Jan
02

Essentials That Should Be In Every Woman’s Closet

There are some pieces that every woman needs to have in her closet. These are essential pieces of clothing and with them, she can go far. Having the right pieces of clothing will allow her to be dressed for any occasion and have the ability to mix and match to create new looks and put a new spin on things.

A pair of well-fitting jeans is a must for every woman’s closet. The brand does not matter as much as the fit of them. They should make her feel like a million bucks when she zips them. A dark wash is better because it is more with the current trends and more figure flattering. In addition, a pair of black dress pants can take her far. Black dress pants can be paired with a sweater in the winter, a sexy little top in the summer and many other combinations in between.

A pair of brown or black boots that come up near the knee are an essential. They can be worn with skirts, dresses, jeans and slacks. There is rarely an outfit that a good pair of boots will not go with.

A little black dress is a piece that is absolutely timeless. A little black dress can be work to practically every kind of occasion from weddings to funerals to graduations to interviews or a night out on the town.

Scarves are a wonderful addition to have in your closet. They are very versatile and can be added to many outfits. They also add a pop of color where it is needed. They can be used as they are intended or as a belt, an accessory to a purse or even a headband. They can pull an outfit together. They are also very economical, making this item a purchase everyone can afford to indulge in.

Black and white tank tops are also essentials because they can mix and match. You can wear them with cardigans, under other types of sweaters or alone on a warm day.

A flowery sundress is an item of clothing every woman should try to add to her closet, as well. It is perfect for backyard barbeques, a summer date and many other occasions. It can also be worn into the fall if paired with a jeans jacket and boots.

Every woman’s essentials are a little different but these top the list of most.

Jan
01

Most anticipated fashion shows

The words high fashion or Haute couture describe clothes that are rare, unique one-of-a-kind, and of course, trendsetting fashion. Haute couture generally suggests a look designed for a specific customer, created using expensive fabrics hand-sewn by seamstresses. High-end fashion designers sporting names such as Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfield, Prada and Versace generally display their designs to the public. These events are well publicized, occurring yearly or semi-annually in exquisite surroundings.

There often is a theme to these highly anticipated events. Fashions are displayed in spectacular surroundings that have set designers envious. The audience will be watching the designs worn by beautiful models expressing the theme of the event walking on a runway or viewing the fashions in shops.

New York’s Fashion Night Out

In its fourth year, the New York Fashion Night Out began as a way to help the economy and support New York’s stores and involved about 12 other cities around the world. It evolved into more than 100 international cities for the 2012 event.

This event, held in September, had more than 100 retailers, including high-end retailers such as Montblanc, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Saks Fifth Avenue at The Shoppes at The Palazzo Sept. 6 through the 9th. Fashion Night Out is collaboration between Vogue, The Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company and the city of New York.

Retailers in the area offered discounts, in-store events and shopping incentives. Other events included a live runway show at Fashion Show that featured all the latest fashions and trends and getting the scoop on style at a stylist seminar.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Gala

This is a red-carpeted annual event in the spring at the MET and everyone who is anyone attends. Here you will see A-listed celebrities, fashion models and designers all wearing someone’s newest design.

The theme for the MET Gala was a conversation between Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, two fashion greats from two different eras. Schiaparelli was a fashion designer during the break between World War 1 and World War II. She survived until the late 1940s, but couldn’t cope with the change in fashion that occurred after the Second World War

Miuccia Prada is in her early 60s, and started her career designing handbags. She entered the field of women designs in the 1980s and now has 250 stores in 65 countries. Miuccia Prada was one of the hosts of the event.

These two events are probably the most exciting and anticipated events in the fashion world. To stand with impeccably dressed people oozing charm and sophistication in a New York shopping environment and a red-carpeted event at the MET are two events always well attended. The Fashion Night Out is open to the public while the gala event is invitation only.

Dec
08

Latest trends in handbags

There are some awesome new trends in handbags. A lot of it has to do with the style of celebrities.

A lot of celebrities are putting their stamp on handbags. Jessica Simpson, for example, has her own collection. This has made a lot of other stars take notice and try to duplicate her success.

The bags made by Simpson are little puffier than the bags that are designed by Coach or Prada. These handbags are designed with more hard leather. This is for people that have high incomes. The reality, however, is that people are finding some great handbag deals with messenger bags. These bags are simple and most women carry tablet PCs in these bags.

The handbags are a lot more casual. The most basic purse doesn’t look all that fancy anymore. To the contrary, the handbag is something that is becoming a lot sportier for the middle class consumers.

On the high end of the spectrum some celebrities are paying more for their purses. The handbags designed by Dooney & Bourke are becoming even more expensive. Lots of these bags have a pull string. Many of the bags with zippers are being replaced by bags that do not zip. The snap button bags are also getting a lot more attention.

Handbags are also coming in dual color schemes. There are some brown purses that may have red straps. Lots of handbags are designed to match outfits. A good number of consumers are looking for something that will also match shoes.

The over the shoulder straps are not as popular as they once were. The handbags are becoming replaced by smaller straps that women will hold. More women are taking an interest in the thin and narrow purses. People are carrying around portable devices like eBook readers and iPads. Most people do not want to buy an extra carrying case. In most instances people would just rather stuff their electronic devices into their handbags. There are so many females that just want to use their handbags for everything. No one wants to buy any other bags.

Lots of trends are forming with wool bags as well. The handbags that are made of cloth are trendy. This is good for all those that may want an alternative to the leather bags. These cloth or wool bags are also much cheaper than some of the leather bags that are being sold.

Nov
09

Ways to put your old clothes to work

Styles come and go and many times your old clothes items sit in closets for years before you finally throw them away. This is a giant waste and there are more productive things you can do with your clothes. Your old clothes may no longer be part of your current wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own uses. There are many ways to utilize old clothes that have fallen out of regular usage. Consider these tips when deciding what to do with your old clothes.

If the clothes item you are no longer using is structurally intact but there is some minor feature that you simply don’t like about it you can revitalize the clothes item by adding something new to it. You don’t need to be a professional knitter to make quick modifications to your clothes. On an old shirt add a bow to it or seam the bottoms of an old pair of pants. Cut the legs off a pair of jeans and you have a new pair of shorts. There are many ways you can make your old clothes feel new.

Sometimes your old clothes are still attractive, but you have simply outgrown them. For these clothes items, see if you can pass them along to younger family members or friends. There is no point in throwing away something simply because you have gotten a little taller or heavier. You can do something nice by giving it to a loved one and possibly get a present back in return as a thank you.

Clothes can be donated to charity if you have no other uses for them. This provides you with a tax deduction that you can use if you itemize your deductions to reduce your ultimate tax bill. This gives your clothes a second life and allows you to feel good about your good deed.

For clothes that have become old and gnarly, consider using them for work rags for use on your car or garden. Clothes that have reached this state generally have little additional purposes other than becoming rags of some kind. You will save money on purchasing work rags and will have found an ultimate use for an old clothes item.

All too often we throw away items that have other uses. Consider what you can use these items for and how you can use old clothes items in creative ways even after they are through their first life.

Oct
02

Must Have’s for This Season’s Wardrobe

Trends are ever-changing. This can actively affect anyone’s wardrobe who is a true follower of current trending circles and trend setting icons, alike.

It’s obvious that the 60′s is currently in. You see the shapes, the themes, and the fabrics all effectively worn on the Victoria Secret runways. The entirety of this season, it’s been a must-have for chic-sporting connoisseurs, everywhere. Both Vogue and Elle Magazine have also took high interest in the trend, as it’s been most recently hosted on their front paged websites and featured (sometimes sneakily) in their model advertisements, in numerous magazines. Of course, having a 60′s flair in your personal wardrobe, it’s smart to incorporate it into the occasional outfit, using a modern sense of flair. Of course, this doesn’t mean going all out on a dark bob-cut, to finish the look. If you’ve got the right sense of style this season, then any hairdo could be worked into your 60′s-inspired, groovy threads.

An interesting current day trend that’s been sweeping the nation, is the Australian inspired prints from the well established shoe brand “Ugg”. This can apply to both the teenage group and the young at heart. Ugg has been a popular trend for quite a few years now, but more recently has the idea of the zebra striped and leopard printed slip-on been widely acknowledged and appreciated for its bold addition to any outfit. A good pair-up would be a comfy pair of black slacks or dark, faded jeans, it give it that extra “urban gone wild” flair. Remember though, less is more when dealing with animal prints and their accessories.

A must have in any self-acclaimed fashionista’s closet, this season, is a body lace “Bodycon” dress (or pull-over). Of course, a tasteful solid fabric under-dress is required, as it’s made up of a near translucent webbed material. These tend to come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Black and white are a tasteful choice, but if you’re willing to mix it up a bit, why not go with a bright yellow or bold red lacing dress? Maybe top it off with some cute mismatched platform shoes and a waist belt? This dress type is appropriately worn to most places and can be changed up with a number of different accessories.

The last on this list of must-haves is the sequined bow heel. This high-heeled shoe is something that most anyone can pull off, although it’s suggested that you pair it with bottoms that are higher than the ankle. This is to show off the nicely placed sequined bow accent at the heel of the shoe. It’s a bold part to any outfit, but not so bold that you’ll have people staring in confusion. The sequin detailing makes the shoe feel and appear very chic and expensive, without the high cost.

Sep
28

Perfumes that fit your personality

I was reading a magazine in my doctor’s waiting room when I came across an article about selecting the perfect perfume and the term signature scent. I realized that every time I reminisce about my grandmother I can actually smell the fragrance of lavender and when I think about my grandfather I enjoy a waft of Old Spice aftershave. Those unmistakable olfactory memories remain as sharp as ever even though other details have blurred over the years.

By the time I left the doctor’s office I knew I had to develop my own signature scent, a pleasant aroma to be associated with. I threw myself into research by visiting the perfume counter of my favorite department store. I spritzed myself with countless samples and got friendly with the sales staff.

I quickly discovered that when it comes to perfume less is more. The idea is not to drown in the scent but rather to dab it onto pulse points such as the throat, inner wrists and behind the ear lobes. I also learned not to choose a perfume just because I liked the name or the way it smelled. The perfect perfume is a reflection of the wearer’s personality.

I’m an assertive person who does well in the workplace but feels most comfortable outdoors. I dress professionally for work but at home favor jeans and boots. I enjoy hiking, boating and horseback riding. My personality fits well with an earthy scent such as musk, sandalwood or moss.

My best friend is a bundle of energy. She’s a great mom to four children and also runs her own business. She somehow finds the time to serve on the PTA and coach cheerleading. Her personality dictates a sporty and scent such as citrus or fresh rain.

Those seeking an image of chic and sophisticated fashionista are probably best suited for exotic spicy scent that includes cinnamon, clove and even coffee. Floral scents typically reflect a flirtatious and playful personality. Those who choose floral scents are usually demure, feminine and hopeless romantics.

Finding a perfume that fits your personality might take some work but establishing your signature scent is worth the effort. There are several Internet sites that can provide additional assistance with personality quizzes and information for discovering your perfume personality.

Sep
19

Purchasing Shoes That Benefit The Community

You may have never heard about this but there is a way of purchasing shoes that benefit the community. There is a group of students who enlisted the help of people, businesses, and charitable organizations to get new shoes for kids who needed them.

There are always students in need and the kids who formed this group are to be applauded for their efforts. They decided that the eligibility requirements were that the kids had to be already eligible for the free school lunch programs.

In no time at all these enterprising young people had raised a whopping $500 and were able to buy 20 pairs of new shoes. They are still out drumming up community support and getting other businesses and people to join in. There is always room for more community sponsors.

Our Kids

This helps to restore our faith and trust in our kids. In a world where it seems a lot of values have fallen by the wayside this is a story that lifts the heart and reminds us of our most valuable natural resource which is our kids.

They were thoughtful throughout the process. They even saw to it that anonymity was the rule for the shoe recipients. They were passed out privately by the school counselors.

They believe that having new shoes will help bring a sense of self-confidence to the students who receive them. They hope their efforts make a real difference and make their school a better place for kids to be.

So why let this beautiful spirit go to waste? Every community can use programs like this. If you are a student and see a need in your school you can organize like these students did and make a real difference in the lives of students who could really use a thoughtful and caring friend.