Makeover shows are a huge guilty pleasure for me.  On the one hand, I’m offended by the idea that anyone would feel the right to impose their aesthetic opinion over another, and imply, if not outright declare, that that person looks like crap and needs to change.  Why should we even care what anyone looks like in the first place?  Isn’t that just superficial? Shouldn’t we be striving to live in a society where we are judged by the content of our character, not the clothes on our skin?

On the other hand, whatever.  I love fashion and it’s always fun to watch someone undergo a transformation.  I even like ironing stuff because I like watching the fabric go from wrinkly to smooth!  Transformations kick ass.

And there’s no denying the positive difference that a makeover can make.  Bottom pic: A very pretty girl hidden under layers of knitted winter mush.  Top pic: A very pretty girl with a lovely figure in flattering clothing, a nice blend of textures with a silhouette where there once was none.  It’s age appropriate, fun and sophisticated.  And, to me at least, she looks more comfortable and confident in her new duds.

The truth is that we live in a world where appearances matter.  Maybe it would be nicer if they didn’t; I don’t know.  But if bettering our exteriors has a positive effect on what’s inside, then maybe it’s time to stop feeling guilty about wanting to give the gift of transformation.

Makeovers for everyone!!

By the way, the title of this photo when it was sent to me was “idliketorollyoudownthestreet” and I can only say that I am in complete agreement.  Strange things happen when cuteness is involved.

You too can look like a hot tudou:

• American Apparel and H&M have a huge variety of leggings [cairn says: i think h&m is good for basics and accessories. nothing else. i think people who buy strictly from zara and h&m (granted the choices are limited here in China) look like they only shop at those 2 stores and though it can be cute, always still  come out looking generic]
• The original Dr. “Doc” Martens
• Hit up your local Salvation Army for what promises to be a great selection of men’s shirts – belt it and it’s a dress; personally i like to partially tuck them into low rise shorts (high-waisted would work too)
• Blazer inspiration

To be honest, not a huge fan of the outfit. Wishing she had colored wellies on and a different colored bag. I don’t really get the all black outfit. I am sure this is her lazy sunday hangover outfit, to which many of us can relate. But she’s so cute cause she reminds me of my Caucasian friend Cori in high school, in face and hair. You wonder why I even have to mention Caucasian? Well, this post has now given me a reason to add this blog’s link below…

Real reason for this post.

If the judges went strictly by price-tags, Xintiandi, and the damage it does to pocketbooks, would rate high on the fashion scene.  Sadly, as countless studies have shown, money cannot buy you either happiness or a sense of style.  Be careful when walking around Xintiandi — overexposure to bad fashion can cause permanent damage.

So it’s nice to see an outfit which doesn’t burn the corneas.  She looks deece, but the jury is still out on our subject’s taste; does she truly know style?  Or is it a once a month, dress-roulette match? Frequenters of the Xintiandi shopping scene have deep pockets, full closets, and trunks packed with accessories — the ball is is bound to land on the green double-zero at least once a night.

Are her leggings Graffiti?  Or possibly Giraffe?  Dress-roulette says she’s wearing bleached-splashed, Graffiti leggings, but let’s give her the benefit of the doubt; just pretend she knows that dressing her lengthy limbs in Giraffe-patterned leggings and slipping on heels elongates her sillouette.  The understated bag — maroon, leather and suede — also adds a nice touch to the outfit.  Unfortunately for her look, the blacks fall flat.  The leather hat brings to mind Britney in the JT era, and the wool jacket and plast-ICKY sheen to her heels are unpleasant.

Overall, not a bad outfit, especially for Shanghai, but the question remains:  is she a dress-roulette winner?  Or the owner of some genuine style?  TIC.  This is China.  Hope for the latter, expect the former.  Take a closer look and see for yourself.

*wince*

That’s chubby toddler.

Playing on her red mini-bike, right outside my favorite MSG-free Taiwanese noodle house in Shanghai, poses one of the best dressed kiddies I’ve ever seen. With temperatures hitting 6° outside, this little girl puts me to shame for wearing 4 layers of thermals, 3 pairs of sweatpants, a hoodie and massive snow jacket. She obviously knows how to bundle up and look Vintage fashion forward.  The youngster hails from the era of 1934, London style, Mary Poppins’ Chimney Sweep. Tweed knickerbocker shorts, rolled at the hem, were seen at NY fashion week.  A 2-toned fleece vest, cable knit leggings, and comfortable leather booties finish an outfit I’m envious of.

• Noodle Bull, MSG-free
• Toddler Booties by Robeez
• Jean-Michel Cazabat shoes for Mom
• Cable-Knit leggings
• Tweed shorts by Rag & Bone