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You may not realize it but the colors that you wear convey very strong messages. There are specific colors you should wear if you want to convey power, authority, love, compassion and sympathy. The problem is if you aren’t sure what specific colors mean you could be sending conflicting messages to those around you.

If you have just received a Reach prepaid card and are yearning to purchase new clothing, here’s a look at what a handful of colors means. This will help you choose clothing that sends the message you want them to.

The Color Black

The color black is a very brooding, dark color but it conveys a very strong message. Psychologically speaking people who see others in black view them as authoritative and as someone in a position of power.

The Color Red

The color red brings out a mix of intense emotions. Studies show that when the color red is shown to people it can increase a person’s heartbeat, and cause feelings of anger. With this in mind, wearing red would not be recommended if you are trying to calm or sooth a person.

The Color Yellow

If you are looking to grab people’s attention then yellow is your color. Studies have also shown that when the color yellow is introduced it can cause people to brighten up and feel more optimistic about situations.

The Color Purple

The color purple has always been associated with royalty, luxury and riches. Wearing purple sends off a vibe that you are rich, powerful and wealthy.

Understanding what these basic colors mean can help you pick clothing that will send out the message you want it to.

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This is the best reason for the Reach prepaid card. While not everyone will drain their checking account just because a special occasion is coming up, it can be all too easy to sacrifice your savings and your bill-paying fund just to pay for the little things that add up all too quickly. When you start to spend, it can be very difficult to stop. This is why a prepaid debit card is a great idea — you can keep your special occasion money separate from your bill money.

So when you get to the point where you’re going to spend a lot, don’t try to be too cheap. Just choose how much money to load onto your prepaid card, and then spend as the situation calls for it. Once that happens, you won’t want to bother with the tiny details. You’ll want to focus on on having a good time and making things happen. After all, a special occasion is no time to be worrying about your finances. That’ll ruin the experience. You just need to think ahead a little.

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Special occasions, like prom, can become very expensive. The dress itself can cost several hundred dollars, not to mention accessories, a special hairdo, and other expenses included. As far as fashion goes, it can be easy to spend too much on your prom or wedding dress. Here are some tips that may help you stay within your budget.

Avoid Credit Cards

It’s easy to go over your budget when you’re using a credit card because you don’t realize how much you’re spending when everything begins to add up. Try bringing along only the amount of cash you intend to spend or using a Reach prepaid card. A prepaid card allows you to choose and easily stay within a budget.

Make the Most Out of Your Money

If you’re planning for a special occasion, you may want to consider if you will ever wear the same items again. This can actually help you save money in the long run so that you’re not spending more to buy two separate items. You may have two parties that you’re going to attend, so try to pick a dress that can be worn at both rather than buying two different dresses.

Look for Deals

You can easily find gorgeous clothing that is on sale. You shouldn’t always go with something just because it’s on sale, but it won’t hurt to look because you might find something you like for a great deal. If you don’t find it on sale, you can always look at other items, but don’t pass by the sales; they have amazing deals.

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You don’t have to spend a fortune to build a truly fantastic wardrobe. You only need to shop smart, and pick versatile items that can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. Here are a few wardrobe essentials that should be in every woman’s closet.

Black Tank

Choose one simple black tank that’s form-fitting yet comfortable. Black tanks are ideal because of their versatility; they look good with a pair of jeans, but they also can be dressed up with accessories and be worn with a cocktail skirt.

Black Pants

Another versatile item, black pants can be worn at nearly any occasion. They can be paired with a jean jacket for a simple day of running errands, or with a printed silk tank top for a night on the town. Be sure to purchase a fabric that can be worn during any season, like tropical wool or viscose.

Printed Blouse

Purchase a bold printed blouse as a statement piece for your wardrobe to break up the simpler black and white tops. This piece should be worn with solid pants, such as jeans or khakis, and is sure to garner compliments.

Cocktail Skirt

Every woman should have a show-stopping cocktail skirt in her wardrobe for formal occasions. To spice up the traditional cocktail skirt, look for one with details, such as volume or sparkly embellishments.

Party Dress

Although formal events don’t happen often, it’s worth it to splurge on a party dress for such occasions that will turn heads. Look for a timeless piece that’s figure-flattering, and, most importantly, it should be a dress you feel fabulous in.

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fashionABLE

fashionABLE was founded by Barrett Ward, an activist who lived in Ethiopia for a year. While there, he was introduced to the group Women at Risk, which works with women who have been affected by the sex industry. One of the biggest challenges, he learned, was finding women full-time employment to keep them off the streets. Ward founded fashionABLE as a way to help these women generate income. fashionABLE is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the women make beautiful handmade scarves that are sold on the company’s website. All the profits are given to the women to help them restore and rehabilitate their lives.

BeadforLife

BeadforLife is an organization that is committed to working with impoverished Ugandan women to help them thrive economically in their community. The women who work for BeadforLife create beautiful handcrafted bracelets, necklaces and earrings using colorful recycled paper. In turn, BeadforLife’s goal is to help these women to become financially independent from the organization within 18 months. BeadforLife believes that providing entrepreneurial training is a more sustainable approach than providing simple donations; members of the organization can build their knowledge and business skills while participating.

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The Internet presents a world of options when it comes to shopping for apparel. Dozens of sites offer high-quality designer clothing or bargains that you just can’t beat. Before packing up your car to hit the mall, think about expanding your closet through online retailers. Here are some of the best sites to search.

Shopbop.com

Shopbop.com is for the woman who loves hip designer clothing. From classic wrap dresses by Diane von Furstenberg to eclectic jewelry from House of Harlow 1960, this site has it all. Users can search by brand, exclusives, trend or discount and can even browse designer lookbooks.

Tiffany.com

Tiffany.com takes the pressure out of shopping at a high-end store. You can wear sweats while you browse the sparkling rings, bracelets and necklaces featured on the site—whether you’re looking to browse pieces by Elsa Peretti or shop for classic Tiffany items. If you’re on a budget, you can even customize your search to look for jewelry under $250 or under $500. You can also get a taste for what Tiffany does beyond jewelry; their collection of  barware, stemware and vases is also available on the site.

Gilt Groupe

Gilt.com is the perfect site for shoppers who love scoring deals on designer pieces. Gilt.com is different from traditional shopping sites; you must become a member of the site to access the deals (membership is free). Once you’re a member, you’ll gain insider access to top designer labels discounted up to 60 percent off. You have to act fast, though: the full collection of merchandise is available when the sale starts, and it usually sells out quickly.

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If age has added a few wrinkles too many to your neck, cover it up, and the past, by putting on a nice silk scarf. Plus, tying a scarf can be done in various fashionable arrangements for added effect. One very unfortunate circumstance of getting older as an adult is puffy eyes. Therefore, you should carry a pair of sunglasses in your purse at all times–even during the winter season. Also, by wearing a chic hat you can not only fit in with the younger crowd, but the brim will help cast a shadow over any unsightly wrinkles on your face.

Looking younger with new fashion accessories can also be accomplished in the torso area. If you’ve developed a bulging tummy over the years, disguise it will a low-slung belt. Meanwhile, a decorative belt will attract the eyes of the others. Another fashion accessory with great affect is the purse. Trade in your outdated purses for something that’s been popular this decade. Nothing sticks out more than a carrying a fashion item older than half the people in the room.

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Instead, when you go shopping for a bathing suit concentrate on one thing: balance. A bathing suit that has balance is one that makes your body look proportional by seamlessly blending you top half with your bottom half. Symmetry is a natural attraction for humans, so it’s important to achieve in bathing suit since it’s when you are the most bare in public. And while hiding flaws is frowned upon, a bathing suit that accentuates healthy curves is ideal.

There are for basic body shapes: hourglass, triangular, inverted triangle and rectangular. The hourglass body shape is the most versatile, and can fit most bathing suits. But avoid skimpy bikinis if you have a larger chest. With a triangular body, feel free to mix and match bottoms and tops. Those with an inverted triangle body shape are more top heavy and so need to pay attention to the level of support a bathing suit provides. Rectangular shapes are best for one-piece bathing suits, but bikinis with accents can help emphasize your curves.

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Since barbecues are casual affairs–even when its a family reunion on a national holiday–simplicity should be the theme of your outfit. While you want to look nice, no one will be sporting suits or ties while standing over a flaming grill. Donning a basic summer dress or skirt is always a safe, comfortable choice, but a pair of shorts with a buttoned shirt is a great alternative. Of course, be sure everything is in bright colors that reflect the season.

Another factor to consider when choosing an outfit for your Memorial Day BBQ is the weather. Likely, the temperature will be warm and the sky sunny, so wear garments that let you show a little skin you can not only stay cool, but get a little tan. If the weather is less than optimal, you can simply throw on a thin sweater or cardigan over your outfit without having to go back to the drawing board.

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Use comments from the dressing room to make your point. When she tries something on in the dressing room that is really hitting the mark, let her know. Make a big deal out of it. Give her the specific feedback about why you like it, how it makes her look, and why she should buy it. This positive information doesn’t come across bad and you are still being a good friend.

Mention things that you think would look good on her. You can say things like, “Have you ever thought about trying on a pair of skinny leg jeans?” With you planting an idea, it may be all she needs. Maybe the next time she goes out she will consider purchasing skinny jeans. Much like in the dressing room, be sure to point out what this item is going to do for her figure and encourage her to give it a try.

This last idea may seem a little underhanded but at least you aren’t just calling her out for wearing “mom jeans” or a shirt that makes her look larger than she really is. If an occasion or holiday is coming up, plan to get her something to add to her fashion arsenal. Even if it is an accessory, a pair of shoes or a t-shirt, work to incorporate good items into her wardrobe.

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Looking great is not a natural phenomenon, no matter what a person might want to tell you. Nobody naturally looks all that great. The art of looking great is not just about your body type (because any body type can actually look amazing). But of course, even the best fashions from Drjays are only ever going to be as good as the personal swagger of the people who put on these clothes. While a lot of people say that the clothes make the man, it goes a whole lot deeper than that. There is a sort of synergy which the people and the clothing have got to carry on together, if they are ever going to look great together.

After all, how you carry yourself is at least 50 percent of the entire package. Your inner attitude and how you see yourself are the kinds of things you just can not fake very well, no matter who you are. Where so many people end up going wrong is when they assume that there is too much emphasis on what they are wearing, and not enough on how much they are feeling the outfit. After all, outfits to a fashionista are like waves are to a surfer – there is an intimate connection there.

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If you are part of the wedding party your attire has already been decided for you. Do the best that you can to wear what the bride wants you to. Typically bridesmaids dresses aren’t flattering and sometimes they make it to the back of the closet to never be seen or heard from again, but on this day, just wear it and smile. If she has a certain style of jewelry, shoes, or accessories that she wants you to have, do the best you can to attain these things days before the wedding.

For most weddings that you will attend the decision of what to wear will rest solely on you. Before you start to panic it is important to note that there are some things that you want to avoid. Try to stay away from wearing all white or all ivory. It tends to be awkward when guests mistake you for the bride. Wear something appropriate. While this is a very general statement, it attempts to give you something to think about when you look int the mirror. There is nothing wrong with looking good while being a guest at a wedding. However this isn’t the time or the place to try and attract too much attention. If you aren’t sure about what you are wearing, look in the mirror and ask yourself if you would mind if someone wore the same thing to your wedding.

After the “don’ts” you still have a lot of options. Wear something that makes you feel good about yourself. This will help you enjoy the day along with the rest of the wedding guests. If you plan on dancing it is okay to pack a pair of flats for comfort.

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Of course, it’s not just the dress and shoes that you’ll want to look at during bridal fashion week. You’ll also want to look at engagement rings. Modern options are available, or you can get something that’s timeless and classic. Whichever you choose, you can find great options at bridal fashion week.

You can match the style of your dress and shoes to the kind of engagement ring you really want, so that your big day is designed just for you. That’s important to a lot of brides today, and you can also work to make your bridal party match, so that everything you have for your wedding follows the kind of theme that you’re looking for.

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If you don’t have one, get one. If you have one and it doesn’t fit, you need another one. The little black dress is one of the most essential components of any woman’s closet. It is versatile and can be used for several different occasions. Accessories can give the same dress multiple looks and when you just aren’t sure what the wear, the little black dress comes to the rescue.

When it comes to selecting a little black dress, simplicity is key. It may seem counter-intuitive to choose something that doesn’t have a lot of frills and designs, especially if you already know when and where you want to wear it. But remember, this dress is meant for multiple events. The accessories will do all of the work. It needs to be something that fits you well. Choose a style that is both flattering to your figure and something that you feel comfortable in. Part of the allure of the little black dress is the way it makes you feel when you put it on.

Accessories provide you with a lot of different looks with the same basic piece. You can wear this dress out for a night on the town. Add cute heels (patterns and colors recommended) and choose jewelry that will really stand out. For a more casual look you can wear flats (like black ballerina like shoes) and stick with simple gold or silver jewelry. You can add a scarf to bring in a classic look or, if it fits with the style, add a belt to accentuate your figure. From here, you can be creative as you out the outfit together.

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Earrings are key if you want to continue the fashion statement right up to your face. It might be tempting to just wear the same silver or gold hoops or studs that match everything. You never take them out and they match everything, right? Wrong. Take a step out of your comfort zone and attempt to find earrings that are completely different than what you are used to wearing. Try earrings that dangle down past your chin for a trendy take on hoops. Look for studs that are made of different materials or gems that might tie in the color of a shirt with the rest of the outfit.

A necklace is another accessory that can make a big difference in your wardrobe. If you think that an outfit is too plain, look for a necklace with lots of detail, chunkier pieces, or one of a different color than the outfit. For example, if you are wearing head to toe black and white (because it is always a safe look) try out a chunky turquoise necklace. You may not have anything else on that color, but it will stand out and get you noticed.

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• Emerald:  Pretty popular; just a straight up rectangle with the edges trimmed just a little bit.
• Round: Exactly what it sounds like: a round diamond. Many, many engagement rings are round-cut.
• Pear-shape: Actually, they look more like a teardrop, but nobody wants a tear-shaped wedding ring. Supposedly, pear-shaped stones make the wearer’s fingers look trimmer.
• Marquise: It kind of looks like a human eye turned sideways, tapered on the ends and wide in the middle. This falls in the “regal cut” family. These were much more popular when your grandmother was growing up and they maintain their popularity with the older generation.

These are just a few of the cuts of diamonds to be found. Whether you are just curious about diamonds, looking to get into the business, or maybe purchasing a shiny ring for a special somebody, some good sources to look at are bluenile.com or the good old standby, Wikipedia.com. Anybody can become educated— at least to a certain degree, about the many types of diamond cuts.

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Get rid of things that don’t fit. Everyone has a pair of jeans that they would kill to be able to get into again. Everyone has a pair of jeans they keep in the closet in case they decide to eat a little too much over the holidays. Git rid of these jeans. They are taking up space and not doing you any good. Try everything in your closet on. If it doesn’t fit it needs to go.

Get rid of things that are outdated. Is there a chance that tie-dyed shirts are going to make a comeback? Probably not, so there is no reason for you to be hanging onto it. As you looking for things that aren’t very stylish, also look for items that are wearing out and showing their age. These too need to go. At this point you might find that the closet isn’t looking as full and panic may start to set in.

Now, look at what you have and make a list of the items that you need. Do you have separates that can be switched around to create multiple outfits? Do you have the little black dress that every wardrobe needs? Now begin to choose wisely as you purchase clothes that fit well, look good on you, and make you feel confident.

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You don’t have to write it out to have a shopping list. You can make a mental note if you are confident that you are going to remember. Before you walk out the door, take a quick tour of your closet. If you are looking at a mass of black and white, you want to shop for a little color. If you see some separates that you haven’t worn because nothing goes with them, make a note to look for something that would work. If you see seven pairs of black heels, chances are that you aren’t going to need another pair even if they are half price and the latest style. In that moment, try to go back to the things that you really need.

Do you have a favorite store? Is there a place that you always find success when it comes to whatever clothing items you need? Go there first. There is a chance that you will find everything that you need in once place. This is going to save you time and it can make the entire experience a little easier. If you like to go to multiple places to look, just be sure that you aren’t easily swayed by all of the different window dressings and outfits on the mannequins.

Having a budget is another helpful hint when it comes to planning out a shopping trip. Contrary to popular belief it is always a good idea to have the money in hand when you look to shop. Remember the information that you gleaned from the trip to the closet and set an amount that you want to spend.

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Sometimes bad things happen, and you can’t get a checking account. It happens to good people sometimes, and it can hinder your ability to do a lot of basic things. It can be downright dangerous to carry around large sums of cash, but what are you going to do? Well, with the Reach Card prepaid card, you can just load up your paycheck, and not worry about it. If it gets lost or stolen, you can get a new card ASAP. And you can shop online just as easily as you could with a credit card or a normal checking account, without someone stealing your identity.

After all, the only money on the card is what you put there. Even if somebody were able to hijack it, your liability would be practically nothing — and you could just get a new card and be on your way. But what if you already have a checking account that works just fine? In that case, the Reach Card can be your double life. One minute you’re the successful, simple career woman who keeps her bills paid like it’s nothing, the next minute, you’re a shopping diva, getting what she wants with no fear. You can even buy a cape if you want.

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Any pair of wedding shoes should be comfortable since you will be standing for a long time. Standing for lengthy periods of time in a pair of stilettos is bound to kill your feet. A good heel height for most women is 2 ½ inches. Thin heels often convey sexiness, while a thick heel conveys sturdiness. Some heels are also wedged, giving the shoe a fashionable look. Look for the shoes that fit your style and overall comfort.

Color is another option to consider. If you’re wearing a white dress, it may be difficult to find impeccably white shoes. You may want to look for cream, silver or even clear acrylic shoes. There are websites that allow you to design your own shoe. It includes the sizes of the heel, the color and if you can add any extras to the shoes. This is a great option to consider if you have trouble finding shoes that match your dress. No matter what shoes you pick, always consider comfort as the top reason for your choice of shoes.

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Screen protectors are labeled as the best accessory you can buy for your phone. This is especially true if you have a touch screen phone. Finger prints can leave oil and residue on your screen. Also, it has a higher chance of getting scratched from dropping it even if it’s only once. The necessary costs to repair scratched up screens can be costly. Screen protectors keep your phone’s screen in top working condition.

Have you ever noticed scuff marks or even gashes in the sides of your cell phone’s protective casing? Those marks can be prevented by using a face plate. These accessories are available in hard plastic, neoprene and hard rubber. They keep your phone’s original case free from harsh marks. Some phones are so delicate they tend to lose their battery cover when dropped. Face plates will keep your phone together and, they’re also stylish! You can find them in a variety of colors virtually anywhere.

Cell phone holsters are accessories for most people on the go. They keep your phone secure on your hip, provided you don’t carry a purse. Even then, holsters can be clipped to the waist, a belt or your purse’s strap. These are considered the most necessary accessories for cell phone owners.

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When the time calls for special occasions, the best gift to give can be flowers. They can be cut from a garden or purchased from a florist. They’re abundant during most major holidays. But, flowers can also express sympathy and sorrow. Certain bouquets of flowers can mean something special to the receiver. Even single flowers in general can send tender meanings to the person you’re giving them to.

Roses are the most popular flower to give anyone. But, the different colors of roses symbolize and mean various things. A red rose symbolizes love, passion and also expresses respect. White roses often mean purity, innocence and humility. This is why they’re so often used at weddings. A mix of roses, particularly yellow and red, conveys happiness.

Lilies are another flower that can express strong meanings. Peruvian lilies represent devotion and friendship. The stargazer lily conveys empathy and understanding. In fact, lilies are the flowers often used at funerals. Not only does their silent beauty adorn the vases at a viewing, but it serves another purpose. Lilies in their pink and white colors often symbolize that the soul has left the body. It also conveys comfort to the viewers that the soul has reached innocence and heaven, after death.

While special occasions are perfect for flowers, you don’t have to wait for them to give flowers. Most of the time, flowers are used to say “I love you,” or, “I’m sorry.” No matter what the occasion, flowers are the best way to greet someone hello, make someone smile, or to soften the blow of goodbye.

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Used Clothing: The Pros

While a lot of people do not think that this is a great option, you must consider all of the benefits before you brush off this idea.  For the price of a brand name and brand new outfit, you can buy 5 used outfits.  The wonderful thing about this is not just the fact that you get more for your money, but you can mix and match to make those five outfits turn into 8 outfits.  You can always wash the clothing if that is the reason behind not purchasing used clothing.

Accessories:

Even if you only own 5 trendy outfits, you can easily turn them into ten or even twenty different looks and styles with the use of accessories.  Scarves, wraps and jewelry can dress up or dress down any outfit.  A strand of pearls can dress up slacks and a wrap can turn a cocktail dress into an evening gown.  The key here is your imagination.

Sales:

Buy your clothes at the end of the season a year before the next season.  So at the end of this summer, rack up on clothing that is placed on the clearance rack to make room for winter styles.  As long as your weight does not fluctuate all that much, you can seriously save a lot of money on brand new clothing.  This is also a great way to save money on kid’s fashions as well.

The economy is tough right now and it makes financial sense to go shopping for used clothes, clearance clothing and accessories, rather than spending a small fortune on brand new clothing.  Saving money and making your paycheck stretch as far as possible has become extremely important in today’s society, but you do not have o sacrifice style and fashion to save.

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Jewelry:

Your choice in jewelry is as important as your make up.  Jewelry can say a lot about you and your taste.  If you are an elegant person, gold and platinum jewelry can help explain it without you having to say a word.  On the opposite side of the spectrum, if you are an athletic person, jewelry made of hemp or organic materials can let people know that you care for the environment and your health.  Believe it or not, people actually take your appearance and choice of accessories into account when they meet you for the first time.  If you want to give the right first impression of who you really are, your jewelry choice is extremely important.

Scarves and Wraps:

This fashion topping says nothing about who you are, but has more of a sensible purpose.  They keep you warm when it is cold.  You can purchase Scarves and wraps to match various outfits.  You can also purchase two or three in neutral colors like blacks and browns that will match all of your outfits.

Shoes:

While shoes cannot really be considered a topping, it certainly helps to have shoes that match your chosen clothing.  Shoes should not only match but provide comfort if you are planning on being on your feet for a long period of time.

Buying accessories makes for a fun shopping experience and will top off your look.  They can even help with your self confidence which a great thing to have when going on that first date.

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Shoes more often than not do not come with any support at all.  This can cause your arch to fall and keep you in near constant pain for the rest of your life.  Now that may be a bit extreme but your feet are important.

Suppose you find a pair of shoes that you cannot live without.  You pay a couple of hundred dollars for these fashionable shoes.  You wear them for a week only to find out that your feet just cannot handle them because they lack the support your feet an body need to walk.  So now you have a pair of very pensive shoes that sit in your closet for years.  Guess what?  You can wear those shoes!

Because of the recent inventions for foot protection, you can actually purchase supportive pads to place inside those expensive shoes.  Because of this modern invention, you can be fashionable and sensible at the same time.  Your feet are important and buying these handy and revolutionary inserts can save you money and keep those painful and expensive shoes from collecting dust.

Yes, you can now wear those fashionable shoes in your favorite colors without worrying about the health of your feet.  So you can go shopping without wondering if your shoes will provide the support needed.  It is very likely that those three inch heels with matching jeweled accessories do not have any support.  The inserts make it possible to be fashionable and still indulge your need to buy fashionable shoes.

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Statistics prove that the number one thing on a brides mind when it comes to her wedding is her wedding gown.  The bride is absolutely consumed with finding the perfect dress, the perfect shoes and the perfect accessories to match that perfect gown.  She will visit many different bridal shops and try on hundreds of dresses.  This dress will be the dress she will be wearing when her she faces the biggest change in her life, becoming a wife and beginning a new life.

She will consider the wedding venue before deciding on a dress.  The venue will affect her gown choice and the amount of time she spends searching for that perfect dress.  The wedding venue dictates her style, thus dictates her wedding gown as well.

Casual wedding ceremonies take place outdoors in most cases.  The beach is a classic outdoor venue for a wedding.  Beach weddings usually takes place when the weather is perfect for lightweight clothing.  So for a beach wedding the bride will likely go with a casual white dress instead of the heavy classic wedding gown.  The benefit of going this fashion route is that she can wear the same dress at both the wedding and the reception.

Classic wedding dresses are utilized in classic venues such as churches or great halls.  These dresses are elaborate and expensive but show off the classic beauty of a wedding and the bride.  The bride will have chosen a dress that hugs her body perfectly and a dress that best suits her personality.  For example, romantically inclined women will likely choose a dress with lots of lace.  The down side to these masterpieces is that after the wedding, the bride will want to change into something more comfortable for the reception.

Both casual and classic weddings require a lot of work on the bride’s part when considering her dress.  Casual and fashionable dresses are going to be much cheaper than the classic, heavier wedding gowns.  The classic gowns are more expensive, but can become an heirloom and transferred from mother to daughter, making this fashion choice a sentimental choice.

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Funerals:

Yes, this is considered a special occasion.  You are saying goodbye to someone who meant something to you in one way or another.  It is customary to wear black to a funeral.  Both your dress or suit and shoes should be black.  This is not the occasion to care about how your body looks in your clothes.  Your clothing should be conservative so that it does not seem like you are trying to take attention away from the purpose of the occasion.

Prom:

Prom is one of the most memorable special occasions in a young man or woman’s life.  What he or she wears can play a critical role in how they remember the event.  A girls dress is just as important as her hair, make-up and her shoes.  When picking out a gown, considering your body style is important.  You will want a dress that accentuates the attributes that you think is your best.  For instance, a red gown can bring out your bright green eyes.

Shopping for a tuxedo is much easier than shopping for a gown.  Tuxedos do not vary in style the way gowns do, so the main concern with tuxedos is the fit of the clothing.  Grab some matching dress shoes and you are ready for prom.

Weddings:

The bride has the hardest job when it comes to the special occasion.  The wedding dress is one of the most important things for the bride.  She will spend weeks looking for the perfect dress, while the guests will stop at a local department store to pick out their outfit for the occasion.  Depending on the wedding, the dress code can be anything from jeans to suits.

Regardless of what special occasion you are attending, it is imperative that you dress properly.  Failing to dress properly can result in damage to your self confidence and challenge the respect that others have for your character.

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You can still shop, but your wallet will take less strain.  You will be shopping for fabric in your favorite colors and designs.  You will also be shopping for patterns to follow when making your clothes.  There are thousands of different materials and styles to choose from at a much cheaper price than buying the name brand clothing.  You can even add a little of your own personal style to clothing that you make yourself.

Take a sewing basics class and purchase your fabric and patterns and you will be ready to fill your closet with clothes that truly fit your fashion preferences.  The best part of making your own clothing is that you can also produce matching accessories easily and with little money.  You can use the leftover fabric to make a scarf or handbag.  You can purchase a pattern for a handbag and scarfs are pretty self explanatory.   Just cut and hem, that’s all you have to do in order to make a great scarf.

Now, not only do you have a closet full of clothing that suits your tastes and fits you better than most store bought clothing, but you have saved hundreds of dollars.  You have also added a wide variety of accessories to your wardrobe that you might not otherwise have been able to afford.  This is a great option for those people who crave being unique.  Anyone can walk into a store and purchase a mass produced outfit.  Only you will be wearing that outfit you crafted.

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The latest fashion trends are astounding.  Clothing that was considered cool thirty years ago are now cool again.  How is this even possible?  The bottom line is that they are not exactly alike.  The fashion of yesterday is cool today because we have been able to advance our tastes.  Sounds hypocritical right?

Look at bell bottoms for example.  The bell bottoms of thirty years ago are different from what we were wearing only five years ago.  The older model bell bottoms were skin tight until the jeans met the knee, then they flared out veraciously.  Most bell bottoms were made of an outdated material called corduroy.  The use of corduroys now is a serious fashion mistake.  This material is no longer acceptable among fashion gurus.

The newer bell bottoms were a lot more subtle than they were thirty years ago.  They are not as tight and do not flare nearly as much as the older versions.  These new so-called bell bottoms are nothing more than boot cut pants with a little extra flare.  These versions of bell bottoms were also bound with beads, lace and made of many different types of materials.  They may also have displayed many different types of designs that were considered outrageous, back in the older bell bottom time period.  These new versions of old fashion trends need a completely new name.  Yes, they can be similar in material and colors, but the pattern and style is different.

So in essence, we are reinventing an old fashion favorite.  Just because we called them bell bottoms thirty years ago, does not mean that we can call them bell bottoms now.  This is the same concept for all of the revived fashion favorites and accessories.  Platform shoes, skinny jeans and flannel shirts.  The trends come and go, but each time they come back, they have been altered in on form or another and are no longer the same as they were years ago.

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