Fashion Culture : April 2009

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Staying Fashionable in a Recession: Accessorize!

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Apr 30, 2009 by Lindsay W.

Accessories are an essential part of every fashionista's wardrobe. Shoes, purses, scarves and earrings are easy to mix and match with any outfit, and they always fit, even on fat days. So, what better way to keep your look up-to-date than with new accessories?

Now, I know what you're thinking: "The economy is a complete mess right now, why on earth would I want to spend money on a scarf or earrings when they're non-essential?" To a certain extent, this is true - jewelry and other accessories cannot be the backbone of your wardrobe. However, having a variety of interesting accessories can allow you to make a week's worth of outfits out of just a couple of basic wardrobe pieces - and that is priceless!

Scarves are my favorite accessory, for their versatility and ability to completely transform an outfit. Long thin scarves can be worn at your neck, as a headband or even as a belt. If you choose a wide scarf to dress up the lapels of your favorite blazer, it can be repurposed as a wrap on cool evenings, a throat protector in winter weather, a sarong or even a sexy top, depending on how you wrap it. Having scarves in several colors in your wardrobe will allow you to wear the same suit or blazer several times a week without ever looking like you're showing up to work in the same outfit.

Shoes are an equally fabulous way to change up your look. A plain pair of black trousers will look like a completely different pair of pants when worn with ballet flats as opposed to stiletto heels (or leather ankle boots, or Mary Janes - you get the idea). While shoes are a little more costly than some other accessories, they are an essential item, and will last a long time if cared for properly.

Jewelry, bags and hair accessories are also good ways to change up your look and best of all, they're one-size-fits-all -- that means that instead of shopping, you can swap with your friends. Best of all, borrowing and lending is not only economical, it's fun too!

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Celebrity Gossip: Reality TV's Celebrity Couples

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Apr 29, 2009 by Kelly H.

Not a week has a week gone by without Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt gracing the covers of a celebrity magazine or entertainment news television reel. The couple's turbulent on-again, off-again relationship began in the public eye on the reality television show The Hills. Though they appear to be the reality couple grabbing much of today's press, Montag and Pratt aren't the only couple who have tied the knot after having a very public wooing on reality television.

Trista and Ryan Sutter: The Bachelorette
Montag and Pratt might have had a little help from MTV in finding one another, but it was ABC that helped bring together Trista and Ryan Sutter. The couple met during the first season of The Bachelorette, with Ryan proposing to Trista at the end of the season. The couple did receive quite a bit of press attention, a la Montag and Pratt, both before and after their 2003 wedding. The arrival of their first child in 2007 brought the couple back into the spotlight, as has the arrival of baby No. 2—a girl born on April 3, 2009. It appears that despite the press attention they still receive at times, the Sutter family is able to make their much publicized wooing and union work.

Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich: Survivor
It wasn't The Bachelorette or The Hills that brought Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich together, but Survivor. The couple met on an all-star season of the hit reality show and fell in love. Though there was much speculation at the time about the sincerity behind the couple's relationship, they've proved that they are truly in love, and had a televised wedding. Their relationship, which does seem to be based in reality after all, is going on strong after four years of marriage. The couple makes public appearances, including a stint on Amazing Race, so they haven't faded from the public eye entirely.

If Montag and Pratt want to make a success of their marriage, they would do well to turn to Survivor's Mariano and Brkich and The Bachelorette's Trista and Ryan Sutter. These couples have managed to overcome the reality television odds and make their relationships work, and given Heidi and Spencer something to aim for.

SOURCES
US Weekly
AOL Television
The Hollywood Gossip

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Most Posh Hotels and Spas in the World: Hotel Grande Bretagne, Greece

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Apr 28, 2009 by E.A. Anne

Greece is one of the most picturesque countries imaginable...a perfect destination for tourists, historians, anthropologists, biologists and more. So whether you're interested in ancient Greek architecture and folklore, or the beautiful white sands of Greece's many small islands, Greece has it all.

Hotel Grande Bretagne is the perfect spot to begin your time in Greece. It is ideally located in Constitution Square, Athens, and day trips to the Acropolis and the Olympic Stadium can be easily arranged. Hotel Grande Bretagne offers views of the Parthenon in the Acropolis, the Parliament and Lycabettus Hill.

Hotel Grande Bretagne offers some of the best amenities in all of Athens. Tourists with a wide variety of interests will find the Guide Services extremely useful at the hotel. The Guide Service will arrange specialized tours of Athens and beyond for you, within your budget. They will arrange tours of particular sights, book luxury cars for your service and schedule a range of other services specifically for you.

The GB Spa at the hotel offers a wide range of treatments for their guests. The Spa offers a suite with herbal bath, Laconium, Amethyst Grotto, Traditional Sauna, Ice Fountain, Couple's Suite and more specifically designed for guests. And with just the right pair of comfortable slippers, you will really feel like a God or Goddess.

While all of the rooms at the Hotel Grande Gretagne are extraordinarily luxurious, with all the best modern amenities and services available when you want them, the prize of the hotel is the Royal Suite. It has iconic views of the Acropolis, Parliament and Lycabettus Hill. The Royal Suite totals 400 square feet, and in this space you'll have the opportunity to experience the luxury in a grand marble bathroom, three sitting areas, private gym, private media center and 16 place dining table. The best part of the Royal Suite is the wine cellar with 300 bottles of local and international aged wines, as well as a stock of the best cigars. Wine aficionados, this is the room for you!

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Evolution of Clothing: The Grecian Dress

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Apr 27, 2009 by Pam Gaulin

Greek is chic. The Grecian dress, with its signature draped fabric and one-shouldered neckline, has been revived as a classic style for women. With the First Lady's choice of a one-shouldered dress for the inauguration ball, the trend of Grecian-inspired fashion continues to gain steam, making it a hot fashion choice for women.

Ancient Greece
In Ancient Greece tunics were made from basic and large pieces of cloth, typically belted or drawn in at the waist or above. Much of their style incorporated borders and layers to create a draped effect.

Historic Moments
Between 1800 and 1815 there was a Greek revival in the United States, which included Grecian-style gowns for American women. The First Lady wowed the U.S. with her one-shouldered number and set the tone for prom dresses, formal dresses and casual dresses for the year. Before Michelle Obama made the one-shouldered look accessible to all women, it was worn by Kate Moss in 2007.

Grecian Dress
The Grecian dress is typically made with draped fabric. It sometimes incorporates the one-shouldered look. The shoulder strap may be draped over the upper arm or rest firmly on the shoulder, drawing attention to the bare shoulder and to the neck. The Grecian dress is a versatile style which can be found in long, elegant dresses, or shorter frocks. Pair any Grecian dress or Grecian top and shorts, or skirt with a pair of Greek-inspired sandals for a classic and fashionable look.

Going Greek: Casual Style
Elements of the Grecian dress are also found in tops. Tops may combine the illusion of a one-shouldered look with some support on the other shoulder, as seen in the Ella Moss Goa One Shoulder Top. One-shouldered tops with ruffles, rather than drapery owe their asymmetry to the Grecian dress. Heavy drapery and Greek influence can also be seen on party dresses. Even swim wear has gone Greek. Today's bikinis and tanks sport one strap not two, a style inspired by the Grecian dress.

Sources:
Ancient Greece, http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Main_Page
Clothing in Ancient Greece, http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Clothing
Retro Fashion History, http://retro-fashion-history.com/html/1965_retro_fashion_history.html

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Celebrity Gossip: Britney Spears Tour is a Hit With Celebrities

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Apr 24, 2009 by Tiffany B.

Rumors have been circulating around town that Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have called it quits. Apparently two different sources have confirmed to USmagazine.com that the couple is most definitely still together. However, rumors started to fly even more about the couple when Timberlake attended Kate Hudson's 30th birthday bash alone. A source tells the magazine, "Things are very good with them. They do things separately sometimes." The couple just went on a getaway together earlier this month to Vail, CO. The pair has been dating since 2007 and just recently bought an apartment together in New York City. Have you ever noticed that most of the time rumors are true about celebrity couples? I have a feeling that this one may be true, as just because they took a vacation together, doesn't mean they aren't having trouble. Look at Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt. They took a vacation together and the next week were separated.

Grey's Anatomy star, Ellen Pompeo has confirmed that she is expecting a baby with her husband Chris Ivery. A rep for the couple, says that the couple "is thrilled." The couple was married back in November 2007 and Ellen was heard talking about having babies last year. There is no word on what her due date is, but it is most likely the end of summer. So, for all you Grey's fans, would you want Meredith to become pregnant on the show? They can only take Meredith and McDreamy's relationship so far, so they may want to write her pregnancy into the show.

It appears that other celebrities are excited about Britney Spears tour, "Circus". There are several celebrities that were spotted at her show in L.A. last week. Nicole Richie, Lauren Conrad, Avril Lavigne and husband Derek Whibley, Jamie Pressly, Gabrielle Union, Rihanna, Denise Richards, Kathie Griffin, Jenny Garth, and Lindsay Lohan were all spotted at Britney's L.A. show. It appears that other celebrities are coming out in full force supporting her. Nicole Richie even tweeted on her Twitter account about how much she loved "Brit."

Sources:
www.usmagazince.com
www.britneyspears.com

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Staying Fashionable in a Recession: A Wardrobe for All Seasons

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Apr 23, 2009 by Lindsay W.

Depending on where you live, you may be subject to everything from gale force blizzards to sweltering summer heat throughout the year. Those who live in more temperate climates may have it a little easier, but even Floridians need to have some "winter" clothes for the rare chilly evening or northern vacation. In essence, many of us have three or four separate wardrobes, one for each season.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to streamline your wardrobe so that most of what you own can be worn in any season. Granted, your snow boots will still sit idle in your closet in July, but by choosing clothing that can be layered and mixed and matched, you'll get a lot more mileage out of your "seasonal" duds - and look fabulous doing it!

For instance, take your basic camisole style tank top. This is a must for your summer wardrobe, but why let it languish in a drawer in the winter? Instead, pair it with an open weave sweater or chunky cardigan. You'll be plenty warm and get some use out of your summer clothes as well. Pairing the same neutral sweater with a variety of colored tanks allows you to create a whole new look for the price of a tank top, which is likely to be much less expensive than buying a whole new sweater!

Repurposing some of your winter clothes for summer can save you some cash as well. Instead of buying a winter coat plus a windbreaker or light jacket for fall and spring, choose a coat that has a zip-out lining or vest - two coats for the price of one! Even your winter hat can be a fashion item in the off-season: go for a felt bowler (in a fun color) instead of a stocking cap, and you can wear it almost year round.

Bathing suits and mittens may always be seasonal, but most of your wardrobe doesn't have to be. Wearing clothes in the "wrong" season has another fashion-forward benefit too - you'll never end up wearing the same outfit as someone else!

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Most Posh Hotels/Spas in the World: On the Beaches of Goa

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Apr 21, 2009 by E.A. Anne

It's time to leave the crowded northern cities of India and head for the warm, tropical and relaxing beaches of the east. In that respect, Goa, located on the Eastern coast of India, is the perfect tourist destination. Luxury hotels are in abundance in Goa, but which is the best?

Fort Aguada Beach Resort, one of the many Taj Hotels in India, is the most idyllic resort in Goa. The Resort has been transformed from a 16th Century Portuguese Fortress and now rests serenely on 73 acres. It is situated right on the beautiful pristine beaches of Goa, where the ocean water is warm and soothing. For those walks on the beach, pick up a pair of sandals before you leave.

Fort Aguada has some of the most luxurious amenities; you may never want to leave the surrounding beauty and comfort of Goa. With nine different restaurants, you'll never want for a delicious meal. You'll never forget the calm of having a decedent meal right on the white sands of Goa.

Fort Aguada's Jiva Spa offers a vast menu of different spa treatments right at your fingertips. There you can take yoga or meditation classes, soak in the steam room, enjoy exfoliating Taj scrubs with coconut, traditional massages, invigorating carrot and coriander spiced drinks and much more! Let the Jiva Spa assist you in releasing all of your tension, worries and body aches.

The Fort Aguada also has a great menu of activities that will invigorate and excite you on your vacation. You'll have the chance to see the landscape and native animals through wildlife excursions and nature walks, rock climbing and rappelling, and water sports!

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Celebrity Style: Stars Ditching Dresses for Suits

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Apr 21, 2009 by Tiffany B.

Celebrity women are ditching the dresses on the red carpet and instead are sporting power suits. In the past couple of months, there has been an increase of women celebrities wearing suits to red carpet events instead of the normal dress. Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Penelope Cruz, Naomi Watts, Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet, and Eva Longoria Parker have all worn suits to a red carpet event within the past couple of weeks. Another big celebrity that has been seen wearing a couple of different suits is Jennifer Aniston.

Celebrities seem to be making the suit more of a statement piece rather than a boring outfit that can only be worn to work. Celebrities know how to accessorize their suits and pick out the perfect pieces that flatter their body and make them look feminine.

To keep a suit looking feminine there are several things that celebrities do that you can also follow. The first would be to accessorize with big and bold jewelry. When Jennifer Aniston wore her black suit to the premier of her movie, she paired it with a long gold necklace that attracted attention. Amy Adams added layers of black beaded necklaces to her suit. For a look like Jennifer Aniston's try a necklace like this one by Roberto Cavalli.

Another way that celebrities like to keep their suits looking feminine and not like they are wearing their husband's suit are with tops that scream sexy and sleek. Again, look back at Jennifer Aniston's suit. She paired a black suit and wore a low cut black top underneath to add the hint of cleavage and sexiness to the outfit. Anne Hathaway also paired her black suit with a plain low-cut shell underneath which provided her with that added touch. If you don't want to go the low cut route, you can do what Naomi Watts did and pair the suit with a feminine and flirty blouse. Try blouses that have ruffles, ties, or are sheer for that added charm to the suit.

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Celebrity Gossip: Are Chris Brown and Rihanna Still Dating?

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Apr 17, 2009 by Tiffany B.

Apparently when actress Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green break up they don't do it for good. Green and Fox were spotted in Santa Monica looking for a beach apartment together. A source told reporters that, "Megan wanted great ocean views because she loves the beach and spotting dolphins. And they said they needed several bedrooms and lots of privacy." Although the couple was together, Megan was not wearing her engagement ring at the time. The couple was recently engaged and then called off their engagement last month. Are they still together? Are they still getting married? Who knows?

Chris Brown has pled not guilty to the two felony charges he faces for assault and making criminal threats. The whole case goes back to the night were he allegedly beat his girlfriend, singer Rihanna, after she found a text message from another girl on his phone. Chris Brown showed up at court in L.A. and pled not guilty, as Rihanna spends some more time in Barbados. He is due back in court on April 29. It has been speculated that Chris Brown and Rihanna are still dating even after this incident. Also, the two sides are even trying to work out a plea bargain to end this case as quickly as possible.

Actor Ethan Hawke may want to stay away from Toby Keith if he is smart. In an article that Hawke wrote for Rolling Stone about Kris Kristofferson, he claims that a country singer who "had a monster hit about bombing America's enemies back into the stone age," started a fight backstage at Willie Nelson's tribute concert with Kristofferson. Hawke never mentioned Toby by name, but only referred to his song, "Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry American)." Keith called Hawke out asking why he didn't call him by name and went on to say explicit words about how Hawke didn't know what he was talking about and the incident is made up. Hawke's rep did not comment on the situation.

Sources:
www.tmz.com
www.huffingtonpost.com

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NINE WEST: What Not to Miss, 2009

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Apr 15, 2009 by Brett H.

Check out Fred Allard 's overview of the NINE WEST Spring 2009 Collection. Urban Warrior Sandals, Studs, Platform Sandals, Wedges...Oh My! Shop these trends now!

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Celebrity Gossip: Justin Timberlake talks about Marriage

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Apr 15, 2009 by Tiffany B.

Justin Timberlake has confirmed on the Oprah Winfrey Show that he is not engaged at this time to Jessica Biel. There have been some rumors going around that the duo was engaged, but apparently that is just not the case. He told Oprah that, "I'm not engaged. If she's engaged, we have a problem."

Another singer that is setting the record straight on his personal life is Pete Wentz. He went on record at the Kid's Choice Awards that his marriage to Ashlee Simpson is not on the rocks and everything is great. When asked about the rumors, Wentz replied, "I laugh at all of that stuff." The couple had been apart for a little bit as Wentz was on tour with his band and Ashlee was taking care of their son Bronx Mowgli. The two reunited at the Australia MTV Awards last week with a kiss onstage, looking like the perfect couple. The couple will celebrate their one year anniversary in May.

Katherine Heigl is saying that she has no plans to leave Grey's Anatomy even though her character on the show, Izzie has a brain tumor. She told the Associated Press that, "I don't know if I live or die. I don't know how Izzie fares." She also went on to that filming Grey's Anatomy is one of her favorite things and if the producers allow Izzie to live, she will be right there on the set filming. There has been speculation that the actress was leaving Grey's Anatomy to focus on her movie career. Heigl says that it is not true and she has no problem working on her movies during her summer hiatus from Grey's Anatomy.

The Fox Network is teaming up with the producers of the Bachelor to cast a new dating show for "average looking" people. The show will be called "More to Love." Not only will average people be on the show, but they will also have overweight contestants vying for love. It will basically have the same premise as the Bachelor with a group of woman vying for the love of one man. Mike Fleiss who will be the producer of the show calls it "the dating show for the rest of us."

Sources:
www.usmagazine.com
www.people.com
www.hollywoodreporter.com

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Staying Fashionable in a Recession: Protect Your Assets

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Apr 15, 2009 by Lindsay W.

Nothing is more annoying than commuting in the rain or snow. Trying to balance your cellphone, handbag and morning coffee is bad enough - add an umbrella into the mix and it's absolute torture. Spending a whole work day in soaking wet clothes or shoes is never fun, and it's also really terrible for your wardrobe. A thorough soaking can ruin delicate shoes, stain pant cuffs and shrink wool sweaters. Even if your shoes aren't destroyed by the rain or snow, you definitely run the risk of creating a smelly situation that renders good shoes unwearable.

The solution? Well, everyone knows not to wear nice shoes in wet weather - so the conventional wisdom is to carry your nice shoes for work and wear an ugly old pair instead. However, no fashionista wants to spend half her day in hideous footwear. So, smart designers have found an alternative solution to the problem that is not only practical but totally fashionable as well: funky, fabulous rubber rain boots.

These protective boots can be found in a variety of price ranges but tend to be quite inexpensive - I picked up a pair recently for under $20. They are available in literally hundreds of colors, patterns and styles, so you can express yourself to your heart's content without breaking the bank. Most styles are wide enough at the top to allow you to stuff your pant legs inside the boot, giving extra protection against salty or muddy sidewalks (this is also a boon for gals with wider-than-average calves).

Invest in a pair of rain boots and umbrella that match both your winter coats and spring/fall jackets, and you're fashionably set for any type of weather. Rain boots are also a great item to borrow and lend if you want to change up your look for a day. Because these boots are somewhat oversized anyway, exact fit isn't really that important, so you can swap with your girlfriends even if they're a half size smaller or larger than you.

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Celebrity Style: Back to Feminine and Flirty Fashion Trends

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Apr 14, 2009 by Tiffany B

It appears that celebrities are getting back to the feminine and flirty fashion trends. One of the big fashion trends among celebrities right now are ruffles. In fact Reese Witherspoon was just seen wearing a dress with ruffles at a celebrity event. They key to wearing ruffles is to keep them from overpowering you. Like Reese's dress, a small ruffle around the neckline, especially in v-necks and lower necklines, add some feminine touches to the outfit without taking over the whole outfit. Ruffles don't have to be strictly on dresses though, they can also be on shirts, like this Robert Rodriguez one and even skirts. Other celebrities that have been wearing ruffles lately include, Nicole Richie, Mischa Barton, Taylor Swift, and Keira Knightley.

Another feminine fashion trend that celebrities have been following are bows. It could be a simple bow on a shoe or handbag, or one that makes a slightly larger statement on a shirt or dress. A large bow can add some interest to an outfit, but if you are not comfortable with that, you can always opt for a smaller bow for a more sophisticated look. Such celebrities as Drew Barrymore and Eva Longoria Parker have been spotted wearing dresses with large and dramatic bows. On the other hand, Reese Witherspoon and Katie Holmes chose to sport outfits with small bows to add some detail and a flirty touch to their outfits.

The last feminine and flirt fashion trend that celebrities have been following is the lace trend. Lace is a great way to bring out a flirty and feminine side. You can choose from a full lace outfit to just a touch of lace here and there. Lace dresses have been seen all of the red carpet along with shirts and even skirts. Celebrities such as Anne Hathaway, Blake Lively, Emmy Rossum, and Thandie Newton have all worn lace dresses on the red carpet. When following the lace fashion trend make sure to keep the overall piece pretty subtle and not too sexy so that it does not look like lingerie. You want to be flirty and feminine not trashy.

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Most Posh Hotels/Spas in the World: Imperial Hotel in New Delhi

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Apr 14, 2009 by E.A. Anne

As our time touring the beautiful beaches and glorious temples of India comes to a close, we will return once more to New Delhi before we depart from this country and head to a new and interesting land. Before we leave, however, we will be staying at one of the most magnificent hotels in the entire subcontinent, or even the world.

The Imperial is located on Janpath, close to the shopping district and other attractions that Delhi has to offer. For weary travelers, this is the best hotel to soak your tired feet and relax in complete luxury. The Imperial Spa, located in the gardens of the hotel, spans a massive 2,500 square meters and contains 11 different spa treatment rooms, each with their own specialty. The Imperial Spa also contains an Ayurvedic Center, a gym, yoga studio, beauty salon, hydrotherapy, steam and sauna rooms, whirlpools, tai chi rooms and more!

The Royal Imperial Suite is the best suite the Imperial has to offer, and its magnificence will astound you. The suite is a vast 2,100 square feet and can entertain up to 12 people in the lovely dining area and sitting room. The bathroom itself is beautiful and relaxing place, with a steam room, Jacuzzi, sauna and more. The Royal Imperial Suite also contains a beautiful private terrace and state-of-the-art amenities and entertainment studio. Don't forget to pack a warm jacket when traveling during the winter months—Delhi gets cold in the winter, so you'll need it when sitting on your private terrace enjoying the sunset. Try these on for size: the Women's Patagonia Jacket or the Men's Merrell Jacket.

Surprisingly enough, the dining experience is really the most note-worthy of all at the Imperial. The Imperial houses nine restaurants, each with their own specialties. The food served is just as decadent as the environment in which it is served—you will feel like royalty when dining in the beauty and extravagance of the different restaurants. Eat your heart out, because this is some of the finest Indian cuisine you'll ever have -- and you may never be in India again.

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Celebrity Gossip: Britney Spears Dating Backup Dancer?

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Apr 13, 2009 by Tiffany B.

Rumors are going around that Britney Spears is dating her Circus tour backup dancer Chase Benz. The two were seen dancing pretty close while attending a tour after-party in Dallas, Texas. This is Kevin Federline all over again. She started dating Federline, who is the father of her two kids and her ex-husband, when they were on tour together.

Actress Alyson Hannigan from How I Met Your Mother gave birth to a little girl this past week. Satyana Denisof was on born March 24 in Los Angeles. Hannigan announced her pregnancy last October. A rep for the couple said, "They're very excited, and mom and baby are doing great." This is the first child for Alyson and her husband Alexis Denisof. The couple met on the set of the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer and were married in 2003.

Former model Kathy Ireland spoke out to People Magazine about her weight gain and how she didn't even realize how much weight she was gaining until her son took a picture of her baking cookies at home. According to Ireland, her son told her that she looked pregnant. "I didn't recognize the person I saw. I saw someone who looked overwhelmed, overstressed, overweight, over-everything." In her new book Real Solutions for Busy Moms, she writes about moms putting everyone and everything else first and that was exactly what she was doing. She had gained 25 pounds and didn't even realize it. After that picture she enlisted the help of a friend who is a personal trainer and got back to healthy eating. She has since lost almost all of the 25 pounds and is back to a place were she feels good about herself.

Madonna's attempt at adopting another child from Malawi has been denied. A judge ruled that since Madonna has not lived in Malawi for 18-24 months, that she is not abiding by the adoption rules. Madonna adopted her son David from Malawi and was looking to adopt a little girl named Mercy this time around. Madonna has made an appeal to the court.

Sources:
www.people.com
www.tmz.com

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Most Posh Hotels in the World: The Park Hotel in Delhi, India

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Apr 10, 2009 by E.A. Anne

It's time for another extravagant, luxuriously decadent hotel recommendation in India. As Delhi is a destination on most tourists travel itinerary, it is more than appropriate that this week's entry feature one of the best hotels in Delhi.

Delhi is a sweltering and crowded city in Northern India with 11 million inhabitants. Tourists often must skirt the streets for the calm and cool hotels, which often serve as havens away from the grime of the city. Delhi is hot, and the sun is bright, so protect your eyes on your travels. Don't forget to pick up a good pair of sunglasses before you depart like men's Ray-Bans or women's Ray-Bans.

If you're planning on staying in Delhi for a night or two, the Park Hotel is a perfect place to rest your weary body and relax in luxury. The Park, located in New Delhi, is designed with modernity in mind. The lines of the furniture are simple and the colors are all rich, with deep greens, browns and fiery oranges. All of the rooms at the Park Hotel are equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment centers to aid in your relaxation. Get ready to soak in perfect calm in your personal, Japanese-inspired soaking tub! And service is just a click away in your room - so if you have any needs or wants, don't hesitate to buzz.

The Park Hotel boasts a luxurious spa called "Aura," where pampering of the body is the central theme. Aura offers a variety of different massages to suit all body aches and pains, with the deep oil massage at the forefront. The Park guests can also get their hair cut, colored and styled, all on site.

The Park Hotel's four restaurants are ready at all times of the day to serve you and your specific tastes. Whether you're in the mood for traditional India fare or if you're a bit homesick and would rather go for a hamburger, you'll be taken care of. Fire offers contemporary pan-Indian food. Agni is an eclectic restaurant with many cuisines. Mist has delicious thin crust pizzas and pastas, and Aqua is a pool-side restaurant offering Mediterranean and BBQ meals. With all of these choices, you will never go hungry at the Park Hotel. So relax, the Park Hotel will meet all of your needs and desires while you tour one of the most rambunctious, exciting and sweltering cities in the world.

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Celebrity Gossip: Aniston and Mayer Break-up over Twitter

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Apr 8, 2009 by Tiffany B.

We have finally learned what exactly made Jennifer Aniston give John Mayer the boot for good this time. Twitter! Twitter is a social networking site that uses short 140 character posts to communicate with others. John Mayer is very prolific on Twitter. Apparently, Aniston did not like this one bit. She felt that Mayer did not have enough time for her, to even just text her, but he was able to find time to write plenty of tweets on Twitter. Mayer even ended up tweeting about his break up, "This heart didn't come with instructions."
Has singer Rihanna finally moved on from Chris Brown. According to Fox News, she was seen cuddling with reality star Frankie Delgado (The Hills) at the club Delux. It was even reported that Rihanna gave Frankie a lap dance. Rihanna must be having fun celebrating her 21st birthday as she was also seen with Delgado and Brody Jenner at Nobu the night before. Sources are claiming that Rihanna is still seeing Chris Brown though. Maybe once Brown goes to his arraignment and hopefully gets jail time, Rihanna can fully move on to a better man.

Candy Spelling, the husband of late Aaron Spelling and Tori's mother is putting the Spelling mansion up for sale. Whoever buys the home gets bragging rights for the most expensive home for sale right now. Spelling has the estate listed on the market for $150 million. It is the largest home in Los Angeles at 56,000 square feet on 5 acres worth of land. The reason why Candy is selling the home is that it is only her now in the huge home and it just takes too many people to upkeep the whole estate. Spelling told People that "This house is the equivalent of a mid-sized hotel. It's a lot of work." We'll have to see who has enough money to buy this home right now. Should be interesting to see how long it takes to sell and who buys it.

Sources:
www.foxnews.com
www.people.com

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Celebrity Style: Classic Looks

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Apr 7, 2009 by Tiffany B.

There are a couple of classic celebrity fashion trends that seem to never go out of style. In fact, these fashion trends are classic looks for just about anybody.

The first classic celebrity fashion trend is the black pencil skirt. There is no way that you can go wrong with a black pencil skirt. You can go for the professional look and pair it with a fitted blouse that you tuck in like Jessica Alba did. Or you can go a little bit sexier and pair it with a low-cut top like Lindsay Lohan did. A variation on this classic fashion trend is to choose a pencil skirt that has a really high waist, tuck in the shirt and put a wide belt around the waist. This is the most popular way celebrities are wearing this fashion trend now.

Another classic celebrity fashion trend is tweed trousers. Some people may think of tweed trousers for older woman, but that is not the case. Tweed trousers can be sophisticated but also add some style to a boring outfit. Celebrities such as Katie Holmes and Liv Tyler have been spotted a couple of times wearing tweed trousers, and they are not old. They make the pants look stylish yet put together. They key to wearing tweed trousers is to keep the look young. Make sure the trousers fit well and pair them with a stylish top or jacket. Add some funky jewelry to glam up the outfit.

Lastly, printed blouses are another classic celebrity fashion trend. The print on the blouse can be anything from floral to polka dots, like this one from Just Cavalli. The main thing to remember with this fashion trend is to only wear the print on the blouse and pair it with something simple on the bottom like black dress pants or jeans. Choose a feminine blouse that adds some charm to your outfit. Celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Vanessa Hudgens and Nicole Kidman are big supporters of printed blouses.

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Most Posh Spas in the World: The Amansara Resort

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Apr 7, 2009 by E.A. Anne

While our stay in India has been both a pleasurable and educational experience, it is time to depart from this ancient land. We will be heading east to spend some time in Southeast Asia, commencing our trip first with a visit to Angkor in Cambodia. Angkor is home to the magnificent Angkor Wat, a temple complex built in the 12th Century. But, in order to take in all the angles of Angkor Wat, you will need a good night's sleep and a great tour guide.

The Amansara resort is the old guesthouse of King Sihanouk of Cambodia. It was commissioned by the former king as a guesthouse for his visitors and named Villa Apsara. Since then it has been restored and named Amansara, now a resort for the richest travelers to Angkor.

The resort, designed by French Architect Laurent Mondet, have a very contemporary style intermixed with Indochinese décor. There are 12 suites, many of which have private swimming pools, and a lovely roof garden. The suites are furnished beautifully and contain state-of-the-art amenities.

Amansara offers relaxing and invigorating spa treatments for guests. These include traditional massage techniques, scrubs and many other treatments. Dining experiences at Amansara are decadent and include both traditional Cambodian foods, as well as a Western menu. The Roof Garden is a great place to dine, especially at night, due to the relaxing atmosphere of the garden and its views.

Amansara is a favorite, not only because of its luxurious suites, restaurant and spa treatments, but because of the emphasis it places on education. For guests that wish to learn more about Cambodian culture and history, Amansara organizes educational talks on subjects like dance, history, puppetry and more. These talks are given by both Cambodian scholars and informal experts.

Amansara, which is located a mere 10 miles from Angkor Wat, organizes private tours for its guests to many sites around the area. They will also organize custom tours for those looking to visit less-touristy sites. Either way, you'll want to do a lot of walking, and for that, you'll need a pair of very supportive shoes like the Men's Keen Shoes or Women's Keen Shoes.

For those adventurous enough, Amansara even offers helicopter and elephant tours of surrounding sites!

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Celebrity Gossip: Madonna Adopting Again, T.I. Is in Jail

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Apr 6, 2009 by Stephanie Sims

According to Malawi officials, Madonna is trying to be the next Angelina Jolie - she is actively trying to adopt another child from Malawi. She is expected there this weekend and could have her court date as early as Monday. It's rumored that Madonna is looking to adopt a girl so that David Banda can have a sister.

Her recent divorce may make the process a bit difficult because Malawi doesn't usually approve adoptions for single or divorced parents. Even though she has the means to take care of another child, we'll have to see if the African country will allow her to adopt.

Jenny McCarthy graces the cover of the May issue of Shape magazine. The actress, author, autism activist, and mother shared her own fitness and health advice, saying she ballooned to 211 pounds after the birth of her son. Believe it or not, McCarthy joined Weight Watchers, which helped her control her portions and slim down.

She also says three years ago she switched to a gluten-free and dairy-free diet, a diet her son is on as well for his autism symptoms. That and taking up yoga keeps her svelte and strong. She even says she's trying to teach her boyfriend, Jim Carrey.

Friday morning, a Northern Georgia District judge sentenced rapper T.I. to one year and one day in prison for felony weapons charges. The charges are from T.I.'s arrest in October 2007 right before the BET Hip-Hop Awards. The sentencing was part of a plea deal. The judge, Judge Charles Pannell Jr., told T.I, whose real name is Clifford Harris, he had exceeded the court's expectations.

"I'm resistant to the lockup mentality," MTV.com reported Judge Pannell told the courtroom. "I hope this sentencing leads to other experiments that will protect the community and show a respect for the law."

The rapper is supposed to go to prison within the next six to eight weeks. However, T.I has prior commitments, so he can't enter prison before May 19. T.I. will discuss how he feels about his sentence on MTV's show, "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," on Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST.

Under the plea deal, after his release from prison, T.I. will be audited, be subject to drug counseling, DNA testing and random searches of his property, and he will not be able to own firearms. He will also be confined to his home under the same pre-trial conditions: a curfew, permission-only travel and a court-appointed supervisor.

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Celebrity Gossip: David Letterman gets Married

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Apr 3, 2009 by Tiffany B.

David Letterman has tied the knot. Letterman announced that he wed longtime girlfriend and mother of his son Harry on March 19 in a small courthouse ceremony near their Montana ranch. David Letterman and Regina Lasko have been dating for 10 years. It was over 20 minutes into his show that Letterman finally announced, ""I hear Bruce Willis got married this weekend. There's another wedding I'd like to mention. We got married in Montana. Went to the Justice of the Peace." Letterman had been married previously to his college sweetheart for seven years.

It appears that another long time couple may be heading down the aisle also. It has been reported by People Magazine that Harrison Ford and Calista Flockharthave gotten engaged. Ford surprised Calista on Valentine's Day with a proposal and ring while they were on vacation with Flockhart's son Liam. The couple has been dating for over seven years. No wedding date has been set yet and the couple's rep has made no comment. This was reported to People from sources close to the Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart.

Lauren Conrad is not only leaving her show The Hills, but is also "taking a hiatus" from her clothing line. Conrad is putting her clothing line on hold, but according to a spokesperson, "She is taking a hiatus, but the line still exists and will continue. The sales of her line in the first year doubled what was projected. However, in light of the economy, it's a good time for Lauren to take a few seasons off to re-work her still budding line." The Lauren Conrad Collection was launched in fall 2007 and has pieces that range in price from $100-$215. When Lauren talked about The Hills ending she made a comment that once done she could then focus on her passion of fashion. Apparently she wants to make her line right and wants to reevaluate what works and doesn't.

Sources:
www.usmgazine.com
www.people.com

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What Not to Wear: How "Stacking" Jewelry Works

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Apr 3, 2009 by Stephanie Modkins

"Stacking" is a re-emerging fashion trend in jewelry. Every other decade, it becomes popular again. What is it? Stacking is the layering of bracelets. If done right, stacking can liven up an otherwise dull outfit. If done wrong, stacking can make the wearer look like a bag lady. So, what are the rules surrounding this trend?
The rules for stacking jewelry are simple. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to do them. They are:

Rule #1: Stay in the same color family.
Don't mix and match colors if plan on layering your bracelets. Even if it seems like a good idea, too many colored bracelets will overpower an outfit. So, instead of looking chic, you'll look cheap.

Rule #2: Wear ethnic materials together.
Many ethnic bracelets are created with wood. Because of the texture and pattern, they don't mix well with gold or silver. Therefore, you should stack them together. Be sure your earrings match them as well.

Rule #3: Treat pearl bracelets as neutrals.
Pearl bracelets can be used as neutrals when you stack gold or even silver bracelets. Here's how to do it. Layer on two or three pairs of gold (or silver) bracelets and then slide on a pearl bracelet. (Be sure they match in size.) The pearl bracelet will help accentuate all of the other ones (bracelets) you are wearing.

Rule #4: Mix bangles with chains.
By mixing bangles with chain bracelets, you will add texture to your stacked jewelry. The contrast of a smooth bangle with a linked bangle will add more sophistication to your look.

Rule #5: Stack bracelets with watches.
You've seen (and admired) this look before, but nine times out of ten haven't tried it. To liven up a bland watch, add a similar bracelet to it. This mix works best with "skinny" gold or silver watches. Stack bracelets behind the watch or on either sides as bookends.

Follow these stacking rules and you'll brighten up your wardrobe. You will also be able to take advantage of a fashion trend that is cross-generational.

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Staying Fashionable in a Recession: Shop Sales

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Apr 2, 2009 by Lindsay W.

Okay, this tip may seem obvious. Sales are a girl's best friend even when we're not in a recession, so of course we are going to love them even more when money is tight. However, there are sales and there are sales, and in tough times, we need to choose our sales wisely! Here are some things to keep in mind.

Know the "Average Retail Price" of an Item
No, this doesn't mean you have to watch "The Price is Right" obsessively. However, it is a good idea to keep the original price of an item in mind before buying it. Stores often mark merchandise way up before putting it on sale, so an item that says 50% off is really only 10-20% off. Do a little research (internet retailers make this easy!) and take note of the original price of any items that interest you - that way you'll know when you're really getting a steal.

BOGO: Not Always a Deal
Buy one get one free or buy one get one half off sales are usually a store's way of getting you to buy more merchandise than you really want. If you only need one pair of shoes, buying that second pair at half price isn't really saving you money. To best take advantage of this type of sale, take a friend along and split the cost - you'll each get just what you need, and still take advantage of the discount.

Patience is a Virtue
Waiting too long to buy an item can be dangerous - you run the risk that by the time the item is marked down to a price you're willing to pay, your size may not be available. However, given the current state of the economy, retailers are having a harder time than ever selling their wares, which means waiting for a deep discount isn't quite so risky. If you're really nervous about missing out on an item, purchase it, save your receipt and then continue to watch the price. If it drops within two weeks of your purchase, most retailers will do a price adjustment for you.

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Celebrity Gossip: Celebrities Getting Married?

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Apr 1, 2009 by Tiffany B

Jessica Simpson's father, Joe, who is also her manager, is starting to grow tired of Jessica's relationship with Tony Romo. The National Enquirer is reporting that Joe, "feels that Tony has become too much of a distraction for Jessica." Joe Simpson has been known to be overly controlling of his two daughters, both professionally and in their personal lives. It was rumored that it was partly Joe's fault for the breakup of Jessica and her former husband Nick Lachey. But, this time is appears that Jessica is not letting her father's opinion get to her. According to the same source, if Jessica had her druthers, she'd be married and pregnant. Her main concern is getting Tony to settle down and commit. I don't think that Jessica is going to be letting go of this Dallas Cowboys quarterback anytime soon.

Could reality star Kim Kardashian be getting married to her professional football player, *Reggie Bush*? While out shopping, Kardashian finally told the paparazzi that she would be getting married "soon." She also added that her and Reggie would be getting married "in a church." There have been several rumors swirling that the couple would be getting married sometime later this year. This would be the second marriage for Kim.

It must really be in the "Hollywood trend" for reality stars to date athletes. A few weeks back I wrote about how Paris Hilton is now dating minor league baseball player, Doug Reinhardt. Well, it appears that things have gotten quite serious with them rather quickly. According to an inside source, "Doug is smitten with Paris and wants to spend the rest of his life with her. He's already found the perfect ring, asked her father for permission and is now waiting for the right time to pop the question." So, the couple has only been dating for a few weeks, and Reinhardt is straight from a breakup with Amanda Bynes and now they want to get married. Is he crazy?

Sources:
www.socialitelife.com
www.nationalenquirer.com

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