Raquel’s

If you’re a fashionista who’s always keeping up with the latest trends, chances are you have a designer handbag or two. But, if you’re a fashion enthusiast on a budget, it may be a little challenging to find handbags that you can afford. Here are some sites and stores you’ll want to check out, as well as some tips for shopping if you want to find the best deals.

www.exluxury.com has a great selection for you to choose from if you’re looking for upscale designer handbag brands. You’ll find designs from Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Dior, as well as a great shoe and fragrance selection. The site has everything you need in order to stand out in a crowd and create your own personal fashion statement, and you’ll even be able to choose a signature scent–which all fashionistas should have.

If you’re looking for a large designer handbag selection, you’ll also want to check out www.handbagcrew.com. There are plenty of styles to choose from, and you can even find wallets for men on the site. Brands like Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Prada, and Fendi are featured, and you will most likely save money by shopping on the site, since the prices are cheaper than in most department stores. There are even Prada messenger bags that you can use for work or school, and the designer book bags from Prada are stylish and convenient as well. There are also gift certificates available on the site if you want to give a loved one the opportunity to shop at www.handbagcrew.com, but aren’t quite sure which item(s) to purchase for them.

When you’re trying to find a designer handbag, it’s best to purchase one that will go with just about everything in your closet. Black or brown bags are usually best, since you can wear them with anything from a business suit, to a t-shirt and jeans. Also, you want to make sure that you purchase a bag that is large enough to fit all the items in it that you will need for the day. Small bags are mostly used for evening wear, and even though you are purchasing a designer handbag, you want to make sure that it will work for you and your lifestyle.

The eBay stores also have great handbags for you to browse online. Brands like Isabella Fiore and Chanel are featured at some online stores, and you can name your price, which means you are less likely to overspend. If you want to purchase more than one handbag at a time, you may also want to check out Handbags and Gladrags for a wholesale designer handbag list. Happy shopping!

Raquel’s

Finding  Prom Dresses at an Affordable Price  for the Prom night that  is one of those life events that people look forward to their entire life, It should not be so difficult. After all this night will be cherished for the rest of your life and a highlight of your high school career. You will have memories and photos to remember this fabulous event. Taking the time to choose the right prom dress is one of the most important aspects to making the night perfect. As the economy continues to dwindle, people are looking for affordable ways to still have the perfect prom dress without the massive expense involved. Here are effective ways to find an affordable prom dress.

The first thing you can do is to bid on your gown. Many websites offer auctions that make it very possible to find the perfect prom dress at a very low price. Most dresses up for auction on these sites have only been worn one time and are practically new. You will have to pay to have the dress shipped and dry cleaned but aside from that all you’ll have to spend is the price you bid on it. These sites are perfect for someone who wants a top of the line dress for a fraction of the price.

Searching online for special offers is another great way to find the prom dress of your dreams for a much cheaper price. You can go to search engines to locate valuable coupons and promotion codes. There are also sites that you can join for a membership fee that will provide you with unlimited access to vendor codes that can take up to half the price of the retail value.

There are also sites that specialize in over stocked items. These sites sell prom dresses for a lot less than you would find in a store. You may want to search these sites well in advance, especially in off season because they may sell out once prom is getting close. By taking extra time to invest in these innovative and untraditional ways will also pay off with large discount in the end.

You can also visit prom websites. These sites will offer plenty of information pertaining to the prom. They will also provide you with the opportunity to join their email newsletter. These online newsletters give you a list of places to search for the perfect prom dress. They will provide invaluable tips and information that are directly linked to educational sources. Many times these newsletters will also gather specials, deals and coupons available on multiple websites. They are an asset in your journey to find an affordable prom dress.

You don’t have the break the bank when it comes to buying your dream dress. With the invention of the internet, you are able to find  prom dresses  for the price you can afford. It may take some extra time of researching and patience but if you stick with it, you will find just what you’re looking for. Save the extra money to celebrate after prom is over. This will allow you to make memories you’ll never forget.

Raquel’s

Goddiva

Ever wonder why celebrities always seem to look so perfect? Want to know how you can apply makeup or get a hairstyle that reminds you of the impeccable style of your favorite actress or singer? Here are a few celebrity beauty secrets that you can try at home for an affordable price.

One of the ways that celebrities get great figures and glowing skin is a colon cleanse. You can have the procedure done at a number of natural health centers all around the country, in order to rid of the body of toxins and parasites that cause blocked pores and a compromised digestive system. Some celebrities, such as Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels, Dirty Sexy Money), undergo the procedure often for more energy and a great figure, and when your skin has a healthy glow after the colon cleanse, you won’t have to wear as much makeup, especially on a regular basis.

Other celebrity beauty secrets include using hair extensions to make the hair look fuller. Celebrities like Carrie Underwood and Paris Hilton use extensions often, and this will help to protect your hair, since you won’t have to use so much heat on it when you have extensions. Your stylist can usually add a few extensions in for you at an affordable price next time you go for a shampoo or blow-out; be sure to take a look at the hair first to make sure that it matches with your natural texture. You may also want to use conditioners and shampoos from brands like Sebastian and Fredrick Fekkai; you can find these cosmetics at many of the beauty supply stores in your area, such as Sephora and Ulta, and some of your favorite celebrities use these products for moisturized locks that look great on the red carpet.

Having a great smile is another one of the celebrity beauty secrets that you’ll want to pay attention to. You can purchase things like Crest Whitestrips, which are used by celebrities like Brooke Shields and Holly Robinson-Peete. These strips can be found at your local grocery store, and a month of use will help you to see a definite difference in the brightness of your smile. Rembrandt also has a great whitening system that you’ll want to try out, so you can have the smile of a celebrity every day.

Want to get more celebrity beauty secrets? You can always check out sites like www.ivillage.com to find out which of your favorite actresses and singers have free beauty tips that you’ll want to try. You can also visit the SkinStore.com and find out about the FUNDAMENTALS of skin care.

Raquel’s

Do you need a purse that will go well with your evening clothing? An Evening bags is are a great addition to your formal attire, and the right bag will give you just enough space to carry all your essential items. Here are some brands of bags that you’ll want to add to your collection, as well as some online resources that you can take advantage of to find the right evening wear accessories for you.

The Stuart Weitzman Solitaire clutch is a great addition to any formal outfit. The bowtie clasp in the front of the bag make it both whimsical and classy, and the bag is made of black satin, which gives it an air of definite class. There is also an attachable strap, so that you can carry the bag on your shoulder or in your hand. Stuart Weitzman also carries evening bags in other colors, such as the Quiznet, which is available in both gold and silver. The Boa Wristlet is another great evening bag choice; these snakeskin bags are available in pink, blue, and cream shades, and the purse chain fits around the wrist making the purse stylish to carry and easy to keep up with.

You may also want to purchase evening bags from Franchi. These classy handbags have a vintage style to them, and come with a clasp and are available in satin. Pink, gold, and silver are some of the colors you can choose from, and the purses are just big enough for you to carry credit cards, lipstick, and a small cell phone. The woven silk handbags from Franchi are also ideal for formal events, and are available in pink, gray, cream, red, and blue.

Keep in mind that you can always check out your local thrift store or consignment store to find evening bags that are original and probably won’t be found in department stores. You may even be able to find vintage pieces that are worth a lot that you can use as both a handbag and collector’s item.

If you want to order your evening bags online, visit handbagsandgladrags.co.uk to find discounted purses and accessories that you can use for any occasion.

If you’re looking for extremely unique evening bags that will make you the life of the party, check out what Rafe New York has to offer. The suede gemstone frame purse is a beautiful clutch that combines the softness of suede and the sparkle of jewels for a creative yet formal look. This bag is available with both green and red stones, so they are a perfect fashion accessory if you are attending a formal holiday event.

Raquel’s

For a geologist or gemologist, a diamond is more than a jewel; it is a precious discovery. For me and you, it is quite a different matter. I have bought my share of diamonds, which were not really that impressive given my meager salary, but they were enough to make my wife happy and that’s what counts. So, when buying a diamond, the first thing to consider is the person for whom you are buying it. This will give you important information such as what’s too extravagant, too little, or too showy.

Knowing a little about the properties of a diamond is helpful if you are searching for one that is more of an accent on a piece of gold jewelry instead of the main attraction. Because diamonds are extremely resilient, they will remain in good shape even after the gold portion of the jewelry starts to wear. This gives the consumer the option to let a jeweler melt down the gold and create a new piece of jewelry with the diamond. It’s like recycling your first purchase and increasing its value.

One of the most critical pieces of information to help make a wise decision is known as the four “C’s”. There are numerous websites with information about carat, clarity, colour, and cut. Each of these determines the value of a diamond and will help you decide which one to choose. Carat is the weight of the gem, and can vary depending on whether it is a single stone or a collection of stones on a piece of jewelry. You will find the collection of little stones is less expensive than a single large one. Clarity relates to how well you can see the diamond itself. Colour is esthetic and relates to what is pleasing to the eyes when the gem is exposed to light. It is actually the absence of colour that makes a diamond brilliant. Cut is sometimes confused with shape, but they are not the same. A cut is the way a diamond is augmented based solely upon the original stone.

Some websites I recommend for learning more about selecting the perfect diamond are diamondinfo.org and thediamondbuyingguide.com. Both of these sites give ample information all the way down to how to look for the diamond based on composition. I found them extremely full of information. So, when beginning your quest for the perfect diamond, remember these helpful hints and dazzle someone with a gem that lasts forever.

Raquel’s

Whether we like it or not current trends in engagement jewelry rings say bigger is so much better. Just have a look at what style engagement rings celebrities are choosing. And if they can do it, I can do it. J Lo’s engagement to Ben Flick also started an interesting trend of consumers seeking out pink diamonds. In no other time in history have pink diamonds been as popular as right after J Lo placed that pink diamond engagement ring on her finger. Any body remember Marilyn Monroe sexily purring that “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend?” Do you have any idea what that did the engagement ring market. Guys are still paying for that statement. Sure back in the 50s women knew it wouldn’t be sensible to wear such a large engagement ring but that didn’t mean a gal couldn’t yearn for it. Today a women wouldn’t feel in the least bit guilty about wearing such a diamond, in fact there are many a women that judge how well they are loved by the size of the rock they are wearing because they “know” what Marilyn knew, that “diamonds are in fact a girls best friend.” When we see the engagement rings worn by stars like Madonna or Catherine Zeta-Jones we take notice and their choices influence the trends that follow. Celebrities are the leaders in setting fashion and jewelry trends. Madonna with her Edwardian engagement ring and Catherine Zeta-Jones’s antique styled 10 carat diamond ring has revived the desire to own a beautiful antique engagement ring. In fact it’s one of the hottest engagement ring styles in 20 years. The size of the diamonds in current styles has also grown from the average one carat to over three carats. That’s a pretty big rock that’s going to set you back a bit. But most women believe they deserve it If you aren’t sure whether bigger is better than have a look at the jewels at the Academy Awards which each year break records and are said to total over $51 million dollars in value. Wonder how many vaults it took to keep those locked up for the night? With jewels being the in thing one has to stop and wonder how the heck normal average working guys plan to pay for these rings. When their fiancés are asked the standard answer is “doesn’t matter I’m worth it. That’s great if your guy is earning a 6 figure salary but wait what if he’s not. What if he’s joe average living from pay day to pay day. What should he do move into the bush and give up his home, perhaps take up walking and sell his car? Wait guys maybe you can get away with a really good quality cubic zirconia. No promise but you don’t loose a thing by trying it. Most of the high end ones can only be identified by a quality jeweler. But, you could be lucky and she won’t mind as long as it’s impressive. Ok girls lets be real here. Dreaming and lusting for that big piece of jewelry with a 5 carat rock is just fine. No problem with dreaming, but when it comes time for your man to buy that ring remember that the ring is not what you are marrying so perhaps it’s time to consider the quality and quantity of the husband to be rather than the ring. Big diamond or little diamond it doesn’t matter as long as the two of you are blissfully happy. Let the celebrities wear their big diamonds and let them sparkle and shine in the lime light. It doesn’t matter because you got your man! That’s what counts!

Raquel’s

The aging process begins when we enter the world and the effects of aging are evident in our bodies through out our lives. Beginning in our 20’s, the signs of aging start to become noticeable. Genetically programmed chronologic aging causes changes in collagen and elastin, the connective tissues that supply firmness and elasticity to the skin. The genetic program of individuals is different, so the loss of skin firmness and elasticity occurs at different rates and different times in one individual as compared to another. As skin becomes less elastic, it also becomes drier and underlying fat padding begins to disappear. With the loss of underlying support by fat padding and connective tissues, the skin begins to sag; it appears less supple and wrinkles form.

Although wrinkles, lines and age spots are formed by the natural effects of getting older, one way to prevent them from appearing early on in life is to avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreens with SPFs 15 or higher. And, although most of us have some form of sun-damaged skin, there are ways to regain healthy, smooth skin. After many years of research, scientists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have discovered that a variety of natural ingredients and vitamin extracts significantly help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging skin. These ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended anti-aging skin care products, which are specified below.

Vitamin A (Retinol) - Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkle lines. Vitamin A or Retinol is the main ingredient found in TYK Young Again, M.D. Forte, DDF and SkinScience products.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns. This healing ingredient is found in SkinCeuticals, Cellex C and Obagi Cffectives skin care products.

Vitamin E - Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provides modest photo protection. Vitamin E is found in Cellex C, Exuviance and MD Forte products.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - AHAs are designed to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. AHAs are the main ingredients found in MD Forte, TYK Young Again, Super Skin and SkinScience products.

Glycolic Acid - Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs) in skin care. Once inside the cells, the acid triggers new formations of collagen to plump cells and the ground substances in the skin to reduce wrinkles on the skin’s surface. Glycolic acid is proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne as well as in cosmetic uses. Glycolic acid is found in products by Gly Derm, MD Forte, Z. Bigatti and Super Skin.

N-6 furfuryladenine (kinetin) - The nature-identical plant growth factor, furfuryladenine, retards the aging of plant cells as well as in vitro human skin fibroblasts. This natural, anti-aging ingredient has been proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and is exclusively found in Kinerase creams and lotions. This is a proven alternative for people with sensitive skin or people who are sensitive to products containing Retinol and Vitamin C.
Copper Peptides are the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. Copper has been found to naturally firm the skin, enhance elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Copper is the main ingredient in products by Neova and Osmotics.

Pal-KTTKS - Pal-KTTKS is an effective ingredient for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s found to promote a smoother, younger complexion quickly, without with out expensive and painful chemical peels, surgery or injections. This patented peptide solution is found in StriVectin-SD.

Green Tea Extract - Green tea’s anti-inflammatory and anti-growth qualities are found in many skin care products designed to reduce the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines and large pores. Green Tea is found in the Dr. Brandt skin care line, Z. Bigatti and Gly Derm products.

TNS - The biotechnology of the skin’s natural healing process has arrived with the first tissue repairing complex containing growth factors found in normal, healthy skin. Unlike anything else currently on the market, TNS is the next level of skin rejuvenation that delivers dramatic results, for smoother, softer, younger looking skin. TNS is found in SkinMedica’s TNS Recovery Complex.

Many customers ask which anti-aging product is best and we always respond by saying that there is no best product. Since every individuals skin is different, the results of using anti-aging products will be different as well. We recommend that you consult with a skin care professional prior to use of any new skin care product to determine your skin type, skin condition and possible sensitivities to active ingredients. Your skin care professional may recommend specific products, or you can try a few on your own based on your consultation. If you are not happy with the first product you try, try another one. It’s important that you choose a product and skin care regimen that makes you feel 100% comfortable with the look and feel of your skin.

Customers also inquire about when they should expect to see results from using anti-aging products. Again, we respond by saying that results will be different for each individual, generally due to the condition of ones skin prior to use. However, across the board, we say not to expect a miracle, as there is no anti-aging product on the market that provides overnight results. Whether you are trying to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness or age spots, the process is gradual and takes anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the severity of your problem areas. After allowing the products time to take effect as well as following product directions, you can be sure to notice significant improvement in the appearance of your skin.

To see the quickest results, you will have to undergo professional cosmetics procedures. While procedures such as laser treatments, injections and dermabrasion produce the fastest, most noticeable improvements, they are all are somewhat painful or uncomfortable and very costly. In addition, pre and post treatment plans are required to achieve maximum results, which consist of using skin care products, that are also proven to be safe, effective, painless and less expensive alternatives to professional cosmetic procedures.

Please note that with the use of any new skin care product, it is highly possible that your skin will react to the ingredients. You may experience irritation, redness, dryness or a mild breakout, which should only last for the first 3-5 days of use. If you experience any of these reactions for a longer period of time, please discontinue use and consult a skin care professional. It is also recommended that prior to using any new skin care product to consult with a skin care professional.

Raquel’s

Handbags have become an essential commodity for women. It becomes difficult for a buyer to select a handbag since the market if flooded with different types. While selecting a handbag, it is essential to match it with your body type.

Oversized and large handbags are best for those who are tall and slim. A small handbag can make the person look even taller. Thus it is best to select a small one. The handbags that suits best for tall and thin women are clutches, oversized handbags, and shoulder bags. For the shorter girls, small handbags suit best. The larger handbags can overpower you, and in the process can make you look even shorter. A tight fitting short handbag against your body can make you look taller than you are.

If you are blessed with a gorgeous, curvy body, select a medium sized handbag that hangs just above your waist. It accentuates your waistline and makes your body look all the more flattering. Women of plus size should avoid handbags with short straps and the short handbags. A larger and wider handbag best suits their style since it makes them look smaller.

The handbag itself is classified into various types like the shoulder bag, the handheld bag, back pack, tote bag, and the clutch. The shoulder bags, worn over the shoulder, are usually larger in size. These handbags are available in various shapes and sizes. The shoulder bags provide greater space and at the same time are stylish.

The handheld handbags, with straps or handles, are held only in the hand. Used for fashion purposes and for strolling, these handheld handbags are smaller compared to the other handbags. The tote bags are mainly used for casual purposes. With a simple color and one or two compartments, these tote handbags provide a lot of space. They are big bags and fall around the elbow, in the middle of the body.

The back packs with the two straps, are mainly used by students. They help to carry books with ease since the two straps on the shoulders help to balance the weight of the bag equally on both sides. A clutch, unlike the handheld handbag, does not have handles. Usually used in parties and nightclubs, these handbags are small and needs to be clutched by the hand.

Selecting a handbag depends completely on your style and personal taste. It depends on the occasion when you will be using it, and on the place where you will be carrying it. Select handbags according to your mood, personality, and on what you think best suits you.

Raquel’s

Handbags

The best prom nights are magical and create memories that will last a lifetime. In the midst of coming up with ideas for the prom decorating committee and fretting about whether or not she’ll be asked out by the boy she pines for, one central issue stands apart from the rest: What will she wear? Shopping for prom dresses and deciding from among the best prospects can take weeks, if not months. For that reason, it’s never too soon to start shopping for prom dresses.

Although parents may shake their heads in wonder, prom dresses can make or break the prom experience - even more than her prom date (or lack thereof). This season, girls are looking to re-create the glamour and excitement of the red carpet by wearing dresses just like those seen on celebrities. Dress manufacturers keep a keen eye on the awards ceremonies, where celebs like Beyonce, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts, Keira Knightly, Salma Hayek, Victoria Beckham and Charlize Theron glide down the red carpet, nodding to the paparazzi and creating trends in formal wear.

The other inspiration for this season’s prom dresses can be found in pageant dresses, like those worn at the Miss American and Miss USA pageants. Contestants exude a combination of elegance and excitement when wearing their pageant dresses. Dress manufacturers re-create that aura when they design pageant replicas, in the hope that the prom dresses will make girls feel as though the tiara awaits them on their special nights.

Celebrity dresses and pageant dresses are in fashion, but who are the fashionable manufacturers of prom dresses? Jovani, Niteline, Alyce, and Marc Bouwer top the list. The hottest prom dresses of the season have an intoxicating combination: they have some design elements that are revealing, while other design elements have more decorum. For example, the front of a taffeta gown might be deceptively simple, with a sweetheart bodice and a front slit. The back, however, may be bare with only a crisscross of rhinestones. Similarly, a silk sating gown may have a halter top with beaded French netting wrapping the midriff. Circle around, though, and the matching beaded straps cross high on an otherwise bare back.

When it comes to colors this season, the palette is virtually limitless. Pale yellows, peaches, and greens are in as are the bright fuchsias, turquoises, and reds. Prints are even making an appearance, although are generally limited to eye-catching white polka dots against a black background, accented with a bright red taffeta sash.

Prom dresses should allow a girl to make a statement about her personality. In many ways, prom dresses are a girl’s projection of how she sees herself and the image she wants to project to the world. Although parents may be tempted to rein her in, it may be the time to let her shine. When she’s able to choose the dress that speaks to her, she’s well on her way to creating those lifetime memories.