Blog spring fashion update

So it looks as though spring fashion in Lhasa has arrived. Some new arrivals come as no surprise but others seem to have a personality of their own. In Lhasa men and women equally have their own style so let's take a look at what people are wearing.

Men. Men are no set of slackers this spring. They can be seen in their usual trucker hats with fun slogans. My favorite being a hat with "Yo!" written within a word bubble (very reminiscing of "Yo! MTV Raps"). But the boys did surprise me with their return to Adidas track suits and Nike windbreaker jackets, along with plenty of sleeveless huddy sweatshirts. And don't count out the old stand-bys, aviator sunglass and dark blazers which are holding on strong. You have to love the solid showing of English language shirts, coming in both correct and incorrect English. The ladies English shirts also have a strong showing this spring but this we'll talk about later. My favorite in the men's English shirts would have to be a shirt that says something like "Just thinking about summer vacation" with an image of a fedora hat (but in incorrect English). I don't really know what the fedora has to do with summer vaca but I like it. The runner up in the overall men's English shirt category and first place in the correct English men's shirts category is a Dolce and Gabbana knock off that has an image of an arm with all the different names for hand, wrist, and arm written within it (e.g. palm, forearm, etc.). And believe it or not here in Lhasa (the land of snows, where is actually more snow here on the mountain in spring and summer then in winter) sport back tank tops are making their way into men's regular wardrobe.

Now the Ladies: Ladies as usual are spearheading the fashion effort with the men not too far behind (because let's face it here boys here are into looking good and hip). For the ladies we have a big push in elevated shoes and heels. I mean if you are cool you either sport the elevated open toe shoes in various designs and patterns (including animal, e.g. cheetah, leopard, etc.) or cool sneaks (all-star converse like shoes being the most popular). Jeans are still big (of course acid washed, tight and euro style) but khaki with oversize pockets and print or lightly colored tight pants are no strangers here. I think I see a bit of a tourist hiking chic thing happening. Especially with some pants that flaunt the buckles and pockets. Women are big on the big sunglasses and trucker hats too. The trucker hat for school age girls is an unofficial accent to their official school track suit uniforms (not Nike or Adidas of course). But even though the big flower hats (like the GB royal family wear) are making their way into the cool girl scene and not just for older ladies anymore. I think the highlight of ladies fashion this spring really rests on the shoes and the English print T's. I really love love (yes two loves) the "CoCo" shirts that feature a picture of a Asian pop queen (I assume named CoCo) captured mid shopping or on the street post shopping adorned with two or three large clothing store bags. I think I will actually be buying one to bring back to my hipster friend in NYC (yes, Kris you know who you are and yes, they are that cool).

Well spring fashion would not be complete without the food fashion update. This of course is what is cool to be seen eating and here just as in the clothing are some newbies and oldies. Hot dogs are out and since it is seriously warm in the day time ice cream is big. You have your frozen yogurt pops made and sold by grandmothers and grandfathers at bus stops and on sidewalks which are a nutritious and delicious. And then you have the store bought questionably non-toxic ice cream bars made by large companies from the mainland (yes milk can be scary). Depending if you are new school or old schooler you chose accordingly. The frozen yogurters go for taste over popularity and the store bought ice creamers are a combo of necessity and assimilation. A little tip, if you have to go store bought (because yes there are times everyone has to, it's hot man!)I would go for the coconut milk and chocolate covered bar, a-la- Häagen-Dazs style (I asked my German speaking friends how to spell Häagen-Dazs and even they didn't know who to spell it. Apparently its not so big in Europe. Who knew?)

That's all for this addition of Lhasa fashion update until next time, keep your shirts clean and your fashion cleaner. This is your Lhasa fashion correspondent, Johnny D-licious signing off saying wear it with a smile. Peace.