Elegant Clothing Blouses

Women's Fashion - How to Stay in Style For Less

2010-03-07T00:05:00.000-08:00

By Andrew Stratton

Here are five great ways to spruce up your wardrobe without spending a lot of money.
Most women have noticed that times are tough and there is less money to go around. It is easy to get stressed when funds are low and it can be especially depressing when you grow tired of your wardrobe but have no means of purchasing a fresh look. But don't despair; there are still ways to keep you looking good without emptying your wallet.

Check out the following ideas for staying fashionable for less:

1. Go through your closet
Like most women, you probably have clothes you don't wear often and have even forgotten about. Well now is the time to do an inventory check of your wardrobe.

Most likely you will find forgotten treasures that will feel like new clothes again. Also, be creative and try to make your old clothes work in new ways. For example, add belt to that old black dress you found and you will have created a whole new outfit.

2. Shop second hand
Your local thrift store may become your favorite shopping spot. There are many great women's fashions hidden in the racks at thrift stores. You are sure to find many gently used clothes that usually cost less than ten or even five dollars.

After a careful search through the racks, you may walk out of a consignment store with a pile of new-to-you clothes for the same price that would only buy you one blouse from a department store. And don't worry; no one will know they are used if you don't tell them.

3. Throw a clothing exchange party
Throw a little party and invite some of your closest girlfriends with the charge to bring their old clothes they are tired of. At the party everyone can trade clothes and go home with different outfits.

This is a great way to freshen up your wardrobe with new clothes because one girl's trash is another girl's treasure. You'll have fun partying with your friends and then you'll leave with new-to-you fashions that you didn't even pay a dime for.

4. Stock up on the basics
When buying clothes, make sure that you stock up on the basics, meaning clothes that mix and match nicely and clothes that go well with anything. This means that instead of buying a cool but loud patterned blouse you would be better off buying a less crazy top that works well with more bottoms and most accessories.

Another example includes buying neutral shoes instead of the bright red pumps that only match one dress. Your wardrobe may not be as exciting and unique, but your wallet will be fuller and you will have less stress during these economically hard times.

5. Get creative and crafty
When you don't have the money to buy loads of new clothes, sometimes your only option is to get creative. Try things that you have never done before. Find some new funky buttons at your local craft store and sew them onto an old sweater to create a whole new look.

Try making your own jewelry; you can copy more expensive designs at a fraction of the cost or you can create your own unique pieces. Also ribbon is inexpensive and can be used to spruce up all sorts of outfits as headbands, belts, or whatever. Get in touch with your creative side and you'll be sure to save money and possibly start a new trend in women's fashion.

Buy Plus Size Women's Clothing Online

2010-03-04T23:55:00.000-08:00

By Saima Sheikh

A lot of women who are plus size tend to have difficulties finding outfits that fit them. Thanks to the powerful influence of media and advertising, women's clothing have become more inclined to the average or slim body types that women who are plus size have a hard time looking for clothes that actually fit. Not only does this take a lot of time, this puts them often in a state of embarrassment because they would have to keep asking the saleslady for bigger sizes. There are times that plus size clothes are available, but most often they aren't. So what's your next option?

No, it's not to go into a killer diet and starve yourself to lose weight. You can actually buy plus size women's clothing online. A lot of department stores nowadays unfortunately don't display plus-size clothes; if they do it is usually located somewhere unnoticeable that not many people actually realize it's there. Through online clothes stores, you can be assured that you'll have a wide variety of plus size clothes to choose from and at the same time won't have to worry about facing the salesladies or have to keep feeling bad that you can't fit into another blouse or skirt again. Believe it or not, a lot of online stores have plus size outfits that look wonderful and are designed using all kinds of styles and color for every woman's preference. You might even have a difficult time deciding on where to start since there are just too many choices to actually pick a really good outfit.

To make things a whole lot easier, you should first decide on what type of clothing are you planning to buy. Are you looking for a pair of plus size jeans, t-shirts, blouses, or jackets to add to your wardrobe? Are you looking for clothes that are for a special occasion? You have to decide because online retail stores have a lot of items put up on sale and it might take you hours just to decide what to put in your shopping cart that will fit your budget. If you don't put a certain limit on yourself, like a list of clothes that you need, then you might end up looking at a really large credit card bill at the end of the month. Also, try not to buy the first thing that you see on the first to the third page of the catalog because you may never know what good stuff may be hidden in the next sixth to eighth pages after all.

By shopping online for plus size clothes, this is your chance to shop without having to face other people who might criticize you for your size. Browse through as many online clothes stores as you can so that you'll be able to find the perfect plus size outfits to add to your wardrobe. This way, not only will you be able to choose with ease and comfort, you'll become the eye candy of the day.

Dating Advice For Women - Why Men Stare at Your Breasts and Not Your Dress - Make-up Or Hair

2010-03-01T23:53:00.000-08:00

By Don W Bernard

The tendency to overlook the stark reality of the basic man starts early in life. The first dress that's purchased in order to grab the attention of a "special" boy is where it begins. Then come fancy haircuts, cosmetics and diets. In the end, probably 90% of all the efforts failed to register.

Men are oblivious to much of what women do to interest and attract them. I said "much," and this is where it's easy to lose track of what is and isn't getting through.

Let me set the scene: an elegant restaurant in a fancy east coast city; 4 men in their late twenties and early thirties are enjoying dinner; there are lots of laughs and excellent conversation around the table. A good looking couple enters the main dining room. The woman is wearing a see through blouse, without a bra.

What a surprise! The guys notice. They aren't looking at her eye shadow, or notice that her gold earrings match the bracelet. They are admiring, her breasts.

As the couple moves across the room, it becomes perfectly obvious that they are being watched by an appreciative audience. When she gets into range, the woman turns to the nearest man at the table and snaps, "What do you think you are staring at?" Under the circumstances, it's a question that rates with Grouch's "Who's buried in Grant's tomb?"

What did she think they were staring at? What was the point of wearing the revealing blouse in the first place? Those four men weren't blind.

But again, they didn't notice the expensive haircut and the manicure. It wasn't a matter of being rude, or immature, or sex-crazed. When it comes to women, a man's optic nerves run directly to his crotch.

The news shouldn't be much of a shock, but the facts of life get rearranged by those who like to sell a new line of fall fashions, designer cosmetics, or high speed liposuctions.

Men are "supposed" to be turned on by a particular shade of lipstick. Men are "supposed" to be turned on by little button noses. Men are "supposed" to be turned on by skinny women. Says who? Cosmetic czars? Plastic Surgeons? Millionaire diet doctors?

The message that gets lost in the chorus of special interest pleading is the most important one of all - Men are attracted to breasts. Simple.

Save Money When Shopping For Women's Clothes

2010-02-26T23:50:00.000-08:00

By Claire Armstrong

The recent recession has resulted in many people tightening their purse strings and keeping a close eye on how much money they spend. There are many folks today who are uncertain about what the future holds for them financially. The latest facts and figures show that people are not purchasing goods as readily as they did in the years before the world's economies bottomed out. In spite of the hardships many of us are facing, we still have to buy clothes, whether we want to or not.

Clothing is often quite expensive and takes a big bite out of our budgets, especially when it comes to women's clothes. Most women are naturally on the lookout for great deals whenever they find themselves browsing around the shopping centres. A good clothing bargain used to be limited to 'cheap' clothing that was not necessarily the best looking or of the latest style. Inexpensive clothing is really no bargain at all, considering the fact that it will wear out quickly and that it does not keep in line with the current fashion trends.

One of the best ways to find the latest dress styles, skirts, slacks, blouses and sweaters is to do your shopping on the Internet. You can find outstanding values on clothing from the world's top designers such as Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. If you are looking for business attire, you can find all sorts of great looking skirts, blouses and jackets, that are ideal for wearing to work. For sports minded people, active wear such as sweat shirts, jogging pants, ski clothing and track suits are also widely available online and often at rock bottom prices.

What about those of us that always struggle to find clothing that is the right fit and well priced? This is an issue that many people who are larger in size have to deal with on a daily basis. The good news is, that this type of 'larger', or 'plus size' fashion, is also available, and for a lot cheaper than you would normally expect to pay for items of clothing that not only fit well, but those that are also currently fashionable.

The point is, if you really want to save a considerable amount of money when shopping for clothes, forget about getting in your car and going to your local mall to shop in the women's apparel stores that are usually very pricey. Instead, have a seat in front of your computer and take a look at the vast assortment of clothing and shoes that are for sale online. Not only will you save yourself the expense and stress of travelling in your car, but you will also save a bundle of money when you shop from the comfort of your own home. The online retailers who specialise in ladies apparel, offer the top fashions, latest trends, and a very pleasant 'virtual' shopping experience.

7 Latest Choices of Plus Size Women's Halloween Costume in 2009

2010-02-23T23:48:00.000-08:00

By Kola Ogunlana

Halloween is a holiday that offers very different types of fun for kids and adults. Looking for a striking and appealing plus size Women Halloween Costume that will not burst the bank might be sometimes tough. Searching for plus size Women Halloween Costume in some stores in your city or online at bargain prices may be like passing a camel through the eye of the needle. However, don't lose heart and abandon your search this Halloween. In these days of economic downturn every cent saved matters. So if you wish to save some cash this year's Halloween shopping, following are some popular choices of plus size Women's Halloween Costume that will not burst your bank.

The top selling Halloween costumes for Plus Size Females in 2009 are:

1. The Wizard of Oz Dorothy Plus Adult Costume

The idea of dressing up as a voluptuous Greek goddess is also feasible since most Greeks love woman with such figures. A golden outfit is enough to portray this dressing style and some green or gold silk leaves are sewn to the headband which is used as an accessory. The Wizard of Oz Dorothy Plus Adult Costume includes the famous blue and white gingham dress with attached white blouse. You may consider the Toto in Basket as an optional accessory.

2. Saloon Girl Adult Plus Costume

Tame the Wild West! And Flirt with the notion of being sassy AND sexy! The Saloon Girl Costume includes a feathered headpiece, a black and red puff-sleeved top, a matching corset belt, and a black skirt with red sequin and sheer organza trim. Serve those suds in style that puts you in a unique class!

3. Sexy Evil Queen Plus Adult Costume

Is she the fairest of them all? At least you can be the sexiest in this Sexy Evil Queen Adult Plus costume, great for all occasions! The Sexy Evil Queen Plus Adult Costume includes a Purple and black dress with gold trim and front tie, black cape with red lining and attached white collar, and black crown. You may want to consider a pair of boots and apple as added accessories.

4. Plug & Socket Couples Set Plus Adult Costume

If you want to make a clear statement this Halloween consider the High Voltage Couple costume which includes: Black and Gray socket tunic AND White plug costume with cord. The Plug & Socket Couples Set Plus Adult costumes are made of a lightweight durable fabric over Demur foam. The Socket Costume is a Black tunic with gray sockets on the front. Bottom socket has flap openings for prongs from plug costume to fit into. The Plug Costume is a White foam plug piece (goes all the way around) with an elastic waist band, open bottom for easy walking/dancing, with a White foam cord attached in back and two Gold fabric prongs in the front. The plug is a foam "box" style costume that comes out approximately 5" in the front from the waist band (not including the prongs), 1.5 inches in the back, and less than 1" on each side. You may want to consider using a matching Pants and shirts that you have available. The Plug will fit into socket costume! Sure to be a hit at any party!

5. Red Riding Hood Plus Adult Costume

Every big bad wolf out there must watch out and give way, here comes sexy Red Riding Hood! The Red Riding Hood Plus Adult Costume is in a class of its own and includes: White blouse, brown faux leather vest, Red Skirt and hooded caplets. This kind of a costume is ideal for plus size women who wish to hide their figures. However, various types of plus size costumes are available in the market and people can choose according to personal preferences.

6. Vixen Pirate Wench Plus Adult Costume

She may not have many pirate skills but her looks is what really kills. The Vixen Pirate Wench costume includes a mighty fine velvet double lace up corset dress with a blood red playful peasant top attached. Red bow details on the sleeves are also included in this marvelous look. This gorgeous garment of black and red contrast will have all the fair gents around you aghast!

7. Captain Swashbuckler Plus Adult Costume

She'll have all the boys begging for parle. She knows she's seductive, she knows she's swank, now do her a favor, and walk that plank! The Captain Swashbuckler costume includes a very sexy velvet lace up coatdress that features a Victorian style ivory mini-gown attached to a captain's coat adorned with lace sleeves. Gold ribbon and button embellishments on the coat help make this dress a piece of pirate perfection. You may consider a matching Sword, Hat, shoes, petticoat, and fishnets as optional accessories. You may even ask your partner to pair with you as a pirate for a great couple's theme this Halloween!

Conclusion

This Halloween, you should wear a costume that makes a clear statement and gets you noticed, rather than simply blending in with everyone else! Make sure you choose one of the latest and classy Plus Size Women's Halloween Costumes available. Happy Halloween!

Women's Western Fashion Evolves Like Country Music Stars

2010-02-20T23:45:00.000-08:00

By Lisa Anthony

The July issue of SHAPE magazine featuring LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, and Julianne Hough is a glaring example of how the image of cowgirls and country music continues to change. To see the front cover picture of these beautiful Country Music stars. These three country music icons look absolutely stunning in their bikinis and prove there is always more to the western lifestyle than meets the eye. I am sure this cover has raised some eyebrows from those "traditionalists" of country music and western fashion. But you can't deny that changes continue to bring more attention to country music and the country life in general. More people than ever before are adopting the country lifestyle and western fashion.

The spring issue of American Cowboy magazine highlights this phenomenon as well. There is a great spring fashion article. You will notice many of the subtle changes that are happening to women's western fashions. Tanks and strapped blouses are replacing traditional western shirts. Softer colors are in. Even the styles of denim jeans are more modern. It's not the standard Wranglers anymore. Western cowgirl boots continue to become more fashionable and colorful as well. Justin boots launched a brand of boots just for women last year called the Gypsy collection. You can also pick up copies of magazines like "Cowboys and Indians" and "Western Horseman" to see numerous pages of these new styles. Wild designs and colors of boots, purses and clothes abound. Its no wonder more women are embracing the western fashion craze. The other explosion in women's western fashion has been characterized as Cowgirl BLING. Bright, exciting, sparkling, and dazzling is the theme. Yes, the word "Bling" has many country and western traditionalists in an uproar as well, but you can't deny the popularity of it.

Then there is my favorite part of western fashion I love to write about, which is western jewelry. The changes in women's western dress have enabled jewelry fashion to become even more prominent. Once again, with the transition to tanks and strapped blouses, western jewelry is taking the center stage of making your statement. Things like chunky necklaces of turquoise and coral are extremely popular and look absolutely exciting. Even traditional southwest sterling silver and turquoise combinations are finding their way into more mainstream styles of fashion. They are not just for blue jeans and cowgirl hats anymore. They are even finding their way onto the runways in New York!

So what is driving all this change? Perhaps it's our zest to return to the great American western lifestyle and its simplicity. Maybe more people are tired of the endless parades of fashions that don't last. American western fashion has been around for centuries. It could be where we started this article, as country music evolves and becomes more main stream popular, so does western fashion. Whatever it is driving these changes and the popularity, this author loves it! Not just because my business revolves around the western lifestyle, but because these changes are so AMERICAN! God Bless America.

As a courtesy, to quickly see the front cover picture of LeAnn, Martina, and Juliaane you can visit my blog at http://kickbootaccessories.com

First Date Clothing Suggestions For Women

2010-02-17T23:43:00.000-08:00

By Deborah L Dixon

Women can spend hours trying to decide what outfit to wear on a first date. Whatever outfit you finally decide on, it is important that it is suits your body shape, your personal style, your age plus it is suitable for the date location. There are a number of general rules to follow regarding the outfit, despite the date location. The most important rule is that your outfit isn't too revealing. Wearing an outfit which reveals too much skin will only give off the wrong impression and possibly make you look cheap.

Always turn up for a date looking like you have made an effort. First impressions are so important, so don't put your date off you before you have even started. Avoid any items of clothing that are stained, ripped, faded, too tight, too baggy, too fussy, garish or transparent. Aim for fabrics that flatter your shape and highlight your best features. The last thing you want to do is attract attention to any flaws you may have.

Unfortunately some women would rather wear an uncomfortable outfit they think looks good on them instead of a practical outfit. Practical doesn't mean an outfit needs to be dull. It is possible to wear a practical but still flattering outfit that makes you feel good plus feels comfortable to wear.

What you think looks good on you and what actually looks good on you can in fact be two different things. This is why it is often a good idea to get the opinion of your friends or family members who will be honest with you. Why not spend an evening with your friends and try on a selection of your clothes. If you are really stuck for something to wear and you'd rather not buy a new outfit, why not borrow some clothes from your friends. That way you will get to wear a new outfit on your date without having to buy one.

Dressing for a casual date, such as bowling, a drink in a bar or even a visit to the zoo, can sometimes be easier when making a clothing decision. You can't go wrong with most trousers, including jeans for a casual date, but make sure your jeans aren't old and covered in holes. It is not advised to wear trousers such as hipsters if you have large hips as you will only end up drawing attention to them. A flattering top that shows your womanly curves, such as a fitted t-shirt is a great choice of top to accompany the trousers. Alternatively you could wear a fashionable jumper or a casual blouse. If you have a good neckline, then a v-neck t-shirt or jumper will draw attention to this area. Depending on the time of year, you can wear a stylish jacket or cardigan to complete your look.

Going on a date to a more sophisticated venue gives women the opportunity to dress up a little more than usual, which for some is exciting, but others dread the thought. If you are going to a classy restaurant then there is no need to wear a ball gown, but jeans are not acceptable either. Women have more options than men as they can choose between a dress, a skirt and smart trousers. It is a good idea to possess a little black dress. As long as it suits your figure, then you can't go wrong wearing this item on a more stylish date. You have the choice of adding accessories to it, such as a brooch, jewelery, a shrug, a stole, a belt, a handbag, a scarf and even a cardigan. Using accessories is a good way to draw attention to a particular area, as well as adding some colour to your dress. For example, if you have a large tummy, add some detail to the top half of the dress, such as a brooch or a chunky necklace so your date will be drawn to that area as opposed to your stomach. You can wear any colour of dress, it doesn't need to be black, but it is best to stay away from bright gaudy colours. There is a simple rule to follow when choosing a dress to wear; if the dress has a low back, then it should have a high neckline, and if it is high at the back then it should have a lower neckline, but not too low. Your aim is to achieve a classy look, so it is not a good idea to show too much skin. If you aren't keen on wearing a dress, then you could always wear a fancy skirt or smart trousers. Accompanied with a fashionable top such as a blouse or a cami you can create a stylish look. You have the choice of a wide range of tops to wear with a skirt and trousers, but it's best to avoid t-shirts. Again you can add accessories to a top to create a focus point or even colour.

If you have arranged an active or a sporty date, you are still required to make an effort. Wearing jogging bottoms or shorts with a sporty t-shirt is perfectly acceptable, as long as they aren't old, baggy or stained. It's advised that your choice of sportswear is modern and won't restrict your movements, possibly having an impact on your sporty performance. While it is a good idea to make an effort, it's not a good idea to overdress; after all you will only get sweaty anyway. Try to avoid wearing small hot pants and a tight vest top, which aren't practical for taking part in an activity. A good sports bra can be the key to a successful sporty look. It's always recommended to have a decent sports bra if you play sport regularly. If the weather is cold you can accompany your look with a sports jacket or fleece top. Most importantly make sure your trainers are clean and scent free.

There will be times when you don't know where your date is taking you. This is when deciding what to wear is more difficult. It is always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed if you don't know your date venue. A suggestion for this situation is to wear a smart pair of trousers, with a chic top together with a stylish jacket or cardigan that can always be taken off depending where your date takes you.

Once you have your outfit chosen, don't forget to choose suitable footwear. Some women make the mistake of choosing a perfect outfit then wearing the most unsuitable pair of shoes possible, which can change the look completely. Shoes should be clean, appropriate for the date, match the outfit and easy to walk in. There is no point in wearing shoes that look nice but are agony to wear. If going for a classy look, avoid casual shoes such as clumpy footwear, trainers and boots. Alternatively, if you are going on a casual date such as to the zoo, there is no point in wearing fashionable high heeled party shoes. The last thing you want is to return home after a date with feet covered in blisters.

As long as you plan your outfit in advance, think carefully about what suits your body shape and obtain your friends opinion, then you shouldn't have any worries the next time you plan an outfit for your date. Remember that being comfortable in your outfit will result in you feeling relaxed and more likely to have a good time on your date.

Gray Matters - Business Women's Guide to Fashion

2010-02-14T23:40:00.000-08:00

By Chi Chi Okezie

Although gray is considered a dull and morbid color, this season gray is adding a little shimmer to the modern women's professional wardrobe. Gray is being released in different shades and tones that compliment almost any hair and skin complexion. Its soft and easy color contrast allows it to blend well with several colors and textures. A cool color that looks great in the fall and can transition easily into the winter for fashion success.

Listed below are ways in which career minded women can pair up the color gray to enhance their wardrobe for the Fall!

Suitable Attire

Gray is an amazing color for women's suits. Light gray to deep charcoal, this color looks sensational on all skin and hair combinations. We encourage professional women to add pattern and texture to their gray suits. Look for suits that are pinstriped or glen plaid or tweed. These textures look excellent with silk and patterned bold blouses for a sophisticated appeal.

Punch of Color

Instead of pairing gray slacks or skirts with basic white or black tops, consider wearing bright colors. Blouses in bright yellow or deep blue are great pairs to gray bottoms. Select colors that are perfect for the fall and add dimension to your existing ensembles. For example instead of wearing a red top, try and select colors such as ruby, cranberry or brick red. The deeper and richer the color the more fabulous the outfit.

Shoe In

The color gray is not just limited to clothes but women are encourage to buy and wear gray accessories. Gray or silver jewelry is an excellent match for business and business casual outfits for work or evening. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and pins and just a few pieces that can take an outfit from common to tres chic in a matter of seconds. Gray shoes are also becoming very popular this season. The shades of gray are so versatile that you can have many shades and color combinations to match your handbags and other accessories.

Mixing and Matching Pant Suits and Skirt Suits Might Be Best For Curvy Women

2010-02-11T23:37:00.000-08:00

By Chris Vance

Maximizing the Suit Wardrobe for Curvy Women.

Most women in general have a hard time finding suits that fit right and carry a style that fits their personality, but curvy women have it the toughest. When it comes to pant suits or skirt suits curvy women have the least amount of selection, both in quality and style. Most department stores only carry a few different styles, in fact its a challenge for curvy women to find enough suits to carry them through a full work week. This is where creativity comes into play because with the right amount of mixing and matching its possible to create an incredible amount of outfits using just a few pieces.

What you will need

The goal of this exercise is to create the biggest wardrobe possible in terms of distinctly different outfits. This is not to be confused with having a lot of clothes, in fact if this is done correctly 3 suits, 3 trousers, 3 skirts and 5 blouses can create up to 18 base suits/sport coat trouser combos and 50 distinct outfits, meaning that it would be possible to go for 2 working months with out repeating a single combination. The goal here is flexibility.

* Start with patterned and/or textured suits. Subtle patterns give the suit more flexibility as it can be worn as separates and paired with a bigger range of underpinnings. Look for a subtle prince of wales check or a tweed or mill finish to the garment.
* Pair it with flat and solid colored trousers and skirts. Taking the jacket and pairing it with trousers and skirts, as separates, creates many more distinct outfits that goes beyond the initial pant suit or skirt suit.
* Always pick suits and separates that follow the same lines. If your suit is a slim fit modern suit, pair it with a modern pair of trousers. If its a wide leg type suit pair it with an "A line" skirt. this maybe a little difficult to find, if you want to cut back on shopping time custom suits may be something to consider. pairing clothing with similar lines of design creates a more streamlined look when you mix and match.
* Combine your base suits with both matching and contrasting tops. Rotating your blouses accordingly can give the illusion of a much bigger wardrobe. For example a dark gray suit paired with a white shirt is a completely different look than the same dark gray jacket top paired with a khaki trouser and a pink shirt.

The main thing to keep in mind when shopping is flexibility. Mixing and matching your pant suits and skirt suits with separates can help curvy women grow and maximize their work wear outfits.

Traditional Patterns of Indian Women's Fashion

2010-02-08T23:34:00.000-08:00

By Tushar Mangl

Indian fashion has always been admired and appreciated all over the world. In particular, Indian women fashion is a symbol of tradition, grace, beauty and purity. Indian women fashion has been adopted by almost all countries. Even the western countries are readily imbibing the Indian fashion styles when Indian themselves are running behind westernization.

Diversity which is found in Indian fashion styles cannot be found anywhere. Whatever be the occasion, you can find almost indefinite designs and clothing to set you apart from the crowd. With liberalisation and modernisation, though there has been a tectonic shift in the dressing style, but Indian women fashion is still intact with the customary clothing.

Multifarious cultures provide different fashion styles to India. Girls wear salwar suits which are an evergreen attire and always admired. Even sarees, which have now become popular with foreign countries also, is a formal and a casual wear too. Sarees like Banarasi sarees, Kaanjeevaram sarees, Kota sarees, Kota silk sarees, Taat sarees, Moonga sarees and other such traditional varieties are so popular that foreigners who visit India do not leave without a memoir of each type.

There are certain specialties of Indian women fashion which come from different states and provinces. Punjabi Patiala, salwar suits, and other designs are some examples which every girl longs for. For woollen materials like shawls, sweaters, stoles, jackets and overcoats, Punjab and its related towns namely Surat, Ludhiana, are all the way popular.

Recent trends in Indian women fashion show skirts, kurtis and wrap-a-rounds with half, cut and even non-sleeve designs. Sarees with plain blouses and simple colour are in fashion today. The trend of putting heavy makeup and jewelry has also subsided and sobriety has entered into the picture.

Old fashion comes again after sometime and becomes the trend. Same goes here with fashion of 70s and 80s repeating itself. Tight churidars, full sleeves blouses, neck-cut designs- all those styles which were considered things of bygone days are back again with full swing. The most amazing part is that the so-called modern and trendy girls are adopting it the earliest.

The western trend of wearing evening gowns in occasions and marriages is once again being replaced by traditional outfits and styles which embrace a woman with charm, elegance, beauty, calmness and simplicity. This is what has made Indian women fashion stand out with pride and Honor and we would like to have this trend going on.

Women's Cardigans - Build a Stylish Fall Wardrobe

2010-02-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

By Emma V Smith

The women's cardigan is a wonderful article of clothing for you to include in your wardrobe. You can wear it anytime, and you can pair it with many different types of blouses. Sometimes, women aren't sure when to wear a cardigan, or how to wear it.

Women's cardigan sweaters can be worn in quite a few different ways. You can leave them closed or open, and perhaps include a pin or broach at the top. If you leave it open, you can wear it with only a few of the middle buttons open. For a more casual look, you can simply leave it all the way open. If you wish to look more conservative, you can button it up, either a few buttons or all the way up. For an updated look, you can leave the front open and roll the sleeves up. This makes it a bit more tight on your arms, but it gives you a stylish and fashionable look.

When selecting a women's cotton cardigan or wool cardigan, imagine it with the outfit you plan to pair it with. You can use it instead of a coat or jacket, and it still allows you to show your outfit off. If you want to look very casual, you can wear your cardigan over a tank top or t-shirt, with jeans underneath. Alternately, you can wear it over a white shirt of button-down style, with a pencil skirt or work trousers. If you're going out in the evening, select a dark cardigan, like navy, brown or black, and wear this over a tank top with tight jeans or leggings. For a casual daytime look, the women's cardigan can be paired over a summer or day dress.

You can wear a cardigan almost anytime, in any season. A cotton cardigan can be worn nearly year-round. In wintertime, you can wear it with sweaters, and in the summer, you can pair it with t-shirts, dresses or skirts. Take your women's cashmere cardigan with you when you go on vacation, or if you're stepping out for the day. You can carry it around more easily than a jacket, and it can keep you every bit as warm, particularly if it's cashmere or wool. A double breasted cardigan makes an excellent add-on for business or office suits. If you chill easily, you can even wear a cardigan under a suit jacket, for warmth.

You can purchase cardigans in many different types of materials. Easily the most sumptuous is a cardigan made from cashmere. This material is so soft, and great for any season except summer. They are quite warm, and they can still help you to maintain fashion and style. Other available materials include wool, silk and cotton. Wool cardigans can be a bit scratchy, but you will normally have a blouse on underneath it anyway. Wool also gives you the warmth of cashmere without the expense. Silk cardigans dress up any outfit, and they're great to wear out in the evening. It can be expensive, as well. Cotton cardigans can be worn any season and they are the most reasonably priced to purchase. Whatever the fabric, you will enjoy the feeling of luxury in a womens cardigan.

Women in the Middle Fashion Frustration

2010-02-02T20:52:00.000-08:00

By Kris Lidinsky

Can someone please tell me why it is so difficult to find traditional shirts and blouses for work? Do you know what I mean....no giant ruffles around the neck, no beading , no baby doll maternity looking shirts - I just want the classics! I have just spent the morning, trying to sort through store racks that are jammed with all types of clothing - none of the sizes are in the right place and the colors - Oh my gosh - are atrocious!

As a young middle aged woman, I don't want to dress like my mom or my teenage daughter! I want fabrics that feel great on the skin, are comfortable, classic and great to wear under a suit jacket or on their own. I want pieces that aren't ready for the Goodwill bag after a few washes- ones that don't lose their shape or are out of style before I cut off the tags. I want to look good without so much effort.

Help me out ladies! What are you looking for in business attire? What colors, styles or special pieces make you smile and would put a few classic pieces in your wardrobe? I don't mind paying a little more for a top that I know will keep its shape and serve me for several seasons. So what is it - a classic crisp white blouse, a shimmery tee or a shirt that provides a pop of color? A satin blouse or a print that just sets off the whole outfit?

Fall Fashion Forecast - Business Women's Guide to Fashion

2010-01-30T20:51:00.000-08:00

By Chi Chi Okezie

As we enter the Fall Season, business women should embrace a new, fun and exciting style for professional success. Fall is a great time to try deep and earthy colors. It is also good to mix and match patterns to create a style of your own. There are many trends that have fallen into this season but we think there are three in particular that are worth holding onto for a chic, comfortable and creative style.

Listed below are New Fall Trends that every business woman should incorporate into her professional wardrobe.

Lace

Lace is such a romantic and soft fabric that works well with materials such as cotton, rayon, wool and silk. Lace is also appropriate for the workplace when matched with complimentary styles and looks. Lace is no longer restricted to the black and white colors. Women are buying lace tops and blouses in deep rich colors such as purple, blue, brown and navy. Women can pair these lace tops with fitted suit jackets for a formal appeal. Or they can pair the lace tops with cardigans and v-neck sweaters for a soft layering affect. Lace can also easily move from the office to the lounge for an after work cocktail or networking event. This stylish material is not just limited to clothes, designers are incorporating lace in purses and handbags. Lace is also a wonderful material for shoes and other accessories.

Vests

This is the season that women are making fashion investments in their professional wardrobe. Vests which were inspired from the 60's are coming back in style in a mighty way. Whether they are cropped, fitted, one button or three buttons, women are pairing them with nice slacks and a button down shirt. Vests have a slight menswear appeal which adds a subtle edge to a woman's outfit. Vest looks dynamic with skirts to add a more feminine appeal. Skirts can be full, a-line or high at the waist. This season, vests are being made in different colors and fabrics and adding more variety to the classic wardrobe. Women can expect to find vests hot for this season and we think it might spill into the Spring Forecast.

Wide Leg Pants

Wide leg pants are becoming more and more popular and can be worn by almost any body type. We recommend that women get their pants tailored to properly fit their body proportions for creating a smooth and sophisticated silhouette. Wide leg pants were a hit in the 70's are now being mirrored by the younger generation. Wide leg pants look great with a fitted blouse or sweater or fitted jacket to create a balanced look. They should also be paired with heels or shoes with a height or platform to create a longer and leaner look.

Lace + Vest + Wide Leg Pants

A great combination for the fall is all three of these hot styles in one! A lace top with a fitted vest and wide leg pants will be a great business casual outfit to wear on office Casual Fridays, in an informal business meeting with colleagues or associates or an after hours networking event. The look is chic and effortless and very elegant. We encourage ladies to mix and match with colors and textures for a more creative and fun appeal. The sky is the limit with this fantastic wardrobe ensemble.

Women - Dressing Up for Success

2010-01-27T20:48:00.000-08:00

By Bill Pratt

As the number of women who started to appear in the workplace increased during the 1970's to the 1980's and as most of them started to hold positions, which were traditionally held by men, women believed that they had to imitate the male business attire. Because of that, women usually went to work wearing tailored blouses and skirts and coordinated jackets that were finished off with a piece or an accessory item that much resembled a man's tie. However, those days are long gone. While trousers are still worn by women to work, they do it for more comfort and flexibility compared to skirts and not to mirror the male business attire.

Basically, the same rules in fashion apply to women's business attire and men's business attire. Business clothing should not just reflect the hottest fashion trend but the level of professionalism and skill she has. the business attire a woman wears should be appropriate for her industry and her position in the industry.

Here are some more useful tips for the woman who wants to dress for success:

1. Start with a pants suit or a skirted suit to achieve the most conservative look. The most professional would probably be a skirted suit. Except for some exceptions, dresses are not able to give the same credibility unless you would be wearing them with coordinated jackets.

2. Skirts should be worn knee-length or a bit above or below the knee. Make sure that extremes are avoided.

3. Pants should not be too long and while Capri pants and similar pieces are fashionable, they are not suitable in a conservative business environment.

4. Sweaters and blouses can provide color and variety to woman's get-up. However, they should be appealing instead of revealing. Wearing tops with inappropriate waistline and necklines could give the wrong impression.

5. Hosiery is a must for women in the business world. The best choices would be flesh-tone or neutral stockings. Avoid wearing dark stockings with clothing or shoes that are lightly colored.

6. Choose conservative shoes for work. Typically, shoes with a low heel are more professional compared to flats and high heels.

7. Again, keep jewelry and accessories at a minimum. Accessories should mirror your personality and not destroy your credibility.

Women Wearing Stockings Today

2010-01-24T20:46:00.000-08:00

By Jan Smith

Stockings are one of those items of clothing that is slowly fading into the dim past. Today many office workers don't bother to 'dress up' to go to work like they did 30 years ago. Today in most office environments you see men and women in jeans and tee-shirts or most women will wear a blouse but the days seem to have passed when the majority of women wore stockings, girdles, skirts and blouses or a dress.

Is this a by-product of the women's movement? Perhaps a bit but I also think it is largely because of the economic times we live in today.

A pair of nice stockings is expensive and most women today only 'dress up' for special occasions. Personally, I think us women have short-changed ourselves in this way and I feel that many men think so too.

Once upon a time when a man was the bread winner in a household he used to enjoy seeing his wife all dressed up and used to feel proud that he was able to provide her with nice clothes; and he was the lucky bloke who was married to her. I know, that is very old fashioned thinking but I'm lucky enough to be one of those women who remembers.

On the upside the stockings of today are considerably more comfortable and durable than they were in times gone by. Today's stockings have had a technology revolution, probably about the same time as the women's movement gained momentum. Today an average pair of stockings can be purchased with the groceries but a non-standard pair of stockings is also more expensive but more readily available to those who have the disposable income to buy them.

So all women who want to wear stockings today need to educate our menfolk to take us to the nearest lingerie shop and buy us a pair of nice stockings for those special types of occasions. Alternatively, we could invite them to measure our legs and buy us a pair off the Internet?

Tall Women's Clothing

2010-01-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

By Thibault Masson

There have been a variety of stores that provide tall women's clothing that have recently come into the tall market. One of the best (in my opinion), is Long Tall Sally. Long Tall Sally is where 'tall is beautiful'.

The site provides a wide range of dresses, skirts, trousers, tops etc, and the site also has a range called Lisa's Collection. The Lisa's Collection range provides a selection of tall women's clothing with a slightly higher price bracket than the regular site. Lisa herself is a model for the site, and so has plenty of experience with getting tall women's clothing right.

The collection is described as having sexy and sophisticated styles which dominate Lisa's elegant capsule collection. The site urges customers to wrap up in rich knits, stunning sequins and satins and dramatic dresses inspired by 1940s Hollywood. Lisa's collection features 2 especially gorgeous longer length dresses that are every bit quality appropriate for formal evenings.

What's especially nice about these dresses is that they also cater for mature women - the modern colours with the longer length and traditional cut make them an excellent choice for those wanting to stand out from the crowd.

The collection also has some lovely blouses which have been given modern lifts for the modern woman. In the New Arrivals section of the site there are also some great finds, with a slightly lighter price tag too. In this section tall women will be able to find comfy pyjamas and nice blouses that are ideal for both work and play.

Another site that provides good tall women's clothing is Dorothy Perkins.

The tall section of Dorothy Perkins provides over 60 items to choose from, and has a wide range of casual and evening clothes. The dresses and tops from Dorothy Perkins genuinely take on the problem of length for tall women, and so their tops are longer than average to accommodate for longer body frames.

The tops also allow for more material in the sleeves, so that long arms are covered adequately. There are also some great dresses with power sleeves that are very fashionable for the Christmas season.

Both Long Tall Sally and Dorothy Perkins provide tall women's clothing for women that are 5 ft 7 and over. With the average height of women in the UK being around 5 ft 4, women who are at least 5 ft 6 also need to be taken into account.

Plus Size Women's Clothing - Now You Can Find Your Options Online

2010-01-18T20:40:00.000-08:00

By Nancy Jho

For more than 30 years the initials BBW has stood for big beautiful women. There are, in fact, many plus size women who are indeed beautiful. However, for many generations Plus size women apparel did nothing to enhance the beauty of the larger woman. In fact, they made them look and feel downright frumpy.

Over the last couple of decade clothing manufacturers have finally begun to understand that plus size women want to look as good as their thinner counter parts and have begun to make plus size apparel that enhances the natural beauty of these women.

Gone are the days of wearing your grandmothers old house dresses. Plus size clothing now comes in the most modern styles, colors, and a wide variety of materials that makes the most of a woman's assets no matter what they may be.

If you are looking for plus size apparel that is youthful and fun you can find it. There are wide selections available from leggings and long colorful sweaters, to skirts, blouses, and jeans that are made to fit and look fantastic. Whether you are planning a day at the beach or a weekend sightseeing with friends, there are outfits to fit any social occasion you can imagine.

Any BBW in the business world will have little trouble finding handsome suits, business style dresses, and skirts and blouses in plus sizes. You can get blazers in a variety of materials from lightweight cotton to blended wool. Colors can range from the sedate to eye catching hues of reds, blues, and oranges. Whatever your business personality you can dress for success.

The array of formal semi formal and formal attire in plus size women's clothing is truly incredible. From wonderfully designed cocktail dresses in a variety of styles and colors to the most sophisticated formals the range is endless. You can even own a little black dress for all those semi formal occasions when you don't know exactly what to wear.

There of course is a wide array of wedding attire for larger women. Whether you are the bride, a bridesmaid, or the mother of the bride, there are styles and colors to fit this once in a lifetime occasion.

Women's plus size apparel manufacturers haven't forgotten your romantic side. Lace teddies, satin nightgowns and robes, and that sexy dress you would only wear for that special man in your life is available to larger women today.

Whether you prefer pastel colors, or want to really turn him on with a black or red outfit that screams seduction you are sure to find just what you are looking for.

With today styles and fashions, big beautiful women cannot only look beautiful but will feel beautiful with the variety of materials, colors, styles, and outfits available today in plus size women's apparel. No matter what your personal style is there is an outfit that is perfect for you.

How to Dress For an Interview With Your Women's Suits

2010-01-15T20:38:00.000-08:00

By Lucy Alice

Sometimes women are finding it difficult in choosing their women's suits and right attire for an interview. Some tend to choose man-like suits to have a conservative look. But when you are in the office for example when you are going to the interview, you have always an option to have an elegant women's suits and to be stylish on it.

Here are some tips that help to look classy and fashionable despite being in women's suits.

First you have to look for a shop or the online store that sells elegant women's suits, the store that makes men's suits curved that made for women. If you have knowledge in style, elegance and have a fashion sense you can have a well-fitted women's suits.

You must know also the compatible shoes to your women's business suits, shoes are ranging from one to three inches and either closed-toe. You can also try the sling-back with strap which gives style and class to the conservative, professional and elegant look. Regardless of what is in style, avoid extremes; no stilettos or chunky platforms. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling in uncomfortable shoes does not convey a professional appearance.

I seen a lot of professional women who has a scarf in their neck, scarf establish your taste with elegance when you are wearing a women's suits. Other women tuck in their jacket, and sometimes they drape their jacket around their neckline, in this way their feminine side stands out.

The blouse should always look professional, but there are a lot of options when it comes to color. Moreover blouse does not have to be always off-white or white.

You can add a handbag or a purse; this adds up on your women's suits. You can use small or a big bag, as long as it look classy, this well enhance the elegant look. Purse color should coordinate with your shoes. You may choose to carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. Leather is the best choice for briefcases; micro fiber or fine woven are also acceptable. Bags add up texture and color to your women's suits and thus, makes you style conservative yet fashionable, professional but also very elegant in your very own way.

In an interview the attire and your look plays a supporting role. An appropriate ladies business suits supports your image as a person. Your attire should be noticed appropriately, but it should not take center stage. If you are aware that employees of an organization dress casual on the job, dress up for the interview unless you are specifically told otherwise by the employer. Never confuse an interview or business function with a social event. Do not dress for a party or a date.

In addition keep your make up in conservative look. A simple makeover is better that none for a polished look. Nails should be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative industries.

Perfume or cologne should be used sparingly or not at all. No odors in clothes.

Must Know Tips in Choosing Women's Suits

2010-01-12T20:36:00.000-08:00

By Lucy Alice

Women's suits represent efficiency and authority. A lot of people think that women business suits are boring and dour, but with a few and appropriate style on this apparel can be an awesome fashion trend.

Basically a woman have to stay with the classics because a woman need to buy the best womens suits that she can afford.

At first you are going to start with a darker womens suits. Stay with the formal classic type of styles. The jackets, the actual sleeves should be just like maybe above, a little below the wrists and then they should have at least three buttons on top of it and try not to have like pockets because it is just going to give a more bulky appearance. Jacket style, consists of single-breasted suit is classic, but there are also double-breasted suits, as well as those button to the collar. Important things to consider when it comes to jackets are to make sure the collar lies flat against the back of the neck. The shoulder should be slightly padded and make sure that it is not too boxy and sloped.

Decide between a skirt and pants. A skirt suit is ideal in highly formal business settings, but sometimes a pantsuit is acceptable. But it is practical to buy a three-piece set: jacket, skirt and pants. In choosing the bottoms of your womens suits make sure it is comfortable by doing this you can slide a two fingers under the waistline and pull about 1 inch of excess fabric at the hip. And of course skirt should be fall straight. A back zipper help a skirt to fall more smoothly, and in the crotch area of pants lies perfectly flat against your body.

Select your pants style, no cuff pants help elongate the leg while cuffed legs are formal and weight to the womens suits. Pleats make pants dressy and provide room to move around, while flat-front pants are slimming.

In choosing a color and pattern of womens suits, a black, navy and gray are the classic tones. If you want for a patterned womens suits, check that the patterns line up at the seams of the shoulders and lapels.

Choose a fabric that has a high-quality worsted wool, this type of fabric is seasonally versatile; avoid blends with too much polyester. Other suggest a fabric such as triacetate at least seventy percent because this fabric will not wrinkle as much and it last longer. And remember when you are trying your women suit when you are going to buy it, just go ahead and try it with a blouse so that way you can see exactly how it is that it is going to look.

When you are buying your womens suits make sure it fits not only in your body but also to the rest of your wardrobe. A quality suits are expensive but worth the money. Purchased your own women suits the best you can afford. And of course complete your womens suits with a pair of shoes, jewelry and blouses. An accessories do not have to be top quality if you can not afford, but do not scrimp on the business suit. Buy the best quality womens suits your budget allows.

Career Clothing for Women - Understanding Business Fashions

2010-01-09T20:34:00.000-08:00

By Ma Evelyn Edra

Fashions for home or parties are not the same as career clothing for women. Only certain looks are suitable business attire. A few tips will help women understand what clothes are right to wear. Women can also do some personal research to discover the best ways to dress for work.

Career clothing for women is divided into two main categories: business and business casual. Women may feel at a loss when trying to decide what is appropriate to wear for their particular office. The first thing to do is to find out which type of dress code is followed. One can do this very simply by asking at an employment interview. It is a reasonable question to ask.

If the career clothing for women is designated as business casual, there are a few basic tips to follow. First of all, business casual is a specific type of dress code. It does not include the kind of clothing that is worn for lounging around or going to a party. Even though it is not as formal as regular business wear, it is still a set standard of career clothing for women.

For business casual, pants or skirts do not have to be business suit dressy. They can be somewhat casual. They should not be tight, but they should not be baggy either. Solid colors are the best, and flowing skirts are usually not acceptable. Career clothing for women should include skirts that come to the knee when the woman is standing and do not go above the thigh when she sits.

Sweaters are acceptable as career clothing for women as long as they are not sparkly or low-cut. On the other hand, there should be quite a bit of leeway in the patterns and colors of blouses that are worn with solid color pants and skirts. This is where a woman can show her personal style. As long as they present a professional image, they should be fine.

For an office that has a regular business style dress code, the rules are different. Suits are the standard dress even for women. Conservative but fashionable dresses may be worn in such offices as career clothing for women. Some companies prefer their women wear skirt suits, and some do not care whether women wear skirt suits or suits with slacks.

To really know what career clothing for women works best in one's office, the best thing to do is some research. It is a good idea to buy only the bare minimum when getting a new job at first. After one has a good idea of what is expected, one can buy more.

One can get ideas for the office's policies on appropriate career clothing for women by watching what others wear. It helps to know who is respected by the management. One can follow the lead of the people who are successful, without copying exactly, for the best results.

Finding the best career clothing for women is essential if one wants to make it in the business world. Up-to-date clothing in work attire is a subtle thing. The best advice is to fit in as much as possible while using blouses and accessories to add a personal touch.

Everyday Style and Sizing Tips For Women's Fashion

2010-01-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

By Christine Noe

Women come in all shapes and sizes. Each one has their own challenges when it comes to what to finding what to wear. The good news is whatever type of body you have, there are some tips to look for to help your particular body type look its best.

Some standard classifications

* Misses: 00-18, often running 2-14 and varies greatly with each manufacturer
* Petite: generally 5'4" and under
* Plus: on average, size 14w-24w and over
* Tall: generally 5'9" and over

Not too long ago US standard clothing sizes were based off data from the 1940-1950s which created a universal sizing standard across the clothing industry. Around the 1980's, clothing companies started veering towards sizing that would be more appealing to consumers and started adopting the US catalog sizes which are nearly 6 sizes larger. A size 12 in the 40s would be today's 6. This change of course has left North America's sizing for apparel a lot of room for inconsistency.

source: Wikipedia US_standard_clothing_size#Conversion_from_catalog_sizes

Helpful things to remember for sizes

Petites: Petites have three important measurements to know for their pant sizing; inseam, waist and length. Petites sizes are often assumed to just be shorter legs when in fact it's the whole package of other measurements that need to be accounted for. For example, thinner belts and smaller accessories work well for petites.

Talls: A person who is 5'9" won't always mean they are going to wear a tall size. Someone may get their height by being longer waisted and feel better in a tall's shirt and have shorter legs and still fit most misses pants. It's important to note the inseam and when possible check the inseam for the product you are interested in. I'm 5'9" and fluctuate between tall's and misses on a regular basis. Nothing is worse than floods when they are not capris!

Plus: Plus sizes will want to make sure they are buying clothes that fit the shape rather than try to hide it. Too often people wear baggy clothes which gives the illusion of larger. Plus sizes your measurements and size accordingly.

Balancing it all out

Bottom heavy (pear):

* dark on the bottom is more slimming, a lighter top will draw the eye upwards
* create a long line by using a uniform color for the top and bottom
* make sure fitted jackets end above your widest part
* invest in a flattering pair of low waisted jeans with a little stretch. Avoid too much glam on the pockets. Keep the cut to straight leg without pleats.
* wear clothes that are cut to fit your shape vs. fabrics that drape or cling to it
* draw the eye to your top with accessories, an attractive neckline or other embellishments
* look for empire waisted dresses to help draw a longer looking line
* swimsuits with a normal to high cut leg, a skirted bottom. Stick to darks on the bottom, light on top to help fool the eye.
* stripes down the sides of athletic shorts and pants give a flattering illusion of length
* thin strapped or strapless tops work great at drawing attention away from larger bottoms

General rule: Draw the eye to the top half. Two great ways to do this are to draw the eye upwards with brighter/lighter colors on top, darker on the bottom. Another great way is to create a sense of length with a monochromatic uniform color throughout the outfit.

Top heavy (apple):

* pick clothes that tastefully show off your cleavage
* go for a top that fits correctly (not too tight, not too baggy), it should drape without clinging
* draw attention away from the middle by wearing accessories like necklaces and scarves
* wear just above the knee length skirts that balance out your top not taper at the knee
* tank tops that drape can work well to bring attention to your arms and shoulders
* blouses that wrap can be very attractive

General rule: Look for clothes that bring the eye to your good features (bust, arms and legs). Use fashion, colors, embellishments to bring the eye where you want it.

Create the classic wardrobe you can use year after year The following pieces and colors are common for the different seasons and should not ever go out of style. The beauty of having these pieces is they always look stylish and they can be the base for you to work around when adding trend pieces to your wardrobe. It is very important to find the right classic piece for your body type, not all white shirts are created equal but they are essential.

A quick note about trends. Colors and styles come and go, year to year. The benefits of having classic pieces in your wardrobe is you can have these as your base and still enjoy picking out the very favorite trend pieces, without having to reinvent your wardrobe every season.

The following pieces should each meet the following criteria (fit you extremely well, be high quality (no pilling/frayed seams), be your best colors (no wearing wine if you look best in dark blues). It's an investment, but one that will last you season after season. Fall/Winter Pieces

* white long-sleeve button shirt
* nicely tailored jacket
* cashmere sweater
* woven dress pants
* nicely crafted tote
* tall leather boots (approx 1 1/2" heel)
* set of pearl earrings (and necklace if you wear necklaces)
* solid knee length dinner dress that best fits your body type

Fall/Winter Colors

* brown
* midnight blue
* charcoal
* ivory
* evergreen

Get trendy with accessories and supplemental pieces to your wardrobe. If a bright green is the trendy color for the season introduce it with a fabulous blouse that's patterned with it. Just be prepared that next year's Fall season, the blouse will potentially appear dated.

Tips: Invest in quality. These items will easily become favorites and can last year after year. The last thing you want is to have to worry about pilling fabrics, seams that split, buttons falling off. Make sure you're getting cuts of clothes that fit you best. Give thought to how these pieces will work together (color, style). They should essentially all work together as a mix and match wardrobe you can use together or introduce new pieces to.

How to measure

Get a measuring tape, some pencil and a paper to take notes. Unclothed or with your undergarments on, take a snug measurement of your bust, waist, hips.

* Waist: measure your narrowest part of your waist
* Bust: measure your largest part of your bust
* Hips: measure your widest part of your hips (i.e. butt)

These are very generalized measurements for average clothing and can most always be used to find clothing online with a good fit.

Determining your bra size is as easy as x, y, z.

1. X: Wrap the tape measure snugly around the rib cage just under the bust. Be sure it is positioned correctly and even with the ground. Note the measurement while breathing normally. Measurements less than or equal to 33 add 5 inches. Measurements greater than 33 add 3 inches. Take the result up to the nearest even number. This result is x.
2. Y: Measure the bust around the fullest part. This result is y.
3. Z: Subtract x from y (y - x = z). z is the result used to determine your cup size (see chart below).

* AA - 0"-1/2"
* A - 1/2"-1"
* B - 2"
* C - 3"
* D - 4"
* DD/E - 5"

Check the sizing for the bra you're interested in and use the two results gotten for a near exact match.

Finding the perfect bra. Besides fit, you'll want to consider how the bra is going to look under your clothing. It sounds simple, but just looking around you can see fashion faux pas all around. Things to consider are seams and lace showing through, too dark a bra showing under light clothing, bra strap falling off the shoulder and slipping out your shirt down your arm, bra straps showing because they don't fit under your tops. If you fear the headlight syndrome, you'll want to consider getting a padded or t-shirt type bra to avoid any uncontrolled attention.

Fitting the right underwear. My theory is buy a dozen when you find a pair that fits. Issues generally come up when they fit too tight and seams show through clothing or they fit too loose and ride up or are worn too high with low waisted pants.

Amazing undergarment secrets. A great alternative to consider is the thong which has an amazing number of styles. For dresses and skirts you can also get a super smooth look by wearing form shaping garments. There are a lot of stylish undergarments that help achieve the look you're after: bigger bust, tighter butt, smaller thighs, narrower waist. These products can achieve amazing results and should definitely be considered to achieve the look you want.

How to find your size

You'll first want to know your measurements, then check with the manufacturers site to see how they are sizing their clothes. Note: many stores have additional sizing info for the actual item you are shopping for. Find the item in the store and look for sizing info on that item's page. If there isn't any, you can then check the store's sizing information. There is often also specific care information for the item you're looking at that you will want to consider as well.

Remember to not assume that one size in the same brand fits the same. Quite often the measurements will change from line to line. A good example of this is a jean in brand name x's line may come in slim, relaxed, wide, straight leg all fitting very different in the same size.

Glossary

* Brand: manufacturers label or name for the garment
* Size: garments measurements (s,m,l,xl,0,2,4,etc), when you see 10t (t is tall), 10p (p is petite)
* Line: a series or particular style of garment used under a single manufacturers brand
* Polyblend: a fabric with some form of polyester in it
* Manufacturer: maker of the garment

Tips for everyone regardless of body type

* Find a designer you like, especially a particular cut that you know works for you. Many designers make that perfect size 6 across their brand or style.
* Take a look around you, see what others are wearing, look for similar body types and consider what's working for them (or not).
* Consider the fabrics and whether they are going to shrink and what kind of care you are prepared to give them. If you are going to wash everything in warm and toss it into the dryer, you might want to consider buying on the larger size. Cotton can shrink 1/4 to 3/4". A poly blend will help prevent shrinkage.
* Take into account where you're purchasing the products from. For example, if you wear a size 10 shoe but don't just assume the XL flip flop found in the shops in Mexico is going to fit (same goes for all !).
* Pick colors that are most flattering to you and your skin tone.
* Buy some jeans with some stretch.
* Avoid pants that taper at the ankle. This is a huge fashion faux pas for every body type.

Great news! Regardless of your fit there are a lot of quality retailers specializing in it these days. If you're having a hard time finding a certain style in your size, you can always consider getting a seamstress or a tailor to help you get that perfect fit.

Five Ideas For Women - What to Wear on a Particular Date

2010-01-03T20:30:00.000-08:00

By Olga Savcuk

What a woman wears on a first date is a make or break factor. After all, first impression lasts right. People are also, more often, judged by how they look. You have to remember that what you wear will give an initial impression of who you are and what type of person you are. Wearing the right outfit is therefore an essential aspect of having a successful first date.

1. Keep it simple

It may be a cliché but wearing a simple outfit is like coming to a date as a fresh canvass. However, it does not necessarily have to mean that you have to look blank and uninteresting. Keep to your personal style. If you are the classic-wearing gal, the little black dress is always a sure bet. It can go a long way and can be dressed in many ways. If you like it loose and casual, a dressy blouse can be paired perfectly with jeans. Dressing semi-casually can be a good sign for your date since it will show him that you can rough it off a bit.

2. Never overdress

Again, remember to keep it simple. Some girls may wear simple clothes but blind their dates with huge diamond earrings and gold chains around their necks. Keep jewelry to a minimum. It will send out the wrong signal to your date, him having the impression that you are a high-maintenance gal in need of serious bling. A ring and a necklace is enough jewelry for one date. Or you can alternate with a simple bracelet and diamond studs.

3. Do not give the wrong impression

Dressing in a mini skirt and tight shirts or midriff-baring tops and low cut blouses will give him the idea that you are an easy prey. Remember, men want their women clothed, leaving something to their imagination. Keep in mind that this is a first date and you want him to think of you nicely. You can wear your more provocative outfits on the third or fourth date.

4. Dress appropriately

Do ask your date where you will be having your first date. Surprises are not appropriate for a first date. Most likely, you will have dinner or drinks in a bar. If you are going to a classy restaurant, wear something a little more formal than you are used to wearing. A simple knee-length dress would be perfect. A pretty blouse and crisp pants are also good. Wear appropriate makeup. If you are coming from the office, try to freshen up a bit. Bring your evening wear to the office for easy changing. If you could find an outfit that goes from a day to night wear, even better. However, if you and your date decide on something unconventional like lunch or a lakeside picnic, a nice top, jeans and flats will do. Always prioritize comfort over everything else.

5. Let your personality shine

Remember do not let your clothes wear you. Choose clothes that will reflect your personality giving your date a first glimpse of who you are. If you are quirky and fun, wear clothes that will show that. If you are the thoughtful, intelligent type, reflect that in the colors and the cut of your clothes. However, the clothes will not speak for you throughout the date. You also need to speak up, listen and be yourself.

About Historical and Contemporary Limbu Women of Nepal

2009-12-31T20:28:00.000-08:00

By Eksha Limbu

Limbu people are known as Yakthungba (refers to a Limbu male) and Yakthungma (refers to a Limbu female) in their own language. Yambechha means a male and menchhuma means a female. They are the descendents of the Kirant dynasty of ancient Nepal. The Kirant dynasty ruled Nepal from 3102 B.C. to 7th century A.D. as the first rulers in Nepal.

Historically, until 225 years ago, the Limbus had their own territory that was known as Lumbuwan before King Prithvi Narayan Shah united the territories that make up present-day Nepal. At present, this area is in the eastern part of Nepal (including Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar, Ilam, Dhankuta, and Tehrathum and northern parts of Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari districts). According to the 2001 Census of Nepal, the population of the Limbus is 359,371 (1.58% of Nepali population). Traditionally they have been followers of the Kirant religion that is a type of animism, a belief that both living and inanimate things, such as trees, rivers and mountains possess souls. They have their own spoken and written Limbu language. LIMBU script is known as Sirijanga script.

Historical Social Role of Limbu Women:

Traditional Limbu women wore sim (it is 7-yard long material wrapped as a skirt) with a cholo, a blouse that is made of locally hand-woven dhaka material. Phaee (a long cloth) is wrapped around the waist to tie the sim. They always covered their heads with thakhumya (a large scarf) as an accessory. They loved wearing large gold and silver ornaments. Limbu women traditionally wore a pair of Nesse (a large flat designed gold earrings), a gold mundri as a nose ring, and a dhungri, a stud nose ornament. On their hands, Limbu women wore gold or silver bangles. Silver kalli were worn as anklets. They also wore different kinds of ornaments on different occasions, ceremonies and festivals. Some of these ornaments were Phangsese (a necklace made of nine gold beads which are strung with glass beads), Labaphung (a crescent shaped gold ornament worn as a hair clip), Namloi or Yogakpa (a large silver necklace), sisiphung or nekkhophung (flower shaped gold stud earrings), reji (coin necklaces made of ancient silver coins) and Swagep (a gold ring worn on their fingers). Also in the past Limbu females used to wear Laskari in their ears, 5 or 6 similar tiny gold rings in a row. You can still see old Limbu women in the villages dressed up in this way. All the types of clothing and ornaments women wore suggest that the Limbu economy provided adequately for their needs in those days. Traditional Limbu women looked very elegant and created a unique identity in the world.

Limbu women like to dance the Ya-Lang (paddy dance) and Ke-Lang (Limbu traditional drum dance) at formal occasions like marriages and religious ceremonies. There is also a dance named Mang Lang (Dev naach-God dance) to celebrate religious occasions.

Most of the Limbus are farmers, and many men serve as Gurkha soldiers with foreign armies (e.g., British, Indian) or as security personnel in Singapore, Brunei, and Hong Kong. Women help in farming by working in the fields. They plant rice, harvest the crops and take care of the domestic animals. They also bring up children and take care of their in-laws as well.

My mom used to talk about “pewa” (Pewa is a Limbu word, it is a source of pocket money). Limbu parents were very generous towards their unmarried daughters, for they let them have own money by providing them “pewa”. Some unmarried women used to own a couple of goats or pigs, so they could sell their livestock to get money to buy what they wanted.

My grandfather gave my mom a couple of orange trees, from which she could get her pocket money by selling oranges in the Dharan market. This enabled her to buy her own jewelry or whatever she needed. In those days, buying gold and silver jewelry was a type of family investment.

This article is about Limbu women. I should not forget their gourmet cuisine. Generally Limbus eat the usual Nepali meal, steamed white rice, dal (lentil soup), tarkary(curry) and aachar(a kind of salsa sauce). I would like to mention some Limbu gourmet food- kinema ko achar (fermented soya been pickle), gundruk ko achar or gundruk ko soup ( fermented mustard leaves), yangben (moss that grows on trees), etc. They also a drink a mild beverage called tongba (millet beer), consumed in particular bamboo or wooden large containers with tiny bamboo straws).

Limbu women used to be great fabric-artist entrepreneurs and very hard working. There wasn't imported thread available for weaving, therefore they used to grow cotton themselves in their fields. They used to spin thread for weaving after harvesting raw cotton and drying it in the sun. Once open a time, "chhitko sari", woven by Limbu women, was very popular among other Nepali women. They also used to weave handloom cloth called Dhaka. They would be very creative by coming up with different kinds of ethnic patterns such as tanchhokpa (star). They sold that cloth material to women and men in other communities, since imported clothing was not readily available. This type of traditional weaving has been bequeathed to their female descendents. Dhaka material is very popular now, and you can get Dhaka topis (caps), traditional pachheuras (large scarves) and Dhaka cholos (blouses). Today, ties and Dhaka kurta-suruwals (pant suit) are very popular. The traditional material is also used in interior decoration for modern contemporary houses; you can find it used for cushion covers, curtains, table runners, tablemats, etc. This material is also used in boutiques to make unusual and unique designer outfits. Definitely the credit goes to our mothers and grandmothers for passing such skills down through the generations.

Contemporary Limbu Women and Their Social Role:

Today’s Limbu women generally do not dress up in traditional clothes or wear heavy jewelry. They wear all kinds of contemporary outfits such as kurta suruwal, saree and other formal and casual western outfits. Married women wear traditional Nepalese ornaments such as Tilhari with sarees and kurta suruwal. Unmarried women wear light jewelry such as a stud, hoop or dangle earrings, a pendant with a chain, gold link bracelets, a ring, and anklets with kurta suruwal and western-inspired outfits. Some married women also wear formal Indian inspired gold jewelry too, such as heavy mangal sutra necklaces and large dangly earrings.

Contemporary Limbu society, especially in urban areas, has evolved from the village society of one hundred years ago. Modern society has brought about a lot of changes. Limbu women’s responsibilities usually include maintaining the home, cooking, taking care of children and in-laws, as before, but now also include helping educate their children and perhaps managing a shop or pursuing a professional career outside the home. Of course stock market investments are not common in Nepal. The Limbu women manage financial investments in land or property. There are many women whose husbands still work as Gurkha soldiers in foreign countries. Those women learn to manage their lives very efficiently by themselves.

Today, some Limbu women have established careers in every field-- in politics, media, business, professional performing arts, legal services, education, and the medical profession. Some names of Limbu women who are active in different fields are mentioned below:

Anjana Limbu (Shrestha) : Movie Actress, her best-known movie is Balidaan

Anupama Subba: Actress in the famous movie "Numafung"

Bishnu Chemjong: The first Lux Nepal Star; she was chosen from 5000 other contestants for her beautiful voice.

Jina Lingden: The first Limbu woman pilot

Jayan Subba Manandhar: Choreographer and owns modeling agency called Ramp

Kala Subba: Active model, choreographer and Hits FM RJ.

Lila Subba (Shrestha): Member of Nepal’s Parliament.

Pabitra Subba: An established, well known Nepali singer and actress.

Malvika Subba: Miss Nepal 2002, working with Kantipur telvision as an anchor, and event manager for the Miss Nepal pageant for 2 years.

Srijana Subba: Active member of Kirat Yakthung Chumlung and representative of the Association of Limbu Shamans from Nepal. She is working as a program officer for the NGO-FONIN.

Contemporary Limbu women are highly appreciated for their incredible achievements in a short period. Young Limbu women today, whose mothers and grandmothers may be illiterate or barely literate, may go on to college or obtain specialized training for skilled employment.

Although there are only a small number of Limbu women compared to Nepal's total population, they are actively involved in every field.

Fashion Advice For Plus Size Women

2009-12-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

By Joe Norris

A growing trend in fashion is the plus sized wardrobe which has become a hit amongst women of all ages and size ranges. Most women are no longer in the size 2-10 range and are curvier and more buxom. For this reason, most stylists have a few words of advice when purchasing clothing in the plus sized range.

Keep the same rules in the plus range as you would in the smaller sizes. Choose classic pieces or suits which will always be in fashion no matter what the year or season. Purchase one pant or skirt suit in a plain color which fits you properly and serves you well for any important occasion.

Purchase a few blouses or shirts which will complement the suit and bring out the color of your eyes, hair and facial tones. These blouses can be worn with the suit, another pair of trousers or skirt. Try to buy fabrics which will wash and dry quickly for the next business meeting or party. Cotton, silk and linen make suitable tops material while wool is an excellent suit material.

Purchase clothing which fits you properly. There is nothing worse than gorgeous plus sized women wearing too tight shirts, pants or jeans. Buy a size larger and the clothes should be easy to do up and not make you look like a sausage in its casing. Wear good quality foundation garments to enhance your proportions. Bras should uplift your bosom and make a blouse look very good on you.

Avoid showing off too much skin as in halter tops or sleeveless tops. Leave something to the imagination and always dress as though you were going to meet someone special that day. Good fitting lounge clothes, bathing suits and tee shirts should enhance your body, not draw a critical eye.

Finally, complement your wardrobe with a hair style, classic make up and good fitting shoes. Accessories should be worn with to complement your face and eyes and not be overwhelming. Avoid too much jewellery or scarves, which take the focus from your beautiful face. Now you are ready to go forth and seize the world.

Choose shoes which are suitable for all day at work. Spiked heels are not required at work and should be saved for evening fare. If you want to dress up for evening then go for it but remember that it is your face and hair that everyone should be looking at, not your skimpy dress or top.

Women in Uniform

2009-12-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

By Alan To

What is it about a gorgeous woman in uniform that gets a man's heart racing with excitement?
It is a question that has often be asked over the years. For many men, the main delight is the way that the uniform accentuates the woman's figure, the smart jacket and skirt emphasising each wonderful curve of her body. And if she happens to be wearing a nice crisp-white blouse, dark stockings and high heeled shoes - well, that certainly does enhance the sheer appeal of her outfit to an almost breathtaking extent. In fact, some would even argue that a woman's uniform is just not complete without the latter three items of clothing. Then there is the tantalising mystery of what this beautiful woman could possibly be wearing beneath that smart suit.

In a recent survey, 17 percent of men said the power-dressing look was their favourite female image, especially suiting brainy babes. There is something very alluring and sexy about a beautiful woman dressed in a smart suit, presenting an authoritative, prim and proper image. It all goes back to the popular male image of the sexy secretary, who starts off with her hair pinned up in a bun, glasses on, perched on the edge of her desk, looking all prim and proper . . . that is, until she starts unclasping her bun, letting her long hair fall down over her face, taking off her glasses, unbuttoning her jacket and . . . Well, you know the rest!

The most popular uniform in regard to male preferences is undoubtedly the air hostess uniform (or flight attendant, as they are now commonly called). The pretty ladies of the skies have long held a reputation for adding a bit of eye-catching glamour to those long flights around the world. Indeed, there are many men who say they would love to marry a flight attendant, and it goes without saying that the smart uniforms these ladies wear has to be a contributory factor towards this desire.

The female attire of the armed forces is another much admired uniform. The American naval outfit of dark jacket, matching skirt, white blouse and neck tie is a particularly notable example of just how neat and smart service women can look when decked out in all their glory.

There are, of course, many other types of female uniforms worn by various organisations, including the hotel industry, retail stores, police, nurses, traffic wardens and more besides. Each one different in various ways, but nevertheless all sharing one common, wonderful quality: the enhancement of a woman's visual image. Uniforms look smart. Uniforms look sexy, without being overly provocative. Uniforms are the best form of attire a woman could possibly wear.

If there was one complaint I would venture to make regarding uniforms, it would only be that it is a great shame that some organisations now are permitting their female staff to replace skirts with trousers. Indeed, even some airlines - an industry long noted for its trend of smart, feminine skirt uniforms - now are introducing a pants option for their flight attendants, much to the chagrin of a myriad males, who always prefer to see pretty air hostesses wearing a nice tight skirt with their uniform jackets! Trousers are just not as nice and admirable and eye-catching as skirts, and can certainly detract from the look of an otherwise well-tailored jacket and blouse.

Still, despite this annoying tendency of the trouser-favouring portion, it is a great consolation to know that skirt suit uniforms will always be worn somewhere or other in the world by women who always want to look smart, sexy and feminine when doing their professional duties. More power to these women. They certainly know what good dress sense means!

Do's and Don'ts of Necklines For Plus Size Women

2009-12-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

By Grace Hill

Did you know the neckline on a shirt or blouse can add pounds to your appearance, if it's the wrong one? It may seem strange to think something as simple as a neckline can make a big difference, but once you start paying attention to clothing you feel flatters your body and clothing that doesn't, you may see a commonality in the necklines of the outfits you love. You can easily flatter your figure by choosing necklines which make your neck appear longer and leaner.

What Necklines DO Work On Plus Size Women
If you want to flatter your body, it's important to look for necklines which will make you appear leaner or taller. Quite simply, a v-neck shirt is always a better choice than a round collar for plus size women, as a v-neck will elongate the appearance of your neck area and slim your shape. A portrait neckline is usually narrow at the shoulders and curves down below your throat's hollow. This type of neckline will make you look lean by drawing attention to your décolletage area.

What Necklines SOMETIMES Work On Plus Size Women
If you're a plus size woman with larger upper arms, you may think the best way to slim them is to simply hide them in blouses or shirts. But, the truth is a strapless neckline on a shirt or blouse can provide a slimming illusion on your arms and keep the attention on your bust, shoulder and neck areas. However, if you're a busty woman you may not feel comfortable with the attention moving to your chest area.

What Necklines NEVER Work On Plus Size Women
There are a few necklines you should never attempt if you are a plus size woman. The first one is the square neckline. This neckline can visually make you look wider than you actually are, which makes it unflattering instantly. In addition, anything with a high neckline is typically unflattering for plus size women as it can add pounds to their visual look due to the lack of skin showing. Don't ever go for a neckline which includes spaghetti straps, as skinny straps will only visually make your arms and upper body look larger than it is. Be sure to stick with straps that are at least an inch wide for the best look.

Remember, the whole point to finding a flattering neckline is to find something you're not only comfortable in but something which also makes your neck appear longer. If you don't want to show too much skin, start with a simple v-neck over a round neck, allowing yourself to ease into the transition of showing off your neck area. Once you're comfortable with the v-neck, start experimenting with other neckline styles to see which ones fit you the best and make you feel the leanest!

Putting Together the Right Professional Suit and Workwear Wardrobe For Plus Size Women

2009-12-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

By Chris Vance

Plus size career women have it tough. In today's retail environment many designers and brands have shied away from developing a true professional work wear collection, instead focusing on sports wear and casual clothing to accommodate the ever growing trend of business casual in corporate America. This leaves a hole for many of the plus sized women lawyers, accountants, investment managers etc. who do not have the option to go business casual and need a strong working wardrobe of pant suits, skirt suits and Blazer/slack combos to get them through the work week.

Putting together the right wardrobe comes down to knowing the tricks to maximize your clothing investment.Here are some tips from professional stylist:

* Find a great tailor or seamstress. Many women's clothes do not fit off the rack properly, plus size women have it even tougher. Finding a great tailor or seamstress that can fit your body type can make all the difference. While it may be a expensive venture, a properly tailored garment will pay back dividends.
* Aside from the one solid black power suit, look for suits with patterns and texture. This gives a distinctly different look from the average suit but more so creates flexibility when you...
* Match your patterned and textured jackets with solid trousers and skirts. Invest in a full range of colors in skirts or trousers to help maximize your existing pant suits and skirt suits. This creates the illusion of a much bigger wardrobe. For instance a medium blue window pane suit can be matched with a navy, tan, or light gray pair of trousers or skirt making 7 distinctly different outfits.
* Invest in accessories. Another great way to change the outfit drastically. For the biggest effect, invest in contrasting accessories such as silver and Gold, and pair them accordingly. For instance a dark or white blouse paired with a black suit and silver accessories is a completely different look when the same black suit is paired with a bright blouse and gold accessories.
* Consider looking into women's custom suits. This is the best way to create uniform lines, as they will all be cut in the same style, as well as give you a wider range of options in colors and patterns for maximized mixing and matching possibilities. For example a well put together custom wardrobe of 3 suits, 3 trousers, 2 skirts and 5 blouses can make upwards of 75 different outfit combinations. That means you can go three working months with out repeating a single outfit!
* Take care of your clothes. Suits are expensive and proper care can help ensure they will last.

Cufflinks As Part of Women's Attire

2009-12-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

By John Lavoie

Cufflinks are generally known as classic accessories for men. That's primarily because we are accustomed to see cufflinks on men's dress shirts, together with the dinner or sports jacket, business suit, and of course, tuxedo. And it's been like this ever since so it's quite understandable why many assume that they're only for men.

But there are no such rules really. Cufflinks are meant to be worn with long-sleeved dress shirts, either with French cuffs or just button holes. So women who wear such can also naturally wear the same accessory. This practice may not be as common as that of men's, but the thing is, cufflinks are not exclusively masculine anymore. Women can wear cufflinks just like men, but more as add-ons to their formal professional or business attire.

Cufflinks look great with women's formal corporate clothes - a long-sleeved blouse with or without blazers, paired with trousers or office skirt. Incidentally, some women's blouses are designed with double holes or folded cuffs at the end of the sleeves. They may not be as thick as that of men's dress shirt but they serve the same purpose.

On women wearing cufflinks, the same general rules apply as with men. Firstly, classic cufflinks are best for formal wear, even in the corporate setting. There is a wide range of material and design too for classic cufflinks, but they don't need to be expensive. You don't need to wear diamond studded cufflinks really. There are modestly designed cufflinks - the simpler the better. You won't go wrong with conservative cufflinks. As for the colors, you can choose the same colors as those for men's. But women now have the liberty to wear colors like fuchsia, pink, lavender, and others that typical men would dare not. Of course, in all this there are obviously feminine cufflink designs now available. Generally, one can spot the difference between a man's cufflinks and a woman's.

Just make sure you match the cufflinks with other ladies' accessories like a lady's wristwatch, necklace, or even earrings. The dominant color of the cufflinks should blend well with the colors of other accessories - that is, silver-toned cufflinks if you wear silver jewelry and gold-toned cufflinks alternatively if you have gold jewelry.

Next to that, you can also match your cufflinks' color with your suit's color. A white blouse can accommodate any colored accessory, but light blue one would probably suit a neutral color like silver, black, or different shade of the same color (like dark blue or navy blue), instead of red or yellow.

There is a new trend for lady neckties as another accessory for professional attire. If you happen to wear that too, you should also consider if the cufflinks match the color and design of your tie.

As for cufflink designs, many cufflinks are now explicitly "girly." Many cufflinks can be considered unisex, but there are now fabulous pairs designed for women. You can easily find them in jewelry stores both online and offline.

Women Designer Clothing Presents Indian Women Sarees & Ladies Denim Jeans

2009-12-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

By Ricky Samuel Martin

The pride of Indian women clothing is Saree which is known as national garment of the Indian women. Saree is the dress which had 5-9 meters length. Such dress beautifully wraps the feminine figure and enhances the attractiveness of a woman. However, there are different kinds of sarees available in different part of India. The designs and how they wear it makes the difference. For instance, there are various types of South Indian Sarees, North Indian Sarees, Bengal Sarees, etc. Among the pattern Banarasi Saree is adored by the women of India. They wear such type of Saree on wedding occasions. Patola silk Sarees is also another kind of Saree which is made by a number of expert weavers. Indian Women Sarees have lots of varieties and designs.

Generally Saree is worn with blouse and petticoat. The designs of the blouses vary from the choice of person to person. But it is a fitted peace of body hugging cloths which ends above the waistline. V-necks or round shape designs are there but with the growth of consciousness of fashion among the Indian women, they love to wear stylish trendy blouses which can flawlessly flatter their figure. Moreover, it is also important to pay attention to the color of the petticoat for it affects the overall presentation.

Women Designer Clothing has gained popularity and every woman of present day wish to wear designer made dresses. There are various occasional dresses which can be worn out in wedding, birthday party, kitty party, formal and non-formal parties, etc. Designer made clothes are widely available online and you can do online shopping and choose from the photo galleries of a certain website of women designer clothing.

Denim jeans are for both man and woman. Denim blue jeans gained its new status at the end of the Second World War. In general jeans are considered as leisure and fashion wear. It can be seen that ladies denim jeans are worn out by the ladies as casual wear and such clothing is included to fashion wears. You can find them at catwalks, at Versace and at literally every fashion festival. People of all ages find such clothing very comfortable to wear. Ladies Denim Jeans can be of various types. With the passage of time the trends and styles in jeans is changing day by day.

Cufflinks As Women's Chic Fashion Statement

2009-12-10T20:13:00.000-08:00

By Gary Allard

Cufflinks have always defined chic fashion for men. It has been widely recognized as a classic accessory of men, thus, cufflinks are customary on men's dress shirts, dinner or sports jacket business suit, and the tuxedo. Cufflinks have never diverted its statement which is why when one mentions "cufflinks" men are always the first in line.

Which brings us to the question: Can women wear cufflinks?

I know of no law that prohibits women from wearing them. Primarily, cufflinks might be worn with long-sleeved shirts, either with French cuffs or just button holes. Naturally, since women have been wearing this type of clothing for ages, there is no debate as to whether women can wear the same accessory.

Of course, they can! While women don't exactly wear tuxedos, cufflinks can be elegant additions to their formal professional or business clothes. Cufflinks has come to de-alienate itself from being a purely men's accessory into something that also includes the opposite sex.

And they look perfect with any woman's corporate clothes-a long sleeved blouse with blazer or none, paired with slacks or formal skirts. Women's blouses, like that of men, are designed with double holes or folded cuffs. And though they may not be as thick as that of men's, their purpose is primarily the same.

If you want to wear cufflinks, the same rules apply as that of men's. First off, cufflinks are perfect for formal attire, even in the business setting. A wide array of design and material is available and they need not be expensive. The simpler the design, the better since classic cufflinks never goes out of style and they are also perfect for any event. Diamond studded cufflinks can be worn for certain occasions but it's not really an essential. Colors can also be the same as men's although women are more emancipated in wearing colors such as pink, lavender, yellow, fuchsia or any other colors that men would not even dream of wearing.

Designs are now also made available for women-which then separates women's cufflinks from that of men's. More cufflink designs available are obviously feminine. Some designs fit both men and women but there are apparently good designs for girls. You can find them in jewelry stores or online.

Cufflinks should also match the other accessories you are wearing like your bracelet, wristwatch, earrings or necklace. The prevailing color for your cufflinks should fuse well with the colors of your accessories. Silver cufflinks go perfectly well with silver jewelry while gold cufflinks for gold jewelry. Colored cufflinks should also blend well with your accessories.

The last thing that you should note is that your cufflinks should match the color of your suit. A white blouse can blend with any accessory of your choice. Light blue suits perfectly with subdued colors like silver or black, or a different tone of the same color (like dark blue or navy blue). Green, red and yellow would probably look off and out of place.

If you plan to wear neckties as another ornament for your corporate attire, you might want to consider the fact that cufflinks should also match the color and design of your tie. Perfect combinations of tie and cufflink color would definitely make any corporate apparel go from drab to fashionably chic.

Skip Bars and Clubs - How to Approach and Meet Women Anywhere

2009-12-07T20:10:00.000-08:00

By David Curtis

When most guys think about meeting women, the first places that come to mind are bars and dance clubs. But are these really the best environments to make your move? It's crowded, it's noisy, there's lots of competition, and usually women travel to these places in packs. That's a lot to overcome just to get a couple minutes alone trying to convince a woman to hand over her phone number.

And the worst thing about these staged meet-up places is that most women have learned to keep their emotional walls up at all times to ward off the jerks and losers, who inevitably hit on them with nauseating frequency. Unless you're Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp, you better be a pretty smooth talker to break through her defenses and score her digits. And even if you manage to do that, you don't know how many other guys she may have given her number to that same night. You don't even know if it's her real number.

An important thing to realize is that while most guys are usually at these places looking to meet women, most women are just there to have a good time with their friends. And of course, getting that little ego boost from having guys kissing up to them all night doesn't hurt either. Because guys mistakenly believe that women are there for the same reason they are, to meet someone new to date or hook up with, they usually go home disappointed and bewildered, wondering why they weren't able to make a connection.

Even if a guy is able to engage a woman for a period of time, and maybe even get her number, she is most likely not taking the encounter nearly as seriously as he is. That's why when the guy calls her 2 or 3 days later, he most likely will get screened to her voicemail, or just blown off directly, leaving him to wonder what happened in the last 48 hours that "suddenly" turned her off. Most likely she was never seriously "turned on" to the idea of going out with him in the first place.

So all in all, bars and clubs would seem to leave a lot to be desired for a guy looking to meet and date women. And even worse if he's looking for a long-term relationship.

So the question is: Where is a better place to meet women than a bar or club?

The answer is: Pretty much anywhere else in the world.

While many guys have a plethora of lame pick-up lines they can resort to in a bar or club setting, these same guys are mostly ill-equipped and unprepared for meeting women out in the real world, where those same lines would seem totally inappropriate, and most likely offensive. That's where taking a fun, spontaneous bad boy approach comes into play.

When you are out doing your everyday errands and suddenly encounter some hot woman you are totally attracted to, rather than using some corny compliment, or handing her some canned opening line, it's much more natural and effective to observe your target for a few moments and improvise something on the spot. You do this by looking for something she may be wearing or doing that may seem a little off kilter, or that just catches your eye.

Riding a crowded bus home from work one day, an extremely hot girl got on and stood directly in front of me. I decided to make a move on her and looked for something I could tease her about. I noticed the tag on her blouse was hanging out, so I leaned forward and said, "Is having the tag hanging out of your blouse a new trend, or are you just making a rebellious fashion statement."

Taken by surprise, she turned to look at me and then reached back and adjusted the back of her blouse. With a slightly embarrassed laugh she thanked me for telling her. I then said with a sly smile, "That's ok, but you have to be more careful in the future. The fashion police are everywhere. I can't be following you all over town monitoring your fashion faux-pas."

After that I broke eye contact to resume reading my paper. But while I was still looking down I said, "Oh, and by the way, you have cat hair all over the back of your pants." This totally cracked her up, and we spent the rest of the ride together with her continuously asking me, "How do I look now?"

Now normally this girl was probably used to having guys kissing up to her in hopes of winning her favor and approval. But by just using this more self-confident bad boy approach approach, I was able to easily turn the tables on her. So instead of me seeking HER approval, I actually had this totally hot woman falling all over herself seeking MY approval.

That's really all it takes to approach women in the course of your every day life, where you don't have to deal with most of the negative aspects of the night club scene. The main advantage to meeting women in natural settings is that they don't have all those walls and defense mechanisms up like they normally would in a bar or club. In fact, you are usually catching them a little off guard. The two main things to remember is to keep things natural and don't lower yourself by trying to seek her approval.

So do yourself a favor. Instead of going to crowded, noisy dance clubs to meet women, just go there to relax and have some laughs with your friends. If you meet someone while you're there having fun, that's great. But really, the only place you need to go to meet women, all the women you want, is right outside your own front door.

Fashion Tips for Women

2009-12-04T20:08:00.000-08:00

By Tanya Jain

A noted philosopher and politician Aristotle once said, women are the best creatures of god.

And for ‘you’ creatures that are bold, beautiful, gracious and smart, wrapping and carrying yourself is of utmost importance. According to the varying shape and size or body shape and colors, etc, here are few wrapping and carrying tips i.e. Fashion Tips For Women.

But before jumping into those tips to make you smarter, beautiful and bold definitely you would like to know What is Fashion for Women, especially if you are a bit extra cautious about your looks and appearance.

Fashion For Women

Women are directly linked with fashion. It would be right to say that the word fashion is synonyms to woman. It is something more than wearing clothing. If you are an urban beauty, the fashion trend and style should go well and that too in advance with you. Few of the factors that define your fashion statement are body frame, skin tone, level of comfort and personal attitude.

So beautiful ladies, come on, lets have a feel according to your body frame, skin tone and after all your level of comfort.

Body Frame- Are you a plump women, if yes, try avoiding sleeveless cuts. Choose dark color clothing rather than lighter shades. Or prefer over a range of dull colors like dull blue or dirty blue. If you wear small prints and vertical line prints, you will look slimmer. If you have extra pounds in you, avoid kota sarees and cotton sarees and stick to Chiffon and Georgette Sarees.

Choose beige and fawn colors, if you have a medium structure. In case of blouses, try on nets as these are of great help in disguising physical flaws.

Thin women, cheer up, you will look gorgeous in all the color ranges. All the colors and shades will suits on you. You also can try on sleeveless, deep cuts and strapped blouses.

Skin Tone- If you have fair complexion, gold with a blend of copper will make you cool. If you are a medium / wheatish colored, prefer mix shades of white, beige and bronzy golden. If you have dark skin, prefer to wrap yourself in golden copper shades.

Personal Attitude and Level of comfort- Your attitude and level of comfort is very important along with your appearance and clothing sense. If you want to maintain a cosmopolitan outlook but do not feel very much comfortable with western wear, try Indo Western style. A blend of Indo Western style should add an extra charm to your personality. A boat necked saree with a squared necked blouse is definitely for a shy and introvert women. Bold ‘n’ beautiful should choose from sleeveless, deep-necked blouses and may be straps.

So no matter what is your body frame and skin tone or how bold is your personality, fashion is for you, LADIES.

How to Choose Large Size Women's Clothing

2009-12-01T20:06:00.000-08:00

By Shelby Grey

It can sometimes be embarrassing to go to a store and find that there is no large size women's clothing available for you. Do not fret however since nowadays, there are specialty shops that cater to plus sized women. The choices in specialty stores are much better than in regular stores because not only will they definitely have your size, but these designs are tailored to specifically look good on a plus sized woman.

If you are looking for timely tips on how to choose the right large size women's clothing then read on:

Choosing the Right Design

Be careful with those printed shirts and blouses. A lot of these emphasize the proportions of your body. Also, if you are planning on buying clothes that have stripped patterns, you should opt for vertical lines instead of horizontal lines. Vertical lines emphasize your height and therefore make you look slimmer. Horizontal lines emphasize your width and therefore make you seem wider.

Choosing the Right Color

When it comes to colors, women love to pick bright or pastel colors. While there is nothing wrong with this, there is a better solution if you are aiming to make yourself seem slimmer. Choose black or any dark colors. These are guaranteed to make you appear slimmer because it hides any bulges. Darker colors also give less definition. If you can't avoid wearing bright or pastel colors, make sure that the blouse does not have too many patterns. Opt instead for plain blouses.

Wear V-Neck Blouses

V-neck blouses are great because they create an optical illusion for the wearer. It helps draw the attention of those who look at you to the V shape. However, if you have large breasts you might want to think twice because this will show of your cleavage. Although you know what they say, if you've got it, why not flaunt it?

Wear Large Belts

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Large belts that you can wear around your waist can be slimming because it creates the illusion of a slimmer waistline. This also helps draw attention away from your silhouette and into the belt.

Remember these tips and you are sure to feel more comfortable with your size. Remember though, that true beauty really does lie in the inside. A woman with great self confidence will always be attractive no matter her size or shape.

How to Select a Blouse Or Top For a Woman's Business Suit

2009-11-28T20:04:00.000-08:00

By Johanna Magnusson

Without a doubt, the business suit is foundation of women's business attire. Choosing a pant suit or skirt suit that fits well, is the biggest piece of your professional image. But what top you wear with it can really change the look of that suit.

One of the most classic things you can wear with a suit is a basic, white blouse, with the collar folded over the lapels of the jacket. This is a timeless look that never goes out of style. It looks very sharp and professional every time you put it on. This classic white blouse is a reliable staple that goes with almost everything, and you ought to have at least a couple. For variety, get a few basic blouses in other colors too. If you have day when you feel tired of the black power suit, you can brighten things up, with a blouse in a color like red or yellow.

Then there are various tops, without collar and buttons. You can wear solid tops or tops with a print. But if the top is too casual, don't wear it with a suit. If it is the kind of top you would wear with jeans on a day off, then don't mix it in with your professional wardrobe.

People sometimes ask if they can wear camisoles with a professional suit, and yes you can. Especially if it is in a contrasting color. However, if you do, you should keep your suit jacket on the whole day. Showing shoulders does not fit with business attire. Generally, the more skin you show, the less likely people are to take you seriously in a professional situation.

A variation to the camisole is the lace top. Again, keep the jacket on the entire day, when wearing anything sleeveless. An all lace or partial lace top in a pretty color can be a great way to change the look of a pant suit. I would advice you to avoid black lace though, because it can give the impression that you are wearing lingerie.

Thin sweaters are an option for women who live in colder climates. There are many wool or cashmere sweaters that are thin enough to not make your jacket bulky. This way you can keep your suit look even if you are cold. But when you try them on in a mall, be sure to try them on with a suit jacket, so that you'll know for sure if the sweater will bulk on you or not.

Do I need to mention that you should not wear a t-shirt with a suit? No, you probably know that already.

Why don't you make a fun evening project out of laying your pant suits and skirt suits out on the bed, and then going though all the blouses, tops, and camisoles you have in your wardrobe, to see what top goes with what suit. Then write down what's missing and do some very focused shopping on the net. You end up spending less, when you have an exact shopping list.

Classic Women's Summer Fashions Are Nautical, Seersucker, Country Checks, and Tropical Prints

2009-11-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

By Enid Sefcovic, Ph.D.

Four flattering and classic looks in women's summer fashion are

* the nautical look
* crisp seersucker suits and dresses
* country cotton red-and-white checks
* and tropical print fabric.

How flattering any style is depends on how it looks on you. Buy clothing that fits or spend money to have it fitted. Check the finishing for hanging threads and loose buttons. Choose fabrics that feel nice against your skin and drape well.

The nautical look can be achieved by pairing sparkling, crisp white with darker shades of blue. A horizontally-striped cotton knit T-shirt is a good start. Add earrings with a nautical motif such as an anchor, dolphins, seahorses, or a ship's wheel. A hemp braid belt and comfortable rubber-soled deck shoes complete this fashion style.

We no longer see many blouses with the traditional large, square sailor's collar. MIddy blouses, as they were called (for midshipman, a rank in the Navy) were popular in years past and may come into style again.

Red is a dramatic accent color. Try red shoes, bag, and belt to spark your white-and-blue nautical ensemble. Red lipstick is appropriate, if you can find a shade that complements your skin tone.

Red-and-white cotton checks are another summer fashion classic. County checks have an easy-going, cheerful look, especially in carefree cotton. Stick to a smaller check so you don't end up looking like a picnic tablecloth.

Country red checks are ideal for a pretty blouse or a summer sun dress. Pair the blouse with bright yellow shorts or yellow accent sandals and handbag, for a combination that is fresh. Fred Perry has two styles and a handbag in red-and-white checks for summer 2009. This is an innovative way to add this classic women's summer fashion to update clothing you already own.

A third summer fashion classic is crisp, cool seersucker suits and dresses. This timeless cotton fabric traditionally is a subtle stripe of white and an alternative color, with little puckers in the white stripes. Ironing is mostly unnecessary because of these natural wrinkles in seersucker natural cotton. Today's stretch blends make it easier than ever to wash and air-dry seersucker suits, dresses, and blouses. Seersucker is perfect for robes and sleepwear, too.

Once upon a time, the only seersucker color was pinstripe navy blue and white. Now, stripe widths vary and occasionally we see a seersucker check. Gray and white, green and white, red and white are among the expanding range of colors for seersucker clothing.

A fourth summer fashion classic is tropical print fabric. Hawaiian print dresses, blouses, and shirts evoke umbrella drinks and white beaches.

Tropical print fabric became popular in the wake of World War II, chiefly as patterns for draperies and furniture in the warmer United States. These big, bold tropical print fabric designs have been scaled down for the colorful shirts and dresses we wear today. Florals and travel themes are among choices you will find available for women's summer clothing.

To wrap it all up, four summer fashion wardrobe investments that will pay off for years to come are the blue-and-white nautical look, red-and-white country cotton checks, crisp seersucker, and tropical print fabric in shirts, dresses, and skirts.

Women's Golf Shirts - Don't Get a Hole in One!

2009-11-22T19:59:00.000-08:00

By Matt Murren

Golf attire has become a fashion trend on the golf course. Thousands of dollars are spent every year on finding the perfect outfit for on the course that will both feel comfortable and look great. Going with a brand you can trust, such as Nike or Callaway will ensure that you are making a wise investment in your apparel. Women's golf shirts are stylish and sporty and you can add touches of your own personality with a fun color or design. One of the key elements that you should make sure of when trying on a golf shirt is to make sure that it is easy to move in. Having too tight of a shirt up by your shoulders will restrict your arm movement when you swinging, thus giving you the chance to have a bad game.

Most women, when they hit the course will do so with a polo shirt. The same rules apply on the golf course for both men and women. Collared shirts are required on the course, and most clubs strictly enforce those rules. You do have the option as far as sleeve length goes. If you are in a warmer climate, you can go with a sleeveless polo shirt. If the weather is a bit cooler, you can opt for a short sleeved or long sleeved version, or throw on a stylish argyle sweater to keep you nice and toasty warm. If you would like a variation from the typical polo shirt, you do have the option of going with a blouse, as long as it has a collar. It is important to remember that blouses can restrict your arm movement, which may affect your game.

Women's golf shirts come in all sorts of patterns, colors and styles. Finding the perfect shirt for you will help you feel confident in your game when you hit that course and you will look like you are in it to win it! You can find these shirts wherever golf attire is sold or if you are not a shopper and dread going to the mall, try online for your favorite brand.

The Eternal Life of the White Blouse

2009-11-19T19:57:00.000-08:00

By John Ehimare

Another round of things that never go out of style. As you may have heard me mention before, there are of course many fashion and wardrobe elements that we see today, but will not see tomorrow. The white blouse, is not one of those elements. The white blouse is eternal, and forever has a place in your wardrobe and on your body. The white shirt is essential to every woman's wardrobe, wear under a jacket, or alone.

Many clothing brands are released each year. Many ideas and new elements for your wardrobes are released each year as well. These items, like the seasons, come and go. One minute everyone is wearing them, the next minute they are half price on e-bay, and after that, in the good will stores as simple memories. Such is the life of fashion in a world of consumers. The white blouse ,however, is not one of those items.

The white blouse is eternal. It has survived decades of "looks" and various fads. It is universal. Not only do you at the very least own ONE, but you can wear that one white blouse with basically any other items in your wardrobe.

The White blouse is a must for a woman's wardrobe. With jeans, pants, dresses, skirts, or khakis. It's color is neutral, which doesn't scream out for attention. The overall look of the blouse on you is inviting. It is friendly. The blouse can be adorned alone, with your choice of bottoms and shoes, or it can be worn with a jacket of any sort on the outside of it. The White Blouse is Eternal.

Great Fashion Ideas For Women

2009-11-16T19:54:00.000-08:00

By Caitlina Fuller

Any savvy woman today knows the importance of dressing well, be it in the workplace or when out running errands and taking the kids to their many events and activities. Women not only want the latest fashions but they also want clothing that is comfortable and affordable. There are many clothing lines that meet all of the requirements of today's active woman. Karen Kane clothing is one such manufacturer. Karen Kane grew up in Santa Barbara, California and she had an early love affair with clothes. Karen had always aspired to have a career in fashion design so she earned a degree in fashion design and married her husband and business partner, Lonnie in 1979 and they started Karen Kane, Inc.

Twenty-five years later Karen Kane, Inc has grown into a large company that makes and distributes fine clothing around the world. Karen Kane clothing is designed for women who want simple, yet stylish clothing that fit into active lifestyles. The clothing is dressy enough for work and relaxed enough for the weekends and perhaps most importantly, it is affordable. You can choose from a wide variety of clothing ranging from classic cardigans, printed tops and blouses, to Karen Kane jeans and capri pants.

For some of the best shirts, blouses, cardigans, sweaters and vests, Foxcroft is a top brand that offers an outstanding selection of wrinkle free tops for the woman on the go. Not only do Foxcroft blouses look great, but they require little fuss to maintain as there is no need to iron these great looking tops that add a flair to any look. The Foxcroft collection consists of three-quarter sleeve shirts, embroidered shirts, floral camp shirts and many more tops that are not only great looking and comfortable to wear but offer the added benefit of being wrinkle-free.

Another great clothing line for women is Ruby Rd. The 2009 fall collection from Ruby Rd includes the Boho Bazaar, City Chic, Soho Style, Big Game, High Voltage and Mad for Plaid. Ruby Rd clothing is affordable, sensible, fun and highly stylish. There are jackets, blouses, pants, jeans, capris, and twill vest in the Ruby Rd lineup. Every article of clothing Ruby Rd offers was designed not only with style in mind, but comfort as well. Ruby Rd clothing is ideal for the working professional. These clothes make the transition into the weekend smooth and easy.

In light of today's economic woes, women everywhere are looking for clothing that does not break the bank. It makes little sense to pay a couple of hundred dollars for a top of the line designer blouse for example, when you can shop for Karen Kane, Foxcroft and Ruby Rd clothing and find terrific blouses, as well as a wide variety of other clothing items at greatly lower prices.

How To Accessorize A Women's Business Suit

2009-11-13T19:49:00.000-08:00

By Johanna Magnusson

A good quality business suit can make you feel good in that it often carries with it a type of confidence. Sometimes you feel more self-assured just by putting it on. The right business suit gives people a professional impression about you, before you've even spoken a word. However, sometimes when you move through downtown it can give an impression of business people wearing uniforms - as if they all look the same. How do you avoid that?

The secret is in the accessories! Let's take for example a standard, black, wool-blend women's business suit. To this suit we can add a crisp basic white blouse, a classic string of pearls around the neck, and a pair of fresh new simple leather pumps. This woman is uncriticizable, and every woman ought to have these standards handy in her collection of professional business attire. But do you have to wear that every single day?

Now let's take the same suit and add to it a classy basic blouse of a striking color, like purple. Let's put on a chunky, necklace with large purple beads, and step into a pair of purple lather pumps. Yes, you heard me - I said purple shoes. This totally changes the original suit and some people won't even realize that it is the same suit. Just changing the accessories gives it a whole new look.

Then let's see a grey professional suit of wool, with a cut that flatters your figure. Why don't we, this time, add a striking red basic blouse, a bold, thickly layered, red garnet necklace, and (yes you guessed it) a pair of stunning, red leather stilettos. Red is a power color, and it gives new personality to the standard grey suit. For extra dramatic effect, mix red and black.

The key thing here is color. The suit is the foundation that you place the additional building blocks on. But the color of these accessories is truly what makes or breaks the outfit. Why don't you go through your wardrobe and find a suit you haven't worn in a long time, that you considered donating to a thrift store, and rework it in different ways - bring it to the mall and try different shoes, blouses and jewelry with it. Perhaps it was just sitting there waiting to be reborn.

Keep building matching sets of shoes, jewelry, plus the standard basic blouse, in different colors. (You can add purses and scarves to that color trio, as well.) And when you buy new suits, make sure it fits with one of the sets of accessories you already have. Good quality suits are expensive. But the accessories can tolerate a compromise in budget, if it's necessary. This way you can make many unique, personalized outfits out of the same basic suit, without it looking like a uniform. Don't be afraid to improvise; shoes of bright colors are acceptable these days if chosen tastefully, and remember: the trend never changes if nobody dares to set a trend.

Buying Blouses Online

2009-11-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

By Bill Pratt

Different from ordinary t-shirts, which hide the shape of your body, blouses emphasize your true form. Blouses are a lot more feminine and formal, and are commonly used by women as they go to work or for semi-formal occasions.

Buying blouses online offers a lot of convenience for the busy, modern woman. You can easily find various designs and cuts that fit the various body types. It would be important that as you shop online for the perfect blouse, you would be looking for one that has the appropriate cut and style, which would be able to emphasize your best features and conceal your problem areas. Here are some helpful pointers.

Remember that lines and stripes on blouses create great effects on the way that the eye sees the whole body. Horizontal lines tend to widen the frame of the person wearing it. This could work for those women who are very slim and want to look fuller.

On the other hand, vertical lines would work well for those who are bit on the fuller side or are short. Vertically lined blouses tend to elongate the body making the person wearing it appear leaner and longer.

Also, as you buy blouses online, you would need to remember some tips as to which color to choose. If you want to minimize fullness, then it would be god to opt for blouses that are dark-colored. These blouses would make you appear slimmer and leaner.

Now, if you want to emphasize your upper body, bright colored blouses would be the way to go. They can draw attention a specific area, making it wider and bigger. Also, brighter colored blouses would minimize the attention to a problem lower body.

A Fashion Workshop on Women's Clothes

2009-11-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

By Danny Wright

Maximize your wardrobe staples and whip up different kinds of women's clothes suitable for each day of the week. Women just love fashion and accessorizing oneself. And so, shopping for clothes online has become one of their must-do's in satisfying that craving shopper in them.

Let us try to uncover different women's clothes and wardrobe essentials fashionable women go for.

Women's Blouses

Blouses say it all when it comes to fashion. As women love working different kinds of clothes to suit their style, the uniqueness of various kinds of blouses are heaps online. Cardigans are fashionable blouses for women; there are also those tube and lace tops to complement either a skirt or skinny jeans. The 'in' thing in fashion today is those in the likes of a bow top, a rouge coat and navy plaid blouse. Satins and pumpkins never go out of style too. It's amazing that you can find all these online with varieties of styles and hues to choose from.

Women's Dresses

Fashionable women just love dresses. This has become their trademark and dresses have also become great buys online. Choose a figure-skimming silhouette to project ones appeal with dresses like the floral sophistication exuded by floral dresses, a dress for a chill chick of either a cocktail, sparkly tank or haltered ones. So whether you're aiming to go for some dance night out with your girlfriends or just heading for some kick back and relax mode, all fashion outfits are put together on online stores to give women the attractive and killer look regardless of the personality the may have.

Women's Bottom

This is another type of women's clothes that can either be a skirt or jeans. Dark denims and skinny jeans are the cool gears these days and so women mostly shop online for these great finds. Apart from this, the coming out of different styles of skirts from a-line skirts, bubble skirts to the micro minis that are all made available on the net. For those women who are in the corporate world and are looking for some ultra-feminine touches in seemingly masculine pieces of pants can search on the net and pair it with dainty like prints and delicate tops.

Women's Jackets

These are considered basics yet they don't have to be boring. With some gutsy mixing and matching of jackets to suit the rest of your wardrobe, you can discover stylish ways to wear sheaths in beautifying your entire look. You can soften a structured jacket piece by pairing it with relaxed and boho-style separates on the inside.

These are some of the women's clothes that you can purchase online. Completing your entire wardrobe likewise necessitates the use of accessories like a stylish bag to suit your outfit, a nice necklace to complement your wardrobe and studded extras like killer heels and buckled belts. Just a quick tip, you need to experiment your style with different fabrics, but remember that if you opt to layer on top, keep it simple on the bottom. After all, fashion is all about creativity with simple and subtle touches to mirror the true you.

Graceful Vs Gaudy - Business Women's Guide to Fashion

2009-11-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

By Chi Chi Okezie

Business women can remain stylish and professional without having to appear trendy and inappropriately dressed for conducting business. Unfortunately in this day and age there is a thin line between classy and trashy in which women should consider the type of image that they want to project when representing themselves. Here are a few tips that can knock out negative images and promote a good balanced fashion sense for the leading business woman.

High Heels vs. Stilettos

In a business environment, wearing high heels is great for creating a chic and more fashionable look. The extra height creates a flowing silhouette which is flattering for all figures. But women should pay close attention to the height of their heels. Too high heels can create a non professional image. Stilettos are great for parties and social events but not for business functions. Stiletto heels are too thin and too tall. Women should select shoes that have a good balance and medium size heel thickness.

Tailored vs. Tight

A great way to improve and enhance your physical image is to wear tailored or custom made clothes. It is important to buy clothes that fit you well and show that you are comfortable and confident in your business attire. Tight clothes are unacceptable for business events. The poor fit can cause you to appear bigger than normal and does not flatter your figure. As a matter of fact, wearing tight clothes can magnify flaws and imperfections rather than conceal them.

Sheer vs. See Through

Blouses are great pieces that can soften a look and add elegance and style. Sheer blouses look very nice with opaque tank tops, camisoles or layering underneath. The color of the top under the blouse should match the color of the blouse to create a soft-3 dimensional, monochromatic look. The sheer blouse should be slightly loose and not tight. This type of style is sophisticated and tasteful. Wearing a tight, see through blouse without the proper layering can appear to be very unprofessional.

Bold vs. Loud

Women can wear one or two bold pieces in their outfit without creating a distracting look or appeal. A loud outfit could result from a complicated design or busy patterns. The key to a successful outfit is to have balance and keep it simple. You should stick to similar shapes, sizes, colors and styles.

There are ways for women to project a healthy sense of femininity and style in the workplace without looking out of place. Business style does not have to be boring and rigid. Business women can wear styles that flatter their figures and are fashionable.

Timeless Women's Fashion Trends - Avoiding the Hype

2009-11-01T19:39:00.000-08:00

By Chris Robertson

It's enough to make your head spin.... Year after year, women are bombarded with new colors, styles, designs, and women's clothing accessories. So, why all the hype? Maybe the fashion designers need to keep their jobs... and to do so, they must somehow cause women to go out and shop for brand new items every season.

Fortunately, there are ways women can avoid falling into the "new trendy fashion" trap. Here are some hints about women's clothing that fashion designers don't want you to know.

Timeless Colors for Women's Clothing

There are some basic colors in women's clothing that will never go out of style. They're "in fashion" year after year, season after season. These are black, khaki tan, green, and blue. Some bright colors that never seem to go out of style are red, white, and many light pastels. Though designs and styles may change, these colors are always around. The good news is women can mix and match these colors to create all sorts of stylish outfits.

Women can always wear black for a slimming effect - Hollywood stars do it all the time! Black is a great color that can be used any time of the year. In winter, they can wear black slacks or a black skirt, full-length black dresses, black jackets, and black blouses or sweaters. With any of these, women can add a splash of color with colorful jewelry, scarves, belts, shoes, or even hats.

Black can also be used with any of the colors mentioned above for those who don't want to wear all black. Women who wear plus size clothes always look great in black as well.

In summer, black garments can be worn with other colorful items. For example, women can wear a hot pink or bright green shirt with a black skirt. Shoes with a little color can match the shirt. Or, a bright-colored blouse under a black jacket can be worn with matching slacks. Summer is the season for brightness, so women can count on wearing their bright shirts, shorts, slacks, and skirts each year, no matter what the latest fashion trends.

How to Design Clothes

Fashion designers and women's fashion magazines aren't the only ones that can design women's apparel. Whether it's American apparel or express fashion design straight from Paris, France, most women could probably design their own clothes even better if they had the skills. Why? Each woman is unique in her makeup and physique. She knows better than anyone what type of women‚s clothes will complement her figure.

Women might not be able to actually design the clothes, but they can create the perfect outfits in their minds and maybe even on paper if they try. This will give them a guideline to use while shopping for clothing. For choosing an outfit, they can write down the perfect size, the length of the blouse, skirt, or dress, the type of waistline needed, and the style that looks best with their figure. They can sift through photos in women‚s magazines to get ideas. While shopping, they can look for these types of clothing specifically and save much time and energy.

Layer Clothes for Dramatic Effect

Women can layer their clothes to create a more dramatic effect as they walk and move. Some great layering methods include wearing a tank top under a sheer shawl or a partially buttoned blouse, wearing a trendy jacket over an otherwise dull outfit, covering the waist with a colorful scarf tied to the side or in the front, and so forth. Layering also allows the blending of colorful pieces with one-colored garments in a tasteful way.

Fill the Wardrobe Armoire with Versatile Clothing

Women can stretch their clothing budget by filling their wardrobe armoire or closet with more versatile clothing. This means buying pieces that can be mixed and matched with other pieces to create multiple outfits. For instance, a woman might buy a sweater or blouse that can be worn with several skirts, pants, or shorts. Also, women can accessorize certain outfits to make them look like two totally different outfits.

With so many possibilities, any woman can stay ahead of the clothing game using the tips above. Update your wardrobe today with these timeless, trendy women's clothes!

Understanding the Parts of the Designer Indian Sari - The Blouse

2009-10-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

By Jasnav Nagpal

Traditional Indian clothing and modern Indian clothing have long enchanted people all over the world. Be it traditional Indian Saris or designer Indian saris, this six yard long garment has held sway over millions of people since several centuries. There has to be something special in this designer Indian sari that makes a woman look sexy and appealing, while at the same time covering her modesty in keeping with Indian traditions.

The designer Indian saree comes in three main parts - the blouse, the long skirt or petticoat and the sari itself. Let's have a look at all three in detail.

The Blouse.

This part of the designer Indian sari is meant to cover the upper part of the body of the wearer. It is like a short tank top shirt that is tight fitting in nature and accentuates the shape of the breasts and the back. There is a large variety of designs available for the discerning user, and an even larger variety of material.

This is the only part of the designer Indian saree that is stitched, and hence lends itself to varied styles.

Generally, deeply traditional women may go for a fully covered front and back. The page three crowd as well as the younger generation prefers deep cuts in their designer Indian sari blouse showing lots of skin. There can be any number of combinations that go in between these two extremes.

A deep neck in front is used by women wanting to show off some cleavage. A shallow one may be used by more modestly inclined ladies. The design of the neck can be one of any number of shapes, and you can have a look at some of the variety online.

The back of the blouse itself is a very interesting piece of the entire garment. It can be fully covered with a very shallow neck for ladies wanting to keep covered. A deeper neck at the back is used to show off a sexy neckline.

A particular variety of the blouse is called the 'backless blouse', in which a string is used to wind together the two parts. The string crisscrosses across the length of the blouse to give a very sexy look to the onlooker.

Yet another variety is called the halter neck blouse, wherein the blouse of the designer Indian sari is practically just a halter top, with the back completely exposed. Noodle straps hold up the front portion of this blouse and are tied around the neck, very similar to a regular bikini.

Modern designer blouses are little more than a bikini top, and go a long way in exposing the shapely back and upper torso of the woman wearing the designer Indian sari. Of course, the front and the back of the blouse lends itself to an assortment of embellishments such as embroidery, stonework, decorations etc, which in itself is the subject of a separate series of articles altogether.

Watch this space for more on the other parts of the Designer Indian Sari, i.e, the petticoat and the sari itself.

Buying A Wardrobe For Women's Professional Buisiness Attire

2009-10-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

By Johanna Magnusson

Did you get a new job? Were you just promoted? Are you moving into a new career? If you need to put together a collection of professional work clothes, I'll give you some good advice that could save you time, money and frustration.

First of all, you should start with the suits and build around them as your basic building blocks. After that, add the blouses. Then add shoes and accessories last. What I am laying out here, are the very basic items you need to start your professional wardrobe. Once you have these garments you can expand it with more extravagant things.

You save a lot of money if you, in the beginning, buy garments that all match with each other and therefore can be interchanged to create several outfits with fewer garments. The higher the number of different outfits you can create with just a few garments, the more money you save. I don't recommend buying a blouse or a jacket that you can only wear with one thing, not in the beginning anyway.

When shopping for women's business suits, try your hardest to find three of them where the material matches enough that you can interchange the jackets and the pants/skirts to create "new suits". If you can pull this off, your wardrobe budget will stretch so much farther - tripled, in fact. This means that when you have purchased your first suit, you should bring it with you into the dressing room when you are shopping for the second one. This way you can try them on together and make sure the jackets and pants can be interchanged before you buy it. You can also, after checking the store's return policy, just bring them all home to try them, mix and match with what you have in your wardrobe, and then return the ones that couldn't be re-created into other outfits. I suggest going with two suites in basic colors, for example one black and one gray. Then the third one could have a bright color, for example red or burgundy. But in order for all three of them to match, the material has to be kind of similar.

When the three suits are established, you have accomplished most of the work. Add to that three basic white blouses. At least one of those is a must have in every woman's closet, but having three is better: the basic white blouse is a classic you can wear with almost everything, and often, without looking like you are repeating yourself. Then scout for three additional blouses in colors that contrast your suits, but preferably match all three of them. For example, black, blue, green, fresh pink - whatever your style may be. This step is much, much simpler, and less costly than if you make a mistake purchasing the wrong women's business suit. Throw in a top with a fun print to have handy when the situation requires you to look less conservative. Grab a pair of black pants that fit you well, simply because they are good to have around on those days when you just haven't had time to make it to the drycleaners.

Lastly, the shoes. When starting a new professional business attire wardrobe all you really need is at least one pair of black leather heals, and one pair of black flats for days when you are just too uncomfortable for heals. Just make sure that each of the pairs of shoes goes with each of the three suits. Those two pairs will get you by for starters. Later your budget will allow you to get more creative with your shoes.

The whole idea is to have a plan in mind before you head to the mall, and to buy garments that match each other as much as possible. Like I said, the hardest part is matching up the suits, but it's worth putting the time and effort into it, because it will save you money, and also it will save you time in the long run. When you are rushing out of the house in the morning it will not take a lot of thinking and looking through your closet to decide what to wear - the outfits are already created. Everything matches. Just grab something swiftly and feel confident knowing you are very well put together as you dash out of the house to great the day.

My Recommended List:

3 suits (two with pants, one with skirt)

1 pair black pants

3 basic white blouses

3 basic blouses in different colors

1 print top

2 pairs of shoes (one pair of heals, one pair of flats)

Choosing the Right Ladies Blouse For Your Body Shape

2009-10-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

By Fabiola Groshan

There's no doubt that in the world of women's fashion, there are more choices today than ever before. The options for ladies' blouses alone include a multitude of prints, patterns, and colors to choose from, not to mention necklines! But this does not mean that every woman can wear the same type of blouse and it's important to know your body type and which style of ladies blouse will accentuate your most flattering features while hiding problem areas. Once you know your body type and what will flatter it, you're in for a world of fun as you search through racks and racks of beautiful ladies blouses that are all for the choosing!

The hourglass figure looks like just that - broad shoulders, tiny midsection, full hips and long legs. This type of body figure can wear just about anything, including any style of ladies blouse, and look great in it. Unfortunately, very few of us were blessed with such a body type and, especially as we begin to mature, areas of the body start to droop and fill out. However, those that are lucky enough to keep that hour-glass figure will still always have the most choices available to them.

The largest problem that women with plus-size figures have finding ladies blouses is generally not in the length, which should be three to four inches below the waist, but in finding roomy arms that don't cut into the skin in the underarm area. Although plus-size stores will most certainly be your first choice for any type of larger clothing, also try stores that you may not normally think of such as maternity stores, which usually only has clothing that is larger and has more room to move. The bonus with these kinds of stores is that the fashions are always top of the line and extremely trendy. However, you may find that they may be a bit pricier than other stores. Trapeze tops and empire waist blouses are also very good styles to watch for as they will have the room that you are looking for.

Apple-shaped bodies also look like exactly that. The shoulders and back are very broad, the midsection is wide and that fullness extends to the lower thighs, and the legs are quite thin. With this type of body shape, women generally want to hide their midsection and this is when knowing how to shop for ladies blouses is very important. The first trick for apple shapes is to draw the eye away from the tummy and wearing a V-neck blouse with a long necklace is a great way to do this. Length is also important and it's important not to be afraid of going a size bigger than you actually are. You may be very grateful for the extra room!

Pear shapes have the opposite problem of apple shapes in that they are much smaller on top than they are on the lower half of their body. Because of this, attention needs to be taken away from the lower portion and brought up above the waist and this is great news when shopping for ladies blouses! Pear shapes have many options including layering blouses with blazers, wearing as they are, and they can also wear just about any pattern they find! Here length is important as well but again, pear shapes want shorter blouses so that they don't travel down too far past the waist and bring attention to the lower body. Ladies blouses that fall just at the waist also aren't recommended for this body type as they will seemingly cut the body in half and make it appear disproportioned.

White Blouse Adds A Fresh Look to Fashion Styles From Professional to Sporty

2009-10-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

By Enid Sefcovic, Ph.D.

A white blouse almost never goes out of style. Every woman should own at least one, and probably several, of this example of classic women's clothing.

A white silk blouse is appropriate for women's career clothes. It moves with ease from executive suite to evening social event. A white cotton blouse can look as good with jeans as with a business suit. Look for a bit of Dacron or Spandex in the cotton blend to cut down on ironing.

A nice blouse in crisp white can add a fresh look to many outfits. A good-fitting, flattering blouse is an effective way to stretch our clothing dollars and update our wardrobes. Make sure that your white blouse fits properly and flatters your body type. Here are some basics for making sure this classic women's clothing wardrobe purchase fits properly and is right for you.

* The shoulder seam should line up with the edge of your shoulder. This seam should not be lower than the place where the shoulder curves steeply downward. If the shoulder seam is higher than your armpit, you will almost certainly feel the shirt binding up uncomfortably when you try it on.
* The poet's shirt may comes in many colors but is at its finest as a white cotton blouse. It usually is worn outside of your slacks or skirt. It may even be used as a light jacket, with a T-shirt or tank top underneath. It's especially easy to buy this style too big, because it is billowy anyway. Check your side image in a mirror. If you look like you are pregnant, try a smaller size shirt.
* Shirts look neater and flatter the waist when tucked in. Look for a shirt with enough fabric past the waistline so that it won't pop out of waistbands. Conversely, too much tucked-in fabric can be bulky and spoil the smooth line around our hips.
* Make sure that long-sleeve shirts cover the wrist bone without covering part of the hand. If you work at a desk, you may want to roll your sleeves to keep them from becoming dirty and frayed. Safari style shirts, with buttons to hold up the sleeves, are ideal.
* Pockets, ruffles, pleated fronts, and embroidery flatter a woman who wants to enhance her bustline. All of these features are best avoided by a full figured woman who wants to draw attention away from her cleavage.

A new classic in women's clothing is the fitted silk T-shirt or knit top. This is a fine alternative to a white silk blouse. A ribbed pattern adds a sporty touch. Flat silk knits finishes are more upscale. These come in many sleeve lengths and necklines, including mock turtleneck, crew, V, and sweetheart.

It's not too much to own more than one white blouse. Choose several so you have this perennial fashion favorite in different styles, fabrics, and sleeve lengths. A sparkling white shirt is crisp, trim, and may be worn with diverse outfits and in many different contexts. Versatility is the definition of a good wardrobe investment, so never hesitate to add a white shirt to your wardrobe.

Women's Tops - Are They Shirts Or Blouses?

2009-10-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

By Maude Parsons

I will always remember my Nana's words when I asked where my shirt was. To say she was horrified was the surprise of my short life. "Ladies don't wear shirts ~ Men wear shirts~ ladies wear blouses!"

So when did women start wearing shirts and how come I missed it?

Women's blouses are still available today but so often now we see the less formal blouses called shirts. I believe the name change came from the retail stores rather than any social distinction or equalisation. A womans shirt is usually worn not tucked into a waistband so maybe this is another distinguishing factor between a blouse and a shirt for women.

Women's blouses were usually worn neatly tucked into a waistband of a skirt and looked much more feminine too with a bit of crochet or lace on the collar or cuffs. Some had a lot of lace around the neck to the point that some blouses made some women look more like a frill-necked lizard than an elegantly dressed lady.

My Nana always wore a brooch at the neck of her blouse whether it had a collar or not. But my Nana was a bit of a 'toff' and tried to get this 'young lady' to mind her lady-like ways so she wouldn't grow up being a tom-boy; but to her dismay, I was much happier out in the Paddock with my Dad mustering sheep or dipping or fencing or just being out in the open air with the birds, sheep dogs and cattle.

Today most women's wardrobes will have a mixture of women's blouses, shirts and t shirts because that is the clothing that we all wear today. It is far more comfortable to wear and there is much less stressing over having the 'right' outfit to wear anywhere.

Formality has largely gone with the decades unless you are attending an official function in which case that requires a very different wardrobe.

Those days of official functions are rare today and something else I'm grateful for. Poor Nana, she had such high hopes of me becoming a social butterfly like she was yet in her own day and way, she was known as being 'different' and was an ardent women's rights activist. Perhaps its more than shirts and blouses that tie us together after all.

Finding the Perfect Blouse for Your Body Type

2009-10-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

By James Monahan

Unlike T-shirts, which more or less hide the shape of the body, blouses emphasize the form. It is more feminine and more formal, often used in the corporate world as well as in semi-formal occasions.

Different cuts and designs fit different body types. There are some that flatters a certain body type while there are some that falters. It is important that you find the right cut and style that will not only emphasize your best assets but will also hide your problem areas.

Going with the lines

Stripes and lines in blouses have huge effect in the way the eye perceives the whole body. Vertical lines in blouses will elongate the body and will make it appear longer and leaner. This is recommended for people who are short or those who are on the full side.

Horizontal lines in blouses, on the other hand, draws the eyes wide, making the image the lines frame wider and fatter. Thin people or those in the leaner side will appear fuller when wearing this kind of blouse.

Colors have it all

As a fashion rule of thumb, black and other dark colors will minimize fullness. In fact, people who have full figures should go with black wardrobes as the color black especially in blouses will make them appear leaner.

Bright colors on blouses, on the other hand emphasize the upper body. In addition to making it appear bigger and wider, bright colors will also draw attention to the body that it frames. If your problem area is the lower body, such as wide hips, bright-colored blouses will help minimize the attention.

Bright colored-blouses is also recommended for people who have great shoulders and great upper body area while dark colors are recommended for those who have upper body area problems.

To keep it simple, wear a dark-colored blouse if you wish to hide something in the upper area and a bright-colored blouse if you want to draw attention to your upper body area.

Cuts cut it

The cut of the blouse will also factor a lot in the way you are seen. Blouses with empire cuts for example will hide wide waistlines while emphasizing the chest area. Tight-fitting blouses on the other hand is best worn by women who have leaner figures. Full-figured women are discouraged to wear tight-fitting blouses because these blouses only serve to highlight the fullness.

Facial factor

The cuts of the collars of blouses will also help flatter not only the figure but also the facial structure.

Women with wide jaws or those with a square-shaped facial structures are advised to wear blouses with V necklines. This is also true with women with round faces. They should also avoid wearing blouses with Sabrina-type collars and closed collars as these will only emphasize the square-ness and the roundness of the facial structure.

Women with long faces are recommended to wear blouses with square-shaped necklines and round necklines. This will help cut the length of the facial structure. Sabrina type necklines and those with wide necklines will also flatter them.

Women with long necks can pretty much wear anything they like. When wearing blouses with a dipping neckline, they just need to wear a long necklace to create an illusion of cut.

When Did Women's Blouses Become Shirts?

2009-10-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

By Jan Smith

Women's blouses are rarely called a blouse anymore by retailers and shoppers alike. They are more often called women's tops or women's shirts but back in the 1960's they were still called women's blouses. The name change to shirts is a reasonably recent occurrence and one needs to ask the question "why"?

Blouse is an interesting word left over from an unknown period in time. Language is an interesting barometer of cultural and social change. My trusty Oxford Dictionary circa 1964 describes the word blouse as:

"blouse (-owze )n. Workmen's loose linen or cotton upper garment usu. belted at waist (chiefly French): woman's loose light bodice visible only to waist, & there belted. {F.of unkn.orig}

So from that explanation we know that the word is of unknown origin and that it was originally worn by workmen who would probably have been considered of a lesser social standing in a society governed by social pecking order. It begs the question as to why society ladies pinched the design and made it fashionable.

They probably re-designed the name first by actually calling it a blouse whereas a workman would have referred to it as his shirt. It probably was his shirt even though it was sewn and fashioned in a blowsy design to allow a man to swing an axe or scythe the wheat uninhibited from his clothes limiting his movements.

So it seems to me that we have now come full circle again in reverse with women now calling their blouse a shirt. It would seem that the more we change the more we stay the same.

Over the years the designs have changed frequently. Just in my time I remember the lacy, feminine blouses, the tight fitting, the loose fitting, the low front, polo necks...you name it and many have seen it come into and out of fashion like a model stuck in a revolving door. The only thing that hasn't changed with each design and fashion is the versatility the garment offers. It is something that can be worn with anything. You can dress it up and dress it down, as my Mum used to say about multi-functional clothes items.

The versatility given by adding a few blouses, shirts, tops or whatever else you want to name them this season is a great contribution to any well-dressed woman's wardrobe.

Maternity Clothes Trends

2009-10-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

For most women, the most stylish maternity clothes solution is to wear stretch classic jeans and a man’s white oxford shirt. However, the day comes when they face the inevitable: the visit to a maternity clothes store, either for a special occasion outfit, or to browse the plus size maternity clothes section in search for the most flattering solution to their style dilemmas. So what exactly should an expecting mom look for in maternity clothes, either regular or plus-size ones?

Slightly bigger breasts and increased waistline will make them sexier, not bigger. But when regular clothes do not work anymore, most women prefer to forget about fashion trends and cocoon themselves into shapeless dresses or high-waist slacks paired with voluptuous sweaters.

It’s chic to be pregnant today, and young Hollywood stars happily get pregnant whenever they want – and remain fashionable and glowing till the delivery. The most current maternity outfits are sleek numbers that let your curvy silhouette show.

Happy Hippie. You will be perfectly stylish in free-flowing ethnic skirts, kaftans and yoke dresses that accommodate a growing belly. Airy tunics and patterned blousons look equally great with oversize cardigans, perhaps with a wide belt under the belly, or on their own, with a tiny capelet for warmth. This trend also embraces the wide empire-waisted and baby-doll dresses that can be worn over the maternity pants and jeans. Best designers working in this style: Alberta Ferretti, Anna Sui.

Bold Accessories. A scarf, a capelet, a bolero jacket in contrasting colors, virtually anything that accentuates the shoulders and bust line are very flattering. Layering with ponchos and shawls will complete the look, if you go for a loose bohemian style. Halter-type necklines are also very flattering, because in most women their neck and arms look the same even if the rest of the body grows at enormous speed.

Skip Underwires. When your bust is growing, a thick shelf bra is healthier than a bra with metallic wiring underneath.
Wear Jeans. Today denim designers offer maternity versions of their most popular models. Citizen of Humanity, Seven For Mankind and Earl Jeans have maternity lines, as well as Juicy, in a variety of denim washes. Wear your maternity jeans low-slung, embroidered and slimming with contrasting washes.

Multifunctional Suits. The most charming maternity suits are made of wool and cotton, with blouses made of charmeuse and chiffon. Menswear plaids and pinstripes also look charming on pregnant women. Revealing the growing belly may do the trick for Britney Spears, but not many women can do that with flare. Pregnancy is the beautiful period of life, but wearing too skimpy clothes will just look tacky.

Tightwad Maternity Clothing
With this pregnancy, we were on a really tight budget and to make matters worse, I had started wearing dresses only, so many of my old maternity clothing wouldn't work for me. These are ideas that I used to expand my maternity clothing wardrobe without breaking the bank!
1. When you HAVE to purchase maternity clothing, look first at garage sales, thrift shops, re-sale shops and then eBay…in that order. Your best deals will be found at garage sales, while purchasing in re-sale shops or eBay will lead you to higher priced items. For example, a denim, khaki or black skirt, pants or jumper will match nearly anything. Keep your eyes open for clearance racks. I got several cute maternity shirts at Wal-Mart, Target & K-Mart for under $5.00.
2. Borrow maternity clothing when possible. Ask recently pregnant ladies at your church, family members and friends.
3. Borrow some items from your husband's wardrobe.
4. Skirts & pants that button can still be used by using these simple gadgets called the Belly Belt or the Bella Band. It costs about $25 but it's a great investment when you consider that you can wear your regular clothing instead of purchasing expensive maternity clothing. One end of the elastic fits over the existing button on the pants. Sew another button on the opposite side of the article of clothing and attaching the other end of the elastic to that button. This is a really inexpensive "fix"
5. For those of you that sew, you can also purchase pre-made "maternity panels" to sew into your existing skirts & pants.
6. If you wear dresses/skirts only, you can turn maternity jeans into skirts. You can find instructions at The Family Homestead, http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/denimskirts.htm.
7. You can wear your regular button up shirts under jumpers by leaving the last few buttons at the bottom unbuttoned. If you want to wear them with skirts or pants, just wear them unbuttoned over a T-shirt.
8. If you have maternity clothing that's out of season, you can alter the items. Long sleeves can be shortened and pants and be altered into shorts.
9. Larger women's sizes can be purchased much cheaper than Maternity clothing. This is a great source for T-shirts, blouses and elastic wasted pants. I found most of these on the clearance rack at Wal-Mart or other discount stores.
10. If you sew, you can sew your own maternity clothing for pretty reasonable prices. Most maternity patterns contain at least a combination of items. For example the one I bought had patterns for a jumper, shirt, skirt and shorts/pants all in one envelope.
11. If you live near an outlet mall, check out their maternity clothing. You can find some really inexpensive items that are factory seconds and on the clearance rack. I was able to get shirts, jeans, skirts & dresses for these prices.
12. If the pants or skirt is tight enough in the hips, you can wear skirts or pants by leaving them unzipped. A long shirt will cover it.
13. Elastic waist pants & skirts can be worn "under the belly" with a long shirt to cover it. As you can see from these ideas, you can establish you maternity wardrobe without breaking the bank!

Tips For Wearing White Blouses and T Shirts

2009-10-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

Do you like wearing white blouses, tops, and t shirts but hate showing the world your undergarments? We have all seen women walking about in public wearing a white t shirt or blouse. The answer is simple, wear bras, slips, and undergarments that match your skin tone as closely as possible. Whether you have light porcelain skin or creamy mocha, today's lingerie manufacturers make their undergarments in a variety of different colors. You no longer only have black or white as color options when buying a bra. There are a range of nudes, beige's, taupe's, and mocha colors that will match closely to many different skin tones.

Even plus size women now have more color options when choosing a bra or other plus size lingerie. Plus size specialty shops are now carrying bra in extended sizes in a variety of colors. Choose the color of bra or undergarment that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. You no longer have to keep your favorite white blouses and tops hidden away in your closet never to see the light of day because you are too afraid to wear them. With my handy tip you will be wearing your white tops without showing the world what you are wearing underneath.

The Historical Development of Corporate Clothing
Corporate clothing or work wear, the clothing worn by a great part of the population, is seldom written about. Diana de Marley, produced an interesting review of corporate wear and staff uniforms for the artisans and professionals during the twentieth century. She stated that "after the First World War most professional work wear was in black, as so many people were in mourning, however during the 1920's grey suits became more common.The battle was on between frock coats and top hats versus lounge suits and bowlers hats, as people selected their corporate clothing.

The short jacket gradually replaced the frock coat, and at the same time the lounge suit became more popular among the working class. They wanted to wear suits, even if they were shoddy. The lounge suit had none of the inconvenience of long frock coats, so the workers adopted it in great numbers to such an extent that black lounge suits were accepted as Socialist suits, worn by some into the 1950's.

When Gordon Selfridge opened his London store in 1909, the male staff had to wear black suits and the women black dresses with high necks. After the War in the Twenties the girls were allowed white blouses, black cardigans and black skirts. The men still had black suits. A great many uniforms followed fashion. The girls working for Heinz wore long striped blue dresses with gigot sleeves, white aprons, and large white caps to cover their hair. During the Twenties staff uniforms in food factories changed to shorter skirts and lower waists, and in the Thirties the waists went up and the hems went down as part of the return to a more feminine look. A large part of the working population worked on the land during the early part of the twentieth century. The old labourers who had stuck to their traditional clothing wore heavy corduroy trousers, boots, and leather leggings called buskins in Suffolk and corduroy waistcoats with a cloth back. The old sleeved waistcoats in corduroy were so thick a jacket was not necessary for work wear.

The GWR rule book of 19333 stated:"when on duty be neat in appearance, and where supplied, wear uniform, number and badge."
In the mill towns "the first sound in the morning was the clumping of the mill girls clogs down the cobbled street" wrote Orwell in 1937.Clogs continued into the war, along with the tartan shawl , calf length skirt and dark stockings. In the cotton factory their now traditional pinafores continued as the principal form of protection for work wear."

In recent times, we now see more emphasis in corporate clothing and work wear related to the service sector, where the corporate image and brand awareness plays a more important role, and the perception of the business to its customers is ever more important, reinforcing the need for classic corporate wear.

Finding Plus Size Clothing Online

2009-10-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

It seems that fashion stores are stocking ever shrinking sizes in clothing; and that can get very depressing.

Search for plus size clothing online
So, log onto the Internet and search for your favorite retailers that stock plus size clothing. Most plus size online stores have catalogues.

Top five plus size online stores
1. The Alectra collection at Kiyonna.com offers a stunning collection of lingerie in plus sizes. This online store shows how plus sizes can be completely "feminine, sexy and sophisticated".
2. New York-based Daphne stocks classic clothing for the plus size career woman. Daphne clothing stocks everything from little black dresses to swimwear and can be easily purchased online.
3. Making It Big Online lives up to its name with a huge selection of pants, blouses, shirts, activewear, careerwear, intimates, dresses, coats, jackets, skirts, loungewear, sleepwear, tops, tees, sweaters, and sweatshirts.
4. Silhouettes.com also sells shoes and accessories. This online store also provides many hints and tips on style and fashion trends.
5. Biggerbras.com stocks everything you need in terms of lingerie: bras, hosiery, girdles, panties, and lots of accessories. This online store stocks all the top names in lingerie, including Angelie, Anita, Aubade, Chantelle, Freya, Goddess, Gossard, Lunaire, Playtex, Prima Donna, Vanity Fair, and Volage.

Look and Feel Great in Plus Size Clothing
The majority of women are a size 14 or above, so its about time that retailers recognize the need for attractive plus size clothing. Due to consumer demand, there is a greater array of plus size clothing than every before including plus size lingerie, business suits, swimsuits, and formal wear.

When it comes to plus size clothing, there is cut, style, fabric and color to consider. A certain type of neckline may look great with a smaller bust line, but may not be able to provide the support necessary in plus size clothing. Also, certain fabrics may bunch unattractively in larger sizes. Plus size clothing presents a whole additional set of concerns. For women shopping for plus size clothing, it can be difficult to find apparel that both looks and feels good.

Many larger women make the mistake of choosing plus size clothing that is much looser than it needs to be. Many plus size women assume that a looser fit will hide trouble spots, when in reality, a form fitting ensemble can be so much more flattering. Today’s plus size clothing is meant to skim and accentuate curves without clinging to bulges. As notions of beauty and attractiveness have begun to change, plus size clothing in attractive styles and colors has become more widely available.

Knowing colors and shapes that accentuate your body type is an important part of building a working wardrobe of plus size clothing. Another common misconception is that plus size women should shy away from plus size clothing with bold patterns and bright colors. In terms of patterns for plus size clothing, plus size women should shy away from larger prints in favor of smaller designs. Bolder prints tend to draw the eye directly to trouble spots, which is the exact opposite of the effect that you want to create with plus size clothing.

Clean and classic lines with a minimum of frippery and unnecessary details seem to work best with plus size clothing. For blouses, square or round necklines tend to make the shoulders appear wider. Instead, opt for a V neckline in plus size clothing, which draws the eye downward and makes the body appear slimmer. For plus size clothing, clean and simple designs are the most classic and the most flattering to a curvier shape.

There is also a wide variety of plus size swimwear and intimate apparel available for curvier shapes. Plus size clothing designers are stepping up to the plate and offering more choices than ever before.

Women of all shapes and sizes are being encouraged to feel confident about their bodies. Looking and feeling great in comfortable plus size clothing can help to bolster that positive body image.

How to Determine the Best Sleeves and Necklines For Your Shoulders

2009-09-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

The ideal shoulder line balances the hips but is not exceptionally broad/square nor narrow/sloping. Whatever your shoulders' shape, choose your most flattering sleeve, neckline, and seaming detail to help balance your entire silhouette.

If You Have Narrow Sloping Shoulders
If your shoulders are narrow you know it. There is extra fabric in the shoulder and if it fits in the shoulder it's tight everywhere else. Shoulder bags slide easily. If you have narrow shoulders, look for style and design lines that are horizontally broadening such as a boat neck, off the shoulder, a wide "V" or wide scoop neckline. The idea is to draw the eye out with wide collars, shoulder placed accessories and yoked blouses or jackets.

Shoulder pads (whether "in" or "out!") are always good to have on hand to lift sloping and narrow shoulders. Shoulder padding also helps straighten the round line created with heavier arms, as fabric can drop straight down (vertical lines slenderize) rather than reveal the roundness of the arm (round adds pounds). Shoulder pads will always be your biggest camouflage comrade. Shoulder pads do not need to be Golden Girl Gargantuan. Small, naturally-shaped pads are virtually undetectable.

The Power of Padding
Because bad shoulder padding is as bad as no shoulder padding on narrow shoulders consider this:
• Choose the right style of shoulder pads. Soft, rounded, more natural shoulder pads look best under blouses and sweaters. The idea is to look like your shoulders are nicely tapered. Not that you are wearing shoulder pads.
• Tuck the shoulder pad under your bra strap and pull out as far as needed to balance the hip.
• Don't wear shoulder pads with tight clinging knits. In fact, if you're narrow-shouldered, avoid tight clinging knits at your shoulder to begin with.

If Your Shoulders are Narrow:
• Avoid halter tops
• Contrast vest and blouse for visual interest and widening at shoulder line
• Try hoodies zipped at mid-waist to create a wide V, or tie a sweater over your shoulders for extra broadening.
• Pull up your sleeves and blouse the upper arm fabric. The wider the strap the broader the shoulder.

Best tops for narrow shoulders
• Boat Neck
• Wide Scoop
• Wide V
• Off the shoulder
• Sailor
• Shawl

If You Have Broad Square Shoulders
Broad and square shoulders can be frustrating. You have broad square shoulders if, when your arm is relaxed, the shoulder creates a right angle. Usually the shoulder bone is prominent. If broad shoulders are an issue, consider the following.
• Avoid puffed shoulders, boat necks, and off the shoulder looks.
• Use vertical center front accessories and avoid shoulder placed attention such as epaulets.
• Choose drop sleeves, halter lines, raglan seaming, and kimono styling.
• Wear spaghetti straps. The narrower the strap the narrower the shoulder.

Best Tops for Broad Shoulders
• Gathered yoke
• Halter
• Drop sleeve (good alternative to sleeveless)
• Kimono
• Raglan
• Blouses which slim broad shoulders

How to determine if your shoulders balance your hips
Here's a handy way to understand how to determine if your shoulders balance your hips:
• Press the un-weighted end to the front of your shoulder at the joint.
• If the string sits inside the hip line your shoulders are broader than the hip and should be minimized.
• If the line is inside the hip, the hips are broader than the shoulder and the shoulder should be augmented.

When your shoulder line is balanced so is your entire silhouette. Use line, texture, color and accent to create your ideal look for your ideal shoulders!

Clothes to Beat the Heat
We are always very choosy about our attire and prefer ones that project our personality best. While exotic, decorative and colorful outfits suit best during parties, casual caparison work well during picnics and informal meetings. Women folk are most particular about the apparel and the choice for clothes change season wise. With changing fashion trends, ladies have become more conscious about the summer dressing and here is one handy article focusing on the ways to enjoy the sun and feel relaxed with best summer clothes.

Light and airy dresses are most comfortable during the heat. The extra large sized clothes available in the market are not only comfy enough, they are also great to look and stylish. By summer plus size clothes I mean those which allow free movement of body parts and are thinner and soft. These also help in reducing risk of skin infection due to friction. What's more? Let's get into detail in all these factors.

Summer cloth fabrics:
Light weight fabrics are wonderful in summer and give a welcome relief from the soaring heat. The selection of right material is the first step to equip oneself to beat the heat.

Colors to keep cool:
Colors play great role in fighting the sweltering heat. White is known to be the color of the summer season. Moreover, the color goes well with any other color and gives chic look when worn in contrast. What's more? Stick to light shades on the clothes and this summer will definitely be a cool experience.

The dress to wear
If you are a plus size woman and still want to look great and feel comfortable, empire style dresses hold the answer. To get rid of prickly heat it is best to stay away from heavy clothes and dark prints. These have maximum capability to absorb heat. Cozy shorts are also another preferred outfit in summer and look best when worn with loose fitting tops. To say the long story short, select fabric that breathes, with colors that are light and elegant, and those which fit comfortable and give you a charming appearance. Forget-not to be updated with latest style and trend in the summer clothes market and experience the joy of happy and delightful summer.

How To Develop A Streamlined Plus Size Business Clothing Wardrobe

2009-09-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

Do you waste time every morning gazing at your clothes, uncertain of what to choose? The key to streamlining your plus size business clothing wardrobe is to have a few key pieces that are versatile. This list of plus size business clothing is essential for any working woman.

A Dark, Tropical Weight Wool Pantsuit
By choosing one quality pantsuit, you can create many different looks. Besides wearing the pants and jacket together, the jacket can be used with a variety of coordinating pants and skirts. As well, the pants will work with blouses, sweaters, even t-shirts. By choosing a tropical weight wool, this pantsuit can be worn all year round. Dark colors are preferable because they are slimming, and they hide dirt and stains. A good quality pantsuit should be the mainstay of your plus size business clothing wardrobe.

French Blue Blouse
While you may think that a white blouse would make this list of basics, a French blue blouse can be just as versatile, but more flattering on a full figure.

Black V-neck Sweater
Choose a lambswool or cashmere style for fall and winter and a silk or cotton sweater for spring and summer.

Charcoal Gray Trousers
Perfectly tailored trousers, in a dark shade like charcoal gray, can speak volumes about your sense of style. With a pair of black pumps and a v-neck sweater, you will look sophisticated and stylish.

Khaki A-line Skirt
Ideal for during the week and on weekends, a durable, khaki skirt will look perfect with almost every variety of sweater and blouse. Dress it up with the French blue blouse and a leather belt, or wear it casually with a t-shirt and sandals.

Basic Shirtdress
The most flattering styles for fuller figures have long sleeves and hit slightly below the knee. With a few well-chosen pieces in your work wardrobe, you can mix and match a multitude of different outfits. And, wouldn't it be simply wonderful to have a closet of clothes that fit, look, and feel stylish, comfortable, and professional.

Plus Size Clothes That Look Great
Plus size women often times have a hard time knowing how to dress. Some want to hide under their clothes because they do not like being plus size. Others want to embrace their plus size and wear fun sexy clothes. Not all stores carry plus size fashions. Women have to search for the stores or sites online that carry plus size clothes. There are several places to shop once women start looking into it. Not all of the stores or online sites have fashionable plus size clothing, though.

There are still places that carry only boxy type styles for plus size women. While the boxy clothes are great to hide a figure under they are not very flattering. Some plus size women do feel more comfortable in boxy plus size clothes though. For the plus sized woman who wants to show off more curves there is good news. More and more clothes are becoming available that are highly fashionable and extremely flattering. Places like Lane Bryant and Catherine's are some of the stores that are offering such clothes. Plus size women can now find the frilly see through fun lingerie to feel feminine in the bedroom. Also there are very slinky sexy nightgowns available too. Large women do not have to just hide underneath the cotton nightshirts anymore.

When looking at plus size clothing there is some things to watch though. Make sure that the clothes are made from good quality fabric. In all clothing some cheaply not made well items are sold. Clothing costs being what they are today make sure the clothing will last and hold up well. Anyone deserves to get quality clothes. Sometimes choosing the correct length is a skirt or top can make such a huge difference to how a plus size woman looks in her clothes. Bras are another major problem for plus size women. Most stores only carry up to maybe sizes 44-8 DD. A lot of women wear beyond these sizes. A great source to turn to is either special bra catalogs or sites online. Sites such as http://www.justmysize.com and http://www.lanebryantcatalog.com have a wide range of hard to find sizes. Plus size swimsuits are so fashionably made today. There are stylish dresses, skirts, pantsuits, blouses and more being specially designed for the plus size women. Even wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses are on the market that are absolutely gorgeous. So women of plus size ca rejoice in the fact that the designers are realizing they exist and deserve in style clothes.

Chances are if the models in the catalogs do not look good in the clothes they are modeling people will not want to buy from that catalog. It is a fine place to shop if women want to hide in their clothes. Two of the stores that carry very stylish plus size clothes are Lane Bryant and Catherine's. Online there are several sites to buy plus size clothing these include the following sites: justmysize.com, lanebryantcatalog.com, jessicalondon.com, and womanwithin.com There are many more sites though to find when looking online so a woman does not have to limit herself to just these that are listed.

The main thing to remember is that a plus size woman can dress in stylish nice looking clothes today. The fashion industry is now designing better plus size clothing.

Fashion Clothing Tips for Short Women

2009-09-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

Petite curvaceous women definitely need to elongate their body using their clothing style for minimizing the volume. This is the general rule for the women owning this type of figure. In order to cover the faults of a figure not belonging to a tall, skinny 'giraffe' type model, you need to follow some essential tricks.
- Your aim is to elongate your body. The most frequent mistake petite women making in terms of clothing is cutting their bodies by using pieces of clothes as jackets and belts in the wrong proportions.
- You should also avoid wearing extra fabric around the waist.
- A false myth is the idea that very long skirts make your legs look long. Very long, baggy skirts make your legs look shorter. Long skirts may make you look taller if they go down to the ankle level and if they are straight.
- A good trick to elongate your legs is to wear straight pants that cover your shoes. This will definitely add some extra inches to your legs.
- Mixing colors is permitted for petite women but remember that it is the monochromatic clothing that makes you look taller and slimmer.
- Avoid wearing thick fabric clothing as it adds extra weight to your figure.
- The best trick to elongate your body is to wear vertical lines patterned clothing. Just one or two lines are enough to create this illusion. Try to avoid wearing clothing items with multiple vertical lines or mixing two garments with lines pattern.

Remember that oversize t-shirts don't hide extra pounds, they make people look baggy, without any shape.
However very tight clothes are risky too.Properly fitted clothes help you show the best of your body. Never wear clothes that show an open view of your tummy. It will only call attention to this wrong part of your figure.
- And the 'must do' rule for petite women is to always wear high heels. Matching stilettos to long, straight pants is the combination that will make you look taller and slimmer in any situation.
And keep in mind: any figure fault can be covered by using the right piece of clothing.

Look and Feel Great in Plus Size Clothing
The majority of women are a size 14 or above, so its about time that retailers recognize the need for attractive plus size clothing. Due to consumer demand, there is a greater array of plus size clothing than every before including plus size lingerie, business suits, swimsuits, and formal wear.

When it comes to plus size clothing, there is cut, style, fabric and color to consider. A certain type of neckline may look great with a smaller bust line, but may not be able to provide the support necessary in plus size clothing. Also, certain fabrics may bunch unattractively in larger sizes. Plus size clothing presents a whole additional set of concerns. For women shopping for plus size clothing, it can be difficult to find apparel that both looks and feels good.

Many larger women make the mistake of choosing plus size clothing that is much looser than it needs to be. Many plus size women assume that a looser fit will hide trouble spots, when in reality, a form fitting ensemble can be so much more flattering. Today’s plus size clothing is meant to skim and accentuate curves without clinging to bulges. As notions of beauty and attractiveness have begun to change, plus size clothing in attractive styles and colors has become more widely available.

Knowing colors and shapes that accentuate your body type is an important part of building a working wardrobe of plus size clothing. Another common misconception is that plus size women should shy away from plus size clothing with bold patterns and bright colors. In terms of patterns for plus size clothing, plus size women should shy away from larger prints in favor of smaller designs. Bolder prints tend to draw the eye directly to trouble spots, which is the exact opposite of the effect that you want to create with plus size clothing.

Clean and classic lines with a minimum of frippery and unnecessary details seem to work best with plus size clothing. For blouses, square or round necklines tend to make the shoulders appear wider. Instead, opt for a V neckline in plus size clothing, which draws the eye downward and makes the body appear slimmer. For plus size clothing, clean and simple designs are the most classic and the most flattering to a curvier shape.

There is also a wide variety of plus size swimwear and intimate apparel available for curvier shapes. Plus size clothing designers are stepping up to the plate and offering more choices than ever before.

Women of all shapes and sizes are being encouraged to feel confident about their bodies. Looking and feeling great in comfortable plus size clothing can help to bolster that positive body image.

Women's Clothing

2009-09-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

Changing fashions, soaring variety and shrinking sizes – that seems to sum up women’s clothing. Women’s clothes sellers seem to have understood this only too well.

What’s in right now?
Fashion keeps changing – more so in women’s clothing. You need to keep abreast of current trends. Designer and exclusive wear could offer a solution by creating a trendy but different look that attracts attention. The current trend seems to favor black and white and stripes. They seem to be a common element in a number of fast selling dresses including solids, prints, embellished pieces, separates, dresses, swimwear and accessories. Shorts and pants have been spruced up too, ranging from knee-length shorts to convertible, rolled-up cargo pants.
Blouses with an airy woven top and a Victorian touch such as lace, crochet, bell sleeves and ruffles can offer you a fresh look this season.

Suit the style to the weather
Now that summer is here, the question is what makes the best wear to suit the weather. Choose light colors rather than dark ones. Go in for natural fabrics like cotton and open-weave fabrics that offer better ventilation. Avoid tight clothing. The new flirty skirts are cool (pun intended!) and can be accommodating even if you’re not perfectly sized. Try them in favor of the more popular shorts and T-shirts routine for a change. What’s the perfect length of your skirt?

You’ll have to figure that one out to suit your body shape and preferences, but remember one golden rule of fashion. The width of your skirt should never be more than its height.
How about the designs?

The only thing to remember is that you should choose the prints to suit your shape. The general rule of thumb is that larger frames look good with widely spaced and larger sized prints, while smaller frames will look good in smaller prints.

Shrinking Numbers
While the average woman’s waistline is increasing the size of her dress is decreasing – at least going by the numbers given to them. So the first point that one notes about women’s dresses is that there is no standardization in the numbers and they change not only from time to time but also from shop to shop. When ready-made (or ready-to-wear) clothing first made its appearance, there was no standardization at all, and the garments fit the wearer poorly. Efforts are still on to find a more scientific basis for the measurements and standardization of the sizes for women’s dresses. Whether you are looking for standard ready-to-wear material keeping with current trends or for designer-wear, there are a number of online stores that give you a choice of clothes. Even if you are going to make the purchase from your own friendly neighborhood store, it makes sense to do a bit of window-shopping from online sources.

Women - Dressing Up for Success
While trousers are still worn by women to work, they do it for more comfort and flexibility compared to skirts and not to mirror the male business attire. Basically, the same rules in fashion apply to women's business attire and men's business attire. Business clothing should not just reflect the hottest fashion trend but the level of professionalism and skill she has. the business attire a woman wears should be appropriate for her industry and her position in the industry.

Here are some more useful tips for the woman who wants to dress for success:
1. Start with a pants suit or a skirted suit to achieve the most conservative look. The most professional would probably be a skirted suit. Except for some exceptions, dresses are not able to give the same credibility unless you would be wearing them with coordinated jackets.
2. Skirts should be worn knee-length or a bit above or below the knee.
3. Pants should not be too long and while Capri pants and similar pieces are fashionable, they are not suitable in a conservative business environment.
4. Sweaters and blouses can provide color and variety to woman's get-up. Wearing tops with inappropriate waistline and necklines could give the wrong impression.
5. Hosiery is a must for women in the business world. The best choices would be flesh-tone or neutral stockings. Avoid wearing dark stockings with clothing or shoes that are lightly colored.
6. Choose conservative shoes for work. Typically, shoes with a low heel are more professional compared to flats and high heels.
7. Again, keep jewelry and accessories at a minimum. Accessories should mirror your personality and not destroy your credibility.

Shopping Tips: What to Look for When Shopping for Tops

2009-09-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Like other clothes tops have the ability to hide your flaws and bring out your assets. A versatile wardrobe has more tops than bottoms. A different top can change the look of an outfit instantly. It can change an outfit from daytime to nighttime and from blah to wow!
Large bulky sweaters, pullover, button down and the cardigan will make you look larger and are worn for a more casual (not workplace casual), relaxed look. Turtleneck and mock turtleneck lightweight sweaters work well under many jacket styles.
* Print tops will add pizzazz to your outfit. Make sure the colors in the top matches the bottom color.
* Blouses without pockets work better with jackets than blouses with pockets.
Low pockets can make your bust look low or droopy.
* Tops or shells with glitter paired with a matching skirt can add dazzle to an outfit.
* Sleeves; short, long or sleeveless. If you do not want to show your arms wear long or ¾ sleeves, or for a dressier look sheer sleeves.
* Wearing sleeves, like pockets, that end just below the bust will make your bust appear droopy.
* Cotton, silk and rayon are light and are great fabrics for tops.

Clothing For Woman That Just Want Something Loose
To make your shoulders look wider, we play some visual tricks. Blouses with lapels are great...leaving the top 2 or 3 buttons open and spread the collar/lapels out. The points of the collar draw the eye outward. Very slight padding in the shoulders of the blouse will also help. Tops with shoulder ornamentation are also good...epilates, ties, buttons, etc. Wider shouldered jackets and those with exaggerated lapels are great! In terms of bras, I love Victoria's Secret. The IPEX bra with the wire is worth trying on because the shape of the cup naturally lifts the breasts without padding. The long legs are a physical characteristic most women would kill for. Exercise is going to help get your belly and waist back in shape but until then, here are some strategies. Short waited women need to avoid wearing tops tucked into their skirts or pants.

Tunics are a great option. If you plan to wear a belt, it needs to be low slung on your hips, not around your waist. No color changes can take place at waist level. We are looking for continuous color from your shoulders to your hips. Go for longer jackets and avoid cropped tops of any sort at all costs! Also avoid fitted tops. Wear high heels as much as possible. Even though you are tall with nice long legs, nothing makes one look thinner than extending one's visual line. Wear your trousers long and make sure there are no pockets, pleats etc to bulk up your mid section. Make sure your pants are paired with a long tunic top or long jacket....again, nothing tucked in.

In terms of skirts, knee length or a bit longer is fine. Make sure there is no detail at the top...no tucks, gathers, pleats, etc. Look for a clean line skirt that is either straight or a-line. Details at the hem are fine. Go on the web site and look for some Companies that you think there clothes are nice. Here are some brands that you might want to try and look at on the net that you might think would be good to go with your body shape Great Bateau- Neck Tunic and some other coordinating pieces including a great skirt, cardigan, pants for the fall and winter.

Also look at the Off-shoulder swing tee...in fact, just cruise the site and see if anything grabs you. I would recommend a faired sheath dress as your best option.They are a classic and the details, if any, are usually at the neckline or shoulders. No cinched waists or belts. Go for darker colors as well. If you find something two toned or multicolored, just make sure the color change does not occur at or around your waist. So of the clothing out there will look like they don't change color, but if you look good or if you have them in the right light then you can see that the color on the clothing will change.

10 Secrets for Women Leaders to Increase Visibility and Credibility

2009-09-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

Not only is the work interesting and challenging, but you are impacting the direction of many people and the direction of your company. This condensed report provides general trends identified from research of women and men in the workplace.

Secret #1 -- Build networks internally and externally
This is important for both men and women.
It is important to build networks internally to develop allies and externally to increase your value to the company. You may think you don’t have time, but it can actually save you time when you need to call on that ally for support on a big project with a tight deadline. At higher levels, the emphasis of work is done more through people and your ability to effectively influence and communicate with others. People with large networks can easily access and receive timely, useful information to help them accomplish their goals. It is best to identify individuals where there is a mutually beneficial relationship based on common goals and interests.

Secret #2 -- Sell yourself effectively, not aggressively
Many women do not see their key productive strengths and talents. Women need to learn how to first see their strengths and second effectively sell themselves and how their specific accomplishments connect to the business drivers. Identify two or three of your key accomplishments. What strengths and skills can you identify from these accomplishments? See the full report for tips on how to identify your strengths and effectively sell yourself.

Secret #3 -- Select a mentor within your company
Don’t wait on the company to institute a program or if there is one and you’re not part of it, then seek out individuals you value and begin to build a relationship. This may be more critical for a woman’s success than it is for her male colleagues. In a study of individuals who made it into the senior ranks of organizations, the authors of Breaking the Glass Ceiling found that only 38% of successful men had mentors, but all of the women executives had them. A mentor can give you advice on what you need to do next in your career to move forward, how to get visibility and recognition, and how to play the game of your particular organization. A mentor can encourage you to take more risks and be an advocate for you in those closed door meetings at the executive level.

Secret #4 -- Ask for the stretch assignments
Women must often explicitly signal their interest and willingness to take on unusual or challenging assignments. Otherwise, managers may assume they are not interested. You can use the work you’ve done in Secret #2 to identify your key strengths and pitch your ‘qualifications’ or readiness to take on more challenging assignments. Women can get caught in a double bind of being seen as too ambitious. Other ideas include: volunteer to speak on a program or at a conference, volunteer for a cross-departmental committee, go to company social events and talk with people you don’t know.

Secret #5 -- Develop strong communication skills and mastery of your emotions
Developing strong communication skills, mastery of your emotions, and the ability to effectively handle conflict is another very important area for success. Once you reach management level, your ability to effectively influence and relate to others is more important than your technical skills. There has been enough research out now on the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EI), which is a current term for a person’s ability to manage their emotions and relate effectively to others. In a 1990 study (by Hunter et al), 200 companies and organizations were examined. It was found that top performers were 127% more productive than average performers. The competency research indicated that about one-third of the difference was due to technical and cognitive (IQ) ability, while two-thirds was due to competence in the area of EI. In top leadership, 4/5th of the difference was attributed to EI competence.

Secret #6 --Learn the rules of the game of business and how to play for success
Business is still played by the rules of team sports. The games we play as girls and boys influence how we ‘play’ at work. Organizations are still strongly influenced by the male culture. Growing up, girls learn dependence and boys learn independence. Competition is one of the key principles in the game of business where winning is all important. Even if you grew up playing with boys, those experiences are minor in comparison to the influence of social norms. Growing up, girls learn how to be competent interpersonally and develop and sustain relationships. Boys, on the other hand, learn how to subordinate relationships to aggressiveness, competition, and winning. Research shows that behaving like a man will backfire. Women have a narrower band of acceptable behavior. The one important piece to remember is that for most men, business is a game. If you understand that it’s not personal, you will be able to choose your strategies and approaches wisely to your success.

Secret #7 -- Know what it takes to successfully transition each leadership passage
In the book, The Leadership Pipeline, by Charam, Drotter & Noel, the authors identify six passages which require a different focus and attention to navigate successfully through the passage. The six passages are 1) from Manage Self to Manage Others, 2) Manage Managers, 3) Functional Manager, 4) Business Manager, 5) Group Manager, 6) Enterprise Manager (CEO). Not only is understanding this critical for your success in progressing upward, but it is vital for you to understand how to focus the development for those under your span of control. The skills, time application, and work values are different for each passage and there are signs of possible derailment at each turn. For example, passage number 4 from Functional Manager to Business Manager requires an ability to deliver inspired communication, assemble a strong team, grasp how the company makes money, and develop strong leadership at multiple below you.

Secret #8 -- Know and manage your image
Some questions to ask yourself are: How do people perceive you in your organization? What image are you portraying through your dress? As a leader it is more important to be respected than liked. A word about business attire. Make sure your business attire is tasteful but does not draw more attention to your sexuality, such as tight skirts, sweaters, low cut blouses, or frilly clothing. The general rule of thumb to follow is to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Notice what successful women at the top of your organization are wearing and adapt to that style. You can still have your own style, just remember the unspoken dress code is akin to the team uniform and is another ‘test’ of how well you fit into the team.

Secret #9 -- Hire an experienced coach
Hire a coach who’s familiar with 360 tools and other personality and work style assessments so you get the vital objective feedback and how to use it into your development plan. If you have never worked with a professional coach, you might consider doing a little research and contacting some experienced coaches for a sample coaching session. Many coaches offer a free 45-minute coaching session so you get to know them and what to expect in the coaching process with them. Working with an experienced coach can expedite your development and save you a lot of hard lessons.

Secret #10 Know your long-term goals, maintain work/life balance, and support other women
Be clear about your long-term goals and how you will maintain the work/life balance that’s right for you. If your goal is to reach the upper executive levels, then find out what commitment it will take, how it will impact your personal life, and what support systems you will need to put in place. You may decide that you enjoy being at a mid-level management position with the ability to influence many people and groups within the organization. Or, if you are better suited to be a senior level individual contributor such as VP of Investor Relations, then go for that. It’s important for your own happiness and satisfaction in life that you identify your key productive skills, your long-term goals, and your personal quality of life to determine the best career path for you.

In a Catalyst study with interviews of executive women, women pointed out that you cannot have it all. If you are married, it is important to have a supportive spouse. Many women pay for hired help to support childcare, home maintenance, etc. Women are so skilled at multi-tasking and handling many things for themselves and others in their lives that they often neglect to take care of themselves. Support other women who are coming up through the ranks to create networks of collective support for all women. This is key to shifting the culture to be more in balance between masculine and feminine ways of approaching business.

About Historical and Contemporary Limbu Women of Nepal
Limbu people are known as Yakthungba (refers to a Limbu male) and Yakthungma (refers to a Limbu female) in their own language. The Kirant dynasty ruled Nepal from 3102 B.C. to 7th century A.D. as the first rulers in Nepal. At present, this area is in the eastern part of Nepal (including Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar, Ilam, Dhankuta, and Tehrathum and northern parts of Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari districts). According to the 2001 Census of Nepal, the population of the Limbus is 359,371 (1.58% of Nepali population). LIMBU script is known as Sirijanga script.

Historical Social Role of Limbu Women:
Traditional Limbu women wore sim (it is 7-yard long material wrapped as a skirt) with a cholo, a blouse that is made of locally hand-woven dhaka material. Limbu women traditionally wore a pair of Nesse (a large flat designed gold earrings), a gold mundri as a nose ring, and a dhungri, a stud nose ornament. On their hands, Limbu women wore gold or silver bangles. Silver kalli were worn as anklets. They also wore different kinds of ornaments on different occasions, ceremonies and festivals. Some of these ornaments were Phangsese (a necklace made of nine gold beads which are strung with glass beads), Labaphung (a crescent shaped gold ornament worn as a hair clip), Namloi or Yogakpa (a large silver necklace), sisiphung or nekkhophung (flower shaped gold stud earrings), reji (coin necklaces made of ancient silver coins) and Swagep (a gold ring worn on their fingers). Also in the past Limbu females used to wear Laskari in their ears, 5 or 6 similar tiny gold rings in a row. You can still see old Limbu women in the villages dressed up in this way. All the types of clothing and ornaments women wore suggest that the Limbu economy provided adequately for their needs in those days. Traditional Limbu women looked very elegant and created a unique identity in the world.

Limbu women like to dance the Ya-Lang (paddy dance) and Ke-Lang (Limbu traditional drum dance) at formal occasions like marriages and religious ceremonies. There is also a dance named Mang Lang (Dev naach-God dance) to celebrate religious occasions.

Women help in farming by working in the fields. They plant rice, harvest the crops and take care of the domestic animals. My mom used to talk about “pewa” (Pewa is a Limbu word, it is a source of pocket money). My grandfather gave my mom a couple of orange trees, from which she could get her pocket money by selling oranges in the Dharan market. In those days, buying gold and silver jewelry was a type of family investment.

This article is about Limbu women. Generally Limbus eat the usual Nepali meal, steamed white rice, dal (lentil soup), tarkary(curry) and aachar(a kind of salsa sauce). I would like to mention some Limbu gourmet food- kinema ko achar (fermented soya been pickle), gundruk ko achar or gundruk ko soup ( fermented mustard leaves), yangben (moss that grows on trees), etc. They also a drink a mild beverage called tongba (millet beer), consumed in particular bamboo or wooden large containers with tiny bamboo straws).

Limbu women used to be great fabric-artist entrepreneurs and very hard working. There wasn't imported thread available for weaving, therefore they used to grow cotton themselves in their fields. Once open a time, "chhitko sari", woven by Limbu women, was very popular among other Nepali women. They also used to weave handloom cloth called Dhaka. This type of traditional weaving has been bequeathed to their female descendents. Dhaka material is very popular now, and you can get Dhaka topis (caps), traditional pachheuras (large scarves) and Dhaka cholos (blouses). Today, ties and Dhaka kurta-suruwals (pant suit) are very popular. The traditional material is also used in interior decoration for modern contemporary houses; you can find it used for cushion covers, curtains, table runners, tablemats, etc.

Contemporary Limbu Women and Their Social Role:
Today’s Limbu women generally do not dress up in traditional clothes or wear heavy jewelry. They wear all kinds of contemporary outfits such as kurta suruwal, saree and other formal and casual western outfits. Married women wear traditional Nepalese ornaments such as Tilhari with sarees and kurta suruwal. Unmarried women wear light jewelry such as a stud, hoop or dangle earrings, a pendant with a chain, gold link bracelets, a ring, and anklets with kurta suruwal and western-inspired outfits. Some married women also wear formal Indian inspired gold jewelry too, such as heavy mangal sutra necklaces and large dangly earrings.

Contemporary Limbu society, especially in urban areas, has evolved from the village society of one hundred years ago. Limbu women’s responsibilities usually include maintaining the home, cooking, taking care of children and in-laws, as before, but now also include helping educate their children and perhaps managing a shop or pursuing a professional career outside the home. Of course stock market investments are not common in Nepal. The Limbu women manage financial investments in land or property. There are many women whose husbands still work as Gurkha soldiers in foreign countries. Today, some Limbu women have established careers in every field-- in politics, media, business, professional performing arts, legal services, education, and the medical profession. Some names of Limbu women who are active in different fields are mentioned below:
• Anjana Limbu (Shrestha) : Movie Actress, her best-known movie is Balidaan
• Anupama Subba: Actress in the famous movie "Numafung"
• Bishnu Chemjong: The first Lux Nepal Star; she was chosen from 5000 other contestants for her beautiful voice.
• Jina Lingden: The first Limbu woman pilot
• Jayan Subba Manandhar: Choreographer and owns modeling agency called Ramp
• Kala Subba: Active model, choreographer and Hits FM RJ.
• Lila Subba (Shrestha): Member of Nepal’s Parliament.
• Pabitra Subba: An established, well known Nepali singer and actress.
• Malvika Subba: Miss Nepal 2002, working with Kantipur telvision as an anchor, and event manager for the Miss Nepal pageant for 2 years.
• Srijana Subba: Active member of Kirat Yakthung Chumlung and representative of the Association of Limbu Shamans from Nepal. Contemporary Limbu women are highly appreciated for their incredible achievements in a short period. Young Limbu women today, whose mothers and grandmothers may be illiterate or barely literate, may go on to coll2-women's blousesege or obtain specialized training for skilled employment.

Although there are only a small number of Limbu women compared to Nepal's total population, they are actively involved in every field.

Finding the Perfect Blouse for Your Body Type

2009-09-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

Unlike T-shirts, which more or less hide the shape of the body, blouses emphasize the form. It is more feminine and more formal, often used in the corporate world as well as in semi-formal occasions. Different cuts and designs fit different body types. Stripes and lines in blouses have huge effect in the way the eye perceives the whole body. Vertical lines in blouses will elongate the body and will make it appear longer and leaner. Horizontal lines in blouses, on the other hand, draws the eyes wide, making the image the lines frame wider and fatter. Thin people or those in the leaner side will appear fuller when wearing this kind of blouse.

Colors have it all
As a fashion rule of thumb, black and other dark colors will minimize fullness. In fact, people who have full figures should go with black wardrobes as the color black especially in blouses will make them appear leaner. Bright colors on blouses, on the other hand emphasize the upper body. If your problem area is the lower body, such as wide hips, bright-colored blouses will help minimize the attention. Bright colored-blouses is also recommended for people who have great shoulders and great upper body area while dark colors are recommended for those who have upper body area problems. To keep it simple, wear a dark-colored blouse if you wish to hide something in the upper area and a bright-colored blouse if you want to draw attention to your upper body area.

Cuts cut it
Blouses with empire cuts for example will hide wide waistlines while emphasizing the chest area. Tight-fitting blouses on the other hand is best worn by women who have leaner figures. Full-figured women are discouraged to wear tight-fitting blouses because these blouses only serve to highlight the fullness.

Facial factor
The cuts of the collars of blouses will also help flatter not only the figure but also the facial structure. Women with wide jaws or those with a square-shaped facial structures are advised to wear blouses with V necklines. Women with long faces are recommended to wear blouses with square-shaped necklines and round necklines. This will help cut the length of the facial structure. Sabrina type necklines and those with wide necklines will also flatter them.
Women with long necks can pretty much wear anything they like. When wearing blouses with a dipping neckline, they just need to wear a long necklace to create an illusion of cut.

Stylish Women of the Zodiac
Aries
These bold, arrogant and confident creatures are not afraid to flash a little leg or boast a low-cut top. When it comes to fashion, female Rams are self-styled leaders who love flashy, glamorous and sexy clothes. Plush velvets and vivid silks in colors such as red, yellow and gold suit the female ram's conception of herself as "royalty." At work, the Ariesian female likes to stand out in a crowed by adding a pair of high-heels or sexy stocking to an otherwise straight looking skit. They love the style of the forties and details such as piping, kick-pleats and rounded collars. They also adore pea coats and long wool coats paired with a pair of high heel leather boots. This demanding fire sign loves the flash of rubies and diamonds and is fond of wearing watches that display two time zones, even if they are not jetsetters.

Taurus
Female bulls are homebodies so they don't tend to splurge their family budget on family. Their closet is often packed with clothing that reflects their love of practical activities such as gardening, cooking and home renovation. They are fond of inexpensive and utilitarian clothing such as khakis, jeans and sweatshirts and by easy-to-care for fabrics that can just are thrown in the wash. As they spend a lot of time outdoors, their closets are usually jammed with ski-jackets, pack-pats and work-boots. Taurus Females dress more casually than most people at the office and are the type to wear the same thing to work every day. A cozy sweater worn over a ruffled blouse with a knee-length skirt is a typical outfit. As they tend to be heavier than most women in the Zodiac, they tend to wear a lot of "slimming black". They have simple tastes in lingerie and consider a long white cotton nightgown to be just a sexy as any item bought from Victoria's secret. For more elegant affairs, bulls look best in empire style gowns that emphasize their busts and conceal their tummies. Taureans tend to dislike wearing a lot of jewelery, as it gets lost or dirty, however one item loyal Bulls will never take off is their wedding ring.

Gemini
These smart, sexy and cerebral women change their mind about what they want to wear every day. Their closets are well stocked with the appropriate outfits for any occasion. This curious sign faithfully studies fashion magazines and is always up on the latest trends in fashion. For casual wear, they prefer clothes with subtle, yet unusual touches - velvet cuffs on shirt, an unexpected ruffle or a bit of antique lace on a collar. Gemini females have a keen sense of style, and when they are in business mode, they prefer to dress up as the office "queens" complete with power suit, pearls and expensive watch. Their favorite colors are navy blue, pink, lavender, silver and gold. They love to dance so they prefer loose fluid clothing in silks, cottons and satins that flow with them as they move. They also like cheap street chic of a red vinyl mini-skirt or the surprise offered by the wearing of a bright yellow sari to a garden party. Turquoises, rubies, pearls and citrines are their favorite stones.

Cancer
Cancer females dress according to their mood. Cancers are fond of loose comfortable casual wear and often hide their bodies behind overly large men's shirts and black tights. For fancy events, they tend to rely on that old stand-by such as the little black cocktail dress. They love to collect costume jewelry and their ears, wrists and fingers will often boasts 'bling blings such as stacks of Indian bangles, large pearl rings, charm bracelets, and cubic zirconias.

Leo
This vain drama queens love to dress up for the purpose of being admired by all. They have exquisite and expensive tastes in clothing and lust after items created by Prada, Chanel, and Ungaro. The sexy Leo often prefer mini-skirts to any kind of trousers. For more formal events they like to wear long flowing robes in colors such as of gold, silver red and orange that make them look like the resident goddesses. Their closets are often filled with designer sportswear, including the latest walking, golf and tennis shoes. Being a very materialistic sign, a Tiger female considers diamonds to be a girl's best friend along with rubies, emeralds and sapphires set in sunny hunks of solid gold.

Virgo
Blessed with an excellent fashion sense, Virgos are adept at mixing individual pieces together to create a strong, attractive personal statement. Energetic Virgins tend to store their large wardrobe in perfectly organized closets that are full of classic items such as open-toed sling backs, patent leather kitten-heels, crisp white blouses, navy suits, black cocktail dresses, tennis skirts, khaki shorts, kilts, flowing gowns and well fitting jeans. At work they prefer well-tailored, conservative suits in shades of silver, white, pink, grey or lavender Finicky Virgins would also never be caught dead with a missing button or a hole in their stocking. Although female Virgins are killer sharks when it comes to business, they like to soften the image of their power suits by adding delicate feminine touches such as a lace hankie, a flower or a chiffon scarf. They also like to collect state of the art accessories such as tortoise shell clips for their hair, diamond earrings, pearl studs, black leather belts with distinctive buckles, silver conch belts, silver clutch purses, gold lame clutches and functional back-packs. They consider displays of wealth to be tacky and tend to wear watches with thin gold straps, tiny chains and demure diamond tennis bracelets.

Libra
Venus rules sensual Libra natives, so they are very tactile. Their sense of touch has a lot to do with how they choose clothing, and they prefer silks and cottons to scratchy wools. Librans can be surprisingly finicky about clothing, and they are the first to visit a tailor if the cut of a suit or a dress is not quite right. This sign loves balance and beauty and believe that clothing should perfectly compliment the figure. At work, power-dressing Librans will choose sleek, tailored suits in jewel-tones or slimming black. They are not much for frills or an excess of jewelery and prefer to sport gold hoops or simple pearl studs as earrings. For relaxing, they prefer well-fitting casual clothing in their favorite colors, pink and black. Librans love Capri pants and similar items that are sexy as well as practical. Librans have a delicate sense of balance so they prefer flat heels to high heels.

Scorpio
When it comes to style Scorpio women they are ruled by their moods. If they are depressed they are the sign voted most likely to dress head-toe in black to let others know their state of mind. At the office they like to "dress to intimidate" in strong primary colors. Many of them will add a sexy touch to a conservative outfit, by unbuttoning a blouse to expose cleavage or a donning sexy high-heels. Scorpio women live to socialize and their closets are stacked with scores of little black dresses, chiffon blouses, cashmere sweaters and sequined tops. They also love the sweeping drama of a velvet cape for formal occasions. Red and black leather is a favorite and many own stylish jackets; tight pants and long coats made from the finest bovines. As they are very sexual, they also like to dress provocatively, yet tastefully.

Sagittarius
Fashion plays a role in the charming Archer’s plan to always present a youthful, and carefree appearance. Female Archers pick items that make them feel sexy and comfortable. They prefer loose clothing to tightly tailored outfits and the hunter inside them is also fond of real and faux fur. At the office the Sagittarian is likely to be dresses a in her favorite shades of brown, dark blue red and emerald green. For casual wear, easy-going Archers prefer versatile cotton pieces in bright colors that are as sunny as their positive disposition. Many of them are also very eccentric and love to collect vintage clothes such as Russian fur muffs, high-collared satin Mandarin jackets and retro-50s cocktail dresses. For more formal events they prefer sleek cocktail dresses and bias cut ball gowns that are reminiscent of the style of Audrey Hepburn. They love precious gems, but are more inclined to wear a precious gift or a family memento as opposed to a flashy rock.

Capricorn
This sometimes self-conscious sing prefers long sleeves to short sleeves and high collars to plunging cleavages. They also like vintage clothing, as long as it is in pristine condition.
Capable Capricorns like to add delicate feminine touches to power suits such as diamond earrings or an antique pin. Female Cappies, often boast perfectly organized closets filled with classic items such as open-toed slingbacks, patent leather purses, crisp white blouses, navy suits, black cocktail dresses and well fitting jeans. They also treasure hair accessories such as tortoise shell clips and satin bows. They love gemstones, in all colors of the rainbow, but would most value a classic piece such as a diamond tennis bracelet, an antique cameo or a pendant that sports their initials.

Aquarius
At work Aquarian females tend to dress slightly more eccentrically than their colleagues. They are fond of patterns, plaids and pinstripes as well as unusual fabrics such as herringbone, tweed, seersucker and poplin. They have a jaunty sense of style, and often perk up an outfit by sporting a beret, a bright hair band or a large and funky piece of costume jewelry.
They detest extravagance and love to shop for clothes at flea markets, vintage shops and retail outlets. For a night out, a female Aquarian will choose unusual pieces, such as a white sequined skirt, purple cowboy or a top made of a glittering mesh of gold chains. Aquarians love jewelry that has an antique or futuristic look and tend to purchase unusual or one of a kind pieces to compliment their eccentric outfits.

Pisces
These very feminine, delicate and sensitive creatures tend to choose sensuous items that appeal to their idealistic sense of romance. They love the "girlyness" of the pastel colors and the tactile allure of silk, velvet and satin fabrics. At the office they will often sport higher hemlines and lower cut blouses. For casual wear, blouses boasting voluminous ruffles, tight-fitting shirts with lace trim and sensuous cashmere sweaters. They are also very athletic and like to go camping, fishing and hiking, so their closets often overflowing with sports gear, tennis shoes, golf shoes and equestrian wear. As the sea rules this sign they are partial to jewelry made from coral, seashell, pearl and mother-of-pearl. As Pisces is the sign that represents the 2000-year epoch of the rule of the Christians, they are also fond of wearing religious jewelry such as antique Roman coins, and medallions of the Saints.