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The Spencer jacket is back and packs plenty of attitude for Fall 2008. To tell you a little more about this little jacket, it is a feminine take on the waiter-style topcoat, and goes well with skirts, dresses, pants, and any choice of footwear. Are you ready to channel a little Marlene Dietrich into your wardrobe this Fall? Then the Spencer jacket is a great place to start!

When purchasing a Spencer jacket, there are a few tips to follow.

Tip #1: The lapels should end right at the waist. This jacket is meant to look tailored and long lapels give it a crisp, polished shape.

Tip #2: Wear longer layers underneath. The short length of the jacket means it needs to be paired with something that has length and volume. The length and volume will make the jacket feel up-to-date and effortless.

Tip #3: Muted hues are best. Tones of blacks, grays, and navy offer a great classic feel. These colors never go out of style and can be worn just as well with a soft billowy dress as with a pair of tailored trousers. Steer clear of bright colors, they come off a bit clownish in a jacket of such petite proportions.

Now that you have purchased your perfect Spencer jacket, it is now time to pair it with some items already in your closet. A cool gray wool mohair Spencer jacket looks great worn over a long, flowing silk maxi dress and flats. This is the perfect ensemble for running errands on the weekends. To be a bit more daring, a dark purple Spencer jacket teams up well with black skinny jeans, a fine silk camisole and a pair of sexy patent stilettos. A muted purple-gray, cotton-blend Spencer jacket would pair great with a slouchy trouser, a casual tank, and funky sneakers for the perfect rocker casual look. Finally, if you really want to make a statement, a bold plaid Spencer jacket in cotton and stretch fabric would look best with a pair of dark denim skinny jeans, peep toe heel, and a plain scarf loosely tied around the neck.

For those of you who didn’t know what a Spencer jacket was before, now you know how to buy it and how to wear it as a funky fresh twist to the menswear trend this fall. Try to pair flowing and well tailored bottoms with this jacket to see how versatile it really is. You really can’t go wrong with such a simple addition and this jacket is perfect for the office or a night on the town. Good luck and happy shopping!

Sasha is a fashion editor and accomplished fashion stylist. Visit her website at: http://www.fashionistaspalace.com, to shop at some of the hottest online retailers today and see some of her recommended reading material. Still want more? Then don’t forget to, sign-up for the weekly newsletter full of fashion tips and exclusive deals.

Concerns about the natural environment and the consequences of global warming mean that many of us are looking at different areas of our lives in a new way. Is it possible to find environmentally friendly clothes.

With much of the media dominated by environmental concerns, every aspect of modern living is under the microscope. How we work, how we travel and what we eat have all been closely inspected. What we wear is likely to come in for increased scrutiny.

We’re all becoming increasingly aware of our carbon footprint and how it can be altered depending upon how much energy we use. One area that makes a large contribution to global carbon dioxide emissions is the burning of fossil fuels to meet our energy requirements.

Experts have been calling for all of us to try and reduce the energy that we use in our own homes. One element of this has been to try and get households to switch to energy efficient lighting.

Another has been the call for us all to turn down the heating in our homes. A small reduction in temperatures could lead to a large saving in terms of energy usage.

One way to make this possible is for us all to wear a warm layer of clothing. Wool is perfect for this task.

It has the added benefit of being a natural product, meaning that the amount of energy used in producing a garment should be considerably less than with man-made equivalents.

Given that wool comes naturally from animals, it’s also a renewable source of clothing. These renewable, energy efficient qualities mean that wool based items of clothing are really making a comeback.

If you want to do your bit for the environment, then the message seems to be that you should put on your favourite woollen sweater and turn down the heating!

An alternative to sheep’s wool, is possum wool, as Keith Barrett found out. This article may be published on any website but this resource box must be included in full. The author retains all copyright.

The full brunt of winter is bearing down on us and the temperatures outside prove it. There is not much you can do to get around the cold either. Pretty much your only option is to protect yourself from the cold by wearing warm clothes and even though you have that basket full of mismatched gloves, scarves and hats, you still would like to look good doing so. Those scattered clothings keep you warm but are not very stylish.

The first rule to dressing for the winter is to make sure everything is warm and dry. The second rule is to make sure you don’t look like a hobo trying to stay warm. A common mistake about winter clothes is that people dress monotonous and unstylish. Here are a few tips on staying warm and savvy this winter, without looking like the abominable snowman:

• The first thing you need to think about is what you are wearing on top. Find out about your destination. Will you be spending any time outdoors and how well will the inside be heated. Will it be comfortable or over-whelming? My advice to wear a nice, heavy jacket with a pair of gloves for the cold outside but dress like you normally would for a function underneath. When it’s really cold out, fashion is often thrown out the window in exchange for staying warm. Just make sure what you wear under that jacket is suitable to the occasion and with the style.
• No one can be expected to look their best after being outside in the cold elements for an extended period of time. Your best bet is to wear layers of nice clothes under your coat. Wear clothes that that look good but can be bundled up underneath. Wear a warm thermal or sweater underneath your coat if it isn’t heavy. This year I’ve gone with wearing a corduroy jacket with a nice hooded sweatshirt underneath. You could even use this look with a turtle neck sweater.
• Now it is time to make sure the other parts of your body are kept warm now that your body is taken care of. The key to keeping those other exposed areas of your skin warm is find a good pair of gloves, a warm wool hat and a nice scarf. How heavy each of them should be depends on how cold it is out and where you live. Any of these items can be found in retail stores all over the place but I recommend visiting a vintage shop for some original styles.
• Have you taken precautions to keep your hands dry and warm? If you didn’t, then you are in for one long, miserable day. When I know that I will be outside for an extended period of time in the cold, I try to stock up on hand warmers. They are placed inside your gloves and are pretty effective. You could even place them inside the pockets of your jackets for some added boost of heat. You won’t be sorry.
• It’s time to think about keeping your feet warm. It doesn’t matter what you are wearing. If your feet are cold, you’ll never get warm and it all starts with a pair of thick warm cotton socks. These will keep your feet quite comfortable to go along with a good pair of dry boots or shoes.

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

Traditional chemises were simple, loose fitting pieces of functional women’s underwear. Today, however, chemises are both romantic and naughty lingerie items. Styles range from wild to sweetly innocent. Provided here is a guide to this most versatile type of women’s lingerie.

What is a Chemise?

Chemises are loose yet skimming women’s undergarments. The chemise is actually the very first known example of women’s lingerie, dating to at least the Ancient Roman period. At that time, chemises were simple tunics that served to protect clothing from sweat and bodily oils. Although the designs have changed dramatically since then, the idea of a skimming undergarment continues to appeal.

Historically, chemises were made of rough, common fabrics. However, today’s chemises are most often made from silk or other soft, romantic fabrics. You can even find sexy chemises in lace, mesh and other racy choices. A short chemise that is worn with matching panties is also known as a camisole.

Modern chemises are sometimes similar to babydolls or short nighties, offering a fully-covered but daring body-skimming look. Labels can be confusing, so be sure not to rule out possible choices based only on their labels. Shop in several categories of lingerie to find the garment that is best for you.

How are Chemises Sized?

Chemise sizing is quite simple. Traditional chemises do not have built-in cups, although some more daring modern styles contain this feature. Consequently, chemises are generally sized according to dress sizes. Look for a fit that is loose enough to be comfortable but tight enough to present a sexy silhouette.

Because sizing is so easy, chemises make excellent gift ideas as well. Consider giving a sexy chemise to a bride to be or a soft and elegant piece to a young girl who longs to feel grown up.

What Styles Are Available?

Chemises are available in a wide range of styles from mild to wild. Choose a pretty full coverage chemise with long sleeves and a demure neckline for a sweet, slightly old-fashioned look. If your tastes run more toward hot lingerie, choose a sleeveless short style in a daring fabric such as lace or mesh. If you will wear the chemise as an undergarment, be sure to find a simple style that lacks elaborate detailing, which may show under tight fitting clothing.

Chemises are among the most romantic styles of lingerie. A chemise is extremely versatile as well, taking the place of a slip and even a bra. At night, a soft and beautiful chemise makes an excellent bedtime garment. You can find chemises that are as racy or demure as you prefer, making them an excellent choice for women of all tastes. It is easy to shop online for chemises due to the ease of finding the correct size. Many women choose to collect chemises in a variety of styles that are appropriate to different occasions.

Amanda Cotterill has been involved in the erotic lingerie uk market for many years. This article outlines the benefits of women wearing sexy chemises as if that needed much explaining!

You might disagree, but hear me out on this one point concerning hiking. If you want COMFORT and SAFETY while you are hiking then the right footwear is a must. Your options are virtually unlimited with custom hiking boots depending on whether you will be using them for short walks on ground that is level or whether you intend hiking in unknown or challenging areas and intend to wear them for much longer periods. The type of surface area that you intend to cover will play a significant part in deciding what sort of custom hiking boots will be needed for your trip. The ground you are traversing will dictate whether you need soles that or flat or that have a deep tread. Hiking boots with the right type of sole for the terrain will also increase the safety levels.

INTERESTING FACTS:

If you prefer hiking shoes rather than boots then you should know that they are meant for short hikes, no more than a day, on familiar ground that does not require much climbing.

When you are buying custom hiking boots then the first thing you should make sure of is that you have the correct size. Any hiking boots or shoes that do not fit well could result in blistered feet. The wrong size boot or shoe may also cause your socks to bunch up under a particular area of the foot which will very soon result in a great deal of discomfort. Custom hiking boots that are too small will be uncomfortable, tightness may well result in painful cramps during the course of the day.

You may experience pain across the instep from ill fitting hiking boots; if this happens then the laces should be loosened a bit as this can ease the discomfort. If, for example, your hiking boots feel too tight around the ankle then it makes sense to undo the laces and then retie them but leave the eyes near the top unlaced. Unlacing only part of the boot means that it remains securely on your foot while at the same time lessening the discomfort felt in a particular place.

POTENTIAL HIKING TERRAIN MAKES BOOT CHOICE NECESSARY

Custom hiking boots with a smoother sole will be more comfortable if you plan to be hiking on mostly level ground. Boots that have deeper treads can soon become uncomfortable on this type of ground although they are ideal for ground that is stony or loose. If the area you plan to walk in is unfamiliar however, then it is better to be prepared for conditions that may be less than ideal for hiking. It is preferable to wear custom hiking boots that are designed for rough trails when you are on smooth terrain than to wear boots that are designed for level ground and then slip when you come across rough areas.

WERE YOU AWARE?

Before you go for a long hike you should get yourself some socks that are made from something other than cotton.

CONCLUSION

An important aspect of custom hiking boots that you should bear in mind is how strong the bottom of the sole might be. Hiking boot soles should be strong enough to prevent your feeling any stones that you may walk on while at the same time being impenetrable by sharp objects. If you plan on walking where the ground is rough and rocky then you should have an arch support made from metal, however, if you are on smoother ground then a lightweight plastic support should suffice.

Joseph Campbell and Joseph Coultier makes it easy to enjoy camping, quickly & easily. Learn the essential keys to enjoying camping. To receive more information visit the benefits of using custom hiking boots website.

Remember when a pair of hand painted reading glasses was all the rage? You might not have been wearing readers at that point, but if you did, these glasses looked like someone took the time to personally place their artistic talent on your eyeglass frames.

In reality, there were a few stamped designs placed on a cheap pair of plastic frames. Yet they were in style. Well today, the available styles have caught up with the fashion savvy marketplace.

Practically everyone over the age of 45 needs some sort of additional reading correction. And the 45 year olds today are a lot younger at heart than their parents were at age 45. With this new generation have come innovative senses styles and fashions. This includes everything from shoes and tops to sunglasses and, of course, reading glasses.

The over 40 group today is not ashamed of the fact that a little extra reading correction is needed. They revel in it. With funky, fun colored reading glass frames, and gimmicky new devices we are constantly amazed at the latest reading novelty.

For example, a company called pocket peeper has a credit card sized magnifying lenses that slip right into your wallet. These cards come with flashy designs and some even have embedded rhinestones. Another great item that has been brought back in a great new way is the lorgnette, or reading glasses sans frame. These wonderful pieces are the perfect accessory for that trendy woman.

When it comes to actual reading glass frames, there are colors and designs galore to choose from. You can find more styles of reading glasses to choose from at an online boutique like http://www.readinstyle.com, than you can find shoes in your best girlfriends’ closet.

Frames are designed off styles made famous by characters of the generation, such as Clark Kent and other nostalgic concepts. Or even colors that match that shag green carpet you grew up playing on. Eye Bobs in particular has brought back some colors in a whole new manner that will make you smile and reminisce each and every time you put them on.

Reading glasses have truly become the latest fashion accessory. So what are you doing still wearing those “hand painted” plastic frames? Or cheap metal frames from the dollar store with the missing nose pad? Put your fashion foot forward and enjoy a real pair of reading glasses.

Suzanne Hughes is a fashion expert and buyer of designer reading glasses. You can see many of the great styles she has found at http://www.readinstyle.com

The French model of aromatherapy believes in the efficacy of therapeutic grade essential oils as nature’s medicines and uses them quite liberally, getting the oils into the body in several different ways. The French model is the most extensively practiced model of aromatherapy in the world. This approach to the use of essential oils includes diluting them and rubbing the whole body, using them undiluted (neat) on trouble spots, inhaling them and taking them internally. The British model of aromatherapy comes out of a massage therapy approach and therefore believes that these oils should generally be diluted in low dilutions so they can be massaged over the whole body. A German model of aromatherapy primarily uses the oils for inhalation but does take them internally. All of these models of aromatherapy are valid and have their place in assisting people to attain wholeness and health.

Raindrop Technique is Consistent with the French Model of Aromatherapy

This means essential oils are used both diluted and undiluted on the body. It is the French who have led the way in a resurgence of interest in essential oils. In France, therapeutic grade oils (not perfume grade) are used in medical practice much like pharmaceutical drugs are used. Gary Young who developed the Raindrop Technique studied with French doctors learning the medicinal properties of oils and how they can benefit us in our quest for wholeness and health.

In the Raindrop technique a series of nine oils are dropped from a space of about six inches from the body onto the spine and then feathered lightly into the skin. A few additional steps are used to massage the oils into the deeper tissues. Only a few drops of each oil is used. These oils are oregano, thyme, basil, cypress, wintergreen, marjoram, Aroma Siez (a muscle relaxing blend), peppermint, and Valor (an energy balance blend.)

Using essential oils undiluted or “neat” on the body can cause minor reddening and heat in the tissues. Normally this is nothing to be concerned about. Many of your over-the-counter creams and rubs for sports pain do the same thing. Blondes, redheads, and people who have toxic systems are more susceptible to this temporary reddening of the skin and can easily be remedied by application of a pure vegetable oil to the affected area. This essentially dilutes the oil and the warming effect.

Want to know more about Raindrop Technique and how your health can benefit from it? The Institute of Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy teaches classes throughout the United States on both aromatherapy and energy (spiritual) healing.

I’d like to invite you to explore our educational offerings. When you go to my site I will have a BONUS GIFT for you–a sample of our work.

You will receive free instant access to a Special Report on Five Biblical Oils when you subscribe to my free monthly newsletter on energy healing and aromatherapy. You can get your free access immediately by clicking on http://www.ISHAhealing.com

From Linda L. Smith, Director of the Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy, a national program in healing.

Cashmere is a luxurious material. The Cashmere, or goat down, is a source of wool that is processed to become pure cashmere fibres for clothing and other textile articles. The name Cashmere comes from the name of the place itself, Kashmir, an Indian state situated in the North of the country. Cashmere is also made into accessories like scarves, socks, gloves, robes, blankets etc… Cashmere clothing is one of the most luxurious accessories that you can buy and is favoured by the elite.

Pure Cashmere keeps you warmer than the normal wool fibres and it is also softer. That’s why Cashmere has become one of the most sought after and expensive products in the market, synonymous with quality and luxury.

Cashmere sweaters, scarves and accessories are perfect for cold weather attire, available in many different colors, styles and designs for ladies, gents and children alike, it’s a very flexible fibre and can be woven in many weights from lightweight to chunky garments.

There is a wide collection of Cashmere accessories to choose from. They are more expensive than normal accessories but are long lasting and will give you years of use and comfort. When choosing and purchasing Cashmere clothing, try to select the purest fibres only. There are many imitations available in the market but not all of them are true cashmere. The original, pure cashmere items will be soft and comfortable to wear and will also last a lifetime if looked after carefully. The substandard imitations will pill and bobble after only a few wears and do not offer good value for money.

Also read about Cashmere Gloves, Scottish Cashmere and Cashmere Cardigan

My Christmas gifts wishlist is a very long list. Condensing it to the top ten Christmas gifts that I would like will take some thought, but I will try, I have wanted a keyboard for quite a while. I know some music, but I would just love to be able to play some Mozart or Beethoven to help relax me and destress my day. A keyboard and some sheet music would go a long way to making me happy and my children sad.

Another gift that I would like is some classical music CD’s. Nothing obscure, but more in the vein of Mozart, Beethoven, Choplin to help bring some calming influence into my chaotic home. Practical gifts is what I would normally choose, however, so a great pair of black leather boots would be wonderful to wear with my jeans and skirts. They would also help to keep my tootsies warm during the cold winter months.

Another somewhat practical gift is a few cashmere sweaters. Bright colored, warm, soft sweaters are just the best during the cold, drab winter months. A great warm, soft throw blanket is wonderful, too. You also can’t go wrong with some books. The newest bestseller or a great cookbook would give me something to do when it is too cold to be outside. Perfume would be great, too, I have expensive tastes, however, so it will have to be something French.

Food is the way to this person’s heart. Hot chocolate, milk chocolate, and anything chocolate is a good choice for me. A good wine would be nice, too. You know it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be to narrow my list down. I am really not that picky about what I like, as long as you give it with love and keep the receipt!

I enjoy giving presents much more than I enjoy receiving. I enjoy finding the thing that will make the gift receiver’s eyes light up. Yes, my family gives me a Christmas gifts list, but I always buy a surprise or two that I know that they will love. I might buy tickets to a show that they have been wanting to see or a membership to a museum that they love to visit. I don’t really like to buy gift certificates. It just seems that you just don’t make the effort to determine what they would like, but I have had to give them when I just cannot come up with something special. The top Christmas gifts for children and teenagers usually includes the latest computer games, music, or technology gadget, but you can’t go wrong with classic board games, a train set, or a doll’s house either. Choosing Christmas gifts does not have to be difficult. Just do it with love and you are sure to find a gift that they will love and enjoy!

Andrew Caxton writes about Christmas decorating at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/magazine/christmas-decorating.html , where you can find also tips and advice about ornaments and the best ideas for Christmas gifts

It might sound ridiculous, but, it has been so for centuries.

Jean Patou a Paris fashion designer made silk ties from women’s dress material, hence the advent of the designer tie.

So the concept is nothing new. The fact is women’s fashion is specifically designed to attract man.

And so naturally including a smidgeon of femininity into men’s accessories, silk ties in particular, makes perfect sense. The other thing is, you’d be surprised at the number of females that design men’s clothing.

It is our good fortune that they do, otherwise we’d end up with nothing other than grey suits, striped ties and tattered old wallets.

I’ve seen the spring summer 2009 silk tie collection, they are drab and colourless, a series of stripes and geometric patterns, no floral’s at all, which, after seeing what women plan to wear is in contrast to logic.

How much longer do we have to be confined to conservative shades of grey?

Well, luckily there are changes afoot and if you’re prepared to look hard enough will be rewarded. There are designers out there who accurately forecast future trends and they’re the ones to watch as they buck the critics view.

The women fashion designers I know of and or associated with all share common traits, the way they incorporate colour and pattern cannot be mimicked by man. And that’s where the great appeal is, it’s the scent of a women in the designs they create.

Rather than follow mainstream, we’ve created our own regime with a small cluster of male and female designers. People may ask, what’s so special about that? Well there’s only one way to find out.

By name, Cressida Bell, Victoria Richards and Vivienne Westwood, Shane McCoubrey, Ian Flaherty, Lbb London and Simon Carter.

By unique product brand, Falling Leaves silk ties, Bar, Orb, and the cube Swarovski crystal cufflink by Ian Flaherty.

And if it’s Jewellery for men you’re searching for? The best is deigned by a woman.

Now here are a couple of historic anecdotes from our data base.

1971: Maverick screen actress Katherine Hepburn, whose long-term lover Spencer Tracey was a customer of Huntsman, takes the extraordinary step of ordering bespoke denim jeans from her late lover’s Savile Row tailor. Hepburn’s commission foreshadows bespoke denim collections launched in 2006 by Timothy Everest and Evisu.

1973: Robert Redford stars in the definitive film of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald was a dedicated customer of Jermyn Street bespoke shirt maker Turnbull & Asser. The shirts that reduce The Great Gatsby’s socialite heroine Daisy (Mia Farrow) to tears with their beauty in the film all bear the Turnbull & Asser bespoke label.

1974: Gieves Ltd acquires Hawkes (and the precious freehold of No I Savile Row) and become Gieves & Hawkes.Tommy Nutter seeks sanctuary at Kilgour, French & Stanbury after his acrimonious exit from Nutters of Savile Row. Kilgour also incorporates the famed hunt tailoring specialist Bernard Weatherill. Nutters of Savile Row continues with Sexton, Roy Chittleborough and Joseph Morgan. Maurice Sedwell hires Trinidad-born Andrew Ramroop who will go on to become Managing Director and a Professor of tailoring at the London College of Fashion.

There will always be a niche to fill and our aim is to do so.

Purveyor of finely crafted silk ties, cufflinks, men’s jewellery, belts and wallets, by renowned British Designers here at http://www.patrickmcmurray.com