Metroholica

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Make a well in the center. In a separate bowl, beat together egg, milk and oil. Pour milk mixture into flour mixture. Beat until smooth.
3. Pour or scoop the batter onto the hot griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Look around and you'll see that everything is coming up roses...and tulips and daffodils, as fabulous floral burst onto centre stage in the fashion world.

You may think flowers are reserved only as a way to show congratulations or love. They may hold a special space in your closet and come out only when the sun is shining. Well, think again, because summer fashion trends were dominated by floral prints

With the onset of spring and summer it's no surprise that seasonal floral rear their head once again. This season fashion floral have emerged bigger, brighter and bolder

Bold and bright or sweet and feminine, floral prints and flower-inspired designs are pretty fashionable for spring 2009. Get the scoop on how to wear this fresh style:

There are flowers on the runways! Everything's coming up roses, tulips, peonies, and more for spring 2009. One of the season's freshest trends came right from the hothouse as flower power made a huge splash across women's designer ready to wear collections of the season.

 'Flowers are the essence of summer. That's why, without fail, it almost always becomes a trend during the spring-summer season and this year it's the hottest trend.

While flowers are the essence of springtime, innovative designers went beyond the dated, bland granny prints and instead piloted a fresher course. Designers followed the season's lead with delightful sartorial displays of vibrant floral illustrations and hand-painted treatments.

How to Wear the Flower Trend

You don't have to be an airy fairy romantic type to fall in love with floral prints. Mix floral with another print such as stripes for a more creative look, just make sure you choose colors that match and complement each other. Be warned - any more than two different prints just doesn't work.

Florals don't just come in chiffons and silks, try them in cottons and linens too which gives a completely different effect. Even ruffles can be chic if the look is right. Petal-inspired trim, such as flouncy ruffles and flowing frills are a fun way to add a touch of floral whimsy to an outfit

Make sure that the floral prints do not overpower your entire body. Accentuate the floral prints on a shirt by pairing them with simple plain slacks, skirt or jeans, and vice versa.

 Fashionistas allergic to the in-your-face impact of oversized flowery patterns can opt for a quainter interpretation of the flower trend by selecting summery frocks, sexy halter tops, pretty blouses and silky scarves with mid-sized botanical prints.

And if you still think floral fashions are more granny than avant garde, flirt with dresses and skirts featuring shorter hemlines: showing off your stems will keep your look daring and just a bit coquettish.

Off the shoulder is hot this season and a floral Peasant tunic top, accented with velvet, reeks of romanticism. This style can be worn by all sizes.

If florals still feel a little too ladylike for your wardrobe, look to accessories to get in on the act of looking blooming' beautiful. Women wearing floral prints should update the bohemian look with new accessories such as strappy heels or a thick embossed belt.
If you do not want to completely flow with this trend, spruce up a normal outfit with simple flower accessories like a brooch or hairpin or belt. This way, you can still keep ahead with the trend and tuck a freshly cut flower behind your ear.

Fashion is always evolving and the latest happening thing is nail art. India's latest fashion stopover- it is not enough to have just well manicured hands! Beautiful nails enhance the beauty of hands. Getting nails stenciled; painted, even pierced has become a rage in the various metros. Gone are the days of painting your nails with only one color.

Nail art has become very popular the world over in the last decade or so. Be it on the toes of one's hands or one's feet, nail art has emerged as a fashion statement. Simple nail art can be made at one's home. There are several nail art studios that have come up all over the world, which one can visit for more elaborate and professional designs. A hard protein known as keratin is required for the formation of nails which provide a protective gear to toes and fingers. They act as tools for man and animal to perform their normal tasks. Nail care for beauty and decoration has become very popular in the last few decades.

Any person specializing in general and specific nail care techniques - is called a nailist. A nailist's work consists of cutting, decorating and caring for nails. The term nail art is particularly applied to the field of designing and creating artificial nails. A nailist normally operates from nail shops or nail salons.

Nail art is a very specialized cosmetic field. Nail lacquering, nail painting, nail decoration and nail piercing are some different nail art ideas, which are popular all over the world. Nail art was popular in ancient India in the form of henna painting and application of fragrances. Ancient Indian tribes were also very adept at spectacular nail decorations

Commonly, nail art is understood to be painting the nails. However, in fact, nail art encompasses a wide range of alternatives, as under:

1) Painting on the nails:

The process of painting the nails is an elaborate one, and gives the best results when performed by a skilled nail artist. First of all, the nails are cleaned and the dead skin and cuticles around the nails are removed. Thereafter, a base coat of paint is applied on them, usually of white color, so as to ensure that the design shows up prettily. In some cases, if a natural look is desired, no base coat is applied. A coat of activation polish is applied on top of this, which ensures that the design dries quickly. Finally, the required design is painted on the nail. Bright colors like silver, gold, red, blue, green, and black are preferred over lighter colors.

Digital nail painting is the latest innovation in the area of nail art.. Under this process, the design is scanned into a computer. After the activation coat is applied on the nails, the client is required to put his or her hands into the machine, the design gets printed on the client's nails in the exact reproduction of the original.

2) Applying embellishments:

Some people have been known to decorate their nails using different kinds of embellishments. These decorations can be anything from glitter, beads, feathers, stones or flowers, and are glued on the surface of the nail. Precious or semi-precious embellishments can be made use of.

3) Piercing:

Nail piercing is another form of nail art that is very popular in today's times. It refers to the act of piercing the nail, in a fashion similar to the piercing of any other body part, and wearing a piece of jewellery in it.

Usually, small rings and other miniscule pieces of jewellery are preferred for use in a nail piercing. Wearing ghungroos is a popular fad in India in today's times.

4) Acrylic nails:

Acrylic nails art is a craze with modern Indian women. Acrylic nails have become so popular because of their vast and vibrant color palette and wonderful designer patterns. Nail designers are also making custom designs to suit the taste of individual clients. Acrylic nails are also very convenient for every day use. Acrylic nails can also be used to hide ordinary brittle nails for special occasions. Popular models and society women are now patronizing particular nail designs to make individual design statements. Technically acrylic nails are made with a polymer. A polymer is a powdered product whereas a monomer is a liquid product of the acrylic family. For acrylic nail painting work, these two are mixed and applied on the nail. Acrylic paint dries very fast and creates very durable, strong and thick artificial nails.

Accessories for the Nails:

Nail Stripes:

Nail stripes of various shapes, designs can be bought and used while decorating your nails. You should peel off desired stripe carefully and try using tweezers for clean effect. Starting at the cuticle, you should gently lay stripe across nail in desired position. Then, trim off the excess. Lastly, gently apply pressure with fingertip to secure it in place.

Gold & silver nail Charms:

Gold and silver charms are also a very good nail art accessory which gives a very good nail design and is easy to use. Choose the desired charm and peel off paper backing. Place it on nail in the preferred location. Gently press down with fingertip to secure.

The Cloth Effect:

Give your nails two coats of paint and then while they are still slightly wet, press a patterned (lint free) piece of cloth or chamois leather lightly on them. As the cloth is lifted, it leaves a pattern similar to the texture of the cloth on the nails.

Assorted stars & Dots:

You can either use stars and dots to paint your nail or use nail polish with stars and glitter floating in them. For nail art with assorted stars and dots, pour out a small amount of stars or dots onto a paper plate. Moisten end of manicure stick. Pick up individually by touching moistened end of stick to star or dot. Place on nail in desired location, pressing gently to secure. If the star or dot is not securing to nail, you can apply a small amount of Nail Art Sealer to nail first.

Nail Stickers:

Nail stickers also give the desired effect and you can choose various designs. Remove selected sticker from sheet using tweezers. Place onto nail in desired location. Gently apply pressure with finger to secure.

Your Own Design:

Instead of using ready-made designs, you can let your imagination go wild and have your own nail art design. Paint a base color of any shade you like and let your nails dry. Then by freehand painting or by using an artist's airbrush create designs on your nails instead of a canvas

The parlor artistically paints the nails turning them into a mini canvas, decoratively arranging gems and foils and by piercing them with rings and chains. The cost of a nail job can range from a few hundred rupees for a single glittered dot glued to one pinky nail to a few thousand rupees for a set of five-cms "sculptured" nails attached to each finger. Nail art or creative-painting designs on nails is a rage in the West and now India too seems not to be far behind where earlier only face, hair and body were taken utmost care of. So with this Nail art, let your nails highlight your hands, fire up your fingers that point to the real you.!!

Welcome to the world of Valentine Gifts, a world of sharing and caring, giving and forgiving, loving and being loved. As known by all Valentine's Day is the day of love, so on this special day do not miss an opportunity to eternalize your love with Valentine Gifts. Love is a special gift bestowed on us by the God but it needs to be nurtured with the light of faith, water of faithfulness and air of love. Wrapped in faith, sincerity and love, Valentine Gifts enriches the soul and makes the heart sing. Nowadays, Valentine's Day gift cover a wide range of personal styles and tastes. And in the midst of dizzying assortment of gifts, selecting that perfect gift for that perfect someone is surely a befuddling task.

If you are not able to decide the valentine day's gift, I am always there to help you

Cologne

You can't go wrong with giving cologne on Valentine's Day. Something like Hot by Benetton

Leather wallet

You need to be aware of one's likings and disliking while picking a gift for one. If you are shopping for your man, one of the most appreciated gifts is a new wallet,buy a gift for him wallets of his favorite color could help you express the best of feelings for him inside you. . It makes a perfect Valentine's Day gift. Gifts make a relationship more intimate.

Portfolio Bags

Money can get you whatever gift you want to buy for your loved one but before buying anything make sure that he would like your gift. Portfolio bags could be a nice piece as a gift for him.

Watch

If the man in your life is always on the run, a new watch is a very practical Valentine's Day gift. A stylish wristwatch on his wrist could make him look ultramodern. So tell him how much you care for him by presenting a wristwatch with different looks on this Valentine's Day.

PSP Player

All men love gadgets, If you are planning to buy something around Rs.10,000 buy a PSP for your man

MP3 player

Music always makes a wonderful gift. Give your guy an MP3 .He will be able to listen to his favorite tunes no matter where he goes. (You can download your favorite tracks)

Lingerie

Although the lingerie isn't technically for him, he'll undoubtedly appreciate the gift - to say the least. Spice up your love life with a satin and lace teddy or a garter belt and stockings.

When invitations come with a dress code, read carefully; learn what clothing is most appropriate for casual, cocktail, semi-formal, formal & black tie dress codes.

You want to make an entrance at a party and make a statement. To make sure that statement is "Wow," and not "Huh?" read invitations with a dress code carefully, know your audience, and dress accordingly.

Casual Attire

Casual dress code basically means that (almost) anything goes, subject to good taste, of course. Dressing casually means that you can choose something that is comfortable, which probably won't require a shopping trip to assemble the outfit, but please do make an effort! Casual – as in "Casual Fridays" does not mean that it's okay to wear pajamas, sweat pants or track suits, fitness gear, or skimpy clothes.

Avoid wearing clothes emblazoned with slogans and logos, and while jeans are generally considered to be acceptable for casual events, for a more pulled-together look, it's wisest to wear fashionable, designer, or dark wash denim and reserve worn, ripped or tatty jeans for yard-work or vegging out at home.

Dressy Casual Dress Code

Dressy casual – also known as smart casual – means that pants and trousers are acceptable, but jeans are not, even $300 designer ones. Trendy and fun tops are a great choice for dressy casual, but don't wear a T-shirt. Business casual is a tricky variation of dressy casual in which low-cut, cleavage-baring tops are a no-no.

Cocktail attire means you should wear a short dress, and you can let your most fabulously fun self shine when putting together an outfit for the cocktail attire dress code. Choose a fantastic short dress, killer high heels, and funky and expressive jewelry. Other dress codes which are pretty much synonymous with cocktail attire include: black-tie optional, informal, and semi-formal.

Black Tie Dress Code

Black tie attire is nearly always reserved for evening events in which you can blossom into a beautiful, butterfly and live the fashion fantasy version of who you are. Men are expected to suit up in tuxedos at black tie affairs, and women are expected to wear a long dress or a cocktail dress. But just because all the guys will be wearing black it doesn't mean that you have to; take this opportunity to stand out from the crowd by wearing bold colors, fabulous jewelry, and any other accessories that help make your statement and entrance absolutely smashing.

Formal is the same thing as black tie. Creative black tie means there is a theme – but be careful that you don't come off looking like you're wearing a costume. And white tie is a souped-up version of black tie, where you should wear a ball gown.

Many people express themselves through the type of clothing they wear, while others do so through the kind of haircut they wear. Another way to express your individuality is through body piercing. Getting certain parts of your body pierced entails more responsibility, especially right after you get the piercing. This is especially true for some of the most sensitive areas where piercing is done, including the lips.

Taking care of a piercing is like taking care of a little wound that need to be given adequate time to heal. If you don't wanna turn you body piercing you should read the following tips

Know the risks before you have your body pierced…

• Bacterial infection (where you had the piercing)
• Excessive (a lot of) bleeding
• Allergic reactions (especially to certain kinds of jewelry)
• Damage to nerves (for example, you may lose feeling at the area that gets pierced)
• Keloids (thick scarring at the piercing site)
• Dental damage (swelling and infection of tongue, chipped and broken teeth, choking on loose jewelry)

How to clean your new piercing?

1. Wash your hands first with soap and water before touching or cleaning the pierced area. (Don't let anyone else touch the pierced area until it is healed.)
2. Remove any crusty material from the site and from the jewelry with warm water.
3. Gently wash the area around the piercing with antibacterial soap (liquid soap works the best).
4. Gently rinse off all of the soap and crusty discharge.
5. Gently dry the area with a paper towel or plain white napkin. (Bacteria can stay in cloth towels.)
6. Do steps 1-5 twice a day until the skin heals. (Over-washing or over-scrubbing can irritate the area.)
7. Do NOT use antibacterial ointments because they don't allow air to get to the area and they trap bacteria.

How to prevent infections after piercing

Preventing infections is really not hard. It shouldn't take a lot of your time to keep your piercing clean and the good news is, you won't have to worry about complications if you keep it clean.

• Do NOT use alcohol or Peroxide to clean the area. (Both products will dry out your skin.) Other strong solutions such as Betadine will discolor gold jewelry.
• Rinse the pierced skin after exercising since sweat may irritate the piercing.
• Keep the pierced area from coming in contact with other people's body fluids, such as saliva and sweat. (Do not have oral sexual contact for 4-6 weeks if you have a tongue, lip, or genital piercing).
• Keep things clean that come in contact with the body part that has been pierced. For example, keep your phone clean if you have an ear piercing, keep your glasses clean for ear and eyebrow piercings, cover your ear lobe with a tissue if you use hair spray, and try not to apply makeup close to piercing sites.
• Wear clean clothing with soft fabric for navel piercings. Avoid wearing jeans because the material can be irritating.
• Don't wear pantyhose, leotards, belts, or tight clothing while a navel piercing is healing.
• Wear loose fitting clothing with a navel piercing, to let the air help with healing.
• Check your jewelry many times during the day to see if any parts have become loose, especially if you have a tongue piercing. If a bar becomes loose, you can accidentally swallow it or damage a permanent tooth.
• Do NOT use a hot tub or swim in public pools until your piercing has healed.
• Rinse tongue or lip piercings after every meal or snack. Rinse for 30 to 60 seconds after eating with an antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash, or a warm salt water rinse. Or, alternately, make a mix with one part water, and one part hydrogen-peroxide, and apply it directly to the piercing site with a cotton swab. The bubbling peroxide can help remove food stuck in the site.
• Throw out your old toothbrush and get a new, soft-bristled toothbrush if you have a tongue or lip piercing. This is to avoid exposure to bacteria from your old toothbrush.
• See your dentist for regular checkups and if you think you have a problem. Studies have shown that people who have piercings in their mouth are much more likely to have injuries to their teeth and gums.
• Eat healthy foods. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals help your body heal.

With today's ever-changing fashion trends, it's hard to say what's acceptable and what's now a faux pas. Over time, the conventions of fashion have somewhat shifted. Remember when you couldn't wear white after Labour Day? Today, it's not only acceptable to bend the rules, it's incredibly chic. Here are five fashion taboos to break this season:

Old rule number one: You can't wear brown and black together
I never understood why this combination was considered off limits. This fall, brown and black are the coolest colour duo. It's a popular match for knitted ponchos and colour-blocked knee-high boots – the effect is surprisingly pleasing. Wear them in patterns or highlight a brighter item for visual interest.

Old rule number two: Metallic items are for night wear only
a little goes a long way when you're adding some shimmer to your outfit. One item is usually enough to make a statement. Now, a glittery tank beneath a cardigan or a sparkly brooch on a scarf is the perfect metallic hit for the office. Best of all, it will allow you to carry that same outfit over to your after-work date. Just remove the jacket for fresh look, or pin the brooch onto your belt loops for a stylish alternative

Old rule number three: You can't combine two different prints in one outfit
Mixing prints is no longer considered clown-like. In fact, it's one of the most fashionable statements you can make this season. The trick is to stay within the same colour family. If you're wearing a pink and brown striped shirt, try a graphic floral skirt in the same shades. Another trick is to mix up print sizes. If the blossoms on your skirt are bold, pair it with a daintily-flowered top. TIP: Two patterns are enough when it comes to mixing and matching.

Old rule number four: You have to match your bag to your shoes
with so many amazing accessories this fall (mock-croc leather bags in jewel tones, highly decorated heels, gold and silver clasps), how can we restrict ourselves to just one shade or style? To rebel against this age-old rule, experiment with the different items in your closet. Try pairing a brown handbag with red suede heels, for example, or pink shoes with a navy embroidered tote.

Old rule number five: Wearing more than two pieces of jewelry is over-the-top
Minimalism is over. Now is the time to wear more than one glittery ring with a pair of dangling earrings, multiple necklaces or a vintage brooch. Vintage styles have made a comeback – their opulence is perfect for the season. You can scour second-hand boutiques for that ideal retro find, or try stores such as Banana Republic, Le Château and Old Navy that now offer an extravagant selection.

Black and white are two colors that always look classic and make an outfit look pulled together.

But there are good and bad ways to achieve this look. Remember that other fashion rules still apply.

How NOT to Wear Black and White

The biggest fashions don't in black and white dressing is to wear black dress pants and a white button down shirt together. Not only is it very plain, it is the basic wardrobe or waitresses, hostesses, and bus boys everywhere. When going out for a nice dinner, you don't want to look like the help. Simply switch things up with white cigarette pants and a ruffled black blouse with a keyhole opening in back.

Another important thing to remember when dressing in black and white is that the rules of black being slimming and white adding width still applies. This can be used to your advantage if you wear a top that has more white on top if you are small chested and have narrow shoulders, and vice versa. A white and black dress should have a black belt at the waist as opposed to a white one. White shoes are fine if you are wearing white bottoms, even after Labor Day, but if breaking that out-dated rule makes you uncomfortable, opt for metallic shoes such as silver or gold. Black tights are a yes, but white tights should be left to little girls.

What's Black and White and Fabulous All Over?

If your black and white clothing is polka dots, make sure they are oversized. Small polka dots will date you. Any large graphic black-and-white print is popular, and you can kick it up a notch or tone it down a notch by what you pair with it. A lime green tank with a black and white floral skirt draws attention, while the same skirt with a black sweater calms the look down. Put the tank under the sweater and you are ready to go from work to a night on the town.

Black and white is generally a more pulled together look, but if you want to wear black and white dressed down, pair a black-and-white checked shirt with your favorite jeans. Or wear a black and white print t-shirt under a black jacket with white piping.

Black shoes are versatile and probably something you already own, but black shoes with white details pack more punch and help pull the outfit together. For your jewelry accessories, you can go all the way with black and white enamal bangles or cuffs. Otherwise choose to add a shot of color with multicolored strands of necklaces or add some shine with a mix of silver and gold.

Black and white is always in fashion, but use your good style sense to play it up, down, formal, or casual.

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.

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.

Whether you are ten or eighty years old and whether you are in a committed relationship or not, you are never safe from a healthy crush. Having a crush on somebody is just another way of saying that you like somebody a little more than the average Joe. Most people will admit to having crushes on a famous athlete or a gorgeous celebrity, but sometimes we start to have crushes on people who are around us every day. Aside from writing your name and your crush's name encircled in a big heart over and over again, what are some ways to know that you like a guy or have a crush on him? , How to tell if you like a guy or have a crush on him.

1. Take notice of how you and your body respond next time you see him. If you feel nervous or feel your heart skip a beat or start to sweat, you possibly like him.
2. Count how many times you think about him a day. If you think about him more than several times, you probably like him
3. Notice what you think about when you think of the guy. If thinking of him makes you nervous, excited or happy, you probably have a crush on him.
4. You look forward to spend more time with him
5. When you're getting dressed in the morining before school, collage or work you always think "Will _____ like this?" Or something similar
6. are you feel jealous when he's around other girls and/or flirts with them.
7. Notice whenever you try to go to the same exact place where he is.
8. Notice whenever you try to make a guy jealous. This may be a sign you like him.
9. if you think of him while you read this page and you talk to your friends about him a lot.
10. Notice whenever you try to get his attention,if you try to make friends with his friends, or keep finding reasons to get close to him.
11. Notice whenever you try to get information about him.
12. Notice if you feel jealous or get mad at him for any little thing he does.
13. Notice if your friend says you blush whenever he's around or his name is mentioned.
14. Notice if your friends tell you that you were staring at him, and you don't even realize it.
15. If you talk about him in one of your conversations to anybody who will listen, he is stuck in your mind, and you probably like him.

Fashion's a breeze when you've got money to blow. But getting that fresh-from-the-runway look gets tricky when you're short on cash. Here's how to look good for less in a material world:

Redefine the word sale

Sounds basic, but to really save a bundle on clothes you have to be willing to pass up enticing promotions (15% off; free shipping; gift with purchase) and hold out for the hard-core sales (40% off is good; 50% and up will land you a buy for almost what it cost the retailer).

Don't stop buying

Counterintuitive? Well, think about dieting and how you pass on sweets and carbs until you binge. Scary, but it can happen with pent-up shopping desires, too (and credit card debt racked up in a binge will end up costing you a fortune). Satiate the fashion lover in you with a very small treat: you set the amount and frequency ($10 a month for new earrings, etc.) Pay with cash.

Shop in season

Sure, stuff is cheaper when bought at the end of the season or even out of season. And that's fine if you're just looking for any old thing to wear. But if you love fashion (and you do, or you wouldn't be here), you should shop as close to the season as possible. Otherwise you'll just waste your money on trends that will be out of style by the time the next year rolls around.

Swap with pals

Friends that wear your size (and share your taste) are a gold mine. You can even go large scale and organize a swap meet where everyone can switch shoes, clothes, etc.

Become a do-it-yourself whiz

Learn to whip together a new outfit on the sewing machine or simply turn old jeans into a new skirt. Recycling is an easy update: a ruffle on last year's skirt, a bow at the ankle of three-year-old strappy sandals.

Impending motherhood is a joyous time in a woman's life, but even the most secure of women dread the near-inevitable occurrence of pregnancy stretch marks.

This is because many women in today's society feel the pressure to maintain a veneer of perfection at all times. Becoming a mother doesn't erase that drive; in fact, the pressure to "have it all" and look flawless while you do it can be even more intense.

However, when it comes to preventing stretch marks during pregnancy, which can be as devastating mentally for a woman as any other type of scarring, there is almost a "How can you think about that when you have a baby on the way!" type of mentally that undercuts valid feminine emotions.

A woman doesn't stop being a woman because she is mother—she is both a woman and a mother—the two are intertwined and if one aspect is not fulfilled, the other aspect flounders. A woman has to be in balance to be effective as a mother.

Just use followings tips to avoid stretch marks

a) Drink lots of water and keep your skin hydrated. When you drink water, your body is hydrated and also your skin is hydrated. This will help in preventing this problem from occurring.

b) Eat many of the food items that have lots of Vitamins A, E and C. These vitamins help in your skin's regeneration and rejuvenation. This tip is a good one that may help you to avoid this condition from appearing in the first place.

c) Maintain an exercise regimen and be sure that you follow it strictly. Exercises not only keep your body fit but it also aids in increased collagen formation and strengthening your body and underlying tissue and muscle structure which may also assist you in being able to avoid this problem.

If you have gotten stretch marks even after following all of these precautionary methods, the best solution to try and remove them is to use some of the many stretch mark creams that are available by prescription or over the counter. They range in price from cheap to very expensive. They work effectively though, for many people. They are mostly one of the cheapest methods that you can find to treat stretch marks.

You don't have to be slim to look stylish and well dressed; you just need to know what suits your shape, and how to make the most of your curves!

Creating a stylish look is all about balance and proportions. Very few women are lucky enough to have perfectly proportioned bodies. Those lucky ones tend to look great whatever they wear. As for the rest of us, we cheat!

By using different cuts, styles, fabrics, colors, and patterns, you can enhance your best bits, detract attention away from those bits you'd rather hide, and give your body balance, so you look stylish and fashionable whatever size you are.

Styling tips for boyish figure girls-For all you the perfect dress is dat is clinched at the waist and flares out below, creating the illusion of curves. Choose medium sized prints in medium to bright colours.Accessorise with a belt .Ruffles and frills add a hint of feminity.you can carry off elaborate puffed and gathered sleeves. The knee and just above knee lengths are ideal 4 u.Go for flared dress.

Styling tips for voluptuous figure-You girls are very lucky, girls die to get dis figure. You have a little to hide and a lot to show, so you can safely wear any style without going wrong. show your curves in a figure hugging dress dat too v-neck.dont over accessorize yourself only one or two will do for u.High heels are flattering on you. the knee lengths are perfect for you.

Styling tips for petite figure-For you all minimal and non bulky dresses are perfect. Pick a dress dat do not use lot of fabric, you can experiment yourself with tailored and structured dresses. Go for shift, sheaths and trapeze dresses. Showing your legs tends to make you look taller.

Styling tips for apple-bottomed figure-classic, a-line dresses are perfect for you all. stay away from dresses, mid calf and long-lengths look good on you. Accessorize with medium sized belt and pumps. Best is going for a-line dresses and maxi dresses.

Styling tips for big bellied figure-try for deep v-necks and empire lines dat will help you take attention from your belly. do not wear buckles and belts around your wait. A ranched dress may help to camouflage the belly baggage too. Go for medium-rise trousers with flat fonts works well.

1. When your boss calls your name, take a deep breath. It will all be over soon.

2. If you are called into his office and told to shut the door; smile, shut the door, sit down, and shut up. He can't say anything you don't already know, and if he says something that you deem incorrect, you have the right to defend yourself. Present yourself with confidence.

3. By now you're probably pissed. If you don't smoke cigarettes, go outside anyway. Call a friend. Grab a co-worker and go have a laugh in the pantry or anywhere that can keep you away, even if for just a minute.

4. Having co-workers who you really get along with should be at the top of your list of "reasons to stay in this job." There are so many stressors in the workplace, but if you have people around you who you can relate to, it helps calm your nerves and control your emotions.

5. If you work in an environment where you hate your co-workers as much as you hate your boss, then call someone. your friends mom, dad, or brother could help cheer you up. You could also go to metroholica.com to get some useful tips.

6. Don't forget who you are. Never let someone make you feel like less of a person. don't let anyone ruin you happiness, don't be a victim. And if you ever feel that it has gone too far, go to the next person above your supervisor. If all else fails, call the HR. or find a new Job.

All that glitters is not gold…..but yes….all that glitters can make a fashion statement.

Sequined ensembles were seen on disco divas and crooners of local bands. But the gleaming sequin had a dramatic turn-around and suddenly found favour with designers all over the world.

Bling is in girls, not only on clothes but on everything….Saris bathed in sequins, all-over sequined shift dresses, sequined minis, sequined boleros and jackets, sequined wide-legged pants and even sequined stockings have been shown by the designers, both desi and international on the runway. Now you can get sequins in muted tones with lesser shine, different shapes and then there are machines that can sew in sequins neatly on fabric within minutes. And of course the glitz is back in fashion.

But too much of anything is bad. Going all-out in a sequinned dress is great for the party season, but keep your silhouette simple and keep the accessories to basic and that too in muted tones. For the not-so-daring divas, sequins do well in bit-parts: try a clutch with an otherwise quieter outfit, or throw on a bohemian sequinned bolero. You can smarten sequins buy adding them into plain tailoring, like on the side-seams of pants or just on the hem of the skirts. Flashy sequinned trousers can look great with a plain blouse - equally, a sequinned top will go with jeans or tux trousers. Sequinned saris too look chic. A black net sari with all-over sequins is great for a cocktail soiree. Sequins have something of the angelic about them, And in present times of economic gloom, a dash of glitz will go a long way to heighten your mood and your fashion statement. So go, shine on with shiny, crazy sequins!