Friday, September 26, 2008

Look Fashionable At The Beach!

by: Sher Matsen

It’s that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the beach for the day to enjoy those warm sunrays and the refreshing sound of the lapping water.

So what constitutes a good beach wardrobe. Well there are certain essentials that none of us forget. On goes the swimsuit and bathing suit cover, flip flops on our feet. Beach bag has been packed with the essentials – sunglasses, floppy hat, towel and a good book. Great – got the basics covered but what about the rest.

So if we are so prepared for a day at the beach, why is it by the time we get home we look pretty worn. Here are some helpful tips to make your day at the beach fun and keep you looking fashion fresh all day and all the way home.

First before you leave home, if you’ve got long hair pull it into a high pony tail or fun knot. Use some funky hair accessories that will stay in place when you’re swimming. Try a fun colored bobble or some firm fastening clips in bright summer colors. If you pull your hair up your neck will stay cool and you’ll look fresh all day with your neat hairdo.

Second slather yourself in sunscreen before leaving the house, then toss the sunscreen in your bag so you can reapply after a swim or every few hours. A sunburn is not only unhealthy and painful, it’s unattractive, so don’t let yourself turn into the lobster of the day. Your sunscreen should be a SPF of 15. It doesn’t hurt to use a strong SPF on your face or your entire body if you burn easily.

Your beach bag should be large enough to hold your supplies for the day. Why not get something fun and fashionable to keep you looking fashion fresh. Make sure you’ve got all the daily essentials in your bag – sunglasses, sunscreen, a good book, a floppy hat, some lip gloss, and any other makeup touch ups you’ll want. If you plan to wear eye makeup make sure it’s waterproof. Stay away from heavy foundations. If you must apply something use a bronzer moisturizer. It’s also a good idea to bring lip balm with an SPF15 to protect your lips. It never hurts to put some moisturizer in the bag. Include a snack and plenty of fluids. It’s important not to get dehydrated.

Okay great we’ve got the basics covered now what about the wardrobe basics? If you’re planning to wear a swimsuit it’s usually easiest to put it on at home, that way you’re not chasing down change rooms. So great – first on goes the swimsuit. Now what to wear for a cover? Well you’ve got plenty of choices. A tank top and shorts, tank and skort, or a nice light cotton dress all work well over top. Choose something that’s easy to put on and take off, and choose fabrics that breathe to keep you cool. I also suggest including a long sleeved cotton blouse just incase you start to burn you can protect your shoulders and arms.

If you’re planning on heading out later in the day without returning home you might want to toss a pair of jeans or long skirt into your bag. If your outing is going to extend into the evening you’ll want to include a sweater for the cooler evening air. If you’re worried about your evening wear getting sandy or wet at the beach, then place them in a separate bag and leave them in the trunk of your car. That way you are guaranteed they’ll remain fresh.

My favorite beach look is this. And what’s perfect is it keeps me looking fashion fresh throughout the day and takes me right into the evening. First I like a swimsuit that’s got lots of support and is bright and cheerful. I throw a fitted tank on top and throw on a loose flouncy long skirt. The long skirt serves me through the evening and also works great to cover up if I’m starting to burn. I choose a lightweight material in a darker color with a pattern that accents the colors in my swimsuit. Flip flops are my footwear. Depending on where I’m heading after the beach I choose either a basic pair or one of my funky pair with rhinestones or crystals. Easy to walk in, feet breath, and terrific for an evening out. I keep a fitted light weight sweater in my car, and take a long sleeved cotton blouse down to the beach. I usually choose a long sleeved and long length blouse because it’s versatile. I can knot it to create a short blouse, wear it long as a beach cover, and put it on if I start to burn on my upper body. I usually choose white or a soft pastel depending on my other colors. I like white because it’s cool to wear and refreshing to look at. Every year I buy a fun new beach tote that’s big enough for the beach but not too big as to take it with me for an evening out. I like a fun bag that’s full of character.

Since I always feel naked without my jewelry I wear fashion jewelry to the beach. That way should I loose something I won’t be out a lot of money and I won’t feel so bad. I like to keep the earrings simple and elegant. I may or may not wear a necklace. Often I’ll toss a funky wood necklace in the bag to add to the evening outfit. I like to wear a couple of fashion rings just to add the finishing touches. Now if you’re fussy about tan lines you’ll probably want to forgo the rings. I toss my watch in the bottom of my bag so I can put it on later.

That’s it – simple is the key. Keep your beach wardrobe choices simple but fashionable. Think ahead so you can go from beach to an evening out without hassle. Remember to always make your fashion statement!


About the author:
© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

Jeans can make you look very fashionable!

by: Mike Yeager

A little over a century ago Levi Strauss invented to first modern jeans. Introduced originally as rugged, durable clothing for hard working men and women, today all social classes feel comfortable in 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.

While the basic structure of jeans has remained the same, there have been some colorful innovations. Consider the Bell Bottoms of the 1970’s. Tight waisted and wide flaring bottoms. Yes, jeans are versatile and durable which is why they are such a hit with people. Who hasn’t enjoyed the feeling of slipping on an old comfortable pair of trusted jeans on a lazy Saturday morning? They fit well and they look great.

There are so many styles of jeans to choose from. Whether you want to mow your lawn or dress up for a business meeting, jeans just fit the bill. We’ve looked all over the web for quality jeans retailers and on this page you’ll find some great suggestions. You can order from the comfort of your home and before you know it, your new pair of jeans will be at your doorstep.

Shop for jeans, flare jeans, hipster jeans, bootleg jeans, classic cut jeans, hip hugger jeans, low rise jeans, bellbottom jeans stretch jeans, maternity jeans, carpenter jeans, straight cut jeans, ultra low rise jeans and much, much more.



About the author:
Mike Yeager
http://www.a1-fashion-4u.com


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Guide To Choosing A Fashion Design School

by: Linda Emerson

A successful future in the fashion design industry depends on the right choice of school to attend. Although fashion design is not one of the more popular careers to pursue, if your talents lie in this field, there is ample opportunity awaiting you. However, the first thing to hurdle is your choice of school.

When choosing a fashion design school, consider the following factors.

Area of Focus

Look into the nature of the school. Is it solely a fashion design school or does it offer other courses. Is this school well-known for its emphasis on fashion design?

Fashion design schools are few and far between. This makes it harder to choose one that fits your bill. Your first task will be to find a reputable school that will aid you in your training.

Also, look into whether the school participates in any fashion design competitions or has accomplished anything of reknown in the industry. This is a sure sign of their commitment to the fashion arts and its education among students.

Different schools have different strengths, find a school that plays to your strengths and has specializations in the field of your choice.

For example, you might choose a very well-known fashion design school only to find out that they specialize in childrens’ clothing, while the field of your choice is adult formal wear. This could diffuse your interests, and dull your specialization.

Make sure you know what field the school you are scouting focuses on. This will help you specialize in that area too.

Alumni and Job Placements

Does the college offer job placement assistance? And has the alumni from this school gone on to be successful professionals? Always learn from other’s previous experience. If you see that those that had gone through this school before you received proper training and are successful in their field, that is an indication of a good school.

Most of these reputable schools have numerous connections in the graphic arts industry. They usually offer job placement services. You may want to consider this when choosing a school.

It would do no harm to start looking at the educational background of your admired fashion designer. Checking out the schools they came from will give an idea of the sort of training these artists went through. From here, you may make decisions as to whether you would like to choose the same school as they did.

Curriculum

You must assess whether the curriculum is relevant to you field of study. You may want to compare the curricula of different schools to see which offers the best form of education.

It would also be wise to check the quality of the teaching staff at that school. Having established artists who teach at a fashion design school is also an indication of a good training program.

Student to Teacher Ratio

Ask yourself: how big are the classes and how many teachers and classes are available at this school before you choose it. The more the students, the lesser the efficacy of the teacher. However, if there are too few students per teacher, that could tell of a different problem – that of quality. If this is the case, it may be that the school is not popular or is suffering from anemic academic performance.

Accreditation

Accreditation means the school has passed certain standards of educational quality. Accreditation is performed by the U.S. Department of Education. Fashion design schools must be accredited to prove their level of competence.

Check with the State Postsecondary School Licensing Bureau to see if the college you are investigating is accredited. Also, check the National Approval and Accreditation for this concern.

Cost

Some people may proclaim that to obtain their education, they would spare no coin. Unfortunately, it also pays to be practical in your choice of fashion design school. If the school you choose has a tuition rate that is beyond your financial capability, you might find yourself working and unable to pursue your studies consistently due to the financial stress which may lead you to look for part-time work.

Scholarships

You might want to consider whether the design school you are looking at offers any scholarships. You also might want to know the terms to them too. Some schools offer scholarships based on academic performance. Some offer them based on fashion design competitions they hold regularly.

Your choice of school is an investment that will last you a lifetime. Proper care and investigation in choosing such is truly important. When you are comfortable with your choice of fashion design schools, you can now chart your path towards a successful career.

About the author:
For more great fashion design school info and advice check out: http://www.topdesignschools.com


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Find the Right Handbag for your style!

by: Mike Yeager

To make the outfit a success, find the right handbag! A handbag, or purse, can be the item to make an okay outfit into a fashion statement. While some women prefer to have just one or a couple handbags in their collection, others have as many as they have outfits. Some women prefer the top of the line designer bag while others make do with the department store knock off. Regardless of these things, handbags are essential to the success of busy women.

First, to find the right handbag. Knowing what look is desired is important. It is also important to know the use of the handbag as well. Just about every style, size, and color imaginable are out there. Often matching the handbag to the shoes or even to a hair piece is key. So, to start, chose the style and color that will match the outfit. Know the texture and feel of the clothes as well as this will show in the details.

Now, we know what handbag we are looking for. So, were to look? Check out the local department stores. Quite possible the look we want will be there. Other options are to look in fashion boutiques and malls. Yet another place to look are catalogs, and even online. Most major designers have their handbags online for purchase to those who cannot get to the actual store. Even more possibilities are available to those who still can't find what they are looking for.

Handbags are essential to the busy women as well. Not only is it a fashion statement to have the right bag, it’s also a necessity. Many women are hustling from one place to the next, from home to work to picking up the kids to doctor's appointments and soccer games. All the necessary items, cell phone, wallet, extra snacks even gotta make it in the handbag or may get forgotten along the way. So, when choosing the right bag, ensure the handbag is the proper size for what it will be used for.

Overall, a handbag is necessary, but also fashionable. Whether it is making the outfit complete, adding to it as an accessory or just holding all the essentials of our busy lives, handbags are important. It is pretty easy to find just any bag, but to find the right bag may take some extra looking. But, the varieties are numerous and the choices are outstanding. Finding the right handbag will keep you fashionable and organized!




About the author:
Mike Yeager
http://www.my-handbag-4me.com/


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Got A Closet Full of Trendy Clothes? Watch Out!

by: Donna Monday

You just bought a pair of Ugg boots to go with your hip hugger jeans and trucker cap. And that’s not all. You scour the fashion magazines for the latest trends, then go running out to fill your closet. Trendy is good, right?

Uh, not so fast. Keeping abreast of the trends in fashion is essential to not looking outdated, but having a closet full of trendy clothes can quickly turn into a big waste of time and money, unless you’re Paris Hilton. Maybe Paris can afford to buy and discard clothes like candy, but the average woman needs a wardrobe with some staying power.

All the fashion experts agree that you should build your wardrobe around classic pieces like: blazers, tailored suits, neutral bottoms and tops. Classic clothing lasts for years and is very versatile.

On the other hand, trends come and go. Those Ugg boots you just bought along with the trucker caps are already passé (according to fashionistas in the know). You can either give them away to Good Will or keep wearing them because you really like them.

Trends in fashion are very fickle: some last a long time, while others fizzle in a single season. Because of this, it’s almost impossible to keep up with every single trend. For practical reasons, you should pick a few trendy pieces – that look flattering on you – and add them to your wardrobe.

When the trend is over, discard them or defiantly wear those trendy clothes whenever you like. As long as people aren’t laughing at you in the streets, who cares?

Just remember not to overdo it. You don’t want to have to replace your entire wardrobe every time a new trend comes out – unless you’re an heiress with money to burn.



About the author:
Donna Monday
Find the hottest looks in plus size fashion – discounts, bargains and more!
http://www.plus-size-appeal.com



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Finding the dresses and fashion you need!

by: Mike Yeager

When you look in your closet do you see dresses that you like or are there many, many old, out of style dresses that you wouldn’t dare be seen in? Fashions do change over time and naturally the cut and style of modern dresses is very different from even 20-30 years ago. Why? Fashions change, tastes change and of course people simply get bored of wearing the same old dresses.

The 1970s and 80s saw the beginning of more divergent trends in fashion. This was the result of the increasing popularity of ready-to-wear collections by major designers, which made fashionable label-conscious dressing possible for the middle class. You’ll find that every store has dozens of trendy labels that portray the image style and class. Today most people simply buy their dresses of the shelf, no need to have each individual item of clothing hand made.

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.

We’ve searched the web and found some very interesting selections for you to choose from if your looking for a new dress or dresses. The power of the internet allows you to thoughtfully choose and select the dresses that would look best on you. So the next time you look into your wardrobe closet and you’re wondering what to wear, you’ll have a wide range of comfortable, attractive dresses to choose from.



About the author:
Mike Yeager
Author/Publisher
http://www.a1-fashion-4u.com


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Behind Your Levi 501 Jeans!

by: Mike Yeager

Behind your Levi 501 jeans is a lot more than just comfortable clothing that's both fashionable and durable. There's also a very interesting history about it. For one, do you know that Levi Strauss, after whom the jeans are named, didn't make the jeans at all? Levi Strauss was a dry goods merchant who became a very successful businessman. He was also a philanthropist. He had a regular customer, a tailor named Jacob Davis. Jacob had a client who kept ripping the pockets of the pants that Jacob made.

Jacob developed a method of strengthening this man's trousers by putting metal rivets at the points of strain. The idea was a great success, and Jacob wanted to patent it. However, he did not have the $68 needed to file for a patent, so he asked Levi to be his business partner. Levi, seeing the potential, agreed. They held the patent for 20 years until it expired in 1891, allowing everyone else to copy the process of using metal rivets, which then became public domain. Another interesting story is the use of the word, "jeans." Denim pants have been used in the 1800s for work wear. "Waist overalls" was the name used for these work clothing.

The word, "jeans," started to be used around the 1960s when the generation then adopted the term for this type of pants. Why "501" for Levi jeans? It just so happened that at around 1890, the type of pants made from denim supplied by the Amoskeag Mill in Manchester, New Hampshire, which gave the jeans a strong reputation regarding durability, was given the number 501. The number stuck to this day, giving the meaning that the 501 jeans you wear assures you of durability.


About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.my-jeans-4me.com/


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Clothing that is fashionable and stylish!

by: Mike Yeager

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.

We’ve searched all over the net and have selected a few choice merchants that we feel offer timeless, quality clothing and reasonable prices. Take a few minutes to look around 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
Author/Publisher
http://www.a1-fashion-4u.com

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Are You One Of The 40,000,000 Invisible Women In Our Society?

by: Georgia Donovan

It's a sad but true fact that so many women over forty feel invisible. Changing this has become my passion.

One of the things that inspired me to do what I now do, after having had an executive position with a telecom giant, was an experience I had one day following one of my seminars.

An attractive, well dressed woman came up to me and told me that the thing she hated most about becoming older was that she felt invisible. She explained how, everywhere you look, you see woman in their twenties and thirties being presented as role models for beauty and style. Rarely do you see mature women in TV and print ads and some of the fashion magazines feature teenagers as models. There's only one magazine devoted entirely to the mature woman - More Magazine.

Just because we're getting older doesn't mean we have to become an invisible part of society. It doesn't mean we we have to let ourselves go, gain weight and start looking frumpy. My late aunt Josie, while in her eighties, looked like she just stepped off the cover of Vogue whenever she went out.

A woman can still look great as she ages if . . . she learns how to do it.

Many of the makeup techniques that work on a twenty or thirty year old, are a disaster on the face of a forty five year old woman. Unfortunately, many older women have not yet learned this. As we age, one of the makeup secrets we need to know is that "Less is better."

Mistakes in wardrobe are even more apparent. Recently, I was asked by a national magazine to comment on some celebrity women. Here's what I had to say about an outfit that Kim Catrall, who I happen to adore, was wearing:

"Belly bearing cutoffs and lace up top are not for the over forty woman. Longer, boy cut shorts and a fuller cut tank with a built-in bra would give her the same bare look."

Below are some fashion anchors every woman over forty should have in her wardrobe:

- A “Little Black Dress” - Black/Navy Pencil or A-Line Skirt - Black/Navy Slacks/Trousers - Black Cashmere Sweater - White Shirt - Comfortable yet Chic Black 2” heels - Classic Trench Coat

Fashion tips: Pants with clean lines, no pockets, no pleats look best on almost every woman because they are slimming.

Black or navy will make you look thinner, but add some color with accessories to give your look some flair. Elastic waist pants or skirts are to be avoided at all costs because they flatter no one.

Develop a signature. Wear a favorite ring or special bracelet all the time. Something people will always identify and remember about you.

The scarf should be a wardrobe staple. Learn how to use it and wear it many ways, such as, looped through your pants as a belt, or tied on the handle of your handbag.

If you want to learn all my insider techniques for looking fabulous after forty, fifty, sixty and beyond, visit: http://www.LookingFabulousAfter40.com

Until next time, keep looking your best and claim your power.



About the author:
Georgia Donovan, The Clothes Doctor, is a fashion stylist and image consultant, whose mission is to help women reach their fashion potential and raise their fashion consciousness. To subscribe to her free newsletter for mature women, visit http://www.lookingfabulousafter40.comor http://www.theclothesdoctor.com

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5 Tips for a Great Fashion Fit

by: Donna Monday

Ladies, have you ever been in a department store dressing room and talked yourself into buying an outfit that looked great – on someone else?

Face it. If it doesn’t fit right in the dressing room, it won’t fit well or look good when you wear it out in public. Here are five quick and easy tips to remember when buying clothes that look good and fit well on your body type.

Tip #1 – Stick to a Color Theme

Wear the same color from head to toe. This will create the illusion of a long lean line. Neutral colors work best for this effect: black, brown, camel or cream. (Note: add a splash of color with a jacket or wrap)

Tip #2 – Wear Your Correct Size

Dress in the size you are – not the size you want to be. In spite of what you might believe, wearing clothes that are too tight or too big will make you look LARGER.

Tip #3 – Be Aware of Flattering Fabrics

You want to wear fabrics that skim your curves instead of cling to them. Fabrics should drape your body and make you look good, not lumpy.

Tip #4 – Best Pants to Wear

The most flattering pants to wear for all body types have a flat front, fall just below the navel (not hip huggers), and flare slightly at the bottom.

Tip #5 – Best Skirt to Wear

The most flattering skirts to wear for all body types gets a perfect grade of “A”. The A-line skirt looks good on everybody and is great for hiding figure flaws.



About the author:
Donna Monday
Find the hottest looks in plus size fashion – discounts, bargains and more!
http://www.plus-size-appeal.com

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