Tag Archives: Fashion

Lucy Liu Black Belt in Helping Prominent Causes

Posted on by
4

Actress Lucy Liu, is considered the most well-known and visible Asian American women in the media today. She is an active artist in several forms of media and a women you don’t want to make angry given her martial arts capabilities (expert in Kali-Eskrima-Silat, which is knife-and-stick fighting). But kidding aside, Lucy is a formidable force, she is the “Asian Excellence Award” winner for Visibility, and visibility comes in handy as she pursues roles as ambassador and spokesperson for a number of prominent causes.

Liu took part in the America: A Tribute to Heroes charity telethon for victims of 9/11. In 2001, she was the spokesperson for the Lee National Denim Day fundraiser, a single-day fundraiser created by Lee Jeans to support the women’s cancer programs run by the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 501©(3) non-profit, and the leading charitable organization of the entertainment industry, funding more than 300 charitable organizations annually, both in the Los Angeles area and throughout the United States.

I hope we can one day have Lucy Liu use the reach of our website and her wonderful sense of style to promote causes she is passionate about and help us help others. She certainly is no stranger to helping people around the world. Liu has traveled to Pakistan and Lesotho, among other countries, as an Ambassador for UNICEF.

 

She has also donated profits of her art shows directly to UNICEF and also through Whatever It Takes, a unique artwork campaign launched by 21st Century Leaders.

Lucy Liu has supported numerous charitable organizations during her fabulous acting career. Here are few charities where she has taken an active role: 21st Century Leaders, Bicycle For A Day, Entertainment Industry Foundation, Raising Malawi, UNICEF, and Whatever It Takes.

Keep up the great work Lucy, we look forward to your next block-buster role and we thank you for being a great role model and an inspiration to us all.

Do You Have a Closet or a Dungeon?

Posted on by
7

When you open the door to your closet, and for those with large walk-in closets take a step into it, what emotion do you feel? Is it a feeling of delight or one of dread?

If you are delighted please share with us how you achieved this form of nirvana.  We can all use guidance on making the experience of entering our closet a pleasant one.

On the other hand, if you are not delighted and moreover you have a sense of dread, disgust [that may be a bit strong], or general displeasure than it’s time to take action. Here is a “3-Pile” approach to help you sort through your fashions and accessories.

 

Pile number one – Clothes, accessories, jewelry, etc that you truly love. Stuff that fits well and you often get compliments on from strangers. These are all the items you would buy again today if you didn’t already own them.

Pile number two – All the items you rarely if ever wear, never feel good about, and/or you would never miss.

Pile number three – This one you may have to work on repeatedly, but for now these are the items you can’t decide whether to keep or not. Could be an emotional attachment, or clothing item you’d like to fit into again, or one you’re keeping because a special someone gave it to you. There are many reasons why items will be placed in this pile. Don’t stress over it too much, sleep on it and revisit this pile in a day or so.

Now take action. Arrange the items in pile #1 so you can see them and start taking notes on what you need to fill in any gaps in your wardrobe.

Start organizing pile #2 and get ready to set up your online store i.e., “closet” on www.Armadio.co  - Happy Shopping!

Gwyneth Paltrow Donates and Donates and…

Posted on by
6

Gwyneth Paltrow is a “charity machine.” This beautiful celebrity truly believes in giving back. Among the work she’s involved in is the donation Estée Lauder makes of a minimum of $500,000 of sales of items from the ‘Pleasures Gwyneth Paltrow’ collection to breast cancer research. In 2008, Paltrow donated $75,000 to the Food Bank For New York City.and said we all need to be doing more.

Paltrow also gives of her time serving on the board of the Robin Hood Foundation, a charitable organization which attempts to mitigate the many problems caused by poverty in the Big Apple (New York City). She hs been the Ambassador for the Saks Fifth Avenue Key To The Cure campaign against breast cancer. And, she narrated the UNICEF film The Gift.

However, it doesn’t stop there.Actress Gwyneth Paltrow – who is married to Coldplay singer Chris Martin – is a big supporter of Kids Company and British band Coldplay donated £1 million to this children’s charity in the UK. The group made this donation because the charity provides practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city children and young people. They focus especially on kids with severe emotional, behavioral and social difficulties, that resulted from significant experiences of trauma and neglect..

Last year, she cleaned out her closet for an auction to benefit the charity, and she recently designed a range of clothes to raise money for the organization. We hope that someday soon Gwyneth will work with Armadio to create a fundraiser that will do something spectacular!

Gwyneth Paltrow has supported many other charities, here are the names of a few of them: Act Green, American Cancer Society, Environmental Media Association, Healthy Child Healthy World, Hoping Foundation, Keep A Child Alive, The Lunchbox Fund, and UNICEF.

 

Way to Gwyneth! You are a role model and an inspiration to us all.

 

Longer Legs – Yes Please!

Posted on by
Reply

Nude is the best color for shoes ever! Nude will make your legs look longer, now who wouldn’t want that?

Of course, nude is not one color. It is the color that best approximates the color of your skin, And, in the winter that might be a shade lighter than in the summer after you’ve had some beach time. So, if you want that longer-leg look carefully match the shoe color to your skin color.

But don’t take my word for it, get a second opinion, bring a shopping buddy with you the next time you head out to the shoe store. If you don’t look a little taller and a little slimmer than maybe you haven’t picked out the right shoes!

Spotlight on Debra Messing

Posted on by
1

Hollywood stars know there are many causes that need a champion’s support.and that those in need are in need year-round. It’s wonderful to know that there are celebrities out there who are giving back to the communities they live in and not simply using their celebrity status to increase the glitter, red carpet events, and glamour that surrounds them. Numerous celebrities use the position and connections they have, not to mention their large incomes, for the greater good. We give these celebrities a standing ovation for the example they set and the good works they support.

One very good case-in-point is how Debra Messing rolls. She’s a New York’er and knows a thing or two about how hard city life can be on people.

One of Debra Messing’s more substantial efforts has been with the charity Trevor Project, which tackles a number of issues. This nonprofit organization helps in the prevention of suicide and promotes the acceptance of gay and questioning teenagers. She has in fact been the recipient of The Trevor Life Award, which is an honor few people have received. Debra has teamed up with Italian jeweler Bulgari in it’s efforts to help Save the Children with its 125th Anniversary campaign. She has participated as an advocate for other foundations and groups such as Feeding America, Autism Speaks, The Art of Elysium, and Clothes Off Our Back.

Wow Debra, we’re impressed and we want our readers to know about the great things you’re doing offstage. Perhaps one day soon you’ll consider using Armadio as a platform for conducting a fundraiser. You could show women some of the fabulous fashions in your closet by posting them online for sale with Armadio. If you did, I’m guessing women across America would stand up and be counted by donating to your favorite cause.  .

Debra Messing, we appaud you and wish you all the best in your career and your charitable work – we hope to see you participating on Armadio.co someday soon.

 

Originals from Long-ago Fashion Era

Posted on by
Reply

Who among us would like to find a designer original or a yesteryear artifact of jewelry from a long-ago fashion era at a fraction of the cost when new? Answer – pretty much all of us. A great find is always a welcome event.

However, to be successful you have to do your homework and there are several good sources to help you. One of these is Secondhand Chic: Finding Fabulous Fashion at Consignment, Vintage, and Thrift Stores by Christa Weil.

To be a savvy shopper in the preowned apparel, accessories, and jewelry market Weil suggests, actually insists, that you have to know fabrics, designers, and the quality of their designs. She recommends “field trips” to high end stores to learn about and evaluate designers and note taking is involved – sounds a lot like shopping to me and who would have a problem with that?

Other advice from Weil includes: Buying clothing that works best for your body shape. How to care for vintage clothing. And, indicators of great quality clothes, how to spot quality and workmanship. Christa explains the histories of fabrics and the different characteristics of each kind of fabric including the best way to care for them and the best way to wear them.

Bottom line – finding a great item is only a great find if it fits! . Becoming enamored with a piece that either does not fit you or doesn’t flatter you can lead to a poor choice and a waste of your precious clothing budget. Making wise choices is the end-game.

Monaco is Just Getting Started – Enter Angelina Jolie

Posted on by
1

Monaco is famous for many things among them the Formula One race on the streets on Monaco, which race driver Mark Weber of Australia won last Sunday. For those of you who don’t follow auto racing this is a premier race.

However, Monaco and excitement are always one in the same – I’m talking of course about the Monte-Carlo casinos such as Le Grand Casino. And, now we have something even more exciting taking place. Something I know you will want to see.

We are to be treated to another kind of extravaganza – an array of necklaces, earrings and bracelets that actress Angelina Jolie has worn to a variety of events including movie premieres. These fabulous sparkling items will be on display at the Grand Hotel in Cap Ferrat and Monaco’s prestigious Hotel de Paris on July 15 and August 15, concurrently.

As you might have guessed, these jewels are typically available for viewing only by private appointment. Leading gemstone specialist Procop has close ties with Jolie especially after designing the engagement ring Brad Pitt offered her earlier this year – what a couple!.

This venue will provide an unprecedented access to the line of jewelry. And, perhaps more importantly, the proceeds from the sale of the jewelry will be donated to the star’s charitable foundation. Way to go Angelina!

If you don’t already know Angelina Jolie is a champion for the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which helps children in need across the globe.

Angelina is a great role model and we applaud her work LOUDLY!

Perhaps one day she will open an online closet on Armadio, show us some of the fabulous fashions in her wardrobe and again make a donation to a great cause.as well as encourage other women and stars to follow in her footsteps.

Angelina, we wish you the very best and hope to see you participating on Armadio.co someday very soon.

 

Celebrities that Give Back – Spotlight on Sarah Jessica Parker

Posted on by
1

Hollywood stars know that Christmas isn’t the only time for giving and that those in need, need help all year long. It’s wonderful to know that numerous celebrities are out there giving back to the community whether local, national or international in scope. They are not just about the glitter, red carpet events, and glamour. Many celebrities use their position and connections {and large paychecks] for the greater good. We applaud them for what they do and for being role models for the rest of us.

Let’s take a look at an amazing star with fabulous fashion sense and a big heart.

Sarah Jessica Parker
Parker has had the appoint as the United States Ambassador for UNICEF since 1997. She has acted as a spokeswoman on numerous occasions for this charity. She’s been involved in and contributed items to charity auctions, participated in many of the charity’s major campaigns, and helped to launch one of UNICEF’s major projects – The Tap Project.

Sarah Jessica has taken part in the work of the Food Bank of New York City, the Small Steps Project, Friends In Deed, Shoe Revolt, AmFAR, and the telethon for victims of 9/11.

Wow what a great role model – we applaud her work LOUDLY!

Perhaps one day she will open an online closet on Armadio, show us some of the fabulous fashions in her wardrobe and again make a donation to a great cause.as well as encourage other women and stars to follow in her footsteps.

Ms, Parker, we wish you the very best and hope to see you participating on Armadio.co someday very soon.

 

 

Perfect Job Interview

Posted on by
2

What special attire, skills, and training do you think could make the difference when looking for a job? The answer is complicated, but we can offer a few tips that can help you prepare and make the most of your interviewing opportunities.

In many ways, an interview is like a test: it is a series of questions designed to help the interviewer decide whether you are the right candidate for the job. But, unlike a test you have to dress for success when you go on an interview.

Classic attire is the safest way to go and unless you are interviewing for a very unusual job  you would do well to follow the advice in our article titled  Understated Chic Diane Keaton Style

With respect to preparing for the interview, once you have dressed for success, there are a number of things you can do to be more prepared than you competition. Here are some tips that can help you:

Research the Company
You prepare for an interview in much the same way as you prepare for an exam, by learning everything you can about the subject in advance. There are four elements you need to learn about a company:

  • What does the company do?
  • Who are their customers or clients?
  • Who are their major competitors?
  • What is their standing in the industry?

Much of this information can be found online or in the library. Visit the company website and any related blogs. Search the trade journals and business papers for articles. Know your target audience, before you walk in the door.

Find Out Who Is Interviewing You
You should know some basic information about the interviewer beforehand:

Learn About the Job
And of course, you need to know as much as possible about the position:

Anticipate and Prepare for Typical Questions
Now that you have an interview scheduled and have done your homework about the company, it’s time to practice for the interview itself. Although you will never know in advance which questions you will be asked, it is safe to assume that you will have to answer some if not all the questions below in some form:

  • · What are your strengths?
  • · Why should I hire you?
  • · Why do you want to leave your current job?
  • · How has your education and experience prepared you for this job?
  • · What have you done outside of formal education to prepare for this job?
  • · Why did you choose this profession?
  • · What sets you apart from the other candidates we have interviewed?
  • · Where do you see yourself in three to five years?

How You Answer is as Important as What You Answer
With this in mind, you can prepare to answer even the dreaded negative questions, such as: “What is your biggest weakness.” By preparing ahead of time, you can turn a potentially awkward question into an opportunity to show that you have learned from your mistakes. For example, you might say: “I used to think speed was the answer to everything, but I’ve learned that rushing can lead to errors. I’ve worked hard to become more methodical and to double check my work.”

Listen Carefully
Good listening skills are the most important asset you can bring to an interview, to your job and to life in general. Remember, every question the interviewer asks really means: “What can you do for me and are you a fit with this company, department, or division?” By asking relevant questions and really listening to the interviewer, you can address his or her specific wants and needs. When the interviewer is speaking, give your full attention.

Asking Good Questions is as Important as Giving Good Answers
The questions you ask reveal a lot about you.

  • Interest Level and Enthusiasm
  • Knowledge Base
  • Communication Skills

Listening and asking questions are skills that you need to practice. Master them and you will set yourself apart from the competition. Use them and you will advance throughout your career!

____________________________________________________

This guidance is from a three-part series presented by Shirley Baron of Smith Hanley Associates to help you prepare for interviewing. if you would like to read the full series go to this web page: Three Part Series on Interviewing Preparation and Practice

 

 

Do Your Clothes Lift You Up or Bring You Down?

Posted on by
4

Using my keen sense of observation, I have decided that we often act like upright walking squirrels gone mad.

When I look in some closets (mine included) it appears we are like squirrels, but without the excuse that we need to store food for winter. Said more simply we collect and store clothes, hats, handbags etc. etc. and cling to these items long after they are of use to us. We jam things in every corner of the draws, shelves, closets and baskets we own. If we run out of places to put belongs we buy boxes and containers – ever heard of a junk drawer! Of course you have. This is the ultimate sign of too much stuff…we acknowledge it. We call it “JUNK.”

However, do we get rid of it? Of course not! And, if you’re like me, you keep pushing down the old junk in the drawer to make room for new junk. This madness must stop!

I know you’re going to tell me that the clothes, shoes, scarfs, bracelets (I’m talking about the ones you never wear) all have sentimental value, but do you truly remember why anymore?

Won’t it feel good to purge every now and again? Do you get the urge to purge especially (but not limited to) the spring season? We call it “spring cleaning” but trust me it feels good any time of the year.

Here’s a possible path out of the madness. In the book, SoulSpace, by Xorin Balbes the author describes how our homes reflect and even direct our lives based on what we have in them. He helps people figure out what is and more importantly, what isn’t working…spatially in your home. Xorin provides a process to help you create a SoulSpace that respects your past, celebrates who you are now, and helps you intelligently move into the future.

Here is one question to get you started: Do your associations with your belongings lift you up or bring you down?

Many of you probably do this with relationships, but have you ever asked this question regarding your clothes? We keep pieces of clothing, accessories, and jewelry (especially jewelry) for all sorts of reasons not always consciously as you may now be realizing. The really cool thing is that assessing our belongings based on how they make us feel is totally a revelation or at least it was for me!

This one question led to a deep and passionate reassessment of my wardrobe. Looking at your clothes based on how they make you feel is cathartic. You’ll be smiling in no time. Simply ask “Does it make me smile or does it irritate me? Does this jewelry make me feel guilty or happy? Do I have fond memories or any memories at all about this hat or the person who gave it to me? If you’re going to wear these things, you should feel good about it! If you are starting to feel the urge to purge, go for it!

PS When you are done purging, select out the pieces that have value and get busy photographing them so you can sell them online – just because they don’t work for you doesn’t mean someone else won’t love them.