I’m back in Hong Kong and you know what that means – extreme shopping! I’ll take on shuttle busses, flight layovers and jet lag on my crusade to get fabulous statement pieces at shockingly fair prices. Come along and find out how you too can shop like – or ever better- than a local.
While my fellow super shoppers were waiting in line bright and early for the 60% off post-Christmas sale at Saks, I attempted to crack the code to the infamous Bergdorf Goodman annual winter Chanel sale…
Shopping is serious business for anyone who visits or lives in Hong Kong. From resale shops like Milan Station featuring an array of Chanel, to shopping arcades, and even in the subway, shopping in HK is simply inescapable.
Besides some basic haggling skills, here are some tips that will prepare you for Hong Kong shopping.
Jetshopper’s guide to flight cancelations
It’s time for my annual shopping trip to Hong Kong! Unfortunately I’m writing this from the Chicago O’Hare airport instead of the Mira hotel in TST.
After connecting from NYC and waiting 3 hours on the jumbo jet, the crew informed us of a fuel problem and asked us to disembark.
An hour later we learned that we’d be rebooked on a flight the next day and would be assigned a hotel with meal vouchers.
With a couple hundred people to compete with for hotel I quickly put on my JetShopper hat and adapted to the situation at hand. Here are a few tips:
Keep your ears open
There’s always that one frequent traveller that seems to have a leg up on the pack. I noticed a cute couple on the plane that had their new boarding pass before the crew even made the announcement. By following them to the counter I was able to speak to an attendant that told me to go to customer service to get keep my upgraded seat (since I’m not flying business I paid for a better coat seat – more than worth it on a 16+ hour flight +3 hours waiting!)
Customer service
If there’s a long line to get your voucher (I would have waited in line for at least an hour) go straight to customer service. I did, and ended up taking care of my seat first, and then the voucher from the same woman just 20 mins later.
Be open to making friends
Being friendly is always good advice, but it really pays off at the airport. By talking to people in the same boat, you get a better idea of what your options are.
Know your options
While in line at customer service I noticed the woman in front of me already had her voucher (she happened to be standing where they decided to form the line). They placed her in the Intercontinental – but everyone else I spoke to was placed in sub par motel-like hotels ranging from the Crown Plaza to the Howard Johnson! Since I knew the Intercon would likely be the best option, I requested it from customer service and go it!
Here are so pics of the room. Seriously the best hotel airport I’ve ever stayed in (well, have been lucky to only have stayed in 2, but I’m sure this ranks high on all time airport hotel lists).
Here are some pics!
On the plane now!
Today H&M is launching a Maison Martin Margiela contest for H&M Fashion News email subscribers. By completing the form you’ll get a chance to win:
- a flight to New York for you and a friend
- 1 night at a hotel for you and a friend
- tickets to the Maison Martin Margiela for H&M event on November 14th for you and a friend
Bon shopping!
Home Shopping: Kartell Mademoiselle Missoni Jessie Print Armchair vs. HauteLook Modern Movement Furniture Sale
It’s been a while since I checked out HauteLook. A fellow Missoni and Pucci-phile usually emails me when HauteLook has a flash sale for Missoni shoes. While I also enjoy checking out their Home section, my jaw dropped when I saw this Modern Movement (not so sure about the company since I couldn’t find a website) piece which looks almost identical to Kartell‘s Mademoiselle armchair made with Missoni’s Jessie print, and on sale for $169. I’ve been obsessed with this chair for a few years now but was turned off by the $950 retail price (that’s half the price of a small Chanel!).
Take a look at the side by side. Crazy similar right? Guess HauteLook is a believer in imitation as the best form of flattery…
Love the bright happy colors and fresh take on a flower print.
Hautelook - Modern Movement Multicolor Flower Print Chair
Kartell - Original Mademoiselle Chair in Missoni Jessie Fabric
Recent Comments