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Whether you're from Florida and you just moved up north, or you are going to Russia for a winter vacation (let me just point out that that is crazy), you may find useful a few ideas for staying warm when it gets frosty outside. Especially if you are a student and you have to walk to school in the cold, but try to stay reasonably cool in the usual tropical climate indoors in the winter, or are in some other similar paradoxical temperature situation on a daily basis, climate control can become a real issue. I have a few suggestions.

Your first options are the obvious one; coat, scarf, gloves. With coats, you have thousands of options; synthetic coats that cut the wind, wool coats that really cut the cold, down coats that heat you up like nobody's business, and any manner of sweaters, denim jackets and sweatshirt-jackets to keep you warm in the moderate cold or in a room with heat on too low. Start by wearing a sweater or something warm that will be under your coat. If you usually wear t-shirts, throw a sweater or sweatshirt over it before putting on your coat and hat. If you get hot, you can always take it off. If you like feeling warm and cozy, and especially if you live in a windy climate and have to walk or be outside regularly, invest in a nice, soft, good quality scarf. A scarf is invaluable in the wind and really helps to keep you warm. Also, if you wrap the scarf around your neck and then let the ends hang in front of your body, it will do a good job of blocking any wind trying to make its way into your coat by way of zippers, snaps, and buttons. Also, a scarf has recently become and intensely popular fashion accessory and is a way to express yourself, so if you are into fashion, this could be a plus as well. Personally, I think that scarves are fantastically versatile, since I like to wear mine indoors, during class for example, when i am a little bit chilly but not cold enough to put my coat on. Just covering your neck and parts of your shoulders can do wonders to get you cozy in a hurry without overdoing it. Last, gloves are invaluable. i keep two types; one is a pair of nice, leather gloves for when it is really really cold outside. While fashionable and universally wearable (casual or fancy), they cut wind, and protect quite well from the cold. They also have a nice grip, so if they fit well, you can do pretty much everything you can do without gloves while you are wearing them (something that is untrue for a lot of skiing gloves, for example; but these may be essential if you are in a very very cold climate, or if you are skiing, for example). The other pair of gloves I keep are those "magic" one-size fits all gloves, the kind made out of thin knitting that stretch to fit pretty much any hand, that cost about a dollar or two anywhere that sells clothes or at your favorite department store. These are nice because they don't take up a lot of room, and can keep your hands from feeling frozen when it is chilly, but not windy or extremely cold. They are also good fro wearing inside if you need a little extra protection from that air conditioner! But when it's snowy or windy out, leave these at home and wear something stronger.

The most important tip, I have already mentioned; dress in layers. I like to dress warmly but if I get too hot when I am inside, I become absolutely uncomfortable. So I always dress in a way which can be modified to make my current temperature optimal. This usual means that I wear a tank top as a bottom layer, a t-shirt, dress shirt, or other mid-range layer on top of that, and sometimes a sweater or sweatshirt on top of that. This may be a little bit overkill, especially if you could also see my scarf usage and my coat too, but I like having lots of options about how warm I will be, and also about how cozy I will be. because I work independently all the time and usually in front of a computer, being comfortable is also really important to me.

Last, I will mention a few extras; long underwear, knee high socks, and panty hose. Long underwear can be invaluable if you are in a very cold location. While we can pile on ten shirts to stay warm, it is hard to do the same with pants. One option is to get a pair of over-sized wind-cutting nylon (or similar fabric) pair of pants that you can wear over your normal pants when you have to be outside, but another option is just to put something else under. "Long underwear", also called "thermal underwear" or "long johns" can so wonders. There are options; the most common is that thermal fabric with all the little squares - this is very effective. Also effective, but thinner and more comfortable (equally more expensive though) are all-silk versions. I advise investing in these if you are going to be wearing them on a day-to-day basis, to make your life more comfortable. If you are only going ot wear them on that yearly hunting or skiing trip, go with the cheap incarnation. Another option (really more for women than for men) is knee-high socks. Clearly these are not as comprehensive a solution as long underwear (which can also be worn up top, by the way), but they can certainly be helpful. Wearing a pair of knee-high socks just adds a little bit of warmth under the pants and really helps with pesky wind that bites at your ankles and climbs its way upward to the rest of your legs. Last, if it's extremely cold, panty hose (for you women) have the same effect as thermal underwear in a pinch (for that ski trip), but I don't recommend this on a regular basis as wear and tear on hose underneath pants is pretty high.

Staying cozy and warm in a freezing climate really isn't that hard. If you bundle up well, (and don't forget to wear a hat too - we lose lots of heat from our heads!) you can almost forget about the cold, except for it rushing into your lungs. When you get back inside, as long as you are dressed in layers, you can peel them off to reach the appropriate comfort level. Best of luck and stay warm this winter!

After my daughter is born in January, I am planning to go on a weight-loss journey. During the year before I got pregnant with my son, I gained a whopping 40 pounds. Life was crazy then; I was not healthy. After my son was born, I lost the baby weight but still kept much of my regular weight. Then the weight started creeping up again. I gained another 25 pounds in the 18 months after my son was born. Then I found out I was pregnant again.

During this pregnancy, as in the last one, I have gained only about six pounds at the 32-week mark. Still my total weight is at 204, and I can say honestly that I never thought I would see that weight on the scale. There were times when I would have been shocked to know I would ever weigh more than 150 pounds.

At any rate, I have promised myself that I would lose 70 pounds after this delivery. One of the questions that brought up for me is how I will manage to create a wardrobe that fits and works with the weight loss. I do not want to spend a small fortune on clothes just to find out that I have lost enough weight in a few weeks to move down a size or two. At the same time, spending all of that effort on losing weight hardly seems worth it if you are hiding behind too big sweat clothes.

Had you asked me before this weight gain experience if I felt physical appearance was important, I would have told you no. That is because I never knew what it was like not to be able to fit into the latest trendy clothes. I had the option of wearing those clothes, and now I do not.

So, I have spent a good deal of time thinking about building a wardrobe for rapid weight loss. I think it is important to have a plan in place before I begin the regimen. For starters, I have nixed the idea of just wearing my regular clothes for a while. I went through my wardrobe and tossed anything I did not think would flatter me in my first few weeks postpartum. Those pieces are the base of my wardrobe.

I also decided, as I believe you should if you are undertaking such as journey, that I will stick to having seven outfits that I can wear comfortably at any one time. Now, if you are a bargain shopper, you can scour secondhand stores and discount retailers to find those seven outfits for little money. I have been doing a little investigating on that end. The secondhand shop near us sells most items at basic costs. Shirts are $2.50; pants are $3.00.

The problem with secondhand stores is that they, of course, require a lot more planning. You have to sift through the racks to find clothes that are flattering. Many of them are not based on size. They use a more arbitrary system, such as color coding, which makes it even more difficult to find what you need. With that said, you should plan to spend an entire morning or afternoon in these stores if you want to build even a short-term wardrobe from them.

My plan of attack is that when I need a new size, I will go to these secondhand shops by myself and spend time looking. One of the best ways to make sure you are making good choices in these stores, especially if you have not been into fashions recently, is to take pictures from magazines with you. Cut out a few photos of fashion trends you like and then use them as a guide while you are shopping.

Use accessories to build wardrobes that will work with you. Right now, large bangle-type bracelets and larger pieces of jewelry are popular. Buy a few of these pieces so that you can dress up basics at each size level. You will be able to keep the same accessory pieces so that you may be able to buy just a couple of new shirts to fit a new size instead of needing to buy clothing that will stand out.

Finding the right pair of jeans can be a real hassle, especially if you do not fit a standard mold of woman. Many women, in fact, give up on the right pair of jeans before they search enough to find one. Stacy London, the fashionista and co-host of What Not To Wear, which plays on TLC, recently went on Oprah to solve what London loving called an epidemic of bad jean-wearing by American women.

London tried to give audience members tips to help them pick out the right jean. The biggest tip was that you have to keep trying. At one point, London said that many women need to try five, 10, or 15 styles of jean before they find the perfect pair. That means that many women will want to set aside a Saturday of shopping to get the right pair of jeans.

One of the most common mistakes during the current craze with low-rise jeans has been women whose tummy fat hangs over the edge of their jeans. These women usually are pretty young and are trying to fit in with the stereotype. Instead, these women should look for jeans that fit better. Typically the waist size on the jeans are too small, so try out a bigger size. If the jean fits everywhere except the waist, then it may not be the right jean. If you are heavier in the tummy than you would like, seek out mid-rise jeans so that you can still be in style but avoid the problem of having others looking at your fat rolls instead of your pants.

Speaking of low-rise jeans, women should make sure they can move around in jeans before purchasing them. Many women are guilty of showing their world their undies or even their backsides because they do not take the time to pull their shirts down and jeans up before they bend down, which gives everyone a view of their backsides. If you are going to wear low-rise jeans, then you should be sure that you will be conscientious enough to make them look good at all times.

Another big issue with jeans is wearing taper leg jeans. Although taper legs have not been stylish since the 1980s, some women still insist on wearing them, but they are one of the least flattering styles of jeans. Because the leg gets narrower as you go down the leg, tapered leg jeans make most women look as if their legs are larger. Plus, they tend to focus attention on the ankle area. Many women wear tapered jeans because they believe the only alternative is the wide-leg flare variety. That is absolutely untrue! The legs of jeans come in all styles from boot cut to slight flares. Anything that is not tapered will look better than your current pair of jeans if you are sticking to tapered legs.

Another problem with jeans is getting a pair with an unflattering leg design. The legs of jeans should fit but should not bunch. If your jeans seem to bunch, then they are not the right size for your leg type. If, on the other hand, the thighs of your jeans are stretched taut, then you probably are drawing attention to your thighs and making them look bigger than they actually are. Neither option is appealing to others who are looking at you, so you should make sure that you find a leg fit that is snug but not too tight. Though you should avoid pleats at all costs, do try out new styles of jeans. Something that is a little out of the ordinary may be just what you need to look your best in a great pair of jeans.

Finally make sure as best you can that the behind of the jeans look right. If you have a trusted friend or a partner with you, then you should ask that person. You want pockets that fit right and are flattering instead of ones that hang to the sides or low on the buttocks.

Finding the right pair of jeans just takes time. Be sure that you give yourself plenty of looking and trying on time when you head out to get your next pair of jeans.

I would like to propose a toast, perhaps a tribute, to what is think is the fashion-wary (or not so wary) women's best friend - the fitted shirt. Fitted shirts are absolutely useful. They are easy to find, look great in any situation (except maybe a black tie event or the Emmys), are inexpensive, accentuate the body, and are easy to take care of. What else can you ask for?

I am more of a practical kind of girl when it comes to fashion. i like to look good, and I put a little bit of effort into this, though it has nothing to do with what people think of me. Obviously, I want to be wearing something "acceptable" most of the time, but I'm not the kind of person who likes anything that is not very acceptable anyway. I like to look good, but i am too lazy to spend one minute of my day putting on makeup, for instance. But the main thing for me is that I FEEL like I look good, because if I feel like I look good then I really do feel good. This is the most valuable thing about fashion to me, and it is what motivates me to dress nicely - not to please someone else. I think that this is a very reasonable, and pretty fulfilling too, attitude to have about dressing.

That said, my favorite fashion "accessory" (although it's obviously more of a main course), is the fitted shirt. I like the way they look. They look smart when you are trying to be a little dressy, and casual at the same time. For example, if you are just going to school but you want to be slightly dressy, you can wear a fitted shirt with jeans, and they don't look mismatched at all, but rather make you look a bit sharper than the usual t-shirt or even a sweater. There is something about that row of buttons in the front that makes you look (and feel) sophisticated. But that's not all. They are comfortable too. It's so easy to put on and take off these shirts (without messing up your hair!) and you can layer them over a tank top, camisole, or even t-shirt, so that if you have a climate change, you have options. Also, you have options with the way that the sleeves look. Although with some styles it looks sloppy, I like to leave the cuffs unbuttoned, so that the cuffs hang and look big; I like big cuffs. I also like to double them back, so that they are out of the way and less floppy, but still kind of stylish. You can even roll up the sleeves if you want to seem extra snazzy-casual. Also, wear the same fitted shirt with dress pants or a skirt and you look quite sophisticated

Also, the thing about a fitted shirt is that it has a bit of the shape of your body. Regular shirts and blouses have no shape and don't look as good because of this. Also, with contoured seams that match the shape of your body, you generally can leave the shirt untucked from your dress pants or shirt, making it ultra easy to look good and to stay that way throughout the day (also allowing the options for taking off the outside layer, if you want).

Fitted shirts are also easy to find. No matter what the fashion of the year is, you always have the basics, and this is one of them. You will find varying colors and patterns from year to year, but this is just an advantage. And you have incarnations in all kinds of fabrics, some more or less dressy, some with a bit of sparkle, some warmer or cooler, some softer, thicker, or smoother to the touch. There are thousands of options in this simple world. I think it is possible to have a collection of fitted shirts and wear them every day and alwys look good, and never look boring. This is the closest thing we (women) can get to the extremely simple and yet classy fashion advantage that men have in suits. The best thing is that with "modern technology", the shirts are absolutely easy to care for. Even though you can buy "easy care" fabrics and no-iron shirts, this is generally hardly necessary. Unless you have a particularly delicate fabric, you can wash the shirts with any other (similarly colored, of course) clothes that you have, and even dry them in a dryer - the only trick is to pull the shirts out right after the dryer is finished and they are still warm, and hang them up immediately - this keeps almost all modern fabrics from wrinkling and saves you time ironing.

So as you can see, as a practical issue, fitted shirts are really the way to go. Classy, simple, elegant, and casual all at the same time, you can't go wrong if you are going to a party, a friends house, or to class at university. When you buy one, check how it fits the shape of your body - it should be fashionably loose (I'm thinking cute business attire here - not "look at my chest"! but not "I think I'm unattractive, therefore I'm avoiding showing any body shape!" either...) also, check how you like the length. I generally like shorter shirts (they make you look taller) but not so short that I'm showing any belly. Longer shirts can be okay too if the fabric doesn't make weird bunches when you sit down. The best idea is to wear your favorite pair of jeans or dress slacks when you go shopping and try on the shirts. Also, it's not a bad idea to pick up some tank tops or camisoles to wear with them, and a sweater or jacket to wear over. These items can only increase the fantastic utility of the fitted shirt. And lake sure that your dress pants and jeans collection match well with your choices at the store.

So fill up your closets, ladies! What can be easier? Like I said, I am practical, and I like taking a look in my closet in the morning when I want to look good that day and finding an easy, simple solution, without a lot of thought about what matches what, what is too much or too little, too flashy or too skimpy. It only takes a couple of relaxed trips to your favorite stores to stock up, and then you'll be set for a while. I hope you find this advice useful - for me, these shirts have always been a life saver.

The name Manolo Blahnik has become synonymous with footwear that is sexy, stylish and sought after by anyone who is anyone. Women all over the globe flock to stores to buy the adored shoe designs of Manolo Blahnik. They are the shoes of choice for such big names as Madonna and actress Sarah Jessica Parker of Sex and the City fame, as well as many supermodels and movie starlets. It was during the 1970s and 1980s that the incredible shoe designs of Manolo Blahnik started to become known in the world of high fashion. In the early 1990s millions of television viewers cam to know the name of Manolo Blahnik due to a British comedy called Absolutely Fabulous. By the late 1990s the popular HBO series Sex and the City made more inroads for this up and coming shoe designer as the main character of the show, a sex columnist named Carrie Bradshaw (played by none other than the incredibly talented Sarah Jessica Parker) was also shoe obsessed with her many pairs of Manolo Blahniks. Carrie loved her Manolos like some women love chocolate.

The innovative creations of Manolo Blahnik have amazing panache and scream sex appeal like no other design of shoes does. The shoes he designs are inspired by a number of sources that range from interesting points of architecture to films that are memorable. Other strong influences to his work include Jean-Luc Goddard, Francois Tuffaut, Pedro Almodovar and the Frank Gehry Building.

Manolo Blahnik has reached international acclaim and currently lives in a stately Georgian home in Bath, England. In fitting style, Blahnik lives with a collection of 10,000 pairs of shoes that he laughingly describes as his stupid shoes. Blahnik is very much a part of every pair of shoes he designs. He still conscientiously crafts each individual shoe himself and every pair must live up to his incredibly high standards. Each shoe is designed to a European size 37 (or a British size 5) and scaled to sizes 35 to 40. Each new season 250 prototypes are created in one of four small factories on the outskirts of the city of Milan, but only an exclusive 85 styles are chosen to appear in each finished collection.

Background of Manolo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik came into the world on November 28 in the year 1942 in Santa Cruz de la Palma in the Canary Islands. He was born to a mother who is Spanish and a Czech father. Manolo and his sister Evangelina grew up on the banana plantation where the Blahnik family lived. Their mother home schooled both of the youngsters. The Blahnik family frequently traveled to both Paris and Madrid, where his mother bought clothes from her favorite clothing designers while his father visited the tailors in those cities. Young Manolo Blahnik grew used to the sight of beautiful clothing. As well he received an early education in the art of shoemaking by observing his mother making her own footwear, using lace and ribbon. It was his mother who was his very first inspiration.

Both his mother and father hoped that their son Manolo would become a diplomat, but after only one semester at the University of Geneva studying both politics and law, Manolo transferred into literature and architecture. In 1965, Manolo relocated to Paris to study art and stage design at Lecole des Beaux-Arts and the Louvre Art School, during which time he was also employed at a vintage clothing store near Saint German des Pres.

Manolo Blahnik moved to London in the year 1970, wanting to improve upon his command of the English language. Once there he found employment in a clothing boutique and he also became a photographer for The Sunday Times, and fast became a part of the stylish and fashionable art scene.

The start of a career in shoes

Interestingly enough, despite his incredible talent for shoemaking, Manolo Blahnik was never formally trained in the craft. For the past three decades he has been designing the most sought-after line of designer footwear the world over. It was during a meeting with then editor of U.S. Vogue, Diana Vreeland in 1971 that Manolo Blahnik was persuaded to go into shoe design based solely on his creative and imaginative as well as very impressive, shoe sketches. He decided to take the advice he was given and thus began his education in the art of designing shoes.

Initially Manolo Blahnik began designing shoes for men at a Chelsea Boutique called Zapata but he did not find the world of mens shoes challenging or stimulating enough so he decided to make the switch to designing shoes for women instead, hoping it would be more his niche in fashion. It was as he took to designing shoes for women with a flare. After only one year had gone by, Blahnik was invited to collaborate with the flamboyant and talented fashion designer Ossie Clark to design shoes for his runway show.

It took only a short period of time before the creations of Manolo Blahnik became all the rage in the fashion world. Suddenly everyone wanted to own a pair of Manolo Blahnik originals, including Hollywood actress Lauren Bacall. In 1973, Manolo Blahnik got a small loan from a bank and bought out the owner of Zapata. Him and his sister then set about developing a design business of their own. Manolo Blahnik was the very first man to appear on the cover of the magazine British Vogue. He did so alongside actress Angelica Huston in 1974.

Breaking into the American market

The big break for Manolo Blahnik in the United States took place in the year 1978 when he launched his shoe collection for the well-known store Bloomingdales. In 1979 he opened his very first American shop in New York City on Madison Avenue. In 1980 Blahnik designed shoes for the designer Perry Ellis. In the United States his shoe sales began to soar after he made the decision to hire a man by the name of George Malkemus who was a copywriter working in the marketing department of Bergdorf Goodman, to be his partner. The year was 1982. While Manolo and his sister Evangelina continued to be in charge of the European side of the business, it was Malkemus who renegotiated the existing distribution agreements that Blahnik had with the United States.

Getting bigger all the time

Manolo Blahnik was invited to design shoes for Calvin Klein and his ready-to-wear collections in 1984. The experience working alongside Klein taught him a tremendous amount about designing shoes for a much wider and emerging market. He collaborated with fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi in the year 1988 and then in 1991 the very first Manolo Blahnik shoe store opened its doors in Hong Kong.

In 1992 Manolo Blahnik was invited to designed shoes for the signature label for John Galliano. Throughout the 1990s he continued to collaborate with the top fashion designers of the day including Caroline Herrara, Bill Blass and Oscar de la Renta. In the year 1994 Manolo was honored to work with all three of the aforementioned designers in the same year. In 1997 Blahnik teamed up again with John Galliano for the first couture collection for Christian Dior.

The many awards of Manolo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik and his heavenly shoe creations have won him praise and glory all over the globe as well as many illustrious awards. In the year 2000 he received the Nieman Marcus Award and then in 2001 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the Royal College of Arts in London. At the same time Manolo Blahnik was also made an Honorary Royal Designer for Industry. As well in 2001 Blahnik received the Golden Needle award in Spain (also referred to as La Aguja de Oro) and in 2002, he received the prestigious Medalla de Oro en Merito en Bellas Artes. In the year 2003, Manolo Blahnik became the very first shoe designer to be honored with an exhibit of his own at the London Design Museum. This exhibit was a smashing success and ran from February until May of 2003. The wonders of his work are likely to keep Manolo Blahnik designing shoes for many years to come.

The power of smell is stronger than many people realize. That is why the choice of a fragrance is every bit as important as the choice of shoes you wear to complete an outfit or the choice of accessories you wear to set off an ensemble. Your perfume speaks volume to other people about your personality, your lifestyle and the way that your mind works. It also has the ability to make an impression on other people. Bear in mind that a fragrance is so many things and you want it to linger ever so slightly in a room after you have made your exit. A fragrance is art after all and it is also a statement about emotion. Fragrance is also romance, energy, empowerment, vitality and intimacy. A perfume tells a tale simply by its memorable scent and also by how it makes the wearer feel.

Tips for shopping for a signature scent

When it comes time to buy a signature scent, decide whether you want to indulge in a classic scent, a delicate scent or a sensual scent. Let us take a brief look at all three.

Classic Scent

If you are not sure what scent appeals to you then go for a classic scent. Classic scents are the staples of perfume, they are the tried-and-true perfumes without a trace of dullness connected to them. A classic perfume is comparable to the classic little black dress or a classic pair of pearl earrings that no wardrobe should be without. A classic fragrance coordinates with absolutely everything. It is perfect with every outfit and every pair of shoes. A classic fragrance is also suitable for every occasion whether it is business, social or casual and it suits all four seasons of the year. Two of the most timeless examples of classic fragrances are the legendary Chanel No. 5 and Oscar.

Delicate Scent

Delicate fragrances are just that- delicate, light, soft and incredibly feminine. Delicate fragrances are the perfume of choice for incurable romantics who enjoy watching sunrises and sunsets, sipping wine over a candlelit dinner and walks on the beach hand in hand at midnight. One of the most modern delicate fragrances on the market is made by Nina Ricci and is called Premier Jour. This perfume is based on a note of sugared almond and is very delectable to the senses.

Sensual Scent

The sensual group of fragrances is not for the meek and mild and certainly not for the faint at heart. Sensual scents are bold, self-confident, intense and very passionate. The two most well known sensual fragrances on the market today are Opium and Chance by Chanel. Opium has been around since 1977 and is a very sultry scent whereas Chance is spirited while at the same time, energetic, optimistic and edgy. Chance combines jasmine, pink pepper, white musk and citrus notes and would appeal to any sensuous woman.

Try it on yourself- you and only you

Keep in mind that perfume does not smell the exact same on everyone. Just as we all do not like to eat the same foods, we all do not like the same perfumes. How a perfume smells on a person has a lot to do with their body chemistry and body chemistry is a very individual thing. That is why it is essential to try a fragrance out on your own skin as opposed to that of your friend, your sister or your mother. Keep in mind as you sample different fragrances at the perfume counter that after they are applied to the skin, their smell changes slightly so make sure you are patient and give ample time to decide if the scent in question is suitable for you.

It cannot be emphasized enough, try a scent out on your own skin and do not just spray it into the air or spray it on a piece of cardboard. You have to make a determination of how the scent mixes with your body chemistry. Spray the scent on the inside of your wrist and then allow it to warm and absorb into your skin. Your own personal body oils will determine how the scent will smell on you on an individual basis.

Be patient with your perfume

Are you the queen of the snap decision? If yes then cool your heels when it comes to making a decision about a fragrance of your choice. After applying a given fragrance, give the scent 20 minutes to an hour to make a proper determination of whether or not it appeals to your sense of smell. An even better suggestion is to give your nose a whiff of the scent every couple of hours to determine for yourself if the fragrance has retained its original scent or not. Whether or not a scent has the power of longevity is very important to know. Some do, whereas many do not, and it depends on the person as well. Keep in mind that not all scents have the same effect on every person due to body chemistry. One scent may smell better on you than it does on your best friend and vice versa. Some people like to apply a scent to their inner wrist and then rub it on the other wrist hoping to transfer the scent. Do not do this because it will not have the desired result. If you rub your wrists together this can serve to alter the scent of the fragrance tremendously and that is definitely not something you want to do.

Where are the best places to apply fragrance? Think pulse points.

The best places on the human body to apply fragrances are the areas designated as pulse points, which include the sides of the neck, between the breasts, the inside of the wrists, the elbow creases, behind the knees and around the ankles. If you have already put on your watch and/or a bracelet be careful when spraying a fragrance near them. The fragrance you apply could easily react to the leather or plastic strap of the watch and/or the gold or silver that the bracelet is made up of and this could dull the material. Many women like to apply fragrance behind their ears but this is not advisable because that area of the human body contains a number of sebaceous glands, which will have an effect on how the fragrance smells both when you first apply it as well as hours later. Be aware that the area behind the ears is not a pulse point. Women who have skin that tends towards being dry will need to reapply their fragrance often but ladies with oily or combination skin will need to do it less often. The reason for this is that dry skin does not hold in scent quite as well as does skin that is higher in oil content.

When sampling new scents at a store, it is best to test them one at a time and not to overdo it. You can always plan another trip back to the perfume counter of your favorite department store or drug store in a day or two. If you sample too many fragrances at once you will likely confuse your nose and your brain and it will make it difficult for you to decide on any one fragrance.

Less is more

When it comes to applying fragrance always keep in mind the general rule that less is more. A spritz of a fragrance applied with a light hand to a pulse point (or two) is all that is really required. If you are attending a social event remember that other women and men will be wearing fragrances as well and you do not want all of that co-mingling to add up to one big smelly and intoxicating mess!

When you are preparing for a special evening on the town or are attending a social event for work, here is something you can try- spray the outside of your hand with fragrance instead of your wrist. This spraying alternative works well because it allows the scent to diffuse in an outward direction. This leaves you with a very airy and subtle scent, which is what a social occasion calls for. Another option is to spray the air (in a similar fashion as you would spray air freshener in a room) and then walk through the scent as it falls around you. This envelopes your entire body in the beautiful scent. Consider this a soft and subtle but yet effective method of perfuming yourself for a night out. If you spray the fragrance gently into the air it should not affect your clothing or your jewellery in any negative manner.

Less is more is also important to keep in mind in relation to your age when it comes to applying fragrance. Our sense of smell is not as sharp as we get older and the dulling effect means that it is not as simple to figure out if we have on enough fragrance or if we have applied too much. Often if we are unable to smell our fragrance on our own skin we assume that it has completely disappeared and others cannot smell it either. However this is not usually the case and the people around you might be able to smell it so whatever you do, do not be heavy-handed in your application!

How to make a scent last as long as possible

One of the biggest complaints that fragrance consumers have is how to make a scent last as long as possible. Be aware that the length of time that a fragrance will last on the skin is different for everyone. Perfumes are made to have more staying power than are eau de toilettes due to their higher concentration of alcohol to water. Dry skin retains fragrance for a shorter span of time than does oily or combination skin as oily skin contains more natural moisture and is capable therefore of retaining scent for a considerably longer period of time. Another factor is the PH level of any given person as it is not the same for everyone. PH stands for the amount of acidity in the skin and a personal PH level will help to determine how a scent will react once it is applied to your skin. There are other factors that play a role as well such as hormonal changes in the body including pregnancy and menopause, stress, and taking a variety of kinds of medications. There are even certain foods that can play a role in how a fragrance smells on the skin as well as how long it will linger. Two examples of these are foods that contain a great deal of garlic or spices.

Layer your scent

One of the very best ways to encourage your scent to last all day is to layer it. Layering a scent is key to coaxing it to have longevity. What this means is that you use more than one type of product of the same scent. For example you might want to first shower with a body wash or scented soap and then when your skin is still damp from the shower, slather on a generous portion of body lotion or cream. Then to conclude the fragrance layering process, dab some of your favorite scent on a pulse point or a few select pulse points or else spray some on your pulse points. Your skin will warm to the scent you have applied and then will absorb it making you smell great and helping to ensure that the scent will last as long as you need it to.

Other suggestions

But there are yet other ways to help make sure your fragrance keeps going as long as you do. Apply a fragrance immediately after taking a bath or shower due to the fact that the pores of your skin are as open as they will ever be and they will quickly and easily soak up the scent. An excellent way to make this happen is before you get dressed after your shower, while you are still naked, spray your perfume into the air and then walk through it as it falls down. Another suggestion is that since perfume has more lasting power on skin types that tend to be oily, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the areas on your body where you will be applying perfume. The petroleum jelly will give the fragrance something to adhere to and by so doing will give it more staying power.

Start low and upward you go

When applying perfume it is always the best idea to spray from the ankles upward, because just like hot air, fragrance also rises and if you apply it lower on your body it will cling to your skin for a much longer span of time. Another tip about applying fragrance that you want to last is not to use your fingers to apply it directly to the skin but instead place the perfume on a cotton ball before you apply it or for an even better fragrance effect, consider using an atomizer.

It is generally regarded in the world of fragrance that a scent should be sprayed approximately 20 centimeters away from your body. If you decide to spray an even amount of scent over a larger area of your skin it will last a great deal longer than if you decide to instead concentrate the scent over a smaller area of the skin.

I guess that fashion is usually about what you wear in public and how you present yourself to other people. But I am here to take a look at something that is very important to me; fashion at home. I am the queen of lazy clothes--when I am at home I want to feel good, and I don't mind looking good too. I know that a lot of people don't care what they wear at home, and I think that is in the right spirit--if no one is looking at you who cares what you look like, right? I think that is true, but I also know that I feel best about myself when I think I look good. Even when I am at home, I want to feel cute and sexy in my pajamas, for example. Is this necessary? Obviously not. Do I let this compromise my comfort level? No way. The trick is, to find clothes which are absolutely cozy, and look good.

I am a student so when I am at home working a long day I want to be cozy. I think this is why I have so many comfortable clothes. I think my collection of "lazy clothes" is as big as, if not bigger, than my "outside" clothes collection. I spend long days at home at my desk, studying, drinking coffee, and curled up trying to be comfortable. It's just not the same if you, for example, go to the library and have to sit in the cold air conditioned study hall (in the winter!) on a hard wooden chair and work at an enormous table (the only really fantastic thing about working in a library or classroom--but anyway, that's another story). I like to be at home, generally wrapped in something (in the winter) or wearing almost nothing (in the summer).

There are lots of options for lazy clothes that make you feel good and still look good on you. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a pair of flannel pajama pants that is covered in some crazy design. I have those too! But I like "cozy" cloth pants that fit me a little better, just to make me feel a little spruced up. They are also very comfy because they fit my body well. This is something I think is worth finding for the serious "lazy clotheser". I think I bought them at a drugstore, anyway, so we're not talking about something fancy here. Just something that makes me feel a little more pleasant than "I don't care who sees me" wear. I have several pairs of these pants that I trade around day to day depending on my mood. I know not everyone is into this, but when I'm at home all day I tend to change my clothes a couple of times throughout the day. Plus, I have very thin pants if I'm feeling hot (or if I feel like turning the heat up), thicker ones if I am cold, and homemade pants crafted by Native Americans that I wear if I want to feel arts-y, for example. Equally important are some cute shorts (who cares how short they are? You''re alone!) to keep you cool in the hot summer or when doing housework (ugh!).

Another fantastic lazy staple, for you girls out there, are skirts. Now I know that a skirt doesn't necessarily sound cozy - in fact, to me it sounds like something which means dressing up and going somewhere uncomfortable - but there is another side to them, really! All you have to do is find the right one. A long, full skirt, for example a broomstick skirt or layered skirt - like the ones that are so popular today - are absolutely versatile in the home. Cozy, not restricting, cool in the summer and (with long and/or fluffy ones) warm in the winter, skirts are one of my best friends in my home laziness and cozy fashion world.

But pants and skirts are not the only things we wear, are they? Shirts are another important matter. Personally, I prefer tank tops, in any weather, for any task, under any circumstances. There is nothing cooler in the summer (except nudity and bra-only, both possibilities if you are home alone but both probably a little bit on the uncomfortable side), and if you are cold, it's absolutely simple to put something over a tank top, and still look great. Tank tops are a staple for me in all cases. Barring that, I would go for an extremely soft (and extremely thin, because those are the softest) T-shirt, or maybe a long-sleeved T-shirt if I am cold. Long-sleeved T-shirts are absolutely cozy if you are chilly. They are better than sweaters, for example, which can be itchy, bothersome, or even too hot. A T-shirt material that covers your whole arms provides the perfect level of comfort.

Next on the list of extremely important requirements for comfort at home are socks and/or slippers. Naturally, we are talking about Winter in this paragraph. In the summer, I want nothing more in the world than to have my feet completely free and contacting all manner of surfaces. But in the winter, you get those pesky cold toes if you're not careful, and unless you've got your own fire to warm them in front of you'd better wrap those babies up. Socks have thousands of varieties and incarnations. One of my favorites is the knee-high sock. If you live in a cold climate, this is something you should already know about. I love them, because they just give you that little extra level of warmth, not only keeping your toes out of the cold air but cozying up half of your leg at the same time. Know how warm you feel when you layer a couple of comfy shirts (this is another master lazy clothes technique)? Imagine that feeling on your calves. Put on some knee-highs and bam, you've got it. Even pantyhose can foster the same effect, but since most of the time they are too tight, uncomfortable and falling down, I don't recommend it, unless you have to be outside for a long time in the cold and want to be sure you are warm enough. Slippers and slipper socks also provide excellent comfort. Slipper socks are usually made out of some ridiculously soft or fluffy material, and in general provide excellent warmth and make the skin of your feet feel really happy against the material. And slippers come in the same varieties. I abandon my "looking cute" regimen when it comes to slippers, but that's basically because I think that anyone looks extra cute in any kind of slippers. Go for bunnies, or bears, or snoopies. Or, go for normal, straightforward slippers that they make for "normal" people. In my opinion, slippers can be nice because they usually have a solid bottom and can be good for working in the kitchen, for example, where the floor could be wet, or for stepping out on the balcony for a few minutes, or for getting the morning paper. Some slippers even do an excellent job of supporting your feet and arches. Definitely something to consider for your at-home collection.

And of course, the most important accessory for at-home fashion - the robe. You need a robe! Your neighbor needs a robe! Everybody needs a robe! From answering the surprise doorbell ringing in the morning to getting to and from the shower, the robe is the most useful piece of lazy clothes you can have. It's acceptable to walk outside wearing a robe, for example, even if you aren't wearing anything else, and it's absolutely simple to put it on in a jiffy. I recommend one for the winter (a big fluffy one) and one for the summer (a lighter, shorter one). They can be a little pricey but be honest - how many robes will you need to buy in your lifetime?? You won't regret it.

My last suggestion for home "lazy clothes" fashion is ... blankets. Yes, I know it's not clothes, but it's a critical point! Blankets make you cozy! Blankets make you warm! Blankets bring us together with other people! (When we have to share them while watching TV) And, there ARE even blankets that you WEAR on the market. They are usually called Cuddle-Wraps, and they have zippers and buttons that allow you to surround yourself in blanket as if it were a robe, and you can even walk around comfortably without losing your blanket.

Before I go I'll mention one more important point. Could I be this crazy about being comfortable at home and just wear "normal" clothes, aching with discomfort, when I go outside of the house? Of course not! But do I look good when I leave the house? Of course! A few points I made stick outside the house...wear comfortable cloth pants (if you look around a bit, it's not hard to find dress pants that look fantastic and will be way more comfortable than jeans...especially keep an eye out for stretchy fabrics), and my advice about tank tops in all places at all times still goes...it is absolutely simple to dress up a tank top (always useful just like a camisole, unless you're into really fancy stuff) by putting a jacket, sweater, or even a nice t-shirt over it. And the best thing is, if you're hot, you can always strip down...it's wearing layers every day and always feeling the temperature you want to feel. (Personally, I am always fluctuatiing between hot and cold, so I have to have a solution - and I'm young! It's just how I am.)

So, I hope for those of you out there who spend long hours just like I do at home, and need a little comfort, I hope these ideas help. I love my lazy clothes and I love feeling and looking good. It really helps productivity, believe it or not. I don't know how I am going to survive when i have to work outside the house all the time! But I think it will just make me appreciate my comfy time at home more. Sorry to all of you who can't be at home in your pajamas all day.

Fashion is not just about clothing and accessories but about the scent you choose to envelope yourself in. Fragrance has been around for a long time and dates back to the Egyptians as early as 1000 BC. Other cultures soon followed suit in using perfume, however it was the Egyptians who were believed to have been the inventors of glass and one of the very first things glass was used for was to make bottles to hold perfume.

The Consistency of Perfume

Perfume has often been described as being the ultimate sensory experience, conjuring up emotions and many forgotten memories. Perfume consists of a combination of fragrant oils that have been diluted in high-grade alcohol. This concentration contains 90 to 95 percent pure alcohol and 15 to 25 percent oil. Perfume is often referred to as a parfum. If a mixture of scent has a lower proportion of oil than it does of alcohol then it is known as an eau (which stands for water in French).

There is more than one strength of eau and the names or initials of it are decided upon according to the strength of the scent, or else what percentage of perfume oil in its purest form was used to make the fragrant product. The smell is not affected one way or the other however what is affected is how long the scent remains on the skin.

In the most general way the terms EDC, EDT, EDP and parfum are used. EDC stands for eau de cologne and it is the least concentrated kind of fragrance on the market (2 to 5 percent perfume oil is dissolved in water and high-grade alcohol). An EDT stands for eau de toilette, which is 4 to 10 percent water and alcohol. This is followed by EDP, which is eau de parfum and is 8 to 15 percent water and alcohol and the most concentrated of all, as previously mentioned, is parfum (or perfume), which is 15 to 25 percent water and alcohol respectively. Sometimes you will see a fragrance that is called a parfum de toilette and different companies will classify this differently. Some will use that term for an eau de toilette while others might designate that the product falls somewhere between an eau de parfum and a parfum.

Be aware that an eau de toilette is meant to refresh and energize you but it will not last for the duration of the day. In fact 80 percent of eau de toilettes will lose their scent in three hours time and will need to be reapplied. Perfume on the other hand has a softer scent to it but it is possible that it can last up to 24 hours. Just make sure not to overdo it when you apply it so you do not overpower other people around you!

Categories of Fragrance

There is technically no known system of categorizing fragrance however the August French Society of Perfumers has created six fragrance families, some with subcategories to help demystify the sometimes confusing world of scent for consumers. These fragrance families are recognized by perfumers the world over. The six categories include floral, citrus, green, fougere, chypre and oriental. The floral category is the most popular of all of the categories of scents for women and it can be either subtle or sweet as it brings out the young girl in any woman, no matter how old she is. The citrus category provides a very clean fresh scent that is reminiscent of just washed linen or the refreshing quality of soap. The green category is also a very fresh, down-to-earth, no nonsense type of scent that many women enjoy. The fougere category is sexy, strong and suggestive which makes it popular among women who know exactly what they want and how to go after it. Chypre (pronounced shee-pra) is named after the Mediterranean Island of Cypress, as chypre is the French way of saying cypress. The chypre scent is a touch of the mysterious with its mixture of earthy and floral scents. The oriental fragrance family is for the confident, self-assured woman who likes to feel exotic and exude sensuality.

Let us take a closer look at each one of these fragrance families.

Floral Fragrance Family

The floral fragrance family is sometimes referred to as floral/sweet. It is the most popular category as well as the largest category of fragrances. The floral family is ruled by the scent of either one or a variety of different kinds of flowers. When one type of flower is used it is referred to as a soliflore. This perfume family ranges from sweet to subtle and everything that falls in between. This is a youthful scent and is perfectly suited for the woman who enjoys being playful and girlish whenever she wishes to be. The primary ingredients for this category of perfume come from flowers such as gardenia, carnation, jasmine, rose, orange-blossom, ylang-ylang and violet. Examples of popular brands of perfumes from the floral family include Carolina Herrara, White Diamonds and Paris.

There are also subcategories of the floral family as well. These include floral-green, floral-ambery, floral-fruity, floral-citrus and floral-woody. Examples of popular perfumes in the floral-green subcategory include Bvlgari and Chanel 19; in the floral-ambery group, Adrienne Vittadini; in the floral-fruity group, Amarige and Baby Doll; in the floral-citrus group, Curve and finally in the floral-woody subcategory, 1881 Cerruti and Romance.

Citrus Fragrance Family

The citrus fragrance family is sometimes referred to as sporty/clean as this scent has a very clean, fresh-out-of-the-shower scent and is comparable to the clean fragrance of soap. Citrus fragrances are often described as freshening and are commonly found in eau de colognes. This is the family of fragrances that athletic women often prefer. The citrus scents are more common in fragrances made for men than women but they are becoming increasingly popular for women as well. The citrus scents are one of the oldest of all of the fragrance groups and they date back to the Egyptians in ancient times. The citrus fragrance family gets its names from the citrus fruit scents such as lemon, lime, mandarin, tangerine and bergamot (sometimes known as hesperides) that are combined together to create a fragrance that is considered to be effervescent in quality. A popular example of a citrus fragrance is the unisex CK One. There is one subcategory of the citrus fragrance family and it is citrus-floral. An example of a citrus-floral fragrance is Jess.

Green Fragrance Family

The green fragrance family is sometimes referred to as green/natural and it is a very fresh, uplifting and down-to-earth type of scent. This is the scent for the woman who likes to be as real and as natural as she possibly can be. When it comes to the green fragrances, the predominant notes are herbs, grass, pine, juniper and leaves. Two examples of green fragrances are Bvlgari, Extreme and Safari. There is no subcategory for this fragrance family.

Fougere Fragrance Family

Fougere (pronounced foozh-air) is French for the word fern. Sometimes the fougere family of fragrances is also known as the musk/oils family. This is the fragrance group that is strong, suggestive and extremely sexy while at the same time leaving little to the imagination. This is a sultry group of scents that is especially good for seductive nights for lovers. Musk gives off the most powerful scent of all of the perfume oils that are available on the market. Most musks are taken from the male musk deer from the Himalayas while some also come from the musk ox and muskrat. Some fougere scents are very herbaceous in nature and contain a base that is mossy and very much like a fern. Cool Water is an example of a popular fougere fragrance. There is no subcategory for this fragrance family.

Chypre Fragrance Family

Chypre (pronounced shee-pra) is sometimes referred to as woody or earthy. Although chypre is no longer manufactured, the word is still used to describe fragrances made in the woody style. This citrusy, woodsy and mossy group of fragrances is composed of the ingredients bergamot, oak moss, citrus, patchouli and jasmine. The chypre fragrance family got its name from Francois Coty who is believed to have named it after the Island of Cypress in the Mediterranean. Chypre stands for cypress in the French language. This fragrance family is a mixture of earth and floral scents and is very similar to the delicious flavors of apricot and custard merged together. The chypre fragrance is often worn by a woman who enjoys the beauty of nature and the outdoors in all of its splendor. Examples of popular chypre fragrances are Dalimix and Y.

There are three subcategories of the chypre fragrance and these include chypre-fruity, chypre-floral and chypre-animalic. An example of a chypre-fruity scent is Femme; examples of chypre-floral scents are Fendi and Paloma Picasso and two examples of chypre-animalic scents are Miss Dior and Ysatis.

Oriental Fragrance Family

The oriental fragrance family is sometimes referred to as the oriental/spicy family, which are also commonly referred to as ambers. This popular fragrance family, which is full-bodied, is a combination of animal scents (such as musks), as well as balsams, spices, resins and vanilla mixed with flowers. The mixture of incense resins and camphorous oils enhances the oriental fragrances even more. This family of fragrances is both spicy as well as exotic and is not for the faint at heart. This is the type of fragrance that appeals to the self-confident woman who is strong and enjoys being bold and radiant in everything she does. The oriental family of fragrances conjures up images of the Victorian era in both the Middle East as well as the Far East. Examples of the oriental family of fragrances include Contradiction, Shalimar and Royal Secret.

There are five subcategories of oriental fragrances. These subcategories include oriental-citrusy, oriental-ambery, oriental-spicy, floriental and oriental gourmand. An example of an oriental-citrusy fragrance is Candies while a classic example of an oriental-ambery scent is Obsession. An example of an oriental-spicy scent is Opium while two examples of floriental are Hugo Woman and Wings. Finally, three examples of oriental-gourmand are Angel, Cashmir and Wish.

Point of Clarification to Fragrance Lovers

It is important to point out that there is some overlapping when it comes to the fragrance families, as it is not an exact science. Some sources where you might choose to seek out information on fragrance families will have slight variations to the way I have listed perfumes but here I have laid out the general categories. For example, I noted in my own research that one website placed the fragrance Ysatis by Givenchy in the oriental fragrance family while another placed it in the chypre family. Here I have classified Ysatis as a chypre fragrance and more specifically as belonging to the subcategory of chypre known as chypre-animalic. To a certain extent, the choice of fragrance families is left up to ones own discretion. Whatever you do, just make sure that you find a fragrance (or fragrances) that appeal to you and enjoy them as fragrances are meant to be a fun way to express your personality!

Designer fashions are priced beyond the ability of most consumers to purchase, at least with any regularity. A five hundred dollar skirt matched with a four hundred dollar top quickly leaves most consumers wondering if the outfit is really worth the investment. Most of us never even consider a twenty thousand dollar ball gown, except in our dreams. An experienced shopper, who loves designer clothing, knows to look on sale racks or shop discount stores to find designer clothing at reasonable prices. The clothing may be off season and no longer on the cutting edge of fashion, but a smart shopper can build a designer wardrobe at a reasonable price. For most of us, the clothing is not worth the effort or disappointment of constantly scavenging for designer labels. We look though magazines and surf the web for the latest fashions but we only look, we do not buy.

So what are the use of runway shows or exclusive shops for most fashion followers? It is easy to completely ignore the designer market and dress according to local social norms. If everyone at church is wearing floral skirts, you wear a floral skirt. If Talbots is the ultimate in clothing at the school bazaar, Talbots becomes your shopping destination. Conforming to local social norms will allow you to fit in, but it does not allow you to stand out.

People who love fashion really want to dress beyond the local social norms. Even the most conservative fashion follower wants a little something that tells the world they still pay attention to the fashion industry and they are aware of what is "in" and what is "out". A perfect example of this is a certain woman of my acquaintance who is firmly in retirement and has been there for awhile. The last time I saw her she was conservatively dressed in a very nice cardigan sweater and pants. Her fashion statement was her necklace. Hanging around her neck was two strands of silver connected circles. The necklace was an acknowledge of the influence "Mod" was once again asserting in fashion circles. I complimented her on her " very Mod" necklace and received a knowing smile and a thank you in return. I have since seen a similar necklace on a morning television personality and my teenage niece. I must admit I also have such a necklace but mine is actually a belt from the sixties I snagged from the throw away pile of an elderly relative. I have not worn mine yet but I did see one similar to it worn as a belt on the very trim waste of a fifty something author.

The similarity between these women is not age, size or social status. The common bond is the attention they pay to fashion influences. The want to wear fashionable attire, even if it is only an accent piece with an otherwise traditional outfit. In many ways it is a message to other fashion followers, that they too keep up with the current trends beyond the confines of their local community. None of the women adopted the "Mod" style in its' entirety, ( though the fifty something author came closest) but they all noticed its' presence in fashion circles and responded to its' influence. Even I responded to the fashion trend when I grabbed an authentic "Mod" belt from the trash heap. I saw something fashionable in an old belt that no one else could see at the time. If I did not follow fashion beyond my local community,I would not have been able to see the treasure others were willing to throw away. I would have had to wait for a local store to carry their version of the original, as did my niece. In her defense, she has not been watching fashion as long as I have.

Fashion is based on man's need to adorn himself. It is also grounded on the human need to express individuality through this adornment. Fashion lovers not only want to be current in their style, they enjoy seeing current style on those who surround them. A true lover of fashion gets excited when they see in real life the clothing that they only have seen on the pages of magazines. It is also a learning experience since often the clothing looks different in real life than photographed on a model and placed on the web or in a magazine. This experience can also be had by walking in the door of exclusive shops and actually looking at the high priced designer fashions. Realty can inspire desire, an a frugal shopper will begin to watch for clearance sales to obtain the desired item. Reality can also remove desire. There is nothing like actually seeing some designer clothes to remind a shopper that illusion is sometimes better than reality.

The ugly side of fashion deals with competitiveness and money. There is no better way to establish the status quo than wearing a twenty thousand dollar dress amongst people who know its' price tag. In certain crowds the designer and the cost of certain clothing is obvious and known. Wear this same dress in most communities and only a handful of people will even suspect the price tag or the designer label you are wearing. This is why the beautiful designer clothing we see on runways really only serves as inspiration to the rest of us normal fashion followers. We look at the gold designer gown and think, maybe that gold blouse is not over the top this party season. For a more adventurous fashion follower, they may search the stores for a gold dress or search a thrift store for a gently used vintage gold gown. If you sew you may visit the fabric store and actually purchase the glittery material you have coveted but not bought. Possibly a gold wrap over a classic black dress is the best way for you to acknowledge the impact gold is having on fashion circles. Maybe just a gold ribbon in your hair.

A fashion follower may also be inspired to shun gold all together and find another fashion influence to exhibit this season. The key is , following international fashion trends , allows a fashion follower to adorn themselves with the newest trend before it shows up matched with a floral skirt. Knowledge of fashion trends gives confidence to the individual who wears something everyone else is not wearing. While fashionable people enjoy standing out, unless they live a fashionable life, the need to fit in battles with their need to stand out. Knowledge of the fashion world, which in today's world is international in nature, gives the fashion follower the courage to follow their need to stand out from the crowd. It gives an individual the courage to be different.

Sometimes something is so new you cannot find it in your local store. Ten years ago I had read about slips with built in support in a magazine. I raced to the local division of my national department store and found the garments were available only in New York. The garments are widely available today and the world has changed a lot in ten years. In today's fast paced world the turn around time between the runway and Wal-Mart is not as long as it used to be. The positive side to the quickness of our world, is it is a lot easier finding that stylish accent piece you want to add to your wardrobe. For people who need to always be the leader of the pack, to the exclusion of everyone else, it just makes life a little harder. For followers of fashion, some version of that runway outfit may be at your local department store or Wal-Mart before you know it.


Fashion followers want to stand out from the crowd. Most do not want to be completely apart from their local community, so they choose a necklace or wrap to reveal their fashion savvy. Other fashion followers will notice, while the rest of the crowd will still be comparing their floral skirts. Some individuals are willing to stand apart and express themselves through their clothing. I enjoy these people and want to stand near them, because they bring fashion to real life. I also understand I may have to be satisfied with a knowing smile and an approving nod, since I am no longer part of that courageous crowd. Standing apart takes stamina and confidence. I still have the confidence but I lack the necessary stamina.

Use magazines and fashion shows as inspiration. Imitate the styles you see and add your own style to the look while you are at it. If buying a gold scarf makes you feel fashionable, do it. Your attention to the fashion industry is the reason you know that scarf is a fashion statement this year. Look around and see who else is making similar or different statements. You may be surprised at who follows fashion.

I'm not much of a shoe person, but I've noticed something interesting when I do find myself discussing shoe shopping with other people: everyone has a very definite idea on how much you need to spend in order to get a good pair of shoes. No wonder so many people "get into trouble" financially when it comes to shoe shopping- honestly, if you are dropping fifty to a hundred dollars a pair and you own multiple pairs, you're spending an awful lot of money on shoes!

When I was a kid, my parents used to take us to the expensive shoe store once a year for new tennis shoes for gym class. We always bought outlet, discounted and used clothes, backpacks, school supplies, and everything else; but we just had to have new shoes. It wasn't our choice, as you might think it was: it was actually what our mom insisted upon. She had the idea that buying cheap or used shoes would somehow affect the growth of our feet.

Apparently she was right: I did a little research on this and found that it's true, especially for children's athletic shoes: having a shoe that doesn't support the foot properly (or is molded to someone else's foot, as is the case with used shoes) can actually negatively affect the growth of the foot. Who knew?

Ironically, now that I'm an adult I'm a staunch advocate for cheap shoes. But honestly, I think too many people hold onto the idea that you need brand new shoes for too long. I'm not saying that buying cheap shoes can't cause foot pain, and I'm certainly not talking about people with foot problems here. But for the typical man or woman, there's no harm in buying a pair of discount or fake leather shoes. Particularly if they're dress shoes that aren't worn every day. We don't need to hold onto the idea that new equals better, or that expensive equals the only good buy.

Buying discount shoes isn't a sin. In fact, those of us who like to have different shoes for each outfit could save ourselves a lot of financial stress by getting used to the idea that cheap is sometimes better. If it's a pair of high heels that you'll wear for just a few evenings- or if it's a pair of sandals that consists of basically a few straps and a sole- then there's nothing to be lost by buying discount.

Also, can anyone tell the difference? Maybe if you're talking designer labels or really badly made cheap leather, you can. But in general most people will notice if your shoes are clean, if they're well cared for, if they match your outfit, and if they're cute. I might be wrong here, but I think I'm like a big percentage of the population when I say that I wouldn't notice expensive shoes if I fell over a pair on the steps.

Of course, for some people buying nice shoes is a luxury and they enjoy spoiling themselves, and that I can understand. But there's nothing wrong with supplementing an expensive collection with a few discount pieces to get you through special occasions or lazy days. Also, I'd sooner spend my money on a fancy sweater or coat- something that makes a real statement- so consider wisely what you want when it comes to expensive clothes. There may be something rather than shoes that will give you more bang for your buck.

If you can't see yourself going into a discount shoe store, at the very least shop some sales. There are some great cheap shoes to be had, particularly at the turn of the season. You might not feel like spending your money on cute sandals when it's starting to snow outside, but the fact is that you can probably get them for fifty percent off or more at good shoe retailers and mall shops. And putting them away in your closet for the winter will mean a nice surprise come spring.

Having nice shoes doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot of money. I've never been a big shoe person, but when I do buy shoes I buy them on clearance and at discount prices. I buy fake leather and polish it up to look great. I buy flip flops for 25 cents in November and then wear them to death come July. Shoes can be a bargain; you just have to get over the old feeling that if you're not spending lots of money on them, you're doing something wrong.
-by bjp

Have you ever wondered why you are wearing a smaller or larger size all of a sudden, even though you have not gained or lost any weight at all? Or how about this - You receive a gift card from an expensive, upscale department store and find that only the smaller sizes fit you. Have you lost weight? Perhaps you are sick and do not know it, but should go in for a physical right away.

Probably not. Although a yearly health exam is a wise choice, what you are probably suffering from is really only a retail trick known as Vanity Sizing.

Decades ago, especially in the 1940s through 1960s, women used to squeeze their feet into tiny sizes of shoes, because none of them wanted to have the big feet that they thought were unattractive. So, shoe retailers changed the sizing system and made size 10s into size 7s one year. Now, in every shoe store you enter, you need to try on the sizes and see what really fits.

The same thing happened with women's clothing. Marilyn Monroe was really a size 12, you know.

The vintage styles from the 40s, 50s and 60s can be as much as 4 to 6 times smaller in size than the same sized item purchased new today anywhere. So, a size 12 from 1945 would be a size 4 today at Saks 5th Ave or anywhere in Paris or Beverly Hills 90210.

In addition, you may be a size 4 in one brand and a size 12 in another, but you probably want to buy the first item, even though the second one looks much, much better on you regarding style, cut, and fit. Clothing retailers and manufacturers want to boost their sales and your self image by convincing you that you have decreased a couple of sizes without any real weight loss as well. The more expensive brand and the store, usually the smaller will be the size number on the dress tag of the garment that fits you. Such an ego boost results in a lot of women with money or gift cards buying their clothes, instead of shopping less expensive retailers, or even WalMart. Taking your own measurements and keeping them in your purse or memory is more useful than knowing your clothing size since you will wear a 4 in one brand, an 8 in another and a 10 in another.

The Talbots Department Stores Fit Survey for 2006 found that a full 85% of all women and girls decide to buy a clothing item based on the size that is printed on the hang tag, not by the way it fits, looks, or feels. The smaller the size, the more apt they are to buy it. Further, 62% of all women consider purchasing only items in their size, even if larger items fit better. In addition, 62% of women also stated that they do not have any idea what their body measurements might be. Therefore, it is small wonder why so many women have trouble with ill fitting bra and under clothing, shoes and all other clothing items. According to Talbots again 40% of women buy clothing with plans of losing weight in order to fit into it. What are they going to wear now, though? Baggy sweatpants maybe.

This may be the reason behind the popularity of T-shirts and sweat pants or even print pajamas among high school and college aged women for street clothes. You see it all the time on the TV show What Not to Wear.

Of course, many women and girls have two stashes of clothing keep, divided into fat clothes and thin clothes. The fat clothes are for when they have bloated or gained a few pounds of weight. The thin clothes are a measurement tool for determining how much weight they have lost. If they can squeeze into the thin clothes, they feel good about themselves, just like those ladies and their too tiny shoes in the 1940s. Those women today are 80 years old and have had multiple bunion surgeries or can only wear slippers.

Sizes are not that important, so if size in an issue for you, cut all the size tags out of your clothing. It is no one's business what your sizes are, anyway. It is funny to do that in a retirement home, because there is an element even among the retired ladies that still tries to find out who wears what sizes, especially shoes and undergarments (I know, sounds like a sitcom, but it is true). Cut out the sizes and they will have to keep wondering, or find something else to do.

Back to today, if you have a boyfriend, do not clothes shop for your own clothing with him. Do not ask if something makes you look fat. Shop with friends or go alone and seek the help of a professional sales person or the alterations staff, who should be able to spare some time for their customers. You boyfriend does not need to know what sizes you wear, either, unless he is going to buy you a nice sweater, or a ring perhaps.

Do not be a fashion slave to the point that you try to squeeze into clothing items that are uncomfortable. Find things that fit correctly and ask a knowledgeable department store sales associate or alterations person for help. Some stores even have free sizing clinics twice a year for everything from undergarments to suits and dresses, to jeans and shoes, so try some of those.

Remember that size numbers will definitely change, even if you do not gain or lose an ounce, so those numbers are not important. What is extremely important is a good fit in an attractive, well-made garment that feels good as you wear it. That will make you feel good and that will make you BE more attractive just by itself.

Happy holidays with YOUR correct, comfortable, and beautiful sizes!

What to wear, what to wear? The party season is upon us and fashion hemlines are all over the place. Should we be wearing a glittery mini, or a sparkling floor length gown? Should we glitter at all this holiday season or should we pull our basic black party gown from the closet and wear the basic uniform of fashion? If you know what is "in" or "out" by New Years' Eve, give me a shout. Until then I will continue to anguish over my holiday wardrobe, since I do not want to end the year as a fashion disaster. This issue may be so big, the only solution may be to crawl into bed and stay home.

Ralph Lauren has presented the world with two spectacular gowns in his 2006 fall collection. The gowns are gold, they glitter, and if you are a princess or just live like one, these are the party dresses for you. For a mere twenty thousand dollars, a v-neck, floor length, fitted gold dream gown can be yours. You best friend can buy the strapless, floor length, gold gown with a fitted bodice and a sparkling gold overskirt over what appears to be a satin underskirt. The more romantic strapless gown is merely fifteen thousand dollars, though I think it is the more beautiful of the two gowns. The princess' crowd may even find they can wear these gowns again since Elie Saab, a Lebanese designer who draws real princesses to his Beirut store, presented only gold dresses in his spring 2007 show. Gold gowns, whether short or long, seem to be the princess trend for spring. Choosing one of Ralph Lauren's dresses for your next party will show the world you are ready for gold now, and do not want to wait for spring to be a golden girl.


But will these floor length gowns reveal I am a fashion flop? Possibly I should wear a sequined mini from Versace. Harper's Bazaar will affirm my choice since they declare sequined minis to be "in" even though floor length party gowns jump off the pages of their December 2006 issue. While the editors of Bazaar seem to want to go short during the holidays they have at least shown us a variety of gowns for the upcoming season. The recent wedding of Tom Cruise may have already set the tone for the upcoming party season. "Entertainment Tonight" showed in their fashion segment that the guests were wearing long gowns and tasteful elegance ruled the event. The celebrity guest list may have already set the tone for this holiday season or it could be that since Giorgio Armani is reputed to have done the wedding, that tasteful and elegant were the only clothing options to be considered, even by the guests.

But what if short is the way to go this party season? Well, designer Sue Stemp showed a sexy yellowish/gold mini with a glittery hem in her fall ready to wear collection and MaxMara has a red sequined mini that is sure to turn heads. I must admit I am a little confused on how to actually wear these dresses. Stemp's dress was shown on the runway as a classic mini, but MaxMara showed their mini with leggings. I think I would have to buy matching underwear if I bought a Versace, the dresses look that short on the runway models. I no longer have the legs for minis so I guess I will have to forgo being on the cutting edge of fashion and choose good taste as my guide. This means I will have to forgo short even if it is "in" this party season. A difficult decision, but one that has to be made at some point in life.

Well there is always the little black dress. If I feel inspired to actually buy a new one, numerous designers have their version ready to wear in a variety of hem lengths. It seems to me I can just wear the same one again and toss it in a dye bath if it begins to fade. I guess I could check the fit, I am sure I have lost weight since last I wore my fashion basic. This would be inspiration enough to buy a new dress.

Wearing a black dress has gotten depressing for me, since I see the black dress as fashions' uniform. The purpose of uniforms is to make everyone look the same; to lessen jealousy and competition. The sea of black dresses at social events tells me that the jealousy and competition amongst the attendees has gotten out of hand. Black was sexy, not too long ago, but now it merely reminds me why the movement for uniforms in our schools gains momentum every year. If I have to wear black, I really do not want to go.

The hemlines for party dresses really are all over the place. A quick review of one hundred and forty of the over four hundred party dresses that were on runways during 2006 fall fashion shows, reveals hemlines that are minis, floor length and everything in between. There are feathers, sequins, crystals and metallics. The only commonality seems to be the need to shine, unless of course you want to be understated. The clothes are glamorous, sexy, and glittery. It should be a beautiful party season, I think I want to stay home.

Now if I stay home, I can light a fire, curl up under a blanket, and wear my favorite flannels. I will not need to worry about fashion disasters or matching underwear. I can surf the web for pictures of fancy parties and get my fashion fix without leaving my home. Since the little black dress may be the best choice this year, I think I may just stay home. I still want to know if fashion disasters occur and if minis or floor length won the night. But the issue is so big I feel the correct choice for me is to curl up in front of the fire and read a book. I hear, The Devil Wears Prada is good.

Who knew that there would ever be so much opportunity to use a belt to express yourself? The belt used to be a simple gadget used to hold up pants. Obviously, for women this has long been a fashion accessory as opposed to a useful piece of equipment, and for men in formal wear (that is, suits), it is also a "fashion essential", more because it is a faux pax not to have one then as a way of expressing oneself. Of course, belts have that knack for keeping your pants at your hips, but there is a lot more to them than that. This should become obvious as soon as you see that huge variety of selection you will find at a local clothing store.

There are thousands of types of belts available today. Leather, metal, plastic, chains, even cardboard make up the around-the-waste universal articles that you find in any clothing store, on a mysterious rack that is always disordered and hidden somewhere near the "nice" clothing section or accessories. Not to mention, there are thousands of belt buckles for the traditional belt wearer. Personally I have never been brave enough to wear a fancy belt, because I have a relatively shy fashion sense, but I have drooled over enormous, loud waist-keepers to elegant chain links meant to fall drapingly over the hips instead of holding up the pants. I use the most usual leather belt, with a low-profile square buckle. My favorite is a reversible one, with black on one side and brown on the other, with an inventive buckle clasp that allows you to pull on the buckle and flip it completely over to use the other side. The only problem with this system is that the belt is made of two sides of different colored leather actually sewn together along the edges, so the belt is a bit bulky and stiff. Otherwise, it is fantastically utile. The only other belts I like to use are also small and uncommanding of attention, but wearing belts that do ask for attention is one of the easiest ways to express yourself through fashion.

The first thing I consider about a belt is how I want it to fit the profile of my body, considering the shape it is going to create along with the rest of my clothes. I don't like a buckle that sticks out, or a belt that is going to take over the shape of the top of my pants and blow them out of proportion. I prefer a slim look, for example, if my shirt is placed over the belt or buckle, I don't want it to look like a bulky buckle is my own bulk, if you know what I mean. This buckle bulk has always bothered me and often makes me not want to wear a belt, but it can be avoided if when shopping for a belt you find one that fits you perfectly and has the profile you want. Except for the bulky issue, I vastly prefer to be wearing a belt, because whether it is with jeans or a pair of dressy slacks, I somehow have the feeling that a belt makes you look classier, and more put together. It is not a matter of society not accepting you if you don't wear one, but I like how it accentuates the rest of the outfit, even if I personally want it to be a pretty low-profile accessory. Of course, not everyone is like me and wants to keep their belts on the downlow. Lots of belts are meant to attract attention, are meant to be bulky and loud. I like these, but have yet to bring myself to wear or even buy one. One primary example is this type of belt which is very European, with lots of large circles put together to make a ring, that is meant to be worn around the waste but over the pants, certainly not through any belt loop that is part of any normally sized pants. They come in leather or other materials, and are often coupled with bright colors, sequins, studs, even pieces of mirror. These belts are obviously not meant to be left by the wayside when choosing points of an outfit. When worn, they become the center of attention when someone casually glances at you.

There are plenty of other kinds of belts. For example, you have the "braided" leather belts. These were fashionable for a while but have kind of left the spotlight. They were nice because they can be tethered to any length by putting the peg in any part of the weaving. There are plain, flat belts that are decorated. These can be any color and detailed with any manner of material. For example, they may be coated with sequins and other glittery surfaces, covered with fur or beads, or just plastered with a bright-colored picture or wall-paper type pattern. There are heavy chain belts, something you might expect to add to a gothic or punk outfit, or light, thin chains that drape over the waste, especially tasteful over a simple dress or sleek, belt-loop-less dress pants for women. Then, of course, there are plain leather or plastic belts in many colors, with round or square clasps, or no clasp at all. In fact, it common to have fabric belts with some simple metal loop closer, and no actual buckle at all. The buckles have as many or more varieties than the actual belt materials. Many women's belts will have fancy colors or shiny buckles. If you have belt with no buckle, where you can put any buckle (this is very popular in country styles, just like the cowboys), you can change it with your mood, and there are thousands of buckles in the market for expressing yourself. You will find anything from harley motorcycle buckles to animals to rhinestones to names on these types of belt buckles.

Last, let's not forget that lots of things which aren't actually belts can be used as belts, especially for women. The thin chains I described earlier already fit into this category. In addition, a large or long scarf that is tied around the waist can be a belt, for example. Ribbons are often used in a similar way, with dangling ends left to fly in the wind. Even a random strip of leather or fabric can act as "belt" fashion when tied around at the waist.

So, don't forget about this something as simple as the thing you usually use just to hold up your pants that can be a valuable and interesting fashion accessory. It can be used conservatively or not so conservatively to accent, accentuate, or even spice up an outfit, and really change your look as a simple addition.

The ritual of dating can be an extremely tedious and in many cases, a sometimes frustrating process. There is the whole "getting to know each other" process that is usually the single most important part of any potential relationship. No matter who you are or how long you have known the person, there is always a first date and that single first date either makes or breaks the possibility of what's to come. It is without a doubt that first dates can be summed up as one thing: first impressions. In order to make the best first impression, it's all about how you present yourself and carry yourself. There is no doubt that what you wear is a huge factor in the type of first impression that you project. In order to ensure that you give off the best first impression possible, there are a few rules of thumb to follow.

Dress For the Occasion

In many cases, a first date usually consists of dinner and a movie or perhaps just meeting up for a drink somewhere; however, we are in a time where almost anything and everything goes in dating and it is possible that you may have to plan for an alternative activity on the first date. It isn't too out of the ordinary if you end up somewhere else such as a theme park or at a stable to do some horseback riding. If you are going to a restaurant for your first date, you will want to dress accordingly. If it's a dressy restaurant, the little black dress is almost always a sure winner and if it happens to be more of a casual location, then you can get away with either slacks or lets not forget about the endless ways one can dress jeans up. While looking adorable is always of significant importance, being comfortable takes priority over that. Make sure you know what you're wearing and more importantly, that you know it is comfortable. In other words, date night is not the occasion to try on that top that you know is adorable but it just so happens that you are still in limbo on whether or not you can actually move while wearing it. Save that top for a night out with your girls. That way, you'll get admired for wearing such an adorable top and if you're feeling uncomfortable, your girlfriends are always the ones to give you sympathy. If your first date is in a more casual atmosphere such as an amusement park, make sure to dress comfortable and in clothes that you will feel confident wearing. Always remember that it is possible to look cute and casual at the same time all while still maintaining a certain comfort level.

Don't Shower in Perfume

Everyone wants to smell good, especially on that first date, so it is no surprise that you may want to use a little perfume to kick off your look with a signature scent. While perfume can be your finishing touch and in many cases, attract people to you, it can also turn people off if it is used in excess. In other words, there is really such a thing as too much and if you just so happen to cross that line, perfume can start to serve the purpose of an overwhelmingly obnoxious guy repellent. When applying perfume there are a few tricks that will help you get just the right amount of scent without being overpowering. Layering a scented lotion with a light spritz of the perfume can give you a soft, yet lasting scent. Another option is to dab or spritz the perfume on your wrists and then proceed to dab the perfume on pulse points such as your neck. If you do this then if you feel you need more you can spritz your wrists again and repeat the process. In most cases, one spritz is plenty and more than that is extremely overpowering. Another thing you can do is spritz the perfume in front of you and then walk into the scent. This will give you a cloud of perfume to walk into and will leave you with a sheer blanket of scent.

Keep Makeup to a Minimal

If you pick up any fashion magazine or any women's magazine, there is almost always some article or tidbit that mentions that men like women who don't overdue it on the makeup. While men may be clueless about what it takes for a woman to look nice, minimal makeup is usually the way to go for a first date. Let's face it, women usually try to create makeup looks that they feel are glamorous and sophisticated. For example, the smoky eye look is an all too popular look if you're heading out to a club or a party but it can be a little too dramatic for a first date. Look at it like this. You are going to want your date to be looking at you; not looking at your makeup. It is without a doubt that some looks are so strong and dramatic that they can be slightly distracting at times. Also, depending on where you are the lighting will have an effect on how your makeup looks. If you do a smoky eye and are in a dimly lit restaurant, you can get away with it; however, if you are in a well lit restaurant it will appear that you have raccoon eyes. When it comes to what to wear on your lips, stick with something subtle and natural looking. After all, if the date goes well you might get a kiss goodnight and you don't want your date to be thinking that if he kisses you with that ultra bright lip color then both of you will resemble Bozo the clown by the end of the kiss. He might decide against a goodnight kiss based on that factor alone. In addition, lets not forget that sometimes dark lipstick can be tricky and if it migrates, you may end up with slightly colored teeth. Any woman who has ever fallen victim to the notorious lipstick on the teeth situation knows that dark lipstick is not worth the risk of that potential embarrassment.

Remember To Wear Comfy Shoes

It is no mistake that us girls love our shoes. In many cases, we'll run the risk of sore feet for a week just to have the perfect pair of shoes to polish off an outfit for a special occasion. When choosing shoes for your date, carefully consider what pair you're going to wear. While looking cute is always a factor, your comfort level takes priority. Imagine finishing up with a fabulous dinner and your date decides the night shouldn't end there and asks if you'd like to go for a stroll through the park. You decided to wear your black pointy-toed shoes that you knew would compliment your outfit; however, they tend to pinch your feet. You have two options. You can either take off your shoes and go for a stroll or you can keep your shoes on and look forward to a day and night of sore feet. Wouldn't it have been easier just wear comfy shoes? Being cute doesn't mean you have to sacrifice being comfortable.

While dating can be a strenuous process in itself, putting your best foot forward and feeling confident about how you look can make the process all the more fun. In addition, what person doesn't want to go into the dating world knowing they look fabulous? Have fun dating!

By Brandi M. Seals

The holiday season is fast approaching and I am counting the days until I see the first sight of the dreaded Christmas sweaters. You know what I am talking about - the hideous bright sweaters generally adorned with snow balls and images of Santa Claus or snow men.

I do not know how or when the Christmas sweater got its start. I remember them from my childhood. So I know they have been being produced since the early 80s. I wonder who first got the idea to make one of the tacky concoctions. It probably started in some home ec course somewhere. The kids were told to make something for the holidays and someone made it as a joke. The only problem was that some how, some where, a designer saw it