Fancy Women

The hairdressing industry is thriving. Whilst some people prefer to pay ten pounds for a quick trim, others are prepared to spend thousands of pounds to get the most modern, stylish or unique look. Our high streets are full of salons, covering their windows with photographs of the latest ‘doo’ and promoting their newest offers.

Whether you want your hair neatly trimmed, drastically cut, dyed, spiked, shaved, waved, curled, straightened, extended or plaited, there is always somewhere close by you can go and get your new look.

Hair products also over rule our shelves. There is wax, moose, styling sprays, heat protection sprays, shining sprays. However, it does not stop there. For instance, wax is not just wax. You have to chose which type you require, be it strong, wet look, non sticky or fluorescent.

Is this fashion craze a modern development, or has hair been a great cause of concern and a victim of experimentation for years?

The answer is, hair consciousness has been around for years. From Ancient civilisations to modern day, people have been flaunting and developing new and bizarre styles.

Take yourselves back to the Fifteenth Century for a moment- the era of Christopher Columbus. European craze at this time in history was to pluck your hairline to create a high forehead. Sounds strange today but back then it was the thing to do.

Wigs have been very popular all over the world for centuries. In Ancient Egypt Pharaohs used to wear long wigs, complete with plaits and accessorise. Other ancient peoples, including the Assyrians, Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans also wore wigs. Curiously, wigs are principally a Western form of dress. In the Far East they have rarely been used except in the traditional theatre of China and Japan.

After the fall of The Roman Empire the use of wigs vanished from the West for a thousand years, however, they were revived in the Sixteenth Century. People used them to hide their hair loss and to improve personal appearance. Hygiene conditions could be pretty poor with many people suffering from head lice. Therefore, one of the best solutions was to shave all your hair off and replace it with a wig. Genius. Fashionable and practical.

Wigs remained popular throughout the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries, becoming even more extravagant. In the Seventeenth Century Queen Elizabeth was famous for her red wig, whilst King Louis X111 and King Louis X1V of France set the trend for male wig-wearers.

Wigs were often full, thick and fell below the shoulders. White powdered, long ringlets were the order of the day often tied back with a black bow for men or decorated with flowers and garlands for women. Elaborate wigs worn by ladies consisted of mile-high coiffures and highly decorated curls to emphasize their social status. The fancier the better was the fashion with many ladies modeling “bird cage’ or maritime hair doos complete with model bird or boat.

There was, however, one problem with the large elaborate wigs. They took a long time to complete and often became the very favourite nesting place for vermin. Nice.

Male wigs became more subtle, as the Eighteenth Century continued and were adopted by many professionals. Full Female wigs were not in fashion in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. Women would simply wear them if they had lost their hair and they were often connected with the symptoms of diphtheria.

During the early Twentieth Century, wigs were exchanged for regular trips to the salon to have hair curled and set by a large hair dryer. This would take up a lot of time, however, women were prepared to sacrifice their days to make sure they were in fashion.

The ‘Roaring Twenties’ saw a change in hair trends, curls and ringlets were swapped for short, sleek bobs or short, tightly waved, tight curl styles, continuing into the 1930s. More ladies had access to the cinema and were keen to follow the styles of their actress role models. Males wore shorter, rather conservative short back and side styles.

The war meant both ladies and gentlemen had to be practical due to warfare, hard working conditions and lack of shampoo. Many women opted to hide their hair away in a hair net or a head scalf, just exposing their fringes.

Post war saw the introduction of home hair curlers, reviving the curl. Although, curlers were practical, they were difficult to get used to and led to many an uncomfortable night, sleeping on the rollers for the price of fashion. Think Sandra Dee type curls and flicks. Eventually one of the first hand held hairdryers came on the market, connected to a pink plastic bonnet that fitted over the woman’s head to help with drying and setting styles at home.

Males donned crew cuts and thick sideburns, as well as the famous “duck tail”. The “porcupine” was also a hit. These styles were complete with excess starch and Bryl Cream. Think Elvis or James Dean.

The 1960s ladies exchanged ringlets for the beehive. The bigger the better was the trend and the most important product was hairspray. Mountain like styles were often complemented by blond streaks. Men proffered choppy, side-parted, bed-head styles.

The bouffant styles were soon replaced by long straight hair. As people got caught up in the progression of civil rights and women’s movements, fashion also adapted. Ladies skirts became tighter and shorter and their hair became longer and sleeker.

The rebellious nature of society continued throughout the 70s and 80s, with long hair remaining a feature of the hippie movement. Long, flowing, natural styles were preferred, accessorised with flowers and multi-coloured headbands. Madonna helped set the trend in the eighties with her ever changing styles.

The 90s was almost a free for all with people experimenting with all kinds of ideas, yet there were still those styles which were more popular than others. Tight pony tails with two, bleached strands of hair framing the face was a popular look amongst teenagers. The guys also thought they were cool when they shaved their heads leaving just a thick fringe at the front- this was almost always bleached too.

So, it seems that hair trends constantly change. So what is next? People rule out the Chav look. However, give it a few more years to catch on and the impressively slicked down, comb streaked, high pony tails, complete with mis-matched scrunchies may come into fashion. I believe the large silver hoop earring and tracksuit attire compliment this look even further.

Patrick is an expert Research and Travel consultant. His current interest is in Heathrow Terminal 5 Parking, Airparks Luton.

Ok, Ok, I know, everyone has to chip in. After all, we all live on this planet, right? So honestly, I don’t mind the recycling every object that comes into my home. I don’t mind all the sorting and bins and the 245 different brand numbers on the bottom of plastic items. I don’t mind the chemical deprived household cleaners that seem to work OK and smell a lot nicer. I don’t mind the smaller model car that has; gasp and count them, four cylinders although I will admit to missing my big block Chevy.

My point is I am trying. I can buy organic with the best of them, I watch my energy and water usage and count my carbon footprints. I consciously try to reduce my garbage and I and filter my water too. I can reuse plastic bags and buy swirly looking light bulbs. However there is one “green” issue I just can not abide by. I’m talking about those ugly re-usable shopping bags. I mean, whose idea was that, and why do they have to be so darn ugly?

There is no way in heaven I’m gonna walk around with a ugly colorless store branded re-usable shopping bag over my arm. I have to draw the line somewhere and that is it. No way am I going to pair my beautiful shoes, vintage purse and designer outfit with a faded green looking canvas bag, even if it is just from the store out to the car and then in side to the kitchen. Gosh darn, doesn’t someone have to stop and say enough!

So girls, I’ve given this a lot of thought, and here is my green but still very fashionable opinion: Go out and get yourself a beautiful beach bag or two or three. Beach bags can be for towels, books, ipods, books, lotion, valuables, and yes even groceries. If you don’t care for colorful beach bags, get a few fine looking leather book bags.

Choose carefully and keep in mind they will have to go well with any outfit you happen to be wearing when you wander into the store. The ideal bags should be big, and heavy duty, with thick fabric and well sewn seams. Throw those beautiful bags in the back seat of your car and the next time you have to shop, you can do it in style and still living a green lifestyle!

Chris Jensen is a contributing Author of Jetfly Blog. For more related articles and reviews visit Jetfly Fashion & Style Blog now. Also, for the Best up-to-date related Online Products, check out Jetfly Women’s Beach Bags Shop for Todays Current Online Deals.

One of the important factors of a fashion magazine is that it helps to determine why certain materials are used for certain styles. You will find that two or more materials are used at times in styling an outfit. A wise designer planning an outfit for herself will not be inclined towards a material simply because she likes the texture and the fall of the material. This is where fashion magazines help you to select the right kind of material for the design of your choice.

While designing a garment, certain materials are used for certain sections of the garment and not simply whatever may catch your fancy. For example crepes are manufactured to be used for clinging styles and not fluffed up designs. Materials such as taffetas, organdies and crisp batistes are used in suit styles where fluffs are involved, as against the crepes, which are used for the clinging styles. A very important point to be observed is that fabrics are designed to suit styles and styles to suit fabrics.

Color Suggestions

Studying individual designs helps in making the right selection of pattern and material. Then comes the choice of color to be adapted to the lines of the garment and the fabric used. The end result will be a pleasing and appealing garment.

A factor to be considered, though, when choosing colors, is that the color portrayed in the fashion plates will not be an absolute replica of the color produced by the textile manufacturer. Neither would a true outline of the garment as it will appear with fabric, be presented in the magazine by fashion designers.

However, it is possible to get suggestions from the color plates shown in fashion magazines, once you have understood about lines. Keeping this knowledge on lines in mind, you will be able to give prominence to a color that will most effectively bring out the garment. You will be able to bring out the soft, silent tones or tints of a color where desired, while you choose a fabric that will best bring out the lines suggested by the designer in a fashion drawing.

Interpreting Fashions

In the market, you will find a number of fashion magazines that suggest only style tendencies, color and fabric combinations. Such magazines will still be of value, if you have studied patterns and lines. It will help you with ideas and suggestions to incorporate in your garments.

In most cases, you would be able to apply these ideas even more successfully than the artist himself in his drawings. You would be able to bring out the practicability of the garment by adapting it to the material to give a harmonious outline to suit you.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about magazines and comics. When looking for magazines and comics, we recommend you shop only at the best magazine and comic stores for fashion magazines, used fashion magazines, and comics.

To Shakespeare’s age-old question, “what’s in a name?” I would answer with one word: Prada. For example, even though Prada goods are definitely made with quality materials, consumers usually buy Prada items for their reputation more than their style. Gucci products are the same way. After all, Prada has been one of the biggest names in the fashion industry for several years now and their products have become symbols of wealth and status in many societies.

An authentic pair of Prada sunglasses will probably cost about $300 dollars, but there are plenty of imitation brands on the market with the same look about them that are much more affordable. For some reason, a lot of people really want genuine Prada products though. If you fall into this category, you can buy directly from Prada retailers or ask stores for certificates of authenticity.

Whether you choose to buy imitation or authentic products, the most important factor to consider is the kind of protection they give your eyes. If possible, buy glasses with one hundred percent protection against UV rays. And, if you spend a lot of time exposed to the glare off of water and snow, polarized lenses would probably be a good idea too. For people with extremely light-sensitive eyes, wide frames and large lenses can help block out additional light as well.

In addition to the status symbol and the protection that sunglasses provide, many people pay close attention to their style. For example, Prada accessories and clothes are known for having a Bohemian flavor to them. The shape of the lenses, the color of the shades, and the size can depend on anything from personal preferences, individual face-shape, a person’s wardrobe, and how the glasses will be used. For example, yellow shades are better for dawn and dusk sports like fishing because they augment available sunlight while darker colors would probably be a better choice for skiers and snowboarders.

Another thing to keep in mind when you buy a pair of sunglasses is comfort. When you try them on, check to make sure that they don’t slide around on your nose when you move your head and that they don’t lift up and down every time you smile. If the glasses are too tight, it can be even more annoying than being too loose though because consistent pressure on your temples and the bridge of your nose can cause headaches.

Sometime, you won’t have the opportunity to try glasses on in person. For example, if you buy a pair online, you won’t be able to see how they fit until they arrive. With this in mind, make sure that the online stores you use have a good return policy and that they offer competitive prices to make the risk worth the investment.

Sunglasses Only (http://www.sunglassesonly.com/store/prada-sunglasses/) is both a walk-in and online store. Their products are authentic and they are very mindful of customer needs. At their website you can find everything from Gucci to Prada sunglasses. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

Since the 1960′s, the fashion world has taken a stand on numerous social causes. The antiwar movements and women’s rights are just a couple of the areas in which the fashion world has made strong statements. More recently, fashion has taken to assisting and speaking for individual charitable causes and in some cases, it has been questioned just whose best interests are involved.

A prime example of this has been the partnership between Gucci, Prada and Armani and UNICEF; the United Nations Childrens Fund. The reasons and motivation behind this particular collaboration have been questioned by some international groups and, perhaps most telling for the United Nations, by the very front line workers who would receive the proceeds.

Senior staff members of UNICEF have strongly stated their displeasure with the charity’s close ties with the world of glamour and celebrity, saying it is both demeaning to the work that the UN is doing as well as having a strong smell of hypocrisy about it.

UNICEF staff in Pakistan and India have spoken against the alleged working practices of the French conglomerate PPR (formerly Pinault-Printemps-Redoute), the owners of Gucci and whose Asian suppliers have, for a number of years, been linked to sweatshops in Mumbai and Karachi.

One long term employee of UNICEF has stated that, for him, this partnership with Gucci has been the final straw and that the feeling among workers is nearly unanimous that the UNICEF name is being hurt by this undertaking.

Another problem arises with the close ties between celebrities and nearly every major humanitarian disaster. Putting up with the star and his or her entourage is bad enough, but the connection in the public’s eyes between celebrity and disaster relief cheapens and degrades the entire effort, claim the front line ground workers.

According to some, the current desire of fashion companies to align themselves with charities may have more to do with covering numerous sins than to strike a chord in people’s conscience. These critics say that many firms are just looking for a cause to jump on and that associating with a good cause will provide an enormous bump for sales.

To be fair, the fact that the fashion industry in general and specific companies in particular benefit from alliances with international charities is only to be expected but the key will come down to the perception of the public and the workers involved.

If both the company and the charity gain by such an effort; fine. It is only when the goals of the charity are seen to be compromised and the message diluted that both partners should be looking long and hard at exactly why they are collaborating in this venture.

The Teacher (aka John Pawlak) has been involved in education for over 25 years. He has developed a series of fashion websites which include:
Coach handbags, footwear and accessories.
The Fashion Universe.
Timepiece Collections.

How can you define alternative clothing? Surely, what is normal for one person would probably go down as alternative clothing in another person’s book. Stick ‘alternative clothing’ into a search engine and many of the sites listed will be for goth, emo or punk clothing so I guess, in the main, these would be considered alternative.

But alternative to what, or who? To a goth or emo, their clothing is normal. To my gran it would be laughable, to her gran it would have been a sign that you were ready for the funny farm. Yet today we have a world with an ‘anything goes’ attitude so you can walk down any high street in the country and see people dressed as chavs, Goths, punks, man from C & A, or walking floral creations that are usually someone’s grandmother.

You see, the problem is that as people get older, there are less of them. In turn, this means they are in the minority so surely that would make them the ones in the alternative clothing?

To me, alternative clothing would mean my going out on the town in my PJ’s, which I’ve always thought would be a good thing seeing as I’ve never subscribed to the fashion over function club. In fact, last time I went out to a nightclub, I swear some of those girls were wearing their night dresses! Yes, I know, that makes me sound old but I really don’t care, they are going to catch their deaths dressed like that!

So, what could you possibly wear out on the street that would now count as alternative clothing if anybody can wear anything? Clothing that looks like it is manufactured from rags has extortionate designer price labels on. To me, this is alternative clothing – alternative to eating or paying the rent.

Most towns will have a shopping centre that passes for the local hang out for young kids and here you will see plenty that passes for alternative clothing to the average person. With all those chains and pins it’s truly a wonder they can ever get past the alarms in any shop and equally as unbelievable that they don’t somehow become trapped together in what would look like a chain gang.

Of course, for some, alternative clothing would constitute some type of fetish wear. But then you have the strange people with enough nerve to go out wearing this clothing. Whether it be rubber, PVC or compete with a dog collar and lead – to some this is normal, not alternative.

For girls in their late teens, fashion dictates that they go out with the smallest clothes possible. Indeed, even my own daughter had bigger clothes at the age of seven that what she wears out now. So, here we have another alternative – alternative to actually wearing clothes that cover tomorrows washing.

Having had a scout round a few alternative clothing sites, it seems that, in the main, the goth and emo clothing sites have the top listings. But just how alternative are the products when compared to your average high street shop? Tight jeans for emos – isn’t that the fashion for everyone? Vivid colours for punks – again, a relative norm. T shirts and tops with rips – exactly what the jumble sales have been providing for years without the ridiculous price tags.

So, it seems the choice is up to you. If you feel conspicuous because you’re not wearing what your mate thinks you should be wearing, call it alternative and you’ll be on to a winner.

Fashion expert Catherine Harvey looks at the way alternative clothing can mean many things to many people.

Designer sunglasses may seem a relatively modern phenomenon, the celebrities we see today posing in designer shades on the promenades of the south of France and Los Angeles are not however the archetypes of this style, the trend is far older than that. The history of sunglasses goes back eons with a wide variety of materials used in construction as well as a huge variance in the uses, one thing is certain, the designer sunglasses we see today are in no way the first.

If the annals of history are correct the first time sunglasses were used was in ancient Rome. Emperor Nero reportedly has a pair of shades made up from polished emeralds; the purpose of these designer shades? To let the emperor watch gladiator bouts without straining his eyes. Conjecture still surrounds their effectiveness, some historians now believe that the emerald acted as a mirror meaning that sight was hindered rather than enhanced.

After Nero’s pair of specs the next recorded used of sunglasses comes from ancient China. The designer of these Chinese sunglasses once again could not use glass and hence natural materials were used. This time, instead of emeralds the glasses were manufactured using flat, smoky quartz. Their usage however was not comparable to how we use our sunglasses today; in Chinese society these glasses were used by judges; not to shield their eyes from the sun, but to shield their eyes from the courtroom. The reasoning behind this was that if those inside the courtroom could not see the judge’s eyes, they would not be able to read any of his emotions or facial expressions, and subsequently a clue to the outcome of the trial.

These early sets of sunglasses cannot be compared to the varieties we see today. While Nero wanted eye protection from the sun, the polished emeralds did not have the same UV protection as modern polarised lenses. In addition, while it is now possible to obtain designer shades with sight correction properties, these ancient sets had no such ability.

After these two initial uses the widespread use of sunglasses took centuries. Arguably it was the work of scientist James Ayscough who invented the technology needed for the lens. By studying the effect of certain colours of lens on the eyes he believed that he could cure visual defects. His work was never far reaching enough to be labelled comprehensive however and he never reached the point where UV protection was an objective. It was during the twentieth century that sunglasses became truly popular, especially in the United States where their popularity grew unbelievably. The protection of the eyes first became a goal with the work of Sam Foster; an entrepreneur who sold many pairs of glasses on the beaches of New Jersey and Atlantic City during the summer months.

With the popularity of Hollywood and celebrity ever growing during the thirties and forties, designer sunglasses really came into their own. Thanks to movie stars and musicians constantly wearing what was now considered a fashion accessory; the general public were enthralled by the idea of having shades. As a result the fashion industry embraced the glasses producing iconic designs that screamed chic and were hotly desired all around the globe.

Since this time sunglasses as a fashion accessory have continued to be the trend. Nowadays legislation ensures that no matter what style of glasses you buy your eyes will be protected from the harmful effects of the sun. Today the place of sunglasses as the world’s favourite summer accessory seems to be assured. As celebrities continue to wear these designer sunglasses, undoubtedly their popularity with the general public will not diminish.

Fashion expert Thomas Pretty traces the development of designer glasses from ancient times to the modern day.

If you are seeking to buy fake Coach purses, this will probably not get you an answer but perhaps you may want to find out how to spot imitation Coach purses instead. In fact, if you really want to for the fake purses, this could help you distinguish them as well.

Most trendy and fashionable women in the world would want to own a coach purse. At least one in their wardrobe. This is because Coach is one of the most popular brands when you speak of high fashion for women. There are many leading brands as well but if you speak of handbags, Coach handbags and Coach purses comes to mind. Not only do they add class to your fashion sense, they can so long-lasting that you may not need another purse unless you are among those who keep changing purses year on year.

So how do you differentiate fake Coach purses from the original ones and why? It is not wrong to wear a replica or fake but on items as classy as Coach, you wouldn’t want to spoil your image unless of course if you really cannot afford one but still want to look like a million dollars. Lacking in quality, replica Coach handbags and purses are cheaper and anyone can but them. The question is, deep down inside, do you really want to be like everyone else?

Firstly, you can spot these fakeys but checking for their signature fabric. All authentic Coach purses and handbags have a distinct “C” logo on them and from here; you can easily tell if it is not original. Next, you should check out the quality of stitching work done. If it is not original, it shows by the inferior quality of stitching.

Another tell-tale sign is the country in which it is manufactured. Fake Coach purses tend to be made from Asian countries such as Korea though don’t be easily fooled if you see the word China somewhere on the bag. These days, China is a haven for outsourcing work and the Coach designers do outsource to them as well hence they will be embossed with a logo that says “Made In China”. This happens only for selected Coach models and you should be aware of that.

If the purse or handbags handles are made of plastic, it is a fake. How about serial numbers? In the past, you can differentiate an authentic Coach purse from a counterfeit one just by checking if they have serial numbers. These days, shoddy manufacturers have been known even to replicate these serial number and pass them as authentic.

At the end of the day, you can still buy fake Coach purses if your budget does not allow you to buy and original one however once you saved up enough money, invest in the original and save yourself the blushes. You’ll feel complete once you get your hands on an authentic Coach handbag or purse.

Ebay or other similar auction sites are ideal to find amazing deals on your favorite Coach purses. The sad truth is that not all sellers on Ebay are honest. It is well known that people try to sell non genuine Coach purses to unsuspecting customers. Don’t let yourself be one of those that are fooled by these fake Coach purses. Don’t worry though, there are some common traits of these false products and once you familiarize yourself with them you will be able to spot a fake Coach purse from a mile away.

Be on the look-out for someone who has many of the same purses for sale. There are websites that sell the fake Coach purses for discount in huge volume and dishonest sellers often buy from these places so they have many of the same bags. Fabric is much easier and less expensive to exploit so be extra careful when dealing with cloth coach bags. Unfortunately this does not make you safe if you are buying a leather coach purse.

A good clue into whether the purse is authentic or not is buy paying attention to the photos, they can tip you off to a fake Coach purse. A possible tip that the bag is fake is if the seller is using Coach’s website pictures which usually have a white background. Another tip is the size of the picture. If the picture is so small that you can’t see any detail of the purse then Contact the seller and see if they will send you an actual picture of the item. With a decent picture and some common sense you should be able to tell if the Coach purse not an original.

It is important to read the text of the seller’s post very carefully. Look to see if the seller mentions that the Coach purse is what it’s supposed to be, an authentic Coach purse. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for shady Ebay sellers to avoid flat out lying they will not tell you the whole truth.

Just like when you are buying any other object on Ebay it is smart to pay close attention to the sellers. It is always more risky to buy from someone who has little or no feedback. In fact, to stay safe, I would simple not buy from someone who has not or little feedback. If the Seller has lots of feedback make sure you read the negative feedback and see if there is any mention of Fake Coach purses . Remember that if you have any questions you can always write the seller

One of the most important tips is to always use PayPal when you buy things off of Ebay. When you use PayPal you are instantly eligible for $2000 dollars in coverage if something goes wrong with the purchase. If somehow after reading all these tips you do end up with a fake coach purse then you can get your money back by disputing the transaction. It’s all good

This article was not meant to scare you. Ebay is still a great place to buy Coach Purses at discount prices. Take a deep breath, and as long as you take this advice to heart you can buy Coach Purses and super discount deals. Happy shopping!

The author’s web site http://coolcoach.net/ provides information about discount coach purses, coach handbags and coach wallets.

The time has come to buy new glasses, but where do you begin? After you have had your exam and know your new prescription, you must choose frames for your glasses. You now face a major decision point: will you choose designer frames or regular frames? Before you reach for the Calvin Klein pair thinking that they are definitely better quality than the identical generic model, you need to know what the differences between regular and designer eyeglasses really are.

Designer Frames Are All About the Name

Is there a difference in quality between designer eyeglasses and regular eyeglasses? Unless you are shopping at an extremely poor discount shop, chances are the quality between the two types of glasses is pretty similar. Sure, the Christine Dior frames may last a little longer, but when you compare that to the price you pay for the frames, you are not going to save much money.

In reality, the main difference between designer frames and regular frames is in the name. You feel great knowing that you are wearing some great designer’s glasses. After all, not all of your friends can say that they are wearing Prada glasses, can they?

Sometimes this name is evident on the glasses themselves. You may find that your favorite designer has its logo on the frames in a visible place. If this is important to you, then you will want to consider designer frames. Otherwise, you will probably be just as happy with a similar pair of regular glasses.

Consider Warranties

One difference between designer frames and some cheaper regular frames is the warranty. If you can find a designer that offers a warranty on its frames, this is a great option. You can always have new lenses placed in the frames if you really love them and they have a good warranty. You may not find this same warranty on a discount pair.

What About Style?

Perhaps you think that you have to buy designer eyeglasses to get a certain style. Unless the style is very new to the industry, chances are the companies that manufacture regular eyeglasses have already made a similar frame. Copying is the name of the game in the world of eyeglasses, and you, as the consumer, can benefit by finding a great looking pair of eyeglasses for a great price.

Lenses Make a Difference

The factor that really makes the difference between good and poor quality in a pair of eyeglasses is the lenses. Buying the extras, like scratch coating and shatter resistant materials, can make your glasses last much longer. Consider using the savings you will get by not buying designer frames to spend a little more on the lenses, as this will increase the lifespan of the pair of glasses.

Beware of Junk

While designer frames and their regular counterparts are usually of the same quality, you can find junk out there. Some frames that come at a huge discount are not worth anything. They break easily and are made out of poor quality materials.

Telling the difference between junky frames and good ones at a decent price is not easy. Until you actually use the glasses, you will not be able to tell how durable they are. For this reason, many consumers turn to designer frames because they are assured that they get good quality.

Instead, build a relationship with an eye doctor that you trust. Have the doctor tell you which frames are made of good quality, and which ones you should avoid. Only a trained professional will be able to tell the difference, and with your doctor’s help, you can have a great pair of durable frames at a low price.

The new way to buy eyeglasses and contact lenses : Cleary Contacts Eyeglasses

Most parents know the dreaded time will arrive. It often happens around the time of the thirteenth birthday but, with the ever early advancement of puberty that is occurring in children today, you should be on the look-out for symptoms from the age of about ten onwards. There is no telling which way it will go but be assured it will occur.

The first time is always the worst. With subsequent children you will be prepared because by then your friends have had children and you realise that there is nothing wrong with your first born, in fact, they will all go through it at various stages and in various degrees. I have had three children so have a fair bit of experience in this field. My eldest didn’t start until she was almost fifteen. A late starter but then girls are always different. Her time through this period was a relatively short six months but boy, did she manage to cram some stuff in during that time, ageing me by a good five years.

Next came my eldest son who started at two and at eighteen years of age, hasn’t grown out of it yet. My youngest son started at eleven and was out of it by the age of twelve. Which just goes to prove that if you have enough children you can eventually get it right!

So what is this dreaded event? It is the day your child wakes up, possessed by someone else entirely. You think I exaggerate? Oh you have a treat coming! The most typical example would be my youngest son, if I tell you what the other two put me through there will be a queue around the block for sterilisation!

Anyway, I digress. My little boy was born with huge brown eyes, black hair and the cutest smile that was a permanent fixture on his face. Being premature, I felt very protective of him and, if I’m honest, probably babied him a bit. We were very close as he grew up and it was a pleasure to see him experience the different aspects of realisation, of learning and of growing. And then he turned eleven and my baby disappeared for almost a year.

His neatly shaped and shaved hair became unkempt while he insisted he was growing it. All attempts at getting him in the shower fell on deaf ears. His cute little boy’s clothes were exchanged with friends for over sized faded black garments that he claimed were ‘goth clothing’. Along with the goth clothing and unkempt hair came a paleness befitting of a vampire due to his hiding in his room with his mates listening to devil music, oops, I mean metal music, always get confused with those two.

The little mother/son chats we had were swapped for my nagging and his grunts. After some time, you can learn to interpret the grunts although it doesn’t matter too much, they pretty much all mean the same thing. This phase doesn’t simply consist of goth clothing and music, they adopt the attitude that goes with it which, in short, means the world is against them and everything is depressing.

But why I hear you ask? It’s because the hormones kick in and they want to express their individualism which means going along with their crowd of peers and doing their best to shock their parents. My advice to all parents who are either going through this or have it to come. Do not react. Tell them that they look lovely, can you borrow that black lipstick or boots that look like spare wheels and welcome their vampire friends.

Trust me, this phase will be short lived and one day they will turn a corner and your children will be returned to you.

Parenting expert Catherine Harvey looks at why a youth would want to wear goth clothing in an attempt to fit in with their peers.