Monday, December 23, 2013

'Tis the Season: Gifts for MEEEEE!!

xmas5

And because I know you all want to buy me lots and lots of Christmas pressies, to end the year I made a list of goodies for your convenient inspiration. We're closing the Geek offices till 2014, so everybody have a great one, filled with joy, cheer, love, customer satisfaction and corgi kisses -- see you next year!

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'Tis the Season: Gifts for Guys

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Thursday, December 19, 2013

SHOErotica: Ikea Liamaria Slippers


Is this not the best gift ever from my office secret Santa? House boots that are basically pillows with holes for your feet, perfect and perfectly appropriate because I have a tendency to doff my heels upon arrival in the office (like many women, admit it)... except instead of ballet flats I wear hotel slippers. Haha. Given the number of top models, socialites and the occasional celebrities (Jet Li and Milo Ventimiglia) that step foot into our premises, that's probably not a really wise fashion choice, but that's really not going to stop me from wearing these on the reg, because they make me feel like I have cloud feet and hey, Milo and I need some fodder for small talk next time.



Get them at Ikea!

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Bag Lady: Chanel No 5 Bottle Bag


Lust. Love. Want. <3. Unaffordable. Sad. Cries.

My thought process as I saw this Chanel No 5 Bottle Bag.

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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

'Tis the Season: Fashion Gifts

xmas3

There might be an overwhelming amount of pink here. But how cute would you be walking around with your pink Pantone iPhone case (other colours are available), rosy Beats by Dre headphones and hot-pink Proenza Schouler wallet (ON SALE NOW TOO). Otherwise, Hanky Panky thongs are one-size-fits-most and in an array of fun colours would make a cute little set. Charlotte Olympia's "Cat Nap" sleep set is luxury adorable. And who would turn down a classic like a McQueen skull scarf?

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'Tis the Season: Beauty Gifts

xmas2

Some of my favourite beauty picks for the season would make great goodies for a girls' Secret Santa exchange. Obsessed with Tom Ford eyeshadows (so pigmented) and lipsticks (so smooth on application), if you want surefire hues then the Titanium Smoke palette and Insidious lip are great. The RiRi hearts MAC collab is great for bold colours and the most adorable rose-gold and white packaging. Lancome's cult fave Hypnose mascara gets even better with a Lanvin makeover. And I really like Cle de Peau Beaute's Rose Synactif perfume because it smells so simple and unlayered, and supposedly also helps you detox... modern medicine, eh? Failing that, any of the oils from Aromatherapy Associates are a great addition to any bathroom cabinet.

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Geek Spy: Fountain Aerating Wine Glasses


Perfect for the wine Geek that you know... or for when you're lounging on the couch up at home watching Scandal. (I'm addicted to the show and every time Olivia Pope has one of her giant wine glasses, I feel the urge to drink.) Get it here.

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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Spark Notes: Christmas Tree Cookies


Was hosting a Christmas gathering at Spark Studios last weekend when I realised that my giant dinner table didn't really have a festive centrepiece. Given that I was tired from work and not in the mood to source a floral centrepiece, I decided to whip up some Christmas tree cookies per the above. Amazingly easy to do, all you need are different sized star cookie cutters and sprinkles. I created the tree toppers using fondant but other than that, it's minimal work and only a matter of baking the cookies, waiting for it too cool and spreading green royal icing on it. I used a sugar cookie recipe but you can easily substitute with gingerbread cookies to make it even more festive.

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Monday, December 16, 2013

'Tis the Season: Gifts for the Home

XMAS

Get ready for a barrage of gift guides this week! (Yes, someone did a little virtual window-shopping on Polyvore over the weekend.)Today, we have gifts for the home, ranging from cute little cheese board markers to to-die-for Versace x Rosenthal plates to the skull candle that everyone needs...


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Effortless Chic Italian at CIAK


hkLifestyleGeek visits CIAK

If three-star Michelin chef Umberto Bombana was a fashion designer with Otto e Mezzo as his signature line, CIAK -- In The Kitchen would be his diffusion or secondary line.

The casual Italian restaurant is located in the space formerly occupied by Three-Sixty on the third floor of LANDMARK, and Pret A Manger and Urban Bakery Works are there too.

Despite the lower prices relative to Otto e Mezzo, quality is not compromised here, with pizza, fresh pasta and grilling stations preparing dishes a la minute. Diners can either order take out, grab a bite to eat there, or even make reservations in the restaurant. Customers make their orders at the various stations, go pay for them and then by the time they return the food should be just about ready.


The pizzas are fantastic, thick, but light and crispy crusts with fresh ingredients, such as the Margharita and Norcina with mushrooms, or a spicy sausage version. Soups range from pumpkin to split pea and minestrone.

Appetisers include thinly sliced beef tongue with dollops of tuna sauce topped with fresh greens that's light, and fritto misto, calimari, white bait and zucchini deep fried in a light batter accompanied with tartar sauce.

Pastas here are top notch. The Trenette with linguine and small but plump clams were delicious as well as the deconstructed lasagne called lasagette with homemade sausage, mushroom and mozzarella that featured what looked like ravioli squares and was very hearty.


For mains, carnivores will enjoy digging into the steaks with meats from the United States, grilled on the Texas-style charcoal grill in the open kitchen.

Gourmets can also attempt to recreate their dining experiences by buying CIAK-branded items such as dry pasta, tomato sauce, olive oil, caper berries, artichokes and anchovies.

Set menus seem to be the way to go with set lunches priced at HK$238 for two dishes, and brunch buffet on weekends and public holidays are HK$298 for adults, HK$188 for children. Otherwise the a la carte prices can seem more upscale than casual...

CIAK
Shop 327-333
3/F, LANDMARK ATRIUM
2522 8869

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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Alexander Wang x Beats by Dr.Dre Collection


It's rare that we feature headphones so frequently but am loving the Alexander Wang x Beats by Dr.Dre Collection. Wang designed a set of Beats Studio headphones, a Beats Pill speaker, and Urbeats earbuds in a matte black finish with pale gold accents and while I think they look great, I'm actually even more intrigued by the embossed, glossy stingray case that they come in. Wouldn't they make a nice clutch or coin purse?

The Beats by Dr. Dre x Alexander Wang collection will be available on December 16 at beatsbydre.com and alexanderwang.com.

See the rest after the cut.

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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Lanvin Hearts SEVVA

We announced the Lanvin and SEVVA crossover a while back, see what guest blogger hkLifestyleGeek thinks of the tea when she tried it out.

Hostess with the Mostess Bonnae Gokson has partnered with Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz to create a Parisian-inspired "designer afternoon tea" and is available at SEVVA from December 2-30.

As usual Gokson has made sure every detail is accounted for -- including a cute and colourful round place mat featuring Elbaz's fanciful sketches. The sandwich roll wrap also has his designs printed on it.

But it's the delectable afternoon tea fans want to try. For savouries, there's the truffle scrambled egg on toast poilane, foie gras mousse and onion marmalade on waffle, petite finger rolls of French ham and Brie cheese, and the signature minced chicken sandwich to name a few.

The sweet treats include snowflake coconut chiffon sponge, French vanilla creme to raspberry, flower power espresso cheesecake, pineapple creme gateaux, and SEVVA's signature original caramel crunch cake.

The signature blue Lanvin bow adorns the top of the three-tier setting, while ornate sugar decorations that say "yum" and "love" add some fun as well as a caricature of Elbaz on top of a macaron.

For every "Lanvin Loves SEVVA" tea set, guests will receive a gift voucher for a designer memento (either a mirror or USB) that is redeemable at Lanvin's flagship boutique on Ice House Street.

The "Lanvin Loves SEVVA" afternoon tea set is HK$680 for two, and for a glass of Veuve Clicquot Rose NV champagne it's an additional HK$250.

It's neat to see the creative pair collaborate on a delicious tea set that will surely give you a fanciful sugar high.

SEVVA
25/F, LANDMARK PRINCE'S
10 Chater Road
Central
2537 1388
sevva.hk

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Friday, December 6, 2013

SHOErotica: Valentino Rockstud AT LAST!


At last, you are mine... I wanted you in baby pink patent but I won't feel blue about this hue either, heh. Especially since you are now sold out, so I feel entirely justified in my purchase. And I will congratulate myself on finally buying a pair of shoes that I can walk in, also. Don't you love how buying shoes totally feels like an accomplishment?

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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Sponsored Post: Wear & Share with Dinh Van


Not my usually thing -- and by "thing" I mean standing around a jewellery shop styling trinkets and being photographed. So forgive any awkwardness or bad Photoshop. And thanks a mill to Erica "Miss Fong in Hong Kong" Fong who swung by to take these shots (as well as my usual photographer Loretta, who's also the best at saying "don't do that, you look fat" or "how did I never notice how short and stubby your fingers are?")

The reason for this adventure was of course Parisian jeweller Dinh Van, who invited me to swing by and try on some of its wares, and style it with whatever I happened to have thrown on that day. And while fine jewellery also isn't normally my thing, a little while spent stacking rings and trying to sneak off with $480,000 necklaces has converted me somewhat.

As Win from Dinh Van explained to me, the concept behind the jewellery, which is designed by Cartier alum Jean Dinh Van, is to allow men and women to wear discreet jewellery in the way that elevates their style quotient, without having the jewellery wear them. And I get what she means. You want jewellery that's not so iconic, not so recognizable as belonging to a particular brand. You want something that's simple, chic, and YOU.

And so as you'll see, how I wear my Dinh Van can be ultimately so different from how you would. Maybe you wouldn't take four Menottes rings and spread them across both hands (and maybe you wouldn't try that whole punch-you-in-the-face pose either). Maybe you think stackable square rings shouldn't be worn on the top section of your finger. Maybe you like lots of bling, and thin bangles aren't your thing. But that's the beauty of Dinh Van. You can wear it how you want. Hopefully you'll be more graceful at grazing your hand against your neck for your friends to admire, though.



Images: Top four by Loretta Chan, subsequent five by Erica Fong.

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BLOHK Party x Marc by Marc Jacobs


So sad I won't be here this weekend for BLOHK party... but if you're there head to the M by MJ tent for some action!

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Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Parrot Zik Headphones in White/Rose Gold


This bitch ain't cheap, but boyyyyy is she hot. And you'll probably get more mileage out of a pair of headphones than a pair of shoes. In theory.

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Monday, December 2, 2013

Pedder Warehouse Sale

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Frenchie Comfort Food

hkLifestyleGeek visits Chez Patrick

With temperatures are dropping, appetites seems to grow larger as well as a hankering for comfort foods. Chez Patrick in Wan Chai has released its winter menu with dishes perfect for the chilly weather. Patrick Goubier, executive chef of Chez Patrick says he was trying to create a menu that was "reminiscent of homemade comfort foods, and brings memories of snowfalls and fireplaces back home".

For starters there's the creamy chestnut and wild mushroom soup. It smells creamy and more mushroomy than chestnut, but never mind -- it immediately warms you up.

Other starters include warm crab meat and green onion cake with bouchot mussels sauce, and the veal sweetbread, pan fried baby onions and chanterelles with a creamy Brittany Kerisac cider sauce.

Have a hearty main course in the form of venison fillet, seared, resulting in very tender meat complemented with Merlot sauce, Burgundy truffle, along with comfit of red cabbage and pear. For seafood lovers there's the pan seared John Dory fillet and king prawn, and a sauce made from a bouillabaisse from Marseille.

Other dishes on the menu include comfit leeks and five cheese tartlet, comfit duck leg sauce, and gratin pumpkin puree in cocotte and emmenthal cheese as a side dish.

Don't leave the restaurant without sampling the desserts. There's the mandarin orange creme brulee, and a flavourful chestnut and croizet cognac tiramisu with caramel apple sauce to indulge in.

Chef Patrick, we already have visions of snowflakes and warm fires... bring it on!

Chez Patrick
2/F, Garden East
222 Queen's Road East
Wan Chai
2541 1401
chezpatrick.hk

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Friday, November 29, 2013

SHOErotica: Saint Laurent Ankle Boots


Now if you're going to do a "boring black ankle boot", this is the way to do it. Love how Saint Laurent is upping its shoe game with really good renderings of classics. Don't love the price point, but that's what Black Friday sales are for!

Get them at Luisaviaroma.

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Bag Lady: Loewe 'Panda' Amazona


Ok so it's not really a panda Amazona but just in black and white. However, because the panda keyring is also in the product shot, I've totally made the association and now will forever call this the panda amazona. Has a nice ring to it no?

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Thursday, November 28, 2013

Nallik Jewellery


Can't get over this simple, rustic elegance. The kind of thing that you throw on over a tissue-thin white tank with arm holes the size of Arizona. And since it's December you throw on an oversized parka with a faux-fur-trimmed hood (real fur, besides not being politically correct, would also just kill that whole boho hippie chil-of-the-earth vibe you're going for). And maybe a pair of boyfriend jeans or cut-offs (parkas and barely-there shorts may not look like friends but then you never imagined Amanda Seyfried with Justin Long, and yet somehow it works). And then the requisite muddy ankle boots. Can you tell I'm strategizing Clockenflap outfits?

Order your Nallik stone necklaces from the elegant and ethical site, A Boy Named Sue, more about the site here. That fossilized shark tooth could be a really sweet alternate for that Givenchy you've been eyeing.

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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Hopeless Lingerie


Can't remember when or how I discovered Hopeless Lingerie but I'm loving all the strappy-ness and the cut-outs!


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Penhaligon's Gentlemen Competition


I've mentioned how the day job has been keeping me busy haven't I? I've had a bunch of events going on but one of the more fun ones would definitely have to be Penhaligon's. Last week, we had a number of dapper English Gents wandering around Central showcasing gentlemanly behavior as a celebration of their ifc store opening. For those not in the know, Penhaligon's is one of the few true fragrance houses in the world. They design and make their own exclusive scents in England, going to great lengths to achieve precise effects. The brand is also a holder of two Royal Warrants and have been around since the Victoria Era.

My favourite scent from them is currently the Iris Prima which was done in collaboration with the English National Ballet and inspired by the scents of ballet. The perfumer was granted exclusive access to English National Ballet dancers Nathan Young and Lauretta Summerscales, as well as rehearsals and hushed glimpses from theatre wings to bottle it all up into this delicious scent where iris takes centrestage.

Besides doing their flagship store opening, we're also running a fun competition for them where you can win a full range of of of their signature scents, Blenheim Bouquet. All you have to do is make a suggestion of what you think a gent should do for a chance to win. Check it out at their Facebook page.

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