Thrift Stores: Places to Save

The economy is a wreck right now, but your local thrift store is there to help you get out of your financial rut. Shopping at these stores is a viable alternative to having to pay retail prices at other mainstream stores, so be sure to check you local community for these types of second-hand shops – they’ll get you back on budget! Now there are some people who think that only less fortunate people are the ones who shop at thrift stores, but this is very much not the case. I’ve been shopping at these places for years and years, and I’ve seen just as many richer people as poorer ones – it’s just all about being smart, and one way to keep your money, no matter how much you have, is to not spend it in the first place.

There are many international thrift store chains, like Goodwill and Buffalo Exchange, as well as many individual small shops, but they all serve the same purpose, to get you quality items at the lowest possible prices. Look through your phone book and research online to find the ones that are closest to you, and also pay attention if they have anything particularly that they specialize in, which brings a specific type of attention. So what do you typically find at these places? Clothing is a major part of them generally, but you can also find things like furniture, music equipment, kitchen supplies, books, sports equipment, and all sorts of entertainment devices. Because of the thrifty nature of the stores, they are most often used and second hand, but there are plenty of instances where you can find brand new items for close to nothing!

After your initial trip to a thrift store, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been shopping at places like that you’re entire life. Items are sold for pennies on the dollar, and in a single trip you can potentially save hundreds by searching the right items out. There are all sorts of designer clothes available, as well as vintage stuff, all good as new and ready for you to show off to your friends.

Also, if you donate to a place like the Salvation Army, you can claim that on your taxes and potentially get money off of what you owe. If you decide to donate, be sure to ask the staff there what the correct procedure is for making sure everything is legally correct.

Often thrift stores are set up to help your local community as well, either through the recycling of items that would be thrown away otherwise, to specifically catering jobs to people in need. Ask a manager some time when you go in a store to see what their policies are. So be smart and help yourself out during these tough times, and visit your local thrift store today to be a part of the solution.…

What Kind of Gowns to Wear for a Happening Eve

You want to look elegant, and sexy at the same time because it’s the evening that you were waiting for. Don’t fuss as there is nothing that you should worry about. What you have to exactly do is to spend on some really nice dresses, yes it will cost a bomb but these dresses are for your lifetime, like a legacy you can pass it on to the other generation.

Rachel Gilbert Ava tiered silk-organza and silk-satin gown

Rachel Gilbert Ava tiered silk-organza and silk-satin gown looks straight from the fairytales. This voluminous, romantic, elegant and beautiful dress can have a nocturnal effect on others. It is just perfect for a lavish party and a red carpet. The gown comes with a fitted silk-satin bodice and voluminous three tiers of sheer silk-organza, Rachel Gilbert’s off-shoulder bead-embellished black gown creates a marvelous silhouette, check the picture.

And if you don’t want to look girly, instead a bit chic, then team this dress with a smart leather jacket. It would be just perfect and bingo, you are on for the day, and don’t forget to pair this up with high-heels and a small clutch, a diamond stud or a simple dangler will complete your look but don’t accessorize much as the dress is simply awesome and you don’t have to drag attention out of it. Rachel Gilbert Ava tiered silk-organza and silk-satin gown is available online for A�1,302.42.

Temperley London’s Kaya embellished silk-satin gown

Here is another gown that is more haute in contemporary silhouette but gives you a classy feel. Temperley London’s silk-satin one-shoulder gown which has an elaborate crystal, bead and sequin cluster combined with an opulent burgundy hue. We know you missed your heart beat, as this is dress is so incredible. For party evoke Old-Hollywood glamour by wearing it with a sparkling cocktail ring and your highest heels.

This pure silk dress has a red crystal and gold sequin and bead embellishment at one side. Detail sof the dress: Temperley London Kaya embellished gown has an internal hook-fastening boned bodice, a draped overlay from shoulder across waist, a vent at ruched side, a fluted hem and a partially exposed silver zip fastening at back. If you think of buying it then you ought to cough A�2,160.96. Class is priceless.

Halston Heritage Asymmetric beaded satin-jersey gown

This option is for women who are looking for a stylish gown in a reasonable price. Halston Heritage Asymmetric beaded satin-jersey gown with its blue hue will drive you insane. This gold-beaded sapphire-blue satin-jersey floor-length dress can take your breath away, and you can feel being on top of the world after wearing this. To complete this quasi-roman empress look get high heels and definitely a gold cuff for your hands.

Details of the dress – Sapphire-blue satin-jersey asymmetric floor-length gown with gold bead detailing. Halston Heritage gown has one slashed long sleeve, an elasticized waist, a vented wrap-effect front, an asymmetric hem, is fully lined and simply slips on. 91% polyester, 9% elastane; lining: 92% polyester, 8% elastane. You can get this dress for A�619.08.

With these three amazing dresses your evening could be an evening to remember. A perfect one when you will be loaded with compliments.…

Reusable Woven PP Shopping Bags, Paper Or Plastic Bags? Which One Should We Choose?

The grocery stores, shopping malls or supermarkets in your area often give you an option of choosing between plastic (PE) and paper bag for your shopping purpose. Many malls and markets might not even have any option, but offer plastic bags only. But, do you know both plastic and paper bags cause harm to the environment in many different aspects? This is why today the responsible shopper is choosing to use reusable woven shopping bags. Yes, these polypropylene made shopping bags can be a better substitute for the plastic and paper ones.

As we compare the advantages of polypropylene shopping bags with the disadvantages of paper bags and PE (plastic) bags on the other hand, we can understand why we should use these woven bags from now on…

1. Energy consumption — Polypropylene shopping bags vs. paper stuffsPP shopping bags are made out of polypropylene resins, which are produced from crude oil. Similarly plastic ones are derived from PE resins.

Paper bags are made out of timber of the tree. To get them produced you need to grow a lot trees, then fell the stems, next fully dry the logs and then produce paper pulp. Finally you need massive amount of water to wash the pulp and press it into paper sheets. This process consumes about 4 times more energy then producing PP ones.

2. Sturdiness of woven PP bagsWhile the PP woven shopping bags can carry almost 100 kg of weight, the paper or plastic stuffs would tear off if they are made to carry heavy load. The PP shopping bags are, therefore, much stronger than other others because they use the PP woven fabric as base materials.

3. Reusable PP bags vs. Disposable plastic stuffsAs we know well PE plastic bags are very thin and often only used one time to carry products from the malls to our homes. Hence, we often throw away after using them for a very short period. This is a huge waste amount that sums up quickly. The waste of disposable bags in landfills also pollutes the environment heavily. The stronger woven PP bags can be used thousands of times for many purposes. So, it causes far less pollution and energy if we replace plastic bags with reusable PP ones.

4. Sustainable solutions have to be affordablePP bags are cheaper to produce, compared to other reusable stuffs like jute bags, paper bags. A real solution to sustainably help the environment must be economical, so the majority of shoppers can afford to buy and then reuse. Polypropylene bags can be the shoppers’ best choice with favorable characteristics: cheap and very sturdy, long-life guaranteed. Nowadays many supermarkets give shoppers big discount on reusable stuff, so why not buy one nice PP shopping bag, instead of carrying many small plastic ones?

5. Unlimited printings and designsAnother advantage of the reusable PP shopping bags is its printing design. Having a BOPP film lamination they can have unique fashionable printings, that can promote a retailers brand. You cannot find such variety of designs and styles in plastic or paper bags which you can find here. Laminated PP bags for shopping are available in a wide range of attractive colors and stylish designs.

So, if you want to live in a safe and pollution free environment then choose the reusable woven PP bags and enjoy a better life!…

History of Reusable Grocery Bags

Reusable shopping bags, such as PP woven and non woven bags and also various other organic-based bags, have been growing immense in popularity over the last few years. However, the history of such bags stems well before 2005 or even 2000, when the green shopping tote movement began attaining its momentum which can be seen around the globe today. In fact, reusable bag manufacturers started producing their shopping bags as early as 1990s. Over the years, these bags have gone through a noteworthy enhancement regarding what components they are made with, what they cost, and their popularity in modern society.

The genuine history of these kinds of bags actually starts in 1977 when the disposable plastic bags began being put to use around the world, starting in the US. In spite of the fact that the disposable bags had been originally considered as the good replacement for totes made of paper, to save trees, it didn’t take long for consumers to recognize that the bags create pollution in lakes, rivers, and oceans. By the early 1990s, reusable bag manufacturers were establishing businesses around the world.

At first, these shopping bags were taking various forms and being made from materials all the way from cotton to nylon. In the mid 1990s, though, the material identified as polypropylene began acquiring the lead. Such bags, known as PP woven grocery bags, are precisely what are used in many contemporary retail chains. The original bag manufacturing type using this material was non woven PP shopping bags, although woven PP carry bags are being used today as well. The reason this particular material took the lead in the reusable bags manufacturing marketplace is that it was cheap and could be produced for under $0.25 USD per bag yet quite durable. Historically, customers have been comfortable paying as much as $0.99 to $2.99 per bag in US dollars.

Productivity accelerated beginning in 1999. According to the United States International Trade Commission Import Database, close to 3 billion bags appear to have been imported into the US since 1999. Volumes are high as well in countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zea land. However, we can expect that these numbers are likely to continue to rise – not just in those countries but around the globe. In addition to the environmentally friendly trend is increasing use of green shopping bags, and we also are seeing a trend within legislation.

Cities or provinces in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many more have recently passed legislation supporting use of reusable shopping totes. While others have gone as far as banning throw-away shopping bags, other countries have added an excise levy on the expendable bags while subsidizing eco friendly grocery bags. Most of these laws have shown very successful in improving the use of PP shopping totes as well as many other materials of eco friendly bags.

Today, the bags are not only found to be a legal and environment trend, but also a fashion trend. Reusable shopping bags manufacturers are adding many customizations that allow people to display their personality with their bags. As the years continue, it is estimated the upward trend in reusable shopping bag use will remain strong.…

A Detailed Guide of What You Should Do and Expect After an Eyelid Surgery

A thin surgical tape will be applied on your stitch line after the surgery. Also a certain type of ointment will be used to prevent dryness of the eyes. However, it is not needed for your eyes to be covered.

When the anesthesia wears off, your eyelids may feel a little tight and sore and also a slight burning sensation along the suture lines. Elevation of the head with extra pillows above the level of the heart is essential when you are lying sown to lessen the swelling. Applying cold compresses or ice packs for the first 48 hours after the surgery will improve the swelling. Furthermore, though you will be able to read, watch television and use the computer, you should not over exert yourself and these activities should be limited as they tend to tire and cause dryness to your eyes.

The stitches are then removed after three to five days after the surgery. For about seven to ten days, your eyes may feel sticky and itchy thus it should be thoroughly cleansed. In several cases, artificial tears for lubricating the eyes are used. This will alleviate the gritty and scratchy feeling during the first few days after the surgery.

Also, you should not put on contact lenses for around one to two weeks and may feel a tinge of discomfort for a short while when you resume wearing them. Sunglasses with high level of UV rays protection is highly recommended during the first few weeks after your surgery since your eyes will be very sensitive to the sun, wind and dust particles.

Besides this, it is important not to take part in any activity that generates more blood flow to the eyes of the surrounding. This includes bending, lifting, crying and exercising. Though the scars may remain slightly pink for six months after your surgery, they should fade eventually over time to a thin and barely obvious white line. Scars on the eyelids usually heal very successfully because of the thinness of the skin.

The results

Once the stitches are removed after a week or less, you can be seen without sunglasses and wear makeup and resume your daily activities without anyone noticing. You will gradually begin to realize the advantages within three to four weeks and the improvement will get better for up to six months as the healing progresses.…

Wearing Thyself With Love

Do you remember the Turkish astronomer who discovered the asteroid known as B-612 for the first time in 1909? We know from Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s diary of his encounter with the little prince, that, when the astronomer revealed B-612 to the International Astronomical Congress, nobody believed in its existence because of his Turkish costume. Only after the Turkish dictator made a law which mandated his subjects to change to European costume, the IAC validated the astronomer’s observation in 1920.

The semiotics of fashion is far more democratic than it was back then. As consciousness is spreading amongst us, the beautiful residents of planet Earth, so is the idea of creativity and play. I remember very well a chance encounter I had with a muslim woman, Sunny, whom I met on the canal near Whitechapel, in London. We were both lost and heading towards the same direction so we walked together a late summer walk bathed in glittery sun rays and dancing butterflies.

We discussed the idea of self-love and we both agreed it is the springboard for everything else. That is where freedom starts as well and I wondered how can one express freedom when they are not allowed to wear anything else apart from their religious uniform? How can creativity manifest itself in these circumstances?

First thing one does in the morning is to choose what to wear. It is your choice to make a statement. If you are conditioned in having to wear something – be it the latest trend or a Ridaa – then your free choice is taken away by certain value judgements you adhere to with or without awareness of the circumstances.

Needless to say, love does not care what garments you wear. It loves you as you are and it also loves to cocoon you in soft cashmere or fine silk. Love simply loves to play and create because it is a joy and it feels good. Therefore your choice to be creative when putting clothing on is entirely yours to explore and enjoy!

When we look at the British artist Lubaina Himid’s mixed media painting We Will Be from 1983 (in Helena Reckitt’s Art and Feminism; Phaidon, p. 145) we see a determined black woman wearing a dress on which it is written ‘WE WILL BE WHO WE WANT WHERE WE WANT WITH WHOM WE WANT IN THE WAY THAT WE WANT WHEN WE WANT AND THE TIME IS NOW AND THE PLACE IS HERE.’ Social and historical hierarchies must be questioned. We are what we are and we wear what tickles our fancy.

Guided by love one cannot fail in looking beautiful.

On these grounds I would like to explore the boundaries between art and fashion and also the development of freedom within fashion and art in a series of articles that wishes to present good insights into the subject.…

Women’s Designer Belts

Most of the time, the best way to create a chic and stylish look is by accessorizing. Learning how to accessorize properly can spell a huge difference between looking drab into glamorously fabulous.

We can even come-up with whole new looks with the same outfits just by using different accents each time. One accessory that will never go out of style is that thing we put around our waists called belts.

Whether we choose a designer belt or any regular belt, so long as we know how to use them well; we can create a stunning ensemble every time. On the other hand, designer belts don’t need a lot of work; simply wearing them is accent enough to any outfit.

Different Belts for Women

Women who have a good fashion sense know just how to put belts into good use. Whether we put them through the belt holes in our jeans and soft pants; or we use these to accent our skirts, empire-cut tops, shorts or tube dresses; belts can work their magic to any ensemble any time.

Belts come in many different materials and styles; and each one can provide us with the right accent to complete our look. Soft, polyester belts; hard and soft leather; belts in all shades and combinations; our choices run the gamut so we’ll never run out of options when it comes to selecting the right belt to accentuate our outfits.

We may also find that designer belts have a wider range of styles, shades and sizes. Typically, these types of belts come out with different styles each season so we can be sure that they can provide us with just the perfect accent for whatever clothes are in season at the moment.

Some of the most popular branded belts carry such popular names as Prada, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Burberry, Paul Smith, Gianni Versace and Fendi. Price range for these designer belts is roughly somewhere between $180 – $400; depending on the style.

Choosing Designer Belts Online

While we may be a bit apprehensive with buying our belts online; after all, we would want to get the feel of the belt before purchasing it; plus we want. To be certain that we are getting the real deal. These are quite expensive belts so we want to be sure of our purchase.

However, designer belts that are being offered online are the real deal. They are also the ones that we would find in the land-based designer stores and outlets; the only difference is that we are not walking into an actual shop, but a virtual one.

In fact, buying our designer belts online could be the better choice because these are noticeably cheaper; plus normally, online shops have marketing promos to entice more customers which means that we may get more than just an excellent belt when we but it online!

Available sizes for each belt, colors and styles that they come in are all included in the websites hence; we can get all the information that we need to make a good purchase, right on the internet.

The only precaution that we will have to take is the specific online shop where we will be getting our designer belts from. We can find out about these trustworthy online shops through word-of-mouth or referrals from friends.…

Jeans Advertising Campaigns

Let us take a look at the most interesting advertising campaigns of custom made jeans brands.

Four TV spots of “Live Unbuttoned” advertising campaign by Levi’s created by advertising agency BBH London inspire with their own philosophy, understanding, completeness and fan viruses. “Live unbuttoned” is a campaign with Levi’s 501 jeans spirit. It is associated with unrestraint, freedom, disengagement and the opportunity of self-expression. And the process of jeans unbuttoning is a symbol of this spirit. It means that unbuttoning our custom jean we unbutton ourselves and break away from conventionalities and prohibitions. The advertising campaign presents the act of jeans unbuttoning as the act of self-expression and self-revealing.

John Anderson, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co says: “We sell Levi’s jeans in 110 countries and we are jeans company number 1 in the world. This global campaign gives us a unique opportunity to let the new generation of people wearing tailored jeans know that original jeans 501, which are a quintessence of our company, are modern and reflect their lifestyle”.

4 advertising TV spots illustrate the eternal insight of self-expression and riot. Two of them – “Unbreakable”, visualizing a curious way of self-expression and “First Time”, in which a boy and a girl do something for the first time were created by the famous first line director of photography Fredrik Bond. “Guitar” spot created by Swedish director of photography Emil Möller shows the dialogue of the young man with his unusual inner voice. And the last TV spot called “Secrets and Lies” was created by Jeff Labbe and depicts a young man and a girl who are up to have sex but carry out a sincerity session admitting their lies and telling each other secrets. The soundtrack of the spots was written and performed by Genesis.

Besides, apart from virus and TV spots the campaign included printed advertising in Maxim, Details, Rolling Stone, Paper and Sport Illustrated magazines, as well as outdoor advertising and online spots.

Malaysian advertising agency Bates Asia offered its version of “Mermaid” story in Levi’s jeans advertisement. In this interpretation Mermaids wish to become legs appeared after she found jeans by Levi’s in the sea. After this she visits the sea witch and a happy-end follows, when Mermaid puts her desirable jeans on.

Anomaly advertising agency created an unusual campaign for Diesel jeans called “Be stupid”. Custom jeans made by Wrangler also had an interesting advertising campaign last year. The slogan “We are animals” for European and American markets was created and carried out by FFL Paris advertising agency. Refined aggression of the advertisements is concealed in the total confluence with nature, up to dissolution. The spot characters are quasi filmed by a careful camera of naturalist Steve Bloom, and instead of posing they hide themselves, fiddle around secretly, or, tailing away in the swamps, like alligators, seriously wait for something without any evident reason. Naked torsos and fashionable jeans are present, but the camera man fluently builds a communicative barrier – young people from potential target audience do not invite to join them, they rather attract “someone else’s” attention. You wish you might come there, into the wild, but it frightens you as well. As a result – you desire it desperately. It seams that the work of French artists has its own smell. But this is not the smell of hot nachos or sweet babes, it is rather a smell of cool and moistened earth, mysterious reality, where it is ridiculous to ask questions, why you have designer jeans on. Because you were born with them.…

Spoiled Brat!

I remember back to school shopping as the absolute best time in my life! Momma and I would hit the mall and shop it up, literally my mom had a shopping addiction and I knew how to use it to my advantage. I knew no boundaries, the value of money, huh? Mom had it all covered, only the most expensive clothes from all the big department stores. My lipstick cost close to $30, well I also had no gratitude! I believe it absolutely ruined me too, not school shopping haha but the fact that Mom didn’t show me that work=money and nothing is for free.

Now that I’m a mom, I have this little voice in my head that screams “Don’t be like mom!” We just went school shopping this past Saturday for my 3 girls, Jasmine 16, Ari 9 and Nicky 7 and nothing is for free. What do I mean? Well at my house my two lil ones have chores which include folding clothes, picking up in the living room, taking out the bathroom trash, I knew nothing about helping when I was little. I pay a salary of $5 a week and they must save $3, put $1 in giving envelope and the last $1 to spend or save, it’s up to them. They have to spend birthday money on something they need, come on I’m not totally evil, I let them buy one toy. They have been saving since the beginning of the year and they paid for their own school clothes, it makes them so proud and also take more pride and care. When we got home they were so excited, we had to sit in the living room and watch the fashion show unfold! Nicky moves like she’s a model while Ari is a bit more shy but we all had fun and we couldn’t move from our seats til it was done and we clapped and they bowed.

Jasmine didn’t get off easy either, she gets her own money every month also and has to totally support herself, phone, make-up and whatever else. I do not give rides unless you have gas money, I also don’t have a car right now so I don’t give rides at all. I believe this helps her budget, if she spends it, she knows I will not be paying any phone bills! I want her to grow up and know responsibility and that no one is going to pay anything for her if she spends all her money. I unfortunately had to learn the hard way, when I moved out those $30 lipsticks were a thing of the past and I hit reality hard or should I say it hit me! After we watched the fashion show, she had to help here at home for the clothes.

Call me what you want, but I want kids who move out and don’t want to live off me for the rest of their lives, we have enough of those in society! No brats here! Well not when it comes to money anyway.…