Instant Goddess Goes Accessory Shopping For The Holidays!

Continuing on from last week’s party theme, this week, it’s the Accessories Edit! After all, you’ve now got the outfit. And even if you haven’t, there’s no better way to jazz up last year’s party offerings with the addition of some fab new accessories. It’s clutch, shoes, bling, lights, camera, action, Goddesses!

Clutch it before it goes!

You can’t move for the hard, box style clutches in the shops at the mo. I always find them a bit on the small side, but if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! In at No.1 has to be the Zara gold box clutch below. I love it in gold but it also comes in silver.

Small metal box bag $559 | Evening box bag with chain, glass & beads $699 – both Zara

Crystal clutch | Black glitter clutch – both Karen Millen

Extra large gold clutch, $535 | black jewelled box clutch, $630 – both Accessorize

A Pair of Slippers for Cinderella?

When in Hong Kong… why not embrace the Oriental? With these you don’t have to go OTT, we’re talking more about a dash of oriental elegance. And believe it or not these are from Aldo. Also available in red, $1090.

 If it’s plain black number that you’re after, then these glossy patent heels from Uterque work well… and the bow adds that extra bit of hello I’m a nice shoe but I look even better now! Uterque black patent court shoes with bow trim $1490.

These jewel encrusted numbers from Nine West are definitely Cinderella worthy: Nine West “Jacquita” and for Madonna fans, it has to Corinie from her Truth or Dare collection: 2 part heeled shoes by Truth or Dare by Madonna on ASOS, $1255.

The bling

As you know, Instant Goddess loves a bit of bling. It’s the one way to brighten a dreary day, tired outfit or attitude for that matter.

To lust after this week, it has to be Swarovski and my object of desire is Swarovski’s Standing Cuff, but don’t get too excited, it’s a whopping $5400, maybe one purchase to put off until the Christmas sales… unless of course money is no object, then buy 2, after all, you have 2 arms. The standing cuff has to be closely followed by Swarovski’s Supreme Necklace and as you’ll see they weren’t joking when they christened this bit of bling such, again it has a hefty tag, $3800 so don’t expect to find it in your Christmas stocking Goddesses!

But don’t despair affordable costume jewellery has come a long way and here are my picks giving the likes of the high end costume jewellers you see in Harvey Nics and alike a real run for their money. And no shrinking violets this week, Goddesses! It’s GO BIG or GO HOME!

Club Monaco “Ethel” necklace $770 on Shopbop | Adia Kibur layered bib necklace $885 on Shopbop

A firm Sassy favourite, Bayila, does it again with these fabulous latest show stopping additions to her collection: Madame Bovary necklace $2310 and Margot necklace $1900 available on ETSY.

Hair

You’ve got your bag – check, you’ve got your shoes – check, you’ve got your bling – check BUT what about your barnet?

This week Andrea Clark, Creative Director, of The Mandarin Salon at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong gives us tips on licensed to dress hair… Yup, it’s all about 007 style.

Naturally, I’m like most women and I can’t get enough of James Bond/Daniel Craig — Daniel only played with two Bond girls recently; but luckily, Sean Connery had not only Claudine Auger to keep him busy, but another three Bond girls in Thunderball! I also love the glamorous Bond girls and will look to them for inspiration when creating styles for the upcoming party season. With so many Bond movies, spanning numerous decades, there is a plethora of hairstyles and make-up looks to choose from… Woohoo!

Bernice Marlohe, in Skyfall, wears an uber-sophisticated up-style, which actually sits low and delicate on her neck. It is one of my favourites when creating a look for our clients who want to glam up. I love Eva Green in Casino Royale, who shows off her low and gorgeous sultry buns — they suit almost any hair type and evening outfit. For fun high buns and beehives, I love re-creating the looks of Daniela Bianchi, who wooed Bond in From Russia with Love, and Diana Riggs’ bouffant French twists, seen in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service; plus, this is a look that will stay fabulous on those humid Hong Kong nights.

With so many glamorous and sexy looks to get inspired by, which Bond girl do you want to look like at your next party?

Midweek meal inspiration

Oh what to eat? It’s turning cold and dreary outside… So it has to be something comforting: Spiced Coconut Chicken Soup from the trusty BBC’s Good Food. And if there’s one thing us Brits know about, it’s cold and dreary weather! Full recipe here.

Yogi tea saying of the week: “It is only is what it is because we haven’t made it what we want it to be”.

Instant Goddess saying of the week: “It’s parteeeee time, go big or go home..toodle pip”

Until next week Goddesses and remember you are always, always worth it! XX