Want to buy an automobile from an Allentown auto auction but have no idea where to start? You are not alone. There are many folks who are looking for cheap car auctions in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Read on for some useful tips.
Where to Find an Allentown Auto Auction?
Such auctions are conducted either by the government agencies or banks. Agencies like DOD, DEA, DOE, FBI and IRS seize many vehicles daily in raids from crime and drug syndicates, tax defaulters and other offenders. Similarly, banks are busy confiscating or repossessing vehicles from loan defaulters.
Generally, these are excellent hunting grounds for bargain deals. Do not be surprised that you can even find automobiles at prices slashed up to 80 to 90% off the original prices. In other words, you can be driving home a SUV for less than $2000.
Start searching the printed and online newspapers in Allentown like The Morning Call. Expand your search to other cities nearby in Pennsylvania and you stand a higher chance of finding more auctions to go to.
You can also go to the source by calling up the government agencies and police departments in Pennsylvania. Ask them if there is an Allentown auto auction scheduled and if they can reveal more, request for the car listings.
Another more instant and accurate way to find out whether there is an Allentown auto auction is to search the car auction directories online. These are regularly updated professional directories that list all the auctions in US. From there, you will be able to find auction schedules and car model listings.
With such information, it is easy to be the first one to know where and when the auto auctions are happening in Allentown. Not only so, you get to know which other Pennsylvania cities are holding auctions at the same time, and not focus only on an Allentown auto auction.
Make new discoveries and learn more handy tips about seized car auctions such as where to find such auctions near your home and how to get great bargains for your car deals.
Nowadays, people go to auctions when they are looking for cheap cars. In Southern California auto auctions, you can get the best cars south of the Tehachapi Mountains that you have ever dreamed of owning and save more than what you would pay for a car in auto dealerships.
There are a lot of auto auctions in Southern California. This is to address the call of the many automobile enthusiasts to find an affordable yet functioning automobiles. This is because of the increasing economic crisis that people are experiencing. Auction houses usually offer various antiques but auto auctions do not generally follow suit. Car auctions do not just offer antique or unique cars. You can find modern cars, classic cars, and even used cars.
When you type "auto auctions" in the search bar, you would probably get endless lists related to auto auctions. May it be from tips on buying cars on auction or list of auctions going on in cities like Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Los Angeles.
How They End Up in Auctions
However, try to click on car auctions in Southern California. This auction offers you the top model cars at a very affordable and reasonable price. Most of these cars are those taken or seized by government agencies from its previous owners for an unpaid debt obligation. Government also seized cars from taxpayers who fail to pay their tax liabilities. Some of these cars are reposed by the bank or financial institution for non-payment of the cash obligation. While some are for payment of an unpaid debt, other cars were however seized because they were used as a get-away vehicle in a commission of a crime.
As Good as Brand New
In the passage of years, these cars have been accumulated and are awfully and overwhelmingly occupying thousands of hectares of parking lot. Thus, Southern California has decided to sell these cars on auction at a very affordable price. Doubts however have crossed some minds of would-be buyers. Whether the same is operational or is a total junk. These doubts were proved to be futile by the Southern California auto auction. Most cars being auctioned only ages about 2 or 3 years with a very low mileage. Others were slightly used for a very short span of time hence making them good as brand new.
Most of the buyers who purchased in Southern California auto auction are very satisfied with their cars. They testified that they didn't have any headache in terms of quality feature and maintenance.
Furthermore, you will be happy to know that you can actually own your fantasy luxury cars such as Lamborghini, Chevrolet, or Ford truck and save about 10 percent to 50 percent off from its actual retail price.
Make new discoveries and learn more handy tips about seized car auctions such as where to find such auctions near your home and how to get great bargains for your car deals.
If you sell at flea markets, own a jewelry store, or wish to start your own home-based jewelry business you may want to consider wholesale jewelry in bulk. Handmade costume jewelry is a popular product because most of women want to be beautiful and find a good jewelry deal at the same time. Fortunately, it’s possible to buy costume jewelry in bulk. You only need to seek out jewelry wholesalers who sell costume jewelry at reasonable prices. If you do a little bit of hunting, you will find reputable wholesale jewelry companies that sell a variety of fashion jewelry styles to fit every taste and budget.

You must know that most of the fashion jewelry is imported, so find a wholesale jewelry supplier who sell jewelry across the globe. If the wholesale jewelry seller has more sources of jewelry supply, you will be able to buy a variety of pieces at much lower prices. Another benefit of this approach is that you will obtain wholesale jewelry that will be different from what other wholesalers with one supply chain are offering.
Research several online jewelry wholesalers with key words like “discount jewelry” or “wholesale jewelry”and determine if they have a minimum purchase amount. Some wholesale jewelry companies require customers to purchase at least $100 of merchandise. Others let you buy as little or as much as you need.

You may go to online auctions that sell wholesale jewelry. Many online wholesale jewelry supplier will offer vast pieces of costume jewelry for around $1 to $10. in a variety of pieces like earrings, necklace and bracelets. There are many other accessories like colored glaze jewelry, white lip shell jewelry and hair accessories that are must-have things for fashion conscious sellers. Ask the jewelry supplier if he offers all these things as well , a good jewelry supplier also has a great collection of sterling silver, semi-precious stone, cubic zirconium and other types of fashion jewelry. Don’t forget that traditional jewelry sells throughout the year. Shipping charges are minimal. Some vendors selling their wholesale jewelry products through auctions waive shipping fees. One of the tested ways to judge a wholesale jewelry manufacturer and supplier is by his commitment to client satisfaction. If the company is able to provide you with the testimonials of their customers, you can rely on them

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Many of us can not understand the love of brand Gucci handbags. However, not many of us are willing to spend to buy the well-known and loved a real designer purse in cash. Cheap Gucci handbags are there, honest. I'll share some quick ideas to help you, one of their own land.
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1965's Fashion Creation Is Still A Wardrobe Mainstay
Okay – we as transgendered women are known for our Great Legs! Whether you’re a crossdresser, transsexual or drag queen, you don’t inherently have a cellulite problem that most genetic women have. So whether you go au natural, or slip on a pair of pantyhose, nylons, or tights, our legs can make a Miniskirt shine!
Nowadays the miniskirt can be constructed in a multitude of fabrics and a wide variety of styles. Cotton, Spandex, Leather, Lace, Suede, Vinyl, Latex… you name it! Shimmery soft to rigid in form; from almost knee length to micro in size.
But where, to wear, a miniskirt? I asked TG LIFE’s self proclaimed Fashionista, Vivian Blaine, to add her thoughts on the subject.
“The Miniskirt is truly a fashion staple, but also a possible faux pas for many a TG maiden. Yes, this simple short garment will make your legs look fabulous, but only if you accessorize correctly! No skimpy tube tops to go with it unless you have a washboard stomach! And I mean “Do Your Sit-ups Girls!” Even Britney is having problems with that these days! And carefully observe how you sit (legs crossed, of course) on a chair or stool, let alone departing from an automobile. Lest we mention Britney again! Also dress appropriately for the location, and the situation. Malls… no. Clubs… yes! Formal gatherings… forget it!”
Thanks Vivian, I think we all get the picture now.
So how did miniskirts come about? Way back in the 1960’s (almost when dinosaurs ruled the earth), the modestly short, common fabric dress called the miniskirt was scandalous! It had never been seen before.
Before the British Music invasion of the 1960’s, Mary Quant, ran a popular clothes shop in Kings Road, Chelsea, London, called Bazaar, from which she sold her own designs. In the late 1950s she began experimenting with shorter skirts. As England’s Carnaby Street clothing became all the rage, her designs resulted in the miniskirt in 1965—one of the defining fashions of the decade.
With Mary Quant located in the heart of fashionable "Swinging London", the miniskirt was able to spread beyond a simple street fashion into a major international trend at an incredible speed. It was first sensationalized when model Jean Shrimpton wore a short white shift dress, made by Colin Rolfe, on October 30th, 1965 at Derby Day, the first day of the annual Melbourne Cup Carnival in Australia. Heads turned and cameras focused!
The miniskirt was further popularized by André Courrèges, who developed it separately, incorporating it into his Mod look, for spring/summer 1965. His miniskirts were less body hugging, and worn with white boots that became a trademark. By introducing the miniskirt into the haute couture of the fashion industry, Courrèges gave it a greater degree of respectability.
Tights and pantyhose became highly fashionable, in place of stockings, specifically because the rise in hemlines meant that stocking tops would be visible.
During the mid-1970s, the fashion industry largely returned to longer skirts such as the midi and the maxi, and the miniskirt seemed to almost disappear. According to journalist Christopher Booker, “there was almost nowhere else to go... the miniskirts could go no higher".
Even though miniskirts remained a minimal staple, especially with the New Wave crowd of the 1970’s, they began to re-emerge in the 1980’s. Many women began to incorporate the miniskirt into their business attire, a trend that grew during the remainder of the century. Films and television series made in the mid-1990s (Friends, Sex and the City, Ally McBeal, for example) show how important the mini had become again.
Today, the miniskirt holds a place in many wardrobes – especially for TG’s like us! So if your legs are shapely enough to show off, pull on a miniskirt! Styles and lengths come and go, but the miniskirt will never go out of style!
Paper cutting is a traditional art that has evolved throughout the course of Chinese cultural development. Its origin is closely connected with the invention of paper during the Eastern Han dynasty (25 A.D.-221 A.D.). In the days after its inception, paper was extremely precious, as a result, paper cutting was only popular among court ladies in the royal palaces and houses of nobility. During the 7th through 13th centuries, paper cutting was immensely popular among the commoners. By the 15th century, paper cut art works had become an integral part of the everyday life of the people. Paper cutting also became one of the crafts that every girl was to master and that were often used to judge brides. The influence of paper cutting on Europe and Asia can be traced back to the 7th century as well. The art spread to Japan and then to the Middle East and Europe via the Silk Road, thus leading to the creation of many different styles.
The art of paper cutting has remained unfading in China through the ages principally because its devotees used the skills of knife and scissors to dynamically depict splendid Chinese culture and folk festivals in all its many facets. For example in ancient times, social calls by ordinary folk involved giving paper cuts as gifts and using fancy paper cut likenesses for beautiful adornment to signify auspiciousness. Subsequently, mutual emulation and minute study led to a superb level of paper cutting technique.
By later generations, paper cutting ranged from clipping complicated patterns using a tiny pair of scissors to often making cutouts into window decorations, clothes-making stencils, or embroidery patterns for shoes. As the art passed down through the generations, the mainstream techniques developed many diverse forms, but the themes of the subject matter primarily remained folk motifs, with two-dimensional illustrations as the primary form. The technique they display consists of a combination of trimming with scissors and carving with a knife. The rendering of their visual appearance involves such methods as applying multiple layers of color, folding symmetrically, individually pasting, and uniquely engraving. These different cutting methods could be said to be quite beautiful, but manifestation of the unique, lively beauty of paper cutting still depends on the artistic mastery of every artisan. 
The word "pyjama" was incorporated into English from the Hindustani language. The word originally derives from the Persian word پايجامه Payjama meaning "leg garment." The worldwide use of pyjamas, both the word and the garment, is the result of British presence in South Asia in the 18th and 19th centuries. According to Yule and Burnell's Hobson-Jobson (1903)the word originally referred to loose trousers tied around the waist. Such a garment is used by various persons in India e.g. by women of various classes, by Sikh men, and most by Muslim of both sexes. It was adopted from the Muslim by Europeans as an article of dishabille and of night attire ... It is probable that we English took the habit like a good many others from the Portuguese. Thus Pyrard (c. 1610) says, in speaking of Goa Hospital: "Ils ont force calsons sans quoy ne couchent iamais les Portugais des Indes" ... The word is now used in London shops. A friend furnishes the following reminiscence: "The late Mr. B—, tailor in Jermyn Street, some 40 years ago, in reply to a question why pyjammas had feet sewn on to them (as was sometimes the case with those furnished by London outfitters) answered: 'I believe, Sir, it is because of the White Ants."
Examples. 1828: "His chief joy smoking a cigar in loose Paee-jams and native slippers." Orient. Sport. Mag. reprint 1873, i. 64. 1881: "The rest of our attire consisted of that particularly light and airy white flannel garment, known throughout India as a pyjama suit." Haekel, Ceylon, p. 329.
According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, "They were introduced in England as lounging attire in the 17th century but soon went out of fashion. About 1870 they reappeared in the Western world as sleeping attire for men, after returning British colonials brought (them) back ...." Over the past few decades pyjamas have become less popular and many younger men now sleep in their underwear or naked.
When the Republic was founded in 1912, and the style of dress worn in China was based on Manchu dress (qipao and changshan), which had been imposed by the Qing Dynasty as a form of social control. The majority-Han Chinese revolutionaries who overthrew the Qing were fueled by failure of the Qing to defend China against western imperialists and the low standing of the Qing in terms of technology and science compared to the West. Even before the founding of the Republic, older forms of Chinese dress were becoming unpopular among the elite and led to the development of Chinese dress which combined the cheongsam and the Western hat to form a new dress. The Zhongshan suit is similar development which combined Western and Eastern fashions. It should be noted that until 1949 on the mainland and the 1980s in Taiwan, the civilian, non- political attire for males in China was not this tunic suit but a gown and over-jacket.
The Zhongshan suit was an attempt to cater to "modern" sensibilities without completely adopting Western styles wholesale. Dr. Sun Yat-sen was personally involved, providing inputs based on his life experience in Japan: the Japanese cadet uniform became the basis of Zhongshan suit. There were other modifications as well: instead of the three hidden pockets in Western suits, the Zhongshan suit had four outside pockets to adhere to Chinese concepts of balance and symmetry. Over time, minor stylistic changes developed. The suit originally had seven buttons, later reduced to five.
After repeated attempts to win support and recognition from Western countries failed, the Nationalist Party government in Canton led by Dr. Sun gained help (advisers and critically vital small arms) from Soviet Russia, which viewed it as a likely revolutionary ally against Western interests in the Far East; Chinese nationalism at the time (of treaty ports and extra-territoriality discriminations) was naturally heavily infected with resentment against the West. As a result of this geopolitical alignment, Dr. Sun agreed to permit the nascent Chinese Communist Party to join the Nationalist Party -- as individual members -- not as a party-party union, combination or alliance. As a result, early Communist Party members adopted the attire as a mark of joining the Nationalist Party. Ironically, from that practice during an attenuated political marriage of convenience which would soon be divorced in blood (in 1927), Asian Marxist movements and governments henceforth would all consider this attire as a standard of political coloration, and it would continue to be appropriate dress for both sides of the bitter Chinese civil wars lasting decades.
After Sun Yat-sen's death in 1925, popular mythology assigned a revolutionary and patriotic significance to the Zhongshan suit. The four pockets were said to represent the Four Virtues cited in the classic Guanzi. The five center-front buttons were said to represent the five Yuans (branches of government) cited in the constitution of the Republic of China and the three cuff-buttons to symbolize Sun Yat-sen's Three Principles of the People.
Chinese martial arts, known in Mandarin as wushu (traditional Chinese: 武術; simplified Chinese: 武术; pinyin: wǔshù) and popularly as kungfu (Chinese: 功夫 pinyin: gōngfū), consist of a number of fighting styles that were developed over the centuries. Those fighting styles can be classified according to common themes that are identified as "families" (家, jiā), "sects" (派, pai) or "schools" (門, men) of martial arts. Example of themes are physical exercises that mimic movements from animals or a history and training method that gather inspiration from various Chinese philosophies, myths and legends. Some styles focus on the the harnessing of qi and are labeled internal (内家拳), while others concentrate on improving muscle and cardiovascular fitness and are labeled external (外家拳). Geographical association, as in northern (北拳) and southern (南拳), is another popular method of categorization. Each fighting style offers a different approach to the common problems of self-defense, health, and self-cultivation from a Chinese perspective.
Terminology
Kung fu and wushu are popular terms that have become synonymous with Chinese martial arts. However, the Chinese terms kung fu (Chinese: 功夫 pinyin: gōngfū) and wushu (simplified Chinese: 武术; traditional Chinese: 武術; pinyin: wǔshù listen (help•info); Cantonese: móuh-seuht) have very different meanings. The Chinese literal equivalent of "Chinese martial art" would be 中國武術 zhōngguó wǔshù.
In Chinese, kung fu can be used in contexts completely unrelated to martial arts, and refers colloquially to any individual accomplishment or skill cultivated through long and hard work [1]. In contrast, wushu is a more precise term for general martial activities.
Wǔshù literally means "martial art". It is written with two Chinese characters, 武術: 武 (wǔ), meaning, "martial" or "military", and 術 (shù), which translates into "discipline", "skill" or "method".
The term wushu has also become the name for a modern sport similar to gymnastics, involving the performance of adapted Chinese bare-handed and weapons forms (tàolù 套路) judged to a set of contemporary aesthetic criteria for points.
History
Ancient depiction of fighting monks practicing the art of self-defense.
Descriptions of Chinese martial arts can be traced to the Xia Dynasty (夏朝) which existed more than 4000 years ago. Their origin is attributed to self-defense needs, hunting activities and military training in ancient China. Hand-to-hand combat and weapons practice were important components in the training of Chinese soldiers. From this beginning, Chinese martial arts proceeded to incorporate different philosophies and ideas into its practice—expanding its purpose from self-defense to health maintenance and finally as method of self-cultivation. Conversely, the influence of martial ideals in civilian society can be found in poetry, fiction, and eventually film.
According to tradition, the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi, traditional date of ascension to the throne 2698 BCE) introduced the earliest fighting systems to China. The Yellow Emperor is described as a famous general who, before becoming China’s leader, wrote lengthy treatises on medicine, astrology and the martial arts. He allegedly developed the practice of jiao di or horn-butting and utilized it in war
Shǒubó (手搏), practiced during the Shang dynasty (1766–1066 BCE), and Xiang Bo (similar to Sanda) from the 600s BCE, are just two examples of ancient Chinese martial arts. In 509 BCE, Confucius suggested to Duke Ding of Lu that people practice the literary arts as well as the martial arts; thus, wushu began to be practised by ordinary citizens external to the military and religious sects. A combat wrestling system called juélì or jiǎolì (角力) is mentioned in the Classic of Rites (1st c. BCE). This combat system included techniques such as strikes, throws, joint manipulation, and pressure point attacks. Jiao Di became a sport during the Qin Dynasty (221–207 BCE). The Han History Bibliographies record that, by the Former Han (206 BCE – 8 CE), there was a distinction between no-holds-barred weaponless fighting, which it calls shǒubó (手搏), for which "how-to" manuals had already been written, and sportive wrestling, then known as juélì or jiǎolì (角力). Wrestling is also documented in the Shǐ Jì, Records of the Grand Historian, written by Sima Qian (ca. 100 BCE).
A hand to hand combat theory, including the integration of notions of "hard" and "soft" techniques, is expounded in the story of the Maiden of Yue in the Spring and Autumn Annals of Wu and Yue (5th c. BCE).
In the Tang Dynasty, descriptions of sword dances were immortalized in poems by Li Bai. In the Song and Yuan dynasties, xiangpu (a predecessor of sumo) contests were sponsored by the imperial courts. The modern concepts of wushu were fully developed by the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Martial arts are also mentioned in Chinese philosophy. Passages in the Zhuangzi (庄子), a Daoist text, pertain to the psychology and practice of martial arts. Zhuangzi, its eponymous author, is believed to have lived in the 4th century BCE. The Tao Te Ching, often credited to Lao Zi, is another Daoist text that contains principles applicable to martial arts. According to one of the classic texts of Confucianism, Zhou Li (周禮/周礼), Archery and charioteering were part of the "six arts" (traditional Chinese: 六藝; simplified Chinese: 六艺; pinyin: liu yi, including rites, music, calligraphy and mathematics) of the Zhou Dynasty (1122–256 BCE). The Art of War ( 孫子兵法), written during the 6th century BCE by Sun Tzu ( 孫子), deals directly with military warfare but contains ideas that are used in the Chinese martial arts. Those examples shows the ideas associated with Chinese martial arts changed with the evolving Chinese society and over time acquired a philosophical basis.
Daoist practitioners have been practicing Tao Yin, physical exercises similar to Qigong that was one of the progenitors to Tai Chi Chuan, at least since as early as 500 BCE. In 39–92 CE, "Six Chapters of Hand Fighting", were included in the Han Shu (history of the Former Han Dynasty) written by Pan Ku. Also, the noted physician, Hua Tuo, composed the "Five Animals Play"—tiger, deer, monkey, bear, and bird, around 220 BCE. Daoist philosophy and their approach to health and exercise might have influenced, to a certain extent, the Chinese martial arts.
With regards to the Shaolin style of wushu, it is regarded as the first institutionalised Chinese martial art. However, the oldest evidence of Shaolin participation in combat is a stele from 728 CE that attests to two occasions: a defense of the Shaolin Monastery from bandits around 610 CE, and their subsequent role in the defeat of Wang Shichong at the Battle of Hulao in 621 CE From the 8th to the 15th centuries, there are no extant documents that provide evidence of Shaolin participation in combat. However, between the 16th and 17th centuries there are at least forty extant sources which provided evidence that, not only did monks of Shaolin practice martial arts, but martial practice had become such an integral element of Shaolin monastic life that the monks felt the need to justify it by creating new Buddhist lore. References of martial arts practice in Shaolin appear in various literary genres of the late Ming: the epitaphs of Shaolin warrior monks, martial-arts manuals, military encyclopedias, historical writings, travelogues, fiction and poetry. However these sources do not point out to any specific style originated in Shaolin. These sources, in contrast to those from the Tang period, refer to Shaolin methods of armed combat. This include the forte of Shaolin monks and for which they had become famous — the staff (gun, pronounced as "goon").The Ming General Qi Jiguang included description of Shaolin Quan fa (Pinyin quánfǎ or Wade-Giles ch'üan2 fa3, 拳法 "fist principles") and staff techniques in his book, Ji Xiao Xin Shu (紀效新書) that title can be translated as "New Book Recording Effective Techniques". When this book spread to East Asia, it had a great influence on the development of martial arts in regions such as Okinawa and Korea.
The fighting styles that are practiced today were developed over the centuries, after having incorporated forms that came into existence later. Some of these include Bagua, Drunken Boxing, Eagle Claw, Five Animals, Hsing I, Hung Gar, Lau Gar, Monkey, Bak Mei Pai, Praying Mantis, Fujian White Crane, Wing Chun and Tai Chi Chuan.
In 1900-01, the Righteous and Harmonious Fists rose against foreign occupiers and Christian missionaries in China. This uprising is known in the West as the Boxer Rebellion due to the martial arts and calisthenics practiced by the rebels. Though it originally opposed the Manchu Qing Dynasty, the Empress Dowager Cixi gained control of the rebellion and tried to use it against the foreign powers. The failure of the rebellion lead ten years later to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the creation of the Chinese Republic.
The present view of Chinese martial arts are strongly influenced by the events of the Republican Period (1912–1949). In the transition period between the fall of the Qing Dynasty as well as the turmoils of the Japanese invasion and the Chinese Civil War, Chinese martial arts became more accessible to the general public as many martial artists were encouraged to openly teach their art. At that time, some considered martial arts as a means to promote national pride and build a strong nation. As a result, many training manuals (拳谱) were published, a training academy was created, 2 National examinations were organized as well as demonstration teams travelled overseas and numerous martial arts associations were formed throughout China and in various overseas Chinese communities. The Central Guoshu Academy (Zhongyang Guoshuguan, 中央國術館/中央国术馆) established by the National Government in 1928[21] and the Jing Wu Athletic Association (精武體育會/精武体育会) founded by Huo Yuanjia in 1910 are examples of organizations that promoted a systematic approach for training in Chinese martial arts. A series of provincial and national competitions were organized by the Republican government starting in 1932 to promote Chinese martial arts. In 1936, at the 11th Olympic Games in Berlin, a group of Chinese martial artists demonstrated their art to an international audience for the first time. Eventually, those events lead to the popular view of martial arts as a sport.
Chinese martial arts started to spread internationally with the end of the Chinese Civil War and the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949. Many well known martial artists chose to escape from the PRC's rule and migrate to Taiwan, Hong Kong,[25] and other parts of the world. Those masters started to teach within the overseas Chinese communities but eventually they expanded their teachings to include people from other ethnic groups.
Within China, the practice of traditional martial arts was discouraged during the turbulent years of the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1969–1976). Like many other aspects of traditional Chinese life, martial arts were subjected to a radical transformation by the People's Republic of China in order to align them with Maoist revolutionary doctrine. The PRC promoted the committee-regulated sport of Wushu as a replacement to independent schools of martial arts. This new competition sport was disassociated from what was seen as the potentially subversive self-defense aspects and family lineages of Chinese martial arts Rhetorically, they also encouraged the use of the term Kuoshu (or Guoshu meaning "the arts of the nation"), rather than the colloquial term gongfu, in an effort to more closely associate Chinese martial arts with national pride rather than individual accomplishment. In 1958, the government established the All-China Wushu Association as an umbrella organization to regulate martial arts training. The Chinese State Commission for Physical Culture and Sports took the lead in creating standardized forms for most of the major arts. During this period, a national Wushu system that included standard forms, teaching curriculum, and instructor grading was established. Wushu was introduced at both the high school and university level. The suppression of traditional teaching was relaxed during the Era of Reconstruction (1976–1989), as Communist ideology became more accommodating to alternative viewpoints. In 1979, the State Commission for Physical Culture and Sports created a special task force to reevaluate the teaching and practice of Wushu. In 1986, the Chinese National Research Institute of Wushu was established as the central authority for the research and administration of Wushu activities in the People's Republic of China. Changing government policies and attitudes towards sports in general lead to the closing of the State Sports Commission (the central sports authority) in 1998. This closure is viewed as an attempt to partially de-politicize organized sports and move Chinese sport policies towards a more market-driven approach. As a result of these changing sociological factors within China, both traditional styles and modern Wushu approaches are being promoted by the Chinese government. Chinese martial arts are now an integral element of Chinese culture.
The modern Chinese tunic suit is a style of male attire known in China as the Chungshan suit or Zhongshan suit (traditional Chinese: 中山裝; simplified Chinese: 中山装; pinyin: Zhōngshān zhuāng) (after Sun Zhongshan), and known in the West as the Mao suit (after Mao Zedong). Sun Zhongshan (better known as Sun Yat-sen) introduced the style shortly after the founding of the Republic of China as a form of national dress although with a distinctly political and later governmental implication.
After the end of the Chinese Civil War and the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the suit became widely worn by males and government leaders as a symbol of proletarian unity and an Eastern counterpart to the Western business suit. The name "Mao suit" comes from Chinese leader Mao Zedong's affinity for wearing them in public, thus tying the garment closely to him and Chinese communism in general in the Western imagination. Although they fell into disuse in the 1990s amid increasing Western influences, they are still worn on occasion by Chinese leaders during important state ceremonies and functions.
Origins
When the Republic was founded in 1912, and the style of dress worn in China was based on Manchu dress (qipao and changshan), which had been imposed by the Qing Dynasty as a form of social control. The majority-Han Chinese revolutionaries who overthrew the Qing were fueled by failure of the Qing to defend China against western imperialists and the low standing of the Qing in terms of technology and science compared to the West. Even before the founding of the Republic, older forms of Chinese dress were becoming unpopular among the elite and led to the development of Chinese dress which combined the cheongsam and the Western hat to form a new dress. The Zhongshan suit is similar development which combined Western and Eastern fashions. It should be noted that until 1949 on the mainland and the 1980s in Taiwan, the civilian, non- political attire for males in China was not this tunic suit but a gown and over-jacket.
The Zhongshan suit was an attempt to cater to "modern" sensibilities without completely adopting Western styles wholesale. Dr. Sun Yat-sen was personally involved, providing inputs based on his life experience in Japan: the Japanese cadet uniform became the basis of Zhongshan suit. There were other modifications as well: instead of the three hidden pockets in Western suits, the Zhongshan suit had four outside pockets to adhere to Chinese concepts of balance and symmetry. Over time, minor stylistic changes developed. The suit originally had seven buttons, later reduced to five.
After repeated attempts to win support and recognition from Western countries failed, the Nationalist Party government in Canton led by Dr. Sun gained help (advisers and critically vital small arms) from Soviet Russia, which viewed it as a likely revolutionary ally against Western interests in the Far East; Chinese nationalism at the time (of treaty ports and extra-territoriality discriminations) was naturally heavily infected with resentment against the West. As a result of this geopolitical alignment, Dr. Sun agreed to permit the nascent Chinese Communist Party to join the Nationalist Party -- as individual members -- not as a party-party union, combination or alliance. As a result, early Communist Party members adopted the attire as a mark of joining the Nationalist Party. Ironically, from that practice during an attenuated political marriage of convenience which would soon be divorced in blood (in 1927), Asian Marxist movements and governments henceforth would all consider this attire as a standard of political coloration, and it would continue to be appropriate dress for both sides of the bitter Chinese civil wars lasting decades.
After Sun Yat-sen's death in 1925, popular mythology assigned a revolutionary and patriotic significance to the Zhongshan suit. The four pockets were said to represent the Four Virtues cited in the classic Guanzi. The five center-front buttons were said to represent the five Yuans (branches of government) cited in the constitution of the Republic of China and the three cuff-buttons to symbolize Sun Yat-sen's Three Principles of the People.
Historical development
Mao, wearing the suit, meets Nixon
In the 1920s and 1930s, civil servants of the Chinese government were required to wear the Zhongshan zhuang. A slightly modified version of the suit, adapted for combat, formed the basis for National Revolutionary Army army uniforms leading up through the Second Sino-Japanese War, although during the 1930s, as German military advice and assistance to the National Government waxed, the formal military uniform in the professional elements and ranks essentially became that of Weimar and then Nazi Germany (including the famous helmet).
After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, and especially during the long initial period marked by intensive Maoist indoctrination and mass oppression through waves of purges and campaigns and "criticism/struggle" culminating with the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution from 1965-76 when Mao himself died, the suit became widely worn by the entire male population, formally as a symbol of proletarian unity, but in fact as a form of personal -- and virtually camouflage -- coloration; it was, of course, regularly worn by Communist Party cadres until the 1990s when it was largely replaced by the Western business suit.
The Mao suit remained the standard formal dress for the first and second generations of PRC leaders such as Deng Xiaoping. During the 1990s, it began to be worn with decreasing frequency by leaders of Jiang Zemin's generation. Jiang wore it only on special occasions, such as to state dinners, but this practice was almost totally discontinued by his successor Hu Jintao.[1] By the early part of the 21st century, the Mao suit is rarely worn even on formal occasions. The military-green version of the suit is more often worn, usually by civilian party officials wishing to demonstrate control over – or camaraderie with – the military. In Taiwan, the Zhongshan suit was seldom seen after the 1970s. Moreover, given the subtropical weather much of the year in Taiwan, for a time a modified version became at least semi-standard which dropped the high-collar buttoned up original constriction in favor of a Western style open dress shirt collar, unbuttoned.
Today among the Chinese people, the suit has been largely abandoned by the younger generation in urban areas, but is still regarded as formal attire by many old people. It is also prevalent among Chinese peasants as casual dress. However the suit is becoming more popular amongst young overseas Chinese as a formal or business wear instead of wearing the "generic" Western three piece suit and also as an identity for their Chinese origin.
The halterneck dress is a classic style that can be updated in design to keep up with trends while still maintaining the overall halterneck look. It's safe to say Marilyn Monroe's figure flattering white halterneck dress in The Seven Year Itch displays how glamorous this style can be.
Each year at celebrity bashes there are always ladies dawning this flattering dress. Many were snapped wearing variations of the halterneck on the sparkly purple carpet at the British Soap Awards. Some wore short mini styles whilst other opted for long maxi designs.
Gwyneth Paltrow was pictured wearing a striking black halter neck dress with a cut out design at the recent Iron Man Premiere in New York.
As well as glam events like those above the halter neck dress can also be a great casual summer dress. It's an excellent light travel companion that doesn't take up much room. It can be worn as day wear and to cover up your swimwear as well as dressing it up for a romantic evening in the sun. It's a perfect sophisticated cut for all occasions.
As mentioned this style of dress is very versatile and can adapt beautifully to new trends and with other styles, like backless designs and maxi styles. The empire waistline styles are great if you want to elongate your frame especially when it is coupled with a full feminine flared style.
The variations of halter dresses are endless, some have deep plunging v necks whilst others have a sweetheart neckline and others square designs and then there are silk styles to satin.
So you are on the look for your prince charming? Like Cinderella did, you too are visiting a party today to find the perfect match.
But to look your picture perfect and get all the attention you, you must wear some designer wear, short party dress or good club wear.
The options in short designer wear is plenty. All you have to do is take your pick according to your figure and comfort level and you will shine like a star in the evening party.
If you are shy type and trying out that short dress for the first time, go for jersey dresses. The reason behind them is that they hide more than they reveal.
But if you are the experimental sort, then stone embellished halter dresses must be your pick. Available in a variety of colors like purple, plums and pinks, they are sure to raise your presence quotient at the party. And who would mind the attention?
A new entrant in the category of short dresses are Ruffle tiered tunic dresses. It is a body hugging dress which flatters a bit from the waist and again narrows down towards the thighs. This kind of short dress is ideal for those with heavier mid riff. You can either opt for one shoulder dress in a variety of colors and fabrics. They look elegant and are stylish at the same time. One shoulder dress shifts the focus from the midriff and beams to the neck…so those with svelte shoulders can wear this kind of short dress.
However, for petite frame, a tube dress or off-shoulder ones would look good. Meanwhile whatever you wear, make sure you team up with the best accessory, i.e. your confidence. So best of luck with the party preparation!
GoodOrient has evolved back from 1998 as a hobbyist Asian theme webstore to what is now one of the leading fully-fledged Asian Specialty E-stores in the world. Proud to say, we are undeniably the earliest pioneers who first brought about the greatest range of delightful Eastern wares onto the Internet. With fanciful selections of traditional and modern Asian-inspired apparel, exotic home decor as well as unique gifts and souvenirs, we have gradually become the one-stop shop for those who aspire to bring home something a little different. Having served thousands of online customers from every corner of the globe,we can truly say that our vast experience in selling Asian specialty goods as well as meeting our customer expectations is second to none.Our website offers an exciting range of Oriental apparel, accessories and home accents from countries around Asia, especially China. Our specialty lies in distinctive Eastern-style apparel with a strong historical influence such as the "Cheongsam", "Qipaos" or "Long Dress" worn by women of royal status back in the Manchu era and has gained popularity even up till today. However, times have changed and so will styles of cheongsam and the way it is worn. Nowadays, many of our qipaos are infused with a twist of western modernity whilst maintaining its ethnic charm, thus giving birth to the term "Asian-Inspired". Since 1998, GoodOrient has been centre of the movement to bring stylish qipao garments with a modern twist onto the Internet. Our clothing designs are constantly innovated according to latest.
GoodOrient has evolved back from 1998 as a hobbyist Asian theme webstore to what is now one of the leading fully-fledged Asian Specialty E-stores in the world. Proud to say, we are undeniably the earliest pioneers who first brought about the greatest range of delightful Eastern wares onto the Internet. With fanciful selections of traditional and modern Asian-inspired apparel, exotic home decor as well as unique gifts and souvenirs, we have gradually become the one-stop shop for those who aspire to bring home something a little different. Having served thousands of online customers from every corner of the globe,we can truly say that our vast experience in selling Asian specialty goods as well as meeting our customer expectations is second to none.Our website offers an exciting range of Oriental apparel, accessories and home accents from countries around Asia, especially China. Our specialty lies in distinctive Eastern-style apparel with a strong historical influence such as the "Cheongsam", "Qipaos" or "Long Dress" worn by women of royal status back in the Manchu era and has gained popularity even up till today. However, times have changed and so will styles of cheongsam and the way it is worn. Nowadays, many of our qipaos are infused with a twist of western modernity whilst maintaining its ethnic charm, thus giving birth to the term "Asian-Inspired". Since 1998, GoodOrient has been centre of the movement to bring stylish qipao garments with a modern twist onto the Internet. Our clothing designs are constantly innovated according to latest.