Summer Fashion And Fun For The Beach
By Sher Matsen

Look Good & Have Fun This Summer With The Perfect Beach
Wardrobe

It’s that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the
beach for the day to enjoy those warm sunrays and the refreshing
sound of the lapping water.

So what constitutes a good beach wardrobe. Well there are
certain essentials that none of us forget. On goes the swimsuit
and bathing suit cover, flip flops on our feet. Beach bag has
been packed with the essentials – sunglasses, floppy hat, towel
and a good book. Great – got the basics covered but what about
the rest.

So if we are so prepared for a day at the beach, why is it by
the time we get home we look pretty worn. Here are some helpful
tips to make your day at the beach fun and keep you looking
fashion fresh all day and all the way home.

First before you leave home, if you’ve got long hair pull it
into a high pony tail or fun knot. Use some funky hair
accessories that will stay in place when you’re swimming. Try a
fun colored bobble or some firm fastening clips in bright summer
colors. If you pull your hair up your neck will stay cool and
you’ll look fresh all day with your neat hairdo.

Second slather yourself in sunscreen before leaving the house,
then toss the sunscreen in your bag so you can reapply after a
swim or every few hours. A sunburn is not only unhealthy and
painful, it’s unattractive, so don’t let yourself turn into the
lobster of the day. Your sunscreen should be a SPF of 15. It
doesn’t hurt to use a strong SPF on your face or your entire
body if you burn easily.

Your beach bag should be large enough to hold your supplies for
the day. Why not get something fun and fashionable to keep you
looking fashion fresh. Make sure you’ve got all the daily
essentials in your bag – sunglasses, sunscreen, a good book, a
floppy hat, some lip gloss, and any other makeup touch ups
you’ll want. If you plan to wear eye makeup make sure it’s
waterproof. Stay away from heavy foundations. If you must apply
something use a bronzer moisturizer. It’s also a good idea to
bring lip balm with an SPF15 to protect your lips. It never
hurts to put some moisturizer in the bag. Include a snack and
plenty of fluids. It’s important not to get dehydrated.

Okay great we’ve got the basics covered now what about the
wardrobe basics? If you’re planning to wear a swimsuit it’s
usually easiest to put it on at home, that way you’re not
chasing down change rooms. So great – first on goes the
swimsuit. Now what to wear for a cover? Well you’ve got plenty
of choices. A tank top and shorts, tank and skort, or a nice
light cotton dress all work well over top. Choose something
that’s easy to put on and take off, and choose fabrics that
breathe to keep you cool. I also suggest including a long
sleeved cotton blouse just incase you start to burn you can
protect your shoulders and arms.

If you’re planning on heading out later in the day without
returning home you might want to toss a pair of jeans or long
skirt into your bag. If your outing is going to extend into the
evening you’ll want to include a sweater for the cooler evening
air. If you’re worried about your evening wear getting sandy or
wet at the beach, then place them in a separate bag and leave
them in the trunk of your car. That way you are guaranteed
they’ll remain fresh.

My favorite beach look is this. And what’s perfect is it keeps
me looking fashion fresh throughout the day and takes me right
into the evening. First I like a swimsuit that’s got lots of
support and is bright and cheerful. I throw a fitted tank on top
and throw on a loose flouncy long skirt. The long skirt serves
me through the evening and also works great to cover up if I’m
starting to burn. I choose a lightweight material in a darker
color with a pattern that accents the colors in my swimsuit.
Flip flops are my footwear. Depending on where I’m heading after
the beach I choose either a basic pair or one of my funky pair
with rhinestones or crystals. Easy to walk in, feet breath, and
terrific for an evening out. I keep a fitted light weight
sweater in my car, and take a long sleeved cotton blouse down to
the beach. I usually choose a long sleeved and long length
blouse because it’s versatile. I can knot it to create a short
blouse, wear it long as a beach cover, and put it on if I start
to burn on my upper body. I usually choose white or a soft
pastel depending on my other colors. I like white because it’s
cool to wear and refreshing to look at. Every year I buy a fun
new beach tote that’s big enough for the beach but not too big
as to take it with me for an evening out. I like a fun bag
that’s full of character.

Since I always feel naked without my jewelry I wear fashion
jewelry to the beach. That way should I loose something I won’t
be out a lot of money and I won’t feel so bad. I like to keep
the earrings simple and elegant. I may or may not wear a
necklace. Often I’ll toss a funky wood necklace in the bag to
add to the evening outfit. I like to wear a couple of fashion
rings just to add the finishing touches. Now if you’re fussy
about tan lines you’ll probably want to forgo the rings. I toss
my watch in the bottom of my bag so I can put it on later.

That’s it – simple is the key. Keep your beach wardrobe choices
simple but fashionable. Think ahead so you can go from beach to
an evening out without hassle. Remember to always make your
fashion statement!

About the Author: Sher has been serving customers for over 20
years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of
information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on
staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry
International.

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Women's Fashion Footwear: 9 Shoes You Must Have
By Stephanie Pedersen

If you're like most women, you have dozens upon dozens of
sandals, sneakers, loafers, flip-flops, boots, and other
footwear. But how many of them do you love? Really love? How
many fit well, complement your fashion sense, and are versatile
enough to serve multiple purposes? Moreover, how many of these
shoes do you really need? You may be surprised to learn that the
following nine must-haves are the only styles required to create
a shoe wardrobe so all-encompassing, so perfect, that no matter
what the occasion is, you'll have just the right shoe.

1. Two or three pairs of expensive-looking shoes for a work.
Study what your boss is wearing then get yourself two
great-looking pairs of similar shoes. Not only will you always
look appropriate and stylish. you'll always have a pair clean
and ready should one need to go to the cobbler. Need style
suggestions? Go with pumps. Not only are pumps flattering and
easy to wear, they are the quintessential woman's work shoes,
especially for those working in offices, banks, or upscale
shops. Opt for a dark or medium neutral. Think black, chocolate,
cordovan (an old-fashioned word for cherry-kissed brown), or
even burgundy, navy, or charcoal.

2. One warm-weather work shoe. Your best bet is a two-part
pump—or one with peep toes— in a light shade such as tan, beige
or dove gray.

3. One pair of slingbacks in a neutral shade. They look chic
with straight skirts and classic-cut trousers. They can be worn
with bare legs or opaque winter stockings. Plus, they work well
with formal and near-formal wear, they add sophistication to
jeans, and instantly dress up a denim skirt and cardigan like
nothing else can.

4. One pair of strappy dress sandals to wear with formal or
semi-formal attire. They can sex-up a pair of jeans, too. Best
colors: a mid-tone or pale neutral, including metallics such as
silver or gold.

5. One pair of neutral-colored casual shoes for weekends. A
woman can never go wrong with classics such as oxfords,
moccasins, loafers, or clogs.

6. One pair of attractive athletic shoes. They’re
good-enough-looking for your Juicy Couture tracksuit, yet
hard-working enough to perform at the gym.

7. One pair of fashion boots in a medium or dark neutral.
Something classic enough for work-wear yet sexy enough to add an
edge to jeans and an everyday tee. Top-of-the-calf boots with a
flat heel are one of the cold weather season’s hottest looks,
but are surprisingly in-demand even as the weather grows warmer.

8. Two or more pair of casual, warm weather shoes in a pale
neutral or fashion color. Think sandals, ballet slippers, or
flip-flops done up in a dressy material like leather. Consider
yourself a die-hard fashionista? Find a pair of espadrilles with
a low to medium heel. Espadrilles are one of 2006's most coveted
warm-weather trends.

9. One pair of galoshes or other weather-protective footwear.
If you spend a good amount of time outdoors, go with two pairs .
Be sure one is a classic style, such as Hunter Wellingtons in
navy, green, red, pink or pale blue.

So ladies, clean out your closets, and stop spending money on
shoes you don't absolutely love or that does not fit well,
complement your style and is not versatile to serve multiple
purposes. If you follow the above tips you will create a woman's
fashion footwear wardrobe, that no matter what the occasion is,
you will have the perfect shoe.

About the Author: Stephanie Pedersen is the author of the
recently published "Shoes: What Every Woman Should Know" (David
& Charles Publishers), available at http://Amazon.com,
http://BN.com, and bookstores nationwide. If you visit
http://ShoesWhatEveryWomanShouldKnow.com you will learn more
about wearing, buying and loving shoes before you purchase an
author-signed gift copy of Shoes: What Every Woman Should Know.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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Fashion Forward 2008 - The Top Hot Fashion Trends
By Ti Megan Hazel

You probably can't recall who said it, but whoever first
uttered that fashion comes full circle every 30 years or so was
not too far off. This season on the runway is reminiscent of the
flowing 70s in both fabric and style. We are seeing much more of
the long skirt and much less of the micro mini. Materials like
silk and chiffon, which tend to flow and gather, are much more
popular for Spring 2008 than fabrics like cotton or denim which
tend to hold shape and stay stiffer in appearance. The word for
the season is feminine, feminine, feminine! The exception to
this seems to be in outerwear, where rubber is oddly back in
style. Indoors, though, thin little belts, hats, and scarves are
also popular and a throwback to the 70s as well as being
womanly. Don't despair, though - some things from last season
are still popular and can be recycled for this season.
Accessories like metallic bags and clutches, as well as sequins
and some of the longer pencil skirts can still be worn with
confidence. Dresses with color blocks are still around as well,
left over from last season and still cute. Headbands are still a
popular accessory as well.

Sheers are in this year as a fabric style, which works well
with the flow-y nature of the season. Pairing a sheer shirt over
a camisole with denim jeans is a great casual look. In fact, a
sheer scarf works with almost anything this season. Especially
cute is the above-mentioned shirt and jeans with a little scarf
and dressy sneakers. "Dressy sneakers" are another big hit this
year, which will keep your feet happy as you get to be
comfortable and stylish at the same time. Low-lying, patterned
variety sneakers with ties that sport the best of brand names
are the most popular for the young trendsetter.

Speaking of patterns, big bold prints such as tropical themes
and jungle prints are back. For whatever reason, and it seems to
happen every several years, tribal and jungle themes like
leopard prints and zebra stripes make their way back to the
runway. This year is no exception. Color is back, and black is
out, at least for now. Last year, brown was the new black, and
this year it is muted silver and grey that's all the rage when
you want to opt for a non-color.

What about shoes, you ask? Pointy-toe pumps are back! Not that
they ever really went out of style, but they certainly came
second to the flip flop, the ballet slipper, and other such
cutesy flat footwear, along with the rounded toe pump. Also
noteworthy is what's in store for later on in the season. Fall
2008 promises to be chock full of the "bigger is better" theory.
Bigger, chunkier heels, bigger, longer boots, and bigger and
heavier accessories on the shoes themselves such as thick
buckles and chains should be on your radar for footwear.

Of course, if we are going to talk shoes we must talk shades.
Still popular, especially with the Divas, are the ever-present
round and dark sunglasses that cover most of your face. The
celebrities, of course, brought this trend to the forefront of
fashion and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere anytime
soon. Also popular though, is the blue lens which seemed to
disappear for a while. This lens is more appropriate with a
smaller frame than with the oversized shades discussed. The
RayBan Wayfarers, so popular in the 80s, also seem to be making
a comeback this year.

Last but by no means least, there could not be a fashion
article written about what's hot for 2008 without mentioning
jeans. Designer denim continues to be the hottest thing around.
We all know that True Religion, Citizens of Humanity, Buffalo,
Seven for all Mankind and Lucky have become standard, almost
run-of-the mill designer jeans. Even though they cost upward of
$200.00, they are still the 'norm'. Slightly more pricey is
Diesel, and this brand continues to be popular as well. Relative
newcomers, though, are some of the names that were actually
around long before these newbies even existed. Yves St. Laurent,
Donna Karan, and some of the more elite designer's names are
being plastered on the derrieres of the most discriminating
fashionistas this season. As for jean style and cut, the
zipper-ankle and straight-leg varieties that were popular in the
80s are making a comeback. Expect to see them on the legs of the
trendsetters this fall.

This season proves to be an interesting and eclectic mix of 70s
and 80s styles. This may seem contradictory, but the feminine
nature of the season's styles pulls from flowing 70s fabrics and
cuts and seems to just use a hint of 80s metal and accessory -
and it's a hit.

About the Author: Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes
about trends and fashion topics, similar to what consumers read
in http://www.magazines.com/ncom/mag?mid=2632 Lucky Magazine

Source: http://www.isnare.com