What is the Best Footwear for Your Outdoor Activity?

Andrew Taverner

There are many types of footwear on the market today depending
on what activities you enjoy and what suits your needs as an
individual. From posh parties to the beach to a casual shopping
trip, what you wear on your feet distinguishes who you are. A
day hiking the trails can be a disaster with the wrong footwear.

If you are the type of individual that enjoys a number of
outdoor activities but none serious enough to warrant specific
footwear for each sport, then a multi-sport shoe is for you.
This type of footwear is ideal for that walk in the park, a
light day hike through a well traveled trail, a fun game in the
field, and is a definite life-saver on vacations. It allows you
to multi task your activities and gives you enough support and
versatility to not limit your enjoyment.

If you are more of an enthusiast and have an adrenalin-like
craving then Approach Shoes are the ticket. They are great for
those mountain visits with their excellent rock scrambling
traction and climbing potential, yet stylish enough to cruise
the mall. The soles of these shoes are made out of a sticky
rubber and more closely resemble a climbing shoe than a hiking
shoe. Approach shoes where intended to give a climber or
mountaineer a comfortable yet solid footing for those short or
long traverses to your climbing area. These shoes are not to be
confused with climbing shoes. Though many climbers prefer them
on easy multi terrain climbs, they are no substitute on
difficult climbs.

Then there are your beach activities. Whether you are playing
volley ball or just swimming, sport sandals are a good choice.
There are many makes and models to choose from. These types of
sandals are also referred to as "Mandals", because they are
primarily worn by men (or in New Zealand slang "Jandals"). They
are constructed with many types of materials. Synthetic fabric
and leather is widely used along with a rubber treaded sole.
These sandals sometimes have a removable rear heel harness to
minimize foot slippage and are ideal for beach sports. They
enable the user the mobility to maneuver over rough terrain and
not have his or her sandal come off.

If you are just cruising the beach and do not need the support
and versatility that a sport sandal offers, then a "Flip Flop"
is perfect for you. It consists of a rubber (usually) sole held
on to the foot by two pieces of material ranging from plastic to
leather called thongs. These thongs extend from the inner and
outer side of the foot to the gap between the big toe. There is
no strap to the heel and the sandal moves up and down, creating
a "flip-flop" sound.

Flip-Flops (thongs) are very prominent in the surfer culture.
They are becoming everyday footwear in the cities as well.
Flip-Flops have stood the test of time and are growing more and
more as some of the most popular footwear for the summer.

When choosing footwear for outdoor activities, ensure you
consider the climate and the requirements of the activity. Does
the activity call for extra traction, more ventilation, more
insulation or more support? Above all, pick a shoe that will
keep your feet comfortable. Choose the right shoes now and enjoy
your outdoor activities even more.

About the author:
Andrew Taverner writes for www.beach-sandals.net, a website solely
dedicated to sandals. Compare sandals from top brands like Adidas,
Brikenstock, Oakley, Teva, Timberland and much more.

Low Cost Wedding Budget Guide

Sam Smith

Trying to plan for a low or small budget wedding and need some
help? No matter your reason there are tons of ways that you can
save a great amount of money on the wedding. By carefully
planning and using the tips and hints in this article you can
save yourself over 50% easily.

Trying to cut costs and pull off a low cost wedding does not
need to be hard. Yet, given up thing s and cutting corners to
lower costs can be hard for someone wanting a traditional
wedding. However there area ways to cut costs and still have a
traditional wedding.

Use a Wedding Budget Worksheet There are tons of these available
online some are free and some charge you for the use of the
worksheet. However many of these can help provide you with some
great ideas for saving money. They will also give you little
reminders and categories to organize your thoughts in.

Wedding Budget Plan After finding a few different worksheets
online and reviewing them you need to come up with your own
wedding budget planner. From experience and feedback from others
the online budgets are a great starting point but they often do
not fit the categories and particulars of a unique wedding. They
might not fit the exact circumstances of the wedding you are
planning for. Therefore it is necessary to make some adaptations
to the existing wedding plan.

Rough Estimates Sometimes it is hard to figure out a basic
estimate or figure to start from. Typically wedding planners say
to budget roughly $100 dollars per guest for the wedding and
then allocate the money to the categories that are important to
you. Of course the more formal the wedding ideal is the more
expensive it will typically be.

Ways to Save? After you have developed a budget and added in the
approximate costs it is time to review, revise and save. Go back
over the planned budget and see if there are laces you can cut
expenses. For example if $25 dollars were planned for the
wedding favors you might be able to cut expenses in this area
and reduce your overall costs by making the favors yourself.

Also make sure you always do comparison shopping. Never decide
to use a photographer, deejay or wedding officiant without first
interviewing them and calling around to get rates from other
professionals.

By carefully planning and fully using a budget spreadsheet of
list you can find lots of ways to save money. Often these
include compression shipping. Buying in the off season, looking
for store discount, and factory outlets will help save money.
Also making things instead of buying them can save a huge amount
on the overall price of the wedding.

Another way to save money is to pick the theme carefully. As
stated above traditional wedding will cost more then a non
traditional counterpart wedding. For example a beach themed
wedding will often be les expensive then the more formal church
wedding. Just think about it at a beached themed wedding it
might work to wear shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, and flip flops
instead of the traditional tuxedo worn by groomsmen. Yes you can
still wear a beautiful wedding dress but chances are it will be
less formal and therefore less expensive then a traditional
wedding dress.

About the author:
href="http://www.planbestwedding.com/guide.html">Free 5 day
Wedding Planning email course. check it out now before the
offer is gone. Learn more about href="http://www.planbestwedding.com/"> Wedding Budget
Worksheet.

Wedding Attire for an Outdoor Wedding

Irene Conlan

At an outdoor wedding site you generally have two things to walk
on - grass or concrete. There is the occasional gravel path or
stones of some kind, perhaps even good old-fashioned dirt. (in a
church or other indoor venue, you have a clean, hard surface
that can be easily covered with a satin runner to keep the train
clean). This presents some interesting challenges when choosing
wedding attire.

Many wedding gowns come with trains - those yards of material on
the back of the dress that are supposed to flow behind the bride
as she walks up and down the aisle. Beautiful? Yes. Many are
beaded and bejeweled on a gown that ranges in price from
hundreds to thousands of dollars.

She also has selected beautiful satin shoes with four inch
heels. Her attendants have the same style shoes in the colors
that match their gowns. Gorgeous and stylish!

And the processional begins. The officiant is several hundred
feet away standing with the groom across an expanse of freshly
cut grass that probably has been recently watered. The goal is
for everyone to maneuver through the grass in those spiked heels
and arrive safely beside the officiant.

The bride's maids, followed by the maid or matron of honor come
in and with each step the spiked heels go down into the grass.
(As the waiting officiant I often think the gardeners should pay
the wedding party for aerating the lawn). It is not only
difficult for the women to walk in the grass with spiked heels
but also leaves the shoes with green and brown stains from the
grass and dirt.

When the wedding party is arranged appropriately on each side of
the officiant, the runner, generally made of paper, is rolled
down the grassy aisle and the bride comes in, beautiful in her
stunning gown with the long train. Her spiked heals sink down
catching in the runner and she hangs on to dad to keep from
falling. Sometimes the heels sink down through the runner almost
tripping the bride and, like her attendants, leaving stains on
her shoes. The train, full behind her, is wider than the runner
and the outer sides of the train glide across the grass.

If no one removes the runner prior to the processional, the
entire wedding party has to navigate the runner on their way
out. It is not safe but it does lend some comic relief.

Now come pictures. The train is probably dragged over more lawn,
more gravel and more dirt. By the time she is ready for the
reception or dinner, the underside of the train is probably
quite dirty and grass stained.

This is not made up. As an officiant I see this over and over.
The solution? The solution is three fold and very, very simple:

1. Purchase a beautiful gown that has no train.

2. Wear shoes that don't sink down into the ground. (At one
wedding the bride and her attendants wore white flip-flops and
the groom and his attendants wore black ones. They were dressed
elegantly. The flip-flops did not detract from the elegance and
everyone walked safely up and down the aisle).

3. Never use a paper runner. (In my opinion these are unsafe
both inside and outside).

It seems like safety should outrank high heels and trains but
this is just one officiant's opinion. The choice is always the
bride's.

Irene Conlan has a masters degree in nursing, a doctoral degree
in metaphysics, is a certified hypnotherapist and an ordained
minister. She practices holistic hypnotherapy and officiates at
weddings in Scottsdale, Az and the Phoenix metropolitan area.
She can be found at: http://www.thepowerzone.com (Hypnotherapy
Downloads) http://www.yourscottsdalewedding.com (Scottsdale
Weddings) http://your-scottsdale-wedding.com (Wedding Blog)

About the author:
Irene Conlan has a masters degree in nursing, a doctoral degree
in metaphysics and is a clinical hypnotherapist as well as an
ordained non-denominational minister. She practices hypnotherapy
and officiates at weddings in Scottsdale, AZ. She can be found
at: http://www.thepowerzone.com and
http://www.yourscottsdalewedding.com. Her wedding blog is
http://your-scottsdale-wedding.com

Bridal Showers Invitations

Trish Burrell

The bridal shower invitations are your initial contact with
guests. Spend some time choosing the appropriate one. This will
add to the overall unity of your party.

Where do I start?

* If you're having a theme, use a picture that suggests the
type. Flip-flops for a beach theme, a lace hanky and tea cup for
a tea party, or a deck of cards for a casino theme, are just
some of many ideas.

* Use your color scheme. Colors often denote the type of party
you're planning. Pastels suggest a quiet, feminine atmosphere,
while bold and bright would be a more lively time.



What should the bridal shower invitations say?

Name of the bride to be, or couple

Date: if formal, write out the month, ex.: September Time: if
formal, write out the time, ex.: one o'clock.

Location : written directions to the place, or a map, if
necessary.

Name of hostess: If more than one, list each name. Hostess'
phone number RSVP: Have guests reply two weeks before the party,
this will help with your planning. It is better to have guests
reply, whether they are coming or not. If someone besides the
hostess is tracking the RSVP's, make sure to state that in your
wedding shower invitations, along with this person's phone
number.

Theme: If there is a defintite theme, describe it.

Type of gift: If you would like guests to bring a gift related
to the theme or type of bridal shower, make a polite request.
Couples registry: Many times couples have registered their gift
wishes at one or more stores. Bridal shower invitations
including this information are a big help to your guests.

When should bridal shower invitations be sent?

Four weeks in advance of the party is good. This gives your
guests plenty of time to respond.

Coordinating your invitations, is all part of the fun of
planning your event.

© Copyright Trish Burrell, All Rights Reserved . This article
may be reprinted, with all information, authors bio, and
hyperlinks intact.

About the author:
Trish Burrell is founder of Bridal Shower Ideas For You. Visit
this informational site on all areas of bridal shower planning,
at http://www.bridal-shower-ideas-for-you.com

What Are The Best Sandals In The World?

David Stone

For those of you who have never had the pleasure of wearing a
pair of rainbow sandals, you are missing out. If you have never
owned a pair of these flip-flops you should invest in them right
away. These are by far and away the most comfortable pair of
sandals you will ever own. If you are heading out to a tropical
spot anytime in the near future I suggest you break these
sandals in before you go. Don't be the guy wearing Teva's around
the beach or in a coastal area, everyone makes fun of that guy.

The company in based in San Clemente, California and they have
been in business since 1974. The small tag with a rainbow flag
has become a worldwide unspoken message to those who know that
you belong at the beach. I personally recommend the single sole
men's premium leather top and leather strap. That's right these
flip-flops are made with a leather top and a rubber sole. This
does not mean that they are not made to live at the beach and
around the water. I have been wearing these flip-flops for 10
years and I have worn them to the beach, to go surfing, to go
wakeboarding, while sailing and around boats and water the
entire time. I could not be happier with these sandals, and all
the people I have converted are thrilled. I have convinced
several people to change over to rainbows and none of them have
ever gone back. I wear mine almost daily and I have just worn
down my tenth pair. I will be staying with rainbows and would be
heartbroken if they ever went out of business.

About the author:
David Stone is a regular contributor of articles to various
online publications. Find mor great information about sandals at
http://www.sandalsres.com/

Fun Beach Theme Wedding Favors

Ruben Soliman

The feel of sand in our toes, the warm sun on our faces,
building sand castles and collecting summer shells, these are
just some of the joys of frolicking on a beautiful beach. Now
more then ever, couples are choosing the laid back style of a
summery beach wedding. What ever you can imagine about a beach
style wedding is possible these days with a little help from
online wedding favor companies.

Whether you choose to marry at a beautiful beach resort, on a
secluded tropical island, or in your own backyard, your summer
wedding is not complete until you pick out fun and festive
favors! Favors should reflect your style and personality and of
course, your wedding theme. Next think about how you would like
to present your wedding favors to your guests. You may choose to
place favors on reception tables, or have someone hand out
favors to your guests as they prepare to leave.

However you choose to place your favors, be inspired and make
your wedding your own. Adding a touch of personalization will
make your wedding even more memorable for your friends and
family.

Personalized beach favors come in a variety of styles and
options. Cocktail mixes are the new and exciting wedding favors,
with adorable designs such as flip flops and relaxing beach
chair designs, these favors will be the talk of the table.
Inside these festive favors is your choice of margarita or
cosmopolitan mix; personalize these favors with the couple's
names and wedding date.

Choose from beach shell bottle openers, beach glass coasters,
personalized Adirondack tea light holders, to beautiful little
star fish soaps. Purchase mini pails, fill them with shells that
you personally collected, tie a ribbon around the pail with a
small thank you note. Taking the time to make one of a kind
favors will show your friends and family how special they are to
you. Combine different favors together, personalized tea packs
and coffee bags in organza bags are a great way to start your
loved ones day. Pass out summer themed beach cameras, wedding
goers are sure to capture plenty of unexpected moments, for you
to enjoy for years to come.

Let's not forget the bride! Be sure and give the bride and
bride's maids Just Married flip flops, allowing the ladies to
show off their perfect pedicures......each time they step in the
sand, the message Just Married appears! A wonderful way to
spread the exciting news to everyone! With so many styles and
options, adding that personal touch to your wedding will be a
cinch. Make your wedding anything but ordinary, make it yours!

About the author:
Ruben Soliman has experience with wedding planning. To find href="http://www.pwponline.com/beach-wedding-favors.html">beach
theme wedding favors for your special day, try
http://www.pwponline.com. This site offers a variety of themed
wedding favors at great prices.

Wedding accessories can add the perfect touch to a wedding

Joe Palladino

Planning a wedding needs to be organized, in many situations,
down to the very detail. But what many people may overlook could
be the perfect wedding accessory to complement your bride's or
bridesmaids dresses.

Today, some hot wedding accessories include pearl drawstring
wedding bags, special handkerchiefs and jewelry. Today, jewelry
accessories are more a necessity than an accessory. But an even
bigger fad today is the bride's complement of after wedding
clothing that indicates her new status as bride. This includes
hats, panties, purse bags, t-shirts, fashionable caps and more.

More and more brides today are using these accessories on their
honeymoon, which help them to proudly declare that they are
newly married. Adding to these accessories are things like bath
bubbles, towels, flip flops and other things that can be brought
on the honeymoon.

But the above-mentioned items are wedding accessories that are
more for the bride than anyone. Wedding accessories are also
involved with the wedding party itself and even in decorating
the event. These touches help to individualize the experience
for the bride and groom and give the experience that special
stamp that says highlights the unique qualities associated with
their bond.

Whether you are adding a tiara, choosing that special ring
pillow, flower girl basket or reception table ornament, these
wedding accessories often are the first and easiest things to
pick out, as they easily represent the bride and groom's view on
life together.

It's not the wedding accessories that become a point of
contention between bride and groom, but instead the guest list,
the wedding colors, the cost of catering and so on. Planning a
wedding can be stressful, so most brides and grooms to be let
choosing the accessories be the fun part.

Some couples even prefer to customize their wedding accessories,
like, for example, getting their matchbooks engraved with their
names and the date of their wedding on it. Some couple even have
figurines made up of the two of them together. Some cake toppers
are even done this way sometimes. Other wedding accessories
include wedding attendant gifts, like Swiss Army knives for
groomsmen, for example.

Another very popular wedding accessory is a signature guest book
frame. Instead of having people sign a book, they are able to
sign a frame with a picture of the bride and groom-to-be in the
center of it. On the reception side of things, laced
handkerchiefs have also become popular wedding accessories.

No matter which wedding accessories you choose for your wedding,
in most cases, brides and grooms rarely get into
over-accessorizing their wedding. Dainty simple touches are
usually the thinking behind most wedding accessory choices.
Whether you are a proud bride or more of a simple type wedding
accessories are usually a low-stress decision when it comes to
wedding planning.

About the author:
Joe Palladino is the owner of a leading online retail wedding
favor, bridals shower favor and wedding accessories store called
http://www.herweddingfavors.com.

Ballroom Dancing-Let's Talk Shoes

Honey Wesley

Ballroom dancing, like most other sports, (and if you don't
believe it's a sport, get out there and do swing dancing for an
hour or so and see if you don't work up a sweat) has it's own
'uniform' of sorts, including the style of clothing as well as
the type of shoes worn. That varies, of course, depending on
whether you're going to class, a studio dance or a competition.

I often hear the question - 'What kind of shoes should I wear to
dance in? It's my opinion that the very best choices for
footwear are those designed especially for ballroom dancing and
even more specifically for the exact dance style you plan to be
doing. But until such time as you decide to reward yourself with
that sexy strappy Latin shoe with the Cuban heel for the cha-cha
or rhumba, or a gorgeous sequined number for the elegant waltz,
practicing in street shoes is perfectly acceptable.

Now...having said that, let me quickly add that not just any
street shoe will do. Styles that should be avoided include
anything with rubber soles, like sneakers, (they just don't give
you the slide you need on the floor), open-toes (for obvious
reasons, you're still learning and chances are so is your
partner), such as sandals or (heaven forbid) flip-flops! And
yes, I've actually seen people show up for class wearing flip
flops! Try to execute a double spin in those!

But, if you have a leather soled shoe, such as a loafer-type, or
for men, a dress shoe style, these will usually accomodate you
nicely. The most important factor is that they must be
comfortable and not tight on your feet. If your feet are aching,
you'll soon be unable to focus on anything else.

The dance floor itself plays a part in the comfort level of your
feet. Some studios have the proper flooring for dancing, which
usually includes a cushiony, almost spring-like underflooring.
This type floor enables dancers to dance for hours without
feeling much effect...IF their shoes are also adequately
comfortable. But some dance studios are built on a concrete
slab, with only a layer of hardwood over it, and on those floors
your poor feet will take a pounding.

When the time comes that you decide to invest in a good pair of
dance shoes, shop around a bit. Prices and styles vary and the
selection is almost endless. Prices can range from $30-50 on the
low end to well over $200 on the high end. Dance shoes are
designed not only to be best suited for dancing, but to enhance
the overall aesthetics of your dance...you'll simply look better
out there on the floor.

Many of the features of dance shoes serve practical purposes.
The ankle straps are not just eye-appealing, they actually help
your feet stay firmly in your shoes. Some of the pump styles
have elasticized rims on the uppers which 'hugs' the shoe to
your foot. The heels are different heights and widths, depending
on the style of dance they're designed for. The soles are
typically suede, which gives you the ability to literally
'glide' as you dance across the floor, and are especially
helpful when doing turns and spins.

To preserve the life of these suede soles, dance shoes should
never be worn outside. Two other accessories that will extend
the wear of your dance shoes - a carrying case for transporting
them, and a sole brush to lift the nap of the suede every couple
of weeks or so.

One final note - dance shoes (or any other shoe, for that
matter) should be tried on in the late afternoon or evening,
when your feet are typically at their largest. You'll be
requiring a lot of your feet over the span of your dancing
experience...treat them right, dress them properly and you'll
have a great foundation on which to build a lifetime of ballroom
dancing.

About the author:
Honey WesleyRN is a nurse and freelance writer whose lifelong
love affair with ballroom dancing fuels her desire to share that
passion with others. Visit her and share your thoughts at href="http://www.ballroom-dancing.blogspot.com">Ballroom
Dancing.

Why Flip Flops Are The Greatest Sandal

David Stone

The flip flop sandal is a sole that attaches to the foot with a
v-shaped thong that attaches on either side of the foot and
between the big toe and the second toe. There is no strap at the
back of the foot, so the sandal moves up and down against the
foot as you walk. This action gives the sandal the name "flip
flop" for the action. It is primarily footwear for warm beaches
and pool sides. They originate from Japanese woven sandals that
caught on in New Zealand. Flip flops are popular among young
males and females. They can be worn with any combination of
clothing because of their simplicity. The typical outfit
includes jeans and flip flops along with almost any top. In warm
climates, they are everyday attire to some people's dismay. It
appears that flip flops are seen as the most informal form of
footwear. This was made a public issue in 2005 when Northwestern
University's women's lacrosse team won the national championship
and was asked to visit the white house. Their attire included
flip flops, which was the subject of many news reports there
after. It was concluded that flip flops had made there presence
known much like when blue jeans first emerged in the mainstream
acceptability. For everyday wear, flip flops are criticized for
falling apart, particularly where the strap between the toes
meets the sole. This is due to the fact that they are originally
a beach shoe that was not worn on a regular basis. Anyone who
wished to wear flip flops everyday could purchase new ones
regularly because of their inexpensive pricing. Today, there are
many flip flops of better quality and do not fall apart for many
years. This quality has also helped the sandal become an
everyday piece of footwear. Besides style, flip flops serve
purposes of health concerns. When wearing flip flops there is a
much less chance of getting a fungal infection like athlete's
foot. It has also become standard footwear of military soldiers
and college students in communal showers where it also offers
protection against fungal infection. The flip flop is a sandal
that has stood the test of time, and it appears that they are
here to stay for now.

About the author:
David Stone is a regular contributor of articles to various
online publications. Find mor great information about sandals at
http://www.sandalsres.com/

Anklets: A hidden but lovely accessory

HM Development Team

Upper jewelry, consisting of earrings, necklaces, brooches and
even rings and bracelets receive plenty of attention because of
its placement on the individual-but what about anklets? It's an
ornament that may lack the attention of its upper counterparts
but is still a flattering accessory on the individual.

href="http://www.harrismichaeljewelry.com/anklets.html">Ankletsa> for the season

Perhaps it is the summer or spring time, when a woman can show
off her anklet. In a summer dress or in a swimsuit, a woman's
anklet will be one of the many accessories to complement her
apparel. In a swimsuit, a woman's anklet can be as playful as a
multi-colored neon thread anklet, or an anklet made of straw
holding colorful beads, to an anklet made only of beads! The
possibilities can be as creative as can be.

For a special occasion, include an anklet to accommodate your
upper jewelry such as a matching bracelet or necklace. The
overall appearance of your formal attire (especially if you're
in a skirt or dress that's above the knees) will finish off your
entire package of a fabulous look.

When to wear anklets

This may be a no-brainer, but href="http://www.harrismichaeljewelry.com/anklets.html">ankletsa> should be worn when they are in view. Wearing jeans or pants
or even long skirts are the only time when anklets are hidden.
In this case, opt instead to wear your capris (if weather
permits) and enable your anklet to be displayed. Of course, the
seasons and temperatures may not be appropriate for you to wear
your summer clothes that include shorts, skirts, or dresses,
all-year around. However, you can always keep your anklet on,
regardless of it being shown and flaunt your lower jewelry
whenever you get a chance. Anklets are complemented well with
open-toed heels, sandals or flip-flops. This is wear you can
also show your toe rings and your pedicure toes!

What makes an anklet so unique?

There are a lot of things that make an anklet so unique. Of all
the upper jewelry there is, the anklet distinguishes itself as
the lone accessory. Toe rings have evolved into a popular trend
with women, but anklets have been around for a long time. This
traditional accessory should be included in your collection of
jewelry to wear on those special occasions.

About the author:
href="http://www.harrismichaeljewelry.com/anklets.html">Ankletsa> are fun when worn on their own but they can also be a perfect
accent when worn in combination with a coordinating bracelet or
necklace.

Visit Harris
Michael Jewelry for a great selection of quality jewelry.

BUSINESS WEAR NEWS YOU CAN USE

Bridget Allen

The transition to business wear can be pretty tricky sometimes.
You want to "WOW" your co-workers without going overboard.

It is important to remember that not all casual clothing is
appropriate for business wear.

In order to do this effectively, the sophisticated woman needs a
few basic business wear essentials.

· First, you'll need simple flat-front pair of black pants.
Black dress pants are versatile and can be dressed up or down as
needed. An additional pair of khaki pants is also advisable.

· How about a straight skirt hanging just below the knees? These
skirts are flattering and can be worn with a multitude of tops.
Casual skirts that are split at or below the knee are acceptable
in most businesses. Never wear a mini-skirt to the office.

· You'll need a sleeveless, fitted solid colored dress that can
be worn with a cardigan.

· Brightly colored fine knit sweaters can be worn with either
pants or a skirt.

· A black cardigan is chic and easy to wear.

· A sexy shell in a neutral color looks fabulous under a jacket.

· A crisp white shirt always looks smart.

· A classic gray or black coat is also needed.

· Black pumps with an elegant heel can compliment just about any
outfit. Flip-flops, slippers and flashy athletic shoes are not
acceptable in the office. · A simple black bag (to match the
black pumps) also compliments most outfits.

Remember that clothing that reveals too much cleavage, back,
chest, feet, any of your stomach or underwear is not appropriate
for the work place.

All clothing should be pressed and clean. No torn, dirty or
frayed clothing is acceptable. The only picture or words that
are acceptable on attire is the company logo.

On "dress down" days, it is a good idea to keep it conservative.
Wear nice jeans with a solid top and heels. Never wear anything
which can be potentially offensive to others.

There are many fabulous combinations you can create with the few
basic pieces. Use your imagination and your co-workers will be
so impressed they'll start asking you for style advice!

About the author:
Bridget Allen has worked for many years in the fashion industry,
at a senior level, and she has written an amazing totally free
fashionista minicourse that will thrill, entertain, and most
importantly educate you about what you absolutely need to know
about fashion.

Get the free course " Fashionista Essentials" now at
http://www.i-stylish.com

Women's Fashion Footwear: 9 Shoes You Must Have

Stephanie Pedersen

If you're like most women, you have dozens upon dozens of
sandals, sneakers, loafers, flip-flops, boots, and other
footwear. But how many of them do you love? Really love? How
many fit well, complement your fashion sense, and are versatile
enough to serve multiple purposes? Moreover, how many of these
shoes do you really need? You may be surprised to learn that the
following nine must-haves are the only styles required to create
a shoe wardrobe so all-encompassing, so perfect, that no matter
what the occasion is, you'll have just the right shoe.

1. Two or three pairs of expensive-looking shoes for a
work. Study what your boss is wearing then get yourself two
great-looking pairs of similar shoes. Not only will you always
look appropriate and stylish. you'll always have a pair clean
and ready should one need to go to the cobbler. Need style
suggestions? Go with pumps. Not only are pumps flattering and
easy to wear, they are the quintessential woman's work shoes,
especially for those working in offices, banks, or upscale
shops. Opt for a dark or medium neutral. Think black, chocolate,
cordovan (an old-fashioned word for cherry-kissed brown), or
even burgundy, navy, or charcoal.

2. One warm-weather work shoe. Your best bet is a
two-part pump--or one with peep toes-- in a light shade such as
tan, beige or dove gray.

3. One pair of slingbacks in a neutral shade. They look
chic with straight skirts and classic-cut trousers. They can be
worn with bare legs or opaque winter stockings. Plus, they work
well with formal and near-formal wear, they add sophistication
to jeans, and instantly dress up a denim skirt and cardigan like
nothing else can.

4. One pair of strappy dress sandals to wear with formal or
semi-formal attire. They can sex-up a pair of jeans, too.
Best colors: a mid-tone or pale neutral, including metallics
such as silver or gold.

5. One pair of neutral-colored casual shoes for weekends.
A woman can never go wrong with classics such as oxfords,
moccasins, loafers, or clogs.

6. One pair of attractive athletic shoes. They're
good-enough-looking for your Juicy Couture tracksuit, yet
hard-working enough to perform at the gym.

7. One pair of fashion boots in a medium or dark neutral.
Something classic enough for work-wear yet sexy enough to add an
edge to jeans and an everyday tee. Top-of-the-calf boots with a
flat heel are one of the cold weather season's hottest looks,
but are surprisingly in-demand even as the weather grows warmer.

8. Two or more pair of casual, warm weather shoes in a pale
neutral or fashion color. Think sandals, ballet slippers, or
flip-flops done up in a dressy material like leather. Consider
yourself a die-hard fashionista? Find a pair of espadrilles with
a low to medium heel. Espadrilles are one of 2006's most coveted
warm-weather trends.

9. One pair of galoshes or other weather-protective
footwear. If you spend a good amount of time outdoors, go
with two pairs . Be sure one is a classic style, such as Hunter
Wellingtons in navy, green, red, pink or pale blue.

So ladies, clean out your closets, and stop spending money on
shoes you don't absolutely love or that does not fit well,
complement your style and is not versatile to serve multiple
purposes. If you follow the above tips you will create a woman's
fashion footwear wardrobe, that no matter what the occasion is,
you will have the perfect shoe.

Stephanie Pedersen is the author of the recently published
"Shoes: What Every Woman Should Know" (David & Charles
Publishers), available at Amazon.com, BN.com, and bookstores
nationwide. If you visit href="http://www.ShoesWhatEveryWomanShouldKnow.com/">http://Shoes
WhatEveryWomanShouldKnow.com you will learn more about
wearing, buying and loving shoes before you purchase an
author-signed gift copy of Shoes: What Every Woman Should Know.



About the author:
Stephanie Pedersen is the author of the recently published
Shoes: What Every Woman Should Know (David & Charles
Publishers), available at amazon.com, bn.com, and bookstores
nationwide. However, if you visit "http://www.ShoesWhatEveryWomanShouldKnow.com">http://www.ShoesWh
atEveryWomanShouldKnow.com you will learn more about
wearing, buying and loving shoes before you even purchase an
author-signed gift copy

Online Footwear Shopping

Chaim Ringer

"You wouldn't think that it would be possible to shop for
footwear online would you? After all, you are used to walking
down to the neighbouring footwear shop, getting your foot
measured on the scale provided, and selecting a suitable style
from the ones displayed on the shop's shelves. Well, if you know
your foot size and foot width, you can shop for footwear online.
And if you want to look at the wide variety of footwear styles
for men, women, and children produced by major footwear
manufacturers, you should check out the footwear section at
www.TheMall123.com. What is www.TheMall123.com? It is, as the
name suggests, a virtual mall that features links to several
high-quality name brand stores. When you shop at these name
brand stores from www.TheMall123.com, you create volume buying
power. You can also avail of the rebates offered on online
shopping by TheMall123.com. These rebates are paid out to you on
a monthly basis, using PayPal. When you shop for footwear online
at TheMall123.com, you shop at stores, such as Shoes.com and
Zappo.com, both of which carry a wide range of footwear brands,
styles, and sizes. You begin by registering yourself at
TheMall123.com-you enter an e-mail address and a password. You
can see all that is available at the stores after you have
registered. For instance, when you shop for footwear online, you
can purchase athletic shoes, boots, casual footwear, dress
shoes, sandals and trendy footwear for men and women, as well as
ordinary and athletic footwear for boys and girls. You can view
and select from a wide range of brands and styles, sorted by
price, popularity, and brand name. For example, when shopping
for women's sandals at Shoes.com, you can select from comfort
wear, designer footwear, closed toe styles, flip-flops, strappy
sandals, sandals with thongs, and wedges. You can also select
from a wide range of brands catering to women, such as Adidas,
Bruno Magli, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Givenchy, and Hush Puppies. You
can also purchase skates and slippers online. While purchasing
shoes, you can also purchase matching bags and packs, as well as
socks and other hosiery. When shopping for shoes at Zappo.com,
you can purchase casual, athletic, and dress footwear for men,
women, and children. You can select the heel height you want,
the colors, the price ranges, the sizes, and the shoe width. You
can also select from a wide range of handbags and accessories.
So the next time you need to buy new pair of shoes do not just
stroll down to the nearest shoe shop in town. Instead, switch on
your computer, log onto the Internet, access "

About the author:
Chaim Ringer is a well known author in shopping related
articles, his articles are very popular in various portals of
Internet.

The Nike: Aqua Sock IX Water Shoe - The Ultimate Beach Shoe

John Gibb

Some people go to the beach to just relax, play in the water,
and soak up the sun. There are other people, however, who like
to go to the beach to participate in such activities as fishing
from jetties or the shore, riding on jet skis, or exploring
beach caves or beach cliffs. For these more adventurous people,
the Nike Aqua Sock IX Water Shoe is the perfect thing for their
feet. The Nike Aqua Sock IX Water Shoe provides comfort and
protection whether your feet are wet or dry, and they provide
the kind of traction that is essential for sports that involve
sand, rock, and slippery surfaces. The Nike Aqua Sock IX Water
Shoe is perfect for running on the beach. Beach joggers love how
light these shoes are so that their feet can breathe, but they
also like the arch support that they get when running. Jogging
on the beach can be very taxing to the feet and legs, since sand
has so much "give". With the Nike Aqua Sock IX Water Shoe,
runners still get the maximum effect to the leg muscles that
beach running can provide, but they can run for longer distances
due to the comfort that these shoes offer. The Nike Aqua Sock IX
Water Shoe is great for riding jet skis in the water, since the
shoe is specifically made to stay strong and comfortable when it
is wet, but it still can stay on the pedals of the jet ski
without slipping off. When riding one of these vehicles on the
water, it can get quite bumpy, and this fact, coupled with shoes
that don't have good traction, can be a recipe for disaster.
With the Nike Aqua Sock IX Water Shoe, this never has to be a
problem. The part of the Nike Aqua Sock IX Water Shoe that
surrounds the top of the foot is made of neoprene and textile,
which is quite stretchy, making them perfect for rock climbing
or beach cave exploring. Even though the material is stretchy
and porous enough to make the shoes comfortable when doing
vigorous activities, it can still keep the feet warm when the
weather is cool - even when the shoes have gotten wet. For this
reason those who are kayaking, canoeing, or fishing from the
shore or from a boat find them ideal. The shoes are also made so
that they dry quickly, which adds to their overall comfort.

About the author:
John Gibb is the owner of href="http://www.beach-shoe-guidance.info">beach shoes
resources , For more information on beach shoes check out
http://www.beach-shoe-guidance.info

Children's Beach Shoes

John Gibb

Parents who take their children to the beach regularly, or who
are planning on taking their children to the beach on a
vacation, should give some thought to beach shoes for their
children. Though any type of shoe can be worn on the beach,
there are shoes that are definitely more comfortable for
children to wear on the sand, plus there are many beach shoes
that have the added benefit of protecting children's feet both
on the sand and in the water. Two popular children's beach shoes
are:

* Wet/Dry shoes - These shoes, commonly known as "Aqua Shoes" or
"Wet Shoes", have become very popular for children in the last
few years. Keeping in mind that parents don't necessarily want
their children to remove their shoes on the beach or while
playing in the water, manufacturers came up with shoes that were
just as effective wet as they were dry. These wet/dry shoes are
made from very light, porous, stretchable material, usually
nylon, that is strong but comfortable. They cover the entire
foot for maximum protection, but are so light that they do not
feel cumbersome to children when they are playing on the sand or
when they are swimming. The soles of these shoes are thick
enough to provide protection for children's delicate feet, but
are not heavy, and the bottoms of the soles have gripping
traction that works whether they are wet or dry, which helps
prevent children from slipping. They are even made to float so
that if they accidentally come off in the water, they are easy
to find. You can also get these types of shoes for children with
Velcro straps, making them much easier to put on and take off. *
Children's beach sandals - Although beach sandals are usually
not made to be worn in the water, they can be very beneficial
for protecting children's feet while they are playing on the
sand. Beach sandals can be made from several different types of
materials, but children's beach sandals are most often made from
soft leather or soft rubber. Children's beach sandals usually
have thick soles, and either two or three small straps across
the top of the foot, with a heel strap, or one wide strap over
the top of the foot and a heel strap to keep the shoe from
slipping off. Children's beach sandals are light so that
children can wear them comfortably, but strong enough to protect
little feet from any sharp objects that may be hiding in the
sand.

The bottom line is that you can make as much of a fashion
statement with your beach shoes as you can with any of the other
items in your wardrobe. If you live near the beach you should be
able to find several shops that sell fashionable beach shoes,
but if you live in an area that is nowhere near the beach, such
as in the Midwest, you can probably find the best beach shoes by
visiting web sites that sell beach clothing or beach shoes in
particular.

About the author:
John Gibb is the owner of href="http://www.beach-shoe-guidance.info">beach shoes
resources , For more information on beach shoes check out
http://www.beach-shoe-guidance.info

Cudas Beach Shoes - Style and Comfort All in One

John Gibb


Looking for the perfect beach shoes? One place you may want to
look is at www.cudas.com. Cudas has such a wonderful variety of
beach shoes to choose from - both for men and women - that it
would be hard not to find just the shoe that you are looking
for.

* Women's terry sandal - If you are a woman who is looking for
the ultimate in comfort in a beach shoe, you should check out
the Cudas women's terry sandal. Yes, the "terry" means
"terrycloth", and that's what your foot will be encased in when
you wear this flip-flop type sandal. These sandals have rubber
soles with optimum arch support, but the bottom of the sandal is
covered with terrycloth to cushion the bottom of your foot, and
the top straps are pure terrycloth. The sandals are trendy and
stylish, but when you wear them at the beach you will swear that
you are walking around in soft slippers. They come in several
different colors, so you can find a pair to match any beach
outfit. * Resort Sandals - Cudas Resort Sandals are perfect for
those who want to go from playing on the shore to mingling at a
party without changing shoes. Cudas Resort Sandals are also in
the "thong" style, but they add some fashion features that make
them great as casual party wear. You can get Cudas Resort
Sandals in several different colors, with rubber soles or cork
soles, and the tops straps can be decorated with flower designs,
lace, rhinestones, or any number of other designs. The top
straps can be narrow or wide, and the soles can be thick at the
heel to add height, or they can be flat. Whatever style you are
looking for in a casual beach shoe that can also double as a
causal daytime or evening shoe, you will probably find what you
need among the many Resort Sandals offered by Cudas. * Aquatic
footwear - Aquatic footwear has become extremely popular in the
last few years, and Cudas offers aquatic footwear that is
perfect for wearing on the sand or in the water. Cudas offers
the Delta, which is made of mesh, neoprene, and canvas, and
covers the entire foot. The material of the Delta aqua shoe
makes it so light and comfortable that you never feel the need
to take them off, whether you are walking on the beach or
swimming. Even though they are light and comfortable, however,
they still provide foot protection with their high-traction
non-slip soles. This aqua shoe dries quickly when out of the
water, which is very convenient.

About the author:
John Gibb is the owner of href="http://www.beach-shoe-guidance.info">beach shoes
resources , For more information on beach shoes check out
http://www.beach-shoe-guidance.info

Womens Plus Size Clothing Style Guide

Claire Calkin

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Fashion tips : How to always look picture perfect

Ian Tham

Clothes have a profound effect on us psychologically. Choosing
the wrong color makes you look sick and ghastly. Worse, it
spoils your day as the color of your clothes can affect your
mood. First of all, you need to consider your skin tone, eye and
hair color. It is advisable to try out clothes in different
colour and get a close friend or family member to see if a
particular color suits you. If possible, try to get as many
colors in your wardrobe that suit you.

Both white and black are versatile colors. A white top can
match a bottom of any color. Similarly, a black bottom can go
with any color for your top. Different colors connote and
express different emotions to suit each new day. Wearing white
lightens and brightens your mood and symbolises purity and
cleanliness. Black gives you elegance and an air of mystery not
to mention sex appeal. Red makes you stand out in the crowd and
works well especially if you want to draw attention. It
symbolises passion, energy and excitement. Yellow connotes
optimism, fun and joy. href="http://www.everythingblue.info/store/Womens.htm">Blue
is soothing and calming as well as inspiring. Lastly green
symbolise freshness, harmony and love.

It is always better to over dress for an occasion . For example
, if the invitation card says smart casual, you can always
overdress with your href="http://www.buy-jackets.com/">jacket. If everyone wears
one, you won't feel awkward or embarrassed especially if it is a
sales presentation and you stand to lose points with your
client. If no one wears jackets you can always take it off and
blend in with the crowd.

No one has a perfect figure all the time. What you need to do
is to accentuate your strength and downplay bad points. Wear
larger prints in areas where you want people to focus and
smaller prints on parts which you want to draw attention away
from. Skirt length should be knee level if your thighs are big.
Jacket hems should not fall where your hips are the widest. It
should be a little higher up. Wear something which gives you a
lower or wider neckline. It makes your neck look longer and your
face thinner. The overall impression is a slimmer you. Follow
these rules. Dark colors tend to make you look slimmer while
light and bright colors tend to make you look plumber. If
possible, go for a monochromatic look which makes you look
slimmer. Clothes with vertical stripes make you look slimmer
too. Try not to expose your arms with sleeveless tops.

Don't buy something simply because it is on sale and in the
bargain bins. There's a reason for it simply because the sizes
available are usually at the both ends of the scales or they
could be odd sizes. It is important to wear clothes that fit.
Otherwise you feel uncomfortable when you sit down and breathe.
Clothes that are either too large or tight will make you look
larger than you are. Another important point to note is don't
buy smaller clothes thinking you will slim down in the near
future. The size you buy should be the one that fits you now.



About the author:
You can get more fashion tips at href="http://www.womanht.com/fashion.htm">http://www.womanht.com/
fashion.htm

Womens Hats | Fashionable Protection From The Elements

James McDonald

Hats are a large part of any woman's wardrobe. Not only are they
functional but the hat is great to provide protection from harsh
weather. Most formal outfits will be greatly accented by dressy
hats, adding a certain style that may have been otherwise
lacking. For an evening out on the town you should think about
wearing a hat as both a fashion statement and cover from wind or
rain.

There are alot of different types of womens hats available for
most occasions. You can find felt hats for a formal nite out.
They will match any evening gown perfectly and accent what you
are wearing. Try to glance around at as many different styles as
you can until you find the perfect hat for your tastes. Remember
that you will be wearing it often so it is important that you
are happy with it.

To go with a more relaxing outfit you can wear visors, berets,
or baseball hats made specifically for women. These are more
suited to relaxing with family members and friends than a formal
meal, but can make just as bold a fashion statement. These types
of hats more popular than you may think. How many women have you
seen wearing visors or golf hats out on the golf course? Not
only are they in style but they provide protection from the suns
UV rays.

And for those western girls you can always find womens cowboy
hats. For as many styles of mens cowboy hats, there are just as
many distinct women's styles. The popularity of this hat means
you will have a large selection from a variety of manufacturers.

And if none of the above are what you're browsing for you can
always get a custom made hat, suited specifically to your tastes
and attire. This is a terrific way to find something that will
be completely unique to you. Noone else will have the exact same
hat. It is a pretty good feeling knowing that you won't find
another person out in public wearing the same hat as you.

No matter what the occasion there are many different hats to
select from. So whether you are out for a formal nite on the
town or catching an afternoon ball game you know you have a hat
to wear.

About the author:
James McDonald writes for findhatsonline.com, a website
dedicated to custom
hats and other headwear. Browse our categories to find a hat
and read our articles for information related to the industry.

Plus Size Womens Clothing Sizes

Rich Rojas

The bane of women everywhere is the wild inconsistency of
clothing sizes between stores and fashion designers.
Unfortunately, things get even more confusing when dealing with
plus sizes. The important thing to remember is a tape measure
and the designer's sizing charts are your best friends.

Even though clothing sizes are not standardized, the actual
measurements of your bust, waist, hips, and inseam are what
matter for a comfortable and visually appealing fit.

"Missy", "XL", and "Woman's" Sizes

"Woman's" sizes start at around a 14W and are typically cut
larger than Missy sizes. XL sizes are even more inconsistent,
with actual measurements differing quite a bit between
designers. The best advice is to carefully take your
measurements and then compare them to the sizing charts for each
designer.

Learn how to take measurements of your body

Refer to a good sizing guide for how to measure your bust,
waist, hips, and inseam. When taking measurements, always be
sure to keep the tape measure parallel to the floor. Measure
your bust and hips at their widest point.

Be Aware of Differences Between Designers

As if there isn't enough confusion in the sizing of women's
clothing, the designers sometimes impose their own unique vision
upon sizing. Again, be sure to take careful measurements and
then refer to the sizing charts for each designer you're
interested in.

Speaking the Language of International Sizes

It should really come as no surprise that sizes need to be
"translated" between many countries. A US size 12 is a 14 in the
UK, a 15 in Japan, and a 46 in Italy! Don't worry though, just
refer to the handy sizing charts available at all online
retailers of plus size womens clothing and you'll be fine.

If in doubt, contact customer service!

The great thing about the online retailers of plus size womens
clothing is the helpful customer support staff they provide to
shoppers. Either email or call their support department to get
help in answering your plus size women's clothing sizing
questions.

About the author:
For ideas and trends in href="http://www.newplussize.com">Quality Plus Size Womens
Clothing visit http://www.newplussize.com -- fashion tips,
plus size store reviews, articles, and more.

Shopping For Plus Size Womens Clothing

Anna Marie Hartman

Shopping for plus size womens clothing can be a challenge in our
thin body obsessed society. In past years, if you were a size 12
or larger, your selection of plus size womens clothing was
severely limited. Tody, however, plus size womens shopping needs
are acknowledged by the fashion industry and a broad selection
of plus size womens clothing is available.

The world of fashion designers is also taking notice of larger
women's need for plus size clothing. Models such as Emme, Megan
Garcia, and Wendy Gauthier are well known in the fashion
industry for their etheral beauty and their skill at making plus
size womens clothing look fabulous on the runway and in print
ads.

Let's take a look at some fashion tips that will make your
shopping for plus size womens clothing all the more enjoyable:

1. Do not wear large, ill fitting clothes. This manner of
dressing does not make you look thinner.

2..When shopping for plus size womens clothing, choose a size
that accentuates your curves in a discreet way.

3. Choose clean lined designs in plus size womens clothing that
does not sport alot of embellishment or frills.

4. Dress monochromatically. This has a slimming effect and look
very elegant.

5. Choose fabrics that drape softly over your body when shopping
for plus size womens clothing

6. Choose a darker color as the foundation for you wardrobe.
(black, dark grey or navy)

7. Wear shoes with heels. Shoes with heels elongates the leg.
Check out Zappos.com and Solestruck.com for an incredibly wide
selection of designer shoes and moderately priced styles.

8. Wear jackets that skim your hips. Short, cropped jackets
cause the hips to look broader. Zaftique has a fantastic
selection of longer jackets and blazers.

9. Do not wear pants that are tapered to the ankle. A boot cut
style creates a more balanced image. Take a look at Torrid.com
for a wide selection of boot leg cut pants.

10. Wear Aline skirts and dresses. Alight.com carries a lovely
selection of dresses in the A line cut.

11. When shopping for plus size womens clothing stay away from
large floral or geometric prints. These can make you appear
larger.



About the author:
Anna Marie Hartman owns http://www.curvyandchic.com, a website
dedicated to the plus size woman, her fashion, beauty and
lifestyle.

Sexy Jeans For Oversized Women

Gloria Diaz

More oversized women experience the difficulty of fitting their
way into the glamorous world of fashion and beauty. The reason?
Most superficial societies highly favor slimmer figures and
slender curves when it comes to details of a perfect female
body. Of course, one size doesn't fit all and although it is
ideal, size zero is not synonymous to being sexy. Yes, regular
exercise and rigid diet help women to look thinner and sexier.
Yet, while training and exercise can be conducive to good
health, not everybody has the discipline it takes. In that case,
women can use proper clothing to conceal their bulges and other
imperfections. The latest trend is to wear sexy womens jeans.
The good news is, even oversized women can now have the
confidence and comfort in jeans and apparels that complement and
suit their form and shape.

Since there are many selections offered nowadays, the only
concern is picking the right bottoms. There are some womens
jeans today that are too skimpy and further show the problem
areas of oversized women. If you are an avid fan of Oprah, you
may have picked up already on the tips given by guests and
clothing gurus, Trinny and Susannah: skimpy jeans don't look
good on any woman. Though magazine spreads, TV commercials, and
billboards nowadays feature women in the latest slim jeans, the
experts claim that no woman can carry those pants. However,
loose-fitting, tapered, or so-called baggy pants won't do good
to the figure of an oversized woman, either. According to the
duo, many American women make the mistake of being stuck in the
80s and wearing tapered pants. But, more often than not, badly
fit pants make you look bigger than you intend to be.

The safer way toward fashion glam is to look for comfort in the
cut. A good cut of womens jeans highlights just the right shapes
and brings out the assets in your body and personality.
Oversized women could choose flared or bootleg cuts so that
their flabs, which are usually found in the mid-portion and
thighs, could be balanced by the outward bottom part of the
pants. Aside from the cut, oversized women can also be sexy by
choosing the right style, design, or color for their pants. For
curvaceous or voluptuous women who also have large butts to
flaunt, pants without or less flambuoyant pockets could be worn
for balance. As much as possible, light colors should also be
avoided because these accentuate the heaviness of the oversized
person. By just considering all these elements, oversized women
can definitely look gorgeous in the hippest pair of jeans.

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Tiffany Celebrates 150 Years of Stylish Jewellery

Taroon Shah

Copyright 2006 Tatstar

You've seen the images of Audrey Hepburn in Truman Capote's
Breakfast at Tiffany's, epitomising diamond allure and American
chic. Well, Tiffany's stylish jewellery has stood the test of
changing times and this year celebrates 150 years of its journey
through jewellery design and craftsmanship with a special
exhibition at Somerset House. From the early 1830s, Tiffany's
had a humble existence as a souvenir and fancy goods store. In
one its first catalogues, the range of French jewellery was
tucked behind a host of goods; fine stationery, French perfumes
and French sugar plums.

Right from the very start, Tiffany's creator, Charles Lewis
Tiffany was an innovator not just in jewellery design but the
way it was sold and made sure that there was something for
everyone, whether it was a parasol for $10 or a diamond brooch
for $1000. Tiffanys started off keeping it simple; silver
jewellery in understated styles.

By the 1830s, European designs had become hugely fashionable
with a richness and diversity of jewellery styles that lasted
throughout the nineteenth century. People started to travel
more, there were international exhibitions and crafts of other
countries were being recognised. Tiffany kept up with the trends
particularly with the discoveries of precious materials
throughout the century and consistently kept to designing silver
jewellery.

In 1840, Tiffanys popularity escalated. Tiffany profited from
the revolutionary turmoil in France when diamonds and jewellery
were being sold at very good prices. By the nineteenth century,
the emerging middle classes and the commercial elite wanted to
enhance their status by owning possessions and looked to the
aristocrats and royalty for inspiration. Tiffanys had a distinct
American style but looked to Europe and the courts of Europe for
patriotic items of jewellery like silver spurs with matching
stirrups.

Womens fashion further influenced jewellery designs. In the
1850s, jewellery became bold and brassy and towards the end of
the nineteenth century when the corset and lighter dress fabrics
evolved, there were more lighter jewellery designs; diamond
jewellery mounted in platinum with a move away from silver and
gold.

After the first world war and the art deco period, women were no
longer seen to follow rigid social code and conventions; they
wore shorter skirts, applied makeup in public and smoked so
jewels were schematic colour combinations.

For Tiffany the history of success has repeated itself. Tiffany
of acclaimed international fame has never failed to stun the
world with its great international exhibitions of innovative
jewellery. The Tiffany brand has combined the aesthetic of
European fashion with an original and distinctly American chic.

Even though diamonds have been the heart of the Tiffany, one of
the exhibition highlights is the exquisite diamond and pearl
designs of the 1870s. At this exhibition, ugly designs sit
alongside beautiful ones, making this one of the greatest
displays of wealth ever created.

About the author:
Taroon Shah is based in the UK and can be contacted via:

A Review of Women's Shoes

Morgan Hamilton

Shoes have basically one purpose - protection. Protecting the
feet from cold, heat and other atmospheric elements. Basically
footwear was developed centuries ago to keep man's feet from
being injured. This fundamental purpose is overshadowed when it
comes to womens shoes. It all flies out the window in favor of
fashion.

Cancel all that talk about protecting your feet. Any old shoe
that you throw on will do this in a relatively competent way.
However womens shoes go way above and beyond offering just
protection for the feet. They serve a greater purpose that can
only possibly be truly understood by the fairer of the species.

I'm not suggesting that men don't have your appreciation of
womens shoes. Many men are wild about a nice set of stilettos or
that unbelievable pair of high-heeled boots. I guess that's
where the term foot fetish comes in. The attractiveness of
womens shoes is a two-way street. Many women of course, by shoes
with this specifically in mind.

On the other hand, I do not want for a minute pretend that men
really understand what in the world is going on with their
female counterparts when it comes to footwear. There is
something very special about womens shoes that draws a lady to
the store regardless of the fact of whether she needs them or
not. And the majority of cases she probably doesn't.

However, she probably feels like she does. She can tell you that
precious few things really replaces the feeling of locating the
perfect pair of pumps in just the right shade of burgundy that
matches the scarf that's been sitting in the bottom of her
dresser drawer. The scarf no doubt, was purchased knowing that
there must be a perfect match in women's shoes somewhere in the
universe that she had to seek out.

It may take many years to find these perfect shoes to match that
scarf, but it will be worth the wait. One fine day the designers
of womens shoes will come through and match that scarf. Besides,
the girl is in the hunt anyway. The hunt takes awhile, but
nothing worthwhile comes easy. This may not be understood by
most men, who seemed to have the market cornered on impatience.

As I said before, the great appeal womens shoes is shopping for
them. The footwear represents that final touch, that one detail
that says, "I've got it together." They say it all, I have style
I have class I have taste.

Or maybe it is something altogether different. Come to think of
it, I like to buy womens shoes because they are the one solitary
item in the whole store I know will fit. I find them to be loyal
even if I pack on a few pounds. I'm always a size seven when it
comes to womens shoes.

About the author:
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding
all aspects concerning fashion. Get the information you are
seeking now by visiting

Women's Western Jeans Go Mainstream

Catherine Lee

What makes women's western jeans "women's western jeans"? Of
course there's the fact that most of them have the unmistakable
flair leg and "boot cut" - making them wearable with your
favorite pair of cowgirl boots. Lots of western jean
manufacturers, such as Rocky Mountain Jeans also show a slim
fit, straight leg jean, or "slim" jeans at they call them. Then
of course there's the ornamentation on some of them. Some
western jeans can be very fancy. They are embellished with
floral designs on the leg below the knee, some have patches and
embroidery on the back pockets. Still other western jeans are
studded with varying designs of rhinestones and faux turquoise
and some have peek-a-boo cut out designs.

Western jeans have followed the low rise trend, with some brands
such as Cruel Girl jeans having what they call their "Legacy"
super low rise jeans. Some have button fly closures. Wrangler, a
jean maker for almost sixty years now is still big in western
wear and they are also following trends with low rise and button
fly women's western jeans.

Western jeans come in all types of denim washes, from dark blue
denim to faded stonewash and everything in between. Prefer
robin's egg blue or electric pink? You'll find them too. Going
to a special event or want a dressier jean? How about black.
Some western jean manufacturers such as Lawman's are also making
jeans in stretch material - a comfortable blessing for most
women.

So, it seems that western jeans come in such as array of styles,
colors, designs and fabrics that you can find just about any
type of jean you're looking for.

What makes western jeans "western jeans" in my mind is the
shirt, belt, shoes and other "accessories", along with the state
of mind that a women picks to go with them. When a woman pairs
her jeans with pink crocodile Ariat slip ons or Justin Caliente
boots in red she's saying "these are western jeans." When she
chooses a decidedly country shirt, one with embroidery and a
vintage yolk, she's saying "these are western jeans."

When she pairs those jeans with a pair of open toe wedges or a
pair of tri color leather platform oxfords, a flimsy mesh tunic,
a silk v neck camisole with spaghetti straps or a charmeuse wrap
top she's taking western jeans to a whole new level.

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To Wear or Not To Wear Skinny Jeans 2006

Robert Carney

Will you be wearing skinnies? Will you be tucking them into your
boots this fall and winter? Will you be wearing them with your
gorgeous heels or open-toed high sandals? Maybe with your
favorite ballerinas or pointy-toed flats? What will or would the
effect be on your total look? Remember, we're likely shooting
for SLIMMING aren't we. We all know our body-type intimately, so
get real and make the right choice to flatter.

For some of us the look will be most excellent and slimming, for
others of us, this may not necessarily be the case. For those of
us who run from the skinny- don't despair, there are cool
trouser styles a plenty this year! Skinny jeans are not for you?
Move on then. But, if you haven't yet made the skinny jean
commitment and are just now choosing to head away from the
baggier boyfriend style jeans, and to embrace the skinny . . .
Well then, here are a few helpful hints for you in your skinny
jean adventure:

- Legs less than pencil thin? Choose your shoes wisely. A chunky
boot is the best bet. Keep up the balancing act. Your goal is to
make those legs look slim and to enhance your height, thus your
slimness as well. If you choose tiny, cute, little shoes, you
are only going to draw emphasis to your less tiny,
less-than-little legs.

- Be brave! Roll up your skinnies to reveal footwear that is
anything but understated. Does the roll-job need to be perfect?
No way. An imperfect roll belies a bit of artistic, confident
and casual chicness. - Got thighs? Disguise and hide, while
still wearing your fashionable skinny jeans. Do this by wearing
a cool long white top, tunic tops, jersey tops, blouses with
volume or even a chunky cardigan sweater. Or you can do it up
with a super dress to middle thigh range or even longer. Dresses
can be any style: shirt-dress, empire, wrap, smocked or baby
doll. You know which styles are your best friends! Pair these
with your new pair of skinnies and all the problem areas will be
covered.

- Choose a pair of skinnies wisely. Don't go less than 2% Lycra
to retain shape. Also, despite your aversion to ankle zippers .
. . remember that those will help you pass those oversize
tootsies through the leg-holes!

- Don't skimp on a perfect fit. Finding yours will not be easy,
so be prepared to try a bunch on in the beloved dressing room.
Your perfect fit will eventually come to the forefront with a
bit of patience. Your perfect skinny may actually be a slim-fit
(if you're not pencil thin.)

- Color is key. Go for the darkest of blue. If black is for you,
then black will be smartest at it's very best, that would be jet
black. Avoiding the dirty, washed out shades to keep your skinny
look sharp. Like it's been said to me, "Keep it simple stupid."

- If you are uncomfortable with the hip-factor that you call
your own, avoid completing your look with a trendy belt over
your skinny jeans.

- If you have skinny-jean legs, but a less than skinny or
balanced torso, you may want to skip the skinny jean look
altogether. Remember, flatter your figure. Larger upper-body
frames will balance best with wider legged bottoms. This may not
be the best news if you are large busted or plus-size. It's
better to know now and choose a more flattering style to keep
looking your personal best.

Happy skinnies hunting, or moving on . . . , whichever it is.
The great truth here is that the best fashion trend is one that
actually works best for you and your bod. Shed no tears if the
skinny is not for you. You can always splurge on the shoes!

About the author:
Robert Carney is publisher and owner of Old Crappy Tee. To stay
informed on the latest fashions, visit

Dansko Nursing Shoes

Andy Evers

Dansko Nursing Shoes

By Andy Evers

Are you a nursing professional? Are your nursing shoes
comfortable? Don't you need an occupational shoe that will walk
you through your working day? If so- think Dansko Nursing Shoes
and read on-

As we all know human beings were designed to walk barefoot on
the good earth. Obviously, this is not possible in today's world
- especially the world of the nursing professional. However,
Dansko Nursing Shoe's innovative design can make it feel like
you're taking the good earth with you to work!

After over twenty years of experience in the shoe industry I
have come in contact with many different styles and innovations.
I can honestly say that Dansko Nursing Shoes are the best value
in comfort and support for the nursing professional in the 21st
century.

Dansko Inc. began distribution in 1991 with their patented
stapled clog technology. Dansko's stapled clog collection is on
the cutting edge of innovation and carries the seal of
acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association. Of
this collection I would recommend the Dansko Professional style
as an excellent choice for the nursing professional.

Benefits of the Dansko Nursing Shoe's Professional Clog:

Support technology that stays with you and won't break down
before your shoes wear out.

The outsole provides shock absorption and flexibility while
protecting your feet, legs, and back during long hours of
standing or walking.

The rocker-bottom sole propels the foot forward when walking -
facilitating a natural forward motion.

The heel counter acts as a natural shoe - horn and provides the
security of lateral stability.

A reinforced toe box that adds durability and allows room for
toes to move comfortably.

Are your Nursing shoes comfortable? Think Dansko Nursing Shoes
and you can't go wrong!

For the premiere Dansko Shoes Retail Outlet in Mississippi go
to:

On Your Feet All Day?

DiNapoli

When it comes to working all day long standing on your feet
nothing is more important then to have the right pair of shoes.

No matter if you are a Nurse, Doctor, or a Chef for that matter,
if your feet hurt then you are running at 75% of your
possibilities.

The buying of proper shoes for any of these professionals, or
any other for that matter that needs to spend more time on their
feet, then they care too, is an absolute must.

Traditionally the Nursing field have used the good old clunky
shoes of the past, setting them apart from other professions by
just wearing this one type of footwear.

But times have changed, you now see them wearing anything from
cheap plastic clogs made God knows where, to regular sneakers,
not considering the fact that in order to look stylish they are
giving up comfort, and possible future problems with their feet
and back.

There is a difference of opinion about which shoes provide you
with the best comfort, but in the end it's the user feet that
will let them know which brand works best for them.

Some of my wife's closest friends are in the nursing field and
this subject of hurting feet comes up regularly. They have tried
all the major brands, from Nurse Mates to Dansko with varying
results, I often see them wear expensive sneakers to get the
comfort they are looking for.

I must admit that Dansko usually gets pretty good marks, but
from what they tell me it's a bit too pricey. Some people will
go different directions in finding the comfort that they are
looking for, we have 2 friends of ours getting costumed made
orthotics to wear in their shoes and it did seem to all