Sassy Shoppers Won't Miss a Trick with the Laura Ashley iPhone App

Laura Ashley's new iPhone application puts all of the excitement, beauty and elegance of the Laura Ashley label in your pocket.

Laura Ashley is a quintessentially British label, with a history and tradition that spans in excess of 60 years - but as proud as this unique heritage is, Laura Ashley still has one foot very firmly in the present day, with an awareness and understanding of modern lifestyle and contemporary taste. That's why the launch of the Laura Ashley iPhone application is such an exciting development.

Downloadable for free from iTunes, you can browse and shop all of the Women's Fashion and Home Furnishings that the range has to offer - no matter where you are. Need a gorgeous outfit for work or an occasion? The Laura Ashley iPhone application allows you to view and buy from an effortlessly stylish and wearable collection of pieces, including women's dresses, blouses, coats, cardigans and accessories, all with an unmistakably feminine element and a choice of fabrics ranging from pretty floral prints to block colours and strong contemporary designs.

Those with a passion for home furnishings that are not only beautiful and elegant, but that focus on comfort, quality and modernity are also amply catered for at Laura Ashley, where of-the-minute trends are interpreted with a touch of Laura Ashley's unmistakable style to create pieces that combine desirability with longevity. Whether you are looking for home décor pro women's coats ducts like fabrics, paint and wallpaper, larger decorative elements such as rugs and ceiling lights the Laura Ashley iPhone application lets you peruse the collections at your leisure, whether at home, in the office, or on the move.

The application is regularly updated with the latest additions to the range, allowing you to keep abreast of what's new at Laura Ashley, and an informative newsletter keeps you in the know about special offers and events. Other benefits of the application include a Store Locator, so that you can see, feel and try in real life the products you've been virtually wishlisting - while those preferring to shop online can simplify the experience with a handy filter at product level, which enables you to search products by price and colour.

Modern life moves quickly and Laura Ashley caters perfectly for the thoroughly contemporary woman whose life moves at a similar pace - not just by way of its designs and products, but now also by way of technology. The Laura Ashley iPhone application is a must for any woman who wants style, comfort and quality at her fingertips.

For more information please contact:
Laura Ashley PR Team
0207 880 5100

Laura Ashley, one of the world's best-loved fashion brands, is home to a huge range of clothing lines including women's dresses, knitwear and much more besides. Also revered for its line in home furnishings - including living room furniture and made to measure blinds - Laura Ashley offers something for everyone both in store and online.

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River Ranch Business Association Announces Holiday Event Lineup

The River Ranch Business Association has announced several events to be held in celebration of the 2010 Holiday Season.

Taste of the Town- In conjunction with the American Heart Association, the Association will hold its 3rd biannual Taste of the Town on Thursday, December 2, 2010 from 6:00PM to 8:30PM. Attendees will stroll the picturesque streets of River Ranch and enjoy tastes of Acadiana's best Fine Dining Establishments. All proceeds benefit the American Heart Association . Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the event and can be purchased from the Heart Association or at various River Ranch Businesses.

Christmas Carnival- In support of Hearts of Hope (formerly Stuller Place) the businesses will host a Christmas Carnival for the children of our community. Families are encouraged to come out and enjoy music, and holiday activities. The Carnival will be held in conjunction with the Lights of Hope Initiative. Hearts of Hope is a non-profit agency whose aim is to reduce the trauma experienced by child and adult victims of sexual abuse and sexual assault.

Toys for Tots- Various businesses in River Ranch will serve as drop off locations for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the Acadiana community.

The Village of River Ranch lies to the south of the Vermilion River in the heart of southern Louisiana in the city of Lafayette, Louisiana. It is home to over 2,553 persons, and over 2,000 go to River Ranch to work and play every day.

Vibrant businesses link the community together and are arranged to allow for people to visit on broad sidewalks and to meet all of their needs conveniently. A mix of retail, dining, and professional services all within walking distance is a return to the traditional concept of Main Street in America. Boutique mixes with larger retail chain stores to meet the needs of today's consumer in a traditional environment. Designed by award-winning architect Steve Oubre, The Village of River Ranch is representative of the New Urbanism movement as well as the rich heritage and culture of Louisiana.

The Village of River Ranch in Lafayette has become one of the most prominent shopping, dining and working areas in South Louisiana. A Mix of retail, dining and professional services all within walking distance is a return to the traditional concept of Main Street America.

The majority of the shops are locally owned and carry some of the most unique merchandise in the area. Whether you are looking for top quality women's apparel and accessories in a variety of styles, home furnishings, bath and body products or supplies for your next outdoor adventure, you will find them in River Ranch.

When you need a break from shopping, visit one of our many restaurants. Grab a quick bite, a yummy snack or enjoy a complete fine dining experience. Sit outside and take in the lovely view of our community.

The River Ranch Business Association was founded in 2009 by a group of business owners who saw the benefit in working together on events and initiatives. Building on the sense of community already established throughout the neighborhood, the business owners sought to organize.

Since its founding, the association has held many successful events such as the bi-annual Taste of the Town, a children's expo and Fashion Night Out. These successful events have not only been enjoyed by the Acadiana and Lafayette communities, but have also allowed the association to give back to such worthy causes as The American Heart Association, and the Children's Shelters of Acadiana Youth, Inc.
Current members of the River Ranch Business Association include:

Allergy & Asthma Center of Southwest LA
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Bath Haus
Belle Amie
Romacelli
Carraba's
Cena
City Club at River Ranch
Coquette
Hemline
Herringstone's
Iberia Bank
Juju's Boutique
Knottinghill
LA Specs
Lamp Designs
Mathnasium
Morgan Keegan & Company
Nouriche Medsp women's coats a
Onebane Law Firm
Paul's Jewelry
Remedies
River Ranch Realty
Shoe La La
Soho Salon
State Farm Insurance- Gene Fortier
Steve Sullivan Law
Sweet Melissa
Subway/ Zeus
Tap Room
Tenzie & CO
THDL Accounting
The Backpacker
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Van Eaton & Romero
Vertigo Clothing
Village Café
Whitney National Bank
Zoe's Kitchen

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“Once Upon a Time” with a Satiric Twist

"Once upon a time…" is a phrase children grow up knowing introduces a story not only of adventure and romance but of human plight and peril, heroic effort and victory – and instruction.

Like many of us, Roberta Parry was fed as a child traditional folk literature, which she swallowed whole without question. But as an adult, introducing these tales to her daughter, she found some no longer went down so easily. In rejection of the image of and attitude toward women presented by the eighteenth-century grim brothers, she determined to right the record from the experience and perspective of a twenty-first-century woman.

FEMME TALES: Six short Sagas and One Long Story is a playful, irreverent, sometimes camp re-vision of the Grimm's tales. "Little Red Riding Hood" becomes "Little Red Jogging Suit," wherein a sparky girl and her spunky grandmother take on a wolf in sheep's clothing, only to find themselves victims of the legal/judicial system. In "Hannah and Greggo," closet-cousins of "Hansel and Gretel," a savvy big sister saves her innocent little brother from the clutches of a wicked warlock.

Other r women's coats ightings-of-the-record include: "The Frog Prince or the Ugly Princess or Hopeless Henry," "Sungold and the Seven Midgets," "AshesAngie," "Sweeping Beauty," and "Ms. Fisherwoman and Spouse," illegitimate offspring of "the Toad Prince," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," and "The Fisherman and His Wife."

May you read with a laugh – and a nod, Parry invites. For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.

FEMME TALES * by Roberta Parry
Six Short Sagas and One Long Story
Publication Date: December 11, 2010
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 128 pages; 978-1-4568-1392-5
Trade Hardback; $29.99; 128 pages; 978-1-4568-1393-2
eBook; $9.99; 978-1-4568-1394-9

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at +0800-644-6988. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at 44-203-006-8880 or call +0800-644-6988.

For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.

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SSENSE Offers a Chance to Win a $10,000 Shopping Spree

SSE fashion jackets NSE, a leading luxury destination in the global market and Canada's largest online fashion retailer, announced the launch of a worldwide contest that offers its winner a $10,000 Shopping Spree.

Running now and ending March 24th, 2011, the SSENSE Shopping Spree gives entrants the chance to shop $10,000 worth of designer clothing, shoes, bags and jewelry for men and women.

Runway designer brands available at SSENSE include 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, DSquared2, Givenchy, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jil Sander, Kris Van Assche, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, Maison Martin Margiela, Mulberry, Proenza Schouler and more.

Entrants are simply asked to enter their email address and that of a friend in order to be eligible to win. Entrants are then given the chance to earn bonus entries with each friend that is referred and registers to the contest. Each bonus entry will give entrants an increased chance at winning $10,000. If a referred friend wins the contest, the referrer will win a $500 Gift Card.

Entrants can enter the contest at http://www.ssense.com/contests/10k.

About SSENSE:
Founded in 2003, SSENSE is an international destination boutique and the largest online fashion retailer in Canada. SSENSE features collections from: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexander McQueen, Comme des Gar?ons, DSquared2, Givenchy, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jil Sander, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, Maison Martin Margiela, Mulberry, Proenza Schouler and street wear by Acne, Billionaire Boys Club, Kid Robot, Opening Ceremony, Helmut Lang and Rag & Bone. Known for its exclusive selection of influential labels and exceptional customer service, SSENSE provides an original, easy to navigate shopping experience that resonates with the world's most discerning customers – offering the taste, style and service that keeps them coming back for more.

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Fashion Designer Gives New Meaning to "Something Old, Something New"

Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com)

Bonfire Communications to Co-Present with Genentech and Banana Republic at the Conference Board's Employee Engagement and Retention Conference in New York

Bonfire Communications announced today that it will participate in the Conference Board's Employee Engagement and Retention Conference in New York City. Thought leaders from Bonfire will co-present two case studies with clients from Genentech and Gap Inc.

Gordon Rudow, Bonfire's co-founder and chief executive, will present Creating gLife: Genentech's Internal Brand Strategy with David Arrington, associate director of corporate relations at biotech giant Genentech. Jonathan Willard, campaign director at Bonfire, will present Case Study: How to Strategically Link Career Development into Your Company's Overarching E Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) ngagement Picture with Ben Putterman, director of learning and development at Banana Republic.

Both presentations will be held at The Westin New York at Times Square on Thursday, June 21. They are open to individuals who register for the conference.

In the gLife session, scheduled for 2:00 PM Eastern time, Rudow and Arrington will tell the story of how Bonfire partnered with Genentech to create an award-winning internal brand that "makes life work" for employees at Genentech. The presentation will explore the inner workings of Genentech's culture and how it influenced the creation of an outrageously successful total rewards program.

The Banana Republic case study takes the stage at 3:15 PM Eastern time. Willard and Putterman will review the challenges and solutions Bonfire and Banana Republic encountered while creating a career development framework to encourage Banana Republic employees to "Fashion a Future" with the retailer. The interactive session will highlight a variety of unique deliverables that were designed to spark engagement and action from the visually oriented employees of Banana Republic.

About Bonfire Communications:
Bonfire Communications is an award-winning agency and thought leader in employee engagement and strategy implementation. Our multidisciplinary approach to communications integrates the arts of strategy and change with award-winning design and media development. With a proven methodology, we engage employees, members and other stakeholder audiences to achieve buy-in and drive momentum toward organizational goals. For more information, visit Bonfire's website at http://www.bonfirecommunications.com.

About Gap Inc.:
Gap Inc. is a leading international specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Forth & Towne and Piperlime brand names. Gap brand includes Gap, GapKids, babyGap, GapMaternity and gapbody. The company also operates Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Store. For more information, visit Gap Inc.'s website at http://www.gapinc.com.

About Genentech Inc.:
Considered the founder of the biotechnology industry, Genentech has been delivering on the promise of biotechnology for more than 30 years, using human genetic information to discover, develop, commercialize and manufacture biotherapeutics that address significant unmet medical needs. Today, Genentech is among the world's leading biotech companies, with multiple products on the market for serious or life-threatening medical conditions and over 50 projects in the pipeline. The company is the leading provider of anti-tumor therapeutics in the United States. With its strength in all areas of the drug development process -- from research and development to manufacturing and commercialization -- Genentech continues to transform innovative science into breakthrough therapies for patients. For more information about the company, visit their website http://www.gene.com.

To register for the event or learn more, visit the Conference Board's website http://www.conference-board.org/conferences/conference.cfm?id=1320.

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“Once Upon a Time” with a Satiric Twist

"Once upon a time…" is a phrase children grow up knowing introduces a story not only of adventure and romance but of human plight and peril, heroic effort and victory – and instruction.

Like many of us, Roberta Parry was fed as a child traditional folk literature, which she swallowed whole without question. But as an adult, introducing these tales to her daughter, she found some no longer went down so easily. In rejection of the image of and attitude toward women presented by the eighteenth-century grim brothers, she determined to right the record from the experience and perspective of a twenty-first-century woman.

FEMME TALES: Six short Sagas and One Long Story is a playful, irreverent, sometimes camp re-vision of the Grimm's tales. "Little Red Riding Hood" becomes "Little Red Jogging Suit," wherein a sparky girl and her spunky grandmother take on a wolf in sheep's clothing, only to find themselves victims of the legal/judicial system. In "Hannah and Greggo," closet-cousins of "Hansel and Gretel," a savvy big sister saves her innocent little brother from the clutches of a wicked warlock.

Other rightings-of-th Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) e-record include: "The Frog Prince or the Ugly Princess or Hopeless Henry," "Sungold and the Seven Midgets," "AshesAngie," "Sweeping Beauty," and "Ms. Fisherwoman and Spouse," illegitimate offspring of "the Toad Prince," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," and "The Fisherman and His Wife."

May you read with a laugh – and a nod, Parry invites. For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.

FEMME TALES * by Roberta Parry
Six Short Sagas and One Long Story
Publication Date: December 11, 2010
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 128 pages; 978-1-4568-1392-5
Trade Hardback; $29.99; 128 pages; 978-1-4568-1393-2
eBook; $9.99; 978-1-4568-1394-9

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at +0800-644-6988. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at 44-203-006-8880 or call +0800-644-6988.

For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.

# # #

NAPW Joplin Chapters Hosts Meetings in July and August to Discuss Upcoming Events and Chapter Goals, while Welcoming Guest Speakers Tina Hallmark and Kara Gallup

Members and guests of the NAPW Joplin Chapter met for several meet-and-greet networking meetings on July 18th, July 26th, August 15th, and August 23rd at Pacific Rim Restaurant. The group hosted re-cap meetings in order to ensure that members who weren't able to attend previous meetings had an opportunity to suggest ideas for the goals of the Chapter, as well as provide insight on charities they feel would be important for the Chapter to support.

Shanna Heckmaster, Joplin Chapter President, began all Chapter meetings by introducing herself, read a "welcome" letter from National, and gave members an opportunity to talk about themselves. Members in attendance at the July 18th meeting were Lori Buresh, Tonya Sprenkle, Alaina Yockey, Kelly Musick. Also in attendance were guests Sharon Mason, Carey Prater, Tina Dickerson, Tina Hallmark, Kristie Sanders, Becky Seidle, and Miranda Lewis. Tina Hallmark, from LCL Financial spoke to the group about being financially prepared.

Next, Shanna read the NAPW Mission statement, and highlighted the value of being proactive in networking with like-minded professionals, as well as making and impact in the community. She read, "Our Mission is to provide the most advanced forum for members to connect with like-minded professional women to develop innovative business and social relationships. We continuously offer our members the resources and benefits necessary to foster professional and personal success."

Shanna then opened the floor to suggestions from members regarding potential charitable endeavors. Also, the ladies discussed participation in Dowtown Joplin Association's Third Thursday, at a cost of $50. The meeting was wrapped up, as the ladies made plans to meet on July 26th for lunch to review the topics discussed. In attendance for July's lunch meeting were members Lori Buresh, Tonya Sprenkle, Alaina Yockey, Kelly Musick, Shanna Heckmaster, along with guests Sharon Mason, Carey Prater, Tina Dickerson, Tina Hallmark, Kristie Sanders, Becky Seidle, Miranda Lewis.

In August, NAPW Joplin Chapter met on August 15th Shanna reviewed the purpose and mission of NAPW for guests and new members. Topics included resume help, mentorship program, networking, discounts, and community wall for sharing thoughts, as well as the bulletin board of new events, free entrance to conferences, and the newsletter. After members introduced themselves to one another, guest speaker Kara Gallup took the floor.

Kara shared Jeremiah 29:11 which has been an important passage to guide her on her adventure of life. She is a Mary Kay Sales Director who just qualified for the pink Cadillac. She grew up in Lockwood on a farm with many teachers in her family and a long standing belief in one marriage. Kara earned her degree in Child Development from SMS yet did not become a teacher. She also wa Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) s married and divorced within three months early in her life. She set the tone that she was not like the rest of her family. Working as a case worker for the Children's Center, she met Darren Gallup. They married 10 years ago and have two children. Dylan is a 9 year old who was born with a heart defect. They adopted Kaden when he was born and he is now 5. Kara needed to find a new path from the Children's Center and became a Probation and Parole officer for 7 years. She also inspected daycare centers for 18 months. She soon realized that she wasn't fulfilled inspecting daycare centers, and went back to working in Probation and Parole. When she decided to get out of that environment, she revisited working with Mary Kay, as she felt the desire to move away from her previous environment. After trying it out, Kara surprisingly enjoyed it. Within a year she was able to transition into working full time with Mary Kay and has been doing so for the last 2 ? years. Highlighting that she has to be on track at all times in order to earn, Kara stated that her biggest motivation attributing to her success is the desire to be financially fit.

Kara discussed the importance to "dream big", along with the significance in asking yourself "why" in order to push ahead. Referencing "windows" to adventures, she noted that she felt through these times in her life, God has been her business partner. She also pointed out that sometimes the people who are supposed to be the biggest supporters can turn into the biggest naysayers and it's important to decide for yourself to listen or not. She also said that the closer you get to your goal, the tougher it is to reach, so work hard. Her best quote of the night was,

"Sometimes we have to put on our big girl panties and our hooker boots and get it done!" Shanna talked about other ideas in supporting a charity; there was strong support for the Lafayette House as well as an upcoming Dress for Success event, where clothes will be donated for women to have professional outfits for job interviews. They also talked about other talents that they could provide in order to help women with their job opportunities such as resume writing, IT skills, make-up, or job searching.

As the meeting was adjourned, the ladies were thrilled with what was planned for upcoming events. Upcoming NAPW Joplin Chapter meetings are to be held on September 19th and September 27th, also at Pacific Rim Restaurant.

The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) is the largest and most recognized network of female professionals. NAPW provides a forum where women can interact, exchange ideas, educate, network, and empower. NAPW Local Chapters allow members to maximize their experience through meetings, networking opportunities, and professional events.

For additional information regarding the NAPW Baton Rouge Local Chapter and/or NAPW, please visit http://www.napw.com.

Follow NAPW on Facebook and Twitter.

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Designer Lauren Gabrielson Announces New Manhattan Location Opening May 12 at 278 Mott St. New York, NY 11211

After her first year being in business, Lauren Gabrielson is excited to expand her custom design women's boutique to Soho/Nolita. Surrounded by hip restaurants such as Café Gitane and Delicatessen as well as established designers like Ralph Lauren, Rebecca Taylor, Tory Burch and Rag and Bone, Lauren knew that this trendy neighborhood was where she wanted to make her brand accessible to her Manhattan clientele.

Inspired by vintage lingerie and structured elegance, Gabrielson's line is sweet and feminine, using silks, cottons, and lace to embellish pieces for both day and evening. Gabrielson's designs showcase a woman's figure in a classically timeless, yet updated way.

Lauren's unique line can be tailor-made to customer's specifications, allowing purchasers to choose their color and make minor adjustments. These beautiful designs are available in approximately two weeks from the time an order is placed, and they are all well priced. She even offers complete custom designs for special occasions or events.

"I want my customers to choose their colors, to make minor tweaks, making their Lauren Gabrielson clothing one-of-a-kind", said Lauren.

With her uptown appo women's coats intment only showroom and previous Hamptons store location, Lauren can't wait to see what the new Downtown Nolita boutique brings. She hopes to continue to provide custom designed women's clothing with a unique, yet classic style, using the best quality fabrics all produced in a socially responsible manner.

About Lauren
Lauren began her fashion journey working as an assistant designer for Ginny Hilfiger on her line, Ginny H. Lauren then ventured off on her own and opened her first store in Sag Harbor during the summer of 2010, an intimate fashion destination unlike any other found in the Hamptons. Her feminine designs are inspired by the silky elegance of vintage lingerie.

Lauren is now focused on her New York market, bringing her designs to customers via private appointment, trunk shows in the Hamptons, the Brooklyn boutique in Williamsburg, and the all new boutique in the heart of Manhattan. Lauren's designs were featured in the April 2010 issue of Elle Magazine and on the new reality TV show "Bethany Ever After".

Contact Information:
Lauren Gabrielson
(917) 832-1383
http://www.laurengabrielson.com

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Kop-Online.se - swedish guide to a smarter online shopping has launched

K?p Online offers some unbiased advice on online shops worth visiting and highlights the ones that offer products or custom services at lower standards which need to be improved. K?p-online.se compares prices of the products and brands, among others, fashion and designers clothes, accessories, underwear or shoes. Moreover the site gives a reliable comparison on customer services of the various online shops-all this at one place.

The site allows the user to browse through a large variety of fashion brands online, such as ASOS, Diesel, Prada, Niek, Fred Perry, Adidas, Gucci, Wrangler, Calvin Klein, Bj?rn Borg, in order to find the best products at lowest price.

It specializes in finding the best women and men's clothes to the best price so that the chosen product fits the user's preferences. The site offers a great amount of top brands designer suits (kostymer) as well as a great variety of men's accessories to complement men's clothing outfit. The possibility to compare prices online contributes to, above others, money save and a greater satisfaction.

Kop-Online.se is not only an online comparison shopping site women's coats but it also provides online shopping services.

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Blank Label Launches New Site in Preparation for Women's Launch Late Fall

"After nearl women's coats online y two years of hard work in setting up the infrastructure we're very proud to say Blank Label is now ready for the world," says Fan Bi, founder and CEO of Blank Label. "It has been at times challenging to constrain ourselves as we initially underestimated demand, having to turn away customers at our site." Blank Label started creating buzz a year ago for famously stating on their homepage that they could only make 1,000 shirts a month, and assigning customers a number out of a 1,000. Asked whether he feels now no longer being capped customers will lose that limited edition feeling, Bi responded, "We will still be providing the highest level of service to ensure every customer has a great experience. We are still the only custom apparel maker that provides both free shipping and free returns, which is pretty remarkable for a custom product. Furthermore, now with more vertically-integrated manufacturing, and better technology, we're able to bring a better product, faster, coming closer to fulfilling our vision of making the luxury and empowerment of custom more accessible and affordable."

As for the launch of the women's line, "Woman have been requesting we offer women's clothes from the day we went online. Again, we wanted to stay focused on slowly building out a customer base, understanding the right experience for a customer ordering custom online, and establishing the right manufacturing capacities," says Bi. They will start with dress shirts for women, and have not ruled out expanding into other products for both men and women. "It is only a natural progression that customers who buy perfect fitting custom dress shirts will want to purchase other apparel pieces. It's just a matter of us staying patient rather than trying to grow as quickly as possible."

Blank Label was started in 2009 when Fan Bi dropped out of Babson College to bring custom to the masses. They recently made the Internet Retailer Hot 100 list for 2011, a list of e-commerce "Who's Who of Up and Comers."

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MakeMeChic.com’s Featured Products are the Latest Styles in Wedge Boots, High Heel Pumps, and Party Dresses

As a leading one-stop shop for gorgeous wedge boots and women's shoes, MakeMeChic.com continuously helps fashionistas to become the leaders in the fashion world. This time, the wedge boots retailer greets loyal customers with its special collection of featured products that are expected to be the biggest hits in women's shoes and apparel.

For as low as women's coats $16.00, women who prefer the casual look can purchase the Vabene10 No Lace Oxford Casual Shoes complete with gold glitters to spice up a simple pair of women's shoes. Pastel-colored pumps and high heels are very playful to wear and to look at and MakeMeChic.com agrees, thus they offer a large range of pastel-colored pumps and heels. Shades of red, pink, fuchsia, and turquoise are all among MakeMeChic.com's collection of heel and pumps. Additionally, they have leopard, floral, and striped prints that are very fashion-forward and are perfect for women who prefer to play around with different styles and designs.

Wedge boots, which are quickly becoming a woman's favorite pair, come in animal prints and pastel colors too. Made with leatherette material, the latest styles of wedge boots from MakeMeChic.com start at a low price of $24.90 so customers can shop without feeling a tinge of guilt. Ankle boots or two-tone high heels pumps with embellishments such as ribbons and flowers are the perfect pair of shoes to go with dresses or skinny jeans; they are available for $24.75.

To wow a crowd, wear the Sculptural Tulip Skirt Party Dress in Black for only $30.90. The party dress features a cut-out detail in the back, a one-shoulder design, and a sculptural tulip skirt finished off with pleated details for added glam. Shoes that would go great with this party dress are the Studded Platform Slingback Heels or the Studded Spikes Platform Pumps in black.

As a purveyor of the latest styles in women's shoes and women's apparel, MakeMeChic.com carries well-known brands in wedge boots, ankle boots, lingerie, swimsuits, and adult costumes. Wholesale orders are also welcome and don't forget to check out the online clothing depot's Sale section to get the best deals in wedge boots, women's shoes, and women's apparel.

Join the company's mailing list or visit the wedge boots distributor's official blog for the latest tips and styles in the fashion industry.

About MakeMeChic.com
MakeMeChic.com is every woman's partner when it comes to fashionable finds. Based in the City of Industry, CA, MakeMeChic.com is an online store that specializes in trendy women's shoes and apparel. With over 50 latest styles arriving weekly, a woman will never be out of style.

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Zappos Offers Holiday Air Travel Tips

Zappos.com, the online leader in clothing and shoes for men, women and kids, offers travel tips for the upcoming busy holiday travel season.

One of the best clothing items for winter travel is a vest. Offering warmth without the bulk of a winter coat, vests for men, women and kids are easy to remove for security screening and come in lots of styles and colors. There's a vest for every member of the family, and their easy-off, easy-on nature makes vests a great alternative to a coat for kids. Paired with a scarf, a down vest offers plenty of warmth for the quick dash from car to airport and eliminates the hassle of keeping track of a winter coat.

The necessity of easily re women's jackets moved clothing doesn't just stop at outerwear. Easy, slip-on shoes make security screening smoother and faster. For women and girls, UGG boots are a popular and comfortable choice. Ballet flats are another fashionable choice that fit the bill. For men, a pair of loosely laced sneakers slides on and off easily.

One other travel essential is a versatile bag. Sturdy totes that have plenty of outside and inside pockets are an excellent choice. Pockets help eliminate travel snags such as the misplaced boarding pass and provide space for granola bars, water bottles and other necessities. The space under the average airplane seat is about 11 inches high, so look for a bag that can sit upright at 11 inches. Don't dismiss the humble backpack as a carry-on bag, either. Especially for long trips, even weight distribution spares shoulders and backs from unnecessary pain.

Find all the essentials to help holiday travel go smoothly from Zappos!

About Zappos.com

Established in 1999, Zappos.com, operated by Zappos Development, has quickly become the leading destination in online clothing and footwear sales by striving to provide shoppers with the best possible service and selection. The Zappos Family generates gross merchandise sales exceeding $1 billion annually. Zappos.com currently showcases millions of products from over 1000 clothing and shoe brands. Zappos.com, Inc. was recognized in 2009, 2010 and 2011 by FORTUNE MAGAZINE as one of the "100 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR". Zappos.com is also proud to be rated ELITE by STELLAService and was named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, one of only 40 companies so named in the U.S. More information about the customer service philosophy, unique culture, and job openings can be found at http://about.zappos.com.

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From Transplants to TerraFrog--Former Organ Procurement Specialist Now Running Women’s Sportswear Design Company

Four years ago, TerraFrog Clothing Corporation CEO, Cori Windsor, left behind a career in healthcare and launched an exclusive yoga and athletic wear design company. Windsor, an Organ Procurement Coordinator, left her career in healthcare to pursue a Masters in Nursing. But, while she was taking her Masters, Windsor and her sister, Bobbi Windsor, began to discuss the need for an athletic wear line that catered to longer bodies. Unable to find a yoga line that would fit them properly, the two sisters began to design yoga tanks and bottoms for themselves. Says Cori Windsor, "We originally started designing the clothes for ourselves but then people would come up to us and say, "Oh my, where did you get that top?" Soon, we were designing clothes for other people and it just grew from there."

Windsor never went back to healthcare. Both she and her sister now run TerraFrog Clothing Corporation-- a yoga and sportswear design company that is well known for their exclusive, trend setting designs and styles. Says Windsor, "If you would have told me five years ago that I would be running a women's sportswear company, I would have never believed you."

About TerraFrog Clothing Corp:
TerraFrog Clothing Corp. is a Canadian athletic wear manufacturer providing unique, high quality yoga clothing to individuals and select retail outlets. TerraFrog is well known for their exclusive, trend women's coats setting designs and styles. This stylish lifestyle and casual wear company limits the number of pieces they make despite consumer demand.

TerraFrog designs can be purchased directly through the TerraFrog website or at select retailers across Canada and in New York City. TerraFrog wholesales their active wear line and yoga accessories to trendy boutiques in the United States and across Canada.

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Catholic Author to Speak at Our Lady of Sorrows School on February 15th

Author of "Thrift Store Saints: Meeting Jesus 25 Cents at a Time," Jane Knuth, will visit Our Lady of Sorrows School in Farmington on February 15th to speak on her discovery of Jesus by volunteering for over 15 years at a St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Kalamazoo.

"I started writing stories down so I would remember them," said Knuth, who lives in Portage with her husband, Dean. "The spirituality of the St. Vincent de Paul Society is that the poor are our teachers and we are their students. When the volunteers met, we were to share what our teachers women's jackets online have taught us."

"I've become more joyful in my outlook on life, more grateful," said Knuth. "I see God working all the time now because of my involvement with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. There is a lot of sadness because the peoples' stories are sad, but they are not sad people. There is such trust in God."

The event, organized by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Detroit, will begin at 6:30 PM with refreshments and friendship and is open to the public. The program will begin at 7:00 PM. Admission is free, but free will offerings will be accepted.

For more information on the February 15th presentation at Our Lady of Sorrows, please call 313-393-2922 or visit St. Vincent de Paul – Detroit's website at http://www.svdpdet.org. To register for the event, please call 313-393-2926 or email cclark(at)svdpdet(dot)org by February 13th.

About The Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Detroit

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Detroit is the local arm of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization of approximately 700,000 men and women who voluntarily join together to grow spiritually and offer person-to-person service to those living in poverty and the largest social assistance organization in the world. The Detroit office of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a major provider of human services. Programs include home visits, housing assistance, disaster relief, job training and placement, food pantries, clothing and utility assistance. The Society works in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Detroit, networking with 2,000 Vincentian volunteers in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, St. Clair and Monroe counties, and assisting 30,000 local households annually.

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LynnCo Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., Lends a Hand to Military Wife and Also, Offers Tips To Families for Shipping Care Packages and Supplies To Loved Ones Overseas.

LynnCo Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. recently collected and shipped supply donations for troops stationed in Afghanistan. LynnCo's sponsored platoon received 52 boxes of food, clothing, books, toiletries, hand warmers, letters and many more needed supplies. LynnCo first heard about the soldier's need for supplies from the wife of an Oklahoma Soldier who is serving overseas and was having a difficult time getting them shipped.

Dr. Aniysa Fritz, LynnCo Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., Chairman and CEO says, "When we heard about military wife, Traci Taylor's effort to collect & ship supplies for these soldiers we were honored to help in any way we could. It is the very least we can do for the brave men and women that are fighting for our freedom every single day." LynnCo understands that shipping supplies overseas to the military is not a simple process. "There are specific procedures that need to be followed in order to ensure that the desired goods get to the correct person." Says Rob McGrath, LynnCo Carrier Relations Manager.

This particular platoon moved locations every 2-4 days and supplies were hard to come by. The supplies couldn't have come at a better time as the platoon had recently run out of all of their military issued supplies due to a shipping delay. Dr. Fritz states, "It took a team of logistics professionals to accomplish this for an individual to go through the shipping process alone would be next to impossible."

As added bit of advice McGath also states. "Do not, for any reason, or in any amount, include food items with any hygiene items or chemicals of any type. Be sure to separate care packages carefully, only food items or only non-food items."Mcgrath says that "You would not believe how even factory sealed cookies taste when they have lived together with bath soap for a month in 120 degree heat. Trust me, a good smelling arm pit is a nice thing, but a cookie that tastes like one will not improve a Soldier's morale."

LynnCo Supply Chain Solutions Tips for Shipping Care Packages to Family Members Serving Overseas
o  & fashion coats online nbsp; Fill out the address completely and correctly. This means a specific individual must be named.
o    List the soldier's address inside the package in case the address on the box is unreadable or the box is opened or damaged en route.
o    Number your letters and packages as they may not always be delivered in order.
o    Identify your package- Customs will need to know what is in each box and quantities.
o    Never send items that would be irreplaceable or of high value. There is always a chance they could be lost or stolen.
o    Attach the correct customs form. For example, a package less than 16 ounces and valued less than $400 will need Form 2976.
o    Check "Gift" to avoid duty taxes.
o    Check the size and weight of your package. Your package cannot be more than 84 inches long or more than 130 inches when you    total up the length plus the girth.
o    Your package cannot weigh more than 70 lbs.
o    Shipping time: A package usually takes between 7 and 20 days to reach its destination.
o    Do not include items that may melt, leak, explode or turn on.
o    Separately box food items and non-food items to avoid contamination.
Prohibited items:
                o    Perishables or temperature controlled items
                o    Liquids exceeding 16 ounces in a single parcel
                o    Weapons or items that resemble weapons
                o    Nail polish, perfume, other flammables
                o    Aerosols

About LynnCo Supply Chain Solutions:

LynnCo Supply Chain Solutions, Inc is a privately-held company founded in 1991 and purchased in 2000 by Dr. Aniysa Fritz and Lynn Fritz. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, LynnCo is an industry leading 3PL (Third Party Logistics) provider of outstanding client-focused and results-driven logistics programs for many of the top manufacturers in United States. They are well known for their best in class Suite Edge Technology and having one of the highest client loyalty retention rates in the industry.

Anisya Thomas Fritz, Ph.D. – is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LynnCo Supply Chain Solutions. Ms. Fritz creative vision has paved the road for LynnCo's transition from a small-town freight brokerage firm to an honored and reputable global supply chain services provider. A respected scholar, Dr. Thomas is the author of numerous articles on the global system of humanitarian relief, competitive strategy and international entrepreneurship. Her work has been published in leading journals such as Harvard Business Review, Strategic Management Journal, Georgetown Journal of International Affairs and the Journal of International Business Studies.

Plastic Surgeon Explains Benefits of Breast Reduction

Dr. Jose Rios of Rios & Lapinski Plastic Surgery & Dermatologic Institute specializes in breast reduction and breast augmentation near Chicago. He says he is not at all surprised by a recently released study that shows breast reduction procedures create an extremely high level of patient satisfaction.

The study ( http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2012/03000/Additional_Benefits_of_Reduction_Mammaplasty___A.2.aspx ), which was published in the March issue of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, found that following breast reduction surgery, women report improvements in many areas, including headaches, breathing and sleeping difficulties and musculoskeletal pain.

Dr. Rios, a board-certified plastic surgeon, says he gets similar positive feedback from his Naperville, IL, cosmetic surgery patients who have had breast reduction.

He also agrees with the study's findings that the procedure can have many psychological benefits, including reduced depression and anxiety and improved women's coats online self-esteem.

"Breast reduction can be very liberating, both physically and emotionally, for women who have had to go through life making accommodations for their large breasts," Dr. Rios says. "Not only can big breasts be extremely uncomfortable, causing neck and back pain, but women often find it difficult to find clothing that fits correctly. And, the stares and comments that often go along with the condition are hard on a woman's self-esteem."

He said the procedure can also lead to a better quality of life because many women find it easier and more comfortable to exercise and participate in other physical activities following breast reduction surgery.

"It's also personally a very satisfying procedure for me, as a doctor, because of the many positive changes I see it bring to my patients' lives," Dr. Rios says.

"I encourage women who are suffering physically or emotionally because of overly large breasts to seek the advice of a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with breast reduction surgery to see if this procedure might be beneficial for them."

Dr. Rios performs a wide variety of plastic surgery procedures for Naperville, Joliet and Chicago-area residents. He specializes in breast enhancement and body contouring surgery, while his partner in practice, Dr. Paula Lapinski, is a dermatologist who specializes in skin cancer treatment and Mohs micrographic surgery.

At Rios & Lapinski Plastic Surgery & Dermatologic Institute ( http://www.rios-lapinski.com ), Dr. Jose Rios and Dr. Paula Lapinski offer a combination of expertise in cosmetic surgery and dermatology. Dr. Rios completed his education at Princeton University and New York University and is certified by The American Board of Surgery and The American Board of Plastic Surgery. He has co-authored multiple articles and presented his research at state and national levels. Dr. Lapinski is certified by The American Board of Dermatology and earned her degrees at Notre Dame and Northwestern University. She completed her dermatology residency at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Because of her interest in skin cancer, she stayed another year and completed a Mohs micrographic surgery fellowship. Dr. Rios and Dr. Lapinski provide comprehensive care for your medical, reconstructive and cosmetic needs at their four Illinois locations.

Bridesmaids styling service launched by Joy of Clothes and personal stylist Michaela Jedinak to help bridesmaids find dresses which flatter their body shape & colouring

Joy of Clothes Style Me Service helps brides and bridesmaids discover the dress style and colours which suit them whatever their shape, size or colouring. They can virtually try on hundreds of bridesmaids dresses and colours to find what to wear. Personal stylist and Joy of Clothes founder provides impartial advice to help find solutions which work for the bride and the bridesmaids.

Joy of Clothes recognises that choos women's coats ing outfits to suit all bridesmaids can be tricky if there are a lot of bridesmaids or there is a large age range. Adults don't want to be dressed the same as children, and the bride should bear in mind that the outfits she picks need to flatter people of different ages, shapes and sizes.

Just because the bridesmaids aren't dressed the same doesn't mean they can't look stylish and formal. There are several ways to create a unifying look, while retaining individuality and flexibility. Bridesmaids can wear the same style and fabric and choose the colour from the colour palette, which works best with the brides wedding dress or theme.

On Joy of Clothes Style Me channel bridesmaids can try out dresses on an avatar so they can see which ones flatter their body shape and create attractive visually balanced look. Bridesmaids can choose from dresses inspired by leading international fashion designers. Personal Stylist Michaela Jedinak advices which colours will best complement their eye, hair and skin colour.

This fun and educational styling tool will help brides and bridesmaids create a short list to share and discuss with friends and family before visiting a bridal boutique or buying a bridesmaid dress online from one of Joy of Clothes retail partners which include Net-a-Porter, Harrods, Selfridges, House of Fraser, Debenhams and Coast.

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About Joy of Clothes:

Joy of Clothes. Discover and buy the clothes that flatter your body shape, eye, hair and skin colour. Stylist advice on how to look your best. Create your model to see what to wear for your body shape. Buy women's clothes from all the top shops and designers. Joy of Clothes was founded by Michaela Jedinak and David Lethbridge.

Michaela Jedinak has a unique range of experience from the fashion, media and design industry in London, New York, Milan and Prague. As MD of Cosmopolitan Prague, she developed her passion for colour and style, before going on to set up her highly successful colour and style consultancy. More details at http://www.michaelajedinak.com.

Michaela Jedinak
michaela (at) joyofclothes (dot) com
Mobile: 0044 780 313 9755

David Lethbridge has a consumer marketing background followed by over 20 years new media experience. David was co-founder and CEO Confetti , one of the first wave of consumer internet businesses in the UK. Developed Confetti into a profitable multi-channel business including stores, catalogues and Confetti branded products and books.

David Lethbridge
david (at) joyofclothes (dot) com
Mobile: 0044 795 736 2133

Tom James Revamps Custom Clothing Website Featuring the World’s Finest Suits

Custom clothing provider, Tom James Company is returning luxury to the art of custom made clothing with the launch of their new website. For more than 45 years, Tom James Company has provided personal service to their customers to save them time and money. With the new website, Tom James will further define business and professional wardrobe expectations as men and women find it easier to explore and discover the world of custom clothing.

"We are often asked, women's jackets online 'How does it work?'" says Todd Browne, President of Tom James. "Not everyone is familiar with the process of acquiring custom clothing. The new website addresses that."
With the launch of the revamped website, prospective clients can see this process first hand through featured videos and a new reviews section that includes make-over videos. The focus is on the customers' first-hand experience.

"I believe strongly that people sell to people. The best recommendation is one made not by us, but by our clients and that's what this website will do," says Michele Stephens, Director of Marketing.

These videos and reviews will give prospective clients an insider's look at the consultation process of creating a custom suit as well as help to answer questions for those who have not yet experienced the advantages of having a personal clothier.

The images of the site also intend to show the true breadth of Tom James.

"We are custom. That means if you want to order your father's suit, you can. But it also means that you can order suits with details your father never would have imagined. Custom has its benefits in personal fit for sure, but it's also a real chance to express yourself," says Catherine Conway, Director of Merchandising. "And we'll have fabrics and colors the department stores could never carry. It's a real delight."

Designed with the highest quality fabric, Tom James offers a complete line of bespoke, custom and ready-made executive apparel. Tom James clothiers do more than show fabric. The relationship begins with the consultation process. The goal is to discover who the clients are and who they intend to be. The clothiers become trusted advisors, giving wardrobe advice and offering maintenance of that wardrobe when needed. Over 80% of Tom James' business is generated from established customers proving great customer service and unparalleled luxury clothing lead to complete client satisfaction.

The new website features videos that chronicle those client experiences, as well as Make-Over videos hosted by Conway. The intent is for clients to better understand the process. "We think we've accomplished that," says Stephens.

About Tom James Company
The Tom James Company is the world's largest manufacturer, retailer and direct seller of custom clothing. Their highly trained tailors come directly to a client's location of choice to save valuable time. Tom James operates 105 offices in 36 US states and 5 countries, internationally. It owns and operates 3 worsted woolen mills, 8 tailoring facilities and factories and is proud to say 80% of its finished clothing products are made in the USA.

For more information visit http://www.tomjames.com

San Francisco Cashmere Shop Pashma Cashmere Unveils New Online Shop, Begins Shipping Internationally

Pashma Cashmere, a specialty store in San Francisco for cashmere sweaters and silk dresses, is now operating an updated website with an online shop and international shipping, allowing cust fashion jackets online omers to shop for cashmere shawls, tops, scarves, and exclusive items and collections.

"An entire collection of some of Pashma's best sellers over the years has been created exclusively for the online shopping site and is is not available in stores," Madhvi Pratt of Pashma Cashmere said.

The online shopping site is an excellent option for those looking for fine cashmere or wanting to keep up with the style of the season. Whether as gifts or for personal use, customers can now have their items shipped across the world.

In addition, Pashma Cashmere is releasing its fall collection both in the store and online in August. The fall season includes a variety of prints and colors.

"We're very excited for the release of our fall selection online. The prints this season are colorful and fun, and bring together the best of the best. It was exclusively created for online purchases," Neerja Raman of Pashma Cashmere said.

For more information about online shopping or any of Pashma Cashmere's products, call 415-854-0532, view the cashmere store on the Web at http://www.pashmausa.com or visit 29 Maiden Lane in San Francisco.

About Pashma Cashmere

Pashma Cashmere is one of the leading clothing designers, manufacturers and retailers of luxury knitwear made of cashmere and cashmere blends. All of its products imbibe the central elements of the value promise that has been the hallmark of its success--inherent artistic value, timeless appeal, outstanding quality, superior craftsmanship and exceptional value.

The store's products include women's dresses, cardigans, scarves, T-shirts, blouses, sweaters, shawls, wraps, leggings, hats, gloves and men's scarves. Cashmere Pashma now offers online shopping for the customer's convenience.

Learn The Lingo Of St. John Knits & The Fashion Houses Many Labels & Designer Lines

Founded half a century ago by husband and wife team Robert and Marie Gray, upscale fashion brand St. John Knits has come a long way. What began as a modest merchant of knit suits and dresses quickly exploded into an industry powerhouse. Today, Rodeo Drive Resale (http://www.shopRDR.com), premier seller of 100% authentic guaranteed purses and fashions such as Chanel bags, Gucci heels and the world's largest reseller of discount St. John Knits, takes a look at the label's many fashion lines and explains what makes each one unique:
1)    ST. JOHN BASICS: Because items from the St. John Basics label are considered seasonless, they are never given a retail markdown or put on sale. Their classic jackets, skirts, and pants serve as the building blocks of any St. John lover's wardrobe with pieces that can be dressed up or down and, as mentioned before, work beautifully from one season to the next.
2)    ST. JOHN SPORT/YELL women's coats OW LABEL: Designed with the younger woman in mind, this label illustrates a modern and casual approach toward clothing for the iconic fashion house. Comprised of coats, novelty, sweaters, jackets, pants, and jeans, the St. John Sport is considered by many to be the brand's most versatile line. Line is now known as Yellow Label.
3)    GRIFFITH & GRAY: St. John Knits loyalists may recall the Griffith & Gray Line – a collection of woven sportswear which, like St. John Sport, also targeted a "younger" demographic. Formed in 1994 by Kelly Gray, daughter of St. John Designer Marie Gray, Kelly took on her ambitious venture alongside longtime SJK designer Diane Griffiths. Although no longer in production, the Griffith & Gray line is remembered for its tailored, contemporary appeal.
4)    ST. JOHN COUTURE: Considered the upscale offering from the St. John label lineup, pieces from their Couture Line are typically the priciest of the bunch, and feature items including jackets, dresses, skirts, tanks tops and more. It is not uncommon to see these pieces adorned with paillettes, Swarovski crystals, and similar embellishments, which only add to its regal charm.
5)    ST. JOHN COLLECTION: Seen by many as the standard pieces of St. John Knits. Classic pieces of elegant, ready-to-wear styles with identifiable embellishments such as accents or gold and enamel buttons. The St. John Collection Line is still in production and remains a favorite among many fans of the brand.
6)    ST. JOHN EVENING: Skirt suits, long sleeve tops, floral pants, and dresses are just a few items available from the St. John Evening label. Like St. John Basics, many of the items that fall under the St. John Evening umbrella can be worn throughout the year. Classy and elegant, yet less expensive than the Couture Line.

"Women who fell in love with the original St. John can still find past coveted collections at shopRDR.com. On our site, you will also find a well edited selection of newer styles up to 75% off retail," Raya Jaffer, co-founder of shopRDR.com said earlier this year.

Rodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR.com) has built a reputation of providing amazing deals on handbags, clothing and accessories from the top designers of upscale fashion. The company offers a 100% guarantee of authenticity on each item sold, and works daily with a network of clients looking to buy, sell, or for consignment of their luxury goods. ShopRDR.com loves high-end fashion, and believes finding a high quality; classic piece should be an easy, enjoyable -- and most importantly -- hassle-free shopping experience. For the finest in Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, St. John Knits, Christian Louboutin, Tiffany & Co. and more, visit RDR online at http://www.shopRDR.com or call 1-888-697-3725.

Also find shopRDR at:
Facebook: facebook.com/shopRDR
Twitter: twitter.com/shopRDR
YouTube: youtube.com/ shopRDR
Pinterest: pinterest.com/shopRDR

Rodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR.com)
1-888-697-3725
service(at)shopRDR(dot)com

New Report Shows Continued Jobs Shortage - News Video on Youtube Highlights Network Marketing Provides Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in Booming Anti-Aging Sector

MLM Network Marketing provides opportunities for women entrepreneurs in booming anti-aging sector, skincare products popular with aging boomers.

The U.S. Department of Labor releases its closely watched monthly jobs report, which may show modest improvement in the jobs picture but likely also will highlight a continued jobs shortage with millions of long-term unemployed Americans still struggling to find work in a bad economy. Today's Bureau of Labor Statistics report follows last month's report showing the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 8.3 percent.

Although economists predict some improvement in the jobs picture, they do not expect to see significant movement in a job market in which the unemployment rate has been above 8 percent for 42 consecutive months and the average length of joblessness for those remaining in the labor force is nearly 39 weeks. These data exclude the millions of Americans who have stopped looking altogether and dropped out of the workforce. Six million job seekers have exhausted their unemployment benefits since the start of the economic downturn in 2007, according to a National Employment Law Project report.

With nearly 13 million Americans unemployed, and 21 million either under- or unemployed, sustained strong job growth is needed just to make a dent in the problem, according to recent statements from the Federal Reserve. Small businesses, many started by women, remain the nation's primary creator of new jobs.

Over the past year, statistics show high numbers of women leaving the workforce due to the Great Recession an women's coats d for personal considerations. Many women leave the labor force temporarily or permanently to care for children and other family members, making work-from-home careers an attractive option that provides the flexibility necessary to balance work and family responsibilities.

And the historic period of high unemployment is fueling consideration of alternative careers, with many women entrepreneurs exploring work-from-home opportunities including new ventures in multi-level marketing focused on the booming anti-aging sector.

Reports show that despite the challenging economic outlook women entrepreneurs are capitalizing on new work-from-home opportunities in MLM marketing, an alternative to traditional office jobs, starting their own successful businesses from home and making money on their own terms.

According to reports, as the nation's population ages demand is expected to rise for such anti-aging therapies as skincare products and vitamin supplements, a network marketing segment poised for expansion as the nation's aging baby boomers start to retire.

Direct selling is the sale of a consumer product or service, person-to-person, away from a fixed retail location, marketed through independent sales representatives who are sometimes also referred to as consultants, distributors or other titles.

Just about any product or service can be purchased through direct selling somewhere in the world. Many people think of cosmetics, wellness products and home décor as products that are often sold through direct sales, but add to that countless other product categories including kitchen products, jewelry, clothing, organic gardening supplies, spa products, scrap booking supplies, rubber stamps and much, much more.

To Learn More: http://beautyadvisor.myarbonne.com/

ShopRDR.com Reveals the Inspiration Behind Fashion’s Most Beloved Handbags

Whether it is a Chanel quilted leather shoulder bag or a Louis Vuitton clutch; at the heart of every lover of high-end women's fashion lies an affinity for designer handbags. Today, Rodeo Drive Resale (http://www.shoprdr.com), premier seller of 100% authentic Louis Vuitton bags, Chanel purses and Ferragamo shoes, as ShopRDR.com kicks off its designer handbag promotion, the online reseller looks at a few of the world's most popular luxury handbags and the public personalities that inspired their creation.

There have been countless public figures who have inspired fashion, but here are a few shopRDR.com favorites:

1)    Sophia Bag By Ferragamo – The first actress of the talkie era to win an Academy Award for a non-English-speaking performance, silver screen star Sophia Loren has starred in countless films, and was the symbol of beauty for an entire generation. Her star power and jaw-dropping beauty would eventually lead way to the Sofia bag by luxury designer by Salvatore Ferragamo. Simple yet fashionable, the bag remains popular among younger stars including Jennifer Aniston and Katie Holmes.

2)    The SC By Louis Vuitton – Every luxury bag lover has their preference, but most agree: When it comes to style and status, few brands can match the reputation of this French fashion label. Described by American fashion designer Marc Jacobs as "the epitome of this girl I fantasize of," in a feature story published on NYmag.com, acclaimed director Sofia Coppola became the muse behind Louis Vuitton's aptly named bag, The SC. ShopRDR.com currently has a beautiful Louis Vuitton monogram canvas bag on sale, authenticity guaranteed.

3)    The Jackie By Gucci –Exclusive, luxurious and instantly recognizable, Gucci, established in 1921, has become a status symbol for the rich and powerful. According to a story posted at Shine.Yahoo.com, Gucci's Hobo Bag was renamed The Jackie in honor of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy O women's jackets nassis and her affinity toward the popular fashion accessory.

4)    The Birkin Bag By Hermès – A June 8, 2011 article explains the origin of the Birkin bag: While seated on a flight next to actress Jane Birkin, Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas observed as Birkin struggled to fit her straw bag into the overhead compartment, only to have the bag's contents fell to the floor. Birkin would later comment on the difficulties in finding a suitable leather weekend bag. In 1984, Dumas crafted a bag specifically for the actress. Years later, the Birkin bag has become a fashion favorite and an international symbol of wealth.

Brand new or pre-owned, designer handbags can become as iconic for their design as for their carrier. It is for this reason shopRDR.com cordially invites luxury lovers to become fashion stars in their own right during its "Any Color … So Long As It's Black," handbag and purse promotion.

While the phrase " … So Long As It's Black" may lead shoppers to believe all items featured will be in black, this is not the case: In addition to Vuitton and Dior, shopRDR.com's promotion also features bags by Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Coach and Michael Kors in an array of colors, sizes and styles.

As the year inches closer toward the holiday season, Raya says searches of these brands will likely increase, with many top designers offering more reasonable prices to buyers hoping to build their luxury collection.

"Expect to see the rise of the brand savvy shopper this holiday season, particularly when it comes to high-end fashion. Designers like Coach and Gucci, once considered elite fashion among midrange shoppers, have become much more affordable in recent years," she says.
Rodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR.com) has built a reputation of providing amazing deals on handbags, clothing and accessories from the top designers of upscale fashion. The company offers a 100% guarantee of authenticity on each item sold, and works daily with a network of clients looking to buy, sell, or for consignment of their luxury goods.

ShopRDR.com loves high-end fashion, and believes finding a high quality, classic piece should be an easy, enjoyable -- and most importantly -- hassle-free shopping experience. For the finest in Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, St. John Knits, Christian Louboutin, Tiffany & Co. and more, visit RDR online at http://www.shopRDR.com or call 1-888-697-3725. Also find shopRDR.com's blog at http://blog.shopRDR.com.

Also find shopRDR at:
Blog: blog.shopRDR.com
Facebook: facebook.com/shopRDR
Twitter: twitter.com/shopRDR
YouTube: youtube.com/ shopRDR
Pinterest: pinterest.com/shopRDR

Rodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR.com)
1-888-697-3725
service(at)shopRDR(dot)com

Red Wing Shoes, Local Doctors, and the Non-Profit "Our Hearts to Your Soles" Collaborate to Provide Shoes and Clothing to Those in Need

On Tuesday, November 20, 2012 between 430pm and 7pm, "Our Hearts to Your Soles", a local non-profit working in conjunction with "Soles4Souls", a national non-profit, will be distributing thousands of Red Wing shoes and boots to homeless shelters in approximately forty U.S. Cities, including Minneapolis. This is the eighth year the Twin Cities has been involved in the program. The event will be held at St. Stephen's Human Services located at 2123 Clinton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404.

Local physicians, surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, their families, and a host of volunteers are organizing the event in tandem with "Our Hearts to Your Souls" and "Soles4Souls". Dr. Lance Silverman, an Orthopedic Surgeon, and Chris Boosalis, Minnesota Prosthetics and Orthotics, are spearheading the event. Silverman Ankle & Foot provides the financial support for the event.

Dr. Silverman saw a need in the community and recognized the value of partnering with "Our Hearts to Your Soles" to fill that need. "I wanted to help those that couldn't get proper footwear because of economic and societal challenges they faced," said Silverman. "The homeless in the Twin Cities are at significant risk given our winter weather. Snow and ice increase the risk of injury from slips and falls and the temperatures can cause frostbite if proper footwear is not available. As an ankle & foot specialist, I wanted to help."

Historically the event has provided nearly 500 needy individuals with socks, shoes and a professional medical examination, all at no charge. At this year's event, Isotoner is donating 300 hats, Dignity U Wear is donating 600 pairs of socks, physical therapists from around the Twin Cities wi women's coats ll help teach therapeutic exercise, and several lawyers will be available to provide free legal advice.

About Red Wing Shoe Company
Founded in 1905 in the quiet river town of Red Wing, Minnesota, the Red Wing Shoe Company has consistently crafted dependable boots for working men and women. Today, Red Wing boots are found around the globe. They have recently donated more than 10,000 pairs of high quality Red Wing footwear to Soles4Souls Inc., the international shoe charity dedicated to providing free footwear to people in need. More than 500 pairs of shoes and boots are reserved for the Minnesota event. http://www.redwingshoes.com

About Soles4Souls
Nashville-based Soles4Souls? facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Since its inception, Soles4Souls has distributed millions of pairs (one pair every 9 seconds) to people in over 60 countries, including Honduras, Romania, Thailand, and the Sudan. The charity has been featured on CNN Headline News, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, ABC News, FOX, CBS, and hundreds of regional news outlets across North America. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. http://www.soles4souls.org http://www.giveshoes.org or 866-521-SHOE.

About Our Hearts to Your Soles
Seven years ago Matthew Conti and his father Dr. Stephen Conti, an orthopedic surgeon created the unique non-profit organization known as "Our Hearts to Your Soles." Laura Conti, Matthew's sister who, at 20 years old, is expanding the organization into a nationwide network, currently manages the program.

With help and support from Soles4Souls and Red Wing Shoes, each November, Our Hearts to Your Soles screens, fits and provides footwear to thousands of homeless men and women.

The Minnesota chapter of Our Hearts to Your Soles relies on local support for success. Minnesota Prosthetics and Orthotics, Silverman Ankle & Foot and Red Wing Shoes have once again generously provided this year's financial backing.

"Our Hearts to Your Soles" is in need of donations. Volunteers facilitate program administration; virtually 100% of your donation will go directly to the homeless. Just $15 can give a foot examination and a pair of new shoes and socks to one person!

About Dignity U Wear
Dignity U Wear distributes dignity in the form of brand new clothing. Their goal is to distribute clothing in a way that maximizes the impact that clothing has on lives. With that in mind, they collaborate with other great social service agencies on projects and programs where the clothing is given to people at the right time. Dignity was founded in 2000 by an extraordinary person; philanthropist and Holocaust survivor, Henri Landwirth. "I know what it means to stripped of personal dignity," he says, "to not have clothes of one's own and to give up all hope. When I see people suffering indignities, I know we have to help: and through Dignity U Wear, we do."
Visit their website at: http://www.dignityuwear.org/.

About Isotoner
The totes ISOTONER Corporation, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the world's largest marketer of umbrellas, gloves, rainwear, rubber overshoes, and other weather-related accessories. Founded in 1910, the Aris Glove Company originally manufactured fine quality leather gloves and knit accessories in Europe and later in the United States. In the early 1970's, Aris developed a glove made from nylon/spandex fabric with leather trim. The glove was marketed under the ISOTONER name combining the terms "isometric" and "toning" to reflect the 4-way stretch and massaging properties. The ISOTONER glove was a major success for the company. Aris changed its name to ARIS ISOTONER, Incorporated and in 1969 became a subsidiary of Consolidated Foods, now the Sara Lee Corporation. In 1997, totes and ISOTONER merged to form the totes ISOTONER Corporation. Visit them online at: http://www.totes-isotoner.com.

About Silverman Ankle & Foot
Silverman Ankle & Foot is your choice for excellence in foot and ankle care in Minnesota. We are committed to providing each and every patient with the highest standard of care, and the personal attention they deserve. Working one-on-one with patients, Dr. Silverman provides a comfortable and understanding environment - with your health and personal well being his top priority. For more information call (952) 920-4333 Ext 5, email at info (at) anklefootmd (dot) com, or find us online at http://www.anklefootmd.com, and blog.anklefootmd.com.

Good Customer Service Is Not Good Enough Anymore

Do your customers leave your store / take delivery of your products and think, "Wow, it is so nice to buy from this business!!" Is your business well known / famous for your customer service?

Do your customers tell others about you? If not, you do not have renowned customer service.

Face it. Your customers can buy the products and service you sell from a lot of different competitors. The only thing you really have to differentiate your business and yourself is your service.

So what is good customer service these days? Does it mean getting a customer out the door fast? Or having a sales assistant help find the right item, size and color? Or keeping costs as low as possible? Keeping the restrooms clean? Self-checkout? No self-checkout?

Is it having the latest stuff shoppers don't even know they want until they see it? Making a delivery on time? Fixing errors quickly? Having a live person answering the phone?

Good customer service can only be defined by what is important to each individual customer.

Renowned customer service is service that is so good that the customer finds it important to them and tells others about it.

I was very fortunate, my father taught me what Renowned Customer Service was when I was 17 years old.
My father taught valuable lessens one of two ways. By example or by experience. Unfortunately for me one snowy Christmas eve in central Pennsylvania he taught me Renowned Customer Service through experience.

I was home from college on holiday vacation and working at the business with my dad. On the morning of Christmas Eve a customer, a truck driver, came into the electronics store and purchased our low end, lost leader black and white 19" diagonal television for his family. A sale we lost $10 on.

I asked my father why he sold the lost leaader.
He told me that the man was down on his luck and only hagging on financially. His family had been without a television for over 2 years. The man could not afford a more expensive television and in fact was delivering freight to the west cost over Christmas to pay for the television and catch up on his bills.

He then instructed me to deliver the television to the man's home after we closed at 6pm.

Plus the television was a surprise for his wife and 4 children.

I left the store at 6pm that evening to deliver the surprise gift. It had been snowing most of the day and now there was a strong sleet storm hitting our area.

The first mistake I made was not to wear a heavy winter coat. I figured that I would only be out of the warm truck a few minutes. When I arrived at the customers home I took the television out of the back of the truck, carried it up a dozen or so steps. Standing on the porch, that did not have a roof on it so I was being bombarded by snow and ice, I knocked on the door.

A lady opened the door, I could see four small children in the living room sitting near a small Christmas tree. I told her I was from Janet's and had a television for her that her husband had purchased. She immediately told me I was making a mistake that they could not afford a television and her husband never would have made such a purchase. She them shut the door in my face.

I picked up the television, off the porch I went, down the steps and back into the truck. Now I knew I could not go home without at least telephoning my father first and telling him what had happened. So I went next door to one of her neighbors and asked to use the telephone. I called my father and he said. "Do not come home before you deliver that television."

Back out in the snowy, icy weather I went, into the truck, back to the customers house, out of the truck, hauling the television up the steps and on to the poach. I knocked on the door. This time when the lady came to the door she did not open it so I had to talk through the glass. I told her I had telephoned my father and I was not mistaken, the television was for her. She again told me I was making a mistake and told me to get off her porch or she would call the police.

Off the porch, down the steps, through the snow and ice. I was now freezing. Back in the truck. Back women's jackets to the neighbors to call my father again. I again told him of my problem and all he said was "Deliver the television" and he hung up on me.

I sat out in front of the customers house for a while trying to think of what I could say to her to get her to accept delivery. Then a police car pulled up beside me. She had called the cops!

The police office motioned for me to come over to his window, he was not about to get out in the snow and ice storm, the weather had now developed into.

I told him what was going on and he said while finally getting out of his warm cruiser, "Get the TV and come with me." We went back up the steps and on the porch. He knocked on the door, got the lady to let us in the house and said, "I know Janet's store very well and they usually do not make mistakes.

Mr. Janet will sign that if in fact this is a mistake and this television was not purchased by your husband you get to keep it anyway. After a bit more discussion she accepted the television.

When I arrived home, cold, wet and still freezing my father was sitting in front of a roaring fire drinking egg nog. I said in a demanding tone, "What the Hell was that all about."

Before I could continue he looked at me and said, "We are 100% Customer-Centered. Everything we do is about and for the customer. Not about us. We do not have good service we have 'renowned service'.

I promised the customer we would deliver the television and we deliver what we promise. If you want to be successful selling products and services you will be 100% Customer-Centered. Not almost 100% - but 100%!

99.9 % is not good enough.If it were in the USA
* 12 newborn babies will be given to the wrong parents each day
* 114,500 mismatched pairs of shoes will be shipped a year
* 18,322 pieces of mail will be mishandled every hour
* 2,000,000 documents will be lost by the IRS this year
* 2.5 million books will be shipped with the wrong covers
* 315 entries in Webster's Dictionary will be misspelled
* 20,000 drug prescriptions will be filled incorrectly in a year
* 103,260 income tax returns will be processed incorrectly during the year
* 5.5 million cases of soft drinks produced will be flat
* 291 pacemaker operations will be performed incorrectly
* Two planes will crash each day at Chicago's O'Hare airport

10 Commandments of 100% Customer-Centered Service
1. The one who solves the customers needs, problems and wants the easiest for them will get the sale.
2. The customer is the most important person in our business.
3. The customer is the Boss, who can fire everyone.
4. The customer deserves all of our attention.
5. The customer is always right, never wrong.
6. The customer is the total purpose of our business.
7. The customer is doing us a favor when allowing us to serve them.
8. The customers feelings and emotions are of the most importance to us.
9. The customer is deserving of our most attentive treatment possible.
10. The customer is the only reason we (as a business) exist.
How can you afford to have a staff member give each customer the same 100% Customer-Centered Service? You can't afford not to.

Horse Breeds: Polish Konik, Pony of the Americas, Pottok, Przewalski, Pyrenean Tarpan

*POLISH KONIK*

Sometimes called Konik polski in Poland, and the Polish Pony elsewhere; the Polish Konik is a pony used for riding and draft in Poland. They are usually mouse gray colored with a stripe on the dorsal.

*PONY OF THE AMERICAS*

In 1954, a pony was developed intended to have good appearance, speed and fulfill a need for small riders who were too big for a pony but too small for a full sized horse. The Pony of the Americas is growing in popularity and is a distinctive member of the pony breeds. They have color similarities to the Appaloosa Horse. The Pony of Americas is athletic and can jump, move quickly, and is known for intelligence and patience.

Physical Description

Pony of the Americas breed have refined heads and Arab-like noses. Their eyes are expressive and they have full bodies with sloping shoulders. They are versatile and can perform a wide variety of tasks. They appear to be small horses.

A Pony of the Americas eyes look like a human eye, and they have iris's encircled with white. Their skin has irregular black and white spots, and their hooves are striped. Their coat patterns vary widely, and all have spots that are shaped like eggs. The size of the spots can be anywhere from a speck to a spot that is four inches or more in diameter. POA's are between 46 and 56" at the withers.

Pony of the Americas History

Fifteen years after ponies were born of the stallion "Black Hand #1" and sired by a shetland from an Appaloosa mare, the Pony of the Americas registry contained over 12,000 registered horses that were the offspring of that breeding.

*POTTOK*

An ancient breed from small horses that are found in Spain and France, the Pottok were once considered a wild horse breed. Now, Pottok horses are domesticated and have owners.

Pottok horses are tough and have high levels of endurance. At one time, the women's jackets breed was used for pack animals and to help work in the mines, but since the 1970's they became used for riding and for children's mounts because of their extremely calm dispositions.

Pottok's make good harness animals, and can be put in shows as a dressage mount. In 1983, there was a purebred Pottok called Kuzko who become a champion in the combined show jumping and dressage category.

*PRZEWALSKI*

The Mongolian Wild Horse, or the Przewalski as the breed is called, is one of the last remaining wild horse species. Other wild horses have been domesticated or have been descended from domesticated horses. Until about 1990 or so, the Przewalski breed of horses were extinct in the wild as they were exterminated by hunters. The Przewalski Foundation in the Netherlands and breeding preserves in the Ukraine combined to reintroduce the horses to Mongolia.

The Przewalski breed was named after a man it is believed discovered the horses, named Colonel Przewalski, in 1881. There are many different stories about the first people to discover Przewalski horses however, and no one is entirely sure who was first.

A Przewalski horse is similar to domestic horses, but they are smaller and their mane stands upright along their necks and their tails are low set. Most of the breed are tan, dun, sandy or reddish bay in color, and have a dorsal stripe and shoulder stripe.

The breed is very rare, and almost all of the remaining hundred or so Przewalski horses live in zoos.

*PYRENEAN TARPAN*

A breed that takes on a different name depending on the country they're in, the Pyrenean Tarpan is part of the Konink breed type and the result of an attempt to preserve the purity of this type of horse. In Poland, they are called Pottok; in France they were called Navarre Pony, and in Spain they are Asturian, while in Portugal they are known as Garrano. The breeds are regional but very similar genetically.

When the ice age occurred, the change in the environment caused the horses to become brown and black to help them avoid predators. Baby horses of the Pyrenean Tarpan breed have the original tarpan coloration for their first three months of life.

As the population of humans increased, the wild ponies were forced into the mountains. Before 1950, it was very difficult to find the Pyrenean Tarpan horse but since 1970, people have been keeping the Pyrenean Tarpans with tehir Welsh, Shetland, Arabians, Spanish and Breton horses.

starting in 1990, groups and organizations studying the Pyrenean Tarpan have been working to conserve the remaining members of the breed. They released horses into various areas of the wild mountains to avoid inbreeding.

Horse Breeds: Polish Konik, Pony of the Americas, Pottok, Przewalski, Pyrenean Tarpan

*POLISH KONIK*

Sometimes called Konik polski in Poland, and the Polish Pony elsewhere; the Polish Konik is a pony used for riding and draft in Poland. They are usually mouse gray colored with a stripe on the dorsal.

*PONY OF THE AMERICAS*

In 1954, a pony was developed intended to have good appearance, speed and fulfill a need for small riders who were too big for a pony but too small for a full sized horse. The Pony of the Americas is growing in popularity and is a distinctive member of the pony breeds. They have color similarities to the Appaloosa Horse. The Pony of Americas is athletic and can jump, move quickly, and is known for intelligence and patience.

Physical Description

Pony of the Americas breed have refined heads and Arab-like noses. Their eyes are expressive and they have full bodies with sloping shoulders. They are versatile and can perform a wide variety of tasks. They appear to be small horses.

A Pony of the Americas eyes look like a human eye, and they have iris's encircled with white. Their skin has irregular black and white spots, and their hooves are striped. Their coat patterns vary widely, and all have spots that are shaped like eggs. The size of the spots can be anywhere from a speck to a spot that is four inches or more in diameter. POA's are between 46 and 56" at the withers.

Pony of the Americas History

Fifteen years after ponies were born of the stallion "Black Hand #1" and sired by a shetland from an Appaloosa mare, the Pony of the Americas registry contained over 12,000 registered horses that were the offspring of that breeding.

*POTTOK*

An ancient breed from small horses that are found in Spain and France, the Pottok were once considered a wild horse breed. Now, Pottok horses are domesticated and have owners.

Pottok horses are tough and have high levels of endurance. At one time, the women's jackets breed was used for pack animals and to help work in the mines, but since the 1970's they became used for riding and for children's mounts because of their extremely calm dispositions.

Pottok's make good harness animals, and can be put in shows as a dressage mount. In 1983, there was a purebred Pottok called Kuzko who become a champion in the combined show jumping and dressage category.

*PRZEWALSKI*

The Mongolian Wild Horse, or the Przewalski as the breed is called, is one of the last remaining wild horse species. Other wild horses have been domesticated or have been descended from domesticated horses. Until about 1990 or so, the Przewalski breed of horses were extinct in the wild as they were exterminated by hunters. The Przewalski Foundation in the Netherlands and breeding preserves in the Ukraine combined to reintroduce the horses to Mongolia.

The Przewalski breed was named after a man it is believed discovered the horses, named Colonel Przewalski, in 1881. There are many different stories about the first people to discover Przewalski horses however, and no one is entirely sure who was first.

A Przewalski horse is similar to domestic horses, but they are smaller and their mane stands upright along their necks and their tails are low set. Most of the breed are tan, dun, sandy or reddish bay in color, and have a dorsal stripe and shoulder stripe.

The breed is very rare, and almost all of the remaining hundred or so Przewalski horses live in zoos.

*PYRENEAN TARPAN*

A breed that takes on a different name depending on the country they're in, the Pyrenean Tarpan is part of the Konink breed type and the result of an attempt to preserve the purity of this type of horse. In Poland, they are called Pottok; in France they were called Navarre Pony, and in Spain they are Asturian, while in Portugal they are known as Garrano. The breeds are regional but very similar genetically.

When the ice age occurred, the change in the environment caused the horses to become brown and black to help them avoid predators. Baby horses of the Pyrenean Tarpan breed have the original tarpan coloration for their first three months of life.

As the population of humans increased, the wild ponies were forced into the mountains. Before 1950, it was very difficult to find the Pyrenean Tarpan horse but since 1970, people have been keeping the Pyrenean Tarpans with tehir Welsh, Shetland, Arabians, Spanish and Breton horses.

starting in 1990, groups and organizations studying the Pyrenean Tarpan have been working to conserve the remaining members of the breed. They released horses into various areas of the wild mountains to avoid inbreeding.

The Omega Watches Company is Everywhere

Copyright (c) 2010 Chandra L Coleman

In the world of luxury watches, Omega is making headlines. In the past week, the company has announced the opening of a new boutique, as well as the revamping of one of its most famous watches. Currently, Omega has 75 flagship stores located throughout the world. The new store, established in Vancouver, Canada is the company's fourth in North America; the others are in Beverley Hills, Mexico City and New York City.

The move behind this new store is that Omega will, once again, be the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games; this time sponsoring the Winter Games in Vancouver that women's jackets commence on February 12. Omega continues to seek out this opportunity because it not only gets to promote its watch collections, but also allows it to create limited edition pieces that commemorate the event. The 2010 Winter Games marks the 24th time that Omega Watches is the official timekeeper for an Olympic event.

The new 500 square foot Omega boutique opened last Friday, December 5, in the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel, and features watches from $2,000 to as much as $400,000. Gregory Swift, Omega's brand president, expects the "heart" of the collection to be in the $5,000-to-$10,000 price range. Included in this selection of Omega men's watches and Omega women's watches will be the limited edition Vancouver 2010 watches.

Omega hopes to generate millions of dollars in the four months that this new retail location will be open; it will close at the end of March 2010. The company is putting all sorts of resources into facilitating watch sales, including a multilingual staff of about six people before the Olympics kicks off, and double its staff during the Games. There will even be an on-site Omega watchmaker with a fully outfitted bench in the store, allowing visitors to see the detailed and precise work that goes into creating each and every Omega watch.

Selecting from the roster of Omega Ambassadors, some of the following are sure to be seen at the Vancouver store at one point or another: George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, Cindy Crawford, Michael Phelps, Sergio Garcia and Michelle Wie.

In addition to this new storefront, Omega is also thinking about Valentine's Day, timing the release of one of its revamped watches around this date. The new Omega De Ville 4-Counters Co-Axial Chronograph watch may be the perfect gift for that special someone. The De Ville collection is not new, but this enhancement brings it new light with its compelling four-counter chronograph readout that stretches horizontally across the dark metallic grey dial. Although some watch connoisseurs may think it too closely resembles the limited edition Speedmaster Chronograph 5-Counter watch that Omega released during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the new De Ville is not to be mistaken for the former. This De Ville 4-Counters Co-Axial will feature finely brushed stainless steel, which will be used for almost every surface of the 41 mm sized case, bezel and bracelet. The bracelet also features four slender links that are done in an elegant high polish as well.

The dial deserves special mention too; there are four subdials which are recessed below the primary surface. The indices and hands capture the light of the red accents on the dial, which give off their own sporty, yet sophisticated, look and feel. There are two windows; one located below the Omega logo, and the other at 6 o'clock which displays the day of the week and the date. "The chronograph mechanism records elapsed minutes, hours, and even days (up to 7), as well as continuously running small seconds; the latter is clearly demarcated from the other chronograph functions by a skeletonized dagger-shaped hand."

The watch runs on the self-winding Omega Calibre 3890, which itself presents a number of horologically desirable elements, including the well-known Omega Co-Axial Escapement and a freely sprung balance that optimizes isochronism and resistance to shocks. A power reserve of 52 hours is respectable and the rapid balance beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour enables the chronograph to record elapsed time to the nearest 1/8th second. This Calibre includes a Cotes de Geneve patterns on the bridges and central winding mass. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters and the triple-folding clasp on the stainless steel bracelet displays the world famous Omega symbol in 18-karat red gold.

No matter where you are, it's hard to ignore the noise that surrounds Omega watches these days.