On the image above, do you see the little plastic flamingo fairy lights hanging on the flamingo wallpaper? So adorable.

I love how feminine and cosy the style is, and how many creative and funny touches have been added to really give the space character. From the many paper lantern shades which make the space glow, to the little space invader decals on the kitchen cabinets. The use of the purple wall in the living room/study area separates out the space, and shows that rules are made to be broken in terms of using strong colour in small apartments.

You can make space for shoes anywhere - even in the kitchen!

Everywhere there is a lot of stuff, but by keeping it neat and colour-coordinating the books, it doesn't look too crammed. Keeping the scale of items small, such as these delicate bookshelves helps too. If you're looking for small furniture in Hong Kong, our favourite store is FrancFranc in Causeway Bay - exactly the place you should head to to recreate this look!

Here Kitty Kitty...

2009-10-27T16:44:00.006+08:00

Vogue Paris... how do you do it? Kudos. Vraiment.

Kate Spade: Spring/Summer 2010

2009-10-27T14:43:00.005+08:00

Kate Spade has released images of their new Spring/Summer 2010 collection, inspired by Coney Island, and showing a heavy Chanel influence (nautical stripes - check, black and white - check, quilted handbags, coloured tweed etc etc etc). I just love the frilly-necked dress in the top image with the gold bag. Expect to begin seeing pieces in store here as of January - so long to wait!

Inspiration: Hen Night/Bachelorette Party

2009-10-27T11:35:00.004+08:00

Sometimes it's a struggle to think of creative ideas for Hen Nights/Bachelorette Parties. After all, most of us want to give our friends the fun of the traditional experience, but also want it to keep it semi-classy! That's why we love this idea from Melangerie NYC, who've created a special "Dirty Laundry" kit that can includes 40 little clothes-shaped notecards and a washing line, for girls to write up their favourite behaving-badly, funny memory and string it up for all to see.

You can leave the fake laundry-detergent bottle on a table to let guests know what they should be doing! The best thing is that afterwards you could save all the little cards and give them to the bride to keep as special memories forever. Available in tons of different colour combo's, there's a kit to match every theme.

Really feels like Autumn today...

2009-10-27T10:57:00.001+08:00

And in the absence of any real Autumn scenery in Mid-Levels, I'm making do with this beautiful polaroid from Pia Jane Bijkerk, whose blog I just love.

Lazy Days at Home

2009-10-23T09:00:00.004+08:00

I don't know if you've ever watched Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, but as part of his list of the must-have items that every woman should have in her closet, he includes a "sweatsuit alternative". The implication is that a woman should be stylish even when she's lazing around at home, or popping out to the local 7-11 late at night to do the ice-cream run. As I have a white long-haired cat, for me, lying around at home means gradually becoming more and more furry, which means I tend to go for old baggy clothes which can take being coated in cat fluff. My husband does not love this look.

In honour of the long weekend coming up and winter closing in, we've put together the perfect lounging outfit so that you can snuggle up on the sofa knowing you look effortlessly chic. The sunglasses are for if the lying around is hangover-induced!

Clockwise from top left: Sunglasses by Rayban; Satin Romper by Oli; Cardi by Sita Murt; Lanvin Perfume from YesStyle; Slipper booties from Gap; Pearly Bracelet from Topshop; Badge from Big Cheese Badges.

Short Little Mini

2009-10-22T11:55:00.008+08:00

As many of you know, we started Bikini Boot Camp this week and while the girls who attend most likely have the same goals (get in shape, be healthy) I am sure we all have different motivations that are making us go each week. My motivation is the skirt above and I am praying that at the end of the 8 weeks my legs will look amazing in this mini!

I recently purchased the grey version of this skirt from YesStyle. A while back I wrote a post about how I wanted to shorten the hem lines of my skirts and when I saw this skirt while browsing their site I thought it would be a great way to start putting together my dinner and drinks style inspiration (see picture below).

Now that it is getting a bit cooler outside all I need to do is add a stylish blazer. Since the whole idea of this outfit is to show some leg I am going to try to hold off on adding black tights (which would be my security blanket) for as long as possible!

Here is hoping that my Boot Camp training gives me the confidence to show of my legs in this tiny mini in the upcoming weeks!

Inspiration: Autumn Picnic

2009-10-22T09:15:00.004+08:00

Why not grab your old or new friends/boyfriend/husband and head out for an autumn picnic this weekend? The weather at the moment looks like it's going to be perfect (a quite unautumnal 28 degrees!), and we're just dying (Rachel Zoe style) over this picnic basket from This is Glamorous.

Sunseeker - Quality and Fashionable Swimwear

2009-10-21T08:01:00.000+08:00

One of the things I love about living in Hong Kong is how easy it is to jet off to a warm weather destination. Because of this there is a very high chance that you need to be bikini ready at a moments notice and I recently discovered that nothing is better than a nice quality swimsuit.

I never put much thought into the quality of a bikini before. I figured if it looked good then the job is done. I was usually the one fiddling around with my suit on the beach because of the horrible fit. Well now that I know better I am only going for perfection from here on out and I am excited because I just added a new bikini to my small "quality" collection and it is from Sunseeker. The best thing is that the price is pretty good compared to other high end swimwear brands.

Sunseeker is an Australian swimwear line and they are well known for their "second skin" feel. Now quality is great but since we are relying on a tiny piece of fabric to make us stand out on the beach it also needs to look good and the Sunseeker line does not disappoint. Their Spring/Summer 2010 line is now available and the focus is on strong contemporary prints from flowers to ethic influences. My new suit has a tribal design and I am so excited to give it a debut on the beaches of Thailand in 2 weeks!

I highly recommend trying a Sunseeker on for yourself. The brand can be found at the following locations in Hong Kong:

Ozzie Cozzie, 3A Grand Progress Bldg, 15-16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central (2810 1356) - Sassy Favourite

Blossom, 1/F, No 16 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay (2890 2278)

Rush, G/F Wilson House, 17-29 Wyndham Street, Central (3102 0558)

ESCAPADE Sports & Leisure, Spa & Resort Level 1, 88 Tai Tam Reservoir Road (2812 3935)

Sassy had our first Autumn Bikini Boot Camp Session last night and one lucky girl now has real motivation to get in bikini shape. Jasmine won a Sunseeker swimsuit and I have a feeling that after Bikini Boot Camp and her new Sunseeker she will be the most stylish girl on the beach this season!

Lash Out

2009-10-21T07:49:00.004+08:00

The perfect lazy girl's halloween costume... just stick on a pair, dress all in tight black vampy attire and look as though you actually made an effort. All the above images are of Shu Uemura lashes, which are just gorgeous, and look uber-high fashion... You can find cheaper but still pretty cool alternatives at Sasa. We've also started noticing more and more women in Hong Kong wearing falsies during the day, and not just the makeup counter girls. I just need to get over my fear of the glue sticking my eyelids together, and maybe I'll join them!

Affordable Wall Art

2009-10-20T11:31:00.005+08:00

Do you have a big white wall staring at you from anywhere in your apartment? Ever wanted to be able to easily fill it with something bold, fun and big, without committing to a hugely expensive piece of real "art" that will cost the earth, and which you have a sneaking suspicion you might get bored of? Do you want something a step up from that framed poster that has been lurking around since your university days? Well, if the answer is "yes" to any of the above, Blank is your solution! Founded by Tinja Wright, a graduate from the prestigious Central Saint Martins School of Art in London, Blank aims to provide eye-catching and unique pieces of art that will perfectly fit with your decor scheme.

You can either choose from one of Blank's iconic Dramaturgy designs (shown in the images in this post) and customize it by playing around with different patterns and endless colour combos, or Blank can create a bespoke piece for you from scratch. We love the bespoke silhouette portrait or literary quote ideas. Maura is currently considering the Union Jack/Chandelier design above for her living room to hang over the couch.

Choose from 30cm, 60cm or our personal fave for maximized drama, 120cm squared. Blank are also offering a special launch discount of 10% off web prices to Sassy readers, so be sure to mention Sassy if you choose to order!

Season of the Jacket

2009-10-20T10:53:00.009+08:00

This season is really the season of the jacket. Thrown over a summery dress, plain t-shirt and mini (as above worn by Olivia Palermo to great effect) or with jeans and killer heels, the jacket will be your statement piece. Even the high-street brands are going high-fashion with out-there options that will stand out without breaking the bank.

A boxy jacket is a great choice if you have a boyish or athletic figure or if you are tall and skinny all over (lucky you!). Obviously if you are larger on top then you might not want to add extra bulk in a place where you don't need it. The Topshop jackets above and below are so cool and different you would never know they are high street finds. Unfortunately while we wait for Topshop to arrive in HK (are you listening Topshop? We need you!) we'll have to content ourselves with visits to Singapore, Bangkok and KL.

We were in Shenzhen yesterday to get some dresses made, and noticed that the fabric market in the Lo Wu mall was overflowing with amazing fake furs and embellished sequined materials. Plan a trip there to have some jackets made, and bring along some pics of your favourite styles to show the tailors.

If you're super tall, or want to disguise larger hips or a pear-shaped figure, you could go for a longer-length coat that gives a more formal look. I'm not nearly brave enough to attempt this many gold sequins (as on the Philip Lim coat above), but think it's ultimately glamourous all the same. If you want to emphasize your curves, you can always belt a furry gilet, as with this little H&M number above on the right which I can imagine would look amazing with black opaque tights and knee-high boots.

Bring on the colder weather!

Image of Olivia Palermo via The Sartorialist.

Lose your dim sum bum! Join Sassy for Bikini Bootcamp

2009-10-18T22:50:00.005+08:00

Tomorrow at 7.30pm we'll be starting our Autumn Bikini Bootcamp programme! Now that the weather has finally cooled down, we're excited to be able to exercise outside again - leaving the treadmill for some fresh air and a lot of workout fun. We ran our first programme of Bikini Bootcamp back in May, and enjoyed it so much we couldn't wait until next summer to do it again. With the holiday season coming up fast, and all the mooncakes we devoured for mid-Autumn festival, we're needing to put in some work to whittle our waistlines.

Each session is $150 payable in cash on the day, and we'll be meeting in front of the Hong Kong park Sports Centre which is right next to the Peak Tram (perfect if you work in Central or Admiralty). If you need a little time to find a locker (bring your HK ID) and get changed, please arrive at 7.15pm. You can find all the details on the Events page of the Sassy website, or email us to find out more at sassy@sassyhongkong.com.

All levels of fitness are catered for, and the emphasis is on fun as well as fitness! Hope to see you there tomorrow.

Video from our Launch Party!

2009-10-16T11:39:00.002+08:00

We were so happy to have a videographer from Entertaining Asia at our Launch Party on September 23rd - he did a such fabulous job! Take a look! It will be fun to have our memories of this party for a long time to come.

We've also now got our own Sassy page on YouTube (they call them "channels", but that sounds a bit poncey to us!) where we'll be able to upload event videos in future. Fun!

Mrs. Jones Restaurant & Bar

2009-10-15T19:52:00.005+08:00

There is something about having a nice long lunch with a friend. I had one of those lunches today at Mrs. Jones, which is a place I have wanted to eat at for a while - so it was pretty much a win-win situation for me!

Mrs. Jones is a cozy Italian restaurant on the corner of Pottinger and Wyndham Street. The restaurant was inspired by Billy Paul’s jazz song “Me & Mrs. Jones” and jazz is played throughout the restaurant, which was perfect for a lingering lunch. They sometimes have live jazz music playing which I think would be a perfect accompaniment for an after dinner drink.

I was starving when I arrived so I was very much looking forward to a delicious meal and Mrs. Jones did not disappoint. We started off with the garlic bread which I basically devoured and while it was very good I suggest bringing breath mints for after :-) For lunch I had the crab and prawn ravioli and my friend had Chicken Parmesan, which has always been one of my favourite dishes. Although we were stuffed after our main course we convinced ourselves that we could find enough room for dessert. Being a chocolate lover I ordered the Chocolate fudge cake and my friend ordered the Lemon Tart. The Lemon Tart was the hands down winner of the entire meal – it was so good!

The prices are very reasonable and they have a set lunch for $98, which is very good. Also, they have no corkage fee on Sunday evenings!

Stop by Mrs. Jones and have a drink with us at our Sassy Hour on November 5^th!

Mrs. Jones, Upper Basement, Harllela House, 79 Wyndham Street, Central (2522 8118)

Vivienna Tam Laptop

2009-10-15T12:04:00.004+08:00

A laptop cunningly disguised as a beautiful clutch purse? Why thank you Vivienne Tam and HP, we love this idea, and can just see ourselves rocking up at our nearest coffee shop (otherwise known as the Sassy office) with this in hand. Available in Spring 2010, if I wasn't a total mac addict I'd certainly have this on my wish list. It's the very latest in geek chic.

Chiva-Som Event at Kee Club

2009-10-15T07:47:00.005+08:00

Life here in Hong Kong can sometimes be a little hectic. We work hard and play hard and the lack of time for ourselves can really wear a person thin. If you are in need of some major rejuvenation and relaxation then come to the Chiva-Som event at Kee Club on the 20th and 21st of October to learn how a get-away retreat can help you. Details for the event are in the invitation above.

Chiva-Som is a luxury resort in Hua Hin, Thailand, which focuses on a holistic approach to health that incorporates mind, body and spirit. The resort is absolutely gorgeous and their main goal is to leave you feeling refreshed, energized and inspired. Guests can enjoy massages, spa cuisine, holistic treatments and fitness activities. To ensure that you have enough time to really wind down their minimum stay is for 3 nights. Chiva-Som has a number of retreats such as Fitness, Yoga and Spa Pampering so you can pick which area of focus you want to explore during your stay. I am already eyeing up the Yoga retreat for myself!

Space is limited so admission to this event is by RSVP only. Email booking@keeclub.com or call 2810 9000 to reserve your space on the guest list.

Where is Home?

2009-10-14T15:40:00.007+08:00

I am leaving today to go back to the US (Miami, Fl) to visit my family and friends. My sister's daughter, Olivia, is turning the rightful age of 1! I wouldn't miss her birthday for the world. Going home for me brings so much excitement.....yet at the same time I know that I will truly miss Hong Kong for the next few weeks. So comes the question, where is home? I once thought home was the place I grew up, where I went to school, where my family is located. Now that I am leaving Hong Kong to go "home" I realize that I am going to miss my new "home" here in Hong Kong.

See you in a few weeks :)

Tweetcamp

2009-10-14T14:17:00.004+08:00

The world of Twitter can be a confusing one for newbies - how is it different from Facebook? How do I use it to communicate with friends, businesses and organisations? What do all the RTs and #-tags mean, and how do I know who to follow? It can feel like the whole world is having a conversation that you don't know how to access.

Tweetcamp, an all-day comprehensive Twitter training programme run by Jay Oatway (the top Tweeter in Hong Kong) and Perri Gorman of Be the Butterfly aims to introduce you to the Twitter experience and teach participants about the relevance, importance and strategy of tweeting. From a Sassy point of view, of running a small business, we've found using Twitter to be a great way to connect with other Hong Kong businesses, keep up-to-date with the latest news and update our members about upcoming events. Once you learn how to tap into the technology, this is an invaluable tool for entrepreneurs, or anyone with a message they would like to get heard.

Tweetcamp is offering Sassy girls (that's you!) a special discounted rate of HK$1200 for the day, which includes the whole day session, plus coffee breaks and a networking buffet lunch. Tweetcamp will be held at Clifton's Training Centre in Central.

Tweetcamp is this Saturday, and you can email Perri for more information and to take advantage of the special Sassy offer at perri@be-thebutterfly.com.

Fierce Nails

2009-10-14T14:01:00.000+08:00

ooh... I want!

via I Know What You Wore...

Cheap and chic?

2009-10-14T13:39:00.003+08:00

One of my pet peeves is when fashionistas talk about "budget" items that are anything but budget. I just came across this article on the New York Times Fashion Blog, "The Moment" about Kelly Bergin t-shirts (which admittedly look absolutely gorgeous), which they describe as "cheap and "chic". My favourite line is "the best part is that most pieces are under $100, and none are more than $300". Um, that's US dollars people. Perhaps to Melissa Ventosa Martin who wrote the piece, that's a real steal, but for me? Not so much...

Private Sale: Tina Barrat Bijoux Couture

2009-10-13T16:23:00.003+08:00

Tina Barrat will be holding a private sale tomorrow from 10am to 4pm of her fabulous jewellery. We recommend checking it out!