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.

Visit Evening Dress Network to read the end of this article.

Promquinceneradresses has lots of articles to help you shop.

PromdressesRock.com publishes articles on prom and Quinceanera dresses.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 8:24 AM PST

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

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Mood:  celebratory

Once again, Oprah's magic brought a golden audience to the David Letterman show the other night. For a long time, David Letterman has been joking about a 'so-called' feud between him and Oprah. He finally got his wish when Oprah agreed to appear on his show. It was quite a coincidence that the night she appeared on the show, Oprah Presents The Color Purple, a musical, was scheduled to open on Broadway. Well, as you might guess, it was a win-win situation for everybody involved. Oprah had asked the producer of the musical how she could help him. That's one way that Oprah can capitalize on her popularity and leadership to get people to do things.

Was there truly a feud between the two entertainment giants?

Oprah used to appear on the Letterman show when he was at NBC. She had accepted his invitation since his move to CBS. According to various industry insiders, Oprah was afraid of being the butt of David Letterman's jokes. No wonder that Oprah chided the idea of feud between her and David. Appearing on the David Letterman show, everybody was happy. Oprah and David Letterman were laughing. He won hugely in the ratings. At the same time, Oprah was pushing her own agenda for The Color Purple.

After being made into a movie, Alice Walker's book, The Color Purple, is now a musical. Oprah, appearing on NBC's Today Show with Katie Couric and Matt Lauer, that the book had changed her life. She wanted everybody to have a copy. She bought copies of the book which she distributed to anybody she came in contact with. It makes sense that even Alice Walker realized how important Oprah is for the success of the musical. She enlisted Oprah's confidante and best friend, Gayle King, editor of O, the magazine, to relay to Oprah the need to help out. At her own time, Oprah reached out to the director who was shocked by her offer to help boost attendance. With Oprah on your side, anything is possible.

Visit PromdressesRock to browse dresses and gemstones

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Saturday, 3 December 2005 10:42 PM PST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Nothing lasts for ever. For sure, in the world of high tech, superiority is expressed in terms of the intensity and range of your R&D, the speed at which you decide and your company's strategy, leadership and visions. It just so happens that Samsung had all of them. These qualities helped it take on Sony which has been dragging and feeling overweighted by all the non-hit businesses it participates in.

Now we can understand why Sony had to enter a joint venture with Samsung to get its share of liquid crystal displays. It has been reported that Sony only has a small presence in the 50-50 joint venture aptly called S-LCD Corp. There is no doubt that Sony has come to be dependent on Samsung for its supply of LCD. Now this is a giant feat by this Korean firm that was founded only in 1969. Sony has been around since 1948. For the longest time, it has been seen as the barometer of high quality electronics. Sony has built its reputation with Walkman portable players and PlayStation video-game machines. But it did not foresee the importance of LCD-mounted flat panel TV sets and products. It has been a costly miscalculation for the Sony corporation. Now they have to play second fiddle. Sony also takes second seat to Apple's iPod music players. Samsung is making its power known in the tech sector. It supplies Apple Computer Inc with memory chips. What's clear is that Samsung has increased while Sony is shrinking in value.

Samsung dominates key, hit electronics sectors which make it no. 1 in global makret share in memory chips. Samsung's strategy also bore results in the cell phone market. It only comes after Nokia and Motorola. By itself, Samsung has already surpassed Japanese tech. It remains to be seen what the strategic thinking will bring forth to the market.

By the way, Samsung has just brought its new digital camera, digicam 800.

Shopping Samsung Digital Cameras and others

Promdressesrock.com

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Saturday, 3 December 2005 10:41 PM PST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

If you a frequent traveler, you must know about this fact. Luggage that gets lost gets sent to the airlines company's Claims Center. When all efforts to locate the proper owner have been exhausted, the baggage and its content get sold to the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama. This very unusual store has become a hot destination for travelers for many reasons. First, people expect to go on a treasure hunt. After all, nobody knows for sure what they are going to encounter at such a store.

Many Unclaimedbaggage shoppers say that going to the store is like opening a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get. In fact, considering that the store adds to its inventory about 7,000 items to its inventory every day, you will understand why it's the eBay of the unclaimed baggage world. Most of these items come mostly after the heavy travel of the holiday season. If you consider the number of people who are traveling to see the members of their families in other parts of the country and the world, you will understand the potential for such losses. Things get lost for many reasons. Sometimes, the airlines company is at fault. Due to the influx of passengers and luggage, they may not be able to process them all. Airlines companies are ready to pay up to $2,500 to the owners. It's been reported that some losses are caused by airlines' inefficiency at times. US Airways lost track of thousands of pieces of luggage and canceled hundreds of flights at Christmastime because of what the company called an "operational meltdown" at its Philadelphia hub. Many of the airline's operations were disrupted. Airline executives blamed the complications on worker absences, while union leaders pegged the difficulties to inadequate staffing in Philadelphia.

According to the department of Transportation, Unclaimed Baggage Center, here's what happens when the baggage is lost

1. The bag is sent to an airline's claims center. A description of the luggage is entered into an electronic tracing system used by the major airlines.

2. The airlines take from 90 to 120 days to track down owners of lost luggage. Airline officials will search the baggage for anything that might offer contact information. In most cases, owners are found and contacted. The luggage is then shipped to the owner or kept at the airport for the customer to pick up.

3. If the owner of a bag is not found, the luggage and its contents are sold to the Unclaimed Baggage Center, a private store in Scottsboro, Ala. The store resells, donates or discards the contents. The company has contracts with most major airlines. The terms are confidential.

4. Passengers whose bags are misplaced, meanwhile, are compensated up to $2,500 by the airlines.

Who are the shoppers at the Unclaimed Baggage Center?

They range from curious travelers to true shoppers and bargain hunters. The center sells at a fraction of the true value of the items. So many people make it a point to travel to Scottsboro to shop. Travelers can find anything at the store. Anything that people buy can get lost and be found at the stores. Most of the airlines and freight companies have contract with Unclaimed Baggage Center. They are confidential contracts. The good news is that Unclaimed Baggage Center does not or smell like Goodwill stores. The clothes are drycleaned to combat smell. The other items are cleaned before they make their way to the display shelves.

If people are traveling, they will lose baggage. Most of them will find their way to Unclaimed Baggage Center. Every year, the holiday travel season starts in earnest right about the Thanksgiving season. It goes all the way to the new year. Some of the items that get lost include clothes, shoes, portable electronics, dresses, wedding dresses, watches, kayak, toys, books and many more. People visit to see what others pack. Visitors have a blast walking through the aisles of the Unclaimed baggage Center. Some losers often make their way to the store, but they have no guarantee they will run into their own items. They will most likely buy others' lost and unclaimed baggage.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 9:16 AM PST

Updated: Sunday, 27 November 2005 9:18 AM PST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Please go to OurSpaceMusic to finish reading this review.

Mick Jagger has gained lots of experience connecting with his audience. In fact, he related to his crowd by mentionning the game Fresno State had just lost to No. 1 USC. "What did you think of that game last night?" he asked. "It was that close," he answered, making a gesture with his fingers. The connection was established. He was ready to serve them "Rain Fall Down." In his own signature moves, Mick Jagger strutted, pranced, shook and waved his way through his band's large repertoire of hit songs that most people could sing to. "I tell ya...It's only Rock 'n' Roll. It's good to be here. I know I haven't been here since 1965." A lot of concertgoers were barely born when he visited Fresno. A huge number of them were not even conceived. Or their parents did not even meet yet. In fact, the band's last concert was held at Ratcliffe Stadium in May, 1965.

Josh and two of his buddies, Tyrone and Brent, traveled from Santa Barbara and Pismo Beach to attend the concert at Save Mart Center. All they cared about is to have a good time. A good time, Mick and his mates were ready to give to them! The guys met up with some friends from Bakersfield. As it is customary for Valley kids to leave the Valley floor to attend colleges or universities on the coast, they don't hesitate to return for something so big. Each one of them either had bought or have been listening to its tracks on their iPods. The band's latest album, "Bigger Band" was on their mind. They wanted the band to perform some of the numbers. Some of the tracks they like are:

1) Rough Justice- There was discussion between the guys about the verses or lyrics of this song. no matter what, they went nuts over it.

2) Let Me Down Slow- It's somewhat of a mid-temp pop rocker with good singing and meditative lyrics.

3) It Won't Take Long

4) Rain Fall Down is truly a funky track which was used during the promotion of the album. Josh and his pals said that it reminds them of "emotional Rescue."

5) Streets of Love Some critics are saying that it is one of the major mistakes on the album.

6) Back of My Hand. I personally like this track. It reminds me of some retro blues. It has good guitar-playing and harp. I did not hear the guys discuss it at all. They shut up.

7) She Saw Me Coming. This track has a reggae feel to it. The lyrics are passable.

8) Biggest Mistake. In this one, you find Mick at his best with his signature lick allegedly added for "flavor and accent."

9) This Place Is Empty

10) Oh No, Not You Again. What can I say about this one? I love the guitars and lyrics. They tend to be simple and funny. It's not easy to come up with something like that. They kept it simple here. At the same time, it is an energetic rocker which has lots of potential.

11) Dangerous Beauty. A mid-tempo guitar rocker that can be seen as a good filler

12) Laugh, I Nearly Died.

13) Sweet Neo Con

14) Look What the Cat Dragged In

15) Driving Too Fast- Generic rocker, inoffensive filler

16) Infamy- Interesting Keith song with a mid-tempo groover

Mick Jagger was wearing a feathery fedora and coat. Music and extreme fashion mixed. And Mick Jagger can do whatever he wants. He has earned his fashion rights. But you may not see too many people adopt his line. There's only one Mick Jagger. One Keith Richards. One Rolling Stones. One Bigger Bang! The Stones performed "Slipping Away," "Infamy," "Miss You," "Rough Justice," Get Off My cloud," "Honky Tonk Women," Brown Sugar," "Jumping Jack Flash," "You Can't Always Get What You Want," and almost ten minutes rendition of "I Can't Get No Satisfaction."

Please go to OurSpaceMusic to finish reading this review.

What I liked the most was all the theatricals, the 10-foot-by-30-foot stage, the crowd's harmony and response, sing alongs and dances. The show and the music were worth every penny. If I had to do it again, I would do it in a heartbeat. After all, it is Rock 'n' Roll with The Rolling Stones.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 8:35 AM PST

Updated: Sunday, 27 November 2005 9:18 AM PST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Mood:  bright

Black Friday shopping is shopping after Thanksgiving. It's one of the most expected time for shoppers to descend on thousands of stores hoping to get great deals. Armed with newspaper ads deals, they shop until they drop. This year is not going to be too different though. The only difference may be that weeks or days ahead of Black Friday, good deals leaks can be found online. In short, Black Friday has to do with black ink expected by retailers during the holiday season.

Bargain hunters know to check the Internet, the good-for-everything shopping bazar. They are looking for door-busting discounts offered by most retailers to attract or trap consumers. For many years now, I have been participating in black Friday shopping. The early birds obviously rise early to get the best deals. What I have noticed is that information is power. Knowing which stores to hit first because the hot toys and gifts are there is so empowering.

Once again, bargain hunters expect to have great deals from the likes of Home Depot, Wal-Mart, HP, Sony, Office Depot, Lowe's, mom and pop stores, clothing companies, Target, Sears, Mervyn's, Gucci, Zara, Gottschalks, Best Buy, Radio Shack, CompUSA, Chico's, Jewelry stores etc. All of these companies will open their doors early to accommodate the shoppers. That's the essence of shopping the day after Thanksgiving.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Monday, 21 November 2005 3:51 AM PST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

AllPromDresses: a Fashion Blog for Prom Designers, Rich Prom Teens, Teen Fashion Enthusiasts, Sophisticated Urbanites Who Search For and Appreciate Fine Clothing Designs, Beautiful Dresses, and Classic Formal Wear

Fashion, Hip Hop Music and Design: What are designers saying about sexiness, style? What are you most likely to find in an upscale Home, Mansion, Manhattan Loft?

www.details.com magazine (December 2004 issue) published the comments of Hedi Slimane on what's sexy. The following is an excerpt of what he said. He is the Christian Dior menswear designer. In this column, he takes on Hollywood stylists and the French's misguided fashion sense. He is definitely not a French style and couture sympathizer. Is there anyone out there who will give him a few lessons in French couture and culture? "French men can be a little contrived and stiff, and so conservative," he siad. "I think English men have incredible style. Forget the French." Wow! Forget the French!

You may wonder what he'd say about the sex appeal and swagger of Usher Raymond. Would he even appreciate the blingbling master jeweller to the rap artists, NFL players, NBA players? "Sexiness" sounds a little dodgy to me, trying hard with low tricks. It's not about cheap cruising in a cheap outfit but about authentic sexuality. you have it or you don't. No need to dress like a bunny to advertise it.

Furthermore, he added that fashion is totally connected to street culture and has been under the influence of rock since the fifties. "I truly believe the most interesting phenomenon to emerge is this new generation of bands, like the Libertines and Franz Ferdinand. It will, without any doubt, be the most influential movement in men's fashion for the next couple of years.

Hedi has some advice for men. "Every man should own a black jacket that is very well tailored, a white shirt or simple T-shirt, a good pair of jeans, simple black shoes or boots..."

What did he have to say about thin and big, like in thin and big guys? "Thin is better with clothes. Big, in terms of shape, is better without clothes," he said. He soon realized he can't legislate people's taste and choice. He corrected himself soon. "It's a matter of choice and taste. Diets are available for men, too." A question for Hedi could be the following one: How many men have you seen suffering with anorexia nervosa?

He had some good observations about American men. "There is an ease with American men. They have a really particular, casual way to wear sophisticated clothes, which I love." How come he did not say much about American women's high sense of style, fashion and sexiness? All he needs to do to be inspired is to look out through the windows and peer down from the skyscraper? Maybe he can't see these beautiful women of all shapes wearing the best designer clothes on the streets of New York, Chicago, Manhattan Financial district, San Francisco, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara?

The American professionals can be seen wearing designs by Ralph Lauren, Energie, Abercombie & Fitch, Y-3, Hermes, Paul Smith accessories, Ermenegildo Zegna, Banana republic, Barbour, Jean Paul Gaultier.

Fashion is on the street. It starts on the runways but ultimately finds validity on the streets by pedestrians and passersby who are shocked to notice it.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Monday, 21 November 2005 4:12 AM PST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

1. Find Quinceanera Clothes and history here

2.Quinceanera Directory of Clothes, Gowns, Dresses & Ritual Explanations

3. Faviana Prom and elegant dresses A Bontique carries an elegent selection of designer gowns and dresses. Promo dress, evening, dress, popular bridemaid dress, beautiful cocktail dress, informal bridal gowns, Teen prom growns, discount quality prom dresses ... wedding faviana. prom faviana. prom gown ... prom faviana. dresses bridal. gown elegance ... http://www.benash.homestead.com/

4. Elegant Prom & Quincenera Dresses ... Elegant Prom & Quincenera Dresses. Prom Dresses, Formal wear, Casual Wear, Formal Dance Wear, Prom Shoes, Prom Accessories, Quincenera, Quincenera dresses, Bar Mitzvah, rites ... http://allpromdressesweb.blogspot.com/

5. elegant prom dresses 2004, Prom Dresses, Prom Gowns ... elegant prom dresses 2004. Prom Dress Shop ... Websites about elegant prom dresses 2004 : city fashion dresses San Francisco New York City fashion shows Los Angeles ... http://www.1-promdress.us/17/elegant-prom-dresses-20...

6. Elegant Prom Dress Are you looking for elegant prom dress? This page provides new information on elegant prom dress. ... elegant prom dresses, Prom Dresses, Prom Gowns. ... Websites about elegant prom dresses : Party Dress and Prom Dresses, Dresses ... http://www.dressforu.info/dressfor/elegant-prom-dres...

7. Prom dresses Rock ... Find the most up to date info on prom dresses, quincenera gowns and more http://promdressesrock.com

8. elegant prom gowns, Prom Dresses, Prom Gowns ... Websites about elegant prom gowns : Southern illinois bridal, discount ... Affordable, elegant prom & bridesmaid gowns and. prom dresses 2003 2002 prom gowns formal prom dresses prom ... http://www.1-promdress.us/13/elegant-prom-gowns.html

9. Prom Dresses. Large Selection. TheRoseDress.Com TheRoseDress.com is your first choice for prom dresses and accessories. ... selection of prom dresses, bridesmaids dresses, evening party dress ... sixteen dresses that are beautiful, sexy, elegant and casual. View hi-res images and pictures of prom dress ... http://www.therosedress.com/poofy-prom-dresses.html

10. Prom and elegant dresses BenAsh Faviana - Elegant Growns, Evening Gowns, Prom Dress, Bridesmaid Gowns, Cocktail Gowns, Informal Wedding Gowns. We have it all !! ... BehAsh Bontique carries an elegent selection of Faviana designer gowns and dresses ... http://www.benash.homestead.com/indexp3.html

11. Prom dresses and terrific elegant prom dress Buy our ball gown: Specializing in designer formal dresses, formal gowns, formal dresses,yellow hairstyles, prom dresses, 2005 prom dresses, green prom dresses from Alyce Designs, homecoming prom dresses, alyce designs, super ball gowns, and semi... http://www.4prom.net/promdate?=&prom=

12. Cheap Prom Dresses Designer suits for special occasions, parties, banquets, church and weddings. Prom dresses,homecoming gowns, ballroom gowns. Junior prom dresses, junior bridemaids gowns and childrens pageant dresses. ... dress,Bridesmaid dress, bridesmaid dresses, prom dress, prom dresses, bridal dress, party dress ... plus sizes, petite, elegant, clothes,clothing,dress,dresses, women,woman and women's ... http://store.yahoo.com/cieras/cheappromdre.html

13. Discount Prom Dresses Designer suits for special occasions, parties, banquets, church and weddings. Prom dresses,homecoming gowns, ballroom gowns. Junior prom dresses, junior bridemaids gowns and childrens pageant dresses. ... dress,Bridesmaid dress, bridesmaid dresses, prom dress, prom dresses, bridal dress, party dress ... plus sizes, petite, elegant, clothes,clothing,dress,dresses, women,woman and women's ... http://store.yahoo.com/cieras/dispromdres.html

14. DARIUS CORDELL Designer Evening Dresses, Ball Gowns,... Dallas Texas Designer of Couture & Custom Evening Wear, Formal Evening Dresses, Formal Evening Gowns, Formal Ball Gowns, Designer Formal Gowns, Designer Formal Dresses, Homecoming Dress Formals, Informal Prom Dresses, Prom Gowns ... Gowns, Custom Evening Gowns and Unique Formal Dresses. ... of formal evening wear dresses & informal couture bride gowns ...

http://www.dariuscordell.com/eveninggowns.htm

15. Prom dresses, formal dresses and evening gowns from ... Prom dresses, formal dresses and evening gowns from Faviana. Faviana has been manufacturing evening gowns and prom dresses for over 20 years. We have 60 styles and colors so you're sure to be able to find the formal dress of your dreams. http://www.faviana.com/

16. Prom Dresses Sale Prom dresses, for 2005.Formal dresses from ABS,BCBG,Faviana,Laundry,and Nicole Miller. Choose from cheap prom dresses to designer prom dresses.Free returns. ... Prom dresses 2005. New Prom dress styles from cheap prom dresses to affordable prom dresses to designer dresses 2005. ... Prom Dresses 2005 ... new arrivals. PROM DRESSES GUIDE ... http://www.edressme.com/promdress.html

17. DARIUS Special Occasion Dresses, Special Occasion Go... ... dresses, sexy prom dresses, simple prom dresses, elegant prom dresses. Cocktail Dresses. Dallas cocktail dresses, local cocktail dresses, long cocktail dresses ... dresses, elegant cocktail ... http://www.dariuscordell.com/intro.htm

18. prom dresses pink white two piece prom dress 2002 20... ... Formal provides elegant formal dresses, bridal and bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, evening gowns, ball ... gala gowns, and special occasion dresses for the discriminating shopper ... http://www.metrofashion.com/dresses_promdresses.html

19. The Frock Factory - Wedding dresses, Bridal & Br... ... Wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, bridal gowns, elegant prom dresses and college ball ... a personal service providing elegant designer dresses and formal wear for your wedding, prom ... http://www.thefrockfactory.co.uk/

20. 2004 elegant prom dress Gowns of elegance can be found here ... Prom-Dresses.com > 2004 dress elegant prom. Prom Dresses. 2004 affordable dress prom. 2004 alfred angelo dress prom ... 2004 dress elegant prom. 2004 dress exclusive prom ... http://www.1st-in-prom-dresses.com/2004-dress-elegan...

21. prom dresses net 2005 Prom Dresses Net provides you with the VERY BEST quality prom dresses at unbelievable prices.Prom-dresses.net gives you choices of designer quality - at budget prices ... Prom dresses net provides thousands of dress and links to thousands more ... some figures the most flattering dress is an elegant and beautiful two piece with matching shoes. ... http://www.prom-dresses.net/

22. BridalWorks.biz - bridal shop - wedding dress - wedd... ... dresses prom & evening ... prom dresses Congratulations and welcome to DaVinci an exciting new collection of bridal and bride`s maids gowns by EMME Bridal designed to give you an elegant ... http://www.bridalworks.biz/

23. Formal Gowns - Formal Dresses - Prom Gowns 2004 - Co... Formal Gowns - Formal dresses,Prom Gowns,2003 Prom dresses,cocktail dresses,plus size evening dresses, bridesmaid dreses and much more. ... Renaissance clothing... prom dresses 2004... pictures of prom dresses... prom gowns ... dresses... wide selection of prom gowns... elegant prom dresses... elegant formal dresses... . ... http://www.phat-clothing.com/womens/formal-gowns.htm

24. http://www.metrofashion.net/cgi-bin/sm/smsearch22191... ... shows. elegant. prom dresses prom 2002 prom gowns formal prom dresses. elegant. elegant ... http://www.metrofashion.net/cgi-bin/sm/smsearch22191...

25. Pictures Of Prom Dresses Pictures of 2004 prom dresses at Mall of America. ... Pictures of Prom Dresses. Best Prom Dresses. Beautiful Strapless Prom Dress ... Blue Prom Gowns. Elegant Prom Dresses. Lavender Prom Dresses. Men's Prom Fashions ... http://www.prom-fashions.com/2004/pictures-of-prom-d...

26. Prom Hairstyles ... Search for prom dresses, prom hairstyles, prom shoes, prom jewelry, prom makeup, prom decorations, tuxedos ... Easy Formal Prom Hairstyles and Elegant Prom Updos. free pictures easy ... http://www.suite360.com/dir/Prom-Hairstyles

27. Prom dresses and super designer prom dresses ... elegant prom dress. elegant prom dress. Ball gowns of the year is available at this shop on line ... Alyce Designs. Prom dresses. Prom dresses directory ... http://www.4prom.net/promdate/.html

28. Prom dresses, formal dresses, evening gowns and cock... For prom dresses, formal dresses, evening gowns, cocktail dresses and more, ShopDress.com is your one-stop online designer dress boutique. Shop now for BCBG, Jovani, ABS, Niteline and Sean Collection dresses and accessories. ... prom dresses and homecoming dresses. Exceptional evening gowns. Flirty cocktail dresses and party dresses. Elegant bridal attendant wedding dresses ... http://www.shopdress.com/

29. Formal Prom Gowns formal prom gowns for you? This page offers the best formal prom gowns . ... elegant prom dresses, Prom Dresses, Prom Gowns. Providing elegant prom dresses information & ... http://www.gown4u.com/gown/formal-prom-gowns.html 3

0. 2002 collection prom dresses, affordable prom dresse... ... stylish collection of prom dresses. From fancy and elegant prom dresses to vintage prom dresses, we have a whole new collection of designer prom dresses giving you the modish looks ... http://www.discountdressesonline.com/prom2k4.htm

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Monday, 21 November 2005 4:15 AM PST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Have last year's accusations, off-court troubles, marital issues and confessions taken a huge chunk out of Kobe's popularity?

Many Basketball fans and Lakers fans have noticed the change. What counts is that he can deliver on the court with his comeback coach, zenmaster Phil Jackson. Did Kobe think he could get rid of Phil? The guy dates the owner's daughter. It's somewhat of a family business. Kobe's greatness could not share the same stadium as Shaq. So O'Neil got bumped off the team. He got traded to Miami where he is flourishing.

What truly counts is whether businesses are willing to bet on Kobe again after he left them down with his selfishness, cheating, infidelity and resulting lawsuits. It's a new thing. Athletes are under contract wtih those who pay the dough. They may think that they are superpowerful, but that is if they continue to behave. When they misbehave, nobody wants to be associated with them.

In taking its chance with Kobe, Nike said it the way it sees it. Nike's new ad calls the shots, "Selfish, uncoachable." That is the non-flattering way of depicting Kobe. Now did he have a word in the script or copywriting? What would the copywriting sound like for Terrell Owens after this calamitous week?

In life as well as advertising business, image is everything. One more reason for the rich dudes to behave and be more earthbound. We are earthlings after all.

We are betting that before the end of the season, Kobe will regain some level of popularity and love. For now, he has to live with what he has created. A beast of a young man with lots of physical abilities. It comes down to having emotional smarts. Emotional intelligence. Or being able to live with others is the greatest gift of all.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Monday, 14 November 2005 9:52 PM PST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

List of books Selected by Oprah Book Club The Good Earth, Pearl S. Buck (2004) Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy (2004) The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, Carson McCullers (2004) One Hundred Years of Solitude, Gabriel Garcia Marquez (2004) Cry, the Beloved Country, Alan Paton (2003) East of Eden, John Steinbeck (2003) Sula, Toni Morrison (April 2002) Fall on Your Knees, Ann-Marie MacDonald (January 2002) A Fine Balance, Rohinton Mistry (November 2001) The Corrections, Jonathan Franzen (September 2001)(Selected and de-selected) Cane River, Lalita Tademy (June 2001) Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail, Malika Oufkir (May 2001) Icy Sparks, Gwyn Hyman Rubio (March 2001) We Were the Mulvaneys, Joyce Carol Oates (January 2001) House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III (November 2000) Drowning Ruth, Christina Schwarz (September 2000) The Deep End of the Ocean, Jacquelyn Mitchard (September 2000) Open House, Elizabeth Berg (August 2000) The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver (June 2000) While I Was Gone, Sue Miller (May 2000) The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison (April 2000) Back Roads, Tawni O'Dell (March 2000) Daughter of Fortune, Isabel Allende (February, 2000) Gap Creek, Robert Morgan (January 2000) A Map of the World, Jane Hamilton (December 1999) Vinegar Hill, A. Manette Ansay (November 1999) River, Cross My Heart, Breena Clarke (October 1999)

Tara Road, Maeve Binchy (September 1999) Mother of Pearl, Melinda Haynes (June 1999) White Oleander, Janet Fitch (May 1999) The Pilot's Wife, Anita Shreve (March 1999) The Reader, Bernhard Schlink (February 1999) Jewel, Bret Lott (January 1999) Where the Heart Is, Billie Letts (December 1998) Midwives, Chris Bohjalian (October 1998) What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day, Pearl Cleage (September 1998) Breath, Eyes, Memory, Edwidge Danticat (June 1998) I Know This Much is True, Wally Lamb (June 1998) Black and Blue, Anna Quindlen (April 1998) Here on Earth, Alice Hoffman (March 1998) Paradise, Toni Morrison (January 1998) The Treasure Hunt, Bill Cosby (December 1997) The Best Way to Play, Bill Cosby (December 1997) The Meanest Thing to Say, Bill Cosby (December 1997) A Virtuous Woman, Kaye Gibbons (October 1997) Ellen Foster, Kaye Gibbons (October 1997) A Lesson Before Dying, Ernest J. Gaines (September 1997) Songs in Ordinary Time, Mary McGarry Morris (June 1997) The Heart of a Woman, Maya Angelou (May 1997) The Rapture of Canaan, Sheri Reynolds (April 1997) Stones From the River, Ursula Hegi (February 1997) She's Come Undone, Wally Lamb (January 1997) The Book of Ruth, Jane Hamilton (November 1996) Song of Solomon, Toni Morrison (October 1996)

Get more book club info and recommendations here

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Wednesday, 9 November 2005 2:16 PM PST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink