I am packing my bags for a trip to Costa Rica and realize that all of my bikinis... well, they just don't look good on me. So I do what any thirty something would do, I go online to begin my search for the perfect bikini. There is no doubt that there are a lot of companies out there so I began plucking through the list. In my search I came across an interesting company that was founded by a Brazilian woman who was going to college in the States and was frustrated by the bikinis she was seeing. So she did what any frustrated woman would do- she started her own bikini company and is now in charge of one of the fastest growing micro and Brazilian bikini companies on the internet. I recently sat down with Ana, the founder of Look Swimwear, in a coffee shop in Miami Beach to find out more about her, Look Swimwear and the search for the perfect bikini...

Thank you Ana for agreeing to take some time out of your busy schedule- can I ask you to tell us more about why you started Look Swimwear in the first place?

Ana: "[laughs] Yeah, I was I guess not unlike most woman in that I was always frustrated when it came time to go on a trip or head to the beach- I would get into this "bikini panic" because it was impossible to find a bikini that not everyone had, was cute, sexy- really the perfect bikini. I was not used to this feeling at all, I grew up in Brazil and down there the beach and bikinis are really part of the culture. Brazilians love to show off and spend time with their friends and family on the beach. So long story short, I was always around the environment and definitely interested in swimwear fashion and bikinis so this frustration got the best of me- I started Look Swimwear."

I have heard you often reference the "perfect bikini"- can you tell me more about what you mean by that?

Ana:" Well the perfect bikini is really one that has everything that all of us women look for. It has to be well made with high quality Lycras, fashionable, unique enough so that every lady on the beach is not wearing it and most importantly has to reflect who you are. Bikinis and fashion go hand in hand and are really an extension of our personalities so the perfect bikini pulls in all of these components into a small package... [laughter]"

Small for sure... For our readers who aren't familiar with your bikini lines how do you describe them?

Ana:" I think the best way to describe them is that all of our bikinis are small, sexy, stylish and fun. We market ourselves as a purveyor of micro and Brazilian bikinis and that is in my mind exactly what we are. Anyone can sell bikinis but Look Swimwear is a purveyor because we take so much pride in our design, workmanship, materials we use and service- and we do not take this commitment lightly either. I am always talking to our customers to make sure that we are exceeding their expectations from beginning to end. I think that is one of the things that make us so successful. Consumers these days are very demanding and have high expectations. But, they also are loyal to the companies that they trust and serve them well so I guess our huge growth is a vote from our customer base really."

Look Swimwear is now one of the fastest growing micro bikini companies, what plans do you have for the coming season?

Ana:" Lycras, prints and cuts are always changing is all I will say. I cannot tell you what we are going to do but I will say that you will love our new ideas and that we will not loose focus on who we are- a sexy bikini company. My direct staff and our employees are some of the most talented and creative people I have ever known- they are really the backbone to what Look is all about. So when you work with talented and creative people then only good things will come of it so that means more sexy bikinis for all of you ladies to wear and for the guys to enjoy."

So how do men come into Look Swimwear equation?

Ana:" Well they are really the reason why we all want to wear sexy little bikinis and show off. There is nothing better for a woman's confidence than her knowing that "she still has it". Don't get me wrong, a confident woman does not need someone else's approval to have a strong sense of self but showing off , having fun and getting attention is such a rush and is good for all ages... [laughs]"

What would you say to some of the women out there who have never worn a micro or Brazilian bikini before?

Ana:" They should try it out for sure and get away from those boring suits that cover up everything. I go to beaches all over the world and am still amazed at how some people can say that what they are wearing is a bikini. I can tell you that wearing a smaller bikini is a lot of fun but definitely not made for the family reunion. We have so many women and couples buy from us when they head out for couples vacation or even for the boat, pool or where ever. It's a huge confidence booster to catch the guys looking out the corner of their eyes and the bikinis are really comfortable too. Its funny, ten years ago thong underwear was just catching on with the masses and now look around, everyone is wearing them. I am not saying that micro and Brazilian bikinis are going to take over the traditional and conservative bikini but the market is growing like crazy and women all over the world are catching on. I guess it really comes down to if the woman has a little devilish side of her that likes to show off or break the rules. If she does then I would say go for it and try it out- we have not heard any complaints yet."

Well thank you Ana for sitting down with me and telling us a little more about your company. So many of my friends have asked me to do a piece on your company and I am really happy that I could meet you.

Ana:" My pleasure Jessica I enjoyed it".

Look Swimwear Ltd is a purveyor of high quality Micro and Brazilian bikinis. They have offices in Miami Beach, New York City and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For more information on Look Swimwear you can call their Miami Beach offices at 1.305.735.3792 or request more information at info@lookswimwear. The Look Swimwear online Micro Bikini Shop can be found at www.lookswimwear.com .

Jessica Miller is a freelance writer currently residing in Miami Beach, Florida. She has written a number of articles on travel the fashion industry and advice columns. She can be reached at Jessica_miamifreelance@yahoo.com

In most major cities in the world, there is an active and highly profitable shadow economy in phony consumer goods that generates (in some estimates) upwards of 500 billion dollars a year. If you have ever been down to "Counterfeit Alley" in midtown Manhattan, you have seen one of the biggest counterfeit marketplaces in the world. While many of us spend our waking hours lusting after the latest fashion designs from our favorite designers, there are a lot of people out there who purchase knock-off or phony items without fully appreciating the consequences.

I recently read a book called "Knockoff", written by a fellow named Tim Phillips. It was an insightful read, with a number of interesting and often disturbing ideas presented. I was particularly interested in the section he devoted to the trade in phony luxury items such as designer handbags. These days, it seems I can't go anywhere without seeing somebody carrying a fake Prada or Gucci purse. Personally, I have always resisted the urge to purchase a counterfeit purse. I have avoided the temptation mainly because such an action only undermines an industry I have grown to love. When one considers the price of some of the higher-end purses, it should come as no surprise that some people purchase fakes.

What will surprise you is the discovery that their money is supporting future terrorist attacks in America and abroad. This book has confirmed my belief in supporting legitimate companies. Have you ever stopped to consider where the money you spend on fake consumer products ends up? This book will provide you with some frightening insights. The "black market" in counterfeit consumer goods provides incredible resources for criminal organizations, and these organizations certainly do not have the public interest at heart.

One of the most disturbing ideas in the book was the suggestion that terrorist organizations, working with organized crime groups, use the profits gained from these illegal sales to support future attacks. I could not sleep at night if I thought I was supporting terrorist campaigns to maim and kill innocent civilians in America, or anywhere else for that matter. I am a firm believer in being a conscientious shopper, and supporting companies that are trying to make the world a better place. I will gladly pay three times the price of a phony purse, to ensure that my money is not supporting terrorism. Check out "Knockoff" when you have a chance. It is a real eye-opener.

Cathy Feldman is a long time friend to the designer handbag world and is the editor for Designer Handbags 101 - an online designer handbag resource, with extensive information on the latest designer handbags, cigar box purses, Prada purses and more.

If you are a woman anything like me, you are obsessed with shoes preferably high-heels, and you wear them as high as you can stand them. For me....my heels range from 4-Inches to 6-Inches. And I walk fine and confident in them each time I step out of my front door.

There is an art to wearing and walking in a high-heel shoe. They are wonderful once you have mastered this art. They elongate short legs and make long legs appear even longer. High-heels makes your whole outfit look sexy, sensual, pulled together, and makes you appear confident. Men also think that women who wear high-heels without any effort, appear confident and in control. High-heels comes in several heel structures. There are skinny heels, thick heels, wide heels, platform heels, wedge heels, kitten heels and so on and so forth. You have to find the high-heel that makes you comfortable and one you won't have any problems wearing, once you learn to walk confidently in them.

If you are a beginner, I would suggest that you start out with a thick platform or wedge heel at least 3-Inches High. The wide heel will allow you to balance once you stand in your shoe, and you would feel less discomfort from this type heel, as you probably would if you tried a skinny stiletto heel. Once you get comfortable wearing your 3-Inch Heels, gradually move up in height as well as narrowing the width, to a 3 1/4 Inch Heel, 4-Inch Heel, 4 1/4 Inch-Heel and continue on from there or stop here if that's all you can stand at this point. It's okay wherever you decide to limit your heel height and width, at least you are now wearing high-heels!

To practice walking in your high-heels, go outside on a hard surface and walk upright, back straight, one foot in front of the other, and do not look down towards the ground. If you practice walking in your heels inside your home on carpet, the surface will be too soft for you to get the true feel and wear of the heel. When you can do this over and over again with no effort, you are ready to walk out of your front door, fine and confident in your high-heels!

Monica M. Burns
Copyright2006 Monica M. Burns. All Rights Reserved.

About The Author - Image Consultant/Fashion Stylist

Monica M. Burns is a Writer, Expert Author, and Image Consultant/Fashion Stylist. She is President and Founder of Fabulous Life Image Consulting. She is also Founding Editor and President of Monica M. Burns Inc. Publications and Fabulous Life Image Online Magazine. She is an Expert in her field with over ten (10) years of experience. She has authored several eBooklets and other reading information materials and is a featured Expert Author and Writer on many websites and in many In-Print and Online Magazines. She has also contributed to several poetic anthologies and won awards for her work.

If you would like to copy or publish any of this author's articles or other reading materials electronically or in print to your websites, ebooks, newsletters, ezines, or any other publications, you MUST include this Author's Byline and all of the Contact and Ordering Information.

Visit Her Websites At:
http://thefabulouslife.tripod.com
http://fabulouslifeimagemag.sm4.biz
http://thefablife.weblodge.net

It seems like you are considering getting married very soon - No wonder you are here. We have come up with some useful tips that can probably make your experience of selecting a wedding dress more memorable.

No doubt buying a wedding dress can be an arduous process. Every man and women wants to look the best on his or her wedding day. And why not, after all it's a big day that we all wait sometime or the other in our lives. On average, a bride will try at least 15 to 16 wedding gowns before she actually selects the final one. It would be advisable to start the process of selecting your wedding dress at least seven months prior to the wedding if you are having the dress made.

Tips that can help
? Cut out different pictures from bridal and fashion magazine and look at old family photos to check out your preferred style.
? If you are having the dress made take references from friends and relatives on different dressmakers and designers.
? You can take a friend along to shop for your wedding wear. This can help you take some tips from her as to what will suit you more.
? Bring shoes that will match your wedding gown. Also select an appropriate heel in which you feel comfortable walking.
? It would be advisable to try on variety of dresses.
? Find out the alteration charges with the dressmaker once you select your dress.
? Allow six months for the dressmaking and be ready to take home a fabric swatch to match with your shoes, veil and accessories.

Things to avoid while shopping for your wedding dress

? Avoid taking too many friends along for shopping with you. They might never agree on the same dress. Difference in opinion can only make things messier.
? Give the dress maker a wedding date at least two weeks before the actual wedding.

Isabella Rodrigues writes for free-t-shirt.info,
? offering the latest information on free t-shirts, visit them today and get the
? latest information on t-shirts.

?

Visit today: http://www.free-t-shirt.info

Isabella Rodrigues writes for free-t-shirt.info,
? offering the latest information on free t-shirts, visit them today and get the
? latest information on t-shirts.

?

Visit today: http://www.free-t-shirt.info

Formal dresses are fun. Everyone likes to get dressed up now and then. To feel beautiful and like you look your best. I even enjoy shopping for formal dresses, as much of a pain as it always turns out to be. I enjoy trying on dresses that are entirely too expensive for me to buy just to see what I look like n a $400 gown. There are some every beautiful dresses out there.

I have a few stores I really enjoy and they are always the first places I go for formal dresses. There is a place in my hometown called Cache that just has some beautiful stuff, though most of it is too expensive. There is also a boutique in Ithaca, NY called Pookie and Sebastian's. I have bought tow formal dresses there, and am still in love with both. Unfortunately they are sitting in my closet waiting for another occasion to be worn and I am terribly afraid that by the time I have another occasion to wear these dresses; I will be too old or overweight to pull them off. I also like to look at the formal dresses in the department stores just for fun when I go shopping. My friends and I oh and aw over the pretty ones and make fun of the ones that we are sure no one will ever buy.

Now the one downfall to formal dresses is that they tend to be very expensive. The department stores are actually probably the best place to look for formal dresses if you are on a tight budget. They also have the benefit that most of them also have plus size formal dresses, whereas many of the boutiques and smaller stores do not stock them for some reason. To me this seems a little unfair but I am sure they have their reasons. I personally can never find anything in the department stores but others seem to have a lot of success, especially if you are looking for a plus size formal dress, or do not have much money to spend.

Melissa Wayan has ripped apart everything she knows about plus size clothing. Her latest article covers discount plus size lingerie.

I have a question, and if anyone is able to answer it I would really appreciate it. I am confused about this whole plus size clothing thing on a couple different levels. First of all what chauvinist male came up with that name? Plus size just sounds so unflattering. Men don't have plus size clothing sections. No they just have bigger sizes. Or they can go to stores like Big and Tall. Just once I would like to see a plus sizes sign hanging over the men's section of the store.

Second exactly who and what determined what size constitutes a plus size? Does it vary from store to store? I honestly think someone just sat down one day and arbitrarily said anything over this size will be considered a plus size, and who cares about the women who have to shop in that section. I always thought the whole thing was a little humiliating. I mean most people are not proud of being on the larger side, but to have a whole different section of the store set aside with a big side hanging over it declaring you to be overweight must be humiliating.

The entire situation is only worsened by that fact that there seems to be a distinct lack of cute fashionable plus size clothing. So not only do you have to shop under a large sign declaring you to be overweight, but you also have to look over at the smaller section and realize how much cuter all those clothes are. Mostly it seems unfair.

Now don't get me wrong there are a few good stores that have nice plus size clothing. Lane Bryant is one for example that has some really nice stuff, however the majority of stuff I see out there looks at least 5 years old and not like something anyone would be rushing to buy.

Melissa Wayan has ripped apart everything she knows about plus size clothing. Her latest article covers discount plus size lingerie.

Do you want to shop some clothes for your baby? Mothers do not have to worry for Baby clothes any more. Dressing newborn infants is so much fun.

Your baby will need number of newborn clothing and linen items. Hence it is very important that you prepare yourself in advance for everything. Remember that new born grow very fast. Hence the clothes you will buy for them will quite likely have a very short life. So always buy two to five months older clothing. Here are some tips which will help you to make right choices for your baby.

Things to keep in mind while buying
Always buy enough clothes for you're newly born to cover the three clothing changes in a day. Always opt for soft material, which are comfortable to wear and remove. Buy durable material, which is washable and long-lived. Buy baby clothes, which are durable else just one wash, would make them useless to wear. Always go for elastic waistbands and trousers. They are more comfortable for toddlers and easily adjustable. Try buying loose clothes they give plenty of room for a child to move his legs, such as leggings and sweats. Buy shapeless heels socks as they grow with your child. Avoid buying patterned socks, as the loose yarn from inside can catch in your baby's toes.

What Baby Clothes to purchase?
Considering the fact that babies grow very fast, you will need to buy:
? Buy around 4-6 undershirts or 'onesies'
? Buy around 3-8 nightgowns.
? Buy 1-2 baby sweaters especially for the winter season.
? Always keep a stock of Baby diapers ready
? Buy 1-2 sets of Baby towels. Since the skin of the baby is soft, always buy soft baby towels.
? Buy couple of pairs of baby socks
? Buy 2-3 blankets to protect them from cold.

Baby Clothes to Avoid
Avoid buying Mobile Baby Walkers: They promise many things but are useless at the end of the day. They can be dangerous for your child and also do not help the child to walk.

Avoid Buying Infant feeders: Avoid feeding Infant feeders for a newly born child. Mother's milk is the best milk at this stage. Do not use solid foods until your baby is able to eat from a spoon. You can also consult your doctor for any information about the same.

Avoid using Swings hanged to doorframes: Avoid using swings, as they might be dangerous for your child.

Isabella Rodrigues writes for free-t-shirt.info,
offering the latest information on free t-shirts, visit them today and get the
latest information on t-shirts.

Visit today: http://www.free-t-shirt.info

Isabella Rodrigues writes for free-t-shirt.info,
offering the latest information on free t-shirts, visit them today and get the
latest information on t-shirts.

Visit today: http://www.free-t-shirt.info

Medieval clothing begins with the fall of the Western Roman Empire in AD 476. It is the transition from classical to medieval clothing. Both sexes of the upper class were a tunic as the basic garment. Men wore breeches or trousers, a tunic with a silk and brightly colored border, and a cloak. Ladies wore a long tunic put on over the head and also a super tunic word over it. It was attached to a girdle to show the tunic beneath it. The super tunic had some design on the neck, sleeves, and hem. Then the women would place a cloak on that is fastened below the chin. The cloaks were usually full length and had a cloth veil to conceal the hair. These were the basics of the medieval customs.
After the first Crusade, which was in 1095, the clothing begun to change. It was here that early touches of the gothic area and Romanesque showed. Many of the clothing at this time were styled after Spain and France. After the Crusades began, women began to wear silk, satin, damasks, brocades, and velvet. They were brighter colors and more detailed weaves. This was the time that wood-blocking printing was adopted and buttons were added to many pieces of clothing. Even though the fitted tunic was the basics for the apparel of both sexes during this time, the accessories would make the outfits. Many women and men were wearing clothing with embellishments like jewels, added embroidery, and fur. This was also the time that wool or linen hose took place of trousers. You could tell the difference of class on how a man's breeches were cut. The wealthy were cut narrower and if you were a labor they will fuller and both class's breeches were cross-gartered below the knee.
But over time the tunic was replaced by a bliaut. This tight lacing formed a woman's shape and girdled the hips. It was to make to create a long-waisted appearance. Men's medieval clothing changed in the next period. The length and fullness of the clothing would change considerably. The hood or cloak became more like jacket than a piece of the outfit and it would become eventually a shorter, cape style.
Depending on the type of medieval event that you are planning, you will want to first determine what part of the times you wanted to go with. The three times include Early Medieval, Late Medieval (pre-gothic), and Late Medieval (gothic) times. Each period has a considerably different way of dressing and that is one of the reasons why the time period for plays and other events should be addressed first. This way it can look for authentic.

Written by Vigdis S. Aas, webmaster and author of http://www.mycostume.net
This article may be reproduced as long as a Live link back to http://www.mycostume.net is present.

Do you want to shop some clothes for your baby? Mothers do not have to worry for Baby clothes any more. Dressing newborn infants is so much fun. Today there are number of online outlets that provide different range of fun Baby clothing for your newly born. All you have to do is sit and select the one, which best suits your child.

Your baby will need number of baby clothing and linen items. Hence it is very important that you prepare yourself in advance for everything. Remember that new born grow very fast. Hence the clothes you will buy for them will quite likely have a very short life. So always buy two to five months older clothing. Here are some tips which will help you to make right choices for your baby.

Things to keep in mind while buying
Always buy enough clothes for you're newly born to cover the three clothing changes in a day. Always opt for soft material, which are comfortable to wear and remove. Buy durable material, which is washable and long-lived. Buy baby clothes, which are durable else just one wash, would make them useless to wear. Always go for elastic waistbands and trousers. They are more comfortable for toddlers and easily adjustable. Try buying loose clothes they give plenty of room for a child to move his legs, such as leggings and sweats. Buy shapeless heels socks as they grow with your child. Avoid buying patterned socks, as the loose yarn from inside can catch in your baby's toes.

What Baby Clothes to purchase?
Considering the fact that babies grow very fast, you will need to buy:

? Buy around 4-6 undershirts or 'onesies'
? Buy around 3-8 nightgowns.
? Buy 1-2 baby sweaters especially for the winter season.
? Always keep a stock of Baby diapers ready
? Buy 1-2 sets of Baby towels. Since the skin of the baby is soft, always buy soft baby towels.
? Buy couple of pairs of baby socks
? Buy 2-3 blankets to protect them from cold.

Baby Clothes to Avoid
Avoid buying Mobile Baby Walkers: They promise many things but are useless at the end of the day. They can be dangerous for your child and also do not help the child to walk.

Avoid Buying Infant feeders: Avoid feeding Infant feeders for a newly born child. Mother's milk is the best milk at this stage. Do not use solid foods until your baby is able to eat from a spoon. You can also consult your doctor for any information about the same.

Avoid using Swings hanged to doorframes: Avoid using swings, as they might be dangerous for your child.

Isabella Rodrigues writes for free-t-shirt.info,
offering the latest information on free t-shirts, visit them today and get the
latest information on t-shirts.

Visit today: http://www.free-t-shirt.info

Spring is simply my favorite time of the year. Every year, around this time, the major fashion houses in the world release their new designs to the hungry masses. This season is certainly no exception, and some of the bags I have seen so far are simply amazing! We all have certain designers that we have grown to love and trust, but some of the new players out there have really impressed me this year. If you love purses and handbags the way I do, check out some of these new releases.

I have always been in love with Prada handbags. In fact, it was Prada that first inspired my love affair with purses. To be perfectly honest, I have never seen a Prada bag that I didn't love. This year they have impressed me to no end. Words cannot describe the feeling I get when I see this bag. I am talking about the new Prada/Jute Snakeskin Hobo. For those you that love a bit of glitz and glamour, you will absolutely adore the gold snakeskin accents. The tan leather trim really helps neutralize the flashiness of the gold, and the simple beige weaved jute brings it a real sense of balance. The Prada logo is nicely located in the middle of the front side, beautifully mounted on a small wooden plate. Absolutely stunning!

Fendi is another one of those designers I cannot be without. While some of their purses are less-than-remarkable, certain others are nothing short of phenomenal. I have been raving about the Fendi Spy to all of my friends, and now I share this little secret with you. These might be difficult to find, as women everywhere are going mad over them. They have a few different purses available in this line, but the one I truly lust over is the Fendi Floral Spy Satchel. It is oh-so-cute! This bag has a wonderfully intricate floral appliqu on the front side, and the leather is as white as pure driven snow. Be still my beating heart!

Isabella Fiore has created what might be the cutest springtime bag ever! Has anyone out there had the pleasure of holding the new April Woven Bag? If you haven't, I suggest you stop what you are doing and go find one. If you have, please wipe that drool from your mouth. It's gross. The handles on this bag are constructed from the finest braided brown leather, and the flowers painted on the side are the stuff dreams are made of. Ooo la la! It has a magnetic closure, and a wonderfully durable canvas liner. I want to buy all of them up, so you can't have one. Happy springtime shopping, ladies!

Cathy Feldman is currently undergoing therapy for her addiction to designer handbags. When she is not obsessing over the latest designs from her favorite fashion designers, she writes for designerhandbags101.com - an amazing guide to the wonderful world of designer handbags, with information about Hermes handbags, Gwen Stefani purses, Matt & Nat bags and more.