Plus size women fashion tips: Choosing a flattering clubbing outfit – Part 5


Stepping out onto the scene? Most nightclubs feature a dance floor.

If you’re aiming to dance (and you know you should!), you’ll want to wear something that relates to the body. In other words, wear something that flirts with your contour and accentuates movement…

The curvaceous gal has plenty of options. As the Italians say “Abundanza!” in appreciation for someone lush or abundant; an expression reserved for such beauties as Sophia Loren – not a bean pole.

Consider wearing something silky. Diagonal cuts work well. Soft gathers and tucks can compliment a full figure. Soft silk crepe, cut on the bias, is nice and drapey, yet has enough body not to emphasize every bulge. Avoid satin or keep it to accessories (such as purses or shoes), but away from hips and torso.

Resist the temptation to stuff yourself into a Lycra casing. Such stretchy numbers belong in the gym, not on the dance floor!

Chiffon can be fetching, matte jersey is also an option and you can do a lot with a deep shade of lace. A slinky velvet can be very flattering, but beware of brocade, even in a jacket – too overwhelming. Save that for the skinnies.

If you must wear leather, select soft chammy to hug your contours, or a buttery suede number – always matte, not shiny, and keep it to earth tones.

Sequined accessories are a “yes”; even a sequined bolero, but avoid broadly sequined bodices and skirts – way too much plating. If you want to go for glitter, beaded or semi-beaded textiles are much better. Dazzle, don’t blind!

Plus-sized women should avoid most metallics. While a metallic lipstick may be a nice touch for a night of downtown clubbing, beware even of metallic purses or clutches.

In cosmetics, think sparkle, not glitter; most of the time, matte is best, though you may go for a little glitz-glam on the eye makeup and lipstick.

When it comes to prints, keep to low contrast. Large prints are a no-no. Striped patterns almost never work – not even vertical ones! You simply don’t need them!

Feather trim does not work well on large girls – ever. It simply doesn’t work! Avoid frills and think sleek.

When selecting an evening jacket, avoid any boxy look. Beading is OK. Wool or silk crepe flows quite nicely in a semi-tailored, below-the-waist jacket. Keep it feminine. If the evening isn’t too chilly, a shawl works well instead, and can also be worked on the dance floor.

You can achieve a lot with the right shawl… always reach for the sensuous materials

Plus size women fashion tips: Choosing the right bra for you


For a man who dates plus-size women, shopping for jeans, shirts or shoes is a chore. But, imagine buying panties or bras! For a plus-size woman, choosing the right bra (in a store) can feel, like getting your teeth pulled without novacane. When you go into the intimates department, you may come out angry at designers in general. There are no funky, sexy or stylish bras to house a 44DD chest. The choices fade after 38C. You go from a burgundy and black ensemble for a C cup to plain brown, white or beige “yawn” bras. Just because there’s more of you to love, you shouldn’t be content with looking like a school marm.

Every woman has the right to look sexy for themselves and their partner. No matter the size, a woman has the right to tease and entice. The perfect bra can do just that. Here are some of the things needed to find a bra just for you.

1) Go for a bra fitting. Bra fittings are a perfect way to finally know your breast size. Go to a boutique and get a fitting done. A bra consultant can show you how a bra is supposed to fit as far as the band and the cup. The band is where most of your support originates. When your band is comfortable, your bra will be comfortable.

2) Style or comfort. Is it important to look stylish? Is it important to be comfortable? You should have both. However, if you must choose, pick comfort every time. There’s nothing stylish about someone wearing a funky, but ill-fitting bra. Don’t be in pain while getting out of your intimates.

3) Visit a variety of clothing stores. Lane Bryant, Victoria Secret’s, Fashion Bug, Fashion Bug Plus, Cacique and Catherine’s are several with high quality bras and intimates for women wearing a 12w or higher. Bra sizes also go into DDD or E sizes.

4) Shop online. There are specialty stores on the internet with custom-fit bras for plus-size women. The stores listed above have internet links to purchase bras online as well.

5) Choose a bra with a thicker strap. Thicker strap bra make your shoulders appear less broad. They add length to your neck. Also, thicker straps provide more support for the “girls”.

6) Choose colors such as champagne, navy, chocolate and emerald. These colors are great for a woman’s skin tone.

7) Avoid bras with underwires that could cut into your skin.

Pick natural fibers such as cotton. Avoid the synthetics. Cotton allow your skin to breathe. Synthetics hold in sweat.

9) The best fitting bras aren’t the most expensive.

10) The most stylish bras aren’t the most expensive.

To add, look for sales in picking your perfect bra. These stores have items on seasonal clearance. Take advantage of them.

Use these tools when choosing the right bra for you. If you love how you look, your significant other surely will.

Source:

What Not To Wear: The Learning Channel (TLC) Friday nights at 9:00 pm Eastern

Possibility of modern women losing their feminine grace – Part 12


“Feminine grace” is such a subjective word that I’m not sure we can safely categorize it any one way. I think most people would agree that names like Jackie Onassis, Marilyn Monroe, and other women from days passed conjure up images of “feminine grace.” It’s important to remember, though, that while those women had a certain appearance, it was very much a forced, public one. Those women were tough, hard-working – and graceful.

Today, instead of standing strong as symbols of beauty or as devoted wives and mothers, women are standing strong as professional and independent – and as beautiful, devoted wives and mothers. I think any woman who takes on the challenges of a career, balances them with family, friends, relationships, and home life, and maintains her femininity is wonderfully graceful.

Womens fashion: How to dress business casual and still look like an executive – Part 1


It is not like ten or twenty or ten years ago when business attire for women couldn’t be found so easily and when found it was always clothing like for the principal at your school back in the 60’s, black, gray or brown, that was it!

Today, there is a whole fashion line from almost every designer, (the famous ones, and the not so famous ones)to choose from.

One of my favorites in casual business is Jacklyn Smith, You remember her? She used to be one of Charlie’s Angels, and she has a great collection of clothing sold in K Mart, several colors to choose from, all professional looking and instead of having to wear a jacket, there are several blouses with a jacket looking cut that will make you look presentable, professional without loosing the casual look and comfortable as well.

Milk, yogurt and fruit: The ultimate smoothie for womens health


An excellent shake consists of mango (when you can find it fresh, or buy the juice), banana, pomegranite, raspberry leaf, cranberry (purchase canned sauce), cramp bark, motherwort, citrus (red grapefruit is best, but others are good, too) and some form of Lysine (health food store, one dose. Read package). The cramp bark, motherwort, and raspberry leaf do better when added as tinctures (one dropperful each). Yogurt, powdered stevia, milk, and vanilla complete the shake. Blend in blender. This will support womyn’s health. Menstrual issues will be alleviated, as well as menopausal symptoms, and fibroids. When eaten 3 times a week, cystitis (urinary tract infection) and herpes outbreaks will occur less frequently as well. And it tastes good! Bonus!

Historic Changes In Women’s Fashion: 1900s – 1960s


Throughout the years, women’s fashion and design has always been influenced by history, politics, and location. A woman’s status and station in society also affected the types of clothing choices deemed acceptable or expected of her. When taking a look at history, the role of the woman unfolds through popular clothing styles, as revealed through hemlines, layers of clothing, shoes, and overall fashion. Below you will find a collection of significant changes in women’s fashion trends starting with the 1900s.

During the 1900s, legs and feet of the woman were rarely seen (unless in the sitting position). This meant that stockings, shoes, and other footwear didn’t gain much attention. Clothing and shoes of the time highlighted silk bows, small buckles, and dark colors. Pointed toes and a moderate high heel were in fashion. Women’s skirts became narrower after the Civil War and displayed more of a cone-shape rather than a bell. Clothing was heavily starched and “shirtwaists” became the latest style, which were fashioned after men’s shirts.

In the 1920s, legs became an asset and showed through the kind of clothing worn during this time period. Hemlines rose and women began to take great interest in flesh-colored stockings and shoes. The expensive silk stocking accompanied eveningwear, while ribbed and patterned selections (diamond-cut) became the rage. “Flapper” fashion took over with the Roaring 20s, highlighting floating fabrics, handkerchief hemlines, and girdles.

When the 1930s arrived, women’s fashion took a turn back to portraying a more “ladylike” appearance. The clothes were feminine in style – crisp and clean during the day and glamorous by night. More sophisticated shoes emerged, including the strappy open-toed sandal. Additional features of the decade included short-fitted suits and jackets, the “little black dress,” and the introduction of nylon.

In the 1940s, World War II took a toll on women’s fashion, as leather shoes lessened and certain fabrics were limited. Heavy wooden soles and wedge heels became commonplace. A host of clothing items were rationed – bought using a “coupon” system. Some of the non-rationed items included mending wool, ribbons, lace, suspenders, and clogs. Women began painting their shoes with bright colors or decorating the sides of the soles with small shells or studs to elevate their sense of style.

During the 1950s, glamour took over and it showed in the latest women’s fashion designs. Full skirts with petticoats, swoop-line empire dresses, and fancy suits became popular. Many women now wore a stiletto heel and Italian shoes (known for ultra-elegance and refinement). Seamless stockings and beehive hairdos accompanied the clothing of the 50’s.

The 1960s brought more freethinking attitudes of the world, including fashion. Skirts became much shorter – leading to the creation of the “mini.” Stockings were tossed to the side and pantyhose made an impression on the women of the 60’s. Flat boots were worn with very short dresses. Additional fashion introductions of the 60s included psychedelic fabric prints, denim jeans, and the pill box hat. Shoes became chunkier, displaying thicker low heels with rounded or squared toes. Buckle shoes were quite “in” with matching gold or silver heels to match the buckles.

Should US companies be required to provide equal pay to women and men? – Part 31


US companies are already required by both statute and case law in the US to provide equal pay to women and men. They have no choice but to follow the law, which demands that they not discriminate in employment. Paying men and women different salaries for the same work would be discrimination .The Civil rights Act of 1964 provides that,

“(a) It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer -

(1) to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or

otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his

compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of

such individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin;…”

US courts have had occasion to hear cases where the subject was the issue of equal pay between men and women. In the case of Corning Glass vs. Brennan (1974), the court held it unlawful for an employer to pay women less just because they traditionally received less pay than men, or because men would not accept to be paid the same as women. In 1999 , the Supreme Court of the United States, in Kolstad vs. American Dental Association, stated that a woman could sue for punitive damages for sex discrimination if the anti-discrimination law was violated with malice or indifference.

From a human rights perspective, paying women and men differently for the same work would be a violation of the right to equal treatment before the law, and the right to equality before the law. These rights are provided for in several human rights instruments, which are binding on the US. Such human rights instruments include instruments under the Inter-American human rights system and those under the UN system. A company paying men and women differently would be violating those human rights instruments.

As a matter of fact, it would not be a good idea for any US company not to pay men and women equally because if sued, they may face punitive damages. In the era that we are in , surely all companies should be aware that it is unlawfully to discriminate, not just by race , but also by sex. Unfortunately, sex discrimination, just like racial discrimination, is still secretly practiced by many companies out there.

Womens Health What Is Gestational Diabetes


Gestational diabetes occur only in pregnant women. This diabetes is caused due to disorder in the placenta of the pregnant women. When the pancreas of the women fails to produce extra insulin, the blood sugar level becomes unusually high. This condition is termed as gestational diabetes. It is essential for all future mothers to have a complete knowledge of the link between women and gestational diabetes.

Diagnosis

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed when the woman is about 24-28 weeks pregnant. It is diagnosed by “oral glucose tolerance test” in which the woman is instructed not to eat for 4 to 8 hours. Then her blood sugar level is measured by the medical caretakers.

After checking the normal sugar count, she is given a sugar drink and after 2 hours the sugar level test is redone to assess abnormality in blood sugar level. If the women’s sugar level is below 140 mg/dl then she is certified to be in the safe limit. However, if the sugar count is more than 140 mg/dl, she is diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Causes

Gestational diabetes is more likely to happen in obese women more than 25years of age and who have following records -

A family record of diabetes or has prior experience of this disease in past pregnancies can lead to gestational diabetes.

Women who delivered an unusually large and healthy baby or a baby born with birth defects in the past can have gestational diabetes.

If the women has excess amount of amniotic fluid, she is prone to gestational diabetes.

Symptoms and risk factors

Symptoms of gestational diabetes can be assessed by the delivery of baby and both the mother child condition-

The blood sugar level of diabetic pregnant women becomes abnormally high.

The fetus that nourishes in this abnormally large amount of sugar level becomes large enough to be delivered by vagina. One needs surgical operation to deliver the baby.

Doctors notice high amount of insulin in the body of the newborn baby. After few days the baby is exposed to the condition of hypoglycemia i.e. low level of blood glucose because the baby is no more influenced with mother’s high sugar level.

Unusual hunger, thirst, weight gain or high blood pressure is sign of gestational diabetes.

Recurrent vaginal infection and excessive urination are signs of gestational diabetes.

Treatments

A planned and balanced diet devoid of sweets is prescribed to the diabetic women to keep the sugar level in the normal range of 60 to 120 mg/dl. The diabetic lady should exercise at least 3 or 4 days a week to maintain the sugar level in the body by burning excess fat. Balanced food and exercises can help in maintaining the normal pregnancy weight gain which is vital for treating gestational diabetes.

In case of severe gestational diabetes, a weekly or daily glucose level test is advised to the diabetic mother. If all these treatments prove ineffective, then insulin injections are recommended by the doctors to control the blood sugar level in the diabetic lady.

Complications

If the disease of gestational diabetes is left untreated or is not properly controlled than the baby can develop certain complications that includes- Macrosomia, jaundice, respiratory distress syndrome, death after 28 weeks of pregnancy or in infancy. Gestational diabetes can occur in future pregnancies as well.

So the pregnant ladies must seek doctoral advice and get complete details of how to prevent this diabetes in future as well as present pregnancy.

Helpful Skin Care Products for Men


More and more cosmetic and beauty companies are discovering that men nowadays are getting more concerned about the way they look. In previous decades, men only head to the beauty counter to buy shaving cream. Today, men are also looking into the best skin care products that are particularly designed for their unique skin complexion and condition. Gone, too, are the days when fathers, brothers, and sons have to borrow anti-acne creams, moisturizers, sun block lotions or moisturizers from the female members of the family.

The most glaring difference between a woman’s and man’s skin is the degree or oiliness. It seems that men’s skin is a bit more dehydrated, but oilier. Furthermore, their skin is about 20% thicker than most women. Naturally, it is safe to deduce that the beauty products of women have little effect on a man’s skin.

If you are one of the men who have no idea on how to protect the skin, read on to discover what types of skin care and hygienic products are available to cater to your specific needs.

Shaving Cream

When a man is shaving, his skin pores are opened and the skin is more prone to drying. Thus, it is important that you look for a shaving cream that also contains a lot of moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, you need to find a shaving lotion that does not contain harsh ingredients. In fact, it may be wise to find one that is composed of organic ingredients so that fewer chemicals will enter your system.

Sun Block

Probably because of global warming and the thinning of the ozone layer, the rays of the sun can be harsh on the skin, regardless of your gender. It is important that you protect your skin from the UVA and UVB rays of the sun, if you don’t want to have wrinkles or age spots on your skin by the time you reach 30. So, before you can suffer from premature aging, better apply on some sun block lotion on your face a few minutes before you go outdoors in the morning.

Anti-Acne Lotion

Pimples and acne are not new to men. In fact, they are very prone to breakouts because they have bigger pores and they are more exposed to elements than women. Just make sure that the anti-acne lotion you choose is lightweight, helps prevent redness and future breakouts, and assists in helping you achieve softer and smoother skin.

Since men do not only have breakouts on their face, it is also important that you find a product that can also help you dry out pimples in other parts of your body, such as the back, buttocks, neck and others.

Toner

As mentioned earlier, men have oilier skin than women. Thus, it may be a good idea to use a toner to help minimize the oiliness and excess shine on the skin. However, be sure that the product you choose does not contain alcohol, which can dry your skin.

Eye Cream

Don’t ever think that just because you are a man you are not susceptible to puffy eyes or skin discoloration. Men also have problems with water retention, particularly on the pouches under the eyes. Also because of sun damage, men can also suffer from raccoon eyes.

One eye cream that is right for both men and women is Eyelastin. For more information about this eye product, just visit http://www.eyelastin.com.

Red clover and its uses in womens health – Part 3


Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a native plant of Europe, West Asia, and Northwest Africa that has been used in a variety of ways thought to be beneficial to women’s health. Although this herbaceous perennial plant has typically been grown as a fodder crop, good for nitrogen fixation, its suggested health benefits have ranged from menopause treatment to eczema, coughs, sore throats, mouth ulcers and bronchitis, and even to cancer treatment. But is there is any truth in its hypothesised efficacy or is it just an old wive’s tale or specious alternative remedy?

The reason why it is thought to be useful for menopause treatment is because of the presence of substances called isoflavones and phytoestrogens. These are organic biomolecular compounds that act like estrogens thus supplementing the body’s own supplies. One suggestion as to how they might help in post-menopausal women is by helping to maintain proper bone density. They are also potent antioxidants and may be linked to the prevention of cancer and possibly for cholesterol regulation as well.

It has also been shown that red clover does indeed contain an active ingredient that is capable of helping to fight cancer. Caffeic acid is one of a number of phenolic compounds that are clinically proven to have anticarcinogenic properties. In particular, it is thought to be beneficial to cancer sufferers by starving tumors.

Caffeic acid is found not only in red clover but also in many other herbs as well as fruit and vegetables. As the name suggests it is also to be found in coffee as well. Besides it anti-cancer properties caffeic acid has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, and also to limit damage to the skin by normally harmful ultraviolet radiation, particularly the UVB and UVC variants of ultraviolet radiation.

All in all red clover is potentially a source of a number of useful substances in the diet that may well help to alleviate symptoms of menopause and help in the fight against breast cancer, for example. But having said that, red clover doesn’t appear to have any ingredient in it that is unique to red clover. The active ingredients cited can also be found in other common dietary constituents. So it is questionable as to why you would want to pay for this particular source of those ingredients when you can pick up the same substances from other more common elements of the diet anyway.

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