FashBlog.com

By Christina VanGinkel

Creating scarves, mittens, caps, ponchos, and a wide variety of other accessories from yarn is a growing renewed trend. Both knitting and crochet is making a comeback like no other time in the history of handcrafts. Gone this time is the stigma of wearing something handcrafted. In its place is the proud feeling to own and wear something created with one's own hands or by those of a loved one. For those who have not yet learned to knit or crochet, and are not fortunate enough to know someone who does, you can always buy these lovely creations at a craft or art fair, or better yet, learn one of the arts yourself.

Whether you live in a large city, small town, or in a rural community, chances are you can easily find someone willing to teach you one or the other. Be warned though that once you learn, you will join the ranks of millions who knit and crochet obsessively. You will find yourself with yarn and needles in hand in waiting rooms, sitting in the carpool lane, on vacation, and in your own living room night after night. I even know a woman who carries a small project in her purse so that she can crochet if she has to stand in line at the grocery store for longer than thirty seconds or so. As she told me, it makes the wait not so bad, as she knows she is at least accomplishing something. I always thought I was the queen of crochet until I met her! In addition, take note that once others know that you know how, request for items will start to pour in. Last year alone I quit counting at an even dozen for ponchos I crocheted for several young girls from toddler to teen.

With the huge variety of threads and yarns available on today's market, you can find a color or finish to match anything your heart desires. No longer are your only choices a few colors of some fine baby-weight yarn and a few others in a heavy worsted weight with some dull, drab colors in wool tossed in for extra measure. You will have at your disposal literally thousands of colors and styles. Fun fur has been all the rage the last few years and does not seem to be losing any of its popularity. A yarn suitable for everything from scarves and mittens to the trim on a poncho, fun fur is as its name implies. Fun colors, fun texture, fun. It lightens the mood of the person creating with it, and continues to brighten the day of the person lucky enough to wear it. Truly, a stress reliever no matter which way you approach it, and we all need as many of those as we can uncover.

If you are looking for a hobby, which will produce something you can brag about, check out knitting or crocheting. Men, women, even children enjoy picking up a hook or set of needles, and turning a few balls or skeins of yarn into something they can proudly say they made. Do not be left behind, get on track and find out for yourself just how rewarding these two crafts can be.

There is a certain fashion trend that has lasted through the years. People of all ages enjoy this style whether they're purchasing ready-made items to wear or taking matters into their own hands and designing their own clothing. Appropriated by subcultures yet accessible to all, of course I'm talking about tie-dye.

While tie-dyeing will always be remembered as a hippie style, it has moved far beyond those flower child roots. I'm a child born of the 80s and during my senior year of high school in 1997 the color of our class shirts, voted on by a majority of my peers, was tie-dye. I've seen grandmothers in tie-dye shirts and I've seen babies in tie-dye onesies. There really is something about those bright, spiraling colors that appeals to everyone.

Personally, whenever I put on a tie-dye shirt, I feel instantly happier and more cheerful. It's a real pick-me-up. Now I'm not saying I would wear one to a business conference, but for everyday casual wear, nothing beats a great tie-dye pattern.

Tie-dying also tends to be a fun way to personalize group shirts. In fact, the ability to tie-dye seems to be a predominant reason for ordering white shirts in high school and college groups. I've seen high school students tie-dye their powder puff football t-shirts and I've seen college students make personalized mementos of a retreat weekend with a few tubs of dye. Dyeing the shirts becomes a social event and everyone can feel a bit unique while also feeling like they're part of the group.

I believe the first time I ever made a tie-dye shirt was in early elementary school. It was either a craft project in my Brownie Girl Scout troop or perhaps my teacher planned it as an end-of-the year treat. Either way, I dutifully brought in a plain white shirt. (As a side note, whenever I was going to do a tie-dye project as a kid, my mom always hated it because for some reason I never had any plain white shirts. So it either meant that I had to tie-dye one of my dad's undershirts and perhaps make a nightgown out of it or that my mom had to buy me a brand new shirt just to tie-dye. And if you've ever seen elementary school tie-dye efforts, then you'll understand why she probably didn't feel it was worth it.)

The white shirt would then be wrapped up in little rubber band bundles. Which led to the ever-important decision of which color to throw your wrapped-up shirt in. Each color looked beautiful in its deep hue, but you never knew exactly how it was going to look when dry. It was always exciting to see your very own creation arise from the tub of dye. Tie-dyed t-shirts are funny looking creatures, really. By the time you've wrapped them up properly with rubber bands or string, they're like lumpy, bumpy twigs or sometimes amoebas with lots of appendages. Somehow, the shirts I tie-dyed on my own never looked as good as the ones I could get from a store. Some of my friends knew the right wrapping tricks, though, and they came up with some cool creations.

I don't know about you, but when I go on vacation, one of the things I look forward to the most is buying souvenirs. Yes, sightseeing and eating new foods are high on the list, too. But I love shopping so much that nothing else can compete. So it's really no wonder that when I went to Italy I came home with a pair of shoes, or that I went to Japan and came home with a kimono. Those kinds of locally-inspired clothing items are wonderful souvenirs that bring back lots of memories and are great conversation pieces as well. Even domestic travel here in the United States can afford many opportunities to buy some unique clothing items. Here are some ideas on what to look for during your next vacation.

If you want a great souvenir item that you'll actually wear and that is relatively cheap, then I suggest purchasing t-shirts from the places that you visit. For example, if you go to New York City, why not get one of those famous "I [heart] NY" t-shirts? You can also get t-shirts from famous places, or even from bars. When I was in college, I had a friend whose mission was to collect a bar t-shirt from all 50 states. He also had a couple of rules in place that made the task a bit harder. First, the bars had to be local establishments. No national chains allowed, which ruled out places like Hooters and Hard Rock Cafe. Second, the t-shirt had to have the name of the bar, plus the city and state printed on it. This was difficult because a lot of places would just have the bar name and not bother with the location. I have to admit that his collection was pretty cool. The last I heard, he had 31 t-shirts.

You can also get other souvenirs that have more of a regional flavor. For example, if you're traveling through the Southwestern United States, you'll find a lot of authentic Native American clothing items for sale. What would be a better memento of your trip than a pair of hand-made moccasins or a buckskin shirt? Or, you can also buy fabulous accessories such as beaded belts or coonskin caps for the kiddies. If you travel to Hawaii, you just can't leave without an aloha shirt. They are available everywhere on all the islands, and many couples even go so far as to buy the same shirt in order to pull off a matching look. In Hawaii, you'll also find their one-of-a-kind "red dirt" shirts that are made from real dirt (actually more of a clay). These shirts have a very cool coloring and even come with special washing instructions to help you preserve the color (and to make sure you don't turn the rest of your clothes into the same hue!

So with a little bit of checking around, you can come home from your next vacation with some great clothes that you'll actually be able to wear. That's much better than simply accumulating a bunch of souvenirs that you will just end up stuffing into a drawer!

If you live in a town or a city that has a business that produces goods for the national or even international markets, chances are you will patronize that business above all others in the same field. For example, people living in Georgetown, Kentucky are probably more inclined to drive Toyotas than other brands of comparably priced cars. Why? Because the local Toyota production plant employs thousands of the area's residents. The same is true for clothing. If you have a clothing factory in your vicinity, you probably buy that company's clothing before you buy any others. I think it's a natural thing to do, and comes about from a combination of home-grown pride and a sense of civic duty. If you support the local business, then the business will stay in the community and continue to provide jobs and economic vitality.

These days, it can be a bit difficult to find clothing made in your area. Due to economic globalization, it is often cheaper for companies to have their clothing made overseas in third-world countries. For other companies, this very same globalization has spelled doom for certain divisions or even for their entire business. They simply cannot afford to compete with clothing produced overseas.

I lived in Minnesota for a few years and there were two companies that made fairly recognizable clothing articles. The first was Red Wing Shoes. They make high-quality work boots and safety shoes, and are still going strong, as far as I know. The second was Winona Knits sweaters. These sweaters were manufactured at a knitting mill in Winona, Minnesota. They were of excellent quality, had very nice designs, and were pretty expensive. I had never heard of Winona Knits before living in Minnesota, but I received a couple of their sweaters as gifts from friends in the area. I really liked the style, colors, and fit of the sweaters, but had a hard time finding them in retail outlets once I left Minnesota. I had always planned on returning to visit some people and buy some more sweaters, but I discovered a few years ago that Winona Knits had to close their doors due to economic problems caused in large part by competing brands manufacturing their clothes outside of the U.S.

The news is not all bad, though. You can still find locally made clothes if you try hard enough. For example, Dickies, which makes work clothes, uniforms, and even casual clothes now, has a plant in Texas. If you want some outdoor apparel that is suitable for hunting and other rugged activities, then check out Beagle Outdoor Wear. These are wool clothes that will keep you warm, and best of all, they are made in Vermont. For jeans, you can go with Prison Blues and Swivel. In addition, some of the denim offerings, though not all, from Land's End, LL Bean, Wrangler, Lee, and Levi's are also made locally.

Buying clothes is of course a highly personal decision. A lot depends on your taste, preferences, and economic circumstances. But the next time you go shopping, try local brands for a change!

By Christina VanGinkel

Shopping for your daughter or a young niece or friend, who is still in love with her dolls, just got a whole lot easier. Check out the American Girl Doll Collection, and you will not only discover a collection of dolls she will want, but matching outfits! Available in sizes 3 through 8, and 7 through 20, you are sure to find a set of pajamas or a Halloween costume that will have her over the moon with delight, especially if it arrives with one of the dolls dressed to match. Outfits styled just for the discerning young lady in training are also available.

I was first introduced to this fabulous collection years ago when my daughter was in middle school. A catalog arrived in our mailbox one afternoon, and though she proclaimed herself too old for dolls, and was never even all that head over heals about dolls in general, she walked off with the catalog and proceeded to pour through it for weeks to come. There is just something about these dolls and their myriad of accessories that just grabs hold of young girl's attention whenever they are exposed to any of the American Girl products.

We never did purchase our daughter one, but I swore if I ever had a granddaughter I would buy her one. Well I am still waiting for the granddaughter, and in the meantime, they have expanded both their selection of dolls, adding Bitty Babies and several more American Girl dolls, along with a much wider selection of accessories including clothing for both the dolls and the girls who love them. Maybe I had better start buying the dolls now so I do not have to buy everything all at once. In the off chance my grandchildren all turn out to be boys, I could always save them to pass down to their children!

Much of the clothing is styled for today's active girls, and includes swimwear, sleepwear, tops, bottoms, outerwear such as snowboard jackets, jean jackets, caps, Halloween costumes, and even complete outfits. Some of the clothing is available with a matched outfit for the doll too, especially most of the costumes and sleepwear. Can you imagine a more fun way to go off to sleep than with your doll dressed in a matching set of pajamas complete with matching slippers? Accessories are also available, including items such as slippers, headbands, tights, school bag, travel kits, even watches, and radios.

Imagine giving a gift to a young girl of an heirloom styled doll that will be cherished for years to come and being able to include a matching outfit and an accessory or two for both the girl and her doll. How wonderful would that be for both the gift giver and the recipient? On the other hand, even just a gift from the clothing collection itself, as they have really managed to find a style that is both adorable and viable. Clothing that matches the active lifestyle so many young girls live in today's active world.

If you have walked into any women's clothing or department store lately, you have undoubtedly seen the latest trend of "sparkly" clothing. Glittery tops, sequined handbags, studded belts--there's sparkle everywhere!

So where should you look if you're on a quest for the sparkliest items? Here are some places where I have seen the most sparkly items recently:

Kohls. Check out Daisy Fuentes' "Daisy" clothing line for some cute sequined tanks, tops and embellished jeans. In the handbag section, there is a great selection of metallic-colored sequined hobo bags and accessories. There are also sequin-embellished shoes and slides in the shoe department.

Old Navy. In the little girl's section, look for glittery logo tops. There are also some beaded and studded jeans available in both young girl's and women's sizes. The Junior's department ahs some cotton capris and pants with sparkles on them, as well as tops and tanks with sequins and beads.

The Children's Place. If your little girl likes a little sparkle, this children's store is known for their sparkly tops and accessories. Look for glitter jeans, embellished shirts (with full glitter or sequins, studs and other jewels) and glittery hair accessories.

Limited Too. Trendy clothing for the elementary school and junior high set, this store is brimming with sequins and glitter. Your little girl will love it!

Boutique stores. Some of my best "sparkle" find shave been in boutiques and department stores. Peruse the racks for some one of a kind finds. Some great boutique brands for little girls include Just Friends, Bonnie Jean, Cach Cach, and Baby Lulu. Big-name department stores like Sears and JC Penney have a great selection of sparkly items for both women and children.

Target. I give Target big props for their trendy clothing lines. Just this week I bought a glitter-covered scooter/skirt for my daughter and a sequined tank top for myself. Target actually has a very large selection of sequined tops in the Juniors and Women's departments-- one of the largest selections I've seen anywhere. There are also some sequined bags and accessories available throughout the store. Check out their adorable girl's Halloween tees-- there are sequined pumpkin and glittery cat shirts available right now -- but they're selling out fast!

Finding sparkle on eBay. If you're looking for something really different, do a search on online auction giant, eBay, for words like "glitter", "sparkle", "sparkly" and "sequin". Be sure to include the size you are looking for (example "sparkle 3T"). You will yield many results when you use specific keywords.

Caring for your glittery and sequined items:

Items with glitter, sequins or sparkle require some attention when washing. If an item has a lot of glitter on it, turn the item inside out before washing it. Be sure to wash it in mild detergent or Woolite, on your machine's gentlest cycle, and avoid the dryer by hanging it or laying it flat to dry.

Most sequin-adorned items can also be machine washed-- just follow the care instructions on the tag. You can always hand wash these items if you are nervous about putting them in the washing machine.

Sequined belts and bags should be handled with care when using them-- nothing looks worse than a bag with held of the sequins falling off. Take care with these delicate items and they'll last you a long time.

I know from personal experience that there is no greater torture than schlepping two toddlers off to the mall for a day of clothes shopping. If you think you are going to get any shopping done with your little ones in tow, good luck with that one. Kids equate the mall with the food court and the toy store. Anything out of that realm is not for them-- and they'll let you know it by throwing tantrums in your favorite boutique or playing hide and seek in the department store dressing rooms.

I stopped using the mall for my clothing shopping needs quite a while ago. Sure, I could hire a babysitter or shop on the weekends when my husband is home, but I choose not to. Why? Because I have discovered the joys of online clothes shopping.

Most online clothing sites are very user friendly. Interactive size charts are provided so you don't have to guess which size to buy. But the best part is the ease of shopping from the comfort of my own home. I can leisurely add items to my online shopping cart-- and when I'm in an indecisive mood (which is often) I can move things out of it. My favorite trick is to add everything that I think I want, then go back and rethink each item one by one before making my final selections.

Opening an account with an online clothing site is as easy as filling out a form. Yes, you will need to provide your credit card information. Don’t worry about your information not being safe, though -- today's sites are very secure. As long as you stick to big name, reputable online sites (think JC Penney, Old Navy, Kohl's, Spiegel, etc) your personal information will be safe.

So what about the shipping charges? It's true that when you shop online, you will have to pay for shipping. But with today's high gas prices, a small shipping fee may actually cost you less money than driving your car to the mall. Many sites also offer free shipping if you spend a certain amount (usually 75 to 100 dollars). In addition, many sites like Old Navy and The Children's Place offer $5.00 shipping every day-- just be sure to select the standard shipping option.

Before you begin your online shopping quest, do a Google search for any online coupon or discount codes. Many sites offer online codes which can knock a percentage off of your order or give you free shipping.

Another great ting about online shopping? You can easily do some comparison shopping. So what happens if you don't like an item or it doesn't fit? All online sites should spell out their return policies up front. IN addition, most online sites will accept returns at their retail stores. Or, just follow the return instructions included with your order (most sites provide you with pre-made shipping labels for returns).

Once you start online clothes shopping, you'll never believe that you used to shop at the mall.

My husband glanced inside my dresser drawer as I reached in for a pair of socks. "Wait a minute...do you have a pair of orange socks in there?" came the question from the man who won't even wear a pair of socks with a stripe. While I realized that such a thing was anathema to his no-nonsense style of dressing, I decided to try to explain that they were Halloween socks, black silhouettes against an orange background. He accepted my explanation, but he still seemed confused by the whole idea.

I believe my first pair of holiday-themed socks was a gift. One Christmas, my grandma gave me a Rudolph sweatshirt that came with a matching pair of socks. It was a little late to wear them that year, but I was intrigued by the idea. I had a few Christmas shirts and several pairs of Christmas earrings, so why not Christmas socks?!

I've since added several other pairs of decorative Christmas socks, a couple of pairs of Valentine's Day socks, and the previously mentioned Halloween socks to my collection. I found them to be a fun way to dress up for the occasion without being too showy. Depending on how long the legs of my pants were, they wouldn't even be visible to most people, just a hint of red or orange. But I knew I was wearing them, and that was half the fun.

One definite advantage to holiday-themed socks that I've noticed is that since you only wear them for a couple of days each year, they last a long time. And by "a long time" I mean that I have a couple of pairs that I've had for seven or eight years. That's quite an investment. If you're the plan-ahead sort, you can also find decorative socks at cheap prices by buying them after a holiday when they go on clearance along with all the other seasonal decorations. Since my initial purchases or five or six pairs of socks several years ago, I haven't had to spend a penny for my little slice of holiday fun.

Holiday socks seem to be much more of a feminine interest, though. I have yet to come across a guy with an extensive selection of St. Patrick's Day and Easter socks. Perhaps it's because they can turn to ties for their small piece of holiday flair. Or maybe I just don't know the right guys and my assertion is completely false.

There's a part of me that feels that maybe this interest in socks with big hearts and Easter eggs is a bit juvenile. For instance, I was able to indulge in my decorative socks at work when I was a teacher because it seemed to fit the overall setting. But if I worked in the corporate world I would have had to think twice before slipping a pair of heart socks on underneath my skirt. But I say it's all in good fun. Try it for yourself the next time a holiday season rolls around.

If you are a fan of motor sports such as motorcycle racing or car racing, then the Alpinestars name is no doubt already familiar to you. Alpinestars is an Italian company best known for making high-quality protective racing gear, especially leathers and boots. The company is involved with everything from NASCAR to MotoGP to Motocross, and they sponsor such big-name athletes as Kurt Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Chad Reed, Nicky Hayden, and more. In addition to this protective gear, however, they also produce a full line of casual clothing for both men and women.

The casual line contains exactly what you would expect from any other clothing company. You can purchase t-shirts (both long and short sleeve), hoodies, flannels, jackets, hats, beanies, and shoes. You can also get accessories such as backpacks, wallets, belts, key chains, and purses. And don't forget about bottoms. Alpinestars produces pants, skirts, and shorts as well. They even make many items specifically for kids. So as you can see, they really do offer a full range of merchandise.

I've owned a few pieces of Alpinestars casual clothing over the years, and there are several things that I like about it. First of all, the logo is just one of the coolest that you'll ever see! It consists of a lower case "a" with three points of a star trailing off the back of it. The logo is quite distinctive, but without being obnoxious like some other brand name logos are. Second, the clothes are pretty durable. The t-shirts and hoodies that I had stood up to countless cycles in the washer and dryer before finally showing signs of fading. Then, when my sweatshirt did fade, I think it turned into an even better color than it was when I originally bought it! Third, the styles and color combos put out by Alpinestars are very nice. For most clothing companies, you've probably noticed that the only real difference between various t-shirts or whatever is the placement of the logo or something trivial like that. Not so with Alpinestars. They actually have different styles to choose from.

There are a couple of drawbacks associated with Alpinestars that I should probably mention. First, Alpinestars clothing can be pretty expensive compared to other brands. I'm not sure, but I think this might be because it's imported from Italy . At any rate, you should expect to pay more for this brand. Second, it can be really hard to find retailers that stock Alpinestars casual clothes. I can tell you right now that you're not likely to find this brand at your local mall. Instead, you have to go to specialty stores such as motorcycle dealers or similar places. Luckily, you can also get Alpinestars casual clothing over the Internet. You can visit the Alpinestars website (www.alpinestars.com) to check out their full selection. Or better yet, you can click the Alpinestars link under the "A" section right here on ClothingStoreOnline.com in order to get great deals on some special sales items.

Either way, if you're looking for some new clothes, give Alpinestars a try. I think you'll like them!

By Christina VanGinkel

How does one figure out, what is in fashion, and fashionable enough to wear, when it comes to purchasing clothing for their teenagers, especially when their teens are not along? Good luck! No, really, it is possible to shop for your teenager even when they are not with you, and still purchase things they will gladly wear. The advantage to this shopping scenario is that if you come across a sale or clearance, you can shop with the satisfaction of knowing that they will most likely wear your clothing picks. Nothing is worse than thinking you are saving money and then finding your buy of the century on the bottom of their closet floor hid beneath a pile of shoes or stuffed beneath their bed.

Figuring out what they like and dislike is not that hard. Follow the ideas I did, and you can rest assured that saving money on your teens clothing bills is a possibility.

Begin by simply asking your teens what styles they like. If there are certain name brands that they prefer over others, make a list. Ask for second and third choices. If they do not have certain brands they prefer, but more a style, ask them to show you things from their closet that they already own that fit the description of their current clothing choices.

Magazines are another good outlet for teenagers to pinpoint exactly what they would willingly wear. If they have a desired size other than what you term as a best fit, be sure to make note of this also. Different clothing items may also be more desirable in specific sizes. For example, a girl may prefer a small size t-shirt, but want any team logo sweatshirts in a medium or even a large.

Measure them every so often too, especially inseams for length of pants, and arm length for long sleeved shirts. This is especially important for very short or tall teens.

Once you go to the trouble of establishing your teens likes and dislikes on the clothing front, be sure to remind them that you have the list and that they should update you every time they feel that their clothing choices have changed. Even something as basic as your daughter suddenly deciding that she does not look good in yellow, and therefore does not want another single yellow top is something that she needs to keep you updated on. You must also take note yourself of any major changes you notice. Remind them occasionally that an organized list can mean the difference between you bringing home a pair of jeans they are sure to love and you leaving them hanging on the store rack for the next mother who comes along.

While creating a shopping checklist will not guarantee a perfect hit with every item purchased, it will greatly reduce your need to return things you were sure were budget savers. In addition, it sure beats constantly tripping over things that are tumbling out from their unwanted clothing pile they stuffed beneath their beds.

Written by James Fohl

A few months ago, while I was on vacation visiting some family out in the Midwest states, I stumbled across a clothing retailer in a somewhat large mall that totally amazed me. It seemed that this store had just opened; the displays of clothing looked untouched, the floors were scratch less, and the whole store just had a warm, new, inviting smell to it.

I looked at the sign “Steve and Barry’s University Sportswear”, and quickly realized that I had never heard of this store before in my life. Next, after noticing the words university sportswear, I quickly came to the conclusion that this store was one of those stores where I could purchase a University of Tennessee t-shirt for some twenty odd dollars.

Good thing I actually looked around before leaving, because this store that I had never heard of before, this “Steve and Barry’s University Sportswear” store turned out to be, well to me anyways, the greatest clothing store ever.

It seems that the philosophy behind the Steve and Barry’s University Sportswear chain is the fact that they know a lot of college kids do not have a lot of excess cash to spend on clothing. Sure, some parents of college kids are rich and give their kids a lot of spending money, but in reality a lot of kids going to college today are sitting in their dorm rooms eating their fifteen cent ramen noodles, while wearing the free t-shirt they received on Community Tennis day.

How cheap was Steve and Barrys, you ask? I was really knocked onto the floor when I found out that everything in the store was $6.99 or cheaper. $6.99 meant everything; licensed college t-shirts, to blue jeans, dress pants, even shoes.

While I loaded my shopping cart full of seven dollar t-shirts, I wondered why the store was not jammed full of people. I mean come on, for a hundred dollars you could have enough clothes to last you a semester.

Then it hit me. Everything in the store was $6.99. I sure was getting a great deal on the t-shirts, but the blue jeans kind of felt liked rugged paper, and there was no way I was paying seven dollars for two pairs of generic boxers.

When it all came together, I saw how this store worked successfully. They did have a really nice selection of university t-shirts, and hats, but everything else in the store (blue jeans, etc) seemed like they belonged on the discount racks of other clothing retailers for a lot less than seven dollars.

I really had a fun time shopping at Steve and Barry’s University Sportswear. I whole heartily recommend that if you come across one of these retail outlets that you take a stop in. Just remember, even though it may sound too good to be true, the stores do deliver on their promise of everything being $6.99, the only problem is the fact that a lot of the stuff in these stores just is not worth $6.99.

Written by James Fohl

With Labor Day now past us, it is important to look into the near future. Summer is pretty much officially over, and fall will only be here for a short while before the cold weather and piles of snow fall under our shoes.

While we may be hanging onto our favorite pairs of shorts and t-shirts until the very last minute, it is still important to look in your closet to make sure you have a winter wardrobe. Sure, you might have a wide variety of long sleeved shirts, and comfy sweaters, but do they all fit?

Stores are now getting in various winter items, including sweaters and long sleeved shirts, as well as the typical winter accessory items such as winter gloves, hats, and scarves. A lot of these stores are also having preseason sales, which if consumers take advantage of now, a lot of money can be saved. Otherwise, if consumers wait until the cold weather hits, these stores will be taking full advantage of them and charging full retail price on these winter clothing items and accessories.

Not only will you need long sleeved shirts, sweaters, and long pants, but you will also need to look through out your closet, drawers, under your bed, and other weird places for your winter jackets, gloves, hats, and other winter accessories. It is absolutely amazing how many people think they know exactly where there winter gloves are, but when the time comes that they really need the gloves, the gloves are simply no where to be found, and instead of your hands being nice and warm when you go outside, they are numb and nearly frozen from the harsh winter winds and the subzero temperatures.

Nobody likes going to work in subzero temperatures without any gloves. The same goes for no hat, scarf, or other winter accessory. So before the cold weather hits, go home and make a checklist of items you’ll need for the upcoming winter season.

Once you make a checklist, you can also determine if you need any extra clothes for the upcoming winter season. After all, it is a new year and many new fashion styles are coming out this fall. You can always take your shopping list, and while picking up the necessary winter clothing items, you can check out these latest fashions. And since you are purchasing them early, before the actual winter season arrives, you will most likely get these latest fashions at sale prices.

So before reality finally starts to set in that summer is coming to an end, and that winter will be soon, take a jump start and browse your closets for the winter accessories and other pieces of winter clothing that you will need for the upcoming winter season. Not only will you be ready for the cold weather, but chances are that you will also have probably saved a lot of money compared to if you waited for the very last minute to pick up that new winter jacket, or those water proof gloves.

Written by James Fohl

When was the last time you tried to find a piece of clothing from a fashion trend a few years ago, but came up completely flat? No matter what kind of clothing you were looking for, whether it was from a few months ago, to twenty years ago, you probably looked at pretty much every clothing store in the tri state area and came up empty.

If you were really into that particular item, you probably went to the various thrift stores in hope of coming across your item. But alas, after days, weeks, months, or possibly years of searching, you still came up empty. Even the various shops of the internet had nothing. By this time, most people would give up, and start searching for something different, or just stop looking for anything at all.

Some people however will remember one of the greatest shopping tools on the internet, and find there item within a few weeks. That particular item, which is often overlooked when dealing with clothing and accessories, is the online auction giant, eBay.

While many people purchase all sorts of stuff on eBay, from trading cards to electronics, many people totally forget about eBay when it comes to that particular piece of clothing they have been looking for.

The sad thing is, pretty much every fashion style from the past thirty years can be found listed on eBay. From Soap Shoes to JNCO jeans, to everything in between, is listed on eBay. While your initial search may return zero results, you can still use eBay's tools that will automatically send you an email whenever an item matching your description is listed on their website.

Think about it, while many stores will clearance old fashions in order to just get rid of them, eBay consists of people who did not sell those particular items, but actually bought them. They might have worn them a couple times, then threw them in the back of their closets. Then, suddenly one day when they were cleaning out their closet, they found that particular item and listed it on eBay in hopes of making a few bucks.

How much will you pay, you ask? Well it really depends on what kind of fashion you are looking for. If it is an old hip fashion that is popular again (such as 1980's t-shirts, Converse All Star shoes, etc.) then you will probably be paying a hefty penny for the item. Now, on the other hand if the item you are looking for is something that is pretty much out of style and never coming back, then you will probably actually be paying more for shipping the item then for the item itself.

So the next time you are looking for a fashion that you used to be able to find everywhere, but now you simply can not find it anywhere, stop your endless searching of retail outlets, log on to the internet from your home computer, bring up the online auction site, eBay, and chances are you will find all your favorite fashions from yesteryear quickly and easily.

By Christina VanGinkel

Shoes are fun to shop for and fun to wear, available in everything from neutral colors and fabrics to wild designs, color combinations, and materials that scream 'Wow'. Shoes can be the perfect way for someone with a bit of a wild personality to dress up an outfit that must otherwise be kept calm for various reasons such as work. Shoe lovers walk a bit of a different line then the rest of us.

Through the years, I have never been much of a shoe person, though my daughter was, or so I thought. I am content in owning one pair of tennis shoes, a pair of sandals, and a pair of boots to wear outside for doing chores. My daughter is not an overly crazy shoe person, mind you; she just loves shopping for them and has a few more pairs than the average person. She is sensible though, and does not actually have a closet full. Her love of them has started to spill over to shopping for my grandson though. She called me the other day to tell me that he was now the very proud owner of a pair of 'gator' boots. Out shopping for herself, as she had said she really needed a new pair of day to day shoes, they had stopped in a small store in the town they were visiting that had a huge sign in the window advertising 'Clearance, 50% Off Liquidation', to see what they could find.

They ended up leaving the store with no shoes for my daughter, but with my two-year-old grandson the very proud owner of, as he said, his pair of 'gator' boots, a pair of cowboy boots in a grey colored, and artificial alligator pattern.

Now several weeks later, my grandson's novelty with these boots has definitely not worn off. He has been known to wear them in the evening with his pajamas, to pull them on first thing in the morning with nothing on but his underwear. He wears them with everything he owns, including dress clothes, jeans, even shorts. My daughter said he shows them to everyone, such as the waiter at the IHOP they went to for breakfast the other morning. He will just announce to whoever is willing to listen, that he has a pair of gator boots, and would they like to see them. She said he then sticks out his foot to show them, all the while grinning from ear to ear and explaining that they just walked into a store, took them out of the box, put them on, paid for them at the counter, and now they were his!

Shoe lovers are born everyday of the week, and every one seems to either have one in the family, or knows one personally. However, until you meet one in person, you never really know what that means. I though my daughter was our shoe lover, but I think we were mistaken. She might be a shoe lover in training, but not an honest to goodness shoe aficionado. I think ours is currently about two feet tall, in a pair of gator boots that make him believe he is actually closer to six feet.

Everybody knows that baby clothes are the some of the most adorable things you'll ever see. It seems that anything adults wear can be found in teeny tiny miniature sizes for baby. For example, when my son was an infant, one of my friends bought him a little leather bomber jacket. My son also received a tiny jean jacket from the Gap. I fondly remember those clothing items (even though it is now nearly three years later) in large part because they were so cute. Even so, when it comes to cuteness, I don't think anything comes close to topping professional sports gear for babies.

My husband and I are both big sports fans, so baby sports gear was an easy gift idea for all of our friends and family to come up with. Being from the Chicago area, we got lots of Bears and Cubs items, as well as a few Blackhawks things. Along with the usual array of bibs and caps, we got a lot of items that I didn't even know existed. For example, did you know that they make onesies to look like replica jerseys? These are great because they aren't just regular onesies with a logo ironed on to them. They actually look like jerseys and have player names and numbers on them. This is an especially cute item when mom and dad wear their jerseys too. What a wonderful photo op for your family!

Replica jerseys and outfits are available for all major sports teams from football, baseball, hockey, and basketball, and even some of the bigger college teams. Is your little one a diehard Notre Dame fan in the making? Then you have to get some Notre Dame gear made especially for infants. I have even seen tiny baby t-shirts on eBay with that famous Notre Dame slogan on it: Play like a champion today. Granted, this wasn't an officially licensed NCAA product, but it was still very cool.

Even some smaller professional sports are getting in on the action by marketing clothing for babies and toddlers. If you are a motocross fan, then you would love the one-piece pajamas that are available from such companies as Fox Racing and Thor. These pajamas are styled after the riding gear of some of the more famous racers, such as Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Chad Reed, and others.

As with the NFL replica jerseys, these motocross replicas come with rider names and numbers on the backs. In addition, the pajamas also come with sponsor logos on them for a more authentic look. You can even buy two-piece motocross replica pajama sets for toddlers. These are also a great idea because your child can wear the top as a regular shirt for playtime during the day. Believe me, this is a good thing since your kids will definitely want to wear these clothes all the time.

So the next time you go shopping for your baby or perhaps for a baby shower, remember that professional sports gear replicas are not just for adults. These are great items for babies, especially if the parents are big sports fans too.

By Christina VanGinkel

Looks and styles come and go as fast as the designers who make them. Save for a handful of top names, different labels grace the tags of much of what hangs in a fashion lovers closet. One type of clothing though that is cropping up more often in closets, from teens to adults, is clothing without tags. What did I say? I am referring to clothing and accessories that are crocheted, knitted, home sewn, or otherwise handcrafted. I believe the trend, one that has actually been around for decades, with highs and lows, but never disappearing, is brought on by the need for individualism among those fashion aficionados wanting to stand out among the crowd, and to do it in as fashionable a way as possible.

You can find crocheted, knitted, and other 'handcrafted' clothes and accessories on some store shelves, but I am referring to the knitted sweaters made by your favorite Aunt, or the hat and scarf you crocheted yourself. Rarely is two of an item ever the same, even if one follows the same pattern. Choices of yarn colors, textures, and weights are wide-ranging enough that each individual can have a one-of-a-kind. I love to crochet mittens and scarves, and each year, for years and years, my twenty-something daughter will request at least two of each in a yarn color that has recently caught her attention. Each year she receives tons of compliments, with questions on wherever did she find such a colorful, or soft, or beautiful set of mittens and matching scarf. Sewn clothes are much the same. With fabric choices so varied, one pattern can be transformed into enough varieties that a whole classroom could be wearing the same outfit, yet no two would look the same. With all the embellishments available too, each outfit could be adorned with different buttons, zipper styles, rickrack, etc.

Thankfully, even those who do not sew, or are not fortunate enough to have a crafty relative to make these things, can still achieve a bit of this trend by embellishing store purchased clothing. Jeans are a favorite, with their fabric and color perfect for adding embroidery in colorful thread, a rhinestone design, even changing the buttons. With all the supplies on the open market, there is no reason you have to hit the streets looking like your neighbor. Adorn, remove, add, and adjust. Do whatever you want to make something off the rack sizzle with a fresh attitude.

Whether making something from scratch, or remaking an item off the rack, the only rule to follow is that there are no rules. Fashion is truly in the eye of the beholder, so as long as you are having fun making and wearing your creations, you are achieving your goal.
So the next time you want to stand out from the crowd when it comes to your fashion choice, step out wearing a handmade or hand decorated sweater, cardigan, vest, or whatever strikes your fancy. Keep it simple, or make it extravagant, but make it your choice, because leaving your own mark on the world of fashion is what it is all about.

By Christina VanGinkel

My daughter called the other morning to tell me about a fantastic clearance sale she came upon. She has been in need of a new swimsuit since last summer. A young mother with a budget, a swimsuit was not a high priority, but a high 'want' as she would say, because she swims year round. In addition, as she said, she had swimsuits to wear, but a new one was definitely something she had been keeping an eye open for every time she was shopping. Prices she had been finding ranged from an ok average of about $20 for a top or bottom, ($40 for a complete suit) upwards to about $60 ($120 for a complete suit). By constantly checking prices, and keeping in mind that in most places, swim season was ending, she finally found the bargain she had been hoping to come across. She purchased a top and bottom for a combined total of $8.00. Marked down to $4.00 apiece, each top and bottom had been originally priced at the highest end of prices she had discovered, at $60.00. She was a bit excited to say the least.

Clearance racks are common in stores year round, when once; you would only see them during very specific season end events. Still, there are better times of the year to find certain clearance items for deep discount in comparison to other times though. Seasonal clothing comes and goes from store racks, but often it is some weeks after the clothing is turned over before you will find a bargain to beat all bargains. Part of it is luck, but a lot of it is persistence and knowing what you want to spend.

At the end of the ski season last year, I started shopping for a jacket for my youngest son to hit the slopes with this year. My husband thought I was crazy at first, as we had just bought him a new jacket. When I tried to explain to him how expensive that first purchase was (Bought during peak season because a zipper broke on the jacket he was using every weekend, and I could not find a seamstress to fix it) I was hoping to find a backup coat so I was not put into that predicament again this coming ski season. Several weeks into my hunt for the perfect jacket, we found it. At seventy-five percent off, plus a coupon that the store was offering for a one day 'clear the clearance' sale, our final cost for a jacket that originally cost $99.99, was the low price of $15.00 (75% off plus an additional $10.00 coupon to be applied to the clearance price of any one item).

There is also always the risk of missing what you want as you hold out for the lowest possible price, but a huge satisfaction when you do snag that ultimate bargain! If you find yourself shopping for a 'want' instead of a 'need', try to hold out for the low price, check clearance racks as often as possible, and join the ranks of successful clearance kings and queens nationwide!

One thing that all little girls love to do is to play dress up. As soon as they are old enough to walk, little girls begin stepping into their mommy's shoes and pulling giant bras over their chests. They like to put on long beads and too-big dresses; they giggle under hats, bonnets and scarves. While there are many boxes, bags, kits and packages of dress up clothing for little girls on the market today, they simply aren't the same as they used to be. The cute little packages of dresses and shoes mimicking Disney characters or storybook heroes might be fun and adorable, but what about the old attic trunks full of grandmother's old clothes and mom's old prom dress. What about the sun hats that used to be so popular and the bonnets worn by all women? Consider putting together a box or trunk of some of your old clothing for your daughters to use as a dress up trunk. You may be surprised at how much they enjoy it. Following are some ideas for filling your dress up trunk.

1. Old dresses. Do you have some nice dresses you still like but are way out of style? Give them to your kids. Even casual dresses and suits will be worn by little girls who want to dress up and play tea party, go-to-work, or some other such game.

2. Old formalwear. Do you have an old prom, homecoming, or other formal dress that cost a fortune but will never be in style again? Many of us that wore the return of the hoop dress in the early 1980s will thrill our daughters if we let them try our hoops. They'll feel like Cinderella at the ball.

3. Hats. Hats somehow complete any out fit when dress up play is involved. It doesn't matter if the out fit is formal or casual, a hat completes the look and every little girl looks adorable when wearing one. If you have any old ridiculous hats, add them to the dress up trunk; the more ridiculous, the better.

4. Relatives. If you are great at purging clothing you no longer want, ask the aunts and grandmothers if they have old cast-offs they'd like to contribute to the dress up trunk. Surely Grandma will come up with something out of her musty, old closet with clothes from long ago.

5. Thrift stores. You will be amazed at what you can find at a local thrift store. Either the Goodwill store, Salvation Army store, or any other thrift store has new items coming in all the time. In all those stores, my daughters have found old wedding dresses and other formal wear that was inexpensive enough for them to buy with their few dollars of allowance. You could fill an entire dress up trunk from a thrift store for under twenty dollars, easily.

So the next time you want to clean out your closet, if you have a daughter, consider presenting her with a dress up trunk. She'll thank you and you'll enjoy seeing her look so cute!

By Christina VanGinkel

Styles come, styles go, and most often, they come again. Pick up an old issue of a fashion magazine from a past decade and you will find fashions that have been repeated time and time again. A slight variation most likely occurs, a more fitting cut, a looser edge, added trims or new fabrics, but the basic designs that have been clothing men and women for the past fifty years at least, have been cropping back up in new styles every year. Unlike many fashion eras of days past though, have you noticed that fashions are actually starting to overlap. Where long dresses were once in and short skirts out, now the same woman may have several of each in her closet with varying lengths in between, and each style is for the current season.

I have my own personal opinion on this, nothing dramatic about it really. Being so many different body styles, thin, heavy, short, tall, and every combination one could imagine, clothing needs to repeat itself to keep all these different requirements satisfied. In addition, just because something has 'gone out of style' on the covers of fashion magazines nationwide, it no longer means that someone, somewhere, is not wearing it. We now often wear what is comfortable, not what a size two model is prancing about in. We have in essence, become more sensible on the fashion front.

I can remember being a teenager and wearing what we all referred to as bell-bottoms. These are again common, though they are usually referred to as wide-cut, not to be confused with loose-fit, which refers to the overall cut of the pant, not just the bottom of the leg opening. At the same time, boot cut, slim fit bottoms, and a variety of other pant leg fits are all on the market, and all are nearly as popular as the next. Depending on your age, weight, and personal preference, you can now buy jeans and pants in just about any style you want, brand new, no rummaging second hand shops required.

Skirts are the same. You can find a cute as can be short, short skirt. On the rack next to it, chances are you will find a bohemian styled, wide flowing skirt that will drop down to your ankles. If you need a more business looking attire on the skirt front, look a bit further and you will find numerous fabric choices in above the knee to below the knee styles.

Tops, shoes, jackets, suits, you name it fashion wise, and it is most likely available in a variety of fashion choices. The problem with all of this is as simple as my opinion. If someone does not know their own personal style, there are now more ways than ever for them to mess it up. Not everyone looks good in a skirt that dips just below their bottom, or in a top that stops just below their bosom, but seeing, as it is available in their size, they think it must be the perfect outfit. Which just goes to show you that fashion freedom is a good thing for most, but maybe not for the stylishly challenged!

These days, shoes are just as specialized as everything else, which can make it difficult to find a good pair that are suitable for use every day. What I mean by specialized is that we have shoes made specifically for different activities: walking, running, cross-training, dressy shoes, casual shoes, boots, etc. Before you know it, you could end up with 10 pairs of shoes in your closet to accommodate the various activities that you participate in during a typical week. While I like shoes, I don't like accumulating clutter, so I always try to find shoes that serve dual purposes. That's pretty easy to do with athletic shoes, since you can just as easily do aerobic walking in your cross-trainers as play tennis in them. But finding "regular" shoes to wear on a daily basis is a bit more challenging. Personally speaking, I've tried out many brands of shoes over the years, and I've found that Rockport shoes are the most versatile and fit my lifestyle the best.

I first bought a pair of Rockport shoes back when I was in college. I happened to be shopping at an outlet mall that had a Rockport store in it, and I went in to see what those shoes were all about (since I had never even heard of them before). The first thing that caught my eye was how good the shoes looked. They come in classic, timeless styles that look good with your clothes whatever the hot fashion trends of the day might be. If you like wild and funky shoes, then Rockport is probably not for you. I like a more conservative look from my footwear, so I was drawn to these shoes immediately.

The next thing that I noticed as I picked up a display shoe was how very light it was. Even though the shoe had a relatively thick sole, it was not heavy and bulky like some other shoes on the market. At first I thought there might be some quality problems with a shoe that lightweight, but a closer inspection of the stitching showed me that I was wrong. These shoes are definitely well-made.

Since I was at an outlet mall, the prices were about 25% cheaper than I would find at a regular mall, so I decided to buy a pair to try out. As I recall, I paid less than $50 for a pair of lace-up oxfords, and actually wore the shoes out of the store, just like I used to do when I was a kid. I continued shopping for the rest of the day in that pair of brand new shoes and I never had a problem with sore feet, blisters, or any of the other things you usually suffer from the first time you wear a new pair of shoes for a whole day.

The bottom line is that those Rockports were one of the best pairs of shoes I've ever owned. They looked great with jeans on casual days, and also with slacks or khakis when I needed to dress up just a bit more. All in all, I still think Rockports are the best shoes in terms of looks, comfort, price, and durability, and I recommend them to anyone looking for a great pair of everyday shoes.

Now that school has started, it is time to make sure the kids (and mom and dad) have everything they need, as far as clothing, for the upcoming school year. Often it makes much more sense to do the shopping once school has begun, in order to avoid the "back to school" rush, as well as taking advantage of sales. With all the activities kids are involved in today, they need a variety of clothing items; and with mom and dad trucking the kids around town to activities and sporting events, the parents might need a few new items as well! Following is a helpful checklist of back to school clothing items that your children will probably need.

1. The basics. If your kids have grown since last fall (and let's face it, most kids have) they will need all the basics of new shirts, sweaters and jackets, as well as pants or skirts. Even if they haven't grown enough to warrant a whole new wardrobe, all kids like to start the new school year with a few new outfits. Remember to go for layered looks in anticipation of colder weather, and get many solid colors so tops and bottoms can be mixed and matched. Solid t-shirts, turtlenecks and sweaters, both crew neck and cardigan can mix well. Also remember sweatshirts and jackets, both light and heavy. And don't forget a rain slicker for those fall showers!

2. Footwear. Again, if your child's feet have grown at all, he will need new shoes. And even if he hasn't grown, kids are hard on shoes and chances are he has worn the shoes to a point where they aren't as supportive as they need to be. Sturdy leather shoes such as hiking shoes or boots are great for all-weather days, and all kids need a pair of sneakers, either to wear to school or to bring for gym class. For warmer climates, sports sandals can be worn well into the fall; just make sure your school allows sandals to be worn. If you live in a snowy climate, now is the time to begin looking for snow boots; don't wait until after the first snow when your child won't have been prepared and all the boots in town have been sold.

3. Athletic wear. Many kids join up with the fall sports teams offered by the schools and recreation departments of local towns. Whether your child is in soccer, cross-country running, or one of the other fall sports offered, he will need special clothing wear. Special shoes such as soccer cleats or running shoes will be a must, in addition to special socks, shorts, mouth guards, shin pads, water bottles, and all the other paraphernalia required by child athletes.

4. Formal wear. Many young men and women will be attended fall formals, homecoming dances, and band, choir, or orchestra concerts. See to it that your young person has the proper attire for such events. Dresses, suits, sport coats, and of course, shoes.

Have a great school year!

By Rae A. Costa

I'm a people watcher. Race, gender, size it doesn't matter. I love to watch people. Swapmeets are the best place for this type of activity, but the other day riding on my city's fabulous trolley system, I saw something that made me start to wonder.

The trolley line runs through varying neighborhoods, including downtown so all sorts of different people get on and off. However, this blog isn't about people. It's about fashion.

At one of the stops a young woman boarded. She was about 20 years old, but it's hard for me to tell ages, so she could have been younger. Her race isn't important and, although the trolley does run through some very ethnic neighborhoods, this was not one of them. The woman could live next door to me for all I know.

What first caught my attention was she had a long piece of green tinsel wrapped around one of her wrists. You know, the kind you decorate your Christmas tree with or put around your front door during the holidays. Had it been during the holidays, or even in December, I wouldn't have thought it odd, but it's September.

After I lost interest in the tinsel, I noticed her hat. A green baseball cap was perched on the top of her head and across the front in big white letters was the phrase "Got ho?" Again, if this had been around the holidays I would think 'ho' was short for what Santa bellows, but again it's September.

Every now and again a weirdo gets on the trolley. Muttering to him or herself and having no concept of fashion, but this was a clean looking woman. Casual tee and blue jeans with the cuffs rolled up to expose a pair of chic little tennis and a cute little purse that matched.

So what gives with the tinsel and hat?

I'm definitely no expert on today's fashion trends. I went to high school in the 1980s. I wore blue eyeshadow, those icky jelly sandals, and my hair was feathered. Of course I don't wear that stuff now or feather my hair, but what fashions are hip with today's young people are completely lost on me.

I guess this was one of those 'express yourself' fashions. The cockeyed hat I understand. I see a lot of teenagers wearing hats that way, even though I think it looks ridiculous. For me, wearing a baseball cap is to protect oneself from the sun, to show support for your team when you attend a sporting event, or to cover bald spot or disguise a bad hair day.

'Got ho?' I'm pretty sure is a play on the popular 'Got milk?' ads. I could understand it more if a young man was wearing the hat. Maybe he's advertising for a girlfriend or just wants to find a hookup for the evening, but this was a woman.

I don't think she was looking for a girlfriend. She didn't look like a lesbian, which I know sounds absolutely absurd. It's not like a lesbian tattoos her sexual preference on her forehead or wears a big sign around her neck professing her love for other woman.

Still perplexed by the hat I started checking out the other woman on the trolley. I checked out woman of all ages and races and their fashions ran the gamut. Except for a few, most of it was absolutely dreadful. Some of it I wouldn't even know how to describe, except to say too tight too much skin.

After scoping out the chicks I decided the ho' hat was rather conservative. It was only two o'clock on a Friday afternoon. I can only imagine what I would have seen had it been later in the evening. Most of the passengers were on the younger side and besides myself, there weren't many business-type dressed people.

On my way home from the trolley stop, I picked up the latest copies of US and People magazines to check out the newest fashion trends and maybe learn a little something on how to improve my own casual-hiker look.

There on the second page was a very pregnant Britney Spears wearing cowboy boots and a very short purple dress with an extremely scooped neck. A few pages later, Jennifer Aniston in torn jeans (Damn! I should have kept mine!) and revealing tank top (since when did a camisole become outerwear?) looked rather drab compared to Britney.

Even Shania Twain, one of my favorite country singers, had her blouse pulled open with part of her red bra and half her boobies exposed. No wonder young women are dressing more and more provocative, if not down right slutty. These are their role models.

Although I didn't see any tinsel, it was quite obvious how celebrity fashions are influencing the fashion tastes of young women. Unfortunately, most of what I saw in the magazines was just as awful as what I'd seen on the trolley.

Whatever happened to the days when ladies wore dresses that actually covered up their bodies? Or wore sun bonnets that were flattering instead of baseball caps with sleazy slogans? And heaven forbid a woman should wear boy's clothing!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not a prude by any means. I understand the need for self-expression, but when a young woman's style makes those around her go, "Oh my God!" and not in a good way, then maybe she should spend a bit more time in front of the mirror. Or ask her Mother for an opinion. I bet she'd be more than happy to oblige.

As teenagers, we were allowed to pick out our own clothing, but it had to pass Mother's inspection first (since she was paying for it). Do parents not pay attention to what their daughters are wearing when they leave the house? To put it simply, what I saw on the trolley were women dressed like tramps. I won't include everyone, because there were some stylish trolley riders who weren't exposing to much skin, wearing stupid hats, or wrapped in Christmas fandangle.

Now that I think about it, the woman's hat summed up about half the woman on the trolley rather well. Got ho's? Yes, they're sitting all around me. I couldn't even move without bumping into one. I couldn't wait to get off the trolley, because I felt so out of place in my silk blouse, black slacks, and heels.

I find the current fashion trends for young women appalling in some aspects. Torn jeans, I can live with, although it's not my style. It's just that I hate to see an impressionable young woman trying to emulate J'Lo on her trampiest day and indeed resembling just that. Whether the woman is truly a tramp or not, it's not a look she should be trying to imitate.

Unfortunately, that's what I saw on the trolley. A bunch of copy-cats on their way to a tramp and ho' convention. I applaud them for having the confidence in their bodies to wear such skimpy clothing. However, leave something to the imagination. Not all of us want to see our fellow trolley riders' cracks and cleavages.

After perusing the magazines, I felt incredibly self-conscious. If I compared myself to the women on the pages, I was in no way ever going to be considered fashionable. I promptly tossed the magazines into the trash, grabbed a piece of chocolate for comfort, and settled down on the couch with the latest L.L. Bean catalog.

Lo' and Beho' there on the inside cover was the exact same flannel shirt I have in my closet! Now that's a piece of clothing that'll never go out of style.

I guess it's not unusual to go to the grocery store in the middle of the night and see people with their pajama bottoms sticking out under their jackets or coats. This kind of thing happens when your child gets sick at 2:00 in the morning and you have to rush out to the 24-hr store to buy some medicine or whatever. In those situations it is completely understandable that you wouldn't stop to change into some regular clothes first. But these days, I am noticing more and more people out in public during normal daytime hours wearing what amounts to pajamas.

In the stores and on websites, these clothes, which are not quite pajamas and not quite sweatpants either, are billed as "lounge wear" or sometimes even "active wear". They are usually made from cotton, have a drawstring, and are available in either solid or print patterns. Depending on where you buy them from, they range in price from about $12 a pair to about $32 a pair. Whatever the label, it's clear (to me, at least) that these items are meant to be worn inside the home. I've discussed this trend with several friends and family members of varying ages, and opinions are mixed as to whether or not it is appropriate to wear this stuff when you go shopping at the local mall.

First, I talked to one of my cousins who is still in college. She said that it's not uncommon to see both men and women going to class in those kinds of clothes, especially if the classes are early in the morning. She went on to say that she spends at least 30 minutes every morning choosing her clothes and doing her hair and makeup, so she can understand how some people would just prefer to sleep in, roll out of bed, and walk to class with whatever they've got on. At my high school, we were allowed to wear pretty much anything we wanted during my first two years there. Then the school instituted a dress policy, and today's lounge wear definitely would have been banned under those rule. I have to say that I noticed a distinct difference in my own attitude toward school when I followed the dress code. I took my classes more seriously because I was dressed for the part.

I then talked to a couple of friends who are my age (early thirties). One friend said that while she personally wouldn't wear that type of clothing to the store, she isn't bothered by people who do. She said that as long as they are covered up and wearing something, she doesn't care what it is. The other friend I asked said that she finds it a bit disconcerting to see a grown man out in public who can't even be bothered to get dressed before leaving the house.

Even though I enjoy comfortable clothing as much as the next person, I am decidedly against wearing pajamas or other pajama-like outfits in public arenas. So I can't wait until this lounge wear trend goes away and people start putting regular clothes on when they go outdoors!

By Christina VanGinkel

Shopping second hand stores for vintage pieces to accent your mainstream wardrobe is both easy to do and a fun, inexpensive way to save on your clothing budget. Creating a strategy for this type of shopping is not necessary, but it can help you when it comes to uncovering the best deals.

Secondhand shops have one major difference, other than the age of the clothing in reference to a regular clothing store, and that is the turnaround of inventory. Chances are if shopping a traditional store, you can see something you like, and unless it is a one of a kind item on a clearance rack, you can mull over purchasing something for days, and be reasonably assured that the item will still be there if you decide to buy it several days later. With second hand stores, everything is most likely a one of a kind, at least as far as the individual store goes, and if you think you want to buy something, you had better get it while you are there, because chances are, it will not be there the following day, let alone later in the same day.

Keep ahead of purchasing decisions by having a plan when shopping. Know your sizes, all of them. Bring along a tape rule that can measure on the fly inseams, lengths, and more. Do not rely on dressing rooms for fitting items, as some do not have them, and some you may not want to use.

Know what your wardrobe's needs and requirements are. I stay on top of this by keeping a running list of what is in my closet. I know what pants or skirts are in need of matching tops, how many blazers and coats I own, and I occasionally try on things to see if they still fit. If I have not worn something in a while, I make a note of why I have not worn it, such as I really need a pair of shoes to go with such and such an outfit. By keeping a log of this, I am better prepared to buy on the fly, as I refer to it.

Checking the quality of purchases from second hand shops is much more important than from a typical store, as returns are not usually allowed. Be sure to check that zippers work. Make sure that the fabric is not degraded; leather is not stiff and unstable, stitching, especially detailed stitching, is not coming unraveled, etc. Be sure to check for stains and odors. If purchasing shoes, be sure to check the heels, soles, and insides for wear or damage that is going to affect the comfort level and overall stability of the shoe.

Shopping for clothing and accessories in second hand shops is a great way to uncover fun, unconventional accessories, and some fantastic deals. Keep an open mind, but do not purchase something just to bring it home and hang in your closet. If you are not sure if you are going to wear it, pass. Remember that in the end, the only good deals are those that you will actually wear.

By Christina VanGinkel

You cannot walk down a city or small town street anywhere without seeing young kids and teenagers dressed in fashions that would shock, or at the least, raise eyebrows, of the average adult. You know the styles I am referring to, or else you have walked those streets with your eyes closed. Jeans and shirts that appear to have come from the rag pile of the nearest second hand clothing store, so ripped and torn that there is no way they could possibly be new, as who in their right mind would pay for it. In addition, shirts with sayings emblazoned across the fronts of them that leave even open-minded adults with gaping mouths in astonishment to what they have just read. (I am not talking vulgarity, just saying that make you wonder what goes through teenager's minds).

How in the world you wonder could a parent let their child out of the house, into public, wearing such trash, quite easily, in all actuality.

If you are a parent of a pre-teen or teenager, ask yourself how many battles over clothing you have waged with your child or children in plural over the years. Next, ask yourself how many other battles have been fought over other serious matters. As a mother of three, two now grown and one about to hit the big thirteen in just a matter of weeks, I took a serious look at this a few weeks past when I happened to have a very unwanted front seat to a friend's eruption over what her teenage son was wearing. Mind you, this boy is a straight 'A' student, and has been consistently all through middle school and his first three years of high school. He is active in several sports and academic groups. He tutors younger kids, and acts as a reading buddy for a kindergarten class. He also works part time, at the same job he has held for three years. For all intent and purpose, he is every parent's dream child. He was about to leave the house, to go shopping at the mall with a group of friends, when his mother stopped him and told him to change into something decent. Let me backtrack here and say that this same mother recently told me how proud she was of her son, the same son she was now arguing with, for being responsible enough to not only have saved quite a bit of his paychecks over the years, but to have also purchased all of his own school clothes this year!

I personally saw nothing in his dress or manner that I have not witnessed daily walking around, or hanging out in the average crowd of teenagers. I was not offended in any way by his dress, nor could I imagine anyone else would be either, except, apparently, for his mother. I was hesitant to say anything to her in front of her son, but when he had left the room, I did ask her if the battle was worth it, as after all, it was just clothes, nothing even very outlandish, just an outfit that would allow him to blend with the crowd. I asked her if he was a good kid, if she had more important battles and discussions to wage with him. We talked for a while, and it reminded me that I will soon be making the same decisions with my youngest that she is now with her son, and that I did not too many years ago with my two oldest.

She was still undecided whether to argue with him about his clothes, or just to let it go. Personally, I am going to save my battles, and my talking with my son for more important things in life than if his knees show through the holes in his jeans.

With the holidays approaching, you may be thinking of the purchases you will make already. Clothing is one of the options, particularly when we think of buying for children. There are a few ideas you should keep in mind, however, so that you can ensure the recipient enjoys the gift.

First, get a gift receipt. I know; I know. You think it is the perfect sweater, but you should include the receipt anyway. That way, if Cousin Susie already has the sweater, or if she secretly think it is hideous, she can return it without a problem. You should just include the receipt in the gift. Do not put her on the spot and say, "if you don't like it, I have the receipt."

Second, think about what Cousin Susie normally wears. Is she a modern-day hippie who dons broom skirts and Birkenstocks? Is she an athlete who feels comfortable in running pants and gym shoes? Would she rather have a power suit. Avoid the temptation to buy what you think would look great on her and buy something similar to what she already owns. That way you know you are at least getting close to purchasing something she will like.

Go with neutrals whenever possible. Unless your brother just happens to be into all Jamaican clothing, you should stick to something basic. Especially for men, trying to buy gifts that are patterned or brightly colored can be really difficult. If you want to get a nice dress shirt but don’t want to add to the 17 white ones your brother already has, try a pale yellow, a basic blue, or even tan.

When you are purchasing accessories, you should think about what would match. You may have found a perfect bright green scarf, and your sister loves scarves. It seems like the perfect match. The only problem is that when Sis opens the scarf, she may love it but realize it will cost her money. Why? She must now go out and buy something to match it. You have three valid options when you are purchasing accessories. You can go with something subtle that will match a number of pieces. Be sure that the recipient already has something that will match. The third choice is to buy something to go with it so that you are not putting that on the recipient of the gift.

Finally, don't guess at the size! The best bet is to buy something that you know will fit. Shirts are usually easier than pants in this regard; accessories are even better. If you do need to know the size, you should either call the person for whom you are purchasing the gift or if you are trying to keep it a secret, call that person's Mom or spouse or someone who will know or can find out. You and your sister will be embarrassed if she's a size 12, and you bought a perfectly lovely pair of size 16 pants.

Remember that when you are buying clothes for someone, the gift is for the other person - not you. Keep that in mind, and you'll pick the perfect gift!

By Julia Mercer

I will admit it. When the doctor said that the baby I had been carrying in my tummy for nine months was a boy, there was a moment of panic. Do I know how to raise a boy? Then I thought of those insipid arguments between moms and dads and their daughters over boys, dates, and...clothing!

Whew! I don't have to deal with those problems. It is unlikely my handsome little son will ever cause us great stress over his wardrobe. Parents to daughters, though, may find the situation a bit different. There are ways to navigate this dilemma, however.

First, know where you stand. That means that you and your partner should talk about the clothing issues. Look at the hot fashions, like ponchos, and decide how you feel about them. Then consider old stand-bys - short shorts and like. You should stand firm on these issues and let anyone, such as aunts and grandmothers, who may purchase clothing for your daughter which pieces you will not permit her to wear.

Second, know why you feel that way. While you don't technically have to tell your daughter why you are saying no to a certain piece of clothing, you should consider it. By the time she is old enough for these arguments, she will be old enough to listen to reasoning. Instead of giving a standard non-answer, such as "because I'm your mother," which she will not accept, learn to offer a more concrete reason.

Giving a specific reason will allow her to understand where you are coming from even if she disagrees. Telling her that you do not think wearing sexy underwear is acceptable for a teen because it is a privilege of adults may make her unhappy, but it is better than a snarling no without explanation. It also forces you to think about why you do, in fact, oppose clothing. You can look at your reason and determine whether or not it is legitimate.

Learn to give in. While you should not encourage your daughter to participate in every clothing trend out there, have a little give. If you hate Capri pants or rugged jeans or sweater ponchos but your daughter wants them, go ahead. There is no moral reason to oppose them, such as with shorts with writing across the bottom. There may be some room for practical opposition, that the cost of the clothing is not worth it because it will go out of style. Still, you should allow your daughter to participate in some way in the trends of her peers as long as it is not at odds with your greater parenting philosophy.

The final lesson is to listen to your daughter. Remember what high school was like. It was fun for precious few people. While it may seem silly to you that everyone makes fun of her for her shoes, you have to decide whether it is worth it in the long run to force her to continue to wear them if she wants to fit in. You are walking a fine line when you are raising a daughter. My hat is off to you.

By Julia Mercer