Fashion Magazines – Friend or Foe?

by Sheri O. Zampelli

I love clothes. For me, clothing is a form of self-expression just like paint on a canvas is a form of expression for an artist. So, over the years I’ve been known to scour the pages of fashion magazines for ideas. Sometimes I buy the magazines in the store, other times I subscribe to them for a year or more. Often times, when I flip through the pages, I get inspiration to combine colors, textures or styles in a way I hadn’t thought of in the past.

I’ve known for years that fashion magazines are filled with unrealistic, computer-enhanced images. I know that many models have eating disorders and drug problems and I know that many young women aspire to look like models and therefore become victims of eating disorders, compulsive dieting, body dissatisfaction, drug use, smoking and more. I know because I was one of those girls.

But I figured since I “know better” now, since I’m smart enough to see beneath the surface, that there’s no harm in looking at the magazine for fashion ideas. It was only this past week, after the mailperson delivered a 500 page copy of one of my favorite fashion magazines that it all began to hit me. I sat at the table eating cereal and flipping through the pages one at a time.

I oogled a $500 purse and a $200 pair of shoes. I saw pictures of $1,000 dollar watches. Page after page was permeated with items that would break my bank if I were to purchase them. I realized that I was literally paying money out of my pocket to be advertised to. I was paying for a 500 page manual which might as well have been titled: 500 pages of things you will never be, do or have.

I realized I was paying to look at and read lies. Even though I “know better” on a conscious level, there was still a little girl part of me that wanted “that purse”, “those shoes” and “that watch,” even if they were all incredibly overpriced and sure to wreak havoc on my financial future and my self-esteem.

On this particular day, looking at the fashion magazine wasn’t enjoyable, it was infuriating. I suppose this fury has been working it’s way out over the past few months. There was the time when I saw the picture of Madonna in a Versace ad and it hit me: she doesn’t have a wrinkle or a smile line or crow’s feet. Not one sign of being a mother of two, over 40 and a woman with an incredibly demanding career that spanned several decades. I thought to myself, “that’s impossible.” It wasn’t a jealous or envious thought, I meant it very literally. It is impossible. Computer enhancement and heavy duty make-up is the only logical explanation for the flawless face I saw.

I decided to put my emotions and judgments in check and get objective about what I saw. I performed an unofficial research project and scanned the pages of this 500 page magazine to get an accurate account of what I had been absorbing mindlessly month after month and year after year. Here’s what I learned: of the 500 pages, 300 were full-page ads. 172 pages were ads that pretended to be fashion advice, party advice and editorial content. Let’s get real, when the fashion advice includes the name, phone number and website of the store and the price of the item, it truly is an ad. About 30 pages of the magazine were not technically ads but they were things like: “This star likes this” or, “This star does that.” Three of the pages were public service ads (I believe this is a requirement). So, there you have it, my 500 page contained 472 ads and approximately 30 pages of “content.” And I’m the sucker who sent the check in to cover the yearly subscription fee.

Now after this informal research project, I was beginning to get a little steamed up. Then, my friend Cindy e-mails me a link to the Dove website (campaignforrealbeauty.com) I go there and watch a 30-second video that shows a sped up version of all that goes into your typical fashion photo shoot. The 30-second video clip encapsulates the hours of time spent on hair, make-up, lighting, professional photography techniques and computer enhancement that takes place before an ad is published or broadcast. When I say the magazine ads are unrealistic and unattainable, I mean it. Because not even the model looks like the model!

So, I’ve made a decision. I am boycotting all fashion magazines. I will never purchase another one again. I will not spend my money on lies and images that lead to self-hatred, deadly behaviors and oppression for women. I know that money is power and I refuse to spend my money on harmful lies that destroy the lives of many women.

I know that my few dollars will not be a big loss to the mega-rich publishing industry but I think it’s important for all women to realize that in a very real way we do not have to buy the hype. I mean that in two ways. We do not have to buy the magazines with our money and we don’t have to buy the lies that reside within their pages. We can also decide to support designers and manufacturers that promote positive images for women. We can choose to withhold our dollars from companies that exploit women whether it’s the model or the sweat shop worker that sews the clothing.

If a full boycott of fashion magazines is not for you, you always have the power to write advertisers when you see images that are harmful or ridiculous. These letters do make a difference.

Now, as far as my fashion inspiration, I decided that if my clothes truly are to be a form of self-expression then I will decide for myself what textures, colors and styles I want to combine. I’m a grown woman living in a free country. I don’t need a magazine to tell me how I should dress.

Sheri O. Zampelli, M.S., CCH has developed a weight-loss and body image program called Donate Your Weight. Her program takes all the things that have been creating weight and eating problems in society and turns them upside down. Donate Your Weight is the stress-free program to stop dieting, get slim and help others while doing it. For details, visit www.donateyourweight.com

Provided By: Women's World

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Paralegals and Pearls – A Match Made in Fashion Heaven

by Laura McDonald

Paralegals wear suits to work. Their jobs are professional in nature and it is important to dress appropriately with that sense of that business world. Ladies, carefully consider how you accessorize with jewelry for the office. A legal assistant’s jewelry should be simple yet elegant.

What is the perfect jewelry selection for work? Pearls.

Resting among the oldest and most universal of gems is the pearl, shining in its many splendors. Pearls are symbolic of purity and chastity, the ultimate of feminine charm. Ancient Romans considered pearls a symbol of wealth and social standing. Pearls were also held in high esteem by the Greeks.

Fair maidens during the Dark Ages believed there was magic in the lustrous gems which would protect them from harm. These maidens often graced a favored noble knight with a strand. Knights thus favored would even wear those strands of pearls into battle. The royal courts of Europe were adorned with pearls. At one time, several European countries ordered that only nobility were allowed to wear pearls.

Pearls are available in the entire color spectrum making them easily adaptable to any outfit. Rose' and silver/white pearls better compliment lighter skin tones. Pearls with a creamier hue or gold-tone flatter darker skin tones.

Sharp business fashion is satisfied by stranding pearls in two different ways. The first way combines pearls of the same size and shape. The second option is a necklace of similarly shaped pearls, but graduating in size to the middle of the piece. A tip: wear necklaces no greater than 16-18” in length. This keeps another’s focus automatically pulled upwards, toward the face, which is best for work communication. Another tip for paralegals when wearing pearl necklaces: add just a touch of gloss on your lips. A pearl necklace captures focal point attention, moving upwards, first to the subtle lip shine and upwards again to shining eyes.

Pearls are beautiful jewelry staple for office wear. They are also very adaptable to many occasions in a woman’s life. The petite gems are often a “rites of passage” gift for young ladies, such as a 16th or 21st birthday. Pearl necklaces can be either store-bought for such gifts, or hold the sentimental value of being handed down family generations.

Pureness is symbolized in weddings by white gowns, white lace…and pearls. The luminescent beads are worn by brides, ladies in the wedding party itself, and mothers of the bride and groom. Female wedding guests may also wear pearls.

Pearls are just as appropriate for other occasions, such as church services, or an evening at the opera. Add a pearl necklace to a social mixer outfit and the outfit is complete. Tiny pearl earrings can be worn anywhere for any occasion.

Pearls are quite literally gems that a woman can infuse into her wardrobe for many occasions in her life. Versatility of color hue makes mixing and matching a breeze. Combined with the pearl’s history of symbolic purity and wealth, what better accessory is there for a paralegal to wear?

A paralegal will greatly benefit from simply adding pearls to her wardrobe. The benefits are both in the sense of appropriate business fashion, and to her as a beautiful woman. A woman’s pearls shine, just like her eyes do, as she succeeds both professionally and personally. If you have not done so already, add pearls to your wardrobe today.

Laura McDonald is an experienced paralegal, living in Frankfort, KY, with her husband and youngest daughter. She works for the law firm of Michael L. Hawkins & Associates, PLLC (website: mlhlawky.com). Laura's website is dedicated to encouraging young ladies to consider a career as a paralegal. Her website includes a fashion page with recommendations on career wear. Visit Laura's site at paralegalsecretary.bravehost.com.
Provided By: Jobs and Careers

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Fashion Hype

by Karen Conroy

Every new season brings new hype to the fashion world. This season’s top hottie is the new “skinny jeans.” These are the jeans from long ago when May Tyler Moore wore these slim cut pants on the Dick Van Dyke Show. Designers claim that all shapes and sizes can wear these jeans. The skinny jeans are make with lycra that stretch, hold you in and still be able to move freely. These amazing jeans come with a price, and boy will it cost you. Top end stores will be selling them anywhere from $100.00 – $300.00. Ouch! This price certainly is an eyesore to people on a budget. They will have to wait for markdowns that may take a while. Budget conscious people may have to opt for the same style of jeans with more affordable labels. Levi’s will be coming out with a much more reasonably priced jean ranging from $25.00-$50.00.

As top models contend for the fashion spotlight, I have yet to see a person out of proportion wearing these jeans. Top designers always use the prettiest models with the best build. What about the average person? Not all are built with the best body, but want a shot to share the limelight modeling the best in fashion or see someone with not so perfect body wearing top fashions by the top designers.

Fashions, being universal, let out an excitement that is almost electric. “This seasons fashions by the best designers Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass and Max Azea always top the charts with their signature fashions. From Europe to America every country has its own flare for fashion. From sexy to tame designers have us drooling for more. Months of planning and art layout and photography are now ready to be put in print with the most famous models on the magazine covers with the latest fashions for all the world to see. A funny thing about fashion is that it has come full circle. Capri pants, ruffles, bell-bottoms, and now the return of the “skinny jeans” to name just a few have made a huge comeback.

Karen Conroy
Teacher of elementary education for thirty years. Enjoy sun, traveling and reading.

http://www.fashionbeacon.com

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In The Name Of Fashion

by Kadence Buchanan

Walking down the crowded streets, pushing your way through the queue, passing through the halls of a high school, dancing on the club floor, you simply can't help noticing how people especially youngsters, try to decorate every part of their body. In fact, it makes you think the human body should have had an extra pair of hands and feet not to mention ears and maybe a pair of extra nostrils too, so that people wouldn't need to pierce their lips, tongues, bellies and eye brows etc. The youngsters over the past decade have begun using rings and tops profusely. There was a time when you could identify and differentiate between a punk and a normal guy. The impact and influence of media is so strong that it is hard to stop the current generation from adopting methods of reconstructing themselves. They want to singularity, they crave for excitement.

Jewelry has lost its true essence and it is everywhere and anywhere. It just has to be there. Starting from the ear that could compensate two earrings which could palpably be decent somehow changed into the maximum amount of tops and earring the ear lobe can hold. It wouldn't be an exaggerated statement to say ears are adorned with 9 or 10 tops at a time which makes it similar to a jewelry shop's display of earrings with every sort of design, size and shape.

Then comes the nose, the nostrils can readily be pierced at one place. Ironically, girls these days wear so many nose pins, that their nose seems smaller than the ornaments on it.

Human's exuberance and liveliness is projected even more vividly when you find a pierced belly or lip. You can heave a sigh of relief and acknowledge the human consideration of restricting the number of rings and pins used at these spots to just one or maximum of two. Perhaps, the concept behind getting a tongue pierced can only be appreciated when the person with a tongue piercing sticks out a decorated tongue on you.

Humans have a revolting nature and an unquestionably brilliant way of making a muddle out of everything, even if its idea was to help them or adorn their lives. Even in the name of fashion, the newer generations seem to be making a mockery of themselves.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://ijewelrycenter.com/ - In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://iwomensinterests.com/ and http://supershoppingtips.com/.

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So You Want To Be A Fashion Model?

by Jon Arnold

Have you ever thought about becoming a fashion model? Do you think you have what it takes for that kind of job? The typical fashion model travels to exotic places, models the latest clothes, fashions, and accessories from top designers, and can even be featured in various magazines, which of course can also then lead to being pursued by manufacturers for you to do product endorsements.

But that is typically not where a fashion model STARTS. Like anything else, a fashion model or teen model usually starts significantly lower on the totem pole while they are gaining visibility with potential clients and top modeling agencies around the world. But if you are willing to “pay your dues”, the rewards can be fabulous from many perspectives, including travel, mingling with celebrities, attending exclusive events, and of course from a financial perspective. Top models can earn upwards of thousands of dollars per day.

Fashion modeling is no longer limited to just the “perfect” people anymore with the great looks, superb hair, and a Barbie-doll figure. Particularly in recent years, the fashion designers have started to realize that by only targeting the “perfect” people, they were ignoring a large portion, indeed a MAJORITY, of the audiences they could potentially target to sell their merchandise, accessories, and fashions.

That being the case, there is also a market for fashion models that almost spans the entire range of types of people; i.e., the petite, the “plus size”, the teen, the “mature”, and yes even the retiree crowd. Think about it, all those types of people have money also, and are willing to spend it if they are aware of the possibilities and availability of their products. And selling their creations and fashions is what they are in business for! To become a successful fashion model today, you no longer need to be limited to the group that is about 5 foot 8 inches tall at 120 pounds with perfect bouncy hair and about 22 years old.

There are many types of modeling jobs available, and virtually any of them would be a good start for someone with the motivation and desire to get into some of the top spots and top agencies. There is catalog modeling, runway modeling, showroom modeling, promotional or trade show modeling, television modeling, as well as print modeling like in newspapers or magazines.

Make no mistake about it, it is a tough market and there will likely be some long hours involved. But for those with the motivation and desire to succeed in this very competitive industry, the rewards can far outweigh the negatives.

Jon is a computer engineer who maintains many websites to pass along his knowledge, experience, information, and findings. You can read more about Fashion Modeling careers at his web site at http://www.jag-info-resources.com/modeling/.

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