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Tips for the Well-endowed Woman...
2007-11-13 18:07:00
Your bras are working harder to support you than those of the lesser endowed, so you especially want to get the right fit. Figure Magazine recommends the following:Go for a wide back strap-it'll offer you the most support. "The weight of your breasts is held by the band around your ribcage. It's what holds your breasts in place," says Waksic. "The band should feel snug, but comfortable, and there should be no red marks after wearing."Look for spillage "If your breasts are spilling out of the cups either on the sides near your armpits or in the front at your cleavage, try a larger cup size," suggests Waksic? Check the front center of the bra-it should sit as close to the skin as possible? If there's a gap, try a larger cup size. For underwire styles, check that the wire is sitting underneath the breast tissue, not digging into it? If it is, try a larger size or a different brand. Wear the bra around the store for a long time? Put your hands over your head-is there any breast tissu...
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Can I just say OUCH???
2007-10-23 16:30:00
The Least Attractive People Are In ...PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 22) - Philadelphia is home to the least attractive people in the United States, a survey of visitors and residents showed on Friday.The city of more than 1.5 million people was also found to be among the least stylish, least active, least friendly and least worldly, according to the "America's Favorite Cities" survey by Travel & Leisure magazine and CNN Headline News. About 60,000 people responded to the online survey -- at www.travelandleisure.com -- which ranked 25 cities in categories including shopping, food, culture, and cityscape, said Amy Farley, senior editor at the magazine. For unattractiveness, Philadelphia just beat out Washington, D.C. and Dallas/Fort Worth for the bottom spot. Miami and San Diego are home to the most attractive people, the poll found. But Farley pointed out the results don't mean people in Philadelphia are ugly or the city is a bad place to visit."We were asking people to vote on attractive...
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New Article Quoting Me in the Bucks County Courier Times
2007-10-09 18:09:00
Businesses slowly sewing up their dress codesBy JOHN ANASTASIBucks County Courier Times Work places are slowly inching away from casual attire and returning to more businesslike dress codes, according to a survey of over 500 human resources professionals.The survey, by the Virginia-based Society for Human Resource Management, reported the number of employers that allow workers to dress casually all the time has dropped from 48 percent in 2004 to 37 percent in 2007.?What we're seeing is that casual dress is going back to a Friday dress-down day,? said society spokesman Jim Carey. ?There is some fatigue over people coming in [wearing casual clothes], especially during the nonsummer months.?The casual dress boom, often attributed to the mid-1990s dotcom craze, appears to be ending for a number of reasons, including confusion over what constitutes ?business casual,? said Pittsburgh-based human resources consultant Phyllis G. Hartman. ?Companies have struggled to define exactly what bus...
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More Posts Coming Soon...
2007-10-06 19:33:00
My apologies for the extremely long delay since my last post...I've had a whirlwind few months, in which I moved back to the US from India.I am finally settled again, so look for new posts shortly!
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Madonna's Design Debut at H&M!
2007-03-23 14:15:00
I have been a fan of the Material Girl since the 80s and am just fascinated by the way she has always been able to change her look and style to be a step ahead of the game. From punk-chic to rocker-girl to cowgirl and even to her indian-princess stage, Madonna has always redefined fashion for her masses of adoring fans! And we have always followed blindly but willingly.Now, however, there is no need to follow blindly...Madonna's latest reinvention of herself, cool, super-hip Mom of two, is fun, fashionable, and best of all, EXTREMELY easy and affordable to wear in her new line at H&M। You can check out the collection at: http://www.hm.com/us/However, the links to her collection here are a little hard to follow... (I hate it when websites are more complicated than they need to be)!There is also a magazine site from the Netherlands that has the whole collection beautifully laid out in film-strip format...For that, follow here:http://www.detnye.no/mote/article477 66.eceI am dying ...
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Tips on Organizing Cosmetics
2007-02-17 13:30:00
Hi! I just wanted to tell you that today is the first time I read your column and was extremely delighted and eager to learn from the tips you shared. Do you have any tips on organizing make-up ...how long should you typically keep make-up before you discard it?? Thanks RifkaHi Rifka,Thanks for reading, and I am so glad to be able to answer your questions...I hope you find my tips useful and helpful! Cosmetic s are pretty easy to organize – first decide how much space you have. Do you have a whole vanity, a dresser, or simply one shelf in the bathroom to keep your makeup? A vanity or dresser drawer can be compartmentalized by buying trays with different sections in them, which are available from stores like The Container Store or Bed Bath and Beyond. In each different section, keep all your lipsticks and balms, eye shadows, blush, foundation bottles and compacts. Get a short mug or a stubby clear glass, and in this, keep lip pencils, eye pencils, mascaras and lip gloss tubes. If...
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Combating the Winter Weather Blahs!
2006-12-02 15:40:08
Winter is a time of magic and splendor, with icy white snow and lush green pine trees, with a lone cardinal softly chirping in the background...Uh, yeah, right!?! Actually, winter is more like muddy slush, biting cold winds, chapped lips and runny noses!! Chances are that bundling up in that bulky winter coat is making you feel less like a Snow Queen and more like a snow penguin, and the flyaway hair, dry skin and split nails isn?t helping any...Here are a few things you can do to make yourself feel like the belle of the ball again:The Michelin Man look is SO out! Let?s face it; years ago, winter parkas had to be three inches thick to provide you with any semblance of warmth, but today?s fabric technologies makes it virtually inexcusable to look like the Michelin Man?s cousin! Look for sleek, fitted jackets in a ¾ length (just above the knee) with GoreTex® and Microfiber® which will provide a waterproof shell and an insulating interior. One-hundred percent pure cashmere is one of th...
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Wear Sunglasses!
2006-12-02 15:40:08
We know that sunglasses look gooooooood when you slip them on - instant mystery, power and flash! We conjure up images of Jackie Onassis of the glamorous past, and today, such stars as Madonna and Lindsey Lohan are never without their shades. But, did you know that sunglasses are also good for you?? Long-term exposure to the sun's powerful UV rays without wearing protective eyewear can result in cataracts, damage to retina, lens, cornea and conjunctiva, cancer around the eyelid, and flash burn! Like SPF for the skin, sunglasses come in different types - tinted lenses are good for reducing bright light, while polarized lenses are good for protecting against harsh glare and are to be used while driving or during any outdoor activity. Photochromatic lenses change from light to dark according to UV light exposure, while reflective lenses reflect all light instead of absorbing it. Always wear sunglasses from the hours of 10AM to 4PM and ALWAYS ALWAYS wear them when you are at the beach!...
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Hang Time!
2006-12-02 15:40:08
The cutest way to tell time since the pink Baby-G watch from G-Shock, this adorable charm/clock straps onto your belt, purse, or bookbag. It comes in many different shapes and colors, and at $22.00, is an affordable yet trendy gift for a special girl! Catch it at: www.thelatesttrend.com!
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Designer-style watches - Toywatch USA!
2006-12-02 15:40:08
I wanted to tell you about this gorgeous new line of watches I have seen recently online at Toy watch USA...It's a new line of watches designed in Italy, made with Citizen movements, and priced very reasonably from $150.00 up to around $300.00. These watches feature stainless steel bezels, mother-of-pearl faces, and many feature clear acrylic wristbands...which can make you look like you're only wearing the face - not a whole watch!The watches are water resistant to 100 feet, have a one year warranty, and if you're really not happy with it, there's a 30-day return policy!The clear acrylic watch with pink mother-of-pearl face and crystal number placers is my favorites and on my birthday wishlist for sure!See all 30 different designs at www.toywatchusa.com.
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How do I wear bright makeup on dark skin?
2006-12-02 15:40:08
hi Renu,the latest trend right now with make-up is bright lipstick and nails. very 1920's...Marilyn Monroe look...how can we get that look for Indian skin without overdoing it...I am kind of sick of browns and beige and spice colored make-up. Every Indian gal has the same look. I have wheatish skin.Thanks for your email query! You are right; right now, the trends for cosmetics from Spring into Fall 2006 include bright lipstick and nails, in shades of reds, berry?s and pinks. The trend is to go for a lacquered lip look - shiny, bright, and intense. It definitely recalls images of Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall. It's harder for Indian women to find colors that work for them in these bright candy shades, and we usually end up going for browns and bronzes. For inspiration, look to modern day celebrities with darker skin ? Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek ? all have skin shades that are close to Indian skin. All have been able to use bright candy colors in their cos...
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What Exactly is Business Casual?? Tips for dressing for succ
2006-12-02 15:40:08
This article is for a reader who asked me what kind of clothes she should wear in a more casual office environment.As an image consultant, I really hate the words "business casual" - because if it's business, it really isn't casual - your work is your livelihood after all, and should be taken seriously.Twenty years ago, it was easy to understand what was acceptable and what wasn't in the workplace. The dark blue or black suit, with a white shirt and a tie for men, or a scarf for women, was the standard uniform in the corporate world. Today, more casual dress codes mean that you have more choices in what to wear - which also means that it's easier to make mistakes.My tips for dressing for success in a casual office environment are:1. Don't wear jeans. Notice I didn't say, "don't wear denim". A tailored denim jacket in a dark wash is very appropriate with a pair of chinos (also known as khakis) or slacks, and a good-quality t-shirt underneath. Denim trousers in a dark blue or ...
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What's Hot for Fall for Men!
2006-12-02 15:40:08
Here's a checklist for what is HOT for Fall 2005 for men - according to Karin Eldor at AskMen .com: (I love Karin Eldor's articles - you should check them out every 2nd Wednesday)Argyle sweaters Cardigans and sweater vests Skinny ties -- even worn with cardigans and sweater vests Western-style shirts Paisley shirts and ties Any pattern for button-down shirtsGray jeans Black chinos Gray suits Colors: red, black, purple, gray, and navy Argyle sweaters and cardigans look cute on most men - and are still professional enough for the workplace, while paisley print shirts and ties can run the gamut from mild to wild. Key point: if you wear paisley to work, make sure the print is small and subtle, and the colors are muted.I LOVE grey jeans on guys and wish more would wear them - they can be dressed down with t-shirts and sneakers, but look especially stylish when paired with a black turtleneck or leather jacket for a night on the town. (Photo credit to Nordstrom.com)I am NOT a big fan of ...
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Shuga What?? A Little X-mas Gift for your Hunny!
2006-12-02 15:40:08
For the lady in your life, I just came across the cutest gift for the holidays...SHUGA BUDS are stereo quality personal earphones "studded" with GENUINE SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS for use with personal audio players like i-Pods, MP3 players, portable CD players, walkmen...or at the gym or on the plane! (Not for cell phones.) SHUGA BUDS come with a wind-up storage case and gift box.SHUGA BUDS come in 5 colors: blue, pink, iridescent, sage green and yellow/gold and will coordinate beautifully with your darling's Ipod Mini, or any other personal audio player!Happy Holidays!
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Perfect Stocking Stuffer for the Fashionista
2006-12-02 15:40:08
I was doing a little early X-mas shopping yesterday and wandered into NY and Co... it's been a while since I've been there and I was pleasantly surprised not only by their clothes (their styles have gone just a little trendier) but also by their accessories!NY and Co. has a really nice selection of purses, belts, watches, etc., at very reasonable prices. Right now they have a sale on these adorable little mesh wristlets - $10.00 each!! They come in gold, silver, black and lavender... adorable as a little holiday party clutch for the discerning fashionista of any age!Happy Holidays!
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Sorry it's been so long!
2006-12-02 15:40:08
As some of you know, my husband and I decided to move our primary residence to India and made the actual move on February 7th, 2006... between setting up our home, offices, and a bout with bronchitis, I did not have the time or energy to update my blog until now.Why do I say "primary residence" and not just "moved...to India"? Well, because we feel the world is getting smaller every day and although we will live for a slight majority of the time in India, we will still be coming to the US for weeks at a time at least 2-3 times a year. Thus, we will probably be in India for 6-7 months of the year, and in the US for the remaining time period. During my time in each country, I will be available both by telephone (local US number which will be forwarded to me in India) as well as by email.My goal is to keep Flair Consulting USA running smoothly, and to be in the US to cater to my clients there, for each wardrobe season (Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter). Thus, I plan to be in the US fr...
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Spring 2006 - Trends and Styles for Men
2006-12-02 15:40:08
Spring is here and summer is just around the corner...and men know they have to look just as good as the ladies this season!Bold, bright colors are not just for the ladies this season; a preppy polo shirt that you would wear on the weekend becomes the ultimate in man-chic when it?s fitted, not baggy, and in an unexpected color like lavender, tangerine, or bright pink! Pair this shirt with a neutral pair of cool linen pants in light grey, tan or cream, and you will be prepared for the most hectic of summer evenings!Every man has a pair of black slacks as well as classic khaki chinos. But when searching for the next staple in your trouser wardrobe, look for a light gray color in a classic, flat-front pant to give yourself a style edge. Light gray is a wonderful neutral but many men seem to shy away from it; pair it with shirts in shades of blue, purple, red, and even black. The unexpected color combined with the classic, conservative cut will soon turn these pants into your favorite p...
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East vs. West...Keep your natural grace while utilizing West
2006-12-02 15:40:08
I have been traveling a great deal lately to India (Pune and Bombay), as I have recently opened another consultancy there, while continuing to manage my client base here in the US. This article has been inspired by my travels...as always, please feel free to call, write or comment if you wish ? and don't hesitate to ask if you have any style or trend questions!Indians in general are some of the most intelligent, warmest and friendliest people I have known, and are completely open to new ideas and thoughts, while still respecting their old values and traditions. For the most part, they have managed to bridge old and new, and East and West , very gracefully. The only inconsistency I have noticed recently however, is the awkwardness when trying to incorporate Indian and Western style into their clothing!Here are some things I have noticed of Indian people, that should be avoided in order to keep their natural grace while utilizing Western styles:1) Unnatural hair color - men and women ...
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$700 Shoes for $100?? Christian Louboutin or the Next Best T
2006-12-02 15:40:08
Ok.... so not exactly $700 shoes for $100... but read on to know the truth...I have been a HUGE fan of Christ ian Louboutin, ever since I saw his scarlet soles adorning the feet of Hollywood's greatest players... Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Michelle Pfieffer, Catherine Deneuve, to name a few. Having free-lanced for couture standards like Yves Saint-Laurent, Chanel, and Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin developed his own brand and flagship store in Paris, in 1992. (www.christianlouboutin.fr).His shoes retail in the high hundreds of dollars; his classic pumps average about $600 per pair, and make me drool just thinking about them! Of course, if I were Nicole Kidman, I'd wear them every day, but being that my average income is slightly less than her's, I will have to settle for the next best thing...I have been searching for a good substitute and have realized that a few designers have been doing their best to emulate the great Louboutin... Steve Madden, Jessica Simpson (!), to...
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Great beauty products at Kohl's? Who knew?
2006-12-02 15:40:08
Hello!It's been a while since I last posted - I've been a little under the weather - but with all the holiday preparations left to do, I've recently ventured into stores I usually never go to! My mother (thanks, Mom!) had to go to Kohl's, a store I have only been to once, about three years ago. I went with her with no expectations but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they have completely revamped their cosmetics department. Their new skincare and cosmetics line, called American Beauty , is actually made only for Kohl's by Estee Lauder, you know, the pricey department store brand! It's the same type of product, priced at about 25-50% less than the Estee Lauder products. They have really great moisturizers - in fact, Mom bought the 1.7 oz Moisture-Wise Continuous Hydrating Cream for $22.50. The comparable 1.7 oz Estee Lauder Hydra-Complete Multi-Level Moisture Creme goes for $40.00. They also have a really nice cosmetics line geared towards the younger consumer, cal...
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Easy, beautiful dress for Summer...
2006-12-02 15:40:08
I just recently saw this dress online at Intermixonline.com and have fallen in love! It is the Rachel Pally Long Jersey Caftan and is just gorgeous in line and sillhouette, and easy to wear, even if you've put on a few ice-cream related pounds this summer...The website says:'This deliciously soft jersey caftan is pure delight to slip into, whether apres sun, while entertaining at home or lounging by the pool. It has a V-neck, kimono style open sleeves and a drawstring tie right below the bust, which you can knot in back or simply bow in front. It's floor length and the skirt is moderately flared. In black, lavender or brown (a true cameo color). '
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Tassels around your neck? Who knew?
2005-10-13 16:16:00
According to one of my favorite Hollywood stores, tassels are going to be HUGE for Fall... earrings, necklaces, bracelets, you name it. Pretty much the only place you won't see them is on curtains (where they belong!).So, okay, I'm not a big fan of the tassel look, but if you must, check out www.shopintuition.com who has the best selection around.
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I am a Chanel Lipstick Convert!
2005-10-11 15:57:00
Yesterday I bought my first Chanel lipstick...Now don't get me wrong; I have bought and tried every Chanel perfume (my favorite is Coco Mademoiselle; my least favorite is Chanel Chance) and even bought sparkly mascara last Christmas. But there was just something about a Chanel lipstick; it never occurred to me to try it. I thought it was old-ladyish, a little too Audrey Hepburn for my taste. I was always a MAC Cosmetics freak, you see...But yesterday, at my local Strawbridge's, I was wandering around and came across the nicest salesman at the Chanel counter who convinced me he wasn't too put out if I sat and tried different shades of lipstick all day long!I tried the Aqualumiere Sheer Color Lips hine which looks obnoxiously bright in the tube but goes on so soft and pretty! Here's what the website has to say:Imparts brilliant colour with a semi-transparent effect.A brilliant pop of sheer colour and ultra-creamy texture provide an immediate sensation of softness and comfort. Lips ...
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For the Moms and Dads of tomorrow...
2005-09-20 18:41:00
Now usually I don't talk much about the maternity market, but my friends are all having babies so I've been more attentive than I was before, to new styles, ideas and products for this market. I am loving this new diaper bag I just saw online...at www.Fleurville.com. The website states:This very durable and stylish bag is great for all day trips, for traveling, for caregivers of more than one child, or for anytime you need to really be prepared and carry a bunch of stuff with you. The bag is constructed to stand up and stay open so you only need one hand for the bag and one for the baby!Each bag includes:Padded non-skid shoulder strap Insulated bottle holder Changing pad in its own sleeve Cinch sack See-through wipe case 3 exterior pockets and 3 elastic topped pockets inside It's so cute yet so utilitarian that both dads and moms will want to carry it!
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Six Things Women Should Never Do with their Make-Up! Renu's top don'ts for
2005-09-17 01:09:00
As an image consultant, I see make-up mistakes all the time; while some are small, others can lead to more serious issues later on...all of them are avoidable. Here are my top six “DON’TS� for Fall 2005:DON’T #1Your mother already taught you this – but don’t ever sleep with your makeup on! It’ll suffocate your skin and cause all kinds of nasty eruptions... not to mention the fact that you’ll never get that eyeliner out of your pillowcase! Seriously, there are enough products out there, such as Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes, so you don’t have an excuse not to!DON’T #2Picking your pimples (which you probably got by not washing your face at night!) will only irritate your skin, increase scarring, and perhaps give you an infection. Wash well with anti-acne cleanser, use a hydrocortisone cream or Mario Badescu's famous Pink Drying Lotion.If you must cover your bump, dab concealer right on top of it with a cotton swab or a clean cosmetics brush. Let it...
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Fall Fashion Trend... Boots!
2005-09-06 15:12:00
One of the most important fashion essentials that you can buy in preparation for the Fall season is a beautiful pair of boots!Many different styles are in fashion right now - from cowboy boots to wedge boots to ankle-length booties.Jessica Simpson made cowboy boots popular this season, and to get her cherry-red boots (starting at $300-$479), go to www.Fryeboots.com.For the rest of us, try JC Penney (prices start $47.99) to Nine West (prices start at $159).
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The Buffalo Exchange
2005-08-27 17:22:00
I am ashamed to say that I have only just recently discovered the Buff alo Exchange , a trendy, yet affordable consignment/thrift store... the very first store that buys, sells, and trades clothing items and accessories on consignment.They have moved to a new lcaotion in Philadelphia. Formerly at 1109 Walnut Street, Buffalo Exchange has moved to 1713 Chestnut Street (west of 17th Street), Philadelphia, PA 19103. The new telephone number is 215-557-9850, effective August 25.Better news: The store is now open later; new hours are Monday-Saturday 10-7, Sunday 12-5. Head to the Back to School Bash on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 and receive 10% off with a valid student ID and/or goodie bags with purchases.
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I am Fashion: February 2005
2005-08-25 00:38:00
I love this blogspot! This is what I would do if I had more time!
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Look Cool on Hot Summer Days with Seersucker
2005-07-26 19:14:00
I have been amazed this summer by the fact that seersucker fabric - once seen as old, traditional, stodgy - has recently been seen in every store from Banana Republic to Bloomingdale's and revisions of the old look has been done by every designer from Ralph Lauren to P Diddy for Sean Jean!Seer sucker always reminded me of polo ponies and mint juleps at the ol' country club... but this season, it's back and better than it's ever been! It's not only the blue and white striped sack suits once relegated to the back of the closet, but now comes in beautiful chocolates, watermelons, and aquas, in every style from sleek men's suits to box-pleated skirts with matching handbags!Originally, in the eighteenth century, seersucker was basically striped Indian cotton, the stripes being the identifying feature. From the original name, the Persian "shir o shakar", literally means ?milk and sugar?, in reference to the puckered texture of the cloth: milk (the smooth surface) and sugar (the bumpy...
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Good news for Plus-Size Fashionistas
2005-07-22 15:07:00
I love Seven7 Jeans. Unfortunately, at my local Bloomie's, the Seven7 line doesn't go above a size 8 (28-29 European)! Not good news for the majority of women NOT of supermodel proportions - who would like to wear these chic and shapely jeans!Well, we've got some good news to report:Lane Bryant is introducing the launch of the new Seven7 Jean Collection, featuring designer styles and fit for plus-size women sizes 14-28. Oh, and Ms. Kimberly Locke, of American Idol fame is their new spokeswoman!Lane Bryant, a company orignally known for designing figure-flattering jeans for plus-size women, has created the Seven7 jeans with special details such as whiskering, tacking, sanding and embroidered pockets. Each pair is beaten and faded by hand to create an authentic vintage look. Darker colors and a stretch fabric that retains its shape make this jean both stylish and comfortable. It offers a special fit that is lower in front and higher in back to avoid gapping as well as a longer inse...
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