The New China Etiquette - An e-publication by Chinese American Etiquette Association

The old saying: “When in Rome, do as the Romans” is not sufficient for bridging the communication gap and cultural differences between China and the US. The world operates in the climate of globalization with a constant need for cross-cultural communication. Chinese American Etiquette Association (CAEA) explores how interractions occur during a process of cultural adaptation between these two countries and cultures.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Bright or blue, I am a style-conscious woman

By Judi Yang

I change my shoes, coats, and handbags according to my mood. When I feel bright everything shines around me. So I change into bright and colorful. When I feel blue, then the dark colors will be my choice. Bright or blue, I am a style-conscious woman.

Most style-conscious women like diamonds and pearls. However, more and more of them start to fall in love with watches. They adore watches as timepieces and as a center of their style. Men can be style-conscious too. They change their shoes, ties and belts everyday depending on occasions.

More and more men visit jewelry stores for watches. They like watches as much as women like diamonds. Why? Watches can tell something about who they are or who it was that gave it to them or point is they are at in their lives. A new trend in fashion today is having a watch to match your dress for a particular occasion. Watches are no longer simply a time piece. They are becoming an important fashion accessory. Fashionable watches can be grouped into three categories: business, evening, and casual. You need a business watch to match a business suit. You need an evening watch to match a formal evening dress.

In the working place, a great watch can individualize one’s business attire. Patek Philippe, Rolex and Cartier are all great choices for a vintage style. Patek Philippe is famous for its construction and passion for details. It is regarded as the finest watch in the world. Rolex is a very classic, popular brand. Cartier is known for its elegance and unique design. The two-tone (steel and gold) Rolex Oyster Date just is a must, as it works virtually for any occasions. You could wear it to work, or a high- powered business lunch, to the bar or a dinner party. I have been wearing it for a long time. Every time I need a quick accessory, I will think about my Rolex right away.

Patek Philippe is famous for its accuracy and simple elegance. In its own words: you never own a Patek Philippe; you only take care of it for the next generation. Why? Because it’s not only a timepiece that can give you time with no error, it will last forever for its design and construction. The simple design of Patek Philippe makes it forever fashionable.

Cartier’s Roadster is another favorite watch of mine. It’s design emphases on speed and agility. If you put it on, you can see the two headlights and two taillights. You can also spot the big alloy wheel by the side. The dial reminds you of the dashboard of a sports car. It does not look like a watch any more. It is a sports car. Wearing it makes you think about speed right away. Can you imagine driving a Porsche with a Roadster on your wrist?

For lady’s elegant evening look with well tailored dress, Patek Philippe’s Twenty-four collection, Cartier’s Tankissime and Rolex’s President are precious choices. Each of these watches is decorated with shining diamonds and can be worn as a bracelet to match evening dresses, or as an anchor of fashion for others accessories to match.

To me, watches I wear reflect my taste of life. A Rolex, or a Patek Philippe shows that you are serious about your business. A watch with dazzling diamonds will match beautifully with your evening gown, but may be too shiny for your jeans and sneakers. For the jeans and sneakers, you may consider a funkier watch that has a larger face or a trendy colored dial. A Roadster should be your choice when you feel that there is no limitation in your life and freedom is your dream. No matter what watch you wear at whatever occasion, enjoy it and make sure it’s part of your fashion.