It’s a common misconception that Hong Kong is all skyscrapers and bustling, neon-lit streets. So if you’ve arrived having only packed for a city break, what do you do when you discover that Hong Kong is actually home to some beautiful beaches and you’re in dire need of a bikini? If you’d asked me a year ago, I’d have said you were in a bit of a tricky situation. Hong Kong oddly seems to lack good swimwear shops, but that all changed when bikini and beachwear boutique, Itsie Bitsie, opened up last March.
For the uninitiated, Itsie Bitsie may be a little bit of a puzzle to reach. Although the shop window, giving a tantalising peek of Itsie Bitsie's wares, is slap bang opposite the Central-Midlevels escalator, to crack into the shop you need to navigate back down to street level, head through a gated doorway and up a grubby staircase in an old Chinese walk-up building. Believe me though, it's more than worth the effort.
As you enter the little boutique space, you're greeted by rail after rail of gorgeous bikinis, one pieces, kaftans, and maxi-dresses - a veritable Aladdin's Cave of all things beachy. Coming in an eye-popping kaleidoscope of colours with a cut and style to suit every body type, each piece is designed to be as flattering and comfortable as possible. Owner and designer, Cristina Wilkinson is usually on hand to help you find your perfect beach essentials and having lived in Hong Kong for several years, she's been on enough junks, beaches and exotic holidays to know exactly what she's talking about.
Have a mini-me in tow? Itsie Bitsie has recently also added super-cute baby Kaftans to the range. And as Victoria Beckham and Harper have taught us, its very important for Mummy and baby to match - better pick up the full-size version while you're there too...
So, if you're heading to Hong Kong shortly, I suggest that you sneakily go and remove your bikini and kaftan from the case and what a coincidence to find when you arrive that there's a whole shop worth of Itsie Bitsie gorgeousness just waiting to fill the gap!
www.itsiebitsie.com/
1/F, 45 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
+852 6871 0201
Google map: bit.ly/U40O0X
* Natalie is our local for Hong Kong. You can read all about her here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/hong-kong-local-natalie-robinson.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/natalierobinson
She also has her own blog at: www.3badmice.com/
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