Valentine's Day Gift Guide

V-Day gifts for any and everyone

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and you need to narrow down your last-minute gift options. Whether you are looking for something simple 'n' sweet, something to accompany you on vacation, or something that screams committment, we've got a bunch of options to choose from. You can't go wrong with anything from our V-day list!

For the Simple Gifter:

Guys, give your girl something hot to wear on your night out, like this dress in vibrant red. 

For the Traditional: It is the obvious direction that all men go to on Valentine's Day after all, all girls love jewelry. But change it up a little by opting for unique statement

pieces, like this fun Crystal Necklace. 

For the Heartfelt: If you like to make memories last, then there's no better gift than a unique photo product infuses your favorite photo onto a lightweight sheet of recyclable aluminum and can even be printed in the shape of a heart! 

For the V-Day Traveler: Going somewhere romantic for the holiday? Get your boo something to don on vacay, like these super fun and sassy Love Sandals . 

For Your Man: What guy doesn't look good in pink? Get your beau something sweet, like this Signature Logo Tie . 

For Those Who Mean Business: If you really want a gift that says 'I love you,' then these stunning Princess Cut Stud Earrings.(via:

joonbug)

Chinese Spring Festival, origin and customs

Chinese Spring Festival, origin and customs

As the year of Dragon departs and the year of Snake draws near, the Chinese is ushering in their grandest traditional festival -- the Spring Festival. Here we would like to extend our New Year greetings to all Chinese at home and abroad!

The origin of the Spring Festival

The Spring Festival is the first traditional festival during the year. It was called "New Year" in the past because according to the lunar calendar long used in Chinese history it is the first day of the first lunar month, marking the beginning of a year.

The celebration of the Spring Festival has a history of more than 4,000 years, which is originated from Emperor Yao. One day around 2000 B.C., Yao took the throne and led members of his court to worship the heaven and the earth. Since then, people began to take that day as beginning of the year and marked it the first day of the first lunar month. After the 1911 revolution, China adopted the Gregorian calendar, and changed the lunar New Year into "Spring Festival", which, according to the Gregorian calendar, falls between late January and mid February.

The night before the Spring Festival is called chuxi, or New Year's Eve. This is an important moment for family reunion accompanied by a rich "New Year dinner"; many people stay up all night to see the Old year out and the New Year in. The next day, people begin to visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings. During the festival, the most popular celebration activities include lion dance, dragon dance, boating race and walking on stilts.

The legend of "Nian" beast

Legend has it that there once lived in ancient China a ferocious horned beast called "Nian" (literally means "year" in Chinese). The beast stayed in deep sea throughout the year but surfaced on the New Year's Eve to eat cattle and people. So, at every New Year's Eve, all people, bringing along the old and the young, fled into deep mountains.

Another New Year's Eve, an old man, who looked radiant with health, entered the Peach Village. After asking some food from an old lady living at the eastern end of the village, he insisted on staying overnight at her house despite warning of danger.

At midnight, the "Nian" beast broke into the village, but smelled a different atmosphere: the old lady's house was brilliantly lit, with red paper pasted on the door panels. The beast pounced forward with a roar, but stopped short and shivered, as the sound of crackling and spluttering suddenly came from the courtyard. In fact, the beast feared most the red color, fire and sound of explosion. Just at that time the door opened and out came the old man in a bright red cloak, laughing heartily. The beast was so scared that it ran away in panic.

This gives rise to the habits of pasting red-paper couplets and letting off firecrackers at every household, as well as the lighting up of candles and staying up all night.

Six major activities during the Spring Festival

Dusting. This refers to yearend cleaning, which also carries the meaning of sweeping all "bad lucks" or "evil spirits" out of one's house.

Pasting. To paste New Year couplets, pictures and the character of "Fu" (bliss) on gateposts, door panels and windows.

Inviting. To invite the gods of kitchen and fortune.

Staying up. In the past, for the old, staying up all night on the New Year's Eve meant to cherish fleeting time, and for the young, it meant to pray for a longer life for parents.

Greeting. Greetings must be given to older generations and exchanged among the same generation.

Spring Festival just around the corner

Playing. By playing the dragon dance people pray to the god of dragon for good weather and rich harvests.

Two important things during the festival

Money wrapped in red paper. This is meant for unmarried children (in traditional Chinese ideas one can only be counted "adult" when he marries), to convey best wishes and good luck.

Eating Jiaozi (boiled dumplings). This is a habit popular as early as in Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) times. Jiaozi must be prepared before 12 pm and put on table when the New Year bell is rung at midnight.（via：peopledaily）

HOW TO CHOOSE A SUITABLE EVENING DRESS

FIRST OF ALL, CHECK THE INVITE TO VISUALIZE IF THERE'S A CODE FOR THE SPECIAL FORMAL EVENT. USUALLY SPEAKING, THERE SQUARE MEASURE MANY LEVELS OF ATTIRE FOR THE FORMAL EVENTS. IN FACT, NOTWITHSTANDING THAT VOGUE YOU PROPOSE TO SETTLE ON, IT'S NECESSARY FOR YOU TO FORM POSITIVE IT WILL WORK WELL FOR THE OCCASION. 

START THE PROCESS OF YOUR CHOICE EARLY. IT IS THE SOONER THE BETTER. YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT IT WILL TAKE TOO MUCH TIME, BECAUSE THEY HAVE SO MANY STYLES OF PROM DRESSES AND THE ONLY THING YOU SHOULD DO IS TO SELECT THE MOST APPROPRIATE CHOICE OF ORDERING. 

READ SOME FASHION MAGAZINES AND WATCHING FASHION SHOWS, THE LATEST FASHION. FASHION CHANGES EVERY YEAR, SO IT IS BETTER TO KNOW WHAT STYLE IS POPULAR THIS SEASON. SOMETIMES IT MAY BE THE MOST FASHIONABLE ONE THAT BEST SUITS YOU, BUT YOU SHOULD ENSURE THAT YOU CHOOSE SHOULD NOT OUTDATE.

Ensure that your body is and what to know what style you see inch the best choice for evening dress according to your body type.

Ensure that the make-up, hair, when you choose the clothes for any occasion, whether it the prom sticks or formal dress. Remember, most of us do not have so much jewelry singled out with the skirt. So what to wear, you have better game. Sometimes, the hair can also be of great help, to reach a good look, so doing not ignore it.

Practice walking, sitting advance dance. You will leave almost night there talking, walking, or even dancing. Evening dress you choose should make you feel very comfortable. I believe that you do not want your shoulder strap or belt to adjust to the night. 

You Have a Classic Clothing Personality!

A Classic clothing personality/fashion persona is a sign of grace and tasteful style. 

                                          Credit: Celebutopia - Angelina Jolie, JustJared - Katie Holmes, 
                                                    Buzzfoto - Brooke Shields, WENN - Lauren Conrad, Wireimage - Ashley Olsen
 Your Celebrity Style Twins: Chanel, Jackie O, Katie Holmes (Classic and Natural), Ashley Olsen (Classic and Dramatic), Brooke Shields, Victoria Beckham, Lauren Conrad (Classic and Natural), Angelina Jolie (Classic and Dramatic), Anne Hathaway (Classic, Natural & Dramatic), Kate Middleton, Pippa Middleton (Classic & Natural), Michelle Obama, Diane Kruger (Classic & Creative), Marion Cotillard (Classic, Dramatic & Romantic) 

You dress conservatively than other fashionistas and your wardrobe consists of a lot of neutrals such as black, gray, navy blue and beige. Clean, straight lines dominate your closet. You also favor garments with soft draping as well as tops, jackets and dresses with a nipped waist.

You prefer to keep your outfit simple, timeless and business-like. A tendency to match your clothes (ie. a handbag in a color that is similar your shoes) is in your nature. You're not into loud, faddish trends. 
 

Victoria Beckham via Marie Claire/Getty Images

If you're young (under 30) you might have had people commenting on how you dress older, and more mature for your age. 

Styles of Classic Fashion Persona

A Classic style is the basis of chic fashion. It has characteristics that appeal to a majority of "neat & tidy" women - especially those who appreciate tailored clothes and accessories. Minimalism, Preppy (ie. Loafers) and Elegant (think Chanel-style suit) style are variations of this fashion persona. Classic style also overlaps with Dramatic and Natural.  

Style Tips for a Classic Clothing Personality

Show off your Style With (closet essentials):

Oversized sunglasses, Breton navy-striped tops, blazers, knee high riding boots, ballet flats, pearl necklace and bracelet, pearl stud earrings, white dress shirt, tailored city shorts, plaid shirt, v-neck sweaters, shift dress, tote handbag, classic gold or silver jewelry. 

If you already have these in your wardrobe, experiment with different styles of a piece - for example a Breton top with shoulder detailing or a blazer with prominent shoulders. 

How to to Improve Your Style/Word of Warning:

Women with a Classic clothing personality tend to dress a bit safe and can look plain. It becomes rather predictable and boring (or very basic if you will).
Try stretching your comfort zone by selecting your essentials in a different color than a neutral - for example, if you're into ballet flats see if you can try a new pair with in a bold color; or look for flats with gold metal hardware. Assess your coloring and experiment with your best colors (that are not neutrals :P ).
Improve your outfit and implement an interesting twist that reflects a fun or casual aspect of your personal style. An example is to add some interesting touches with for example a scarf in an eye-popping color or an accessory with a trendy detailing (ie. strappy platform sandals or a studded clutch purse). Or combine Classic pieces with your other fashion personas. For example, if you're a little bit of Dramatic define that with a bold statement necklace or a pair of fierce stiletto pumps. (via:thechicfashionista)

10 Fashion Trends to Give a Spring to Your Wardrobe

The 2013 Spring Ready-to-Wear collections presented at the New York, London, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks is a celebration of fresh vibrant colors, strong architectural shapes and masterful tailoring. While pervasive trends like florals and colors reappeared with a new twist, we saw the return of sharp tailoring, Asian influences and the emergence of stripes as the hero graphic. The design houses from fashion’s famous capitals provides us a palette full of beautiful trends to try, and stylish ready-to-wear that’s incredibly fun to wear. Here, we present our top 10 fashion trends that’ll give a spring to your wardrobe.And you can also check our another blog: Spring 2013's Most Wearable Fashion Trends

Monochromatic Colors

A blazing spectrum of colors hit the Spring Summer 2013 runways. From warm hues of orange, red, yellow and pink to cool, serene hues of the ocean ranging from green, cobalt, turqoise, azure to cerulean, these color-wonderful shades lit up the outfits in vibrant flashes. Worn as a column of solid color as seen at Roksanda Ilincic, Carven, Gucci, Stella McCartney and Valentino, or in styles paired together in corresponding shades at Akris and Lanvin, this trend promises to brighten your wardrobe and moods.

Power Flowers

A perennial favorite on spring runways, designers up the ante this season as florals burst into 3D life, taking shape via embroidery and embellishment. Flower power was led by Raf Simon’s painterly metallic roses at Christian Dior, Dries van Noten’s showcased 3-D petals evoking Mexican paper flowers, and Prada outlined anemones and mums. Mary Katrantzou’s designs imbued high art, and Erdem, a master of all things perennial and posy, showcases textural and neon petals.

Other floral interpretations included sculpted blooms, sequined sprigs and textured lace bouquets. Trussardi and Vivienne Westwood Red Label kept florals ditsy, Viktor & Rolf opted for drama with silver roses, while Ralph Lauren and Bottega Veneta dipped into a vintage box of treasures to revive nostalgic patterns.

Shiny Sheens

Glitter, gleam and gloss hit the Spring Summer 2013 runways as fashion designers offered stunning designs in lustrous foils, precious-metal prints, iridescent fabrics to holographic finishes. Seen on separates such as tops and skirts, dresses and coats, shiny sheens were presented as day wear, in the form of matching them with neutral hues, and a bold, solid color by night.

Oriental Seduction

The Far East continues to be a rich source of visual appeal for designers. Asian thematic interpretations were wide ranging – from Prada’s digital-printed geishas, to Pucci’s louche Vietnamese ladies to Peter Pilotto’s power woman by way of India.

Japanese references was the primary source of the Oriental trend, with designs falling into two distinct camps. Fashion designers found common ground in the kimono jacket, where clean lines and lavish fabrics meet in harmony. Worn loose of belted, the kimono jacket is this season’s modern alternative to the summer jacket. Etro and Lanvin came out with martial arts influenced shapes for day dressing.

Other fashion designers choose decorative route with as dresses, pants and blouses featured embellished and embroidered oriental motifs as seen on Emilio Pucci’s exquisite silk dresses, and white origami folds and graphic blossoms at Prada. More subtlety, Celine’s knots and twists were are smartly origami.

Print Collage

There was no limit to the number of colors, fabrics and textures used to construct Spring Spring 2013′s fashion dresses, thereby passing on the decision of the perfect spring summer dress to buyers and shoppers a-like. Roksanda Ilincic fabricated a simple shift from more than 10 colored panels. Proenza Schoulder took it further, patch working strips of clashing leather and silk, spliced with facial images from micro-blogging site Tumblr, which it cited as a point of reference. Snake prints on chiffon and metallic leather provided the template for Preen’s collection, all appearing in one look white Holly Futon opted for bold symmetrical swirls. There was nothing random about these offerings: in color-blocking or prints colliding, this is design mastery at its best.

Summer Black

In a season of strong vibrant trends, the color black returned to bring softness to the Spring Summer 2013 collections. Black for day came in sweet summer dresses and lightweight layers, while evening wear was presented with textures, ruffles, pleats, lace and embellishments. Silhouettes showed a bit of skin such as slashed fronts, exposed midriffs and bare shoulders to lighten the overall feel of summer black.

Serious Frills

Drama and motion came to Spring Summer fashions with a froth of frills and ruffles at many design houses. Waterfall cascades, fluttering trims and delicate ripples decorated waists, hems, sleeves and necklines. What is interesting about this season’s frills is that they are voluminous yet mininalistic rather than frippery and girlie. As seen at Balenciaga and Gucci, outfits displayed sleek ruffles more architectural than sweet – done up in black, white and gray for instant impact.

Stripe Me

Designers embraced stripes as the word for Spring Summer 2013 fashion season. This linear pattern went horizontal, vertical, chevron, curved and zig-zag. Stripes were seen on Jonathan Saunders’ sequin dresses, ball gowns at Oscar de la Renta and Moschino’s candy stripe outfits, white Marc Jacobs experimented with long curved stripes with dazzling optical patterns.

Power Suits

Power suits returned to center stage for Spring Summer 2013 as fashion designers reinvented the two piece in a variety of distinctive silhouettes: strong-shouldered, double- or single-breasted, wide, or narrow. From city classics and ladylike numbers to casual cuts and avant-garde ensembles, the tailored suit received a much needed chic update. Christian Dior proposed a feminine interpretation of the tux, Giorgio Armani had a Friday casual suit and Giambattista Valli offered a vest version. This season’s sharp suiting is a welcome affair for career women who want to wear suits without looking like an investment banker.

Pure Whites

The white palette dominates Spring Summer 2013 fashion season and again, designers followed two distinctive camps on this color. Architectural takes and structured silhouettes were seen at Jill Sander, smart layers at Rag & Bone, and cool crisp colors at Rochas.

Artisanal applications on white were found in lacework, crochet, broderie and brocade – lavish detailings that brought a couture complexity to the simplest of pieces and turning the blank canvas of white into a work of art. Sun-bleached effect on sheer embroidery, lace and eyelet designs were seen at Valentino, Emilio Pucci and Prabul Gurung.(via libertystyle)

Tips To Opening Wholesale Apparel Business

Apparel industry is one of the quickest developing and highly wealth-making industry 

generating millions of dollars in profits. There's no more uncertainty the fashion keeps on changing and each next day you receive numerous hot figures and patterns which are accessible at thousands of street as well as online stocks to seize. The prices are genuinely cheap and virtually everyone is efficient to afford them. Definitely the places are reasonable because the retail merchant of the vendor find that at the healthy price. At the very time, the retailer keeps a effective measure of market profits one his gross revenues. Hence, if you are a novice apparel business person or contrives to start any type of apparel business in nearby future, then few hints will be demonstrated genuinely useable for your business. In this article, we will take a look at a couple of of those numerous tips.

Market Research:

A great marketplace research is the important element in the succeeder advertise of your apparel occupation. A well prepared and winning marketplace explore can discover several really functional selective information which can assist you get your concern virtually accurate and complete. What marketplace explore takes on are full the views which will be related with your occupation. So, if you’re about to bargain in ladies jeans, then you essential know the trends of the market. Movements and manners can be acquired by a market visit. A questionnaire may be surpassed out involving for specs and requirements.

Get the wholesale apparel supplier:

Afterwards finishing your market research and getting about the trends, you must finally get a true and reputable apparel wholesaler for your business. The apparel wholesaler is the essential part which will be performing backside the stage in your occupation. To get a certain, affordable and esteemed apparel wholesaler can really make your occupation a forward motion. Acquiring about the apparel wholesale provider is genuinely a serious job. Internet can aid you to a broader extent to accomplish the task. There are a number of online news internet site where you can learn about the repute, fiscal standings and standards of an apparel wholesaler in a marketplace. Beware of the false and fake apparel wholesaler. They can downfall you and your concern. Since it is hard to draw each site over net, therefore fake apparel wholesale provider are very much in measure. You must hold proper safety measure by yourself.And it's our honor if  you will  choose us Los Angeles Wholesale as your apparel supplier,and we will do our best to make good services and supply you high quality clothing.

Setup your Side and Start:

At One Time you have eventually chosen your apparel wholesaler, you must setup your store. If you’re selling your apparel using a brick and mortar store, then you must plan your shop really fascinating and pulling in. Your store should sustain clients for a long time. Suitable facilities and little shell amusement will be a great thought. Or, if you program to trade your apparel online, then you should pattern your site consequently. The website must sustain a exploiter favorable user interface and must be effective of accommodating several list of visitants each calendar month. Requital methods must be genuinely adjustable and accessible so that you can access many clients. Pass for least and fastest viable transportation so that customers once again airt to your site.

2013 fashion color trends --spring

Spring 2013 color trend: Earth Daze

Design Options see Earth Daze as a spring 2013 fashion trend that continues on from the 1960s and tribal fashion statements of spring 2012;

Burnt orange and brown tones of bewilderment and bemuse combine peaceful ideas and 1960′s flair. Deep burgundy and intense blue shades of Provencal and unadorned add a touch of delicacy on a canvas of timeless artistry.

Artful with accents of agility and civilisation.

The key details are brocade, velvet, paisley and tribal prints, while the associated colors for spring 2013 are as follows;

Spring 2013 color trend: Natural Expression

The former fashion trend might have been dubbed Earth Daze by Design Options, but it’s Natural Expression that actually has strong earthy colors.

Earthy tones of slate grey and rustic olive indicate notions of loveliness on a backdrop of silk georgette. Cornflower blue and teal hues of gracious debutante and femme fatale delicately draw attention to smoky accents.

Particular and naturally expressive.

The key details for Natural Expression are metallic linen and rayon jersey, while these are the associated colors;

Spring 2013 color trend: Primary Circle

Let’s face it: Natural Expression and Earth Daze are both rather subdued interpretations of spring / summer 2013. And if spring / summer seasons are about anything, it’s loud colours – hence Design Options’ Primary Circle fashion trend.

Energetic and striking tones of orange exude deliberation and pragmatic intention. Grass green hues of iridescence fuse melodically with cherry red undertones creating the perfect unification.

The principal elements of unification.

The key fabrics of Primary Circle are bamboo jersey and patent leather, while the trend’s colors are as follows; (via:fashionising)