Girls Clothing

Buying gifts for children isn't always easy

2010-12-19T05:15:00.001-08:00

Buying gifts for children isn't always easy. Some children seem to already own every toy or game imaginable, and their parents might be picky about which toys they're allowed to play with. One kind of gift that's forever popular is brand name children's clothing. You might ask, "How can I afford to buy brand name clothes? After all, they're very expensive, right?" Well, if you shop just anywhere without giving price a second thought, then yes, you can pay very high prices! But there are ways to find great clothes as gifts and even pay below wholesale prices.

Choosing a Gift

The great thing about clothing gifts for smaller children (age 10 and under) is the kids usually aren't fashion-conscious yet. This means they really don't pay attention too much to styles and fashion. Children at these ages just want clothes that are comfortable and cool for summer or warm for winter. They want children's shoes that allow them to run, jump and play freely. They want clothes that are easy to put on and take off. So buying brand name children's clothing for these ages is a fairly simple process. The only tricky part is finding the right size. It's best to ask the parent what size the child wears up front. Just ask casually and let on that you're thinking of buying a shirt, outfit or pair of shoes as their gift.

Next, notice what type of clothes the child usually wears - colors, styles, fabrics, etc. Then you can get a pretty good idea of what "Mom" likes for her child!

Shop for Bargains

When you're ready to shop, then "where" you look has everything to do with the prices you pay. If you visit the ritziest store in town, you will probably pay top dollar unless there's a huge clearance sale going on. If you shop at local thrift shops and yard sales, you will find mostly used or gently used items. These are great if shopping for your own family, but not recommended for gifts. The best place to shop for new brand name children's clothing is online. Online stores don't have the overhead costs that a brick-and-mortar store has. Web clothing shops are also able to offer more variety because most of their investment goes toward store inventory. That's why some are able to offer very low pricing - even below wholesale pricing - on girls clothing, boys clothing and children's shoes by top brand manufacturers.

When shopping for brand name items online, you'll get the same high quality as you would in a local store. The difference is you're paying much less for your gift. Your recipient will benefit because the clothes or shoes will last longer and most likely fit more comfortably. Brand name kids clothes tend to be made of better materials and can withstand the rough play and activities of children.

Brand name children's clothing makes a great gift idea for birthdays, Christmas or any gift-giving occasion. If buying for a baby shower, you can also pay below wholesale pricing for clothes for newborns. Use these tips to surprise your niece, nephew or grandchild with great quality clothes or shoes.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about Children's Clothing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson

5 Advantages To Buying Children's Clothing

2010-12-19T05:14:00.001-08:00

Discount boys clothing and discount girls clothing give you as a parent more control over what your children wear and what you will be able to afford. Economic difficulties come and go, but you can weather them easily if you know how to shop for children's clothing. Paying full retail price is a good way to go broke while making your child unprepared for the many social occasions that he or she will experience in school as they grow older. You want your child to be comfortable in his or her own skin, and the best way of accomplishing this is to first get them comfortable in their own clothing. But when should you buy? Is a back to school savings your best bet, or should you instead plan ahead? The latter has its advantages:

Save money. The theory of planning ahead has a very specific purpose, and that is to leave you with more cash in your wallet. As you're about to see, there are other advantages as well, but most parents, if they can start the routine, thrive financially by buying one to two seasons ahead. If warm weather is upon you, buy for the winter. If it's frigid outside, make sure you stock up on summer wear. When you get in the habit, it becomes easier to have clothing for your kids that will match the season without draining out your bank account.

Prepare children with approaching trends. Fashion always looks ahead. So much of your child's self esteem is tied to how comfortable he feels around his classmates. Clothing helps weigh in on that identity in a big way. By following the trends and buying ahead, you not only save money at low risk, but you also have a wardrobe that your child can be proud of no matter what the season is.

Eliminate the seasonal rushes from your life. Waiting till the last minute to buy your kids clothing for the upcoming school year or the spring semester almost always leads to undue stress that you may not be prepared to handle in lieu of the stress at work. By buying ahead of season, you can eliminate the stress of a seasonal sale from your life while still getting deep discounts.

Make sure your kids are prepared for the weather. You have to start somewhere, and that may mean buying clothes concurrent with the season at first, but once there is routine, there is also a perpetual cycle of preparation that your children can be comfortable with.

Preparing for a new school year or a spring semester can be hectic if you don't have your child's wardrobe in place. Make sure that no matter when you buy, you're always looking towards savings.

Discount boys clothing and discount girls clothing offers an easier way to prepare your children for the school year. Visit our site to get started today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_W_Chow

Advice for Buying Infant Boy Clothing

2010-12-19T05:13:00.002-08:00

Today, it is as easy to find infant boy clothing as it is for infant girls, given the wide choice of infant clothing on offer. This was not the case earlier, as the range of infant girl clothing available then was much larger than the one for boys.

Stylish Clothing and Footwear

Infant clothing comes in various styles anywhere in the world, although they will differ by country and culture. Front or rear opening dressing gowns for infants are popular as they facilitate convenient diaper changing. A one piece outfit is also another clothing item that makes it easy to dress infants, as it has fewer things to deal with. Such outfits also cover the baby's feet adding to their convenience and popularity.

Rather than considering their babies' comfort as a priority, some parents dress their baby boys in stylish polo tops and jeans to please themselves. The collection of infant boy clothing include items that are scaled down versions of adult male clothing and similar in style. These collections comprise of T shirts with humorous quotes, blue jeans, mini suits, khakis and logos. Insofar as footwear options, there are also slip-on baby shoes that are good copies of adult shoes.

Essential Items

Some items of clothing make a sensible choice, more for their function rather than style. For example for babies to be kept warm and well covered, one piece underclothing items which can be conveniently snapped on between the infants' legs are ideal. As babies are known to often kick off blankets especially when asleep, a practical alternative, one piece sleeper is great to keep them warm and prevent chills.

Bibs are extremely essential to keep baby's clothes clean and free of stains as they help to prevent spills. Some mothers also use gloves and socks to cover their babies' hands and feet, sometimes substituting the former with socks. They do so to prevent their babies from scratching themselves. Mothers also use hats and caps, either to keep their infants' heads warm or to provide protection from the sun, as their skin is very tender. Another protective accessory is a blanket. The items specified above should suffice, making additional ones unnecessary.

Select the best infant boy clothing as special gifts for infants

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Victor

Leggings For Little Girls

2010-12-19T05:13:00.001-08:00

The fashion world is one aspect of our lives that we can blatantly agree changes rapidly. There are always new fads, trends and new accessories that can be located in this dominating world. A lot of women believe that you are what you wear, however can this same thing be said about little girls?

Often times, when adults think about little girls clothing they begin fawning over frilly dresses and little pink bows. They actually fail to see the bigger picture that little girls clothing does not only consist of these things but plenty of other things as well.

Let's look at leggings, also referred to as tights. Now, in the past the only time that you would see someone adorning a pair of leggings was underneath a skirt or a dress. However, almost like in the flash dance days, leggings have made a return onto the fashion scene. Bear in mind that leggings are extremely form fitting. However, they are also extremely comfortable in the same respects.

There are leggings of all different colors and patterns that you can choose to obtain for your little one. Some of the most popular leggings that are available for little girls between the ages of 6 and ten incorporate some type of characters on their external surface.

For instance, Dora leggings and leggings that also showcase other cartoon characters are extremely popular amongst little girls. However, for little girls that think that they are far beyond their years, they can obtain leggings that resemble the women's leggings that are available on the market.

If you are going to allow your little girl to adorn a pair of leggings, there are some things that you need to be made aware of first. First off, leggings are made for dress use. This means you should not allow your little girl to adorn her leggings when she is playing outside. The material in leggings is a mixture between spandex and cotton. Therefore, you can imagine how easy it would be to rip these pant like leggings.

A lot of parents upon allowing their little girl to adorn leggings will insist that they also wear a long shirt with them. The long shirt will actually take some of the attention away from the form fitting appearance of the leggings. In fact, most grown women will also wear long shirts with their leggings in order to ensure that their back ends are covered accordingly.

More tips at La Fille Unique Blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Yao

Why Junior Clothing Stores Are So Popular With Teens

2008-09-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

When you walk through the mall, you may notice that some stores have adolescent girls going in and out of them. A closer examination will show scantily clad mannequins wearing low rise jeans and tops cut off at the midriff. These are the clothing stores that were specifically designed with teenaged girls in mind.

In the early 80s, junior clothing stores began to spring up as clothing manufacturer and designers realized how much money teenagers spent on their clothes. Many of these teens used their own money from jobs that they had and often went shopping without their parents, choosing instead to pick out their own clothes. This trend started with stores such as 5.7.9 and has gone on to include Wet Seal, Charlotte Russe and The Buckle. There are also unisex theme stores that cater to the hard rock and Goth crowd, such as Hot Topic. In these stores you can find leather and lace combinations as well as trendy stockings and outer garments. The decor of junior clothing stores add to the appeal for their younger clientele. The music that is played in them includes rock and other popular genres favored by the young crowd. Many of the salespeople are teens themselves and proudly sport piercings, tattoos and the hair color du jour.

The owners of junior clothing stores know that the prices have to be affordable for teens, so the clothes that they carry usually cost less than what adults would have to pay for theirs. They also recognize that teens are fickle and constantly change their opinions on what is in fashion, so the emphasis is more on style than actual quality. Most of these clothes are cut to fit the smaller bodies that teenaged girls have, but many of the stores realize that not all teens have tiny waists, so they include sections for those teens that are considered "plus" sized. This adds extra appeal because now groups of teens can shop together instead of having to split up to allow the larger sized group to shop at stores that cater mainly to adults. There are also stores such as Torrid that cater to plus sized teenagers, offering them the same styles as their slimmer counter parts that they may not be able to find in the regular junior clothing stores.

Teens are a clothing manufacturer's dream, spending an estimated 172 billion dollars a year. In recognition of that fact, department stores now offer large areas that are dedicated to juniors. They too play music designed to lure them into that section and feature trendy and stylish clothes and jewelry that they think will appeal to their younger audience. Lane Bryant, a store that specializes in plus sized clothing for adults, have added younger looking lines of garments, as have others. For the teens that desire a more classic look, stores such as Abercrombie offer clothing lines that will appeal to this type of shopper.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as casual wear at http://www.dressandcasualwear.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall

3 Weaknesses You Already Have Which Girls Will Exploit - You Must Know This Before You Get Played

2008-03-01T03:03:00.004-08:00

Ever heard of the saying that women are the weaker sex? Well guess what? They are the stronger than what you can even possibly imagine. You see girls know how to get their work done as and when they please. You might feel that you know everything about girls but there are things you haven't even heard of yet. You see girls know how to play around and how to get men into their control as and when they please by using your weaknesses to their advantage therefore it becomes extremely important to know these before it gets too late. Read on to discover what weaknesses you already have which girls would exploit...

Your emotions- This is the biggest tool most girls use out there by which you can be easily played, you wouldn't even realize how they did it but if they are getting you to do what they want you to do than they have already done it to you. You see some men are not able to control their emotions and end up getting played or used therefore it is extremely important to control yourself.

Lack of power- Another weakness most men tend to have which girls always exploit. You see you might be able to dominate a girl at the initial stages of a date but with time most men tend to mellow down and girls read this. And before you know it she takes lead and starts telling you what to do and what not to do.

Assuming they aren't that smart- This is another assumption most guys make about girls. They feel that some girls are just not that smart to outsmart them but guess what? These are the guys who always end up being played.

Designer Clothing: Quality or Status Symbol?

2008-03-01T03:03:00.003-08:00

The movie The Devil Wears Prada was brought a lot of attention to the issue of designer clothing lately. Most of us enjoy seeing the latest styles and fashions in the magazines and on the movie stars, but in reality most of us can’t afford to purchase designer clothing. Some of the outfits they offer cost more than my entire wardrobe, shoes and all! I wouldn’t want to spend that much on an outfit anyway as quickly as the styles change in our society.

Designer clothing is known for its great quality. However, it has also become a status issue in our society more than the quality of the clothing. Let’s face it, most people who were designer clothing don’t wear an outfit enough times for it to see any wear and tear anyway so of course it is going to stand up to the elements. It is amazing how much that name on a pair of jeans or their logo on a sweatshirt inflates the cost of the item.

For those of us living in the real world, you can get clothing that looks like designer clothing from retail stores such as Burlington Coat Factory, Ross, and Gordman’s. If you still want the real thing, consider purchasing it online at auction sites like Ebay and Yahoo Auctions. This is a great way to purchase designer clothing at a fraction of the retail price.

For those who have a budget to stick with, it can be intimidating seeing others around us in the latest fashions and in designer clothing. This is especially hard for teenagers to cope with when it is all about fitting in with everyone else. It would be nice to see our society focus on things other than designer clothing, but as long as the world remains fascinated with Hollywood, designer clothing is here to stay.

The G Unit Clothing Line, Look As You Should

2008-03-01T03:03:00.001-08:00

The G Unit Clothing line is by far one of the best selling clothing lines in hip hop genre. People who love the music of 50 Cent can own clothing that he helped to design. Within this line of clothing is a number of hot sellers and many of the coolest, phattest pieces out there. You know 50 Cent and you love him. So, it is reasonable then that you will love the clothes in this awesome line just as much. The G Unit Clothing line, if you can find it, is full of the hottest trends in hip hop clothing.

From denim to shoes, G Unit clothing is one of the fastest growing and in demand clothing lines out there. As fast as it is put up, it is sold. Perhaps it is the name behind them or it is the sheer great looks that are offered in this line that make them so well sought after.

In the making of the G Unit clothing line, G Unit’s foremost star, 50 Cent worked with Marc Ecko to create the line in 2003. The Ecko Unlimited company owner was in line to what 50 Cent had to offer. Their goal was to offer some of the best in urban fashion that was fast becoming a leader in the fashion markets. And, they did just that offering a line of clothing that any hip hop artist or fan could slip into.

For those looking for the best of the G Unit Clothing line, the best place to find it is right here on the web. With the line being so in demand, many people are finding it hard to wrap their hands on it. But, on the web, you will find a great selection of products to choose from within the line. The combination of Ecko Unlimited and 50 Cent is said to be comparable to the combination of Michael Jordan and Nike. In this winning combination, you, the individual purchasing the line is set up to gain the most.

Finding Below Wholesale Prices at an Online Clothing Shop

2008-03-01T03:02:00.000-08:00

It's one thing to go to your local shopping mall to find clothing discounts of ten to twenty percent. It's another thing to shop the outlet stores and find bargains of up to fifty percent. But the savviest shoppers have discovered treasures in online stores that make shopping mall sales and outlet store sales pale in comparison. In fact, fashion for boys, girls, men, and women can be found online at below wholesale prices!

How can an online clothing shop offer fashion at rock bottom prices? It's hard to know exactly, but one factor may be that they're able to buy overages directly from the manufacturers at steep discounts. Another is that they don't have the overhead expenses borne by most retail outlets, such as having to rent storefronts, purchase signage, design displays, and hire staff to help customers who walk into the store.

For those of us who love bargains, it's not a matter of why but is rather a matter of finding the great online shop that carries everything from children's clothes, to clothing for teens, to fashion for women and men - and even jewelry. When I was online recently, I found a clothing shop that carried apparel and accessories that rock. Here's a sampling of what I found:

Girls: A two-piece set that included crop pants and an embellished short sleeved top for only $8.40, an adorable denim skirt for $9.00, and slubbed jeans for only $13.90.

Boys: Cargo shorts for $9.00, baggy swim trunks for $4.90, and long-sleeved shirts with button down collars in a variety of colors for only $6.95 each.

Juniors: Graphic tanks that any teen would love for only $2.70 each, along with a cotton/spandex cap sleeved top for only $4.60 and a red nylon/spandex red top with cutwork for $4.60.

Plus-Size Women: A gorgeous 100% cotton zip-front hoodie for an incredible $5.00, short-sleeved tops for $3.45 each, and a gorgeous fuchsia skirt for only 7.60.

Men: A stunning variety of short-sleeved plaid button front shirts for only $8.30 each, along with cotton polo shirts for $7.60 and shorts for $4.60.

The prices I found were unbelievably low - much lower than I'd ever find at department store outlets. I also found sites that even offered free email accounts with cool domain names, like "gurlzrule."

It's refreshing to be able to find such bargains without ever leaving home, and even better to be able to patronize an online clothing shop that has fashion and accessories for everyone in the family. Those factors, combined with great customer service and secure ordering, have made me a convert. From now on, I'll let my fingers do the shopping through an online clothing shop that offers something for everyone at prices that are below wholesale!

Why Do Chinese Girls Want To Marry Western Men?

2008-03-01T03:01:00.000-08:00

What makes Chinese girls so attractive?

Chinese girls have many qualities ensuring that they are constantly in demand. Chinese girls are typically very attractive physically - very feminine, petite and slender with delicate features and innate grace.

Chinese girls are gentle and polite. A typical Asian upbringing engenders its women with the importance of manners and respect for others.

Chinese women are charming and attentive to their partner. The institution of marriage is valued very highly in Chinese culture and it is seen as a commitment to be undertaken with the utmost seriousness.

Chinese girls are highly conscious of the paramount significance of family. In essence, Chinese women have grown up respecting traditions that have existed in their homelands for thousands of years, of which marriage and family are an indispensable part.

Chinese women are easily adaptable to new cultures. The friendliness and politeness of Chinese girls ensures that they quickly make new friends wherever they go.

Why do Chinese women like Western men?

Chinese girls are very familiar with the many advantages of Western men and value the virtues with which they are associated.

For example, the deference, consideration and chivalry, which can not always be found in their male counterparts in China. In Chinese culture, Chinese women are seen as being secondary and indeed subservient to their husbands, rather than interacting on the same level as them.

The politeness and respect that Chinese girls have been raised to act with as second nature is not reciprocated in China, whereas Western men will return it many times over.

Westwood is putting children of 13 in dresses made for mum. Fun,

2008-02-20T04:27:00.002-08:00

Vivienne Westwood, the First Lady of punk, has come full circle: she now wants young ladies to dress like their mothers. Unfortunately, her decision to use girls as young as 13 to display her latest collection has created a new furore over the use of schoolgirl models.

While MPs expressed moral outrage, the fashion world defended the right of young teenagers to model designer clothes, and Westwood - once the queen of controversy - sought yesterday to quell the row.

Her office said: "We are not using young girls to cause a sensation but to prove a point that they can look amazingly beautiful in their mother's clothes." It issued a statement from the designer criticising young girls who dressed in the youth fashion of their peers. "Just because you are chasing about a bit . . . doesn't give you the right to insult your mother," she said. Westwood went on to describe her new Red Label collection which will be shown tomorrow at the opening of London Fashion Week. "The clothes are for grown-ups and I admit they're ladylike, exquisitely so," she wrote. It all sounded rather stuffy from the designer who has sent models down the catwalk in fake-fur G-strings and phallic-symbol unitards. Was this the woman who publicly demonstrated that she was wearing no knickers when she went to Buckingham Palace to collect her OBE from the Queen in 1992? Last month the 53-year-old designer described the Spice Girls pop group as "animals" who left her "morally outraged". Was she going soft? Cynical observers noted that the mistress of hype had diverted the spotlight of London Fashion Week away from the main show at the Natural History Museum and onto her own "runway" being set up at the Dorchester hotel. Others ascribed her use of 13-year-old models to a cynical attempt to exploit the cult of the schoolgirl in the Japanese fashion market. One critic said: "She is absolutely huge in Japan. The pictures of the show will go down a storm." Shortly before Christmas, Westwood and her team began scouring schools and stage schools for young talent. Brenda Gray, registrar at the Arts Educational School in London, said: "Her office phoned me and said they wanted to look for girls between the ages of 14 and 18 to look like English roses." Auditions were arranged and the Westwood team selected two girls aged 15 and 16 and a student of 17. Each will be given pounds 150 in Westwood clothes vouchers for their work. Mrs Gray said she asked one of the girl's mothers to attend the clothes fitting to be sure that the outfits were not unsuitable. "The girls tell me that they are very exotic but not at all revealing. I just hope that's the case," she said. Other models were picked from Wimbledon High School in south-west London and the Sylvia Young Drama School, north London. In all, Westwood selected 20 girls ranging in age from 13 to 18. One, 22, was told that she looked "too sophisticated" for the assignment. Yesterday, as Lady Olga Maitland, Conservative MP for Sutton and Cheam, south London, decried the "abuse" of teenagers, designers sought to defend the grande dame of British fashion. Wayne Hemingway, the founder of Red or Dead, which is also showing at London Fashion Week, pointed out that Westwood's Red Label collection was aimed at a younger buyer. He said: "I would not be happy if kids that age were wearing our clothes to look sexy, but there is nothing wrong with kids wearing designer clothes if their parents can afford it." At the Storm model agency in London, which took Kate Moss onto its books at the age of 14, models are normally expected to finish their GCSEs before starting work. Schoolgirls are only given work at weekends or in their holidays. Paula Karaiskos, for the agency, said: "It's a really tough business. Young girls are not physically developed or emotionally adept at dealing with rejection." In which case, the greatest danger to the young models may be the rejection in the school playground when they arrive in their newly acquired Vivienne Westwoods, looking just like mum.

News Summary

2008-02-20T04:27:00.001-08:00

Baltimore County officials approved about $97,000 in loans to five shopping malls for the installation of security cameras. The loans, provided at 3 percent interest by the county's Department of Economic Development, are aimed at defraying costs from a County Council law that mandates use of the cameras. The loans went to Cherryvale Plaza and Cherry Valley Shopping Centers, both in Reisterstown; Marriottsville Shopping Center in Randallstown; and Patapsco Village Shopping Center in Landsdowne.

Synchronicity Boutique, a Pikesville female apparel shop, is getting out of adult women's clothing in order to focus on fashions for girls. The Hooks Lane clothier is adding little girls' sizes, European couture girls outfits and specially made junior suits, according to a news release. Merchandise will be discounted from 20 to 90 percent through Aug. 15 as part of the transition, the company said.

Southwest at Dulles

Southwest Airlines, the dominant carrier at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, announced details of its new service from Washington Dulles International Airport, starting Oct. 5. The Dallas-based airline will occupy two gates at Dulles, where it will operate seven nonstop flights daily to Chicago Midway, one to Las Vegas and two each to Orlando and Tampa, Fla. There will also be direct or connecting service to 35 other cities.

After being closed for nearly five months, Calvert Cliffs State Park, in Calvert County, is reopening today, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources said. The park was closed in order to make way for $800,000 worth of renovations in the day use area.

Sprinkler law passed

New residential duplexes in Fruitland will need sprinkler systems after Wicomico County Council members approved a revised ordinance that originally would have required all future residential development to have a sprinkler system. Local and state fire officials encouraged the council to mandate the requirement in all new homes but that idea only had partial council support. State law requires all townhomes and multifamily structures to have sprinkler systems. Salisbury is expected to act on a similar ordinance later this year.

Girls' Boarding Schools

2008-02-13T22:01:00.002-08:00

Girls’ boarding schools have come a long way from “finishing schools” that taught young ladies how to handle themselves Today’s parents have little time to spend with their children, with dual careers and busy lifestyles. This is why a lot of parents prefer sending their daughter(s) to help them grow into intelligent, responsible young women.

Girls face many pressures during adolescence. During this time, a main focus becomes attractions for the opposite sex that become all consuming, and school grades are the last thing on many a young lady’s mind. Consequently, their grades go down at a point in their education that is crucial to their future. Social pressures, male domination in some fields like math or science, and sexual harassment in public schools are some of the other reasons that girls find it hard to adjust. Some girls are shy and easily embarrassed, especially by boys. Therefore, their natural abilities are suppressed, and it is hard to catch up and recover. All-girls’ boarding schools are the answer for girls who suffer from any of these problems.

Girls in boarding schools find a home away from home. They learn what friendship is all about irrespective of religion, region or language. They learn to make decisions and be responsible for them. Girls who have graduated from boarding schools were found to be more independent, confidant, disciplined, focused and successful -- more so than their counterparts who studied in day schools. They learn to live as a community, helping each other like siblings. Girls’ boarding schools aim to develop their students in all aspects: academics, sports, art and much more. With everything under the same roof, students can learn many different activities like swimming, sports, music, theatre, cooking, and much more. And, there are no boys to interfere with their development on a day-to-day basis.

There are also special boarding schools for troubled girls. These girls might have come from troubled families or might have problems with drugs, alcohol, pregnancy, etc. Boarding schools offer these girls another chance to change their lives for the better and make intelligent and responsible decisions that will help them in the future. Some girls’ boarding schools focus on children who have learning disorders like ADHD. These schools provide therapeutic programs to help these girls’ lead normal and productive lives.

Powerpuff Girls Crafts Are Very Popular With Kids Of All Ages

2008-02-13T22:01:00.001-08:00

There are a lot of kids that like the Powerpuff girls. So they will enjoy doing a Powerpuff girls craft. There are a couple of different characters that you can choose from to do your craft. The characters are Blossom, Bubbles, Buttercup, Mayor, Mojo Jojo or Professor. The one that you choose is up to you and obviously one of the three girls will be more popular.

The materials that you will need to do the Powerpuff girl’s craft are:

Template (You can find this online so you have the character that you need)
Construction paper
Glue stick
Crayons
Scissors

The first step for the Powerpuff girls craft is to print out the template for the character that you want. Then you will need to cut out the character from the template. You might want to use construction paper for the template because it works better than regular paper.

Second step is to let the kids have fun coloring their Powerpuff girls character anyway they want to. They don’t have to match the exact colors of the character if you don’t want them to.

Third, you will need to glue the large rectangle piece from the template onto the tube so that it covers it. You may want to cut the tube down about ¾ because the Powerpuff girls have small bodies and really big heads. Then you need to glue on the head, legs and arms.

Now your Powerpuff girl’s project is complete. The kids can enjoy pretending that they are part of the Powerpuff team. This project is fun and easy to do for any kid.

Maternity Clothing Store

2008-02-12T02:53:00.003-08:00

Expectant mothers can order maternity wear and research their options through various websites and stores such as Grand Style's website, Jake and Me, Baby Becoming, J.C. Penney, Motherhood Maternity, Maternity For Less and Pickles and Ice Cream. Some companies like Mother's Nature also offer an auction site for used baby, breastfeeding and maternity products. Websites like eBay also sell plus-size maternity items for sale as well.

Although most companies in the US design and market maternity clothing for normal sizes, it becomes quite tedious for large women to find companies that carry quality items in their size. Most clothing manufacturers only go up to size 22, thus limiting the choices for large women. However, a few consignment stores like Baby and Me Consignments, Maternity Treasures and The Fairy Godmother at Large provide maternity clothing in larger sizes, and these companies generally encourage re-consigning the clothing after the delivery. Most consignment stores are economical and provide an alternative to handle specialty maternity clothing costs.

Some of the popular maternity stores in the US are Abracadabra - The Mom Shop, Annacris, Astarte Woman, Baby and Me Consignments, Baby Becoming and Jake and Me Clothing Company, among others. Stores like Baby and Me Consignments have a large selection of new and “pre-loved” maternity and nursing wear in great condition, and also have a wide variety of clothing, from professional clothing, formal wear, bathing suits, nursing nightgowns and dresses to everyday clothing. Baby Becoming is another good resource to search for maternity wear, and carries maternity clothing like jumpers, dresses, tops, pants, nightgowns, light coats, swimsuit, underwear, support belts, nursing tops and nursing nighties.

Maternity clothes have become big business, and an expectant mother should research various options before buying any maternity wear.

Advantages of Branded Clothing

2008-02-12T02:53:00.001-08:00

We all are very careful while choosing clothing because all of us need stylish, fashionable and high quality clothes. Nowadays everyone is looking for branded clothing because it's long-lasting and of high quality. Also most of the branded companies offer money back guarantees if customers are not 100% satisfied with their purchase. So the value of branded clothing has improved among people.

One of the main benefits of branded clothing is that all clothing is available in almost all sizes and is suitable for men, women or children in a wide variety of different colors. But when you purchase overstock clothing you will receive a wide assortment of styles and sizes. You can't specify the number of pants or skirts, or sizes for that matter. So while this might discourage some people from purchasing overstock clothing, just think of the advantages of buying brand names like Dolce Gabbana, Malene Birger, Maharishi, Just Cavalli, and Paul Smith for a fraction of the regular wholesale price.

Branded garments are being used more and more by a variety of different companies and industries to promote their products and services. Powerful brands can drive success in competitive and financial markets, and indeed become the organization's most valuable assets. Store brand clothing is generally cheaper than national brand clothing because the retailer can optimize the production to suit consumer demand and reduce advertising costs. There are lots of focus on the kind of clothes that you will fill your wardrobe with, in this season of heat and dust that branded wear whose price tags will make you sweat.

The Afrobabies Collection™ Expands Products for Girls With Pink Dancer Bedding and Accessories

2008-02-11T03:13:00.002-08:00

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Afrobabies Collection(TM), the market leader in Afrocentric home products for children, has expanded its girls' product line by offering a pink version of the very popular Dance On! Bedding.

The Afrobabies Collection's Dance On! Bedding introduces a revolutionary concept for bedding products with its use of colors and the use of images that truly capture the beauty and spirit of girls of color. In addition to the little girl having braided hair, the dancer's clothing is accented with an African Kente print.

"Girls love pink and we are delighted to offer products that beautifully reflect such a rich and traditional form of expression," says Beverly Sutherland, founder and president of The Afrobabies Collection. "From church- organized praise dancers to professional organizations such as Alvin Ailey's dance troop, dancing has played a very important role in the development of self-confidence and has been the foundation for so many successful individuals."

"Dance On!" Bedding is offered as a complete set that includes a comforter, fitted & flat sheets, and pillow cases for Toddler, Twin, Full, and Queen size beds. Coordinating accessories, including a 22"x22" decorative pillow, window valance, and new wall print, are available to provide parents with many beautiful decorating options.

No party thrills for Eddie

2008-02-11T03:13:00.001-08:00

GLUM-FACED Eddie Irvine looks like he couldn't get the wrapping off his birthday presents.

The former Formula One ace flew eight sexy Victoria's Secrets lingerie and catwalk models to Dublin to help celebrate his 39th birthday in style.

But instead of stripping down to their scanties, these gorgeous girls look more interested in keeping their clothes on. Even Eddie's legendary playboy cool couldn't compete with the chill November air as the girls posed outside the Cocoon Bar in Dublin.

But a party insider told us it was a different story when the girls got in out of the cold.

"There were models up dancing on tables everywhere, it was as raunchy as I have ever seen.

"The girls put on a real show for Eddie - and he was loving every minute of it."

Designer Clothing: Quality or Status Symbol?

2008-02-08T02:53:00.002-08:00

The G Unit Clothing Line, Look As You Should

2008-02-08T02:53:00.001-08:00

Wholesale Clothing Distributors

2008-02-06T05:25:00.002-08:00

Wholesale clothing distributors purchase cloth, apparel, trimmings, home furnishing and accessories from manufacturers in large lots and resell them in smaller lots to retailers. Wholesale distributors usually work from warehouses or offices with no display of their merchandise. They interact with their customers through salespeople, over the phone and using the Internet.

Wholesale clothing distributors sell either imported goods or locally manufactured goods or both. The clothes may include readymade apparel or cloth material. The product range not only includes garments for men, women, boys, girls and infants, but also includes accessories such as scarves, hats and gloves as well as some home furnishings. The industry is tightly integrated and many distributors often manufacture the goods themselves or get it contract manufactured from low cost locations such as China. This is because of the seasonal nature of the industry. There are also wholesalers who act purely as a distributor from manufacturers to retailers. Their customers include retailers and online merchants

There are basically three categories of customers in the clothing industry. They are upper, middle and budget sectors with the budget sectors accounting for the largest chunk. Generally wholesale clothing distributors do not specialize in a particular product or products for a specific category of customers since specialization has not been a major trend in this industry. However, some wholesale distributors focus on sub segments such as women’s clothing, children’s clothing or accessories.

The traditional distinctions between clothing manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers are slowly becoming a thing of the past. Some large retailers are bypassing the wholesale distributors and are dealing with manufacturers directly. This is often accomplished by setting up a subsidiary company that handles the purchasing and wholesaling activities for the retailer. On the other hand, some large whole sale distributors are venturing into retail by setting up their own retail outlets. The industry is dynamic and distribution systems are seeing improvements. Internet-based wholesale clothing distribution is also growing rapidly.

Can You Make Money Selling Used Clothing At Flea Markets?

2008-02-06T05:25:00.001-08:00

Used clothing has long been a staple segment of the flea market business. Vendors would either unload their no longer needed clothing, or buy it from a local Salvation Army thrift shop.

Flea market vendors could make good money selling used clothing, often working on profit margins of over 500%.

Many established businesses set themselves up to supply used clothing to flea market vendors, offering pieces of clothing for as low as .25 each.

Vendors could then resell the clothing for $1 to $2 each, enjoying great returns while saving their customers plenty of money.

So it’s only natural for prospective flea market vendors to consider selling used clothing.

The pros are pretty clear. High margins combined with low priced goods mean that anyone can easily buy profitable merchandise to sell.

But based on the market research I have done, I have determined that used clothing is no longer a good category for flea market vendors.

My reasons are the following:

Reason #1

The price of new clothing is dropping drastically. Customers can now buy brand new clothing at Wal Mart for around $5, or even less at many dollar stores. Why should they buy previously worn clothing when the savings become pennies?

Reason #2

Better quality clothing. Clothing manufacturers are producing better quality clothing which lasts longer. Customers know that it is worthwhile to spend a few dollars more for new clothing. Since the clothing will last them longer, they will save more money than if they had to replace the used clothing in a few months.

Reason #3

Rising incomes. With the overall per capita income rising in the United States, most people can easily afford new clothing. While there will always be poor consumers, their buying power will increase as clothing manufacturers reduce the price of new clothing. In other words, as the price of new clothing decreases, more people will buy new only.

Barbie gets all dolled up

2008-02-05T06:35:00.001-08:00

SCOTLAND'S Barbie girl wowed hundreds of starstruck girls yesterday at her first appearance since she was signed up to pose as the famous doll.

Amanda-Jane Taylor, 24, signed autographs for fans at the Toymaster store in Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, while handing out free Barbie bags.

Amanda said: "I've had so much fun and have really got into the part. It's great wearing the same clothes as Barbie.

"It's all worked out so well because all the girls really do think I'm Barbie - they're all starstruck.

"I've even heard girls whispering to each other that they wish they were me - it's all really bizarre."

The Aberdeenshire beauty suffered years of torment because of her likeness to the toy figure. She was bullied at school and taunted by strangers.

But now she has used her looks to her advantage and has never looked back.

The dental assistant added: "So much luck has come my way now. I'm even representing Scotland in the Miss Commonwealth competition next month."

Girls aged six `unhappy with weight'

2008-02-05T06:34:00.000-08:00

BY THE age of six, most girls are now dissatisfied with their bodies and want to be thinner, researchers have claimed; almost half believe they need to go on a diet to lose weight.

Research published today suggests that, within a year of starting school, most girls are being subjected to peer group pressure to lose weight. The authors, Hayley Dohnt and Marika Tiggemann from Flinders University, South Australia, said the girls' belief that "thin is beautiful" can stem from watching pop stars on television or comments made while trying on clothes. By the time they reached their second year of schooling, 71.5 per cent of the girls said they desired a slimmer body shape. In addition, 45.7 per cent said they would use dietary restraint if they gained weight.

"Previously, research has focused on adolescence as the likely time for the emergence of body dissatisfaction," said Ms Dohnt. "But clear evidence has accumulated that a substantial number of pre- adolescent girls are dissatisfied with their bodies and wish to be thinner."

The study showed that, of 81 five to eight-year-old girls at private schools in Adelaide, only 11 were, in fact, overweight and three obese. The researchers also found the girls had little concept of body dissatisfaction when they arrived in the reception class at the age of five.

"The major life event which occurs over the five-to-seven year age range, when body dissatisfaction begins, is the commencement of schooling," Ms Dohnt said. "Therefore, peer influence, which has been investigated extensively for adolescents but has been assumed as more or less irrelevant for young children, may be particularly salient for this age group."

The report, published in the British Journal of Developmental Psychology, concludes: "It seems that girls develop a desire to be thinner during the early years of schooling, somewhere around six to seven years of age. They also display an awareness of the definition and concept of what constitutes dieting."

The report's authors said most of the six and seven-year-olds rated their ideal figure as significantly thinner than they in fact were. They were able to suggest restrictive eating practices - for example, not eating fatty foods - as a means of achieving their ideal shape.

The girls were also shown the silhouettes of nine young female figures - and asked to point out which were most like them and which they would most like to look like. Most girls chose a thinner silhouette as their ideal shape.

They were also shown two pictures of a girl called Anne who had put on weight since starting school. "Girls seemed particularly aware of teasing and likeability on the basis of weight and shape," the report concluded. In all, 39 per cent of girls in the reception year thought Anne would face teasing as a result of her weight increase - while 72 per cent of year one girls (six-year-olds) believed she would.

The findings showed that most of the girls believed that being thin would "increase likeability". This has important implications for the development of early intervention programmes to teach youngsters about a healthy lifestyle, the authors suggest.

Sarah Schenkar, a dietician with the British Nutrition Foundation, said: "I think it stems from this obsession with celebrities and what they look like - which is obviously reaching youngsters at an early age.

"Normally, though, teachers would shy away from discussions about `Am I too fat or am I too thin?' for fear of stirring up a hornet's nest. It is something that - consistently - teachers try not to bring up because they don't want to put that kind of idea into their pupils."

FEARS FOR TOT SHUT IN CAR BOOT

2008-01-31T02:46:00.001-08:00

A NATIONWIDE hunt was under way last night after a partially clothed toddler was seen being bundled into the boot of a car by two men.

Police have "grave concerns" for the girl, who is believed to be aged three or four, after she was seen looking "limp" and naked from the waist up when she was driven off.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Kemp, who is leading the operation, said: "I have grave concerns for the welfare of this young girl.

"The little girl was carried from the back of the car and into the boot. It was an estate car but there was a parcel shelf which means the little girl was enclosed and out of sight. I am also concerned that it was quite late at night and there were two men involved."

The heightened alert follows the jailing of paedophile Craig Sweeney last week who was sentenced to just a five-year minimum tariff for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl.

Sweeney snatched the youngster from her home in Cardiff before taking her on a terrifying 80-mile drive and hurling her out of a window.

In the latest incident, on Wednesday, two witnesses called 999 after seeing the girl being put in the back of a green or blue Hyundai Lantra outside the Sainsbury's store in Swansea, South Wales. The car was later spotted crossing the M48 Severn Bridge back into England at 10.45pm. Police forces across the country have been put on alert to look out for the Hyundai - registration number N729FOO.

Suspicions were raised further when it was discovered that the vehicle had not been re-registered after the ownership was transferred.

Det Supt Kemp added: "Since the initial appeal, we have received a number of phone calls from members of the public who have provided us with information.

"As a result we are now pursuing a number of lines of inquiry. However, we have yet to hear from anyone who can positively tell us the whereabouts of this car and its owners.

"Therefore, I would ask anyone who has seen the car or knows of its whereabouts to come to speak to us as soon as possible."

A police spokesman added officers had not had any reports of a missing girl and do not know who her parents are.

Be a Santa sweetie

2008-01-31T02:44:00.000-08:00

Let's be honest. How many sparkly lotions does a girl really need? Recent disasters in our country and around the world remind us that thousands need help. So, this year, instead of piling on the presents, why not get your girls together and make this holiday season magical for someone less fortunate? It's the best gift any of your crew could ever give--or get.

There's nothing worse than being cold in the winter. Why not gather the girls to organize a clothing drive at school? A mitten tree (a fake tree decorated with donated mittens) is a cute way to gather toasty goods. Pick one girl to get the go a head from your school principal, another to get the tree, and the rest to put up flyers and encourage donations. Finally, log on to salvationarmy.com to find a local drop-off location.

VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS

Donating goods is great but, for a more personal experience, donate your time instead. Soup kitchens need helping hands around the holidays, so you and your girls could make a day of chopping, cooking and serving meals for the needy. Secondharvest.org is a great resource for finding soup kitchens in your area. You might even want to bring along homemade holiday cards and small bags of candy to brighten people's day.

Every child deserves a gift for the holidays. You and your BFFs can make that happen by contacting a shelter and offering to play Santa for some needy kids. You and the gals can bond over a trip to the toy store to purchase whatever is on the wish list. You're never too old to test the latest on toy shelves, right? Want to go bigger? Host a toy drive at your church or school. Many organizations can help distribute the toys to kids who are hospitalized or in foster homes. Toysfortots.org will even come pick up your festive loot.

JINGLE SELLS

Put a jingle in your pockets by selling handmade holiday cards. The catch? All profits go to redcross.com as a cash donation. Whip out the glue, sparkles and markers, or design something on your desktop. Your parents can sell the cards at work, or surprise neighbors by showing up on their doorsteps. Extra marshmallows in her cocoa for the girl who spreads the most holiday cheer!

Pair to face trial over nude photos

2008-01-30T02:45:00.002-08:00

PROVO -- A judge ruled last week that an Orem photographer and his then-girlfriend, who are accused of taking nude pictures of a girl, should stand trial despite arguments by defense attorneys that the girl urged them to take the photos.

Matthew Stone, 35, and Bobette Wimmer, 36, were arrested in October 2006 after allegedly performing a nude photo shoot in Stone's Orem studio.

A 17-year-old girl and her friend had gone to the studio to talk with Stone about possibly taking some glamour shots and the session turned into a nude shoot.

The girl testified last week during a preliminary hearing that Stone and Wimmer encouraged her to take off her shirt, then her bra and to pose for topless shots.

"They were both encouraging me to take off more clothes, pose this way, that way, this looks good, along those lines," the girl said. She then testified that Wimmer became involved and the pictures became more sexual, involving genitals.

Fourth District Judge Samuel McVey ruled that both Stone and Wimmer should stand trial on 23 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. They each also face an additional charge of forcible sex abuse.

However, McVey postponed his final ruling about whether Wimmer should stand trial for the forcible sexual abuse until after he hears arguments on Dec. 10 regarding a motion filed by her attorney.

During the first day of the preliminary hearing, defense attorney Gunda Jarvis asked the girl if she tried to get up and run away.

"I did not fight," the girl said, "but it was very uncomfortable."

"And nobody threatened you?" the girl was asked.

"Nobody threatened me," the girl said.

Defense attorneys also questioned the girl's statement to police. In the statement, she wrote that it had been her idea to take topless pictures, not Stone's.

"Did you say that it was your idea in this statement?" Jarvis asked.

"Yes, I did," the girl said.

"And then you started taking pictures ... kind of like a glamour shot ... kind of like the models would do? And it was fun because you felt like you were being a model?" Jarvis asked.

"At first," the girl responded.

Defense attorneys then asked the girl about her expression in the photos. They said she looked like she was enjoying herself.

"I know at that time they did not depict my true feelings," the girl responded.

Jarvis and Stone's defense attorney, Mike Esplin, expressed concern about the issue of consent. Prosecutors maintain that as a minor she was legally unable to fully consent to any sexual activity.

However, the girl did not run away or fight or even express concern, according to her testimony. Because of that, the crimes would be of a different nature, Jarvis argued. Jarvis' motion asks McVey toss out the charge of forcible sexual abuse against Wimmer.

The girl testified she wanted to take scandalous photos, but she didn't want to get in legal trouble for taking them because she's 17. "But by scandalous, I mean lifting my shirt up a little bit," she said. "(Pictures) with all my clothes still on."

Prison ordered for child pornographer

2008-01-30T02:45:00.001-08:00

A former television personality said he was "blinded by the money" he was making from operating several Web sites that a court has ruled dealt in child pornography.

Federal prosecutors say Matthew Duhamel was pulling in as much as $20,000 a month from operating his Web sites. But in the end Duhamel received five years in federal prison.

According to court documents, Duhamel and his business partner Charles Granere, operated several Web sites dedicated to "modeling" pictures of 9- and 10-year-old girls dressed in very adult clothing. Some pictures show girls dressed in lingerie, others in miniskirts or two-piece bikinis. In one photo a girl's genitalia can be seen, documents state.

Granere and Duhamel had argued the photos were not considered pornographic because the girls were fully clothed. However, upon review, U.S. District Judge Tena Campbell said the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that photos of clothed subjects can be considered pornographic.

"This was exploitation of children," Campbell said Thursday. "This didn't just cross the line in my view, this went way across the line."

Shedding tears, Matthew Duhamel, said he was sorry for taking advantage of several girls who were photographed in skimpy outfits and in sexually-suggestive poses. Prosecutors say Duhamel even sold clothing the girls wore on his Web sites.

Court records also show Duhamel had contracted with at least two people who offered photos of young girls. Bill Capps Jr. of North Carolina had taken photographs of a 9-year-old girl which were offered and posted on Duhamel's sites. An Indiana mother was discovered taking and selling sexually-suggestive photos of her own daughter, which also wound up on Duhamel's sites.

The mother also offered "custom" shoots where customers could request photos of her daughter wearing certain clothing for $400. At one point, Duhamel paid the woman and her 9-year-old daughter to fly out to Salt Lake City, where Duhamel took some photos himself.

Both Capps and the woman were indicted on child pornography charges and were both sentenced to serve five years in federal prison. Granere was also sentenced to five years last May.

Campbell said although Duhamel faced more time, she couldn't justify giving him more than five years compared to two people who actually took and sold the photos.

Duhamel said he was "blinded by the money" and they he planned to fund his dream of being a local television celebrity. For a short while, Duhamel worked as a weather forecaster for KUTV Channel 2 and hosted a late-night talk show on KPNZ Channel 24.

"I could have stopped the Web sites and I didn't," Duhamel said.

Duhamel's attorney, Richard Mauro, insisted in court that his client is not a pedophile. Outside of court, Mauro said his client plans to challenge Campbell's finding that the some 600 photos were pornographic and appeal it to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver.

Girls talk!/ 'Relational Aggression' as harmful as any schoolyard

2008-01-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

Girls are mean. Don't believe that? Just ask Lara. On her first day at Challenger Middle School, the sixth-grader wore sweat pants and a T-shirt. An older girl gave her a disapproving look.

"Don't ever wear (sweat pants) again," Lara remembered the girl telling her. "They're not in. Wear jeans or something."

Soon the most popular girls were giving Lara rules on nearly every aspect of her life - her clothes, food, friends.

When Lara balked, they called her a "loser." They harassed her. They pushed her. They ignored her. They were mean.

"Welcome to middle school," Lara, 12, says sardonically as she retells her first year of adolescence.

What Lara sees as the normal school routine, experts see as bullying. The tendency for schoolgirls to control each other and others through gossip, cliques and exclusion isn't just part of growing up, some experts say. It's got a name: relational aggression.

It's when girls use their intimacy - friendships, relationships - to manipulate and intimidate others.

Researchers and experts have turned their attention to female bullies and have written books, magazine articles and studies on the subject.

They point to what some experts call a glaring omission in anti- bullying programs used in schools nationwide.

Most anti-bullying programs, including ones used in Colorado schools, focus primarily on physical aggression - the kind when big boys stuff little boys into lockers.

But it's a mistake to ignore girls' style of bullying, says Stephen Leff, a psychologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and principal investigator in a study that looked at bully- prevention programs in schools nationwide. That's because relational aggression can be more harmful, vicious and have deeper and more lasting effects than any schoolyard fistfight.

"Intimacy in girls' friendships is extremely important, so a manipulation of that can really have a profound effect," said Leff.

Some experts say relational aggression can lead to suicide, drugs and eating disorders in girls.

"Girls need to be held responsible for the things they do that bring them all down," said Rosalind Wiseman, author of "Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and Other Realities of Adolescence."

Examples of bullying

A few students at Challenger Middle School, on the city's northeast side in Academy School District 20, agreed to talk about girl bullying only if their last names weren't used. They didn't want anyone in school to know they were talking about it to outsiders.

"They're vicious," said a 12-year-old sixth-grader at Challenger. "They can come up to you all nice, but then they will take something you tell them and (use it against you)."

And girls don't just bully other girls. They bully boys as well.

Take what happened to Jonathan, another Challenger sixth-grader. About a week ago, a girl in Jonathan's class, a friend, called him. The girl urged him to talk about another girl he liked. While Jonathan professed his love, he heard giggling.

"Someone else was there on the telephone," said Jonathan, 12. "It was horrible. I just hung up."

Girl bullying comes in many forms: Using three-way calling to catch someone spilling their deepest, darkest secrets, creating Internet "slam books" to label a girl a slut, whore or tramp, shunning a girl because she wears sweat pants instead of capris. Girls use intimate knowledge to needle someone else.

"Girls bully in more sophisticated and complex ways, (than boys do)," said Wiseman, who also runs The Empower Program. Based in Washington, D.C., Wiseman's program teaches girls how to cut out their aggression and avoid bullying.

Experts believe girls bully like this because, in general, they're less physical than boys. Yet girls still need to express aggression.

Leff says schools mistake this behavior by girls as just part of childhood.

"It's much more subtle when someone bullies through social or relational aggression," he said. "One person at the school may not see it, and when they do, they may feel it's not as serious as physical aggression."

These type of mind games have been going on among schoolgirls for decades. What's the harm? Plenty, says Wiseman.

It can be deadly. In Canada, a 16-year-old girl was found guilty of threatening and harassing a classmate who later committed suicide. In Colorado Springs, a 13-year-old girl committed suicide in 1999 after she was bullied by middle schoolers, many of them girls, her parents said.

But the harm can be felt in small ways, too. Lara has few "popular" friends at her new school.

"You just feel so isolated," she said.

There's also harm for girls who perpetuate this behavior, said Wiseman.

Through her program, Wiseman has talked to hundreds of so-called popular girls. She noticed many of them felt powerless.

"(Bullying) is about girls wanting social status," Wiseman said. "The more important social status is to their sense of self, the more important it is for them to achieve and maintain it."

Police seek help in gang rapes

2008-01-29T06:07:00.000-08:00

Where there is one victim, there may be more.

The Topeka Police Department's Juvenile and Special Victim Unit is using that theory in its investigation of a sexual assault that occurred at what it is calling a "flip party."

According to slang used in hip-hop music, the term "flip" means several people taking turns having sex with one person.

Police said young teenage girls typically are invited to a "flip party." When they arrive, the girls are alone with several males.

According to police, the girls are enticed to remove their clothes and have sexual contact with one or more of the males.

If the girls refuse, they are assaulted and raped.

Detectives said there may be more victims who are reluctant to report this crime.

"We only have one case that we know about," said Maj. John Sidwell, Topeka Police Department spokesman. "But detectives suspect there are more."

Police said descriptions of males involved in the flip parties have varied, so no additional information was being released.

However, detectives are asking other victims to call to provide better descriptions or names of males who have been involved in the parties.

In the meantime, Sidwell said, parents need to be aware of where their teenagers are going. If the teens are going to a party, he said, parents should receive assurances that supervision will be provided.

If there is any doubt about the supervision or participants at a party, Sidwell said, the teens shouldn't attend.

Sidwell added that precautions need to be taken for both boys and girls in their teen years to ensure their safety and well-being.

"Teenagers as a whole have a tendency to get into situations that are way above their heads without the supervision of parents," Sidwell said. "It's the parents' responsibility to watch our for them and try to keep them in safe situations."

When you're not built like Britney/ Retail merchants are trying to be

2008-01-25T05:54:00.001-08:00

Not all teen-age girls have the taut, flab-free body of Britney Spears, but you'd never know it from rummaging through the junior sections at most U.S. stores.

Judging from the junior racks, few teen-age girls are larger than a size 13. Oh, maybe there's a size 15 in the bunch - maybe. But for the most part, larger-sized teenage girls have had to do their shopping in women's sections, where the styles are more Sarah Ferguson than Sarah Michelle Gellar.

So are there places where plus-size teenage girls can find clothes that the skinny girls are wearing? Clothes that are flattering? That make them feel stylish, even though they're wearing plus sizes?

There are - if they're willing to bypass the standard teen- oriented mall stores and take note that more manufacturers and local stores are trying to fill the need.

Mervyn's, for example, recently began to publicize its "plus sizes for teens" line. The chain's spokesperson, Michelle Murphy said the line was introduced in mid-July, based on demographic information that indicates 14 percent of teens wear size 13 or larger, and the number has tripled in the past two decades.

"We're trying to provide juniors, regardless of size, trendy options," she said.

Still, the pickings at Mervyn's are pretty slim: jeans and peasant blouses, primarily, with a few knit tops and sweaters thrown in.

Lane Bryant, a national plus-size chain, has shed its staid image and now offers trendy clothes for teens looking for sizes 14-28. We're talking denim and corduroy skirts, peasant blouses, flare-leg jeans, chinos (some with a comfy drawstring waist) and leather jackets.

"We get quite a few young shoppers," said Caryn Cunningham, one of the managers at The Citadel store. "We've got lots of fun stuff."

V Generation at the Chapel Hills Mall, a new store, has a large section devoted to plus sizes (up to 3X) in trendy styles.

"We have a huge department," said store spokewoman Jennifer Klotz. "It doesn't matter what size you are. You want clothes that look nice and suit your style."

One customer, Molly Vidal, 19, says she felt like she hit paydirt when she walked in the door.

"I'm finding all kinds of stuff!" she said, with half a dozen garments draped over her arm. "Stores like this usually don't have plus sizes."

She also shops at Old Navy (which carries some items up to size 20) and Target.

Fashion Bug at Citadel Crossing will make teen shoppers think they've hit the fashion mother lode. Half the store is devoted to plus-size clothes in the latest styles.

"We have all kinds of great things for girls," says sales clerk Tanya Ingram. The store carries sizes 14-32.

"I love it when girls come in and get all excited. I have this one customer who always asks for me, and when she first started coming, her self-esteem was about this low," she said, holding her hand about two feet off the floor. "When she left, she was smiling and so happy."

Not only does the store carry ruffled-slit denim skirts, embroidered jeans, corduroy pants and skirts, crinkle-fabric blouses, peasant blouses, cute T-shirts and basic turtlenecks, they also have shoes up to size 11 and bras up to size 44DD.

"We probably carry the most styles that girls want," said store manager Lynette Dickson. "We also get in holiday and prom dresses."

Full Size Fashions at Mall of the Bluffs carries a lot of clothes that a teen-age girl's mom or grandma would wear - but there's also some fun stuff for young shoppers: lacy skirts and peasant/ overblouses, for dressing up a little, plus plenty of denim. The store carries sizes up to 6X, the largest ones in town.

"We have (teens) who come in frustrated because they can't find clothes to fit," said sales clerk Helen Magers. "We try to steer them not just to clothes that fit, but clothes that flatter them."

A high school senior came in recently looking for something to wear in her senior picture. Magers talked her into trying on a black semi-sheer blouse with a ruffled V-neck.

"It framed her face perfectly, and was so flattering. She was really happy with it," Magers said.

Besides clothes for school and dress-up, the store carries swimsuits year-round and nightwear in large sizes.

"We also usually have some of those coveralls," she said. "But we can't keep them in stock."

K-mart has added Jaclyn Smith Classic Plus and Kathy Ireland Plus lines, which include lots of jeans, stretch corduroy skirts and satin shirts, plus leather and suede jackets.

Wal-Mart carries sizes 14W to 28W in denim (jeans and skirts) and a few dresses that will appeal to younger shoppers.

Target stores offer a limited number of youthful fashions in large sizes, but they're worth checking out. They recently carried capri- length sweats with matching hooded jackets in lively colors.

Chain discount stores such as Ross Dress for Less, Marshall's and T.J. Maxx also carry an odd assortment of large sizes, but it's hit and miss, and the styles tend to be last year's. Britney wouldn't be caught dead in those.

Gifts spread cheer to 3,000

2008-01-25T05:53:00.000-08:00

Two little boys smiled as they helped their mom sort through piles of clothing Saturday as volunteers helped them pick out the best fits.

However, Jesus, 9, and Jose, 6, were more excited about the toys. The two wrestling fans were hoping for an action figure of their favorite wrestler, Ray Mysterio.

"The whole family will get a good gift," says their mother, Maria Rivera, as she sorts through the clothing, also searching for outfits for her 2-year-old daughter and crib bumpers for a baby due in February.

The Riveras were among some 1,600 mostly Latino children who received toys, clothing and candy at the Boys and Girls Club in Midvale on Saturday, the biggest in a series of toy and clothing distributions sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hispano-Latinos of Salt Lake and Clinica Hispana.

"We came down to see if we could help a little," said volunteer John Reese, who smiled as he gave Jose a high five and wished the family a merry Christmas.

Dr. Cesar Diaz, organizer of the event, says he is following the example of his mother, who would help families in need in his native Ecuador.

"There's a huge need in the community," Diaz says. "A lot of these children don't have much ... for some families, this is Christmas."

Diaz first started the drive seven years ago when he helped 300 children. The drive grew each year, and last year after he joined the Rotary Club, he got the service organization on board. A total of 3,000 children were served this holiday season at Saturday's event and at others in Salt Lake, Providence, Genola and Wendover, he said.

The families registered for the drive after being referred by community services, including Holy Cross Ministries, Centro de la Familia, the Boys and Girls Club, Padres Anonimos (Anonymous Parents), and the YWCA. Some families with greater needs also received larger gifts, such as bikes and grocery gift certificates, Diaz said.

Jesse Soriano, a Rotarian and director of the Utah Office of Ethnic Affairs, and his wife, Barbara, were among volunteers sorting through stacks of puzzles, stuffed animals, toy trucks and dolls.

The Afrobabies Collection™ Expands Products for Girls With Pink Dancer Bedding and Accessories

2008-01-18T05:31:00.001-08:00

Barbie gets all dolled up

2008-01-18T05:30:00.000-08:00

Use This Technique to Find the Woman of Your Dreams

2008-01-11T01:47:00.000-08:00

One question I often get from my readers is where they can find a specific type of woman. These guys are tired of frequenting bars and clubs when deep down they want a nice girl.

Well, there is a secret to finding a specific type of woman.

It's simple…

To find a certain type of woman, you should go to the places where she'll hang out.

You probably wouldn't hunt for a bear in the middle of an ocean, right?

Unfortunately that's what a lot of guys do when they go to a bar and think they'll find every type of woman. In fact, a common complaint I hear from guys is how they can't find the right kind of girl when they go out. Typically these men want a nice, "homebody" type of girl, but they only go to bars to find them.

In my opinion, they're hunting for a bear in the middle of an ocean!

If you want to find a specific type of girl, you must go to the places where she would be. In other words, if you want a "spiritual church girl", then you should put on your "Sunday's Best" and head over to a church.

Now I'm not saying nice girls don't hang out at bars and clubs. But statistically speaking, you'll probably encounter girls who like to party and have a good time. Usually settling down is the farthest from their minds.

To get started, try thinking of the different types of girls you're interested in and then think about where they probably hang out. For instance, here are a few types of women:

• Party girls
• Bookish, intellectual women
• Business and professional women
• Athletic girls
• Spiritual women
• Alternative and extreme lifestyle girls

So if you want to encounter a certain type of woman, start going to the places she'll be!

Simple and Useful Flirting Tips for Girls

2008-01-11T01:42:00.000-08:00

Many people find flirting a great pastime and enjoy doing it just for fun. Today, flirting has become a kind of hobby all over the world – especially with the youth. Making friends, flirting, dating – it all now is so easy with the Internet. There are plenty of opportunities for everyone, even for those who would never flirt in real life. However, flirting in reality requires more sophisticated techniques to be successful. Girls, being natural flirts, don’t really need any special tricks to be successful in flirting. However, a few flirting tips for girls can be useful for those who want to elevate their flirting skills to the level of an art.

1. Girls are expected to always look beautiful – just like flowers. Making the right impression from the start is crucial, and for this you will need to make dressing well your second nature. You don’t need expensive designer clothing for that – what you basically need is excellently tailored clothes, which accentuate the right places on your body. If you can’t get the right clothes for your body type, a good tailor can help you look at your best. You should be looking good enough to feel good about yourself because when you do it reflects on your behavior and the way you speak. This is an invaluable flirting tip for girls – which, if used well, can kick-start the relationship instantly.

2. Make sure you send clear yet subtle signals to the person you are interested in – when a girl behaves coquettishly she becomes irresistible; and this is not only fluttering eyelashes. Men love to see women who know they are attractive and flaunt it. Moreover, when these women single them out with their attention, the sparks fly. The flirting tip for girls here says you should show you are interested without being blatant. That is what will set the ball rolling in the right direction.

3. Learn to accept compliments graciously. Men love to know that they are pleasing you, so when they pay you a compliment, whether you find it suitable or not, accept it with appreciation. If you dismiss or reject it outright, chances are that he will not approach you again. This flirting tip for girls works great both when you know the person and when the man is a total stranger.

4. Strike a light conversation to get things going. If you were good at expressing your interest in him, he will welcome talking with you. If not, you can always shift your attention to someone more receptive.

5. And the last, but a very important flirting tip for girls is – enjoy yourself! Happy people always attract other people. When you are happy, you feel and look great, and the entire personality changes! If you want to be remembered wherever you go, be happy, be filled with joy, and most of all be genuine. These simple things will ensure you will never lack attention from the opposite sex!

Plus Size Womens Clothing - Having Difficulty Finding It?

2008-01-09T06:25:00.000-08:00

More than half the women in the country fall outside what the fashion industry calls standard sizes. This is why there is a need for plus size womens clothing and designers are recognizing that need with new styles and fashions. One thing that many people so not realize is that the “petite” size rating for clothing does not mean tiny. It refers to height and many of the women who need plus size womens clothing also need the clothing in petite sizes if they are less than 5.5 feet tall.

Plus size womens clothing doesn’t mean baggy clothes to hide your rolls. With quality plus size clothing for women, you can show off your full figure with skirts and pants that fit you to a T. You can accentuate any clothing with scarves and jewellery, which helps to draw attention away from your size. You can show off your legs by wearing a knee length dress or skirt and wear a beautiful camisole inside a low cut top.

When women shop for plus size womens clothing they also shop with quality in mind. They want plus size womens clothing that will last and that they can mix and match to produce different effects. The makers of quality plus size clothing for women recognize that women in the plus sizes do need the latest styles and fashions for work clothes as well as clothing for just lazing around the house or for those special occasion.

Whatever kind of plus size womens clothing you need is readily available online. Swimwear, blazers, evening gowns, shorts, work out clothing – all of these are available in quality plus size clothing for women. The sizing chart of the plus size womens clothing site will help you get the best size to fit you perfectly. The site will advise you how the clothing is cut and that if you find yourself in between sizes whether you should order the next largest size. Since some of these retailers use a generous amount of material in the clothing they make, you may not have to do that.

When ordering dress pants in plus sizes, it is important to get the right inseam length. If you have slacks in plus size womens clothing and you don’t bother with the inseam, the result may be that you have to cut off a lot of the leg material in hemming. Then the legs of the pants will be very baggy and will make you look larger and shorter than you actually are.

The secret to looking good when you wear quality plus size clothing for women is to get the right fit. When the plus size womens clothing fits properly, you feel great about yourself and you have a glowing look that lets everyone know it.

The secret to plus size womens clothing is fit. Make sure you get it right.

Gothic Clothing for Fun

2008-01-09T06:23:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to put a different type of style into your life? If you are into punk gothic clothing is going to be the type of clothing that will fit your style. for the cuts, the off the shoulder looks, and the inclusion of leather in your clothing, gothic clothing is going to set your style, set you out from the crowd, and put you in the scene you want to be in.

Gothic clothing uses a look that includes what some people feel is a sexy, sleek, and wild look. Not everyone is going to dress in a suit and tie for work, and if you are not in that group, consider gothic clothing to set your mood for fun all day and all night long. Gothic clothing is based on the use of tight corsets, tight clothing, leathers, the look of chains and an overall style that is different from many other types of designers and styles that are available.

Most gothic clothing is not available in retail stores offline. You can occasionally find a gothic clothing store offline, but in larger cities. Prices for gothic clothing are going to be a bit higher, as you are purchasing a specialty item, one that will take you back in time to a point where costumes where a daily habit, and the costumes wear worn by those who had the most power in that time, and the most wisdom.

Gothic clothing often times represents a more animal looking side to life. The animal prints of the leopard and the tiger are often times very popular with the gothic clothing you can find for sale online. The tiger prints in bold yellow, black, and sometimes in white with black are popular as gifts, for wearing, and to set your wardrobe out among the rest. Leopard prints in red, white, black and sometimes in yellow are exciting additions for those who want to have the gothic clothing feel extended in their life.

Gothic clothing purchases can be completed online. You can find many gothic clothing retailers online, from different countries that are going to add that something special to your wardrobe, and that others in your friendly circle are not going to have. You can mix and match gothic clothing to include pants, shirts, shorts, tops, tanks, and neckwear or head gear that is fabulous compared to the boring type of suits and outfits that are available through other retailers. The gothic clothing lines are exciting, sexy, and sultry, setting your own style to be one that will make you a step above the rest in your crowd. If you are in the rock scene, in the punk scene or if you are a partygoer, you are going to love what you can find online in the gothic clothing sections.

The Infamous Cancun Girls

2008-01-09T06:21:00.001-08:00

Besides being synonymous with spring break vacations, sand and surf, Cancun is also famous for the number of girls who parade through its streets and thoroughfares. Unofficially known by all as Cancun girls, these young girls are mostly of the college going age who want like to have their fun and who, for the most part were caught out in the act.

Cancun girls are a generally fun loving breed who is up for most anything that's thrown at them and you can always find at least a handful of them at any party or resort, especially during spring break. That’s not to say that there's a stereotypical girl out there who decides that she wants to be one of the Cancun girls, but it is still true that these girls exists and are not just figments of the imagination.

Wherever you go on the height of summer you will be bombarded by a bevy of Cancun girls in all shapes and sizes, and all of them in various states of undress. The dress code in Cancun on these hot summer days generally tends to be as little as you can get away with, and most of the girls will take advantage of this fact to strip down to the barest of bikinis. Sometimes it's even difficult to call the scraps of barely there cloth a bikini.

Be that as it may, there is also the chance that you might stumble across not a scantily clad girl, but one who believes in an all over tan. Although not as common a sight as in some European countries this practice can be seen from time to time from amongst the throng of people on the white hot beaches.

Now apart from the fact that these Cancun girls seem to be ready for any wild partying or adventure that they can get into, you shouldn’t forget that they just college going girls. Girls who want to have some fun before they go back to a bout of hard study.

Cancun girls aren't a breed apart nor are they anything other than what they are, young college girls out for a good time, and determined to find it in Cancun, the spring break central for most college students. So when you go to Cancun don't be shocked by what you see, and don't believe everything that you hear. If you just keep in mind the pertinent facts and enjoy yourself regardless of others, you'll have a smashing great vacation yourself

Wholesale Name Brand Clothing Versus Non Branded Clothing

2008-01-09T06:20:00.000-08:00

A customer called me recently and asked me whether I think he should focus on non branded clothing or brand name clothing.

His question is based on the following idea.

Brand name clothing is highly recognizable by customers because the brands spend millions of dollars marketing themselves. Non branded clothing, basically clothing by smaller labels or imported from overseas, have no name recognition. But the flip side is that non branded clothing can be purchased and resold for allot less than branded clothing.

So how do you decide between selling non branded and brand name clothing?

For starters you need to know who your customers are.

Although the following might not be politically correct you need to understand this.

Lower income customers might want brand name clothing but they cannot afford it. So even though they would love to have brand name clothing they will usually settle for non branded clothing.

On the other hand more affluent customers will want only branded clothing because they have more pressure in terms of keeping up with the latest styles.

Now the above is true in the theoretical world. But in the real world everyone wants brand name clothing.

So how do you as a reseller buy brand name clothing at prices low enough to sell to your poorer customers?

You need to purchase overstock clothing.

Overstock clothing consists of clothing which a department store did not sell within a set period of time. A department store wants to always have new merchandise on its racks. Whatever does not sell within a set period of time will be sold out as overstock.

Since the overstock consists of brand names you have a great opportunity.

You can get a hold of brand new clothing by leading brands at a fraction of the regular wholesale price.

What’s the catch?

When you purchase overstock clothing you will receive a wide assortment of styles and sizes. You can’t specify the number of pants or skirts, or sizes for that matter.

So while this might discourage some people from purchasing overstock clothing, just think of the advantages of buying brand names like Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy, Liz Claiborne, Ecko, and Baby Phat, for a fraction of the regular wholesale price.

I stress on my site, closeoutexplosion.com, that customers will receive an assortment of brands and styles, and also the average retail price of the items that I have.

This way resellers can decide the merits of buying and selling overstock merchandise for themselves.

While overstock clothing might not work if you need a full range of sizes for a given item, it definitely works if you want to buy brand name clothing at the lowest possible wholesale prices.

Finding Below Wholesale Prices at an Online Clothing Shop

2008-01-03T00:37:00.001-08:00

The G Unit Clothing Line, Look As You Should

2008-01-03T00:36:00.000-08:00

Designer Clothing: Quality or Status Symbol?

2008-01-02T05:31:00.001-08:00

Girls Mountain Biking: Catching Up With The Boys

2008-01-02T05:30:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest appeals of mountain biking is that it is a unisex sport. Mountain biking does not discriminate on the basis of gender. Nor does it eliminate participants due to their ages or ethnicities; in its early years it was largely the domain of men and boys, but now women and girl mountain bikers are joining the fun in record numbers.

Girls mountain biking has begun to achieve prominence in the sport, thanks to the teams of girls mountain bikers fielded by many US high schools. High school mountain biking programs allow female students to master the techniques necessary to succeed in girls mountain biking competitions, and many of them are the equal of the male bikers in their schools.

NorCal

The NorCal High School Mountain Bike League, founded in 2001, opened up the world of girls mountain biking to Elena Spittler, who was the league’s girls mountain biking champion in 2005. She joined the Berkeley High School Mountain Biking Team as its single female member, simply to prove that girls could succeed in the sport. She struggled to keep up with the boys during her first year on the team, but by the time she was a senior, Elena was trouncing some of her younger male teammates.

Two years after she struck a blow for girls mountain biking at her high school, there are now seven girls on the team, and the total number of participants in girls mountain biking for the entire NorCal High School Mountain Bike League has doubled.

The league now has a summer girls mountain biking camp and intends to host a girls mountain biking mini-camp in the first part of the high school racing season to help the girls competing improver their techniques and build their confidence. The league has made a commitment to these girl-specific activities, and is also training its team coaches in methods of recruiting and working with girls mountain biking candidates.

These girls mountain biking clinics and camps cover a variety of topics. The girls are required to maneuver their bikes over natural obstacles and down steep descents, learning the balance, dexterity, and bike control necessary for competing in cross country, endurance, and short course racing events. They are also schooled in bike maintenance and repair.

Plus Size Gothic Clothing

2008-01-01T07:13:00.003-08:00

The next time you get fed up with the selection of plus size gothic clothing that you are finding in the malls you need to redirect your attention to your computer. Online shopping is simply the best way to go when you want to get your hands on the clothing that you desire and in the sizes that you need.

Sure, the gothic lifestyle is not mainstream, nor does anyone in this group want to ever enter the mainstream way of thinking or dressing. That is actually what is so beautiful about being a goth. However, nothing is more depressing than being a gothic guy or girl who simply cannot find the clothing that they want to wear in their size. Do all of these manufacturer's think that the people who are involved in the goth lifestyle are all a size two? Definitely not!

Plus size gothic clothing has thankfully become more readily available online. Are there options available in stores at your local mall? Well, there are always some, but they are generally few and far between. With such a little selection to choose from, you are bound to run into several girls wearing the same plus sized vinyl skirt when you hit the clubs or concert hall. That is never a good feeling! So, taking the time to shop online is bound to be worth your effort in the long run.

The options for plus size gothic clothing for both men and women online has grown tremendously over the past couple of years. With many choices going up to a size 4X you have an incredible selection of some of the darkest attire that the internet has to offer. Pair these outfits with great shoes and all of the accessories that you can get your hands on and you literally have a gothic shopping bonanza for plus size individuals right from your home computer.

Where to Get Inexpensive Women's Clothing

2008-01-01T07:13:00.001-08:00

If you've ever gone out to purchase many items of clothing or even a whole wardrobe at once, you've probably seen how expensive women's clothing can be. Ladies' clothing is a booming industry, with millions of dollars each year being spent on designer labels, and even more being spent on casual clothing. Not everyone can afford to purchase a lot of clothing at once, however, so if you change sizes quickly or need to buy a different type of wardrobe (career versus casual, for example) you may be facing a large bill.

One way to cut down on your women's clothing bill is to have a clothing swap. Get together a group of your friends (preferably a group who wear similar sizes) and have everyone bring some gently used, in good condition, clothing. Separate the clothing by type (pants, shirts, etc) and size and let everyone choose among the clothing items. In this way, you can get a few new outfits (well, at least new to you!) without having to spend any additional money.

Another way to find inexpensive women's clothing is to shop on line retailers. Many Internet stores are able to offer ladies' clothing at reduced rates, because they can save on the costs of running a physical store. They also tend to offer many different styles by different clothing makers, so that comparison shopping can be easier than in a mall or store. If you don't mind wearing items that may be previously worn, sites such as Ebay offer even bigger bargains, with regular women posting unwanted items (sometimes even designer) at low prices.

Women's clothing is not only about fashion or brand names – it's also about practicality and frugality. If you're facing buying many articles of clothing in the near future, using tips such as a clothing trade or hunting for bargains on the Internet can be a great way to save money.

Clothing Store Fixtures

2008-01-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

Clothing store fixtures help increase the sale of clothing. This also helps to bring in more customers. Mannequins and forms are used as clothing store fixtures. There are different types of mannequins and clothing forms.

Mannequins are made of different materials including wood, wax, fiberglass and plastic. Some mannequin store fixtures are set in one pose while some have adjustable arms and legs. The most common type of mannequin used in clothing business is life size mannequin. Torso mannequins are used to display shirts and blouses. Mannequin store fixtures are available for male, female and children in different sizes. Different models of mannequin store fixtures are hands on hip model, hands by side model, ethnic model and sandy series model.

Classic forms of mannequin store fixtures are made of natural wood bases. Mannequin head displays are used to display hats or wigs. Full round mannequins are used to display clothing in an inexpensive way.

Clothing forms are light-weight and durable. PVC forms are used as clothing store fixtures. PVC forms are inexpensive and heavy duty. Forms are available in hanging model or with adjustable stand model. Jersey forms are flexible mannequin forms. Flexible forms are more convenient than traditional mannequin store fixtures. Polyurethane jersey forms and flex kid forms are also available. Flexible tube forms can be bent shaped and twisted. Fabric covered arms and legs of tube form can be bent into any shape. Form store fixtures are available in both adult and children's size.

Clothing hangers are also used to display clothing in an attractive way. There are plastic hangers, metal hangers and wooden hangers. Adult clothing hangers include suit hangers, pant hangers, blouse hangers etc. Children clothing hangers include top hangers, junior hangers and combo hangers.

CAROLE MALONE COLUMN: Nose for a logo

2007-12-27T04:40:00.001-08:00

IN the week that designers have slated "logo mania" and said that obvious "designer" clothes are "so last year" Daniella Westbrook and her baby girl Jodie B appear looking like they've mugged a Burberry salesman.

LETTER: The March of time

2007-12-27T04:39:00.000-08:00

My recollection of Little Women ("Marmee's girls", 4 March) growing up in the Fifties, is of my cut-out dolls and their clothes. How I'd love to see them again. And I wonder if any readers still have theirs.

Halle Belly

2007-12-27T04:38:00.000-08:00

PREGNANT Halle Berry looks swell as she swops her trademark tight clothes for a floaty maternity dress in LA.

The ex-Bond girl - who has revealed she is three months pregnant - shows more isn't less when it comes to style.

Women's Tall Clothing - 5 Simple Solutions

2007-12-05T04:19:00.001-08:00

So what’s hot right now in the tall clothing department? Is there such a thing as being able to wear fashionable clothing when you are tall? I used to think that trendy tall clothing was impossible to find.

Over the last few years, many retailers are adding longer-length items, but good luck finding them in their normal stores in the mall! Most of the tall sizes are found only through catalogs or online. Here are a few great tall clothing solutions:

1. Layering- use a longer length t-shirt or camisole to wear under any shirt. There are many fashionable companies that supply these now.
2. Specialty tall clothing stores will be your best option- as they make clothing specifically to fit your body type, such as special tall plus size clothing, which is a really hard size to find.
3. Custom made clothing is another great option. That way you can get tall clothing made to your exact measurements for your tall stature. You may think that tall custom-made clothing is expensive, but surprisingly, it is quite an affordable option. Custom clothing is available for tall swimsuits, tall jeans, tall chinos, custom made shirts and blouses, and larger size hats.
4. Tunics are really hot this year, which is great news for the tall sized lady. Some tunics are just long enough to make it look like a normal sized shirt on us. Others are quite long. Tunics are available in all kinds of fabric choices from basic t-shirts to designer evening blouses.
5. A great tall style trend right now is to add something shiny to your outfit. A great wide silver belt or a pair of gold shoes is a great way to dress up an average outfit. Big metal hoops look great on taller statures.

When it comes to shopping, tall women may have to search a little longer than most. The good news is, that tall clothing finally exists and the choices are growing more every season.

Acne And The Changes In Girls During Puberty

2007-12-05T04:18:00.000-08:00

During puberty, girls go through many changes some physical and some psychological. These changes include fat distribution, menstruation, body composition, body and facial hair growth, growth spurts, skin changes and body odor. During puberty the body physically changes as the fat tissue increases in the breasts, hips, and thighs, producing the typical female shape. With all these changes in girls during puberty, what effect does acne have on girls during this difficult and emotional time?

Acne can increase the physical and emotional stress that girls experience during puberty. The severity and likelihood of acne is one of the many changes in girls during puberty due to the increased oil secretions in the skin. Mood swings, increased irritability and feelings of low self esteem can also be experienced by girls during puberty. Even girls who have been self confident can suffer from low self esteem when puberty starts.

These changes in girls during puberty can be more severe if she also suffers from acne. There are steps you can take to help lessen the problems of acne, which may help girls during this difficult time.

Practical Acne Treatments For Girls…

Proper skin care is the first step in dealing with acne. There are many skin care products on the market that may help with acne. Gently washing the face twice a day is the first place to start. Be sure to select a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur, as they kill the bacteria that cause acne. Gentle cleansing is important so don't wash too often or scrub the face with harsh cleansers.

It is also important to use non-comedogenic products when trying to control acne. Non-comedogenic products are less likely to cause acne, blackheads or block the pores of the skin. There are many non-comedogenic products available, such as makeup, moisturizers, lip stick, and even acne medicated makeup.

It is a good idea to visit a dermatologist if acne can not be controlled with over-the-counter medications as he can prescribe the best solution.

Acne in addition to all the changes in girls during puberty can take a physical and mental toll. There are many acne treatments available today so one should not despair. The onset of acne during puberty represents another challenge for young women to overcome.

Looking For Hot Hannah Montana Gifts? Check Out These Cool Clothes Little Girls Will Love

2007-12-05T04:16:00.000-08:00

There's no question that Hannah Montana / Miley Cyrus is the hottest thing for most girls this season. The dynamic, wholesome daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus and her Disney show have endeared Hannah to children and parents alike. Kids think she is pretty, talented and cool and parents really appreciate that she is a great role model for young girls. Her concerts have been selling out in minutes all over the country. Some parents have even paid thousands of dollars just to get in the arena door. Luckily, Hannah's clothing this season is extremely reasonably priced. To see photos of the clothes listed, see the link at the end of this article.

Even if you didn't make it to the concert, there are tons of adorable Hannah Montana items that you can well afford on any budget. Most girls have Hannah Montana clothing at the top of their wish lists. Fortunately, the Miley mystique comes in the form of cute, hip. (and well covering) clothing. All of the clothes that I will highlight here are appropriate for even very young little girls. And the accessories listed are also cute and inexpensive. Also, many vendors are running specials for the holidays (Coupon link at the end of this article).

Buckled Canvas Boots: These adorable, hip, shiny boots are only $24. They have a bronze lame finish, leather like trim and rubber soles with adjustable straps for a good fit. These boots are very attention getting so you're getting a lot of bang for under $25.

Antiqued, Beaded Denim Jacket: This jacket is just a tiny bit fitted with one percent spandex so girls will probably like the fit, while parents have to agree it is still very age appropriate. It has antiqued copper beads with sandblasted denim for a sort of vintage, worn look. It's only $35.

Hip Denim Jeans: These $30 match the denim jacket above. The legs of these jeans slightly flare for a hip look, but are not in the least bit tight fitting. The beading on the legs of these jeans is a very nice touch, and at only $30, they're a great deal.

Jacket And Pants Warm Up Suit: The coffee and pink color combination of this outfit is the hottest thing today and the feminine yet hip graphics make this one a real winner. Has a draw string waist and pockets and both the pants and jackets. This item was the favorite at my house. Very inexpensive at $40 for both pieces.

Personalized Varsity Jacket: This jacket is an adorable combination of feminine (lavender and pink coloring with satin lined hood) and classic varsity style. This jacket can also be personalized with a name or phrase and at $50, it's a good deal.

V-Neck Sweater: This classic, grey V-neck sweater features raglan sleeves, embroidered HM art, and a ribbed neckline and cuffs . It runs about $24.

Personalized 3/4 Tee Shirt: This personalized tee allows you to customize the item with text or photo. So basically you can have whatever Hannah shirt and design you chose for only $16.50.

Necklace & Earrings Set: These adorable Hannah Montana jewelry set is on sale at only $16.99. It features a guitar and pick and is a very feminine silver with lavender accents.

Ruffled Hobo Purse: This adorable purse has a cell phone pocket and wallet pouch with jeweled accents. It's an ample size at 9" X 15". It's very reasonably priced at $16.50.

4 Tips on Buying Casual Clothing

2007-12-05T04:15:00.000-08:00

Oh, we all know women love nothing more than a sale or a bargain, don’t we? And casual clothing for women is always on sale – if one store isn’t on sale, the other one probably is! So, in terms of casual clothing for women, there are absolutely no problems in finding sales.

Here are some quick tips to help you pick and choose casual clothing for women during sales and closeouts:-

Examine the casual clothing before you buy
Before you pick it up, remember, the casual clothing that you’re looking at has been probably tested a few hundred times before this. So, a little bit of wear and tear on the casual clothing is to be expected. If they’re not worn out or at least a little bit stretched, the casual clothing store probably won’t be putting it up for sale, don’t you think?

Check the seams and edges to see if they are OK. And if you want value for money, check for holes and detached labels and discoloration too. Yeah, we know, it’s on sale and we shouldn't expect TOP QUALITY casual clothing for that kind of pricing, but STILL, you want value attached to the casual clothing. You’re still PAYING for it, not getting it for free, surely.

Testing the casual clothing out before you take it to the cashier
I know, this sounds so logical and yet so important. Never buy casual clothing or any other types of clothing without testing them out first. The sizing and cutting is very, very important. What looks good on the shelves or mannequin may not look as good on you. The shape and size of your body is very different from the mannequin, so, take it to the fitting room and try the casual clothing out for shape and size. If you have fussy kids with you, come back another day (maybe tomorrow) for it. A time when you can test the casual clothing out.

Is the casual clothing REALLY on sale?
I don’t know about you, but I think this is when window shopping actually makes sense. Let’s say if I see a casual clothing that I like, I’ll go in and take a look and note the pricing. When they hold a sale or discount, I’ll know if they’re cheating or not. Some casual clothing stores DO actually cheat and they say their normal pricing is $49 when it’s only $35. I know, I know. it sounds petty and calculative, but hey, you want to get value casual clothing or what? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be one of those easily excitable casual clothing enthusiast (erm…which, I think I am).

Check out other casual clothing stores before you decide
This lesson, I learnt one time when I bought a fabulous and chic looking casual clothing blouse to the counter, paid for it, and walked out to see a similar casual clothing on sale in the store opposite the store I bought it from! Boy, was I fuming. So, what I do now is to note the casual clothing that I like and the store, look around other casual clothing store and then if I can’t find something similar for a cheaper price or something better, I’ll go back to the casual clothing store and GRAB IT!!

Sleepwear at the grocery store? It's 'No nonsense'

2007-11-27T05:20:00.000-08:00

Thanks to No nonsense's most recent product introduction, consumers can purchase hosiery and sleepwear during the same visit to a drug store, grocery store or mass retailer. The foray into loungewear is not a first for parent company Kayser-Roth, but a first for its No nonsense brand. (The company's Hue brand sells a wide variety of sleepwear products in the department store channel).

"It's a new category for us and a new product category for many of our retailers," said Trish Martin, senior director of marketing for No nonsense. "We've had tremendous response so far. It makes shopping more convenient for our consumer. She can easily buy all the things she needs in one place without having to make an extra trip to a mall department store."

The product comes in a smaller, space-efficient package that displays together with the rest of No nonsense's product line. The spring 2006 collection comes in two separate styles, each featuring a capri bottom and a solid matching T-shirt. The sets are sold for $14.99 each.

The line is currently only available for women, but the company is exploring the possibility of expanding the line into men's and girls' products in the future. Kayser-Roth is also entertaining the idea of creating seasonal collections as well, due to research that indicates that women buy sleepwear for themselves or as gifts.

This season hosiery is back and quality is better

2007-11-27T05:19:00.000-08:00

Designers put their best legs forward during Olympus Fashion Week in New York. Many models wore cropped leggings, opaque tights or bright printed legwear on the runway, rather than sporting the bare-legged look that's been en vogue for the past several seasons. Big-name designers, including Zac Posen, Anna Sui, Kenneth Cole, Marc Jacobs and Carolina Herrera, all featured some sort of legwear in their collections. The return of hosiery to the runway has many in the industry thinking that sales might pick up some pace.

"We're happy that they are addressing legwear again on the runways," said Mimi Merkin, director of design for legwear at Kayser-Roth, the parent company to the Hue and No nonsense brands. "We're hoping that this will translate down into the mainstream, and that people will pay attention and use hosiery as part of their everyday fashion."

According to the latest NPD Group data, overall sales of legwear, including socks, hosiery and tights, fell 5.3% for the year ended Aug. 31, 2005. However, the industry sees hope in the latest trends to hit the runway.

"We're seeing a lot of darker and muted colors, opaque tights in lapis blue, eggplant, tea green, purples, pinks, heather grey, chocolate brown and, of course, black," Merkin said. "And cropped tights and leggings are huge as well."

Mainstream brands and department stores are starting to pick up on this trend as well. Hue's fall 2006 collection includes both a capri and ankle-length cropped legging. Spanx, which sells in specialty department stores, sells low-rise cropped sheer hosiery in its collection. Dillard's sells 19 different varieties of its Copper Key leggings in its girls' and juniors' departments. JCPenney sells ankle-length cropped Mixit leggings for $22 per pair in its women's department.

Function is also of crucial importance for legwear for fall. According to Merkin, newness for hosiery this season comes not through new prints or textures, but from new fabrication. In the Hue brand, the company is focusing on using finer yarns, such as cotton modele, microfiber, bamboo and silk, to elevate the quality of the product. Sweater yarns for leggings will also be important.

Technology and comfort will continue to be crucial elements for ho-siery in the mass channel. No Nonsense's Smart Support hosiery uses Lycra Leg Care, and its Silky Support label focuses on customer comfort by providing extra-soft fabrication. L'Eggs, which is owned by Hanes, sells Sheer Vitality anti-cellulite hosiery that releases microcapsules, which help lessen the appearance of cellulite. The company reports that 64% of users have reported a reduction of the appearance of cellulite with the product.

Pickle juice, restroom inequity and throwback clothing - Leadership Lite

2007-11-26T04:38:00.001-08:00

If there's a craving for pickle juice by high school athletes in the school cafeterias across Wisconsin, we will now know why.

The statewide publication of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, which governs high school sports, recently devoted a quarter-page column by sports dietitian Jane Foos to the merits of preventing muscle cramps by drinking pickle juice.

But it's no magic potion, she wrote. "While giving a sidelined player a shot of pickle juice may or may not relieve a muscle cramp, that player is still out of competition."

As an assistant principal in Deming, Wash., Jeff Pietila was confronted by a group of 20 outraged 7th-grade boys one day. Why, they demanded, if the girls had vending machines in their restrooms couldn't they have the same in theirs?

Presumably the boys thought the girls had access to candy, gum or soda pop. Little did they understand that the girls' machines were actually for feminine hygiene supplies.

It's Nostalgic for Some

Sylvia Lowe, the secretary to Superintendent William Dean in Frederick County, Va., was standing in the ordering line in a Subway sandwich shop when she overheard two high school students discussing what they planned to wear to school on "Back to the '80s Day."

The conversation jolted Lowe to the realization of her advancing years, though she's only in her 50s. "What is it about the '80s that they deserve their own day? I'm still wearing clothes from the '80s!" she exclaimed.

Time Better Spent

Whenever the first sign of snow is in the air, Rebecca Perry always can count on a flurry of beckoning requests to close the schools from students via e-mail.

Perry, superintendent in Alexandria, Va., finds many of the comments amusing, and occasionally she opts to respond as she did after receiving this e-mail message: "Suggestion: CLOSE SCHOOL FRIDAY, we are sick of being the only school open on snow days, st stephens is allready off and i'm not surprized if more are, please dear god just close school."

Perry's reply: "I am not God, you are going to school, and your spelling seems to indicate that you need to stay a little bit longer."

(Source: The Washington Post)

A Costly Game of Hooky

Parental collusion on student absenteeism has become such a festering sore in Great Britain that the government recently proposed legislation granting school principals the right to levy fines.

Parents of chronically missing students could be subject to fines of up to 2,500 pounds, or $3,900 at the current exchange rate.

The national government estimates that 50,000 students skip school each day without parental permission.

A Unique Reply

When: Parent-teacher conference day, a month or so into the school year.

Where: Dolphin Senior Public School in Mississauga, Ontario

The Players: A veteran science teacher and two parents with their son

Action: The teacher, fatigued after a long day of meetings throughout the afternoon and evening, welcomes the parents of a particularly lazy student into his classroom. "Why is my son doing so poorly?" one parent demands at the outset.

"It's the pissing mieces of work!" the teacher answers in true spoonerism style.

The parents and their son, stunned by what they've heard, don't bat an eye, pause briefly and continue on with their interview as if the faux pas never was uttered.

Hefty Profits: apparel firms cash in as 'plus-size' fashion proliferates

2007-11-26T04:37:00.000-08:00

But even Angelenos are coming to grips with this reality: about 40 percent of American women wear a size 14 or larger. So-called plus-size clothing has become a $32 billion industry, and it is growing faster than any other market segment.

Inspired by such full-figured celebs as Kirstie Alley and Tyra Banks, plus-sized women are demanding more fashion-forward merchandise and designers and retailers are beginning to respond. And it's not just Target Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. that are emphasizing larger sizes. Trendy brands such as Apple Bottoms and Kellwood Inc.'s Baby Phat recently launched plus-size lines. City of Industry-based Hot Topic Inc., which has seen sales of its primary brand slide, has posted better results with Torrid, its line of stores for curvy women.

"It's a real recognition on the part of the fashion industry that there's a whole segment of the market that's ignored," said retail consultant Richard Giss, a partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP, "and the success of the early entrants to the marketplace have caused emulation."

He attributes the growth of fashionable plus-size sales in part to the nation's increasing waistline, the number of young women shopping for larger sizes, and the success of professional attire in plus sizes.

The trend is affecting nearly every segment of the industry, even morn-and-pop outfits.

Yul Kwon joined his parents in 2002 in their business Gemix Inc., which manufactures plus-sized clothing for women. He'd just finished his master's degree in finance. but didn't know much about fashion. His parents, Onoh In and Young Kwon, started Gemix in 1987. When Yul joined the company, which is downtown, he hung out after the company's weekly sample sales to get a feel for his clientele. He also asked them to fill out surveys. He learned that the market was shifting.

Customers didn't want regular clothes that were simply bigger. They wanted clothes that were cut and styled differently, in a way to fit their curves.

"It was pretty clear they were tired of the style of clothes that didn't fit," he said. "With the fight fit, shaped to the curve, you'd look younger, slimmer; it makes a lot of difference."

Kwon's customers were also looking for more fashionable duds. He decided to launch Missphit, a new label for Gemix, using higher-quality fabric, hipper styles and more attention to detail. He set the average wholesale price at about $20, roughly double that of the company's Gemini house brand.

Shortly after last summer's launch, Missphit was picked up by Dillard's Inc. department stores, which are concentrated in the Sunbelt and central U.S.

The big box chain's orders have increased steadily from an initial trial order. And Gemix was flooded with calls from customers who couldn't make it to a Dillard's store. The problem has been temporarily fixed by selling Missphit on Dillards.com. But he expects demand to keep growing.

The $6 million company has had to increase output 40 percent to keep up with orders. Gemix made 6,000 garments per month last year, but is planning to grow that to 10,000 units per month this year. The downtown factory is doing so well that Kwon's parents expect to retire by year-end and leave their 31-year-old son at the helm.

"I'd like to say I have someone like my mother or wife who is a plus-size woman and I noticed their frustration," Kwon said. "But this is something I've been immersed in, and I saw this market wasn't served."

Torrid growth

Another factor in the growth of the fashion-forward plus-size market is the increasing number of young women with more generous proportions.

"We used to make basic items aimed at women in their late 30s to 50s," Kwon said. "However, as the years passed, we have seen a strong demand for younger, trendier looks. Now it has gotten to the point where customers are kicking and screaming at us to make fashion-forward designs."

In 2001, Hot Topic, the edgy chain targeted directly to teens, noticed a dramatic growth in requests from women for larger sizes. The company tested a few items on the company Web site and was bowled over by the response. Hot Topic added a permanent plus-size section to the Web site, but more research revealed it wasn't enough. The customers wanted a separate store that offered the same sort of fashionable merchandise that their slimmer friends might be wearing.

Hot Topic opened its first Torrid store in Brea in April 2001. Torrid serves young women sized 12 to 26. The chain now has 131 stores and expects to open 20 this year. Torrid's store merchandise is 50 percent house brand and 50 percent fashion brands like Paris Blues, Dickies and l.e.i.

Delia Douglas, Torrid's marketing manager, said the company estimates that the chain could eventually grow to the size of Hot Topic, currently about 700 stores. The sub-brand has been a bright spot for Hot Topic, which has been underperforming since last summer, according to Giss, the Deloitte consultant.

Sew what!

2007-11-22T21:59:00.000-08:00

Hi, folks--just finished reading the July/Aug. 2007 copy of The SatEvePost and enjoyed it as usual, but particularly "On Pins & Needles ..." by Michelle Slatalla. I personally have never liked to sew, and the only sewing I do now is when some article of clothing needs the legs hemmed up.

When I was going to what was at the time called junior high (a very public school in Pasadena, Texas), all the girls had to take sewing and cooking and the boys were shoved into shop and auto mechanics. I was a tomboy from the word go.

I absolutely refused to go to sewing/cooking, so was ordered to the principal's office, where I sat in a chair across from his desk for the duration of the class. I stared at the poor man, and occasionally he'd look up from his paperwork at me and shake his head.

This cat-and-mouse game went on for the better part of a week, at the end of which we struck a deal. I took six weeks of sewing/cooking (which was a total disaster) and got to take shop the second six weeks, during which I made a little hang-on-the wall image of Uncle Sam (I still have it).

I guess it does pay to compromise occasionally. Very judicially, of course.

NBA Ballers: Phenom

2007-11-22T21:58:00.000-08:00

OK, so the mature nature of the Grand Theft Auto franchise has ticked off plenty of parents, politicians, and one loony lawyer from Florida. But once you look past the controversy, you’ll see a series that helped raise our expectations for videogames today, in particular with its go-anywhere, do-anything environments.

Finally, this massive ingredient in GTA’s winning formula is finding its way into a sports title. NBA Ballers: Phenom, the follow-up to Midway’s arcade-rich hoopster, will make the entire city of Los Angeles—including downtown, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood—your playground. And surprisingly, you’ll be spending almost as much time off the court as you do on it.

Just like any GTA metropolis, Phenom’s version of Los Angeles is full of life. “The game is set during a fictional NBA Finals week, so everyone is there, including the ‘who’s who’ of NBA athletes, music celebrities, coaches, agents, and media,” says Executive Producer George Gomez. “You can walk around several L.A. neighborhoods and interact with people, stores, and vendors.” Aside from chitchatting with the city’s beautiful people or shopping for some new duds, you can cruise the streets looking for extracurricular activities, such as snapping pictures of pro players and working a charity car wash with those sexy Laker Girls. Photography? Charity work? Sounds kinda lame, you say? Gomez promises that won’t be the case. “Once you see these events, I think they’ll make you smile and I doubt that you’ll think of them as ‘cheesy,’” he says. “We are trying to create a rich environment that will allow you many choices. Some of the choices are more oriented toward performance in the game, and some are there simply for the exploration and entertainment value.”

Speaking of choices, each one you make along the way will greatly affect the game’s outcome. One possible scenario has you winding up the No. 1 pick in the next NBA draft, while another puts you at the helm of an entertainment empire, splitting time playing ball with movie shoots, record labels, and designing your own clothing line. “We have a Career Aptitude meter on your bio page that always tells you exactly what direction you’re headed,” says Designer Johnny Vignocchi. “The mechanic is similar to what you see in modern role-playing games like Fable and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.”

Getting noticed

Long before Ervin Johnson became “Magic,” Michael became “Air Jordan,” and LeBron became “King James,” these basketball superstars spent years proving themselves on the court. Luckily, things happen much faster on the videogame hardwood. In Phenom, you’ve got only one week to show the roundball community that you’re the real deal. “The player arrives [in Los Angeles] with nothing but his skills and his desire to make his mark,” says Gomez. “The week-long battle includes an old-time rivalry, a lost love, mentors, coaches, distractions, and maybe even a new love.”

From the outset, you’ll walk around town and choose which pro-am tourneys to enter (you can also head to LAX and fly to venues in other cities). Obviously, victories will improve your rep. In addition, you’ll earn clothing and equipment that can help—and hinder—your abilities. “As the player grows his collection of special gear, he’ll make his own choices about what gear to equip because not all of it is purely beneficial,” explains Gomez. “Shaq’s ‘Diesel’ sneakers increase the players shot blocking and low-post offense, but reduce his long-range shooting attribute. The player will have to judge what’s best for his own style.” You can also hone your skills via assorted minigames, including Shootout, which tests whether you can sink jumpers under the pressure of a time limit and a defender all up in your grill. And remember those questionable off-the-court side missions? They might factor into wins and losses, too; completing certain tasks will help you build friendships with certain NBA players and celebrities, who may eventually become your teammates in the new 2-on-2 matchups (the original Ballers only featured 1-on-1 play). See, car washes are about more than staring at soapy T and A.

For Ballers on the Go

On the same day Phenom hits your console, Midway will bring NBA Ballers: Rebound to the PlayStation Portable. It’s basically the same game as the original console installment (which earned a Silver Award in EGM), but it comes packed with a few new minigames (like DunkFest), fantasy courts, and NBA players, including the Heat’s high-flyer Dwyane Wade and the Bulls’ three-point artist Ben Gordon.

Clothes call - women's clothing

2007-11-21T03:48:00.001-08:00

FALL is here at last and I've been looking forward to it for a number of rea- sons: crisp autumn air, orange leaves, pumpkin pie, and the probability that the sexier women on our city streets would begin to put their clothes back on again. By winter, they may be fully dressed.

Don't get me wrong. I like female bodies. But over the last decade, every heterosexual man with fully oxygenated blood must have noticed the gradual disrobing that has been going on among women in major metropolises. The recent dust-up about Calvin Klein's soft-core photo ads missed the point. Women well above age 17 are wearing less today than at any time since I entered puberty in 1976.

The male instinct tells us to celebrate this. Recently I conducted a survey of my male friends, in their twenties and thirties, and found they had all taken note of the evolution in fashion: shorter shorts, shorter skirts, chiffon-type skirts that are long but see-through, suggestively ripped Levis, very tight and small white T-shirts baring eight inches of tanned stomach, very thin loose T-shirts worn without a bra. No shape or location of anything, no ques- tion as to firmness or softness, is left ambiguous.

"Lately I can't keep my eyes in my head," Glenn, a 29-year-old graduate stu- dent, told me appreciatively. "I'm walking down the sidewalk just memorizing what these girls look like."

"You know the scene in Desperado?" asks Perry, a book agent. "This girl in a mini-skirt crosses the street. Two Mexican guys in cars are staring at her and they crash head-on, but she just turns around and smirks. It's like that for me all the time."

Surely there are fewer bras on big-city streets than at any point since the bra-burning Sixties. I mean, leave Calvin Klein out of it. His ads were tame enough to be reproduced in full in the print and broadcast media. Some of the outfits I've seen on a balmy Saturday night on Manhattan's Upper West Side could not be fully described -- in words, never mind pictures -- in the respectable press. Can it be more than a decade before women stroll topless in New York, Washington, and Los Angeles?

Yet when they are done rejoicing at the unfolding vistas, my buddies start to voice certain doubts. "I mean," Ira, a commodities trader, says uncertainly, "what the hell do they want, anyway?"

The problem is, after you've thanked Providence for all the previously hidden body parts, you realize that the parade of them has turned you into an oaf, a creature of incessant ogling. Danny, a lawyer, explains poignantly: "It's got- ten to the point that, when I see someone coming down the street and I think she's going to knock my socks off, I turn my head. Or cross the street."

I have also talked to women about the subject, and their annoyed response to men forever checking them out pretty much comes down to: Well, if you would all just look straight ahead like West Point cadets, you wouldn't have a prob- lem. Danny accepts this reasoning. Referring to the rules of modesty that used to govern dress among men and women, he asks, "Why should we penalize women because we're dysfunctional?" Being an oaf, in other words, is a matter of free choice.

Is it really? When you describe something as dysfunctional, you mean it doesn't work the way nature intended. A dysfunctional heart pumps too little blood. Dysfunctional lungs don't process enough oxygen. Yet for millennia, when any generally healthy heterosexual male has been confronted with a woman's almost-naked body, he has reacted the way a man hungry for food does when you wave a pizza under his nose. There is something essential in men that makes them want to look. And look and look. It's a desire that can be trained, not extinguished.

Which is to say, ladies, that you are pushing our buttons. "Sometimes I try not to look," explains Mike, an editor. "But it's like when I tried to quit therapy. The shrink knew every button to push. Guilt, anxiety. He almost talked me out of quitting, but then I got mad at being manipulated and quit anyway." Some buttons produce guilt or anxiety; others the thrill of titilla- tion. Probably resentment exists below the surface in more than a few men.

Nor does the sight of half-dressed women merely turn men into boors. Worse than that, frankly it's a bore. With all the interesting things to think about in the world, when the weather is fine and we walk outside we are stuck gazing at successive pairs of thinly draped bosoms. No doubt the United Nations took so long to arrive at a coherent Bosnia strategy partly owing to the proximity of the male delegates to the streets of New York.

If it is any comfort to us heterosexuals, a homosexual friend of mine says that he and his comrades have it just as bad. I don't buy it, though. At gay parties and rallies, he complains, guys are constantly taking their shirts off, and they'll take yours off too if you don't watch out. That must be annoying. On the other hand, I haven't encountered a gay man walking down Broadway with his fly open or a hole in the crotch of his jeans. Yet.

Shopping on the small screen: girls Walker shows that young women are ready and willing to buy via keitai - Company Profile

2007-11-21T03:47:00.000-08:00

JAPANESE ARE OPTING IN to small-screen mobile "mail-mags" on their keitai, and Tokyo-based Xavel is scrolling up the profits. The company's Girls Walker mobile Web site (http://gw.st/pct currently lists around 75,000 titles and 9.4 million subscribers, which converts to around 2 million users. Each mini-magazine links back to the mobile homepage, and users are encouraged not only to subscribe but also to publish their own writing via a simple mobile format. Ads on every issue promote mobile shopping through Xavel's partners and the Girls Walker full-color shopping sites. Helped along by sharp, clear images from the current generation of mobile phones, the company moves around [yen] 100-150 million worth of high-quality, brand-name clothing, perfume and accessories every month exclusively through the small screen.

"Two years ago, everybody laughed at us when we went looking for partners for Girls Walker," says the company's '30-something CEO and presides Fumitaro Ohama. "They said there was no way consumer would buy goods over the keitai." Retailers aren't laughing now. Xavel's return shopping rate is an enviable 45 percent, and sales from the 2002 Christmas campaign were expected to net around [yen] 500 million this year--nearly a fourfold increase from 2001. Girls Walker is the No. 1 Japanese mobile portal site, and they've done it all by word of mouth.

Ohama, who attended USC and originally thought about a career in filmmaking, says his concept for the company was to combine the business models of Yahoo, Amazon and Japanese PC mail magazine distributor MagMag into one handy portable package. His target market: young women in their 20s. Despite the economy's lingering malaise, this is an exuberant group of brand-loving big spenders eager to share new finds with friends. "These women generally don't have PCs at home because they'd rather spend the money on a designer bag," says Tatsuya Kodera, Xavel's business manager. "Their social network and link to the Internet center on the keitai."

Fun and frivolous

Japanese mailmags--free opt-in newsletters--started out on the PC but transferred easily onto mobile's smaller screen. Xavel began with in-house mail magazines covering fun and frivolous topics like fortune telling and melody downloads. As they began to create a community of readers and writers, topics expanded to include personal diaries, news about TV and movie stars, commentary and everything in between. All have a casual, friendly tone.

Grassroots publishing

About as visually exciting as Soviet-era public housing, the "publications" are generally a black and white scroll of text several screens in length highlighted by ads set off in lines of asterisks or blocks. What matters to users is nut how they look but the opportunity for expression they represent. Neeraj Jhanji, founder and CEO of ImaHima (www.imahima.co.jp), a location-integrated mobile group messaging service in Japan and Europe, points out the positive benefit of this grassroots mobile publishing boom:

"Many of these mobile publishers are young people. At that stage in life they are looking for self-expression, to gain more confidence while trying to understand the world around them. For them, communication becomes central. Mobile mail magazines, becoming a writer yourself, establishing independence--'I am an individual and these are my thoughts'--it's a healthy outlet for their emotions and intellect."

Xavel succeeded in part because its mailmags opened a dialogue with readers, even if much of that dialogue centered on beauty, fashion and fun. M-commerce sites have been further divided into Perfume Walker, Fashion Walker and even Men's Walker. Demographics for both mail magazine writers and in-shoppers have expanded beyond women in their 20s to include men and women from their teens to their 40s.

Jeffery L. Funk, associate professor at Kobe University Research Institute for Economics and Business Administration, has done extensive research into the management of technology. Funk points to Girls Walker's adroit use of viral marketing techniques. "On each magazine sent out, they have a link back to the mobile site to become a magazine writer. It's 'viral' in terms of getting more writers and 'viral' in terms of being easy to forward your mail to a friend," Funk says, referring to a marketing technique where a message is passed from one user to another like a computer virus. "It not only increased the number of readers but of writers. The portal then has these unique Ills, which it can then mail advertisements to--all opt-in. (And) they don't call them 'ad'; they call it 'information.'"

Advertising from outside sources is kept to a minimum, and only respected brands pass the company's screening. Amateur publishers earn a fee for ads placed on their publication. Strict policing on every level has built up huge reserves of consumer goodwill. "The last thing we want is for our users to feel that we are sending them 'meiwaku mail' or spam," says Xavel's Ohama. "We could make five or six times the ad revenue we now generate, but in the long run we would lose customers. Word of mouth is a very powerful marketing tool in this country--it can make or break you."

Uniforms make the grade for fashion this season: modern touches add flair

2007-11-13T09:57:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK -- Due to school restrictions, it's difficult to make uniforms fashion forward, but that doesn't mean they can't be fashion friendly. Uniform companies are modifying the hottest apparel looks and bringing them into the classroom this season.

"We have wrap skirts and skorts and peasant-inspired blouses that could also be paired with a pair of jeans;' said Gigi Perkins, marketing coordinator for French Toast.

Three stylish French Toast uniform options include a girls' cable front duster sweater with a longer thigh-length, rounded collar and flat-knit tie waist belt; a boy's cell phone pocket pant, featuring a mobile device pocket on the back right leg; and the girls' hooded capelet, with cable-knit, large front buttons and fringe trim.

Dickies' popular, more trend-driven items for fall include a girls' tie-back interlock top, with cap sleeves, tie-back bodice and empire waist; a girls' long carpenter skirt with front side pockets and a girls' inverted pleat skirt. Dickies also has its own boys' version of the cell phone pocket pant new for boys.

Durability and fit are two other important factors for uniforms, according to Rick Crosland, gm of school uniforms for Dickies.

"Every season, we make sure we are up to date in how garments should fit," Crosland said. "We also evaluate the garment's performance. We evaluate what the garment might need and do our best to give it those attributes."

Key features in Dickies uniform pieces include stain release finishing, wrinkle resistance and micro-sanded fabric for increased softness. A hot fabric for girls' uniforms this year has been stretch twill, Crosland said.

French Toast's pieces include similar fabric finishes, including a Teflon-French shield stain protector. These finishes allow for more comfortable, fashionable uniforms, according to Perkins.

"People tend to think of uniforms as formalized, crunchy and wooly," Perkins said. "But the troth is with these new fabric finishes, our uniforms are breathable and are just as durable."

MAGIC show stresses continuity and spotlights trends - clothing industry exhibition - Brief Article

2007-11-13T09:56:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS -- Breakthroughs were few and far between at this summer's MAGIC show, held here three weeks ago, but that doesn't mean the event didn't have its bright spots.

Of retailers attending the show, Robert Goodfriend, chairman and ceo of Goody's Family clothing, was among the most positive, particularly because of trends favoring a broader array of fabrications. "This is one of the best shows I've attended through the first day and a half," he told DSN Retailing Today at the midpoint of the three day event. Cotton/nylon and other fresh fabrications were among those winning Goodfriend's approval. He said cotton/nylon shorts had been soft in spring, but that pants featuring the fabrication has picked up in the back-to-school period. "Hopefully that will continue through Back-to-School and through spring," he said.

More common, however, was the observation of Bryan Chesterman, a buyer for the Marine Corp Exchange, who said continuity rather than dramatic innovation was the theme of the show. "I haven't seen anything to set the world on fire," he said.

In bottoms, cotton/nylon and other fabrications of techno pants remained important.

Microfibers are making their way into the techno pants realm with a new entry from VF's Britannia label--dubbed the Survival Pant--getting the debut treatment at MAGIC. VF also has introduced technos into its Wrangler hero line with a cotton/nylon offering.

Mike Brown of Sears Canada, noted that the show was something of a departure when it came to bottoms. "The trend is away from cargoes," he said. "We're definitely moving from cargoes into dressier casual looks." The new bottoms, neither super casual or truly dressy may be referred to as transitional bottoms and garnered the attention of retailers across the show.

Consumers today seem to be getting a little more formal in their approach to dressing throughout North America. "My biggest double-digit increases are coming in suits," said Wayne Krzyewskic of Hudson's Bay.

When it came to bottoms, the juniors styles showcased in MAGIC's women's portion offered more continuity with flared jeans dominating rather than the high-tech constructions.

In the juniors and contemporary categories for women, tops included a strong showing of animal prints, in a widely varied array.

As for guys' tops, the big Hawaiian-style patterns that have been strong are becoming reduced in scale. Smaller print elements and plaids seem to be gaining steam. "Big prints are out," said Brown. "There are lots of prints, and lots of prints in yarn dyes. Not a whole lot of solids. Smaller prints are in, bright borders, texture prints, prints on textured wovens."

Among key initiatives from vendors, Sara Lee executives said they expect the renewed Starter line--the company is a major licensee--to sell strongly based on the enthusiastic backing Wal-Mart and Kmart have given the initial roll out for this Back-to-School season. In other programs, Sara Lee emphasized three key initiatives in men's underwear, including better basics -- essentially better fabrics in traditional silhouettes.

Fruit of the Loom previewed a shorter version of its boxer brief for MAGIC goers, which should retail for about $5.99 in a two pack.

Dickies is getting into boots. In a franchise deal with Georgia Boot, Dickies will roll out 20 to 25 skus initially.

Jerzees is testing an updated line of activewear for women in Wal-Mart while Russell Athletic is producing a new camouflage group as well as new fabrications in a line of classic-look tops.

M. Hidary introduced a new line of licensed Russell Athletic activewear for children at MAGIC. Haddad's biggest launch was Nike Team Sports. For its part, French Toast highlighted an expanded infant/toddler collection included a baby jeanswear line.

Kids@Work, a division of Accessories Network, bowed its Harry Potter license in backpacks that will be available in mass during next year's fourth quarter.

On the licensing side of the show, Harry Potter clearly dominated expectations. Not only was Warner Bros.' booth done up like a fantasy castle, but several of its licensees, such as Monterey Canyon, made the investment in faux-fortified bases at the show.

"Harry Potter is a huge deal for 2001," said Louse Kuaea, a marketing executive with Mervyn's California.

JCPenney also is enthusiastic about the junior wizard. "We're buying as much as they'll let us have," said Mark Means, a JCPenney buyer. "The word of mouth for the new book is so strong, I think it will carry over to the movie."

While Harry was top-of-mind among retailers, mentions were made about the strength of such licenses as Powerpuff Girls and Josie and the Pussycats.

While Josie is the next thing on Universal's license list, "Jurassic Park Three" isn't far behind. With Josie being followed by Jurassic this summer, Universal's licensing program will offer a heavily girl-oriented program followed by a heavily boy-oriented program.

As for brand new apparel licenses, Nickelodeon is gearing up for a children's vehicle, Rocket Power. Kids Headquarters heads the list of apparel licensees.

Angels of the Workplace: Women and the Construction of Gender Relations in the Canadian Clothing Industry, 1890-1940. - Review - book review

2007-10-31T00:54:00.000-07:00

Angels of the Workplace: Women and the Construction of Gender Relations in the Canadian Clothing Industry, 1890-1940. By Mercedes Steedman (Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1997. ix plus 333pp.).

In this study of an industry which women numerically dominated, sociologist Mercedes Steedman provides a fascinating analysis of the process of gender discrimination that condemned them to second-class status and inferior rewards. Like other social scientists, she has found the garment industry to be a particularly fertile ground for investigating the gender dynamics of work. In Canada, the ready-made clothing industry was one of the earliest and largest industrial employers of women. Before the First World War women accounted for approximately 80 per cent of workers, and in 1941, for just under 70 per cent. The mixed ethnic composition of the work force, and the fierce struggle of trade unions of various ideological stripes to gain a firm foothold in the industry, provide additional grist for the researcher's mill.

Steedman situates her study in a now familiar feminist theoretical framework that highlights class, gender, and ethnicity as the primary determinants of women's experience. She also stresses the interconnectedness of family and workplace, arguing that patriarchal ideals and family practices regarding proper roles for women and men moulded gender relations in the workplace. Thus when women, who were ideally to be angels in the home, took to the factory floor, "they were perceived as 'angels', the 'other', separated from the earthly hierarchy and expected to follow the bidding of the men who worked around them ... "(2).

As the author herself concedes, however, the "angel" analogy is not entirely fitting. Clearly women in the clothing industry were fully human and struggled daily against the consequences of being caught in an earthly hierarchy in which they occupied the lowest ranks. A more accurate title for the book might have been "Little Sisters" in the Workplace: Men's Treatment of Women in the Ontario and Quebec Clothing Industries, 1890-1940, since the focus is on how men in the garment industry in central Canada constructed gender relations in the workplace. According to Steedman, working-class men treated women workers as "little sisters" who needed men to speak for them and to protect them. She traces in great detail how trade unionists acted with male managers and government officials to define and redefine what constituted skilled labour to the detriment of women workers.

Although Steedman represents the women workers in her introduction as "highly skilled workers ... ready to take action in the streets or factories, to do battle with the authorities of government and workplace ... "(2), most of her discussion underlines their marginality because it concentrates on men's actions. Men in the industry consistently robbed women of their identity as adult workers by referring to them as "girls" and by viewing them as unskilled or semi-skilled, transient workers. Thus one is left wondering about the extent of female workers' agency, since little evidence is presented for it. The author does use interviews with a handful of retired female garment workers to attenuate the male-dominated narrative by giving women a voice. It is regrettable, however, that she did not conduct more interviews with French-Canadian workers, who accounted for the majority of workers in the Quebec garment industry after 1930. Another useful source of information about French-Canadian workers and their activ ism would have been the Montreal newspapers, but there is no evidence that the author used either the English-language or the French-language press. By using these sources, Steedman might have been able to provide a more satisfying explanation as to why" ... young French-Canadian women moved into a union movement led by older Jewish men" (176) who did not view them as their equals. She mentions only very briefly the Quebec Catholic trade union movement during the 1930s. Yet, in early 1937, approximately one hundred employers in the Montreal garment industry recognized affiliates of the Confederation des travailleurs catholiques du Canada as the bargaining agent for their employees. Thus, by familiarizing the workers with industrial trade unionism, the Catholic unions helped to lay the groundwork for the organizational drive and famous strike led by the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union in 1937.

As Steedman's book reveals, the Canadian garment industry was incredibly complex. Men's and women's clothing production had distinctive characteristics and dynamics, and each was further fragmented into various manufacturing sectors (coats, suits, shirts, dresses, etc.) The age, gender, and ethnic composition of the work force varied considerably according to type of clothing manufactured, As a result, the author's detailed account is complicated and sometimes hard to follow. Organizing the material first by industry sector and by province (men's clothing industry or women's clothing industry in Ontario/Quebec) and then chronologically within each sector might have made it easier for the reader to extract significant comparisons and contrasts in the consequences of the sexual division of labour and union activities across sectors.

A family affair: Beyonce & Tina Knowles launch fashion line House of Dereon

2007-10-31T00:53:00.000-07:00

"A touch of couture. Everybody deserves a touch of couture."

That's what Tina Knowles said when, on the red carpet at yet another glamorous event, she was asked about the new fashion line that she and daughter Beyonce have launched. Tina emphasizes that House of Dereon is much more than just couture. It is also kick and soul.

Since Beyonce became a pop and fashion icon with megahit girl group Destiny's Child as a teen, the mother-daughter duo has established a reputation for creating and strutting fabulous cutting-edge fashions. Beyonce always has credited her mother, the group's stylist who started designing performance costumes for Beyonce when she was a child.

Tina, Beyonce and Destiny's Child have launched a number of fashion trends. So it's not surprising that mother and daughter would launch their own line. They call it House of Dereon in honor of Tina's late mother, Agnez Dereon, who is their creative inspiration. From Mama Agnez comes the soul. Tina's influence is the couture. Beyonce says she added the kick.

"I'm excited about House of Dereon," says Beyonce. "It's been my dream and my mother's dream for a long time. So many opportunities have come, but I did not want to put my name on something I would not wear, that I was not a part of. We have put together a great team and I have input on every item that we are developing. I add my flavor-the kick-to it all.

"House of Dereon is named after my grandmother, so it is a celebration of three generations," the multitalented artist continues. "I love the clothes from the '70s, my mother's clothes. I love clothes from the '40s, my grandmother's style, so elegant. We wanted to take elements from my grandmother's legacy--the beaded lace, lush colors, fine fabrics--and mix them with clothes from my mother's generation and my generation."

Tina Knowles echoes her daughter's enthusiasm. "I grew up surrounded by great style," says the East Texas and Louisiana native, adding that Beyonce was brought up in that same kind of style-conscious environment. "Dereon is dedicated to my mother's memory and it is a reflection of everything that she brought to both our lives ... My mother was ahead of her time," says Tina, sipping water in the showroom of Dereon's New York offices. On a rack nearby is an original dress created by Mama Agnez. "She used paper to cut her patterns," Tina continues. "She made beautiful dresses for customers and for us. She did a lot of hand-smocking and beading. She crocheted, knitted, upholstered furniture."

Tina says the family "had no money, we grew up poor," and as a child she wondered how her parents could afford to send her and her siblings to private Catholic school. "I later learned that my mother paid part of the tuition by making robes for altar boys, cloaks for the priests and altar cloths for the church. She was really talented. People would come to her for prom dresses and fancy gowns."

Tina adds that her daughters don't sew, but they know about "darts and hemming and what makes clothing fit well." Tina tells of the time that Destiny's Child was scheduled to perform at a U.S. presidential inaugural event for teens, and the wardrobe luggage was lost. When Tina rushed from the venue to find a local store, she forgot her identification and backstage pass. Security would not let her back in. As show time approached, Beyonce and colleagues resorted to embellishing T-shirts and jeans with studs and sequins and were on stage performing--and looking great--by the time Tina fought her way backstage.

That resourcefulness obviously came from the stylist and author who put the girls on the fashion map. Another close call came when, a few hours before she was to perform for Nelson Mandela in South Africa, Beyonce learned she was to do a second number. Tina rushed to the local market to get fabric, cut out a dress "free-hand," stitched up the sides, and wrapped fabric around her daughter's head. "It turned out beautifully," recalls Tina. "We kept the dress as a souvenir; we have a picture of Beyonce wearing it with Mr. Mandela. That time I surprised myself."

Neither fans nor fashion mavens should be surprised by the exquisite selections offered by House of Dereon, which caters to ages 13 to 40. The greatly anticipated holiday and denim collections are now in fine department and specialty stores. "I'm working on fall 2006 right now," says Tina.

"It's my dream, but I'm finding out just how much work is involved," she says of the fashion world. "It's a lot of work. Yet, it is a labor of love for this talented mother-daughter team that seems to be unstoppable on so many fronts.

The Ebony advisor: expert advice on love and relationships

2007-10-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Q I have a dilemma. I have been dating a nice lady for several years. We met in grad school and she is very nice. She is a good cook, has a friendly personality and is very supportive. She tolerates my very busy schedule, which is something that many professional women don't understand. The only problem is that she is a complete drain on me financially. I am not talking about the basic cost of dating; I am talking giving her thousands of dollars to pay her bills each month. She asks for money for her mortgage, electric bills, car note, attorney fees, private school tuition for her children, etc. The list is just too embarrassing to continue. The final straw was this month when I went into my savings for nearly $10,000 to bail her out of some pending financial problems. I know for a fact that I won't be seeing the money again. I am at the end of my rope. I am tired of paying her bills. What should I do?

A Since there are few Black Donald Trumps or Rockefellers, you might want to ask her what she's bringing to the table. Obviously, she isn't seeking an emotional relationship. She is seeking a bank. Psychologist Julia Hare, Ph.D., says it sounds like she has a spending addiction, and she doesn't understand financial management. "You are not helping her by continuing to give her money," Dr. Hare advises. "You are enabling her to continue to be dependent on you. You can help her by stop giving her money and taking her to counseling to figure out how she can get control of her financial situation. If she doesn't want to get help, then you need to say goodbye. Otherwise, you will continue to be her sugar daddy."

Q I am a 43-year-old divorced parent of four children, and I'm seeking advice on how to prepare my 14-year-old daughter for life. Her father and I were married for 23 years before we finally divorced this year. For the last four and a half years, the children have lived with their dad. I relocated to another area and they moved in with me about a year ago. The other children have adjusted to the move, but my 14-year-old daughter is having difficulty. She is rebellious and tries hard to fit in with her friends by wearing tight clothing and short skirts and sometimes making unwise decisions. I am considering sending her to a finishing school. She tries to imitate her older sister, who is 19. I'm afraid for her. Can you suggest a mentoring program? I'm just at the end of my rope.

A Hold on because help is available for you and other parents with such problems. First, you should know that frequently children feel that they are responsible for the breakup of divorced parents. Your daughter may perceive not living with her father any longer as rejection or abandonment by him. This could be part of what is motivating your daughter's behavior. If she feels that her father has abandoned her, she may perceive that she isn't attractive enough (thus the tight clothing); and she is trying to fit in with the girls that she feels comprise the "in" group. She figures this will enhance her status, according to Joyce Hamilton Berry, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with offices in Washington, D.C., and Columbia, Md. Dr. Berry recommends that you set up counseling for your daughter that would include you. You need to find out what is motivating the problem. In terms of mentoring, if you are thinking about getting her into a program such as Big Sisters, consider that therapy would probably be more valuable. Find out what's at the root of her behavior before coming up with a remedy. Sending her to finishing school may seem to her like another form of rejection.

Seeking the happy medium between bare midriffs and a burka

2007-10-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

The scruffy, wrinkled look of the late '60s came just in time for me. Those were my high-school years and it was liberating to wear tie-dyed shirts, bell-bottom jeans, and "Jesus sandals" (even though I hadn't yet made his acquaintance).

Fast forward .15 years when I found myself a Catholic and living in an urban parish of mostly like-minded aging hippies, facing the dress code issue in our children's grade school. Most of us believed that uniforms were a good idea, but it was difficult to reconcile our "anything goes" past with enforced conformity for our children--a point not lost on my oldest son as he looked through my high school yearbook.

It was in conversations with him that I tried to identify the advantages of uniform dress. I found myself remembering my years before high school. When I was a younger girl, the most difficult thing about school was getting dressed in the morning. Left motherless while still in junior high, my little sister and I did not yet have the skills to manage our wardrobes. We did not know how to buy for our gawky, fast-growing bodies, nor did we have the organizational ability a good mother needs to get kids presentable and off to school on time. Somehow I came across a photograph of people in Maoist China and how I envied them their simple, pajama-like garb that looked so comfortable. To get up in the morning and not have to think about clothes! There were days when I skipped school for lack of a suitable outfit

My grade-school sons didn't appreciate their navy blue pants and light blue shirts as I would have at their age. Even if they didn't know what they were missing, I did, and I was glad for them.

There are three essential elements of uniform dress: identity, utility and simplicity. These elements are not only true for Catholic schoolchildren, but also for the armed forces, Scouts, the Amish, athletes, the aforementioned Maoists, and religious people of many traditions.

Uniforms provide and encourage a distinctive identity. Some may . embrace the navy pants and light blue shirts as the distinguishing mark of "our" children compared to "other" children. This is bordering on the offensive to me, but I do think it is helpful to adopt dress that distinguishes children as students.

This relates to the element of utility. As students, they should wear that which is conducive to the activity of a student--concentrated study--and not the dress that is associated with entertainment or sports.

Finally, to encourage simplicity of dress in today's consumer society is radically countercultural. Our children are bombarded with the propaganda that the only authentic self-expression and estimate of self-worth are what they own, what brand name they wear, and how they look.

Part of simple dress is modesty. In a time when we are legitimately concerned about the sexual exploitation of children, we seem oblivious to the fashions foisted upon our young girls.

There is something wrong with children dressing like call girls and I feel like the grandmother I am even to mention it. Yet there must be a happy medium between bare midriffs and a burka.

Dress is like a sacrament--both forming and revealing the essential identity of the person. If we allow our children to dress immodestly while advertising expensive brand names, what are we telling them about who they are? Little commodities?

Kids will be kids and see what they can get away with. My oldest son definitely pushed the edges of that particular envelope. Do neon shoelaces violate the dress code? How about not tucking in the shirt? Or pleated pants? If girls can wear earrings, why not boys? What about hair? If girls can have long hair, why not boys? "But Sister, Jesus had long hair!"

Enforcing a dress code in such a way that clothing assumes its rightful place is an unenviable task. If it were my job (shudder), I'm not sure how I would discipline children who consistently broke the rules. For younger ones who don't have a lot of choice about what they wear, I'd talk only with the parents. For older kids I think I'd assign a paper on the clothing industry--one page for first time offenders, two pages for the next time, etc. I could get pretty creative in my assignments--from the issue of child labor in overseas Nike shoe factories to the oppressive practices of the

Taliban to exploring the difference between bound feet in pre-revolutionary China and pointy-toed shoes on the feet of Western women.

I can also imagine a seminar on advertising that would help children watch commercials and look at magazines with an eye toward what they are really being sold and what is being said about them in the pictures of sultry girls and bored young men.

Happily it isn't my job and my children are now grown and dress themselves. I can afford to fantasize about parents and teachers who cooperate to create and enforce a dress code that is liberating rather than oppressive and who will help our children find that essential self inside along with the most creative and least harmful ways to express that self. More power to you!

Retro trend shows character in juniors - Apparel & Accessories

2007-10-25T03:28:00.001-07:00

Though the juniors customer is probably the most fickle in the entire apparel market, she is clinging to one trend: retro properties. Whether American Greetings' Care Bears sleepwear and loungewear from Wish Licensing or Jim Henson's Muppets undies from Sugar D, customers keep on buying--and the end is nowhere in sight. In fact, building on the trend, many licensors who did not ride the initial wave of nostalgia are jumping onto it for back-to-school '03 and spring '04.

The retro resurgence started in specialty stores such as Hot Topic. After the rest of the industry observed their retail success with seemingly has-been properties, they decided to carry similar merchandise. Now, old-school merchandise retails at Wal-Mart as well as the Claire's Stores of the world. Everyone is dusting off yesterday's hits, from Sony with Charlie's Angels to Universal Studios, which has been putting '80s film-based properties like Sixteen Candles and Pretty Pink out on the table.

Mattel is testing the waters with Barbie juniors' apparel for the first me, with T-shirts making a planned debut at Hot Topic into 2004.

"There is so much history to Barbie as a fashion brand and style icon, and we have already had a great deal of success in juniors in Japan--this is another way for us to expand our audience," said Lesley Levinson, director of fashion for Barbie Consumer Products for Mattel. Juniors apparel has already been a hit in Asia much in the same way Sanrio's Hello Kitty has developed a strong teen audience overseas.

Similarly, Sesame Workshop is finding its children's properties are hitting a chord in the juniors' marketplace, though it is maintaining a strong presence in children's wear via its continuing Kmart exclusive. The more retro the character, the better it is selling.

"Apparel has brought us a lot of success, in loungewear through Junk Food and intimates through Jacques Moret. While Elmo is our most popular preschool character, alternative older characters like Snuffleupagus are doing really well at Hot Topic," noted Tamra Seldin, vp of marketing for Sesame Workshop's Global Consumer Products and International TV Distribution division. Again, the brand coexists in both its Kmart exclusive and in the specialty channel. Sesame Workshop plans on emphasizing its 35th anniversary in 2004 in special-edition apparel to further drive home the nostalgia factor.

Though babydoll Ts, boy short panties, camisole tops and other best-selling items continue to sell even better when retro screens are applied, the range of product is also expanding into 2004. United Media is exploring the reach of the classic Charles Shultz Peanuts comic strip property. This time around, the company is expanding into an older audience with Puma-inspired bags, adding extra style and purchase incentive.

"Our Snoopy- and Woodstock-appliqued messenger bags, with trendy sports-influenced silhouettes, are a tremendous hit in the specialty channel with juniors customers, and we are going forward with them for next year," noted Morris Chehebar, president of Accessory Network's KidBiz division.

Juniors are not the only ones feeling nostalgic--retailers have fond memories of kinder, gentler times in which the licensing business and business in general were booming. Thanks to continued performance from retro brands, these memories are becoming reality

Those GUNBOAT Marines

2007-10-25T03:27:00.000-07:00

The Marines who served in small contingents aboard the Asiatic Fleet's rough-and-ready gunboats were Devil Dogs of a proud breed all their own

The USS Sacremento was fondly referred to as "The Chipin' Hammer Maru" because of the shape of the ship and her tall smokestack. Turned upside down she resembled a chipping hammer.

Commissioned in 1914 as a Gunboat, she was decommissioned in 1946. The ship's complement consisted of 163 officers and men, including the Marine detachment of one officer and 30 men. Displacing 1425-tons with a length of 236-ft, she was considerably smaller than a US destroyer.

Typically, she was armed with three 4-in guns mounted forward, aft and on the quarterdeck; two 3-pounders, two 1-pounders and two Lewis machine guns. The crew was armed with Springfield rifles, Browning sub-machine guns and .45-cal pistols. During 1934-35, the Asiatic Fleet was comprised of three cruisers: Augusta (flagship), Black Hawk, and Picos; a destroyer tender, twelve destroyers, 26 submarines; four gunboats, and seven river gunboats that completed the armada. The river gunboats patrolled the Wangpoa and the Yangtze rivers.

The seagoing gunboats rotated assignments as a station ship, anchoring mid-stream at Shanghai. Other ports of call were: Tsingtao, Chefoo, Tientsin and Chinwangtao; as well as Fuchow, Amoy, Swatow, Hong Kong and Canton.

The Marines were quartered just forward of the portside enlisted head and the starboard sail locker, which were dead astern. The compartment was small - just adequate for 30 men. Lockers were secured to the forward bulkhead together with uniform and rifle racks. There was also an office desk, filing cabinets, two chairs, some open space and the post office. Mess tables were on racks attached to the overhead. Twenty-seven men slept on cots head to foot, spaced inches apart all cramped into the space described. The Admin clerk slept in the office space and the mail clerk slept in the post office. The First Sergeant slept in the Chiefs quarters. A head call during the night could be a calamity.

DAILY ROUTINE

At the call: "Up all hands - heave to and lash up - sweepers, man your brooms!" Twenty-nine men woke up, made a bee line to the head and returned to roll bedding, break down the cots and lash them up for storage in the gear locker. Next, scurry to shower and shave with a half bucket of fresh water heated by an open steam line. Brush your teeth, shave then soap down with the remainder and rinse off with seawater. Modesty was thrown out the porthole under these conditions. After the morning toilette, we donned the uniform of the day, policed the quarters and were then ready for morning coffee, usually taken hot and black in white round soup bowls, served topside, weather permitting. During this time, when everyone was out of the compartment, mess cooks were busy setting up mess tables for morning chow. Breakfast usually consisted of coffee, powdered milk, bacon, sausage, ham, scrambled eggs, cereal, creamed dried beef, toast, French toast, pancakes, juices and more. All items, of course, were not served on the same day.

0800 -ALL HANDS TURN OR REPORT FOR SICK CALL

At 0900 the Marine detachment mustered all hands for inspection by our Commanding Officer; after which the First Sergeant put us through our paces with the manual of arms and other "in place" routines. Marines had a variety of duties. Security consisted of the Officer of the Day, Sergeant of the Guard (we had but one Sergeant), Corporal of the Guard, Captain's Orderly and the fantail watch.

One day I had the Captain's orderly post for the first time. The OD came by and, after returning my salute, gave me the following message to relate to the Captain, "The evening meal was sufficient in quantity and excellent in quality." Then he added, "The chronometers are wound." When I repeated it the Captain smiled knowing that I had no idea what it meant, then dismissed me.

Our battle station was also our deck detail. We kept the brass shined and the deck holystoned and the one pounders cleaned and oiled. This area was above the Captain's quarters, just forward of amidships. The postal clerk was a Corporal who made a mail run ashore every day we were in port. The movie projectionist was a PFC who showed movies every night, weather permitting. A PFC manned the slopchute and I was the librarian.

Twice a week we aired bedding in port and underway; this entailed placing mattresses, blankets and sheets over the rail and lashed down for safety. Laundry was done twice a week with sea water and lye soap contrived by depraved mess cooks.

In port, laundry was done by Chinese boat people. Every Friday the Captain would inspect the ship and the crew. The Marines would be all spit and polish, in formation, on the quarter deck. Our CO would order, "Present Arms" followed by "Port Arms" then the ship's Captain would give us the eyeball up and down, ending with "Well done."

The Shape of Things to Come

2007-10-15T03:29:00.000-07:00

A nearly universal humbling experience: The scene begins as one gleefully heads for the dressing room with armfuls of clothing that look stunning on the rack. Behind the curtains in front of a full-length mirror, every attempt to squeeze into or swim out of each garment intensifies the frustration. One, maybe two items fit. Or worse, none. The expression, "size matters," takes on a whole, new angst-producing meaning.

Shoppers at clothing retailers, department stores and malls across America feel painfully like misfits every day as impulse shopping becomes revulsion. Trouble finding clothes to fit properly vexes each individual who goes through the humiliation. But an entire population of clothing shoppers pitching a fit about bad fits has become an emerging cause celebre for the $163 billion apparel industry. "Many retailers and manufacturers don't even realize what they are missing," says Susan Ashdown, associate professor of textiles and apparel at Cornell University, who consults on clothing size and fit issues for major merchandisers. "When a woman goes into a dressing room and tries on five pairs of pants and only one fits right, she's only going to buy the one. It is a big problem, but it is a hidden one, because there is no way to track the loss of what could have been additional sales." Studies show that more than one in three items of clothing purchased from catalogs goes back where it came from because of a bad fit. Overall, a nation with a bad case of the distressing-room blues is taking an immeasurable toll on the industry.

The apparel sector, like other consumer market segments, has grappled with the economy of late. Total sales in 2002 fell 2 percent from 2001 figures, and tumbled 7 percent compared with 2000. In women's apparel, the numbers are even more alarming, with a drop of 6 percent between 2002 and 2001, and 13 percent since 2000. Still, macroeconomic woes are only partly to blame for the apparel industry's diminished revenues over the past few years, experts say. Also credit a lack of attention to sizing issues for the poor track record, says Marshal Cohen, senior industry analyst at The NPD Group's Fashionworld research division, based in Port Washington, N.Y.

Consumer spending statistics on apparel over the past decade illustrates a clear trend. In 1993, households spent an average of 6 percent of total expenditures on apparel, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Survey. Today, households allocate only 4 percent of dollars spent to clothing, while spending on industries such as restaurants and entertainment have remained stable or even increased.

"Apparel companies blame the economy and September 11 for our slump, but why then is it that of the seven industries we cover - including electronics, restaurants and housewares - apparel was the only one that didn't meet prior year sales in 2002?" Cohen observes. "It is because other industries have continued to create products that the customer wants. Sure, right now, people have less money. But they still want to buy clothes. They still want to update their wardrobes. They just aren't finding what they want, and when they do, often it doesn't fit. And if it doesn't fit, forget it."

A stern indictment, perhaps, but apparel manufacturers and retailers must do better to keep up with the changing needs of consumers, and these days consumers are larger, more diverse and more demanding than ever. The size and shape of the "average" American consumer today is dramatically different from 60 years ago. Nevertheless, apparel companies still develop clothing lines based on the proportions of 1940s models. As poor fit and lack of comfort compromise clothes marketers' bottom lines, they are investing more into researching size issues and problems, a complex matrix of challenges ranging from new body hefts to an evolving zeitgeist with regard to normal, attractive and healthy appearances.

In fact, the apparel industry has teamed up with government, academic and research institutions to ante up $1 million for SizeUSA, the first-ever statistically representative census of American body shape and size. TC2, a nonprofit sewn products industry association in Cary, N.C., has fielded the survey over the past year, literally measuring the complete physical dimensions of 10,000 Americans from a range of demographic segments, using 3D body scanners in mall locations across the country. The goal of SizeUSA, which is expected to be completed in October, is to provide clothing makers with size and proportion readings of their target consumers in detail that was previously unavailable.

But some clothes marketers have discovered that they have had to go beyond physical measurements to satisfy consumers with apparel that fits. Demographic and geographic analysis of buyers' gender, race and ethnicity, and even education, now play a role in more accurately matching stocked inventory to customers of specific stores, in an attempt to reduce markdowns and increase sales. What's more, a new consumer attitude and acceptance of "living large" has apparel advertisers and their agencies paying closer attention to consumers' psychographic profiles, shopping behaviors and attitudes about body image so that they can strike a more genuine chord with their target audiences.

Mad music

2007-10-15T03:28:00.000-07:00

Expensive gifts from the mall? We're so over them! This your, we're showing your how to make the pricey stuff you've spotted in catalogs, boutiques and department stores for way, way less. Your friends will love you for it.

This is for an old-school iPod. Adjust the measurements to fit minis, nanos, cell phones, whatever.

Your sister-friend can store her discs in style.

What You Need

cotton fabric remnant * furry felt * straight pins * matching thread * sewing needle * wide ribbon * large "crystal" dome button * 6-inch piece of elastic * small beads

1) Cut 4-inch-by-5-inch pieces of cotton fabric (we went with polka-dots) and furry felt (for lining). 2) Match the felt to the cotton, back sides facing in. Fold ribbon in half lengthwise across a short edge of the matched-up fabrics, and use a blanket stitch to attach, piercing through both sides of ribbon. Trim ribbon ends. 3) Cut 4-inch-by-9-inch pieces of cotton and felt. Match up back sides. 4) With felt still in place, line front sides of one piece of cotton to the non-ribboned end of the other piece, leaving a 4-inch flap. Pin around the edges. 5) Backstitch a 1/4-inch seam along the sides, leaving an opening at the flap. Turn right side out. 6) For flap, fold cotton edges around felt, turning corners in like gift-wrapping. Pin to hold, then secure with a close overcast stitch without piercing through to other side of cotton. 7) Loop elastic, and sew onto inside of flap. Sew button to front of pouch. For extra pizzazz, string beads and sew to bottom of pouch.

Mad Music

Your BFF's earphones are permanently attached to her ears? Make her music magical....

Rockin' CD Box

Your sister-friend can store her discs in style.

What You Need

plain wooden crate * acrylic craft paint * paintbrushes * music magazines * scissors * decoupage glue

1) Spread newspaper out on your workspace, and cover the wooden crate with a coat or two of paint as needed Let dry completely 2) Flip through the magazines, and cut out images of your friend's favorite musicians 3) Using a clean paintbrush, apply the magazine cut-outs to the crate with decoupage glue When dry, go over the entire surface with a coat of decoupage Let dry.

Awesome Audio-Diary

Way better than a simple mixed CD ..

What You Need blank CD * iPod * Griffin iTalk iPod voice recorder * CD-packaging kit

1) Following the directions for the Griffin iTalk, mix your friend's favorite tunes with movie quotes, holiday shout-outs from friends, even phone messages onto your iPod. 2) Burn your mix to a CD. 3) Use the CD-packaging kit (from office-supply stores) to create a label and cover. Scan wrapping paper, magazine clippings and photographs for your printed design.

Finals analysis: the dreaded finals are here. Get great grades without pushing your brain into overload mode

2007-10-11T00:43:00.000-07:00

Frazzled and spazzed over the mere mention of finals? Don't be! With our study secrets, you'll breeze right on through....

May I have your attention?

You might think U.S. history is the most boring subject in this hemisphere, but you need to absorb those facts if you're gonna pass the class. You think snoozing through one little review session won't make a bit of difference? Wrong!

Missing your teacher's Freedom of Speech, urn, speech could make or break your GPA, so pay attention. Cliche, we know. But listen to the info your teacher spits out, and be diligent about taking good notes. Sometimes, just the act of jotting stuff down is like etching it onto your brain with a Sharpie.

Study with a buddy

Partnering up with a pal and quizzing each other is a great way to memorize the material you need to know for finals. But if you're thinking of organizing a study group with your girls, reconsider. The group effort might seem like a good idea in theory, but things could backfire.

Having more than a single pal to brain-bounce with can result in less than stellar grades. Why? Because it's tough getting every gal in the crew to stay on the serious-minded track--your study sesh is likely to morph into more of a full-on fun-fest. Stick to one smart-o, study-conscious bud. If you and the study buddy get bored or book-bogged, take a brief break ... but then get right back to business.

One of the biggest mistakes even the most conscientious students make is studying chapter after chapter of information in one sitting. It is better to spread out your study time so you don't go into information overload. This means you should start studying for finals one to two weeks prior. Spend a little time each night going over your material. Also, make sure the area you are studying in is relatively quiet and free of distractions--TV off, please! You'll do better if you park yourself at a secluded spot in your home or at a cubicle in the library.

'Twas the night before ...

Testing, one, two, three ... There are three (count 'em) night-before-finals elements that are essential to your success: 1) Scan your notes to recharge the ol' memory bank. Since you strategically spaced out your study time, you should have no need to do any heavy cramming on Finals Eve. 2) Stay calm. If you get yourself totally stressed out, you are much more likely to make mindless mistakes, like marking the wrong box of a multiple-choice answer. Destress ahead of time by doing something that relaxes you, like a little yoga or an aromatherapy bath. 3) Get to bed early. You should be able to drift off dreamily after that steamy bubble bath. You will wake with a clear and alert brain if you get a good night's worth of Z's--which should translate into A's.

This is just a test

Ready for the Big Day? Remember, finals are very important, but it's not the end of the world ... so think positive. And be prepared! Don't show up for your algebra exam without a No. 2 on you. Also, this is not the time to worry about being best-dressed, so wear comfy clothes. Too-tight clothing can divert your attention away from the test, especially since you'll probably be sitting for a long period of time.

One more crucial piece of advice--it is a must to eat a good breakfast. Set your alarm to give you plenty of time to chow down a decent meal. Research has proven that students who eat before a test score best. Besides, you don't want to sit through a two-hour exam with a growling stomach. Now, are you ready to tackle that test? No sweat!

Children's wear for winter gets an update with sherpa and faux fur

2007-10-11T00:38:00.000-07:00

Playing off last year's success, many retailers have decided to stock their shelves again with sherpa and faux fur-lined items for kids' outer-wear this winter.

"Last holiday season sherpa and faux fur were popular items for women," said Rebecca Weill, a Gap spokesperson. "And this holiday you'll see that trend being carried into kids and baby. It's an adorable, soft and comfortable way to keep kids and babies warm, and also feels very special."

Next season, Gap will offer several faux fur and sherpa-lined items for its children and baby departments. A girls' faux fur reversible vest will retail for $39.50, while the boys' sherpa version will sell for $34.50. For tinier tykes, three items will be sold: a sherpa snowsuit, $54; sherpa rancher coat, $49.50; and faux fur-front cardigan, $39.50. Faux fur items will be all the rage with girls this year, while sherpa will be the boys' must-have.

"Sherpa is more nubbly and masculine, while faux fur is fluffy and more feminine," explained The Children's Place spokesperson Andrea McClarren.

Children's Place will also have a variety of faux fur and sherpa items: a faux fur trapper hat for girls, $7.50, and boys, $8.50; a reversible jacket with fur accents for girls, $39.50; and a reversible sherpa jacket for boys, $49.50.The new items, which land in stores in early October, will be upgraded versions of last year's offerings.

Gymboree already has this look available in its stores. It has a variety of fauxfur winter accessories, including fur boots, fur headbands, earmuffs and scarves. Even some items in its apparel section, such as a fur-lined sweater dress, are fur-friendly.

Mass retailers also have a few furry options already selling on their floors. Wal-Mart sells a furry-lined corduroy girls' bomber jacket for $14.88, while Target has its own girls' jacket with fur for $9.99. In apparel, they also offer a glitter tank with fur that sells for $5.99.

Teen Girl Fashions - Cool or Cruel

2007-10-10T04:46:00.001-07:00

Any person thirty five years or older who has recently walked past a group of middle school or high school girls has probably seen more waist and hip skin than they ever imagined on a 12 year old, more cleavage than they thought possible on a 15 year old, and more belly buttons than a Beyonce’ video. The trends and fashion statements that are “in style” with pre-teens and teens today would have earned women who are in their mid thirties a suspension from school for inappropriate dressing.

But it isn’t the fashions themselves that have me frustrated. It is the fact that through wearing some of these items at such an early age, young girls are not learning what comfortable clothing feels like, they’re not learning how to not feel objectified by their dress, and they’re not learning how to present their individuality outside of these trends. My ten year old daughter taught me how cruel teen girl fashions have become.

Last year, in the beginning of my daughter’s 5th grade school year, she was wearing the low waist jeans. I’d be in the kitchen cooking dinner and she’d sit down and do her homework. As I walked past, I’d notice more backside than waist was in full view. I’d tell her, “Pull your pants up. Nobody wants to see where the sun doesn’t shine.” The next day, she’d have on a different pair of jeans, she’d sit down and again, I’m seeing the top of her gluteus maximus where some fabric should have been. I didn’t recall buying all these low waist pants. When we were in the department store it seemed that the pants covered her bottom, but now it seemed every time I walked by I was getting mooned. For the next couple of weeks, I must have sounded like the booty crack monitor because I was telling my daughter to pull up her pants like every five minutes. Finally, I became so angry I asked her where were her underpants. Defensively, she told me, “I have on underwear.” Well, an argument ensued because if my pants fell below my waist you’d see cotton bloomers before you’d see my naked skin. Why weren’t my daughter’s undies protecting her?

My daughter and I went upstairs and talked and she showed me that she did indeed have on her underwear, but she’d begun to fold over the top of her underwear because she’d learned in school that you shouldn’t let people see your underwear if you have on low rise pants. What was worse is that she’d kept wearing underwear that were too small to achieve the “look.” How cruel is that? Without my knowledge my daughter was learning to sacrifice comfortable underwear for small ones for the sake of fashion. I couldn’t understand it, and I knew too small underwear would be uncomfortable for me as well as wearing jeans that allowed my backside to be exposed at the slightest bend. Yet, whenever I would tell my daughter to pull up her jeans, she didn’t seem embarrassed, or particularly bothered. It appeared that showing more flesh than desired was all a part of wearing the fashion and so it wasn’t a “big deal.”

As a youth program specialist, I get the opportunity to work with teen girls all across the country. Over the past five years, I’ve witnessed some shocking fashions but the one that disappoints me the most is the “too short skirt.” The too short skirt is the skirt that looks like a small handkerchief is wrapped around the waist. The too short skirt is the skirt that the girl wears and has to put her notebook, purse, backpack or papers on her thighs so that we don’t see her undergarments. How comfortable can it be to sit in a workshop and have to cover your thighs for an hour? How comfortable can it be to know that you can’t bend over and pick up anything because your private area will be exposed? What if somebody dropped a million dollars in front of the girl in a too short skirt? She wouldn’t even be able to become a millionaire without losing her dignity. The Too Short Skirt teen fashion trend is far too cruel.

The low waist jeans and the too short skirts are just two of the youth fashions that are being passed off as cool, but really aren’t. The other really cruel teen fashion is the too short shorts. These are the gym shorts that people in their thirties used to wear with the drawstring tie in the front. Well, girls of today are turning over the tops of the shorts and pulling them up like a pair of stockings. Not only do these short shorts look ridiculous, they look impossibly uncomfortable. Yet, millions of girls are flipping down the waistbands of their shorts to look like the girl sitting next to them. Needless to say, the elastic waistband is really helpful for girls with larger bellies. The elastic band keeps the tummy in and makes the girl look slimmer. But, unfortunately, the girl who really wants to keep her elastic waistband in tact isn’t doing so because she feels the pressure to fit in with all the girls who wear the turn down waist. It’s cruel.

I never thought cruel fashions could impact a girl’s self esteem, but so many girls are now suffering because they’re wearing clothes that make them feel bad about how they look. Historically, youth fashion trends gave youth a definitive and creative voice. But for the life of me, I can’t figure out what low waist, short skirts and short shorts are saying about our teen girls. Or maybe I refuse to hear what those fashion trends are saying because it’s just too cruel.

What's Hot and Not for Your Baby Girl

2007-10-10T04:45:00.001-07:00

Any mom or mom-to-be would love to spend fond hours thinking about how to deck up their little princesses in the most charming of outfits and make them stand out in the crowd. Such is the pleasure in having a baby girl and the little unparalleled joys of having her at the center of your world. Keeping in mind such super delicate feelings and the superb baby dolls, girl’s fashion has taken a leap forward in today’s time, with numerous cool designer brands packing the scene to make a place in every closet.

Fashion has always been an exciting factor for everyone, but it is a tad more impressive and adorable when it comes to draping those little angels. Be it the layettes, dresses, shirts, sweaters, onesies, frog suits, skirts, pants or jumpers, there is a fashion rolling for each and in every shop or boutique. You just need to know what’s best and hot for your darling daughter, niece or granddaughter and what’s not. So here are some essential pointers to buying baby-gears for the girl child you love so dearly.

1. Comfort: No matter how gorgeous the dress is or how stunning you think your little one would look in that, forget a dress if it is not comfortable enough for an infant or toddler. To make the dresses look cute, designers often give accents to these that can be bothersome to the child. So careful—no itchy tags, tight elastics, scratchy laces or stifling neckline. And keep the seasonality factor in mind as well—no layered dresses in summer, save the satins for winter, pastels for spring and so on.

2. Handiness: Your baby girl may invite hugs and cuddles in one oh-so-pretty dress and you may take pride in that too, but imagine if changing diapers in that dress is harder than putting it on, you might just not like your little darling to wear it anymore, would you? Therefore, buy clothes which are easy to put on or take off for her.

3. Perfect fit: Fitting is of significant import to any dress—be it a boutique girls clothing or any ordinary home-stitched fashion frock. Many boutiques today sell unique mix-n-match colors and fabrics for those teeny-weeny dolls, but you must remember that sizing is more important than style. The choky tees or skinny jeans may be a huge letdown for the plus-sized young one or a flowing unmanageable frilly jumper may increase chances of a free fall for your petite toddler. In either case, consider twice.

4. Personality match: As much essential as matching size, is matching the dress with the personality of your girl. If your infant or toddler girl is bubbly and restless, let the colors speak for her. Choose bright and vibrant shades of bloomers or wrap tees. And if your little princess is restfully quiet, the floral pastels would be right compliments to her personality.

Sports Clothes and Girls

2007-10-10T04:42:00.001-07:00

When women started entering the world of sports, they had to deal with a lot of prejudice. The then male dominated sports industry scoffed at the idea that women would be competing in various manly sports. They believe that the place of women were in the home and not in the track and field or diamond field. Well, nowadays you won't even think that women are incapable of competing in such "manly sports". Women today have shown as capable of dominating sports like track and field, tennis, basketball, etc.

But with due to the increasing number of women athletes, clothing manufacturers and sports experts have begun developing the right clothing for them. Women athletes have some specific needs that need to be addressed in order for them to compete properly in some sporting events. Researchers have come up with high-tech performance fabrics that help create sports apparel that are both comfortable and function for the women athlete.

A lot of sports stores today offer a complete line of women and girls sports apparel. You can find for example, sports bras made of spandex materials that feature high necklines which provide full coverage and maximum support. Designers have thought of incorporating arched seams and used the right combination of hook-and-eye closures to provide an extremely strong hold. Some sports bras also have wide elastic panels to keep the bra in place.

Aside from the serious women athletes, a lot of women out there enter sports just to have fun or just to stay fit. There are already a lot of women sportswear stores that cater to the needs of this group of women.

If you go to your nearest department store or sports clothing shop, it is almost certain that you'll find a number of sports fashion line that mixes together unique fabrics and the newest and hottest fashion designs. Fashion designers for years have been into designing sports clothing. They have created sportswear for the various types of women sport activities. These include aerobics, fitness activities, running, yoga, golf and tennis. The main premise that fashion designers try to uphold is for women enjoy a good work out while looking attractive and feeling sexy.

This only proves that sports shops should not limit their target market to professional women athletes. They have a wide market base of women who are simply into sports just for the heck of it. And these women are more than willing to spend to get the appropriate clothing. Sports clothing stores should also offer simple women sportswear like shirts, pants, shorts, as well as various accessories in a myriad of colors and designs.

Sports Clothes and Girls

2007-10-10T04:42:00.000-07:00

Dressed by an Angel: MF's sexy holiday helper unlocks the secrets of style

2007-10-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

Every woman has a fantasy man in the back of her mind. And whether he's the next apprentice, a downtown scenester, or an outdoor trail blazer, each of these fictional guys is a master of his own style. If you knew the mysteries of her idealized male--especially his wardrobe--you could truly dress for success.

In other words, if only there was some way your dream girls could spill female secrets about male style, you'd have the code to unlimited scoring. You'd be the Air Jordan of dating. And you'd know exactly which clothes to put on your wish list this holiday season.

Well, guess what? MF did the heavy lifting (we enjoyed it, actually). We enlisted help from Santa's sexiest helper and compiled the presents she swears will knock those dream girls' stockings off. Our beautiful elf concocted three different outfits for you--one for each of the personae you go through in any given week Whether you're at work, at play, or out on the town, she's got you covered with the clothes and gear that will make even the nicest girl get all naughty for you.

So make a list. Check it, say, twice. And get ready to round third base more often than Barry Bonds.

Fashion fascists - View from the South - Muslim and Hindu women in India insist on the right to choose their clothing

2007-10-05T02:57:00.000-07:00

Shortly after I took up a teaching job years ago I decided that the sari was not for me. I had to travel long distances by bus and often arrived to take my class in a state of dishevelment with my sari in tatters. Apart from the discomfort, I simply could not afford saris. If you are middle class there's a code by which you wear saris: cottons, freshly washed and starched all through summer, silks in winter. I switched to the shalvar kameez - long loose trousers and a long shirt worn over them - much more comfortable, and cheaper. The principal of my school wasn't happy - he thought it important that women teachers should wear saris. It gave them more dignity. 'What about the men?' I asked. 'They wear anything.' He had no answer to that.

I was lucky, though - I had the freedom to choose. No such freedom is possible for Sameena, a young woman from Kashmir, or for Rina, who lives in Manipur in northeast India. In both places, which have been in the grip of conflict for several years, two new militant groups have recently laid down a dress code for women. Kashmiri women must be covered from head to toe and Manipuri women must wear traditional dress. Dress, according to the militants, is the marker of culture. And the responsibility for preserving culture, and therefore identity, rests solely with women.

Sameena disagrees: 'I'm 22, a college student. I like looking good. I love bright colours, reds and yellows...I feel very, very strongly about losing my identity.'

The irony is that what comprises a loss of identity for Sameena means the opposite for the militants. You wonder whose identity it is that they are talking about.

Sameena has had to wear the burkha, the head-to-toe cover. Not so much because she herself is afraid but because her mother fears for her safety. There are others who have defied the edict and paid for it. At least two young girls in Kashmir and two women teachers have had acid thrown on their faces. But, under threat of violence, most women in the two regions have accepted the dress code. Still, they've openly asserted that the move to impose a dress code in Kashmir was a market-driven one.

'We know that there's a great deal of surplus black cloth in the market and the traders need to sell it,' one of them said. 'What could be better than to force us to cover ourselves head-to-toe with it?' In Manipur, too, there's been strong opposition - despite the fact that militants have said that women who violate the dress code will be shot on sight. 'Why don't they suggest the men go back to wearing loincloths if this is what they want us to do?' said one.

In the past, dress codes for women have seldom evoked male outrage - even so-called progressive men often tacitly support such moves. Indeed, the business of baring or covering parts of women's bodies is a subject on which most people, particularly men, feel they have a right to pronounce. It's as if men feel they have a natural right to tell us what we must wear and what our clothes must represent.

But this is changing. Even though not a single important official in India has condemned these fashion edicts both men and women have joined together to oppose them. It's rumoured that this strong reaction is making the militants rethink their position. The one thing they desperately need is popular support.

Partly this change has to do with globalization. With the media projecting new ideas of dress and beauty ('Western is chic, slim is beautiful') there's just no way in which younger women can be forced into wearing clothes they don't like. Sameena may have given in to the burkha because of her mother's anxiety. But, she says: 'I have long nails on my left hand. I've grown them with a lot of care and I love to paint them in all sorts of bright shades. That's something I can still do. There's no ban on painting your nails.'

Globalization is also something that has brought into relief the sharp economic differences in societies like ours. Young, militant, indoctrinated men might issue all the diktats they wish. But they can no longer coerce poor women into following them. As Rina said: 'There's no way poor women are going to lay out a lot of money to buy new clothes. They just don't have it. And if the militants in Kashmir think they can force them to work in the fields covered head-to-toe, They are mistaken.'

Whether it's a sense of the market or of fashion, women everywhere are more aware of choice as a right. If they choose to wear the veil, no-one has the right to deny them this choice. If they choose otherwise, the same thing holds. Fear may coerce some women to give in when dress codes are backed by the power of the gun. But women know that even when external trappings change, they -- not some gun-toting militants -- will define their own internal identities.

Health consequences of child marriage in Africa

2007-09-21T03:15:00.000-07:00

Despite international agreements and national laws, marriage of girls <18 years of age is common worldwide and affects millions. Child marriage is a human rights violation that prevents girls from obtaining an education, enjoying optimal health, bonding with others their own age, maturing, and ultimately choosing their own life partners. Child marriage is driven by poverty and has many effects on girls' health: increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases, cervical cancer, malaria, death during childbirth, and obstetric fistulas. Girls' offspring are at increased risk for premature birth and death as neonates, infants, or children. To stop child marriage, policies and programs must educate communities, raise awareness, engage local and religious leaders, involve parents, and empower girls through education and employment.

Awareness of reproductive health issues in developing nations is growing. Critical issues are the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among young people; childbearing by young girls, which can lead to obstetric fistulas and death of the mother; and child marriage.

Child marriage, defined as marriage of a child <18 years of age, is an ancient, worldwide custom. Other terms applied to child marriage include "early marriage" and "child brides." Early marriage is vague and does not necessarily refer to children. Moreover, what is early for one person may be late for another. Child bride seems to glorify the process, implying a celebration and a bride who is happy to start a loving union with her spouse. But for the most part, girl brides do not know--and may have never met--their groom.

Poverty plays a central role in perpetuating child marriage. Parents want to ensure their daughters' financial security; however, daughters are considered an economic burden. Feeding, clothing, and educating girls is costly, and girls will eventually leave the household. A family's only way to recover its investment in a daughter may be to have her married in exchange for a dowry. In some countries, the dowry decreases as the girl gets older, which may tempt parents to have their daughters married at younger ages. These are not necessarily heartless parents but, rather, parents who are surviving under heartless conditions. Additionally, child marriages form new alliances between tribes, clans, and villages; reinforce social ties; and stabilize vital social status.

Another study explored why married girls in Kenya and Zambia had a higher risk for HIV infection. This study concluded that because married girls are under intense pressure to prove their fertility, they have more unprotected intercourse. The study also found that husbands were substantially older (5-14 years) than their wives and were 30% more likely than boyfriends of single girls to be HIV infected. Because of their age alone, the husbands had already had numerous sex partners. Additionally, in these areas of Africa, polygamy is common.

In some countries, child marriage has been declining. Increasing mean age for marriage often results in part from overall advancement of an economy. In some countries, such as Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, decreasing poverty effectively decreased child marriage by enabling these countries to improve education, increase employment, and provide better health care for the whole nation. Education is a key factor for delaying first sexual activity, pregnancy, marriage, and childbearing. Programs that specifically focused on the status of girls may have directly or indirectly reduced the number of child marriages. Successful programs have provided economic and educational opportunities to young women and their families by employing girls with the specific goal of delaying marriage (40), giving families financial incentives to keep their daughters in school (1), or feeding children during school to decrease families' expenses. Keeping girls in school or vocational training not only helps protect them from HIV infection, pregnancy, illness, and death but also enhances their earning potential and socioeconomic status. Educated girls can contribute to the health and welfare of their family and marry men of their own choosing and age.

Lack of enforcement renders laws against child marriage ineffective. Through media campaigns and educational outreach programs, governments need to take responsibility for stopping this practice. Local, regional, and national governments can also implement health outreach programs for girls and boys. Learning about reproductive and sexual health, STD prevention, contraception, AIDS, and how to seek health care helps girls negotiate safer sex. Governments must incorporate preventive and treatment programs for reproductive health issues into their health services. Necessary preventive services include supplying mosquito netting and condoms; educating patients about contraceptive methods; providing diagnostic screening for HIV and HPV; and offering treatment options such as medications, cesarean sections, and postpartum care.

Ending child marriage requires a multifaceted approach focused on the girls, their families, the community, and the government. Culturally appropriate programs that provide families and communities with education and reproductive health services can help stop child marriage, early pregnancies, and illness and death in young mothers and their children.

How loudly will holiday registers ring? - Children's - latest merchandising trends at children's clothing stores

2007-09-21T03:12:00.000-07:00

Once a huge contributor to children's apparel's total revenue, the holiday season isn't the guaranteed annuity it once was for merchants. Yet fashion, a return to "traditional" values and an added active twist have retailers encouraged.

In the mass market, kids merchandisers are positive on holiday. "Dressy sportswear will increase as opulence makes a comeback," says Michele Jasukaitis, spokeswoman for the Kmart fashion buyers.

"We are optimistic," concurs Sandy Sansavera, senior vice president and general merchandise manager at Ames. "While we have not put a number on it, our seasonal recap last year pointed to numerous areas for growth." In particular, he points to dressy sportswear: "We will be able to realize a nice increase in our girls' business."

This opinion is shared at mall-based kidswear retailer The Children's Place, where Mary Amicucci, merchandise manager, says her stores are committed to power presentations for holiday, with full-size ranges across all key items. Her overall outlook: Kids holiday business will be up. The 600-unit specialty chain itself is in the midst of an ambitious expansion, including its first entry into Canada.

Vendors, too, are optimistic.

Charles Becker, executive director of marketing and licensing at Millennium Apparel Group, believes that the fashion cycle is the all-important factor for 2002, and will carry through from back-to-school. "It will remain steady because the line between fall and holiday gets thinner and thinner due to fashion trends."

At Haddad Apparel Group, a key supplier to mass, the mid-tier and specialty chains, principal Sam Haddad reports, "retailers have a good outlook for the second half" of 2002, including holiday.

"We see the business up for holiday, especially in girls," remarks Nicole Pena, director of design and merchandising at French Toast, noting that many retailers are demanding "not-too-dressy sportswear."

This resource is responding with denim featuring ringspun, and color-sandblasted finishes.

These will be complemented with peasant tops set off by rouging, ribbons and bows, lace overlays and appliques, pin-on lace flower corsages and ruffles galore. Such tops also work with glitter-strewn bottoms of nylon, fleece and corduroy.

"V" stands for "victory" and for this holiday season that also can mean "velour," a sentiment to be supported in stores, ranging from Ames in the mass channel to The Children's Place in the specialty tier. Another vital tactic in holiday merchandising: Present and promote the outfit.

For dressy, Amicucci says, think picture-taking. "The key to dressy is the outfit, with issues, such as a nice sweater set in novelty yarn with a skirt." Keeping fashion in the forefront, Amicucci will carefully spice up the girls' sportswear mix.

The palette will center on traditional winter white, reds and blacks, set off by touches of navy and green; details range from velour and rhinestones to fur and animal-print trims.

"This is not 'uptight dressy' at all," says The Children's Place merchandise manager David Sillery, noting that a customer can choose to wear a khaki pant and sweater over a flannel shirt (poplin in warmer markets) or substitute a graphic T-shirt for a looser look. Alternately, 10 colors of turtleneck are offered. Twills and corduroy will complement the assortment.

"We will be very traditional, taking a calm, family-oriented approach to the dressy line," he observes, ticking off the color schemes of "red, navy, spruce green and rich browns, blacks and khakis."

Even with dressier looks catching on, volume will no doubt be greatest in the casual zone, where merchandisers plan to capitalize on holiday with more coordinated presentations. "It's not character, jeans or other licensed apparel, but generic dressing that can be layered to go either direction," suggests Sansavera. "We'll try to get the total concept across in store signing and marketing."

Shoppers at The Children's Place will be clued-in by color--yellows, oranges, bright blues in boys. In girls' casual, fashion will lead with "turk blue and fire red" setting off corduroys and novelty denims, says Amicucci. Tops will offer plenty of options, including zipper and triple-needle details, T-shirts with whimsical screens, more color latitude in sweaters, and monochrome or multicolor piping and taping on T-shirts and pants.

As usual, one source of childrenswear inspiration will be styles that trickle down.

Some of the newer treatments in denim that are sweeping through juniors' and young men's departments are providing a solid business in girls and boys, says Haddad. Ames is winning with this strategy, particularly in blasted denim for girls and sports-active influences for boys. The Children's Place is working fleece in a similar vein.

Sweaters also will be hot in kids, especially "the mock-neck, which will be a key silhouette," Sillery says.

Boy George at Wal-Mart? Well, not exactly - George clothing merchandise - Merchandising: apparel & accessories

2007-09-11T05:48:00.000-07:00

The extensive launch of George in children's wear, in some of Wal-Mart's most attention-getting fixtures yet, indicates that the company wants to position its newest kids' apparel brand front and center in mom's mind. Now that she has had more than a year to familiarize herself with the rapidly growing misses line, Wal-Mart hopes to extend her loyalty to outfitting the rest of her family.

Brought overseas in 2002 from British acquisition ASDA, George meets demand for everyday low prices in not-so-everyday apparel. George is to tailored fashions what Wal-Mart's No.1 selling proprietary brand Faded Glory is to casual fashion basics.

In boy's sizes, George features shirt-and-tie combos appropriate for dressy occasions. And since dressy kidswear is often worn only once, Wal-Mart's price points are likely to resonate with morns. As in misses, the quality is a selling point, and some of the dark pants and crisp Oxfords could easily be used as school uniform components.

As in boys', the girls' offering features dresses and separates that meet demand for special occasion wear, along with more casual items. This casual wear is obviously designed with today's trends in mind, but is more basic than the trendier SKUs under the mary-kateandashley label.

In both girls and boys, as in men's and women's, George merchandise is featured on the outer corners of the respective departments. Childrens' items are housed in triptych-shaped fixtures featuring a broad array of hanging and folded tops and bottoms. Ideally, they will become one-stop shops for moms.

From Business To After-Five: THE ART OF THE Quick CHANGE

2007-09-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

IT's the day of the big party and you had it all figured out. You would leave work early, go to the hair salon and head home to change. But you didn't count on this being the busiest work day of the year. Projects kept you hopping. You missed your hair appointment. Now, with less than an hour before your function, going home is no longer an option. You have little time to do anything but dash to the affair.

So here's your challenge: You've got just minutes to transform your business look to one that's after-five. Feeling a little queasy? If you had planned ahead, you'd be able to relax. Experts say it doesn't take much. With a few adjustments, you can go from being a corporate diva to being the belle of the ball. No fairy godmother required.

Kya Robottom, an obstetrician/gynecologist, is an expert at quick changes. During the day, the Chicago physician wears a lab coat over conservative suits in classic colors such as black, brown and blue. Like others in her field, she chooses subtlety over flash. That means wearing loafers or pumps, demure earrings, little makeup and a simple hair style.

"As a Black woman, I have to dress a certain way to ensure the respect of my peers," says Dr. Robottom. "The patients also expect a certain image to be upheld.

The hospital is very conservative. It's the Brooks Brothers set. If you can find it there, it would be fine to wear here."

Evenings, however, she lets her fun side show. On a night out with the girls, Dr. Robottom might don a beret or a funky pair of boots. Shifting from her day-to-evening look might seem hard to manage on the fly. But the physician says if she has a special event after work (such as a date or cocktail party), she finds simple ways to transform her look.

That might mean applying a darker or brighter lipstick and bolder eye makeup, putting on more dramatic earrings and selecting a sassy purse. If she didn't wear a necklace to work, she might put on a diamond pendant for an evening outing.

"I might just change to a funky sweater over plain trousers," Dr. Robottom adds. "Or put on a hat."

Those techniques are on the mark. The key to a quick transition is to find ways to distinguish between your business look and your party look.

"You have to remember to keep the two looks separate," says a Detroit fashion expert. "You never want to look like you're dressed to attend a cocktail party at the office. And in reverse, during an after-five affair, you don't want to create the feeling that you just left a long and tiring business meeting."

You achieve that separation by embracing an attitude of fun and play. Experiment with shoes, purses, scarves and earrings to alter the statement your attire makes. You can switch from pumps to strappy heels, exchange a briefcase for a cocktail bag, add a classy or glittery scarf or put on an eye-catching pair of earrings. All it takes is a few accessories and some imagination. A change of your hairstyle also can help indicate a different attitude. If you wear your hair in a bob to work, try a chignon for the evening. Hair worn in an up 'do at the office should be taken down for evening events. Glittery hair ornaments add just the pizzazz to put you in the mood for fun.

When building your business wardrobe, remember that versatility is of utmost importance. Invest in jackets, shells, skirts and blouses in classic styles. As you plan your daily outfit, consider how you might quickly change the look for a social outing if necessary. Perhaps you could wear a camisole underneath a suit. If an after-work event comes up, you could remove the jacket, add some jewelry and--voila! --a new you. Or perhaps you could wear a twin-set with a pair of pants to the office. Twin-sets give you several options for quick changes. You can remove the sweater and wear just the shell. Or jazz up the sweater combination with sparkly jewelry.

Another tip is to keep a survival bag at work that's filled with the essentials for fast transformations--vibrant lipstick, dramatic eyeshadow, costume jewelry, scarves, hairpins and accessories, and an emergency pair of stop-and-stare shoes. Keep your look simple and classic during the day so you can express yourself in the evening. Mastering the quick change can be challenging, particularly for women whose social calendars rival their business agendas. But with some planning and some creativity, you can become an expert at looking great, no matter the time crunch or the occasion.

Eight Essentials For A Quick Change

* Little Black Black Dress: Can be worn with a blazer to the office, provided the dress grazes the knee or below. You can remove the jacket for after-work outings and add some spice with jewelry or a scarf.

* Jewelry: Pearls, rhinestones, gold, silver, African accents, attractive costume jewelry. The more options, the better. You want to make sure you have plenty of options--think earrings, chokers and bracelets--to help you dress-up your business look.

* Shoes: Leather pumps for day, strappy high heels, knee-high boots or satin slippers for evening. Changing your shoes can give you just the edge to pull off a snappy transition.

Finals analysis: the dreaded finals are here. Get great grades without pushing your brain into overload mode

2007-09-07T05:05:00.001-07:00

Pickle juice, restroom inequity and throwback clothing - Leadership Lite

2007-09-07T05:03:00.000-07:00

Sporty beauty: who says you can't score points and a hot look?

2007-09-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

So you're workin' up a sweat? That doesn't mean you can't work your look while you're at it. Being sporty does present a girl with certain beauty challenges, but there's no reason you can't look adorable while you're gettin' your game on.

STAY SUN SMART

SPF is a must for protection from the sun, even in the fall and early winter months. But when you are hitting the field, the last thing you want is to slather on heavy cream that will melt by second quarter. Neutrogena Active Breathable Sunblock ($10, drugstores) absorbs oil and feels extra light.

When doing the jock thing, skip foundation, which will slide right off your face like a boarder off a cliff when you get all sweaty. If you need a little coverage on the field, opt instead for a tinted moisturizer, then dust a pressed powder over your nose and forehead to keep you dry. We're rooting for Murad's Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 15 for Face in Sheer Tint ($22, murad.com) since it stays sweat-proof for over an hour.

Can't deal without a little cuteness? We have two words for you: waterproof mascara. A single coat on your lashes is enough to give your eyes some definition. And, as a bonus, it won't drip down your cheeks while you're dribbling down the court. If you want to really get girly, use an eyelash curler for lusher-looking lashes. Physicians Formula ExercEyes Mascara ($7, drugstores) scores for its lash-building and sealing waterproof layers. Want to really get into the spirit? Many waterproof mascaras come in shades like green, blue or purple to match your team colors! Go for Too Faced Liquid Lava Mascara in Violet Lava

LIP SERVICE

If you hate going without lip color, here's a great trick. Line and fill in lips with a N.Y.C. Waterproof Lip Pencil ($4, drugstores). Make sure it's in a shade as close to your natural lip color as possible. If you're playing outside, top your pencil with a protective balm like Sun Smackers Trio ($4.50, drugstores). Whatever you do, skip the lipstick and gloss when you're getting all sporty. Lipstick just looks weird when you're working out, and lip gloss is a waste of time since it will disappear the second you start to sweat.

DON'T COMMIT A FACE FOUL

When you're being track 'n' fieldy, keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. Your fingers pick up oil, dirt and bacteria (Dick!) that aggravate zits. Every time you touch your face after picking up sporting equipment or patting a sweaty teammate on the back, you are transferring all that nasty stuff. Ew. Also, be sure to wash headbands, towels and sports clothing after every use. Those breed bacteria, too!

HAIR TODAY, ZITS TOMORROW

Want to banish bacne (breakouts on your back and shoulders) this season? Keep your hair off your neck and back as much as possible. Oh, and steer clear of conditioners with panthenol, says Renee Rouleau of the Renee Roulcau Skin Spa in Dallas. It's a pore clogger.

HIT THE SHOWERS

No matter how tired you are, don't skip your post-game shower. Exercise cranks up perspiration, leading to prime conditions for a zit reaction. Know how your skin gets salty when it's sweaty? Not showering allows those salts to dry, leading to scaly body skin. Playing away and can't miss the bus? Towel off, and shake on baby powder to absorb wetness. Next, swipe your face with non-foaming Noxzema Wet Cleansing Cloths (84, drugstores) to mop up dirt, sweat and oil. Revive your sweat-soaked hair with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol-free toner. Run it along your hairline to sop up excess sweat. Now, go celebrate your victory looking fabulous!

Q&A

My ponytail always comes loose during games. What works?

A weak hair tie is definitely at fault here. Trade up to a heavier one like Goody's StayPut high performance hair bands ($5, Target). Each band has rows of treading to qrip hair and keep it from rolling out of place. The bands come in thin, large and jumbo elastics to handle the finest strands to thick hair. For extra-thick or long hair, double up.

KEEPING ACTIVE SKIN CLEAN AND CLEAR

* Don't overwash. Using cleansing products more than twice a day can cause your skin to pump out extra oil, which leads to breakouts.

* Read labels. Rouleau advises, "Avoid drying ingredients like sodium laureth." Opt instead for a low-foam cleanser like Lumene Matte Touch Balancing Cleansing Gel ($8, CVS).

Uniforms make the grade for fashion this season: modern touches add flair

2007-09-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

We want to live in t-shirts! The humble tee. It's as indispensable to a girl as her favorite jeans. Here are four fresh "that looks so cute" ways to w

2007-08-29T05:13:00.000-07:00

Add spunk by layering tees with different colors, patterns and textures. We started with a solid pink tank, layered on a striped cami, and topped it with a cropped, bright-green V-neck. A touch of lace adds just the right amount of softness.

V-neck T-shirt, $64, Garcon. Pink tank, $13, GoJane. Striped cami, $46, ParkVogel. Jeans, $50, Atticus. Belt, $33, SkyBelts. Ring, $6, and bracelet, $4, Claire's. Socks, $7, Anne Klein New York. Shoes, $20, Marshall's.

Turn your tee preppy by adding a collared shirt underneath and a fun bow belt on top. A ruffled jean skirt is the right way to be '80s-Beverly-Hills-High fabulous.

Shirt, $24, Atticus. T-shirt, $28, fredflare.com. Skirt, $78, Troo Designs. Belt, $36, Top It Off. Earrings, $9, Icing by Claire's.

Turn a plain longer tee into a bold dress by adding a contrasting skirt. Soften the shape by tucking it up on one side and securing with big, pretty pins.

Dress, $44, Op. Skirt, $54, Troo Designs. Necklace, $11, butterfly pin, $4, flower pin, $4, and bracelet, $3, Claire's.

Start with a fitted tee, then scrunch down last season's strapless tube dress to make a ruched empire waistline (one that sits just under your bust--very in this spring). Add a long necklace to draw the eye down and integrate the two pieces.

Styled by Heather Williams-B. Hair by Sidney Jamila. Makeup by Tatiana Peralta. Both at Agency Gerard: Artist Management. For where-to-buy, see page 77.

T-shirt, $22, Atticus. Strapless dress, Lure. Earrings, $18, 2028. Necklaces, $6 each, Claire's. Ring, $9, Icing by Claire's. Flower clip with Swarovski crystals, $35, Wallflower Designs.

Shopping on the small screen: girls Walker shows that young women are ready and willing to buy via keitai - Company Profile

2007-08-29T05:11:00.000-07:00

Children's wear for winter gets an update with sherpa and faux fur

2007-08-28T07:48:00.002-07:00

The Shape of Things to Come

2007-08-28T07:48:00.001-07:00

Mad music

2007-08-24T06:31:00.001-07:00

Polka-Dotted IPod Case

Expensive gifts from the mall? We're so over them! This your, we're showing your how to make the pricey stuff you've spotted in catalogs, boutiques and department stores for way, way less. Your friends will love you for it.

This is for an old-school iPod. Adjust the measurements to fit minis, nanos, cell phones, whatever.

Your sister-friend can store her discs in style.

What You Need

cotton fabric remnant * furry felt * straight pins * matching thread * sewing needle * wide ribbon * large "crystal" dome button * 6-inch piece of elastic * small beads

1) Cut 4-inch-by-5-inch pieces of cotton fabric (we went with polka-dots) and furry felt (for lining). 2) Match the felt to the cotton, back sides facing in. Fold ribbon in half lengthwise across a short edge of the matched-up fabrics, and use a blanket stitch to attach, piercing through both sides of ribbon. Trim ribbon ends. 3) Cut 4-inch-by-9-inch pieces of cotton and felt. Match up back sides. 4) With felt still in place, line front sides of one piece of cotton to the non-ribboned end of the other piece, leaving a 4-inch flap. Pin around the edges. 5) Backstitch a 1/4-inch seam along the sides, leaving an opening at the flap. Turn right side out. 6) For flap, fold cotton edges around felt, turning corners in like gift-wrapping. Pin to hold, then secure with a close overcast stitch without piercing through to other side of cotton. 7) Loop elastic, and sew onto inside of flap. Sew button to front of pouch. For extra pizzazz, string beads and sew to bottom of pouch.

Mad Music

Your BFF's earphones are permanently attached to her ears? Make her music magical....

Rockin' CD Box

Your sister-friend can store her discs in style.

What You Need

plain wooden crate * acrylic craft paint * paintbrushes * music magazines * scissors * decoupage glue

1) Spread newspaper out on your workspace, and cover the wooden crate with a coat or two of paint as needed Let dry completely 2) Flip through the magazines, and cut out images of your friend's favorite musicians 3) Using a clean paintbrush, apply the magazine cut-outs to the crate with decoupage glue When dry, go over the entire surface with a coat of decoupage Let dry.

Awesome Audio-Diary

Way better than a simple mixed CD ..

What You Need blank CD * iPod * Griffin iTalk iPod voice recorder * CD-packaging kit

1) Following the directions for the Griffin iTalk, mix your friend's favorite tunes with movie quotes, holiday shout-outs from friends, even phone messages onto your iPod. 2) Burn your mix to a CD. 3) Use the CD-packaging kit (from office-supply stores) to create a label and cover. Scan wrapping paper, magazine clippings and photographs for your printed design.

Your wackiest period mysteries—solved! Whether you've had your period or are playing the waiting game, you probably have a zillion questions. Well, ho

2007-08-24T06:30:00.001-07:00

Yeah, yeah. Getting your period is supposed to be so cool since it means you're officially growing up. But when you feel bloated, cranky, pimply and crampy on a monthly basis, it's tough to be all that grateful. Dealing with good ol' Mother Nature will become second nature, but we know how mind-boggling menstruation can be. That's why the editors at GL want to delete all the question marks you have about periods.

What is menstruation, anyway?

Menstruation is monthly bleeding from your vagina as a result of your body being able to have babies. What happens is this: Each month, an egg from your ovary takes a little vacation over to your uterus, which builds up with tissue and blood while awaiting the egg's arrival. When your egg isn't fertilized along the way, all that extra tissue and blood (and the egg) make an exit through your vaginal opening. That's your period.

At exactly what age should my period start?

Menstruation starts at different times for different girls, but the average age is about 12 to 13 years old. Then again, if you get it at 15 or at 10, that's perfectly normal too. Go figure.

Will I feel my first period coming?

Uh, sorry, but probably not. Most likely, you'll just notice a little blood in your underwear or on the toilet paper when you go to the bathroom. Or you might feel some unfamiliar dampness in your panties that will clue you in that you may be close to getting your first period.

So just how often will I get my period?

Once a month, you lucky girl! And every month after that until you're in your 50s or so. During your first year of menstruation, you could easily skip a few periods or be pretty irregular because it takes time for your body to adjust to this very big change. On average, you'll get your period every 28 days, but it can actually occur anywhere between 21 to 35 days. It's a good idea to keep track of it on your calendar, so you can be prepared.

OK, how should I prepare myself?

When you know it's around "that time of the month," stash some pads or tampons in your backpack or locker so you can avoid a potentially embarrassing--and blood-stained--moment! Eeeeek! But, hey, even if your period does take you by surprise and stains your clothes, don't stress--it's happened to all of us at one time or another. Just turn your skirt inside out, or tie a sweater or jacket around your waist. Nab a pad or tampon from your BFF or the school nurse, and you're home free.

Uh, tampons? I'm gonna put what up where?!

OK, you probably already know what a tampon looks like--a white, cotton cylinder with a long string dangling from the bottom (that plastic or cardboard contraption you see once you remove the wrapper is the applicator and is not meant to stay inside your vagina!).

So, like, where does it go and how does it get there? Well, the idea of pushing a tampon into your vagina to soak up the flow seems totally gross at first. And it will definitely feel unusual the first time you do it. But tampons are super easy to use, stay in place and are really the safest way to protect your clothes from your period--especially if you're into sports, like swimming. Specific directions are on the box and, honestly, it's completely painless. Once you've got it inside of you, the string hangs out so you can gently pull it out and replace it every four to six hours, depending on your flow. Best of all, you will hardly even notice it's there.

Can't you get Toxic Shock Syndrome from using tampons?

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a very, very rare but potentially fatal disease you can get if you don't change your tampons often enough or if you use them when your flow is extremely light. It's a good idea to use tampons during the day and change them frequently, then use a pad at night (although, you can keep a tampon in overnight as long as it isn't for more than eight hours). Just to be safe, when your period is coming to an end, stick to pads only.

What is that clear, gooey ooze in my underwear between periods?

As yucky as it might seem, a clear or milky white "vaginal discharge" is quite normal. It's just another by-product of your hormones, thank-you-very-much. But if your discharge is green, brownish or cottage cheese-like, tell your mom so you can see a doctor about it. You just might have an infection (very common and totally harmless!) that needs to be treated with medication.

Don't you get kind of stinky from your period?

It's true you can have an odor from your period, but as long as you thoroughly clean that area of your body with soap and water daily, and change your pads or tampons as needed, nobody else should be able to catch a whiff.

Is it true that girls become totally psycho before their periods?

Uh, not psycho, but some girls do get a little cranky or sad, or even find themselves sobbing uncontrollably over sappy phone company commercials about a week before their "little friend" comes to visit. Those are just symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Seeking the happy medium between bare midriffs and a burka

2007-08-21T03:35:00.001-07:00

The Ebony advisor: expert advice on love and relationships

2007-08-21T03:33:00.000-07:00

A family affair: Beyonce & Tina Knowles launch fashion line House of Dereon

2007-08-10T00:50:00.001-07:00

Block the sun, not the fun

2007-08-10T00:49:00.000-07:00

Although the primary cause is known--excessive sun exposure--skin cancer is increasing at a faster rate than any other cancer. Overexposure to sunlight in childhood widely is accepted as the underlying cause and experts believe that, by providing children with sun protection at an early age, four out of five cases could be prevented. One company dedicated to this cause is Sunwise Swimwear, Boca Raton, Fla., the leading supplier of surfer-like wetsuits" for children.

Using a tightly woven chemical-free fabric to block 98% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, these swimsuits provide children with continuous SPF50 protection. This season's stylish new additions include the Beach Princess design for girls in bright pink, blue, and purple with a slight ruffle skirt; [H.sub.2]O Rescue for boys, with bold tri-colored panels and a rescue logo to fuel young imaginations; and, for infants--finally--snaps for easy diaper changes.

Hey, hipster!

2007-07-30T07:02:00.001-07:00

Make yourself this rainbow of a belt using two simple crochet stitches. Never crocheted a day in your life? Go to girlslife.com for an online lesson.

What you need

* 4 balls of 50% cotton/50% acrylic heavy worsted weight yarn in white, pink, red and orange

* 1 crochet hook, size H/8

1) Use the white yarn to make a slip-knot, leaving a 6-inch strand, and loop it securely onto your crochet hook. Work a row of 114 chain stitches.

2) Once you get to the end of the row, switch to the pink yarn, make a single-crochet stitch into the second chain from your hook. Skip a chain, and continue single-crocheting into every other chain, ending with a single crochet in the last chain.

3) Switch to the orange yarn, make one chain stitch, and turn.

4) With the orange yarn, make a single-crochet stich into the first single crochet of the previous row. Skip a single crochet, and continue single-crocheting into every other single crochet space until you reach the end of the row.

5) Switch to the red yarn, make one chain stitch, and turn.

6) Follow the instructions for Step 4, using the red yarn.

7) At the end of the row, switch to the red yarn, make one chain stitch, and turn.

8) Follow the instructions for Step 4, using the red yarn. Repeat again with the orange yarn, then the pink. Do the last row in white, and fasten off.

9) To make the fringe, cut a 25-inch piece of cardboard. Wind strands of yarn in each color around the cardboard several times, then cut the yarn along the lower edge.

10) Working a few strands at a time, use the crochet hook to pull the fringe evenly onto each end of the belt. Match up the yarn ends, trimming if necessary.

11) Work the fringe into braids for about three inches on each side of the belt. Tie knots to secure the braids. Again, trim the ends if necessary. Now, pull your crafty new accessory through the belt loops of your favorite jeans, tie it off to one side, and strut your stuff.

BFF dilemma of the month

2007-07-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

My friend and I like to borrow each other's clothes. Problem is, she always returns my stuff all balled up or stained.

I hate to cut out the swapping, but I'm sick of my BFF not taking care of my stuff! Why can't she be more responsible?

I had the same problem, so I fibbed and told her my morn didn't want me sharing clothes. But I got busted in my lie. Later, I spilled the truth to my friend. She took it well. If your friend is really a friend, she will too. So just be honest.

--Abby, 11

Kindly tell your friend that, if she expects to keep trading, she must keep your clothes clean and neat. Give her one last chance. If your clothes are stained, dirty or wrinkled, don't trade anymore. You deserve to have clean clothes!

--Valerie, 13

Reconsider having her as a swap buddy, even if she has awesome stuff. Do you still want great clothes? Try selling your old ones at a consignment shop and using the money for new, cool styles.

--Sonia, 11

Don't give up on her yet. Let her know you're disappointed with how she treats your clothes. Tell her she must respect your stuff. If she doesn't get the message, kindly tell her you don't want to trade anymore.

--Jasmine, 12

If you can wash the stains, is it that big of a deal? On the other hand, if they're ruined, suggest a deposit system--insist she lay out cash when you swap. If she returns your clothes completely trashed, keep your friend's money.

--Maria, 11