Four Ways to Wear: A Californian Summer

Our stylista Kim brings a little Cali to the HK hipster…

In self rebellion of my hangover androgynous-London look, I recently took a trip to California, for a little R&R, fresh produce and beach life, and fell in love once again with the effortlessness of the Californian girl. Ocean kissed locks, a golden glow and the natural expression that there is nothing in life that could possibly kill my forever positive vibe.

In search of re-creating this persona in Hong Kong, I took a trip beyond the monochrome uniforms and stumbled upon Tiare. A small personal boutique on Lyndhurst Terrace, with a philosophy to immortalise the Cali Gal. From seashell shaped pendants to pastel patterns of coral and tropical flowers, I was inspired to create four looks that bring a little more California girl to the Hong Kong hipster.

Beach bumming

Hong Kong is not so different from California, we have bleach white sands and our own version of the clam chowder. For all that beach frolicking, and junk jumping, I like to throw on something simple, no fuss, but colourful and fun. Tiare have a delectable selection of easy feminine dresses which you can throw on top of your bikini and continue your party from sunrise to sunset.

I’m wearing:

1. Joie, Cintia Dress, Chambray ($2,720)
2. Marcia Moran, Three Tiny Diamond Earrings $1,380 (available in store only)
3. Gorjana, Chevron Necklace $570 (available in store only)
4. Gorjana, Marin Cuff $1,120
5. Gorjana, Calypso Cuff $1,280
6. Gorjana, Everly Ring $470

Jewellery adorning

I’ve often complained that Hong Kong is a hard place to find elegant and feminine jewellery. So when I travel, I like to search for golden souvenirs that remind me of my travels. However, I needn’t have looked too far, as Abbott Kinney just came to Hong Kong as I discovered in Tiare’s jewellery cabinet, over flowing with long delicate seashell kissed necklaces waiting to be discovered amongst a treasure trove of bangles, bracelets, bejewelled rings and semi precious stones, as well as arm bands and earrings alike. Bringing a little boho to any occasion, to be worn individually or all at once.

I’m wearing:

1. Melinda Maria, Mosaic Bangle $1,360 (available in store)
2. Gorjana, Calypso Cuff $1,280
3. Marcia Moran, Tiny Brushed Triangles Bangle $470 (available in store)
4. Gorjana, Everly Ring $470
5. Niin, Aurora Black lip Oval Stack Ring $1,190 (available in store)
6. Niin, Aurora Oval Stack Ring $1,190 (available in store)
7. Niin, Aurora White Agate Cage Ring $2,990 (available in store)
8. Gorjana, Shimmer Bar Ring to Midi $530
9. Melinda Maria, Rosey Small Bangle $390
10. Melinda Maria, Rosey Medium Bangle $450
11. Melinda Maria, Largo Bangle, White $1,520
12. Melinda Maria, Largo Bangle, Labradorite $1,520
13. Melinda Maria, Abigail Bangle, Black $1,930
14. Gorjana, Mae Shimmer Midi Ring $240
15. Stillwater, High Slit Shirt Dress, Starlight $810

Working it

As September kicks in, our new working resolutions come into affect, kids go back to school and our dreams of summer holidays turn to Winter breaks and for some, even snow. To ease us back into the working year, Tiare’s new collection of silk tops means you can traverse yourself from your holiday glow back into the working day and still retain a little of that summer cool. You’ll find blouses in a number of subtle pastel patterns to match with simple black trousers and heels.

I’m wearing:

1. Marcia Moran, Five Leaf Stone Ear Cuff $1,680 (available in store only)
2. Joie, Ululani Top, Porcelain $1,830
3. Citizens of Humanity, Avedon Ultra Skinny, Axel $1,720 ()
4. Soludos, Smoking Slipper, Thunder Bird $590 (available in store)
5. Joie, Jadyn Bootie, Black $2,990 (available in store)
6. Joie, Dalton Bottie, Black $2,990 (available in store)
7. Soludos, Smoking Slipper, Dream Catcher $1,020 (available in store)
8. Joie, Barlow Bootie, Cement $2,990 (available in store)

Working out

As images of healthy tanned and toned girls roller skating along Venice Beach feel far from the bustle of Hong Kong during rush hour, I encourage you to ditch your Octopus card rage and don your sweats. Tiare offers an exciting array of cotton shorts and simple vests, ideal for a power walk around the Peak, or a post work out chill by the pool with friends West-coast style.

I’m wearing:

1. Joie, Aruna Top, Caviar Ikat $1,720
2. Soft Joie, Chatwin Shorts, Grey Floral $990

All items can be found online at www.shoptiare.com or in store at their stores in Central (1/F, 22 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong) and Repulse Bay (Shop G106, The Repulse Bay Arcade, Hong Kong).

All photographs were taken by Kathy Li from kayellephoto.