As someone who has friends that have gotten married, or are soon to be married this year, and as a recently married woman myself, I can safely say I have been to most of the bridal shops in Hong Kong you can name. Nice ones, hole in the walls, you name it. But it was my first time visiting Wiwiwed this past weekend. Unlike most bridal shops which are packed wall-to-wall with gowns and dresses, Wiwiwed’s decor is minimalistic, exuding an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The changing room and the fitting area are extremely spacious; probably one of the most spacious I have been to. Only a few gowns are on display, while the rest (and there are quite a few!) are individually bagged and kept in storage to ensure each remains in pristine condition. Clients can view the gown collection through an iPad. Joanne, owner of Wiwiwed, explains, “we would like to provide our clients with as much space and privacy as possible. We want our clients to be able to choose one of the most important piece of garment in their life in a comfortable environment.”
The Caroline Castigliano collection is now available exclusively at Wiwiwed. I immediately fell in love with Castigliano’s Beauty gown when I saw it at the shop. The gown embodies classic elements while retaining modern elegance. The use of an integral corset assures brides of a perfect silhouette. Each Castigliano gown is made from the most luxurious silks and laces, and individually handcrafted in England for a flawless result.
Gowns are available both for sale and rental at Wiwiwed. They also carry fine jewelry by Joanna Dahdah and Nicholas King, making it a one-stop-shop for all your bridal needs. If you are still searching for a wedding gown, be sure to make an appointment and stop by Wiwiwed!
As a celebration of the recent grand opening on 11 April 2011, Wiwiwed is offering StyleInk members cash coupons of HKD 888 for purchase over HKD 5,000. On top of that, members will be able to try on two extra gowns for free.
If you live in Hong Kong, you know you can find just about any big name brand known to man (or woman). So why shop at these places when you travel to other parts of Asia? Personally, I always prefer going to small independent shops where you often stumble upon hidden treasures. I just spent a few days in Hangzhou and Shanghai over the break in what turned out to be a very successful shopping trip! I found an amazing shop on No. 119 Changle Road(长乐路)in Shanghai. The shop does not have a name but according to the shop owner, they have been in business for 8 years and even have a sister shop down the street.
This shop is owned by a couple, and the wife who is the shopkeeper, is quite a character. Although she may not look the part, she knows what she is talking about when it comes to fashion. Where most sales would tell you look great no matter how you look, she would tell it like it is, hurt feelings be damned. Although I was lucky enough to be spared from her wrath, I felt bad for this somewhat chubby girl (yes, I’m trying to be polite here). When she walked in and wanted to try on a dress, the owner was so reluctant to let her try it on because she didn’t think the girl would look good in it, that she bluntly told her point blank, “you are too fat for the dress”. Although this didn’t sound very nice, I did appreciate her honesty. Will have to give her props for that! I wouldn’t want to walk around in a dress thinking I look great when I’m not. That being said, I may feel differently had the comment been directed my way.
Before I walked into the store, I wasn’t expecting much. Lo and behold, an hour and a half later I walked out with several bags in hand and a huge grin on my face. I managed to dig out a few blazers, jackets and dresses. The cut and the fit were amazing, it does a very good job in highlighting the curve of your body. I mean, see it for yourself. Can’t really ask for more for a RMB300-400 jacket right?
If you are craving for pies but feeling a little lazy, I have invented a recipe for lazy people – Chocolate Banana Pie. You really don’t need to have any cooking skills as long as you can follow directions! =)
Chocolate Banana Pie
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas 3 chocolate bars* 1 pie crust (available at City’super, Great or Olivers) * I have used Snickers chocolate bar for the pie, but you can replace it with your favorite chocolate bars
Directions 1) Preheat oven (follow instruction on pie crust package) 2) Mash all three bananas. Make sure the banana are ripe 3) Melt the three bars of chocolate bars in a microwave for about 1 minute 4) Mix the mashed bananas and the melted chocolate and fold the extra pie crust towards the center of the pie 5) Place the crust in your pan and pour the mixture onto the crust. 6) Bake the pie in the oven (check pie crust instruction for baking time)