Too Much Candy?

Happy Halloween fellow bloggers! Now I’m sure most of you are headed out to some sort of Halloween party tonight in your adorable costumes. But as we all know, Halloween involves a special treat every year… CANDY! I would call you crazy if you didn’t enjoy this part of Halloween. Unfortunately, there really isn’t a plus side to eating Snickers, Reese’s, or M & M’s. Only a down fall….gaining those little extra pounds that no one really wants. I know that’s how I’ve been feeling this Halloween season. I personally cannot resist the tempting Reese’s cups or the peanut butter M & M’s. But deep in the back of my head, my conscience is telling me “DO NOT PUT THAT FATENING PIECE OF CANDY IN YOUR MOUTH!” What are some simple ways to get rid of those extra pounds you might ask? Well I have done some research and found some helpful tips that may help you lose those extra pounds this season.

According to AOL Health and Wendy Chant’s book “Crack the Fat Loss Code,” there are several different steps you can take towards losing some extra weight and boosting your metabolism. Some of these may come as a surprise to you.
Wendy Chant’s steps to “Crack the Fat Loss Code”:

1. Pig Out Every 18 days
What? She can’t be serious. I thought losing weight meant eating less, not more. Chant says that “Your body gets used to the way you eat, which means if you're eating the same amount of calories at every mini-meal every day, you'll hit a diet plateau.” This is why she says that pigging out every 18 days will change your metabolic rate. Wendy Chant also uses a very good analogy to explain this further, “If you think of your body as a fireplace, the more logs you add, or food in this case, the hotter and faster the fire will burn.”

2. Vary your environment
Chant says that people who live in warmer climates tend to have slower metabolisms. She suggests that you change your climate temperature throughout the day. If you live in a warmer climate, step out of the air conditioning and into the heat for a little while. And vice versa for those of you living in a cooler climate.

3. Eat every two to three hours
WOW! That’s a lot of eating throughout the day, don’t you think? Chant says that when you eat, your body temperature rises, which in turn makes you burn calories. “Chant says, citing a study from the University of Western Australia. So rather than eating three big meals a day, eat mini meals every two to three hours, keeping portions in check.”

4. Break Free from Stress
Yes, I can speak for many college students in this world. I’m STRESSED!! When you are stressed your body releases a hormone called cortisol. This hormone that you release slows down your metabolism. So common sense ladies, get rid of the stress!

5. Get the Wiggles Every Hour
Stop being so lazy, get up and move. Instead of taking the bus to class…WALK! “Just moving more throughout the day can prevent metabolism slow-downs and keep blood sugar stable, preventing weight gain,” says Chant.

6. Up your Fat Intake

Hold on a minute. I thought I was trying to lose fat. Please explain. Wendy Chant really means, up your healthy fat intake. What kinds of fats are healthy? “Like omega 3 fatty acids in tuna, salmon and flaxseeds and monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil, nuts and nut butters, all of which boost metabolism,” recalls Chant.

7. Spice Up your Meals
Want to increase your metabolism by 78%? As little as half a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and cayenne can do just that. Goodness, that’s unbelievable.

8. Pump Up the Protein
“When you eat protein, your body burns five times as many calories as when you eat carbohydrates and fat. In the end, protein increases your metabolic rate by 36 percent. Choose protein you can chew like lean red meat, chicken, turkey and eggs, eating one gram of protein for every pound of lean mass you weigh,” claims Wendy. I would have never known.

9. Can Artificial Sweeteners
So basically, this means no more pop!! Drink lots of water girls! “According to research from Purdue University, 'When you eat them, you actually lower your metabolism which sabotages your weight loss goals,' Chant says.”

10. Pop a Daily Multivitamin
Add those extra nutrients like vitamin B12 and magnesium to help keep that metabolism regulating!

Well, now the question is… Are you really going to try these? My answer is YES!! These tips are so easy. There really is no dieting involved. How convenient is that? I suggest everyone tries Wendy Chant’s awesome steps to “Crack the Fat Loss Code!” Enjoy your Halloween candy!

What NOT to Wear This Fall!!

I’m sure you’ve read all our blog posts on “What to wear this fall,” but trust me darling there are a few things that you should NOT wear this fall. Sorry to have to break it to you like this, but some of you may need to clean out your closets and head straight to the mall. I’m just looking out for you ladies out there because I know none of you want to me fashion victims.

I was looking at a blog of what not to wear this fall and I found some sinple tips for this site. The blog had these four pictures posted and gave reasons why you shouldn't wear any of these outfits. I found these tips very helpful. They first metioned pictures one and two and commented on the sleeves. The sleeves in each of these pictures are long and very large. This specific type of sleeve is called the Dolman sleeve. And quoted from this blog is "not flattering on any body type." It is also said that this Dolman sleeve may add unwanted pounds to your body image. So ladies... Please do not purchase this sleeve on any type of dress, shirt, or sweater. Picture number three is a cute dress in my opinion. But unlike most of you I am only 5 feet tall so it wouldn't be so short on me. The problem with this dress is the length. Way, way too short. Especially for the fall. Girls, it's getting cold outside, cover up! And picture number four, I'm just not sure about this one. I mean the color itself is awful in my opinion, and those sleeves are just hideous. I can't tell if its lace or what those sleeves are made of.

I know there are all kinds of outfits out there that you ladies are wearing that you probably shouldn't. Just stand in front of your full length mirror before you leave the house and just ask yourself, "Is this really flattering to my body?"

Please clean out those “Fashion Don’t” items from your jam-packed closets and but some new fashionable clothes!!!

Do you know what fits you right? (Part 2)

Last week we talked about figuring what shape your body is and then figure ways to look flattering even with those heavy thighs and round hips. Now it’s time to focus on top heavy people (About.com)…but before we go into specifics it is important to consider the three basic tips needed to look good from Part 1. With that being said lets jump into the details…
Top Heavy – Negatives: Huge breasts, broad shoulders (in some cases). Positives: Slimmer waist & hip, narrow legs, great cleavage.
§ Tops: Avoid shirts that are too tight as it will make your bust look bigger. Baggy tops also don’t work as it will put more emphasis to your top heaviness. Knits and woven’s will look good as it will not cling to your body like silk but it will still fit just right. Going for Stretch is better for an elongated look. V-neck, boat neck and shirt neck will suit you well. Add a pretty cami to play up your cleavage.
§ Bottoms: Anything tight like skinny jeans, silk skirts and the like are going to accent your heavy top so avoid them. Also, going for lower waist pant is a waste of time therefore go for the natural waist fit as it will draw attention to your narrow and soft waist! Adding details to your bottoms is the best solution to create a balance between the big top figure and the slimmer legs and thighs. This can be done by going for pocketed jeans. Beading and patterns can also do the trick.
§ Dresses: Play up your nice legs by wearing dresses that fall just above your knees except on your wedding day (even that you can go for dresses that have side and front bottom opening to accentuate your pretty and slim legs). Empire waists and anything that defines your top separately is disastrous so go for things that put more definition to your waist. Strapless dress works if you don’t have broad shoulders but if you do go for a spaghetti-strap or a sleeveless dress with a nice V-neck.
Now that you know what to choose its time to look at some things that you can buy that will flatten your body!
Bottom Heavy: Purple, empire waist, smocking…all these are found at an affordable price at Victoria’s Secret. Empire waist works best for people with huge bottoms to disguise the heaviness with free flowing dresses. The sleeve can be worn on top of the shoulders or at the sides depending on your mood. On occasions when you can’t wear dresses opt for a nice top like the patterned square neck top from Macy’s. The patterns in the top draw attention to the face and the top portion of your body instead of your faulty areas. Also the top is slightly longer than your waist so this can disguise a round hip very well. To go with the top, go for a wide boot cut pant which sits at your waist like the Apt 9 pant dress pant from Kohl’s. The dark color makes your thighs & legs look longer and slimmer.
Top Heavy: Knits, boat neck, and belted waist…everything you need to look stunning in a dress is available at Victoria’s Secret. The belted waist defines your thin waist while also making you look taller as your slim thighs along with bare thin legs will distract a person from the top heaviness. As simple to no patterns look best on your figure it’s important to go for something like the V-neck solid black shirt from Macy’s. This top not only shows your cleavage but also draws attention to your slim hips. This shirt will go well with a patterned skirt from Kohl’s. This plaid patterned skirt will draw attention to your legs and it is also very comfortable to wear for many occasions. Bonus: Now that it is winter it’s important to find just the right jacket and this decision should be made after a wise consideration. Bottom Heavy people should never go for a long jacket as this will make their entire body look bigger. So it’s important to go for ones that have a belted waist. Burlington coat factory has the perfect cut for a reasonable price! Top heavy people can go for almost any jacket but should be careful that it is not too tight or has patters near the chest…this adds to the bulkiness. Long coats especially look nice on you as you have slimmer lower body so go for something like the Long Woolen Coat with Extra Wide Collar from Burlington coat factory.
Wow that was a long and informative entry. Have fun shopping for your outfits that flatter your body shape!
More on fashion tips…

We need your INPUT...

Girls: Shoes, handbags, jewelry, dress, makeup…there’s just too much fashion tips available for women. We find it really hard to pick one thing to write about which will be worth your time. So we would appreciate if you give us some topics that you want more information on. At that time we will update the existing poll and based on the results from the poll you’re ideas will be featured over the next few months.
Guys: As most of you have noticed by now, we hardly have four entries discussing fashion tips for guys. This is not on purpose but because we don’t know what to write about! Therefore we would like you to give us ideas that would help you be more up-to-date on fashion. Whether it is about the new sports shoe, a new hair-do, or a new tie for the holidays…we will do the research and help you make a decision.
With that being said…it’s time for some comments! If you need ideas check out About.com/Instyle/Men’s Flair.
Hopefully next time around my fellow bloggers and I will not have to worry about one topic but choosing from many…

How to Makeover Your Man

LADIES! This blog may be helpful to those of you representing the “in a relationship” status right now.
Imagine you want to go out on a date with your boyfriend to a very fancy restaurant but you are embarrassed by what your man is wearing. I’m sure you’ve tried to say something to him or even offered to take him shopping and buy him new clothes and yet every time says replies back saying, “what, you do like the way I dress?” And deep inside your head you screaming “NO, NO I DON”T LIKE IT!” Well lucky for us women out there, About.com was thinking about us when they came up with this “How To,” How to Makeover Your Man

Here's How:
1. Ask yourself honestly what your motivation is for changing the way your man dresses -- the purer the motivation (i.e. to help him develop confidence), the better the results.
2. If you haven't discussed his style issues before, now is the time to let him know you'd like to take over in the fashion department.
3. If he balks, stop here and try again in six months.
4. If he's relieved to have some help, start by assessing his current wardrobe.
5. Pitch everything that doesn't fit, needs serious mending or is totally out of style.
6. Assess your guy's current style with him -- is he dressing for power, comfort or stylishness?
7. Work with him to decide what image he wants to portray.
8. Start slowly redoing his wardrobe, working from the inside out -- buy new underwear, undershirts, socks and hankies.
9. Take advantage of the expertise of the salespeople and tailors at the best stores. They'll help him find the right professional looks that fit.
10. Buy just one new suit that looks terrific, two new shirts and two new ties.
11. Pay attention to details like shoes, belts and socks -- they should be good quality and complement the total look..
12. For weekend wear, neatness goes a long way, so just buy replacement shirts, pants, shorts and athletic shoes.
13. Well-worn jeans and Tshirts may have to be pried from his fingers -- replace with new jeans and a few new logo Ts.
14. Let him keep his logo caps for weekend wear -- it's a small compromise.
15. Give casual wear a spin in the washer a few times to break in jeans and shirts -- it'll go far in the comfort department.

Now I hope he cooperates with you! Here are a few tips to help you out in this awful situation too:

Tips:
1. Study men's magazines like GQ to get a feel for overall men's fashion trends.
2. Don't try to force your style on him -- he's not a doll to be dressed.
3. If all your efforts don't work, don't despair. Some of the biggest geek dressers are also the richest (Bill Gates comes to mind)

I hope these suggestions and tips work for you because I know I am going to try to makeover my man this weekend!

Do you know what fits you right? (Part 1)

Tired of trying to hide your belly, wide waist, huge thighs…well there is a solution to your problems. About.com has some easy fix-ups to show the world that even your worst feature can be hidden and bring out a flattering figure. Most people say that they hate their body and by doing so they fail to realize that everyone has some extraordinary features that need to be highlighted to distract other bad features. There are two categories of body type: Bottom Heavy and Top Heavy (yep, it’s that simple) that most people fall into. Before we get into what needs to be changed for a certain type, it’s important to know that the following tips are crucial in whatever decision you make:

- Know what color suits you best! About.com suggest that you go to the mall with friends (who tell the truth no matter how much it hurts you) and compare some shades to your face. Allow them to give their input then decide on the colors for your wardrobe. But keep in mind that not all shades of green are going to suit your face, so try different hues and shades to come up with the best option.

- Don’t even think that high waist pants with pleats look cute on you! The narrow openings at the bottom are not meant for a cute top instead they go well with longer tops enough to cover the pleats and make you look weird. So avoid them as much as you can.

- Trendy doesn’t have to be in every form! It doesn’t matter if you choose to wear last year’s fall fashion dress as long as you make it up by adding a metallic stiletto and/or chain-linked handbag (fall 08 trends).

Now that you understand the basic tips to flatter your body, it’s time to talk specifics…

Bottom Heavy –

* Negatives: wide hips, round thighs.

* Positives: shapely waists, nice upper body and attractive shoulders & arms.

* Tops: Just about right fitting tops as they will not highlight that your hips are bigger than shoulders or make your whole body wide like a loose fitting top would. V-necks & turtle next call attention to your face which is exactly what you must do.

* Bottoms: Avoid anything tight as it call attention to your big bottom. Instead of going a mini skirt go for a simple A-line skirt to distract the viewer from the round thighs and hips. Dark colored pants and vertical lined pants with flare or boot cut works best as they give a narrower and long look to your legs. Shorts that are loose fitting and thin material flatter your thighs while working out.

* Dresses: It is important to play up your shoulders and arms. Therefore try to highlight them to the max with either a strapless or sleeveless dress. Mini dresses don’t work here so go for dresses that fall just above your knees. A flare just below your waist will divert attention to your hips. This can be done with an empire waist with or without belts. But it’s important to keep in mind that overdoing it can make you look like you’re pregnant! For your body a ball gown works best as it hides the wide hips and round thighs.

For all the Top heavy people- stay tuned for Part 2 and also, get some ideas on where and what to shop for your body type.

To be continued…

More on Fashion tips…

Casual Jackets in fashion for Fall'08

Most people around this time of year start realizing that their jackets from last year is either out of fashion or doesn’t fit them well. Consequently they start looking for a jacket that can be worn for most occasions and soon find that choosing from a variety of stores and styles is a pain. About.com and Google have some suggestions that are practical and trendy.
Guys:
§ Tommy Hilfiger Lakeside Jacket – this can be worn almost anywhere and for any occasion unless it’s a black-tie wedding! The clean lines and cut give it a classy look.
§ Black Rivet Hooded Military Blazer – want to look expensive yet casual, then go for this jacket. With pockets and rugged look, it goes best with a nice jean and sneaker/boot.
§ INC International Concepts Nylon Morgan Bomber – motorcycle jackets are a big trend for fall 2008. So even if you don’t own a motorcycle, show off your nylon jacket and get some attention.
§ Gap Reversible Wool-Nylon Jacket – planning to do some grocery shopping before going to a party, then go for this jacket. The wool look is more than enough for Wal-Mart while you might need the motorcycle look at the party.
§ GUESS? Army Hood Jacket – tons of pockets for almost all your electronic equipment and also a hoodie to protect your ears from icy winds all the while you look like a soldier.
§ Calvin Klein Jeans Waxed Double Weave Jacket – late again for a date, then this is jacket is a solution. You even hide your bedtime shirt by throwing this jacket while keeping yourself warm.
Girls:
§ Cabela's Women's Hooded Canyon Jacket – did you know that you could even get denim jackets with hoodies? This jacket can be worn even in business casual situation with just about anything!
§ Lol Cheerful Casual Jacket - Women's – Want to look more put-together? This jacket is just the thing for your next date. The wide belt gives more definition to your waist and keeps with the fall 2008 trend.
§ Ex Officio ExSential Zippy Full-Zip Casual Jacket - Women's – Leather jacket are always a favorite as they can be worn to any place whether it is McDonald’s or to your first day at a big company!
§ Columbia Revolutionary Jacket – who wouldn’t love these good old front-zip up hoodies on a cold day with a nice fleece pant?
Now that you have seen some fall 2008 jackets get the one you desire most or all of them if you can’t decide and show them off to your friends and strangers…
More on Fashion trends…

Date Night

Going on a date with a new acquaintance or worse yet a blind date…???
Well it’s enough that you have had some sleepless nights or scary day dreams on all that can go wrong. Both girls and guys (yes, even if they don’t agree readily they go through the same emotions) are anxious to know if the new relationship will work better than their previous one. With all these lovely emotions that already exist in you, it’s a pain to give thought to your outfit! You might want to just give up but it important to know that your “Actions [outfit & manners] speak louder than words.” Keeping this in mind it’s important to follow certain guidelines before going for a date.

10 Tips on Dressing for a Date and What to wear on a Date? give quick tips on making it a successful night!
Do’s
Women:
· Wear something that flatters your figure
· Go for an outfit that you are comfortable in
· Have good manicured nails
· Spray a perfume you normally use
Men:
· Take a shower (important!!!)
· Wear clean and ironed clothing
· Wear clean footwear
· Spray a subtle cologne
Don’ts
Women:
· Don’t experiment with new makeup
· Don’t overdress & don’t imitate celebrities/models
· Avoid ruffling your outfit frequently
Men:
· Don’t go without a clean shave
· Don’t go out without a hair gel
· Avoid fidgeting your fingers

It's not only important that you follow these rules, it's also important to wear something suitable for the setting. Wearing a suit to the park is going to scare your date while wearing a tight glittery blouse is going to look odd a fast food restaurant. To give you an idea on what to wear check out these links:
Picnic at a park: Women try the lovely print dress from Victoria's Secret. With small patterns, brings out your true beauty and the loose fitting hands give all the more reason for wearing it in parks. Men wear a neutral striped cotton shirt to impress your gal from Gap. This shirt ties in with the carefree feeling at a park while you and date take a stroll through the flower beds!
Elegant uptown diner date: Time to choose some formals...women go for more volume while choosing skirts instead of the regular pencil skirts to keep things cool and comfy. Kohl’s has some wonderful collections like the black skirt which can be tied with a silk blouse or a plaid sweater. Men go with a good dress pant (like the one from Old Navy) and a nice dress shirt without overdoing (that is avoid adding a tie/jacket...)!
Hope your next blind/first date experience is not as mind boggling...
More on fashion tips...

Be Scary. Be Sexy. Be Silly.

Thought about what you are going to be for Halloween this year? I know you have a Halloween Party to go to this October, but let me guess, you don’t know what to dress up as. I don’t know what to dress up as either. I mean, I could make myself a costume or I could spend an entire day trying on different costumes at numerous Halloween stores, which is not my preference. Or I could find a dependable Halloween website and order a costume from there. That should save me some time and gas. So I started getting some ideas for a costume this Halloween and didn’t realize there were so many options. I was at this website called HalloweenExpress.com and I found so many that I liked. This website literally has a costume for everyone, adults, teens, kids, plus sizes, families, and couples too. And don’t you worry, they have accessories like you wouldn’t believe. They have scary costumes, sexy, silly, cool, and funny costumes too. Imagine that…they even have Halloween costumes for your pets! Isn’t that crazy? Want to transform yourself into something or someone else? HalloweenExpress.com has all kinds or masks just for that reason. And make-up too, of course. Turn yourself into a scary vampire or make your skin green and look like Frankenstein. Don’t have the right hair for your costume this Halloween? Find a wig. HalloweenExpress.com has wigs for every costume you might need.
Going for the scary look this year? Here are some ideas you might want to look in to:
· Zombie
· Witch
· Vampire
· Michael Myers
· Grim Reaper
· Frankenstein
· Freddy Krueger
How about you ladies going for the sexy look? Try these ideas:
· Naughty Nurse
· Hippie
· Stewardess
· Playboy Bunny
· School Girl
· Go-Go Girl
· Candy Cane
What about just a silly or funny costume this year?
· Trailer Park King
· Sugar Daddy
· Deviled Egg
· Twister
· Cat in the Hat
· Pez Dispenser
· Sumo Wrestler
· Whoopie Cushion
Or maybe you’re going as a couple… Check out these couple costumes:
· Raggedy Ann and Andy
· Plug and Socket Set
· The Flintstones: Betty and Barney Rubble
· Adam and Eve
· Sailors
· Ketchup and Mustard
Family time… Maybe you and your family are attending a Halloween party together. Try some of these family costumes:
· Batman Themed
· Pirates of the Caribbean Themed
· Vampire Themed
· Scooby-Doo Themed
· Star Wars Themed
· 60’s Themed
· The Movie Grease Themed
If I were you, I’d check out this website. It was very helpful to me. Just remember, time is running out to find a costume. You only have 16 more days…

Dress up your outfit...

Shopping...blue jeans, pink sweatshirt, sneakers. Work...black plant, crème top, black shoe. Date...red cocktail dress, platform heels. Wedding reception...purple dress, stiletto heels. Seems familiar? Well this is pretty much how each person dresses while going to certain occasions. An elegant purple dress with stiletto heels looks wonderful for a wedding reception but having fewer distractions is going to be blah! Although this sounds ridiculous it is true…it is important to keep in mind that adding to the outfit will dress you up. Not only does it do that, it also makes your look like the glamorous Hollywood celebrities if you chose the right things! Well now you might wonder what I’m talking about…jewelry. You might think I’m out of my mind but simple or bold jewelry can make you unique. It also brings out your personality. But not all jewelry suits a person or an outfit so it is important to bring out the real reason for wearing jewelry! eHow editor tells that “A woman should wear her jewelry; it shouldn't wear her. What this means is that while the right jewelry can pull an outfit together, the wrong jewelry can make a woman look at best careless and at worst ridiculous”. By now all must agree that this statement is true because at some point we have had incidents where a piece of jewelry destroys an outfit. So to help you decide better next time eHow has some tips:

1. Big and small don’t go together and guess why…they are opposites. It’s important to remember that wearing big bold jewelry with a small jewelry either prevents a person from viewing a pretty pendant or distracts the viewer. Also, bold jewelry go better with solid colors while smaller ones go with prints as they offer less distraction. 2. Rings…too many can be distracting. Wearing thin rings blend in well with most outfits. But huge cocktail rings look weird with other rings (small/big) unless it’s your wedding ring! 3. Homogenous (mixture of metals)…yes chemistry plays an important role here. Just like it’s hazardous to mix metals that are of different proportions, jewelry can look disastrous if the same styles or proportions of different metals are not used.
4. Pins…they might be little but they came handy when you don’t have any other jewelry to wear. You can attach them either to a lovely scarf or your handbag even if it’s not your outfit like people normally do. Rule #1 applies while choosing pins. 5. Simple yet elegant is the key to wearing jewelry. At work it will be preferred that you offer little distraction to customer/employee so stick with smaller/less impact jewelry. For parties go with a jewelry that best highlights your outfit. Now that you know the basic guidelines for choosing jewelry, it’s time to check out some stores for jewelry that is cheap yet looks out of the world to make you look trendy at any place…even while shopping at Wal-Mart!
Claire's has got a lovely black earring for only $10.00. This can be either be worn with a bright patterned dress or a simple blouse for a date night. Need to have some distraction from your purple plunging neckline dress...then go for the Victor Alfaro Beaded Necklace from Bergner's. The lovely beads not only look expensive, they also look trendy (more so with the color trend for fall...purple) for an affordable price! Need something cheap to add some value to your turtle-neck sweater...then do an impulse purchase at Kohl’s...you will not regret it later! Finally something for your bare hands...JC Penny has an elegant Sapphire bracelet that looks stunning with a bridesmaid dress or just for another cocktail party.
Have fun with jewelry...
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COCO CHANEL

Have you ever thought about where designer brands came from? Well if your not weird, like me then you probably haven't, but for those of you who have a strange mind like mine I did a little research on the fabulous Coco Chanel. This is just a little history I got from a Fashion History website I found.

“The great fashion designer Gabrielle Chanel 1883-1971 self styled herself to be known as Coco Chanel. By 1920 the silhouette of her clothing designs have come to be the epitome of 20's style. The work of other famous designers beside hers seemed old fashioned and outmoded belonging as they did to the pre World War One era. She promoted the styles we associate with flappers. She worked in neutral tones of beige, sand, cream, navy and black in soft fluid jersey fabrics cut with simple shapes that did not require corsetry or waist definition. They were clothes made for comfort and ease in wear making them revolutionary and quite modern. She was the Jean Muir or Donna Karan of her day and the originator of the LBD - that little black dress.”

Little Miss Chanel has become a high fashion icon in todays fashion world. About.com gave me another insite on Coco Chanel as well with a little background history.

"Soon she was expanding to couture, working in jersey, a first in the French fashion world. By the 1920s, her fashion house had expanded considerably, and her chemise set a fashion trend with its "little boy" look. Her relaxed fashions, short skirts, and casual look were in sharp contrast to the corset fashions popular in the previous decades. Chanel herself dressed in mannish clothes, and adapted these more comfortable fashions which other women also found liberating.
In 1922 Chanel introduced a perfume, Chanel No. 5, which became and remained popular, and remains a profitable product of Chanel's company. Pierre Wertheimer became her partner in the perfume business in 1924, and perhaps also her lover. Wertheimer owned 70% of the company; Coco Chanel received 10% and her friend Bader 20%. The Wertheimers continue to control the perfume company today.
Coco Chanel introduced her signature cardigan jacket in 1925 and signature "little black dress" in 1926. Most of her fashions had a staying power, and didn't change much from year to year -- or even generation to generation.
She briefly served as a nurse in World War I. Nazi occupation meant the fashion business in Paris was cut off for some years; Chanel's affair during World War II with a Nazi officer also resulted in some years of diminished popularity and an exile of sorts to Switzerland. In 1954 her comeback restored her to the first ranks of haute couture. Her natural, casual clothing including the Chanel suit once again caught the eye -- and purses -- of women. She introduced pea jackets and bell bottom pants for women. She was still working in 1971 when she died. Karl Lagerfeld has been chief designer of Chanel's fashion house since 1983.
In addition to her work with high fashion, she also designed stage costumes for such plays as Cocteau's Antigone (1923) and Oedipus Rex (1937) and film costumes for several movies, including Renoir's La Regle de Jeu. Katharine Hepburn starred in the 1969 Broadway musical Coco based on the life of Coco Chanel."

Just a little history lesson for ya! I thought it was interesting so I thought maybe you would enjoy it too!

Victoria's Secret

You can buy more than bras and panties at this common store in just about every mall across the country. Victoria’s Secret is an upcoming clothing store for young women everywhere. Of course, you’ll find hundreds of styles of underwear with millions of designs and in all kinds of colors, but you can find the perfect bra for you that fits you correctly and is comfortable too. Victoria’s Secret has a clothing and underwear line called “Pink.” This clothing is designed for the college girl style. This line has sweatpants, sweatshirts, tank tops, t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and tote bags. All very cute in my opinion. Victoria’s Secret also offers a variety of lotions, perfumes, lip glosses, and body and shower gel. These all have unique names like Very Sexy perfume, or Love Spell body spray. The fragrances at Victoria’s Secret are no doubt girly beyond belief. Victoria’s Secret also sells a wide variety of swimwear. They offer all different styles and colors and patterns. Victoria’s Secret now sells shoes too! That’s crazy. You can but flip-flops, heels, pumps, and all kinds of boots from Victoria’s Secret. Victoria’s Secret has gone from a lingerie store to a high-end clothing store for all varieties and personalities of women. Hope you enjoy shopping at Victoria’s Secret as much as I do!

Look Slim this Fall

Want to look chic and slim this fall? No worries, it’s easy. Key word… layer. Lucky for you, layering has more than one advantage. Since the weather is getting cooler you might want to start layering your clothes to keep warm and at the same time give yourself a slimmer look. “Fall has arrived which means we get to add a few layers to outfits to keep out the chill and cover up any figure flaws. While layering is relatively simple to do, a few expert tips will help you make the most of this cozy look no matter your shape,” says Emily Neill. My guess is your wondering how to do this. So am I. Stylelist.com has given girls like us a few tips about layering for a slim look this fall.
Tip #1:
Layering allows us to break up looks and create new shapes visually by mixing hems and color. But while layering sweaters is a great idea to stretch your wardrobe, a dark top over a light tank shortens your torso and makes your hips appear wide. A better color combination is two similarly dark colors (brown and wine) which looks more sophisticated and slimming. You look leaner (in the same pants) since there is no break of color to cut your shape in half. For a more colorful look that still flatters, play up your blue eyes and blond hair by layering a blue bolero over a sculpting black V-neck sweater. The contrasting colors now work together to highlight your narrow waist.
Tip #2:
If you tall and slim, with a straight "ruler" shape, our goal for you is to add curves and make the most of your height. Trade your shapeless beige pants and sweater for crisp black trousers and a fitted oxford and vest duo. The deep scoop of the vest helps to shorten your tall torso while the oxford collar frames your face. The long necklace softens your look and adds a polished accent to a classic outfit. For a skirted look that makes the most of your slim figure, pair a curve-maximizing pencil skirt with a form-hugging top and snug bolero sweater. The bolero reshapes your torso by emphasizing your waist, while the other pieces heighten your curves.
Tip #3:
Last but not least, if your short (5'2") and have a baby tummy and thick arms, rather than masking your bulges under layers, your thick sweater and low rise pants highlight the tummy you'd like to forget! To ban the bulge, trade that bulky sweater for a sleek black tee and slim dress coat. The coat cinches you at the narrowest part of your torso while long black sleeves cover potential arm issues that the capped sleeve coat could have brought out. For a skirted look, pair a fluid A-line black jersey skirt with a shirred-waist cowl-neck fitted top, and a soft "jacket" in order to get coverage for your belly and upper arms but still show off your petite shape.
Wow, I didn’t think layer could make you look slimmer. These are definitely a few tips to keep in mind while picking out different outfits this fall! Hope these tips helped you out as much as they helped me!

Go Big or Go Home!!

Ladies, need a new bag to carry? Well this fall’s fashion says… GO BIG! Big bags this season is what’s in! Get rid of that little tiny purse you carried around this summer and head straight for the mall. Those of you out there you like to jam pack your bag, well no need to be crowded anymore. Find a big bag, which will definitely do the trick. Don’t know what bag to buy? Anyone your heart desires. Fancy or simple. You can wear it with all kinds of different outfits. About.com says “Work with the law of opposites when it comes to pairing bold bags with outfits: the simpler the clothing, the more adventuresome the bag can get and vice versa.” So if you have a simple autumn colored sweater dress with black leggings and your Ugg boots on today, then pick a fun black bag with rhinestones for today’s outfit. Or if you have one a bright floral top with black dress pants and black heels, then pick a simpler bag for the day’s outfit. Now don’t forget ladies, you don’t want to overdo it here. A bag too big can look ridiculous. Especially if you are someone like me who is 5 foot 110 pounds. I’m not going to carry around a bag that’s half the size of me, that’s crazy. Find one thats just right for your style and size. That shouldn't be too hard given the fact that there are tons and tons of bags and purses to choose from. Shop for some of these big bags at Macy’s. I personally like the Kathy Van Zeeland purses. Somewhat expensive, but very cute. Also check out the Coach bags and Jessica Simpson’s line of purses. No one ever said you had to limit yourself to one bag either. Have fun shopping and remember “Go Big or Go Home!”

Fall 08 Haircut Trends

Now that most of you know the kinds of haircuts that are suitable for your face (if not check out “All about haircuts…”), it’s time to try cuts that are in fashion to get a trendy look. Elle has great tips and secrets not only to keep your hair tame but also to make your look expensive for reasonable prices. The following top 10 trends for fall are taken from Elle -
Fabulous Fringe – Have medium or thick straight hair. Then go for this look. While doing this you should keep in mind that the more hair you use for the fringe the better it is. You can do almost any styling in the back to complete the look. As the fringe is meant to reach till your brows, you can always gather it at the top occasionally. The key thing to remember with this look is to trim the fringes quite frequently to avoid looking like an un-groomed puppy! Add some serum to the fringe for a shiny look.
Layered Look – Want to add some spice to your long, straight hair…then go for layers. This hair is suitable for even thin hair as layers create volume. You can also substitute this with a step cut at the back and layers in the front. Be sure to have your first layer to start just above your chin as they take care of fringes. Simply blow drying your hair on busy days can be substituted for using a flat iron. Add gloss for a clean look or a texturizer for a shaggy look.
Natural Woman (spikes) and Pixie (boy cut) – Are you busy running errands all day? Do you forget to comb your hair in the mornings? Then go for a spiked look (yes, they are not only for guys). If you have an unmanageable hair or less volume then go for this cut. You only need to trim it once in six weeks. Add some jewelry while going for a party and you’ll be elegant. On days when you have some time, add a serum for a shinny look.
Mushroom Bob and Layered Bob – Worried about thin or medium volume hair. Then do the mushroom bob as this will enable your hair to look thick and also fall in place. This look is also easy to maintain as you only need to blow dry and do a quick comb. Do the cut to look more feminine all the while you are comfortable. Fringes to the brow add to the look. Keep in mind that adding some crème to avoid frizz will make your hair tame.
Asymmetrical Shag (Victoria Beckham look) – Yes it’s the Victoria Beckham look only with some minor changes. Instead of doing a center partition, a side to do the thing. Make sure that your hair reaches up to your lips and not anywhere else. Adding more layers to this look will destroy it. Don’t get too crazy with it. Add a finishing crème to give the shag look some texture.
Wild Curls – Already love your wild curls? Then now is the season to make it even wilder! Add layers instead of a straight cut to add depth to your hair. This also creates distraction instead of the boredom. Be sure that the ends are done well to make it look like each layers fall into another without any distractions. Use some crème to make your hair tame and frizz-free even with a wild look.
Blunt Bob and One Length – The old American celebrity cuts are back in site. The blunt bob with the thick fringes covering most of the fore-head is ideal for people who don’t like curling or adding waves. The regular one length is for people who totally dislike fringes. These haircuts are perfect for people who have straight hair. If you do have a curly hair, then you need to put a lot of effort into making it tame. To make the one length interesting apply serum/gloss for an extra shiny and smooth look.
Have fun with your hair this fall with the bold cuts…

All about haircuts...

Do you still don’t like the way you look even after following all the fall trends for shoes and clothes? Well then it’s time for some changes on your face! Not by doing some expensive plastic surgery but just by going to a beauty parlor and getting a haircut. Although it seems really simple to go for a haircut rather than a crazy surgery, wrong cuts will force you to stay behind doors for a while. Why, because you’re hair is not going to grow back magically in a day or two. Therefore it’s important to follow some guidelines before sitting on “that chair”.
About.com will help you make the process easier for you and your stylist! According to them, one of the first things you need to do is to determine your face shape and then look at cuts that will be flattering on you.
Do you have an oval face…then you should be proud to know that almost any cut will make you look good. Because there are many options for your face, try to make a cut that highlights your best feature. If you have great chin go for bob that almost falls to your chin like that old Victoria Beckham look. Waves look awesome on your face so get crazy with curls and waves. Add some bangs and you should fit right just about anywhere! But beware of short layers and blunt cuts they make your face look longer.
Have a looong face…then you should have already realized that having long hair without any distractions is hazardous. The key here is to go for width that balances your face and hair properly. If you have a straight long hair then go for layers or V-cut that create volume in the sides near the chin and collar. Bobs just near the chin or collar is good for short hair. Bangs in the front to the brow also look great. But keep in mind that it’s important to add waves, curls to add width instead of boring straight hair.
Round faced…your are to follow things that are exactly the opposite of long faces! Try to minimize the round puffy look around your cheeks by reducing the volume. Bangs that fall near your chin looks best as it distracts attention to your face. Go for either a below the chin cut or layers that go down gradually. If you have long hair, try curling the ends as it also, distracts attention to the round feature. One thing that you definitely need to avoid is a blunt or too short curly look…it adds to the round feature!
Heart-shaped or Square face…draw attention to your chins. Go for chin-length bobs with short bangs. Also, short – spiked cuts look good on you. Gradual layers from the chin with interesting ends highlight your chins. Never go for one length cuts or harsh layers. Also, don’t have one length bangs as they will highlight more of your face shape.
For more information on haircut tips check out the About.com website. This leads to the haircut article which gives links to haircut images and actress that share your face. Some of the essentials needed to tame your hair are included beneath each face type.
Haircuts for fall 2008 coming up next…

Sweaters for all occasions

The season for flip-flops with shorts and shirt are gone...now it’s time for some shoes, jeans and sweaters. After enjoying almost four months of warm weather, it’s hard to get back into the time consuming schedule of selecting an outfit that keeps you warm and stylish.
But with today’s clothing selections one can find almost any type of sweaters/knits for all occasions.
Running errands...check out the lovely hoodies from Kohl’s. They not only cost under $20 but also they come in many colors with a wonderful cut. With the elastic waist, these hoodies can be worn all day for comfort. The hood is an added bonus for unexpected protection against snow and harsh winds.
Going for an interview...JC Penny's has a wonderful Rhinestone-button Cardigan for less than $50! This cardigan has detailed work with makes it look elegant. Add a dark colored pant and maybe a co-coordinating scarf...you're set for the business world. This comes several colors including purple. So be sure to show off your new sweater with the touches of fall trends!
Wanna party...Victoria’s secret has some awesome collections for winter. These dresses have tons of necks to choose from like turtle necks to scoop necks. Throw some fashion jewelry and tights (optional) to complete the look... For less than $70, you are sure to be the center of attention at the party!
And something that goes everywhere...Forever 21’s makes it easier for us to find things that can be worn just about anywhere! This Elaine Knitted Cardigan comes in two neutral colors - black and brown. The wide collar and big buttons in the front make it possible for you to wear either to a formal event with a khaki/light colored pant or to the mall with the good old jeans!
Now before you get excited about sweater options, remember one important tip: It’s important to buy tight fitting sweater as they keep you warm and also make you look normal!
More on fashion...

Help!!

Now that it’s beginning to get cold outside, I think I need to invest in a pair of Ugg boots. But with the budget I have where can I find a cheap pair of boots that are good quality boots? I bought a cheap pair of knock-off boots last winter and they only made it through about half the winter. Mind you they were only like $30 so I wasn’t expecting them to last that long. But being in college now I literally walk EVERYWHERE. So I need a good pair of boots to keep my feet warm while walking to class every day. I’ve been looking online at the Ugg website but their boots are just so expensive. I can’t afford $160 boots right now. I was hoping you fellow bloggers out there could give me some suggestions on where I can purchase a pair of good quality boots that won’t put a hole in my pocket. If you have any suggestions please e-mail me or just post a comment on this blog. I really appreciate all of your help! I hope you too can keep your feet warm this winter. So bundle up!

The Great White

Another 2008 fall fashion trend is the, you can never have too many, white shirt. Ever thought of a plain white shirt becoming a fashion trend? I never thought of it. But yes, a solid white shirt is becoming very popular on women today. Now white shirts come in a variety of styles. Long sleeved or short sleeved. Button-up or crew neck. "The designers have put a modern, feminine twists on the classic, crisp white shirt - which has for so long been an indispensable staple in your boyfriend's closet - by infusing it with the charm of swingy, geometric trapeze silhouettes and fresh detailing with the use of bows, ruffles, asymmetry and pleats. This fundamental of fashion has also had the pleasure of being morphed into comfortably chic dresses complete with pockets, buttons, collars and ties." You can find basically any style of shirt in solid white. Now of course, InStyle.com has some wonderful tips on how to choose a great white shirt.

First: The Fabric
A collared white shirt works best in poplin or twill, which give structure and aren't too sheer.

Second: The Darts
Vertical darts below the bust help give a shirt a tailored look. Horizontal darts to the side of the bust accentuate curves.

Next: The Collar
Choose carefully—one that's too tall (and stiff) will rub against your neck.

Then: The Cuffs
French cuffs add flair, but make sure they fall no farther than just past your wristbone.

And: The Front
Watch for any pulling across the chest, gaps between the buttons, or lift at the front hem.

Don’t Forget: The Length
For most, a hem that hits about an inch below the waistline will look best.

Finally: The Cut
You want tailored perfection—a shape that isn't too loose, boxy or billowy.

The varities are endless -- cotton with stretch, fitted silhouettes, cuff and sleeve details, collar variations -- but they all work under everything from cardigans to jackets or on their own with wide-leg trousers.
I highly suggest you go out and purchased at least one white shirt for this fall’s fashion. Or maybe two or three or four. Just remember, you can easily dress up, or down, this white shirt with a jacket, belt, your choice of jewelry, and even layering with variety of colors. Shop at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, or Gap for a great white shirt!

Menswear inspiring women's fashion

Remember when vests were only worn by men? Well now these menswear-inspired elements rule women's fashion all over! Vests can be worn as business attire or very casual.

For Women:

Business attire: Vest can be worn over a white blouse with some nice black dress pants.

The casual look: Tank tops or T-shirts could be worn under a vest with jeans.

Vests could also be worn over dresses to add a Bohemian vibe.

Don't worry men I didn't forget about you!

For Men:

Maximize the elegance of a simple black vest by pairing it with matching trousers and a perfectly cut white shirt.

Dress down a vest by wearing it over a striped polo with dark jeans.

The laid-back look: Collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up and some washed out pair of jeans.

As you look for some vests at Kohl's, Macy's, Forever 21, ExpressMen, etc., remember it's not what type of vest you buy it's what you wear with it.  Have these tips handy when you are thinking about what to wear next.  These will really help and also make you stand out with the new fashion trend!

More fashion trends next time....