Shanghai Tang is an upscale Hong Kong store that epitomizes fusion. Its offerings combine ancient Chinese designs with a contemporary and often humourous Western flavour. Other than ready-made and tailor-made apparel for men, women and children, Shanghai Tang also offers a wide selection of trendy home furnishings and gifts. With gleaming antique wooden furniture, modern artwork and pristinely presented sales staff, it’s a beautiful and very colourful store that’s well worth a visit just for its aesthetic integrity.

On our recent trip to my favourite city, Phoebe and I went to Shanghai Tang and perused their racks of exquisitely embroidered and superbly made, embellished clothing. We gasped at knitwear and handbags that were trimmed with jade and dresses that were sewn with gold thread (quite the laundry challenge). Their homeware area was rich with handmade silk-covered photo albums, silver plated dim-sum baskets, ornate chopsticks, vibrant picture frames and arty porcelain jewelry boxes. Shanghai Tang also offers a revolutionary line of watches and accessories with Chairman Mao’s image. Super funky.

As much as I’d like to have come home with a luxurious statement Shanghai Tang piece, it wasn’t on the cards. But their menswear range was fab and a lot more affordable. Greg came home with a hip top that he’s already worn several times. My gift was the cheerful pink and green shopping bag it was packaged in. The colours match our site.

That’s all for the Hong Kong series folks. We thoroughly enjoyed presenting these posts and hope that you enjoyed traveling with us. Stay tuned for the next global encounter.

Shanghai Tang was founded in 1994 by a Hong Kong businessman and now also has stores in Shanghai, New York, Paris, London and Singapore.

The current economic downturn means that we need to stretch our fashion dollar further. One of the most cost effective ways to update and refresh a seasonal look is through the addition of shoes, handbags and accessories.

Flat totes continue to be a practical and fashionable win. If you’re into faux patent leather and enjoy the look of a slouchy oversized tote, this Gap carryall is for you. They are available in purple, grey, cream, camel and black in stores (fewer colours are available online). The bag is sturdy and 100% plastic without looking cheap and “plastic-y”. It’s a vegan-friendly steal at $49.50 (full price). Add a discount coupon, or wait for the sale and you’ve scored an even better deal.

One of my clients pointed out this tote to me last week and I was impressed. I bought the grey and she came home with the cream and purple. The canvas strap is a little useless, so you can either cut it off or tuck it away. This comfy, casual shoulder tote will stylishly hold the kitchen sink. Thanks Joanna! I can see these totes becoming our travel favourites.

Dr. Martens, or “docs” as I know them, were a hip footwear option in the 80’s and early 90’s. My American friends say that docs weren’t as popular in the US as they were in Europe and British colonies at that time. Nike hi-tops were the American “it” shoe instead. An American friend tells the story this way: she went to London in the 80’s wearing hi-tops, but came back to the US wearing docs.

After an 80’s explosion the Dr. Martens brand lost popularity and became fringe fashion for 20 years thereafter. But docs have made a comeback along with the resurgence of 80’s looks this year. Their footwear range embraces both vintage and updated styling and is well worth a look if you fancy a tough edge to your style.

We recently stumbled upon a brand new Dr. Martens shop in Hong Kong and I was like a kid in a candy store. I had my eye on a pair of cream, patent calf-length docs (like the one on the right), but realized their impracticality for our rainy Winters. My black 20 eyelets would have to satiate my renewed Dr. Martens appetite. But we did come home with a hot pair of ankle boots for Greg. The men’s assortment was killer.

Understandably, docs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. The vintage boot style can look masculine and bulky. But it’s precisely this contrasting effect that I find appealing. Adding a rugged element like a pair of funky Dr. Marten boots to an outfit can be stylish if you stick to wearing one rugged item at a time. I wouldn’t wear my biker jacket with docs. I’d match them up with a pretty piece of knitwear, soft scarf and tailored jacket instead. I love mixing an ultra feminine outfit with a tough biker edge. We saw lots of HK ladies matching biker boots with pretty skirt and dress ensembles.

One of my European clients (late 40’s) bought a pair of docs after seeing the pair I showed in my post on grey footwear. We’ve subsequently created exciting feminine combinations with blouses, scarves, jeans, knitwear, skirts and dresses incorporating the edgy look of the boot. I was impressed with her grace, spunk and confidence in this look. Very fab.

Dr. Martens has a much wider range these days. In addition to more refined styles like the cream boot I had my eye on, there are the vintage boots in new colours…

…and with an expanded range of interesting hardware.

The Hong Kong store was bustling with younger Dr. Martens newcomers and veterans like us rekindling their relationship with the brand.

I suffer from tight, dry facial skin that often flakes around my nose and cheek area. Indoor heating and the dry Seattle air don’t help, which is why a recent trip to humid Hong Kong did wonders for my skin. It looked and felt great.

Now that I’m back, the change of weather has made my skin flake more than ever. The eight hour a day cream that I usually use to combat this problem has not helped, and neither has a facial, regular exfoliation, an alpha hydroxyl peel and super rich hydrating moisturizers.

Having reached the height of desperation, I’ve taken to using pure, extra-virgin olive oil on my nose and cheek area twice a day for the last week. I may smell like a Greek buffet, but it has worked beautifully. My skin finally feels hydrated and adequately moisturized (no more flaking). Am I crazy to apply the same olive oil that I use for cooking to my face? Is this risk-free? I’d love your input.