FREO Beauty Girl Samantha Lee Australias Best Fashion Model

Last night in Surfers Paradise, Lee was named as the 2009 Best Model Australia winner. Lee is a leggy 181cm personal trainer and part time beauty model from Fremantle, WA.
She wins $10,000 in cash and prizes including a trip to represent Australia in the world final of Best Model of the World in December in Sofia, Bulgaria.

She also won the Miss Photogenic award which was voted on by four professional photographers last Monday at Mantra Sun City.

Aside from her interest in fitness and nutrition, she enjoys fashion, makeup artistry and fast cars.

Lee is no stranger to beauty modeling contests having already taken out several titles, including 2006 RALPH Australian Swimwear Model of the Year.

She plans to take her modelling to international level and would love to model for Victoria’s Secret.
Recognised as the country’s longest running International Model Search, Best Model Australia is not just another swimwear competition but a more fashion orientated event, allowing models to get creative by choosing their own music, combining it with the latest eye catching fashion and adding their own choreography and personality to match.

The contest is open to all aspiring models aged 18 years and over on or before March 1 2009 and is a great opportunity for girls looking for a career in modeling.

The overall winner will represent Australia in the 2009 Best Model of the World final in Bulgaria – a major International model search where models can catch the eyes of reputable agencies from around the globe.

Fashion-tips-womens-plus-size-clothing

You want a new wardrobe but quite uncertain of what will flatter your shape? Worrying about plus size clothing issues that you have? This can be hard to figure out if you do not understand the dos and don'ts of plus size clothing. To guide you through this dilemma read through the following tips:

1. Stay away from shapeless clothing styles

Don't settle for shapeless womens plus size oversize clothes. Garments without proper tailoring make your body appear larger than it is. Always choose clothing styles that accentuate your figure features.|It will not bring any good as garments without proper tailoring can make your body appear larger than it really is. So choose clothing styles that accentuate your favorite figure features.
2. Never think that black is the most flattering color

Black colored plus size clothing is not necessarily the most slimming stuff on a woman's body. An appealing outfit is more about the proportion, tailoring and overall style. Wearing additional colors will bring attention to your skin tone, face shape and eye color as black tends to wash out skin tones.

3. Avoid oversized patterns in your clothing fabric

Dresses and other garments with huge all over patterns or designs is a big NO for plus size clothing fashion. The size of the print should always match your size. If you are tall, you can pull off a larger print but avoid overwhelming your outfit with patterns.

4. Proper fit, full figured bra is essential to womens plus size

Did you know that 75% of all women are wearing the wrong bra size? Issues like bra straps digging into your shoulders and back, saggy appearance of breasts, and cup spillage can be solved only by purchasing the right plus size bra.
5. Appreciate your figure the way it is

The truth is whether you're a plus sized, voluptuous, full figured type or a slim, petite body type, you have to cloth it having the right attitude. Have the confidence to feel sexy and beautiful in whatever size you are in. Find items that make you feel comfortable about yourself.

Beauty Tips – Care For Your Mouth

Caring for your mouth is an essential part of your personal hygiene, because bad breath can be really turning off specially if you are trying to make an impression, or worse if you are trying to make a first impression. However oral odor has many causes ranging from a malfunctioning stomach to infection in your gums; however it can be prevented by brushing your teeth after every meal. These days there are numerous kinds of mouthwash and tooth paste you can pick from, each targeted at a specific teeth or gum problem? If you have sensitive gums then you can also pickup a toothpaste that has potassium nitrate.An essential part of maintaining overall health and well being is proper and consistent care of teeth, gums, and the mouth in general.

Typically, it as advisable to brush and floss teeth after every meal, or at least twice a day. Toothpaste is available in an assortment of flavors, most commonly mints and cinnamon. The choices of flavors have also been expanding and some manufacturers are using vanilla and fruit-based tasting pastes. Some products use baking soda as a key ingredient, which offers a salty, unique taste. Toothpaste brands promote protection from cavities, removal of tartar, and prevention of gingivitis. Some brands also cater to consumers who have sensitive teeth and gums and require special care. These products reduce the amount of sensitivity teeth have to temperature differences. An increasingly popular ingredient is whitening agents which aid in the removal of stains from such things as coffee, juices, and tobacco. Newer toothpastes promote an ability to strengthen the enamel of teeth. The key ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride and there are supplemental fluoride tablets and liquids available through a prescription from a doctor.

Dental floss is available as both packaged floss dispensers, which hold rings of dental floss string, and devices which combine a piece of dental floss and also have a toothpick-like mechanism which aids in extracting hard to reach particles from in between teeth. Electric waterpiks are also sold and they use a stream of pressurized water that loosens and removes objects from between the teeth and gums. Food particles and other bacteria which remain in between teeth cause tooth decay and other issues if not properly removed.

Antiseptic mouth washes and rinses are also useful in removing hidden particles from the teeth and gums. The rinses kill germs in the entire mouth through the process of swishing the liquid around the mouth for 30 seconds or more. The mouthwash is then spit out. Neither toothpaste nor mouthwashes should be swallowed since they may contain amounts of fluoride and other ingredients that can cause illness if consumed.

Regular visits to the dentist are also recommended to maintain a healthy mouth. Dentists will ensure teeth and gums are healthy and are able to treat problems such as halitosis (chronic bad breath), gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), and other oral diseases. Medical studies suggest poor oral hygiene practices may lead to other health issues, such as heart problems and other serious medical conditions which can be brought about by the diseases and infections affecting the mouth.

So take care of your mouth, because it is easy and very cost effective, it will keep you away from serious illness and insure that you stay fit. Not to mention the fact that it will make it easy for you to make a good first impression.

Friendly-Fashion-Cyber-Style

Calling all fashion houses, designers, sytlists, fashion-savvy musicians and the cool kids who love them — MySpace has something for you!

The social networking site launched on Tuesday the official version of its Fashion Community, where users can get beauty tips and fashion ideas, watch streaming video of fashion shows and photo shoots, and hunt for design inspiration.

“Fashion is such a huge part of our users’ lives. This gives them a way to connect with other users and express themselves,” said Todd Dufour, director of strategic marketing for MySpace, in an interview.

Dufour said the site will also include exclusive explanations of different celebrities’ styles and editorials about the style of certain stand-out users, but will also encourage users to post their own content.

“MySpace Fashion is all about amateur and professional work,” Dufour said. “We want users to feel empowered that if they’re standing outside the tents at Bryant Park and they were to upload a video of, say, Issac Mizrahi walking in, and if it’s a good video and they get their point across, we want to feature it.”

MySpace – which has 115 million unique visitors a month — may become the largest interactive site for fashionistas, but it is certainly not alone. There is ”Iqons“and “WhoWhatWearDaily,” which is partnering up with MySpace for this fashion adventure.

In the year since the site launched the test version of the MySpace Fashion Community it has lured some 53,000 “friends.” It hopes to make many more with its official launch, in celebration of New York’s Fashion Week, which begins next week.

HAIRSTYLES

Consider what hair colour would actually enhance your skin tone, bearing in mind the texture of your hair as well. Is it fine, thick or coarse? If you’re not sure what texture you’ve got, your hairdresser will be able to tell you instantly.The shag or the medium-length layered cut is a good choice for a sassy and irreverent look. It is great for round face shapes because the length significantly lengthens the face. The side bangs are angled in a way that reduces the forehead’s width. And the disheveled look of the layers emphasizes the femininity of the face.The heart-shaped (sometimes called the inverted triangle): The face is shaped like a heart with a full forehead, narrow cheeks and chin-line. Elegant hairstyles that suit this shape: A style with the fullness at the jawline and wavy bangs is recommended for this shape.

Hairstyles of women had achieved wide variations from time to time. Women hairstyles had always been elaborate and are not rigid but are flexible with the changing phases of time and generation. Depending upon the nature of occasion, women’s hairstyle differs and varies. Hairstyle is a very important aspect which measures the fashion of the latest trends. Women’s hairstyle can be verified depending upon the length of the tresses.

Before choosing a short haircut you have to do a research between the short hairstyles. The beauty of the short hairstyles is that you can accommodate the shape to enhance or distract certain traits. So you have to be very careful in your choice. Some short hairstyles can make a round face seems enormous. Be sure that the hairstyle fits your face.

Pear — this facial shape has a wide chin and a narrow forehead. A hairstyle that widens the forehead while taking attention away from the chin is desirable. Hair should be fuller on top and swept away from the face to create the illusion of a fuller forehead. Avoid styles that are wider at the chin to soften a square jaw line.

The diadems are back, and with them you can wear your hair loose without having to suffer with hair that attempt to get out of position. This trendy women hairstyle looks good during the day, but if you want to give a touch of elegance for the night, look for a headband with glare. If you want to keep discreet and simple but trendy hairstyles, pick a french twist is a great way to look good in a classic style.

Short cut hairstyle for the woman in her 30’s allows her to keep up with a colour maintenance program where the roots of her hair are dyed to remove the grey colouring. Short style haircuts is less demanding to maintain than longer or middle length hair and this provides the woman valuable time better spent elsewhere.

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Face-Make-Up

MAKEUP APPLICATION

A BEAUTIFUL FACE STARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL SKIN. No matter how beautiful your Makeup looks , blemished skin detracts from it attracting unwanted attention to your skin. Using a Skin Care Kit (CLEANSER, TONER , MOISTURIZER and a MASQUE) created for your skin type will help you attain and maintain beautiful healthy glowing skin.

Below are 5 Steps to applying Makeup. For the best possible results you should apply your Makeup after you have have used a CLEANSER, TONER and MOISTURIZER. A Masque should be used at least once weekly for deep cleaning.

STEP 1: FOUNDATION: After CLEANSING, TONING and MOISTURIZING your face apply a small amount of foundation to the tip of your index finger, dot on forehead, nose, cheeks and chin then blend in an upward and outward motion without leaving a line. Be sure to apply foundation over your eyelids and blend without leaving a line. Glance in the mirror to ensure there’s no line. You can use a concealer to cover imperfections such as blemishes and dark spots. You can use our NATU-CLEAR to clear up your skin.

STEP 2: TRANSLUCENT POWDER: Using a Powder Brush apply Translucent Powder in a downward motion for a smooth finish. Translucent Powder helps eye makeup and blush to go on smoother and blend better. It also keeps your face looking fresh and your Makeup will last longer. Model is wearing our Medium Translucent Powder . $12.50. Click here to order it.

PLACEMENT OF EYE COLORS

STEP 3 EYE MAKEUP: Starting at your lash line, apply your Base Color (A) first, then apply your crease color in the crease area (B). Apply your Highlight Color in the highlight color area, (C) below the brow bone. Finally, blend the colors with a cotton ball or your fingertip to remove any obvious line. If the colors are too bright tone them down with a little Translucent Powder then apply your Mascara, and dust your entire face downward with Translucent Powder. See our Eye Makeup Link below.

STEP 4 BLUSH: Your Blush should go on the apples of your cheeks to radiate when you smile. It should go no closer to your nose, but directly beneath the iris of your eye; below nostril-level and into your temple hairline. A good Blush Brush that’s tapered for precise placement, is a must.

STEP 5 LIPSTICKS: Define the outline of your lips with a professional lip brush or lip liner pencil that closely matches the color of your lipstick. Then apply your lipstick and blend the liner with a lip brush. Start from the center working outwards as indicated here.

WEDDING MAKEUP

2. If you are having your make up done professionally, make sure you have a practice run before your big day. A good idea is to have a dress rehearsal and take photos, so you can then check that it will look good.
3. Like a very dear friend of mine who recently got married, she cried the whole way through. Waterproof mascara is a must!
4. You want your make up to last all day. There are some fabulous long lasting make up items around, which will ensure that you don’t need to “touch up” during the day. Believe me you won’t have time to re-apply your make up.

Make up Tips

1. Starting with concealer and foundation. Be careful about the colour foundation you choose. Whilst you should always go for a match as near as your skin, anything too pale will make you look washed out if you are wearing a white/ivory dress. Try to choose a yellow toned foundation to bring warmth into your face. Alternatively use bronzing powder to give you a bit of colour – if you are wearing a low cut dress remember to sweep it across the chest area so you don’t look “two toned”.
2. Whilst there are some lovely “shine” products available to give a dewy complexion, again be very careful where you use them. In photographs it will be easy to mistake the “glow” for sweat – not nice. If you are applying a highlighter, stick to brow bones, cheekbones and a dab in the middle of your lips. If you are wearing a low cut dress add a little on your décolletage. Beware of any makeup that is too sparkly, this can look strange in the photos. Matte is usually best.
3. Pending on what season you are getting married this will also have to be taken into account when planning your makeup. Avoid anything too shiny on your skin if you are getting married in the summer, stick to a coloured lip-gloss but don’t wear shine all-over. Light formulas are better as you don’t want your makeup melting in the sun. Winter make up can be more dramatic although again it’s best to stick to a stronger look of your usual make up, bear in mind if it is a very cold day, you may want a green concealer. Green will counteract any redness to stop you looking like Rudolph!
4. To make your lipstick last all day. First apply a lip primer to give your lips an even surface and rid of any flaky bits. I always apply foundation to the lips and let it dry – this gives a good base. Then line your lips with your lip pencil (which should be the same shade as your lipstick). Then fill in all your lips with the pencil. Finally on top of that apply your lipstick. Blot with a tissue and reapply your lipstick – repeat this twice. Now your lipstick should stay on all day. If it does start to wear off you will have the lip pencil underneath so your lips won’t look patchy.
5. Although foundation/concealer should be left to areas where you need it, i.e. around the nose then blended into the cheeks (you don’t want to put it everywhere otherwise it will look false), you can also apply to your eyes to give your eye shadow a good base and something to cling on to.
6. Eyebrows – have them professionally shaped before your big day and enhance them with a same colour eyebrow shade. Eyebrows frame your face and it can make a huge difference if you have the professionally shaped – a la Liz Hurley!
7. To make your eyes look bigger and whiter choose dark navy mascara. If you are dark skinned or have brown eyes then black is usually best. Brown mascara can make eyes look tired.
8. To lift your eyes apply a highlighter just below your brow bone. If you have small eyelids, apply a highlighter just in the center of the eyelid and a dark brown shade in the eyelid crease – this will lift your eyes. White/ivory eyeliner in the rim of your eyes also makes them appear brighter, however be careful if you wear contact lenses as your eyes maybe sensitive. To make your eyes look more wide set blend the highlighter in the inner corner of your eyes.
9. For a natural flush apply a light natural pink shade onto the apples of your cheeks – don’t go to harsh, especially if you are drinking which can give you a natural flush look without the blush.

BEAUTY TIPS

Beauty:
Beauty is defined as the phenomenon of the experience
of pleasure, through the perception of balance and
proportion of stimulus. It involves the cognition of a
balanced form and structure that elicits attraction and
appeal towards a host, creature, inanimate object,
scene, music, idea, etc. It’s as well seen as An assemblage
or even graces or even properties pleasing to the eye, the ear, the
intellect, the aesthetic faculty, or even the moral feel.
Beauty is the quality that gives pleasure to the mind or even
senses and is associated with such properties as
harmony of form or even color, excellence of artistry,
truthfulness, and originality.

A common understanding of the word beauty suggests
that it’s the appearance of things and people. For
illustration, we call miss globe or even miss universe the virtually
all
beautiful female on earth. Also a fully blossomed
rose is as well called a beauty. Beauty can’t be measured,
not can it be counted. It’s purely subjective in nature,
and its comprehension changes based on data from perception
set of individuals.

Beauty has always been revered from the time individual
kind had developed basic senses. We’ve heard of
umpteen number of stories in history when wars utilized to
be inflicted upon for the desire of beautiful females. Beauty
is all pervasive in nature and rises above any
discrimination of race, caste, religion, etc.

Many theorists and scientists have tried to deconstruct
beauty into even more understandable parts. 1 idea is to
look at it from the point of see of how much symmetry is
discovered in the object. A few of the main contributions in this
regards are – The inborn inclination of people to be
attracted to symmetry coupled with the natural want or even
pursuit of happiness leads to the premise that symmetry
is indeed the symbol of beauty.

Mortal beings are so engrossed with beauty that it’s
taken a awesome shape in economy in the form of beauty
industry. There are many enterprises and organizations
taking part in selling beauty products. These range from
your next door beauty salon to a multi-billion premium
branded marketing organization spread across 150
countries in the globe.

Beauty care is a outstanding act time and pastime for mortal
beings, especially women. Beauty is perceived to offer
attractiveness and confidence. Beauty care includes hair
care, face care, skin care, nail care, proper diet,
vitamins, etc.

There are many therapies dedicated to the cause of
beauty care. Even more crucial among it is
aromatherapy, cosmetology, laser coarse of action, hair
coloring, slimming techniques, etc.

Many authors have written on beauty. A select few of the wonderful
quotes are “a thing of beauty is a joy forever” by John
Keats. “True beauty lives in deep retreats, Whose veil
is unremoved, Till heart with heart in concord beats, And
the lover is beloved” by Wordsworth. And “We all know
that a thing of beauty is a joy forever and that beauty lies
in the eye of the beholder. Is not it interesting how the
perception of beauty” by Anon.

Helen Keller sums it all “The virtually all beautiful things in the
globe aren’t seen nor touched. It is felt with the heart.

Beauty-Care-7-Beauty-Tips

is one of the problems that most women (and men) of all ages face. Beauty, or the lack of it, is pretty much a state of mind. . .well almost. There are beauty tips for Hair Styles, Nails, Skin Care, Body and Shape, Weight Loss, Exercise, Fashion and Style, Inner Beauty and more.

Let’s talk about inner beauty care. True beauty begins from the inside out. Outer beauty will only appear when you’ve practiced beauty within.

Knowing how and what to eat, can make a huge difference in how you feel. Improper eating habits can cause depression, overweight, illness and an overall lethargy.

Change your eating and exercising habits. You can do this. Do not try to change everything at once, unless you are just one of those rare individuals that can do that.

Beauty care starts with our diet. Diet does not mean just losing weight. Diet means the food you put in your daily eating habits.

1)A rule of thumb for eating habits are…don’t eat more calories than you consume. Don’t go one single day without doing something extra and physical for at least 30 minutes per day. This can be three ten minute walks. Or 30 minutes of vigorous aerobics, or 12 minutes of weight lifting and 18 minutes of walking.

2) Water, you need water. Try to add at least 4 more glasses of water to your daily diet. The rule of thumb for water is 8 glasses per day; and one extra for every ten pounds overweight you are.

3) Fats, you need to know about fats. There are different kinds of fats. Some fats are better for you than others. A rule of thumb on fats is, stay away from hydrogenated fats. These are fats that solidify. They are in store bought cakes, cookies, crackers, chips and even in bran muffins. Read the labels.

Choose fats that are polyunsaturated or fats such as olive oil. And, eat some fish to get some omega-3 fats. Carbohydrates – Are your immediate fuel source. An average is about 55 percent of your diet in carbohydrates. So, a rule of thumb is, figure your protein grams, get around 25% fat per day, and the rest would be in carbohydrates. The heavier you are, the more protein you need the less carbohydrates you will need.

Fats – try not to exceed more than 25 percent fat in your daily diet. 30 is fine, too. That does not mean you can’t have a junk food fast food hamburger… it just means that if you do eat that 55 percent fat burger that you are going to have to cut down on other fat filled foods for the rest of the day to balance it out.

4) Fiber – work up to getting 25 grams of Fiber per day

5) Protein – averages about 20 percent. Divide weight by 2.2 and multiply that by .8 to get the kilograms. For men it is averages as one gram per each kilogram of weight. So, a man would divide their weight in pounds 2.2 then multiply that by .10

6) Make exchanges gradually. Suppose you drink whole milk…work down to 2 percent. Maybe replacing two of your cups per day until you can completely change over. If you are on two percent milk, work down to 1 percent.

7) Add bran to your cereals for extra fiber. Do add it in your baking. You need to balance your diet with vegetables and fruits, too. Try adding different colors to your plate. Maybe an orange yam, and some green beans, to add color. The more variety of food colors, bring more variety of vitamins. Eat more raw foods.

Remember, exchange things, add things, and do it gradually and remember, live all things in life in moderation and soon you will be bouncy and vibrant and well on your way to living BEAUTIFULLY!

Gill Linton: Does the Fashion Industry Know What a Brand Strategy Is

Now that fall fashion marketing is here and the industry is working on what’s next, what should fashion brands do differently to make up for a terrible fiscal 2009?

Everyone’s a brand strategist these days, including people in the fashion industry whose core business is to produce fashion shows, generate publicity and create ad campaigns. In which case you’d expect fashion brands to be more distinct from each other, wouldn’t you?

Considering fashion is all about change, the fashion-marketing model is really old fashioned. It took a recession for people to accept that the selling cycle doesn’t work, and although advertising isn’t as effective as it used to be, brands still invest heavily in formulaic print ads, along with the same old sponsorships, trunk shows, pop-up shops, collaThe fashion-marketing model has its place and it’s cost of entry – tactics mostly differentiated only by the aesthetic and personality of a designer/retailer and their collections, which, for a lot of mainstream brands isn’t actually that different. Brands can pr, collaborate and twitter all they like, but without a differentiating brand strategy that creatively frames a different way for consumers to think about them, beyond a cool image or shinny mobile app, brands will always be focused on outdoing their competitors latest tactic.

Daniel Chu, Executive Creative Director of marketing agency Momentum, who has worked with brands like Nike, Thom Browne, Kenneth Cole and Target, points out that
borations and now blogs, videos and social networking.

Fashion Fits

About Fashion Fits! game: Francie just got a new job at the Uber-Mart... as their only employee! It`s up to you to help her run this fast-paced clothing store. Fitting rooms will need to be cleaned, tables will need to be stocked, and customers will need to be helped. Complete the first year at Uber-Mart and then help Francie open up her own line of clothing stores! Spruce up your store with fancier clothes and trendy new upgrades. It`s up to you to set the fashion trends!

1.Many fashion-filled levels.
2.Unique customer types.
3.Mannequin mini-game!
Love Comes Over Me (Damien Strong remix), Track mp3 Universal Love Club mix, Track mp3 Peace Pipe featuring Dudley Perkins (Original), Trippin, Tear Me Down, Breathe, Before Those Years was the Beginning, This Little Girl of Mine, Satellite, Gopi Juggle, I'am So Alive, Forces Des Barages, On the Sofa Outside, No More Conversations (Mylo radio edit 2007 re-edit)

/fashion-20-bloggers-unite-at-style-coalition

Too many blogs, churning out too much of the same content, sometimes poorly written and failing to add anything new to the fashion conversation. Even the term ‘fashion blogger’ itself is somehow tainted, also bringing to mind the words ‘low quality’ and ‘poorly researched.’

Today, I came across a wonderful article which shows that some bloggers may be taking this to heart, banding together to form a sort of fashion bloggers’ guild. There’s an actors’ guild and there’s a bar for lawyers, and so the thinking goes, there could also be a group with a set of standards that helps to separate the good fashion blogger from the downright dodgy, unoriginal and plagiaristic.

Now, why didn’t I think of that?
NEW YORK, United States — In the first-ever ‘Digital IQ’ ranking of the top luxury fashion brands’ digital competence, Louis Vuitton has come out on top, followed closely by Ralph Lauren. Both are ranked as ‘genius’ in the wide-ranging qualitative and quantitative study which covers 109 brands across the luxury spectrum, not just fashion. The study was authored by Scott Galloway, Clinical Associate Professor at NYU’s Stern School and Founder of LuxuryLab, a thinktank with a focus on luxury and new media.

“2009 represented a tipping point concerning the importance of digital competence in the luxury industry,” says Galloway. “While the industry grappled with double-digit revenue declines, traffic to luxury brand sites increased an average of 61 percent. With this study, we’ve devised a metric these companies can use to benchmark specific features of their digital competence against their competitors, and highlight which area each firm stands to gain the greatest return on incremental investment in digital.”

Men’s fashion trends

Every season new fashion trends appear on the runway and in stores, but this doesn't mean that you need to replace your entire wardrobe to look trendy and fashionable.

But there is a hard core of men's fashion pieces that always rides above the folly of fashion trends to guarantee you a timeless air of sophistication, such as the classic suit, shirt and tie. The best advice to men seeking to achieve that sophisticated look is to ensure that the suit fits well and is of good quality fabric.

If you're going to buy off the rack, you should always buy your correct size suit, then have a tailor customize your suit to your body. GQ says that the chances are you're wearing your suit a size too large. The suit shoulders should hug your shoulders (not jut out past them).The classic staples never go out of style. It is important to keep timeless pieces that can be easily updated in your wardrobe to stay with the fashion trends. Some basic fashion trends that are a must in men’s fashion
The best way to know men’s fashion for the season is to browse the men's department of your favorite store to see what is hanging on the racks. Don't like to shop in person? Then go online or flip through magazines to see what is the fashion trends for the season. The most important thing to keep in mind to looking fashionable and stylish is to be comfortable

Emma Watson launches ethical fashion range with People Tree

the actor best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, is to release a clothing collection in collaboration with the ethical fashion label People Tree.

Watson has been developing her interest in fashion this year, appearing on the front row at several catwalk shows in February and March. She is already linked with the British heritage brand Burberry, recently becoming the face of its autumn/winter advertising campaign.

The collection for People Tree is aimed at bringing fair trade and organic fashion to the 16-24 age group. Watson is acting as creative advisor, injecting her personal style into the range.

"I was excited by the idea of using fashion as a tool to alleviate poverty and knew it was something I could help make a difference with," she said.

"I think young people like me are becoming increasingly aware of the humanitarian and environmental issues surrounding fast fashion and want to make good choices but there aren't many options out there."

The People Tree line, comprising 26 women's styles and 15 for men, plus a small accessories range, will enter stores in late February 2010. The collection, which includes knitwear, cotton T-shirts, jersey dresses, poplin skirts and shorts, is described by People Tree as "clean, sexy and easy to wear".

Much of the range uses organic and fairly traded cotton. The clothes are made entirely by hand by fair trade groups using weaving, knitting and embroidery, helping to create livelihoods for disadvantaged groups in Bangladesh, India and Nepal.

STYLISH WATCH

In 1860, Giovanni Panerai founded the family business specializing in high precision mechanisms. As the time passed, the business expanded and Panerai became one of the most prestigious Swiss watch manufacturers. In 1900, Panerai became the official supplier of precision optical and mechanical instruments to the Royal Italian Navy. Panerai created Radiomir and Luminor watches with worlds’ first glowing hour markers and hands. For divers, Panerai added special features such as 8-day power reserve and rotating bezel to the Radiomir model. Panerai as the experienced watch making enterprise, has always lead the way for all the watchmakers and kept the spirit of innovation alive at every step.
The Panerai replica carries forward the spirit and tradition of Panerai. The Panerai replica watch is designed with all the complications of authentic Panerai watch. The authentic Panerai looks are also precisely copied into the replica. The Panerai replica imitates the authentic Panerai watch perfectly to give the wearer a real Panerai watch experience. In terms of functionality and accuracy, Panerai replica is at par with the authentic Panerai watch.
The Panerai replica is a godsend to those who want to look wealthier and smarter yet do not have the means to buy an authentic Panerai watch or do not want to spend thousands of Dollars over a watch. The Panerai replica offers all the features of the authentic Panerai watch in considerably reduced prices. Whether preparing for an interview or a weekend out with friends, Panerai replicas are available for all occasions. You can simply flaunt your style with the Panerai replica without worrying that someone would recognize it. This is definitely not going to happen, ever!

FASHION GIRL

Girls in schools have many functions and social gatherings to attend.
The girls want to look their best during these parties. As these are
social gatherings, many girls wear the latest dresses and it is good
time to show your best dress that you have bought latest from stores.
The previous year’s dress is not going to work because rest of the
girls are going to wear the 2010 collection. You must get yourself the
dress which is the latest in the market and makes you feel that you
are like others in the gathering. The best prom dresses are available
online at this store, which are not only the latest but also from the
best brands. These dresses are going to make you star in the prom
parties and center of attraction for rest of the crowds.

Some of the dresses are from best labels such as Paris, Jovani or
Sherri Hill and many others. These labels have reputation and the fame
in the fashion market. And these labels are viewed as fashion
statement for today’s girls. You can choose to buy the dresses from
the best store which sells these dresses online. Many short prom dresses are available online to give you the look of the traditional prom girl. The short
dresses can be worn during the functions and parties in your school.

Check the section for best sellers and featured dresses; you will be able to select the one which is in good demand among the young girls. Off course the online store cares about your money, and it offers discounts on each dress you buy online. A prom dress is not limited to short or traditional dress. It can have the gowns as well. Here is a store which has specialization in finding
the best prom dresses and gowns from many brands. The exclusive store for gowns can be found online. A long gown with good material and colors, is going to give you the glam look. You will enjoy the dance and music in your party. You are going to be confident about your looks. You are not going to
worried with these dresses. Find something good for you at these stores for prom parties. There are many dresses to choose from. The exclusive discounts and offers make your shopping easy. You will have the dress which is for 2010 fashion at these stores. Just check these stores online and have your next prom dress delivered to your home.

Has the ‘Obama Effect’ Come to Runway Castings

Some casting sheets actually said ‘No Blacks,”’ the 19-year-old model Shawn Sutton was saying on Friday, backstage at the Duckie Brown show in the Bryant Park tent. He was referring to the model castings at the recent men’s wear shows in Milan.
It was pretty brutal and, yeah, it was racist,” he added. “But things opened up a lot by Paris, so I paid it no mind.”

Mr. Sutton was one of 24 models in a show whose casting, for once, reflected some ethnic diversity. It is early days in New York’s Fashion Week, but already there are signs that the recent industry habits of exclusion may be undergoing a shift. Call it the Obama effect, if you will.

“Oh, it’s totally about Obama,” said Marcus Lloyd, a 22-year-old African American model from Dallas. “I remember my agent was like, ‘If Obama does become president, there’s going to be a lot more work for you guys.”’

Duckie Brown may not be the most representative of the 200 shows scheduled for the next week, since the label’s designers, Steven Cox and Daniel Silver, have always taken pleasure in showcasing what the writer Grace Paley once termed New York’s “gorgeous chromatic dispersion.” But why not take this as a signal of change?

One welcome effect — should that change occur and should fashion magazines and advertising agencies and designers suddenly decide to remove the Whites Only sign — would be a boost in employment for all sorts of homegrown talent.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg likes to point out that the fashion business supports more than 175,000 jobs in the city and generates some $10 billion in wages. Presumably some of those jobs go to people from the Mysterious Outer Boroughs, although you’d never guess it based on the stuff that sometimes emerges from the mouths of fashion folk.

Was the designer who recently told me she could never quite figure out where Queens is kidding? She was not. “I know it’s out there somewhere,” she said. It must be, she added. It says Queens right there on the taxi map.

Mr. Sutton grew up in a neighborhood on the border of Brooklyn and Queens, a place where the prospect of finding work in the modeling business — where a successful 19-year-old can pull down more in a good year than most mid-career doctors do— never even came up. And it never would have if an agent hadn’t spotted the handsome young man, who is half African American and half Portuguese, hauling bags of ice on his catering job.

The same is true of Courtney Taylor, 20, who recently starred in a Dior Homme campaign, and of Dominique Hollington, a 19-year-old from the Grant Houses housing projects in Harlem, who was scouted while buying a pair of Nike Sharks at a store on 125th Street.

“I never ever thought I’d be in Milan and Paris,” remarked Mr. Taylor, who had previously had in mind a basketball career that “didn’t work out.”

Growing up in the Grant Houses, Mr. Hollington said, “I didn’t think much about modeling.” He had never heard of Versace or Jean Paul Gaultier or Giuliano Fujiwara, to name three runway shows for which he was recently in Europe. For that matter, it had not seemed to him very likely that his work life would include regular trips to Italy and France.

“Fashion shows have basically been Caucasian for a while,” Mr. Sutton said. “I feel like that’s going to change now.” He added: “I’m not really a black model, I’m a model. I just love putting on the clothes and jumping into the character.”

As Mr. Sutton spoke, a producer called, “First looks” and then herded all the models toward the backstage catwalk entrance. Setting down his plastic glass of Prosecco — Shhhh! Under-age drinking backstage at a fashion show? Shock-horror!— Mr. Sutton looked around at a lineup that was black and Asian and white and Latino and Native American in something like the proportions one sees every day on the subway, yet almost never at fashion shows.

“Maybe having a black president will make the fashion industry be a little bit more about reality” he said.

Fashionwars

New York Fashion Wars Spring 2009 has begun. Visit Fashion Wars each day throughout Fashion Week and vote for your favorite designers. We'll be adding new designers every day and announcing the winners and losers after fashion week. See who's Sold Out and Bargain Basement.

It's that time of year again. ZOOZOOM brings you our biannual extravaganza of enormous images from New York Fashion Week. We'll be reviewing daily so look out for old faves and new raves for Sp'I am not afraid...I was born to do this.' - Joan of Arc

Everyone loves a drama, and The Blonds are no exception. The Blonds say their Fall 2008 collection was inspired by the urban fairytale. While we at ZOOZOOM share the same tendency of city-centrism, something about the intricate theatrics of the Blond's Fall garments reminded us less of New York and LA, and more of the bittersweet saga of Joan of Arc. What's more dramatic than the divine 15th century saint who rescued her country only to be burned at the stake? The Blonds might not be quite as tragic, but their drama does soar close to the sun. Flesh-colored Swarovski-crystal encrusted body suit, anyone
ring 2009Some people say there are rules of 'appropriateness' regarding one's choice of attire during specific times of day. I suppose the same could be said about specific times of one's life, though I'm sure Iris Apfel would disagree

Top 10 Eco Fashion Tweeters + 1

We found this collection of the most followed eco fashion hounds on Twitter to be quite fascinating. We are super excited to see many of our favorite bloggers listed! We’re not quite sure how they missed Greenloop on Twitter, since we have so many followers along with excellent eco fashion content. Hmmmm….Well, make sure to follow us on Twitter so that this sort of blunder doesn’t happen again.

1. TreeHugger leads the pack of Green Fashion Tweeters with 29,172 followers. Although they are a comprehensive source for all things green, there is plenty to learn about eco-fashion when you head over to their website www.treehugger.com and click on Fashion & Beauty. Here is where you will find 7 Reasons Why You Should Care About Sustainable Fashion and 5 Back to School DIY Projects to Get You to the Head of Class in Eco-Style. My favorite idea is to host a clothing swap with your friends. Get new clothes and accessories without spending money. That is my idea of modern economics! www.treehugger.com is doing their part to help guys who want to look good by providing an excellent Men’s Green Fashion Guide.

NEW FACE OF CROYDON VISION 2020

Croydon are in the middle of a Facelift project Croydon Vision 2020 that started in 2003 and expected to go until conclusion in 2020. Part of this project is to change the tired look of an out of date style that Croydon has adapted since the end of the Second World War.

With the evolutionary changes happening, closures of shops and estate buildings, in place are drafted ideas of architects that want to adopt the scenery as from Barcelona.

There are companies, organisations that want to improve the area of Croydon and so are looking for grants, support, concessionary rates to help organically grow the new face of Croydon. Once such organisation is Fashion Capital UK fashion portal. So what is Fashion Capital all about?

Fashion Capital aims to provide a one-stop online support resource for all areas of the Clothing and Fashion industry. Established in 2001 Fashion Capital has a wealth of expertise to provide all users a unique insight into the fashion industry. A dedicated team of experts are here to support you and your business at every stage of its development.

Fashion Capital combined with Fashion Enter in September 2006 to ensure a full offer of complete business support is now available.

Fashion Enter has a network of boutiques, the fashion event Profile, an agency Representing, PR Dispensary Service and allows members to have on going mentoring and business advice sessions. The amalgamation of the two businesses has provided one of the most powerful forces in fashion today.
Jenny Holloway has been working in the fashion industry for over twenty five years mostly in the private sector. Initially she was a buyer for Littlewoods, M&S and Principles for Women before opening her own label Retro.

For almost ten years Jenny was Director of her successful business Retro UK Ltd which included retail boutiques, party plan, wholesaling to major retailers such as John Lewis, Principles and independents. Retro UK also had an excellent export business with key accounts in the Middle East and Europe.

In 2000 Jenny commenced a consultancy business and was approached to be an Industry Advisor on Government funded initiatives. In March 06 Jenny incorporated Fashion Enter Ltd.

WOMEN FASHION AND BEAUTY TIPS

I have recently been to the Clothes Show London ExCel, where the feedback was overwhelmingly in favour of plus size women.
We had on display a lot of Boutique clothing which in description are one off designs, contemporary classics with a “twist”.
Many of the clothing were sparkling with Swarovski stones that added glamour to our outfits. Many women visited and all they could see was size 12 – 14.
The answers we got after a fairly long browse was “do you have this in larger sizes”, you know the answer to that, a disappointing NO. We had colour, style, but not the right size.
After the Clothes Show we decided to do some plus size pieces. There are many women out there who for me drive a vanity and style that’s missing amongst others.
I don’t understand why other stores and manufactures advertise plus size and the fact that they have large supplies of clothing.
But to the disappointment to a lot of ladies, what is offered is a load of drab looking lifeless coloured clothes.
For some reason when it comes to plus size, that maybe the case but where there are large sizes, there are less variety. When your choices are between beige and dark beige, you know you're in a plus sized store.
“I learnt a lot about the challenges faced by plus size women when it comes to lack of variety”.
I know there are many women who see clothes in the mainstream that they like, but for some reason, they left out the creativity for plus sizes and ingeniously created the dullest creation of clothes, making it either a one size fits all or confusion to max with the size coding.
It’s about time Boutiques like us should break from the pack and create something a bit special, a bit daring, full of life with pastel colours, but most of all the Avant-Garde of all plus size clothes, to compliment one body.
Can you comment on the above as your input is important to know that we will be producing the right style and feel to the garments that we want to create.
This can only be achieved by learning from your comments whether they are negative or positive as they matter very much.

THE FASHION RESEARCH GROUP

Founded in 2003 and drawn from the departments of Classical Studies, English, French, and Modern Languages and Literatures at The University of Western Ontario, the Fashion Research Group is dedicated to exploring scholarly aspects of Fashion. The members of the research group work on Fashion from a variety of interdisplinary perspectives and cover such diverse topics as representations of fashion, fashion theory, image-text relations, self-fashioning, discourse theory, the history of fashion, and fashion and fiction. Fashion embodies a limitless potential for communication. This potential of fashion has been examined in the fields of cultural studies, art history, literary criticism, anthropology, fashion history, media studies, gender studies, folklore studies and sociology.
Regular meetings once a month discuss current scholarship on Fashion. A yearly workshop gives members the opportunity to present current research and interact with an invited guest speaker.

For more information or to be put on our mailing list, contact Angela Borchert (Modern Languages and Literatures) or Kelly Olson (Classical Studies).

Sexy pregnancy fashion: Maternity lingerie, beauty tips and more

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we have rounded up all of our favorite sexy maternity lingerie and beauty tips to keep you looking like a red hot momma!

Tips on finding sexy maternity clothes: Find out how to find flirty fashions and bonus beauty tips to keep you looking sexy on Valentine’s Day — and every day!

Where to find sexy maternity lingerie: Think sexy lingerie is only for the non-pregnant set? Think again! Check out our pick of the top online stores to find the hottest maternity lingerie.

Dress to flatter your pregnancy cleavage: Find out the best way to highlight one of your best assets — your fuller pregnancy cleavage.

How to get glowing pregnancy skin, not greasy shine: Find out beauty tips to give you that mom-to-be glow, without the shine.

How to dress to flaunt your baby bump: Get tips on finding clothes that best flatter your pregnancy curves.

Modeling Links To Some Of Our Favorite Sites

Stop back and visit often as we will be adding more sites with information on photography, fashion, beauty tips and health and fitness.

When we find sites we love we will add them here.

If you have fashion related sites that you enjoy - visit us on our contact page and send us a message and tell A comprehensive guide to finding the perfect pair of jeans. Emphasis is placed on understanding the difference between fit, cut, style, washes and the best fit for a specific body type.
us about it
What you wanted to know about fashion modeling and beauty. Provides information to help you learn more about fasthe quiet center of your life through pampering and treating yourself well. Featuring, short haircuts, inverted bob hairstyles, and a beautiful Hair Styles Galleryhion, make up tips, modeling and so much more.
Unique beauty secrets and make-up tips from a beauty consultant. The site also focuses on how to look good on photos, how to stand out and get the attention you deserve.

Celebrity Secrets
Celebrity Beauty Secret Goldmine
Discover what celebrities and models are doing and buying to look beautiful. Here you will find great tips for your body, makeup, nails, skin, style, and weightloss!
Photography
Top photography schools


All Things Photography
Inspiring and helpful photography tips on everyday subjects, including Photoshop, with example photographs.

Child Model Links
Whispering Baby Names
Find the perfect name for your new baby, featuring the top 100 baby names, baby names and meanings, baby footprint and handprint poems whispering-Baby-Names.
Fun Stuff
View your photo or a model with thousands of hairstyles and color combinations that suit your face, including short, bridal, men's, celebrity and everyday hairstyles.

The place to swap or shop music.

AssociatePrograms.com - affiliate program directory

Jimmy-choo-aids-awareness-campaign-you-your-shoe-

Just had word from the lovely team over at Project PEP who are running a fantastic new Jimmy Choo campaign to raise awareness for AIDs that I just had to share and help spread the word for.

Jimmy Choo has designed a limited edition collection in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and will be donating 25% of net sales to the Simelela Rape Centre in South Africa. The money goes towards providing a HIV-preventative treatment called PEP, and counselling to victims of rape. In conjunction with this, they have also launched a photo competition, in which anyone can enter a photo inspired by the theme ‘You, your shoe, and 72′ for the chance to win the first prize of 7 pairs of Jimmy Choo shoes and 2 handbags, plus over 100 exclusive Jimmy Choo prizes.

If you’re interested, go over and have a look at some of the images thus far. Theres some really creative and talented entries, no doubt due to the news that if you enter before the 26th October you’ll be shortlisted for an exhibition at the celebrity launch event at Selfridges London on 29th October. Tamara Mellon will launch the ‘PEP-Up Shop’ that night, which will display the Project PEP collection and the selected photo entries for 72 hours thereafter. If you don’t manage to think of an idea before then, don’t fret, as you still have until the 7th of December to enter your photo.
Missing Paris fashion week? Fear not fashionistas, because if your name somehow got left off the invite like ours did (sob) our favourite Alexander McQueen will be wowing audiences WORLDWIDE tomorrow night as he streams his Spring Summer 2010 designer fashion show live. Who needs to be sat in the front row of a fashion show when we can get up close and personal from the comfort of our own home?

Alexander McQueen, in collaboration with Nick Knights’ ShowStudio.com and supported by IMG, will deliver the collection, entitled Plato’s Atlantis, LIVE from the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy on October 6 in a ground-breaking online show. Tune in at 8:15pm Paris time to catch an exclusive Alexander McQueen interview with Nick Knight at

Fashion Week Beauty: What You Can Wear NOW

The trouble with fashion week being seasons ahead is that you can get prematurely excited about certain trends that just don't make sense for the season you are in. The good thing is that you can start preparing for whats next; planning and budgeting to make the right additions to your wardrobe. The same idea applies to fashion week beauty trends, you can make plans for a new haircut and start a list of items you want to buy. In the meantime you can also incorporate some of the newest trends into your current routine without looking like you woke up in the wrong season.

Take this minimalist look from the Chris Benz show: between the perfectly toussled hair, blushed cheeks, and matte skin with the absolutely to-die-for lip shade (a Lancôme limited edition, more details to come), this look is effortless and timeless. You probably have most of what you need to get the look: a light cream blush and a translucent powder to eliminate shine, couple coats of mascara and some beach spray or texturizer for the hair.

FASHION

Either way you look at it, the fashion and beauty industry inspire us. With fashions form and grace, and the high couture of the runway - which enters our local fashion boutique. Or from this years gorgeous face of Estee Lauder beauty cosmetics, that grace the covers of Vogue. Fashion and beauty commands our daily lives with enjoyment. Even to our written word of it! “What’s hot!” and “What’s not!”. “What’s new?” to “What’s old?”. Fashion has taken decades of journeys, and within that we have found the inspiration to take care of ourselves a little more! We are inspired to walk that journey of fashion, style and beauty.

So if fashion and beauty inspires you too! Than talk about it! If you love to write then enter the Alltel “Words of Wisdom” Contest. And seek the fashionista ‘word smith’ within!

exposingfashion & design

First, there’s Ernesto Malinis. Ernesto is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Photography Program. His focus is environmental portraiture and editorial photography. Ernesto is quiet, I find him very hard to read sometimes – maybe getting him to write for this series will allow us to read him a little better.

Then there’s Lauren Schneider. Lauren just graduated from Fordham University with a BFA in Theatre Performance. An interesting fact about Lauren – she was living in Louisiana and going to LSU when Katrina hit. Her family moved to Texas and then to Africa shortly after. Of course, they left her behind in New York City to pursue her educational dreams, but she still seems to have an amazing portfolio of photography from Africa (maybe she’ll invite me on her next trip there) and an inspiring portfolio of her work from a return trip to New Orleans.

And, last but not least, there’s Curtis Reese Brown. This guy’s a character and always has something funny to say (though we don’t always think it’s so funny). He’s also quite obsessed with his hair but we’re still not sure why, as you can see in the picture he doesn’t have much. He also just got a job at Apple – we love Apple Geeks at the studio!

stylehive which-emmy-awards-attendee-made-the-most-of-the-matte-makeup-trend

which-emmy-awards-attendee-made-the-most-of-the-matte-makeup-trendWhen the phrase "award show" is mentioned, things that usually come to mind in the realm of beauty are "dramatic," "high-impact" and "come-hither." You think plump red lips, rosy cheeks, heavy eyeliner, fluttering lashes... Okay, maybe I'm thinking Old Hollywood, but still, the stereotype is often still expected on big-night red carpet events like the Emmys. However, a celeb photo hound like myself couldn't help but notice the prevalence of neutral matte lips at last Sunday's fete, from drama queen January Jones' semi-sheer coral hue to funny gal Alyson Hannigan's peachy nude. Who knew that understated barely-there shades would be the key to shaking things up on TV's biggest night? Whether these downplayed lip shades served to help balance other features like Mila Kunis' smoky eyes, or simply matched an overall style like Kim Kardashian's sexy ice princess look, these TV sirens proved you don't need bold color or high shine to be a winner in our beauty book! Vote below on who you think looked best in her matte lipcolor.

Gold Rush

I adore the colour gold for its sexy sheen and glittery glamour.

And it’s the defining colour of this season. For those brave enough, of course!

Women, I’ve noticed, shy away from this shade for various reasons. Too bright. Too flashy. Too scary. Or too in-your-face. But it’s perfect for a touch of shimmer for eyes, lips, and nails.

You may also be surprised to know, this is one hue that suits every skin tone. If your skin is lighter, just dust on a slight shimmer of gold, and you’ll see a glow light up your face. If you are olive-toned or dark, go for depth in deep intensity, for a smouldering look.

For those who are a little wary, learn to gradually introduce this colour to your beauty routine. You could begin with your nails. In tune with the fashion trend, O.P.I’s Night Brights offer a metallic combination of non-stop glamour, perfect for forays after the sunset.

Ebony Fashion Fair Presents Glam Odyssey: A Fashion Journey Into Bliss & Beyond

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - The world’s largest traveling fashion show returns to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) on Wednesday, October 17, at 8 p.m. in the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts. The event is sponsored by the Princess Anne Chapter of the Links, Inc., in support of an endowed fund established by the organization to reward and assist those in financial need who have demonstrated academic success as UMES undergraduate students and who have engaged in university and community service and leadership.

Ebony Fashion Fair will bring fabulous to fashion followers everywhere with GLAM ODYSSEY: A Fashion Journey Into Bliss & Beyond! This highly anticipated 50th anniversary show is fierce and features the hottest designs the fashion industry has to offer. Ticket holders will witness glamour redefined while taking an unforgettable journey through five decades of fashion.

GLAM ODYSSEY began September 12th in suburban Chicago and will light up runways in more than 180 cities in the U.S., Canada, Bermuda and Jamaica through May 2008.

Thirteen models embodying a variety of shades and shapes will don the latest styles by world famous designers including Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, Carolina Herrera, Bill Blass and Jean Louis Scherrer. Each ticket includes a choice of a one-year subscription to EBONY magazine or a six-month subscription to JET magazine. In addition, ticket holders will have a chance to win fabulous door prizes such as round trip air transportation for two to any destination served by American Airlines or American Eagle in the domestic U.S. 49 states and a 2008 Ford Edge by FORD Motor Company. Ticket holders can also have a chance to win products from the No. 1 cosmetic company in the world for women of color, Fashion Fair Cosmetics.

New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2006 [The ZOO

The showing of J. Mendel's Spring 06 collection was nothing short of pure luxury. Gorgeous silhouettes that were reminiscent of something Grace Kelly may have worn, equally as opulant and stylish. The colors were cool icy blues, bone, taupes and delicate splashes of congnac and steely-aquamarine. It was beautiful. There were touches of fur trim here and there, but what really stuck in my mind where the beautifully cut evening wear and cocktail dresses. They were so lovely and delicate, yet due to the unfinished edges, they were not overy girly. These were made for a real woman and you could imagine seeing any one of them at a gala benefit or red carpet. No hip groove thing here, just solid, beautiful , gorgeous clothes for a woman of substance, not trends. [Kelley Quan]

FASHION

SparkLab is a body of DIY projects that investigate between culture, technology and craft. It encourages a new methodology for assembling electronic circuitry which merges sewing techniques with electronics. Wires are substituted for conductive thread, snaps for solder joints and connection points, and everyday silk organza is used as the conductive medium. The DIY projects range from wearab... [More Details]

This workshop consists of lecture and hand-on laboratory components, each lasting 90 minutes. We'll guide you through an introduction to hardware hacking, explore the basic electronics fundamentals and common test equipment, and then dive into the step-by-step processes of successful circuit modifications and hardware hacking. Whether you're a beginner hobbyist with no electronics experience or a ...

Fashion at India Fashion Week

NEW DELHI: India’s biggest fashion event started on a dark note in New Delhi with designers using the global recession and emotional depression to set a sombre trend for their autumn/winter collections.

Models draped in black, grey and deep purple sashayed down the catwalk at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, a five-day event in which 103 designers vie for the attention of 175 domestic and international buyers.

“We are in the heart of recession, and it’s fashionable,” said designer Kiran Uttam Ghosh, whose “Frugality is the new Black” collection was inspired by the global downturn.

“I’ve combined high-street cheap leggings with luxe jackets, T-shirts with luxury shawls,” she said. “You can be frugal, sensible, spend less and yet you can be fashionable.”

Designer Nitin Bal Chauhan’s “Condition Apply Part II” showed the underbelly of fast urban life, especially in India’s capital, in a follow-up to an earlier collection.

Models acted out themes such as vanity, divorce and depression on stage wearing predominantly grey pleated dresses, trousers and skirts.

“It’s inspired by the urban life, the flip side of urban life far removed from the glowing city life,” said Chauhan, who added he is influenced by TV and newspaper stories of urban misery.

Models wore headgear made from junk such as spectacles, which the designer said represented lonely senior citizens left behind in a bustling city, or a study lamp, in reference to students who commit suicide because of work and social pressures.

The show ended with a masked robber strangling a model sitting on a rocking chair.

Chauhan also wove gloom from the recession, which has dented India’s recent economic boom, into the designs.

“If you look at my shirts, they are asymmetric, and parts of the shirt is missing. Part of the cuff is missing, part of the collar is missing, so recession will definitely have an impact on my collection,” he said.

“All my headgear are made of junk,” Chauhan added. “In times of recession things that you put aside certainly hold meaning.”

fashion-cliched-but-watch-it-for-priyanka

Fashion is suddenly a huge part of our lives. Models, fashion shows, haute couture, prêt and wardrobe malfunctions are dominating news headlines and beauty contests are springing up even in small towns across India.

“Fashion”, which makes an attempt to take a long hard look at the world of fashion, with its pressures and pitfalls, is a topical film.

Priyanka Chopra plays the part many girls must be living out at this very moment — a small-town girl who wants to make it big as a model. She rebels against her parents and comes to Mumbai.

She makes the rounds of auditions, parties and photographers, gradually realising the fashion world was not as glamorous as she imagined.

But her ambition is far too strong to let her take notice of these minor glitches. She is determined to make it big. Along the way, she makes friends with Rohit, a designer’s assistant and Janet a small-time model.

She also falls in love with a fellow struggling model, but the relationship can’t stand the pressures of their careers. Her big moment comes when she catches the eye of Abhijeet Sarin, the owner of a big fashion brand. She moves to the top league but loses out on friends along the way.

Director Bhandarkar has his intentions in the right place and from the first few frames, I thought I’d get to see a hard hitting, no holds barred look at the world of fashion. What I did get though was a whole lot of clichés and a predictable storyline. includes a whole lot of subplots, introduces a whole lot of characters, but unfortunately, tells us nothing new.

There is the mandatory gay , the model taking drugs , the socialites, the businessmen, the front row elite, the photographers — but the film just seems to skim the surface. There is none of the impact that and “Page 3” had.

How I wish Bhandarkar had given us a glimpse of the mind of a model — the pressure to look good, the crazy working hours, and the politics, rather than just telling us it exists. I wish he had made a much more honest film, merely because Priyanka Chopra deserved one.

As , the protagonist, she is at once innocent, ambitious, in love, angry, jealous, arrogant, and defeated — delivering each emotion with such intensity you feel for her at all times.

This performance has awards written all over it. I wish it had been backed by a more rounded script — that would have been the icing on the cake.

— she plays the violent, — but what is it with her and crazy, suicidal roles? I’d like to see her in a “nice” film for a change, in which no knives or drugs are involved.

The rest of the cast is competent enough, except for Arbaaz Khan as Abhijeet Sarin, who has one single expression throughout. Watch “Fashion” for Priyanka Chopra, otherwise, this one has nothing new to offer.

The Red Queen Color Theory

The diversity of cultures and personal values is merely part of the backdrop. At the fore is an individual struggle to stand out, to decorate and adorn so as to maximize appeal. Appeal to whom and for what are different subjects. But undeniably, fashion is about showing off.
Seeking great color for a website is also a Red-Queen race. It's about standing out among numerous others vying for user attention. Color that's effective on one popular site is usually avoided on others.

Color theory is merely the backdrop. At the fore is individual ability to come up with colors that appear to be associated with skill and value.

Undeniably, color choice for a website (beyond the rare application of color-as-information) is about showing off.

People show off in many ways besides clothing of course; wit, altruism, aggressiveness, conspicuous consumption, righteousness, savvy, nonconformism, unconventional ideas, and e-zine articles to name a few. A website shows off in a lot of ways other than its choice of colors, usually by using the following techniques: difficult graphics effects, tricky animations, catchy background midi's, sarcasm, outrage, righteous indignation, unconventional layout, trash compaction, smiling nubility, smarmy platitudes, obsequiousness toward customers.

If you decide it's important for your site to make a great impression, and you choose to show off with color, I have a few suggestions.

The color game, like the fashion game, has two facets: the judgment and the struggle. The judgment is a quick opinion, an impression. The struggle is to make a good impression, or--and this is key--to make a better impression than others are making

my latest Portfolio Additions!

Hi, I'm Renie, and welcome to my site. I'm a professional fashion illustrator and designer based in New York City. I've been a fashion illustrator for over 20 years. Earlier in my career I studied alongside the best and the brightest. I work with clients from all around the world.

You can always find my latest portfolio additions by clicking Here!

I've created this site to showcase my work, generate new business, and provide my professional credentials.

If you need a fashion illustrator or are in need of fashion design, I'm your gal :) You can email me or call me directly at my NYC studio at 212-831-1246 and let's discuss your requirements. You'll also find that my rates are very reasonable!


Hoping everyone the best

Top beauty tips that won't break the bank

The credit crunch is giving us all wrinkles with worry, but there are still ways to help keep the years at bay and feel good without breaking the bank.

n Soak a clean face cloth in cold milk and place it over your face for 10 minutes. Milk contains proteins, fat, amino acids and vitamin A -- all of which reduce redness and calm irritated skin. The lactic acid in milk exfoliates, so skin looks soft and glowing.

n Brighten your smile -- brush with a paste made of baking soda and water a few times a month to remove superficial staining. The graininess neutralises stains and polishes teeth.

n To sidestep stains when drinking red wine, follow your glass of indulgence with a handful of crunchy raw vegetables. They have a brushing action that can rub away fresh stains.

n Lipstick colours with blue undertones make teeth appear brighter. To figure out which of your lipsticks fit the bill, line up three or four shades and compare with one other. It will be more obvious which are blue-based and which have yellow or gold undertones, which bring out the yellow in teeth.

n If your hands are feeling dry, mash a banana until it is of puree consistency and mix it with a tablespoon of butter. Rub it on and if you have a pair of cotton gloves leave it to soak in overnight.

n A good foot soak can be had by putting four leaves of lettuce into a bowl of lukewarm water.

n To add a shine to hair, mix some salt with your regular shampoo.

n Dry your hair upside down to build volume. When you blow-dry, work a palmful of inexpensive mousse from your roots through to the ends, then flip your head over and dry your hair away from the scalp. Hair should be barely damp before you flip it back up and style it.

shopittome with-farnoosh-torabi-from-new-show-bank-of-mom-and-dad

First, a bit about “Bank of Mom and Dad”. The premise? The ten-episode show takes money-struggling young women in their 20s and 30s, and provides them with a financial coach to help them on the road to becoming debt-free. The girls must face their parents moving in for a week to help control their overspending, who along with Money Coach Farnoosh Torabi, help to curb the gals’ bad habits. Each week, the girls must face a harsh reality check as their parents move in and each penny they spend is scrutinized. It’s airing at 10-11pm Wednesday nights on SOAPnet — we’re off to set our Tivos now to ensure we capture every single episode…hopefully we’ll learn a thing or two!!

Tonight’s episode:

As an added plus, tonight’s episode (10/7), even has a fun style/fashion component to it! It highlights Danielle, a 27-year-old wife, mother and aspiring fashion designer in Hartford, CT. Her $40,000 debt is taking its toll on her dream of having her own design business, while still hoping to provide a stable future for her family. She spends money she doesn’t have on wigs, beauty products and fast food while student loans, car loans, parking tickets, medical bills and bills pile up. With the help of money coach Farnoosh Torabi, Danielle’s mom Natalie and stepdad Fred move in to help get Danielle’s priorities straight. (SOAPnet/MARK BRENDEL)