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After such a long and dismal winter why am I not jumping up and down with glee? As a larger lady, I dread the thought of long summer days and having to resort to flashing my flesh.

I look at the choice of clothes displayed in the shops – capped sleeves (great for bingo wings) and big flowing tops with no style or shape – I am spoilt for choice! Some high street stores have even gone as far as to make the nice short minis and cropped vest tops in my slender size 18 right up to size 28 – how thoughtful!

Why does our fashion industry insist on one style suits all? Why can’t larger ladies have a fashion style all of their own? I know this is no easy feat, but the scope for this has surely got to be worth the investment. I appreciate that as a society we are encouraged to be healthy, to exercise and to loose weight and in an ideal world I would agree. But what about those of us who are big boned, or those of us which through medical conditions carry excess weight? Are we destined for a life of shapeless tops and low boring heels? When will a designer realise that larger women exist and that they too want to look beautiful and feel sexy?

My friends and I are all similar sizes, yet our body shapes’ are completely different. Now I know that this rule applies right across the sizing spectrum, but as you get into the bigger sizes the differences are much more noticeable. Some retailers are certainly improving with sleeker lines and sharper cuts, but COME ON, a size 18 lady comes in many different shapes – am I quite curvaceous and carry my excess weight around my stomach and on my legs, with my friend it is all on her boobs – so a size 18 fitted jacked looks great on me – yet it does nothing for her because the cut is all wrong. So what do we do? Perhaps it’s time to re-consider the way that we size clothes? Years ago I could walk into any shop and buy a size 16, knowing that it would fit. Nowadays my clothes range from a size 16 right up to a size 22 depending on where the clothes are being purchased and the style. No wonder that the once joyful experience of spending money on clothes has vanished only to be replaced with one of dread.

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There are tons of options out there for a dog collar that will make your dog the most stylish in the neighborhood. Using different fabrics, different colors and different designs, you are able to have a variety of options available for your dog depending on your mood and the season.

The most basic options in dog collars are fabric ones. These are typically made from a nylon blend and are very durable and weather resistant. They will come in a variety of sizes and will have several notches available so that you can loosen or tighten the collar as your dog grows. These also come in any color imaginable. You can get a leash that will match the collar exactly or get a contrasting collar to add an extra element of interest.

There are also personalized dog collars available. These can have any number of designs on them. For example, you could have a different collar for each season. A holiday collar might have snowflakes or jingle bells on them. A collar worn around Valentine’s Day might have hearts on it. You can also get themed colors based on your interests. You could get a dog collar that has your favorite band or favorite brand of one product or another displayed on it.

Some people might want a more specific dog collar than those that are made commercially. For these folks, there are options available to have a collar made specifically for them, or they can make their own. For those who want to make their own, this can be a really easy and fun process. You would first start with a basic collar, usually made from a nylon blend, and add embellishments that fit your taste. You could also glue jewels to the collar or add fabric paint to put your dog’s name on the collar. The possibilities are really endless once you get your creative juices flowing. Of course it is important to keep your dogs safety in mind so be sure to use products to decorate the collar are safe for pets.

There are even designers now that are making dog collars. The pet industry is a huge business and is really booming and growing daily. If you are looking for a designer collar, be sure that you are thinking about how long you will be able to use the collar when you are considering how much you are willing to spend. For puppies that will grow out of them quickly or might destroy the collar with their rough play, you might not want to spend quite as much money. Conversely, if you have an older more relaxed dog, you can spend as much as you would like, knowing it is unlikely the dog will hurt the collar.

Whatever type of dog collar you use; it should reflect your personal taste and be functional as well. There is nothing wrong with having several different options available. You might have one for everyday use and others for when your dog is visiting other dogs or when you have guests in town.

15 June 2010

If vegan fashion is all about living a more eco-conscious lifestyle, then you may be wondering how it can possibly go hand-in-hand with stylish living. Can the two co-exist? Today’s vegan designers prove that this is certainly the case, by refusing to sacrifice aesthetics to create an earth-friendly look. If anything, the inclusion of eco-friendly materials adds to the appeal of the fashion.

Cruelty-free fashions come in the same wide array of styles and current trends you’d find in the mainstream market. From clothing to handbags and shoes and more, there is no shortage of great items to buy. Vegan fashions are made from plant materials, such as hemp, or synthetic fibers, such as rayon. Many of them also include recycled materials such as rubber and plastic. The dyes used are organic. No one will be able to tell the difference between vegan styles and mainstream looks, unless you let them know. Vegan fashions are durable, comfortable, stylish and even biodegradable, though they are also beautifully crafted to withstand many years of use.

The stylish look of Vegan fashions could easily fool those who still are not aware of this trend into thinking you are wearing real leather, suede, or velvet. They offer rich colors and textures and a bold fashion statement without the harm to animals or the earth. Any eco-conscious, animal loving individual will want to check this out and take advantage of the great range of vegan fashions that is quickly taking over the fashion world.

You won’t have to sacrifice looks or quality or spend a fortune to find beautiful, well-made vegan clothing and accessories. Take a stand against animal cruelty and environmental sacrifice by purchasing vegan fashions, and you’ll know you are doing your part to promote a green and eco-friendly way of life.

Whether you are a vegan or simply recognize that wearing clothing made of leather or fur is not kind to the animals, you can make the switch to vegan clothing rather easily. Beautiful vegan fashions can be found in more and more retail stores, and of course a great selection can be found online. Many major brands and up and coming labels make vegan fashions these days, some for their own ethical reasons, and others because they recognize the changing trends and the importance of buying “green” products.

We all talk about going green, but what exactly does that mean? Many people see it as recycling and using organic products. Is it really all that simple? To go completely green means to recognize all of nature, including the other creatures inhabiting the earth. Do they deserve to be abused and mistreated just so someone can look good? No way. If you truly want to live as green as can be, take things up a notch and go for vegan fashions.

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15 June 2010

The new generation of women today understand that fashion is part of the society they live in. Younger ones, especially, are getting into fashion because they all want to be attractive. In a world where being beautiful has a standard and fashion is being updated all the time, young girls would always consult beauty magazines and television shows for beauty tips, new fashion statements and, of course, for hot new accessories. Girls always like to dress up and part of creating the look they want are accessories such as necklaces, charms, brooches and the like.

Indeed, accessories are a woman’s best friend. Females all over the world love to buy accessories that will make them feel good and look good. They feel more beautiful and elegant than others when they are well-dressed and completely accessorized for an occasion. It is part of their everyday life to accentuate their outfits with fab looking fashion knick-knacks and what other way to do this than to have accessories. Because women are fashionable in nature and will always have an eye for beauty, they need things that would enhance their appearance. It is not enough for them to just wear clothes. They need to put in all sorts of little thingies in order to be fashionable and trendy.

Accessorizing is in all year round and designers make their collection every season to meet women’s need to be fashionable the whole year. But these items need not be expensive, though. One can buy them for a reasonable price or the girls can make some of their own. Mixing and matching their accessories is also a great way to stay trendy without spending too much. Accessories alone would not make a girl stand out from the rest so she really needs to be creative and confident enough to wear her entire outfit. A beautiful and expensive accessory may look cheap and ordinary if it does not go well with the wearer’s entire getup. On the other hand, a cheap and simple one may look elegant and just great when worn right.

Women’s obsession for accessories is truly undeniable. Choosing and wearing the right accessories to the different occasions would mean the difference between being a woman of fashion and a fashion victim. It could boost or kill one’s self esteem. Regardless of what kind of fashion you are into, be sure of yourself and the choices you make. A self-confident gal will definitely be a stand out from the crowd regardless of what accessories she is wearing.

15 June 2010

There is a vast choice of clothing for babies and children today. For babies there is no end of cute outfits in the traditional pink and blues, stretchy sports type material for comfort, lightweight jeans and pretty dresses. Most designs take into account the comfort and safety needs of little ones whilst balancing the parents need for frills and bows. For toddlers the choice continues with all sorts of television characters on t-shirts and trousers, the youth fashions start to creep into the design of clothes for children over 5 years old. There is a definite divide between clothing styles that are considered suitable for adults, styles for teenagers, and then the styles and fashions for younger children. Usually nothing too unsuitable makes it to the shops for under 16’s, although there have been suggestions in the news recently that we are over sexualising our children far too soon with styles of clothes and toys which would be more suitable to adults.

Children’s clothing throughout history has generally resembled scaled down versions of adult clothing in turn reflecting the fashions and social aspirations of the day. Social class dictated the clothes of parents and their offspring with fabrics and clothing being a luxury. Portraits of wealthy children show them looking smart if not uncomfortable in their best clothes with frills, ribbons and bows. Poorer children are quite often depicted in tatty dirty clothes, most likely adult clothes, no longer fit for purpose, re-sized and resown to fit till they resembled rags. Babies had their movements restricted by swaddling in long clothes with frilly bonnets and lots of petticoats, all overly decorated with lace and frills in times of affluence.

Children and childhood, most likely due to the high mortality rates and the need to earn a living, was seen as something to get through quickly and not fuss about. As a result children’s clothes had no accepted fashion, they existed as a necessity, adorned and exaggerated to please their parents. Children were seen as just a phase before adulthood and the quicker they got through it the better. However attitudes towards children and childhood have changed drastically over recent history, the social revolution of the late 18th century allowed children to be seen for the first time as individuals in their own right. The use of violence and fear in teaching methods was frowned upon and the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau put forward the idea that childhood was to be cherished for its playfulness and potential for happiness. This led to a re-think on both adult and childrens wear with the idea that comfort and freedom were important and it was from this point that the distinct difference between adult and children’s clothes styles came about.

Up to the present day children’s clothing has made the subtle and not so subtle changes in line with that of adult fashion. Major changes since the end of the Second World War such as the acceptance of trousers for women and girls to the point now where even the school uniforms accept that. Boys under a certain age are no longer are confined to short trousers in the winter and you can dress baby girls in blue, although I have yet to see a baby boy in pink. A friend bought my youngest daughter some clothes in brown when she was born, she said that she had had enough of seeing baby girls in pink. I was a little taken back as I liked pink on my baby and dark colours show up ‘posset’ stains so easily.

Makes you wonder that even with the freedom we have today in what clothes are available for us to choose to wear and where we are allowed to wear our styles, that the choice of clothes for children is mostly about what the parents want.

15 June 2010

It’s festival time, and we thought you might enjoy some tips on how to look fantastic and be prepared for some festival fun.

Celebs like Katy Perry and Alexa Chung have already been working some key trends at festivals this year and there are loads of options, from playsuits to wellie boots.

We think your festival fashion kit for 2010 should include:

· Hunters Wellingtons (we love their short studded ‘festival 2010′ boots)
· Denim shorts
· Tie dye/fringed scarf
· Playsuit
· Tie dye/retro tee
· Panama hat
· Retro shades
· Mini-dress
· Waterproof poncho
· Over-the-knee socks

Don’t be tempted by flip-flops or anything that you aren’t prepared to sacrifice in the name of fun! Don’t forget to take something warm to wear later on; a comfy sweatshirt will be very welcome at 3am.

Once you’ve created your look, you need to preserve it, so take a handy bag with items such as a compact mirror, miniature deodorant, hand sanitiser, dry shampoo and the all-important wet wipes. These items will be worth their weight in gold.

Makeup wise, keep it low-maintenance after the first day and night. By all means arrive in full makeup but accept that the best way forward from day two is to make use of your wipes and stick with the basics. We would recommend taking: mascara, concealer, a small compact bronzer and some lip balm/gloss.
Your hat and sunglasses may well become your best friends at a festival. Not only do they keep the sun off, they are simplest way to deal with unruly hair and smudged eye makeup.

Finally, please don’t forget your sunscreen – harmful UV rays will age your skin even more quickly than all those late nights!

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15 June 2010

Fashion is a global occurrence that caters to all age groups. Fashion is no more synonymous to women. Over the years, men, women, children and the elderly have become really conscious of what to wear and what not. Fashion is an expression of personal style and glamour.

Men’s Clothing

There has been an impeccable transformation in the way men have started viewing fashion. There has been a complete change in the perception of men as over the years they have been extremely cautious of their appearance and how they present themselves among people. The everyday clothing for men essentially includes a nice comfortable pair of jeans teamed up with trendy T-shirts that make them look extremely relaxed and chilled out. This type of attire looks really cool on young boys who are mostly seen in such apparel. Pastel colored shirts also look really elegant and graceful that can be easily worn on formal as well as semi formal occasions. For their business conferences and other related formal occasions, business suits can be worn that make them look extremely classy and sophisticated. In order to suit several other formal occasions like weddings and dinner parties, tuxedos are perfect that make a man stand out from the crowd.

Teenage Clothing

Teenagers are passionate followers of fashion and the ever changing trends. Jeans is the most favorite piece of attire for all the young. The youth enjoys dressing in bright and vibrant colors that bring out the fun loving aspect of their lives. Young girls have an array of choice from dresses to short skirts that make them look extremely chic and elegant. The young prefers to wear all sorts of colors to bring out cheerfulness and funkiness out of them.

Kid’s Clothing

Kids are no less when it comes to fashion and trends. The latest fad among kids is to wear T-shirts that bear the print of their super heroes or sports persons that instantly attracts a child and lures into buying. Kids are also extremely fond of teaming their attire with several accessories that really compliments their apparel. These accessories may include sport caps, fashionable belts, wrist bands, sun glasses and trendy shoes.

Women’s Clothing

When it comes to fashion and women’s apparel, there is an array of choice that women can choose from. Body type and shape is of utmost significance in order to dress appropriately. Women who are heavy and rounded need to wear dark colors in order to hide their flaws. There is a wide variety of clothing to choose from like skirts of short, medium and full length, flowing dresses, tunics, layered dresses, fitted jeans, floral prints and A-line dresses.

Elderly Clothing

The old people look for something comfortable yet sophisticated at the same time. Such people should not wear flashy and floral prints as these may make them look extremely hideous. They should prefer a much natural look in order to make them look really elegant and graceful. Zippered jackets, trench coats and jeans can give a fresh look. Old people need something sober yet extremely classy that may establish them as an ardent fashion lover. The most suitable colors would be khaki, black, gray and white. There are several patterns that look really good like the all time favorite checks and stripes.

15 June 2010

The realm of fashion design, by its sheer glamour and grace, has always been exciting and intriguing. When we talk of fashion design, it implies a form of art that incorporates the nuances of creating clothes and accessories.

The history of fashion design can be traced back to the beginning of the19th century when the designs were the product of the dresses worn in the royal courts. Eventually, Charles Frederick Worth, the first fashion designer, set up his first fashion house in Paris. His designs greatly influenced the people and they labeled them as the designs of the “House Of Worth.” As a result, a designer became synonymous with a particular brand.

Another important designer who made a significant contribution to the evolution of the fashion was Paul Poi Ret. He blended the classical style consisting of aesthetic dressing with Paris fashion. Other important designers of this age were Patou, Vionnet, Fortuny, Lanvin and Chanel.

Throughout the 20th century, Paris remained the world’s fashion hub, with countries such as the US and Britain openly aping the French designs. The post World War era saw the emergence of other countries as the centers of fashion and Paris ceased to be the sole influential factor. The rising British fashion industry brought a new range of street fashion focusing mainly on the young consumers.

Later, American designers such as Calvin Klein And Ralph Lauren came to the fore with their sportswear and made it a style statement. Today, fashion designs can be categorized into two main categories. The haute couture is designed for individual customers. The other category is the ready-to-wear collection. While the former is based on certain themes and is more for creating a style statement, the latter is meant for the masses.

The mid-90s saw the emergence of a new breed of designers who redefined traditional concepts. They looked at fashion from a new angle, creating their own new concepts.

Thus, the world of fashion design has witnessed a steady evolution over the years and has been the by-product of the sincere efforts of many of the top designers.

15 June 2010

Summer is just around the corner and that means summer plus size fashion trends are here and items are sprouting up in a boutique or department store near you. Colors are bright, patterns are bold and some of the classics are back and trendier than ever. Regardless of personal taste, the collection this season is sure to have something for absolutely everyone. The hot color scheme for this year is white or bright colors paired with earth tone or gray neutrals. Black and white returns as a hot color combination. Bright shades of blue, especially turquoise, will be everywhere this year. Be prepared to choose from the full spectrum of pinks and bright yellow in big, geometric prints. The turquoise trend carries over to jewelry.

As always denim remains popular but be prepared to see it used in new ways. The classic denim jean has shifted away from wide legs and toward boot cut and flares. Designers have taken denim to completely new places with everything from shorts to corsets going denim for the summer. The Greek goddess look continues to be in demand with the over the shoulder design and fabulous fabrics dramatically draped. Perfecting the art of draping your curves is now mandatory. You can instantly flatter your figure with a properly draped garment. Asymmetric hems are now showing up on tops and tunics.

Tribal influences and animal prints with futuristic style offer bold options for the warm weather fashionista. This style is now edgier than ever with layers and slash sleeves for emphasis. The latest jungle influenced prints are accented with bright blues and corals. Metallic accents and plating are used to embellish tunics and belts are thin. Shopping for summer fashion has never been more fun. With the wide variety of styles and colors to choose from there is something to please any fashion palate.

15 June 2010

1. Shop for plus size women’s clothing at high end stores and boutiques. Yes, you may end up paying more for clothing then your smaller size friends but it is well worth it. The reality is that plus size clothing needs to be ample in size, well made with a flattering cut, and usually in finer fabrics if you really want that wow factor. It is rare that you can find nice plus size clothing that will last in a big box store. You need to go to the experts.

2. Larger women’s clothing doesn’t have to look gaudy. Forget the leopard print blouses, they just draw more attention to your figure. Simple lines and neutral colors flatter pluz size women. Choosing classic clothing in browns, blacks, tans, and navy blues will provide an element of class and sophistication.

3. Don’t wear baggy plus size clothing. While you may not want to buy form fitting clothes that will accentuate your flaws you do not want to to look like you are wearing a potato sack either. That is no more attractive than super tight clothes! You want to find clothes that fit well, that gather in the right places, and that provide room to move. Finding a balance between loose and form fitting is the key. A blouse that hugs the bust and flows around the arms and waist is one such example.

4. Play up your assets. If you have an ample bosom then try an empire waist dress or top that highlights your bust. If you have an hour glass figure then choose an outfit with a belt or cummerbund. If you have large hips that you want to hide then choose clothing that hugs the waist and flows over the hips. Accentuate your assets and your flaws will automatically become less apparent.

5. When you stumble upon clothing that looks good on you, stick with it! If you bought a gorgeous blouse that is perfect for your full figure then buy a couple more in other colors. The same goes for pants and skirts. A plus size wardrobe can often consist mostly of the same basic elements if you accessorize well with different jewelry, handbags, hats, shoes, and belts.

15 June 2010

Whether you’re spending time relaxing on a beach, touring a European city or reading outside in your own back yard, you’ll want to be feeling fashionable. Check out these tips for creating the most beautiful and trendy summer wardrobe.

- This year invest in a classic Parisian striped top. It will go with everything in your wardrobe, from high waisted shorts to 50s style tapered trousers. Pop it on when you want to look elegant and expensive, and add a straw hat for a Venetian twist.

- Hair styles for summer 2010 are inspired by braids. Whether you do a large messy fishtail side braid in the style of Alexander Wang’s New York show or create a vintage braided updo in the style of Rochas girls, keep experimenting with different plaits for different occasions.

- The crew neck is the neckline of the season, and thank goodness, because this means that gorgeous tanned legs can be shown off to their full advantage whilst you remain elegant and classy. Keep your t-shirts long sleeved as well as high necked, and for extra fashion points invest this season in a high-waisted skirt to mix and match with your multicoloured shirts.

- Learn the art of draping and wrapping, if you want to look super chic this summer. Donna Karan’s runway was filled with artistic fabric movements and styles, which you can replicate at home by being a bit more experimental and maybe even creating your own chiffon wrapped bodycon dress. Keep the colours neutral for the most subtle effect.

- Blonde hair is the ultimate summery compliment to fresh glowing skin. Take a visit to your hairdresser to get some subtle highlights added that will catch the sun’s rays on a hot day by the beach. And keep drinking lots of water so that your skin looks hydrated and fresh.

- Classic shapes mixed with modern prints make for a very pretty but edgy look. Combine lace and sharp tailoring for a similar effect or bright contemporary colours with feminine cuts, and look to Erdem’s SS10 show for inspiration.

- Lace is definitely big for this season, as the ‘underwear as outerwear’ trend continues in high streets as well as on the catwalk. Lace edging on a vest top is a simple way to add it to your wardrobe, or look for a pretty 60s style cream lace dress with a silk slip underneath.

- Neutrals are set to be a big trend for the autumn/winter season, so if you want to start building a wearable wardrobe for the whole year, look to colours like camel, cream, beige, ivory, taupe, peach, nude and antique rose.

15 June 2010