Should You Let Your Teen Become a Fashion Model?

Should You Let Your Teen Become a Fashion Model?

Are the parent of a teenager?  If you are, have you ever been asked by your teen to be a fashion model?  While a large number of teens who want to be fashion models are girls, there are some boys who also wish to do so.  Although your teen may wish to become a teen fashion model, the question is should you let them?

When it comes to determining whether or not you should let your teen be a teen fashion model, there are a number of important factors that you may want to take into consideration.  One of those factors is where they would model. Is your teen only interested in participating in local fashion shows, like ones that may be run by local fashion designers or local fashion store owners?  Or, are they interested in “making it big?”  These are important questions that you may want to get answers to because it may actually mean the difference between a yes and a no answer.

Another factor that you may want to take into consideration is jobs.  Was your teenager recently approach by a local fashion designer or fashion store owner?  Did they happen to see a local advertisement asking for teen models for an upcoming local fashion show?  If they did, your teen likely stands a better change of actually becoming a teen fashion model, even if it only is for a day or two.  Teens who aim high as fashion models likely have a lot of drive and ambition; unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to make it as a professional teen fashion model.  That is just something that you may want to keep in mind.

Another factor that you may want to take into consideration is the type of fashions that your teen would be modeling. This may be a little bit hard to determine if they haven’t yet lined up any appearances, but it still something that you will want to take into consideration. Teen fashions include a wide range of clothing pieces.  There are swimwear pieces that are often modeled, as well as summer clothes, and so forth.  If your teen is interested in participating in a local fashion show, will they screen or keep an eye on all viewers?  Unfortunately, with many local fashion shows, just about anyone can enter, including possible child predators.  Making money as a fashion model is a great way for you child to learn about jobs and money, but it is important that you also remember to keep their safety in mind as well.

As previously stated, if your teenager would like to become a teen model and if you are fine with them doing so, you may have better luck targeting local fashion shows.  With that in mind, however, if you would like to help your child “make it big,” there are a number of different steps that you can take.  Some of those steps may include getting professional photographs of them taken, as well as the hiring of an agent.  The only thing that you need to do is be careful with who you choose to work with.  With the recent interest in teen and child models, many parents are getting scammed by unsavory individuals.  Do the proper research first and you shouldn’t have any troubles trying to get your teen into modeling.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you may want to take into consideration, should your teenager ask about becoming a teen model. As previously mentioned, working as a teen model is a great way to prepare your child for working in the “real world,” but it is a decision that should be made by the whole family.

Home Decorating: Kitchen on a Budget

Decorating a home can be a trying thing to do with the best of budgets. The fact that you do not happen to have large lots of money lying around however should not prevent you from having a lovely kitchen to call your own. The kitchen is after all, the heart of any home and you want this room to be one that invites everyone to come, congregate, and pitch in (one can always dream right?). This is the reason that you want your kitchen to shine above all other rooms in your home though. The kitchen should radiate warmth and home to all who enter.

Truthfully speaking there are many things you can do in your kitchen that will greatly impact the overall look of your kitchen without changing anything structurally within your kitchen. If you have wallpaper, remove it and try paint. There are all kinds of great things you can do in the kitchen from plaster, which goes amazingly well in a kitchen, to faux finishes and textures, and glazes for added impact. The walls in the kitchen are your canvas and the world is at your disposal. Just remember to try to tie the walls into the floors and cabinets or at the very least to the floors and cabinets you hope to have in your kitchen someday.

In addition to painting the walls in your kitchen you may also want to consider painting, staining, or antiquing your cabinets. I know that some jaws just dropped to the keyboard. How dare I suggest such a thing as painting wooden cabinets? The answer is simple really. It is much cheaper than replacing them and much simpler than staining them. Really it boils down to a matter of choice. My first choice wouldn't be painting but then again, there are times when painting is a viable option. It will greatly change the overall appearance of the kitchen if nothing else.

Moving right along. Another great change that isn't terribly expensive to make in the kitchen is hardware. The simple act of changing the door handles and drawer pulls on your kitchen cabinet can result in an almost instant facelift. When these changes are combined with painted or stained cabinetry the effects are nothing short of stunning in many cases. It's the little things that often have the greatest impact so keep this in mind when planning your changes.

The floors of your kitchen are another rather inexpensive change that can be made despite preconceptions. Keep in mind that you do not have to go top of the line in order to enjoy huge changes in the appearance of your floors. There are laminate floors that are rather inexpensive to install as well as many forms of peel and stick tile that can bring about impressive results for very little effort and without professional skills. Any floors that you are capable of installing yourself will save a lot of money and can make a huge difference in the appearance and your enjoyment of your kitchen.

Perhaps the biggest coup of all when it comes to changing the appearance of your kitchen is the ability to apply stainless steel PVC contact paper to your kitchen appliances in order to give them the instant appearance of stainless steel. This is a very inexpensive method for updating the overall appearance of your kitchen in a matter of minutes and at a cost less than that of replacing one appliance. For your countertops an inexpensive and terribly disruptive alternative to replacing them all together is to apply peel and stick tile over your existing countertops.

As you can see there are many ways in which you can improve and enhance the warmth and coziness that you want your kitchen to convey without shattering the piggy bank in the process. More importantly, you should keep in mind that taking on one project at a time allows you to make the adjustments in your own time and as finances allow. 

Plus Size Fashion: Is There Really Such a Thing?

Plus Size Fashion:  Is There Really Such a Thing?

Are you considered to be a plus sized individual?  If you are, what do you wear for clothing?  If you are like many other plus sized individuals, you may respond with something off of a store rack.  While it is more than possible to shop at a department store or a traditional clothing store, do you know that there are stores designed just for plus sized women, as well as men?  There are and if you haven’t already, you may want to think about visiting one.

When it comes to shopping at or at least browsing at a plus sized clothing store, there are many men and women who wonder why they should bother, especially if their clothes are already bought from somewhere else. What you need to remember is that plus size clothing isn’t what it used to be in the past.  Due to an increase in the need for plus sized clothing and fashion accessories, there are now many fashion designers who are starting to focus on individuals out there who are just like you.

As previously mentioned, plus sized fashions aren’t necessarily what they used to be.  In fact, some would be hard pressed to refer to the old style of plus sized clothing as fashion.  The same cannot be said for today’s plus sized fashion clothing and accessories.  It is now possible to look and feel like a beautiful model, despite being a plus sized women or even a man.  There are a large number of plus size clothing pieces that are designed to make you look great for a day hanging out with your friends, a day at the gym, a day at work, or a night out on the town.  No matter what occasion you would like to dress for, you should be able to find beautiful pieces of plus sized fashions to get you there.

If you are interested in finding a plus size clothing store to shop at, you may want to consider visiting one of your local shopping malls or shopping plazas.  It is not uncommon to find a plus size clothing store located inside these shopping centers.  If you are looking for plus sized women’s clothing, you are more likely to find specialty stores than men are, as they tend to be more popular.  You may also be able to find other local plus size clothing stores to shop at by using your local phone book, online business directories, or recommendations from those that you know.

In addition to shopping at local plus size clothing stores, you may also want to examine the online retailers who run plus sized clothing stores online. What is nice about shopping online is that you are often given a larger selection of retailers and products to choose from. This means more clothing choices and clothing accessories for you.  It is also important to mention that shopping online allows you to do so anytime, day or night, from the comfort of your own home. You can easily find a number of online plus size clothing retailers by performing a standard internet search or by asking those that you know for recommendations.

As a reminder, it is more than possible to find plus sized fashion clothing pieces and accessories available for sale.  If you haven’t updated your wardrobe in some time, you way want to think about doing so.  You may actually be surprised with the plus sized fashions that you can find available for sale.

Home Decorating-Old World Style

The "Old World" Style of Decorating is one that brings all of the elements of nature into play. Metals, clay, stone, wood, and countless other elements combine to create an atmosphere that is as charming as it is ageless. This is what old-world means in a modern kitchen. Despite the idea that this would be an inexpensive method of decorating the truth is that this style of decorating for a kitchen, probably more so than any other room in the home, can add up fairly quickly. The good news is that the results are typically breath taking when all is said and done.

The kitchen of a home is often the family center. This is the room in which meals are prepared and sometimes eaten. It is also the room where families congregate and discuss plans for the evening and the events of the day. It is often the location in which homework is completed and heartaches are commiserated with pints of ice cream. Your kitchen is the one room in the home that will probably experience more emotional moments than any other room in your home. For this reason it makes perfect sense that it would be the most expensively and extensively decorated room within your home.

When beginning with the walls for an old-world kitchen you may want to consider plaster or some soft of faux finish that looks like plaster in order to give the walls of your kitchen a truly ancient appearance. Aged yellows and shades of gold are an excellent choice for these walls as it will blend nicely with the terra cotta and stone accents that should grace the remainder of the kitchen as well as the darkly stained woods. Of course the walls are just the beginning.

You will want to insure that the lighting doesn't go against the old world home decorating that you are incorporating by being too modern and bright in appearance. Wrought iron light fixtures and chandeliers as well as low light wall sconces work wonderfully in an old-world style kitchen. Keep in mind that many of the old style home decorating ideas can spill over into the rest of your home from your kitchen or can be used in order to set your kitchen apart as the warm center of your home. Either way a kitchen such as this will make a stunning impression.

Candles may also be used in order to enhance the old world appearance of your kitchen. Of course candles are a great touch in every room of the house as far as I am concerned. They can be used to create an atmosphere, set a mood, or simply as a method of adding a subtle hint of fragrance to the air. In addition to candles, grapes are another great addition to an old-world style kitchen. From wine to the simple pleasure of grapes straight off the vine these tasty fruits are almost a must in a kitchen of this nature. Wrought iron wine racks large and small are a common addition to most kitchens of this nature. These racks may be used to hold wine as intended or can be used for other creative purposes such as to hold kitchen towels or some other creative means for those who do not drink wine.

Pottery and terra cotta are also welcome additions in this type of kitchen. They, much like the plaster, the colors, the wood, and the stone add another degree of warmth to a room that simply exudes warmth and charm to all who enter. Use pottery to hold commonly used utensils, straws, toothpicks, fruits, and vegetables that do not require refrigeration. Use platters as art and terra cotta planters to hold herbs that are growing along the windowsill. In other words, let your imagination soar when creating the old-world atmosphere in your kitchen. You just might be surprised at where it takes you.

Online Fashion Games: What They Are How to Find Them?

Online Fashion Games:  What They Are How to Find Them?

Have you ever heard of online fashion games before?  If you haven’t or even if you have, but you have yet to play one online, you may want to think about doing so.  Fashion games come in all different sizes, shapes, and styles and they are actually designed for more than just entertainment.

As previously mentioned, online fashion games come in a number of different formats. For instance, you can find fun fashion games that are designed for children and teenagers, but did you also know that there are fun, yet educational online fashion games out there for adults? There are and those are the types of online fashion games that you may want to focus the most on because in addition to being fun, they can also help you improve your fashion sense.

Although different online fashion games are played different ways, you will likely be able to come across an online fashion game that allows you to create an onscreen character for yourself. That character is often given the same body type as you or as you created it to be.  A large number of online fashion websites allow you to “try on,” certain types of clothing to see what works best for you and your body frame.  This is a great way to try out new fashion trends without actually having to visit a clothing store.  In addition to traditional clothing, you may also find that you are given the option to add clothing accessories, like jewelry and handbags, to the picture.

Playing an online fashion game that allows you to test out new fashions on an online character that resembles you and your body frame is a great way to learn more about fashions for your own personal body.  However, that is not the only type of online fashion game that you can find to play online. There are also online fashion trivia games that can test your knowledge about fashion, namely what is popular and what is not.  Essentially, no matter what type of online fashion game you are looking for, you should be able to find a number of them to play.

Speaking of finding online fashion games, you have a number of different options.  One of those options involves visiting the online websites of well-known fashion magazines or even just websites that offer free fashion tips.  It is not uncommon for a fashion focused website to have online fashion games on it.  If the online fashion website in question does not have their own online fashion games, there is a good chance that they would try to link to other websites that do.

Perhaps, the easiest way to go about finding online fashion games is by performing a standard internet search.  A standard internet search is a great way to find online fashion games, as it relatively easy to do. When performing your standard internet search, you may want to think about searching with phrases like “online fashion games,” or “free online fashion games.”  If you are looking for a particular type of online fashion game, like a trivia game or one that is designed for teenagers, you may want to think about incorporating that into your standard internet search.

In your search for online fashion games, there is a good chance that you will come across some games that require the paying of a small fee.  Just so you know, the decision as to whether or not you want to pay to play an online fashion game is yours to make, but you should be able to find a number of fun, exciting, and free online fashion games.

Home Decorating With a Moroccan Theme

A Moroccan theme is a beautiful addition to almost any home decorating plan. With the beautiful colors, rich textures, and lush fabrics there is no doubt as to the reason that this style of decorating is becoming so popular around the world. These are some of the most beautiful and in some ways the most exotic styles of decorating that you will find around the world.

The Moroccan style is quite lovely and includes many bold colors and textures to keep not only your eyes occupied but also your other senses as well. The good news is that it is bold enough that it is still relatively new as far as decorating styles within the US goes. This means that you aren't likely to have the identical interior décor of your neighbor, friends, or cousin down the way. Even if they adore what you have done and want to imitate it within their own homes, chances are they will not choose the exact designs, patterns, colors, and textures that you have chosen since there are so many fabulous things from which to choose.

Mosaics are perhaps my favorite touch from this part of the world. They are beautiful and very versatile. They can be used for almost anything. I have seen stunning tables, trays, light fixtures, candle holders, wall sconces, and wall art that was made from mosaic tiles. In fact, this style of artwork (or whatever you might wish to call it) is growing in popularity in the states exponentially in recent years. People are often trying to imitate the style or at the very least purchasing products that incorporate the style.

Fabrics used in Moroccan design and home décor are among some of the most stunningly beautiful fabrics you will find in the world. In fact, many people decide on this sort of theme for the fabric alone and even many who have passed on a Moroccan theme for their homes have still managed to squirrel away some of the fabric in order to create beautiful pillows and curtains. The fabrics are worth taking a look even if you aren't seriously considering incorporating this style of design into your home decorating plans.

The furniture when selecting this style of design for your home is very ornate and beautiful. Moroccan craftsmanship is not to be under stated, as it is very lovely. Now for some, the furnishings are a little much but the other touches of Moroccan décor are perfectly inline with personal preferences. If you are one who feels this way it is not an uncommon feeling. While the work is beautiful it can definitely be overwhelming. However, there is nothing wrong with taking the design aspects you like from the Moroccan style of home décor and not borrowing those you aren't perfectly delighted with.

One thing that very few people complain about however is the rugs. Persian rugs are by no means inexpensive but they are most definitely worth every penny paid for them when they are made well. These are some of the most highly prized and sought after rugs around the world not only for the richness of their colors but also for the intricateness of their design.

Be sure to consider the value that a Moroccan decorating style could add to your enjoyment of your home. While it isn't for everyone as a whole, there may be bits and pieces that are absolutely perfect for you.

How You Can Find Free Fashion Tips Online

How You Can Find Free Fashion Tips Online

Are you interested in improving your fashion sense?  If you are, you are definitely not alone.  In fact, that is why a large number of individuals end up spending hundreds of dollars a year, if not more, on fashion magazines. Although fashion magazines are a great way to familiarize yourself with the latest fashions, as well as get some great fashion tips and advice, did you know that you can also use the internet?  If you haven’t yet tried, you may want to think about using the internet to find free fashion tips online.

When it comes to finding free fashion tips online, you may be wondering how you can go about doing so. In all honesty, there are an unlimited number of different ways that you can go about finding free fashion tips online.  One of those ways is by visiting the online websites of popular, well-known fashion magazines.  Many popular fashion magazines, like Vogue and Glamour, have online websites.  These online websites are often filled with free fashion tips, advice, and information on the latest fashion trends.  In fact, you often get access to a few of the articles that are found in the printed magazine version. The online website of a fashion magazine is often the magazine’s name and then .com, but you can also find the online website by performing a standard internet search.

Speaking of performing a standard internet search, you can also perform a standard internet search to find online fashion magazines.  Online fashion magazines are often like the popular printed magazines, but the format is online only.  One of the best ways to go about finding an online fashion magazine is by performing a standard internet search. You may want to think about searching with phrase like “online fashion magazine,” or “online fashion magazines.”  It is not uncommon to find online fashion magazines that want you to pay a small fee, but it is more than possible for you to actually find a number of free online fashion magazines.  If you don’t mind reading articles or viewing fashion pictures online, online fashion magazines are a nice, cheap way for you to improve your fashion sense.

Another way that you can get free fashion tips online also involves performing a standard internet search.  Instead of searching for online fashion magazines, you will want to search for online websites. There are a large number of online websites that are designed to provide you with free fashion tips. These websites may not always be updated on a regular basis, but they are often a nice, free way to learn about the latest in the fashion world.  In fact, you will also find that a large number of online fashion websites have online message boards or online message forums.  These are little communities where you can interact and talk about fashion with other internet users.  Online message boards and forums make learning about fashion not only free, but also fun and exciting.

As a reminder, you can buy printed fashion magazines if you wish to do so, but you may want to think about getting information on the fashion industry, as well as fashion tips and advice online, as it is free to do.  It is also important to mention the information that you will find; you are more likely to find more fashion tips online than you are in a printed magazine that can cost you around five dollars an issue.

Home Decorating With a Nautical Theme

For those who love the sea and everything it represents there is no better theme to bring into their home decorating plans than a nautical theme. The theme itself is perfectly lovely and suitable for homes and homeowners that are not so in love with the mystery and romance of the deep blue sea. For those who do love the idea of sailing off into the sunset however, this is an excellent choice for home decorating.

There are many ways that a creative mind can incorporate a nautical theme into the home decorating plans. One of these ways is by using darkly stained wainscoting for the lower half of your walls along with a chair rail in order to imitate the wooden interior of finer sailing vessels. This imitates the interior of a sailboat and some powerboats. This is an impressive addition in most homes and quite ambitious in some as it is not the least expensive method of decorating. The effects however are stunning when used for this purpose.

Another great idea is to use a marine shade of blue for curtains and window coverings and have them made of the same type of materials that sail covers are made of on a sailboat. If you are truly ambitious you could elect to paint the walls in this marine shade of blue and select another color for the curtains or wooden blinds instead. However, white walls are perfectly acceptable when it comes to creating the look and feel of the interior of a boat.

Rope is another great tool to use in order to make the nautical theme a bit more authentic. You can twine rope around picture frames, candleholders, and all manner of other things in order to incorporate the rope into the room without having it look out of place. If you are truly ambitious you could even string a hammock in some forgotten corner of the room in order to hold coats in the wintertime or merely to authenticate the theme to some degree.

Portals, clocks, barometers, and such make excellent art in a nautical themed room. Other great additions would include items such as seashells, sand dollars, model boats, and artwork depicting the sea. For many, this is where we feel most at home, we derive our inspiration, and we literally feel as though we can truly commune with Mother Nature.

No nautical themed room or home is complete without a lighthouse to guide weary sailors home at the end of a long journey. Do not neglect an important feature such as this in your nautical themed home decorating ventures and purchases. If you are lost as to how to subtly incorporate this into your room you may want to look up a talented artist by the name of Thomas Kincaid. He is known as the painter of light and has managed to capture the essence of lighthouses in a manner that no other artist has been able to duplicate. One of his paintings would make an excellent addition to your nautical theme.

A nautical theme for home decorating is a great way to go for many families and for many reasons. All in all it isn't the most expensive of decorative themes though it isn't by any means the least expensive either. The good news is that there are very few absolutely right or wrong ways in which to achieve the look and atmosphere you are hoping to achieve.

Fashion Careers You May Be Interested In

Fashion Careers You May Be Interested In

Do you have a love for fashion?  Whether you make your own clothes or fashion accessories or if you regularly find yourself giving fashion advice to those that you know, have you ever thought about a career in fashion?  If you haven’t, you may want to take the time to do so.  Despite the common myth that a career in fashion is one that is difficult to obtain, it is more than possible with the right amount of willpower and the need to succeed.

When it comes to having a career in fashion, many individuals wonder exactly what they can do. The good thing about fashion is that there are a number of fashion focused jobs and careers out there. Some of these jobs involve working for someone else, like another company, but there are also opportunities out there where you can start your own business and be your own boss.  If you would like to know more about some of the many careers in fashion that you may be able to have, you will want to read on.

One of the most popular and sought after careers in fashion is that of a fashion designer.  Fashion designers are individuals who design clothing and fashion accessories, like jewelry or handbags.  Many fashion designers start out small by making clothes and fashion accessories for themselves and their friends, but many later decide to start selling their own fashions. What is nice about being a fashion designer is that you can continue to make your own clothes or you can hire a manufacturer to do it for you.  You may also want to think about selling your own clothes either locally or online.

Speaking of selling the clothes or fashion accessories that you may have designed, that leads to another fashion career.  One other fashion career that you may be interested in is being the owner and operator of a fashion store.  Fashion stores come in all different size, shapes, and styles. There are some fashion stores that focus on a particular type of clothing, like elegant eveningwear, and others who offer all different types of fashions for all different individuals, like men, women, and children.  You also have the option of selling your own designs, if you are fashion designer, or buying other designer’s products to sell inside your stores, whether they are online stores, offline stores, or both.

Another fashion career that may be of interest to you is a fashion consultant.  Fashion consultants are individuals who advise or consult with their customers on the latest in fashion trends. The clients of fashion consultants are often ones who are unsure about what to wear for a new job, a job interview, an elegant dinner, a wedding, or another important event.  If you have a love for fashion, enjoy keeping up with the latest in fashion news and trends, and enjoy giving fashion advice to those that you know, you may want to look into a career as a fashion consultant.

Another one of the many careers in fashion that you may want to look into is one that is relatively unique.  Each year, thousands of fashions shows take place in the United States. While a select few of those shows are able to make it on the national news, not all are that popular.  Did you know that many local stores and fashion designers have their own local fashions shows?  They do, but many do not realize that they can or have the time to plan a fashion show and this is where you can come in.  You can make money as a fashion show organizer. Fashion show organizers often target local fashion stores and fashion designers to explain the many benefits of having a fashion show to them.  As a fashion show designer, you may be in charge of making the show run well. This often includes booking the fashion show space, designing the stage, hiring the models, and so forth.

As you can see, there are a number of different fashion focused careers or jobs out there for you to choose from. What is even more amazing is that the above mentioned fashion focused careers are just a few of the many that exist.

Home Decorating with Baskets

There are very few things you can add to your home décor that will have quite the versatility of baskets. Baskets are not only decorative touches, they also blend well with almost any décor and in most cases are quite willing to suit dual purposes as both decoration and much needed storage.

Below you will find some clever ways to use baskets. Enjoy!

1) Mail sorter. Try hanging a row of baskets near your entryway. As you are walking into your home while sorting the mail slip the appropriate piece of mail into the corresponding basket. Have one basket for each family member and drop the junk mail into the wastebasket you've placed just below the row of baskets on your wall. This way everyone has easy access to his or her mail and junk mail is handled as well.
2) Kitchen organizer. There are many jobs in the kitchen that baskets pull off beautifully. One such job is that of napkin holder. There are actually baskets by a famous brand that are the absolute perfect size for holding napkins for the dinner table. Additionally taller baskets make excellent holders for kitchen utensils that need to be within easy reach of the stove. There are even small baskets that make excellent holders for small jars of frequently used seasonings such as salt and pepper. Keep your eyes open the next time you're in the kitchen and consider all the great ways baskets could help out.
3) Knitting supplies. Larger baskets are excellent tools for taming the beast that can easily become your supply of knitting tools and notions. Limit your collection to one large basket and eliminate the things that will not fit. This keeps you on top of your knitting supplies while keeping them out of site and protected from dirty baby paws.
4) Umbrella holder. This is an excellent use for a basket if you have one of the proper size. Place it on the floor next to your coat rack or closet or in your entryway and you will always have ready access to your umbrellas when bad weather comes your way.
5) Magazine holder. This is one very common use for baskets but one that should very well be mentioned.
6) Toy box. This is perhaps a favorite among parents who are fortunate enough to have an extra empty basket at any given time. Anytime unexpected company shows up this is an excellent tool for quickly gathering all stray toys and getting them out of sight.
7) Office supplies. There are many baskets that make excellent organizers and holders for office supplies. From pen and pencil holders to those that are ideal for paper clips, sticky notes, and liquid paper there are many baskets that are almost ideal for a home office.
8) Laundry hamper. This is yet another great use for a basket. They are able to breathe by the very nature of their design so that if for some reason a wet wash clothe or damp towel gets thrown in it doesn't necessarily spell ruin for the whole batch of laundry.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the virtues of baskets but a good place to start the next time you are having an internal debate about whether or not to invest the money in a good quality basket for your home decorating needs.

Fashion Accessories: What They Include

Fashion Accessories:  What They Include

Are you interested in updating your appearance, at least in terms of your fashion?  If you are, you may not only want to examine the latest in fashion trends, as far as clothing, but you may also want to examine the latest trends in fashion accessories  Fashion accessories are rapidly increasing in popularity, although many still do not know exactly what they are.

When it comes to fashion accessories, you will find that a number of different products are included. Fashion accessories, like fashion clothing pieces, come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. There are fashion accessories that are designed for children, teens, men, women, petite sized, and plus sized individuals.  A few of the many fashion pieces that you may want to examine at one of you local fashion stores or online are outlined below.

One of the most well known fashion accessory types is that of jewelry.  As it was previously mentioned, fashion accessories are designed for all different types of individuals, regardless of age or gender.  For teenagers and children, fashion jewelry pieces that are popular often include colorful pieces, as well as charm necklaces or charm bracelets. In terms of men, a popular piece of jewelry often includes large pendant necklaces, many of which display a cross or another popular or meaningful symbol. As for women, popular pieces of fashion jewelry include earnings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, and so forth.

Another type of fashion accessory that you may be interested in owning is a purse or a handbag.  Teens and women most commonly own purses and handbags.  A purse is often used to describe a bag that is smaller or compact in size and handbags are often a little bit larger.  Handbags and purses come in a number of different styles; therefore, it is common for many women and teens to own more than one purse or handbag.  In fact, many individuals out there like to match their fashion accessories, including their purses and handbags, with the clothing that they wear.

In conjunction with handbags and purses, travel bags are often considered a fashion accessory.  Travel bags are similar to purses and handbags, but you will find that they are often designed for both women and for men.  A travel bag may include a small bag that can be used as a carryon bag for an airplane ride, a diaper bag, as well as a laptop carrying case and so forth.

Shoes are also considered a fashion accessory, although many do not necessarily consider them to be.  Most often, women’s shoes are associated as fashion accessories, as opposed to men’s shoes.  One of the reasons for that is due the large selection of women’s shoe types that you can find available for sale. For instance, it is more than possible to find athletic shoes, casual sandals, elegant sandals, flat dress shoes, high-heeled shoes, and so forth. As with handbags and purses, many women own multiple pairs of shoes and many try to coordinate their shoes, especially for work, with the rest of their ensemble.

Another one of the many different types of fashion accessories available for purchase are that of belts.  For many men and boys, belts are not necessarily considered a fashion accessory, as much as they are a way to hold pants up; however, the same doesn’t really ring true for women. Women’s belts come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. That is one of the reasons why women’s belts and belts that may be designed for children and for teens are often referred to as fashion accessories. There are belts out there that are designed for wearing with a casual pair of jeans, as well as a pair of traditional kaki pants for work.

Belts, handbags, purses, travel bags, jewelry, and shoes are just a few of the many fashion accessories that you may be able to find for sale at one of our local fashion stores or even online.  As a reminder, fashion accessories are a great way to spice up any wardrobe, especially one that could use an updating.

Home Decorating with Native American Touches

There really is no style of home decorating that can be identified as decidedly Native American. There are however touches that can be added to almost any style of décor. The trick is always a matter of incorporating these things without making them seem out of place. Of all the design styles that exist, and of course depending on the tribe in question, the southwestern style of home decorating and design would actually make a good match for many Native American artifacts, touches, and artwork.

Pottery is central to a Native American theme. Different tribes had different styles of creating pottery. If you have a favorite tribe or a favorite style of pottery you may want to build the remainder of the room or design area around the pottery you love as it is quite personal to many people and not all styles of pottery will match all other styles of weaving, carving, basket making, or artwork. Pottery is very useful in a kitchen if you plan to use some of it in this room. Not only can most pottery be baked when cooking but it also works wonders for storing things like utensils that you would like to have in reach, strays, napkins, and any other things you can think to store within the pottery you have available. If you are going to pay for it you may as well put it to good use.

Speaking of artwork. There are some beautiful Native American prints as well as some 'sand art' that is a must have for a room that is trying to capture the spirit of the Native American or at least a specific tribe and incorporate that spirit into their homes. I think this is a beautiful idea for those who wish to pay their respects to those who are ancestors to many of us. Not that the pottery mentioned above isn't art work in and of itself but the addition of art that can be placed on the wall is a welcome addition in many homes.

Keep in mind also that many Native Americans played the flute. Some people display a collection of Native American flutes next to their prized pieces of art. There really is no wrong way to go about home decorating when it is your own home that is being decorated. Select the things you like, omit the things you do not like. You do not even have to be loyal to one tripe, design, style, or region when decorating your home. Some people have happy little collections that are filled with all kinds of odds and ends pieces from a wide variety of artistic styles along the way.

For those who are hoping to stick with a somewhat Native American theme baskets are once again a good selection to add to the collection. Baskets are not only lovely but also incredibly useful for holding blankets, throws, rugs, pillows, knitting supplies, magazines, and anything else you do not wish to have cluttering the living spaces of your home. They are even quite good about hiding remote controls for the electronic equipment when you place them cleverly throughout the room.

The best suggestion for those who wish to honor their Native American neighbors and ancestors by incorporating the artwork and designs into their home decorating plans is not to spend too much time planning. The Native Americans appreciated nature and allowing many things to happen naturally. Use this opportunity to learn this very important lesson while incorporating other great things you appreciate about them into your home.

Dealing with Your Teenager and the Latest Fashion Trends

Dealing with Your Teenager and the Latest Fashion Trends

Are you the parent of a teenager?  If you are, you likely already know that many teens want to look their best, at least fashion wise. For that reason, many teens keep up on the latest fashion tends and use them. While this is okay in some aspects, it can result in your teenager wearing baggy pants showing their boxers or revealing shirts that show off too much cleavage.  While these do seem to be popular fashion trends, do you really want your child displaying them?  If not, you may be wondering what you should do.

When it comes to your teenager and fashion trends that you may not necessarily approve of, your first thought may be to lay down the law.  As a parent, this is your right to do, but did you know that you may actually end up causing more damage?  Do you remember what it was like being a teenager?  If you were like most teenagers, there was a good chance that the last thing you wanted was to be told how to dress by your parents and the same is likely so for your own teen. That is why you may want to think about taking a different approach.

One of the many instances where you should speak to your child about their fashions is if it may end up causing them some harm. As previously mentioned, many of the latest fashion trends for women and for girls are low cut shirts and low rise pants.  This often ends up leaving a good portion of the body exposed.  In today’s society, you always need to be on the lookout for sexual predators. While your teenager may not necessarily be interested in someone, someone may actually end up getting that type feeling from them.  This could put your teenager in a weird and possibly dangerous situation.  If that is the case, you may want to take the time to explain that, as it may sink in better than if you were just to say “change your clothes; you can’t wear that.”

It is also important that both you and your teenager remember that fashion trends regularly change.  It is not uncommon for a fashion trend to only last a few months.  If you are not happy with the current fashion trends, but your teenagers are, you may want to encourage them to explore other options. There are a number of fashion magazines and online fashion websites that have a large number of fashion trends and information on those trends.  Not all fashion trends require the wearing of “skimpy,” clothing. For that reason, you may want to explore other options.  If your teenager is a girl, it could actually turn into a neat mother daughter bonding experience between the two of you.

Something else that you may not necessarily think about, but should, is if your child goes to high school.  Many high schools have dress codes and these dress codes often prohibit the wearing of revealing clothing.  While not all schools actively enforce their dress codes, many out there do.  Like with being told not wear certain clothes by their parents, many teenagers may feel angered being told by school officials.  For that reason, you may want to take action before anything serious happens that could seriously jeopardize your child and their school records.  It is not uncommon to hear of instances where children are suspended from school due to not following the school’s dress code.

In short, teenagers and fashion are something that just seems to click together. While it is important for your teenager to fit in with others and be popular at school, they do not necessarily have to be wearing the “hottest,” clothes or fashion accessories to do so.  They may not necessarily understand it at the time, but as a parent it is your job to help them and keep them safe.

Home Decorating With Southwestern Flair

There is something to be said about a southwestern styled home decorating plan. It is undeniably beautiful and in incredibly elegant when done with an eye for the real beauty of this style of architecture and design. More importantly, in the right home, this style of décor can be nothing short of fun. From geckos to cowboys, and cacti to anything in between there are plenty of options from which to choose when it comes to southwestern design.

The southwestern design and décor style is more than one thing. It is more like a lifestyle-much like the Creole home decorating style. There are many things that make the southwest such a wonderful place to live and visit. It makes perfect sense that many would want to bring these things into their homes in order to experience them day after day, even when the southwest seems so very far away. In fact, even those who have never seen or experienced the southwestern states of the US for themselves have found the style of architecture and décor to be enchanting enough to want to incorporate it into their homes.

For those who are unfamiliar with home decorating in a southwestern style this is a style that makes copious use of the elements when decorating. Metal, clay, water, plants, and animals are essential to this style of décor. Colors are also important to this style of décor. The colors required to pull this look off are going to be decidedly sun baked and not bright and bold as other design styles call for. Pottery is also a very important design style of this type of décor. Have fun and be imaginative. Incorporate wall art into the room, some properly colorful throw rugs, and some clever baskets and pottery for storage and effect and before you know it you will have a beautiful room in the grand southwestern style.

Don't make it too neat but at the same time do not allow clutter to get a grip either. Decorate with living in mind and create a room that provides a few hiding places for those stray items when company pops in unexpectedly while you are at it. Pottery and baskets provide the perfect opportunity for this. Just make sure that you do put the items where they belong afterwards or you are going to find your pottery overflowing.

One thing to keep in mind about the southwest is that it holds its ties to the old west rather closely. This means that you are quite likely to find a cowboy or two sitting right next to an old Indian or riding on the back of coyote. There are no hard and fast rules in the old west or the modern southwest other than he who has the quickest draw makes the rules. Enjoy the process of decorating in this grand style and you will have won half the battle. More importantly however, do not over think it. If it looks too contrived the look will simply fall flat. Pile blankets and rugs in the corner on top of the baskets in order to create height as well as easy access to those items when the temperatures suddenly dive at night-this is the desert right? Or at least that's the atmosphere you are going for. If you are really adventurous hang a lasso over the door somewhere for real southwestern effect.

Attending an 80s Party: How You Can Familiarize Yourself with 80s Fashions

Attending an 80s Party:  How You Can Familiarize Yourself with 80s Fashions

Do you remember the 80s?  Whether you were an adult or a teenager, there is a good chance that you do. While you may have fond memories of raising a family or being a fun loving kid, one thing that many seem to remember is the fashion trends of the 80s.  Popular 80s fashion trends often included large scrunched up socks, rolled up jeans, pony tails off to the side, and bright colored clothing, often neon.  The fashions of the 80s is one that often brings back smiles and memories for some. That is actually one the reasons why many individuals throw themed 80s parties.

If you ever find yourself invited to a themed 80s fashion party, you may end up wondering what you can wear.  Even if you can remember some of the many 80s fashion trends, you may want still want to think about doing a little bit of research before deciding on your 80s fashion wardrobe for your party. When it comes to 80s fashions, there are many individuals who seem to remember the same thing. While this is okay, a little bit of 80s fashion research and you could be more than just an average partygoer; you could be one that stands out or is complimented for your wardrobe choice.

If you are interested in familiarizing yourself with 80s fashion trends of the past, you will find that you have a number of different options.  One of those options involves using the internet. What is nice about using the internet is that you can find just about anything that you are looking for online, including information on popular 80s fashion trends.  In addition to traditional websites that may provide you with free information online, you may also be able to find older versions or scans of old 80s fashion magazines online. The internet is a nice and easy way to familiarize yourself with 80s fashion trends. You can get started by performing a standard internet search.

Whether you were a child or an adult during the 80s there is a good chance that you may have photographs of yourself, your family, or your friends.  If you are able to find those photographs, if they do exist, you may want to take a look at them. In addition to getting a nice walk down memory lane, you can also familiarize yourself with some of the popular 80s fashion trends.  When doing so, you may want to think about grabbing a friend, family member, or an old acquaintance, as it is often fun to reminisce.

Another fun way that you can go about researching 80s fashion trends is by turning on your television.  On television, even today, you can find a number of shows that aired in the 80s.  What is nice about these shows is that they are set in the time.  Watching 80s television shows will likely not only bring back memories of your childhood or your young adult days, but it may also help you familiarize yourself with 80s fashion trends; trends that you may want to incorporate into your next 80s party outfit.  You may also want to think about heading down to your local video store to rent an 80s movie.

Of course, the decision as to what you want to wear or even if you want to do any research for an 80s themed party is yours to make, but you may want to think about doing so. As previously mentioned, researching 80s fashions is likely to be fun, exciting and bring back a lot of memories.

Can You Make Money as a Fashion Designer?

Do you have a love for fashion?  If that love includes designing your own clothes or fashion accessories, like handbags, have you ever thought about making a living as a fashion designer?  When it comes to being a fashion designer, many individuals feel that it is a dream of theirs that just isn’t destined to become a reality. While this is sometimes the case, it doesn’t always have to be.  With the right willpower and the need to succeed, you can easily make money as a fashion designer.

When it comes to making money as a fashion designer, many individuals believe that they can only be successful if they see their designs on the runways in New York or Paris.  While this would definitely help, you don’t have to be a famous, well-known fashion designer to make money as one.  Did you know that you can make money as a fashion designer making your own clothes right from your own living room or home office?  You can and if you would like to know more on how you can go about doing so, you will want to read on.

As you likely already know, many fashion designers start out with simple drawings on paper.  Many have the dream of turning their drawings into real pieces of clothing or fashion accessories; therefore, many do so.  What is nice about making a living as a fashion designer is that you have a number of different options. For instance, if you were just starting out small, to see how your designs would sell, you can not only be the designer, but the maker as well.  If you would like to hire assistance, either right away or after your business took off, you could do as well.

If you are interested in starting your own fashion design business, you will want to think about having your own online website. In fact, many fashion designers sell their products exclusively on their own online websites, not in some big fancy fashion store.  Of course, if your fashions take off, you could later choose to do so if you want.  If you also want to sell your own fashions locally, you may want to think about renting some business space.  If you carefully choose your space, you cannot only have a sales floor, but you may also be able to have a warehouse where you can make and store your fashions.  This ideal if you are interested in running both an online fashion store and a storefront one.

If you have been interested in being a fashion designer for a while now, there is a good chance that already have some of the many supplies needed.  For instance, you probably already have a large selection of drawing materials, a sewing machine, and likely even a collection of fabrics.  If that is the case, you will find that the startup costs associated with getting your fashion design business up and running are minimal.  For many, it is the cost of starting a business that poses the biggest problem, but it may not necessarily be a problem for you.

Of course, when it comes to running a business, even just a small one, you need to remember to abide by all local, state, and federal laws.  For more information on running a small business, like a fashion design business, out of your home, you may want to think about speaking with your local government officials.  If they cannot assist you, they should be able to point you in the direction of someone who can.

Can You Make Money as a Fashion Consultant?

Can You Make Money as a Fashion Consultant?

Do you regularly find yourself reading up on the latest fashion trends? What about fashion advice, do you like to give it to those that you know? If you do, did you know that you may be able to make a living as a fashion consultant?  You can and if you would like more information on how you can go about doing so, you will want to continue reading on.

Before you automatically decide that you would like to become a fashion consultant, you may want to take the time to examine exactly what one is and what one does.  In case you decide to further research making money as a fashion consultant, you may want to know that a fashion consultant is also commonly referred to as an image consultant and visa versa.  While different fashion consultants operate their businesses in different ways, many focus only on clothing and clothing accessories.  Those who are having a difficult time trying to pick out an outfit for a special event or a new job, often turn to a fashion consultant for professional advice.

One mistake that many individuals make when wondering if they can make money as a fashion consultant is by thinking that it is too difficult.  Yes, you may not be able to predict what the next new fashion trend will be, but you can help those who are interested in improving their fashion sense now.  You can easily do this because you should have a number of resources at your fingertips. For instance, you could regularly read popular and well-known fashion magazines, read online fashion magazines, watch fashion shows online, or you can even attend live fashion shows. There are actually a number of different ways that you can stay up-to-date with the latest in the fashion industry.

One of the most commonly asked questions by those who are looking to make money as a fashion consultant is how to get clients. When it comes to getting clients, fashion consultants use a number of different marketing approaches. There are many who choose to advertise their fashion consultation business in their local newspapers.  You may also want to think about having your own online website.  When having an online website, you will want to outline a few popular fashion tips or fashion trends, to show that you do have a little bit of fashion knowledge.  You may also want to outline the types of fashions that you specialize in, if you wish to do so. For instance, if you wanted to focus on workplace fashions, you will want to outline that important fact.

Speaking of workplace fashions, if you want to focus mostly on workplace fashions, you have a certain group of individuals that you want to target. This group of individuals is what is known as your targeted market. All fashion groups, including gothic fashions, 80s fashions, and 90s fashions have a targeted market.  In keeping with workplace fashions, you may want to think about buying advertising space on a career searching website or another career focused website.  Those who are looking for jobs are likely to need or want assistance with picking out a new wardrobe.  Specifically targeting those who are likely to be your customers, is a surefire way to make your business a success.

While many professional fashion consultants have success running a local business, you may also want to think about running an online fashion consulting business as well.  While it may be a little bit difficult to do, it is more than possible. Expanding your business to cater to online customers is another one of the many ways that you can go about improving your customer count and your profits.  By having a photograph emailed to you, as well as other important information, you can easily consult with a number of clients through email or over-the-phone.

As you can see, there is quite a bit of work that goes into being a successful fashion consultant, but the same can be said for any other career.  If you truly have a love for fashion, you may want to think about starting your own fashion consulting business. With low startup costs, why not at least give it a try?

Home Decorating with Textured Paint

Textured paint and faux finishes have become more popular in recent years than at any other point in history. One reason for this is because so many home improvement stores are offering classes for those who are willing to pay the price for the paint so that the average Joe or Jane can recreate these fabulous finishes on their own walls as well. The fact is it is truly amazing what works of art can be created with the clever and creative use of textured paint.

Faux finishes can be used to create the illusion of anything from plaster or brick to leather and a few amazing things in between. Those who are skilled at applying faux finishes are in great demand for their artistic talents though most home owners can do a passable job if they are willing to take the time required to properly learn the technique. Even wood grains can be imitated through the use of a talented faux finisher and paint.

Using textured paints and faux finishes can be done in almost any room in the house though they seem to be most common in living rooms and kitchens as a major design feature. There are some ambitious homeowners who have decided to take this style of painting into every room of the home. While it may seem a good idea in theory there are some drawbacks to this as well.

First of all, textured paints and faux finishes are very time consuming. If you are hiring a professional to do the work their time is a lot of your money and this is something that really needs to be considered. Is the amount of time really worth the reward of the finished project as far as you, as the homeowner, are concerned? Most people find that it isn't worth all that much money and time but others really appreciate the look and feel that it is vital to their enjoyment of their homes. Whichever category you fall into it is important that you realize that this could become a costly proposition.

Another thing to consider is that many who manage to bring a texture or faux finish of some sort into every room of their homes often decide after a little while to remove some of their hard work. The reason for this is that in small doses faux finishes and textured paints are novel and spectacular. In large doses they can be more than slightly overwhelming and, more importantly, unimpressive. There is something to be said about the fact that sometimes less is more.

This doesn't mean that some homes do not wear faux finishes beautifully in almost every nook and cranny. Some homes are simply meant to be decorated from one end of home to the other end. These homes are simply lovely no matter how many new finishes are added to the walls, furniture, fireplace mantles, and bathroom cabinets. There never seems to be too much in these homes. There are some homes however that beg for moderation when it comes to designs such as this. Listen to your home when decorating and you should have a much better decorating experience overall without overwhelming either your home or your guests.

If faux finishes and/or textured painting is something you would like to incorporate into your home decorating plans you should be delighted to discover that there are many, many resources both online and offline that can assist you with your goals. The first and best choice is to check with local hardware and home improvement stores in order to see if they are offering any free workshops on faux finishes or textured painting in your area. If they are then you are set. However, if they are not your local library may prove to be a valuable source for videos, magazines, and books that offer step-by-step instructions. The Internet is also an excellent source. Do not forget the value of spaces such as YouTube and Google Video as they may have some actual demonstrations or how to videos to help as well.