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Showing posts from June, 2024

Clothing Tags Have Gotten Out of Hand

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Too Many Tags Wind up in landfills As I was getting ready to start my day on Saturday, I pulled out a pair of cargo pants. I had purchased them from Marshalls. Tan in color, the cargo pants were made by a brand called D.Jeans. I like this brand because their jeans contain stretchy material and always fit me well. The problem wasn’t the pants — it was the tags. There were about six of them in total. Besides the price tag, there was the company’s tag, the size sticker, the materials patch on the back of the pants, a tag on the waist, and a tag attached by a string with a larger version of the company’s name. There were too many tags! I understand that clothing tags are a part of the company’s marketing, but the number of tags on my pants was excessive. It takes time away from the getting ready process. As an avid shopper, I remember a time when clothing had only one tag, maybe two tags max. Now, I spend several minutes cutting and peeling tags off my clothes. Most retailers wher...

Five Areas of Your Body that Need Sunscreen

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Wear Sunscreen for your Body and for your health! Applying sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but there are specific areas people often miss that are crucial to cover. Here are the top five most important places to put sunscreen on your body: Eyelids: The skin on your eyelids is very thin and sensitive, making it prone to sun damage. Approximately 5-10% of skin cancers occur on the eyelid area​ (Ochsner Rush)​​ (Baylor College of Medicine)​. Tops of Ears: The tops and backs of your ears are common sites for skin cancer, yet they are frequently overlooked during sunscreen application​ (Ochsner Rush)​​ (Baylor College of Medicine)​. Scalp and Hairline: The scalp can get sunburned, especially along the hairline. Use a sunscreen spray or wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect this area​ (Ochsner Rush)​​ (LovelySkin.com)​​ (Baylor College of Medicine)​. Lips: The lips are often forgotten but are vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer, particular...

Outfit Ideas for Hot Summer Days

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When the weather gets hot, the clothes become cool! > Outfit Formula 1: Casual and Breezy Top: Lightweight tank top or a cotton t-shirt Bottom: Denim shorts or a flowy skirt Footwear: Comfortable sandals or slip-on espadrilles Accessories: Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a simple crossbody bag Notes: Opt for light colors and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool. Outfit Formula 1: Casual and Breezy Example 1: Top: White cotton tank top Bottom: Light wash denim shorts Footwear: Brown leather sandals Accessories: Black sunglasses, beige wide-brimmed hat, brown crossbody bag Retailers: Top: Old Navy Bottom: Levi's Footwear: Birkenstock Accessories: Ray-Ban, H&M, Target Example 2: Top: Striped cotton t-shirt Bottom: Blue flowy skirt Footwear: White slip-on espadrilles Accessories: Tortoise shell sunglasses, straw hat, wicker crossbody bag Retailers: Top: J.Crew Bottom: Zara Footwear: Soludos Accessories: Warby Parker, Urban Outfitters, Anthr...

Sleepwear Trends for 2024

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When the weather is hot and sticky, the last thing you want to wear at night is some itchy and scratchy PJs. Summer nights can be either breezy and cool or clammy and uncomfortable, depending on where you live. You want sleepwear that can adjust to night temperatures and be fine for daytime lounging. My go-to sleepwear is a tank top and shorts. Nothing fancy. I want to be comfortable in bed while I have the AC turned on high and my comforter wrapper around me like it’s winter. During the day, I can walk around my home without getting the eye roll from my family. I can even go out in the backyard without the neighbors thinking I’m a nudist. But I also know that I want sleepwear that fits the surroundings if I’m away on a trip. Not everyone is a tank top and shorts kind of girl at bedtime. Here are some sleepwear trends for 2024: ***REPOST*** The 13 Very Best Pajamas for Women Eberjey makes the best women's pajamas, but we've tested lots of great options in cotton, linen m...

The History of Sunglasses

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Made to Shade Sunglasses, an accessory commonly associated with style and protection, have a rich history that spans centuries. The journey from rudimentary sun-blocking devices to modern fashion statements reflects advances in technology, changes in fashion, and a growing understanding of eye health. Ancient Beginnings The earliest known use of sunglasses dates back to prehistoric times when Inuit peoples used flattened walrus ivory with narrow slits to shield their eyes from the harsh glare of the sun reflected off snow and ice. These primitive "glasses" were essential for survival in the Arctic, preventing snow blindness caused by UV radiation. In ancient China, sunglasses were made from flat panes of smoky quartz, not to block UV rays but to conceal the eyes and facial expressions of judges in court, maintaining an air of impartiality. These early Chinese sunglasses were more about social and functional roles than eye protection. Middle Ages to Renaissance By th...

The History of the Sun Hat

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Sun Hats have been Worn for Centuries The sun hat, an essential accessory for protection against the sun's rays, has a rich history that reflects the evolution of fashion, social norms, and practicality. From ancient times to modern days, the sun hat has undergone significant transformations, influenced by cultural, social, and technological changes. Ancient Beginnings The origins of the sun hat can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt, as early as 3100 BCE, head coverings were commonplace, often worn to signify status and protect against the harsh desert sun. Pharaohs and other high-ranking individuals wore elaborate headdresses, while the working class utilized simpler head coverings made from natural fibers like reeds and straw . Similarly, in ancient Greece and Rome, wide-brimmed hats known as petasos were worn by travelers and outdoor workers to shield themselves from the sun. These hats were made from materials such as wool felt or leather, highli...

Summer Bag Trends for 2024

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Get ready for day trips, brunch meetups, and evenings out! Sequins & Sales Phot Source With winter behind us and Spring transitioning into Summer, it’s time to change my bag for the new season. During winter, I like a thick, sturdy bag. The bag needs to be apple to hold a lot — smaller purses, makeup, pens, lotion, notebooks, and laptops. A well-made bag can take being dropped, dragged, and thrown around. Leather bags are great for winter. They’re the sturdiest. But faux leather and mixed metal bags work well also. In the Spring, I like my bags to be colorful and large. I generally go for a cloth or cotton bag. It has to have thick straps and a strong bottom. Spring time is also totes season. A good tote will get you through the changing weather of Spring. Wooden bags are pretty good depending on the brand. Don’t get a wooden bag from a dollar store or low-end retailer! I’ve seen durable wooden bags at Marshalls, Target, and TJ Maxx. But as Summer approaches, I want someth...

Jorts - The Jean Shorts of the Season

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The History of Jorts: From Workwear to Fashion Statement Jean shorts, commonly known as "jorts," have experienced a fascinating evolution from their practical origins to their current status as a staple in contemporary fashion. Their history is intertwined with the development of denim and the changing trends in workwear and casual attire. Let's explore the origins, cultural significance, and modern adaptations of jorts, highlighting their enduring popularity. Origins of Denim The story of jorts begins with denim, a sturdy cotton fabric that originated in the French city of Nîmes in the 18th century. Known as "serge de Nîmes," this fabric was later shortened to "denim." By the late 19th century, denim had found its way to the United States, where it became synonymous with durable workwear. Levi Strauss, a German immigrant, played a pivotal role in popularizing denim in America by creating the first pair of blue jeans in 1873 for miners and l...