Much like Bigfoot and the right mixture of pepperoni and cheese on pizza, the perfect suit can be elusive. While you may not have the CEO’s office (or his paycheck), you can still look like you do, if you know what to look for.

Even if you’re not a businessman, you will need a good suit for a few occasions in your life. Don’t let your poorly-fitting suit tell your formal dinner date that you forget to wash your dishes sometimes, or tell your potential employer that you aren’t sure what an expiration date is. Convince them you have the moves like Mick Jagger with a suit that compliments without complaint. Here’s what to look for:

1. Where Are You Going?

The last thing you want to be is the guy that shows up over- or under dressed. Master the art of dressing for the occasion by understanding what standards are expected: for casual Friday, neither a pinstriped suit nor your gym clothes are acceptable. If you need a little extra help, follow these general guidelines: office wear should be a dark wool-blend suit in a classic style. Black or dark navy suits are better for formal, special occasions; lightly colored suits are only acceptable in the summer. Now, venture forth to find your suit!

2. Exact Measurements

To prevent you from slacking off and choosing any ol’ suit off the rack, keep this in mind: the fit of your suit directly relates to how others see you. A poor fitting suit practically screams at your date about how you don’t know how to do your laundry, and it whispers that you forgot where your toothbrush is to your potential employer. Prevent your suit from saying bad things about you by making sure it fits properly! Jacket size is determined by the thickest part of your chest, and pants need to fit properly in both the waist and the length.
3. Fabric and Color

Don’t think you get a free pass just because this is normally a girl’s area of interest: choosing the right fabric and color will prevent those nasty pit stains. Most suits are a blend of wool that allows the suit to breathe; this is a great, versatile option. Cotton and linen suits are lightweight options if you’re in a warmer climate, while flannel and heavy wools are best for cold. The most versatile colors are navy and charcoal grey; black is actually the least versatile color as it comes across very formal. Choose wisely, friends: the fabric and color of your suit is just as important as its fit.

4. Single or Double-Breasted?

This isn’t in reference to your preference on chickens: this is about the front of your suit. The most common, timeless option is the single-breasted suit. Its style is clean and appropriate for both the office and happy hour. Double-breasted suits are not as common, and provide a dramatic air to your look. But be cautious: the double-breasted suit was designed for the tall in mind, and could consequently be unflattering to other body types. If you’ve got it, feel free to flaunt it: but if you don’t, stick to the single-breasted suit.
5. Lapel Type

The folded flap of fabric on the front of your suit, resembling the collar, is the lapel. Most suits have a medium, notched lapel that creates a clean-cut look. Peaked lapels feature tips of fabric that point upwards (hence the name), and are less common. Choose your lapel based on your area of suit experience: beginners should stick to the classic style, while experienced suit connoisseurs may venture into the more dramatic territory.

6. Number of Buttons

While this may seem like a trivial topic, the number of buttons can affect how tall (or short) your body appears in your suit. Typically, most suits will feature the standard double-button front, which is perfect for most body types. If you are exceptionally tall, a triple-button front may be a better option. There are single-button suits, but they are uncommon and usually unflattering.

7. Jacket Vents

The cuts in the back of your jacket that allow you to comfortably access your pockets are called jacket vents. Most jackets feature a single, center vent; this provides a clean look and provides maneuverability. There is the option of having double vents, although it’s more expensive and typically only common in Europe. Ventless jackets are like single-button suits: generally uncommon and unflattering. In the world of suits, it’s generally recommended to follow the other fish.

8. Pants

Yes, you need them. In addition to a great fit, you need to consider pleats and cuffs. While current styles shy away from pleats, it’s more of a personal preference. Cuffs are recommended for taller body types, and should remain short. Cuffs that are too large, or cuffs on pants for a shorter body type, can be overwhelming and unflattering. If you’re unsure, stick with the common suit styles.

9. A Tailored Fit

Just like you can’t find Bigfoot at a casino, you’re not likely to find the perfect suit sitting on a rack. Instead, try finding a suit that fits fairly close to your measurements and style, and then take it to a highly recommended tailor. A great tailor can transform an “okay” fit to the perfect one, and doesn’t come with a huge price tag. Beware: an ill-fitting suit says horrible things about you.

Having one or two perfect suits is kind of like petting ol’ Nessy: it’s better than a whole closet full of just “okay” suits (or than a hundred photographs of Nessy). If you’re new to the world of hunting down the perfect suit, follow the guidelines set before you by experienced hunters: classic fits in navy and charcoal gray should be the foundation to your suit style. Once you have the basics, feel free to chart your own path.

If you’re suit meets the above requirements, you just may have found the elusive Perfect Suit!

Stuffing your cabinet with the latest designer shoes is not enough to hide the imperfections of your feet. Fashionable shoes draw attention towards your feet that is why it is necessary to keep your feet neat and clean at all times. If you’re into stylish and trendy shoes, you must also have the discipline to always care for your feet. And if going to a salon or spa regularly cannot fit your budget, there are also basic home remedies that you can use to keep your feet healthy.

Grab your pen paper and take note of this simple home remedies and pin it on your board so you can start taking care of your feet everyday.

Soak and scrub

Immerse your feet for 10 minutes in a mixture of hot water and shampoo then scrub your heels with pumice stone or foot scrubber. Rub on some high quality moisturizer after drying your feet for more desirable effect. Do this every morning before taking a bath or at night before going to bed.

Overnight treatment

Apply generous amount of lotion or petroleum jelly on your feet and cover it with light cotton socks to let your skin absorb the moisture while you sleep. Do it twice or thrice a week and see a remarkable change on the soles of your feet.

Essential oils

Add a few drops of essential oil to almond oil and massage your feet with it after taking a shower. Lavender and Rosemary essential oils smell great and are also effective in relieving tired and sore feet. Keep a small bottle of this oil handy when traveling or when you’re wearing high heels and apply it on whenever you need to rest your feet.

Prevent bad odor and foot infections

The last thing you want to have when slipping on your favorite ankle boots or pumps is a foot infection. Prevent any bad odor and foot infection by keeping your feet clean.Cut a lime in half and gently massage it on your feet and between toes for five to ten minutes before rinsing with water. This will thoroughly clean your feet and prevent any bacteria from building in. Also make sure to dry your feet before wearing boots, sneakers, or any closed shoes to avoid smelly feet.

Although most men love to see their woman wearing fabulous clothes and shoes, it will definitely turn them off to see crack heels, unkempt toe nails or overly callused feet. Make your feet as pretty as the shoes you wear and enjoy a healthier feet with or without shoes on. Include these things on your everyday beauty habit and achieve a healthier smoother feet.

It’s nice to see how people find a way to wear red jeans to suit their character and lifestyle. Although red is commonly known for being the color of boldness it can now be toned town to a chic and casual look by just pairing it with the right colors and accessories. Whether it’s for office attire, everyday casual wear, or for a lunch or dinner date, you can wear red pants and add color to your otherwise boring outfit.

 Wear your Red Jeans in Style like these Celebrities:

This look by Bar Rafaeli is perfect for office attire. It’s neat and formal but still fashionable and classy. She wore her red jeans with black top and grey blazer for a smooth and seamless contrast. Her black ankle boots also worked well with her black bag and dark shades.

Doing some shopping? Why not wear your red jeans, long sleeve tee shirt and a pair of sneakers like LeAnne Rimes. This laid back wear still looks chic and stylish but can give you the comfort you need for a busy day.

Looking smart and extra feminine, Amanda Seyfreid wore her red jeans with black button down vest. Her matching thin belt and pointed high heels gave her a dashing look. Want to add more girly touch to your outfit? Why not braid your hair like Amanda and impress everyone with your style from head to toe!

Hayden Panettiere rocked on with her red jeans with black top plust leather jacket. This is absolutely a great way to add glam to a ragged look. Her black ankle boots with buckles also made it look more fashionably edgy.

Want to take on the denim on denim look? Khloe Kardishan matched her red jeans with denim long sleeve polo. Keep some buttons open for a sexier look and lay down your gorgeous hair for an added twist. If you’re also a fan of animal skin print you can also opt to wear leopard booties and match it with a thin belt with the same print.

If you just bought a pair of red jeans and looking for some inspiration on how you can wear them, I hope the above celebrity fashion can serve as a good guide on how to ace this new trend. Just be playful with your looks and don’t be afraid to experiment so you know what works and doesn’t work for you. After all, red is a color for all the positive things life has to offer!

Since white is typically a base color, adding the right colors through shoes and other accessories is essential to pull off the look that you want to achieve. Nude colors, cute pink, sparkling silver or elegant blue, you surely have a lot of choices when pairing shoes with white dress. Wear pumps, wedges, platforms or ankle boots and enjoy a fresh summery outfit.

If you’re running out of ideas on how to wear white dress without looking like a bride, here are some celebrities and fashion bloggers who successfully worn white in a chic and trendy way. Get an inspiration from all these or discover a combination for yourself. Just a little imagination and you can go a long way.

Fresh and young Taylor Swift

White dresses in light cottony materials are very appropriate for daytime formal events. Just like Taylor Swift, you can wear your white dress with nude sequin peep toe pumps. Go minimal with your accessories and make up for a clean laid back look. Let you simplicity earn you the spotlight and feel the elegance without too much effort.

Elegant and classy Emma Watson

Do you want to wear white for an evening event? Why not pear it with your silver pumps like Emma Watson. Her dress that has silver accents on the sleeves and shoulder gave her a chic but elegant vibe. The silver shoes created a balanced look plus her silver accessories sealed her lady like ensemble. This combination will certainly make you look smart and confident all through the night.

Energetic and gorgeous Jennifer Lopez

Walk the street like Jennifer Lopez in white dress and pink shoes. Let your shoes get the attention it deserves by wearing little to no accessories. Add a splash of pink on your white dress to create balance and harmony. Put on a pink scarf or thin belt for a more polished look.

The Country Chic

Feel like country chic with this brown ankle boots, brown bag and tawny belt. Complete your look with a neutral colored hat and beautifully curled hair. Wear your prettiest smile and be ready to conquer the world in your favorite white dress.

Pretty in Blue

Take your blues away by wearing your white dress with beautiful blue suede shoes. Throw in some white blazers and blue bracelet or watch to complete your spring ready look. Her perfectly trimmed pink nails gave her a soft feminine look in contrast to the blue color of her shoes. Isn’t it just perfect?

With all these fashion inspirations, you surely can’t go wrong when styling with your favorite white dress. Come out in a classic, chic, elegant or funky look and enjoy a day or night of fun in your little white dress.

Looking like a million bucks doesn’t have to cost a mom that much. There are many solutions to purchasing designer clothing for less. Here are a four ways to get that celebrity fashion your looking for while sticking to mom’s budget.

Thrift Stores

Although some people have a negative perception o thrift stores, they can oftentimes have very nice designer clothing at affordable prices. Look for fashions that never go out of style. Look for stores in a well-to-do area as well. Areas such as these have women who take care of their clothing and frequently empty out their closets to make way for more. There will be a never-ending supply of fabulous clothing to sort through. It may take a little searching, but you can find highly fashionable clothes at thrift stores.

Outlets

Outlets are fabulous places to find the best deals. However, buyer beware as some items are made from cheaper material to accommodate the prices. Knowing what to look for, though, a mom could score an awesome designer bag for as much as to 70 percent off regular price. Outlets have added bonuses: food courts to cater to varied tastes; play areas for kids; and places for the husbands to hang around. It’s an all-around win for the entire family, and a great opportunity to find great fashion at a cheap price.

Sales

Everything has to go on sale sometime, right? This can mean up to 90 percent off original retail price. Timing is everything for this arrangement. Clothing will go on sale at the end of the season. This means that a mom may be getting a great deal on a swimsuit just as fall begins. However, choosing an item that features classic cuts and colors that will still be in style the following year is vital. Plan ahead what you will need for the following season to get the best deals on clothing! Always look through coupons, ads, and check online to see if you can get a better price on an item of clothing. Spending a little extra time will get you the best clothes at the best price.

When shopping for jewelry, look for accessories that are affordable and will last a long time. Consider lab created diamonds or synthetic diamonds instead of expensive, real diamonds. They can save you a fortune without sacrificing any of the style.

Auction Sites

Auction sites are wonderful for obtaining clothing at the lowest price possible. At times, a whole lot can be purchased for a low price. This is excellent for those moms that are keen on particular designers. This type of bargaining ensures that a mom doesn’t go over her budget. If anything, she doesn’t win the bid and still has her money to choose something else. As an added benefit, you can shop from home!

Dressing like a celebrity doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are inexpensive ways to buy highly fashionable clothes. Use these four ways to impress your friends with your fashion at ridiculously low prices.

Fashion Dos For The Successful Businessman

Buy A Good Pair Of Shoes

A good looking pair of shoes completely pulls together any businessman’s office look. Coordinate any professional look with a pair of black or brown dress shoes, casual leather or suede shoes, and be sure to keep them well maintained and polished.

The Details

It’s the small things that complete a look, anything from collar stays, cuff links, or pocket squares, these tiny details are often forgotten about, but are well worth the effort. Pocket squares are convenient and easy to coordinate since you can buy a lot of different colors, collar stays should be bought at high-end shops as they can be made cheap to begin with, but they will last for years if bought at the right place. Cuff links are underrated and under used, and are a classic addiction to any wardrobe.

Wear A Great Tie

As every successful businessman knows, wearing a great tie is important to a businessman’s professional image. For this reason, make sure you have a variety of tasteful ties in your closet, stay away from the cartoon characters and funky designs. Stick with classic lines and designs, custom made ties, and go with colors that match your button-up shirts.

Stick To Dark Colors

Since most professional settings require a conservative appearing office staff, you will want to avoid wearing loud clothes in bright colors. Stick with neutral shades like gray, brown and black when it comes to your suits, but don’t be afraid to brighten things up with a crisp-white shirt, and tie underneath.

Fashion Don’ts For The Professional Businessman

No Jewelry

If you want to exude professional businessman style, avoid wearing any jewelry, as if comes off as extremely unprofessional, juvenile, and is just overall off-putting for employers. The only acceptable jewelry for a businessman to wear is a wedding ring or a nice watch.

Don’t Forget To Groom

Messy out of control hair and unkempt facial hair are major don’ts when it comes to office attire, or every day appearance, so keep your hair trimmed and combed. Be sure you shave every morning, and if you do have facial hair, keep it neat and trimmed, no five-o-clock shadow or unkempt neck-beard.

Never Wear White Socks

Wearing white socks can completely ruin a look, it’s garish and looks plain silly, so instead, only wear socks in colors like black or brown.

No Hats

While hats may be quite stylish lately, they are a major don’t when it comes to what to wear to the office, whether it’s a fedora or a baseball cap, it’s just a no-no.

What you wear to the office can seriously impact the amount of professional success you will achieve at work. If you want your image to portray a look of professionalism that will almost guarantee career success, you need to follow the above listed dos and don’ts of proper businessman style.

Photo curtsey of Banana Republic

Bermuda Shorts

We saw a ton of Bermuda shorts on the New York runways this season meaning only one thing: they’re going to be the biggest thing for 2013.  This is good news for those of us who prefer the roomy comfort of the cut.  While they are still very flattering to the figure, they also give a little extra leeway to those of us who haven’t gotten rid of the holiday weight yet.  With the global warming phenomenon in full effect, that might just be a bit of design intervention.

Black and White

While typical spring trends have fallen the way of the Easter egg in the past, this year promises to be different.  While the floral prints of springtime will never truly go out of style, the black and white simplicity of the 2013 spring collections we saw on the runways shows a pragmatic look for a hardened economy.  Perfect for date night, the office or a walk in the park, keeping it simple means you’ll be able to put together many outfits with fewer items of clothes in your arsenal.

Peekaboo Pieces

With the daring cutouts, midriff-baring separates, up-to-the-thigh splits and sheer fabrics we saw coming out onto the runway, those who did get to the gym this winter will have plenty to wear to show their bodies off.  The greatest thing about this trend is that there are so many options as to where the actual peekaboo happens, you’ll be able to accentuate your favorite parts while covering up others.

Statement Sunglasses

Big, loud sunglasses are in once again; this includes vintage sunglasses and the continued trend of oversized bug-eye sunglasses.  Make them as loud as you want, everybody will be listening.

Bold Stripes

Big, bold stripes make a comeback this year, beating out the loud digital prints that threatened to take their place in fashion for 2013.  You can wear them with just about anything and make a different statement each time.  Denim and stripes brings the Americana feel to the table while wearing them from head to toe is ultra-chic.

Luxe Leather

Minimalistic shapes, rich colors, and a no-frills approach to hair, makeup, and accessories bring us back to the 80’s when this trend first started.  Fortunately, the cuts and patterns have gotten a lot more hip in the past few decades (even if the music hasn’t).  And while some people think luxe leather is a bit hot, keep in mind that our springs and summers have been coming later in the year recently.

Beautiful Beading

The Indian, Middle Eastern and Russian influences have had their impact on fashion this year.  Coming in the form of beautiful beading on clothing, the intricate and delicate beaded lines being placed on 2013 evening wear have replaced the gaudy sequined mini-dresses of yesteryear.  Good riddance!

Shorts Suit

One of the hottest items this year is definitely going to be the shorts suit.  Because this brings fem-power to business appropriate levels while still keeping it classy, shorts suits are the best bet for a long-term fashion trend.  Don’t be afraid to shell out a little bit of extra money on these since you’ll be wearing it for a few years.

Sporty Dresses

Flirty A-line skirts and shoulder-showcasing bodices are all the rage right now and with good reason—almost every designer is coming out with sporty dresses that are using them. Wear these with the collegiate letter jackets that are also trending this year and go however you want in the shoe department.  The best thing about these sporty dresses is that they work with just about anything.

Flats and Low Heels

Sexy ’90s pointy heels are back in style again, this time with modernized looks that include clear heels and transparent cutaways.  Stick to whatever works for your feet, but don’t be afraid to rock your pumps with your Bermuda shorts or some slouch jeans.

Image courtesy of sattva/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Amanda Seyfried at an event in 2009.

Last night was the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the red carpet was filled with actors and actresses in a variety of fashions. Some of the stars stood out and were glamorous, and others wore dresses that were less flattering. There was a variety of different colors and a common trend in fashion for the night was having glitter or sparkle details in the dresses.

Amanda Seyfried made an appearance and looked stunning. She wore a dark blue dress that was very fitting around the waist and hips, but then it flared out at the bottom to have a mermaid effect. The dress had a sweetheart neckline and Seyfried had her hair down and flowing which worked really well with her dress and brought the look together. Jennifer Lawrence also wore a dark blue dress, but her dress was more of a navy blue. Her dress was also strapless and very fitted, but it was very simple. Jenna Fischer from The Office wore a black dress with gold sparkles. She looked very comfortable in her dress and it was flattering on her. Amy Poehler looked very classy in a black dress that hugged her body and had spaghetti straps.

However, there were some fashions on the red carpet that were not as flattering and glamourous. Busy Phillips wore a dark dress with long sleeves and a train. The dress showed off her baby bump, however, the dress was extremely simple, and made her baby bump too much of a focus. Naomi Watts wore a white dress with a lot of detail, but it washed her out a little bit because of her pale skin. Nancy O’Dell had on a turquoise dress with a sparkle design. And her dress would have been beautiful, but it had a very strange neckline. There was a part that went around her neck and over to the side and it was a strange look. Anne Hathaway wore a black dress where there was a layer that was above the knee, but then there was a lot of tulle that was longer. There was more tulle on the sides than the front.

Many stars showed off their fashions before the awards, some better than others. These are just a few of the actresses for the night, but these are some of the highlights because their fashions really stood out.

Image Source: Wikipedia

If I had to admit my celebrity fashion crushes, Kate Beckinsale would be at the top of the list. Not only does this mother have amazing fashion sense, but her effortless beauty is a showstopper in every weekly magazine.

This first look is perfect for a day date in the city. A simple tee and vintage-washed jeans will make you appear simple and chic, while some great gold accessories and dark polish will help you catch his eye.

1. Michael Kors Oversized Watch $275

2. Sol Angeles Sugar Sugar Tee $58

3. Essie Licorice Nail Polish $8

4. Ray Ban Classic Wayfarer $200

5. Joe’s Jeans Skinny Vintage $165

The next outfit shows off the best of spring fashion with a muted print blazer, cropped jeans and dark accessories. Take a cue from Kate’s street style, and pair our favorite spring blazer (below) with your comfortable cropped skinny jeans to step out for a great spring date.

1. Hudson Collin Skinny in Westwood $205

2. D&G Oversized Sunglasses $160

3. Chica Nova Rainbow Stripe Blazer $82

4. Vintage Chanel Xl Jumbo Quilted Bag *actual bag shown in picture

For more style tips and tricks, follow me on www.cashmereandcoco.com or on twitter at @anncsincsak!

In the United States the supply chain for apparel is as follows; branded clothing is designed in the US, manufactured overseas, and then sold all over the world. The majority of brands have territorial clauses in their contracts with their re-sellers which prohibits them from selling in authorized markets. The root of the problem is gray market importers can purchase apparel overseas, then import into the US and sell it across the country with no restrictions in regards to territorial contracts because they are not authorized by the supplier in the first place to be selling their products. The consumer does not care because they are getting the brand name apparel at a discounted price. As one can imagine this is extremely frustrating to authorized dealers, who have spent time & money creating a legitimate distribution model, and in turn this can disrupt their relationship with their brand partners.

With the creation of online auction sites such as ebay and alibaba, they have actually made it easier for gray marketers to skirt the traditional distribution model. Also, since the sales are made over the internet it makes it even harder for authorized distributors and some of the watch dog groups they utilize to monitor the transactions.

Authorized re-sellers may feel that they are victims of the gray market and they are not receiving adequate support from their suppliers. These re-sellers may want to utilize a website that enables suppliers and distributors the ability to source and engage one another in an effort to either increase their product line or find new relevant re-sellers. Websites such as Supplyseeker provide the ability for a re-seller or supplier to manage all of their channel partners in one centralized location. This would be a great place for frustrated re-sellers to find new channel partners.

Recently though a new trend has emerged that threatens to cause conflict within the traditional sales channel. Some of the major brands have decided to open mono-brand boutique shops exclusively offering only their products. They focus on very affluent areas and it gives them the ability to have customers focus on their brand only with no other options within the store. Also, the can create a unique environment within the store to offer a better customer experience. For example, offering free drinks or food while looking for a diamond ring or watch.

This has been somewhat of a controversial trend because many brands do not want to cause irreversible harm to the strong relationships they have forged with their channel partners (re-sellers). “One of the biggest marketing challenges that watch and jewelry brands face is channel conflict,” said Darren Floyd, co-founder of luxury marketing consultancy Fondue Mix, New York.“Brands have worked very hard to cultivate relationships with key retailers, which is critical for the health of their business,” he said.

On top of that, the brands will have to take on the cost of running the store fronts which entails a marketing plan to drive as much foot traffic to the store as possible. One way to help mitigate these costs is to open several boutiques to help absorb the fixed costs and provide several revenue streams. This would require a substantial amount of capital and would be viewed as a high risk move by many business owners.

Most brands are satisfied with keeping their current relationships with channel partners in place using the 3rd party re-seller model to get their products to consumers. Not to mention having 100% of the costs picked up by their re-sellers. They view the risk of opening their own boutique or chain of boutiques not worth the reward at this point.

Opinions vary for specific dresses, but some of the stars’ fashion choices were questionable. Lena Dunham was in a brown dress which the top was loose. But the main problem with the dress was that she was clearly in a corset and she looked uncomfortable in it. Halle Berry wore a colorful dress which looked great except for the cut out at her stomach. Then there are other stars that looked absolutely fabulous. Zooey Deschanel looked gorgeous in a classic red dress with pearls and a simple up-do. Jennifer Lawrence also looked great in a simple red dress that flowed at the bottom. She looked stunning. Nicole Kidman also looked fantastic in a black dress with exquisite detail. Her dress had a shear panel, studs around the neck, and a simple bottom. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler also made an appearance on the red carpet and looked great. Fey was in a black and white dress and she had her hair simple by having it down and wavy. Then Poehler was in a black low-cut suit with a diamond necklace for just the right amount of glamour and it didn’t look too simple. In fact, Tina Fey and Poehler looked fantastic throughout the Golden Globes. The actors do not get as much credit as the actresses for what they wore, but they all looked fantastic.

During the Awards, even more stars were seen because only a fraction of them were seen on the Red Carpet. Some other trends that were seen were hip accents, key holes, and many others. The stars will now be criticized or praised for what they wore for the award show, but many of them looked amazing.

To help you put together a checklist, take a look at the guide below of things you should not forget…

Hangers

Without hangers, where are you going to put the clothes? There are lots of different types of hangers available and thus it is recommended that you get a selection of various types. After all, there are hangers best suited to trousers, others more appropriate for knitwear, and so on and so forth. If you are opening a boutique or a high end store then you may want to consider display hangers; these have a lovely satin cover and thus look luxurious and expensive. Moreover, don’t forget about accessories to go with the hangers, such as; size markings and peg hooks.

Carrier bags

When deciding which carrier bags to purchase you will be met with a wealth of choices. First and foremost, you will have to choose between paper and plastic. The former tends to be the better option because paper bags look better, are more durable and are more environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, there is still a wealth of paper bags to choose from; with different colours, designs, patterns, size and handle options. At present white kraft bags are a great choice; they are versatile and cost effective.

Shopping rails

You will need shopping rails in order to effectively display your clothes. There are lots of different choices available and a healthy balance between different styles of rails is usually recommended. After all, you want your shop to look exciting, dimensional and inviting, rather than looking like a warehouse which has row upon row of the same rails.

Shopping baskets

When it comes to clothes stores, round netting shopping baskets tend to look the best. After all, the plastic options can sometimes look cheap and are best suited to supermarkets and DIY places. Black net baskets are a great choice to go for, they are versatile and will go with your shop no matter what design you have going on. Furthermore, don’t forget to buy a net basket stacker or two in order to store the baskets in as well.

Mannequins

You will need a selection of mannequins to put into your shop window; you may also want one or two on display around your store. Remember to pick mannequins which best show off the clothes you have on offer. There are a few little choices to be made; such as whether you want a mannequin with a head or not, if so then do you want to buy wigs for the mannequins, furthermore there are also some available with different gloss finishes.

All in all, there are lots of things that you need to consider when opening up a shop. But making a list of all the supplies you need is highly recommended, and thus start with the five mentioned in this article and then build your checklist further.

Fortunately though, online innovation has caught up with the fashion industry and the web now offers an array of websites for fashionistas that wish to snag trendy looks for less.

Whether you’re a conservative shopper who only picks up a designer item every now and then, or a full-fledged shopaholic keeping up with the trends, the following websites can keep your closet fresh and your wallet happy at the same time. (Male readers, don’t leave yet—there a couple of sites here for you as well.)

99Dresses – Ever had one of those days when you have a closet full of clothes yet you still have nothing to wear? Well this startup aims to get rid of that problem. 99Dresses is a website that allows women to access “an infinite closet” of fashion.

It serves as an online marketplace that runs on a virtual currency called “buttons.” 99Dresses lets women upload photos of their unwanted dresses onto the website and sell them to other members in exchange for buttons—which can then be used to buy other dresses on the site.

Rent the Runway – RTR is a site that lets you borrow designer clothes and accessories for a mere 10% of the retail price. In other words, dresses that cost thousands of dollars can actually be yours (at least for the next 4 or 8 days) for just a couple of hundred bucks.

Perfect for those “one time only” events, RTR lets you rent the complete look, from your dress to your jewelry, and even your purse. The site even offers same day delivery in New York and next day deliver throughout the US. Once you’re done with the items, just pop ‘em in the mailbox and you’re good to go.

MyHabit – Known as Amazon’s venture into the flash sales space, this website allows you to participate in limited-time sales featuring designer items. From women’s apparel, to men’s wear, and even home décor, MyHabit offers something for everyone.

When you register for an account at MyHabit, you will start receiving sale alerts in your inbox to notify you of sales that you may want to check out. The key to snagging the best pieces is to get there early. As previously mentioned, flash sales are only up for a limited amount of time. No to mention, there are other members competing for the same deals, so be sure to act quickly whenever you see something that you like.

ShoeMint – Elite pairs of shoes designed by big name celebrities can usually set you back hundreds (even thousands) of dollars. Thanks to ShoeMint though, you’ll be able to get exclusive shoe designs from TV and movie star Rachel Bilson and celebrity stylist Nicole Chavez for $79 a month—up to 80% off retail.

Sign up on ShoeMint.com and take a quick style quiz to help Rachel and Nicole give you personalized shoe designs. New shoes will arrive every month, and you’ll get a chance to take home the pairs that you want. Don’t worry—there’s no obligation to buy every single month, so can skip purchasing a pair whenever you want.

Frank & Oak – Male readers don’t worry—you haven’t been forgotten; Frank & Oak is here to help you with your monthly apparel dilemmas. Just register for an account, tell them about your style preference, and every month, Frank & Oak will send over new styles that you can purchase through the site.

Prices at Frank & Oak are relatively lower than other online services because the company makes their own clothes—“from design, to manufacturing, to retail”—and have effectively cut out the middlemen.

Bonus Tip – If you’re residing outside the United States but still want to avail of the above-services, consider looking into US package forwarding solutions. Websites such as Parcelbound.com assign a US address to your account and then forward your orders to your international location at affordable rates.

Conclusion

Being fashionable doesn’t have to come with a huge price tag. These websites prove that whether you’re looking to save on dresses, shoes, or even shipping, there are always going to be inexpensive alternatives. With that in mind, keep looking for bargains and happy shopping!

By Jennifer Ross

The holiday season has just started and already you are overwhelmed with what to buy your loved ones. Do you run around town, waiting in endless lines, hoping to find something perfect for your mother, daughter or wife? Who has that kind of time? Fortunately, thanks to the team at CupidsPulse, you don’t have to. To cut down your holiday shopping time–and save your sanity–we have sought out some great holiday gifts she is sure to love. Even better, we are giving away some of these products to a handful of lucky visitors–see italicized notation under each product below. For information on how to enter, scroll down below to the bold copy marked GIVEAWAY ALERT.

1. Justin Bieber Girlfriend- perfume and lotion: For the one in love or wanting to be in love, Justin Bieber’s Girlfriend fragrance tempts all your senses. Flirty, personal and inviting, this fragrance is designed to include three unique notes. “The Chance” begins with notes of sparkling pear, crisp mandarin, rich blackberry and mara strawberry. “The Dream” lures you in with notes of pink freesia, star jasmine, apricot nectar, and orange blossom. “The Kiss” excites your mind with notes of Vanilla Orchid and Luminous Musk. Its wrap-around bottle design and revolutionary magnetic bottle cap is fresh, new and designed especially for her heart.

(1) Holiday Giveaway: perfume & lotion set

2. Good Works Metallique Gunmetal Crystal Bracelet: Part of the “Metallique” collection for Good Works, this multi-wrap around bracelet will give any outfit a superior edginess with a feminine flair. The metallic gunmetal leather is glamorized with studded crystals, a circular belt buckle and inspirationally themed phrases to make a bold statement in style.

(4) Holiday Giveaways: gunmetal crystal bracelets

3. Eyedoll Chatter Mineral-Based Cosmetics: Perfect for young girls, Eyedoll Chatter Mineral-Based cosmetics is a new interactive line of mineral makeup kits that let your tweens and teens build their own colorful, scented shadows, blushes and lip glosses. Better yet, they can share their creations via text, Facebook or Twitter thanks to EyeDoll Chatter’s free iPhone app. Each of these adorable “it kits” comes with six different components. Eye and cheek kits have three all-natural colors and three scented shimmers (think birthday cake, cherry blossom, etc.) made with cosmetic-grade, skin-friendly fragrance. The lip kits have three colored glosses and three scented balms. The idea is to mix and match to your heart’s and your senses’ delight. The looks that can be created range from school-appropriate to party-sensational and they are all something to talk, text and tweet about.

(5) Holiday Giveaways: Hello Kissy Lipgloss Sets

4. Native Union POP Phones: Have something important to say or simply love to chat? The original retro handset from Native Union allows you to say it with style, anywhere! Manufactured with a high quality speaker and microphone for crisp sound and clarity, this classic 50’s Blakelit design telephone comes in many vibrant colors and patterns, with a luxurious soft-touch texture for improved calling comfort. Access to phone functions are convenient when making calls. It is compatible with notebooks and all mobile devices, including tablets, smartphones and cellphones. Best of all, you can choose from either a wired or Bluetooth® technology POP phone.

(1) Holiday Giveaway: POP Phone (black)

5. MyMela Bangle Set: For the sophisticated woman at work or out on the town, MyMela Bangle Set will pull together your look wonderfully. Enjoy this set of three black and blue bracelets, hand made in brass, that can be worn individually or all together. Priced under $15.00, this item is perfect either as a gift or stocking stuffer. Approximate size is 2.5” diameter. Nickel-free hypoallergenic.

6. Eye Majic’s Select 16 Kit: For the woman on-the-go, Eye Majic’s Select 16 Kit allows her to apply instant eyeshadow flawlessly for any occasion. At $19.95, the kit comes with 16 applications of eyeshadow (10 matte and 6 pearl colors), one “foxy lady” application, one eye majic eyeliner, one “set in stone” practice application and a demonstration DVD.

By Ben Holbrook

It’s been a while since Ben Affleck’s overly-chiselled jaw has graced the big screen, and his latest movie, Argo, is a far cry from his days as a blind Daredevil. Affleck directed, produced and gave himself the lead role in this CIA action thriller, set in the late ‘70s. Whether it’ll win him another Oscar (yes, he got one for Good Will Hunting) is not for us to say, but there’s no doubt that men across the world be looking for ways to get that bold, but subtle, cop-about-town look. Here are a few of the vital ingredients:

Herringbone Jackets – The Essential Chevron Weave

Throughout the movie, and the late ‘70s, Herringbone suits and jackets can be seen almost exclusively. Herringbone gives a smart but down to earth kind of feel, and practical for day-to-day wear. For a more modern vibe take note of the lapels; the larger they the more you’ll look like one of Starsky and Hutch’s friends. Of course, if you are really trying to nail that ‘70s look – the bigger the better!

Related: What to Wear to Meet His Family

Where to find them?

Most menswear stores will have a good selection of Herringbone jackets, although full suits can be harder to find. For the real deal, check out your local charity shops and vintage stalls who will carry a small but authentic range of jackets.

Flannel Shirts

For the casual look, worn without a tie, you want earth-toned flannel shirts – don’t be afraid of the washed out look. Darker colours give more of a ‘70s vibe, but you can wear brighter colors for a more modern look. Affleck also dons another classic style of the era: the denim shirt.

Related: What to Wear on a First Date

Where to find them?

With recent revivial (some say saturation) of the good old-fashioned worker’s shirt, authentic-looking flannel shirts can be bought from all menswear stores. You can also get the vintage look by buying them secondhand from your local charity shop or vintage clothing stalls where you’ll find them in bulk and at rock-bottom prices. There are also specialist stores on ebay that sell a mix of new and vintage designs.

Chunky Ties

Forget skinny ties, after watching Argo men will be delving back into their father’s wardrobes, digging out the chunky styles of the ‘70s and early ‘80s. Heavy fabrics and simple colours added to a simple shirt with (optional) large collar, there’s nothing that says “I’m in charge” quite like these bad boys!

Where to find them?

Have a look in your father/grandfather’s wardrobe, no doubt they’ll have plenty in the style you are after. If not, check out charity stores that will sell them off for next to nothing, or check out a car boot sale. They don’t really make them like this anymore, so you’ll need to buy vintage to get the right look.

‘70s/Argo Style Tips:

- Don’t ruin the look by wearing a modern, brightly coloured watch. Instead, make sure to wear something complimentary, perhaps with a silver or gold strap.

- Brown or black leather shoes will work well with these simple fabrics, Ben Affleck wears a brown pair of cowboy boots with his more causal outfits.

- Dark denim jeans work perfectly with herringbone jackets and a slight flair at the bottom will finish off the ‘70s vibe.

Now that the newest generation of winter style trends is beginning to sprout, it’s time to put some of these old, weary or unfit fads out of their misery. For example, here are four seasonal fashion trends that need to be excised immediately.

1)      Ombré Hair. The rise of the hipster thrift shop movement brought forth a new hairstyle that can only be described as “heroin chic.”  Rather than style their hair, hip young fashionistas began to leave it messy and unkempt – as if they’d just gotten off of a four-day bender in the desert. To make it look even grungier, girls began to stain it dark at the roots and light at the tips to imitate a neglected dye job.

Ombré hair, as the blogosphere likes to call it, was cool for a while. However, as more and more celebrities began to pick the style up, the dirty locks lost much of their edgy luster and. It was one thing when Mary Kate and Kesha rocked a hombre, but when PG sweetheart Drew Barrymore donned the ‘do, the trend was officially over. This winter, it’s time to put the unkempt quaffs to rest for good.  Undone hair is grand, but no more of this Ombré stuff. Style it or don’t, but don’t deliberately try to make your hairdo look messy.

2)      Double Bagging. Sometime this season, someone decided it was a good idea to carry two designer bags at once.  The trend caught on, and now women all over the country are layering their purses and bags in what appears to be this season’s most pointless fashion statement.

Why do you need to take two bags out with you? Are you trying to show off your Coach purse collection or do you really have that much stuff to carry? In any case, this seems like a terribly impractical fad. Sure, it looks neat now, but let’s see how you feel when you forget one of your fancy purses at a club or restaurant.

3)      Military-Style Clothes. Military-inspired clothes have become something of a dead horse in the fashion industry. Every time the leaves change colors, design houses start rolling out the utility jackets and drab cargo pants and every year, it all looks the same.

It’s easy to see why the military theme such a big hit in the winter. The clothes come in neutral shades and the look they create is very accessible, which makes them great for retail. However, we’ve been doing military for so long now that isn’t it time to move on to something new? The look is the epitome of stale. It would be great if the industry could put it on the backburner for a few years and go back to the drawing board.

4)      Uggs (+Leggings ). Ugg Boots, those hideously comfortable sheepskin abominations from Australia, have enjoyed a spot in just about every girl’s closet since 2007. In fact, the Uggs + leggings combo is still considered to be the standard uniform for college students across the country who are too tired, lazy or cool to put on proper clothes for class.

This needs to stop. Uggs are not the only comfortable pieces of footwear on the market anymore. There are plenty of other, more attractive options for women who care only for comfort- like loafers and jeggings. Now that sales on these horrendous boots are finally falling, it’s time bury them in the grave where they belong. It was good while it lasted, but it lasted far too long.

Don’t fall victim to these winter fashion faux-pas. Switch up your style this season and try something new for a change, like wearing Blush dresses instead of black gowns. You’ll look better and who knows, you might even start a trend of your own!

As we have entered an economic crisis over a decade ago, the financial aspects of product choices are crucial.  Price point analysis and brand positioning are extremely vital for products entering or re-entering the market.  Setting a product’s price appropriately is important as many consumers need justification for greater expense items or are attracted to a great bargain.  Positioning a product among competitors defines its price point.  A consumer can expect to pay a certain amount for a product based on its quality and how the brand is recognized.  Due to the economic struggles, there is a greater demand for inexpensive products.  High quality product companies that set higher prices are now focusing on reminding consumers of their quality assurance as it helps justify the additional expense for their items.

Further justification for higher end products falls within their promise of saving consumers’ time or offering long-lasting relationships with the products.  As there is a current need to save time in daily schedules, cutting corners in makeup application has become very popular.  Many consumers do not want to spend hours on their personal care, so they often choose products that help save them time in their routines.  Another characteristic of a product that consumers are currently demanding is the ability for the product to be long-lasting.  A consumer is more likely to purchase a product that they know will last them a long time over a product they know they will need to repurchase in the near future.

As there is a rise of the post-World War II baby boomers, another trend is presented.  This densely populated age group, born 1946-1964, is currently approaching mid-life and has an increased concern about signs of aging.  In response to aging concerns, they tend to focus on anti-aging ingredients within their products.  There is an increase in the need for products that help mask their age, prevent further aging, or diminish signs of aging.  It is expected that we will see around a five billion dollar increase in this industry by 2015.  This drastic increase in the market can be a true gold mine for many cosmetic companies in the industry.

As many consumers are becoming conscientious in their product choices, it is important for the cosmetic professional to recognize these specific trends.  Consumers are now strengthening their appreciation for companies that are natural and cruelty-free.  There also has been a significant rise in cruelty free cosmetics.  Cruelty free products are defined as those that do not require harm or death to animals or humans.  Recent surveying has presented astonishing results stating about 75 percent of consumers are admitting to purchasing cosmetics that feature the label cruelty-free label.   Creating products that are natural and cruelty-free will attract many consumers as well as strengthen brand loyalty as many consumers will be inclined to continue purchasing from companies that provide these products.

A final noted trend within the cosmetic industry is the advancement of technology.  Many consumers are using online digital makeovers to test out new looks.  This minimizes the process of trying new products in the stores or retail locations.  In which case, many consumers are choosing to purchase products online, either through these specific sites or through their affiliates.  Other technological improvements have led consumers to crave items either at home or within a spa setting.  For example, there has been a rise of LED lights to help improve acne concerns and infrared lights to help diminish signs of aging.  These technological advancements are available in retailers for at-home use or in a salon setting performed by a licensed professional.  Another technological trend is the use of social media.  Companies now are observing greater sales rates when they are interacting with consumers among social media sites, like Twitter and Facebook.  This engages the consumer to not only build brand loyalty, but also receive updates from the companies regarding their latest products and trends.

To recognize the previous trends in the cosmetic industry is extremely important as it helps build the success of cosmetic professionals.  Without the acknowledgement of these trends, a company could easily fail as its competitors begin to soar above them.  Financial appropriateness; time saving or long-lasting products; cruelty free or fair trade products; natural or organic products; or technologically exciting products are the noticeable desires of the consumer.  Without tending to the consumers’ needs, a company has lost its focus and is not keeping up with the changing society around them.  It is in a strong suggestion that a company should take full advantage of all of these trends, or several of these trends, to maximize their sales in this time period.

The industry remarkably continues to grow in light of shaky consumer confidence and far out performed mass segment sales growth. Spurred by expansion and growth in global markets (France, +3%); (China, +22%); (Mexico, +15%); (UK, +9), emergence of the skin care segment (+14% growth in 2011), in particular anti-aging products (+17% growth in 2011), and several major brand acquisitions, 2011 marked was a high point for the industry.

Driven by technological advances, increased advertising spend, increased discretionary spending and wider product distribution channels, sales of prestige beauty products continues to increase in 2012 to-date. Companies continue to expand their global and domestic footprint through acquisitions and the introduction of new products.

Courtesy of: Beauty School Network

If you’re considering which jewellery pieces to wear this autumn and winter, this list of must-haves will provide plenty of inspiration.

An elegant bracelet watch

Elegant bracelet watches never seem to go out of fashion, making them an essential item in any woman’s jewellery collection. For extra versatility, go for a simple piece that can be worn for work or teamed up with a more elaborate outfit for a night out.

A statement cocktail ring

If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, look out for statement cocktail rings that can complete your outfit. While more neutral and darker shades will start to hit the high street, there’s no reason why you can’t add a bit of glitz with a beautiful ring.

A brooch

Brooches are back in fashion, and have been seen on every catwalk parade from Marc Jacobs to Temperley. A little bit retro but still absolutely fabulous, they can be used to fasten shawls or just adorn simple coats and jackets.

A cuff necklace

When it comes to necklaces, it seems that bigger means better this autumn and winter. Wear with an open necked shirt or off-the-shoulder dress for maximum impact. If you’re planning to wear this trend, remember to keep other accessories to a minimum.

A pair of drop earrings

Put your studs away till spring, because autumn and winter is going to be all about bold earrings that frame the face. These styles are best teamed with a sleek, pulled-back hairdo for maximum impact. Pieces in all colours and sizes are starting to appear on the high street, so there’s no need to spend a fortune.

By choosing just a few key items to add to your existing collection, you’ll be able to put together lots of different looks that will suit any occasion. A lot of the key trends this coming season are timeless pieces that you’ll be able to wear again and again.

1.       Boots With Jeans

In case you have been under the impression that boots are strictly formal footwear for men, well, you have never met the cowboy boots that are so popular in the market. One of the best ways in which you can wear your boot without needing to put on your uncomfortable formals is by coupling it with denim.

When you wear a boot with denim you can couple it with a tee shirt for the full on casual look or don a shirt for the semi-formal look! And if you can carry it off, well, denims can be worn as formals too when you are going to office! Either way, the point being that the jeans are one of the best ways to wear your boots. So the next time you want to go out in the evening, don’t forget to give this attire a try!

2.      Boots With Khakis

Enough of western dressing, the time is here to go eastern with your dressing sense and what better way to do that than by wearing your boots along with the khakis that you were gifted by your Indian friend? But there is one thing you need to keep in mind when you are trying to pull this off, the fact that your boots need to be clean colored and non-flashy is extremely important or else you might end up looking like a clown! So pick up a mainstream color with a generic design and turn some eyes when you walk out wearing these along with your khakis!

3.      Boots With Suits

Boots with suits is the perfect dressing idea for you in order to give some outing to the Texan in you. This is when wearing the boot is not about fashion but is more of a lifestyle element for you. So go boldly on the streets and don your boots with suits! Well, you need to couple it with the attitude and confidence to pull off this off beat style of dressing but that doesn’t mean that it is improbable.

These 3 dressing ideas for wearing clothes with your boots are good enough to cover almost all aspects of your daily life, funky, casual, semi-formal and formal! Now that is some serious fun when you get to wear your boots throughout the day!

Maternity fashion seems to be somewhat of an undecided topic for pregnant women, as half think it’s all frumpy and tent-like smocks where as the other half love treating themselves to a whole new wardrobe filled with all the latest maternity fashions. And the latter know best, as maternity clothing has come a long way in recent years, and as long as you follow our list of do’s and don’ts for maternity fashion, you will look and feel like the yummy mummy-to-be that you are!:

Don’t: Try buying non-maternity clothing in larger sizes. It will not work, it will make you look far bigger and rounder than you actually are, and won’t make you feel any more comfortable or attractive.

Do: Treat yourself to a new wardrobe of maternity clothing that fits properly. This will make you feel every bit as gorgeous as you are, and will not hide your beautiful pregnant figure and sexy curves under loose and lifeless fabrics. And you don’t need to spend a fortune on maternity wear either, when brands such as Seraphine UK offer all the latest fashions to fit pregnant women at reasonable prices.

Don’t: Give up on jeans just because you can’t button them up any longer, and again, don’t try buying them in bigger sizes because they may fit over your bump but they will hang off everywhere else. Not an attractive look.

Do: Get a decent pair of jeans made for maternity.  If you look in the right places you can find a quality pair for a reasonable price that will be comfortable throughout pregnancy, and still accentuate those pins!

Don’t: Give up on looking nice, no matter how large you feel! The pregnant woman’s figure is a beautiful and sexy sight to behold, and many women will find themselves jealous of it!

Do: Make the effort to look nice just the same as you would if you weren’t pregnant and feeling unattractive, and you will feel tons better. Keep making the small efforts like putting on make-up and doing your hair, and looking good on the outside can make a major change to how you feel on the inside.

 Don’t: Throw away your maternity clothing when your pregnancy comes to an end a

nd your figure changes. You never know if you might become pregnant again, and in the meantime why not put a maternity blouse on with a waisted belt and skinny jeans or wear that wrap dress tied a little tighter round the tummy?

Do: Donate maternity clothing to charity if you don’t want to wear it or save it for future. There will always be someone else who is pregnant and needs some maternity fashion ASAP!

Now of course, the night makeup has to be darker than your usual day-time make up. But the trick here is to maintain a balance so that it doesn’t look overdone. To avoid any mishaps and ease your way into this, given below are a few makeup tips that will make you look like a celebrity and get those awe-inspiring stares make way for you as you enter the club with your girlies.

Top 5 Makeup Tips for Girls Night Out

Go with Bold Eyelashes

There’s nothing that even comes close to false eyelashes when you want to sport a dramatic look for the night. It brings the attention to your eyes, making you look all flirty and fun.

Use Gleaming Shimmer

A slight dash of shimmer swapped across your upper cheekbone will reflect the sparkle just right in all the lights and make your skin look so glamorous and alive. Use some on your neck, forehead, and chin too. Showing some skin? Add on some shimmer to your cleavage area, collar bone, and shoulders as well.

If for some reason you’ve been tired throughout the day, put on a very tiny bit of shimmer after mixing it well with concealer. Or, you can just press it in your under-eye area for a vibrant, well-rested look.

Time for Bright Lips

For the love of God, give up on those muted, soft tones and slutty, dark shades right now. It’s high time that you flaunt on some fun and bold lip colors. Hot pink lip gloss anyone? Oh come on, it’s not only a perfect pick for a fun night out but will also make your teeth look whiter. Don’t have it? Click here to get some great discounts on stuff from Skinstore and get some of those hot, bold lip glosses all fashionistas are swooning over these days.

Get Wet Liner

The usual liquid liners are messy and are not that easy to apply either. What if I tell you that you can achieve almost the same dramatic eye look without any mess? Yes, simply wet your eyeliner brush and dip it in a charcoal or black shadow, and use it to define your lash lines.

Since you’re going a little heavy on the eye makeup with false eyelashes and all, be sure not to overdo your lips. If your bold lip color is a darker shade that you don’t want to miss out on, for your nighttime look to reflect that extra oomph, be sure to use less of eye shadow. Trying to bring attention to both your lips and eyes will only make you look less like any hot babe, and more like a scary witch.

Dazzle on with Your Blush

Although a subdued shade is your best bet during the day, nothing less than a dazzling blush on will do for you to look stunning for your night out. Make sure you apply it with a light hand and even a highly intense shade will look just right.

Have Sparkling Nails

Don’t be a bore and put on those somber shades. Experiment your nail colors and try out some bright shades, like yellow, tangerine orange, and others. Be sure to apply a coat of clear nail polish that is infused with glitters over your base coat for the sparkly effect.

No Powder

Although matte skin works great for the day, it’s an absolute no for your night out because it will make your skin look lifeless, dull, and all chalky in the evening light. You can avoid this by skipping the application of a powder after you’ve put on your foundation. Natural oils of your skin and radiance should be able to make up for skipping the powder. Be sure to put on a coat of foundation on your legs too.

Besides the above tips, don’t forget the basics of skin care. To know about the proper skin care regimen, you should visit this link. This should be a part of your daily routine. The products from the makers of the famed Sonic Toothbrush are making waves in the skin care market nowadays. If their prices seem a little steep to you, you can avail their Clarisonic discount, which is currently on.

It seems like you’ll now be all decked up but make sure that you’ve decided on your party dress at least a night before and have also picked up the accessories to go with it beforehand.

Remember, the fashion industry had a rocky road to travel after Wall Street fell apart. Consumers simply had no extra cash for “luxury” purchases, and even affluent buyers backed off their spending in favor of more conservative budgets (and clothing). As a result, many designers (including notables like Christian Lacroix and Yohji Yamamoto) were forced to file, or seriously consider filing, for bankruptcy.

Image courtesy of esapartments.com

While most people didn’t sympathize much with the fashionistas—given that many were struggling to scrape together money for their mortgages, let alone a new dress—Wintour saw the impact the economic downturn was having on fashion-related jobs and revenues. She maintained that the nation needed the kind of pick-me-up that only the fashion community could provide.

By combining a fun shopping experience at the beginning of New York’s Fashion Week with an engine for charitable giving—all contributions by shoppers would go to the “New York City AIDS Fund in the Community Trust”—Wintour took the guilt out of “frivolous” spending, and voila . . . FNO was born!

Now in its fourth year, Fashion’s Night Out has events in more than 500 cities across 18 countries, and it benefits a host of different local and national charities, depending on which ones the individual organizers choose. The different branches are regulated by a strict set of rules for who can register, and how they can operate their own FNO events.

FNO’s marketing engines begin revving up months in advance across the globe, promoting both invitation-only and public shopping experiences and parties for fashion junkies. Sure, New York remains the recipient of much of the buzz because of their internationally renowned Fashion Week, but by allowing the event to spread, FNO shares its notable fashion spotlight with cities that may not be as well known for their fashion chops. It’s a win-win —and each city brings its own flavor to the celebration, as well.

Savvy marketers can learn some important lessons from the FNO marketing machine:

• Spread the word with social media. The FNO Twitter account and FNO Facebook page have hundreds of thousands of supporters, and the #FNO hashtag is still producing Tweets from around the globe –even after the NYC event has ended. New this year, Facebook-backed Instagram partnered with FNO to run FNO Live, a real-time picture engine for the event. The fashion community loves the fast-paced nature of social media conversation, not to mention the inexpensive grassroots support it provides for independent designers, small shops and communities with smaller marketing budgets. Many cities created their own FNO hashtags to share their events as they happened—and to line their efforts up against FNO cities across the world.
• Include everyone… but offer consistent brand. The FNO branding imagery changes somewhat from year to year, but the branding trickles down to the cities from the central New York hub. By providing marketing resources that reflect that branding to the different cities, the FNO brand stays strong wherever it goes.
• Take the guilt out of the party with cause marketing. Anything for a good cause, right? By partnering with charities—who, don’t forget, also took a recession-related hit—the fashion industry makes it “okay” for shoppers to indulge a bit more. Companies often see a rush of goodwill when they link up with a great cause, and that’s usually associated with an accompanying rise in revenues, too!

Click through the FNO website and social media channels to do a bit of “learning by example.” I think you’ll find, like I did, that the folks behind Fashion’s Night Out are leading the pack when it comes to marketing smarts.