Baby footwear

Shoes complete the outfit for kids, but wait until your child begins walking--- usually at 10 to 14 months--before buying her first official pair of shoes. That is when a child really needs them.  

We recommend picking a first shoe with flexibility, which helps the foot develop its arch.  Try to bend the shoe in half, if it bends easily, it is a good shoe.  The best shoes also have traction on the bottom so your baby won’t slip easily. A shoe doesn’t have to be expensive to be flexible. Pick a pair of shoes that is light weight as your kid will not be able to carry  a ton with their tiny feet.

Beside these, make sure you buy the right size. You will want some room at the toe, but not so much that your child will trip. Also, keep in mind that toddlers kick off anything and everything, so look for flexible shoes that lace. They are harder to take off than shoes with Velcro closures.

To keep your prewalker’s feet warm outside on cool days, look for soft, elasticized baby socks or booties that cling to the feet so your baby can’t kick them off. You don’t have to buy expensive leather baby shoes as baby will outgrow quickly. 

Quote: Fashion sets the trends but I dress for me

Recycle & save the earth

One easy way to help save the earth is to quit using plastic shopping bags from stores, as they end up in landfills and stay there for years. Make some simple tote bags instead, either from ripstop nylon (sturdy for groceries), or from your favorite fabrics.   Keep the bags in the car for your shopping adventures, and remember to take them in the store with you. It will soon become second nature for you as there will be more and more eco-minded people and businesses. Some even reward us for bringing our own bags, and some businesses now charge extra if you don’t.

Now is also a good time to investigate earth-friendly and sustainable fibers like bamboo, hemp and other options. Most fabric stores, and certainly many online sources, offer these alternative fibers and fabrics at increasingly economical prices. There’s nothing as comfy as a lightweight bamboo knit garment.

Don’t forget to clean out your sewing room and give things you no longer need to worthy causes. Check with a chapter in your area to see what you can repurpose, and give yourself more room, plus a good feeling from helping others. So, honor our precious Earth and plan a sewing-related activity!

Quote: Fashions fade but my style is eternal

Anti-theft underwear

Are you afraid of the family jewels being taken from the family safe?  Put them where no burglar has gone before, a pair of skid marked underpants. Now you see the genius of the Security Briefs, anti-theft protection masquerading as your dirty tighty whiteys. Not meant for wearing, but it's between a Small and Medium sized men's underwear. Security Briefs are disgustingly funny. Secretly concels your valuables stash. Has skid-mark technology to ensure no one will touch these things so your valuables are safe.

Alternatively, the below are also available for sale at night markets and Chinese department stores. The zipper front pocket is convenient for carrying cash or other items you wish to conceal. They come in an assortment of styles and colors and usually cost around 1 US dollar, a smart investment if you plan on travelling around China for some length of time.

I know this could have been an ugly design but one should pack a couple pairs for long trips in China and wear one on the day you embark on a train ride or long distance bus. 


Quote:  I flaunt it because I've got it

How to choose winter sports apparel for warmth & comfort

Layering is an effective and versatile way to dress for winter. The three layers are: wicking, insulating and weather protection.

1. Inside layer (or long underwear): This is the layer worn next to your skin. The inside layer, worn next to your skin, is usually long underwear. But, long underwear is no longer boring -–you'll see fun, slick and sexy styles for both men and women. There are definitely stand-alone pieces that can be worn as tops to show off. Choose a synthetic fiber that has "wicking" power so the material can wick (or move) moisture away from your skin and pass it through the fabric to evaporate. That way you stay warm, dry and comfortable. Silk is also a good, natural fabric that has wicking abilities.Even when it's cold, it’s possible to sweat — especially if you’re hiking uphill, snowshoeing or Nordic skiing.
2. Middle or insulating layer: Look for sweaters, pullovers, hoodies and vests designed to keep you heated by trapping air between the fibers. Popular insulation materials include fleece (and numerous variations), which dries quickly and keeps you warm even when wet and good old-fashioned wool which naturally wicks away moisture.
3. Outer/protection layer: Shells and pants serve as your guard against the elements of winter. They should keep out snow, sleet or rain and block the wind, while also letting perspiration evaporate.

Modern shells and pants are made waterproof and breathable by using tightly woven fabrics teamed with a coating or laminate. This keeps moisture on the outside but allows perspiration to escape — to keep you dry and comfortable. Look for jackets and pants using Gore-Tex, which is best for keeping out rain and wet snow.

Snowboard apparel is designed looser to give riders freedom of movement. Pants are reinforced in the seat and knees for extra protection when kneeling or sitting on the snow.

Don’t forget the details.Look for functional hoods, cuffs, pockets and zippers — details that work well in a snowstorm.

Tips for Winter Fashion & Apparel

Fashion Tips

1. The wicking layer should fit snugly (not tight) next to the skin in order to effectively wick moisture. Comfort is key for the insulating layer. It should be loose enough to trap air between layers, but not so bulky that it restricts movement. Whether you are a skier, snowshoer or snowboarder, your protection layer should fit comfortably, offering you maximum range of motion.
2. Don't wear jeans or street pants. Denim is not waterproof, so water will soak through and you'll end up cold, wet and miserable.
3. Cotton is not the best choice. Cotton is great for towels, because cotton soaks up and retains moisture. That's precisely why cotton is not great for on-slope apparel. It absorbs moisture (sweat and snow), and retains it. When the wind blows, you will get very, very cold. Don't wear cotton athletic socks, cotton jeans, cotton sweatshirts or cotton T-shirts unless it’s warm out!

Apparel Tips

1. Look for 100 percent UV protection in sunglasses. Make sure the glasses fit snugly behind your ears and rest gently on the bridge of your nose. You don’t want them falling off when you’re cruising through the powder!
2. Goggles should form an uninterrupted seal on your face, extending above your eyebrows and below your cheekbones. Watch for gaps, especially around your nose.
3. Don't buy gloves or mittens that are too tight. There should be a little air space at the tips of your fingers, which acts as additional insulation.

Quote: It's YOU, it's PERSONAL, it's FASHION