16 July, 2013
Style

Alice + Olivia opens first store in Hong Kong – plus how to work your summer wardrobe all year round!

16 July, 2013

One of the questions that I often get asked as a style blogger is how to make the pieces in your wardrobe work all year round. Whilst it’s definitely true that there are several items that don’t make the transition from sun to snow, there are plenty of others that will take you through the seasons seamlessly!

I enlisted help from fun American fashion label Alice + Olivia, who have just opened their first standalone store in Hong Kong in ifc, to show us how to take their cutesy summer offerings into the months ahead… no matter how far off fall might seem!

alice and olivia hk ss13 maxi dressDress, sweater, bracelets: Alice + Olivia; hat, flower hair clip: H&M; belt: Vintage; sandals: TOPSHOP; boots: Sambag

First up is your floaty summer maxi dress or skirt. For summer, all this flirty frock needs is a cute sandal to complete your easy breezy look but come fall, more layers will help it stand up to the cold – try tossing on a super soft sweater like this for added warmth, whilst these Sambag ankle boots from last season are my run-around-town go-to for cooler weather (they’re still available here). This look should suffice for a HK “winter” but if you’re travelling abroad and are still chilly, switch to a chunky cable knit with a long overcoat and thick tights.

alice and olivia hk ss13 work wardrobeJacket, skirt, floral blouse, striped shirt, bag: Alice + Olivia; shoes: Nine West; belt: Zara; necklace: Model’s own, try Caty or Polkadot Boutique for something similar

Next up for a transformation is your work wardrobe. While this sleeveless floral blouse will keep you cool and on-trend all summer, you’ll need to switch to something bolder for the colder temps! This black-and-white striped top pairs perfectly with your black pencil skirt and jacket staples, adding a Parisian chic to your daily grind. Don’t forget to set off your waist with a thin belt too! This combo would also look super cute for all mama-to-bes; just put the belt above your bump and switch the necklace for something that hangs collar level for a great look.

alice and olivia hk ss13 shoes

For added glam, step into a pair of Alice + Olivia shoes (yes, bad news bank accounts… they do accessories too!). For spring/summer, go for these gold laser-cut leather stunners; meanwhile, these striped pumps will make for some matchy-matchy fun in fall.

alice and olivia hk ss13 shortsTop, jacket, shorts, Lulu Frost necklace: Alice + Olivia; clutch: Gucci; nude pumps: Nine West; black stud ankle boots: Steve Madden

Next up – shorts! Believe it or not, this one is a pretty easy adjustment; all you need to transition your summer shorts to fall is add in a pair of opaque tights (we love the ones at M&S). While I highly recommend wearing your jackets cape-style in the warmer weather as it adds a breeze when you walk, autumn is the time to put your jacket on properly, sleeves and all (unless you fancy rocking more layers underneath and merely topping the look with your jacket-cape of choice). I’m a big fan of these leather shorts, which are far more versatile than the typical denim variety, and would also love to see them paired with a chunky knit sweater, beanie hat and a pair of combat boots for a stylish take on urban grunge!

alice and olivia hk ss13 party dressDress, belt, leather jacket: Alice + Olivia; leopard pumps and suede boots: Sam Edelman; leopard belt: Vintage; gold cuff: Mango; leopard headband: H&M

Last but not least, here’s how to take your party perfect frock and make it suitable for a night out in November! Less is more for summertime, so keep it simple with just a cute patent belt and some leopard pumps to mix up your prints. I love these super comfy Sam Edelman pumps, which spruce up any outfit and are the perfect height to wear all night long.

For our fall inspiration, I played on the dress’ colours by adding a fun over-the-knee suede boot. By now, we all know how essential a moto jacket is in our wardrobe, so it’s no surprise that I reckon it totally tops off this look! The structured shape of this coat means it would probably work for an office setting too, without looking overly rocker tough.

alice and olivia hk ss13 eveningwear

If you need to go dressier, Alice + Olivia also have some gorgeous offerings for all your white-tie affairs. From rhinestone pumps and luxe Lulu Frost jewels to dazzling gowns, A+O will have you all set!

alice and olivia hong kong

We’re super stoked that Alice + Olivia has properly set up shop in HK (they were previously only available here in small department store concessions), and we hope this little glimpse of their latest collection shows you why! Price-wise, dresses cost around $2,500-4,800 (with evening dresses ranging from $12,500-14,500) whilst separates, shoes and other accessories clock in at about $2,500-3,600; as we’ve shown, Alice + Olivia boasts plenty of outfit options for every occasion, no matter what the seasons throw at your schedule, so go check out the store to have a play!

If that isn’t enough to keep you coming back for more, then maybe knowing that Alice + Olivia also sells sweets from NY’s Dylan’s Candy Bar will do it? Shoes, shifts, and sweets? I’m sold!

Alice + Olivia, Shop 3078B, Level 3, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2234 7253

www.aliceandolivia.com

Photos by Sabrina Sikora Photography

 

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