Bridal Dresses - For The Better or for The Worse

Filed in The Fashion Category Wedding Fashion

By Sarrah Beaumont

Women become fairytale princesses during their wedding. They are dressed in expensive fabrics, damask, silk, velvet, satin, and cloth creatively spun with silver and gold thread or beaded with crystals and semi-precious stones. The bridal dress becomes a feast for the eyes, and rightfully so.

The Early Bridal Dress

The early wedding dress was not white. The early brides wore their best dress, something they could wear again and again. In those days, only royalty and the very rich wore the beautiful bridal dress replete with jewelry from the family vaults. The purpose was to impress the groom’s family with the bride’s wealth and connections.

When Queen Victoria of England married her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, her wedding dress changed the way women looked at wedding dresses. The Queen’s bridal dress started it all. Women began adorning themselves with veils and started to wear long gowns.

The moneyed class wore expensive dresses cut out from the best cloths and designed by famous European couturiers. Today, the best wedding gowns reflect the custom-made elegance of old world fashion and modern sleek lines. Fortunately, for today’s brides, wedding dress can be rented or bought on sale off the rack.

European Couture and Glamour

Paris and Milan are the strongholds of European fashion. Their influence on fashion has extended from casual chic to wedding day finery. The exquisite designs from European couturiers make the creamiest of silks and the finest of tulles the most-sought after gowns worldwide.

Local designers have successfully wedded European class with present-day glamour and classic lines with flamboyant tastes. As such, there is always a wedding dress for every taste.

Choosing the Bridal Gown

Consider the following before you pick out your wedding gown:

* Type of wedding (formal, semi-formal, and informal)

* Design and cut to flatter the figure

* Accessories

* Budget

There is no hard and fast rule that the bride should shoulder the cost of the bridal dress. If you are splitting the expense, discuss the details and possible issues surrounding the choice of wedding theme and bridal gown. You might decide to spend less on the gown so you can splurge on a honeymoon.

But it is important to start choosing a wedding gown the moment you are officially engaged. The budget for the wedding gown should be determined as early as this point, and choosing the gown to fit into your wedding theme becomes a quest.

Designs and prices have to be compared before you can settle on the best deal. Other considerations are pricing for custom-made gowns, alterations or modifications, and discounts if the bridesmaids’ dresses and veils, crinolines, and jewelry are ordered from the same shop.

Choosing the Bridesmaids’ Dresses

Like your bridal gown, the selection of the dresses for your bridesmaids should be made early on to accommodate alterations and modifications. It is, however, strongly advised that bridesmaids should not wear identical gowns, though they can wear the same color for their bridesmaids’ frocks.

Since the bridesmaids are your friends, always ask their opinions about the gowns you’re going to get for them and let them make the final selection. If they want something beyond your budget, they can offer pay for the excess. Like your bridal dress, your bridesmaids’ dresses will always be remembered, for better or for worse.

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Underwear Lines Matter!

Filed in The Fashion Category Lingerie

By Ronda Flannery

There are so many beautiful women out there of all skin types, tones & sizes. We each have our own individuality that makes us unique. Some are good at business, some at baking, others at charity, maybe, and then you have those who focus in on fashion and creativity. But regardless of what you do, we all have an image to uphold, and hopefully, we all have a life outside of ‘what we do’ where our appearance matters, as well.

So, where I am going with all this? Well, if you are going to take the time to look the part for any event, whether it is work, play or a date, please consider all the essentials, and don’t leave out ANYTHING, including what goes on under that fabulous outfit you’re going to wear!

Picture it, she has on a dress that is a perfect color for her skin tone, her make-up is just right, and ‘Oh!’ look at that hair! Then you notice her great shoes and that nice pair of earrings she’s wearing… but then, all of a sudden, as you’re discreetly looking at her and thinking how nice she looks… you focus in on that bulge right around her waistline! How could that be?!? She looks incredible from head to toe, but she forgot about her underclothes?

Oh, poor thing… It’s when I see this happen that I want to go over to her and say, ‘Honey, did you know…, and ‘Let me help you…’. It’s very simple, really, and here are some tips:

• If you are wearing a dress that clings to your body and you must wear hose, then ditch the underwear and wear ONLY hose. The hose should come high enough so there are absolutely NO roles hanging over that you can see. If there are, the hose should be pulled up higher until they completely cover and hold in the roles (sometimes as high as right under your breasts is required). Control top hose are awesome for smoothing and contouring, like the ones offered by Victoria’s Secret and Leggs.

• If you’re going the no hose route with a dress, then wear a pair of underwear that are either ‘barely’ there, or cover all. If they’re ‘barely there’, then please make sure they fit and the waistband is not too tight (again, avoid the bulge attack!). I recommend thongs or g-strings. I know that if you’ve never ventured into the thong arena that you might be thinking ‘how uncomfortable’, but quite the contrary in my opinion, and seems how they’ve been on the market for a while, then I’m not alone!

• If you are going with the cover all option under that dress, then again, please make sure the waist band is high enough to smooth out all lines and eliminate all bulge. The seat should also come low enough to minimize any lines from behind. Some may refer to these as ‘granny panties’ but they look much better under dresses and dress pants, and they have more support to hold you in! If you’re too concerned about your date seeing them, then be sure to have a sexy pair in your purse to throw on after you’re out of the public view! Or, there are a lot of sexy full coverage options nowadays.

• I don’t recommend it, but if you insist on wearing both panties and hose, then please be sure that the waistband of both line up together (to avoid an extra bulge) and all the same rules above apply.

• Some great tips for avoiding panty lines under dress pants include the ‘granny panty’ advice above in addition to smoothing undergarments, like products made by Spanx. These often have a wide waste band and are long enough that there are no lines to be seen whatsoever. They’re even comfortable and often help you lose an inch or two! Bonus!

• I wouldn’t be covering all the bases if I didn’t slip something in here about slips under skirts and dresses. Basically, all the same rules apply to wearing slips; make sure the waistband lines up with the waistband of the hose and/or panties, ensure that it’s pulled up high enough to minimize any bulge, and please ensure that the slip is smooth and seamless under your dress or skirt. Slips can be great when worn correctly, as there are several styles to hold in the tummy and slim down the thighs. Again, bonus!

• If you feel like living a bit dangerously, a good way to minimize panty lines under dress pants is to not wear any! And now, there’s a great product called ‘Nundies’ for you to place in your pants to provide a barrier when you do summon up the courage to go commando. Be free!

• And finally, be sure to take a good look in the mirror before you walk out the door for any occasion!

If you follow the advice above, then you’ll look smoother, thinner, be more comfortable and hopefully, feel more confident! You have to admit, they’re pretty simple pointers to remember and live by. Some great brands of hose and underwear are below. Remember, what goes on under those clothes can make or break the outfit!

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Hairstyles For Women Over Thirty

Filed in The Fashion Category Hairstyles

By Terry Glass

Hairstyles for the woman on the go range from coloured hairstyles, Italian haircut for the modern woman, haircuts for the older woman and new hairstyles for women set by today’s fashion trends and modelling houses. The woman living life in her thirties truly becomes a trend setter when it comes to the fashionable hair style that she desires.

The 30’s woman is often full of activity working in her career, managing a business or operation of a very busy household with demanding teenagers and time schedules.

Through the ages of twenty to forty the woman is settling into and progressing through life with her career and the growth of her family.

It is for this reason that the 30’s woman chooses a hairstyle that will fit in with her demanding schedule that suits her lifestyle. Her hairstyle needs to be suitable for work and socialising with her peers and friends.

The 30’s woman will often choose a shorter style of hair as opposed to the high maintenance of longer hair and the demands on the woman’s time to maintain her long hair style. At times when a woman enters her 30’s she will find that her hair is thinning and starting to take on grey roots where they once did not appear.

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.

The main reason why a woman in her 30’s prefers a shorter style haircut comes down to time management, easier to maintain and more cost effective then longer hairstyles.

When considering your hairstyle take into account the shape of your face and the colour of your skin. Not only that but it is an unfortunate stage of life where you may have some middle age spread that might be accentuated by one style of haircut. Speaking with your friends and asking them their opinion will help you to narrow down the style of haircut you will choose.

Always remember to cut out some photos of the hairstyle you choose of other woman over 30 hair styles as well as the colour you would like your hair so you can discuss it with your hairstylist.

New hairstyles for women are evolving all the time and with a bit of patience and the right approach you can be a leader of new hairstyle trends yourself.

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Simple Techniques To Master Eye Makeup Basics

Filed in The Fashion Category Cosmetics

By Kim Snyder

Many women seem afraid to experiment with eye makeup feeling its too complicated and time consuming. They have that why bother attitude because they feel their all natural look is best. This can be true at times but when a well polished woman using correct eye makeup steals your job promotion right out from under your nose, you may want to take a second look at using eye makeup.

With practice and the right colors and tools you should be able to put your eye makeup on in less than 10 minutes in the morning. It comes down to the message you want to portray. With as little of just mascara and lip gloss or full face it all depends on you.

With everything out there to day it can be more than intimidating in amount of eye makeup to pick from.

Here are some eye makeup guide lines to think about..

Do you ignore your eyebrows?

Or are you one that tends to over pluck them? Your eyebrows are a very important part of giving a good impression. They provide a balanced look to your whole face. For perfectly groomed eyebrows in an instant try this neat trick.

Comb through them with brush, a old toothbrush will work for this. Comb the hairs upwards and outwards. This will help open up your eyes. You can keep them in place by lightly applying a clear gel. If you are not sure what is the best way your eyebrows should look, visit a professional. She will be able to guide you by showing the correct way to pluck and shape your brows to work with your face.

Ever Thought about using eyeliner?

Eyeliner can be applied to flatter all eye shapes and sizes. It comes in 3 types, liquid, cake and pencil. Liquid eyeliner is the hardest to master because it takes a steady hand to do it.

Cake eyeliner is applied wet using a eyeliner brush. Pencil is just that a pencil. Eyeliner should be applied after your eye shadow and before your mascara. The easiest and most effective way to add extra emphasis to your look is to use a pencil. Carefully draw a soft line, keeping close to your upper lashes then repeat under your lower lashes. Smudge with your finger tips to draw attention to your eyes not your eyeliner.

Do you wear mascara? And if you don’t, why not?

Mascara creates a flattering fringe to your eyes. Even more so if you have blond lashes. Black is the most common color used but mascara also comes in brown, brown-black, and navy. There are products today, Magic Lash for example that helps you further enhance your eyelashes. It’s applied after your first coast of mascara. You apply Magic Lash then a second coat of mascara. For those of us who can’t afford eyelash extensions it’s a God send. It might be something you want to look into

How many eye shadow colors or types do you own?

Eye shadows come in a mass variety of colors and types. You have mineral eye shadows, pressed powder, cream, sticks, and liquid. Pressed powder eye shadows are the most popular. Today there are many who prefer mineral eye shadows because its naturally made. Pressed and mineral eye shadows are easy to apply using just a makeup brush. You can build on the color of choice from barely there to dramatic. It can also be used as eyeliner if you wish. Cream eye shadows are oil-based and a good choice for dry or older skin that needs extra moisturizing.

Stick eye shadows you have to be careful they aren’t dry. They need to have a creamy texture to them so they don’t drag on your eye lid. Liquid eye shadows usually come in a slim tube with a applicator. Look for the kind that go from cream to powder.

There you have it, the simple basics of eye makeup. It seems like a lot it really isn’t. This is just example of what is out there to help you enhance your own natural beauty. Decide for yourself what you want to use but don’t be surprised what happens if you have never wore eye makeup to work before. If you have properly applied it, when someone takes a second look and asked you have done something different to your hair etc. You know your eye makeup has changed how someone sees you.

It doesn’t take much so why not start experimenting today?

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Look Younger and Eliminate Wrinkles Naturally

Filed in The Fashion Category Skin Care

By Eliza Maledevic

To stay younger and keep healthy you have to know what to do for anti-aging. Anti aging can be a hard topic to address, because mentioning this term is likely to prejudice many readers. Anti aging doesn’t mean that you have to take cosmetic chemicals or surgery. There are some ways for to protect your self from aging.

Quit smoking is one of the tips for anti aging. Be prepared for the consequences if you choose to continue smoking. It will accelerate skin aging by heartening the obliteration of collagen. The skin of the smokers reduced level of collagen and skin ages much faster.

Protect your skin from sun, because the number one enemy of looking younger skin is the sun damage. To protect you skin from sun you can use moisturizer or a sun block for your skin. Eating an anti oxidant rich diet my help you to protect from skin aging. Antioxidants are a group of minerals, vitamins, and carotenoids that work against the damage caused by free radicals that weaken the skin’s arrangement. Eating fresh vegetable, fruits and whole grain is the maximum anti aging protection. Make sure you get any plenty of vitamin C and vitamin E for looking younger skin.

Apply the great anti aging moisturizer properly; to continue hydration-essential for mature skin it will protect you from further free radical damage. Exfoliate for your younger looking skin, because without exfoliation anti aging skin creams can’t work their magic on the skin.

Everyday exercising will give you more energy, increase blood flow to your skin, build muscle mass, reduce anxiety, help prevent high blood pressure, strengthen bones and raise your metabolic rate so you lose more weight more quickly. Do exercise that can gives you a cardio workout as well as fighting abdominal fat and to developed strength.

Moderating your alcohol drinking can also help for anti aging. Drinking too much is lead to serious health problems. Alcohol has an inflammatory and dehydrating action which accelerates the aging process that bad for our skin. Over alcohol drinking block the absorption of key nutrients that you need for antioxidant shield. And also stress really gets etched on your face.

Drinking more water is also need for anti aging it will hydrate your skin from within, because the skin cells need water just like every part of your body including your brain. If you don’t have enough water your skin will dehydrate. And your essential anti aging nutrients cannot be delivered to your system. Drink two liters of water every day just to replace the water that loses from sweating and urination.

You can also use herbal remedy with your anti-aging problem. There are plenty of anti-aging solutions out there that can help you look younger. You can do a little research to find the right anti-aging solution for you to have younger looking skin and to eliminate wrinkles and fine lines.

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What You Need to Know About Tatoos

Filed in The Fashion Category Tatoos For Girls

By Stanford Smith

First, Tattoos are one of the best ways to express your individuality. I remember beaming with pride as I showed off my first tattoo. The feeling of having survived the actual inking without crying (too much) plus knowing that I will always have a reminder of my childhood hero (Superman) - is a feeling that I will always cherish.

I want you have the same positive experience too. This article will give you a few good tips to remember as you prepare to get your first tattoo.

Remember It’s Permanent:

If you are at all questioning if you should get a tattoo, do yourself a favor and get an airbrushed temporary tattoo. As you know, tattoos are virtually permanent. So make sure that you are willing to live with your decision. Also, you may want to give a good amount of thought to what your tattoo will be. If you are planning to get your 1st boyfriend’s initials inked on your shoulder, you may want to make sure that the love of your life will actually be around for a lifetime!

Take Your Time And Find An Image That You Love

I can’t stress enough how important it is to take your time selecting a tattoo. There is an endless number of types and variations of tattoos that you can get. Spend some time thinking about what you enjoy the most, tribal art, fantasy pictures, butterflies, tigers, you name it - there’s a tattoo pic out there with your name on it. Once you have decided on what you want - take a little time to look through the variations on your picture. Also remember that you have the choice of black and white or a color tattoo.

One word of warning - the free tattoo sites are good places to start looking for ideas. But, I would not end my journey for the perfect tattoo in a free picture gallery. Many times these pics are so overused that there’s a great chance that you’re getting the same tattoo as most of the first-timers. Once you settle on a type of tattoo, I encourage you take join a private tattoo design club. The cost to join are usually less than $25 - and are well worth it. In these online clubs you can discuss and exchange ideas on the tattoo design that you like. Also the photo galleries in these tattoo clubs are first rate, with clean, sharp, and truly unique images.

It’s Ok to Start Small

You’re first tattoo doesn’t have to be a body-covering masterpiece. In fact, I recommend that you select a small design for your first tattoo. The small tat will give you the experience of actually experiencing the inking process without pushing you over the edge. After, the first one - go ahead and go as big or elaborate as you want. I should warn you that getting inked can easily turn into an obsession. I love the feeling of getting a tattoo and I’m sure I will run out of body parts before I can get every tattoo that I want. You may find that you love the experience too - so start of slow and move from there.

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2008 Prom Dresses

Filed in The Fashion Category Prom Fashion

By Sorin Adrian

Want a prom dress that’s going to turn everyone’s head when you walk into the room? Want a prom dress that is different from everyone else’s prom dress? Well you can have that perfect prom dress.
What colors are in style for prom dresses? For the prom in 2008 you will see some new colors you have not seen in fashion for a while like navy and burgundy gold, raspberry, purple orange, black and white, and all the fun prom colors like turquoise, lime and fuchsia. Girls always love purple and this year for the prom you will see the best purple gowns. Royal blue is making a comeback big time for 2008–a sure winner. Royal blue is a real hot color this year. Gold and silver will be important and the new metallic lamé fabrics will show you off to the limit.

What kind of style should I focus on if I want to look sexy in my prom dress? Sexy prom dresses for 2008 are everywhere. Want to know what styles are hot? Glad you asked. I’ll tell you. Ruffles (the french look), drapes, tiers, high slits, lace; hi-low hemlines and mermaid silhouettes are the sexy favorites for this year. They are making their way back into the heart of many teens for the prom. You’ll see lots of sexy ball gowns. Everyone wants to like a princess.

What type of prom dress should I look for if I’m not that tall? Many girls that aren’t so tall (like me) are going toward fitted silhouettes and flirty, little short dresses. These prom dresses come in an array of fun colors. Remember, you got to use what you got! Flaunt all your assets!
Helpful tips to finding the perfect prom dress:

Now keep in mind, any dress can look great on the hanger but remember you have to purchase a style and look that goes with your height, body shape, hair and skin coloring. Don’t buy into the belief that there are a limited number of colors that work for you; instead, be your own best fashion designer and hold up dresses to your face to see which ones bring out your skin tones, eyes and hair the best.

Warm colors like fire engine red and coral look best on brunettes with darker coloring; cool pastels work for blondes. But there are a myriad of colors — metallic gold and silver included — that work for all colorings.
If you’re not sure what type of prom dress style to go with for the prom drag a friend to a store and get a second opinion while trying on lots of colors to see which ones compliment your look best.
Learn to embrace your body, too. If you aren’t comfortable in curve-hugging dresses because of too much jiggle, then try a body slimmer underneath for more control.
Everyone has at least one great asset, even if it’s something as simple as thick hair, white teeth or nice legs.

You don’t have to do anything too extravagant to show off your best feature, just make sure that your look shows it off and enhances it. If your best feature is great skin, the last thing you’d want to do is cover up every inch of it with clothing.
Dressing for your best feature is less about dressing for size or age and more about making the best of what you have to work with.
One important thing to remember is when you’re looking to buy a prom dress focus on a bling bling dress or bling bling accessories not both. If you have both it would be to overwhelming to the naked eye and one will take away from the other. The idea here is to make either the dress or the accessories the focus, not both.

For example, a bronze strapless gown with no adornment could carry a chunky diamond bracelet and necklace or a pair of chandelier earrings. Solid color dresses and neutrals are a great backdrop for colorful jewels.
On the other hand, the more ruffles, tiers and beading a dress has, the simpler the accessories should be. It doesn’t mean you have to go bare but you need to use self-control and choose smaller pieces.

The difficulty to dressing for special occasions such as homecoming or the prom is that young women look wrong if they dress their age: in froufrou dress, young women/girls look ready for prom. Look at magazines web sites and see what’s in style. You don’t want to go looking like grandma just run over by a reindeer!

Different styles to consider:

Movie Star Style
Want to look like a movie star? Show your sense of style with a designer-inspired gown: many labels create their own jazzed-up versions of celebrity-chic dresses. Dresses by Jovani, Paris, Clarisse, Mori Lee, and Niteline, are famous for producing red-carpet looks at an affordable price. Important red carpet looks this year include one-shoulder Grecian gown and empire waist dresses.

Elegance
If the movie star prom dress isn’t for you then tone down the look and choose a cool cocktail dress look. Whether you favor aristocratic circle skirts or sleek, trimmer hems, this dress will come in handy for other occasions

Princess Look
Elegant trains add serious punch. Go for a small drape (called a duster) or full-on train (called chapel) – either way, your exit leaves a definite lasting impression.

Covering Dresses
A movie star favorite, covering dresses are as comfortable as they are stunning. Keep in mind that with a simple dress like this, accessories are a must! From pearls to diamonds to a mix of pendants, anything goes. Bling bling all the way!

The Wow Look
Let the little Marilyn Monroe come out with a mega feminine, hip-hugging gown. Select dresses made with delicate fabrics, like satin or silk, that drapes well and creates curves. To keep with the retro tone, finish with a clutch purse and peep-toe pumps.

Girly Girl Skirts
Stemmed from summer’s plain skirt rage, tiered skirts are having a serious comeback. This trend can go two very unique routes: the sophisticated ballroom skirt or the breezy “plain dress”.
Black is Back
If you plan on sporting your prom dress again, the little black dress is a classic. Choose a sleek string dress, flirty shift, or take your look from Audrey Hepburn with a chic prom dress.

It’s high but Boy Is It Low.
Last year’s asymmetrical hem has been replaced by the “high-low” dress. The hem, which is short in the front and longer in the back, is so unique and adorable; you’ll have all eyes on you! It’s a great alternative because it’s short enough to dance in but long enough to look dressy.

Strapless Baby
Strapless prom dresses have become a prom staple for great reason. They are equal parts sassy and classy. They flatter any figure. And they don’t require a necklace. Keep your eyes out for dresses with beautiful beading and elegant embroidery around the bust–a big style this year.

Homecoming Queen
The ultimate Cinderella-at-the-ball dress and accessories. A bouffant skirt and otherwise simple top combination is for the homecoming queens at style. These gowns require minimal accessories because they’re so show stopping. But make sure you get home before midnight. Yeah right!

The best advice I tell young girls looking for the perfect prom dress is to have fun with fashion. Try something new: venture into a store that you’ve never shopped in, try on dresses that you always wanted to wear, but was afraid to try on. The idea is to push the limits of your prom wardrobe and experience innovative looks.

Pictures of prom dresses can be seen at Prom dresses - Promgirl
and at Prom dresses - 4prom

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sorin_Adrian

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