Information On Fashion Article and News

Why fashion has banished the bosom

2008-03-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

Women love the push-up bra, so why are designers determined to make us hide our best assets, asks Hannah Betts

Nowadays, fashion and frontage do not mix.

As the owner of a 32E bosom, I was once informed that the Vivienne Westwood clothes I was eyeing up were for women who want to look as if they have breasts, not for those already in possession of them. On another occasion, a designer stared at my unclothed form and stuttered: "Hourglass!" in tones one might use to utter the word "paedophile". Most mortifying of all was the moment an Armani tailor waved her hand dismissively across my chest, before pronouncing: "These are not Armani!"

And now Vogue has joined in. Fashion director Lucinda Chambers makes it clear that a girl's best assets are worse than last season: they are over, over, over, and must be disguised at all costs.

In the latest edition she tells a full-chested writer who wants to know how the new spring look will work for her: "You need a minimiser bra." She brooks no negotiation. "Marks & Spencer does a brilliant one. This isn't the Eighties. It isn't a pay and display moment. Hasn't been for ages. Even Roberto Cavalli didn't put any breasts out there. Dolce & Gabbana? Elegant, quiet, ladylike cocktail dresses."

A boyish physique has long been the ideal in the lush, homoerotic environs of high style. But, of late, a glossy sub-genre has flourished in which flat-chested fashionistas scorn their well-endowed sisters, or urge them to "hide and disguise" in - ye gods - bandeau tops. Gucci and Jil Sander are mad for them this spring.

So why is it that British women - 3,000 of them - have nominated the push-up bra as the greatest fashion invention of all time? In a survey conducted by Debenhams, the cantilevering brassière scored a hefty 20 per cent of the vote, well ahead of more sophisticated stalwarts such as the stiletto and Hepburn's little black dress. With the strapless bra at number eight and the grisly chicken fillet at 15, it is safe to say that paying and displaying one's assets remains a pressing popular concern.

Breasts, one may infer, represent the difference between the haute and the high street. Where flat chests are chic and classy, so heaving bosoms are judged trashy, de trop.

This should come as little surprise. Throughout history, breasts have been the playthings of class. During the Renaissance, when Elizabeth I was wont to draw attention to her sexagenarian assets, the chic bosom demanded small and perfectly formed Diane de Poitiers-style orbs. Less than a century later, the upwardly mobile breast required the more lavish proportions of a Barbara Villiers or Nell Gywn. Victorian breasts were modest, Edwardian embonpoints; Twenties bosoms were flattened, Forties appendages were recrafted as missiles.

Currently flesh is déclassé. The fashion world is still agog at the spectacle of the voluptuous and braless model Lara Stone jiggling down Prada's spring/summer catwalk. Ms Stone is apparently a 33C, a rack that could be considered pneumatic only within the most concave milieu.

Where Hollywood once boasted sweater girls, now it favours bee stings. Even Eva Herzigova, she of the uplift that bellowed "Hello, Boys", has learnt to put them away. A straining cleavage has become the benighted preserve of the glamour model and aspiring Big Brother starlet.

However, fashion has yet to curtail Nature. Over the past 10 years the average bra size has swelled from a 34B to a 36C. Marks & Spencer reveals that a quarter of the bras it sells are a D cup or larger - a statistic that has doubled in three short years. Its sizing now extends to a J cup. Bravissimo, which specialises in lingerie for the bigger breasted, has three K-cup styles.

Learning to dress such breasts is going to be essential for the well-endowed woman who does not wish to take herself off to a nunnery (and a habit would not prove a good look). All the established Trinny & Susannah maxims will apply - subtle V-necks, soft tailoring, cinched waists, finding precisely the right level of support.

More important will be a sea-change in attitude. Just as diminutive breasts denote no lack of sex appeal, so more sizeable assets should cease being considered in inverse proportion to one's style, class, or expanse of brain. We have nothing to lose but our minimiser bras.

LET YOUR CUP OVERFLOW… IN STYLE

• Get yourself fitted. Rigby & Peller has proved the answer to many a big girl's prayers. Brigitte Razet is European fit specialist for life-changing American brand Le Mystère and is frequently to be found at Harrods (lemystere.com).

• Know your styles: balcony designs are particularly useless or unflattering for the larger bust. Experts recommend "falling" into your bra. Slot your arms through the straps and bend from the waist, letting your breasts drop into the cups. The cups should contain the entire breast, and you should centre your nipple in the fullest part. Hand-wash bras to prevent loss of support.

• V-necks, nipped-in waists, tailoring - all the old chestnuts work best. Think Jessica Rabbit proportions: an imposing bust offset by a clingy pencil skirt.

• Know which retro looks work for your shape. Hello Fifties wasp waists and Forties tailoring. Goodbye Sixties smocks and Twenties drop waists.

• This season, Vogue recommends: subtle prints, tuxedo jackets, the Fifties silhouette, Gucci or Jil Sander bandeau tops, a Lanvin black-belted coat dress and an Antonio Berardi jumpsuit.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Tips for newbies on the fashion show scene

2008-03-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

Going to your first fashion show can be intimidating. Quick's Lesley Téllez interviewed F!Dluxe's David Ninh about how to prepare for Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center.

OK, first question: What should you wear?

Dallas weather can be so fickle, but I am going to assume it will be warm and toasty. Try to look polished! Ladies, a colorful dress will make you stand out and ensure you get snapped by roving photographers. Dressy jeans with a flirty top and cropped jacket are also acceptable. Guys, please take it up a notch and attempt to sport a casual blazer, or at least a nice button-down or light sweater.

Anything special you should bring? A notebook to jot down notes, perhaps?

Bring a digital camera to record all the action on and off the runway. Since Fashion at the Park's shows feature merchandise that is available in the stores, you can take pictures of what you like and go buy it from the store that day.

How important is hanging out in the tent where they serve the champagne?

Believe me, the champagne flows before the shows. It's never-ending. Keep in mind you can't take it in the tent during the show. Sorry!

What's your best overall advice for someone who's never been to a fashion show before?

Indulge in all the fabulousness, but don't overdo it. And don't be tacky and hit on the models roving around at the tent after the shows. Feel free to holler and cheer because the night shows tend to be more high-energy and can get a bit rowdy.

http://www.dallasnews.com/

Suited for the occasion

2008-02-15T04:21:00.000-08:00

Rockets center Yao Ming, like most NBA players, is familiar with Turner Sports reporter Craig Sager's sense of fashion, which is, in a word, eclectic, and his pace of acquisition, which is, in a word, constant.

At any given time, Sager's 30-foot by 10-foot walk-in closet in his suburban Atlanta home contains a rotating cast of 100 suits, 100 sports jackets and perhaps 200 ties — so many choices that his wife, Stacy, has to make do with closet space in their children's bedrooms.

And so Yao should have realized the potential for the unexpected when he suggested to Sager, after an interview in Yao's hometown of Shanghai several years ago, that they go clothes shopping.

"Ninety percent of silk comes from China," Sager said. "So we go to a suit shop with all this raw silk. But it's boring — all blacks and grays."

In another part of the store, however, several brightly colored bolts caught Sager's eye.

"What's that?" he asked.

Yao stared at him.

"That's the women's section," he said. "Those are for dresses."

"Well, that's what I like," Sager replied. "Let's go over there."

And so they did, which is how Sager acquired a raspberry-colored Chinese silk sports jacket that now resides in his closet, awaiting its next appearance from courtside at an NBA game on an HDTV screen near you.

"You know that look Yao has in the commercials, like he's saying, 'What's with this guy?' " Sager said. "That's the look he gave me."

The raspberry coat isn't the only item in Sager's closet with a Houston connection. Houston, in fact, looms large in Sager's sartorial legend.

At least four times a year, Sager flies to town to visit brothers Hank and Ali Taghi, whose family owns the A. Taghi men's clothing store in the Galleria area. Sager shops at practically every stop on the road, but the Taghis are his go-to guys for special occasions like the playoffs and the NBA All-Star Game.

It was Hank Taghi, in fact, who sold Sager perhaps the most famous suit in NBA television history — a silver and black reflective silk Armani number so riveting that Turner Sports officials made Sager change it during All-Star Saturday in 2001 in Washington, D.C.

"It cost, maybe, $5,000," Sager said. "It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. And they only let me wear it for a couple of hours."

The suit, which now hangs in a place of honor at an Atlanta sports bar, inspired the deathless quote from Charles Barkley that summarizes the more extreme reactions to Sager's fashion sense.

"I don't have anything against black people, white people or any kind of people," Barkley said. "But when you start letting pimps interview people, that's where I draw the line."

Barkley was joking — sort of. Fortunately, Sager enjoys the jibes from such noted fashion critics as Shaquille O'Neal, who said Sager's outfits are "horri-awful — horrible and awful combined;" TNT analyst and former Rockets player Kenny Smith, who describes Sager as "the Liberace of the NBA;" and fellow ex-Rocket and current ESPN analyst Jon Barry, who, informed that Sager shops in Houston for clothes, said, "That's interesting. I thought he made them himself."

Such comments, however, send Hank Taghi, whose current and former client list includes Hakeem Olajuwon, Barkley, Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and others, scurrying to his customer's defense.

"Craig likes fun, colorful things," Taghi said. "He wears them well. Some people can't wear strong colors. They can't handle things that stand out. But some carry it very well. You have to have a strong personality to carry it off."

With the 2008 All-Star Game events taking place this weekend in New Orleans, Sager began preparing several months ago for his weekend ensembles. When he came to Houston last week to work a Rockets game on TNT, his first stop was at A. Taghi to pick up his All-Star coat — a navy blue crushed-velvet number with cream piping assembled for the Houston store by a London tailor.

"It's my Ringo Starr look," Sager said, referring to the fashion style preferred by the former Beatles drummer in the band's late 1960s incarnation.

More specifically, it's probably what Ringo Starr would wear if Ringo owned a New Orleans riverboat.

With the velvet jacket, Sager will wear off-white pants, a white shirt with medium blue stripes and a tie that matches navy blue pleats with royal blue fabric studded with about a half-carat of diamonds.

Tonight's ensemble will feature a peach, pink and teal jacket, light teal shirt and pants and a brown-and-light-blue polka-dot tie.

In two weeks, he'll be back to pick up a carnation-colored linen sports jacket and a few more items to take him through the regular season. And he'll probably return in April or May to stock up before the playoffs.

"I can't wear the same thing in the playoffs. Barkley would kill me," he said. "We have to come up with something new. The players elevate their game. I have to elevate mine. I don't want to wear something that I wore in November in Cleveland to a playoff game in Houston."

Sager, who set his fashion style by wearing Nehru jackets to high school in the 1960s, receives a clothing allowance from Turner, but it's not enough, he said, to make it through one trip to A. Taghi's. He doesn't know how much he spends on clothes annually, adding, "I should be on a budget. But I'm not."

Sager clearly enjoys the attention and the occasional ridicule that his style inspires among players but said, "I don't dress for TV. I dress for me.

"My first job in TV, I showed up wearing a blue and yellow seersucker suit. The director said, 'Ooh, that's not good for TV,' but I wore it anyway. You've got to have fun with it."

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5543366.html

London Fashion Week: Vivienne Westwood

2008-02-15T04:16:00.000-08:00

The high priestess of punk, Dame Vivienne Westwood, who has vowed to vote Conservative at the next election, could not resist a political statement at her first catwalk show in London for 10 years.

She opened her Red Label collection at London Fashion Week with a male model wearing "Guantanamo Orange" underpants and a girl carrying a placard protesting for the rights of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay.

Star models included the daughter of actor Ray Winstone, Jaime, in a plaid micro-mini and the socialite Alice Dellal, in hot pants with her hair half-shaved in a punk tribute to Dame Vivienne.

The collection covered looks from Miss Marple to Miss Moneypenny, and models with teased "Penelope Tree" hair and platform shoes.

Dame Vivienne took her bow in a pencil skirt, platforms and a blouse covered with protest badges.

"It feels like being at home," she said.

Luella Bartley's collection - inspired by living in Cornwall and tales of witches, fairies and pixies - saw trapeze-line coats, knitted pixie hats with mismatched tweed suiting and delicate, ribbon-trimmed frocks in flower-fairy pastels.

In the front row her cool customers - Lily Allen, Kelly Osbourne, Alexa Chung, Emilia Fox and Rod Stewart's daughter, Kimberly - wore her short, strapless prom frocks.

London-based Erdem Moralioglu, winner of the 2007 £50,000 British Fashion Council Enterprise Award, proved the investment in his talent was well-placed.

The 30-year-old designer created his own spectacular fauna and flora prints, woven by specialist mills on Lake Como.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Surf and Snow Mag launching for women's boardsports

2007-12-29T09:58:00.000-08:00

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 27 December, 2007 : - - Orlando, Fla – SurfandSnowMag.com, a division of JBS Works, Inc., today announced that it has launched its online magazine for females who love and live the "board culture" of surfing and snowboarding.

The new SurfandSnowMag.com is a non-subscription-based online magazine that offers its readers surf reports, snow reports, the latest surf fashion and gear, snowboarding fashion and gear, feature stories, industry news, music, surf and snowboarding videos, and so much more.

Julie Brockmeyer Stine, Publisher of SurfandSnowMag.com, wanted to develop a free online publication modeled after traditional print publications catering to females who enjoy many of the same things. “Surfing and snowboarding are such crossover sports for so many, and I thought it made sense to include both sports in this online publication.

Whether you like to surf, like to snowboard, or do both, clothing brands and music are just a few of the commonalities between the two sports, “ Stine commented. “There are so many print and online surfing and snowboarding publications that cater to males only. Although women read Surfing, Surfer, and Snowboarding magazines, it’s because their reading choices targeting female surfing and snowboarding are so limited.

It's virtually, if not literally, impossible to find women’s fashion and beauty articles in a men’s surfing or snowboarding magazine. "I would speculate that the male readership of those publications would decline dramatically, if not cease to exist altogether if that occurred,” she added.

Revenue dollars will be generated by limited, non-invasive, unobtrusive online ads. There will be no pop-up ads or ads that you have to view first in order to read an article on SurfandSnowMag.com. “As an online marketing professional, it doesn’t make any sense to provide obstacles that impede the visitor's experience on a Web site.

The more difficult you make the experience for the visitors navigating your site, the less inclined they'll be to return. I want it to be a win-win for the viewers and advertisers of SurfandSnowMag.com,” Julie Brockmeyer Stine stated.

http://www.globalsurfnews.com/news.asp?Id_news=32069

Media’s role in conflict situations

2007-12-29T09:56:00.000-08:00

MANILA, Philippines—Some 50 members of the media, including two Inquirer reporters, were humiliated by the police for doing their job—informing the public about the revolt led by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim in Makati City on Nov. 29.

After the police subdued the revolt at the Manila Peninsula hotel, broadcast and print journalists were rounded up at gunpoint, handcuffed and herded like cattle to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

The authorities were incensed that the journalists did not heed the order to vacate the hotel. Had the journalists heeded the order, the public would not have known what was happening inside the hotel. Foul deeds are often committed far from the prying eyes of the media.

Surely, police and military officials knew who the bona fide members of the media were. Many of them covered at one time or another the Philippine National Police, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of National Defense, and Malacañang.

The authorities also knew the police and military intelligence agents who passed themselves off as journalists during the siege. Understandably, the police did not touch these agents.

ON NOV. 29, MORE THAN 30 journalists were arrested, handcuffed and transported to Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan.

Twelve of the journalists were from ABS-CBN, detained as “witnesses and suspects,” according to the police. Others were told they would be released as soon as their identities were verified.

Our head of news gathering, Charie Villa, went immediately to the Peninsula hotel to identify our people; yet, she was told they would still have to be arrested and brought to Bicutan. We believe this move sets a dangerous precedent and erodes our nation’s democracy.

There are two points I’d like to make about the role of media in conflict situations like the Peninsula siege. First, our democracy rests on the principle that the people have a right to know. Section 7, Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution recognizes “the right of the people to information on matters of public concern.”

Law enforcement and government officials must be accountable to the public, and our history has shown there is no better means to do that during crisis situations than live television coverage.

Times of uncertainty

In a 2004 national survey by ABS-CBN, over 90 percent of adult Filipinos said that during any major event, they looked for news, with 87 percent turning to TV to make sure they were informed. After the 2007 elections, that increased, hitting 92 percent in Metro Manila, according to Pulse Asia.

The clamor for information increases during times of uncertainty, highlighted during nearly a dozen coup attempts and withdrawals of support in the last two decades: in 1986 and 2001, military moves turned into successful people power revolts; while failed attempts were televised during Edsa Tres, the Oakwood mutiny and the Peninsula siege.

Since these three failed, it obviously doesn’t follow that television coverage automatically means success. During all these, 1986 excluded, ABS-CBN reported in a similar and consistent fashion, spurred on by the public’s right to know. In performing our duty, we accepted the risks, including overturned and burned vehicles and the mauling of reporters (not by the police but by a sector of the public we serve).

Need to be informed

While the State has the right to protect itself, the public has the right to know—and as we have seen, the Filipino has always made a choice. Focus group discussions conducted by ABS-CBN between Dec. 3 and Dec. 5 reflect that. The participants expressed an overwhelming sentiment that they wanted to be kept informed, saying live television coverage should continue.

We believe this is critical because an uninformed public makes any democracy unstable. It is in this light that media should be considered partners in promoting democracy rather than the other way around.

It is important that the public has the information it needs to make an informed decision because that is the foundation of our democracy. Yet, by arresting our journalists, authorities effectively shut down ANC’s live coverage of the post-siege situation at the Peninsula hotel.

Censorship

They tried to confiscate videotapes and equipment from reporters, photographers and cameramen. The police violated their own definition of the “crime scene” by approaching our transmission facilities outside the Peninsula to try to confiscate our videotapes and stop our coverage. This is effectively censorship—at a time when the conflict had all but been resolved. To date, they still have at least one videotape and two radios owned by ABS-CBN.

The second point, which has clear ramifications for the future, is the role journalists play in conflict situations like Edsa, Oakwood and the Peninsula.

On Dec. 5, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno called the Peninsula a “crime scene” and said that journalists violated two laws during the siege. He cited Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, which has to do with “resistance and disobedience of persons in authority” and Presidential Decree No. 1821 for “obstruction of justice.”

Chilling effect

These statements have far-reaching consequences because now every journalist reporting on a conflict situation has to worry that he or she may be arrested and charged. Beyond that, if the journalist can be charged so can news organizations. This is no longer a threat but a reality and creates a “chilling effect” for working journalists, who can now be charged like common criminals.

Yet, we believe that the law covering the presence of journalists in conflict situations is very clear and supercedes any legislation cited by the interior secretary. Section 4, Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that “no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press.”

“Was there an arrest? Yes,” said Puno. “Were they charged? No. Why was there an apology? Because all of us feel bad about the way the incident materialized. We are unhappy that our friends in media had to suffer inconvenience.”

Trivialized

In one move, the government trivialized and dismissed a violation of the Constitution as an “inconvenience.”

While we understand the position of the Philippine National Police (PNP), by its own admission, it is using “SOPs” created in 2006. PNP Memorandum Circular No. 2006-09-01 tells the police what to do with perpetrators, hostages and witnesses.

It has no provisions for journalists, who are part of the landscape in conflict situations. This may be the first time these rules were used. It is also the first time that the PNP has been the lead agency in a political conflict situation, which is how many journalists would characterize the event, not just a “crime scene” complete with overtones of bank robberies and murder.

Every other coup attempt or passive withdrawals of support in the past 21 years were handled by the Department of National Defense. Perhaps this is part of the reason why the rules were changed in the Peninsula siege.

Hold the line

We journalists are by no means perfect. Some of us can be arrogant at times and that is how we have been portrayed by the police in this instance. But the reason we need to hold the line is simply because if we give in, we would have contributed to weakening our democracy by depriving the public of the information it wants and needs.

Having reported from numerous combat zones in Southeast Asia and around the world, I am very aware of the risks we face as journalists. In Indonesia, I barely survived a crossfire between government troops and protesters.

In Aceh, my team and I were detained but that’s to be expected given the authoritarian regime then. In East Timor, Pakistan, India and China, despite the dangers and restrictions, you calculate the risks and always make sure the odds are high that you will survive to tell the story.

Ludicrous

What I have learned from experience is that every situation is different, and what you do depends on the system of government i.e. you would not make the same decision under a democracy that you would under a dictatorship.

Every journalists’ and news organizations’ assessment of risk varies. That is why I find it slightly ludicrous for the PNP to quote the ethics manuals of the CBC, BBC and ABS-CBN to bolster its point that all journalists should have left when requested—that there is a one-size-fits-all response.

All these codes provide guidance—the philosophy of the organization—but in the end, the judgement call and the decision to stay or to go rest with the journalist. We balance the fear for personal safety with the duty to report the truth.

Masquerading as journalist

The police claim we were being used because they said some Magdalo soldiers changed clothes and put on press passes. Everyone tries to use us, including the police and military intelligence agents who were pretending to be journalists. During the crisis, we did not report that because we did not want to compromise their work, but their presence increased the danger for us. Those agents could have easily told their superiors who were the real journalists and who were only masquerading as members of the media.

We categorically state that at no instance did any journalist “obstruct justice” at the Peninsula. Mere presence and reporting the news are not obstruction of justice. Recordings made by the police of our live coverage are now being used by authorities as evidence against those it charged in court.

PNP got news from media

The police even acknowledged that there was a failure of communication within their organization. They mobilized only after they were “informed” of the event through TV and radio coverage. It is clear the police benefited from us doing our job. We cannot be both obstructing and helping justice simultaneously.

Our fear is that the arrests of journalists may herald more dangerous times ahead. In recent years, many developments have eroded press freedom in our country. In 2003, there were more journalists killed in the Philippines than in Iraq, and today—despite pressure from the international community—the extrajudicial killings of journalists and leftist leaders continue with virtual impunity.

Intimidation tactics, indirect pressure and libel suits have been used to attempt to control journalists. In 2006, Proclamation No. 1017 severely curtailed press freedom after authorities threatened to shut down news organizations and stationed tanks outside TV networks.

Last year, Freedom House, an international group, which conducts an annual survey of political rights and civil liberties, downgraded its rating of the Philippines from free to partly free.

Insult

Given this context, the arrests of journalists is extremely alarming, especially since it has now been elevated as policy by Puno, who warns journalists that the police would do it again. To add insult to injury, after authorities apologized for the arrests, they began to publicly question the motives of our journalists.

Officials maligned us by implying we were working with Trillanes’ group despite the absolute lack of evidence for these statements. Now, they say they will look at the franchises of television networks. All this only points out that the attempts to intimidate and harass journalists continue.

While it is inconvenient for law enforcement officials to have to contend with media in conflict zones, it is a necessity guaranteed by the Constitution and a check and balance of a vibrant democracy.

On Nov. 29, the journalists who chose to stay and report on the Peninsula siege displayed tremendous courage and risked their safety for the public they serve. A colleague from the Foreign Correspondents’ Association of the Philippines captured the spirit of our thoughts: “if someone else can deliver the truth better, we would give way. If we chose to leave at the request of the PNP, then we would have to swallow the PNP version of the truth because we chose to give up the access we already had.”

That would be a disservice to the public we all serve.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/talkofthetown/view_article.php?article_id=109414

A Clothes Encounter In The Business World

2007-12-16T22:39:00.001-08:00

Do you ever wonder where all the dress rules have gone? Depending on when and where you are on any given business day, the words "distant past" might come to mind. It's difficult to decide if people don't know what to wear to work or if they have lost sight of the relevance of appearance to professional success.

The Queen of England is reported to have told Prince Charles, "Dress gives one the outward sign from which people can judge the inward state of mind. One they can see, the other they cannot." Clearly, she was saying what many people are reluctant to accept; that people judge us by the way we dress. In all situations, business and social, our outward appearance sends a message.

Try going to a busy restaurant at lunchtime. Look around you at what people are wearing and see if you don't make judgments about who they are, their line of business, their personalities and their competencies. Think about how you feel when you are dressed in your usual business attire as opposed to casual dress. Your choice of business apparel speaks to your professional behavior and credibility. It is important to understand how to dress for business if you wish to promote yourself and your organization in a positive manner,

How you dress depends on four factors: the industry in which you work, the job you have within that industry, the geographic area in which you live; and most importantly, what your client expects to see.

Professional Dress for Men

In men's clothing, fashion does not change significantly from season to season but business attire is about being professional and not about being fashionable. It's about presenting yourself in a way that makes your clients feel comfortable and confident with you. Dressing for success is still the rule. The professional businessman should keep in mind these few points when deciding what to wear to work.

Choose a conservative suit in navy, black or gray either pinstripe or solid. The quality of the material speaks as loudly as the color and can make the difference between sleaze and suave.

A solid white or blue dress shirt with long sleeves offers the most polished look. The more pattern and color you add, the more the focus is on your clothing, rather than your professionalism.

Ties should be made of silk or a silk-like fabric. Avoid the cartoon characters and go for simple and subtle if you want to enhance your credibility.

Socks should be calf-length or above. Make sure they match not only what you are wearing, but also each other. A quick glance in good light before heading out the door can save embarrassment later in the day. Check for holes as well if you'll be going through airport security and removing your shoes.

Shoes should without question be conservative, clean and well polished. Lace-up shoes are the choice over slip-ons or flip flops. Don't think for a minute that people don't notice shoes. Many people will look at your feet before your face.

Belts need to match or closely coordinate with your shoes. Once again, quality counts.

Keep jewelry to a minimum. In a time when men sport gold necklaces, bracelets and earrings, the business professional should limit himself to a conservative watch, a wedding band and maybe his college ring.

Personal hygiene is part of the success equation. Freshly scrubbed wins out over heavily fragranced any day of the week. Save the after-shave for after hours, but never the shave itself.

The finishing touch for the business man is his choice of accessories: briefcase, portfolio and pen. When it comes to sealing the deal, a top of the line suit, a silk tie and a good pair of leather shoes can lose their affect when you pull out the ball point pen you picked up in the hotel meeting room the day before.

Professional Dress for Women

When women entered the workplace in the 1970's and 1980's in greater numbers than ever before and began to move into positions which had traditionally been held by men, many of them believed that they needed to imitate male business attire. The result was women showing up at the office in skirted suits or coordinated skirts and jackets with tailored blouses finished off with an accessory item that looked very much like a man's tie. Happily those days are gone. While the business woman may now wear trousers to work, she does it out of a desire to appear professional and at the same time enjoy the flexibility and comfort that pants offer over skirts. Her goal is no longer to mirror her male colleagues.

The same overall rules apply to women's work attire as apply to men's. Business clothing is not a reflection of the latest fashion trend. A woman should be noticed for who she is and her professional skills rather than for what she wears. Her business wear should be appropriate for her industry and her position or title within the industry.

Start with a skirted suit or pants suit for the most conservative look. A skirted suit is the most professional. With a few exceptions, dresses do not offer the same credibility unless they are accompanied by matching jackets.

Skirts should be knee-length or slightly above or below. Avoid extremes. A skirt more than two inches above the knee raises eyebrows and questions.

Pants should break at the top of the foot or shoe. While Capri pants and their fashion cousins that come in assorted lengths from mid-calf to ankle are the latest trend, they are out of place in the conservative business environment.

Blouses and sweaters provide color and variety to woman's clothing, but they should be appealing rather than revealing. Inappropriate necklines and waistlines can give the wrong impression.

Women need to wear hose in the business world. Neutral or flesh-tone stockings are the best choices. Never wear dark hose with light-colored clothing or shoes. Keep an extra pair of stockings in your desk drawer unless the hosiery store is next door or just down the street from the office.

Faces, not feet, should be the focal point in business so chose conservative shoes. A low heel is more professional than flats or high heels. In spite of current fashion and the sandal rage, open-toed or backless shoes are not office attire. Not only are sandals a safety hazard, they suggest a certain official agenda.

When it comes to accessories and jewelry, less is once again more. Keep it simple: one ring per hand, one earring per ear. Accessories should reflect your personality, not diminish your credibility.

Business attire is different from weekend and evening wear. Investing in a good business wardrobe is an investment in your professional future. For those who think it's not what you wear but who you are that creates success, give that some more thought. Business skills and experience count, but so does personal appearance and that all-important first impression.

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL - ADDING THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. She has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, Investors' Business Daily, Entrepreneur, Inc., Real Simple and Woman's Day. For more information about her programs, products and services, e-mail her at lydia@mannersthatsell.com or visit her web site http://www.mannersthatsell.com

Eyewear Frames - Catch the Wave of Fashion

2007-12-16T22:36:00.000-08:00

With so many eyewear choices it can be difficult to know what eye wear frames and styles are best for you. Considerations such as face shape, personality, lifestyle and coloring are all factors when it comes to choosing the right eyewear whether you wear fashion eyewear, designer eye wear, nonprescription eye wear, prescription eye wear, sport eyewear, children’s eye wear or discount eye wear.

When purchasing your eyewear frames you’ll want to find something that complements your face shape, lifestyle and personality especially if your going to be wearing your eye wear on a daily basis. First off you want to determine your face shape and coloring some tips for finding the best frames can include; your eyewear frames should contrast with your face shape; your eye wear frame size should be in scale with your face size; your eye wear should repeat your best feature, an example would be blue eyes with blue frames.

There are seven basic face shapes to consider when purchasing eyewear frames they include:

the round face, to make face appear thinner and longer you should try angular narrow eye wear frames with a clear bridge (rectangular frames work);
oval face (the most balanced proportions of all faces), select eye wear frames that are as wide as the broadest part of face;
oblong face which is longer than it is wide, to make face appear shorter try frames with decorative temples or that have a top to bottom depth;
base up triangle which has a wide upper half and smaller bottom half, select frames that are smaller at bottom with light colors and materials or rimless eye wear frame styles;
base down triangle is a triangular face that has a narrow forehead that widens at cheek and chin area, cat eye frames o heavily accented frames with detailing on top half;
diamond face that is narrow at eyes and jaw with high cheekbones, look good in rimless, oval or cat eye frames;
square face which has a strong jaw line and broad forehead, narrow eye wear frame styles look best.

Next you will want to determine your personal coloring, everyone is either warm (yellow based) or cool (blue based). It’s a fact that you look best in your own color, with this said your eyewear frames should complement your personal coloring. The best way to determine your coloring is by your skin. Cool skin has a blue/pink undertone whereas warm skin has a yellow base or “peaches and cream” base. Hair is also considered either warm or cool. Strawberry blond, platinum, blue-black, salt and pepper and white hair are cool. Golden blond, flat black, brown gold and gray hair are warm.

So after you have determined whether you're warm or cool in coloring you will be ready to select an eyewear frame color that is appropriate for you. Some suggestions for eye wear frame colors if you are a warm can include camel, khaki, gold, copper, orange, coral, peach, off white, red and warm blue. Eyewear frame color suggestions for cool coloring can include black, rose-brown, plum, blue-gray, magenta, pink, jade, blue and dark tortoise.

You will want to select eye wear frames that suit your personality and lifestyle. You can ask yourself some questions that will help you determine what sort eye wear will work best for you things such as what you use your eyewear for and what activities you participate in (work, sports). It is usually a good idea to own more than one pair of eye wear, just as you own clothing for different events and activities you can have eye wear to complement what you are doing.

For the conservative business person ovals, rectangles and almond shaped eye wear frames work. Thin plastics, metals and rimless frames in colors such as silver, brown, black, gunmetal and burgundy. For the creative person modern shaped frames (geometrics) in larger plastic styles and metal frames in unique colors of blue, green and purple. For the retired senior modern look eyewear frames in rectangle shapes for men and soft cat eye shapes for women. Gunmetal, deep brown and burgundy colored frames work for men while lighter, shiner hues work nice for women. Shine can add life to a woman’s face, you do however want to stay clear of silver, black and dark, dull colors.

For the student deciding on eyewear there is a wonderful amount of freedom it’s a good idea to try interesting styles, shapes and colors, Have fun with your selection, bright colors, larger styles, unique shapes and dynamic details are options. For the busy dad or mom, basic eye wear frame shapes such as ovals, rectangles and soft cat eye shapes with subtle detailing like rhinestones, stained glass or metal accents can be appealing. Eyewear frame colors such as plums, deep red and black can work nicely.

Lastly for the athletic person there have never been more eye wear options than there are today with wraparound styles, eye wear shields, sports specific eye wear options (green tinted lenses for seeing the subtle lines and flag pole in the green, or yellow tinted lenses for seeing tennis balls more clearly and rose or pink tinted ski goggles for seeing the lines and slopes of the ski hill) and sports eye wear that offers eye protection. Polarized lenses can reduce the glare associated with water sports, snow sports and driving while polycarbonate lenses (impact resistant) can offer important protection for the eyes. You will want to be sure that your sport eye wear choices fit properly and offer the technical functions needed for your particular needs.

With so many wonderful eyewear choices to be found in fashion eye wear there is something to please everyone. When visiting your eye care practitioner or optician it is a great idea to ask for suggestions on eyewear styles, designs and colors for your particular face shape and coloring, they can offer recommendations on what will best suit you.

The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.

Sunglasses Options are Plentiful

2007-11-16T04:17:00.006-08:00

Protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays is very important if you are spending any time outdoors. Even days that are hazy or dull require protection for our eyes. Here are a few considerations.

Sunglasses come in a bewildering array of choices; never have there been so many options to select from. With all the variety you’ll want to know ahead of time what the differences are between tinted, reflective, photochromic and polarizing lenses. Of course the style of frame and size of lenses will be obvious differences when shopping for sunglasses. It will also be important to know exactly what purpose you’ll be using your sunglasses.

Sunglasses allow for us to see easier in the bright light. Some glasses protect against ultraviolet (UV) rays while reducing glare and giving protection from physical damage that may be caused to the eyes. Everyone is at risk for sun related eye problems. People who spend long hours in the sun during work or outdoor activity are at higher risk, than someone who is working indoors all day long. Other people may be at higher risk of eye damage if they are on certain medications such as; tetracycline, birth control pills, diuretics and sulfa drugs.

Ultraviolet light can damage both the cornea and retina, so with a good pair of sunglasses the UV can be eliminated from entering the eye completely. Whatever sunglasses you select they should provide the most possible UV protection possible. It’s good to find a pair of glasses that block the sun from all angles, best achieved with a large framed pair that wrap around the face. Purchase sunglasses that block both the UVA and UVB rays, your lenses should indicate this when buying them, if they don’t specify what protection is offered it is best not to buy them. On top of wearing sunglasses it is a good idea to wear a wide brimmed hat.

Manufacturers use different colors of tints to produce specific results for a variety of sunglasses needs. The color of the tint will determine the parts of the light spectrum that will be completely absorbed by the sunglasses. Yellow or gold tints reduce there opposite color, which is blue while allowing other lights to pass through. Blue lights tend to create a glare otherwise known as blue haze. Gray tints are generally used as an all- purpose tints reducing the overall brightness with the least amount of color distortion. The gray lenses are a good lens for general use and driving. Brownish and amber tints are another example of good all-purpose glasses. They reduce glare, absorbing blue and UV rays. Blue and violet have been shown to contribute to cataract formation. Purple and rose tints are great choices for water sports or golfing as they offer contrast of objects against a blue or green background. Green tints are another popular option as they absorb some blue light while reducing glare.

To recognize a pair of reflective sunglasses they will be the pair with the mirrored look. Reflective sunglasses use a reflective coating called a half-silvered surface as it is applied in a very sparse, thin layer. The reason the process is called half-silvered is because the reflective molecules applied over the glass is distributed evenly but only half the glass is covered because of the speckled process. Thus the surface will reflect only about half the light striking the surface, letting the other half go through the glasses. Many styles of mirrored glasses come in gradient forms that have additional protection on the top part of the glasses with less protection at the bottom of the lenses. Mirrored sunglasses are unfortunately easily scratched so extra caution must be used to keep them protected.

Both sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses that darken when exposed to the sun are known as photochromic (or photochromatic) sunglasses. The special lenses work by using a chemical reaction with the UV radiation. The lenses have millions of molecules of substances such as silver halide or silver chloride. When the lenses are exposed to UV rays from the sunlight, the molecules embedded in the lenses undergo a chemical reaction causing them to absorb light thus darkening.

Without the UV light, the lenses go back to their original state, it should be noted that the lenses would not darken in the car as the windshield block out most of the ultraviolet light. Most of the photochromic lenses do however have a bit of tint included in them, so they will still work while driving.

It helps to know a bit about polarization to understand why polarized sunglasses work. Polarization happens when radiation, especially light through being transmitted, scattered, refracted or reflected is restricted to vibrate in only one particular direction, it can occur both naturally and artificially. An example of natural polarization is when you look at the ocean or a lake, the glare off the surface is a result of the light that did not make it through the filter of water, therefore you cannot see below the surface. What polarized lenses does is allows the vertically polarized light to enter from most horizontal surfaces such as highways and water. A good test to see whether sunglasses are polarized or not is to find a reflective surface and with the glasses in front of the surface you want to view, slowly rotate the glasses checking to see if the glare diminishes, if it does the glasses are polarized. Photographers often use special polarized lenses atop their ordinary lenses to avoid unnecessary glare from surfaces.

There are a few extra features of sunglasses that will add to the quality of your lenses. Scratch-resistant coating is achieved by applying a thin durable film on the surface of the lenses; this extends the life and safety of your glasses, as it’s almost impossible to wear a pair of glasses with a scratch on them while trying to see properly. Anti-reflective coating reduces what is known as back-glare, a result of light hitting the back of the sunglasses and bouncing into the eyes. Lastly the most popular coating is the ultraviolet or UV coating. Some of the most serious of eye problems can be linked to UV light, both UVA and UVB. A good UV coating on your sunglasses will eliminate UV radiation, it is important to check that your glasses filter out one hundred percent of both UVA and UVB, there should be a label on your sunglasses stating this information.

Sunglasses come in a myriad of design, color choices and styles. Popular designers offer glasses in prescription, men’s, women’s, sports and junior varieties. A suggestion when purchasing sunglasses is to try and select a pair that blocks the light from all angles, preferably one that wraps all the way around the face, this is if you want the ultimate eye protection. Of course with all the choices available you’ll most importantly select sunglasses that block both the UVA and UVB radiation in a style that provides comfort and the right fit.

Whatever sunglasses you decide on wearing you will feel safer knowing you are eliminating harmful rays from entering you’re eyes. By properly taking care of your eyes you can hopefully avoid problems such as cataracts, cancer of the eye or photokeratitis (sunburn of the retina) and macular degeneration, (which is the leading cause of blindness in people over 65). Paying a little extra for a pair of sunglasses with one hundred percent protection is a smart investment.

Valerie Giles owns and operates Best Sunglasses Online, a sunglasses site showcasing an extensive selection of discount sunglasses, designer sunglasses, aviator sunglasses and prescription sunglasses. Find all the top name brands. http://www.best-sunglasses-online.com

The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.

Curves Hit the Beach: Women's Guide to Plus Size Swimwear Online

2007-11-16T04:17:00.005-08:00

Summer is with us. The sun is shining, the beaches are glistening and everyone is ready to it the golden sands; ready to relax and enjoy the hottest season of the year.

However, you find yourself stuck indoors with nothing to wear! No stylish swimsuit at hand to stroll down the beach in, thinking “it’s impossible, at my size, to find sexy, stylish and fun beach wear!” Well think again ladies!

Nowadays us large and lovely ladies have a vast selection of plus size swim wear available to spice up our wardrobe and make us look sizzling this summer. All that is needed is a PC, an Internet connection and a comfy chair. Sit back and shop away, choosing from the best selection of plus size swim wear online whilst sipping on that ice-cold cocktail. It’s that easy!

Girl, the Internet makes shopping fun, easy and so simple. No matter what size you are, you will definitely find something to flatter your figure. There is a handful of good quality plus size stores online which offer swim wear up to size 40! Here is a list of my favourite plus size swim wear stores, the ones which I usually recommend to friend, family and colleagues:

• Zaftique: mature, stylish and sophisticated styles in sizes 0Z to 6Z (12/14 to 36/38).

• Torrid: young and trendy designs in sizes 0 to 4 (12/14 to 26/28).

• Junonia: for women who are ready for action! Styles in sizes 0X to 6X (14/16 to 38/40).

• Big On Batik: accessories ahoy! Catering for sizes 1X to 8X.

• Alight: what else can you need? A multitude of designers available here, in sizes 14W to 28W.

More info can be found at http://www.pasazz.net/plus-size-swim-wear.html.

So this season, all big beautiful ladies have no excuse to stay in at home. Go strut your stuff on the beach! Show off those curves in your brand new swim wear!

About the author:

Maya Matthews is the resident writer at http://www.pasazz.net, the plus size clothing directory. A plus size women herself, Maya strives to provide plus size ladies with fashion and lifestyle tips and ideas. Please visit the plus size clothing directory to read more articles and find the top online plus size stores.

Buying Shoes Online - The Benefits

2007-11-16T04:17:00.003-08:00

I love to buy shoes but I hate to shop for them.

Driving and walking from store to store can be exhausting. In fact, most neighborhood shoe stores carry limited styles, fashions and sizes, so I often come home tired, discouraged and empty handed.

So it's no wonder that the internet has become my choice for shoe shopping. Try finding a size 10, double narrow pink pump with a 2 inch heel at your local shoe store. You may have to shop around awhile.

On the other hand, a few keystrokes on your computer will find your desired item and find you the best price. And, of course, it so much easier to let my fingers do the shopping than my poor tired feet.

Shoes may not be something you would consider buying online as most people like to 'try on' their shoes, and yes, that's a big benefit to shopping in stores, but online shoe stores have worked hard to make your shoe shopping experience as easy and pleasant as possible.

Here's some of the benefits:

Free Shipping and Free Returns
Your shoes are delivered free and if you don't like them, they take them back free. This is a big incentive that many online shoe stores offer. You get your shoes in 3-5 days, try them on at home. If you don't like them or they don't fit, you send them back free of charge. They even supply the labels.

Better Pricing
Prices are often better online as well. What I find the most appealing is that the internet provides a forum for shopping around. If you find a pair of shoes you like, make a note of the brand and style and shop around at other online stores. In the time it takes to drive to your local shoe store you can shop for a wardrobe of shoes and have them delivered to your door in just a few days.

110% price protection
Many online shoes stores offer price protection which means if you find a shoe for a lower price on another web site or in a shoe store, they will refund you 110% of the difference between the lower price and our price. Definitely something to look for when you shop.

You have 365 days to return your shoes
No hurry, if you can 't get out to return your shoes right away, you have a whole year to send them back.

Not all online shoe stores offer these exceptional shoe buying benefits, however more and more of them are jumping on board.

So, if you're like me and you love to buy new shoes, but hate the walking, check out shopping for them online. It could be one of the best shoe buying experiences you'll ever have.

Elizabeth McGee offers a directory of America's Finest Online Shoe Stores with Everyday Low Prices on Famous Brand Shoes, Sandals and more. Visit her site at: http://www.famous-brand-shoes.com

Handbag and Purse Trends 2005

2007-11-16T04:17:00.001-08:00

Handbags are becoming the most popular fashion accessory on the market. The popularity of handbags (especially in the last year) has taken everyone by storm including handbag manufacturers. There are so many styles and trends available on the market right now and the average woman now owns at least 3 purses. You can make the same outfit look completely different just by changing your handbag. If you are interested in handbags and would like to know the latest styles and trends for this summer, fall and winter, keep reading and you will find out everything you need to know.

These are the latest handbag trends and styles:

Big – Handbags used to be fairly small and you could barely fit all the things you needed in them but the lately the style is the bigger the better. When I say big handbags I mean handbags that look like overnight bags. Big handbags are not only in style because of the way they look but also because they are very practical and you can fit a large amount of stuff in one bag. You can even fit your lunch it in when you go to work. Big handbags are also available with little handbags to go inside or on their own. The smaller versions are great for bars and parties.
Colors – Traditionally blacks, browns and beiges were practically the only color deemed suitable for handbags. Well, that has completely changed over the past few years and handbags are now all about colors. For spring, turquoises and greens are the most popular. For fall it's all about the oranges and reds and for winter it's whites and blues. Black is still classic and very much acceptable, but colors add more personality and flare to your outfit.
Fruit Prints – If you keep up on the latest trends and styles then you will not be surprised to hear that fruit prints are in high demand right now. Many celebrities like Janet Jackson, Hilary Duff and Christina Milian have been seen sporting these prints and the trend has only seen the first glimpse of what is expected to come. Cherries are the most popular fruit prints on the market however apples, strawberries, peaches and many other forms of fruit have also made their mark on many handbag designs.
Multiple Prints – Multiple prints were popular a couple decades ago and are coming back into style as we speak. Multiple prints means a mix of any two (or more) prints, like a zebra print mixed with a leopard print. Individuals who are confident in themselves and who like to be noticed will opt for these types of handbags over all others.
Accessories – A handbag is an accessory in itself, however there are many ways to accessorize handbags as well. Handbags with jewels, buckles, zippers and other added details are very popular right now. Diamonds and other metallic detailing are in high demand as well, possibly from the hype which celebrities create over these types of handbags. A handbag can be easily "spruced up" by adding a few cool accessories.

Now that you know the latest trends and styles, picking out a handbag will be easy. Just remember it's not all about what's on the inside of the handbag, it's how the handbag looks on the outside that counts.

Cathy Feldman is an avid purse enthusiast who has more handbags than she can count. She has become complete addicted to name brand bags and enjoys sharing her knowledge as a contributing editor of http://www.designerhandbags101.com - a site that offers information about designer purses, leather purses, coach purses and more.

How to Spot a Fake Designer Purse or Handbag

2007-11-16T04:15:00.000-08:00

When you finally decide to dish out a large amount of cash for a handbag, you’ll want to make sure it’s the real thing you are purchasing and not a cheap knock-off. With the popularity of handbags at the present time, its no wonder so many companies are eager to produce knock-off versions of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and other high-fashion handbags. We want to make sure that you know when you are being ripped off so you can spend your well-earned money on something that is truly authentic. Here are some hints which will help you spot a fake designer handbag when you see one:

The Fabric

The fabric used to manufacture top-of-the-line brand name handbags is noticeably different than the material used for fakes. If there is wrong stitching or if the material is flawed in even the slightest manner, chances are it is not a name brand purse. High-fashion handbags will always have real materials, they will not use fake leather or fake animal skin and you will get the real deal 100 percent of the time.

Small Detailing

The great thing about authentic handbags is that they are unique and hours upon hours go into making each one exactly right. Designer handbags will often have extra stitching and detailing such as little diamonds, buckles or zippers which make them truly unique to any other designer. As noted above, the diamonds on name brand handbags will also be real 100 percent of the time.

Study the Celebrities

The best way to determine whether or not a handbag is a fake is by studying the real ones and the best way to do that is through celebrities. Celebrities will always have real name brand designer handbags. Most people recognize the design of Louis Vuitton purses because of Jessica Simpson and the hype she has created for the company. When you constantly see celebrities sporting specific types of handbags you will be more inclined in noticing the difference between real and fake ones.

Brand Name Labels

Many brand name handbag designers will put a custom label or logo on their items which indicate that they are authentic. The names sometimes appear on zippers or pockets and some companies like to put it in the same spot on every handbag to ensure their customers know it’s real.

It is important to know that you are getting what you pay for when it comes to designer handbags. If you’re instincts are telling you that the purse is a fake, chances are you’re probably right and its best to leave the bag where it lies. With the amount of money you are spending on these items, you want to make sure the bag you’re buying is authentic and worth every penny you are spending.

Color Contact Lenses - Are They Safe?

2007-11-14T06:05:00.005-08:00

Do you want to find out how you would look with blue, green or amethyst eyes? But you have heard that color contact lenses might cause problems? Here we will discuss how color contacts can affect the health of your eyes, and give you simple tips to follow so your color lenses never give you any troubles.

There are two main reasons why color contacts cause your eye problems, and both are easily avoidable. The first cause is buying color contacts of inferior quality without a doctor’s prescription; and the second is not caring properly for your color lenses.

Sometimes you see color contacts for sale in beauty salons and even in flea markets! You should never buy your lenses in these places. Color contacts aren’t fashion jewelry: most paints are very toxic, so the lenses should be properly manufactured, to avoid direct contact between the paint and the sensitive surface of your eye. Most color lenses sold without a doctor’s prescription fail to meet these requirements. They might look good and cost less than brand-name color contacts, but they are really dangerous for your eyes.

Since the second common cause of eye infections from wearing color lenses is not caring for them properly, you should always follow your doctor’s instructions about caring for your lenses.

Color contact lenses safety rules

If you follow these simple rules, your lenses will be no threat to the health of your eyes.

1. Obtain an eye doctor’s prescription before ordering your color contacts. Even if you don’t need vision correction, you need an eye doctor to select the lenses that would be best for you

2. It is cheaper to order your color contacts online than buying them from your doctor, but make sure that you order from a reputable contact lens retailer

3. Don’t wear your color contacts continuously for too long. Most color contacts block the flow of oxygen to your eyes. This is usually not a problem, though, if you wear your lenses only for 8-9 hours at a stretch, but any longer than that could cause problems.

4. Never sleep wearing your lenses - this is the most dangerous thing you can do, in terms of eye health. If your eyes don’t receive enough oxygen for days on end, then you are sure to suffer inflammation of the corneas. Some color contacts, like Acuvue 2 Colors, are FDA approved to wear for up to 7 days straight. However, many eye doctors agree that it is better not to risk your eyes even with the best quality color contacts

5. Don’t swim or shower wearing your color lenses. Firstly, it is very easy to lose a lens in the water. Secondly, whenever water gets into your eyes it creates favorable conditions for bacteria, putting you at risk of infection

6. Make sure you clean your lenses properly, and always keep your contacts in soft contact lens solution. You shouldn’t rub your color contacts while cleaning them, because it may damage the color. So it is best to use a no-rub multipurpose solution.

7. Never share your color contacts with other people. It might be very tempting to exchange color lenses with a friend but, unfortunately, it is a sure way to pick up an eye infection.

Color contact lenses are fun. As the saying goes, “The eyes are the mirror of the soul”, and it is amazing how much different eye colors can transform your appearance. Caring for your color lenses isn’t hard work - people who wear color contacts every day report that it takes them less than a minute to clean the lenses and put them in - so you should always follow the safety rules. If you do, then color contact lenses will bring you only joy, with no troubles.

Tanya Turner is a contact lens and eye health expert and a founder of http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/, where you can find unbiased information about all types of contact lenses including color contacts reviews and pictures

Disposable Color Contacts - Are They Any Good?

2007-11-14T06:05:00.003-08:00

The days when color contacts were unbelievably expensive are long gone. As the manufacturing costs go down, disposable color contact lenses appear. These days you can find monthly, weekly and even daily disposable color contact lenses. But how do disposable color contacts compare with traditional color lenses, in terms of quality and health issues?

Disposable color contacts are a recent development, and they become progressively more popular. Sometimes it is not obvious whether the lenses are disposable or traditional (annual replacement schedule). The easiest way to spot the difference is to look at the package - if they are sold in a box (usually 6 lenses per box), then the lenses are disposable; if they are in a phial and the price is indicated per lens, then they are traditional color contact lenses.

Advantages of disposable color contacts

The more often you replace your contact lenses, the healthier your eyes will be. So disposable color contacts are better, from the health point of view - they are thinner, more comfortable, and proteins don’t have enough time to build up on them.
Trying different colors is easier, too, since you can buy 3 or 4 boxes of different disposable color contacts for the price of a pair of traditional color lenses.
If you lose or break a disposable lens, no worries! Just take another one out of the box

However, the main difference between disposable color contacts and annual replacement (traditional) lenses is that high quality traditional lenses are hand painted. Hand painted color lenses like Illusions by CibaVision create a more natural look than digitally printed lenses. None of the disposable color lenses is hand painted - it simply is not cost effective for the manufacturer.

Best disposable color contacts

Freshlook is one of the more popular brands in disposable color contacts. Freshlook offers you three collections: Freshlook Colorblends - opaque color contacts for people with dark eyes; Freshlook Impressions, which are partially transparent enhancement lenses designed to brighten naturally blue or green eyes; and Freshlook Dimensions, the unique designs of which make your eyes appear larger and deeper. All Freshlook color lenses are monthly disposable.

Acuvue 2 Colors by Johnson and Johnson is also a good choice. Acuvue 2 Colors offers opaque color lenses, for people with dark eyes, as well as enhancement lenses, for light eyes. Acuvue 2 Colors are 1-2 week disposable color contact lenses. They are also FDA approved to be worn for a week continuously, which means that you can sleep in them.

Recently released 1 Day Acuvue Colors are the first daily disposable color contact lenses. They look the same as Acuvue 2 Colors opaque color lenses, but you don’t have to worry about cleaning, disinfecting and storing them. 1 Day Acuvue Colors are ideal for people who only want to wear color contacts for special occasions; this way, you can wear fresh lenses every time.

Expression Colors by Cooper Vision also comes as opaque colors, for dark eyes, and enhancement colors, for light eyes. Expression lenses are monthly disposable color contacts.

Prescriptions for color contact lenses

Most disposable color contact lenses come in plano (no correction) as well as with corrective powers. Sometime people think that if they have a perfect vision and want color contacts purely for cosmetic effect, they can just order a box online without consulting an optometrist. This is not true, though: all contact lenses - including plano color lenses - are medical devices, so you can’t buy color contact lenses without doctor’s prescription.

However, after getting your prescription, you don’t have to buy your color contacts from your optometrist. Many reputable contact lens retailers sell color contacts online and ordering your color lenses through the Internet can save you a lot of money.

Colours of Contact Lenses

2007-11-14T06:05:00.001-08:00

Colours of Contact Lenses - Get Lost in those Purple(?) Eyes

Nowadays, there are many colours of contact lenses available to suit your every mood.

If you only want a slight eye color change, then contact lens colours generally fall under two categories: opaque contacts (for darker eyes) and enhancer contacts (for light eyes).

However, if you want a change that will cause heads to turn your way, go for wild colors that introduce a hint of green, purple or even yellow in your eyes.

Colored Contact Lenses - Taking the Boredom Out of your Contacts

A subtle color shading in your lenses can drastically change your appearance.

So if you want to try something new or are simply bored with the contacts you are wearing now then start looking for the colored pair that suits you.

Online sites can really be a big help in deciding which colored lens to choose.

For instance, if you are unsure of the color that would best suit your natural eye color, many contact lens websites have an online eye color palette you can use.

Simply click the color that closely resembles your natural eye color and a list of colored contact lenses (and how they would look on you) are shown.

Select the one you like best and simply order online.

It really can't get any easier than that.

Colored lenses are also extremely popular during parties.

If you're having a Halloween or any type of masquerade or costume ball, shock friends by showing up with eye lenses that sport zebra stripes or resemble a cat's eye.

Indeed, colored lenses have never been this fun!

More information and reviews on a full range of leading contact lenses can be found at Contact Lens Savers

Vintage Costume Jewelry: Yesterday's Fashion Today

2007-11-14T06:04:00.001-08:00

Jewelry, whether fine or costume, has been a part of human culture since the earliest times. People wear jewelry to satisfy their vanity, to indulge their love for beautiful things, and to look good to others. Vintage costume jewelry fulfills all these criteria, but at a fraction of the cost of real or fine jewelry. It is an inexpensive alternative that does not sacrifice taste as well as style.

Vintage costume jewelry may be less expensive, but good quality ones are never seen as cheap. They are less costly because they are not made from precious gems. Designers of vintage costume jewelry use a variety of materials from cut glass, beads, semi-precious gems, faux gems -- even plastic! These pieces were created and released since the start of the Victorian era up to the 1960s. Vintage costume jewelry from the 1940s and 1950s are especially creative and eye-catching, since the designers of the era had to produce relatively inexpensive yet fashionable items that men and women could afford and appreciate during the war and post-war era.

Some of the most popular designers of vintage costume jewelry were fashion guru Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli and Miriam Haskell. Many of Schiaparelli’s bright and attractive creations were made from multi-colored rhinestones. Haskell, in her finely detailed work, almost always paid tribute to nature’s beauty and bounty. Chanel, the favorite of many celebrities, transformed the way costume jewelry was worn in the 1920s. Other pieces of vintage costume jewelry were made from materials that included beads, corals, faux pearls, and Bakelite -- a kind of polymeric plastic.

Vintage costume jewelry continues to be very much in vogue today, and it has inspired many designers to create ‘real’ pieces made from precious gems and metals. At the 2005 Academy Awards, the jewelry that many women celebrities wore were oversized and sparkly, a tribute to the jewelry designs of the 1940s. Stars such as Madonna, Britney Spears, and Julia Roberts are not only collectors of vintage costume jewelry and dress accessories; they actually wear them in public, too.

A person does not have to be a celebrity to appreciate vintage costume jewelry. Their uniqueness, aesthetic value and superb craftsmanship make them popular collectible items, and with proper care, they can be a good investment, too, since serious collectors will pay top dollar for vintage costume jewelry that is in mint condition. But more than that, the experience of owning and wearing a thing of beauty that comes from a bygone era is simply priceless.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

Turquoise Necklace Facts and Beliefs

2007-11-14T06:02:00.000-08:00

‘Pieces of sky.’ That’s how turquoise was called by some Native American tribes. Indeed, it requires no great stretch of the imagination to understand why turquoise was referred to as such. Just as the heavens could be a peaceful or stormy blue, so could turquoise seem to express different moods with its different shades of blue and green. Wearing pieces of sky in a turquoise necklace is a provocative and attractive idea.

Known as the birthstone of December, turquoise can be opaque or translucent, and a turquoise necklace made of beads conveys an iridescent, whimsical effect. Some jewelry designers set their turquoise necklaces in platinum, silver, or gold; at times, they use other gemstones in conjunction with turquoise for a complementary, enhancing effect. Chokers or neckbands decorated with turquoise are also popular as fashion accessories.

Necklaces made from Persian or Iranian turquoise are the most expensive, since this variety of turquoise is considered to be of the highest quality. However, less expensive varieties are available from Mexican, Chinese, Egyptian and American sources. Turquoise necklaces are popular items in Native American and Southern jewelry collections, but by and large, they have found their way into mainstream culture. They are perfect for casual wear, especially during summer, but can also be worn combined with other jewels for more formal occasions. Socialite Nicky Hilton, country singer Lari White and actress Ali Landry are some of the celebrities who have been photographed wearing turquoise necklaces.

According to gemologists, turquoise is believed by people of different cultures to have healing, protective, and restorative powers. Folklore also tells us that turquoise would fade or change color when the wearer was in danger or if a lover had been unfaithful. Whether a person believes in such tales or not, the fact remains that a turquoise necklace and other pieces of turquoise jewelry are not only fashionable and beautiful dress accessories, they have also played a major role in the shaping of various cultures as well.

Teen Jewelry Fashion Exposed

2007-11-07T02:33:00.001-08:00

Teenagers are a fickle bunch. At that stage of physical and psychological growth, they are constantly experimenting with things to improve their image and their look. Teen jewelry fashion plays a major part in the development of their identity and efforts to either blend in with the crowd or establish their own unique persona. Any parental endorsement of fashion accessories is akin to the kiss of death, and adolescents look to other influences when it comes to teen jewelry fashion.

The celebrities that teenagers see in music videos, television programs or movie screens are largely responsible for dictating trends in teen jewelry fashion. The oversized, ostentatious accoutrements favored by rap musicians have spawned the hip-hop jewelry trend, and teenagers have been patronizing lower-priced but accurate replicas of celebrity bling bling. Instead of the diamonds and other precious gems used in celebrity jewelry, cheaper zirconia and base metals are used for duplicates. Body jewelry (both the pierced and non-pierced types) that is unusually designed and made with inexpensive materials has also seen an increase in teenage patrons.

Beaded jewelry and woven friendship bracelets and rings are some of the other hot trends in teen jewelry fashion. Many teenagers make these dress accessories themselves and give them to friends as gifts. These are personalized with beads that have the letters of the recipient’s name on them are incorporated into the woven fibers. Many teenagers also wear certain types of jewelry to identify them as part of a clique or group. These may take the form of uniquely designed pendants, rings or charms that have spiritual or mystical overtones.

Feminine teen jewelry fashion styles are also influenced largely by young celebrities today. Items worn by teen stars, such as Hilary Duff’s slave bracelets, are copied by her non-celebrity counterparts. However, whimsical designs are still hugely popular among this set of young consumers. Gold- or silver-plated jewelry and jewelry that has gemstones has not lost its following among teenagers.

Some masculine teen jewelry fashion trends, on the other hand, tend to lean more toward beadwork, silverwork, leatherwork, and unusual stones. Teenage guys seem to think that sporty-looking accessories, such as so-called surfer-dude necklaces and arm bands made from bone, wood, or shell beads on a rubber or leather cord are cool. Stainless steel jewelry is popular with them, too.

Jewelry has been used by all people throughout history as marks of beauty or to denote social status. Adolescents are not immune to these patterns; in fact they are probably even more susceptible to them because of their need to simultaneously conform and stand out. Teenage jewelry fashion is part of their social arsenal and a tool in the development process.

Sterling Silver Jewelry -- Classic Simplicity

2007-11-07T02:26:00.000-08:00

Sterling silver jewelry is synonymous with class and style in the world of fashion. Its versatility and flexibility make it a welcome and useful addition to any person’s wardrobe. Sterling silver jewelry epitomizes classic simplicity in itself, but as the setting for gemstones or combined with other precious metals, the aesthetic value it lends to the wearer is inestimable.

Pure silver by itself is too soft and would not be practical for jewelry and other ornamental objects. Sterling silver is made when another metal, such as copper, is added to the silver to make it hardy and tough. So while it is not as sturdy as stainless steel, sterling silver jewelry is nonetheless very durable and long-lasting. That is why a wide array of rings, necklaces, bracelets, cuff links, belt buckles, body jewelry and more are made from sterling silver.

All sterling silver jewelry is marked as such, and sometimes the name of the designer or manufacturer is engraved on the piece. It is a highly reflective precious metal whose simple yet elegant look is appreciated by both the young and old, the famous and not-so-famous. Some celebrities adorned with sterling silver jewelry on television or in magazines include actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Kristin Davis, musician Sheryl Crow, and hotel heiress and budding thespian Paris Hilton.

Certain maintenance measures need to be taken to care for sterling silver jewelry. To prevent unsightly tarnishing, it should be washed with water and a mild detergent after it is worn, and since it is softer than some other precious metals, abrasion and shock to the piece should be prevented to avoid scratching or marring its surface. In the event that tarnishing does occur, sterling silver jewelry can be polished to restore it to its former sheen.

Whether your dress of choice be casual jeans, practical office attire or a slinky, little black dress for a night out on the town, sterling silver jewelry is the perfect accessory. It adapts easily to all fashion trends without sacrificing the wearer’s personal sense of style. Its allure remains undiminished as it continues to evoke the idea of simple luxury.

Keep Your Flair of Style with Designer Reading Glasses

2007-11-05T00:44:00.001-08:00

Reading glasses can be stylish and fashionable. There are many options in reading glasses today to give you that designer look. Well known fashion designers are even getting into the reading glasses design market. With today's designer reading glasses you will always be on the cutting edge of what is hot.

Fashion designers, like Calvin Klein and Scojo Vision, are making designer reading glasses that are big with the stylish crowd. Reading glasses come in full size and half or mini size. Designer styles come in both metal and plastic. There are painted designs that add artsy flair or simple metal styles for a professional look. A popular trend is matching the tint color of the lenses to the color of the frames.

Rimless reading glasses provide an invisible look and lightweight option. The wide varieties of styles are available at doctor's offices and many online stores.

Finding your own style will make that pair of designer reading glasses look great on you. To discover what looks best on you consider a few things about your lifestyle. Are you busy all the time or do you lead a quiet life? Are you athletic or not? Do you need to look professional for work or do you want a fun style?

If your life is busy you might want to consider a lightweight pair of reading glasses. For an athletic person durable full size plastic reading glasses may be best. Business professionals will want to steer clear of flashy styles and stick to neutral colors. Answers to questions like these will help you determine the frame and lens type that best suits you.

Designer styles of reading glasses bring a flair of fashion to wearing them. The versatile styles, colors and designs allow everyone to find their perfect pair of reading glasses. Identifying your needs based upon your lifestyle will ensure you choose the best designer reading glasses for you. You never have to sacrifice your love of designer styles when choosing reading glasses again.

Steve Cogger is a licensed optician and co-founder of http://www.ReadinStyle.com an online reading glasses boutique.

How to Choose a Comfortable Pair of Shoes

2007-11-05T00:43:00.000-08:00

You've finally worn out those comfortable old shoes that you have been wearing for years. Finding a good pair of shoes is a bit like trying to find the perfect spouse; it takes a lot of looking around to find the perfect match. But shopping for shoes should not be a stressful experience. Here is a brief guide to help you find that perfect pair.

The first thing you need to decide on is your budget, as this will limit which brands and perhaps styles, you can buy. Many discount footwear stores have great sales, sometimes giving you up to 80% off the original price or even running two for the price of one sales. So, if you see sales like these, take advantage of them!

Once you've decided on your budget, you should think about what type of shoe you want to buy. Do you plan on being on your feet a lot? Do you want you shoes to be a fashion statement, or are you more of a 'sensible shoe' type of person? They are many new hot fashions this summer, ranging from dainty sandals to towering stilettos. While a pair of cute high heels may match your new skirt perfectly, they may not be right for you if you are going to on your feet, running around all day. So, make sure that you put some thought into where- and how long- you will be wearing them.

When it comes to actually trying on a pair of shoes, there are some general rules that you should try to follow. If you can, try the shoes on late in the day, as your feet tend to swell slightly as the day progresses. If you plan on wearing socks with the shoes, remember to bring a pair with you to the store, so that you can try on the shoes with them to give you an idea of how comfortable they will be.

Finding a comfortable pair of shoes should not be a challenge, especially if you know what to look for when buying them.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of The Shoe Shak a website decicated to shoes.

How to Shop for Comfortable Pilates Workout Wear

2007-11-03T02:43:00.001-07:00

Studies show that an estimated 60% of Americans do not receive the recommended amount of physical exercise per day. It is also estimated that of those 60% who are not active enough, there are 25% who are completely inactive on a daily basis. Being active is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and living a longer life. Perhaps, that’s why so many people have showed interest in Pilates. Pilates has taken over the workout world and has received so much hype because of the wonders it performs on the body. So now that you’ve decided to become a part of the whirlwind, let’s figure out what you’re going to wear.

Many individuals are confused as to what types of clothing are most appropriate for Pilates. Here is a list of criteria you might want to consider when shopping for Pilates workout wear:

• Comfortable Clothing - Comfort is key in Pilates. If you are not comfortable in what you are wearing you will be self-conscious and hesitant to perform some of the positions.

• Clothes that are body hugging - This means clothes that enables you to breathe and move, but not so loose that when you move around you are afraid of your shirt lifting or your tummy showing.

• Light and Airy Clothing - You do not want to show up to a Pilates class wearing huge track pants that weigh about as much as you do. You want your clothes to breathe. You are going to work up a sweat and therefore you want the lightest clothing possible.

• Stay Away from the Extras - Extra detailing, such as buttons and zippers, can cause discomfort during your workout and become painful if they are jammed into you when performing certain poses.

• Respect Your Classmates - Be respectful to others in the class and refrain from wearing any clothing which advertises sex, drugs, religion or otherwise as it may be offensive to other individuals taking the class.

Most of all, be comfortable and have fun! The clothing you choose is not as important as the fact that you are improving your lifestyle, creating a better life for yourself and setting a better example for others.

Harriet Spinzer is an avid Pilates enthusiast who writes as a contributing editor for http://www.pilatesinsight.com – a site dedicated to offering information on things like winsor Pilates, Pilates exercise and more.

Leather Jewelry - a Touch of Forbidden (and Friendship)

2007-11-03T02:41:00.000-07:00

Most people will agree that leather jewelry is great. Whether it’s a wristband or an ankle bracelet – it has a touch of style. Even though it’s often a small detail – it’s always very noticeable on anyone who wears it. Short skirts, shorts, bikini, anything fits to be worn with leather jewelry.

Fashion trend to wear leather started long time ago with first rockers on tv-screens. Yet those days it was pretty prohibited kind of decoration, because it was associated with rebelling against rules. Today, every kind of jewelry is ok – leather becomes less extravagant and more of “okay-type” jewelry. Still it has a little of being forbidden feel. Even now people are very attracted to these kind of decoration. Since the beginning of ages, people tend to love forbidden fruit.

Typically leather jewelry bracelet is a collection of string-shaped parts, tied together with some kind jewels on it (but usually not too much, as leather itself is really amazing). Sometimes it’s thick, sometimes it’s thin, but it’s always nice and attractive on any women or men to wear it. Yes, leather bracelets are unisex, both men and women can wear this.

Leather necklace is other type of leather jewelry. It can be easily done by yourself. It’s just a leather-string with decorations on it. It can be simple rocks or costly precious rock beads; it all depends on what you’re trying to show.

Are you going to look as a vamp-type or gothic women? Wear leather with shiny metal! Trying to seem friendly? Leather string with any kind of polished rocks will fit you!

Don’t forget about friendly leather bracelets that can be handmade. Just tie a few leather strings of similar colors to each other – here is your simple but warm gift to a friend.

A nice thing to wear is a leather ankle bracelet. There are numerous fashions of leather ankle bracelets – try to find your own. Wearing an open shoes and skirt with those in summer is guaranteed to magnet attention of men (it draws even more attention than a “sport-bar with free beer” sign). Sometimes. It’s always adjustable for your legs and has a tie to easily slip it off, but once it on – it’s on, no matter how much you move around.

With a little bit of search you can find fascinating flower-decorated anklets (ankle bracelets).

Do you want something more customized for you? Seek for a place to engrave letters on your leather bracelet. Wearing a leather bracelet with your name on it is a nice idea to meet people – they already know your name and won’t forget it – it’s rare when people wear jewelry that has their name on it. Maybe you’d even like to engrave someone’s name to show how much he (or she) means to you and how deeply you care for that person – to carry his name always on your hand.

Leather jewelry becomes very popular with celebrities these days. Those guys know what’s hot (eh, they have a whole team of stylists to tell them what’s great and what’s not), so watch closely – you might notice what kind of leather is popular these days. And, of course, it’s not only about leather – any kind of jewelry celebrity puts on – immediately becomes fashion trend, cause often each part of their costume and jewelry is well-thought by a big-name stylists.

Slava Diamy is an author of Diamy.Com - Jewelry Blog, where you can join us for a discussion of "Leather Jewelry" article and subscribe to jewelry ideas and tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Slava_Diamy

Kennith Cole Shoes

2007-11-02T03:22:00.001-07:00

The Kenneth Cole men’s shoes Reaction collection offers men everything from thong sandals to stylish dress shoes. This grandiose collection of footwear comes in all different varieties, shapes, sizes, and colors. The Kenneth Cole Men’s shoes Reaction collection is loaded with trendy choices for men. Let’s start with the casual.

The casual offerings of the Reaction collection range from clogs to sport shoes and everything in between. Reaction Men’s Glide Open and the Men’s Straight Plush are both examples of the clogs offered by the men’s collection. Still, there is more casual footwear that Reaction gives men to choose from. There are corporate casual pieces, like the Men’s Lace Off, the One Line Day, the Line in Time and many more. These shoes offer men the luxury of comfort with the style of business.

If business casual is not enough, Reaction gives men several options for a dress look. The Reaction Flex a Bit and Flex Along are shiny leather shoes that scream sophistication, while the Reaction Men’s Row Boat lends to a sportier dress look. The Men’s Puzzle Piece is an intriguing and unique style. These are loafer style with a square toe, and apron style stitched toe seam detail.

Reaction also provides a great selection in men’s view. For a funky take on a cowboy look, try Men’s Red Line. These snakeskin boots can be dressed up or dressed down, with a tapered toe and western style stitching. If snakeskin is not your thing, the Red Line also comes in black or brown leather. For a more casual and rugged look, try the Reaction Pine Nuts. These rounded, plain toe shoes offer stitched accents, but it’s the one inch sole and heel.

Sandals should also be part of a man’s footwear wardrobe. These can range from thong sandals, commonly referred to as flip flops, and more sturdy standards that men can wear with anything. Some of the thong options include Flip 5-0, the Beachy-Keen, and the Sport Graffiti. Sandals that men can wear at work or at play include the Sand-man, the Top Spin, the Flip Wilson, and the Surf the Net, to name a few.

http://www.the-shoe-finder.com

Bling Bling on a Budget

2007-11-02T03:20:00.000-07:00

A nice piece of jewelry can brighten up your entire day. It can bring together an outfit and make you feel great. Paying a lot for that piece of jewelry however, doesn’t make you feel very good. There is a lot of variation in the jewelry industry, and prices can fluctuate greatly between vendors. Your job as a bargain shopper is to find the best quality pieces at the lowest prices. Here you'll find a few tips to get you started in your bargain jewelry hunting journey.

When looking for a good piece of jewelry, you need to understand what you are looking at. Read up on the 4 C’s of diamond grading, as well as the terminology for gold and silver rating. This knowledge will help you find the best jewelry deal possible. Don’t get hung up on brand names. Often times, you are paying more for the name itself not the piece of jewelry. Pay special attention to the picture of the piece of jewelry. It should have adequate lighting and give you a good idea of what the piece looks like in person. Ask about the companies return policy, in case you find that the piece is not what you thought it would be.

Whenever possible, try to shop at a discount jewelry store. The quality is often the same as a name brand store, but the prices are significantly lower. Look online for a list of discount jewelry vendors, or try your hand at a closeout site. If a company is going out of business, they will sell their inventory to a closeout site, in order to make some of their money back. The closeout site then offers the products at very deep discounts. You can try overstock.com for deals on just about anything that you can think of. For an even better deal try going to an online coupon website. You can find coupon codes for a variety of different stores and items. You may be surprised at what you find! Be weary of auction sites when buying jewelry. Many of the sellers are unfamiliar with jewelry terms, and can mislead you into buying something that isn’t right. Ask plenty of questions before committing.

Buying jewelry on a budget has never been easier. With a huge assortment of discount websites, you can find anything and everything at less than the retail price. Imagine how much more your budget will allow, since you are saving so much money!

Melanie Breeze, avid online shopper and user of online coupons at CouponChief.com, is always shopping around for the best deals. You can find jewelry deals and shopping discounts available around the web at CouponChief, all in one location. Finding a coupon before your online purchase helps you get that extra discount!

Copper Jewelry in Action!

2007-11-01T04:33:00.001-07:00

Copper Jewelry is very nice-looking, but also it’s a very healthy jewelry. Do you know much about how much copper is needed to our bodies? It’s a highly important element for balancing other elements in our body. It keeps our blood vessels elastic. It is really important for bone formation and healing, skin formation and repair.

Copper Jewelry is very good to wear with autumn-colored clothes. Yellow, beige colors are signs of soon to come winter, which always brings spring after it. Try also wearing copper beads with black t-shirt or any other dark top.

Since the dawn of civilization people used copper because of its unusual strengths. Wise people engraved prayers on copper stones or copper plates to deliver a strong message to other worlds. Is it believed that copper stimulates energy flow to itself, so when copper jewellry is on body – it helps to accumulate more energy. It also seem to help with avoiding lethargic tendencies and as a result of wearing it you may feel re-vitalized and stronger. It helps you to concentrate your thoughts.

As you might have already read – copper is absorbed through skin and has pain-relief effect, that’s why copper bracelets are so popular. It’s not an urban legend – this has medical background and some proofs from Eastern countries, where people know many things from past. Knowledge slowly fades away in nowadays if it has no big commercial value, but Eastern countries cherish comprehensive historical facts. So in a talk with a lady from East – there was a confirmation that copper jewellery has strong effect on people suffering with arthritis. Copper (especially magnetic jewelry) is known to increase blood circulation and reduce pain in muscles. Many people suffering with arthritis will not leave home without a bracelet.

Besides copper bracelets you can find some copper beads, strings, and earrings. Most of them are amazingly beautiful and not expensive, since copper isn’t a precious metal. Despite it’s dollar value – it’s very precious to our health.

Wearing copper jewelery you might notice green stains on your skin under the place of contact with copper. Don’t panic. It’s all right, it will come off in a day or two – it’s just copper entering your body. It usually happens in warm days. If you want to avoid it – paint inside of a bracelet with a transparent nail polish, but as you might figure out – it prevents health benefits of copper too. These stains aren’t known to do any harm for you. There are recommendations to wear copper jewelry while you are sleeping, which is time for our body to rest and to restore, that way you can wash it’s traces in morning.

Copperjewelry, like many other metals is known to tarnish over time. To clean jewelery, made from copper – just put it in a small solution of lemon or limejuice with a dash of salt, it will shine as new. Alternatively you can keep it in copper jewelry box, preventing from continuous air exposure, which causes copper jewelry to tarnish.

If you are still not convinced that copper bracelets are a great way to help your health – well – go to the nearest pharmacy and continue to buy pills helping pharmaceutical industry to grow and sell you even more.

After all – it’s not always about how it works – sometimes it’s about how it looks – and copper jewelry is sometimes amazingly beautiful. Try to find some and you’ll be amazed too!

Slava Diamy is an author of Diamy.Com - Jewelry Blog, where you can join us for a discussion of "Copper Jewelry" article and subscribe to receive new articles.

Freshwater Pearl Necklace Sets Foundation for the Perfect Look

2007-11-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

Have you been searching for that certain piece of jewelry for that one special occasion? Or that certain necklace to top off your outfit for a day out? Pearl Jewelry is not only known for its timeless qualities but also for its versatility. Pearl jewelry can be worn with any style and comes in many various colors and sizes. A stunning freshwater pearl necklace can set a great foundation for the elegant look that pearl jewelry can offer.

Freshwater Cultured Pearls come in many colors, which you can even coordinate with your clothing! Traditional colors include whites, yellows, golden, and pinks which have been seen on no less than queens such as Princess Diana, but other colors like various shades of blues, purples, and black pearls can really make a statement as well.

Although most precious metals tarnish with use, a pearl necklace should be worn often, as the absorption of skin oils adds to its luster and life! To clean a freshwater pearl necklace, it only takes warm water and a soft cloth. If you are one of those that adore the gold look, you can try a pearl necklace with gold plated beads separating your pearls for the best of both worlds.

While a necklace alone can not capture the complete essence you are hoping to convey, it can be a powerful focal point that speaks elegance to those around you. I hope you enjoy pearl jewelry as much as we do and encourage you to learn all you can about this natural wonder and shop around.

If you would like your own Pearls Necklace, have a look at selectraders.com for a wide variety of Pearl Jewelry made from the finest grade Pearls.

Thrifty And Fashionable

2007-10-31T01:25:00.000-07:00

Growing up with three sisters, it was important for us to be well-groomed. We were always borrowing clothes from each other then returning them clean and pressed. It was a way of streching our wardrobes and to the outside world we had an endless supply. We were thrifty without realizing it and no one was the wiser.

The first thrift store was opened in London during the middle eighteen-hundreds.The Salvation Army went around collecting donated goods from the working classes and then selling them to the poor for a fraction of the cost. A few years later,a Salvation Army store was opened in the lower East side of Manhattan serving over three million impoverished people.

During the depression, it was shameful to be seen wearing thrift store cast-offs. Clothes were handed down to another family member. Shoes were patched, blouses or shirts were mended or seams torn apart and made over to fit a family recipient. During the nineteen-fifties, wealthy women donated their clothes to be re-sold. The profits from these upscale resale shops were shared with the donor or the shop profited from it. During the nineteen-seventies,thrift stores were popular with the hippies and the college students searching for vintage styles.

Now days, thrift store parking lots are filled with luxury cars as well as the more modest ones reflecting the escalating prices. The stores have become so profitable that the same people they once helped cannot afford to shop there. Thrift stores like Goodwill have some quality items and at shopgoodwill.com clothing items are auctioned in the same way as on ebay. Although, it is better to visit their stores for more of a variety of items and sizes.

Kate Magazine is an online shopping magazine and she gives sound advice for buying vintage clothes and sizing them correctly. Also, she has links to resale shops and a newsletter that can be sent to an online email inbox. She also gives shopping tips about what time of year the mall outlets sell their merchandise at the lowest prices. A city's online yellow pages is a good source for locating the names of local thrift stores and resale shops.

After finding a favorite thrift store, resale shop or mall outlet, it is wise to visit it frequently in order to keep up with the changing merchandise. It is a good idea to check the thrift store, resale shop or mall outlet's refund or exchange policy because a lot of them do not allow it.Shopping at these establishments is a unique way to add to an existing wardrobe without going over a limited clothing budget.

Through the years, the author has shopped at these kinds of establishments and found some unique fashion items at bargain prices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_A_Hill

Are You Good-Looking Enough For Your Job?

2007-10-31T01:23:00.000-07:00

Beauty has muscle. Beauty captures our attention and pulls us in…

Beauty is only skin deep, but it counts almost for everything. Especially , within the first few seconds of meeting a prospect.

Most, if not all of the time, we take things at face value. Here are a few examples:

1) You buy the ‘orange-ist' orange – even though you know they've probably been sprayed with chemicals to look that way.

2) Your mouth waters as you stumble across a succulent joint of lamb in a Sunday supplement – even though you know it's probably been lightly ‘dusted' in creosote to look that way.

3) Your attention is drawn to a lithe, tanned young thing on the TV screen – even though… see 1 above.

We take things at face value… And so do your prospects.

A colleague of mine is an N.L.P expert, and I mean EXPERT. He has spent years and years learning and developing his skills. Pouring over books, attending seminars, taking exams… He's worked closely with Paul McKenna… He's a Master's Masters N.L.P instructor (or something or other), and yet… He struggles to find clients. Why?

Well one major reason it that he doesn't LOOK like an expert. People judge and they don't see beyond the clothes, the haircut and the bad time keeping. And so he doesn't get hired. Totally unjustified, but true…

You could say he's a ‘green' orange*.

It doesn't matter how good you look on the inside - your prospects judge the ‘packaging' first. So are you good looking enough for your job? Or in other words… Are you looking good enough for your job?

*Ethylene is used commercially to degreen oranges, however, it is for cosmetic reasons because oranges can be fully ripe even if they are green on the outside. Reference Wills, R.B.H. et al. 1989. Postharvest: An Introduction to the Physiology and Handling of Fruits and Vegetables. London , BSP Professional Books.

Andrew Ludlam is a client attraction expert, and Director of Maverick Marketing Solutions. If you're deadly serious about maximising the potential of your business, then I urge you to visit http://www.maverickmarketingltd.com and sign up for the monthly 'Maverick Marketing Solutions Newsletter'... where you’ll also receive the FREE white paper “Six Magnetic Ways To Attract More Clients To Your Business In The Next 90 Days..!" (Value $37)

Warning! This could be the last business marketing website you ever need to see...

Tips To Expressing Yourself With T-Shirts

2007-10-29T01:00:00.003-07:00

T shirts can provide a lasting impression on your life and those around you. Through simple illustrations and slogans they immediately show your current feelings or opinions.

Vintage t shirts will bring up situations from the long ago past. They can be anything from funny to rude and offensive, to sayings, to your favorite rock band of yore, to baby tees. And don't forget putting a t shirt on your dog. Ugh.

In my own experience I have been a cancer survivor for 5 1/2 years. In my first summer my struggle inspired my sister-in-law to get active in the Tacoma, Washington Relay For Life program of the American Cancer Society. Every spring they host a weekend walk and fund raiser. A large part of that walk is the Survivor's walk celebrating all those people currently battling cancer and those who are cancer free.

All the survivors walking in that event are given purple t shirts with the Relay For Life logo on the front. On the back is the saying: I Am... Living Breathing Inspiration.

I love wearing my t shirt with that saying on it both for my own feelings and for the inspiration of those around me.

Another situation involved a camping/hiking trip my partner and I took several years ago in the Columbia River gorge near The Dalles, Oregon.

This was the year the Sesquicentennial of the Oregon Trail was being reinacted. A replica of the 1843 wagon trains was in progress coming all the way from the mid-west to Portland, Oregon.

When we joined them they had arrived in The Dalles and were camping out at a large fair grounds. After square dancing the night before, we set out on foot hiking with the train for that day's journey, a distance of about 18 miles.

When we got up the next morning and were about to leave the train, we came on a fellow in a wheel chair who was selling t shirts. He said they were his own original design, in this case a fine pencil sketch of the Oregon Trail at Barlow Pass. I bought one on the spot both to support him in his efforts and for my own memory of the occasion. I still wear that tee shirt and think of the fun my girl friend and I had on that trip.

The next obvious use of t shirts is if you're a sports fan. In my own case as a long suffering Seattle Seahawks fan, I still wear the tattered t shirt I bought in 1983 that reads "1983 Play-Offs" along with the team logo on the front. I guess that hasn't been the last playoffs we've been in, but it sure seems like it.

So get out there and express yourself with a t shirt. Buy one or get online to design your own. I think every aspect of life has been shown on a t shirt and every new experience that shows up seems to wind up on a tee shirt.

Dale Miller has several websites up covering a variety of subjects and resources. Please visit the website for t-shirt resources, links, articles and more: http://www.tshirtsforall.com

Eyewear Lens Technology Makes Wearing Eyewear a Pleasant and Fashionable Experience

2007-10-29T01:00:00.001-07:00

Modern eyewear technology gives more eyewear lenses and eyewear frame options. Whether you wear fashion eyewear, designer eyewear, prescription eyewear, non-prescription eye wear, sport eyewear, sport specific eyewear or discount eyewear there is a pair of eye glasses and eyewear lenses to suit your every need.

The eyewear lenses available today are thinner and lighter than ever before, making wearing eyewear a much more pleasant and fashionable experience than it used to be. Some of the different types of eyewear lenses to be found can include; high index eyewear lenses for people who don’t like wearing thick prescription eyewear, these lenses offer superior optics in a thinner and lighter lens; aspheric lenses, flatter and thinner, these eyewear lenses are great for strong prescriptions providing better vision than ordinary eyewear lenses, better looking and much more fashionable; multi-focal eyewear lenses, bifocals and trifocals available in many different configurations for a variety of activities from golf, hobbies, crafts and computer work; progressive eyewear lenses do the same thing as bifocal eyewear lenses and trifocal eyewear lenses but without the lines through the lenses.

The coatings that are added to your eyewear lenses can make all the difference in the activities you do, the appearance of your eyewear lenses and the way you see things. Some of the eyewear lens coatings available can include anti reflective eyewear lens coatings which can improve your vision and the appearance of your eyewear lenses (these coatings are similar to coatings found on microscopes and camera lenses). Anti reflective coatings consist of several layers of metal oxides applied to both the front and the back of the eyewear lenses. Anti reflective eyewear lenses help to block reflected light, this makes seeing easier as you will get a reduction in glare (also helpful for driving at night). The anti reflective lenses also look better cosmetically as there won’t be any unpleasant glare when people are looking at you (especially helpful for people on television or for those getting their photos taken).

Scratch resistant eyewear lenses although not completely scratch resistant (as no eyewear lens material is completely scratch proof) do help the lenses to be more resistant. Scratch resistant eyewear lenses are treated in the front and back of the lenses with a clear, hard coating. Mirror coatings unlike anti reflective coatings that are clear are available in a wide variety of colors to include silver, gold, copper, blue, hot pink and green to name a few. Mirrored eyewear (often seen on state troopers) do not change the way you see, they are for purely cosmetic reasons only. Lastly UV (ultraviolet) eyewear lenses coatings help to block the harmful UV rays that are thought to cause cataracts, retinal damage and other eye problems. The UV coatings do not change the appearance of the eyewear lenses.

Along with the coatings that can be applied to eyewear lenses there are eyewear lens options that help to reduce glare and protect the eyes from the suns harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays. Polarized eyewear lenses have been one of the most popular choices for boaters and fishermen for years by reducing the glare from the water.

Now you can find polarized eyewear lenses being used by a wide variety of eye glass wearers to include drivers, skiers, golfers, bikers and joggers as they eliminate glare for several outdoor activities. For driving they help to reduce the glare that comes off a long, flat surface of a road giving you better vision. Polarized eyewear lenses work by taking the light that is horizontally polarized and blocking the vertically oriented polarizers in the lenses.

Photochromic lenses change from light to dark depending on the amount of UV (ultraviolet) light they are exposed to. The lenses used to be made of glass but are now made with regular plastic, polycarbonate (impact resistant) and high-index glass and plastic. Silver halide in the eyewear lenses causes them to darken when exposed to UV light. Available in a wide variety of eyewear lenses that are thinner and lighter than ever before, with some photochromic eyewear lenses changing from clear to dark in as little as sixty seconds. The eyewear lenses can be found in nearly every lens design, refractive index and prescription with one hundred percent UV protection.

Another option in colored eyewear lenses is tints which do not change as do the photochromic eyewear lenses but stay the same color at all times. Available in plastic eyewear along with glass lenses in nearly every color imaginable. The lighter tints are usually for cosmetic reasons only and found in colors such as light pink, brown, gray, blue and red to name a few. The darker tints are most often used as sunglasses and found in gray, brown or black tints. Tints found on eyewear can either be solid with the entire lens in the same colored tint or gradient with the tint from light to dark (from bottom to top). Yellow tints are an excellent choice for target shooters because the objects can appear sharper, it’s also helpful for tennis players as the tennis balls can be seen more clearly.

Green tints are a popular option for golfers as the sport eyewear can help you see the subtle breaks in the green without squinting, helping you to play the fairway in low sun angles. The green tinted golf eyewear can also aid in seeing the hole flag and golf ball making for a better played golf game. Rose and pink tinted eye goggles are an excellent choice for skiers and snow boarders allowing them to see the shadows and edges on a ski hill.

Whatever your eyewear needs may be from sport eyewear, prescription eyewear, nonprescription eyewear, children’s eyewear, sports specific eyewear, fashion eyewear, designer eyewear or discount eyewear there have never been more options available than there are today. There are eyewear frames and eyewear lenses to suit every face shape, lifestyle and personality.

Valerie Giles owns and operates Eyewear-4U http://www.eyewear-4u.com, an eyewear site featuring fashion eyewear, sports eyewear, prescription eyewear, discount sunglasses and contact lenses as well as accessories. The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.

Anklets Ahoy!

2007-10-29T00:59:00.000-07:00

"Hail to that foot of the lusty beloved which hits the head of the lover, that foot which is adorned with red paste and jingling anklets is the banner of love and which is worthy of adoration by inclining one's head."

From the 5th century drama, Padataditakam (Hit by the Foot) The human race can be so immensely creative, so immensely passionate, and this is what makes our lives so immensely rich and at times so immensely difficult, painful.

The anklet, a romantic foot fetish of great aesthetic value, is a very important part of women's adornment in the Indian culture where the ornamentation of a woman's whole body is an essential aspect of daily life, and has great spiritual and social significance.

Old Indian paintings, drama and poetry often depict men treasuring the touch of their lover's foot. Women lavish great care and attention on their feet, almost with as much as their face. The tender, delicate and well pampered foot becomes a symbol of affection, sensual desire and plays an important role in love-play.

Indian poets were inspired to picture the movements of the lover's dance and the jingling of the bells on her anklets as seductive and bewitching. The idea being that the woman has adorned herself seductively in anticipation of a meeting with a secret lover.

The classical Indian dance also concentrates on the dancer's rhythmic footwork, particularly the elaborately detailed positioning of her feet in relation to the ground. The overall effect is ever so subtle, sensuous & erotic.

But, I also read about the practical effects of the anklets with foot bells. One is that in some tribes' husbands give their wives these anklets in order to frighten snakes away. Then again, I also read that the husbands give their wives anklets with bells so that they can keep an "ear" on them, should they "dance" out of range!!

Fadwa Qasem

fadwa-designer jewerly

www.fadwa.com

Fadwa Qasem, Jewerly Designer. My specialty is original chokers. My concept: to paint with beads. Using semi-precious stones, Venetian style hand painted glass beads, beautiful lamp beads, faceted crystals, and other beads specially designed for me, I create one-of-a-kind or limited edition jewelry pieces.

After spending considerable time studying beads and their fascinating history, I discovered that the glass beads have a background no less auspicious than that of diamonds, pearls, and semi-precious stones. Each bead is a miniature container holding the secrets of the culture that made it, traded it, and wore it.

I have a degree in English Literature, and spent a great deal of time and effort on learning and researching jewelry and beads.

I have participated in many exhibitions in Canada, the UK, Jordan and Dubai (UAE).

http://www.fadwa.com was established in 1997 as a virtual gallery of my work.

History of the Watch

2007-10-29T00:56:00.000-07:00

The earliest mention of the watch was in Shakespeare’s play "As You Like It." In the second act of the play one character produces a sun-dial from his pocket and muses about the time. Though at this time in history a true, portable timekeeping piece would have been too much of a hassle. Coming up with a powers source for the watch was impossible at this time. But in the 1500’s Peter Henlein from Germany created the first pocket watch. And from that point on portable timekeeping was part of the norm.

In the early 1600s, form watches came into being. Cases shaped like animals and objects and religious themed watches were the most popular. But cheap, portable clocks…watches…didn’t really come into wide spread use until 1780 when Abraham Louis Perrelet invented the self winding movement.

Watch making enters its prime period in the years that followed. In 1791, J.F. Bautte founded the watch company that would eventually become Girard-Perregaux. In 1820, Thomas Prest registers a patent for the self-winding watch. In 1833 Antoine LeCoultre started his own watch making business that would eventually become Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Other big names and when they were founded:

Minerva founded in 1858
Heuer founded in 1860
Zenith founded in 1865
Movado founded in 1881
Rolex founded in 1905
Citizen founded in 1918
Seiko founded in 1924

But probably the most innovative and best-selling watch of all time is the Timex. Timex created the Waterbury pocket watch in the 1880s and made affordable timekeeping a mainstay for the average man.

By the turn of the twentieth century, the watch industry's first and most successful mass marketer, Robert H. Ingersoll, worked with Waterbury Clock, a partner of Timex, to distribute the company's "Yankee" pocket watch, the first to cost just one dollar. Twenty years later, with nearly forty million sold, the "Yankee" became the world's largest seller and "the watch that made the dollar famous." Everyone carried the Yankee: from Mark Twain to miners, from farmers to factory workers, from office clerks to sales clerks. Throughout the rest of the 20th Century, Timex conquered the low-end market selling 500 million watches by the end of the 1970s.

And the watch market has continued to grow and expand in the following years. With the introduction of the digital watch in 1972, watchmakers had brand new roads to explore in the area or portable timekeeping. It is now not so uncommon to find watches that can do everything under the sun from reading the wearer’s heart rate to playing music. But telling time is still the number-one priority.

So whether you’re more interested in the fashion statement your watch makes (Rolex, Heuer, Seiko) or the practicality of your watch (Timex, Casio, Citizen), there will always be numerous choices out there.

Hey, anyone know what time it is? I think I’m late.

You may use this article on your site as long as the two URLs are hyperlinked.

Allen Shaw is a successful author who provides tips and information on brand name watches and watches in general. "I am the news director at USA News Network and have been working as freelance writer for 2 years. I've been published in a few magazines, newspapers and websites and my specialty up to this point has been movie and music reviews."

Staying Professionally Chic In The Heat

2007-10-27T04:45:00.004-07:00

Whether you live in a warm climate year round or you are just trying to survive summer’s heat till autumn’s cool arrive the following quick and easy professional style tips will keep you cool and have you looking professionally chic in any heat.

Wardrobe

Select fabrics that are natural / man-made blends that consist of at least 51% natural fiber, such has a 55% cotton 45% polyester blend. This will give you the coolness of a natural fabric without the wrinkles. Choose jackets with ¾ sleeves. They are cooler than full sleeves and more professional looking than short sleeves. Light and bright colors works well in warm weather but do not use loud bold color combinations and prints. Dress in layers to adjust to the high heat outside / air conditioning inside temperature changes you will experience. A ¾ sleeve jacket over a sleeveless shell or a summer twin set is are excellent solutions for temperature changes. A cool alternative to pantyhose are thigh – highs they allow air to circulate better then pantyhose and will keep you cooler. Wear slightly larger jewelry it will give you a more polished look. Instead of a simple pendant on a chain try a triple strand of pearls. Avoid plunging necklines, extremely short hemlines, sheer fabrics, cloth handbags and briefcases, open toe shoes, sandals and flip flops.

Make - Up

Opt for a lighter make-up routine. Heavy make-up in high heat can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Before applying your makeup rub an ice cube over your face. It will help makeup last longer and prevent smudging. Use waterproof cosmetics. After applying your makeup brush your face with face powder it will set your makeup and prevent shine.

Hair

Wear your hair in a simple flattering yet professional style. Hair grows faster in warmer months so be sure to have your hair trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks. With hot weather comes limp and frizzy hair. To correct this problem use only hair products designed specifically to treat your hair type and problem. If you pull your hair back be sure to use only quality accessories. Avoid using plastic clips and rubber bands they will detract from your professional image.

Eileen Hammel President of Smarter Image,and Smart Skin Care - Smart Cosmetics by Smarter Image is a Nationally & Internationally Recognized Beauty and Image Expert. http://www.smartskincaresmartcosmetics.com/

Flattering Swimwear for Everyone - Yes, Even YOU!

2007-10-27T04:45:00.003-07:00

"There are so many styles of swimwear to choose from, especially if you are a women. With more options than ever, all women regardless of size or shape, can feel stylish wearing swimwear at the pool or on the beach this season."

Summertime is inevitably a season when we all at some time or another bring out the swimwear. Whether it is at the beach, camping or the cottage, the warm weather and tantalizing water encourages a refreshing swim. There are some on the other hand who may not even use their swimwear for the water but who like to sit in the sun’s rays and give their skin the glow of summer. Whatever use you have for your bikini or swimwear the wonderful assortment of fabrics, styles and accessories will have you out and about enjoying the fine weather.

There are some of us who don’t exactly look forward to this time of year when we have to bring out the swimwear and bikinis in hopes that those couple of extra pounds gained over the year won’t have us bulging out of the seams. Not to fret though as swimwear today offers great stretch fabrics for easy mobility and plenty of style options that might just minimize or hide any imperfections.

The fabric, body shape, design and color are all factors when choosing the most flattering swimwear for you. When selecting a swimsuit the quality of fabric is important as you want a suit that will stand up to the seasons of wear, sun and saltwater. Nylon, Lycra and Faille are popular fabrics used for swimsuits, they resist fading and hold their stretchiness. Nylon and Lycra used together offer more stretch then standard swimwear along with shaping, control and comfort for the wearer.

The design of the swimsuit is probably the most important factor when women are out shopping for swimwear and bikinis. You will find plenty of suggestions on flattering suits for all sorts of body types. There are suits to create curves where needed, suits to minimize hips, suits to whittle waistlines, others to add shape to specific areas and then there are the standard all purpose suits that may look great on a variety of shapes. Lines and colors are very important in minimizing or accentuating particular parts of the body. Black and darker colors are often used to minimize, while stripes depending on whether they are vertical or horizontal are used for the same minimizing (vertical) or accentuating (horizontal) effects. There are several special sizes of swimsuits available to accommodate women from petite, tall and plus sizes.

Bikinis alone come in several popular designs that may include; tankinis which are similar to a tank top (with matching bottom, there are different variations of the tankini from short (above the navel) to tops that touch the bottom piece; bandeau tops are designed as a strip usually with no straps; halter tops are just as the name implies similar to a halter with possibly a string that goes around the neck connecting the bodice; lastly there are bra-tops (similar to bra designs) and triangle tops (triangle designs). The bikini that works best will vary from person to person, you want a top that offers support if needed, it is always best to try on a few different tops and see what works best.

Women’s swimsuits offer features such as; soft-cup bras which give full support, built-in shelf bras with underwire, sarongs that add gentle shaping to midsection, gentle tummy wraps that accentuates shape, side shirring adding gentle shaping, and overlapping tops with bottoms for gentle coverage. There are also swimsuits available in swim dress designs which offer additional coverage of hips if needed for some, and bandeau style one pieces with no straps.

Women really are at an advantage when it comes to selecting swimwear designs, as the number of women’s designs far exceeds the number of men’s designs.

Women’s swimsuits come in one-piece designs, swim dress designs, sarong swimsuits, tankini suits and several bikini designs. Whereas men’s suits are available mostly in the standard racing style, swim trunk and swim short designs.

The list of swimwear accessories is as great as the swimsuits to be had. The accessories are an important part of your beach or lake excursion, and can include; straw hats, crochet hats, sun hats, short chemises, pareo (cover up skirt), cover ups, capri’s, thongs, sunglasses, tote bags, mesh bags and most importantly beach towels.

Children’s swimwear offers some excellent options for those little one’s just learning to swim. There are great thermal wear suits available, which keep children nice and warm, the innovative suits are made from a specially treated heat reflective neoprene material. Thermal wear suits and special sun protective swimwear also offer UV protection from the sun. There are special water shoes for children that protect their small feet and help to prevent slips. Then of course there is the wide variety of designs and fabrics available to choose from. Designs for girls come in one and two piece while the boys’ suits most often come in the short and trunk designs.

Other considerations to keep the children busy at the beach or lake are lifejackets, arm floats, flotation devices, goggles and beach toys. There are great swim vests and special swimming tubes specially made for children to gradually ease into swimming. The list of pool toys is endless with floating basketball nets, dive toys, swimming fins and volleyball games to name a few.

The sun protection clothing and sun protective swimwear that is being manufactured is innovative and an excellent choice especially for children. Some of the sun protective clothing and swimwear claims to block 98 per cent of UV rays with a UPF of 50 plus. What this means is that only one fiftieth of UV radiation falling on the surface of the garment will pass through. Wearing this clothing is added protection against the suns harmful rays.

When going to the beach, pool or when participating in any outdoor activity it is important to wear a sunscreen of at least thirty. Nothing spoils a day in the sun like the pain of sunburn. That is why being prepared for your outing is important, bring along the necessary hats, sunglasses and cover-ups to ensure both comfort and protection. This is true especially for children, it’s probably best to avoid mid afternoon intense sun if possible. However if you cannot avoid being in the sun, be sure to bring along a beach umbrella to provide shade and again hats and sunscreens for children are absolutely necessary.

With so many wonderful swimwear options to choose from your beach, pool, lake or camping experience can be both pleasurable and fashionable. Take the time and find a swimsuit that you feel comfortable in and one that compliments your particular figure. With the right swimwear choices you will be ready for all your travel and vacation needs with a suit that lasts for a few seasons.

Valerie Giles owns and operates Bikinis and Swimsuits, a swimsuit and resort wear site showcasing bikinis, swimwear and resort wear. Find the perfect swimsuit for every occasion and every figure type. http://www.bikinis-and-swimsuits.com

Spice Up Your Style with New Exciting Eyewear - A Wonderful Fashion Accessory

2007-10-27T04:45:00.001-07:00

Eyewear without a doubt has become a wonderful fashion accessory, with an endless array of wonderful designs, styles and colors that make wearing eye glasses fun. Fashion eyewear choices can include names like; Armani, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Christian Dior, Cartier, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Prada and Laura Ashley to name a few. Fashion eyewear can be found in a variety of frames available in the latest shapes, styles and shades to suit every need and style. You will also find children’s fashion eyewear similar to the adult styles made with high quality materials for durability and safety, important to stand up to the wear and tear of children.

Whether you wear fashion eyewear or discount eyewear there is a pair of eye glasses to suit your face shape, personality and lifestyle. Never have there been more eyewear styles, designs and colors than there are today.

Modern technology has given us an endless variety of sport eyewear and sports specific eyewear to protect our eyes and enhance our sporting activities. With sport eyewear available to offer superior quality optics, elimination of fogging, maximum fields of vision and elimination of reflection the choices have never been better.

There are sport specific eyewear and eyewear lenses for the golfer, cyclist, mountain climber, skier, snow boarder, driver and tennis player. Sport eyewear is best known for the optical quality and visual enhancement of the lenses. One example of the innovative sports specific eyewear is the yellow enhancement of eyewear lenses that can be helpful in tennis where the tennis balls are most often yellow. Amber or rose lenses enhance soft grays that mark the shadows on a ski slope. It is very important to wear the correct protective eyewear when participating in sports, to ensure you see properly and your eyes are protected.

There are a variety of safety eyewear options available to be used at both home and work where there may be small airborne particles that can get into the eyes.

Safety eyewear may be worn when using lathes, saws, sanders and other power tools. Safety eyewear should cover the front of your eyes and the sides and top of your eyes so that particles will not get into the eyes and cause damage. Safety eyewear with polycarbonate lenses (impact resistant) are an excellent idea.

Shopping for children’s eyewear can be an overwhelming task given all the choices available combined with wanting to find something your child will want to wear while at the same time being long lasting. Most children need eyewear for nearsightedness or farsightedness and will either have to wear their eyewear on a part time or full time basis (this will be established by your eye care practitioner). Children’s eyewear can be found in a wide variety of designs, styles and colors with several designer styles similar to the adult versions. Both plastic and metal eyewear frames can offer durability that will keep up to your child’s demands. Spring hinges that allow for flexibility at the temple and polycarbonate (impact resistant) lenses are also great choices for children’s eyewear. It’s a good idea to let your child participate in selecting their eyewear, this way they are more likely to wear their eyewear. It’s also wise to stay clear of fads that will quickly become outdated and of course you’ll want to make sure your child’s eyewear fits properly and comfortably.

One type of eyewear that we often forget about is that of specialty eyewear. Specialty eyewear can include computer eyewear, reading eyewear, driving eyewear, sport eyewear, protective eyewear and safety eyewear. Some of the specific uses of specialty eyewear can include; computer eyewear lenses are designed specifically for the close distance associated with the computer; sport eyewear can give increased enjoyment and protection during sports while helping to better see the lines in a golf course or tennis balls; safety eyewear can give protection from dust and glare; eyewear for hobbies such as beading, needlepoint and crafting helps the eyes as your spending a lot of time at close distances.

Where you will purchase your eyewear will most likely be a matter of personal choice based on factors such as time, convenience and eyewear knowledge. Before you make any eyewear purchases you’ll want to of course visit your eye care practitioner for any necessary eye prescriptions and it also helps to know what styles look best on you. A visit to an eyewear shop can allow you to try on a variety of designs and styles with the help of a knowledgeable salesperson. After you have your eye prescription and know what styles look best you are free to purchase eyewear from the multitude of online eyewear sites. Choose from many of our featured merchants that we have screened for you. Discount eyewear sites offer a wide selection of brand name eyewear, designer eyewear, fashion eyewear, sport eyewear, children’s eyewear and prescription eyewear at discount prices. Before making any eyewear purchases make sure the site is reputable.

With so many wonderful eyewear designs to choose from it can often be difficult deciding upon one pair of eyewear frames. With that said, new designs and styles are constantly appearing making the choices even more overwhelming, you’ll most likely want to have a few pairs of eyewear in your collection. Some of the current eyewear trends can include; rectangular and oval shaped designer eyewear frames with colors like quartz, rose opal crystal, white, peach, lilac, havana, black and gold; ultra-thin lightweight frames; semi-rimless styles; scandium eyewear frames, a new lightweight material that is lighter than titanium; stained glass designs on eyewear frames.

With the thousands of eyewear styles, designs and colors available wearing eyewear has never been more exciting. There is eyewear to complement any face shape, lifestyle and personality. You can look great and feel comfortable wearing eyewear.

Valerie Giles owns and operates Eyewear-4U http://www.eyewear-4u.com, an eyewear site featuring fashion eyewear, sports eyewear, prescription eyewear, discount sunglasses and contact lenses as well as accessories.

The Sky's the Limit when it Comes to Buying Sunglasses Online

2007-10-27T04:44:00.001-07:00

There is a never ending supply of quality sunglasses options today, including discount sunglasses. Styles include polarized sunglasses, designer replica sunglasses and fake sunglasses, sports sunglasses, mirrored sunglasses, golf sunglasses, sun glasses for kids and sun glasses accessories. With so many sunglasses to choose from it’s possible to find good quality discount sunglasses on reputable online sites that offer good customer service, money back guarantees, free shipping, sales advice and tips along with a good inventory of sunglasses.

Cheap sunglasses can be found in a wide selection of polarized sunglasses options to include aviator styles, snow boarding and ski goggles, large and small framed designs and a variety of different frame styles. Polarized sunglasses are excellent for water and winter sports where the water and snow can increase the reflected glare. Polarized sunglasses provide glare-free vision by absorbing ninety eight percent of the reflective glare. You can find polarized sun glasses in a variety of lens shades from black, blue, brown, silver, pink, green and red to name a few.

Replica sunglasses are a wonderful way to wear your favorite designer styles and designs without the high costs that come along with designer sunglasses. Just because sunglasses are designer doesn’t mean that they are better quality, often the replica sunglasses are better quality (always look at factors such as lens types, frames and coatings). There is a wide variety of designer replica sunglasses available in a wonderful selection of colors, designs and styles to suit every face shape and lifestyle.

Depending on what sort of sports you enjoy you may need a couple of pairs of sports sunglasses which can get costly, but if you shop wisely you will be able to find the sports sunglasses you need at discounted sunglasses prices. There is an excellent variety of sports sunglasses available to include; baseball sports sunglasses; cycling sports sunglasses; driving sun glasses; fishing sports sunglasses (see the fish before the fish see you); glacier sports sunglasses; golf sports sunglasses; motorcycle sun glasses; polarized ski goggles; tennis sports sunglasses and sports sunglasses for water sports. Polarized sports sunglasses will help minimize glare offering better vision along with protection. There are plenty of brand name discount sports sunglasses to be found.

The sports eyewear sunglasses are really best known for their excellent optical quality and the visual enhancement of the lenses. Some examples where visual enhancement of the lenses can be extremely helpful are with golf sports sunglasses and tennis sports sunglasses. The golf sports sunglasses are very useful for seeing the subtle breaks in the green without squinting. With the color enhanced lenses you will be able to play the fairway in low sun angles, eliminate fogging, have maximum fields of vision while accommodating for grass reflection. Tennis sports sunglasses may use a yellow enhancement on the lenses to aid in seeing the tennis balls more clearly, therefore improving your game.

Another popular type of sunglasses is the mirrored sun glasses styles. Mirrored sun glasses can be found with polarized mirror lenses in many colors. Mirrored sun glasses lenses have a highly reflective coating which greatly reduces the amount of light that reaches the eyes. They can absorb ten to sixty percent more light than uncoated lenses.

When it comes to shopping for your children’s sunglasses you’ll want to not only find discount sunglasses prices but quality sunglasses. By quality sunglasses you’ll want to know that the sunglasses lenses and sunglasses frames your children wear will stand up to the bumps and knocks that come along with being a child. There is a wide selection of children’s sunglasses to include sizes, designs and styles for kids, infants, youth and teens. Sunglasses frames can be found in an assortment of colors such as baby blue, black, pink, tortoise, red, white, yellow and purple to name a few with an even wider variety of styles similar to their adult counterparts.

Your children will also be pleased to find designer frames.

Of course you’ll want to have the right sunglasses accessories to complement your collection of sunglasses. Some popular sunglasses accessories can include items such as; sunglasses cases, sunglasses bags (micro fiber, leather, vinyl and fleece), floater cords and basic string cords, visor clips (great for clipping sunglasses onto your vehicle visor), metal cases, soft cases, lens care (micro fiber lens cleaning cloths, disposable lens cleaning wipes, no fog spray) and clip on sunglasses (for clipping onto prescription eye wear).

It’s important to note that just because sunglasses are designer names or high priced doesn’t necessarily mean they are better quality, quite often discount sunglasses are better quality as discount online sunglasses sites can offer lower prices as the merchants do not have to pay high overheads (rents and displays). When shopping for sunglasses look at factors such as the quality of the sunglasses lenses look for quality polycarbonate and glass lenses, strong frames and check coatings of the lenses for UV (ultraviolet) protection.

It becomes obvious that your collection of sunglasses can become quite large given all the different styles, designs and uses of sunglasses available. With that said whatever sorts of sun glasses you might need or sunglasses accessories you’ll want to shop around and find a reputable online site that offers a good selection of sunglasses with excellent discount sunglasses prices. You’ll also want to be sure and purchase your sunglasses from online sites that offer money-back guarantees.

Check out the merchants on our web site before you make your purchase.

Valerie Giles owns and operates Eyewear-4U http://www.eyewear-4u.com, an eyewear site featuring fashion eyewear, sunglasses, sports eyewear, prescription eyewear, discount sunglasses and contact lenses as well as accessories.

Vintage Costume Jewellery Sparkles Again

2007-10-27T04:38:00.000-07:00

Men and women have worn costume jewellery since the Romans developed the ability to cut glass imitations of precious gemstones. Jewellery was worn to enhance appearance, display wealth and affirm love, friendship and loyalty. The reasons for wearing jewellery remain the same today, but the popularity of styles changes. Vintage costume jewellery is experiencing a revival these days as sparkling vintage rhinestone brooches are roaring back in style. Here are a few things you’ll need to know to help you pick out the right pieces.

What is it.

Costume jewellery is defined as jewellery that is made from non-precious materials such as cut glass.

Parures.

It is a set that includes a necklace, brooch and pair of earrings.

Demi-parures.

It includes a brooch and a pair of earrings.

Missing Stones.

Steer clear of an item with any missing stones. They are very difficult to replace.

Faux Pearls.

Watch closely any pieces with faux pearls because they chip easily and these chips cannot be fixed. Also, soap, cream and perfume can erode faux pearls.

Enamel.

Pieces with enamel can cause problems. Small areas of enamel damage can be retouched but large areas are very difficult to repair.

Condition Matters.

Good condition is important with vintage costume jewellery. Pin clasps that don’t work, hinges that are suspect may not be replaceable because they may no longer be made. Before you purchase, double check that all the pieces are in original condition and in good working order.

Names to Look For.

The biggest name in Canada for vintage costume jewellery is Sherman and it was usually signed. Other makers to be on the look out for are Trifari, Coro, Schreiner, Hobe and Schiaparelli.

Care.

Once you’ve found something you like, you’ll want to take good care of it. Store your vintage costume jewellery separately in small plastic bags to guard against scratching.

Where To Find Great Vintage Costume Jewellery.

Antique shops, flea markets, garage sales and Ebay are all good sources for vintage costume jewellery.

Value.

Prices range from under $20 for unsigned pieces to much more for signed sought-after pieces, parures and demi-parures.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com

Sunglasses! Does Fashion Compromise Your Eye Protection?

2007-10-25T05:57:00.006-07:00

With models and movie celebrities showing off their trendy attire including the types of sunglasses they wear, a question that comes to my mind is, “are they becoming more of a fashion statement than protection for your eyes?”

All you have to do is turn on the television, and famous stars are spotted wearing the hottest brands of eyewear, such as sunglass styles from Gucci, Ray Ban, Oakley, Serengeti, Christian Dior, Armani, Silhouette, and the list goes on.

There are even websites that list famous movie stars and music singers that are wearing a certain brand and style of sunglass frames. For example: A certain site lists many of these actors, actresses, and singers below!

Celebrities And Their Favourite Collection of eyewear!

· Alex Curran, and Paris Hilton wear – Christian Dior - Dior Schlak 2

· Angelina Jolie – Gucci 1789

· Anna Friel, Courtney Cox - Giorgio Armani 205s, and Renee Zellweger - Giorgio Armani 208s

· Ben Affleck, Elle Macpherson, Gwen Stefani, Hugh Grant, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, and Penelope Cruz all were wearing – RayBan 3025

· Nicole Kidman – Oakley - M Frame

· Djibril Cisse – Oakley - Thump Polarised MP3 256MB

Depending on who may be your favourite, or not so favourite actor, if any of the sunglass styles above appeal to you, then more than likely you’re going to want to buy them. So let’s take a look at the designer glasses and sport lenses above and do a brief summary of their benefits and features and find out if they not only hold up to their fashion flare, but also to the vision protection that is so important for your precious eyes.

Christian Dior: Are a must for the fashion conscious person! They’re known to be the ultimate in luxury fashionable lenses. Each Dior product is made with detailed and intricate Italian craftsmanship that represents a work of art. The original Dior series including the Dior Schlak1 and 2 offer beauty and style, and the features provide scratch/impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses, lightweight frames, and provide 100% UV protection.

Gucci: Worn by some of the most famous and beautiful people, such as Angelina Jolie, Grace Kelly, Peter Sellers, and Audrey Hepburn. Gucci sunglasses are known to offer a sexy and sleek look and feel with quality Italian materials and craftsmanship. This select eyewear allows you to create your own sense of style, but also offers top quality lenses with 100% protection from UVA/UVB rays.

Giorgio Armani: Made exclusively in Italy, Giorgio lenses and frames exude exquisite taste and glamour! Combined with their class and elegant look, they provide the person wearing these quality lenses complete peace-of-mind that the 100% UVA/UVB protective lens will block the sun and protect their precious vision.

Ray Ban: The best selling sunglass brand worldwide going into their fourth decade, Ray Ban’s are a true favourite among the elite! Ranging in a wide variety of styles including the popular 3025 model, which consists of a lightweight durable metal frame with lenses offering complete 100% UV protection with their unique optical clarity. This original lens product is in a class of it’s own, and I can see why it has the highest level of recognition in designer eyewear!

Oakley: Best known for their superior style and un-paralleled innovation in eye- protection! I’m sure you will find many stars under the moon fashioning this sophisticated eye wear technology!

It’s no surprise Nicole Kidman has been seen sporting a pair of Oakley M Frames, and when image is just as important as protecting her vision, then this precision line of lenses would definitely be on the top of many celebrity lists.

Ranging from the Oakley M frame Hybrid, to the M frame strike, you will find these glasses provide impact resistant polycarbonate material that are very light in weight with exceptional 100% UVA/UVB shield. With interchangeable lens options in a variety of colors, these polarized and Iridium coated lenses will have you looking fantastic while reducing nasty glare.

Fashion and technology have come full circle, and many reputable designer and sports eyewear suppliers have recognized this trend. The sunglass once produced for eye-care purposes only have now become an important declaration of your sole individual character and distinctive vogue flair, which many of your favourite rock and movie celebrities have embraced in their image.

About the author: William is the owner and the author of “1st In Cool Eyewear” available at http://www.1st-in-cool-eyewear.com A great source for cool sunglasses and a wide variety of sunglasses available online. Find and compare sunglass sites for Oakley sunglasses, Polarized sunglasses, discount sunglasses, designer sunglasses, and sport sunglasses all in one convenient location.

Your Wild and Crazy Side with Zombie Contact Lenses

2007-10-25T05:57:00.005-07:00

Zombie contact lenses are a whole new concept in the contact lens industry. Also known as zombie whiteout or zombie special effect contact lenses, they are perfect for a theme party that calls for something scary or for a Halloween fright night get together. Many people who work in theatre as well as in films utilize zombie contact lenses on a regular basis to change their appearance.

Zombie contact lenses make the eyes appear completely white except for the black dot in the middle. Too scary for some but just right if the occasion calls for spooky or out of this world outrageous. Zombie whiteouts are sure to be an attention grabber and a conversation piece.

Zombie contact lenses, just like any other kind of contacts must be fitted to your eyes properly to ensure comfort so visiting an accredited eye doctor is a must. Zombie whiteouts are available both for contact lens wearers who require a prescription for vision correction as well as for those who don't.

Keep in mind that eye infections are always a health concern when you wear any type of contact, regardless of whether you wear ordinary contact lenses on a regular basis or occasionally wear ones such as zombie white-outs for fun. Proper hygiene in regards to cleaning and disinfecting of contact lenses is a must. This point cannot be stressed enough.

Many big name contact lens companies such as CIBA Vision and CooperVision carry what they term as "WildEyes" or "Crazy Lenses." Zombie whiteout contact lenses would fall under these categories. If you choose to search for zombie contact lenses on the Internet keep in mind that they are often also referred to as theatrical or costume contact lenses.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Vision-Doctor.com. He provides more contact lens tips and discount contact lenses that you can research and purchase in your pajamas on his website.

The Royal Blue Contact Lens Really Stands Out

2007-10-25T05:57:00.003-07:00

Have you always wanted to have sparkling baby blues but weren't fortunate enough to be born with them? That's not a problem anymore. Now more than ever colored contact lenses are catching on and their popularity is soaring.

Today royal blue contact lens is a favorite choice for both men and women. Imagine how much a simple thing like changing your eye color can serve to change your appearance. Family and friends alike will be amazed at your eye transformation.

Royal blue contact lens is an excellent choice of color for both people with special eye care concerns as well as those with perfect vision. They can be worn by practically anyone. In other words, you can enjoy beautiful royal blue contact lens even if you're one of those people fortunate enough to have 20/20 vision. And the best thing about these contacts is that they don't look the least bit artificial. Strangers would swear upon seeing you that you were born with royal blue eyes, but you're not telling!

Whether you require a prescription for vision correction or not, it is always a smart move to have contact lenses fitted by someone who is an expert in the eye care field. Your eyes are far too important to mess with. And an eye doctor can answer any and all questions that might arise concerning your royal blue contact lenses.

There are many different kinds of infections that can occur in the eye if the royal blue contact lens is not fitted the right way. Also a cleaning regimen must be adhered to faithfully regardless of how often you wear your royal blue contact lenses. Nothing spoils the appeal of alluring royal blue contact lenses like red, sore, watery eyes rift with infection.

Pretty in Pink Contact Lenses

2007-10-25T05:57:00.001-07:00

Want a different eye color than the one you were born with? No longer does anyone have to be satisfied with what biology gave them. Pink contact lenses, along with other colors, have found their way into the market and they are making quite a splash!

Pink contact lenses are mainly worn for cosmetic purposes and generally are not for those needing a prescription to improve eyesight problems. Although it must be said that pink contact lenses still must be fitted by a professional eye care specialist and all lens wearers must follow the same cleaning procedures as regular contact lens wearers do.

Pink contact lenses are in a category all their own- meant for effect and to alter one's eye appearance, say for example for a special night out. Many people go the pretty in pink contact lens route just because they want to show some variety and have some fun.

It should not come as a shock that young teenage girls and twentysomething women can more often be seen sporting pink contact lenses than young men. It is a fashion statement that eyes can be stylish too.

Pink contact lenses come in "enhancer tints" and "opaque colored." The opaque tends towards being a little more dramatic but not too much so. Pink lenses can be purchased through your eye doctor or over the Internet. It is advisable however to have regular eye check ups and discuss the "fun" option in contact lenses with people who know their business well and can answer any and all questions you might have.

So the next time you get decked out in a pretty pink gown ladies, don't forget that pink contact lenses are now an option to dress you up even more.

Mirror Tinted Contact Lenses: Wild, and Practical Too

2007-10-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

As a contact lens wearer, if you have searched the various lens options available on the market today, you've probably noticed that there are a lot of features to choose from. Some are fairly standard, and are mainly related to your eyesight correction and comfort. However, many features are now offered that are designed for your personal preferences and style. One such type of lenses are mirror tinted contact lenses. At first, you may think they are some kind of wild and crazy idea. But when you learn more about them, you realize they take care of some very real and important needs, and you may just decide that you'd like to try a pair yourself.

For example, if you're involved in sports, you know how important eyewear can be. In many sports, players who need vision correction often struggle when trying to find eyewear that can help them see the way they need to, but which is still comfortable and doesn't interfere with their performance. Many athletes have trouble with sun glare, when they need to focus on a ball while playing outdoors and facing the sun. Some people experiment with tinted goggles or sunglasses that strap on, but most of them end up missing the convenience of wearing nothing but contacts which are barely noticeable.

With mirror tinted contact lenses, an athlete can have the best of both worlds - convenience and sun protection. A baseball pitcher can pitch a game facing into the sun, and with mirrored contacts they don't have to hassle with the irritation of sweaty, clouded goggles, or sunglasses that partially block their field of vision. Goggles or glasses can also be dangerous if they are struck by a ball or another player during play. A soccer player wearing mirror tinted contacts can block out the sun, but still be agile and aggressive, not having to working about having sunglasses or goggles knocked off.

Even if you're not an athlete, you may be one of those people have an extreme sensitivity to light. Perhaps standard tinted contacts don't help and you need the extra protection of mirror tinting, but you'd like to avoid the discomfort of wearing sunglasses for long periods of time. Or, you may not have extra sensitivity, but you are involved in activities where you will spend lots of time in bright sun, like at the beach or on long road trips. In either case, mirror tinted contact lenses may be the perfect solution.

Not only are mirrored contacts practical, they can also be wild and fun. Even if you don't need to block the sun, you may want to experiment with them as a cool effect at parties or other occasions. You can be the life of the party when people see your shiny mirrored eyeballs. If you really get into it, you'll even find that there's a whole variety of colored contacts, special effects contact lenses ("Special FX"), theatrical contacts, and novelty contact lenses that you can play around with.

You can have a lot of fun with mirrored contacts. Just remember, they can be extremely practical, too. You will definitely want to try them if you're sensitive to light, will be involved in activities exposing you to the sun for long periods, or you're into sports and want the convenience of contacts and sun-blocking that you've previously gotten only from sunglasses and goggles. Try out mirror tinted contact lenses for yourself and you'll be pleased to find that you can finally have the best of both worlds, and have fun at the same time.

For more information visit http://www.aa-contact-lenses.com

Why Ladies Craze for Women's Sandals?

2007-10-24T03:42:00.003-07:00

Talking about sandals in front of women is absolutely a tempting topic for them. When women check some magazine and store where they saw some new design of sandals, surely they will talk about it and if possible would willing to purchase it.

Even when a woman looks at somebody’s beautiful sandals, there is no doubt that she would eager to buy them too. It seems that women cannot be separated with sandals, shoes, and other beauty accessories.

Of course not only women who can collect sandals. Men and kids are also able to do so, though they cannot choose a wider option compared to women. Yes, it is because manufacturers produce women’s items in a very extensive designs, colors, and materials.

What about you? Are you also fans of sandal, shoes and other footwear? If you are part of them, maybe you ought to know more on different type of sandals. Women’s sandals can be divided into so many types based on designs and models. You can name them: beach sandals, bridal, dress, flip flop, platform, sport, thong, and wedding. There are so many of them which you can find the information about it at MySandalsGuide.com!

Moreover, here are the designs you can find in one of the sandals types above. If you love dress sandals, you can get diverse styles such as: ankle strap, backless, flats, glass, heel, slingback, strappy, and woven. What a complete collection!

Well, well, well, you can imagine how many styles you’ll get if each type has its own styles. Of course every type or style has its own plus and minus points. It’s you who make review toward the sandals, whether they are comfortable or stylish enough to fulfill your desire.

Some of you are the big fans of designer brands. No matter how expensive the items are, you don’t really mind with it as long as you feel comfy and confident while wearing them. Well, looking for branded items at shoe stores could be tiring and time-consuming, right? The only way, namely, the most practical way, to hunt for so many brands is by using the Internet. Yes, find the perfect pair from all over the world just at your fingertips!

Diana Claire lifelong for footwear led her became footwear reviewer. She has tried different kind of footwear, and she put her review at MyShoesGuide.com. Her experiences on footwear can be helpful for those who need more information about a certain kind of footwear. Visit her Website http://www.mysandalsguide.com

Women's Sandals Add a Touch of Elegance and Sex Appeal to Your Feet

2007-10-24T03:42:00.001-07:00

Womens sandals are no longer simply the rubber thong style sandal of yesteryear, they have become a footwear fashion diva's dream, ranging from designer leather thongs with beaded detail to fancy, sophisticated looking sandals you can wear with an evening gown. Today's sandals not only look fantastic, but they are made so that your feet will be comfortable all day. What more can a woman ask for?! It's not uncommon for most women to have a particular womens sandal brand or style for different aspects of her life. Maybe a comfortable Birkenstock sandal for those long sunset walks, a pair or two of Steve Madden sandals for working at the office, and maybe a fancy pair of Gucci high heel sandals for your evening out. Wherever you like to wear your sandals, you can bet there is a pair or two specifically for you.

Today's sandals by such designers as Steve Madden, Gucci, Prada, Cole Haan, Ecco, and Birkenstock, come in a variety of functional or just plain good-looking styles including the wedge heel, mid heel, thongs, and everything in between. The colors and materials found in womens summer sandals make going to the beach, or work for that matter, a fun, stylish, and fashionable experience. Flowers, polka-dots, animal prints, bows, jewels, beads, and much more can be found adorning many styles of sandals.

You can wear your womens summer sandals to the office since some of the styles are so classy and sophisticated looking. The sandals available to women today are designed to serve as more than just for beach wear. Get your moneys worth and wear them to work, dancing, or out on that hot date! Womens thong sandals are still around and continue to be quite popular, however, they have changed somewhat. You can still buy the cheap rubber thongs that have been around for years, but now you can find the same style made with much higher quality materials. You can actually expect to get some foot support with some of the brands available today, and you can wear them all day without getting sore feet.

With all the wonderful styles of womens sandals available today, you should have several pairs in your closet. They are fun, funky, and classy, depending on what you want, and they look fantastic with everything!!

Chris Rodriguez is the author/publisher for the fashion shoe website http://www.1st-in-designer-shoes.com Please visit her site for information on your favorite designer shoes, boots, athletic footwear, and sandals. We provide access to reliable retailers offering designer shoes at fantastic prices. Come visit us today!

Oakley Sunglasses! A Global Brand That Defines The True Meaning Of "Vision"

2007-10-24T03:41:00.002-07:00

It’s amazing that it has been 30 years since the Oakley name has been introduced, and that this incredible brand of Oakley products originated from a man that started off with a line of motocross goggles back in 1980!

Oakley’s reputation has grown since then to be the industry leader in the manufacturing of high-quality sunglassproducts. Their successful journey started with their first high-performance line of Eyeshades®, and branched off into numerous options of sunglasses including M Frames®, Zeros®, E Wires®, A Wires®, Eye Jackets®, Moons®, the X-Metal®, series Mars®, Romeo®, Juliet®, and the introduction of the eyewear called OVERTHETOP®!

The Oakley product line has since grown including prescription eyewear line, Oakley watches, Oakley clothing, footwear, and a wide range of accessories that will be touched on in another article.

Top Oakley Frames Are Designed For Purpose!

Oakley frame options are extremely extensive, so I won’t go into the features of every frame and lens they offer. What I have done though, is listed some of their top designs, and I will go into detail on how they will benefit you.

*M Frames: For the person looking for some serious eyewear protection, the Oakley M Frame® is classified as essential equipment for the extreme athlete! Consisting of features that include true Polaric Ellipsoid® geometry, where the lens is contoured in three dimensions to match the curvature of the eye. This patented technology provides you razor-sharp clarity at all angles of view, and you get complete protection against the wind, sun, and side impact.

The M Frame® is ultra-lightweight and extremely comfortable, but don’t let this fool you into believing that they will not stand up to extensive abuse. These glasses exceed ANSI Industrial standards for high mass, and high-velocity impact protection!

All the lenses are constructed of pure Plutonite®, which blocks 100% of all the UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light, offering incredible clarity at the highest level, and the lens options are removable and interchangeable to adapt to a variety of light conditions. The M Frame with hinges for a customized fit, and the Pro M Frame with a hingless design with subtle pressure and flexibility for a secure fit, also come with optional RX implants that are custom grounded to give you optimum corrective prescription optics.

Other frames to consider for the extreme water-sport buff is the Oakley lines including the Oakley Water Jacket® with glare reduction, and vented lenses that combat against all elements on the water. This lens has a formulated hydrophobic coating that prevents water droplet build-up. These are great for athletes that like to play hard in the liquid playground!

Another one to contemplate is the Racing Jacket® that will attract anyone looking for a lens that doesn’t easily fog up. They include the best clarity with the patented XYZ Optics®, and have the best defogging ventilation called Ram-air surge ports, combined with Unobtainium® nosebombs, and earsocks that keep the frames securely attached to the hingeless, lightweight frames.

Oakley design! It Doesn’t Hurt To Have The Best Protection Make You Look Great

If style and your fashion presence are important to you, but you don’t want to compromise your vision safety, Oakley protection has you in mind! They know that how you look and feel is truly the reason why they produced the complete line of Oakley wires, and X Metal frames.

Wire Frames: There are approximately fifteen styles existing, including the hatchet wire, crosshair, and whisker, along with many other wire frame sunglasses. Depending on what style you choose, you will quickly notice the unique wired frame styles, and quality features ranging from the patented hydrophilic Unobtainium® earsocks to ensure a snug, secure fit, the XYZ Optics® for maximized clarity at all angles of vision, the Plutonite® lens material for 100% UV protection, Polarized lenses, and optional Iridium® coating to reflect glare and heighten contrast. What this means for you is that these particular sun glasses not only have a fantastic fashion look, but also will provide you with the best eye care protection from all the bad elements on this planet!

X Metal XX: What can I say! How can you not be impressed with a sunglass that includes Explosive compounds that are vaporized at 3600®F, and is the only frame offering 3-D sculptured, hypoallergenic, all-metal frames on earth! Part of the X- Metal frame family such as the Romeo and the Juliet, it has matched features from the two to enhance coverage for people with larger facial sizes, and now provide new options from Titanium Dioxide plating, to true 24-karat gold finish. Available in a prescription lens as well.

With Oakley making a presence in well over 100 countries around the world, and now with Oakley online giving access to millions of people via the internet, their growing message is that they would like to be recognized as the innovators of reinventing the concept of eyewear. Their passion that ignited the optical industry has provided their vision to become not only the best optical product providers, but also the leader in quality fashion, and an exciting line of accessories!

Tips in Choosing the Right Kind of Sunglasses

2007-10-24T03:41:00.001-07:00

Today, sunglasses have become everyone's bestfriend. We never leave home without them. We carry them just about anywhere our lives take us. We never miss out on every opportunity to sneak at the shades counter whenever we get the chance. Sunglasses are fast becoming indispensable. They don't just keep out those dangerous UV rays but they also exude a lot of attitude. They're our eyes on the world, especially the fashion world. The world ultimately looks better and hipper through the lenses. But with all the variety of trends coming on the scene, how do we pick the right shades? How do we know they fit our facial profile?

Here's a list of quick tips for sunglasses picks to match your face:

Square Face

You need slightly curved frames with the top high enough on the face to downplay the jaw line. Try aviator or wrap styles that suit your moods.

Round Face

Straight or angular frames in a deep color such as black or tortoise flatter the features of your face. For a good fit, try square-framed sunglasses with colored lenses.

Triangular Face

Defined by a broad forehead and a narrow mouth and chin, your face can be complemented with thin rims and vertical lines. Sleek oval frames with colored lenses also looks becoming on you.

Oblong Face

Similar to the square face with a little more length, the shape of your face looks best with a frame that covers as much of the center of the face as possible. Avoid large frames, heavy nose bridges, bold colors and square shapes. Experiment on updated classics for a trendy look.

Oval Face

With an oval shape, you can choose more shapes than any other. However, always remember to pick frames in proportion to the size of your face.

Aside from finding the perfect frame for your face, you should also consider frames that are proportional to your nose. Oversize frames balance out a large nose, while short noses should find sunglasses with a high bridge and a light color. Long noses are complemented by a double bridge and frames with high sidebars, drawing attention toward temples.

A good rule of thumb: Go for the frame that is opposite from the shape of your face. Think of the word "balance" and make sure to play around with many different shaped frames before you decide on your final choice.

Rachelle Arlin Credo is an entrepreneur and relationship coach. She also works as an image consultant and part-time writer. Her literary works have been published in various magazines and online publications. For more info, visit her website at http://www.rachelle.co.nr

Dress Your Jeans

2007-10-18T03:35:00.001-07:00

These days, jeans are becoming a basic building block of any wardrobe. Almost everywhere around the globe, you see people wearing jeans. From high-waist pants, capris, and cargos to tattered jeans and cigarette pants, the variety seems infinite. Jeans are becoming such a moth-eaten that they're coming to close quarters with being a total faux-pas. But how do you squeeze out a savvy style for your jeans without becoming too distinct?

The answer: ACCESSORIZE! Exude style savvy with your jeans using the following tips:

For low-waist jeans, use navel diamonds and gems to accentuate a cute belly-button. You can also wrap silver chain-belts around your tummy, to shimmer while you dance "the bump". For a totally 70's look, add on colorful bangles and large hoop rings.
For capris, wear anklets - either a slim gold chain to accent a trim ankle or ethnic beads for a "beach-babe" look. You can also add hip body bags for a sportier look.
For cargos, those handy Swiss knives bring action to your jeans, as do large backpacks. You can also wear Buddha beads which bring luck for extreme adventures.
For high-waist pants, use large dark-colored snakeskin belts to hide the height of the waist. Never use bright colored or diamond belts - it'll grab all the attention.
For tattered or ripped jeans, wear kerchief belts for a handy-man look. You can also position a kerchief in your backpocket to call attention to a sexy bottom. Don't use overpolished accessories with the grunge look such as diamond or leather belts - it's an extreme combination.
For loose or baggy jeans, more oversized chains clipped from the belt-line to your pocket give you a "gangsta" look. So do vintage pocket-watches, which bring out the "hip-hop" style. And if you're in for the "chicano" look, wear plaids as well as bandanas or hairnets.
For cigarette pants, use "l-mac" (colored-transparent plastic) belts for a "be-bop" look. Gold or silver jewelry and fancy anklets can also dress up your jeans. never wear anything ethnic - it ruins the polished style.

Menswear - Putting Together A Business Wardrobe - Part 3

2007-10-18T03:34:00.000-07:00

It’s easier for men to build a professional wardrobe, but as with many other things, it’s getting started that is the toughest! Let's talk this time about Accessorizing your Business Wardrobe, and look for additional articles Dress Shirts and my article on Caring for Your Wardrobe.

Okay, guys, we’ve talked about suits and touched on the foundation garments known as dress shirts, let’s talk about accessories. I suggest you take the conservative road with regard to your business suits, especially when you are just building a wardrobe.

Conservatively-styled suits may not get you noticed at a dance club, but they will certainly be a better investment for your professional life. A good, basic man’s suit will last for years, especially if you’ve taken into account my tips on fabric, construction and color.

Accessorizing your suit with relation to neckties and cufflinks are just one way you can add a unique personal touch to your look. Let’s start from the bottom and work our way up.

When selecting shoes to complement your business wardrobe, consider your own likes and dislikes. Do you prefer lace-up shoes or loafers? Lace-up shoes are a bit more conservative, so if in doubt, start with a lace-up shoe. Loafers are perfectly acceptable, though I would emphasize that you should look for a sleek, lower cut shoe rather than a pair of penny loafers.

Shoe color can be a subject for confusion, so let’s lay the ground rules: Black shoes can be worn with just about every suit, however, men with warmer coloring can also wear brown. A good pair of dark brown shoes will also complement a navy or charcoal suit.

As a general rule, socks should match or at least tonally relate to your trousers. Today’s man has a wide variety of shades and patterns to choose from, but be careful not to make your legs the focal point of your business look by choosing socks that are too light. Black dress socks with black shoes are a pretty safe bet if you’re unsure.

You can select from over-the-calf or mid-calf socks, but I find on most men that the mid-calf sock can sometimes cause a funny little dance called the “pull up the socks shuffle”. If in doubt, stay with an over-the-calf sock.

Athletes and men with larger legs and calves may have to shop at a specialty store to avoid a too-tight sock that will cause discomfort or cut off circulation. Socks below mid-calf are absolutely out of the question for a business look. “Showing a little leg” is inappropriate and is considered unprofessional.

The color of your belt should always match your shoes. This means a brown belt will NOT work with black shoes. There are a variety of patterns and buckle styles to choose from. A glossy, shiny belt might be a choice for a man in a creative, yet professional occupation, and a smooth leather belt with little shine is a better choice for a conservative occupation like Law or Banking.

I shouldn’t have to say this, but save the overly-large belt buckles (those the size of small cars) for outside of business hours. Most businessmen won’t own or wear a very large belt buckle for normal business activities.

Neckties have traditionally been a creative outlet for men in their business dress. It’s a chance to let some of your personality show through, though there are still rules to be considered. If you are wearing a solid white or blue dress shirt (and you should be, if you read my previous article on Dress Shirts), you have a lot of latitude when choosing neckwear.

Patterns and stripes are appropriate for wearing with solid color shirts, but don’t choose too wild a pattern. The focus should be on your face, and people should be listening to what you have to say, not staring at your tie.

When selecting a necktie for a patterned shirt, consider a large patterned necktie with a small patterned shirt (or vice versa). Don’t match large patterns in a shirt with large patterns in a necktie. There will be too much visual interest and no place for a person’s eye to rest.

Stripes, small geometric patterns and paisleys all continue to be popular, but avoid the novelty ties. People just won’t take you seriously when you wear that Hula Girl tie.

Cufflinks are a matter of purely personal choice. A man preferring French cuff shirts can have a great deal of fun choosing cufflink styles and colors. They are considered jewelry, a means of self-expression.

If you are warmer-toned in your coloring, by all means choose gold, warm metals or enamels, and warmer-toned stones like amber to wear with your shirts. If you are cooler-toned in your coloring, choose silver, platinum, gemstones in rich, dark colors and bright enamels to complement your suits and your own coloring. The sky is virtually the limit!

One last point on the accessory that can provide that extra little ‘oomph’ in your polish and finished business attire: the pocket square. They are very simple accessories that add that touch of elegance to your business look.

Select a color that accentuates your necktie (i.e. a gold pocket square for a navy-and-gold patterned tie and a navy suit), but don’t fall into the safe-but-boring world of matching ties and pocket squares. Since they are inexpensive, purchase several and tuck one into your pocket every day. The easiest way to find good colors is to purchase them at the same time you purchase your ties.

About the Author: Dianne M. Daniels is an Image & Color Coach, Consultant and Professional Speaker, and the author/publisher of "Polish & Presence: 31 Days to a New Image". She has helped individuals refine and define their personal and professional image, along with corporations and organizations. Learn how to create your Personal Climate for Personal and Professional Success at http://www.imageandcolor.com.

Menswear - Putting Together A Business Wardrobe - Part 2

2007-10-17T03:40:00.003-07:00

Here’s the second installment of the “Menswear” series, on adding dress shirts to your professional wardrobe. Let’s go guys!

Dress shirts come in a lot of different styles, fabrics and colors. Your choices should reflect not only your coloring (cool or warm) but your business field (banking vs. advertising, real estate vs. entrepreneurial, etc).

Here’s a couple of rules of thumb: first, purchase 100% cotton whenever possible. They feel great against your skin (important, since you’ll have them on for 8 – 10 hours a day), and can be laundered and pressed / ironed either at home or professionally.

If you’re not handy with an iron (and gentlemen, you really SHOULD be), or want to avoid the expense of professional cleaning, you can also opt for “no-iron” or “wrinkle resistant” shirts. The cotton fabric of these type of shirts is treated to resist wrinkles, but you’ll pay approximately $15 – 20 extra per shirt for the convenience. They’ll only need a light touch with an iron after cleaning instead of a firmer hand.

Second, unless you see your supervisor or other managers wearing short sleeves, keep your purchases to long-sleeved shirts only. Remember, dress for the job you want, not the one you’ve got. Short sleeves are seen as more casual, and you almost never see and executive with short sleeves on his dress shirt!

You’ll need 6 – 8 dress shirts to start with, so that you’ll have a couple of days leeway in case you can’t get your laundry done (or get your shirts from the cleaners). If you work in a company where senior management dresses conservatively (banking, insurance, legal profession, etc) then plan on sticking to basics.

If you are in a client-oriented profession (real estate, financing, etc), then take your cues from your clients to a certain extent, and stick with basic dress shirts here as well.

To add some variety, you can add a pinstripe in a color compatible with your coloring (white with blue pinstripes, for example if your coloring is cool, white with red or yellow, perhaps tan or brown for a warmer-toned man).

Spread collars are currently popular, though traditional straight collars are always acceptable. Button-down collars have been popular in the past, but are now seen as more casual, therefore not 100% suitable for some more conservative professions.

If you want to express yourself a bit more within a conservative environment, you can choose a pinstripe shirt with a white contrasting collar and cuffs, or choose French cuffs (that require cufflinks) for a dressed-up traditional look.

If your work environment allows you to go beyond basic, look for a variety of patterns and colors. Those in the advertising or other creative professions have a wider choice of fabrics, and could select stripes, patterns or plaids (currently popular in gingham, glen plaids and tattersall plaids).

Choose patterns and colors that compliment your build (wide patterns are to be avoided on more strongly-built men), your coloring (warm or cool), and the shape of your face.

Menswear - Putting Together A Business Wardrobe

2007-10-17T03:40:00.001-07:00

We're going to discuss some specific aspects of Men’s business dressing, which has different rules than women’s. Ladies, if you have a husband, son, brother, good friend or other relative that could use this information, please feel free to pass it along. Enjoy this segment, and come back for the others!

Whether you are a new college graduate, just joining the working world, changing jobs due to a merger, acquisition or “dot-bomb” or just feel the need to update your professional look, putting together a business wardrobe can be a scary prospect.

In the next installments of this article, we’ll discuss the components of a great classic wardrobe that will have you well dressed for years, and will prove to be wise investments.

Let’s start with the potentially most expensive, yet most important part of your business wardrobe – your suits. Rather than buy the latest cutting-edge, designer look of the moment that will be dated and obsolete next year, select 3 – 4 classically tailored suits in year-round fabrics and conservative colors.

If you've seen my articles about Color and it’s effect on you, you'll know that men also fall into the color “Seasons”, and there are suggestions for colors in those articles. I’ll also include some hints and tips in this article regarding colors for men’s suits.

A popular choice of fabric in men’s suits is 120’s merino wool in a bengaline weave, which tends to resist wrinkling and provides a natural stretch for increased comfort. What’s 120’s merino wool? Well, Merino Wool is a specific designation for the wool grown and sheared from Merino sheep. It’s very silky and soft, and the fiber diameter further distinguishes the various grades of Merino Wool.

There are three major classifications: Super 100 (wool fibers slightly thicker than 18 microns), Super 100s (wool fibers less than 18 microns thick), and Super 120’s (wool fibers sheared only from the neck and shoulders of the sheep, under 16 microns thick).

The higher the grade number of the wool, the finer and more luxurious the fabric will be that is created from it and correspondingly, the higher the price for the garment! A suit made of a Super 120’s wool will cost more, however, that same suit will last years instead of months. It is well worth the investment in yourself and your professional appearance.

Popular choices for men’s suit colors include navy and charcoal grey, in a plain or pinstripe pattern, and make for a polished look. This is a terrific suggestion for men whose coloring is cool or blue-based. Winters and Summers are included in this color range. Additional popular colors for cooler-toned men are midnight navy, black, and gray navy.

Men who are warmer in their coloring could choose a bright navy, warm taupe or camel as a basic suit color, remembering that dark navy or black will wash out the coloring on these men and may make them look pale or unhealthy. Not exactly the impression we want to give, now is it?

Classic looks are ensured with a two or three button jacket, and current trends are favoring the 3-button style. More trendy looks have been seen with over 4 buttons on a single-breasted jacket, but these looks are best kept for evening activities and not for a business look.

Double-breasted suits can be problematic if your physique is not suited for them, and the difficulty of sitting in an always-buttoned jacket can cause extra wear and tear on your investment.

Business pants with a double-reverse pleat are a classic that will endure. You should be sure to have them tailored to fit your physique, as pulled-out pleats from an abundant abdomen or rear are sure to make you look even bigger, not business-like. An adept tailor is invaluable to a businessman, and the recommendations of friends and associates will help you find a good one.

Many suit retailers offer tailoring with a purchase, which can be a good way to start. Always test a new or unfamiliar tailor with one suit, so that if he / she doesn’t work to your liking; they haven’t affected your entire wardrobe!

Once you have your 3 or 4 basic suits, you can slowly add other suits to round out your business and entertaining wardrobe. Remember to keep your suit colors classic, and use what you know about your personal coloring (cool or warm) to choose shades and variations that will suit you best.

The best rule of thumb for Menswear: wear what is comfortable for you, remembering that classic tailoring and the right colors for you will best stand the test of time.

10 Tips to Stretch Your Wardrobe Dollars

2007-10-15T22:35:00.001-07:00

1. Buy what works for you! - Don't waste your money buying two-piece suits if you work in a warehouse! Take your job responsibilities into account when purchasing clothing for your career. If you work outdoors, buy clothing fit for your environment. Don't buy items that you won't feel comfortable in, because you won't wear those items and that's wasted money!

2. Stick to your best colors - Have a professional Color Analysis done to determine what the most flattering colors are for you. By sticking to those colors, you'll be assured that you'll always have mix and match capability and you'll always look great! One of the foundations of Capsule Wardrobing is the selection of 3 basic colors to build a wardrobe on. Make sure they are the right ones for you!

3. Buy the right size for right now - Clothing manufacturers are not known for their adherence to standards. Don't get hung up on what size the clothing is tagged as, get hung up on proper fit! If the article of clothing feels tight, pulls or seems stressed at the seams, it won't last as long, and it will make you look heavier in the process. Buy clothing that fits you well and it will not only make you look better, it will last longer.

4. Purchase for Multi-season use - Try to purchase fabrics that are multi-seasonal. A heavy, textured wool jacket is only good for the coldest of weather, whereas one made of mid-weight or lighter weight wool or wool blend could be worn with a sweater in cold weather and with a shirt or blouse in warmer weather. You'll get more use from multi-season garments than those with a single-season focus.

5. Remember the basics - Suits and separates can form the foundation of a great working wardrobe. Single and double-breasted long-sleeved blazers with matching skirts for women or pants for men or women are essential basics. Save the novelty items for your casual days at home, or for accessory pieces. Don't try to build a wardrobe around the "trend of the moment". When the trend passes, you'll look dated. Purchase basic building pieces to build your wardrobe and you'll be able to mix and match pieces to create lots of different looks with a minimal investment.

6. Accessorize with style - Every wardrobe needs a certain investment in accessories. The considered use of scarves, jewelry and pins, ties and pocket squares, and even hosiery, shoes and hats can transform ordinary clothing into something extraordinary. Determine whether your coloring is cool or warm and let that guide you in choosing accessories, especially metal jewelry. If your coloring is warm, gold will emphasize the glow in your skin. If your coloring is cool, choose more silver, platinum or white gold to emphasize the contrast of your skin. Combining smart accessories with a basic wardrobe ensures you'll always look coordinated and polished, not thrown-together or haphazard.

7. Buy quality over quantity – When purchasing clothing, consider buying items that are fully lined versus only partially lined or unlined (the clothing will "hang" better and last longer). Purchase items with a good feel and drape to the fabric, and choose clothing distributors that have a reputation for quality. It's not necessary to only buy wool, when a better grade wool or polyester blend will work as well initially. Buying a $400 suit for $175 on sale is a really good deal, considering the fabric and construction of that suit will be better than the $150 suit purchased on sale for $80. The more expensive suit will be worn more often and cost you less per wearing. A less expensive piece won't be worn as often and won't last, thereby costing you more per wearing.

8. Compatible shoes and hosiery - For a work wardrobe, shoes and hosiery are the finishing touch. Purchase quality shoes and take care of them. Shoes that are run down, scuffed and showing wear make you look the same way, no matter how polished and professional the rest of your outfit. Job interviewers have been taught to check out a prospective employee's shoes, and for entrepreneurs, prospective clients do the same thing! If they don't look their best, it will reflect badly on you. When you find shoes that fit well and feel good on your feet, buy several pair in your foundation colors, and two pair of your most often-worn color so that you can give one pair a rest while wearing the other. Avoid fads in shoes and stick with classic designs like pumps and sling backs for women, and wingtips or oxfords for men. Ladies, stick with a heel no higher than 2 ¾", and no lower than ½" for ease in walking and a reduced chance of injury.

9. Organize and categorize - Once you've determined your foundation colors for your wardrobe, you can organize and categorize your clothing for easy selection and wearing. Hang jackets by sleeve length, color and garment length, or combined with matching pieces to create ready-made outfits. Keep similar fabric weights close together to avoid putting a heavy wool jacket over a lightweight chiffon or silk skirt. Put mix-and-match items near their foundation counterparts for easier selection. Move items that need cleaning to a specific area for easy pick up and removal.

10. Take notes for future use - Whenever you are shopping, take along color swatches of your basic colors and those determined to be right for you. Make a promise to yourself to stay with your correct colors, and keep notes of what basic foundation items you already own. No one really needs 10 virtually identical black dresses or 10 identical black suits! One of the guidelines of Professional Wardrobing is to make sure that any item you purchase must either be compatible with at least two other items in your closet, or it must be a foundation garment that could be combined with other pieces to create many other outfits. In this way, you'll be sure to maximize your clothing dollars and create a terrific wardrobe.

Make the most of your clothing investment by using the principles outlined above, and you'll always be impeccably dressed!

7 Keys to Powerful First Impressions

2007-10-15T22:34:00.000-07:00

Image Development is the science and art of creating a Powerful First Impression. In the first thirty seconds people make judgments about you on a subconscious level, based on what they see, hear and sense. To create a Powerful First Impression, you must create a positive visual impact.

Here are 7 Keys to Creating Powerful First Impressions

1. Smile! A genuine smile, one that reaches your eyes and shines through your face and body language, is one that will encourage people to smile back. It makes strangers more comfortable with you, makes you seem more approachable, and gives a sense of comfort to those around you.

2. Use direct eye contact – You can convey power, authority and presence by using direct eye contact and direct eye contact also conveys trustworthiness and confidence. Be careful not to stare hard at another person, or you could convey a more confrontational attitude.

3. Wear colors compatible with your basic coloring – Human beings are one of two colorations: warm or cool. People with warm coloring look best in yellow-based colors like gold, warm reds, golden browns, and rich ivory. People with cool coloring look best in blue-based colors like true reds, blues, greens and winter white. Your eye, hair and skin tone help determine whether you are cool or warm, and that helps determine what colors look best on you!

4. Have great Hair Days! – Don’t fight your natural hair texture. If you have extremely curly hair, find a hairdresser that has the skill and patience to cut naturally curly hair and celebrate it. You can develop a unique presence by your hairstyle, so if it’s straight, wavy, kinky, curly or nappy, enjoy it, and get a hairstyle that works with your natural texture. It’ll save you time and aggravation over fighting to straighten extra-curly hair, or trying to get kinky hair to lie flat like newspaper.

5. Watch those lines! – Every day that you get dressed, you are sending a message. If you purchase clothing based on it’s effect on your body frame and choose items that celebrate your best features, getting dressed will no longer become an occasion for anxiety, but one of joy and happiness! The right proportions of clothing can make you look younger and thinner (or fuller, if you want that!) or they can make you look dowdy, matronly or unfinished. Choose to look your best in clothing that flatters your silhouette, body frame and size.

6. Avoid trendiness at all costs – The trend of the moment may not be right for you! Some of the fashion trends that have come and gone include micro-minis, hot pants, the ‘grunge’ look, psychedelic eye makeup and others. Though these trends may be fun to look at, they are often impractical for everyday wear, or simply not affordable. Choose items for your wardrobe that can serve multiple purposes and won’t look dated as soon as they are purchased.

7. Spend well, not often – Use the principle of Capsule Wardrobing to choose several colors that look great on you, then mix and match pieces within those colors to create a workable, professional and easy-to-wear wardrobe that won’t cost an arm and a leg as you try to keep up with the “trend of the moment”. You can purchase just 12 garments in 3 basic colors, plus 1 or 2 accent colors, and create 35 – 40 different outfits!

What message are you sending with your Image? Are you displaying a current look without being a slave to the trend of the moment; is your look finished, complete and together, or is your Image in need of an update?

Men's Fashion - Designer Suits

2007-10-15T01:21:00.003-07:00

“Two thousand dollars for one suit?! Are you crazy? I don’t have that kind of coin to spend on one suit! Yes I am well aware of the quality and that it is well worth every penny. I just can’t justify spending that kind of money on one garment. Oh but I sure would love to have an Armani.”

Rest assured if you hear yourself in the above comments, you’re not alone. Countless businessmen would love to have fancy designer suits but their budget doesn’t allow for it; champagne tastes on a beer budget … understood! There’s a way you can get one or more of these suits without costing you an arm and a leg. If you could buy one for anywhere from $15 to $300, and it wasn’t stolen goods, would you? Read on.

Definitions on what makes a men’s suit categorized as “Designer” may vary. One eBay seller’s definition is “any brand of pre-owned suit that has sold on online auctions for $300 or more.” She continues, “See for yourself. Do a search on completed auctions—MEN’S SUITS, sort High to Low in price and see what brands repeatedly come up.”

Here are some of the brand names classified as “designer”: Acquaviva, Barberini, Baroni,Belvedere, Brioni, Canali, Charvet, David Eden, Dolce & Gabbana, Enrico Venturi, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Gene Meyer, Gianni Manzoni, Gionfriddo, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Leonardo Valenti, Luciano Carreli, Natazzi, Nino Bertini, Otello, Prada, Rossetti, Trussardi, and Versace.

Where are you going to find these suits? If you want to pay under $20, you’re going to start hunting all the thrift/second hand stores. Yes you will indeed find them there, but you need to search. If you don’t mind paying a little more, just go directly to eBay. They are out there.

If you opt to hunt for your own, here are a few simply tips for thrift store hunting. Don’t expect these wonderfully made designer suits to jump out at you. And don’t expect to find a boatload of them all in one place. It is truly a matter of treasure hunting.

Thrift stores, estate sales, storage unit auctions and garage sales will be your best hunting ground. Not to discourage you, but it won’t be uncommon for you to look through 100+ suits until you might find one “good” one. The good news is that after you have a little experience under your belt, you will be able to whip through an entire rack of suits in mere minutes and tell just by look and feel which ones are even worthy of looking inside for the labels. Take your list with you and become familiar at which brands you’ll pause and take a second glace.

You may need to have a circuit of approximately 10-12 second hard stores that you frequent hoping to hit the mother load. You you’re intrigued in the quest, shop a minimum of once a week at each locale! Your efforts will pay off. But as mentioned above, if this is more work that you care to spend on finding a suit, you know the way to eBay.

Enjoy your new dashing designer suit!

Masni Rizal Mansor is a successful author and publisher for http://www.underwear-shopping.com. He has written hundreds of articles and can simplify your online search by recommending merchants for the best value and selections in quality male underwear and womens lingerie.

How to Dress for the Business World

2007-10-15T01:21:00.001-07:00

1. Treat your business clothing as an investment and choose wisely. Make sure you buy classic styles that suit your body shape, are comfortable, have quality workmanship and quality material. This is no time to try the latest fads. Take your time and shop around for the best price and the best service. Be aware of the return policy and if possible purchase your wardrobe items at a store that can do professional alternations if necessary.

2. For business situations match your handbag, shoes and belt. Black shoes should be matched with a black handbag. This is not a time to get creative with your accessories or to wear colored shoes.

3. Do not neglect your outerwear. Purchase a good quality coat that can be worn with either pants or a skirt. For cooler weather don’t neglect your outdoor footwear. For skirts choose long knee-high boots.

4. Keep shoes and boots in a good state of repair. Scuffed shoes with worn heels will ruin the look of your outfit.

5. To complete your look choose soft leather gloves that will add a nice touch as well as keep your hands from getting chapped.

6. Choose clothing material that reflects the season. Heavy fabrics and tweeds are best for Fall and Winter and will look out of place during Summer, as light linen fabrics will look out of place during Winter.

7. Always wear a belt where there are belt loops. Choose a good quality leather belt and don’t be tempted to wear a flashy or plastic belt. If you don’t like belts choose pants without loops.

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women learn how to dress to suit their body type and look fabulous. You can reach her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com and get the Free Report “ 7 Things Your Girlfriends Won’t Tell You About Beauty and Fashion”.

Sunglasses; Function Doesn't Have to be Ugly

2007-10-13T03:03:00.001-07:00

There are many reasons that we wear sunglasses. They keep the sun out of our eyes, a fashion statement or even medical reasons. But keep in mind; you get what you pay for.

If you are just trying to keep the sun out, the color of any lens plays a critical role in the management of light. Different lens shades and densities make it possible to enhance or preserve the perception of colors, contrast and visual acuity and can aid in glare reduction & elimination of UV rays.

Sunglasses have come along way. In the past, glasses came in two shapes, large rectangle and slightly smaller large rectangle. Now day’s sunglasses come in a bevy of shapes and colors. Some are functional, while others are just way out there.

No matter what your style is, look for quality not just price. Check the UV rating, is there a back coating so the sun from behind doesn’t blind you. Find something that’s light weight so it doesn’t grow uncomfortable all day on your face.

If you’re blind as bat like me, invest in prescription sunglasses. They can do any style in prescription now. If you are buying just sunglasses you pay full price. If you look into prescription lenses you will find vision care benefits can be used with over 12,000 optical providers nationwide. You can save you up to 60% on all prescription eyewear and contact lenses.

Let me make a very important observation I have made over the years regarding sunglasses. As the older we get, the bigger the lens. Have you ever passed a slow moving land tanker just to see one of our founding fathers barley seeing over the wheel with one of those giant over the lens welding glasses. Come on, were just aging, not slipping into fashion comas. Take some one under the age 100 and ask them what they think. Don’t make your own decisions. What do you know? How many hours a day are you looking at your own face?

Richard Amburn is the contributing writer for http://www.rxeye.com a advise on the subject of sunglasses.

Jewelry and Gemstone Care & Cleaning Tips

2007-10-13T03:02:00.000-07:00

Diamond earrings, emerald rings, ruby bracelets, sapphire pendants; no doubt about it everybody loves beautiful gem stone jewelry. Gemstones are quite literally hard as rock, buy they can be damaged from careless handling and negligence. Here are some tips for keeping your gems and jewelry looking fabulous for years to come.

1. Remember, even the hardest gemstone variety can be vulnerable to breakage if it has inclusions that weaken the crystal structure. Exercise common sense: if you have a ring set with a softer gem variety or an included stone, take it off before strenuous exercise. Even the hardest gem of them all, diamond, can shatter in two with a single well-placed blow. Never remove rings by pulling on the stone: that habit may result in a loose, then lost, gem.

2. Most importantly, store each piece of gemstone jewelry separately so that harder stones don’t scratch softer ones. Almost every gemstone is much harder than the metal it is set in. Gems can scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you throw your jewelry in a heap in a drawer or jewelry box.

3. Rings in particular tend to collect dust and soap behind the gem, particularly if you wear them all the time. You need to clean them regularly to let the light in so your gems can shine. To clean transparent crystalline gemstones, simply soak them in water with a touch of gentle dish soap. Use a bowl of water rather than the sink to eliminate the risk of anything going down the drain. If necessary, use a soft toothbrush to scrub behind the stone. Rinse the soap off and pat dry with a lint-free cloth (you want to make sure threads won’t catch on the prongs) For diamond, ruby or sapphire, a touch of ammonia in the rinse water won’t hurt a bit and can add extra sparkle (for platinum and gold only, not silver!). Think twice before putting gems in an ultrasonic cleaner. Diamonds and rubies and sapphires will be fine but many other gems many not be, in particular emerald, opal, pearls, peridot: when in doubt, leave it out.

4. Organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber should only be wiped clean with moist cloth. Due to their organic nature, these gems are both soft and porous. Be careful about chemicals in hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume: they can, over time, damage pearls in particular. Opals also require special care. Never use an ultrasonic, never use ammonia, and avoid heat and strong light.

5. Opaque gemstones like lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite, require special care because they are rocks, not crystals of a single mineral like transparent gems. There gem materials should just be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. These gemstones can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap, and they may build up inside the stone and discolor it. Never use and ultrasonic cleaner and never use ammonia or any chemical solution.

A little care and common sense can add life, luster and longevity to your precious jewelry and gems. Protect your investment by following the above guidelines.

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

Sterling Silver Jewelry Today

2007-10-11T23:50:00.002-07:00

Sterling silver jewelry: silver and gemstone rings, sterling silver earrings, bracelets and pendants are some of the hottest fashion accessories today! Sterling silver jewelry is enjoying an unprecedented popularity with today's fashion conscious public. You know how beautifully sterling silver jewelry complements fashionable clothing and how it sparkles and shines; now here is the rest of the story.

Silver has been used since ancient times, but has not survived as well as ancient gold because it tarnished and decomposes. There have been times, however, when silver was "in"; we are going through such a vogue today.

Silver is the most common of the precious metals. Fine silver is pure silver, which is seldom used for jewelry because it is too soft. Sterling silver is 925 parts silver to 75 of copper, the alloy most often used. Silver weighs about half as much as gold, has greater flexibility, but is not as malleable, it has always been less expensive as well. A comparable piece of gold jewelry might cost four or five times that of a piece of sterling silver jewelry.

The current fashion trend toward black clothing has made silver jewelry more popular than ever. Silver likes to be worn; it stays cleaner & shinier through movement and friction. So sterling silver is a perfect accessory for today's fast paced lifestyles. Much like gold, sterling silver needs to be cleaned.

Care and Cleaning of your Sterling Silver Jewelry

1.) For daily cleaning it is recommended to use a simple jewelry polishing cloth that is impregnated with special jewelry cleaner. These are widely available and are very easy to use. Store your cloth in a plastic zip-lock bag, and keeping your jewelry drawer or armoire. It is a good idea to have one cleaning cloth for gold and one for silver.

2.) For a slightly more "in-depth" cleaning you may want to use a liquid jewelry cleaner.

3.) For cleaning badly tarnished silver, here's a neat little trick

a) Cover the inside bottom of a heatproof glass dish on bowl with a piece of aluminum foil, shiny side up.

b) Place the tarnished silver in the bottom of the dish, contacting the aluminum foil.

c) Add 1 heaping tablespoon of baking soda, and then slowly pour boiling water to cover the piece. The tarnish will gradually collect on the aluminum foil.

d) Remove your silver, rinse thoroughly, and polish.

Here are Some Tips for Greater Enjoyment of your Sterling Silver Jewelry

1.) Are your silver chains all tied-up in knots? If so, here's a nifty little trick for straightening them out. Dust your chain with a little talcum powder and then try to unknot it. If the knot is stubborn, place a small drop of baby oil on a sheet of wax paper. Lay the knot in the oil and work it out with two pins; then clean the chain as instructed below.

2.) Always apply make-up, perfumes, oils or colognes before you put on your jewelry.

We hope you have enjoyed this special report. Please feel free to share it with your friends!

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask.

A Diamond Is Forever

2007-10-11T23:50:00.001-07:00

Diamonds are still a girl's best friend, right? We love the shiny gems. They are the most popular rocks sold today. But what exactly are they, anyway? Where do they come from? What else are they used for?

Diamonds are a mineral in one of the two crystalline forms of the element carbon. They are the hardest natural substance man knows. Diamonds are sold as gems, and used in industrial applications for smoothing, cutting, and polishing hard materials.

Diamonds are most famous for crystallizing in the common colorless form. They may also be tranlucent to transparent white, yellow, green, blue, or brown. Diamonds have a high refractive index which is why they are so brilliant and sparkly after cutting. The familiar shape of the diamond is the octahedron.

The most brilliant diamonds become gemstones for jewelry and other uses. For those that don't make it to gems, there are other options. There is bort, which is a more poorly crystallized or undesirable color and in fragmentary condition, and carbonados which is gray to black opaque. Bort and carbonados are used as abrasives for the cutting of diamonds and the cutting heads of industrial rock drills.

Diamonds are found in alluvial formations and in volcanic pipes, filled for most of their length with blue ground or kimberlite, and igneous rock consisting primarily of serpentine. Diamond yielding earth is mined by both the open-pit method and by underground mining. After removal to the surface, the soil is crushed and concentrated. Passing the concentrated material in a stream of water over greased tables does the needed sorting. The diamond is largely water repellent and sticks to the grease and the other minerals retain a film of water, which prevents the sticking to the grease. Then the diamonds are removed from the grease, cleaned, and graded for sale and use.

The earliest sources of gem diamonds were India and Borneo. Some famous diamonds are the Great Mogul, Regent, and Pitt. Other famous diamonds include the Hope (blue), Dresden (green) and Tiffany (yellow). In the early 18th century, deposits similar to those in India were found in Brazil, mainly of carbonados. In 1867 a stone found in South Africa was recognized as a diamond. Within a few years began a wild search for diamonds. In 1870-1871, dry diggings including most of the celebrated mines were discovered.

Synthetic diamonds were successfully produced in 1955; a number of small crystals were produced when pure graphite mixed with a catalyst was subjected to pressure of about 1 million lb per sq in. and temperature of the order of 5,000-F (3,000-C). Synthetic diamonds now are extensively used for industry, mainly due to the ease of obtaining and lower cost for them. Diamonds are still very popular and symbolize many things. Their popularity does not seem to be dwindling any time in the near future.

The author became fascinated with diamonds from an early age. She has studied diamonds and their various uses. Without diamonds, many products that we enjoy and use on a daily basis would not exist.

She consults with various industries worldwide to help them to understand diamonds uses in their manufacturing processes.

Charmaine Stought is enthusiastic about diamonds and is the originator of FEEL Diamonds

Finally, Everyone Can Feel Good in Swimwear

2007-10-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

"Whatever reason or purpose you have for going in the water there is swimwear that you can feel good in and that will suit your needs, including mastectomy swimwear. Regardless of your size, your age or your activity there will be a swimsuit that provides the comfort and coverage you need." Today there is an excellent variety and wide range of options in specialty swimwear designs. Designs include mastectomy swimwear, maternity swimwear, water aerobic accessories, thermal and sun protective swimwear, wetsuits, sports swimwear, plus sized swimwear, high fashion swimwear and of course the large variety of women’s and men’s swimwear.

Mastectomy swimwear is special swimwear needed for women who have had a breast removed. The swimwear includes a special pocket sewn in to hold the breast prosthesis in place during even the most vigorous of activities. The swimsuits come in a wide variety of designs to include either low or high necklines, wide or thin straps and skirted or saronged styles so your options certainly aren’t limited. A major concern among some women is that the breast forms may be affected by exposure to chlorine from swimming or heats from sunbathing, manufacturers agree this isn’t true. Another concern is that the weight of the prosthesis may be too heavy for a swimsuit. The bathing suits manufactured today are specifically made with the strongest stitching and proper fabrics to ensure not only comfort but also piece of mind.

The maternity swimwear designed today has never been more practical or fashionable. Maternity swimsuits come in both two- piece and one-piece suits. The swimsuits are made with extra lining in the places that need it; most designs have built in soft-cup bras. Tankini designs come in slightly larger belly covering lengths and swimdress suits are available for more coverage. The selections of cover -ups come in both skirt and hooded designs, the skirts are often double lined with elastic waistbands. There are so many great manufacturers offering an endless array of designs and various soft stretchy fabrics that you’re ensured a comfy fit during any stage of pregnancy. There are also wonderful nursing bathing suits on the market, which offer proper post pregnancy belly cover-up with built in bras for use when nursing baby.

Water aerobics is a great all around form of aerobic exercise and an excellent form of cardio fitness. Water aerobics are safe for all ages, as the water causes your body to be buoyant, thus causing less strain and stress on your joints and muscles. Some of the special aerobic water accessories are wrist and ankle weights, active belts, aqua mats, exercise balls, aqua steps, water shoes and barbells. Many of the accessories are covered in neoprene fabric offering comfort to the wearer and chlorine resistance. The active belt is used to promote correct posture while supporting the lower back and toning abdominal muscles. The wrist and ankle weights are used for resistance to get the maximum workout, the cuffs come in various weights for different levels of fitness. It’s a good idea to purchase one of the many sports swimsuits available when doing water aerobics so you’re ensured a swimsuit that will stand up to your exercise routine.

Thermal wear and sun protective swimwear are two popular ways to provide your children with either warmth or protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Thermal wear suits are made from a specially treated, heat reflective neoprene material. The thermal swimsuits allow children to maintain their warmth safely while still allowing for the freedom of movement necessary. The sun protective swimwear manufactured today usually has an SPF of 50 (the highest rating for fabric) and most brands offer approximately a 98% sun block. The suits are made of a nylon-lycra mix, which is lightweight and fast drying. The sunsuits come in a variety of designs to include; baby, children and adult designs; sun hats and sunsuits combined with buoyancy aids. What an excellent way to protect both you’re children and yourself from the sun.

Water Sports swimwear is quite different than the standard swimsuits available for swimming and sunbathing. Water sports such as wakeboarding, wind surfing, surfing, water skiing, diving and jet skiing often require swimwear that offers both warmth and protection from extended time in cold waters. Most wetsuits are made from a specially treated heat reflective neoprene material, which helps people maintain their warmth while providing flexibility and comfort. Wetsuits are available in a wide variety of designs such as; one piece body suits with either long or short sleeves; rash and UV guards (similar to a long or short sleeved t-shirt) with hoods; gloves and boots; wetsuits with hoods. The innovative wetsuits are amazingly flexible and durable providing years of water fun.

Popular manufacturers of sportswear make excellent quality sports swimwear. These swimsuits like the standard swimsuits come in a wide variety of designs, but are specifically made to endure endless hours of activity in the pool, the suits must provide proper fit and comfort in a long lasting design often used by lifeguards and competitors. As much as the look of the swimsuit is important it is secondary to the fit and durability. Sports swimwear can include; competition swimwear, accessories, training suits, lifeguard suits and practice suits. The swimwear is also includes options such as swim caps, warm-ups, parkas and towels.

Proper fit of your swimsuit is essential whether you’re petite, tall or plus sized. You want to be sure that your swimsuit is neither too small nor too large ensuring the swimsuit provides comfort, flexibility and durability. Plus sized swimsuits come in an excellent variety of designs to include one and two pieces suits from tankini suits to skirted suits. Regardless of your size there is a suit that will fit you properly, with swimsuits made in special bra cup sizes while offering extra lining to provide full coverage.

Designer Swimwear is a popular line for many high fashion designers. There is no shortage on the extraordinary styles and options out there. If you are in the market for a swimsuit with that “extra something” you can find swimsuits with lovely hand sewn water drops, crystals and beads. There are swimsuits that with special technology allow you to tan through the suit, there are bust enhancing suits and tummy control suits; there really is no limit to what you can find.

With all the specialty suits mentioned we can’t forget the variety of regular women and men’s suits available. There are styles, colors and fabric designs to fit anyone’s tastes. Swimsuits in one and two- piece varieties for women and the classic swim trunks, shorts and racers for men.

Whatever reason or purpose you have for going in the water there is swimwear that will suit your needs. Regardless of your size, your age or your activity there will be a swimsuit that provides the comfort and coverage you need. If you are planning to be out in the sun always remember to apply proper sunscreen, SPF 30 is a good idea, you also don’t want to forget your sun hats, sunglasses and beach towels.

Valerie Giles owns and operates Bikinis and Swimsuits, a swimsuit and resort wear site showcasing bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, plus size swimwear, tan through, sheer swimsuits, tankinis and resort wear. Find the perfect swimsuit for every occasion and every figure type. Quality merchants and best prices.http://www.bikinis-and-swimsuits.com

Lipstik Clothing Is At The Top When It Comes To Fashion Forward Children's Designs

2007-10-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

If you have a little girl, you will absolutely love clothing by Lipstik. This trendy designer clothing line is geared towards the feminine styles that little girls love. If your child wants to feel like a princess every day, then you must browse through our collection of girls' apparel by Lipstik. This label also includes the English Roses Collection, which was developed in collaboration with Madonna, based on her book, The English Roses.

We sell dresses with ruffles, capris with lace, tee shirts with beading, and a host of other adorable ensembles. If your little girl loves anything pink, then she will delight in the Lipstik line, as many of these pieces come in vibrant shades of pink. Dresses come tiered, with layers upon layers of soft ruffles. Does your little girl feel more comfortable in pants than in skirts and dresses? Well, we sell a host of funky pant-sets that come in adorable styles that cater to a girl's sense of fun and fantasy.

At www.HugsnKissesboutique.com, we believe that consumers should have access to the best children's clothing labels, without having to travel far and wide. Our online site is a work in progress, and we strive to constantly update our selections according to the latest fashions. Lipstik is one of our most popular labels, and for good reason. The clothing is well made and durable, and the designs are whimsical and fresh. You don't have to worry about beads falling off or ribbons coming loose, as great attention is paid to detail and craftsmanship.

Lipstik for Girls

The English Roses collection has become a big hit, as this line of girls' apparel is both romantic and feminine. Fabric designs are soft and contain a host of flirty colors that girls tend to love. If your little girl wants to dress up every day, then Lipstik is the brand of clothing for her. Let us know if you have any trouble finding what you are looking for, and we will gladly assist you. We can be reached at 609-485-0038, should you have any questions

Dorian Jones

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorian_Jones

What Makes Leather Handbags So Special?

2007-10-08T23:18:00.003-07:00

A leather handbag is the ideal type of handbag for the woman on the go who doesn't like to change handbags often. Leather is a very strong and durable material able to withstand regular wear and tear and still look good. What makes leather handbags so popular though is their unique natural beauty. With genuine leather animal hides you can create some very unusual and stylish handbags.

Handbags made with leather each have their own individual characteristics, as no two pieces of leather are alike. There are many different kinds of leather purses as well. Some designers prefer to use lambskin leather for its very soft, and supple feel and excellent look, whereas others may choose to work with cowhide or pigskin leather which possess tougher, more durable properties. As awful as pigskin may sound, it actually makes for a very soft and nice looking leather.

When shopping for a leather bag you don't necessarily think about what kind of leather it is, just as long as it's leather. Whatever type of leather the handbag is made with, you know you are getting quality material. For this very reason, leather purses usually cost more than any other material, but just remember that it's also going to last longer than any other handbag.

Leather purses can range in price from very reasonable to very expensive. It all depends on the handbag designer and the quality of the leather. Remember though, that when you purchase a leather bag it's going to last you a long time. So the extra expense is well worth it!

Chris Rodriguez is the author/publisher for http://www.a-designer-handbag.com

Visit her sight to discover a wealth of information on your favorite brand name designer handbags such as Gucci, Coach, Prada, Chanel, and many more.

Guess Handbags Are A Popular Fashion Accessory!

2007-10-08T23:18:00.001-07:00

Guess is a widely recognized brand name that most people associate with clothing. But Guess handbags have made their way to the forefront with the creation of many stylish and unique designs. The Guess handbag is now a must have amongst the fashion elite due to the many desirable colors, styles, and designs of handbags. Guess is a popular designer name that both women and teens love to wear, so you will notice women of all ages carrying Guess designer handbags.

Guess offers very unique and stylish handbags that catch the attention of all women. The Guess barrel handbag is a popular style that offers a clean polished look. Materials such as croc print, jacquard, and vinyl with the Guess "G" logo are common amongst the Guess barrel handbags.

The Guess satchel handbag is another favorite that comes in a variety of materials and styles, and also sports the "G" logo. The Guess satchel goes with almost anything and looks very stylish. Something important to consider when buying a handbag is how much space you have inside. The Guess satchel handbag seems to be quite roomy allowing for all the personal items you like to carry with you.

These are just a few of the handbag styles offered by Guess. Check out the internet for a wide variety of handbag styles and designs by Guess and you are sure to find one that you like.

Chris Rodriguez is the author/publisher for http://www.a-designer-handbag.com

Visit her sight to discover a wealth of information on your favorite brand name designer handbags such as Gucci, Coach, Prada, Chanel, and many more.

After the Kilt Sniggers - Comes the Tartan Question

2007-10-04T23:27:00.001-07:00

I want a kilt - can I have it in Tartan?

Simple answer is yes.

The same as anything you buy for sustained use, you have a few choices to make. But nothing too taxing.

The most common misconception that people have is that if there is a particular tartan design they like that is associated to a specific family - or clan as they are called in Scotland - then they aren't allowed to wear it.

Well, not strictly true! Not anymore, anyway.

Understandably, if you are planning on dining or socialising with any severe traditionalists then you might be wiser to avoid wearing a clan tartan if you aren't actually entitled to by family connections.

But in the main stream - this isn't an issue that will affect most of us.

But there are other choices you need to be aware of, such as what weight of tartan kilt do you want?

The choices are light (6 - 12oz), medium (13 - 14oz) or heavy (15 - 18oz).

The light kilt is highly suitable for hot climates and for the more relaxed functions. The drawbacks to a light to medium weight kilt is that it won't "hang" and "move" like a medium to heavy weight kilt will do.

Bear in mind that the design of a kilt has the pleats to the back and moving forward to the sides. The front is a flat hang. The heavier the kilt, the more natural movement and straightness you will enjoy.

On average most people opt for a medium, unless they know they will be using the kilt for specific official functions or outings.

The specific mill from which your kilt is coming also has a small bearing, in that not all of them either stocks the design of tartan you prefer or make that design in the weight you want. One way to combat this is to determine the mill that you'd like your kilt to come from and then find out what specific selections they offer.

Another alternative is to have the kilt custom made for you - but that can be rather expensive!

Conversely - you don't have to have Tartan you know!

Gaining in popularity and awareness are the Irish and Welsh kilts. The Irish are more widespread with a wider range of choices and they come in plain tartan designs or just simple one color kilts.

It's far more common for an Irish kilt to reflect a particular county, city or state as opposed to a family or bloodline. There they wear it to emphasise their county of origin.

Choosing and wearing a kilt can be fun and dashing. Take your time with the choices to make sure you have one that you feel comfortable in and that gives you a personal sense of pride and you'll find you gain an awful lot more from wearing it than any pair of jeans!

Rufus Steele is a long time write-a-holic who now adds to his fun by writing for various websites.

You can read more of his kilts based articles on Good-Kilt.com

A Kilt is More than Just a Skirt for Men!

2007-10-04T23:26:00.003-07:00

The Kilt has been the target of many a joke and ribald comment for more years than it can probably remember!

But is it fair for it to be the butt of so many jokes?

After all, not only is the Kilt a recognised fashion item in it's own right, it's also more importantly a world recognised symbol of a country and the fierce national pride contained within!

Many a soldier has shuddered and shaken in fear in centuries gone when faced with a Scottish Warrior, kilt swirling in steadfast defiance of normality, broadsword or other razor sharp lethal weapon cutting huges scythes in the air as he charged.

Indeed, many fields of war were won purely by the arrival of Scotsmen dressed in their tradional tartan kilts. To many, the knowledge that the wearer wore nothing underneath was cause enough to panic! Add to this the ferocity of such a warrior and not many would stand up in front of them.

But ever since those heady days of hand to hand combat and battles fought face to face, some of the mystery and folklore of the Kilt remains. Ideas that you can only wear a Tartan Kilt if you are a member of that clan still abide today, wrongly in many cases.

Maybe this stops some people wearing a kilt?

Or does the fear of society's view of a man effectively wearing what many still describe as a skirt also play a strong part?

But then what of those men among us who are recognised as being the manliest of men? Does wearing a kilt reduce their appearance and reputation at all? Famous celebrities such as Sean Connery, Billy Connely, Ewan McGregor or Mel Gibson?

How many women did - and still would - swoon clean away to see Mel Gibson walking towards them, kilt swaying in time to his steps? I strongly suspect - most! It would not be a swoon induced by dislike or scorn neither, more of one where they're opinion has been enhanced as to the character and strength of the man involved.

I had the great pleasure of wearing a kilt many, many years ago when I was 6. The occassion was as a Page Boy for my Uncle and Aunts wedding. White ruffled shirt, red and blue tartan kilt with sporran and shoes. the only thing missing was the Dirk. For some reason never suitably explained by my parents, they seemed very nervous of letting their 6 year old offspring walk around with a small dagger shoved into the top of his sock! Spoilsports!

Even now, looking back at the old black and white photos - yes, it WAS that long ago - I get a thrill of seeing myself dressed like that.

Why?

Because it was different, unique and - dare I say it - I looked damn good! (I seem to remember it made a huge impression on my fellow official for the occasion, the bridesmaid called Candy, a curly blonde haired girl a year older than me. I have a misty memory of her asking her mom why i was wearing a skirt!)

A kilt nowadays plays a much larger part. Beyond the more well known kilts of Scotland with their heritage of history behind each unique Tartan design, comes the Kilts of Ireland and Wales in family crests or solid colors.

With society relaxing it's own strict and nonsensical ideas of what is right and what is wrong, more men are coming to wear kilts, enjoying the uniqueness and freedom such a garment gives.

It is now more common to attend company dinners, awards and opening nights and spot one or two men dressed in kilted splendour.

Indeed, a whole new industry is beginning to grow - assisted by the internet with it's ease of ordering and choosing - where new styles, designs and ideas of the traditional kilt are being tested and reworked.

For example, you can now buy kilts in camo pattern or kilts with pockets either side as opposed to the standard requirement for a sporran.

As for me and the kilt - as I get older and less worried about what other people think of me, the thoughts do stray to when I was 6 years old and how proud I felt dressed in such regal splendour. With the hot weather getting hotter each day a cooling breeze would certainly be more welcome as well!

Now then, where did I put that sporran and dirk?

Rufus Steele is a long time write-a-holic who now adds to his fun by writing for various websites.

You can read more of his kilts based articles on Good-Kilt.com

Looking for a Sexy Handbag? Check Out the Balenciaga Handbag!

2007-10-04T23:26:00.001-07:00

Balenciaga handbags are known for being one of the sexiest designer handbags straight out of Europe. Every woman is sexy in her own way, and a Balenciaga handbag is designed to complement and enhance that sexiness. Now that sounds like a handbag worth spending your money on!

Balenciaga designer handbags were created in 1919 by Cristobal Balenciaga. His eye for designing high quality, stylish handbags is apparent in the success of his company. He opened designer salons in San Sebastian, Barcelona, and Spain, where women went to purchase the finest couture.

Balenciaga is also known as the cult label to everybody who is anybody in fashion. This designer of high quality, stylish handbags is right up there with the likes of Gucci, Chanel, and Prada. A great crowd to be associated with. If you are looking to make a fashion statement, a Balenciaga bag will definitely help you achieve this.

The Balenciaga motorcycle bag comes in a variety of sizes and styles. They have large ones if you need to pack a few things for an overnighter, or small dainty ones just big enough to carry your necessities. These wonderful designer handbags come in every color you could possibly imagine, from bright green to eggplant and everything in between. With this broad of a selection of colors and styles, Balenciaga is sure to have something to suit your own specific tastes and lifestyle!

Chris Rodriguez is the author/publisher for http://www.a-designer-handbag.com

Visit her sight to discover a wealth of information on your favorite brand name designer handbags such as Gucci, Coach, Prada, Chanel, and many more.

Get in the Fashion Loop with a Brighton Handbag!

2007-10-04T23:25:00.002-07:00

Brighton handbags come in many extraordinary styles and designs making it easy for those who purchase them to express their individuality. A Brighton handbag can be found in many different styles such as casual handbags, fabric handbags, contemporary and traditional handbags, romantic handbags, and novelty handbags.

Prices for a Brighton designer handbag can range anywhere from $100.00 to $300.00. Brighton does make a fine-looking handbag though, and to many that is not too much to pay. If that sounds like too much to you, maybe you should check out the Brighton replica handbags. A Brighton replica handbag looks almost identical to an authentic Brighton designer handbag, but it will cost you a fraction of the price. This way you can be in style and still have money in the bank! There are a very rare few that can actually tell the difference between an authentic bag and a replica, so don't worry about your secret being revealed. The only way they will know is if you tell them.

Not only does Brighton sell exceptional looking fashionable handbags, they also sell jewelry, belts, wallets, luggage, sunglasses, and fragrances. If you decide you need a Brighton wallet to go with your Brighton designer handbag be sure to check out the internet for a wide variety of styles, designs, and prices. If you want to be in the fashion loop, then a Brighton designer handbag will give you the edge you are looking for.

Chris Rodriguez is the author/publisher for http://www.a-designer-handbag.com

Visit her sight to discover a wealth of information on your favorite brand name designer handbags such as Gucci, Coach, Prada, Chanel, and many more.

Stylish Messenger Bags

2007-10-04T23:25:00.001-07:00

Messenger bags are not only an ideal way to transport your items from point A to point B, but they have become somewhat of a fashion statement as well. It used to be that only bicycle messengers would carry these bags, but now everyone from students to business people can be seen carrying their own stylish messenger bag.

Comfort and convenience are of utmost importance and are tastefully combined in these messenger's bags. Men and women from all walks of life can look smart and sophisticated as they go about their daily business with their messenger carrying bag. Manufacturers are starting to create bag styles that appeal to an even broader range of lifestyles. This means there are messenger bags out there to suit everyone's tastes.

The fact that these messenger's bags are made with waterproof vinyl fabric sewn together with heavy duty stitching and protective padding gives you comfort in knowing your precious cargo will be protected from bumps and drops. There is plenty of space in a messenger carrying bag for all of your necessities such as laptops, business files, and other items. With all of the functionality of a briefcase, a messenger bag is more convenient for commuters who travel by foot or bicycle.

If you are looking to purchase a messengers bag, check out the internet for a great selection of brands and prices. Make your commute to work much easier by getting yourself one of these messengers bags, you'll be glad you did!

Chris Rodriguez is the author/publisher for http://www.a-designer-handbag.com

Visit her sight to discover a wealth of information on your favorite brand name designer handbags such as Gucci, Coach, Prada, Chanel, and many more.

Fashion Tips: 5 Ways To Look Fabulous in White

2007-10-04T04:47:00.004-07:00

Do you see white in your future? No, I’m not referring to a wedding but rather your summer wardrobe. Nothing spells summer like white. While the temperature rises you can stay cool and look fantastic in white. White will add impact to your summer wardrobe and will keep you looking fresh and inviting. To get the most from wearing white I have a few suggestions.

1. White reflects light so wherever you wear it you will bring attention. Having said that, if you have any body parts you don’t want to appear larger don’t accentuate that area by adorning it in white and wearing a dark color next to it. What you can do is wear white from head- to- toe so no particular area has focus. For example, if you have large hips don’t wear white bottoms with a dark top because the eye will be drawn to the bottom. Instead, wear a white top and white pants and use accessories to take the focus away from the problem area. Or wear white on top and black on the bottom.

2. Wear black and white combinations with accessories to create impact. Wear a white skirt with a black top, black shoes, white handbag, and a black/white necklace. Handbags and scarves that have a black and white pattern will also bring some pizzazz. Experiment.

3. To change your look, wear white with bright colors such as pink and green. Again, choose accessories that will add interest. A pink or green bag, pink jewelry, pink shoes etc. You can also try 3 color combinations such as pink/black/white green/black/white or red/black/white.

4. Wear white only until the end of the summer season and don’t wear white to a wedding unless you are the bride.

5. Wear white T-shirts with jeans and choose a finer fabric to wear with suits for a more professional look. When you wear whites pay attention to your undergarments – avoid lacy bras – choose to wear nudes, they will not show under white.

Plus Size Fashion Tips: What's Hot this Summer

2007-10-04T04:47:00.003-07:00

The sun is sizzling, and so will you this season! A lot of trendy, fun and colourful styles are in fashion at the moment: follow our guide which highlights what’s hot in the plus size fashion scene for summer 2005.

This summer it's all about the subtle touches that give an outfit that extra something. Try and put in a touch of glitter into your style to give yourself some allure and shine.

Halters are back in girls. Do not feel shy to expose those shoulders! Just make sure you are protected with a good sun-protection lotion, this is very important ladies. Spin around in trendy summer styles by mixing and matching up different items with halter-neck tops. You can see a good example of a perfect colored halter top at Torrid.com: in stock at the moment they have a brown halter-neck, which can be easily matched up with a pair of jeans, trousers, skirt or capris pants!

Green is a particularly popular colour this season, so go for chocolate, gold and forestry colors which can easily be matched with green.

Accessories should be an important part of your wardrobe this season also: be ready to stock up on some fun, exotic and feathery earrings, necklaces and bracelets. What’s very popular are peacock feather earrings.

And don’t forget those trendy pair of metal sunglasses! Besides protecting your eyes from the blazing sun, I think sunglasses are a vital part of a summer outfit, as they complete a look and style. Retro and metal styled sunglasses are sizzling hot this season.

Maya Matthew is the resident writer at http://www.pasazz.net, the plus size clothing directory. A plus size women herself, Maya strives to provide plus size ladies with fashion and lifestyle tips and ideas.

The Mindful Shopper: Learning From Fashion Trends

2007-10-04T04:47:00.001-07:00

Are you a fashion trend watcher? Do you spend a lot of time flipping through magazines and analyzing the wardrobe choices of others? Do you buy trendy items only to despise them--and yourself--later?

Trend-watching--and, more precisely, observing our trend-watching--gives us tremendous opportunities to create awareness of the traits we hope we have but are not sure we do. In fact, being frustrated, embarrassed, or depressed that we have succumbed to a trend is a perfect chance to discover what we value most.

It usually comes down to this: creativity and confidence. If we find ourselves buying that trendy little bag or those must-have shoes, that little voice inside us shouts “Sell-out!” and we start to feel that perhaps we’re not all we’d hoped to be. After all, a truly creative person would buy--or even make--something unique, and a confident person wouldn’t hesitate to go against the current trend and head in a completely different direction, or choose to buy nothing at all.

And thus begins a soak in the self-loathing tub, followed inevitably by an abandoned item at the bottom of the closet.

To avoid this, you must pay attention to it.

What trendy items are buried in your closet at this moment? Why did you buy them? Who were you with when you made the purchase? How were you feeling about the world in general and yourself in particular?

A little mindful shopping will help alleviate the Trendoid syndrome. And while you’re at it, check in with yourself on that monologue going through your head when you see others sporting the latest fashion fetish. You’ll learn a whole lot about YOURSELF if you listen carefully and--this is the hard part--non-judgmentally.

If you do melt at that crucial cash register moment, don’t berate yourself. Simply take note of the way you feel now, and pay attention to how you feel later. Can you see that downward slide? Ah. That’s better. Things are getting clearer now.

Buying into a trend helps us feel connected when what we really long for is a sense of confidence. Take a look at how you can create greater confidence WITHOUT buying that blouse-of-the-moment, and find ways to tweak the latest trend in a way that makes you feel more creative.

Fashion can be fun and absolutely harmless, and you can use your mindful mall meanders to tap into your own sense of who you are--and what you REALLY need.

Now, that’s what I call a perfect shopping day.

Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse in Portland, Oregon. Through her company, Real-World Mindfulness Training, she teaches fun and powerful eyes-wide-open alternatives to meditation. To subscribe to her ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, please visit http://www.MassageYourMind.com

Fashion After 40

2007-10-04T04:46:00.002-07:00

With so many designers and trends targeting the svelte body of the twenty-something, is it possible to look fashionable as the years pass and your body begins to tell the tale?

Absolutely!

In fact, with a little ingenuity and sleigh-of-hand, it's easy to be fashionable and stylish regardless of how many candles are on your birthday cake.

Now let's be frank: unless you work out religiously, you probably don't have the same body at 40, 50, or 60 that you did at 25. Time, gravity, and pregnancy all take their toll on the female body, as does menopause. And when you mix a mature body with fashions obviously made for a younger person, it can lead to self-doubt, frustration, and confusion.

But it doesn't have to be that way. Getting older also means getting wiser, and like a fine bottle of wine, you're improving with age. So you don't have the same body as those twenty-somethings you see in magazines or on TV. So what? Would you REALLY trade everything you've learned since your twenties for the body you had back then? Probably no sooner than you'd like to re-live puberty, thank you very much.

So how can you be fashionable without wearing all those body-conscious clothes so en vogue these days? By remembering the "3 C's" when you dress: clean, classic, and coverage.

CLEAN

Clean lines create a clean silhouette which makes the body appear more youthful by skimming the trouble spots instead of calling attention to them. Complicated cuts, seams, and details usually call for a killer body to pull off, so if you haven't got it, steer clear of those styles.

CLASSIC

Classic styles are called classic because they remain in style year after year. Why? Because they look good on so many bodies! Sheathes, A-line skirts, flat front pants - all tend to flatter a variety of shapes. What's more, because they remain in style year after year, classics are easier on the budget than trends.

COVERAGE

Covering appropriately is the key to aging gracefully. If your upper arms, thighs, and décolletage have all seen better days, it's time to cover them up a bit instead of sharing the wear-and-tear with the world. Now I'm not talking about draping yourself in a tent for the rest of your life. Far from it. I'm talking about wearing short sleeves instead of going sleeveless, Capris instead of shorts, and modest necklines instead of plunging necklines.

Now I know that covering up the parts that used to turn heads and draw envy can be tough to take for some women. Which is precisely why beautiful jewelry and fine fabrics are the revenge tools of choice for many well-dressed mature women.

So your bustline isn't as perky as your twenty-something daughter or granddaughter. So what? Add a beautiful necklace and draw envious glances from women of all ages. Don't have the same backside you did as a teen? Encase it in a fine fabric and see how many men go out of the way to hold the door open for you. People will look where you focus their attention, so use that knowledge to redirect their interest to the parts you want them to see.

Or, as actress Cybil Shepard once said, "I like to flaunt what I have left."

Don't flip through fashion magazines and bemoan the fact that you don't look like the models. Instead, look at the various fashion elements to determine what will and won't work for you. Are printed scarves all the rage this year? Grab a few and be trendy. Are mini skirts the style of choice? Pass and bank your money.

See how easy this is?

"A woman has the age she deserves," Coco Chanel once said. You don't have to go under cover and dress "like a little old lady" just because that's what your mother or grandmother did. You're your own person.

If you remember to dress in clean lines and classic styles and cover appropriately, you can still be fashionable - AND draw long, lingering glances from handsome men -- whatever your age. And if THAT doesn't make you feel like a blushing girl again, then honey, nothing I can say will!

Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of "Wardrobe Magic," an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes.

Visit her online at http://www.fashionsavvy.com.

Fashion Marketing 101

2007-10-04T04:46:00.001-07:00

In a nutshell, fashion marketing is a profession that takes the latest trends and designs in clothing and communicates them to a target market in such a way that the consumer is not only aware of the product, but wants to and ultimately does buy the product. A target market is a sector of the consumer market to which a company wishes to sell (i.e. market) its clothing. To fully know what fashion marketing is, it is important to understand that marketing does not stop at ads in magazines or commercials on TV. The world of marketing is just as dynamic as the world of fashion. Marketing clothing includes elements such as determining which stores the apparel should be sold in, what price the clothing should be sold for—all the way to how the in-store displays should look. Fashion marketers often are as savvy about business as they are about fashion and popular culture.

Fashion marketers are creative. At the core, the profession is about connecting with the image—the lifestyle—the consumer wants. For example, in the fashion industry, comfort, style, material, color, symmetry, and usability are just the beginning of a list of elements designers must consider when developing a line of clothing. Fashion marketers take the task a step further by determining the best way to promote the characteristics of the clothing to the consumer and to which group of consumers to promote it to. What a 65 year-old female is looking for from a piece of formal eveningwear is completely different from what a 21 year-old male wants from casual everyday wear. Consequently, fashion marketers must stay abreast with the latest fashions as well as know what styles will be successful for a variety of occasions, age groups and demographics.

Fashion marketers play an essential role within the fashion industry because they are the link between designers and the public. The success of a line of clothing does not rest solely on its design. Often, successful marketing is just as crucial, if not more so, to the line as the actual clothing itself. This is because marketing is the tool through which the designer identifies with the public, and the public identifies with the designer. Without this exchange, it would be difficult to establish the consumer base required to have a successful line of clothing.

Ultimately, fashion marketing is a fun profession—changing and reinventing itself just as often as the clothes it promotes. It integrates the artistic nature of fashion with the creative aspects of business—making for a highly rewarding career to the ambitious and innovative.

Amie Pronowski writes about style topics such as fashion marketing.

Women's Guide: Fashion Trends for Summer 2005

2007-10-03T01:31:00.001-07:00

If you are like me and many others the warm weather motivates you to do or try new things. It even inspires you to pay more attention to your overall appearance. But, before you go shopping I suggest you take a look at this list to see what is in style.

• Cropped pants – If you see pants that are too long to classify in the shorts category and too short to qualify as the regular long pants those are referred as cropped pants. They fit inches below the knee but, are placed above the ankle.

• Natural hair – Good news for ladies with curly or wavy hair. Curls are in; all you have to do is wash your hairs apply some gel or mousse and blow dry with a diffuser. For define curls utilize hair rollers.

• Color crazy- Bright colors are in for 2005. Some of the most common are kiwi, turquoise, coral, fuchsia, mango, yellow, aqua, melon, violet and many more… Do not ignore some of the regular pastel colors such as light pink. White should always be in your ward robe during the summer season.

• Knee length skirts- They come in all styles from pleated to form fitting.

• Cuffed pants- Many of the cuffed pants are also cropped.

• Tunics- They will not only give you a different look. You will also feel comfortable and cool.

• Prints, patterns and stripes, embroidered etc. are in this summer. So, do not be afraid to buy a blouse with floral print (any type of prints).

• About the fabric- Silk is definitely in style. Do not be surprise to see a lot of lace jewels, beads, rhinestones etc. on clothes.

• Accessorize- You will find anything from drop earrings to beaded and wooded jewelry. Other very popular accessories are brooches, variety of buckle belts, pendants, neck silk scarfs and many more. Just make sure that you do not over accessorize.

• Shoes- Comfort is also chic now. I have never seen such a variety of thong sandals. Mules, flip flops, flats, and moccasins are “a la mode” also. Wedges are good for the ladies that like to wear higher shoes; they are comfortable as long as you are able to sustain balance.

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine http://kpatra.com "For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics" click here http://www.kpatra.com/keniascolumn.htm to find Kenia's little piece of heaven her inspirational column

What is Your Fashion Style?

2007-10-03T01:30:00.000-07:00

When it comes to clothing do you usually stick to one particular style or should you be called a fashion scientist due to the tremendous amount of attention you pay to trends. It can also be possible that you are not aware of your personal style. Whether you are aware of your style or not read this guide to learn a little bit more about it and what changes you can make (if desire).

1. Sexy Lexis- Lexis is all about wearing clothes that reveal skin such as cleavage and fit extra tight. She may feel that conservative or unrevealing clothing are only for older people. Lexis might need to learn when to tone down her sexy image. For example: She should avoid walking in to church wearing a blouse with a plunging neckline. Unless, she is ready to receive a few dirty looks.

2. Care-Lesley- She wonders: What is Fashion? Can I eat with cheese? She really does not know what the latest trend is and frankly can care less. Lesley should try something new once in a while just for fun and avoid getting stuck on a specific style.

3. Rebellious Chica-She makes her own rules when it comes to fashion. Avoids to all extends looking like everyone else. Just like sexy lexis some circumstances will require toning down her personal style. On a job interview she should conform to the expected attire standards. At least until she lands the job.

4. Fashion Diva-Her middle name is style. Always on top of her image and hates to be seen more than once wearing an outfit. Keeping up with fashion trends can get quite expensive. She needs to watch her finances closely in order to avoid overspending.

5. Sporty Lady- She loves her jeans and sneakers and will not go anywhere with out them. She should play dress up once in a while. This will help her look and feel better, even if the changes are temporary.

6. Comfy Carmen-Carmen is all about comfort. She chooses her attire based on the way it feels. She should steer away from bulky looking shoes that will make her feet look wider or bigger and clothing that fit too loosely. Clothes that are too big will make anyone look heavier and older.

7. Elegant Elenin- Elenin is always dress to impress. She will not allow anyone to see her dressed down. However, it will be beneficial for her to loosen up or dress comfortably once in a while. People can not look perfect all the time.

8. Stuck in time- This type of person does not remember the last time she bought a piece of clothing. She will not stop wearing her clothes until it has a hole in it. She should avoid using the same clothing for too many years until it comes back in style (20 years later).

9. Balanced Brianna- She probably has one of the other personal styles mentioned in this guide but, understands clearly the certain situations require she dresses up or down. She will not be hesitant to try a new style as long as it does not make her look like a fool.

Fads and Fashions

2007-10-03T01:29:00.004-07:00

“Following the crowd” is something that we have all been guilty of. But new investors are more likely to “follow the crowd” and fall in love with the latest fad. This is a great risk, and a dangerous one. Newer investors tend to be particularly attracted to fads and fashions in investing. Remember the internet bubble back in the 90s? So many people lost money buying in at the end of the cycle. Of course, those who bought in early made great profits, but these investors often bought in on fundamentals, not hype.

As investors, we look toward the “next big thing.” Sometimes this motivation leads us right into a Red Alert zone. The investment mess from the internet bubble is just one example. History is full of stories like the Tulip Craze in Holland back in the 17th century. These crazes cause people to follow each other over an investment cliff without thinking, like lemmings on a Science Channel special.

Think about the clothing industry and its fashions. History shows that the “latest” trend lasts only a short time. So, while investing in trendy clothing stores may bring short-term success, the failure is often even more spectacular…and inevitable. Typically, by the time we learn about a “new” trend, it’s already “so last season”.

We can even get hurt in fashion trends that are not immediately visible. Oh sure, athletic shoes are every bit as popular as they’ve ever been. Or are they? Over the past 5 years, hiking shoes have snuck up on the “sneaks” in popularity. That’s right, hiking boots and shoes are in; tennis shoes and sneakers are out. But instead of buying stocks from Timberland, think about Nike as a long-term stable investment instead. Anyhoo, it’s probably too late to buy Timberland now. The fashion trend has already had its day. But because of this experience we can expect new footwear trends to show up. It may be too late to adapt, it’s nearly impossible to keep up, and by the time we figure out where the trend is headed, we’ve probably missed the stock price rise.

So how do we avoid the mistake of buying out of sheer excitement? The answer is simple. Look for companies that are bor-ing. Investing in apparently dull companies can actually be beneficial. Boring companies normally don’t have share prices that are puffed-up by mood swings and emotional buying. We’re simply buying an income stream – the most affordable way to invest. Also, the company’s future prospects are more secure, because they aren’t at risk of missing a major shift.

Okay let’s face it. Owning a firm in Ohio that makes widgets for industrial fasteners is not as “cool” as discussing your ownership of Tiffany’s, or the latest nanotechnology corporation in Silicon Valley. But guess what? That widget-producing firm in the heartland will be more dependable, and will probably provide a better return on your money. And isn’t that why you’re investing anyway?

Now, we’re not telling you to avoid trends altogether. Trends are important to investing. In fact, if you can get in ahead of the curve, there are great short-term opportunities when you buy in to fads. But here, we’re usually playing the “greater fool theory”: we assume that someone else will pay more than we did, even when we know it isn’t worth it. I mean, many of us made money in the internet days playing this game, but if someone else saw the fad first, we could be wasting our money.

There’s no harm in buying stocks that might become “popular” in the future, if you can predict future fads, and then sell them after they become overpriced. But to remain sane and safe, stick to companies with solid fundamentals: earnings, stable growth, strong balance sheet, etc. In other words, only buy companies that are good values with good prospects. If a company carries some attraction for fad-followers, so much the better. But don’t pay extra just because of the “bling-bling” and the “glam” appeal. Fads and fashions are unpredictable – make no mistake. Don’t buy the stock unless you’d want to own it even if your fashion prediction falls flat. If it still looks good – even if your guesses about tastes are wrong – then maybe it’s a worthy holding.

Successful investing is not just finding profit opportunities, but keeping your losses to a minimum. Don’t buy stocks that have no substance. Stay away from the bling!

Scott Pearson is an investment advisor, writer, editor, instructor, and business leader. As President and Chief Investment Officer of Value View Financial Corp., he offers investment management services to a wide variety of clients. His own newsletter, Investor's Value View, is distributed worldwide and provides general money tips and investment advice to readers both internationally, and in the U.S.

Scott Pearson can be reached for questions and comments directly at scott@valueview.net or by visiting www.valueview.net.

Women's Fashion Ponchos Get Sexy This Summer

2007-10-03T01:29:00.003-07:00

Ponchos have come down from the high plains and back into high fashion on to the catwalks this season.

Women's fashion ponchos featured strongly on the catwalks this season.

Gone are the heavy, horse-blanket style ponchos of yesteryear, replaced by delicate fabrics and sexy styles that complement every body. Fashion ponchos hide a multitude of sins.

Whether you choose silky, sheer and sexy, or embroidered ethnic style, the poncho can be adapted for all sizes and all occasions.

Your fashion poncho can be thrown over a pair of jeans for a chic, casual look, or dress it up with a glittery brooch over your favorite little black dress for night time style.

The hot fashion trend straight from the catwalk was the shabby-chic boho-style fashion poncho, ornamented with embroidery, beads and sparkles. Or the casually elegant cashmere poncho, perfect with your favorite jeans.

Ponchos also come short and long this season. The chic little shrug-style poncho clasped or tied on the shoulder in soft knits and delicate lace was featured by many European designers for spring/summer. Also featured were longer, asymmetrical fashion ponchos in a rainbow-bright display of colors and patterns.

Whatever your look for this summer, there is a women's fashion poncho to suit.

Olivia Morrow is a freelance journalist and author and is the Editor of Savvy Women Magazine, an online lifestyle magazine for women who want to KNOW...the latest fashion news, women's health issues, beauty, movie and book reviews, travel and lots more. Visit Olivia's website at http://www.savvy-women-magazine.com

Get Fashionable With Women's Flipflops

2007-10-03T01:29:00.001-07:00

The hottest fashion trend for feet this summer is women's flipflops.

No, I don't mean the rubber thong variety flipflops. I mean groovy, embellished flipflops, or slides, for the ultimate in casual chic.

Along with the ethnic, boho look that was the hot pick on the catwalks this season, flipflops, thongs, or mules, whatever you wish to call them, are the perfect choice. The boho look (or "urban urchin" look as I prefer to call it), with its glittery and colorful embroidery and flowy soft skirts, is the perfect accompaniment for a pair of upmarket, way cool, flipflops.

And don't be alarmed, but rubber HAS made a comeback this season, but by way of jelly-strapped, candy colored flats, featuring plenty of bows, beads and glitz. The top shoe designers are also featuring women's flipflops with a low heel in a rainbow of bright, summery colors.

How To Wear Women's Flipflops With Style

No self respecting fashionista is going to be caught dead in her flipflops without a perfect pedicure. If you'd rather pay for your new sandals over a professional pedicure, do it yourself.

Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water and soak your feet for about 10 - 15 minutes each. A few drops of peppermint oil will give your feet a beautiful burst of vitality, or try lavender oil or ylang ylang for relaxation.

While your feet are still damp and warm, gently buff your heels and soles with a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells. Then rinse in cool water and apply lashings of your favorite moisturizer. I prefer a thick, lanolin-based cream for extra oomph. If you're not out to impress anyone at bed time, apply an extra layer of moisturizer and put on a pair of cotton socks overnight.

French manicured toenails are hot right now. Get yourself a French manicure kit for saucy, sexy toenails or go all out with magenta red or soft pink polish.

Then you're ready to display your new tootsies to the world. Grab your favorite flipflops and get out there girl!

Fashion Tips: Dress to Look Young

2007-10-03T01:28:00.004-07:00

Dress to look young? Well think about it, how are you normally dressed? How do you normally present yourself to others? Unknowingly, a lot of us have been wearing clothes that made us appear older than we actually are, especially due to the nature of our work.

To maintain a youthful look, a lot of women have invested heavily on skin care products. Many at times neglecting the very basic, the clothing they wore everyday, the way they are dressed. Some due to their profession didn’t even realize that all these while; they are actually dressing to look old! Anti-ageing cream simply won’t just do magic to them.

To look young and pretty isn’t really that difficult. All you need is to spend a little time & effort, giving yourself a little touch up.

Tips:
Try out a new hairstyle. Visit a hairdresser, they will be able to advise and styled your hair to suit you, bringing out that radiant in you.

If you are still wearing glasses, why not give it a try with contact lens? You can have excellent peripheral vision and at the same time, ease, comfort and convenience. Not forgetting to mention, a more youthful look. Don’t you love the way you naturally look without your glasses?

Put on some light makeup to help lift your face, bringing out that natural beauty in you. Do however avoid too heavy a makeup; a heavy eye makeup tends to add ages to the look.

Try out new styles; add a little color to your daily wear. Yes, appropriate dressing for work is important, especially when your job involves frequent meeting with clients. But still, that doesn’t mean that you have to stick to the same old boring dull clothing everyday. Well, as long as they are not too short, too tight, too revealing and too bright, you can still have fun with mixing and matching while maintaining your professional image.

For instance, instead of the usual dull black pants & skirt, you can also go for a Glencheck Pants, Ice Blue Cotton Flare Leg Pants, a Pink Stretch Twill Pencil Skirt, White Pleated knee Skirt…

Matching them with Yellow Stretch Corduroy Belted Blouse, Mint Chiffon V-neck Blouse, a White, Blue & Red Stripe Button Front Shirt… Perhaps even a Blue Dot Capsleeve Jersey Dress?

Many work place, has nonetheless also adopted the idea of a Casual Friday. A printed tee with faded stretch denim jean? Why Not? Well and of course not forgetting the weekends. A Sporty & Youthful look? It’s your weekend you call the shots!

Hmm… Save the best for the last? Well, there’s no need to wait for any special occasion to doll yourself up. You deserve to look your best everyday. Last but not least, put on a smile…

Rick Valens is a freelance writer for Fashion-In-Style, bringing to you new fashion ideas & lifestyle. Visit now: http://www.fashion-in-style.com/

NOTE: You're free to republish this article on your website, in your newsletter, in your e-book or in other publications provided that the article is reproduced in its entirety, including the author information and all live website link as above.

Finding The Fashion You're Comfortable With

2007-10-03T01:28:00.003-07:00

Fashion is not only what we wear, it is also how we describe ourselves to the world. When you’re deciding which fashion is for you, take the time to consider your figure and style and also how you want to be perceived.

When you’re looking for the right dress to wear, don’t worry too much about it being the perfect one. Dresses come in all styles, shapes, colors and materials. Try this approach: choose a dress style that you feel comfortable and confident in, accessorize it with a few tasteful choices (such as a nice purse) and enjoy your evening out.

Choose a dress that flatters your individual figure.

The most important feature of your new dress -- more important than its trendiness, designer or color -- is how well it flatters you. Does it make you feel attractive and gorgeous? Do you feel confident when wearing that dress? If you can answer yes, you’ve probably chosen the right one.

Not every dress silhouette will work for your body so you'll need to do some quick research on your specific needs.

Jeans:

Trends and fashion icons come and go but wearing stylish, comfortable jeans is still favored by many people. . While their charisma springs from their legendary American roots, their commercial strength rests on innovation and interpretation in the hands of jeanswear makers around the world.

Jeans can make you look attractive and are also good to wear when doing rugged work.

Swimwear:

Finding the right swimwear can be a fun and also a stressful experience. You want to look your best in the swimwear of your choice at the beach. Light, colorful beach clothing will make you feel comfortable and cool.

Spend a little time to search for the right fashion items and accessories that fit your lifestyle. A little thought before will save you a lot of time later.

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-fashion-4u.com/

Fashionable Clothing That You Choose

2007-10-03T01:28:00.001-07:00

Clothing encompasses a wide range of apparel. From big and tall men’s clothing to women’s clothing. How we dress ourselves and what we wear tells the people around us a lot about who we are. Clothing has always been subject to change based on the dictates of fashion and whims. Some things however, about clothing don’t change. Quality. Quality clothing will always be in demand. Durability. Durable men’s and women’s clothing are always popular.

Clothing not only covers our bodies, it also allows us to enhance our appearance. A quality, sharp suit on a man makes him look more professional and successful. An attractive dress on a woman makes her look stylish and confident. There are so many different clothing options to choose from, that at times it can appear overwhelming. Don’t let that bother you. With a little thought and reflection you can come up with a clothing style that truly reflects who you are.

A few suggestions to consider are these: Decide what clothing you feel comfortable in. Is it a business meeting? Is it a casual night out? Whatever you’re going to be doing, the clothes you wear will only accentuate the real you and the right clothes for the occasion can go a long way to help you feel confident.

Take your time to select a few choice merchants that offer timeless, quality clothing at reasonable prices. Take your time, you’re not in a hurry, and focus in on what type of clothing you want. In other words, who do you want to be and then find the clothes to dress up that person.

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-fashion-4u.com/

Step By Step Making Your Own Spring Fashion Tube Blouse And Matching Thong Sandals

2007-10-03T01:26:00.002-07:00

Ladies,

Spring has come for some of us and will happen soon for others. Here are some tips for creating a new spring/summer fashion to your wardrobe. Go to your favorite fabric store and purchase a 1/2 yard ( 18" by 54 to 60" wide) of stretch fabric.

This will be enough to make a tube top and cover a pair of thong sandals. If you have three or four pairs, pruce them up by covering them up with other different types of print stretch fabrics. Now make the tube tops to match them and you have a new spring and summer look. Take those old flip flops sandals out of the closet.

1. You start by covering the sides with your new fabric (the stretch fabric), you can use a spray adhesive (3M Supper adhesive) you can purchase at a hardware store. Cover the top and bottom part of the sandals so you don't get any adhesive on those areas.

Cut a wide strip of fabric that will wrap around the sides of the body of the sandal and cut away the excess hanging over the top edge and bottom edge.

2. Now cut a strip to cover the top part of the thong. Make sure you protect the area where you feet sits onto the sandal by covering the part where your feet rest on the insole. Use brown paper bag with masking tape. Spray the thong and spray the inside or wrong side of the fabric and press it onto the thong material part of the shoe. Have a new sole put on those that need it.

3. Tube top blouse are very simple to make. Just cut the fabric 3" less than the size of the width of your waist. Example, if your waist is 28 inches cut the fabric 25 inches wide, fold and sew edges together, 1/2 inch on the seam.

A good stretchy fabric that stretches both direction is what you look for in a good stretch fabric. It will fit comfortably on your bust size as well.

Enjoy your new fashion. Also suitable for young teens and little girls. For a step by step illustration go to: http://www.deyostudios.com You'll see swatches of new spring stretch fabrics we sell. We also sell cement adhesive kit with brushes. This cement gives a better and tigher final attachment. It's sold by the ounce (2 1/2 oz). You can also see other creations and designs that may be of interest.

Men's Fashion Coordination on Solid Colored Men's Dress Shirts

2007-10-03T01:26:00.001-07:00

It is common to find men choosing white for their solid colored mens dress shirts. They believe that it is the easiest with other outfits as well as creating a formal appearance. There are people who feel that white dress shirts projects radiance onto mens face.

However, there is an aspect that we need to take note in mens fashion coordination, which is the skin tone as well as the hair color of the man. Imagine a blond man with fair-colored skin tone in a white shirt.

The direction of focus will on the shirt or tie rather than his face. The white shirt is not able enhance his overall light colored skin tone.

Instead solid colored mens dress shirts against the skin tone and hair color is supposed to bring the focal point to the man’s face, not the shirt. It applies similarly to patterned dress shirts as well.

White is not the only ultimate choice for solid colored mens dress shirts, I would say blue color is the other must-have color for every mens dress shirts. It has the best blend into almost every mens skin tone and hair color.

It never seems to go wrong wearing a blue dress shirt to provide a warmer and richer overtone for any skin tone than white dress shirts.

Can all blue tones fit different skin tones and hair colors? Generally the best choice is going for medium blue and the suitable shade of medium should always bring the focus toward your face.

Men with tan or olive skin tones with contrasting hair color can afford to wear darker blue tones.

Fair skin men with dark colored hair have the best advantage in their choice of blue tones. Basically all the shades of blue are suitable for them especially the medium to dark blue tones.

Men with light colored hair and fair skin has to settle for light and soft blue hues. The overall blend between their hair and skin creates a muted contrast and the lighter blues will balance out this low contrast.

Check out our Mens Dress Shirts Store to find the most stylish and well-designed dress shirts for men.

For more reference: Mens Dress Shirts

Reprinting this article is allowed provided all references and acknowledgement to the author, the website, and the URL remain intact.

Leroy Fong
Mens Fashion Tips | Mens Fashion Advice | Guide on Mens Clothing

Do My Ugg Australia Boots Put Me Ahead of Fashion or Behind?

2007-09-25T22:22:00.003-07:00

Ugg Australia boots are not just for winter anymore. These boots are showing up everywhere. Women are wearing these big boots with short skirts. Children and grown-ups alike are wearing their brightly colored boots regardless of the season. Celebrities are wearing these boots during filming breaks. Surfers are wearing these boots at the beach! Young or old, male or female, the demand for these boots has never before been greater.

Before you head for the nearest mall to purchase your very own pair of ugg Australia boots , stop for a moment and ask yourself, “Haven’t I seen these boots before?” If you are college-aged or younger, you have seen these boots everywhere including on the Internet, in store catalogues, and in stores themselves. You may even have a pair or two right now in your very own closet. But if you are close to or even a part of the baby boomer generation, then you likely remember these boots from the seventies. Surfers wore them back then and made the ugg Australia boots popular on the surfing circuit.

That’s right. The look of ugg Australia boots has been on the fashion scene before. In fact, these sheep skinned boots were around even before the seventies. World War II fighter pilots wore a similar style of boot while in combat. And before that, Australians tied sheep skin scraps around their feet while working outdoors because the sheep skin kept their feet warm. It’s even said that the name, ugg, is short for the word, ugly. Believe it or not, people who wore these boots in previous times thought that the style of the boot, while practical, was plain old ugly.

And for all its popularity, there are lots and lots of people who would rather freeze in the cold than wear ugg Australia boots. Some people state that those people who are crazy enough to wear this style of boot end up looking like elves. Others look at the ugg Australia boots and can only recall the bad memories of the boots that their mothers forced them to wear back in elementary school. And there are still other people who think that there is an appropriate time and an appropriate age for wearing this style of boots and warm weather and twenty-something is neither the time nor the age.

As with many things in life, those things that are controversial tend to become popular. And it seems that the controversy over whether to wear or not to wear the ugg Australia boots is only adding to the popularity of these boots. And as long as celebrities are shown wearing these fancy-colored, genuine sheep skin boots while walking around the trendy streets of Los Angeles, sales of this popular boot style will only continue to soar.

So getting back to the original question of whether wearing ugg Australia boots will put you ahead of fashion or behind, it seems that the answer may very well be, “Does it really matter?” The boots are incredibly comfortable to wear and the marketing materials claim that the composition of the natural sheep skin actually keeps your feet warm but will also keep your feet cool. So, regardless of the type of climate zone in which you live, if you like the look of ugg Australia boots, go ahead and purchase a pair. And don’t worry about what other people might say. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is making the right boot selection because they come in so many different styles and colors.

Brian Fong http://www.Sheep-Skin-Boots-Guide.com

The only thing you’ll have to worry about is making the right boot selection because ugg australia boots come in so many different styles and colors...

Colored Contact Lenses, the Hottest Trend in Cosmetics is Spreading Like Wildfire Across the Fashion

2007-09-25T22:22:00.001-07:00

A cross between cosmetics and vision correction, everyone from movie stars, politicians, athletes and business leaders to soccer moms and teenage children can instantly become the center of attention at work, a party or on the court.

It wasn’t long ago that contact lenses cost $100 to $200 a pair, and were worn mostly by the affluent or those needing a vision correction that contacts could do better than eye glasses. Today, just about anyone can wear contacts and there is a color or style for almost everyone.

One of the things that give contacts such a strong appeal is their ability to change the mood and look of the wearer. By changing your eye color from blue to brown you can not only change the mood from intense to romantic, but also enhance different features of your face, hair and make-up.

Colored contact lenses allow the user to change eye color with a trip to the bathroom.

There also are special effect lenses that are contacts with designs printed or painted on them.

The advances in technology, materials, demand and competition have drastically reduced the prices of contacts. Once costing over a hundred dollars a pair now they can be purchased for as little as $15-$25.

The low price and the convenience of being able to purchase contacts locally or online make them a popular alternative to eye glasses. Contacts often do a better job of correcting vision than eye glasses because they are fitted to the eye and aren’t sliding up and down the nose where they need to be re-adjusted.

The improved vision, the convenience of not putting eye glasses on and taking them off, plus the often improved self-image make contacts an easy choice.

Keep contact lens use safe

Contact lenses, colored contacts and special effect contacts can be purchased with a vision correction or without, but all lens purchases within the United States require a prescription from a doctor. Because the lens fits on the eye it is considered a medical device and is governed by those laws.

Your lens will need to be fitted to the size and shape of your eye. At the time of the examination your doctor should also go over proper care, cleaning and disinfecting of your contacts. Simply tell your doctor you would like a copy of your prescription so you can shop for your contacts.

Your colored lenses probably will make you the talk of the office or school. And with your new popularity there will probably be friends and relatives who want to try your contacts to see how they will look.

Contact lenses go directly on your eye and sharing contacts is an excellent way of spreading eye disease, which is spread by bacteria from one wearer to another. So don’t share your contacts with others. Remember you only have one set of eyes and you don’t want to do anything to jeopardize them.

Alan Winters is an author of articles in the health industry and webmaster at http://crazy-n-colored-contact-lenses.com where you can learn more about colored contacts lenses as will as cosmetic and costume lenses.

A Cigar Box Purse or Handbag is a Unique Fashion Accessory With a Touch of Old World Charm

2007-09-25T22:21:00.002-07:00

There’s an unmistakable charm about a cigar box purse or handbag. Neat, petite and elegant, and decorated with romantic, quaint and quirky images from a bygone era, these design gems are becoming increasingly sought after fashion accessories. You can buy cigar box purses and handbags made from real cigar boxes, or they can be decorated with just about any image you can imagine, including classic movie stars, fashion photographs, dancers, animals, flowers or abstract designs. If you shop around online, you’ll find a huge range of cigar box purses and handbags, many of them uniquely designed and sold by the artist who created them. You can even have a cigar box purse or handbag custom made using a favorite image of a pet, a special place, person or thing, or perhaps a cherished old photograph of a great aunt or grandmother taken in a bygone era. Any image is suitable, so long as it’s your own, and there is no copyright existing in the photograph or artwork. Or if you’re particularly creative, you could even make the purse or handbag yourself.

Making your own cigar box purse or handbag.

It’s very simple to make a cigar box purse or handbag yourself, and you’ll have the satisfaction of having something which is absolutely unique. A handbag or purse you’ve made yourself also makes a lovely gift for someone special. You can buy a simple wooden box, or a real cigar box if you can find one, some paint and lacquer, and the hinges, corners, handle and clasp from purse hardware suppliers which you’ll find online. Of course, you’ll also need a photograph or piece of artwork to use on the box. Choosing an image, a color scheme and purse hardware pieces which work together artistically is great fun, and very satisfying when it all comes together. It’s a very simple job to paint the box, glue on the image, cover the whole thing with a few coats of lacquer, then attach all of the purse hardware components.

Lynn Donn is the webmaster for http://www.unique-handbags-and-purses.com Her website offers tips and information on all the latest trends in purses and handbags for the fashion enthusiast.

Men's Fashion Tips: Details that Define Quality in Men's Dress Shoes

2007-09-25T22:21:00.001-07:00

Every man should know the mens dress shoes details before even considering buying their dress shoes. It is important to understand that these details define the quality in the shoes.

Instead of repeated spending on replacing damaged dress shoes, it pays to have a few quality ones that can last for years. The high quality mens dress shoes are eventually going to be more cost efficient than the cheap poor quality ones that are not made to last.

Mens dress shoes details are the foundation in building and shaping the dress shoes. It provides the comfort and firmness within that men are always sensitive about. Let us begin going through the mens dress shoes details:

Leather

Most mens dress shoes are made of leather. It is important to know what constitutes good leather since this material covers about 80 – 90% of the dress shoe.

Leather quality is graded from 1 to 5 with 1 being the highest quality. However, we can never find these grading on the dress shoes and neither would the sales personnel at the shoe department know.

Generally, base on laymen’s sight and touch, we focus on a smooth with consistent fine grain on the leather for mens dress shoes details. The leather should feel rich and supple.

A good example of good quality leather would be napa, a type of calfskin. Calfskin are fine leather from skin of young calf or even lambs. These hides have fine grains and shines with high polish.

All leather hides naturally have blemishes or scars on them. The high quality leather will have little scars on it and hence the higher price. The difference in durability for high and low quality leather is small in variation so it is not a determinant in the pricing for leather mens dress shoes.

Blemishes on leather dress shoes can be hidden by using sealant products. It smoothens the leather and cover-up the blemishes. Therefore, if the leather itself has less polished finishing (i.e. glassy finish) or as naked as it is, it represents lesser possible concealment of blemishes.

One of the most important mens dress shoes details lies on having high quality leather that has minimum blemishes and also barely touched-up with any artificial sealants.

Still it is difficult for any layman to assess the quality of leather unless you really know leather very well. Instead of trying to assess the leather itself, the focus should be more on the construction of the mens dress shoes.

Mens dress shoes details start from the inside since dress shoes are made from inside out. Blemishes and faulty workmanship are usually concealed on the outside. So focusing on the inside will allow us to find difficult areas of cover-ups.

An important point of focus is the insole. High quality mens dress shoes have insoles made from leather rather than layers of cardboards. These leather insoles are durable and prevents unnecessary foot odor because it allows the foot to breathe and absorb perspiration.

It can also be easily replaced when worn out as well as helps in shaping the bottom of the dress shoes which are not possible with cardboard insoles.

Lining

Leather is still the focus here. High quality leather should still be used to work on the lining. A good example of such leather would be calfskin.

Make sure that the lining is smooth at the folds around the seams and edges. Fine stitch is important along the lining because a fine binding and clean finishing defines the workmanship of the mens dress shoes details.

Stitching

Stitching is something that is not usually noticed among mens dress shoes details. We would recommend careful inspection of it.

Good quality stitching on mens dress shoes should be as inconspicuous as possible. It should be concealed from the top to the bottom of the dress shoes.

Remember to ensure that the inside of mens dress shoes do not have any exposed knots because these can cause a lot of discomfort for the wearer.

On the sole, a welt finishing involves stitching the leather in between the edge of the sole and the turned-in edge of the upper. These stitching should be hidden within the leather and should not have any loose ends revealed.

Soles

Soles are the foundation of mens dress shoes details. It is the easiest to wear out from walking.

A good investment for mens dress shoes would be having leather soles. One good point about leather soles is that it is definitely more formal and refined looking than rubber soles.

Leather soles are usually tanned to make it more lasting. The light tanned hue on the sole avoids possible cover-up of blemishes and scars.

It also avoids exposed stitching. The stitching along the soles should be well-hidden under the channels cut within the soles. These represents the quality required for mens dress shoes details.

The soles can be made into various layers, from single to three, and it all depends one’s personal choice, or to fit the formal dressing.

Make sure these soles are shaped as closely as possible to the foot to assure comfort for the wearer. Dress shoes soles should never be glued to the shoe. We should expect stitching around this area. It allows possible changing of the soles when worn out but not for those with glued soles.

Heels

Another important aspect about mens dress shoes details is the heel. Leather comes into play again. The heels are actually layered with leather and nailed together with brass pins.

This creates a tight reinforcement for the leather layers to create a cushion effect as well as sustainable support around the heels.

Make sure the heels are not oversized as this disrupts the balance for the mens dress shoes and can make walking with such heels very uncomfortable. For added durability, some heels are further attached with brass tacks to the sole.

Reprinting this article is allowed provided all references and acknowledgement to the author, the website, and the URL remain intact.

Leroy Fong
Mens Fashion Tips | Mens Fashion Advice | Guide on Mens Clothing

Guide to the Latest Fashion Labels

2007-09-25T22:19:00.002-07:00

From the runway to the impulse-buy section at the grocery store, people today are always looking for the newest, latest fashions. Sporting fancy labels attests to one’s worldview, cultural roots and place in society.

A' Gaci - Agaci.Too, the parent company for Twigland Fashions, was founded in 1971 in a downtown shop in San Antonio, Texas. Twigland Fashion is now one of the world’s fastest growing fashion chains for juniors. The label keeps up with the constantly changing world of fashion while adhering to one 32-year standing goal- to make women look and feel sexy and glamorous. Consultants help women to achieve just that with Twigland Fashions. The market is trendy clothes for plus-size young women.

A Gift from the Gods originated in the hip East End of London. They design trendy, unique, graffiti-style t-shirts and accessories in the Goth fashion. This label could outfit the entire cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in hip, Goth-style accessories. Favorite color schemes are black and silver with red This label enjoys pairing unlikely clothing combos for the most unique styles, for example a rain parka and combat boots.

Absolu created “Stephy”, doeskin stretch trousers, in 1991. This label stands apart from the rest with its telling trait of combining leather with other materials, such as warp and weft or stitch. The label continues to experience massive sales growth and has a diverse customer-base. Absolu stylists begin with the finest leathers as a foundation, then build on that with fashionable shapes and colors to create hit trends. Absolu is currently expanding geographically due to a large international market. The designs are becoming a must-have in women’s fashion collections. Absolu has stores in Switzerland and Paris to date.

Art Point provides what fashion experts are calling a fresh look at ornaments of various cultures through the prism of today's reality. By using cultural aspects as inspiration for accessories and ornaments, their fashion becomes more than just a trend, but rather a cultural icon. Their line of accessories includes jewelry and handbags. In addition to accessories and ornaments, Art Point also designs clothing including t-shirts and silk scarves.

Their market is growing into new avenues such as interior projects as well as promotional projects, exhibitions and performances. Art Point began business in 1993.

Aquscutum is a classic British brand name. The business was born in London in 1851. The name Aquascutum comes from the Latin words for watershield. The name is fitting to this company whose main lines include showerproof woollen rainwear made from the highes quality cloth for raincoats. This label provided trenchcoats for British soldiers in both world wars. The royal family even commissioned the company to tailor royal garments. Today the products have been adapted to civilian-wear, and the company is highly reputable in the world of fashion.

Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher who offers advice on brand label jeans, with brands such as seven jeans, guess jeans, hudson jeans and dnco jeans

Sterling Silver Jewelry Fashion Trends for the New Year and Beyond

2007-09-25T22:19:00.001-07:00

Each year, on fashion runways from New York to Paris, Milan, and Toyko, sterling silver is "new again" as designers interpret it in new and exciting ways. What makes sterling silver a fashion perennial? The answer is clear: when it comes to beauty, versatility, durability, and affordability, sterling silver jewelry is unsurpassed.

In the hands of talented artists and designers, sterling silver is constantly "reinvented" to suit the evolving tastes of the women who wear it. But whether as a ring, a necklace, or bracelet, standing alone or presented in combination with gemstones and other precious metals…sterling silver is always in fashion.

Here's a look at what's "hot" this year:

Peace of Silver

In 2004, many Oscar presenters and recipients wore gracefully and simply designed "Dove of Peace." pin. Embraced by such Hollywood luminaries as Meryl Streep, Susan Sarandon, Drew Barrymore, and Leonardo DiCaprio, it has also been seen on the Dali Lama and Nobel Peace Laureates Oscar Aria Sanchez, Betty Williams, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, and former UN Assistant Secretary-General Gillian Sorrensom.

Now non-celebrities may purchase the pin in sterling silver pin to demonstrate both their commitment to peace and their fashion sense. The 2005 sterling silver interpretation was designed by award-winning American jewelry artist Henry Dunay to resonate the energy of Picasso's "Dove Of Peace."

Silver Screen

With the enormous popularity of the "Lord of the Rings" series, it comes as no surprise that designers have created jewelry based on the elaborately crafted pieces in the films. Based on the actual pendant worn in the Lord of the Rings film, the Arwen Evenstar Pendant is crafted in sterling silver and comes in a wooden gift box. Measuring 2-1/2 inches in length with a 18" sterling silver chain and a Swarovski crystal stone, each piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, adding long-term value to its other charms.

Works Like A Charm

Charm bracelets are both wonderfully retro and extremely cutting edge. Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Avril Levigne, Hilary Duff, and other high-visibility high-fashion celebrities are wrapping their wrists in silver bracelets with the hip L.A. brand "Eldorado Club."

The "Girlie Charm Bracelet" is adorned with charming femme-friendly charms including a cat, a cocktail glass, and a kitty.

Sterling Silver - Always In Style for Your 25th Anniversary No matter what list you consult -- traditional, modern or the now popular "ultra-modern" (which includes items like clocks and appliances) -- silver is the 21st Century gift of choice for a 25th wedding anniversary. Whether it's silver's durability, its strength, its flexibility or its unparalleled beauty, sterling silver is an exquisite memento of 25 years of loving commitment between a couple.

Topping the list of this year's "What's Hot" in silver wedding anniversary gifts, women say they want charm bracelets, hoop earrings, and hair ornaments. For wives who would like to present their husbands with sterling silver tokens, the "top of the charts" picks are cufflinks, tie clips, money clips, neck chains, and I.D. bracelets.

But #1 for him AND her -- a classic sterling silver Tiffany keyring.

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick-up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped-Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask.

Celtic Jewelry - A Beautiful Mystery Unraveled

2007-09-25T22:18:00.002-07:00

Celtic jewelry like the Celts themselves has a rich history and a proud tradition. Immensely beautiful with intricate Celtic symbols and delicate designs, Celtic cross jewelry, Celtic knot jewelry, and beautiful Claddaugh rings have been admired and desired for thousands of years.

Celtic Cross Jewelry

One of the most enduring, and coveted "gifts" of Celtic culture is jewelry featuring the Celtic Cross. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick created the first Celtic cross by drawing a circle over a Latin cross.

For an Irish Catholic, the circle in the Celtic cross may be a symbol of eternity and the endlessness of God's love. It can even represent a halo emanating from Christ.

Some say the four "arms" of the Celtic Cross represent the elements (fire, earth, air, and water). Others believe the cross denotes the four directions of the compass, and still others feel it is a representation of human existence - mind, body, soul and heart.

Celtic Knots

The most distinguishing characteristic of Celtic knots is their intricate patterns and design…and the debate as to the meaning of those designs. While it is unquestionable that many of the ancient designs had some significance, those meanings changed from tribe to tribe and location to location.

Many believe that the intricate looping in knots was a way to keep out evil spirits. It is also generally accepted that the looping Celtic knot design denotes eternity and interconnectedness. Still, there is no definitive guide as to the meaning of Celtic knots which, adds, perhaps to their mystery and appeal.

Claddagh Rings

Named for the town of Claddagh near Galway in which they are said to have originated, Claddagh rings are beloved Celtic symbols of Irish culture and sentiment. Unlike other Celtic symbols, the meaning behind the Claddagh ring is well-documented. The Claddagh design has a heart (symbolizing love) topped by a crown (symbolizing loyalty) held in two hands (signifying friendship). The phrase that is usually associated with the giving of a Claddagh ring is "Let love and friendship reign."

It's not surprise that the Claddagh is a popular marriage band. In Celtic times, it was worn on the right hand with the heart turned outward to show that the wearer is unattached or with the heart turned inward to show he/she was "spoken for." If the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the heart turned inward, it shows that two loves have been joined in marriage.

Celtic Then and Now

At one time, Celtic people could be found throughout Eastern and Central Europe, as well as in the British Isles, where the earliest examples of Celtic jewelry originate. The emergence of the powerful Roman Empire encroached on the lifestyle, traditions, and homeland of the Celts who were forced to move to abandon their homes and relocate in remote areas in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall in southern England.

Despite their hardships at the hands of the Romans, Celts endured, thrived…and continued to produce Celtic jewelry. The tradition has remained strong for centuries. Irish Celtic jewelry and Scottish Celtic jewelry have enjoyed a huge resurgence in their homelands and with "ex-pats" around the world, as people seek to rediscover and celebrate their cultural traditions.

Learn How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off. This informative Special Report reveals little-known facts and insider trade secrets that many jewelers would prefer you didn’t know. To get your FREE copy please go to http://www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Does Your Watch Keep Time with Fashion or Function?

2007-09-25T22:18:00.001-07:00

If you haven't lived under a rock for the past few decades, then you surely know that Rolex stands for luxurious precision timekeeping, and you know that Timex is the premier name in inexpensive, reliable timekeeping. The vast area between the two, however, offers the widest selection of watches-in terms of function, fashion and price.

We're all creatures of habit, and if one watch has served us well for years, it's natural that we gravitate toward the same brand and design each time we purchase a new watch. If you'd like to adorn your wrist with a different type of watch, perhaps a Swiss-quartz or high-fashion watch, we offer you a cheat sheet below, to help you get up to speed quickly with the many offerings available today.

If you've always thought of a watch as a functional necessity, you might add a few fashionable watches to your collection of watches and bracelets. If you've always worn high-fashion watches, consider adding an elegant watch to your collection, perhaps one with a golden mesh band. Whatever your requirements for timekeeping and your sense of fashion, you'll find a watch to suit your needs.

Impress Your Colleagues Watches

In the exclusive $5000-$2,000,000 range, you'll find a variety of luxury watches with names that escape the average man or woman on the street, and you won't find any of these online. Does Vacheron Constantin or Blancpain ring a bell?

Perception is everything, and a genuine Rolex brands you a person of discerning taste. If you live in New York City, you might be surprised to learn that you can buy a Rolex from a bona fide jeweler, most likely in the 10021 zip code. Forget all the hype about Rolex watches: people buy them for one reason. They are the most recognized status symbols in watches—everyone has heard of a Rolex, and a diamond and gold Rolex remains out of most everyone's price range.

Rolex watches are the most popular, and ownership is not a requirement for popularity. It might surprise you to learn that Rolex watches are not THE most accurate. It is unlikely that they take a year to make, and their resale value is of little importance to their buyers. Ah, Madison Avenue strikes again. Still, a Rolex watch is a fine watch and an investment in time. Give me status; give me a Rolex.

Other fine high-end watches include Cartier and Omega.

Affordable Treats

If you're a mere mortal with a penchant for arriving at your destination in style at the prescribed time (perhaps your job depends upon it), your idea of a good watch probably resides in the $100-500 range, and maybe even toward the lower end of that scale. You know the names Seiko, Swiss Army, Pulsar, and Citizen—just to name a few. The brands available in this price range offer a wide selection of choices ranging from simple and elegant leather bands, to mesh and link bands. You'll find analog and digital displays, timers, calendar displays, water-resistance, etc. in this price range. In fact, this price range offers the widest variety in terms of elegance, precision time keeping, and fashion choices. You can select from a number of watches using Swiss-quartz movements in this price range.

For the Fun of it

You'll find everything from designer-of-the-moment watches to household names such as Swatch and Fossil in the below-$100 range. The Fossil collections feature casual and dress watches in a dizzying array of choices, and provide dependable service as well. Fossil offers a lot of bang for the buck—fashion, dependability, variety.

Starting at $40, Swatch offers the most in up-to-the-minute throwaway watch fashion. The company began late in the 20th century as a consortium of Swiss watchmakers and worldwide graphical designers with one goal: to resurrect the analog watch. Swatch has come a long way since those days, and one of their newer creations, the Skin Diamond watch, can set you back a cool $2000. Of course, you won't run into yourself coming and going if you sport this new status symbol. The rest of us can settle with wearing our moods on our wrists.

And, last but certainly not least—depending on your current age—this category satisfies the Abercrombie-and-Fitch, Top 40 crowd with an assortment of watches from the king of the teen designers, Tommy Hilfiger himself.

Whatever your pleasure in marking time, find it, get it, own it, wear it. Mere mortals like us can browse and purchase the watches of our choice right here—onlin

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for brand name watches and watches in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

Why Weight Train During Pregnancy?

2007-09-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

There was once a time that a pregnant woman was thought of as “fragile”. Any form of exercise was strictly prohibited by doctors and feared by concerned fathers. We’ve now come to realize that a pregnant woman is capable of doing nearly everything that every other woman is capable of doing (and even most men).

It is now recommended that women participate in prenatal exercise programs because of the benefits during labor and delivery as well as the postnatal benefits to moms and babies.

Why Weight Train?

Women who weight train throughout their pregnancy benefit from less weight gain during pregnancy and return to their pre-pregnancy weight, strength, and flexibility levels faster than women who remain inactive or who only participate in cardio programs.

Weight training increases a woman’s energy levels throughout her pregnancy and helps prevent loss of bone density postpartum.

The babies born to women who weight trained during their pregnancy are born with ideal birth weights. Prenatal weight training is the first step in ensuring that your child has a healthy start in life!

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Decreased Risks Associated with Prenatal Weight Training:

• Decreases in the severity and frequency of low back pain during pregnancy

• Decreased risk of gestational diabetes

• Decreased risk of delivering post term or through caesarean delivery

• Fewer complications during delivery; including fetal distress

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Pregnancy Precautions

Although not feeble, fragile, and frail, pregnant women should be aware of certain precautions that are unique to them and their bodies.

Be sure to consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program or continuing an exercise program after the first trimester. Your goal should be to simply maintain highest level of fitness while ensuring your safety and the safety of your baby.

Every muscle group should be targeted and the following should be emphasized: inner thigh, hamstrings, glutes, upper back, and shoulders.

Pregnant women should avoid lifting the amount of weight that they were capable of lifting pre-pregnancy. Be sure to use low resistance. StrollerFit classes utilize therabands and exertubes to provide the perfect balance of resistance and safety.

Use caution when stretching either before or after an exercise session. Joint laxity is increased during pregnancy due to the increased amounts of the hormones elastin and relaxin that are being produced. Joint laxity is the amount of movement the ligaments allow through the joint and during pregnancy the joints can be easily stressed or strained.

Movements to Avoid

• Avoid exercises that require bending from the hips

• Avoid exercises in the supine position after the first trimester due to increased pressure on the arteries surrounding the heart

• Avoid overhead lifting

• Avoid straining or holding the breath

Getting Started

Before beginning an exercise program or continuing an exercise program past the first trimester, be sure to consult your doctor. You may may want to join a group exercise program specializing in pre- and postnatal fitness such as StrollerFit or you may choose to exercise on your own. Many books are available to help guide you through exercise and pregnancy safely and effectively. A good place to start is 'Exercising Through Your Pregnancy" by James Clapp. Resistance bands and tubing can be purchased at your local sporting goods store or online at www.strollerfit.com.

Every woman hopes to have a healthy and safe pregnancy. Through prenatal weight training you can increase the chances that both you and your child remain healthy and safe though pregnancy, labor, and delivery!

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It is recommended that women with the following conditions DO NOT EXERCISE: Consult your doctor!

• Pregnancy induced high blood pressure

• Pre-term rupture of the membrane

• Pre-term labor during the prior or current pregnancy

• Incompetent cervix

• Persistent second to third trimester bleeding

• Intrauterine growth retardation

• Joint laxity due to increased amounts of elastin and relaxin

• Increased basal metabolic temperature

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References:

1. Brown LE. Strength and Conditioning Journal. 2003;24:53-54.

2. Clapp JF. Journal of Pediatrics. 1996;129(6):856-863.

3. Dumas GA, et al. Clinical Biomechanics. 1995;10(2):98-103.

4. Ezmerli NM. Prim Care Update Ob/Gyn. 2000;7: 260-265.

5. Howley ET, Franks BD. Health Fitness Instructors Handbook (3rd edition). Human Kinetics. Champaign, IL. 1997;358-360.

6. Kenney WL, et al. ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (5th edition). Williams and Wilkins. Media, PA. 1995; 235-239.

7. Mottola M, Wolfe L. Forty Ninth Annual Meeting of the ACSM, St. Louis, Missouri, May 2002.

8. Schoenfeld B. American Fitness. 2000;3:26-29.

9. Safran L. Pure Power. 2003;1:44-49,53-54.

Curt Conrad, CSCS, is Founder and President of StrollerFit Inc. an international product and franchise company that helps parents exercise with their babies. He is author of The StrollerFit ExerBook. His companies have helped thousands of clients enjoy better life through better fitness. http://www.strollerfit.com

Fashion Tip: Don't Make These Fashion Mistakes

2007-09-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

1. Wearing the Wrong Colors

To look your best wear clothing colors that will complement your skin. Wearing the wrong colors will make your skin appear sallow and lines and wrinkles will be more evident. The right colors will make you look more vibrant and healthy.

2. Wearing too much makeup

Too much makeup will make lines appear deeper and will create a harsh look. Keep makeup light for day and a little darker for evening. See a professional if you are unsure of makeup application techniques.

3. Wearing Clothes that are too small

Wearing clothes that fit too tightly will make you appear larger. Wearing clothes that do not suit your body type will make you appear larger. Buy clothes that suit your body type - not someone else's.

4. Chipped nail polish

The idea of nail polish is to make your nails appear nicer. Chipped polish just brings attention to poor grooming.

5. An old-fashioned hairstyle or messy hair

Your hairstyle creates a first impression. From your hairstyle people will assume your education level, status, age etc. This doesn’t mean the judgments are correct – they happen instinctively. Make sure it doesn’t happen to you. Visit your hairstylist regularly.

6. Messy Shoes or wrong shoes for your outfit

Take care of your shoes they complete your look. Also pay attention that your complement your outfit.

7. Roots that show

If you colour your hair make sure you keep it maintained regularly.

8. Bras and bra straps that show

When wearing sleeveless tops make sure you wear a racer back bra. Don’t wear bras that fit too tightly or don’t have good support.

9. Mismatched hose

Match your hose with your shoes or with your pants or skirt.

10. Wearing inappropriate clothes

When in a working environment make sure that your clothes are not flashy (unless you are in a creative field) do not wear short skirts, (more than 3 inches above the knee) sleeveless tops, plunging necklines, stilettos, too much jewelry, leather pants or skirts, or anything that shimmers.

Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe ebook free.