By Rebecca Hughes


Fancy dress costumes are a lot of fun. Not just because you can be someone else for a night, but also because assembling them takes a lot of thinking and creativity, and it becomes a very enjoyable process, especially if you are planning it with some friends.

While you can buy numerous kinds of costumes from stores nowadays, but in this way you will not only be missing out on all the fun of putting together the stuff all by yourself but they will also cost you quite a bit of money. You can save your money, and have a lot of fun by making your own costume.

Let's say, you are going to a theme night as a witch. Well, you probably have all you need to be dressed up as a witch in your own house. To start with, you need to figure out the clothes first. For clothes, you need a long black cloak or a robe that is black in colour. If you have neither, you can take an old white sheet, dye it in black colour and simply use your thread and needle to make it look like a cloak.

For this, fold the sheet in half, and cut out a hole for your head to pass through. Once you have cut the head put it on, and ask a friend to put needles where you need to sew it to make the arm holes. Just sew a straight line from there till your waist. When you put it on, it will look slightly like a figure eight shape, but you have successfully made a cloak without spending money.

Next, you need a pointy hat. For this, take some black cardboard, and mould it into a top hat shape. Put staples in it to keep it in shape. You will also need black shoes, and a broom as your own personal conveyance.

The most important part of a witch's fancy dress is to make sure you get the makeup right. You have to look very scary and very ugly, as that is how witches look. So, just take your makeup and get creative. Don't forget to put on a wart and a very dark lipstick.

In just one day, and with almost no money, you can transform your house supplies into a fancy dress costume for a witch. It is not difficult and certainly not expensive to do all this, and you will actually end up having fun trying to figure out how to get everything right without making a large mess.

Theme nights can be a lot of fun with costumes where everyone tries to look more authentic than the other. It is great to have some sort of a prize at the end of the party for the best costume, especially if people have worked to make the costumes themselves and have not bought them. With just a little bit of creativity, you can make your costume the best of the night.

By Jack Wogan


Whether you want to have your hen party in the holiday season or you just plan a Christmas-themed hen party for your last night with the girls, there is for sure a wide range of holiday costumes to choose from. If you don't fancy a snowman or reindeer costume and neither a Santa Claus for that matter, what about some elf costumes that might fit better your playful mood tonight?

It wouldn't be the first time when the joyous holiday spirit takes a spicy twist: it's enough to see those innumerable hot dresses that elves are invited to wear and are in such a high demand. If sexy waitresses are too plain for you, you can go for an elf dress with an apron to match. Even if no tips are to be accommodated by your large pocket, you need one, nevertheless, in your 'humble' occupation as a helper of Santa Claus with all those heavy goodies that are expected from you these days.

Why to invite some male strippers, when you and your girlfriends can have all the show for yourselves, looking as sexy (and private) as you want tonight? You, the future bride, can wear a mini dress of green velvet with naked shoulders to match the smoothness of the fabric with the smoothness of your skin. A rope belt, with golden keys, if you choose so, would not only accentuate your helping office, but wonderfully set off your waist. Hot, isn't it?

As regards your girlfriends, there are spicy versions for them, too, such as green stretch velvet mini dresses trimmed with fur matched to green and white stockings. The same attention to their waist will be paid by their belts with golden buckles. Or, if red velvet seems to suit them better and differentiate them from you - who are the central 'piece' tonight -, they may have red stretch velvet dresses, which come with a green apron with a large pocket for the presents.

And you don't have to worry that music will be missing at your party: all these costumes are completed by the classic hats with jingle bells to announce people you are around. What can look as mysterious as velvet and what is as overtly mocking that mystery as naked skin left visible by mini dresses? This contrast would take care that you have all the sexiness you want at your party of singles.

By Anca Ninon


Don't be dull when it comes to fashion, even if you have a few extra kilograms. First of all, you should face the reality, be at peace with what and how you are and find some ways to hide what you have to hide, emphasizing what the others need to see and what is advantageous for you.

The principle is simple: if you feel good about yourself, if you wear things that make you feel better, you will definitely show it. What you need to do is to show confidence and you will definitely conquer the world. Let's begin.

You should wear outfits made of two pieces because they are comfortable and they fit all silhouettes. Whether you prefer a skirt and a jacket or pants and a vest, you have to obey a few rules: the vest or the jacket has to be comfortable, to be straight tailored and it should be a bit longer, so that it covers your hips.

Choose long and thin jackets featuring one or two buttons. Avoid the puffy sleeves and choose the models with straight sleeves. The skirt has to be straight or conical and long and when it comes to pants, these should be straight, too and very comfortable.

Always close your jacket because this suggests the continuity with the skirt or pants. Wear high heels and cut shoes because they make your legs nicer. Choose uni fabrics and avoid any kind of big prints. You can choose striped fabrics as long as the stripes are vertical. Choose neutral colours such as grey, black or dark green.

Last but not least, you can combine these suits with coloured tops or wear your jacket with a bra only. Be fashionable even if you have a few extra kilograms.

By Martin Mallett


Dressing little ones is a very difficult task for most parents. It's not only the physical act of dressing your young one but also the fact that what you think looks good on them may not be necessarily be true to your little ones or other people.

Comfort is also one thing to consider. The little ones are very active people and their clothes should not get in the way because doing so will restrict their imagination and learning. So how can you exactly dress your little ones properly? Here are a few tips.

1. Playtime.

Comfort is the key. Think loose clothing like shirts and shorts. Toddler clothes should be functional and fun, in bright colors and preferably cotton material. In the fall and winter, dress them in warm clothes but keep it as comfortable as you can. For the older little ones, comfort is still important but they are now capable of choosing t-shirt prints and colors. When you shop for clothes, make sure you bring them along. The little ones don't like to try out clothes but having them choose the color and design will make it easier for them to wear the clothes they themselves pick out.

2. School.

As with playtime, school clothes should also be very comfortable. Stock on scarves and jackets for your little ones. It's best to go with jackets that are a little bigger because they grow up fast and will grow out of one in a matter of months. Boys are low-maintenance and can look good in just basic t-shirts and jeans . For the young girls, pants and skirts are staples and choose those with garter belts so they can use them longer.

Accessories for girls, even at a young age are a must so you can have your young girl wearing silver necklaces in colored crystal pendants. It's actually very inexpensive to have a signature accessory with just a necklace by buying for her different pendants like cameos, lockets and silver pendants. Backpacks are also a necessity and purchase the top-of-the-line ones because these are sturdier and will last them the whole year and even the next.

3. Special Events.

This would include birthdays, family parties, Christmas gatherings and so on. Your young little ones would look like little angels in pressed polo shirts and cute little dresses. Your little boy would look dashing in a miniature version of a suit. Your young girl would look pretty in pastel dress with a pearl necklace to match. Remember though to keep it simple and as fuss-free as you can.

By Jan Gamm


Holiday shopping can be as thrilling as the vacation itself, provided you have the confidence that you are looking in all the right places for all the right things.

Sometimes, though, the reality is that you do not know what to buy, how to accessorise your purchases for the climate you are going to, and how to look the part, especially in a formal atmosphere such as on board cruise ships or at ultra expensive hotels.

Much of the time you will probably spend your holiday in casual wear, enjoying the sunshine (or the snow, as the case may be) and having a wonderful, relaxing break. It is so much easier to enjoy yourself, however, if your wardrobe is ready to go and appropriate to whatever you want to do.

For cruise wear, the stress may be removed instantaneously by consulting one of those great dress services that are springing up all over the world. You hire however many outfits you want for the formal occasions you are required to attend, take their advice about the accessories that match and then pick them up, all professionally packed just before your departure date. You return them when you get back, and collect your deposit when the items have been cleaned. Yippee, what could be simpler?

The problems begin when you skip all that and try to shop for formal gowns yourself. Always supposing you find a gown to fit, in a colour you love and that flatters your figure, you then go through hell trying to find shoes and handbags to match, for each and every dress you are taking with you.

Despair sets in quickly and your excitement at going on the holiday of your dreams fades away, to be replaced by disillusionment and 'I wish I had never started this.' Far better to consult an expert on matters of style and colour and leave the problems behind you. They also source formal wear for men as well as ladies.

The problem of cost is always something to consider. Even the wealthiest client begrudges spending huge amounts on an item which may only be worn once and then assigned to moth balls. Spend the money on souvenirs, and trust the professionals to provide your cruise wear next time.

By Nikki LeRoi


When you think of layering clothes, you normally think about keeping warm for the winter. Well, you can also layer clothes for your spring and summer looks as well. Layering clothes can really increase your fashion style for spring and summer. Layering is also a great way to give those basic pieces in your closet a whole new fresh look. Follow this easy guide that shows you how to do it from the first piece to the last.

Basic Piece: Pencil Skirt (colors: red, black or white)

Layering Piece #1: Cotton T-Shirt (colors: red, black, white or dark blue)

Layering Piece #2: Vertical Striped Jersey Top

Layering Piece #3: Cotton Jersey Tunic (colors: two tone neutrals or solid neutral)

Layering Piece #4: Tailored Leather Jacket (colors: brown or black)

Layering Piece #5: Pumps (colors: brown, black or red)

Layering Piece #6: Leather Handbag (colors: white, brown or red)

=> Basic Piece: Straight Leg Black Pants

Layering Piece #1: V-Neck Black T-shirt

Layering Piece #2: White Ruffled Tank Top

Layering Piece #3: Gray Menswear Vest

Layering Piece #4: Long Black Blazer

Layering Piece #5: Open Toe Black Platform Shoes

Layering Piece #6: Chunky Black Bangles

Layering Piece #7: Black Leather Handbag

Basic Piece: Pleated Cotton Skirt

Layering Piece #1: Cotton Corset Top or Similar Strapless Top

Layering Piece #2: Frilly Sleeveless White Blouse with a Long V-Neck

Layering Piece #3: Trench Coat (colors: brown, light blue, yellow)

Layering Piece #4: Neutral Color Pumps

=> Basic Piece: Tailored Knee-Length Shorts (colors: charcoal gray or black)

Layering Piece #1: Black and White Checked Shirt

Layering Piece #2: Short Waist Red Cardigan

Layering Piece #3: Light Blue Sweater Vest

Layering Piece #4: Light Charcoal Gray Tailored Coat

Layering Piece #5: Strappy Sandals with Heels

Layering Piece #6: Neutral Canvas Bag

Layering Piece #7: Chunky Necklace

By Emily McCormick


Every woman deserves to feel beautiful in a dress; but not every woman looks like a runway model. Whether you have short legs, curvy hips, a straight waist, a flat chest or whatever your body type may be, the guidelines below can help you determine what your body type is and how to find the most flattering, stylish clothing for your body.

The "hourglass" body type: beautifully curvy. You have broad shoulders and/or a voluptuous chest, a smaller waist and gorgeous full hips.

o Style icon: Marilyn Monroe
o Style tips: Look for pieces that accentuate your curves and have a fitted waist. Fitted
o Clothing, Strait skirts and belted waists are best for you.

The "apple" body type: lovely limbs. You have thinner legs and arms, accompanied by fullness through the ribs and stomach.

o Style icon: Catherine Zeta-Jones
o Style tips: Look for clothing that accentuates your legs and arms.
o Clothing Loose-fitting waists, empire waists, short sleeves and knee-length skirts are best for you.

The "pear" body type: wonderous waist. You have a thin waist, narrow ribs and shoulders, with full, womanly hips.

o Style icon: Beyonce
o Style tips: Look for clothing with wide collars and details around the bust to balance your lower body.
o Clothing: A-line skirts, flared skirts, fitted waists and belts worn at waistline are best for you.

The "pencil" body type: wonderfully willowy. You are thin, with a straight waist and narrow shoulders and hips.

o Style icon: Audrey Hepburn
o Style tips: Look for clothing with detail at the bust and hips.
o Clothing: Puff sleeves, full skirts, ruching at hips and belts at waist give the appearance of a curvier figure.

The "womanly" body type: ultra feminine. You have a fullness through your core, arms and legs.

o Style icon: Queen Latifah
o Style tips: Look for clothing that draws attention to your face and elongates your silhouette.
o Clothing: Vertical stripes, collars and details at the neck, dark colors, flared skirts and well-fitted clothing are best for you.

The "athletic" body type: fantastically fit. You have broad shoulders, muscular legs and arms, and a flat stomach.

o Style icon: Venus Williams
o Style tips: Look for fitted clothing and clothing that drapes well over muscular figures.
o Clothing: Fabrics with stretch, knee length skirts and feminine details like puff sleeves and ruffles are best for you.

Being 'short' or 'tall' doesn't determine your body type (e.g. you could be short and "curvy" or tall and "pear") but you should approach your wardrobe differently. Here are a few tips in how to dress for your height.

If you are short: you are perfectly petite. You are smaller than the average woman.

o Style icon: Natalie Wood
o Style tips: Look for clothing that lengthens your silhouette.
o Clothing: Vertical stripes, solid colors, fitted clothing and empire waists are best for you.

If you are tall: you are superbly statuesque. You are taller than the average woman.

o Style icon: Katherine Hepburn
o Style tips: Look for clothing with belts or ties at the waist to break up silhouette.
o Clothing: Your height is complimented with patterns and feminine details such as ruffles and sashes.

By Tanya Jain

A noted philosopher and politician Aristotle once said, women are the best creatures of god.

And for 'you' creatures that are bold, beautiful, gracious and smart, wrapping and carrying yourself is of utmost importance. According to the varying shape and size or body shape and colors, etc, here are few wrapping and carrying tips i.e. Fashion Tips For Women.

But before jumping into those tips to make you smarter, beautiful and bold definitely you would like to know What is Fashion for Women, especially if you are a bit extra cautious about your looks and appearance.

Fashion For Women

Women are directly linked with fashion. It would be right to say that the word fashion is synonyms to woman. It is something more than wearing clothing. If you are an urban beauty, the fashion trend and style should go well and that too in advance with you. Few of the factors that define your fashion statement are body frame, skin tone, level of comfort and personal attitude.

So beautiful ladies, come on, lets have a feel according to your body frame, skin tone and after all your level of comfort.

Body Frame- Are you a plump women, if yes, try avoiding sleeveless cuts. Choose dark color clothing rather than lighter shades. Or prefer over a range of dull colors like dull blue or dirty blue. If you wear small prints and vertical line prints, you will look slimmer. If you have extra pounds in you, avoid kota sarees and cotton sarees and stick to Chiffon and Georgette Sarees.

Choose beige and fawn colors, if you have a medium structure. In case of blouses, try on nets as these are of great help in disguising physical flaws.

Thin women, cheer up, you will look gorgeous in all the color ranges. All the colors and shades will suits on you. You also can try on sleeveless, deep cuts and strapped blouses.

Skin Tone- If you have fair complexion, gold with a blend of copper will make you cool. If you are a medium / wheatish colored, prefer mix shades of white, beige and bronzy golden. If you have dark skin, prefer to wrap yourself in golden copper shades.

Personal Attitude and Level of comfort- Your attitude and level of comfort is very important along with your appearance and clothing sense. If you want to maintain a cosmopolitan outlook but do not feel very much comfortable with western wear, try Indo Western style. A blend of Indo Western style should add an extra charm to your personality. A boat necked saree with a squared necked blouse is definitely for a shy and introvert women. Bold 'n' beautiful should choose from sleeveless, deep-necked blouses and may be straps.

So no matter what is your body frame and skin tone or how bold is your personality, fashion is for you, LADIES.

By Shivangi Mehra


Accessories are considered one of the greatest assets of a woman. Women look beautiful and complete when she wears fashionable clothes and accessories. Today, market is full of fashion accessories. You can easily find designer wears and accessories from a local store. Also, you can do shopping from an online fashion store. At one store, you can find accessories which are matched well with your personality. There are many stores which have branded outfits and accessories at a very good range, you do not need to compromise on quality and durability of the accessory. You have many options if you are not satisfied with one store you can easily move to the other.

Popular Fashion Accessories

Jewelry

It is all-time favorite accessory of fashionable women. There are several varieties of gold, silver, platinum and other types of metals present in the online and local fashion jewelry house. But if you are shopping for gold and platinum jewelries then make sure that the shopping store has good reputation in the market and has better quality jewelry. To know the purity of gold it is good to know the karat of gold. Some gold jewelry houses are selling 10 karat gold jewelry which is considered very low in quality. The 14 karat gold jewelries are good. Do not buy 24 karat jewelries as these jewelry items are easily bent. If you are planning to buy a ring then try to buy platinum or white gold ring which is studded with diamonds. It will bring smile on the face of your fiance.

Handbags

Handbags are very popular accessory of women and teenage girls. Women love to carry designer handbags but are very expensive. That is why numbers of women like to buy replica handbags. These handbags are very cheap and are copycat of designer handbags. It is very hard to make difference between the real and the fake one.

Shoes or Boots

Look of a woman is never complete without a pair of good sandals. It is very necessary to make combination between clothes and shoes in order to find remarkable look. To get good combination you can do shopping from an online fashion store. From an online store you can find perfect combination that is well matched to your persona.

By Shivangi Mehra


It has been seen that women who live at home have very difficult to pass time. For passing time, they often take help of TV, gossip with friends and shopping. But now, they can easily pass time by reading fashion magazines. The survey reveals that women are gradually adopting magazines as their hobby. The authentic news and gossips of stars are one of the main reasons behind the popularity of these magazines. The secrets of stars life regarding their diet and love affairs are finding more attention of ladies and is provoking to buy fashion related magazines.

Some magazines like American Salon and Hype Hair are focusing on the different hair style of the famous people which are also getting popularity. Women have craze to copy the latest hair styles of their famous stars. Some have very wide topics regarding fashion accessories and clothes. The ads regarding fashionable clothes and accessories are very attractive and provoke women to buy these fashionable wears.

The beauty tips of the magazine look very authentic and anyone can apply their ideas in order to get new look and shiny face. The cover story of the magazines is very interesting and is focused on the special moments of a famous personality. Also, the short stories are very inspiring which often inspire women to change their narrow thoughts.

To make fashion magazines attractive, authors try to write down some crispy news which are related to the social events and stars life. The comments of stars and fashion designers are also very interesting part of the magazine. If you are a regular reader of fashion related magazines, you should try to read some famous magazines like Vogue, Elle and Gold Coast. These magazines have very great collection of the latest fashion events, accessories, clothes, gossips, love affairs, sex and social events.

The quality of writing is very rich and is meaningful. You can surplus your knowledge of fashion related events and can splurge your knowledge in order to get good impression among friends. Such kinds of magazines are really very good for women and teenagers who want to follow the latest fashion. For them, they are one of the favorite ways to pass time.