Bensimon sneakers

Bensimon sneakers — beloved by French girls everywhere—are so cute I can't help posting about them every spring. They look adorably tomboyish with shorts and dresses, and they're comfy enough to wear everyday. This season's colors just arrived in stores, and I'm looking forward to picking out a trusty pair. Bright colors here; more muted colors here. xoxo 

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Cute Couple Fashions

What are your plans for this weekend? This week was too crazy, so I'm looking forward to just vegging with my boys (and maybe having shrimp and grits for lunch). Also, Alex recently got this helicopter to fly around the living room, and it's pretty much the best thing that has happened in Toby's short life. Hope you have a good relaxing weekend, and here are a few fun links from around the web...

After this week, these pencils seem fitting:)

Pastel jeans would be so cute for spring.

Can you really make espresso in the microwave?

Grown-up popsicles.

A cool approach to decorating.

We talked about work/life balance, and here's another woman's compelling perspective.

A cheerful Chicago kitchen.

Guys paper dolls.

New York can feel like such a small town. I randomly met this dude at a children's museum this week!

Where to sit at a dinner party.

Lovely branches.

Another fun nail color.

Children around the world with their favorite toys.

The Bachelor is officially popular.

(Photo of a cute couple by Greg Kessler for the New York Times. Dinner party link via Kottke)

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HATCH spring collection!

My friend Ariane designs HATCH, the beautiful maternity brand, so when she invited me to her showroom to try on some new spring pieces, I jumped at the chance! Last week, I rode my trusty bike to Soho and arrived ready to play dress up. Here are a few photos...



First we browsed through all the pretty clothes. (You can see the full spring collection here.)



The whole point of HATCH is that you can wear the clothes before, during and after pregnancy—so we both tried on some pieces. Ariane wore the jumper, and I wore the dinner party dress.



Next we both tried on the sweatshirt dress, which was insanely comfortable. It felt like wearing a blanket.



And I completely fell in love with these everyday pants, which would be perfect all spring and summer. I wore them with this v-neck tee, and Ariane wore the weekend short and button down. 



I also threw on the cape, just to feel French.



It was such a fun girly afternoon. Aren't her clothes beautiful? You can see the rest of the spring collection (on actual models) in HATCH's online shop. Thank you again for having me, Ariane!

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Packing for the beach

In the past, I've posted about a few vacation outfits, just for fun, but here's what we'reactually packing for the beach this weekend...
J.Crew swimsuit: When I was pregnant with Toby, I was shy about wearing a two-piece swimsuit, and I still am a little bit. I mean, there's just so much belly. But for our babymoon trip, I decided just to go for it and chose this pretty one. I've been loyal to J.Crew swimsuits since I was in my early 20s. The cuts are always flattering, and they actually cover your bum:) 
Straw sunhat: Four years ago, on our honeymoon, Alex gave me a sunhat and insisted I wear it everyday to protect my alabaster skin from the harsh sun. Have you ever worn one? They're great for reading on the beach. Ever since, I've toted one on every trip.
Yellow tote: Obviously, you don't want your nicer bags to get wet and sandy at the beach, so this $35 tote comes in handy! It's the ideal size for a picnic, books and towels.
Natural sunscreen: I wear Josie Maran's face moisturizer with SPF 40 everyday. It's chemical-free, goes on smoothly, and makes your skin glow. (We use Badger for our bodies.)
NARS multiple stick: You can look instantly pretty with pink rosy cheeks on the beach.
Leather flip flops: Flip flops are the perfect beach shoes, but plastic pairs can look cheap. Then, SEVEN YEARS ago, I bought a leather pair, and they've lasted every summer since then! They look pretty with sundresses and you can wear them to restaurants without feeling like a five-year-old.
A good book: Have you ever read The Newlyweds? I just picked it up at a bookstore this week and can't wait to dive in!

What do you always pack for a trip? Any other book recommendations?

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Meet A Former Model Who Has Had More Than 330 Cosmetic Procedures & Operations

Former English glamour model Alicia Douvall has had more than 330 cosmetic procedures and operations – far outstripping American Cindy Jackson, usually credited with being the world’s most surgically-enhanced woman.

Since her first breast augmentation when she was just 17 – and she has had 16 such operations – the former model and mother of two has undergone six nose jobs, 11 operations on the skin around her eyes, surgery on her cheeks to add and then remove implants, and a facelift. She has also had a rib shortened to give her a slimmer silhouette, her toes shortened ‘so they looked better in heels’, a tummy tuck, bottom implants and chin implants which were later removed.


The 34-year-old claims she had spent up to £1 million on these and other cosmetic procedures such as injections of Botox and fillers, telling surgeons she wanted to be ‘perfect;’  ‘I took a Barbie doll to one medical consultation to show them exactly what I was after.’ 

                                                                        Alicia at 15

'Now I know the problem wasn’t with my breasts or nose, but how I saw myself. But they always agreed that they could improve me.'

Alicia is said to be suffering from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), also called dysmorphia. A mental illness linked to anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, sufferers obsess over their appearance and have a distorted perception of the way they look.

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Win BIG This Easter From Mak Nisy Collections

You see, they love you and they have decided to give 6 lucky readers a hand bag each. Just answer this simple question and qualify to win. You know how we do it, first 6 correct answers. If you make a mistake in your spelling, the next person who gets it correctly spelt takes the bag. Ladun no dey do ojoro, like some people have said. The question;

What company owns the damier print which they used on the handbag in the picture above. Please answer with your real names, so that there won't be mistake of identity when you have to pick up your bag. Thank you. Also see some of the bags to be won below.

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Summer Bathing Collection

It seems that bikini season clothing collection is dominated by bright colors and lots of goodlines that cross or box. But in the context of this beautiful shirt we are obliged to follow the rules of dressing decently. See summer bikini collection

 If you want to look pretty at the beach then alsan right to wear this halter and neverhesitate to play the beautiful sand beaches.

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Uzma Babar Spring Dresses For Women 2013

Umsha by Uzma Babar is an extremely renowned worldwide mold name in Pakistan.Usmha is an attire house who has discovered by Uzma Babar, a guaranteeing design creator in year 2009.Umsha by Uzma Babar has carried a style name, where you will find stunningly and only equips for women.Umsha by Uzma Babar spring dresses for ladies 2013 have started as of late.

Umsha by Uzma Babar has started such a large number of gathering for each period or occasion.Uzma Babar has composed this spring gathering 2013 for junior girls.Umsha by Uzma Babar spring accumulation 2013 has comprises of long shirts and dresses elective with trousers and churidar nightgown both.Each and each dress has composed in an one of a kind and in vogue sewing pattern.In this gathering, you will find dresses for wedding methods and parties.Girls!! provided that you need to wear universal outfits for your wardrobe then this accumulation is flawless for you.Umsha by Uzma Babar spring dresses for ladies 2013 has totally decorated with considerably weaving and banarsi, silk and jamawar laces.This is an ideal accumulation for wedding and parties.The shades utilized for them are shining for example red, green, yellow, blue and and whatnot etc.Just hold up a spot here and have a glance at this accumulation here underneath..

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Japanese Urban Style

Want a long life? Imitate the lifestyle of Japanese women. For 25 consecutive years the life expectancy of Japanese women are the highest in the world, precisely at the age of 86.44.Japan has made a huge leap in the treatment of cancer, stroke, and heart disease, but their longevity is mostly associated with diet, obesity is low, and the ability to control this stres.Berikut healthy lifestyle of Japanese women that we can steal his knowledge, as quoted of Self magazine.

Eating SeaweedActually a multivitamin, that if you lack potassium, calcium, magnesium, zar iron, iodine, vitamin C, fiber beta-carotene, and others. Their diet consists mostly of foods derived from plants such as fruits, vegetables, and soy.Eating FishThe Japanese like tuna, mackerel and salmon, which contain omega-3 fatty acid levels high. Research shows omega-3 may reduce risk of heart disease and breast cancer.Drinking Green TeaAccording to a recent study, those who consumed six cups of tea per day had a 36 percent risk of developing heart disease than those who drank less. Green tea is full of antioxidants, which reduce the impact of cancer in the bone resulting in osteoporosis.

Eat More SlowThe Japanese are taught to enjoy every bite of their food (eat using chopsticks also help slow pace). The reason eating more slowly is the key because the brain takes 20 minutes to feel full. So, if you take advantage of your time, you may eat until you are satisfied than to fill.Use Small PlatesWhen you use a smaller plate or bowl instead of using a large plate, you are much easier to control your portions.

ZenTry the Japanese physical exercise (like martial arts) and mental fitness. Activities such as yoga and meditation has been proven to not only reduce stress, but also to ward off dementia and keep the brain areas associated with concentration and memory.

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Swimsuits And Bikini Collection 2013

Summer is synonymous with beaches and bikinis, which means it is time to think seriously about how to choose swimwear for summer 2013.And while fashion designers continue to come in shades ranging from dark blue, dark brown and black in Fall 2013, it is time to enjoy the trends for Spring-Summer 2013, characterized by bright colors and multiple color schemes printout reliable designers.

Fashionable swimwear for Spring Summer-2013 selected by considering all the key trends of this season, which is defined a few months ago and to display a variety of international catwalk.

Swimwear with printsNo doubt, this mold is a major trend for Spring-Summer 2013. There are a variety of models with amazing prints: swimwear for the summer 2013 season are decorated with floral patterns, ethnic and geometric prints, all kinds of lines, zigzags, and even the pattern of leopard spots.

Asymmetric swimwearAsymmetric one shoulder swimsuit is no less popular in recent summers. This model appears in a collection of exclusive design-democratic fashion.Cutouts BikiniSwimwear / bikini model appeared for the first time a couple of seasons ago and has been popular ever since. This can be explained by considering the fact that the original cutout making non-trivial swimwear and stylish. Of course, this swimsuit trend models will fit her perfectly.

Bikini with SequinsLover of all things brilliant in particular will enjoy the new trends spring-summer 2013 swimwear hot following, which makes it popular is the bikini sequins are beautiful and unique. Fashionable swimwear for 2013dihiasi with Paillettes colorful, tiny crystals and embroidery with shiny beads.Monochrome swimwearIn contrast to the phenomenal popularity of prints on the international catwalks in the spring-summer 2013, another current trend is definitely represented in the model dress. This trend has brought popularity to a monochrome outfit soft pastel colors. Fashion trend is also characteristic of beachwear categories: swimwear bikini solid and soft pastel shades, as well as models of the white and orange color, will be very popular in the summer of 2013

Bikini Models RetroRetro style never seems to fall out of fashion. In the summer of 2013, is a retro-style swimwear relevant than ever: the most trendy models even without a leash in a vintage style swimwear and bikini with the top closed and high waist pants.Ruffles on bikiniDecorating with ruffles has become one of the most fashionable trends of the Spring-Summer 2013 season at the international catwalk, and even swimwear is no exception. Soft ruffles adorn the small or large the most fashionable swimsuits of 2013

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Sheep Spring Collection 2013 For Women

Sheep is a Pakistani form garments forr men & ladies new mark was established in 2010.Sheep primed to wear dress mark composed to indulge the up to date lady who values legitimate value over recognized worth. Sheep offers a retail encounter of warmth, wit, solace & merry liberality. Sheep is built by iTextiles, an advancing textiles changing association standing for premium textile items in Pakistan from universal associations incorporating INVISTA, Celessence and others.

As of late, Sheep is back with Spring Collection 2013 for ladies. In this whole gathering the ladies will discover every bit of the modish and stylish looking outfits. This spring dresses 2013 have been switched with A line shirts, in length shirts, best energetic about ladies. All spring dresses by Sheep are particularly classy plus satisfying to the eye. The ladies can exchange them in both the classifications of formal wear and all the more for the semi formal wear accumulations simultaneously.

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Fall 2013 Fashion

Paris Fall 2013 will not be a season for the faint of heart.

The fifties era shapes with full coats and circle skirts swirling, as at Rochas and Céline are often dramatic. Dolman sleeves and billowing backs represent a sea change from the high, tight armholes and slim silhouettes that have been dominating fashion. The new voluminous shape appeared in so many collections, from New York to Milan and Paris, that it became a signature of the season.

Some other hallmarks of the season: Both lug-sole shoes and dainty heels are in vogue. The "It" bag continues to be structured.

That's not to say there aren't rebels. Ricardo Tisci, at Givenchy, had everyone swooning over his fluid gypsy skirts, chunky sweaters, sweatshirts and hippy-dippy booties. These clothes had an ease of wearing that suggests a hit collection.

At Saint Laurent, Hedi Slimane went skinny and rock-n-roll with baby-doll dresses and leather miniskirts. You had to look closely to see clothes that would please the label's long-term clients, such as tailored jackets and a cropped crystal-studded shrug. The showy Saint Laurent rock-n-doll looks should draw the attention of Alexander Wang's cool-kid fans—the ones who party all night, or want to look like they do.

Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2013

Mr. Wang is still showing his Alexander Wang label in New York, but the spotlight was on his new job as Balenciaga's designer. His first collection there aimed to return the ultramodern Parisian label to its origins. Mr. Wang immersed himself in the house's archives, working with classic Balenciaga shapes. Next season, says spokesman Lionel Vermeil, another aspect of Balenciaga's history innovative fabrics will emerge.

Another surprise awaits designer clients: They should brace for fashion's hit to their bank accounts. After several years of downward pressure, prices of luxury fashions are steeply on the rise.

"When did the price of pants [rise to] $1,000?" Nancy Pearlstein, owner of Georgetown's Relish boutique, asked after touring Paris showrooms this week. "Just a couple of years ago, the high was $795."

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The Effect of British Raj on Indian Costume

The British entered India as traders, but they stayed back as rulers and ruled the country for almost 200 years. They came with their own cultural values and identity, very British clothing and fashion statements, leaving the Indians admiring the GORA SAHIBS and the MEMSAHIBS. The average Indian wanted to look special and thus wanted to copy their styles.

This research focuses on how the British Raj brought about a change in the costumes of contemporary India. How were the British costumes Indianised? Were they accepted by the Indians, or was the change of costume thrust upon them? How did the words "Petticoat" and "blouse" become a part of the Indian languages and of the Indian costume, the "Sari"? How did the Dhoti-Kurta clad common man change to a Shirt-Trouser sporting one? Just as the "babus" became a part of Indian culture, so did their dress and dressing sensibility.

"English was not the first foreign tongue to be imposed on India as the language of the government." (Watson 1979). Similarly English Costumes were not the first foreign costumes to be imposed and adopted by Indians. Before the British it was the Persian influence in Fashion and Persian was the official language.

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Timeless High Fashion Trends

(Views expressed in this article are the personal opinion of the author)

The world of fashion changes every day and often it is necessary to get rid of the old to make room for the new. Many influential factors influence changes in trends and its a rare instance, especially in high fashion, when a trend can and does last forever. Timeless trends that will always be relevant in high fashion are equivalent to term diamonds in the rough.

True red comes in many not so trendy forms, but it will be a staple in high end fashion until the end of time. Why red? Its the Marilyn Monroe of colors and considered a power color with a strong sexual influence for passion. Lets look at the facts: its the color of fire, the common rose, hearts, passion, love as well as embodying many more other symbolic meanings. In China, it symbolizes beauty and celebration and it is the color brides most commonly wear on their wedding day. Did I mention that its one of the top colors chosen by men? Its true Venus will always be rising in the high fashion world.

While on the subject of power, lets add the well tailored pant suit. There are uncountable variations by numerous high fashion designers but there is one perfect fit for every woman. A good tailor is needed but not necessarily required. Women are powerful and a high end pant suit can be worn for almost any occasion with the right decorated accessories to accent. Try utilizing this trend if there is a powerful message that needs to be conveyed.

A staple piece of jewelry in high end fashion is the right hoop earrings. This accessory will never go out of style. Whether you like silver, gold, big or small, find the perfect pair that fits you. Getting a few variations is a must. Jackie O, god rest her stylish soul, received millions of dollars in diamonds and jewels from prestigious places and people, but her favorite were a pair of petite double hooped dangle earrings that she got for less than $100 and wore most of the time. She was photographed wearing them on numerous occasions. Its simply impossible to settle for just any hoop earring and there are many styles to choose from so its important to take precious time to find the perfect pair. When you do, youll be soul mates. As for me, Im going to be buried in mine.

The Clutch Purse is the queen bee of handbags. Which is very suitable considering the style was introduced to high society fashion during the Victorian Era. The fashion world had decided that the clutch was no longer in style and it diminished for decades until WWII. This was due to the shortages in materials and rationing. Since the clutch required fewer materials, it re-emerged in the fashion world. Theyre dainty and they add a feminine touch to any style for any occasion.

Thomas Burberry was the founder and creator of the first trench coat. They were designed specifically for the British Army and when the soldiers came home, they continued to wear them on the streets making them the pillar of street fashion for men. Epaulets and other accents were added and the trench coat was reborn and continued to transform for both genders. Today, almost every high end fashion designer makes a variation. This piece may be the most timeless style for both men and women today.

New ideas and new trends in fashion are an exciting expectation to look forward to. Its possible that innovative ideas can transform ones world, for the good or the bad. Since the past is all we know, that is all we can reference. But there is one thing for sure and its these high fashion trends will be around forever, unless we become machines and robots. It could happen but it sure does give a whole new meaning to the word attachment.

About the Author:

The author is an aspiring fashion graduate from the Art Institute of California- San Francisco. She plays a multi-faceted role of being an entrepreneur, artist, author, fashion designer and more importantly the cultivation and expansion of her business www.LadyDesignerBrands.com.

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