I think most of us know of H&M, but not many from the states know of Monki. It's own by the same…read morecompany as H&M, but the style and quality of the clothes here are definitely a step up. I'd say Monki is a bit like Urban Outfitters. The clothes are trendy and it caters to people who want to be fashionable without spending a heap of money. This particular location was literally the size of a shoe box, so the selection was lacking compared to larger shops, but I was able to pick up a shirt and a bag. Both of which costs under $200 HKD!

I don't go to Mong Kok very often, but when I do, I try to squeeze in a trip to Monki at Langham…read morePlace. Monki is right next to H&M - and also, in my opinion, the worst H&M there is because it's permanently crowded and they never seem to turn up the air conditioning. So whenever I'm at Langham, I always give the H&M a miss and head straight for Monki. The clothes at Monki range from girly to things you can sort of create a goth look out of, making it a place where everyone can find something that they like. It's one of the few places I know with sizes XXS, so it's great for people who are a little on the smaller size. I've bought everything from nice dresses to basics here and I find that the quality of clothes here is not bad at all. The accessories section at Monki is worth checking out - they have some really cool jewelry like statement necklaces that go great when paired with solid tops. Their stuff doesn't look cheap either. Last year, they were doing a sale on their tote bags, and I was out shopping with a friend from Singapore and she bought 2 back. They were only around $50 each, if I'm not wrong, the designs were cute and the cloth seemed pretty solid and durable. The changing rooms at Monki are really cool - they're filled with mirrors on each side, so looking straight into any one is nothing short of a real life optical illusion! I do wish Monki would have more sales though - usually, they just have one section of stuff on sale and some accessories too. I've never been to Monki and seen that they're having a huge sale. Hopefully, that will change the next time that I am there!

I like GAP for their Jeans. Gap is more of a store for…read morecasual clothing. They have good basic pieces that you can layer on, and when there are sales, you can definitely get a good deal. GAP is an "American Size" store, so most of the time, the dresses don't exactly fit well. It's rare that they do, for me at least. But I do love their shorts for the summer and their long sleeve basics. This is a smaller store than the location in Central. I also like that they have a return policy, which is nice since stores in HK don't believe in the return policy. =P

I've been a fan of Mango online and there are only three shop locations in Hong Kong (TST, Olympic,…read moreand Tai Koo). This location does not have a men's section, only women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Though the selection is vastly greater online, I always prefer to check out the clothing in-person to ensure fit and fabric quality. Since the selection at this location is a fraction of what is available online, I'm always disappointed visiting. Sizing is hit or miss and can be frustrating. The staff is also invisible. They may help get you a fitting room, otherwise, they leave you alone. If there are items on sale, they are usually displayed near the fitting rooms. The layout of the store is very tight and can be annoying to navigate even with only a handful of patrons, but it's clean and clothes are neatly folded.

Who doesn't love Zara? Was ecstatic when I noticed one of my favorite stores while visiting Hong…read moreKong. It was probably one of the biggest i've been to with 4 floors 2 for women 1 for kinds and 1 for guys. What I loved is all the stuff you cant find in america was right here :) plus items I've never seen before. All the staff dresses the same which was different from the US locations. The staff was also nice and accommodating and spoke great english.

I like Zara. It's nice to have here in HK because it can be hard to find midrange clothing,…read moreespecially if you are larger than the average Asian woman. So I appreciate that option. I just don't always jive with their fashion and the prices that come with it. Meh. It's nice to walk around in, but I rarely seem to walk out with something . . .

I only give this place a 4 because I have not had an opportunity to wear many of my purchases and…read morelaunder them to know how the quality will stand up over some time. But I love COS and love that I discovered this store. I am not a fashionista, but I do love well made clothes that look taylored and yet have room to function and move. I always read care labels before a purchase and I do shy away from merino wool because it can pull and not wash well if not extremely well made. COS does have many pieces made of merino wool, so I kind of looked past these items. The clothes might use a lesser quality fabric on many pieces, but the cut and tayloring is current and comparable to items you would find in any high end retailer. The clothes, brand and price point kind of make me think of this brand as higher end than an H&M, less quality and cheaper price than Saks Fifth Avenue brands, equal in cut, structure and function as Marimekko and other equaivalent cut, high-end clothing lines in many ways and very current in the realm of what is happening in fashion. Simple lines, simple colors, modern. For business or casual, COS offers classic pieces I hope to have in my wardrobe for some time. COS is out of England. As stated on their website: "COS is a fashion brand for women and men who want modern, functional, considered design. Offering reinvented classics and wardrobe essentials, we create pieces that are made to last beyond the season. Traditional methods and new techniques merge to form timeless, understated collections. Since launching in 2007, we have opened stores worldwide in carefully considered locations, applying an architectural design concept that preserves buildings' original features whilst creating a modern, welcoming space." The store itself is a two story structure. Lots of staff if you needed assistance and pretty open space to browse around. Men's clothes are on the second floor. Store seems well organized. There are some comfortable seats throughout if you had a spouse who needed to park it while you look around.

Before departing for Hong Kong I thought to search and see if the city had a COS (H&M's high end…read morecousin) and to my surprise and delight, they had not one but two locations! COS (Collection Of Style) was a wardrobe staple of mine when I lived in London. (COS hasn't yet made it to the USA.) As a regular COS shopper I knew the sizing of the clothes here is often variable (in some items I'm an XS, others I'm a M) so I took armloads into the dressing room. I think this is a good strategy in almost any shop (if you're going to go through the hassle to take your clothes off to try on one item, you might as well try on six, right?) but even moreso here. Think you're a medium? Take a small and a large in with you too! This COS shop is on the medium-large side, with two stories and women's, men's and children's offerings. I tried on heaps of clothing and ended up going home with a fun grey jumper whose sleeves you can turn up to reveal a bright blue inside lining, an oversized sweatshirt dress and a cashmere hat. COS is definitely worth a look if you want to inject some Scandinavian cool into your closet.

Tiare is located in Central, a short walk from the escalators. There is one other Tiare store in…read moreHong Kong located in Repulse Bay. This is a very stylish clothing boutique. It carries modern, casual clothes from the U.S. The colors are nice and warm and makes me wish I was on a boat somewhere. There's a maxi dress here and there, but it's for those who want to be stylish and comfortable. The sweat-shorts are perfect for my wardrobe. Who doesn't want to go out in their sweatpants every day? The cuff on the bottom gives them a nice refined look. There are some nice collared button ups that would pair nicely with linens pants or summer shorts. I love the Citizen and DL jeans that they have hanging in the back by the fitting room. They look long and lean will be perfect for winter. Even if you like to dress to the 10s most of the time, the clothing in here is perfect for your not so fancy fashion days. *Also, there is a random collection of candles at the top of the clothes hanging racks. If you're in the market, these can make a lovely addition to your home.

Tiare has a range of beautiful yet simple clothing. The summer dresses are really cute and the…read morematerials (generally silk or ultra light) are perfect for the weather. The prices however, seem very high for what is on sale but it's the cuts, not the out-there designs, that you pay for. If you're anything like me, the perfect white t-shirt is a coveted wardrobe item and I always manage to find one in Tiare. My preference are the silk mixes which just hang so perfectly. Actually, all of the jersey items are hits for me. If you can stomach paying around the $1000 mark for a simple top, you won't regret the purchase. I wear mine time and time again and never have to worry about them bobbling in the wash or those oh so annoying holes that mysteriously appear under the arm! If you're on their mailing list, Tiara will invite you to sample sales which are perfect if you are of average size. You can snap up items for a fraction of the cost but be warned, stock goes FAST. There is a small jewelry range as well as items such as boob tape and some underwear. A really cute boutique with a focus on quality.

I highly recommend this store for their great selection of men's wear. The dress shirts and jackets…read moreare a must see. Women's clothes are sold here as well but the guys seem to have a better selection. D&G is conveniently located near the other high end designer stores. Customer service was friendly and timed perfectly for each guest. I was never left unattended. I wish the store had a black Friday sale or something. The prices are VERY expensive and not always worth paying for. I have no problem spending $$$$ but sometimes it is not worth it. I will visit this store again before heading back to the states.