Fedoras & Floppy Hats – Hot Hot Hot for 2005 & 2006 By Sher Matsen

For those of you that love hats you’ll be in your glory – hats are hot this coming season – in fact floppy hats and fedoras are hot hot hot!!

Yes there’s all kinds of hats – pillbox, beret, cloche, cowboy – but what’s important is floppy hats and fedoras – don’t forget it!

The floppy has its origins in the 19th century. They’ve been in and out of fashion in the past. In 1969 Julie Christie wore floppy hats, in 1969 Faye Dunawy thrilled her fans wearing a big brim floppy.

The shape of the floppy hat flatters almost every face shape. The floppy hat is versatile and can evoke hippiedom, glamour, sophistication, casual.

Spice it up with color or tone it down with neutral colors. Theres big floppies, small floppies. There’s tall ones, short ones. One for every face shape. The Crhistian Dior spring collection features floppy hats.

The fedora initiated in men’s fashion popularized by actors such as Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant. Now this isn’t the first time the fedora has made it into women’s fashions.

In 1964 Sophia Loren wore a fedora, and in 1966 Liza Manneli touted a fedora. Well now in 2005 it’s open season for all us gals. They give women a mysterious look.

In 2003 over $1 billion dollars was spent on womans hats. Wowzer – who would have thought. Now with floppy hats and fedoras being front and center state that figure is estimate to grow substantially.

So get on the band wagon or should we say hat wagon for the upcoming spring and summer season.

Find yourself a couple of floppy hats or fedoras that suit your fashion style. Fun, Sexy, and Sophisticated all in one!

Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry, and wedding help. So stop by and visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/ We’ll help you make your fashion statement! Remember looking good doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sher_Matsen

Women’s Dress Hats By Fred Belinsky

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful, so wrote William Morris, noted English designer at the end of the 19th Century.

It is with this segment of the business, women’s dress hats–millinery, that I found my long held notions about headwear challenged and expanded. I had always viewed the hat essentially as a functional article of clothing. Don’t hats exist to keep one warm, dry, or shaded from the sun? That’s why they should be in our houses, or so I believed. Women’s dress hats, however, often have more in common with sculpture than with clothing. I now understand that the human head can simply act as a pedestal and hat materials (felt, straw, fabric) can be employed no differently than wood or stone or clay with three-dimensional art as the objective. Hats not only need not function, they don’t even need to fit. The good milliner – when succeeding at the highest level, like the good sculptor, understands and skillfully manipulates this medium’s materials. The results can be interesting, entertaining, and fun to wear. We can in fact have hats in our houses simply because we believe them to be beautiful.

Fred Belinsky

http://www.villagehatshop.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fred_Belinsky

Hats Are Healthy By Fred Belinsky

American history buffs know the sad but true story of William Henry Harrison’s short tenure as President. Mr. Harrison chose not to wear a hat to his inauguration; he caught pneumonia and died within the month. Twenty or so years ago – sometime during the Reagan administration – I created a hangtag for our stores that read “Hats Are Healthy”. By it, I meant not against the cold but rather against the harmful effects of the sun. I quoted two agencies (see the tag at the Great Hats For the Great Outdoors page at our site). I was ambivalent about these tags because on the one hand, I wanted to call people’s attention to the need to put on sunscreen and wear hats (and other protective clothing), but on the other, I felt guilty profiting from fear. Furthermore, our hat business had been successful because our stores were fun and although the “hats are healthy” message was valid, I didn’t want to overemphasize it. (An atmosphere of a serious clinic was an unproven model for a successful hat shop.) In any case, I figured that in short order most people would get the message anyway and be wearing hats, along with sunscreen, and therefore, calling attention to headwear as protective clothing would soon be as unnecessary as calling attention to the merits of sunscreen.

Two decades have passed since that hangtag. I go out and about in life as we know it and the fact of the matter is that most people are still not getting the message – not wearing hats. And I live in San Diego – where there’s lots of sun. So here’s the current data: The National Cancer Institute estimates that in 2007 there will be more than 1,000,000 new cases of skin (non-melanoma) cancer in the United States and less than 2,000 deaths. NCI also estimates 59,940 new cases of melanoma (a form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytyes – the cells that make the pigment melanin) in 2007. Of those, NCI estimates 8,110 deaths. When asked about the effectiveness of sunscreens in preventing cancer, Dr. Kenneth Kraemer, a dermatologist researching skin cancer for NCI’s Center for Cancer Research replied, “Sun protection is more than sunscreens. Sun protection includes avoiding the sun, using clothing to protect yourself, getting shade under a tree if you are going outside, and wearing hats”.

As we enter spring 2007, I’ve decided it may be important to amplify the alarm.

Fred Belinsky http://www.VillageHatShop.com Fred Belinsky is the founder and president of The Village Hat Shop. The 4-store California chain is 27 years old. VillageHatShop.com, launched in early 1997, was the first online hat seller. Belinsky also owns and operates Berets.com. Private label brands include Jaxon Hats, JaxonHats.com, and sur la tete. More of Belinsky’s articles can be seen at his HAT BLOG, http://blog.villagehatshop.com/ VillageHatShop.com also publishes THE COWBOY HAT, http://vilhat.typepad.com/the_cowboy_hat/, an ezine featuring short fiction, essays, and poetry about the American West and the Mexican-American Border. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fred_Belinsky

Cheap Purses By Alison Cole

A purse is a bag used by women to carry keys, a wallet, and personal items. Men carried purses during biblical times but there is a variation now and women mostly use them. Women of different ages and personalities select purses of different types. The British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was famous as a handbag carrier.

Purses are made out of many materials. Leather purses have been popular for a long time. Pure leather purses are much more costly than the purses made from artificial leather. Artificial leather is made from thick fabric treated with synthetic material such as vinyl polymers. These purses are beautifully decorated and they look like the real leather purses. Many contemporary designs can be found in designer stores.

Handmade purses are also available and the costs of these purses depend on the material used in making them. Material used for decorating can range from embroidery to using sequins and beads. Hand embroidered purses take a longer time for completion as there is a lot of precision required to make each piece.

Cheap purses are also available at discount stores. These stores are usually replacing old stocks and sell off the purses at reduced rates to finish the old stock. Local malls that have sections for purses have sales during the non-peak sale times. It is possible to get a good bargain at these times.

It is also possible to obtain cheap purses from direct factory outlets. Purse making factories generally have stores attached to them and they sell purses at a wholesale rate. Small-scale industries that manufacture purses are also places where purses can be obtained at a cheaper rate.

It is however advisable to buy purses from reliable stores. Discounted purses should be bought from renowned shops that are known for quality sales. Cheap purses bought from roadside vendors can turn out to be defective or low quality items. The finish of the purse should be checked before buying from roadside stalls.

Purses provides detailed information on Purses, Designer Purse, Wholesale Purses, Sequin Purses and more. Purses is affiliated with Discount Perfume. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole

Spring Dress Hats By M. Gietl

Let’s start with a big market that is entering its boom season — ladies spring dress hats. You will not be disappointed in the fresh designs this season — neither will your customers. Veteran retailers know that the biggest volume in dressy hats is from now until Mother’s Day, with Easter the biggest day of all. The biggest market is church hats. Dressy hats always have a classy look, but with classic designs dominating fashion trends, this season’s millinery selection is even more elegant.

Polypropylene is the favorite choice for ladies dress hats and the new look of polypropylene weaved with lurex adds a metallic sparkle to headwear. Sinamay is also back for spring with creative new designs. While the new is exciting, the greatest stir is in the reinvention of classic looks from the past — cavaliers from early 20th century, lamp shades from the sixties, and elegant small brims we remember from classic movies. Stock your hat inventory now to catch the lion’s share of this business. Don’t worry about selling out by Mother’s Day because the need goes through the summer and customers have a harder time finding retail sources later in the season.

Casual Hats
The Fashion Accessory that Heightens a Look

Casual hat demand has seen a steady rise over the last few seasons and strength of early spring sales indicate this will be a banner year. A range of hats are selling including up brims, jockey hats, newsboy, ball caps, and fedoras. The list goes on with army caps and cabby hats. But the two most important styles to concentrate on are cowboy hats and widebrims.

The self-expression that shapeable cowboy hats deliver is a look that is just too good to go away. The hot number is distressed pinch front cowboy hats with shapeable brims. As we enter the fourth year in the cowboy hat rage, a lot of majors and importers have caught on. So expect competition in the distressed look. What they haven’t caught onto is that the second best market is in colored cowboy hats, especially black and white. Include these in your mix along with fashion colors because this good seller will have considerably less competition. Another hat area is ladies glitzy cowboy hats with rhinestone bands, sequin studding, weaved lurex, or sequin patterns. This is a fashion look that will see little competition. So put some variety in your selection to hedge your bet against strong competition in distressed pinch fronts.

The second hat item is colored wide brims. These hats took off with such a vengeance that we had to rush to get new designs up while existing ones sold out. Colored widebrims have enjoyed excellent sales over the last few summers and finding inventory is difficult when we move into mid-summer. This is good news for you because if you have a source, the supply and demand law will mean low competition in a high demand item. The best colors are white, nautical combinations, lime, fuchsia, turquoise, black, and ivory. Pink and red are also good for the red hatters. Actually, it’s hard to think of any color that doesn’t sell. Stock early while you have a pick of designs. Even if inventory is deep, some styles will catch on and go quickly.

Mike Gietl runs Wholesale Fashion Accessories Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._Gietl

Sequin Flip Flops By Ross Bainbridge

Flip-flops are flat, open sandals made up of simple soles and held on the foot by a V-shaped strap that extends between the toes and around either side of the foot. They are the most traditional style of footwear in existence. The term flip-flop is derived from the rhythmical noise that these sandals make. This is one type of shoe that can complement any style of dressing, suit every age group and feel so relaxing that everybody longs to slide on a pair after a hectic day.

Due to their large variety and easy availability, it?s easy to find the pair of your choice. Anything goes with colorful flip-flop sandals. They are sold in the smallest of department stores, shoe stores, large malls, and sometimes even in a grocery store.

Keeping in mind the current trends and tastes of people, many sandal companies have indulged in designing and manufacturing multipurpose footwear. These designer slippers are usually dolled up with sequins and beading and plastic fruits to make them look attractive. Sequined flip-flops can be worn for shopping or a casual party. A pair of simple plastic slippers can be made to look very attractive by adding sequins, small shiny ornaments or plastic flowers with a glue gun. It?s always cool to be innovative and at the same time save some money.

The brilliant working of any product is always traced back to its unique design. The most important thing that imparts sustainability to a product is the kind of material used. If we talk about sandals, preference is always given to those that look attractive, are carved out of durable material that does not harm the feet and saves them from external pollutants like sand, dirty water, pebbles, etc.

Flip Flops provides detailed information on Flip Flops, Bridal Flip Flops, Platform Flip Flops, Cheap Flip Flops and more. Flip Flops is affiliated with Shoes Store. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge

Golf Hats – More Than Just a Fashion Statement By Sarah Freeland

Golf hats are more than just a fashion statement; they are also a good health practice. Whether you are golfing in the early morning or the late evening, the sun is going to be hanging around. Golf caps help to keep the sun out of your eyes and prevent sun burns and sun damage. This, in turn will keep you at ease while you golf. Using golf hats is important if you want to keep the sun off your mind and your body.

There are many options to choose from when it comes to golf apparel. If you want to remain stylish while using golf hats, then you may want to choose name brand items such as a nike golf cap. In addition, there are many colors and styles available. Consider pink when shopping for women’s hats or pick up a hat with a logo or saying that will appeal to your teen golfer. If you are looking for something cool in men’s hats, why not select a hat with your favorite team logo or name?

With so many golfers using golf hats, they make great promotional items! Your business name or logo on a golf hat is sure to get noticed when you hand them out to clients and employees. Give them out at a conference or mail them out with your informational brochure. Just imagine your company name all over the golf course!

You know that using golf hats can protect your skin and eyes from the sun, but there are additional benefits as well. Hats can prevent wind burn when you are on the course on a windy day. In addition, hats will help block the sun in your shot, giving you a better chance at hitting the green. And that’s something every golfer can appreciate!

Are you searching for women’s golf hats? Fore Her Golf carries clothing and accessories with a feminine appeal including polo shirts, skirts, shoes, golf headwear and outerwear from top brands – also a great selection of unique golf gifts and memorabilia for the lady golfer in your life. Fore Her Golf is your source for women’s golf supplies and gifts, products reviews and recommendations as well as game tips and training techniques. For more information on golfing and other recreational activities visit the golf directory. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland

Mardi Gras Masks By Peter Emerson

Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday. It is a festive day celebrated in France on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It marks the close of the pre-Lenten season. In the United States this festival is elaborately celebrated in New Orleans, Louisiana. The New Orleans incarnation of Mardi Gras is quite often one of debauchery and illicit acts, but it has been somewhat sobered by the recent floods that tore through the city. Mardi Gras Season begins on January 6th and ends the day before Ash Wednesday.

There is something very dramatic about a Mardi Gras celebration. People wear costumes and beads on this day and celebrate with a parade, a special party and even a ball on Mardi Gras. Traditionally, participants hide their identity with masks and hats. There are many masks that look great. They are used during carnival and are also used as decorations or theater masks all year long. Mardi Gras masks are very fancy masks. feather masks, masks on a stick, papier mache masks, satin eye masks, sequin and glitter masks, Venetian carnival masks, butterfly masks and Casanova masks are all popular.

Festive masks, half masks, jester masks, jolly masks, white female masks, white half masks, full face female white masks, blank white male masks, transparent young man and transparent young women masks are also used. These festive masks are great for decoration, gifts or simply to wear. The papier mache eye masks look amazing and mysterious, and are very cost effective. Cat masks and dream-maker masks are papier mache masks with ribbon to tie on.

Masks provides detailed information on African Masks, Feather Masks, Gorilla Masks, Halloween Masks and more. Masks is affiliated with Yoga Mats. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Emerson

It’s hard to find a woman who doesn’t love jewelry of some sort. Jewelry helps to create an image, a personal style, and the type of jewelry a woman wears says a lot about her personal taste. Some women prefer classic jewelry, gems, traditional styles. Others prefer more contemporary jewelry styles, perhaps ethnically influenced or created by a modern designer. Whatever she chooses, a woman knows that the jewelry she wears will accentuate her look and turn heads.

When buying jewelry, some of the terms used by the dealer can be confusing. Don’t let this deter you from your purchase. A simple lesson can help you read through the jargon.

Are you shopping for a ring? These jewelry settings are common when it comes to diamonds or other gemstones:

1. Baguette: rectangular-shaped

2. Barion cut: traditional step-cut

3. Bezel: the jewelry’s rim holds and completely surrounds the stone

4. Brilliant cut: reflect the most light from the stone; can be round, heart-shaped, oval, marquise, or pear-shaped

5. Cluster setting: this jewelry contains a large center stone surrounded by smaller stones

6. Emerald: rectangular- or square-shaped with cut corners

7. Marquise: double-pointed, boat-shaped stone

8. Pear: stones in the shape of a pear

9. Princess cut: square- or rectangular-shaped brilliant-cut stone

Jewelry comes in all shapes and also in sizes. When you are buying a gift of jewelry, it may help to take along an already-owned piece to compare sizes. For necklaces and bracelets, a jewelry dealer can give size or length suggestions depending on the style you choose.

One need not spend a whole lot of money on jewelry. Jewelry wholesalers offer quality items at lower cost. Even some costume jewelry is quite beautiful and far less expensive than “the real thing.” The important thing about jewelry is making sure it suits the wearer’s taste. Accessories don’t do much good if they just sit in the jewelry box.

Another thing to consider before buying jewelry for someone is whether she tends to wear more silver or gold-toned pieces. Some women combine the two; most prefer one or the other. Finally, think about her lifestyle. Would she prefer simple jewelry or more elegant, dangling pieces?

Regardless of what jewelry you choose, this is a gift she will never forget. After all, no woman can have enough jewelry.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of jewelry Information a website providing information on jewelry. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Lakie

Jewelry Is The Perfect Gift By Gail Leino

When in doubt jewelry is the perfect gift! There are few gift items for any occasion that have the lasting appeal of jewelry. From semi-precious stones in avant-garde settings to fine gems stones in estate settings there are really no other gifts that as accurately convey real caring. Cash may be crass but jewelry has real value and still has aesthetic worth.

Some occasions seem to be the wrong place for jewelry gifts but on second thought there are still jewelry options. For instance it may seem that only the bride and groom can give jewelry to each other at a wedding but that isn’t true. The bride may opt to give earrings or pendants as thank-you gifts to her bridesmaids and the groom may want to give a tie clasp or money clip to the best man.

Also weddings gifts for the bridal couple can be found in jewelry departments. Metallic gilded crystal items are popular bridal registry items. Many china patterns have metallic and are frequently included in jewelry stores. At any rate silver and silver plate are to be found on most bridal registries.

At bridal showers for couples who truly have everything that money can buy commemorative jewelry items are lifelong keepsakes. Baby rings, silver spoons, and silver plate rattles enter the family treasure chest with the birth of each child and are kept for generations.

It may seem that young children should not be given jewelry which may be true because of choking hazards but for school aged children there are many important jewelry gifts. These may be charm bracelets that grow with each birthday or religious metals.

The obvious jewelry gift items can not be over done. Couples complain about too many toasters but anniversary rings will always be appreciated, as well as necklaces, anklets, bracelets, earrings and so on.

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Anniversary Rock has a huge selection of Anniversary Jewelry. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino