Students Of Success

As summer and warmer weather draws closer, thoughts begin to turn to beach vacations and weekends beside the pool. These thoughts also come into play during the winter months when many people jet off to warmer climates or sail off on cruises to escape the harsh winter. This all of course means getting out the bathing suits and poolside clothing. However, for many people, in particular plus size women, putting on skin-reveling swimwear can be a daunting prospect. Getting over this fear is twofold: taking pride in your body and taking confidence from the wealth of plus size women’s swimwear available today.

Actually, once you take some time to browse the catalogs of on-line plus size women’s swimwear and get inspired by the slimming and tasteful designs, a lot of the hesitation will disappear. The range of selections from a wide variety of on-line retailers is nothing short of amazing. Plus size women’s swimwear styles range from one-piece suits, swim skirts, tankinis, and even plus size women’s bikinis.

The main challenge is to select a suit that works for you. Below are some guidelines to help you select the best plus size swimsuit that will complement your shape and your personal style:

*Know your body type — not all plus size women have the same shape. Don’t confuse plus size with one size fits all “large clothing”. Get an idea of which parts of your figure you want to accentuate and which parts you would like to quietly draw attention away from. Not all plus size women have large thighs. If you have shapely legs, then by all means, don’t be afraid to go with a higher cut suit. Conversely, if you would like to conceal your upper things, then there are plenty of options to choose from such as swim skirts and sarongs.

*Go up in size — when sizing plus size swimwear, it’s generally a good idea to go up a size if your measurements are between sizes. Go with your largest size measurements when ordering. For example, if you have a size 1X bust and size 2X hips, then order a size 2X swimsuit.

*Try a Tankini on for size — a tankini is a great concept for women who want a 2-piece swimsuit, but don’t want to revel as much as a bikini does.

*Accessorize — for a woman, a swimsuit is more than just a garment for taking a dip in the pool. It truly is a fashion item; no different really than a dress or casual wear. So it only follows that some accessorizing is in order. Use your imagination and try necklaces and bracelets to complement your suit. Tying up your hair with a colorful scarf is another option. Also consider an elegant caftan to wear over your swimsuit. This works great for pool parties and on cruises.

*Go Hi-Tech — many plus size women’s swimwear is structured with linings and materials to provide both support as well as a slimming effect. Blends of nylon and Spandex provide resiliency and comfort. Swimsuits made from Chloroban are quick drying and resist the harsh, fabric destroying effects of chlorine. This is a smart choice if you swim laps in over-chlorinated pools and are tired of replacing your swimsuits every season because they’ve disinigrated.

So with a little bit of browsing at on-line retailers of plus size women’s swimwear you should be able to find swimwear that is both comfortable and great looking. The challenging part won’t be trying to find a swimsuit that you like, but rather trying to decide from so many choices. So here’s one last tip when shopping for plus size swimwear — with so many affordable suits to choose from, why not pick up more than one!

Get more ideas on plus size womens swimwear at http://www.newplussize.com/plus-size-swimwear.html — fashion tips, store reviews, articles, savings, and much more.

So, you think you know a lot about pearls? Take this short, ten-question quiz and see…and don’t peek at the answers till you’re done.

1. The pearl is the birthstone of people born in which month?
a) December
b) June
c) July
d) None of the above

2. Pearls are the traditional anniversary gift for which year?
a) 5th
b) 15th
c) 30th
d) None of the above

3. Which historical figure is said to have dissolved a pearl in a glass of wine and drunk it to impress a man?
a) Cleopatra
b) Lady Godiva
c) Helen of Troy
d) Joan of Arc

4. The rules of European society once forbid everyone except the nobility to:
a) Handle pearls
b) Wear pearls
c) Fish for pearls
d) Use pearls in a wedding ceremony

5. Which famous jeweler financed his landmark New York City store by trading two pearl necklaces for the property?
a) Charles Lewis Tiffany
b) David Yurman
c) Jacques Cartier
d) Harry Winston

6. Saltwater pearls include:
a) Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian
b) South Sea, Tahitian and mabé
c) Tahitian, akoya and blister
d) Mabé, Tahitian and South Sea

7. Pearls are graded on several characteristics. They include size, shape, surface quality and:
a) Nacre thickness
b) Matching
c) Color
d) All of the above

8. A 12-13 inch pearl strand is known as a collar; a 14-16 inch strand is a choker. A matinee is 20-24 inches. Opera length is 28-34 inches; a rope is over 45 inches. What is a 17-19 inch pearl strand called?
a) Classic
b) Princess
c) Audrey Hepburn
d) None of the above

9. The organic materials that make up a pearl are collectively called:
a) Nacre
b) Mother-of-pearl
c) Luster
d) Overtone

10. Which type of animal produces pearls?
a) Oysters
b) Mollusks
c) Snails
d) All of the above

Answers:

1. b
2. c
3. a
4. b
5. c
6. a
7. d
8. b
9. a
10. d

Score:

All 10 correct : Pearl expert!
7-9 correct: Congratulations, you know more than most.
4-6 correct: Your pearl knowledge is average. Learn more by visiting relevant web sites such as those listed below.
Less than four correct: No problem…learning about pearls is interesting and fun. Educate yourself at pearl websites such as:
http://pearlinfo.com
http://www.perlesdetahiti.net/
www.moonriverpearls.com
or do a Yahoo or Google search on “cultured pearls.”

A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for Moon River Pearls, www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.

The classic style chemise is a loose hanging straight cut garment, used today, mainly for sleepwear. Of days of old these chemises were made of cotton and looked very drab and homely. Today chemises are available in satin and in every color of the rainbow. This style has a stronghold in lingerie fashions of today for the following reason they cover your goods well enough to wear around the kids, go to the mailbox, answer the door, but yet they are sexy enough to look good doing the dishes. Also this style is somewhat comfortable to sleep in as it doesn’t wrap around your legs or bunch up in horribly uncomfortable areas around your neck and arms. I know you ladies know what I am talking about.

Now let us talk about the modern chemise. The definition of chemise is a loose straight hanging dress. I have to say we have come along way from that. These days we have stretch lace and satin chemises that usually come with a matching thong or g-string, their sole purpose is to spice up the bedroom and you would not want to wear one of these in front of the kids.

Next, I am going to talk about todays ultimate every day chemises, for savvy divas. They come with push up bras, and mesh seamless underwire bras, and a sexy panty or g-string to top it off with prices ranging from $25 to $35, that is what you would normally pay for a bra! If you have a job that requires you to wear a conservative dress everyday, this is just what you need to put a spring in your step, knowing that you look hot under that office ensemble. Sexy bra top chemises are also perfect for that hot date or anniversary, he will be pleasantly pleased when things get steamy and your outer clothing begins to come off.

I know you are saying to yourself I am too old or too fat, or do not look good enough to wear something like this. Ladies that is nonsense thinking, every woman is beautiful! Sexy is confidence and that feeling inside that makes you sparkle.

Maybe you are saying well they probably do not come in my size, well wrong again manufacturers are realizing that most women are bigger than a size small and are regularly producing chemises in sizes all the way up to 6X.

So quit making excuses, boost your confidence, and pick up a sexy chemise today, and do this for yourself, you deserve to feel great about you.

By Sherri Myers

For saucy regular sized chemises and for a large variety of plus size chemises visit
http://www.ladystrange.com/chemises.htm

Growing up with three sisters, it was important for us to be
well-groomed. We were always borrowing clothes from each other
then returning them clean and pressed. It was a way of streching
our wardrobes and to the outside world we had an endless supply.
We were thrifty without realizing it and no one was the wiser.

The first thrift store was opened in London during the middle
eighteen-hundreds.The Salvation Army went around collecting
donated goods from the working classes and then selling them
to the poor for a fraction of the cost. A few years later,a
Salvation Army store was opened in the lower East side of
Manhattan serving over three million impoverished people.

During the depression, it was shameful to be seen wearing
thrift store cast-offs. Clothes were handed down to another
family member. Shoes were patched, blouses or shirts were
mended or seams torn apart and made over to fit a family recipient. During the nineteen-fifties, wealthy women donated
their clothes to be re-sold. The profits from these upscale
resale shops were shared with the donor or the shop profited
from it. During the nineteen-seventies,thrift stores were
popular with the hippies and the college students searching
for vintage styles.

Now days, thrift store parking lots are filled with luxury cars
as well as the more modest ones reflecting the escalating prices.
The stores have become so profitable that the same people they
once helped cannot afford to shop there. Thrift stores like
Goodwill have some quality items and at shopgoodwill.com clothing items are auctioned in the same way as on ebay. Although, it is better to visit their stores for more of a variety of items and sizes.

Kate Magazine is an online shopping magazine and she gives sound advice for buying vintage clothes and sizing them correctly. Also, she has links to resale shops and a newsletter that can be sent to an online email inbox. She also gives shopping tips about what time of year the mall outlets sell their merchandise at the lowest prices. A city’s online yellow pages is a good source for locating the names of local thrift stores and resale shops.

After finding a favorite thrift store, resale shop or mall outlet, it is wise to visit it frequently in order to keep up with the changing merchandise. It is a good idea to check the
thrift store, resale shop or mall outlet’s refund or exchange
policy because a lot of them do not allow it.Shopping at these
establishments is a unique way to add to an existing wardrobe
without going over a limited clothing budget.

Through the years, the author has shopped at these kinds of
establishments and found some unique fashion items at bargain
prices.

Have you ever wished that you could afford to dress like todays 20 some thing fashion
icons like Jade Jagger or Nicole Richie or even one of their designer entourage, that you
stood out of the crowd rather than vanished into a sea of high street looks.

Many of us wish we could be dressed in fabulous designer labels like Anna Sui, Marc
Jacob, Frost French, Louis de Gama and Vivienne Westwood but can’t possibily afford
the price tags and don’t have Lionel Richie or Mick Jagger as parents nor do we have a
degree in Fashion from the London College of Fashion so we cant even make that must
have garment!

But good news is here, thanks to the powers of the internet the perfect solution is at
hand with various designer sales normally only accessible to VIP guest lists or London
addresses now available online . On these sites you will find exclusive designer labels
at discount prices that won’t make a starring role on your bank statement.

Dressing up like the A list celebs is not only exciting but now thanks to the power of
the internet, its a affordable too, with up to 90% off the retail prices and new items and
designers being added all the time. Imagine a designer dress for under £30 now we
really can stand out rather than vanish into a sea of high street looks!

Our summer season has finally made its way into July, marking what most of us consider to be the halfway point of the season. Soon enough, we will struggle to fit another weekend getaway into what is left of summer before having to dismantle the laid back attitude of the summer sun. Students of all ages will be returning to their campuses, only to recall and share the fond memories with other peers.

There is still time to get the most of the warmth and sun before having to cope with facing the inevitable reality of responsibility. There are some relatively unknown tips that can aid in your quest of the everlasting summer, even for those in regions where piling snow will replace the thick green blades of grass.

Find Close-Out Swimwear with Style

Now is the season to gather up all the latest closeout bikini and one-piece swimsuits that are holding back the fall and winter gear from reaching the store shelves. Even top designer swimwear gets discounted in the off season. To make sure that your new suit has the staying power for beaches to come, there are some simple rules to follow when selecting the right suit.

• Printed Fabrics versus Solids. Prints are trendy, and they tend to go out of style much faster than solid patterns. There are exceptions to the rule, and common sense plays an important role.
• Pastels and Neon versus the Basic Eight. Like printed fabrics, funky colors are seasonal. It is best to pick the bikini with the basic eight colors. They are always in style, and you don’t risk the obsolescence of your new suit.
• Slingshot Bikini? Every year there is a new take on the bikini. Although the cool fads might last a few seasons, they can drop off the radar at any minute. Unless you have inside information from a reliable source, stick to the basics.
• Trust A-List Designers. Designer swimwear manufacturers usually have a longevity that can be trusted. Top designers set the stage that others so diligently follow. They are the trend setters, and finding their swimwear at discounted pricing is fabulous, especially if your style will last more than one season.
• Go Directly to the Source. By heading right toward the designer, there is no middleman getting in the way. Web sites are easily updated and many of the top designers have online bikini and swimwear galleries to browse. Checking at the closeout specials often allow you first-hand knowledge of the newly discounted swimwear.

Even as the summer draws to a close, begin thinking about your winter getaway to the tropics. There is much to plan, and being prepared with your swimsuits is priceless. Concentrate on other aspects of your travels knowing that you have paid less for the best swimwear available.

Robb Ksiazek is a successful author and publisher for Lingerie-4U.biz. He has researched and written hundreds of articles related to lingerie and swimwear trends and tips and believes getting the most out of fashion is empowering to the soul.

Alessi watches come in a wide variety of styles with an equally wide variety of features. They are great bought wholesale because these watches sell themselves because they are each individual works of art. Alessi works with designers to produce their watch lines. The final products are rich in color, style and versatility. The following outline a brief example of the many collections available from Alessi.

Alessi 1000 series
This collection is all about color and crystals. The designs are by Stefano Pirovano. These watches are unisex with a uniquely designed strap and case combination.

Alessi 2000 series
This collection is deigned by Stefano Pirovano. It is all about leather bands that are shaped in eye catching ways. They come in aluminum cases colored appropriately to fit with the watch.

Alessi 3000 series
Designed by Ron Arad these watches feature rotating disks on the face that are used to tell the time. These pieces are moving art with unisex appeal.

Tondo
Created by Alberto Meda, this watch is meant to be an all purpose piece. Through the use of different materials and unique strap design he has created a watch that looks elegant, yet purposeful.

Luna
This series is created by Alessandro Mendini. These watches are supposed to be reluctant of the moon both in shape and look. The idea behind them is a smooth, rounded appearance.

These are only a sample of the many collaborations between artists and Alessi. Such collaborations make Alessi watches quick sellers. Wholesale Alessi

Dustin Cannon recommends www.watchcloseouts.net for new business looking to sell wholesale watches.

Although many of the awareness ribbons are known mainly for a single cause, the fact is that nearly all of them can represent a combination of illnesses, ideals, and life events as varied as the people who use them as silent testimony to their beliefs or personal tragedies and triumphs. In fact, very few ribbons have only a single purpose, the most well recognized being the puzzle ribbon which symbolizes autism.

As an example, the pink ribbon is best known as a symbol for breast cancer awareness as well as those who have survived it or continue to struggle against it. However, did you know that the pink ribbon is also used as a symbol of childhood cancer as well as birth parents? As mentioned before, you probably see the yellow ribbon nearly every day, but were you aware that aside from its nationally known symbolic gesture of support for our troops, it is also a symbol for suicide prevention, spina bifida, and several other causes. Another popular ribbon is the red ribbon- most often associated with the fight against AIDS and HIV. Alternately, this ribbon also symbolizes stroke, heart disease, and other causes.

Now that you are familiar with the myriad of purposes behind a few of the most well-known awareness ribbons, you may be surprised to learn that there is an entire rainbow of colors left to learn about. In fact, there actually is a rainbow ribbon which is a symbol of gay pride and support of the GLBT (gay/lesbian/bi-sexual/transsexual) community in their quest for equal rights. Each ribbon from teal to brown holds a special meaning for someone, and often the same color will hold different meanings for different people.

Learn more about the many colors of awareness ribbons and their meanings. Find the color which symbolizes the cause most important to you, and then show its significance in your life with a car magnet, a ribbon attached to your lapel, or an awareness ribbon bracelet.

Michelle Yau is the owner and designer for Trinity London, a jewelry company specializing in rosary bracelets and pocket rosaries.

The popularity of designer handbags is at an all-time high. Everywhere we look, from the high street to the nightclub, everyone is carrying a trendy new purse. It seems that we are often so preoccupied with our new handbags that we tend to forget about the people behind the designs. I started trying to develop a shortlist of my favorite designers, but I realized that I am in love with the work of far too many to list. The following are just a few of my favorites.

Chloe is, by far, one the greatest design houses in the world. I absolutely love their work! At times, I feel that some of the French designers are a little over the top…but where would true fashion be without their sense of creativity and innovation. Chloe has been a leader in the world of fashion, especially since the Stella McCartney assumed the helm. Her star power and understanding of classic design reinvigorated a company that was often lacking the cohesive aesthetic that truly binds a collection together. Make no mistake about it…Chloe is the new Gucci!

Vivienne Westwood has done more for British design that any other designer in modern times. In many ways, the entire punk genre owes her a debt of allegiance. Vivienne was just a young girl during the heyday of punk, when she met a fellow named Malcolm McLaren. For those of you not particularly well versed in your punk rock history, Malcolm was the manager of the consummate British punk band – The Sex Pistols. After dressing the Pistols for a number of years, she opened her own shop in London called Sex Boutique. Punks worldwide have adopted her design aesthetic, and the rest is history.

Monica Botkier is yet another brilliant designer. Her designs are held in high esteem by women all around the world. After spending the early part of her career as a fashion photographer, Monica Botkier has certainly spent enough time in the fashion world to know what constitutes a great handbag. She is able to strike the perfect balance between function and form, and her designs are some of the most sought after with fashionistas everywhere. Monica Botkier’s designs are famous for their detailing, hardware, and innate sophistication.

Cathy Feldman always wanted to be a famous supermodel. When she is not fantasizing about strutting down the runway with her favorite Gucci purse, she writes for designerhandbags101.com – an online designer handbag resource, with extensive information on Ugg handbags, real Louis Vuitton purses, Cole Haan handbags and more.

A good example of this tradition is Fortunato Pio Castellani, who opened his Italian jewelry workshop in Rome around 1814, first creating fashion jewelry from the popular designs. By the 1830s, he had become inspired by the Etruscan discoveries of ancient Italian jewelry. Castellani became the first 19th-century jeweler to create works closely modeled after classical Italian and Greek prototypes, thus creating a new fashion trend.

Castellani was inspired to pursue the ‘granulation’ technique, which was perfected by the Etruscans in the 9th to 4th centuries B.C. and made Italian jewelry of this period so unique. Castellani’s passion for excellence became close to an obsession and resulted in the revival of many ancient techniques which have become some of the greatest contributions to the history of Italian jewelry making.

Fortunato Pio was joined by his two sons, Alessandro and Augusto in the 1850’s, creating and marketing their Italian jewelry designs to local, international patrons, artists and educated tourists visiting Rome. By the 1860s, popular demand for their unique styles, prompted Alessandro Castellani to establish a workshop in Naples in addition to opening shops in London and Paris. The Italian jewelry of this family won widespread acclaim leading to international expositions in Florence, London, and Paris, ultimately becoming the design that every jeweler throughout Europe wanted to duplicate. The fame of Castellani’s designs reached America in 1876, at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, and the next year the much-praised Italian jewelry collection was on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The granulation technique used in creating Italian jewelry by the Castellani family and others are just one of many that every aspiring jeweler must learn. The incorporation of fine detailing and meticulous finishing are the foundation for the luxurious effect that is difficult to find in any other jewelry.

Beside the impact of history and tradition, the reputation of Italian jewelry is supported by its quality standards for silver and gold, which are amongst the highest in the world. The silver grade of “925″ is not the only consideration taken into account. There is also an extreme amount of care given in the production of the alloy and through each step until the finished jewelry piece is completed. Whether the item is crafted by an individual jeweler or from a large jewelry company, silver Italian jewelry production is treated with passion and respect.

The variety of designs you can choose from in silver Italian jewelry covers every style; classical, modern or avant-garde. You can find replicas of designs from different periods in history, such as the Renaissance or you can have your own custom design brought to life.

Uma G. Bennett works as part-time copywriter for SAK Jewelry that offers fine fashion jewelry from Italy featuring natural stones and Swarovski crystals.