Best Dressed at the Oscars

A Close Look at Halloween Masks

If you have already started to plan this year's Halloween costume, you might have taken some time to look in a costume store or two or check out the selections online. A major part of the costume industry includes Halloween masks. A popular part of Halloween celebrations, Halloween masks are not the answer to everyone's costume needs. Here is a look at the good and bad of this Halloween accessory.

The good

One of the best aspects of Halloween masks is that they disguise who you are quite thoroughly. Whether you choose a Halloween mask that covers your entire face and head, or just a portion, the final effect of either is that it alters the shape of you face. This can make it even more difficult to recognize you than it would be with merely face paint.

Another positive of Halloween masks is that they are very simple to use. If you paint your face, you will need a good deal of time, patience, and some artistic talent to get the right effect. With a Halloween mask, you simply slip it on and you are ready to go.

Masks can also be an inexpensive costume idea. By wearing a solid colored outfit and slipping on a mask, you can instantly become the character that the mask represents – other accessories are optional. You can even combine Halloween masks with your everyday clothing to become a zombie doctor, a cat who is a chef, or other unique idea.

The bad

Halloween masks can be dangerous if they are worn improperly. Special care should be taken to make sure that the mask does not block your vision or your breathing. This is particularly true with children's costumes, since an improperly fitting mask could cause them to injure themselves while out trick or treating. You will want to try the mask on to make sure that it fits properly before wearing it on Halloween night. Remove masks when driving to ensure that you are able to see properly.

Halloween masks can also be hot, so if your Halloween evening will be spent in a warmer climate or a crowded party room you may become uncomfortable rather quickly. If you feel that you are overheating, remove your mask. Also make sure that you drink plenty of water during your Halloween celebrations.

While Halloween masks can be an inexpensive alternative to a full costume, they can also become quite pricey. The more detailed a mask is, the higher the price tag will often be. So if you are on a budget, you may have to settle for a less detailed Halloween mask, or an alternative like face painting, to achieve a similar effect.

Halloween masks can be an excellent addition to your Halloween costume, but they are not the perfect solution for everyone. Only you can decide if this Halloween accessory is right for you. If you purchase a mask and decide later on that it is not as comfortable or as safe as you would like, you can also use it as a creepy way to decorate your home.

2008 Handbag Trends for Men

It has been a few years since the idea of the manbag was first floated in popular culture. The phenomenon that put this word into the vocabulary of the mass culture was the sitcom Seinfeld, and while the idea was partly a joke, like all good jokes it had its roots in reality. After all, most men can probably admit that at one time or another they envied a woman’s ability to easily carry everything with her wherever she went.

Just think about it, guys. While it is probably true that for many years we didn’t have to carry as much stuff around with us as the fairer sex, more often than not we had enough goods to make our pockets feel slightly uncomfortable. Pens and paper, Kleenex, chapstick (oh yes you DO use it), sunglasses, wallets, gum, mints, etc. all had to be secreted away on our persons in a way that would make any samurai warrior proud, but left us with a lot of fashion faux pas (is that a cigar in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?).

Well, it is 2008 and it seems as though the idea of the manbag has finally begun to catch on even with guys who consider themselves rugged individuals. The problem is that for the most part, we are not yet ready to embrace the accessorizing factors that are such a big factor with the ladies. The good news is that when it comes to handbag trends for men, the big designers are aware of our self-imposed limits and have acted accordingly.

In order to overcome our sense of manliness, handbag designers are drawing up manbags that any guy can feel comfortable carrying. These bags most often emulate the simple design of a laptop bag or a tote bag, and may even come looking like a soft briefcase. They are available in “manly� business colours such as brown and black, suitable to any business occasion.

If you want a piece of utilitarian fashion that makes it possible for you to carry and easily access all of your most important items (and in the New Millennium the list is bigger than ever before – ever try to fit a cell phone, a blackberry, the chargers, etc. into your pockets), then the manbag is probably the best choice for you. Thanks to discrete designs, it’s not a big stretch for even the most self conscious of men.

If your guilty pleasure is leather luxury handbags, then your collection isn’t complete without a , with its casual roomy interior.

Top 3 Most Loved Fashion Accessories

Everyone agrees that clothes can greatly enhance your looks and turn you out to be a fashionable individual most especially if they are perfectly fit to your figure. However, achieving such look doesn't mean that your search and desire to look best is over. This is for the reason that clothes are not just enough to make your outfit complete and form an astounding fashion statement. Let's admit the fact that there are also other significant things to consider in reaching the desired look to stand out from the crowd. This satisfaction can be attained through wearing some additional distinguishing pieces that will complement your outfit and these are fashion accessories.

Fashion accessories are things that are mostly used by women as well as men to add some detail and style to their outfit. They are also worn out to complement their clothes and create such new and extraordinary look that will surely get other people's attention. Nowadays, they have become so popular and in demand because these items are not just considered as essential for fashion but also part of basic necessity. Especially for those women, it's for sure that you'll see them wearing accessories wherever they go because they consider them as part of their daily lifestyle. Aside from this, these things have also certain place in their hearts, that's why they recognize them as extremely valuable possessions that must be always close to them.

To give you a guide on what accessories that are hot this year, here is the list of the Top 3 Fashion Accessories most loved and used by people.

1. Jewelries

These glittering items are the most well-known fashion accessories because they are meant for all ages. Even teens and other children are also fond of wearing these accessories because of its bright colors that make them become fascinated. Jewelries are also intended for both gender, that's why most men also wear these accessories such as watches and rings. Women are very much enchanted with jewelries such as necklaces, earrings and bracelets because they use them primarily for fashion to make them more beautiful and attractive.

2. Handbags and Purses

Handbags are also popular fashion accessories for most women and teenage girls because they consider them as one of their compulsory accessories. Since most of them need to bring large amount of necessary things for their office or school, they have to use handbags to carry their stuffs in a more convenient way. Aside from that, they also need a handbag where they can keep their make up to keep them stay fresh and beautiful all day long.

3. Shoes and Sandals

Shoes or sandals are also one of the most sought fashion accessories among women. Most of them own numerous pair of shoes with different styles and colors intended for complementing their different clothes.

Wearing fashion accessories is indeed a good way of enhancing your wardrobe and transforming your ordinary appearance into such stunning and surprising look. However, not all trendy accessories work best with your clothes as well as with your figure. So you must be careful in choosing your accessories because they can also turn you down if they are not well-complemented with your outfit and body type. Just learn how to accessorize and it's for sure that you'll shine best with your chosen fashion accessories.

Get Your Nike Shoes at Raining Hollywood

When it comes to sports apparel, Nike is probably the most well-known all throughout the world. The reason why sports clothing and shoes from this brand are very popular is mostly due to the fact that Nike is considered as one of the top brands. Second, these products are fashionable and trendy. Third, the shoes and apparel from Nike offer so much comfort which is lacking in the product line of some brands. Perhaps the most recognized and sought-after products of Nike are its shoes, specifically Nike men’s shoes. All over the world, men opt for this brand whenever they want to buy themselves a pair of footwear.

Whether you opt for ordinary pairs of Nike shoes or you go for the most expensive shoes from this brand, you are guaranteed of pure comfort. Even the most typical pair lessens the hard force of each downward impact while running or walking. If your shoes do not have enough protection, the hard impact that the feet is receiving can lead to damage. In order to prohibit further damage to the feet of the athletes, Nike has come up with an innovative system for feet cushioning. The makers of Nike shoes specially designed footwear which cushions and offers utmost protection from the brutal impact of running.

There are hundreds of stores from where you can buy your own pair of Nike men’s shoes. While these are offered at malls, you can also choose to get your own through online apparel stores. One of these shops located on the web is Raining Hollywood. This store provides its customers with a wide range of apparel other than Nike shoes. When you are residing within Canada or the United States, the shipping of your order is done through EMS Express. This shipment process can be tracked on online links. When you order from Raining Hollywood, the safety of your products is guaranteed since all orders are shipped with the help of tracking. When your order is sent through EMS Express, this is automatically placed with $100 insurance which is provided for free. If you are living outside Canada or the United States and the shipping is done internationally, EMS shipping often takes up to seven days.

One of the top-selling Nike shoes of Raining Hollywood is Nike Air Max Plus TN. This is sold for $79.99 at the site. You can take a pick from colors such as white and red, black and white, light blue and white, or yellow and black. The site also sells Nike Air Force One shoes. There are various types from this line of Nike men’s shoes. These are custom-made; rare; airbrushed; and Spongebob. Nike Air Force One All Star can be bought at $89.99. The new design of the Air Force One is also offered at the same price. On the other hand, the Air Force One XXV is sold at $99.99. Your other option in Nike shoes is the Air Max 360 which is sold at $89.99. You can choose from colors such as red, white, black, blue, yellow, and silver. Other than these, Raining Hollywood also offers Nike Dunks. You can go for Dunk High Pro, Dunk Low Premium, and Dunk Low Pro. All these shoes are available in various colors and styles.

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Sanibel Chico's Is As Special as the Island Itself

A baby boomer (barely) with an eclectic eye on design, I was a prime marketing target for Chico's. When I experienced my first Chico's on Sanibel Island, however, I thought it was an island shop, and not a national chain.

Since then, I have shopped in Chico's around the country, but nothing approached the fun of that first Sanibel Chico's excursion, nor did the merchandise appeal as much.

So I can't say that I love Chico's as strongly as I can say I love the Chico's on Sanibel.

And I guess I am not alone as the tiny island has been able to support not just one but two shops, though I must confess to only shopping in the original Chico's on Palm Ridge. There, the store manager entices me with tales of the founding of Chico's and resolved my confusion with the name.

Since chico in Spanish means boy, I was initially surprised that the store is solely women's apparel. But the manager showed me who the real Chico was, and that not only dismissed my confusion but added to the charm of shopping in the original store.

In the current economy, despite the great merchandising of Chico's, I am concerned that an island the size of Sanibel could continue to sustain two shops with the same name and both selling only women's clothing.

It certainly has been national news that other enterprises from Starbucks to CompUSA have closed some of their stores. And there have been hints such as those posted on Floridatrend.com that Chico's net profits have been falling.

Which leaves me feeling bad that an annual tradition I began with the first shopping spree was abandoned on this recent stay on Sanibel. Though each visit to the Island has til now been combined with a visit to the store, our own personal financial concerns deterred me from going shopping in the usual manner.

I hope to make up for this lapse on our next vacation. And, if you want to discover who the real Chico is, I encourage you to go to the store and ask to see Chico's picture.

Oh, and while you're there, pick up an item or two so that we can assure that Sanibel's Chico's does not join the growing roster of store closings!

Resource 1

Bulletproof Vest Interest Continues

It seems that the interest in bullet proof vests on the part of the media has not waned (please see blog post below). The day after I did the bullet proof vest show and tell in the downtown Orlando studios of Central Florida News 13, Fox 35 10:00 News had me come to their WOFL-TV studios in Lake Mary, FL, to film an interview with reporter Kelly Joyce.

Kelly, upfront and gracious as always, told me that piece would be fairly short and air within the first 15 minutes of the newscast. Out of the sound bites I offered them, Fox 35 picked my sentiments that agencies should make wearing a bulletproof vest part of a mandatory officer safety policy.

Luckily for the deputy sheriffs who were shot (remember, this was the incident that sparked the interest in law enforcement bulletproof vests), they wore their vests. One deputy took a round to the left chest and the vest stopped it.

Maybe these segments will encourage more officers to wear their vests and perhaps budget managers at smaller agencies will see the need to supply all officers with bulletproof vests. You can view the Fox 35 10:00 News video below.

African fashion safari

The word 'Africa' conjures up in one's mind a picture of safaris and beautiful nature and wildlife. Apart from this, Africa has a rich cultural heritage as well. It is home to one of the greatest civilizations in the world i.e. the Egyptian civilization. The lovely Africa has as many as 3000 different ethnic groups residing in it, who speak more than 1000 different dialects.

This report seeks to explore the traditional heritage of this wondrous country, as far as the world of textiles and fashion is concerned.

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Traditional garments of Africa

• Gellabiya
• Boubou
• Dashiki
• Wrapper
• Thobe
• Busuuti
• Kikooyi
• Kanzu
• Madiba Shirt
• Kaftans
• Isiagu
• Other garments

Section 2 Accessories

• Kufi
• Kitenge
• Kanga
• Zulu Crown
• Aso Oke Hat

Section 3 Wedding wear

Section 4 - Traditional textiles

• Bglanfini
• Batik
• Kente
• Tie & Dye
• Aso Oke Fabric

Section 5 - Cultural symbols

Section 6 - African jewellery and bead work

Section 7 - Modern-day scenario

Section 8 References

6 Reasons Why Hair Transplant Surgery Is Not For Everyone

A Hair transplant surgery may not be for you in fact, some people have been so disappointed and even angered about their results that they have filed class action lawsuits against hair transplant surgeons and clinics.

Here are 6 reasons they give for their dissatisfaction.

1. Creating Scars. All hair transplant surgery will create small scars. Some people find them unacceptable. They want to wear their hair short, and they see the scar peeking out from under their hair, even if no one else does.

Of course, there are also physicians with poor skills who create large scars and people who are prone to scarring. Hair transplant scars are a sore subject for man people.

2. Underestimating Procedures. Certain surgeons and clinics underestimate the number of procedures necessary to achieve the desired effect. This leads people to have a false hope of having a full head of hair in a very short time.

When this does not happen, they are understandably angry. They did not get what they were promised.

3. Underestimating Price. Surgeons usually do give some sort of estimate of the cost of the entire procedure of a hair transplant. A reputable surgeon will emphasize that it is only an estimate and that things may change once the procedures are started.

Also, she will give an honest accounting of what she expects the procedure to cost.

An unscrupulous surgeon, on the other hand, will distort the facts about his hair transplant procedures. He will try to get the patient started by stating that the price will be very low.

He will know all along that the procedures will cost much more, but he will lowball the price anyway just to get the patient started so that they have to finish.

4. Uneven hairlines. Some people who have hair transplant surgery end up with uneven hairlines. This is caused by the oversight of negligent doctors. If a person gets to work with a reputable surgeon, things like this just do not happen.

However, if someone has seen a person with this problem, it will likely turn them off to hair transplant surgery for good.

5. Doctors Who Put Money above the Patients' Interest. Any doctors who make decisions that are not based on the welfare of his patient are following their Hippocratic Oath in its intentions.

Doctors are held to a high standard and when a surgeon tries to convince a patient to get hair transplant surgery when it is not best for him, he is not really acting as a doctor should. The horror stories are out there and many people are aware of them.

6. Old-Fashioned Plugs. People with the large plugs that look like doll's hair or toothbrush bristles are still around. While this type of hair transplant is rarely done anymore, the effects are still evident among people of a certain age.

If someone who knows one of these people has a balding problem, they are not likely to think of hair transplants. The only way they would is if they have some other, good, experience with them.

Also there is a higher rate of suicide following hair transplant and other cosmetic surgeries. This is partly because the patients are disappointed that their lives do not miraculously change overnight.