Archive for June, 2009

Popularity of Gucci Shoes

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

Gucci shoes are an excellent addition to any wardrobe. Men, women, and children can all enjoy the comfort and style of Gucci shoes. people of every age and gender have been wearing them ever since. All Stars are relatively inexpensive and always make a fashion statement. They can be punk rock and they can be preppy. They’re available in innumerable colors and prints. All Stars aren’t the only Gucci shoes out there, though. Keds, Nike, and many other companies manufacture Gucci shoes. Most Gucci shoes are not what would be considered performance apparel. They once served a serious athletic function, but modern advances have pushed them out of competition and retired them into the everyday fashion scene.

Gucci requires relatively little maintenance compared to other popular shoe materials such as leather. You never have to polish Gucci , and if your Gucci shoes get dirty you can just toss them in your washing machine. If you don’t want to throw them in the wash, you can clean them by hand in the sink with a rag or a gentle brush and some detergent. If you do throw them in the wash, it’s best to not put them in the dryer and just let them air dry as they may shrink in the high heat. Gucci dries quickly which is another good reason to consider buying Gucci shoes. For example, when shopping for a new pair of deck shoes to wear on your boat, consider Gucci shoes instead of the popular leather ones. You’ll appreciate the Gucci the first time you get them wet and you see how quickly they dry.

A nice feature of Gucci shoes which you may not have been aware of is that they are quite excellent for dying. That’s probably a big reason why All-Stars and other Gucci shoes are available in so many different colors and prints.

Before you don your new pair of Gucci shoes you should think about treating them with some fabric care spray made specially for Gucci . These sprays help repel water and dirt. It’s unlikely that such a spray will make your Gucci shoes totally water-proof but it will do an excellent job of keeping your feet dry in the rain.

A glimpse of the great Gucci shoes

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

More often times than not, like most people, I find myself leaving early in the morning and not getting home until dinner. This being said, on any given day, there could be a lot I need to carry with me. So, when I caught a glimpse of the great Gucci shoes, I had to share it with you.

I always have an eye out for a great Gucci shoes. I mean, when you think about it, isn’t it great to go out in a great Gucci shoes ?

Don’t get me wrong, I love Gucci shoes , but for day to day use, I think hobo are amazing.

The gold gucci babouska hardware and patent trim bring a little something extra to the Gucci shoes. At the same time, I love that the bag , Light sand leather. Antique brasstone hardware. Single adjustable strap with rings. Zip-top closure with tassel. Heart-shaped Gucci crest detail. Studs. Inside zip and cell phone pockets.

Without a doubt, the first thing that grabbed my attention was the hot sand color of the great Gucci shoes . Gucci shoes designers get a gold star in my book by using such a bright, beautiful sand on this Gucci shoes.

Essential Pre-publication Promotion Tips

Monday, June 29th, 2009

Time and time again we’ve seen articles that give tips to helping self-published authors gain exposure after their book is completed. But by this time it’s way too late. Traditionally published authors have a leg up. They receive help from publishers and in-house publicists to promote their books. Self-published authors do not have this luxury. Waiting too late to promote a self-published book could lead the author to defeat before the book is even available for purchase.

Being a traditionally published author, I still do most of my own promotion. This has helped me learn a lot. Self-published authors look to me for advice and I go out of my way not to offer the generic tips for promotion. The old fashioned tips of yesterday barely work for traditional authors and they do nothing for self-published authors. Self-published authors have to put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into promotion. Not only did they write the book, but also they published it. They should begin to think of themselves as true publishers and no longer as authors. It doesn’t matter if a book is good, if no one knows it’s out there, it will not sell.

I’d like to share some tips that should give self-published authors more understanding about how crucial the right amount of promotion is for a self-published book.

 

It’s Never Too Early

Traditional publishers begin marketing their authors’ books months before the books come out. While this is the usual time frame for pre-promotion, this will not do squat for a self-published book. Self-published authors should begin promoting themselves before the book is even completed. Self-published authors need to create a solid buzz and make sure people know they’ve written a book before it goes to print. A good amount of pre-promotion buzz for a self-published book would be a year before the book is released. That’s right, a year before you publish it. Remember it’s hard to promote a self-published book. It’s even harder if you expect to be able to compete with new books on the market that are traditionally published. And that, is whom you’ll be competing with. Promotion should begin as soon as you officially decide to publish your own book.

Promote Yourself to the Industry Not Just Your Potential Audience

While beginning the promotional process, do not ignore the industry itself. Promote yourself to other writers, journalists, media outlets and book reviewers during pre-promotion. Join writing groups and author groups that allow the membership of self-published authors. Join social networks and scream from the sky that you’re an author. Have a killer web site. Become friends with independent bookstores (you’re gonna need them), and online bookstores such as Amazon. You are not only an author but also a publisher. Act like it! Authors do not have to build a relationship with bookstores but publishers do. If you sign on to be your own publisher, you must do the things real publishers do. You need to build up a presence and knowledge within the industry. You also need to build up a strong partnership with booksellers. This will be your bread and butter. Also, establish as many media contacts as you can. You not only have to be the author and publisher, but also the publicist. Self-publishing a book causes you to wear many hats. It’s time to get down to business.

Do Not Ignore Book Clubs When You’re Self-Published

Book clubs can bring you exposure, especially if they liked your book. But book clubs have to be aware of your book to take interest. Traditional publishers will often ask their authors for a list of book clubs an author would like for the publisher to contact. Authors also contact book clubs themselves to bring awareness. One thing I’ve noticed is that self-published authors never seem to promote to book clubs. Book clubs can bring you tons of exposure and reviews. They not only read and discuss your book but they also share information with organizations, libraries and other book clubs.

The good part is that book clubs don’t seem to be as prejudice against self-published authors as other options. Self-published authors should begin contacting book club leaders months before publication. Email them or call them if there is a number. Pitch your book to them as if you were pitching it to a bookstore. If they seem uninterested, offer them something to change their mind. If you live in the area of a particular club, offer to come and speak to the club. Offer to order the books for the club members for them to read and review. Most times it’s a long wait to receive a self-published title once you’ve ordered it. Give them autographed copies. Help the group out and they will be more willing to help you. Get the ball rolling the best way you can. You can sell tons of books through book clubs alone. This is another time you need to remember that you’re also the publisher and publicist. Act like it.

Promote Through Other Self-Published Authors And Visa Versa

Okay so you’re struggling to sell your self-published book. The odds are that you’re not the only one in this predicament. Cross promotion can be very effective if used correctly. Self-published authors can promote each other faster than promoting themselves alone. Review books of other self-published authors and post your reviews (honest reviews), on sites such as Amazon. If you didn’t like the book, you can always tell the author and give them the chance to reject your opportunity to review or not, but this is great promotion. Most book reviewers will not touch a self-published book, so this may be the best option. The trick is to pick the best author to review your work. Don’t just pick anyone. Pick someone who’s gaining respect in the industry as a self-published author. You want someone who is popular and whose blurb or review will get you some readership.

Getting reviews from just any self-published author will not do. In return, review their books or promote them on your web site. You can start a little review service site (do not charge), where you’ll review other authors’ books and display the info on your site. This way, you’ll not only bring them attention, but you’ll be seen as a literary influence and you’ll gain exposure through helping others. This will bring you attention and bring more visitors to your site. Make sure you are selling books directly from your site as well. Whatever you do, do not result to spamming. This will only turn people off. Remember, you’re no longer just an author. You’re the entire package.

 

You Can Never Do Too Much Promotion

 

As a self-published author, your book’s audience is limited. No one knows who you are. Self-published books are not available in bookstores or libraries. Self-published authors’ entire audience depends on their ability to self-promote online. Self-published authors waste too much time on conventional methods that do not work. Why have a book signing if your book isn’t available in stores? Why spend money to put ads in magazines if your book isn’t available in stores? The truth is that if a book isn’t available by conventional methods, why advertise it in conventional ways? Most people buy books out the stores, contrary to popular belief. You have to make them want to order yours. You gotta have a good pitch to audiences and a good hook for reviewers. Be creative. Use the Internet as your primary source for exposure. Keep in mind that this is for long-term sales. Don’t expect results overnight. It takes months and years to sell books. The object of the game is to keep promoting and keep your book on everyone’s mind.

You must remember that long-term promotion is what sells whether a book is self-published or not.

Six maternity clothes fashion tips

Monday, June 29th, 2009

1. Choose stretchy fabric. Buy clothing with a lot of stretch but that fits snuggly around the belly and your curves. Wearing bigger clothes may sound comfortable and practical, but clothes that do not hug your figure will actually make you look bigger than you are and you may be mistaken for overweight rather than pregnant. Choose clothing that emphasizes the parts of your that are not expanding - such as ruched sleeves to show off your arms, cropped pants or skinny jeans if you have trim legs.

2. Buy tops with ruching designs. Ruching is when the fabric is gathered on the sides with elastic in a stylish way to fit snuggly and stretch with your body as it expands. This type of styling is perfect for maternity because it actually trims down your silhouette and allows you to look pregnant and sexy at the same time. Ruching at the sides allows a snug fit over the belly and ruching at the bust also allows for an attractive fitted look with room for expansion.

3. Try leggings. Leggings which used to be so taboo after the 80s are back in style and so much better than they ever were. Today’s leggings come in all colors, lengths and fabrics for any season- there are cropped leggings with lace, leggings with ruching detail below the knee and leggings that hit ankle length for the colder months. Today’s leggings come in all different colors and styles, so choose a good weight legging for the weather with a lot of stretch and pair with a tunic, longer maternity top or sweater. Best of all leggings are super comfortable for maternity and can fit either below, across or over the belly depending on the style you choose.

4. Show some skin. By showing a little skin, you can show you are still sexy when you are pregnant. Pregnancy is not a time to hide behind your clothes and cover up your whole body in shame. Be proud and show off your new curves. For many women this is the first time they can experience some cleavage, so take advantage of this life changing event and try out some new necklines. Scoop necks, cross over style V necks and sexy maternity tanks and tubes are all popular styles in maternity today, so now is the time to try out some new looks with your new enhancements!

5. Dress with color. Although everyone likes black and denim, don’t get stuck in rut with all neutrals for 9 months or you will tire of your maternity clothes very quickly. Instead, mix it up a bit with some pastels and bright tees and tanks for summer and a colorful sweater or two for Fall and Winter. After all, if you already have a lot of neutrals, chances are your colorful items will mix and match very well with your existing wardrobe.

6. Be Decorative. Every wardrobe needs a few decorative accents to keep it interesting. It’s important to invest in a few fashion items with color so you can keep your maternity wardrobe interesting. Try some ruffled trims or embroidered tops and tunics to mix up the fabric a bit. Beaded accents on a halter top can make an otherwise ordinary looking top take on new life. Pick some items with some decorative detail you really like and you will find yourself reaching for them in your closet when you want jazz it up a bit. Small details such as fashion pieces with a styling detail can make pregnancy an even more enjoyable time.

Healthy and Sexy

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

“Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy” - this is a common saying and it is very unlikely if you have not heard it in your lifetime. Every one of us wants to stay healthy. To maintain a healthy life, we need healthy diet too. Without having a healthy diet, we may not even survive too long. But healthy eating style does not necessarily mean a boring diet. On the contrary, you can add a great variety in your healthy diet and enjoy its delicious flavor.

Practically, there is no secret about healthy eating. This should be a perfect blend of variety, balance and regulation. Additionally, you need to promote healthy lifestyle in terms of maintaining few useful strategies such as not smoking, minimum level of alcohol consumption, and stress management. In this article, we will explore few great healthy eating tips that can keep you healthy without compromising your taste-buds.

Add fish meals at least twice a week

Typically fish is a ‘must-have’ inclusion in healthy eating tips. It is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. If you take at least 2 fish meals in a week, it offers you a great health benefits such as lowering high blood pressure, cardiac problems, and lowering cholesterol level.

Omega-3 fatty acids can not be produced by our body. Omega-3 fatty acids are helpful in decreasing cardiac problems, reducing high blood pressure, reducing the risk of arthritis, regulating abnormal heart rhythms, and promoting healthy brain function.

Add varied lean red meat meals several times a week

While considering healthy eating tips, a special emphasis must be given on lean red meat meals. You may have this meal several times a week. If you are a vegetarian, you must have legume or nuts daily in your diet. If you do not have it or its alternatives in your daily diet, it means you are lacking the required supply of iron and zinc. These are the essential minerals that can keep your brain healthy and active.

Add vegetables and fruits in daily diet

Vegetables and fruits are great source of dietary fiber. We need dietary fiber in our daily diet. It helps us not getting constipated. Additionally, it has other health benefits such as lowering cholesterol level, regulating glucose level and reducing the risk of cardiac problems. Remember it as an important ingredient of healthy eating tips.

Avoid eating in heavy volume

This is one of the important healthy eating tips that you probably should not avoid. Different scientific studies confirm that if you take your food in frequent segments rather than having it in bulk at a given time, it promotes healthy metabolism. That means, if you supply low amount of foods in different periods of time in a day, you actually help you metabolic system to function more efficiently. Hence, it lowers the risk of accumulated fat in the body and allows you to stay fat-free and healthy.

Drink plenty amount of water

‘Water is life’ and possibly there is no one on the face of earth who can deny the fact. Every one knows the health benefits of water. This is an essential part of healthy eating tips.

Almost 2/3rds part of our body is made up of water. Our blood contains 83% water, our muscles contain 75% water, our brain consists of 74% water and bone contains 22% water. Literally, the benefits we receive from drinking water are countless. Water is essential to absorb vitamins and nutrients in the blood stream. It also promotes the detoxification process by carrying out the bodily wastages from the body. Apart from that, it helps keep skin glowing and healthy. You should drink 5-6 liters of water daily to keep your system clean and healthy.

Exercise, Exercise and More Exercise

Although not directly belongs to the area of healthy eating tips, but if you wish to maintain a life in a healthy fashion, doing regular exercise has no other alternatives. You need to follow a daily schedule for exercise along with healthy diets to keep yourself fit and steady.

Think of a Gucci bag

Friday, June 26th, 2009

The prosecution of former Democratic kingpin Norman Hsu, now playing out in lower Gucci bag , has not lacked for color.As a quick recap, prosecutors claim that Hsu, a big fundraiser for Hillary Clinton’s presidential run, violated federal law by soliciting friends to donate to Clinton and other Dems — and then reimbursing the friends for their contributions. Hsu last week pleaded guilty to mail and wire fraud for running a fraudulent investment business, but he has denied violating campaign-finance laws. Click here for a car dvd post on Hsu’s recent plea.

Lancel has seen a slight increase in like-for-like sales since the beginning of the year,” Lelandais said on Monday. “Of course, Spyder Jacket is no euphoria but we have seen a sustained small growth, I would say between zero and 5 percent.”In comparison, Hermes leather goods sales, which include shoes and saddles, rose 10.2 percent on a like-for-like basis during the first quarter. Leather goods made by the Gucci brand, owned by PPR , rose 8.3 percent.There are so many Armani Jean designers in the luxury handbag market and literally thousands of unique designs to choose from, louis vuitton, chanel, gucci…. When shopping for a designer bag, there are many decisions to be made, from the style which best suits your individual needs to the type of material used in making the purse, down before ever discovering which purse is the right choice for her.

You are worth owning a work of art, a masterpiece, a timeless creation. Find the right replica Mont Blanc Peninformation resource and begin your search for the perfect “you” bag. Have fun perusing the options in style and functionality. Help yourself make the perfect decision for the perfect accessory a girl can own!

Shavonne Presents our New Sale Section

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

Hello Everyone!

Have you noticed our new SALE SECTION?? We’re trying to help everyone during these hard economic times. We’ll be switching out items in this section at least once every 2 weeks. So check it often!! We’re still going to run discounts and give away free merchandise, but be sure your signed up to receive our newsletter (you can sign-up at the bottom of our homepage) because we give A LOT through the newsletter.

Wholesalers, we’re not leaving you out either! We’ll be running bulk specials and giveaways through your wholesale member’s area, but you will have to log in to see what’s going on.

We’ll be introducing some new styles in the next couple of weeks..I hope you like them! You just may find them in the sale section!

Until next time, take care!!

Be fashionable like a Hollywood star!

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

Penelope Cruz doesn’t ‘waste time’ thinking about clothes.
The Hollywood star - who along with her sister Monica has designed lines and modelled for Spanish high street chain Mango - admits she is only ever concerned about her choice of outfit if she is gracing a red carpet event.
She is quoted as saying: ‘We have to use these dresses and things for the premieres and all of that.
‘I think every woman likes clothes but I don’t waste a lot of time on that. I don’t like doing long fittings and putting a lot of time into that.’
Penelope also doesn’t spend time worrying about losing her looks with age.
The 35-year-old brunette beauty recently revealed she admires actresses in their 60s and 70s who have managed to grow old gracefully.
She said: ‘Age holds absolutely no fear for me. I’m working with Dame Judi Dench on my film ‘Nine’. When she’s in a room, it’s as if she has a light bulb inside her. She lights it up!
‘People like Meryl Streep and Sophia Loren. Sophia is 74 and amazing - every time I talk to her, she’s full of wonderful stories about old actors. We’ve become very good friends. There’s so much enjoyment ahead for us all.’

Thigh high boots trend of 2010

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

When it comes to 2010 fashion trends we’re facing a year of subtlety and tradition. And while many of us will be wearing classical silhouettes and subdued colours we’ll all be in need of making them pop; after all, doesn’t every fashioniser want to stand out from the crowd?

For women that ’stand out’ look is just about to get a whole lot easier thanks to the hottest trend for shoes in 2010: thigh high boots.

Originally I tipped that this trend would enter the wardrobes of fashion forwards women in Autumn (Fall)/Winter 2009/2010, but you’ve all gone ahead and worn them anyway. Yes, Summer may just be about to reach the Northern Hemisphere but seasons be damned. You want your thigh-high boots, and you want them now!

Originally I tipped that this trend would enter the wardrobes of fashion forwards women in Autumn (Fall)/Winter 2009/2010, but you’ve all gone ahead and worn them anyway. Yes, Summer may just be about to reach the Northern Hemisphere but seasons be damned. You want your thigh-high boots, and you want them now!
It didn’t seem all that long ago that boots on women fell strictly into two domains: equestrian pursuits and ‘come fuck me’ boots. Thankfully society’s hang ups about women in knee-high boots have long since vanished, as has a penchant for overly conservative boots. And women’s boots in 2010 will be anything but conservative.

Yes, over-the-knee boots are back with a vengeance but this 2009/2010 shoe trend won’t stop there. In fact, the top of your boots will be going much higher: thigh-high boots are going mainstream.

Over-the-knee and thigh-high are undoubtedly the hottest shoe trend for women in the Autumn (Fall)/Winter season, but while they scream ’sex’ make sure they don’t do it in the wrong way. Let’s not forget, that both styles of boots are also the domain of those lovely women one sees quite frequently at night ensuring that cars don’t linger for too long near street corners. So to avoid the “I wonder how much she charges” glances I recommend you also avoid two main things with any pair of over-the-knee or thigh-high boots you decide to invest in: chunky heels and a high-sheen patent finish.

Materials
If patent is to be avoided (and PVC never to be considered), then what materials do I recommend? Genuine leather, of which you’re safest investment choice is classic matt black or brown. If you want a more unique colour leather, your other big choices for 2009/2010 are olive greens, greys (see Rodarte and Topshop Unique) or cream/neutral tones. Suede, the other big choice for this trend, is very much the go be it in black, brown, grey, maroon, or pretty much any other colour variation. One other material you might look at incorporating into your 2010 over-the-knee boot collection is shearling or wool lining, which makes for cosy aviation-inspired looks akin to those seen at Antonio Berardi.

Styles
Classic: for a classic or elegant take on the over-the-knee boot, your best bet is to go for a slim-fitting suede pair with a round or tapered toe. Look no further than Hermes or Isabel Marant for some perfect examples of styles that will stand the test of time.

Rock: the right pair of tight black leather over-the-knee boots screams rock-chic; tough, but sexy. Check out Ohne Titel, Yigal Azrouel, Barbara Bui and Jean Paul Gaultier for some key examples.

Futurism/Cyberpunk: building upon the cyberpunk influences of recent years, some designers have thrown an element of dark futurism into the thigh-high boot mix. Particularly evident in the wound-and-bound effects of boots by Rodarte and Topshop Unique, this is a trend I expect we’ll see more of in coming seasons.

Quirky: if none of the above is quite bold enough for you, and you really want to stand out this winter, there have been many other less subtle takes on this trend to hit the runway. Louis Vuitton introduced metallics and top-to-toe laces, while Hussein Chalayan’s garter-topped thigh-highs are nothing short of brazen. Do be warned though; if long-term wearability is what you’re after then this is probably not the road to go down.

One other thing that you should avoid: wearing thigh-high boots in place of pants, leggings or other form of leg covers as we saw on the Prada 2009/2010 catwalk.

Where To Buy: This far out from the 2009/2010 collections actually hitting stores it’s hard to guess how many smaller boutiques are already stocking above-the-knee and thigh-high boots. So do what you should always do: seek out that 100% unique vintage pair.

If vintage footwear is not your thing than refer to any of the collections from the aforementioned designers or turn to the pictures below for more inspiration. Click them for a larger view.

Get Fashionable With Womens Flipflops

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

The hottest fashion trend for feet this summer is women’s flipflops.

No, I don’t mean the rubber thong variety flipflops. I mean groovy, embellished flipflops, or slides, for the ultimate in casual chic.

Along with the ethnic, boho look that was the hot pick on the catwalks this season, flipflops, thongs, or mules, whatever you wish to call them, are the perfect choice. The boho look (or “urban urchin” look as I prefer to call it), with its glittery and colorful embroidery and flowy soft skirts, is the perfect accompaniment for a pair of upmarket, way cool, flipflops.

And don’t be alarmed, but rubber HAS made a comeback this season, but by way of jelly-strapped, candy colored flats, featuring plenty of bows, beads and glitz. The top shoe designers are also featuring women’s flipflops with a low heel in a rainbow of bright, summery colors.

How To Wear Women’s Flipflops With Style

No self respecting fashionista is going to be caught dead in her flipflops without a perfect pedicure. If you’d rather pay for your new sandals over a professional pedicure, do it yourself.

Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water and soak your feet for about 10 - 15 minutes each. A few drops of peppermint oil will give your feet a beautiful burst of vitality, or try lavender oil or ylang ylang for relaxation.

While your feet are still damp and warm, gently buff your heels and soles with a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells. Then rinse in cool water and apply lashings of your favorite moisturizer. I prefer a thick, lanolin-based cream for extra oomph. If you’re not out to impress anyone at bed time, apply an extra layer of moisturizer and put on a pair of cotton socks overnight.

French manicured toenails are hot right now. Get yourself a French manicure kit for saucy, sexy toenails or go all out with magenta red or soft pink polish.

Then you’re ready to display your new tootsies to the world. Grab your favorite flipflops and get out there girl!