“Are you really going to wear that?” This is the age-old phrase heard around the nation from women of all ages desperate to enhance their man’s wardrobe. Whether it’s acid-washed tapered jeans, plaid shirts or an addiction to the standard polo shirt, history (and dating) has proven certain (alright, most) men have a noticeable lack of fashion sense.

Despite some men’s shortcomings as a fashion maven, there is help readily available in the form of men’s fashion magazines, Web sites offering advice and tips on the latest looks and makeover shows on TV. But the most important remedy for the male fashion crisis is the in-house stylist, also known as their better half (ie: their girlfriend/wife). That’s right ladies, the editors at Men’s Vogue and Esquire might not be able to get through to your man but chances are that you can.

Behind every great man is a great woman. That means that if a man looks sharp, he probably has his girlfriend or wife to thank. Purchasing a tie, wallet or shirt for your man might even be the ultimate act of women’s lib. Or it may just be an easier way to be seen in public with your man; you decide.

According to Anna Miller, owner and CEO of eFashionHouse.com, which was named “Best of the Web” by People Magazine StyleWatch Fall 2006 for discount high-end designer accessories, there has been a jump in men’s accessory sales. “I have women contacting me all the time to purchase a designer wallet or tie for their guy,” says Miller. “They tell me they know their husband or boyfriend won’t wear the pants or shirt they buy them, but they will use the wallet, tie, belt, cufflinks, etc.”

You can help too, whether it’s starting out with a nice Calvin Klein leather wallet or the ever-stylish Gucci version (for the less budget-conscious). This subtle enhancement can slowly evolve into an entire wardrobe makeover. What starts with a wallet can progress into a new tie and belt and eventually become a new shirt, sweater, pants and suit. Your man will appreciate your interest in his appearance, and he’ll be very happy once he sees the results.

You know your man’s Velcro contraption (When did he buy that? The ‘80s?) or that wallet he’s had since college? Imagine having it replaced by a gorgeous black leather Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein. These choices won’t break your budget and will help make him look fashionable. How about accenting that boring black suit (at least it was black when he bought it) with a silk grey Armani tie?

With the online holiday shopping season just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to help your man. If you don’t want to lose precious shopping time hitting the streets, online shopping is the perfect alternative for shoppers who seek comfort (from their own home) and time conservation (traveling time not required).

When looking for perfect holiday gifts at discount prices, shop early for the best deals. Discount designer men’s accessories are perfect gifts and just the right size for stocking stuffers. Here’s some nifty inexpensive designer man-things. Search Google for Burberry designer cufflinks, Paul Smith designer cufflinks, Armani designer silk tie, Ralph Lauren designer wallet, Gucci designer key ring, Dolce & Gabbana designer key ring, Burberry designer silk tie, Hermes designer silk pocket scarf, Latico designer briefcase, Burberry designer belt, and the list goes on and on.

Some men’s designer accessories to can help save your partner (and maybe even your relationship) can be found online at prices that don’t break the budget. Below are some of the best fashion gift ideas at perfect price points (below retail) for the man in your life. Copy and paste the search terms listed below into the Google.com search function for the best prices online:

I'm telling you, there really is something to this mind/body connection thing. Controlling how you feel can sometimes seem like an impossible task. When we are down, angry, indifferent, lazy, our posture takes on a totally different form. Our body reflects our inner mood. Wouldn't it be great if we could change those states and be fired up, upbeat, positive, more happy! Well its hard to keep it all together sometimes but we do have control over our emotions.

One trick I have discovered is that you can change your mood by changing your clothes. There is this one outfit I own that just makes me feel like a rock star. Everything about my posture, outlook and state changes every time I wear this outfit out. Its almost like putting on a mask or assuming a different role in this crazy play called life. Of course this is only good for the weekends. But I got to thinking maybe other outfits in my wardrobe can be used for other moods. And so now I'm building up a collection of mood clothes such as serious, focused, productive, handy, social, etc. Its good to know that your outlook on life is within your own control and that a walk to your closet can mean a change of state.

I encourage you to try this out but start slow. It's better to buy new outfits and associate them with new feelings than to try to use older stuff in your closet. Also you must make a commitment to make the desired feeling real. The first couple of times I wore my rock star clothes I made sure I was going out to have a great time. Recently I got this new stylish pinstripe shirt that I wear when I need to be extra productive. I take it and my laptop to the posh library downtown and just get to work.

You maybe saying its not the shirt but your actions that make you feel that way, but really I don't care as long as I get results. Yes it does take a little effort at first or luck to associate the right feelings with a new outfit but once its locked you can take it easy a bit. Last weekend I really was not in the party mood but once I put on my rock star outfit on, I couldn't help but feel outrageous and ready for fun. All the previous positive experiences just overwhelmed me when I slip that bad boy on.

So try associating some great positive moods to your new and stylish clothes. Make dressing up a statement of your style but also something that can benefit you personally by enhancing your mood. Look good - feel good. This direct positive mind/body link is amazing and works every time.

shish Soni offered a slice of youthful, contemporary India at the New York Fashion Week on 9/11. Showing his Spring 2006 line, Soni became the first India-based designer to make an appearance at the twice-a-year Manhattan carnival.


Opening to the sound of dripping water, he showed long draped white and black shirts embellished with jet beading. Though the lady next to me kept offering to write the spellings of all the Indian dresses, it was not the traditional Indian references, but more how he got away from them that was of interest in this commercial and restrained collection.


It was Little House On The Prairie or Russian boho rather than all the bling bling of Bollywood, but it had very clever detailing. The drape of the sari was used as inspiration and a black jacket was tailored to look the same, flesh was demurely covered, jodhpur-style pants came under flounces of linen and there was a touch of Dries van Noten, mixed with Delhi and Downtown.


Soni’s show - sponsored by the Ministry of Textiles, the Ministry of Tourism and Air-India in a package that amounts to “around $200,000” - was more than just a show. It was actually a part of the Incredible India campaign.


The idea, said Tourism Minister Renuka Chowdhury before the show, is that the hundreds of international journalists at the fashion week will get to see a “younger, contemporary and more vibrant side to India”.


In keeping with that aim, Soni is now working on various other products, including T-shirts bearing the Incredible India logo. His entourage of 25 (including several Indian models) will wear these T-shirts all through the Fashion Week.

it is the dream of all new designers to see their creations being sashayed on the catwalk by famous models in the midst of an international audience. For several amateur designers from Dubai, that fantasy will come true at ‘Creations ‘The Young Fashion Designers’ Dream’, the opening segment of Dubai Fashion 2005. This event has been designed to provide a unique platform for Dubai based designers of different nationalities and ages to showcase their creativity and reach out to fashion lovers across the globe.

Dubai Fashion 2005Creations opened on January 15, with two shows titled Celebrating Cultures held at BurJuman. Emirati designer Shamoukh’s elegant haute couture creations kicked off this celebration. Representing India is Peacock Couture, a collection of fusion garments by Shane and Falguni, which blends the best of Eastern craftsmanship and colour with western silhouettes and finish. Bringing in a flavour of Pakistan to this eclectic mix is Nomi Ansari, whose ethnic salwar kurtas, churidaars and sarees with their soft flowing silhouettes and vibrant colours celebrate Paksitan’s rich heritage.

From January 16 till January 21, the shows are held daily (except on the 20th) at BurJuman featuring amateur designers. Seven young designers and a Dubai based fashion design institute have been selected this year to participate in Creations. They have been provided full support by the DSF organising committee in terms of financial backing for the event as well as other arrangements such as venue, support teams, music, hair, make-up as well as media and marketing back-up. Celebrity international models have been flown down to display the collections on the ramp and well-known Indian choreographer Achala Sachdev has been invited to choreograph the shows to provide a professional touch to the ramp debut of the designers. A special feature of Creations this year is that every designer has been given the opportunity to have their collections on sale at Burjuman on the day following their show.

The designers may be new to the ramp, but their innovative and varied offerings are bound to impress and influence trend watchers. Indian designer Gulzar Vijan set the ball rolling on January 16, with her eco-friendly collection of western wear. The young designer specialises in traditional dyeing and printing techniques and uses only vegetable dyes in her work. Her collections have been well received in the US and India and she was excited about her first showing in Dubai.

Dubai Fashion 2005Next on the ramp was Karieshma Hiranandani. Karieshma has a flair for designing and keeps abreast of latest fashion trends. Using skilled craftsmen in India, she creates trendy collections of Indian and Indo-western fusion wear every season.

The young designer, who prefers to sell her collections from her home in Dubai, already has a loyal clientele, but is sure to win over more after her debut ramp show here.

On January 19, the spotlight will be on a group of young fashion-design students from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education. The students have worked backstage at several international shows in Dubai as well as for Dubai-based brands Pepper and Nayomi. But this is their first opportunity to showcase their work at an international forum and they are determined to make an impression. Jordanian, Aida Ghanem’s impeccably cut and beautifully embellished jellabiyas will also be seen on the ramp on January 19.

Bringing the curtain down on Creations will be ‘Kalpa’ a label launched by Indian designer Kalpa Patel who has had several private exhibitions in Dubai and other countries and is to launch her designer label at the finale of the Creations 2005 on January 21 while Syrian designer Jamal Al Saady’s creations will reflect the latest trends in Arab-Western fusion wear on the same day. However, for all the young designers featured in the shows, it will be the beginning of a bright future.

Women are just like fine wine. As they get older, more mature, and more beautiful, their inner woman seems to gain a sense of assured confidence, brought on by the years of experience in life. I have always admired women over 50 who carry their age with a sense of pride, style and class.

As women get older their sense of fashion seems to mature along with them. What is trendy and ‘in fashion’ might not necessarily be the apparel of choice any longer. Why does this happen? Probably as women get busier and have more responsibilities they seem to opt for items which are comfortable to work in not necessarily stylish.

However I think women should not give up their sense of style, just because their day got busier and a few gray hairs are showing up here and there. On the other hand as women get older they should adjust to their age, by choosing items of clothing which enhance their beauty and their figure.

Plus size women who are over 50 have every reason to dress in a stylish manner. Stores which cater for their needs might not necessarily be easily available, that is true. However that is no reason to compromise. Especially with the Internet being so widely available these days, a multitude of store are suddenly available to cater for a mature plus size woman’s needs. For instance store like Ulla Popken and Junonia have a great selection of plus size clothing available which is great for the mature woman’s needs. Prices are reasonable and sizes are vast.

Mature plus size ladies should be careful to choose items which make the most of their curves, and also their age. Some tips to abide by are the following –

1. Be careful to choose the right size to fit your body. Don’t go for items which fit too tightly, the idea if for clothing to hug your body so that is gives it definition and enhances the curves. Choosing items which are too tight will not look too classy. At the same times items which are too baggy should also be avoided. Your dress of choice does not have to look like a tent! Just because you’re plus size, does not mean you have to hide your body. Show off those beautiful curves in a classy and chic manner.

2. Avoid fussy prints. Fussy fabrics have the tendency to make plus size women look even bigger. While we are proud of our curves, the clothing we choose should make the most of our full figures, enhancing them instead of giving them wrong definition.

3. Stick to classic designs and clean cuts. Just as fussy printed fabrics make us look a little bit bigger, so do fussy designs. For example avoid too much frill and things of the sort. Such clothing does not help define a full figured body to the best of it’s shape. Instead stick clean cuts and classic designs which work best for our curves.

4. Try and avoid wearing anything that is too short. If you have beautiful legs, be proud of them and by all mean show them off whenever you get a chance however, do this with taste, style and moderation. Do wear skirts and shorts. However avoid anything that is too short.

5. As we get older, some parts of our body tend to lose some of that useful gravity. This is nothing to worry about, as when choosing clothes and underwear with good support, things can be kept up to the necessary heights at all times. However I would suggest not to exposure the arms too much.

Being over 50 does not mean women have to give up on having a sense of style. Especially not plus size women! On the other hand women should make the most of this time in their life. With the right clothes any plus size lady who is over 50 can look and feel like a million dollars!

When it comes to style, you can use cheap fashion jewelry to create hundreds of different looks. There are many designs for you to choose from; rings, chokers, hair clips, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, bangles and earrings. You can mix and match to suit whatever mood the diva in you cares to express.

There are many quality manufactures of high-end or 'fine' fashion jewelry that produce lines of 'costume' jewelry that are much more affordable but look expensive. When you are shopping for cheap fashion jewelry, look at the materials, colored glass beads will stand the test of time better than beads that are painted. You can find lots of natural, semi-precious stones, such as agate, shell and turquoise made into wonderful cheap fashion jewelry accessories. Design styles that use metal wire for connecting beads instead of plastic or string will also make your cheap fashion jewelry look like it cost a lot more than you paid for it.

Cheap fashion jewelry can be an expression of a fun-loving free spirit; using plastic jewelry for a girl's night out can be a wonderful way of focusing more on having a great time than how you look. When you want to impress, choose cheap fashion jewelry that has sparkle and glitter. And nothing works better than cubic zirconia - it has that expensive look of diamonds that can make you feel like a million dollars - without the cost.

With so much of our fashion style being shaped by celebrities we see on television, in music videos or films, you can find cheap fashion jewelry in every category from lower-priced replicas of celebrity 'bling bling', those oversized, extravagant accessories from the hip-hop culture scene to body jewelry made famous by punk and heavy metal followers in both pierced and non-pierced types. You can use cheap fashion jewelry to keep in step with the latest fashion trends. Pile on the bangles and necklaces in the hot color combos of the season: brown with pink, navy with orange or chocolate brown with baby blue.

In your quest to find the best cheap fashion jewelry, don't limit yourself to retail stores in the real world. You will find that there are many online shopping sites that offer the latest styles in cheap jewelry fashions plated in gold and silver with faux pearls beads, crystals and semi precious jewels.

Women all over the world want to look beautiful and wealthy without spending fortune. While the United States has hundreds of manufacturers, your cheap fashion jewelry collection will benefit if you look to the jewelry manufacturers of Asia and Europe as well. Many of the companies in Europe have been exporting their cheap fashion jewelry for years, but some like Russia, Slovenia and Bulgaria are fairly new in the marketplace. Taiwan, Japan and China are all producing cheap fashion jewelry in unique designs and in every type of accessory you can imagine at prices that are hard to believe.

Looking for an interesting career in the fashion industry? Offering a diverse education; fashion schools provide comprehensive coursework that maintains up-to-date fashion and design training programs, which often include the latest accessories, clothing, hairstyles, jewelry, cosmetics, and relevant fashion equipment.

Fashion school students are trained how to blend modern trends into their own creative and customized designs; and prepares them for a frequently evolving profession in a competitive and progressive trade.

Aside from basic instruction in fabrics and textiles, common fashion school curriculums introduce and educate students about budgeting; CAD (Computer Aided Design); clothing production (including learning how to sew and sewing machines); fashion history; merchandising, retail management and wardrobe ensemble.

Successful candidates who have completed and earned a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Fashion Design or Fashion Merchandising may enter lucrative fashion careers such as buyers; costumers; cosmetic artists; cutters; designers; drapers; fashion models; hairstylists; photographers; and merchandisers.

Potential earnings of fashion school graduates are determined by individual ambition and talent. Businesses that fashion professionals often work in include beauty and hair salons; design studios; corporate settings; and a variety of retail outlets.

As an incentive, and if you enjoy travel, a career in the fashion industry often leads to widespread tours to many fashion capitals of the world such as London, Milan, New York and Paris.

No doubt you have wanted a pair of fur boots for a long time. How could you not want something as elegant or whimsical as a fur boot can be? Fur boots have gone in and out of style for years, but they are definitely in style now; and they will definitely stay in style for many years to come.

So, why have not you bought a pair of fur boots in the past? Have they been too expensive? Are you afraid that they will go out of style before you feel they have walked their worth? Do you fear that you do not have anything that will go with your fur boots? Whatever your reasons for not buying fur boots in the past, those reasons most definitely will not hold up any longer.

Although there are still some expensive fur boots out there, there are also some at very reasonable prices. Along with the popularity of fur boots comes the ease in finding a pair that suits your budget.

You certainly no longer need to fear that fur boots will go out of style anytime soon. People are loving their fur boots, and it is hard to give up on something that you love. Do you think that jeans will be going out of style any time soon? No, most definitely not. That’s because people love them. Jeans are now a staple of everyone’s wardrobe, and there is no reason that fur boots won’t also be. Fur boots come in so many different styles that there is sure to be at least one style that everyone will love. Take, for instance pointed toe fur boots.

Pointed toe shoes have been in style for a long while now, so it is no wonder that pointed toe fur boots are also in style. Pointed toe fur boots have the same sleek style of other pointed toe shoes, but they have that added warmth and extra fashion sense.

Do you fear that you won’t have anything to wear with your pointed toe fur boots? Do not worry about that. They go excellently over tight, tapered jeans or under bootcut jeans. They look great with short pants, as well. And pointed toe fur boots most definitely look beautiful with A-line skirts that hit anywhere from mid-shin to mid-thigh.

The beauty of these boots is that you can still wear skirts and dresses in winter… and stay warm. They are most definitely going to keep your legs warmer – not just your feet – than other pointed toe shoes or boots would.

Boots are both beautifully stylish and also warm. Pointed toe fur boots are a fashion must for any fall or winter wardrobe (unless, perhaps, you are living in Hawaii…).

Most often when people think of cities with fashion influence they think of Paris, London, Milan and New York. Very few people, however, ever think of putting Los Angeles on that list. Once upon a time, though, in the heady days of the studios in the ‘30’s and 40’s Los Angeles—or more accurately Hollywood—was a major fashion influence in America. Studio designers like Adrian, Helen Rose and Edith Head created the looks and trends that were advertised in fashion and movie magazines and the American public went wild for them. Time has passed, however, and with the influx of European designers and New York City now considered the Mecca of American fashion, Los Angeles has faded into the background.

Los Angeles has always been a fashionable town. Television more than anything has influenced Americans in the most recent years. Anyone who ever wore a shoulder-padded, rhinestone evening gown like Alexis on “Dynasty” or got the Rachel haircut from “Friends” can attest to that. Lately, however, it seems like the only fashion influence L.A. has to offer are Juicy jeans and swim trunks. Yet the “City of Angels” is trying to change all that with the start of “L.A. Fashion Week.”

L.A. Fashion Week has only been around a few years and has not made the mark that the cities mentioned above do. Yet. While fashion in L.A. is as unstable as the ground, we have a lot going for us too. Unlike the specific, understated look of New York, Los Angeles is anything but formulaic. The word “eclectic” doesn’t even begin to describe the mixture of thrift stores, Rodeo Drive and ethnic influences that L.A. boasts about. It is really this diversified fashion that is both appealing and puzzling about L.A. The main problem is that not one kind of fashion can be pinned on our sunny city. While designers like Chanel, Herrera, and Valentino make one think of New York City or jet-setting off to Milan, there isn’t a profound name coming out of L.A.

Hopefully, some of the names like Eduardo Lucero, Jared Gold or Edith Palm will strike a nerve with the public. The key is to not just focus on the clothes, but on the designers too. The more people create name recognition with the designer the more influence the designer will have with clothes. If L.A. Fashion Week can start that recognition then maybe Manhattan won’t be the fashion pilgrimage for much longer.

t was the wedding dress heard and talked about around the world. On September 21, 1996, when Carolyn Bessette Kennedy stepped out of that rustic church on the arm of John F. Kennedy Jr., it wasn't just the famous man on her arm that women were drooling over--it was that wedding dress. It was a white silk dress that was simple, elegant, classy, and unbelievably sexy. Sexy! A wedding dress? That was the part people couldn't get over. While most women end up looking like an over-frosted cupcake on their wedding day, Carolyn Besette Kennedy had accomplished what most considered impossible. She made herself look like both a princess and a temptress at the same time. And that look was created by none other than one of her best friends, Narciso Rodriguez.

That was almost a decade ago when Narciso (pronounced NAR-CEE-SO) was working at Calvin Klein where he and Carolyn became fast friends. Once word got out who had designed the dress, suddenly everyone wanted him and LVMH had him. It was considered a dream come true for a designer to work for such a prominent house as LMVH, and Narciso believed that he had arrived, but he also found himself living out of suitcases and at such a pace that he never had time for family or friends, and rarely knew what hotel he was staying at.

Narciso pressed on though, encouraged by the idea that he had finally "made it." Working for a large company does not always encourage independant thinking, however, and soon Narciso discovered what every designer fears--he no longer loved his work.

It couldn't have been more of a turning point and then the worst happened: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy was killed in a plane accident and Narciso lost a very dear friend. When interviewed by InStyle Magazine (April 2005) Narciso said that the death of Carolyn was "a life-altering reality check." Suddenly life without friends, family and a love of his work didn't seem like such a great opportunity anymore. Narciso left LVMH and came home. Many deemed him foolish for the move, but his life experiences, both tragic and happy, had taught Narciso to follow his instincts, and those instincts lead him to create own design collection.

Those instincts served him well and women's fashion is the better for it. Instead of working for a committee, Narciso works for himself and is able to completely focus on his own line of clothing. He has perfected the look of women. Instead of dresses made for matchsticks, Narciso designs knowing that real women have curves and a bustline. He has said that his designs are "Latin" in style because Latin women have figures and are proud of that fact.

Summer is here once again, and if you are like me then you like to travel. Whether it be a quick weekend jaunt or a luxurious two week vacation I love summer travel. I’ve always had this kind of whimsical, Holly Golightly fantasy about myself where I impulsively decide to take a road trip. In my daydream I go to my bedroom, grab a small overnight bag throw in articles of clothing, grab my keys, put on my sunglasses and out I go into the great adventure waiting for me…

This, as I mentioned earlier, was a fantasy. Not the impulsive road trip part (Vegas and the California beach are very close to where I live) but easy packing part. I have never just “thrown a few articles into an overnight bag” and quite frankly, what is the use of an overnight bag? Where do you put your extra pair of shoes and hairdryer? And as much as I enjoy being a girl there is a part of me that wishes I could break the male gene code that makes it possible for a guy to throw a bottle of aftershave, socks, and a Maxim magazine into a backpack and be set for a whole weekend. Once again I say, where is his extra pair of shoes?

I have some travel coming up so I looked up some traveling websites and books that would help lessen my load, literally.

Be Realistic About Your Time Away If you are only going for a weekend trip to a friend’s house or to the beach you definitely don’t need bring along those strappy heels and black cocktail dress. I think most women are like me where I’ll think, “Well, Bob and Ida didn’t say they’d be having a formal dinner party at their tiny one bed-room apartment, but I guess I’d better bring these just in case!” It is the “just in case” thing that gets us. Bring extra band-aids and aspirin as a just in case. If the clothes don’t match the planned vacation then keep the debutante gown at home.

Rolling Not Folding I have found this to be very useful. By carefully rolling the clothes up into almost like a log prevents the unsightly creases that typically occur when folded. For a shirt or blouse I will normally tuck in the sleeves like I’m about to fold it and then just lay it down on a flat surface and roll it from collar to the shirt hem. One obvious note, which pertains to the paragraph above, is that this technique won’t work if you crammed eight shirts into a small bag. Know what you are taking first and then roll them up before putting them in the bag.

That amazing holiday of picnics, grill-outs, road-trips, and of course fireworks is just a few days away. It is amazing how this holiday seems to fit so perfectly with summer. I have often wondered if our founding fathers made the choice of July 4th as our Independence Day because that was when they signed the Declaration of Independence or because they knew families couldn’t have their holiday cookouts in the dead of winter. My guess would be the former, but we should be ever grateful to them for both liberating us from the British and choosing a summer day as the time to celebrate our freedom. It also allows us to wear some of our more comfortable and fun outfits.

This weekend is always a whirlwind of trips to the beach, to friends’ parties and family BBQs. As nice as these summer days are, they can also be hot--very hot. It is hard to look nice for a get together when sweat is pouring out of you like a waterfall. Luckily, clothes designers have gotten smarter about the types of outfits that are best for the summer time:

I was watching a show the other day that had on the British duo of “What Not to Wear” and one of their first declarations was that no one should ever wear shorts. I thought it was the most absurd thing I had ever heard. I realize they are from that cold island that we just happened to have had a break-up with about two hundred and twenty-nines ago. I mean it must get warm in Great Britain sometimes, right? There must be a time where a British person would feel the need to wear a pair of shorts sometime. Shorts are an essential part of any summertime wardrobe as are capris which are the next best things to shorts since some people want the summer look, but not wanting to show extra leg.

There are many great tops to choose from for summertime. If you want to get a nice tan on your shoulders, but you don’t want to wear a bikini then try a halter top. It ties around the neck leaving the shoulders and back free for some exposure to the sun. Or if you want to stay cool, but not expose so much skin, try a tank top that goes under a tunic. Most tunics are made of a thin material making it transparent, but it makes for a nice cover-up for your upper body.

Who in their right mind would pay $500 for a pair of shoes? Apparently, a lot of women are willing. I am as crazy about shoes as the next woman, but how can something made of wood and leather cost so much? Isn’t a shoe just a shoe? But that doesn’t seem to be the case when one is discussing or wearing a pair of Manolo Blahniks. In the beginning when Manolo was just an upstart designer with Ossie Clark, only the most upper-class ladies wore them, but then a little show called Sex and the City and a nicely-heeled character named Carrie Bradshaw came along and opened the floodgates about expensive foot apparel. Carrie was happily obsessed with Manolo Blahniks and now so are we.


As it seems to happen to a lot of famous people, Monolo Blahnik wasn’t thinking about shoes as a career when he first started out. He had wanted to be a set designer for the theater. When he had a chance meeting with Diana Vreeland it gave him the opportunity to show her some of his theater sketches – and one of the sketches was a whimsical shoe design of his own making. “Go with the shoes,” Diana advised. “And forget the rest.” Manolo took her advice and by 1972 he had his first shoe collection. By the mid-seventies everyone knew about his shoes. Everyone in high fashion that is. Bianca Jagger, Princess Diana, Jackie Onassis and many other celebrities would all become faithful followers, but he was little known to the ordinary shoe-wearing American woman. It wasn’t until a certain quirky character named Carrie Bradshaw walked into television history in a pair of very high-heeled Manolo Blahniks that anyone West of Manhattan even knew what these shoes were. And once Carrie got mugged on the street by a thug who snarled, “Give me your purse…and your Manolo Blahniks!” audiences knew something must be special about those shoes.



But again I ask, “Is there any kind of shoe truly worth $500?” I don’t think I can answer that question. One who has the cash would say yes, but another with limited funds may ogle and fantasize about a classic pair of Mediterranean mules, but cannot and will not buy them. I believe the difference comes in workmanship. Manolo likes thing personal. He likes to look over and approve every shoe that is designed. He even has shoe lines dedicated to celebrity women. There is something quite compelling about a man who gives this much love to his art. Laugh if you want, but every detail of every shoe is given special attention. His philosophy for his shoe collections is simple, “occasional avant garde looks for the affluent few” and “good solid looks that will wear forever.” Perhaps that explains the price tag. Quality and attention rarely come cheap.

Thinking of J.Lo's jewels, dreaming of La Liz's diamonds, but don’t have Blaine Trump’s bank account? Fortunately, that no longer matters when it comes to owning jewelry. All that matters is the kind of jewelry you are willing to buy. Whether you are looking for fun jewelry or for something to make your co-workers drool, the world of faux (and not so faux) jewelry can definitely accommodate you.

Faux diamonds used to be looked down on, but as prices seem to get higher and higher and the cost of living is just exploding it is getting harder for Americans to splurge even on the smallest things for themselves. The invention of Cubic Zirconia (CZ), however, has sparked a huge wave of fans who want to have the fancy looking jewelry at about an third of the cost. CZ is a manufactured version of a diamond, basically what is called a man-made diamond. Most often it is created in a laboratory, and then sent to jewelers to be cut into the shape of diamonds. This revolutionary invention has created a billion dollar business.

Let’s say you can't afford the four million dollar diamond ring J.Lo recently bought for herself, and frankly most us can’t, but that doesn't mean that you can't own one that looks just like it. We may all dream of being superstars, but sadly we don't all end up with those superstar paychecks. Thanks to websites like http://www.inspiredjewelry.com and http://www.czfantasy.com, however, we can all get a little closer to our fantasy.

What these sites offer is simply fun jewelry that you will definitely love. You can own the engagement rings of Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Simpson all for under $100! The average cost of one of these rings is normally $30 and the quality is actually not bad at all. The cut and look is done well enough that if someone gave your ring finger a passing glance they’d wonder which rock star it was that you snagged over the weekend.

If you are looking for something a little more upscale try http://www.ziamond.com where the diamonds are fake, but the gold and silver is real. This may seem silly, you might think that you might as well go all the way and buy a real diamond, but the cubic zirconia used is of a higher quality and a better cut. The real gold and silver on these pieces help to make the diamond settings look much more real and the design more professional looking and keep the price of the jewelry down. A cubic zirconia bracelet only goes for about $399 while something like that at a normal jewelry store can be well over $1000 to $2000.

Thinking of J.Lo's jewels, dreaming of La Liz's diamonds, but don’t have Blaine Trump’s bank account? Fortunately, that no longer matters when it comes to owning jewelry. All that matters is the kind of jewelry you are willing to buy. Whether you are looking for fun jewelry or for something to make your co-workers drool, the world of faux (and not so faux) jewelry can definitely accommodate you.

Faux diamonds used to be looked down on, but as prices seem to get higher and higher and the cost of living is just exploding it is getting harder for Americans to splurge even on the smallest things for themselves. The invention of Cubic Zirconia (CZ), however, has sparked a huge wave of fans who want to have the fancy looking jewelry at about an third of the cost. CZ is a manufactured version of a diamond, basically what is called a man-made diamond. Most often it is created in a laboratory, and then sent to jewelers to be cut into the shape of diamonds. This revolutionary invention has created a billion dollar business.

Let’s say you can't afford the four million dollar diamond ring J.Lo recently bought for herself, and frankly most us can’t, but that doesn't mean that you can't own one that looks just like it. We may all dream of being superstars, but sadly we don't all end up with those superstar paychecks. Thanks to websites like http://www.inspiredjewelry.com and http://www.czfantasy.com, however, we can all get a little closer to our fantasy.

What these sites offer is simply fun jewelry that you will definitely love. You can own the engagement rings of Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Simpson all for under $100! The average cost of one of these rings is normally $30 and the quality is actually not bad at all. The cut and look is done well enough that if someone gave your ring finger a passing glance they’d wonder which rock star it was that you snagged over the weekend.

If you are looking for something a little more upscale try http://www.ziamond.com where the diamonds are fake, but the gold and silver is real. This may seem silly, you might think that you might as well go all the way and buy a real diamond, but the cubic zirconia used is of a higher quality and a better cut. The real gold and silver on these pieces help to make the diamond settings look much more real and the design more professional looking and keep the price of the jewelry down. A cubic zirconia bracelet only goes for about $399 while something like that at a normal jewelry store can be well over $1000 to $2000.

As with everything else about New York, even its weather has to be in fashion. It may have been fall but it was spring-like temperatures in New York City which was very fitting since designers were introducing their Spring 2006 clothing collections to an eager audience and to even more eager buyers. But the appropriate heat did have its drawbacks: It was so hot that Anna Wintour and Patrick McCarthy left Calvin Klein show early due to overheating. It looks like not everyone is willing to suffer for fashion.

The greats were there as usual, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabanna, Vera Wang and they can all be viewed at http://www.newyorkmetro.com/fashion/fashionshows/ which does a stunning job of reporting on all the shows that went on. For me, however, I want to focus on some newer designers: Those who have only been around for a few years and those who just made their debut. Will some of these designers be the wave of the future or just a thing of the past?

The first I have come to admire is designer is Zac Posen. Posen has been designing since 2001, but his first runway show debuted in 2004 and was a stunning success and his 2006 spring collection is just as eye-pleasing. This designer is very popular with the young Hollywood scene and celebrities. Yet for someone considered so hip, his designs for spring are surprisingly relaxed and most certainly attainable. Soft beige is the primary color with hints of subtle greens and yellows. He left color for the finale with a model in a blue pleated gown with a skirt so big that it reminded me of a Southern belle making an entrance at a ball.

Speaking of southern belles, Derek Lams collection was an amazing display of airy white dresses where the models looked like they were taking a stroll through a Tennessee Williams tragedy. He also offered sundresses that could be worn in the office or a day out at the park. The clothes were soft and flowing creations and of all the collections Lam’s was the most appropriate for spring with the loose comfortable fabric to keep anyone cool on a hot New York day.

B-Rude by Boy George is absolutely wild and silly, but it had what many designers did not and that was color! One would think that the theme of spring would inspire arrangements of electric yellows and vibrant greens in this season’s collections, but many designers stayed with white, grey, and what one fashion critic describe as “greige”, which is the combination of grey and beige and while this is actually a very attractive color it seems a more appropriate color for fall and winter not the life-enhancing season of spring! Perhaps B-Rude horded all the colorful fabric this year because it was on display with eye-popping enthusiasm. Models wearing vibrant yellows, reds, oranges, and hot pinks with polka dots all screamed for attention as they strutted down the runway with colorful punk hair to match their outfits. The stunning finale was Janice Dickinson (of Top Model infamy) in a sweeping gorgeous green design that looked like a cross between a geisha robe and something that Merlin the magician would wear

Through its limited-edition, quarterly GO International apparel program, Target is continuing to do what it does best: add excitement and buzz about its brand. Apparel continued to be a top performer for the mass retailer in 2005, and the company hopes GO International will help further its fashion credentials even more in 2006.

"GO International is a series of limited-engagement apparel collections from internationally renowned designers geared toward our trend-conscious junior and contemporary customer," said Gregg Steinhafel, Target Stores president, during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call. "She's already shopping in our stores, and it's just a way for us to add freshness and newness ... so we're excited about it."

Target launched the Luella Bartley for Target collection in February. Bartley, a British fashion writer turned designer, is known for her preppy yet punky fashion design. Her collection at Target reflects this, and includes items such as a denim sandblasted biker jacket, $49.99; a heart tattoo screen T-shirt, $12.99; and tartan plaid dress with bubble skirt, $39.99. The entire collection's price points range from $8.99 for a plastic bangle to $149.99 for a suede jacket.