Fashion Diamond Jewelry: November 2006 Archive

Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings Versus Real Jewelry: Making The Right Choice!

By Tracie M. Loewe
Buying a diamond engagement ring can be one of the major expenses a young man will face. Traditionally known that he should be spending two months of his income on a ring for his fiancée that is more than many men can financially handle.
When a new couple is just starting their lives together they often need to be wary of their expenditures. As for those who want the beauty of a diamond without bearing the price they should consider looking at cubic zirconia engagement rings.
Cubic zirconia engagement rings are attractive. They not only closely look like diamonds but are available only a fraction of the cost.
One can buy cubic zirconia engagement rings in several of the same settings as diamond engagement rings. Of course, if you prefer you can buy stunning cubic zirconia engagement rings with a solitaire stone. The best part is that no one will know you aren’t wearing a diamond.
When it’s time to get engaged and you start thinking about the ring realistically, first decide how much you are going to spend. Despite the fact that every groom wants to spend as much as he can on the ring of his bride’s dreams it’s not always possible.
One must remember to consider what else you could be directing that money towards. Possibly it’s a down payment towards a new home or a honeymoon. One must seriously consider a cubic zirconia, especially when the diamond engagement ring you have dreamt of is holding you back from fulfilling other dreams.
Like traditional diamond rings, cubic zirconia engagement rings can be bought in either gold or silver settings. Although gold has long been the most popular choice, many brides are now seeing the beauty and versatility of sterling silver.
If you have already browsed the cubic zirconia engagement rings at a few jewelry stores you might consider having one customized. This can be a brilliant idea for a couple who is imaginative and has a particular vision in mind for their engagement and wedding rings.
A customized engagement ring enables you to have it designed in precisely the way you like. Even the stones can be the size of your choice plus the setting and the thickness of the band. Many couples decide to have the engagement ring and their wedding bands all custom designed at the same time.
Cubic zirconia engagement rings are an reasonably priced and attractive choice for today’s couples. Keep in mind that no one will ever know that the ring you are sporting is anything but a genuine diamond.
Tracie M. Loewe provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for shopping, as well as useful buying guides and other related information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracie_M._Loewe

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Handbags A Neccessity

Handbags have been one of the necessities of life for women ever since recorded history began. It was important to have the items that one used often close at hand and articles found in a purse have ranged from ornate sewing scissors (17th century)to todays mandatory cell phone and credit cards.

Why is it that women carry their belongings around and men just have their wallets? My opinion is that the need to carry something to hold goods is a fundamental need rooted in the biology of females. Who is the main caregiver of the family from prehistory to the present? Yes, I know that traditional roles are gradually evolving but what person in the "traditional" family is the most responsible for taking care of everyone? In most cases, it it the woman who gets people organized and make sure everyone has whatever they need.
Biologically speaking, the female of our species takes care of her offspring and makes sure that all needs will be taken care of once the home is left. I believe that this has evolved into women carrying all that they need and what everyone else could possibly want in their handbag. To illustrate - when you go out with a male friend do you ask him for tissues, pen, or paper? No - you ask another female. Another nuturer is more likely to have some basic necessities than a male.

Am I saying that there is a basic "purse carrying" gene? No - what I am saying is that, biologically speaking, females are the caregivers of the world and have always had this role thrust upon them since the beginning of Homo sapiens. It is our destiny (both physically and psychologically) to make sure that the world is in order. We can't handle the entire planet but we do our best to organize our own particular sphere! Our "caregiving" instincts are attuned to others and, if we fight this destiny, there is a feeling of things not being "quite right" around us. So enjoy carrying your handbag and know that you are making the global community a better place for all!

http://www.handbags-manufacturers.com

About the author:
Yogesh Content Writer


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Handbags A Bless

I need a new purse. Funny, how purses make me think of my grandmother and her sister, my great aunt. They called them handbags. Does anyone call them handbags anymore? Maybe your aunt does.

Handbags or purses or whatever you call them, that’s fine with me. I usually have only one at a time that I’m using. I tend toward basic neutral colors like black or brown. Sometimes I will buy a cream colored purse, but they get so dirty! I’m not worried about carrying my black handbag in July. I’m not trying to impress anyone. I just need a place to put my billfold, my brush, my lipstick, notebook and pen and stuff.

For some women, though, handbags are like shoes. They can never have too many of them. Some women have to have a different one for almost every outfit. It can be done, and easily, too. There are purses made from every sort of material imaginable to match anything you may wear from the most casual to the most formal outfit.

Blue jeans. You can find bags made out of blue jean material. Yes, it’s cute I suppose. I actually had one like that in high school. They’re sturdy and you don’t worry too much about how dirty they get. They were really popular in the 60’s and 70’s. They’re still around, too. So are canvas bags. In fact, some of those canvas grocery bags are just fine as everyday casual purses. Or you can go pay designer prices for something a little nicer. You can find a purse made out of all kinds of fabrics in many different designs to match your wardrobe.

Of course, leather is a standard for handbags. Leather can be dyed and decorated in a hundred different ways. If you don’t believe me, go to your local shopping mall and look around. They’re pink and purple and green! They have bows and sequins and designs of all kinds. Leather purses can be small and elegant or they can be large and functional. They do last a long time.

It’s up to you. You can collect handbags. When you’re done with them, if they’re still in decent shape, give them to Goodwill or your favorite charity. Someone else will be grateful for just one.

http://www.nonwovenbags.info

About the author:
Yogesh Content Writer


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posted by atk_ars at 8:50 AM 0 comments

Looking into a necklace

An ornament around the neck, the necklace is a visible representation of the individual.
You notice their necklace, and if you’re curious, you wonder if they wear it for decoration or sentimental value.

In elementary school, one of the popular trends of my former female classmates was sharing a friendship necklace with a best friend at school. This entailed two necklaces splitting a heart, with the left side titled “best,” and the right side of the heart saying “friend.” Of course, this popular trend made it difficult to distinguish who a classmate’s best friend was, but back in elementary school, it was basically just trendy to be spotted wearing the “cool” best friend necklace.

My elementary school days have long passed, and so has the desire for a friendship necklace. Over the years I would value wearing various necklaces for the sake of style and beauty, but eventually outgrew them as time wore on. There is one necklace that I have kept, given many years ago from my grandmother; a thin gold chain holding a kava bowl. Because of those things that I value now, I still wear this necklace because it displays what I am very passionate about; family and identity.

For the many reasons that individuals value their own personal treasures, I would like to share why I value this special necklace. Hopefully, you will be able to identify what your treasures are, whether they are displayed on a necklace or exhibited in another way.

Family value: My grandmother lives thousands of miles away from me and I have not seen or talked to her in four years. Wearing the necklace given to me by my grandmother is a sentimental reminder of a far-away loved one. When she gave it to me, she enlightened me of its importance. She advised me it was a necklace passed down from her ancestors, and that I was to preserve it and pass it on to future generations.

The visits with my grandmother are rare, but wearing the gold necklace on a special occasion helps remind me not only of my grandmother, but my whole family, the most important people in my life.

Cultural value: As mentioned before, the necklace is a gold chain holding a small kava bowl. The kava bowl symbolizes a cultural tradition shared in the South pacific islands. The drink, typically celebrated in a formal ceremony or with an intimate group, is ingested with the intent to provide a calm sensation to the body.

The tradition of drinking kava holds respect to an ancient tradition and is one of many expressions of the Polynesian culture, an identity in which I derive from. Although I was not raised on the islands, I am very aware and proud of my roots and delight in the continual learning of my heritage.

These two values are all encompassed in my kava bowl necklace, a jewelry piece that I beautifully display around my neck. Overall, necklaces are personal expressions of an individual’s passions and interests. For exquisite beauty or to display a family keepsake, wear your special necklace to help you reflect on your personal treasures in life.


About the author:
Harris Michael Jewelry's necklace selection also extends into the religious jewelry and jewelry sets. For more information visit http://www.harrismichaeljewelry.com/necklace.html




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posted by atk_ars at 8:50 AM 0 comments

T-Shirts Are Everywhere Saying Everything

I am sitting in the food court of a very busy shopping mall on a Saturday with a pad of paper. What am I doing? Counting how many people are wearing t-shirts, what kind of t-shirt they're wearing, and about how old they are. This is my 4th Saturday conducting this survey at 4 different malls.

Before I began doing this "t-shirt survey" at the malls here in Dallas, I was expecting about 30-35% of the people would be wearing a t-shirt. Was I ever wrong. I had no idea just how popular t-shirts actually are.

First, who is wearing t-shirts? I counted a total of about 4,000 people over 4 weeks in this survey. In total, about 60-65% were wearing t-shirts - twice my expectations! There was a variance in the age groups. For those under 25-years-old, about 80-85% wore t-shirts. For those 25 to 40 years old, about 60% wore t-shirts. And, for those over 40, about 35% wore t-shirts.

While I expected the younger crowd to be wearing tshirts, what I was not expecting were those ages 35 - 50 wearing them. These are mostly parents, business people, and maybe a couple grandparents. Most of their tshirts were sports or college tshirts, or a brand name like Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, or Polo - nothing crude of obnoxious.

Second, what kind of t-shirts were they wearing? I rarely saw the same t-shirt twice. There were funny t-shirts, animal t-shirts, Christian t-shirts, patriotic t-shirts, and all kinds of novelty t-shirts. And, I wasn't surprised to see a few crude or offensive ones in the mix either.

Younger kids, those between 5 and 12-years-old, wore a lot of tshirts. That age bracket was closer to 90%. Most of them had some kind of "cute" picture or slogan (like a Disney tshirt), or something to do with sports. Most teenagers and college students wore tshirts that seem to match up closely with their identity.

More than anything, it became apparent that wearing a tshirt is a way to express oneself. Whether supporting a sports team, a university, or country, people wear tshirts to express themselves and make a statement. But, some people wear them just because it looks good, it's trendy, and they're comfortable. The t-shirt industry is a huge business. While I don't have the exact statistics, it made up 60% of the tops worn at the shopping malls around Dallas, TX over the last 4 weeks.

After arriving back home, what did I do? I went to my dresser, opened the drawer, and counted about 25 t-shirts of my own. I put on my alma mater tshirt and sat down to watch the baseball playoffs.

About the author:
===========

Sean Caudle is the founder of Fashion-Tees.com He also wears a lot of t-shirts. There are over 9,000 t-shirt designs at Funny T-Shirts



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posted by atk_ars at 8:49 AM 0 comments

African Art: Aesthetics and Meaning

A QUESTION which should be asked before many others of the art of any age (but people are too often shy of putting prosaic questions to something so sublime as art) runs: what is the position of the artist in society and for people of what position does he work? In our age of supreme individualistic emancipation, in which the organic community is rather something for which the artist passionately longs than a reality, and in which the artist has more or less to depend on himself, the question is certainly not such an important one, though it is still often dismissed too casually.This is, therefore, particularly true of the so-called primitive peoples. The sociological way of thinking is comparatively rarely employed by the history of art, but it is no accident that ethnology is quite used to it, even when discussing the products of art.
The very use of the word 'art' in this connexion is already, however, a partial and premature answering of the question, as it seems to imply that there is such a thing as a recognized artistic genius in primitive society. That is quite certainly not the case in the early stages. Nevertheless we shall retain the word, using it to mean no more than a creator of objects which we recognize as works of art -- even if only from our modern point of view. This formulation must also contain the further reservation that the works of art were not at first produced as works of art but as objects having some particular utilitarian value, and one cannot ascribe an aesthetic intention either to the maker or to the customer.
African history means primarily immigrant movements, migrations of peoples on the very largest scale, the overlaying of cultures by other cultures. It means, too, that states grew up and disappeared again, that dynasties prospered and fell, and that there came battles, wars and the making and breaking of peace. But all this historical event has not culminated in the way familiar to us in high cultures such as the Asiatic, Old American or European. If one excepts Egypt it was only by fits and starts that cultural patterns comparable with those were produced; the most famous would be that of the Kingdom of Benin in the Niger region. (It is no accident that it was the discovery of this kingdom in the nineties of the last century that gave the greatest impetus to the serious study of African cultures and to the emancipation from the prejudices of our civilization towards the Negroes.) All the same these high-culture systems lie far in the past and have either not carried over into this century or have done so only in the most meagre way. They have one and all gone under, of their own weakness or through the devastating influence of other continents, and are vanished beyond recall. Thus the vast historical continent called Africa is today covered with the wounds and scars of desperate and, in the long run, ravaged growth.
In one essential respect, however, Africa presents itself as wholly without history, and that is in its monumental passivity. Nearly all its historical impetuses have been received from without. In wave upon wave the foreign immigrations and revolutions passed across it, coming mainly from the Asiatic region. Where Africa itself developed a history this occurred, so to speak, in a circle, without achieving in any permanent sense a higher historical pattern. Such a pattern was brought about only by stimuli from without. If indeed one disregards Islam and the graftings from European civilization, then one finds that Africa has always made something absolutely African out of all external influences, thus showing, despite its passive and receptive attitude, all its inner strength. A classical example of this may be found in the art of Benin itself, unthinkable without the strongest external influences and yet revealing such a special character that it is impossible to point to clear connexions with other cultures, and that a desperate attempt has been made to describe the sunken continent of Atlantis as the cradle of this culture.
Africa is the land of the African Negroes, with the limitation that we distinguish from them the preceding nonNegro hunting and collecting cultures, and thus with the further limitation that in their myths, and therefore also in certain art forms, there still lives a memory of the original inhabitants of the country who were supplanted by them.



There are no dates associated with most of the objects in the Art and Life in Africa program because the African artists who created them neither signed their names nor dated the objects. (It should be noted that many European artists of the Middle Ages and early Renaissance did not sign or date their work either.) Because most African art is made of wood, and wood does not usually last long in harsh African environments, most of the wooden objects in the program probably date from the late 19th or early 20th century. Even this much is based on guesswork, and as a result, we have chosen not to list the dates repeatedly as "late 19th or early 20th century."

There is, however, a very important exception: the objects in the "Ancient Africa" section are for the most part made of fired clay, bronze, gold, or other very durable materials that have not only survived the centuries, but have been found in an archeological context or associated with archaeological sites. Therefore, we have dates that can be attributed to these objects. The "Ancient Africa" chapter was intended to provide some of the historical or chronological depth that is missing elsewhere due to the lack of dates. The chapter was written expressly to make it clear that African art has been created for millennia, and that many of the objects in the world's museums are indeed ancient.

Examples of some of the oldest objects are from the so-called Nok culture, which have been roughly dated from 500 BC to 200 AD. The very elaborate and important objects from Igbo-Ukwu, in eastern Nigeria, have been dated by the archaeologist Thurston Shaw to the 9th or 10th century AD. The ancient Djenné culture on the Niger River in Mali has been dated from about 500 to 1400 AD, although most of the objects in museums have not been found by archaeologists, and so dating the objects themselves is problematic. The naturalistic memorial heads of deceased kings of Ife are dated to the middle of the 13th century by archaeologists. Finally, Professor William Dewey, who wrote the "Ancient Africa" chapter, provides a series of dates, from the 5th to the 19th century, for the material from the Benin Kingdom in Nigeria.


In order to arouse public interest in the Congo Free State King Leopold II had a major exhibition organised in 1897 on the country and its importance for Belgium. From 1898 onwards the scientific mission of the Museum became its main task and because of t he rapid growth of scientific collections from Central Africa the need for a new and bigger building was felt very soon.


In order to arouse public interest in the Congo Free State King Leopold II had a major exhibition organised in 1897 on the country and its importance for Belgium. From 1898 onwards the scientific mission of the Museum became its main task and because of t he rapid growth of scientific collections from Central Africa the need for a new and bigger building was felt very soon.

African Art: Aesthetics and Meaning. This electronic exhibition catalog contains a number of photographs from the Bayly Art Museum's recent exhibition of African art. Related materials to be offered in the future include an exhibition of African masks.

About the author:
For more information on african american art please visit the african american art resource center at http://www.african-art-guide.info.info


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posted by atk_ars at 8:48 AM 0 comments

Embroidery is the embellishment of cloth with designs

Embroidery is an ancient variety of decorative needlework in which designs and pictures are created by stitching strands of some material on to a layer of another material. Most embroidery uses thread or wool stitched onto a woven fabric, but the stitches could be executed in, for example, wire or leather strands, and embroidery can be worked onto many materials. ...

An embellishment of a fabric or garment in which colored threads are sewn on to the fabric to create a design. Embroidery may be done either by hand or machine.It is A term applied to a hill or mount with several copings or rises and falls.

Decorative stitching on fabric. Generally involves non-lettering designs but can also include lettering and/or monograms. Evidence of embroidery exists during the reign of Egyptian pharaohs, in the writings of Homer and from the Crusaders of the 12th century. Evolved from hand work to manual sewing machines and from handlooms and schiffli machines with hundreds of needles to high-speed, computerized multihead machines.

Ornamental needlework or trimming using silk, cotton, metallic or other threads.

Embroidery is the embellishment of cloth with designs made by needle and thread; an art that stretches back to antiquity. Over the centuries, embroidery has been used to adorn everything from handkerchiefs to the most sumptuous state regalia. With the exception of leather, embroidery in India has been done on woven cloth of cotton, wool and silk.

In India, natural colors used for dying distinguishes the work done in India from the others. The Indian embroider never uses too many colors in any one piece. Each state in India has a style unique to its tradition. The satin stitch is used in Kashmir.
The darn stitch, which produces the 'bagh' and 'phulkari' stitch of Punjab is vibrant like the people of the state. The interlacing stitches of Kutch and Kathiawar are as beautiful as they are intricate. The 'kasauti' stitch of Karnataka too is popular due to its traditional value. The white on white 'chikan' work of Uttar Pradesh is breath-taking and requires a lot of skill. The silk embroidery done in Surat has exquisite patterns.

Indian embroidery uses many stitches as well as variations of basic stitches. The running stitch, back stitch, stem stitch, feather stitch, interlacing stitch, satin stitch, cross stitch etc. are just to name a few. Indian embroidery exists in exquisite variations and vibrant colors, with each state having a unique style of its own.

Chikan

The chikan work of Lucknow is perhaps one of the most popular embroidery works in India. It has a certain grace and elegance, which ensures that it never goes out of style. The word chikan literally means embroidery. It is said to have been originally introduced by Nur Jahan, the beautiful wife of the Mughal emperor, Jahangir. It has since evolved and attained its glory and perfection in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The work became popular in a number of important cities of the Indo-Gangetic plain such as Delhi, Agra, Rampur, Banaras, Patna and Gaya. But the supremacy of Lucknow remained unchallenged.

The designs depend for its effect on the variety of stitches used and different grades of threads used to form the patterns which include, the lace like jali, the opaque fillings and the delicacy or boldness of outline and details. The most beautiful part of chikan work is the open work ground, an effect of drawn thread work is achieved without drawing out any. Tiny raised flowers done in what seem to be French knots are balanced by the flat stem stitch and large areas of open work to prevent either a crowded or too scattered appearance.

A variation of the chikan work is the bakhia or shadow work. Here the work is done from the back, the stitches completely covering the design in herringbone style. The shadow of the thread is seen through the cloth on the right side. To give a richer appearance, the designs are produced with tiny backstitches on the right side over the shadow. A similar effect is created by cutting out tiny flowers and leaves in the same material as the basic fabric and then applying them on the wrong side. The work is done so dexterously that the turned in edges of the cut pieces are scarcely visible from the front of the work.

The refinement of taste dictated that not even the seams should be straight. So the material of the kurtas were cut in waves along the sides. The stitches employed are back-stitch, chain stitch, and hemstitch forming an open work pattern, jali or openwork ground. The introduction of color in to the kurtas is a recent innovation.

Embroidery has been a craft for women, Banni, a small village in the Rann of Kutch is known for its artistic embroidery work. Small mirrors are interspersed to lend glitter and charm. The finest type of such embroidery work with small mirrors is called Abhla-Bharat. When a bride is sent to her husband's house, she carries with her some pieces of skirts and cholis exquisitely embroidered with minute details.

About the author:
For more information on free embroidery designs art please visit the free embroidery designs art resource center at www.embroidery-help-guide.info


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posted by atk_ars at 8:47 AM 0 comments

Hip hop Clothing Lines

Celebrities now such as Outkast, a fashion wear can be a must have. Likewise gainful for celebrities included within the clothing lines world, which is how come we are in possession of these most up to date hip hop clothing lines on the market like, FuBu. With very good class hoodies & great urban clothing show rooms such jewelery will not be declined! Ecko set the standard in the hiphop world, with a imaginative collective of urban designers unendingly working on offering its customers the best in the modern urban trends. These Johnny Blaze list of hoodies, will be advertized towards boys as well as men from ages 12-40. Because of the Wu Tang Clan launch, the make has revelled critical and commercial victory. Sean John has speedily aged from an urban label towards an global brand name. GGG Unit Sneakers are sneakers contrived and commercialised by the famous Reebok Kicks Company. Famously it was a trainer conceded to rap artist 50 Cent fallowing 50cents clique G Unit brought out their debut album Beg For Mercy. These sneakers are one of the most fashionable rap marks and projected for comport.

A Gorilla Unit list might 1st very first a restricted mens clothes clothing line as much as the spring & next uncover a wide for men only main line next summer. Though a childs clothing line also a womens line could be in long term plans, the list will not be be detained to fashion as GUnit watches. First off noticed by the hip hop icon Dr.Dre, and so debut of the Slim Shady LP, his up-to-date albumn on Shady Recording label, by now got major fans of hip hop interested in Marshall Mathers. Full to the brim of dazzling lyrical hits that explore deep into the head of a dangerously maddened but extremely special artist, the songs incorporates alot of the most unforgetable and haunting controversal lyrics ever put down. And the key reason for the large success of Slim Shady.

About the author:
http://hiphop-clothing-line.com


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posted by atk_ars at 8:46 AM 0 comments

Facial Skin Care Tips for Men

As a man, young or old, you ought to be concerned with the state of your skin. Many men seem like they could care less about the state their skin. With the Hockey season just starting up, who has time to worry about skin care?

If you plan on going down to the pub to catch the game with your buddies, you should heed my advice and do your best to look good. Hey, you never know when you are going to meet Ms. Right! You should all know by now that we want a man who takes care of himself and puts some effort into his appearance.

Cleansing is important part of everyday skin care. Good old soap and water is better than using nothing at all, but hand soap is designed for use on hands. Feel your hands. I don’t think anyone wants a face that feels like that. Why not try something new?

Take a trip down to your local pharmacy and have a look around. Or if you are too embarrassed and you already have a Mrs. Right, I’m sure she would be happy to pick something up for you. There are countless products available, and there is sure to be something right for you. Try to find something with minimal fragrance, so you aren’t overpowering the ladies with your various scents.

Shaving is another thing that men don’t give much thought to. Well, you ought to! Why have rough, razor-burned skin when you could be smooth? Trust me. The ladies like a man that is smooth, and that doesn’t just apply to clichéd pick-up lines!

Always use a warm washcloth on your face before you shave. This will soften the hairs, and allow your pores to open up. And before you shave, make sure you have a decent razor. Those disposable razors should be disposed of once and for all! There are a number of new razors on the market that will provide you with a good, close shave. Be sure to use a quality shaving cream or gel, and be sure to moisturize when you are done.

As a young lady looking for Mr. Right, I know how important it is to find a man who takes care of himself. My mother always said you can tell a lot about a man by his appearance, and I couldn’t agree more. Beyond that, your damned stubble hurts my face! See you out on the town, boys!

About the author:
Alisha Burke loves going out with her friends. She enjoys shopping, shopping, and more shopping. When she is not shopping or hanging out with her friends, she writes for http://www.yourskin101.com– an online resource dedicated to helping you care for your skin, with information about skin care, Proactiv, Eczema and more.


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posted by atk_ars at 8:46 AM 0 comments

Womens Plus Size Clothing Style Guide

For an effective and easy shopping experience for a plus size woman we recommend the following advice. Hopefully this will give women a carefree way to buy clothes that are beautiful, stylish and look great.

Buy clothing that is comfortable and makes you look your best
Ditch the sweat pants and slacks and trade in for clothes that are just as comfortable and will accentuate curves and heighten style. Choose shoes that are comfortable and if you want wear shoes with a heel, as these will make the person feel taller and stand up straight which means a great posture too. Keep in mind the colors you prefer when selecting clothes. Take note of styles that flatter and fit your shape. Look for similar fabrics, styles and shapes when shopping. For a comfortable bra, get refitted when buying a good selection of new bras as the shape can change over time and different requirements may be sought after. Wear a boatneck style top to highlight your shoulders and neckline and will also contour the waist. Avoid this top is you have broad shoulders.

Large handbags are best when buying new accessories. They will flatter shape and carry your daily items easily. Strapless bags can stop the bag brushing the body if this is what is preferred. Avoid clingy clothes that will distort your figure and avoid baggy clothes for the same reason. Choose clothes that accentuate the bust with V-neck tops and also light fabrics are great for creating a stylish, breezy look. Create an interesting look by wearing tops and bottoms with the same shade of color but with different fabrics. This will create a clean lined look that will contour your body shape. Enhance the bust with bright color shirts and create curves around the hip with dark pants and skirts. Match shoes and pantyhose with the same shades of color for a great look with pants or skirts.

Contour your shape with clothing
Vertical lines can add shape and definition in the top half of the body. This can be done with a cute cardigan or blazer with undone buttons; this look will also lengthen your shape. Avoid horizontal lined clothes as this makes the body appear wider. Use vertical lined clothes to heighten the body. Balance the look of the body with skirts that are knee length or longer. With fashion in mind, avoid the latest craze of wide belts as they will cut the figure in half and distort the clothing. An undergarment will create smooth bodylines under the clothes and keep you warm.

Classic fashions for your wardrobe
A wrap styled dress is great for all body shapes and figures. They are sexy and very stylish as they wrap the body and accentuate the best features. Wrap skirts is very sexy and can be work night or day. Pants designed with bootleg cut in a dark wash are very versatile and can work any shape. For a flattering cut, bootleg or wide leg jeans or pants are recommended. Black is a great color for a coat as this color works with just about all other colors. Skirts with a quarter length cut are great for a formal occasion. Tailored jackets work great with dresses and pants. For a slim look, try skinny shouldered jackets. Accessories are great for adding style to an outfit. Try belts, jewellery and scarfs that will keep you warm and looking great.

Every wardrobe should have most of the following items for a great recipe for a very fashionable and classic look.
Two pairs of pants and two skirts; with one in a print or check and one in a solid color. Two simple tops with one in a solid color and one in the same print. Four tops in the colors which work best with the solids and one jacket in a solid color or simple cardigan. With all of these items in no time you will have a timeless and perfect look. Create a new and exciting look each day by mix and matching items. Keep the clothes to three basic colors if you want your accessories to match with your wardrobe. Choose quality clothes rather than quantity, this enables you to have a wardrobe that will last longer and include styles that will look great with years to come.

http://www.abbeyfashions.com

About the author:
Claire Calkin operates several websites featuring plus size womens clothing.


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posted by atk_ars at 8:45 AM 0 comments

A brief history of Lingerie

A brief history of Lingerie
1907: American Vogue illustrated a rigid, boned brassiere with no division between the breasts. Believe it or not, it was actually worn over the corset .
1913: Mary Phelps devised the first modern bra with two lacy hankerchiefs and some help from her maid. The following year she sold the patent to a Mr Warner whom she had met at a garden party. That discussion would have been interesting.
1918: Corset-makers were running up bras designed to flatten rather than enhance. This did not last too long. You see, they were ignoring the fact that curves are much more alluring than flatness.
1925: Bras first had divisions between the breasts and adjustable straps. Thus, the first bra was introduced.
1938: Finally acknowledging that breasts did not come in standard sizes, bra-makers introduced A,B, C and D cups. Men everywhere rejoiced.
1940: Padding was first sneaked into bra cups. It was a deceptive and manipulative move. To this day, not one male has complained.
1950s: Strapless bras appeared and women were now able to wear an off-the-shoulder dress and still use a bra.
1959: Warners and Du Pont produced Lycra which we have continued to use ever since then. As a result, the many varied fashions and designs of lingerie have continued to expand.
1965: The no-bra bra was introduced to give support with a nothing-under effect. Half-hearted women’s libbers rejoiced. Males unconsciously decided to let women's libbers enjoy themselves while they continued to enjoy women who looked good in a nice set of sexy lingerie.
1973: The first no-bounce sports bra was introduced. Males ignored this change. So what!
1980s: Frederick's of Hollywood and Victoria's Secrets become national icons. Men find themselves ordering lingerie from catelogs and going into mall stores to purchase female lingerie with total abandon.
1990s: The Internet is filled with sites that feature lingerie catalogs and user friendly steps to order some of the most risque' lingerie available anywhere.
2000: For those who plunge in and decide to enjoy this form of sexuality, it just keeps getting better and better and better (The above all thanks to www.romanceopedia.com)

Evidently sometime around 1889 a certain Madame Cudelle did the unthinkable. She apparently cut out the midriff of her corset to allow more movement from the waist. And voila! We had the brassiere. (The idea behind the corset as the
primary undergarment was to lessen a women's attributes. A practice still prevalent in certain cultures to this day but that's another story...)

Since then it has not been possible to contain the primary, most visible and most appreciated part of the female anatomy. The breasts. Odes have been dedicated to these twin towers of pleasure. Men have lost themselves in expressing how they feel about a woman's breasts. Was it not the great poet eecummings who said :"between the breasts of bestial Marj lie large men"?
But more importantly lingerie and the breast go together like a hand and glove, fish and water, sun and sky, love and romance. What is it about a woman dressed in sexy lingerie that gets a man's pulse racing. What promise of untold pleasure lurks beneath those skimpy sexy garments?

Lingerie tittilates,captivates drives a man wild with passion and desire precisely because that is the intention behind lingerie. It embodies pleasure or rather the promise of pleasure. But not in a staid fashion. Nay, in a manner that speaks of nights of wild passion!

Who can resist a woman in sexy lingerie? In fact an entire industry has sprung up around lingerie and women and men are spending serious money on sexy, exotic, erotic lingerie. With the advent of the internet it is now possible for the shyest of shoppers to indulge their wildest fantasies by buying whatever lingerie they want whenever they want and surprise their partners!

Imagine a man coming home after a long hard day.(Okay so I know that sounds sexist but bear with me). He steps in the door and he hears soft music playing. He swings the door open and there on the table burns a candle, surrounded by flowers. A sweet, invigorating fragrance hangs in the air. And as he looks up, coming through the bedroom door is a vision of utter delight...skimpily dressed in the most exotic lingerie. She gently whispers his name and all tiredness melts away from him as he rushes toward her. She cries out as he lifts her off the floor and onto the bed. The night becomes an ocean of bliss and happiness as they lose themselves in each other and in their newfound desire for each other...

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About the author:
Llewellin RG Jegels web-publisher, poet, Scrabble and Chess player and budding author
http://www.sexy--plus-size-lingerie.com
Plus size lingerie - Go big or go home
llewellin@fusemail.com


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posted by atk_ars at 8:44 AM 0 comments

Giving your mom a mothers ring

All growing up, you’ve noticed your mother wearing only one ring; her wedding ring. You may have noticed that she wears other rings for different occasions, but you’ve always seen her wearing her wedding ring. Amidst the exquisite beauty a wedding ring displays, her ring is symbolic of loyalty and commitment she has for her marriage.

A married couple may choose whether or not to bring in children to their home. Many women have expressed that motherhood is one of the greatest joys of life.

As a wedding ring denotes marriage, is there a ring to denote motherhood? Yes, but not to the same degree, as the idea of a wedding ring is more widely known and acknowledged than a mothers ring. However, a wedding ring and a mothers ring should be held in equally high regard, for they are important milestones of a woman’s role as a wife and a mother.

Here is why:
• Once you become a mother, you are always a mother. With that you should wear a mothers ring to acknowledge and be proud of this esteemed title.
• Like women wearing their wedding rings as a commitment to their husbands, mothers are entitled to wear their mothers ring as a commitment to their children.

Why you should give your mother a mothers ring…

I didn’t hear about a mothers ring until recently. When I browsed through a jewelry catalog, I saw a beautiful mothers ring that was certainly fitting for my mother. Past years of my siblings and I giving our mom a card or flowers for Mother’s day seemed so repetitive lately. This upcoming Mother’s Day I have the idea of honoring our mom with a mothers ring.

Open and personalized to a mother’s taste, a mothers ring can feature an extravagant jewel or be just a simple band. In contrast to a wedding ring, a mothers ring doesn’t have to be a financial investment, but can be very flexible in pricing.

For this upcoming Mother’s day, you will have several months to save up or at least think about what to give your mother. This time, think a bit outside of the obvious and consider giving your mom a mothers ring in May.


About the author:
Besides a mother's ring, there are many other jewelry items that display a woman's joy of motherhood equally well.

Visit http://www.harrismichaeljewelry.com/mothers-ring.htmlfor more information.



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posted by atk_ars at 8:44 AM 0 comments

Know how you can conceal your hair loss

For many people, thinning hair is a reality that they would rather deal without. No matter whether their hair loss is due to a medical condition, is hereditary or is stress related, many cope with trying to style limp, thinning tresses on a daily basis. For these people the thoughts of their ever thinning hair are constantly on their mind when they go out into public or attend a special function.

The billion-dollar hair loss industry has shown that when it comes to hair, people are willing to do just about anything to grow new locks or keep a hold on ones that are slipping away. From camouflage sprays and mousses to massage therapy and surgery, the amount of money spent each year on these hair loss products prove that people with thinning hair are serious about concealing the problem.

But what can you do when all of these alternatives have failed, and you cannot afford expensive solutions such as surgery? Is there anything that you can do to conceal your thinning tresses? The answer is yes. There is an amazing amount of things that you can easily and inexpensively do to make your tresses look thicker, and it all begins with the right hair stylist.

Often, thinning hair is the result of genes that have been passed on to your from your parents. Male Pattern Baldness, identified by hair loss centered on the top of the head and a receding hair line, is the most common, but it is also not uncommon for women to suffer from this condition. While it is rare for women to become completely bald, they can become extremely thin all over the head, and it only gets worse with age. Another thing that contributes to hair loss is physical health. Conditions such as Thyroid disease and heart disease can wreak havoc on a healthy head of hair. And the medications to treat these illnesses can also have a profound, negative effect on hair as well.

In many cases, these types of hair loss are irreversible and a struggle to deal with on a daily basis. That is why it is so important to find the right professional to keep your hair looking the very best that it can. By wearing the right style and using the right products, you can add a good bit of volume and virtually conceal any amount of hair loss. So, your first step in concealing hair loss is to find a professional stylist who knows how to work with thinning and fragile hair.

Once you have found a stylist that understands hair loss, you need to work closely together to achieve the best results. Often, this means a great deal of discussing your hair loss, your lifestyle and your styling needs. There are many tricks up a stylist's sleeve to make your hair appear thicker, but none of them will do you any good if you are unable to create the effect at home. So, be sure to speak up and tell your stylist if you feel that you are unable to get the desired results at home.

Here are just a few of the rules that stylists follow to camouflage hair loss.


Keep it short. Long hair styles tend to pull hair down close to the scalp, which can make it all too obvious that there isn't a lot of hair to deal with. On top of that, thinning hair often looks straggly and unkempt if it is kept too long. Shorter cuts, on the other hand, can give the illusion of thickness. There are multitudes of styles that are perfect for thinning hair so you will have a large variety to choose from. Be sure to choose a cut that compliments your facial structure and has a lot of movement.


Plump with hair color. Hair color is one of the few chemical services that stylists can use on clients with thinning and fragile hair without causing breakage. In fact, the process of coloring hair plumps up each individual hair strand and makes it appear thicker. In addition, using coloring techniques that infuse different levels of lowlights and highlights into your hair takes attention off of your scalp and onto your beautifully colored hair.


Style with soft curl and the right products. Soft curl and full-bodied styles gently lift your hair up from your scalp and give you the appearance of having thick, lush hair. Also a great help are hair thickening shampoos, conditioners and styling products. But before buying products that claim to make your hair thicker, be sure to get your stylist's approval. Many products on the market simply cause build up to make hair appear thicker initially, but that build up will cause a great deal of breakage and damage down the road.


As you can see from these few examples, there are many things that you can do to conceal your hair loss. And I'm sure that your stylist will have a few suggestions of his or her own.

About the author:
By Rose Lenk
Get more hair care articles and information at
http://www.haircaretoday.com



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posted by atk_ars at 8:43 AM 0 comments

Why Classic Styles Offer the Best Clothing Value

“I want to look good without spending a lot of money. What's the best way to use my clothing budget?”

This question - or variations thereof - regularly hits my inbox from readers all over the world. While we may not all speak the same language, there are a few things upon which we can all agree that make us take leave of our senses: rich chocolate, handsome men, and clothes that are too cute to leave behind at the store.

So what's a gal to do, particularly when she's been saddled with champagne tastes on a beer budget?

First, set down those glossy fashion magazines and back away from them slowly. They can be dangerous, particularly if you don't know how to use them. $700 pants? $500 shoes? Who can afford to buy these things? Not many! Look at what's popular, swipe some styling ideas, then go replicate the looks in prices that you can afford.

Secondly, start viewing any “must have” list with healthy skepticism. These are the latest trends that the designers are showing that will be dated by this time next year. Some will be cute, true, but others will only be cute on the models that show them. Once you learn what looks good on you and what doesn't, you'll be a lot less susceptible to buying what others say you “must have” each season.

Finally, invest in classic pieces that work well on your body. It's the single best way to get the most mileage out of your clothing budget, because you can wear classic styles for several years without ever looking dated. Top a classic base with a trendy accessory, and you'll look “au courant” without going in the red.

So what exactly ARE classic styles, and how do you know one when you see it?

Classics are styles that have been popular for years because of their clean lines and utilitarian features. While trends are instantly recognizable by length, pattern, or decoration, classics transcend time with their cut, style, and fabric. They can be worn alone, layered, dressed up or dressed down, and can be made to look current by adding something trendy.

Examples of classics include:

Jeans

Turtleneck

Cardigan

T-shirt

Sleeveless Sheath

Tailored Jacket

Crisp shirt

Trench Coat

Kelly bag

Penny loafer

There are some years when these styles are more popular and some years when they're less, but they continue to sell well because they fit a variety of body types and offer a simple, unfussy silhouette. Get them in basic, solid colors, and you can wear them for years to come.

But won't you get bored with the “same old thing?”

Only if you have no imagination.

The neat thing about classics is that they not only look great all by themselves, they serve as a wonderful backdrop to flashier pieces. Add a snazzy jacket, funky hosiery, or a great pair of shoes, and you'll be able to brilliantly showcase the new piece using your classic staples as a backdrop.

Your friends, family, and coworkers will think you spend a fortune on your clothes, when in reality you're merely adding a few “to die for” pieces each year. It's a clever way to expand your wardrobe choices without overspending your budget or over-cramming your closet.

So the next time you're in a quandary as to what to add to your wardrobe, opt for classics. They're clean, versatile, easy-to-wear, and make the most of your budget. Dressing well just doesn't get any easier than this!

=====================================

Have designer tastes but a discount budget? Diana Pemberton-Sikes has helped thousands of women create a stunning style on limited funds with her fun, fresh approach to fashion. Sign up for her popular weekly ezine at www.FashionForRealWomen.com .

About the author:
Diana Pemberton-Sikes is an author and image consultant whose articles have appeared all over the web. She's been quoted by several national and trade magazines including Prevention, Women's World, Weight Watchers, and the American Bar Association, and she has a monthly column in Show Me the Ozarks, a local magazine in Joplin, Missouri. You can visit her online at FashionForRealWomen.com .


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posted by atk_ars at 8:43 AM 0 comments

How to Read a Fashion Magazine

When I recently advised a client to study a few fashion magazines to glean some ideas for the
upcoming season, she flatly refused.

"I HATE those things!" she told me vehemently. "Skinny girls, expensive clothes - what does that have to do with my life? Nothing!"

Now since this isn't the first time I've heard this argument, I realized that she was missing
the point of the exercise - much like the women who tell me that VOGUE or W are "their bibles." In this corner, we have someone who's way too caught up in her own reality; in the other, we have someone who's much too caught up in someone else's. Let's all move a bit more to the center and learn how to read these things properly, shall we? We'll all dress a lot better for it.

Let's start with a little dissection first, then move on to the "how to" part of the lesson.

THE MODELS

Overall, fashion magazines tend to show young, thin, attractive people in their pages for the
exact same reason that grocers tend to polish their apples and car dealers tend to have you
test drive clean cars: because it sells more. It's as simple as that. Fashion Marketing 101.
Whether you agree with it or not is beside the point; it works -- VERY well.

So well, in fact, that somewhere along the line, many women went from trying to determine whether the clothing being shown would work well on their bodies to bemoaning the fact that their bodies don't look like the mannequins. Let me let you in on a secret: those girls don't look like that every day, either. They have an army of people to get the hair, makeup, clothes, and lighting just right. If that doesn't work, they airbrush the photos to get the right look. And if the model packs on a few pounds or starts to show signs of ageing, she's replaced. Nothing like being a "has been" by the age of 30, eh?

What a shame that so many teenage girls and women have allowed the slick marketing to muddle their thinking and impact their self esteem. Don't be one of them. Look at the clothes and the mood that the picture evokes; don't compare yourselves to the mannequins.

THE SETTINGS

In fashion magazines, you'll often see a beautiful girl in gorgeous clothes in an enviable
setting surrounded by handsome men. If only, right? Well, that's part of the marketing. It's
called projecting, and if you've ever envisioned yourself swapping places with the gal in the
picture, the marketers have done their job. It's a set up. A complete fabrication. A ruse.
Remember that the next time you see a shot that makes you want to rush right out and buy the
clothes you see so you can be just like the girl in the picture.

THE ADS

Ever wonder why you see so many high end designers advertising in fashion magazines and
why the fashion magazines, in turn, show so many of those same designers in their editorial photo spreads? It's no coincidence. Those one-page ads are VERY expensive, often costing tens of thousands (or more), depending on the magazine's circulation. So the fashion houses don't spend all their advertising dollars in one place. Oh, no.

They'll put a portion of their budget into ads, a portion into lending clothes to magazines for
photo shoots, and a portion into creating clothes for celebrities for red carpet and other media events. That way, they spread the name recognition around. It's clever - and expensive.
But it works. If you love labels and see a look you like in a couple of fashion magazines and on a favorite celebrity, wouldn't you be more inclined to buy it if you had the money? Many
are. A look through the society pages will tell you as much.

THE LESSON

So now that we've addressed the models, ads, and editorial spreads, here's what you SHOULD be
looking for when you read a fashion magazine (and yes, it's okay to rip out pages and put them in a file for future reference - but only if you own the magazine!):

1. The Trends

Fashion magazines will call them "must have" items, but look at trends skeptically to see
whether they fit your body, clothing personality, and lifestyle. Don't worry about the price. If you find something you like and want to wear, look for an inexpensive version of the trend at your favorite discount or outlet store. Buy cheap, wear often, and discard when then trend is over.

2. The Updated Classics

Most women recognize that classic styles are a good value, and fashion magazines know this. So
they'll show trendy new ways to wear classic styles and give you plenty of ideas in the
process. All you have to do is take a moment to break it down to see how you can apply this to
your own closet.

3. The Designers

If you have a "thing" for designer labels, high end fashion magazines (Vogue, W, Marie Claire,
Town and Country) are a great place to learn about the different fashion house philosophies.
Even if you can't afford those brand names, don't fret. If you find a look you really like, you'll probably be able to find it a little later in the season in a budget-friendly copy-cat version.

4. Styling Ideas

Styling refers to the way the clothing and accessories are presented in a picture. Look at
how the clothes are layered, draped, or wrapped. Look at how the jewelry is worn. See what they did with the bag and shoes. Look at the hair and other accessories. If you see something you like, try creating a similar look with pieces from your own closet. You'll be surprised how you can breathe new life into your old standbys just by wearing them a different way.

5. Hair and Makeup

Are you in a hair and makeup rut? Peruse a few fashion magazines to see what's hot for the
season. Not only will you glean some new looks, you may discover that a new 'do may be all you
need to look "au currant" this year.


Fashion magazines are a great way to learn all about what's happening in fashion AS LONG AS you
remember that they're created to sell clothes and accessories. Forget about the models and the
price tags and focus instead on the clothes, trends, and styling ideas that might work for
you. Then copy or adapt them to your own budget and lifestyle. Before you know it, you may look like you stepped out of a fashion magazine - whatever your age, shape, size, or budget.

============================================

About the author:
Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of "Wardrobe Magic," an
ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes.
Visit her online at www.fashionforrealwomen.com


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posted by atk_ars at 8:42 AM 0 comments

Three Things You Should Know About Gold Wedding Ban

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Three Things You Should Know About Gold Wedding Bands

When it comes to buying a gold wedding band, things can get confusing fast. What color gold do you want? What karat will suit your lifestyle?
Gold is the most popular choice for wedding bands, and very popular in dress rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches. Gold is easy to accessorize with, and it is durable. There are three things to consider when looking at gold wedding rings.

First, you should look at the karat number. A karat measures the proportion of pure gold mixed with other metal alloy to make up the final metal. There are several karats available for gold, but most men’s wedding bands employ 9-karat, 14-karat and 18-karat. Since an 18-karat ring has a higher proportion of gold than a 14-karat, the 18- karat will be more expensive. Although there are higher karats than an 18-karat ring, it is generally agreed that 22-karat and 24-karat gold is too soft to make men’s wedding rings.

Karat stamps do not indicate the durability and hardness of gold, however. When choosing your wedding band, it is important to consider your own lifestyle. How often will you wear the ring? Do you work with your hands? Could your ring be easily scratched or bent?
Metal hardness is measured by what is called the Vickers scale. The higher the Vickers score, the harder the metal. A 9-karat ring has a Vickers score of 120 and an 18-karat has a score of 125. The difference is so slight that 9-karat and 18-karat rings are much the same in terms of hardness.

Next, you should consider the color of the gold. Gold comes in several colors: yellow, white, rose, bronze, and lime. Wedding bands can also be made using two or three different tones of gold, creating a unique color.

Adding an alloy to the gold creates different colors. For example, rose gold is made using a mix of pure gold with alloys including copper. The copper provides the reddish color. Yellow gold forms from a mixture of pure gold and alloy metals such as copper and zinc, while white gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals (silver and palladium.)

Natural white gold has a gray tinge to it, which is covered up by adding a plating of rhodium. The rhodium also serves to make the jewelry harder, but it does wear off after about 12 to 18 months. You can get your jewelry re-rhodium plated at your local jeweler.

There are many options when it comes to choosing a wedding band, but ultimately you should be certain that the ring you choose is right for you and your lifestyle. After all, the ring is a symbol of your love and marriage, so it should suit you perfectly.









About the author:
Amanda Trevino is a client account specialist with 10x Marketing-More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. To find more information about wedding bands, please visit International Jewelers.


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posted by atk_ars at 8:42 AM 0 comments

PEARLS: NATURAL OR MAN MADE?

The fact that such beauty can occur naturally is what makes pearls so valuable. It's hard to put a price on something so singular.

Real pearls fall into two categories: natural and cultured.

Natural pearls are formed by oysters completely without interference from the human world. Real pearls are nature's miracle.

Cultured pearls are also formed by oysters, but they are prompted to grow by pearl growers.

Non-naturally formed pearls or man-made pearls are not created in an oyster shell at all. They are made in machines, and while they can be an attractive addition to one's jewelry box, the hold no value. Man-made pearls are also called faux pearls, fashion pearls, simulated pearls or manufactured pearls.

Man-made pearls are created from various materials including glass, plastic, ceramic, shells and they are normally varnished with a lacquer mixed with fish scales.

Any jewelry expert can tell right away if a pearl is real or fake. They can usually tell the difference by looking through the drill hole. But the average consumer has no way of really telling the difference. Some recommend the "tooth test". The "tooth test" is a layman's pearl authenticity test. You simply rub a strand of pearls across your front teeth. Real pearls will have a "gritty" texture, while fake pearls will feel very smooth.

But the only sure-fire way to determine the authenticity of a pearl, for those who aren't in the know, is an X-ray machine. An X-ray will be able to determine the difference between a real and naturally produced pearl and a pearl that was cultured.

Not everyone can afford a real pearl necklace. And while there is no question as to which one is better: real or fake, it really depends on your budget. There are some exquisite man-made pearls on the market to make any woman proud to display.




About the author:
Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.gorgeous-gems.comon which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article


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posted by atk_ars at 8:41 AM 0 comments

Bridal Lingerie Considerations

You've seen thousands of photos, tried on dozens of gowns. But you may have missed some small items in your search for the perfect wedding-day look -- those essential unmentionables that go under the dress. Undergarments provide the foundation necessary for your outerwear to look how it's supposed to. They can change the way your dress fits, so you'll need to purchase them before your first fitting. Read on for the lowdown on lingerie.

BRA

The bra is the uberundergarment, that leading piece of lingerie to which all others play supporting roles. You'll need a good, supportive bra to lift you up as you walk down the aisle and keep you comfortable for hours of dining, dancing, and posing with relatives. Many bridal boutiques offer decorative bras that are as creative -- and nearly as costly -- as the gown itself. While some of these elegant brassieres have unique proportions that can be quite useful with the right gown, make comfort your priority: You don't want insufficient support or annoying wires cutting into your sides on your wedding day. And remember, you can slip into provocative, flimsy lingerie when you take the gown off.

Before you buy, ask about the store return policy. You'll likely want to try on a few different bras with your gown, so make sure that as long as you leave the tags on, the garment is returnable for a full refund.

Regardless of which style you choose, try not to have unrealistic expectations for your bra -- or yourself -- on your wedding day. If it's too uncomfortable to wear for a five-hour stretch on a normal afternoon, why suffer?

SLIMMERS

While old-fashioned girdles have long been out of style, you might try one of the several contemporary slimming undergarments that use Lycra or Spandex rather than stiff stays or ancient whalebone.
Make sure you take your bra, slimmer, stockings, and shoes to your fittings; a body-support garment will give a slightly different shape than just sucking in your gut, and changing your "support" down the road will affect the way your gown fits.

PANTIES

As with the bra and slimmer, choose panties that offer comfort over sex appeal. (There's just no way to discreetly rearrange a pair of creeping panties through a wedding gown!) If your gown has an unusually slinky cut or is made of very thin material, you may want to use pantyhose with built-in underwear.

HOSIERY

If you want to wear a fancy garter belt with hooks to hold up thigh-high hose, make sure you choose one that fits snugly around your waist -- and won't be seen through your gown! The pressure of the hose can pull an inexpensive, elastic garter belt downward, leading to wrinkly knees and an evening of endless attemts to hitch up your hose (a task nearly as hard to hide as panty-tugging).

A garter belt is a pretty superfluous item, given the variety of sleek and sexy pantyhose available. But some women feel extra sexy just knowing they're wearing one. If you go with a garter, you'll need to test it out to make sure you can bear the inconvenience.

Before your wedding, try on your gown -- with your undergarments -- under the watchful eye of a close friend. Once you're sure you won't show more than you intend to show, forget about it and have fun!

Getting the most out of your wedding day shouldn't be contingent on your lingerie, but it will definitely have an impact on your memories. Take a chance on your styles, and do it differently than all others. Make your day more special for bride and groom with the little details that are so memorable.

About the author:
John Barnes Writes for http://www.lingerieexpress.co.uk. Lingerie Express carries a vast selection of bridal lingerie and underwear for all types of sensuous woman


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posted by atk_ars at 8:40 AM 0 comments

A Man’s jewelry can be extended to anything

When is it common to see a man wearing lavish jewelry around the neck, on the ears, or on the wrist? While there are some men out there who will flaunt their ice, you probably won’t see a man wearing lots of jewelry. In comparison to women, men are generally more modest in their jewelry wear.

But what about wearing jewelry on a special occasion, like on a groom’s wedding day? A man's jewelry might be especially highlighted then, featuring his wedding ring and maybe some cufflinks or a bracelet.

When I think about a man’s jewelry, the only thought that comes to mind is a wedding ring. Little did I realize that a man's jewelry is also extended to cufflinks and bracelets but also to key rings, money clips and tie bars and tie tacks. Items that I once thought were basic accessories are now reconsidered as a man’s formal jewelry.

Aside from a typical man's jewelry that comes in gold or silver form, a man’s jewelry doesn’t just include his wedding ring. In this article, a man’s jewelry will be defined as an accessory in which a man treasures and wears frequently.

Tie tack-My dad still has the eagle tie tack that my brother presented to him many years ago when he received his Eagle Scout rank. Not much of a jewelry fan, my dad will wear the tie tack for church as a proud display of his son’s recognition. For my dad, the tie tack is a sentimental treasure, and for him, it is his own personal jewelry.

Bracelets-You might not qualify this next item as ‘jewelry’ but it can be a man’s (or a boy, for the matter) fashionable accessory. In grade school, one of the ‘coolest’ things to wear was a slap bracelet, featured in various fluorescent colors and designs. I recall boys especially using these multipurpose bracelets not only to sport, but to also keep them busily entertained and occupied in class or at recess.

Key rings-A key ring as a man’s jewelry? A key ring holds what’s important to a man; the keys to his home, his car, job, or key chains that highlight a vacation or his personal interests. The frequent carrying of a key ring requires the man to find a suitable key ring to his taste. As little and maybe unnoticeable a key ring may be, as long as a man requires access to his many entries, he will be seen with his key ring. Better yet, let it be a fashionable key ring!

Now that you can stretch the definition of what a man’s jewelry can be, it can be just about anything so long as it’s what he values wearing.


About the author:
A man’s jewelry has never been so easy to find at Harris Michael Jewelry! For more information visit http://www.harrismichaeljewelry.com/mans-jewelry.html


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posted by atk_ars at 8:40 AM 0 comments

Family Owned Wide Width Shoe Store

In this day of franchise stores and towns that pretty much look the same from one strip mall to the next, Levin's Shoes & Dry Goods, just like the town, Marengo, retain a distinctive homey and personal air. The owners proudly state, "We emphasize quality, price and service. Customers get individual attention." Levin's even orders merchandise, such as wide width shoes, with particular customers in mind. As the years passed, the store, which originally sold work boots and bib overalls to farmers, diversified into other lines, including flannel shirts, cotton stockings and dresses. Today, Levin's still sells Oshkosh B'Gosh bibs and American-made work boots, but also offers brands such as Woolrich, Airwalks, and New Balance Athletic shoes. Recently there has been an increase in demand for wide width shoes of all styles. Levin's understands the importance of a good-fitting shoe and carries a wide selection of wide width shoes for men, women and children. The only downfall to this excellent store is that it is only located in Marengo, and as mentioned by the family, "we'll always be in Marengo."

The most convenient option for distant customers is to browse their online website and place orders there. Customers are able to e-mail an explanation of their athletic needs to the Levin's family and they will respond with various suggestions of wide width shoes. The wide width shoes that are available to view or order through their online site include;

*The HushPuppy "Mall Walker," is among the first choices for men who need wide width shoes. The "Mall Walkers" are built with an extra large toe-box and has a longwearing vibrim sole and removable "perma-foam" insole. It is an excellent dress-casual wide width shoe for men who must have good support for standing or walking long hours on hard surfaces.
*The Wolverine Dura-Shock Slip-Resistant Boots are great for the workingman needing wide width shoes, particularly work boots. These boots have built in comfort features for all-day wear in EEE widths! They are made with Wolverine Performance Leather and have a removable full-cushion, dual-density, polymer foot bed.
*New Balance is the only major athletic shoe company in the world that builds a complete line of wide width shoes, from AA to EEEE. Wide width shoes are available in men's and women's running, tennis, walking, cross training, and basketball. Levin's also carries a wide range of wide width shoes for basketball, tennis, and cross training for children from size three to six.
*Converse All-Star and Converse All-Star High-Tops canvas shoes are a popular and stylish brand of wide width shoes among teenagers. These shoes are available in variety of colors and sizes for a comparatively low price.

In this day of franchise stores and towns that pretty much look the same from one strip mall to the next, Levin's Shoes & Dry Goods, just like the town, Marengo, retain a distinctive homey and personal air. "Sure we carry a lot of nationally recognized brands such as Levi's and Hush Puppies, " said Levin, "but where else can you get 'Romeo slippers' or wool long-johns?" Levin's offers the customer a unique selection of high demand products like wide width shoes and helpful, easy purchasing ability. These features create an atmosphere that consumers enjoy, "a family store."




About the author:
Hillary Kuenn is an author with a psychology major who specializes in creative writing, based on Marketing Strategies. Click here to access more of her shoe related articles. http://www.shoes-reviewplace.com/




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posted by atk_ars at 8:39 AM 0 comments

Un-stuffing for the holidays

Well, it's officially fall!

So, you stand in front of your closet ready to pack up the flowing summery styles and bring out the comfy, cozy clothes. You know, the big comfy sweaters and layering pieces that you need to stay toasty warm in the chilly weather that's sure to be here soon. But wait…

You don't have to look like a stuffed Thanksgiving Day turkey!

Before you bring out a single piece of fall clothing, open your lingerie drawer and check your shapewear. That's the secret weapon that will keep you looking slim under those bulky fashions. Building your wardrobe, and preparing for the seasonal switch, starts with great foundation undergarments. And, there are amazing products available to you for specific fashion styles and designed to target the areas you need.

The days of the girdle are gone, and everyone knows about Spanx. But, your arsenal should include several different undergarments for specific items in your closet. Do you need tummy control, thigh smoothing, butt lifting or something to give you a little more cleavage in that sexy dress you plan to wear for the New Years party?

Start by honestly analyzing your body type. Don't be overly critical or get yourself down. Just stand in front of the mirror and you will instantly see the areas that bug you. It's best to have two mirrors so that you see your "exit". Many women look fabulous from the front, but forget about panty lines and bra bulge on the backside.

Now comes the fun part. Go shopping! Search for shapewear that targets your specific needs. For example, don't buy a full body shaper if you only need tummy control. You are trying to achieve a shapely figure, not a flat one. Try different approaches. Gwyneth Paltrow used two pairs of shapewear to conceal her post baby belly at an LA gala just weeks after giving birth!

So, the moral here is to be prepared. Just like changing the smoke detector batteries twice a year at daylight savings. Check your arsenal of shapewear with each change of the season and revamp of the wardrobe. The last thing you want to do is to frantically try to find the right foundation undergarment the night of the party! And, if you don't have it, end up miserable feeling like the stuffed turkey of the evening.


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About the author:
David and Sandra Lanning own an upscale women's boutique in Rhode Island. They have been in the fashion business for over twelve years and are commited to helping women look fabulous and feel great with proper wardrobe seletion. The Lannings created Shapewear and Body Shapers - GalapagosBoutique.com to help women with selecting and buying shapewear that will produce results.


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posted by atk_ars at 8:39 AM 0 comments

9 Earring Buying Tips

9 Earring Buying Tips

The right earrings can be the finishing touch that turns an ordinary ensemble into the envy of every woman in the room. But the wrong earring can be a painful experience for both your ear and your fashion sense.

The good news is that knowing the difference between the right earrings and the wrong ones is easier than it seems. Here are some common sense guidelines to help you get started:

1. Choose a Great Design

Like other types of jewelry, earrings come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. Although the style of your earrings will often be determined by the occasion, you shouldn't be afraid to branch out and try new designs. Experiment with an assortment of styles until you find the ones that are right for you.

2. Metals to Consider

Earrings can be comprised of a variety of precious and non-precious metals including gold, silver, and nickel-based alloys. When choosing earrings, it is important to note that certain metals have been known to cause allergic reactions in some people. This is especially true of nickel-based metals, small amounts of which are found in stainless steel. If metal allergies are a problem for you, then you'll probably want to look for hypo-allergenic earrings made of either titanium or niobium.

3. Matching Earrings to You

Color is another important consideration in earring selection. A nicely colored earring should complement your eyes and facial complexion as well as your outfit. Experiment with an assortment of colors until you find ones that draw out your complexion and go well with the colors that dominate your wardrobe. Remember: You buy earrings to match your outfit, not outfits to match your earrings!

4. Gem or No Gem

The decision to wear an earring with a gemstone is largely based on occasion and personal preference. Small gemstones add an interesting sparkle for everyday wear, while larger gemstones should be reserved for special occasions. Another factor to consider is cost. For genuine gems, the bigger the stone, the bigger the price tag.

5. Is Bigger Better

When it comes to earrings, size matters. A good earring takes into consideration not only the size of the ear, but also the hair and face. If the earrings are too large they will draw undue attention to themselves and detract from your overall appearance. If they are too small, they will not be seen.

6. Remember to Check Weight

The weight of your earring makes a big difference in both comfort and appearance. The droop of an overweight earring looks bad and can be potentially harmful to the ear if it leads to ripping or tearing of the lobe.

7. Hoops and Dangles

In addition to size and weight, the length of the earring also needs to be considered. Although a longer earring can add a touch of elegance, it can also hinder your movement and easily become more of a problem than it's worth. When trying on longer earrings, make sure you can easily move your head from side to side without catching the earring on your collar or shoulder.
8. Should You Always Buy Pierced Earrings

Over the years, many women have been hesitant to wear clip-on earrings because of the perception that they are more easily lost than earrings that are designed for pierced ears. Even so, the two most important considerations in choosing a pair of earrings are comfort and appearance. If a clip-on looks and feels good, then there is no reason why you shouldn't buy them. Also, if the woman doesn't have pierced ears, clip-ons, screw-ons and ear cuffs are popular choices.

9. How Much Should You Spend

Earrings can range in price from a few bucks to thousands of dollars depending on the quality of metal and gems they contain. Most women prefer to spend moderately on the ones they wear everyday and spend a little more lavishly on a couple of pairs they reserve for special occasions. The important thing is that you are satisfied with the earrings you purchase, no matter however much you decide to spend.

About the author:
Create great gifts. Get your Free report: "10 Ways to Make Your Gift Extra Special" as well as find more jewelry and gift buying tips by going to http://www.jewelrymall.com


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posted by atk_ars at 8:38 AM 0 comments

9 Earring Buying Tips

9 Earring Buying Tips

The right earrings can be the finishing touch that turns an ordinary ensemble into the envy of every woman in the room. But the wrong earring can be a painful experience for both your ear and your fashion sense.

The good news is that knowing the difference between the right earrings and the wrong ones is easier than it seems. Here are some common sense guidelines to help you get started:

1. Choose a Great Design

Like other types of jewelry, earrings come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. Although the style of your earrings will often be determined by the occasion, you shouldn't be afraid to branch out and try new designs. Experiment with an assortment of styles until you find the ones that are right for you.

2. Metals to Consider

Earrings can be comprised of a variety of precious and non-precious metals including gold, silver, and nickel-based alloys. When choosing earrings, it is important to note that certain metals have been known to cause allergic reactions in some people. This is especially true of nickel-based metals, small amounts of which are found in stainless steel. If metal allergies are a problem for you, then you'll probably want to look for hypo-allergenic earrings made of either titanium or niobium.

3. Matching Earrings to You

Color is another important consideration in earring selection. A nicely colored earring should complement your eyes and facial complexion as well as your outfit. Experiment with an assortment of colors until you find ones that draw out your complexion and go well with the colors that dominate your wardrobe. Remember: You buy earrings to match your outfit, not outfits to match your earrings!

4. Gem or No Gem

The decision to wear an earring with a gemstone is largely based on occasion and personal preference. Small gemstones add an interesting sparkle for everyday wear, while larger gemstones should be reserved for special occasions. Another factor to consider is cost. For genuine gems, the bigger the stone, the bigger the price tag.

5. Is Bigger Better

When it comes to earrings, size matters. A good earring takes into consideration not only the size of the ear, but also the hair and face. If the earrings are too large they will draw undue attention to themselves and detract from your overall appearance. If they are too small, they will not be seen.

6. Remember to Check Weight

The weight of your earring makes a big difference in both comfort and appearance. The droop of an overweight earring looks bad and can be potentially harmful to the ear if it leads to ripping or tearing of the lobe.

7. Hoops and Dangles

In addition to size and weight, the length of the earring also needs to be considered. Although a longer earring can add a touch of elegance, it can also hinder your movement and easily become more of a problem than it's worth. When trying on longer earrings, make sure you can easily move your head from side to side without catching the earring on your collar or shoulder.
8. Should You Always Buy Pierced Earrings

Over the years, many women have been hesitant to wear clip-on earrings because of the perception that they are more easily lost than earrings that are designed for pierced ears. Even so, the two most important considerations in choosing a pair of earrings are comfort and appearance. If a clip-on looks and feels good, then there is no reason why you shouldn't buy them. Also, if the woman doesn't have pierced ears, clip-ons, screw-ons and ear cuffs are popular choices.

9. How Much Should You Spend

Earrings can range in price from a few bucks to thousands of dollars depending on the quality of metal and gems they contain. Most women prefer to spend moderately on the ones they wear everyday and spend a little more lavishly on a couple of pairs they reserve for special occasions. The important thing is that you are satisfied with the earrings you purchase, no matter however much you decide to spend.

About the author:
Create great gifts. Get your Free report: "10 Ways to Make Your Gift Extra Special" as well as find more jewelry and gift buying tips by going to http://www.jewelrymall.com


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posted by atk_ars at 8:38 AM 0 comments

How to Choose the Best Color Contact Lenses

Decided to change your eye color with colored contacts and don't know which ones to choose? Find out what the color contacts market has to offer and which lenses will make your eyes look most striking and beautiful.

Color contact lens types

You can get disposable (1 day, 2 weeks or 1 month replacement schedule) color contact lenses as well as traditional (annual replacement) lenses. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.

Disposable lenses are healthier for your eyes. First, they are thinner so the lens lets more oxygen through to your cornea. Second, protein build-ups are less of a problem with disposable contact lenses - it doesn't have enough time to build up. And third, if you replace your contact lenses often, the risk of bacterial infection is much less. So from the health point of view, disposable color contacts like Freshlook or Acuvue 2 Colors are better. Disposable color lenses are especially recommended if you want to wear your color contacts every day for longer than 8 hours.

On the other hand, the best annual replacement color contact lenses are hand painted, while all disposable contacts are digitally printed. For a color contact it is very important not only to give you a brilliant vibrant color, but also to look natural. If you look very closely at your eyes, you will see that your iris isn't a solid color but has various colors and patterns. Some people have a starburst pattern, while others have tiny rays of yellow or black in a blue or green iris. These patterns and colors give your eyes a feeling of depth. Hand painted lenses, like Durasoft 2, include subtle details and varied colors. This helps to simulate depth and gives your eyes a very natural appearance.

As you can imagine, hand-painted color contacts are more difficult to produce, so they are more expensive. This is actually the reason they don't come as monthly disposables - very few people would pay 50 dollars or more for color contacts that only last a month!

Best color contacts for dark eyes

If you eyes are dark brown, blue or green your only option is opaque contact lenses.
Enhancement color lenses will only disappoint you.

The best options for dark eyes are:
- Freshlook Colorblends - opaque, monthly disposable lenses with bright, brilliant color and natural looking patterns. The most popular shades are Amethyst, Blue Sapphire and Green
- Acuvue 2 Colors Opaque - 2 week disposable color lenses that create soft looking color
- Durasoft 2 and Durasoft 3 Opaques - strikingly bright, yet natural looking, color. Durasoft is a hand-painted annual replacement contact lens. Durasoft 3 looks best, but it is expensive
- Illusions - also annual replacement, hand-painted color contacts. For a soft, light color chose Soft Green of Soft Blue. If you want a striking color, go for Violet, Deep Blue or Deep Green

If your eyes and skin are dark, be careful not to get a color that is very light. Light green or blue eyes won't look natural with bronze skin. Instead go for deep blue, green or amethyst.

Best color contacts for light eyes

If your eyes are light, you can wear both opaque and enhancer color contact lenses. To change your color select opaque contacts, because green enhancers over blue eyes, or vice versa, can give unpredictable result.

Recommended color contacts for light eyes:
- Freshlook Dimensions - monthly disposable contacts that don't change your natural color, but add depth and make your eyes appear larger
- Freshlook Radiance - also monthly disposables, which make your eyes appear bright and sparkling. Radiance comes in Eden, Moonlight, Sunrise and Autumn. The Radiance effect is really striking.
- Durasoft 2 for light eyes - annual replacement color lenses. The lens looks very natural because of the carefully painted pattern and blend of colors. You can get Aquamarine, Sky Blue, Jade Green, Violet Blue
- Illusions Soft Blue and Soft Green - opaque annual replacement color lenses that create beautiful, very light, natural looking color.

People with very light eyes should be particularly careful. Some enhancement color contacts tend to make light eyes look darker. The solution here can be quite unusual - go for opaque lenses that simulate light color, rather than enhancers. Soft Green or Soft Blue Illusions can be a good choice.

If you feel like you want to change something in your appearance, trying color contact lenses is a good choice. Get yourself a pair of brilliant color contacts and enjoy watching heads turn as you pass.


About the author:
Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lenses Consumer Guide where you can find unbiased information about best colored contact lenses, and special effect contact lenses with reviews and photos.


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posted by atk_ars at 8:37 AM 0 comments

Designer Fashions for your iPod.

The iPod has become a cultural phenomenon. Not since the original Nintendo gaming system has the general public gone so utterly mad over a high-tech consumer gadget. You see them everywhere you go…..on the subway…..in the schoolyard…..on the runway. That’s right, my friends. High end fashion design houses like Louis Vuitton and Gucci have launched a line of iPod cases that are sure to please even the most jaded fashionista.

It should come as little surprise that somebody is designing stylish cases for the most stylish gadget ever created. There are countless iPod cases available on the market, most of which are tacky or ugly or made from yucky rubber-like materials. Frankly, I couldn’t be happier that people with a real understanding of design and fashion are giving fashion-conscious consumers some stylish options.

These cases are fashion must-haves for this year. My personal favorite is designed by Paul Smith. It’s called the Swirl. It reminds me of those psychedelic designs of the late 60’s or early 70’s. Think Mod. The multicolored strips accent the smooth texture leather very nicely, and it has a very snug fit. It is designed for the iPod mini, but it will accommodate both the 4 and 6 Gig models. I love it!

I am also quite keen on the Gucci cases. They are constructed from the classic Gucci monogrammed material, available in beige/ebony with dark brown leather trim. It also comes with a silver Gucci emblem on the front, and a nice carrying strap. The only drawback I see with these cases is the price. At close to $200 USF, these cases cost almost as much as the iPod itself! I will admit, though, that these cases are slick!

For those not interested in spending so much money on a case, Apple has quite a few reasonably priced cases on their website. There is a company called Incase that has a wonderful line of cases for your iPod. They are oh-so-stylish. They look like designer cases, without the designer price. I have a brown and pink leather one on order. It has a wonderful argyle pattern on it, and we all love argyle…..don’t we? I can hardly wait for mine to arrive! Which one do you have?


About the author:
Cathy Feldman always wanted to be a famous supermodel. When she is not fantasizing about strutting down the runway with her favorite Gucci purse, she writes for designerhandbags101.com – an online designer handbag resource, with extensive information on Besso handbags - http://www.designerhandbags101.com/designer-handbags/besso.aspx,Botkier handbags - http://www.designerhandbags101.com/designer-handbags/botkier.aspx,Hogan handbags - http://www.designerhandbags101.com/designer-handbags/hogan.aspxand more.


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posted by atk_ars at 8:37 AM 0 comments

More Than Your Average Valentine's Gift


Valentine’s Day is approaching, and you have no idea what to get your special someone. Sure, you could try chocolates, flowers, or another plush gorilla singing “Wild Thing,” but for a Valentine’s gift that is fun, personal, and says more than just “wild thing, you make my heart sing,” consider jewelry.

What could be more exciting on February 14th than taking your special someone to your local jeweler and letting them choose their very own Valentine’s gift? This would be an exceptionally enjoyable way to bond over Valentine’s Day, but if you’d rather keep your gift a surprise, there are plenty of ideas to create a fun way for your partner to open her gift. You could take her out for a romantic dinner and have the waiter bring the ring with dessert, or you could lead her on a scavenger hunt through all the places that are significant to you, with the final clue leading to you and the ring. These are just two of hundreds of fun ways to present your special someone with her Valentine’s gift.

Jewelry is personal. You can choose something already fashioned, or you can design your piece for a keepsake she’ll treasure. Either way, a Valentine’s gift of jewelry is a gift that says that you truly care about your partner. And there are so many options to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong. You can decide on a gemstone, or a precious metal. There are necklaces, bracelets, rings, anklets, brooches, watchbands, and much more. With so many options, you can choose a Valentine’s gift that reflects your loved one’s personality and tastes.

A Valentine’s gift of jewelry can show your feelings for your significant other. Your Valentine’s gift can be passionate and serious or fun and lighthearted; giving her jewelry shows that you put a lot of thought into your gift, and she will be sure to love it no matter what because it is from you.







About the author:
Amanda Trevino is a client account specialist for Harris Michael Jewelry.


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posted by atk_ars at 8:36 AM 0 comments

Fears behind FALSE FASHION

False Fashion is it for you? What you have to bear in mind when keeping up with all the newest trend is, that never once were you in the designer/s thoughts when putting his/her creation together.

How many times have you cringed at styles knowing at the back of your mind how hideous you would look dressed in what was designed for the catwalk?


Top designer labels do not come cheap and can be quite expensive leaving you broke because you want to keep up with the Jones's
Ever felt stupid when attired up to nines to stop the jibes from your friends, keeping up with fashion is all well and good, but if you are not comfortable with your appearance then do something about it. Start by ignoring nasty remarks, true friends do not pass judgement unless in your favour.


It makes sense to put your own fashion ideas to use and into the bargain cost effective. Design your own label? Who knows may be your friends will want a piece of the action. Top designers started this way.


When out shopping; find a shop selling quality gear for half the price of what it would cost to dress in designer gear. You will find similar or duplicated designs to the latest craze in most stores. Is the content of your wallet/purse holding you back from making a purchase. Then get yourself to the local second hand shop and pick up a bargain.

Stick with the trend by wearing the colours in fashion. Charity shops donate to good causes, so as well as looking a million dollars you help the starving people of the world.

Uneasy with the new boob tube where the bare fleshy stomach is on full view, then narrow it down to a glimpse for the onlooker, add a little lace tassels or beads.

Belts do not do down well for the pleasantly plump, okay so we find an alternative. Gather leather strips, braid/plait them together then hang the twisted menagerie loosely around the waist add a little glitter to spice it up, this will not only look effective but complement your size.

How to get away with no boots if money is tight

Buy a closed in shoe then get a matching pair of coloured knee/ankle length socks and hey presto from a distance a pair of boots How good is that?



What is the point of expensive designer labels when the only person that gets to see that new outfit is you? all because the bank balance states 0.00 where you do not get to party till your next payday, and by then with the fashion industry as it is, the oufit may well be past its sell by date.

False fashion is what it is. Your height, weight, skin type was never taken into account by the designer unlike the rich stars. How on earth can you look your best by other folks choices? Think about it if anyone knows what will suit you? is you.

http://www.allaboutonlineeducation.com is a great place to start if you were thinking about dressmaking or looking for information on teaching yourself the in's and out's of getting on in this life.




















About the author:
Unless you marry a footballer or born with a silver spoon in your mouth then don't expect to be wearing designer knickers as well. A win on the lottery may change all that. http://www.pick3today.com


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posted by atk_ars at 8:36 AM 0 comments

Protecting Your Assets

Have you ever wondered what would happen to your assets if you were
sued, in a car accident and it was your fault or if you became disabled or
even died? Most people consider this question but do very little about
taking the necessary steps to protect their assets.

The first thing to do is to have a plan in place before anything bad happens
to you. Even if you are one of the luck ones and nothing ever bad
happens, eventually as a fact, everyone dies.

When you die, your bank accounts are frozen, and an executor is
appointed to wrap up your estate. This means finding everyone you owed
money to, and settling the debts. If you have a family, and all your assets
are in your own name, your spouse could be unable to access your funds
for up to 2 years.

There are three major concerns when it comes to protecting your assets:
estate duties, income taxes, and lawsuits.

Estate duties
When you die, the government claims a percentage of the value of your
estate. This amount varies from country to country, and it could be
anything from 20% to as much as 55%.

The solution to the estate duty problem is to ensure that your estate is
worth as little as possible when you die. Moving your assets into a living
trust could be a good solution, as the trust is not taxed upon your death.

Income tax
How do you legally reduce your tax liability? One way is to decrease your
income to an absolute minimum. Anything you need could be paid for by a
business. For instance, if you need a new laptop, it could be paid for by
your corporation or living trust. It is a legitimate business expense, as long
as you use it for generating income, and not just for playing games.

The expenses of a business are deducted from its income before taxes are
calculated. For individuals working for an employer, taxes are deducted
before you even get your paycheck. That means that your personal
expenses are paid for with after-tax income. If a separate legal entity can
pay some of these expenses, it reduces the amount of money you need to
earn, and the amount of tax you need to pay.

Lawsuits
The first thing that happens when someone wants to sue you is that his or
her lawyer will try to find out what you are worth.

It is not difficult to find out someone's net worth by examining public
records. These days, on the internet, it is even easier. What you need to
do is look like a poor target. This could mean transferring as many assets
as possible into a separate legal entity, which you do not own, but do
control. This could be a living trust, or a corporation.

It might also mean that you ensure that properties in your own name are
mortgaged to the hilt, so that your net asset value (the difference between
what you own and what you owe) is as low as possible. Ideally, you want
your assets and your income to be as small as possible, so that you are
not worth suing you.

In conclusion
Everyone has different financial needs. Laws are different from country to
country, and from state to state. It is essential that you get professional
advice from a competent financial advisor before doing anything.

If you are in financial trouble, it is already too late. If you transfer assets in
order to put them out of reach of your creditors, it may be seen as
fraudulent and illegal. You need to have a plan in place before you are
sued, and before anyone tries to take your assets away.

You may think that you are too young to worry about asset protection, but
it is not too early to get a plan in place. It is a clich¨¦, but still true: If you
fail to plan, you plan to fail.




About the author:
For more information about protecting your assets, visit http://www.assetprotectioninfocenter.com



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posted by atk_ars at 8:35 AM 0 comments

5 Steps To Perfect Hair

Your hair is your crowning glory. Look after it and it will shine for all the world to see. You don't always need expensive treatments, or visits to a hair salon to manage your hair professionally. There's so much you can do yourself.

1. For shiny, healthy hair think first of your body's intake. Your hair is really just a reflection of what you are inside. A good balanced, nutritious and healthy diet will do more to make your hair shine than any shampoo or conditioner. And drink eight to ten glasses of water a day too; hair is 25% water, so don't let yours go thirsty!

2. Dry your hair after washing in the ambient temperature of your room after using an absorbent towel to soak up the excess moisture, but don't rub hard. If possible, don't use blow-drying, flat irons, curling irons or hot rollers. Artificial heating will leave your hair brittle and damaged in time. Be natural whenever you can.

3. Prevent unnecessary hair damage by using the right kind of hairbrush. Only comb wet hair with a wide-tooth comb, combing from end to root, but avoiding touching the root. Detangling wet hair with a hard steel comb can create a lot of damage, so don't!

4. Remove trichoptlosis, or split ends, like this: take small sections of your hair and carefully twist them in a gentle downward motion. The split ends will stick out. Using sharp scissors, carefully cut into the twisted section, but not right through, to remove the damaged cuticles and leave a natural layered look. Cut roughly the same amount from each twist to balance the effect.

5. Hair loss can be slowed, or even reversed by applying a few simple tips, though they probably won't cure an underlying condition. Biotin can help to regenerate hair follicles: blend bananas with honey, yoghurt and low-fat milk, and drink it daily. Supplements such as Vitamin B6, zinc and saw palmetto will help too, but eliminating stress and getting plenty of sleep may work just as well.

We are all obsessed with our hair, whether we are 9 or 90, male or female. Look after yourself first and foremost and your hair will reflect that care and attention. The Biblical Samson's strength lay in his fine flowing hair. Your hair reflects your strength too.

About the author:
Lucy Bryant is a hair specialist with her own website on all aspects of hair and hair styling: http://www.betterhairforyou.com/She lives with her family in rural Vermont.


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posted by atk_ars at 8:34 AM 0 comments

Plus Size Tips and Tricks

Black used to be the color of choice for plus size women, but no more. Voluptuous women don’t need to be afraid of bright colors and silky fabrics, as long as a few rules are followed.

* If you’re wearing a one-piece dress, go for a solid color and accessorize it with coordinating jewelry. If you want to add a second color, make it a jacket or a long blousy shirt. And mix textures. A wool dress and a tweedy jacket look terrific together.
* When selecting fabrics, choose soft and flowing, rather than clingy. Don’t make the mistake of wearing baggy clothes, thinking they will make you look thinner. Look for great choices that accentuate the positive!
* Stripes should usually be avoided, but if stripes are present, make sure they’re vertical. If you have a blouse that sports horizontal stripes, throw a coordinating wrap over your shoulders to add flair and minimize the stripes.
* Blazers or cardigan sweaters look best unbuttoned. It creates a visually-appealing vertical line. And adding shoulder pads to knit tops and sweaters will make you look much more polished.
* Focus on emphasizing your best features. If you’ve got terrific legs, show them off with linen shorts in a sherbet color, or choose a knee-length skirt that falls softly over your thighs. If you have a wonderful neck, choose some of the exciting new v-neck looks. Make sure that you choose accessories that draw attention to your face. Fun earrings and chunky necklaces will do the trick.
* De-emphasize the parts of your body that are in “transition”. All-in-ones (great shapers) or control-top pantyhose help smooth out any look. If your upper arms are not what you’d like them to be, go ahead and pick a sleeveless blouse, but cover yourself with a gauzy wrap or colorful jacket.
* If you are petite, smaller is better. Don’t choose clothing with large pockets or bold prints. Choose shoes with heels, the higher the better. Opt for a smaller bag in rich colors or designer earrings that nestle against your ear. When selecting any accessory, make sure it fits your size.
* Go with the flow. Choose looks that accentuate your length. A chunky belt will draw attention to your midsection, so if your outfit is belted, add a warm jacket that will bring the eye down from the waist. Also look for skirts that are longer, rather than wider, for a wonderful slimming look.

Millions of women get up every day and reach for clothes that do nothing for their plus size, voluptuous bodies. Change all that by seeking out retailers who specialize in catering to this growing market. Don’t be afraid to try a new color or style. Be you. Be big. Be beautiful.




About the author:
Article by I Bansal of http://www.1st-for-plus-size-clothing.com
Copyright I Bansal 2005


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posted by atk_ars at 8:34 AM 0 comments

History of Sterling Silver Jewelry Charms

Charms are also known as amulets and pendants. They are as popular today as they have been throughout recorded history. Ancient Egyptians wore bracelets with charms or amulets. They were used to protect against bad luck and evil forces. They began with religious symbols and became a part of everyday dressing.

Charms/jewelry were made of almost any material of value to people in their time. Many were made of precious metal. Others were made with gemstones inlaid in them or mounted with precious metals in the form of necklaces, crowns, staffs, and bracelets. Queen Victoria gets the credit for popularizing jewelry charms throughout Europe by wearing lockets or charms on her royal bracelets

America became enchante with Charms around the time frame of World War II. Soldiers returning from duty station brought with them various types of charms or pendants. Today popular charms are maded from Gold and Sterling silver. Other materials are still used in the making of charms.

Sterling Silver Charms today represent as many things as there are interests and personalities. Some charms or pendants represent the religious leanings of the wearer. They also represent the interest of the wearer such a musical instrument for a music lover, a pair of sneakers for a jogger, or ballet slippers for a ballerina. Imagination is the only limit for what a charm can represent. Silver charms are also used to commerate life events such as births, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or graduations.

Silver is a soft metal and its usage has been favored for centuries. It is used to make charms often related to religious worship. Silver has been a symbol of comfortable living. Sterling silver is much stronger than pure silver which is harder to work with when making pendants or charms. Sterling silver is approximately ninety percent silver. The last ten percent or so can be any one of the following: copper, zinc, or nickel and is more durable than pure silver but it still retains its inherent beauty.


Charms whether made of sterling silver or some other materials are often used to represent the person who wears or carries the charm. As has been mentioned however, they often represent the interests and personality of the wearer. During war particular items are given to the soldiers who are going off to fight. When a young teen-aged couple ’goes steady’ the young man generally gives the girl his ring or something of particular value to him. The girls might also do the same.
Charms have also been said to represent the particular spirituality of the wearer. Many people wear plain simple crosses while still others will wear the cross with the corpus - the body of Christ on it. Others wear saints medals. Lockets are worn with images of loved ones inside. Once used to ward against evil spirits, for good luck, and for protection in times of trouble charms have come to be an adornment for the wearer. Charm bracelets are gifts that keep on giving. A charm is often given for birthdays, graduations, a dance recital, or sports victory. They make wonderful gifts for young girls that will grow with them. There are charm necklaces as well.


About the author:
About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes
Wedding Ring and and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.


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posted by atk_ars at 8:33 AM 0 comments

Where To Find Cheap Uggs: Discount Boots Websites

The super footwear made in Australia has swept this country by storm.

However, along with great popularity, as Hollywood stars of all ages have been seen wearing these comfortable shoes, also comes super high prices.

If you are interested in purchasing a pair, but do not have the money in your budget, consider searching for Uggs on discount boots websites.

By a quick Internet search, you will be able to find extremely discounted shoes, slippers, and boots that are a fraction of their steep original sales price.

Finding a pair of Uggs at discount boots websites is not difficult, and a quick and easy search will save you a great deal of money.

When searching for Uggs on discount boots websites, first consider the website itself. If the site is offering shoes, slippers, or boots at too good of a price, be warned—they might be counterfeit!

Most online stores are legitimate and will provide you with authentic products, but there are some that will prey on unsuspecting patrons.

The best way to find a pair of inexpensive Australian made footwear is to search for after the season sales.

These discounts will enable you to find quality footwear that are guaranteed to be authentic.

Online stores are excellent methods of finding these ultra popular boots at inexpensive prices.

Another way to find boots, shoes, and slippers for much less than in stores is to search internet auction sites.

Again, be aware of anyone selling suspicious merchandise that may potentially be counterfeited.

Since you can wear your shoes, boots, or slippers all season long, you will get the most use out of your new footwear.

If you do decide to purchase footwear from internet stores or auctions, be completely aware of any return policies enforced by the store.

If your new shoes do not fit or you are not satisfied with your purchase, knowing these policies will be able to assist you greatly in receiving a refund or return.

You may need to check into a internet store or websites auction before you decide to purchase to ensure the seller is reputable.

About the author:
Learn More of the Information You Need in Order to Get Great Quality Ugg Boots at Fantastic Prices - Discover the Comfort of Aussie Ugg Boots


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posted by atk_ars at 8:32 AM 0 comments

Where To Buy Discount Rayban Sunglasses

Designer shades are often an expensive investment, but can provide superb protection from the sun's dangerous ultra violet rays in addition to adding a snazzy touch to any wardrobe.

Instead of purchasing designer shades for an exorbitant amount of money, consider purchasing discount Rayban sunglasses for a fraction of the original price!

These great glasses can be found in traditional brick and mortar stores or through virtual stores and one of the best is SunglassHut. com .

Invest your time instead of your money in the search for the perfect pair of discount Rayban sunglasses .

When searching for your desired pair of Ray Ban shades, check out your favorite department or optical store for special sales and closeouts.

Usually, you will be able to find super deals on discount rayban sunglasses , especially if you look after the summer season when most brands of shades are on sale.

Wayfarer from Ray Ban

One of the most popular designs of shades is the Wayfarer , which can come with a steep price tag.

Ask around to find out which stores have the best rate on these designer glasses to ensure you receive the best deal around!

Ray Ban shades have been popular for many years, especially as they continue to appear in Hollywood movies.

This careful product placement in films like Risky Business, Top Gun, and both issues of the Men in Black movies have made the brand incredibly popular, and also incredibly sought after.

Turn to the World Wide Web and SunglassHut.com to find special deals on popular versions of this brand, including the classic Wayfarer .

Look to discount websites like SunglassHut.com to find great deals and a great selection.

Regardless where you decide to purchase your shades through the Internet, carefully know the source to ensure you are receiving authentic shades and not cheap imposters.

About the author:
Get the Sunglass you want at the prices you need. Go to SunglassesReviewed.com


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posted by atk_ars at 8:32 AM 0 comments

Kids Party Wear

Kids want to look their scariest on Halloween, but parents can, and should, be wary of letting their children go out wearing masks that can make it difficult to see approaching cars and other dangerous objects.

Makeup is a safer, and more comfortable option, but many people are under the opinion that it's expensive and difficult to do.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

You don't need a fancy makeup kit to transform your child's adorable face into a spooky creature or critter this Halloween. In fact, most households probably already have most of the items you will need to create a "spooktacular" Halloween makeup kit.

Here are a few home-grown makeup tips to complete the perfect costume.

Facial Hair:

Use a wet sponge to apply cake mascara or dark eye shadow to create sideburns, mustaches, and other facial hair. Apply sparingly over the whole face to darken your child's complexion.

Create a bushy mustache or flowing beard from crepe wool (also known as crepe hair) or yarn. Unbraid and frizz it up a bit for best results. You can use a safe mixture of flour and water to apply the 'hair' to your child's skin. It will wash off easily at the end of the night.

Making Hair Disappear:

Make new eyebrows for your child by hiding the old ones with multiple applications of a thick paste made from facial soap and water. Cover the paste with foundation and draw new shapes wherever you want them.

Go Bald:

If you forgot to pick up a skull cap, the end of an old nylon can create a fairly good effect. Glue on some crepe wool or yarn to create a custom wig.

White as a Ghost:

Mix together white chalk with shortening from your kitchen cupboard, and apply to your child's face to give her a ghostly complexion.

Frankenstein Neck Bolts:

Paint Styrofoam packing peanuts with a black watercolor paint and stick to your child's neck with a flour and water mixture for a great neck bolt effect.

Wounds:

Mix lipstick and yellow and green eye shadow to create bruises.

For a festering wound, coat the area of the wound with baking soda, then use a spray bottle to very lightly spray with vinegar. If let dry, the bubbling sore will stay till washed off.


When the night is over, and it's time for your monsters to return to their less ghoulish selves, baby shampoo will remove the glue and makeup easily and gently.

About the author:
Morris gathers information about Asian Dress Materials
children formal wear.


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posted by atk_ars at 8:31 AM 0 comments

Bracelets

A bracelet is an article of clothing or jewelry, which is worn around the
wrist. Bracelets can be manufactured from cloth or metal, and sometimes
contain rocks, wood, and/or shells. Bracelets are also used for medical and
identification purposes such as allergy bracelets and hospital tags. In the
late 1980s, "snap bracelets", felt-covered metal bracelets that curved
around one's wrist when gently hit against it, were a popular fad.

Nike and Lance Armstrong popularized the recent use of colored silicone
rubber as a material for producing sports bracelets through the Yellow
Livestrong band. Its success has led to the use of these 'awareness'
bracelets as low cost tools for information campaigns and charity projects.
These sports bracelets are also known otherwise as 'baller id bands',
'wristbands' or 'baller bands'.

The in-line thin diamond bracelet that features a symmetrical pattern of
diamonds is called a tennis bracelet. According to Diamond Bug, in 1987
Chris Evert, the former World No. 1 woman tennis player and the winner of
18 Grand Slam singles titles, was playing in the U.S. Open. She was
wearing an elegant, light in-line diamond bracelet, which accidentally broke
and the match was interrupted to allow Chris to recover her precious
diamonds. The 'tennis bracelet' incident sparked a new name for the item
and sparked a huge jewelry trend. Tennis bracelets continued to be worn
by various tennis stars like Serena Williams and Gabriela Sabatini.

Although the term 'armlet' may be technically similar, it is taken to mean an
item that sits on the upper arm. The origin of the term 'bracelet' is from the
Latin 'brachile' meaning 'of the arm', via the Old French 'barcel'. Taken in
the plural, bracelets is often use as slang for handcuffs.

Wristbands
Wristbands are encircling strips worn on the wrist, made of any of a variety
of materials depending on the purpose. The term can be used to refer to
the bracelet-like band of a wristwatch, to the cuff or other part of a sleeve
that covers the wrist, or to decorative or functional bands worn on the
wrist for other reasons.

One common type of wristband is the loops of plastic or tyvek that are
placed around the wrist for identification purposes (demonstrating the
wearer's authorization to be at a venue, for example).

Silicone wristbands
More recently, wristbands, often made of silicone, are worn to demonstrate
the wearer's support of a cause or charitable organization, similar to
awareness ribbons. Such wristbands are sometimes called symbands to
distinguish them from other types of wristbands.

One of the first charitable organizations to make use of silicone wristbands
as a way of demonstrating support for a cause was the yellow Livestrong
wristband created in 2004 by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. By early
2005, symbands became popular with many charities, such as Make
Poverty History and the BBC's Beat Bullying campaign.

There is also another type of Wristband called Web band. It is an online
version of the real wristband.




About the author:
For more information visit, http://www.braceletsinfo.com

David Chandler
For your FREE Stock Market Trading Mini Course:
"What The Wall Street Hot Shots Won't Tell You!" go to: http://www.stockmarketgenie.com


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posted by atk_ars at 8:31 AM 0 comments

Which Ones Are the Best Golf Sunglasses?

The best golf sunglasses take care of your style and protect your eys. Not only do they keep you looking good so you can impress everyone with your style.

The glasses also keep the sun’s glare out of your eyes and protect them from its harmful rays and keep the dust and grime, blowing around you, out of your eyes.

The big-names on the market include Oakley, Bolle, NYX, Arnette, and RayBan. These glasses tend to have pretty hefty price tag, unless know where to look and some good online shopping. If your new to golf and just dropped a few grand on clubs and a country club membership, you may not want to spend much on sunglasses.

Inexpensive glasses can be just as advanced, comfortable, and good looking as the high priced versions. They can come with lightweight polycarbonate materials so they are barely noticeable once they’re on your face. They can also come with special attachments to loop the glasses around your ears, so no matter how hard you hack at the ball, those glasses won’t fall off.

More importantly for your eyes’ health, the best golf sunglasses come with lenses that block 100 percent of the deadly ultraviolet rays from the sun. Look for glasses that block both UVA and UVB. The higher the nanometer rating, the better.

Depending on the weather conditions you'll want to consider the color of the lenses. Bright sunny days need a darker colored lense, maybe even mirrored or polarized.

Darker cloudy days can still be glary and hard on the eyes, a light grey or an amber lense would be perfect.

Best yet is to find a pair with interchangable lenses. Allowing you the ability to change the lenses as you need.

You’ll have more cash in your pocket to purchase balls, equipment, green fees, and, of course, frosty beverages from the drink cart.

At the same time you'll be protecting your eyes and you’ll look good doing it, too.

About the author:
Get the Sunglasses you want at the prices you need. Go to SunglassesReviewed.com


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posted by atk_ars at 8:30 AM 1 comments

Hair Removal: The Good News

If you're 1 of the millions of people who have hair growing where you don't want it, today's good news is, you have a wide range of effective hair removal options available to you.

Reasons For Hair Removal

People's reasons for wanting hair removed run the gamut from medical necessity to "just because I feel like it." Many women include hair removal as part of their normal cosmetic routine. They shave their legs and underarms, pluck their eyebrows, and have pubic hair trimmed or removed to accommodate today's fashions.

Most men shave their facial hair, and men sometimes shave their body hair for cosmetic purposes, as well. To enhance their performance, their appearance, or both, many athletes -- particularly swimmers and body builders -- will undergo hair removal procedures.

Some people with hair growth disorders like hypertrichosis or hirsutism use hair removal procedures for medical reasons.

Temporary Or Permanent Removal

Hair removal procedures can be separated into 2 categories: temporary and permanent.

Temporary techniques work only for short periods of time, and are subject to the body's normal hair growth cycle. They include shaving, plucking, waxing, and a wide selection of creams. Most people use temporary hair removal procedures at home, but they can also be obtained in a spa or salon.

Permanent Hair Removal Techniques

The "Permanent" procedures outlined below seek to remove unwanted hair in such a way that it returns never or, at worst, over a long time period. These hair removal methods are normally performed by licensed hair removal specialists.

Electrolysis

With electrolysis each hair follicle is treated individually. A licensed specialist injects a needle into the hair follicle and induces an electric charge that destroys the follicle's ability to produce hair. This process can take months, depending upon the size of the area being treated. This is a somewhat painful process, and side effects can include scarring and infection. Costs for electrolysis can run as high as $3,000 for the pubic area or legs.

Laser

The laser hair removal process uses a small laser beam to destroy the hair follicles. This is a relatively painless method that works best on people with light-colored skin and dark hair. It is not recommended for anyone who is deeply tanned. It costs about $1,000 for removal of facial hair, and anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 for removal of hair from the legs and pubic area. Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved process, to be performed only by a licensed and trained professional.

Photo Epilation/Pulsed Laser

This FDA-approved procedure uses a pulsed light beam to destroy the hair follicles. Photo Epilation/Pulsed Laser is especially effective for removing hair from sensitive areas, such as the underarms and the bikini area. Unlike laser hair removal, this method has no restrictions regarding hair color, skin color, or tanning. Depending on the area of the body to be treated, costs can run from $500 to $2,000 and up.

Removal of unwanted hair, for any reason whatsoever, is easier and more available today than ever before.



About the author:
Visit http://www.hair-begone.comto learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer with a website at http://www.ronxking.com

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.


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posted by atk_ars at 8:29 AM 0 comments

Using Costume Contacts

Looking for a change from your regular contacts? Want an option that will really have people talking? Costume contacts aren’t just available to movie costume designers anymore. Now even you can have eyes that look alien, or cat-like, or whatever you desire.

Thought many people think of purchasing costume contacts only to match their Halloween costumes, you can actually wear costume contact lenses to just about anywhere you can wear regular contacts! There are many costume contact lenses out there that are affordable and comfortable. However, buyers should keep in mind that some lenses use a toxic paint that can cause eye irritation. You should always go with lenses made from a major contact lens manufacturer.

If you want a contact lens that will really make you stand out, try scleral contacts. Unlike other lenses, scleral lenses cover the entire visible part of your eye to create a great effect. However, these lenses are much more elaborate and expensive. Like normal contact lenses, you should consult your eye care professional to fit costume lenses, even if your vision is perfect. A lot of people often ask if they can see while wearing these lenses, with the exception of certain white-out contact lenses, even if the lenses are opaque, a person can see. There are, however, even white-out lenses that can be seen out of.

There are several warnings about the dangers of costume lenses, but the blame does not lie with the lenses. Some users wear their costume lenses of several days at a time without removing them. They share their lenses with friends, or put them in without washing their hands. Costume contact lenses should be treated with the same respect that you would treat a regular pair of contact lenses. They shouldn't be shared and should only be worn for a few hours at a time.

In order to store them, all you need is simple saline solution (or eye drops for contact lenses) and a contact lens case, which can be found in your local pharmacy. Rinse out the lenses in the solution before you insert them in the eyes. Don't forget to wash your hands first! Soak the lenses in the solution inside your lens case when not in use. Also, it's highly recommended to change the solution at least once a week, if you don't intend to use them for long periods of time.

With the proper care, you can use costume contacts to become the alien you've always wanted to be - any day of the week.

About the author:
Amanda Baker writes for All Things
Pondered



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posted by atk_ars at 8:29 AM 0 comments

Color Contact Lenses - 7 Things You Need to Consider Before Buying Them

Color contact lenses can really brighten your look and your life, but selecting the perfect pair is not as easy as it sounds. We will tell you everything you need to know about color contacts.

Are your eyes light or dark?

When deciding what color contact to buy, take into account the natural color of your eyes. If your eyes are light and you want to brighten their natural color, go for enhancement color contacts. Enhancers look more natural on light eyes. However, if your eyes are dark or you want a dramatic change, look at opaque color contacts.

What kind of change do you want - a dramatic effect or a slight change?

Some color contact lenses are brighter than the others. The brightest hues, like Freshlook Colorblends True Sapphire, are best for parties, when you are also going to have evening make up. For work, on the other hand, you might prefer lenses that aren't so vivid. These rules are not set in stone, of course, just make sure to consider how bright a lens you want before making your purchase.

Think about comfort as well as the look

Go for well-known brands of contact lenses, so your lenses feel as good as they look. You can get disposable (weekly and monthly) as well as traditional (annual replacement) color contacts. Which is best for you depends on how often and for how long you intend to wear your color lenses. If you are going to wear them every day and all day long, it is better to buy disposable lenses, like Acuvue 2 Colors or Freshlook. Replacing the lenses often won't let protein deposits to build up on them and the lenses will feel more comfortable.

On the other hand, if you only want to have those perfect blue or green eyes occasionally, annual replacement color lenses would serve your purpose.

You need a prescription to buy color contacts

All contact lenses, including color ones, are considered medical devices. So, whether or not you need vision correction, you will need a doctor's prescription to buy color lenses. Color contacts are not “one size fits all”, and even if you have perfect vision your eye doctor has to measure the base curve of your eye.

Most famous brands of color contacts are available in plano (no correction power) as well as with plus and minus powers. But if you have an astigmatism your choices are very limited; so far only Freshlook offers toric color contacts.

You can get free trial color contacts from your doctor

Most doctors can offer you a trial pair of color contact lenses. Of course, he or she won't let you try many lenses, so you should have some idea about brand and the color you want before you ask your doctor for a free trial pair. Many people are searching for free trial color contacts online. However, since color lenses are medical devices, the only place you can get them is an optometrist's office.

Compare the prices at several shops

You probably already know that the best way to save on color contact lenses is to buy them online. However, online prices differ from shop to shop. After you have selected the exact lens you want and visited your eye doctor for a prescription, check the prices for your lenses in several shops. You should also take the shipping charges into account.

Be prepared to care for your color lenses properly

If you already wear corrective contact lenses, you probably have guessed that color contacts would require similar care. If you want to buy non prescription color lenses purely for cosmetic purposes, you will still have to look after them properly. Don't be scared, this is not hard and take only a few minutes. When giving you a prescription, your doctor should show you how to put the lenses in, take them off, clean and store your contacts. If he or she doesn't, make sure to ask. Then all you need to do, is not to forget to clean your color contacts every time you take them off.


About the author:
Tanya Turner invites you to Contact Lenses Consume Guide to see reviews and consumer information about colored contact lenses . There you can also find pictures and advice about best color contacts and comparison of online contact lens retailers.



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posted by atk_ars at 8:28 AM 0 comments

How to Get Free Color Contact Lenses

Did you know that it is possible to get a trial pair of color contact lenses absolutely free of charge? Find out how you can get a free trial pair - or even several pairs - of beautiful color contacts.

Large color contact lens manufacturers have to compete for your attention. Some of them are even willing to give you a free trial color contact lenses, hoping that you will like the lenses and stick with the brand. Currently, you can get free pairs of Acuvue 2 Colors and Freshlook color lenses.

Many people search for free color contacts online; unfortunately it is not this simple. All contact lenses - including color and special effect lenses - are medical devices, so you can't just order a trial pair and have them delivered to your home without having a doctor's prescription

However, there is a way to get a free pair. First, go to the official site of the contact lens manufacturer. There you will find a link that says “try for free”, or something like that. You will have to fill in a form, but the company will either mail or e-mail you a certificate, that allows you to get a trial pair of color lenses from your eye doctor. If it is an e-mail, you will have to print the certificate.

With the certificate in hand, make an appointment with your eye doctor, to get your prescription and a trial color lenses. Make sure to ask in advance if this particular doctor has heard of color lens certificates and can give you a trial pair.

Tip: print 2 certificates for different brands of color contacts and ask the doctors for two pairs so you can compare the comfort and look.

When discussing, with your doctor, what brand of color contacts would be best for you, make sure to go for a popular brand, which you can order from online contact lens shops. Some doctors tend to prescribe brands that you can only order through their office. While there might be a good reason for the arrangement, an optometrist's motivation can often be simply to monopolize your custom. Unfortunately, you would probably have to pay 3 or 4 times more than if you were prescribed a popular brand of color contacts, which you can buy online.

After you get your trial pair of color lenses, wear them for a few hours. Look in a mirror under different light conditions - you will be amazed how different your eyes will look under the sunlight, compared to interior lighting. You should try your new lenses for comfort as well as a good look - watch some TV, try reading a phone book (usually the smallest type) and see how well your eyes feel when you work with your computer. Typically, you can wear a trial pair for a few days.

If your trial lenses look good under different lights and feel comfortable, then it is time to order yourself a box of these lenses. When you buy color contacts online, the prices are quite affordable.

About the author:
www.1-Contact-Lenses-Consumer-Guide.com published by Tanya Turner helps you chose best color contact lenses . It provides reviews, photos andcomparisons, of all types of color contact lenses.



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posted by atk_ars at 8:27 AM 0 comments

A New Fad in Bracelets

A bracelet is an article of clothing or jewelry, which is worn around the
wrist. Bracelets can be manufactured from cloth or metal, and sometimes
contain rocks, wood, and/or shells. Bracelets are also used for medical and
identification purposes such as allergy bracelets and hospital tags. In the
late 1980s, "snap bracelets", felt-covered metal bracelets that curved
around one's wrist when gently hit against it, were a popular fad.

Nike and Lance Armstrong popularized the recent use of colored silicone
rubber as a material for producing sports bracelets through the Yellow
Livestrong band. Its success has led to the use of these 'awareness'
bracelets as low cost tools for information campaigns and charity projects.
These sports bracelets are also known otherwise as 'baller id bands',
'wristbands' or 'baller bands'.

The in-line thin diamond bracelet that features a symmetrical pattern of
diamonds is called a tennis bracelet. According to Diamond Bug, in 1987
Chris Evert, the former World No. 1 woman tennis player and the winner of
18 Grand Slam singles titles, was playing in the U.S. Open. She was
wearing an elegant, light in-line diamond bracelet, which accidentally broke
and the match was interrupted to allow Chris to recover her precious
diamonds. The 'tennis bracelet' incident sparked a new name for the item
and sparked a huge jewelry trend. Tennis bracelets continued to be worn
by various tennis stars like Serena Williams and Gabriela Sabatini.

Although the term 'armlet' may be technically similar, it is taken to mean an
item that sits on the upper arm. The origin of the term 'bracelet' is from the
Latin 'brachile' meaning 'of the arm', via the Old French 'barcel'. Taken in
the plural, bracelets is often use as slang for handcuffs.

Wristbands
Wristbands are encircling strips worn on the wrist, made of any of a variety
of materials depending on the purpose. The term can be used to refer to
the bracelet-like band of a wristwatch, to the cuff or other part of a sleeve
that covers the wrist, or to decorative or functional bands worn on the
wrist for other reasons.

One common type of wristband is the loops of plastic or tyvek that are
placed around the wrist for identification purposes (demonstrating the
wearer's authorization to be at a venue, for example).

Silicone wristbands
More recently, wristbands, often made of silicone, are worn to demonstrate
the wearer's support of a cause or charitable organization, similar to
awareness ribbons. Such wristbands are sometimes called symbands to
distinguish them from other types of wristbands.

One of the first charitable organizations to make use of silicone wristbands
as a way of demonstrating support for a cause was the yellow Livestrong
wristband created in 2004 by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. By early
2005, symbands became popular with many charities, such as Make
Poverty History and the BBC's Beat Bullying campaign.

There is also another type of Wristband called Web band. It is an online
version of the real wristband.


About the author:

For more information visit, Bracelets




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posted by atk_ars at 8:27 AM 0 comments

Christmas and Holiday Party Fashion Tips

Have you given any thought to what you are going to wear to the holiday parties this year?

An invitation to a special Christmas or New Year's Eve party can strike fear in the hearts of the most fashion-conscious among us - to say nothing of the fashion-impaired.

Finding the perfect outfit should not cause a grown woman to cry - even though socially the decision ranks right up there with what to wear to an ex’s wedding or the prom.

There are several big mistakes that women make most often:

1. Trying to impress with the latest style even if the style is not meant for someone their age/body shape/personality - they often succeed only in looking foolish or as if they are desparately clinging to their youth.

2. Overkill - wearing all of your jewelry at once or wearing your lowest-cut dress with your nosebleed-high heels.

3. Dressing too sexy to be appropriate for the occasion - office holiday parties are not the place to try out that plunging neckline or up-to-here skirt.

4. Making no effort at all - wearing picnic casual to a black and white New Year's Eve ball.

When choosing attire for a party try to pick something your will feel comfortable in, something that will get you compliments for your taste in color, style or fabric. When you try your outfit on try to imagine the color photos making the e-mail rounds next week.

One great option is to pick a fairly plain dress in basic black or holiday red and let your accessories do the hard work. Add one show-stopping piece of jewelry like a gorgeous long strand of pearls or a sparkly Christmas-themed brooch. Carry a beautiful beaded handbag or wear a contrasting festive scarf or cape-like coat.

Pay special attention to your lingerie - a little undercover help can also totally change an outfit. Try a minimizer bra if you are too well endowed or a push-up or padded bra if you need a LITTLE cleavage to accent your dress. Almost any body shape can benefit from a smoothing undergarment just to straighten out lines and bulges and give a polished look to your outfit.

Don't forget your make-up. This is a great time to pamper yourself at a department store beauty counter on the afternoon of the party for a make-over or splurge at a local spa. Professionally applied make-up can light up your face and people will remember your feeling and glow of self-confidence and beauty.

A party is a perfect place to try a little bit of a new style but do not go overboard - after all, you hope you were invited for your sparkling conversation and contribution to the group, not as window dressing.

About the author:
Copyright 2005 http://www.katieroseintimates.com/">KatieRose Intimates Sexy Costumes and Lingerie

Katie Rose is the owner of http://www.katieroseintimates.comKatie Rose Intimates Sexy Costumes and Lingerie - a fine lingerie shop featuring romantic Christmas and holiday gifts, fantasy clothing, leather and lace and intimate apparel in sexy, erotic, romantic Valentines clothes and unique styles - with special attention for the plus size woman. and http://www.katierosekids.com/Katie Rose Kids - an online boutique for clothing, toys and unique gifts for preemies, infants, toddlers, preschoolers and moms too. We have baby shower gift, as well as bath accessories, baby slings, books, decor, educational toys and personalized clothes, blankets and keepsake gifts. Perfect for Christmas, Easter, Valentines and other holiday presents.

ATTENTION WEBMASTERS and EZINE PUBLISHERS - Permission is granted to publish this article on your site or in your Ezine but ONLY if my bio paragraph is included and all links are hyperlinked.


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posted by atk_ars at 8:20 AM 0 comments

Beautiful Diamond

Beautiful Diamond and Women.
Diamond are among the most cherished substances on earth. Their incomparable brilliance, style, durability and mystery have captivated our imagination for thousands of existence. ConsideRing the endless wisdom and magic behind this stately deseed, it's no marvel that it has come to embody the crucial gift of ardor and romance.

Not only is a Diamond the overwhelming diversity for prospective brides and grooms selecting an engagement Ring, but the gem is also the birthdeseed for April. And Diamonds are the recommended gift for couples celebrating their 10th, 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.

business a chief chunk of Diamond earrings such as an engagement Ring or anniversary strip is one of the most classy purchases many of us will ever make. That's why it's so important to understand the basics behind the trait and expense of a deseed, so you can make an educated selling choice.

When shopping for a Diamond, keep in wits that the meaning of a deseed is determined by the "4 Cs" of cut, paint, clarity and carat burden.

Cut refers to the execution of the Diamond's invent, the dexterity with which it was cut, the trait of its dust, and the total symmetry of the deseed. lozenge cuts are broadly graded as supreme, superb, Very Good, pale or feeble. A well-cut Diamond releases the personal brilliance of the deseed and projects its limit total of fire and shine. A poorly cut Diamond allows light to leak out the sides or base pretty than reflecting back to the eye, ensuing in a "dull" Diamond that may even have some "numb" acne inside.

flush refers to the incidence or absence of paint in pasty Diamonds. As a control, the pastyr the deseed, the bigger its meaning. Even a trivial hint of fair or russet could have a denial force on a deseed's meaning. Most Diamonds are graded on the GIA paint level that begins with "D" for paintless and continues all the way down to "Z", with the paint fitting more obvious as you move down the alphabet. pebbles in the D-F paint ranges are considered the most important because they are the underdonest.

Clarity refers to the incidence of exterior or interior flaws inside a Diamond caused duRing its formation. outside lettering are known as blemishes, while interior ones are called inclusions. Diamond are graded for clarity on a level ranging from "F" for perfect (no blemishes or inclusions obvious under 10x magnification) to "I" for imperfect (inclusions obvious to the naked eye), with abundant grades and subgrades in between. The best Diamonds, of course, are perfect, but these deseeds are exceptionally underdone and then very expensely.

Carat burden refers to the dimension of the deseed. The carat is the compute of burden for Diamonds. One carat is approximately 200 milligrams, or 100 "points". A deseed weighing a half-carat would be a 50 pointer, and so on. In broad, better Diamonds are underdoner and have a upper meaning per carat. However, other factors such as cut, paint and clarity come into play as well in determining a deseed's meaning. It's fully promising for a minor deseed of exceptional cut, paint and clarity to be value more than a better deseed of only mode trait in these areas.

There are even notion inborn cowisdomd Diamonds in reds, pinks, downcasts, greens, fairs, russets and other paints. They contrast in paint fortune or saturation from "faint" to "glowing", with the final grade cold for deseeds with the most glowing and bassest saturation. The meaning of a notion deseed depends mainly on the scarcity of its paint (for occasion, reds and greens are underdoner than fairs and russets); the saturation of the paint; and the purity of the paint (whether the paint is gain and gain or foggy by hints of other underlying paints). Top grade notion Diamonds are awfully underdone and can expertise tremendous prices. possibly the most legendary cowisdomd Diamond is the prospect, a 45.52-carat bass downcast gem that resides in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Even still Diamonds are the hardest known substance on earth, rating a "10" on the Mohs level of stability, they can still be injured if they aren't handled with mind. while only Diamonds can abrasion other Diamonds, it's important to wrap and mass your Diamond earrings chunks separately so they aren't stirring one another. Also, Diamond earrings should never be damaged duRing driving work, because points are vulnerable to chipping and the site can be loosened. vacation a earrings trader every six months to have your Diamonds, mountings and sites checkered.

As for spotlessing, it's forever best to have this done by a professional. To spotless earrings at home, you can douse your Diamonds in humid, sudsy water made with any mild liquid detergent, brush with a weak toothbrush, then bleach and pat dry with a weak, fluff-released cloth. Other real spotlessing methods comprise douseing Diamonds in household ammonia, marker-name liquid earrings spotlessers and even a wineglass of vodka.

Make you more beauty with Diamond.

posted by atk_ars at 11:08 PM 0 comments