Modern fashion

When buttons just are not enough

2010-11-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

It's a simple accessory that is often overlooked by the Indian man because we simply prefer to button up. Yet a cuff can make all the difference to your wardrobe.

Gone are the days when cufflinks were the norm for the rich and the powerful alone, and a stylish pair can quickly up your style score. The best part? They’re also available in a range of metals, designs and themes.

Samrat Zaveri, managing director of TBZ Nirmal Zaveri, believes that Indian men are becoming more fashionable at the work place, too. “Cufflinks aren’t a power statement anymore; they are more of a fashion statement. Any occasion requiring formal wear is an opportunity to make a tasteful and elegant statement with cufflinks,” he says.

Cufflinks added to your outfit for an important meeting, a cocktail party or even a dinner date can make a powerful statement about your personality and your fashion sense.

“Designs are constantly changing to incorporate the latest trends. So for the Football World Cup, soccer ball design cufflinks were the rage. If you love golf, you can wear cufflinks designed as golf clubs,” says Kamlesh Hemdev,

Office wardrobe

2010-11-26T18:07:00.000-08:00

You’re half asleep. You’re running out the door. You’re late for a meeting. Probably not the time you want to be perfecting your look. But remember: that’s the outfit you’ll be wearing when you ask for a pay rise. Plus if the worst happens, that’s what you’ll be wearing as you leave the office when you’re fired – and you’ll want to go out in style.

Trousers: It’s tempting to go for black as the safe option, but do it too often and you’ll look like you’re off to a funeral. You’re safe with dark blue and brown trousers in most seasons; plus a lot of the big brands are betting on camel as a good summer colour along with light blue and grey. If you’re feeling daring get on-trend with a gingham check or a thin pinstripe – check out Zegna’s pairing of charcoal and blue stripes.

Ties: If ties are the done thing at your workplace, it’s not a case of mix and match and cross your fingers. Buy your shirts and ties together and try picking two shades of the same colour. To really turn some heads take celebrated British designer Paul Smith’s advice and add a polka dot or stripe.

Shirts: Although trousers and jackets cost more, don’t splurge on them and skimp on shirts, since on tough days you’ll definitely be down to your shirtsleeves and that’s not a time to look sloppy. Stick to white on formal occasions, but a light blue or grey will look better when you’re without a jacket.

The big day: When you need to don a jacket for an important meeting, double breasted may be tempting to hide your paunch but can also look retro (and not in a good way). Use sparingly and stick to slim single-breasted suits to impress your seniors (See this year’s D&G collection for inspiration).

If you want to get promoted, you need to look like you’re moving up the ladder today. So even though a more casual wardrobe might be tolerated in the job you’re in now, you’ll need to smarten up your act in order to fall in line with those giving you the orders. Just try to avoid wearing exactly the same outfit as the boss, because no one likes a copycat.

effortless style

2010-11-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

It is one of life’s great paradoxes that ‘effortless style’ requires a fair bit of effort. It is best explained by the Italian term sprezzatura which first originated in Baldesare Castiglione’s The Book of the Courtier.

A kind of self-help book for the upwardly mobile Italian aristocrat, Castiglione defines sprezzatura as ‘a certain nonchalance so as to conceal all art and make whatever one does or says appear to be without effort and almost without any thought.’

That ideal explains why Rennaissance era art and architecture looks so elegant, and why Italian men today are able to be stylish with (apparently) such ease. One need look no further than Italian style icons such as industrialist and former Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli or actor Marcello Mastroianni.

So what does it take to attain sprezzatura? Money alone is not enough. If that were the case, the streets would be full of elegantly dressed men.

Firstly, it requires a ruthless eye, which eliminates all superfluous decoration. Gaudy colours, bling watches, fabrics that shine and glimmer, anything which shouts ‘Me! Me! Me!’ are the antithesis of effortless style.

Secondly our clothes need to fit in such a way so as to make us appear as tall and lean as possible. If you’re having your clothes made, this is relatively straightforward. For everyone else, almost all of the tailored clothing we buy off the peg will need to altered in some way. Shirts that billow at the waist and trousers that hang half way down our derrieres are the most common crimes against style.

To avoid this fate we need to take our clothes to an alterations tailor. Shirts need to be ironed, shoes need to be shined, fingernails need to be clipped and our hair needs to be cut and combed neatly. Most importantly, we need to cultivate good manners – a strong handshake, interest in the conversation of others no matter how boring – these things press home the advantages enjoyed by the stylishly dressed man.

All of this requires great effort. The trick is to make it appear effortless. Over the next few weeks we will explore the detail of how to achieve elegance and style. How to tie your tie, the correct length for trousers, the correct fit for suits and how to mix and match colour and pattern.

It might sound like the fine details, but the details are what will change merely trying to be stylish into the real thing.

How to wear light blue denim

2010-11-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

Denim has more to offer than jeans

We know. We’ve been flogging dark jeans for years, but when it comes to denim, the other end of the spectrum has just as much to offer.

Look one: Casual day
Forget whatever injunctions you may have heard in the past against wearing more than one denim item at one time: in a casual setting, a light, cowboy-style shirt with a brown belt – and a not-too big buckle – looks perfect over a pair of jeans in a dark wash. Make sure the fit is slim.

Shirt: Wearing a denim shirt can be tricky: be sure to choose the right wash and right (semisubtle) detailing.
Jeans: Light denim shirt, dark wash on the jeans. It’s that simple. Dismiss this rule at your peril.
Belt: A distressed looking brown leather belt. This is elementary, fellas – trust in brown.
Shoes: Brown belt, brown shoes. Another simple rule. But remember, you’re wearing all denim – no need to go formal on the footwear.

Look two: Formal day
Do not, under any circumstances, double up on denim if you are going to a formal – or even semi-formal – event. Denim is known as a casual fabric for a reason, and while one piece – say, a shirt – can showcase a playful personality, a second one can quickly send the wearer into clueless territory. Finally, when presented with the opportunity to wear a white suit, take it. Avoid the ones with a sheen, though – even the finest cuts look disco when you’re reflecting light.

Shirt: A soft, washed out denim shirt works for a stiff suit, and makes it more appropriate for a formal daytime event.
Suit: White adds a subdued hint of unique glamour and class, and looks great with the light denim.
Belt: Too much of one colour can be overwhelming. Breaking it up with a dash of another colour is always advised.
Shoes: Brown lace-ups give this modern day look a classic, formal twist.

Look three: Casual Evening
Nothing quite suits a man like a navy jacket worn at night. It’s classic without being stale, and perfect for a guy on the go. Tossing on a pair of lightly distressed – and light-washed – jeans completes the look. But casual doesn’t mean you can leave your shirt untucked – you’re not a teenager any more (even if our model here could maybe pass for one). When you want to dress up your light blue denims, opt for a darker-hued jacket or shirt to give you a more formal look.

Shirt: Normally we’d be against zippers on a dress shirt – we’re still a bit squeamish – but it just looks so damn good here.
Jacket: When in doubt, go with navy – it’s perfect for any occasion, and is particularly suited to jeans.
Jeans: Dark washes have had their place in the sun. It’s time to try something new: go lighter for an ultra-casual look that offsets the jacket.
Shoes: Never underestimate the power of a sleek pair of sneakers.

Look four: Formal Evening
When you want to dress up but don’t necessarily want to look as tightly wound as your dark-suited brethren, you really cannot go wrong with a beige linen suit. Match it up with a light denim shirt and you’ve pulled off a separation from the conformist masses. And, if you are ever afforded the excuse to wear a linen suit – bonus points if it’s a light-coloured one – definitely take it.

Shirt: Pick a nice shade of blue. Just keep in mind what colour your shirt is complementing when you’re choosing the wash.
Suit: India is tropical, so there’s usually an excuse to wear a linen suit: light, airy, comfortable. But these things wrinkle like a shar-pei, so make sure you press it before you wear it.
Tie: Stick to the colour palette of the ensemble with a neutral brown.
Shoes: A classic pair of leather brogues. Simple enough.

The versatility of the three-piece suit

2010-11-26T17:49:00.000-08:00

When you think of the three-piece suit, you think of Al Pacino in The Godfather II. You think of high-powered attorneys and CEOs. Nothing is quite as commanding as the three-piece– nor as versatile. A great three-piece will command both respect in the workplace and admiring glances at a post-work dinner.

The new styles have a soft feel and a modern, youthful construction. At the office, a navy suit is dark enough to appear professional and a touch lighter than the funereal black.

It’s a perfect contrast for monochrome shirts as well as windowpane, checks or pinstripes, and has a padded but easier shoulder, and lining in the sleeves. When cut from a luxurious fabric like a silk-cashmere blend, it feels weightless.

Take off the jacket and tie, loosen your cuffs, and you’ll go from a business lunch at the Four Seasons to a boys’ night at the bar.

It’s a favourite with the celebrities too: while Justin Timberlake wears it with sneakers, actor Jake Gyllenhaal promoted his film Prince Of Persia And The Sands Of Time on Letterman in a three-piece charcoal suit and a pale blue dress shirt.

News for fashion lovers in india

2010-11-26T16:41:00.000-08:00

If you’re inspired by the cloudy sky and the rains, you should check out After 8, a new collection by 2 talented designers, James Ferreira and Savio Jon. Ensemble, Bandra, debuts After 8, on 25th Nov, Thursday, between 6 pm and 9 pm. James Ferreira’s collection in jewelled tones of satin embody his signature drapes and pleats and keep with his single seam design philosophy. Savio Jon presents an evening collection of dresses in burnt-out colours like petrol, sunset blush, moss and ruby onion. The rains demand you stay indoors and where better than a fashion store, eh?

Jean-Claude Biguine launches in Juhu, Mumbai

Jean-Claude Biguine launched its fourth salon in the city, in Juhu, with a Sunday brunch and a debut collection showing by Junelia Aguiar. Enjoying the lazy Sunday brunch and joining Jean-Claude Biguine in its celebrations were guests including Kim Jagtiani, Carol Gracias, Tarana Vaswani, Nausheen Sardar Ali, AD & Sabina Singh, Rocky S, Simone Singh & Farhad Samar, Kunal Rawal, Riyaz Gangji among others. A relaxed Sunday evening came to an end as the glowing faces of the guests reciprocated the soothing and heavenly experience of the place.

How can an accessory brand be green?

Salvatore Ferragamo has an entire collection of environment-friendly bags. Titled “Eco Ferragamo”, features purses made with a nontoxic tanning technique and dyed using tannins extracted from tree bark. They're then lined with handwoven hemp to withstand everyday use. Simple mantra, this: Organic material + sensible manufacturing process + a little bit of innovation = bags that are biodegradable, water-resistant, and utterly stylish.

This one is SUPER: The coastal areas of Kenya constantly have a large number of flip flops washing onto shore! An organisation called UniqueEco employs local artisans, who turn these used flip flops into beads, sculptures, and other handmade pieces. International organisations place orders or commission artworks from them, made out of these flip flops. You can actually send in your chappals to them to be recycled: Unique Eco Designs, P.O. Box 15565-00503, Nairobi, Kenya. But very seriously, this only makes sense if you’re already in Nairobi – think of the resources you’d waste in ACTUALLY getting a pair of flip flops to Kenya from Mumbai.

Jewellery can also be eco-friendly. Take Jewellery by Amisha, for instance. 10% of the profits from every piece of jewellery go to charity. She uses recycled silver and semi-precious stones from india, handmade with a craftperson collective here. Her brand is a member of ethical junction and ethical fashion forum.

How can you help?

A lot of street fashion is really all about DIY. Reuse, upcycle, do it at home! Check out sites like www.diyfashion.about.com that tell you how to make stylish stuff out of things you find at home. Paper beads, curtains made of old sarees – or for that matter, anything made out of old sarees, it all works. Accessories are easy enough to make, and you can innovate so much.

Up next: some accessory brands and designers in the Indian scenario that stand out in the eco-fashion scene.

Rendezvous with Rina Dhaka at HDIL ICW 2010

FTV: What does couture mean to you?

Rina Dhaka: As an Indian Designer, Couture is creating something new & different; that is not in regular prêt. It involves laborious handwork and immense effort. Indian Couture is about using out-of-the-ordinary embellishments. One doesn’t follow trend forecasts.

FTV: How would you describe your personal style?

RD: During the day, it’s more about functionality for me; so you would see me wearing jeans, comfortable shoes – maybe from Tod’s – and large, oversized T-shirts or shirts. I reserve the more fitting and stylish outfits for the evenings.

FTV: One item you cannot leave home without?

RD: My cell-phone.

FTV: An item in your wardrobe you would never part with?

RD: My Prada Embroidered Boots which have a 1980-90s kind of look.

FTV: One item that can make or break a look?

RD: Footwear!

FTV: Mountains or Beaches – what would your ideal holiday consist of?

RD: Beaches

FTV: Name one person you think has impeccable style.

RD: That would have to be Naomi Campbell!

Rina Dhaka presents her Couture line on 8th October, in Mumbai.

Eco-Fashion (2 of 7) – Brands that have style with soul

Continuing our look at what constitutes eco-fashion, we bring you some designers who live by a conscience.

Swati Argade

For her collection ‘Ticket to Ikkat’, Swati sourced fabrics from fair-trade cooperatives in Orissa, where weavers were paid and treated fairly. Her collection ‘Shift by Swati’ uses colours of the American Southwest and graphic Indian prints. She has used a textile called modal, which is a cellulose fibre made from the reconstituted cellulose from beech trees. Swati is committed to supporting Indian textile traditions and identifying those crafts which need exposure to larger markets to support their survival.

Soul Quotient: Throughout the year, she has been working on the launch of a brand called ‘Bhoomki’. The launch product will be a small collection of coats made from fabric of recycled plastic bottles and organic cotton and assembled in New York City. All shipping will be offset with carbon emission credits as well. Swati guarantees that these coats will have one of the smallest carbon footprints among other coats made in the USA in its category.

Jhoole

Jhoole garments are produced using various eco-friendly materials including hand-loomed organic cotton and silk, natural dyes, organic dyes, recycled denim and factory waste jersey (misprints, etc.) from Pratibha Syntex’s LOOP collection. Based in rural Madhya Pradesh, the brand employs female artisans to create handloom, hand-embroidered garments. All the artisans are given good living wages and the brand particularly supports mothers, who are trained and can work from home. Jhoole collaborates with designer Karishma Shahani and artist Amy Sol. Sol produces ethereal paintings full of airy, flowy dresses and cuddly creatures. By working with Shahani and Sol, Jhoole is making these dresses real. Shahani has in the past created Yatra, a colourful and un-contrived range of outfits made of upcycled materials inspired by native India. This collaboration will culminate in exhibitions and fashion shows in the summer of 2011 featuring Shahani’s garments and 5 original paintings by Amy Sol.

Soul Quotient: Jhoole is currently raising funds to build a production centre that will be entirely energy-neutral. 20% of its profits are donated to local initiatives: With its focus on rural MP, social returns are highly visible and sustainable. Jhoole invests in the local community through health, environmental and educational initiatives.

Siddhartha Upadhyaya of August Fashion

Like his other endeavours, Siddharth’s last collection at LFW titled ‘As You Like It’ was sustainable. He showed a line that had no ‘correct side up’ – the garments could be worn upside down w/o revealing the fact. As he says, this is “doubling the utilization of resources” as one gets two looks at the cost of one.

Soul Quotient: We touched upon Siddhartha’s innovative technology – Direct Panel On Loom in the first part of this series. It helps save upon fabric, fibers, chemicals, finishes, energy, man hours and other resources by 15%-22% and saves water by almost 80%!

Bhu:sattva

Bhu:sattva is convergence traditional organic clothing with herbal dyes. The company gets its organic cotton from a contracted farm. The cotton is then processed in keeping with organic processing standards. Once ready, the fabric is dyed using herbal colours. The final fabric is then moulded into an outfit by designer Digvijay Singh who says, “I believe eco-cycling will make a difference in our lives sooner or later. Making use of the waste in a smart way, combining waste…should be our focus. Each one can contribute on some level; use organic fabrics, ban chemical dyes.”

Soul Quotient: Bhu:sattva strives to revive ancient and languishing art forms such as Kalamkari of Andhra Pradesh, Jaina art, Phad and Pichwai fabric paintings of Rajasthan, Phulkari embroidery of Punjab, Zari and Zardozi work of Mughals, Kantha work of West Bengal, Ka

how to become miss world at home

2010-11-26T16:33:00.000-08:00

How I become queen of miss world contests sitting at home?

Beauty contests are the hardest examination to win especially in the light of huge competitions. There are lot of factors determining the personalities and overall charm of each and every contestant. In beauty contests fashion blends with intelligence and beauty. ‘Beauty’ is a meaningful word in English language covering lot of expressions. To become beauty is more meaningful as it covers everything a human can do. What is the real yardstick that measures beauty? It is more philosophical subject as many says real beauty is internal one. Ok. Let’s leave the philosophical aspect of beauty and come to the real tips of beauty. How we can prepare ourselves without so much cost improving overall outlook and thus improvement of personality? Just take one by one.

Personal grooming tips

Your haircuts tell a lot of words about yourself. Be careful while fixing your haircuts; just change your haircuts and change your personality. Beware of dandruff and shampoo regularly to get ride of dandruff.

2. Your skin is everything

Skin is the most important part of beauty lesson and this part tells everything to others. Protect your skin from heavy exposure of sunlight. The sun is most intensive between the hours of 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. Sun protection is very important to your skin. You can use sun block ingredients to protect your skin from severe sun.

FACE IS MY STRENGHT

No need to explain the importance of face in improving your glamour. Special facial attention is needed for the exposure type improvement of your glamour. Wash your face with lot of clean water many times as it provides a special kind of freshness to your face. You may have notice that some people seem to age faster than others and it is simply because of the negligence of skin care. Facial exercises like massaging should be done only with proper care and under expert advice as it may do more harm than good.

Talking Fashionese please

2010-11-25T17:16:00.001-08:00

Can you talk Fashionese? Check out this fun round-up on fashion talk â€“ do you or do you not?

Fashionese tittle tattle â€“ read it here.Â

Here’s a sneak peakâ€¦

Trickle-up trend: A fashion trend which, rather than starting with the designer and working its way onto the high street, is based on styles first seen on the streets. Celebrities are often the ones to sport trends before they reach the masses, and many designers have muses who inspire entire ranges, thereby bringing a trend to life.

Vanity sizing: The process where ready-to-wear clothing of the same size has become bigger over time. Critics say that the fashion houses have done this purposely to flatter customers to keep them coming back. However the change in sizes may also reflect the changing average sizes of women.

Jenny Packham lavishes red-carpet love on her collection

2010-11-25T17:12:00.001-08:00

Jenny Packham shows she’s no stranger to dressing stars such as Keira Knightley, Nelly Furtado, Eva Longoria, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce and Mariah Carey.
Her Spring Summer 09 collection at London Fashion Week was full-on glamorous with fabulous frocks stealing the show.

Twenty8Twelve = short, frills and flounce at London Fashion Week

2010-11-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

Fashion shows
Sienna Miller and sister Savannah brought their fashion brand Twenty8Twelve to London Fashion Week. The collection didn’t disappoint fashion watchers but Sienna isn’t going to let catwalk success distract her from acting.
â€œSales have been very good, particularly in England and America, and we felt it was the right time to do a show,â€ Sienna said. â€œI’m not giving up acting, I love acting. But I also love working with my sister. Weâ€™ve always been two sisters playing dress-up, ever since we were kids and weâ€™re still doing it.â€

Dolce & Gabbana ‘face frocks’ rock at Milan Fashion Week

2010-11-25T17:09:00.000-08:00

Global economic turmoil couldn’t wipe the smile from the face on the frock designed by Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week.its true one of the best fashion show.

Layered looks from Missoni at Milan Fashion Week

2010-11-25T17:07:00.000-08:00

Take everything from your winter wardrobe and pile it on? Well, not quite. The art in layering as demonstrated by Missoni at Milan Fashion Week is much more effortless chic. And you’ll never get cold waiting for the busâ€¦

Fashions for the Pastor's Wife

2010-11-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

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A quick perusal through the TV guide reveals an interesting fascination we as a society have with fashion and our image. Let's look at a few choices we have how to waste a few hours:

What Not to Wear with Stacey and Clinton. Find out what's hot and what's not!

10 Years Younger - The diva is back and on track!

Style by Jury Get the WOW factor!

How to Look Good Naked Feel sexy and womanly in your body!

There's probably more but that's enough to make you want to get a good book and read for the evening!

While there is nothing wrong with looking great and being in fashion, there is a concern when looking great and being in fashion means you have to reveal too much of your body in order to achieve that. Why can't we look great without looking sexy! Why can't we be in fashion without uncovering a certain amount of our body?

We all know the verses from the New Testament that give instruction on fashions for women of God:

I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. (NIV, 1 Timothy 2:9-10)

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewellery and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. (NIV, 1 Peter 3:2-5)

These verses do not specifically state how long a skirt should be, or how low a neckline can be. There seems to be a greater standard that we need to establish and that is the condition of our hearts.

Shannon Ethridge in her excellent book "Every Woman's Battle" speaks of the difference between legalism and love. Legalism is stating what a Christian woman can or cannot wear. It gives lengths of skirt, depths of neckline and the do's and don'ts! Basically it answers the question "What can I get away with? How far can I go?"

Ethridge encourages us rather to focus on love. We need a standard of integrity that will apply to every age, to every culture, to every time in history. And the answer is given by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbour as yourself."

First, we love God and we want to please Him even in the way we dress. As you purchase a new outfit, ask yourself if you would be comfortable wearing it to meet Jesus? Am I adorning the temple of the Holy Spirit in such a way that it glorifies the occupant? When you get dressed each morning, ask yourself who you are dressing for? Is God included in that list?

Secondly, we need to show love to our Christian brothers by the way we dress. We all know that men are visually stimulated. A skirt that is a bit too short or tight - a neckline that shows a little cleavage, can cause a man's thoughts to veer off course. You need to know as well, that these Christian men anxiously want to honor their wives by not allowing their eyes to stray. Wearing immodest clothing can become a very selfish, unloving act on the part of unthinking or uncaring women.

If your best friend was on a diet, you would not be considered a good support if you were continually offering her a piece of chocolate! In like manner, we are not being a loving and supportive ministry leader, co-worker, and fellow Christian, when we dress in such a way as to cause our brothers to stumble. Many women today have no idea of how desperately men at church need women to dress modestly.

And finally, we need to lovingly model for the women in our churches that a beautiful woman is not defined by her fashion but rather by her heart. While we strive to look nice and fashionable, our hearts desire is to point others to the God we love. We do not want the world's standard of 'fashion' to get in the way of doing that.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." -

old fashion week

2010-11-25T16:56:00.000-08:00

a tremendous flurry of fabulous Fashion Week shows. Let's see, there were New York Fall and Spring shows, Milan Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and LA Fashion Week. Oh, and don't forget all of the ravishing Resort and Pre-Fall collections. Some of my faves were Proenza Schouler's Fall line, Alexander Wang's Spring offerings, and Balmain's Spring collection in Paris. All different, all divine. Which were your favorites? Jog your memory, and check out all of our 2008 Fashion Week coverage.

miss world 2010 winner

2010-11-24T19:24:00.000-08:00

Miss United States Alexandria Mills, 18, was crowned the new Miss world 2010 at the World beauty pageant held at Sanya city, China.

Lets get to know a little more about our new Miss World.

Alexandria has recently Graduated from High School. Her ambition is to become a teacher. She enjoys: Travelling, Photography, Playing the French Horn and Percussion. Personal Motto: ‘The best things in life are worth waiting for, fighting for, believing in, and just never letting go of’.

Favourite Music / Books ?

I grew up on country music and classic rock. ‘Guess how much I love you’, my mom used to read it with me.

What is the proudest moment of your life or most memorable day?
I have a passion for singing and vividly recall my first public performance. My entire extended family were there and it was a very special moment.

Describe yourself
Positive, spontaneous, open minded and outgoing person. I’ve never met a stranger and enjoy meeting new people.

Favourite food ?
Pasta – I love Italian food but no meat. I am a vegetarian.

Do you have any pets ?
One boston terrier that has a huge personality and one blind toy poodle that’s 13 years old.

Future ambitions ?
I intend to travel the world and pursue a career in landscape and architectural photography. Study at college for a degree in photography.

Special Talents ?
Singing.

Tell us a little something about your Country ?
The USA is a melting pot for all cultures. My home town is famous for the Kentucky Derby Horse Race.

Miss universe runer up saying....

2010-11-24T19:16:00.000-08:00

Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell became the 2nd runner-up at the Miss Universe 2010 finale. Miss Universe 2010, the 59th edition of beauty contest, took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.Son August 23, 2010. This beauty pageant is the gathering of the delegates from over 80 countries around the world to compete for the prestigious beauty crown. Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell is the 2nd runner-up to Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete (Miss Universe 2010) and the 1st runner-up Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps. Besides, the 19 year-old beauty queen won the title Miss Congeniality. After entering the top 5 most beautiful contestants from Jamaica, Mexico, Ukraine and the Philippines and winning the 2nd runner-up title and Miss Congeniality title at Miss Universe 2010, Jesinta Campbell went home and started her charily work. Below are the nicest photo shots of the 2nd runner-up Miss Universe 2010, Jesinta Campbell.

After wining the 2nd runner-up and Miss Congeniality at Miss Universe 2010, Jesinta Campbell became the center of attention from press and media

After the Miss Universe 2010 finale, Jesinta Campbell came back her hometown Australia to attend lots of cultural events and charity activities

The Gold Coast beauty, born in 1991, owns the ideal height of 1.78m

Jesinta Campbell was crown Miss Australia 2010 in June 2010

Recently, she has won the titles of the 2nd runner-up and Miss Congeniality at Miss Universe 2010

This week, the 2nd runner-up Miss Universe 2010 will make her television debut as a guest reporter on Channel Seven\'s Morning Show

The young girl was really admired when she showed her excellent answer to a question about the topic of banning the burqa. "Fashion is freedom and I don’t think the government should have any say in what we wear, because we can all make our own personal choices", said she

Campbell has no intention of following modeling career or participating in another beauty pageant. For her, modeling is just fun but her future goals are charity activities

Jesinta Campbell owns a natural and fresh beauty

Jesinta Campbell (the 3rd from the left)

miss world 2010

2010-11-23T20:07:00.000-08:00

Miss World 2010, the 60th Miss World pageant was held on October 30, 2010,^[1] in Sanya, People's Republic of China;^[1] after Vietnam backed out of the hosting contract.^[6] Kaiane Aldorino of Gibraltar crowned her successor Alexandria Mills of the United States as Miss World 2010.^[3]

Miss World Presents ‘The Miss World 2010 Contestants’

Kateryna ZAKHARCHENKO

ITFC fashion show

2010-11-23T04:59:00.000-08:00

IFTC is own fashion show, held at Sungai Wang Plaza. I was both nervous and excited about the event because it was my first fashion show after joining IFTC. The event was held in conjunction with the KL fashion week as there was a list of event going on for the entire two weeks. The day before the event, I managed to catch the fashion show held by Snips Academy. It was so beautiful, especially the hair do and make up.
On that day, I arrived at college at approximately 4pm and was soaking wet because it was raining heavily at that moment. So I joined my friend for a wash and blow session at Snips Academy at Level 4. I was told that the whole session will take about an hour, but I wasnâ€™t surprised because back at Toni & Guy, it took me much longer than that. After that, I went back to college to get myself prepare for the event. Everyone else was also getting ready â€“ changes, put on make-up and etc.

My fellow classmates & designers.

The stage at Sungai Wang.
All of us gathered at Sungai Wang at 6.30pm while the event started at 7.30pm. The first collection display was by IFTC ex-student who is now a very successful designer base in Singapore. Modern high fashion kebaya made using songket material, simply elegant. Followed by IFTC very own young designersâ€™ collections under the few categories â€“ casual, fashion, formal and bridal. All the outfits look beautiful on stage, worn by our lovely models. It was an event not to forget.
Following are photos of my design on stage, wore by my lovely model, Cheryl.

Zack and I, on stage with our lovely models wearing our designs.

Cheryl and I, after the show.
I also would like say a big thank you for those who came and supported the event. Hope you all enjoyed the show.

Jeans fashion

2010-11-22T16:27:00.000-08:00

It can be stressful!

Dealing with all those terms that jeans aficionados use so casually, and wondering if you're the only one that has no clue what they mean: tight fit, low rise flares, with artful distressing, slightly frayed, button fly, wide yoke, signature flap pockets............ well, you get the idea.

Then you have to accept the fact that you just can no longer squeeze into the size that "is rightfully yours". And all you really want is to find a pair that fits well and makes you look great!

We have no "one size fits all" answers, just some simple guidelines on how to find jeans that fit.

At Jeans and Accessories we aim to clear up what this "denim-speak" is really all about and get past the hype. What’s more, we don’t truly believe that there is a “perfect pair”, except as it relates to your specific body type, size and personal style.

Sound a bit confusing? Don’t worry, it’s not very complicated. We've broken down the search for the perfect pair into a simple step by step process:

The Basics: We’ll do our best to help you sift through the noise. Understanding the latest trends in denim fashion, or what the tags or sales promotion says, should then be a cinch! The following topics are covered in detail:
- Sizes
- Styles
- Cut and Fit
- Washes
- Embellishments
Dressing For Your Body Type: It’s all a matter of some simple rules of balance and composition, and it is fundamental to looking your best.
Developing Your Personal Style: Denim permeates all major apparel markets: premium designer, urban, hip hop, street wear, teen, action, goth, you name it, denim is a part of it. We will venture into the world of fashion as it applies to this unique fabric, to help make your choice a true expression of your individuality.
Accessorizing: No garment can be “dressed up” or “down” as successfully as blue jeans. Your choice of hairstyle, eyewear, handbag, belts, and footwear is critical to your style. We named our site “Jeans and Accessories” for good reason!

man shoes

2010-11-22T06:17:00.000-08:00

Shoehorn: can be used to insert a foot into a shoe by keeping the shoe open and providing a smooth surface for the foot to slide upon.
Shoe tree: placed inside the shoe when user is not wearing it, to help maintain the shoe's shape.
Heel grip: used to prevent the shoe from slipping on the heel if the fit is not perfect
Foam tap: a small foam pad placed under the ball of the foot to push the foot up and back if the shoe is too loose.
Shoe polishing equipment:
- Shoe polish: a waxy material spread on shoes to improve appearance, glossiness, and provide protection.
- Shoe brush and polishing cloth: used to apply polish to shoes.
Overshoes or galoshes: a rubber covering placed over shoes for rain and snow protection.
(Orthopedic) shoe insert: insert of various materials for cushioning, improved fit, or reduced abrasion. These include padding and inner linings. Inserts may also be used to correct foot problems.
Shoe bag: a bag that protects shoes against damage when they are not being worn.
Shoe stretcher: a tool for making a shoe longer or wider or for reducing discomfort in areas of a shoe.
Snow shoe: a wooden or leather piece which increases the area of ground covered by the shoe.
Shoelaces: a system used to secure shoes.

This type of man is a very nostalgic man. For their own habits, and things, always have a deep attachment to his lover even vexatious, capricious childish, he would in a heart to be inclusive of her, love her, until she began to mature and sensible. And his "old friend" a lot of friends very sense of obligation to an old friend that he is a reliable backing, he will succeed as a friend and timely help.

Thrifty man shoes:

After buying a pair of shoes, he is worth it, I hope the shoes to wear for a long time, it can save a home equipment budget, and his shoe in the shoes, "shoes age" are very long, so be impressed. In personality, he belongs to the formal, let go of the conservative men; not smooth in dealing with others on, and often offend people without realizing it; in the pattern of relationships on the small; in the professional field, he was due to work quietly, while the chance of success.

Casual shoes for men:

This type of men do not care what he wears shoes, men, random wear a pass. Sometimes not at all match the shoes and clothes, even shoes, has long been broken, outdated style, he also does not matter, not even wearing socks, socks have been damaged, wearing the wrong, he can bear. In personality, he is a man sloppy and often unrealistic expectations. No organized private life, and he likes to daydream, I believe that one day they can ask for the moon, easy to live a life of self-deception.

fashionable bags

2010-11-21T21:04:00.000-08:00

Fashionable Bags:

Collage Graffiti, Jimmy Choo Glazed Canvas Bag of Limited Edition

Jimmy Choo has used directly the inspiration as the design at this time The Project PEP-designed graffiti bag series has a wide variety of patterns and texts.

Snake-skins, zebra stripes, Anglo-American flag, design manuscripts, clothing accessories, gems, phone number, lip prints, graffiti texts … if your eyesight is good, at silly time you can carefully study the number of elements. Although so many things are mixed together, there is a kind of harmony and beauty, and a few bright colors are very eye-catching. The glazed canvas material is waterproof, which seems closer to the texture of leather without the childish sense of canvas, so the graffiti handbag is also suitable for being taken when attending a party.

Fashionable Bags: Interpret the Punk Style (Three)

Sweet Peach Heart Series Bag

It uses the heart-shaped car-line embossing. The sweet doctrine and the rock and roll style reveal the rebellious sense among the well-behaved. The cool temptation would capture the sinking restless heart of youth boys and girls.

Color Series Popular Dual-use Bag

The low-key black and canvas woven PU, even in the fog of the cold winter, also can dig out a glimpse of blue water popular in summer, which always has ways to show itself well.

Elegant Rivet Series Dual-use Bag

In the north wind, proudly show up some skirt. The ice-cold rivets create thin thick texture, which like a princess-like arrogance and is hard-edged. The metal has not left in this season.

Cool Punk-style Shiny Rivet-decorated Shoulder Bag

Crazy rivets grow as if they have lives. As to tassels, they cut short hair. However, the low-key gray will be able to create the charm which is difficult to be resisted.

Fashionable Bags: Interpret the Punk Style (Two)

Luxurious and Retro Series Fashionable Shoulder Bag

The luxurious combination of fur and crocodile skin is absolutely the most fashionable mix in this fall and winter. The inverted mountain-shaped design of pockets is the bright spot of this bag, which is elegant and a litter wild! Gossip Girl, raises your unique skill!

Low-key and Elegant Fashionable Shoulder Bag

With the fresh elegant smoke gray and soft thread fabric, in winter, the low-key style is also an implicit exuding the faint light.

British Knight Series Cool Bag

The series full of the British style embeds metal rings in the surface of the bag as a decoration. The overall feeling looks neat and tidy. Metal parts use the latest technology of the paint, adding a cool sense, like a medieval European knight.

Fashionable Bags: Interpret the Punk Style (One)

In this winter, bags, with the unique personality and the bold and uninhibited style interpret the unique way of thinking and attitude towards life of Gossip Girl “Pink Punk”.

Elegant Rivet Series Dual-use Bag

The aristocratic temperament of blue is the implicit edge. The thick nail rivets show bohemian styles. As to the royal family’s fierce sense, Gossip Girl shows well and accurate!

Color Series Popular Dual-use Bag

A continuation of the classic style of A.D.M.J shows more streets style. Lip’s eyes and engraved badges ribbon show the thick British flavor.

Low-key and Elegant Series Fashionable Dual-use Bag

Refreshing elegant light green is matched with a low-key and elegant dark brown. The bright colors are also needed in fall and winter! The soft rib fabric is especially suitable for those who are afraid of the cold weather in winter, which is very warm and comfortable.

Fashionable Bags: Write Beautiful Blogs about the Fashion in Fall and Winter (Three)

Fashion Comments: It is not only in the summer that we can back a canvas bag. In the cold winter, canvas handbags are also popular. The cartoon image on a white canvas is very chic and cute. When being matched with a sweater and snow boots, the mix will make the one who uses it look cheerful and lively and full of the youthful temperament.

Fashion Comments: In this winter, bags also need to wear spacesuits. The texture of space bags is very strong. The rounded shape somewhat has a simple, honest and cute sense. The space bags are not suitable for being matched with space coats and down garments as to avoid the overall shape being too bloated.

Fashion Comments: In the cold fall and winter, a charming small bag is very necessary. It can contain such small things as a mobile phone, a wallet and so on. When being matched with a skirt or pants, both mixes are light and sweet.

Fashionable Bags: Write Beautiful Blogs about the Fashion in Fall and Winter (Two)

Fashion Comments: The red checkered shirt being matched with a tough locomotive leather coat outside displays a deep British flavor. With sexy silk stockings and bandage booties, the slender legs are show well. The rivet-decorated handbag with a motorcycle British style highlights the handsome grid type.

Fashion Comments: In this winter, taking a red handbag leaves much to be ostentatious. The compact bag of a checker design is matched with a uniform coat. The simple match is full of the sweet flavor of girls.

Fashion Comments: High-heeled shoes and small coats are essential single items by OL in this season. The mix of the bag with the rich texture and the whole style has a very harmonious sense, creating attractive ladies’ sense! The match is ideal for those OL who prefer the leisure style.

Fashionable Bags: Write Beautiful Blogs about the Fashion in Fall and Winter (One)

In fall and winter seasons, under a bloated match, a handbag will make your match especially attractive. Whether you have a sweet lady OL style, tough and handsome street style, or leisure and sweet students’ taste, select an appropriate bag to highlight the bright spot of your style, making people around you can not resist projecting the attention to you.

Fashion Comments: In the severe winter, sweaters, hats and gloves follow together. In a medium-dark match, an eye-catching bag makes your match full of dynamism and vitality. The simple handbag of an elegant style, combined with a fall color, makes the common clothes become exciting.

Fashion Comments: A woman wearing high-heeled shoes and stockings really has a particularly feminine sense. But to show the confident and sweet charm, only depending on these things alone will not enough. The pink handbag is fashionable and generous, with a sweet and fresh color. The professional set with this handbag always shows your sweet and self-confident charm.

Fashionable Bags’ Show: Temptation in Fall and Winter (Three)

Fashion Comments: The variety-style pants are indeed a remarkable helper to show thin. When being matched with ankle boots, the mix is full of the street-style flavor. Accompanied by an exquisite chain handbag, the whole style is full of feminine charm!

Fashion Comments: The fur coat matched with the black and white leggings is very eye-catching. The classic Chanel chain bag and the pearl necklace bring out the charm of an elegant woman.

Fashion Comments: In 09 fall and winter, the windbreakers are also a hot spot. This season’s windbreakers make a big fuss on the match. Whether being matched with pants or dresses, both can show the handsome femininity. Even matched with a briefcase, it’s also unconventional.

Fashion Comments: The handsome motorcycle coat and the denim coat of the nostalgic sense are essential single products for the handsome match. The short leather coat matched with a white skirt, the mix is very charming! A black metal decorative handbag is also an essential element of the type lattice in fall.

Fashion Comments: In this year, the jackboots highlight the sexy charm and create an era without pants in fall and winter. When being matched with the lederhosen mix of motorcycle leather, it shows the handsome and tough image of women. As to the black checkered chain bag, the details reflect the pleasant side of femininity. It’s handsome, rock and sexy.

Fashion Comments: The fur hat is more suitable for the winter atmosphere. When matching the reminiscent green suit with a short skirt, the retro taste is leisurely born, as if backing to the school time. The popular retro style gives you a taste of the fresh mix!

Fashion Comments: The hair + flaming shawls, as if return to the Monroe era. The golden oblique shoulder loose-fitting dress being matched with black leggings, the ix is full of women’s flavor and reveals the sexy nature. Matched with a black shoulder bag randomly, the one who uses the mix is filled with charming and romantic feeling.

Fashion Comments: The classic bag model is particularly popular in this year. When being matched with a pair of simple short boots, it’s especially good-looking. The pants matched with a thin belt, the mix is prevalent in this season. The overall feeling is nostalgia and fashionable.

Fashionable Bags’ Show: Temptation in Fall and Winter (One)

Whether being matched with a skirt or with pants, a fall and winter handbag makes you have an absolute surge wave of the female charm. The following will introduce the mixes of street-type women’s handbags: tough and handsome style, retro and nostalgia fad, elegant style…The show of handbags in the streets of Europe and the United States has a kind of winter atmosphere particularly.

Fashion Comments: The mixes in the streets of Europe and the United States mostly use the black wave as a central theme. In fact, mixes of other colors also have the same great taste. The green dress + black leggings + booties, the mix is very fashionable, making people can not take their eyes off. As to the black entire section, of course, it is good. The overall black mix reflects elegance. The fine details of the handbag and boots show women’s gentle nature well, giving a full expression of the overall harmony sense.

Fashion Comments: That’s it! No wrong! Whether magazines or stars, they all like the Alexander Wang Coco handbag very much. When being matched with a black hood dress, a lovely fashion sense makes people like it. The low-profile rivet design at the bottom of the handbag is still very limelight.

2010-11-21T19:45:00.000-08:00

Essilor of America, the makers of Crizal® Alizé(tm), a new anti-reflective eyeglass lens with unsurpassed cleanability and durability, recently asked more than 3,000 men and women about their eyeglass perceptions. Covering everything from sexy, spectacle-sporting celebrities to eyeglass fashion, the survey reveals America's stand on specs.
Star-Struck Spectacles
Britney Spears tops the charts again, but this time it's for being rated the sexiest eyeglass-wearing celebrity among men (44 percent). For women, all eyes were on Richard Gere, who topped their list at 35 percent.
Can't Keep My Eyes Off of You
When asked whether or not glasses affect attractiveness, 73 percent of respondents say it has no impact. Sixty percent of men compared to 62 percent of women flatly disagree with the old expression "boys don't make passes at girls who wear glasses." Sixty-eight percent of Americans with partners who wear glasses say specs don't get in the way of a romantic moment.
The Eyes Have It
Most people, whether they wear glasses or not, share the same positive attitudes toward people wearing glasses. Most commonly, people who wear glasses are perceived to be smart (40 percent) and sophisticated (39 percent).
What You See is What You Get
For men and women, the profession most associated with wearing spectacles is librarians (74 percent), followed by teachers (71 percent), lawyers (56 percent), artists (27 percent) and actors/movie stars (20 percent).
Fashion Dos
The sexiest eyeglass frames, according to both wearers and non-wearers alike, are rimless lenses (49 percent), followed by metal frames (38 percent). Nearly half (46 percent) of the general population would consider wearing glasses as a fashion accessory, even if they didn't need them.
Fashion Faux Pas
According to those surveyed, 40 percent felt neglecting to get a haircut can most ruin a person's appearance, followed by wearing out-of-date clothing (25 percent), wearing out-of-date glasses (22 percent) or sporting unmanicured nails (13 percent). At the bottom of the sexiest frames list are big and bold plastic (seven percent) or sparkly and dramatic eyeglass frames (seven percent).

Fashion Faux Pas
According to those surveyed, 40 percent felt neglecting to get a haircut can most ruin a person's appearance, followed by wearing out-of-date clothing (25 percent), wearing out-of-date glasses (22 percent) or sporting unmanicured nails (13 percent). At the bottom of the sexiest frames list are big and bold plastic (seven percent) or sparkly and dramatic eyeglass frames (seven percent).

fashionable watches

2010-11-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the perfect accessory is a watch. In the 1980’s the watch industry changed completely. Previously watches were worn purely for practicality but this changed when some of the major fashion houses including DKNY, Police and Gucci began to produce their own watches. Suddenly watches became a must have fashion accessory as they began to be widely available in loads of amazing styles and colours. This is still true today with new ranges coming out all of the time for both men and women. High class designer labels and established watch makers now create funky ranges of watches to appeal to the fashionable among us. From Karen Millen to Sekonda there are watches available that will complete any outfit at any budget.
To guide you to your perfect designer or fashion watch I have created this list of the different fashionable watch brands we stock at Find Watches:
Karen Millen Watches
This U.K. designer is famous for her combinations of contemporary design and classic elegance. Karen Millen’s sophisticated but fun range of watches feature lots of animal print, Swarovski crystals and highly polished stainless steel. The range of watches was only launched last year but they are glamorous and desirable, as you would expect from a globally loved fashion brand, so these fashionable watches have been a big hit.
Kenneth Cole Watches
Known for his trend setting sense of fashion and thought provoking advertising campaigns, Kenneth Cole is a major U.S. designer. A percentage of the profits of Kenneth Cole go towards charitable initiatives, so this is an ideal brand for the ethical fashionista. We have some of the best from the beautiful collection of fashion watches made by this designer.
Police Watches
Always a step ahead of the crowd, high profile Italian designer Police has a distinctive range of fashion watches designed for the urban younique generation. Police have always combined fashion with functionality as watches like their Navy range prove. Design, function and quality are put together in equal measure to create these stylish watches
Seksy by Sekonda

Seksy Hidden Hearts

Seksy watches provide image conscious people with high fashion style for high street prices from a brand that have been making watches since 1931. Seksy are constantly redesigning their range so that they can stay right on trend. There are loads of unusual designs that you won’t find anywhere else like the popular Eclipse model and as an additional bonus the watches often come in lots of different colours. Reliability and Seksy fashion, what could be better!
Citizen Watches and Rotary Watches
If you are looking for classic style then look at Citizen and Rotary watches. They both make high quality watches using that timeless style that will never go out of fashion.

fashion shows

2010-11-21T17:14:00.000-08:00

A fashion show is an event put on by a fashion designer to showcase his or her upcoming line of clothing during Fashion Week. Fashion shows debut every season, particularly the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons. This is where the latest fashion trends are made. The most influential fashion week is Paris fashion week, which showcases twice a year.

In a typical fashion show, models walk the catwalk dressed in the clothing created by the designer. Occasionally, fashion shows take the form of installations, where the models are static, standing or sitting in a constructed environment. The order in which each model walks out wearing a specific outfit is usually planned in accordance to the statement that the designer wants to make about his or her collection. It is then up to the audience to not only try to understand what the designer is trying to say by the way the collection is being presented, but to also visually deconstruct each outfit and try to appreciate the detail and craftsmanship of every single piece. A wide range of contemporary designers tend to produce their shows as theatrical productions with elaborate sets and added elements such as live music or a variety of technological components like holograms, for example.

Girls footwear

2010-11-21T17:01:00.000-08:00

It’s a acknowledged actuality that at any time you desire to know what’s trendy and warm best now, then just confirm out celebrities’ most latest style. just about every season, celebs challenge present style trends and steal limelight with clean and rocking style trends and style.
Celebrities adore for their shoes choice is not really a concealed secret. daily celebs are observed placing on chic pair of shoes at many places. For Fall 2010 season, Hollywood stars have started out displaying their bold style declaration with amazing styles of boots.

Christian Louboutin Knee high boots are the most popular type of boots that can be found in each and every star’s wardrobe. These boots are so fabulous that celebrities can’t resist getting some fancy pair for themselves. So get into celeb style for this fall 2010 season by shopping for latest and breathtaking styles of Knee high boots from http://www.christianlouboutinu.com.
In simple, classic, sophisticated, funky; every style these boots are available for a unique and glamorous look. Knee high boots are considered as hottest footwear trend for Fall-Winter 2010. They are warm, soft, and have become a major hit with celebrities.

These boots undoubtedly are a wardrobe staple for people that need to show their alluring element to planet with attitude and style. Knee huge boots are amazingly versatile as well as a best assortment for pairing with very a few stylish attires. White, black, brown, taupe, grey, pink, purple as well as in sparkles, these boots can be found in large range of colors.
For a spicy however stunning look, these boots are normally zipped, buckled, laced, or braided.Christian Louboutin shoes that occur to be adorned with studs, fur, crystals, or embroidery by no suggests goes unnoticed. They appear amazing when paired with short dress, relatively mini skirts, skinny jeans, and cute shorts. They can be found in multitudes of types and styles and completely complement modern day time and trendy dresses.

Knee high boots come in flats as well as high heel so they are good choice for women of all ages. They are made of different materials ranging from many types of leathers, to various synthetic materials. When paired correctly, these boots are sure to make wearer apple of eye. These boots are so popular that they can be worn year round. Also check out Hello Kitty Handbags and Bridal Tiaras available at chrisrianlouboutinu.com.

These exquisite boots are great for many occasions. Women can wear them while going for shopping, night out, parties, work place etc. It seems that Hollywood celebrities, super models, TV stars, rock-stars, and high profile people can’t get enough with knee high boots as they have been spotted many times with them. These days, hundreds of brands are manufacturing knee high boots for every fashion savvy woman.