Many friends have asked if we have Halloween here. We do . . . sort of. For one, I've been to one market that had a stall with lots of Halloween decorations and costumes. Granted, not many stalls like that but it's not completely out of the question. Secondly, there are many expat compounds (like small subdivisions) that have Halloween celebrations as there are many Americans living there and do continue the holiday. Many expat restaurants and malls near expat areas, also are having events. So we will probably go to one of those although we have no costumes. The kids want to be angry birds but I cannot find any place yet that sells felt-type fabric so that I can (anally) make the costumes.
In fact I went with a friend to a fabric market yesterday. Amazing! Just stalls of little mom & pop stores that make men's/women's business dress shirts, suits, dresses, winter coats, ties, pants you name it. Just bolts of fabric neatly organized and you can pick a fabric (say pinstripe for men), choose your collar style, cuff style, and they make the shirt for you. Coats - some beautiful cashmere coats - you pick the color and type of cashmere, etc. The coats are usually fully lined too and obviously tailor fitted! My friend wanted a blazer made - cute blazer that stopped above the hip and tailor made for her for about $50. One stall was all kinds of buttons and notions. Another had all kinds and colors of sequined fabric. Several women came to the stall we were at and one ordered a long winter cashmere coat. The seamstress said it would be ready in 2 days - I think the woman needed it fast because she was just visiting Shanghai but just amazing to get a custom fitted coat in 2 days! My closet of clothes might have a new life ahead . . .
1 comment:
You lucky duck! I think tailored clothes alone would induce me to come to China! :)
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