Hong Kong: I'm here!

Here I am: Hong Kong island.

We landed a few days ago and all is going swimmingly so far. I have a bank account and a lovely new Iphone4 - what else could I possibly need?

With not too much to report so far, I thought I would show you my latest purchases - they all have a little story, so sit back, relax and read on...

Buberry sunglasses

At Heathrow airport on Sunday night, I was feeling more than a little sad. As I bid my family farewell, the tears started flowing. A lot. In a bid to cheer me up, my beau suggested he buy me a pair of sunglasses (I'm sure the thought crossed his mind that if he cover my eyes no one would be able to see my blood shot, tear stained eyes).

Well, it would have been rude to say no!

En route, we stopped at Kurt Geiger for a quick gander. On to Sunglasses Hut and I dived straight in, trying pretty much every pair of sunnies on. Suddenly noticing that my bag was missing (he thought I had it and vice-versa etc. etc.), we quickly re-traced our steps.

Kurt Geiger, a very panicked looking security guard and my cabin baggage. Oh dear.

Turns out that the airport was seconds away from going on red alert and evacuating the airport due to an unattended bag causing a security threat!!!

One very strong telling off later and my beau and I quickly purchased my gorge new Burberry sunnies (after that drama, I needed a disguise) and head straight to the Virgin lounge to hide.

 Zara skirt & top

Before departing for Hong Kong, my beau informed me of the extortionate prices in Hong Kong and told me (& I quote) to "buy whatever you want in London, because you won't be able to afford it in Hong Kong." Well, not one to disobey, I head straight to the shops!

It took me all of about 3 seconds to bag this fuchsia mini skirt and tangerine swing top. I'm loving the uber bright colours of the season and decided that this was the perfect outfit choice for day one of flat hunting here in Hong Kong.

More to come on the flat-hunting a little later, but what I can say is that wearing a mini skirt and climbing in and out of a mini-bus all day is not a well thought out plan. Poor driver probably got an eyeful on more than one occasion!

 H&M dress

Well, by now you probably know of my dislike for the High Street. I haven't stepped foot in H&M for many years, so how did I end up coming home with this today?

Well, my story starts in Knightsbridge. Harvey Nichols to be precise. I was trying on wedding lingerie (tres exciting). Whilst there I thought I may as well get my bra size measured - it's been at least ten years since I last did that! It didn't come as much surprise to me when I was told that the 32C bras I was wearing were not right for me. What did shock me was that my actual bra size is 28DD!!! WTF?!

And it turns out that 28DD is the hardest size to find. Anywhere. Having scoured London, I decided to try Hong Kong. The women here are all naturally smaller and therefore the shops must cater for my size, no?

With little luck on my first shopping trip here, I head straight to Agent Provocateur, where I was convinced I'd find something. Fail.

My final resort, and only on recommendation, was H&M! *gulps*

Turns out that 28DD doesn't exist in Hong Kong either. There's nothing below a 32.

It must have been disappointment, as before I knew it, I was queuing up to pay for this dress. I was stunned and shocked to have found something "I couldn't live without" in H&-flipping-M! Isn't it lovely? Perfect for the weather here and my forthcoming trip to Cambodia! I love. Also, don't you just love how the back is longer than the front. Such a cute touch! (Excuse the photo - my beau was pretty fed up of playing photographer by this point!).

Amazon Kindle

After much resistance - "why would I want something that pretends to be a book, when I can have the real thing?", "I'm an English Literature graduate - how could I possibly turn my back on paper books!" etc. etc. - I caved in, Whilst packing my numerous bookshelves to move out of my London pad and over to Hong Kong, I realised quite how many books I had.

They are all now sitting in storage and who knows when I will see them again. To give them the best hope of being reunited with me, I made the decision not to buy anymore. Instead, I realised the virtues of the Amazon Kindle and now...I'm hooked!!

So, that's my shopping round-up of the last few weeks. I'm sure there will be much more to come as my beau and I set up our new life in Hong Kong.

Here's to lots more fun, fabulous finds and plenty of gossip from this side of the world. Until next time...

Tragedy on the Victoria Line...

One pair of high-street heels, plus the London Underground, plus a sudden stop...

...equals...

...one unrepairable pair of heels.

It's the end of an era for me and these Topshop heels - they were my fail-safe, never-ever give me a blister, go with everything heels. And now they are gone. It's a sad, sad day.

The moral of this sorry story? Don't buy shoes off the high street AND don't use public transport.

I think I can manage that just fine!

Now for the silver lining... I get to go and buy more shoes!

And on that note, sweet dreams...

Hen party shenanigans!

Take one hen, two debauched weekends and one Onesie, and you'll get a rough idea of my past two weekends (and gain an understanding why I've gone AWOL again).

Yes, I've been celebrating the end of my single life, with two fantastically boozy weekends.


Weekend no. 1

My mum, Aunty Kiki and Aunty Chix whisked me off to the Alsace for a refined weekend of wine tasting and gourmet meals.

An up-do, pearls and a chilled glass of wine...the antithesis of most hens. I was very proud of myself.

Problem came after a few more of those glasses of vino...

I'm sure the residents of the beautiful 16th Century village we were staying in loved me. Not.

I blame these three...

THANK YOU GIRLS - my liver and I loved every minute of it!


Weekend No. 2

Another surprise weekend, this time planned by my gorge bridesmaids. We started with a Michael Jackson Thriller dance class at Pineapple dance studios. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Obvs, being my hen-do, the girls didn't let me off the hook that easily...

There I am...the one in the silver leggings and neon pink leg warmers. Luverly!

I think you should also see this (because it is never going to happen again)...

My bridesmaids managed to get me wearing trainers in PUBLIC!! Never happened before, will never happen again. Well done girls!

Anyway, after that, the drinking resumed (did I not mention our 9am champers?!)...and it wasn't long before the sophisticated facade began to diminish (even though we were sipping cocktails at Shoreditch House and champagne tasting in Canonbury)!

My 'No hen paraphernalia' rule went out of the window!

Yes, that is a (joke) bottle of Lambrini is my hand. Class, shmarss!

My sartorial highlight came at the end of the evening...

A dalmation print Onesie, complete with L plate and bells on my ears. I have never been so excited about getting in to bed. This is, without a doubt, the most comfortable outfit I have ever owned. Who needs anything else in their wardrobe when they've got a Onesie?!

I'd like to thank this gaggle of girls for a fantabulous hen party:

Can we do it again next week?!!

Farewell Shad Pad!

Ok, so I haven't exactly been honest with you recently. Perhaps I've been in denial, I don't know. But whatever the excuse, it's time to come clean.

So, my beau and I moved out of our beautiful apartment last week. After 2 years (5 1/2 for him) I bid farewell to the Shad Pad. It was an emotional week, after all, this fabulous apartment has played host to pretty much everyone we know, to some crazy dinner parties and a few rather huge parties (our engagement party probably holds the record - we got 110 of our nearest and dearest in to our living room!).

Let's play tribute to Miss Magpie and her beau's first home together...

Our living room - movie nights, pre-dinner cocktails, Miss Magpie's 'office'...What couldn't we do here?

The most used kitchen in London? The hub of Shad Pad life.

 Just enough space don't you think?

Our boudoir, complete with cuddly pig (just a reminder to my beau that if he doesn't behave, I've always got something else to snuggle up to!)

 My dressing room (part of) - when you grow out of this room, you know you either need to move or get rid of some stuff. I've done both!

The hot tub: If those mirror tiles could talk...well, you'd be in for a treat!

Spare room - sisters, brothers, friends, strangers...they've all had a turn

Other spare room - housing the most comfortable bed EVER, it's quite a surprise that anyway stayed awake long enough to create a baby. But that they did. Baby Rio (now 4 or 5) was conceived right there!!

Thank you for letting me indulge myself! We will miss this home terribly...but we're moving on to more exciting stuff...

...yes, dear readers, it's time for me to let you in on a rather big secret...

WE ARE MOVING FROM HERE:

TO HERE:

Can you guess what it is yet?

That's right, HONG KONG!!

Yes, we're making the rather large move to the other side of the world. In fact, my beau has been out there for 2 months and is just waiting for me to follow. I'll be heading over in 4 weeks time.

Imagine what Miss Magpie can report on from there...this is not an end, but a new beginning, and I hope that you will all follow me on my adventure? Please say yes!

See you in Hong Kong (and a bit in London before then)...

Bisoux xxx

Looking chic on the piste

A few weekends ago, my beau and I hit the slopes of Chamonix for some skiing action. Since this was my second time on the piste - the first time having gone pretty well - I thought I should inject some 'cool' in to my ski look. The hotchpotch of clothing I borrowed last time was not exactly chic!

Where did I head for the very best in outdoor clothing? Luckily, my bestie's daddy owns an outdoor clothing shop and I'm not being biased, but I really wouldn't shop anywhere else! From thermals to salopettes, and gloves to goggles, he has it all.

If you want to look as 'cool' as moi (the one in the purple, though Lauren in red looks pretty hot too), head to Cover, 52-54 High St Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN5 5SJ, 020 8440 5775.

Introducing the fabulous Friswells...

As promised, Miss Magpie is here to fill you in on all the highlights of my last month...and we all know how much I love a wedding, so let's begin right there.

My beau's bestie, James (a.k.a. Friz), popped the question to his now wife Jennie, watching the sun set on the scenic cliffs of Jersey last August. Jennie sprung in to action and before we knew it, we were watching them tie the knot!

Daddy's girl

One of my favourite moments of a wedding is the bride being walked in by her father - perhaps because I am such a daddy's girl and have always dreamed of sharing that moment with my pa. You can always guarantee a few tears welling up in my eyes! Jennie looked sensational in her voluminous white dress and poker straight bob.

The Friswells!

Friz and Jennie looked so wonderfully happy and perfect for each other, don't you think?!

Change of a dress

As a Chinese bride, Jennie would traditionally have to change 5 times during the day (that's even a shocker for me!)...but in these days of modernity, Jennie only changed a mere 3 times. This was her traditional Chinese dress (sadly, I don't have a picture of the final number). I LOVE this pale green sparkle-tastic gown. Jennie looked radiant and ultra-glam!

Poor old Friz didn't get a single outfit change - much to his relief I am sure.

To celebrate Jennie's Chinese heritage, the wedding breakfast (a 9 course feast!) took place at a Chinese restaurant in Wandsworth. I was totally loving all the attention to detail...

Personalised chopsticks as the name places = GENIUS!

Vibrant hanging lanterns 

Amazing origami swans made by Jennie's sister

It was truly a remarkable day and a first for many of us. And as if all this wasn't enough, the bride and groom treated us to a choreographed tap dance for their first dance as husband and wife. It was so good, that even my beau agreed to having dancing lessons!

So, how did we dress for this fabulous occasion?

While my beau opted for the trad morning suit, I thought colour was the order of the day and decided to bring some of my Indian heritage to the occasion. This sari was given to me by my soon-to-be in-laws during my engagement. I've just had the blouse made to my exact specifications, so I was tres excited to debut it...

...I hope you like it!

Having asked permission from the bride to change my outfit (a full day in a sari is something I am yet to get used to - though I probably should, as my big day is not so far away!), I slipped in to something a little more comfortable for the evening...

...me and my nearly sister-in-law were just loving the pink!

I know you've all seen this dress before (Lanvin for H&M), but once in a while a girl has to wear a dress more than once!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MR & MRS FRISWELL!!!

Miss Magpie is back!

Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry! That's all I can say. It's been a crazy few weeks and Miss Magpie has been in multi-tasking hell. Sadly, one thing that had to fall by the way-side for a teeny-weeny bit was Style State. But I never stopped thinking about all my readers and I promise I'll be back on top form asap!

I will be filling you in on all my latest news and fashion fun over the next few days...but in the mean time I thought I would leave you with this fashion fabulous photo:

That's right; my beau and my grandfather wearing exactly the same outfit! There has to be something wrong with this...and since my nana has been around a lot longer than my man, I'm awarding him the style prize. My beau, on the other hand, is going to be taken on a highly intensive shopping trip very soon!

Watch out for my catch-up posts...coming very soon!

Oscars 2011: The Magpie Dress Awards

Fashion Weeks, Smashion Smeeks... Who cares about the fashion of the future, when the fashion of right now was being displayed in its full glory last night at the Oscars.

Possibly the largest fashion date in the diary, the Oscars serves up the creme de la creme of the movie world and the most delectable red carpet designers in the world.

So, without further ado, here are my favourite dresses from the Oscars 2011:

Hilary Swank in Gucci Premiere

I'm not normally a huge fan of Ms Swank, but last night she stood out a mile in this gorgeous feathered gown. I adore it, totally, utterly, completely.

FYI Maribou feathers are going to huge come AW'11 so Hilary really is ahead of the trend with her layer upon layer of Ostrich feather.

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

It is only slightly sickening that Hailee (unfortunate name) is just 14 years old, but kudos to the young'un. She co-designed her dress with the girls at Marchesa...and I think they all did a bloomin' good job! I think the 1950's style of this dress is incredibly pretty and perfectly youthful for such a young Oscars nominee.

Mandy Moore in Monique L'Hullier 

Some may find this a little boring, but I couldn't leave Mandy off my list. She really does look gorgeous in this gown. Sequins and net are what make up the majority of this dress - such a simple idea, such an effective outcome.

 Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein Collection

I 'umm'd' and 'ahh'd' over Gwyneth's dress choice A LOT, but in the end decided that I did like it. The molten gold is really quite eye-catching, while the simple cut of the dress tones it down. A very clever number methinks.

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Couture

 What a sophisticated choice! Cate has opted for a completely atypical Oscars dress - she's ditched feathers, sequins and lace, in favour of something much more 'fashion'. I'm a huge fan of the pastel purple and think the cut is simple stunning on her.

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab

For me, Mila can do little wrong. I love her understated Elie Saab number. The lilac is a beautiful shade and the overall look is very sophisticated. With such a small frame, layers of net would have swamped her, so I'm thankful she went for something a little less ostentatious.

Scarlett Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana

Bravo Scarlett! One of this season's hottest trends is lace and Ms Johansson has gone the whole hog by donning herself in the fabric head to toe. The risk has paid off as she totally rocks this look - plus the cut-out back is ultra sexy.

Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang

I always keep one eye out for Sandra. She always goes for classic styles and she always wows! The red of this dress is bright enough to stand strong against the red carpet and with her dark locks and fresh face, she looks the epitome of a classic beauty.

And the award for most beautiful mother-to-be goes to...

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

If I look like this when I am pregnant, I'll be one ecstatic woman. Natalie just glows in this aubergine gown. I am so pleased that she is embracing her pregnancy and not trying to hide it. Go Natalie!

Alas, not all of our A-listers scored so highly. There were, as is usual, a few fashion flops:

Jennifer Hudson in Versace

Eugh! I do not like. At all. I hate the shimmer of the dress (it cheapens it), I can't stand the frou-frou-ness of the train (sleek would have suited her much better), and the halter-neck is all wrong (her boobs look like floating devices).

Florence Welch in vintage Valentino

Florence looks like death. The pale dress, the pale skin, the un-made face and hair... This is the Oscars darling, not a Halloween party.

Michelle Williams in Chanel

I hate to be mean about Michelle and more-so, about Chanel, but this dress is just so wrong. Michelle looks incredibly top-heavy - which is amazing because she is so slight. There's also something to be said for leaving some things to the imagination...

Well, that's more than enough excitement for one Monday morning. All this glamour while I am sitting here in my 'house clothes' is leaving me feeling quite wretched. Off to the gym I go...