Archive for May, 2009

Back Pain & Its Relationship to Footwear

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009


Do your realise that what you wear on your feet, is directly linked to your back? Ever since humans began walking upright, whatever they’ve put on their feet links directly to how their backs are aligned. Flats, cushioning (or lack of) and heels all affect our posture and therefore, our backs. Your heel hits surfaces first, then the rest of the foot follows. Poor distribution of pressure and misalignment can affect your whole body.

High-heels may be the worst culprits, as they pull the weight of the entire body forward and corrupt your posture and the arch of your back. Pain begins to creep in and for eons, women have suffered because of the fashion of the times. High heels are the leading cause of a condition known as Spondylolisthesis. “Spondy”is a condition that is caused by slipping forward on the lower lumbar region. Toes are designed to support us as we walk upright. When a person wears high heels the toes squish together and narrow, thereby causing weight and pressure on the spine. Wearing sexy high heels comes with a price down the line. There are many sexy looking shoes without high heels. Save yourself health and comfort problems by choosing a supportive pair or two of those. You’ll notice the difference.

Orthotic shoes are recommended. These types will support your feet and weight-bearing joints. They will reduce malfunctions of your neurological system if they were created from wearing the wrong type of shoes. They can also reduce injuries and pain from other conditions such as osteoporosis or the way you walk. Check with your doctor on the benefits of these types of shoes. Using one of the many types of inserts available, and adjusting them to your own comfort and posture, may really help. You can also perform stretch type workouts and practice leaning, sitting and lifting at home, to correct some bad routines and habits that you have gotten in to.

Lifting tips to helps stop pain

• Start with your thighs and butt, not your back.
• Do not lift at a distance — move close to the object, put your torso over your feet, then lift while remaining in this position.
• It doesn’t require esoteric yoga positions to lift, just common sense.

Use common sense when shopping for shoes. Sure, it’s okay to have a few fancy pairs that you wear occasionally. Just don’t wear them every day, or to take a hike in. Make sure that your shoes are wide enough and that there aren’t any pressure points from straps or the structure of the shoe. Get shoes with a small or no heel. Make sure that your foot is supported and can breathe. Cushion your foot by wearing a sock or stocking. Use an insole for support if you need to.

By: Jenny H Jordan

About the Author:
Jenny has been writing articles online for over 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in diet, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out her latest website Cruises For Singles which reviews and lists Single Cruises Over 40 for cruises that are safe and fun filled from day 1. You may meet friends for life from all over the world on these cruises!



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The World Wide Fashion Craze That is Ed Hardy Clothing

Saturday, May 16th, 2009


With all of the television buzz and celebrity gossip that surrounds us, not to mention our fast-paced lifestyles, we are sometimes left with little time to focus on fashion. Maybe that’s why when a brand comes along that demands our attention, we can’t help but jump on the bandwagon. Ed Hardy’s unmistakable style and passion will draw you in whether you are seeking it out or not. Whatever the reason, Ed Hardy is a brand that the world just can’t seem to get enough of.

Don Ed Hardy, the “godfather of the modern tattoo”, took his California influence and combined it with Asian inspirations to come up with the unique style that defines the Ed Hardy clothing line. Hardy began his career as a tattoo artist in San Francisco, and later decided to merge his artwork into fashion design. The rest is history.

In 2002, the Ed Hardy brand came into the public eye when Don Ed Hardy was approached by Ku USA, Inc. The company was interested in producing a clothing line that would feature Hardy’s artwork. Hardy Life immediately took off, and in only two years became a major fashion spotlight.

The Ed Hardy line skyrocketed in 2004 with the help of French designer Christian Audigier, who shares Hardy’s passion for bold, colorful art and design. The primary force behind the rise of Von Dutch, Audigier linked Ed Hardy to the celebrity world, pushing the brand to the same, if not higher status that he helped Von Dutch to reach.

Madonna, Paris Hilton, Shaquille O’Neal, Busta Rhymes, Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, Denise Richards, Pharrell, Sylvester Stallone, and Shakira have all been seen sporting Ed Hardy.

The major defining point of Ed Hardy clothing is that the pieces are modeled from original tattoos, making them truly unique. Ed Hardy’s mesmerizing imagery and vivid colors yield a clothing line that is not only trend setting, but industry changing.

Ed Hardy is more than just clothing…it’s art, its counter culture, it’s a world wide phenomenom. The Ed Hardy line has become an authority on what’s hot and cool in the trendsetting urban markets. It’s clear that their sucecess will continue to build momentum and the Ed Hardy / Christian Audigier team are revolutionizing modern fashion design, as the create fashion history.

By: Blake Morgan

About the Author:
Ed Hardy Bags are designed by Christian Audigier. Every Ed Hardy Bag is based on an original tattoo design by artist Don Ed Hardy.



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Spring Fashion Forecast

Monday, May 11th, 2009


Living in LA, we are completely spoiled by our weather. There is little difference between the seasons, so forgive us, if we are not quite as excited about the imminence of spring as the rest of the world. We haven’t had to suffer through five months of snow and rain. For us, spring is less about the change in the weather and the hopes of getting our legs out, as it is an opportunity to refine our wardrobes and add a little more color to them. By following theses three spring trends you can get your spring look off to a great start no matter where you live and what your budget may be.

Geometry Lesson

Spring is often associated with Easter, pastels, cherry blossoms, and worrying about your newly exposed pasty legs. This spring however, you can forget about pastels, as it’s all about bright, bold, retro and geometric prints. Add some color and warmth to your days with a boldly printed skirt or dress.

This trend does require some extra care and attention. The loud prints have the potential to upstage you, so try to find a print that complements your natural coloring. If you are fair, look for prints with slightly lighter colors, possibly against a white background. Women with darker hair and skin can pull off brighter prints more easily. If you feel like you are getting lost in your dress, you can always pair a bold skirt with a solid colored top to tone the look down a bit.

Designers from every price point can be seen working this trend. From Milly and Iodice Hilda, to Forever 21, everyone should be able to find a piece that will suit them and their budget.

Sweet Creams

The springtime equivalent to the little black dress is the little cream dress. White tends to look too harsh on our not quite tanned yet bodies. Save white for the dead of summer after you’ve spent a little time at the beach or the pool. Cream, however still gives that light, fresh, feminine look, without creating too much contrast.

My favorite spring dresses incorporate texture into the pattern or print. Try to find a cream dress that has texture in the fabric or details such as eyelet or lace, interesting piping, or great buttons. This creates interest and movement in your monochromatic look. You can also accessorize with a little color to create added drama. Try pairing a cream dress with a muted metallic shoe or a brightly colored cuff.

Cream dresses are everywhere right now. You can find them in a multitude of styles such as A line, trapeze, empire, and shift. Check out the spring collections of 3.1 Philip Lim, Chloe, BCBG, and Vanitas for great creamy delights.

Trapeze Act

The juvenile silhouette of the trapeze top or jacket is popping up in collections and stores the world over. This look, which flares out from under the bust is great for almost anyone, especially if you are having a fat day. With so much extra fabric to swish around, you can’t help but feel younger, thinner, and more feminine when sporting this trend.

Counter act the little girl look by glaming up your trapeze top with skinny jeans and killer heels. Finish off the look with sophisticated accessories. You can also pair leggings with muted metallic heels or ankle boots with your trapeze dress for a funky take on this trend.

Gucci, Derek Lam, Peter Som, and Giambattista Valli are just a few of the designers that successfully incorporated the trapeze silhouette into their spring 2007 collections.

Remember, spring fashion is a little more fun and flirty this year. Dare to be bold in a great print. Find yourself a feminine cream dress, and tap in to your inner child in an amazingly comfortable yet fashionable trapeze dress. Each of these trends can be found at any price, from your local Forever 21 to the latest ready to wear collections. Enjoy finding the pieces that are perfect for you and your budget, then put your own spin on them!

By: Erin Stafford

About the Author:
Erin Stafford is an expert on color, style, and image consulting in LA and Orange County. Contact her today via email, erin@erinstafford.com, or via her website, http://www.erinstafford.com

While you’re there, don’t forget to sign up for her weekly fashion tips newsletter filled with the latest fashion advice and her blog at http://erinstafford.wordpress.com/ for even more fun fashion tips!



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