Spring Shopping with Costume National

Published exclusively in this site by Keely on 30 April 2012.

A few days ago, Candy invited Gillian and I to visit Costume National's newly opened shop at Harbour City.

At the entrance, I was totally engrossed by the vibrant colors of their collection, which rather attracted the passersby through their magnificent glass pane windows. This spacious store has two floors, with the upper floor displaying their women’s collection and the lower floor exclusively for men. Great place to take your significant other along!

The brand was founded by creative director Ennio Capasa and his brother Carlo in 1986, and they have built a name for themselves by creating unique designs using special fabrics and cuts that delightfully blend minimalism with Rock & Roll.

How to be a Model - Glamabox

First published in ELEQT on 8 May 2012.

Lisa S.' life is probably every girl's dream come true: being a fabulous fashion model AND married to the city's hottest stud, Daniel Wu. Obviously, looking glam is almost like a no-brainer to her, and she now found an amazing way to share her skincare discoveries with us. Through Glamabox, her latest pet project, she will be dishing out regular doses of her beauty tips through product samples that she pieced together especially for you. If you like the stuff you tried on, you can even grab it in full size from their Glamashop, which is really just a click away! I am totally engrossed by the concept, and I can't believe they are only just six months old, because I don't think I can go back to the conventional way of buying the full size beauty products without trying a decent quantity on first ever again!

Quinessentially Parisian Kick - Visiting Balmain and Pierre Balmain Boutique

First published in ELEQT on 26 April 2012.

As Keely knew I have been drooling over Balmain's intricately sewn handbags recently, she was kind enough to escort me over to Harbour City for a peek of their latest 2012 Spring/Summer collection, and we took a detour past by Pierre Balmain, Balmain's younger twin that recently launched their first store in Hong Kong.

Koh Samed - Best Kept Secret on the Gulf of Thailand

Published exclusively in this site by Jessie on 23 April 2012.

Just a short plane ride from Hong Kong lays Bangkok, the all-time weekend favourite of fellow city dwellers. As charming as the city is, my journey never just stop there. Let me fill you out on a hidden gem close by, which is cherished by foreign tourists and Thai locals alike, yet still remains relatively under the mass tourism radar.

If you are fed up with the inflated prices for homogeneous hotels in Phuket or Koh Samui, Koh Samed may just be the place for you. Not to be confused with the heavily developed Koh Samui, Koh Samed is a little off the beaten track, and still have that rustic, small island charm. With crystal clear waters and powder white sandy beaches, it is right off the Gulf of Thailand, where a mere two and a half hours drive from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport will take you to the Ban Phe Pier in Rayong Province, the gateway to the island. At that point, just another 30 minutes relaxing boat ride will put you right on the serene beaches for a lovely weekend.

Mozart's Massage - A Musical Spa Escape at Sense of Touch

Published exclusively in this site by Jasmine on 20 April 2012.

Hong Kong has been enjoying a streak of amazing weather for the past few weeks, making it the perfect time for me to head over to the island's south side and check out Sense of Touch's innovative Muusa treatment at their Repulse Bay Day Spa.

What to Wear with Your Favourite Leggings

First publishedin ELEQT on 21 April 2012.

Leggings are certainly staples of every woman's wardrobe, and having some cool pieces that goes well with your leggings is vital to your everyday look. Here are a few pieces from the 2012 Spring/Summer collection that will match well with some of your favourite leggings!

Bring on the bling blings to go with your look! Seventy Seven Diamonds and Pandora have some rather feminine and sophisticated pieces for their 2012 Spring/Summer collection, ranging from precious metals, sparkling gemstones, to alluring pearls. Pandora is all about affordable luxury, and their latest season of 2012 Spring/Summer collection, named Floral Nostalgia, contains pieces with free-flowing lines and swirls of feminine blooms. Fancy yourself as a bit of a jewellery designer? Then why not have an unique piece made with Seventy Seven Diamonds' bespoke service to flaunt your immaculate taste?

Green with Envy - Eco Options in Hong Kong

First published in ELEQT on 27 April 2012.

People always lament on how little we know about the China produced food we consume, and more recently there are even contaminations of what used to be trustworthy food sources like with Japan's nuclear problems. So what can we eat and use? Here are a few options:

Windowfarms is basically growing a farm right next to your windows, with the aid of natural light, climate control of your own apartment, and organic liquid soil that gets pumped up from a reservoir and trickles down from plant to plant. You can buy one or even build your very own to hang or sit next to your windows, which also make some fabulous indoor greenery, using our precious space much more efficiently. Contact them here for further instructions, and grow your own fresh basil for pesto, dill to flavor salmon, as well as lettuce for salads to conjure up a hearty meal!

A Time in Wanchai - Visiting the Chinese Timekeeper's Latest Boutique

First published in ELEQT on 15 April 2012.

Adrien invited Jessie, Jerome, and I over to the Chinese Timekeeper's first physical shop recently opened in Wanchai, and introduced us to Ashley Ng, their new Brand Coordinator, who clued us into the excitement of their latest visit to the Baselworld 2012.

Reclaimed Space - Interview with Géraldine Borio and Caroline Wüthrich, Co-creators of Stag

First published in RAW Magazine on 26 March 2012.

Géraldine Borio and Caroline Wüthrich are no strangers to Asia. Having worked in China, Japan, Thailand, and their homeland Switzerland, the architects now call Hong Kong their home. The experiences of living in rather tight spaces have got them mesmerised with the innovative use of foldable furniture that serves multiple purposes. It is through their discovery of Hong Kong’s back alleys that lead to the development of Stag, a fusion of stool and bag.

An Alcohol Allergic's Drink - Cheers to Beer Treatment at Sense of Touch

First published in Aroxta on 11 April 2012.

Being allergic to alcohol has stopped me from drinking years ago, and last week was my first dose of beer in absolutely ages! Fear not, I am in no danger of getting my skin all swollen up. I visited Sense of Touch's spa at Hong Kong’s most notoriously pubby area, Lan Kwai Fong, and sampled their Cheers for Beer spa, which is unique to this particular branch of their spa chain. 

In Mood for Love - Photography by Constance & Eric

Published exclusively in this site by Jasmine on 3 April 2012.

As I love all things sexy, I was naturally curious when a friend introduced me to the website of Constance & Eric, a husband and wife photography duo based in New York.

GIVEAWAY - Gillian Chu Blog X Aroxta

First published in Aroxta on 4 April 2012.

Yay we are so excited for yet another giveaway, this time partnering with Aroxta, who offers inspired luxury without breaking the bank. They are hosting a blogger competition where we bloggers would put together a few 2012 Spring/Summer looks with their products, which will be voted for on their Facebook Fan page. All you have to do is go to their Facebook Fan page from Thursday, 5 April 2012, to Thursday, 19 April 2012, and vote for the styles that you like the most. Five lucky readers will then get a free bag from them! On Thursday, 19 April 2012, from 11:00am to 9:00pm, they will be hosting the ultimate event at Hyde to showcase the top favourite styles you guys voted for, offer the once-in-a-lifetime amazing lunch deal, and even let you shop till you drop all under the same roof!