On a recent visit to Toni & Guy at Sunshine 100, I noticed a stylist working on a client, a woman who had the most beautiful blond hair, with big soft curls – just like Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively.

I was enthralled by the feminine beauty of this dramatic style and looked on with envy. Until my stylist whispered, “Those are hair extensions.”

I immediately wanted to sign up for hair extensions, but on second thought, I wasn’t sure I was ready for such a transformation. So I convinced my friend Kelly, an event organizer and self-described slave to fashion, to be my guinea pig and let me live vicariously through her.

At the initial consultation, Zhang Yue, a stylist, advised Kelly that her ear-length hair was just long enough to carry off extensions. Zhang then selected extensions that were made of real human hair and matched Kelly’s hair color. She also issued the warning that since the extensions would be braided to Kelly’s hair, her scalp might feel uncomfortable. It would also be hard to wash the scalp with extensions.

When the big day arrived, Kelly was first treated to a head massage and shampoo. Then Zhang and her assistant went to work, dividing Kelly’s hair into several sections and meticulously braiding extensions into strands of her hair.

Four hours later, Kelly’s arms and legs had gone numb from sitting still in the chair. “This was by no means a relaxing experience,” Kelly joked. She acknowledged, however, that her hairdressers seemed to have an infinite amount of patience; after all, they still had hundreds of braids to weave. The RMB 3,000 package, it turned out, was more than worth the stylists’ hard work.

Eventually, though, the braiding came to an end. At first, Kelly was somewhat upset because she could see the spots where her real hair was braided with the extensions. “We’re not done yet,” said Zhang, who then began trimming Kelly’s hair into layers and arranging the locks to cover up the new extensions.

Finally, Kelly looked into the mirror and was met by a more than satisfactory sight: a wavy, natural head of hair that was thicker and, even better, had not required two years to grow.

Beauty comes at a price, however. That night, Kelly had trouble sleeping. For one, she was too excited about her new look, but another reason was that she had an itchy scalp, just as Zhang had warned earlier. But as Kelly will attest, any woman who will run for a cab while wearing four-inch heels will know that this was a small sacrifice for beauty.

Outfitted with a pencil, a military-inspired watch, a notepad, an electric torch and a compass, this Adventure Boy Package by Swatch makes the best back-to-school gift for any adventurous child. Swatch. RMB 398.

Get funky with this lovely cartoon lunch box bag by Hello Kitty. RMB 198.

Kids can visualize their dreams in this eco-friendly sketch pad of simplicity. Made of recycled paper. MUJI. RMB 37.

This Hello Kitty calculator is a girl’s best friend. Hello Kitty. RMB 178.

Notebooks decorated with cartoon paintings. RMB 20. Artbox.

Personalize schoolbooks with this wooden panda stamp. Artbox. RMB 38.

This roomy bag packs a ton of style and will make classmates green with envy.
LeSportsac. Price TBD.

A box of colored pencils set. MUJI. RMB 214.

Stores:

MUJI (无印良品)
Store 322-330, Huamao Shopping Mall, 79 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (5969 5948)
朝阳区建国路79号华贸购物中心3F; 322-330店铺

Hello Kitty
Basement floor, Xidan Joy City, Xicheng District (5971 6227)
西城区西单大悦城地下一层

Artbox
B1-18A, Xidan Joy City, Xicheng District (5971 6246)
西城区西单大悦城B1-18A

It seems that Fuwa – those ubiquitous Olympic mascots consisting of Jingjing the panda, Yingying the Tibetan antelope, Beibei the sturgeon, Huanhuan the Olympic flame and Nini the swallow – are everywhere: on stamps, pens, clothing, jewelry, toys, balloons, t-shirts and even their own CCTV-produced cartoon series. Though much of this Fuwa-emblazoned stuff will ultimately be relegated to the dustbin of kitsch, we can’t resist reveling, for a moment, in Olympic fever during this once-in-a-lifetime month. Here are a few of our favorite Fuwa knickknacks.

Nini hair-band. RMB 35. www.2008eshop.cn

Adidas red Huanhuan shirt, green Nini track jacket, black Huanhuan shirt. Prices TBD.

Fuwa soccerball. RMB 188. www.2008eshop.cn

Huanhuan remote-controlled trick car, RMB 298. www.2008eshop.cn

Beibei piggy bank. RMB 98. www.2008eshop.cn

Fuwa pins packed in a sleek metal box (set of 30). RMB 60. www.2008eshop.cn

Fuwa accessories available at official Olympic outlets around town.

When the heat gets brutal this summer, simply cool off by the pool or take a holiday at the nearest beach. But don’t forget those all-important swimsuits! Bold colors and floral prints are keys to this year’s swimwear trends.

Sporty surf meets girly hot pink. For toddlers. RMB 220. Adidas.

An adorable one-piece juiced up with a modern print and skirt detail. For babies and toddlers. RMB 100. Jiayi Clothing Market.

A mini-string bikini embellished with flower accents. For toddlers. RMB 100. Jiayi Clothing Market.

Make waves in this retro halter neckline bikini. For girls age 10 and up. RMB 2,400. Juicy Couture.

A flashy red bikini with ruffles. For babies. RMB 540. Juicy Couture.

For little girls who love sunshine, flowers and bright colors. For toddlers. RMB 90. Jiayi Clothing Market. 

Sporty, dark blue swim shorts. For toddlers. RMB 160. Adidas.

Kids these days grow up surrounded by technology, whether it’s computers, cell phones or video games. And when it comes to MP3 players, chances are your kid has at least one. If they don’t, however, maybe it’s about time to get them digitalized with these kid-friendly MP3 and other electronic music gadgets.

1. Aigo F029

It’s not just a watch – this Aigo F029 also functions as a music player. The Aigo has a full-color OLED screen with a maximum resolution of 160×128 pixels. It supports both MP3 and WMA audio formats, and can also play MPEG videos. RMB 799 for 2GB; RMB 999 for 4GB. Available at various electronic stores and markets.

2. I Can Play Guitar

Fisher-Price’s I Can Play Guitar will magically transform any kid into a skilled guitarist. Color-coded finger positioning buttons are specially designed for kid-sized hands, and it includes a hardware system so kids can follow along with on the TV. USD 99.99, available at www.taobao.com and www.amazon.com.

3. Onda VX747

Looks like an iPod Touch but is less than one third of the price! Comes in 4GB and 8GB formats with an optional 32GB of external storage and boasts 18 hours of music playback or seven hours of video. RMB 599 for 4GB; RMB 799 for 8GB. Available at various electronic markets and stores in town. 

4. Barbie Girls

These may look like cute and simple dolls, but they also serve as music players, too! Has an expandable memory slot that holds up to 2GB (sold separately) in addition to the stock 512MB of memory. The girly-girl style will send your young princess into a musical rapture! Available at www.taobao.com and www.amazon.com.

5. iDog AMP’d

Simply plug iDog AMP’D into the headphone jack of any music device and the tunes will emit from speakers situated in the dog’s back and belly. Wait long enough and the dog comes alive, bobbing its head and wagging its tail to the music. For ages 8 and up, available at Hailong Electronic Market, www.hilon.com.cn

6. Disney Mix Sticks

A player for kids under 13 years old, rechargeable batteries last eight hours and the stock 128MB of memory can be upgraded to 1GB for a price. Four styles include Disney Chrome, Forever Princess, Sassy Pixie and That’s So Raven. Available at www.taobao.com and www.amazon.com

7. iPod Shuffle

Small, easy to carry, reasonably priced – it’s no wonder why iPods are so popular. The Shuffle can hold up to 1GB worth of music. RMB 428 at various electronic markets and stores in Beijing, also available at www.apple.com.

8. iriver S7

A player for older kids who want to stand out from the crowd, the iriver S7 deliberately lacks a screen and features unique control buttons. Comes with 1GB of memory storage; battery lasts up to nine hours. RMB 499 at various electronic markets and stores around town.

Mothers are always giving without asking much in return, so take advantage of Mother’s Day to say thank you! But forget the clichéd bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates – try giving something different this year to show her how much you really care. Here are some suggestions for the perfect gift to give the mom in your household.

For Expecting Moms

Pregnancy will make her legs tired and swollen, so soothe her skin with L’Occitane Cream Gel for Tired Legs to improve circulation and give a sensation of freshness and well-being. RMB 280. L’Occitane, Shin Kong Place

New moms-to-be will naturally have a lot of concerns: Will I experience a lot of pain during labor? Is my baby in the correct position? Will I gain a lot of weight? Prenatal Yoga, a workout specially designed to help moms-to-be maintain a strong body and a centered mind and will help quell many of these concerns. So why not present her with a prenatal yoga club membership to keep her upbeat both physically and mentally? If your budget doesn’t go that far, a prenatal yoga DVD also works well. RMB 10. www.dangdang.com

Expecting mothers will love these jewelry boxes, inspired by Buddhist culture and adorned with symbols for protection. These lovely containers will give new moms a sense of calm and peace. RMB 1,485. Shanghai Tang

For New Moms

New moms will want a record of every minute of those first few days and weeks after baby arrives. So a digital camcorder could make the perfect Mother’s Day gift. RMB 4,099. www.360buy.com

Sometimes, what a new mom wants most is simply a peaceful afternoon or a good night’s sleep. Why not treat her to a soothing and relaxing spa treatment? See the Directory under Family Health for spa selections.

These sleekly designed photo frames from Potato & Co are perfect to capture memories of your family as it grows through the years. She’ll surely love this gift that comes from the heart. Price TBD. Potato & Co, China World Trade Shopping Mall

Just because she’s a mom doesn’t mean she’s lost her style, and this trendy Gucci hand bag could be the gift that lets her show it. Not only is it big enough to hide diapers, nursing bottles and other baby supplies, it also allows her to keep her fashion dignity. Price TBD. Gucci, Shin Kong Place

For Moms with Kids and Beyond

Jewelry is a woman’s best friend, and no matter how much she already has, a little sparkle never hurts. Swarovski’s evening necklace features striking crystal stones on a rhodium-plated chain. RMB 5,300. Swarovski, Oriental Plaza

This Plastered T-shirt featuring bold prints and Chinese characters that read “Women can be heroes” is a creative present for moms who might need some encouragement. RMB 100, Plastered T-shirts

Treat mom’s hands to this Fruits & Passion Hand Care Duo in ginger and Sicilian lemon fragrances. The natural ingredients pamper the skin and tantalize the nose. Price RMB 365, Fruits & Passion

One of the biggest frustrations for many postpartum moms is the difficulty of fitting back into those evening dresses and high heels. Yes, not only does the figure get bigger, but the feet also tend to get puffier because of pregnancy, which means you might have to say goodbye to those stiletto heels for a while. You can’t chase your toddler around the playground with high heels anyway! So go with these comfortable flats, available in chic styles to keep your look up-to-date.

These silver ballerina plastic flats can be worn out to a night on the town or on a rainy day. RMB 199. Zara, south building of The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区光华路9号世贸天阶南楼

Go with floral patterns for a girly look; made from breathable cotton fabrics. RMB 269. Zara, south building of The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区光华路9号世贸天阶南楼

Foot-hugging, suede ballerina flat shoes with elasticized sides and leather insole. RMB 2,500. Pedro Carcia, Lane Crawford, 2 Jinchengfang Jie, Xicheng District (6622 0822) 西城区金城坊街2号金融街购物中心连卡佛

This beaded patent leather flat will make you the belle of the playground! RMB 3,250. Belle by Sigerson Morrison, Lane Crawford, 2 Jinchengfang Jie, Xicheng District (6622 0822) 西城区金城坊街2号金融街购物中心连卡佛

White leather flats with stud detail, a perfect balance of chic and comfort. RMB 3,590. Marc by Marc Jacobs, Lane Crawford, 2 Jinchengfang Jie, Xicheng District (6622 0822) 西城区金城坊街2号金融街购物中心连卡佛

Patent leather ballet pump with elasticized opening. RMB 4,040. Marni, Lane Crawford, 2 Jinchengfang Jie, Xicheng District (6622 0822) 西城区金城坊街2号金融街购物中心连卡佛

This ballet flat-inspired pair of Crocs provides the ultimate comfort. RMB 199. Crocs, 105, B1/F, south building of The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区光华路9号世贸天阶南楼地下一层105

A pair of elegant shoes with lace details, that you can wear to work. RMB 179. i.t., south building of The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区光华路9号世贸天阶北楼1层2层

Remember those dreary-looking umbrellas and rain boots you wore when you were a kid? It used to be that there was only one style of rain shoes and little variety in umbrella choices, but kids today can now look even more stylish than usual when it rains.

1. Splash through the puddles with these feather-light Crocs rain shoes. Available in a variety of colors. RMB 199. Crocs, 105, B1/F, South Building of The Place, Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6587 1503) 朝阳区光华路世贸天阶南楼地下一层105

2. These slip-on Crocs Disney Cayman clogs are available in a rainbow of colors for both boys and girls. RMB 219. Crocs, 105, B1/F, South Building of The Place, Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6587 1503) 朝阳区光华路世贸天阶南楼地下一层105

3. Featuring animals and fun characters, these colorful and playful umbrellas will surely keep the kids smiling through the rain. RMB 30. Wantong Clothing Market, Fuchengmen, Xicheng District 西城区阜成门万通新世界 (also available online at www.taobao.com)

4. Your little one will be eagerly anticipating rain clouds with these bright rain boots. Available in pink and green and in a wide range of sizes. RMB 30. Jiayi Clothing Market, Xinyuan Nanlu, opposite Kunlun Hotel, Chaoyang District 朝阳区新源南路佳艺时尚广场. 昆仑饭店对面

5. This stylish raincoat offers superior protection and simultaneously singles out your tot as the little star in a crowd. RMB 65. Jiayi Clothing Market, Xinyuan Nanlu (opposite Kunlun Hotel), Chaoyang District 朝阳区新源南路佳艺时尚广场. 昆仑饭店对面

Most women like to look their best, and new moms or moms-to-be are no exception! But pregnancy – which brings an expanding figure, stretch marks, and even blotchy skin or acne caused by hormone imbalance – can be tough on a woman’s confidence. What’s more, when it comes to using cosmetics and skin products, moms should be extra cautious, because many of these products contain chemicals that may be harmful to the baby. Here are a few beauty products that Song Yang, professional beauty stylist at Jimmy Studio, recommends as pregnancy- and nursing-mom friendly.

Women who fret over stretch marks on thighs, hips and tummies may be interested in Vichy’s Complete Action Anti-Stretch Mark Cream (RMB 258), which is enriched with silicon and nourishing plant oils to help reduce the risk or appearance of stretch marks. Or they can try Clarin’s Tonic Body Treatment Oil (RMB 460), which firms and tones tissues to prevent the appearance of stretch marks.

Breastfeeding can be both physically and mentally exhausting, especially if you find yourself doing it several times a night! And it can be hard on the skin, too. Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream Gel and Night Lotion (RMB 560/600) help fight the first signs of lines. Korres Yogurt Cream (RMB 350), enriched with active plant extracts, is made with real yogurt and provides proteins, lactose, minerals and vitamins for very dry skin. The Yogurt Mask (RMB 320) makes for the perfect complement.

When it comes to regaining your pre-baby figure, you can supplement your workout regimen by applying Clarins Total Body Lift (RMB 420), a specialized treatment for reducing stubborn cellulite and refining body contours. Vichy’s Lipocure Anti-dimpling Decongesting Serum (RMB 248) also helps eliminate fatty deposits that accumulate in certain areas of the body.

When going through pregnancy, women quickly discover that it isn’t just the belly that expands – the breasts do too. Clarins Bust Beauty Gel and Lotion (RMB 560/480) – packed with botanical extracts – firms the tissues, nourishes the skin and fights against signs of aging in the breast region. It’s suitable for use during pregnancy but not recommended for nursing moms.

Don’t let the discomfort of soreness interrupt nursing: Lansinoh Lanolin (RMB 115), recommended by La Leche League International, not only moistures but also soothes and relieves pain caused by baby’s suckling.

Sunblock is always important and should be applied anytime your skin is exposed to the sun. Vichy Capital Soleil Spray Enfants (SPF 30, RMB 238) is safe both for you and your little ones.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Mom & Baby Balm (RMB 185) is suitable for use both during and after pregnancy to massage and soothe stretched skin.