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She claims no profession and lives to enjoys life, presumably basking in her own rugged coquettery by night and rummaging through Xidan markets by day.
This picture was also featured in the November issue of That’s Beijing. Stylites in Beijing is a regular part of the fashion section of Beijing’s premier English Language magazine. Look out for pictures from Lane Crawford in the December issue.
Just to stir up some controversy, I am going to begin offering a daily men’s style tip. The rules of men’s fashion are debated endlessly, so I expect there will be much disagreement with the advice I give. I invite readers to post all of that in the comments. The daily men’s style tips on stylites.net are just my opinion. Obviously, there are numerous exceptions and examples of people who look very stylish when they don’t take these tips. I don’t even follow all the advice I will be giving, but I wish I did. For most men, these are good ideas. Women’s style is extremely complicated, but I hope to invite some outside experts to post their opinions here. Eventually, we will offer a women’s style tip as well.
Men’s style tip #1: For odd wool slacks (those not part of a suit), go with browns and grays.
These colors are the easiest to match with odd sport coats and blazers, shoes, and dress shirts. If possible, to add interest to your outfit, find subtle textures in these colors like houndstooth, herringbone, checks, and birdseye weaves. Unless the stripes are highly unique, meaning they couldn’t possibly be part of a suit, avoid stripes. Don’t choose navy or black trousers. Navy looks like orphaned suit trousers and black is not as versatile or pleasant on the eye unless it is contrasted with white or paired with black – in these cases for fashion forward looks.
Wendy, the youngest and hippest bartender in Q Bar, makes it happen with her cute rebelliousness. The black tie affirms her professional credentials while anchoring the abrasiveness in her gaze. Her attitude is what makes it.
Q Bar makes the best cocktails of any bar in Beijing and it also has the widest selection. Highlights include the frozen daiquiris, all types of martini, and the Q Bar signature drinks. They will know what you mean if you say” “rusty nail”. The prices are almost on an international level, reflecting the better service and presumably real booze. The crowd is almost exclusively foreign and the bar doesn’t have anything particularly “Beijing” about it, aside from Wendy, and the view of high-rises outside. It is good place to hang out if you live in Beijing, since the only other places with real cocktails tend to be hotel bars. If you are visiting, I would recommend checking out more atmospheric places like Lan, Suzie Wang, Bed Bar, Rockstar, and Salud.
Dayang wears a cardigan from his elementary school days and his dad’s necktie. He does design and rock and roll and appears to dedicate himself to authenticity, preferring to avoid retail outlets if possible. It’s rare to see such a thrift-store like look in Beijing, where buildings, clothes, and everything else tend to be spanking new. However, Dayang’s look seems very appropriate for Nanluoguxiang, Beijing’s foremost Hutong turned cute commercial district.
The present, or perhaps already passed, obsession with “authenticity” displayed by many in the current generation has not yet become mainstream in China, but one can see the start. While young people from humbler backgrounds may question why I would choose a courtyard home with all of its quirks over a swank modern apartment built just last year, more educated types, normally with some exposure to the West, have started to get it. The backlash against manufactured, homogeneous and often contrived culture might begin. A style of consumerism that displays individual choice and an appreciation of genuine products and natural materials is growing. Still, pleather boots and neon shorts still outnumber the cashmere cardigans and second-hand brogues picked up while rummaging through a street market in London.
There are a number of technical, editing, and design problems that need to be resolved on the site. Please forgive the delay in getting the website completely ready. It will be updated regularly despite these various glitchs and problems, so please keep checking back. Everything should be sorted out within the next two weeks. Thank you for your patience.
This gathering on Sunday, November 4, at Xinghua Hutong will celebrate my mother’s visit, the reemergence of stylites.net and the beauty of Beijing’s autumn. Please come between 1:30 pm and sundown. There will be chuan’r, mulled wine, and other booze and food. Also, a small yard sale, the proceeds of which will go to a TBD local environmental NGO. Bring fashionable rags to sell if you are interested and also any contributions to the liquor cabinet. Please RSVP to nels@stylites.net for instructions and a map.