The Curvy Campaign
It started out as an appeal to the real world of American woman who do not tout a size 2. The Fashion Week has decided to revamp its agenda to cater not only to art of clothing but to choose a more realistic looking-glass and honor those of us with curves. A four day tribute to the full-figured woman began with fashion shows, panel discussions, and a runway competition. Fashion Week is holding its second annual event in Manhattan, New York with 35 sponsors this year. The Full figured Fashion Week will include guest speakers from reality shows like America’s Next Top Model winner Whitney Thompson who will receive an award during an awards ceremony. The will also give a finale runway show featuring designs by a former contestant of Project Runway Qristyl Frazier.
Donna Karan 2010 Summer Resort Wear
Donna Karan stated that she was inspired by the elements to create her fall collection. Once again, she has dreamed up the summer collection of breezy designs with wearable fabrics and color like draped dresses and soft skirts. Karan’s fashions display a strong sense of movement and femininity that is not easily achieved by
other designers.
Off the runway, the models donned in slight dresses and suits in pale neutrals the appear simply weightless. The dresses have simple folds or wrap styles that are absolutely fabulous for any woman’s frame. These stunning designs will prove to complete any summer wardrobe. I can see it all now, Cayman Islands here I come!
http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2010/resort/main/newyork/womenrunway/donnakaran/
Great Styles Under $60
Most people love a bargain. I know I do, and so do the ladies over at GoodHouseKeeping.com. Check out some great styles under $60 that will give a mush needed style upgrade to your wardrobe.
The white denim jacket is a must-have for anyone because it has sustained over time. Add a tank and a skirt for you sense of style, and an oversized belt.
Tropic or floral prints to celebrate the summer season will start you off on the right foot. This look is effortless, yet fun enough that it can be worn for work or for play.
This affordable piece brings plenty of style and pizzazz with its green trim and lavish print.
Complete an ensemble to a concert with pencil straight pants, a flower print, and a crisp white shirt. Play up bold colors like coral, gold, reds, and yellows this summer to turn up the temperature of your wardrobe.
To see more styles visit www.goodhousekeeping.com.
M.A.C. Makes a Crayon
This year, Mac is truly out of the box, or at least the crayon box!
Mac’s new colour play creates a striking look for your lips. This light weight lip stain features the bright look. Mac delivers this new lip stick with the marker style, has a felt-tip nib, and goes on with precision and accuracy! So this could only mean one thing, no lip liner is needed! This marker creates a stain to last the entire night. The colors range from red, orange, pink, and purple. Once you apply the marker to your lips apply a clear gloss to complete your look, giving your lips a luscious shine. Two simple steps is all it takes to turn heads. This out of the box crayon is only $16.00 so go ahead and grab summer’s top beauty secret!
Shape FX Dresses
Have you heard about Shape FX? The brand is said to be the only one of its kind that offers fashion forward designs with body-enhancing benefits built into the dress. That’s right! Shape FX wants to be your only source for “figure-perfecting designs.” Each design is strategically made to smooth any flaws with power mesh control panels, woven control panels, and color blocking to enhance assets.
Hold-You-In Lace Panel Sheath Dress
The dress is a two toned look and is belted at the waist to create a curvier silhouette. The dress has contrasting front and back panels and a shelf bra for added support. The belt gives the illusion that you have a smaller waist plus the spandex in the fabric provides a comfortable smooth fit.
Versatile Convertible Dress
The Versatile Dress has the power mesh bodysuit to slim the waist and lift the bottom, in addition to the built-in bra for shape and support. The dress can be worn in four different ways: a halter, a bandeau, a tank, or a one-shoulder style. The wrap was designed to slim the midriff and define the torso with comfortable control.
Hold-You-In Pencil Dress
The Pencil Dress was designed with a low v-neckline, front-zip side panel insets, and spandex support. The fabric and cut of the dress is to camouflage any imperfections, slim the waist, and create curves in the places you want them.
Buyer Beware: Splenda (Sucralose)
When summer rolls around it is tempting to use food and drink with artificial sweeteners in an attempt to cut down on calories, surprisingly, no research has ever convincingly shown that using these products contributes to weight loss. The artificial sweetener sucralose (brand name Splenda®) has been increasingly added to processed foods. Sucralose is a sugar that has been chemically altered to create chlorocarbon. Chlorocarbon is a sugar enhanced with CHLORINE! The chlorine causes Splenda to pass through the body largely unabsorbed, and thus reducing the caloric intake.
Splenda® can be Gut Wrenching: Research suggests that Splenda®, while FDA– approved, may be doing damage as it passes through the intestines. According to an article in Dr. David William’s newsletter Alternatives, Research with Rats, “Splenda® can reduce the amount of beneficial bacteria in the intestines by as much as 50 percent, increase the Ph level in the intestines, increase body weight, and cause the re-routing or inactivation of certain drugs through the alteration of glycoprotein levels.”
Splenda® has Something in Common with Organochlorine Pesticides: The sucralose molecular structure resembles organochlorine pesticides such as DDT, lindane and endosulfan. Although 85 percent or so of sucralose passes through the digestive system without being absorbed, the 15 percent that does get absorbed may be problematic.
According to James Bowen M.D., in an article titled The Lethal Science of Splenda, a Poisonous Chlorocarbon, “Any chlorocarbons not directly excreted from the body in fact can cause immense damage to the processes of human metabolism and, eventually, our internal organs.” Recent research suggests that they may actually confuse the body’s response to sweet tastes and contribute to weight gain. The percentage of Splenda that is absorbed into the body’s organs and intestines can be POISONOUS!
The liver is a detoxification organ which deals with ingested poisons. Chlorocarbons damage the hepatocytes, the liver’s metabolic cells, and destroys them. “In test animals Splenda® produced swollen livers, as do all chlorocarbon poisons, and also calcified the kidneys of test animals in toxicity studies. The brain and nervous system are highly subject to metabolic toxicities and solvency damages by these chemicals. Their high solvency attacks the human nervous system and many other body systems including genetics and the immune function. Thus, chlorocarbon poisoning can cause cancer, birth defects, and immune system destruction. These are well known effects of Dioxin and PCBs which are known deadly chlorocarbons. Just like aspartame, which achieved marketplace approval by the Food and Drug Administration when animal studies clearly demonstrated its toxicity, sucralose also failed in clinical trials with animals. Aspartame created brain tumors in rats. Sucralose has been found to shrink thymus glands (the biological seat of immunity) and produce liver inflammation in rats and mice.”
Instead of artificial sweeteners, why not have a small amount of real sugar, or better yet, honey or maple syrup which are unprocessed sweeteners that occur in nature! Americans have become habituated to the intensely sweet taste of artificial sweeteners and it’s long past time to kick that habit. If you have a yearning for something sweet, why not just a small taste of real sugar! It’s natural, it doesn’t take much to sweeten up food and drink, and it hits the pleasure centers of the brain, which the artificial sweeteners do not. Even better, use natural Stevia or have some fresh fruit, which comes “packaged” with nutrition and fiber.
References
Nakagawa Y, Nagasawa M, Yamada S, “Sweet taste receptor expressed in pancreatic beta-cells activates
the calcium and cyclic AMP signaling systems and stimulates insulin secretion,” PLoS ONE. 2009;4(4):
e5106. Epub 2009 Apr 8.
Abou-Donia MB, El-Masry EM, Abdel-Rahman AA et al, “Splenda® Alters Gut Microflora and Increases Intestinal
P-Glycoprotein and Cytochrome P-450 in Male Rats,” Journal of Toxicology and Environmental
Article from: Gilead Healing Center, 306 S Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI 48917
Ralph Lauren’s Summer 2010 Collection
Summer is in full swing and no one does “summer wear” quite like Ralph Lauren. While I’m sure he didn’t invent “nautical chic,” he definitely perfected it!He’s one of, in my opinion, a handful of designers who can make me salivate at the sight of a basic striped top. In this season’s collection he manages to do it again. Ralph blends East Coast “Hamptons,” Mid-Western “cowboy,” and West Coast “slacker” styles to compose a collection that is ripe with pieces that can easily be mixed and matched to create signature looks.
Pictured above are three of my favorite looks from his Blue Label line. For summer 2010 Ralph is mixing western wear pieces, with lightweight long line linen cardigans, and classic khakis. The result is effortless All-American girl style that seamlessly transitions from work time to play time. See more of the Ralph Lauren Blue Line at RalphLauren.com.
The $1.6 Million Miracle
June 7, 2010 by Paulette
Filed under Featured, Stay Prayerful
How do you go from a foreclosure to a free $1.6 million building? Everyone who knows Ministers Wilma and Howard Walker can see the anointing of God on their lives. Her first book, Pieces of Faith recounts, in Minster Wilma Walker’s own words, the trials, tribulations, and inevitable triumph that took her and “The Clinic” family to their free 1.6 million dollar home!
After being bombarded with “How’d they do it” from people all over the country, Wilma Walker sat down to tell her story…and what a story it is. Akin to a modern day story of Moses, she tells in detail how she and her sheep were put out of their building and left wondering for months how, when and where their new home would be. God had already sent Minister Walker a vision of their building, all she had to do was hold out and hold onto her faith. Eight years later, they have reached the “promised land.” Turning the predestined $1.6 million building into their new home, The Walker’s and the members of The Clinic are poised to touch even more lives and deliver even more souls to The Kingdom!
Pieces of Faith is flying off bookstore shelves. Coverings shares the following excerpt with you:
Chapter Three: “Is This The Place?”
“God, you blessed me!” I’m married to the nicest guy. He is not only sensitive and kind, but is the wisest man I know. He’s strong and secure – not intimidated by my strength and not jealous of my callings. All this, plus cute? “God, you’ve blessed me!”
Months have now passed since the visions came; however, it has often been a topic of discussion between him and me. One day he looks over at me and says, “It’s time. Let’s go ahead and start looking for what it is you saw.” Excitement sprang up in me. It would be like a spiritual treasure hunt. Driving around – looking for what God showed. In this big city somewhere, there was the reality of a special place. A place attached to our destiny – a place in God’s heart for His people.
I said, “Let’s go, Babe – let’s go!” I felt so safe having him beside me. I know people do things alone all the time, but having his strength made me feel safe. My sweetheart! It had taken almost 9 years for him to manifest in my life. After the accidental death of my first husband (at 21) I had waited for years and came to the conclusion that I would most likely be in ministry by myself. Often, time drags on so long until the heart turns firmly towards God, and marriage is no longer a focal point. I settled myself and then – oops, there he was! Wedding bells were soon ringing and tears were running down my cheeks – as before me stood “God’s best for me”. It was well worth the wait! I was his second chance and he was mine. He too had lost his first love, as his wife had succumbed to kidney failure at the age of 39. Aren’t timing and God’s seasons everything? During the time of my anxious prayers, “Lord, where is my husband?”, she was praying, “Lord, give me more time with my children.” Then at God’s appointed time, both of our prayers would be answered.
“Okay, Babe – let’s go!” Now, here we are hand-in-hand, going on a journey that would last…I don’t know how long. How long would it take us to find this place? Well, we were not in a rush, but there sure was a guiding of the Holy Spirit to move towards it.
Sitting in the car of a realtor, we are going from one place to the next. At each stop our voices agree, “No, that’s not it!” Then after one tired evening of looking, I asked the realtor, “Can you just pull over and listen to the vision?” I talked about the outside of this place and the hospital, the desperate couple, the peak.
He then put the car in gear and said, “I think I know where it is!” I’m thinking, you’ve got to be kidding, as goose bumps pop up on my arms and hair stands up on the back of my neck.
Pulling up on this big lot, my mouth drops. The place is humongous. Could this be it? It didn’t look this large when I was asleep! The shape was right and…and…like the visions, there was that peak. “Where’s the hospital?” I quickly asked.
“Right up this same direction like you said.”
It had to be it!
Two days later, I’m alone sitting outside this monster of a place, over 76,000sq. ft. I’m listening to the Prince of Egypt tape and talking out loud to myself, “Lord this place is overwhelming. I’m scared of it! It would be like building the ark!” With tears falling, I already felt overwhelmed. Shaking it off, I start remembering the details of the visions and thinking about where everything would have to go inside. I was not sure how much work it would take, but from looking at it, it would take probably the rest of our lives to get it up. As my mind is thinking, I’m allowing the tape to keep me calm. Eventually my eyes look above its roof and there is the most beautiful blue sky. You know – that kind of sky and handiwork of God that talks to you? It’s His sky and it witnesses to me that He is so much higher and wider than the skyline of this place.
It doesn’t take long before I begin to worship and remember. “God, you’re higher than all man has made. There is absolutely nothing too difficult for you and through you I can do all things. Any appointment you have for me – any assignment in my life, by your Spirit I will do it, and do it well. It is You who enable me to accomplish, and my successes have always been because You work through me above and beyond my own talent and abilities. Therefore, I will not fear. Why should I fear when You are here with me? If this corner is where You want to move, then your people will give it to You, Lord. You can trust us. Strengthen our legs and shift our weight into yours. Breathe on our minds to know beyond our own knowing. Sanctify us for your work and be glorified in all we’re about to go and do. In Your Name, Jesus, Amen!”
Driving off the lot, I look back….”Whew, that place is big…”
To get your hands on a copy of this life changing testimony go to:
Family Christian Bookstores, 10807 W. Florissant Ave., Florissant, MO (314) 524.2121
Transformation Christian Bookstore, 4071 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO (341) 535.0555
The Word Bookstore, 1265 N. 89th Street, East St. Louis, IL (618) 394.9440
Bibles and More Bookstore, 226 W. Elm Street, Alton, IL (618) 466.2703
Coverings’ New Designer: Honey Clothing
June 7, 2010 by Tanja
Filed under Fashion, New Designers, Stuff We Love
St. Louis native, Lisa Holmes, is the owner and head designer of Honey. Targeted to real women size 14 to 24, her line is created for women who desire smart, sophisticated, stylish clothes that flatter their bodies. The collection is colorful ,flirty and made of high quality care free fabric for today’s women on the go. With the belief that “Beauty comes in all sizes,” her techniques create the best fit for all curvy body types.
For years, I have been passionate about the fashion challenges of curvy women. I had grown extremely disappointed at the lack of visually appealing , form fitting clothes available to curvy women. My passion grew and I began sketching designs. Honey was born.
Of course, the Coverings’ Crew is always on board with new designers who are about dressing real women, especially when it’s done stylishly. We think Honey is on track to become a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world with curve accentuating cuts, beautiful colors, and breathable fabrics. The collection will effortlessly take you from Sunday service and into the work week. To see more about Honey, check out the video below or hop on over to HoneyBeeClothing.com to get your shop on.
Eco Friendly Fashions
The Eco Fashion Guide is your one stop shopping resource for all of the designers, brands, and stores of eco fashion. This site updates consistently updates the information and photos from around the world to bring you a fashion-friendly preview for the conscious buyer.
Look no further, because Aime offers a variety of classic pieces that are made of natural and organic fabrics like silk, cashmere, organic cotton, and Tencel. Some of the pieces can be worn year-round such as the black dress, cardigan, and a white shirt. The Aime label is based in Toronto has just showcased their 2010 Spring/Summer seasonal collection at LG Fashion Week. ‘I decided to design a colorful pastiche for Spring/Summer 2010 as I was inspired by various Mediterranean cultures. I traveled to picturesque coastal cities including Monte Carlo, Nice, Capri, Palma de Majorca, Florence and Barcelona so it was hard for me to stick to one style for this group. But the next collection will return to the deceptively simple chic classics with intricate cuts with a more neutral palette, which has become synonymous with Aime,’ says Monica Mei.
If you want to shop for one-of-a-kind pieces, try the handmade revolution in Edmonton. There you will find handmade items from over 100 Canadian artisans and designers. The Canadian network called Make It incorporates shopping for fashion, accessories, jewelry, baby items and home décor.
