Chinese New Year’s is probably my favorite holiday of the year. Growing up, it meant a big feast with my extended family and receiving lei-see (lucky red envelopes filled with money) from my aunt and uncle.  Food and money – this holiday doesn’t get much better!

As I’ve learned more about Chinese culture (my family is pretty non-traditional), I’ve learned about the traditions other people practice for the most important holiday in the Chinese calender.  A lot of what Chinese New Year’s is about is setting precedence for the new year.  If you start the year with money, surrounded by friends and in a clean setting, you will be lucky, happy and have prosperity throughout the next year.

If you’re interested in other cultures or just looking for a reason to party, Here are some ways to celebrate the Year of the Tiger: Read More »

I’m a girl who knows what I deserve. I don’t settle. I’m a big believer in not purchasing knockoffs.

Reason one: I can hold out for the real deal.
Reason two: I don’t want to give the fake too much credit.

It’s the same thing with a guy.  Forgive me for the metaphor (fake bag = douche bag), but there are some dead giveaways that the guy who is about to approach you is a Frada. If that’s the case, you acknowledge (or not), smile, and politely get your ass out of Chinatown. Without divulging your digits.

Here are a few tells to prevent you from falling for that faux Ferragamo.   Read More »

Most college students like to think that all the drugs and alcohol in the world are at their fingertips once they hit campus. But for us under-agers there are some off-limits places, such as certain bars and clubs. If you’re wondering about the secret world of the 21 and overs, you might start thinking about getting a fake ID. From personal experience, and the experiences of my friends who have fakes, there are a few things you need to ask yourself before coughing up enough cash for an ID.

What am I going to be using it for? If you’re buying a fake primarily just to buy your friends booze every once in awhile, it’s probably not worth it to go through the whole process of getting one. It would be easier to just find an older friend to buy for you. If you want one to get into concerts, bars, clubs, comedy clubs, etc., with friends who also have fakes or who are older, then it’s more beneficial for you to have one. This way you’re at least getting your money’s worth, and you know for sure you have others who can join you in your illegal adventures.

Who am I buying one off of? Some of my friends have gotten fakes from a random sketchy place down in Chinatown. Even though they only paid 60 bucks for it, the ID says that it’s not government issued and a lot of places haven’t accepted them. Needless to say, they got sh*tty fakes. Read More »

It’s hard to take a stand on designer copyright.

On one hand, I understand why designers are so angry when their goods are blatantly copied by mass retailers (I’m looking at you Forever 21…), and on the other, I’m incredibly poor and terribly fashionable.

I am torn between what I know is right (not buying copied clothes) and wanting a great piece for a fraction of the price.

I don’t think it is right, but I don’t necessarily do anything to stop the flow of copied goods either. It’s not like I’m buying knock-offs on the street in Chinatown. That, I can’t do, because I can see the faces of small children locked in factories making fake purses for ten cents a day. My soft heart just can’t take it.

For a while this was okay. I couldn’t ever really decide how I felt on the issue. I understand copying an idea: a trend, a hem a silhouette. I understand that designers feel slighted and angry.

Overall, they feel that while unfair, it really just makes the trends end faster. All of a sudden, those with money aren’t the only trendsetters, as trendy items are available at every price range. I get it.

But then, it hit home. Read More »