...secretstylist...

valentines

2012-02-07T09:06:00.003-05:00

I found a few romantic (or possibly pukey) things for you to forward onto boys/lovers as a major hint...or just treat yourself....x

From top left...

Heart Charm earrings from Whistles

Love earrings by Hersey Asktan at L-atitude

Love letter necklace from Catbird

Resin bangle - design your own to keep memories in - by Magnus & Bella

Pretty pink bralet by Eberjey at Flaunt Boutique

For romantic sailors...my favourite...the love knot ring by Bex Rox

Vintage 1980's Ungaro black heart earrings from Atelier-Meyer

Adorable pug cushion by Areaware at Smallable

Love notes leather envelope by Thomas Lyte

Onyx heart and arrow studs by Finn at Avenue 32

british designers at topshop

2012-02-06T09:11:00.000-05:00

Topshop had a sneaky suspicion that Zara was overtaking them in the high street style stakes...and whoooop they hit back! Lining up fabulous British designers to create an affordable t-shirt....lovely jubbly...I'd choose one of these and add a blazer on top. They're available online at Topshop.com from 17th February.

out of office

2012-01-27T15:32:00.001-05:00

...I'm off sailing...

back soon

xxxx

*image from here via Oscar PR girl on pinterest

new york boutique...a man and a woman

2012-01-25T11:41:00.000-05:00

Alex (one of my top five English birds in NYC) and I popped into village boutique A Man and A Woman last week and discovered a magic mirror which makes your bottom shrink. Apparently it was the way the mirror was mounted onto the wood. It works wonders.

Beyond the magic mirror there are some awesome picks. A Helmut Lang jacket which is reduced heavily (I am still dreaming about it), a Jason Wu dress, gorgeous Temperley, relatively new New York designer Chris Benz, stunning shoes by Loeffler Randall and incredible handbags by Thailand-based designer Isawan...they have final reductions on at the moment...

whistles spring summer 2012

2012-01-24T18:48:00.004-05:00

Sorry a bit late today, I got caught up in meetings and things like yoga...anyway...loving the Whistles new collection for SS12...see below. Oh and guess who launches tomorrow? KARL!

kung hei fat choi

2012-01-22T19:04:00.003-05:00

Year of the Dragon

...wishing you a very happy new year...

...sum seung si sing...

(google it)

red packet or red shoes?

obsessed with pinterest

2012-01-20T11:51:00.000-05:00

Too much tequila last night. Definitely a Pinterest day. A virtual pin board, I find it so useful as a place to pin the things I love, inspirational styles, interior shots, all the clothes I want to buy etc...there are lots of creative types on there who have an eye for beautiful things and you can follow them and re-pin their images too. Love it. You can follow me (secretstylist) and have a browse here.

beach and bikini dreaming

2012-01-19T11:04:00.004-05:00

A New York reader told me yesterday that she doesn't get dressed until she has read her daily dose of secretstylist. Bless. She might not be sporting this one...

I'm dreaming of wearing these bikinis and kaftans...which are in the sale fyi...it may seem like a ridiculous thing to buy but I've banged about Heidi Klein lots of times, this is a great time of year to pick up a high quality bikini at a good price. Barneys is the only place I've found in New York which stocks good swimwear out of season - do you know anywhere else? There are a few beachy fashion sites which I love browsing on, Beach Tomato Shack and Style-Passport...dream away...

Silk-gorgette short kaftan - Tallulah & Hope - 70 GBP (from 180)

Marrakech white bikini - Heidi Klein - 90 GBP (from 180)

Sugar Hill triangle bikini - Heidi Klein - 87 GBP (from 175)

Hero stalings kaftan - Tallulah & Hope - 100 GBP (from 200)

Greek sandals - Beach Tomato Shack - 140 GBP

Leather bag - vida vida at Style-Passport - 55 GBP I found a similar one here in NYC

Pink hero kaftan - Tallulah & Hope - 100 GBP (from 200)

Plum bikini - Heidi Klein - 87 GBP (from 175)

Zebra beach towel - Opening Ceremony - USD 225

forever 21 hong kong...opens today

2012-01-17T19:55:00.001-05:00

So Forever 21 opened today in the beloved Kong. Did you see the scrum? Can you cope? Nope. Thought not. So I peeked in the Union Square New York branch for you...and sifted out the good stuff...

(p.s the pics are taken with instagram so some colours are odd - i.e. the pinks look more red - but they are a rocking pink and look fab on so go try them, oh and the blue jacket sold out - its a goodie...oh and the hat selection is really good...oh and check out the peasanty tops...very Isabel Marant...)

...check more pics out on Instagram @secretstylist...

Forever 21 Hong Kong

5-19 Jardine’s Bazaar
Capitol Centre
Causeway Bay

golden globes...outfit inspiration for our wardrobes

2012-01-17T12:16:00.000-05:00

Yes we all know by now nude is the colour...but what style inspiration can we take from the Goldeny Globules?

Low backs always rock (as long as you are tanned and toned)

Bling brightens up simple dresses (try adding costume pieces which are reasonably priced)

The low V is here to stay (and I love it)

Navy is universally flattering and elegant, and yep pink and red work (we thought so)

Elie Saab / J. Mendel / Prada / Marchesa / Calvin Klein

Lanvin / Nina Ricci / Bill Blass / Dior

Badgely Mischka / Jason Wu / Lanvin

*images from RCFA / Telegraph / Daily Mail

where to find...thrift chic

2012-01-13T12:10:00.002-05:00

Saving money. Not something that comes naturally to me, but recently I have embraced the thrift world. The fleas, the seconds stores, consignment, items posing as vintage, pre-loved.....yep all of it. And I love it. Why?

1) Designer goodies can be discovered for a quarter of the price
2) You find things you saw donkeys ago and never bought (or they sold out)
3) You won't rock up to a party/wedding/bar in Zara like every other person on the planet
4) Its good for the environment
5) You feel smug afterwards

So here is where to go....

New York - there are a gazillion places and I don't profess to know all of them...but I like...

Second Time Around - Always great (see pink dress below), I saw a stunning Dior jacket in 7th Avenue and a very pretty Tibi dress in Thompson St / Mott St / Upper East Side
INA - I saw a stunning DKNY leather laser-cut dress for USD 125 (looked like it was worth USD 1000) in their Thompson St branch
Housing Works - I like the one on West 10th Street but others are meant to be great too, especially for furniture
Williamsburg Flea - I have seen furry coats for USD 60, bought a gorgeous cocktail stand for USD 30 and a vintage looking rocking chair for USD 50...ahhhh love it, it reopens in April

London - my favourites are...

Mary's Living & Giving Shops for Save the Children - these are brilliant because the trash has been removed and you often get designers lending items, head to Primrose Hill and Westbourne Grove

Hong Kong - a rarity but...

The Oxfam Shop under Jardine House can be a treasure trove of Tai tai cast-offs!

There has been a mixed reaction to this bag but come summer I reckon everyone will love it. It is a beautiful jade green with gold piping and the gold shell-style clasp is too pretty. Zoe Knight unfortunately no longer designs, she is however, one half of stylish boutique Wolf & Badger in London. I found this bag in Mary's Living & Giving shop in Primrose Hill. They have amazing stuff. I nearly bought a vintage pram there I loved it so much. Mental.

This gorgeous (fake) fur gilet (or as they say here - vest) was GBP 40, from JK clothing in Cranleigh, in deepest darkest Surrey

This dress is by Milly, I bought it at Second Time Around (UES) for USD 99, it was originally USD 400. The pic doesn't do it justice but the colour, shape and V back are stunning...an ideal look for SS12

searching for...a stylish ipad cover

2012-01-12T11:08:00.000-05:00

Who got an iPad for Christmas? Yep, a little behind the cool kids, but I'm there. I now need a cover for it before I drop it (or most likely spill tea on it), and of course it has to be a little glamorous...

A sleek and stylish clutch (USD 340) by Capulet London

It might get lost in Granny's sofa (GBP 22) from the V&A shop

Jade green sleeve (in the sale GBP 86) by Smythson

Purple zipped beauty (also in sale GBP 114) by Smythson

Snakeskin (they appear to have sold out but there is a greeny one) by Angel Jackson

Silver sleeve (in the sale USD 67.99) by Ann Taylor

Simple leather sleeve (HKD 1,100) at Kapok Hong Kong

spring summer 2012 trends....pretty pastels

2012-01-11T17:51:00.002-05:00

I seem to wear a duvet most days at the moment, so to ease the pain of this temporary glamour void I am looking at pastel colours for Spring. Search the back of your wardrobe, and/or the sales for anything blush pink, strawberry pink, jade green, baby blue, tangerine orange and eeeeeek...yellow, and you'll be way ahead of the pack in April.

Images via...Jill Stuart Spring/Summer S12 collection from this is glamorous / Louis Vuitton and Mulberry campaigns via Telegraph Fashion / H&M Versace SS12 dresses

new year's resolution...wear more hats

2012-01-10T09:54:00.001-05:00

One very nice thing about living in New York is that no one really cares what you wear, they won't blink if you rock a tutu on a Monday afternoon and they certainly won't think you are a poser if you wear a hat (unlike my adorable p*ss-taking UK friends). I adore hats. They are perfect for hiding under when you are hungover, and they make a simple outfit suddenly more interesting. There are some great bargains to be had in the sale so why not try one out...

From left to right...

Blue hat from Matches, in the sale for GBP 94, free delivery worldwide until 16 Jan

Navy hat from Zara, also in the sale 119HKD (roughly GBP 9), a billy bargain

Browny/grey 70s style from Rag & Bone, 75 USD in the sale

Claret (very winter 2012) trilby from Topshop, now GBP 12 in the sale

Camel outback hat from the loveliest East Village store, Pork Pie Hatters, 60 USD

Classic black fedora from Rag & Bone again, 150 USD

the blues

2012-01-09T11:38:00.000-05:00

I know pink is the new colour for dresses this Spring/Summer. But I fancy wearing bright bright cobalt/YSL/royal blue. So there...

Gat Rimon at Rue Madame Hong Kong

Rory Beca at Shopbop

Warehouse UK (GBP 72 but they only seem to have it in orange in the sale)

january detox

2012-01-06T09:02:00.001-05:00

I spent Christmas in the UK and fell in love with Cos (unfort they only ship around Europe so you need some nice UK buddies to ship to you in HK/NYC)...their collections are well cut, on-trend and reasonably priced. I've gone pale and interesting for the January wish list....all pure... virginal and alcohol free (shoot me now)...

Beaded dress (to save up for with pennies not spent on booze) - Day Birger Et Mikkelsen

Sequin silk blazer (which Ginge bought and I wanted to steal) - Cos

Bird silk shirt...from can you believe it...- Joules

Ridiculously comfortable and pretty lace bra - Cos

Cuff - Cos

Nude chunky heeled boots - guess? Cos

Blush bag...perfect start to all the Spring/Summer pastels - DKNY at My-Wardrobe

Simple, stylish shirt dress - Never Fully Dressed

to sale or not to sale

2012-01-05T11:11:00.001-05:00

I generally can't cope with the Christmas sales. Thankfully some of the best bargains are online. My-Wardrobe (UK-based but deliver everywhere) is one of the best, especially for items from those superbly stylish Scandinavians. Yes, my choices may look mildly morbid but trust me a leather jacket is always a good investment buy, a blazer you will wear forever and the flapper dress is bang on with the 1920s theme which will be all the rage (I sound like my mother) in 2012....

Black blazer you'll keep forever - By Malene Birger at My-Wardrobe - GBP 171 (from 245)

Daphne Guinness tastic silver dress - Cos - Euro 125 (from 250)

Silk jacket in the prettiest print which won't date - Baum Und Pferdgarten (yep) - Euro 155 (from 259) Wild Swans boutique in Chiswick London stock lots more from this brand

1920s style black dress for all those Great Gatsby themed parties - Day Birger Et Mikkelsen at House of Fraser - GBP 147.50 (from 295)

Adore these Ash boots - Ash at My-Wardrobe - GBP 157 (from 225)

Bangles - Day Birger Et Mikkelsen at My-Wardrobe - GBP 41 (from 59)

Black leather jacket - Day Birger Et Mikkelsen at My-Wardrobe - GBP 287 (from 410)

Blush suede jacket which you will get compliments on for years - Day Birger Et Mikkelsen at My-Wardrobe - GBP 187 (from 375)

happy new year...2012 is going to rock!

2012-01-03T10:50:00.000-05:00

But for the moment...too much partying and not enough berocca = poorly secretstylist

back soon x

happy christmas...

2011-12-23T06:24:00.000-05:00

I am hibernating in deepest darkest Surrey

...I will be instagraming pretty things as secretstylist...

Wishing you have a very Happy Christmas and a rocking 2012!

*image via the vogue vibes

christmas gift guide...part three...bea

2011-12-16T09:48:00.000-05:00

Last, but not least, Bea. Incredibly busy and very important. The world will implode if she takes her eye off her blackberry. She needs to chill. Insist that she relaxes this Christmas and indulge her with...

a glamorous hotel room for the night (Mr & Mrs Smith)
starry silk pyjamas to wear in...or out of the house (J.Crew at Net-A-Porter)

a desk in bed...for when the world does indeed implode (iwoodesign)
stylish print cushions to please the eye (Launched yesterday...Korla Home and Jali Designs)
a comedy Christmas jumper which makes her giggle (Mulberry)
a subtle print watch to distract her from checking her phone (Liberty)
fashion trump cards...to amuse (Amazon)
a scented candle from Saigon...to calm (Cochine)
a pair of cosy cashmere slippers (Madeleine Thompson for Cowshed)

a pretty play suit to float around in (Beautiful Bottoms)

secretstylist christmas gift guide...part two...patsy

2011-12-15T10:33:00.001-05:00

Everyone loves Patsy (by the way, I cannot wait for the Christmas special). Completely nutty and definitely naughty, she's not shy and loves anything that sparkles and often causes a stir with her wardrobe. It is soooooo easy to buy for her this season, try...

a Jimmy Choo coffee cup holder, of course (Net-A-Porter)
a little bit of Liz...a serious 1950s vintage sparkler (Atelier Meyer)
make-up designed by Daphne Guinness herself (Mac - launches 26 Dec)
a rock n' roll ring (Melissa Lo)
Army gold (DAY Birger et Mikkelsen at The Outnet)
a very subtle, sparkly jumper (Discopony at Chictopia)
an equally subtle bracelet (C Wonder)

a bling cape (Love Moschino at My-Wardrobe)

making her chat more with this mystic pendant (Marijoli)

racy lacy trousers (Zara)

dalmatian print loafers to run between parties in (Topshop)

secretstylist christmas gift guide...part one...tallulah

2011-12-14T09:08:00.000-05:00

Just humour me on the names. I've created three Christmas gift guides which you can forward on to boys, brothers, fathers, lovers, friends and mothers...

First up is Tallulah, she loves to travel. She would rather spend her money on a flight to a far flung country than a new pair of shoes. She thinks Prada is a flesh eating fish. Make her throw away those revolting half zip trousers and inject some glamour into her rucksack with....

a cosy scarf for long plane and train journeys (Charlotte Taylor at YBD or Anthropologie)

a cross-body suede bag (Meli Melo at Young British Designers)

a new peacock bikini from We are Handsome (Barneys NY or Net-A-Porter)

rocking boots she can wear anywhere (Zadig & Voltaire)

a stylish ipad cover to wow the hostel dwellers (J.Crew)

a blush dress she can wear to parties (Elizabeth & James at The Outnet)

a beautiful book to inspire her (Assouline)

a leopard print dress for the beach bar (Zimmerman at Net-A-Porter)

Moroccan style earrings to wear endlessly (KJ's Laundry)

even more secret sample sales in london...new york...hong kong

2011-12-13T10:42:00.004-05:00

The Christmas gift guide launches tomorrow. Whoop! In the meantime check out the best sample sales in your city - London people - the Claret Showroom (check their Facebook page for details) superb sample sale starts this week. New York people - the DVF sample sale starts today! Hong Kong people - cosy up in the cashmere bargains at Serenity Fair...see below.

jack wills in hong kong...rah or yah?

2011-12-12T08:49:00.000-05:00

Mmmm I had mixed feelings about reviewing Jack Wills...it reminds me of these types (very amusing programme by the way)...but I was pleasantly surprised. They are going for a more sophisticated style with their Hong Kong launch. It looks like it is working. I found myself thinking Saturday night and Sunday morning....see what you think...

Saturday night...

There is also a cute flirty skirt version of this, which I love, perfect with battered boots

furry...

sparkle in you lbd

pretty top

Sunday morning...

god I could have done with this yesterday

tweed is having a moment - embrace it

the best Christmas jumper I've seen so far

sunday heaven is a cup of tea, magazine and this cosy number

label love...alessandra rich...rory beca...emilia wickstead

2011-12-09T08:12:00.001-05:00

A name I keep seeing and liking...Alessandra Rich...as worn here by Amber Heard and Diane Kruger (who always rocks new labels before anyone else), the dresses often look better on the red carpet than on the models (images via red carpet fashion awards)...you can purchase on Net-A-Porter.

I also spied Rory Beca, an LA-based designer who stocks on Shopbop...my favourite is this blue dress by her but it is sold out...

last, but by no means least, Emilia Wickstead who made my friend's sister's wedding dress... her designs are simple and elegant, a touch lady-like without being prim. Here's Edith Bowman (who is a huge fan) in one of her designs at a recent event (via angiesmithstylist)

and a few more, I love the shape of the red dress and the black lace is gorgeous...

She looked pretty good at her own wedding too! Amazing dress (see more pics at vogue)