Harper's Bazar recommends the following products, dresses and cuts to shop for:
J. Crew dress, Emilio Pucci vintage clutch, J. Crew bikini top and bottom, Cat Power's You Are Free, Marni top, Stola Golden Garza by Loro Piana, Calvin Klein underwear, British designer Allegra Hicks bikini, Black Diane Von Furstenberg dress, Eres bikini, Goyard duffel, yellow Banana Republic sandals, Marni shorts, Max Azria Collection, BCBG Max Azria bikini top and bottom, Celine bikini, Mulberry dress at Bergdorf Goodman, Luisa Beccaria tank, Anna Sui dress, Hello Sari Sarong, Ann Taylor loft shorts, Missoni top, Emporio Armani sunglasses, Tsesay bikini top, Lauren Merkin bag, Tito Pedrini ring, Mischa Barton Roberto Cavali bikini, Dolce Cabana, Ralph Lauren Blue Label swimsuit, Tomas Maier swimsuit, Malo pants, Dior by John Galliano sandal, Roberto Cavalli tunic, Celine hat, Asha by ADM necklaces, Tufi Duek shorts, Jimmy Choo sandal, Mesi Jilly ring Azzaro Vanessa Seward bikini, A+Eve by Adam + Eve tunic, Bottega Veneta tote, Joan Collins Phillip Lim pants with belt, Laura Munder earrings, Newport News tankini, Erickson Beamon for Tory Burch necklace, Nancy Gonzalez bag at Bergdorf Goodman, Kenneth Jay Lane bracelet, Ellen Tracy shorts, J. Crew swimsuit.
Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst
at 3:51 PM PDT
American Idol Season Five: Taylor Hicks Crowned Winner Topic: American Idol Winners
Who would have thought that Taylor would be the winner? This American Idol Finale has seen a collection of great artists, great dresses and lots of votes. In fact, more people voted for this American than for any presidential elections. More than 63 million votes were cast, "more than any president in the history of our country has received," Seacrest said. The votes were counted, certified and sealed. After sitting for hours of performance by some old divas who want to resurrect their singing career, Ryan Seacrest invited a representative from Telescope company to bring the sealed envelope containing the names of the finalists. After a brief moment, he announced this year's winner. Taylor Hicks, a mop-topped, semi gray-haired soul singer has been wooing the American public for weeks until he was declared the winner of this season's American Idol.
Taylor thanked the judges, the public and his parents. Flashes of his hometown were shown. Everybody appeared to be happy for him. Those who voted for Katharine McPhee had to walk away hoping that they will have a winner next year.
It is clear that American Idol is now becoming an establishment. It is here to say. On Tuesday, Underwood won two trophies at the Academy of Country Music Awards, underscoring how much an "Idol" victory can mean. She was named top new female artist and won best single for "Jesus Take the Wheel."
Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst
at 10:35 PM PDT
Fans Got Confused over Soraya's Death: "Hips Don't Lie" Singer Shakira Is Well and Alive Topic: HoustonpromDresses
SINGER, SONGWRITER, PRODUCER AND GRAMMY WINNER, SORAYA
DIES TODAY AT THE AGE OF 37
Los Angeles, CA.- It is with immense grief that we announce the passing of our dear friend Soraya, a beautiful person who through her music, sensitivity and struggles, inspired millions around the world.
Her unique musical style, stunning melodies and honest compositions made her one of the most widely recognized singer/songwriters and producers in the music world and the winner of many awards including a Grammy.
Soraya was an example of perseverance, strength, courage and compassion, who did not allow anything or anyone to get in the way of fulfilling her most important mission: raising awareness about breast cancer, giving hope to women who, like herself, suffered from this illness, and collecting funds for research to help find a cure.
Palm Bluffs as Central San Joaquin Valley's New Car Corridor Topic: Wishlistshopping
Palm Bluffs as Central San Joaquin Valley's New Car Corridor
If you want to buy a luxury car, you must to Palm Bluffs which has become one of the fastest-growing commercial developments in the Fresno area. Do you want a BMW? How about a Mercedes-Benz? How about this great Acurat TL or RL? Well, you may want the Acura MDX. But you may find what you are looking right at Lexus next door after stopping by the Starbucks.
Now, CarMax is coming to town. It is a publicly held company that specializes in the used car market. Industry insiders say that CarMax is in a growth mode. One of its representatives said that the company likes being close to Wal-Mart and Lowe's. In fact, right next to what will be CarMax is a booming hot Wal-Mart store. It is a great way for cottong cooperative, Calcot, to develop the land. I personally thought that this land was very precious. It is a gold mine due to its prime location. The same goes for Wal-Mart that is blanketing the Valley with supercenters. It wa sa few weeks ago that a new supercenter was open in Dinuba. This week, Wal-Mart opened a new supercenter in Handord, CA. Supersized Wal-Marts are here to stay. More are on the way. Maybe CarMax also has a plan to build more in the Valley. At least for now, CarMax and Wal-Mart appear to be bed fellows. It remains to be seen what the local businesspeople will do in terms of competition. Who can compete with the low prices offered by Wal-Mart?
Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst
at 7:06 AM PDT
Break The Secrets of Traveling with The Da Vinci Code: Hot Da Vinci Code Location Tours Topic: GeorgiapromDresses
Break The Secrets of Traveling with The Da Vinci Code: Hot Da Vinci Code Location Tours
What are the top locales described by Dan Brown in the Da Vinci Code book and movie?
There is no doubt a new segment of the travel industry has just been made popular by the hugely fiction novel, The Da Vinci Code. Location Travel has always been around in books such as Midnight in the Garden of Eden, The Sea and the Old Man, and various movies such as Lord of the Rings in the case of New Zealand. Dan Brown and his wife took the idea of location travel to a higher level. Without any doubt, fans and regular tourists will want to visit France, London and elsewhere to inquire about the sites mentioned in the book. So far, The Louvre remains one of the most famous destinations. Keep in mind that The Louvre is in Paris and is also the repository of Leonardo Da Vinci's most famous painting, Mona Lisa.
Saint-Sulpice Church has gorgeous Delacroix frescoes and a tall obelisk with a golden ball. The next place to visit is Chateau Villette owned by a California realtor. It is not open to the public. What a great advertisement for this great 185-acre estate that is open for vacations, weddings and other events? Next comes Temple Church in London. As far as London is concerned, there are a lot of interesting sites to see. While traveling with The Code, one will never stop enjoying the Westminster Abbey which is one of the most visited churches in London. We must add that the priest of the Westminster Abbey did not let the crew shoot the film at the abbey. So they had to go to another church and create a replica decor to match that of Westminster Abbey. Rosslyn Chapel as well as the Vatican and other places mentioned in the book and movie should be part of anybody's travel plans.
More and more tourists will find a trip to Europe very interesting this year.
Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst
at 11:49 PM PDT
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Fees: Beauty at a Price Topic: Services/Companies
Tummy Tuck Fees:
Total Price: $5,000-$9,000
Surgeons fee: $4,200
Anesthesiologist: $500
Facility fee: $700
Average Total Cost: $6,400
Breast Augmentation Fees:
Total Price: $5,000-$7,000
Surgeons fee: $3,050
Anesthesiologist: $700
Facility fee: $950
Implant fee: $1,300
Average Total Cost : $6,000
Breast Lift Fees:
Total Price: $4,000-$9,000
Surgeons fee: $3,500
Anesthesiologist: $700
Facility fee: $1000
Average Total Cost: $5,200
Breast Reduction Fees:
Total Price: $5,000-$10,000
Surgeons fee: $3,500
Anesthesiologist: $700
Facility fee: $1000
Average Total Cost: $5,200
Male Breast Reduction Fees:
Total Price: $6,000-$9,000
Surgeons fee: $2,500
Anesthesiologist: $700
Facility fee: $1000
Average Total Cost: $5,200
Eyelid Surgery Fees:
Total Price: $1,500-$7,000
Surgeons fee: $2,500
Anesthesiologist: $700
Facility fee: $800
Average Total Cost
Upper and Lower Lids: $4,000
Facelift Fees:
Total Price: $6,000-$12,000
Shopping Made Easy in the Central Valley with New Shops Topic: UpscaleIndianClothing
Since it was time for lunch, we made our first stop at the Cheesecake Factory which has become the new hangout site in the Valley. Adults as well as teens travel from the neighboring communities to meet there to talk and eat. The Cheesecake Factory is located in the new Fashion Fair Mall expansion which includes a number of high-end shops. So far, the Cheesecake Factory is way ahead of the league. We must quickly note that it has a formidable competitor in Sephora which features name-brand and designer cosmetics and fragrances that anybody can try. Sephora has soon created a huge following among teens and their parents who enjoy testing products before buying them. It has been a WOW idea that Macy's and Gottschalks did not have! Let's get back to the Cheesecake Factory. My friend and I already knew that to get the best seat, we had to beat the crowd who starts pounding on the front door and waiting around the fountain a good 1 hour before opening. Far too long, to experience the Cheesecake Factory atmosphere, one had to go to San Francisco, Los Angeles and other bigger cities. Now, the Cheesecake Factory is right with us at the Village, located at 630 E. Shaw Ave. no. 139, right in front of Fashion Fair. Once seated, we received the menu to think about our orders. From our experience in San Francisco, we already knew what we wanted. The Boston Salad for her and the Bistro Shrimp Pasta for me. Of course, there are other great offerings that will leave you asking for more. Well, once you experience the Cheesecake Factory, you will return for more of its specialties. If you do not want to spend more, you can go with the Factory Burger that will cost you $8.00. Of course, there is a huge selection of cheesecakes that will keep you on your toes. Would you like to go for a Pumpkin Pecan, Godiva Chocolate and White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle cheesecakes?
With all the established stores that Fashion Fair has, the new stores give more reasons to shoppers to stroll up and down. Fashion Fair got innovative in the face of the new competition given by the Shops at River Park and Fig Garden Village. The management of the Mall has decided to lose some parking space and attract some name-brand and high-end shops. It tries to recreate the Bay Area feel with water fountains all around the entrance. Besides the Cheesecake Factory and Sephora, we found Lucky Brand Jeans which will open this year. French flea market-style store, Anthropologie, will be featured at the mall. Metropark is a retailer that sells clothing, music and art targeted to shoppers n their 20s and 30s. Marche! is also scheduled to be at the Mall. It sell Birkenstock, Teva, timberland and Ugg brand shoes. Eclipse Eyewear has the latest in eye fashion. It will also be a new fixture of the mall. So will be Bebe and Bebe Sport which will open this year. Who has not seen the women's clothing with the Bebe logo? Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will also be there. If you want your fine wine, you can get it from the restaurant. No more trip to Napa Valley!
Another restaurant that has received rave reviews so far is Claim Jumper. Gottschalks opened the G store. P.f. Chang's China Bistro is also there. If you want modern Chinese cuisine, you won't have to go to San Francisco's famed Chinatown any longer. In fact, Fresno is trying to revitalize its own Chinatown located near downtown. Villagio Shopping Center and The Shops at River Park exist side by side. They both are looking for stores such as Pottery Barn to have a presence in the Valley. Shoppers are asking Retail California to find these upscale shops for the River Park shopping center.
Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst
at 10:04 AM PST
Consumer Gluttony: We Want all of these products Now! Topic: Shopallpromdresses
"Have you seen the 2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster?"
"Have you seen the cool Toyota Hybrid?"
"Have you listened to the video ipod by Apple?"
Then, you must be buying music downloads from iTunes and other sites.
"I think I am ready for a huge plasma TV. Of course, I'll want the component package which includes all the features I can get. I want the DVR. I want the surround sound. I want this and that.
"I'm not going to let another Winter pass without this handbag, without this gorgeous outfit. I will not let another Summer pass without this great GM truck all guys are buying."
"I am going to have to break down and buy this expensive pair of shoes. After all, a pair of Nike Tennis shoes that bears Michael Jordan logo sells for more than $180.00. I have to buy this Rolex. I just spilled Perrier on my old sofa. I need a new one. My sofa was sparking water proof."
Did all of this sound familiar? We can all recognize the cry to find happiness through possessions. We live in the richest country in the world, but still we want more. "Yes, I have a nice place, a nice house to live in, but it is not on the water or it does not have an airplane garage or it is not located on the lake. It has no ocean views." "Sure, I have got a good car, but it is not a Ferrari or Lamborghini or Mazzerati." "Oh, I have fine dresses, fine clothes, but nobody is town sells Armani. They don't sell the styles that are in now." What you hear is the hideous voice of consumer gluttony.
Prom & Quincenera Dress Shoppers Have New Shops in the Valley Topic: Californiapromdresses
Between the RiverPark Shopping and the remodeling and addition of new stores at Fashion Fair on Shaw and First, parents and teenagers have new shops to shop for their clothes.
The article will come soon. (I visited the Fresno-Clovis area shopping centers. And I left pleasantly surprised by all the shopping choices that exist there now. There are some cool names that join the RiverPark shopping center, Fashion fair and other butiques).
In the meantime, read about the home values of California residents. Home equity allows parents to spend lavishly on their children. That means there will be huge parties in high-end restaurants and dancehalls.
Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst
at 5:00 PM PST
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