Accesories For Spring 2011

With the end of winter just around the corner, and spring fashion week over, many new accessories are coming onto the market. Shoes are a popular trend all year round, and springtime is no difference. Nude peep-toe pumps were the go to shoe at Fashion week this year, and nude colored shoes go well with the bright Vibrant 70s style colors that are popular with spring this season. Nude also works as an office shoe, and also makes your legs look long and sexy.

Nature inspired floral prints were also very popular at fashion week, but if you’re not a fan of head to toe print frocks, accessories are also being remade into works of nature inspired art.Butterflies, greenery, even tree inspired looks are popular this spring and can be anywhere from soft and feminine looking to fierce and bold.

A woman is lost without a good purse, and this spring, the vibrant colors in clothing are transferred to purses like Prada,YSL, and Jill Saunders in shocking pinks and electric blues.While clutches are still around at places like YSL and Prada, the style in purses this season was cross-body open clasp. Weave and Military bags were also in vogue.

Crocheting and knit-prints are making a come-back, so be on the look out for knits, crochets and weaves for anything from scarves and headbands to dresses, skirts and band-jewelry. Speaking of jewlery, big peices that make a bold statement are still at their peak popularity,  with chunky bracelets and big beaded necklaces adding a bit of flair to a bold colored outfit. At Fashion week Chanel set a different standard with thin, fine layers of chains and triple looped strings of pearls, making jewelry classic looking and offering a fun different look on springtime fashion.

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Seasonal Fashion Looks For Year Round Style

Seasons inspire the change in style for winter, fall, spring and summer, but if you lack the budget to constantly be changing your wardrobe, you could be stuck in a dilemma of how to look stylish year round without breaking your bank. Here are a few ways to stay classy and in style, year round.

There are a few key things you have to remember about your wardrobe. Find clothes that are cut right for your body and fit the right way. Finding Basic staple clothes like pants and dresses is a must, but find styles that have no particular trend or seasonal style, and you can wear them year-round. Stay away from boring drab colors, and keep your look fresh looking with colors that never go out of style.

Finding year round clothing isn’t hard. Many women already own pieces that can be considered non-seasonal. Check your closet to make sure you have these staple pieces so you know what you have, and what you don’t. Necessary items include: A white Oxford blouse, Solid colored tanks, cammi’s and t-shirts, denim jacket, Khaki pants, and a pair of jeans that fit perfectly and are comfortable no matter what season it is.

Keep your creativity in mind when pairing accessories with your wardrobe, as many accessories can be deemed seasonal or a trend. loop strands of pearls and small silver pieces look good no mater what time of the year. If you’re wearing an all black outfit to work, or grey, add color to brighten up your outfit and add some flare. Buying a few new key pieces that can be recycled through-out the year is a good investment. Putting money into things like Purses or a pair of fabulous heels or pumps can make a great add to your wardrobe, and add something new to your look as well.

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The Modern Way to Choose an Engagement Ring

Traditionally, shopping for an engagement ring was the responsibility of the man who is getting ready to propose. However, in recent years engagement ring shopping has changed. Here is a look at how modern couples shop, find and purchase their engagement rings.

The Traditional Way

The traditional way of having the man choose the engagement ring for his bride-to-be is still one of the most common traditions. This traditional way includes a man purchasing a ring that he believes is a good fit for his wife-to-be. The style, cut and clarity is a complete surprise to the woman, as the man is responsible for choosing the ring.

The Modern Way

More and more modern couples decide to make engagement ring shopping the duel responsibility of the couple. These couples will head to jewelry stores and make a joint decision on the type of engagement ring for the bride-to-be. This way of choosing an engagement ring allows the bride-to-be to have a say in what type of ring she wears. Modern couples have used this as a bonding event before the wedding, as it allows them to make a joint decision on something important.

The Family Heirloom

Some couples decide to use a family heirloom as an engagement ring. This decision can be made together or the man can decide before proposing. While this isn’t a way to shop for engagement rings, it is another common way that couples pick out their engagement rings.

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Media Influence On Fashion And Style Trends

The media has always had a major say on the fashion industry, from when Marylin Monroe wowed the industry to the “Rachel haircut” from the friends era. Media has had a major stake in fashion trends and has also helped “make or break” several fashion designers. Many Celebrities from movies, magazines and even TV can influence the type of clothing we wear, to how we cut our hair. People want to look sexy and glamorous, so they tend to emulate the style icons they idolize. Some Fashion designers can even say that they got their start by being influenced by greats like Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn. Sonny and Cher were big style icons back in there day, and the Beatles started a wave of Euro-enhanced fashion that to this day still has a following.

When Charlie’s Angel’s first made it’s debut, Farrah Fawcets waves were a huge hit, inspiring women to feather their hair for years. Even figure skaters inspire fashion looks from the blunt bob of Dorothy Hamel to the wild, fun looks of recent figure skating Olympic star Evan Lysacheck. Elizabeth Taylor was one of the most successful Hollywood stars to produce and sell a signature sent that is still popular with women today. Classic looks that are sexy and glamorous are at the for-front of fashion today, and many women model their looks after it. For example, hit TV show Mad Men has started a 60′s era housewife style craze that has women wearing dresses and pearls with heels to cook, and men wearing suits and slicking back their hair.

Happy Days and the Mary-Tyler-Moore era also inspired looks in their day from leather jackets and hair like the Fonz to dresses with floral prints and aprons. We often want to imitate those who have a better lifestyle than ourselves, and for some people, imitation is the highest form of flattery. Fashion industry has blossomed into even forming it’s own tv shows like “Top Model” or “Project Runway.”

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The Best Designers of Fashion Week 2011

Here are a few of the designers that were considered the best of the best and are at the top of the fashion designing pack.

Oscar de la Renta offers a classically feminine look that never grows old and needs no trends to model after. Ruffles, lacey looks and printed dresses were also a clear favorite of his works, with many celebrities having boasted of wearing at least one piece of his careful work.

Many people have heard the name Calvin Klein, and Fashion week was no different. Calvin offered many classic whites in suits and dresses that offered a chic but minimalistic style to his line of work. He also had several bright, bold colors, not to be left out of the color trend with severe minimal looks that seemed to be a crowd favorite.

Ralph Lauren is also a popular designer and for spring this year, his look seems to be inspired by the wild west era and cowgirl fashion. Creamy colors with lace and fringes were a staple of his palliate, but he also made sure to include a few eastern looks with beads, skinny pants and poet blouses.

Proenza Schouler’s designs were all about uptown chic. Ladylike styles in tweed jackets and above the knee skirts started their line off,with breezy skirts, pastel colored blouses and button down jackets offering a diversity to the spring look. Another designer to embrace the color trend, they offered coats in several different shades, the most eye catching being a salmon pink.

Michael Kors was another fan favorite, his style mainly Californian laid back whites, though offering classic shapes, he stuck to the pastel trend and offered cool colors which was different from his bold colored designer counter-parts. Though he did add a splash of color when it came to his drape dresses, many in fuchsia pink and lemon yellow, the brightest spot in his normally cool-toned line.

Whatever designer you choose to favor, many this spring are offering  bright colors, embracing the sunny feeling of spring and pushing back drab darker colors of winter.

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Fashion Trend Forecasting

Models on the runway for Ed Hardy Fashion show...

Image via Wikipedia

Have you ever wondered how fashion trends are determined or even how they are predicted? Well most fashion trends are actually predicted through a process called fashion trend forecasting or analysis.

Fashion trend forecasting is a process through which fashion experts or forecasting companies analyze fashion history, current trends, and consumer and retail trends. This information is complied and used to analyze as well as predict fashion trends.

Additionally, some fashion forecasting involves seeking out new styles, techniques, and color schemes created by designers and determining based on consumer purchases and fashion history whether these new styles will be successful.

Fashion forecasting is typically completed over a year in advance and is used by many fashion industry experts or by designers and retail businesses to determine new fashion lines, what to purchase and carry in retail stores, or to consult when designing new lines and accessories.

Fashion forecasting focuses on predicting clothing styles, popular colors for each season, and determining what types of accessories consumers will purchase. This process can influence fashion trends and fashion selections available in retail stores.

So how are these services accessed? Usually fashion forecasting is provided by companies who specialize in this and other fashion services. However, fashion trend reports can be purchased from some online companies. These reports are provided to individuals based on the same process and analysis which is then used to predict future fashion trends.

Research has indicated that fashion forecasting is still a relatively new field, but one that is developing quickly and being utilized extensively. This indicates that this field will continue to be utilized leading to its own influence on fashion trends and the fashion industry.

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Spring Makeovers For Your Inner Spaces

Spring is coming!  The air is fresher, the sky is bluer, and the hint of warm days and gardens hover as we walk outdoors.  Make your interiors as sunny and blissful as the outdoors without spending a lot of money.

Several interior designers were asked for ideas to bring spring without breaking the bank.  Dee Elms, of Terrat Elms in Boston suggests, “The best thing to do right away is open your windows to let the fresh air in.  Get rid of the heavy down-filled comforter and buy a new duvet in a cool spring color or light woven cottons for the bed.  Add beautiful new shams for your pillows–on the bed and in your living areas.  Change out all the dark colors and prints that go well with winter and make you feel cozy.  Paint your walls and change up the accessories around the house by adding a lighter, brighter color to your surroundings.  Bring fresh flowers indoors and add new plants to your living space.”

Michael Crowley, of Venezia Design in Boston, adds, “Like my grandmother said, do a good spring clean.  Sweep away winter!  Rearrange the furniture, get a new accessories, like a new rug.  Change the appearance of a room with brand new lampshades.  Change the white silk shades to something colorful, or with a funky trim. One of my favorite tricks is to buy ornamental curtain rods, and place them close to the ceiling.  I have a 10 by 10 room at home and the room has much more height and presence now.  You can elongate and deepen any room this way.”

Another really great lift for a room, according to Crowley:  “A white ceiling is a waste.  If you add colors to your ceilings, the light changes in the room.  If you don’t use your ceilings to create (a glow) inside, it’s a lost opportunity.  Paint is so inexpensive.  For $30, you can give a room a new appearance.  If you don’t have time or money, paint an accent wall. You’ll create something new and exciting.”

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Finding the Best Clothing Deals Online

Online retailers make it possible for consumers to purchase high quality designer clothing at low prices. Getting the most for your money, however, means knowing how to find the best fashion deals online. Follow these guidelines to help ensure that you have a good online shopping experience.

Compare Prices

The Internet makes it very easy to compare prices. Instead of driving all over town to determine which store has the lowest price on an item, you simply open your browser and compare prices side-by-side. Comparing prices is one of the best ways to ensure that you get a good deal on the items you buy.

Compare Shipping Prices

The price of clothing sold online isn’t always the final price that you end up paying. That’s because many online stores charge shipping fees. Note, however, that some online retailers offer free shipping. This can make a big difference when you purchase several articles of clothing. Include the price of shipping and handling when you compare prices to make sure that you are really getting the best deal.

Review Return Policies

Reviewing the site’s return policies will ensure that you understand whether you can return items easily. If the clothes don’t fit well, then you will want to return them without much hassle. Some online retailers make this process much easier than others. Some even pay for return shipping.

Use Reliable Websites for the Best Deals

Using reliable websites will help you find the best deals online. www.offers.com, for instance, gives consumers up-to-date information about the best deals on the Internet. You can also use the site to find coupon codes that will save you a lot of money on orders from popular retail sites.

When you follow these guidelines, you are certain to find the best deals on the Internet. By shopping online, you not only get to compare prices easily, but you also get to save time and money by avoiding crowded retail stores.

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Easy Recipe Makeovers

According to Chef Barbara Lynch of Boston’s No. 9 Park, start with a light stock (unroasted) of chicken, veal or beef, and add thickening agent, called roux or fine flour mixed with clarified butter.

“Blend equal amounts of fats and flour, measured by weight,” recommends a sous chef intern at New York’s La Grenouille.  “Add salt and pepper to your taste.”

Using the right pans and tools make for more successful home cooking. Whether you use a gas stove or not, using the right cookware will make the difference in sauces.  Making thick, lumpy or grainy sauce is avoidable.  The silky, light, smooth texture of perfect sauce is achievable at home if you avoid an overly hasty whisking of the sauce at high heat.

The flavor of veloute’ sauce usually refera the stock used.  Use this basic sauce to make many others, recommends a chef at Maman in Escondido, California. Add white wine and cream to fish veloute’ for creamed seafood dishes, such as Coquilles St. Jacques or a pasta.

Make Bercy sauce by adding tiny amounts of minced, sauteed shallots and parsley with white wine and lemon juice to taste.  Broiled salmon is delicious when served with this sauce.

To make Allemande sauce, add lightly whisked egg yolks, cream and a spritz of lemon juice to meat-based veloute’:  serve with the best chateaubriand and braised endive for a delectable meal.

For Poulette sauce, take chicken veloute’ and add sauteed mushrooms and chopped parsley to whisked egg yolk, then serve with almost any compatible entre.

Watch Julia Child cook or purchase “Larousse Gastronomique, considered by many chefs as the go-to book for making ideal mother sauces.

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Fresh New Styles in Nail Color for Spring

An example of a French Manicure, acrylic nails...

Image via Wikipedia

Spring nail colors offer a world of possibility. Think of your nails as natural accessories. Colors from a butterfly’s papillon palette—bright yellows, greens, oranges and pinks—shot with cool tropical turquoise and aquamarine, punctuate our dark winter color fix.  These colors feel like warm sunlight filtering through sugar eggs in your spring basket.  Nail color for spring continues to include dark, gray and edgy looks—but sunglasses-bright colors take center stage.  Spring hues, with scarcely a demure or old-fashioned pastel–without neon–are what we want.

This spring, coat your nails with the brightest orange and take a drink of sunshine. For extra zest, use nail pens—little dots, watermelons, ladybugs, daisies and updated French manicures will let everyone know your gloves are off!  Nail art pens create anything you can imagine: Lady Ga-Ga poker-face hearts or Bollywood Wedding styles.

Moon manicures, combined with Blade Runner–like fantasy forms allows futuristic perfection while echoing the Manchurian opium den or trekking through Tibet.  Use clear bright pink stains of color as base, using accent colors of navy, persimmon, grass green and yellow.  Or use your imagination:  you will be inspired by new styles and shapes and the possibilities for elongating your already beautiful hands.

The look of talons, too beautiful to maim, with bright colors and precise geometry is now, and you are the chicest chic:  Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer fashion returns.

1980s “over-the-top” and “Time After Time” glamour is fresh and updated.  Skin is soft, moisturized and well-tended.  Tousle your hair a bit and wear moonstones in silver!  Nails that aren’t your mother’s airbrushed are peeking out from long sleeves, wishing for spring fashion and weather.  Using foils and up-to-the-second nail techniks, you can create incredible new styles: lacy, mandala-like art, muraly-looks, a montage of modern or “biker chic”!

Matte nail polishes and metalics—along with nudes like you’ve never seen them before—continue to sell from last season fashion.

Natural nails are always chic, and the look of strong, healthy, buffed to sheen keratin is something that Jessica Vartoughian, “the first lady of nails” recommends to everyone.

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