5 Great New Fashion Trends for Women

by: Donna Monday

Here’s a quick look at some of the new trends in women’s fashion. The overall trend is chick and ladylike. Liven up your wardrobe by adding a few of these pieces. Brooches Your great grandmother probably wore these in her day. Now brooches have made a stunning come back. The most popular brooches you’ll see are large and flowery, with that vintage look. They look great with any kind of jacket. Camisoles Wearing a pretty camisole under a suit jacket is very chic and adds the perfect touch of feminine glamour to your work wardrobe. You can also pair a camisole with a pair of jeans with heels for a sexy casual look. Cropped and Fitted Jackets Jackets and blazers are more popular than ever and go with a variety of outfits. The new fitted style shows off your curves. Fringe is also another accent popping up on boucle blazers. Lots of new color options will give you more ways to mix and match. Faux Fur Enjoy the luxurious look and feel of fur without harming any of our furry friends. Not only are the new faux fur coats magnificent, but you’ll find faux fur used as accents on sweaters, hats, and gloves. Prints Polka dots, stripes, flowers, and paisley prints are popping up on all kinds of clothing items. Prints are a great way to compliment a neutral colored top or bottom, plus they’re fun! About the author: Copyright 2005 Donna Monday Find the hottest looks in plus size fashion – discounts, bargains and more! http://www.plus-size-appeal.com

Celebrity Fashion For The Average Woman

by: Sher Matsen

It’s never ending Jessica Simpson totes a Vuitton bag, Courtney Cox is seen in Instyle wearing a beautiful Prada dress, Hilary Swank heads down the runway wearing Calvin Klein. If that’s not enough Paris Hilton arrives on the scene with Chanel sunglasses while Jennifer Lopez is seen with Fendi. Whether it’s Versace, Chanel, Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Calvin Klein, Prada or Fendi, how the heck is the average woman going to be able to stay in style like the stars. Let’s face it. Although we dream about owning that beautiful Vuitton handbag or that Prada dress. For most of us that’s about as far as it goes. Most of these items start in the mid hundreds of dollars and easily climb to a value of over $5000, for just one piece. For the stars there is no worry about saving to buy those designer items. For them price is no object as they freely dole it out for what ever their heart desires. But it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out most of us will never own these items. So what do we do? Well that’s easy. You and I buy items that look a lot like the designer items. Many call these knock offs and that they are but please realize there are licensed copies and then there are copies that infringe on copyrights. We do not condone any company that infringes on copyrights. We do however encourage you to shop for items that made similar to the items we see the stars wearing. It’s the only way we an look like a million bucks on our shoe string budgets. As you flip through this months Vogue or Instyle you are going to see some wonderful fashions that you are just going to have to have for the fall. Don’t worry within the next few weeks similar styles will be arriving at a boutique or Walmart near year. You can look as good as the stars for a fraction of the cost. After all are your friends of co-workers going to notice your purse isn’t quite the same shape or fabric. Are they going to notice that the dress has a slightly different cut neck or length. I think not. You’ll be close enough for most to think you’ve suddenly got designer taste. So what are you waiting for? It’s going to be a hot fashion season and you are going to be a fashion goddess this season with some savvy shopping. About the author: Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry, and wedding help. Please visit us athttp://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

Are You One Of The 40,000,000 Invisible Women In Our Society?

by: Georgia Donovan

It's a sad but true fact that so many women over forty feel invisible. Changing this has become my passion. One of the things that inspired me to do what I now do, after having had an executive position with a telecom giant, was an experience I had one day following one of my seminars. An attractive, well dressed woman came up to me and told me that the thing she hated most about becoming older was that she felt invisible. She explained how, everywhere you look, you see woman in their twenties and thirties being presented as role models for beauty and style. Rarely do you see mature women in TV and print ads and some of the fashion magazines feature teenagers as models. There's only one magazine devoted entirely to the mature woman - More Magazine. Just because we're getting older doesn't mean we have to become an invisible part of society. It doesn't mean we we have to let ourselves go, gain weight and start looking frumpy. My late aunt Josie, while in her eighties, looked like she just stepped off the cover of Vogue whenever she went out. A woman can still look great as she ages if . . . she learns how to do it. Many of the makeup techniques that work on a twenty or thirty year old, are a disaster on the face of a forty five year old woman. Unfortunately, many older women have not yet learned this. As we age, one of the makeup secrets we need to know is that "Less is better." Mistakes in wardrobe are even more apparent. Recently, I was asked by a national magazine to comment on some celebrity women. Here's what I had to say about an outfit that Kim Catrall, who I happen to adore, was wearing: "Belly bearing cutoffs and lace up top are not for the over forty woman. Longer, boy cut shorts and a fuller cut tank with a built-in bra would give her the same bare look." Below are some fashion anchors every woman over forty should have in her wardrobe: - A “Little Black Dress” - Black/Navy Pencil or A-Line Skirt - Black/Navy Slacks/Trousers - Black Cashmere Sweater - White Shirt - Comfortable yet Chic Black 2” heels - Classic Trench Coat Fashion tips: Pants with clean lines, no pockets, no pleats look best on almost every woman because they are slimming. Black or navy will make you look thinner, but add some color with accessories to give your look some flair. Elastic waist pants or skirts are to be avoided at all costs because they flatter no one. Develop a signature. Wear a favorite ring or special bracelet all the time. Something people will always identify and remember about you. The scarf should be a wardrobe staple. Learn how to use it and wear it many ways, such as, looped through your pants as a belt, or tied on the handle of your handbag. If you want to learn all my insider techniques for looking fabulous after forty, fifty, sixty and beyond, visit: http://www.LookingFabulousAfter40.com Until next time, keep looking your best and claim your power. About the author: Georgia Donovan, The Clothes Doctor, is a fashion stylist and image consultant, whose mission is to help women reach their fashion potential and raise their fashion consciousness. To subscribe to her free newsletter for mature women, visithttp://www.lookingfabulousafter40.comor http://www.theclothesdoctor.com

Find the Right Handbag for your style!

by: Mike Yeager

To make the outfit a success, find the right handbag! A handbag, or purse, can be the item to make an okay outfit into a fashion statement. While some women prefer to have just one or a couple handbags in their collection, others have as many as they have outfits. Some women prefer the top of the line designer bag while others make do with the department store knock off. Regardless of these things, handbags are essential to the success of busy women. First, to find the right handbag. Knowing what look is desired is important. It is also important to know the use of the handbag as well. Just about every style, size, and color imaginable are out there. Often matching the handbag to the shoes or even to a hair piece is key. So, to start, chose the style and color that will match the outfit. Know the texture and feel of the clothes as well as this will show in the details. Now, we know what handbag we are looking for. So, were to look? Check out the local department stores. Quite possible the look we want will be there. Other options are to look in fashion boutiques and malls. Yet another place to look are catalogs, and even online. Most major designers have their handbags online for purchase to those who cannot get to the actual store. Even more possibilities are available to those who still can't find what they are looking for. Handbags are essential to the busy women as well. Not only is it a fashion statement to have the right bag, it’s also a necessity. Many women are hustling from one place to the next, from home to work to picking up the kids to doctor's appointments and soccer games. All the necessary items, cell phone, wallet, extra snacks even gotta make it in the handbag or may get forgotten along the way. So, when choosing the right bag, ensure the handbag is the proper size for what it will be used for. Overall, a handbag is necessary, but also fashionable. Whether it is making the outfit complete, adding to it as an accessory or just holding all the essentials of our busy lives, handbags are important. It is pretty easy to find just any bag, but to find the right bag may take some extra looking. But, the varieties are numerous and the choices are outstanding. Finding the right handbag will keep you fashionable and organized! About the author: Mike Yeager Publisher http://www.my-handbag-4me.com/

Finding the dresses and fashion you need

by: Mike Yeager

When you look in your closet do you see dresses that you like or are there many, many old, out of style dresses that you wouldn’t dare be seen in? Fashions do change over time and naturally the cut and style of modern dresses is very different from even 20-30 years ago. Why? Fashions change, tastes change and of course people simply get bored of wearing the same old dresses. The 1970s and 80s saw the beginning of more divergent trends in fashion. This was the result of the increasing popularity of ready-to-wear collections by major designers, which made fashionable label-conscious dressing possible for the middle class. You’ll find that every store has dozens of trendy labels that portray the image style and class. Today most people simply buy their dresses of the shelf, no need to have each individual item of clothing hand made. When you’re looking for the right dress to wear, don’t worry too much about it being the perfect one. Dresses come in all styles, shapes, colors and materials. Try this approach: choose a dress style that you feel comfortable and confident in, accessorize it with a few tasteful choices (such as a nice purse) and enjoy your evening out. We’ve searched the web and found some very interesting selections for you to choose from if your looking for a new dress or dresses. The power of the internet allows you to thoughtfully choose and select the dresses that would look best on you. So the next time you look into your wardrobe closet and you’re wondering what to wear, you’ll have a wide range of comfortable, attractive dresses to choose from. About the author: Mike Yeager Author/Publisher http://www.a1-fashion-4u.com

Beach Perfect

by: Sher Matsen

It’s that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the beach for the day to enjoy those warm sunrays and the refreshing sound of the lapping water. So what constitutes a good beach wardrobe. Well there are certain essentials that none of us forget. On goes the swimsuit and bathing suit cover, flip flops on our feet. Beach bag has been packed with the essentials – sunglasses, floppy hat, towel and a good book. Great – got the basics covered but what about the rest. So if we are so prepared for a day at the beach, why is it by the time we get home we look pretty worn. Here are some helpful tips to make your day at the beach fun and keep you looking fashion fresh all day and all the way home. First before you leave home, if you’ve got long hair pull it into a high pony tail or fun knot. Use some funky hair accessories that will stay in place when you’re swimming. Try a fun colored bobble or some firm fastening clips in bright summer colors. If you pull your hair up your neck will stay cool and you’ll look fresh all day with your neat hairdo. Second slather yourself in sunscreen before leaving the house, then toss the sunscreen in your bag so you can reapply after a swim or every few hours. A sunburn is not only unhealthy and painful, it’s unattractive, so don’t let yourself turn into the lobster of the day. Your sunscreen should be a SPF of 15. It doesn’t hurt to use a strong SPF on your face or your entire body if you burn easily. Your beach bag should be large enough to hold your supplies for the day. Why not get something fun and fashionable to keep you looking fashion fresh. Make sure you’ve got all the daily essentials in your bag – sunglasses, sunscreen, a good book, a floppy hat, some lip gloss, and any other makeup touch ups you’ll want. If you plan to wear eye makeup make sure it’s waterproof. Stay away from heavy foundations. If you must apply something use a bronzer moisturizer. It’s also a good idea to bring lip balm with an SPF15 to protect your lips. It never hurts to put some moisturizer in the bag. Include a snack and plenty of fluids. It’s important not to get dehydrated. Okay great we’ve got the basics covered now what about the wardrobe basics? If you’re planning to wear a swimsuit it’s usually easiest to put it on at home, that way you’re not chasing down change rooms. So great – first on goes the swimsuit. Now what to wear for a cover? Well you’ve got plenty of choices. A tank top and shorts, tank and skort, or a nice light cotton dress all work well over top. Choose something that’s easy to put on and take off, and choose fabrics that breathe to keep you cool. I also suggest including a long sleeved cotton blouse just incase you start to burn you can protect your shoulders and arms. If you’re planning on heading out later in the day without returning home you might want to toss a pair of jeans or long skirt into your bag. If your outing is going to extend into the evening you’ll want to include a sweater for the cooler evening air. If you’re worried about your evening wear getting sandy or wet at the beach, then place them in a separate bag and leave them in the trunk of your car. That way you are guaranteed they’ll remain fresh. My favorite beach look is this. And what’s perfect is it keeps me looking fashion fresh throughout the day and takes me right into the evening. First I like a swimsuit that’s got lots of support and is bright and cheerful. I throw a fitted tank on top and throw on a loose flouncy long skirt. The long skirt serves me through the evening and also works great to cover up if I’m starting to burn. I choose a lightweight material in a darker color with a pattern that accents the colors in my swimsuit. Flip flops are my footwear. Depending on where I’m heading after the beach I choose either a basic pair or one of my funky pair with rhinestones or crystals. Easy to walk in, feet breath, and terrific for an evening out. I keep a fitted light weight sweater in my car, and take a long sleeved cotton blouse down to the beach. I usually choose a long sleeved and long length blouse because it’s versatile. I can knot it to create a short blouse, wear it long as a beach cover, and put it on if I start to burn on my upper body. I usually choose white or a soft pastel depending on my other colors. I like white because it’s cool to wear and refreshing to look at. Every year I buy a fun new beach tote that’s big enough for the beach but not too big as to take it with me for an evening out. I like a fun bag that’s full of character. Since I always feel naked without my jewelry I wear fashion jewelry to the beach. That way should I loose something I won’t be out a lot of money and I won’t feel so bad. I like to keep the earrings simple and elegant. I may or may not wear a necklace. Often I’ll toss a funky wood necklace in the bag to add to the evening outfit. I like to wear a couple of fashion rings just to add the finishing touches. Now if you’re fussy about tan lines you’ll probably want to forgo the rings. I toss my watch in the bottom of my bag so I can put it on later. That’s it – simple is the key. Keep your beach wardrobe choices simple but fashionable. Think ahead so you can go from beach to an evening out without hassle. Remember to always make your fashion statement! About the author: © Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved. About the author: Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.