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In the world of fashion, presentation is one of the most primary things. Fashion designers and aspiring models need to have a professional fashion portfolio to start their career on the right note. A fashion portfolio is very essential for those who are looking for a bright career in modeling. Models who are looking out to bag assignments in the advertising world or even assignments for the runways need to have a versatile portfolio that showcases them in different moments and angles. A good fashion portfolio can embark one on a successful career and plays a very important role in any aspiring models career graph. This is the first step into the world of glamor and you must be prepared in every way to ensure your career takes off on the right note! Lets take a quick look at some tips for fashion portfolios and how you can look your best.

Tips for Fashion Portfolios:
When you choose a photographer, ensure you discuss the whole theme of the portfolio in advance. Go through the photographers portfolio to know about his/her style in photography. Some photographers may be particularly good with portrait shots where as some may be highly talented in creating surreal images. Therefore, you need to know how you can use the skills of the photographer for your fashion portfolio. You should discuss it with him/her to decide upon the basic look required.

Always keep a good varied wardrobe ready. A fashion portfolio that showcases you in different types of clothing and looks would turn out to be more useful for you. Experiment and create unique styles by selecting the right kind of clothing. A casual and formal look is the basic; you can try out something more creative. Simply browse through clothing stores and pick up elements that can be mixed and matched. Pair leggings with a short skirt and halter. Or choose a cowboy look. Experiment and show how versatile you are. This would help you to land up with plum assignments.

A fashion portfolio can be jazzed up in various ways. You dont always have to invest in clothes that are exorbitantly priced. Look around in stores or even flea markets where you can get interesting jewelry items you can use to add more pizzazz to your look. A chunky necklace or an interesting headgear can help to make a photograph truly interesting.

If you are a model with no prior experience, you must gather knowledge about facing the camera. Its very much needed to know the right angles and pose in ways that flatter the shot. You must not be conscious of the camera, as your stance will reflect the same. Discuss with the photographer on ways to face the camera and the kind of expression you would need to develop as per the costume selected.

Be careful about your posture. A model needs to have the correct posture to be able to look stunning in photographs. While in front of the camera, you can experiment with different poses to make each snap look different. Remember to feel free and at ease and your spontaneity would show in the photographs.

Follow these tips for fashion portfolios to make the maximum use of this opportunity. This will surely help you to begin your career with a flying start!

When fashion becomes an important part of women’s life, men also become more aware of their own fashion styles than usual. For many occasions, from business meetings to social gatherings, from casual get-togethers to evening dinners, men need to wear appropriately to show their taste and personality. Since shoes are vital to men’s entire style, it is significant to choose the right footwear to express their fashion statement. This season, there are several types of men’s shoes that are indeed big hits.Loaferloafers are men’s favorite footwear, which can be worn for both formal and casual occasions. You can pair them with both professional suits and casual jeans. The slip-on shoes do provide you with convenience and fashion style at the same time. You can wear them for work and directly go to the club after work without the need to change your outfit.Men’s bootsOur impression of men’s boots may be only limited to cowboys who wear boots with spurs attaches. However, nowadays pop stars have led the trend of wearing boots and fashion conscious males also show great preference to stylish men’s boots. This kind of footwear is a must-have to express your attitude towards fashion and show off your personality in an understanding way. You will look different from the usual look and give out your unique charm.OxfordsThis kind of footwear is very classic and classy. Men can wear them for both formal and semi-formal occasions. If you are obsessed with the elegance and nobility of British gentlemen, you should definitely try a pair of typical oxfords. Pairing them with modern chic outfit can create a very unique mixed style.When you are going to buy a pair of shoes for yourself, you should increase your awareness of trendy styles so that you can choose the perfect shoes that are able to upgrade your charm greatly.

Fashion has enjoyed, and often later lamented, it’s synergistic bond with the art world over the last century. From the Cubist motifs of Art Deco era dress to the Minimalist expression that exposed itself in clothing two decades after the movement ended, art and fashion have proven themselves to be less strange bedfellows and more passionate lovers who occasionally don’t get along. Whether art or fashion serves as the catalyst is of note, as fashion driven by art is almost always inspired while the alternative brings to mind the late 70′s/early 80′s Patrick Nagel atrocities which still somehow manage to find wall space in the instant time warp of style deprived neighborhood hair salons everywhere.

Enter the modern era, where art defies the conventions of labeling and boundaries have been distorted to the brink of extinction. What fashion borrows from art today is anything but derivative and often direct. As the art world has expanded, so has the fashion industry. The inclusion of avant garde art into the realm of acceptability as a fashion influence has nothing to do with consumerism and everything to do with the demand for personalization of the elements that the art itself is comprised of. From social commentary to the current political landscape, passions expressed in art are finding their way into the wardrobes of the disenfranchised. What was once born in the back of the mind and realized in an artistic medium can now be worn on the back of a shirt. Never before have options for self expression been so poignant, piercing and available.

Fashion itself has served as a canvas of purpose for thousands of years. From the finely gilded armor of crusaders long deceased to the red or blue handkerchiefs that indicate gang affiliation today, fashion has expressed every sentiment known to man, yet none so convincingly as conflict. Perhaps the expressions against complacency that are evident in art are making their way into the world of fashion in preparation for another conflict of sorts, one in which individuals are railing against the societal injustices and political malfeasance of the day.
Kingston writes for www.reformapparel.com you can also read more of his articles at http://re-formyourworld.blogspot.com/

The continued influence of the Beatles on popular culture is a phenomenon that has essentially been unmatched in terms of the scope of their impact. Clearly, there have been figures in the music industry like Elvis Presley, Madonna and others who have imprinted an identifiable mark on pop culture. The Beatles however have set a precedent in demonstrating the broadest impact on the culture industry by their influence on fashion, film, the concepts of popular art and music and even religious philosophy. From the start, the Beatles influenced fashion for both men and for women in ways that few other pop culture figures had before them. For American society, that influence was enhanced by the fact that the Beatles fashion style was uniquely different and essentially broke the fashion rules that had existed prior to their introduction to American audiences. Most obvious were the hairstyles and clothing that the Beatles wore, fashion statements that were in sharp contrast to the more conservative styles that had been worn by the pop culture figures that preceded them, including Elvis Presley. Almost three decades after the Beatles explosive coming out from their humble beginnings in Liverpool, the Beatles influence continues to manifest itself. Their influence on the popular music industry, for example, is marked by the way that music artists take greater control in creating their own music style as well as in the way that they present their music, incorporating innovative methods of production, instrumentation and delivery that, as for the Beatles, might make them the next pop culture icon. In terms of fashion, the concept of going against fashion norms as a means of representing ones individuality and tastes that was influenced by the Beatles continues to be manifested. All one has to do is watch the latest music videos or film and music award shows to see how that influence continues in the wide range of fashion styles that have evolved. The Beatles ground-breaking attributes have made it acceptable for pop culture figures as well as the average individual to go against the norm, to bring their own styles, tastes and interest to the industry and to society and, for the pop culture figure specifically, to strive to affect their own influence on the culture industry not only to their own advantage but also to the advantage of the consumers of pop culture. The longevity of punk fashion is a surprising phenomenon in that it so sharply contrasts with the fashion styles demonstrated in broader society or even in the pop culture industry. This extreme contrast however may explain why punk fashion has managed to sustain itself since its emergence in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Punk fashion is an example of taking the concept of individuality to the extreme however it is clearly no less valid than the expressions of individuality, tastes and interests that have been advanced by other pop culture figures and their followers. Where punk fashion diverges however, is in the fact that it has not been adopted by American culture as broadly as other fashion styles have been. Although punk fashion styles have changed throughout the last two decades, the foundation of the classic punk fashion is still maintained in the basic elements of excessive piercings, heavy boots, tight leather or denim pants topped by a tattered and often graffitied tee shirt and, perhaps most recognizable, the extreme hairstyle.
The fact that punk fashion has not been broadly adopted by society might be explained by the fact that it is goes so far against fashion norms. That punk fashion has not been broadly adopted by society might also be explained by the fact that it is difficult to separate punk fashion from the punk music style, a style that is, like punk fashion, clearly anti-establishment and radically against the norm. This however, is what makes punk fashion unique as well as inviting to those individuals who do not want adopt a more popular or acceptable fashion or music style and, perhaps more importantly, are against or do not want to be confined the social norms that have otherwise created a largely homogenous, uninteresting and culturally restrained society. Although punk fashion has found only a small niche in American culture, the minority segment of society that has and continues to adopt its elements are obviously aware that it makes the vivid and recognizable statement that it will not be forced to conform to social norms; a declaration that it is fair to suggest has existed since the foundation of American society and will forever be evidenced in cultural elements like punk fashion. Article submitted by Riley Musbach, senior writer at Paper Masters. Riley has been a writer and contributing editor at Paper Masters for over 6 years and has a wide range of author experience. Related Articles – beatles, pop culture, the beatles, music, fashion, punk fashion, Email this Article to a Friend!Receive Articles like this one direct to your email box!Subscribe for free today!

You might think that color is a simple thing. Not so. There are contrasting colors and complimentary colors. There are shades and hues and even certain colors of skin tone. There are monochromatic (single colors), patterns, and blends. There are bright colors and softer shades of pastels. It used to be that colors were gender biased. The obvious historical example is “pink is for girls and blue is for boys”. This is not the case anymore. There is no rule that says a man cannot wear a pink shirt or a pink tie. When contrasted with darker colors, pink can look very good.

And if you want to wear pink underwear that is nobody’s business except you and your significant partner. It is easy to get pink underwear, just wash your white underwear in hot water with a red towel, so you don’t even have to go to the store and be embarrassed trying to buy it (hint: they don’t sell it). If you want your underwear to match your pink bunny slippers in the privacy of your own home that is your right as a red-blooded American.

My girlfriend laughed at me when she saw the pink underwear I had as a laundry malfunction until I told her I did it on purpose to get in touch with my feminine side, which lead to some of the best romping we ever had. The point is real men can wear pink or any other color that suits their fancy.

Color is very useful for setting the mood. As an example, you probably would not want to wear a bright yellow shirt to a funeral, but you certainly could wear a bright green one to an Irish wake. If you want to set the mood at levels of calm then your color choice should be in the range of pastels.

If you want to appear very vibrant and sexy, wear a red shirt. You will definitely get all the attention. In a red shirt you won’t look weird but you will instead look hot! Red is the most popular color for products because it attracts the most attention. If you cannot afford that bright red Lamborghini; you certainly can afford a bright red polo shirt.

Blues are peaceful. Greens and browns are earthy. Soft orange is a healing color and bright orange (the color of construction cones) has the same impact as the color red by drawing attention to itself. There is an art in blending colors together as well as selecting colors that make a nice pattern when used together, especially in plaids.

Color choice is especially important when choosing a tie. It is best to buy ties and shirts together at the same time. It is quite a bit of fun to pick shirts and ties in the same store and place the ties in the necks of the shirts so you can examine them to see if they go together. If you have five very different shirts and one tie seems to go with all of them, you have found a real winner in that tie.

You can practice color combinations at home also by taking your shirt that is on a hanger and hang your suit jacket over it and hold up a tie in the neck area. Then look at the combination in the mirror. If you don’t have an eye for color ask someone to help you that dresses well according to your personal taste and enjoy trying out all the color combinations.

Hendrik is an expert writer on mens fashion for several online publications. He is also the founder of Ties-Necktie.com/” – a tie retailer offering much more than neck and bowties. He also suggest you read is article on the Meaning of Colors

When the weather turns warmer, many people tend to cringe. Teenagers only see this as an opportunity to revamp their summer wardrobe! For the teens, this is the right time to display their trendier side! The summer means loads of beautiful blossoms, fresh breeze, bright sunshine and everything beautiful and colorful. The weather gives ample opportunity to wear some beautiful creations therefore teens love to pack their heavy woolens. From flowery patterns to solid colors, this is the season to experiment. Teenage summer fashion can be trendier and really hip if planned right. Check out some of the latest trends of teenage summer fashion you can incorporate in your wardrobe.

Teenage Summer Fashion Ideas:

The classic white shirt:
The classic white shirt can never go out of fashion. This looks best when worn with blue jeans. Look for different patterns and cuts. You can opt for a white shirt with a stretch blend that hugs the body or you can choose a long tunic style and pair it with printed leggings. This will surely give you a cool effect on a hot summers day!

Floral Dresses:
The summer season is the right time to pull out knee-length or mid-thigh length dresses. You can wear bold and solid colors such as red, pink, green, mauve etc. Floral patterns will blend well with the season. Shirtdresses are an ideal option for those girls who do not really have the confidence to flaunt a dress. You can also go in for a stylish wrap dress, baby doll dress, halter dress or the very simple basic A-line dress. For the summer, comfort would always be the key factor. A dress would have you comfortable all day long during those tedious lessons and you would still look as fresh as a daisy for an evening out with friends.

Comfy drawstring pants:
Jeans have always been a part of the wardrobe of teenagers and adults alike. However, jeans may sometimes be a tad uncomfortable for longer hours. Comfortable drawstring trousers are a great option for those who want breathable fabrics. Combine these pants with stylish tops to create a cool effect.

Basic shorts:
Cute shorts in colors such as electric blue or gorgeous red are bound to attract attention and keep you chilled out in the hot summer season! It sure does help to have a pair of short pants in your bag. You can pull them on if you are planning for a quick dip in the lake after studies or accessorize it with an elegant top to party with friends!

Get sporty:
The sporty look is ideal for the summer. You can opt for bright colors and use various elements. A tank top would look great when paired with a light jacket. T-shirts with zany messages would add more zing and display your attitude. Go in for comfortable sneakers streaked with bright colors.

Trendy leggings:
Leggings are also an ideal way to beat the heat in style. Although these have been on the scene many years back, they have made a good comeback, which is visible with the very contemporary designs seen today. From prints to solid colors, lace to embellishments, leggings are seen at any college campus as well as hip parties!

With the help of these options for teenage summer fashion, I am sure you are bound to drive away the heat in style!

The 21st century teenager is no more coy about sharing views on clothing and accessories. In fact, teen fashion trends are preludes to what walks the ramps in the ‘adult fashion’ genre. Teenagers are bolder, smarter and more defined in their sense of fashion, now than ever before. Fashion clothing for teens is being sold off the rack online, as well as offline. Teens around the world are not only among the foremost investors in trendy apparel, but also the most demanding! Teen fashion clothing is catered to by a separate segment of the fashion world. The clothes, especially summer trends are designed keeping in mind their demand for:
Apparel that can be worn at formal and informal dos.
Fabrics that don’t need the fluff-and-bother of ironing and following special washing instructions.
Designs that reflect their bold and rebellious nature.
Patterns that enable them to flaunt well-toned bodies.
Teen Fashion Trends for Summer:

The summer apparel line for teenagers of both genders is designed for swapping and meeting the demand for semi-formals. The all-time favorites of this ‘cool’ group remains denims and jeans. Teen fashion trends for summer include a mix and match of fabrics, patterns and colors. The combination of light and heavy fabrics, loose upper or lower apparel and vibrant and subtle hues are not uncommon at all. While the males prefer to flaunt the casual look even at formal venues, their female counterparts thrust the onus on jewelry to make up for the missing satins and silks. The teen summer fashion trends for males include:
Wrinkle-free trousers and jackets.
Highwaters or shpants designed in denim.
T-shirts and half-sleeved regulars.
Crimped, faded and/or motif jeans.
Khakis – shorts and shirts.
The young women definitely have more options than the males. Teen summer fashion trends for females include:
Teen summer dresses; short, long or flowing.
Jeans of varying lengths, from shorts to capris or pedal-pushers to the traditional full-length.
Flared or skin-clinging skirts of varying lengths, from micro minis to ankle-length wraparounds.
Blouses and tops of varying lengths, from the regular waist length to the midriff revealing tube-tops, and knee-length pull-overs.
Today, teenagers demand more than apparel to define their sense of fashion. The other components that make up the summer fashion trends for teens include:
An exclusive range of jewelry.
Open and closed ‘branded’ footwear.
Head gear, such as bandannas.
Flashy stoles, flaunted by both the genders.
Hairstyles that reflect their attitude, spikes and flats.
Summer trends for teenagers are rife with pocket designs that enable them to move around hands-free. These pockets are used more for gizmo than money. Their sense of fashion is defined by a line of apparel that is not only functional, but also very eloquent. Young girls now have a whole new line of ‘summer dresses for teens’ to choose from. The dresses are fashioned in accordance to the preference surveys conducted by Vogue, Twist Mag and Cosmo Girl, among a host of other teen-exclusives. Teenage boys and girls are now flaunting designs by designers who cater exclusively to the age-group. The designers of the teen fashion collections keep in mind the teen level of awareness towards global issues while designing motifs and fabric graffiti. The range of teen clothing options is characterized by the use of environment-safe fabrics, ‘green’ styles and expressions of individuality. Teen fashion trends for summer are expressions of a universal community that thrives on independence, freedom of opinion and most importantly, uniqueness of every individual.

The job of teaching consists of knowledge of your subject, good planning, organization, and a skill for presenting materials in age appropriate ways. It does not consist of going out of your way to look runway ready. That does not mean, however, that making strides to look great while in front of the classroom will not lead to increased confidence and even a better reception from students and staff. Regardless of the setting you are in, people will make snap judgments about you based on your appearance. While their assessment may not be the fairest or the most accurate, the point is that first impressions do matter. As a teacher, it is important to make a good first impression on parents, because the impression you make sets the tone for future interactions. It is important to set the right tone with students as well as these people need to cooperate with you on a daily basis and they do so largely based on their view of you as their teacher.How do simple items like teacher lanyards help when it comes to making good impressions? Part of the answer is that they simply make a teacher feel great. When a teacher feels good, they give their best. Teacher lanyards are essentially the same thing as badge lanyards one would see just about any professional wearing these days. Badge lanyards hold employee identification, electronic keys and so on. Since teachers wear employee identification, electronic keys or keys to their classroom on a regular basis, teacher lanyards are a part of their standard wardrobe. By wearing this handy tool around your neck, you create more convenience and organization for yourself as you go about your day.The type of lanyard worn can either enhance or detract from your overall appearance. This is where great teacher lanyards come into play. Whether the school year is just beginning or it is well under way, a new lanyard can improve a teacher’s look and show their sense of style. The ultimate result is a better first impression, not to mention how looking good makes a teacher feel. Badge lanyards are necessary in many cases, especially for teachers. So have some fun with this tool that is a part of your work attire and use your lanyard to show off some style. Teacher lanyards come in a wide variety of styles ranging from ribbons to beads. Because a lanyard is a reasonably priced item, teachers can take the opportunity to start a collection of cheery or chic teacher lanyards. This way, they have many choices to go with their outfits all throughout the year.A lanyard is a simple and functional tool both in the classroom and out. When this is a tool that is a large part of your daily routine, you can use it for its intended purpose but also take it to the full extent that it can go by choosing more than a nylon rope. With so many great styles of badge lanyards, there is something for everyone. It makes sense to choose a tool that will enhance your overall appearance when, as a teacher, you come into contact with so many people.

Stylish Trendy Clothes For Fat Women – Fashion Styles Stout Plump Ladies Should Avoid

Stylish trendy clothes for fat women – Should fat women wear skimpy clothes? Why not if they want too, however let us rephrase the question to “do fat women look good in skimpy clothes.” This would all depend on who you ask, but judging by survey, no is the answer. And it would be cruel to the obese to repeat the reasons given by people asked this question. Again, we could ask the same question about stick thin girls who’s protruding bones makes their skeletal frame more visible if they wear skimpy clothes. There is always the solution of dieting to lose weight to get round this, but until you decide to follow a weight loss plan let us look at the style of clothes you can look great in if you’re fat. The quick fix to an overweight problem and wanting to look slim is determined by style and colour of clothes.
Remember, stout or not, what you wear is entirely up to you!  Stylish trendy clothes for fat women will have you look fabulously trendy if worn with that all important accessory “confidence.” You shouldn’t dress to please other people. If you wear an outfit to keep others happy then you end up the unhappy one, who would you rather it is. If people make judgment on the clothes you wear they could be doing this because they feel you would look better dressed in something else. If criticism is constructive and comes your way from people who care then take on board what they have to say.
If you feel confident you can get away with pretty much anything, having said this, it all depends on who’s looking on and ready to fire an onslaught of malicious jibes. You need to be your own person making your own decisions to what best suits you in your choice of stylish clothes for fat women. No more looking for reassurance asking those all familiar questions like, does my belly stick out in the dress? Or, do these pants make my bum look fat?
Is it a good thing to see you’re self as pleasantly plump instead of fat. Yes in a way if it helps boost your confidence, however it’s an easy way out of addressing the issue of being overweight. You have to recognize obesity to allow yourself to help yourself.
Stylish Trendy Clothes for Fat Women Tips

Black is not the be all and end all for looking slim. Color and variety can help you look thinner. A monochromatic color that ideally matches your skin tone will have people drawn to your glowing face instead of belly ripples and big bum creases. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color; the secret is to use one color in various tones and you have created a monochromatic look.

Do you think that if you were taller it would make you look slim instead of fat? Well you’re right you can by wearing trousers, jeans or pants that cover your shoes. Don’t have them dragging on the floor as this is scruffy looking.

Don’t make the all time mistake of wearing clothes that are too tight in hope it will make you look slimmer…doing this will show every ripple of fat, and more you may not have realized you had. It is best to wear clothes that fit your body comfortably; neither oversized nor undersized.

Oversized clothes worn by a plump woman (big and baggy) may well hide her imperfections she wants hidden, however it does no justice to her positive points. Big baggy clothes will have you appear larger and shapeless. Stylish clothes for fat women shouldn’t include big T-shirts and blouses without any fitting, Forget skimpy clothes because these garments highlight the very things you want to hide.

Too much material around the belly is not good fashion sense for the fat woman or man; Pants/skirts with pleats, elastic waist or string waists are only adding volume to your waistline.

Be careful with what you add to an outfit to dress it up. Accessories can work wonders, but they can also make you a laughing stock. Avoid wide belts, because it will draw attention to your fat stomach. If you have a double chin then necklaces can upset the apple cart so as to speak. Choose too wear long necklaces as opposed to short pieces and chokers.Overweight small stout women want to look and feel good in what they wear. They want fashion that flatters their figure and is chic trendy and stylish at the same time. Fashion has changed considerably over the years for fat women where their choice in clothes was once limited to wearing boring tent dresses and stretchy, polyester pants. This is not the case now and about time too. Big women do have more choice today but want clothing items that are slimming. Some fashion companies although recognized the problem of plus size women have not done nothing about making clothes as fashionable and slimming, leaving the fat woman to resort back to wearing skimpy outfits. 
Stylish Clothes That Don’t Work
Everyone should be able to find jeans that fit them perfectly and flatter their figure. But, plus size women don’t always have this option and have to realize they can’t get away with wearing the same type of jeans as skinny women. Low-rise jeans are not plus size friendly. A small amount of cloth barely covering a mountain of flesh is ugly to look at.
Fashionable or not, stop right there if you’re considering wearing a halter-top. Halter tops in fresh colors and patterns may look good on thin ladies but not a good choice for the overweight woman. Avoid cropped or cut-off tops, or even those that just reach the waist they are not appealing.
People come in all different shapes and size, not just width, but length as well, and this has to be taken into consideration when buying your clothes. Some fashions are just not meant to be worn by the fat woman, but this doesn’t mean you can’t be chic trendy and stylish in what other garments you wear.
I myself have never had a weight problem but can relate to them that do. Aside from cutting out fatty foods from your diet you need to “walk” more. I am living proof that walking works. My experience of weight loss happened on holiday in Florida. Although a place known for its steaks bigger than an English cow could produce, and tasty grits, not even eating these stopped me from shedding the pounds. I stayed on International Drive which was one of the yank’s average roads that we in the UK would call a motorway. Every day I had to walk the walk to get to where I was going, and with no cafes with outside seating lining the road like you would see in the Costa’s gave me a waistline I never dreamt was possible even after visiting every all you can eat restaurants.
There is no such thing as stylish clothes for fat women. Clothes are clothes regardless of style. Looking stylish is something you create e.g. what you compliment the garment with, jewelry etc, how you walk to how you cross your legs when sitting down. These are essential elements to practice if folk are to see you as fit instead of fat.
Did you ever wonder why slim women grace the front page of every glossy fashion magazine? Not wanting to make you feel worse than you do if your weight is an issue, but it’s because they can wear the halter top, low waist jeans and neck chokers, and look fabulous.
Look fabulous with the most “popular” Fat Loss diet and wear what’s in Fashion like other girls

Style, Fashion and Personal Style – The Pressure and the Opportunity

Today, fashion is increasingly about personal style, taking the trends and making them your own. Women embrace fashion and use style to express their personality, but for many the pressure to create personal style is overwhelming.Our world is more and more about image and how fashion and style apply to it. These changes are influencing our desire and ability to incorporate style in our own lives. The major market influencers are:- Our increased interest in celebrities- The adoption of all body shapes and sizes- The mainstream availability of more affordable, fashionable clothing- Hot, hip, stylish and sexy – 30s, 40s, 50s- Women have less to spend on clothingCelebrities are everywhere and we want to know everything about them. Where they go and what they wear are big news. They adorn the covers of our favorite magazines and endorse our coveted luxury items. We follow their every fashion move, we want what they have; Louis Vuitton bags, the “it” designer jeans, Gucci sunglasses…the list goes on. Celebrities today not only wear the latest and greatest fashions but they define what fashion is. All this media exposure drives the ‘want’ factor of fashion. We want what they have.Celebrities are influential and getting more and more attention, exposure and mindshare every day. This can be further seen by the explosion of celebrities as cover models on our favorite magazines. Years ago fashion models were the cover models of fashion magazines, but today it is the stars of the big/small screen and music industry. Not only is their photo on the cover, but they are a prominent story that month.”Jennifer Lopez: Is Soooo Back, on Marc, the Exes, and Her Tell-All Album,” Elle, February, 2010″Christina Aguilera: I’m a Different Person Now,” Marie Claire, February, 2010Oprah, “Don’t Change Your Body…Change Your Jeans! Find Your Dream Fit,” O The Oprah Magazine, February, 2010Adoption of all bodies. The increased coverage and variety of celebrities has also opened the door to what we perceive as beautiful. We are slowly changing the old stereotype of beauty. No longer is it solely defined by that perfect, 18-year-old, 6 foot, super skinny, supermodel of the past. Today we are exposed to a wide range of ages, bodies and styles – Taylor Swift and Hillary Duff to Madonna and Catherine Zeta Jones…Jennifer Aniston and Eva Longoria to Oprah and Queen Latifah…Drew Barrymore and Kate Hudson to Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow.Mainstream fashion availability & affordability. Fashion has gone main-stream. High-end clothing designers create designer wear for mainstream retailers like Target and Wal-Mart. This availability of affordable, stylish clothing allows women to be more stylish and elevates the expectation of higher fashion and style for all. Stores like H&M and Forever 21 have opened many doors for women to embrace the latest fashion offerings at extremely affordable prices. This is both a blessing and a curse; women have the opportunity to find and afford more fashionable clothing, but also have greater pressure to be fashionable.Hot, Hip, Stylish and Sexy – 30s, 40s, 50s. Thirty is the new Twenty, Forty is the new Thirty and Fifty is the new Forty – and the definitions of hot women in their 30s and 40s+ as Puma’s and Cougar’s proves sexy no longer has an age limit. Madonna, Elle MacPherson, Teri Hatcher, Heather Locklear, Kim Cattrall, Halle Berry, Demi Moore, Salma Hayek and Diane Lane…they are all over 40. For women of all ages this is power. Style and beauty are not only for the 20-somethings. Women of any age and body type can look good, and when you look good, you feel good. Women want to look good, really good…no matter what their age.Women have less to spend on clothing. The pressure of society to be stylish coupled with our global financial challenges makes shopping for a new wardrobe challenging. Today women are spending less. As per the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor survey, “84% of female respondents have the same to less money to spend on clothing this year versus last year (2009 vs. 2008).” So with less to spend it is critical to spend smartly. “Women are definitely being more careful about how and what they are spending on clothing… They are taking their time to assure themselves that they are making a smart choice,” Joanne Stoner, edressme.com.In Summary women feel the pressure to look good and don’t want to waste money along the way. By select the right cuts for their body, colors that flatter, styles that are appropriate and pieces that work for their lifestyle and budget they will be better shoppers and better dressers.