Basic Tips to Match Eye-glasses to Your Face

Glasses are an often overlooked accessory that people should learn to pay more attention to. After all, unless you frequently wear contacts, or are lucky enough to have perfect vision, chances are you will be wearing glasses every day of your life. Therefore unless you can afford multiple pairs of glasses for different occasions and to match different outfits, it's important to give your choice in glasses the time and thought this decision deserves.

Change can be Good
Just because you've been wearing the same pair or style of glasses for many years does not mean that you shouldn't consider changing things up a bit. If you've gotten used to wear half frames for instance, try on a pair of full frames just to see how they look. You might be surprised.

If you absolutely hate the way a new style of glasses looks on your face at first, then give yourself a few minutes to adjust. You have after all been looking at yourself in the mirror every day with the same pair of glasses for many years; it's natural that a different style of glasses will seem visually awkward. If after a few minutes you still don't like the way the new style of glasses looks by all means go back to your old style. Also ask your optometrist about his/her opinion. They fit glasses for a living and chances are that they may have some very valuable pointers.

Dress Appropriately
When you go to pick out a new pair of glasses, you should be dressing in the style of clothing that you most typically wear. If you wear a suit and tie to work every day you should wear a suit and tie to the optometrist to make sure that your new glasses will look good with the clothes you most commonly wear. Don't show up in jeans and a T-shirt and expect the glasses you matched to your T-shirt to look fantastic with your sharp Ralph Lauren suit.

Basic Eye-Glass Matching Principles
Finding a pair of eyeglasses that compliment your face is actually quite simple. According to the Vision Council there are three main principles that need to be followed. First of all the frame should compliment other colors on your face such as eye and hair color, or your complexion. Second, the frame shape should actually be in contrast to your face shape. If your face is round then you should be wearing more square shaped glasses for example. Finally, make sure that the frame size matches your face properly.

Article Source : http://www.ties-necktie.com/blog/wrapper.php?/archives/200-How-to-Match-Glasses.html

Hairstyle 2009

The strongest trend for short hair in 2009 is without doubt the so called "pixie". This hairstyle is appearing everywhere, particularly in the famous, and those who have fashion style. The best known is Victoria Beckham; she goes through a cut Bob, who is also “inn” in 2009, the pixie cut. Another famous that has this style is the famous called Rihanna.

A good reason for choosing this haircut is that it is one of the short cuts that allow great freedom. You can see well in most women, as it is designed to flatter the shape of the face and their factions. Moreover, a cut that it is easy to maintain.

You can also take advantage of these angles and corners of the court, and accents, hairstyles. Or lift it, to achieve a more youthful and fresh style. Haircuts with knife or an element similar to that one, born in Japan, hundreds of years ago and were "discovered" in Europe about a century ago. Today this kind of hairstyles is quite popular because of its ease of maintenance and smooth and attractive hairstyle.

The cutting knife creates a smooth appearance, if the designer is experienced in this type of haircut and the hair is well prepared.

It is suitable for any type of hair, except for curly hair. The loops are often cut with razor very curl, creating a neglected aspect of hair. The knife is ideal for thick or too much hair as it tends to create the illusion of reducing the volume.

By 2009 the trends in hairstyles with this knife remain basically. The hair is cut into many layers and angles, with hair on the front or side.

Obama’s casual style makes her fashion’s first lady

US first lady Michelle Obama (R) and her British counterpart Sarah Brown In Britain two days ago. Obama's fashion taste has left the British press saying less than impressive things about Mrs Brown. - Reuters pic

LONDON, April 3 — First Lady Michelle Obama has wowed fashion writers with her casual style, use of color and her penchant for the sleeveless dress at the G20 summit in the British capital this week.

Newspapers in Britain and the United States were united in their praise for Obama’s sartorial choices for outings with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s wife Sarah, an official reception with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace and dinner at Number 10 Downing Street.

The right-leaning Telegraph newspaper compared Brown unfavorably with Obama, saying the PM’s wife had upped her fashion game after being upstaged by French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s wife Carla Bruni during an earlier visit from the French first couple only to be trounced by Obama this week.

“In her drab navy ensemble by Britt Lintner which she wore to the same engagement at Charing Cross Hospital, she paled in comparison to Michelle Obama, the fusty matron to the Glamazon,” the Telegraph said.

And Obama has also put paid to those Americans fretting that the First Lady’s fondness for baring her biceps might be embarrassing when she met with the British queen in a sleeveless number disguised with an elegant black cardigan. The queen wore pink.

“Changing into an elegant black-and-white Isabel Toledo dress from springy J.Crew pieces Wednesday in London, First Lady Michelle Obama showcased her versatility and officially became one of the fab four of the political fashion world in the modern era-joining Jacqueline Kennedy, French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and Princess Diana,” enthused the Chicago Tribune.

The cardigan came off after the G20 dinner at the official residence of the British prime minister to even more applause from the fashion pack, revealing the sculpted biceps that New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd praised for being the “only bracing symbol of American strength right now.”

The Chicago Tribune also reminded its readers that in 1961 Jacqueline Kennedy and the queen both wore sleeveless gowns with gloves for their dinner.

“There really aren’t the same conservative old rules now,” British-born Avril Graham, executive fashion and beauty editor at Harper’s Bazaar, said.

Britain’s left-leaning Guardian newspaper gave both Brown and Obama points for their “homegrown style on a budget” that would be a boost for the fashion industry.

“Today Mrs. Obama arrived at Downing Street in a fresh, colorful combination while Mrs. Brown looked smart in navy,” the paper said. “But the two women’s outfits had a lot in common - both had been carefully chosen to support their native fashion industry.”

Calgary Avansino, Vogue magazine’s executive fashion editor, said that both women had dressed to reflect their own style.

“But I think they both are obviously trying to send a very clear message that they can wear what the average women would wear and still look great and that they are not above it.”

The British tabloid Mirror was also enthusiastic about Obama’s populist high street style, dubbing her the “First Lady of fashion”.

“Michelle Obama dazzled when she first appeared on the steps of No 10 not in a top designer outfit — but an ensemble from US high street chain J Crew,” the Mirror said.

The paper priced out Obama’s cream star constellation cardigan at 208 pounds (RM1,101) and green jacquard skirt at 110 pounds before admiring her understated way with the common folks during a visit to a cancer care center in London.

Mother of five Trudi Cogdell said: “She didn’t put on airs and graces - she just sat there and had a cup of tea.”

The Daily Mail sounded the only sour note, saying Obama stumbled on the style front when she donned a blue cardigan with a “garish argyle pattern” over a full-skirted prom dress for a visit alongside other G20 wives and partners to the Royal Opera House, where they heard a reading from Harry Potter author JK Rowling. — Reuters Life!

What Shoes To Wear With Your Straw Hats & More

Hats have been making a slow resurgence over the past several years, much to my delight. I am a big aficianado of the lovely ladylikeness or saucy jauntiness of a hat, as well as its practicality (goodbye facial moles!) and ability to complete an outfit. There’s something so cool, so nonchalant and yet so look-at-me about a hat. I expect that as more and more people start to wear them, it won’t be so noticeable anymore to wear one. They will become a much more mainstream accessory, hopefully, and will be paired well with shoes.

Jennifer Aniston was recently photographed carrying a straw hat, Beyonce and Rihanna love to wear them, and many a celebrity from Sienna Miller to Leonardo DiCaprio is frequently seen enjoying the cool Havana ease of a straw hat. Most of the ladies sport the look with shorts or a shortsuit/onesie type outfit. But the question is, what kind of shoes do you wear with them?

The lovely Jennifer Aniston goes for neutral Weitzman wedges, a perfect answer, in my opinion. (Aside: I love Jennifer Aniston more and more as the years go by. She annoyed me on “Friends,” of course, but she is great now. I think that she is an inspiration to a world that tells you that the sexiness of a woman dies at 40. Yes, she has the body of a 20-year-old, but it’s more the way she carries herself. She’s so much more confident now, and it shows. It’s all I can do to hold back a “You go, girl! Who needs Brad Pitt when you’re cougaring every hottie in sight and doing better movies every day and running your own production company?”)

Be, never the tame one, pairs yellow spikes that have been surmised to be YSL (since we all know she hardly ever lets anything non-top notch designer touch her body) with her yellow hat.

Riri, resplendent in white and a printed patterned onesie short, goes for casual bejeweled sandals.

Cindy Crawford, still one of the sexiest ladies around, in my opinion, even more so for how well she’s aged, prefers a more cowboy style hat, at least for this ad. I think the cowboy style is a “Proceed With Caution.” If you are down South, or if you are on vacation, or at the beach, I think it is fine. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be caught dead in one, especially in New York. It nettles me that western style cowboy boots are in, AGAIN, this fall, when I have had to endure so many Williamsburg and downtown New York girls wearing them. It’s pretentious, in a word, to sport cowboy style when you are so obviously metropolitan.

This summer in New York, St. Marks, the street that is the arbiter of plebeian downtown New York fashion, where vendors hawk mainstream downtown fashion to NYU students and broke 20-somethings and 30-somethings, is loaded with straw hats right now. Go there for your bargain hats.

Here are a couple hats I bought on St. Marks.

This first smaller hat I bargained down to $11. (Pretend to walk away and you will get a much better deal).

This second hat was $18 (I bargained them down from $25).

The second hat curves nicely into a floppy brim when worn.

But what kind of outfits and shoes have I been wearing with these hats?

For the smaller hat: mostly a t-shirt, miniskirt and sandals or a big men’s shirt half unbuttoned with the cuffs rolled up, plimsolls or Keds and shorts.

For the larger hat: beachwear, a long buttoned loose white shirtdress with billowy sleeves, or a classic summer sundress in white, with wedges or cone stacked heels in soft gold or neutral colors. Do it up like this with simple black sandals for a more formal event.

For a dramatic floppy hat, you can do more with the other accessories than you can with a small hat. Work it on out with some shades, some artsy fartsy “ethnic” earrings and a white top like the sexy bohemian lady of our times, Kate Hudson.

For shoes, a great option would be straw-effect sandals as well, like these by milliner and shoe designer Eric Javits. I’m not a big fan of straw shoes, but man, do his look good!

Here are some of his lovely hats. I especially like the striped one on the right.

Here is Britney in one of Eric Javits’ hats. I bet you she’s wearing sandals, probably white and maybe with straw or bejeweled accents.

You want it to look like this with a straw hat. Effortless yet so chic. The shoes are a perfect match for the dress and hat, carrying the theme of yellow in the straw, black in the band of the hat and the base of the shoe. Gorgeous.

How Fashion Affects Celebrity Art

Many people consider fashion to be an art form all within itself. The way that certain designers can take clothes and sew them together, draping and shaping the image over the body can be a very beautiful vision. Some pieces of clothing are so well made that they are like works of art that people wear around every day. There is a natural grace and beauty that comes with well made clothing and most people recognize how beautiful these pieces of clothing can be. Many celebrities are often considered to be the best examples of how fashion can affect the world, wearing these clothes so everyone can see how well made some of these pieces are.

Different celebrities have all been considered to be fashion icons. They are often repeat customers of some of the most famous designers, who are celebrities themselves. They will often design outfits for these certain celebrities, using them as a canvas to paint their art upon. Designers are artist in themselves, providing the world with something beautiful to look at and even potentially purchase for themselves. Entire collections can be built around the clothes of a certain designer.

When different artists will make works of art out of celebrities, however, they usually will paint those celebrities at their best. Red carpet events are some of those places where those celebrities look their best and, most often, celebrities will be wearing these specially designer-made clothes to these red carpet events. Therefore, when artists take the image of a celebrity at one of these high-profile events, they are taking an image of the celebrity in these fabulous clothes and crafting the work of art around that image. The fashion that the celebrity is wearing will be incorporated into the works of art that the artist is designing.

Fashion will play a large part in the style that comes to be associated with a celebrity. When any work is made featuring a celebrity after a style has come to be associated with them, the very style that fashion helped to craft will come into play. In the past, very distinct styles were associated with both Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. These two were both considered to be fashion icons and are still recognized as so today. They are also very popular actresses and art is still made about these two today. The fashion style which they were associated with naturally comes into the picture when the art today is made of them.

Pieces of autographed art can also be made out of designs that a fashion designer might sketch about potential outfits that they want to make. These designs can be tailored to a certain celebrity and their personality and sketching is one of the most important factors to designing clothing. By making a sketch of what the designer has in mind, they can begin to see what elements may or may not work. These sketches could, in turn, become pieces of celebrity art that a person might want to collect.

Malaysian hijab fashion(tudung) collection 2009

Whether you are wearing the tudung (hijab) for fashion, culture or belief, tudung amongst Malaysian Malay ladies has changed with the tides of fashion and designs.

Wearing tudung not only enhances femininity and religious propriety, it is now regarded as respectable standard accepted universally in the Malay cultural dress sense.

I must agree, if you see the beauty of these head gears worn amongst not only by any Malay lady but celebrities themselves; see below:

malaysian modern hijab fashion tudung style

The latest fashion to keep you up in style

For the past four years, fashionistas who want to find their favourite catlook looks have been heading to MO Outlet. Here, fashion enthusiasts will be able to update their wardrobe with styles from Paris, Milan, New York and London all year round.

Conveniently located just outside the city centre, MO Outlet is only a 10-minute drive from Suria KLCC and is touted as a one-stop fashion paradise for men and women, featuring unbeatable discounts of up to 70% on all of its featured brands.

Last month saw the boutique celebrating its fourth anniversary and there were more promotions than usual to entice visitors.

Housed in a luxurious and spacious interior, shoppers at MO Outlet are treated to a kaleidoscope of authentic apparel, bags, shoes and accessories from over 50 labels.

“From young professionals to seasoned fashionistas, everyone loves a touch of luxury and international style in their wardrobe, at an accessible price range,” said Azrina Wahi, the boutique manager of MO Outlet.

“MO Outlet shares this passion for fashion by providing shoppers the privilege to enjoy up-to-date collections fresh from the principal boutiques with serious reductions. For some, it’s a dream come true, giving them a chance to own something really special.

Premium products: A view of the MO Outlet at Taman Shamelin Perkasa in Kuala Lumpur.

“For others, it’s the spree of a lifetime. After all, we have over 50 designer labels to indulge in!”

Shoppers can browse menswear fashion such as Hugo Boss and Alain Figaret for their European heritage and sophisticated urban design, while women’s labels Emilio Pucci, Farah Khan and Stuart Weitzman offer luxurious clothes, shoes, bags and accessories for everyday and glamorous occasions.

Those who desire quality leather accessories can indulge in premium products from Aigner, Cole Haan and Furla.

For the contemporary edge, the offerings include D&G, GF Ferré, Galliano, Just Cavalli, C’N’C Costume National and many more.

For individuals who are looking for something truly Asian, but with a universal appeal, MO Outlet offers a range of top Malaysian and Asean designer fashion and modern styles of handdrawn batik.

Located on the ground floor of The Melium Group headquarters, MO Outlet’s collection of fashion and accessories come in good condition, bearing the hallmarks of quality and offering visitors genuine high-end brands with major savings.

To complement one’s shopping experience, the visitor can enjoy a little respite at the Dome Cart a delicious selection of beverages and meals.

Snack delights include cakes, pies and croissants while hearty meals like nasi lemak and pastas are also available.

14 Mens Fashion and Style Icons

Fashion has always been, and always will be dynamic. But style is timeless. The former is largely concerned with the what is cool, or what trends are at what time, etc. The latter, is not. Few men exhibit times timeless cool and display of good taste, and those that have shone in the public eye deserve mention. The following fourteen men are ones which we believe deserve mention as having some of the most iconic style, during the last century

Frank Sinatra

Sinatra embodied an era of men’s style and grace. The hard-drinking, heavy-smoking ‘Rat Pack’ founding member seemed to never lose his cool, even in the midst of his son’s kidnap debacle. People questioned his potential ties to the mafia, but no one ever denied that he was the entertainer of the day. Old Blue Eyes always seemed well put-together, and our hat goes off to him for his matter-of-fact and effortless style.

Joe Namath

The panache it took to wear saddle shoes, a fur coat and wayfarers while on the sidelines is second to none. Joe Namath was a football player back in the days when athletes could still be national heroes, not petty criminals or castmembers on third-tiered reality television shoes. Namath also showed us that athletic prowess and a penchant for dressing one’s best were not mutually exclusive. Kind of a Sean Avery of yesterday – but without the pomp and circumstance. Broadway Joe was also famous for predicting his Jets would win Superbowl III and in later years, he would don a mean fu-manchu – before it was ironic, or cool to have one.

Marlon Brando

We’re not talking bitch-tits, Dr. of Island Moreau Brando, we’re talking bad ass, A Street Car Named Desire Brando. Widely considered the first noticeable male sex symbol of the silver screen, Brando would later come out and appease his entire fan base, by admitting to being bisexual. Brando’s take on men’s style would spawn generators of emulators, and his iconic style would only be emboldened by later roles in The Godfather franchise, and breaking the jaws of paparazzi. Interestingly, his grandson, Tuki Brando, is currently the face of Versace.

James Dean

Not a whole lot of commentary is really needed to help explain why Dean is on the list.

Brad Pitt

Fight Club. Mr and Mrs Smith. Snatch. Oceans Eleven. Legends of The Fall. While some of these movies might not be everyone’s favorite, they all contributed Brad Pitt’s superstar status. Pitt consistently tops the ‘Most Attractive Men’ lists in the celebrity gossip rags, and his performance in Fight Club alone would merit his inclusion to this list. In the last decade, Pitt has shown the world that he can play serious roles too, and seems to never be caught off guard by the paparazzi. Whether he’s working with orphans in Addis Ababa, or he’s cruising on his Triumph in New Orleans, he seems to do so with a masculine grace that has only developed as he’s entered middle age. We look forward to the release of Inglorious Basterds.

Paul Newman

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This picture (above) is a perfect illustration of the actor that would go on to embody the titular role he filled in Cool Hand Luke. Newman was famous for his fidelity, even though he could have had any woman in the world, at the drop of a hat. And integrity is never in bad form. His decision to go into organic food production before it was the in thing to do, only adds to his status as a a trailblazer. One of the few actors to transition from 1950s cinema to that of the 1960s and 1970s, Newman remains an institution of America male style, and arguably one of the coolest guys of all time.

Johnny Depp

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After his work on the Pirates franchise, Depp seemed like he was taking his role as a Keith Richards-as-Jack Sparrow a little too serious, but this ended up not being the case. No one has gone from 1980’s teen heartthrob to critically-acclaimed actor quite like Depp, and we appreciate his take on the Hollywood superstar that seems to not appreciate the attention. While his appearance might actually be the choreographed workings of a team of stylists, it seems very thrown together and carefree. This fits his demeanor, and is one that most everyone can appreciate in terms of aesthetics.

Steve McQueen

Steve McQueen was rumored to smoke a pack of cigarettes and consume whiskey, marijuana and cocaine on a daily basis, all while maintaining a 2-hr daily exercise regimen. That’s what we call dedication – both to a serious affinity for vice, as well as to maintaining a well-defined physique. The King of Cool had an effortless and oft-imitated style, that seemed to be just what the world was looking for at the time. He was a sort of anti-hero, and his style transcended the clothes he wore; the guy raced motorcycles and pretty much all of his own stunts.

Jason Statham

This former diver-turned-actor has proved to bald men everywhere that it if you are losing hair, there is still hope: you just have to get in really good shape, acquire a street-smart Londoner accent, and kick a lot of ass. But in all seriousness, Statham has been able to earn major roles even though he shares few characteristics with the stereotypical Hollywood leading man. He also tends to carry himself in a confident way that never looks bad. He is probably the most unassuming inclusion in this list, but deserves mention nonetheless.

Cary Grant

Cary Grant was for many decades the prototypical leading man: debonair, handsome, and charming. Try finding a picutre of him in anything other than an impeccably tailored suit – they simply do not exist. His public image represents all that should be masculine about men’s fashion, and his timeless appearance has become the benchmark for black-tie events, awards presentations, and galas. Grant also deserves special mention for the fact that he was an ardent Republican, but never used his stardom as a soapbox, to preach his political opinions. Only later in his life, when his friend Ronald Reagan ran for President, did he come out and publicly support any candidates.

Robert Redford

Robert Redford was Brad Pitt before there was a Brad Pitt. Packaged to audiences as the quintessential all-American male, Redford has a number of accomplishments in various capacities. If you need a reminder of what Redford was like in his prime, watch The Natural or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The amount of trim he was able to rack up, probably rivals that of Wilt the Stilt.

Sean Connery

This foul-mouthed Scotsman was not what James Bond creator Ian Fleming had in mind for an on-screen adaptation of his beloved character. But, it just seemed to work. Rumor has it that after Dr. No, Fleming was so taken by Connery’s ability to morph into the suave, special agent that he worked into the character’s back-story a half-Scottish, half-Swiss ancestry. Even into the early 1980s, wherein Connery donned a number of questionable head-rugs, he still was able to give believable performances as the ultra-masculine, sexually charismatic Bond that subsequent actors have only attempted to recreate. To many, Connery is Bond.

David Beckham

Love him or leave him, Beckham has got style. While the personal lives of professional footballers and their lady friends have recently become a thing of undeserved scandal, Beckham’s is the real deal. While some claim he is overrated as a mid-fielder, the long-serving captain of England’s National Team has done a lot for the game, including (many argue) contributing to the increased popularity of the sport in the U.S., and he is often lauded for his many charitable works. To top it off the guy always looks well put together, with either long hair or a shaved head, and he can pull of his many tattoos even in business-casual attire. Even his high-pitched voice seems appropriate, and slightly capable of cutting him down to size – but it doesn’t.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan’s style has always seemed effortless, whether he was on the court, or in a well-tailored, Italian suit. Many basketball players look a bit funny in suits – truth be told – because it’s hard to look sauve when you are nearly 7′ tall. But Jordan pulls it off in swell fashion. Jordan also merits special distinction for balding with grace and dignity. He actually met his receding hair line head-one, by just shaving the whole thing. When you are the most dominating basketball player of all time, no one is going to bring up the fact that you are losing your hair.

Bob Dylan

Many claim Bob Dylan is really a poet, but he just happens to sing and play music as well. Regardless of your take on that bit of whimsy, no one can deny Bob Dylan’s contribution to musical style and innovation. Fashion wise, this rolling stone is also one of the most widely-emmulated individuals the entertainment and arts industries have ever experienced. The above picture does a good job of summing up why this is the case; he’s basically on the same level as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, but without the decade-long periods of fashion insanity and peyote.

Is it Fashion, Art, or Statement? Maria Francesa Pepe Lets You Decide.

Inspired by the great French artist Jean Dubuffet, Maria Francesca Pepe attempts to merge her signature massive, breastplate-like jewelry with clothing and accessories in her latest collection, Art Brut. "These works created from solitude and from pure and authentic creative impulses - where the worries of competition, acclaim, and social promotion do not interfere - are, because of these very facts, more precious than the productions of professions," the great Dubuffet once exclaimed. Known for his reverence of Art Brut, or "raw/outsider" art (he was an avid collector of works created by prisoners, mental patients, and children), so Pepe is exploring areas where decoration becomes functional, and the functional, decorative. "For me, fashion is about analogies between different worlds, making something functional unfunctional, and vice versa," she recently explained to Elle magazine. Translation: striking black and white print tube-like dresses; punkish tees; ruby red silk cropped jackets, organically-shaped jewelry crafted from black hematite, sterling silver and ruby zircon; vintage'y yet high tech bags; and those stunning oversize metal lock necklaces.

Cool maternity clothes for hot summer days

Between the surging hormones and added girth, pregnant mamas need all the help they can get to stay cool this summer. Check out our cool maternity clothes tips to help get you though the dog days of summer.

Stock up on dresses: Nothing keeps you cooler than a light, airy sundress. Look for an empire waist dress that is long enough to keep you covered thoughout your pregnancy. Stock up on prints and solids for an easy summer wardrobe.

Lightweight pants: Wear lightweight drawstring pants paired with a printed top and sandals for summer look that is ready for work or play.

Wear light colors: Pack away the dark colors and opt for whites or light pastals to help reflect the sun and keep you cool.

Swimsuits: Nothing will cool you off faster than lounging in the pool this summer. Whether you prefer a one-piece, bikini or tankini, you are sure to find plenty of stylish maternity options.

Teen Fashion

Do you remember the time when you were a teenager and how important style was for you? After all, being a teenager means that your friends are vital in your life and though some people may try to deny it, their opinions do matter. It is a time where you are beginning to express your own personality and one of the most effective forms of self-expression is through your clothes. Teen Fashion is a huge part of the fashion industry and there are so many choices when it comes to teen fashion.

Picking a specific style of teen fashion is nearly impossible. After all, there are so many different styles of clothing out there that can be used to reflect different styles of personality. To understand teen fashion, you have to understand teen subcultures. For people who love indie music and punk music, you will find that emo fashion is one of the most popular fashion styles there is. Hooded sweatshirts, tight jeans, and skateboard shoes are just some of the most popular teen fashion styles out there.

However, many people find that emo fashion is too mainstream. After that Avril Lavigne sk8er boi song, many teenagers find that emo skateboarding look to be a bit passé. Many teenagers find their rebellion through the punk scene or the goth scene. There are many teen fashion clothes that fit into these styles. From studded leather jackets to morose trench coats, you can find those perfect clothes that suit your personality.

Of course, one of the biggest influences on teen fashion is hip hop music. Rap is incredibly popular these days and many rap artists have their own clothing lines that produce some of the most stylish teen fashion styles out there. From Eve’s LAMB label to Jay-Z’s Rocawear, you can find fresh duds that will impress your friends. Whether you are looking for that perfect throwback jersey or are trying to look cute and tough with some low-cut shirts, you can unlock your inner b-boy or b-girl with hip hop teen fashion.

One of the biggest staples of teen fashion is having clothes that are perfect for a more formal occasion. Whether you are trying to impress that cute boy or girl with your stylish threads, you can never go wrong with a well-fitted buttoned up shirt with a stylish blazer. For girls, mini-dresses are becoming incredibly popular and are becoming a staple of teen fashion.

Your teenage years are such a unique time and it is best if you or your child can look back at this time in fondness. It is a time of self-discovery and many teenagers experiment with different styles before they find the perfect fashion representation of themselves. From preppy styles to exotic and eccentric fashion accessories, you should indulge yourself during this influential time of your life. By trying out the different styles of teen fashion, you will be able to find the perfect expression of your personality!

Dress Young and Look Young

Let us face it. Whether we admit it or not, deep inside, we want to look younger than we really are. Who has not lied about her age in the past month? Who has not fussed over the new strand of gray hair that seems to have sprung on her forehead this morning? Who has not worried about the new crow�s feet she found while putting on makeup?

Whether we are open about it or not, at least once in our lives, we have felt this longing to be eighteen again � young and carefree, not laden with responsibilities. Or perhaps it is a desire to feel less tired and stressed than we usually are, or to feel as pretty and attractive as we used to be when we were still young. For women who have actually taken the steps to turn back the time, the solutions they have taken are usually costly and painful. The bad thing about it is that not every answer to recapturing and maintaining youth works.

If we want to look young, the steps can be as simple as caring for our skin and spicing up our wardrobe. Oh, of course, we have to dress our age, but there is nothing wrong with updating ourselves and dressing young once in a while. Here are a few ways we can look young simply by dressing young.

1. Wear a nice pair of jeans that flatter your figure and disguise the waist that has thickened and the hips that have become wider through the years. These jeans do not have to be the latest skinny jeans; that could spell nightmares for some of us. A good pair with a bootleg cut and a dark wash would be enough to create wonders for you.

2. Wearing a pretty print dress can cut back the years, too, especially ones that are pastel-colored and bare a little bit of skin. Having a pretty dress on makes one instantly feel young and feminine, less of a career woman and definitely less of a matron. If you are not comfortable with baring skin anymore, a shawl or a light cardigan will provide good cover.

3. Hide the sags and bulges that age and constant stress have given our bodies. Wear pantyhose, tights and undergarments that provide support to your legs, thighs and hips. However, do not punish yourself by wearing things that pinch your body too much and are too uncomfortable for you. You are supposed to smile and feel good about what you are wearing.

4. Do yourself a favor and ditch the matronly handbag. Sure, the big and bulky handbag has seen you through so many emergencies, but there are more stylish bags out there that can provide you and your things enough space without looking too old and outdated.

5. Do your hair and face simply, the way you used to do when you were still young. Just put on some face powder and a touch of fruity lip gloss, and then do your hair up in a ponytail. That takes you back to high school, but without the hang-ups of our age.

Cotton Suits Make a Cool and Fashionable Choice for Spring and Summer

Cotton and other natural fiber suits are certainly being seen more and more in spring/summer collections. I find that there is something romantic about them, perhaps a nod to another era. High-end designers like Giorgio Armani, Paul Smith and Etro added cotton suits to their collections. This could be a trend we will see for years to come. I hope so since it is a look I love.

The ease of a cotton suit
What’s more, cotton suits are such a great alternative to summer weight wools. They are easily incorporated into a wardrobe as they can be worn with a tee (but please, not in a Miami Vice sort of way) as well as a shirt and tie. A pair of fabulous dress shoes or fashion sneakers, what ever your style, will finish off this cool summer wardrobe essential. Also keep in mind that the cotton suits offered now are more sophisticated making them better suited for the office or an evening out as opposed to the the country club look found in years past. But let me remind you, if you are still building a basic, functional wardrobe, stick with classic suit fabrics such as worsted wools.

What people are saying
Lauren Deatherage, Cotton Incorporated’s product trend analyst for menswear says, “cotton suiting is a key-trend for spring/summer 2006. It can be incorporated into all men’s trend themes. From preppy to edgy, it’s all about personal style and accessories. A khaki-colored, twill suit with a bright polo is perfect for Sunday brunch, while a slim-fit suit jacket can be worn with the season’s must-have skinny jeans and a T-shirt for a downtown, rock and roll adaptation.” And American designer Daniel Silver of Duckie Brown says “cotton suiting is perfect, not only for summer, but the transitional months before and after. To add to the versatility, a cotton suit can easily be broken into individual pieces.”

Everyone’s on board
According to research conducted by Cotton Incorporated, 56.8% of men will pay more for higher quality clothing and 58.7% think natural fibers are best fabric option. And as to be expected, the renewed interest in cotton suiting has “trickled-down.” Mid-priced designers like Penguin and Brooks Brothers have cotton-twill and seersucker options. Lower-end companies such as Banana Republic and Target have their own versions as well. So no matter what your price-point or personal style, there is a cotton suit out there for you.

How To Make Your Clothes Last Longer

Saving money and spending it only on necessary items is what most people I know are doing these days. This is a prudent thing to do no matter what the state of the economy might be. And properly caring for your clothes so they last longer is one way to cut costs out of your budget. You only need to do a few simple things to prolong the life of your clothes. Most of the tips I provide here I already do myself.

One way clothes lose their life span is by washing them. Each time you wash your clothes, color fades (with most fabrics) and fibers are weakened. Of course you need to wash your clothes and you don’t want to scare people away with odors and stains. But there are a few things you can do to that are gentler on your clothes.

• Wash clothes in cold water, especially darks.
  
• Be sure to separate darks and whites before washing. Light colored clothing can leave lint on dark clothes while dark clothes can bleed colors onto white clothes.
  
• Wash your clothes on the gentle cycle
  
• Use a gentle detergent such as Woolite
  
• Wash rough stuff like jeans together and softer fabrics like dress shirts together
  
• Clothes should be turned inside out prior to washing. This prevents color from fading. This is especially important when it comes to jeans.
  
• And wear your clothes more than once before washing. I personally do this and I have really been able to stretch the life of some of my favorite things. Of course if something gets stained I wash it and I certainly don’t wear underwear more than once, but things like dress shirts, jeans and cotton trousers can be worn more than once. If a stain is small, you can simply spot clean instead of throwing the whole garment in the wash

It’s no secret that clothes dryers do damage to your wardrobe. Even on low heat, dryers wreak havoc on fabric. You know all of that lint that collects in the dryer filter? Well, it used to be fibers in your clothing. I like to air dry my more expensive shirts and jeans as well as things that are prone to shrink. The side benefit to air drying is that your will save energy too.

Fashion Style Trends For '09

What's old, what's new, what's right for you? The future of fashion may not seem all that important at the moment, but it can actually provide plenty of inspiration and information to help you plan for purchases or pull hidden treasures from the back of your closet. While I don't have a crystal ball, I do have runways and red carpets to help me predict the trends. You may be surprised to know that what’s already in your wardrobe will even give you a great head start on dressing with flair in this new year. Bobbie Thomas, TODAY Style editor and author of the Buzz column for In Touch Weekly, tracks 2009’s upcoming trends.

Sophisticated separates
For the past few years, a matchy-matchy look felt like a fashion faux pas, but now ensemble dressing is making a comeback. Whether you want to mix it up or wear one whole look from head to toe, just keep in mind that separates are going to be the big story in fashion. And it all starts with the suit — both skirt and pant sets. This return to classic tailoring allows for versatility, a favorable option for these economic times. While a dress is a one-day outfit, ensembles allow you to mix and match the pieces, and transition items to not only expand your work wardrobe, but also blend these separates into your weekend wear. One of the best pieces to take from work to weekend, the blazer, was not only a must-have for fall 2008, it will continue to be a trend in 2009. Styles are morphing into feminine versions for spring, and these soft, structured jackets will start to replace cardigans and wraps. Menswear in general is getting a feminine makeover with light fabrics, delicate details and curved lines. We’re going to see every possible reinvention, including lots of softer spins with shawl collars, draping and asymmetrical hems, as even the most girly designers, such as Rebecca Taylor, put their twist on this classic piece of clothing. While floral tops, like those seen on the Jill Stuart runway, are also an abundant trend to look out for, the biggest (and most controversial) style seen on 2009 runways: fancy pants. Bottoms are back in a new way, from parachute to crop — and even jumpsuits — all odd shapes and cuts were on display. Contemporary designers such as Tibi put forth every imaginable silhouette and form. The best news is that you’ll have no trouble finding a pair of pants that suits you.

Weekend wear
In the casual category, a signature jacket is a must-have for the modern woman. A seasonless staple that will swing both ways, expect fall elements to bloom as the weather warms up, and summer coats like those seen on Milly’s spring runway to take center stage. Long gone are the days that you need just a basic to cover up in. With so many styles and colors to choose from, consider these coats an extension of your personality!

When it comes to denim, ripped jeans are tearing their way back. Hollywood has already cut the line, and trendsetters like Cameron Diaz are sporting spring samples of destroyed denim that are rumored to be back-ordered before the ball has even dropped in Times Square. Scissors anyone?

And while he's much more than her “boyfriend’” we’ve already reported that Katie Holmes has snagged “his” style and worn Tom's jeans. Other ladies, like Reese Witherspoon, have been out and about in relaxed-style jeans, and Levi’s is getting in line with their loose-legged blues. While skinny jeans may be taking a backseat, is baggier better?

But it’s not just about the basics — you might not normally think to embellish during the afternoon, but holiday sparkle shines on with evening elements for sunny days. Glitz and glimmer is everywhere, from the satin and beading seen at Nanette Lepore and Foley + Corinna, to even a disco flash that came to life via lame at the Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs shows.

And finally, maxi dresses made their official comeback in the summer of 2008 thanks to contemporary designers like Gypsy 05, and celebrities like Angelina Jolie, who practically lived in the longer length. This summer expect skirts to sweep in, too. These easy, breezy pieces are meant to be thrown on and paired with flip-flops for a casual-chic summer style.

Dress designs
Dresses have been back in such a big way over the past few years, and there’s a style for all, from one side of the spectrum to the other. First up: floral prints. They blossomed last summer, were in full bloom this fall, and they won't be wilting anytime soon.

And sculpted, formed frocks, with crisp lines and even bold shoulders, may bring you back to “Dynasty” days. Smart and savvy collections like Karen Millen use clean lines and smart paneling to literally help shift your shape. Bold black-and-white will be a color combination to take note of, and Amy Adams and Lucy Liu have already stepped out onto the red carpet in spring designs by Carolina Herrera and Giambattista Valli.

On the softer side, those who prefer an ethereal, fairy-talelike look will be happy to know that a flow of Grecian and goddess frocks will also be available. These sheer, fluid and draped designs feel fresh with asymmetry. From the neck to the hemline, imbalance is in, and Aurelio Costarella offers great examples of this trend.

Accents
When just a little wardrobe update is all you need, 2009’s edgy extras have the potential to make a big impact. Expect fringe to be everywhere and on everything, as demonstrated on William Rast’s runway. If you want to just touch on the trend, scarves and accessories are a great way to go.

And there’s no need for diamonds, as big and bold costume baubles stay in the spotlight. Statement pieces such as those by Roberta Freyman and Cynthia Rowley will help transform the look of any basic. And finally, from funky to fabulous, footwear remains a focal point in 2009, with everything from nude classics to cutout creations. Sh-booties and platforms from designers like Stuart Weitzman still support a heavier-looking foot trend.

As you can see, designers inspire with couture creations, while stylists and celebrities help them step into the spotlight, making it possible for us to predict the future! But now that you know what next year will bring, it’s time to take advantage of this knowledge (and the January sales!). Be savvy by shopping off-season, and also don’t forget to pull from your own wardrobe. You’re likely to have items that hit on at least a few of these trends buried at the bottom of your drawers or in the back of your closet!