I love cheongsam dresses: they're so pretty and elegant and fairly easy to wear (except for the no-pockets thing). This one in particular I adore — it's cotton, so easier to wear than the usual silk/rayon versions, and it's in a big English-roses print, which is another step away from the traditional. There's a brown colorway, too, which looks even more like a sofa. (That's a good thing, in my opinion. I like upholstery prints.)

Click on the link to buy it; I'm really tempted because it's only $35! But I won't buy it today, because I leave for China in a hour or two and who knows what cheongsams I might find there?

Yep, that's right, I'll be gone through Labor Day. (For work, not pleasure, but how can I avoid taking pleasure in a trip to China?)

If I have internet access I will update from the Forbidden City. Otherwise, this space will remain static until Sept. 5. Aren't you glad you have this dress to look at until then?