One of the hottest looks on the fashion runways for this summer was the classic black and white look. The black and white combination has been a classic look for quite some time, but it was seen all over the runways for summer 2009. It is one of those fashion trends that is classic but has its popular and not-so popular times.

The black and white look is actually one of the easier runway trends to pull off for the everyday woman. This is true, because it is a classic look and almost every woman has a piece of clothing that is white or black.

If you want to try to fit in with this fashion trend and keep it modern, then opt for pieces of clothing that are both black and white instead of layering a black and white piece. Fashion designers are really getting into this trend making dresses, shirts, handbags and even shoes that are black and white.

You can keep this look more casual, like this black and white shirt from Paul Smith or you can go for a night on the town look with this Just Cavalli dress. This fashion trend is one that will work for both casual and dressier occasions.

If you are not liking the patterns of the black and white look, then you can always achieve this look using the separates. Pair a black blouse with a white belt. Or take the black blouse and pair it with a pair of white trousers and a white scarf. You can even incorporate this look with your jewelry. If you find that you are wearing all black, try a beaded white necklace or look for a necklace or bracelet that is black and white.

The black and white fashion trend is one that will be a classic style, so you don't have to worry about spending some money on your clothing or accessories and only wearing them for a couple of months. Instead, splurge on a great piece that will have you ranking high on the fashion meter and you can strut your stuff like you are on the runways.

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!

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!

How many times have we heard fashion gurus say, "Pink (or brown, or green, or red, or whatever) is the new black!"? Too many to count. In these tough financial times, however, filling up your closet with the new "it" color each season doesn't make a lot of sense. Buying baby doll dresses and micro-minis just because they're in doesn't either. Fortunately, there is a better way!

Each season, some color always gets referred to as the "new black" - that's because black never goes out of style and looks great with everything (same goes for other neutrals, like beige, white, off-white, dark brown and navy). Building your base wardrobe in neutral colors is a great way to ensure that you never get caught wearing last season's pink trench coat when orange is this season's black.

Neutrals are boring, though - right? Well, they can be. However, they make a great blank slate for you to decorate with trendier pieces, colors and accessories. For instance, a plain white blouse can be paired with a scarf in this season's hottest color, a funky necklace or even adorned with a skinny belt. Also, wearing neutral pants allows you to show off your inner fashionista with fabulous, colorful shoes, boots and stockings. These accessories can be purchased very inexpensively and can keep your basic wardrobe au courant while keeping your wallet full!

Classic styles are another area to focus on. Turtleneck sweaters, crisp white blouses, mid-rise dress slacks, A-line skirts and boot-cut jeans are always in style, so base your wardrobe on these staples. Also, instead of kowtowing to every trend that comes along, figure out what looks best on your body and stick with it.

When you do want to try out a trendier piece, purchase something inexpensive or borrow it from a friend before committing a big chunk of change to something you may only wear once. If something in a "trendy" style truly looks amazing on you, don't worry about wearing it after the trend has passed - if it looks great, it won't look dated. Another plus - you can wait until classics go on sale to buy them, since, by definition, they never go out of style!

How many times have we heard fashion gurus say, "Pink (or brown, or green, or red, or whatever) is the new black!"? Too many to count. In these tough financial times, however, filling up your closet with the new "it" color each season doesn't make a lot of sense. Buying baby doll dresses and micro-minis just because they're in doesn't either. Fortunately, there is a better way!

Each season, some color always gets referred to as the "new black" - that's because black never goes out of style and looks great with everything (same goes for other neutrals, like beige, white, off-white, dark brown and navy). Building your base wardrobe in neutral colors is a great way to ensure that you never get caught wearing last season's pink trench coat when orange is this season's black.

Neutrals are boring, though - right? Well, they can be. However, they make a great blank slate for you to decorate with trendier pieces, colors and accessories. For instance, a plain white blouse can be paired with a scarf in this season's hottest color, a funky necklace or even adorned with a skinny belt. Also, wearing neutral pants allows you to show off your inner fashionista with fabulous, colorful shoes, boots and stockings. These accessories can be purchased very inexpensively and can keep your basic wardrobe au courant while keeping your wallet full!

Classic styles are another area to focus on. Turtleneck sweaters, crisp white blouses, mid-rise dress slacks, A-line skirts and boot-cut jeans are always in style, so base your wardrobe on these staples. Also, instead of kowtowing to every trend that comes along, figure out what looks best on your body and stick with it.

When you do want to try out a trendier piece, purchase something inexpensive or borrow it from a friend before committing a big chunk of change to something you may only wear once. If something in a "trendy" style truly looks amazing on you, don't worry about wearing it after the trend has passed - if it looks great, it won't look dated. Another plus - you can wait until classics go on sale to buy them, since, by definition, they never go out of style!

ABC's Life on Mars, the American version of the BBC hit, relies on fashion to take us back to the gritty world of New York City in 1973 after the show's protagonist gets hit by a car in 2008 and finds himself thrown 25 years into the past.

While initial buzz on the show was weak and focused on concern that the ABC production wouldn't live up to its British predecessor, Life on Mars has proven to be the right show for the right time here in the States. After all, with the economic crisis, New York City in 1973 doesn't look quite as alien as it could.

That said, clothes have changed in the last 25 years, and even the show's extras all need to be fitted for 1970s wardrobe for each and every episode. That said, while clashing patterns and wide ties may be over, Life on Mars is reaffirming certain 1970s looks that never went out of style.

Overall, though, Life on Mars presents a unique challenge for its costume designers who need to find a way to make the show look recognizably like the early 1970s while also making it attractive and appealing to a modern audience, many of whom may be too young to have any nostalgia for the era. Of course, having the central character originally be from 2008 helps, because he can react with us to some of the aesthetic horrors of the era.

Even so, Life on Mars does manage to have an overall pleasing look. Corduroy and sports jackets are big for the show's male characters, as are trench coats and leather jackets . For women, wrap dresses with swingy skirts, denim and high waists are a feature of the show's fashion sensibility, as are a number of hippie-influenced looks. Fur trim and a range of browns, tans and other natural colors also dominate and help to accentuate the grimness of New York City in one of its most financially depressed years.

Staying fashionable in a recession seems like it would be impossible to do, but it is actually very easy. The key is to build a versatile base wardrobe with pieces of clothing that will last, that will coordinately easily with the other pieces in your wardrobe and that can be accessorized. Your base wardrobe will carry you from season to season and fashion trend to fashion trend and will allow you to quickly and inexpensively update your wardrobe each season with only one or two minor purchases.

The Base Wardrobe
Your base wardrobe is what will be the heart of your fashion statement. These pieces won't be show stoppers on their own, but they will provide you with the base on which to build a great looking and fashionable ensemble. Your base wardrobe will include a great fitting pair of dark denim jeans that are the right shape and fit for your body type, camisoles of various colors, a structured jacket in a neutral color, a pair of black dress pants, a black pencil skirt, a pair of black pointy toed heels and a collection of neutral colored pants and tops.

Jazzing Up Your Seasonal Wardrobe
Since your base wardrobe is constructed with clothing items that have neutral colors, you will jazz up your seasonal wardrobe by buying colorful accent pieces that have the colors that are "in" for the season. For example, if you are trying to update your spring wardrobe, you can buy scarves, tops or skirts that have pastel colors that are in this spring. These pieces can be used with your base wardrobe pieces to create a variety of new outfits that will look fresh, crisp and fashion-forward for the current season.

Accessorizing on a Budget
If you have pieces that will work for this season then you can upgrade or update your wardrobe by purchasing a few simple accessories. By adding accessories like a great pair of earrings, a necklace or a simple scarf, you can turn a basic outfit constructed from a tank top and a pencil skirt into an outfit that is appropriate for work, a night on the town or a beach picnic. The key is to select items that have colors that will work with more than one piece or outfit in your wardrobe and also make a statement.

There are a lot of young woman and teenagers that look up to Nicole Richie for her style of fashion. She seems to have a laid back, yet fashionable, casual wardrobe, but then she knows how to be sophisticated and elegant for special events. She always has that slightly Boho-chic look to her clothing without looking too messy. Here are some ideas on how you, too, can look like Nicole Richie

Accessorizing is a must. If you have ever seen pictures of Nicole Richie, she has tons of accessories on any given day. Think over-sized sunglasses, chunky necklaces and bracelets, head bands and scarves, big rings and definitely scarves around the neck. She also seems to be always carrying a big handbag, sometimes a little too big for her petite frame. This large handbag from Marc Jacobs would definitely be a bag that Nicole Richie would carry.

When it comes your actual clothing, skinny jeans and black leggings are a must for your wardrobe. Also, another must are long maxi-dresses that go down to your ankles. Look for ones that have an empire-waist or a halter top and are flowing with a pretty pattern or print. For tops, Nicole seems to like looser tops that are longer. Look for longer blouses or fitted t-shirts to wear with the legging or skinny jeans. For more of a dressed-up Nicole Richie look, try a strapless short dress or even a long strapless dress with a floral pattern.

One thing that you can tell about Nicole Richie's fashion is that she loves shoes. She can be seen wearing high heeled pumps most of the time. These look great with the skinny jeans and leggings. For a more casual (and comfortable) look, Nicole goes for flat Bohemian-style shoes with embellishments and stones or flat boots like these Juicy Couture ones. For night time, keep your shoes interesting with bold colors, embellishments, high heels and interesting cutouts.

Well, it doesn’t have to be THAT lazy! Be ready for wherever the day takes you – from the gym, running errands, taking the kids to the park, even just hanging on the couch. This ensemble of an Asics lightweight jacket and t-shirt and Insport athletic style pants will pull you through any and all of it with ease. And don’t forget the core item: those kickin’ Puma sneaks!!

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If you count shopping as your cardio, we’re right there with you! That’s why this core whisper-light O’Neill tank, Ted Baker floral side-tie skirt and Kenneth Cole wedge sandals are as comfortable as they are cute. For your pop of style, don’t forget the trendy citrus Elliot Luca braided trim handbag!

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Keep it stylish and comfortable with a not-your-average white button down from HUGO Hugo Boss! Make it fresh by throwing on this trendy Diesel cardigan, 7 for All Mankind textured pants and spice up your look with funky, yet classy, Robert Wayne shoes. The office is definitely not the only place you’ll turn heads in this outfit!

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You know she’ll be checking out your outfit! Come prepared in this color block Betsey Johnson frock, classic but cropped Three Dots cardigan and those sassy core Charles David wedges we love so much! Tie it all together with a black Dooney & Bourke handbag and she’ll wish she dressed from your closet!

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Chill in style in the core relaxed James Jeans. A t-shirt is always in style and this one from Volcom is no exception. Throw on a Ben Sherman track jacket and some of the new classics - Converse by John Varvatos slip-on sneaks, and you’re all set for whatever your entourage is scheming for the afternoon!

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We know you want to look cute running all around town! It’s easy! Start with a classic pair of core 7 For All Mankind jeansand pair them with an incredibly comfortable Three Dots tank and a trend-of-the-moment Splendid boyfriend cardigan. Add some coveted Frye boots and turquoise tote from Nine West and you’ll be the envy of all the other grocery shoppers!

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Let your inner rocker free by taking the funky core Ben Sherman plaid shirt, pairing it with skinny black Diesel jeans and combat inspired Type Z boots. Tuck the jeans in and leave the boots a bit open for a look that’s so right now and well, let’s face it, a little 1989 – is anyone else hearing NIN playing in their heads? Maybe it’s just me. Throwing on this Modern Amusement jacket keeps this look current and really sets it apart!

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