Friday, January 30, 2009

KIMA of Norway ... Debuts in the U.S. in February!



You heard it here first! Remember this name: "KIMA of Norway." You aren't likely to forget it when you see the fabulous styles of Lisa Gillespie Brandstrup. She is a Norwegian - London based fashion designer with a fabulous line of denim mixed with leather fashions. Her debut collection will hit stores in the U.S. in February!

This collection is for the girl who has a hold of of the world. She is a female with attitude and her own personal style. Natural in her ways and comfortable in her own skin. That is what makes her sexy. If you fit the bill, and also like saying your closet is filled with European designer clothes you will be happy to know that all of Brandstrup's styles are fully produced in Veneto, Italy. The premier collection is a blend of high and low waisted looks and boast super fine, lightweight stretch denim that comes in an array of washes. The clothes are washable and made with English Sheepskin. The KIMA line ranges from $150.00 to $200.00

The line is currently sold in the ultra popular store- KOMA in Oslo, Norway and Extra Bold Shop in Luxembourg and will soon hit US boutiques and department stores.

An added note which is just too cute to not mention, is that KIMA is comes from the combination of Brandstrup's parents’ names-Kim and Marit. Brandstrup says: " Without them my denim aspirations would merely be a fantasy!"

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Early Look at Some of the 2009 Swimsuit Trends

Swimsuit styles are great again in 2009. Lots of retro influences from polka dots to nautical and skirts. Here are 3 early styles for the year!

Salt Swimwear Sienna One Piece in Burnt Red Polka Dot

Salt Swimwear Sienna One Piece in Burnt Red Polka Dot
Salt Swimwear is composed of feminine styles with details that make their products more desirable. The Sienna one-piece suit in burnt red polka dots is a chic piece that will be sure to catch an envious look. The suit is a deep v design with ties around the neck and back. An iridescent tan button fascines each of the ties around the neck to the top of the triangular top. The edges of the sexy one-piece are accented with a small ruffle that matches the red polka dot pattern.


Overboard Bikini - $ 89.00
Halter string bikini top with anchor appliques and nautical knot center, and wide waistband bottom with stars.

Kushcush Harlow Onepiece in Giraffe


Kushcush Harlow Onepiece in Giraffe

A certainly sexy one piece, the Harlow in Giraffe by Kushcush has a solid front with an exposing back. The top has a triangle style neck and back ties with a center double ring attachment in silver with wood overlay. The bottom is cut low in the back that appears as if you are wearing a two piece from the back. Finally, the giraffe print is created in a cream and black color that creates a slimming style. This suit provides enough coverage to make you feel comfortable while still looking stunning!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Cinnamon Applesauce Flamingo-Shaped Dog Treats

Cinnamon Applesauce Flamingo-Shaped Dog Treats

Now if this doesn't beat all... And I don't think they have a fowl taste : )

Cinnamon Applesauce Flamingo-Shaped Dog Treats. Share some summer fun with your canine! These premium flamingo-shaped dog biscuits are doggone tasty! A cute paw print design decorates each bag making these prepackaged treats quick gifts to give for a doggy birthday party or holiday! The main ingredients are human consumable whole wheat flour, applesauce and cinnamon ??? just wait until your canine tastes each flavorful morsel! These crunchy dog cookies are tasty! Reward your obedient pooch with these wholesome and nutritious treats ??? they???re delicious! Your canine will sit up and beg for these biscuits! These treats are perfect for any breed, both small and large. Your four-legged family member will love them! (via Oriental Trading)


Saturday, January 10, 2009

Hold the Butter - George Has Left the Building

photo released by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals,


A nice story for a change. George, a 20 pound and 140-year-old lobster once destined for a dinner plate received the gift of life Friday from City Crab and Seafood (a Park Avenue seafood restaurantn New York City.)

"We applaud the folks at City Crab and Seafood for their compassionate decision to allow this noble old-timer to live out his days in freedom and peace," said Ingrid E. Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

PETA spokesman Michael McGraw said the group asked City Crab to return George to the Atlantic Ocean after a diner saw him at the restaurant, where steamed Maine lobster sells for $27 per pound. George had been caught off Newfoundland, Canada and lived in the tank for about 10 days before his release.

Some scientists estimate lobsters can live to be more than 100 years old. PETA and the restaurant guessed George's age at about 140, using a rule of thumb based on the creature's weight.

He is to be released Saturday near Kennebunkport, Maine, in an area where lobster trapping is forbidden.

That is really cool! A big thumbs up to the restaurant for recognizing this lobster should finish out his time in nature!

(Photo from: photo released by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Story Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090110/ap_on_fe_st/odd_liberated_lobster

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Alfred Shaheen the Hawaiian Shirt Guru Dies at 92

Comfortable. Usually cotton. Roomy. How many people out there have a Hawaiian shirt hanging in your closet right now. Chances are ... quite a few. Today, the colorful shirts are a staple of most people's closet. Aloha shirts are colorful, they are the first hint of spring and summer and they go with jeans, skirts, shorts, etc. More importantly, you can pretty much wear them anywhere. So, say "thank you" to Alfred Shaheen the man who made the Aloha Shirt popular and revolutionized the garment industry in postwar Hawaii, who died Dec. 22 from complications due to diabetes.

Quite a feat if you think about it. After World War II, servicemen and women returning to the States from Asia and the Pacific Islands brought along the aloha shirts (that had been made in Hawaii since the 1930s.) Soon. the tropical-print shirts and sundresses became a standard and at times a "tacky" souvenir for travelers. By the 50's Tourists had begun flocking to Hawaii as faster airplanes allowed for easier travel and the former U.S. territory became a state in 1959. Although Shaheen did not "create the Hawaiian shirt, according to the LA Times, it was Shaheen who took the brand around the world by raising the garments to the level of high fashion with artistic prints, high-grade materials and quality construction.
GO BAREFOOT Makau Hawaiian Shirt


According to Mauishirts.com:

The history of the Hawaiian or "Aloha Shirt" can be traced to the early western missionaries in the 19th century. They felt that it would be more appropriate, for the soon to be christianized natives, if they were covered. But the real fact is, that it wasn't until the mid 1930's that the Hawaiian shirt, as we know it today, started to be
produced.

Elvis Presley: wore a red Alfred Shaheen shirt on the Blue Hawaii album cover. Photograph: Getty

The Hawaiian shirt is suitable for many occasions. Think about Hawkeye Pierce who wore one in M*A*S*H, or Kramer who wore them in Seinfeld. And most women will never forget Thomas Magnum wore one as a private eye in the Magnum series. Hollywood loves the shirt ... in From Here To Eternity Montgomery Clift, Burt Lancaster, Ernest Borgnine, and Frank Sinatra all wore the appropriate fashion items.

Today darts player Wayne Mardle marches on stage to the Hawaii Five-O theme tune, his fans colourfully dressed and his own Hawaiian shirt tailored for the modern sports world with its own sponsor logos. And lets not leave out Jimmy Buffet and his parrothead followers : )

Hawaiian shirt is suitable for almost all social occasions. White ones are available for the Hawaiian or beach themed wedding, for instance, and even for shaking a martini. So raise a glass in memory of Alfred Shaheen ... he helped dress us all.





Sources:
LA Times

Alfred Shaheen