Spring 2011: Trends That Left the Fashion Schools Buzzing (the rest of us too…)

The new year is proving to be a very interesting and eclectic year in fashion. Watching the trends that came down the runways for Spring 2011, left everyone with a sparkle in their eyes and a skip in their step (it wasn’t just the champagne!) Looking at the bright, bold and fresh spring trends reminiscent of a fashion school graduate’s first show (meant in the most flattering way possible) reminds us that fashion is not dead, drab or boring anymore. There has been new life brethed into the clothing world and it is going to be an exciting spring.

Top 5 Spring 2011 Trends:
1. Bold Colours: While nude is still nice, bold is fashion’s secret weapon this spring. Dazzling hues of orange, green and blue make everything new and clean again (not neon!). Designers have taken inspiration from fresh fruits, Dr. Seuss, and the freshness of the season. For those who like to rock – wear it head to toe. For those who like to stand out a little less, buy some fabulously bright accessories and wow the crowd. Staples: oranges, greens and blues.

2. Feminine and Flirty: Nothing says feminine like the sultry 60s housewife-inspired look for the spring. Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks reall knows how to fill out a sheath, and designers took notice. The hourglass figure is back, ladies and gents. Don’t have a curvy bod? Pick up a full skirt and tiny belt and cinch that waist up. The full skirt is the perfect paradox for day and a perfect option for those who don’t like flaunt what they’ve got. Staples: full skirt, fitted sweater, sheath dress and kitten heels.

3. Biker Chic: Replacing the uber-popular military trend that has plagued designers for more than a decade, biker jackets and quilted leather pants are suddenly all the rage. But don’t go for basic black and matted leather; think metallic and futuristic. Then pair it with a funky pair of biker boots and you’re good to go. Staples: bikeresque jacket, biker boots.

4. Punk-ish: While punk has been an underground favourite for years now, the newness has faded away, much like the washed out founders of the style. But the anguished and independent message remains, as do certain elements of the style. Studs, leather and holey shirts are pieces you can pair with other solid pieces of clothing. Don’t over do it, and you won’t drown. Staples: ripped or worn tees, Doc Martens and something studded.

5. Disco Dream: The 70s are back, and that’s the way, uh-huh, uh-huh, the designers like it. This time around, though, the feathered do’s and flared pants are elegant inspired. Statement belts and billowing sleeves finish off the look for day; while sophisticated bohemian dresses and a few well-placed chunky rings will blow people’s minds in the evening. Farrah would be proud. Staples: Flared pants, blouses and a fantastically long dress.

There you have it: the styles and inspiration behind 2011 fashion trends. Fashion careers have been built on less and lesser trends have been appearing for years. Have fun and be fashionable!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She enjoys writing on a variety of topics and is currently researching fashion design schools in Canada.

Top 5 Christmas Gift Ideas on a Budget

The holiday season can be one of the most magical times of the year. But every year as I watch another penny, nickel, dollar, or twenty go through my fingers, it gets less and less magical. Christmas gifts for your loved ones are sometimes hard to come by when you’re on a strict budget. And just because you have a budget doesn’t mean you have to feel like Scrooge, or like you’re giving less than desirable gifts. (Massages at esthetic schools aren't any less relaxing!)

Here is a great list of some inexpensive Christmas gift ideas for those of us who have to be a little more frugal this year:

Christmas Ornaments: Personalized Christmas ornaments are a great idea. They are sentimental, thoughtful and … cheap! (The first two attributes cancel out the last.) Don’t count these out as a gift idea.

Day Spa Package: That’s right, you read correctly… get that special person in your life a gift certificate to a local beauty salon or day spa – located in the nearest cosmetology school. Nearby esthetic schools are the perfect place for a day of relaxation, at a fraction of the cost. They have all of the same services, priced much lower than other salons or day spas: manicures, full body massages, you name it. Why spend more when you can get the same luxuries for less.

Music: Nothing says “I care” like a mixed CD… Luckily there are even better ways to express that sentiment these days. If the lucky person you’re buying for has an MP3 player of any kind, why not let them choose their own tunes? Give them an iTunes gift card (available in $5 denominations) and let them make their very own mixed CD.

Picture Collage: For less than $20, you can pick up a picture frame, print off 6-8 pictures of good times in the past (black and white look just as snazzy) and make a lasting impression on a friend or relative. For an extra special touch, buy a metallic pen and write some special captions by the photos. And, voila! A truly thoughtful, wonderful gift.

Baking: Homemade baking is one of the single yummiest gifts ever! Baking tins are usually available at dollar stores or big lot stores. Just make some delectable, digestible goodies; pack ‘em up and you’re ready for Christmas!

There you have it: five perfectly thoughtful, wonderful, joyful and, ahem, inexpensive, Christmas gift ideas. Remember: Christmas doesn’t have to break the bank!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and publisher. She enjoys writing on a variety of topics, and is currently researching esthetic schools and beauty salons in Canada.

Is Business Coaching the Right Career for You?

In North America’s ever-changing economy, we are seeing an alarming trend that hasn’t happened for decades: Mid and Senior-level professionals wondering “What now?” So many have been left out in the cold due to restructuring, downsizing and bankruptcy; and in this fast paced life, so many are ready for a change. A stellar option for those considering a career change is business coaching.

Business Coaching is a career that has really taken off in the past two years. Why? Because there are so many people starting again. Starting their own businesses and trying to do for themselves what their employers couldn’t do for them: balance and success.

What is Business Coaching?
Business Coaching is known by many names: business consulting, executive coaching, mentor, etc. These are fancy terms for a strategist. This is a position for people that have 10-15 years of experience in Mid or Senior-level management; experienced professionals who want to share their knowledge with others that would like to succeed in the same areas.

To become a successful mentor, consider that you should have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Marketing /Communications
• Sales
• Operations
• Entrepreneurship
• Law
• Management
• Human Relations or Internal Communications
• Consulting

Business Consultants should be very experienced professionals and should be certified by a reputable business coach training program.

Who Needs a Business Coach?
All business owners, operators and managers should consider a business consultant, especially if they are researching how to start a small business, or trying to get their company off the ground.

Mentors or business coaches can offer many services to these companies and can answer tough questions and help find the right strategies and tools to navigate the tough corporate road ahead.

As a business coach you can help organizations:

• Find competent, fresh employees
• Gain time management skills (at home or in the office)
• Construct new business models
• Stay ahead of their increased competition
• Calculate exit strategies and train new managers
• Become more successful financially

Why Business Coaching?
The trend in business : life balance is on an upswing as professionals realize that life doesn’t stop for work. Professions like mentoring offer many perks. When you become a business coach, you are a freelance professional so to speak, able to make your own hours and schedule and create the life you desire. This career is perfect for those who love to create and expand people’s business opportunities, including their own. The ability to collaborate and strategize with those business owners or managers that are in need of some sound planning and advice will make you a valuable asset to any organization looking for the keys to success.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and publisher. She writes on a variety of topics including business opportunities, the economy, and business consulting.

The Smile Makeover: Edmonton Dentists Work Their Magic!

Ask people what the first thing they notice about someone’s face is, and their number one answer is: their smile. People’s smiles say so much about their personalities and often set the tone for a first impression. Unfortunately, sometimes our teeth get stained, chipped, knocked out or we are simply blessed with that charmingly crooked smile. If you’re not happy with your smile, Edmonton dentists have come up with a solution: the Smile Makeover.

WHAT IS A SMILE MAKEOVER?
We love makeovers for our bodies, hair and clothing… why not perfect your grin? A smile makeover can change not only the appearance of your teeth, gums and face, but also the way you feel about yourself. People who are self-conscious about minor or major oral imperfections can pay to have the flawless smile they’ve always dreamed of. Everyone’s experience will be different as everyone has different issues with their teeth. While one person may need only minor cosmetic dentistry performed, another may need more extensive procedures.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Almost any procedure can be done by a competent cosmetic or Edmonton family dentist, cosmetic dentist, orthodontist or periodontist to correct flaws in your smile.

The first step is to locate a competent Edmonton dentist who in fact offers the services you require. You will then visit the dentist for a consultation. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as possible regarding your procedures and be sure to discuss cost as these are generally considered to be categorized under cosmetic dentistry and are usually not covered by dental insurance. The cost will vary depending on your chosen dental office and how many procedures are recommended.

Your dentist will take note of the state of your mouth and facial features to recommend the correct course of action for you. Some of the things that will affect the makeover are: the colour, size and shape of your teeth; any gaps or alignment issues; your skin tone; the state of your gums; and the overall balance of your mouth and face together.

PROCEDURES
During your consultation, your dentist will examine your smile imperfections and also take into account your issues as well. Here is a list of procedures that can be included in a smile makeover:

• Tooth Bonding: used for chipped and broken tooth repair
• Crowns: used for chipped and broken tooth repair
• Porcelain Veneers, Lumineers: used for chipped, broken and crooked teeth
• Modern Streamlined braces (Invisalign, TipEdge, etc.): used to change your tooth and jaw alignment in fewer visits than traditional braces
• Dental implants: for large gaps due to missing teeth
• Bridges: for large gaps and missing teeth
• Dentures: for missing teeth
• Surgical or Laser Gum contouring: used to correct the appearance of gums and correct gum-to-tooth-ratio
• Tooth Whitening: for the whitest, cleanest smile

There is no end to the amount of safe procedures that your dentist may be able to perform on you in order to give you a beautiful, bright, perfect smile!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web publisher and writer. She researches and writes on a variety of topics, including cosmetic dentistry in Edmonton, where she currently resides.

New Year, New Career! Esthetic Schools: Become a Beauty Expert

The Esthetics industry is booming and it is all due to people’s love of being pampered. Hitting their stride in the mid-90s, day spas and spa treatments became a necessity for those who like to be coiffed, groomed and buffed. Esthetic schools are in abundance; now offering diplomas and training in all subjects and treatments essential for anyone looking for a day spa career.

REQUIREMENTS
Most Hair Design Colleges or Cosmetology Schools require their applicants to be 17 years of age, have a high school diploma have not only reference letters (character and job training) but also the passion to research the industry and the ability to compose a career essay.

TRAINING, COURSES AND JOBS
Cosmetology and beauty schools are not hard to find these days and all of them offer a myriad of courses in order to make you into the best esthetician you can be. The key to finding the best training is to research the programs and be certain that there is training in theory and practical applications, as well as separate programs for each career path. (Getting lumped into a cosmetology program when you are striving to be a hairstylist will not result in a diploma that you can use.) The beauty schools you research should also have a salon either in the school or a sister beauty salon in which you can practice what they have preached.

Hairstylist Training
If you are thinking about a hair stylist career, it is wise to choose a school with a good reputation in not only the basics, but in the practice of hair design as well. Hair design has been elevated to a new level with the variety of options available to both the customer and the stylist. Not only should the student learn about the technical side of how to style hair, they should also be taught how to assess clients’ needs and how to retain their clientele.
Here is a basic list of what you should be learning at your school of choice:

• Hair Cutting and Styling – Men’s and Women’s
• Colour
• Perms and Straightening
• Advanced Options for Cutting and Styling

Career options for completion of these programs are limited to salons and day spas that offer hair stylist services; however there are more lucrative and flexible options such as a home-based salon, chair rentals within select salons and more luxurious hair design clientele.

Esthetics
Day spa careers have skyrocketed in the past 20 years and with the number of new options popping up every day, the career choices are endless. Choose from full service day spas and salons, cruise ship spas, destination resort spas, open a home spa or become a makeup artist – the choices are endless.
Here is a basic list of what you should be learning at your school of choice:

• Spa therapies (basic massage, hot stone therapy, body wraps)
• Manicures / Pedicures ( with basic reflexology)
• Make Up Artist Training
• Nails (artificial and real)
• Hair removal
• Eyelash and brow tinting
• Skin Care and facials

Some esthetic schools also have a fashion college option as well and can offer expertise in more areas of beauty, relaxation and professional esthetics than others.

If you’re looking for a new career that is exciting and focuses on peoples’ love and need for relaxation, beauty and body maintenance, these careers are the perfect choice.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching salons and day spas in Edmonton, cosmetology schools and new career choices.

Fun and Easy Holiday Wedding Ideas

Christmas is the most magical time of the year for most of us; sparkling lights, Christmas spirit and effortless décor are everywhere. This is actually the ultimate season for effortless planning and fairytale wedding ideas; wedding flowers, wedding decorations and your menu will be a snap if you simply take your cues from the “most wonderful time of the year…”
Wedding Dresses
Choosing a wedding dress for your Yuletide nuptials should be the same process as any other time of the year. You should choose a dress that complements your shape, your skin tone, the tone of the wedding and the season. Christmas is the perfect time of the year for a little extra sparkle on your dress, or with a gem-studded head-piece. Cream, and ivory dresses are wonderful choices as are gowns with metallic accents and fur trims for bolder brides. Holiday weddings are also the ideal time to break out those fairy-tale accessories that may seem a bit much under the hot summer sun.
Try these wintry additions to your perfect dress:

• Elbow length gloves
• Fur shrugs
• Fur muffs for cold hands
• Colourful sashes for your waist

Wedding Colours
Holiday and winter weddings call for deep, rich holiday colours. Burgundy, forest green and deep jewel tones are beautiful choices when accented with other lighter colours and vice versa. Some popular colour combinations include: Cream with gold, silver accents; reds and burgundy with cream, gold or silver accents; deep jewel tones (plum, royal blue) with silver and gold accents. If you are thinking of using more traditional Christmas time colours - red and green – they are best used in your décor with flower arrangements and other decorations, not as your main theme.
Wedding Décor
Flower arrangements, bridal bouquets and decorations that are tres chic are tres simple in December. For your Christmas floral arrangements and winter wedding bouquets, florists recommend: red roses, white chrysanthemums, baby’s breath, stargazer lilies, holly, pine boughs, amaryllis, paper whites, carnations, calla lilies. Potted poinsettias are a great choice added flare, and mistletoe placed strategically around your room will add romance as well.
And to top it all off, add some holly sprigs or a few beautiful Christmas ornaments to the top of your wedding cake for a jolly, cheerful look.
A warm Christmas glow is another obvious but necessary choice for easy ambience on your special day: twinkly white lights and candles will keep your event festive and Merry.
Other ideas include:

• Popular Christmas tunes playing every fourth or fifth song
• Arriving in a sleigh or horse drawn carriage
• Serving hot cocoa as a beverage choice
• Strategically placed candy canes in your centerpieces
• Small decorated and lit christmas trees placed around the venue (or just place some lights on existing bushes!)

Wedding Menu
With the temperatures cooling down outside and snow on the ground (or brown grass at the very least) comfort foods are a perfect choice for your wedding menu. Roast beef or chicken with rich gravy, pared with root vegetables and mashed potatoes are an easy and cheap choice for your day – and a guaranteed hit with the kids.
Wedding Favours
Charming Christmas ornaments with the date of your special day will be a wonderful thank-you to your guests. Unique holiday gifts are always preferred and easy to incorporate into their own décor at home. Special cookie and holiday drink recipes written on keepsake cards are also a unique favour. Copper or silver Christmas cookie cutters bundled together for each family is a clever idea – just attach a cute little marriage announcement along with a candy cane and you’re set!

Holiday weddings don’t have to be a source of added stress at one of the busiest times of the year; on the contrary. With the natural merriment, festive Christmas background and these holiday wedding tips, your winter ceremony will be a delight and a joy for everyone involved.
Lilly Gordon is a freelance web writer and publisher. She is an avid gardener and is fascinated with wedding trends, and Calgary Flowers.

Things Men Really Need to Call a Professional For (Really.)

We all know the scenario: something breaks down, Dad’s in the basement swearing and pounding on something metal with a wrench; Mom’s on the phone with the plumber / electrician / furnace guy. It’s a classic story. Fixing things with tools seems to be a statement of manliness and to tell the truth, that’s how we like it to. Women don’t want to take the power away – we just want to direct your energies to more important tasks. Tasks that we really hate doing: mowing the lawn, taking out the garbage, shoveling snow. These are tasks that you are an expert at, and we get a certain sense of satisfaction seeing you do them. It makes us appreciate you even more.

But when we see you head into the bathroom with your “plumber’s pants” on because the toilet is making a god-awful noise, it strikes fear in our hearts. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule: some hubbies know what they’re doing. And most are handy enough to handle replacing light fixtures, unclogging the central vac and replacing the trim that came off the floor. But when it comes to certain fixes, we want, nay – we need you to call in the professionals.

PLUMBING
I fully trust my husband to unclog the toilet, fix the leaky faucet (a maximum of three times before I get on the horn to the plumber) and put the chain back on the toilet plunger. Heck, I can do these things as well, but I know that these are things I can count on my man to take care of – things my kids can help with too. But leaking toilets, hopelessly clogged pipes and strange noises warrant a trip from the plumber. For instance (honey I love you but I have to break the silence…) this writer’s toilet has been, for lack of a better word, screaming when we flush it for a few months. Every few days my husband scratches his chin, makes a small adjustment, and the noise stops… for a day. And then we all have to sit through the melodic strains of Ode to Toilette once more; time to call a professional. The general rule of thumb for plumbing is: anything that can’t be fixed within 30 minutes warrants a plumber. Unless you ARE a plumber, 30 minutes plus worth of work is out of your league!

FIXING THE CAR
When it comes to the family vehicle, only extremely minor repairs are allowable. Changing the battery or the tires is something we can stomach you doing. Bumper repair, dent removal and pretty much anything under the hood lies in the realm of the mechanic’s job. We really don’t feel better when we notice you’re under the hood trying to replace brake cables or spark plugs – it makes us fear for our lives. And just for the record, black Sharpies do NOT hide scratches. (Sure, it may have been me who scratched the car, used the Sharpie, then blamed it on the kids but that’s not the point.) Even small damage repair needs to be done by professional – it’s the rule.

ELECTRICITY
This category is the scariest for women. Perhaps because we are afraid of losing our husbands and the fathers of our children… Perhaps because we are afraid of our houses burning down due to an unforeseen inner-wall fire which we all know can happen because we watched it on that animal show where the lady’s cat acts weird all night and wakes her up by licking her face because there’s an unseen fire in the wall. Anyway, the point is, even if you are not super-paranoid, the dangers of messing around with electricity are real, especially for amateurs. Fellas, we know you can switch the light bulbs and change light-plates. Heck, I let me husband install our light fixtures. But when it comes to any major rewiring, it’s time to fork over the dough.

GAS
We know you think you’re experts in this subject (insert laugh-track here) but the rule when it comes to gas is this: Yes, I CAN smell gas and yes, I have called someone in the time it took you to argue with me that you can’t. It is not permitted for husbands to tackle anything in this category.

ROOFING
I have to admit, I don’t have much experience in this category as my uber-man is afraid of heights; I have never had any arguments happen due to loose shingles. There have, however, been enough stories floating around the school-yard and enough videos on Youtube of Dads falling off the roof or getting stuck in the chimney. We are of two minds on this subject. While we believe that repainting the window sills is most definitely a job you can do and save some money at, we want to make sure you’re steady up there. Small repairs are allowable, such as replacing ONE shingle, repainting or clearing out a vent. But anything that goes beyond that, especially anything to do with the chimney or major leakage on the roof, needs to be paid for. Sorry guys – you’re too valuable alive to us – you’ll have to make the call.

So, when it comes to these hopefully infrequent because they are bloody-expensive fixes, pick up the phone and call someone who’s trained to do it. We honestly think it’s sexier to see you call Dan the Plumber than it is to see you in the hospital or staring at your house while it’s burning down.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web publisher and writer. She is a Mom of two, stellar wife (most of the time) and enjoys writing and researching on a variety of topics including her wonderful husband, the joys of parent-hood and sincerely apologizes for thinking car painting can be done with a Sharpie.