Fashion for less

Fashion for less

Fashion for less. We all have the desire to be fashionable, and in style, however, it does not have to cost a small fortune, look at how...
Fashion is a concept that we are all interested in to some extent. Anyone who watches television, or buys magazines that show people wearing clothing supports fashion. Celebrities are the biggest fashion billboards in media. Commercials and cataloogues no longer depict what is 'in' style, but rather, whatever celebrities are wearing is what we want to be wearing. We have all seen our favorite celebrities dressed in designer clothing and have said one of two things: (a) What ever possessed him/her to wear that? Or (b) Wow, I love that outfit, I wonder where I can get it? The latter of the two is usually followed by "If I could only afford that!" There are many trends that women are looking to follow this season, and it is very possible to spend hundreds of dollars on one outfit, and thousands on a new wardrobe to keep up with these short-lived trends. That outfit that you love, or the the style that you crave can be obtainable for a fraction of the cost.

One of the biggest trends this season is colour. Some of the hottest colours this season are reds and purples. You do not want to go out and spend a fortune on an entire wardrobe full of colours that will be outdated in three months. Instead, buy some key pieces in the season's hottest colours. Buy a shirt in purple or red to wear with a dark pant suit or skirt suit. You could also go for a skirt in one of the hot new colours. Your best bet is to stick with a few key articles though, rather then spending too much on an easily outdated wardrobe.

Leather is another big fashion statement this season, however, the cost of leather, along with the upkeep and wear is not very practical for just one or possible two seasons. If you want something that is leather, invest in a good leather car coat. It is a piece that will never go out of style, unless it is in an outragous colour. The less expensive, and more fun version of leather is pleather, a vinyl and synthetic blend of fabrics. It is a quarter of the cost of leather, it has a great shine to it, and the fabric allows the skin to breathe a little easier than with leather. Most pleather garments are easy to clean, which in the long run, saves you money in the dry cleaning department. Pleather pants are a great fashion staple, without the huge expense of their leather counterparts. These pants can be paired up with virtually anything for a casual look, but look the best matched up with a great tank for an evening look that will wow everyone.

Accessories in animal prints or hides are also hot this season, for both fall and winter. Crocodile and snake prints for shoes and boots are a must this year. Like most of the trends that we are following however, they will not last. Payless Shoe Source is a great place to pick up those fun shoes or boots for a very little amount of money. They have a wide selection of trendy shoes, and an even wider variety of colours and prices. Purses in animal hides such as pony or crocodile are also making a loud statement this season, and can be purchased very inexpensively. For actual jewellry, I tend to recommend that you buy timeless classics that you will not have to replace year after year. A few small pieces that are inexpensive and fun is a lot easier to part with when something else is hip.

If you are interested in buying 'retro' clothing, consignment and thrift stores are the best place to purchase gently worn treasures. You would be surprised what you can find in these stores. Some examples of my newest purchases... a patchwork leather purse that retails for over $100, I picked up for only $7.50. I also got a pair of platform wedge heels that retail for up around $60 for only $3.00. You do have to look closely, but you would be surprised with what you can find. If it is brand names or designer clothing that you are looking for, try outlet stores, or wait until the designer has a sale. Outlet stores generally sell clothing for 40-60% off the normal retail prices, and designer sales tend to happen at the end of the season. If you see in magazines or feel like the item will be a hit again the following season, then purchase it. Some good designer items to get on sale are coats, like a pea coat, this will never go out of style, black dresses, and dress pants in dark colours. All of these items remain timeless classics year, after year.

It is very possible as you can see to buy that favorite celebrities clothing without spending an entire paycheck on one item. Next timt that you see a star wearing something that you want, write down a list or cut out the picture and take it along with you, and copy it, but at a fraction of the cost. Happy shopping, and remember, it doesn't take thousands to look like a million bucks!!!

7 Tips for Improving Your Basketball Shoe Grip

7 Tips for Improving Your Basketball Shoe Grip

Basketball shoes that are old and flat on the bottom can have very little grip on the court. Playing basketball is a very difficult task when your feet are sliding around on the court, but there are steps you can take to improve your shoe grip. It is possible to tighten up your basketball shoe grip greatly with these tips.

1) Washing your shoes can improve your basketball shoe grip greatly. Overtime, dust and particles build-up on the soles of shoes, and fill in the texture on the sole. This reduces the friction the shoe is able to have on the court, losing your shoe grip.
Take a scrubby and some soapy water and go at it. Hold the sole facing down if you do not want any water getting into the inside of the shoe. Scrub the bottom sufficiently with the soap, and then let the shoes air dry. The next time on the court, you will notice improved basketball shoe grip to help you maneuver.

2) Don't use aftermarket basketball shoe grip enhancers. These are often liquids or gels you rub on the sole to make them more sticky. While at first it sounds like a good idea, once you get on the court, it doesn't work as planned.
The sticky shoes pick up every piece of dust you step on. Soon your basketball shoes will be a collection of dirt, providing a slick surface for you to slip on the court with.
If you still want to try it for yourself, cheaper alternatives to the expensive shoe grip products include pop or hair spray.

3) Convince your coach or school to invest in sticky mats instead. Most big games already use these. They are mats which have several layers of sticky sheets on which you step on to clean the bottom of your shoe. Peel off a new layer before every game to have a great shoe cleaner before you step onto the court. These are very necessary for you to have perfect basketball shoe grip before you play.

4) Of course the main cause of slippery courts is the dust which accumulates on the floor. Ask a janitor or coach to sweep the floors before games, or take it upon yourself, so that shoes have the best chance at grip. Simply sweeping the floors yourself before a game can improve your's and everyone else's basketball shoe grip tremendously. While it may not be a fun job, it is very rewarding on the court later.

5) A temporary solution to improving your basketball shoe grip is to wipe your shoes with your hand before each play. Adding saliva to your soles can give you the extra boost of shoe grip you need before the big play. It isn't very fun or hygienic, but it does temporarily help you with shoe grip when you need it.

6) If all the above tips still haven't helped you, a final, last ditch effort is to scar the soles with a knife. If your soles are flat and smooth, the obvious solution would be to add texture. Take a knife, and run slices across the shoe's sole to add texture. Make sure the cuts are deep enough to provide friction.
Be careful not to have the knife slip off of the shoe and stab yourself. I recommend setting the shoe on a surface in front of you rather than in your lap or hand.
If the rubber on the shoe is dried out, chances are this tip will not help much. Instead, I recommend the following tip.

7) By far, the easiest way to get more basketball shoe grip is to go out and purchase a new pair of basketball shoes. If you are just looking to get by until next season, you can find quality shoes for as cheap as $20 at sports stores. New shoes come with fresh rubber on the soles, and have much better shoe grip than an old pair could ever have. Safe yourself the time and effort of reviving an old pair, and just purchase some new shoes.