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Tweedy Beijing

They probably debated about whether to just call it the Beijing Tweed Run and then decided that tweed was too British or too obscure for local tastes. For the participants, however, the look was most definitely tweedy. I had no idea that there was quite this much check, argyle and houndstooth in wardrobes around the city.

From the 700bike site, here are pics of just about all the attendees. Also, for comparison, their site has some very nice photos of tweed runs in London, Tokyo, and Moscow, which is oddly one of the most stylish assemblies of men I have ever seen.

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Wang Peng

At first, I was aghast that photographer Wang Peng was on a scooter during the Vintage Ride, but of course to take all those great photos he had to move a bit faster than the rest of us. I took this one from my bike. Thanks for all the great images, Wang Peng!

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“Retro” is Better


Photos: Penn

Sometimes I think what people like to call “retro” – which often means “formal” or “proper” – is a code word for “more attractive”. The styles that are supposedly of a bygone era are just the ones that make most men look more attractive. As it has frenetically become a hyper-modern society, China has tended to opt for casual, rather mediocre, types of styles. We saw at the Tweed Run how much better men can look if they dress in a slightly more formal, but at the same time, more fun style. All body types are benefited by a bit more formality. In an excessively casual world, only those with perfect bodies still manage to be attractive.

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Beijing’s Bike Lanes, From Above


Photos: Penn

Where did Wang Peng perch to take these photos?

The flatness and brevity of the ride made it perfect for preening. The weather was also perfect for neither working up a sweat nor getting chilly while wearing tweed sport coat and vest. In fact, at 10km – a fairly standard Beijing commute – this ride proved that it is quite possible to look good every day while riding down Beijing wide bike paths.

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The Beijing Vintage Ride


Photos: Penn

Wang Peng captured some great images of all the tweedy people that came out yesterday for the first ever Beijing Vintage Ride, mostly inspired by similar events in London, Tokyo and elsewhere.

The event was startlingly successful in terms of number of participants, their level of style preparedness and the fanciness of their bikes. There was general level of enthusiasm for a stylish sort of bicycling culture, but more of my thoughts on this in future posts.

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Girls of Winter


Photos and Interviews by Suzy

Summer is the season in Beijing that I especially loath, but cold weather has really endured this year. I keep having to turn the heat back on in my hutong. In offices and most high-rises, the heat has been off since mid March. The frigid temperatures indoors mean the tweed sport coats have had ample play recently. Supposedly, there is yet another colf front coming in tomorrow. All of this probably means that it will be an even more sweltering summer than normal. Temperatures above 30 degrees will probably start next Monday.

I kept thinking that these images from over the winter would not really fit given that it was already late in the year. Perhaps this most violent and eternal of winters warrants this reprisal that includes all the photos from the last winter that were not posted here. So below are some profiles and photos from the snowiest, longest winter in all of my years in Beijing. Suzy talked to some of the hip young ladies that give Beijing its character and bohemian charm.

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Transform Yourself with Hair Loss and Beauty Solutions from Chiquel

Transform Yourself with Hair Loss and Beauty Solutions from Chiquel

There is no faster, less-extreme way to completely overhaul your look, than to put on a wig, extend the length of your hair or clip on a fringe. Celebrities like Beyonce, Niki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga are all fans of transforming themselves (often overnight!) using wigs, hair pieces and extensions.

Chiquel is a fashion wig retailer who specialises in wigs, hair extensions, hairpieces and even eyebrow wigs! Born from a desire to help people feel and look their best during stages of hair loss, Chiquel works with their customers closely to provide the best hair loss and beauty solutions to suit them, whether that is a custom designed wig, or human hair extensions to fill out a thinning mane.

Now there are wigs, and then there are wigs. The difference with Chiquel is not just in the exceptional customer service their clients receive, but also in their quality. They might not be the most affordable hair solutions but if you want a natural, high-quality solution to changing your look, covering up hair loss or simply to add length to your current cut, then Chiquel’s online store is where you’ll find everything you’ll need to achieve this.

Below are a few samples of actual hair solutions available from Chiquel:

Lana Lace Front Human Hair


This gorgeous lace front, long length wig incorporates 100% human hair, soft layers and more than enough body! The lace front design and monofilament top give you the most natural-look with an invisible hairline. This style can be worn tied up or let loose showing off the natural waves.

Tova Synthetic Monofilament


The Tova incorporates a trendy, pixie crop with flipped ends and wispy layers. What’s more, this synthetic wig is easy to style so you have full creative control to change it up when you feel the need. This style is available in a variety of colours including: Dark Chocolate, Coffee Latte, Harvest Gold and Maple Brown.

Easibang Hair Piece


This clip-in fringe is the easiest way to transform your hairstyle, or find out if you actually look good with bangs before making the chop yourself. This human hair clip in attachment is lightweight and creates a natural looking fringe without the need to cut your own bangs. This hair piece can even be styled to create different looks.

Easixtend 16 inch Elite Clip On Hair Extensions

Arguably the best hair extensions on the market – Easixtend are designed to blend naturally with your own hair. These come in a variety of lengths and piece numbers, and are available in more than 24 colours. What’s more, you can even straighten, curl or colour them.

Weft Permanent Hair Extensions

At Chiquel, you can order either standard or custom weft permanent hair extensions. These use a state of the art beaded design which means no more glues, waxes or other chemicals. Choosing custom weft, allows you to create the hair extensions you want by tailoring the colour (block, two-tone or regrowth), length and hair type (Brazilian, European or Russian).

These are just a few hair solutions available from Chiquel. They have an extensive range of human hair, synthetic, costume and lace front wigs, synthetic, human hair, temporary and permanent hair extensions, hair pieces and even fake eyebrows and eyelashes to choose from. Chiquel are based in Melbourne, Australia but offer international shipping so you can order online and have it shipped to you, wherever you are in the world. Check out www.chiquel.com.au to view all the hair and beauty solutions they offer.

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Beijing Vintage Bike Run

I will be joining and photographing the first annual Beijing Vintage Bike Run on April 20. Organized by Serk and 700bike, inspiration comes from the now famous London Tweed Run, an event clearly more about clothes than bikes. This ride will take 100 hip biking enthusiasts from Sanlitun, through a not terribly picturesque collection of ring-roads and high-rises, to the 798 Art District. Tweed is welcome but the specific style recommendation for the event is 70s and 80s China retro chic, meaning Mao suits and such. It is perfect tweed weather in Beijing at the moment, but I fear it will suddenly be completely summery in three weeks time.

You can sign up here, but be fast since spots are limited.

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Stylites Restart

Stylites should be back and fully operational with comments working and a new design within a week. Thanks to all of our loyal viewers for their continued patience.

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Beautifully Handmade Evening & Cocktail Dresses from DressInElegance

The online store Dress in Elegance provides high quality cocktail and formal dresses. The store offers a wide selection of cocktail dresses in a variety of styles that are made with high quality fabrics. Traditional silhouettes and clean lines are combined with trendy pieces and handmade embellishments to create stylish and elegant cocktail wear. From fun and flirty to simple and sophisticated, the cocktail dresses collection has a frock for every occasion. Here are a few of the gorgeous dresses from the Dress in Elegance cocktail range.

Lilac Strapless and Sweetheart Tutu Knee Length Dress

Feminine and fun, this white cocktail dress is perfect for parties. With a classic sweetheart neckline, the white satin bodice is tailored to fit. The knee length skirt is inspired by a tutu and is made with soft lilac tulle.

 

Red Peony Strapless Knee Length Dress

Red is always a popular choice for bold and confident women. Lace decorates the bust of this satin dress. Silver beads and sequins embellish the lace. A waistband is created with embellished lace and a trio of peonies. Intricately detailed, each peony is hand crafted. Gathering in the waist adds soft ruffles to the skirt, making it comfortable and flattering. This little red cocktail dress is appropriate for a hot date.

Short Black and Blue Vintage Lace Dress

Modern with a touch of vintage, this 1920s inspired vintage cocktail dress is perfect for a night out on the town. It is a double layer dress made with satin, lace and gauze. The blue satin adds a fun touch to this sophisticated cocktail frock. The blue layer has a sweetheart neckline and the top layer has a double v-neckline. A wide lace band with intricate black beading cinches and emphasizes the waist of this knee length dress.

Burnt Orange Strapless Knee Length Bubble Dress

 

Golden rose satin is used to create this fun and flirty cocktail gown. It has a strapless neckline, which is a popular choice for cocktail attire. The trendy bubble skirt adds a volume to the skirt. The double bow adds a cute touch to this elegant cocktail dress.