New Curtains

Lately, I've been dissatisfied with my bedroom curtains. There's nothing wrong with the curtains, themselves, the problem is that they are cream colored and the walls are cream colored, so they just get lost.

Ideally, I think I'd like something to match the quilt on my bed, which looks like this:



Ideally I'd like something that was heavier than sheer with a valance/panel combination, but I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars either.

So help me out guys. I need suggestions regarding colors, brands, stores anything.

Why Layering Is A Definite Fashion Do

One of the biggest trends this season is layering. Usually, people will try to avoid following trends because the idea is that the trend won't last and then you'll be stuck with a closet full of outdated clothes. A lot of people can also be hesitant to layer for fear of looking foolish. Here are some tips to make layering work for you:


In this picture we see a sweater over a light slip dress paired with knee boots. Ordinarily that dress would have been stored away until next spring/summer, but by layering it with fall/winter items it can be worn year round.



This picture shows layering at its most complex. The model is wearing socks over tights along with boots and her top layer extends to below the hem of the skirt. What this picture shows is the importance of wearing layers of differing lengths. No two layers should be the same length. It is important, especially if you are wearing many layers, to have differing lengths and weights. This way every layer will be visible and more importantly, it will avoid bulkiness.


Layering is something to have fun with. Here the model is wearing a celtic inspired tartan dress over a sweater and paired with knee boots. (Note: knee boots are huge this season.) The dress is belted and has another layer peeping out the bottom. This picture also shows the feminine appeal of layering, this idea takes us back to the days when women wore layers upon layers of clothing. Now, we can be feminine and comfortable as well.


In this picture, the model is wearing a blouse with a vest and a short jacket over top. Notice how the blouse reaches high up on the neck, is visible below the vest and how the sleeves reach past the jacket; even though it is the bottom layer, it is still very visible.


Shorts are also big this season, but there are some things to keep in mind regarding their use. First, even if you are in a warmer climate, these are meant to be worn over opaque tights. On the other hand, when the trend is over, you have some really cute shorts to wear in the summer.



Overall what you need to keep in mind to make layering work for you is: 1. do as much or as little as you want. Layering can be as simple as wearing a sweater over a blouse. 2. Do not buy "pre layered" clothes. These are items that give the appearance of two pieces of clothing together such as a sweater and a blouse. You may think that it is an inexpensive way to follow this trend, but the truth is, you don't need to buy a single piece of clothing to follow this trend. 3. Use what you already have. Dig through your closet. Don't put your summer stuff away. Layering is a no fear trend because once the trend is over, you are left with a closet full of individual pieces that can just as easily be worn on their own as worn layered.

Most importantly, have fun with it. Be creative. Don't be afraid to experiment. Happy Layering!

Fossil

Think you know Fossil? Guess again. Once upon a time, Fossil meant watches. Now, it means much more. It means stylish, hip, affordable clothing, jewelry, accessories and yes, watches.



Remember 10 years ago or so when Fossil watches first caught on in popularity? The watches all kind of looked like this...



Today's Fossil watches can be casual, sporty, dressy, modern, artistic and collectible. There is at least one Fossil watch to suit even the pickiest consumer.



There are even watches that incorporate bluetooth technology that will alert you when you have a phone call, tell you who's calling and tell you when you have a text message. Nifty, right?



In the early 90's, Fossil started expanding their line from just watches to accessories and leather goods such as handbags that are classic...



...and trendy...



...as well as messenger bags...



...wallets...



...belts...



...jewelry...



...sunglasses...



...even watch holders.



In 2000, Fossil expanded further and introduced a clothing line for men...







...and a rather extensive and cute line for women.









Fossil began opening Outlet stores in the 90's, followed later by stores for accessories and in 2000, stores carrying their apparel line. Fossil also has locations internationally in over 90 countries. So, now you know Fossil. If you want to learn more, go to www.fossil.com

Jenna Fischer

If you are a fan of The Office then you know who Jenna Fischer is. She is the actress who plays Pam Beesley, the receptionist.
I cannot tell you how refreshing the character of Pam is. She is, in my opinion, as close to a depiction of a real woman that I have ever seen on television, period. No one else has ever come this close to capturing what women are really like.

Think about it all you ever see on television are housewives/mothers or driven career women(doctors, lawyers etc) who are always supermodel, drop dead gorgeous, wear designer clothes and are perfectly coiffed and made up.

Perhaps EW.com said it best in one of their features on TV crushes:

"It may take you a little while to realize that she's more than merely cute. The classic girl next door, Pam is wholesome without being boring, mischievous without being mean, bright without being obnoxious. She's the girl who laughs at your jokes, while hiding a sadness you're convinced you can cure. She is, quite simply, the most huggable female character on all of TV." — Jay Woodruff, managing editor- EW.com


Jenna Fischer is not only an actress she is also a director and a writer. She recently wrote a brief article for the September issue of Esquire magazine which pretty much sums up a few things you may not have known about women.

10 Things You Don't Know About Women


By Jenna Fischer
September 2006, Volume 146, Issue 3


1. If we run into your ex-girlfriend in public, the first thing you should do is put your arm around us. And if we have to introduce ourselves, you are in big trouble.

2. When you tell us about a business lunch you had with a woman, it's a good idea to tell us that she's fat, ugly, old, or a lesbian. Preferably all of them.

3. PMS is real. It's chemical, and it sucks. If someone told you that every thirty days you were going to get jacked repeatedly in the nuts, you'd be pissy around day twenty-six, too.

4. When we say, "I don't feel connected," the only appropriate response is, "I feel it, too. Let's go out for a nice dinner and reconnect." Try it. You will get laid.

5. If you can locate the following items in our home—tape, casserole dish, Christmas ornaments—you will get laid.

6. If you act excited about the bath mat we bought at Target, you will get laid.

7. We really want to have kids. That is, until you want to have kids. Then: "Hey, slow down. What about my career? It's my body. I'm not just a depository for your sperm, you know. Fuck off. Wait, come back. I'm sorry about that. It's sweet you want to have kids. Let's talk about it in a year."

8. You know what's really gay? Football. Instead of watching it, just have sex with another dude once a year. Get it all out of your system at once.

9. We can make a "celebrity safe list" if you want. But I am way more likely to get Patrick Dempsey to fuck me in a bathroom than you are to get Lindsay Lohan to suck you off in your car.

10. Okay, wait. Maybe not Lindsay Lohan. But you know what I mean.

If you head over to youtube, there's a pretty funny video of cast members from The Office reading this list. If you're a fan(and you really should be), then check it out.

5 Reasons to Love Anthropologie

1. Originality- I can always find something unique at Anthroplogie. I know that no one else will have anything quite like it.



2. Age Appropriate- I'm 30. I don't want to wear clothes meant for someone 10 years younger. These looks are intended for me.



3. Age Appropriate cont.- I'm 30. I'm still young. I want to look young without looking silly and ridiculous.



4. Femininity- I want to wear clothes that make me feel like a woman. I don't want to dress like a guy. I want something that is definitely intended for a female.



5. Comfort- There is something so comfortable about layers. You feel confident and comfortable. You've heard of comfort food, this is comfort clothing.

Fashion With A Social Conscience

Two things that are not normally mentioned in the same breath are fashion and social conscience. However there are a number of designers, stores and websites worldwide that are concerned with social issues such as the environment, fair trade, animal rights etc.



Swedish designer Anya Hynynen designs a line of women's clothing using only natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and wool. While it isn't unusual for clothing to be made from these fabrics, it is unusual to see items such as undergarments and evening wear, which are usually at least partly made from synthetic fabrics. These designs are lovely and feminine. You can see more of Anya's designs at www.anjah.se




In Britain, The Natural Store offers a variety of natural made products such as clothing for men and women, accesories, perfume, food, makeup, products for the home etc.



Not only do they offer a wide assortment of products, but a portion of every sale is donated to one of five charities that the company supports. These charities are: The Red Cross, Oxfam, Unicef, The World Wildlife Fund and Friends of the Earth. Their website is www.thenaturalstore.co.uk


Also from Britain, Beyond Skin designs shoes made from synthetic fabrics. The shoes are all hand made by local craftsmen and are made to order. You can learn more at www.beyondskin.co.uk



Hip and Zen is a website that sells clothing for men, women and children, as well as accessories and products for the home. Their products are classified by 5 different categories: organic, hand made, recycled, fairly traded and natural. No matter what your cause you'll find something to suit you at Hip and Zen. www.hipandzen.com



In the US, designer Linda Loudermilk designs a line of women's clothing made from fabric from plants such as bamboo, sasawashi and sea cell soya. These plants are self sustainable. This clothing line can be found in over 20 boutiques throughout the US as well as at www.lindaloudermilk.com




Well, there you have it. Proof that a person can be fashionable, wear cute shoes and have a social conscience as well.

Mulberry

Looking for what could be the next big fashion trend? Mulberry is a British Designer poised to launch another American Invasion in 2006.



Mulberry is world renowned for their craftmanship and quality. The hero of this company is their extensive line of luxury bags for both men and women. Their full line of leather items includes wallets, planners, luggage, belts and even palm pilot holders.



The company has moved beyond just bags however and now offers a full line of menswear and womenswear, accessories and home interiors. The company is widely known in Europe and Asia and many of their bags such as the classic Bayswater bag have become coveted fashion accessories.



The company which was founded in the 1970's by Roger Saul has shops in 12 countries through Europe and Asia and plans to open 5 US locations in 2006. Their products can also be found in Saks Fifth Avenue department stores. You can find out more at www.mulberry.com

Featured Mall: Market Fair

If you head down Route 1 south in Princeton, NJ you'll come across Market Fair mall. This mall is unique in many ways.



First of all,it is a very compact mall. It is not large at all proving that bigger isn't always better when it comes to malls. The concept of this mall is centered around home improvements. Stores in the directory include Bombay Co., Pottery Barn, Platypus, Smith and Hawken, Anthropologie(which besides being a fabulous clothing store, also has a great assortment of items for the home) and Restoration Hardware and many others.







But that's not all, Market Fair offers a little bit of everything. There are clothing stores such as Chico's and White House Black Market; there is a retro themed toy store, a Brookstone for gadget lovers, a movie theatre, a food court and a few full scale restaurants.



Market Fair also offers the appeal of both an indoor and an outdoor mall. You can stroll around inside browsing or, since many of the stores have outside entrances as well, you can run in and out for destination shopping.
All this in one compact mall and anchored by a 40,000 square foot Barnes and Noble.



You can find out more about this unique shopping experience at www.marketfairmall.com.