Sabtu, 14 Januari 2012

Stylish Western Handbags

Western wear isn't what it used to be - it's much more than a gal or girl could have ever imagined years ago. Not only can western wear fans find unique cowboy boots and cowboy hats today, they can now accessorize their western wardrobe with many other stylish items, such as western handbags and western wallets. Here's a quick guide to some amazing western fashion products that have come on the scene in recent years.

Western Handbags and Western Wallets

For the ladies, western handbags have become a necessary part of their western ensemble. Who wants to carry a purple or black beaded purse when wearing western clothing, cowboy boots and a cowboy hat? With western handbags, ladies can carry all their personal items, cash, and identification along to the rodeo or anywhere else without sticking out like a sore thumb! They can now carry a western handbag to match their western clothing and blend with the others.

Western handbags come in an array of designs, colors and sizes to coordinate with almost any western outfit. Mahogany, Ebony & Ivory, Chocolate, Retro, and even Texas Flag styles are all available in "western" style along with many others! Other accessories to go along with western handbags include belts, jewelry, and wallets. Western wallets for the guys also come in different styles and colors.

Western Cell Phone Cases

Now, modern cell phones can blend with western attire with western cell phone cases. These are practical, made with leather for durability and flexibility, and come in different styles and colors. Men and women alike can carry their cell phones without doing injustice to their western clothing!

Western Tack and Western Saddles

Many cowboys and cowgirls won't dress in western wear unless their horse can too! That's why horse tack and western saddles have been made in all sorts of styles to fit every taste. The horse might not understand, but many owners want their horses to look great as well. Western tack and western saddles, along with unique halters, spur straps, and bridles, help to complete the rider's (and horse's) image.

Western Décor for the Home

Many western fans love to decorate their homes with beautiful western décor items such as paintings of horses, Native Americans, western scenes, or farms. Western décor goes wonderfully with paneled, dark brown or pastel room colors. Rustic furniture and tables also look great with western décor accessories.

Gift Ideas for the Western Fan

Western décor items and western clothing make great gifts for the holidays, birthdays, graduation and other special occasions. Shoppers can find all sorts of western products and gifts at online western wear retailers. Many small towns don't have a specialty western product retailer, so the Internet is a convenient solution. And, shoppers never have to leave their home to find great western handbags, clothing, horse tack and other western products.

Western handbags and other items are a great way to express one's love for the Old West!


Counterfeit Handbags

In most major cities in the world, there is an active and highly profitable shadow economy in phony consumer goods that generates (in some estimates) upwards of 500 billion dollars a year.  If have ever been down to "Counterfeit Alley" in midtown Manhattan, you have seen one of the biggest counterfeit marketplaces in the world. 
While many of us spend our waking hours lusting after the latest fashion designs from our favorite designers, there are a lot of people out there who purchase knock-off or phony items without fully appreciating the consequences.

I recently read a book called "Knockoff", written by a fellow named Tim Phillips.  It was an insightful read, with a number of interesting and often disturbing ideas presented.  I was particularly interested in the section he devoted to the trade in phony luxury items such as designer handbags.  These days, it seems I can't go anywhere without seeing somebody carrying a fake Prada or Gucci purse.  Personally, I have always resisted the urge to purchase a counterfeit purse.  I have avoided the temptation mainly because such an action only undermines an industry I have grown to love.  When one considers the price of some of the higher-end purses, it should come as no surprise that some people purchase fakes. 

What will surprise you is the discovery that their money is supporting future terrorist attacks in America and abroad.  This book has confirmed my belief in supporting legitimate companies.  Have you ever stopped to consider where the money you spend on fake consumer products ends up?  This book will provide you with some frightening insights.  The "black market" in counterfeit consumer goods provides incredible resources for criminal organizations, and these organizations certainly do not have the public interest at heart.

One of the most disturbing ideas in the book was the suggestion that terrorist organizations, working with organized crime groups, use the profits gained from these illegal sales to support future attacks.  I could not sleep at night if I thought I was supporting terrorist campaigns to maim and kill innocent civilians in America, or anywhere else for that matter.  I am a firm believer in being a conscientious shopper, and supporting companies that are trying to make the world a better place.  I will gladly pay three times the price of a phony purse, to ensure that my money is not supporting terrorism.  Check out "Knockoff" when you have a chance.  It is a real eye-opener.


Corsets and Waist Reduction


By wearing a tightly-laced corset for extended periods—a practice known as tightlacing—men and women can learn to tolerate extreme waist constriction and reduce their natural waist size. Tightlacers usually aim for 40 to 43 centimetres (16 to 17 inch) waists. The Guinness Book of World Records records two instances of women reducing to 15 inch waists: Ethel Granger and Cathie Jung. Other women, such as Polaire, also claim to have achieved such reductions.

These are extreme cases. Corsets were and are usually designed for support, with freedom of body movement an important consideration in their design. Present day corset-wearers usually tighten the corset just enough to reduce waists to dimensions that range from 18 to 24 inches.

Corsets and Corset Comfort

Moderate corset lacing is not incompatible with vigorous activity. In fact, during the late nineteenth century, when corset wearing was common, there were sport corsets specifically designed to wear while bicycling, playing tennis, or horseback riding, as well as for maternity wear.

Many people now believe that all corsets are uncomfortable and that wearing them restricts womens' lives, citing Victorian literature devoted to sensible or hygienic dress. However, these writings were most apt to protest against the misuse of corsets for tightlacing; they were less vehement against corsets per se. Many reformers recommended "Emancipation bodices", which were essentially tightly-fitted vests, like full-torso corsets without boning.

Most modern day corset-wearers will testify that corsets can be comfortable, once one is accustomed to wearing them. A well fitted corset should be very comfortable. Women active in the Society for Creative Anachronism and historical re-enactment groups commonly wear corsets as part of period costume, without complaint.

Sexy Contemporary Styles

Corsets have been worn by women for thousands of years. In fact the oldest corset dates back to ancient Minoans from around 2000 BC. When most people think of corsets they think of the heavy bulky garments from the middle ages of Europe. Traditional corsets were not only heavy, restrictive and very uncomfortable to wear. As fabric technology has improved corsets are now not only more comfortable but are being worn as outwear.

Most women don’t own or have never worn a corset. However if you’re looking for a fashion garment that accentuates your curves and bust line, a corset can be your best friend, so lets take a closer look at what a corset is. A corset is garment that covers your lower torso from bust line to waist. The sides have curved shaped ribbing that gives your body the classic hourglass shape. These ribs are usually made a thin lightweight metal or hard plastic. While these ribs do push your body into certain shapes, they aren’t “trainer” corsets which pose health hazards to your internal organs. To wear a corset first loosen the strings which are located on the back of the garment. There is usually a zipper in the front of the corset, unzip it and wrap the garment around your torso. Align it so the strings are in the back and close the zipper. Now grab the strings and gently but firmly pull to tighten. Pull the strings until the corset is snug and firm. Do not pull the strings so tight that you can’t move or breathe comfortably. The first thing that you’ll notice is your bust line is now enhanced and you will probably be showing more cleavage than you are used to. While this is normal it does take some getting used to. Many women with a large bust find a corset is more comfortable to wear, as it gives them more support than a standard bra.

Most corsets fall into the category of intimate apparel. They come in a wide variety of fabrics such as satin, silk, or lace and an array of colors. You can find something that allows you to be as modest or daring as you desire. If your corset comes with a garter belt and stockings be sure to put on the stockings before the corset, it’s just easier. Corsets are also moving out of the bedroom and being worn as outwear. There corsets are very similar to traditional corsets but available in decorative and luxurious fabrics. They may not be appropriate for a Monday morning office staff meeting but are great for an informal party or night at a club. If you’ve never worn a corset and would like to try one start with an outwear corset first, they are generally easier and more comfortable to wear.