Pearl in Paradise is the West Lake of Hangzhou

Autumn is a depressing season, most poets will write the low mood poems in this season. People will easily recall sad memories in this season. However, it is an enjoyment to walk under the sun and feel cool breezes blowing your face. You will find the golden fairy tale in the sun and breezes. I most like walking along the West Lake in the autumn, firstly, there is no doubt I like the beautiful scenery of the lack, there is an old saying, up above is the paradise, down below is Suzhou and Hangzhou, the West Lake is a pearl in the paradise. Do you know the city tree of Hangzhou, it is sweet osmanthus. In the autumn, the sweet osmanthus will blossom, and at that time, Hangzhou city will like a true fairy tale world, you can smell the sweet aroma every where. I like such kind of aroma, that will always make me excited and comfortable.

Another reason that I want to walk along the West Lake is because you can see a lot of fashionable girls beside the lake. Our company (wholesale dress) is just located not far from the lake, one of my job is to learn the fashion trend from the magazine, website, and the people walking on the street. But I find that walking along the lakeside, watching the beautiful girls is much easier to find the inspiration of fashion. Recently I find that girls on the street, their outfit is different from traditional style. In my impression ladies should be sweet and mild, however, nowadays more women have their personalities and they are more handsome, they can be as strong as men, they can be as independent as men, and they are more and more confident. More and more woman will not deny the suit, they won't think that suit is man's privilege. Because the fashion designers have already passed the boundary, they reform the neutral suit coat, make the design slim. If ladies wear suit, they can match many other fashion clothing, different styles have different feelings.

The famous tourist interest-The Cape Town

Cape Town which is located beside the Atlantic Ocean and at the foot of the Table Mountain is the legislative capital of the South Africa. And this city is also famous for the Cape of Good Hope. This is the place where European settlers firstly landed, and it is also the oldest city in South Africa. 

The Table Mountain is around the Cape Town which can block the wind from the Atlantic Ocean. Thus the climate of Cape Town is the most pleasant in the world. Since Vasco da Gama landed in 1497, ships from Europe regarded here as a rest location for supplement. So the Cape Town is also named the "Sea Inn." Sailors and adventurers around the world get together to Cape Town they will bring different culture traditions to this city which formed a colorful city style.

 

As a world famous tourist city, hotels in the Cape Town are of various levels, most have complete facilities and provide good service. Table Bay Hotel can overlook Victoria Bay and is directly connected to the most famous shopping mall-Watergate Square. In the mall there are all kinds of luxury jewelries and luxury fashion clothing. No matter the geographical location and landscape, or the hotel facilities and services are second to none in Cape Town, of course, the price is the most expensive. 

In the Cape Town there are many large shopping malls, antique stores and art galleries. In the Long Street there are many stores in small alleys, these stores sell variety of fashion clothing. There are many costumes, folk arts, ornaments and other interesting things in the Greenmarket Square. There are also stalls selling flowers and dried flowers, or precious stones from all over the world. In the Water Front, there are a number of special shops which sell glass products, sand painting, textile and other handicrafts, shop keeper will perform the manufacturing process in front of you. You can go and see. In suburban district there are Tyger Valley, Cavendish and other large stores. If you want to buy souvenirs, you can go to Adderley Street and St. George’s Mall there sold tourist souvenirs. What’s more in South Africa Museum and National Gallery, there are sites selling postcards and pictures, as well as a variety of distinctive works of local art.

Because Cape Town is located in the southernmost of the African continent, so it has a Mediterranean climate, such as humid air and mild climate. The weathers from September to the next February are very nice, it is rightly during the spring and summer. And it is the most pleasant time for traveling. Summer sun is too strong, it is recommended to use sunscreen and hats. Cape Town and the Cape Province which are in the north and west are suitable for plant growth, there are also variety of flowers, many of which are unique in the local district. 

Taste Test (Wednesday): Maryland Crabs

Last weekend I went to visit my boyfriend in Baltimore, which will henceforth be known as the surface of the sun. It was literally over 100 degrees every day I was there. But Saturday night we managed to escape the heat with a trip to Captain James Crab House for a dozen steamed Maryland crabs, a bowl of coleslaw, a basket of hush puppies and two swiftly melting ice waters.

It was my first experience eating whole crabs, and let me tell you, it was not a pretty sight. At first the hammer was a bit unwieldy, but I eventually got the hang of it and only mashed my thumbs once or twice. A barbaric, labor-intensive project, cracking open the crabs was a struggle, but oh-so worth it when i finally got to the meat inside.

Readers, have you eaten crab before? What's your favorite summer dish?

Top Destination in the World, for honey moon -- Provence

The years of Peter Mel's Mountain have unfolded the mysterious charm of Southern France, this place is filled with flowers, sunshine, delicious food and fertile land which perfectly describe the four seasons’ beauty. The beauty of Provence has made it the secret garden in hearts of people around the world.

Aix en Provence was once the capital of Provence, only 35 km from the famous Riviera. From the 12th century it is the political, economical and cultural arts center in southern France, the fresh and romantic elegance and rich art atmosphere make it become the favorite tourist city for literati and tourists.

In the Provence - Alpes - Cote d'Azur region, all things are singing. Outstanding poets know how to compose for them, from Cezanne to Picasso and other famous artists, had been here and captured inspiration for creating Masterpieces.

Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur is in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and is in the south to the Alps. Here the scenery is very beautiful and is full of colors. People in this region are very hospitable. And here is full of sunshine, life here is peaceful and warm, has attracted numerous artists, such as Van Gogh and Picasso, as well as Pagnol, Renoir and Fitzger-ald and others.

The sun, ancient city, stone road, spring water, chinar, lavender, have given the colorful charming color and variety of rich culture to Aix. This small and elegant town has found much natural pure spring water in ancient Roman times, there once had "thousand springs town" reputation, and now there are many large fountain and SPA, swimming pools in the city road or around the square. Aix traditional markets are the major local features, where many of the specialties, all kinds of candied fruits, olive products, as well as wines are well known.



In fact, Aix is famous because it is the hometown of the impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. There are many of his valuable paintings in the art galleries and his houses in the urban areas. Cezanne's art adds the charming art to Aix, and also make it become art galleries and world famous university town in the minds of students around the world.

Walk in the most beautiful avenue in the world known as Cours Mirabeau, the sun shine to the old stone road, the wind spray lavender fragrance, all kinds of beautiful fountains make out ding-dong sound. Tall plane trees are standing beside both side of the Avenue, under the shade there are two or three painters or students are drawing for the visitors, sometimes can also enjoy the beautiful songs sang by the wandering singers. Find an open-air cafe to sit down and taste the aromatic French coffee. The romantic Aix is more leisurely than the paintings drawn by Cezanne.

Best Travel Time
Aix has a Mediterranean climate, summer is full of sunshine and warm air in winters mild and dry. The best season to travel in Aix is from May to October each year, during which the blue sky, shining silver green light of olive trees, purple lavender and ocher walls and cattle on the green slopes and the nice huts formed a beautiful pictures of the city. Especially in July and August is the season of lavender in full bloom, the air is filled with the fragrance of vanilla flavor.

Festival
As the world-famous art capital, there are many grand music, dance, poetry, drama and other festivals in Aix every year. Even in normal times, there are also wonderful dramas and exhibitions available to enjoy in the major theaters, concert halls, exhibition halls in Aix, it is art lover's paradise.

International festival of Lyricart
Held in July each year beginning in 1948, International festival of Lyricart is the biggest festival of the local ones.

Aix en Provence Comics Festival
Each year in late March to early April hold a lot of great comedians and shows together in this place.

Over the River and Through the Woods: A trip to Grandma's

After my adventure in New Orleans last week, my spring break culminated in a trip to my grandmother's. I thought it would be a few days of lounging around the house, and getting a little rest and relaxation before heading back to my busy college schedule. Boy was I wrong! My grandmother planned four full days of activity!

One of my favorite things we did was visit Charity Guild, the non-profit consignment store where my grandmother volunteers. If any readers are in the Houston area, I definitely recommend checking out this gem of a thrift store located at 1203 Lovett Boulevard.


I scored these two blouses, one Tory Burch and one by the brand Vince for less than $50. New, they would have each cost over $100.

Readers, do you shop at consignment stores? What are your favorite thrifting finds?

Check it off the Bucket List: Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Last week I spent my spring break checking something off my bucket list: I spent Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fortunately, I have some good friends who are from the Big Easy (shout out to Kristen and Jessica!) who they showed me what Fat Tuesday is all about. I went to parades, ate my fair share of king cake, tried crawfish for the first time and even attended a Mardi Gras ball. Overall it was the perfect way to spend spring break.

Readers-- do y'all have any vacation plans coming up? What would you like to check off your bucket list?

I loved this girl's Alice in Wonderland-inspired outfit!

One of the day parades

I'm a big fan of Maurice Sendak, so I loved this Where the Wild Things Are-themed float!

The King and Queen of the Rex Ball (check back later this week for a royalty-inspired styling post!)

My lovely host Kristen and I at the ball

A handful of reminders!

Hello readers! I know it's been a while, but I haven't abandoned this blog! After a week of midterms, a trip to New Orleans during Mardi Gras and a quick visit to Houston with my grandma, I'm back! This week I'll be sharing photos from my adventures along with some spring break-inspired posts!

As for today, I wanted to remind you first and foremost about daylight savings time! If you haven't already sprung forward, be sure to change your clock ASAP. And wouldn't it be nice to change a watch as cute as one of these! (Left, Center, Right)

Second, Target's Go International re-release collection hits stores and the internet today. Hopefully the store back in Winston-Salem has the full collection--I might have to go straight there from the airport! If you have your eye on a particular dress be sure to shop early--I have a feeling this collection is going to sell out quickly! I like the look of this Proenza Schouler number and this simple dress by Tucker. Readers--What are your favorite looks from the line?

Also--if you like reading my blog, I'd love if you'd "follow" it--just click the button on the right hand side of the page! And if you have twitter, click here to follow me!

It's almost spring break...

 (Photo Credit: Etsy-Don Shan)

and I'm going to Mardi Gras! Right now I'm in the middle of midterms, but come Saturday, I'm headed to the Big Easy. I've never been to New Orleans before, much less Mardi Gras so I'd appreciate any and all advice (especially about what to wear)! Leave me a note in the comment section!

College readers--Where are you headed for Spring Break?

North Carolina Bound

Sorry for the lack of posts lately! I've been running around Nashville in a frenzy trying to get ready for college. I promise I'll update later this weekend, but until I settle in to my new room, I want to direct you What Claudia Wore. This Babysitters Club-inspired blog is simultaneously nostalgic and hilarious.

Readers, were y'all BSC fans growing up? Who was your favorite? I was always a Mary Anne girl myself!

P.S. As I drive through the mountains, be sure to check out Gilt Groupe's Target Collaboration preview sale! They'll have pieces from the new Tucker, Mulberry and John Derian diffusion lines for Target. I'm so disappointed I'm missing it.

P.P.S. If you're a Nashville reader, head over to Spaces in Belle Meade for HerNashville's Fashion for a Fraction this Saturday, August 21st.

Welcome Home Jack!

This weekend, I'm so excited because my younger brother Jack just returned from a six-week exchange program in Sydney, Australia. It was nice being the only child at home for a while, but I'm so glad he's back. Check out his cute exchange school's uniform above (Jack is on the right) and more pictures from his trip after the jump!

 

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