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February, 2005
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What to Wear With Ugg Boots?
by Brian Fong

The question of what to wear with ugg boots is
a simple one to answer. This popular style of boot
can be worn with just about anything. There
are no fashion rules when it comes to wearing
these boots. In fact, it seems that wearing this style of boot breaks almost every fashion-related rule.

Ugg boots are available in many different colors and styles and it is this enormous selection which makes the boots so versatile and desirable. The styles run the gamut from the casual look of the standard three quarter boot in a natural shade to the flamboyant and funky long haired pink boot. Whatever color you can think of, the sheep skin can be dyed to match.

People are wearing these popular boots to the office, on the dance floor, out to dinner, and while on vacation to the slopes or to the shores. Whatever look you are trying to achieve, you can achieve it with ugg boots. And these boots are not geared towards any one segment of society. Men, women, children and infants can all find a pair of ugg boots to match their size and their style.

Think wearing boots at the beach sounds crazy? Well, this is what surfers did back in the seventies. In fact, even though sheep skin boots had been around for quite some time, it was surfers who started the craze. Australia is a great place to surf, and since ugg boots are made from Australian sheep skin their existence was already well-known in the land down under. After emerging from Australia's cold ocean waters, surfers needed something which could quickly warm their feet. They found their answer in ugg boots. These boots became as essential a part of a surfer's gear as a surfboard. As Australian surfers traversed the globe in search of the perfect wave, they took their boots along and in no time at all, the popularity of the sheep skin boot exploded.

Ugg boots that are made from genuine sheep skin can be worn in all types of weather. When one thinks of boots, one tends to relate boots to cold weather. While it is true that these boots will keep feet warm in temperatures as low as 30ºF, the sheep skin encourages air circulation which helps to keep feet cool even as the ambient temperature climbs. The natural wicking action of the sheep skin draws perspiration and other sources of moisture away from the skin.

These boots are comfortable, too, fitting as snugly as a second skin. And because they are comfortable, people are wearing them everywhere with everything. The styles of ugg boots range from tall to short and everywhere in between. There are clog styles and slipper styles. Tie up laces, top-stitching, buckles and snaps are just some of the accessories that can be added to these boots to change the appearance. There are styles for achieving an ultra feminine look or the rugged mountain-man look. Ugg boots are available in black, brown, brown, blue, purple, red, natural, gray, off-white and more.

So break out of your fashion rule mentality and let your imagination go wild. Get yourself a pair of ugg boots and wear them with you jeans, wear them to work on casual Friday, or pair them up with your Sunday best. Wear these functional yet attractive boots in daily life and even while on vacation. If celebrities can wear them during breaks in filming and children can wear them to school, and if Aussies can wear them out in the sheep shearing sheds, then you can wear them too.

About The Author
Brian Fong
Sheep Skin Boots
http://www.sheep-skin-boots-guide.com
There are no fashion rules when it comes to wearing ugg boots. Tie up laces, top-stitching, buckles and snaps are just some of the accessories that can be added to these boots to change the appearance.

by A. Charlotte Riley

Handbags, purses, totes, clutches, shoulder bags - I don't care what you call them, I love them all. I am a handbag addict. I have them in a countless array of styles and colors.

Trends come and go, but "tote couture  remains. True handbag fashion is timeless. It is not about seasonal fads, but about creating a personal style and reflecting your good taste. A good purse will last not only for this season, but also for years to come. This means investing in quality bags, taking care of your purses and totes, and shopping for styles that work best for you.

Here are a few simple rules:

The Person-To-Bag Ratio
Do not carry a bag that overwhelms your body size. Petite women should not be lugging around oversized bags that slap their thighs because they hang too low from the shoulder. Not only does it look bad, but can be harmful to your lower back if your bag is too big and too heavy for your frame. Conversely, tall women look silly with a wrist purse. Shop according with proportion in mind.

Summertime is Fun Time!
Enjoy your summer and be more playful with your purse selection. Invest in straw bags, brighter colors, clutch purses with retro designs or a Pucci pattern shoulder bag. Generally speaking, summertime purses are less expensive and so it is easier to experiment with a variety of styles and colors. Find bags that complement particular outfits.

Quality Is In the Details
Before screaming, "I love it - it must be MINE!  and running to the cashier with credit card in hand, take a good look at the bag. Examine the lining to make sure it fits properly and isn't too loose. Be sure the clasp or closure of the bag works properly and looks solidly made. Inspect the stitching and see if there is any fraying or other sign of poor quality.

The Care and Feeding Of Your Purse
Just as leather and suede shoes need a little TLC, so do leather and suede bags. Purchase products to help keep the leather soft, supple and lustrous and apply them several times a year. Remove any stains on fabric bags with warm water and a mild detergent. Rub in a circular motion, and never, ever scrub at the fabric. Check the maintenance instructions that come with your new purse and follow them.

Choose Your Bag According To the Occasion
Are you going to an evening gala? The beach? To a little café to meet some friends? Is the bag for work? All of these situations require a different purse to suit different needs. A hobo-style bag is too unstructured for a formal event such as an evening gala. A better option is a clutch or wrist bag, with beading, a luxurious fabric, or an eye-catching color to accent your little black dress. Despite the popular trend toward casual office attire, a student-style knapsack is inappropriate corporate attire. Women should look at other options such as a Kelly bag, a supple leather school bag, a structured messenger bag or even a large leather tote.

Mixing and Matching
Should you choose your everyday black handbag, or go for your new aqua Mulberry Roxy bag? It may sound simple, but it really depends on what you are wearing and how you feel. At one time, it was de rigueur to match your handbag and your shoes. Over the years that rule has become less important. Nowadays, handbag fashion is more about creating a look. Consider the color of your outfit, and choose a handbag that accents it. If your look is monochromatic grey, you might want to consider something that will make your outfit pop, like fashionista pink. However, if you are wearing a highly patterned dress, consider a simple cigar box purse, pulling one of the colors from your dress.

Style - It's in the Bag
Attention shoppers: Get out there and express your personal style and attitude through one of the most fashionable accessories on the market, the handbag. When shopping for your new best friend consider your lifestyle, your body type, your wardrobe and the quality of the goods, but most of all have fun and look fabulous, darlings!

About The Author
A. Charlotte Riley has worked as an Internet editor, optimized content producer, marketing writer and researcher. She has a BFA from Concordia University, majoring in Photography. http://www.acriley.com.
What to Wear With Ugg Boots?
by Brian Fong

Crack the Clandestine Code of Diamonds
by M J Plaster
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