Nightmare Hair Scenarios and How to Fix Them

The best-selling Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook may have taught you how to fend off a shark and escape from quicksand, but what about the real catastrophes in a chick's life — like having a heinous hair moment before a big date or botching an at-home dye job? Fear not...Cosmo comes to the rescue with our own EMT (Emergency Mane Treatment) advice.

Disentangle Your Hair from a Round Brush

Resist the urge to grab the nearest steak knife and slice off that entire section of strands. The better approach:

• Don't panic and tug. "That will only make the knots tighter," says Guy Romeo, a stylist at the Privé salon in Los Angeles.
• Pin up loose strands. Gently remove as much hair as you can with your fingers, and clip up the freed strands as you go.
• Pick the locks. Take a rattail comb, knitting needle, or similar skinny stick and use the pointed tip to dislodge the remaining hair bit by bit from the bristles.

How to avoid barrel-brush entanglements:

• Never work with a section of hair that's wider than the brush you're using.
• Lift each section up and away from your head before you start rolling the brush underneath it. (Tangles often occur when you inadvertently involve hair that's below the section you're working on.)

Fix a Dud Dye Job

While nobody's saying that orange roots couldn't have a big fashion moment, now's not it. So in the meantime:

• Go to a pro. See a colorist as soon as possible. If you try to fix the problem on your own, you'll just make it worse. This process is typically more complicated than a straight coloring job, so be prepared to pay more.
• Style curls into your coif. Until your appointment, wear your hair curly. "Curls help the botched color blend in and be less noticeable," explains Rodney Cutler, owner of NYC's Cutler Salon.

How to Prevent Home Hair-Color Mishaps:

• Watch the clock. Leaving color on for too long can be a disaster, says Cutler. You might wind up with tangerine tresses.

Disguise a Botched at-Home Bang Trim

You thought you were so savvy trimming your own fringe — until you lopped off an inch where a centimeter would've sufficed. Some possible remedies:

• Go for a side sweep. Part your hair on the side where your bangs are the longest, then sweep them across your forehead so they fall over the too-short bits.
• Create piece-y texture. The more intentionally piece-y your do looks, the more effectively your bad bang job will be camouflaged. Work a dab of pomade between your palms and fingertips, then twirl little sections of hair from roots to ends.
• Tie on a hip head-scarf. If your bangs are too short but not crooked, Romeo offers this approach: Brush them against your forehead and place a scarf or headband at your hairline to nudge them down to a normal-looking length.

How to Avoid Bad Bang Cuts:

• Rather than cut your own bangs, finagle a free fringe trim at the hands of a pro. "Many salons offer complimentary bang trims to regular clients," says Cutler.
• If you're set on doing it yourself, don't make the all-too-common mistakes of wetting your bangs and taping or holding them down (either way, they'll seem longer than they really are and you're likely to overcompensate by cutting too much off). Instead, start with dry bangs and let them hang naturally to get the most accurate sense of their length. Then use sharp, fine-tipped scissors and a slow, steady hand to do the deed.

Deal with Last-Minute Product Overload

If you overestimated the amount of styling goo to use and now your strands look more oil-slicked than glamorously styled, take these measures:

• Remove excess product. Wrap your head in a dry towel, then scrunch with your hands to absorb whatever you can.
• Powder your roots. To absorb the rest, use cornstarch, talcum powder, or a dry shampoo. Create a part two inches above one ear and sprinkle powder into the roots. Use your fingertips to rub it in. Repeat every two inches until you get to the other ear.
• Tousle your tresses. Flip your head upside down, and with your dryer blowing on cool, run your fingers through your hair.

How to Prevent Product Overload:

• Start with less product than you think you'll need — you can always add more.
• Begin your product application at the nape of the neck. "When you work from the undersections of your hair, you'll deposit the bulk of the product in the least noticeable places," explains Cutler.

Treat a Curling-Iron Burn on Your Face

"Burn, baby, burn" has a nice ring to it on the dance floor — but if this is what happens when wielding a curling iron, here's first aid for your beauty flub:

• Prevent inflammation. Apply ice (wrapped in a washcloth or plastic bag) to the burn immediately for 10 to 15 minutes, says New York City dermatologist Arielle Kauvar. Take a break for a few minutes, then repeat for up to an hour or as long as you can.
• Assess the damage. Determine if the burn is first degree (redness but no blistering) or second degree (inflammation and mild blistering). Note: The chance of getting a curling iron-inflicted second-degree burn is pretty slim.
• Treat the skin. If it looks like a first-degree burn, apply an OTC antibiotic ointment (such as Bacitracin or Polysporin) twice a day to guard against infection, and stay out of the sun to prevent discoloration. If you've managed to get a second-degree burn, see a physician for a prescription topical antibiotic.
• Disguise damage. Don't use makeup on the burn, but obscure it by leaving your locks loose and tousling them forward.

How to Avoid Curling-Iron Burns:

• When rolling the curling iron against your head, stick a thin plastic comb between your scalp and the iron, suggests Cutler. A basic black comb that's about an eighth of an inch thick fits the bill — it's enough to block the heat but not so thick that it will block access to your roots. "I use this trick at shoots, because if you burn a model's face, she hates you for life," says Cutler.

Revive Limp Locks

If your do has drooped, you don't have to spend the day with strands that are as flat as a pancake. To make your flapjack style look more full:

• Shake dry any damp spots. If you were stuck in bad weather or in a sweaty situation (hmmm...), use a towel (or tissue if that's all you have) to get your tresses as dry as possible.
• Tease your roots. Pull out a comb, hold a two-inch section of hair straight up, then briskly move the comb up and down the backside over the roots only (from your scalp to two inches away). Make sure to do the back of your head as well.
• Pull it back. When all else fails, try a sleek ponytail.

How to Prevent Limp Locks:

• Don't overload on product. If you expect wet weather, use a humidity-proof styler.
• Use a root-boosting volumizer when styling.
• While blow-drying, lift your roots up and point the nozzle up into them to lock
  in lift.

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

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Fall Fashion Items Every Man Needs in His Closet

By Tl Kleban

It's pretty difficult for men not to look good during the cool fall season. A simple white collar showing out from underneath a nice, neutral toned sweater looks clean, polished and professional. Just because the weather is getting colder doesn't mean the only clothes you need are last year's warm winter coats and snow boots. It's just the opposite. New styles and trends on classic fall season basics will almost guarantee you will be dressed to the nines.

It's easy to see why fall fashion collections are so highly favored by fashion experts. The clothes are rich in color and texture, cool enough for a mild fall afternoon and warm enough for a chilly autumn night. All of the colors are normally neutral, making it easy to mix and match with different styles and colors of your closet. Here are just a few of the hottest fall items you should have in your closet:

Pinstriped Pants - This classic look is perfect for formal occasions or times when casual will do such as work. It's the detailing of pinstriped pants that livens up an otherwise ordinary wardrobe. The best part about pinstripe pants is no matter what type of shirt you wear, they all match. For example, navy goes with gray pinstripes, gray with brown pinstripes, or black with any color of pinstripe. They all look great.

Striped Shirts - As I walking through the mall the other night I noticed something. It seems like nearly every major fashion designer has some sort striped shirt or another. This means that they are the new hot trend for this season and why you need to get one. Striped shirts can be worn with jeans, with a suit and under a sweater. The fall fashion season is about layering with using bold and thick stripes to thin ones.

Sports Jacket - A nice sports jacket is definitely one the hottest items on the racks this season and one look at the styles available show why. There are jackets with patch pockets and elbow patches, ones with big lapels and double-sided vents, and they are show how the retro look is making a come back. Choose a nice wool or wool and cashmere combination with three or two buttons when shopping around for a new jacket. Try to stay away from bold colors and stick with neutral tones easily worn with jeans or dressier pants.

Flat-Front Twill Pants - Next time you go shopping, you need to buy yourself a pair of twill flat-front pants, trust me. They look great and go with just about anything and everything. One more plus about these pants is that they are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. What makes this twill pants so great is they look good for a night out on the town or for a busy day of meetings at the office.

Jeans - Over the last few years, jeans haven become more and more of a staple of the fashionable man's wardrobe. In terms of color, jeans are available in everything from dark to light washes, but of all them the washed-out, worn-in look is the one that looks the best. They come in so many different styles that there really isn't a reason why you shouldn't own a pair that shows off your best assets. The best part about a really good pair of jeans is they can be worn with anything from dress shirts, button-downs, or t-shirts.

Rocawear defines the lifestyle for today's young hip consumer and provides the efficient business acumen to retail partners necessary to be successful. As the ad campaign tag-line goes......WE RUN THE STRIP. Check us out at www.rocawear.com.

The Return of Elegance

By Beth Newman

I’m so excited, so giddy, so extraordinarily gleeful by the return of dressing – I mean really dressing, to the nines!

I had a feeling that the tide was turning my way.

To me, getting dressed each morning is an event. I look forward to it. It’s the best way I know of expressing who I truly am. Author Liz Goldwyn states, “If you love clothes, then you have some duty to show them off.” I couldn’t agree more. That’s one of the reasons I’m thrilled by the return of classic couture. It’s all about fitted jackets, suits, and to-die-for shoes and boots -and don’t forget your matching hat – I never do!

Victoria Beckham took some flak recently when she proclaimed, upon her move to America, “They sure dress down here, don’t they?” At the risk of coming across un-American, I must tell you that I agree. I’m saddened by the blasé attitude many of us have toward our clothes. I’m not saying we should sport the little black dress 24-7, but a tiny bit of effort is in order, I believe.
After all, our outward image is how we’re initially judged; frayed jeans, dirty flip-flops, and oversized t-shirts reveal just as much as the pencil skirt, button down blouse, and pearl necklace. Our wardrobe sends a strong message. What’s your message?

It’s time to be proud of who we are. We do this by the way in which we live, our attitude, and our manner of dress.

The problem, however, lies with not really knowing what to do. We’re bombarded each season by the latest fads. The older I get, the more I realize fads aren’t important. Sure, it’s nice to adopt a few fun pieces into your wardrobe, but overall it’s about elegance and good taste. The easiest way to figure out exactly what you’re going for is to mimic someone you admire.
Personally, I look to Audrey, Jackie, and Grace for guidance. Old school, but timeless. For a modern kick, I might incorporate a bit of Nicole Kidman, Debra Messing, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

It’s not about being a show-off or any sort of clothes-horse; it’s about representing oneself in the best possible light. If budget is an issue, patronize outlet stores and auctions. Scour magazines to help you determine the best look for you. I also recommend consistency; why go all out for work and socializing and end up in your husband’s sweat pants once the day is done? Yes, by all means be comfortable in your home; but for heaven’s sake make an effort. Go with a pair of comfy, yet stylish yoga pants and soft, long-sleeved T-shirt (one in your size, of course). To me, that shows respect to the home and all who inhabit it. I’d like to recommend A Guide to Elegance, by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux. Portions of it are a tad dated, but her message is strong and timely: classic living, and classic looks, never reach an expiration date. This season brings a return to all that is elegant, my friends. I couldn’t be more pleased.

Beth Newman is dedicated to helping people succeed. Before entering the field of education, she worked as a reporter and producer for television and radio. As a fashion journalist, her articles appear in online and local publications. She’s also editor-in-chief of the webzine Elegant. Beth is co-founder and coach of First Style, assisting preteens and teens with wardrobe selection, healthy lifestyle choices, and etiquette.

Contact Beth today http://www.newmanimage.info

http://www.myspace.com/newmanimage

Models - The Leaders In Fashion Now Are Taking The Lead Again In The Struggle To Be Healthy

By Sacreeta Veneficus

The sad day, the Models died.

This decade will certainly go down in history, as one of the most significant movements known for women. Yes we won the vote, yes it's laughable to our youth when they hear a woman self praise for obtaining Corporate Leadership.

"That's old news, haven't women always run the roost?" Our young would say.

To which we reply. "No little one, they had to fight for that right!"

But what about image?

What about the Models, who have been tortured for over three decades by starvation, by enduring insults regarding any meat they may have on their bones, by being told to lose the weight or find another job? They must have thought the rest of us simply didn't care. What must have they thought of us for not standing up for them, for letting such travesties continue?
They had to dwindle down to a dying breed, a dying breed indeed. But no more!

London took action against anorexia, and are reformatting their Modeling criterias.

A new revolution of Models will take rebirth from the ashes of the dark cloud. That the dark ages of Fashion has ended. It sincerely is a triumph.

"Hay gals, its ok to eat now! If you don't, you can't work here!"

Now that's not a joke, and here's why.

No more under-aged Models will be strutting the catwalk in London. London says no! Although they should reconsider the age limit of 16, as that is still young, Milan is reportedly strapping the age limit to 18. England is one of the first countries to be combating the ongoing struggle that Models have faced for over three decades. The battle of anorexia.

London has announced that under-aged Models will be rejected by the agencies, infact, they are already upping the stakes.

The movement to keep their models alive and functioning healthy is actually being taken quite seriously. They are now going to be enforcing health tests on the Models, with drug testing being on the list. A few models in London have already been rejected for work due to being underweight!

Milan is also joined in the glorious fight to keep the models healthy, and now you must be 18 or over to walk the catwalk there! It is commendable that these countries are waging campaigns to encourage healthier Models, defending the welfare of these young girls.

Why now? Why the sudden change? Its like the twilight zone for Models!

A little recap over 2006/2007: It saddens me to report on these events, and my heart goes out to the girls families.

With the death of three models this year, both dying from the repercussions of starvation, the modeling world had no choice but to respond. The general public could finally stand up and ask the question lurking in the back of their minds for over thirty years.

Why does a Models weight have to be far below the level of acceptable percentage of body fat, according to their height and age?

In other words, why are you starving the girls, retiring them far too young, and believe that's Couture? Its ok, we have his attempt to justify, in the form of a public comment a little further on down the list.

It took the death of two models, sisters infact, for that question to become socially acceptable to utter! And equally acceptable for Designers and Agencies alike to comfortably address.

Back in February of this year, 18 year old Eliana Ramos, a Uruguayan Model, died in her Montevideo home. Preliminary tests pinpointed malnutrition as the cause of her sudden death, she had what they call generalized infection brought on by anorexia. She was fasting before an upcoming catwalk gig.

Her death came only six months after her older sister Luisel Ramos died in Montevideo , Uruguay , after exiting the catwalk on route to the dressing room. She fainted and died of heart failure. She was 22 years of age, and had been starving herself days before the catwalk event, so reportedly told by her father. The 180cm (approx 59) had dwindled down to 40kg (88lbs) on a diet of lettuce for over three months. At the time of her death, she had a body mass index of 14.5. (below 18 is considered to be starvation - and anything less than 22.0 to be underweight.)
In November 2006, Ana Carolina Reston, 21, who modeled for designers such as Giorgio Armani, was a Brazilian model. She died from kidney failure, brought on by starvation, the evening before an international photoshoot. She was hospitalized for three weeks, suffering from kidney failure before it finally took her life. She weighed 6 stone (84 lbs), despite she was 5ft 7.
She lived on apples and tomatoes, and would vomit anything else that she dared pass by her lips.

Didier Grumbach, the head of the French Couture Federation, says: 'To say that we should regulate just one profession among many to avoid young girls getting thin, when everything in our society encourages them to do so, is unreasonable.' (17 November 2006)

Fortunately for the rest of the world, London and Milan, who have eagerly embraced merging Fashion with healthy models, and have left the old way of thinking behind! Because they understand that society is molded by the Fashion Industry, not the other way around!

For all those aspiring Models out there, take a deep breath, have a good rest, and enjoy your dinner. Baby the world is changing for the good, and you are the youth of today, embrace it, love it and live it.

Sacreeta VeneficusSenior Staff Writer

RKA Cinema Society,Bronx, NY

Actor/Writer/Casting/Producer/College Instructor

http://www.roncinetv.com

http://www.rkacinemasociety.com

What Will Become Of Fashion Now? Valentino Garavani's Hung Up His Hat!

By Sacreeta Veneficus

Italian fashion icon Valentino after 45 years of reining in the top of the Fashion Industry is retiring, after presenting his last collections in Paris, the statement was made from his fashion house, on September 04th 2007.

Valentino's last pret-a-porter collection will be show cased in October, and his haute couture collection is scheduled for January. His announcement wasn’t a surprise, as everyone knew something was a drift during last July's three-day extravaganza marking his extraordinary career dressing the world's most beautiful and famous women.

Highlights from the letter written by Valentino, in a letter announcing his retirement.

Valentino commented about the Rome celebration saying it, "was a magic moment, one which certainly can never be repeated. It would be impossible to equal the emotions and joy I felt for the friendship and consideration that was shown to me on that occasion".

"Thus I believe the time is right to say good bye to the world of fashion. As the English say: I'd like to leave the party when it's in full swing," he added.

"My future now will be full of new activities and interests. Some of these will be tied to the world of fashion. I intend to create and support institutions which promote the study of design and conserve the art of fashion. I believe this would be the best way to continue the marvelous adventure I have had the privilege to experience," Valentino said.

Although his fashion house is based in Rome, near the Spanish Steps, Valentino has shown his haute couture collections in Paris for the last 17 years. Rome a place where Valentino had commented on more than one occasion as the city who adopted him, had made the city his home.

Last July he presented his last winter haute couture collection during the celebrity-studded celebration there. And it is in the Italian capital, "the city that adopted
me", that a museum will be created to host the designer's drawings and creations.

"I love Rome. It's the only city where I truly feel at home. My headquarters have always been here, this is where I began in the Sixties, those extraordinary years of the Dolce
Vita," Valentino was quoted to say last summer.

Valentino Garavani, was born in the industrial town of Voghera north of Milan on May 11, 1932.
Aged 17, he relocated to Paris and attended the Ecole des Beaux Arts and apprenticed with Jean Desses and Guy Laroche before opening an atelier in Rome.

His celebrity status was earned with smooth earnest, and he united with architecture student Giancarlo Giannetti, who became his lifelong companion as well as the financial brain behind his world-wide expansion.

Valentino credits Giannetti for allowing him to "live in the clouds" by keeping him away from the "day-to-day chores of life".

Celebrity Clients. With the trademark red creations. Famous People included:

Princess Grace of Monaco, Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren. Jacqueline Kennedy wore Valentino when she married Aristotle Onassis in 1968.

In the year 2000 the American Council of Fashion Designers awarded Valentino a
Lifetime Achievement Award, which is considered the Council's highest honor.

In 2006, he was adorned with France's most prestigious award, becoming a member of the Legion d'Honneur.

Valentino’s Words of Wisdom.

Valentino's claim to fame is quite simply put, he refused to follow fashion trends.

“I never offended a woman nor made her look ridiculous. I have always gone my own way and the result of this is that everyone else copies me," he said.

"What really disturbs me about some women today is that they have so much to choose from they don't know what to do any more. Brunettes go blonde and their hair color comes out looking like clay. They walk on these ridiculously high heels and carry those dreadful embroidered bags. I can't stand it! Long live the simplicity of a white top and a pair of blue trousers!"

We sir are the ones with the privilege of having you father, support and love those in the Fashion Industry, and all affected by you and your house over the years. You truly are one of the most precious founders of fashion, there will never be another like you seen again, and will be dearly missed during Fashion Weeks, and on the runway.

The incons that have touched our lives in one way or another, Giorgio, Valentino, Klein, are not just fashion designers, they are people who will go down in history like Shakespear, and even Elvis. We have all had to privelege to witness these times smooth into a history where genius has created legends! If you get the opporturnity to attend an event of one of the great ones, embrace it with all your heart!

Fashion will learn from Valentino, we all have benefitted from the trends he set over the years. The fashion industry will still be under his influence long after he retires, his impression will live on. So don't worry too much, he will never really leave us. And besides, he's retired, but I have no doubt, he'll still be there, it's in his blood, it's who he is, and he will find other outletts that is still involved in Fashion. I have a strong feeling!

Sacreeta VeneficusSenior Staff Writer

RKA Cinema Society,Bronx, NY

Actor/Writer/Casting/Producer/College Instructor

http://www.roncinetv.com

http://www.rkacinemasociety.com

Fashion Style Tips for Women - Accessorizing

By Kirsty Semple

On the catwalks this season some distinct and varied styles are apparent. The hardness of the rock look, the futuristic metallic look and the contrasting feminine look are all hot this season and provide women with a wide range of choice to suit their own styles and still be fashionable. Not only are these looks up to date and fresh for 2008, but they carry with them classic retro style with the trends of the season are all reminiscent of the 80s: the rock bands animal print, the neon colours and metallics of the punks and the romantic ruffles and lace.

The great thing about this season is that accessories are huge leaving people free to keep their existing wardrobe and buy only a few small items to refresh it. Whatever accessory you are comfortable wearing is the one to go for because the list of fashionable items it endless:

jewellery, hats, scarves, wraps, watches, belts, gloves, bandanas, headbands, gloves, boots, bags and hair ties with jewels.

The key to accessorising is to draw attention to your best features. In the colder months when low cut tops are left in the wardrobe, the eye can still be drawn to cleavage by wearing a V-shaped medium length necklace, or layering several different lengths of necklace. Large natural beads such as wooden or stone beads are great for earthy autumn. Or contrast away from earthy naturals with mettalics. To enlarge the bust line go for a jewelled necklace.

Earrings draw attention to your face, long dangly earrings accentuate the length of your neck. Bracelets complete an outfit. Belts highlight curvaceous hips and a great pair knee high boots elongate the legs. A chocker creates a sexy collar bone. Work with your own body and place jewellery where it will draw the eye.

For the rock look a flash of animal print on a belt or a scarf, black nail polish or skull earrings. The skull motif, again on a scarf or belt has the same effect. Don’t wear all these things at once and end up looking like a nightmare, the rock look is strong enough to come through with one or two small pieces.

The metallic look is perhaps easiest to achieve with jewellery, choose a colour which suits you and your existing wardrobe from gold, silver, bronze and copper. There are many bags and shoes in these colours available at the moment. For a bold statement red and gold is great, a cooler look silver and purple, have fun and mix your colours.

In contrast to these two harder looks the romantic look is about feminine softness. You can mix in the strong colours from the rock look but with ruffles or lace of embroidery. A large loose ribbon bow, oversized bag or sexy feminine boots. Long leather gloves also appear this season.

Jewellery that is big this season feature pearls, metallics, naturals (eg, wood, shell), heart shapes, discs, hoops, exaggerated facets on stones, bold colours and large natural statements such as butterflies and bold florals.

Most importantly have fun. You can always take something and make your own statement with it. Wear a long necklace as a belt, a scarf round your wrist, brooches as a chocker on a ribbon. Contrast fine jewellery with casual clothes.

Always remember that a small statement offset with neutrals is more effective than many bold statements which will clash and be confusing. Less is more.

Sunshine JewelleryA passion for making jewellery and wearing it!
http://www.squidoo.com/fashiontrtendsforwomen

How You Can Select a Fashion Style For a Hot New Look In 7 Days

By Korbin Newlyn

Fashion is a manner of communicating your inner self through clothes. Apparel frequently symbolizes a specific style or era and each year fashion designers attempt to contribute and produce new trends that can depict the time of the present year and hopefully create a milestone in history forever.

There are numerous fashion styles through, which we remember a time period. Those fashions constantly live on since they were highly successful and frequently in a classic way which perpetually was and will be everlasting.

There are numerous of us who desire to put on what is in fashion at any expense; not only in the current year but every single season: spring, summer, fall and winter. Nevertheless, there is one matter we do not hesitate to look at, which the most significant affair in fashion is: does the fashion style accommodate us.

How Do You Recognize If a Fashion Style Becomes You?
It is really uncomplicated; clothes are normally fashioned with varied types of silhouettes in mind and despite the fact that we are no fashion models from the runway, we must contemplate the following prior to selecting a fashion style: height, weight and skin tone. All things in fashion is chosen to match and put forward a individual's quality characteristics forward and in order for you to put yours, you essentially need to be conscious of your body and skin tone.

Your height and weight will decide whether you should pick out fashion styles that apply short or long skirts or dresses as each one can accentuate a aspect of your body. Your skin tone will define what color clothes you should select and that as well is instantly connected to fashion styles as some designers make particular colors only.

It is significant you be your own judge and friend in order that you will be capable of picking out the most effective fashion styles that will bring out your best characteristics and hence, give you your money's worth. What benefit is there to wear something that is the newest fashion yet does not accommodate your style and identity?

Should You Break with Fashion Rules?
Fashion styles should exclusively be picked for your tastes since you appear good in them and not because they are in style at the moment. Also always be mindful that if you cannot have on the in style fashion design since you find it absurd, you can always wear something classic as it is perpetually in style and it accommodates everybody without exception. If you do not recognize what colors to wear for a crucial fashion meeting, always stick with black and white as they are classic and constantly in style.

Listen to Korbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of extreme sports. If you would like to learn more go to Fashion Design advice and at Fashion Bug tips.

What's Hot This Fall - Belts and Bags

By Elli Rose

With summer quickly coming to a close, fall is right around the corner. So, what's hot this fall?

Accessories! Lots of belts, handbags and shoes in the lines. With designers like BB Simon, Robbie French and Kippys, who can help but want some of what they've got? Every designer has their own twist, but the trend is definitely sparkly and bold.

BB Simon uses the finest Italian leather to create what have become some of the most sought-after belts in today's market. His unique collection of accessories, adorned with authentic Austrian Swarovski Crystals will bring out an "ooh" and an "aah" whether you are an average kind of girl that appreciates pretty things or a member of the elite group enamored with haute couture.

BB Simon has belts with crystals in a variety of tints for every conceivable occasion or season; if you don't like what they have in their line-up, you can custom order your own belt. All said, these are some of the most unique belts out there; similar to Kippys, but different.

Kippys belts are unique in that you can specify how wide you want them to be. Whether you're looking for a thin quarter inch or you'd rather have a bold belt that measures an inch and a half, Kippys will aim to please. Their belts give more of a naughty cowgirl feel when you slip them on. Adorned with crystals as well, this line sometimes skips the crystal-encrusted buckle that BB Simon is famous for and instead goes for a simple and understated solid centerpiece.

Loop one of these through your favorite pair of jeans - maybe even a pair from Kippys - and you'll have flash and sass all night long! And don't worry, you can shake it like you love it because Kippys guarantees both the crystals and the craftsmanship for the entire lifetime of the belt.

Robbie French spent 10 years in the mix of haute couture running some of the hottest bars in LA before she decided to start her own design company. Thank goodness she did because this girl has what it takes to dress A-list celebrities like Madonna and Nicholas Cage! If you've never taken a look at her buckles, you're missing out on a gem.

Ranging from pirate skulls to a Crucifix belt buckle, Ms. French has everyone covered. On a simple leather belt, these buckles make a statement that will have everyone looking your way - and asking where you got your great accessories!

Now that you've got your buckle down, what are you going to carry on your arm? Fee'fe Footwear has some of the hottest bags this season. In dark chocolates and black leather, they will go with anything and carry everything! It looks like the trend this season is headed back towards leather, so get ahead of the curve and grab one of these great bags now.

If you're looking for something larger than a purse to do work and social duty, try the new messenger bag from French & French. Accented with ostrich skin and littered with inside pockets to hold your cell phone, pens and files, this bag might just be your new carry-all. Bring out your inner rock star and carry the Volcano leather handbag by BB Simon; just like their belts, their bags are accented with colorful Swarovski Crystals.

If you do just one thing this fall, grab a great belt and wear it with everything! Enjoy the trends this upcoming season and if you're wearing one of these designers, anticipate lots of attention!
Elli Rose is a fashion industry insider who writes about the latest trends in clothing, makeup and accessories. Love to be noticed? Find gorgeous fashions and helpful advice at Amore Fashion.http://www.amorefashion.com

Women's Summer 2007 Fashion - Hot Trends & Looks for Summer 2007

By Monica Hendrix

The weather is getting warmer and the sun hotter if you haven’t thought about it already its time to consider the summer fashion trends of 2007

It's time to think of lighter and brighter clothes that complement the season and take advantage of the bold and fun outfits that will be in for summer 2007.

Here are some general women’s summer fashion trends for 2007:

1. Color Trends

For summer 2007, designers propose a colorful wardrobe. The colors displayed in the fashion collections for summer 2007 are:

Yellow, orange pink, emerald green, cobalt blue, purple, silver, gold and the classic combination of black and white.

Yellow is the big summer 2007 color trend.

This color, matches any summer day and its popularity can be seen in that 70% of the collections contain it.

You can see it in a huge variety of clothing including:

Skirts, jackets, shoes, dresses or handbags.

A dress is a definite must-have item this season. If you love to wear dresses, then your in luck for this is a major look for women’s fashion for summer 2007!


2. The summer stable

The variety of fashionable summer dresses available is huge, and one of them is sure to suit your body and personal style finally, keep in mind:

Short cuts are in big time! If you are thinking of any of the following - mini skirts, 80's styled dresses or short pants, they should be as short as possible

Shirt dresses are stylish simple and in. Use a brilliant white short and compliment with a stylish belt and some pumps and you have a simple cool look for summer

Here are some specific looks that are great summer fashion trend looks for 2007:
1. The romantic look

Lots of white can be used again good choices are:

Linen dress with embroidery or just a simple white cotton dress for a fresh and innocent and timeless feminine look.

2. The futuristic look

The ultimate retro look for summer think Jane Fonda in Barberella..

Metallic colors in silver and gold have an advantage in that they shimmer in the sun and give you a different look that is sure to turn heads.

High-waist shorts, skirts, or trousers can be used and high heels are a must and set this outfit off perfectly.

3. The Two Tone Look

The 60's are being revived with the two-tone look, which will be a major trend for summer fashion in 2007.

Try bold prints and graphic silhouettes that are popular on the catwalk and are gaining popularity on the high street.

A classic black and white combination are the main colors to use this season and are eye catching combination

This is a very flexible look for any occasion - set the outfit off perfectly, by adding a bright color such as yellow or red.

The 60s were known for the mini skirt and the shorter your skirt is the better as we stated earlier - think Twiggy ( if you have the legs for it! ) try and keep the look fresh and simple and don’t add to many accessories.

4.Loose Fit

Separates and dresses are in this summer in a big way. Adding a belt to a baggy look is essential to add symmetry - also add some accessories such as, an eye catching chunky bracelet to complete the look.

5. Sporty look

Try combining short sporty pants, with a pair of high heels ad sandals and a nice skirt for the sex in the city look.

Have fun

There is only limited room to outline all the summer women’s fashion trends for 2007, but I hope the above as given you some ideas on the hot looks and colors for 2007.

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Men's Shirts - Fashion, Not Just Function

By Adam Singleton

For many, the average men's shirt is simply a garment of utility - one that is worn by men across the world for reasons of function and not necessarily fashion. But this attitude belies the hundreds of years of trends in men's shirts.

From the typical collarless shirts with billowing sleeves worn by classical painters to the modern formal button-down shirt, men's shirts have captured the imaginations of both designers and ordinary men for generations. In the twentieth century in particular, a range of different shirt styles have proved popular with men of all ages.

One of the most important developments in men's shirts over the last hundred years, for example, has been the invention of the polo shirt. The polo shirt, or 'tennis shirt', was created by legendary French tennis player Rene Lacoste in 1929 as an alternative to the stiff dress shirts and ties typical of tennis attire at the time.

In the 1960s, Ralph Lauren propelled the polo shirt to new heights as a prominent item in his 'Polo' collection; and since this time the polo shirt has become so popular that it is now a standard category of clothing - although it has fallen out of favour with most tennis players. The granddad shirt has also been a long lasting trend in men's shirts in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

These collarless shirts have been popular with men in warm countries for decades and have seen a variety of incarnations throughout the years. The Nehru Jacket, for instance, is a South Asian version of the modern granddad shirt that was popularised by the first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in the 1950s and early 1960s, and has since been prominently worn by a number of celebrities, from the likes of Sammy Davis Jr to Steven Segal. Today's granddad shirt preys on bright colours and an ethno-bohemian vibe that appeals to a variety of men's fashion trends - from festival clothing to smart casual summer wear.

The button-down shirt has also been one of the most influential men's shirts in fashion history - but memories of how it was created tend to be somewhat hazy. Some fashion experts claim that the button-down collar shirt was invented by an American shirt manufacturer who was inspired by an English polo match, in which players had their collars clipped down to avoid flapping in the wind.

Others say that button-down shirts were created in New York, when their inventor (as yet anonymous) attached his collar to his shirt with buttons in a fit of annoyance at the oncoming wind. But whatever the origin of the button-down shirt, its impact on the men's shirt industry has been historic, as button down shirts are now worn in both formal and casual contexts.

Today, short-sleeved men's shirts are often worn with skinny jeans, large belts and tailored waistcoats for a fresh and informal look that still exudes smart chic. And with men's shirts available in a variety of colours - from grey to raspberry - and in a variety of floral and striped patterns, it's clear that evolving trends in men's fashion are far from over.

Adam Singleton is an online, freelance journalist and keen amateur photographer. His portfolio, called Capquest Photography is available to view online.