The BBQ is ready, the burgers are seasoned, but you want to add a little more pizzazz to your outdoor summer party. So you decide to throw a costume party, but where do you begin? I will help you with some fun ideas that will have your guests requesting a costume encore party for many summer seasons to come.

Throwing a home and backyard costume party is a great way to entertain your guests, and is a fantastic way for new people to meet other individuals in a fun and interactive environment.

If you have gone to a get-together in the past where you don’t know many people, it can sometimes be very awkward, but when you create an interactive theme and add fun costumes, everyone can play the part, plus it allows all the guests to mingle comfortably in a unique non-stressful atmosphere.

Before sending out your invitations, you want to create a costume theme that is not difficult to achieve, and does not cost a lot of money. Some of the most popular theme parties in the past have been Hawaiian, Mardi Gras, Masquerade parties, but how about you get a little more creative and think of something that may not have been done yet, and if you’re having some difficulty coming up with any ideas, let me help you!

If You And Your Guests Love Movies, Fantasy, And Adult Party Themes, Read On!

When organizing a birthday party for children, it’s usually very simple and most kids enjoy being a clown, cowboy & cowgirl, or their favorite sci-fi characters. However, for adults you want to create a little more stimulation for the guests, and create that party theme that people just want to be a part of and talk about for weeks on end afterwards.

How do you go about creating this knockout theme party you ask? It’s simple! First you have to understand the type of guests you are going to invite, and then tailor the theme around what they like and their personalities.

This will determine how risky or tame your adult costume party will turn out to be. You don’t want to go too crazy if you happen to invite your parents, or future In-laws, and you don’t want to go to soft if you have a wild group of friends that like to go all out!

Adult Fun Starts With A Unique Theme And What You Create Around It

Once you determine your guests’ character traits, your next step is to find decorations, and also have your food complement the theme of your party. So you have a wild bunch of partiers? How about having a “Saran Wrap Party”! This one is easy, all you have to do is get all your guests to arrive wearing only Saran Wrap, and they can get as creative as they like, or they can be as revealing as they feel comfortable with. How about having a backyard beach party with a twist. All the men have to wear a one or two-piece women’s bathing suit, and the women have to wear men’s attire such as board shorts and beach shirts.

Now I know you may be asking where the fun is for the women wearing guys attire. The whole purpose is to get the guys in those g-string bikinis and create a really funny atmosphere. The men will be feeding off the humour and the women will feel less intimidated and possibly more open to the environment when meeting new guys at your party.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun and use your imagination. Get balloons, streamers, and lots of fun decorations, because they will really add to your theme and party atmosphere.

If you need to find costumes and accessories, and you just don’t have the time to drive all over town to find something really cool, consider many of the online costume shops that are offering fantastic summer deals! This is the best time to find what you need, because it’s not as busy as the fall season, and you will get your selected items quickly, and just in time for your next summer costume bash. Good luck and have fun!

Adult Costume Ideas! Spice Up Your BBQ With Cool Costume Theme Parties is a post from: MediaBankPhotos - The guide to all things of fashion

Before ordering Crocs shoes online, you should check with your employer and verify what there dress code is regarding clogs. Most employers in the medical field will allow some form of Crocs shoes in their dress code. Crocs clog shoes are comfortable and designed to fit your foot perfectly. Employers understand the need for professionals in the medical field to be comfortable on their feet during long working shifts.

Your employer may say that any kind of Crocs clogs will be fine. If that is the case, Crocs Beach model shoes are some of the most popular. They are the original Crocs medial shoes! Crocs Beach shoes have tons of ventilation ports to prevent your feet from sweating during your long day at work. A similar style is Crocs Cayman Model, which is the newest version of the Beach shoe. Both are lightweight and airy to keep your feet happy all day long.

Many medical professionals have employers that are very strict on which Crocs shoes you can purchase to wear at work. If your employer would prefer you wear medical Crocs without ventilation ports, then Crocs Highland or Aspen shoes would work best. Both the Highland and Aspen models are closed in designs with no ventilation ports. If your employer allows clogs, then they should allow these two models in your dress code.

Crocs shoes are being worn as medical shoes in hospitals and clinic across the country and around the world. Checks with your human resource department to make sure Crocs shoes are part of your company’s dress code. Crocs shoes can be purchased from many online stores.

A good online shoe company will be upfront and honest with all their pricing and shipping information. You should be able to easily navigate through their web pages. Make sure you can find a physical address for the company and information on their customer service. If you are leery about using an online company, try calling their customer service number and see how you like their friendliness. It may also be useful to find out about their return policies. Good companies have good return policies to keep their customers happy and coming back over and over again.

As a medical professional, the right shoe is very important to keeping you comfortable all day long. Crocs are functional, comfortable, and durable; the perfect shoe for anyone who has to be on their feet for long periods of time. Many people in the medical professions buy their shoes online. Buying medical shoes online is a great way to save time, and sometimes even save money. Check with your employer’s dress code, then go out and purchase Crocs shoes in all your favorite colors.

Can I Order Crocs Shoes Online? is a post from: MediaBankPhotos - The guide to all things of fashion

Elizabeth Taylor will always be remembered for her glamorous and beautiful look. I cannot remember any time that I have seen Elizabeth without her jewels to adorn her. This was a lady with a fashion style like no other. From gorgeous pearls adorning her face to beautiful diamonds adorning her neck. She knew how to make a fashion statement!

Ava Gardner was a woman with a glamorous fashion style that did not go unnoticed. Whether she choose to wear her best diamond earrings or her favorite Trifari necklace she always looked spectacular. There are many of us who could pick up a few tips from Ava’s flare!

Joan Crawfard and Joan Collins are another two that simply can’t be outdone. One must wonder how a women so easily learns to be that refined and beautiful at all times. Like Cleopatra it seems to be bred deep within the soul.

Let us not forget about royalty. Although not perhaps celebrities as we think of them still important figure heads that are within the public eye. How about the gorgeous jewels of the Duchess of Windsor or Umbero II of Italy. Then there was Princess Mary of Great Britain who was seldom seen without her jewelry adornments.

To more modern times, what about that beautiful engagement ring that Camela Parker Bowls was seen wearing. An outstanding piece of jewelry on a women that quite commonly presents herself in a very traditional refined style. No glamour here except for that drop dead gorgeous ring!

Whether we are talking about Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Kate Winslet, Kate Hudson, or Katie Holmes celebrities give us the opportunity to see jewelry designs in play. They instantly help develop a desire for a certain jewelry piece or look.

We’ve got plenty we can learn from the styles of celebrities. And once these designer jewelry pieces grab hold it isn’t long before someone is making a similar piece that our pocket books can afford.

So keep watching the stars for great jewelry to make your fashion statement!

A Look At The Years of Celebrities Wearing Jewelry is a post from: MediaBankPhotos - The guide to all things of fashion

Bridal handbags, or wedding purses, come in all shapes and sizes with many dashing designs, and with just enough room to carry those small personal items such as touch-up powder, eye liner, lipstick, deodorant, a comb or brush, keys, handkerchiefs, or maybe even a little spare change! After the wedding, there are always photos, reception food and drink, and a time of fellowship with family and friends. A bridal handbag allows you to carry a few things along to touch up your hair and makeup as you make the transition from the wedding to the reception.

Types of Bridal Handbags

Bridal handbags are usually very small and easy to carry. They may be decorated with sequins, beads, crystals, lace, ribbons, miniature tassels, or precious stones. Wedding handbags are usually made of materials such as satin, silk, nylon, or polyester.

There are three basic styles of handbags for brides: clutch, fancy, and structured. Clutch bridal purses are typically made of silk or satin, have an inner lining, and do not have straps or handles. Fancy handbags are usually made with elegant designs embellished with precious stones, crystals, or beads. They also come with decorated handles made of metal or cloth with optional shoulder straps. Structured wedding handbags have a stable bottom and are usually made of satin, silk, nylon, or polyester. They also usually have handles and clasps made of metal.

Accentuate Your Wedding Dress

Bridal handbags are a great accessory for your wedding attire. Choose a bridal purse that matches or complements your dress, jewelry, tiara, and wedding shoes. The handbag should be made of the same or similar material as your dress and have similar patterns and designs. If your dress has lace and white pearls, find a wedding purse decorated with lace and white pearls (or beads that resemble pearls).

Choose a bridal handbag that fits your style and your figure. The handbag should be easy to handle and not too large. You don’t want to attract too much attention to your wedding purse. It shouldn’t stand out, but it should blend with your other attire. It should add a touch of elegance without dominating the reception photos.

Wedding Handbags as Bridesmaid Gifts

Wedding handbags can also be ordered to match the dresses of bridesmaids and given as gifts from the bride. Choose handbags that your bridesmaids can use for other occasions, not only at the wedding. Every woman and girl loves a new handbag, so these make excellent gifts!

If you’re not sure where to shop for bridal handbags, you can find a variety of styles online along with other wedding accessories such as tiaras, ring cushions, jewelry, and more. Use these tips to find a lovely bridal handbag for your special day!

Accessorize Your Wedding Attire with a Stunning Bridal Handbag is a post from: MediaBankPhotos - The guide to all things of fashion

There are three simple ways that you can find Birkenstocks at reduced prices. You can look at retailers of Birkenstocks for sales on last year’s models, you can find overstock or liquidation style stores, or shop online and take advantage of reduced costs available online (often with rebates and sales that are only available online).

Another reasonably good place to check for reduced prices on Birkenstocks is through eBay. Many people sell Birkenstocks through online auctions, many at considerably reduced prices from retail, even on current year models. Since eBayers don’t have to spend money on setting up their own retail presence, they are able to offer cheaper and discounted prices on Birkenstock sandals or any other footwear by Birkenstock. Just be sure to use the eBay that is closest to you to save on shipping costs.

Birkenstock sandals - if you’ve never had a pair you don’t know what you’re missing. You can wear them barefoot in summer or toss on a pair of wooly socks and boot around in your Birkenstock sandals all winter. Well at least that’s what we do out here on the west coast.
For those of you “Back East” Birkenstocks and wooly socks may be a bit much, but you can always choose to wear clogs instead during the winter.

The sandals that Birkenstock makes are quite unique. They have a very sturdy cork sole that is really light and naturally water resistant so it holds up well in almost any conditions. The nice thing about the cork is that it slowly forms to your feet so that you get a completely custom fit that provides just the right support.

To be sure some people find that the arch in Birkenstocks does not fit their feet exactly right (I have had this problem), but by trying on slightly different sizes and adjusting the straps on the sandals you should be into a pair of comfy footwear in no time at all.

There are cheaper knockoff versions of Birkenstock footwear, but none of them can come close to matching the quality. The foot-bed is second to none, and the sandal straps are made of high quality softened leather so that the sandals are comfortable from the first day you walk in them. I’ve had pairs of Birkenstock sandals last as long as 7 years, no other cork-soled leather sandal I’ve ever owned has even come close.

Buying Birkenstock Sandals At A Discount is a post from: MediaBankPhotos - The guide to all things of fashion

The market is flooded with numerous jewelers and shops claiming to sell the most authentic and beautiful diamonds there are. To make the right choice from the plethora of designs and variety can indeed be a confusing task. It would do you good to be aware of some basic tips on buying diamond jewelry before you buy one for your girlfriend. The ‘four c’s’, color, cut, clarity and carat, are the deciding factors for a diamond’s purity and value. This king of gems comes in all colors, with white being the purest and costliest. Although it is the hardest stone available, diamond can be cut in a variety of fancy shapes and sizes. The shape and cut determines the shine of the gem.

One should choose the shape of the diamond according to your girlfriend’s personality. If she is dainty– buy a small elegant one; tall and well-buily? go for a large squarish rock. The sparkle of the diamond often holds more importance than the rock’s size. Clarity of the diamond ensures a dazzling shine every time the light passes through the stone. Carat, or the weight of diamond, also contributes to its price and value in the market.

Educating yourself about the ‘four c’s’ will keep you from buying imitations. Even though it is conventional to spend two months salary on your engagement ring, you can buy synthetic diamonds, which will be easier on your wallet. Synthetic diamond has the same physical properties of a real diamond but is more affordable than the real one. Finally, do ask the jeweler to provide a purity certificate, which will serve as a guarantee and later help in insuring your gems.

A Guide To Diamond Engagement Rings is a post from: MediaBankPhotos - The guide to all things of fashion

Gloves are seen in ancient writings, such as Homer’s The Odyssey, in which Laertes is said to wear gloves in his garden so as to avoid the brambles. There is some debate over the translation of this text. In The History of Herodotus, written in 440 BC, Herodotus describes how Leotychides was given a bribe in the form of a gauntlet overflowing with silver, which later incriminated him.

As years passed, the complexity and versatility of gloves grew. Plated gauntlets are dated back as far as the early 14th century. Before that, mail gloves were worn. Some knights were cited as wearing mail gloves under their plated gauntlets for added strength.

Now, if we look to the fashion world, we see a marvelous array of styles. Cloth and leather gauntlets displayed intricate embroideries. Ladies in the 19th century adored opera gloves. One peculiarity is that they tried to fit their hands into gloves a size too small! This forced one’s hand to rest in a half cupped position - perfect for greeting, but not for kissing. If you have ever attempted to don a glove you are too big for, you realize what a task these women undertook! Buttonhook and powdered alum provided some lubrication, but still, before an opera, determined women would sit for hours, coaxing their hands down into tight gloves.

Few tomes remain that give us real insight of early gloves. One of the more revered in existence today is Le Gant. The book, while entirely in French, reveals many patterns and divulges a brief development and history of the glove. Also included are passages telling us of the period’s social relevance and sexual significance pertaining to the glove.

Insulation from the heat or cold. Protection from scratches and cuts. The instigation of duels. Bold or minute fashion statements. Gloves have worn many hats, so to speak, throughout history. They continue to be a wholly integral part of many jobs today. Conversely, there has been a sharp decline in the use of gloves as fashion accessories over the past several decades. Fewer and fewer girls attend their proms with gloves. Fashion is a fickle thing, and only time will tell the future of the glove.

Glove enthusiast, Taylor Hartley, conducts and posts research regarding all types of gloves. For more information regarding industrial and personal use gloves, visit http://www.unitedglove.com.

A Short History of Gloves is a post from: MediaBankPhotos - The guide to all things of fashion

Initially their idea was sold as an insert to be used in other shoes that had no shape. Their company took off as a major manufacturer of orthopedic inserts. They were called “footbed supports” and the term ‘footbed’ became a legal trademark of the Birkenstock company.

As time went by they realized that their novel footbed support concept could be extended into different types of footwear that they could make themselves. The original sandals they developed were intended to give the wearer a near barefoot experience while still providing fantastic support and protection of the wearer’s sole. Little did they realize how much of a revolution they would create in the shoe and footwear industry.

People quickly found that not only were they comfortable, but they also helped greatly with many foot and back problems by providing the arch support and proper fit that had been missing in shoes and sandals to that point. Today Birkenstock sandals and other footwear are frequently ‘prescribed’ by podiatrists as part of normal care for people with foot, lower leg, and back problems. In particular the ‘heel-less sandals’ are known to greatly strengthen and tone calf muscles.

From their humble beginnings as simple shoemakers, Birkenstocks have become producers of some of the most recognized shoes and sandals in the world. They are available in hundreds of styles, materials and colours that will suit just about anyone’s needs and personality. And they have done it by sticking to their basic philosophy: make them comfortable and make them last.

Birkenstocks - Comfortable Sandals That Are Good For Your Back is a post from: MediaBankPhotos - The guide to all things of fashion

Ah, graduation. A lot of hard work, time, talent, money and drive have led to this point: a milestone that will be celebrated, photographed and remembered forever. Whether from high school, college, law school, medical school, or what have you, graduation is a wonderful time of excitement and change.

How to mark the occasion? You can always write a check. (What new graduate doesn’t need money?) Before you whip out your wallet, however, remember that cash is practical, yet very impersonal. Because you’re reading this, it’s a good guess that the graduate is a special woman in your life, she worked hard to get where she is, and she deserves a graduation gift that is truly memorable.

How about something memorable, practical, meaningful and beautiful? Try pearls.

Pearl jewelry—whether pearl studs, a pearl pendant or a beautiful pearl strand—is a classic and wonderful addition to any woman’s jewelry box. Whether she’s heading off to college, interviewing for jobs, about to embark on a career, or planning a wedding, the recent graduate can wear pearl jewelry for instant polish. Added bonus: She’ll remember you every time she wears them.

Which pearls to choose
Pearls come in many beautiful styles, shapes and designs, but for graduation, a simple classic style that will stand the test of time is best. (They don’t call them staples for nothing.) Because classic pearls are so popular, there are a variety of options from which to choose. The following are classics she’ll reach for again and again.

• Pearl stud earrings: The great thing about pearl studs is that they go with everything. Round, white pearls with a rosé overtone flatter most skin types, and make a wonderful addition to any jewelry box. Some stores even carry pearl studs for non-pierced ears.
• 16 inch pearl strand: A matched pearl strand is a jewelry staple for a reason: it’s a classic—not to mention a no-brainer accessory that a woman can reach for to instantly add polish to an outfit. Shorter strands worn closer to the throat draw attention to the wearer’s face and skin; with their dewy complexions, young women look fantastic in pearl chokers. This style sits close to the throat and looks great with a business suit, v-neck sweater, tee-shirt or open-collared dress shirt.
• 18 inch pearl strand: This slightly more versatile, “princess” length necklace can be worn with most any neckline, and will serve the graduate well throughout her life. The princess length is a very popular choice for a great reason: it works well with everything from turtlenecks to sweaters, business suits, dress shirts, and more.
• pearl pendant: A pearl pendant necklace featuring a single, large pearl is a great option that can be worn with many different styles. Choose a thin sterling silver or white gold chain for a modern look.

• pearl bracelet: A perfect complement to a bold watch, and slightly more affordable than a pearl necklace, a pearl bracelet adds polish and class.

• pearl ring: A pearl ring can make quite a bold and sophisticated statement, especially when the ring features a single, large pearl. The only downside to buying a ring is that you need to know the graduate’s ring size. Classic pearl rings look fantastic with both white and yellow gold.

Many retailers and online stores sell classic pearl jewelry in sets. Not only is this great because you pay less for the set than if you purchased a necklace, earrings and bracelet separately, but buying a pearl jewelry set provides the added bonus that the pieces will match.

What to look for
No matter which style you choose, or whether you buy pearls from a local jewelry store, large retail chain or Internet store (which should offer adequate descriptions of what you’re buying along with a money-back guarantee), keep in mind these tips when you’re shopping for pearls and you won’t go wrong:
• You’ll pay more for larger pearls. In general, a larger pearl takes longer to form, and the chances of finding a perfectly round, large pearl are slim. After the 7.5-8mm mark for freshwater cultured pearls and akoya cultured pearls, the most popular pearl types, prices rise dramatically. A 6.5mm strand is both lovely and affordable—and perfect for young women.
• Pay attention to luster and surface. Pearls should have a high luster, or surface sheen, meaning they reflect light well. They should also be free from large blemishes such as chips and pits, although small blemishes are acceptable. An absolutely perfect strand is likely faux. Pearls are, after all, a natural product, and small variations are to be expected and do not detract from the pearls’ value.
• Round is the hands-down favorite shape. While baroque pearls are gorgeous, and button and coin pearls are modern and affordable, when it comes to classic pearls, round is still in. To check that pearls are uniformly round, ask the jeweler or read the Internet description. If you can handle the strand, roll it on a table. Matched pearls will roll smoothly.
• Thickness is important. Most pearls sold today are cultured pearls, and the best ones are formed in oysters or mussels that have been implanted with small, mother-of-pearl beads and mantle tissue or mantle tissue only and left in the water long enough for a sufficient coating of nacre to form. Avoid pearls that have been implanted with large plastic or glass beads or harvested prematurely; they will flake and peel easily.
• Pay attention to uniformity. Make sure that pearls in a piece of jewelry are the same size, color, shape and luster.
• Beware: Some jewelry makers try to hide smaller or imperfect pearls near the clasp.
• Choose color carefully. Pearls look best if they flatter the skin tone of the wearer.

Follow these pearl-buying tips, choose wisely, and your graduate will have a jewelry staple she’ll treasure forever.

A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.

A Graduation Gift that Stands the Test of Time is a post from: MediaBankPhotos - The guide to all things of fashion

Sleek Silhouettes

The “new suit” features fitted jackets paired with slim pants and skirts, for a polished, tailored look. Consider a mandarin collar or washed wool plaid blazer with a favorite pair of pants for sophisticated style. Or menswear-styled suit jackets, softened with feminine details and gentle draping, create a look that works in a boardroom or a bistro.

Give your pants some pizzazz by wearing cropped or wide-legged styles. Several top designers explored this trend with contrasting looks-pairing loose with tight and long with short. Anyone can wear this look by balancing the silhouette with heels or an appropriate top.

Touchable Textures

Luxurious velvet made a comeback this season. Chadwick’s designs feature crushed and jewelry-close velvet blazers that create a modern look.

From chunky cable to fine gauge, there’s a knit for all occasions. For a cozy option on chilly fall nights, choose a sweater-knit. For a feminine spin, try a twin set lined with ruffles or a beaded cardigan.

Au Courant Accents

For tasteful fall layering, it’s all in the details. Pieces trimmed in lace or ruffles create a romantic touch under shirts and jackets.

Wound along the hem of a skirt or down a pant leg, embroidery adds a splash of style. Paisley and floral designs are classic twists on this modern trend.

One signature snapshot is a jacket cinched at the waist with a belt. Pair it with a boot of any height for an up-to-the-minute look.

A Season Of Classic Looks And Delicate Details is a post from: MediaBankPhotos - The guide to all things of fashion