08.28.08
Project Runway on Bravo
If you’ve been following Bravo’s “Project Runway” this season, you will have met some interesting designers (though not as many characters as last season — hello Chris March and Christian).
Last night’s challenge was to create an outfit of their choice out of car parts courtesy of the Saturn Vue Hybrid Line.
While many chose to work with the obvious seat belts and car seats, it was interesting to see how ordinary items could be turned into something useful.
Tim Gunn’s creative words to the designers was not to let this be a repeat of the first challenge (where their materials came from a grocery store) and be innovative.
Innovation seems to be the word of the seasons as some designers take the ball and run with it, while others reel themselves in for fear of criticism of the judges (not a smart move).
As we all know, the point of challenges like this is to create an outfit that doesn’t look like it came from car parts. That’s part of the innovation. The other part is to have a concept for your design. I’m not even a designer and I know that. Having a concept gives you direction and helps you know exactly what to do.
I would hope that people who make some or all of their living from fashion design would know this — even if they are self-taught and are freelance designers.
While I won’t reveal winners and losers in this post (in case you haven’t seen the entire episode), I will say that I was pleased to see guest judge Laura from season 3 fill in for Elle magazine editor Nina Garcia and ambivalent about guest judge #2, celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. Rachel Zoe has a new show debuting on Bravo in a couple of weeks called “The Rachel Zoe Project” and I saw the preview last week (I’ll tell you about that in another post).
But, enjoy the episode. It’s green, the designs were fun, and you’ll have a good time seeing the creative process as work with such unusual materials — as if we should expect anything less from “Project Runway.”
Project Runway on Bravo
If you’ve been following Bravo’s “Project Runway” this season, you will have met some interesting designers (though not as many characters as last season — hello Chris March and Christian).
Last night’s challenge was to create an outfit of their choice out of car parts courtesy of the Saturn Vue Hybrid Line.
While many chose to work with the obvious seat belts and car seats, it was interesting to see how ordinary items could be turned into something useful.
Tim Gunn’s creative words to the designers was not to let this be a repeat of the first challenge (where their materials came from a grocery store) and be innovative.
Innovation seems to be the word of the seasons as some designers take the ball and run with it, while others reel themselves in for fear of criticism of the judges (not a smart move).
As we all know, the point of challenges like this is to create an outfit that doesn’t look like it came from car parts. That’s part of the innovation. The other part is to have a concept for your design. I’m not even a designer and I know that. Having a concept gives you direction and helps you know exactly what to do.
I would hope that people who make some or all of their living from fashion design would know this — even if they are self-taught and are freelance designers.
While I won’t reveal winners and losers in this post (in case you haven’t seen the entire episode), I will say that I was pleased to see guest judge Laura from season 3 fill in for Elle magazine editor Nina Garcia and ambivalent about guest judge #2, celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. Rachel Zoe has a new show debuting on Bravo in a couple of weeks called “The Rachel Zoe Project” and I saw the preview last week (I’ll tell you about that in another post).
But, enjoy the episode. It’s green, the designs were fun, and you’ll have a good time seeing the creative process as work with such unusual materials — as if we should expect anything less from “Project Runway.”
How to Look 10 Pounds Lighter – Instantly
How to Look 10 Pounds Lighter – Instantly
by Wendy Stewart
As women, we tend to think there are another 5-10 pounds we need to lose. That may or may not be true, but there are ways to look instantly slimmer. Not only will these tips and tricks help you look slimmer, but they will make you look better overall and give you more confidence as you go about your day.
1. Wear Clothes that Fit Properly.
When you wear clothes that fit properly, you have a better chance of looking great and slimmer. Many women think that if they wear clothes that are one size smaller or one size bigger, that they are doing themselves a favor.
The reality is that both extremes make you look bigger, rather than smaller. Clothes that are too small squeeze our bodies in places that are not very flattering. On the other end, clothes that are too big cover our bodies and make us look like one big blob. Neither look is flattering.
2. Sit Up Straight (Posture Counts!).
You can hear your mother’s voice in your head now telling you to sit up straight and not to slouch. Just like clothes that are too tight, slouching makes us look bigger in our midsection and pushes our skin to bulge (which is what we don’t want).
Though it may have not been our favorite advice, it is certainly true. Besides the physical benefits from not slouching, sitting up straighter and walking talk elongates the body.
If you’re like me, and fit in the petite section, you’ll want to elongate your body. This will make you look taller and slimmer. Two bonuses just for sitting up straight and walking tall!
3. Drink Your Water.
I know you have heard this one over and over again, but there is a reason for that. Your body needs the water not only to stay hydrated, but also to help flush out excess salt and other elements that keep up looking and feeling bloated.
By keeping your body regularly hydrated, you will naturally reduce the bloating you are currently experiencing and contribute to your overall feeling and look of being slimmer.
These are just a few of the ways you can make yourself look 10 pounds slimmer. Remember, also, that proper diet and exercise will ultimately get you on the road to true fitness. In the meantime, use these tips to make yourself look fit and fabulous.
How to Look 10 Pounds Lighter – Instantly
© Copyright 2008
Wendy Stewart
NOTICE: You are free to reprint this article as long as ALL hyperlinks and the author’s resource box remain in tact.
Wendy Stewart is your Go-to-girl for being in the know about small business, photography, personal finance, personal style, and wellness. For more free tips on health and wellness, visit her blog, Healthy Family Initiative, at http://healthyfamilyinitiative.blogspot.com.
08.26.08
Basic Pieces for Your First Job Without Breaking the Bank
Basic Pieces for Your First Job Without Breaking the Bank
By Wendy Stewart
You’ve scored it, that all-important first job. Whether this is your first full-time job, first paying job, etc. You are bound to be excited. Then, after you get excited, you realize that your college wardrobe of graphic t-shirts and blue jeans with Vans are not up to par.
What you need is a wardrobe to wear that will not break the bank. After all, there are so many options you need to make sure that your small reserve of money is spent well.
Whether you are a man or a woman, there are basic pieces that will help you out in your business wardrobe journey. My first suggestion is to start a store such as Target. I recommend starting there because, not only do you have the Target brands to choose from, but they have been attracting many designers to put limited collections in their stores. And, if you’re a woman, I’m sure you’ve seen the Isaac Mizrahi collection that looks like it costs much more than you will pay. Other discounted stores, such as Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, and the outlet stores of your favorite retail stores provide good basic pieces at a lower cost than you would find at a traditional Nordstrom’s or Gap.
Now that you know where to go, now you need to know what to buy. To simplify this process, I have put together a list for both men and women of basic pieces that are interchangeable. Not only do these pieces offer versatility, but you can also build upon them as you add more pieces to your wardrobe.
Women:
1. Black or gray knee-length skirt
2. Black or gray blazer
3. White button-down shirt or similar white blouse (long sleeve and short sleeve)
4. Trench coat
5. Classic pumps or ballet flats (choose carefully based on your work environment)
6. Day Dress
7. Black or gray slacks
8. Properly fitting undergarments
9. Jewelry (should reflect your style but not overwhelm you)
10. One trendy item that will not blow your budget or work dress code
Men:
1. Tailored power suit in black and gray or brown (choose 2nd color based on how it looks when you try it on)
2. Black dress shoes
3. Brown dress shoes
4. White button-down shirt
5. 2 other button-down shirts in alternative colors (such as blue or gray)
6. 3 ties
7. Plenty of dress socks (at least 7 pairs and these should be in black)
8. Trench coat
9. One nice watch (note that I did not say expensive)
10. Great looking pair of cuff links
These lists are just to get you started. As you work longer at your job, you will find out what is acceptable and what is not. However, these pieces will serve you well, no matter where you work (unless you work at a place that requires a uniform – but that’s a separate article!).
One final note, always be sure to try on everything before you buy it. There is nothing worse than clothes that do not fit properly. Clothes can be tailored to fit your body if they generally fit off the rack (this is especially important for those of us on the petite side). Bring along a friend who will be honest with you about your choices and how they look. This is especially important if the dressing rooms only have one mirror. You need to know how you look from other angles.
Take this list, have fun shopping, and you’ll be able to impress your new co-workers and your boss without breaking the bank.
Basic Pieces for Your First Job Without Breaking the Bank
Copyright 2008
Wendy Stewart
All Rights Reserved
NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.
Wendy Stewart is your Go-to-Girl for being in the know about small business, photography, personal finance, personal style, and wellness. For more free articles, visit her expert author page at Ezinearticles.com.
Green Tip of the Week
Buy used.
If you love books, like I do, then you could go broke buying all of the books you want to read (whether you get to them or not).
Unfortunately, even if the book is printed on recycled paper, that means there is still a new book being created. And for those of you who think you’re doing the earth a favor by buying an e-book, think back on how many pages of that e-book you’ve printed (perhaps even single-sided prints).
So, I offer two suggestions.
1. If you have books/CDs/DVDs you’re not using, give them away or sell them used on sites such as Amazon.com.
2. If you must add to your library, seek out a used (digital would be better) version of the product you want.
Remember, “reduce” and “reuse” come before “recycle.” So let’s do everything we can to pass on to others so that we can help reduce the impact on the earth.
The bonus: used items cost less so you’ll save money (I always like that part).
Kid’s Meal Investigation
You all will definitely want to check this story out.
Courtesy of MSN’s Green Living section and thedailygreen.com, they have put together a story on just how unhealthy kid’s meals at fast food places are (as if you didn’t know).
So, read the article and keep your money in your pocket and your health in check.
08.23.08
The Impact of Fast Food
There is no doubt that keeping out of fast food joints will help keep money in your pocket and help contain the environmental damage done to raise animals for mass consumption.
However, the fast food industry has its targets. One of those is the African-American community. The fact that it really isn’t a secret that they are trying to get us to eat “meat” that can/will eventually make us sick and obese is unacceptable and inexcusable. It’s not that I’m against making money, however, I do have morals and standards.
It is up to each one of us, as individuals and groups, to rise up and tell these corporate suits that we value our health and ourselves too much to allow earth-destroying, fat and sugar-laden foods ads to control where I eat.
PETA has been putting together campaigns with African-American celebrities such as Forest Whitaker and John Salley to inform people about what is really going on.
To check out the story and view the PSAs, click here. And while you’re on the computer, send off some emails to let these companies know what you think about what they’re doing to your communities.
Style Tip of the Week #1
If you’ve been looking for weekly dose of style to include in your life, look no further.
Each week I will provide a style tip for you. Some of these may be basic, but we can never underestimate the need to go back to basics; because some of you need it!
At the same time, we don’t want to be afraid to be individuals and wear something crazy one day. No worries, it’s allowed!
Now for this week’s tip.
This week, let’s cover a little bit about skin care. Make sure that your skin care regimen includes a cleanser, astringent, and moisturizer with UV protection. Be sure to pick a skin care line that is specific to your skin type and the season. Also, for your conscious, be sure to pick a line that does not test on animals. No bunnies need to suffer for our beauty.
You may want to pick up those easy, convenient cleansing cloths to use in the morning. The reason for this is because since you’ve already thoroughly cleansed your face in the evening, you need less cleansing in the morning, but don’t forget to use your moisturizer!
For a list of companies that do not test on animals, check out PETA’s Animal Care Club. They also publish an annual consumer shopping guide to shop compassionately.
08.19.08
Shop Now for the Fall
Please tell me you’ve been buying your fall clothes now, while they’re on sale!
For the uninitiated, the end of one clothing season means big savings on items for the next season.
So that means you want to shop for the fall during the summer (as in last week); winter during fall; spring during winter; and summer during spring.
Sometimes you can get clothing even earlier if you’re watching the inventory of your favorite store.
Make your plans now. Compile your list of must-haves along with the fall’s hottest colors, and give your wallet a workout.
Remember also that the Labor Day weekend is coming so that means more sales.
If you’re in the mood now, plenty of online retailers are having specials — some where you can get free shipping (my favorite bonus besides a discount). Start at Amazon.com and see what great deals you can find. (I’ve got my eye on a killer pair of Steve Madden shoes.)
