Summer Sandals Can Be A Pain

Summer has finally arrived. Along with summer comes shorts and tank tops, bathing suits and BBQs, sun and, of course, sandals. Easy to slip on and off and cool enough for the hot summer days, sandals tend to be the main choice for footwear during the summer months. Sandal styles vary, but flip-flops have been gaining in popularity in recent years. Unfortunately, along with flip-flops come foot injuries. The flip-flop style sandal has almost no arch support and little beyond the two flimsy straps on top to keep the foot on the sole of the sandal. The result is overworked tendons and an overstressed arch. Ankle sprains are common injuries for flip-flop wearers, but more chronic problems, like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis can also develop. Flip-flops are not the only culprit, many sandals do not offer much arch support, shock absorption and have little material to keep the foot on the sole. The combination of flip-flops and high heels tends to be the deadliest summer sandal choice. A nice summer evening out can easily turn into a night in the emergency room with a sprained or broken ankle.

There are many shoes and sandals available today which are comfortable, but will not compromise your sense of style. When looking for a summer sandal, following these simple tips:

1. The sole of the sandal should be larger than your foot. Your foot should not hang over the sides or the back of the sandal.

2. There should be enough material on the top of the sandal to keep your foot on the sole and to keep the foot from slipping.

3. The sole of the sandal should be rigid and not flex in the middle. If you can take your sandal and fold it in half, then it is too flexible and it will not offer enough support.

4. Keep in mind that many sandals are not made for walking, but designed purely for style. Owning one pair of sandals for walking and one pair for sitting at the beach or at a BBQ may be a good idea.

5. When buying a sandal for walking, look for a sturdy sole, multiple straps with buckles or velcro, built in arch supports or an accommodation for a custom orthotic.

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has a list of shoes and sandals which have been given their approval. For more information on the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance program and their list of shoes and sandals, visit their website at www.apma.org/sealofacceptance.

If you just can’t imagine the idea of parting with your flip-flops or stylish sandals this summer, then consider carrying a pair of athletic shoes or walking sandals in your car for those times when you may be doing more walking. Areas with hills, stairs or slippery surfaces are not appropriate for walking in flip-flops and could lead to injury. If you develop arch pain or heel pain while in your sandals, stop wearing them and visit a podiatrist.

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Novelty Buttons

We express ourselves through our attire. It is really amazing how buttons, the smallest element of our clothing can say so much. The most expressive of all kinds of buttons are novelty buttons. These are buttons based on certain themes; they are either shaped like certain objects or have certain images depicted on them.

Throughout the history of buttons, novelty buttons has represented a variety of themes. The themes are as varied as the human imagination itself; the makers use their ingenuity and create button magic! Most of the novelty buttons are inspired by nature – buttons shaped as animals, insects, leaves, flowers and sea-life – can really animate apparel. Another popular theme is holiday. Nothing puts you in the holiday mood more than clothes that remind you of the season. Novelty buttons fashioned after Santa Claus, Christmas trees, bells, stars and angels perfectly complement one’s new Christmas wear. Similarly buttons shaped as pumpkins bring out the Halloween chills. Professionals also have their share of button fun. Novelty buttons based on different professions are quite popular. Musicians can wear their guitars everywhere and doctors can wear little stethoscopes on their shirts. There are several instances where novelty buttons have been used to voice opinions; novelty buttons with catchy slogans can say it like nothing else can.

Children more than anyone else love to wear cute buttons on their clothing. They are almost little toys for them. Be it cute pink bunnies or little red apples, novelty buttons are a must for children’s clothes.

Novelty buttons not only make clothing livelier but also help you articulate your likes and dislikes. You can wear your attitude by wearing novelty buttons.

Buttons provides detailed information on Buttons, How To Sew A Button, Sewing Buttons, Antique Buttons and more. Buttons is affiliated with Rubber Wristbands

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Vintage Leather Jackets

Vintage, retro and antique are terms used to define items from past eras. A vintage leather jacket is not only a piece of clothing, but a piece of history. Most vintage leather jackets have considerable emotional and historic value attached to them. Also, the styles and designs of old always bring back memories of days gone by. Vintage leather jackets are no exception to this rule. Leather jackets from the 1950s are especially popular and in high demand. Prices on them are understandably high, since they are a rare collector's item.

The vintage leather jackets are among the most popular vintage clothing. The vintage leather jackets can be anywhere from 10 to 50 years old.

Some of the designer labels available in vintage leather jackets include Lakeland, Lyon for Lepshire, Leathers of New England, Glamor Girl, Helene Junior's New York, Turtle Bax, Honda Motor Company, Marbury Coats, Front Quarter STEER by Grais and Sears Hercules Outwear.

Many companies like Marks and Spencers offer vintage leather jackets. The most famous vintage leather jackets are the ones worn by celebrities. Therefore, some of the leather jackets available are styled after ones worn by celebrities – for example the famous leather jacket worn by Bret 'Hitman' Hart. There are also designs based on jackets worn by soldiers in World War Two.

Vintage leather jackets can also refer to leather jackets embossed with retro imaginary characters, for example Betty Boop, Popeye, Scooby Doo and others. Vintage leather jackets can be found in all the styles as their modern counterparts.

Leather Jackets provides detailed information on Custom Leather Jackets, Discount Leather Jackets, Leather Flight Jackets, Leather Jackets and more. Leather Jackets is affiliated with Leather Briefcases

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Casual Corporate Apparel

Today the casual dress code has been embraced by employees of corporations in the United States. People have begun selecting more comfortable clothes to wear for work and even more comfortable ones for parties and other social occasions. There seems to have been a change in the trend and little appetite for more formal wear in the offices.

The attire of your employees needs to be within the acceptable business standards as well as making them feel motivated to work better. You could also allow your employees to wear casual apparel on one particular day during the week.

Casual corporate apparel has become a fashion statement today and the casual corporate apparel industry is making waves in the corporate market. You could sell corporate apparel to your clients, employees and to people for a nominal price by getting them customized through customization vendors.

Polo sweaters, twill shirts and sports coats, for instance, also make quite presentable casual corporate apparel.

Customization vendors take bulk orders for getting corporate apparel customized and help give them the casual look at a nominal price. While selecting customization vendors, you need to consider the number of years they have been in this business. The more the number of years they have been in business, the better they know their corporate market.

You need to accommodate some casual look in the formal corporate apparel in order to make a transition in the corporate apparel trend. Such a transition would be a transition in the popular image of your company as well as a great resource for the long-run.

Corporate Apparel provides detailed information on Corporate Apparel, Custom Corporate Apparel, Custom Embroidered Corporate Apparel, Corporate Golf Apparel and more. Corporate Apparel is affiliated with Engineering Professional Development.

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Tights for the Modern Woman

Women's Tights are skin-tight articles of clothing used by both men and women to cover the legs and is worn from waist to feet. Tights are popular among girls and women and worn by infants and toddlers as well. They are also common among theater and dance performers, runners, and wrestlers. The tights used by athletes are usually footless and are made of thick spandex.

The origin of tights can be traced back to the Renaissance age. The wearing of tights became a fashion among the men, during the period of King Henry VIII of England. The men wore them to display their well-toned legs. These tight-fitting garments were originally developed as a costume for those riding on horseback. During the 16th and 17th centuries, European men popularly wore tights. The nobles wore tights made of silk or fine wool, while the common people wore tights made of coarser fabrics.

Today, tights are mainly made of nylon and lycra in a wide variety of modern blends. Some of the common types include stretchable, opaque, striped, and patterned tights.

A more modern form of tights has evolved which is known as pantyhose. The main difference between tights and pantyhose is in the thickness and weight of the yarn used. The thickness of the yarn used in pantyhose usually reaches only 40 denier, while that used for tights is much higher.

World-class companies including Calvin Klein and Donna Karen offer tights for all body sizes and shapes. Today, tights are available in a variety of colors and types, as well.

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The Latest Hairstyle Fashion and Beauty Trends of the Stars of the Red Carpet

As Jonathon of the hit new series Blowout says your hair will make you or break you. No where is this more true then on the red carpet. Sport a great dress or outfit and hair and you will be on the cover of nearly every magazine. Sport a bad hairstyle and be on People’s magazine list of worst dressed and red carpet tragedies. This is why most celebrities have celebrity hairstylists and pay thousands for a cut and style. Some even fly their stylist with them everywhere they go as part of their entourage. A great hairstyle and beauty treatment has become as important, if not more so than the elegant and very expensive designer dresses and outfits. The question is what are the current hot hairstyle and beauty trends being sported on the red carpet? Some are old time favorites, and others are quite surprising.

1) The summer classic up-do is a hot item as it shows off sexy necks and jewelry (like necklaces and earrings) well. Demi Moore wore it well in the hit movie An officer and a Gentleman. Gweneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz are almost always seen with this hairstyle. It is classy and elegant when done right. It works best with normal, medium length hair and light makeup and jewelry. Heavy, big jewelry is out, sheek, pure elegance and beauty are in with this style.

2) The shaggy and layered hairstyle. According to Allure magazine, this is the one hairstyle and fashion trend that can make anyone look good and it will work on just about everyone, regardless of face shape. Basically this hairstyle will add volume to your hair and creates a frame for your face. Heidi Klum wore it well during an episode of her hit show Runway. Several stars like Drew Barrymore and Kate Winslet have been seen sporting this do. This is yet another low makeup and easy maintenance hairstyle. Simplicity is key here so light jewelry works best. A simple leather strap necklace and pendant will work wonders. This hairstyle has been also referred to as sexy bed head, or the after sex do.

3) Long, sexy waves. Perms are out, but the secret fashion trend in the hottest salons is salt spraying. Don’t wash the hair everyday as dirty hair is easier to manage. Get the hair damp and use salt water in a spray to bring out the wavy curls. According to the salons, everyone’s hair has some natural waves and patterns and this will bring this out and magnify it. Don’t think its hot, just look at the sexiest vixens of the red carpet like Jessica Alba and Shakira. They wear this style very well. Again, simplicity is key, no heavy makeup and light jewelry work best. Again a simple black or brown leather strap necklace with a simple locket or amulet adds mystery and will make it that much hotter. So skip the perm and first try spritzing sea salt on damp hair, scrunching hair & letting air dry. Since most hair has some sort of natural wave, the sea salt will bring it out.

4) The bullet. This is the latest fashion trend transformed offspring of the 80’s mullet and fullet with a dominant and forceful business touch. It’s the short female business do and is popular with very dominant women. It’s a short hairstyle that shows the world you are a female and are in control. You will find it on Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Ellen Degeneres, and Rosie O’Donnell. It is believed to have been first worn by Prince back in the early 80’s on his Purple Rain tour.

These hairstyles fashion trends are all easy do’s and don’t require heavy makeup or jewelry. Simplicity is key and heavy or big gaudy jewelry is out. A simple leather strap on a sexy, thin neck like Jessica Alba is all that is needed with these fashion trends. These hairstyles and fashion trends will remain big for the rest of 2006 and into 2007.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. For more information on great haircare, beauty and anti-aging products and tips please visit http://www.bestskinpeel.com

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Fill Your Wardrobe With Clothes You Would Actually Wear

Isn't it frustrating to go through racks of clothes in your cupboard, only to find that there's nothing in there that really make you look good?

Is it your body shape that's wrong or are you picking clothes that are just wrong for your figure type?

I believe the latter is more likely to be true. Here's how you can revamp your wardrobe so everything in it suits your figure type.

Set aside all the clothes that don't fit you anymore. Weed out from your closet, anything that's worn out, faded or totally out of style. Take a look at what's left.

Go through each and every item. Does it flatter you?

Be ruthless. If the answer is no, or it would if only....

Throw it out.

Look again at the dwindling pile of clothes. These are the ones you'd keep and wear. The rest? Give them away.

From this point on, make it a rule that you only get clothes that flatter your figure.

What would flatter your figure?

Get a measuring tape.

Measure the width of your shoulders (widest part) and write that down.

Measure the widest part of your hips and write that down.

Which is wider, your shoulders or your hips?

If your hips are wider, you've got a pear shaped figure.

If your shoulders are wider than your hips, you are top heavy.

If both shoulders and hips are of about the same width, you've got an hourglass figure.

The writer is the webmaster of http://www.cheap-designer-clothing.net

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Fashion Tips on What to Wear in a Wedding

Dressing up for a wedding day can be very tedious job especially when you are in jeopardy in selecting the dress. Well here are some tips that might help you to get your style sense in right direction on that most important wedding.

There are many types of weddings and in accordance to those you can select a dress from your wardrobe. For an informal Daytime a women can wear a short dress or a suit and for an informal evening, cocktail dress can be your right choice. Similar dressing up for a semi-formal daytime and semi-formal evening would do. But for a formal daytime you should consider accompanying gloves and hat with short dress or suit and for formal evening or black tie long dress or dressy short cocktail dress, even beaded would look just perfect. For an ultra-formal or white tie, a long gown, with a fur scarf, diamonds and accessories is perfect.

There are other few things that you should take care about while selecting a dress beside above and those are, while going for a wedding don't ever wear a white, because it competes with the bride, there are plenty of other colors around you just need to search them. Don't wear black or sequins during daytime looks very inauspicious. Once I told about the bride that doesn't mean you even need to bother about bridesmaids or mothers, you can't coordinate with everyone in the wedding party. Wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respects for your hosts. Overtly sexy clothing, club wear doesn't belong at a wedding.

There few more things that I feel like addressing as if not considered may put all your efforts in vain, like don’t wear top of arm gloves with anything but sleeveless or strapless gowns. Do take off gloves to eat or drink. Use good judgment if the invitation does not specify the formality of the event. A pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime or a little black dress for evening will take you almost anywhere.

You can get your choice of daytime dress or cocktail dresses here.

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Have You Raided Juno's Closet Lately?

ou know how much fun it is to raid a friend's closet! Well, be our guest and save up to 75% every day.

Now it's even easier to find great bargains with our bargain search navigation. Just click on a category and you'll see all the offerings Juno's Closet has for that item. Or, click on any of our closet specials links for special savings that change daily.

Go ahead! Click here to try it now!

Grabbing super savings has never been easier!

Juno's Closet -- it's a spotlight on special bargains available for a limited time only.

Closeout Colors - Save up to 50% on current styles in closeout colors. Scoop up that sports bra you've been eyeing at a huge markdown.

Bottom of the Closet - Our greatest savings! Save 75% or more everyday. Rooting through the bottom of the closet just got fun!

New Additions to the Closet - Check back often for the latest additions.

Daily Special - Each day a new style is chosen and reduced by up to 50%.

In all of Juno's Closet, you'll get our same great guaranteed quality and exclusive Junonia fit that you'll love and trust at excellent savings.

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Curvy Hosiery made for a Curvy Woman BY a Curvy Woman

Susan's chat with EMME about her NEW Legwear Collection

SUSAN: Emme, why did you decide to create a legwear collection?
EMME: I decided to create a legwear collection because I was sick and tired wearing legwear that was either too big or too small. Either I had the crotch right at my knees or way up above my belly button. There had to be a better way!

SUSAN: What is different about your sizing, than what has been previously offered to the curvy customer?
EMME: EMME® Collection legwear offers two size ranges; short and tall. Women naturally come in all shapes and sizes and we need that fact to translate into all aspects of fashion... including legwear!

SUSAN: I was most impressed with the waistless pantyhose that you offer. Can you tell us a little more about this part of your collection?
EMME: We call it the adjustable waist as it's the most amazing legwear item we have. It feels like you're not wearing legwear at all, even after a day on your feet. They are a must try and I would love to hear from women who've tried them-maybe even put some testimonials the site! I just wish they came in smaller sizes so that all women could have the opportunity to wear such comfortable hosiery!!!!

SUSAN: In addition to Everyday Hosiery, you have included fabulous novelties like fish nets. I noticed that your fish nets are a notch above the traditional fish nets. Can you tell our customer about this sheer fish net detail that you offer?
EMME: The fishnets are fabulous! They don't run the moment you get them on and getting into them doesn't require gymnastics, thank you very much. They are so sexy and come in fashion forward colors to jazz up any outfit. You have got to have fishnets this year!

SUSAN: I was happy to see that you were including trouser socks in your collection in two sizes instead of a "one size fits all." What is the difference between size 1 and size 2?
EMME: The EMME® trouser socks have a thicker band to keep the socks UP! How many times have you had to run for a cab, go down stairs or cross your legs and all of suddenly you have grandma sag going on down south? No more! Really, our technician (who happens to be a gal named Pam) has studied the curvy frame and has listened to our complaints enough to understand the trials of wearing an uncomfortable trouser sock when you want the look of legwear without the whole shebang. Pam has a homerun with the EMME® trouser sock, as I am sure you will agree! I can't wait to get them in electric pink!

SUSAN: I love the fact that you offer both the waistless control top tights and a rib control top tight in a variety of colors, besides the basic black. What would you like to tell our customers on how to work these fashion color tights into their wardrobe for the upcoming season?
EMME: Go there with wild abandon and do not let anything get in your way! Fashion is leading you right into legwear in such a big way this fall and even more so moving forward. Today, NOT wearing legwear is a big Fashion no!

SUSAN: According to Ronnie Strasser, President of Phantom Industries, only 27% of hosiery is bought by the curvy customer, yet over 62% of women in America are plus size. How do you see your Collection affecting this number?
EMME: It doesn't make sense, does it? Well, all I have to say is once women get their beautiful curvaceous gams into EMME® Collection legwear, their search for soft, comfortable, fashion forward legwear will be over. I know that stores will want to be a part of our success and dedicate more floor space to the EMME® Collection and other fine full-figured legwear. I believe we stand to have an important role in revolutionizing the legwear industry. If you offer a great product and nicely display it at a great price, they will come!

SUSAN: What can we expect going forward from EMME® Collection Legwear? Will you be expanding the collection next season?
EMME: We have a bunch of fun things up our sleeves...keep in touch by checking in here and you will be the first to see.

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Manicured Eyebrows - Relief for the Brow-Beaten

Manicured Eyebrows
Relief for the Brow-Beaten

Put down that tweezers! Before you take another pluck, first take a good look in the mirror at what could easily become your defining feature.

The Perfect Brow
Simply put, the brow should begin on the same point as your nostril and extend just beyond each corner of your eye. Have you overplucked? Hide the tweezers for three weeks before attempting a repair.

To maintain healthy, expressive brows:
1. Cleanse and moisturize the brow area to ease the brittleness of brow hairs and train them into a smoother, more flattering shape.
2. Treat your brows to a conditioner in the shower. Your hair conditioner, in fact, will work just fine.
3. Use a brow pencil to mark the shape you want to achieve. Tweeze just around this guideline to prevent over-tweezing.
4. Tweeze one hair at a time. Grab the hair as close to the skin as possible, squeeze the tweezers to get a good grip, then pull it out quickly in the direction it grows.
5. Swipe tweezed brows with a cotton bud dipped in pure tea tree oil - nature's perfect antiseptic.
6. Use a spooly brush in the natural direction of the brow hair to give the brows a natural look.
7. Apply brow gel to condition and shape brows all day.

Tip:
When using powdered brow color, use a harder, bristled-angle brow brush and draw tiny hair-like strokes. When using a brow pencil, maintain a sharp edge and use the same technique as the brush.

The next time you notice a celebrity's perfect eyebrows, remember the name Anastasia. This Beverly Hills beauty icon has shaped the arches of everyone from Oprah Winfrey and Madonna to Jennifer Lopez and Renee Zellweger. Anyone who's anyone has eagerly sought her plucking advice, and now you can too. With Anastasia's at-home eyebrow kit found on the Soft Surroundings Spa at Home website you'll have every tool necessary for the perfect eyebrow.

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Fine Lines - Age-revealing fine lines and wrinkles

Fine Lines
What a cruel irony that youth-enhancing laughter and smiles inevitably leave behind a trail of age-revealing fine lines and wrinkles.

But before you resort to frowning, try this two-fold approach to keep a smile on your face:

1. Superficial quick fix. While working on the deeper issues, use a product that plumps up and fills in fine lines.

2. Renew from within. Your skin is a living, breathing organ, which renews itself every two to six weeks, depending on your age. This allows you ample opportunity to target the deepest layer of skin (the dermis), where youth-renewing collagen and elastin are produced. Look for formulas that accelerate collagen renewal and trigger the formation of elastin.

Tip: Give yourself an instant facial. Make delicate stroking movements along your brow, working from the center out. Try this for a few seconds, several times a day, to ease the wrinkles out.

Visit SoftSurroundings.com for the latest advancements in skincare treatments. Soft Surroundings carries innovative products from top brands like Payot Anti-Wrinkle Cream and Hollywood's latest beauty secret Frownies.

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Create Your Own Bedroom Retreat

Create Your Own Bedroom Retreat

The Bedroom. A place to reflect after a hard day and to dream of what tomorrow holds.

Your bedroom is your place of retreat, a sanctuary where you can escape the daily stress of your life and take a moment to surround yourself with luxurious fabrics and warm plush pillows.

If this does not sound like something you can do in your current bedroom, you maybe in need of a makeover or maybe just a sprucing up. Don't panic, achieving that first class hotel experience in your own bedroom is easier than you might think. Here's how to start.

Remove the Clutter
Anything that does not contribute to your relaxation or resting needs to be removed from your bedroom. Laundry can be stored somewhere else and anything that reminds you of work or bills should be out of site. Keep relaxation in and work out.

Start with the Walls
The walls are an excellent place to add a little color to your space and are relatively inexpensive to do. Choose a color that calms your senses. Typically pastels, blues, or greens are restful colors. Researchers have found that colors of the night such as blues, indigos and violets can decrease blood pressure, pulse and respiration rates.

Add the Basics
Next, add your furniture. Remember that open space is ok and in fact adds a feeling of serenity. So don't be afraid to include just your favorite pieces in addition to your bed such as your grandmother's antique dresser or a favorite find of your own.

Embellish Your Space
Now that you have the basics in place and the tone is set with the colors on the walls you're ready to add some charm. SoftSurroundings.com is an excellent resource for finding the perfect accessories to soften your space. From flowing bed skirts and window draperies to soft and luxurious bedding, Soft Surroundings understands the idea of making your bedroom a retreat.

When adding texture to your bedroom remember to make it soft so it invites you to curl up and escape the day's pressures. Lastly, treat your bedroom like any other guest-visited areas of your home. Just because it's your private room doesn't mean that you shouldn't add finishing touches like a plant in the corner, fresh flowers to the side table, or peaceful artwork on the walls.

Accentuate Yourself
Now that you've turned your room into a five-star hotel retreat don't forget to lavish yourself with a luxurious velvet robe, and soft plush towels to dry yourself after a good soak. Luckily SoftSurroundings.com has not forgotten about this either making it a convenient one-stop site for all your Bedroom Retreat Creation needs.

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