Friday, July 31, 2009

Fingerless Gloves - The Top Sellers of 2010

Fingerless gloves are practical for many different purpose, especially when you need to use your fingers for something specific but also want to keep your hands warm and dry. However, they are also popular in the fashion world, and are sometimes worn simply to accessorize an outfit. From both categories, the following were the best sellers during the winter season of 2010:

1. Grenade Fingerless Skate Glove: You will never lose your grip when wearing this pair. If you are into skateboarding, they will allow you to flip, turn and grind. Even if you are not into skateboarding, you will like these for the cool skeletal screen print on the top part of glove. The stretch corded nylon gives you all the freedom you need to move. These gloves allow you to get a great tactile grip while protecting your palm.

2. UGG Classic Fingerless Glove: If you want to keep your wrists and hands warm while your fingers are free to do their work, then this may be the perfect pair of gloves for you. While not for skaters, the genuine sheepskin gloves with appealing rough seam detail. In addition, the straight pile shearling lining is naturally moisture wicking and insulating. If you fold the cuff over and thereby expose the shearling, this allows for an even fresher look.

3. Volcom Parallel Lines Mitten: These mittens run parallel with your needs for keeping warm and looking good. Since they are reversible, you can convert them into fingerless gloves. Make sure to check out the gold stone logo at right of mitten edge and the small button that holds the button flap in place. Made of acrylic, these gloves can be washed in cold water.

We hope this article has been educational, and we look forward to seeing what gloves are released for the winter of 2011.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

What Not to Wear in 2010

Whichever fashion or style magazine you read, whether online or offline, will generally tell you what you should be wearing in the current season. Detailing everything from the size of the heel on your shoes to the colour and style of your hair, you can't go far wrong by sticking to what the experts in the specialist magazines say.

However, if you're looking for a bit of individuality in your style but don't want to be considered unfashionable, then unless you're steeped in the fashion industry, it can be difficult, as the magazines tend to only tell you what to wear and very rarely touch on what not to wear. Of course, it is considered that most would prefer to fit in when it comes to style, rather than stand out, so the market of knowing what not to wear isn't as big. It still exists, though and these pointers should help take you in the right direction with what women's clothing you shouldn't wear in 2010.

1. As the colours of the spring / summer season are nudes and pastels, steer away from bright colours. You should be aiming for things such as browns, creams, beiges and greens (think military) for the majority of your outfit, only utilizing bright colours in your accessories

2. Don't go for a full one-piece swim suit or monokini. In previous years they may have been considered acceptable wear for the beach, but if you do decide to wear a monokini this year, make sure it has cutaway sides as a bare minimum

Of course, traditional bikinis are still great swimwear for the beach, but if you're buying a new one this year, stray away from two straps and go for a one strap or halter neck variation

3. Don't be seen not wearing denim in 2010; jeans should be the staple of your wardrobe this year. With double denim now considered to be the height of fashion, it gives you a lot of freedom for individuality in 2010 - just make sure that your top and bottoms don't match in terms of their shade

The other thing to note with denim is that plain denim is not particularly favourable this year. Think about a pair of distressed or ripped jeans, as both are back in style in 2010 after a year or two out of the limelight. If you're not sure ripped jeans suit you, but you still have a pair from the last time they were in fashion, patch them up and wear them for a great, individual but fashionable look. Generally speaking, as long as you don't just wear a plain pair of jeans, you should look great

4. If you have a petite frame, 2010 may not be the year for you to show off your figure as unless we're looking at swimwear or shorts, you should be staying away from tight clothing. Whether it's a jacket or a jumper, loose fitting women's clothing that is a size too big is definitely in, so keep tight fitting clothes out of your wardrobe for the foreseeable future.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

A Guide For Stylish Men's Suit

Buying a mens suit for a sole purpose of having something to wear during formal occasions without considering its design and style is totally a waist of money and effort.

Having your own mens suits should not only give you the satisfaction that you have a piece of clothing that you can wear on certain occasions but most importantly the feeling of confidence and style that your suit can give you every time you wear it.

A mens suits that are well fitted and with a touch of style conveys a powerful impression and personal appeal that could help you to achieve the type of character you desire and sometimes it can lead you to a successful and fulfilling social life.

Nowadays, having a good appearance is an advantage and it has been a norm in the corporate world to look good and have a descent appearance. Wearing a stylish and well fitting mens suits can be very significant in this sense. It could not only give you the confidence that you need but at the same time it can boost your morale in becoming a successful person in your chosen field.

So, here are some guidelines to consider if you wish to look good and stylish with your suit:

The first important thing that you have to consider in choosing your suit is if it is well fitted to your body. So, it is very important that you personally buy your own mens suits so that you could fit it to make sure that it perfectly fit your body. You should also check the sleeves of the suit and make sure that the ends are under your thumb.

Next important thing is the color of the suit. Make sure that the color of your suit goes along with your personality so that you could be able to project an impressive appearance. However, there are some certain rules and exemptions when it comes to the colors of your suit depending on your working place and seasons. For example in the corporate world, dark and tan colors are considered standard colors. If possible you have to avoid wearing suits that are light colors. When it comes to design you can have the traditional designs depending on your taste.

Another thing that you have to look is the materials used. The fabric that is being used in best mens suits is the pure natural fiber from the animals. Avoid purchasing mens suits that are made of mixed man made fabrics like polyester. Try to check the tags of the suits to make sure that it is made of 100% natural animal fiber.

Lastly, pair your suits with appropriate accessories like neckties, handkerchief, shoes, belts and many more. Just make sure that the color should match or complement your suit to give you that perfect look that you desire.

Always remember these guidelines in choosing stylish and fashionable mens suits and you will surely on your way of becoming the men of style and fashion.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Belts and Men's Western Belts - Necessary Gear to Stay Stylish

When humans invented clothes several centuries ago, it was bits and pieces tied up together. Then there were others, who wanted to make something that is even better. They came up with long gown like clothes for both men and women, which covered the whole body. For them, the purpose of covering the whole body was essential and these gowns served their purpose.

It is not quite sure how men's trousers came into existence but the reason most likely to be is someone who wanted to protect their legs even better by eliminating the hassle of the cloth being moved upon by natural forces such as wind and water. Then the new problem was born. How will you adjust your waist if the pants are not of perfect fit? Our great ancestors used ropes and other strings to adjust their waist size to resolve this problem.

For our forefathers clothes were to protect them from harsh weather and beauty was not a major concern. When time passed by, our imaginations about beauty and comfort also grew, and this was not limited to a particular area but to all aspects of our lives. That is how fashion designers were born. People always adored beauty and some intelligent fashion designers made up their mind to add some beauty to the 'waist ropes' our ancestors used.

This is how materials like leather and other fabrics became the production materials for waist straps. The further development of belts was enormously materialized in the Western World, because trousers became very common among Westerners due to the harsh cold climate. It didn't take much time for these 'straps' around our waist to become a judging factor for a man's personality.

American rodeo culture had their fair share of belts that were engraved on metals. Many buckles displayed complex designs that took several days to complete. Based on a person's wealth and aesthetics, there were several models to choose from and these came up with various types of leather such as suede and patent. You can find several stunning men's western belts all over the internet.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Silver Belt Buckles - Perfect Collector's Item

A good looking belt buckle is more often than an indiscriminate product as it may be carrying a perpetual legacy along with it. The history of these products is closely associated with American west, rodeos and cowboy traditions. During the cowboy era, there were artisans who used to engrave on metal sheets and come up with stunning buckles for their customers. Most of the time, their exertion went on and took quite a lot of days to complete a single one. This hard work fuelled the pride associated with these visually charming products and even today, you can find great deals of these on auction sites and many other online sources.

There are more than a few varieties of these amazing products and finding a first-class pair demands little bit of research and endurance as good ones are hard to come by. Some of the uncomplicated steps associated with authenticity check of these buckles are;

1. Manufacturer's Seal - Many reputed manufacturers have a tradition of putting a seal on their products. They modify this seal according to the model number, year produced, number of models produced and in rare cases; they come up with separate identification numbers for each product when exclusivity is the key point. If your product is connected with such an identification code, perform an internet research and find out if you are paying for the right product.

2. Silver - This metal can be liquefied and the value is calculated in weight; but antique silver products are not! Most of these metal products that have a heritage come at a heavy price. Conduct a little research to make sure that your product falls under the same category. There are buckles that are made up of silver coins. These are value based on the coin's historical value.

These days, several replicas of vintage models are also available in the market and when you are looking only for style, these can be the ideal choice. It is always wise to ask for a bill and warranty so that you can return your product if you are not satisfied with the quality.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

AJ Wright Clothing Stores - The All-In-One Shopping Destination

AJ Wright Clothing stores are a chain of retail and outlet clothing stores which also sell domestic items, giftware, footwear, accessories and fragrances. The popularity of these stores is attributed to the fact that they sell everything at prices which are at least twenty to seventy percent lower than the regular prices. Since the organization believes in regular shipments almost all of which arrive on week days, the merchandise offered by these stores is replenished with fresh stock on a daily basis. Although it has served as a regular stop for moderate income families for many years, the recent decade has been witness to some transformation due to which the stores now cater to many additional consumer groups.

The AJ Wright Clothing stores enjoy a prominent presence in the country through their more than 100 retail outlets which offer a varied range of apparel like jeans, casuals, business wear, active wear, scrubs and dresses along with branded tops, school uniforms and baby clothes. The additional sections in the stores feature footwear for men, women and children, bed and bath, kitchen décor and home furnishings. As a part of their community service program, these clothing stores contribute a part of their monetary gains to the Boys and Girls Club of America.

The apparel found in AJ Wright Clothing stores is not only suitable for all occasions but can also be chosen from a wide range of styles, trends, colors, fashions and even sizes. The shopping experience at such a store is heightened by the presence of well trained, knowledgeable and friendly staff that is always eager to help the customers and provide guidance to enable them to select the best outfit in accordance with one's style and personality. In addition, the discount offers and gift cards offered by the organization are irresistible attractions which enable the customers to buy quality clothing for personal use as well as for gifting at cheap and reasonable prices.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

4 Fashion Tips to Make You Look Instantly Slimmer

It might not be an officially proven fact, but most would agree that the vast majority of women dislike some part of their body. Whether they normally wear plus size clothing or clothes from a petite range, it is generally agreed that women do not like all parts of their body.

This is not to say that they are ugly or look terrible in outfits and most of the time it is simply due to them believing that part of their body isn't as slim as it could be.

If you're one of these women, regardless of if you wear plus size clothing or not, these five tips should help to make you look slimmer instantly.

1. Dark colours. Wearing dark colours has traditionally been the easiest way of making you look slimmer. By donning a dark top and bottoms, you minimize any shadows that can be formed around larger parts of your body where you don't want them to be, instantly stopping drawing people's attention to that area.

Wearing dark coloured clothing doesn't necessarily mean stepping outside in black jeans, top and boots, but to just wear a piece of dark coloured clothing on the area of your body that you are not particularly in favour of.

2. Right size. What most people don't realise is that wearing the right size clothing will make you look much slimmer than either wearing clothes that hang off you or trying to squeeze into something that's a size or two too small.

The reason that we have sizes ranging from a size 4 to 26 is so that there is no need for anyone to wear the wrong sized clothing. Granted, if you fall outside of the size 6 to 22 range you may find it more of a struggle to find fashionable items easily, but they are available - it's just a matter of looking a little harder.

3. Accentuate your good bits. Everyone has good parts of their body. If you're reading this and thinking that you don't, then look again. Start from the tip of your toes right up to the hair on your head - somewhere in that space is something beautiful. It might be your slim thighs, curvy waist, big breasts or sparkling eyes or your petite ankles, flat stomach, tender arms or luscious hair.

When you find your good bits, the idea is simple - make them stand out. This all depends on what your good bits are, but by drawing attention to them, you are instantly removing people's attention from the bits that you don't like.

4. Hide your bad bits. It must be noted here that to hide your bad bits doesn't mean to cover up completely. Just like point 3, finding your good points, it's likely that in actual fact, you only have one or two bad bits on your body. As tempting as it can be to cover them up entirely, don't - just make sure that you're wearing comfortable and fitting clothing that complements the other items that you're wearing and everything else will take care of itself.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

So You've Sorted Out Your 2010 Wardrobe, Now It's Time For Your Hair

Just like women's clothes fashions that change each and every season, women's hair styles do as well, meaning that if you want to be considered the ultimate style icon, you not only have to be spending your time in the town looking for the latest outfits, but also at your hairdressers getting an up-to-date hair style, too.

For 2010, there are at least half a dozen hair styles that are expected to be popular all throughout the year, meaning that there is a style suitable for everyone's hair, regardless of its length, thickness or any other affecting factor.

Take long, plaited hair as an example. A style that almost all women will be familiar with thanks to spending hours as children plaiting each other's hair, the idea for 2010 is to plait the hair and have it over your shoulder, off your back.

If your hair isn't long enough for this style but sits roughly below shoulder level, then do some research into 1940s hair styles as they are definitely a look this year. Particularly suited to wavy hair, if you're struggling for any real inspiration, just make sure that you have a side parting and that your hair appears voluptuous without being too large and you should be all set for this style.

One of the styles that is suitable for women with shorter hair is the slicked hair look. Requiring a certain level of confidence, as you're likely to turn a few heads as the style can be particularly masculine looking, think about investing in some men's hair products and slick your hair either straight back or to the side for something that is definitely a fashion statement for 2010.

It's worthwhile remembering that it isn't just hair styles that change or are considered to be in fashion in a certain season, but hair colours and accessories need to be remembered, too. Whilst the Fashionising website explains that blonde is definitely the colour of 2010, with both peroxide and golden blonde being popular choices, a prime example of a hair accessory for this year is bows. Not just any old hair bow, though; one that is big and beautiful is the idea here, helping you to stand out from the crowd and display just how much of style bearer you are.

Keeping up with the latest in women's clothes trends is not an easy thing to do and if you have only just mastered that, thinking of trying to be on top of hair trends may just seem like that little bit too much to take on board. However, neither are as hard as some people may think they are and by making reading fashion magazines something that you do on a regular basis, as well as checking out pictures online of your favourite models and celebrities, you should be able to get a good idea of what is in - or is about to come into - fashion for both women's clothes and hair styles for the season.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Bamboo Shoes For Women - The Best Sellers of 2010

Bamboo shoes are becoming increasingly popular among girls and women of all ages. They are in fact selling so well that fashion designers are trying hard to please the market by releasing new models. Despite strong competition, the following shoes are the top sellers so far this season:

1. Naya Timpas: If you really want to get in step with environment, then consider slipping into these sandals that are made from chrome-free leather upper in a sexy and alluring t-strap sandal design. You will likely love the decorative medallion with eco-friendly resin beading and organic fabric backer. Also make sure to check out the ankle strap that comes with an adjustable nickel-free buckle and therefore offers a snug and custom fit. Combine that with the cork rubber footbed with chrome-free leather lining, and you have got yourself a footwear pair with amazing comfort. The midsole is wrapped in leather and bamboo wood for eye-catching appeal.

2. Sofft Faye: The leawood stacked heel with bamboo-printed polyurethane outsole provides lightweight durability for anyone wearing this sensual sandal. You can really flaunt your style with this footwear pair, and you will not tire from looking at the gold accented shimmering patent leather upper. The footbed is generously padded and ensures cushioning and support for extended wear.

3. OluKai Hali'A W: Put these sandals on and linger away to the whimsical days of the surf, sand, and sun. Hah-Lee-Ah means "A Fond Memory", and this sandal pair will bring you to vacation land. The gum rubber outsole with bamboo-like tread and comfortable hand-sewn whipstitched toe post make this an unforgettable footwear experience. Also make sure to check out the comfortable pigskin lining.

We hope these bamboo shoes have triggered your hopefully already existing interest in all things bamboo!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Keeping Clothes Fashionable - Cleaning and Dry Cleaning

Many families are trying to minimize expenses these days. One big cost that can really add up is clothing. It can be tempting to go over budget, especially when new trendy clothes would be so fun to show off at school or work.

There's no reason to go overboard on buying clothing. You can still look neat and presentable and attractive on a budget. It doesn't mean you'll look like you are wearing castoffs, but at the same time you should let go of the need to wear expensive designer duds. Think happy medium; you should be able to look nice and let your personality show without great expense. Here are some cost saving tips to remember when shopping for clothes for the family:

Don't follow trends. The trendier something is today, the more out' it will be tomorrow. You'll end up hating to wear it in short order. Don't follow the latest thing coming out of Milan or Paris. Instead, try to be fashionable and current, wear nice clothing that fit and are good quality, but stick with your own style rather than chasing trends. Otherwise you'll end up with a closet full of clothes that leave you wondering what you were thinking.

With kids clothing, this translates to avoiding clothes with characters on them. The hot cartoon or movie character from today is old hat next year or even next month. Plus, kids decide quickly that some things they used to like are now * too babyish' for them as they get older. You don't want their clothing to fall into this category.

Dry cleaning is prohibitive. If you buy clothing that has to be dry cleaned, you should remember that this greatly increases the actual cost of wearing the garment. A lovely $20 blouse that has to be dry cleaned every time you wear it at $4 or more per time quickly becomes a $100 blouse or more.

Check labels for care instructions, and make sure that you are buying clothing that you can adequately take care of on your own. You can always get the special detergents that help brighten whites or prevent darks from fading and so on to help your clothing last longer. The clothing that you purchase should be easy enough to wash at home, without a lot of fussy treatment or unusual settings.

Watch your accessories costs. It can seem like accessories are an easy and inexpensive way to add personality to your outfits. If you go overboard, you'll spend much more than you expect and it can really add up.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Shopping For Apparel at the Dress Barn Clothing Stores

Dress Barn clothing stores are retail outlets which specialize in women's clothing and apart from a prominent physical presence these stores enjoy business through the net as well through their online website. In the fashion-conscious and appearance-conscious world of today, everyone wants to present themselves in the best possible manner and since clothes form an important part of one's overall look, it becomes imperative to select the right kind of clothes. It has been remarked many-a-times that clothes make or break a person and hence a visit to the clothing store is a must every once in a while for an individual who sets a lot of store by his clothes.

The Dress Barn Clothing Stores are not only one of the best options for women but are also well known all over the world for women's footwear as well as accessories. These stores not only produce and sell fashion products for women, but they also offer a wide variety of apparel wherein one can select from a wide range of dresses, sweaters, skirts, pants, jackets and a variety of other accessories. Apart from featuring the latest trends and fashions at reasonable prices, one is likely to come across business wear, formal wear, casuals, accessories, handbags as well as shoes which can go through with help from one of the friendly and knowledgeable shop assistants.

Apart from the 800 retail outlets dotted all across the country, the Dress Barn clothing stores have an online website as well in which one would come across detailed catalogs of their clothing and accessories, information about the company, the various locations of their stores, the prices of their products, the latest trends and discounts and also about discounts and other schemes. Since this organization has been specialized in women's clothing for more than 40 years, the experience is evident in the range of sizes which are offered as well as the expertise of the well trained staff which assist the customers to find the right apparel for themselves.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Dress For Success - Teachers

As a teacher, you will of course do more than teach. You are also going to be responsible for helping to enforce your school's policy.

Not everyone is a natural at discipline. You may have to practice. Being a stickler for rules doesn't mean being cruel and unpleasant to students, but it does mean having firm standards. Especially in your first year, you will want to be firm because this year is when your reputation is set. Buck up and be sure to enforce all rules unfailingly.

Pay most attention to the following rules:

Honor code * The school honor code is a policy that outlines what constitutes academic dishonesty and provides the appropriate punishments for same. Always go as far or farther than your school requires. Never let academic dishonesty slide.

Do not deviate from your school's policy on how to respond to cheating. Follow the procedures exactly; cheating is serious and you do not want a student to walk on a technicality. Know the procedures for reporting cheating before you need to report a cheater. Be prepared with knowledge of how to proceed.

Attendance * Your school will have rules for how many days of instruction students can miss. There are also limits to how many times students can be tardy (late for class) before the infraction needs to be reported.

Know the variations of attendance issues that may come up. Sometimes it isn't the student's fault * what is the policy for if the student's parent brings them to school late? If there is a tardiness problem, who do you report this to and how do you report it? The sooner you learn your school policies on these matters, the better.

Dress code * Students express individuality through dress. Know what is and is not permissible, so that when students push the limit you can rein them back in.

Monday, July 6, 2009

The Most Popular Wrap Scarves of 2010

It seems like wrap scarves are just about everywhere this year. Popular among girls and women all around the world, fashion designers are struggling to keep up with demand for new styles. While competition is fiercer than ever before, these are the best selling wrap scarves so far in 2010:

1. Love Quotes Eyelash Fringe Wrap Scarf: If you want to envelop yourself in pure luxury, then this fine Italian linen scarf from Love Quotes may be just the item for you. It is both versatile and endlessly chic. Soft and lightweight scarves like this are among the favorite fashion items among celebrities in Hollywood and elsewhere, and it is easy to understand why. This scarf is over-sized and has small eyelash fringes to add a relaxed elegance to everyday outfits.

2. Calvin Klein Diamond Chunky Cable Set: If you would not mind some unexpected pop of fun, then you should consider wrapping yourself up in this beautiful scarf from Calvin Klein. The chunky cable knit is cozy and chic, and make sure to check out the feel of the 100% acrylic material.

3. Fossil Raven Scarf: This radiant scarf from Fossil has become a major hit among women interested in fashion accessories. Made of a combination of viscose, nylon, cotton, and angora, it has a feel to it that is quite unique. Try wrapping yourself up in this one, and you will not be disappointed.

4. Juicy Couture Buffalo Check Wrap w/ Fringe: While we are heading towards warmer weather in most parts of the world, on colder nights you could not do better than this scarf. Among the highlights of this scarf are the buffalo plaid print with Juicy crowns and the fringe detail.

We hope you will check out these wrapped scarves. There is a reason why they are the best selling wrap scarves so far in 2010.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

How to Choose the Right Type of Plus Size Belts

If you have a slightly larger waist size, choosing a desirable belt is always a problem because the waist size of the belt seems to mismatch with yours in most instances. Some people even start to believe that it is a mere luck to find the right size of belt from hundreds of manufacturers and models in the market. This notion does not support the truth and the fact is that we all do not have sufficient knowledge in choosing the right belt because we were never taught to do the same without errors.

When you are about to purchase a new belt, realize that the belt's waist size and your jeans or trouser's waist size can not be same when your intention is to buy a belt that fits your waist like a charm. Your belt should cover your waist, the underwear and your trouser before going through the buckle which is at least one or two extra inches in diameter. When the waist size for your jeans is 36, an ideal waist length for your belt should be 38.

When you purchase your product from a reputed manufacturer, they exclude the length of the buckle to provide you with the desired length. However, this is not the case with every third party manufacturer around. When you want to determine your belt size, measure it from where the buckle ends. You should measure up to the hole that you are using. Keeping this information in mind will help you to surf through several websites and find the ideal product for you.

Choosing the right type of belt is not that difficult with practice and time. It is also important to check the belt's width because it should simply go through your cloth. When you purchase belts that are extra thick, it may not get through your cloth and to avoid this issue, measuring your clothes' belt strap is a good idea. You can do this before purchasing a belt so that cross checking will be quite easy. Purchasing the right belt is not that difficult with proper care.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Selecting Area Rugs at Sears

It is common to find area rugs at Sears, since this organization has acquired the reputation of being one of the oldest as well as the best departmental stores which specializes in home improvement products. The Sears area rugs not only add the glamour to the house but are considered as being the cost effective option for floors as compared to expensive carpets.

Area rugs at Sears are unique in the sense that they are available in a wide variety of designs and hence can match even the most contemporary interior decor. Since these rugs are yarn dyed, they are found in a unique and neutral polypropylene color that blends well into all types of decorating schemes. Apart from the aesthetic aspect, these rugs have a functional aspect as well as they are free from the hassle of regular maintenance. While most of the rugs derive their long lasting nature from the jute backing due to the sturdiness and durability, they can be cleaned by being vacuumed or even by wiping with a sponge or a damp cloth.

An individual who has decided to buy area rugs at Sears would come across choices like pile cut rugs which allow one's feet to sink in completely, olefin rugs which are made on a theme of loop piles and rugs with latex backing which are skid resistant and hence meant as a safety accessory in areas in which the probability of slipping and skidding are high. A variety of Sears rugs are made from man-made fibers as well and these usually depict a variety of patterns in a myriad of colors.

Since Sears is one of the largest retailers in the country which prides itself in having served the people home improvement products of the highest quality since the 19th century, it is one of the best choices in terms of variety, quality as well as price for an individual interested in buying area rugs.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Search 431 322 12 For Fake!

Many of you may have come across these numbers on the internet, some of you may not have. For the uninitiated, these numbers generally appear in a disclaimer like this:

If you are affiliated with any government, police, anti-piracy group or other related group or working for Adidas, Manolo Blahnik, Converse, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Burberry, Hermes, Prada, Air Jordan, Nike, Timberland, Gucci, Cartier, Oakley either directly or indirectly, or any other related group, or were formally a worker, you CANNOT enter these web pages, links, nor access any of its files and you cannot view any of the HTML files. If in fact you are affiliated or were affiliated with the above said companies, by entering this site you are not agreeing to these terms and you are violating code 431.322.12 of the Internet Privacy Act signed by Bill Clinton in 1995 and that means that you CANNOT threaten our ISP(s) or any person(s) or company storing these files, and cannot prosecute any person(s) affiliated with this website.

It all sounds so very official but, there is no such thing. The privacy policy 431.322.12 does not exsist and never has existed. To find such sites all you have to do is enter the search term: 431.322.12 followed by just about any named brand. Example: 431.322.12 Louis Vuitton.

According to U.S. Customs statistics, in fiscal year 2009, 14,841 seizures of counterfeit and pirated goods with a total domestic value of $260.7 million were intercepted at U.S. ports of entry.

The total domestic value of counterfeit products seized presenting potential safety or security risks seized was $32 million. Pharmaceuticals were the top product in this category.

China continues to be the number one source country for counterfeit and pirated goods seized in fiscal year 2009, accounting for 79 percent or $204.7 million of the total seizure value.

For the fourth year in a row, footwear was the top product seized, accounting for 38 percent of the entire domestic value of IPR (intellectual property rights) infringing goods. Jewelry appeared on the top products list for the first time, accounting for four percent of the total domestic value of IPR seizures.

These companies that ship counterfeit goods to the U.S. operate in the open. Chinese authorities do little to curtail such activity because it is such a big part of their economy. For just about every well-known product, there is a company making counterfeits.

A while back I spoke with a representative from one of the major designer jean labels. They explained that they couldn't tell me how to spot a fake but said if they had a pair in their hands they probably would know the difference. Probably? Now, if a company representative can't tell you what differences to look for what chance does the consumer have? You must be on the lookout for sites that may be selling fake designer clothes. Most designers have a department that monitors online auction sites and tries to identify websites that are selling knock-offs. But, with the internet being so vast it is very difficult to catch every offender. So if you see a site that displays the aforementioned bogus disclaimer, look somewhere else!