A pea coat goes by more than one name, including “pea jacket” in some cases. It is generally composed of really heavy material and is colored a dark, navy blue. Initially, these pea coats adorned sailors on European merchant ships and navies. They were usually made from wool, as sailors usually face harsh climates during ship sailing. The wool pea coats are recognized by large lapels and double breast-style fronts. Additionally, these coats often feature wooden buttons on the front; and can sometimes have “slash pockets.”

The terms "pea coat" and "pea jacket" were first noticed in grammar use during the eighteenth century – and more than likely had a Dutch or Frisian origin. The word for cloth in both languages is “pij.” During the nineteenth century, the pea coat was also known as the coat pilots wore. During this time, the pea coat came to be used more in the navy and on merchant ships.

After sometime, the pea coat style eventually turned into a classic and now, wool pea coats are worn in various manners by different individuals. Presently, few of the pea coats that can be seen on the street are genuinely made by the United States navy. Being a classic garment, however, it is frequently available from the US retailers. It is also because it is a classic that the modern pea coats usually have minimum design changes that reflects the current fashion of today, as compared to the style of old pea coats.

Additionally, when the jacket was predominantly worn by sailors, jackets worn by officers were different than normal pea coats; they were longer, reaching down to the mid-thigh. You can still see this style today with various pea coats. Initially, however, this style was known as a “bridge coat.” The main difference between the bridge coat and the pea coat is that the bridge jacket is longer in length. It usually reaches down halfway to the thighs and the plastic buttons are replaced by polished metal uniform buttons that are gold-colored. Also, shoulder epaulets are sewn in and serves as a place for the slide-on rank insignia of the officer.

Healthy, silky hair is something we all want, but in our fast paced, fast food world, dry hair is what many of us have. The long, luxurious locks on models in fashion magazines and the flowing curls of the girls on shampoo bottles may seem out of reach for the rest of us, but take heart. Not only is it inexpensive to treat your dry hair; you don't even have to visit a salon. All the products necessary to treat damaged or dry hair can be found in your local discount store or supermarket; in fact, you may already have many of the products at home in your medicine cabinet or kitchen. So, do take care of your hair for that silky shiny hair.
Hair Moisture
Hair normally has a moisture content of approximately 10%. If your hair’s moisture content drops below this level the key is to increase the hair’s ability of attract and retain moisture. This is accomplished by using moisturizers. Good one have "humectants" that not only replace lost moisture but actually attract moisture and retain it in the cortex of the hair. Essential fatty aids (EFA’s) are great moisturizers. One of the best and most cost effective essential fatty acids is safflower oil. It is the kind you can buy to cook with. It is rich in EFA’s. The scalp produces the best EFA’s called sebum. It is this sebum that keeps hair looking healthy and shiny all the time.
Hair Care
Is the ability for hair to be able to absorb and retain moisture. The best way for me to explain this is to would be for you to imagine a sponge. First of all imagine a brand new sponge. It will have tiny holes in it, and when you immerse it in water, it will soak up a large quantity, and be able to hold that liquid for a long period of time. This is because it has good porosity. Now imagine an old sponge. Its holes have become damaged and distorted. It might even be torn in some areas. When you immerse this sponge in the same amount of liquid, it will absorb far less and will certainly not be able to retain the moisture so readily. Therefore, hair care is extremely important to ensuring great looking hair.
Good Hair, Bad Hair
Good ones have "humectants" that not only replace lost moisture but actually attract moisture and retain it in the cortex of the hair. Essential fatty aids (EFA’s) are great moisturizers. One of the best and most cost effective essential fatty acids is safflower oil. It is the kind you can buy to cook with. It is rich in EFA’s. Another way is to rub a drop of flax seed oil onto the ends of your hair to keep the ends looking supple.
Avoid Coarse Hair
Coarse hair tends to look dry, even if it's not. You might just need to condition more (but not with a leave-in conditioner, which can increase the appearance of dryness) as well as use asiliconeserum to seal in moisture and add shine. Sometimes we think of hair that is damaged from processing as being dry. Avoid dry hair by taking good care of your hair, avoid excessive sun and chlorinated water.

There are literally millions of golfers per year that plan a golf vacation. Whether they go to the exclusive, luxurious ‘The Wayaya Club’ in the middle of the Fiji islands, or the Greenbrier Golf Academy in West Virginia or some golfing R&R in the Hamptons on Long Island, the vacation aura and atmosphere permits the individual to relax despite the competitive intensity of golf. It is advisable for vacationers to seriously consider golfing destinations such as Arizona, Hawaii, Las Vegas or even Michigan for desirable golfing and enjoyment.
The Millions of golfers planning a glove vacation can’t avoid the moment when it’s time to pack luggage for their time of fun on the green. A few will neglect to pack everything necessary, while several others will transport more than desired through airport lobbies across the globe. It’s pure and simple - you need to keep it basic.
It’s advisable for one to consider brining along rain gear, one long-sleeve shirt or even a light turtleneck, long pants and a wide-brim hat, specifically for a sunny destination. For those going to a location with a seasonal climate, layers of light clothing will be a wise choice, so that you can adjust to whatever temperature. It’s always good to bring along an extra golf glove, maybe two, and some extra socks. A lightweight windbreaker pullover is never a bad idea on a golf trip.
The game of golf can get expensive enough; therefore, there shouldn’t be a need to out dress the playing partners. The purpose of golf fashion is to dress comfortably and look attractive. When one dresses well, one normally appears to know how to play the game with a certain degree of distinction.
It’s extremely important to pack sunscreen. If you wait to arrive at the vacation destination to buy it, then prepare to spend twice as much for sunscreen. Chapstick that offers protection from the sun as well as a few Band-Aids for blisters is a good start. A golf umbrella, extra shoe spikes, the spike wrench, plenty of golf balls, several tees and a marker pen are required for every golf vacation.
A good idea is to telephone in advance to discover if the golf courses require soft-spike shoes. This is in case if you have the traditional metal shoe spikes, you can change over to soft spikes prior to your leave.
Last, but not least, it’s wise to obtain a sturdy, albeight light and collapsible, wheeled traveling golf club case to transport clubs on your walk inside an airline terminal. You spent plenty of money for the clubs, so you need to secure them from careless handling while they’re in possession of baggage handlers.

When the temperature is at its all-time high, you can actually see the asphalt creating sizzling metropolis mirages in the street and next door neighbors stripping down to the minimum. Summer creates such hysteria that you, yourself, would want to take off all your clothes, sit by the back yard pool or hit the nearest beach in your bathing suit, and catch up on some reading while you tank up on your favorite cold slosh drink. And if you haven't done anything remotely like it lately, I seriously suggest you indulge in a little summer fun before the season's over. If you've got a spanking new swimsuit and you can't wait to show off the body you've worked hard to look good for months, it would also make a lot of sense if you indulge in a little alcohol while you're at it. I say "little" because in this case less is more. Excessive alcohol consumption wouldn't do you any good at the beach. Trust me, you wouldn't want to join A.A. or have your mugshot taken for D.U.I. (Drowning Under The Influence) this early in the game.
Getting uneven tan lines come to a close second to getting insanely hammered. Thanks to recent swim wear technology, you could opt for getting a complete tan without the crazy, and often times misleading, lines. Tan-through Swimwear has created a wide selection of beach wear including shirts, shorts, bikinis, trunks, one-piece suits for both men and women. The Cooltan collection is available for your viewing and buying pleasure at www.tanthrough.com. This way everybody could enjoy the sun without worrying about tan lines and all you get is a soft, sun-kissed look all over. They're unbelievably comfortable and durable, even for wild white-water activities. So allow me to reintroduce this season's coolest buzzing thirst quenchers and their hottest Tan-through bathing suit contemporaries. Sip and swim -- that's all there is to it.
The first summer drink on the list that everyone has to taste at least once in their life is the Bikini Martini. Just by its name you know it's the perfect cocktail for the season. This cocktail's vibrant blue color and zesty transparency almost mocks the sea's inviting waters. Made up of gin, blue Curacao, fresh lime juice, peach schnapps, lemon zest, and a dash of sweetener, this cocktail is sure to become a warm weather hit for you and your friends. Swagger by the poolside in an equally breezy swimsuit like the Blue Aztec one-piece tank suit. This cool and sassy number has sultry high cut sides and a moderately low-cut back which gives adequate support and fashions inimitable style. It's yours for a penny ante price of only $67.95. Put that $10 savings to good use and tip the waiter who'll bring you your true blue Bikini Martini.
The next cocktail to consider in the summertime is the Red Army. Make love and not war with this alluringly refreshing alcoholic beverage. The delightful mix of Triple Sec, raspberry flavored vodka, raspberry liqueur, lime juice, syrup, and fresh raspberries will make you anticipate your next glass. Mixing fruit with spirits could only uplift yours. It's not as easy to prepare like the Bikini Martini, but that's what bartenders are for. Make special requests for a taller glass, plenty of crushed ice, and an extra raspberry or two, and you might as well be having drinks in summer heaven. This red concoction will definitely look like a lovely deliquescent accessory next to the Tan-through Red Sea String Bikini. For only $64.90 you can lie under the sun in a bright and bold pseudo-solid red triangle top and string bikini bottom as if you had nothing on at all. You don't have to part the Red Sea to get both of these devilish summer must-haves.
Even though it isn't dark and you're not in a smoke-filled bar downtown, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy a light and cool summer cocktail in the sun. During a hot day, refreshments and swim wear seem like a logical combination. So all you really need for the perfect cocktail and swimsuit pair is a splash of color, a few zingy spirits, and a whole lot of ice.

Why is it - that trendy fashion freaks are labelled as such? .Well let me tell you a little secret in the way of a - wake up call. What we need to do at this stage is first decipher what the word freak means. There can be many different renditions of the word - but if we are talking fashion then that is a horse of a different colour as the saying goes.

If you have been called a freak at some stage in your life then the person on the end of the abusive tongue may see you as a sort of human oddity. The word can also denote an image of unusual or deformed vision.

Fashion is a serious business where we all like and love to keep up with the latest trend but however in saying that, you need to sit back and ask yourself - are you going over your budget or are you next in line for an onslaught of abusive remarks all because you are following the fashion traits of today. Listen up guys and gals, how can any one fashion designer dress every individual on the planet of every different shape and size and still get it right?

So there you have it in black and white - not everyone will be ideally suited to the platform shoe, denim dungarees or the up the bum thong that is in fashion - could this be the answer to why a person is called a fashion freak. Another matter you have to address is why you dress up in the latest fashion creations, is it for you or for others.

Regardless of what is said a great many people will still choose to go on wearing the fresh new designs that grace the rails of our fashion boutiques - and rightly so - on this I agree, but only if that particular design is suitable and able to take that inner beauty from within, so that you can inject that warm beauty to glow on the outside while wearing the in thing (fashion garment).

Listen up ladies and gents if you want to make an impression by wearing garments as such then get it right. There are some folk than can pull off wearing any outfit even if it appears that it was purely designed for Coco the clown - but unfortunately if you are one of those people that will evidently portray the look of a clown regardless of what you do to alter it - in the way of adding accessories, then do not fret. Remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder so let the beholder be you when making decisions on what you feel will look right as well as comfortable..

Decisions made to put the latest designs into the high street boutiques - were those made by that of clowns them self. (Fashion designers)

The overall theme of fashion for Fall 2005 is an air of drama. Black is back, coats are dramatic, and smart tailoring is going to be huge.

Black is back in a big way – well for most of us it never went away. The stores will be filled with delicious eveningwear particularly black lace, which is sexier than ever whether it’s girlie, 80’s retro, boho or red carpet elegant. This also works well with the next big trend which is Victorian. Full length skirts, high-necked ruffled blouses and puffed sleeves are the main features of this look. You can go for either prim or sexy. Accessorise with boots, hats and gloves for a total look.

Dresses are soft and feminine for Fall 2005. Velvet in sumptuous autumnal or jewel colours, while more boho-styled graphic prints will also be around for those of you who loved your hippy chic this summer and don’t want to give it up just yet.

Coats for this winter will be big and dramatic with big collars, possibly in fake fur. The big story however is going to be Houndstooth checks, the bigger and bolder the better.

In fact checks are big in all types of clothes this fall, including plaids and tartans which appear on everything from trousers and skirts to bags, shoes and hats.

Tailoring is back as one of the strongest features of Fall 2005 – in particular the pencil skirt which appears as part of a skirt suit. Skirts of all types are hot for Fall, straight, wide and swirly, and for the slimmest of figures only the ‘bubble’, a tulip shaped skirt which will exaggerate hips, so wear with caution!

National costumes have inspired lots of heavily decorated ethnic styles, in particular Russian styles, thick with embroidery and texture and topped off with a furry Russian-style hat, warm enough for the depths of a Moscow winter.
Peru has also provided inspiration for embroidered clothes and bright knits.

There are many gorgeous accessories around this season to complete your outfit. Knee high boots, ideally with laced up details to go with the Victorian and ethnic looks, and platforms are making a comeback, usually with a narrow heel. If you prefer flats there will be lots of ballet pump styles. Metallics in shoes, bags and belts will also be popular. For daytime, bags can be as big as you like, either slouchy hobo styles or classic square types. For evening, bags should be tiny and decorated with tassels, jewels or embroidery.

The detail of the season will be pom-poms on everything from scarves to shoes, and the hottest color for accessories will be purple, preferably with studs.

I've got a photograph of a couple of friends and me taken in 1988 fixed to the kitchen wall. I can tell it was the 80s because a) I remember the occasion; and b) I look younger. But what would a stranger make of it?

It was taken in Morocco, so we're wearing shorts and T-shirts. There is nothing about the clothes that gives away the period. People wore much the same thing 10 years later, 20 years earlier and still do today. The only clue is the hairstyle. There is, I'm afraid, a hint of foppish flop about the fringe area.

Whatever else retailers may nudge your way as the "must have" item of the season, everyone needs a coat. This fall's trends - among them elegant velvet jackets, snug military-style closures and luxurious fur accents - will keep you stylishly warm for years to come.

Jill Hudson Neal, The Washington Post Magazine 's design editor, was online Monday, Sept. 12 to field questions and comments about the latest in outerwear and about other trends in the world of fashion.

Whatever else retailers may nudge your way as the "must have" item of the season, everyone needs a coat. This fall's trends - among them elegant velvet jackets, snug military-style closures and luxurious fur accents - will keep you stylishly warm for years to come.

Jill Hudson Neal, The Washington Post Magazine 's design editor, was online Monday, Sept. 12 to field questions and comments about the latest in outerwear and about other trends in the world of fashion.

When it comes to romantic, historically inspired fashion, the question on many designers' lips this season seems to be "Please sir, can I have some more?" For fall/winter 2005, some of the best looks bring to mind an assortment of Charles Dickens's most vivid characters--a snobbish Pip wearing Valentino's velvet jacket, waistcoat, and silk shirt; an impishly charming Oliver Twist in Chanel's tweed jacket and cap; the coldly beautiful Estella, intoxicating in one of Oscar de la Renta's corseted and flounced gowns; or Nicholas Nickleby, resplendent in Chloe's military jacket and poetic shirt. With looks like these, it's tempting to take a page out of Miss Havisham's book by choosing one astounding piece and wearing it every day for the rest of your life.

The Fashion Institute of Technology has appointed three new members to the industry advisory board of its graduate program in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management.

The new appointments are Stephen Mormoris, senior vice president of marketing for Coty Beauty; Catherine Walsh, senior vice president of American Fragrances for Coty Prestige and Laurie Palma, senior vice president of fragrance and Internet marketing for Chanel. Mormoris and Walsh will share the Coty board seat.

FOR 48 incredible years, the Ebony Fashion Fair has enjoyed the distinction of being the world's premier traveling fashion show, exhibiting the elegance and flair that have been celebrated and applauded by millions. And that tradition continues when the show makes this year's dramatic debut on September 7 in Tinley Park, III.

The 48th annual show, which again will feature a unique display of colorful, stylish and cutting-edge attire for women and men, will travel under the theme, "Fit To Be Fabulous," and the tour will include stops in 179 cities by the time it ends on May 19 in Toronto, Canada.

The spectacular collection of apparel featured in the award-winning show includes designs that were selected by the show's producer, Mrs. Eunice W. Johnson, wife of EBONY Publisher John H. Johnson. Included among the designs are those of internationally famous fashion designers, some of whom are African-Americans. The show also highlights items from the collections of the top fashion houses in the U.S. and Europe.

Noted nonprofit groups sponsor the fashion show in each city, and the following are the chairpersons who help to coordinate the shows in their respective areas.

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.

Many of us have diamonds or other jewelry that may need to be cleaned. Our day to day activities cause these items to become dirty and in need of some care. Lotion, soap, and skin oil can cause a film to appear on your jewelry. Even if you don't wear your jewelry everyday it can gather dust in storage. Here are a few things you can do to keep your jewelry looking its best.

One of the things you can do at home is wash your jewelry in a bowl of soapy water. Make sure you use a mild soap as to not damage your jewelry. You will want to use a soft, small brush with the mixture to get all the build up off. The soft bristles will be gentle enough for your diamonds, but will still get the build up loose so that you can rinse it off. It is important that you rinse your jewelry when you are done cleaning it to make sure you get the excess build up and soap off. After rinsing you will want to use a lint free towel if possible to pat the jewelry dry.

If you use this method of cleaning and are not satisfied with the results you may want to try using a mixture of half water half ammonia. You can soak your ring for half an hour in this solution. After your jewelry is done soaking you will want to use a small, soft brush to clean it. Next you will rinse the jewelry in the solution again, and then rinse under warm water before towel drying.

You can find jewelry cleaning kits at the store that are ready to go. These kits are not all the same so make sure that your jewelry will be safe in the kit you purchase. Some kits come with everything you need to clean your jewelry. Some require you do to the cleaning, while others are just a solution you leave your ring in.

If you would rather not try cleaning your jewelry yourself there are a couple other options you have available to you. You can now buy jewelry cleaners that use high frequency to clean your jewelry. All you do is put your jewelry in the cleaner and turn it on and it does the work for you. Once again you will need to read the instructions to make sure that the jewelry you want to clean will be safe in the machine.

Another option you have is to take your jewelry to a jeweler to have it cleaned. If you are going to be out running some errands you could drop it off on the way, and pick it up when you are finished with your errands. Some places provide this service at no cost to you. This is an easy way to make sure your diamonds are cleaned properly. You don't have to worry about making sure you are not damaging your diamonds since you are letting a professional clean it for you.

Throughout the wonderful world of tattooing and body piercing, you will see a wide range of individuals sporting a piece of body art that they call their very own. Often, it is the younger generation that has embraced this shout of expression, but there are numerous groups of lesser known participants that you may have never thought of. The piercing craze has extended beyond pop stars and Baywatch babes. Soccer moms of 40, who shuffle the kids to ballet and Brownies are piercing their belly buttons. There are executives overseeing billion dollar budgets with pierced bellies; virtually every gender, economic and social class has thousands showing off a piece of body jewelry.

What you probably don't know is that their numbers are increasing. Although, many of them keep it to themselves and often wait years before they reveal their body jewelry, it doesn't mean it isn't happening. Unlike other piercing areas, the belly button is one of those things you can easily keep under wraps if you want to. This kind of covertness may not last too long when the warm weather of the springtime and beaming sun during the summer make an appearance. Short shirts and bikini tops soon hit the scene, revealing belly buttons everywhere, as well as the decoration attached to them. You may be surprised at who will be displaying a bead, stud or loop.

I have firsthand experience. Every day, I eat, sleep and shower with kisses one of those surprises. My wife decided after 15 years of marriage and two children that it was time to reward her flat stomach and newly tanned body with a personal milestone. Thus, the decision to get her belly button pierced was born and done without my knowledge. I must say that it was a welcome, attractive surprise.

During the day, my wife, served as president for a well respected accounting firm in Pensacola, Florida. When her workday was over (the one that pays the bills), she transformed into a suburban mother, head of the PTA, in charge of the baseball carpool and avid birdwatcher, whose idea of fun was spotting a rare woodpecker in the backyard.

In her spare time, while wondering the streets of Miami, in between a business meeting, she decided to do something a little out of her character. Upon arriving home, she entered our home a "new, refreshed woman." The reason was a new silver loop with a silver butterfly attached, this declaration was hanging from her navel.

She deserved it after successfully losing the unwanted extra pounds from the birth of our second child and she had exercised and ate right for many months to achieve the physique she now adores. The body piercing was a daily reminder of her success in dieting and eating right, as well as a reminder to stay in the shape that makes her proud enough to show off her bare stomach.

Although there has been a rise in male fashion sales and even a rise in the hiring of male models (although I personally think they're too skinny), men still don't have that yen for fashion trends, let alone shopping, that women do.

Why? Why don't guys care about the latest fashion trends being strutted down runways in Milan, Paris and New York? Shouldn't we take a keen interest in what Gaultier, Armani and Versace have in store for us from year to year?

Don't get me wrong, men do care about their appearances greatly, but not to the extent that women do. And in all honesty, that's probably never going to happen. Despite all the marketing and no matter how many chiseled-jaw models we see on the sides of buses, we're simply not going to roam down Saks 5th Avenue carrying a multitude of shopping bags anytime soon.