women's coat

Brit-Brit Album Update!!!

2010-10-09T10:59:00.000+07:00

We're just dying to hear what is coming next!

Britney Spears' manager, Larry Rudolph, has high praise for his client's upcoming album, which he announces to Entertainment Weekly could be in on our iPods as soon as 'early next year.' He admits that most of this years has been spent 'getting back to basics' for Brit-Brit (aka being a mommy and a proper-functioning person of society.) But now, she's completely in a 'new album cycle' and he says we can expect a very 'progessive' sound from our diva in her new music. He promises,“It’ll be a departure from what you’ve heard.'

Hope not too much! We're all for maturing with your music, but we want some killer dance tracks on this album! Don't leave us hanging, BB!

[Image via WENN.]

2009-12-19T05:37:00.000+07:00

Jessica Simpson Women's Single Breasted Walker Coat

Single breasted walker with a notch collar and puff sleeve detail
View product details at Amazon

Larry Levine Women's Hooded Pea Coat

Invest in a classic with this Larry Levine double breasted hooded pea. Inset Waist seaming details adds shape to your figure while the cute backbelt detail sits at just the perfect spot.
View product details at Amazon

Fleet Street Women's Wool Walker

Single breasted wool walker with notch collar and side pockets
View product details at Amazon

Big Chill Women's P.A. Originals - Ultra Silk Stadium With Iridescent Trim

2009-12-19T05:25:00.000+07:00

Ladies poly-filled coat with contrast iridescent trim inside collar, placket and cuffs. Zip front with placket and novelty snap closure. Hidden zip pockets, engineered channel-quilting on body. Detachable faux fur trimmed hood. Lined.

View product details at Amazon

You In? Yahoo Wants To Help Spread Ripples Of Kindness This Holiday Season

2009-12-08T10:07:00.002+07:00

via TechCrunch by Jason Kincaid on 11/26/09

The holiday season is in full swing, and that means it's time to share some of the comfort we enjoy year round with those who are a little less fortunate — and just to be nicer to people in general. This year, Yahoo is kicking off a drive called You In?, where it invites users worldwide to share their "purple acts of kindness" (purple has long been Yahoo's official color).
Here's how Yahoo describes the campaign:

"Help us create a ripple of good around the world with purple acts of kindness. Update your status to share what you're doing to spread holiday joy, then inspire others to join you by asking, "You in?"
Yahoo! will also be doing our own purple acts of kindness inspired by your updates. So whether you pay for someone's groceries or drop off a coat for the homeless, you'll be encouraging people around the world to join in acts of kindness."

The site revolves around briefly describing your good deed in a Yahoo status message, which is then plotted on a global map. Right now messages include things like "Connie is buying coffee for everyone at work today. You in?" and "Dropped off supplies to the local Humane Society and to the local women's shelter". And then there are gems like this one: "I just returned a case of wine that was mistakenly delivered to our house. Husband had to be dragged along w/this decision."
The site also has a pool of Flickr images that people are using to share their acts of kindness.
It looks like we've caught the campaign pretty early on: the site only has 161 updates at this point, and the pool of Flickr images only has a few submissions. It's hard to knock a do-good campaign like this one, but Yahoo might want to consider integrating Facebook and other social networks so that users can share their updates from other platforms.
Aside from 'You In?', Yahoo also runs regular monthly campaigns though its Yahoo For Good program.
Via Khris Loux's Twitter stream.

Crunch Network: CrunchBase the free database of technology companies, people, and investors

A Word with your Wardrobe: Galleria Fashion Show and Tell

2009-03-20T21:53:00.001+07:00

A Word with your Wardrobe: Galleria Fashion Show and Tell

While the Big Five - New York, London, Paris, Milan and Tokyo - are showing collections for Fall 2009, the fourth-largest city in the U.S. is celebrating the here and now with some Spring '09 fun.

Last week at the Galleria, Simon Fashion Now presented Houston with its very own three-day fashion presentation, complete with runways as well as bonus style stops to discuss beauty. The first evening, however, was a high fashion event that was invitation-only. Luckily, the Thresher happened to get me and Joel Kahn, a staff photographer, on the guest list.

We arrived to see that there was already a socializing buzz about and that almost every fashionable woman in sight was in a pair of pumps, while the men were sharply clad in suit and tie.

Shortly afterwards, an omnipresent voice ushered everyone to their seats, and the show began right at 8 p.m., with Saks Fifth Avenue, featuring Christian Louboutin shoes, as the opening act.

Yes Men
With each brand's walk out, I started to notice the competition of varieties. There were menswear paired with women's wear, but then each switched roles from accessories to tailoring. There were casual play clothes quickly followed by sleek evening looks.

The juxtapositions were clear and a rather enjoyable way to see what these designers and stores pictured their customers would be wearing from them, day and night.

The Dresses vs. the Suiting
It was a battle of the sartorial gender styles, sometimes within the same brand. Ferragamo's crimson 1940's-style, hourglass-figure wrap dress was followed by its doppelganger in jacket and cropped pants form. Billy Reid's striped shrunken blazer and tailored white skinnies gave his ultra-feminine, playful polka dotted dress a quick once- over before exiting.

Luckily for the dresses team, Fendi and Carolina Herrera stopped the show with their girlishly-shaped tea and pencil dresses, which were belted and flared accordingly. The ethereal fabric details, whether cut out, draped, appliquéd or coaxed out at the right places, seemed to nip and tuck perfectly to the body's form, saving the day by making every woman appreciate curves.

And while some designers dabbled in the day leather jackets and shorts area for men, everyone seemed to concede to Billy Reid and Nordstrom, which showed only menswear, that even in pieces, nothing looks better than a man in a well-fitted suit. (Amen to that.)

The Formal vs. the Casual
This one is for the girls. Missoni's girls were all fun and games and ready to hit the beach in their summery short dresses of sand and ocean-pebble colors. This is, of course, not before meeting up with their friends clad either in Neiman Marcus's colored shifts, Barney's city-street-cool jackets and jeans or Billy Reid's striped tights for lunch on the promenade.

Their Ferragamo and Saks Fifth older sisters keep changing their minds: artsy dolman sleeved day dress or princess-style ball gown?

Their mothers, all decked out in floor length Carolina Herrera, have other plans in mind. Day and evening wear for women were at times a matter of transitioning between fiercely feminine to unstoppably elegant, but as the presentations sang the chorus together, there's no need to compromise.

The Bags vs. The Shoes
The victor is obvious: shoes. Their numbers and reception of ooh's, ahhs and double-takes overruled the handbags, though they do deserve honorable mention. The shoes ranged from heels to flats, Choos urban gladiators to Louboutin's S&M Mary Janes to Fendi's suede wedges with a false printed heel.

Ferragamo's and Carolina Herrera's bags' reds did pop out in their carry-on structure, but the ease and folds of neutral tones of Saks' and Missoni's slouchy hobos were just as college-girl appealing. Simple evening clutches with metallic fastenings stepped up to their patent pump counterparts.

In the end though, some designers omitted the bag entirely, while shoes are essential to the look. Plus, giving a girl a little lift adds bonus points for multitasking adornment. I'll admit that I am more of a shoe person, but I began to question, with all the soft and beautifully-displayed craftsmanship, why I wasn't already a bag lover myself. You know a fashion show is good when it makes you want things you really don't need.

From start to finish, there's just something surreal about seeing the clothes from famous brands. You see them all the time in magazines, looking distant and untouchable, but when they are parading themselves out in front of you as if you have the funds for them, it is something else. It is like window shopping on a whole new level; it's a dream in decadence.

But back in reality, where we exist as college students, the best we can do is extrapolate onto our own wardrobes. Whether that means DIYing a Fendi dress, or styling a la Billy Reid, or even saving up one day for the real thing, ultimately, what I got from the collections was that it's not so much a matter of affording, but experimenting.

I saw this in action post-show. The guests, of all ages, had their own unique sense of stylistic flair: a group of young models donning hipster accents, a cute girl with a covet-worthy necklace, a woman with a cupcake purse straight from Sex and the City.

On the runway and off, there was a real sense of adult play on classics there that night and a message that declared there would be no minimum on how old you have to be to have fun with your clothes.

The show, as all shows should, ensured that everyone who has Peter Pan syndrome - us included - won't be neglected and need not fear giving up their childhood delights of dress-up.

See you next week!

Deanne Nguyen is a Will Rice College sophomore.

Taken From Ricethresher.org

Spring 2009 Fashion Arrives

2009-03-20T21:43:00.001+07:00

Spring 2009 Fashion Arrives

Despite the annoying drizzling rain outside the window, spring is officially here. It means it’s about time to try on the fresh new season look. All you need to do is check out our compilation of spring-summer 2009 trends offered by world-famous designers, and then update your wardrobe in local shops or wherever you can afford.

What’s hot

While news reports all around the world keep screaming about the crisis, designers stubbornly continue to declare that nothing can stop ladies from shining. One of the main trends of the season is all things expensive and sparkly, including gold and silver, gems and crystals.

This trend is best celebrated by Prada’s dresses of crumpled brocade that look like they are made of solid gold, slinky tricots and armor-like rigid dresses by Alexander McQueen, dresses studded with colorful gems by Emilio Pucci, and Yves Saint Laurent’s monochrome shimmering gowns of emerald green and claret colors.

By the way, shiny fabrics are not just meant for evening wear: nude-golden and silver skirts, trousers or harem pants can be worn any time of day. A gold-colored trench coat by DSquared2 became one of the hottest items this season. But if you don’t dare to wear so much “gold,” at least make sure to get a golden or silver-colored clutch bag or sandals.

The trend for ultimate chic was developed further by Dolce & Gabbana who offered an absolute royal look with Tudor-style dresses with big lantern-shaped short sleeves and belts of ribbons, bows and gems. Etro and Blumarine richly adorned collars of their dresses with beads and gems, cutting a need to wear any additional jewelry.

Those truly elegant ladies will appreciate the suit becoming a top fashion. Whether you prefer to wear a tight skirt or pants with the jacket just make sure to look less office-style and more sexy. Dolce & Gabbana and Marc Jacobs presented a 30s movie star look with black jackets and skirts, belts and hats, while Givenchy’s pantsuit resembled a tuxedo.

By the way, even if the full suit is too official for you, you cannot avoid buying jackets. This season it has to be slightly oversize and long with wide shoulders, as if tailored for a man.

One of the true must-haves of the season is overalls. These are mostly offered in white, black or neutral colors, with loose tops and wide trousers or harem pants. Max Mara’s version resembled an elegant evening gown, while Stella McCartney’s was a combined pantsuit.

Get ready for the biggest fashion surprise of the season – pajamas and nighties suddenly made their way into everyday wear. Dolce & Gabbana presented luxurious silk pyjamas-like suits, while Etro and Vivienne Westwood went ahead with much more casual and bold pajamas.

If this is too much for you, try on a nighty-like dress, the sort designed by Isabel Marant – those look very grunge if worn with leather boots. Another element of nightwear style is cream-colored silk shorts (like the ones from Nina Ricci).

Denim, colors and more

The classical American style of denim, leather and T-shirts is making a big comeback. Surely it will make everyone happy – this is the ultimate combination of cool and comfort, and is loved by all.

You can manifest a real free spirit in a white top and an unbuttoned blue denim shirt (Alexander Wang), or by combining blue denim and black leather (Givenchy). Otherwise, try on a military-style jeans jacket by Balmain.

Famous for their love of denim, DSquared2 dressed models in bell-bottom dark blue jeans, jackets and skirts. To make your denim look more cowboy-like, get a leather or suede bag adorned with tassels, or boots with tassels.

In fact, tassels and fringe are a great trend in itself this season, spotted in dresses by Jil Sander, Escada and Alessandro Dell’Aqua, among others.

Other dominating trends feature strikingly bright colors, especially blue, and colorful leopard print – straight from the 1980s. Color combinations have also gotten bold – you can dare to wear yellow with purple or green with pink, as well as match different prints – stripes with peas or checkers.

As far as prints go, it looks like the ethnic style is here to stay, though this year it acquired more of an African twist (Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, Just Cavalli) – complete the impression with large ear-rings or a turban.

Ladies are encouraged to show more of their body in tight dresses with revealing slits (Herve Leger, Givenchy), short, bra-like tops (Prada, Chanel) and chiffon dresses and blouses, like the ones from Sonya Rykiel and Christopher Kane.

Futurism keeps strengthening its positions in the fashion world – asymmetry, straight lines and strange shapes are seen on the catwalk more and more. This season you cannot do without an asymmetric top, dress or even a bathing suit – be inspired by Hermes, Luella, and Herve Leger.

The most daring futurist, Gareth Pugh, created wild dresses that make a woman look like an alien from another planet.

As for accessories, have a closer look at hats. It can be the 1970s kind with a wide floppy brim (Diane von Furstenberg), a tablet straw-hat (Marc Jacobs) or a classical fedora (Gucci). Another headwear article is a hair band with a bow (see a Gucci).

Make sure to get a reptile skin clutch or a big bag that can be rolled (see Louis Vuitton). Jewelry has to be bulky and bold – big plastic bracelets, beads and chains that run down to your waste, and large ear-rings.

As far as shoes go, heals this season are super high, and their straps are eclectic, made of leather, strings, feathers and beads. The signature shoes this season are Yves Saint Laurent’s black net-boots and amazing glam-rock sandals adorned with bits of metal and white crystals from Balmain.

What about men?

It’s always harder to talk about male fashion, since it doesn’t change so dramatically every season, and very few gentlemen follow it religiously. However, there are a few fashion tips for them too. Shirts of crumpled fabric are not only practical, but also in style this season.

The 1980s trend for washed jeans and glam-rock elements would look most appropriate at a club, and T-shirts with colorful stripes can be worn for any occasion. Pajamas trend concerns men as well – try on a baggy checkered suit.

While women wear oversized jackets, men are offered slim versions with narrowed shoulders.As for colors – a classy combination of black and white, shades of pink and nay blue are very much in style.

A few Kyiv shopping tips

Spring collections are already in store in many Kyiv shops and some of them have the super trendy items – just as seen in pret-a-porter collections in New York, Paris and Milan.

Mango offers a selection harem pants– black, grey and nude, as well as overalls – a funky substitute for a dress. It also has masculine-style jackets with shoulder pads. Dresses with ethnic prints and single-shoulder straps, numerous jeans, shirts, and skirts are all there too.

As usual, Mango carries lots of hats and bags, including clutches – glam-rock style and reptile-skin imitations, take your pick.

Oasis has some one-shoulder asymmetric dresses, chiffon blouses, jeans and harem trousers.

At Castro, keep your eyes peeled for washed denim overalls and black overalls with a strapless top – it would make a cool evening outfit.

Promod offers a range of pretty romantic skirts, many with floral and African prints, as well as wide denim jeans, carrot-shaped pants and a selection of harem and sarouel, or Turkish-style, trousers. Also, don’t miss stylish long jackets, and various dresses – from checkered and striped to chiffon with ethnic prints.

Zara has something from every trend popular this spring and summer. There are sarouel pants, cool leather sandals with strings and wide ankle straps, bags with tassels, futuristic jackets, boots of fake reptile skin, oversized jackets and shimmering dresses, rocker leather jackets, etc. Mexx is a place to look for monochrome outfits of blazing colors, safari dresses and African-prints.

Taken From KYIVPost.com

Lip shaped earrings

2009-03-19T05:13:00.001+07:00

Step Out In Style

2009-03-17T16:32:00.001+07:00

Step Out In Style

By S.S. YOGA

High street label with a designer approach.

HAVING £100 (RM520) these days won’t get you anywhere much less start a business. But that’s exactly what Karen Millen and her business partner Kevin Stanford did in 1981. With that sum of money, they bought 100m of white cotton which they used to manufacture and sell white shirts to their friends.

The first store opened in Kent, England, in 1983 and from there, evolved the self-fashioned Karen Millen label which has since expanded to become one of the hottest high street labels today.

It was acquired by a fashion group in June 2004 that was later absorbed by another giant fashion retail group.

Millen herself has remained onboard as an adviser, but the creative and design team is now headed by creative director Gemma Metheringham (who has been with the brand since 1999).

“I have tremendous respect for the brand positioning created by Millen and her partner Stanford. Their main focus was to be proud of their products and as a creative person, I have always found that attitude hugely inspirational. There is an enormous amount of love in the products we create,” Metheringham said in an e-mail interview.

With her team of 12 designers, she fashions collections for day, work, party and weekend wear.

“For every piece, we give particular attention to details, from the fabric of a flattering coat to the embroidery of an evening gown, and even the embossed hardware of a signature bag,” she said.

In the over-crowded high street end of the market, it pays to stand out from the crowd. The brand is considered to be in the same league as Reiss, Hobbs, Coast and All Saint, and claims to be the first to give a designer approach to clothes with high street affordability. Karen Millen also takes pride in its flattering sculpted fit outfits.

According to Metheringham, the age of the brand’s customers ranges from 25 to 35.

“She’s confident, glamorous and fashionable with a strong sense of style, yet she’s not a slave to fashion. She’s not afraid of looking good and enjoys wearing clothes she feels fabulous in,” she added.

That’s the clientele in Britain but here in Malaysia, women in their 40s are buying Karen Millen as well. These are mainly professionals and socialites.

“They are highly discerning and appreciate Karen Millen’s distinct signature in terms of garment quality, design details and fit,” she explained.

For the spring/summer 2009 collection, designers looked to the clean 1970s glamour of actress Lauren Hutton, as seen in a silk safari shirt and a pair of well-cut peg trousers mixed with classic tan accessories.

“There is definitely a move towards simplicity and bold colour statements,” said Metheringham.

The team was inspired by London, working in the heart of Shoreditch surrounded by interesting shops, galleries, bars and clubs – fodder for people and style watching. It’s also increasingly apparent that as the brand becomes more global, inspiration sources become more international.

Metheringham talks about the highlights of the collection:

“The collection for summer has a clean modern feel with the focus on mix and match separates, giving a fresh emphasis on style. This is typified in the ‘pockety’ silk satin safari shirt which looks fantastic styled either with flirtatious ruffle skirts or the uber fashionable soft silk dhoti (harem pants) trousers.

“To smarten up for spring, layer jackets over dresses and separates – the favourite being the chartreuse washed leather zip front jacket or the tan studded leather jacket,” she said.

“This is the season to be bold with colour: shake off the credit crunch blues with vibrant shots of acidic limes, citrus orange, tomato and sapphire. If you don’t want to buy an entire colourful outfit, cheer yourself up with colour on your feet like the coral satin sandals with diamante trim. This is definitely the season to experiment with colour and shape.”

There are three main looks to choose from: safari, luxurious sportswear and colour-me cocktail dresses.

The trends that figure prominently are the animal prints mixed with graphic black, given a sportier sexier look in shift dresses and pencil skirts with exposed zip detailing. Mixed snake and zebra, or snake and leopard sandals rule the shoe kingdom.

Metheringham thinks occasion and tailored dresses will fly off the racks here. The Signature halter dress and Graphic strapless dress in particular, will be sellouts.

“For me, if I could only buy one thing, it would be the white fringed bag!”

Taken From TheStar.com.my

Recycled fashion

2009-03-16T14:42:00.001+07:00

Just to be clear, we are not fans of fur, especially not new fur. However, we find it interesting when people use recycled or fake fur. Here are the last recent examples.

Stacy London Advocates Empowerment Through Fashion

2009-03-15T23:47:00.000+07:00

Stacy London Advocates Empowerment Through Fashion

By Tina Firesheets
Staff Writer

When I first applied for a job at the News & Record, one of the things I worried about was having to wear clothes to work.

Decent, working girl clothes.

At the time, I was a freelancer, and as long as I didn't have to meet someone for an interview, I worked in pajamas.

That was about 10 years ago. But I recently found myself agonizing over what to wear to work for the first time in a long time.

A skirt couldn't be too long or too short. Pants couldn't be too tight or too baggy. The hair had to be styled. I needed accessories. No scuffed shoes. No stains, missing buttons or tears.

My look had to be perfect, because I was going to meet -- and interview -- style maven Stacy London.

The witty, raven-haired, impeccably dressed London came to Greensboro to meet with the VF Jeanswear marketing and merchandising staff. She's working with them on the Riders by Lee brand, which she'll be promoting in an ad campaign that launches in April.

For those of you without a clue -- or cable -- London co-hosts the TLC show "What Not To Wear" with fellow stylist Clinton Kelly. It's a makeover show in which they help transform fashion misfits into individuals with a better sense of what looks best on them.

The premise is simple: Fashion victims hand over their wardrobes in exchange for $5,000 and a trip to New York City to replace it. And they must follow London and Kelly's style rules. Transformations usually involve tears and a stubborn refusal to acknowledge that they dress so horribly.

Three things usually bring them around: secret video footage provided by their own friends and family; a three-way mirror that shows just how bad they look from every angle; and a seemingly endless arsenal of witty barbs about their offensive garb. They are shamed into submission.

So, before my interview with London, I ran a lint roller over my black cardigan and pea coat and inspected myself from all angles before the bathroom mirror.

Watch enough episodes of "What Not to Wear," and you even learn the wrong undergarments can ruin a look. London inspired me to invest in seamless underwear, Spanx and padded bras.

I wasn't the only one giving more thought to what they wore to work that day.

VF marketing coordinator Meghan Davis said she definitely gave her attire more consideration. Her co-workers checked themselves, too. There was a buzz around the Wrangler building leading up to London's visit: what to wear, and of course, what not to wear.

I arrived after her meeting with the VF merchandising department. London posed for pictures with several people. She wore jeans tucked into black lace-up boots, a long cream top, black cardigan and a cranberry scarf.

Then it was just London and a group of women talking style. London was -- like Heidi Klum on a runway -- clearly in her element. Merchandising specialist Kristen McQueen, decked in a black hoodie and jeans rolled up at the ankles, sat atop a conference table facing London. McQueen said she wanted to move beyond how she dressed in college.

London never tires of scenarios like this. She gives advice often, whether people ask for it or not.

Her advice to McQueen was simple and immediate: Lose the velour hoodie and take the jeans to a tailor to be properly hemmed.

McQueen's boss, merchandising manager Glenda Strickbine, was next. London complimented the detail in Strickbine's black blouse but advised against wearing black against "mature skin." Basically, older, fair-skinned women, in particular, shouldn't wear black. London suggests navy and chocolate brown.

No black? Strickbine laughed and said, "I could draw a line through all of the clothes in my whole closet."

It was like a scene out of "What Not to Wear," except without Clinton Kelly and the dreaded three-way mirror.

Then it was my turn.

With heels, I am just a few inches shorter than the 5-foot-7 London, who is not wearing heels on this day. She smiles, we shake hands, and she immediately notices the tattoo on my left wrist. She admires the delicate script of my last name, Firesheets.

She says she thought of getting a tattoo when she turned 30 (that was about eight years ago). She asks if it hurt to get tattooed on the wrist. I told her not nearly as much as the Japanese crane on the back of my neck.

And that's how our interview started.

I should not have been nervous at this point. But strangely, what started out as a mild case of nerves turned into full-fledged, knee-knocking anxiety. I was shaking like a half-starved, aspiring model standing before Tyra Banks.

There was no reason for it.

It has been said that her critiques are carried out "with the tenderness of a darning needle." But London knows the line between constructive criticism and mean-spiritedness. Strickbine said London's passion for wanting to make women feel better about themselves is obvious. You can hear it in her voice, she said. That's why people listen to her.

"There's something to building the identity of a person and helping them define that identity and basically building self-esteem," London said. "Fashion as an industry, I think, can be very dangerous. But style for an individual is, like, one of the most empowering tools that women have available to them."

London always loved fashion. As a little girl, she wanted to be a cocktail waitress because it was the only job she knew of that would allow you to wear fishnet stockings to work. Before "What Not to Wear," she was a fashion assistant at Vogue and a senior editor at Mademoiselle. But she felt out of place in that environment.

She wasn't 6 feet tall, and she wasn't 100 pounds.

"As much as I loved fashion, I always felt like I was trying to shove myself into a mold that, just physiologically, I couldn't fit into," she said.

That changed when she turned 30 and stopped fretting about trends. She started wearing clothes that made her feel beautiful, powerful and sexy.

The mantra she shares with women: Don't conform to trends or someone else's idea of beauty. It's about self-acceptance.

And in their show, London and Kelly always identify and teach women how to play up their best features: hair, eyes, small waist, long legs. These features sometimes are overlooked because the women often see only their imperfections.

London wants women to accept the size and shape of their bodies. Accept their age. Even their gray hair. She does.

Large silvery earrings sparkled against her long, thick Pantene tresses -- London is featured in a commercial for the shampoo company. But her contract includes a clause that allows her to keep the signature gray streak she has had since she was 11. She has always loved it and refuses to dye it. It makes her feel special.

That's what she wants "What Not to Wear" graduates to feel by the end of the show: special.

"I'm lucky," she said. "What I do now and what I've been able to learn on 'What Not to Wear' has been really enlightening. It's not just about making somebody look good. It really is about making somebody feel good.

And we underestimate what style and fashion, in particular, can do for women on a day-to-day basis. Because it's a symbol. ... It's a symbol of taking care with one's self, respecting one's self, being kind to one's self."

Women tend to forget this when they're juggling families and careers.

By the end of my interview with her, I start to feel special, too. She compliments my cabernet-hued suede satchel and the teal top under my black cardigan.

OMG, Stacy London liked my tattoos and my handbag!

I left feeling like "America's Next Top Model."

And she almost convinced me that maybe I don't need to dye my gray hairs.

Almost.

Contact Tina Firesheets at 373-3498 or tina.firesheets@news-record.com

Taken From News-Record.com

And yet more fur

2009-03-15T03:55:00.000+07:00

I now know what it must feel like to be a buyer in an exclusive department store when all the spring merchandise has arrived and I still have a big stock of fur coats in my inventory. Consequently, expect for the next few days seeing a lot the subjects we photographed in fur, as we need a clear out before we go out shooting for spring!

Women's Safari Shirt with Epaulets

2009-03-13T14:21:00.000+07:00

Product Description
Our contemporary-styled safari shirt is detailed with breast pockets, shoulder epaulets and convertible sleeves with tab/button closure. Seaming through the waist creates a form-fitted silhouette. Cotton blend. Machine wash.
View product details at Amazon

Women's Ruched Button Front Blazer

2009-03-13T14:19:00.000+07:00

Product Description
This fresh take on Victorian style is undeniably feminine. It features a peter pan collar, gentle pleating at the waist, very lightly pleated shoulders, and 3/4 length sleeves. A modest peplum hem highlights your womanly curves. Oversize buttons and a tab style accent at the back make it thoroughly modern. 100% cotton. Machine wash. (Unlined)

Please note for sizing: Size XS = 34 inches at bust and 14.5 inches across shoulders. Size S = 36 inches at bust, 14.5 inches across shoulders. Size M = 38 inches at bust, 14.75 inches at shoulder. Size L = 39 inches at bust, 15 inches across shoulder . Size XL = 42 inch bust, 15.5 inches at shoulder. Measures approx. 20.5 inches long from neck to hem.
View product details at Amazon

MICHAEL Michael Kors Women's Short Swing Coat

2009-03-13T14:15:00.000+07:00

Product Features

* 3 Button Short Swing Coat
* Notch Collar
* Baloon Sleeve Detail
* Dry clean
* Imported

View product details at Amazon

Mossimo® 3/4-Sleeve Wool Coat - Plaid

2009-03-13T14:14:00.000+07:00

Product Features

* Take a Step into Sophisticated Style with this Single-Breasted, Hip-Length Swing Jacket
* 3/4-Length Sleeves
* Made of Shell: 55% Wool, 40% Polyester, 5% Other Fibers
* Hook-and-Eye Closure, Button Closure
* Peter Pan Collar
* Slant Pockets
* Fully Lined for Ease of Wear
* Missy Fit

View product details at Amazon

Andrew Marc Women's Single Breasted Trench With Belt

2009-03-13T14:12:00.000+07:00

Product Features

* 100% Polyester
* Light weight rainwear jacket
* Dry clean only
* Made In China

View product details at Amazon

Womens' Lined Field Jacket

2009-03-13T14:11:00.000+07:00

Product Description
With a funky military style and a comfortable fit, this lined jacket is a great 3-season fashion item. Fashioned with a covered zip-front placket, a multitude of pockets, bottom buckles and shoulder strap detailing. Cotton. Machine wash.

(Please note for sizing this item runs approximately one size smaller than standard US sizing. Please see the US size in parentheses for correct sizing.)
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Columbia Sportswear Women's Benton Springs Fleece

2009-03-13T14:08:00.000+07:00

Product Description
There's a reason that this Benton Springs Sweater is Columbia Sportswear's best-selling fleece style. The Benton's simplicity is its greatest strength. Made with MTR (Maximum Thermal Retention) fleece, you'll find the non-pilling, easy care fleece a blessing. Low-profile hand-warming pockets don't snag on whatever you're layering it under. Radial sleeves give freedom of movement for any sport or activity. Worn alone in the spring, or as a perfect layering piece, the Benton Springs is just plain good fleece.

About Columbia Sportswear
Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown from a small family-owned hat distributor to one of the world's largest outerwear brands and the leading seller of ski-wear in the United States. Columbia's extensive product line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories. Columbia specializes in developing innovative products that are functional yet stylish and offer great value. Eighty-year-old matriarch Gert Boyle, Chairman of the Board, and her son, Tim Boyle, President and CEO, lead the company.

Columbia's history starts with Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, when they fled Germany in 1937. They bought a small hat distributorship in Portland, Oregon, and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river bordering the city. Soon frustrated by poor deliveries from suppliers, the Lamfroms decided to start manufacturing products themselves. In 1948, Gert married college sweetheart Neal Boyle, who joined the family business and later took the helm of the growing company. When Neal suddenly died of a heart attack in 1970, Gert enlisted help from Tim, then a college senior. After that, it wasn't long before business really started to take off. Columbia was one of the first companies to make jackets from waterproof/breathable fabric. They introduced the breakthrough technology called the Columbia Interchange System, in which a shell and liner combine for multiple wearing options. In the early 1980s, then 60-year-old Gert began her role as "Mother Boyle" in Columbia's successful and popular advertising campaign.

The company went public in 1998 and moved into a new era as a world leader in the active outdoor apparel industry. Today, Columbia Sportswear employs more than 1,800 people around the world and distributes and sells products in more than 50 countries and to more than 12,000 retailers internationally.

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metrostyle Back-Button Wool Coat

2009-03-13T14:06:00.000+07:00

Product Description
Make an impact coming...and going in this unique 3/4-length wool coat! Imported. Notch collar with removable belt. Ultra-stylish back-button detail. Easy-on button front. Seamed for shape. Fully lined. 35½ long. Wool/nylon/rayon. dry clean. Misses
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Miss Sixty Women's Double Breasted 8 Button Coat

2009-03-13T14:05:00.000+07:00

Product Features

* Shell: 52% Wool, 43% Poly, 5% Viscose Lining: 100% Poly
* Double Breasted
* Flared Out Sleeve
* Puffed Shoulder Detail
* Imported

From the Manufacturer
8 Button W/ Stand Collar + Extended Cuffs
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Esprit Women's Belted Trench Jacket with Stand Collar

2009-03-13T14:04:00.000+07:00

From the Manufacturer
Esprit's lifestyle brand offers smart, affordable luxury and brings newness and style to life.
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Ladies Toggle Coat

2009-03-13T14:01:00.000+07:00

Product Description
The Ladies Toggle Coat comes in Black and Charcoal. This 3/4 length coat is lined with a quilted lining and is extremely warm. The coat is hooded and has striking black patent leather toggles. The design is a contemporary fitted silhouette. Made of 70% wool and 30% polyester.
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Double Breasted Ladies 3/4 Length Coat

2009-03-13T13:56:00.000+07:00

Product Description
The beautiful silhouette of this double-breasted coat is enhanced with large saucer buttons. This is a 3/4 length coat with an on trend high collar. The design is great for work and play. The design is enhanced by a belt detail in the back. The coat is available in Black and is made from 70% wool and 30% polyester.
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Fashion Advice From Milan: Keep Shouldering On

2009-03-12T16:27:00.000+07:00

Fashion Advice From Milan: Keep Shouldering On

MILAN (AFP) — Shoulders set the silhouette on Milan's catwalks Monday, whether bared for Versace, writ large by Dolce & Gabbana or a fetish for Fendi.

A quintessential Donatella Versace creation sneaks a shoulder out of a flowing grey-blue gown. Elsewhere, shoulder blades are set off by delicate suspenders or a sequined bustier flatters the nape and shoulders.

Necklines plunge to the waist both front and back in Versace's exquisitely draped evening gowns, a triumph of chic eroticism.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana unveiled ready-to-wear creations worthy of the highest of haute couture, marrying extravagance with a bit of surrealist theatre.

It was all in the shoulders, whether puffed up in generous fur stoles, frilled out in shocking pink satin or poking up for a more restrained triangular look.

The shoes, too, took off on flights of fancy, with tiers of gold ruffles or flamboyant seashells decorating black platforms.

Tights were finished with satin ruffles up the backs, while gloves forsook hands, serving as eccentric headgear instead.

Marilyn Monroe was a special guest star, appearing on white satin frocks and a silk Mikado evening gown that was the show's finale.

Nature's goddesses -- silver fox, mink, sable -- padded serenely through the urban jungle imagined by Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi, leaving just a suggestion of their presence.

Here, too, strong shoulders determined the silhouette, while fur or feathers softened the edges, whether in the trim or in the lining of a coat, jacket or dress.

The Dsquared twins Dean and Dan Caten of Canada meanwhile combined grunge with cool and lots of airy sophistication in multi-layered outfits.

Ankles were in, poking out of baggy jeans or khakis or this season's de rigueur skintight black leathers and leggings.

Skimpy knit tube minis competed for attention with feathered skirts and trims, while a casual pea coat topped a fancy black gown.

Men's white silk boxers and an unbuttoned shirt baring the midriff, topped by a short black leather jacket, helped create a tousled just-out-of-bed aura.

Max Mara proposed classic lines with a bit of give, as with a loosely defined trench with sleeves cuffed large at the elbows.

Skirts were mainly midis in sober greys, blacks and camel, cut from luxurious fabrics with feminine features -- a satin skirt cinched with a bow summed it up.

John Richmond seduced with shimmering gold off-the-shoulder tops and long black leather fingerless gloves.

A grey Napoleon jacket over midnight blue harem pants and black ankle boots exuded confidence, as did a slate grey jacket over a bare breast and pleated trousers.

Taken From Google.com

Fur hat at the end of Winter

2009-03-12T14:33:00.000+07:00