Back to University: Last Minute Shopping

My first post is dedicated to all those guys and gals soon heading for university in the northern hemisphere. These days, they’re shopping for everything they need for the coming season. And Hong Kong is the place to shop for people with small budgets and great fashion sense.

Teenagers will have a field day in Hong Kong. There is so much variety and great street fashion in this city that this is the place to spend what limited dollars they’ve got. You might think that Japan and Britain are the big league for street fashion but Hong Kong designers are way up there with their rebellious looks and much more affordable prices.

So read on guys - this is the place to stock up. You’ll be very happy when you see how the prices compares with those in the west.


Hong Kong Teen Fashion Stomping Grounds

First on your list are jeans, tees and various casual wear to hang out in. And you’re probably planning on loads of accessories and cheap fun shoes. And your mother will probably add,’ The most important thing is a good winter coat!’. She’s right. You’ll thank her when the cold, rain and snow settle in. Look for something really casual and sporty. It's hard to shop for winter coats in the sweltering heat, but keep looking. You'll find it!

Here’s where to head first, where you’ll find the best value shopping for the 18years and over crowd in the city.

Fa Yuen Street in Mongkok, site of the Fa Yuen Street Market. Mongkok MTR Station, exit B3. Loads of tees, skirts, shorts and cheap fun shoes. A few outlets here sell overruns meant for Europe, Australia or America. That means sizes are not too small and prices are a fraction of what they will sell at wherever you end up studying.

Granville Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Loads of accessories – belts, hats, earrings, stockings, leg warmers. It’s the luck of the draw but make this a definite stop on that long pursuit of the ultimate university wardrobe.

Esprit Outlet Store at 4-6 Hankow Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. You know Esprit! They're great and their outlet is THE BEST!

Lee Garden Road in Causeway Bay. A little street with one side lined with outlet stores. Great value from PJs to skiing jackets.MTR Station, Exit F. Ask for directions. It's just a few minutes away.

Stanley Market The grande dame of Hong Kong markets. Beautifully laid out. No pressure. Look for the outlet store next to the giant T-shirt sign. Ask. Someone will point it out for you.


Clothes with A Real Attitude

Nobody does rebellious better than some of my favorite Hong Kong street fashion stores.

Here are two of them. They have the full range of clothing for guys and gals with tons of unique accessories. Their looks are mostly influenced by European and Japanese fashion.

Ice Fire
Tsim Sha Tsui, 79 Chatham Road
Causeway Bay, 42-44 Yee Wo Street
Tel 2808 1184

Izzue.com
Silvercord Building, LG64, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel 2314 2556

While you're in the Silvercord Building, look out for the little street fashion shops with local and international brands in the back where the rent isn't so high. These shops are unisex but, let's face it, they're mainly for the guys.

If you’re looking for international street fashion brands, meaning jeans and tees with all the right markings, these next two shops in Causeway Bay won’t let you down either.

But don’t go early. These cats burn the midnight oil and start up late in the afternoon… Both are in Causeway Bay and a short walk from each other.

Juice
53 Paterson Street, 2/F
T 2881 0173

8Five2
Skateboard fashion
506-508 Jaffe Road, 4/F

Great Accessories for Teens

Two shops that offer great college fashion at deliciously affordable prices if you’re young, slim and on a budget are:

mi-tu
Park Lane Shoppers’ Boulevard, #62, Tsim Sha Tsui
T 2302 1150

Maple
26A and 64 Granville Road
Tsim Sha Tsui

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So good luck with shopping, your studies, exams and see you at the Christmas break!