Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Sexy Transparrent Black Lingerie (Beautiful Sheer Net Baby Doll)
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Sexy bridal lingerie
Enchantment lingerie Chemise with G-String. Sexy bridal lingerie. This lingerie set make a great gift for a lingerie bridal shower! Source: usabride.com
Casual, relax, elegance, and sexy lingerie
Casual, relax, elegance, and sexy lingerie. Elementary fashion
Friday, July 13, 2007
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Smoking ban 'will benefit the skin
As well as the obvious health effects of giving up, quitters can expect to see their skin glow.
Non-smokers currently exposed to smoky atmospheres in bars, clubs and restaurants would also reap the benefits of the ban, they said.
Cigarette smoke causes the skin to age prematurely and recent studies have suggested passive smoking also leads to wrinkles.
Dr Colin Holden, president of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: "When we think of the impact of smoking on the body, we obviously concentrate on the risks of lung cancer and heart disease.
"However, strong evidence now links the habit to premature ageing of the skin, including wrinkles. These findings may provide an extra incentive for people to quit.
"The skin gets its elasticity to a large extent from collagen.
"Smoking enhances an enzyme in the skin (matrix metalloproteinase-1), which degrades collagen, so the skin loses its elasticity and develops lines.
"In addition, smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, which limits the amount of oxygen that can reach the skin. This lack of oxygen reduces production of collagen and elastin and negatively affects the skin's health and appearance generally.
"Smoking can also cause an unattractive yellowing of fingernails which makes the hands look older."
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Friday, June 1, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Substance, Style, & Soul ---- Sasson 2007
| SASSON 2007 includes more in-depth and provocative features on fashion, art, history and social issues. SASSON’s mandate of “Substance, Style & Soul” makes it distinct in Canadian publishing. | ||||
Hot off the press, the 2007 issue of SASSON Magazine includes more in-depth and provocative features on fashion, art, history and social issues, while remaining true to its sophisticated and poignant voice.
“SASSON is distinct from other Canadian magazines in that it is imbued with a soul, a conscience and a love of timeless beauty,” says Publisher Brian B. Wein. “With the words ‘Substance, Style and Soul’ inscribed on the cover of each luxurious issue, we revel in our distinction of being a publication with purpose.”
SASSON 2007 features an exceptional array of international fashion, explores the philosophy behind creations by French Couture masters Franck Sorbier and Georges Chakra and includes an impressive display of international couture evening wear and fine men’s fashions for 2007. The issue presents extraordinary photography by acclaimed American photographer, Monty Zucker, and Canadian photographers Arline Malakian, Dean Macdonell and Darren Levant. Several pages of SASSON 2007 are accented with the timeless fashion illustrations of Canadian legend Frederick Watson.
A sampling of this year’s editorial line-up includes:
By Echo’s Pond, a look at true beauty at the dawn of the 21st century. This is Canada’s most honest and thoughtful article on society’s current perceptions of beauty. Quoted excerpts:
Make-up artist Jackie Gideon: “The druggie look, the consumed look, or the nymphomaniac look – what are they telling us? Obviously these people don’t have kids. I’m a mother, an artist and a woman. I know how I want to be portrayed…”
“There are two kinds of men in fashion: straight men and gay men and this is not a secret. Gay men [tend to] look at women more as beautiful dolls or objects; it’s a point of view. Homophobia is not the issue, [it is] that these men don’t understand because their lifestyle does not include women as mothers or women as women.”
“I work with babies; they start at 14, 15 years old and they are made to be women. They have to portray themselves in a very strong way for the camera. How can you ask them [at that age to look sexy?”
Fashion Photographer Arline Malakian: “We begin to think of beauty as something we own, rather than something we are already …The commoditization of our culture strengthens the insecurities in every person. The market is catching onto it and we’re not waking up and saying, ‘Hey, wait a second, what am I getting out of this? I am just feeling more insecure.’ ”
“…I’m not part of that. My quest is [to create work] with an edge that says you, the observer, too are beautiful. For me, beauty is contagious. Beauty has no ego. Competition does not make you beautiful. When I look at you in a beautiful way, you become beautiful, and your feeling beautiful is going to make me feel beautiful. Sometimes you look at somebody, and they are really not that amazingly beautiful when you are dissecting and judging, but the minute they open themselves up and you see all these elements that are coming together, they emanate beauty! Then their beauty inspires you, and you become more forgiving, softer, gentler, and you seem more beautiful too.”
The Delta Deception, a challenge to western scholars by award-winning filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici to address the ongoing Egyptian cover-up of ancient biblical antiquities. Quoted excerpts:
Award-winning Canadian filmmaker, Simcha Jacobovici: "What would appear to be an open, scholarly debate is actually an oppressive reign of academic intimidation! … Members of the media and academia should be truth-seekers …even if it makes them uncomfortable. I would like to see some honest wrestling with the issues.”
SASSON is printed to the highest Canadian printing industry standards by an award-winning industry leader. Its content on fashion, art, society and heritage can be accessed at www.sassonmgazine.com. For readers dedicated to learning more about planning luxury events or weddings; insider expertise, tips, references and can be accessed at SASSON’s sister site for events, www.sasson.ca.
SASSON’s mandate of “Substance, Style & Soul” makes it distinct in Canadian publishing. It is published annually by Brian Baruch Productions in Toronto, Canada, and sold at Chapters-Indigo, Whole Foods and more than 500 better magazine and newsstands throughout the GTA. SASSON is available at major markets throughout Canada.
Green Living 101: Fashion Fundamentals
Filed under: Cloth and fabric, Fabric Finishes, Clothing and fabric, Fashion
My friends and I live our post-grad school lives on a tight budget. Therefore any retail purchase merits attention—in particular my friend's new Levi's. He was eager to show me the details (a tiny e sewn in green at the cuff and oversized back pockets with a wide lip that keeps his wallet from slipping out). I was elated. They were 100 percent organic cotton.
"It was a double bonus because I really liked the cut, and if you think about it, they are closer to the way original jeans were made," he explained. "I would pay 10 percent more for a product to get it organic. I swear it's more comfortable, and I know I'd end up paying the 10 percent in other ways."
Even if only one of my friends was beginning to realize the upside to buying organic—better for the earth and just as trend-worthy—I had hope for the success of the burgeoning eco-fashion market.
But being able to afford an entirely green closet—impossible, especially when headlines focus on über pricey entrees like Stella McCartney's $495 organic cotton shopping bag. Or is it? This March voguish discounter H&M debuted a collection of organic cotton clothing for women, juniors and kids, available in most U.S.-based stores. Three years ago, Wal-Mart started with organic cotton yoga tops and has since expanded into baby clothes, teen fashion and men's and women's t-shirts. Even The Gap is getting into the organic cotton game.
As these goliath-sized retailers make room for more affordable environmentally conscious options, we've rounded up a few basics that should occupy space in every green wardrobe, as well as some seasonal must-haves for your (carbon-neutral) trip to the beach.
Sexy fashion: The week that was
Let's put on a buyer's hat and accentuate the positives to come out of Fashion Week.
It's easy to be negative about Australian Fashion Week. Every year there are hits and misses and the spring-summer 2007-2008 collections were no different. Yes, there were too many young designers and too many collections that weren't up to scratch. We knew that would be the case before the event even kicked off on April 30. Of the 80 designers, 37 were new and many unheard of. Star designers and Fashion Week regulars Akira Isogawa, Sass & Bide, Toni Maticevski and Leona Edmiston were missing.
For some, it is the expense - $100,00-$200,000 to put on a show. For others, it is the timing, as they are presenting collections in New York and Paris or are focused on other areas of the fashion business. We can't criticise them for not showing at Fashion Week. We haven't turned our backs on Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett because they make films overseas. We just hope that occasionally they come home to Australia so we can enjoy their talent.
That said, there were definitely highlights from some of our new and established designers. Josh Goot, Kirrily Johnston, Lisa Ho, Anna & Boy, Anna Thomas, Jayson Brunsdon, Ginger & Smart, Tina Kalivas, Lee Mathews and Ksubi presented collections that wowed the media and had fashion buyers reaching for their order books. But this relatively short list highlights another problem with the week-long event - it is too long. It should be cut to three days or the week should be split into categories. New designers on one day, swimwear on another, established designers all together. It would make the industry-only week more manageable. OK, so Australian Fashion Week isn't just for the media. It's also a "wholesale event", says Simon Lock, the event's founder. "It's a platform for Australian designers to show their collections to local and international buyers." So I'll put on a buyer's hat on and select those designers I'd choose for summer. Call it criticism by omission.
Josh Goot
For his "sport-meets-futuristic-Rome" collection. Goot has moved away from his signature cotton jersey to experiment with fabrics such as Lycra and metallic mesh. Draping fabrics and simple sheaths in hot pink, purple and blue were standouts. Loved the pencil skirt in lemon and the tight bias-cut mini dresses with panels of vibrant colour. Leggings were in abundance on the catwalk but Goot's looked as if they had run straight off the athletics track and will do the same out the store. His cool metallic mesh knit dresses and pants were also highlights.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Catherine the name of the fashion future
The man who helped shape the careers of Kate Moss, Gisele Bundchen and even Princess Diana has said McNeil is the name of the fashion future.
Testino has spoken publicly for the first time in the prestigious US fashion magazine V.
"This girl is amazing," he told the magazine. "I think Catherine has got what it takes to be an amazing model. That's why I've put her on an exclusive contract."
That six-month contract with Testino has already paid off for McNeil.
She has just shot a Versace campaign in Paris and she'll star in the advertisements, due out in August, alongside Kate Moss.
A year ago Catherine McNeil didn't even know who Mario Testino was ¨C today the teenage model is the envy of her peers after signing an exclusive contract with the renowned fashion photographer and star maker. [Daily Telegraph]The 18-year-old model spent last year working in Sydney with Chic Model Management before being catapulted into the international fashion world.
"I love working with him (Testino), he's a good teacher and he's got me some great jobs," McNeil told The Daily Telegraph.
She has also recently completed an advertising campaign for Dolce & Gabbana's D&G label and will star in ads for top New York designer Donna Karan.
The teenager has now left Australia and calls New York home. As well as the new surroundings she is also getting used to the title of supermodel.
After an era of waifs and girl-like looks for models, McNeil is being lauded for bringing back classic beauty and womanly curves.
V Magazine is the latest to give her the "supermodel" title as she headlined fashion shoot "Birth of a Supermodel".
See more pics of McNeil in V Magazine by clicking here.
The New York Times also gave her the supermodel tag after she appeared at 34 shows for top designers in Paris, Milan and New York in February.
And she is set to again appear with the supermodel tag in prestigious US magazine Vanity Fair. It is a tag the down-to-earth teenager still has trouble believing.
"I'm just a normal kid who has a weird job," she said. "I don't think I'm a supermodel."
She said her modelling success had given her the life she had always dreamed about.
Since January she has been living in New York and her life today involves constant travelling to a new job.
"When I was a kid I said I'd love to go to Paris and I'd love to travel. In the past four months I've been to every single place that I've ever wanted to go," she said.
The big trip she is looking forward to now is when she returns to Australia in August.
"I'm coming back to see my family and just hang out," she said.
"I can't wait to just hang out."
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Ten beauty tips for a glowing you
(Note: Guys, you need this more than we do because we can at least do make-up... you guys have to go it natural! So please shed your inhibitions and look forward to a great-looking new you!)
1. Do a home facial every week. You can skip the massage part and save that for your monthly professional facial. At home, just do the following:
* Cleanse with a good cleanser,
* Massage apricot scrub for 5 minutes,
* Steam for 5-10 minutes,
* Apply a good face pack for ten minutes,
* Tone (using a toner or astringent that is suitable for your skin type),
* Moisturise,
* Apply sunscreen.
2. And here's a natural remedy that will make you look years younger. Make a paste of methi leaves and apply on the skin every night. Wash off.
3. For a brilliant but temporary sparkle, make a lather of your favourite face wash and put in half a teaspoon of sugar. Gently rub the sugar and soapy mix on your face (gently!) for a few minutes, adding water as you keep up the lather. After 5 minutes, wash off and moisturise if necessary. Turn off all the lights in your house because you'll glow like a light bulb!
4. To prevent photo-aging (read: wrinkles), there's nothing as necessary as sunscreen. SPF 30 is just fine for Indian skin. But use it every single day, especially on your face and hands. In fact, I have started using sunscreen instead of regular moisturiser for my hands on a daily basis.
5. There's nothing like standing on your head for good blood circulation. This in turn will give a healthy, rosy glow to your face. However, shirshaasan (standing on your head) is not necessarily suitable for everybody. Sarvaangasan (on your shoulders) is better. Otherwise, just lie down cross-wise on your bed and let your head and chest hang off the side. Let the blood rush to your head for 30 seconds to a minute. Get up slowly. Feels good (after a few moments!). Do it only on an empty-stomach.
6. I cannot emphasize the usefulness of an apricot scrub. Every two or three days! It's awesome. Just use it for a minute or two, and wash off. A necessity for city-dwellers!
7. Why do we ignore our hands? In fact, if you want to tell someone's age, look at their hands! Do a hand facial once a month (same process: cleanse, scrub, steam and pack). What I am thinking of doing is taking face cleansers that don't suit my face and using them to wash my hands, instead of soap. After all, if we don't use soap on our face, why should we subject our hands to this harshness! But of course, soap may be needed at times to really kill germs, especially if you are about to eat.
8. If your hands are really dry, take one tablespoon of olive oil and add two pinches of salt to it. Rub your hands with this mixture, adding more oil or salt as required. After 5 minutes, wash with lukewarm water. You will feel an unparalleled, numbing softness!
9. Every night, before sleeping, apply Vaseline petroleum jelly on your feet. All the cracks will disappear and your feet will look smooth and beautiful (guys, hope you are listening too! Even the most well-groomed men often forget their feet!). By this procedure alone, I avoided pedicures for 2 years!
10. For those of us who have a lot of unwanted hair, the method that I have liked the best is cream hair remover. Lots of people discourage me, but I think it's AWESOME. Worth a try, especially for the body (it's quite rough for the face, although I use it for 5 minutes and immediately apply homeopathic calendula overnight). The method is:
* Apply the cream,
* Wait 7 minutes,
* Use a bath sponge (those fluffy, flower things) to scrub off. I like this method because I can do it every third day (I don't have to wait for the hair to grow out fully); I can do it anywhere, anytime; and I find that the hair really decreases with time. However, reader discretion is advised.
Spring 2007 Hot Fashion Trends
Fashion for grown-ups is back this season with a move away from the messiness of boho and russe and a move towards a more feminine, softer styling.
Romance and ruffles have returned, as well as the dress, in everything from the pared-back shirt dress to that staple in every woman's wardrobe - the little black dress.
Spring Fashion On The Catwalk
The shift away from the eclectic, ethnic looks of earlier seasons was evident on the Spring 2007 fashion catwalks, with a strong move towards a more elegant, classic style.
Ruffled blouses in soft fabrics, easy wear dresses in everything from gabardine to silk jersey, full but flattering skirts, modern duster coats and brocade softly-styled jackets all made an appearance.
The professional business suit is stylish and elegant, but less structured this season, and offset with a sexy silk camisole or diamante accents.
Colors are much softer this season and neutral tones were evident in most of the top designers' shows, with accents in soft greens, navy blue and turquoise.
The tiered or ruffled skirt added to the feminine styling with soft, floaty fabrics to keep the look light and airy.
For evening, the look was long and lean to accentuate a woman's shape, and accessories were soft and understated. Long strands of beads, diamantes and gold chains added to this leaner silhouette. Layers and tassels were also on show.
The stiletto is still the perfect shoe for evening wear and handbags are softer with classical style to complement the easier and more glamorous look.
Spring 2007 has seen a return of the real woman, with a rich classic look accented with a touch of easy elegance.
In style briefs
Target ups ante
Target keeps upping its style ante with limited-edition additions such as the hot line from Proenza Schouler, nominated for this year's women's wear fashion award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The latest debut is the Rafe for Target accessories collection, which re-interprets its pricey uptown-meets-downtown handbags and shoes at less than $50. Look for great summer straw and linen bags and sassy flip-flops.
For guys, the Keanan Duffty for Target clothing line, referencing the London punk-rock circuit, is inspired by Duffty's own days as a musician. Look for multi-patterned shirts with colorful button details, plaid shorts and graphic T's.
'Glow' is new tan
Nothing says summer like tanned, golden skin, but in this day and age of SPF 50 sporting a real tan is just plain irresponsible. Still, blatantly faking one is outdated and can look silly.
To achieve a beautifully bronzed glow, swap your fake-bake palette of browns and peachy-gold makeup for subtle, gradual self-tanners that flatter skin of every shade.
Here are a few tips:
• Even the lightest shades of bronzing powders have a tendency to look too dark, too matte, too opaque, too metallic or too orange when applied. Nars Sparkling Pressed Powder in Gold Rush ($30) provides radiance without the extra color. This low-watt powder blurs pores and wrinkles, absorbs oil and gives eyelids a clean sparkle so you don't need shadow.
• Tinted lip balms in peachy-pink or golden nude shades add just enough color and volume to look fresh but not makeup-y. Neutrogena Soothing Lip Sheers SPF 20 in Sparkling Nude ($9) does the trick and has a peppermint flavor.
• Fresh High Noon FreshFace Glow ($36) is a hydrating tint with botanicals that renders dry skin immediately sunny and dewy. If you like more coverage, mix it fifty-fifty with your foundation.
• Shiseido Daily Bronze Moisturizing Emulsion for Face/Body ($35) is one of the subtlest self-tanners. It contains a reduced level of the active ingredient, DHA. The effect is like bumping up your light-reflecting foundation a shade -- just enough to blur discolorations -- and it won't cause elbows, knees or brown spots to overtan.
• Revlon Bare It All Lustrous Lotion in Peachy Tease ($15), a cross between primer and a highlighter, comes close to giving "experienced" skin that lit-from-within look you see on 18-year-olds in cosmetics ads. Think of it as your personal retoucher in a tube. You can blend it under your foundation or wear it over sunblock for extra glow.
Fashion 'Idol'
Maybe Sanjaya Malakar's performances annoyed you, but you adored the Pumas he sported on his final week on "American Idol." Learn more about the shoes and other clothing worn by the Idols at StarStyle.com.
Each week the site gives details about "Idol" clothes, offering brand names and places to shop. Highlights have included Melinda Doolittle's sexy black pumps, Blake Lewis' natty argyle sweater and Lakisha Jones' sultry bead-waist dress.
Eco-Centric Introduces its Fall 2007 Organic Collection
Brand new fashion-forward women's clothing line ECO-CENTRIC, inspired by nature and made of all organic cotton fabrics is introduced for the Fall 2007 season.
Brand new fashion-forward women's clothing line ECO-CENTRIC, inspired by nature and made of all organic cotton fabrics is introduced for the Fall 2007 season.
CEO/Founder of Eco-Centric, Laura Chambers, a true veteran of the fashion industry, decided to start her own line of unique and fashion forward women's apparel made of 100% certified organic fabrics. Inspired by nature, every style is unique and reflective of the beautiful surroundings found around us. Each style has a modern nature photograph digitally printed on it using a specialized technology that originates from Japan.
Unlike many organic lines which are frumpy and unflattering to the body, Eco-Centric's designs are truly at the forefront of the organic market. Eco-Centric features contemporary knit tanks, tops, dresses and cardigans for the fashion-forward, yet ecologically conscious woman retailing from $42-$164.
10% of all proceeds will benefit environmentally involved charities globally.
About Eco-Centric
Started by founder/designer Laura Chambers, she one day decided to combine the two things she was passionate about: fashion and the environment, and with that launched Eco-Centric in 2007, a line that would truly make a difference.
Eco-Centric is now available online at www.eco-centricstyle.com, Fred Segal, and fine boutiques nationwide.
Maintain cool during encounter with an ex
Kelli Flournoy knew that one day she'd bump into her ex-boyfriend in the Atlanta suburbs where they grew up, dated and eventually split. She even rehearsed all the possible scenarios in her head. "Would I play it cool?" the 26-year-fashion stylist wondered.
Because the breakup hadn't been the most pleasant, Flournoy was leaning more toward icy than sweet. Then last month it happened, at a nightclub in Atlanta, four years after they had parted ways.
There was chit-chat and a showering of compliments, but when her ex started rubbing her shoulder and telling her how beautiful she looked, "I just walked off thinking to myself, 'Eat your heart out!' "
Bumping into the ex is rarely a joyous event. Maintaining one's composure is paramount.
"It's almost always going to be an awkward moment," said Sandra Ann Miller, a Los Angeles-based author whose book, "A Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Over Him," hit shelves this winter. "Of course, it's great if you're having a great hair day. It's not so great if you're wearing a pony tail and track pants."
How things ended might indicate how the meeting will go. "It's mostly awkward if the relationship ended poorly," said Miller who offers these tips on navigating the awkward bump-in:
# If you see each other in passing, a simple smile or wave is always classy.
# If you're right next to each other, a courteous hello "is the nice thing to do. But rolling your eyes and huffing out of the room is never a good tactic."
# Once you've said hello or made your friendly gesture, don't look back. Ever.
# Avoid those places where you know he or she will likely be, even if it was "your place" to begin with.
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