Maxi Dresses

We had hopes for maxi dresses at first as a refreshing change from the minis. In theory, maxi dresses could work for everyone because they hide so many sins. In practice, maxis and floor-dragging skirts swallowed petites and made almost everyone else look dumpy.

Gladiators

Gladiators -- the "It" shoe of 2008 -- were never a trend for the fashion faint of heart. But these bold, gutsy sandals quickly wore out their welcome in '08 because they were, well, everywhere. In metallic, studs, platforms, flats: anything that could get a gladiator twist, got it.

Black Tights with Everything

From strappy dresses to white shoes, the black tight replaced bare legs as the preferred look. On the one hand, heavy tights made terrific sense in cold weather. On the other, they weighed down the prettiest little evening dresses for an awkward combination.

Shooties

The shootie -- a blend of shoe and bootie -- emerged for the fall and began popping up on trendy feet like Gwyneth Paltrow's. But as us smart girls know, trendy doesn't always make it right; these ungainly shoe/boots were hard for most of us to pull off.

Boho

Boho -- which cycles in and out of fashion every few seasons -- attempted a comeback this year with deluxe fringed pieces. While some boho mainstays -- like peasant blouses and hippie prints -- have become mainstream summer staples, the fringe pieces deserve to die a faddish death.

Giant Scarves

The most hilarious part of the mega-scarf trend was that it reached its peak during the hot summer months. Heavy piles of fabric at your neck during August? Some girls thought it was OK to suffer for fashion.

A recession is the state of an economic decline, characterized by a widespread decline in the Gross Domestic Product  and employment and trade lasting from six months to a year. A sustained recession may become a depression. 
If you would like to increase your odds of saving your job when thousands are being laid off due to the recession follow these tips

1. Increase your visibility by participating in meetings, offering creative, new ideas and taking part in company outings and get-togethers. Make sure that people (preferably higher-ups) within your organization know of your existence. Maintain a positive outlook any time you are at work and especially in the company of your boss etc.

2. Increase your marketability. Think of ways to supplement your current degree. If you don't have a degree it goes without saying that you should take immediate steps to get a degree or at least certification of some sort. Make sure your boss is aware of your intent to continue/enhance your education. The benefit of enhancing your education and skill set is two fold. First it can make you indispensible at your current job; perhaps you'll be able to take on more responsibility and be tasked with working on other projects that require additional skills. Second, if you lose your job it will be easier for you to get a new one.
3. Focus on maintaining a strong relationship with your boss (and, ideally, your boss's boss) and make sure he/she knows about all your contributions to the company and the valuable work that you do. In other words your employment at your company should undeniably be benefiting both you and the company you work for.
4. Be Flexible and Proactive, Employees who keep a good attitude and volunteer for unpleasant tasks will always have a better chance of keeping their jobs than those who complain and shirk their responsibilities. However, attitude alone has seldom provided real job protection. The willingness to take business trips and transfer to another location may keep your employment on surer footing, and a willingness to work overtime performing tasks that no one else wants to do can elevate your status among your superiors.
   
   Don't underestimate the impact of your willingness to go the extra mile when layoff notices are being decided upon.
   
   
5. Don't be a high maintenance employee or a general pain in the neck. Make yourself easy to work with. Don't complain about everything from the temperature in your office to your coworkers. Maintain your professionalism at all times and refrain from taking one too many sick days, arriving late to work, or taking excessive vacations. Be as efficient as possible and very helpful to your boss and your coworkers.
6. Don't demand an increase in pay when clearly your company is not able to afford it. If the organization you work for is struggling not to start laying people off, you don't want to be trying to negotiate a higher salary. Such behavior will put you at the top of the lay-off or perhaps even to be fired list.
7. Stay busy. If you have a lot of down-time during the day, ask your boss for additional work. Not only will that increase your visibility and value to the company but your boss will know exactly what it is that you do on a day to day basis.

Follow these tips and you will likely keep your job and be able to ride out the recession.

In the seventies the immense popularity of platform shoes had orthopedic and podiatry surgeons worried as more and more cases of foot injury were reported. It is no surprise that during this time, when disco ruled, platforms were also called as "the elevated orthopedic nightmare". When first introduced it had a heel only two inches high. The young generation of those turbulent times was known for its excesses, be it in sex, drugs, music, or alternate lifestyle. Excesses in fashion and footwear were also widely seen. Platforms that originally were designed with two inch heels soon appeared with heels and platforms that were five or six inches high. Hospitals in Europe and North America were routinely treating young people for injuries like twisted ankles, broken ankles, hammertoes, bunions, calluses, etc. Thankfully the mid-eighties saw the return of sobriety and platforms went out of fashion.

These shoes were popular not only amongst short and average height individuals but were also very popular amongst the tall. The short and average guys wore platforms to gain height while the tall just wore them as they were supposed to be 'hip and happening'. Today platforms are mostly used by women; men have a far better alternative - elevator shoes. So, why are platforms so bad for the feet? Well the answer lies in the weight distribution while walking. It has been established by studies conducted at several universities that the heel of the foot supports almost 60% of the weight, the forefoot supports 28% of the weight, the mid-foot supports only 8% of the weight and the toes support the remaining 4% of the weight. In platforms the heel and the forefoot are not supported by a thick padding to cushion the weight. In elevators the mid-insole and the height increasing insole both cushion and protect the feet.

Platforms are generally machine manufactured and hence will not always have a toe section that is wide enough to fit your toes. In contrast most elevators are custom made to accommodate the wearers toe section so that the toes are not compressed. Elevators have a wide shank to comfortably fit the section of foot between the heels and the ball of the foot. The uppers of the elevators are flexible and slightly big to firmly grip the foot. The height increasing insoles and outer soles of the elevators are made of shock absorbent and flexible material while the outer soles of platforms are rigid.

In platforms the foot slides forward with every step while in the elevators this does not happen due to the firm grip offered by the front and top of the shoe.

All these factors make a risky proposition. So, if you want to gain height instantly and invisibly without damaging your feet it is advisable that you consider buying a pair of thoughtfully designed shoe.

For any serious business women, a professional and polished look is essential. But, time to shop may not always be easy to find, and business women often need clothing that fits all their many roles in life. So, how can a busy woman adapt her wardrobe to move effortlessly from sales meeting, to cocktail reception or to a basketball game? The secret lies in selecting classic designs and using accessories to set the right tone. Here are a few tips

Build your wardrobe around basic, high-quality pieces - A well-tailored suit in a neutral shade like black, gray, navy, or brown is the perfect foundation for a versatile wardrobe. You can wear the skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for casual occasions, while the jacket can be paired with another skirt or slacks to create a new ensemble. Prints are popular this season and can easily be matched with a solid-color jacket, top or bottom.

• Think accessories – Simple post earrings and a colorful pin add the right touch of style to a suit worn during the day. But what if have to attend a gala event after work? Tuck a pair of elegant dangling earrings, a colorful scarf, and a pair of sling-back heels into your brief case. Exchange your "day" items for those you've brought re-apply your makeup, and you're ready!

• Coordinate separate articles of clothing – When shopping, think of your basic pieces so that you can select tops or bottoms that you can wear with more than one of your "core" articles of clothing. Mixing and matching allows you to have more "looks" with fewer pieces and gives you the option to purchase a few high-quality, well-fitted items, rather than many lesser-quality ones.

• Be adventurous – There is no reason why you can't pair a suit jacket with dress jeans. If you have to attend your child's baseball game after work, exchange your suit skirt or pants for dress jeans, change from heels to flats, and hog the bleachers. Or, exchange the suit jacket for a cute denim one and "dress down" that business look.

Look your chicest, save money, be good to planet: All these things are within your grasp if you make some of the following resolutions your own.

1. Resolution: Try a bold new makeup color

This is the year to take your makeup boldly where it hasn't been...since the 1980s.

Colorful makeup and polish can be transformative, without a long-term commitment – and it's relatively inexpensive.

Need more reasons? Brighter colors create drama; they lighten and brighten your face; and they're fun.

2. Resolution: Expand your denim horizons

These days pretty much anything goes on the denim front: high-waisted jeans with wide legs, skinny silhouettes, colored denim, white denim, cut-offs, even boyfriend jeans that are frayed and pegged.

An easy way to change up your look this year. Dip into the unchartered end of the jean pool.

3. Resolution: Discover the power of statement jewelry

Bold jewelry was big in 2008 – and it's only getting bigger. Literally.

Whether your accessory of choice is a chunky necklace, a large cuff, a standout belt or cocktail ring, let it make a statement!

Go strong with ornate metal pieces or choose something more whimsical, like a hand-crafted

4. Resolution: Do it yourself

For a wardrobe that's customized specifically for you – just make it!

You don't have to be an avid crafter or a gifted designer to do-it-yourself. There are tons of projects that are simple and inexpensive, and that will reflect your own unique style.

One of our favorite projects is both rock 'n roll and low cost (and requires little talent) – a shredded t-shirt.

5. Resolution: Pare down the products

He name of the eco-game is making do with less, and that's so much easier when your beauty products are doing more.

Switch to items that really earn their spot on the shower ledge. Try Perfect Organics Ultimate Body Wash, a shower gel that can double as a bubble bath or a shaving gel.

Also pick up this workhorse, Urban Decay Eye shadow Transforming Potion, which will turn any eye shadow into a liquid liner.

6. Resolution: Give your hair a break

When it comes to wearing denim, different rules apply to super models and average women. Runway goddesses can wear anything, but our shapes are a little less forgiving.

Jeans have survived generation after generation of come-and-go fashion fads, yet stand firm as an essential wardrobe staple. The key to looking good in denim is about understanding your body shape to find the perfect fit. Don't be a slave to fashion, and know how to accessorize jeans with pieces that compliment your look, rather than cheapen it.

Rule 1 – The Perfect Fit

• Ill-fitting jeans do nothing for your style or your silhouette. Finding the right pair is not so much about fashion, but more about style. Concern yourself with finding the correct shape for your body type rather than keeping up with the latest trend. Seek advice from a store's personal shopper; usually the service is free. Alternatively go to your favorite specialist jeans store and ask for help. These sales consultants know their stock well and have a good idea about each brand's styles and fits.

Rule 2 – Patience Pays Off

• There is no quick fix to finding the perfect pair of jeans. Even though you may be faithful to a particular brand, they will vary from cut to cut. No matter what size and shape you are, be prepared to go from shop to shop and spend several hours in the fitting room. When you finally find a fit that really flatters your silhouette, it is worth it in the end.

Rule 3 – Work and Play

• "Denim should be used but not abused," There is a time and a place for jeans, no matter how dressy they may be. Whilst they are ok for casual wear, a nightclub and semi-formal social occasions (and in some cases, work) when it comes to attending a big corporate event, a dress or smart pants win over every time. No matter how you dress it up, denim is always denim.

Rule 4 –Dress Up Your Jeans

• For a party, date or meal out, dress up jeans with a chic, trendy scarf or lots of great jewelry. Add a pair of flashy flats or look-at-me heels and you're off! A tucked-in classic white shirt and a narrow belt threaded through the belt loops can transform a casual pair of jeans into something much more elegant

Rule 5 – Fleeting Fashion Fads

• Do not follow short-lived seasonal trends at the expense of spoiling your look. Low-rise hipsters work on very few body shapes, and skinny jeans are best left to those with long legs and slim hips, although there are some exceptions. Flares and boot-leg cuts are far more forgiving, as are high or mid-waisted jeans.

Rule 6 – The Overstuffed Sausage Factor

• Avoid styles which cut into your hips or constrict your legs to the point of discomfort, (as in super-skinny jeans). High-waisted jeans are kinder to large stomachs and bottoms, not forgetting oneof the greatest recent fashion inventions, tummy-tuck jeans. No matter how much you love that skinny pair on the rack, do not, repeat not, try to squeeze yourself into too-tight jeans, at the expense of looking like an overstuffed sausage.

Rule 7 –Butt Cleavage

• Avoid butt-cleavage at all costs. In the UK, this is known as "Builder's Bum," an unsightly offering of butt peeking out from your waistband, made even worse if it tackily shows a glimpse of thong. If you are wearing low-waisted jeans, then make sure you pull up the waistband before you sit down, and pull down your shirt or top.

Rule 8 –Overspill – "The Muffin Top"

• Due to the current trend in low-waisted hipsters, a muffin top, caused by ill-fitting jeans is a common site amongst women who are trying too hard to be fashionable. Avoid any jeans which cause your flesh to spill out over the top of your waistband. Don't be downhearted – persevere until you find a better style, as this is usually not so much about size but more about finding the right cut and fit.

Rule 9 – Colored Jeans

• White is the new black this season, so white jeans are currently chic and trendy. Don't overdo other colors though, unless it's black or gray, which can dress up a pair of denims with an edgy elegance. Although stores are currently full of spring-like colored jeans, these are best left to women the right side of 24 and not a 40-year old.

Rule 10 – Build a Jeans Wardrobe

• Having at least one pair of great fitting, go-anywhere jeans is a crucial element in any woman's wardrobe," . To cover all bases, ideally you should have a pair for smart and casual wear, a close fit and a baggier fit, and a pair in a deep, dark rinse as well as a lighter wash.

You don't have to wear black everyday to look your sleekest. Try these simple figure flattering tips to elongate your body.

Here's How:

1. Opt for a monochromatic outfit.
2. Add contrast color or texture with a blazer, cardigan or overshirt.
3. Leave the blazer or cardigan unbuttoned for maximum vertical lines.
4. Any stripes on the garment should be vertical.
5. Choose scarves tied loosely with long, vertical dangling ends.
6. Match pantyhose hue to skirt or pant and shoe color.
7. Avoid big belts, which can cut you in half visually.
8. Use long necklaces or pendants and avoid chokers.
9. Wear skirts that are longer than they are wide.
10. Choose shoes with at least an inch heel: the taller the better.
11. · Elongate the neck with V-necks.

Tips:

1. Monochromatic doesn't have to mean boring. Mix textures to keep the look interesting (i.e. knits with leather)
2. If you are petite (5'3" or under) make sure you scale everything down : smaller prints, pockets, etc. so they don't overpower your figure.
3. Don't make the mistake of going for all long pieces. Go for contrasting proportions. Mix a longer jacket with a shorter skirt, shorter jacket with pants, etc.

• 3 cups of flour
• 2 cups of sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 9 tablespoons cocoa
• 2 cups of cold water
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 3/4 cup oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3. 3/4 cup peanut butter

Cake directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl using an electric mixer.
2. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 baking pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes.

Icing directions:

1. Mix confectioners sugar and milk - it will be thin.
2. Stir in peanut Butter, which will thicken the icing.
3. Ice your delicious cake