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Shopping in New York: Find the Best Stores

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From the massive department stores lining Fifth Avenue, to the small boutiques and independent shops dotting the East Village, New York is a veritable shopping mecca for fashionistas and everyday consumers alike. With all of the hustle and bustle and constant excitement, however, it can be somewhat challenging to narrow down the very best stores in the city. Fortunately, with a bit of luck and research beforehand, any visitor to New York can make certain they don’t miss a beat during their holiday.

Department Stores

For years, New York’s shopping experience has been influenced by the large department stores, such as Macy’s and Bloomingdales. These iconic stores still sell some of the best merchandise in the city. Not only is it fun to browse through the wares on display, but experiencing the atmosphere of these stores themselves is an adventure in its own right.

For those looking to drop a fair bit of money on their shopping adventure, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman are both popular destinations. These stores sell apparel and accessories from some of the world’s most sought after designers. From Chanel to Gucci, Prada to Stella McCartney, it is easy to find luxury clothing in these fabulous shops.

Independent Stores

While it may be fun to socialise with the wealthy shoppers of New York, the city is also home to plenty of independent boutiques with their own unique vibes. One of the great things about New York is that there is something for everyone. For those looking the casual hipster feel, head to Hollander & Lexer in Williamsburg. This popular shop mixes jewellery and vintage accessories with modern apparel that is comfortable and easy to wear.

On the Lower East Side, EVA is a popular destination for those looking to sport cutting-edge designs. Looks fresh from the runway populate the shelves and racks in this boutique. EVA often showcases foreign designers and up-and-coming stylists’ picks, making it easy to score on great outfits at an affordable cost.

Ask Around

Regardless of where one heads in New York, it is easy to find fantastic shopping destinations on nearly every corner. One simple tip for finding more fabulous shops is to simply ask salespeople for their advice. If a boutique or shop really stands out in terms of its apparel and overall style, there is a good chance staff members will have an idea of what other business options are located in the immediate area.

New York shopping is a must for all visitors to the city and whether you visit the smaller boutiques or the larger department stores you will be sure to be able to shop until you drop!

Ursula Jones writes on a number of subjects including shopping in New York. You can find the best stores in New York by using the online shopping guide from Shopikon






Winter Fashion: What’s Hot And What’s Not

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Wrap up warm this winter but still be fashionable by sticking to these few tips. It is all about layering this season; Marc Jacobs, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Chanel are just a few top designers who are doing it. Look out for eye catching belts that will compliment trousers and dresses. Instead of a coat opt for a winter cape this year. By all means experiment with different options, but just keep in mind our winter do’s and don’ts.

Outerwear Choices

Knitted gloves, scarves and hats can add texture to an outfit, whether it is a fitted blazer or a leather jacket. You can buy these cute handmade accessories from local boutiques and online. Don’t wear a puffy parka with a bulky scarves and hats.

Cultural Inspiration

Look out for roomy tunics which include feature graphics and are made from heavy silks. Stay away from the dress-over-pants look as this can bear resemblance to a costume.

Go For Colour

Don’t be scared of colour this year, dare to reach for bright red. This colour suits any complexion and can brighten up any dull day. Be careful; don’t pair red with white as this can be over bearing. You don’t want to end up looking like Mrs Claus.

Stylish Hats

If you are not into the knitted look do not fear! Opt for a wide brimmed hat with constructions on the point. Hats can last for a long time, so do not go for price over quality. Try and avoid masculine fedora styles.

Chic Boots

There is a lot on offer for boots, so it is hard to pick the wrong style this season. To create a casual classy look, that is still warm and welcoming, opt for shearling. Don’t get people’s attention for the wrong reasons; stay away from furry boots, bare legs and a short tight skirt look.

Long Coats

Always go for long coats in order to stay in fashion this season. Pick a sleek and sophisticated fitted coat. This will complement your height and body shape. Pair your long coat with high heeled boots for that extra touch. The coat should reach the bottom of your calf, do not buy a coat that will touch the floor.

Dress Down

Either go for a classic neutral colour or a bold primary colour when choosing a jacket or coat. You can get coats that can offer warmth yet still be lightweight. Stay away from light pastels and the colour white! You don’t want to look like you are in camouflage this winter.

By keeping these fashion tips in mind, search the high street and online for bargain clothes. It doesn’t have to cost the earth to be fashionable.

By Sarah McDowell; a Search Consultant at http://www.fdcstudio.co.uk/ providing Digital Marketing Services throughout the UK.

Choosing the Perfect Club Dress

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If you’re going out to a club, you want to make a statement with your dress. Finding the perfect club dress has everything to do with the trends of the season, plus your own figure. You want a look that’s sexy and stands out in a crowd. Luckily, there are so many trends out there, you’re bound to find a club dress that is perfect for your night on the town.

Trends for Club Dresses

We’re seeing a lot of different trends for club dresses this season. The best thing about these trends is there’s something for everyone and for every body type. The key is to figure out what flatters you and makes you feel confident as you make your way across the club.

Necklines

  • Cowl neckline. This is a loose, fluid neckline that gently drapes along the bust. This is a flattering look for many body shapes. The deeper the cowl neck, the more dramatic the look.
  • Deep V-neckline. This is a stunning look for making a splash at the club. A deep V-neckline is ideal for long-sleeved dresses with mini hemlines.
  • Off-the-shoulder neckline. This has been popular on the runways for a few seasons, but has now found its way into clubwear. The off-the-shoulder neckline is flattering for wearing hair down or wearing hair back with opulent earrings or a statement necklace.
  • Strapless neckline.This is the go-to neckline for many women because it shows enough skin, no matter what the silhouette of the dress is. A strapless neckline also lets you show off a big necklace or body shimmer or bronzer.

Silhouettes

  • Ruched. The ruched bodice is ideal for anyone who wants to conceal a tummy. Ruching drapes across the bodice and waist for a flattering shape.
  • Tight straight fit. This is one of the most popular silhouettes that often accompany strapless dresses. The tight straight fit is perfect for that little black dress too. This silhouette is perfect for those who want a traditional, sexy fit.
  • Asymmetrical hemline. This silhouette took over fashion in the past year and it’s still going strong. The asymmetrical hemline is shorter in the front than it is in the back and looks sexy with flowing fabrics that create movement.

These are some of the hottest trends we’re seeing for club dresses. There are many shapes to choose from. Right now the hottest colors for club dresses are black, metallic shades like gold and silver, red and blue. Prints like paisley and abstract watercolor-like prints are also popular for club dresses.

The general style rule when choosing the perfect trend club dress is to choose more details for simple shapes such as a tight straight fit dress with a strapless neckline.

For dresses with more dimension in their shape, such as a ruched dress with a cowl neckline, opt for a solid or large print with minimal extra details. Details like studs, corset back closures, bows and mesh inset are also popular for those who love small extras that make a big difference for the overall look of a club dress.

This article has been contributed by the experts at YumDrop. Check out their huge selection of clubwear, lingerie, and more!

Is “Style on a Budget” a Possibility in 2012 and Beyond?

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This article humorously questions whether style on a budget is possible or just a phrase thrown about the fashion industry aimlessly and is no more than words.

Budget Fashion

Immediately when you see the words “style on a budget” you think that it is very easy to attain such a condition. After all, there are enough stores that are selling discounted clothes that it is almost impossible not to achieve it. This is the sticking point, and where you need to start to listen, however. Buying random clothes from stores that sell cheaply is not necessarily buying great style, is it? At the same time, when you think of style on a budget it is almost inevitable to think of not spending much money.

Rather than looking at reducing what you spend on your shopping in terms of having to buy cheap items, we challenge that style on a budget is in fact a combination of factors, an attitude to shopping almost, rather than just changing where to shop.

Based on our belief of what style on a budget really means, what should you do to find it?

Know What’s You

How many things have you purchased in the last 24 months, only worn the once and then discarded them into obscurity at the back of your wardrobe? If you have done this, it probably isn’t because you immediately decided after wearing it once that you disliked it, but rather that you didn’t look very good in it in the first place.

By discovering your style DNA and knowing what are the best clothes, fits, and looks for you, you will save yourself a great deal of money on buying numerous outfits for the sake of it, just to find the right one by default.

Doing this will have the added benefit of bringing great confidence and panache to your style, and give you a more distinct look. Suddenly, you will always look amazing, and people will be wondering why. Whether you tell them your secret is entirely up to you.

Forget Always Shopping

Exhibit B in the case of too many unworn garments is because as soon as you see a shirt, or pair of jeans or trainers, you buy them. Then, you justify yourself by saying that you like them and that you have them in case you need them.

If you want to achieve style on a budget then you need to shop for things only as and when you need them, rather than just spraying money around needlessly because you see something you like the look of.

Be business-like in your attitude towards your style. It may not be the most exciting approach in the world, but you will see the benefits in your bank balance!

Stylepilot is an online fashion navigation for men offering shopping and styling tips on mens t shirts and more.

Saving Money With Strategic Fashion Shopping

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When reading about the incendiary amounts of money celebrities pay on saying in style it can be easy to assume that, in order to stay in trend, we have to spend a similar amount. Yet, when celebrities like Kim Kardashian brags about her collection of Christian Louboutin footwear, a collection which numbers over 200 pairs, it is also possible to see that it is practically impossible to do so – saving up for that many shoes would take many of us years and, by the time we’d saved the amount, the shoes would no longer be in trend. The good news however is that it is not actually at all necessary to spend such exorbitant sums to stay in trend and all it takes is a bit of strategic shopping to stay well within a much lower budget.

Don’t Buy The Latest Fashions!

To keep your bank manager happy it is always worth considering when the right time to shop is and when the right time to save is too. A first, easy step to make when considering how to save money is to actually consider shopping on things which aren’t actually up to the moment trends – rather than buying unfashionable clothing, the aim is to buy styles which will still be wearable in a year’s time. So, in the late nineties many ladies, no doubt overwhelmed by Spice Girls fever, bought platformed sneakers which, by the end of the decade, were completely dated and un-wearable. If they had plumped for a classic pair of heels, it is possible that they could still be wearing the same pair now rather than having to update their wardrobe every year. So, the key is to look for items, some of which will require a more expensive initial investment in, that are likely to last a while rather than just the season. As some items never go out of fashion, the LBD for example, look to purchase these instead of something you see celebrities wearing in magazines!

Mix and Match!

Mixing and matching your wardrobe is a great tip on how to keep your wardrobe lively too. It is possible by teaming different garments with different accessories to create whole new ensembles with completely different feels – for men this could involve teaming a blazer with jeans or with slacks; two completely different attires. Women have a much greater degree of freedom with this and can mix and match their shoes, tops, blazer and jewellery around to create new looks – by experimenting with a mix and match approach at first, it is easy to see that perhaps not as many new items are required for your new styles as you might initially have thought. So, rather than looking at buying new dresses consider how you could make it look stylish by switching up what you wear with it, be it different boots or a new bag instead.

Shop Retro!

Budget saving can also be made by looking in vintage stores and on-line at sites like E-bay. Some of last season’s biggest styles were decidedly retro – animal and floral print amongst them. By staying away from designer brands it is possible to replicate these looks on a much smaller budget. Looking for the original source of inspiration rather than their newer more expensive imitators can often leave you with your wallet much fuller.

Keith is a fashion writer who provided this article on behalf of Barratts Boots

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