Christmas is coming…as in, it’s almost here! Undoubtedly you have a few items left on your to-buy list. My solution for last minute gifts is pretty simple: gift cards. I know gift cards seem impersonal and it’s more fun to find that perfect gift yourself. You envision the recipient’s grateful expression as they tell you they can’t believe you knew exactly what to buy them (and ideally this happens in a crowded room so everyone can see just how awesome you are). But the truth about gift cards is, they are [how shall I put it?] necessary.

Gift cards especially come in handy when there is a tall gal or guy on your Christmas list. I love gifts (who doesn’t?), but being a tall woman myself I’ve definitely experienced the disappointment when holding up that sweater and realizing the sleeves aren’t even going to reach your wrist. Or opening that pair of jeans and knowing that though the 80s are coming back, there is no way you could pull off those high waters. Then comes the awkward part of either admitting it doesn’t fit or feigning adoration of the gift. I’m guessing that little scenario isn’t the one you’ve been envisioning. So it’s okay-even preferred-to play it safe with a gift card! You can still personalize it by getting one from the perfect store where you know your tall friend or family member can find plenty of tall clothing to suit her needs. And seriously, you’re giving the gift of guilt-free shopping! Is it me, or is that one of the best gifts of all?!

In addition to the fit factor, there is also the practicality of gift cards. What I mean is-Have you ever purchased a gift, say a sweater from a certain mall store that starts with a G, only to go in said store a few days after Christmas and find the same sweater on clearance for less than half of what you paid? I know giving gifts isn’t about being cheap but as a frugal fashionista, I have to say, I hate it when that happens! Imagine getting a gift card for your tall friend who can then go to the store after Christmas and pick up her favorite tall clothing for literally a fraction of the cost. Basically your money will go further and your tall friend or family member can get a few items that fit perfectly. Totally a win-win! So go ahead, purchase that gift card and have no fear, you’ll see that look of appreciation and you’ll know that it’s real.

Seasonal color analysis has come a long way from the days when people were told that if they were blond, they were springs, brunettes were summers, redheads were autumns and women with black hair were winters. Can you believe that there was once a time when certified color analysts and image consultants thought that way?

These days, the process is a bit more complicated and there are a few more seasons to consider. In order to identify your perfect season, what you need to do is determine whether your coloring is warm or cool, identify the broad season category which fits for you and identify which characteristic is dominant.

Seasonal Color Analysis: Which Is Your Dominant Characteristic?

Light: If you are a light, then you have very light blond hair (or very light brown if you are a woman of color) and very light eyes. Also, there is not a lot of contrast between your hair and eyes and skin. You will look best in the lightest colors of your palette, the ones that look like they might have been iced or frosted.

Deep: If you are deep, then your hair and your eyes are both dark and there is significant contrast between the darkness of your hair and your eyes and the color of your skin. Your best look will come from the deepest colors in your palette, and if you do wear lighter ones, pair them with the dark ones for contrast.

Clear: If you are clear, you may have deep coloring just like the person who is deep, except for one thing. Your eyes are bright or unusually light in comparison to the color of your hair. You also have contrast between your hair and your skin. Your best colors will be the brightest in your color palette.

Soft: If your coloring is soft, then your natural hair color is likely to be brown and mousy. If you haven’t actually done so, you have at least considered highlighting or coloring your hair to add interest. Your eyes are a soft, muted color and your overall coloring is blended.

The journey from hair to eyes to skin is smooth. Not a lot of contrast, no sudden stops. So within your palette, you will need the colors that are soft and muted, and tone-on-ton or monochromatic looks will work best for you.

True: If your coloring is true, then you are a perfect fit for all of the colors in your palette. If you are true and your coloring is warm, then you are either a spring or an autumn. If your coloring is cool, then you are either a summer or a winter. You will look best in the truest and richest of your palette’s colors. Not lightened, not softened, not brightened, not deepened.

Seasonal Color Analysis Decision Tree

So the secret to identifying the season that suits you best is to use the following decision tree…

(1) First, determine whether your coloring is warm or cool.

(2) Second, depending on whether you are warm or cool, identify which broad season category fits best: winter or summer if you are cool, autumn or spring if you are warm.

(3) Third, determine which characteristic is dominant. Are you light, deep, clear, soft or true?

Once you identify your season and your dominant characteristic, you will be empowered to choose the colors and create the outfits that look best on you.

Xscape Dresses, a collection of exquisite yet affordable women’s evening wear, dazzles with bright colors, sophisticated designs and sparkling details such as beads and sequins. Designed by Joanna Chen, the line features eye-catching colors and fabrics accompanied by imaginative and flattering styling. From the dramatic little black dress to a flowing full-length gown, in sizes from petite to plus, with embellishments like floral fabric, beads and sequins, and colors ranging from sapphire to bright red, the Xscape collection has appeal for everyone. Short or long, bright or black, you’re sure to be stunning and sexy in an Xscape Dress!

Fabrics and Colors

Joanna Chen’s spectacular selection of evening wear offers a variety of vivid colors in an array of fabulous fabrics.

Fabrics range from lace, taffeta, satin, knits and chiffon. Colors are chosen for harmonious impact: cheerful and bright to harmonize with the sheen of certain fabrics, quintessential black for drama, neutrals to complement the boldness of unusual designs.

Synergy means that rich pairings combine to equal more than the sum of the parts, such as the timeless look of black lace over a nude underlay, mastering illusion in a cap-sleeve dress, or the bold visual drama of white over black.

Basic Design Elements

A range of necklines are found in the Xscape collection, running the spectrum from strapless to one-shoulder to two-shoulder sleeveless to full shoulder coverage. A variety of flattering waistlines and various gathers and pleats can be found in the line.

Many dresses in the collection are at-the-knee or above. This popular cocktail-length is versatile for many occasions. For a more formal look, Xscape delivers several choices in full-length dresses. Mermaid hemlines complemented by equally creative bodices and waistlines always enchant. Several full-length loose swaying gowns are available as well.

Sophisticated Designer Details

Beyond the variety of basic design elements, dresses by Xscape go a step further to explore originality in other imaginative ways. You will find beaded appliques and sequins embellishing necklines and bodices. A bouquet of fabric roses serves as both function and floral form in a number of their one-shoulder dresses. Smart and simple styles in basic black are also prominently featured.

A term called “ruching” is a recurring word found in the descriptions of many Xscape dresses. It is a technique of gathering fabric which serves multiple purposes: it adds visual interest to the garment by creating an imaginative 3-dimensional wave-like look, and strategically placed it is flattering to the figure in that it favorably highlights and accentuates your natural curves.

The One-Shoulder Dress

Xscape features a number of distinctive one-shoulder dresses, which blend the sensuality and sophistication of a strapless with the wearability of a more supportive style. Floral features, beads or sequins frequently embellish the strap, making it look more like fabric jewelry than a necessary supportive feature.

Among Xscape’s many one-shoulder wonders: the beaded shoulder and asymmetrical draping of hot royal blue chiffon in a cocktail-length dress, and a flatteringly ruched waistline balanced on the opposite shoulder by a draped “batwing” sleeve which defines a shiny gold cocktail-length dress.

Petites to Plus Sizes

The Xscape collection features several dresses in plus sizes, making beauty accessible to all shapes. Petites will also find several offerings in their sizing.

Affordability

Most regular prices range from $150 to $200, so you do not have to sacrifice your wallet for the beauty of an Xscape dress.

As another year ends and a new one begins, it is also a great time to consider adopting a different style, or updating your look. You can, perhaps, even make a style update your new year’s resolution. Time to get rid of the hairstyle you have had for the last 5 years, and any item of clothing in your closet that you have not worn in 1 year. (Let’s face it, if you didn’t wear that Hawaiian print shirt last summer, you won’t wear next year, either.)

The first step to updating your style is to make a specific list of what items you wish to replace. If you simply go to the mall with the idea of “buying a whole new wardrobe,” you will get overwhelmed and not know where to start. Plus, you are likely to end up with single pieces rather than ensembles and outfits. A shopping list, for example, may look a little something like this:

-1 three piece gray wool pinstripe suit
-1 button down white cotton/poly dress shirt with gray wide set stripes
-2 pairs of khaki chinos, one light and one dark
-1 pair of brown leather oxfords
-1 pair of dark wash denim jeans
- 3 short sleeved cotton polo shirts, 1 purple, 1 green, 1 yellow
Etc.

See how I have noted specific colors and fabrics in this list of items? This is important to do when considering what you wish to shop for. You goal should also be to shop for pieces that can be mixed and matched with each other. For example, the dark wash jeans could be worn with any one of the colored polo shirts, or they could also be worn with the button down shirt and the vest from the three-piece suit. This is how you can effectively make many different new, stylish outfits out of a handful of key wardrobe items.

The second step in updating your style is to consider how you can make over or improve the items that you already have in your closet. For example, you may have a navy suit that is of excellent quality, but is from the 90s and is therefore a little outdated. Try taking this suit to a tailor in order to have some small tweaks made. For example, the tailor may be able to replace the buttons, put in smaller shoulder pads, and heighten the hem of the jacket. You may also wish to have the jacket tailored to make it a bit more snug, as slim cut suits are modern and stylish right now. You should also take a close look at your tie wardrobe. Any tie styles that are hanging out from the 80s and 90s are ones that you may wish to consider donating to Goodwill. However, if you have any vintage pieces from the 70s or early, many of these are once again quite popular. Ties are another item that you can also consider having altered by making them shorter or skinnier.

As you update your wardrobe, make sure not to overlook other aspects of your appearance. Shaggy facial hair can be instantly aging, as can an outdated hairstyle. Visit a reputable hair salon in your area and inquire with a stylist about a new, modern hairstyle. (Even if it is expensive, it is worth it because you will then basically have a template for future cheaper haircuts.) If you have worn the same pair of glasses frames for more than 5 years, it is time for an update on those as well.

If you want to update your style on the cheap, look for eye-catching accessories that are small pieces but make a large impact. For example, a colorful knit scarf or a tweed newsboy cap can instantly change the look of an entire outfit. Online sources such as Zenni Optical offer prescription glasses for as low as 10 bucks. Small items can make a large difference in your overall appearance.

Television has proved to be a wonderful way of chronicling fashion through the ages, particularly with style that has changed at break-neck speed during the television age. Pop culture programming efforts have been great at recording youth fashions. As it’s nearly always the young who adapt to new styles (the oldies typically take a while before they switch their dress habits), you get to see fresh, new fashion directions as though they have been preserved in amber.

The 1980s were an incredible period for rapid change. Re-runs of the famous Top of the Pops from this decade show that subtle shift from the loose-fitting seventies influence at the beginning of the decade to the slightly classic, almost business-like, styles that crept in as things started to get a bit yuppier. You could claim that although style has ebbed and flowed ever since, some of that late-80s philosophy has stayed with us. That was the period when food became more of a talking point, for example, and when the seeds of our personal appearance, art, home design and music habits were established.

No-one is sure if it’s because the eighties revival scene is on the up again, or simply because of this amended outlook on the things we desire, fashion from the 1980s (and I refer to vintage fashion, actually from that decade) can still cut it. This is no truer than in our evening and party wear. The cuts of the 1980s were flattering and subtly glamorous enough to appear smart and stylish without looking like you’re trying too hard. Of course, you can expect sequins and sparkles and some bold and colourful printing styles, but the hourglass silhouette never lets these details overburden the eye. No matter it’s a sleeveless top, a flowing evening top or a full evening gown, the look was always lady-like, slightly flaunty and, most importantly, one that was ready for a bit of partying.

If you thought Andie Walsh was certainly pretty in pink (and a generation of boys grew up insisting that she was), then you’ll identify with the attraction of this era’s evening wear. Dressing with style for a party, especially when your nine to five was absolutely not (and most people in the Eighties wore very dull clothing for work) was not something to be worried or concerned about; it was something to be enjoyed. Spending the night listening and dancing to songs about making money and living the high life might be mocked as fruitless escapism, but only by those who have no desire to escape. And remember that behind the glamorous exterior of 1980s culture was a gloominess and a sarcasm that many failed to appreciate at the time.

There’s something else that’s probably worth noting, too… you can read far too much into a nice sparkly top! You don’t have to be evoking or reliving anything to choose a great example of 1980s evening fashion for your next party night. You just have to be a person who understands that style and fun are pretty much timeless. It’s only poor fashion that truly attaches itself inseparably to a particular period.

Buying in an online costume shop can be exciting or frustrating. Some people love the thrill of waiting for their ordered outfit, while others hate the whole process.

For instance, they get frustrated browsing through all the pictures on the Net, only to find in the end that the right-size costume they want is out of stock on this particular site. Some also dread the thought of waiting patiently for the costume, only to find that it won’t fit once it’s delivered. Others don’t get their costumes on time.

To avoid the possible headaches and frustrations that can go with shopping online, here are some tips that can be useful to when you’re planning to purchase fancy dress costumes or superhero outfits on the Internet.

The number one rule is to plan and shop early. Especially during peak seasons of costume parties like Halloween and Christmas, you need to order your outfit way ahead of time – a couple of months before your event, if possible. Why is this so? Costume vendors usually make available their new stocks for particular events about one season ahead, at least.

For example, they already sell clothing for Halloween and the holidays starting around July or August. This is specifically true for huge shops, where some retailers get their stocks, too. So you need to get to them before the retailers do. Otherwise, there’s a big chance that the huge shop has already run out of stock of the hot items, even for the plus sizes. As you near Halloween or Christmas, you might be able to find the costumes you want on some smaller online shops. But getting them from the smaller shops would usually mean purchasing them at higher prices.

Shopping early also means preventing delivery troubles and being able to avail of vendors’ return and exchange policies. Especially if you’re buying from a site based outside your area, you need to order early to make sure it gets to you ahead of your event. While shipping services are generally going smoothly for most Internet shopping transactions these days, you wouldn’t want to risk it. Ordering ahead will give you enough time to fit your costume and also decide if you need to purchase accessories, shoes, or makeup to go with it.

Also, shopping early lets you return the costume, in case it doesn’t fit or is damaged. You’ll also be able to get a replacement from the vendor in time for your event.

These are the main reasons why it’s just sensible to shop early if you’re planning to buy from an online costume shop for your next party. It eliminates the possible hassles and lets you fully enjoy the convenience of shopping on the Internet.

Here’s a news flash; men do wear scarves. Perhaps surprising to some, men wear scarves for basically the same reasons as women. While what gets chosen for color and style choices vary, we now find men discovering both the practical and fashion benefits of scarves too much to resist. Strolling through Denver one day I saw eight different men sporting what looked like quite nicely made scarves. It was an overcast and chilly winter day. Two of the scarf choices told a bit of a story, since these two scarves looked hand-woven, with simple lines and muted colors. In my eyes, each of these men looked more intelligent, refined, creative and, perhaps, more caring than the others walking down the streets next to them. No matter what one’s impression is of the fashion statement, the scarves certainly added to a nice look for each of these men while also serving to keep a cold wind at bay.

While in the U.S., Italy, Germany and Switzerland this past summer, I was surprised to see more and more men in scarves. The trend looks like it is catching on. Surprisingly, on some days men wore scarves when the weather was almost perfect. These were lighter scarves. I concluded that the intention appeared to be simply for fashion. Once I asked a clerk at a fair trade clothing outlet in Hamburg about this fashion trend. She said men like earth tones, solid colors or timeless, classic patterns. This is not to say that men are stuck there, she said. She had seen some more creative, adventurous choices. But in general, more conscious, informed men were choosing hand-woven, artisan-produced, fair trade scarves which reflected sensibility, compassion and style all at once.

Given a clear choice, many men want to buy fair trade clothing. We want to use our buying power to help the world. For many of us it is as simple as this. I walked into a very nice organic clothing shop in Santa Fe, New Mexico last night and spent far too much time looking over the organic, fair trade clothing options for men. There were great choices for me, but I needed to spend wisely. I left with a beautiful hand-woven shirt that I cherish. I wear it only on special occasions and whenever I want a lift. Wearing it reminds me that I did something good with my purchase. I feel better in it than any other shirt I own. Now I wonder what my response would be if a reasonably-priced, fair trade scarf caught my eye. The next time I am in that store I bet they have some fair trade scarf options for men. Winter is here and so is the trend of men wearing fair trade scarves.

Bags are considered a woman’s most essential accessory. They show a woman’s individuality and sense of fashion. A woman who carries with her a nice handbag feels better about herself because she knows that the people around her are looking at her accessory appreciatively. Selecting a handbag to own entirely depends on your own choice. If you are like every woman who wants to look elegant and modern, you would choose your bag with care. There is a wide variety of ladies’ bags available in the market; you should be able to pick what is best for you.

In choosing a handbag, there are several things to consider. One thing is the style. Not all styles of handbags will suit your figure. You should consider your body size when selecting a style of bag. If you are of a large size, don’t carry a small bag – it will not give you a good look. If you’re tall and skinny, the best are rounded or square-shaped bags; and if you are short, better get a bag that is bottle shaped.

The next thing to consider is the color. It is very important. In our present day, bags are made available in many different colors, allowing you to choose which color will best suit you. If you like the style, you can buy 2 or 3 of them in different colors. This will enhance your looks at different occasions. You can also select printed handbags as they never go out of fashion. Bags with only 1 color are more practical as they are easier to match with your other clothes. Each season, bag manufacturers are introducing new styles and beautiful different colors, which can serve 3 purposes:

• To complement your outfit, let’s say you match your red handbag with red shoes and other accessories.
• To provide contrasting colors, as matching your black dress with a red bag.
• To blend, using a neutral color bag with any color of your dress and shoes.

Also to be considered are the materials of which the bags are made. There are canvas bags, which are the cheapest kind, yet so difficult to clean. Canvas bags are short term options for women. Leather handbags offer many features. They can be bold or classic. They typically can go well with any outfit in many occasions. They are easy to clean and maintain. And they can last for years with proper care. In the market are several other bags made of other materials, you only need to make a choice. Their prices also vary, depending on the material, and the craftsmanship. Bags made by well known manufacturers also make the big difference in price.

Because of the abundance of bag styles and colors in the market, it can be confusing at times to choose which bag should go with your outfit. So you should give yourself enough time to pick the bag that you will carry in each occasion by planning your clothes ahead of time. It is important that your outfit and your bag match very well. Bags are not used only to carry your stuff; they are part of today’s fashion, and they are the things that complete your outfit just like accessories.