There is a Chinese saying: “A woman’s closet is always short one item of clothing.” For many ladies, trying to mix and match a decent outfit for work every morning from their overcrowded closets is like a disaster – so they keep buying the “final” piece to complete their wardrobe. I am no exception. Recently, my quest was made easier with the help of Closetcouture.com, an online community that plays with the idea of shopping in your own closet.

Last month, we predicted that the sales would only get wilder as the summer wore on. Indeed, some of these great discounts are still in effect as we go to print. At Beijing APM Mall, the Hong Kong footwear store Pedder Red features markdowns of up to 60 percent on an appealing collection of fruit-colored plastic sandals, ballet flats, and some gladiator-inspired sandals. Shoe and accessory labels Anne Klein, Nine West, EQ:IQ and Joan & David are also having final sales of 50-70 percent off. If you are looking for luxury designer bags, shoes and clothes, Lane Crawford is definitely the place to be. Cosmetics aside, everything is on sale – up to 70 percent off – and the sale continues at least through the first week of August. What are you waiting for?

It’s not just your imagination – the eye-grabbing “sale” label really is popping up everywhere. Lane Crawford, which features over 600 international couture brands – including Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, YSL, Marni, Paul Smith and many more designer labels – has slashed prices by up to 40 percent. Based on our past experience, if you’re patient enough, you can probably snag deals of up to 70 percent off at the tail end of the sale period. Meanwhile, streetwear labels like www.izzue.com and b+ab (both of which belong to Hong Kong fashion group “i.t”) are also featuring big sales, which will differ from branch to branch. Fast-fashion chain Zara is due for its biannual sale, starting at 30 percent off. Don’t miss out on these deals, but pace yourself. More sales are on the way.

As Barbie hits the big five-O this year, the fashion world is throwing all kinds of celebrations for the iconic doll. In February, a New York runway show featured 50 models wearing Barbie-inspired couture by Michael Kors, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang and Kenneth Cole, among others. In March, Chanel’s artistic director, Karl Lagerfeld, joined forces with toymaker Mattel to create an entire fashion collection for Barbie and her plastic boyfriend Ken. The first Barbie flagship store outside the US opened in Shanghai this March. Meanwhile, fans here in the capital were treated to a “Barbie Doll Exhibition” at the China Millennium Monument from May 1-10. In addition to displaying more than 2,000 historic dolls, the show also included a photography exhibition and competitions to design Barbie outfits and Barbie dream houses.

In other news, it’s summer again, the best time of year to flaunt your femininity. Fans of Kate Moss will be delighted to know that her Topshop summer collection is available at Lane Crawford.

The hottest topic recently in Chinese fashion media has been Guo Pei, China’s most successful couture designer, who is renowned for designing for celebrities and the performing artists of CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala. Apparently, she is accused of ripping off designs from Dior, Cavalli, Moschino and Valentino. Guo responded that these “suspect” designs floating around the Internet were by other designers who work in her studio, rather than herself. She also explained that coincidental inspirations between designers are not unusual. Guo Pei may be one of China’s first-generation designers, but these accusations of plagiarism mark the first time – in a 22-year career – that she has received so much attention. Stunningly ironic.

Where are all the shows and big events? During the chill months, we were treated to the Versace fashion show, MaxMara’s “Coats!” exhibition and the “Christian Dior and Chinese Artists” show at UCCA. But when it comes to fashion events, spring seems more dismal and quieter than the winter just past.