GET CLASSIFIED

The narrow side streets of Wanchai, Happy Valley, the foggy harbor at dawn and to-die-for and dirt cheap Michelin star dimsum at Lei Garden – Oh, Hong Kong, you just don’t know how much I miss you!

I’d rather spend a week in Hong Kong Island than spend a whole day in Kowloon but again, that’s just me. I don’t mind hitting Tsim Sha Tsui though.


(Classified along 31 Wing Fung Street in Wanchai isn't far from the Monocle shop!)

When in Hong Kong, I always make sure to drop by Classified. Since launching in 2006, it has become a brand to be reckoned with. Classified is renowned for its temperature-and humidity-controlled cheese rooms, which holds 50-plus types (yes, you got it! FIFTY FREAKING TYPES ) of artisan cheese.


(Classified: Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, Central, Sai Kung, Tai Hang, Happy Valley and Stanley.)

Giddy? I am! They also have an extensive wine selection. And if wine and cheese isn’t your thing, there’s always a good reason to visit – they have the best coffee in town.

Still drooling!

WOOSTER DRESSING: ON THE PERFECT FIT AND THE RIGHT CUT

For someone who doesn’t fit the usual Asian build like me, buying something off-the-rack - unless in Europe or North America - isn’t really the best option.

I have learned to accept the fact that I will never be stick-thin to fit into a minimalist Jil Sander suit or a shrunken Thom Browne but hey, I look good in Paul Smith and Ralph Lauren.

Growing up having a go-to tailor has made life easy for dad and myself. I mean, not because nothing looked good on us – we just like things our way from the right cut to the right break.


( I have always been a fan of street style star, Nick Wooster. His personal style is just spot on!)

Finding the right tailor isn’t always easy. First, you should always need to know what to ask for. I know a couple of guys who know too much terminology, bordering on menswear know-it-all, also known as that cuckoo asshole but if you don’t know your body well enough, you’ll still look like a boxy Lego figure or worse, Gumby.


(His suits are tailored to perfection!)

Make sure you know how a suit is supposed to fit, and find a tailor you trust to get it there. I have had my share of impulsive bespoke suits from who someone swore was the best – guess what, I never wore it despite 5 alterations.


(Madras blazer in pure perfection - I drool!)

To bespoke virgins, here’s what to look and ask for the next time you get suited up. Trust me, it’ll be orgasmic!

1.Suits now are snugger in the shoulders and more fitted. Take note, fitter suits doesn’t mean it has to be tight.

2.Your jacket sleeve should be no lower than your wrist bone but high enough for a quarter to half-inch of your shirtsleeve to show when you move your arm.

4.Though a lot of designers are doing shorter styles lately, the ideal length hasn’t changed. I’m all for the classic cut!

5.Pant legs shouldn’t be loose nor boxy and yes, no pleats please!

6.Sartorial conservatives like me prefer no break at all but for a virgin like you, slight break wouldn’t hurt.

7.And yes, never trust a local designer who will charge you an arm and a leg for are-tagged pseudo bespoke suit. That’s just plain gross!

(Illustration by Menco Nieuwenhuis of la couleur blanche)

And oh, if you insist wearing a silk suit during daytime, here’s a rope and a pole. I won’t stop you from hanging yourself.

SERIOUSLY, I HAVEN'T!

I have been swamped with work the past few weeks and barely have the time to update my blog. Not that I am complaining because I shouldn’t! I mean, I would rather be glued on my desk than roll in bed the whole day wearing the same clothes I wore the day before.

No, I haven’t lost my personal life yet though thoughts scroll by at warp speed, as I struggle to balance.


(Oh, that belt and that shirt! I seriously need to shop and update my closet! Photo credit: Sarah Vickers of Classy girls wear pearls)

I haven’t had the time check the carpet and home store not far from where I live.

I haven’t had the time to update my sheets mom sent me last year.

I haven't had the time to send my tailor the fabrics I bought 6 months ago.

I haven’t had the time to drop by the weekend market to but more eucalyptus for my console.

I haven’t had the time to drop by the fabric store.

I haven’t even had the time to cross the street and hit the mall nearby.

To make things worse, my only late night activity aside from hitting the bars on Thursdays for a few shot is putting everything to my cart before hitting the sack and clicking pay the next day.

My free days are temporary, and I will both love and lament the greater freedom every time the president announces another long weekend.

BROGUING IT LIKE YEAH!

Just like dad and mi abuelito, I have always been a fan of leather-soled lace-ups.

Yes, I have plunked down a wad of cash for these sweet pair of brogue lace-ups from Salvatore Ferragamo (Just like my Alden’s, Opening Ceremony, Dries Van Noten, Paul Smith and bespoke lace-ups from my trusted cobbler, it’s worth every penny!) I got a few years back but after years of constant usage, I need to get back its thunder.


(sun’s finally out just for a few hours – fingers crossed it does not rain again!)

It doesn’t bother me whether I slip or slide but damnit, what to do when it rains?

Shoe leather is tough and getting them resoled is part of the deal though I try my best to avoid wearing my pair on rainy days but this bi-polar weather is just unavoidable.


(My pretty much well-scuffed 3 year old brogues)

The availability of overshoes in this part of the pond is zero (I have checked almost all shoe stores even Besa and Mr. Quickie – no luck!) and there’s no way I’m replacing them with rubber soles! Finding a handsome pair with rubber soles is just plain stressful and the idea of wearing one with a suit give me nightmares.


(Having heels fixed this weekend - Part of the logo engraved on the leather sole still shows)

And oh, you ( Yes! You in triple pleated trousers and boxy floral shirts), here are a couple of things for you to remember:

1. The slickest Italian lace-up (please see photo above) won’t look like much without a polish
2. When in doubt, keep the shoes simple. Sturdy black lace-ups go with any suit and on casual days, jeans. Trust me!
3. Round toe not extra pointy nor square. End of story.
4. Black, like brown goes with gray
5. Black suit, black shoes. No need to complicate matters. I mean, seriously!?
6. When buying local and value for money, Bristol’s the way to go
7. Other brands to consider if you are NOT willing to spend extra: Zara, Massimo Dutti, Aldo, Pedro, Bass and Cole Haan