FashBlog.com

As anyone who grew up during the '80s would probably agree, there are a lot of fashion fads that I wish I had never taken part of. When I look at some of my old pictures, I can't believe what I was wearing, or worse, what my hair looked like in those days (how many cans of hair spray did I go through in a month?). Some of the styles I sported were either ugly, ridiculous, or just downright embarrassing. Here are some of my worst transgressions.

Do you remember the fad of wearing boxer shorts as regular shorts? This seemed to be more popular among junior high school girls than anyone else, although I distinctly remember doing the same thing a couple times during my first two years of high school as well. This might sound like a pretty strange thing to do for someone who didn't live through that era, but even major retail outlets like the Gap sold boxer shorts that were specifically intended as outerwear. Most of the shorts had paisley patterns because that was "in" at the time. Being the major loser that I was, however, instead of buying all my boxers from the Gap, I actually just went to the men's department at K-Mart and bought regular boxers from there. This was of course a mistake because these real boxers were made of material that was a lot thinner than the ones sold by the Gap. I don't even want to think about what might have been visible when I wore those shorts!

Another thing that bothers me when I look at my old pictures is that whenever I am wearing a shirt with a collar, the collar is up. I don't remember how that trend started, but it looks pretty dumb when I see it now. The collar up look was made all the worse when coupled with another '80s fashion faux pas, the rolled pants. Remember when everyone rolled up their pants cuffs? At my school, there was a certain artistry involved in rolling your pants. You never just rolled them up regularly. Instead, there had to be certain folds in the right places. You didn't want a loose roll, or one that was too tight. Wow, I can't believe all the mornings spent in the girls' restroom with my friends trying to get our pants cuffs looking just right.

Wearing shoes without socks is one more bad look that I remember from the '80s. This trend was started by the Miami Vice guys. I'm not talking about sandals or flip flops here. I'm talking about not wearing socks with regular shoes, such as loafers (don't forget to add the shiny penny) and even sneakers (like my Keds). That sounds pretty gross now, doesn't it?

It's easy to look back now and say "What was I thinking?" But it's pretty hard to determine which trends will be laughed at in the future. Looking around at what's popular now, can you make a guess as to which styles we will be shaking our heads at 10 years from now? Neither can I!

If you're a female, there's a good chance that at some point in your life you have had to wear a formal dress, and had to pay a hefty price for that bit of glitter and gauze. Is there a cheaper alternative? You could say, "Just don't buy a fancy dress," but nobody wants to show up at the prom or the company holiday party in jeans and a t-shirt. Don't worry. There are other options available for those with a more frugal mindset.

Hit the Clearance Racks
When I was in high school, while other girls looked through prom magazines and longed for expensive designer dresses, I made it a personal mission to see how cheaply I could get my dress. And I accomplished this purely through clearance racks. Look for dresses for the next formal occasion after homecoming and prom seasons and after the holidays.

Keep Your Shopping Options Open
Don't think that you have to visit a bridal shop or high-end mall department store to purchase a suitable dress for your special occasion. I have purchased formal dresses at the discount clothing retailer Dots, a store known for having $10 and $15 clothing. Also consider outlets and discount stores like T.J. Maxx or Burlington Coat Factory. Don't be afraid to buy secondhand. Formal dresses can show up in thrift shops any time of the year, and you just might find a dress or two at your local yard sales. If you're looking for more designer wear, a consignment shop will be the best place to look, although more and more people are turning to online auction sites to buy and sell such dresses.

Make Your Own
If you or someone in your family is a seamstress, you can make your own formalwear instead of paying others to make it for you. However, the fine fabrics used for formalwear can be expensive, so if you're not confident in your sewing abilities, this probably isn't the time to experiment at the risk of ruining thirty dollars worth of fabric when you could have found a clearance dress for that same amount.

Dress Up Something You Already Own
Another option that can cut your costs is to purchase something that will make an outfit you wear every day suitable for formalwear. Sometimes accessories can make all the difference, and a wrap or jacket can add the right flair to your career-wear. I recently attended a dinner function that called for semi-formal attire. I purchased a velour shirt and wore it with a standard black skirt that I wear all the time and added my dressiest heels. My total cost for the evening was $9.99.

Reuse
Once you've purchased a dress, look for chances to wear it again. Do you have a friend that's the same size as you? Trade dresses for a special event if you're concerned about being seen in the same outfit twice. You'll also be more likely to wear your dress a second time if you keep future uses in mind when you're shopping. For instance, if you say no to sequins and glitter, can you wear the dress to your cousin's wedding?

by Christina VanGinkel

Long before I was a grandmother, I would see someone wearing a t-shirt with small handprints all over it, with writing proclaiming 'World's Best Grandma' or some other similar saying. I always wanted one, with my own grandkids prints. Now that I have one very sweet little grandson, I have decided that we will spend some time this weekend making matching shirts for him, his mother, and myself.

To keep the work to a minimum and to keep it simple, I purchased three plain matched t-shirts in our corresponding sizes. I bought my daughter's in a size larger than she wears so she can use it for a night shirt, as though I know she will like making the shirt, and think it is cute, especially her son's, I can not picture her wearing hers out and about, as I will wear mine! I went with the Hanes brand as they were available in the cotton that I wanted, and they were tag less. After pre-washing them, I also went ahead and pre-painted each of our names, Mom, Nana, and DJ across the front of each. I cheated by using my Tracer brand stencils that I have for scrap booking. I used a kid style font, along with a stencil paintbrush, and acrylic paint. By placing a piece of scrap cardboard between the layers of the shirt and pinning the shirts in place, stretched lightly but no too tight, they will be easier to work with and keep the paint from flowing to the back also.

With the same acrylic paint, I plan to have each of us stamp our handprints on each shirt. For mine, besides letting my grandson go wild all over the shirt, I am going to create a two-layered handprint. For this, I went ahead and already placed my handprint in a dark color beneath my name so that it will be thoroughly dry. I am going to have him place his handprint in a lighter color directly over mine. Once dry, I am going to go back and write his name inside his print. When the shirts are completely painted and dried, I will wash them in a cold water cycle, and then dry on medium heat to set the paint.

Besides having fun wearing this shirt, and I will, as I am a shameless brag when it comes to this small bundle of energy I call my grandson, I can hardly wait to make the shirt. Time spent doing crafts with kids reminds me why I have enjoyed crafts so much through the years. Creating clothing with kids is easier than many people realize, and the joy they get out of wearing something they helped create is priceless. Simple pre-made visors that kids can decorate with foam shapes are always fun, as are plain tennis shoes that they decorate with beads and paint. Make some time this summer and create something with your kids that both you and they can enjoy. When my children were little, we would often paint, draw, bead, and glue. Sometimes what we created was useful, as these shirts will be, and other times we gained nothing more than time spent together.

If you are familiar with the name J. Peterman, it's probably due to the wildly popular television series Seinfeld. A lot of people don't know that there actually is a person named J. Peterman, and that there is actually a fully operational J. Peterman clothing company. As depicted on the show, the J. Peterman Catalog is known for its highly unusual, often literary, and sometimes humorous descriptions of the products. One major difference between the J. Peterman Company portrayed on Seinfeld and the real company is that the real company is located in Lexington, Kentucky and not New York City.

While I can't speak for the catalog, the J. Peterman website doesn't contain as many items as you would find on more mainstream clothing sites like Gap or Abercrombie & Fitch. For example, under the heading Men's Sweaters, you will find only 3 different styles to choose from. Clicking the Men's Pants link will yield 6 different styles. There are definitely more clothes for women on the J. Peterman site, but it is still less than you would find somewhere else.

The J. Peterman Company prides itself on selling clothes that you won't find at the local mall. The company wants to create a sense of "romance" to go along with their fashions. So on the site you can expect to find items with titles such as "1960's Bubble Skirt", "Swagger Coat", "Gatsby Pants", and even a "This could be it" dress. J. Peterman also has an assortment of accessories, perfumes, and colognes. Among the accessories are a leather messenger bag, a derby hat, and various watches.

I have to admit that I first started looking at J. Peterman clothes after I heard about the company on Seinfeld, so that was a great bit of publicity for them. But I have never bought anything from there. A couple of items have caught my eye over the years, but I find J. Peterman's prices to be too high for what they offer. For example, you can get something called a "Hemingway Cap". It looks to be an ordinary baseball-style cap, except that it has a longer bill. There aren't any logos or other markings on the cap, and yet it is selling for $39. You can get two or three caps from other name-brand stores for that price, and you could buy even more caps from places like Old Navy.

Also, the Gatsby Pants that they sell just look like ordinary pants. Sure, the name is cool and conjures up images of a bygone era, plus its name draws from one of the most famous characters in literature. But the pants themselves appear to be just regular khaki pants that you can get at Sears. They are made of lightweight linen (nothing special there). The only "extras" that I can determine from the written description are a watch pocket and suspender buttons. Do those features make the pants worth $128?

Anyway, if you want to check out the J. Peterman website, it is www.jpeterman.com. Even if you don't buy the clothes, you can enjoy the well-written descriptions!

Whether you are looking for a new job, or want to take a step up on the career ladder, the way you dress is going to have a big impact on your success. Clothes say a great deal about who we are and how we feel. Your clothes can reflect whether you are creative and innovative, traditional and conservative, outgoing or introverted. If you are looking to snag the job of your dreams or to take your rightful place in the corporate hierarchy, here are a few tips that will help you on your way:

1. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. If you want people to take you seriously, it is important to look and dress the part. Experts suggest that a person dress a notch or two above the level of their current position. This rule applies whether you are interviewing for a new job or are already established in your career. The first step in proving that you have the ability to move up the corporate ladder is to convince higher ups that you are ready for the job. Dressing the part is one way to capture their attention and make them start wondering if, perhaps, your talents are being wasted in your current position. Dressing well will also give you a sense of confidence that will be reflected in everything you do.

2. For job interviews, err on the side of convention. If you are applying for a new job and want to be taken seriously, but are not sure exactly what to wear, the best thing to do is to err on the side of dressing more conservatively and dressy than flashy or casual. Interviewers want to know that you respect the position and that it means enough to you that you are willing to take the time to dress well and to look good. Make sure your clothes are clean, well-pressed and fit the environment of the company to which you are applying.

3. Keep it buttoned up. A job interview is not the place to show off your cleavage or your nice legs--it is the place to show off your education, talents and skills. Wearing a low cut blouse or too short skirt sends several messages to your prospective employer. First, it says that you do not have enough confidence in what you know and what you can do to rely on your talent. Second, it is offensive and is an insult to your prospective employer, because you send the signal that he is superficial, easily manipulated and stupid. Third, it tells your prospective employer that you lack sophistication and proper social skills.

Aside from all this, dressing improperly for a job interview perpetuates a stereotype of women using their looks and their bodies to get what they want, rather than relying on their skills and education. You know you are strong, talented, educated--you are more than qualified for this job. Do not set women back a hundred years by thinking any less of yourself and by not allowing your real talent to shine through.

Copyright (c) 2005 by Leanne Phillips

by Christina VanGinkel

Even though it is only the beginning of summer, I am already starting to shop for school clothes for my twelve-year-old son. Growing daily, this is not always easy, and some items, such as shoes, will not be purchased until the week before school starts to ensure a good, proper fit. Shirts, t-shirts, socks, and underwear, along with items such as backpacks and other school supplies can all safely be purchased now, hopefully at huge savings over what I would pay if I waited until the school shopping frenzy arrives later this summer.

JC Penny's is one store that I frequent year round. They often have racks of clearance clothing at deeply discounted prices. If only a few items of a style are available, they will move it to a clearance rack. Other times they will discount whole racks of clothes. If they are offering coupons, they usually allow you to use the coupons on clearance merchandise, again affording discount shoppers such as myself some very good deals. That is how I purchased my son several pairs of Polo jeans at a mere fraction of their original price. On sale, they were then discounted to clearance at a mere twenty-five percent of the original price. While that was a bargain in itself, they also had a one-day promotion with a coupon that allowed for an additional twenty percent off any purchases made the one day. I ended up buying my son six pairs of Polo jeans for less than fifty dollars, what the cost originally was for one pair.

While not all my purchases are such a huge success, I strive to pay as little as possible for all my clothing purchases. Online outlets and stores are also great places to snag some good bargains. When shopping online, always remember to search for coupons or discount codes for any store you are considering shopping. Many places will offer free shipping or additional markdowns if you just take the time to look for their coupon codes first. While I use to frown on ordering clothing online due to not being able to try things on, and the hoops you would have to jump through to make a return, thanks to new guidelines for fit that most stores now offer, and easier return policies at many places, I find myself shopping more and more for clothing online. Always make sure and check a stores policies before ordering anything though, as it is easier to make a decision on if something is really a bargain or not, if you know all the facts before ordering.

One other reason I try to get such an early start on my son's school shopping is because we do live in a relatively rural area, it is not always easy to find things. By spreading out my shopping over a longer time period, along with shopping various places both local and online, I am much more apt to find what I am searching for, and not go broke in the process. By putting a bit of planning into it, and shopping smartly, my son will head to middle school this fall dressed as fashionably as all his classmates, but at a fraction of the cost most of the other parents will have spent!

By Christina VanGinkel

Why is it so hard to find a pair of shoes that are comfortable and that look nice? Part of it is because I am not fond of shoe shopping to begin with. Fit is always a problem. My foot is not overly wide, and I never purchase a wide width, though I have noticed lately that many of the available shoes that are halfway decent looking are seemingly narrow in comparison to the same brand shoe's older styles. Finding styles that I like are also increasingly difficult. Many of the available shoes that might fit are just not to my liking. I do not care for many of the fancy fabrics or colors, and while I like basic, so must most other people, because it seems as if the most basic shoes are also the most expensive. In addition, the cheapest shoes, though often plain in style, are seemingly made to last for a wearing or two only. If you happen to live anywhere there is moisture, they immediately fall apart.

I once purchased a simple pair of flats. They were about as basic as they come, in a smooth leather like fabric, with a toe that was curved, but not too curved as to be pointy (I do not care for pointy toed shoes), and I figured they would last me for at least a season. The second time I wore them, I stepped off our walkway into the grass which was damp with a morning dew. I did this to check a bird feeder that is in our yard. By that evening, the sole of the shoe was coming off. I returned the shoes a few days later and the sales person asked me pointedly if I had gotten them wet. I replied that no, I had not. I then recanted when I thought about it for a second, and said that I did step into the grass when it was a bit wet from the dew. She said that was all it would take. They were known to fall apart if they got wet. Why would someone sell a shoe meant for everyday wear, that would fall apart that quickly when wet I will never understand.

While I know some people love shopping for shoes, I have never been one that is always looking for their next pair to acquire. I am more of the type that buys a pair and wears the same pair until it wears out. I do have a pair for dress, one for casual, athletic shoes, and a pair of hiking boots for the times during the year that our driveway looks more like a river than a place to park a vehicle, and the occasional jaunt in the woods with the dogs. I also have a pair of boots for the months that our walkway and driveway is buried under the snow. I expect each pair to last me at least a season if not longer. The boots for example should last me two or even three winters, as I do not wear them everyday.

This year, I think I am going to try shopping for my shoes on the Internet, even though I once said that I would never buy shoes that way due to the sizing. However, many online stores now offer detailed guidelines for fit, have generous return policies, and reasonable shipping. In addition, I figure it cannot be any worse than trying to find a pair locally that both fits and does not melt when wet!

Do you want to look great in your clothes this summer? Here are some tips that will help you to look your best in whatever you choose to wear.

1. Take care of your skin. Summer time is a time for baring more skin. Summer fashions show off more skin than any other time of year. Keep your skin healthy and glowing by cleansing and moisturizing daily. Exfoliate regularly to slough off dead skin cells and encourage more frequent growth of new skin cells for younger, healthier-looking skin. After all, healthy-looking skin is the most important factor for looking great in summer clothes.

2. Show off a tan. In our society, tan skin is healthy-looking skin. The reality, however, is that tanning, whether by laying out in the sunshine or visiting a tanning booth, kills off skin cells and leads to an increased risk of skin cancer. Today more than any other time, you can have tanned-looking skin without the harmful effects of the sun or ultraviolet rays. Today's self-tanners are great and natural looking and won't leave you with orange-hued skin. Many of the better salons now offer professional spray tanning booths where you can get an all-over tan in minutes and with little mess or fuss. It's also important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Use sunscreen and add a couple of cute hats to your summer wardrobe to shelter your delicate facial skin from the sun and give you a young, spirited look at the same time.

3. Tone and tighten. It's never too late to tone and tighten muscles. You'll feel better and you'll look better. Tone muscles are not just for the sake of vanity, either. Our muscles are intended to support and protect our skeletons. Keep your muscles in great shape and you'll have better overall posture and reduce your chances of injury. One of the biggest benefits is that, when your body is in shape, your clothes will fit better, and when you have better posture, you'll look better no matter what you are wearing.

4. Drink plenty of water and eat right. The appearance of your skin is an outward reflection of what's going on inside your body. Most people live in a perpetual state of dehydration or near dehydration. Without adequate moisture, skin ages more rapidly and becomes dry and wrinkled. Unfortunately, once you feel thirsty, this is a sign that your body is already dehydrated. So, it's important to keep drinking water all day long, whether you feel terribly thirsty or not. Water serves a lot of purposes in our bodies, not the least of which is that it flushes toxins out of our bodies. When your body is free of toxins, your skin will reflect your body's healthier state. Nutrition is another important factor in your skin's appearance. Certain vitamins and minerals found in healthy foods are crucial to the skin's make up. Most of us don't get nearly enough fruit and vegetables in our daily diets. Take advantage of abundant summer produce. Make sure to eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables, including spinach, and eat plenty of yummy summer fruit. Remember, glowing skin is the best accessory of all for your summer wardrobe.

5. Buy clothes that fit well. Nothing will ruin a summer look faster than buying clothes that don't fit well. Showing more skin in the summertime does not mean wearing clothes that are too tight or revealing. Choose summer clothes that fit and hang well on your frame and make sure they are clean, fresh and wrinkle-free. Strive for a crisp, casual summer look and you'll look your very best in your summer wardrobe.

Copyright (c) 2005 by Leanne Phillips

Can you imagine life without shoes? There are people in some countries of the world who do not wear shoes at all, having toughened their feet since childhood. In our country, we find this hard to imagine, with our paved and gravely roads, hard concrete sidewalks and other hard surfaces. We begin putting shoes on our babies before they can even walk. In fact, many stores, restaurants and other establishments will not allow customers into the store if they are not wearing shoes. In our collective desire and need to wear shoes, we have come up with quite a variety of footwear. Following are just a few.

1. Work shoes. This can mean anything from dress-shoes which are worn with a dress or suit, to loafers to heavy steel-toed protective shoes. There are a wide variety of dress shoes, including men's tassle-toed shoes, women's pumps and flats, and of course, strappy heels. Many people who must wear less than comfortable shoes at work have taken to wearing comfortable walking shoes for transportation, and bringing their work shoes along with them to be put on when they arrive.

2. Some of the shoes people wear to work when bringing their work shoes with them are running or walking shoes, otherwise known as sneakers. Sneakers can be worn for nearly anything: sports, walking, running, tennis, or doing day to day chores such as housecleaning, yard work or shopping. Sneakers are some of the most comfortable shoes made - they protect our feet but are cushioned and even fashionable. Sneakers are made in a plethora of different shapes, sizes, and varieties, from those just for looks to the most high tech marathon shoes. In the end, though, most sneakers are comfortable.

3. Sandals are those wonderful inventions that are the next best thing to being barefoot. They allow us to feel to cool breeze on our feet on hot summer days, but at the same time, they protect the sensitive bottoms of our feet from the hard ground. Sandals became popular in the 60s with the hippie movement, but today they are made in many shapes and forms. From the traditional Birkenstocks to new fangled sports sandals to dressy leather high heeled sandals, they all come from the same original idea of protection while leaving the foot exposed.

4. Hiking boots have always been popular for what they were made for - hiking - but they have also become a fashion statement, with many people wearing them as they would wear sneakers; for every day use. Hiking boots are sturdy, protective, and comfortable, and often they are made with gore-tex to make them waterproof.

5. Warm weather boots are essential for those living in cold, snowy climates. Many boots today are made for warmth as well as water resistant or water proof, to protect our feet from the snow and rain. These are wonderful for winter sports, shoveling snow, or simply getting around during the cold winter. For those living in cold climates, it is difficult to imagine not wearing shoes.

So you think you know your fashion? Can you anticipate which designers will get the most press in magazines? Can you tell which celebrity clothing lines will likely enjoy long-term success and which ones will flop? Do you know which designer dress Nicole Kidman will wear to next year's Oscars? If you are on the fashion ball, so to speak, and want to test your skills against other clothing and accessories fanatics, then you must check out the Fantasy Fashion League.

What is the Fantasy Fashion League? Well, it works like most fantasy sports leagues. Instead of choosing athletes, however, you choose big players in the fashion world. Participants in the Fantasy Fashion League can "draft" designers in six different categories: Fashion Designers, Celebrity Fashion Designers, Shoe Designers, Handbag Designers, Jewelry Designers, and finally, Celebrities. Then you score points based on how many times the designers you choose get mentioned in fashion circles, on television, and in magazines. So for example, if you pick Vera Wang as your designer, Kate Spade as your handbag designer, and Renee Zellweger as your celebrity, you would score major points if Zellweger shows up at the Oscars wearing a Vera Wang gown and holding a Kate Spade clutch. You even get points if the celebrity mentions the designer's name during red carpet interviews.

I think this is a pretty interesting concept and would probably be a lot of fun for people who love fashion. Every sport has hundreds of fantasy leagues associated with them, and the members of these fantasy leagues are predominantly men. Now this Fantasy Fashion League seems to be something primarily for women to enjoy. While our husbands or boyfriends are pouring over the latest baseball and basketball stats, we can read Vogue and call it research!

I am not a member of the league myself, so I can't speak as to how it really works versus how it is theoretically supposed to work. After a quick perusal of the rules on the website, it looks like there are a lot of publications and websites that must be monitored for the scoring aspect of the game. It seems like a ton of hard work for whoever has to do that. Another thing I wonder about is how they will know which designer made the outfits for all the celebrities at the Oscars. Sure, it's easy to tell when the stars are on the red carpet giving interviews, or when you read about it in People Magazine, but what about all the other celebrities who don't get interviewed? I'm not saying it can't be done; I'm sure it can. I'm just wondering how. Maybe these people who are so interested in fashion can tell at a glance who designed what!

Anyway, if this seems like something you want to try, you can visit the Fantasy Fashion League website at www.fantasyfashionleague.com. Right now they are offering a $1000 shoe shopping spree as their grand prize for the overall winner. That's pretty good, considering the sign-up fee is only $18.

By Christina VanGinkel

I received a catalog of teen and young adult clothing in the mail yesterday, and my twelve year old latched onto it before I could even get a look at it. Last evening, when he finally put it down, I was able to take a glance at just what was so interesting. Blue Sphere has an evenly split assortment of clothes for both girls and boys, but what is in common across both was that the clothes were comfortable looking. Most of it has a surf theme, with fun colors, and a few fun additions of t-shirts that have simple graphics emblazoned across their fronts. Candy logos, and insignias in a mythical design that are suppose to represent simple phrases such as joy, dream, curiosity, courage, and success. These designs are also emblazoned on their MOGU People, which are pillow like people that are filled with polystyrene beads, making them extremely huggable and squishy. We have a few plain pillows in our house made in a similar fashion, and they are very comfortable.

The catalog also has an assortment of jewelry, furniture, books, makeup, exercise gear, and electronics, but the clothes are a big part of it. If your teens are looking for matched tanks and shorts, and flip flops that tie the whole look together, you can find several choices within their pages, including shorts for the guys that are down past the knee, with comfortable tees and vintage washed polo jerseys. The ones that look as if you have owned them forever, already sporting that worn look can be found, and in colors that will not send the guys running.

If name brand clothes are included in your search, they carry a nice selection of adidas wear, including the adidas revolution two jacket and pant, along with shorts and tees. They even have a selection of adidas running and training shoes for both girls and the guys. I also discovered what one of the items my son had checked, Skechers Floater Shoes, a suede skater shoe available in two color schemes. My son has been a fan of the Skecher skate style shoe for years, even though he is not a skater, as they are comfortable, with enough width to them that his foot never feels cramped, and just dressy enough that he has worn his everywhere and with everything, including dress clothes. The catalog also carries Vans, which is a similar styled show that my son is also a fan. In addition, for the girls, they carry the popular Mary Jane Skechers, a biker style show that is made of leather and mesh making them very comfortable to wear.

If your teen is looking for sleepwear, Capri's, jerseys, sandals, bags, watches, shorts, workout or casual wear, and just about everything in between, chances are they will find it in the Blue Sphere catalog. With reasonable prices and even free shipping offers, along with the added ease of shopping through their catalog or their online venue, you will be happy your teen discovered such a cool shopping choice.

Whether you're a member of the high school student council or a local business organization, creating an organizational T-shirts is a fun way to show spirit and unity. They can also be good advertising for your group. There are only a few simple things that you need to consider before creating your own shirts.

First, you need to decide on a t-shirt design. One way of coming up with a t-shirt design is to decide as a group what you would like to see. First, have a brainstorming session where everyone can contribute ideas. Then work together to combine and refine these ideas into a suitable final product. Another way to decide on a design is to solicit designs from the membership. Once all interested participants have contributed their ideas, you can either let a committee decide on the final shirt design, or you can put it to a vote of the membership.

Be careful to stay away from copyrighted images or phrases. Everyone may think it's cool to have Homer Simpson saying, "D'oh! I should have joined the DHS Drama Club," but you're only setting yourself up for trouble with a design like that. Reputable t-shirt printing companies won't let you use copyright-protected characters in your logos anyway.

When deciding on a t-shirt design, you should also decide on a color and style. T-shirts are available in almost every color imaginable, and you can also use just as many colors in the printing of your shirt. However, if you use screen-printing, the more colors you use in your printed design, the more the shirt will cost. In terms of shirt style, short-sleeved shirts are the most popular choice for these kinds of t-shirts, but you can also order long-sleeved shirts, ringer tees, sweatshirts, or even non-shirt items like hats, totebags and boxer shorts.

Some groups like to order white t-shirts imprinted with their chosen design and then have a decorating party. You can tie-dye the shirts, use fabric paints to add personal flair, or simply autograph each other's shirts. Some groups skip the screen-printing process altogether and go straight to the decorating process, resulting in a unique shirt for each member.

Finally, you need to decide how you're going to get your shirts printed. You should be able to find local printing shops in the phone book and call them to price your shirts. If you're a student or non-profit group, see if any companies will offer discounts. With improved printing technologies, it's also possible to create t-shirt transfers on nearly any home computer. You can scan in your planned design or create it in an imaging program. The final product may look slightly less professional depending on the quality of the printer, though, and you will need to factor in the cost of the printer ink before you decide if you're really saving money.

Whatever you decide, if you make sure that everyone has a say in the final product and that everyone has fun with it, you're bound for shirt success.

Scarves are those unusual pieces of clothing - the type that is the easiest to make and sometimes the most difficult to wear. Scarves, though they are often a simple square piece of fabric or long knitted piece, can be surprisingly expensive. Perhaps there is a scarf conspiracy out there somewhere! For many of us, scarves conjure up images of 1940s flying aces in their biplanes with a long white scarf wrapped around their necks, whipping back in the wind. Scarves also are associated with old money, The Great Gatsby, and riding in convertibles with formal wear and a scarf blowing in the breeze. Scarves can be used for many different occasions and types of dress from formal to casual, and they have many different uses.

1. Scarves are often used for warmth. Skiers and other winter athletes commonly wrap knitted scarves, also called mufflers, around their necks and faces for added warmth. These cold weather scarves can be incredible long for multiple wraps, or just long enough for one wrap around. Plus, the cold weather scarves, if made of cashmere or some other fine fabric, can hang nicely around a formal coat lapel and add pizzazz to otherwise boring and plain formal winter wear.

2. Silk, satin and other thin fabrics have long been used to make women's scarves. These types of scarves were once worn over carefully coiffed hairstyles; the scarf kept the wind and rain from damaging the fancy do. Women today still wear scarves over their hair, but scarves are also used to spice up a dress or sweater by draping it over the shoulders or knotting it at the neck. Some women even wear these scarves tied around their hair in the form of a headband or ponytail holder.

3. Scarves can be quite useful as well as ornamental. In the old west, cowboys made handkerchiefs popular. Handkerchiefs were worn around the face to protect the horseman from blowing dust and sand, and the handkerchief could be used for a variety of other things: as a rag for cleaning, a napkin at meals, a washcloth for washing the face, a tourniquet in the event of an injury, or anything else the cowboys needed. Many practical people today carry a handkerchief with them in their pockets. While most wouldn't want to use a formal silk scarf as a napkin or tourniquet, if necessary, it could prove very useful.

4. Lastly, though scarves are often used to protect a hairstyle, with the advent of certain medical treatments, they are also used now to cover or protect the head when hair is lost. Many patients, who have undergone chemotherapy or another treatment which causes the hair to fall out, find solace in colorful scarves that will cover their balding heads, keep them warm, and make them feel better about themselves during a difficult time. Scarves can range from the fancy, multicolored silk and satin scarves to simple, solid colored polyester scarves. Thankfully they have a choice and can opt for different types of scarves depending on their mood, the weather, and the occasion.

Do you remember playing dress-up as a little kid? Now imagine giving your kids all of that fun and creativity in a box of their very own. While you can gather the materials for a dress-up box at any time, it can also make a great and memorable gift for a birthday or holiday.

The Container
If you own an actual trunk, or can find one for a good price, that would make the best container. It will be like opening up a treasure chest for your kids. But any large box or even an old suitcase will do. If you use a suitcase, it can even double as an additional prop in pretend play.

The Contents
Fancy dresses-The staple of any dress-up collection are long dresses that can help a young girl be a princess or a model. Almost any grown-up dress will seem "fancy" to a kid, but if you have any sequined and glittered gowns around, all the better.

Career wear-Look for pieces of clothing that will help a child pretend to be a (fill in the blank). A suit jacket can help your kid pretend to be in business, while a tool belt will inspire a young construction worker.

Scarves/sashes-These can be surprisingly versatile and will be used for anything from a skirt to a sling for a "broken arm."

Jewelry-Long beads are essential, along with bracelets that can move on your arms. Any shiny jewelry will also catch kids' attention. Naturally, don't give the kids anything valuable or easily breakable.

Make-up-Include make-up in your dress-up box at your own discretion. If you trust your kids to use your old tube of lipstick on their faces and not your walls, then there's no harm in including it, as long as you're ready for clean-up later. You can also find make-up made for kids in the toy aisles at most stores. This make-up is meant to be less messy, but of course, that's less fun!

Accessories-Sunglasses, the bigger the better, are a good piece to include. Purses can also add realism to the play. Toss in some big, floppy hats for fun.

You can find dress-up pieces or even entire pre-filled dress-up trunks in stores and toy catalogs. They even come with kid-sized clothing pieces. Where's the fun in that? Isn't the point of playing dress-up to dress up in grown-up clothes? But you can look to these stores for the perfect accents, like a feather boa for your wannabe movie star or a glittery microphone for your up-and-coming pop idol.

You can donate clothes from your own stash for the effort (a great way to clean out your closet), or you can go on a hunt at local thrift stores and yard sales for the perfect pieces to complete the collection. Enlist friends and family in the effort. Does your neighbor's daughter take dance lessons? Maybe she has an old tutu just collecting dust in her closet. Your chemist brother might have an old lab coat that will turn your unassuming child into a mad scientist.

Once you've created your initial box, don't just set it aside and forget about it. Always be on the lookout for the next great play piece when you find the clearance racks or stop by a garage sale. As an added bonus, you're halfway to your next Halloween costume!

I have to be honest with you. My mom raised me cheap. I don't mean that she raised me without expending a lot of money; I mean that she taught me how to be cheap. Or you can call me frugal if you prefer that slightly kinder term. But it all boils down to the basic fact that I just can't make myself spend much money on clothing.

So I gravitate to discount department stores. I find no shame in purchasing clothes from Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Target. I also follow sale ads closely and head for clearance racks first thing when I enter a store in the mall. Outlet stores and shops that specialize in clearance/slightly irregular name brand clothing (think T.J.Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory) are also good options.

Now I have to admit for all of my cheapness, I'm not a big fan of shopping at thrift stores or yard sales. But this isn't because I turn up my nose at their products. It's really a product of laziness. I have to be in a very particular mood to sift through rack after rack of clothing to find a few things that I need. Add in the time it would take to try on numerous shirts or pants with no range of sizes available, and I just can't do it. I do fully realize that buying secondhand is a great way to and I highly recommend it.

Another thing that I've found handy in helping me buy clothing without spending a lot of money is to ask for clothing or clothing gift certificates for gifts. Do you really want that all-in-one juicer/grater/CD player for Christmas? Don't be embarrassed to ask your family members for what you really want.

But there's a time and a place for being frugal in your clothing purchases. Knowing when to spend the extra money for a quality product is just as important as knowing where all the clearance racks are. For instance, I always buy high quality tennis shoes because I know that I will wear them day in and day out, and I need the comfort and durability that you don't always get from cheaper shoes. At the same time, if I'm attending a dinner party and want a pair of dress shoes that match my new dress, then I'll insist on buying the cheap version of the trendy heels for ten dollars.

But you also need to know when to break your own rules. I had always been told that you needed to buy an expensive suit for job interviews and to consider it an investment. Well, I recently found myself needing a new interview suit, and I decided to give into my frugal impulses and buy the cheap suit. I felt comfortable getting a short-sleeved suit in a fun violet color. If I had been buying an expensive suit as an "investment," then I most likely would have felt compelled to buy something long-sleeved in black or navy so that I could wear it any time. And I felt like a more confident job seeker in the suit that I preferred. If you can't make that much of a plunge, heading for outlet stores and clearance racks can also help you get the best of both worlds. You can have the craftsmanship of an expensive label at a discount store price.

Let's face it. Tucked in the back of your closet or maybe deep in a dresser drawer are clothes that no longer fit, that you received as a gift but never wore, or that just aren't in style anymore. Isn't it time you took control of the clutter and found another use for those clothes?

The first thing you should do is prepare yourself for the job. You need to be in the right mindset for a closet cleaning. A good rule of thumb that I've heard many people use is that if you haven't worn it in a year, then you should get rid of it. You might have another standard, such as getting rid of everything that's a certain size. But decide on some guidelines, decide that you are committed to clearing out excess clothing and get to work.

So now you've got a pile of the clothes, shoes and accessories that you just don't want anymore. What should you do from here? You have several options, depending on the condition and age of your clothes and how much effort you're willing to expend.

Before trying to find a new home for your clothes, weed out clothes with holes, tears, stains, or that are just plain worn out. If you don't want these clothes because they're in that condition, no one else will either. Use what you can as rags or as scraps for sewing projects and trash the rest. Occasionally local recycling centers will even recycle cloth or tennis shoes.

First, you can always donate unused clothing to a local charity. Goodwill and Salvation Army are two national charities that have retail stores in many locations. Check with the individual stores about their drop-off times and locations. Many local charities and churches also run similar stores or clothes closets. While donating will make you feel good for supporting those less fortunate, you should also ask for a receipt for your donation so that you will be eligible for a tax deduction. But be honest. Don't ask for a receipt for hundreds of dollars if you're donating a pile of ratty t-shirts.

If you have children's clothing that someone else could use, you can also donate within your family or community. Or set up an exchange where several people bring their clothing and trade unused items.

Now if you feel like putting a little extra effort into your pile of clothes, you can most likely make some money from your cast-offs. For a catchall solution, consider holding a yard sale. You can also get rid of other household clutter at the same time. If you have like-new and/or designer items, you can sell them through a few different venues. Local consignment shops will display your clothing with the stipulation that they receive a percentage of the selling price. Online auctions are another potential place to sell your cast-off clothing. Sometimes selling in lots, selling a collection of several similar items, is a good way to entice people to buy your clothing. You will need to put time into photographing and describing your clothing to draw in the most potential bidders.

Gloves are more than just covers for our hands. Gloves have a whole range of uses and reasons for being. You might have a pair of gloves you wear regularly when the winter winds begin to blow or the steering wheel of the car feels a bit frigid. But gloves can be worn for many more reasons. The next time you slip on a pair of gloves, or tragically lose one and not the other, think about our life without them.

In the early days of our great nation, when settlers made their way across the blustery Midwest to make their new homes, they had to make due with very little. Many times darned socks were worn on the hands in the place of gloves or mittens, and the wearers were quite thankful. If gloves were available, they were a precious commodity.

Today we have a plethora of shapes, sizes, materials and types of gloves for every occasion and to fit any sized hand. The most common types of gloves are those made for warmth. Skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers and other winter athletes appreciate the modern gloves which are thin and make it easy to use the hands, but they are also warm and often waterproof. Materials such as fleece and polypropylene are common in gloves made for warmth. Even those of us who simply must be out in winter conditions are grateful when we have a pair of thin, snuggly warm gloves to pull over our cold fingers.

The second most common type of gloves are those used for protection. Gardening, yard work, construction work and metal working all are much safer and easier with a good pair of gloves. There are even fire-proof gloves made now for the specific purpose of building a fire and not getting burned. Most work gloves are made from leather or a heavy canvas fabric that won't easily tear or wear out. Work gloves are used regularly by people ranging from the most trained shipbuilders to the most amateur gardeners.

Another common use for gloves is by athletes. Football players, hockey players, some golfers, skateboarders, and many people who ride horses common wear gloves for protection and as part of the uniform. Baseball gloves speak for themselves, but many a baseball player also wears gloves when swinging the bat. Gloves for athletes not only add a measure of protection to the hands, they also add pizzazz to the uniform.

One of the most beautiful uses of gloves is in formal occasions. A man wearing a black tuxedo for a wedding or other formal event might choose thin, black leather gloves to complete the look. Women have a whole range of glove options for their formal-wear, including wrist length gloves, forearm gloves and gloves that reach up and even past the elbow. These formal gloves are usually made of the finest materials to accentuate femininity, such as lace, silk, or satin, and they are usually found only in black or white, though other colors can be found. Wedding gowns are especially beautiful with a long, lacy pair of white gloves.

I often hear men complaining about having to wear neckties to work. They call them stifling, say that they are uncomfortable, and generally wish the darn things would just go away. I happen to think that most of these men are missing out on a great way to reveal a little bit of their personalities through their ties. Whenever I see a man dressed in business attire, I usually look right past the suit and instead direct my attention to the tie. I think you can tell a lot about a man from the kind of ties he wears. Unfortunately, most men don't give their ties much thought. They just go with standard pinstripe or solid patterns that are really boring. Here are some ideas to consider if you want to spruce up your look in a simple way.

If you work for a progressive organization that embraces a laid back corporate culture, then you can probably get away with wearing novelty ties. These are ties with whimsical patterns or sayings on them and usually have to do with hobbies. For example, you can get ties with golf clubs, baseball bats, or footballs on them. Or you might want to go with a necktie that says "I [heart] racing" on it. Whatever your hobby, you can be sure to find a tie that expresses your interest.

You can also find ties that reflect your occupation. I've seen doctors wearing neckties with stethoscopes and surgical tools on them. I've also seen ties featuring the scales of justice, which would be suitable for a judge or lawyer; fire engines and Dalmatians for firefighters; a chalkboard and ruler for teachers; and Bunsen burners and test tubes for scientists. As with the hobby neckties, you can probably find a tie for almost any kind of occupation.

Maybe you can't wear wacky ties during most of the year, but the powers that be loosen up a bit during the holidays. If so, you are in luck because there are plenty of holiday-themed ties that you can sport on those days. I've seen Christmas ties with trees that light up, Valentine's Day ties with neon hearts, and Halloween ties with ghosts and goblins that glow in the dark. People will be able to tell a lot about your personality when they see which holidays you choose to celebrate.

Even if your company is stuffy and conservative, you can still find ties that will let your personality shine through without causing much stir among the senior partners. For example, if you are a dyed in the wool capitalist, then why not show your love of the free market system by wearing a distinctive Adam Smith necktie? Or maybe you would prefer to remind your colleagues that you are an Ivy Leaguer by wearing a crimson necktie or bow tie bearing the Harvard logo? Either of these options would be acceptable even in the most old-fashioned companies.

Don't let the fact that you have to wear a tie to work get you down. Instead, have a little fun and let your personality shine through!

Hats have been used as fashion statements about as far back as anyone can remember. In ancient times, the people used to protect their heads with scarves, leaves, or woven hat-type garments. Hats became part of the military uniform in the form of a helmet with all the insignia portraying which country or region was represented.

Today hats are still used for fashion, usefulness, and protection, and the use as insignia has broadened to the sports field. Baseball caps might have originally been invented to protect the players' eyes from the bright sunshine, but today the baseball cap is a representation of player and fan. From tiny little boys to aging grandfathers, baseball caps are an American tradition, whether or not they promote a team.

When building Hoover Dam in Nevada, workers put two baseball caps together, one facing forward and the other back, and dipped them in tar. Once they dried, they became what is known today as the hard hat. Not long after that clever invention, hard hats were mass produced to protect construction workers and the like from dangerous work environments.

Knit hats have been used for years in colder climates to protect the ears and head from winter winds and snow. Skiers made the ski hat popular as well as trendy, and today a wide variety of knit hats are available from plain colors, multi-colors, those with pompons, long night-caps, and many more. Cold weather hats, while still widely used for warmth, have become the fashionable look for skateboarders and the grunge crowd. Fashion or not, when the frigid winds begin to blow, a cozy knit hat pulled down over our ears is a wonderful thing.

Sun hats make many of us think of the matronly woman at the beach with seven or eight children at her heels, a colorful beach umbrella, a long beach robe, and a huge, floppy pink sun hat. While sun hats aren't always cute or fashionable, many are and besides, they protect our faces, necks and heads from what we now know are terribly damaging rays from the sun. In recent years, wide brimmed sun hats have become more fashionable, either woven from straw so they don't flop, or slightly smaller so they don't completely overcome the woman's head. Yet much like a hard hat, sun hats are more for functionality than style.

Perhaps no time in history represents the wearing of hats like the 1940s. The Dick Tracy style fedora is a standard that represents the era. Men and women alike dressed up regularly and had a hat to match. Hats were only worn by men out of doors, and women wore them to all formal or semi-formal occasions. Tiny pill box hats with veils, wide brimmed and odd shaped hats, and tall fancy hats. Thanks to the likes of Liza Doolittle, with formal headwear, anything goes.

Even if hats as fashion go out of style, we will always need hats for the usefulness and protection they provide. And as long as baseball is the great American pastime, the fashion part will always be around.

By Christina VanGinkel

Are you looking for the hottest beach gear to wear on your next trip to the lake or pool? Look no further! I discovered what does have to be one of the coolest trends to hit the sand in a long time. Barefoot Beach Sandals are beaded sandals without the shoe part. Instead of beads on a sandal, the beads are free form and you just wear them on your feet.

Because they are so simple to make, you can purchase beads and cording in colors to match your swimsuits or short sets and you can create a pair to match all of your outfits. If you happen to be having a beach wedding in your future, these would be the perfect accessory to finish off your wedding day ensemble, and you will have no worries about tripping in heals on the beach! A pair constructed in small pearls or crystals will make your casual wedding attire extra special. Beach party attendees will also appreciate a pair of these done up in crystals or other elegant beads. That is the great thing about these. Just create your pair with the outfit in mind, and you can be casual, elegant, or anywhere in between by just choosing the right beads!

I have seen pairs assembled of leather cording with larger beads incorporated onto the cording, and some made completely of seed beads. The greatest thing about them though is how simple they truly are to make. The basic design of them is that a loop of cord or seed beads comes around your second toe. The loop is closed, in the same manner as a ring. It then comes up over the top of your foot in a simple pattern, and it widens a bit as it reaches your ankle. It splits here again and wraps around your ankle to be held in place. Other than the small loop around your toe, no part of the sandal is actually on the bottom part of your foot. It is a completely decorative ensemble.

I think the best part of this whole idea is as they are handcrafted, it will be extremely easy to create matching accessories. What could be cuter for a young girl than to be sporting a pair of these at the beach and have a beach towel with matching beaded fringe? Who ever said beach towels could not have a touch of whimsy? Better yet, a small beaded purse to sling around ones shoulder to carry change for the concession stand. I think that teenagers and little girls would even get a kick out of a pair of these with a swimsuit trimmed out in beads to match.

The ideas that a simple pair of barefoot sandals has inspired is amazing. Summer attire is always best when it brings out the fun, creative side of its wearer. When it also has the potential to pull together outfit after outfit by simply changing the color and type and bead it is constructed of, is even more amazing. Show your fun side, and make yourself a few pairs to match your summer wardrobe!

Heading to the beach for a summer vacation campout can be a wonderful time for families and friends to spend time together having fun in the sun. Not only is there the sand and the waves, but beach campgrounds often have a swimming pool, picnic tables, places for grilling, and trees under which campers can find cool shade. In the evenings there are times for sitting around campfires, singing songs or walking along the deserted beach. While camping out at the beach can be fun for everyone, it is crucial that all parties pack the right types of clothing. Getting stuck at a beach campout with the wrong kinds or not enough clothing can turn a fun vacation into an uncomfortable time for all. Following are some suggestions for what to pack the next time you and your family plan to campout at the beach.

1. The most important clothing item for spending time in the sun for any length of time is a sufficient sun hat. This is necessary for people of all ages, regardless of their amount of hair cover. From bald babies to balding men and everyone in between, a sun hat will protect the head, neck and face from sun burn and will keep the head cooler, to avoid heat exhaustion. An added bonus is that a hat will keep hair from drying out in the sun, and prevent the skin from wrinkling prematurely.

2. Everyone knows to pack a swimsuit for the beach, but what everyone does not know is that one swimsuit is hardly enough. Two or more swimsuits are not needed for any type of fashion statement or variety, though bringing more than one will serve that purpose if necessary; rather, everyone should bring more than one swimsuit because swimsuits get dirty and will need to be dried out. If you spend the morning playing in the waves, you'll want to let your swimsuit hang on a clothes line or tree branch to dry before you can shake out all the sand. If, however, you decide to swim in the afternoon, whether in the pool or back on the beach, you won't want to put on the sandy wet suit from the morning romp.

3. In addition to multiple swimsuits, it never hurts to bring multiples of everything else: shoes, socks, shorts, shirts, hats, towels (especially towels), and underwear. Everyone tends to get wetter and dirtier at a campout and a beach campout simply compounds the wetness and dirtiness. Bring plenty of everything so you won't run out of dry clothing.

4. Speaking of wetter and dirtier, be sure to pack rain gear for your beach campout. A good slicker will cover you in the event of a sudden summer shower - and you won't have to worry about changing clothes yet again.

5. Although the beach in the summer is usually quite warm, bring a sweatshirt for the evenings. The sun will go down but the ocean breeze will stay, and you might find it gets a bit chilly at night. Have fun and bon voyage!

A backpacking trip is a fun fair weather excursion in which people of all ages can participate. If the backpacking trip is planned to last more than a day or two, you will need to bring a few changes of clothing and plan for your changes accordingly. Nothing is more dissatisfying than a backpacking trip that becomes uncomfortable due to the wrong type of clothing. When you plan your backpacking trip this summer or fall, use the following list as a guideline as to the types of clothing you should bring.

1. The most important word you will learn about backpacking clothing is the term "wicking." Wicking material, if you are not already familiar with it, is a material designed to "wick" moisture away from the body. This means moisture in the form of sweat, rain, falls into the creek, or spills. Wicking material is known for its ability to dry quickly. This comes in especially handy if you are caught in a sudden rainstorm or fall into a lake or creek. Simply change your shirt and pants, hang them on the back of your backpack, and they will dry in under an hour.

2. Use layers. For the cool days on your backpacking trip, you will want to bring clothing that will keep you cool, but nothing heavy, bulky or tight. Bring layers of loose fitting wicking fabrics such as fleece. Fleece dries quickly and keeps you warm while allowing the skin to breathe.

3. Avoid cotton. There is a mantra out on the Appalachian Trail that says, "Cotton kills." Rumor has it that seasoned hikers can spot a novice from a mile away because he will be wearing blue jeans. Blue jeans are some of the most comfortable clothing and one of the best inventions known to man - but not out on the hiking trail. When you go hiking and backpacking, leave your blue jeans at home along with your cotton t-shirts and cotton socks.

4. Bring the proper rain gear. Assuming you will not be backpacking in severely cold weather, your rain gear should be light and water proof. A thin gore-tex slicker is the best thing to have: one that can cover you, your head, and your backpack, but that is small enough to fit in the bottom of your pack once the sun comes back out.

5. Don't forget to pay special attention to the extremities. The most important part of a backpacker's wardrobe is his hiking boots. If your feet hurt, it's like having a flat tire and you won't get very far. Buy your hiking boots early and wear them extensively before your backpacking trip. They should be snug but not tight, supportive, and comfortable. The other important extremity besides your feet is your head. Take a hat on your backpacking trip to protect you from the sun, the rain, and the insects. Gloves are optional, but can be good for starting fires and climbing up rocks.

If you follow these suggestions and use common sense, your backpacking trip should be a great success!

Dressing for cold weather is something people in cold climates think about, but for those who are from warm climates who plan to spend time in a cold climate, quite a bit of planning is required. Cold weather dwellers are accustomed to putting on layers, having a coat and all the necessary accessories on hand, and planning ahead. If you plan to go on a vacation in the near future that will require that you spend time in cold temperatures, be sure you take the right clothing. Whether you'll be skiing, snowmobiling, show-shoeing, ice-climbing, winter hiking, or just spending time in a wintry place, use the following as a guideline for how you pack your cold-weather clothing.

1. Begin with the under layer. You will want protective undergarments such as long underwear, hosiery or long-johns. There are many different types and fiber contents on the market, but some of the most effective long undergarments are made of polypropylene. Many sporting goods stores carry special undergarments to be worn while exercising; these can be wonderful if you will be doing winter activities. Seek undergarments made of wicking materials that will wick moisture away from the skin. This will keep you warm and dry at the same time.

2. Use a thin, but warm, middle layer. Either flannel, silk, or some other type of wicking material is good for the middle layer. This one isn't so much to keep you warm as to add an extra layer of protection. Many cold weather clothing companies make blue jeans with a layer of flannel sewn into the lining.

3. On top of the middle layer, have a relatively thin outer layer of warmth. A good material for this layer is fleece: fleece protects in windy conditions and is snuggly and warm. Many coats have a fleece lining that can be zipped in or out. If fleece is unavailable, use a thick layer of flannel or wool. Avoid a lot of cotton, as cotton holds moisture and will weight you down and make you cold.

4. Choose the right coat. The bigger and bulkier the coat does not mean it is the best or the warmest. Today's winter coats are thin, warm, and breathable. Especially if you'll be doing winter sports or activities, make sure your cold weather coat has zippered openings that can be opened when you become warm. Your coat should also have a protective outer layer made of gore-tex or some other water proof or water resistant material.

5. Don't forget the extras. For cold weather climates you'll also need all the extra accessories such as warm boots, a hat, warm socks, the proper gloves, and perhaps a muffler. Choose socks that are made of wool or smart wool; fleece hats are warm and protective, and choose gloves with a separate inside liner. There are many types of boots on the market; look for boots that are comfortable, warm and water proof. Gore-tex is an excellent material to have on winter boots. Bundle up and keep warm this winter!

When choosing a gift for a friend or family member, clothing can be either a wonderful gift or something that truly rubs us the wrong way. We all have varying tastes and opinions on what looks good on whom. One person may wear bright colors and flashy styles while another, who looks just as good, wears more earth tones and neutral colors. We may wish that our daughter or son would wear more colorful or professional looking clothing, or we may wish that our sister-in-law would tone it down a bit. We may see that our best friend notoriously wears colors that do not suit her and that our boss constantly seems to clash. Do we dare give gifts of clothing to these people or do we leave well enough alone?

The first thing to do when thinking about purchasing clothing as a gift for another adult is to ask yourself what is the motivation? If you want to jazz up your friend's favorite bland sweater with a colorful scarf, your motivation is close to being on the right track. If you send your mother-in-law a bright red jacket when you know she only wears black and white, you're stepping over the bounds. The important thing to do when purchasing clothing as a gift is not to buy what we would want, but rather, what the person wants to whom we are giving the gift. We have all been given gifts that we don't like; gifts from loved ones that make us wonder if they even know us at all. Not only is it disconcerting to open a gift of clothing that, upon first glance, we know we will never wear, but it is inconvenient to go to the trouble to return the gift and find something else more suitable. Especially in this day and age of internet shopping, many gifts have to be returned by mail and replacements are often difficult to find.

The safest thing to do when choosing clothing as a gift is to put yourself in the other person's shoes. If he wears only brown and blue, even if you hate it and would never wear it yourself, do both of you a favor and get him something he will like and wear. If she is a blue-jeans and tank tops type of gal, don't bother buying her a frilly blouse and patterned capris. You will be disappointed when she returns the flashy clothes and she will feel guilty and awkward. Even if you are appalled at the wardrobe of a friend or family member, it is not you that is wearing the clothes. If you want to buy something for yourself, by all means, do so; but if you want to buy clothing for someone else, make it easier on everyone and buy them what they would choose for themselves. And lastly, as a disclaimer, whenever you give clothing as a gift, include a gift receipt so the other person will know it's ok if they return the gift for something else. This assures them that your gift was nothing more than an act of love to show that you care.

It's summer time and the dressing is easy. With the warm weather on the horizon, there's no need for bulky sweaters or heavy outerwear-- and the only hat you'll need is a wide brimmed hat to protect yourself from too many rays when you're out on the beach. But what basics do you need to get your summer wardrobe in gear? Here are some must-have summer items that every girl should own.

-- Capri pants. No woman's wardrobe is complete without a couple of pairs of Capri length pants. Capris are simply cropped pants and they look great on all body types. Buy a pair of denim capris and some lightweight cotton or linen capris in a few different colors. Capris are a great piece for casual summer parties or to wear to work if the attire is business casual.

-- Basic tees. A basic tee shirt is a must-have to complete your summer wardrobe. Buy one in black and one in white to go with all of your favorite shorts and skirts. Graphic tees are fun as well, and in the summer they are available all over the place. Buy a few with fun slogans or catchy phrases for the days when you're feeling a little rambunctious.

--Sundresses. Lightweight sundresses are easy to wear, so they are a great staple for your summer wardrobe. Buy loose fitting, comfortable dresses for work or play.

-- Camis. Cami tops are great pieces for layering. Pair a basic cami with a scoop neck tee or a shirt or blouse. Stock up on camis in basic colors that will coordinate with the other tops in your wardrobe.

--Terry shorts. Terry cloth shorts are a great accessory for the beach. They're easy to put on and are lightweight and comfortable. Plus, the terry cloth material just screams summer.

--Strapless bra. If you're not comfortable going braless when wearing those skimpy summer tops and camis, invest in a strapless bra. The best strapless bras are backless-- which means no one will be able to see any bra lines whatsoever.

-- A bathing suit (that fits). Shop for a two piece bathing suits at a store that sells the tops and bottoms separately. That
way, if you're a size "Small" up top but a size "Large" on the bottom, you'll still be able to buy the coordinating pieces that fit you properly.

-- A dressy top. A cute, sparkly or sequin embellished swing top is just what you'll need for a summer party. If you're not comfortable going sleeveless, drape a jacket over your shoulders or wear it under another top.

--Tunics. Loose fitting, flowing tunics are very popular this summer Buy a long length tunic to wear with capris for a cute, casual look.

-- Accessories. Buy a colorful tote to use instead of a purse. Totes are large enough to hold all those summer essentials, like sunscreen and lip balm. Sunglasses are another summer must-have, and don't forget to buy a few pairs of good sandals.

by Christina VanGinkel

My friend just phoned me with a favor to ask. Her daughter is going to be in a tap recital this upcoming weekend and the tap shoes she had intended her to wear did not fit. Would I be able to look online and see if Payless had a pair? Without Internet access at home, she would not be able to look until tomorrow at work, and with the days literally counting down, every hour mattered, especially as she lives rurally and shipping always seems to take a day or two longer than normal. After a quick look at Payless Shoes, I found a pair in both her size and with a delivery schedule that would get them to her in plenty of time for the recital.

Whenever something like this comes up, I always do a bit of reminiscing about how we purchased things such as this before the advent of the Internet. Living in a relatively rural area as we do, our shopping options are oftentimes limited in comparison to someone who lives in or near a large metropolitan area. Our closest malls are some miles away, across the state line, and of the closest three, each only contains about a dozen stores when filled. The oldest and largest of the malls has twelve spaces, with the usual stores, including a Hallmark Card Store, along with a grocery and a bookstore. Only two spots are clothing stores, but neither carries children clothes at all. The second mall has about six stores, of those, two carry clothes, with the largest being JC Penny's, and the other a discount shop that caters to teenagers and their whimsy with clothing styles. Let us just say I do not shop there much. The third and final mall is actually a K Mart with a run of a few other shops connected to it, mainly a dollar store, and a sporting goods store.

We do have a Wal-Mart, a Shopko, and a few other small stores scattered around, but no other main clothing stores to speak of at all. If we cannot find what we are looking for at these malls, our next choices use to be to drive one hundred miles to Green Bay Wisconsin. Thankfully, with the Internet, we can now shop from the comfort of our own homes.

Clothing in every imaginable style and size is only a few clicks away. Shoes are just as easily purchased. In addition, with sites such as Payless, they offer plenty of sizing information to make your purchase both easy and affordable, and with enough knowledge that returns are less likely than ever before. Shipping is available in numerous options, with everything from standard to overnight.

What did I use to do before the Internet was so widely available? I know I spent a lot more time traveling to Green Bay several times a year for needed shopping excursions, such as our annual school shopping trip each August. The last time I had to go, I had four teenagers with me, two of my own and a friend for each. We left the house at six a.m., and did not return until close to ten p.m. We had done so much clothes shopping in one day's time that two credit card companies had called our house and questioned my husband about the unusually high activity on the cards. This is no lie! Thankfully, he was home and could explain to them that it was just our yearly ritual for school clothes. Moreover, thank heavens I can now do at least part of my shopping via the Internet!

By Christina VanGinkel

Is keeping your family in up to date, well fitting clothing, costing you all your spare funds, plus more? There are a couple of ways to outfit your whole family in nice clothes and keep some of your hard-earned cash in your wallet.

Store clearance racks can hold bargains beyond contemplation. Children's clothes, especially seasonal wear, can be purchased for a small fraction of the original cost at season's end. With a grandson approaching two years of age, I know all to well the amount of clothing my daughter is going to need the next few years to keep up with his growth, so I use every chance I can to get a bargain, including any clearance merchandise I happen upon.

Last fall, I was able to purchase six pairs of jean shorts and three pairs of khaki shorts at Wal-Mart for one dollar a pair. I picked out five pairs that were two-toddler in size, which he is wearing this summer, with the other four pair each a three-toddler, which he will most likely be in by next summer. With an original price tag of $6.96 each, the savings is nearly unbelievable. At the same time, I was able to buy him several mix-and-match tank style shirts and t-shirts for fifty cents each. By varying the sizes, he now has t-shirts and tanks that will fit him perfectly for the next several years, which is a big bonus for a growing toddler, and a windfall for both his mother's and my wallet.

This spring, I purchased him a winter coat for next year at a savings of seventy five percent. Buying it now, I was able to pick out a better quality jacket, with features such as vent flaps that made the coat breathable, and a waterproof exterior, that we would have most likely passed on due to the extra cost.

I also found what I considered my best bargain yet, a snowboarding jacket for my twelve-year-old son. Already into adult sizes at five feet, eight inches tall, we were able to get him 'the' snowboarding jacket that he had been eyeing up all year at JC Penney's for seventy-five percent off, and an additional ten-dollar discount. The ten dollars was from a coupon that had come in the mail attached to a JC Penney's ad. Most people assume coupons for clothes do not exist, or are hard to redeem. Not so, and the stores that do offer coupons, such as JC Penney's, make using them both easy and convenient, such as allowing them to be used on clearance. The final cost was fifteen dollars plus tax for a jacket that originally cost one hundred dollars.

Next time you head out to do some shopping at your local mall or discount store, take a few minutes and check the clearance racks. By checking often, you will be more apt to hit on clothes that you really can use, and in sizes that fit your family. Always check your paper's coupon page, and any mailings that land in your mailbox for coupons too. By applying both of these simple techniques to your clothes shopping, you can save literally hundreds each year!

Once upon a time, I used to wonder how the world's most fashionable women came to be so. It seemed to me that some women were born with an innate sense of style, while others (me included) were destined to a lifetime of bad clothing choices, mismatched outfits and fashion faux pas. Then it hit me. A sense of style, like anything else, is something that can be learned. Sure, some women instinctively know, without having to be told, that plaids and polka dots do not mix. But the evidence is there that many of the world's most fashionable women did not start out that way.

If you take a look at some of today's most glamorous fashion divas, all the way back to their beginnings, before they were famous and before they were wearing Vera Wang on the red carpet, you will often find a history of fashion mistakes just as embarrassing as your own. In fact, the former fashion mistakes made by today's fashion divas may have been even more embarrassing than yours or mine. Celebrities are usually a little more confident than your average Joe, and so may have attempted some daring looks in their pasts that you and I would never have dared to try.

So, how did yesterday's fashion misfits become the fashion divas of today?