Scarves have been around since ancient times. There are many various forms of scarves and all of it has one thing in common; it serves to warm the body. In the olden times, scarves are worn not because it is a fashion statement, but because of its functionality. Scarves are commonly wrapped around the neck for cold climates. However, for warm climates, such as the Middle East, scarves are worn around the head down to the neck to protect the face from dust and also because of religious purposes.
However, in the modern times, men and women are using scarves in such a contemporary and modern way. It is not only worn by religious groups or for climate conditions that needs such garments, but is now wearable to anyone. Fashion has taken the world by storm and the use of scarves has also gone through an evolution. Scarves are now great accessory and fashion statement which gives a look an instant boost. Moreover, because scarves are actually pocket-friendly, it makes a very nice but classic trend for all walks of life.
The essentials in women’s wardrobe are key pieces all applicable to wear on any occasion. One of which is the scarf, a garment or a clothing everybody should invest on. Finding unique and colorful pieces are ways to express a person his or her personality.
* It is affordable. The budget is not a problem when buying scarves. There are many designer scarves that are good to have all right, but are not really a necessity. There are cheaper, good quality ones in your nearby department store or vintage thrift shops. You also get to choose a wide range of scarf designs in low prices.
Secondly, scarves are easy to wear fashion statement. It is a subtle fashion statement which does not overpower your whole ensemble. Aside from that, scarves can now be worn whenever you like! You can wear it as a pretty headband. Alternatively, if you are feeling a little hippie, tie it around your head. For a more classic touch, wear it as a belt instead. The possibility is endless! All you have to do is let your imagination go wild and experiment with the fabric.
Thirdly, it is functional and practical. Aside from the fashion advantage of scarves, of course it is also practical at the same time. It warms up the body in cold breezy weather and makes you fashion model chic. It also protects parts of our skin that we do not want to be exposed to the sun.
Travel-friendly: Traveling is fun when your luggage is not difficult to carry around. The lightweight of scarves is perfect to carry around. Knowing that it serves fashion and function, it is like hitting two birds with one stone. It is definitely a must-have in any traveling escapades.
* It is a classic piece. Just as we have been told that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, scarves are also an essential piece for corporate women. The reason behind this is because it is a classic piece, not too contemporary and casual, just right for a corporate woman to use around the neck acting as a necklace.
Using scarves is a unique way to accessorize your outfits. It not only makes you look elegant and stylish; it also adds glamour to your fashion statement. Or you may want to try head scarf.
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The Halloween season is almost upon us again. It’s interesting as you study cultures around the world how different things are celebrated. In traditional Chinese cultures, costumes are used in many rituals, plays and dances. It’s not uncommon to see the two-man dragon dance during the open ceremony of a business or around the New Years time. Likewise, you’ll find a rich history of costumes used in various opera productions, such as the Monkey King and his Pig Lord sidekick.
Chinese costumes, can also be worn during days that signify happiness and festivity, like the Halloween. Be a Chinese princess or a Chinese girl-warrior by wearing the Chinese dresses. Boys can be Bruce Lee, the Monkey King or be an animal in the Zodiac.
The Basics
The Chinese national costume is pretty and festive used on its own. However, for those who want to celebrate in their favorite Chinese story personalities, handy things around the house can be added to the basic Chinese costume.
1. Chinese Dress - Qi Pao
Qi Pao - This Chinese Dress is elegant and festive in its own right. Qi Pao means banner dress when translated. It usually has a high neck and slits on the sides. Designs can vary to flatter the woman's good features and hide the less than perfect features. Qi Pao for young girls can also be gotten in different colors and materials. For active young girls a Qi Pao dress-pants is a good idea.
Decide what impact you want to have when you walk into the room before you look at any Halloween costumes. Do you want heads to turn or do you want to look sexy, devilish, funny or impish? Once you have chosen your outfit, think of what shoes, hairstyles, accessories and makeups you'd like to go with.
Fushion east-west of UGG boots or sneakers, docile traditional slippers or mary jane, or daring high heels or leather boots?
Bun hairdo with our hair pins or chopstick? pony-tail or bob-cut for the cutsie chinagirl visage? or dyed streaks, and sadako style?
Do not forget the lipstick! Deep red, or a lite pink is recommended to compliment our dresses for the Halloween
Don’t forget the Bling. Get some costume jewelry for your Halloween dressing up secession. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, ankle bracelets, clip on earrings and maybe even an umbrella are all good suggestions for dressing up as a China girl for Halloween.
2. Chinese pants set for boys
For boys, the traditional costume pants set is a must-have set. The top has a mandarin collar with long sleeves. Pants are loose and flowing. Some costume sets include hats with pigtails or hoods.
Dressing up
It is a good idea to gather the following from around the house before starting to mix and match.
Getting sequined Chinese slippers or kung fu shoes from a nearby department store can be a good idea. It can be worn several times if you like wearing costumes for every event (or regularly, since they are comfortable). These can also be ordered online.
Mom's silk skirts in shiny fabrics, dad's silk robes may also be looted. If your family has wigs lying around the house, keep those. It may turn out useful for completing your desired look. Beautiful fabrics, scarves, bead necklaces, even table runners can be added to your collection of materials. Craft flowers, satin ribbons can also be added to the hair.
Chinese Princess
Do this with: girl's empire cut long dress/ other long dresses in plain design, in shiny fabric and plain design can also be used as a base garment when dressing up as a Chinese princess. An empire cut spaghetti strap will also do nicely. This can be topped over by a long robe/ blouse with butterfly sleeves(These tunic blouses were in fashion 3? 4? Years ago so mom may still have one in her closet.)
Hair can be fixed in a double bun, one on each side of the head, or let some of the hair flow. Beads can also be strung through the hair. Sashes can be tied around the waist, or can be used as hang down designs for the belt.
2. Lady White Snake
Similar to the Chinese Princess, although wear a white costume. May also bring a toy snake and put a pillow by the tummy to look pregnant.
3. Chinese Girl-Warrior
Like Mulan or Yu Shu Lien/ Jen Yu in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Do this with :
-Cheongsam dress-pants set
-Toy Sword or toy bows and arrows
-Kungfu shoes/ other shoes
Wear the pants set and shoes, sling over the toy weapons and youre done. Mom may also fix Warrior's hair into a neat hair style fit for battle.
4. Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee is one of my favorites to see. Strong, mysterious, and handsome, what girl wouldn’t swoon for this guy. A costume to look like him is also quite easy to recreate. The easiest version of him is to go topless with a pair of black Kung Fu pants and Kung Fu shoes (or if those are hard to get, black wrestling shoes and black sweat pants).
But some of us aren’t fortunate enough to live in a warm environment, so another option is Bruce Lee in a yellow and black sweat suit as he wore in Game of Death. Or you could go for the Kato look from his appearance in the TV show, Green Hornet
5. Monkey King
Do this with :
-Boys Traditional Black Kung Fu pants set
-Monkey mask or face crayons
-Stick