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Urban Outfitters seems to be a prestigious name in retailing, but it wasn't until just a few days ago that I learned about Anthropologie. If you haven't heard, seen, or been in an Anthropologie retail store, you are missing an experience, I kid you not.

After visiting the store, I dug up some numbers that shocked me. Here's one that really left an impression: the typical Anthropologie customer spends eighty minutes in the store per visit. Eighty -- that's one and a third hours on each visit. How much time do you think the average customer spends with other retailers? Fifteen minutes. That's an amazing number that should convey loads about the feel of the stores.

Anthropologie was founded to capitalize on patrons of the Urban Outfitters store who outgrew UA's fashions. As such, the target market for Anthropologie clothing is a 30 to 40'ish sophisticated woman with high discretionary income. Not a bad niche to target!

Ask ten women what they think of Anthropologie and you'll likely get . . . one opinion! Almost unanimously, people love the store, but aren't crazy about the prices. Granted, they are high, but for good reason. Anthropologie is very selective and exclusive with their clothing lines, and just about everything you find in a store is limited edition. Heck, they even have a good number of one-of-a-kind items!

These items tend to fly off of the shelves, leaving oddball items scattered about, but that leads to an opportunity for shoppers: namely, sales racks. There are quite a few discounted items if you're not against searching, which I'm sure contributes to the long shopping visits.

What impresses me the most about Anthropologie clothes is the distinctive styling. Their clothes include a lot of flowery prints, laces, and delicate details, but look classy and sophisticated at the same time. The feeling that I get is that it's a clothing line for beautiful women who don't feel they need to reveal half of their bodies to look attractive. Home run, I'd say.

If you're really looking for a bargain, you can find discount Anthropologie clothing online - not through the Anthropologie store, but through other retailers. I can't imagine that these items are wholesale, and with the high turnover in clothing, I would doubt it's made up of last season's items either, but the price is attractive!

Here's the bottom line: if you haven't yet stepped foot in an Anthropologie store, find out if there's one in the vicinity. It really is a great shopping experience. But beware of the prices!

There is no woman who doesn't love a pair of pants which flatters her figure. Pants which fit properly can make you look great, but if you have pants which are too tight they can draw attention to areas you would rather have go unnoticed. There can be creases, bulging and the zipper may slide partially open - all of which makes the wearer appear to be overweight. A well fitting pair of pants can cover up imperfections and lend an attractive silhouette to the wearer. Everyone wants to look their best; part of this is getting clothes which fit properly.

Before shopping for a new pair of pants, take careful and accurate measurements. This way, you'll be able to shop for the right size from the get-go. Take a look at this chart to find your size from your measurements; the measurements are given in both inches and centimetres to help you in online clothes shopping.

Size | Waist | Hips
10 (S) | 70cm (27 inches) | 97cm (38 inches)
12 (S) | 75cm (29 inches) | 102cm (40 inches)
14 (M) | 80cm (31 inches) | 107cm (42 inches)
16 (M) | 85cm (33 inches) | 112cm (44 inches)
18 (L) | 90cm (35 inches) | 117cm (46 inches)
20 (L) | 95cm (37 inches) | 122 cm (48inches)
22 (XL) | 100cm (39 inches) | 127 cm (50 inches)
24 (XL) | 105 cm (41 inches) | 132 cm (52 inches)
26 (2XL) | 110 cm (43 inches) | 137 cm (54 inches)
28 (2XL) | 115 cm (45 inches) | 142 cm (56 inches)
30 (3XL) | 120 cm (47 inches) | 147 cm (58 inches)

When using the chart, go with the larger measurement of your hips or waist to determine the size to look for. If you have a 95 centimetre waist and 127 centimetre hips, then a size 22 is what you should be looking for. Even if the pants fit around your waist just fine, if they don't give you a proper fit around the hips, they're not going to work.

When you take hip measurements make sure you take it at the widest point. If the tops of the thighs are wider than the hips use the widest point to get a good fit. Some companies create their own sizing chart and you need to use their measurements. These are the traditional sizing.

Measure your inseam. If you have shorter legs, it's always best to have the pant touch the top of the shoe without excess hanging over. Allow the back of the pant hem to brush the middle of the back of your shoe. Use a petite size if your inseam is less than 75 cm or 29 inches. For those that have inseams at 29 inches, it's best to get a regular and adjust the length yourself if necessary. Those whose inseam is 82 cm (32 inches) or longer need to look at the tall sizing.

A gathered waist emphasizes weight so stick with straight pants to disguise a large hip and waist but use a longer jacket length to hide it. In an effort to hide their extra weight, some women select baggy or loose fitting pants. These actually make the person wearing them look larger. Short-legged women can use tiny vertical stripes to make their legs look longer and give the illusion of height. A wide belled bottom actually is best for the longer legged woman.

By taking accurate measurements, you'll make the process of finding the perfect pants much easier. Take your measurements honestly; these are only for you to see remember - this will ensure a better fit which will flatter your figure and help you to look your best.

A felt cowboy hat is not exactly cheap. So it is worth your while to take good care of it. If you take good care of it, it will not only last you longer but it will look every bit as good as it did when you bought it!

Prevention is better than cure! That adage is equally applicable to felt cowboy hats. This means that you should do everything to keep the hat from getting soiled. That includes washing your hands before picking it up. This is important because cleaning a felt cowboy hat is really difficult. Besides, too much cleaning can actually damage the material.

Another thing to bear in mind to prevent the hat from getting all messed up is to handle the hat only by the brim, back and front. Resist the temptation to hold it by the crown. Using the brim to pick up the hat or to position it on your head will help to keep the hat in good shape too. An out-of-shape hat will say the same thing about you.

When you're not wearing it, store the hat away in its original hat box. If you don't have the original hat box, then find another one of suitable size to accommodate your hat. Never leave the hat lying around on a table or other exposed place. Do you know the proper way to keep a hat in storage? The proper way to store a hat is upside down! Store it on its crown not on its brim. The brim will "wilt" with the weight of the hat if it is stored for any great length of time. If you choose to hang the hat on a hat stand, then of course, the hat goes right side up!

Protect the hat from strong heat sources. That means you don't leave the hat near the radiator or the furnace. Doing so will shrink the sweat band and that means you'll not be able to get the hat to fit you again!

Protect the hat from getting wet. Water is enemy number one. In case it does get wet let the hat dry out normally and naturally. Be careful not to try to hasten the process by using a blower or, worse, a hair drier! The brim has a tendency to lose shape when it gets wet. To get the weight of the hat off the brim when you let it stand to dry, turn the sweat band inside out, and rest the hat on the sweat band instead. When the hat dries out, do what you can to reshape the sweat band and the rest of the hat to its original appearance and shape.

A felt cowboy hat will tolerate a little rain, now and again. But it will really be better if you use a hat cover for those rainy days.

Your felt cowboy hat has a tendency to lose shape real fast and get dirty just as quickly. If you follow these tips, your hat will remain in prime condition for a great many years. Maybe your felt cowboy hat may turn into a real heirloom, yet!

A felt cowboy hat is not exactly cheap. So it is worth your while to take good care of it. If you take good care of it, it will not only last you longer but it will look every bit as good as it did when you bought it!

Your great looking felt cowboy hat won't look great if it is all grimy and dirty. Getting the dirt out of a felt cowboy hat is the devil itself. The felt is likely to get damaged in the process, too. As the old saying goes: 'An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure'. It means that instead of spending time over cleaning the hat up, it will be better not to let the hat get soiled in the first place! The most common reason of soilage is the sweat and grime that gets transferred from your hands to the hat when you pick it up, or position it on your head. Moral: Make sure your hands are clean afore touching that felt cowboy hat.

Another point is that you should handle the hat by the brim, not the crown. The hat will lose its shape the more you push and pull the crown. The crown will be cleaner too.

Keep the felt cowboy hat in its own box. If you don't have the box for the hat, then hang the hat on a hat stand. The hat should be stored upside down to help it keep its shape.

Protect the hat from strong heat sources. That means you don't leave the hat near the radiator or the furnace. Doing so will shrink the sweat band and that means you'll not be able to get the hat to fit you again!

Don't let the hat get wet. If by chance it does get wet, then dry it out very carefully! You may have to reshape the brim. Let it dry naturally. Turn the sweat band inside out. Then rest the hat on the sweat band. When the hat dries out, reshape the sweat band and the rest of the hat into its original form.

A good quality felt cowboy hat can take an occasional drizzle. Still, if you value your felt cowboy hat you will use a hat cover. Use the hat cover when you're wearing the hat outdoors and it looks like rain. Using the hat cover to keep the hat dry will add years to its life.

I hope you understood the tips in this article. They'll help in keeping your felt cowboy hat in perfect condition for a long time to come.

When choosing pajamas people generally think about comfortable clothes, things like soft flannels or cottons. Many people just like sleeping in their oldest most comfortable clothes.

Because many people view lingerie as a luxury for the elite only, they sometimes miss out on what a lot of savvy people know. These people wear lingerie anonymously under their daily garb and suddenly noticed a feeling of confidence. Just the small act of wearing a little lingerie as part of your every day outfit, even though for the most part hidden, may give you that needed boost.

Because lingerie comes in all manner of designs and prices, there is a huge choice. Starting with the more conservative and moving to the most creative and sometimes oddly designed, there is a vast array of lingerie to choose from. With such a huge range shopping for lingerie is sometimes a mind boggling experience.

A popular theory with lingerie is that the materials color has a meaning, and this needs to be taken into account when choosing your wardrobe. People also think that a color of lingerie also reflects your personality, or even the message you want to get across.

So Lets Look at one Color, what's the meaning of black.

If you think about it, I'm sure you will agree black is the default lingerie color. In fact in many shops a huge percentage of selling space is dedicated to black lingerie. Actually wearing black lingerie has been shown to mean the wearer leans towards the bold. It has been proven that even if people cant see the garment, it can still be responsible for feelings of control and power over ones self and others.

Because lingerie provokes such a strong mental reaction, a women wearing it will many times feel beautiful and can often been seen as untouchable with this secret knowledge. With this in mind you would have to agree that black lingerie speaks confidence and is seldom worn by shy women.

Another quietly hidden feeling that is evoked when purchasing black is the feeling of the hidden mysterious. This has been found in women purchasing this color, even if they originally did not know the meaning. One thing we haven't discussed is black along with red as a powerful tool of seduction. But in general black just means a desire to be mysterious and noticed.

With lingerie coming in many different colors and each of these having their own special meanings and feelings, it is important not to forget the other power color, RED. That's right black and red mean the some of the same things, with red been known as another masterful color. Armed with our article today now is the time to take the plunge and add excitement to your life and join the secret lingerie wearing club today.

Diamond Jewellery can be a very lucrative asset. Because of their beauty and popularity, diamonds are generally considered to be a safe investment. However this is only true if you are smart about the pieces that you buy! Whether you are looking for a diamond necklace, diamond ring, or any other diamond jewellery, you should ensure that the pieces contain only certified diamonds - this is the first step to making a wise diamond investment.

There are many types of jewellers and diamond dealers out there. Your first stop should always be a dealer who offers legitimate certified diamonds. Sure, others may be lower in price - however if you use a certified dealer then you can be assured that what you get is a quality product and not just a cheap imitation. The biggest mistake that buyers make when purchasing their diamond jewellery is getting blinded by the look of the jewellery instead of finding out the facts about the diamond itself.

Of course it is important that you look for diamond jewellery that is pleasing to your tastes and that will be a timeless addition to a jewellery collection - but it is still imperative that you know that that piece you have fallen for is everything that you want it to be. To your untrained eye the diamond you have selected might look dazzling and perfect, yet there are many flaws that can be found in diamonds that are only visible to trained gemologists under close scrutinisation. Any flaw in the diamond can severely affect its current value and it's future appreciation. This is very important to note, as when you purchase a piece of diamond jewellery it is generally considered that you are acquiring an asset that will go up in value over the years.

If you are looking at making a truly safe investment, then the diamonds you purchase must be of excellent quality. This is why buying a certified diamond is so important. A certified diamond will come with a report written by a trained gemologist and will cover the dimensions, clarity, color, polish and symmetry of the diamond, amongst other information. It will also list the cut of the diamond so that you can ensure you are looking at the right piece. A diamond can only be certified by a gemologist who is highly trained in the field of diamonds and who can spot any minor or major flaw with ease. These professionals are always experts in their industry, so you can rest assured that your certificate will cover absolutely every aspect of the diamond.

It is your right as a buyer to request to see the written certification. When you have made a decision on the piece that you want, you should ask to see the diamond certification immediately. The certificate should very clearly list any flaws with the diamond so that you know exactly what you are buying. If for any reason the dealer tries to dissuade or distract you from seeing it, this is a very clear indication that your pick may not be what it seems. The dealer that you are shopping with should be happy to show you the certification for the diamond jewellery that you are considering. Remember, you are making a serious investment for your future, so you should be able to trust that the dealer will be very upfront with you about the diamond you are looking at. If you encounter any behaviour that is less-than-honest you should walk away, straight away.

Being a savvy investor means doing your research and being smart about where you shop and what you buy. When it comes to investing in diamond jewellery, the smartest thing you can do is ensure that any piece you buy only contains certified diamonds.

A Quinceanera is a celebration of a young girl and the recognition of her journey from childhood to maturity. It is a custom in all Latino cultures. This special event is similar to a Sweet 16 party.

Since this is a very special occasion the young lady should dress accordingly. She should wear a gown to complement the celebration. Consider a few things when choosing the right dress.

Color: The traditional color of the gown is white or pale pink. Aside from these, the colors of light blue or other pastel colors are best options. There are those who prefer to wear white gown with colorful beadings. Young celebrants usually wear lighter, cool and pastel colors as dark colored gowns are more matured. Consider your preference and style that suits your age.

Style: Gowns in this type of event should be full length. Pick a gown that compliments your body type.

Apple Body Type: Elongated bodices and full skirts only create a bigger waistline, as do the corset skirts that criss cross in the middle area, so avoid this type of design. A V-neckline style with an empire waistline will look better for this type of body.

Pear Body Type: You should avoid gowns with a puffy skirt; it will only emphasize your shape. Shop for a gown that creates a balance to your upper and lower body. A gown with shoulder areas that are puffy is also suitable.

Hourglass Body Type: Don't wear a gown that has too much decoration on it or with a full skirt. Think about a design with a v-neck with off the shoulder. This design will give your body balance.

Square Body Type: Envision a beaded v-neckline gown with a full skirt. This style will create an illusion of a shape or curves in the body.

Inverted Pear Body Type: A design that suits young ladies with this type of body includes gowns with simple sleeves with full skirts. Avoid wearing the puffy or padded design of sleeves, gowns with empire cut waistlines and gowns with slim skirts.

The celebration starts with a mass. The Quinceanera might consider wearing a shawl to enter the church. After the program starts she can remove it.

If you choose a strapless gown make sure it is fitted by a professional seamstress. Otherwise you can be very uncomfortable and spend all your time pulling it up. At the reception it is mostly dancing, so you should re-consider a strapless dress.

The purpose of finding the right dress is for the convenience of the person wearing it. The gown should complement the girl's body type and should feel comfortable so she can feel great and enjoy her party.

A good handbag is more than a fashion accessory. It's a necessity. In fact, many women have multiple handbags for different occasions. They come in different sizes and shapes and with different accessories. There are handbags for daytime, evening, different seasons and more. Each one makes unique statements about you, the owner.

If you really want to make a statement, designer clutch handbags are the way to go, definitely. They are very unique and usually have the designers name or logo on them. Each one is a work of art that really makes a statement. Of course, there is some expense involved, but a designer clutch handbag is worth a little extra money.

Of course, you could choose to carry any sort of designer handbag. There's something to be said for all of them. But designer clutch handbags are especially stylish.

Another great thing is that designer clutch handbags have a convenient kiss lock, which prevents your items from falling out. They are also usually rectangular, tiny and convenient. Sometimes they are lined with expensive fabrics, too.

Conveniently, many designer clutch handbags also feature a small chain. The chain can be used to wear the handbag over your shoulder, rather than holding it. If you'd rather hold it, though, you can just conveniently tuck the chain inside the handbag.

Clutch handbags can be taken anywhere and worn in a number of ways. You can do anything from carry them in your hand to tuck them under your arm to wear them over your shoulder with a strap. They're very versatile.

The only problem with such a handbag is that they are designed to be small, so they can't hold as much as a normal handbag would. Designer clutch handbags are only designed to carry essentials. Make up, a mirror, some lipstick and whatever else you might need for an evening will fit in one, though.

Designer clutch handbags can say a lot of things about a person. Depending on what message you want to send, they may or may not be right for you. They can show off your beauty and femininity. They can show your willingness to spend money for quality items. They can even show your willingness to keep life as simple as possible and use only the essential items for a night out. So, think about what statement you want your designer clutch handbag to make.