Halifax Fashion Maven

YMT Vacations and You

2009-09-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

If there is a vacation in your near future then look to YMT Vacations to help search out a destination and map out a plan for you. YMT Vacations is all about affordable travel and has been in business since 1967. The company believes that everyone should have the opportunity to travel and therefore they work to design vacation packages to suit the needs of people eager for a trip, an adventure or a bit of both!

Whether you desire to take a land tour or a cruise, the friendly and helpful staff at YMT Vacations can work with you to narrow your focus and plan a vacation to suit your interests as well as the interests of your family members. The formula at Your Man Tours Vacations is very simple- it is fantastic vacations for less. The goal is to keep customers happy and coming back for more great vacation deals.

NESStaffing Connects Jobs to Job Seekers

2009-09-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

NESStaffing.com is a company that is all about professional employment solutions and finding jobs for those who are looking for a new job or who wish to change their career focus. The network at N.E. S. is made up of specialized professionals who all have the same goal in mind- to help secure appropriate employment for their clients.

The NES Staffing Solution is made up of staffing partners, recruiters and a collection of employers that have the contacts they require to fulfill the needs of those looking for jobs in a variety of different fields. There are plenty of industries and markets that offer a tremendous array of career options and this is where NESStaffing can be of assistance to you.

N.E.S. is an industry leader and a trusted name. It is a company that has been around for over 76 years and offers nationwide employment solutions to all those who seek out its services. If you are presently searching for work then look no further than N.E.S- the employment specialists!

K-Designers and the Remodeling Experience

2009-09-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

Remodeling a home is not something that most homeowners look forward to. If you fit into that category then you need to choose a leader in home remodeling design that can make your home look like new again. This is where K-Designers come into play.

K-Designers have been in business for over 30 years and have served over 100,000 customers who were pleased with the work that was done for them. The company has been rated the number one remodeling company throughout the Western United States and the number one siding contractor in the nation. Not only that but this company has ranked in the top 10 for the largest remodeling firms in the country for the past 10 years.

K-Designers are a fully licensed and insured company that does not expect customers to pay a penny until all work is done and has been done to the customer’s satisfaction. If money is a concern of yours right now then inquire about the financing options that are available to you.

YMT Vacations and Your Dream Destination

2009-04-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a vacation whether it be a cruise or a land tour then look no further than Your Man Tours. This travel tour and cruise company has been providing excellent service to its many customers as well as affordable travel since 1967.

Whether you would like to travel to Alaska, Hawaii or Europe, Your Man Tours has travel agents waiting to help you plan your dream vacation and consider all of your many travel options. If discount travel is what you need then that is no problem finding discount vacation packages. All you need to do is call the staff at Your Man Tours at their 1-800 number and they will be able to assist you. YMT Vacations is open seven days a week for your convenience. What are you waiting for?

Frank Hanna- Author and Steward

2009-04-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

Frank Hanna is the chief executive officer of Hanna Capital, LLC as well as a merchant banker in Atlanta, Georgia. He knows money management and what it takes for a business to succeed as he has backed a selection of businesses that are doing very well for themselves.

Education is a top priority for Frank Hanna that he has actively been promoting for more than two decades. In fact he has put his efforts into successfully starting three Catholic schools and has had a hand in bringing about necessary reform to schools in the Atlanta area.

Frank Hanna speaks frequently at a selection of venues on businesses and stewardship. He is the founder of the Solidarity Foundation and also the author of a book titled “What Your Money Means: And How to Use it Well.” The book came out in fall of 2008.

Amos Tamam- A Modern Innovator

2009-04-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

Amos Tamam studied at Tel Aviv University in Israel as an electrical engineer and then brought his talents to the United States where he went to work fixing taxicabs in New York City.

This was the start of a new career for Amos Tamam that led to the creation of technology and products that improved the taxi industry in this bustling city tremendously. The knowledge he had coupled with his interest in technology and how it worked found him becoming a leader in innovation and ingenuity.

Amos Tamam put smiles on the faces of both taxicab operators and customers alike when he designed wireless technology that made credit card processing a reality. This was a huge step in the technological direction for both taxi customers in New York City and Philadelphia.

Carl Sgro- An Expert in Internet Marketing

2009-04-22T17:52:00.001-07:00

If you have never heard of Carl Sgro then where have you been? Carl Sgro, whose last name fondly stands for "curly head", is an enterprising individual who has been working in the business development industry for the past 25 years. With his vast experience he has helped a number of different Internet companies as well as technology companies build their businesses.

In the past few years, Carl Sgro has focussed on putting search engine marketing to work for many of his clients with much success. The name Carl Sgro has become synonymous with Internet-based marketing and all of the techniques that go along with it!

SEO and SEM solutions are Mr. Sgro’s specialty. His clients come from a selection of industries including healthcare, real estate, and retail, to name only a few. As well, Carl Sgro is a specialist when it comes to designing and developing ROI effective programs for the purposes of PPC advertising.

What Lady Does Not Love High Heels?!

2009-02-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

There is no denying that although not the best shoe style for women from a health standpoint, high heeled shoes put pressure on the front portion of the foot by pushing it forward and down and bending the toes up in an unnatural position, high heeled shoes are stylish, elegant and can make any woman look and feel sexier. High heeled shoes have a simple definition, as they are shoes, which raise the heel of the foot significantly higher than the toes.

High-heeled shoes come in a number of different styles, different materials and can be purchased in almost any color of the rainbow. Most high heels are solids, which means they are all one color but some have patterns such as leopard print. High-heeled shoes come in a variety of shapes also, such as block, blade, stiletto, tapered and wedge. Fashion would not be fashion without high heeled shoes. If in doubt, look to the queen of shoes, the fictitious and fun loving fashionista Carrie Bradshaw of HBOs very successful show “Sex and the City”. There was a girl who knew good sex AND good shoes!

Say I Love You With Flowers This Valentine's Day

2009-01-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day provides an opportunity to show your love and appreciation to that special someone. 1800flowers has a wide selection of valentine’s day gifts for you to pick from in order to find the gift that is just right. Valentine’s flowers are always a good choice for any lady.

Valentines roses from 1800flowers are lovely and oh so pleasing to the eye. Not to mention the fact that the scent is divine. Roses have been a symbol of love and beauty for many centuries. According to evidence found in fossils, roses are 35 million years old. During the Roman days roses were used in medicine. They were also used to make perfume and the petals were used as confetti for weddings and other happy occasions.

Perfect Your Wardrobe with These Basics (Part Two)

2009-01-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

In case you thought I forgot the second half of this article- not to worry! Part two is coming right up. Better late than never ... at all! :)

The Polished Look is Classic and Sexy!

Are you heading to work, a business meeting, or is it time for a much deserved night on the town? Whatever the case may be, you’ll look polished and put together with these pieces of apparel.

· Classic shift dress
Stream lined and black, it is always a winner!

Skirts

1. Tailored pencil skirt
2. Dressy A-line skirt
3. Flirty tweed skirt

Important to note- The most flattering skirt length is considered to be just above the knee, or just brushing the middle of the knee.

Evening Dress

Think elegant

Floor length dresses are back in style again. A floor length dress that is simple in design is the way to go. What about color? A color such as metallic gold is classic and timeless (and suits most skin tones).

Undergarments

Seamless bra and panty set- A must for any woman.
Panty styles- Choose brief, bikini or thong

Cami- Sexy camisoles are such an essential, own more than one in a variety of colors (neutrals such as beige, white and of course black are the best colors to start with).

Chic Pantyhose Colors- Hosiery is mega important. Staple colors to keep on hand for day and nighttime wear include black opaque, black fishnet, black sheer, nude fishnet and nude sheer.

Footwear

· Sleek pointed toe pump
· Tailored low heel (pump) shoe
· Flexible suede loafer
· Metallic strappy heel

· Dressy walking boots (riding style is attractive and practical)

· Knee-high high heel boots

Tip- Wear neutral metallic shoes with dressy or casual styles.

Accessories

Practical and Stylish Bags

· A structured leather tote is a must for daytime (black or brown are the best color choices)
· Classic metallic clutch (for evening glam)

Sunglasses

· Classic tortoiseshell frames
· Sporty metal shades (the frameless kind are excellent for afternoon fun)

Watches

· Polished black leather band watch (suitable for daytime, work, etc.)
· Two-tone metal band watch (great for nighttime)

Belts

· Thin textured belt
· Black and brown reversible belt (for lots of different looks)

And the Style Continues!

Outerwear Ideas

· Statement- making jacket (a classic is a duffel style)
· Tailored three-button coat
· Classic trench (full or ¾ length)
· Corduroy jacket (brown or black)

Pair your coat with a sleek pair of gloves

Finishing Touches

*Stylish wrap (coordinate the color with your outerwear)
*Printed scarf (red is always vibrant and sets off a neutral colored coat beautifully)

Wangethi Mwangi

2008-12-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

Wangethi Mwangi is a journalist of many years who lives in Kenya and works for the Nation Media Group where he is employed as the Editorial Director. Before becoming Editorial Director, this veteran journalist worked as a sub-editor for the Daily Nation, which is a holding of Nation Media Group. The multi-media group in the East African region offers both print and electronic media versions.

Mr. Wangethi Mwangi has always been a big supporter of free press and believes that the Nation Media Group (NMG) has played a key role in the politics of Kenya and in supporting the development of democracy in East Africa. The Nation Media Group got its start in 1959 and was founded by His Highness, the Aga Khan.

Besides his journalism talents and experience, Wangethi Mwangi has an enthusiastic and enduring interest in both economics and media law.

Linus Gitahi

2008-12-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

Linus Gitahi is a business executive and the CEO of Nation Media Group who resides with his wife and two daughters in Nairobi, Kenya. Nation Media Group is the largest media firm of its kind in East and Central Africa. The company offers both print as well as electronic media platforms.

Before beginning his career as CEO of Nation Media Group, Linus Gitahi spent many successful years working as an executive at GlaxoSmithKline. For those unfamiliar with this company, it is a global pharmaceutical company.

Linus Gitahi first worked out of London as the head of Africa marketing. He then was promoted to commercial director, and from there to General Manager in East Africa. Before moving to the Nation Media Group, Mr. Gitahi became CEO of the Lagos based GlaxoSmithKline in West Africa.

Paul Offit

2008-12-22T07:28:00.000-08:00

Dr. Paul Offit is a well known pediatrician and an expert when it comes to vaccines. He is the Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases as well as the Director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Paul Offit, MD has had in excess of 130 papers of his work on vaccine safety and rotavirus-specific immune responses published in medical and scientific journals. He is the co-inventor of Rota Teq (rotavirus vaccine) which has recently been recommended to be used for babies worldwide by the CDC.

Paul Offit is a renowned doctor who has received a variety of awards over the course of his professional career including the J. Edmund Bradley Prize for Excellence in Pediatrics, the Young Investigator Award in Vaccine Development and a Research Career Development Award.

Perfect Your Wardrobe with These Basics (Part One)

2008-10-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

Does your wardrobe need a boast? Learn to relax in, polish, accessorize and shine with these timeless fashion ideas that take you from daytime to nighttime glamour and glitz in no time at all. This is part one of three parts ...

Casual Attire

What does casual mean? Casual means comfortable, relaxed and lived in clothing but it does not have to spell messy, untidy or all out sloppy! Get with it girlfriend!

Must Have Sweaters- Five Stylish Options

1. Cozy cable-knit turtleneck
2.Polished short-sleeve crewneck
3.Colorful cardigan (cardigans are an excellent choice to take the place of a jacket in spring or autumn)
4.Classic V-neck sweater
5.Black turtleneck (the "can't go wrong everday" turtleneck!)

Shirts

-Crisp white shirt
-Flowing black button-front shirt (it can be somewhat flowing but does not have to overdo the flow! :) )
-Pinstripe shirt (look for ones with thin stripes that are vertical, not horizontal- it is more slimming!)

Pants (A casual staple for any lady's wardrobe)

-Jeans (any cut, your choice)
-Straight-leg check or pinstriped pants
-White pants (or off white) Remember that white pants are no longer just for summer. Haven't you ever heard the term "winter white"?

Tee-shirts (Excellent for layering purposes)

-Long sleeve tee shirts
(These are an absolute must for everyone's wardrobe! Make sure you have at least one black and one white. They look fantastic separate or wear them together! See what you are in the mood for!)

How to Sex Up Your Ensemble! (Tip for the Day)

2007-10-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

We all want to look as sexy as possible as often as possible. Am I right ladies? Of course! :) Here is a tip for looking sexy when the sun is shining- hide the mystery of who you are behind a pair of attractive designer shades. That way you can also protect your precious peepers from sun damage. With all of the talk about the damage caused by harmful UVA/UVB rays, sunglasses are not just a fashion necessity but also an important health consideration.

Eyes hidden behind a pair of killer shades are very alluring, mysterious and very seductive. Sunglasses are a fashion accessory that no woman should ever be without. Tote a pair with you often, even when the weatherman is not forecasting any sunshine because you just never know!

Don’t stop at one pair. Stock up on shades! Buy a few pairs to complement your many different moods as well as your many different outfits. Sunglasses come in an array of colors and styles and none that you own have to be boring or predictable looking. Be creative and let your fun and sexy side shine through.

Pants Go to Extremes

2007-10-16T17:55:00.000-07:00

It is not often the case but this fall season fashion designers it would seem could not make up their minds about what pants should be in style so they decided to go to extremes. This year pants go from one end of the spectrum to the other. On one end we have the skinny (in some cases ultra skinny) pant and on the other end we have the (super) wide legged pant. This is good however because it gives us ladies plenty of fashion choices.

The skinny pants are best for women who are slim and have long legs. The skinny pants tend to be favored more by teenage girls and twentysomethings than more mature women. To look as "in" as possible, pair your skinny pants with a chunky knit sweater, just don't get too chunky in the knit, if you know what I mean!

The wide leg pant for fall is suitable for almost any woman, regardless of her body shape. In particular ladies with bigger hips will appreciate how this type of pant looks on them because the flare part of the legs gives a more proportional and balanced look. Just make sure you do not wear a really bulky top or sweater with your wide legged pants. You don't want to overdo a good thing! If you decide to go with a jacket, wear a short one so you don't look like you have gotten lost somewhere in your clothes!

Seeing Shades of Gray ...

2007-10-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Gray (or grey) is the new black for fall 2007. Gray is the "go-to neutral" color for the season that everyone is falling for (no pun intended!) In particular gray purses and bags are very "in" as are gray shoes. Gray is no longer a dull, boring color. You can choose from light grays that are almost a silvery color to slate gray to charcoal gray.

Clothing in different shades of gray is also very hot. This is where you have to be careful however because gray is a color that can wash you out and it is not right for everyone, especially when it is worn close to the face, such as a top, sweater, jacket or scarf. In particular gray does not always complements ladies with warmer skin tones. As well gray tends to wash out women in their late 30s and 40s more so than it does those in their 20s and early 30s. Be mindful of this.

If you do have your heart set on wearing a shade of gray this fall then pair it with a bright and vibrant color such as red, pink or a stunning shade of green. For example with your gray sweater you could wear a scarf in a lively color.

Traveling and the Fashion Maven

2007-10-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

So you are going on a trip- is it business or pleasure Miss Fashion Maven? Always keep the purpose of your trip in mind as you go about picking and choosing separates. Make sure to pack at least one formal outfit to wear for a fancy dinner or the like. It’s always a good rule of thumb to dress up as opposed to dress down. When in doubt, always dress fancier. Go easy on casual attire- tee shirts and cutoffs are better left at home.

Natural colors such as black, white and beige make for easy mixing and matching and solids are preferable to patterns and more vibrant colors. Do you have a signature? Do you like to wear a certain kind of hat, scarf, pin, pair of earrings or necklace? If so then by all means bring it with you. The familiar is always welcome and bringing your special, unique “fashion statement or identifier” with you is comforting and stylish.

When in doubt always go with these well-chosen pieces- four bottoms (pants and skirts are the most versatile choices); six tops (make sure they match with at least three of your bottoms); three warm layers (such as a blazer or cardigan), one dress (make sure it matches with the blazer), four pairs of shoes- dressy pumps or slingbacks for nighttime glamor, flatties, such as ballet flats or mules, that dress you up or down easily; sandals or flip-flops for casual daytime wear if you’re venturing to a warm location and a good walking shoe that breathes (fold-up sneakers, canvas shoes or even a comfortable pair of moccasins) and two bags/purses, a bigger purse or tote bag for days and a smaller more elegant clutch for nights.

Uh oh! You've arrived at your destination and discovered that you did not pack your travel iron and worse yet, the hotel you are staying at does not have an iron in the room? No worries! Read on for what to do ...

Solution: There is a secret weapon to getting wrinkles out of clothes- steam them in the shower. Here’s what you do- hang your clothing in the bathroom, turn on the hot water in the shower and close the door. The water needs to get really hot (borderline scalding so beware!) and give out a lot of steam to get rid of the creases. The worse the creases, the longer you should leave it in the bathroom. Afterwards hang the item outside of the bathroom in order for it to air-dry for approximately ten to fifteen minutes. Now you are all set! Fashion emergency averted!! :)

Halifax's Own Fashion Maven Part Two

2007-10-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

So here we finish the remainder of the story... Enjoy!

Not everyone can be Carrie Bradshaw (and of course not everyone wants to be) but I do my best to be a stylish and “in the know” woman about town. I love to dress up and go out and like Carrie, shoes really are my best friend (or come in a pretty close second). Let’s see what I have on the social agenda … tonight it’s a wine and cheese party and I’ve chosen a pair of soft black trousers, a sexy navy camisole, and a pair of dressy mules. A chic and classy look in my humble opinion. Of course there’s a pair of gold hoop earrings, a gold bracelet, a spritz of … oh what kind of cologne will it be tonight? I can’t make up my mind, my vanity table is replete with choices. Oh yes I can now- Obsession by Calvin Klein it is going to be. It’s my old standby, my can’t-make-up-my-mind fragrance. And now what should I wear, my velvet jacket or that new dressy wrap I just bought? Decisions, decisions …

Halifax may not have it’s own fashion week twice a year but I’m doing my part to show others that fashion should (and most definitely can) be a priority in this city I have always loved. I’ll let my friend Carrie be her cynical self and think as she wishes. But a city without its eye on fashion? I beg to differ!

Note- If you were stumped by Carrie’s (yes I know her name is spelled just like the fashion diva from Sex and the City but I assure you there is no relation) question at the beginning, here is the answer: New York City hosts fashion week twice a year. The fall shows are held the preceding winter in February while the spring shows are held the preceding late summer, in September. The actual dates vary from year to year. The shows are held in a place called Bryant Park which is located at 42nd and Sixth. Bryant Park is an eight-acre park that for the sake of the high profile galas, is converted into an area full of tents and lots of frantic fashion activity. Anybody who is anybody in the fashion world attends these events.

The closest fashion mecca to Halifax is to be found in central Canada, which is to be more exact, stylish Toronto, Ontario which is home to 4,682,897 people (according to a census done in 2001). Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is the fifth most populated city in North America after Mexico City, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. The dates of October 16th to the 21st of this year are set aside for Toronto’s fashion week when all fashion designers and self confessed fashionistas will be out in full swing enjoying the festivities. During this exciting week in Toronto the spring collection for 2008 will be unveiled.

Now aren’t you glad you learned something new today?!

Let us begin ... Halifax's Own Fashion Maven

2007-09-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

During a recent trip to the mall, my friend Carrie remarked that it’s not easy to be fashionable in a city that isn’t fashionable in any sense. “Halifax is not in touch with the rest of the planet,” she commented. “This city has no idea what’s in or out. I bet if you stopped most people on the street and asked them when New York fashion week is held, both for the spring/summer and fall/winter lines, very few people would know. It’s too bad because this city has so much to offer in other areas. We need to become more cosmopolitan, more up on the trends. But fashion?” She wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “It’s nada here.”

With a knowing smile I responded with raised eyebrows, “Except for us of course?”

“But of course. That goes without saying.” Her eyes lit up and her smile was mischievous. “You and I are Halifax’s own fashion mavens. We care about fashion and we’re not afraid to show it. We are an unheard of breed in this city my dear friend.”

Her comments got me to thinking. Sure Halifax, being the capital city of Nova Scotia and also the most populated of the Atlantic provinces, is not exactly a thriving metropolis like Montreal or Toronto but let’s face it, we are also considerably smaller. The greater Halifax area has approximately 100,000 people while Halifax and surrounding area is home to 400,000. As compared to the millions in Montreal or Toronto, I don’t think we are doing too badly. Granted we’re not a hotbed of fashion activity like New York City, Paris or Milan but we can hold our own all right.

Can’t we?

(To be continued)