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Buying Petite Clothing Made Easy

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:11:16 +0000

Buying Petite Clothing Made Easy

by: Bridget P. Allen

All you girls 5? 4? and under, fight for your right for high quality fashionable clothes! Many petite women find it difficult to find properly fitting quality clothes. It?s only recently that designers target petite women with fashionable clothing.

This year, fashion is all about you and your style. Fashion is about confidence. If you feel great in an outfit, others can?t help but feel your vibes.

In the past petite women had to settle for ill fitting regular clothes in run-of-the-mill sizes. But that?s long in the past. Today?s petite women find more and more stores devoted to meeting the needs of the short statured.

Petite framed women can wear just about any style and look slimmer and most importantly taller, by following a few simple rules.

Avoid bold, large patterns with heavy fabrics. Keep print in proportion to your figure. Smaller frames deserve smaller prints.

Avoid styles that draw the eye to the waist or hip area. These tend to make you look more round.

Avoid too much jewelry. Jewelry can overpower a small frame.

Wear light weight material when layering. Too much bulk bulks up the petite woman.

Avoid wearing contrasting colors such as black skirt and white top when wearing separates.

Wear the same color from head to tow to create a continuous flow. Blend similar colored shoes and hose to appear taller.

If wearing boots, make sure the hem of your skirt is long enough to cover the boots. This will create an unbroken line to help give a slenderizing affect.

Skirts should be slightly above the knee and always worn with heels. Below the knee skirts tend to make the short statured woman look stubby.

Heels are a must for the vertically impaired. High-heeled shoes guarantees that your legs will look longer and leaner.

So if you are yearning for pants that don?t drag the floor or shirts with sleeves the correct length, look in the petite section of your favorite store. You?ll have everyone turning their heads whispering ?Who?s that fab girl??

About The Author

Bridget Allen has worked for many years in the fashion industry, at a senior level, and she has written an amazing totally free fashionista minicourse that will thrill, entertain, and most importantly educate you about what you absolutely need to know about fashion. Get the free course " Fashionista Essentials" now at http://www.i-stylish.com.

Christmas Decorating: Create A Lifelike Santa In Your Bathroom

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:17:18 +0000

Christmas Decorating: Create A Lifelike Santa In Your Bathroom

by: Johann Erickson

If you love to go all out with your Christmas decorating, here is a whimsical, original idea for your bathroom:

Materials needed:

White shower curtain, canvas, or fabric (a new canvas drop cloth works great)
Shower curtain liner (to protect curtain from moisture)
Projector*
Permanent black marker, preferably a thick one
Paint pens
Paint
Fiberfill or cotton balls
Santa hat
Black felt (about one yard)
2 red hand towels or red fabric

*If you can draw, you may not need the projector. If you are not artistically inclined, and do not already own a projector, see if you can borrow one.

Let's get started!

If you're using fabric instead of a shower curtain, you'll need to make it standard shower curtain size, which is about 72" x 72". Cut the fabric 73" x 73", fold each side over one half inch, press into place, and hem each side to make smooth edges. Purchase plastic rings (usually found near the curtain rods) and sew them to the top for shower curtain rings. If you don't already have a second rod, pick up a tension rod. They are inexpensive and simple to install.

The next step is finding a great picture of Santa Clause. Look in coloring books, storybooks, or online. Once you find a picture you like, blow it up on the projector until Santa looks life-sized. Hang the fabric or shower curtain on the wall or a door with thumbtacks or straight pins, and project the image onto it. Santa's knees should be about 6" from the bottom of the shower curtain. Stop at the knees and do not draw the rest of the legs (you will see why later).

Next, trace the image with a permanent black marker (put paper behind the curtain to keep marker from seeping through). Fill in the details for Santa's face as well as other intricate areas with the paint pens. Fill in his suit with paint. Nearly any kind of paint will do, but craft paint is the least expensive.

In order to create a three dimensional effect, use fiberfill or stretched out cotton balls for Santa's hair and beard. Apply with regular school glue or use fabric glue. Use a real Santa hat instead of painting one. These can be found at dollar stores and discount stores for very little money. Simply stitch the hat onto the curtain from the backside, or attach it with fabric glue.

Add a piece of black felt for Santa's belt. A real buckle makes a nice touch. You can remove a buckle from an old belt that you no longer wear and thread the felt through it, or you can purchase a used belt at a thrift store and simply remove the buckle to use it for this project. Stitch the felt into place or apply with fabric glue.

Hang the curtain and tuck the bottom edge inside the tub. Santa's knees should line up closely with the edge of the tub.

Here's the really fun part: Fold the red towels in half lengthwise and stitch or glue the sides together. If using fabric, cut to the size of regular hand towels (not fingertip towels) and proceed as directed above. Next, arrange the towels so that the attached edges are in the middle instead of along the side then press into place with a warm iron. This seam should face the shower curtain so it won't show. Stitch or glue the towels to Santa's knees. Santa now has three-dimensional legs that swing when the curtain moves!

Make mittens and boots from the leftover black felt. Attach the mittens to the curtain and the boots to the towels. Another neat idea is to set a pair of boots outside the tub and tuck the "legs" into the boots. This looks terrific and makes the effect even more dimensional. This idea is best used in the guest bathroom or on the day company is coming, after everyone has showered, if used in the main bathroom (otherwise, you'll have to keep moving the boots each time the tub is needed).

To make your shower curtain even more festive, wrap small empty boxes to look like gifts and attach them to the curtain, or sew on tiny plastic ornaments or candy canes. Just use your imagination.

This is a fun, yet fairly simple project to complete, and you will get lots of compliments on this unique, whimsical decorating idea.

About The Author

Johann Erickson writes for such sites as Online Discount Mart (www.onlinediscountmart.com) and TV Products 4 Less (www.tvproducts4less.com).

9 Fashion Essentials For A Chic New Winter Look

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:07:13 +0000

9 Fashion Essentials For A Chic New Winter Look

by: Janice Wee

After we have gotten used to the cheerful colors and sexy clothes of Spring and Summer and glamorous metallic clothes each Christmas, the fashion world decided to spring a surprise on us. Now, sexy is tarty. Ladylike is in vogue. Now even grandma looks more fashionable than the rest of us. What is a girl to do?

To start with, you can take it as an excuse rebuild your wardrobe for a chic new wardrobe for winter. That statement, honey, I really have nothing to wear is really true these days. You NEED to revamp your winter wardrobe.

The trend is towards a gothic romance. Like a fairy tale princess marrying Count Dracula. Gothic, somber colors in chiffons, lace and ribbons. A totally unexpected combination. The look is ladylike. Chic. Well heeled. Quality is everything. So go for quality. Buy only the best that you can afford.

Get ready for plenty of black, and dark somber colors. Get that romantic touch by mixing in a few pink clothes to lift things a little. You can get those at http://www.allpink.info/Pink-Fashion.html

Choose your color scheme. Some possibilities. Black, plum and bright pink, or Navyblue, gray and pale pink. Use only the colors that make you look good. Take care to pick colors that go well with one another. If you want a striking new look, a combination of black, white and red would do the trick.

Once you have decided on your color scheme, stick to it. That way, everything in your wardrobe can be coordinated with everything else, giving you countless looks from those few pieces.

Feel free to choose items with frills, ribbons and other romantic details as these define this season's romantic fashion trends.

#1 1 winter coat or 1 fur vest. Your coat or outerwear is the look you have whenever you go outdoors. The fur vest is the latest thing for this fall, winter season though. It really dresses up everything you wear it with. Even a pair of jeans looks formal when you wear fur vests. You can get the coat at http://www.buy-jackets.com/womens-winter-coats.htm and the vest at http://www.buyclothing.net/fur-vests.htm .

#2 Lovely women's suits in any of your 3 chosen colors. Something like the ones at http://www.buyclothing.net/womens-suits.htm . Pick something you can wear for work, or for a power lunch. From the boardroom, to a dinner date with just a change of accessories.

#3 No doubt, loose clothes with layers of fabric are in. But seriously. Who wants clothes like the tulip skirt which adds more inches to your hips? No, you still need a pair of jeans. Don't bother with what the fashion magazines or designers dish out to us. Wear what looks good on you and not on a stick thin model. What is hot, has always been hot and always will be hot is a pair of tight jeans like the ones at http://www.buy-pants.com/tight-jeans.htm. A pair of fitting jeans that makes you look your sexiest. You wear the clothes that make you look good.

#4 Wool tights, pantyhose or stockings. Again for warmth and class. to keep your legs warm when you wear a skirt or a dress. You can get wool tights at http://www.buy-stockings.net/wool-tights.htm .

#5 A romantic blouse like the ones at http://www.buyclothing.net/Womens-Blouse.htm . This time around, the look is romantic. The oversized man style shirt wouldn't do. You need something romantic. The blouse is the new season's must have.

#6 A beautiful dress. What could be more romantic than a dress. Dresses are hot this season, especially now that the romantic look is big. You need at least 1 blouse in your new wardrobe. You'll find lots of gorgeous dresses at http://www.buyclothing.net/dresses.html .

#7 A pair of boots that go with everything in your new wardrobe. They keep you warm they are versatile and give your outfit an edge. Check out the boots at http://www.shoes-mall.net/boots.html .

#8 A pair of leather gloves to keep your hands warm and which look really sleek. You'll find those at http://www.buyclothing.net/leather-gloves.htm .

#9 A knit top to stretch your wardrobe further. The classic every autumn and winter is the turtle neck. The ones at http://www.buyclothing.net/Womens-Turtlenecks.htm look elegant and keeps your neck warm.

About The Author

Janice Wee is the webmaster of http://www.buyclothing.net/ which features the latest trends in fashion, the clothing to wear for each occasion, the outfits that flatter you best

Boots Are Also Made For Riding

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:00:26 +0000

Boots Are Also Made For Riding

by: Maricon Williams

According to Jessica Simpson?s song, ?boots are made for walking?. However, boots are also good for riding escapades.

There are different kinds of boots that will suit every rider?s personality and performance. They are tour boots, race boots and shorty boots. Tour boots are long and slender boots that use a number of protection shells. Race boots, on the other hand, are a bit complicated and aesthetic. It uses armor shells on the impact area so as to secure the feet in times of collision. They also come in flashy colors and designs. Finally, we have shorty boots. These boots are lighter versions of the normal boots that we usually see.

When looking for a perfect fitting pair of boots, you must consider ventilation. Boots usually heats up feet faster that other shoe apparel. Therefore, it must have good ventilation system to make your feet comfortable yet precluding rain from coming in. Leather boots lets your feet breathe so you must have a pair or two to give it an easy breathing during long rides. Aside from leather there are newly discovered materials that also increase the breathing ability of the feet.

Another factor that you can consider is the boots water resistance. Rain may keep splashing on your boots, however, if you have water resistant boots, you will be dry and confident in your every ride.

Design is crucial when you speak of footwear. Therefore motorcycle boots must have a good foot design to give maximum protection and to cater to the rider?s needs. It must have a good grip on the heel and ankle. That will prevent the heel from lifting. A shifter pad is also a good addition to the footwear. Though some bikes do not need this but some bikes do. Thus, if you can get, why have qualms about it? A heel under the sole let your feet rest effortlessly on the foot peg. It also makes a good grip in mud, sand, water, oil and sand. Chin, ankle, heels and calf can be protected by carbon Kevlar. This material is usually put in the most critical areas of the feet to protect feet from harm.

Opening and closing is the next vital consideration. Be it shoelace or Velcro, they must secure snug fit to keep the rider?s focus and confidence.

Keep stompin?, keep rockin?? nothing to fear when your protected all over by quality motorcycle apparel!

About The Author

Maricon Williams

Please visit Motorcycle Parts, Apparel and Accessories site at http://www.motorcyclepartstrade.com for comments and inquiries regarding this article.

Black Is Still In For The Winter Of 2006

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:37:31 +0000

Black Is Still In For The Winter Of 2006

by: Gregg Hall

Black is back and bigger than ever and are appearing a darker and more elegant versions of the spring and summer fashion styles. Thicker fabrics abound with wool replacing gauze and sleeveless fashions becoming full blouses.

Denim is still as popular as ever and available in an infinite number of styles and sizes and there are many other styles brand new for this year.

Black has been brought back by designers renewing the statement that black remains chic and calling for tall boots with no showing of skin in freezing weather. Black is being seen in many fashions this fall from dresses to handbags and other accessories. The New Black offers much more choices in fabrics and styling to escape the basic black of the past.

Mix and match different fashion trends to personalize your look and add jewelry, color, and layering to create your own style.

For colors, the azures and turquoise pastels have evolved to deep teals and deep browns and rusts with burnt orange and ginger accents are must haves along with other nature colors.

A trend has begun back to the romantic era with lots of sheer blouses combined with lace, ribbon and large puffy sleeves in black, white and prints, looking perfect under fitted velvet jackets.

Full skirts have a completely new look this season combined with a fitted jacket and tall boots for a sexy romantic look.

Remember this fashion hint; combine a full item with something slim so that you don?t look sloppy.

The sexy, tall knee high boots are back this fall and are the footwear of choice with everything from skirts to gauchos. Flat heels are in this season as well.

Big oversized bags are very popular this year and are another must have for this fall season. There are many luggage sized bags, but the best is just a bit larger than normal.

Especially hot are large bags with flashy materials such as gold lame?.

Some other must haves this season are big ethnic jewelry and bold cuff bracelets, cropped pants, and military style jackets and coats as well as animal prints and fur trims.

About The Author

Gregg Hall works as a consultant to many small businesses and has years of experience in this industry. For more on fashion accessories go to http://www.designerfashionaccessories.com.

Boots! Boots! Boots!

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:57:09 +0000

Boots! Boots! Boots!

by: David Kunstek

Nothing feels the same as slipping into a pair of leather boots for a night on the town. The exact opposite is the feeling you get sliding on boots for the winter snow and slush mess outside. Boots come in many shapes and sizes. They are made for stylish events as well as a way to tame the outdoors. Are you thinking about purchasing a pair of boots? You could even check the online retailers to find some great deals!

First, what type of boot are you looking for? Do you want a stylish addition to your shoe wear collection? Then choose from the many designer labels. Perhaps leather is what you are thinking with a nice high heel? Or, are you looking for a nice, durable pair of hiking boots? Planning that hiking trip and need a quality pair of boots that will protect you ankles and toes? Is the winter snow creeping up and you just know you're going to have to head on out there to shovel it up? You need a pair of durable, but waterproofed and warm boots then. Kids need the proper boots as well. They need boots that will tighten at the top to keep the snow out and the warmth in. There are so many more types of boots you might be considering.

Consider this though. If you are looking to purchase a quality pair of boots, you may as well head on out to that busy mall to the shoe store. But, you don't have to! In fact, your favorite shoe store or shoe brand may have a website to offer you. You can purchase your boots at home, online! Think of that convenience! As long as you know your size, there is no stopping you from finding the best boots for you online from the convenience of your living room computer! Picking the perfect pair to fit your tastes and needs is easy if you are doing it online! Think of all those pushy salespeople you will avoid as well!

About The Author

Written by David Kunstek, webmaster and author of http://www.boot-web.com. This article may be reproduced as long as a Live link back to http://www.boot-web.com is present.

admin@boot-web.com

A Skiing Vacation with your Child

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:12:35 +0000

A Skiing Vacation with your Child

by: Rachel Branston

Skiing with Children

Learning to ski is a wonderful, healthy option for children and one where the youngster will always have fun and exercise whilst meeting new friends amongst the special people who are skiers. It is, however, necessary to take some precautions because the last thing that parents want on a holiday is cold related health problems or broken bones which will mean an unhappy holiday for everyone.

If you can find somewhere to practise before you go, you will find that this helps a great deal. There are dry slopes around that offer some tuition and the chance to feel what it's like to wear skis. Make sure that you're well prepared with what you take. The most important thing to remember is sun cream. The sun is very strong and reflects off the snow making it very easy for young (and even old) skins to become very badly burned very quickly. In addition be prepared with pain relievers because everyone will suffer from aching limbs and probably blistered feet and bruises!

When you are at the resort make sure that you have a hearty breakfast. It will not only give you the energy for the skiing but also help to protect you against the cold. Make sure that you're wearing lots of layers of clothing - many thinner layers are much better than one thick one. Temperatures will change hugely very quickly and you will need to be prepared for the very hot and the very cold each day. Gloves and hats are an absolute necessity and at least two pairs of each as they will get wet and very uncomfortable.

For children a ski helmet is a must rather than just a woolly hat and goggles will protect the eyes from the glare of the snow. Don't forget to take the sun cream out every day, even if it's very overcast when you leave your accommodation and also take lip balm that you can regularly apply as you'll find your lips will dry out very quickly. It's useful to also take a bar of chocolate to give your energy a boost (well that's our excuse!).

If this is the first time you've taken a young child make sure that all their equipment is suitable and fits well; make sure that the bindings on the skis are adjusted for easy release as this is how most of the serious accidents happen. Make sure they have lessons with an instructor who speaks their language and if they don't want to go, don't force them. The whole experience will be very tiring for them and if they go out either when they're too tired or try to go down runs that are too hard they are more likely to get hurt.

Choose a resort that is close to the runs and the shops. Children won't find it easy to walk in ski boots and it may not be fun for you having to carry all their equipment as well as your own. If you are planning to put the children in a cr?che, make sure that it's close by. Make sure that you feel confident that your child will be looked after well and that the people managing the cr?che speak your language.

Cr?ches vary in standard; the poorest simply putting children in front of a TV for the duration, whilst others have wonderful programs to give the children a stimulating time. You can check on the staff; at least some of them should be CACHE or NNEB qualified. Beware. Some cr?ches may require you to provide certificates of immunisation. Some companies will cut corners and offer child care, which is, in reality, the chalet maid who is expected to care for the child. She may have no experience or empathy with children. Do check. Like so many things, the standards vary tremendously. If the child is three or above they can be enrolled into kindergarten ski lessons.

About The Author

Rachel Branston is the author of a childrens' book series "My Travels with Trevor". Each book can be supplied as a personalized child book with your child's name. http://www.trevors-tales.com.

Burton Bullet N Baron Snowboards For Big Boots

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:41:39 +0000

Burton Bullet N Baron Snowboards For Big Boots

by: Anthony Barretti

Burton snowboards have been making sure boarders get the best ride down the slopes for many years. Burton's reliability and credibility are etched in stone. Two boards you may consider are the Burton Bullet and Baron.

The Burton Bullet has a giving sidecut and snappy flex which offers increased pop and an incredible ride for a wide board. This all combines to give you a fast, responsive, versatile, snowboarding experience.

The Burton Bullet is constructed with a wider waist width which allows riders with a size 10.5 or bigger foot to power through, speedy turns. Those with big boots will find the Bullet fun to ride and long lasting.

The Bullet's slantwall construction provides bigger-boot riders a controlled snow feel and durability. A 70's muscle graphic looks great on the board which includes a silver metallic detail print.

Next is the Burton Baron ES. It offers incredible stability and control, from groomers to hips, to off-piste stashes. Riding the Baron hard all day is a snap.

Burton has created the Baron for larger-footed riders. Its implanted Carbon I-Beam and added Dual Warp Lite Triax fiberglass ensure high speed. Its Dragonfly core is designed according to a specific strength to weight ratio, as well as Pressure Distribution Edges. This increases the boards snap and edge control.

About The Author

Anthony Barretti

Learn how to snowboard from our experts at: http://www.snowboard-guide.com and read our http://www.snowboard-guide.com/burton-triumph.html review.

Backpacking Boots?

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:56:43 +0000

Backpacking Boots?

by: Steve Gillman

Backpacking boots or any of the traditional hiking boots may have their place. That place just isn't on my feet. If you don't have specific problems with your ankles, there isn't snow on the ground, and you don't carry more than thirty pounds on your back, try running shoes. You'll be so happy that you did.

Backpacking or hiking boots are heavy, hot, stinky, and stay wet forever. Decent running shoes can be as light as one pound per pair, while most hiking boots top three pounds. Army research showed that a pound on your feet is like five on your back (some say six), so three-pound boots naturally leave you more tired at the end of the day.

Backpacking Boots And Ankle Support

Some backpackers argue for the necessity of ankle support, but throughout history people managed without stiff ankle-supporting boots. Even if you are carrying thirty pounds on your back, consider the fact that there are people walking around that weigh 60 pounds more than you, and without problems. It is an issue of weak ankles, not a lack of support. To solve this problem, try walking a little each week on uneven ground (not in the mall).

While some may really need hiking boots, why not be sure your ankle problems are not just due to a lack of exercise before you settle for backpacking in heavy boots. It is true you may need hiking boots if you carry more than thirty pounds when you backpack. The solution to that is to cut the weight down.

Why Running Shoes?

Your feet will stay cooler in a good running shoes than in hiking boots, and this means fewer blisters. Once I switched to running shoes and lightweight socks years ago, I stopped getting blisters, and I don't mean fewer blisters. I mean no blisters. I haven't had one blister since I switched, not even after a 110-mile 7-day trek in the Rockies, for example.

For socks, I have used nothing but thin nylon dress socks for years. They are cheap, and they weigh less than an ounce per pair. That makes it easy to carry enough fresh socks. They also can be easily rinsed out and dried quickly. My feet won't tolerate hotter socks now, although I do bring a warmer pair for sleeping or for cold weather.

Unless you have size 13 feet, you should be able to find good running or hiking shoes that are under two pounds per pair. Carry a kitchen scale to the shoe store if you have to. Unfortunately, catalogs sometimes don't show weights, so you'll have to guess which hiking shoes are lighter based on the description and photo.

The higher quality shoes have soles stitched to the uppers. Look under the insoles to check this. A removable insole is another sign of quality shoes. Usually you can find a good pair of running shoes under 28 ounces and under $80, or half of that on closeouts.

Until you try it, you won't know how liberating it is to ditch the heavy pack and heavy boots and hit the trail in running shoes. Go more miles more comfortably. Run up a hill just to see what's there. I haven't yet met a person who has tried backpacking in hiking shoes or running shoes - and then returned to backpacking boots.

About The Author

Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of lightweight backpacking. His tips, photos, gear recommendations, and a free book can be found at http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com.

Choosing Hiking Boots

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:41:22 +0000

Choosing Hiking Boots

by: Marty Rubenski

If you?ve ever been 5 miles from the trailhead with painful blisters, or even a sprained ankle, you will appreciate how much your hiking enjoyment rests literally on your feet. The selection of the correct hiking boots can be the difference between a great experience and a disaster. The choice of the right pair of boots can add considerably to your comfort and personal safety, especially in rugged or difficult terrain.

Before you start comparing the many brands and styles of hiking boot, consider the type of terrain and your style of hiking. Do you take extended treks through the mountains or just stroll through the local park or greenbelt? Select a boot based on the most difficult terrain you will encounter. Do you carry a heavy pack? The heavier the pack the sturdier boot you will need. Are you an all-weather hiker? Do you need a lightweight breathable fabric or a heaver waterproof material?

Modern hiking boots do not weigh as much as older styles. Lightweight high-tech materials have replaced the metal shanks used in older boots and modern fabrics offer many advantages. A lightweight boot can still offer plenty of support and be a lot easier on the feet over less rugged trails. Many of today?s top quality lightweight hiking boots offer a Gore-Tex? liner that helps keep water out while still allowing your feet to breath. All-leather boots provide more support than the leather and fabric styles and they are easier to waterproof. They lend themselves to rocky terrain but they are heaver and less flexible. In my experience, leather boots will outlast the lighter styles, partly due to the heavier construction but also due to the fact that they have less seams which are always the weak point in any boot.

Have your feet properly measured and wear the type and thickness of sock you will be wearing on the trail when trying on boots. Boots should fit snugly but not too tightly. Remember they will become more comfortable with wear. Make sure they fit and provide support around your ankle and instep. You will need good ankle support, especially when carrying a pack. Hiking boots will never feel as comfortable as that old favorite pair of sneakers, but if you develop blisters or have pressure points, then you need a different boot. Look for boots with foam padding around the ankle and tongue for comfort. Removable inserts will help to fine-tune for a perfect fit.

Once you?ve found the perfect pair of hiking boots, be sure to break them in slowly. Start with short walks around the neighborhood and progress to 3 or 4 hour hikes before that weeklong hiking vacation.

About The Author

Marty Rubenski is the editor of a number of websites including http://www.1OutdoorGear.com and http://www.bestshoesite.com.