FashBlog.com

By Christina VanGinkel

I thought I knew it all when it came to shopping for children's clothing. Check the stitching, check the comfort of the fabric, check the brand, check the size, and check the price. Well, on a recent shopping trip to pick out a couple pairs of jeans for my grandson, my daughter and I did all of the above plus. We even let the future owner of the jeans, my 32-month-old grandson; give his opinion, as he is actually quite choosy about what he wears. (Anyone who says that fashion sense cannot be inherited has obviously not met my daughter and grandson!) For a toddler, he can tell you in a heartbeat what he considers matching, and what is not. He knows how to match up characters on the fronts of his t-shirts, with those on their matching jeans or shorts. He knows which outfits he should wear his sandals with, and which ones call for his cowboy boots!

Well, on the day in question, we found a sale that offered you the option to choose a second item from a line of kids clothing for fifty percent off, with the discount being given to an item of equal or lesser value. My daughter picked out two pairs of pants, both in an identical cut, with pockets all over, which my grandson thought were just the best. One pair was in a camo pattern, and the other was a typical jean material, though a bit on the thin side. With spring arriving in our part of the country with seemingly above average temperatures, they seemed like an ideal choice.

He wore the camo-patterned jeans the very next day, and the jean ones within a day or two also. She washed them, and the next time she put on the jean ones he complained that they felt funny. The wais still fit him, and the length seemed ok, so she did not really think they had shrunk; besides they were not one hundred percent cotton, not even close, so she doubted that was a problem. Well, yesterday, he had them on again, and from the minute he walked in the door, I noticed he was tugging at them. I asked him what was wrong and he told me that he did not want to wear his pants. I pulled up his little t-shirt to look at the waist of the pants and that was when I noticed his pocket linings were sticking out. I asked my daughter about it, and she said she had noticed the same thing, but just thought he had tugged them out. I tucked them in, or I should say I tried. That was when I realized that while the pants might not have shrunk when my daughter washed them, the pockets had!

Just a guess on my part, but the pocket linings appeared to be one hundred percent cotton, and they had shrunk to the point that they were pulling on the stitching all around them. I immediately changed him into a different pair of pants and got out the receipt for the jeans. We had to run up town for a few other items, so I told my daughter she should return the pants right away. She thought they might question the return because the pants had been worn and washed, but when she told the sales lady the details, she looked at the pockets, and responded that she would have said she had never heard of such a thing happening before, except two other people had already returned the identical pair of toddler pants for the very same reason. It was being considered a defect, yet when my daughter walked back to the toddler department to look for a different pair of pants, she noticed the sale was still going on, and there was still a whole rack of the same toddler pants.

If we learned anything form this episode, it was that you could never examine the details of an item of clothing too closely. Save your receipts, and pay attention to the condition of a new item of clothing the first few times you wash and dry it, as if there is any defect in quality or workmanship, it is apt to become apparent after being washed or dried.

Have you ever woke up in the morning, looked in your closet, and thought to yourself that you do not like any of your clothes? If you have, you are definitely not the only one. Many people like a few pieces of their clothing, like their favorite pair of jeans, or their favorite little black dress, but hate the rest. Many people would love to change their wardrobe, but do not have even close to enough money to start. There are a few ways that you can get some new great pieces into your wardrobe without having to spend a fortune.

The first thing you should do is pick out your favorite pieces in your wardrobe, and all your basic pieces that you can build an outfit around. These basic pieces include white blouses and shirts, solid color belts, any jeans and slacks that you like, blazers or jackets that are in style and still fit you well, and anything else in your closet that you like that is not a funky color print, fits you good, and is in style. Also go through your socks, underwear, and bras, and take out any pieces that do not fit you well. Check out what you have kept for yourself. Plan to shop for clothes that you can make outfits out of, combined with the clothes that you have kept out of your closet. Write a list of pieces that you would like to buy, including accessories like jewelry, belts and shoes. After you do this, you are ready to start adding more clothes to your wardrobe.

One of the first places you can go shopping for new clothes without having a lot of money is your local thrift stores. Many people think that thrift stores only carry junk, but that is completely untrue. Just because somebody gives something to a thrift store does not mean that it is junk. Some people bring their clothes to thrift stores because their shirt is missing a button, and they do not know how to sew, or the zipper on a pair of pants does not work, and they do not want to bring the pants to a seamstress to get it fixed. Besides that, people bring their clothes to thrift stores because they no longer fit into them, or they have a stain that they cannot get out. Some people also bring clothes to thrift stores out of the goodness of their heart. They know that if they have not worn something in a few months, it would be better off being sold to someone who would love to wear it more often. If you have the patience to search through the clothes in a thrift store, for something that fits you and you like, it will be worth your time. If you know how to sew, or how to repair buttons, zippers, and seams, you will most likely find a lot of pieces that you love. Another thing you will find a lot of at thrift stores, is accessories. You can find great deals on jewelry, belts, and maybe even shoes and purses. Although the jewelry you find might not be genuine stones, you can still look great in costume jewelry.

Besides shopping in thrift stores, you can go to the stores around you that you would normally visit like J.C. Penny's, and Braun's. You can look for clothes on sale, or your best bet would be to find clothes that you like on the clearance racks. That is where you are going to find your best deals. Clearance racks are usually marked down by fifty to seventy five percent, which makes a big difference in the final price. You can also join clubs in many stores. Usually you will get a punch card, and for every five to ten dollars you spend, you get a punch on your card. When you card is full, you can redeem it for a certain amount of cash. Ask inside of your favorite stores to see if they run any deals or clubs where you can redeem points for store cash.

Another place you can shop for clothes and get great deals is on-line. If you do not mind waiting for your clothes for a few days, and not being able to try them on, on-line shopping can get you great deals. Make sure that you read the fine print so if your clothes are not what you expect, you can easily return or exchange them. There are many on-line stores that offer close out prices and other great deals. You can even find stores that offer free shipping and handling if you spend a certain amount of money in one visit.

Also, if you have a friend that is the same size as you, you may want to ask her to exchange some pieces with you for awhile, that way, both of you can spice up your wardrobe without spending any money! Ask if you could exchange a few pieces once a month, but make sure that you always return her clothing the way it was when you borrowed it. Your friend probably will be less likely to go along with you if you return her clothes stained or torn. If any of the clothes need to be dry cleaned, take care of it before you return the clothes to your friend.

If you have the time and the patience, but not necessarily the money, there are many ways to get new clothes for your wardrobe. Keep your eyes open for good deals and clearance racks, and you will be well on your way to updating your look and your wardrobe. When you have achieved what you are trying to, you will look and feel great!

by Deb Powers

Imelda Marcos had it right. No woman can have enough shoes. Shoes are more than a fashion statement - they're a statement of identity, style, practicality and function all rolled into a size 7 (if you're lucky). Every woman has her favorite shoes - mine at the moment are a pair of turquoise slip-ons with a molded sole and cork inner sole that make my toes wiggle in ecstasy whenever I slip them on. They cost me $5 on the markdown shelf at the local Payless Store, and at least three days a week, I have to bodily remove them from my daughter's feet. They're so deliciously comfy that I built my summer wardrobe around them last year so that I could wear them almost every day.

There are some places, though, that my turquoise sandals just aren't welcome. For those other days and events, my closet boasts a variety of shoes that every woman needs to own. They're shoes that never seem to go out of style, and that are de rigeur for particular occasions. They may not woo your feet with the exciting dash of a rhinestone ankle strap or the whispered seduction of suede Ferragamo's, but they'll always be there when you need them, like your brother's best friend who took you to the prom.

The wedding shoe:
Unless you can manage to choose exactly the perfect shoes for that new dress you bought for your cousin's wedding, you need a pair of wedding shoes in your closet. Classic dressy black heels are perfect for a winter wedding. In the spring and summer, opt for gray or taupe heels, unless you've got the perfect match for your dress.

The interview shoe:
The job interview is not the place to show off your sexiest pumps. Dress to impress means the subtle, no-nonsense styling of mid-heeled black pumps to go with the understated business suit. Save the funky heels for the office Christmas party.


The beach walker:
Barefoot can be dangerous - and it's certainly not as sexy as a pair of strappy, bejeweled thongs that show off that snazzy pedicure and flash a little toe cleavage. Comfy flip-flops in bright colors, trimmed with fake flowers or rhinestones, tatami-soled slip-ons and the classic beach thong all have a place in your closet - or walking on the beach. They're the perfect footwear to accent shorts, skorts, skirts or bikinis, showing off those sexy feet.

The classic tennie:
Or another pair of sneakers. No woman's foot wardrobe is complete without a pair of perfectly worn-in sneakers. Whether your style is Keds or Reebok, Air Jordan or Nike, the only thing to wear on your feet for a casual kickaround weekend is a pair of comfortable sneakers.

On the town with the girls - or that special guy:
Drop-dead sexy strappy heels, of course! The dance floor is the place for those shoes that you wouldn't DARE where to the office. Suede, patent, trimmed or plain, the only requirement is heels high enough to give your back porch that sexy swing. You get bonus points if you don't kick them off to dance!

Running and athletic wear:
This is one of the places that there should be no skimping. For your morning jog, cross-country walking or tennis game, invest in the best, well-fitted athletic shoes you can afford. The fit is vital - uncomfortable shoes can do more than give you blisters. Shoes that don't fit right can seriously compromise your balance and safety when you're doing something active like running.

Add in a pair of comfy slippers - preferably furry black kitties with emerald eyes and a pink bow - and one pair of dazzling, drop-dead boots, and you'll have a shoe collection that's fit for a queen - or at least a First Lady.

Written by James Fohl

Shopping for new clothes.. It is one of a woman's favorite hobbies, while it is probably the last thing a guy would want to do on the weekend. We all know how most women simply love to shop for new clothes, whether it is for a new skirt, a new pair of pants, a new belt, or simply what ever is on sale.

I'm a guy, and I do not like to go shopping for clothes. I simply like to wear jeans and tshirts. I guess you could say if I had to wear the same clothes that in my closet for the rest of my life I would probably still be a pretty happy guy.

Even though I do not go shopping for clothes a lot, I still get to go on the whole shopping experience with my girlfriend. Now I do not mind going shopping with my girlfriend, it is just after a couple of hours I kind of turn in to a zombie. I guess I probably should explain that last statement.

You see, I have no problem going to the mall with my girlfriend to pick up a new pair of jeans for her. You know, if I need a new pair of jeans I just go to the store, find the size I need and buy them; it really is a five minute task. The problem with my girlfriend, (and most women I know) is the fact that it is not a five minute task. It is more of a five hour task.

You see, women like my girlfriend can not just go into one store and buy a pair of jeans. Instead, they have to go to pretty much every store in the mall and try on every style of jeans they can find. After trying on thirty different pairs of jeans, they ultimately can not decide on a single pair of jeans, and buy six.

Whenever my girlfriend is getting rung up at the checkout counter, I kind of get excited, because we were only at the mall for three hours. But then, I forget that because she bought new jeans, she's probably going to want a new belt for those jeans.

So after another half hour looking at belts, she will find a belt that goes great with her six new pairs of jeans. We will pay for the jeans, and while I think we are on our way out of the mall, she will tell me that she needs a new pair of shoes to match her new belt.

One thing will lead to another, and before I know it, my girlfriend will have a new wardrobe. Six hours will pass from the time we entered the mall before we leave the mall. I will have seen so many pairs of jeans, belts, and shoes that I simply just nod my head and say "That looks great."

That is how I become a zombie for the rest of the day.

Now don't get me wrong, I like spending time with my girlfriend, and I don't mind shopping. I am now used to the fact that it takes me five minutes to buy a pair of jeans, but whenever I go shopping with my girlfriend it takes her five hours.

So if you are a woman reading this article, think about shopping from a guy's perspective. Sure, most guys go shopping with their girlfriends just like I do, and say they enjoy it, but inside we're all turning into zombies. You can argue until you are blue in the blue, but its the truth. Most guys hate shopping; we just go into a store and purchase whatever jeans fit us.

So if the next time you go ask your boyfriend / husband / male friend if he wants to go shopping for clothes with you, and he tells you no, don't feel bad. Maybe if you agree to only spend a half hour or so in the mall, then maybe he will go with you. Or, you could always try and strike a deal with him by saying you will go into the sporting goods store, or electronics store with him if he goes shopping with you.

Written by James Fohl

One of the latest fashion fads I have noticed is the fact that while more and more people are getting interested in the latest country music, they are also getting into the whole cowboy apparel aspect of the music. Lots of guys I know are starting to wear cowboy hats, the boots, and some are even wearing the rugged straight legged jeans that to most people are some of the most uncomfortable pairs of pants that have ever been invented.

While many people wear a cowboy hat, and a pair of rugged boots, many people tend to stay away from real cowboy jeans because, like I said earlier, they are very hard and uncomfortable. After all, cowboy jeans are supposed to be very rugged and be able to withstand a lot; otherwise they would most likely rip and tear within a few hours of use.

Long ago, when I first put on my first pair of Wrangler Rodeo jeans, I must admit they were very uncomfortable. They were very stiff, and tight which made me walk kinda funny. When I took them off to wash them, I quickly realized that washing a new pair of rodeo jeans is not an easy task. When I pulled them from the dryer, I immediately noticed that they were stiffer than when I was wearing them. After several run ins with a hot iron, I managed to get all of the creases and bends out of the jeans.

I did not give up however. While I pretty much damaged that pair, I picked up another pair. I never wore the jeans as a fashion statement; I just needed some rugged jeans for a job I had. This second pair was just as stiff, but I wore them through out the work day.

After complaining to one of my coworkers about the stiffness of my rodeo jeans, he told me a little piece of advice that pretty much solved all of my jean problems. The advice he gave me was to just keep wearing the jeans every day for a couple of weeks before washing them. He told me that even though they will probably smell bad, and be stained, that they will be very comfortable, yet still retain their rugged qualities.

I really did not believe him. After all, these pants were really stiff. The last thing I needed was to be wearing some really stiff pants that smelled bad and were covered with a bunch of unknown substances. He reassured me, and even told me that I would be able to wash them without having to iron them after words. When I heard this, I had to try it.

So I wore the same pair of pants for a week, and near the end of that week I noticed that the rugged rodeo jeans were becoming a lot more comfortable. They were still very rugged, but the stiffness seemed to be gone. I could bend my knees and legs with ease. Sure, the pants did not smell very well, but at least it wasn't like I was wearing pants made out of wood anymore. Over that weekend I had washed the jeans, and just like the coworker had said, I did not have to iron them. I was actually excited because now I really did not have to worry about pants, and could focus more on working.

Over the following years I quickly realized that I had grown attached to the rodeo jeans, and just couldn't stand wearing normal blue jeans. Normal blue jeans to me were just too soft, and to me not durable enough. The rodeo jeans I buy at the specialty stores are a lot more comfortable to me, and I have yet to have a pair that have ripped on me. The Wrangler Rodeo jeans do indeed cost more than regular Wrangler blue jeans, but the fact that I have not had to replace any of my Rodeo jeans has definitely made up for that extra cost.

So if you are a guy wearing the cowboy hat, and boots, but not the jeans why don't you give them another chance? Maybe if you use the tips I was given, you too will find that rodeo jeans are a lot more comfortable than those regular blue jeans.

By Christina VanGinkel

My grandson has been in a two-toddler size of clothes for so long, that it seemed like he might just stay that size throughout the upcoming summer. Then, almost overnight, it seemed like his shirts were suddenly riding high on his little belly, and his pants looked like he was waiting for the proverbial flood to show up.

We have always bought our children, and now our grandson, gifts for the Easter holiday. Because we will not be home this Easter, I asked my daughter if instead of buying our grandson another toy, if she would prefer it if I instead took him shopping for a few outfits.

So yesterday, even though it is a few weeks to the actual holiday, my daughter and I took him shopping. For toddlers, there is not a lot of selection of sizes, and after the two toddlers, comes, you guessed it, a three toddler. The shirts we found in this size are somewhat longer in the body part, and that was exactly what he needed, but looking through the racks of clothes, some marked a size three would not have fit him any better than the two-toddler shirts he was currently wearing. They were no longer in their length, just wider! When we tried one of those on him, we had all we could do not to laugh. They looked as if we had put a little tent on him. Whatever the manufacturers of those particular brands were thinking when they designed and manufactured them, heaven only knows! If you are shopping for toddler sizes, be sure to compare the brands, and do not rely totally on the sizes marked on the labels. Just like adult sized clothing, there are differences from brand to brand.

With the pants, we did not come across that same problem in such a blatant size discrepancy, though there was a definite difference between brands. However, what we discovered was that there is a big difference between a size two and a size three. Every pair of size three pants that we had him try on was too long in the leg, and a bit too big in the waist. Most of the pairs of pants we found had some elastic in the waist to try to make up this size difference, but this did not completely repair the size issues. As to their lengths, some were not quite as long in the legs, so we gravitated towards those brands, and figured that a belt would have to be purchased to keep him from losing his new pants as he ran around playing like a typical toddler. The shorter pants seemed to be the pairs that were styled like adult pants, with a button and zipper along with a side section of elastic, instead of a complete elastic waist. He also had a personal preference, and wanted pants that zipped as ours did. He actually told us he did not want baby pants that just pulled up!

With our shopping done, we ended up with one pair of jeans; one pair of camouflage colored pants with pockets all over them much to his delight, one pair of jean shorts, one pair of basketball shorts that were reversible, one t-shirt, and one short set that was a matching shirt and pair of shorts.

When we arrived back at my house, my grandson wanted to come in to show Papa what he had bought. My husband thought the camouflage pants were the most sensible buy of the day, and upon hearing this, of course my grandson had to put them on to wear home for his Dad to see. He came out of the bedroom where he had went to change, holding up the waist, and pronounced that he had pants just like Uncle Cody (My thirteen year old who thinks baggy pants are the perfect attire for any occasion!). We then realized we had forgotten to purchase a belt.

While he will surely grow into these new sizes as quickly as he suddenly grew out of the size two's, until then, my daughter is hoping that this first day of spring quickly turns to summer so that she can dress him in his shorts the majority of the time, as they are much more forgiving size wise!

Have you ever watched the show What Not to Wear? If you have, you have probably wished you could go on it, or at least have a personal stylist. The people on the show get a whole new wardrobe for free! All they have to do is give up their old clothes. There are some ways you can make what you have in your closet work for you, and even ways to update the look of your clothing without having to buy new ones! Lots of people want to do it, but they do not have the money to spend on clothes and accessories. There are a lot of different things you can do to make your outfit's look and feel different without having to spend a ton of money.

You can start by going to your local thrift stores and looking for a few pieces of clothing that you like, but do not already have in your wardrobe. At a thrift store, you can find things you love for very little money. If you do not have a blazer in your wardrobe, it could be one of the things you choose to look for. Blazers can dress up a pair of jeans or slacks, and it can also add a professional touch to your outfit, if that is what you are looking for. If you do not like to shop at thrift stores, go to your favorite stores and look on their clearance racks. You will want to buy some great versatile pieces that will go with the clothes that you already have in your closet. Some things you might want to look for are jean skirts, jeans, or any other piece of clothes that you want to make your outfit around.

Some more things you can look for at thrift stores or clearance racks are vintage tees and shirts, blouses, hats, belts and cool jewelry. Vintage tees are sometimes hard to find, but you can really make an outfit with one. Another thing you can do is match funky jewelry that stands out, with more laid back pieces in your wardrobe. You can put on a bright chunky necklace with a white tee shirt and jeans, and add a pair of high heeled shoes that match your necklace. You can also look for hats to wear with your everyday clothes. Hats come in all different shapes, sizes and colors, and can really change the look of an outfit. You can buy a hat with words on it, or wear a golfer's hat and a matching sweater. You might want to buy a cowboy hat, and cowboy boots to wear with a long flowing skirt and a cute tank top. It is best to use the clothes you have and just add accessories to make your outfits pop.

Belts and shoes are another way to change the look of an outfit. You can wear a leather belt with leather shoes to get a wild look, or a braided belt with tan shoes for an earthy look. Wearing Converse sneakers can make most outfits look young and flirty, while wearing high heels make almost any outfit look chic and sassy. You can even wear a belt with a skirt or jeans that does not have belt loops. You can buy a belt in a larger size than you need, strap it larger than you need around your waist, and let is sag comfortably. This is a great look that changes the attitude of any outfit. You can also add cute boots to an outfit to change the look completely. Jean shorts with furry boots are a look that is in, and it is very cute. If you accessorize right, you can make a pair of jean shorts and a tank top into five different outfits. This definitely keeps your wardrobe costs at a minimum.

Besides hats, belts, and footwear, you can also buy purses and handbags that you can mix and match with your outfits. You can match your purse with your jewelry, or you clothes. Your purse and shoes do not have to match, but sometimes it is a good idea. You can make up your mind on your own, because whatever you think you look good in is what you should wear.

You do not have to spend a lot of money or time on your clothing to look and feel better. By just doing a few simple things and adding a few fun accessories to your wardrobe, you can change the look and feel of it altogether. By loving the way you look, you will feel better about yourself and have more confidence!

By Christina VanGinkel

I was going to have to take my thirteen-year-old clothes shopping sometime in the next couple of weeks, to round out his wardrobe for the week he will be spending in Texas next month. He is a warm person to begin with (He wears shorts when the rest of us are bundled up), and my brother and sister-in-law have been relating temperatures already quite warm for this time of year. The one problem I encountered though, when I tried to sneak in some shopping this past weekend, was that the stores are just starting to stock spring wear, and summer clothes is not yet available except for some very limited selections of swimwear and such, for vacationers wanting to pack for spring break vacations in warmer climates. I was informed though, that in another week or two, shorts and tank tops should be readily available in a wide selection. My problem is that he will be leaving in just a few weeks. I could send money with and ask my sister-in-law to take him shopping once he arrives, but I really dislike the idea of having them waste time they could be out having fun, shopping for essentials. For this reason, I hope to have him all set before he boards the plane.

What surprised me when I ran into this difficulty, was that with air travel so common, and people taking advantage of it to vacation in warmer climates all throughout the year, that stores would recognize this small facet of how life is evolving, and start to stock at least a small section of clothing for whatever the opposite season currently is. This is especially so with traditional beachwear, what with indoor water parks so common too. Shorts, tanks, swimsuits, and sandals are worn even in the dead of winter by those who choose to travel to a warmer climate or to one of the many water parks nationwide.

Many Internet based stores have thought of this, and have clothing for various climates for sale year round, or at least for an extended period over our local stores. I was able to find him in just an hour of browsing, everything he could conceivable need to take with him, including shorts, a new pair of swim trunks, and a pair of sunglasses. The best part though, was that I found every single item at Amazon, so I did not have to waste time looking all over the Internet either.

He ended up with one pair of Adidas Men's Team V-Notch Shorts, in red with white trim, on sale for only $14.99, and a pair of Nike Florida Gators Royal Reversible Basketball Shorts. These were a bit more pricy than the Adidas shorts, but he had wanted a pair similar to these for some time, and they are reversible. We were also able to find a pair of board shorts that were right up his alley style wise, when we never were able to find a pair locally last year, when all the stores were fully stocked with their summer inventory.

The sunglasses were actually the most difficult, not because they did not have a big enough selection, but because they had several pair that he did like and want. The first pair he found I vetoed because of the price (they rivaled the cost of his airline ticket!). They were a pair of Oakley's, Oakley Fives 2.0 to be exact, and for the color he chose, the cost was $125.00. They also had them in alternate colors for eighty dollars, but I still thought that was a bit steep for a pair of sunglasses. He also fell in love with a pair of Nike Odeon Swift Sunglasses, and while they were made for active wearers, and cam with scratch and impact resistant protection, at a price rivaling the first pair's high end cost, I said no to those too. We ended up settling on a pair of Fossil brand glasses for less than twenty dollars, marked down from over thirty dollars. They have not arrived yet, but they look like everything he would want in a pair of sunglasses, along with

If you find yourself in need of clothes and items for a season that your local stores are not yet carrying, or at least not in a big enough selection to find what you are looking for, shop online for a big enough selection to almost always find whatever it is you are currently in need of or want.