Woman Beauty and Fashion

Most fashionistas or fashion icons are always remembered by the signature look that they sport. A signature look does not mean wearing the same style and design of clothes through the various fashion seasons but it is something that you always incorporate in your look or outfit even as you adapt yourself to the latest fads or trends of the season. A signature look can either be accessories like a pair of sunglasses, chunky bracelets, layers of necklaces, vintage earrings, or it could even be a certain outrageous hair color, a cap, wild colored socks, a belly button ring, etc.

Developing your own signature style always sets you apart from the common individuals because you then stand out from the crowd with your style. Your fashion sense or style can take years to develop as it is basically influenced by numerous factors like fashion styles you were exposed to while growing up at home, the influences of your circle of friends, the inspiration you draw from celebrities, famous people and persons whose fashion sense you admire and the current trends that may hit the runway every season just to name a few.

In creating your signature style you need to assess yourself and take a look at what style you project. Are you modern, hip, traditional, casual, modern, etc? You can always imitate or copy other people’s look or draw inspiration from them while incorporating a bit of your style into it. Imitating a style is perfectly fine as long as you know that it fits your overall outlook and personality. (more…)

Most parents know the dreaded time will arrive. It often happens around the time of the thirteenth birthday but, with the ever early advancement of puberty that is occurring in children today, you should be on the look-out for symptoms from the age of about ten onwards. There is no telling which way it will go but be assured it will occur.

The first time is always the worst. With subsequent children you will be prepared because by then your friends have had children and you realise that there is nothing wrong with your first born, in fact, they will all go through it at various stages and in various degrees. I have had three children so have a fair bit of experience in this field. My eldest didn’t start until she was almost fifteen. A late starter but then girls are always different. Her time through this period was a relatively short six months but boy, did she manage to cram some stuff in during that time, ageing me by a good five years.

Next came my eldest son who started at two and at eighteen years of age, hasn’t grown out of it yet. My youngest son started at eleven and was out of it by the age of twelve. Which just goes to prove that if you have enough children you can eventually get it right! (more…)

How can you define alternative clothing? Surely, what is normal for one person would probably go down as alternative clothing in another person’s book. Stick ‘alternative clothing’ into a search engine and many of the sites listed will be for goth, emo or punk clothing so I guess, in the main, these would be considered alternative.

But alternative to what, or who? To a goth or emo, their clothing is normal. To my gran it would be laughable, to her gran it would have been a sign that you were ready for the funny farm. Yet today we have a world with an ‘anything goes’ attitude so you can walk down any high street in the country and see people dressed as chavs, Goths, punks, man from C & A, or walking floral creations that are usually someone’s grandmother.

You see, the problem is that as people get older, there are less of them. In turn, this means they are in the minority so surely that would make them the ones in the alternative clothing?

To me, alternative clothing would mean my going out on the town in my PJ’s, which I’ve always thought would be a good thing seeing as I’ve never subscribed to the fashion over function club. In fact, last time I went out to a nightclub, I swear some of those girls were wearing their night dresses! Yes, I know, that makes me sound old but I really don’t care, they are going to catch their deaths dressed like that! (more…)

Designer sunglasses may seem a relatively modern phenomenon, the celebrities we see today posing in designer shades on the promenades of the south of France and Los Angeles are not however the archetypes of this style, the trend is far older than that. The history of sunglasses goes back eons with a wide variety of materials used in construction as well as a huge variance in the uses, one thing is certain, the designer sunglasses we see today are in no way the first.

If the annals of history are correct the first time sunglasses were used was in ancient Rome. Emperor Nero reportedly has a pair of shades made up from polished emeralds; the purpose of these designer shades? To let the emperor watch gladiator bouts without straining his eyes. Conjecture still surrounds their effectiveness, some historians now believe that the emerald acted as a mirror meaning that sight was hindered rather than enhanced.

After Nero’s pair of specs the next recorded used of sunglasses comes from ancient China. The designer of these Chinese sunglasses once again could not use glass and hence natural materials were used. This time, instead of emeralds the glasses were manufactured using flat, smoky quartz. Their usage however was not comparable to how we use our sunglasses today; in Chinese society these glasses were used by judges; not to shield their eyes from the sun, but to shield their eyes from the courtroom. The reasoning behind this was that if those inside the courtroom could not see the judge’s eyes, they would not be able to read any of his emotions or facial expressions, and subsequently a clue to the outcome of the trial. (more…)

If you are seeking to buy fake Coach purses, this will probably not get you an answer but perhaps you may want to find out how to spot imitation Coach purses instead. In fact, if you really want to for the fake purses, this could help you distinguish them as well.

Most trendy and fashionable women in the world would want to own a coach purse. At least one in their wardrobe. This is because Coach is one of the most popular brands when you speak of high fashion for women. There are many leading brands as well but if you speak of handbags, Coach handbags and Coach purses comes to mind. Not only do they add class to your fashion sense, they can so long-lasting that you may not need another purse unless you are among those who keep changing purses year on year.

So how do you differentiate fake Coach purses from the original ones and why? It is not wrong to wear a replica or fake but on items as classy as Coach, you wouldn’t want to spoil your image unless of course if you really cannot afford one but still want to look like a million dollars. Lacking in quality, replica Coach handbags and purses are cheaper and anyone can but them. The question is, deep down inside, do you really want to be like everyone else? (more…)

Summer is here once again and it is almost time to get out the bikini ready for those hot sizzling days at the beach. Or maybe not what is hot and what is not this year in swimwear fashion?

The good news is that this year the selection of swimwear is fairly comprehensive with quite a few styles all coming back into fashion at one time giving a wide choice. Continuing the trend of previous years, once again the bikinis appear to have gotten even smaller – if that is possible – we seem to be much more ready to accept well toned, well tanned bodies exposed on the beach. However, bikinis are taking a bit of a back seat at the moment with the one piece swimsuit coming back on the fashion scene with a certain amount of vigour and believe me there is a great demand.

Wearing a one piece swim suite this year will see you sporting this years up to date fashion in swimwear. Fashion is the strangest business ever, only a year ago the one piece swim suite would probably have been seen as being only for the older, and less body beautiful possibly even boring person. So, what is it that could have brought this particular fashion full circle? If you think logically fitness and health most likely have had a lot of influence. Getting fit is a massive craze and big business, swimming is an excellent way to achieve this and is often recommended by the medical profession. The most practical swimwear for this type of serious swimming is the all in one suit. Getting back to the beach, the most toned, perfect body can look even better in a one piece swimsuit, creating more mystery and interest by not having your body on full display! It does make sense if you think about it. (more…)

If you looking to purchase a designer handbag but don’t quite have the money to spend a few hundred dollars on a purse, you can buy a replica handbag at a number of places both over the internet and in your area. Also, while you will be able to carry a bag that is pretty close to the real thing, there are a some drawbacks, so you will need to be mindful of these prior to you going bargain hunting.

Initially, bear in mind that your replica handbag will not survive as long as the actual thing, so you have to take additional care of what you buy. These bags are not constructed of the same quality materials as their expensive counterpart handbags, so the possibility exists that handles may break, or the threading on the bags might become worn after a while. These bags are also not constructed out of real leather in the majority of cases, so do your best not to carry your replica handbag in bad weather conditions so that you won’t ruin it.

Numerous Benefits (more…)

Expecting mothers are happy as they anticipate the day when their baby will be born and carried on their arms. But despite the new found happiness of expecting, the extra gain of weight can affect how a woman would feel about her body. Pregnant women may get feelings of being unattractive but then if they just choose the right maternity clothing to flatter them, they’ll still look beautiful, sexy and attractive even with a baby on board.

It really doesn’t matter on whether you are small and petite or plus size. There are many funky and stylish maternity clothes that you could choose from and at even discounted prices. Looking good often stems from feeling good from deep within. If you just spend time and exert effort on finding the right maternity clothes for you, you can still be stylish during the entire pregnancy.

You don’t have to be thin to be beautiful. Irregardless of the size, there are many maternity clothing options both on local shops as well as online, that will make you look good and attractive. What are important is the fit and the style that will flatter your current figure. (more…)

Each one of us has had one of those days where we have opened to wardrobe, to be confronted with a rail full of clothes, but still have nothing to wear. What are the ultimate wardrobe essentials that will mean it is easier to look smart for a meeting, as well as having something to wear for an unexpected night out? With the following fashion advice for those wardrobe essentials, it is possible to have classic pieces that will mean you always have something to wear.

First off every girl needs the perfect pair of jeans. To be the most versatile they should be a darker wash as these are the most flattering and can be dressed up smarter than a light wash. Get a pair that fit you snugly, but not so that it digs in and you get that dreaded ‘muffin top’. Be aware of the pockets when choosing your pair, the larger the pockets and lower down, the smaller and more pert your rear will look.

You will read everywhere that a classic white shirt is a must. Although in principle this is an excellent idea, not every complexion suits white. Olive skins can wear bright white however some people may suit light beige or ecru and very pale skin should go for a warmer cream. Pick carefully as the right shade will brighten up your skin whereas the wrong shade will wash you out. Your shirt should be well cut and flatter your shape. For maximum wear for any occasion, pick one without too much detail, you can add interest with up to date jewellery instead.

A well cut suit in a neutral dark colour, that is a classic cut and not high fashion, will see you through many occasions as it can be dressed up or down with accessories. Trouser suits are more adaptable than skirt suits, but whichever you pick make sure that the skirt or trousers look great without the jacket so they can be worn separately. It is best if you can buy one jacket and two bottoms as you will wear the bottom part of the suit more than the jacket.

A scarf can pull an outfit together and make you look polished. The variety you pick will of course need to match your personal style. If you prefer a classic look then a silk scarf is your best bet and it is worth investing in the best you can afford. If your style is more casual then a longer scarf can smarten up a jacket. Before buying take a look at the colours that are prominent in your wardrobe and choose one with those colours mixed in.

A good pair of smart shoes will make you walk tall and give you confidence. They do not necessarily have to be black, but again a neutral colour is the most versatile. The most important aspect to consider is can you actually walk in them easily? High fashion stiletto shoes are fun but a failsafe go anywhere pair must be comfortable.

Maybe a cliche, but the little black dress is the answer to so many parties where you want to look sophisticated. Go for one that flatters your figure and is not too trendy, so leave dresses that have too many sequins and sparkle or ruffles. A classic dress will last years and can be brought straight up to date with fashion forward shoes and accessories.

Finally a timeless coat will see you through many winters and should be a carefully considered investment as it is likely to be one of the most expensive items in your wardrobe. The coat should ideally be a hardwearing dark coloured fabric and should again not have too much detail going on that could go out of fashion any minute. The most versatile length is just on the knee as this will cover most skirt lengths but also look good with trousers and flat or high heels. With these few fashion advice tips and a keen eye, you should not have any more dreaded moments of having nothing to wear.

Matthew Smith is an writer and observer in the fashion industry. For the best fashion advice to suit your body shape visit http://www.whatsuitsyou.co.uk

A flick through the glossies will tell you that the fashion trend for this year is ‘big’. Everything has to be on an unprecedented scale. Huge designer sunglasses, huge handbags, huge, chunky jewellery – anything, as long as it’s big.

I have my own personal view on this. Stick thin celebrities are living miserable lives on lettuce leaves and low calorie water. Maybe if they drown themselves in huge items in the name of fashion, they can eat a little more without having a ‘fat’ day?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not jealous. I like my food and I’m happy to admit it. Starving makes me grumpy and not a nice person to be around. At the same time, I have no desire to don designer sunglasses that make me look like a fly on speed or to carry a bag that would see Mary Poppins green with envy.

Even for those that are slaves to the fashion world, that think their whole persona hangs on whether or not they have the latest designer sunglasses or designer shoes, this is not an easy lifestyle to keep up. It usually belongs to those that are either fabulously wealthy or fabulously in debt for it.

Parents succumb to pressure from their children to keep up with current trends for fashion, accessories and technological gadgets when their children are very young. This is due to so much advertising being aimed at them. If you limit the amount of TV they watch, they will still bow to peer pressure and harass their parents into buying the latest must have.

However, recent studies show that children who fall prey to this culture of material competitiveness are more prone to depression and other mental health problems. They need to be encouraged to understand their value does not hinge on whether or not they have the latest electronic game, designer jeans or designer sunglasses, but on the person within.

For the older ones who have full control of their own finances and some disposable income, keeping up with latest trends can be a cripplingly expensive hobby. High street stores, despite providing good quality clothing and top fashions, are not good enough for these dedicated followers of fashion. It has to be designer – designer shoes, designer handbag, designer sunglasses.

Whether your shoes cost you 845 pounds from Manilo Blahnik or 24.99 pounds from Tesco, they are still going to be out of fashion next season. If you’re wearing 150 pounds Prada designer sunglasses this summer or the 14.99 pounds Top Shop version, who can tell? Only those who are equally enslaved to the must have culture. The question is: can you afford to throw this type of money away every few months?

A growing trend among the uber fashion conscious is an arrangement of shared designer gear. Whether it be designer clothes, designer sunglasses or designer shoes, groups of young friends are clubbing together to amass a wardrobe that would make any celebrity jealous at a fraction of the cost.

Of course, for this system to work, there has to be a great deal of trust involved. It is sensible for the friends to either live together or near each other so all are within easy reach of the much needed item. There needs to be some type of system in place to determine who uses what, when. And, of course, they need to be of a similar size unless they are thinking of just pooling resources accessories.

The groups that have implemented this system shout its virtues loud and clear. They claim that although they have different tastes, this encourages all of them to try new styles. They are also more inclined to take better care of the items and it can mean savings of thousands of pounds per month, where they would normally buy the same designer outfits individually.

It means the same group of friends will never commit that dreadful fashion faux par of turning up in the same outfit and, even if they’re out of season very quickly, at least they were purchased at a fraction of the cost to each person.

Expert buyer Catherine Harvey looks at the expensive trend for designer sunglasses and how to make it affordable. To find out more please visit http://www.site91.co.uk/