Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Many parts of Asia (and Chinatowns all round the globe) are currently gearing up for the most important festival of the year – Chinese, or Lunar, New Year.

February 14 may be all about roses and chocolates and sweet nothings for some, but in 2010 it also marks the beginning of the Year of the Tiger.

Putting aside the stress of being an ignorant gwailo fretting over committing a cultural faux pas like handing out lai see (red envelopes) with the wrong amount of money to the wrong people, it is a truly vibrant and exciting time to be in Asia.

Red plays a big role in New Year celebrations, decoration and clothing.  Red symbolizes virtue and sincerity and, in Chinese, sounds like the word for ‘prosperous’.

The extra good news is that it is customary to wear a new outfit…sounds to me like a perfectly legitimate reason for investing in some New Year inspired finds!

The red lantern is a symbol of luck and prosperity, captured in this gorgeous felt brooch by cherrypips

Etsy really is no good for combating my clutch obsession, I confess I have my eye on this little beauty by wildmustangs

Made from vintage kimono fabric, nuff said.  Belt by aramaa

The double happiness symbol, in a dramatic necklace by polishedtwo…

…and with a doubly happy life, you’re going to want it to be doubly long too – these earrings by MyEyesSpies feature the symbol for longevity

New shoes for the New Year are believed to help you step aside any rough times.  Beautiful ballet flats by DeBonisOrquera

Lovely big red bag by FunkChicDesigns

And for lucky number 8, don’t forget your pooch!  Red mandarin collar dog vest by shopKCQ