Neat treats for grown-up girls

Even the stingiest of Chinese parents tend to spoil their daughters rotten on Children's Day (June 1), with gifts ranging in size and scale from pink pencil boxes to pretty dresses and flashy new cell phones.

Luckily for us women there seems to be no age limit on Children's Day. This means we can still drag our parents out on shopping trips to stockpile the latest sartorial and other treats that, while appealing to our inner child, now reflect our adult tastes.

Before you set out to scour the racks for a few playful pieces, take a look at some cute and fashionable offerings from today's hottest fashion designers - many of whom are still living out their childhood dreams.

Coppelia Ballerina

Many women dreamed of becoming a ballerina at one point or other in their pre-adolescence. Relive this magical memory while prancing around in a pair of elegant ballerina shoes from Coppelia. The shoe line comes in bright candy colors with an elegant flower on the toe.

Price: 2,500 yuan, 2,400 yuan, 2,400 yuan, 4,400 yuan

(from left to right)

Miss Marc

Marc Jacobs' Miss Marc line for women seems to catch more people's eyes with each passing season. With his newest line, the talented designer gives Miss Marc a tiger-patterned tie and a pair of heart-shaped spectacles. In lavender, rose and dark denim, there is also a fine selection of tote bags, beach slippers, towels and caps to complete this youthful look.

Price: slippers 990 yuan;

Tote bag 3,490 yuan

Thomas Sabo silver jewelry:

Most silver jewelry tends to focus on themes relating to totems or pirates, whereas Thomas Sabo is all about hip and trendy pendants. Let your imagination run riot with a variety of silver pieces shaped like cars, lipstick, strawberries and much more courtesy of this high-end brand. Mix and match these fun pieces on a necklace or bracelet and add a little sparkle to your step.

Prices range according to pendants

UGG Australia rain boots

While rain annoys most adults, it is pregnant with the promise of fun as far as children are concerned. Take off your high heels for the day and splash around in a puddle or two with a cute pair of rain boots. Wellington-inspired rubber boots in bright and metallic colors, stripes or patterns also carry the collection with style. If you are still not convinced take a quick look at UGG's list of celebrity fans, which already includes Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Julia Roberts.

Price: 2,500 yuan

(China Daily 05/23/2009 page14)