LONDON–Sports predictions are always tricky, but here’s a firm one: the Jamaican women will do worse as a group in the 100-meters than they did in Beijing.

Not exactly going out on a limb, considering Jamaican women went 1-2-2 in Beijing. The only way they could improve in London is a 1-1-2 or a 1-1-1. And by the looks of the field, a medal-sweep would be a stretch this year — even for Jamaica — in a final that may well see the favorites taking their assigned seats in grade-school fashion: JAM/USA/JAM/USA/JAM/USA.

And the woman to beat is a JAM. Australia’s Melissa Breen had it right in the first-round yesterday when she came through the mix zone and said, “It was an honor to be in a race with the fastest woman in the world.” She was talking about Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the 25-year-old reigning Olympic champ. Fraser-Pryce ran 10.70 in June at the Jamaican Olympic trials, making her the fourth fastest woman in history, behind only three Americans: Florence Griffith-Joyner, Carmelita Jeter, and Marion Jones. (And only because not every one of Jones’ results was stripped for doping offenses.)

The trademark of Fraser-Pryce, who was still a student at the University of Technology when she won gold in ’08, is a blazing start. She comes out of the blocks at such an angle that it looks as if she’s on the verge of face-planting on the Mondo. (Which she nearly did two weeks ago. Racing the 100 in a different stadium in London, she came out of the blocks low and stumbled, barely keeping her footing and finishing in last place.) When all goes well, meskipun, Fraser-Pryce tends to carry that angle through the entire race, with her head and shoulders out in front of her hips, as if she’s running down a hill.

Pada hari Jumat, in the first round, before anyone even asked, Fraser-Pryce had one word to describe her start: “tentative”, she said. Was that the plan for the first-round start? “It’s never the plan”, she said. Nonetheless, she was in control of the race well before half way, and coasted to the line in 11.00. When she doesn’t stumble, Fraser-Pryce is the complete package. She starts, she finishes, and she displays a Bolt-ian cool before the crowd. When SI asked her in Jamaica last year if she was nervous in Beijing, she flashed her characteristically shy smile and replied: “I think I was more nervous for Champs than the Olympics,” referring to the raucous Jamaican national high school championships.

APPLYING PRESSURE

When sprinters talk about putting a competitor under pressure, they’re usually talking about getting a hot start and forcing the other runners to give chase, such that it might ruin their relaxation and cause their hard-earned form to deteriorate. The women’s 100 final in London is going to be a case of the pressure-appliers and the chasers.

The United States’ Tianna Madison may be an even better starter than Fraster-Pryce. The 27-year-old Madison won the world championships in ’05, when she was a sophomore at Tennessee. But that was, amazingly, in the long jump. Because she wanted to accept itu $60,000 in prize money for the win, Madison turned pro, and soon — with a feeling of alienation from the people she had previously trained with — transferred from Tennessee. Over the next several years, Madison stagnated as a jumper, and this year she turned her full attention to sprinting. On January 1, 2012 — 216 days ago, as Madison is quick to say — she sat down on the couch with her husband and decided for the first time, she says, “to train hard. Period. This was a lifestyle change and an attitude change.” She gave up junk food and started shedding weight like ships shed ballast, losing 20 pounds since last September.

In March, she announcer herself — and her blistering star — when she took bronze at the indoor world championships. As to whether her long jumping might have somehow helped her start: “I don’t, maybe just the explosiveness,” Madison says. Her weakness is later in the race, as she tends to get caught toward the line. (Which is exactly what happened in the first round, when she burst of the blocks and was tracked down by Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare, who smoked a 10.93 — to Madison’s 10.97 — and figures to a medal contender.)

Of all the runners who are going to be under the pressure applied by the starts of Fraser-Pryce and Madison, none of the favorites figures to be farther back than U.S. star Allyson Felix. Felix doesn’t get slow starts in the 100, dia adalah slow starts in the 100. And she knows it. “I’m all legs,” says Felix, who is, well, all legs. “So it’s hard to compete [at the start] against shorter sprinters who are more proportionate. It’s always been tough figuring out my angles and how to get out well.”

Tapi, sejak “I’ve had a bad start for a really long time,” says Felix, “I try to just be a patient runner. I try not to panic if I get out behind.” And she will get out behind. Of her start Friday, katanya, “I have to get my start together, because I missed it completely.”

If Fraser-Pryce and Madison are notoriously quick starters, and Felix a notoriously slow starter, the other top contenders are somewhat streakier. American Carmelita Jeter, who won the U.S. Olympic trials in June, on Friday ran 10.83, almost certainly the fastest time ever run in a non-final, given that only 19 other women have ever run faster in any race in history. Based on that run, Jeter would seem to be the favorite, but unlike the other big name sprinters, she actually ran through the line. Not to mention, nearly all of the athletes walking under the stadium raved about the speed of the track. (It’s a Mondo surface, which is the same as some other world class tracks, tapi, as American 400-meter hurdler Michael Tinsley put it Friday: “This is new. It’s not soft, so you don’t sink. You can feel yourself on top of the track.”) Masih, no track is so fast that 10.84 in a round isn’t extraordinary, at least no track that isn’t down the side of a mountain.

Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown is another of the streaky starters. Campbell-Brown, at age 30, is the sprinter who has it all. Three Olympic golds and four indoor and outdoor world championship golds. All except an Olympic gold in the 100. (She won the 200 di ’04 dan ’08.) Itu 100 title would be cherry on top of her sundae, to use Michael Phelps’ terminology. Campbell-Brown won her first round race easily in 10.94, but she hasn’t been starting well.

Ato Boldon, the four-time Olympic sprint medalist, and NBC track and field commentator, says that “Veronica Campbell-Brown has been hurt the most by the [one-false start and you're out] rule. If you know you’re a good starter, you don’t worry about the rule. But she’s a streaky starter. That rule has almost ruined her starts. She has not started the same since then, and certainly not in a championship setting.”

Earlier in the week, Campbell-Brown claimed she pays the rule no mind, but Boldon feels that it’s more of a subconscious worry that keeps a streaky starter from using the rhythm of the race starter’s commands to coil for the start. Insofar as reaction time to the gun is part of the start, Boldon may have a point. Campbell-Brown’s reaction times in the 100 at Olympics and world championships prior to the implementation of the rule in 2010:

2004 Athens: 0.199
2005 Helsinki: 0.139
2007 Osaka: 0.167
2009 Berlin: 0.135

And after the rule:
2011 Daegu: 0.234

Then again, that’s one race. And reaction time in and of itself might be overvalued in many cases. A 1995 IAAF study looked at the predictive power of reaction time on overall race time at two world championships, and found that it was often overrated. Itu 100, namun — and the women’s 100 specifically — was where it was by far the most important. Jamaican Kerron Stewart, itu ’08 silver medalist, rounds out the Jamaican trio. Stewart got a very poor start, but clawed her way to third, and could be dangerous if she avoids another Felix-esque beginning.

On Saturday night, expect the U.S.-Jamaica rivalry to be on display, along with the rivalry between the fast starters and the late-race hunters. And expect lightning fast, perhaps historic times. (Jeter’s 10.64 di ’09 is the closest anyone has ever come to the 10.49 Flo-Jo ran in ’88.) As Nigeria’s Gloria Asumnu, who ran 11.13 Friday to advance to the semi-final, put it: “When you push off this track, you get something back. You can feel it. There are going to be some very fast times.”

St. Barts pearls are redefining summertime fashion for women across the globe.

New York, NY (PRWeb) Agustus 03, 2012

As mid-summer falls upon us, the temperatures are heating up and the newest women’s summertime fashions are shimmering down the streets of New York City and the beaches of the Caribbean. American Pearl is proud to present the most coveted women’s summertime fashion accessory of the season – the St. Barts pearl and leather necklace collection.

These stunning, one-of-a-kind (moving pearl) pieces were inspired by one of American Pearl’s distinguished pearl designers after a trip to the Caribbean hotspot of St. Barts. There, the designer witnessed an electrifying sight that was destined to become the next summer and beach fashion trend here in the States. The illuminating contrast of the brilliantly colored pearls(moving freely) against the stark leather grain, worn by the fashionistas along the beaches in St. Barts, instantly inspired the American Pearl designer to create a line destined to become an instant hit and a future generation classic.

Hari ini, American Pearl is pleased to introduce what the company calls its “most successful high fashion line we created that is outselling all other product categories for summer fashion.” This dynamic new St. Barts pearl and leather necklace women’s summertime fashion line includes a rainbow of leather cord choices, and extraordinary, iridescent pearls from exotic locales such as French Polynesia, Australia, Jepang, China and Indonesia.

American Pearl’s unique, fashion-forward St. Barts pearl and leather necklace line includes:

*Single Pearl and Cord Necklaces

–a single beautiful pearl suspended along a light and airy leather cord

*Single Pearl and Cord Sets

–a double contrasting layer of single necklaces that “pop” off of the neck

*Triple Pearls and Cord Necklaces

–three breathtakingly beautiful pearls on one leather cord

*Pearl and Cord Trios

–a triple-play of sparkling pearls on three complementary yet contrasting cords

*Double Pearl and Cord Sets

–two gorgeous pearls set apart on two separate cords

*Leather and Tin Cup

–a mesmerizing, 8mm freshwater, hand-knotted pearl necklace

*St. Barts Ropes

–a magnificent, cascading, 55-inch necklace with multiple freshwater Tahitian pearls

*St. Barts Necklaces

–an understated and elegant high-luster, showstopping pearl and leather necklace

*Pearl and Leather Bracelets

–a charming solo, multiple or dangling pearl bracelet showcasing true St. Barts style

More information can be found by visiting their showroom or browsing their secure website.

About American Pearl:

In business since 1950, American Pearl has become synonymous with unsurpassed pearl jewelry designs. Always a leading innovator and trend setter, American Pearls unwavering commitment to providing you with the absolute best pearls at the absolute best prices has consistently put them in the forefront of the pearl jewelry business for over half a century.

Untuk informasi lebih lanjut, silahkan kunjungi http://www.americanpearl.com/affordable.html.

Contact us
American Pearl
800-847-3275
Informasi Email

Until recently Han Huohuo was just a twenty-something Chinese fashion blogger. Today he enjoys front-row seats at European catwalk shows and rubs shoulders with the editor of Chinese Vogue.

More than a million people now follow the wildly famous fashion blogger on weibo, China’s answer to Twitter, and a leading website recently listed him among the country’s top 20 movers and shakers in the industry.

The 28-year-old’s flamboyant style — he favours women’s clutches, skintight black pants and the occasional high heel — and passion for the industry have won him fame in a country where fashion icons are just starting to emerge.

Experts say his rapid rise to fame over the past four years was propelled by international brands eager to latch onto anyone who holds sway in China — set to become the world’s largest luxury market by 2015, according to a Boston Consulting Group forecast.

“You’ve got so many luxury brands throwing money at China and they are grabbing people who have some sort of influence,” said Chloe Reuter, who runs a luxury communications agency in Shanghai, Reuter PR.

“It’s extraordinary what kind of stuff they get given. They fly first class and have chauffeurs.

“Because everything is very new, people are basically being catapulted into A-list segments — something that might take a lot longer anywhere else.”

Han’s unconventional style would stand out anywhere, but in China, it is particularly unusual.

His microblog — set against a leopard-print background — features a stream of portraits of himself stalking city streets in leather pants, designer purses, fur-lined coats and gold bracelets.

Part of his head is shaved, while what hair he has is long and swept back like a mane.

Not everyone likes his look, with some scorning his feminine style as “abnormal” dan “evil”.

“It’s just like Lady Gaga,” Han said in an interview with AFP, referring to the pop star known for extravagant outfits. “A lot of people criticise her but many are also praising her because she did what others didn’t dare to do.

“The reason I got attention is that I did what others didn’t dare to do,” ia menambahkan. “I think I encouraged a lot of people.”

Han launched his blog in 2008 but since then his microblog, which he began in 2009, has become his main outlet for expression.

– “Celebrities out of nothing” –

Han is now so well-known that he says he sometimes dresses down when he goes out to avoid being pestered for photos.

Most of his fans simply follow him on his Weibo account.

“I look at it pretty often. He has his own ideas and opinions,” said Jiang Li, a design student at the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology.

“We see him as one of the trendier fashion icons,” said her classmate Guan Jiao.

Han entered fashion early — and almost by accident.

Bored with university, he left to work as a travel writer for a Beijing magazine that decided to launch a fashion section. The management tapped Han to run the new venture simply because he was the youngest person in the office.

From there he became an editor at the Chinese version of Marie Claire magazine, where he built up his fashion knowledge and network, leaving four years later in 2010 to start his own projects.

Now his fame extends to the upper crust of the fashion world, including the editor of Chinese Vogue, Angelica Cheung.

Cheung says bloggers like Han are “very good in terms of influencing this younger generation of consumers,” but cautions that they could lose their position as quickly as they won it if they only post uninformed or unoriginal views.

“I think certainly these fashion bloggers create a lot of celebrities out of nothing,” katanya. “The only ones who will remain are the ones who have real knowledge and insight into the fashion industry.

“Even with Han Huohuo, he’s still young. There’s still a lot to learn.”

And other fashion voices are cropping up as well — not only online personas such as “Dipsy” (270,000 followers) and Leaf Greener (30,000) but also artists including Yi Zhou, models like Du Juan and editors such as Cheung, said Reuter.

As he seeks to establish himself beyond his blog, Han has worked with labels including Hong Kong-based Linea Rosa to design shoes and clothing, compiled a fashion photography book and appeared as a judge on a Chinese fashion design television show.

He says his style has evolved into plainer clothing like T-shirts, although bold accessories — especially women’s purses — are still a must.

“Accessories must stand out,” katanya. “I really like women’s clutches because I think men’s accessories are too ugly… They’re impossible to use.

“I don’t care what people say. I figure, I like them, and that’s the most important thing.”

Anita Scales is a self-proclaimed shopaholic. But you won’t
find her checking out just any store.

One of her favorite haunts is apparel retailer Chico’s. Scales
shops at her local Chico’s store at least twice a month to check
out the fresh crop of goods and rarely leaves without making a
purchase.

“I am an avid fan of Chico’s,” said the 62-year-old Scales of
Germantown, Tenn. “What’s great about their clothes is they fit
the body of mature women as well as younger women. That makes us
older women feel that we’re not frumpy and we’ve got it
together.”

Such accolades would likely be music to the ears of officials
at women’s clothing retailerChico’s FAS (
CHS

) . After getting stung by merchandising mistakes — and further
walloped by the recession — the company has staged a strong
turnaround, thanks to the efforts of Chief Executive David
Dyer.

Dyer took the company’s helm in early 2009 and quickly brought
in talent to spruce up merchandising and help get Chico’s back on
a more solid financial footing.

Dyer and his team have done that in spades. Chico’s is back on
the fast track, with nine straight quarters of double-digit sales
and earnings growth. And if watchers are on target, it should
maintain the pace when it reports second-quarter results Aug. 22
before the bell.

Earnings Estimates

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect earnings to rise 20%
untuk 30 cents a share. They see a 16% pop in revenue to $641.25
juta.

The Fort Myers, Fla.-based retailer operates exclusively
designed, private branded clothing chains under the names Chico’s
and White House/Black Market.

The company also runs the Soma Intimates chain, which sells
private branded lingerie and loungewear; and Boston Proper, an
online and catalog-based retailer of women’s high-end apparel and
accessories.

“I think it’s been a tough quarter for retail in general, tapi
I feel very comfortable with Chico’s business,” said Roth Capital
Partners analyst Liz Pierce. “I don’t think they have been overly
promotional, but appropriately promotional. The inventory looks
clean and they’ve been doing a good job transitioning to the
fall.”

Pierce says that during channel checks at the Chico’s brand
stores, sales of new items have been good and products haven’t
been sitting on the shelves very long.

“That’s why I feel good about the quarter,” she added. “Saya
think customers are responding to the products.”

Stephens analyst Travis Williams believes Chico’s FAS had a
relatively good second quarter.

“White House/Black Market and Soma have continued to be pretty
kuat,” katanya. “But we’re a little cautious about the Chico’s
brand business in the second quarter.”

The reason for his caution? Historically, he says, the Chico’s
brand has catered to the customer with an annual income of
$100,000 and up.

“That customer historically has tightened spending at times of
stock market volatility and uncertainty, which is what we saw in
May and June,” katanya. “That’s one thing that’s given us caution
on the Chico’s brand. But there’s definitely a market for
higher-quality, higher-priced apparel.”

And the Chico’s brand seems to be striking a chord with
consumers in that market.

“While other companies are struggling to find their groove
with merchandise, the Chico’s brand has done a good job staying
on trend,” Williams mengatakan. “Only a small handful of retailers are
doing well in its space, and Chico’s is one of them.”

The space he refers to is the “missy” apparel retail segment
that caters to mature women. Both Chico’s and White House/Black
Market sell to women 30 and up. Pierce pegs the average age of
Chico’s customer at the mid-50s, and the White House/Black Market
Customer at the mid 30s.

Some of Chico’s most direct competitors in the missy space
have been long struggling. That includes women’s specialty
retailerTalbots (
TLB

), which agreed this week to be acquired by private equity firm
Sycamore Partners.

Another direct rival is women’s apparel chainColdwater Creek (
CWTR

), which has lost money in three of the past four years.

Chico’s success in this space boils down to having the right
merchandise, says Williams. Its clothing is unique, as is the
styling. The bright colors and patterns that the Chico’s brand is
known for is “resonating well with customers right now,” he
ditambahkan.

That success showed up in the first quarter, when the
company’s profit popped 23% untuk 32 cents a share. Sales rose 21%
untuk $650.8 juta. Consolidated same-store sales rose a healthy
9.6% vs. the prior year. Chico’s and Soma combined same-store
sales were up 8.8% while White House/Black Market saw an 11.3%
jump.

Chico’s closed on the $205 million purchase of Boston Proper
last year.

Williams estimates Boston Proper had total sales of $124
million in fiscal 2011. Chico’s acquired the company in September
2011, and it contributed $39.5 million to Chico’s in just a
little over a quarter, Williams says.

New Store Sales

He expects Boston Proper’s sales to hit $136.7 juta
2012, atau 5.3% of Chico’s total revenue.

At the end of the first quarter, Chico’s had 606 boutiques and
86 outlets throughout the U.S.

White House/Black Market had 376 boutiques and 31 outlets.
Soma had 180 boutiques and 15 outlets.

While Boston Proper has no physical stores right now,
management plans to begin testing stores under the Boston Proper
name next year. Sterne, Agee Leach analyst Margaret
Whitfield says the test will start in Florida in the 2013 first
quarter, with the first store planned to open in Boca Raton. Itu
firm expects to have a total of five Boston Proper stores in the
Sunshine State next year, she adds, with continued testing in
2014 and a rollout planned for 2015.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect Chico’s full-year
profit to rise 24% untuk $1.04 a share, which would bring it close
to its peak annual earnings of $1.06 a share in 2006. They see a
17% increase in 2013.

Pierce says while the company is well positioned for the fall,
it may not all be smooth sailing.

“My biggest concern about their customer is in the past she
was highly sensitive to market volatility,” katanya. “My biggest
concern is as we head into the heat of the presidential election,
we could see even more volatility in the market.”

NEW YORK, Agustus. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire / — Nine West, a division of The Jones Group (JNY) (“Jones”), continues to step out to raise funds and awareness for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC), The Council of Fashion Designers of America’s (CFDA) charitable organization, through the Nine West Runway Relief Program in New York City during Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion Week. The program, which is now in its third year, aims to marshal the forces of the fashion and modeling industries to step up for a cause. Since the creation of QVC Presents “FFANY Shoes on Sale” di 1994, Nine West has been committed to raising funds for breast cancer awareness and prevention.

(Foto – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120802/NY50448)

Nine West’s Runway Relief Program has enlisted top fashion models participating in fashion shows, termasuk Chrissy Teigen, Elsa Hosk, Ajak Deng, Jessica Gomes, Ariel Meredith, IIona Novacek, Catrinel Menghia dan Elena Melnik to wear a limited edition, Nine West boot. Each step the models take off the runway including castings and fittings will equate to a monetary donation that Nine West will make to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.

To kick off Nine West’s Runway Relief Program, Nigel Barker chronicled the models giving back on camera by photographing the top faces from IMG, Berikutnya dan One agencies. Celebrity Stylist, Kate Young, was on site to style the shoot and show her support.

Nine West is expanding the Runway Relief exclusive collection from the biker-chic boot ($149) and comfortably stylish tank top ($29) to include a Nine West drawstring backpack ($149), sexy aviator sunglasses ($38) and a news-boy inspired hat ($44). 100% of the proceeds from the tank top will go to FTBC. Starting August 1^st, the exclusive collection will be available on Nine West’s website. The collection will be available nationwide at Nine West stores the first week in September and the boot will also be available at Lord Taylor. Jet Jeans by John Eshaya ($194) has created a Runway Relief jean available exclusively on ninewest.com with all proceeds going to FTBC. Hanky Panky has also created an exclusive boyshort ($38) and thong ($29) in their signature lace with the FTBC symbol emblazoned on the hip in crystals to raise additional awareness for the cause.

“Nine West is honored to work with the most fashionable partners, from models and photographers to the CFDA and their charity, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, for the third year of Runway Relief,” said Debbie Woloshin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Nine West. “Raising money and awareness for early detection, research and care is our number one priority.”

“This year we will elevate the Nine West Runway Relief program to the next level. Our three year exclusive partnership with Nine West and Fashion Targets Breast Cancer reaffirms the brands commitment and dedication to raising awareness for this worthy cause. We are excited to join forces as an authoritative voice behind this powerful movement,” said Steven Kolb, Chief Executive Officer of the CFDA.

“Runway Relief is a powerful vehicle to increase breast cancer awareness and empower women around the world,” said Diane von Furstenberg, CFDA President.

Nine West and the CFDA are also creating a series of Public Service Announcements with interviews from Professor of Clinical Medicine and Medical Director of the Weill Cornell Breast Center, Dr. Anne Moore, breast cancer survivors as well as CFDA members, Diane Von Furstenberg, Charlotte Ronson, Tracy Reese dan Kelly Cutrone to help unite the fashion industry to spread the word. The PSA will air August 2^nd.

Nine West is partnering with Fiat for Fashion’s Night Out on September 6^th and will host a fun and interactive event with Nigel Barker and top models at Nine West’s Rockefeller Center store location. Fiat will be providing a fleet of mobile shuttles for Fashion’s Night Out and into Fashion Week offering rides to VIPs. They are also donating a Fiat 500 to auction off in October with all proceeds benefitting Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.

Nine West is stepping up its social media game to bring this initiative to the next level. They will partner with photo-driven social media platform Instagram dan Refinery29.com to hold Runway Relief Photo Walks in key cities across the US. Consumers are invited to participate by encouraging friends and family to sponsor their walk with a monetary donation.

In addition to these partnerships, Nine West will sell albums from Columbia Records artists with all proceeds being donated to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. The albums will be sold on ninewest.com through October.

Twitter users can follow Nine West’s Runway Relief Program’s hashtag, #RunwayRelief to get updates in real time for the entire program.

Consumers will also have the option to directly support the cause by making a dollar donation during checkout from August 1^st through October 31^st at Nine West stores nationwide.

Join. Donate. Sponsor. Shop at www.ninewest.com 

About The Jones Group Inc.
The Jones Group Inc. (www.jonesgroupinc.com) is a leading global designer, marketer and wholesaler of over 35 brands with product expertise in apparel, footwear, jeanswear, jewelry and handbags.  The Jones Group has a reputation for innovation, excellence in product quality and value, operational execution and talent.  The Company also markets directly to consumers through branded specialty retail and outlet stores and through its e-commerce sites.

The Company’s internationally recognized brands and licensing agreements (L) include: Nine West, Jones New York, Anne Klein, Kurt Geiger, Rachel Roy (L), Robert Rodriguez, Robbi Nikki, Stuart Weitzman, Brian Atwood (L), Boutique 9, Easy Spirit, Carvela, Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i., Bandolino, Enzo Angiolini, Nine Co., GLO, Joan David, Miss KG, Jones Wear, Kasper, Energie, Evan-Picone, Le Suit, Mootsies Tootsies, Grane, Erika, Napier, Jessica Simpson (L), Sam Libby, Givenchy (L), Judith Jack, Albert Nipon, Pappagallo, Rafe (L) and CT Costello Tagliapietra (L). 

About Fashion Targets Breast Cancer
Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC) is a charitable initiative of the Council of Fashion Designers of America/CFDA Foundation. Through FTBC, the CFDA enlists the support of designers, models, retailers and other creative energies within the fashion industry to raise public awareness and funds for the breast cancer cause, in the U.S. and internationally. The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc, (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association that leads industry-wide initiatives and whose membership consists of more than 370 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers. 

TJ Jackson was one of Michael Jackson’s favorite nephews. An heir to the family’s musical talent and striking good looks, he is the son of Tito, one of the original Jackson Five. Largely unknown to the American public until now, he has been anointed as co-guardian of Michael’s most prized treasures — his three childre …

TJ Jackson was one of Michael Jackson’s favorite nephews. An heir to the family’s musical talent and striking good looks, he is the son of Tito, one of the original Jackson Five. Largely unknown to the American public until now, he has been anointed as co-guardian of Michael’s most prized treasures — his three childre …

NEW YORK, Agustus. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire / – Rowenta, the leading manufacturer of high-performance steam irons, garment steamers and steam stations is proud to announce that elite Fashion Designer and Project Runway Alumni Althea Harper and D.I.Y. Expert Jenni Radosevich now serve as official Brand Ambassadors. Each Artist represents Rowenta in the public eye and engages consumers with lifestyle and fashion oriented projects.

Althea Harper turned heads in the fashion industry when she placed runner-up on season six of Lifetime’s hit reality television series “Project Runway.” Sekarang, she manages her own fashion line – ALTHEA HARPER and has worked alongside iconic designers such as Tory Burch, Anna Sui and Vivienne Westwood. Harper serves as Rowenta’s official Brand Ambassador in the realm of fashion design, offering a unique perspective on proper garment care maintenance, wardrobe design and key fashion trends.

Jenni Radosevich, critically acclaimed Blogger, Author and former Contributor for InStyle, is an expert at teaching others how to recreate expensive runway looks and luxury home decor items at a fraction of the cost – with the added satisfaction of doing it yourself. She recently published, I SPY DIY STYLE (Potter Craft/Crown Publishing), an encyclopedia in trendy homemade fashions. Radosevich serves as Rowenta’s official Brand Ambassador in the realm of lifestyle and home decor, contributing a plethora of do-it-yourself projects that can be easily executed by crafters of all skill levels.

“Rowenta is excited to be partnering with Ms. Harper and Ms. Radosevich,” said Michele Lupton Marketing Communications Director, Groupe SEB USA. “These two talented individuals possess creative spirits that are a true reflection of the Rowenta brand. We are excited to offer our customers the opportunity to learn from two key players in the fashion and lifestyle markets.”

As Rowenta Brand Ambassadors, Harper and Radosevich are sharing their knowledge with the masses. Both women have each created and filmed a series of online video workshops that are being posted on Rowenta’s official Facebook dan YouTube pages throughout the months of July, August and September. Harper’s series focuses on numerous ways to manipulate fabric and construct garments without the use of a traditional needle and thread. Radosevich’s collection illustrates a variety of colorful projects in both the home decor and fashion realms.

For more information on Rowenta please visit:

• US Website: www.rowentausa.com            
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/RowentaUSA
• Berkicau: www.twitter.com/RowentaUSA, @RowentaUSA
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/rowentaus     

For more information on Althea Harper please visit: http://altheaharper.com/

For more information on Jenni Radosevich please visit: http://www.ispydiy.com/

For media inquiries, please contact: 5W Public Relations.

About ROWENTA^®

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WIMBLEDON, Inggris — Never mind the covered logos, the new color scheme, the flash mobs and crowds speaking — without being chastised by the umpire — during points. The biggest difference between Wimbledon and the Olympic tennis event is the suspension of the all-white dress code. Players have been taken the court in a riot of colors and styles.

We all have opinions about fashion, but some are better informed than others. Jill Bream, a New York-based stylist, who’s worked with Jay-Z among others, is on the grounds here at the All England Club. We enlisted her keen eye and sartorial sensibilities and asked her to assess the attire — “kits,” the kids call ‘em — of the tennis players in the field.

Here are Jill’s top five among the men. (Click here for Courtney Nguyen’s photo roundup.)

5. Gilles Simon, France: “The French are sartorialists at heart. Gilles stepped it up with a polo shirt in his country’s colors. He’ll never look back and think, “what the hell was I wearing at the 2012 Olympics?” Classy and classic.”

4. Feliciano Lopez, Spanyol: “Feliciano’s long headband is about as wild and Spanish as it gets. The red and yellow shirt couldn’t look better with his tan (you know you’re thinking the same thing).”

3. Lleyton Hewitt, Australia: “Everyone knows faux hawks are a big no-no but Lleyton’s is working for me. That plus the bright yellow shirt screams the laid back vibe everyone associates with Australia.”

2. Roger Federer, Switzerland: “Fact: Roger Federer always looks impeccable on court. It’s no different for the Olympics. I love the take on his usual polo shirt with the black piping and small zipper. Everything from his wristbands to racket are perfectly coordinated (per usual). And the William Tell apple! It’s all too much. I’d give him the #1 spot but I think he’s won enough.”

1. Andy Murray, Great Britain: “Stella McCartney designed all of Great Britain’s Olympic uniforms and Andy Murray is wearing his well. The blown up blue union jack stands out and his uniform has been the most talked about here at Wimbledon.”

Honorable Mention: Milos Raonic, Kanada: “Looked like a Fed-in-Training with his coordinated red and white. Juga, he has the most beautiful legs I have ever laid eyes on. Jadi…points for that.”

Dia, um, not top men:

• “I love Andy Roddick but his shirts are just too big (common problem with men).”

• “Novak Djokovic just started his new partnership with Uniqlo but you think they’d give him a color other than white. Wimbledon was weeks ago.”

• “Anyone who didn’t change their sweaty shirt mid-match to show us all their abs.”

Stay tuned for Jill to give us her thoughts on the women.

NEW YORK, Agustus. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire / – Women Co., Citi’s personal finance resource for women, dan Parenting.com, online home of Parenting dan Babytalk magazines, today released results from their 2012 Back-to-School Spending Report, providing an in-depth look at how moms really feel about shopping and school-related costs this year. According to a survey of 1,000 moms, 60 percent say that clothing will be their biggest expense this year – with 91 percent admitting to spending more on their kids’ wardrobes than their own. On average, families are planning on spending $131 on clothing and $48 on school supplies – per child.

(Foto: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120802/CG50259-INFO)

“Even when it comes to fall fashion, women put their kids first – spending more on back-to-school clothes than their own wardrobes. And with so many purchases being made, the back-to-school season can be a perfect opportunity to teach children the value of spending wisely,” said Linda Descano, President and CEO of Women Co. “Whether you’re giving kids an allowance to buy their own gear or making a game out of finding the best deals on school supplies, nearly every purchase you make – or don’t make – can be used as a teachable money moment.”

“The number of visitors to Parenting.com looking for kids’ fashion-related content is nearly three times what it was a year ago—and a spike during the back-to-school season indicates that modern families are making kids’ style needs a priority,” said Mark Wildman, VP/Group Publisher of The Parenting Group. “Savvy, millennial moms will seek out tools and content that make shopping for their children’s clothing and gear fit the family’s budget and lifestyle, such as apps for making smart buying decisions on the go.”

The survey also examined moms’ attitudes towards back-to-school shopping, and found significant differences in spending habits among families in different parts of the country. Misalnya, moms in the Midwest – who were the least likely to think of themselves as bargain-hunters – were ironically the most likely to stay under budget during back-to-school season. Moms in the Northeast, namun, admitted they were most likely to get carried away and spend more than they should. Additional findings include:

• Moms’ most popular ways to save: Fifty-four percent of moms set a back-to-school budget and plan to stick to it, and will do so in a number of different ways. Forty-five percent think of themselves as “bargain-hunters”, clipping coupons and searching for sales; 28 percent are “one-stop shoppers”, visiting one or two retailers to buy everything they need to save time; dan 20 percent are “early birds”, shopping as soon as the sales start to get the best selection. But despite all of their best efforts to save, 1 di 4 moms still feel that they get carried away with back-to-school shopping and buy more than they should.
• School fundraisers starting to take their toll. More than half of moms said that school fundraisers were becoming a burden, dan 17 percent no longer have the time or resources to keep up with what is being asked of them.
• Cost of college worrying public school parents. Sixty-nine percent of respondents overall were uncomfortable with what they have saved for their child’s college education. Nearly half of public school parents were extremely worried about college expenses, responding that they were “very” uncomfortable with the amount they have saved – yet only 29 percent of private school parents feel the same.
• The most detested back-to-school chore is not back-to-school shopping. Lebih dari 50 percent of moms say getting their kids back on a school schedule is their most detested back-to-school chore – over school supply and clothing shopping, registering for school activities and attending start-of-the-school year events.

Despite the money issues on moms’ minds, they are still picking up the tab for the majority of their kids’ school expenses – only 12 percent have their kids pay for any of their own back-to-school shopping. At the same time, many are using back-to-school as an opportunity to teach their kids about money: Over half (55 persen) use the back-to-school season as a reason to have a money talk with their kids.

Visit Women Co. di www.womenandco.com and bookmark the site from your mobile phone for money-saving tips and tricks you can use while back-to-school shopping, money activities for kids on the go, and more. For more detailed results from the Back-to-School Spending Report, visit http://blog.womenandco.com/2012/08/survey-9-out-of-10-moms-spend-more-on-kids-fall-wardrobes-than-their-own.html and for additional resources for today’s modern families, mengunjungi www.Parenting.com.

The online resources available at Women Co. are one part of a comprehensive suite of online and digital services provided by Citi. Recent digital developments include the new Citibank Online, a new mobile banking platform being rolled out across the globe, click to call/chat via Twitter, the ThankYou^® Point Sharing App, Mobile Check Deposit, Citibank Popmoney^®, Citibank (Kindle Fire Edition) and Citibank for iPad^®, which independent research firm Forrester Research, Inc. highlighted in a January 2012 report entitled “Case Study: Citibank’s Tablet App Transforms the Digital Banking Experience.”

About Women Co.

Women Co., a service of Citi, is the go-to personal finance source for women. By providing financial content, commentary and community, Women Co.’s mission is to get women thinking and talking about personal finance. Didirikan di 2000, Women Co. is one of the longest running personal finance websites dedicated to helping women strengthen their financial futures. Berkicau: @WomenandCo

About Citi

Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Berkicau: @Citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://new.citi.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi

About The Parenting Group

The Parenting Group (TPG), home of Parenting.com and Parenting, Babytalk, and Conceive magazines, reaches over 15 million modern families every month, bringing them fresh ideas through print, digital, and social media, as well as mobile platforms, custom content, and events. TPG’s publications include Parenting, the leading voice in helping millennial families navigate the first years of a child’s life; Parenting School Years, the only magazine specifically designed to give families insight into the latest news and trends as they raise school-aged kids; Babytalk, which delivers fresh answers and ideas for today’s moms as they adjust to the new world of motherhood; and Conceive, a bi-annual guide for women trying to get pregnant. Parenting.com offers visitors all of the searchable and sharable content needed for the modern family lifestyle, with real-time access to the information they need now. TPG gathers custom insights from its Mom Testers panel, a nationally-representative online research network. Find us online at www.Parenting.com; on Twitter at @Parenting; on Pinterest at www.Pinterest.com/parenting, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/parenting. The Parenting Group is a division of Bonnier Corporation.