Showing posts with label Style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Style. Show all posts

Sunday, July 17, 2011

How To Dressing Right For Your Body Type

For the petite, elfin look:

This body type comes in a small, compact package and makes the owner look dainty and waif like. For this body type, you should choose clothes which will give you height and also at the same time, enhance the elfin look in you. Pencil skirts and skinny jeans go best for this type of figure which could be teamed with high-necked blouses and tops.
dress for body type

You should choose soft materials like chintz and silk instead of stiff and hard materials. A Chinese-collared blouse with dainty floral prints will make you look tall and cute at the same time.

Tip:

Avoid too long blouses and materials in dark color or big prints. Platform heels and pants are definitely not your thing. You should also stay away from cowl necked blouses.

For the curvy well-endowed look:

Your body-type is blessed with a hour-glass figure with well-endowed curves. This body type luckily does not need much effort and most of the outfits look well in them. You should choose well-fitting tailored shirts which are not too loose or tight, blouses with small, medium prints in cowl, scoop or V-necks.
dress for body type

You can wear slim or A-line skirts and team them with high heels and a satin top. You should wear something which enhances your curve s without giving the too-exposed look.

Tip:

Stay away from over-sized prints and round or t-shirt necklines. Avoid any material or cuts which will make your front look bulky like turtle-necks. Accessorize your look with trendy, long neck-pieces.

For the structured, boyish look:

This body-type is usually the straight, structured type with very minimal or non-existent curves. Your body type should be made to look a little girlish for which you will need to adorn frills, laces and ruffles. You don’t have to be dressed in an overtly girly manner, but should team up your jeans and skirts with some curvaceous, nicely cut design which will add glamour and curves to your shape.
dress for body type

You can wear tops and blouses with boat necks and sweetheart necklines. A long floral skirt and a blouse with cap or puff sleeves will go well for this body type. You should also concentrate on wearing more bright colors like pink, red and purple instead of going for the dull greys and pastels.

Tips:

Avoid collared t-shirts and dull colors which will make you look even more boyish. Turtle-necks and boat-shaped neckline goes really well with this type o figure. Accessorize with a nice clutch and dainty pieces on the neck and ears to finish the look.

For the pear shaped look:

This body type is accentuated with a heavy bottom and a proportionate upper body. Your body type needs clothes which will minimize the heavy-bottomed look and give you a well-structured appearance. You should bring attention to your upper body so wear blouses with deep necklines.
dress for body type

You can also go for blouses with detailed work on the neckline with fabrics like crepe and satin. You should wear long blouses to cover your waist and partial hips and draw attention away from your bottom. You can wear blouses or tunics with flared bottoms and team them up with jeans. The off-shoulder look also goes well with your body-type and can help to accentuate your upper body.

Tips:

You should not wear short tops and T-shirts and also stay away from blouses with details on the waistline. Avoid wearing a wide belt as this will draw more attention towards your bottom.

For the big busted:

This is quite similar to the curvaceous body type but instead of an hour-glass figure, this is more of a top-heavy look with a less-endowed bottom. You should wear tops which will flatter your heavy bust, without making you look too bulky.

Blouses with deep v-necks, a mock-wrap neck teamed with medium flared trousers or A-line skirt works well. You can wear fabrics like satin, silk and crepe and also use long neckpieces to give you a less-heavy look. Well-tailored and empire line blouses go well with this look.

Tips:


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You should try blouses with details on the waist and avoid necklines like the keyhole, boat-neck and high-necks. You should avoid wearing any kind of high-necked blouses like the turtle-necks. However, the cowl shaped necks work well for the big busted.
If you have a good figure but bulky legs, you should avoid wearing shorts and mini-skirts. Tall-legs can be accentuated with penciled jeans and short skirts. A flat chested girl should try a falling style of top where the neck of the blouse falls in layers to give a more heavy-chested look. Someone with bulky arms should never wear an off-shoulder or one-shoulder top.

Dressing right comes with a lot of experience and trial-and-errors. You should give yourself time to decide what looks good and you and then stick with the pattern in different styles and fabrics.


Amazing Style With Animal Print Dresses

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You may have often seen some of your favorite celebrities dressed in animal prints and looking gorgeous as well. But sometimes when you try wearing an animal print dress yourself it often raises a doubt in your mind as to whether you will be able to carry off the look. It can be a tricky affair wearing an animal print dress and carrying it off with equal élan.
Always remember that animal prints are a huge fashion trend and they will forever rule the fashion roosts. You just have to know how to dress right in animal prints and accessorize it well so that you look glamorous and trendy in this season’s best animal print dresses.

Know Which Animal Print Is In Style

Animal prints vary in their shape and style. The cheetah print or the leopard print has mostly been a favorite with celebrities and they have flaunted it in their dresses or bags and shoes and even accessories. Every season comes with a new trend in animal prints but the focus always remains on the leopard and the cheetah prints.

They are bold, big and look great when accessorized well. The zebra print is also a good option to go with if you do not feel too comfortable with the daring leopard prints. The zebra print can be easily sobered down to suit your style and personality and make you look great as well.

You must know which event is the right one for you to wear an animal print dress to. The animal print dress is definitely not meant for an office party or a formal party with your clients and business associates.
It is more suited for rather glamorous occasions where the focus is on fashion and style. However even for a formal party you can alternately opt for a great pair of shoes with animal prints or opt for an elegant animal printed clutch bag to go with your formal dress.

The animal print dress is an ideal option for an evening cocktail party and if you wear the dress the right way you will be able to make a great fashion statement. If you are confident about carrying off animal prints then you can opt for a gorgeous halter neck full length dress that will accentuate your figure and your love for this pattern as well.

You can be even more daring by wearing a side slit dress to make yourself look gorgeous in your dress. If you want to look young and trendy then you can opt for a more fun cut to suit your style. Go short on the length and purchase a knee length dress in a leopard or cheetah print.
Dress In Style With Animal Print Dresses

Keep the basics simple. A nice and straight neckline along with strappy shoulders will look great with this style of the dress. If you have a gorgeous figure and well sculpted legs than nothing can help you flaunt them better than a great animal print dress.

If you want a pretty dress to wear at a prom or for a great evening party at a friend’s place then you can opt for a zebra print dress. It does not have to be too bold but it can be subtle as well. Choose a nice flowy material so that you look feminine in your animal print dress.

Go for a maxi style dress in a light chiffon material and the white and black stripes will blend in wonderfully well. If you do not want a complete animal print dress then go for something that blends the soft and the bold together.

A partial use of animal patterns in a soft color like pink and mauve is an ideal option for people who want to keep it safe yet trendy. Thus it is important that you know what the occasion is and how your personality is before you zero in on any dress with animal prints.

Tips To Carry Off Animal Prints Well

It is a fact that it takes a little more than your regular confidence to carry off a dress with animal prints. What should you remember before you slip into one? How to accessorize and when to know that you are going over board? Find out all the rules before you own an expensive animal prints dress.

Keep It Easy On The Accessories

An animal print dress is a huge statement of its own. The pattern and the style of animal print dresses are such that it can easily over power any accessory no matter how gorgeous it is. The rule is that you should never go for a top to bottom matching spree with your animal print dress. It is the biggest fashion faux that you can commit. So keep it simple.
Dress In Style With Animal Print Dresses

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If you are wearing a leopard or a cheetah print then wear an elegant pair of black heels to compliment the loud color tone of the dress. If it a long dress then you can add a black belt around your waist to break the monotony of the outfit. A simple clutch in a monotone is the ideal accessory for a gorgeous animal prints dress. You can also opt for earthy and pastel monotones in your accessories to keep the look from going too wild.

Be Confident With The Way You Carry Yourself

You cannot carry a great animal print dress successfully if you are uncomfortable in it. You must remember that you have to appear confident and smart in an animal print dress. This pattern is for women who are not scared to do their thing their way.
So you have to have that fearless attitude about you. Be confident and move with grace and elegance. Do not fidget with your dress when you are a party. However if you still do not feel comfortable in a full animal print dress then you can simple opt for animal printed accessories to go with a well cut dress.





Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Nani Manchester United Acrobatisc Style Sport







Nani Manchester United Acrobatisc Style Sport
Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha born 17 November 1986, commonly known as Nani, is a Portuguese footballer currently playing as a winger for English club Manchester United in the Premier League and the Portugal national team. Although predominantly right-footed, he has been utilised on the left-wing on many occasions and was compared to compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo during his move to England.

Poor Nani, the brilliant Portuguese winger who is trying to bring a few rays of Cape Verde sunshine to a cold, grey and increasingly Prussian Premiership winter. Sadly for him and for us, his amazing agility and old fashioned, Brazilian-style flair is meeting only gruff disapproval from on high. Arsenal certainly didn’t like it, but then they don’t like anything when things are going against them. But that doesn’t stop them rubbing the noses of their opponents in the dirt whenever they score a goal.

Personal information
Full name Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha [1]
Date of birth 17 November 1986 (age 24)[1]
Place of birth Praia, Cape Verde[1]
Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)[2][3]
Playing position Winger
Club information
Current club Manchester United
Number 17
Youth career
2000–2003 Real Massamá[4]
2003–2005 Sporting CP[4]
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
2005–2007 Sporting CP 58 (9)
2007– Manchester United 95 (17)
National team‡
2006–2007 Portugal U21 10 (1)
2006– Portugal 45 (9)

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Most Popular Ladies Footwear and Accessories

It is important to learn what types of women shoes are among the popular options these days.
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Shoes with Heels

Ladies shoes with heels are fashionable variety of shoes that a woman can wear to her workplace, parties and social functions. However, one should be comfortable walking in them to avoid any embarrassing accident. Pumps and stilettos are among the popular varieties of women shoes with heels. Shoes with wedge heels offer variety in the length of the heel, making it easier for women to choose the best one.

Flats without Heels

Those who are not comfortable with ladies shoes with heels can divert their attention towards a huge variety of flats available in the market. They may or may not have straps and women choose one of the designs on the basis of personal preferences. Flats can be worn with all types of dresses, including skirts, jeans and trousers.
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Fashionable Sandals

Nothing can compare the classiness and beauty of ladies shoes sandals that a number of reputed manufacturers launch in variety of designs and styles. Ladies prefer to wear them with formal dresses, especially long gowns worn for evening parties. These shoes are also among the most suitable choices for wedding.

Closed Mules

Mules are popular as workplace shoes as they are closed in the front. This prevents womens feet from getting dirty due to dust and dirt. In general, these shoes are backless and are available in a number of bright colors. You can also prefer to wear them with short dresses as the combination surely attracts attention.
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Adventurous Boots

Women who are adventurous choose boots as the perfect footwear that matches their attitude. Boots with lengths up to thighs are the favorites of millions of women around the world. The use of high-grade leather to manufacture these boots further adds to their popularity and class.


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Some other varieties of ladies shoes include platform shoes, wedges and ankle straps. Women prefer to have more than one variety of these shoes to wear the right pair according to the occasion. While some women prefer to match the colors of their shoes with their dresses, others mind it more suitable to create a contrasting look.

Looking fashionable in shoes is one aim of the women and feeling comfortable is another. The shoes fulfilling both the requirements are obviously regarded as best by women. Price is another factor that women consider while purchasing shoes. Again, the online stores help them best to find shoes in their set budgets.

Monday, April 18, 2011

How to Choose Clothes for the Wedding Party

You've gotten the invitation for your friends' wedding, happily circled the date on your calendar and started shopping for their gift, when all of a sudden it hits you – what are you supposed to wear??? The etiquette for proper wedding guest attire can vary greatly depending on the style of the wedding. You'll have to become a little bit of a detective, but fear not. There are clues everywhere.

Start off with the invitation. Is it in flowing engraved black script on a heavy cream paper with formal language? Odds are the wedding will be similarly formal. Does it cheekily ask you to come see them get hitched? Wedding guests should look for a nice casual outfit. And of course, it may tell you directly on the invitation - black tie, casual attire etc.

Wedding Guest Style for Her
  • Informal Daytime: Short dress or suit (business attire OK for morning weddings)
  • Informal Evening: Cocktail dress
  • Semi-Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit
  • Semi-formal Evening: Cocktail dress
  • Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit. Hats and gloves optional.
  • Formal Evening or Black-Tie: Long or dressy short cocktail (beading, glam accessories, wrap)
  • Ultra-formal or White Tie: Long gown, extra glitz (furs, diamonds, etc.)



 
Do's and Don'ts for Her
  • Don't wear white because it competes with the bride. There are plenty of other colors available.
  • Don't wear black or sequins during the daytime.
  • Don't worry about wearing the same colors as the bridesmaids or mothers. You can't possibly coordinate with everyone in the wedding party.
  • Do wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respect for your hosts. Clubwear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) doesn't belong at a wedding. If you have to ask if it's appropriate, it probably isn't.
  • Don't wear opera-length gloves (to top of arm) with anything but sleeveless or strapless gowns.
  • Do take off gloves to eat or drink.
  • Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn't specify the formality of the event. A pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime or a little black dress for evening (after 6 p.m.) will take you almost anywhere.
When deciding what to wear at someone’s wedding, you must first know what type of wedding they are having. Wear what is best for the occasion and what best fits your individuality, whether it is a casual, semi-formal, or formal wedding.
Lets start with a casual wedding. The relaxed atmosphere calls for a relaxed freeform attire. Do not get fussy. Think about what you like to wear to a an evening out at a nice restaurant. Still dress fabulous, but just not too over-the-top.

 
For a semi-formal wedding you get a little fussy and more defined. Fabrics are key to knowing the difference between a casual dress and a semi-formal dress. You want to go with shinier and elegant fabrics. Think of a cocktail dress when dressing for this style wedding.


Unlike a semi-formal wedding, a formal wedding is more glamorous and really fussy. You want to make sure you are looking your most refined and remarkable self. So still put personality in the dress, but accessorize it more with “glitz” and “glam”. This is red carpet time! Whatever you choose always be stylish and “Glam It Up”!



Wedding Style for Him
  • Informal Daytime: Dress shirt and pants, preferably a sports jacket.
  • Informal Evening: Suit
  • Semi-Formal Daytime: Suit
  • Semi-Formal Evening: Dark suit
  • Formal Daytime: Dark suit and tie
  • Formal Evening: Tuxedo (if invitation states "black tie") or dark suits if women wear short dresses.
  • Ultra-formal Evening or White Tie: White tie, vest and shirt.

Do's and Don'ts for Him
  • Don't try to get cute with a tuxedo. A black tux with white shirt and black bow tie is the best way to go. If "Creative Black Tie" or "Texas Formal" or some sort of other vague formal description is used, then going with a tux and black shirt, no tie, might be acceptable. Also, trendier cities like Los Angeles and New York might be more accepting of breaking with tradition.
  • Do wear a dark suit, with a tie if the wedding is after 6 PM, and doesn't say "Black Tie."
  • Don't wear a tuxedo during the day time, regardless of the formality of the event.
  • Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn't specify the formality of the event. A dark suit and conservative tie will take you just about anywhere.


Friday, March 18, 2011

Kate Middleton's See-Through Dress Sells for £100,000

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Kate Middleton’s see-through dress that she wore as part of a university fashion show in 2002 is could now be worth £100,000.

Middleton wore the Charlotte Todd knitted slip at a St. Andrews University charity fashion show.

Her catwalk debut reportedly marked the first time her husband-to-be Prince William first saw the attractive brunette, reports Contact-music.

Miss Middleton wore the silk outfit, designed by fashion student Charlotte Todd, during a show at St Andrews University in 2002.

Prince William was photographed watching his future bride, whose lacy underwear was clearly visible under the slinky garment.

After the show the dress was returned to Miss Todd, who packed it away in her mother's wardrobe, where it has remained ever since.

The graduate, who has not pursued a career in fashion design and now works in an aquarium, spoke of her pride in playing such a key role in royal history.

She has already turned down an offer of £1,000 for the dress and has vowed never to sell it - but experts estimate it could fetch a staggering £100,000 in the future.


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Todd, who now works in an aquarium, has kept the outfit ever since it was returned to her.

The dress now soled at a Kerry Taylor Auctions sale.

“It’s definitely a showstopping dress. I’d like to think I played my part in history and in fashion history,” Todd said.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

10 Valentine’s Day Dress Ideas For Her – 2011

Hello Girls, I had collected some beautiful dresses from internet to give you an idea about what to wear on this Valentin’s day, Well you can order these dresses online for yourself too, Have Fun

Dress 1

valentines day dress ideas 3 hot 2011 512x1024 10 Valentines Day Dress Ideas For Her   2011

Dress 2

valentines day dress ideas 5 hot 2011 512x1024 10 Valentines Day Dress Ideas For Her   2011

Dress 3

valentines day dress ideas 1 hot 2011 10 Valentines Day Dress Ideas For Her   2011

Dress 4


valentines day dress ideas 2 hot 2011 10 Valentines Day Dress Ideas For Her   2011

Dress 5

valentines day dress ideas 4 hot 2011 10 Valentines Day Dress Ideas For Her   2011

Dress 6

valentines day dress ideas 6 hot 2011 10 Valentines Day Dress Ideas For Her   2011

Dress 7

valentines day dress ideas 8 hot 2011 10 Valentines Day Dress Ideas For Her   2011

Dress 8

valentines day dress ideas 7 hot 2011 10 Valentines Day Dress Ideas For Her   2011

Dress 9

valentines day dress ideas 9 hot 2011 10 Valentines Day Dress Ideas For Her   2011

Dress 10

valentines day dress ideas 10 hot 2011 10 Valentines Day Dress Ideas For Her   2011


Source : http://www.tiptoptens.com

Monday, January 3, 2011

Five Fashion Resolutions to Rock in 2011

Step up your style game in the new year! Yep, you have 365 days to get glam. Here’s our advice on how to fab up your look as soon as you flip the calendar to 2011.

Find a trademark

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFkZFQ1J3bWdONEJHT3RoekNONHRmdUEAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpgAll the classic fashion icons had a trademark, like Coco Chanel's LBD and Audrey Hepburn's ballet flats. Make 2011 your year to find your own signature style. If you're a romantic who loves wearing her heart on her sleeve, make hearts your trademark. Or, keep it simple and stick with paring your fave accessory, like gauzy scarves or cute headbands, with your outfits. You could also make

Break outta your style rut

This may seem to contradict our first resolution, but let us explain. There is a fine line between wearing items that fit your signature style versus going completely overboard and only wearing one item ever. If you’re constantly neutrals, wear a bright accessory for a li'l touch of color. Your goal this year is to stay true to your signature style without being too repetitive.

Go custom

Originality is the key to any adorable outfit. Try not to copy an ensemble you see on the mannequin or in a magazine. Give it your own take and be creative! If you're crafty, there are plenty of DIY tips on how to revamp and old item. Sew some cloth birds on a plain purse, or make a necklace out of buttons. Got a bland blazer? Add a brooch from grandma's collection to the lapel. It might be 2011, but classic vintage pieces are always in.

Look beyond the mall

Avoid twin day forever. Ya know, when you head to school in a cute outfit and find out someone else is wearing the same thing. Sigh—it’s every fashion-lover’s nightmare. If you're tried of being someone's clone, venture into a local boutique or even Salvation Army. We all love the convenience of the mall but if you wanna get one-of-a-kind items, you have to hunt elsewhere.


Shopping? Try everything on!

Ever see something in a store and think, "OMG that dress is so cute! I gotta have it!" and buy it without a giving it a second thought? Then you try it on at home and get bummed out because it's kinda blah. Spare yourself from the dreaded buyer's remorse and try stuff on while you're at the store. What's on the hanger is completely transformed when you put it on your body. The same goes for an item you feel iffy about. It may not be what you had in mind, but you'll be surprised how ah-may-zing you can look once you put it on.


Monday, December 27, 2010

How to Look Cute on Christmas


Heading over the river and through the woods to a fam party? Here are some last-minute tips on how to dress just-right for a family dinner.

Dress festive
Even if you hate red or would rather spend the entire night in your fave jeans, you gotta suck it up and pull on a cheery outfit. Be sweet to your mom and dad and simply pull on something a li’l fancy on your own.
Or, pull on a long skirt with an elastic waist. Perf for after you nab seconds from the buffet table.
Keep the accessories low-key
Wacky tights, towering heels and studs are best left at home. Instead, pull on a bracelet Gram gave ya or wear a simple necklace that is special to you (like one with an initial charm). If the weather’s icky, stomp over in your best boots and then slip on some ballet flats.


Pin back your hair
If your bangs are a li’l grown out, pop on a headband or use some clips to get your locks outta your face. You’re likely to be posing for a lot of pics and you’ll get sick of hearing “get your bangs outta your face.” It’ll save ya a ton of exasperated sighs later on.
Pass by the dark makeup
Now’s not the time to channel rocker-chic or break out the for-serious glitter (the one exception: your mani). Instead, use some shimmering lip balm.
 
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Sunday, December 12, 2010

5 Stylish Outfit Ideas for Holiday Parties

For most college students, the dreaded finals week is over and winter break is in full swing — Huzzah! However you celebrate the holidays, one thing is for certain: there are a slew of parties going on this time of year. Whether you’re attending a family affair or a get-together with friends, this is a great time to try a new look and dress to the nines.
Still trying to figure out what you’ll be wearing to all of these holiday events? Here are five stylish holiday party outfit ideas to try out this year and an outfit example for each:

Outfit Idea #1: Dress Up Your LBD

 


This wardrobe staple is always a great choice for any party. To make it holiday-appropriate, amp up the style factor with some gorgeous accessories. The LBD I chose is a season-appropriate velvet and looks great when paired with some bright red pumps. This gorgeous cuff bracelet and these delicate earrings will give an elegant vibe to the outfit. Add a beaded clutch and you’ll have a look that would be perfect for a fancy holiday soiree.

Outfit Idea #2: Stand Out with Bold Accessories


Make a statement at your next holiday party by pairing a stylish outfit with some one-of-a-kind accessories. A luxe gray top looks chic when tucked into these feminine wide-legged tuxedo pants. Add some interesting accessories like this structural ring and unique clutch — they’re total conversation pieces! Finally, add a pretty pop of color with some sky-high violet stilettos.





Outfit Idea #3: Try Mixed Metallics

 

Want to achieve a glamorous holiday look? Try mixing different shades of gold and silver to create a beautiful, shimmering ensemble. This one-shouldered dress has a delicate print that reminds me of Christmas ornaments, while the ring reminds me of a bow on a present. Some sheer tights add interest while the metallic flats will keep you comfy all night long. Finish this look with unique stud earrings.

Outfit Idea #4: Wear a Jewel-Toned Dress

 


Red and green frocks seem so cliché this time of year, so mix it up by wearing a piece in an unexpected hue — like this sapphire-colored dress from ASOS. Opaque tights will keep you warm, while these heeled booties add a fab boost of style. Finish this outfit with a pretty pearl-adorned headband and matching pendant necklace for an edgy yet sweet look.

Outfit Idea #5: Play with Texture

 


For all you fearless fashionistas out there, this look is for you! I love mixing lots of different textures in one outfit — it creates a lot of visual interest and will give you some serious holiday style cred. For this outfit, try pairing  a tough-looking faux-leather skirt in a feminine shape with a sparkly top in a purple hue. Add a satiny soft blazer and some matching pumps to tie the look together. Finally, a pyramid studded knuckle ring gives off an industrial vibe and adds yet another contrasting texture.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Celebrate Christmas on a Budget

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Having Christmas on a budget isn't always easy but there are things you can do to ease the financial burden and still enjoy Christmas without cutting down on quality. Follow the suggested steps here and ensure that your Christmas is a time for giving as much has you have rather than what you don't have.

Steps


  1. Set a Christmas budget in advance. Before the frenzy of Christmas time descends, work out how much you're able and prepared to spend on Christmas festivities, gifts, and catering. The amount will depend on how much you've already saved, how much you can set aside from current funds, and how much you can spare in the weeks leading up to Christmas. If you start early enough, you'll have more leeway to save a bit more. 
  2. Talk to family about the costs and gifts. Sit down and make decisions about limits on gifts. This is especially important in large families where the costs of buying a gift for every member of the family can soon add up. Seek agreement that you'll only spend so much per person.

    * If you're really strapped, a decision to only give gifts to the children can sometimes ease budget constraints.
    * One way to spend less on presents is to have each family member bring one present and then to Play the "Goofy Gift Exchange" Christmas Game or Play Santa's Present.
    * Remind everyone that thoughtfully chosen gifts are more important than expensive ones.
  3.  Hold a "catch-up" Christmas. If your family overdid the spending last Christmas and your budget is still really stretched, consider not spending for one Christmas. One non-spending Christmas will ensure that your budget catches up. There are still a lot of things you can do to celebrate Christmas without spending money:

    * Make a nice meal, not an expensive one. Look at old cookbook recipes for thrifty Christmas cooking.
    * Make homemade gifts from recycled and inexpensive items.
    * Don't buy any new decorations and either use a live tree in a planter from your garden, or an artificial tree kept in your storage.
  4. Take advantage of sales during the year. Sales closer to Christmas can be worth marking on your calendar, such as end-of-summer sales, sales after Thanksgiving, etc.

    * Take advantage of the post-Christmas sales to start buying gifts, cards, wrapping paper, decorations, tableware, etc., for next Christmas. Be sure to put these somewhere that they're easier to find and use when Christmas comes around.
    * Keep a list of whose gifts you've already purchased, so that you don't double up on gifts.
    * Keep an eye on auction sites and overstocked goods sites for bargains during the lead-up to Christmas. And use price comparison websites to make sure you are paying at the best price.
    * Use any rebates, coupons, discounts, or promotions that you have access to. If you're not sure, ask.
  5. Make your own cards. Recycle last year's cards and turn them into this year's cards. Simply cut out the decorative part of the card and attach it to plain cardboard. Use markers to decorate. Do the same for gift tags.

    *
    o Make snowmen Christmas cards
    o Make a Christmas tree pop-up card (Robert Sabuda method)
    o Make Christmas cards from wrapping paper
    o Create a Christmas card using Microsoft Publisher
    * Make your own labels. Printable gift labels on the internet or making you own and printing them off can save pounds or dollars on gift tags. 
  6. Make your own Christmas gifts. Use the skills you're best at, such as knitting, crocheting, woodwork, sewing, decoupage, putting together a basket, cooking, etc. A small selection of ideas:

    * Make spice hot mats
    * Make a gift voucher for your parents for Christmas

  7.  Make your own Christmas decorations. There are many nifty Christmas decorations that can be made from items already in the home. Here are a few suggestions to get you started: 
  8. Cut out unnecessary items. There are a lot of items that aren't needed and are unnecessary waste at Christmas time. Save your money and finite resources by not including them in your Christmas celebrations. Examples include:
    # Ribbons, bows, fancy tape, stickers, etc., are usually tossed away.
    # Plastic tablecloths with Christmas designs. Either use plain colored tablecloths from your linen cupboard, or go without.
    # Don't spend massive amounts of money on outside lights, keep it to a minimum and inside lights should be left off at all times when no-one is in the room, this saves on energy bills.
  9. Store your Christmas decorations well after use. This will mean that there is no need to replace them year after year. If you look after your decorations, they will look after you! 
  10. Buy an artificial Christmas tree (preferably in the sales) and look after it. A real tree costs money every year, both in terms of purchasing it and fuel needed to collect it. An artificial tree is a one-off cost. An artificial pre-lit tree can also save money in lights and if one bulb goes, the others will carry on working, obviously depending on which tree.
  11. Get everyone to pitch in with both resources and effort. If there are people coming to your house for Christmas dinner, assign them tasks to help out. At the very least, ask them if they want to bring anything; this takes pressure off you and generally people do want to bring something and contribute in meaningful ways.












Monday, November 15, 2010

Prom, Party, Ball and Evening Dress Trends For Winter and Christmas

Sherri Hill 1205 

With Christmas fast approaching, it is time to cheer yourself up and get dressed up for a party, ball or prom./ One of the most enjoyable parts of a night out at this time of year is choosing something beautiful to wear. For Autumn Winter 2008 and there are so many options to choose from but here are just a few of the best.


Evening PromThe Classic Prom Dress

This style of dress is just about every where. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity. It suits almost anyone and will usually be strapless, one colour with a flared below the knee skirt. It is great for showcasing a beautiful statement necklace or a gorgeous pair of high heels or an amazing clutch.


Evening Prom 
The Lace Dress

Lace is a big trend for Autumn winter 08 and there is a huge choice of lace dresses on offer to choose from ranging from lace style prom dresses to high necked ones similar to those seen on the catwalk at Prada.


Evening PromThe Beaded Dress

Beaded dresses are a great way to add a bit of sparkle and are great for a special occasion or a Christmas party. Choose from coloured beading for a really eye catching look or black for a slightly more subtle look. Keep jewellery to a minimum with a beaded dress as you do not want to look like a Christmas tree (even at Christmas).


Evening PromThe Asymmetrical Dress

The asymmetrical dress is another key trend for 2008, it usually has only one sleeve or shoulder and is often Grecian or draped style. This style of dress looks great either long or short and should be teamed with a simple pendant necklace if any so as not to interfere with the look of the neckline.


Evening PromThe Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses were around last year and were very popular. This year they are back again with many formal styles which are great for proms, parties and balls. This is a great style of dress for those that don't want to show off their legs or at occasions where it may inappropriate. Unless you are very tall be careful not to choose a maxi dress with too much volume in the skirt.


Evening PromThe Little Black Dress

The little black dress is a classic party dress made popular by both Coco Chanel and the classic film breakfast at Tiffanys. These days the term can mean anything from a beaded mini dress to a classic style shift dress. The popularity of the little black dress is probably due to its versatility and ability to flatter most figures. The little black dresses for Autumn and Winter 2008 can encompass many of the other key trends including the asymmetrical dress, prom dress, mini dress, lace dress or beaded dress.

What ever party, prom or ball dress you choose make sure that you have a great time!

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