London Fashion Shows

You have often heard one say, “A man is known by the company he keeps”. However it seems these days that a person is more likely to be known by the attire he/she wears. It is considered, that the biggest mistake a person can ever commit is a fashion faux pas. One thing that is inevitable in the fashion world is change. We are consistently being presented with various advertisement gigs that portray what famous celebrities are wearing and this has a direct impact on our lives. While shopping for clothes, a typical teenager would often say, “I want a dress that resembles what Bono was wearing in his latest music video”. Today, fashion dictates our lives and what we wear. Whether it is at a party or at work, we want our dress to reflect our taste and attitude. On other occasions, we are keener on making a personal style statement.

No lucid citation can be made regarding the advent of the London fashion culture. It dates back to the period during the Hippie culture which was originally a youth movement that began in the United States. It started during the 1960s and spread all over the world. This was probably one of the first major fashion influence that the world had witnessed. Hippie fashions and values had a profound impact on global culture and influenced major areas such as television, film and popular music. One such example was the use of homemade tie-dyed t-shirts that had become very popular.

The end of the Second World War had some more revolutionary fashion changes in store.During the 1930s, actresses Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich were often photographed wearing trousers and this made trousers more acceptable for women.By the end of the war, women had experienced a sense of independence, were experiencing their own individuality and were more liberalized. This allowed the women to fight for their rights and influenced a change in what they started to wear. Gradually, this had an impact on the women of London. They became wary of the fashion culture and became susceptible to change in what they wore.

During the early to mid 1970s, “Punk” originated as a style in London from the designer Vivienne Westwood and her partner Malcolm McLaren. Nonconformist and postmodernist in its nature and essence, this resulted from the economic depression that was prevalent during this period in London.

When it comes to fashion, London is one of the fashion capitals of the world. The others being Milan, Paris and New York City. London now hosts a plethora of London Fashion Events with the London Fashion Week event being most popular. A bi-annual event, the London Fashion Week now forms part of one of London’s leading events attracting a target audience comprising of eminent fashion personalities, retailers and press. The London Fashion Week is held several months in advance of the season so that the press and the prospective buyers are given a chance to preview the fashion designs in advance, for the subsequent season. The governing body for fashion in London is the British Fashion Council or the BFC.

A lot of other London Events remain associated with London Fashion Events and they are London Social Events, London Art Events and London shows.

Simple formal wear are now a passé. Even for common masses, sophistication is the key to perfect dressing, whether the occasion is formal or informal. However, a pair of well-fitted jeans is least likely to fall out of fashion. Jeans are trousers made from denim, and they became quite popular with the teenagers starting in the 1950s and remain in vogue till date.

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How to Design a Modern Kitchen

When it comes to designing the modern kitchen, people typically take one of two design paths.  The first path uses modern art as inspiration to create the overall look of the design.  Kitchens, of course, are everywhere (any kitchen that uses an electric or gas stove and oven can technically be considered modern). But another tack for the kitchen design is to choose the latest and most recent technologically advanced kitchen appliances and features available.  These features are then surrounded with decorative elements of the designer’s choosing.  Qualified modern designers will help you figure out a balance between the two tacks.

When you take a modern-art centric approach, you will want to focus on clean lines.  Clean lines are incredibly important to the modern art design.  Kitchen designers will tell you that, if you want a modern arty “feel” to your kitchen, you will want clean and straight lines.  You want clean counters and clean walls.  In this design, modern kitchen will be free of knick knacks or other decorations.  Any counter top appliances, like a toaster, a coffee maker or a microwave, will match the kitchen’s color scheme and either blend in to the walls and counter surrounding them or stand out starkly in contrast.  These kitchens, according to modern designers, are free of wall decorations, flowers or other superfluous elements.

If you choose to take a modern technology approach to your design, modern kitchen designers will search out the to-the-minute appliances and technological kitchen advances.  The kitchen will feature a computerized refrigerator, stove, oven and other appliances.  It is highly likely that this kitchen will feature a kitchen computer and a console in which portable devices can be charged.  It is also likely that there will be a computerized central device that will alert family members to scheduled activities, messages and other plans or notes. 

Obviously these two approaches to designing the modern kitchen are not mutually exclusive.  It is entirely possible, especially with the help of modern designers, to fuse these two approaches to the modern kitchen into a single design.  Modern kitchen design is subjective.  It is more about making sure that the person who uses the kitchen is happy.  Good modern designers will be able to help you infuse your kitchen with modern art elements and modern technology.  Of course, if you prefer to focus on a single approach (a modern art approach with classic appliances, for instance) that is quite possible.

The most important aspect to any design, modern kitchen, modern living room, etc, is you.  What do you want your kitchen to feature?  What kind of an environment do you want to create?  Modern designers will be able to take all of your ideas and inspirations and create a single room that you will love to spend time in.  Whether you want a classic and Victorian look paired with modern technology or a contrasting color scheme with 1950s appliances, good modern designers will be able to create something that works for you.  When it comes to design, modern kitchen designers can give you anything you want!

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Finding Garden Benches: Get the Perfect Look for Your Garden

Many outdoor benches are multi-purpose, for example, they can be used in city parks, in malls, as well as serving as great garden benches. In this article I will provide some examples of the many types and styles of garden benches available. However, there are even more than these to choose from:

Standard garden and park bench:

This kind of bench is sold most commonly six feet in length, but that is also available as short as four feet, redefines the traditional park bench style. The bench has a flat long seat and a wooden frame and legs. There is a gap between the bench seat and the bench seat back, however this is a very comfortable type of garden bench.

Deluxe park and garden benches:

Deluxe park and garden benches offer all the benefits of the standard benches, but add a graceful contour. Therefore your garden bench will be able to fit all body styles comfortably. The more comfortable the make, the easier it is for you to relax and enjoy your garden.

Elite park and garden benches:

These garden benches have a cultivated architectural form. They hold their high quality condition in bad weather, and are virtually maintenance free. They are made with a sustainable recycled plastic construction. They will add a touch of personal taste and beauty to your garden. And they are long lasting as well.

Contour park and garden benches:

Contour park and garden benches are constructed with sturdy type of recycled plastic lumber, and this lumber is firmly fastened to a heavy steel frame. Like all of the other benches I have mentioned, and those that I will mention, the size of the bench usually ranges between four and eight feet in length so you can purchase the perfect fit. These garden benches are not only pleasing to the eye but comfortable and stylish too.

Monarque park and garden benches:

This kind of garden bench is designed for those who require a lighter form of garden bench. However, they are very popular and nice to look at, as well as being a nice to rest in your garden.

Standard park, mall and garden benches:

Standard garden benches provide bench space with no extra frills. It is just garden seating with simplistic design. And this design allows the garden bench to complement virtually any architectural style surrounding it.

Deluxe mall, park and garden benches:

Deluxe mall, park and garden benches are available for more up-scale applications. Still using recycled plastic construction and maintenance free features, these garden benches are matched with aesthetics to be an attractive addition to any garden setting.

Elite mall, park and garden benches:

These elite mall, park and garden benches are designed with a slatted seat assembly that offers the look of freshly treated exotic wood. Wooden benches are very attractive in your garden, and these come especially designed to be long lasting, do not require maintenance and are splinter free. No up-scale garden should be without a bench with this kind of elegant and luxurious design. No matter what size you need.

Remember, because the garden benches I have mentioned are suitable for many purposes, you should choose the size of your bench based on where you want to put it, and assess how it will look in any specific place or places in your garden. Measure the perfect length for your garden benches to be before making any purchase, and choose the style that best fits your garden and you.

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Aftermath of Hurricanes in Miami Real Estate Market

Because hurricanes have come and went in Miami, Florida, many future homeowners and property buyers are worrying on how this will affect the Miami Real Estate Market. “Be not afraid,” these are the words of real estate experts. That is because investors are actually looking into more cash flow. To many people’s surprise, the properties actually gained higher net worth from twenty five to thirty five percent. Miami is significantly one of the top ten housing markets in the U.S.Miami Real Estate still ranks in far above the ground sophistication. The place never fails to captivate any new homebuyer with the blue lakes, the sidewalks and the streetlights.After the hurricanes, many local residents were heard to tell some sellers that they would go back to other states, but experts say that this will never happen. As one of the most exciting places in the country, Miami will still continue to attract yuppies and retirees who would still want to have a place of their own in the sun filled Miami.Hurricane memories will eventually fade away, said one of the directors of the regional housing market, Bradley Hunter. He mentioned that all the memories of the hurricane will soon be forgotten when the season has come around and the same number if not more buyers will arrive.The hurricanes that slammed against the coasts of Miami pounded the enthusiastic real estate market. And due to the storms, many would like to flee. But in the history of a hurricane that drenched Florida as well in 1992, there was a merely less than ten per cent of residents who mentioned that they will not come never really came back. Most of the locale still went back to their Florida homes. The same is not true with Miami when in 2000, the residents dropped to almost thirty five thousand residents but has sprung back to around 2.3 million.The president of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Thomas M. Stevens said that the “”People displaced by hurricanes are having a large impact on the apartment market across many areas of the South. Consumer spending is sustaining retail real estate, but that sector is seeing relatively modest growth and conditions vary widely.” He also mentioned that the condo conversions for the year are still at unprecedented level.Many experts say that after the hurricanes last year, there will be a growth in the rental sector of Miami Real Estates. This will be expected to be at 7.2 per cent come the fourth quarter. The lowest to have vacancies will be coming from the retail markets of Miami.Another affected by the storms in Miami Real Estate market is the hospitality in the commercial sector. This will experience temporary inflation in occupancy levels. This is due to the demand by the evacuees during the hurricanes.But this will not put down the Miami Real Estate market spirit. More rebuilding is yet to be done and this will eventually generate earnings for Miami. At this time, the local housing market is still booming and demand is even higher. The effort for recuperation is anticipated and this will boost more buyers for the new and second home markets as well.This is just a reality that Miami is never affected by far when it comes to real estate market.

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Nearly 30 Ways to Save on Life Insurance

There are numerous articles helping with life insurance tips but mostly one can find just several pieces of advice there. Would it not be great to have all those saving tricks and tips at one place? We created such a list for life insurance! This list is the most comprehensive overview of all opportunities to save on Life Insurance in Canada and it was created after numerous discussions with many insurance brokers If you find this list useful, bookmark it and share with others! So, let’s start!1. Age: Apply for the policy when you are young and your premiums will be lower.2. Round-up your age wisely: If you decide to buy a life insurance policy, make sure that your age rounds down and not up, i.e. if you are going to be 30 years old on December 31, buy the policy in the first 6 months of the year where your age is still rounded down to 29 and not 30.3. Good health: If you are in a good health and have a good build (ratio of weight and height) when you apply for a life insurance policy, insurers will reward that with lower premiums.4. Non-smokers: Stop smoking well in advance (at least a year) before applying for a policy – otherwise your premiums will double.5. Good driving record: Ensure you have a good driving record before applying – a bad driving record is punished by life insurance provider (as by auto insurers) – your premiums will go up by extra 25-50%.6. Gender: Female policyholders pay on average 25% less than male policyholders. Changing your gender will not really help – insurers consider the gender you were born with.7. No depression: Mental health matters – those with a history of depressions pay between 50% and 200% more.8. Family history: Having a healthy family without any serious diseases lowers your life insurance premiums as you are less likely to face a critical illness. Known serious issues in your family’s medical history can increase the premiums by 50% to 250%.9. Your medical history: Having a healthy medical history in the past (not equal to the good current health state in the moment of application) has impact on your health insurance. If you’ve had serious issues, some potential disease cases can be excluded from your coverage.10. No excessive drinking: If you do not have any drinking issues, you can benefit from lower insurance rates – otherwise your premiums can increase by up to 50%. An intensive drinker would be considered somebody who drinks 3-4 beers a day.11. Term instead of other insurance types: Choose Term insurance products instead of e.g. Universal Life. The first one is a pure insurance product whereas the latter one represents a combination of life insurance and investment product and often costs more.12. Getting in shape: If you already have a life insurance policy and got in shape compared to your state when you signed up for a policy (e.g. spending hours in a gym), you can request a re-view of your life insurance premiums.13. Driving offenses coming off your record: If your driving record improved while you have a life insurance policy, you can review your premiums with your insurer and get them reduced (typical time for smaller offenses to come off your driving record is 3 years)14. Stop smoking: If you have a policy which you got when you were a smoker, stopping smoking and demonstrating to your insurer that you have not returned to it for at least 1 year will reduce your insurance premiums. Smokers typically pay double amount of premiums!15. Stop drinking: Similar story with drinking – demonstrate that you had 1 year of no drinking and it will be reflected in your adjusted premiums for an existing life insurance policy.16. Group Life insurance: Group Life Insurance can be an alternative to your Personal Life insurance if your employer offers sufficient coverage – at least you are protected as long as you work for the company.17. Employee / Union members: Some companies offer discounts to union members (e.g. IBM Canada or Research in Motion)18. Drop unnecessary additional coverages: Check additional riders offered with a life policy to decide if you need them e.g. Accident death benefit (higher payouts in case of death through an accident), term conversion rider (in case you want convert your Universal policy into Term)19. Avoid guaranteed issue life policy: People with good health do not need a guaranteed issue life insurance policy (these are policies that do not require a medical exam but they cost more) – do a health check / exam and enjoy lower life insurance premiums.20. Professional Membership: Are you a member of a professional organization (e.g. Certified Management Accountants of Canada or The Air Canada Pilots Association)? Then some insurance companies offer you a discount.21. One policy for your spouse and you: You can get one policy for both your spouse and you – it will be often cheaper than two single life insurance policies (also called a multi-life policy)22. Adjust coverage amount: Make sure that you are not taking more insurance coverage (but also not less) than needed: perhaps $1,000,000 is enough – ask yourself and your insurance advisor if you really need $2,000,000?23. Less-risky jobs: Not being involved into dangerous jobs like a member of the police bomb squad will help to avoid additional insurance premiums.24.Shop around: Search, Compare, and switch insurance companies. There are many insurance providers and their price offerings for the same policies can be very different, therefore use multiple online tools and talk to several brokers since each will cover a limited number of insurance companies.25. Alumni: Graduates from certain Canadian universities ( e.g University of Toronto, McGill University) might be eligible for a discount at certain Insurance providers.26. Annual vs. monthly payments: In comparison to monthly payments, annual payments save insurers administrative costs (e.g. sending bills) and therefore they reward you lower premiums.27. Welcome discount: Some insurers offer a so called welcome discount!

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