Waist Blouses

Indian Women’s Traditional Clothing

The Sari : The age old Sari has kept its popularity throughout the centuries because of its total simplicity and practical comfort, combined with the sense of luxury and sense of sexuality a woman experiences. For a single length of material, the sari is the most versatile garment in existence.  A sari is a rectangular piece of cloth which is five to six yards in length. The style, color and texture of this cloth varies and it might be made from cotton, silk or one of the several man-made materials. The sari has an ageless charm since it is not cut or tailored for a particular size. 

A Brief History 
Any unstitched fabric in history has somehow been given sacred overtones. The belief was that the unstitched fabric was pure. This garment can fit any size and if worn properly can accentuate or conceal. 

This supremely graceful traditional dress  can also be worn in several ways : Maharashtrian : Navvari, Gujarati style, Bengali style, Kerala style, Irula style, Pinkosa (farmer) style,  etc.  Thus there are many ways of wearing a sari, as well as its color and texture. It could be of shimmering silk or the finest gauzy cotton. Perhaps a pastel-hued solid color or a myriad of woven flowers. It may even be embroidered with golden threads, or finished with a richly tasseled border. The way and kind  the sari  worn is very much indicative of the status, age, occupation, region and religion of a woman and is true especially in India. 

The Famous Legend:
One of the famous "Sari legends" has been described in the 5,000 year old Indian epic, the Mahabharat. Legend has it that when the beautiful Draupadi - wife of the Pandavas -was lost to the enemy clan in a gambling duel. Lord Krishna promised to protect her virtue. The enemy was determined on  "bagging" their prize, caught one end of the sari that draped her so demurely, and pulled and pulled at it to unravel. They continued to pull and unravel, but could reach no end. Thus protecting her virtue. 

Different regions of India have their own distinct forms of draping a Sari. Some of these are outlined below:

Gujarati way: This version of draping, commonly known as the seedha pallu way, is also found in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. Instead of opening to the left, the pleats are tucked so that they open to the right. Then, the pallu is taken to the back and brought over the right shoulder. It is then spread across the chest, and the left edge is tucked in the petticoat at the back.

Maharashtra method: Instead of the usual five-and-a-half meters, the sari in this version measures eight meters. One portion of the sari is drawn up between the legs and tucked in behind at the waist, while another portion is draped as a pallu over the bosom. Thus it forms a kind of divided sari, allowing greater freedom of movement.

Tamilian version: Like the Maharashtra version, the sare in this version, too, measures eight meters. After wrapping around the waist, the pleats are positioned along the left leg. The rest of the sari is taken over the left shoulder, wrapped once again round the waist and tucked on the left side.

Bengali style: The sari is worn pleatless; it is wrapped around the waist, brought back to the right side and the pallu is thrown over the left shoulder. The pallu is then brought up under the right arm and once again cast over the left shoulder.

Here is how to wear a Sari......

*Tie the petticoat tightly at the waist. Tuck the  top right corner of the sari into the petticoat at the navel and wrap it around the waist anti clockwise once. Make sure the lower end of the sari touches the floor.    

*At the tucked-in end  hold the top edge of the sari with right hand between stretched forefinger and thumb and start making pleats. Make about 6 pleats of about 6 inches wide each, hold them together at the navel level and ensure they fall evenly on the floor. Crease the pleats with your hand to ensure that they stay that way.  

*Tuck the pleats together into the petticoat,  keeping the navel at the center of the pleats. The tucked-in pleats should spread like a Chinese fan as they fall towards the floor. (Its a good idea to pin your pleats together at the top with a  big 'safety' pin before tucking into the petticoat). 

*Drape the remaining fabric around the waist anti-clockwise once more and take it over your left shoulder so that it falls on your back and goes down till your knees.    

*Secure the portion of the fabric on your left shoulder by pinning it to the blouse at the shoulder with a small 'safety' pin. This helps keep the "pallu" in place. 
*Enjoy wearing this beautiful piece of clothing. 

The Choli
It is the tightly fitted, short blouse that ends just below the bust worn under a sari. It is either long sleeved, short sleeved or sleeveless. The choli evolved as a form of clothing in 10th century AD and the first cholis were only front covering; the back was always bare. Blouses of this type are still common in the state of Rajasthan.  Today, there are numerous styles of cholis inspired by the booming Indian fashion industry. 

The Salwar Kameej
Another popular attire of women in India is the salwar-kameez. This dress evolved as a comfortable and respectable garment for women in Kashmir and Punjab, but is now immensely popular in all regions of India. Salwars are pyjama-like trousers drawn tightly in at the waist and the ankles. Over the salwars, women wear a long and loose dress known as a kameez. One might occasionally come across women wearing a churidar instead of a salwar. A churidar is similar to the salwar but is tighter fitting at the hips, thighs and ankles more like leggings. Over this, one might wear a collarless or mandarin-collar dress called a kurta. Top

The Lehanga
Apart from the choli, women in Rajasthan wear a form of pleated skirt known as the ghagra or lehanga. This skirt is secured at the waist and leaves the back and midriff bare. The heads are however covered by a length of fine cotton known as "odhni" or "dupatta".

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Patterns to drape Designer Sarees

Sarees are the trademarked outfit of Indian women. They are traditional outfits that are the mark of our heritage and culture. Most women in India wear sarees and every state and region has its own unique style of draping sarees. With time the method and way of wearing sarees has definitely changed, heavy silks have been replaced with trendy designer wear and traditional designs have given way to funky embellishments. As a result the demand for high end designer sarees has increased quite significantly.

Until a few years ago, women wore woven sarees with full sleeved blouses and very little designs. Whatever design was there used to be very simple. But nowadays blouses have become trendier. Backless blouses, halter necks, noodle straps and sleeveless styles are gaining popularity. Fashion designers are also working hard to introduce new ranges of bridal sarees in the Indian market.

Wearing designer sarees can be categorized as an art form. If the saree is not worn properly the entire show of the saree can be lost. It is therefore necessary to drape the saree in the correct manner. To wear a saree properly you need two important items to go along with it:

The petticoat: a waist-to-floor garment, tied tightly at the waist by a drawstring. The petticoat color should match the base sari color as closely as possible. No part of the petticoat, of course, is visible outside the Sari, after having worn it.

The blouse: The blouse is a tight-fitting top and whose color needs to be chosen keeping the look of the sari in mind. It can be short sleeved or sleeveless, with a variety of necklines. The blouse ends just below the bust.

The first rule to wearing a saree is to tuck it in properly. The petticoat is an underskirt worn underneath a saree. The ends of the saree are tucked into the petticoat before draping. The first tuck are made near the belly button or navel. The sari is then wrapped around the waist until a complete turn is taken. It is always better to wear shoes while draping the saree so that the right height is achieved.

Once one turn of the Designer Saree is made, pleats are made in front of the waist and tucked into the petticoat at a little left of the belly button. After the front pleats are made the remaining end of the saree is pulled across the shoulder either from back to front (Sidhi Palla) or front to back (Ulti Palla). The sidhi palla displays the design of the saree to the greatest advantage, however a lot of younger generation kids prefer the ulta palla. While draping the pallu make five to six pleats at the shoulder. In case they fall off you can pin them up.

The above methods are for wearing the Nivi style Embroidered Saree. Nivi style of draping Sarees is the most popular in India. Other styles such as Bengali style, Guajarati style, Marathi style etc look good too, but are much more complicated to wear.

How To Drape A Saree

However, the most common method is wrapping the cloth around the waist, making pleats in the front and draping the final length around the shoulder. The remaining fabric that is draped over her blouse and shoulder, falling behind her is called the pallu.

Before you Start

Two essential parts of attire, that go along with the Saree, need to be chosen carefully to compliment the Saree. These are:

A petticoat which is a waist-to-floor garment, tied tightly at the waist by a drawstring. The petticoat color should match the base sari color as closely as possible. No part of the petticoat, of course, is visible outside the Saree, after having worn it.

A blouse which needs to be tight-fitting and whose color needs to be chosen keeping the look of the saree in mind, can be short sleeved or sleeveless, with a variety of necklines. The blouse ends just below the bust.
Wearing a Sari the Traditional Way

* Step 1. Around your body. Starting at the navel, tuck the plain end of the saree into the petticoat and continue tucking till you take a complete turn from right to left. Adjust the lower end of the saree to the height required. Ideally wear your footwear so that you drape the saree to the right length.

* Step 2. Measuring the pallu. Hold the top edge of the saree where the pallu is and bring it around your hips to the front and over your left shoulder, thus measuring the length of the pallav or pallu. The pallav should hang down the back to the knee. You may pin your pallu to your sari blouse provisionally.

* Step 3. Making pleats. Create pleats with the saree. Make about 7 to 10 pleats and hold them up together so that they fall straight and even. Tuck the pleats into the waist petticoat slightly to the left of the navel, taking care to see that the pleats are turned towards the left.

* Step 4. The pallu. The remaining portion of the saree must be turned once around the body and then draped over the left shoulder. Arrange the pleats on this part of the saree and then pin them up on the left shoulder to prevent the pallu from falling off.

This is the most common method to wear a saree. With matching bindi and jewellery you feel like a complete Indian woman.
Different Ways of Wearing a Sari

Different regions of India have their own distinct forms of draping a Saree. Some of these are outlined below:

Gujarati way: This version of draping, ccommonly known as the seedha pallu way, is also found in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. Instead of opening to the left, the pleats are tucked so that they open to the right. Then, the pallu is taken to the back and brought over the right shoulder. It is then spread across the chest, and the left edge is tucked in the petticoat at the back.

Maharashtra method: Instead of the usual five-and-a-half meters, the sari in this version measures eight meters. One portion of the sari is drawn up between the legs and tucked in behind at the waist, while another portion is draped as a pallu over the bosom. Thus it forms a kind of divided sari, allowing greater freedom of movement.

Tamilian version: Like the Maharashtra version, the sare in this version, too, measures eight meters. After wrapping around the waist, the pleats are positioned along the left leg. The rest of the sari is taken over the left shoulder, wrapped once again round the waist and tucked on the left side.

Bengali style: The saree is worn pleatless; it is wrapped around the waist, brought back to the right side and the pallu is thrown over the left shoulder. The pallu is then brought up under the right arm and once again cast over the left shoulder.

Sarees and the Art of Wearing a Saree in Different Styles

The word Saree comes from the Prakrit word “Sattika”, which later got shortened into “Sati” and much later “Sari”. As Hindus regarded any stitched cloth to be impure, women were not taken to wearing blouses prior to the British era. With British invasion and more Muslim women preferring to wear Saree, the existence of Blouse aka the Choli came into being. Starting then the main aspects of Saree remain the same; a 6 yard Saree, a petticoat and a matching blouse.

Nivi Style of Wearing a Saree:

Before wearing a Saree, one needs to make sure that she has a matching well fitted blouse and a non-flaring Petticoat. Check that the length of the petticoat is from wait to your ankles. Take one end of the sari and neatly tuck into the petticoat around the waist from right to left. Make sure that the lower end of the Saree is touching the floor slightly.

Resume from the place where the sari tucking has just ended and now start making pleats in the sari from there. About five to six pleats in the sari, each of them with a width of five inches should be enough. Hold them all together so that they fall straight and even. Then tuck the pleats into the petticoat slightly left to the navel. Also make sure that the pleats are turned in the left direction.

The portion of the sari left after the pleating is called the Pallu. Now gather the pallu and place it over the left shoulder. The upper border of the sari should slant across the bust from under the right arm to over the left shoulder. The pallu should touch your finger-tips as it falls evenly behind you. You can prevent it from slipping off by fixing it at the shoulder to the blouse with a small safety pin.

Gujurathi Style of Wearing a Saree:

Gujrati style of wearing a saree is very similar to the nivi style with the only difference being that in this styleis the Pallu. The “pallu” or the decorative end of the sari is draped over the right shoulder rather than the left shoulder. Also, in this style the pallu is draped from back to front and unike the normal style in which the pallu is draped front to back.

Maharastrian Style of Wearing a Saree:

Maharashtrian style of saree draping is common among the Brahmin women especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This saree is draped in a way that the center of the saree is placed at the back of the waist and the ends of the sari are tied securely in the front. Then the two ends are wrapped around the legs. The right part is now draped decoratively over the shoulders while the left part is pleated and secured at the waist.

Mundu Neriyathum:

Mundu Neriyathum is the signature style of Kerala. This style compromises of a Mundu or the lower skirt piece and a Neriyathum or the drape of the saree along with a blouse. Mundu is worn like wearing a Dhothi and is securely wrapped at the hip. Now the Neriyathum is draped over the blouse and tucked at the waist of the Mundu.

Though there are various styles of wearing a Saree, these four styles are the most prominent and Basic styles of Saree. There are gamut of styles according to the region and customs. Like Madisar style is limited to the Brahmin ladies while Kodogu style is limited to the tribal population of Nilgris. This styles arise sue to the need of the area they reside in.

Top 5 Fashion Tips For Apple Figures For Fall 2008 Through Winter 2009

If you have a thick waist and small hips, then you have an apple shaped body. Don't envy the pear shaped girls and hourglass figures. You too can look shapely and womanly if you dress to flatter your figure and Fall 2008 through Winter 2009 fashion has plenty of outfits made just for you.

First of all, unlike a pear shaped girl or hourglass figure, an apple girl's waist isn't the narrowest part of her torso. That award goes to her ribcage. So treat the narrowest part of your ribcase as your waist, and suddenly, you've got curves too.

By bringing the waistline of your dresses and tops to your rib cage, the effect seen in empire waist clothes, you get a shapely figure. So focus on empire waist dresses and blouses. They flatter you.

Now for Fall and Winter 2008, dresses are hot and they skim the natural waist. Many of them have empire waists. The lace black dress with long sleeves is in. As is the pretty flowy top with big sleeves. So girl, this is your season.

1. Start with a new dress. Prints or plain. Colored or neutral. It doesn't matter, other than the fact that it has a high waistline and is in a color or colors that flatter you. Animal print dresses are glamorous and sexy. I saw a stunning dress in a hot animal print, like a leopard print but with huge spots instead of tiny ones. It had an empire waist.

2. Detract from you thick waist by drawing the eye to your arms and legs. You blouse should have full sleeves. The hems of the sleeves should be full and flowy. A longish blouse or top that has an empire waist, but flares below to a full hemline is another plus for you. Pick one such blouse, sheer, or lacy or made of a velvet or silk. Either way, if it is flowy and full in the right places, you'll look more feminine in it.

3. Get one of the black lace dresses that are so hot this season. The black widow look is big this season, thanks in part to Prada. Pick a black lace dress with full sleeves, with wide hemlines at the end of each sleeve. Get it in floaty lace, with an empire waist of course. A full hemline for the skirt wouldn't hurt either. Make that your de facto little black dress.

4. Load up on the accessories. Wear earrings to draw attention to your pretty face. Wear bangles to bring the eye to your arms instead of your waist. Wear stunning shoes. A pretty pair of high heel shoes, or gorgeous boots that would draw attention to your legs. Carry a beautiful handbag by day and a jewelled clutch for the evening. Dress your hair with gorgeous accessories to draw attention to your luscious locks instead.

5. Get on of this season's pretty belts and use that to cinch your dresses and jackets at the narrowest part of your ribcage. Thick or thin, it doesn't matter. Use the belt to turn any dress into an empire waist dress that makes you look feminine and shapely.

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In the Jeans: Denim Trends for Spring-summer 2008

Fashion is in constant motion, but perhaps no article of attire has changed as radically as the not-so-humble blue jean. Originally intended as tough gear for field workers – because the fabric did not wear out easily – the blue jean has gone through a number of incarnations to become as much a wardrobe staple as is the white shirt.

            The good news is that today, fashion-conscious men and women can find the perfect jeans to fit their bodies and their style. Anything goes! Whether you love a classic boot-cut jean, a trendy skinny jean, or a glamorous embroidered or painted jean, there’s a style out there that’s going to make you happy. And isn’t that what fashion is all about?

            Gilda Barabino, the president of Italy’s Glamway24 (www.glamway24.com), said that she’s seeing plenty of variety when it comes to purchases of jeans. Glamway24, the super-hot, international Internet boutique that is becoming a favorite with trendspotters across Europe and America, offers a number of jeans styles from some of the world’s most fashion-forward designers.

            “We used to see that there was one big style of jeans each season that everyone just had to have,” said Barabino. “What we’ve seen this year is that there are many different shapes and colors that have become popular.”

            She added that one of the most popular designers of jeans continues to be Sweden-based Nudie Jeans Co., which creates jeans for men that embrace the philosophy that a pair of jeans should feel like a second skin.

“Nudie doesn’t look at a jean as just a trend,” Barabino said. “The company really looks at jeans as a wardrobe staple that should look good and feel great.”

With that in mind, the earth-friendly and socially conscious Nudie Jeans offerings at Glamway24 include a number of shapes and colors sure to please everyone. For instance, the Thin Finn offers a body-conscious shape that fits slim all the way down, while the Even Steven provides a lower yoke and a straighter leg.

Colors for Nudie Jeans run the gamut from light blue to black – any of which would look great with anything from a simple T-shirt to a shirt and jacket. As an added bonus, the company only uses organic cotton grown and produced under a strict code of conduct – it’s good for the earth and good for your skin!

Another popular brand this season, says Barabino, is Los Angeles-based Switch USA. Glamway24 is offering several styles of the designer’s amazing hand-crafted embroidered jeans.

“Embroidered jeans can be very glamorous or very Boho-chic,” said Barabino. “They look sexy paired with a great, form-fitting T-shirt or a beautiful blouse. One of the hottest trends – and I think it’s going to stay around for a long time – is a preference for clothes that have the feeling of human hands, such as embroidery or tailoring. The simple fact is that as these skills become rarer, the clothes that exhibit them are going to become more popular.”

What is a Well-Dressed Woman

Designer Coco Chanel first dressed her elegant clientele in suits in the 1930's.  When Hollywood beckoned, her influence spread far beyond the couturier world.  On screen and off, women began wearing suits.  The "Chanel Suit," which evolved during the fifties, has since become a classic.

The skirt is straight and elegantly simple.  The short, collarless jacket has a stright, edge-to-edge closing.  The simplicity and versatility of her design have made it internationally popular--available in all price ranges, in all colors and fabrics.   To be "well-dressed" has often been simply a  matter of wearing a Chanel suit.

And then there's the basic black dress, with a plain jewel or scoop neckline, a straight skirt and fitted waist and long or short sleeves depending on the season. The little black dress has been a tradition for generations.  It has also been a social necessity---essential to own regardless of how you looked in it.  You were always "well-dressed" in your basic black.

Our casual lives have also been strongly influenced by the fashion industry.  A  case in point: the seen-everywhere "alligator" shirt made famous by tennis star Rene LaCoste.  Although it has spawned look-alikes bearing polo player, horsed, and foxes, many men---and women----continue to rely on the alligator shirt to keep them safely well-dressed on the sport scene.

The corporate women of the seventies was expected to emulate her male counterparts----navy pin stripes, tailored blouses, and minimal makeup were the well-dress business woman's uniform of the day.

Today, however, women are less will to conform, either to the expections of the corporate or to the dictates of the designers.

A matter of balance

Today's well-dressed woman thinks in terms of the total picture she creates.  This includes her makeup, clothing, and the way she carries herself.  To fully express who she is, the colors, designs, fabrics, and details involved must all balance with her coloring, her body size and shape, and her facial features.  These factors must also balance with who she is internally, which is reflected in the way she moves and walks.  This non-verbal message, which comprises 55 percent of what she says to others about herself, is essential to her style.

This all-important balance is created when what you are wearing looks like a  natural extension of you by complementing your charactistics  as well as your personality.  How can we accomplish this?  Few of us, especially since we grew up with the security of "dictated" styles, were never taught what to look for when selecting our clothing. instead, we learned to shop sales, or to buy what looked nice on our friends.  Consequently we never suceeded in defining our individual style, let long relating it to the clothes we should wear.

  Some lucky souls can put on an article of clothing and instinctively know that it creates the blance and harmony that make it right for them.  The style t hey choose always seem "theirs." and they have a knack for mixing pieces and accessories to create interesting, exciting looks.  they're the ones envied for their natural flair for fashion.

Many of those on today's best-dress lists are there because they have this innate ability to select the right clothing.  Others make these lists because they can afford personal shoppers or have found one or two designers whose clothing consistently works for them.  Although these women are fortunate in that they have been able to develop their style, they too can benefit from understanding why the clothes they wear work so well for them.  It is always fascinating and exciting to learn the "whys," and to perfect what you already know. 

But those of use who have not been blessed with a natural flair for style--who have not yet managed to reach best-dressed status---can acquire the skills that it takes to get there.  The list is less important than the satisfaction of knowing that you qualify.  When you as an individual reach your maximun potential---when you always look as wonderfuly as you can---it will because you have discovered your individual style and how to put it to work for you.

Advice for Selecting the Right woman’s Plus Size Top

First and foremost, if you don’t feel beautiful and confident in your top, give it away and choose another.  If you don’t feel good in it, trust me you don’t look good in it.

Selecting a blouse that flatters you plus size figure can be more difficult than finding that one pair of jeans that actually fits.  The key is deciding which features need to be accentuated, and which should be deemphasized.

Big breasts are easy to accentuate a nice plunge or wrap neckline works wonders, but don’t be afraid of simple scoops or wide neck shirts that show the line of your neck and shoulders.  A great necklace can be the perfect eye-catcher with one of the later to help focus attention where you want it… and I am not speaking of your eyes.

Stay away from men’s button-down shirts.  Yes, they are sexy on movie stars and that is about it.  Large t-shirts are the same.  You may feel relaxed and comfy but you’ll look similar to a balloon with legs.

Shirts that gather under the bust and flow downward can be a nice solution for covering a pooch, but stay away if you have a problem with back-fat.  You may need to look into a different style bra if this is a constant problem.  Boobs are supposed to be under our faces, not our hairlines.  The same can be said for halter-tops.  The front angle may be pleasing, but as you walk away, there is a distinct horizontal line accenting exactly how wide your torso is, and if there is back bulge to boot, you might as well give it up and make a change.

Look for tapered shirts that have a bit of a gathering right between your ribs and natural waist.  Seek shirts and dresses that are cut on the bias, find and buy dynamic collars, vertical stripes if you like that sort of thing, and clean lines.  The end of your top should come just below the waistline of your pants, allowing one or two inches for safe keeping.

Materials like cotton, although cool and breezy tend to gather around the chunky parts that we’d all rather hide.  Instead try for fabrics that will hold their own, sturdy and solid.  If you want to go with a nylon blend that can be very flattering just be sure the fabric is thick and heavy enough to stay in place and not bounce everywhere.  When it bounces, all is revealed.

Workplace blouses should be clean, simple, flattering and professional.  Nobody wants to have a woman’s busts blasting out of her shirt at the client or even the boss.  It just looks tacky.  A blouse for the office requires more than the average top.  Let your shapely girls be perky, stable, and under cover.  Also, if your job includes a lot of bending and lifting be sure the top won’t ride up on the sides, tummy or back.  The T-bar from your thong is not sexy, but trashy and nobody is interested in your bulges or butt crack.  You may feel silly doing what looks like yoga in your dressing room, but you’ll be happy when your top succeeds in showing off your silhouette without revealing all your secrets.

Color is your friend!  Yes, black is the easiest choice for anyone with anything to hide.  However, it is boring and cliché.  Don’t get me wrong, I personally have enough black in my arsenal to make any white cat think she was in heaven.  Black is great when paired with beautiful or even striking colors and patterns that give your professional appearance a little kick.  It is the cayenne pepper in your main course.  Don’t forget that a cute shell or a flirty open jacket can be your best, and still removable, accessory of the day.  Just be sure you have some color somewhere.  No color?  Go back to the closet and try again.

Summer casual is a phrase that makes some of us cringe.  It is okay.  We will get through these months together, but girls please beware of tanks, halters, and tube tops.  We all need to let our shoulders, backs and chests see some sunshine now and then.  Let us make a vow to do it with a little taste and be sure we are flattering the right features while we are at it.

The worst offenders are those little pockets of pudge that sneak out near your armpits.  These aren’t extra breasts, and once again, aren’t sexy.  A short ruffle or simple lace will distract and cover just enough to create an elegant illusion without covering your shoulders and arms.  Speaking of arms, if you have wings… and you know if you do, please save yourself from letting them flap in the wind.  Consider short or capped sleeves or something sheer to at least the elbow.  It isn’t modesty, it is honesty.  If you require more versatility a lot can be said for a pretty scarf or shawl to wrap around your shoulders.

Let me reiterate:  Back fat, extra breasts, pooches, t-bars and wings should be avoided at all costs.  Being on the beach is no exception, and either is a breezy brunch with the girls.  Hide them intelligently and feel fabulous in whatever you decide to wear.

Various Travel Accessories For You

The latest things to have are travel accessories. Try and stock up these new arrivals for the ultimate style and panache and of course utility. They are available in most travel and luggage stores. They are going to change your travel for ever.

Compression Bags

You can save up to a super 80% of your luggage space if you resort to plastic compression bags. Packing becomes a lot simpler easier and definitely cooler. They are reusable and you can go on using them for quite a few years.

Non Slip Security Wallet

A non slip security wallet is the accessory that you mast carry when traveling. It is a lot like a regular wallet but with the added advantage of having a non slip rubber attachment on one side that catches on to the side of your pocket on the inside and thus does not slip out any way. It also blocks pick pocketing ventures. But to let this be effective you should always carry it around in your front pocket. If you carry it in your back pocket it won't work as effectively as when you carry it in your front pocket.

But of course you can any way convert your regular wallet to a non slip wallet by wrapping it in two rubber bands. Of course you could also try and prevent pick pockets by using a chain attached wallet that will thwart any foray into your pocket, security isn't very difficult with this.

Secret Waist Wallet

A complement to the non slip wallet is the secret waist wallet that kind of fits snugly into your shirt or blouse or underneath them. It is still quite easy to access. Of course the whole purpose is defeated if you lift your short or blouse in public as the potential pick pocket gets a good view of where your wallet is located and resort to his handy work to recover it from there. A public washroom stall is the best place for taking it out and it serves your security concerns.

Elastic Security Socks

There elastic stretch socks which are extremely effective and have a hidden zipped pocket on the inside. They stay up and are make it very difficult for the pick pocket to locate where the wallet is exactly.

Female Security Purse

For females there is of course the security purse with a steel cable attached to the strap. If a thief is trying to cut the strap and steal the bag, the steel attachment prevents this attempt.

Pocket Pillow
These are of course very easy to carry and very easy to inflate and use. The measurements are 6 inches by 4 inches by 1 inch. When inflated the measurement changes to about 19 inches by 15 inches. It makes sleeping easy while traveling.

Some countries for the particular configurations they use need you to carry electrical adaptors and converters. Try and check at the airport what all is allowed into the place you are traveling and the permissible weight to avoid trouble when you land there. Try and pack the travel accessories into the hand luggage.

Autumn/winter 2007 Must-haves From House of Fraser

Need inspiration? Here are just a few items to have recently received a big thumbs up from top fashion and lifestyle magazines:

Silk printed long sleeve dress, £75, by Untold. Featured in You magazine (Mail on Sunday supplement), as well as In Style and Red magazines.

A stunning print, sourced from a London vintage print archive, makes this dress a key look for autumn winter. With billowing sleeves and a v-neckline, it has a detailed pleated panel under the bust, with gathering falling down from this to the hem. It is knee length, with a rear zip fastening and buttons at the sleeve cuffs.

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Silk+printed+long+sleeve+dress./106385637,default,pd.html?cgid=0355&ref=MUS

Wool twist knot front dress, £75, by Untold. Featured in You magazine (Mail on Sunday supplement).

This tailored item dress is a classic shape, with a stylish twist at the front neckline. The fastening is a hidden side zip. Wear with stilettos for a stunning work outfit.

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Wool+twist+knot+front+dress/105354560,default,pd.html?cgid=0355&ref=MUS

Silk stripe blouse, £41.40, by Linea. Featured in Company magazine.

This blouse has puff sleeves and a neck-tie accessory for versatility. It can be worn with jeans for a daywear look or teamed with smart Linea trousers or a skirt for the office.

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Silk+stripe+blouse/101385399,default,pd.html?cgid=305&ref=MUS

Silk bell sleeve blouse, £41.40, by Linea. Featured in Cosmopolitan magazine.

This round-neck, front fastening silk charmeuse blouse is lightweight and stylish with ¾ length puff sleeves. Available in grey and red.

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Silk+bell+sleeve+blouse/105284626,default,pd.html?cgid=305&ref=MUS

Wool circle jacquard coat, £169, by Untold. Featured in Vogue.

This is a princess coat, in a special circle jacquard. The stand away collar and centre buttons add to its beautiful shape. Perfect for evenings out and special occasions. Available in cream.

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Wool+circle+jacquard+coat/106235523,default,pd.html?cgid=300&ref=MUS

Quilted large pu shoulder tote bag, £39, by Untold. Featured in Bella magazine.

This quilted shoulder tote has stylish metal hardware and is available exclusively at House of Fraser. Inside there’s a zip pocket that’s ideal for keys and ipods. Available in gold.

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Quilted+large+pu+shoulder+tote+bag/106365726,default,pd.html?cgid=313&ref=MUS

Patent disk belt, £15, by Untold. Featured in Grazia magazine.

This patent disk belt is a stylish fashion forward accessory. It has a flat patent covered disc buckle and a high shine strap. The belt is fastened and sized at the front. Available in red.

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Patent+disk+belt/106379068,default,pd.html?cgid=313&ref=MUS

Poppy large pu patent shoulder tote bag, £59 by Issie B. Featured in New Woman and Marie Claire magazines.

This large patent shoulder tote has large front pockets secured by a magnetic 'kiss' lock closure. The bag has double woven handles with a top zip closing and contrast lining complete with interior zip pockets. Choose from purple and black.

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Poppy+large+pu+patent+shoulder+tote+bag/106223657,default,pd.html?cgid=313&ref=MUS

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Poppy+large+pu+patent+shoulder+tote+bag/106223649,default,pd.html?cgid=313&ref=MUS

About House of Fraser:

House of Fraser is the UK’s leading retailer of designer brands and clothes, selling everything you need to make a house a home, from décor and furniture and all you could need for the kitchen, to clothes to fill your closets and cupboards. The department store chain sells women's, men's, and children's clothing and accessories; housewares; linens; stationery; luggage; haberdashery; cosmetics; perfume; jewellery; furniture; and electronics in 61 stores throughout the UK. House of Fraser's stores operate under many banners, including House of Fraser, Army & Navy, Beatties, and Jenners. Name brands offered include Alberta Ferretti, Armani, Diesel, French Connection, Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschino, Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren, and Versace, as well as in-house brands, such as Linea.

To find your nearest House of Fraser store, or check out the newest products on sale, see http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Tips to Choose Dresses for Chubby Women

For a woman who looks full and has lost most of her curves, undoubtedly, the dress selection for perfect look becomes a serious issue.

The rules say that a chubby woman needs to select clothes with much care. If not paid enough attention, she might end up loosing a lot of money on something which doesn't suit her at all.

First of all, most of the time, she must accept that the tighter clothes are not for her. If she deliberately wears tighter garments, it means she is not ready to accept her appearance. But there is a hope, she can still wear some tighter beachwear like swimsuit or spandex.

But when not near a beach, she must consider loose-fits only. Why? She needs to hide her body flaw. Generally, anything made of cotton can be suitable. They give her extra edge and ventilation both.

In winters, a chubby woman must go for sweatshirts. They hide the chubbiness a lot. Try it with jeans and legwarmers.

One of the best way to get smartly dressed is to wear floaty dresses. However, any floaty dress must be worn with good looking belts. It makes her look slim.

The primary goal, while selecting a shirt, is to feel comfortable and smart. On large, babydoll shirts can be suitable for a chubby. However, they make her look pregnant.

If she still has a liking to go for babydoll shirt, then pairing it with a belt and straight leg jeans is recommendable. A caution! The belt should not be of contrasting color and must have a bit of width.

For a chubby woman, trying belly shirts brings adverse effects . They reveal the chubbiness instead of hiding it.

The striped shirts are never the best pick. Their more number of stripes on the shirt the more chubbier they make a woman. Reason? Simple! They become a measurement of her chubbiness.

While trying some T-shirts, get ensured that these are printed, especially with big and shining floral prints. The floral prints hide the fatty flaws.

To hide the body flaws, a full-looking lady has no better option than an empire waist blouse. They look sexy and can conceal thousand secrets.

Choosing a suitable jeans too seems to bother. The best buy can be a low rise jeans. Apart from being adventurous, they turn a flabby waist into a slender one.

Better not to wear a jeans which is too skinny. Safer it is to wear loose-fit jeans. However, to look more fashionable she can wear a boot cut.

The cuts near the ankle in her jeans gives it a wider look and creates a resonance with the her wider upper body parts. Even a jeans with flare at the bottom can make her look smart and less chubby.

It is well researched that a chubby woman who is taller looks less chubbier, so always try some high-heel sandals and shoes.

Hard to believe it may sound, the hair style too plays a handy role to hide or reveal the chubbiness. Sporting long hair is always recommendable. It hides the extra pounds behind the neck and back.

RUFFLED BLOUSES

One of the hottest trends this season is ruffled blouses. If you are looking for a nice gift, choose a romantic blouse with big ruffles, lace and other feminine touches

Ruffles create a modern and feminine look. It creates volume and shape and particularly draws attention to the chest area.

It can come in both subtle and exaggerated forms depending on what you wish to achieve with your appearance

The ruffled blouse can come in double layers of ruffles. This can be paired with slim black pants or a pencil skirt. You can also add a pair of high heels for a very nice look. If it is short sleeve, wear it tucked in with a high waist pencil skirt.

It can also come in different fabrics like the satin, silk georgette, or chiffon with touches of silk and lace.

For a more casual look try skinny jeans. If you don't feel comfortable in a skirt try some high waisted trousers with braces.

For a top, your best bet would probably be a jacket of some sort. Just wear it over the blouse and leave it unbuttoned.

For the bottom, it depends. If you're just going out, then skinny jeans would look great. For a more sophisticated look, I would suggest a pencil skirt.

When wearing ruffles make sure you tone down with a contrasting clean, slim piece to ensure you don't look like a tiered wedding cake. Pop a pair of skinny jeans on with a ruffled blouse to balance the ensemble, or throw a long cardigan or jacket over a ruffled dress to slim down the look.

A long flowing hippie skirt, with a wide leather belt loosely strung over it accompanied with a go for the earth feel beads with big curly hair will definitely have heads turning when you pass by or make an entry into anywhere. How about giving it a try!

Women?S Blouses ? Choose From Varieties

. Latest trends of clothing and dresses are introduced by the designers and women can have a great time wearing these trendy outfits.  Women need to give special attention to colors, prints and patterns when they buy clothes.  There are many necklines to choose from when it comes to women’s blouses.   Depending on the body structure and the overall personality of the woman, she could choose the design and style of blouses.  The right blouses would accentuate her flattering parts.  Designs and patterns which look striking and attractive need to be chosen with care. The world of fashion and designing is gaining huge popularity; thanks to the huge demand from the fairer sex.

There are basically women with hour glass figures, apple shaped, pear shaped and so on.  An hour glass figured woman has broad shoulders, huge hips, longer legs and a not so wide midsection.  An hour glass figure woman is the luckiest one as she would be able to carry any clothing perfectly and with grace, thanks to her features and body shape and structure.  If you are one of those lucky ones, then you need not have to worry.  However, not many of us are fortunate enough to have such a figure. With age approaching, women tend to put on weight in those parts of the body which make her look fat. There are few women who have managed to maintain their figure, irrespective of their age.  This could be probably attributed to their constitution.

Big women can check out plus sized clothes at any of the plus sized retail outlets.  Maternity stores are yet another option to check out for ladies blouses.  You might have to shell out some extra money at the maternity stores, as they normally showcase the latest designs and styles.

Many maternity stores offer attractive ladies blouses and the clothes here are quite trendy and fashionable.  Special care has been given to maternity clothes as pregnant women want to look elegant and attractive even when they are carrying.  The price may be slightly expensive, but you would not repent buying it.  Trapeze tops look elegant and highlight the positives in women.  This is also the case in case of empire waist blouses.

Women who have apple shaped bodies also resemble very much like the women we described above.  These women are also big and have broader backs and shoulders. Their mid section is also wide.  Moreover, the lower thighs are also heavy but the legs are thin.  These body type women normally do not want to show off their midsection as it may not look attractive.  Identifying the right kind of women’s blouses for the apple shaped women is of essence so that they look attractive and feminine in these clothes.

Get to know more about women's blouses at the site http://www.jaccofashion.com/