Saturday, February 23, 2008

Get Fashionable With Womens Flipflops

The hottest fashion trend for feet this summer is women’s flipflops.

No, I don’t mean the rubber thong variety flipflops. I mean groovy, embellished flipflops, or slides, for the ultimate in casual chic.

Along with the ethnic, boho look that was the hot pick on the catwalks this season, flipflops, thongs, or mules, whatever you wish to call them, are the perfect choice. The boho look (or “urban urchin” look as I prefer to call it), with its glittery and colorful embroidery and flowy soft skirts, is the perfect accompaniment for a pair of upmarket, way cool, flipflops.

And don’t be alarmed, but rubber HAS made a comeback this season, but by way of jelly-strapped, candy colored flats, featuring plenty of bows, beads and glitz. The top shoe designers are also featuring women’s flipflops with a low heel in a rainbow of bright, summery colors.

How To Wear Women’s Flipflops With Style

No self respecting fashionista is going to be caught dead in her flipflops without a perfect pedicure. If you’d rather pay for your new sandals over a professional pedicure, do it yourself.

Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water and soak your feet for about 10 - 15 minutes each. A few drops of peppermint oil will give your feet a beautiful burst of vitality, or try lavender oil or ylang ylang for relaxation.

While your feet are still damp and warm, gently buff your heels and soles with a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells. Then rinse in cool water and apply lashings of your favorite moisturizer. I prefer a thick, lanolin-based cream for extra oomph. If you’re not out to impress anyone at bed time, apply an extra layer of moisturizer and put on a pair of cotton socks overnight.

French manicured toenails are hot right now. Get yourself a French manicure kit for saucy, sexy toenails or go all out with magenta red or soft pink polish.

Then you’re ready to display your new tootsies to the world. Grab your favorite flipflops and get out there girl!

Fashionable Clothing That You Choose

Clothing encompasses a wide range of apparel. From big and tall men’s clothing to women’s clothing. How we dress ourselves and what we wear tells the people around us a lot about who we are. Clothing has always been subject to change based on the dictates of fashion and whims. Some things however, about clothing don’t change. Quality. Quality clothing will always be in demand. Durability. Durable men’s and women’s clothing are always popular.

Clothing not only covers our bodies, it also allows us to enhance our appearance. A quality, sharp suit on a man makes him look more professional and successful. An attractive dress on a woman makes her look stylish and confident. There are so many different clothing options to choose from, that at times it can appear overwhelming. Don’t let that bother you. With a little thought and reflection you can come up with a clothing style that truly reflects who you are.

A few suggestions to consider are these: Decide what clothing you feel comfortable in. Is it a business meeting? Is it a casual night out? Whatever you’re going to be doing, the clothes you wear will only accentuate the real you and the right clothes for the occasion can go a long way to help you feel confident.

Take your time to select a few choice merchants that offer timeless, quality clothing at reasonable prices. Take your time, you’re not in a hurry, and focus in on what type of clothing you want. In other words, who do you want to be and then find the clothes to dress up that person.

Using Silver to Enhance Fashion on a Budget

Fashion is not about being safe, no. It is about having fun with style. We think silver is the perfect compliment to your wardrobe’s style. Yes, a great way for even the most conservative to move safely into the unsafe style zone! Silver pieces hold their style and a zany piece can be forever trendy.

Silver jewelry accessories are used as a form of an individual’s personal expression and fashion art. When thinking of personal expression styles we tend to look at clothing, hair styling, and jewelry accessories. The almighty Silver being a key jewelry accessory, adding flare and creative artistry. Now compare Silver’s cost effectiveness to both clothing and hair. Clothing has to be replaced periodically, and your hair has to be cut and styled. Ahh?but buying an artistic silver jewelry accessory is a one time expense, but a gift to yourself that keeps on giving over time.

Silver is flexible and appropriate for both daytime and evening wear. It is often used to accent casual fashions, sportswear, and elegant ware. It is the simple elegance of silver, this elegance gaining great favor in the worldwide fashion industry. In the winter worn with navy, black, and other dark colors, silver stands out and accents the winter wardrobe well. As well in the summer, worn with open and light-weight clothing, silver looks great and is comfortable against the bare skin.

Silver is known for its shiny bright hue when used in its polished state, but has gained extreme popularity in a duller matte finish or a combination of the polished and matte. Silver possesses working qualities similar to copper and gold, but enjoys greater reflectivity and can achieve a brilliant polish and shine. To make it durable for jewelry, however, pure silver (99% fineness) is alloyed together with small quantities of copper and other metals. In many countries, (92.5% silver, 7.5% other) is the standard for sterling silver.

However, silver is often mixed with a variety of alloys. The added alloy gives the silver hardness, durability, and uniqueness. Without the alloy, the silver piece would be too soft to wear. The mix toughens the silver and makes it possible to use silver for odd shaped jewelry, silverware, picture frames, and more.

Silver jewelry is enjoying an unprecedented popularity with today’s fashion conscious public. So, when in fashion do as the fashion-what-its do, use Silver in its many forms to forego dowdy formalities to keep your style unique, fresh, and captivating.

Sterling Silver Jewelry Fashion Trends for the New Year and Beyond

Peace of Silver

In 2004, many Oscar presenters and recipients wore gracefully and simply designed “Dove of Peace.” pin. Embraced by such Hollywood luminaries as Meryl Streep, Susan Sarandon, Drew Barrymore, and Leonardo DiCaprio, it has also been seen on the Dali Lama and Nobel Peace Laureates Oscar Aria Sanchez, Betty Williams, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, and former UN Assistant Secretary-General Gillian Sorrensom.

Now non-celebrities may purchase the pin in sterling silver pin to demonstrate both their commitment to peace and their fashion sense. The 2005 sterling silver interpretation was designed by award-winning American jewelry artist Henry Dunay to resonate the energy of Picasso’s “Dove Of Peace.”

Silver Screen

With the enormous popularity of the “Lord of the Rings” series, it comes as no surprise that designers have created jewelry based on the elaborately crafted pieces in the films. Based on the actual pendant worn in the Lord of the Rings film, the Arwen Evenstar Pendant is crafted in sterling silver and comes in a wooden gift box. Measuring 2-1/2 inches in length with a 18″ sterling silver chain and a Swarovski crystal stone, each piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, adding long-term value to its other charms.

Works Like A Charm

Charm bracelets are both wonderfully retro and extremely cutting edge. Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Avril Levigne, Hilary Duff, and other high-visibility high-fashion celebrities are wrapping their wrists in silver bracelets with the hip L.A. brand “Eldorado Club.”

The “Girlie Charm Bracelet” is adorned with charming femme-friendly charms including a cat, a cocktail glass, and a kitty.

Sterling Silver - Always In Style for Your 25th Anniversary No matter what list you consult — traditional, modern or the now popular “ultra-modern” (which includes items like clocks and appliances) — silver is the 21st Century gift of choice for a 25th wedding anniversary. Whether it’s silver’s durability, its strength, its flexibility or its unparalleled beauty, sterling silver is an exquisite memento of 25 years of loving commitment between a couple.

Topping the list of this year’s “What’s Hot” in silver wedding anniversary gifts, women say they want charm bracelets, hoop earrings, and hair ornaments. For wives who would like to present their husbands with sterling silver tokens, the “top of the charts” picks are cufflinks, tie clips, money clips, neck chains, and I.D. bracelets.

But #1 for him AND her — a classic sterling silver Tiffany keyring.

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick-up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped-Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

May 15, 2007 | Filed Under Fashion Style

Celtic Jewelry - A Beautiful Mystery Unraveled

One of the most enduring, and coveted “gifts” of Celtic culture is jewelry featuring the Celtic Cross. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick created the first Celtic cross by drawing a circle over a Latin cross.

For an Irish Catholic, the circle in the Celtic cross may be a symbol of eternity and the endlessness of God’s love. It can even represent a halo emanating from Christ.

Some say the four “arms” of the Celtic Cross represent the elements (fire, earth, air, and water). Others believe the cross denotes the four directions of the compass, and still others feel it is a representation of human existence - mind, body, soul and heart.

Celtic Knots

The most distinguishing characteristic of Celtic knots is their intricate patterns and design?and the debate as to the meaning of those designs. While it is unquestionable that many of the ancient designs had some significance, those meanings changed from tribe to tribe and location to location.

Many believe that the intricate looping in knots was a way to keep out evil spirits. It is also generally accepted that the looping Celtic knot design denotes eternity and interconnectedness. Still, there is no definitive guide as to the meaning of Celtic knots which, adds, perhaps to their mystery and appeal.

Claddagh Rings

Named for the town of Claddagh near Galway in which they are said to have originated, Claddagh rings are beloved Celtic symbols of Irish culture and sentiment. Unlike other Celtic symbols, the meaning behind the Claddagh ring is well-documented. The Claddagh design has a heart (symbolizing love) topped by a crown (symbolizing loyalty) held in two hands (signifying friendship). The phrase that is usually associated with the giving of a Claddagh ring is “Let love and friendship reign.”

It’s not surprise that the Claddagh is a popular marriage band. In Celtic times, it was worn on the right hand with the heart turned outward to show that the wearer is unattached or with the heart turned inward to show he/she was “spoken for.” If the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the heart turned inward, it shows that two loves have been joined in marriage.

Celtic Then and Now

At one time, Celtic people could be found throughout Eastern and Central Europe, as well as in the British Isles, where the earliest examples of Celtic jewelry originate. The emergence of the powerful Roman Empire encroached on the lifestyle, traditions, and homeland of the Celts who were forced to move to abandon their homes and relocate in remote areas in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall in southern England.

Despite their hardships at the hands of the Romans, Celts endured, thrived?and continued to produce Celtic jewelry. The tradition has remained strong for centuries. Irish Celtic jewelry and Scottish Celtic jewelry have enjoyed a huge resurgence in their homelands and with “ex-pats” around the world, as people seek to rediscover and celebrate their cultural traditions.

Does Your Watch Keep Time with Fashion or Function?

We’re all creatures of habit, and if one watch has served us well for years, it’s natural that we gravitate toward the same brand and design each time we purchase a new watch. If you’d like to adorn your wrist with a different type of watch, perhaps a Swiss-quartz or high-fashion watch, we offer you a cheat sheet below, to help you get up to speed quickly with the many offerings available today.

If you’ve always thought of a watch as a functional necessity, you might add a few fashionable watches to your collection of watches and bracelets. If you’ve always worn high-fashion watches, consider adding an elegant watch to your collection, perhaps one with a golden mesh band. Whatever your requirements for timekeeping and your sense of fashion, you’ll find a watch to suit your needs.

Impress Your Colleagues Watches

In the exclusive $5000-$2,000,000 range, you’ll find a variety of luxury watches with names that escape the average man or woman on the street, and you won’t find any of these online. Does Vacheron Constantin or Blancpain ring a bell?

Perception is everything, and a genuine Rolex brands you a person of discerning taste. If you live in New York City, you might be surprised to learn that you can buy a Rolex from a bona fide jeweler, most likely in the 10021 zip code. Forget all the hype about Rolex watches: people buy them for one reason. They are the most recognized status symbols in watches-everyone has heard of a Rolex, and a diamond and gold Rolex remains out of most everyone’s price range.

Rolex watches are the most popular, and ownership is not a requirement for popularity. It might surprise you to learn that Rolex watches are not THE most accurate. It is unlikely that they take a year to make, and their resale value is of little importance to their buyers. Ah, Madison Avenue strikes again. Still, a Rolex watch is a fine watch and an investment in time. Give me status; give me a Rolex.

Other fine high-end watches include Cartier and Omega.

Affordable Treats

If you’re a mere mortal with a penchant for arriving at your destination in style at the prescribed time (perhaps your job depends upon it), your idea of a good watch probably resides in the $100-500 range, and maybe even toward the lower end of that scale. You know the names Seiko, Swiss Army, Pulsar, and Citizen-just to name a few. The brands available in this price range offer a wide selection of choices ranging from simple and elegant leather bands, to mesh and link bands. You’ll find analog and digital displays, timers, calendar displays, water-resistance, etc. in this price range. In fact, this price range offers the widest variety in terms of elegance, precision time keeping, and fashion choices. You can select from a number of watches using Swiss-quartz movements in this price range.

For the Fun of it

You’ll find everything from designer-of-the-moment watches to household names such as Swatch and Fossil in the below-$100 range. The Fossil collections feature casual and dress watches in a dizzying array of choices, and provide dependable service as well. Fossil offers a lot of bang for the buck-fashion, dependability, variety.

Starting at $40, Swatch offers the most in up-to-the-minute throwaway watch fashion. The company began late in the 20th century as a consortium of Swiss watchmakers and worldwide graphical designers with one goal: to resurrect the analog watch. Swatch has come a long way since those days, and one of their newer creations, the Skin Diamond watch, can set you back a cool $2000. Of course, you won’t run into yourself coming and going if you sport this new status symbol. The rest of us can settle with wearing our moods on our wrists.

And, last but certainly not least-depending on your current age-this category satisfies the Abercrombie-and-Fitch, Top 40 crowd with an assortment of watches from the king of the teen designers, Tommy Hilfiger himself.

Why Weight Train During Pregnancy?

It is now recommended that women participate in prenatal exercise programs because of the benefits during labor and delivery as well as the postnatal benefits to moms and babies.

Why Weight Train?

Women who weight train throughout their pregnancy benefit from less weight gain during pregnancy and return to their pre-pregnancy weight, strength, and flexibility levels faster than women who remain inactive or who only participate in cardio programs.

Weight training increases a woman’s energy levels throughout her pregnancy and helps prevent loss of bone density postpartum.

The babies born to women who weight trained during their pregnancy are born with ideal birth weights. Prenatal weight training is the first step in ensuring that your child has a healthy start in life!

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Decreased Risks Associated with Prenatal Weight Training:

? Decreases in the severity and frequency of low back pain during pregnancy

? Decreased risk of gestational diabetes

? Decreased risk of delivering post term or through caesarean delivery

? Fewer complications during delivery; including fetal distress

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Pregnancy Precautions

Although not feeble, fragile, and frail, pregnant women should be aware of certain precautions that are unique to them and their bodies.

Be sure to consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program or continuing an exercise program after the first trimester. Your goal should be to simply maintain highest level of fitness while ensuring your safety and the safety of your baby.

Every muscle group should be targeted and the following should be emphasized: inner thigh, hamstrings, glutes, upper back, and shoulders.

Pregnant women should avoid lifting the amount of weight that they were capable of lifting pre-pregnancy. Be sure to use low resistance. StrollerFit classes utilize therabands and exertubes to provide the perfect balance of resistance and safety.

Use caution when stretching either before or after an exercise session. Joint laxity is increased during pregnancy due to the increased amounts of the hormones elastin and relaxin that are being produced. Joint laxity is the amount of movement the ligaments allow through the joint and during pregnancy the joints can be easily stressed or strained.

Movements to Avoid

? Avoid exercises that require bending from the hips

? Avoid exercises in the supine position after the first trimester due to increased pressure on the arteries surrounding the heart

? Avoid overhead lifting

? Avoid straining or holding the breath

Getting Started

Before beginning an exercise program or continuing an exercise program past the first trimester, be sure to consult your doctor. You may may want to join a group exercise program specializing in pre- and postnatal fitness such as StrollerFit or you may choose to exercise on your own. Many books are available to help guide you through exercise and pregnancy safely and effectively. A good place to start is ‘Exercising Through Your Pregnancy” by James Clapp. Resistance bands and tubing can be purchased at your local sporting goods store or online at www.strollerfit.com.

Every woman hopes to have a healthy and safe pregnancy. Through prenatal weight training you can increase the chances that both you and your child remain healthy and safe though pregnancy, labor, and delivery