Article Fashion

From the time your child is born you will be making choices in children's clothing. After having a baby
women usually receive some clothes as baby gifts. Often these are small sizes that your child will outgrow very soon. So you can see that buying clothes is an ongoing task for parents.

As an infant
a baby will change sizes every few weeks. Buy durable clothing in washable
comfortable fabrics. Babies have many accidents so you'll need to buy clothes that are easy to clean. If you use bright colors instead of pastels
they will not soil or stain as easily. When shopping for children‚s clothes
many women seek high-quality clothing. But if you‚re on a tight budget
you can always wait for clothing store sales at places such as Gap
Old Navy
Disney Baby
or Babies R Us.

Bargain Seekers

With the knowledge that a child will outgrow their clothing quickly
some women go thrift shopping and check garage sales. Many times these clothes are barely worn and may even look almost new. Thrift shopping is a good way to find children's brand name clothing without paying the full price. Sometimes clothing for boys in larger sizes is harder to find at these sources because of the wear and tear. Finding clothing for girls may be a bit easier. The key to finding great clothes at a bargain is to shop often. Visit your local thrift shop once a week and frequent yard sales in your area.

Yard sales are even better than thrift stores in some ways because you can bargain with the seller. Try picking out a bundle of clothing and other items; then make an offer for the entire bundle. You might be surprised at how little you will pay for items. Also
check for bargains through the newspaper classifieds. Occasionally
you'll see offerings for children‚s clothing directly through the ads.

Preparing for Ever-Changing Sizes and Needs

When your child gets to the toddler stage
clothing needs will change. During and after potty training
separate tops and bottoms will be more practical. Dresses and pull-on pants make training easier and encourage the toddler to be independent. Buy clothes that are easy to put on and take off so your toddler can learn to dress himself. You will need to buy good shoes that are comfortable. When fitting shoes
allow a half-inch in front of the toes when standing and make sure the heel fits properly.

If you have younger children of the same gender but different ages
or if you plan to have another baby soon
keep unsoiled clothing put away for the next child. This will save you money
and younger children usually never know the difference. Store the clothing in a dry
tightly sealed plastic container to keep mice and moths out. Include a fabric sheet to keep the clothes smelling fresh.

Buying Children‚s Clothing for School

When your child starts school
clothing needs will again change. At this time
your child may want to help pick out clothes. Before you go shopping for clothes
have your child try on last year's clothes and see what can still be worn. Then look for clothing that is comfortable
washable
and easy to keep clean. Many mothers choose children's clothing that is simple with large buttons and has zippers with pulls
elastic waists
and large neck openings. Buy clothes that are appropriate and safe. Avoid big legs
loose ribbons or sashes
and slippery shoes. Even if you can't afford expensive fashionable clothes
choose basic clothing in colors and styles your child likes.

Watch for store sales on school clothing and save money if your state has tax-free shopping days. In the winter
dress your child in layers. While they are outdoors they can wear their coats
hats
gloves
and scarves. Inside
they can also wear layers to remove if they become uncomfortable. A sweatshirt over a button-up shirt or a t-shirt under a button-up shirt will provide this option. Many women with smaller children choose clothing that will be easy to remove when going to the bathroom. The teachers always appreciate this!

Remember that some styles may be cute and very stylish but not comfortable or practical. Look at women's magazines to get ideas
or talk to other mother's that have more experience with children‚s clothing to make the best choices.

There's no doubt that prom night is one of the most special nights in your life
and one that you'll remember for years to come. Arguably
prom night is even bigger than homecoming or your quinceanera. Here are some tips that will ensure your prom night is memorable - for all the right reasons!

Preparation is Key

There are so many elements to prom night that it's easy to forget something important. It's best to start with a list that has everything you need to do
and thing check items off as you go along.

Shopping for Prom Dresses

It's crucial to start shopping for prom dresses early. Remember that your formal eveningwear can take up to eight weeks to arrive
so start looking for prom fashion well before then. When considering your choices
find a style that fits your body type
is well made
and that has a fabrication and color that flatters your figure and your complexion.

When it comes to prom dresses - or other formal clothing - the fit is rarely perfect. Don't fret if you have to have your dress altered
but do make sure that you have enough time to do so.

Don't Forget Accessories

You can have the most beautiful eveningwear in the world
but without the right foundations and accessories
you can easily have a fashion disaster on your hands. Select a bra
hose
or shapewear that fit well and that won't show under your prom dress. Make sure the shoes you choose are comfortable enough to last the evening. Stilettos might be stylish
but if you have to take them off after ten minutes
the look of your gown will be ruined. Similarly
make sure that your jewelry and purse complement your prom dress
rather than overwhelming it. Remember - less is more.

Set Up Your Appointments

Salons are extremely busy during the prom season
so be sure to make your appointments well ahead of the big day. You should definitely have your hair done professionally
since your hair is an integral part of your prom fashion statement. You may also want to have your makeup professionally done. You can schedule your manicure
pedicure
and tanning appointments for the day before prom
but if you want to have a facial
do so at least a week before the event. Facials are great for your skin
but can prompt breakouts a day or two afterward. You don't want to suffer a major breakout on prom day! While you're at it
don't forget to order your date's boutonniere.

Prom Parties

Make and finalize your pre- and post-prom plans well in advance of prom night. If you're going to dinner
make sure that reservations are made. Make sure all of the transportation plans are in place. If you're going out afterwards
be certain to talk with your friends and understand where you're going
who will be driving
and what's going to take place. Having your plans finalized demonstrates good judgment
and will help reassure your parents that you will act responsibly.

Have Fun!

Everything from buying prom dresses to making appointments to planning prom festivities can sometimes obscure the real reason for prom - to have fun! No event ever goes exactly as planned - even with great preparation - so make sure to be flexible. When you are
you'll have a great time and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Make your prom night the enchanted evening you have dreamed of! Spend a little time beforehand to make sure everything is prepared for this special night. You will be much more relaxed and able to enjoy your prom night without anxiety.

One of the most important items for this special night is your dress. It is a good idea to shop early in order to find the dress you like and one you can afford. If you want a designer dress
you can start saving in advance so you'll be able to buy the one you want. You should spend the largest portion of your budget on your dress
so make a list of everything you need to go with it. Then you can adjust your budget to include everything.

Choosing Prom Dresses

Prom dresses are found in all different colors
styles and price ranges. Look for an exclusive dress that will make you stand out from everyone else. You can find different shoulder styles
long or short lengths
unique bodice and skirt styles. Look through magazines and decide which prom dresses you might like. Be sure to choose one that is flattering to your figure and coloring.

You will also want accessories that complement formal dresses. Choose jewelry
shoes and purses that look stylish with your dress. This is also true when choosing pieces to go with bridesmaid dresses
or other formal gowns. Jewelry can be worn according to your personal taste and the style of your gown. Rhinestones are always attractive and classy. Wear a necklace that goes with the neckline of your dress and earrings that complement your hairstyle.

If you choose to carry a clutch purse
then you'll have one hand occupied the whole time. So consider an elegant purse with a handle
or check it at the door. You need one large enough to carry your essentials
such as lip gloss
money
tickets
breath mints
cell phone and ID.

Completing Your Outfit

When you have found the perfect dress and shoes
you need to try everything on together beforehand. Be sure to take care of any alterations that are needed in plenty of time. Experiment with jewelry and hairstyles to find the look you want. This is a good idea for planning a wedding too. Have your bridesmaids try on their bridesmaid gowns to coordinate their accessories.

If you want to look stunning in your new prom dress then choose a different hairstyle than you usually wear. This will be sure to make you stand out. If you usually wear it down
then try wearing it up. If you wear your hair pulled up most of the time
let it down in a smooth style or with bouncy curls.

Be Ready Ahead of Time

Don't forget the little things that need to be done ahead of time. Be sure to order a boutonniรจre for your date a couple of weeks before the prom. Decide on nail and lip colors and try them out the week before. Make hair or manicuring appointments in advance to avoid disappointment.

Shopping for prom dresses is part of the magic of this special event. By searching diligently
you will be able to find the dress that will make your dreams come true.

There's little question that what we choose to wear on our legs is a reflection of our pragmatism
our sense of style
or sometimes both. Thanks to advances in fiber technology
our choices in tights
stockings
pantyhose
and other legwear have never been greater. And
thanks to the Internet
we can easily find products that simply aren't available in our local stores. To find the best online source for legwear
use the following guidelines.

A Dedicated Site

While many apparel-related websites carry pantyhose and fashion tights
it's best to shop at an online store that is dedicated to selling only legwear. In fact
go a step further and shop on a site that is a leader in supplying women with world-class hosiery. When you do
you'll be able to select from the largest variety of products available. Because a dedicated site concentrates on one type of product
you will have access to all of the latest hosiery on the market. In addition
you'll be able to draw on an incredible depth and breadth of knowledge about hosiery when making your selections. Because the site is highly specialized
you can be sure that everyone from the owner to the customer service representatives will provide you with accurate information and help.

Variety of Styles

A good online source for legwear will have a variety of types and styles of hosiery products. For example
they'll have tights and pantyhose
but will also carry items like stockings
thigh highs
holdups
and bodystockings. Within a category like tights
you should be able to select from among a variety of fabrications
including velvety cottons
warm wools
and sleek microfibers. Similarly
since coloured hosiery is in vogue these days
you should be able to choose from among dozens of colors. And
of course
a wide variety of brands should be available.

Descriptions

A dedicated online hosiery site is much more likely than a non-specialty site to provide you with helpful and accurate descriptions of the products they carry. They will explain
for example
the difference between 30 denier pantyhose and 80 denier tights
as well as the types of seams
panties
panels
and gussets that each style has.

Customer Ratings

One person's idea of perfect tights may be another person's nightmare. A site that enables customers to review and rate products will help you make an informed buying decision.

Price Point

A comprehensive online hosiery site will have products available at a variety of price points
so you can find a variety of legwear to fit your needs. Perhaps you need relatively inexpensive knee-highs to wear with slacks to work
but want to indulge in French silk stockings for special occasions. A great website will have it all.

Size Ranges

Regardless of what women are led to believe
one size doesn't fit all. Women who are full-figured
who are petite
or who have very long legs are often left out when it comes to buying tights and other hosiery. A dedicated site that is committed to customer service will have beautiful styles available for virtually every body type
and will be able to answer any questions you may have about fit.

If you could bring home one piece of clothing or accessory made in Italy
you may want to choose an Italian handbag. While this year’s dress is next year’s rag
a quality handbag will literally look stylish for decades.

Of course
many people take one look at the cost of the better Italian handbags and decide that these bags are simply too expensive. However
if you think about how many times you will be using that handbag over the next ten years and then divide the price of the handbag by that number
you may be surprised to find that a good handbag is actually a better deal than most other pieces of clothing. After all
if you buy a ten dollar shirt because it is on sale and only wear it twice
it costs you five dollars for each use. A one hundred dollar handbag that you use thirty times only costs you about three dollars for each use. Most people use a good handbag several hundred times a year.

Although Italian handbags come in a range of prices
a top quality calf leather handbag can cost as much as four or five hundred dollars; and even several thousand dollars if it’s from a well-known designer. Although you may not be able to tell the supple soft calf leather bag from a less expensive bag made with cowhide by looking at the bags
you can certainly feel the difference. Calf leather is smooth and flexible.

If you can’t afford a good leather Italian handbag
there are some other choices. The same care and craftsmanship that makes leather handbags so popular goes into the construction of Italian bags made with canvas or fabric. Just be prepared for a fabric bag to wear out sooner than the leather handbags.

Finally
be sure you do not buy a handbag that looks like a quality Italian handbag at first glance
but actually turns out to be a knockoff. If the handbag you are considering is supposed to be leather
unzip it and take a look at the inside to see if you can find some uncovered edges. Leather edges look different than those made with vinyl or other man made materials. The best way to be sure you are purchasing a quality Italian handbag is to only purchase from reputable sources.

If you have got into the habit of wearing a neck tie on a regular basis then you shall notice that somehow it seems to “wear off” a little bit. It may be due to improper care or things that are beyond your reach for example
getting food or beverages spilled upon your favorite tie.

Tips to properly untie your necktie
Being a beginner when you had learned to tie a neck tie and you have got that first knot done right you may never have thought about untying the tie at the end of the day. You may probably prefer to make the loop large enough to pull your head out and hang the tied tie on a clothes hanger or over the back of the chair.

However
it is the most damaging thing to do with your neck tie. Rather you should properly untie your tie. If you pay a little attention and perform the opposite steps that you followed to tie the tie you shall definitely save your favorite tie and the money to spend on new ties each couple of days.

It also happens that when you untie your tie which is made up of thick and heavy silk shall have wrinkles that look very worn and used. To get rid of such problem you should wrap the tie around your hand and put it into a table or drawer and let it rest for a while. Follow the steps given below:

1. Hold the narrow end of your tie with your thumb while letting the wide end hang down to the floor.

2. Wrap the wide end around your hand several times.

3. Take the wrapped up tie and place it on a flat surface.

In order to treat tie stains that sometimes permanently ruin your tie
applying stain removers shall make things worse. For this
you should take your favorite silk tie to the dry cleaner and ask for help.

Although "Casual Fridays" are slowly - and thankfully - retiring from the corporate world
many women continue to go to the office or an evening out barelegged. Dresses and stilettos may still be in vogue
but where is the legwear? As a career woman who considers tights
stockings
pantyhose
and their cousins de rigueur
I want to take this opportunity to sing the praises of legwear.

I know that some women argue that legwear is as constricting for women as neckties are for men
but I find it liberating. What I wear on my legs is an extension of the clothes
shoes
and accessories I choose to wear. Just as I wouldn't want to go to work without my make-up
I wouldn't dream of going to work with bare legs.

The sheer variety of women's legwear that is available is enough to blow your socks off (no pun intended). There's something out there for every mood and every occasion. If you're in doubt
simply peruse one of the online stores that is dedicated to providing women with high quality products. When you do
here's what you'll find:

Tights: Today's tights come in an incredible variety of fabrications
from warm wools to velvety cottons to silky microfiber blends. You can find fashion tights in dozens of colors and prints that can complement every outfit in your closet. Whether you want to ward off a winter chill or show some spunk in the summer
tights are a wonderful way to express your fashion sense and your sense of style.

Pantyhose: There's little question that pantyhose put the finishing touches on any outfit. From ultra-sheer to opaque
from neutral colors to brazen hues
from industrial reinforced toes to shimmery gossamer
pantyhose can reflect your mood
your apparel
or your aspirations.

Thigh-Highs: If you love the silky feeling of hose against your legs but don't want to bother with either garters or the panties in pantyhose
holdups are exactly what you need. Whether you choose wide lace bands or soft silicone tops that lay flat against your skin
thigh-highs will never let you down.

Stockings: The allure of stockings is legendary
not only for the men they attract but for the feelings that women have when they wear them. Stockings and garters are the ultimate in femininity
but when you go one step further and choose a silk stocking
you'll never go back. Wearing stockings is like being privy to an inside joke.... No one else need know you're wearing them
but they will bring a smile to your face all day long.

Bodystockings: Some women would never dream of buying bodystockings
but that's likely because they've never worn them. Granted
they may not be appropriate for every occasion
but like stockings
they will make you feel both chic and sexy.

When there are so many options available to complete your outfits and make you feel good all under
leaving your legs bare is a crying shame.

Every man loves to wear a neck tie for any kind of formal or informal occasion. As such managing a neck tie becomes a tiring job when you are out for a business meeting or even creates embarrassing moments for you many times when it hangs out and spoils while you are out for lunch or dinner.

A tie clip is a small piece of men’s accessory that is used to keep a neck tie attaches to the underlying dress shirt. Tie clips are usually spring loaded at one end so that it slides horizontally across the tie for security. The front of a tie clip can be either plain or decorated with small precious or semi precious stones. Some tie clips even are custom designed such that they feature a company’s logo or any representation of other objects that interests the wearer.

You should not confuse tie clips with tie pins or tie clasps. Tie pins have a pin and backing design that resembles an earring along with a chain and stem that are placed through the button hole of a dress shirt for anchoring. Tie pins should penetrate the fabric of the tie in order to keep it securely fastened. But prolonged penetration could lead to damage the expensive material if used in ties. Tie clips slide through shirt and tie without penetration and a spring clip is usually light so that it prevents damaging the fabric.

Tie clips also serve very important function along with being decorative. Men’s ties are intended to cover the button of the dress shirt and also provide a line of contrast and interest. Many fashion experts often suggest that a properly selected tie conveys the personality of the wearer. Unfortunately
even the most expensive silk tie cannot compete with wind and gravity and can easily blow out of place with a quick gust of air and unsecured tie can also find its way into a paper shredder or other machine. A tie clip places approx two thirds of the way down the front of a neck tie and keep it secured through most situations.

Decorative tie clips have even become more popular as gift ideas for shoppers on a budget. There is a wide variety of styles available and one size may not fit all ties. Therefore
if you own many neck ties then you need to invest in functional tie clips for everyday occasions and higher end clips for formal events. Many times
tie clips are even bundled with matching cufflinks.

For further details
log on to tying-neck-tie.info

Prom season will be here before you know it
so it's important to start shopping for prom dresses now. You don't want to be caught without the perfect dress on your special night
so here's a preview of what's available.

Sherri Hill Dresses

Designer Sherri Hill is known for her stunning evening dresses
pageant dresses
and - of course - prom dresses. Color
texture
and embellishment are the story this season. If you want to be the belle of the ball
look for her stunning ball gown in aqua and turquoise
with an overlay of gold layered tulle. The metallic glitter fabric will catch everyone's eyes
as will the oversize satin sash that cinches your waist.

Formal dresses don't have to be long
and no one knows this better than Sherri Hill. Her sleeveless baby doll mini dress is sassy with sequins covering the sweetheart bodice
and the layers of tulle are wired at the hem for an extra flourish. Available in colors ranging from black/fuchsia to pink/green
these cocktail dresses will definitely turn heads.

Less is always more
but you need to leave something to imagination. Sherri Hill offers a stunning backless gown that features twisted
shirred chiffon crisscrossing the front and back for complete coverage but that never fails to intrigue. Paired with a flowing sequined skirt replete with a train
and available in red
black
gold
or white
you're sure to be a hit.

Jovani Dresses

Prom wouldn't be prom without Jovani. Draw attention with a gorgeous dress that features a sleeveless red lace peek-a-boo bodice accented with beads and sequins
and a flowing skirt with a thigh-high slit in the front. Or opt for a turquoise long gown with sheer crisscross straps accented with beads
a sheer midriff
and a long skirt with a short train. Or even a shimmery mini that will put you in the spotlight.

Jovani is renowned for using prints and patterns
so you can always find the perfect prom dresses to fit your mood. Whether it's black and white polka dots on white with a red sash
a colorful abstract print that will flash as you dance
or a black-on-white print designed to bring out your animal instincts
you'll always be able to match your mood with your sense of style.

Celebrity Prom Dresses

If you like what you see in the movies or on the red carpets
prom is a great excuse to dress like your favorite celebrity. You can find a dress like the one Kate Hudson wore in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Charlize Theron's knockout gown at the Golden Globes, or Beyonce's show-stopping backless number.

Where to Shop

When it comes to shopping for prom dresses, you can't go wrong if you go online and find a site that specializes in fashionable formalwear. They have the best selection of styles, sizes, and price ranges, and keep you up-to-date with prom news, trends, and tips, so your big night will be one of the best nights of your life.

Bathing Suit Basics

It’s bathing suit season again and while the thought may send some women screaming and running for the hills there is hope in finding the perfect swimsuit to show off your assets.

While the right swimsuit is a vital staple in your wardrobe
it is important to remember that swimsuits are not sized like most clothing. In fact
you should try one to two sizes larger than your normal clothing size.

Even if you are hesitant to go up a size
don’t get caught up in the number. The right fit is what counts. When you find a suit that you like
lift your arms
bend over
sit down
and walk around to make sure it is not going to gather or ride up.

With so many styles of swimsuits on the market
it is important to take note of what works for your body and what does not. For example
when shopping for a tankini
make sure the stomach portion of the suit lies flat against your stomach but is not too tight. If it is too tight
your stomach will bulge causing more harm than good.

And when choosing patterns
remember that vertical stripes are more flattering than horizontal stripes. In fact
striped patterns with different sized lines look the best.

Bottoms Up

When trying on a swimsuit bottom
make sure your skin is not bulging from the waist or leg area. If it does
again
try going up a size. If the problem is still there
consider a different style bottom. In general
a bottom with a leg opening an inch below the hip bone is the most flattering.

Remember
bottoms stretch when they get wet. Make sure the bottom fits snug enough where it won’t look droopy when it’s wet. Boy shorts do not disguise hips
large bums
or large thighs – in reality they only accentuate your problem areas.

Get a Supportive and Stylish Lift

If you are looking for a top with an underwire
it should fit like your best fitting bra. The underwire should lie flat against your skin without any breast sneaking out of the bottom.

For most ladies
side cleavage is an issue. Starting at your underarm
พ of the breast should be covered. And for large busts
a halter top or an underwire top provides the best support and coverage. Halter tops with a wider band provide the most support.

When it comes to swimsuits
cleavage isn’t everything. Most women like to emphasize their bust
but over-padding is not the answer. Steer clear of large
push-up pads. The foam holds water like a sponge and tends to pull the top down resulting in a saggy look that is not attractive.

If you want to add a little extra padding to your top
choose a thin pad that looks natural. Most pads can be cut to fit any style top. To prevent the pad from slipping
insert the pads into the lining of the top or sew the pads into the top.

Finding a style for your shape

All of this swimsuit advice can be mind boggling when you are on the hunt for a swimsuit but just keep the following style tips in mind when shopping and trying on swimwear:

•Short Torsos:Vertical stripes or prints will make your body look longer.
•Long Torsos:High leglines and low necklines shorten body length. Stay away from vertical stripes.
•Hide Your Tummy:Styles that focus the eye in other places are best. Try a printed top with a solid pant. Also
try a one piece that is slimming in the torso or that will move the eyes toward the bust line. Tankinis also work great at hiding your tummy.
•Boy-Shaped Body:Look for styles that create a waist. Avoid plain suits.
•Small Chest:Bold prints and bold colors always flatter. Bandeau tops only put emphasis on small chests.
•Large Chest:Support should be your number one concern. Underwire tops will provide the best support. Halter tops
especially ones with a wide band
also provide good support. Stay away from patterns that emphasize the bust. Try a solid top with a printed bottom.
•Large Hips or Saddle Bags:Draw attention to your top half. Choose styles with vertical stripes
dark slimming colors
or with bust details. Try a solid pant with a printed top.

Swimwear Care Tips

Once you find the right swimsuit
you want to take extra special care of it. Follow these tips to keep your swimsuit ready all year long:

•Always rinse your swimsuit with regular tap water after swimming. You should hand wash your suit with a mild liquid detergent. Some “hand washing” detergents can cause colors to bleed. Mild soaps
such as Ivoryฎ
work best. Avoid all chlorine-based bleach products
spot removers
and dry cleaning. Never use bleach and never put your swimsuit in the washing machine!

•The best way to dry your suit is to lay it flat in natural air. Never put a swimsuit in the dryer or wring it out!!! Avoid putting your swimsuit away until it is completely dry. If it is stored while still wet
it could become discolored. For the same reason
avoid leaving your wet swimsuit in a bag or wrapped in a damp towel.

•When applying oil based sun tan lotions
minimize direct contact with your swimsuit. The oils naturally cause the swimsuit elastics to breakdown.

•Hot tubs and highly chlorinated water can cause your swimsuit to fade. Also
these water conditions can cause embellishments to fade or fall off of the suit. Limit your swimsuit’s exposure to hot or highly chlorinated water or wear an older suit in these conditions.

Teens are often avid shoppers when it comes to everyday clothes
but when it comes to buying a prom dress
they're often lost. Prom dresses are so different than other types of clothing that unless one has experience
they can easily buy the wrong dress and feel miserable for the entire prom evening. We've put together some great tips on buying prom dresses and other formal dresses to help you avoid common mistakes.

What's the Formal Occasion?

Consider the occasion before buying a formal dress. There are many occasions that might require formal wear such as the prom or other formal dance
wedding
Quinceanera
homecoming
cocktail party
Oscar award event
and so forth. Each occasion is unique. Consider what you will be doing during the evening out. Will you dance
dine
walk
sit
move around a lot
give a speech
sing? Consider how flexible your prom dress or formal gown should be before buying.

Styles of Prom Dresses and Formal Wear

Do research online to view all the styles of prom dresses before you shop. There are many different styles
colors
hem lengths
and shapes of prom dresses that you can easily find the one that will look great on you. Some of the styles you'll find include A-line (slimming with vertical seams and flared skirt)
ball gown (natural waist line and full skirt)
mermaid (fits tight to the body and flares at knees)
and sheath (no defined waistline and horizontal line
great for shorter people).

Prom dresses come with different types of necklines such as jewel
halter
and spaghetti straps.

To find the latest fashions and styles
check out all of the major prom dress or formal wear designers such as Jovani
Flip
Tiffany
Scala
Jessica McClintock
Alyce
and Interlude. Each year
designers are finding new unique ways to design prom dresses and make prom girls shine on their special night.

Prom Dress and Formal Wear Colors

With prom dresses
the color choices are endless. There are light colors such as light pink
yellow
white
light beige
lavender
mint green
and many others. There are darker colors such as black
silver
gold
burgundy
dark blue
and dark green. The key to finding the right color is to match the color with your skin tone
hair color
and body shape. Think about what colors usually bring the most complements when wearing your regular clothing? These are likely your best colors. They blend well with your features and make your figure look great.

Some colors make plus size women look smaller (black
bright
or dark colors) while other colors can make them look larger (light colors). The same goes for someone who wants to appear fuller figured in certain spots. Choose a color and design that look great with your particular figure. And keep in mind that what looks great on your friend might not look good on you.

With other formal dresses
such as bridesmaid dresses
homecoming dresses
Oscar dresses
and pageant dresses
you might not get to choose from a wide variety of colors. Many of these events require certain colors to blend with the decorations.

Other Things to Consider

You'll also need to shop for a prom dress or other formal gown according to your budget. Look around for great dresses within your price range from the beginning so you won't go overboard. There are many styles of dresses within all price ranges and depending on the designer
the quality can vary as well.

Give yourself plenty of time for alterations if needed
especially when buying a prom dress online. You can't try it on until you receive it
so you'll want to order early enough to get alterations done before prom if necessary. Also
consider shipping costs when buying and whether there is a guarantee.

Think ahead to how you can accessorize your prom dress or formal wear. You'll need shoes
jewelry
hose
possibly a hairpiece
a handbag
and other accessories. Be sure the color and style you choose can be easily matched with other items.

You can shop online to find prom dresses by popular designers and choose from many styles and colors. The prices are often lower also. Online formal wear shops usually offer formal dresses for all occasions including evening dresses
summer dresses
prom dresses
homecoming dresses
and many others. Start looking early so you can secure the prom dress of your dreams.

How many times have you been out and seen a unique t-shirt that you
really like a t-shirt with a naughty or humorous one liner
you instantly
wish that you had a similar t-shirt. However there are not many shops
around from where you can purchase these t-shirts. This is where
TexsTees comes into the picture. TexsTees has a huge variety of t-shirts with
captions for all boys aswell as girls. All the t-shirts are available
in various colors
with the deisngs offered in a range of colours . All
the t-shirts are reasonably priced at around ฃ13 on average each. The
price does not include the delivery costs. You will be bewildered at the
various t-shirt available for sale. There are t-shirts with unique
captions
humorous captions
naughty one liners and even adult captions.
For adult caption t-shirts the site notifies you that you should declare
that your age is more than 18 years.

If you want to a purchase a t-shirt you simply place your order and
register. You must register so that you can be informed when the t-shirt
is dispatched and for any queries you may have (Your details will never
be passed to 3rd parties). You can even but the t-shirts as a gift
for your girlfriend or boyfriend. Your partner is sure to be impressed
with this unique gift. You can simply enter the address to where the
t-shirt is to be delivered. You can make payment by credit card. Once the
site receives the payment
the order is dispatched within 24 hours. The
t-shirt may then reach the address within a few days
depending on the
location of the addressee
but you can track your order all the way.


You also have the option of canceling your order as long as your order
has not yet been processed. The site ensures that goods delivered are
of the highest quality
however if ever you receive a torn or worn
t-shirt you can simply send it back to get a free replacement. TexsTees has
a secure socket layer encryption so that no personal information is
passed to anyone else. Hence all your details like address and credit
card number are kept confidential.

The print of design or caption on the t-shirt does not fade even when
you wash it. However care should be taken to not iron the printed part
of the t-shirt. TexsTees uses three kinds of printing methods and these
are plot printing
digital printing and offset printing. Plot printing
is done in almost all t-shirts while offset printing is done only for
bulk orders as it is high quality printing.

In ancient times
survival depended on sheer agricultural and hunting skills
and the primitive man quickly discovered how to exploit nature’s offerings.

In order to survive the harsh winters
our ancestors processed the fur and skin of the animals they hunted into clothing. Realizing that their prey had much more to offer than plain meat
the primitive man began taming and growing animals around his household and specialized in manufacturing durable
reliable clothes from animal skins and furs.

Leather was lighter
stronger than fur
and it proved to be very suitable for clothing. Processing leather
however
took a lot of time and skill. First
the hide of the animal had to be properly cured
skinned
cleaned and dried. After curing
leather was treated with salts for preservation and sent to a tannery for further processing.

As leather obtained from wild animals
cattle or pigs proved to be very strong and compact
it started to be used for creating body armor
boots
saddles
hunting accessories and even weapons
such as slings or bows. Water-resistant leather was used for creating roofs
tent coverings or recipients and containers such as bottles or buckets. The mighty Vikings even covered their boats in leather.

In antiquity
leather was also a suitable replacement for papyrus or paper
as it proved to be a good writing surface.

Finer leather obtained from ostrich
lizard
alligator or shark skin was processed into more luxurious clothing and commercialized.

Nowadays
the process of tanning is completely automated and industrialized. However
despite the advanced technology available
tanneries mainly use the same techniques that were used in the past. Although considerably enhanced
the modern methods of processing leather into clothing
shoes or other accessories rely on the wisdom
knowledge and craftsmanship of the ancestors.

Depending on the type of skin
modern tanneries use three different techniques of tanning. Vegetable tanning is the oldest method and it uses some of the ancient ingredients for leather processing. This method requires a lot of time
but the leather produced is very strong and durable. Also
it is water-resistant
and suitable for fabricating shoes
boots or coats.

A more specialized tanning method consists in dipping the leather in animal fat and fish oil after it has been cured and dried. The oil is absorbed into the hide and the result is a soft
pliable material that preserves its qualities in any conditions.

The third method
and also the quickest
consists in treating the skin with mineral salts. High quality leather can be obtained through this kind of tanning in only a few hours or days.

Leather was once an important factor in the struggle for survival. In modern society
however
it has become a commodity and it not only serves for practical purposes
but also for aesthetical ones. Luxurious leather clothing or accessories such as gloves
shoes
luggage
coats
are very fashionable and highly requested.

Youngsters can size up the back-to-school shopping trend in three words: Wear It Now.

Teens and preteens are looking for the immediate shopping gratification of purchasing clothing they can wear right now. "A good idea for parents is to split the back-to-school budget into summer and fall shopping trips
suggests T.J. Maxx Fashion Spokesperson Laura McDowell.
Stock up on the trends for warmer weather now and then later add the sweaters
sweatshirts and other heavier items as the weather changes."

The layered look is absolutely the top fashion statement. Start with lace camies and add dress-length shirts
deep V-neck sweaters and hoodies. You'll be seeing up to three layers of various textures and pieces.

In August and September
gals will want to start with a tank or lace camisole and build upon the layering effect with the season's hottest new favorite-the tunic. Tunics elongate the overall ensemble
with many ranging in length from 26 to 34 inches. Look for polka dots
florals and solids in muted shades such as gray
brown
olive and black. Tunics can be tank tops
short sleeved or long sleeved; the key is their length.

When it comes to bottoms
the long shorts will certainly continue to be a popular choice in early fall.

Other top choices for back to school are skinny leg jeans in darker washes
pencil skirts and leggings.

Tops will play an integral role in back-to-school fashions. Hooded fleece jackets and cropped hoodies for layering
as well as sweaters (oversized "boyfriend" knits in solids and stripes)
all make the scene. The long cardigan
turtleneck
cowl neck and deep V necks are all perfect layering pieces.

As the gals enjoy layering-especially in a muted palette of color-guys seek urban and camo pieces. Again the colors are basic-camouflage green
olive
deep brown
black and gray. Hooded sweatshirts are still a favorite
but nonhooded zip-up jackets also make a statement. Jeans are both plain and embellished in a variety of washes. Logo tee shirts with screens and messages are top must-haves as well.

It is well known that the feminine shape varies a great deal. History tells us that it has always been so!

Throughout the ages
what's been fashionable for the shape of the feminine body has gone from one extreme to the other. However
the charming feminine body has always been subject to what happens to be covering it and history shows us that it's been covered in many different ways. Also
different parts of the feminine form have been intensified
obscured
reduced
increased by the style of the current fashionable adornments.


We've witnessed some unimaginable extremes
from devices that required a small army to coerce the unlucky fashion victim into
to the flimsiest
most whimsical mere flutter of a garment. Let's take a look back in time at how sexy lingerie has developed and how it got to where it is today.

First of all
let's get some terminology sorted out. Thanks to the world's most amorous language
we now almost always refer to feminine 'underwear' as 'lingerie' - unless we're being derogatory in which case
depending on where you reside
you can fill in the blanks!

When we (at least us of the male persuasion) think of lingerie
we think of a flimsy material embellishing the feminine body in a way that gives us a hint of the delights that lie underneath. But the 'first' lingerie
probably from one of the Ancient Greek islands
was far different. These captivating Greek women used a boned corset fitted tightly around the midriff
not for support or even for a 'slimming' effect
but to attract their men by showing their thrusting breasts in a most conspicuous way. Probably not what we would call lingerie today but with much the same desired effect.

As time rolled on
the feminine form took on new 'perfect' shapes dependant on the in thing. As each 'perfect' form emerged
adornments were designed and brought out to embellish and accentuate that desired shape. The culture of the society dictated whether the breasts
the bottom or both would be highlighted and revered. You could argue that nothing much has changed!

During Medieval times it was thought that the natural form and shape of a woman should be constricted and that the breasts should be firm and small. This state of affairs was probably fine for those built naturally that way but perhaps not so good for those of a more ample construction. Many different sorts of corset were worn with the single purpose of flattening the breasts and/or the bottom. It has been said that
in order to draw attention to that part of the anatomy that shouldn't draw attention
some women wore tinkling bells around their neck to remind the men folk of the delights that still lay beneath.

The 'modern' corset is attributed to Catherine de M้dicis
wife of King Henri II of France. She enforced a ban on broad waists at court attendance during the 1550s and had a questionable effect on women for the next 350 years.

The Renaissance saw another change in the preferred feminine shape. Women now required cone shaped breasts
flat stomachs and slim waists. In order to realize this look
they also needed to employ maids or family members to dress them because the cinching up of their corsets was done from behind and required much effort.

Due to this unnatural method of acquiring 'perfection'
Doctors and other notaries made the case that these corsets confined women's bodies so tightly that their internal organs were being damaged and their ribs were being permanently misshapen. Around that time it was common for women to blackout or fall into a swoon. This was usually put down to their delicate nature but
in fact
it was because they simply found it very hard to breathe! There are many accounts of women dying because of fatal punctures to vital organs due to this practice.

In the early 18th century the whalebone corset still kept women tightly bound but the artistry that reflected the times was painstakingly incorporated into clothing and the corsets were decorated with charming ribbons
lace and embroidery. A part of this lightening up was the fact that it became fashionable for the breasts to be pushed upwards to the point of almost popping out.

Towards the end of the 18th century the corset was being worn by gentry
the burgeoning middle class and even by nuns in convents. It was often proudly displayed by its wearer because it was a visible outer item of clothing at that time. In itself it was an object of beauty and ornamentation and its display was part of social courtesy.

However
as people became more educated and aware
they started to question and critique many things including art
politics and
you guessed it
in thing. Backed up by professional people like doctors
public opinion became such that boned corsets were actually outlawed in many countries.

By the early 19th century
a much softer approach to the feminine shape became popular. The in thing still required the support that the old corset had given so it returned with more elaborate methods of construction. Boning was still used in small sections which allowed for better and more comfortable movement.

The in thing at the time was for a more separated look for breasts and a corsetiere by the name of M Leroy (who designed the wedding corset for Marie Luise of Austria when she married Napoleon Bonaparte in 1810) designed a model which he called a 'divorce'
allegedly because of the 'separation' involved. The most significant aspect of this perhaps
was the fact that women were able to dress and undress themselves due to more elaborate lacing methods.

During the 1840s the extremely exaggerated shape for women caused whalebone to make a comeback with huge hoops and crinolines that were covered with all kinds of fabric and fineries. Unfortunately for women
it became the in thing to have waists small enough for a man to put his hands around and the need for even harder waist-cinching became the feminine nightmare of the day.

It wasn't long before hoops and crinolines were replaced by the soft 'S' silhouette. This style still used the corset but added a bustle to the back creating an exaggerated posterior. Once again it was the women who had to suffer for in thing
needing to stand most of the time due to the cumbersome bustle on their posteriors. Obviously men found this appealing because it gave them more opportunities to stare at the sexy women with their large bustles.

As more innovation came to in thing design
greater varieties of corsets were brought out. During the morning
a lady could wear a lightly-boned corset for promenading
an elastic corset for riding sidesaddle
a boneless corset for a trip to the beach and a jersey corset for riding her penny farthing. The corsetry industry was in its heyday!

Towards the end of the 19th century the corset supported not only the breasts but also the newly developed stocking. Stockings were held up by garters and suspenders which were then attached to the corset. These devices
although a triumph of design
probably added yet another frustrating dimension to the in thing-conscious feminine of the day.

By the beginning of the 20th century
corsets were being laced down as far as the knee. But many people didn't like that style
and in thing designers were leaning towards an uncorseted
more free-flowing style. Sexy lingerie was about to take a whole new dimension. With the advent of the industrial revolution
and the introduction of the sewing machine
Germany and France opened the first corset factories.

In 1910 New York socialite Mary Phelps Jacob brought out a new type of brassiere. Not satisfied with the corset stiffened with whalebone which she was meant to wear under a new sheer evening gown
Mary worked with her maid to stitch two silk handkerchiefs together with some pink ribbon and cord. It was much softer and shorter than a corset and it allowed the breasts to be shaped in their natural condition.

Mary Phelps Jacob was the first person to patent an item of underwear named 'Brassiere'
the name derived from the old French word for 'upper arm'. shortly after
she sold the brassiere patent to the Warner Brothers Corset Company in Bridgeport
Connecticut
for $1
500
(over $25
600
today).

In 1917 the United States War Industries Board asked women to stop buying corsets to free up metal for the production of war materials. This step released some 28
0
tons of metal
sufficient to build two battleships.

Allegedly the success of the brassiere is due primarily to The Great War. The Great War changed gender roles forever
putting many women to work in factories and wearing uniforms for the first time. Women needed practical
comfortable undergarments. Warner went on to rake in more than 15 dollars from the brassiere patent over the next thirty years.

The other thing to consider in the downfall of the corset was that The Great War had taken its toll on the number of men. This meant more competition for finding a man so women needed to look their sexiest!

With the Roaring Twenties and its sophisticated parties
in thing was turned on its head
the boyish look was in. The pursual of flat chests and stomachs along with straight hips and buttocks led to the creation of the liberty bodice
the chemise
and bloomers which were loose-fitting and light. For the first time pastel-colored underwear appeared to replace plain old-fashioned white. To enhance the boyish look the first brassieres were designed to flatten the breasts. What happened to the corset? The posterior part that held up the stockings was shortened and became the suspender belt.

The full-figured look came back in the 1930s. The feminine look once again became the in thing. Women were encouraged to look well-proportioned with a full-figure while remaining fairly slim in the hips. Now women had a full set of underwear to help with the image: breast-enhancing brassieres
elastic suspender belts
not forgetting the girdle
which kept all the curves in their designated place.

The 1930s also saw one of the biggest advancements in the underwear industry when the Dunlop Rubber company developed Lastex
an elastic
two-way stretch textile made from the fine thread of a chemically modified rubber called Latex. This could be interwoven with fabric which allowed the industry to make underwear in a multitude of sizes to appropriately fit a woman's body.

The arrival of World War II and its shortages meant that Germany was unable to import the fabrics they had used before then and their industry failed. Forever inventive
people started making underwear knitted at home out of materials to hand. Not the sexiest of lingerie but at least they kept warm.

After the war underwear consisted of basic brassieres and suspender belts. This was acceptable to many women but the teenage girl
just coming out of the hardship of the war years
became a target market. These young women couldn't wait to blossom into women and wearing lingerie was a fantastic step towards achieving that goal. The German underwear industry brought out lingerie sets that appealed to these young girls and the industry never looked back.

In the U.S.
the underwear industry was trying to create something new and cutting edge. Women were bombarded with all kinds of undergarments and top clothing to help them look sexy. The film producer Howard Hughes brought out a new brassiere
a special wire-reinforced design for Jane Russell. This caused the censors throw a tantrum about miss Russell's breasts being blatantly exposed all because of Hughes' terrifically innovative brassiere improvements.

The 1960s was a bad decade for the underwear industry thanks to the rise of women's emancipation movements. Feminists burned their brassieres and many lingerie manufacturers were forced out of business. However Lycra had just been developed and women began to wear tight-fitting leggings. The iconic in thing item of that decade however
was arguably the sexy little mini-skirt and the demand for bikini briefs. Famously
for a scant moment in time
topless swimsuits and topless dresses were the rage. But
unfortunately for most men and fortunately for the in thing industry
they were merely a 'flash-in-the-pan'!

The 1980s saw the wire-reinforced brassiere become the number one best seller. While these are still very popular today
the best seller at the moment is the push-up bra. Statistically the average woman from the USA owns six brassieres
one of which is a strapless bra and one is a color other than white.

The modern feminine shape varies and is not as susceptible to fashion trends as in previously. However
the charming sex will always looks breathtaking in sexy
slinky lingerie!

So
there we are. From the push-up corsets of ancient Greece to the push-up brassiere of today. Sexy lingerie? Nothing ever really changes!

Art can be a means of reconstructing experiences
communicating emotions or echoing the sentiments of individuals or the masses. From the ancient to the modern
artistic works have run the table from simple observations on life to biting social commentary. The growing segment of contemporary artists who bravely showcase their displeasure with the current state of affairs using creation as an inspiration for positive social change are turning up in the strangest of places
even the world of fashion.

While the fashion industry is often viewed as an institution of pretentiousness
demand is still the driving force behind the successes and failures of it's resident elite. Just as consumability regularly forces the hand of design
or rather post runway re-design
growing discontentment and the desire to express the need for a higher social conscience is driving the union between revolutionary art and clothing.

The fashion world is not unlike the music industry
where most are willingly force fed the flavor du jour while a much smaller segment of others will seek out what suits their individual tastes. Shopping mall entrenched retailers are the "contemporary hits" formatted radio stations of the fashion world
where the top ten play list is decided on long before anyone has a chance to consider the merit of the work for themselves. Individualism in society is testing the boundaries of this formula and the effect can be seen in the increased demand for apparel that not only separates itself esthetically
but progressively as well. As more segments of society begin to understand the power of clothing as a mechanism of expression
the natural merger between avant-garde art and fashion will continue to grow. With a great multitude of artists continuing to communicate the need for changes in the way we view ourselves
our relationships with each other and the environment we live in
it seems only natural that the canvas of the human body is next in line as the foremost bearer of this message.

It is not that hard to choose the proper wedding attire to wear when going to a wedding. Most of us exert a lot of effort to look our best when going out
and going to a wedding is not any different from that. As some people would say it
just look better than your best when attending someoneโ€™s wedding.

The Clues Are on the Invitation

A question that may come to mind when choosing what wedding attire to wear is exactly that: What should you wear to a wedding? The answer to your question lies on the wedding invitation itself. If the wedding invitation you have in your hand is embossed and engraved and talks in a very formal language
it only goes to show that the wedding is a formal event. However
if the invitation is casually presented and written
it means that the wedding is a more casual and intimate affair.

Another clue that will help you decide what wedding attire to deck yourself in when you show up at a wedding is the venue of the wedding. Church weddings with reception at a fancy restaurant always call for dressier wedding attire. If it is a wedding at a beach or a destination wedding
it is perfectly acceptable to wear something more laid back.

Daytime or Evening?

Perhaps a more important clue that you should pay attention to in deciding what wedding attire to wear is the time of the wedding. It spells a huge difference if the wedding is going to be held during the daytime or at night.

For daytime weddings
you do not need to show up in formal wedding attire. It still depends on the degree of the formality of the wedding
but you can get away with wearing a suit in light colors or a stylish pastel dress. You can also choose a skirt-and-blouse outfit as long as it looks sleek and smart. Always go for light-colored clothes for daytime weddings and stay away from wearing black.

As for evening weddings
formal wedding attire is usually the required dress code
but that still depends on whether the wedding is black-tie optional or strictly black tie. If the event is just black-tie optional
you can wear a dark suit or a cocktail dress.

With strictly black tie weddings
the appropriate wedding attire is a formal ball gown. This is your chance to show off your style by wearing a floor-length evening dress
fancy evening wraps or shawls and formal jewelry. Your makeup should be a little more heavy and dramatic than how you usually wear it. Make sure
however that the wedding attire that you will get is something that fits well and feels comfortable for you. You can only pull off a formal look if you are comfortable in it. Besides
formal evening weddings call for a lot of dancing.

Inappropriate Wedding Attire

When it comes to choosing the proper wedding attire
there are literally thousands of dresses and suits that you can choose from when you shop. But no matter how pretty a dress or suit is
you should not buy it if:

* It is white. White is a color that only the bride should wear at a wedding. Do not wear white to a wedding
whether it is daytime or evening.
* Denims are a huge no-no
even in casual weddings.
* Wear something modest and subdued. The bride is the star of the wedding and it is in very bad form if you show up in wedding attire that is flashier than the brideโ€™s wedding gown. Also
if your dress is sleeveless or strapless
you should cover your shoulders with a jacket or a wrap.

Always look your best in the proper wedding attire when you come to a wedding.

It seems only fitting
say many women
that if a size 14 was the best-selling women's size in 2005
stores should feature more stylish
contemporary clothing for the full-figured customer.

That's not what women have found in the past. While department stores carry a vast range of brands
many plus-size women feel these departments are hard to find and do not offer an extensive selection of merchandise
and they are tired of poor service. Some women have relied on the Internet for a wider range of fashions
but buying without trying on can be a hassle-not to mention trying to return an online purchase.

Fortunately
full-figured women no longer have to search for decent plus-size fashions or deal with the poor service that often accompanies such purchases. A new plus-size boutique concept with a warm and inviting atmosphere has been designed to make the shopping experience more satisfying.

Liz Claiborne Inc.
the first company to create a line of clothing dedicated exclusively to the fit and fashion needs of women sizes 14 to 24
now offers several of the company's most sought-after plus-size brands and accessories all under one roof within 30 Elisabeth boutiques across the country.

The boutiques offer the signature classic style of Elisabeth
the lifestyle looks of Liz Claiborne Woman and the at-ease elegance of Emma James
along with the sophistication and elegance of Dana Buchman and Ellen Tracy
as well as the vivid color of Sigrid Olsen-all in one destination.

Fashion experts agree that friendly
knowledgeable sales associates
a wide variety of lifestyle
career
casual clothing and accessories and the much-searched-for plus-petite offerings are key ingredients to making shopping a pleasurable experience for plus-size customers.

"I think plus-size women will shop more frequently if they feel that their needs are being met. And the shopping experience is always more exciting when there are more options and choices. This whole idea of a mini-department store in one beautiful boutique
like the Elisabeth boutique
is a truly novel concept
says style expert Susan Redstone.

Most girls and women love to wear dresses. Wearing a dress makes a woman feel feminine in a way that she cannot feel wearing any other item of clothing. Women search for the right dress to wear to every party and event of their lives. There is
however
no dress more important to a woman than the dress she wears on her wedding day. These days many women are foregoing the hassle of shopping for the perfect gown and opting for having someone make a dress specifically for them. Making your own wedding dress or having it made for you can be a great way to get the gown you love. If you choose to go this route
the single most important thing you need to be concerned with is the dress pattern.

Every woman wants her wedding dress to fit her like a glove and to reflect the uniqueness of her personality and style. She wants to feel more beautiful on her wedding day than on any other day of her life. And she should. Brides to be should take their time and consider carefully the perfect dress pattern for their special day.

In determining the perfect dress pattern for you
consider a few basic things. What time of the year are you having your wedding and what will the weather be like at that time of the year? Your dress pattern will vary considerably based on these things. A long sleeved pattern may be appropriate for cold winter months but you will most likely prefer a short sleeved or sleeveless pattern for warmer weather. Finding a dress pattern that is season and weather appropriate is important.

Once you have narrowed down potential dress patterns based on weather you can begin to narrow your options even further by taking time to consider your personal style. Any dress pattern you choose should be a reflection of who you are. Women who never wear ruffles or lace will want to avoid a dress pattern that is filled with those things. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to feel uncomfortable in the dress you have chosen
so take your time and find a great pattern. A third thing to consider when finding a perfect dress pattern is the style of your wedding ceremony and reception. If you are planning to have a very formal evening wedding you should choose a dress pattern accordingly. If
however
you are planning to marry in an informal morning wedding you can choose a less formal dress pattern.

Deciding to go with a handmade dress can be the perfect way to ensure you end up with the unique wedding gown of your dreams. Choosing the right dress pattern is the first step to making your dream dress come true.

Perhaps she first caught your eye dressed in SCA garb
or maybe he looked dashing in his SCA armor. It could be that you were both wearing Renaissance costumes and enjoying a stroll through your local Faire when he captured your heart. Since then
time has passed and you're ready to tie the knot. If you're a fan of olden times
perhaps you're thinking of having a medieval wedding.

If so
you're not alone. More couples than ever are celebrating the beginning of their life together in full Renaissance costumes. And even the guests are getting in on the act
playing their parts and dressing in period garb. If your nuptials will have a medieval flair
you need the proper clothing and accessories. Here are some guidelines to get you started.

For Him

One of the most romantic looks for the groom is a cotton lace-up wedding shirt. For extra elegance
look for a shirt with rows of tiny tucks going down the sleeves and below the lace-up front. The shirts usually come in natural
black
and white
so he can wear the color appropriate to the season and time of day of your wedding. If he prefers a button front or you want a greater selection of colors
you can find a wedding shirt replete with tiny tucks that has three buttons going down the neckline. These shirts are often available in navy
grey
brown
mustard
teal
plum
wine
and forest green - one of which is sure to go with your wedding color scheme.

As for pants
depending on the season and time of day
you can opt for long twill breeches or knee-length twill breeches. The former are baggy
and usually feature both a button front and a drawstring at the waist
as well as drawstring cuffs. As the name implies
knee-length twill breeches have cuffs that tie just below the knee. You can typically buy them in a wide variety of colors
such as royal blue
tan
black
burgundy
or forest green.

For Her

For the Renaissance bride
it starts with the chemise. There are a wide variety of styles from which to choose
but one that's popular features sheer fabric that has demi sleeves and a sweetheart rose at the center of the neckline. For a more formal touch
there are chemises that feature extraordinarily long
hanging sheer sleeves and a gathered neckline. Similarly
a chemise with metallic gold trim at the square neckline is eye-catching.

As for your gown
you can go with something as simple as a cotton twill surcoat or as ornate as an Irish dress with a fleur-de-lis brocade bodice. You may even want to create your own gown; if so
there are numerous patterns from which you can choose.

For Both of You

If you're planning a medieval wedding
you'll also need the proper accessories. Dragons symbolize passion
monogamy
and love
so incorporating dragons into the ceremony or reception is wonderfully appropriate. Perhaps you'd like to wear a dragon double heart pendant
or you would like to use two dragon goblets for your toast.

If you're having a traditional ceremony
you'll most likely need handfasting cords
which will be used to bind you and your beloved's hands together with each promise you make to one another.

With the right planning
there are many ways to incorporate Renaissance themes and costumes into your special day. Celebrate with gusto!

The style of neckline holds the dress it in its proper place and provides support to it. It can be either with straps
strapless
halter
etc. Whole sole decision regarding it is yours. If straps are the choice
then again it can be of tank top style or thin spaghetti strap. Strap is a piece of material that goes over the shoulder and supports a dress.

Thin spaghetti strap is the choice of many due to its womanly pattern. It possesses an exquisite quality of revealing shoulders
arms and d้colletage. It is so lightweight that a woman does not even feel its presence on the body. The exclusive wrapping pattern of spaghetti straps is its enamoring quality. There is a trivia about spaghetti straps i.e.
it is named so due to its resemblance to the pasta. But unluckily this fun and flirty thin shoulder style has the shortcoming of not enhancing busty women. It is not their style
as it gives protruding shape to them
thus looks awkward. They should either opt for cap sleeves
off the shoulder or strapless. Thin spaghetti strap is for skinny women having thin shoulders and shapely arms. If you fit in this criterion then thin strap is there to emphasize you.

This style also creates problem when worn with bra. Straps of bra are wider than them and will end up showing off your bra straps
which looks very weird. There are solutions to overcome it. For instance
do not wear bra with them but it is not a comfortable option for all. Another option is to wear strapless or adhesive bras with them. It will not be seen under them
but it also has a problem
as they do not provide the same amount of support. Mainly it troubles large bust size women. At last came a very strong solution
which has solved the problem of petite and full figure women both i.e.
built in bra. Spaghetti straps dresses starts coming with built in bra
which is an appropriate solution to it. But spaghetti straps dresses do not require bras with lingeries because they do not require any kind of support. Some have in built bras but many do not have need of.

Spaghetti straps dresses are perfect to be worn in parties
weddings
prom
ball
cocktail
etc. These are very adjustable in nature and can be tightened and loosed quite often as per the convenience. Regardless of so many distinguishing attributes of spaghetti straps dresses they are considered indecent in some institutions on the grounds of modesty. Spaghetti strap and other bare shouldered dresses are banned there. But this entire thing also could not lessen craze for them.

Enjoy the flavor of these dresses in summers as they impart much movement to body and less strap irritation. A style that gives a complete feminine feeling.

Fashion has enjoyed
and often later lamented
it's synergistic bond with the art world over the last century. From the Cubist motifs of Art Deco era dress to the Minimalist expression that exposed itself in clothing two decades after the movement ended
art and fashion have proven themselves to be less strange bedfellows and more passionate lovers who occasionally don't get along. Whether art or fashion serves as the catalyst is of note
as fashion driven by art is almost always inspired while the alternative brings to mind the late 70's/early 80's Patrick Nagel atrocities which still somehow manage to find wall space in the instant time warp of style deprived neighborhood hair salons everywhere.

Enter the modern era
where art defies the conventions of labeling and boundaries have been distorted to the brink of extinction. What fashion borrows from art today is anything but derivative and often direct. As the art world has expanded
so has the fashion industry. The inclusion of avant garde art into the realm of acceptability as a fashion influence has nothing to do with consumerism and everything to do with the demand for personalization of the elements that the art itself is comprised of. From social commentary to the current political landscape
passions expressed in art are finding their way into the wardrobes of the disenfranchised. What was once born in the back of the mind and realized in an artistic medium can now be worn on the back of a shirt. Never before have options for self expression been so poignant
piercing and available.

Fashion itself has served as a canvas of purpose for thousands of years. From the finely gilded armor of crusaders long deceased to the red or blue handkerchiefs that indicate gang affiliation today
fashion has expressed every sentiment known to man
yet none so convincingly as conflict. Perhaps the expressions against complacency that are evident in art are making their way into the world of fashion in preparation for another conflict of sorts
one in which individuals are railing against the societal injustices and political malfeasance of the day.

Like many people I know
I used to have a semi-serious aversion to leather jackets. I'm not sure why really
I just grew up not liking the look of a leather jacket or the look of almost anyone that wore a leather jacket. All that changed recently
however
when I decided to get a motorcycle.

As much as I had always hated the look of a leather jacket
I had still always wanted to get a motorcycle. It seems like a contradiction
and I guess it was. Anyway
the opportunity to buy a used motorcycle recently fell into my lap and I took up the offer. I knew that having a motorcyle would change a lot more than just the way I got to work. It took me only a few days of owning a motorcycle and a few conversations with friends to realize that I really did need a leather jacket for my new ride.

I needed a new leather jacket they said
not just because every motorcyclist should have one
but also because a leather jacket is the safest thing to wear in case of an accident. I got thinking about having an accident on my motorcycle and that was the only form of convincing I needed before I went out and began shopping for a leather jacket of my very own. I brought a couple of more experienced friends with me who gave me their opinions of where to find the right leather jacket and how to decide what style fit me best.

I felt a little funny shopping for a leather jacket. I felt like one of the biker kids that I made fun of in high school was going to come in to the store and totally make fun of me for becoming one of them. I tried to put those thoughts behind me and just accomplish the task at hand: getting the perfect leather jacket. I must have tried on about twenty leather jackets and I carefully debated the details of each one. Decisions about purchases have never come easily for me
and buying a leather jacket was no exception.

Once I found the perfect leather jacket for my new style and my motorcycle riding needs
I got the opinions of a couple of friends for confirmation and then bought the leather jacket. I have owned my leather jacket for a few months now. I have worn it nearly every day whether I have needed it for a motorcycle ride or not. I never thought I'd become someone who really loves a leather jacket
but I fear I've fallen hopelessly into that category of people
and I love it.

You see them when watching the warriors of Braveheart racing through the glen or perhaps swirling around men's waists in TV images from the annual Highland Games. They're bright with tartan
crowned with sporran and have a dirk hanging boldly to the side. They're kilts of course
and admittedly have a certain style. But do these garments have any place in the modern world? Ask any Scotsman
and you'll find the answer is a resounding 'aye'. So what role does this wrap around garment of tartan have in today's age of designer fashion?

Firstly in today's global village
more and more people find the need to connect with their roots and find their identity. Scotsmen are spread out across the globe both as emigrants and expatriates. And wherever they are
many feel the need to find their roots and reclaim their identity.

This sense of identity can involve far more than just being Scottish
for the tartan of the kilt is also associated with Scottish clans or families. In addition
tartans can also represent districts
counties
countries
corporations
States and Provinces
or schools and universities. So the wearing of a tartan can create this sense of belonging to a long and noble tradition..

From this tradition comes a sense of pride in being Scottish and the inheritor of an unique history and culture. In fact
the kilt played a key role in the development of the forging of the identity of Scotland as a nation. Originally the garb of the Highland minority
Highland wear became the symbol of Scottish independence after the Jacobite rebellions against the prohibition of the wearing of Highland garb in 1746. While formerly it was just the highland Scots who sported the kilt
the Lowland Scots showed their rebellion against the English by donning the kilt and sporran.

There's also the simple fact that kilts just look so good. If you need any proof
just take a look at Sir Sean Connery in full Highland attire to see how distinguished the kilt wearer is. It was
another knight
Sir Colin Campbell
Brigadier-General of the Queen's 93rd 'Sutherland' Highlanders
who summed up the style and status of the kilt so perfectly in the evocative phrase
A man in a kilt is a man and a half.

So if you're ready to find your Scottish roots
take the plunge and don the kilt. You'll not only reconnect with your roots but you'll look quite distinguished in the process.

Blurt out the words “Sexy Lingerie” and images of open bust bras and crotch-less panties often come to mind! However
there is much more to sexy lingerie than this very small representation.

Sexy lingerie has the ability to transform what might be considered an average body into something more. The key to unlocking the power of lingerie is to use it to accentuate the most positive features of the woman who is wearing it.

Women would be wise to remember that men are visual creatures. By accentuating a woman’s’ most attractive features in a visually appealing way
she can count on getting a positive response from her male suitor every time.

Wearing sexy and appealing lingerie can help to boost a woman’s self-confidence in her body thus enhancing her overall attitude
presence and appearance.

Additionally
lingerie today is much more comfortable to wear than in the past. With the advancement in the popularity of lingerie has also come a very beneficial side effect known as comfort.

Newer materials and better designs focused not just on the males visual gratification
but also on the woman’s’ comfort have made it even more desirable for women to wrap themselves in a sexy and fashionable lingerie outfit.

Items such as sexy bras can make the most of any breast whether ample or petite. A sexy stretch lace baby doll can help bring the bust to the forefront and make the mid section more subdued. A sexy pair of booty shorts can help to accentuate the buttocks while a pair of sexy stockings can bring attention to that great set of legs.

Wearing beautiful
comfortable and sexy lingerie has several positive effects on the person wearing it. By making you feel sexy and sensual you will exude an air of confidence in your sexuality that can be sensed by all onlookers.

Remember
the key to wearing sexy lingerie is to focus on the most attractive parts of your body. Find the area or areas that flatter you the most and look for the right lingerie that highlights those particular areas.

Some history

In all probability
since 1400 BC Roman and Greek athletes were used to dress costumes as much similar as the modern bikinis (This is well shown on frescos and findings of that historic period).

However
proper bathing suits (swimsuits) finalized to recreation and water sport activities
date back to the end of XIX century. Of course
speaking about women swimwear
they were one-piece swimsuits aimed to hide any sinuous
female shape.

On the contrary
modern bikini swimsuits
were created and introduced in the market by the Parisian engineer Lous Reard ( the word bikini derives from an atoll of the Marshall Islands).

Naturally this innovation on women’s swimwear outfit -with naked gluteus and belly-
provoked clamour and diffidence in United States
where only in the 50’s was definitely accepted and introduced in the market.

Italian manufacturing of women’s swimwear

Nowadays
after years of experience and style
the Italian production of bathing suits covers a big part of the business representing research
offer and purchasing volumes of swimwear.

This is probably due to the great tradition
as well as in the sector of summer swimsuit fashion
also in the manufacturing development of the fashion clothing industry able to offer a trend and define fashion on a planetary level.

For a total globalization of swimsuit products
it is fundamental that those Italian Companies dedicated to the creation and development of summer swimwear
adopt advanced web technologies that will allow worldwide visibility and whole satisfaction of the sector demand.

For this purpose
Toscana Chiarugi offers experience and professionalism in the production and online sale of swimwear thanks to promotional investments and realization of a new online catalogue illustrating the whole new summer collection.

Chiarugi is a reference point on the web for swimwear and lingerie sale
being its users not only Italian but women in general
wishing to distinguish themselves by femininity and prestige.

Another score gained by the ‘made in Italy’ clothes manufacturing compared with the European and International Competition!

It is quite right to say that it is the clothes
which make a complete man. People who are naked usually do not have any influence or respect within the society. In today’s modern world
the society around us is developing in the sense that the apparel one wears
usually reflects about his or her social status. Not only woman but also men are now wearing different types of apparels for conveying social status as well as a mode of self-expression.
It was in from the year 1960
when T-shirts were being used to reflect self-expression. Earlier than that the T-shirts were much simpler and plain which now have substituted into the works of tie-dye. To write some messages on the T-shirts
screen-printing were used to have any eye-catching appearance. The T-shirts with some letters and pictures printed on it became very much popular among common people. Usually the bands used to sell the T-shirts to the fans as according to few people these funky T-shirts symbolize their identities.
Now day’s teenagers are now a bit fashion conscious about them. They usually do not hesitate to spend some pennies to try out the hottest trends of cloths. But unfortunately for the teens who are much fat than normal ones who have to struggle to get their size of cloth according to their choice. Again it’s a problem for them
that there is a very small chance of getting nice and fashionable cloths of latest trends if also they find apparel which fits well to their body.
The designers of cloths have now started to develop nice fashionable and trendy apparels for the teens
which can also be fitted comfortably in their bulky body. It has started for the reason that many manufacturers of cloths have realized that the teens of plus sized generally have much power of spending money.
The online stores of clothes all over the web has now become crowded offering trendy apparels for teens with plus size. Both plus size men and woman is provided with the opportunity to shop fashionable cloths according to their fitting size. The different apparels for buying from the web includes nice varieties of shorts
shirts
skirts
jeans and many other items. The web stores also offer some lovely creation of lacy tops and fashionable cloths for swimming.
Different types of quality fashionable apparels are being offered by many online stores. One needs to choose the best of all in accordance to their personal needs. Besides t-shirts and skirts
various fashionable cloths are also available for young woman which generally adds their beauty wearing these trendy apparels.

The t-shirts available all through the web have now become the trend to wear them along with their philosophies and beliefs which is termed as “graphic tees”. The graphic tees usually ranges from joke t-shirts
funny shirts to shirts for parties. The college kids generally prefer these graphic tees in t-shirts as it regarded the most fashionable and up to date apparels. So nobody has now any doubt regarding wearing of t-shirts with graphic tees that these are one of the apparels which expresses our personality and self expression.

The loincloth
worn thousands of years ago is likely to be the first undergarment worn by humans and it evolved into the thong over the years. Ironically
it was first worn by men in ancient times before it evolved into part of women’s lingerie in modern times. The Egyptians were one of the earliest people to wear this thong-like clothing. The earliest loincloths were made of leather and this was used until the introduction of fabric much later on. The famous King Tutankhamun was found buried with more than a hundred loincloths in his tomb.

Some people in ancient Greece
Rome and Japan also wore loincloths. In Japan
sumo wrestlers in particular are known to wear a loincloth when they are wrestling. In fact
right up to this very day
they still wear this.

In the middle ages
the loincloth was replaced by a large
loose outfit called ’braies’. This was usually made from linen and is much bigger than the loincloth. The braies is made with a covering at the front that could be buttoned or tied closed.

In modern times
historians trace the thong’s first public appearance to 1939 when New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia directed that the city's nude exotic dancers to dress more appropriately.

Fashion designer
Rudi Gernreich was credited with introducing the first modern thong back in 1974. The thong was worn for many years by exotic Brazilian dancers and was very widely worn during the festivals. These tight
tiny thongs grew in popularity during the 80s in South America and were used as swimwear at the beaches. Its popularity and influence spread to various parts of the world in the late 90s.

In the US
the sexy thong only gained wide acceptance in the 90s when exotic lingerie came into the mainstream. Today
the thong is one of the best selling styles of undergarment in the world. The size of the lingerie industry is said to be over US$2 billion a year.

The thong became so popular that there were even songs written about it. The most famous one was of course ‘The Thong Song’ by Sisqo under the Def Soul label. The Thong Song from Sisqo’s debut album ‘Unleash The Dragon’ was such a big hit that it reached number 3 on the US pop charts and sold over 4 million copies worldwide.

Besides the sexy thong
there are also many different types and variants of exotic lingerie available in the market today. Some of the different types of lingerie available include the chemise
camisole
boy shorts
bustiers
corsets
teddy and G-string.

Many designers today have come up with very flamboyant and creative designs and the thongs today are very different from the designs of yesteryears. It is extremely minimalist
erotic and chic. Many women prefer the thong to other types of lingerie because they can wear tight pants without showing the panty line. Besides being extremely sexy
the thong is also comfortable to wear. You can find out more about sexy thongs and romantic dating ideas at http://www.1sexythong.com/

Maternity clothes have gone a long way over the years. Pregnancy has been also a phase where the woman can show how sexy she can be. Today
there are variable clothes for business
formal wear
and even lingerie specifically for the pregnant woman.

Pregnany may now be equated to
“how stylish can you get!”

A problem that would occur is how much money you are willing to spend on maternity clothes. This is because it is only worn for a short period of time. Not every body is like Angelina Jolie or Katie Holmes that can sport designer clothes during pregnancy and then just stuff it back in the closet like it wasn’t that expensive.

On the brighter side of things
these celebrities show us that there are really maternity clothes that are fashionable
where you could still be yourself. Well
this is opposed to unflattering maternity pants and tent-like dresses.

Here are some solutions where you can dress like celebrity pregnant moms but still be within the budget.

1. Get your money’s worth. Select clothes that you can wear while you’re pregnant all the way to your nursing stage. Another suggestion would be buy clothes that could go well with your existing clothes that still fit.

2. Borrow. There is nothing wrong from borrowing your sister’s or aunt’s maternity clothes. Here you really save money. The problem is you just have to let their sense of style work for you.

3. Plus size rocks! Sometimes
just plus sizes of the average clothing would work for you. No need to buy special maternity clothes. Often times
plus sizes cost less than clothes meant for pregnant women.

4. Look through your husband’s clothes. This speaks for itself.

5. Look for discounts and sales. Raid the malls with sales. Visit factory outlets and yard sales to look for some cheap clothing.

Now you know where to look for the maternity clothes for at less cost. However
sometimes we really have no choice but to shop for new ones. Here are is list of steps to follow in shopping for maternity clothes.

1. Know your before pregnancy size and shop for it. Most shops base their sizes on your size before you were pregnant. This way they can estimate how big you are going to get.

2. Keyword: Stretch. Buy clothes that can stretch. These clothes would be made up of 4-10% elastin or spandex. This would ensure that the clothes will expand while you do.

3. Consider your growing belly. Thus
check the maternity clothes' cuts. There should be room for the growth of the belly.

4. Buy dresses that would flow down to your knees or lower. This is because the hem will rise when your belly gets bigger.

5. Buy more tops than bottoms. Mix and match the different tops with the bottom.

6. When trying the maternity clothes
feel how it wraps around you tummy and if the breats are comfortable.

7. Buy only two to three bras because the breasts tend to grow bigger after pregnancy.

8. Splurge on only one outfit. This one outfit can be used during special occassions when pregnant.

NOTE: It is recommended that solids are preferred over stripes and prints during pregnancy. This is because stripes and prints emphasize how large you are.

Pregnancy is not an excuse to forget about your style. Even during pregnancy
you can express yourself through your clothing. This simple guide can advance you to the road to the maternity fashion highway.

Hip Hop culture
back in the day
became very well publicized by the media because of one fresh faced kid from Pennsylvania. The public liked him because of his music and because he was so cute and funny. See if you can guess who this mystery character is from a few clues. To be knowledgeable on Hip Hop news and music of the past makes you look informed
and on the edge about all aspects of Hip Hop. So let us begin the journey into the past.

Our mystery person was born in 1968 and from an early age
loved music. Later he met up with a guy at a party in 1987 and formed group. Do you have any ideas yet as to whom it could be? The first hit title had to do with rockin at a house
and it became a hit
going gold in 1988. Hip Hop culture was really impacted when he won an MTV (Music Television) Award for Best Rap. The release that won explained who the DJ was and who rapped in the group. Later the next year it was suspected his group might not survive in the Hip Hop music world because its music was changing to more of an aggressive style and beat.

In 1989
this fresh faced kid went into another area of performing – acting. He really liked in Hollywood and being seen on TV in the US every week. At the same time
he made another record
and its title reminded you of baseball. He really had a Hip Hop hit on his hands with this one. Other hits and awards followed him for the next seven years in his career. One such summertime hit rung the bell for the Hip Hop music industry in 1991 by getting a gold and platinum award. In 1992
their jazzy group won a Best Rap Performance award too. If you cannot figure it out
just keep reading a little more … you may be surprised to find out the mystery person’s identity.

In 1996
he rode a bullet into outer space in a box office movie hit. However
in 1997
along with his getting jiggy fame
our mystery man struck the big time in movies – MIB (Men in Black). Do you know who it is? It is rapper/actor Will Smith. Smith propelled himself into star status
and both Hip Hop and Rap benefited from his talent. In 1998 in addition to having a hit movie with Enemy of the State
he was given the prestigious NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Outstanding Rap Artist Award. The awards for Hip Hop music and movies just keep coming for Will! Other awards came from the Peoples Choice Awards and the Grammy’s.

Will Smith’s role in Hip Hop gave a lot of recognition to the industry and the music of Hip Hop. Hip Hop music has changed from its early years but it is obvious Will Smith loves what he does
whether he gets jiggy with alien in a dance video
or dances as a Fresh Prince in Bel Air
he loves Hip Hop
and is a good mystery man of choice for Hip Hop.