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You know that taking good care of your hair is important if you want to look and feel your best, and the options for satisfying your hair-product needs are nearly endless. Unfortunately, sorting out the options is often time-consuming and confusing. Should you buy salon-style products or the less expensive drugstore brands? How should you go about locating and choosing among the multitude of products available to you? Luckily, ww.stuff4beauty.com offers a comprehensive line of the finest hair care products and a team of licensed cosmetologists to answer your questions, all conveniently located at your nearest keyboard!

The TRUTH about “drugstore” brand hair products

You’ve undoubtedly been urged by your stylist to avoid using over-the-counter products when caring for your hair, and to opt instead for salon products. But is there really a discernible difference between the two? Indeed there is, and it all comes down to their ingredients.

For example, the active ingredient in shampoo is a surfactant, which is the primary cleansing agent. In general, the surfactants in salon shampoos will be gentler than those bought in your local drug store. Gentle surfactants are less likely to leave your hair dry and damaged than their harsher counterparts. Probably the mildest of all the surfactants found in shampoos is sodium laureth sulfate, which doesn’t lather much but still provides a thorough, gentle cleaning.

Salon products also generally contain higher quality conditioning agents, which are proteins that promote the moisturizing of the hair shaft and scalp. Another differentiating ingredient is alcohol, which is often overused in many over-the-counter products and also tends to lead to dry, damaged hair.

All in all, there is little doubt that salon products are better for your hair than their store-bought counterparts, and any difference in price will be more than offset with healthier, more vibrant hair.

What do I need, and how can I get it?

The realization that salon hair products are the way to go for best results still leaves you with many choices. There is an avalanche of salon-quality products available to help you color, condition, clean, and grow your hair, but finding out which are the best for you, and then actually locating the products, can be daunting tasks. Typically, this process requires running all over town to various salons to assess each product line. Fortunately, we live in the Internet age, and there are web sites like www.stuff4beauty.com to help you out.

At www.stuff4beauty.com, you will find information on just about any salon hair product you can think of, including those by Aquage, Biosilk, Graham Webb, Matrix, Tigi, Catwalk, Artec, Iso, Kenra, Bain de Terre, Redken, Wella, Sebastian, Paul Mitchell, and Pureology. In addition, the licensed cosmetologists at www.stuff4beauty.com are available to answer your questions and help you make the right hair care choices based on your personal characteristics and needs. What’s more, www.stuff4beauty.com purchases their products in large volume, which allows them to offer huge discounts on their regular product lines. To boot, shipping is free within the Continental USA when your order totals $50 or more.

Thanks to web sites like www.stuff4beauty.com, you can sit down at your home computer and, within minutes, have the answers to all of your hair care needs. Then you can proceed to place your order based on your newfound knowledge and sit back to wait for your order to arrive. You can’t beat the convenience, selection, and quality that this setup affords you.

http://www.stuff4beauty.com

‘The look’ for spring 2006 is a bit lighter than in seasons past. You may recall that last fall/winter marked a long overdue return to structure and basic black. Well, it’s time to move on! This spring is about mixing and matching. We’re not talking about the ‘boho chic’ of last spring, but of mixing the old with the new. Case in point: the Chloé 2006 collection combines 1960’s mod with 1940’s a-line proportions and chunky platforms. Gucci also looked back into the archives, finding older prints and patterns and reworking them with a modern eye. “We’ve come out of a long period of monochrome,” said new Gucci designer Frida Giannini, “And I love prints and colors. What I want to do is an intelligent kind of glamour for my generation. Mixing the 1940s’s and 1970’s has revived the brand yet again, just like Tom Ford did for the house almost a decade ago.”

Prada has moved to the other extreme, introducing fewer form-fitting pieces in favor of a looser-fitting silhouette with a focus on white and soft greys. Bamboo platforms and open toe boots were the collection highlights. Miu Miu, Prada’s sister label, presented disco-chic shoes in gold with wild patterns that really stood out. Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs drew on a refined 1980’s influence with an emphasis was on stylish embellishment. No shoulder pads (thankfully).

In men’s wear we are seeing more of the ‘well groomed, well dressed man.’ Skinny suits are the order of the day from Hedi Silimane for Dior men’s collection and Dolce and Gabbana men’s. Suit jackets and blazers have assumed smaller proportions, shorter sleeves, and shorter body length. John Varvatos is using sun washed fabrics and going for a softened military look. Burberry Prorsum made a trench coat comeback, modernizing the garment without changing its structure. Miu Miu men’s flashed back to the 1980’s with square shoulders, crew neck shirts, and pointy shoes reminiscent of Duran Duran a la ‘Planet Earth.’ Stefano Pilati, head designer for Yves Saint Laurent, built the YSL men’s collection on a foundation of Moroccan intrigue. Think less Marrakech (where Yves plays house) and more Paul Bowles, the American writer (in)famous for his lifelong artistic and cultural exile in Tangiers. Sharply tailored linen suits and military style shirts made for a look of casual sophistication.

Long locks and wavy, casual styles mark spring trends in hair. Natural, windblown, and air dried looks are replacing a more ‘styled’ finish. Do it yourself at home with a dab of Bumble and bumble Styling Balm, or mix a dollop of Leave-In Conditioner with a touch of Defrizz. Natlie Portman’s close crop and Sienna Miller’s short bob (hopefully) portend a comeback for shorter styles. These kinds of cuts look particularly good with dab or two of B&b Sumotech and a shot of Surf Spray – nice and tousled.

Men’s hair is still looking very ‘groomed’, but softer, without too many clean edges or lines. Short is cool as ever, but keep it a bit on the choppy side. Style by starting with some Bumble and bumble Tonic, and follow with Styling Wax, Sumo Wax, or Sumotech. If you’ve got longer hair and want a cool, shaggy, ‘Strokes-ish’ look, mix Leave-In Conditioner with Brilliantine or Styling Crème with a bit of Grooming Crème. (to learn more about these products visit this excellent salon’s website: www.scottmillerstyle.com)

That’s all for this season, but summer’s not far off…

It can be frustrating to spend time selecting and purchasing your Plus Size Clothing only to find out the clothes do not fit properly. Hopefully, this Measurements Guide will help you get that perfect fit from your plus size apparel, swim wear or lingerie. You will need a standard measuring tape. If your measurements show that you are between two sizes, buy the larger size.

Bust – With a bra on and your clothes off, measure around the fullest part of bust and under the arms. Keep the tape straight across your back.
Waist – While in a relaxed position, measure around the narrowest part of your natural waist. Keep the tape somewhat snug, but still comfortably loose.
Hips - Stand with your legs and feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips.
Inseam - Measure from the crotch point to your ankle bone. Or using a pair of your pants that fit you well, lay them flat with the front and back creases together. Measure from crotch seam to bottom of the leg hem along the inside seam.
Sleeve - Bend the elbow and measure from the center of the back of the neck to the elbow and down to the wrist.

Bra Measurements – There are two measurements you will need to make: Band Size and Cup Size.

Band Measurement – There are two ways to measure this and you should come up with the same result with both:
1. Measure around the top of your breasts. Go under your arms, high on your back and around the top of your chest. If this measurement is an even number, then this is your band size. If it is an odd number, then add 1” to determine your band size.
   OR

2. Pull a tape measure snugly around your ribcage, directly under the breast. If the measurement is below 33, add 5” to determine your Band Size. If the measurement is above 33, add 3” to determine your Band Size. (i.e. if the measurement is 29”, the back size is 34; if the measurement is 35”, the back size is 38).

   Cup Size Measurement - With your bra on, measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust. Subtract your band measurement from your cup measurement (each inch is a cup size). For example, if your band measurement is 34” and your cup measurement is 36”, then the difference between these measurements is two inches, and you would wear a B-cup.

Important: Please refer to the individual websites sizing chart to determine the appropriate ordering size. Individual websites sizing charts may differ slightly. Bra sizes may also vary slightly from one manufacturer to the next.

About The Author: Article courtesy of http://www.plusxclothes.com.
All reprints of this article must include an html link pointing to http://www.plusxclothes.com.

Well you definitely need a compass for this year’s Spring and Summer fashions. While flirty and fun is “in,” don’t forget tailored and chic. In fact, it is ok to mix the two. Here are the Spring’s fashion trends:

1. Spring dresses are definitely the item to have this season. Very much inspired by the 50’s and early 60’s, you can find vintage or new fashions right on the rack in every major clothing store. Look for little ruffles, flowing fabrics, big buttons and belts.
2. White is everywhere. Be careful with this one as some complexions are not cut out for stark white. If you are nearing middle age, try using white in your accessories instead of brilliant white jackets or skirts. Everyone should be cautious about what we call Minnie Mouse shoes and please don’t break out the white pants, skirts and shoes until after Memorial Day. I don’t care what anyone says. Some rules are not meant to be broken.
3. Chunky shoes and platform sandals are still the rage this season. Be careful when pairing with your 50’s inspired dress or you will look like you came straight from a rummage sale and not the fashionable trendy shops. Of course some might say that is the trend too.
4. Chunky necklaces are still in this season as well. Natural woods and brighter colors play a part in the spring continuation of this fall trend.
5. A line and tulip skirts are all over the spring fashion scene. Watch the length and the belting. A line skirts are great camouflage for larger hips.
6. Tops are flirty with ruffles, cinching under the bust, and belting or gathers at the waist. These looks are great with jeans, loose fitting trouser style pants, and skirts but can also be paired with a tailored jacket and skirt or pants for work to add a little femininity to your tailored work attire.
7. Although many chiropractors and doctors may protest, the handbags are available in big and bigger. As always though there has to be balance between what you are wearing and the size and style of bag you are carrying.

Remember no matter what styles you choose, you should always make sure you have other pieces (we recommend three) already in your wardrobe with which to coordinate. Also, be cognizant of the styles and how they look on someone of your age. You can make yourself look like mutton dressed as lamb if you try to be too trendy or too flirty with your styles. Always be aware of shape and color and how it relates to your body. We will say it just this once in this article. Just because they make it in your size does not mean you should wear it. Now enjoy the spring weather and flowers and have fun accessorizing your wardrobe.

Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, LLC, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area, providing life management services. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops. Ms. Books is the Vice President for the International Concierge & Errand Association. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net

© 2006 Indra A Books for ON THE GO 4 U

Most men know nothing about picking out lingerie, which is understandable because it can be confusing. What type of lingerie to buy, what size, what color - how is a man to know? Here is a little guide to help you when choosing lingerie for that special someone.

There are a few things to consider before you go out. What does she like? Remember that you will not be wearing this - she will and you should go out with the intent on getting something she will like. If she is not into lacey, tiny, see-through teddies, chances are if you buy that, she will not be in much of a mood to wear it and you may never see it. So keep what she likes in mind.

If you do not know, check out her nightgown/lingerie drawer before you leave. Check for material type (cotton, silk, etc.), colors, and most importantly, size. She may be flattered if she wears a large and you get her a small, but if she wears a small and you buy her a large, you may find yourself in trouble. Avoid anything that says “control” on the label. Those items are used to firm and flatten tummys and rears and she would probably not appreciate receiving them as a gift.

Another thing to remember is if the store offers to wrap the lingerie let them. Dainty lingerie will look better in their wrapping than if you wrap it in the paper left over from your cousin’s birthday. Presentation is part of the package with lingerie. Also, if you are uncomfortable in the store, check out online stores that sell lingerie. You can always start at Victoria’s Secret, but most major department stores like Macys and Nordstroms also sell lingerie. Final note - remember to keep your receipt just in case it is the wrong style, size, or color.

Now, what type of lingerie is available? Just about anything you can think of! Ask yourself what the occasion is. Is this to let her know you love her? If so, something crotchless or see-through probably will not send that message. But, if it is for Valentine’s Day or your anniversary, something a little more risqué might be appreciated. Bras alone have many different styles including push up, plunge, gel filled, padded, under wire, seamless, backless, strapless, open cup, and unpadded.

If you are purchasing a bra and panty set, always check out what she has in her drawer beforehand and definitely make note of the size - of both the bra and panties. Most places sell at least one pair of panties that match each bra, but some will sell several so you can mix and match. It will help to know what type of panties she likes to wear too - thongs, briefs, or high cut bikini.

When it comes to sleepwear, it can be just as confusing. One type of sleepwear is babydoll pajamas. They usually have very thin straps, a plunging V neckline, and are very short with matching panties. You will find most of these made out of silk or satin, materials that always make a woman feel good about herself. But, if she feels her breasts are too big or too small, or thinks her stomach is too big, you might want to avoid babydoll pajamas.

There are slips and chemises. Similar to the babydoll pajamas, these are a little longer and a little better at concealing problem areas such as breasts, butt or stomach. They too are usually made of silk or satin.

Gowns are full-length versions of the babydoll. Many are see-through or lacey and can help put your woman in the mood. Babydolls, slips, chemises, and gowns may also come with a robe.

A pajama set might not sound too sexy, but if it is silky, and buttons up the front, it can make your woman feel very sexy, especially if she is a plus size (size 18 or larger). Boxer sets have become very popular lately. The tops are tight, with thin straps and usually a V neckline, although there are boxer sets with normal t-shirt tops.

If you are really looking for lingerie to spice up your love life, take a look at Frederick’s of Hollywood (available online). They have been selling sexy lingerie for over 50 years. They have a wide variety of garter belts, bustiers, corsets, teddies (similar to the babydoll, but one piece), crotchless panties, and fishnet stockings - items that may not be available at many stores that sell lingerie.

What type of lingerie you should get your love depends a lot on her self-esteem. Many big woman love sexy little teddies, but some will shy away from them, for fear of exposing too much of themselves. Most stores sell lingerie in plus sizes, which are a little less revealing. If she is really athletic, a boxer set might be something she would like. Thin women will look good in anything, but especially teddies, corsets, and babydolls.

When shopping for lingerie, try to keep in mind what she likes. If you purchase something similar to the lingerie she already has and in colors you know she likes, it will probably make her happy. But, keep the receipt just in case!

Jessica Valentine is a successful writer and publisher interested in women’s apparel providing valuable tips and advice on finding sexy lingerie, lingerie fit, and lingerie buying guides for men. Read her most recent report, “Styles To Make You Look Like a Lingerie Model”.

Rhinestone sunglasses have been very hot and popular among many people. We have seen a rise in the popularity due to the Hollywood stars wearing them. That’s why rhinestone sunglasses are in style. Wearing them simply adds a new jewel to your personality and makes you stand out in the crowd. It is the shine of rhinestones which catches the eyes of many people and gathers a lot of attention. Technically speaking rhinestone sunglasses are designed in various shapes and sizes. Rhinestone sunglasses are made in plastic models and also wire styles.

Nowadays, they are very popular but the most popular style is the large plastic ones. They came into fashion this year and are bound to stay for a long time. So what are you waiting for? Just check out the stylish rhinestone sunglasses now from your closest vendor and add new spice to your personality. But before buying them the main question that pops up into the consumer’s mind is how are these wholesale rhinestone sunglasses actually made? The plastic styles are usually hand drilled so that they provide an accurate size for the rhinestones and they can be easily fitted. This whole process is a lengthy one and it takes several hours on each pair as each pair needs to be handled properly and with utmost care. One scratch can ruin a rhinestones shape and look.

That’s the main reason behind the higher cost in rhinestone sunglasses versus regular sunglasses. The wholesale price of rhinestone sunglasses generally cost around $24 - $36 per dozen and that too depends upon the number of stones and sunglass style. The internet is said to be the best place to look for wholesale rhinestone sunglasses as you can find the best styles available at the most competitive price. Most major retailers have started keeping a certain range of these rhinestone sunglasses in stock as they not only boost up retaile sales but they also keep them updated with the changing trend and fashion. So if you’re a hardcore fan of Hollywood and love to follow the style statement set by your favorite star then owning a pair of rhinestone sunglasses is a must for you.

The author Kirk Bachelder is a sunglass wholesaler that offers wholesale rhinestone sunglasses and many other wholesale sunglass accessories. You can view his website at http://www.CTSwholesalesunglasses.com.

Diamonds are still a girl’s best friend, right? We love the shiny gems. They are the most popular rocks sold today. But what exactly are they, anyway? Where do they come from? What else are they used for?

Diamonds are a mineral in one of the two crystalline forms
of the element carbon. They are the hardest natural
substance man knows. Diamonds are sold as gems, and
used
in industrial applications for smoothing, cutting, and
polishing hard materials.

Diamonds are most famous for crystallizing in the common
colorless form. They may also be tranlucent to transparent
white, yellow, green, blue, or brown. Diamonds have a high
refractive index which is why they are so brilliant and
sparkly after cutting. The familiar shape of the diamond is
the octahedron.

The most brilliant diamonds become gemstones for jewelry
and
other uses. For those that don’t make it to gems, there
are other options. There is bort, which is a more poorly
crystallized or undesirable color and in fragmentary
condition, and carbonados which is gray to black opaque.
Bort and carbonados are used as abrasives for the cutting
of
diamonds and the cutting heads of industrial rock drills.

Diamonds are found in alluvial formations and in volcanic
pipes, filled for most of their length with blue ground or
kimberlite, and igneous rock consisting primarily of
serpentine. Diamond yielding earth is mined by both the
open-pit method and by underground mining. After removal
to
the surface, the soil is crushed and concentrated. Passing
the concentrated material in a stream of water over greased
tables does the needed sorting. The diamond is largely
water
repellent and sticks to the grease and the other minerals
retain a film of water, which prevents the sticking to
the grease. Then the diamonds are removed from the
grease,
cleaned, and graded for sale and use.

The earliest sources of gem diamonds were India and
Borneo.
Some famous diamonds are the Great Mogul, Regent, and
Pitt.
Other famous diamonds include the Hope (blue), Dresden
(green) and Tiffany (yellow). In the early 18th century,
deposits similar to those in India were found in Brazil,
mainly of carbonados. In 1867 a stone found in South Africa
was recognized as a diamond. Within a few years began a
wild
search for diamonds. In 1870-1871, dry diggings including
most of the celebrated mines were discovered.

Synthetic diamonds were successfully produced in 1955; a
number of small crystals were produced when pure
graphite mixed with a catalyst was subjected to pressure of
about 1 million lb per sq in. and temperature of the order
of 5,000-F (3,000-C). Synthetic diamonds now are
extensively
used for industry, mainly due to the ease of obtaining and
lower cost for them. Diamonds are still very popular and
symbolize many things. Their popularity does not seem to
be
dwindling any time in the near future.

The author became fascinated with diamonds from an early
age. She has studied diamonds and their various uses.
Without diamonds, many products that we enjoy and use on
a daily basis would not exist.

She consults with various industries worldwide to help them
to understand diamonds uses in their manufacturing
processes.

Charmaine Stought is enthusiastic about diamonds and
is the originator of FEEL Diamonds

Tying a necktie is the first step toward serious life, so said Oscar Wilde. Indeed, this string of silk and cotton gives that boost to one’s social image that exercise gives to our physical body.

What took the fancy of man to this piece of rope tied around the neck? Was it a sign of servitude, like a dog’s collar? Or did it add any more grace or charm to a man’s appearance?

If society is show, than the necktie is its shining jewel.

How could man have done without it for so long? How could they please themselves and others without it? It seems harder and harder to understand such simple things. A dog without a collar?
Just does no good.

The origin of this dress accessory goes back to the military life, like so many other inventions and discoveries. Some king was pleased with a victory, liked the scarf or tie, and made it popular. A king in exile came visiting, liked the rope tied around the neck, and took the idea back to his country, from where it spread to the rest of the world. This is the brief probable history of the necktie.

It is difficult to say, but now it almost looks good on us. It adds grace to our appearance. Makes us feel confident when confidence is at a low. Like a new dress making us feel special, a necktie makes us feel special in the company of others. The dog with a colorful collar wags its tail harder when put into the company of other dogs wearing similar collars.

Given the ups and lows in life, the necktie is our only redeeming friend for those few occasions that it makes us feel important, to ourselves and others. Let the necktie stay where it is.

The author is a freelance writer.

False Fashion is it for you? What you have to bear in mind when keeping up with all the newest trend is, that never once were you in the designer/s thoughts when putting his/her creation together.

How many times have you cringed at styles knowing at the back of your mind how hideous you would look dressed in what was designed for the catwalk?

Top designer labels do not come cheap and can be quite expensive leaving you broke because you want to keep up with the Jones’s
Ever felt stupid when attired up to nines to stop the jibes from your friends, keeping up with fashion is all well and good, but if you are not comfortable with your appearance then do something about it. Start by ignoring nasty remarks, true friends do not pass judgement unless in your favour.

It makes sense to put your own fashion ideas to use and into the bargain cost effective. Design your own label? Who knows may be your friends will want a piece of the action. Top designers started this way.

When out shopping; find a shop selling quality gear for half the price of what it would cost to dress in designer gear. You will find similar or duplicated designs to the latest craze in most stores. Is the content of your wallet/purse holding you back from making a purchase. Then get yourself to the local second hand shop and pick up a bargain.

Stick with the trend by wearing the colours in fashion. Charity shops donate to good causes, so as well as looking a million dollars you help the starving people of the world.

Uneasy with the new boob tube where the bare fleshy stomach is on full view, then narrow it down to a glimpse for the onlooker, add a little lace tassels or beads.

Belts do not do down well for the pleasantly plump, okay so we find an alternative. Gather leather strips, braid/plait them together then hang the twisted menagerie loosely around the waist add a little glitter to spice it up, this will not only look effective but complement your size.

How to get away with no boots if money is tight

Buy a closed in shoe then get a matching pair of coloured knee/ankle length socks and hey presto from a distance a pair of boots How good is that?

What is the point of expensive designer labels when the only person that gets to see that new outfit is you? all because the bank balance states 0.00 where you do not get to party till your next payday, and by then with the fashion industry as it is, the oufit may well be past its sell by date.

False fashion is what it is. Your height, weight, skin type was never taken into account by the designer unlike the rich stars. How on earth can you look your best by other folks choices? Think about it if anyone knows what will suit you? is you.

http://www.allaboutonlineeducation.com is a great place to start if you were thinking about dressmaking or looking for information on teaching yourself the in’s and out’s of getting on in this life.

Unless you marry a footballer or born with a silver spoon in your mouth then don’t expect to be wearing designer knickers as well. A win on the lottery may change all that. www.pick3today.com

Embroidered promotional hats are, for the most part, a convenient way to advertise. An embroidered hat with the company’s logo is the U.S.’s most singled-out promotional product. Tthey are often given away as “”free gifts”" with another purchase, or at festivals and events. The custom logo imprinted on it makes the end user a walking billboard. This is great for corporate identification, organization and fundraising campaigns. Embroidered promotional hats promote company exposure and name recognition.

These hats can have a logo on the front of the cap and web address on the back of the cap. The most important thing about its being popular for advertisement is the one-size-fits-all quality.

To memorialize a company’s out-of-the-ordinary marketing day, an event coming up or to create a new corporate image, embroidered promotional hats always work. The quality material used in the manufacture of hats and the company’s logo, name and special message embroidered on them make it perfect for promotional campaigns.

Cotton twill hats, brushed-cotton constructed hats, sandwich bill hats, specialty hats, visors, etc. work as promotional hats after being embroidered with name, logo and message of the company. These make hats perfect billboards. However, the most popular material for embroidered promotional hat in the present day is low-profile brushed-cotton twill.

The quality embroidered promotional hats provide advertisement for years with no running cost. The promotional hats are given as gift to potential clients and customers. This modus operandi is used right from large scale companies to small clubs and societies to spread their message from corner to corner.

Embroidered Hats provides detailed information on embroidered hats, custom embroidered hats, embroidered logo hats, embroidered fitted hats and more. Embroidered Hats is affiliated with Mens Hats.