Holiday Gifts for the Executive Guy

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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?

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?

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"

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!