Mary Kate and Ashley Model the Bag Lady Sport Look

I thought Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were cute on Full House in their Garanimals and Carter's clothing. But, I've gotta wonder. What the heck happened? Am I the only one who thinks they look like 8 year old, typhoid ridden patrons of my Aunt Thelma's yard sales? (of things she collected from other yard sales throughout the year)

Okay, I don't really have an Aunt Thelma, but if I did, she'd have yard sales. And Mary Kate and Ashley would get really excited about them and buy items like you see them modeling below.

Sad isn't it. All that money and they're still dumpster diving for Kurt Cobain and Phyllis Diller's rejects. Maybe they should start wearing the Garanimals again. It was a tried and true look for them. And since they still look 3rd gradish, it could work.

Before You Go Handbag Shoppping....Read These Helpful Hints

I've never modeled a purse in the mirror and wondered "does this make my hips look big?" But, apparently I should've. According to http://www.bagbliss.com/, which I stumbled upon today while looking for Frosted Flakes coupons, the right purse can help your figure immensely. And the wrong purse can be disastrous.

Just like shopping for a skirt, a bathingsuit or a sweater, you should consider your figure, height and weight, and do some mirror modeling before making the purchase. For a handbag? Yes!

Here are a couple of points to remember when browsing the handbag tables.

First of all, the shape of your purse should be inversely proportional to the shape of your body. Secondly, the size of your bag should be directly proportional to your body shape. Don't get these confused or you'll miss the whole point of this article.

Here's a handy guide:

Shape - opposite as-body

Size - same as-body

Got it? Good

For example, if you're really tall and thin. Never choose a tiny, flat, square-shaped bag. (This is why you never see giraffes with purses like that. They already know this rule) Tall people look better with bigger, more rounded bags. Slouchy, hobo bags are great for the Uma Thurmans of the world because the curves balance out their flat, willowy, non-shapeliness.

If you're short and small framed, definitely take advantage of smaller handbags. You know the ones that will only hold a couple of Tic Tacs? No, kidding. But, you petite gals can take advantage of all the cute little swing alongs popular today.

If you're a buxom, full-figured gal, who veers toward the plus-size racks, choose a large pocketbook too. It's size will look more proportional next to yours.

Something else to keep in mind is what body part the bag is next to when you're carrying it because the purse will draw attention to that feature. If you're pear-shaped, with wide hips, you definitely don't want a shoulder bag that swings at your hips when you carry it. If you're large busted, don't carry a short-strapped bag that hits the side of your chest because it will draw eyes directly to your upper cargo.

If you're really wide around the middle, wearing a fanny pack amounts to fashion death. Ya know what, though? I think wearing a fanny pack AT ALL amounts to fashion death. I think fanny packs are the El Caminos of the purse world. They're hideous and shout "I'm a complete fashion failure. I probably wear black socks and white loafers with my madress shorts and veiny legs to the beach!"....with my 1970's Polaroid camera." and I have a comb-over or a gray mullet hair style...or both." Yeah, Folks, this is serious. Just say no to fanny packs. Okay? I'm glad you agree.

But the point I was making there before yielding to the fanny pack tangent, is if you've packed away too many Oreos and Heinekens, don't accent your mid-section.

Okay, enough about purses and how to choose them. I hope this little lecture has been helpful today and remember "friends don't let friends wear fanny packs."

Angela

Baby Monkey Clothing Swings Into Online Marketplace

Although my kids are a little past the age of baby clothes, I still love browsing through infant and toddler sections in stores. Gushing over the tiny sleeves and ruffles.... and the shoes, especially little sneakers just causes my cute -o-meter to go wild.

For those of you who still get the thrill of actually buying baby clothes for yourselves or others, check out this clothing line someone sent me. It's called Baby Monkey. hoo hoo haa haa cuteness!

Baby Monkey is a new brand of onesies and toddler tees printed with designs that bridge fashion and humor with the principles of Feng Shui and an organic lifestyle. The line, once only available in select boutiques, is now online at http://www.babymonkeyNY.com. It recently has expanded to selling adult tees such as the best-selling design: “Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum.” For the children’s line: “Change my diaper, Change my Chi” and, “My Ying is Your Yang” have been a huge success.

The New York based company was founded by Elizabeth Wong, a professional wardrobe stylist-turned-entrepreneur who was inspired by her own mother, a Feng Shui master.
Elizabeth's designs are a whimsical twist on the ancient Chinese philosophy known as Feng Shui -- promoting health, happiness, and prosperity through harmonious relationships between oneself and the environment. Each print uniquely and playfully encourages good health and balance, and furthermore, Wong has taken great care to incorporate those principles even in her choice of fabric.

Baby Monkey onesies, toddler and adult tees are made of 100% organic cotton that is grown and dyed naturally, free of toxic chemicals which are known to cause allergies, skin rashes, and eczema. The onesies and toddler tees are softer and more durable than regular cotton, as well as gentler and breathable for newborn babies’ skin.

You can find them online at fireflychildrensboutique.com and happymothers.com.

Revisiting the Bead Basket...Photos this time

The other day when I was writing about the Bead Basket I wanted to show a few of the amazing jewelry items found there. But my computer decided not to recognize the "my pictures" file. So, a couple of days later, here are some of the photos I took. I'm sure they have more creations now. Just go and take a look. And remember, you can make your own as well.

All of the jewelry designed and made by Laurens County residents in their spare time. Some of the popular brands are Kreations by Kelli, Totally TJ, Dragonfly Designs, Mary Beth and Glam by Christie. Come up with your own label if you've got the talent and the ability to sit for a long time.
Pretty cool huh.

Designer Bandages for Delightful Boo Boo's

Before I launch into today's cool and unique fashion must have, I've got to throw out a question that's been bugging me now for years. Who can explain what the difference is between a boo boo and an ouwie? (I don't even know if I spelled that right). Are they simply synonyms for something of the abrasion/contusion variety on the skin? "My older son, Andrew, calls them boo boos. Jack, my three year old, swears they're ouwies. Is there a discernable difference. Do ouwies bleed more, leak more puss? Are boo boo's scarier?

Whether you call them ouwies or boo boo's, if you have one, chances are you need a band-aid to stop the bleeding and hold the Neosporin. My kitchen cabinet currently stocks bandages of the Scooby doo, Sponge Bob and just plain Anglo-Saxon fair skin variety. Isn't there something better out there?

Well, this morning, after severing a major artery with the can opener, I did a Google search and found a plethora of bandages for both the novelty lovers and fashionistas in your life. (Note to self: Finish scraping the dried blood off the computer mouse.)

At way-out Web sites like http://www.mcphee.com/, http://www.gotbeauty.com/, http://www.scivolutions.com/ and http://www.epartyunlimited.com/ you'll find bandages themed for pickles, pirates, breakfast lovers, cowboys, sushi, luscious lips even our lord and savior, Jesus Christ, who could've used a few bandaids himself there at the end.

So, next time you drop a hammer on your foot, slam your finger in the car door, drag a sharp paper edge across the tender part between your thumb and index finger, or peel that hang nail just a little too far, don't reach for a boring old skin colored band aid. Everyone knows it's not your real skin anyway. Make your ouwie, boo boo proud with a one of a kind adhesive like these. They won't take the pain away and will probably still hurt like the devil when you rip them off. But, hey, you might get a few compliments, maybe even a date with that hot guy who has the designer suede eye patch and Viking themed colostomy bag.

The Bead Basket Offers Creative Work for Type A Hands

Recently, during a visit to the Bead Basket, here in Dublin, I was majorly impressed with the fantastic looking jewelry concepted, designed and strung together right there in that small store.
Not just fashion jewelry that I wouldn't mind wearing, but necklaces and earrings that top the creativity charts, causing their wearers to become compliment magnets wherever they go.

Now, as I've said before, accessories go a looooong way in taking your wardrobe from average to exceptional. But if you want to go even a step further to "one-of-a-kind cool" definitely visit the Bead Basket. It's not like WalMart or Belk (which I love by the way) where half the people in town are sporting the same outfits. The Bead Basket's jewelry sets, made from high quality materials in eye-popping colors, are unique to their creators and can only be found right there.

And if you're the crafty kind, you can make your own bead creations there. Just don't get tangled up in chain, like I did. Most people stick to necklaces, earrings, bracelets...you know, regular items. But, I was thinking, it'd be cool to take beading a step further stringing unusual wearables, household items and gifts, such as: eye-glass frames, electrical cord covers, chandeliers, water hose sparklies, jeweled thumb tacks, beaded head gear for loved ones with braces, bra-straps, pace maker lead covers and iPod and cell phone wire covers. While I haven't attempted any of these, there's nothing stopping you.

Look for Bead Basket jewelry pictures tomorrow, when my computer isn't acting like a spoiled, defiant two year old.

Hot New Makeovers Courtesy of Lifetime

If you've ever wanted to see yourself as a blond or had a nagging desire to see a siamese cat wearing a Tina Turner wig, boy, have I got the Web site for you. If you've always fancied making up your pitbull to look like Wayne Newton, here's your chance. If you've ever looked at your 96 year old Aunt Gladys and thought "hmmmm, I wonder how you'd look with dread locks," Well, now you'll know.

Just visit http://www.mylifetime.com/ and let the makeover fun begin. FREE. Simply upload the head shot photos of your choice and choose from hundreds of hair and makeup combinations to create unique new styles for yourself, loved ones, pets, people you've never met, dead religious leaders, muppets, cave dwellers, unfriendly alien invaders and all the people you hold decade long grudges against. Making them over to be shamefacedly ugly can do wonders to ease your resentments.

Seriously, it's a fun site. I was amazed at how fantastic I look with Julia Roberts' hair and how great my cat Anakin looked with Bette Middler's and how charming an aged photo of Adolf Hitler from Wikipedia looked wearing Cindy Brady's pigtails and bright blue eyeshadow.Happy Makeovers...Angela

Shop It To Me dot com: A Valuable Tool in Scoping Out Bargains

If you're anything like me you love a sale. When the prices go down, my shopping mood goes up in direct proportion to the discounts offered. What can I say? I'm cheap. Not as cheap as my husband who, if he were to ever get a tattoo, (which he's too cheap for) it would say "waste not, want not" or "take care of your pennies and your dollars will take care of themselves." Real Sexy! That's why he's the financial planner who saves money and I..... Well we won't go into that.

But, when it comes to shopping I'm a highly trained bloodhound sniffing out deals. Upon entering a clothing store, I beeline it straight back to the clearance rack, taking absolutely no notice of the new Fall arrivals attractively displayed before me. This particularly makes the mannequins mad. They look at me like "Hey, don't you see me? I'm wearing this gorgeous cashmere Rafaella sweater and you're darting around like a pinball looking for the markdowns."

Okay, enough of my personal diatribe on shopping. I actually do have something useful to tell you about. A site that will save you an exponential amount of time in your discount quests. It's called shopittome.com. For those of you who never quite mastered the "words without spaces concept, that's Shop It To Me dot com. Someone sent me a link to this site saying it would help me save money on all the brands I love. "Sounds good," I said. "Tell me more." She did. So, I went to see for myself. Now, I'm hooked.

Here's how it works. Visit http://www.shopittome.com/ and register yourself. You'll fill out a five minute questionnaire, telling the site a few things about your shopping preferences:

- what you're in the market for - women's shoes, active wear, boys shoes, sweaters, men's suits)

- your sizes -size 9 shoes, size 6 pants, etc

- your family members' sizes - Men's XL, boys 7 and 4T

- what brands you like, and they have LOTS to choose from. Here are a few that I chose- Banana Republic, North Face, Lucky, Ralph Lauren, GAP

- how often you want to receive email sales alerts, so your inbox doesn't get flooded. I chose Mondays and Tuesdays

On those days, they send me sales notices. "What's so special about that?" you ask. "Lots of Internet sites do this. I'm overwhelmed with them."

Look, I hate unsolicited sale mail too. These alerts tell me about sales I'd be looking for anyway. Today, for instance, I learned that a skirt I just adore is marked down from $74.99 to $34.99 at Banana Republic.com. Men's dress shirts are only $16.99 at GAP.com. Boys' hoodies are only $9.99 at Old Navy.com. Do you realize how much bargain hunting time this saves me? I no longer have to rush from store to store or Web site to Web site comparing prices. It's all right there, neatly organized in email form.

I get cool stuff and save money. I call that a Win Win.

Try it out for yourself. I can't wait to hear what you think about http://www.shopittome.com/.

The Worst Fashion Mistakes You've Ever Made

I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm perpetually clueless and uncool about...Well, most things in life. I've been spotted strolling out of more than one ladies room at posh restaurants and night clubs with a trail of toilet paper secured to the bottom of my shoe. It really doesn't matter how incredibly fashionable your stilettos are. Whether their labels read Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blanik, or Payless Shoe Source...having seven squares of Charmin dancing, snakelike in your wake is a serious faux pas.

I also walked into a party sporting sexy new jeans that still had the stuck-on transparent row of 6's down the back of the leg. Why in the name of all things sacred do they put those size stickers on clothes? Do I need them there? Am I suddenly going to forget what size jeans I'm wearing and need a quick reminder? "Oh, what size are these? Hmmm, let me check right here. It says 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6. I guess they're a size six."

So, now that I've admitted to comitting terminally uncool style blunders such as those named above, I'd like to know what heinous mood killing boo-boo's you've witnessed or perpetrated yourselves.

Heck, I'd like to know if anyone out there reads this blog. The llama sleeps in the apricot tree, but on Wednesday the organ grinder will develop psoriasis. I wonder how long I could write completely nonsensical passages like this before someone calls and asks "Angela, have you lost your mind?"

So post your comments about fashion blunders, llamas, clothing for llamas, the differences between llamas and alpacas. Organ grinders, why they always needed the companionship of monkeys. Where they bought those little vests and hats that the monkeys wore. Organ grinder style trends through the years.

The job market for organ grinders today must be at an all time low because I never see them. What a shame. I think they all became telemarketers and collections people who call my house looking for some guy named Johnny James. He once had my phone number and gave it to every lender who stupidly issued him credit, all 937 of them. They now harrass me and my husband in the evenings. The persistent ones try to wear me down asking over and over if I'm sure I don't know Johnny and where he is. They think he's my derelict brother who's hiding out in our kitchen cabinets. They think that if they interrogate me long enough I'm going to hand the phone over to Johnny who's been standing there the whole time sipping brandy out of a crystal snifter that he never paid for. Like I'm going to suddenly realize, "Oh, you mean THIS Johnny James. Yeah, he's right here. Hold on."
I've started calling them back and asking if they've heard from him yet. "Hey, Sue from Bank of America, did you ever get ahold of Johnny because I have messages for him from Chase, Citibank, Washington Mutual (the high interest rate division), In the Hole Credit Card Company, Failure at Life Auto Loans, Blind Bob's Rent 2 Own Recliners, the Family Jewels Pawn Shop, Kidneys 4 Kash, and some guy named Louie Ballsmasher who wants da money he lent you.

If any of you good Laurens Countians know Johnny James, I'm sure he's a swell guy. But for goodness sake, don't co-sign on anything for him and tell him to stop using my phone number.

(photo from InMagine)

Borat Star Sasha Baron Cohen Models Mayhem in Milan

You just have to love Sasha Baron Cohen, the actor who played the clueless, loveable, yet highly offensive Kazakstani export, Borat. Okay, I love him. I know a lot of people who can't stand him and get really nauseous thinking about the movie scene where he and his portly, hairy, thick accented producer have a nude brawl in an upscale hotel.

Well, it appears the outrageous actor, known for his way way way over the top antics has struck again. This time on a fashion show runway in Milan. (That's in Italy, which is in Europe, which is nowhere near New Jersey, in case you're one of those Geographically disinclined) Cohen strutted into the middle of a fashion show held by a designer I've never heard of. His name started with an "A" but escapes me now. Darn. The 6-1/2' actor who has currently transformed into another European character named Bruno, a model, apparently decided Bruno needed some runway time. Wearing a velcro suit with a myriad of sundry clothing objects and shoes stuck to him, he made a grand entrance and did the proper model strut quite gracefully. The audience realized he wasn't meant to be part of the show because he was smiling. And we all know that's a no no for models. He was quickly escorted to a local police station by a snotty Italian cop with a rediculous sounding accent and an abundance of chest hair.

Bruno

Here's a link to the YouTube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx-iHTvxp_4

Decorative Bra Straps Offer Bling as Well as Support

It's sad to say, but the time has come for plain old boring white and flesh colored bra straps to retire. May I suggest The Villages in sunny Florida? Since the invention of the brassiere, these boulder holder staples have worked arduously beneath blouses, sweaters, t-shirts and tanks stretching and straining for up to 18 hours to keep women's busts perky and at chest level.

However, with more and more daring style strutters baring their bra straps under sundresses, tube tops, off the shoulder tops and many more styles that make bra hiding awkward, simple whites and beiges just don't cut it anymore. "It's like wearing Granny underwear with low rise jeans," one bawdy style expert explained. Yes, I think we all shudder to picture that. However, since strapless bras leave most women feeling a little low, straps, no matter how unsightly, are vital in fighting the evil forces of gravity.

Enter the superheroine idea of the day (drumroll, please) Fashion Accessory Bra Straps, aka "jewelry for your shoulders." Yes, go ahead, ladies, throw away your tired, stretched, and warn out straps.

And replace them with these little beauties. Found at http://www.brastraps.com/, will turn any lack luster convertible bra into a fashion statement. Most retail between $8.99 and $45.00. A little pricey for dressed-up elastic.

But, hey, you're worth it.

I just wonder if they come in industrial strength, reinforced, bungee material for those of us gals who need a little extra giddy-up for our loads.

Smile Models! It's a Runway, Not a Funeral

I've been following the glitzy pomp and progress of New York's Fashion Week 2008. Through all the parading of high style clothing and accessories, all I can think about is why don't runway models smile?

Are they all uniformly tee'd off about something that we, the public are completely unaware of? Are they mad about having to wear outrageous clothing items that individually are worth more than my car? Perhaps it's because they haven't eaten in three years. It can't be that the job is too stressful. I mean these women get paid small fortunes to walk short distances in a climate controlled environment. What could they possibly have to be irritated about? Yet most of them present a face that ranges somewhere from slightly aloof to full throttle PMS.

After an exhausting five minutes of research with my friend Google, I found the answer. And it has nothing to do with what the models are thinking... or if they're thinking at all. According to highly educated scientists called runwaymodelologists, who've dedicated their lives to studying the habits and characteristics of this misunderstood species of homo-sapiens, models are TOLD not to smile. (A bit of trivia--Runwayus Modelis is the first human species to successfully walk upright in seven inch stilletos). Back in the stone age of modeling, when runways were made of dirt, the fashion bosses all agreed that if their models went strutting out onto the catwalks wearing toothpaste commercial grins, audience members would be too busy smiling back at them to notice the apparel that they were modeling. So smiling was officially denounced. Any model caught uttering the word "cheese" or exposing even one tooth would be suspended without pay and told to "wipe that smile off your face."

That really is the truth, even with all my expounding and exaggerations. Models aren't supposed to smile because smiling is considered a distraction from the true purpose of the fashion show....the clothing.

Ahh, now that we have that answer out of the way, we can get on to even bigger questions like why light bulbs are packaged in thin, flimsy, open ended cardboard, while solid, sturdy Fisher Price toys are entombed in layer upon layer of plastic, and tied into their boxes by more wires than are found in a Georgia Power substation.

But, that brings me to another question. If we're supposed to only be looking at their outfits, then why do models have to be gorgeous and skinny? Why can't any old gal be a runway model. Anyone with no teeth or who hasn't been to the dentist since the first Bush administration would be a perfect runway model because they probably don't smile a lot anyway.

At runway model tryouts, do the judges say, "alright, gorgeous, let me see that frown! Now scowl! How 'bout a glower! a sulk! a grimace...like when you have gas and are trying to keep it in." Work it, baby. Poke that bottom lip out! Wow, you look thoroughly pissed off. You're hired. When can you start?"

Sarah Palin Eyewear Creates a Spectacle in Dublin

Never before has a vice presidential candidate been subject to the types of questions Sarah Palin has had to answer. No, people aren't so concerned with her stance on education, energy or the economy. It's another "e" word...eyewear. The question of the week is "where can I find glasses like hers?" Not since Jackie Kennedy and her pill box hat, has a political figure made such an impact on the fashion world. According to style experts, people want Palin's look because it's smart, sophisticated, feminine and not over the top. It's a look most women can relate to, not just ones with White House aspirations."

The craze for Palin's rimless spectacles has reached Dublin too. Local optical centers are fielding dozens of calls from customers wanting to replicate Sarah's classy easy going appeal. According to Robin Warnock of Dublin Optical Company, the phone's been ringing off the hook. "We've been getting so many calls from people wanting her frames."

Those famous frames, in case you're wondering, aren't really frames at all. Rectangular lenses, with no rims, are screwed right onto titanium arms. Made by Japanese designer, Kazuo Kawasaki, they retail for somewhere between $375 and $600. Why the high price? It's a matter of labor, rather than parts. " To create these glasses, manufacturers have to use a special lense material called Trivex, which will withstand tiny holes being screwed directly into them to attach the arms and nose pieces," explains Warnock. Lab technicians have to be especially precise in putting the frames together. The holes and prescription must be perfectly accurate because the lenses can't be popped out and replaced if there's a mistake.

Warnock says they haven't been able to stock the specific Kawasaki frames that Palin wears. But, they do have an exact lookalike with a friendlier price tag. "We carry a frame by Silhouette that's identical to Sarah's. I thought that's what she was wearing when I first saw her on TV. Ours retail for about $250 and you really can't tell the difference."

For those hoping to achieve the Palin look, you'd better hurry. It's catching on like wildfire, faster than Sally Jessy Raphael's red plastic frames did in the '80's.

Other notables who've made significant contributions to eyewear trends are 30 Rock star Tina Fey, actor-comedian Drew Carey, ex-Beatle John Lennon, teen wizard Harry Potter, 50's rocker Buddy Holly, Velma from Scooby Doo and the alternative rock band Weezer.

Dresses Made from Balloons Popping onto the Fashion Scene

By: Angela Weight
When I found a bag of 50 extra stretchy, brightly colored balloons leftover from my son's recent birthday party, I thought of using them as BB gun targets, or having a helium karaoke party, maybe even performing my own Angioplasty (insurance companies these days are so picky about what they'll cover). But designing a balloon party dress somehow never made the list. I'm not talking about those floaty, bubbly satin numbers that Paris Hilton is always photographed wearing into Hollywood night clubs with names like Vitamin X and Teflon. I'm talking actual squeaky, blow up, rubber balloons here.

According to Internet fashion news Web sites, balloon artists like Ori Livney and Steven Jones (you've heard of them...right?) are no longer satisfied with wowing four year olds by twisting balloons into light sabers, crowns and poodles. They've upped the ante for all to follow creating blown up, rubber dress couture (that undoubtedly squeaks terribly when you move). Using hundreds of partially inflated balloons, these designers are piecing together wearable works of art that are popping up all over.

Here are some examples.

The two-piece sunflower themed outfit (left) is quite versatile and can be worn to many events like garden parties, kids' birthday parties, sun worshipper festivals and Milan fashion shows that feature clothing that no one in real life actually wears. Made from somewhere between 5,000 and 7 trillion yellow and brown balloons, it's sure to be a crowd pleaser.

If you're planning a wedding and searching for that perfect, one of a kind, gown that will have everyone breathless (because they had to help blow up your dress) choose a design like this one. However, you'll want to stay away from anything sharp until the honeymoon begins.

Every fall, plaid makes a comeback on high school and college campuses. If you want to stand out, try wearing this ensemble with knee socks, a leather backpack and lots of black eye-liner to class. Avril Lavigne and the Michelin Man will be seriously jealous. Note: This also doubles as a flamenco dancing pirate costume (in case you were looking for one).

I'm simply blown away by the creativity of balloon fashion designers, as I'm sure you are too. However, before you go out and replace your current wardrobe with an inflatable one, take caution and consider the following.

1) While wearing balloon clothing, you can no longer play with your pet house cat, porcupine, hedgehog or puffer fish.

2) You'll want to avoid your cactus collection.

3) No playing darts!

4) If you'll be making your own balloon dress, resist the urge to fill them with helium. One designer floated off and was never seen or heard from again. However, she may have recently been picked up on a satellite orbiting Jupiter.

5) Take a hint from Janet Jackson. In case you have a popping wardrobe malfunction, please, PLEASE wear underwear.

6) Static cling can present a problem. Be sure to pull your hair back so it's not standing on end. Also no doing laundry in these dresses. You don't want to make a grand ball entrance with your husband's black socks stuck to your balloon dress.
7) I hope you're not the active type. This isn't a sweat suit you'll be wearing. No running, jumping, somersaults, cartwheels, games of Twister, playing Leap Frog or even sitting down. You can pretty much just stand there. I think spinning around is probably okay as long as you don't get dizzy and fall down.

While balloons as a fashion material probably won't replace cotton or polyester anytime soon, they make stunning conversation pieces that will last for at least one wearing (as long as you follow the seven suggestions above).

Accessories Breathe New Life into an Ailing Wardrobe

If you're like me, you get a little weary each morning of staring at the same clothes in your closet, having to select from the same old choices of what to wear. Some mornings, as I'm trodding to my closet, cup of coffee in hand, I secretly hope that the fashion gnomes have broken into our house and redone my wardrobe. Heck, I'd even settle for Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear. But, alas, it's all my own clothes, for better or for worse or what the heck was I thinking when I bought that chartreuse paisley pants suit? I guess I'll wear the same thing I wore last Friday and the one before that.

So, how about you? Are you sick of seeing the same outfit combinations day after day and don't exactly have the bank account or the time to shop like Paris Hilton or Reese Witherspoon or Brad Pitt or Little Richard?

After a visit with Georgann Hoyt, owner of Graceful Gold yesterday, I think I may have stumbled onto the solution to this age old problem.

Accessorize!!

Case in point. See how the word accessorize in a fashionable, flirty, slightly overstated font brings something fresh and appealing to this dull page of lookalike words. (Wow, I've never accessorized words before)

Anyway, that's the answer for your tired wardrobe too. Rather than making a bonfire out of your clothing, or donating them to some worthy organization that will make fun of your chartreuse paisley pants suit, just refashion what you have. Add a cool necklace, some chandelier earrings, a few strands of pearls or a standout leather belt with a shiny buckle that weighs more than your head. These are the items that will get noticed and add to your status as a unique, happening fashionista with your own style and spirit.

"There's not a whole lot of new and exciting looks out there as far as clothes are concerned. That's why the right accessories are so important," explained Georgann. I listened with embarrassment as I realized I'd walked into this high fashion boutique wearing plain jeans, a drab white top and not one single jewelry or accent item other than my wedding ring. What was I thinking?

"Take a nice pair of jeans and white t-shirt, for example," continued Georgann. "You can give these simple wardrobe staples a dozen different looks by changing around accessories like scarves, necklaces, belts, shoes, bags and watches. These items give you so much more mileage out of your clothing and are often what people notice and compliment the most. Even your sunglasses make a powerful statement. That one pair of jeans can be the basis of so many styles created by the right accessories."

As I looked around the store, I began to envision my tired skirts, tops and pants receiving a style overhaul and becoming the foundation pieces for a hundred different fashion statements. I could add a pink pearl choker to the white top I was wearing, a Brighton belt to my jeans and a charm bracelet to my bare wrist. I could see myself breathing new life into outfit after outfit thanks to Georgann's expert eye for style.

Maybe I don't need wardrobe gnomes or the help of Stacy and Clinton after all....just a few well selected accessories thanks to the ladies at Graceful Gold in the Willi

amsburg Shopping Center here in Dublin.

Here are a few the hip and distinctive accessories you'll find at Graceful Gold right now.

Angela's Fashion Find: An Etsy Slice of Internet Shopping Heaven

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for anything that can be classified as different, unique or even downright strange. When shopping, I look for fashions that aren't ordinary, everyday, run of the mill stuff you're going to see all over town. I strive, but often fail, to be different. But etsy.com has breathed new life in my quest to be one of a kind.

Ahh, you say you've never heard of etsy? We'll let me aquaint you. It's my favorite new internet retail site that caters to people like me who want one of a kind stuff....like tie-dyed lingerie, mermaid sea glass jewelry and a crocheted hamburger purse. Okay, I don't exactly love everything that's on the site, but it's definitely worth a look.

If you're an artisan who makes your own....well, anything from clothing to accessories, housewares, chocolate chip cookies, lip balm cases, you name it, you can sell it on etsy. Okay, since I'm a craft-o-phobe who gets panic attacks when I go into a Michaels, I'll just shop thankyouverymuch. It basically works like ebay, but without the bidding. There are thousands of different dealers selling millions of different items...unique things that you won't find carbon copies of at your neighbor's house or when dropping the kids off at school.

I think I'm in love with etsy.com.

Five Female Fashions for Fall

It always amazes me that about this time of year, when Middle Georgia is so hot and humid that most of us are trying to find ways to unzip and crawl out of our skin, the clothing store people are busy dressing their manequins (which are probably sweating) in wools, tweeds, and cashmeres. Just in time for fall. Since the new season's clothes are out on the racks, some of us try to pretend that it's not 99 degrees outside and convince ourselves that we could use a new cardigan. Now that fall fashions are out, school's back in session and parents are just dying to spend money on clothes that their kids won't wear until December, lets take a look at five must have items for the season. According to the Belk, JC Penney and KMart sales circulars, which are just as good for spotting trends as reading Vogue magazine, but without the anemic looking models, the following five items will be big sellers for fashion conscious females of all ages.

1) High waisted pants and jeans. Oh, how it pains me to see these back in style. Yes they look great on some, but for short waisted women, like me, whose hips are dangerously close to their shoulders, high waisted anything should be avoided at all costs. If I'm going to wear this style of jeans, they might as well have sleeves and a collar, because that's where the waist will come to on me. High waisted pants and jeans are a gamble to be taken only by those with long torsos.

2) Sweater dresses. Oh how sleek and svelt these clingly mesh numbers can make us look. Add a wide belt at the waist, some boots and a big chunky necklace, and you're set with one of the hottest looks for fall. However, as stylish as they are, sweater dresses can be quite unforgiving, to those of us with a few rolls around the midsection. Not to worry, though. Just add a body shaper underneath and don't inhale for the next eight hours.

3) The layered shirt look. A favorite from last year is back for an encore performance, layering shirt upon shirt upon shirt upon sweater, with a camisole sticking out underneath. It's simple to pull off and probably works with most of the tops currently in your closet. Start with a tank top or camisol. It has to be a long one because you want the bottom to peek out underneath the other 24 shirts you'll be wearing over it. Then add a slightly shorter t-shirt, now a slightly shorter one, then shorter, now you guessed it an even shorter t-shirt.... on and on to infinity. Now add a hoodie. When finished, you should look as if you're ready to win a reluctant game of Strip Poker. But seriously, I really do like this look, especially with jeans or a flowing skirt and flip-flops. It's casual and cute.

4) Babydoll Tops: These empire waisted adorables are fun and flirty and offered in a huge array of colors and prints. They look great dressed up or down with jeans, leggings, slacks and even mini-skirts. With ample room in the midsection, they're perfect if you've unexpectedly gained a few pounds or just need a good place to store a watermelon.

5) Big jewelry: chunky necklaces, cuff bracelets, earrings made from spare auto parts. I LOVE jewelry that's bold, colorful, makes a statement and works your major muscle groups. My mom used to always say that accessories are just as important as the clothing they accompany. You can do so much with a basic outfit by adding a jewel-tone splash of color like a large pendant on a gold chain, or a belly button length double strand of pearls or even a stack of bangles or beaded bracelets.

Places around here to shop for these looks are, as mentioned above, Belk, JC Penney, KMart. Also visit Rue21 (new in the Mall) and Maurices - great for big jewelry.

I'm still trying to add pictures to this blog. Arggh. It's not working. Well, I'm sure you can picture these great fashions in your mind.

Angela Weight, Your New Passion 4 Fashion Blogger

Hello Out there, loyal Courier Herald readers and local blog enthusiasts,

Though it hasn't officially been announced yet, I'll be taking over some of Your Courier Herald's blogs, starting with Your Passion 4 Fashion. It's kind of ironic because I never pictured myself as a fashionista unless you get that status by wearing clothes that at least match and are absent any visible stains. If that's the case, then I've nailed it. However, I am interested in style trends in many areas, not just limited to clothing. As CoCo Chanel once said (which I won't try to pass off as my own) "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Sounds pretty cool, huh.

In this little corner of the Web, we'll keep an eye on fashion trends, poke merciless fun at clueless celebs, highlight local artisans and designers and uncover some of the stranger elements of fashion; like the article I found the other day about people who make jewelry out of cicadas. I wonder if cicada earings would make that ear splitting mating chirp? Oh, and yes, I'll have a full panel of fully qualified fashionistas on board to offer their expert opinions. Speaking of that, if you think you've got fashionista in your blood, shoot me an email. I'd love to run some ideas by you.

I'll be updating Your Passion 4 Fashion daily, so check back often for news, insights and meaningless style trivia.

Until later.

Angela

Who is the Worst Dressed Celeb?

The fashionistas are so sweet they had a little trouble saying anything negative about someone- awwwww. But after a few coaxing e-mails here are the answers to the question of the moment:

"WHO IS THE WORST DRESSED CELEBRITY?"

Sara Brinson says, "Brittney Spears for all the obvious reasons."

Ashley Watson says, " I like all their styles. They each have their own flavor in anything that they wear and it totally works."













Laura Ensley says, "Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, because they wear clothes that are unattractive and baggy."












Camille Cox says, " The famous quote, 'You can't judge a book by its cover' is not always true; especially in Tila Tequila's case. Her style is extremely revealing and her outfits give off a bad impression. The outward appearance is a good indicator of Tila's true character."

Maggie Moses says, "Ashlee Simpson -no doubt! I’ve never been a fan of her nor her style, which always consists of harsh black tones and ragged clothing. She doesn't lack a great figure, but she never quite shows it right."












Allison Porter says, "I think the worst dressed celebrity is Victoria Beckham (or Posh Spice). Her clothes are very distasteful, and are definately not things you could be caught sporting around town! I can't think of anyone who would want to copy her style!


Allison even added a photo of posh to prove her point but it was to small to use here so I decided to use the first one I found at fabsugar.com:


You decide.

Look for the printed version of
Your Passion 4 Fashion
in tomorrow's Courier Herald.