What to wear on weddings:

A wedding is mostly the perfect occasion to wear dresses in pastel colours. They scream elegance, softness and it adds up to the solemn atmosphere of the occasion. If there is a particular motif, say olive green and cashmere pink, you might want to play along by wearing a simple pale pink chiffon dress. Nowadays, even weddings have themes. If you are attending one with Texan theme, wearing a plaid- printed dress will suit the event. If it is a beach wedding, wear something light and feathery to accentuate the breezy ambience.

What to wear on holiday parties:

Whether it is on a Christmas, New Year or the Thanksgiving, make a statement by arriving on the scene in your little black dress. Nobody can go wrong with one. You can simply accessorize with the help of a scarf or a signature necklace. The key here is to not appear like it is too much. The darker the shade of your dress, the greater slimming effect it has on you. If you like extra embellishments, you can put on a sequined cardigan.

What to wear on your first promenade dance:

For young ladies, this is their most anticipated event. They have the entire license in the world to get flashy and overdressed. Quinceanera dresses are the best bets for this occasion. It is long, full of ruffles and perfect for dances. A strapless Qunceanera gown in fuchsia will look best on bronze skin tone. While underwater blue goes well with those who have fair skin tones. The catch in choosing what dress to wear is this: you can pick something which matches your personality. If you are the batch’s sweetheart, you can go for a princessy ball-gown. If you are the Alpha female, you can strut around in a bloody red dress with a halter top.

What to wear on a barbecue party:

Summer means toying around with easy, vibrant colours. It is better to be seen at a party like this in an “effortless” aura. You should never have to be anxious what dress fits the happening. This is the time to put on your favourite English hat, be dressed in something floral and wear flip-flops. A maxi long dress will stand out among the crowd. You will surely turn heads around because this is something that is neither too showy nor too less. With the right accessories, you will be able to pull off the entire ensemble without difficulties.

Wearing the correct outfit for a particular event should never stress you out. Just be yourself and everything else will eventually follow.

Don’t Settle for Obvious, Shop Around

It’s easy to assume that certain major retailers will have the styles that you want, but keep an open mind. When stretching your dollars it is important to weigh all of your options. Name brands don’t necessarily mean quality. New clothes that are comfortable and cute deserve some time being put into finding them. Do your research; you work hard for your money so it is important to be satisfied with the new outfits that you acquire.

Search Engine Your Style

Take advantage of the internet to shop for deals. You will be surprised at cost trends that you will find online that you would have completely overlooked if you just did your shopping in the store. You always have the option of going to the department store to purchase the items you want, but viewing them online first may put things in perspective for you. Most online sites allow you to view pricing on merchandise by putting them in order from lowest to highest pricing. This is when the internet is your best friend. This gives you the ability to see and view the products in the price range that you feel comfortable paying. It is common to find a link to sale or clearance items that are in store. Instead of having to rummage through the bargain bin, you will be able to clearly see what they have and the sizes that are offered by the click of a button.

Used is a Cost Effective New

Bargain shopping at thrift stores is a wonderful way to go about stretching your dollars. Lightly used clothing boutiques allow you to acquire women’s clothes at affordable prices. Thrift stores can add some unique pieces to your wardrobe that will be stylish and original. A lot of used clothing has only been worn once, so don’t think of thrift store shopping as paying for hand-me-downs, but rather an opportunity to get a great deal. Use Coupons to Your Advantage
Before you go shopping always check online for coupons. You will be surprised at how many stores will give coupon percentages off their clothing. It’s all about being a smart shopper and going into a store prepared to get the best deal possible.

Wait For a Special Holiday Date

Sales and bargains tend to spring up around holidays. Valentine’s Day sales, Labor Day sales, and everything in between, discounts tend to pop up on holiday weekends. Stores use this tactic to get people to go shopping on their days off. You can use this approach to plan when you should hit the clothing stores in order to secure the best deals. Timing is everything.

Author’s Bio

Andrea Greene is a freelance writer and blogs for debtmanagement.org.uk where you can get debt management.

If you’re looking for ways you can be the height of fashion on your college campus this fall, here are five tips that will have you looking like you stepped out of a magazine:

1. Coats

If you live in a chilly climate, take full advantage of this fall’s fashion trend: the coat! Military inspired coats and jackets are in style this season as are ultra-feminine styles. You’ll be doing a lot of walking back and forth to class so grab a few jackets in different styles. A coat that falls to mid-thigh will keep your hips and thighs warm on cold days and a cropped jacket will look trendy on the days when you simply need an extra layer.

2. Patterns

When you’re shopping for clothes this season, think patterns! Polka dots, stripes and plaids are all popular choices for fall. From teeny weenie polka dots to large, bold spots, tops with dots are going to be a must-have. If dots aren’t your thing, however, don’t be afraid to try stripes or plaids. Flip through any trendy magazine and you’ll get a feeling for ways to pair your patterns without looking like you’ve just come from the circus.

3. Texture

Texture will reign supreme this fall in all areas of fashion. From corduroy pants to wool fisherman’s sweaters, think about texture when making your purchases. Just like patterns, textures must be paired correctly to avoid looking like you’re trying too hard. Pair a lovely chunky sweater with a pair of skin-hugging tights or a pair of textured pants with a body-skimming top. Use texture to draw attention to your best assets!

4. Eye Wear

If you wear glasses, celebrate your four eyes and ditch the contacts. Glasses are making a huge comeback and, with the myriad of styles available, can make a fantastic fashion statement. The days of tiny, barely noticeable glasses are out and big glasses are in. Remember those eye glasses you wore back in elementary school? Stop laughing at your old photos: those glasses are back with a modern twist. Online sites like ZenniOptical.com are affordable sources for eyeglasses so be sure to have several pair when you head off to campus.

5. Signature Colours

If you have a favourite colour, try to incorporate it into every outfit you wear and make it your signature colour. Whether it’s your tights, your shirt, your shoes or your hat, wearing a signature colour with each outfit will make you stand out from the crowd. All colours are popular this fall but especially in jewel tones. If your favourite colour is purple, choose an amethyst shade. Do you love red? Aim for a deep ruby or garnet shade for your clothing.

Chances are that you went through high school being at least somewhat concerned about the way you look. Don’t lose your sense of fashion when you hit the college campus this fall. It’s incredibly easy to walk to class in your sweats after a night of cramming and too little sleep, but resist the temptation. There is no rule in the college handbook that says you have to dress like a slob simply because you’ve gone off to college!

Author’s Bio

Amanda Davis is a medical writer earning her online nursing master degree to further her education and career.

Second Hand Shops – Filled with Treasures Waiting to be Found

If you don’t mind wearing hand me downs then you can find some really good deals on clothing in second hand shops and charity shops. You may have in mind that these clothes are all dirty and worn out, though you will often find that there are plenty of offers where the items of clothing have hardly been worn and appear almost new. People get rid of clothing for many reasons, they may not fit properly, they may be a present that they don’t want, or their tastes have changed. If you are hoping to come across more pricey garments and designer labels, it may be worthwhile going to some charity shops that are located in more affluent areas of the town. These are more likely to have higher end clothing than the shops located in the town centre. Second hand and charity shops are a treasure trove of gorgeous items just waiting to be found. There are vintage items that can be found at a fraction of their original retail price and you can often find real bargains just waiting for you.

Online – The Place of Endless Offers

Once you start to look for cheap clothes to buy online you will be amazed at how many different sites are set up exactly for this purpose. There are huge choices for you to find great deals and bargains online, not only are the prices much less than in the shops, there is a great deal more in terms of size, style and color to choose from. Most of the high street stores will have their own website which offers special online deals and prices, you can also find many online catalogue companies which are set up purely to sell clothing at a more affordable price online by cutting out all the overheads of a physical shopping location. One of the most famous places to purchase cheap clothing online is eBay. This website is incredibly easy to use and you will find a wide range of different clothing from your favourite designer’s for prices that are sometimes below half the price of their retail value.

Everyone wants to look good and be able to buy new clothes and vamp up their wardrobes from time to time. Finding cheap and discount clothing has become much easier with the introduction of the internet and you can easily find great deals and offers on clothing from all the best designers.

Author’s Bio

Naomi Chamberlain is a freelance writer who loves searching for and picking up bargains wherever possible. She currently works for discounts.ca who give consumers access to a large selection of coupons and voucher codes for brands such as Amazon, Dell and Sears.

You know that Christmas is just around the corner when new Christmas dresses arrive in stores every day! Since Christmas involves dressing up when going to your friend’s Christmas party or when simply going out, I thought I’d be good to tell you about the latest fashion items for this winter 2011.

Sequin dresses that are sparkly and glittery have always been a trend and are never out of fashion. This would not be something to wear when you are going out in my opinion as you could easily be thought of as “overdressed”, however some females are just a great fan of the spark and do not mind wearing this whenever, wherever.

Black  blazers always go well with dresses – so if you know you have to wait outside in the cold some when, just take a black blazer with you and to top it off, wear some black ankle boots to it that match the blazer.

My rule of thumb is that an outfit is never finished without some great accessories to go with it. That’s why I’d recommend a chunky bracelet to go with it or some nice draping earrings. I would not wear a necklace with this dress as it would be too much then. Remember ladies, less is more!

Happy shopping!

Clean House!

First of all, take to the closet and storage to gather all of your winter clothing. It is important to take stock of everything that you already have. Sort through and get rid of anything that is worn or out of date. Then donate things that are slightly worn or outdated. Consign some of your good quality items that either don’t fit or aren’t your taste anymore—you can make some extra cash to buy new things! This will provide a great picture of what you need to purchase.

Not into Trends?

I know that some people don’t “buy into” trends and they want to stick to their own personal style. But what better way to spice up what you already have then buying a few pieces that can instantly update your wardrobe? By adding a scarf or bold accessories you can jazz up your old favourite standby sweater. It is also an economical way to add to your wardrobe without having to go and buy a whole new outfit. Here are some trends to watch for this season, and suggestions of where to get them so that you still have money for presents.

Go Zoological!
Animal prints seem to show up in every collection. Even though they are trendy for the winter season, if you invest in pieces now they can become staples for years to come. The key with animal print is that less is more. You don’t want to have an entire outfit in leopard print so stick to one or two pieces. The Limited has a great range of leopard print scarves in vibrant colours, also a current trend, for only $19.99. Forever 21 carries well-priced items from cheetah print dresses for $24.99 to other animal print accessories starting at $5.

Another part of the animal trend is fabulous faux fur—not only is it economical but it helps save animals and the environment. Topshop.com is one of my favourite places to shop; it has all of the latest trends and quality product for low prices. They have a beautiful tweed and faux fur jacket for only $80. If you’re not in the mood for a jacket made entirely out of faux fur, they have plenty other choices in the same trend.

Androgyny
Men’s wear for women is always a classy look, and it’s showing up this season in tailored suits and wide legged trousers, paired with daring colour combinations. An easy way for you to match the trend is by purchasing a sweater or blouse in a bright colour, then pairing it with the suit that you already have in the closet. Target.com has their version of current trends at low prices—they’ve collaborated with famous designers such as Missoni—to create collections that make hot styles available to the masses.

The trends for the season really tend to be a mix of textures and colours. So mix frilly with masculine, and soft fabrics with chunky knits, to really hit the style mark. By taking what you already have at home and melding your personal style with this year’s trends, you can create a unique and individual style of your own this winter!

Author’s Bio

Samantha Hathaway is a financial consultant and loves to create ways for saving money. She suggests there are times when payday loans may come in handy when you have financial urgency prior to a pay date.

1. Whale Tails

It’s not easy to pull off the successful whale tail look, so when in doubt, just say no. There are so many other body parts one can reveal without falling prey to the Incredible Hulk look. The situation is bleak especially in the case of heavier women who do not wish to draw attention to those few extra pounds, which are clearly accentuated when tight-fitting stretch materials are squeezing the skin, and fat, in all the wrong places.

While we are on the topic of tight-fitting clothing…

2. Tight-Fitting Light Tones

It doesn’t matter how good you look under those clothes because pale colours will reveal even the smallest flaws when they are tight-fitting, bringing them to the surface so that they scream for attention. That’s right: Fashion is unforgiving. If it’s got to be tight, opt for black or some other dark colour.

3. Skirt & Sneakers

This is another one that is very difficult if not impossible to pull off. The exception might be to aim for a punk-rock or schoolgirl look but this requires careful planning and accessorizing and has a clear age limit. You have to choose a look—just one: The bottom half must know what the upper body is doing, which translates into the classic concept of blending. While sneakers are for outdoor activity and comfort, both these are, in most cases, incompatible with the discomfort that comes with elegance. Choose, instead, a flat shoe that isn’t too ‘busy’.

This brings us to patterns.

4. Blinding Patterns

Another important choice you must make is between sofa cover and woman. You can’t be both simultaneously. Loud patterns are unflattering on so many levels that they bring new meaning to the term objectification. Loud and busy patterns all over the body do not lend themselves to elegance and style except on the runway, and even then, we’ve all cringed in the face of excess. Just Google Junya Watanabe’s MAN Paris and you’ll see why.

Choose, instead, something slimming and simple that doesn’t exhaust our visual receptors.

5. Black is Beautiful (in Moderation)

Some of the lessons learned so far are that simplicity is good and simplicity is slimming. Add to this the truism that black is beautiful, thinning and flattering; black also has the power to masks small flaws, as we saw above. It is therefore no surprise that the purpose of the black cocktail dress is to accentuate the body and legs—the purpose is not to hide them. Furthermore, the purpose of a sexy pair of shoes is visibility, not camouflage. So don’t wear black opaque stockings with your black cocktail dress. Go for contrast and show off those legs and shoes too.

Author’s Bio

This article was brought to you by ”In Oshawa”. While there, make sure to check out the Oshawa day spa page.

Leather and Laces:

This year from fall to winter will prove to tie up the holidays. Leather with restrictive laces will be all the rage. High boots with full laces from toe to top will be desired by fashionistas everywhere. Modest corsets with embellished laces will hug the fashion trendy and keep them warm all season.

Colour, colour, and more colour:

From soft lavender to a bright yellow, colours will drape the rainbow of fashion across the runways. Every colour from a soft pastel to a modest earth tone and even fun and funky bright pinks, greens and yellows will show personal style as they are paired with leopard and snake prints.

Fun and funky designs are promised for the fashion masses. We have already seen the released Missoni zig zags get snatched by all the hipsters that want to express their quirky and fun personalities this season. Pastel patch-worked outfits and more fun patterns are still promised to come.

Textures:

From faux fur, to lace, and leather. This year will pair the hard and the soft to create a look as versatile as the woman wearing it. Softer cottons, silk, and lace will have accents of studs, leather, and even latex. Diamonds, chrome, and beads are going to be accessorizing these interesting trends for the fall and winter months.

Hairstyles:

Fashion isn’t always about clothing and accessories. This year comes with a variety of hairstyles to compliment the new fashions and bring fun to the streets. From ponytails to curls this year’s theme seems to be longer hairstyles. Braided looks are going to be seen from the streets to the office and even the runways. With so many different styles to create in braids and ties, the possibilities are only limited to your creativity.

Updo’s of all types were also seen in the flashes of the fashion show cameras. From tighter, sleeker, more elegant buns to fun and loose top buns, the updo is going to be hot this year. With a different do for every occasion it will be as individual as the outfit it’s complimenting.

Bangs will be making a comeback this year also. As well as the middle part. Expect to see classic style in the streets as simplicity takes over the style. Easy to maintain and yet stylish, these do’s will keep the busy woman on track while keeping her in style.

Regardless of your personality, lifestyle or budget, this year’s trends will be comfortable, fun and frisky. With an emphasis on simplicity, functionality and ease, Fall/Winter 2011 will offer plenty of personality and holiday joys.

Author’s Bio

Music teacher Genevieve Armstrong loves traditional songs from many countries, and uses the www.christmassongs.org website to find a wide variety of Christmas lyrics and new ideas for choir performances.

Tote I Sunglasses I Skirt I Boots I Rain Boots I Rain Coat I Jacket I Skinny Jeans I Blazer I Scarf I Clutch

1. Tote Bag
Backpacks are so high school. For your day-to-day bag for classes, a tote bag is a definite must-have. Feel free to splurge a little on this item since you’ll be using it almost every day for hopefully, four years. Look for simple patterns or colors so you can pair your bag with just about any outfit.

2. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are absolutely essential. They’re perfect for hiding those Friday morning under-eye circles and for stealthily checking out the hottie walking past you on the sidewalk. I recommend investing in a few pairs—some for going to class and other, wilder styles for Saturday afternoon festivities.

3. Black High-Waist Skirt
When in doubt, wear your black high-waist skirt for a night out. This must-have can be paired with just about anything, thus making it a versatile wardrobe piece. For a bohemian look, combine it with an oversized, un-tucked top. If you’re going for sleek and sexy, the skirt looks great with heels and a tank.

4. Riding Boots
Great boots will make picking your fall and winter outfits a cinch. Every college girl should have a pair of both brown and black riding boots in her closet. Pair these babies with a sweater and skinny jeans (see tip #7) or leggings and you’re ready for class, dinner with friends…or dare I say it, a date.

5. Rain Boots and Jacket
Now, I suppose this tip doesn’t apply to everyone, but for those of us going to school where it rains and snows, rain boots and a rain jacket are essential. Don’t let yourself be fooled by thinking your boat shoes will keep the precipitation out, rain boots are nonnegotiable. For the winter months when it’s slushy and cold, add inserts to your boots for added warmth.

6. Appropriate Outerwear
Speaking of Mother Nature, whether it’s 20° in December or 60°, appropriate outerwear is key. For colder climates, a long, down jacket is a gift from the winter gods because your typical jacket just won’t do when walking to class in the cold and wind. For warmer temperatures, opt for pea coats and bomber jackets. Hint: look for cute jackets during the spring and summer to score great deals.
7. Go-to Skinny Jeans
Hands down, the legwear of choice in college is skinny jeans. While I recommend creating a stash of these gems, every girl needs that one pair of go-to skinny jeans. These jeans are often of a darker wash, so that they can be worn from class to the bars, and fit like a glove. Make sure you’re absolutely comfortable in this pair, because when you feel comfortable and stylish, you’re confidence shoots through the roof!

8. Blazer
Another essential piece of the college girl’s wardrobe is a casual blazer. Note the “casual” bit—I’m not talking about interview attire here. Roll the sleeves up on the blazer and pair with your skinny jeans and a tank for going out, or wear it as a jacket for class. You can’t go wrong with this stylish piece.

9. Scarves
Most of us college-kids can’t afford an extensive wardrobe so the perfect way to mix things up and create more unique outfits is by accessorizing with scarves. You can combine scarves with basic tees and tanks for an easy, chic look or use them to dress-up sweaters, jackets, simple dresses, and so forth. Bonus: Scarves are inexpensive, easy to care for, and compact so they don’t take up tons of closet space.

10. Cardigans
Another wardrobe must-have is a wide selection of cardigans. Cardis have evolved from the traditional, waist length, no frills, button-up style to the more modern, longer, boyfriend style cardigans. Wear these sweaters with a simple white tank and jeans for class and add a scarf for a dressier option. Have a variety of these sweater options as they make picking out an outfit super easy!

11. Clutch Bags
No college closet is complete without a variety of clutch bags. These handbags are perfect for holding your going-out essentials—keys, money, phone, lip gloss, etc—and come in tons of styles. I recommend beginning your clutch collection with essential brown and black styles. Cross-body types are especially nice for a night-out since they keep your hands free and your bag on your body (no misplacing your valuables, missy).

And, a final tip from an old college grad: be open to sharing your closet with friends because they’ll then do the same for you. Be sure to create some boundary rules for borrowing though, like asking before taking, dry cleaning if necessary and so forth. Sharing closets will guarantee you never have to wear the same thing twice and is a fun way to bond with new friends!

Author’s Bio

Maggie Voelker is a recent college graduate living and working in Indianapolis, IN (and seriously missing college). She loves fashion, concerts, fitness, cooking and traveling.

To a film, a costume designer is an artist whose job it is to create a costume that captures the identity of a particular character. The creativity of costume designers is even more prominent in movies set in different time periods such as Marie Antonette or Pride and Prejudice, or -more recently but still in a different time period- The Notebook or The King’s Speech. It is through these movie genres where costume designers have the opportunity to showcase and bring to the forefront styles of the past. It is often these styles that inspire audiences to recapture these trends again. For example, The Notebook brought back styles of high-waisted shorts, polka dots and playsuits.

Famous fashion designers have evolved into innovative costume designers. Some of the most notable in the field is Giorgio Armani for American Gigolo, Yves St Laurent  for Belle de Jour, Givenchy for Breakfast at Tiffany’s , Vera Wang for Sex and the City, and Ralph Lauren for Annie Hall. Many international and cultural trends have evolved through these movies. Specific trends that have emerged from the film industry include the “little black dress and pearl necklace” from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This was one of the more classic and glamorous fashion trend that has evolved from a movie. Leg warmers from Flashdance, daisy dukes from The Dukes of Hazard, and even a quirky, hipster style came from the lead character in the indie movie 500 Days of Summer. In the 90s, Clueless defined the generation it portrayed by introducing trends like plaids, pastels, and knee highs that became fashionable in the 90s. When the grunge look became so popular, it was like a breath of fresh air. Annie Hall inspired the unique mannish styling of Diane Keaton, which in turn, had a huge influence in the fashion world in the 70s.

Fashion and costume design play a huge role in film. The visual appeal of movies, whether it be a fashion based plot like Confessions of a Shopoholic or the subtlety of Fight Club, also impacts significantly to film and will always play a major role. So go check out a movie because you may be inspired by the latest, stylish fashion trend!