Still feeling sluggish after that Chinese New Year weekend – and the inevitable overeating that goes with it? Well, how does over HKD $20,000 worth of fashion and style prizes strike you as incentive to get up off that sofa?!

Our good friends at Hong Kong Fashion Geek are having a fantastic competition to see in the Year of the Dragon… and it certainly sounds a more fun way of getting active than going to the gym! Their annual HK Fashion Geek Photo Hunt kicks off on the 6 February as part of this year’s Social Media Week – and it’s kind of like the fashionista equivalent of The Amazing Race!

Starting from 6 February, the Geeks will be releasing a series of clues on their website, which you then have to figure out, hunt down and take pictures of in shops all around Hong Kong. You have until 14 February to track them down and email the photos to the Geeks – and the person who gets the most (correct!) photos wins. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to have a bit of a sneaky shopping spree while you’re at it… what with all that hunting, you’ve earned it, right?!

There’s over $20,000 worth of prizes to be won for first, second and third place, from sponsors including Sassy faves Shanghai Tang, Lane Crawford, Harbour City, Clarisonic, Jack Wills, Flaunt Boutique, Ops! Objects, Alexa & Todd and many many more.

Get more info and check the rules on Hong Kong Fashion Geek here… but in the meantime, grab your running shoes, get your camera ready and happy hunting!

www.hkfashiongeek.com

Avec Amour is having a pre Valentines Day Event to launch their Spring/Summer 2012 lingerie collection and while the event is for their VIP customers we have scoured you an invite just for being a Sassy reader!

Pop into the boutique (conveniently located on Wellington Street) on Wednesday 8 February between 6pm-9pm and enjoy sparkling wine, exclusive offers, and some pretty great door prizes. I may personally buy this Maison Close set that I have been eyeing up for AGES!

To gain entry into the event all you need to do is print out this blog post and bring it with you on the night.

All the Details…
When: Wednesday 8 February 2012
Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Where: Avec Amour, 8/Floor, V Plus, 68 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Entry Requirements: Print out this post and bring it to the event for entry!

Hey hey we’re the Monkis! People say we Monki around!

If you are into clothes to have fun and play in (i.e. eat, shop, hang, run wild through the streets of HK), then Monki is for you! This delightfully affordable brand can take care of your basics and add a little fun to your weekend wear. I recently got to check out what is on offer for spring (and make some cute soaps with the Monki mascot) and it is sure to make you smile!

Their new lines for this season include Nautical But Nice, filled with stripes and dots, Welcome to the Jungle, where you can satisfy all your animal print needs and California Girl, which has a pretty beachy vibe. There are pops of tangerine, the nicest of nudes and heaps of fun accessories to spruce up any outfit. Monki is the place to hit up for affordable easy to wear basics that make your Saturdays and Sundays sing with style.

Here are few of my top picks from Monki Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

Monki, L1 29-31 Langham Place, 8 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, 3585 8026

www.monki.com

Photos by Sabrina Sikora Photography

This week’s That Girl is the fantastic Danielle Huthart, founder of renowned design and branding consultancy Whitespace and a leading light of the creative scene here – Lane Crawford called her ‘a pioneer of creativity in Hong Kong’! We chat with Danielle about finding inspiration, what makes Hong Kong unique and why no one recognises her on the street!

Are you and your family originally from Hong Kong? Tell us a bit more about your background.
My background is mixed. My father is English and my mother is Chinese. I was born in Hong Kong, and grew up with diverse influences as my stepfather was French, and I attended an American school. My sister Michele and I travelled a lot growing up and we were fortunate to see and experience a lot at a young age. My father instilled in us a sense of adventure, curiosity and wonder for the natural world, and our mother gave us a sense of courage, independence and freedom to pursue our dreams. That’s how I ended up an artist and an entrepreneur.

Where do you live? How have you made your home your own?
I live in Sheung Wan, close to Whitespace as I like walking to work. It’s a walk-up, like many other apartments I’ve lived in. Hong Kong has always been home for me but in order to make it “my own”, I chose to live in a new neighbourhood, one that I was not familiar with or had known before. It turns out to be an area that is now filled with creative studios, coffee shops and little shops, which is perfect.

I’ve made my home my own by filling it up with all these wonderful things I’ve collected — as well as photographs, prints and posters I’ve framed and hung up on the wall. As I grew up in Hong Kong, my flat here has a number of objects I’ve owned since I was young, so my apartment now feels more cosy than ever.

How would you describe your personal style? How does it evolve and change?
I try and keep things simple and comfortable. The only thing that’s really evolved lately has been my hair! I’ve had 4 styles in 6 months and people don’t seem to recognize me!

I dress for the city I live in — and because Hong Kong streets are so treacherous, I wear flats a lot and carry a bag that holds everything I need! I also frequently wear a leather jacket and scarves that go well with anything. I tend to keep jewellery to a minimum, and often wear my own jewellery pieces that I’ve designed. I have also inherited some great accessories from my mother, who had her own boutique and had amassed a unique collection of bags and shoes. Overall, I try and keep things simple and comfortable — street smart and a little sassy.

Where do you shop in Hong Kong? Any secret finds you can let us in on?
I don’t have much time to shop in Hong Kong, but if I have time I’ll go to Vein. They are one of our clients, and the store is over on St Francis Yard. I also just bought a colourful Lemlem scarf from Konzepp. I’m also a fan of American Vintage, and they are stocked at Rue Madame.

What are your must-have beauty products? Where do you go for hair/nails/maintenance?
My must-have products are Aesop body balm, Kiehl’s No.1, Chanel “Coco” lipstick, Byredo’s “Pulp” fragrance, Bumble & Bumble hair products, Tweezerman, and Avène SPF15 moisturizer. For nails, I’ll hit FastBeauty, as it’s close to work and whom we did the brand identity for. For hair, I’ll follow my hairdresser wherever he goes — he’s now over at Le Salon on Duddell Street. If I want to treat myself, the spa at Four Seasons has the best manicure!

What is your favourite thing to do at the weekend?
I try to avoid the crowds as much as possible! I love to catch up on my sleep, or do yoga on Sunday before the week starts again.

What is your favourite restaurant in Hong Kong?
My tastes change all the time. A long-time favourite however is Mak’s Noodles — it’s what I crave after a day of running around going to meetings. The Globe makes a good fish & chips with mushy peas, and 001 makes the best cocktails and grilled cheese.

What inspired you to start Whitespace? How important is branding?
Whitespace was inspired by a combination of having an opportunity to start a business in Hong Kong, and a passion for design. A friend of mine, another Parsons graduate, and I found a studio space in Lan Kwai Fong, and shared it as a space to work. When she returned back to the US, the studio had a few clients and I went forward with Whitespace.

Branding is the combination of aesthetics and business. It’s not simply the visual identity or a logo, but the entire thinking of what the business stands for — its purpose, vision and differentiation. Clients often mistake a logo for a brand, but it’s only one component of it. Branding requires a group of people to make it happen — business leaders, designers, strategists, marketing and sales that work together and share ideas and devise a solution. Our role as designers is to bring focus to these ideas, and communicate them in a unique way that people can understand it.  We want to reach people on an emotional level — as a brand is a person’s feeling about a company, so it’s important for branding to shape this experience, and guide their attitudes and thoughts. It can really make or break a company.

Prior to returning to Hong Kong, you spent a decade in New York – how do the two cities compare? Is there anything you miss particularly about NY and vice versa, about HK when you lived there? What made you come back?
To be honest, the two cities don’t compare! Hong Kong is Hong Kong, and New York is New York. They each have their own magic and mystery, frustrations and faults, culture and chaos. I moved back in 2003 and spent two years wishing Hong Kong was more like New York. It’s like being in a relationship with someone, and wishing you were with someone else. It doesn’t work. You have to love the one you’re with, and really embrace the place you’re in.

Fortunately I go back to New York often enough but what I miss most about that city are the people. I also miss Rosario’s pizza, Central Park, The Strand, The Met, the music scene, and the 24-hour bodegas.

When I’m away from Hong Kong, I miss the neon, the junk trips, the drive to Stanley, Shek O beach barbeques, The Bank of China building at night and the convenience of getting around town. What pulled me back to Hong Kong was curiosity. But I ultimately made it my home again because of the freedom and opportunities I have here as a creative person.

Being born in Hong Kong, you must have seen a lot of change here over the years – is there anything you miss that’s no longer here?
I miss Kai Tak Airport. Flying over the rooftops and landing in Hong Kong was so memorable. I also miss the Star Ferry pier when it was in front of City Hall. There also used to be an awesome roller skating rink in Taikoo Shing. What ever happened to that?

What are your top recommendations for places to go in Hong Kong for art and culture lovers?
SIN SIN, Blindspot Gallery and Saamlung Gallery regularly hold great exhibitions. I’m a big fan of The Hong Kong Arts Festival, as there is so much to see during those few months it’s on; the Hong Kong Heritage Museum has a cool fashion exhibition going on at the moment too. We’re also looking forward to the development of Central Police Station, Police Married Living Quarters, and West Kowloon Cultural District for its museums, galleries and cultural spaces.

How do you keep your creative juices flowing? Are there any particular places you go or things you do to get ideas and seek inspiration?
Ideas can come from anywhere. It’s not as much a particular place or activity as it’s about uncovering the extraordinary in the ordinary. The important thing is to go out and see as much as you can, and remain open to new experiences; in a hectic city, sometimes it’s as simple as switching off your phone, and sitting quietly in a coffee shop with a sketchbook and an iPod.

What are some of the most memorable projects you’ve worked on and why?
One of the most recent memorable projects is our collaboration with AOC1961 [a shop/gallery with a mix of vintage and contemporary eyewear and art]. We met the owner Martin a few years ago while walking past his shop on Aberdeen Street. We struck up a conversation, found out we had mutual friends, and then worked on a website for his brand. We have a deep respect for each other’s businesses and dreams.

We collaborated with him last year to develop a series of posters to celebrate the brand’s 50th Anniversary. The result was the “Eye Wear, Therefore I Am” poster, which is now available for sale [you can see it behind Danielle in some of the photos!]. The fact that we get to do what we love and work with our friends makes us really happy.

You conceived and developed the Creative City insider guide to HK, the city’s first design and culture-focused – what inspired that? What do you think makes HK unique?
Creative City was inspired by a love for Hong Kong — and wanted to show a side to the city that is often overlooked and under-represented, and that there is ultimately more to the surface than the usual landmarks and tourist spots. There is a thriving creative community that we are a part of, and we would like to share where we go, what we do, and who are we.

Hong Kong is unique for many reasons, but there is wonderful architecture, strong heritage and living culture that draws people here, and makes us want to stay and make it home. Creative City attempts to connect, communicate and capture the creative heart of Hong Kong and show an inside track to what is often overshadowed by the powerful finance and business aspects of the city.

Do you have any advice for any other budding entrepreneurs out there?
Do what you love, find others who feel the same, and connect the dots.

All photos in the That Girl article above were taken by the hugely-talented Sabrina Sikora of Sabrina Sikora Photography – get in touch with her at sabrinasikora@gmail.com.

We already gave you the scoop on gorgeous Singaporean fashion label Vamastyle… and we’ve got some great news for all of you that fell in love with their fun and flirty style – we’ve snagged you a special Sassy giveaway!

To help you get over your winter blues, Vamastyle is giving away a voucher for HKD $1,500 to one lucky Sassy reader to splash out on a whole new spring wardrobe. With so many of Vamastyle’s trademark zesty colours, summery prints and stunning styles available, we reckon you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Entering couldn’t be easier – just fill out your name and email in the image below. There’s no excuse not to be in with a chance of winning!

The giveaway ends on 13 February and the winner will be announced on 14 February. If you simply can’t wait ‘til then to refresh your wardrobe, Vamastyle also has a great sale going on that’s well worth checking out too!

So what are you waiting for girls? Get entering – we’re writing our Vamastyle wishlists as we speak!

Show Vamastyle some love! Like the brand on Facebook for the latest updates on sales, new styles and fun giveaways! Click here to “like” Vamastyle’s Facebook page!

Vamastyle, www.vamastyle.com

A new year, a new look… some people make resolutions to lose weight, others opt for a new cut and color, some just make a pledge to be more frugal, stop swearing, or just be nicer in general. While these are all noble vows to pledge, this year I am starting with something that I know I can keep up with… my closet!

Not my closet but a wonderful inspiration shot to get us started!

Out with the old and in with the selectively and obsessively picked new. I have always been a quantity over quality kind of girl when it comes to my wardrobe. I have gobs and gobs of accessories and I pretty much hoard shoes, much to my man’s dismay! This year, I propose a simple clean out method for all of us because, seriously, when am I ever going to wear that disco silver sequined top that is two sizes too small (p.s.- it looked amazing on me when I was 17)? Plus, this is Hong Kong after all and our tiny wardrobes can easily be filled to max capacity before we know it! Let’s get to it then, shall we?!?

I would love to lounge like this!

Step 1: Purge the ugly house dresses and lounge more glamorously!
You know those dresses that you used to wear in public but they have since become stained and lost their vibrant hues? [They may also have small holes or the hem may be coming out or the strap may be held by a safety pin!] This is not only limited to dresses but can include running shorts, leggings, yoga pants, and tank tops that went from street wear to gym wear to painting the bedroom and coloring your hair attire. Don’t act like I am the only one with these! They are one step above a nightgown but one step too close to a moo-moo. Instead, I will replace my loungewear with comfortable simple pieces like those from Back Label.

Back Label is available at Konzepp, G/F, 50 Tung Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2803 0339

While we’re on that topic…

Look cuter working out… Maybe not this cute!

Step 2: Get rid of ugly gym clothing
Though I am not a member of one of the big name gyms where all the hot people in town seem to maintain their scorching levels, I do try to work out. I have faded yoga pants that are too short and are starting to split in the worst of places! Nothing matches, even though everything is all black, and some articles I can even date back to my high school cheerleading days! This year, I resolve to get with the program and be one of those cute color-wearing girls at the gym! Lululemon has a stunning range of colorful practical exercise gear in Western sizes!

Lululemon, 2701, 27/F, Citicorp Centre, 18 Whitfield Road, North Point, Hong Kong, 2238 5555

Step 3: Really go through the shoes…Really!
Blegh! Donate two pairs for every one I buy. Period.

Step 4: Shop from my own closet
Do you look at all your stuff and realise that you never wear half of it? This year I am going to shop from what I already own! That way I can see what I really use and what is just taking up space. If I can’t figure out how to work it into my outfits as least once this year, then I know it’s a goner! I will gather my unworn items and find a clothing swap to trade them out for some more usable items.

These teens are way cooler than I ever was. They can keep that denim for years to come! Maybe not the leopard hat though!

Step 5: I’m not 17 anymore. Get rid of things I wore when I was.
This is a really hard one for me. Everything comes back around and I can’t tell you how many times my mother has told me “I had something just like what you have on… I wish I would have saved it!” To keep me from saying this to my future offspring, I save everything – jeans from when I was 15, the concert T-shirt from a country teen band that no one heard of (then or now!), huge flower pins that look like my chest is in full-bloom, scarves in every colour of the rainbow (even the ugly shades), bowling shoes that I wore in Milan in 2001… That’s right… I said bowling shoes. I have a bowling bag too that I wanted to use as a purse. Things are getting out of hand. While, I probably won’t really cull this as much as is needed, it feels good just typing it. Admitting the problem is really the first step isn’t it?!?

Step 6: Organise the remains
Love the idea about storing bangles on beautiful old candlesticks! And how cute is it to hang earrings on a thin curtain rod!?! I use the command hooks stuck to the insides of my cabinets to store necklaces. I have also found that a tie rack mounted to a closet wall or door does a great job separating and displaying all your jingly jewels!

For the clothing, it is all about color coordinating and having things in view and within reach. Out of sight out of mind… and this is especially true in our closets where things tend to hide in the dark recesses only to be rediscovered covered in dust balls! If your wardrobe is dark, try hanging a battery-powered light to better illuminate all the corners so you can really see and use what you have.

Here’s to a fashion filled and well organized 2012! And if you are in the mood to clean out more than just your closet, here are some tips from the Mimi and Me Blog to help you achieve your goals!

Happy New Year, Sassy Ladies!

Don’t worry, this isn’t just going to be a gloating smug article about how I’ve been keeping warm and toasty during the coldest HK Christmas in over 25 years while you’ve been shivering away… as I’m going to let you in on my little secret. Two words: Uniqlo HEATTECH.

If you’ve been seeing the mammoth queues at Uniqlo and wondering what on earth those snazzy silver bags that everyone in the line is clutching are, wonder no more! Uniqlo’s HEATTECH range has become a bit of a cult – and deservedly so! All the clothes are made from lightweight high-tech fabric that actually creates heat to keep you warm – and unlike Gran’s scratchy old thermals, these babies look and feel great too!

Admittedly, HK winters are practically an Indian summer compared to the seasons of Antarctic weather I was used to in the UK, but after a few years here, my body has acclimatised to our usual balmy weather and was starting to feel the chill… but a quick trip down to Uniqlo fixed me up in no time! Proof? At dinner the other night, my friend Erica started piling on her layers, asking ‘Aren’t you cold?’ Actually, I was practically sweating! With a HEATTECH top on under my jumper and HEATTECH-sock clad feet, I practically had my own mini body radiator going on!

Now for the science bit! When HEATTECH clothes absorb body moisture, these tiny droplets (of sweat!) generate heat, plus there are also specially-designed hollow fibres that capture air to prevent warmth escaping your body; the end result is that you maintain your body warmth far more effectively overall than with bog-standard cotton garments. The HEATTECH fabric is also quick-dry, non-deforming over repeated washes, anti-static, features a special antibacterial agent that minimises body odour and is super-stretchy, super-smooth and super-soft to boot!

What with the mad Christmas rush over and the January sales already starting (plus the prospect of that two-week cold snap we usually get at the start of the year), this is the perfect time to stock up on some HEATTECH goodies! I advise you to head down to your nearest Uniqlo ASAP, as some of the most popular styles and sizes have already sold out, especially as several items are now on sale. Just remember that the tops are counted as ‘undergarments’, so make sure you pick the right size, as they won’t accept exchanges.

So whether you go for the socks, leggings, body-warmers (the Fair-Isle print stuff is particularly cute!) or the fabulous range of tops that make for great stylish layering options, Uniqlo’s HEATTECH will have you feeling toasty in no time!

HEATTECH is available at all Uniqlo stores. Two-pack socks are $79; tops and leggings are $129. See here for full list of locations in Hong Kong.

Are you and your family originally from Hong Kong? Tell us a bit more about your background.
I am originally from Hong Kong but I moved around because my dad’s career was in the shipping business. So, I was born in Japan, went to kindergarten in England, elementary school in Hong Kong, and Thailand for high school! I left for The States to study at Cornell University. I then worked in New York City for several years for a Fortune 100 company before moving back to Hong Kong. After a few years working in corporate, I decided it was time to live my own dream of starting my own business.

Where do you live? How have you made your home your own?
I live in Wan Chai, and our studio, Random Art Workshop, is also located in Wan Chai, so it is very convenient. I really like this area because it’s close to Central, but still has more of an old Hong Kong flavour. I actually spend more time at the studio, so I decided to decorate RAW in a way where I’d be comfortable and inspired while conducive to getting work done. I get to do fun stuff, so naturally all my photo equipment/books and art related accessories/tools are my toys.

How do you describe your personal style? How does it evolve and change?
I look for simple chic items that are easy to pair with different pieces and work for a variety of situations. I wear a lot black pieces and will try to pair them with more interesting accessories. I think I am much more ambitious with my clothing than from when I was in corporate and I always balance comfort (because I am very active when photographing) with looking professional (because people trust in me to complete the job), while ultimately making sure the style is reflective of who I am.

Where do you shop in Hong Kong? Any secret finds you can let us in on?
I mix and match generic brands with more boutique items for their uniqueness and craft. I really admire handmade/bespoke accessories as there is so much thought and heart put into these pieces by the designers. I love the unique clothing designs by Among Strangers, S.Nine, and Kanchan Couture. Also check out Bez & Oho whose bags use recycled material, and I recently came across this interesting store on Wellington Street called Dear Bell carrying some very fun and elegant mix of unique hand crafted necklaces.

What are your must-have beauty products? Where do you go for hair/nails/maintenance?
Must have: moisturiser, lip balm, eye liner and modelling clay for hair.
I’m pretty low maintenance otherwise. I’ll get a haircut every 2 months at Vis Hair in Causeway Bay, since I generally keep a fairly short hairstyle.

What is your favourite thing to do at the weekend?
Well I usually work on the weekends for photography related jobs or private art parties at RAW. But when I get some down time, boat trips/water related activities are my first choices for the summer. A nice brunch to catch up with friends is great for all seasons. I also just like to tuck away in a cafe and catch up on all the magazines. I actually really enjoy hiking during the cooler months but I really don’t get to do that enough.

What is your favourite restaurant in Hong Kong?
I must say I really enjoy lunch buffets at major hotels! I like private kitchens such as Yellow Door in Central, reasonably priced and delicious 6-8 course Sichuan cuisine. I also really like Fusion 5th in Sheung Wan.

What inspired you to start RAW? Do you think everyone has a secret artist hidden inside us?
When I quit my job to become a full time photographer, I was looking to take a few fun and easy workshops in different types of art medium but realized there really isn’t anything aside from painting. So my husband and I decided to start a creative outlet to promote the everyday arts and to provide everyone the opportunity to take one-off workshops to try out different art mediums such photography, acrylic painting, scrapbooking, mixed medium, jewellery making, tabletop planting etc.

I truly believe that everyone can be creative and everyone needs to have the time to themselves to allow the creative juices to flow. You’ll be surprised what you can create in a few hours without prior training. It’s just a great way to clear your mind, relax, and de-stress through an art form. We also hope that our workshops will be the catalyst for someone to continue to explore more art related activities/hobbies in the future.

Prior to all this, you spent ten years in the financial business. What prompted the career change?
I start to seek freelance photography jobs when I was still working, and in my spare time I would practice obsessively (and still do!). Some really close friends gave me a shot at professionally doing projects for them, and I worked hard to make sure they were the best they could be. After several years part timing it, I felt I had gained enough experience to professionally do it full time, as well as leverage my corporate experience. Shortly after going full time, RAW was a natural progression because I could explore many different facets of art (I work closely and collaborate with instructors) while providing a service to our community.

You’ve just started RAW magazine – can you tell us a bit more about that?
Yes it’s very exciting! We launched our first issue in early Dec 2011. We want to celebrate art, help promote the up-and-coming artist, and have a platform for feedback and communication from the general audience. We believe art is a luxury everyone should be able to learn about and experience. I think there’s already a lot of food and lifestyle content available in HK and it’s just a natural progression for RAW to offer more art related information and insights.

What are your top recommendations for places to go in HK for art-lovers (apart from RAW of course)?
I like the galleries along Hollywood road, starting from the Sheung Wan area with The Cat Street Gallery, Contemporary by Angela Li, to Central such as The 10 Chancery Lane Gallery. Hong Kong Performing Arts Centre usually holds a good selection of exhibitions and shows.

Can you give us amateur photographers three top tips for taking great photos!
1.  Keep it simple – often there is so much to capture in one scene that people try to include too many elements in one shot. I would focus on one unique thing and make it the photo you want it to be.
2.  Notice the light – start to notice where the light is coming from especially in relation to the subject you are trying to capture. Do you want a harsh shadow or softer lighting? Do you want back light or more direct light?
3.  Shoot at different angles/perspective – don’t shoot from your usual eye level but shoot from the waist level, or shooting at the level of the child or pet. Try from a lower angle or higher angle to capture a different point of view. This will make the photo more intriguing and keep the audience wondering how you took the shot.

Do you have any advice for any other budding entrepreneurs out there?
Don’t take no for an answer. If there is something you believe in and want to implement, then find that solution. Don’t let other people tell you that you can’t do it because no one else has done it, or it’s too difficult, or too expensive, or too impractical, or whatever the excuse may be. Of course you need to make informed decisions, but always explore through different options or new ways to solve that business problem. More often than not, the road block is not as big as it seems.

All photos taken by Joyce herself! You can check out more of her work and contact her at www.joyceyung.com

Step 1: Online Research

Suss out your style and what sort of look you want to go for before you head to the shops. Write lists of everything you need, dimensions and also take the measurements of your lift so you know what items you can actually logistically buy.

Try Di-Mension Living as a first port of call. My advice is to figure out what items you like, then at step two check you like them in person in a more expensive shop, then finally, purchase said item at a fraction of the cost from Di-mensions’s website. They make everything in China and can offer a range of fabrics and colours. Perfect for finding those cool replica items at a fraction of the cost elsewhere. You could even visit their showroom in Tai Koo.

Di-Mension Living, Unit A6, 18/F, Wah Ha Factory Building, No.8 Shipyard Lane, Tai Koo Hong Kong, 2246 8382. Open Tuesday-Saturday 12-7pm, Sunday 12-6pm and Monday for appointments only. www.di-mension.com

Step 2: Horizon Plaza – The Big Items

Horizon Plaza is a furniture lover’s dream. 28 floors of stores dedicated almost exclusively to furniture. Armed with the Sassy guide on how to tackle Horizon plaza (see here!), I had the most successful day’s shopping ever! The shops may not be the cheapest but it’s perfect for buying all your main items in one place. Here are my top picks:

Tequila Kola – perfect for original-looking items that add a real sense of character to your home. Think vintage trunks, statement items and Chesterfield sofas. Visit the main showroom on the 1^st floor where discounts are offered for bulk purchases or EPS payments… And don’t forget to make a visit to their 17^th floor discount outlet where some incredible items of furniture can be bought for up to 30% off.

Tequila Kola, 1/F (discount outlet 17/F), Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 2877 3295, Open Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday & Public Holidays 12pm – 7pm. www.tequilakola.com

Indigo Living – a good option for large, key items such as sofas and dining tables as well as smaller decorative pieces such as cushions. A little expensive but they do seasonal offers and promotions. They also have a fantastic collaboration range with famed British interior designer Kelly Hoppen. But a real bonus is the fact that they measure your lift before delivery to ensure the furniture will actually fit!

Indigo Living, 6/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 2555 0530. Open daily 10am – 7pm. www.indigo-living.com

Marc James – a small store with more targeted items such as chairs and dining tables. They sell stylish, replica classics but at a cost much lower than many of their competitors. Sign up to their loyalty card for further discounts.

Marc James, 16/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 2517 2000, Open daily 10am – 7pm. www.marcjamesdesign.com

Offspring – whilst one half of this store is dedicated to gorgeous children’s items, the other half stocks quirky but cosy furniture items and rustic themed decorative pieces. A favourite is their fantastic black location board, which they can personalise with your own choice of location names.

Offspring, 15/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 9327 5263. Open Monday-Friday 10.30am-5.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 11.30am–5.30pm. Also located in The Repulse Bay.

TREE – well worth a visit for its signature style of wood-heavy, family-friendly furniture. A real Sassy favourite for those larger items and also its fabulous children’s selection. A sassy secret is to start with Tree, as it’s at the very top and load up with cakes and coffee for energy before you set off down the stairs! Tree provides eco-chic, stylish furniture to suit every taste.

TREE, 28/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 2870 1582. Open daily 10.30am-7pm. Also located in Soho, Cyberport and Sai Kung (see the website for full addresses). www.tree.com.hk

Inside – a real gem with Indian rustic-style furniture. They also stock clothes, accessories, bath ware, soft furnishings, lighting… the list goes on! For those who like soft colours, beautiful prints and delicate fabrics, we suggest you head here – whether you deck out your whole home or just go for certain signature items.

Inside, 12/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 2873 1795. Open Monday-Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am – 7pm. Also located in The Prince’s Building, Central  and The Repulse Bay (see the website for full addresses). www.inside.com.hk

Step 3: Quirkier, independent shops for statement items and unique pieces

Mirth – head over to Aberdeen and browse their collection of global and individually sourced items suitable for homes, children and much more. Many of the items are one-off but all have a really unique appeal to them. Our personal favourites are their industrial-feel dining chairs, which come in a range of colours.

Mirth Home, 23 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 2553 9811. Open daily 10am – 6pm. www.mirthhome.com

Attic Lifestyle ­– a diverse range of independent and unique items from around the world. Businesswoman Simone has created a homeware haven of handpicked items ranging from handmade throws, Fairtrade rugs and kitchen must-haves. Head here to really give your home a sense of heart and soul.

Attic Lifestyle, Unit 4, 12/F, Sungib Industrial Building, 53 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 6901 6715. Open Wednesday–Saturday 10am-2pm or by appointment. www.attic-lifestyle.com

Step 4: The privileged few

If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with outside space, a real secret is that most outdoor stores source their furniture from the same suppliers but charge outrageously varied prices. Wicka Designs has a fantastic range of furniture, which is stylish and durable, but at the lowest possible prices.

Wicka Designs, 1/F, BT Centre, 23 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 2422 0885. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. www.wickadesigns.com

Step 6: For smaller furniture items and those final all-important home staples

Franc Franc – if your apartment is somewhat horizontally impaired making space tight, Japanese chain Franc Franc focuses on stylish yet practically-designed items that are ideal for smaller spaces. They have a range of sofas, dining tables and the such like that are perfect for studios or awkward spaces. They also stock fashion, interior, bath and kitchen products.

Franc Franc flagship store, 2^nd Floor, Hang Lung Center, 2-20 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 3427 3366. Also located at Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong and k11, Tsim Sha Tsui (see website for full addresses). www.francfranc.com.hk

Ikea – you don’t need me to tell you why to go here. Unbeatable for certain items such as side tables, kitchen equipment and spare bedding. They even have a surprisingly good rug selection! But be warned, head there on the weekend at your peril. Many head here as a destination rather than to shop (and make themselves at home accordingly – we’ve spotted people literally putting their feet up!). Go once and make it epic, with a clear list of what you need.

Ikea, Upper Basement, Park Lane Hotel, Great George Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 3125 0888. Open daily 10.30am–10.30pm. Also located at Megabox, Kowloon Bay and Sha Tin (see website for full addresses). www.ikea.com/hk/en

Pricerite – think of this at as the Hong Kong version of Ikea! This should take care of most of your basic homeware needs (although it does also sell a decent range of sofas and beds) and is particularly good for storage solutions and other practical, functional items – watch them sell-out of fans and mobile air-conditioning units come summer!

Pricerite, practically everywhere! http://e-catalogue.pricerite.com.hk

Japan Home Centre – this should be the very last place you visit. Suitable for ironing boards, cleaning equipment and random kitchen appliances. Don’t expect to find stuff of the highest quality but bag some practical items at bargain prices.

Japan Home Centre, also everywhere! www.japanhome.com.hk

So there you have it, my 6-step apartment furnishing guide. Got any more hot furniture tips? Let us know!

And finding a bra? Well, that is my absolute greatest challenge, as if you’re not a totally standard size in this town, it can be tough to find options – if I find my size, I buy it, regardless of what it looks like, or even really how it fits. Earlier this year though, I discovered Hanky Panky thongs, and started to convert my way of thinking to believe lingerie could be both fun (cute colours!) and comfy… but bra-shopping remained something to be avoided at all costs.

When we met Lisa from Sheer, she convinced me to come into her shop and try out the Sheer Discovery Service, a personal lingerie makeover experience. I had to fill out a questionnaire ahead of time confessing my deepest darkest secrets (like that I NEVER hand-wash any of my bras and that I don’t own that absolute stalwart of a decent lingerie wardrobe – the black strapless bra, or the fact that most of my bras don’t fit properly). I turned up at Sheer one wintry afternoon, absolutely not in the mood to prance about semi-naked, clutching a few of my bras from home which Lisa had asked me to bring along to demonstrate my problems with fit.

After a very brief chat, I was whisked into the fitting rooms where I whipped off my t-shirt to show the problem at hand to Lisa. After determining that all A-cups are not created equal (the Victoria’s Secret bras I was wearing were cut way too “deep in the cup” meaning they equated more to a B or even a C cup – no wonder they gaped!), Lisa was off around the shop to find a selection of styles for me to try.

I’m a huge fan of the Little Bra Company, so was thrilled they had a huge selection from that line, and also discovered some new-to-me brands like OnGossamer, a whisper-light bra which is so soft you wouldn’t even know you were wearing one, and Lula Lu – so new to Sheer that all Lisa had was a sample. There were naturally a few misses, which coming all in a row felt a bit disheartening (what’s wrong with me?!) but Lisa stayed patient and the hits started rolling until I had a huge pile of bras that worked – a never-before-had experience! Sure, most were “safe” nudes, ivories and blacks, but Lisa told me that now she knows what works for me, she can help to order in more fashion colours for the future to brighten up my lingerie drawer!

We finished off with a little tour of Sheer’s nighties and gowns selection (they have a Eberjey gown in the fitting room so you don’t need to get fully-dressed again to pop back onto the shop floor to browse some more), and Lisa and Laura totally got that I’m more a men’s style PJs girl than a little negligee type (with a toddler and a helper in our household, mornings can’t really be spent running around boobs-on-display!). The goodies on offer run the gamut from super-sexy to cute and boyish, so there’s something for everyone and it was a good reminder for me that lingerie doesn’t just have to be something you wear underneath your clothes!

After a mental totting up of the total of all the things I’d amassed, I got a little concerned – instead of struggling to find things, I was in the opposite situation! I finally settled on three really great bras and threw in a handful of my beloved Hanky Panky thongs as well, including in the new Retro Thong style, a Mad Men-like high-rise knicker.

To teach me the error of my ways, Lisa talked me through how to protect my new investments by using proper laundry techniques (bunging things in the washing machine is the surest way to shorten the lives of your undies). She even popped a little sample of some yummy-smelling handwashing detergent in my shopping bag to try out.

A couple of weeks after my appointment, Sheer sent me an email to check how I was getting on with my purchases – a truly personal and impressive touch. The Sheer Discovery Service is so good you’ll go straight home and email your friends to recommend it – I did!

Sheer, 4/F, W Place, 52 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2147 3887
E: info@sheer.com.hk