FashBlog.com

There is quite a bit of emphasis put on the world of fashion these days. Actually, the emphasis placed on fashion wear has been around in one varying degree or another since the Roman Empire (remember the death penalty being imposed upon people who were not royalty donning purple clothes? No? Before your time?) Then again, even with all the emphasis tossed around as to proper fashion, there will always be those who will have either zero fashion sense or simply refuse to accept the reality that they need to invest money in order to have a decent fashion wardrobe. Either means of ignorance is the path to the heresy of wearing clothes that are horribly out of style.

Personally, I always found the concept of dressing up to be somewhat confounding under certain circumstances. Outside of certain formal and social settings, the need for anything beyond casual wear (or, more specifically, business casual) is really unnecessary. But, there will always be those events that will require a jacket and tie.

In my freshman year of High School, there was some dopey event, lord knows what it ways. NONE of the events at my high school were important in any way shape of form. I remember they once had speakers from the Epsilon Society of Greater Living Through Intellect come in to speak. Joy. But, I digress…

Some silly event required us to wear a jacket and tie and, being 14, didn't have one. Oh, not to worry, my parents had one found something for me in their closet: a green blazer from 1965. Yes, 1965. Despite my pleas, they INSISTED it was a great jacket and off I was to total humiliation of mocking laughter and it was totally deserved. Not my fault, but deserved. The blazer was, after all, over 22 years out of style.

So why do people have such a love for vintage clothing?

Well, because vintage clothing is fun to collect and wear around the house. Not every sale of clothes is designed for public consumption and view. A gorilla suit, for example, looks great under certain circumstances. A gorilla suit simply would not look all that great in church. Oh sure, to someone like me or anyone who shares my sensibilities probably would find the concept of a guy in a gorilla suit sitting in church to be funny, funny stuff. To the rest of the world, such a person would be a nut.

Also deemed a nut would be anyone waltzing into a nightclub wearing a 1977 vintage era leisure suit, but people still buy them and the reason they buy them is not unlike purchasing a model airplane. It is cool stuff to have in one's closet as part of a collection of neat-o things. Does it have practical value? Of course not, but it is still fun.

Then again, there will always be those people who has such little concept of fashion sense that one could give them a 1970 vintage outfit and the person receiving the gift will have absolutely no clue that what they are receiving has been out of style for 36 years. If there ever was a need to the answer to the age old question, what do you give to the person who has everything, the answer is: fleece them somehow.

This is not to say, however, that certain vintage clothing does not look super cool. Those tan Starskey and Hutch jackets, some of the odder 1970's era hats and sunglasses all have a charm unto themselves. Then again, these items have a tendency to fall more into the realm of casual or active wear, so the fact that they have a kitschy charm is not a negative, but a positive.

The key to getting the most out of vintage clothing is realizing that it is a gimmick for casual wear. There is a right medium that this type of clothing will shine in. Trying to pawn off vintage clothing from three or four decades ago as dress wear in the office will probably kill off all chances of a promotion. Use common sense and a bit of fashion sense when picking vintage clothing or, more specifically, picking the platform in which to walk around in vintage clothing.

They say that now in this day and age is one of the best times to be pregnant because there are so many wardrobe options. It used to be that a pregnant woman had her choice of different color moo moos. Needless to say that it had to be very hard to wake up in the morning, get yourself all gussied up in your moo moo and feel attractive. So why is it that with all the choices that there are now that it still feels almost impossible to be attractive. You start looking around you and you want to wear anything but what you're wearing regardless of weather or not it is something you would have worn in the first place.

I myself happen to be 37 weeks pregnant, every day dragging by just a little bit slower than the day before and it really does not help that none of my clothes fit. Even when they do I feel like a cow. I still haven't been able to figure out how to make myself feel more attractive as I get larger and larger but I am starting to discover a few things that can be your savior when you are near the end of a pregnancy and everything in your closet is just a little too tight. Or all your shirts just do not quite seem to cover up your belly.

My best friend right now is a large pair of overalls that I decided to invest in but never thought that I would actually wear. We all do it, buy something that is very unlike us but you think well maybe I will wear them around the house. That was my original thought when I bought these but it did not take long to change my mind. There are three advantages to overalls when you are pregnant. 1) Pregnant women actually look kind of cute in overalls. 2) All those shirts in your closet that won't cover that belly because it's gotten so big, you can still wear with your overalls. 3) Overalls do not put any kind of pressure on your stomach so they are so much more comfortable than wearing regular jeans.

My second and really my only other best friend right now are my husband's clothes. These I mostly just wear around the house but they have been a great help to me. Even though I may only have a few things on my side of the closet to choose from at this point I still have his whole wardrobe to choose from. The things that I love about wearing my husband's clothes are 1) Men's shirts are made so much longer than women's, even maternity shirts. 2) It makes me feel secure to wear his clothes especially if they smell just a little like him. 3) The comfort factor, because it is so hard to get comfortable when you are this large.

I have picked up other ideas here and there that have been a little helpful. I have had the wonderful privilege of being pregnant through the summer months, the hottest months of the whole year. Even though I am not normally a dress person I did decide that one good way to beat the heat would be with a sun dress. Now that same sun dress seems just a little too short with my belly being so large. I figured out a way to get around that problem. It hasn't always been one of my favorite fashion trends but when you are running out of things to wear and like me you refuse to spend one more dollar on clothes that you very well may never be able to wear again you tend to start making sacrifices. You can where that dress over a pair of jeans. You may get hot but that's one more outfit to choose from in your closet.

One advantage to being pregnant during the summer time is that you can wear flip flops. I think that I would rather suffer through the heat than have to wear regular shoes everyday on my already swollen feet. Plus flip flops are relatively cheap and you can buy them in all different styles and colors. You can make it one way of livening up an already boring outfit.

My last thought here is that every pregnant woman feels the same. Or at least I'm hoping that it is not just me. Women everywhere have felt the same insecurities and have had the same problems with clothing that come along with having a child. As long as you keep that thought in mind, it makes your day just a little bit easier. A supportive husband does not hurt either.

By Crystal Bowden

In my dresser drawer, I have four white tee shirts. They were originally from the little boys' department, and were bought together in a cellophane package. These tee shirts have been stained and bleached and stained again, and they're pretty much at the point where they can't be worn in public anymore. But on days like today, when I have nowhere to be and nothing to do except sit at home, get some work done and maybe clean the house a little- on days like today, these white tee shirts are the single most comfortable things I can imagine.

I'm not sure if there's any item of clothing that I love quite as much as a white tee shirt. Paired with a flowing peasant skirt, casual sandals and a few beaded necklaces, a slim-fitted white tee shirt can make an effortless outfit. If you have something in your wardrobe that is difficult to match- such as, for example, beige and red plaid pants or a brilliant turquoise skirt- then a white tee shirt is by far the best way to turn those single pieces into functional outfits.

White tee shirts are also great for those situations where you need something to wear underneath something else. I own a few nylon tops that are slightly see-through, and putting a white tee shirt underneath not only keeps them modest, it also creates a casual, contemporary layered look. White tee shirts also work great beneath cardigans or pull-over sweaters; that extra layer helps keep you warm while keeping the texture of the sweater away from your skin.

Finally, and this can't be discounted, the white tee shirt has the coolness factor. Like most people, when I see a guy in a white tee shirt and jeans I'm immediately reminded of James Dean, with his black leather jacket slung over one shoulder and a pack of cigarettes rolled into one sleeve. When my boyfriend wears a white tee shirt, he immediately looks tan and healthy and absolutely amazing.

It's funny that I can't wear white in any other situations. I have a few white blouses and tops, and somehow they always manage to make me look washed out and a few pounds heavier than I actually am. White tee shirts, on the other hand, have a fresh cool look that makes natural skin tones glow.

If you love white tee shirts as much as I do, you're probably already aware of how easily they can be worked into any wardrobe combination, and how comfortable and easy to wear they are. If you're new to the idea of white tee shirts, it's time to find some good ones. So where do you look?

First of all, all white tee shirts are not created equal. Don't buy a tee shirt that feels like tissue paper; all it will do is show your bra and develop holes the first time you wash it. At the same time, don't choose a shirt that is made of extra-heavy cotton, as those tend not to breathe very well, and even after multiple washes they don't conform to your shape as well as they should. The single best texture for white tee shirts I've found are the kind that come in multi-packs and that are made from 100% cotton. You can probably find them in the women's department; they're also sold in men's and children's. You may have to experiment a little to find the tee shirts you like best, since there are a few different brands (such as Fruit of the Loom and Hanes). For best testing results, try a pack from each department, since you'll find that women's shirts are cut slightly differently than men's (I prefer the straight cut of the boy's shirts), and a child's large is a different size than a women's small.

Finding the perfect white tee shirts is a great way to expand your wardrobe exponentially. The fashion possibilities of a white tee are perfect for anyone and can fit into any lifestyle, be it casual or professional. Most importantly, having plenty of the right white tee shirts on hand will give you something to wear on those lazy days at home without feeling like you look like a slob. You'll feel great. Trust me.
-by bjp

Of all the fashion challenges I've come across in my life- from being short, to being a professional in an office setting, to dressing to hide my own figure flaws- the single most major issue I've had to face has been looking put-together. I realize that's a very general statement; but it encompasses lots of facets of fashion that I think more people could afford to pay attention to when choosing their daily wardrobes.

Looking put-together can be tricky. Sometimes we get lost in finding clothes that don't make us 'look fat' or that suit our age or positions. What we don't notice is that our outfits tend to look last-minute, or like we've given up and just thrown on whatever was on the floor. Sometimes, no matter how much time you spend on your outfit, you can walk out of the house looking like you haven't changed clothes in three days.

Fashion is exhausting, and looking put-together is sometimes such a challenge that many people (me included) just don't bother. But over the years, I have developed a few strategies that have helped me to create a more put-together look without much effort on my part. These tips help keep me from wishing I'd never left the house the first time I pass a full-length mirror.

Tip One: Get constant trims for your hair.
This doesn't necessarily constitute fashion, but honestly, a good hair day is the single easiest way to make yourself look professional and polished. If your hair is in an awkward growing-out stage, it is going to have a tendency to look unfinished no matter what you do. Find a stylist that you trust to listen to you when you say that you are trying to grow your hair, and visit them every three to six weeks for trimming and shaping of your hair without losing length. Similarly, get any coloring jobs updated more often than you think you need to. Your hair may look fine to you, but under florescent office lighting or in the sunshine it might look multi-colored and outdated.

Tip Two: Keep the things that need work away from your closet. Far away.
If you notice a loose seam, a missing button, or a stain on a certain shirt or a pair of pants, remove the item from your wardrobe rotation immediately. If you're like me and you get desperate enough on some mornings to put the item back on even though it has a flaw, you'll end up wearing it out of the house and regretting it. Take the item and box it up or move it to a different closet on a different level of the house if you really don't trust yourself. Once a month, or more often if you have the time or need the clothes, go through the box and do the necessary repairs before allowing the item back into your everyday wardrobe.

Tip Three: Add the right accessories.
I know that everyone says this, but accessories really can make an outfit, and a plain pant and shirt combination that looks bland and boring can look much more put-together with the addition of a great necklace, a striking belt, or a pair of fantastic shoes. Form a collection of small accessories that go with anything, and keep them on hand for those mornings when there's nothing to wear. As you're running out of the house in an outfit that you don't love, you can grab a scarf or hat that you know will work and instantly pull together your entire look.

Tip Four: Pay attention to the details.
The details of your appearance are extremely important. If you're anything like me, you probably dress to draw attention away from things. Maybe you've got a pair of pants that sit strangely at the waist, so you can only wear them with a shirt that is long enough to cover the problem. Or you have a shirt that gapes oddly at the bottom button and can only be worn with a cardigan sweater buttoned over it. If your daily wardrobe is plagued by these sorts of situations, you need to start phasing out the problem clothing. Trust me- it will make your day that much easier and make you look much more polished in the long run. I understand that almost every piece of clothing can sometimes have a problem, so this isn't a quick fix. It will take several months to weed out the problem stuff (or fix the problems) and gradually replace the items with new and acceptable ones.

Tip Five: Take a chance.
Once in awhile, you just need to punch it up. Buy something in a color that you would never wear, such as a bright burnt orange or a soft buttery yellow. Pair it with a color that you feel safe in- your favorite jeans or a neutral pair of khakis- and see how it makes you feel. If you feel overwhelmed by the color, it may just be a natural reaction to something you're not used to, so ask your friends for opinions. If they love it, then force yourself to wear it and chances are good you'll start to love it, too. If you're not bold enough to purchase a shirt or sweater in a new color, try a scarf or a piece of costume jewelry. Try parting your hair on the opposite side. Pair heels with your favorite jeans for the first time, or buy a pair of patterned black tights instead of solid ones. The important thing is to mix it up, because by doing so you will feel more polished and presentable immediately, and that will show through in your attitude. Someone who gives off the air of loving what they are wearing can make even a not-so-perfect outfit seem to radiate with confidence and style.


Looking put together is a lifelong fashion process. Sometimes, we can't pull it off; and running out on weekends or cleaning the house aren't times when it's terribly important. But learning a few basic rules and abiding by them will instantly make you feel better about yourself- and the more often you do it, the more confident you'll become in your fashion choices.
-by bjp

When I was in my early 20's I was a size 6. After about eight years, a slower metabolism and a more sedentary life of working five days a week behind a desk typing away I gained about 15 pounds. I still work out, I still eat well, but I just can't seem to get back to what I used to weigh. So how come at most stores I still wear a size 6, sometimes even squeezing into a size 4. The answer? Vanity sizing. A fairly new concept that has been evolving over the last few years.

What is it?

It is a concept of marketing genius, that feeds into our thin culture, where we are led to believe that if we fit into a size 4 or 6 we will be happier. And sadly it works. I don't want to admit it, but who does not feel better when they can still wear the same sizes of their youth. Retailers have found the holy grail to brand loyalty. If they give their customers the impression they are smaller and able to buy small clothes, even thought the clothes are really bigger, then the customer will come back for more. Sounds simple enough.

As consumers we know what is going on. I've known it for a while. All of our sizes are getting bigger, because we as Americans are getting bigger. The problem I have with vanity sizing though is not so much that I feel better getting into a small size, it is the fact that the fashion industry knows that us normal women are insecure and intrigued by Hollywood's slim perfect ideals that we will buy their clothes even though deep down we know it is a lie.

Inherently this displays our lack of self acceptance and shows just how tied to skinny our culture really is. If it was okay to be a size 10 by society's standards, or even a 12 or 14, do you think that we would still need vanity sizing. I think not. If we as women could only learn to accept ourselves as we are in a healthy way, instead of trying to kill ourselves to be what is conveyed by the media as perfect, we would need this form of manipulation.

Sure, America has an obesity problem, but instead of changing sizes to give us the illusion we are smaller when in fact we are not, why not focus on the real solutions? Pick up a magazine and you will see emaciated images of Kate Moss, Nicole Ritchie, and Kate Bosworth going to unrealistic limits to lose weight. If we drop the unrealistic expectations, stop going on the proverbial starve fest, and start just listening to what our bodies need as far as food goes, I think we would be able to reduce a lot of the unhealthy thought processes that lead to emotional eating and overeating. As long as we are healthy, take care of our bodies, exercise, and eat right we are okay at a size 10 or 14 or 16.

Chico's, an upscale fashion retailer has a good concept. Their idea is to focus on comfort rather than size. "We want you to look great but most of all, feel great!" is what their website states. Their sizes run from 0-3 based on measurements and traditional sizing techniques. A 0 runs approximately a size 4/6, a 1 runs 8/10, a 2 runs 12/14 and a 3 runs 16/18. I felt a relief when I was shopping there recently, not having to agonize over whether or not I was going to be an 4, 6, or an 8 that day. It was freeing to just look for clothes and not have to stress about if I was going to be on the rollercoaster ride of vanity sizing. I went for the clothes that I liked that had flare, that were me and I could care less about the size because it did not mean much. The vanity sizing numbers game was diffused and I was able to shop happily ever after.

As strong women we need to stand up and speak out and be accepting of ourselves. We are mothers, professionals, wives, daughters, and we are okay without being rail thin. We are beautiful as we are. If we stopped rejecting the fundamental truth that we are inherently beautiful and just plain okay as we are then we could fight the media stereotypes and this new issue of vanity sizing.

I have never had much luck wearing skirts. I'm not sure why that is- it is simply rare for me to find a skirt that fits me well and looks flattering, while matching my clothing and looking appropriate for day-to-day wear. For some reason, most skirts look great on the hanger but develop a weird boxiness when I put them on: they are rounded over the bottom, bunchy at the hips, and hang straight down so that it sort of looks like my legs are suspended from inside a cardboard tube.

Maybe it's my figure, or maybe it's just that I am terrible at picking out skirts. Either way, I've learned through process of elimination that there are a few key things to look for when picking out a skirt. By following these basic rules of thumb, I've saved money by not buying skirts that don't work- and I've probably saved literally hours in the dressing room by not trying on ones that would have been all wrong. With these rules, I can pull a skirt off the rack, glance it over, and decide instantly whether or not it's the right shape.

Of course, trying things on is always a good idea, and sometimes something that looks like it will work winds up not being right- so I still advocate going into the dressing room. But these rules help make it less of a blind gamble to do so.

1. A-line holds the answers. It's not just the most modern shape on the market today; A-line skirts are also the most universally flattering, and an A-line cut will instantly make almost any skirt worth a trial run.

If you're not sure what the term means, A-line skirts are shaped like the capital letter A- they flare out from the waist. Some skirts flare more than others; on some A-lines, the cut is so subtle that you almost can't tell by looking at it, but it makes a big difference once it's on. Check for a subtle bell shape to determine if a skirt has an A-line cut.

A-line skirts, while being awfully close to foolproof, aren't perfect. There are a few things to watch out for when choosing one. Firstly, make sure the skirt fits you properly at the waist. An A-line skirt that hangs loose around the waist will make you look sloppy, and one that is too tight will cause the narrowest part of the skirt to hug you around the hips in an unflattering way.
Also, if you're extremely short or petite, steer clear of an A-line skirt that has an extreme shape or a very exaggerated flare. A large bell shape will overwhelm your figure and make your legs look out of proportion. Keep the A-line shape in accordance with the size of your body.


2. The waistline is important. The second rule of buying skirts is to pay attention to what kind of waistline the skirt has. Depending on your body type and what kind of fit you're looking for, the waist can make or break the fit of a skirt.

nearly everyone, even the extremely thin, should steer clear of elasticized waistbands. These cause the fabric to bunch more than it typically would and can sometimes make your bottom and hips look larger than they are.

On a corduroy or denim skirt, a zipper and fly closure is fine, but look carefully at how the skirt is constructed. Plenty of corduroy and denim skirts are made with too much fabric surrounding the zipper, and this causes it to poof out when you sit down. Look for fabric that is sewn in panels or drawn fairly tightly on both sides of the skirt's fly. These details will let the skirt conform more naturally to your body during movement.


3. Keep an eye on the length. Probably the single most important factor when it comes to choosing a skirt is how long the skirt falls on your body. A single skirt will, of course, fit three different women in three very different ways, and shorter women are naturally going to have to choose shorter skirts in proportion to their bodies. Even if a skirt fits you at the waist, if you're shorter than average then you'll have to remember that it is hanging lower on you than it was designed to, and it might look sloppy. Consider hemming your skirts if you are on the short side.

A skirt that falls just above or just below the knees looks fresh and flattering on almost any figure. Unless you're really into the peasant look, steer clear of floor-length skirts; even if you are wearing a peasant skirt, make sure it doesn't drag on the ground- it should show part of your shoes when hanging naturally without looking high water or awkward. It takes a fairly tall person to wear a floor or ankle-length skirt; short women can often look overwhelmed by them, particularly if the skirt is heavily printed.

One more length of skirt to avoid is the mid-calf. This rarely works on anyone because of the fact that cutting off the line of your leg right in the fullest part of the calf makes your legs look wider and shorter than they really are.


4. Choose pattern, color and material wisely. Just like any other item of clothing, skirts come in formal and casual styles. Whether a skirt is designed for going out to dinner, wearing to the office or going to the grocery store depends largely on its pattern and material. A solid colored skirt in a simple cotton can go almost anywhere, while rayons and silks are designed for formal occasions. A canvas, corduroy or denim skirt is best for the weekend.

If you're small in size, avoid all-over patterns in big designs. A very small floral print or a subtly-colored plaid will be just fine, but anything larger will be too overwhelming, even on a small skirt. Conversely, if you're plus sized you can get away with bolder stripes and patterns, but avoid a very small repeating pattern, since it will make you look larger than you really are.

Remember that a solid-colored skirt is one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your wardrobe. Nowadays, pairing two bold colors from the same family together gives you a fresh modern look, so don't be afraid to experiment a little. Try a violet skirt with a pale green shirt, or a bright red skirt with a yellow top.


Once you figure out what cut and style of skirt works best for you, you'll learn to recognize it in the store and your shopping trips will become much easier. Just keep in mind that the details listed above are important, and learn to check for them instinctively whenever you pull a skirt off the rack. Skirts are a wonderful addition to any woman's wardrobe- as long as they're chosen wisely.
-by bjp

It’s all the rage in Europe and has been for many years, but men in North America are finding that they need to have a place to stow their cell phones, their keys, their palm pilots and what ever else they need on a daily basis. They do not want to be their fathers and carry briefcases, so is the man purse the wave of the future here in North America?

For years, men have been utilizing a larger bag to carry their items that they need on a daily basis and in Europe it is the norm to carry such a bag as a messenger bag or whatnot. My in laws are from Germany and when I first met my husband and he had shown me a really nice leather wallet that a man would carry in Germany (a gift from his grandparents) I kind of wondered. It is much larger than what a man in North America would carry. When I asked him how they would carry it (no way would it fit in a guys back pocket), he said they carried bags that kind of looked like purses (kind of like a wallet with a strap). I thought that was kind of weird, but now it would seem that the trend has caught on in North America.

Now it would seem that North American men are looking for something stylish or a stylish alternative to a briefcase as well. Though not a lot of choices, designers are finally tuning in to what the stylish man wants.

Not the briefcase that their fathers carried nor the laptop bag not everyone has the luxury of owning or needing. These men do not want to carry a backpack that will make them look like a college student; they are striving for something a bit more classic. Enter the
messenger bag.

The term “messenger” has been taken after the type of bag that has been styled after the bicycle messengers use. It typically features one strap that fits over the shoulder and the bag is worn across the front of the body in true messenger fashion but now it is worn across the back or at the side of the person. These bags are typically rectangular in shape and were made that size for the business size envelopes and magazines that the bicycle messenger typically had to carry. The closure on the bag is most likely a large flap that folds over the front and closes with a buckle, Velcro or other type of fastener.

Messenger bags can be made out of different materials. Bags found around town are made of leather (high end) to nylon or PVC to cotton canvas (lower end) which is in the similar style to the army type messenger bag. Some have even made velvet or silk styles of bag. While it depends on what you are purchasing a bag for…looks or function, you might consider the following questions:

-Do I need it to be waterproof?
-What do I need to carry? Are there sharp edges that will tear through the material?
-Is it sturdy enough for what I want to carry?

The messenger bag has become the stylish briefcase of the twenty first century for both men and women and to this end they are becoming easier to find and purchase and offer some great choices along the way. While women have more of a choice, designers for men are just coming on board with styles for men, so there might not be the amount to choose from. But it may also have to do with the male ego that thinks “purses are for sissies”. After all can you picture John Wayne or Elvis with a man purse?

The ‘murse’ can be either a messenger bag or something even smaller than that. But be prepared to have to check it when taking it to a sports event or concert. Although it maybe the same size as a ladies purse, it is considered a bag and most likely won’t get in.
Why the sexism? If ladies can carry a purse, why can’t men? I checked out Ebay and while some man purses were actually purse looking, others were indeed the trusty messenger bag and smaller versions there of and there wasn’t much of a choice either.

No matter what you call it, a bag or a murse or a man purse, designers if you are listening, here are a few wishes that some men I have talked to secretly want their man purse or messenger bag to entail.
-External pockets for pens, transit tokens, water, etc.
-Expandable so they can bring work home with them at night.
-Not just a shoulder strap, but a handle (like most messenger bags and backpacks have)

Whether it is a man purse or a messenger bag that you transform into a man bag, whatever the purpose and whatever it looks like, men of North America, it is time to pick up purses and go!

By Brandi M. Seals

Some people love to show their holiday spirit by wearing bright red Christmas sweaters adorn with tiny presents or a big orange shirt with a mean looking black cat in the center. Face it, at some point we all have worn a holiday themed item.

These items are not only usually terribly tacky; they can only be worn once a year. They are one-task outfits, and are only good for a few days each year. If you don't have a lot of money to spend or just cannot wrap your head around the idea of buying something to wear just once a year, consider an alternative. There are, however, a number of ways to show your holiday spirit through your wardrobe without investing once-a-year clothing. Buy everyday clothes that can change into holiday wear by simply pairing it with holiday color inspired items.

If you love a good holiday sweater, why not buy one in a solid color that goes with the season? There's green for St. Patrick's Day, pink or red for Valentine's Day, red or green for Christmas, and black or orange for Halloween. And if you opt for a nice rusty orange sweater, you can wear it for Thanksgiving too. These colors will work year round in your wardrobe and can be spiced up with a festive colored button-up shirt underneath. Picture the orange collar of you favorite blouse peaking up over the top of your favorite black v-neck sweater. That shows Halloween spirit and you do not eve have to wear some deranged looking cat shirt.

If sweaters are not your thing or the climate you live in is not sweater friendly there are plenty of different options to explore. Pair a star-shaped necklace with red shorts or skirt and a casual white top. Everyone will notice your 4th of July inspired outfit and hey you managed to put one together that does not have a billion tiny flags covering every bit of your body.

For a night on the town around Halloween, pair your little black dress with some orange pumps if you have them or some amber jewelry. I suggest avoid buying bright orange items if you can't see yourself wearing that color often, opt instead for more earthy orange tones. If you are just going to the office, you can still look the part. Pair your black skirt from your suit with a rust-colored cardigan or wear the suit but put it with a gorgeous little camisole that shows your holiday spirit.

When heading out for dinner on Valentine's Day, why not skip the cutesy heart top and choose a more appealing look. Try a simple flowy skirt or dress. Make it something sweet and simple paired with a pink or red cardigan. Or, skip all the fuss with the clothes and wear a strategically placed heart-shaped clip in your hair or a gorgeous heart-shaped locket around your neck.

While men do not have much of a reputation for falling for holiday-themed clothes, they can learn a few ways to look terrific this holiday season. Guys, why not hit the bars on St. Patty's day without those tacky four-leaf clover ties or kiss the Irish pins? Wear your favorite khakis with a green polo top or button-up shirt. Choose any shade you like. From mint green to Kelly green, all green will convey your love of this holiday in March. If you are going somewhere a tad fancy, try a gorgeous green top under your suit jacket.

While not everyone can break their fascination with holiday-wear so easily, there is a solution. If you really cannot bare the thought of giving up all the holiday inspired gear, there is always underwear. As a last resort for those that just have to have something with Christmas presents, pumpkins or some other holiday image depicted on their clothing rest assured that you can pick up a pair of holiday themed underpants. Go as crazy as you want down there. Only your partner will see just how tacky you want to be.

With these new thoughts on holiday-wear, I am sure everyone can find something to wear that not only reflects their holiday spirit, but also shows that they put a little extra effort into it. Anyone can go buy a star spangled top, but not everyone will think to use what they already have to create the perfect holiday getup.

Let me get one thing straight right from the beginning: I love my boyfriend. I REALLY DO. But he is the inspiration for this blog entry, and if he has anything to say about that I will probably just give him some long-winded speech about how writers have to draw inspiration from somewhere, and he should really just be honored. Or something like that.

When we first met, my boyfriend had what is commonly referred to as style. As a matter of fact, that was one of the main reasons I was attracted to him in the first place. He has a tendency to shop in thrift stores (which is a whole different blog entry) and he buys lots of vintage clothing. The thing is, he wears it well. Bell bottom jeans, combat boots, and tailored 1970s shirts with soft textures and geometric patterns in oranges and browns. Yum, right?

Absolutely. As a matter of fact, there was more than one time when we were going on a date and I felt out-dressed by him. The boy knows how to dress. The operative phrase there is "knows how." Not "the boy always dresses just right."

Because, honestly? We are three years into a committed relationship now, and my honey's style pretty much reflects that. When we walk down the street together, I get the feeling that people look at us and say "Their three year anniversary has already come and gone."

It's not all his fault. I'm sure I've gotten sloppier too. But my sloppiness is (mostly) confined to not shaving my legs when I'm not going to be wearing skirts. Mea culpa; I'm a working writer! I don't have time for such mundane things!

But back to the point. What I'm saying is, about a year after we met, my boyfriend went to a garage sale. He came home with a very large box. Inside the box were thirty tee shirts that had apparently been printed up to advertise a local dinner theater. The dinner theater flopped, the building went up for rent, and the people who held this garage sale were apparently left with all of these tee shirts. They put them out for sale in a large box, no doubt waiting for someone like my boyfriend to come along.

Ladies, do you know what it's like to live with a guy who has thirty identical tee shirts advertising a defunct dinner theater? If not, dig deep... you can probably find a similar horror story in your own past that will help you to sympathize. Maybe something along the lines of trying to raise a thirteen year-old boy.

I got really tired of those tee shirts. For some reason, they never got rotated, with the end result being that there were fifteen perfectly acceptable tee shirts still in the box, and fifteen in constant rotation that were full of holes and covered in paint stains. And after awhile they developed that certain smell that doesn't wash out. You know what I'm talking about.

Luckily, in recent years he has put on a few pounds and gotten a job in construction, which means that he developed some new muscles in new places and the old tee shirts no longer fit. I still see them in rotation once in awhile, but for the most part they're relegated to a big pile in the laundry room that I never bother to wash. I'm afraid that if I wash them and put them away in his dresser, he'll remember that he has them.

Then again, this is a man who owns one particular tee shirt that looks like it has been attacked by moths- it is absolutely covered in hole. It has a cartoon cat on the front and looks very, um, 1980s. Once I made the mistake of asking him about it, and he informed me proudly that he got it as a gift. When he was eleven years old. Yes, it still fits; I chalk that up to a miraculous stretching of twenty-year-old cotton. And all the holes add some extra room for growth, too.

I don't mean to say that my boyfriend doesn't ever look good. In fact, he could wear the darned kitty tee shirt every day and I would still think he looked fantastic. But let me put it this way: We recently moved into a new house, and in the process of unpacking and hanging up clothes I found one of those old 1970s button-down shirts of his. It's white, with a soft dotted pattern in blue and brown, and it's slightly silky to the touch. I hung it on the doorknob and dropped a few hints, and he wound up wearing it as pajamas a few nights later. I totally won that round.
-by bjp

Everywhere you look, you'll find advice regarding how to dress in stylish plus-size clothes and how to hide the parts of your body that are larger than you wish they were. Don't get me wrong- I'm glad that this information is out there, and I am the firmest supporter in the world of the idea that women come in all shapes and sizes, and nobody should be made to feel "too large" to wear the latest fashions. But that isn't what this article is about. This is about the opposite end of the spectrum.

All over the world, there are women like me who are simply too small to fit in the market's definition of petite. I know this probably sounds like I'm bragging, but for heavens' sakes I'm not. There are days I would give anything for a few curves. It would be nice to fill out a sexy cocktail dress without looking like someone's 12-year old son with gender confusion issues. I would love to wear high heels without looking like my shoes are longer than my legs. Trust me- petites have body insecurities, too.

I'm in my mid-twenties, and I'm in the interesting position of holding a professional job in an office setting, while also returning to college part-time. This puts me in contact with people twice my age half the time, and people about five years younger than me the rest of the time. I am physically small. Just pushing five feet, I'm built an awful lot like a boy. And I've discovered that just as much as plus-size women sometimes face shopping challenges, so do those of us who are smaller than the designer's idea of the perfect woman. Particularly when it comes to putting together a wardrobe that is professional yet casual, stylish yet unique, and comfortable yet proper. It can be a serious problem.

Let me make this clear: I know perfectly well that I'm too old for the Juniors' department. I don't especially want flared hip-huggers, applique shirts, and platform boots anyhow. And I also know that there are plenty of Misses' sizes out there that are theoretically designed to fit me. The problem is- they don't.

Why is it that jeans that fit someone with no hips are designed for a person who is six feet tall? Why is it that jackets with short-enough shoulder seams to fit me end up hanging to my knees? Whose proportions are being used to create these things, and why do I feel abnormal every time I go shopping?

(I know. Everyone does).

Basically, the point I'm trying to make is that I end up shopping in Juniors' departments an awful lot. You'll be glad to know I'm not buying Hottie tee shirts, and I'm steering clear of jeans with butterflies stitched on the pockets, but I'm also suffering from a serious lack of selection. If I limit myself to the Misses' stores, I come out with one embroidered cardigan, a few shell tops, and a pair of pleated khakis. Give me a break.

I know that there are stylish small-sized women out there. In fact, the hit show What Not to Wear had a famous episode where they dressed a woman who stood about four feet, ten inches tall. She too was in her mid-twenties and worked in an office setting, and she looked like a child primarily because she was wearing children's clothing. The style team gave her a fantastic makeover that made her look her age without overpowering her small frame.

But not all of us have a $5000 budget and a trip to New York, and sometimes it's just easier to make a beeline for the little boys' department when you need a few tee shirts. Sometimes we'd rather just chop the bottoms off jeans and wear them as capris than bother with trying to find a pair that are the right length. Does that make us lazy? No. Frustrated and limited in our fashion choices? Yes.

The bottom line is, next time you see a twenty-something browsing the jeans in the Juniors' department, don't be too quick to judge. It's probably a last resort. Unless, of course, she's buying the pair with leather lacing up the legs. Then there's just no excuse.
-by bjp

By: Lindsey Rawson-Lin

What is it about handbags that drive women absolutely hysterical? If you have read the Confessions of a Shopaholic books, and empathize with the main character, you know exactly what I mean when I say handbags can drive women into frantic crazed states of mind.

There is something about the right handbag that transforms your entire outfit. You can go from sweats and simple t-shirt, sling a Balenciaga bag over your shoulder and you have suddenly become a princess. Not only is it the bag that makes you feel that special something, it is the designer that you are wearing. It can be as simple as a small black bag by Marc Jacobs if you are going for the power bag and cool sophistication or a Bottega Venetta bag if you are going for the ultra cool and hip look. But how do us girls that do not have the cash to fork over thousands of dollars on designer bags for every season and every occasion get a piece of the action? Shouldn't we all be able to feel like Princess Diana or Jennifer Aniston with our own Prada bag slung over our shoulder, if only for a day?

We all know how much handbags can cost, and for most of us normal girls it is a pipe dream to own something so luxurious. With the platinum of elite handbags running anywhere from $1,000-$10,000 us normal girls with good jobs end up getting about as close to purchasing these bags as getting promoted to CEO of our corporation.

While complaining about the injustices of expenses related to all things couture, I came across a very innovative company that has come up with a solution to our handbag woes. For those of us that love expensive (very expensive) handbags, but cannot afford to buy every season's best, there is hope for you.

The company is called Bag, Borrow, or Steal. For a monthly fee you can borrow bags, return them and borrow a new one. You do not get to keep the bag unless you want to pay for it, but you can stay on top of the fashions and you will not have to max out your credit cards or take out a second mortgage on your home to stay in good fashion standings.

There are four echelons of membership that you can buy into: Couture, Diva, Princess, and Trendsetter. Each membership is priced differently and has a different selection of designer bags. The Couture category will offer the most expensive in season bags, followed by Diva, then Princess, and finally Trendsetter.

One of the great things about their website is that it is easy to use. You can search by membership level and then narrow your search by designer or type of bag (whether it be an evening bag or an everyday bag you may be looking for). Bag, Borrow or Steal makes it easy to find the right bag for you. They have the classics that Burberry and Coach offer. They have the fun couture bags that Fendi and Christian Dior design. Check out their list of designers, they have just about every bag designer you can think of. This company is truly a handbag lover's paradise.

So how does it all work? It works much like Netflix does. You pay a monthly fee and keep the bag as long as you like, when you return it you have another ready in queue that will be shipped to you upon receipt of the one you are returning. If you do not return a bag you just continue to pay the monthly fee until you are ready for your new bag.

Membership fees vary a great deal and can be costly if you are looking to be in the Couture category. The Couture membership starts at $175 per month. Diva memberships starts at $90 a month. Princess membership starts at $40 a month. Trendsetter membership starts at $15. If you subscribe to the Diva membership you can also borrow bags from any lower category with no additional charges.

So are you committed to a year long membership? You are only required to sign up for a three month membership, and then you can go month to month. During the first three months of membership you can borrow up to three different types of bags and after that you can borrow up to five bags at once.

Given how much money it takes to keep a closet full of designer bags rotating for the whole year plus different types of bags, formal, semi-formal, and everyday bags, you are getting a stellar deal. And if you love the bag so much check out the Outlet section of their website.

Subscribing to the Outlet section is free of charge, all you have to do is enter your name, a password, and an email address and you can shop for slightly used designer bags. My search of the outlet section came up with a BCBG Custard Leather Bag Original Retail $298, lightly used for only $149.90 (50% off). Bag, Borrow, or Steal's Outlet section offers Kate Spade, Coach, JLO, and many more designers for approximately 25%-50% off the retail price. Now those are some steals.

Changing up designer bags is fun. If I do not like one, I just return it and go for another. It is great. No commitments to keep it. What a concept! So, if you are in the market for multiple designer bags, check out Bag, Borrow, or Steal, I think they may have just the bags you have been dreaming about.

Everybody loves a bargain, but when it comes to thrift store shopping there are a few 'bargains' to avoid. Not everything is better when it's cheaper... and while finding a deal at a thrift store or Goodwill can be fantastic, purchasing certain things can be more hassle (or expense) than they're worth.

The list below contains the things that I don't consider prime purchases for secondhand shops. Next time you're out thrifting and you find yourself picking up some of these items, give it a second thought before you buy.

Underwear and socks.
I know that there's someone out there who is going to tell me to grow up and get over the squickiness of buying used underwear. But there's also a huge population out there that agrees with me. Okay, I know that, just like other used clothing, underwear and socks can be thoroughly washed before being worn, and there really isn't anything gross about it. But I'm still a firm believer of buying these things new. If anything else, the feeling of "I am not wearing a single new, fresh item of clothing- even my underwear are used," should make you want to spend a few extra dollars on new.

If you are really strapped for cash, visit your local dollar store or outlet mall. You can usually get underwear and socks for a few dollars at places like these.

Winter coats.
The main reason I don't consider winter coats good thrift store purchases is simply because it's rare to find them. There will certainly be a rack of coats at your local shop, but if you try looking through them chances are you won't find much of a good selection. My theory is that because coats are expensive, once someone finds a good one they hold onto it for several years, so by the time it lands in the thrift store it is pretty well worn out or in bad shape. Also, many people realize how expensive these coats are, and they will give them to friends or sell them on Ebay before donating them to a thrift store.
Check Ebay if you're despondent about finding a winter coat but don't want to buy new. It isn't as convenient because you can't try them on, but most sellers will provide you with measurements if you ask. Check the measurements against a coat that fits you, and you should be able to score some pretty good deals.

Excessively worn or damaged items.
Unless you're a master seamstress (or good friends with one), buying items that require repair can be a double-edged sword. If you're looking for a specific rare item and you find it somewhere, then any small repairs that may be needed might be worth it. But in general, the bargain-hunter in you should stop you from buying things like jeans with broken zippers or sweaters with excessive pilling or loose seams.
I once purchased a great pair of jeans from Goodwill for $4.99. They were a perfect fit- but I didn't realize until I got home that the zipper was about to break. Once it did break, I took it to a tailor to have the zipper replaced, only to find it cost $24.99. Not so much of a bargain anymore.
Similarly, items that are truly worn out (unless you're looking for a vintage-style piece that shows lots of wear) aren't worth the bucks you're saving. The key here is NOT to look like you're wearing someone else's used clothing. Buying thrift is great, but there are plenty of deals on like-new items out there. You shouldn't be wasting your money on things that are worn out or ready to fall apart... or that look like they've been around since the 1990s.

Cosmetics and toiletries.
Trust me on this one: there are thrift stores that sell used cosmetics! If you haven't seen it yet, you'll just have to take my word for it. I went into a charity shop the other day and found a bottle of shampoo that was half-used. I recognized the name brand, but not the style of the label. That's because it was printed when I was five years old. I know: I checked the copyright date.
This one should be obvious. Aside from the point that old toiletries don't work as well as new ones (these items do expire), there's the very real danger of fungus or bacteria forming on used cosmetics and being transferred to your eyes or skin.
I don't really believe that any of you are out there buying this stuff... but I figured I'd better mention it, anyway. Again, if you're in the market for cheap shampoos or cosmetics check your local dollar store or outlet center. Please.

Armed with this list, you should have a good idea regarding what constitutes a thrift store find versus a thrift store flop. Next time you're shopping, stop and think about the item in your hand. Don't buy unless it's worth the cost, you love it, and it's a real deal. You'll know it when you see it.
-by bjp

Shopping for clothing at thrift stores requires a certain amount of skill. That means that just like any other skill, thrift-store shopping must be practiced- and chances are you'll have a few failures before you get it right. But for those of us who like to be fashion forward without breaking the bank, thrift stores can be the ultimate wardrobe lifesavers.

If you're interested in learning the art of thrifting- or if you've already done some secondhand shopping but want to hone your skills- this article will help. Here, we break down the most commonly found items in thrift stores and show you how to find great fashion for a fraction of the price. Next time you hit the Goodwill or the charity shop, take this article along with you and learn to look for bargains with a whole different eye.

Tee Shirts.
It's true that at most charity shops, you WILL find rack after rack of nasty, oversized, worn-out tee shirts. But that doesn't mean the tee shirt possibilities end there.
If you're a twenty-something or younger male or female, then head straight for the little kids' racks. You'd be surprised how many kids' tee shirts are just the right sizes for adults. I'm not sure why this is- maybe kids like to wear their shirts baggier than adults do. Also, many kids' tee shirts are printed with the names of camps or ball teams, and look great peeking from beneath a cardigan sweater or blazer. If you don't want to go quite that trendy, look for solid color or ringer tees that can act as basic wardrobe staples.
If you're really creative, consider the world of tee shirt modification- commonly referred to by the hipsters as tee shirt surgery. This is essentially the art of cutting up and re-stitching the huge oversized shirts found for 50 cents at the thrift store. Choose one with a logo or color that you like, and teach yourself with some practice shirts how to cut out the sides and sew new seams so that the shirt fits you properly. If you're feeling adventurous, try cutting out a new neckline or adding long sleeves from another piece of fabric.

Accessories.
Any woman will tell you that sometimes it's really, really hard to find the right purse. Most women who are even slightly fashion-conscious own at least a few purses. The problem is, the purse you buy is never exactly right for every occasion- so you end up having to buy another one at some point in the not-so-distant future. Save yourself big money by buying your purses at a thrift store.
Because of the nature of purses and the fact that you can buy one, then end up not liking it, a lot of good purses end up being given away to charity shops and Goodwills. Buying them there for two to four dollars is a lot better than dropping 12 to 20 dollars every time you need a new one.
Other small accessories, like scarves, mittens, and necklaces, can be bought in thrift stores for a fraction of the price. And you'll have the added bonus of owning a completely unique piece that isn't being worn by everyone else.

Jeans.
This one comes with a big warning: You WILL NOT NECESSARILY find good jeans in a thrift store! When I walk into a thrift store and see rack after rack of stonewashed, tapered Mommy jeans, I wish devoutly that the good souls who are donating them would just burn them instead and keep them off the streets. So don't assume that any pair of jeans you're going to find is going to be worth buying. Remember that jean styles come and go rather quickly, so buying used means buying carefully.
With that said, looking for jeans around the end of a school year is a great idea if you still wear high school or college sizes. If you don't, try looking for jeans at secondhand stores that are located in wealthy neighborhoods. Someone who buys quality jeans will be donating them there, and you can sometimes find some diamonds in the rough.
Buying jeans at a thrift store does take a certain amount of patience, but I'm including it in this list because of the fact that new jeans are expensive- and often low quality. A cheap pair of trendy jeans from a chain store may fall apart the first time you wash them. A used pair of designer jeans found in a pile at the thrift store still has a lot of life left in them.

Shoes.
Just like jeans, finding good shoes at a thrift store isn't a foolproof process. But if you do manage to score a good pair, it'll be loads cheaper than buying them anywhere else- and you'll have the added bonus of quality if you find a pair that is well made. I'm including shoes in this list for the main fact that the ones bought at outlets and made cheaply are usually uncomfortable and fall apart within a season.
One thing: if you can find quality shoes second-hand, don't be afraid of the fact that they're broken in to someone else's feet. Buy some leather softener, or just prepare to wear them for a few days straight, and let them form to your feet. I'm surprised at the number of people who won't wear used shoes for this reason. Clean the shoes, wear them for awhile to soften them up, and you'll have yourself a great bargain.

Layering pieces.
Convenience and comfort have combined to make the layered look immensely popular- and it shows no signs of falling off the radar. Check the lingerie rack at a thrift store for a lacy camisole with some length to it. Put it under a slim-fitted top and a short cardigan and create a cheap and easy layered look. Similarly, look for men's tank tops and thermal shirts that you can wear under and over your everyday pieces to add warmth and style.
If you're feeling daring, purchase a top at a thrift store with a pattern that you like. When you get it home, cut off the chest and sleeves and make it into a tube top. Slide the tube top down until it covers your hips; then layer a few tee shirts and necklaces on top of it. This creates an easy and unique layered look that gives you an artsy edge all your own.

The above list is just a short sampling of what's available at thrift stores to help you in your fashion quest. Keep in mind that you will have to do some searching, some trying on, and maybe even some wheeling and dealing to get what you want. But in time, you'll become an avid bargain hunter- and you'll be proud of the fact that your entire outfit cost a fraction of what your friend paid for one piece. Even better, you'll probably look more stylish than she does.

Look for my next installment- What NOT to Buy at Thrift Stores- coming soon!
-by bjp

Well it’s that time of year again. Kids returning back to school! If your child is like mine, chances are they are in need of a new backpack and of course not any old backpack will do. It has to also look cool. With so many to choose from, where do you start on your quest for the perfect backpack?

Plus, if your kids are like mine, they tend to bring everything they own from school (all their books, stationary, well seem to they empty out their lockers on a daily basis!) The backpack, in fact has turned into a portable locker. If this is the case, then they need to get a good, large and sturdy backpack that a) looks cool (a MUST with most kids!) and b) won’t break their backs while they are in transit.

Where to shop for your back pack is up to you. For a normal backpack you can expect to pay anywhere from $10-$40 dollars for one at business supply stores or big box stores, but there are certain things that you definitely need to look at when purchasing one.

Quality
Obviously you don’t want to have to purchase two or even three backpacks during the school year, so you will want to check the seams and if they are reinforced. The character backpacks are always cute and since younger children in lesser grades tend not to have too much to carry, these should be alright for them. Check and see if they have an intended weight amount, meaning how much weight they are able to carry. If your child tends to bring their locker home with them every night, or has several heavy textbooks, you might want to consider a bag on wheels (although it may not be a practical solution all year long, depending on where you live and your weather conditions. I can’t imagine wheeling one of those through the snow in the middle of January.)

Be sure to check the zipper! I find that zippers are usually the first to go on a backpack. Some have wide, sturdy zippers and some are equipped with thin zippers, so it’s best to test them out before you purchase the pack.

Straps
Make sure that your child’s pack has two straps. The one strap type of book bag (messenger bags) or satchel causes the one shoulder to carry the load while a typical backpack with two straps evens out the weight and distributes it evenly. Check out how far apart the straps are as well. This too helps in distributing the weight evenly on the back, because if they are too close together, the back can easily get injured. It is also smart to make sure the straps are wide and contain extra padding as not to injure the child’s back and shoulders. Some backpacks also have padded the back portion that is against your child’s back. These are great if your child ends up carrying home a lot of homework and books. A waist strap is also a good tool as it secures the pack to the child’s back without shifting and moving that could cause the child injury.

Depending on the grade of the child, you might want to spend the few extra dollars and go to a sports store and get a backpack that is actually used by hikers that spend several nights away from home. These seem to be the sturdiest and well made. But be prepared for a bit of sticker shock. These can cost upwards of $60- but can last for several years.

You might want to look for a backpack with pockets, but too many pockets can also shift the weight of the pack on the child. One or two pockets are ok, for say their water bottle, transit pass and maybe their MP3 player, but make sure not to over stuff the pockets either.

Another idea is to take the supplies and books that you carried last year to the store to see if they will fit in your new backpack. This is a good idea because you can tell how the pack will sit on your back and if it will be comfortable enough for you.

The most important feature to look at when buying a backpack however, is the size of the child compared to the size of the backpack. I am sure we have all seen backpacks that are almost as big as the child! For the Kindergartner, it is best to buy a mini backpack or a smaller version of the normal sized pack. For the upper grade students, it is best to consider what they will be carrying as well as the size of the student.

A personal piece of advice is to make sure they clean it out every so often once school starts; there is nothing nastier as a mom, than finding either a tired, old sandwich or rotten fruit on the bottom of the pack. Happy back to school, kids and moms too!

Some say that finding a good pair of jeans is just as worthwhile as finding good sex partner. I have to agree that the similarities are numerous. Jeans have brought jot and excitement along with pain and depression for years. This simple, double legged piece of rough fabric had definitely stood the test of times. Traditionally made from denim, today they come in a marinade of different fabrics to include cotton and corduroy, encompassing everything from work clothes to eveningwear.

The well-versed dungaree, dyed in indigo was earliest known pre-jean like outerwear for the use of sailors. The jean that we know today was originally created in Genoa, Italy. Here is where the over presence of maritime force gave way to the popularity.

Man, was I was born in the wrong era. A-hoi mate!

The allure of the jean held by the sea fairing folk was due to the fact that you could sport the material wet or dry and still have it to be functional. An example is that you could roll the legs of jeans up while 'swabbing' the deck.

The French word for these trousers was anchored around their word for Genoa. The French bleu de Ganes, from the Italian blu di Genova, literally the "blue of Genoa" dye of their fabric, is the root of the names for these trousers, "jeans" and "blue jeans", today.

Jeans quickly became popular in the United States, starting on the west coast. In the 1850's Levi Strauss, a Bavarian dry goods merchant living in San Francisco, was selling blue jeans under the "Levi's" name to the mining communities of California who needed durable clothes for the work and for play. One of Levi's customers frequently purchased bolts of cloth from the Levi Strauss and after one of Jacob's customers kept purchasing cloth to reinforce torn trousers, he had an idea to use copper rivets to reinforce the points of strain and the blue jeans, as we know it today, was born.

Since those wondrous heydays of vessel swabbing sailors and reinforced pant wearing miners sporting these 'toughly wet' jeans, we have seen a wide ranges of styles go in and out of style. High watered jeans of the 60's, bell bottomed jeans of the 70's and ripped jeans of the 80's all describes some of the different styles that have graced the high fashion runways.

In recent days, the only types of jeans that are visible are hanging half way off the person who is wearing them. Despite the Hip Hop flava, I see a trend towards fitted jeans. Men are becoming more aware of the beauty of their legs and woman are finding it attractive when a man knows of his own attributes and flaunts them in a seductively subtle way. Also with the growing popularity of metro and ubersexuals, the tight fit is coming back into style. Fall of 2006 will compliment this trend with the low-rise jean that has been growing in popularity over the past year. The combination of well-fitted, low-rise denim bottoms, with a little flair at the bottom of the pant leg will all give way to a great jean recipe for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Here is my top four pair of jeans that men should be sporting this fall season.

#4 Do Not Count Levis Out
We have to give homage to one of the first manufacturers of the common day jean pant. This conglomerate of jean fashion has stuck with it's originality while staying abreast of with the times. My number four pick of hot jeans for the fall season come from Levis Look for Levi's Capital E skinny low-rise boot cut jean to add to your fall fashion collection. This jean is the ultimate slim boot cut jean that handles a snug fit in the seat with a slightly flare from the knee down to the boot cut leg. The access to the 'essentials' may be a bit hampered by the button fly; but it is a small price to pay to have anti-fit back rise pitches.

#3 The GAP: Not As Unattractive As You Think
My number three choice may be an attribute of a company that shares its name with an unsightly feature that appears between someone's front two teeth but has definitely stood the test of time. Not just for prepsters any longer, The Gap has branched out to providing jeans for the upward mobile male who are not afraid to be called a square, hipster style! This fall, wearing The Gaps boot fit jeans with a light fade can bring a certain airiness of class to a cool fall night. These jeans ride just below the waistline and are full through the leg for those larger thighed bohemians, like myself, who like to look as if they have a touch of class.

#2 The Number 7: Not Just Another Lucky Number
7 Jeans are second on my list of must have jeans for the fall and is the first pair of designer jeans to make the list. Not available in most mid-western cities, you may have to make a trip to Chicago or New York (or even as far as your computer desk) to purchase one of these classically made, but gender bending designer jeans. Of 7's men's jeans, I again choose the boot for some of the same reasons I chose The Gaps boot fit. This jeans low waist coupled with thigh narrowing at the knees and a slight flare can give any portly man a figure-full shape. What is different about 7's jeans is that a new, smaller embroidery and 6 belt loops adds to its appeal.


#1 And The Winner Is...What?
Number one on my list may be a bit liberal for the everyday man. To wear these Meltin' Pot jeans, made in Egypt, you must exude the qualities of an ubersexual and not be afraid to broadcast it. This fall, my number one jean pick for men's fashion is actually made for a woman. This woman's jean fit well on males and exudes everything that a male wants in a good pair of jeans. Those being, flexibility, durability and style. Meltin' Pot's jeans are made with the finest European fabric and couture tailoring to make jean that crosses gender lines. Meltin' Pot's Natasha in Denim Blue will tickle more than just your fancy for the fall.

By Brandi M. Seals

Ever feel like the 80s are trying desperately to suck us back in? I do and it seems the 80s have a strong hold on some celebrities and the fashion industry. I was doing okay, even with Lindsey Lohan wearing cut off gloves reminiscent of Madonna's slutty days. I was still okay that people started embracing the thought of high heels with jeans again. But now things have gone a step further.

Skinny jeans are making their way back into the fashion industry. Hopefully they will die out before everyone gets a pair because lets face it, many of us do not look good in a skinny jean. There's just no reason for everyone to have jeans that look like they are molded to the legs.

Cropped tops are getting another go in fashion. No, not like the baby tees of the 90s, these crop tops are reminiscent of anything worn by Lisa Bonet or other Cosby kids during the early years of the show; picture wispy thin shirts that stop a couple of inches below the chest. Right now they are currently being paired with dresses as a handy way to reinvent the look of the dress or to add subtle warmer layers. However, I can already see it coming. If these short shirts stay they can only be followed by pants that come up way over the belly button. Remember those? The pants that stopped at the breasts that one of your aunts probably still wears to this day?

We most stop the 80s hold over us. What is next, jelly shoes? Scrunch socks? Maybe giant coats? Oh wait that is right, my copy of Lucky just told me that volume is in. According to the magazine extra roomy coats and dresses are the hot items. To me it just looks like maternity wear. We were finally getting people to get clothes in the right size and now this comes along? Great now we will get to see shapeless blobs everywhere if this actually takes hold.

Let me take a moment and readdress clothes that look like maternity wear. It seems that empire-waist dresses and shirts have made a big come back. They are everywhere I look and while they can accentuate a nice chest they almost always make the wearer look at least six months along. I was watching "The World Series of Pop Culture" on VH1 a couple of weeks ago and during the first round I could have sworn the female host responsible for interviewing the contestants was pregnant - actually pretty far along, but the next week she changed from her empire-waist dress to another dress and suddenly the baby belly was gone. This woman was not fat, not even plump. It just goes to show you that empire-waist wear is probably a mistake unless of course you are trying to play down a baby bump.

Anyway, back to 80s wear. I seem to remember from my youth people wearing extremely long shirts as dresses, pairing them with some tights underneath. Guess what boys and girls - the look is back. That is right, the girl over their looking like she cannot find where to go for her baptism or who appears to have had her pants stolen is really sporting an oversized shirtdress. Billed as being fall-friendly wear, this style better hit the road fast.

I also have to note that I have seen celebrities pictured in tight stretchy leggings again. You know, the ones made of spandex and sticking to every curve, dimple or blemish one might have on their legs. Of course to cover your less then perfect looking tush squeezed into these tight restrictive leggings, you will need to pair it with an oversized shirt that comes down around the knees. Does the mental image alone make you want to gag?

On a side note, I must mention that while shopping for my niece in the children’s department I came across those cotton leggings that were shorter than and not as tight as the spandex ones that were also popular in the 80s. Remember them? They went under skirts and skorts and almost always ended with a lace detail on the bottom. If you don't know what I'm talking about, catch an old episode of "Full House." If Stephanie still has the puffy curly hair look at her outfit, odds are she is sporting a pair of these things.

So I say to all fashion designers and clothing manufacturers, stop seeking inspiration in the 80s. It was a bad time for clothing. But if you must go there, please, please, please, do not bring back the hyper-colored shirts which turn colors based on body temperature.

Being pregnant and waiting for those nine months to pass can be a wonderful time (or not so nice, depending on your health) and it can take a little more effort to get that put together look but it is well worth it. People judge others within the first three seconds of seeing or meeting another person and this even happens while waiting for transit. In saying that, you want to look the best that you possibly can.

If we look back into the history of maternity clothes, we see ill fitting dresses, tops and pants that were not attractive nor did they look good on the woman. The women simply extended her own clothing or were forced to buy tent like dresses or jumpers that covered most of the woman's tummy and went down to the ankles. The styles were as if you were supposed to fade into the background during those nine months. Fast forward to a few years ago when all they had for pregnant women were cute little shirts with bows and the like. These shirts were more of a big and baggy design as not to accentuate the women's stomach at all.

These days, I have seen a lot of fashion don't when it comes to looking great during those nine months. Ok, I know its hot outside, but I saw a very pregnant lady wearing just a jogging bra and pants exposing all of her at least eight months worth of stomach. To me that looks as bad as the guy next to her wearing a t shirt that says "Look what I did" with a big arrow supposedly pointing to his pregnant significant other standing beside him. (Yes, I have seen that too and all I can say is "ewwwwwww" !)

There is one commercial on television these days that kind of bugs me too. It is for a yogurt and features several very pregnant women dancing around in skin tight t shirts that show about thirty percent of their stomach. Don't get me wrong. I liked being pregnant and I know women who LOVE being pregnant, but with today's great clothing lines for expecting mothers, there is no excuse to look unkempt or sloppy and covered up.

Although some do, but most women don't have the luxury of staying at home during those nine months, so a working wardrobe has to come into play. With more women executives and other women that need to be professional looking on a daily basis,
the clothing world has had to cater to them as well.

There are many clothing sources on the Internet where beautiful maternity clothes can be purchased. These clothes are designed to grow and change with as the woman's body grows and changes. There are also local stores that specialize in maternity for pregnant woman and if you take some time to go in there whether you are pregnant or not, you will be amazed by the selection and the great looking clothes that are available for those nine wonderful months. There are fashionable weekend clothes such as sweaters and jeans to dressier clothes such as dress pants and blazers to dresses to sleepwear. I have even come across a website that sells wedding dresses to pregnant women as well.

If your budget doesn't quite allow for designer clothes, you can go to the big box stores and browse, but chances are the selection won't be quite as wide as a specialty store. However, in saying that, the prices might be a little bit cheaper than the specialty store. If you have very little money to spend on a new wardrobe, hit the thrift stores. If you go to a local thrift store, you might not get much of a selection or choice, but my advice is to make friends with the people that run the store. Have them call you when a new shipment of maternity clothes comes into the store. A few extra pairs of eyes never hurt anyone!

Another option is borrow maternity clothes. With my last pregnancy, I was fortunate. I happen to belong to a church and there were a few of us pregnant in a consecutive order and so we just passed along the clothes to each other when we were done with them. It wasn't up to the moment fashion, but I had had some clothes put away from my earlier pregnancy, and what I ended up with just topped it off. I was a stay at home mom at the time and didn't really have to dress up all that much.

Life shouldn't or doesn't stop just because you are pregnant, and with the choices out there, one no longer has to borrow their significant other's big shirts. Most moms to be have a natural healthy glow and why not play up on that with great looking clothes? This is your chance to be and look the best possible you than you can be and most importantly, SHINE!

I fantasize about a fashion trend that will involve one nearly extinct piece of clothing-the apron! I long for a time when wearing aprons is actually considered fashionable. Aprons were typically worn by women one or two generations ago when performing many domestic duties. Aprons were worn for practical reasons. People generally had less clothing, and washing clothes was a much more labor-intensive process than it is now in the modern era of efficient washing machines. An apron provided practical value to the extent that it enabled the wearer to clean a house and perform other domestic duties that might result in dust or damage to one's clothing. An apron could be worn while cleaning, and upon finishing the chores, a housewife could sit down to tea and cookies with relatively clean clothes. Aprons were also worn when preparing meals and were almost always removed for welcoming guests at the door. Aprons could be worn in the comfort of one's home but were not intended to be visible to guests or other visitors.

The practical value of aprons would make them handy clothing items for modern day "domestic engineers." Aprons that contain pockets could serve various functions of storing needed items for the day's cleaning routines. Apron use at home became almost obsolete when women reentered the workforce and began outsourcing domestic duties to hired help. Even in the households that perform all domestic duties without relying on a maid service, aprons are rarely worn.

I envision, though, a new fashion trend of aprons without any practical use involved. I can visualize a short silk apron embellished with embroidery or even diamonds and worn over jeans. It would certainly generate many comments from observers. I don't expect such a fashion trend to last for any prolonged period of time and certainly not as long as fashion constants such as denim. Wearing aprons, though, would be similar to wearing scarves. An apron would not be a fashion item itself but rather an eccentric, possibly even glamorous, accessory. The aprons would not resemble waitress attire at all. They would not be reminiscent of a maid's uniform. The aprons I envision would be high fashion items with expensive embellishments.

I plan to navigate the unchartered territory of apron wearing in public by actually wearing aprons myself. First, I plan to wear aprons on a regular basis at home to get used to the idea of wearing them. These aprons will likely be of the practical variety and be used during cooking or cleaning. Of course, the aprons I wear for both of these duties won't be the same; I will have separate aprons for cooking and separate aprons for cleaning. Then, after I get familiar with wearing aprons, I plan to design and craft several fashionable aprons that I will wear as accessories in public! I need to update my sewing skills first, but with the assistance of a veteran sewer, I am confident I can easily make three or four fashionable aprons. My aprons will be chic and worn over expensive designer jeans or pants. One apron will definitely be black and silk. It would be a waist length apron. I will also make a full body apron. I would have to carefully determine what outfit would accompany such an apron. I'm confident, though, that I could create a stunning result. I visualize also needing to wear high shoes, either boots or heels, in order to offset the minimizing effect on my height that wearing an apron would have. I would love for the fashion trend to take off and gain popularity. Perhaps, if A-list celebrities wore aprons, they would become fashionable, and more people would be willing to wear them. I would probably also have a cotton apron with some type of printed design. Cotton equals comfort.

I haven't quite figured out how I plan to handle any negative feedback yet. Perhaps, I will comment that I'm enrolled in a fashion design course, and I'm doing it as part of a class project. I don't expect widespread enthusiasm at first, but I do eagerly anticipate apron wearing to gain national popularity. Perhaps, you could convince a few of your friends to start wearing aprons too.

My husband calls it Slut Wear. I am talking about the trashy styles that young girls from about age four and up have adopted in recent years. Apparently the parents think it is cute. How else can you explain why a four year old has her stomach sticking out with glittery crop tops and an overall trashy appearance? She certainly doesn't choose her own clothing and it is a little hard to believe grandma is buying her these things. No question they see Brittany and the young pop stars dressed this way, but even so, why do they think that you should dress a child as a teenager or even an adult? Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery but dressing a child as an adult is ridiculous, unattractive, and even risky.

What happened to pretty in pink? Children grow up way too fast as it is. Little girls should be encouraged to be, well, just that, little girls. You would think that the Jon Benet Ramsey case would have been a wake-up call to parents that enabling young girls to look older than they are and to act older than they are is dangerous mistake. However, that was so long ago now that I suppose many of these mothers weren't much more than young girls themselves at the time. But there is so much concern for child abduction and Amber Alerts that somehow you would think parents could put two and two together on this. Lets be honest here, perverted men are attracted to sexy little girls.

But I guess the parents must see this as a fashion statement more than they see it as exploiting or endangering their child. Certainly they do not purposefully do something that they think could be dangerous. Some schools have rules but I even see articles in the paper where the parents sue the schools so that their children have the right to wear a T-shirt with a vulgar slogan so I guess personal freedom is more important than safety or just being a nice, neatly dressed person.

It is hard, even as an older adult, to find a pair of slacks that come anywhere near the navel, let alone the waist. The zippers must be about two inches long and not only do they look ridiculous with your whole middle sticking out above but they are highly uncomfortable as well.

Speaking of which, not only is it risky to dress a child like a street-walker, but what kind of lesson is this? As a parent you have the responsibility to teach your child right from wrong. This includes just about every aspect of daily life including fashion, if you will. Not so much fashion as style. They need to learn what is correct for what event. Clothing can reflect not only your taste but also respect for others. Certain occasions used to command a more respectful style of dress such as church or a funeral. Even this seems to have fallen by the wayside. Is there anywhere some people do not think it is appropriate to wear jeans?! But that is another subject!

Being a parent today does not look easy to me. I thought it was hard to raise a teenager in the Eighties so I do not envy parents today. I actually cringe when I think of the constant exposure to sex that even young children are exposed to on a minute-by-minute basis on television. Even your clothing catalogs, like Abercrombie, have been highly criticized for their sexually explicit poses. But then the catalog is a hot seller and the clothing flies off the shelves and the slightly risque nature makes the store that much more popular.

The Limited Too (now Tween Brands), Aeropostale, etc., that market to these young children make it very hard to steer clear of these styles when that is all they show and that is what is for sale. We all know the power of peer pressure. In talking with parents of some young girls recently we heard that they see a trend to move back to a little more conservative styles. It will take the collective purchasing power of the Soccer Moms to say no to these styles and no to their children. Together they need to creatively take some of the cute things and fashion them together in a modest but stylish way for these young girls. Let girls be girls, but let children be children too.

By: Melissa Martinez

Every season, the so-called "fashion gods" decide what is going to be "in". These items may include pencil skirts one season and cowboy boots the next. While fashion is always changing it is not always a good idea to change with fashion. I have found that certain trends keep making a comeback in one form or another each year, while others fizzle out before they even hit the rack. So take note ladies because I have compiled a handy little fall/winter shopping guide that is sure to save you time and money.

Let's start off with accessories. For the past couple of years, animal prints have pretty much been a staple. You can rest assured that some form of cheetah or zebra print will show up on shoes and/or bags every fall. So if you're looking to make an investment, and a statement, in a nice fall handbag or shoe, don't hesitate to reach for something in black or brown leather with some kind of animal print, accent or trim. You can't go wrong because it is sure to keep coming back in style season after season.

Another fall staple is the boot. Long, short, ankle or cowboy, we've seen them all. This fall everything except the cowboy boot is in. I would, however, steer clear of anything with too much embellishment and grab something with simple lines. A basic knee length boot in black is the safest but a cute suede ankle boot can work well too. You can wear them easily from year to year without worrying about whether they will be "in" or not, unlike the "cowboy boot". I still cringe at the prices on those babies, and they were still in the stores like two months ago!

This Fall season, we have also seen the reemergence of leggings and tights. I wouldn't waste too much money on these trends. While tights can be functional I don't see leggings sticking around too long. Like most fashion relics from the 80's, they are sure to be a passing fad.

I will also take this opportunity to wave the red flag on bubble skirts. What looks cute on a runway will not necessarily look cute coming down a sidewalk. I can hear the snickers now.

This brings us to the winter coat. Avoid fur unless you live in Alaska. It is just too heavy and quite frankly looks cheesy. A mid-length trench, or a variation on such, is going to be the best bet. It can be worn over jeans or over slacks. The color should correspond to your wardrobe. That being said, please don't opt for anything in the "berries" family.

Moving on to the ever popular plaid. Every fall plaid will be sure to make a comeback. This year they are calling it "Tartan". I would be remiss not to mention the schoolgirl skirt at this point. We've seen it time and time again. But unless you actually are a "schoolgirl" please resist this trend. A "tartan" print mid-calf mini is the way to go with this look. It can be worn over tights with some knee-length boots or with some cute ankle boots for a sexier look.

Jumpers have also hit the runway this season. I have mixed feelings on this one, but unless you are a size "0" it is hard to imagine this look being flattering. Proceed with caution when it comes to jumpers!

Knits are also a popular choice for winter. Not only will they keep you warm but they look darn cute on just about everyone. Avoid knit purses (unless you want to make them yourself) and instead invest in a sweater dress. Yes, I said a sweater dress. I know you are probably thinking that the sweater dress should be classified as a passing trend, but I'm going out on a limb here and making a prediction. I predict we are going to see the sweater dress for a while. For one thing, it is going to be flattering no matter what size you are and they are incredibly comfortable to wear. So go with me on this one ladies! Sweater dresses are the way to go for fall.

Happy shopping gals!

By Brandi M. Seals

As a teenager with a brand new driver's license I got myself a job in my local mall as a cashier at department store to pay for gas. I worked there part time for over two years before I went to college. After that I worked there full time whenever I was home on breaks (that way I got to keep my associate discount). At one point or another I worked almost every department - men's, women's, junior's, lingerie, missy's, home furnishings, and children's. During my 5 years there I saw many things that make you stop and think - for example 25 to 40 year old women shopping in the junior's department - and not for their daughters.

Maybe the fact that I grew up in and around rural Michigan had a lot to do with my experience, but I cannot tell you the number of women I saw trying to squeeze their curvy size 12 bums into skin tight, butt-squeezing stretch jeans designed for teen and preteen girls that have not developed hips yet.

The clothing in the junior's department is designed for young girls with barely any body fat and no curves whatsoever. Granted you can squeeze curves into the pants, but they do not look good. Go over there sometime and check out the jeans. I bet they are mainly flare cut. Want to know why? It is because the flare cut narrows at the knee and gives the illusion of curvature to an otherwise flat hip. That is why they look so unflattering on someone who has developed their hips - the hips are emphasized so much that they are all that can be seen.

So we have established that the cut is less then desirable for shapely women, but what about material? The jeans are mainly stretch - though for some strange reason that seems to be a trend over in the women's and missy's departments now. The dress pants are ridiculously thin. If you have one iota of fat or are not as smooth as you would like to be, you can bet that the pants will cling to ever single peak, valley, dimple or whatnot that you are trying to hide.

Dressing like this does not make anyone look younger, it actually ages them quite a bit. Think about it, if you have two things together that do not belong together the eye automatically focuses on it.

Women need to learn to make the transition to the missy's department. It is the same as when you were little. You go from the children's department over to juniors. At first it looks like nothing is your style, but that's because you are not used to it. Missy's is not for the 30 plus crowd, it is for the 20 plus crowd. It is hard to acknowledge that at some point you just get too old to do something, but it is better to grow up gracefully than to get stuck in a rut and not know how to get out of it.

While working in the children's department I came across a woman in her 30s that had never made it out of the section. I know you think I am kidding, but I'm not. She was a small framed woman that stood maybe 4'11". I guess since juniors clothing was always too long for her she never progressed over to the petite's department (which let's face it, is often where ugly clothes go to live). Rather than get clothing altered to fit her, the women shopped from the little boys pants. She did not like the flare legs on the girl's pants.

Luckily I have noticed a trend in department stores over the past couple of years. They are finally stocking the missy's department with some young looking clothing. There are great tee shirts, cool jeans, and great little jackets for women to transition into. The petite's and women's departments however still lag a little behind. They have a few young things, but it seems that in order to find any real selection people with different size needs must shop at stores that specialize in larger sizes or petite clothing.

Ironically, as I write this I am currently wearing a pair of little girl plus sized exercise pants. Don't worry, they are just something left over from my days as a children's department cashier. I've never worn them in public.

By Brandi M. Seals

Crocs
I am sure that by now almost everyone has seen the latest monstrosity to hit the shoe world - crocs. That is right - crocs. For those of you who do not know, crocs are some kind of hideous cross between clogs and some sort of plastic or resin. Think jelly shoes only much, much worse.

I do not know when or where these things got their start but I first noticed them while watching Iron Chef America. If you ever get a chance to see Mario Batali, take a moment and have a looked at his feet. You will see a strange orange glow coming from his feet. The source of the orange glow is a pair of bright orange crocs.

My husband and I used to make fun of Mario every time he came on the show. Then one day we were at a drive-in theatre in Arkansas the craziest thing happened, little kids everywhere suddenly had the atrocious shoes on.

I shop quite regularly. You would think I would have noticed the horrible little shoes creeping into the market but I didn't and the next thing I knew they were everywhere. Go to your local shoe store, you will probably see a pair or two in there.

Apparently they are a hot item for a lot of kids. Crocs come in several hideous colors. There are over 20 colors of crocs to choose from. There are colors like pink for little girls, sea blue for guys, gold for grandma, and a strange shade named butter that I guess are designed for dairy farmers.

Be aware that if you decide to buy a pair of crocs, they will end up in the back of your closet after a few wears. People openly gawk at anyone that dares to actually wear a pair in public. Plus the constant sounds of snickering just behind you will be a dead giveaway that the shoes may not have been the best choice.

The Puffy Shirt
Just before summer started I saw a peculiar thing in my local JCPenney. It was the puffy shirt. Right there in the midst of all the business attire there stood an unshopped sales rack full of the pirate inspired apparel. I must admit at one time I owned a puffy shirt. I was in 6th or 7th grade and it was the early '90s. Back then they were sort of cool, now that I am a grown up I realize how stupid it is to have a giant puff of frilly material surrounding my neck and the cuffs of the shirt. I guess Penney's tried to sneak this oldie but goodie back in the closets of American women. Luckily this time women wised up and refused to purchase the ugly things.

The Oversized Shirt
Why is it that no one knows what size shirt to buy? I see men and women everywhere enveloped in mounds of extra material from their tee shirts. Do they think they are hiding extra flesh under the shirts? If anything they are making themselves look much larger then they actually are.

My husband was a victim of the oversized shirt. When I met him in 2003 he thought he wore a size XL. He was wrong. At 6'2" and maybe 165 pounds he was about a hundred pounds shy of needing that XL.

He said he liked his shirts like that and needed the length that came with the XL size. That Christmas I bought him a couple of shirts. Some were tee shirts, others were polos. None were an XL. In fact, they were all mediums. And guess what - they were long enough. It took him awhile to get used to not being surrounded by a tent of material but now he has finally learned that he wears a small or medium in shirts.

I do not know how it started or when it started, but at some point a large chunk of society began hiding in their clothes. If you are one of those people that practically swim in your clothing, why not do yourself a favor and try on a few different sizes before deciding what to buy. A closer fitting shirt will actually make you appear slimmer since there is no added bulk around problem areas.

By Christina VanGinkel

I think I have seen it all now, at least where fashion is concerned. A pair of jeans that comes with built in controls for your iPod! When I came across the picture of a pair on my favorite online news, I at first thought how interesting, but the more I gave it some thought, I realized that it was just a bit too overboard for me. The jeans supposedly come with built in controls in the pocket, and a cord that attaches to the iPod itself, to keep from losing it maybe. The more I read about them though, the more I wondered if it was just an advertising gimmick, but it does not appear to be. Levi Straus seems to be the maker of the jeans, and with such a well-known name behind them, someone might actually buy them. I for one will not be on the list of shoppers searching for a pair. I am not a fashion aficionado by any stretch of the imagination, but for the first time in a long time, I can tell you that I was not impressed by the looks of them when I saw the pictures of the RedWire DLX iPod Jeans that are floating around the web.

Sure, I have seen iPod friendly clothing before. I actually bought my youngest son a jacket for snowboarding last year that came with an interior pocket for such a device, with a guide area for headphone cord to run, so that he could comfortably listen to music from his MP3 player and snowboard at the same time. The design was well thought out, keeping the cords in order so they did not become tangled when he took his jacket off in the lodge. Nothing was built in though, and tossing the jacket in the wash was not an issue, as I simply made sure that he had not left his MP3 player tucked into the pocket on the inside of the jacket.

Clothing fashions come and go each year, and some are fun, making people wonder why no one ever thought to do such a design before. Others are imaginative, taking into thought the way we live our lives today, such as the jacket I bought for my son. Others seem just a bit too strange, making a lot of people wonder just what the designers were thinking of when they not only sketched up such a design, but also then actually got others at their company to think it was a good idea, and to follow through and make and then market these designs. These RedWire DLX iPod Jeans fall into this last category as far as I am concerned.

I suppose, if you loved your iPod, and wanted to be on the cutting edge of something, not fashion, as I know it, but something, and you had several hundred dollars to spend, you might be tempted to buy a pair. The more I think about it, there might be some people out there who are fashion savvy enough to carry off such a look as these jeans will give, but I can in all belief tell you that I do not think these will ever be mainstream. Maybe the designers at Levi know something we do not. Maybe they have some ulterior marketing scheme in mind that has nothing to do with a dark pair of iPod power, red tether jeans. Maybe they are just throwing these out there to be dissected by the news agencies and the world of bloggers at large. By doing so, maybe they hope to get back enough feedback on what would be a feasible fashion trend that combines the popular iPod with your jeans.

Big and small companies alike occasionally make snafus when it comes to some marketing scheme they had in mind. With the RedWire DLX iPod Jeans front and center right now, maybe we will soon know what they had in mind, or maybe they will just go down in the world of fashion history as those funny looking jeans with the red leash attached that you used to tie your iPod too. They are the fashion conscious of the world after all, while I am just a middle aged mother trying to figure out what to send her son to school in this fall. (I can guarantee you it will not be a pair of $200 plus jeans with a red tether attached to them!)

I never really engaged in the shopper savvy tendency to buy clothes during the end-of-season sales, a full a year ahead of time of when I would actually need the clothing items. I often thought about doing so, but I could never seem to justify putting out a significant amount of money for clothes that would not be needed for many months. Last January, though, my attitude changed. Armed with some advice about which department stores were having really good after-Christmas sales, I decided to check out the sales for myself. I went to Strawbridges and Macys to shop for clothes for my daughter for the following year. I found incredible deals! I probably bought more clothes than I normally would have purchased. I am not sure how many red plaid seasonal dresses she will need, but she has holiday dresses and sweaters for nearly every day during the entire month of December.

Strawbridges sale was incredible. Merchandise was 75% off the original price, and I also had a coupon to take an additional 15% off the already drastically reduced prices. The advantage of shopping a year in advance is that I will not need to buy clothes this fall, so I will avoid paying full price at that time. Of course, I could have benefited further from the sales and only purchased exactly what I thought we would need. I could have purchased 5 pairs of leggings, just a few pairs of pants, a handful of sweaters, and three sweatshirts, and minimized the money I spent. However, I did spend less than I would have spent buying clothes at the beginning of the season, and I ended up getting four or five times the quantity of clothes. Admittedly, I will still probably buy a couple of in-season Gymboree outfits this fall because I simply cannot resist their adorable clothes.

Many of the clothes I stockpiled for the upcoming fall and winter seasons will end up being lightly worn and suitable for hand-me downs. I simply store the totes of fall and winter clothing in a rarely used closet, so retrieval will be easy. Some of the clothes I purchased also might even be able to be used for two years depending on how fast my daughter grows.

In addition to the good department store sales, Old Navy had incredible sales in January too. I bought several fleece sweatshirts for my daughter for less than $3 each. I'm not sure if she needs a sweatshirt in every pastel shade imaginable, but I could not resist getting 5 items for the price of one! Of course, I realize my daughter is at an age where I can get away with dressing her in the styles from the previous season. Face it, though, not much changes year to year with fashion staples such as fleece sweatshirts and denim, at least not for 4-year-olds. I figure the savings now can offset the inevitable marathon shopping sessions that I will experience once she hits the preteen and teen years. Then, of course, sales might be fun again, simply as a way of drastically increasing the quantity of clothes in her closet because there is a limit to the money one can spend on designer labels and the latest fashions. Clothing sales for teens become a way to make it through an entire month without repeating an outfit, a goal of many fashion conscious teenagers.

There are certain predictable times throughout the year when it is best to buy specific items. The following can be helpful for you when planning your seasonal shopping. January is a great time to stock up on towels and linens. (Think: January White Sale-most department stores have this type of sale) February is a great month to get bargains on dinnerware. March is traditionally a great time to get the best deals on luggage. July is the start of sales for stores to rid their summer clothes and swimwear inventory. August is also still a good time to scoop up the last of the summer clothing clearance items. November is great because of Black Friday, a notorious shopping day with the best sales occurring very early, around 6 a.m. in some stores. After-Christmas sales in December are a great time to stock up on wrapping paper and other decorations for the following year. Even though the after-Christmas sales literally begin on December 26th, the reductions are more heavily discounted into January.

If there is room in your budget, plan clothing and other purchases a year in advance by taking advantage of after-season sales.

By Christina VanGinkel

Fashion inspiration comes from all different places. Thumbing through a teen magazine just this morning that my daughter left lying around though, I noticed that much of the fashion inside of it was directly inspired by musicians, mainly rock artists.

Part of the draw I think is because the clothing is comfortable and fun to wear. Even some of the more glam looks still had definite appeal to the younger crowd through their easy to wear appearance. Surprisingly, each page was unique from the page before it though. While one page might show a girl in a loose, flowing skirt with a tiny, brassier like top, the next page might show a group of girls each in a different style of jeans, with tops varying from long sleeved, full coverage, to a barely there swag of fabric.

My biggest surprise of all as I looked through the magazine was that most of the looks held a timeless appeal. If you happen to be a teen reading this, you might not want to read on, as it could irrevocably change the outlook you have on fashion, as you know it. There was nary an outfit that I would have thought out of place when I was a teenager myself, and let us just say that I am over the forty-year-old mark.

I had the same exact feeling as I paged through a catalog of clothing and accessories that arrived in the mail for my fourteen-year-old son this past week. Hoodies and t-shirts, funky accessories, comfortable looking jeans and shorts, and shoes that I found outrageously fun looking. The clothing catalog was marketed towards skaters, snowboarders, and motocross riders, which my son participates in two of the three. The clothing was again made to be worn by an active teen, someone wanting to be both stylish and comfortable at the same time.

It seems that this might be in part due tot eh fact that it is my generation that is often the brain behind the company marketing these styles of clothing. Take for example the pro skateboarder Tony Alva. He is a few years older than I am, yet he has a style about him that speaks to kids as much today as it did in the seventies. The old adage that everything old is new again, is once again coming true in the world of clothing fashions.

There is an advertisement on television that I have been seeing too, that shows a daughter admiring and wearing a pair of jeans that belonged to her mother. In the commercial, the mother loses a few pounds so she can reclaim them, showing how timeless this fashion staple is.

Quality was also very apparent in both the magazine and the catalog. Not to say that there are not some fashions that look like old, worn out clothing, as that style still seems to be in vogue, however, when most teens buy an outfit, they expect it to last. Not because they are worried about having to pay to replace it, as that is what parents are for, or why they have jobs to afford the more expensive items of clothing their parents will not foot the bill for. Nevertheless, because they become comfortable in a few select pieces of clothing, they want the assurance that they are going to be able to wear said outfit as long as they want to. If they buy a shirt for instance, wear it once or twice, and it falls apart in the wash or fades quickly, as consumers in training that they are, you can be sure that they will not be buying that brand again.

Fashion inspiration comes from many different venues, and currently, the world of rock music is a big influence on what is trendy and what is not, as is fashions that have been here before. In the end though, the best way to find a style that is right for you is to choose what you like. Do not worry what the other people are wearing; rather choose what you want too, as any individual style you can conjure up, will rock the world fashion scene quicker than any thing somebody has copied past or present.

By: Lindsey Rawson-Lin

Do you want fun, fashionable, discount clothes, but do not want to travel far to get them? Try discount shopping on the Internet. If you are short on time, do not enjoy outlet shopping at the stores, and have an Internet connection you can find many amazing high-end fashion deals in cyberspace. You can get designer brands like BCBG, Calvin Klein, and Juicy Couture for 30-80% off the retail prices. You do not have to be a techie to find these deals, all you need is some basic knowledge of how to use the Internet. Before you know it, you will be well on your way to finding amazing deals with just a few clicks of your mouse. Sound easier than you thought? If you check out the websites I recommend and check out some of my tips, it can be easy and entertaining and you do not have to leave the comforts of home.

Safety and security Concerns:

If you are concerned about security over the Internet, like many of us are, it is important to do your research. Not every website is secure for making purchases with credit cards. If you are concerned about security, you want to find reputable websites that have privacy and security statements. After reviewing the security and privacy policies, if you are not comfortable with their policies I recommend not purchasing through that site. There are many other sites out there. The last thing you want is to have your credit card number or identity stolen. With the increase in shopping over the Internet there are now more websites than ever that are completely safe and will have detailed safety policies. If you still do not feel safe directly using your credit card check out PayPal.

What is PayPal?

Some discount websites like Overstock do not even require you use a credit card, you can pay with PayPal which may make you feel more comfortable. PayPal is the submission of money to a company or seller in which you can use a credit card, bank account, or debit card, but do not reveal personal information such as credit card numbers to the seller. This is one of the most popular methods of payment on EBay because it is quick and secure. If you do not have a PayPal account, Google it and check out their website.

Some General Tips:

Searching Options:

My favorite way to search for discounted designer clothing is to go to the apparel section of the website and click on the general apparel option. From there I pull up all types of clothing in order to get the best search results and the best discounts possible. Once you pull up the general apparel section I choose the option to search by percentage off (if the option is available). This way you can go directly to the items with the best percentage off of their retail prices. Some websites start out at 90% off. If you want specific types of clothing because you know what you are looking for, go there first. When a website does not offer the percentage off option I start with the lowest price to highest price search option. Here the items will not be listed by percentage off so you may have to calculate your percentage savings if that is of interest to you. Most websites will also let you search by designer so if you know you want to buy Prada enter it into the search area and see if they offer Prada.

Clearance and Bargain Bins:

Often websites will display sections that have deeply discounted items in Clearance, Bargain, or Last Chance sections. Usually these are towards the lower left hand side of the website or at the bottom. They are not the top items the website is trying to push because they are not the money makers. Take an indepth look at the website; get to know the layout and how it works.

Start with General Discount Websites:

Starting with general discount websites will give you the most variety if you are looking for a multitude of designers.

Below I have listed my favorite discount websites that I use:

Overstock:

Overstock is a great website for finding clothing at really great prices. They usually have a large inventory of dresses, pants, handbags, sunglasses, shoes, and tops. Last year I bought silk Dolce & Gabbana tops for $40 each and they retailed at $500. It is an easy to use website that offers brands such as Von Dutch, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Gucci, BCBG and Calvin Klein. Shipping is a flat rate at $2.95 and there is no tax. Shipping is usually pretty quick, about a week or less on the average. The only problem I have is that returns can be confusing with this retailer and you only have 30 days in which to get the item returned to their facilities. Quality of packaging is excellent. I have never received damaged clothing from them.

SmartBargains:

SmartBargains is affiliated with the discount department store Loehmann's. Like Overstock they offer some of the best designer discounts that I have found. Their inventor is more in fashion than Overstock. They offer brands such as Max Studio, Michael Kors, DKNY, and Bill Blass. They have an easy to use option to search by brand or size. You can also search by greatest percent off. They have wide variety of dresses, pants, tops, handbags, and sunglasses. I found a Nicole Miller dress for $79 on their site, original retail $320, a 75% discount. Shipping varies depending on what you are ordering so it can be more on the expensive side, starting at around $7.95, but if you are buying more than one item, it is usually worth it. SmartBargains has a 30 day refund policy.

EBay:

Looking for designer merchandise on EBay is a little more difficult. First I search for items by brand and that advertise New With Tags so I know that it really is a brand new item the seller is selling. Then I look at the ratings on the seller. You want to purchase from people that have good ratings because with EBay you are buying from individuals. Occasionally you do hear about people that do not receive items or they were not what they described. I also only buy items with good pictures. I want to see the front, the back, the detailing if any. EBay is great though, because you can find just about any brand name you are looking for. You might not get it because it is a bidding process, but sometimes that can lead to great fun. Be careful to set a price in your head that you will not go over though, because it is easy to get carried away. Bidding can become a sport and not as much about the item, as winning the bidding war. Shipping varies and rates vary. Make sure to inquire with the sellers if it is not listed because they can charge whatever they like for shipping and handling. Also most items are usually not returnable. Check out each seller and their policy on returns, if they do not have a policy, just shoot them an e-mail. But remember nothing is guaranteed. They could say yes you can return your item and then change their mind later.

Classic Closeouts:

This is a smaller based website that does not have as good of selections as the above retailers but oftentimes better prices. You can find designers such as Calvin Klein, and DKNY. Outerwear is a great buy on this site, often they have DKNY at 50% off or more. You can also pull up a list of all the designers and search by designer only. Shipping is not too expensive, most of the time if you spend over a certain amount of money they offer free shipping. But if you are looking for items to arrive quickly or you need them for an event in a week or two I would not buy from them. I have gotten many great items from this site, but delivery times can take up to a few weeks.

Look for Online Coupons Before you Hit Buy:

Often you can search online coupons that will give you coupon codes that will offer you extra percentages off of the final price or free shipping. If you go to Google and search for online coupons you will find a variety of different websites. You can go to these websites and search the company you are buying from to see if they have any coupons available. Then you click on the link to access the coupon or are given a coupon code to use at check-out.

What about sizing?

Finding the size that fits you best can be a downside to purchasing clothes on the Internet. If you know the designers you are buying from then you know the sizes. I tend to stay away from purchasing jeans or anything that has a contoured fit to it over the Internet unless I know the brand from which I am buying and how their clothing fits. Sometimes you can find measurements for a particular designer on the Internet. Buying on the Internet is much like buying items out of a catalog, you never know exactly how it will fit until it arrives. Shopping on EBay, many of the listing offer rough measurements. If you are buying an item that you are not really sure about check the return policy and perhaps purchase the two closest sizes and return one later.

Check Out Individual Store Discounts:

If you know what stores you love to shop at then checking out the stores online is another good idea. Most stores have websites that offer sale or clearance sections. At the end of the season I have gotten e-mails from stores to check out their websites and have found some really enticing bargains.

Some of My Favorite Online Stores:

The Gap:

The Gap has an extensive amount of sale clothing including jeans, dresses, tops, and jackets on their website. The end of the winter is a great time to stock up on coats for the rest of the cold months and next year. Often you can find outerwear for more than 50% off of the retail price.

Urban Outfitters:

The first time I looked at Urban Outfitters online store I was amazed by the large amounts of sale and clearance items. Perhaps this is because they do not have an outlet store. Check them out, usually they have a good variety.

J Crew:

Buying online can be your best bet at finding J Crew deals anywhere. Often they will have clearances on shoes and outerwear which are pretty expensive in the store. However, sometimes the sizes they carry on their website are very small or very large. If you get an e-mail about a sale check it out quickly because the average sizes will sell out fast.

Newport News:

This is a catalog based company and their website is constantly offering clearance and sale merchandise. They have a lot of really good sales on handbags, shoes, dresses, and swimwear. I bought a two piece swimsuit I loved on clearance there for only $14.99.

If you have been perusing the latest fashion magazines, or have just been looking at the upcoming Fall fashions online, you may have noticed a disturbing trend: the skinny jeans are coming back!

Actually this can be a good thing-- if you're in shape. Skinny jeans, or slim-cuts as they are also known, look great on long-legged models and thin-waisted waifs. And, come to think of it, the last time the skinny jeans were in vogue I was young and fit so they looked pretty good on me too (this was two babies ago, of course).

Women have had to deal with a lot of change over the years when it comes to jeans. I haven't liked most trends and then, once I get used to one, another style comes into play and I have to start all over again. The reason I am disturbed by the return of the skinny jeans is because I had finally, at the end of last season, found myself the perfect pair of boot cut jeans. They were worn and comfortable and fit me just right. They weren't too high rise and they weren't too low rise. They were-- sigh-- perfect. Now, though, I guess they won't be in style.

And speaking the low waisted jeans, that is one trend I won't mind saying bye- bye to. Now, by all accounts, the worst is over. Hopefully this Fall we won't have to see women's thongs peeking out above their jeans. The waistlines are rising, people, which means that at least we won't have to be afraid to bend over. Now I don't want a waistline as high as Fred Mertz's (remember him, from "I Love Lucy"?), but a slight rise is definitely nice as some of those ultra low rise jeans were a bit too low cut. But I am happy that the waistlines are rising a bit. But why couldn't we have at least one season with the higher waists and still keep the boot cuts? Why must we go straight to the straight- leg skinny jeans?

Of course, if you're not a fashionista you may not even care about this trend at all. I know a few women who still wear the same jeans that they wore in the 80's and 90's. That's not my style, though, because I think it looks dated. When trends come back, they tend to come back slightly different than they were before, so I see no point in holding on to my 80's stonewashed jeans (not to mention the fact that I'm a few sizes bigger now than I was then).

So, I will begin my search for the perfect pair of skinny jeans. It will take a lot of trying on and wearing, but I'm sure I'll find a pair. if you're looking for some of the latest slim fit, straight leg jeans, here a re a few places I have spotted them:

The Levi's online store. Their Drainpipe Skinny Jeans will look great on you if you're in shape.

Old Navy. I love Old Navy because their prices are reasonable and the clothes are of good quality. Old Navy's new straight, skinny jeans come in a dark wash (they call it Deep Denim). Oh, the rises still seem to be a little low.

The Gap. Gap has their Skinny Fit Zips-- and boy are they skinny! They suggest wearing them with a long top (that's the only way I would do it). Gap also still offers some boot cut styles, for those of us who can't quite do the skinny thing yet.

Kohls. The Daisy Feuntes line always boasts some trendy jean styles. Check out Daisy's embroidered jeans and rhinestone studded denims.

Lucky Jeans offer some skinny jeans that have a slight bootleg. They cost over $100 a pair though, so they will require an in-person fitting.

American Eagle offers a good mix of straight leg and boot cuts, in a variety of washes. This place could be one-stop shopping for the gal (or guy) that just can't make up their mind.

Other tips? If your legs are on the short side, elongate them by pairing some high heeled shoes with your skinny jeans. This will help you to pull this difficult trend off a little better. Also, consider having your jeans tailored if the waist is too big but the hips and thighs fit just right.

by Lindsey Rawson-Lin


Who does not love to save money on clothing? What is it about getting a Dolce & Gabbana top for $40, when it retailed for $500 that drives us women into a frenzy? There is something about buying designer clothing for half the price that gives us a thrill, a rush. It is more than just the money you are saving; it is the feeling that you have found a hidden treasure of sorts, a deal. Who does not love a good deal? It is human nature to want to get a deal on something because it feels good.

For me, outlet shopping has become a sport, a pastime. The key to saving money and walking out with phenomenal discounts is all in the planning.

People often ask me how I get the best deals and how my clothes can be so cute and stylish and still come from outlets. The answer is simple. Some of the good outlet stores have really great clothes, selections, and prices; you just have to be willing to do a little bit of homework before shopping.

You want to be the smartest shopper out there. A lot of outlet stores sell merchandise for almost the same price, if not the same price as their counterpart high-end department stores. It is a trick that retailers use. Many stores bring you in under the false pretense of outlet prices and they sell you their overstock for almost the same price as the original retail at around a 10-20% discount.

After years of outlet shopping and owning an EBay business that sold designer and couture clothing at discount prices I have tips that will help you become a shopper that can save 60-90% on each outlet shopping trip. And the best part? You can buy from designers like Ann Taylor, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Guess, and Coach, all at deeply discounted prices.

The Keys to Outlet Shopping

Know your Stores:

All outlet stores do not offer outlet prices, so taking a few minutes to do the research and figure out what the normal prices are at the actual mainstream stores for slacks, skirts, suits, dresses, will prepare you to not fall into that trap. You do not have to be too specific. General prices will work well. If you are looking for a cashmere sweater, price it at a couple of stores in your area before you go to the outlets. When you go to the outlet stores you will know immediately if something is too close to the original sale price. If it is within 10-15% of the original store price, then you might not be getting a good deal. Remember, most outlet trips are out of your way so you want to make it worth the trip. Unless of course it is that item that you have to have, because we all know how that is. If it is that Marc Jacobs dress you have been looking at for the past few months and you have to have it and it is in your budget, then buy it.

Know When to Shop:

This may seem logical but you would be surprised how many people do not shop at the right time. Last summer I found Ann Taylor Silk Dresses that retailed at $159 in the normal Ann Taylor stores at the Ann Taylor Factory Store for $19.99. That is almost a 90% discount. I went in the middle of the summer, around mid July. They had a ton of inventory and sizes to choose from. Early in the summer and in spring those same dresses had been priced at $79 at the outlet. By waiting and going back later in the summer, I was able to scoop up five dresses for only $100 versus buying them in April at the factory store for $400. That is a steal. The dresses were elegant and wearable in almost any season. Often you can buy items that are considered seasonable and wear them all year round. Try to shop in the late part of each season:

July/August for summer
December/January for winter
April/May for spring
October/November for fall

There is a lot of overlap in all of these categories, so you might buy something for summer that you found in July and be able to wear it until October. If you arae looking for the best savings, avoid buying clothing at the beginning of the season. Buying at the high times will lead to the most expensive prices, it is all about supply and demand.

Another way to find out when to shop is to look at the outlet mall websites. The outlets will often list special promotional dates such as sidewalk sales or end of the season clearances. After Christmas and after Thanksgiving are also the best days to shop for yourself.

Know Where to Shop:

There are many outlet malls that advertise themselves as such, but when you actually get there you cannot find any good discounts. If you go to the very large outlet malls with over 50 stores you can usually find stores that have better discounts. It is the rule of probability. More stores will offer more selection and competition and probably offer better prices. It is worth the day trip or two hour drive you may have to take if you have found a good outlet mall. Take your girlfriends with you and make a day out of it.

Come with a Budget:

A shopper that walks into the outlet mall with a budget is much more prepared than one that does not. If you do not have a budget, you are more likely to blow a ton of money that you might not have otherwise spent. If you spend more money than you have in your checking account, even though you saved 70% on all your purchases you may be dipping into your money that was meant to be put into something else. Try to stick to a budget and buy the things you really want, not just everything that is a good deal. Buy things you will use. Do not worry about going over a little; a budget is just a guideline to help you keep your spending in check.

Make a List of Essentials:

Take an inventory of your closet before you go. What are you really looking for? What do you need? What would you like to splurge on for yourself? Making a list will help you be better prepared, so you stay within your budget. You can buy yourself items off the list of course, but making a list you will help minimize impulse purchases and you will save more money and be happier when you get home and realize that you have accomplished your task.

Also take a look at things that you do not need anymore. This is a great time to do some closet weeding. If you have not worn it in the last year, chances are you probably will never wear it again, the exception being formal wear. I keep formal dresses for up to five years because I rarely wear them. Use this as an opportunity to clean out your closet and donate some clothing to a local charity. By removing the excess you are freeing yourself of a lot of extra space for more new stuff and contributing to a good cause.

Gravitate Towards the Back of the Store

The back of any store usually has the best deals, the sale and clearance racks. You will see deals in the front, but usually only around 20% off. Start in the back and if you cannot find what you like then go toward the front. At Ann Taylor Factory stores they have racks and racks of clearance and sale merchandise that often have buy one get one at 50% off of the reduced outlet price.

Check for red tag sales, these often offer added percentages off already reduced merchandise. I bought a silk designer dress during a read tag sale from Nordstrom Rack last season for $34, it retailed for $300.

Be Patient:

Come to the mall well rested, hydrated, and ready to find bargains. It may take some digging. Think about the exercise you are getting as you walk, sometimes miles canvassing stores and steals.

If you plan ahead, with your list of essential items you are looking for and you have done the research the process should not be as long and drawn out. The less prepared you are, the more time it will take to find what you are looking for.

Try Not to Bring your Husband (sorry guys unless they really love to shop) or Young Children:

As most of us know, husbands and kids can be a distraction while shopping. If your husband is not an avid shopper like yourself, when you take him to an outlet mall arguments will only escalate. I recommend not bringing him with you unless he is looking for a large selection of items for himself. If he is not shopping for himself, after about the first half hour he will get bored and start drifting, he may even want to leave. This will surely minimize your ability to look at all selections and stores on your list and you may purchase items that you could purchase elsewhere for much less expensive prices.

Kids are great, but when shopping for you it can be difficult and stressful to bring them. Hire a babysitter with your girlfriends and make a day out of it. You will get some time with your friends as well as some good focused shopping in.

Buy in Bulk:

It does not sound like fun to buy in bulk, but if something really works for you and you found it at 75% off the price then buy a few. Often when I find a pair of slacks that fit me well at good prices I buy two or three pairs. Seize the moment. You will be happy you did.

Favorite Stores:

Shopping at outlets and discount stores can be a very satisfying experience on your pocketbook as well as for you. If you plan ahead and prepare yourself you are guaranteed to save more money. Below I have listed a few of my personal favorites for getting the best deals, current trends, and selections.

Ann Taylor Factory Store. There are a lot of these outlet stores out there, so why shop at the original? This store is usually large and has a really good selection of colors, styles of dresses, business, and casual wear. Many of their styles are timeless so you will not feel like you are wearing something from a few years ago. Prices can be very reasonable. If you see a good sale, do not be afraid to buy in bulk.

Banana Republic Factory Store. This store is a little harder to find. But if you find one and you like Banana Republic, you have got to go. Banana has stylish clothes and the great thing about outlet shopping there is that many of their items never go out of style. If you shop here, you will not look like you have gotten stuck in a time warp. You can get the staples there like pants, sweaters, and skirts that you will wear for years to come. The quality is good.

You can get pants and work clothes for around 50% off normal star prices. They also have a clearance section in the back of the store. They have a wide variety of wool sweaters and sometimes cashmere for good discounted prices. The stores are always packed so be ready to wait in line, but it is well worth the wait. When you get rung up at the sales counter you will feel as if you have won the lottery.

Bebe Outlet. This is a trendier store so if you are looking for fun high-fashion styles I recommend stopping by. Most of their items will be around 50% off the store price with some clearance styles in the back. The styles change quickly there, they are good about moving their inventory quickly from the normal store to the outlet so you will not be much far behind the current fashions. Chances are by the time you get to the outlet, the fashions they have will just be starting to get popular. Monogrammed Bebe clothes offer the least discount because they are high sellers, you usually only get a 20% discount on those.

Nordstom Rack. How I love Nordstrom, both department store and outlet. They have some of the best designers out there from Juicy Couture, to BCBG, to Marc Jacobs, to Calvin Klein at the outlets. They also have a great selection of designer handbags at good discounted prices. If you have the time, check out the clearance first. It may take time to sift through but there are a lot of good deals to be had.

Coach Outlet. There are not a lot of Coach outlets. Many people do not even know they exist. Coach does not really want you to know that you can get their bags at a discounted price. You will not get the newest line, about a season behind, but if you have been dreaming of getting a Coach bag, they have some pretty classic looks and you usually save between 30%-60% which we all know for Coach is an amazing deal.

JC Penny Outlet. This is an outlet store that has many different items; clothes for children, house wares, clothes for women and men, and toys. They do not carry high end designers or products, but they do carry a wide variety of merchandise at good prices. You can find dresses, swimwear, jeans, and suits at really cheap prices. It is worth the stop.