Fashion Tidbits: Where does the idea of the Wrap Dress come from?

According to various interviews, top designer Diane Von Furstenberg came up with the idea for the wrap dress after she saw Julie Nixon Eisenhower on TV in 1972 wearing one of ther wrap tops and skirts together. Who says that watching TV does not pay off? That's all Von Furstenberg needed to get creative. She got the spark. Then, she went to designing studio. She wondered about the reasons why she can combine the two pieces into one. And the rest was history. She produced the first version of the wrap dress in 1973. In the space of 5 years, she witnessed the sales of more than 5 million wrap dresses, making her a sought-after designer who could gain her independence.

Most dress shopping stores or boutiques carry her line. The orders for her creations can not filled as fast as they should. There is a high demand for her dresses at all levels of celebritydom. She has been busy opening new stores in L.A., Hong Kong and Paris' Left Bank. She gives interviews and often travels to stores to check and show how to display her creations. On her web site, dvf.com, you can find her designs of rugs, a collection of fine jewelry, bracelent, handbags etc. She also relaunched her beauty line and updated some colors. What else can you find on her site? Silk scarves, shirts, luggage, furs, sunglasses and a Sears furniture line, cosmetics, perfume etc.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Wednesday, 14 December 2005 8:46 AM PST

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81. Score Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media

The Aviator, Howard Shore, composer The Incredibles, Michael Giacchino, composer Million Dollar Baby, Clint Eastwood, composer Ray, Craig Armstrong, composer Star Wars Episode III--Revenge of the Sith, John Williams, composer

Predicted Winner: clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby

82. Song Written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media

"Believe," Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri (Josh Groban) "Cold Wind," The Arcade Fire (The Arcade Fire) "Million Voices," Jerry Duplessis, Andrea Guerra and Wyclef Jean (Wyclef Jean) "Square One," Tom Petty (Tom Petty) "Wonka's Welcome Song," John August and Danny Elfman (Danny Elfman)

Predicted Winner: Josh Groban for Believe

83. Instrumental Composition

"Anakin's Betrayal," John Williams, composer "The Ferry Scene," John Williams, composer "The Incredits," Michael Giacchino, composer "Into the Light," Billy Childs, composer "Journey Home," Maria Schneider, composer

Predicted Winner: John Williams for Anakin's Betrayal 84. Instrumental Arrangement

"Cherokee," Chris Walden, arranger "Do It Again," Bill Cunliffe, arranger "The Incredits," Gordon Goodwin, arranger "Lullaby of the Leaves," John Clayton, arranger Scarborough Faire, Billy Childs, arranger

Predicted Winner: Billy Childs for Scarborough Faire

85. Composing/Arranging

"Can't Buy Me Love," John Clayton Jr. and David Foster, arrangers (Michael Bubl?) "I Should Care," Claus Ogerman, arranger (Diana Krall) "Scary Things," Don Hart, arranger (John Bindel and Nashville Chamber Orchestra) "Time to Smile," Jorge Calandrelli, arranger (Tony Bennett) "What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life?," Billy Childs, Gil Goldstein and Heitor Pereira, arrangers (Chris Botti and Sting)

Predicted Winner: Tony Bennett for Time to Smile

86. Recording Package

The Clouds, Stuart Hyatt, art director (Stuart Hyatt and Community) The Cosmic Game, Neal Ashby, art director (Thievery Corporation) The Forgotten Arm, Aimee Mann and Gail Marowitz, art directors (Aimee Mann) Knuckle Down, Ani DiFranco and Brian Grunert, art directors (Ani DiFranco) O God, The Aftermath, Ryan Clark, art director (Norma Jean)

Predicted Winner: Aimee Mann for The Forgotten Arm

87. Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package

Holy Ghost: Rare and Unissued Recordings (1962-70), Susan Archie and Noel Waggener, art directors (Albert Ayler) The Legend, Ian Cuttler, art director (Johnny Cash) Pure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959), Hugh Brown and Jeff Lyons, art directors (Ray Charles) Weird Tales of the Ramones, Hugh Brown and Sheryl Farber, art directors (The Ramones) You Ain't Talkin' to Me--Charlie Poole and the Roots of Country Music, Howard Fritzson and Michelle Holme, art directors (Charlie Poole with Various Artists)

Predicted Winner: Johnny Cash for The Legend

88. Album Notes

The Complete Library of Congress Recordings by Alan Lomax, John Szwed, album notes writer (Jelly Roll Morton) Heaven Must Have Sent You: The Holland/Dozier/Holland Story, Adam White, album notes writer (Various Artists) The Legend, Patrick Carr, album notes writer (Johnny Cash) Pure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959), David Ritz, album notes writer (Ray Charles) You Ain't Talkin' to Me--Charlie Poole and the Roots of Country Music, Henry Sapoznik, album notes writer (Charlie Poole with Various Artists)

Predicted Winner: Johnny Cash for The Legend

89. Historical Album

The Complete Library of Congress Recordings by Alan Lomax, Jeffrey Greenberg and Anna Lomax Wood, compilation producers; Adam Ayan and Steve Rosenthal, mastering engineers (Jelly Roll Morton) Holy Ghost: Rare and Unissued Recordings (1962-70), Dean Blackwood and Ben Young, compilation producers; Joe Lizzi, Kevin Reeves and Ben Young, mastering engineers (Albert Ayler) The Legend, Gregg Geller, compilation producer; Vic Anesini, mastering engineer (Johnny Cash) Pure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959), James Austin and Ahmet Ertegun, compilation producers; Dan Hersch and Bill Inglot, mastering engineers (Ray Charles) You Ain't Talkin' to Me--Charlie Poole and the Roots of Country Music, Henry Sapoznik, compilation producer; Christopher King, Andreas Meyer and Darcy Proper, mastering engineers (Charlie Poole with Various Artists)

Predicted Winner: Johnny Cash for The Legend

90. Engineered Album, Nonclassical

Back Home, Alan Douglas and Mick Guzauski, engineers (Eric Clapton) Deceiver, Gary Paczosa and Chris Thile, engineers (Chris Thile) Lonely Runs Both Ways, Gary Paczosa, engineer (Alison Krauss and Union Station) Mr. A-Z, Carl Glanville, Steve Lillywhite, Samuel "Vaughan" Merrick, Jim Scott and David Thoener, engineers (Jason Mraz) Rock Swings, Al Schmitt, engineer (Paul Anka)

Predicted Winner: Paul Anka for Rock Swings

91. Producer of the Year, Nonclassical

Danger Mouse Nigel Godrich Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis Steve Lillywhite The Neptunes

Predicted Winner: The Neptunes

92. Remixed Recording, Nonclassical

"Fever," Adam Freeland, remixer (Sarah Vaughan) "Flashdance," Joachim Garraud and David Guetta, remixers (Deep Dish) "Mr. Brightside," Jacques Lu Cont, remixer (The Killers) "Superfly," Louie Vega, remixer (Curtis Mayfield) "What Is Hip?," Meat Beat Manifesto, remixers (Tower of Power)

Predicted Winner: The Killers for Mr. Brightside

93. Surround Sound Album

Brothers in Arms--20th Anniversary Edition, Bob Ludwig, surround mastering The Girl in the Other Room, Doug Sax, surround mastering Honky Chƒteau, Greg Penny, surround mastering In Your Honor, Bob Ludwig, surround mastering Mussorgsky/Stokowski: Pictures at an Exhibition--Boris Godunov--Night on Bare Mountain, Phil Rowlands, surround mastering

Predicted Winner: Surround Mastering for The Girld in the Other Room

94. Engineered Album, Classical

Bolcom: Songs, Tim Handley Britten, Bartok and Hartmann, Jin Choi, Jean-Marie Geijsen and Erdo Groot Bruckner: Sym. No. 7, Roger De Schot and Erdo Groot Chesky: Area 31, Barry Wolifson Mendelssohn: The Complete String Quartets, Da-Hong Seetoo

Predicted Winner: Tim Handley for Bolcom

95. Producer of the Year, Classical

Christopher Alder Steven Epstein Michael Fine Tim Handley Thomas C. Moore

Predicted Winner: Christopher Alder

96. Classical Album

Bolcom: Songs of Innocence and of Experience, Tim Handley, producer Chávez: Complete Chamber Music, Vol. 3, Jan Karlin and Matthew Snyder, producers Martha Argerich and Friends: Live from the Lugano Festival, Ulrich Ruscher, producer Mendelssohn: The Complete String Quartets, Da-Hong Seetoo, producer Shostakovich: Sym. No. 13, Wilhelm Meister, producer

Predicted Winner: Ulrich Ruscher for Festival

97. Orchestral Performance

"Antheil: Sym. No. 3 'American'," Hugh Wolff, conductor (Radio-Sinfonie-Orchester Frankfurt) "Bruckner: Sym. No. 7," Yakov Kreizberg, conductor (Wiener Symphoniker) "Mussorgsky/Stokowski: Pictures At an Exhibition," Jos‚ Serebrier, conductor (Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra) "Popov: Sym. No. 1; Shostakovich: Theme and Variations," Leon Botstein, conductor (London Symphony Orchestra) "Shostakovich: Sym. No. 13," Mariss Jansons, conductor (Sergei Aleksashkin; Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks; Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks)

Predicted Winner: Long Symphony for Popov: Sym. No. 1

98. Opera Recording

Britten: Death in Venice, Richard Hickox, conductor; Michael Chance, Philip Langridge and Alan Opie; Brian Couzens, producer (BBC Singers; City of London Sinfonia) Conradi: Ariadne, Paul O'Dette and Stephen Stubbs, conductors; Barbara Borden, Karina Gauvin, Ellen Hargis, Jan Kobow, Julian Podger, Marek Rzepka, James Taylor and Matthew White; Renate Wolter-Seevers, producer (Boston Early Music Festival Chorus; Boston Early Music Festival Orchestra) Strauss, R.: Daphne, Semyon Bychkov, conductor; Johan Botha, Renée Fleming, Anna Larsson, Michael Schade and Kwanchul Youn; Michael Haas, producer (West German Radio Symphony Orchestra (Köln)) Verdi: Falstaff, Sir Colin Davis, conductor; Carlos Alvarez, Bülent Bezdüz, Marina Domashenko, Jane Henschel, Ana Ibarra, Maria Jos? Moreno and Michele Pertusi; James Mallinson, producer (London Symphony Chorus; London Symphony Orchestra) Vivaldi: Bajazet, Fabio Biondi, conductor; Patrizia Ciofi, David Daniels, Ildebrando D'Arcangelo, Elina Garanca, Vivica Genaux and Marijana Mijanovic; Nicolas Bartholomée, producer (Europa Galante)

Predicted Winner: Europa Galante

99. Choral Performance

Bernstein: Mass, Kent Nagano, conductor; (Julian Frischling and Jerry Hadley; Rundfunkchor Berlin, Staats-Und Domchor Berlin and Soloists of the Pacific Mozart Ensemble; Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin) Bolcom: Songs of Innocence and of Experience, Leonard Slatkin, conductor; (Christine Brewer, Measha Brueggergosman, Ilana Davidson, Nmon Ford, Linda Hohenfeld, Joan Morris, Carmen Pelton, Marietta Simpson and Thomas Young; Michigan State University Children's Choir, University of Michigan Chamber Choir, University of Michigan Orpheus Singers, University of Michigan University Choir and University Musical Society Choral Union; University of Michigan School of Music Symphony Orchestra) Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna, Stephen Layton, conductor (Polyphony; Britten Sinfonia) Penderecki: A Polish Requiem, Antoni Wit, conductor (Izabela Klosinska, Ryszard Minkiewicz, Piotr Nowacki and Jadwiga Rapp? Warsaw National Philharmonic Choir; Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra) Schoenberg: Accentus, Laurence Equilbey, choir director (Jonathan Nott; Accentus; Ensemble Intercontemporain)

Predicted Winner: Ensemble Intercontemporain

100. Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (with Orchestra)

Beethoven: Piano Cons. Nos. 2 & 3, Claudio Abbado, conductor Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra, Robert Craft, conductor Eventide, JoAnn Falletta, conductor Schumann: Cello Concerto; Bloch: Schelomo, Paavo Järvi, conductor UFO, Marin Alsop, conductor

Predicted Winner: JoAnn Falletta for Eventide

101. Instrumental Soloist Performance (without Orchestra)

Chopin: Études, Op. 10, Barcarolle, Op. 60, Son. No.2, Nelson Freire Night Breeze--Harp Music of Carlos Salzedo, Sarah Schuster Ericsson Scriabin, Medtner, Stravinsky, Evgeny Kissin Szymanowski: Piano Son. No. 3, M‚topes, Masques, Piotr Anderszewski Vengerov: Kreisler, Sarasate, Paganini, Wieniawski, Maxim Vengerov

Predicted Winner: Nelson Freire for Chopin...

102. Chamber Music Performance

A La Carte--Short Works for Winds, The Borealis Wind Quintet Bartók: The Six String Quartets, Vermeer Quartet Borodin Quartet 60th Anniversary, Borodin Quartet Martha Argerich and Friends: Live from the Lugano Festival, Martha Argerich Mendelssohn: The Complete String Quartets, Emerson String Quartet

Predicted Winner: The Brealis Wind Quinted for A la carte

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Wednesday, 14 December 2005 8:31 AM PST

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26. Traditional R&B Vocal Performance

"Mine Again," Mariah Carey "Summertime," Fantasia "A House Is Not a Home," Aretha Franklin "If I Was Your Woman," Alicia Keys "Stay with You," John Legend

Predicted Winner: Alicia Keys for If I was Your Woman

27. Urban/Alternative Performance

"SupaStar," Floetry "Dirty Harry," Gorillaz "Dust," Van Hunt "Welcome to Jamrock," Damian Marley "Ghetto Rock," Mos Def

Predicted Winner: Gorillas for Dirty Harry

28. R&B Song

"Cater 2 U," Rodney Jerkins, Beyonc‚ Knowles, Ricky Lewis, Kelly Rowland, Robert Waller and Michelle Williams (Destiny's Child) "Free Yourself," Craig Brockman, Missy Elliott and Nisan Stewart (Fantasia) "Ordinary People," W. Adams and J. Stephens (John Legend) "Unbreakable," Garry Glenn, Alicia Keys, Harold Lily and Kanye West (Alicia Keys) "We Belong Together," J. Austin, M. Carey, J. Dupri and M. Seal (Mariah Carey)

Predicted Winner: mariah Carey for We Belong Together

29. R&B Album

Illumination, Earth, Wind and Fire Free Yourself, Fantasia Unplugged, Alicia Keys Get Lifted, John Legend A Time to Love, Stevie Wonder

Predicted Winner: Earth, Wind and Fire for Illumination

30. Contemporary R&B Album

Touch, Amerie The Emancipation of Mimi, Mariah Carey Destiny Fulfilled, Destiny's Child Turning Point, Mario O, Omarion

Predicted Winner: Mario for Turning Point

31. Rap Solo Performance

"Testify," Common "Mockingbird," Eminem "Disco Inferno," 50 Cent "Number One Spot," Ludacris "U Don't Know Me," T.I. "Gold Digger," Kanye West

Predicted Winner: Gold Digger

32. Rap Performance by a Duo or Group

"Don't Phunk with My Heart," Black Eyed Peas "The Corner," Common Featuring the Last Poets "Encore," Eminem Featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent "Hate It or Love It," The Game Featuring 50 Cent "Wait (The Whisper Song)," Ying Yang Twins

Predicted Winner: Eminem with Dr. Dre and 50 Cent for Encore

33. Rap/Sung Collaboration

"1,2 Step," Ciara Featuring Missy Elliott "They Say," Common Featuring Kanye West and John Legend "Soldier," Destiny's Child "Numb/Encore," Jay-Z Featuring Linkin Park "Rich Girl," Gwen Stefani Featuring Eve

Predicted Winner: Ciara for 1,2 Step

34. Rap Song

"Candy Shop," Curtis Jackson and Scott Storch (50 Cent Featuring Olivia) "Diamonds from Sierra Leone," D. Harris and Kanye West (Kanye West) "Don't Phunk with My Heart," William Adams, Printz Board, Stacy Ferguson and George Pajon, Jr. (Black Eyed Peas) "Hate It or Love It," Curtis Jackson, A. Lyon, Jayceon Taylor and M. Valenzano (The Game Featuring 50 Cent) "Lose Control," M. Elliott, C. Harris and G. Isaacs III, songwriters (Missy Elliott Featuring Ciara and Fat Man Scoop)

Predicted Winner: Kanye West for Diamonds from Sierra Leone

35. Rap Album

Be, Common The Cookbook, Missy Elliott Encore, Eminem The Massacre, 50 Cent Late Registration, Kanye West

Predicted Winner: Kanye West for Late Registration

36. Female Country Vocal Performance

"The Connection," Emmylou Harris "Mississippi Girl," Faith Hill "All Jacked Up," Gretchen Wilson "I May Hate Myself in the Morning," Lee Ann Womack "Georgia Rain," Trisha Yearwood

Predicted Winner: Mississippi Girl

37. Male Country Vocal Performance

"Funny How Time Slips Away," George Jones "As Good as I Once Was," Toby Keith "Midnight Communion," Delbert McClinton "Good Ol' Boys," Willie Nelson "Alcohol," Brad Paisley "You'll Think of Me," Keith Urban

Predicted Winner: Willie Nelson for Good Ol' Boys

38. Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal

"Comin' to Your City," Big & Rich "Play Something Country," Brooks & Dunn "I Hope," Dixie Chicks "Restless," Alison Krauss and Union Station "Bless the Broken Road," Rascal Flatts

Predicted Winner: Brooks & Dunn for Play Something Country

39. Country Collaboration with Vocals

"Building Bridges," Brooks & Dunn, Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill "Shelter from the Storm," Rodney Crowell and Emmylou Harris "Like We Never Loved at All," Faith Hill and Tim McGraw "Dreams Come True," Willie Nelson and Norah Jones "Politically Uncorrect," Gretchen Wilson and Merle Haggard

Predicted Winner: Brooks & Dunn, Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill for Building Bridges

40. Country Instrumental Performance

"I'll Fly Away," Charlie Daniels "Who's Your Uncle?," Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush and Béla Feck "Unionhouse Branch," Alison Krauss and Union Station "Scotch and Chocolate," Nickel Creek "Time Warp," Brad Paisley

Predicted Winner: Charlie Daniels for I'll Fly Away

41. Country Song

"Alcohol," Brad Paisley (Brad Paisley) "All Jacked Up," Vicky McGehee, John Rich and Gretchen Wilson (Gretchen Wilson) "Bless the Broken Road," Bobby Boyd, Jeff Hanna and Marcus Hummon (Rascal Flatts) "I Hope," Keb Mo, Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines and Emily Robison (Dixie Chicks) "I May Hate Myself in the Morning," O. Blackmon (Lee Ann Womack)

Predicted Winner: Gretchen Wilson for All Jacked Up

42. Country Album

Fireflies, Faith Hill Lonely Runs Both Ways, Alison Krauss and Union Station Time Well Wasted, Brad Paisley All Jacked Up, Gretchen Wilson Jasper County, Trisha Yearwood

Predicted Winner: Trisha Yearwood for Jasper County

43. Bluegrass Album

Marbletown, Blue Highway Cherryholmes, Cherryholmes The Grascals, The Company We Keep, The Del McCoury Band Ragin' Live, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage

Predicted Winner: Cherryholmes for Cherryholmes

44. New Age Album

Music in the Key of Om, Jack De Johnette Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai, Volume 2, Kitaro People of Peace, R. Carlos Nakai Quartet Montana--A Love Story, George Winston Silver Solstice, Paul Winter Consort

Predicted Winner: George Winston for Montana- A Love Story

45. Contemporary Jazz Album

Keystone, Dave Douglas Soulgrass, Bill Evans The Way Up, Pat Metheny Group The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the Infidel, Meshell Ndegeocello Momentum, Joshua Redman Elastic Band

Predicted Winner: Bill Evans for Soulgrass

46. Jazz Vocal Album

J'ai Deux Amours, Dee Dee Bridgewater Blueprint of a Lady--Sketches of Billie Holiday, Nnenna Freelon Good Night, and Good Luck., Dianne Reeves Duos II, Luciana Souza I'm with the Band, Tierney Sutton

Predicted Winner: Dee Dee Bridgewater for J'ai Deux Amours

47. Jazz Instrumental Solo

"'Round Midnight," Alan Broadbent "Away," Ravi Coltrane "The Source," Herbie Hancock "A Love Supreme--Acknowledgement," Branford Marsalis "Why Was I Born?," Sonny Rollins

Predicted Winner: Brandford Marsalis for A Love Supreme

48. Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group

Flow, Terence Blanchard Lyric, Billy Childs Ensemble Live at the House of Tribes, Wynton Marsalis Beyond the Sound Barrier, Wayne Shorter Quartet What Now?, Kenny Wheeler with Dave Holland, Chris Potter and John Taylor

Predicted Winner: Billy Childs Ensemble for Lyric

49. Large Jazz Ensemble Album

Overtime, Dave Holland Big Band A Blessing, John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble Live, The Bill Holman Band I Am Three, Mingus Big Band, Orchestra and Dynasty Home of My Heart, The Chris Walden Big Band

Predicted Winner: The Chris Walden Big Band for Home of My Heart

50. Latin Jazz Album

Time Was--Time Is, Ray Barretto Here and Now--Live in Concert, Caribbean Jazz Project Featuring Dave Samuels ...And Sammy Walked in, Sammy Figueroa and His Latin Jazz Explosion Listen Here!, Eddie Palmieri Mulatos, Omar Sosa

Predicted Winner: Eddie Palmieri for Listen Here

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Wednesday, 14 December 2005 7:36 AM PST

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51. Gospel Performance

"Be Blessed," Yolanda Adams "Looking for You," Kirk Franklin "I Call You Faithful," Donnie McClurkin "Lift Him Up," Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship Choir "Pray," CeCe Winans

Predicted Winner: Kirk Franklin for Looking for You

52. Gospel Song

"Again I Say Rejoice," Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey (Israel and New Breed) "Be Blessed," Yolanda Adams, James Harris III, Terry Lewis and James Q. Wright (Yolanda Adams) "Heaven," Erica Campbell, Joi Campbell, Trecina Campbell and Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary) "Lift Him Up," Joeworn Martin (Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship Choir) "We Must Praise," James Moss (J Moss)

Predicted Winner: Mary Mary for Heavan

53. Rock Gospel Album

Until My Heart Caves in, Audio Adrenaline Higher Definition, The Cross Movement Day of Fire, Day of Fire Truth Is Fallin' in tha Streetz, Fresh I.E. Dichotomy B, Grits

Predicted Winner: Day of Fire for Day of Fire

54. Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album

Lifesong, Casting Crowns All I Really Want for Christmas, Steven Curtis Chapman Redemption Songs, Jars of Clay Hymns, Out of Eden Healing Rain, Michael W. Smith Live Wire, Third Day

Predicted Winner: Steven Curtis Chapman for All I Really Want for Christmas

55. Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album

Live at Brooklyn Tabernacle, The Crabb Family Sing Their Family Gospel Favorites, Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers Rock of Ages...Hymns & Faith, Amy Grant Southern Meets Soul: An American Gospel Jubilee, The Jordanaires, The Light Crust Doughboys, Nokie Edwards and Larry "T-Byrd" Common Thread, The Oak Ridge Boys

Predicted Winner: Hymns & Faith, Amy Grant for Rock of Ages

56. Traditional Soul Gospel Album

I Know the Truth, Shirley Caesar Live from Houston...The Rose of Gospel, Dorinda Clark-Cole Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs, Donnie McClurkin Say the Name, Martha Munizzi Singing the Old Time Way, Bishop G.E. Patterson & Congregation Be Exalted, Marvin Sapp

Predicted Winner: Marvin Sapp for Be Exalted

57. Contemporary Soul Gospel Album

Day by Day, Yolanda Adams Mary Mary, Mary Mary The J Moss Project, J Moss Dream, BeBe Winans Purified, CeCe Winans

Predicted Winner: Bebe Winans for Dream

58. Gospel Choir or Chorus Album

I Speak Life, Donald Lawrence, choir director; Donald Lawrence & Company Live at the Fellowship, John P Kee, choir director; VIP Mass Choir One Church, Kurt Carr, choir director; The Choir of Life (Japan), The Choir of Life (USA) and The Kurt Carr Singers One Voice, Gladys Knight, choir director; Saints Unified Voices 20/85 The Experience, Hezekiah Walker, choir director; The Love Fellowship Choir

Predicted Winner: The Love Fellowship Choir for 20/85 The Experience, Hezekiah Walker

59. Latin Pop Album

Solo, Ricardo Arjona Eco, Jorge Drexler Andrea Echeverri, Andrea Echeverri Citi Zen, Kevin Johansen Escucha, Laura Pausini

Predicted Winner: Kevin Johansen for Citi Zen

60. Latin Rock/Alternative Album Consejo, La Secta AllStar Con Todo Respeto, Molotov El Kilo, Orishas Fijación Oral Vol. 1, Shakira Desahogo, Vico C

Predicted Winner: Shakira

61. Traditional Tropical Latin Album

Una Noche Inolvidable, Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra with Arturo O'Farrill Masters of Cuban Son, Conjunto Progreso Buena Vista Social Club Presents, Manuel "Guajiro" Mirabal Tradición, Tropicana All Stars with Israel Kantor Bebo De Cuba, Bebo Valdés

Predicted Winner: Afron-Latin Jazz Orcheestra with Arturo O'Farrill for Una Noche... 62. Salsa/Merengue Album

Son del Alma, Willy Chirino Fabricando Fantasías, Tito Nieves Lleg? la Hora, Mayito Rivera Despues del Silencio, Eddie Santiago Arroz con Mango, Tiempo Libre

Predicted Winner: Eddie Santiago for Despues del Silencio

63. Mexican/Mexican-American Album

Ya No Llores, Ramon Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte Llegaron los Camperos! Concert Favorites of Nati Cano's Mariachi los Camperos, Nati Cano's Mariachi los Camperos DIEZ, Intocable Las 3 Divas, Las 3 Divas México en la Piel, Luis Miguel

Predicted Winner: Intocable for Diez

64. Tejano Album

The Power of Friends, Avizo Milagro, La Tropa F Chicanisimo, Little Joe y la Familia Then & Now, Joe Posada Odyssey the Journey, The Royal Jesters

Predicted Winner: Avizo for the Power of Friends

65. Traditional Blues Album

Live! Down the Road, Marcia Ball In Your Arms Again, John Hammond 80, B.B. King & Friends Sweet Lovin' Ol' Soul, Maria Muldaur About Them Shoes, Hubert Sumlin

Predicted Winner: B.B. King & Friends for 80

66. Contemporary Blues Album

Make Do with What You Got, Solomon Burke Twenty, Robert Cray Bring 'Em in, Buddy Guy Cost of Living, Delbert McClinton Electric Blue Watermelon, North Mississippi Allstars

Predicted Winner: Delbert McClinton for Cost of Living

67. Traditional Folk Album

Live from Dublin--A Tribute to Derek Bell, The Chieftains Come on Back, Jimmie Dale Gilmore Fiddler's Green, Tim O'Brien Live in the U.K., Tom Paxton Cajun Mardi Gras!, Jo-El Sonnier

Predicted Winner: Tim O'Brien for Fiddler's Green

68. Contemporary Folk Album

Chávez Ravine, Ry Cooder The Outsider, Rodney Crowell Why Should the Fire Die?, Nickel Creek Fair & Square, John Prine Devils & Dust, Bruce Springsteen

Predicted Winner: Bruce Springsteen for Devils & Dust

69. Native American Music Album

More Kids' Pow-Wow Songs, Black Lodge Intonation: Harmonized Songs from the Southern Plains, Alex E. Smith and Cheevers Toppah Sacred Ground--A Tribute to Mother Earth, Various Artists Our Love Will Never Die, Randy Wood

Predicted Winner: Randy Wood for Our Love will never die

70. Hawaiian Music Album

Slack Key Dreams of the Ponomoe, Kapono Beamer Sweet & Lovely, Raiatea Helm Kiho'alu--Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Ledward Ka'apana Slack Key Guitar: The Artistry of Sonny Lim, Sonny Lim Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar--Vol. 1, Various Artists

Predicted Winner: The Artistry of Sonny Lim for Slack Key Guitar

71. Reggae Album

Our Music, Burning Spear Welcome to Jamrock, Damian Marley The Trinity, Sean Paul Clothesdrop, Shaggy Black Gold & Green, Third World

Predicted Winner: Sean Paul for The Trinity

72. Traditional World Music Album

Behmanka, Mamadou Diabate Para Todos Ustedes, Los Pleneros De La 21 Faryad, Masters of Persian Music Tibetan Master Chants, Lama Tashi In the Heart of the Moon, Ali Farka Tour and Toumani Diabat

Predicted Winner: Los Pleneros De La 21 for Para Todos ustedes

73. Contemporary World Music Album

Dimanche A Bamako, Amadou & Mariam Eletrac?stico, Gilberto Gil You've Stolen My Heart--Songs from R.D. Burman's Bollywood, Kronos Quartet and Asha Bhosle No Boundaries, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the Strings of the English Chamber Orchestra Rise, Anoushka Shankar

Predicted Winner: Kronos Quarted and Asha Bhosle for Bollywood

74. Polka Album

Under the Influence, Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones Time Out for Polkas and Waltzes, Walter Ostanek and Ron Sluga Polka Pizzazz, Del Sinchak Band Solecktions, Kevin Solecki Shake, Rattle and Polka!, Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra

Predicted Winner: Del Sinchak Band for Polka Pizzazz

75. Musical Album for Children

Be Bop Your Best!, Red Grammer Green Gorilla, Monster & Me, Ralph's World Scat Like That: A Musical Word Odyssey, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer Some Assembly Required, Tom Chapin Songs from the Neighborhood--The Music of Mister Rogers, Various Artists

Predicted Winner: The Music of Mister Rogers, Various Artists for Songs from...

76. Spoken Word Album for Children

Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince, Jim Dale Marlo Thomas & Friends: Thanks and Giving All Year Long, Various Artists Pooh's Heffalump, Roy Dotrice Raymie, Dickie, and the Bean: Why I Love and Hate My Brothers, Ray Romano A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, Various Artists

Predicted Winner: Ray Romano for Why I Love and Hate My Brothers

77. Spoken Word Album

The Adventures of Guy Noir, Garrison Keillor The Al Franken Show Party Album, Al Franken Chronicles--Volume One (Bob Dylan), Sean Penn Dreams from My Father (Senator Barack Obama), Senator Barack Obama When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops? (George Carlin), George Carlin

Predicted Winner: Senator Barack Obama for Dreams from My Father

78. Comedy Album

The Agoraphobic Cowboy, Rick Moranis Family Guy Live in Vegas, Various Artists Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center Blues, Lewis Black Never Scared, Chris Rock The Right to Bare Arms, Larry the Cable Guy

Predicted Winner: Chris Rock for Never Scared

79. Musical Show Album

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Billy Straus and David Yazbek, producers; David Yazbek, composer/lyricist Hair, Kurt Deutsch and Joel Moss, producers (Galt MacDermot, composer; James Rado and Gerome Ragni, lyricists) The Light in the Piazza, Steven Epstein, producer; Adam Guettel, composer/lyricist Monty Python's Spamalot, John Du Prez and Eric Idle, producers; John Du Prez, composer; Eric Idle, composer/lyricist The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Kurt Deutsch and Joel Moss, producers; William Finn, composer/lyricist

Predicted Winner: Kurt Deutsch and Joel Moss for The 25th Annual Putnam..

80. Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media

Beyond the Sea, Kevin Spacey Napoleon Dynamite, Various Artists No Direction Home: The Soundtrack--Bootleg Series, Vol. 7, Bob Dylan Ray, Ray Charles Six Feet Under Volume 2--Everything Ends, Various Artists

Predicted Winner: Ray Charles for Ray

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Wednesday, 14 December 2005 8:42 AM PST

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Who wants to play Winners and Losers? Based on the complete list of nominees for the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, which will be presented Feb. 8 in Los Angeles, we can predict some winners:

1. Record of the Year:

"We Belong Together," Mariah Carey
"Feel Good Inc.," Gorillaz featuring De La Soul
"Boulevard of Broken Dreams," Green Day
"Hollaback Girl," Gwen Stefani
"Gold Digger," Kanye West

Predicted Winner: Mariah Carey for We Belong Together

2. Album of the Year:

The Emancipation of Mimi, Mariah Carey Chaos and Creation in the Backyard, Paul McCartney Love. Angel. Music. Baby., Gwen Stefani How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, U2 Late Registration, Kanye West

Predicted Winner: Mariah Carey for the Emanciapation of Mimi

3. Song of the Year:

"Bless the Broken Road," Bobby Boyd, Jeff Hanna and Marcus Hummon (Rascal Flatts) "Devils & Dust," Bruce Springsteen (Bruce Springsteen) "Ordinary People," W. Adams and J. Stephens (John Legend) "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own," U2 (U2) "We Belong Together," J. Austin, M. Carey, J. Dupri and M. Seal (Mariah Carey)

Predicted Winner: U2 for Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own

4. New Artist:

Ciara Fall Out Boy Keane John Legend Sugarland

Predicted Winner: Fall Out Boy

5. Female Pop Vocal Performance: "It's Like That," Mariah Carey "Since U Been Gone," Kelly Clarkson "Good is Good," Sheryl Crow "I Will Not Be Broken," Bonnie Raitt "Hollaback Girl," Gwen Stefani

Predicted Winner: Kelly Clarkson for Since U Been Gone

6. Male Pop Vocal Performance

"Sitting, Waiting, Wishing," Jack Johnson "Fine Line," Paul McCartney "Walk on By," Seal "Lonely No More," Rob Thomas "From the Bottom of My Heart," Stevie Wonder

Predicted Winner: Paul McCartney for Fine Line

7. Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal:

"Don't Lie," Black Eyed Peas "Mr. Brightside," The Killers "More than Love," Los Lonely Boys "This Love," Maroon 5 "My Doorbell," The White Stripes

Predicted Winner: The Killers for Mr Brightside

8. Pop Collaboration with Vocals

"Gone Going," Black Eyed Peas and Jack Johnson "Virginia Moon," Foo Fighters featuring Norah Jones "Feel Good Inc.," Gorillaz featuring De La Soul "A Song for You," Herbie Hancock featuring Christina Aguilera "A Time to Love," Stevie Wonder featuring India.Arie

Predicted Winner: Gorillaz for Feel Good Inc

9. Pop Instrumental Performance:

"In Our Time," Burt Bacharach and Chris Botti "T-Jam," George Duke "Gelo Na Montanha," Herbie Hancock featuring Trey Anastasio "Agave," Daniel Lanois "Caravan," Les Paul

Predicted Winner: Burt Bacharach for In Our Time

10. Pop Instrumental Album:

At This Time, Burt Bacharach Bloom, Eric Johnson Naked Guitar, Earl Klugh Belladonna, Daniel Lanois Flipside, Jeff Lorber

Predicted Winner: Burt Bacharach for At This Time

11. Pop Vocal Album

Extraordinary Machine, Fiona Apple Breakaway, Kelly Clarkson Wildflower, Sheryl Crow Chaos and Creation in the Backyard, Paul McCartney Love. Angel. Music. Baby., Gwen Stefani

Predicted Winner: Sheryl Crow for Wildflower

12. Dance Recording

"Galvanize," The Chemical Brothers "Say Hello," Deep Dish "Wonderful Night," Fatboy Slim and Lateef "Daft Punk is Playing at My House," LCD Soundsystem "I Believe in You," Kylie Minogue "Guilt is a Useless Emotion," New Order

Predicted Winner: The Chemical Brothers for Galvanize

13. Electronic/Dance Album:

Push the Button, The Chemical Brothers Human After All, Daft Punk Palookaville, Fatboy Slim Minimum-Maximum, Kraftwerk LCD Soundsystem, LCD Soundsystem

Predicted Winner: The Chemical Brothers for Push the Button

14. Traditional Pop Vocal Album

The Art of Romance, Tony Bennett It's Time, Michael Bubl? Isn't It Romantic, Johnny Mathis Moonlight Serenade, Carly Simon Thanks for the Memory...The Great American Songbook Volume IV, Rod Stewart

Predicted Winner: Rod Stewart for Volume IV

15. Solo Rock Vocal Performance:

"Revolution," Eric Clapton "Shine It All Around," Robert Plant "Devils & Dust," Bruce Springsteen "This is How a Heart Breaks," Rob Thomas "The Painter," Neil Young

Predicted Winner: Bruce Springsteen for Devils & Dust

16. Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals

"Speed of Sound," Coldplay "Best of You," Foo Fighters "Do You Want To," Franz Ferdinand "All These Things That I've Done," The Killers "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own," U2

Predicted Winner: Coldplay for Speed of Sound

17. Hard Rock Performance:

"Doesn't Remind Me," Audioslave "The Hand That Feeds," Nine Inch Nails "Tin Pan Valley," Robert Plant "Little Sister," Queens of the Stone Age "B.Y.O.B.," System of a Down

Predicted Winner: Nine Inch Nails for The Hand That Feeds

18. Metal Performance

"The Great Satan," Ministry "Determined," Mudvayne "Mein Teil," Rammstein "What Drives the Weak," Shadows Fall "Before I Forget," Slipknot

Predicted Winner: Slipknot for Before I Forget

19. Rock Instrumental Performance

"Beat Box Guitar," Adrian Belew "Birds of Prey," Stewart Copeland "69 Freedom Special," Les Paul & Friends "Mercy," Joe Perry "Lotus Feet," Steve Vai

Predicted Winner: Les Paul & Friends for Birds of Prey

20. Rock Song

"Best of You," Foo Fighters (Foo Fighters) "Beverly Hills," Rivers Cuomo (Weezer) "City of Blinding Lights," U2 (U2) "Devils & Dust," Bruce Springsteen (Bruce Springsteen) "Speed of Sound," Guy Berryman, Jon Buckland, Will Champion and Chris Martin (Coldplay)

Predicted Winner: U2 for City of Blinding Lights

21. Rock Album

X&Y, Coldplay In Your Honor, Foo Fighters A Bigger Bang, The Rolling Stones How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, U2 Prairie Wind, Neil Young

Predicted Winner: A Bigger Bang

22. Alternative Music Album

Funeral, The Arcade Fire Guero, Beck Plans, Death Cab for Cutie You Could Have It So Much Better, Franz Ferdinand Get Behind Me Satan, The White Stripes

Predicted Winner: The White Stripes for Get Behind Me Satan

23. Female R&B Vocal Performance

"1 Thing," Amerie "Wishing on a Star," Beyonc? "We Belong Together," Mariah Carey "Free Yourself," Fantasia "Unbreakable," Alicia Keys

Predicted Winner: Fantasia for Free Yourself

24. Male R&B Vocal Performance

"Creepin'," Jamie Foxx "Ordinary People," John Legend "Let Me Love You," Mario "Superstar," Usher "So What the Fuss," Stevie Wonder

Predicted Winner: John Legend for Ordinary People

25. R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals

"So Amazing," Beyonc? and Stevie Wonder "Cater 2 U," Destiny's Child "If This World Were Mine," Alicia Keys Featuring Jermaine Paul "So High," John Legend Featuring Lauryn Hill "How Will I Know," Stevie Wonder Featuring Aisha Morris

Predicted Winner: Beyonce and Stevie Wonder for So Amazing

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Wednesday, 14 December 2005 8:42 AM PST

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Video Game Software Allows Young Gamers To Make Movies: Machinima is Hollywood's New Hope

Some of the good things that came out of the French riots are the Machinima-based movie explosion and the creativity of the young French men who are suffering from French racism. If we can say it, this is a natural convergence of all the killer application and powerful software tech that create large portions of movies effects which have made good money for the filmmakers. Now that young gamers figure out how to make their movies telling their stories, the genie is out of the bottle.

Machinima allows gamers to assemble a group of characters and sequences from favorite games. Then, they add voice-overs while dealing and making references to some reality. The movie business will know a revolution thanks to all the user-friendly and top software package that exists on the Web. If you have a decent computer and access to game software, you will be able to make and distribute animated movies to the the general public over the Internet. This new development has come to signify that the Net is an all-emcompassing medium. According to various movie industry insiders and filmmakers, Machinima is to the movies what blogs have come to signify to the written media. We should not forget that Machinima includes the techniques of blogging, gaming and podcasting with audio. Vlogging or Video blogging techniques are also present. This is truly the democratization of the media times. With blogging, novices and enthusiasts have access to free or decently priced push button publishing. With all these media coming together on the Web, minority groups who have been on the Fringe for a long time can now tell their own story instead of relying on a fly-by-night journalist pretending to know the roots of their problems.

Alex chan wanted the truth to be told. He wanted to make a political statement. He wanted the archaic French system of racism to be dealt with, just like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Junior and countless others did during the Civil Rights movement in the United States. Whether he wanted it or not, Chan soon becomes a social activist with his 12-minute animated film about French racism. The French Democracy unmasked the lies of the City of Lights. France has to deal with the tarnished images published during the weeks of riots caused mostly by ill-treatment, lack of employment and second class status. French rappers have been trying to inform the rest of the country about the dire conditions in which North Africans and people of color are living under. No one paid attention until the costly riots started. Oprah Winfrey, shopping in Hermes got also stung by Racism in France. There were talks about the clerks or store employees confusing her and her entourage with the local Black citizens of North African descent with whom Hermes was having lots of shoplifting problems in the past. Oprah is different. She has access to the ears of the board of the company who dispached the US representative to present his mea culpa on the Oprah Winfrey show. In street terms, US Hermes rep was kissing her [] to diminish the damage in public relations already caused by various reports.

Only if all acts of racism, discrimination and ill-treatment of minority groups could be caught by a video or a Machinima movie! Everyone involved in the promotion of Machinima should get a sign of relief right now. The Academy of Machinima Arts & Sciences will also get new visitors. Video game, The Movies, developed by Lionhead Studios Ltd. will get lots of new customers. Tech-savvy gamers have been flooding their site with thousands of films. Hollywood should pay attention to Machinima enthusiasts. The new golden opportunity in moviemaking in Hollywood may be just around the corner.

Alex Chan made his point. With The French Democracy, he shows the rest of the world that the riots did not come about because of the rioters' link to Islamic fundamentalism. He wanted to show how false these news reports were. The movie shows that the violence was due to racism facilitated by the French society which proclaims, "Liberte, Egalite et Fraternite." The French Democracy movie shows three dark-skinned characters who are French citizens. Until a better social activism movie comes along, Chan will be seen as the creator, instigator of this grassroot movement. Minority groups don't have to take it silently. They can speak up. They can do so much loudly with the video game software, creativity and the Machinima experience.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 8:06 PM PST

Updated: Friday, 9 December 2005 8:19 PM PST

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Fresno, Clovis and Neighboring Areas Attract Upscale National Clothes Stores

Gone are the days when fashion-savvy Fresno, Clovis, and Madera, CA had to travel to the Bay area, Berkley or San Francisco to buy at posh clothing boutiques. Based on the recent population increase in the Central Valley, due partially to a spurt in birth rates, prosperous housing market fueled by low interest rates and the equity refugees from the priciest areas of Southern and Northern California, investors and national fashion brands and clothes companies are taking notice. Local businesses are either refurbishing, renovating or expanding to serve this large pool of ready-to-shop customers. A good example of this need to serve these more affluent and savvy consumers is the expansion of the Shaw thoroughfare-based Fashion Fair Mall.

While everything and all the most important businesses have been in a rush to get an address along the Blackstone/Nees corridor in one of the most successful commercial developments the Valley has ever known, Shaw which crosses Blackstone a few miles away from the RiverPark Shopping Center still keeps its cachet. .

The expansion at Fashion Fair brought the opening of such well-known named stores as The Cheesecake Factory restaurant, cosmetics shop Sephora and Lucky Brand Jeans. I took my kids to entertainment-filled event to check the merchandise out. They enjoyed the new entrance to Fashion Fair. It has an a la Disney water fountain in which they played. Bear in mind the surface is rubbery. Many of the patrons who gathered to eat their first meals at the Cheesecake Factory said that new life has been pumped into the mall. They were praying that Fashion Fair would not become like Manchester Mall. In the meantime, the kids were laughing, giggling and running around on the rubbery surface.

More stores are planned to be open. They announced that Z Gallerie, a furniture and home store, will be open this Spring. 2006 will see the opening of chothing store Antropologie, Children's clothing store Naartjie, One Thousand Steps shoe store, Lavande Nail Spa and After Hours Formalwear. In 2007, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will be open. Between now and the end of the year, expect these stores to open their doors to the public: Clothing stores Bebe and Bebe Sport, Aldo shoes, Aveda outlet Paruce Day Spa and Salon and Brooksone. Just like the Fig Garden Village, located on Palm and Shaw, the key for Fashion Fair to continuing to prosper is to attract key niche boutiques that young as well as more affluent shoppers can go to.

The state of shopping is great in the Central Valley. Many long-time Valley residents can't believe their eyes right now. The upward mobile young professionals and cash-rich Bay Area equity refugees continue to expect more. The rush to cash in on the Valley's shopping power is on. They want to make a little Santa Monica, San Francisco or Santa Barbara out of Fresno and Clovis areas.

Shop with Podshoppingblog: Get your company and products mentioned on the podcast.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 3:49 AM PST

Updated: Friday, 9 December 2005 8:08 PM PST

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Congratulations to these two artists for their 8 nominations to the Grammys.

We wish them good luck. We hope they win. For Maria, it's a dream come true. She is the comeback artist.

Listen to Maria Carrey's current album right there.

We will make sure to watch the show and the Grammy fashion in February 2006.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

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Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Wednesday, 14 December 2005 8:40 AM PST

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Fashion at Wal-Mart? iPods & Digital Cameras at Wal-Mart?: Wal-Mart’s Aggressive Marketing & Moves on Target, Best Buy, Circuit City and Others

Bentonville, Arkansas-based Wal-Mart has an attack plan. It has a new aggressive business model that is putting the 3,100 strong stores in uncharted territories. Wal-Mart is now considering attracting and giving upscale shoppers a reason to shop within the walls of its stores. The company’s leaders realize that fashion, electronics and extended warranties will lead its stores to holy grounds of profits, more profits.

In fact, Wal-Mart wants to be the sought-after destination for urban hip hop loving, cool-clothes wearing shoppers. If you are a hip fashionista, Wal-Mart wants you to find every product you need from toothbrush, detergents to clothes designed by top designers and hot iPods and digital cameras. As if the company thought you might go to competitive stores such as Best Buy, CompUSA and top electronic seller Circuit City, Wal-Mart wants to sweeten the deals for you. It wants to offer you much lower extended warranties on your purchase.

Wal-Mart and Fashion

On October 6, the world’s largest retailer and provider of merchandise at “every day low prices” announced the creation of Metro 7. This is a new brand of urban women’s apparel that you can find in more than 500 stores nationwide. With Metro 7, Wal-Mart wants to offer its customers more variety and something more than the regular cereal, detergents, vegetables, cards and toys. Upscale shoppers used to leave the store and head to Target to shop for the latest trends in fashion at reasonable prices. To put the word out on Metro 7, Wal-Mart has been placing ads in top magazines such as Vogue. The face of Metro 7 is Marc Anthony’s former wife, former Miss Universe, Dayanara Torres. With Metro 7, Wal-Mart is leaving behind the repulsive fashion and clothes that are currently all over its display. Metro 7 is supposed to be for the urban fashion connoisseur, the fashion-savvy customer. Wal-Mart wants to cash in on customers who want to spend top money to look good and wear top brands and merchandise. Jewelry rental is catching up. Customers who are friends or related through family, work or marriage sometimes pool their money to buy an expensive gemstone which they take turns wearing. The new thing out there, the new buzzword is prestige for the masses or “masstige.” People want to look good at all prices.

To give a chance of success to Metro 7, Wal-Mart is willing to spend in its marketing plan. It has hired a former Target executive, John Fleming. John left his position as chief executive and CEO of Wal-Mart because he was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer of Wal-Mart. The company also hired former Chief Marketing Officer of Pepsico’s Frito Lay division to develop and help implement Wal-Mart’s marketing strategy and brand development. It must be noted that at Target, Fleming had extensive experience in developing the store’s fashion division. Wal-Mart wants to capitalize on his experience. Hey, that’s why they are paying him the big bucks. Keep in mind that Wal-Mart is not set up like, say, Costco where employees make decent money according to a 20/20 report. The question to ask right now is whether Wal-Mart is going to hire some top designers to design for Metro 7. Just like Target has been doing, John Fleming knows that urban fashion-savvy customers are attracted both by the designers and the dresses or clothes that are displayed on the shelves. The war of retail discounts is on. Target which is one of the company’s major competitors, has an established history of working with posh, high-end designers such as Isaac Misrahi and Cynthia Rowley. The pressure is on Wal-Mart to have a successful fashion line with Metro 7 as more and more fashion chic companies such as H&M are opening stores in San Francisco’s Union Square district. Wal-Mart wants what no. 2 discounter Target has, a line of clothing that attracts higher-end shoppers with fat wallets. With Metro 7, Wal-Mart intends to offer such designs as low-priced velvet jackets and camisole tops, luxurious linens and a broader array of consumer electronics items that should include higher-end plasma TVs, video game machines such as video iPods, MP3 players and digital cameras. Watch out Circuit City and Best Buy! The only place that Wal-Mart has been able to attract affluent shoppers is through its walmart.com site which is loaded with high priced items such as expensive diamond rings, flat-screen TVs with built-in DVD players and other expensive gadgets that attract both male and female customers.

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Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 8:24 AM PST

Updated: Tuesday, 6 December 2005 8:42 AM PST

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