The colors that are popular this season are taupe, charcoal gray, black, cinnamon, reds, cranberry, avocado, midnight blue, teal and wine. Bold, color block patterns are also popular for the fall, while soft and stretchy fabrics, like the French mohair blend, are essential.

Some things to look for when shopping this season:

• Angora sweaters, funnel neck sweaters and the stretch u-neck sweater all have a soft, snug fit.
• Hooded cardigans and v-necked cardigans come in different lengths and various colors.
• For ladies who want to show off their trim figures – try the ribbed stretch sweater.
• Sweaters are also appearing with horizontal or vertical stripes. Those with a bigger body structure should wear vertical stripes and those with smaller body structures should wear horizontal stripes for a fuller look. Many sweaters now also come with a single chest stripe.
• There is a blend of multicultural styles for clothing this fall, including European folklore, British plaids, Inuit Parkas and savage tribal wear. Look for chunkiness with a mix of texture.

Enjoy the changing beauty outside as you wrap yourself in the comfort of a cozy sweater.

Tops

• Satin tops blend style with comfort and make great evening wear. A bias style shirt with stripes that run along the diagonal can update the look. They have long cuffs that can be worn buttoned or turned up.

• The Victorian style cardigan (lace and pear cut with flare sleeves) is very popular for the season. It can be worn with stretch black pants that have a clean front styling and extended waistband.

• Bustiers with front and back boning for a corset-like shape are popular for the season.

• Tank tops with a rounded neck and a glittering front print are popular and can be worn with either skirts or pants.

Dresses

• Dresses with French detail give a lovely lace look. Make sure it has short sleeves, so that it doesn’t take away from the French detail.

• Georgette dress fabric falls very elegantly, giving a flowing, romantic feel. If you decide to go with a dress that has spaghetti straps or is sleeveless, always accessorize with a Georgette scarf worn over your shoulders that falls to the top of the knees.

• Stretch dresses available in spandex/polyester material make for a slender, tight fitting look.

• The overlay dress is a sheered metallic thread fabric that falls to the ankle. The under layer, a solid and heavier fabric falls to the knee, creating a unique look for evening wear. Embroidery on fabric, especially the little black dress with gold embroidery is striking. Another option is a solid gold dress with some simple gold embroidery on it.

Accessories

• Jewelry with rhinestones and diamonds are popular and add that special glitz for evening wear.

• Strappy, halter and platform shoes and sandals are popular this Christmas season. You can find these shoes in black, bronze and silver.

What’s up for spring fashion?

Tops

Spring is all about new shapes and unexpected details.  Try one of these new tops to add some tailored style to your spring wardrobe.

• Colorful cotton knit cardigans with a two way zip front are popular this season. Add a contrasting ribbed knit top underneath for an extra touch of brightness and color.

• Fitted tunic blouses with split-v cuffs can be worn with Capri pants.

• Flattering poplin shirts with front and back darts or  princess line fit in a cotton and spandex blend make the most of your shape.  Also look for linen jackets with the same lines for sleek and slim look.  Remember, clothes that fit closer to the body (without clinging to it) make you look slimmer.  Oversized clothing doesn’t hide figure flaws, it only emphasizes them.  Try something more fitted this spring, you many be in for a pleasant surprise!

• Fashionable front cross-over style stretch knit tops can go from day to evening with a nice skirt or a pair of jeans.

• Stylish mandarin collar blouses make a great alternative for the office.

• Sleeveless poplin blouse worn with a crisp linen skirt, or a peasant blouse complete with contrasting belt will show off a great waistline.

Bottoms

• Slimming boot cut pants with contrast stitching put some spice ion any look.  Add a co-ordinating embroidered top and watch for the return of the high waist band.

• Upgrade your denim look by choosing a boot cut style in a dark wash color.  Pair them with heels and a tailored shirt or jacket.

• Washable suede pants, jackets and skirts lined in polyester look fabulous and offer the convenience of being machine washable.

• Try a long boot skirt with contrast stitching.  Add a neutral color top detailed with animal prints for a more daring look.

• Comfy stretch denim pieces are the ultimate for casual wear.  Easy to wear, easy to maintain, these pieces will go anywhere with you.

Complete any outfit with some fun colorful accessories. Add a pin for texture, try drop earrings for sophistication or vintage watch for fashion.  Slip on a pair of those colorful pumps for pizzazz!

• The little black dress is always a classic! Choose an elegant sleeveless one or try the spaghetti strap dress with a sequenced wrap or poncho shawl to keep the chill off.

• More comfortable with sleeves? Try a long pleated chiffon sleeve or a classy bell sleeve.

• Two piece wonders are available with satin trimmed tops finished with a ribbon tie. Add a satin skirt to complete your look.

• For a spicy look try the fitted flared Marilyn dress, inspired by, you guessed it Marilyn Monroe! Add an elegant evening look with a cowl neck or some sequence trim around the neck or sleeve line

• Strappy, skinny sandals, an ankle wrap or a cocktail boot will finish off your outfit. Add some texture with a satin dress shoe, buckles or metallic jewels on your footwear. Don’t forget that special beaded or satin clutch.

• Finish off your look with some crystal jewelry, chokers in beads or sequins or add a brooch for some sparkle. Any type of neckline can be spiced up with some accent jewelry.  With a v-neck, add an 18 inch chain with a crystal pendant, for a round neck, add a chocker or brooch and don’t forget to always complete the look with matching earrings.

I was raised in a Christian home and my grandfather was a pastor but I did not feel a need for God in my life. I believed in him but simply didn’t care to know him as he wasn’t a priority. Yet as the years went by I felt an emptiness in my life and knew that something was missing. I did not understand what it was.

An interest in God

I spent time with my grandfather who prayed and shared the bible with me but I didn’t really understand it. Soon enough I began going to church with my family and gradually my interest in God grew.

On November 3, 1993 I was attending a conference when God became so real to me that I realized I did need him in my life. I felt sorry about the fact that I had denied Jesus all those years. I made a decision to trust in him and asked him to take control of my life.

An unpredictable disease

My faith and love for Jesus grew so much that I mentioned to friends that even if I got Multiple Sclerosis, (a neurological disorder) I would still not deny him. One year later, I was struck by MS. My family and friends were weeping as the doctor diagnosed me, but God gave me such peace and courage that I asked them not to cry. I knew God would look after me.

Having MS is a daily struggle and there is no cure. Although many symptoms can be helped by medicine and by other treatments, not all people get the same symptoms or even have the same symptoms all the time. Symptoms can come and go suddenly and can be mild or severe and nobody knows why. There may be times when MS seems to get better and the symptoms practically disappear. Remission can last a few weeks or even years, but the symptoms can come back at any time.

Because MS affects every person differently, the yoga and chiropractic treatments that have helped my physical complications may not necessarily work for everyone else. There is one thing I believe can help everyone and His name is Jesus. I had to deal with fear; sadness and a lot of anger and Jesus helped me to cope with all of these emotions. I feared being in a wheelchair and I struggled to find my own cures and treatments, but nothing worked. I began to listen to what God was saying I realized I had to do what God wanted and the treatments would work if God willed it. And so I began daily devotions, prayer and meditations to Jesus because He alone is the only cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

I received rest and peace that comes only from Jesus Christ. I pray for God to give me a complete healing, and over the years slowly I am receiving just that.
How about you? Life can be filled with life threatening difficulties -disease, war and demands from the society around us can create uncertainty and pain. What is the answer? Where does peace come from?

Take a look at your life.  How would you describe it? Contented? Rushed? Exciting? Stressful? Moving forward? Holding back? For many of us it’s all of the above at times.  There are things we dream of doing one day, there are things we wish we could forget.  In the Bible, it says that Jesus came to make all things new.  What would your life look like if you could start over with a clean slate?

Living with hope

If you are looking for peace, there is a way to balance your life. No one can be perfect, or have a perfect life. But every one of us has the opportunity to experience perfect grace through a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here’s a suggested prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? You can pray it right now, and Jesus Christ will come into your life, just as He promised.

Is this the life for you?

If you invited Christ into your life, thank God often that He is in your life, that He will never leave you and that you have eternal life. As you learn more about your relationship with God, and how much He loves you, you’ll experience life to the fullest.

Decide what swim suit leg style you prefer.

• The full shape gives modest cut offering the most coverage of your thighs and bottom
• The basic cut offers a full cut that is 1 ½ inches higher your full style
• The high cut will give you a style 2 ½ inches higher than your full cut and the illusion of longer legs.

Choose your bra type in a swimsuit

• The shelf bra offers a bust liner in the front with no pads
• The soft bra features lightly padded or added coverage at the bust
• Lightly padded soft bra will give light coverage with removable pads
• The cleavage bra gives a deep plunge effect
• The popular contour bra is versatile and is usually padded with or without under wire
• The under wire bra offers bottom cup padding for support and a push up effect

One piece wonder suits for summer fun

• V shape will play up to your bust area for terrific curves and a feminine silhouette
• I shape will give the illusion of a nice waist line
• A shape draws attention away from your hips and gives a sleek look
• X shape gives a balanced effect for patterned suits
• Specialty suit for larger women requiring extra support or special needs like a long torso
• Athletic suit for competitive training or the active swimmer

The Terrific two piece!

• The new halter tankini with a hipster brief and halter top will tie at the neck, or have adjustable straps.
• A halter kini offers the halter top and bikini bottoms, this can minimize a full chest and create feminine curves.
• Two piece bikinis with the triangle bra top can accentuate a small bust
• A Tankini top with camisole back and bikini bottoms can enhance a small bust and give shape to a thin figure

Take a Life Lesson: Understanding Beauty

2. Add some of the breathtaking charm bracelets, drop or hoop earrings, or rings from this season’s line to take your basic look to breathtaking.

3. Bangles in silver or gold inspired by the East Indian culture are verywhere. Some are exquisitely detailed with pearls or diamonds

4. Big and bold necklaces, come in an assortment of different lengths from chokers to long strands of pearls

5. Add a watch to accessorize, from the basic Swiss Army to the fun fashion watches out there today

6.  Pick up some of the new colorful scarves, beaded chiffon wraps or whimsical hats to add that extra element of fashion to even the simplest of outfits.

7. Timeless sterling silver and gold is always a sure hit

8. Add some arm candy with the super fun selection of colourful textured handbags available this season!

This summer have fun with these bright and bold accessories to add flair and personality to your outfit!

Shopping for a swimsuit can feel like agony – but it doesn’t have to. Here are some tips on buying a swimsuit for your body type.

1) The triangle, also called the pear-shape

If your hips are large compared to your shoulders, you need more emphasis on the top part of your body. Wear solid colors on the bottom. You can wear one or two- piece suits. Halter tops are good choices, as are high- necked suits and bar shoulders. Avoid high-cut legs as they will emphasize the hips.

2) The inverted triangle

With your shoulders and bust wider than your hips, you need to build up the bottom and minimize the top. Wear medium to high-cut legs. Put more color and prints on the bottom. Also, look for suits with wide straps. Square necks help to narrow broad shoulders. Do not wear plunging neck lines or mini bottoms.

3) The rectangle, also called the “H”- shape

This type has no curves or defined waist. If you’re an “H,” you need the illusion of curves. Two-piece suits are good. In a one piece suit, look for such details as piping and princess seams that fake curves. Strong colors are also good. Avoid solid-colored tanks that give no shape, and stay away from stripes.

4) For a thin body type

A nautical theme two-piece suit is great for a thin body type.

Targeting problem areas

1. Small bust: Wear horizontal stripes, prints and padding, which can add a cup size. Avoid anything strapless.
2. Large bust: Minimize a large bust by wearing one or two-piece suits. Avoid tops which are low-cut, and avoid strapless tops.
3. No waist line: Wear suits with tummy control and avoid bikinis.

Keep in mind that the ideal shape which everyone wants to achieve is the hourglass, a defined waistline between balanced shoulders and hips.

Now, you’re ready to find a swimsuit you’ll feel good in – so shop till you drop!

Spring colors

Fresh from the garden, colors blossom in this season’s dress fashions! Deep floral shades make the most out of the new spring dresses. As delightful as a bouquet, this season’s new colors are vibrant with possibilities!

Pump up your look with shades of petal pink, yellows and blues. Dare to wear tiger lily orange or pale yellow kissed with the copper gold of the sun. Add some buttercup shades along with gentle violet tones. Lovely shades of lavender and sunny peach make for great spring fashions. And of course there is always basic black and white.

The dress is back!

• Floral patterns are in. Simple prints or solid colors are a hit, and Chinese and East Indian patterns are also very popular this spring.
• Stretch silk single wrap dresses with side ties give a nice silhouette.
• Silk chiffon dresses with plunge v-neck and high side slits add class.
• Try the silk halter dress with a gathered plunge neck line with a low draped back.
• Silk jersey slip dresses and matte jersey tank dresses add flair to a wardrobe.
• Two piece dresses consisting of a slightly longer shaped jacket and sack dress are in this season.
• Color blocked dresses with a cowl neck and fitted shape or the long polo dress is another alternative.
• Try the stretch apron dress with an A line shape and a high neck line.
• And of course there is always the elegant silk georgette dress!

Fashion photo compliments of Michaela Photography

One-piece wonders

• The sleeveless one-piece dress is always a gorgeous choice. Try choosing one in a glitter crepe with some oriental trim. Or find a simple fitted one and accent it with a striking beaded and fringed shawl.
• Try a soft wrap-around dress with a neck that dips and a front tie that flatters you.
• For a fresh sense of style look for dresses that offer embroidered pearl trim, or stylish inverted open sleeves.
• Add some motion to your look with a swing hemline or a trumpet skirt hem. Wear it to the knee, mid-calf or full length.

The two-piece look

• A comfortable two-piece dress is always a great choice for a special occasion. Try one with a neckline that features shiny satin trim or beaded embroidery on the front.
• The lined sleeveless dress is accompanied with a tailored one-button jacket. Choose one with a unique fish tail back and satin trim for an elegant finishing touch.
• For feminine detail choose fabrics that are textured in satin polyester, or try a sheer embossed jacket for a delicate finish.
• The sleeveless dress with a scoop neck front and some embroidery gives a complete look of three separate pieces but is actually a two-piece set. A fitted bias jacket finishes it off nicely

The elegant pantsuit

• The three-piece pantsuit can work well for special occasions. Choose a dressy one with front pleating and shiny satin trim. Underneath, add the matching satin bound camisole with some extra beading on the front. Dress up the pants with matching beading on the legs.
• A flared pant and softer fabric give the pantsuit a dressier look.

Finish with glamour

• Accessories can be bold and delectable with items such as brightly colored patent leather shoes and a paisley bag. Or choose a crocodile clutch purse for fun.
• Wake up your simple dress with some glitzy faux jewelry. Add glamour with a pewter bracelet, drop crystal earrings or a mock diamond necklace.
• If you’re into the simpler look, add neutral accessories in pale yellows or creams for elegance. An open-toed slingback shoe with a matching shoulder bag will finish off any outfit nicely.
• Remember to accessorize with bold colors if you choose to wear white to a wedding.

Photo courtesy of Sandi Wilson Photography