Thursday, May 6, 2010

Top Dermatologists’ Skin-Care Secrets

Keep It Clean

“Skin can look dull thanks to a dead outer layer of skin cells, so I slough them off each morning with a gentle exfoliating wash that contains tiny, round beads. Synthetic beads are gentler on skin than those made from nuts, shells or pits, which can tear skin.”


Maximize Moisturizer



“I use a moisturizer containing coffee berry, an antioxidant that not only improves my skin tone and texture but also fights off further environmental damage.”

Reverse Aging


“Retinoids have a great deal of science and hard data behind them, proving that they can slow down and reverse certain signs of aging by increasing cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, making pores look smaller, fading brown spots and clearing acne. I put it around the mouth and lower third of my face, since this is where aging hits hardest.”


Be Smart About Sun


“My biggest problem is sun exposure, which is why I apply an antioxidant sunscreen daily to sun-exposed areas of my face and body. It contains a high concentration of zinc and titanium oxides, ingredients that offer strong UVA and UVB protection without being irritating.”

Heal Skin While You Sleep


If I’m fighting melasma – brown patches I get after spending time outside – or have dark spots in areas where acne is fading away, I apply Tri-Luma Cream. It’s a prescription product that lightens and brightens skin because it combines hydroquinone, a low-potency steroid and a retinoid.”


Keep Lips Luscious


“I exfoliate my lips a few times a week – you can do this gently with a washcloth or toothbrush. This removes dead skin, wards off dry, cracked lips and brings back that juicy, youthful pink color.”

Prevent Cancer


“I use Efudex, a topical anti-cancer prescription medication on my skin twice yearly. This removes topical pre-cancerous growths that aren’t visible to the eye. Recent studies show that this medication also promotes new collagen formation.”


Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma (sBCC) sBCC is among the most common types of skin cancer, that traditionally does NOT spread to other parts of the body. sBCC has become more common in younger patients, probably due to increased sun exposure.3 The lifetime risk of developing some type of nonmelanoma skin cancer is 33%-39%.4 sBCC is another condition that is commonly treated with EFUDEX® 5% Solution or Cream when conventional methods such as surgery are impractical.

What Can I Expect During My AK Treatment?

During the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, the areas of your skin affected by AK or sBCC lesions will probably turn red and look and feel irritated. This is typical and should not cause concern. The redness, crusting, and peeling are signs that EFUDEX® is working to eliminate the unhealthy cells. Even though this stage of treatment may be unattractive and somewhat uncomfortable, it is important that you do not stop the therapy.

Some patients may be concerned with the inflammation associated with EFUDEX® therapy. Talk to your doctor; he or she can best assess the situation and advise you.

Areas of your skin where there were no lesions may become red and inflamed. This is because abnormal cells can become inflamed even if the cells were not previously noticeable on the skin's surface.1, 18-20 The more AKs you have, the more redness and inflammation you can expect during treatment.

Think Thin for Better Skin


“I exercise 7 days a week, either running, stair climbing or kickboxing. Exercise keeps my weight under control despite my sweet tooth and improves circulation to my skin, which gives me a glow.”

Reduce Wrinkle-Causing Habits


“I never drink out of a straw. All that puckering can cause wrinkles around the mouth. I’ve also trained myself to sleep on my back, because crushing one side of your face into your pillow causes wrinkles.”


resource:  http://www.lifescript.com/Slideshows/Beauty/Top%20Dermatologists%20Skin-Care%
20Secrets.aspx?utm_campaign=2010-05-06-49811&utm_source=healthy-advantage&utm_medium
=email&utm_content=healthy-well-wise_Top%20Dermatologists%20Ski&FromNL=1&sc_date=
20100506T000000

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

How To Avoid Allergies From Gold Plated Chains

By Steve Willis

One out of every seven individuals will have an allergic reaction to nickel. The result of this can be intense itching, cracking of the skin, rash and unsightly weeping blisters. Unfortunately, the most common source of this allergy - also referred to as allergic contact dermatitis - is in gold plated jewelery. Gold plated chains, in particular, can be a nuisance as the evidence of dermatitis is in the most conspicuous of places, framing your face and hard to camouflage.

Plating gold is an affordable way to give a consumer the look of gold at a reduced cost. However, one in seven people will start to develop a nasty rash once the thin painted layer begins to wear away with repeated shifting and rubbing against the skin. Unless you prefer to wear your chains over a turtleneck on a daily basis, you will eventually see a scaly and sometimes weeping rash running a circle around your neck.

Some people advocate buying 12 karat gold or higher to prevent such problems, but sometimes budgetary restraints limit us. Others suggest coating your gold plated items in clear nail polish but that is not always a great idea either. Nail polish will flake off easily and it also contains toxic chemicals like phthalates, toluene and formaldehyde which are not the best things to be in contact with.

There are ways to circumvent this though, short of upgrading all the chains in your jewelry box.

1. Test your new jewelery.

If you've purchased something you really like, or were given something you want to hang on to, you can test it with a chemical solution to see if it is safe to wear. You can even buy kits easily on the Internet for this purpose. The liquid is dabbed onto the chain and forms a reaction, indicating whether there is any nickel content to spark an allergic reaction.




2. Guarding.

Also on the market to make your jewelery collection viable, is a solution that can be painted on. Rather than using clear nail polish as some of us have done in the past, use this a jewelery-specific formula (this can also be obtained through the Internet) in order to create a protective film to protect the gold plating from wearing off. The problem with using nail polish, by the way, is that it's prone to flake easily anyway and can include a long list of toxic chemicals.

3. Prep your skin with moisturizer.

In a pinch, the best alternative option is to put a barrier directly on your skin. Before wearing your chain, rub in a moisturizer or cream around your neck and collar bone. Petroleum jelly can be a good alternative for this as well. By forming a barrier on your skin, you'll prevent direct content from the jewelery, at least for the day's worth of wear.

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What is a Wardrobe Swap?

By Erika Chloe

Instead of hibernating this winter, why not clean out your wardrobe and have a clothing swap with your closes friends? Wardrobe consultants claim that women only wear 20% of the clothes in their closet. Instead of stocking your closet full of clothes you never wear why not donate the reaming 80% to your friends. Wardrobe and clothing swap parties have been popping up in cities worldwide changing the way women shop. Instead of spending the afternoon in retail stores, friends are bonding and shopping for free at clothing swap parties. Wardrobe Consultants worldwide are buzzing about this new fashion craze. So shop green by recycling your unused garments and save green at the same time! Here are some tips to ensure a successful wardrobe exchange or clothing swap with your girlfriends, neighbors or colleagues.

First you will need some friends. Call your friends and have them call a few people. Try to include women who fall into the same size category. They don't have to be the exact same size as you because many people get rid of things that are too small or big. However, you don't want anyone to leave empty handed or feel neglecting when none of the garments are in her size. So think ahead and plan according to sizes in order to ensure everyone is part of the party. Each friend will perform a wardrobe analysis and audit their closet. This will motivate all your friends to clean out their closets; they will thank you later! They will all make a pile of things that they want to bring to the wardrobe exchange. This will include garments they don't wear or have a need for anymore. Items that are damaged, stained or worn out should be removed from the pile. Nobody will want a stained t-shirt or sweater with holes in it. Have them place all the discarded garments into a large garbage bag that will be easy to throw into the car or carry. Every participant should fill up at least one garbage bag. If you have a lot of people coming to your clothing swap, you can request less. It's really your call based on the size of your house.

Wardrobe exchange parties should provide an assortment of garments including: coats, handbags, accessories and clothing. If you want to include shoes, that's ok too. You want to keep your guests entertained as well. For some extra excitement, ask your guests to bring a guilty pleasure food. Our fashion consultants and wardrobe consultants recommend anything with sugar that will keep the girls happy. Foods like cupcakes, brownies, cookies, danish, champagne, mimosas or a little bit of wine will keep your guests giggly and bubbly. If you are ore of a health nut then opt for veggies, fruit salad or lattes. Place the food in a room separate from the clothing so that fibers don't make their way into the snacks. When your guests arrive with their bags of clothing, invite them into the snack room while you take their clothes and arrange them in the clothing swap room. When you arrange the clothes, be sure to separate everything to different piles so your guests can easily maneuver the garments. Make different piles including: coats, tops, blouses, pants, skirts, dresses, soft accessories and jewelry. Once the piles are established, invite your guests in the wardrobe swap room and explain the piles and the rules.

The rules of a clothing swap are pretty established to avoid confrontation and ensure a good time is had by all. They are pretty simple to follow and will introduce some silliness to your swap. Our wardrobe consultants and image consultants recommend that you inform your guests of the rules prior to shopping so that everyone is included and no one is left out. The rules include: * Everyone must claim their garment when someone else selects it from the swap pile. This will give the owner a chance to speak up in the event they are having second thoughts about their donation. * Make sure to tell your friends the swap is seasonal. This will keep everyone focused on the things they need for the current season. It is hard for people to think they need swimsuits and sandals when there is 3" of snow on the ground. * If two people want the same garment you can do two of the following. Have a simple coin toss or have each participant model the garment in front of the entire group and the group votes to decide who gets the garment based on who wears it well. This is a fun way to get a little silly with your friends. Be sure to play some modeling or runway music in the process. * Have fun, relax, mingle, eat and drink! This is mandatory! Be sure to bring a camera as this event is bound to have some picturesque moments. * Take all the remaining garments left-over after swap to a local thrift store or goodwill shop * Ask your guests if they would like to plan clothing swap for the spring or summer.

When you host or arrange a clothing swap, it is a great way to combine different things. You're are saving money and helping your friend's cleanout their closet. It's a different way to shop with your best girlfriends in the privacy of own home. There is nothing to lose when you host or arrange a clothing swap. It is a great way to pass time with friends and the best part; it doesn't cost a thing! You are sure to find some amazing clothes and will be surprised to see that you discarded garments are someone else's treasure. You may be surprised to learn that your clothes look better on your friends and vice versa. So before you donate or discard your old wardrobe, consider the fun you could be having with your friends!

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Socks with sandals are on trend for spring/summer 2010


resource: Telegraph
Socks featured in the spring/summer 2010 collections of Christian Dior (left) and Marni. Centre: Alexa Chung, as always, gets it right
Socks featured in the spring/summer 2010 collections of Christian Dior (left) and Marni. Centre: Alexa Chung, as always, gets it right Photo: AFP/ REX
 
Pull ‘em up to your knees; or push ‘em down around your ankles. It’s all about socks appeal this spring. Whichever way you wear them - tight and neat, or as wrinkled as the sad, saggy scraps of yarn that once drooped around Ena Sharples’ tired old legs - a pair of socks is the instant way to update your foot-looks.
Socks-and-shoes; it might sound a bit too uncool-for-school, but it’s a catwalk trend that has been doing a slow burn for several seasons.
Ankle-socks and knee-highs have long been a favorite look to accessorize the flat lace-ups, platforms, wedges and stacked heels on the catwalk for Milan’s Consuelo Castiglione of Marni, and London’s Margaret Howell, as well as the high-priestesses of style, Miuccia Prada and Rei Kawakubo. Burberry’s Christopher Bailey clearly regards socks as the new tights, while John Galliano made glitter-ball socks the finishing touch to his strappy 40s-style wedges and lacy little wisps of dresses in Christian Dior’s spring/summer 2010 runway parade.


First of all, don’t even try this at home if you’re over 30; this is very much a girl’s game - and a girl with great pins, at that. Mind you, socks are not such a bad idea for disguising thick ankles - as long as you choose a dark color and you don’t suffer from thick calves, as well. (Great for avoiding blisters in new shoes, too).
The trick to getting it right rather than warped or naf, is to play it casual. It’s the funky, slightly geeky contrast that makes the look work.


Socks have not been such a big deal since the days of the 1950s "bobby-soxers" - teenage fans of Frank Sinatra and the like - who wore white socks, rolled down to the ankle, with their saddle shoes and full "poodle" skirts. The comeback became big in Japan in 2000 and was given a boost by Prada and Sex And the City’s Carrie Bradshaw in the original television series.


It’s far from being just a spring/summer fling this time around; socks continued their grip on the calves and ankles in the designer catwalk shows for next autumn/winter. Rag & Bone, Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, Daks, Antonio Marras, Hussein Chalayan, John Rocha, Sportmax, and Alexander Wang, who mixed leg-warmers and socks, are just a few of the names adding socks to the accessories repertoire.

Monday, May 3, 2010

The Fun...The Fashion...The Shopping! Channel Your Inner Fashionista as Macy's Girls Weekend Celebrates Sex and the City 2

In Partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures, Macy's Celebrates the May Premiere of Sex and the City 2 with Advance Movie Screening Passes, Special Events and a Chance to Win a Trip to the NYC Premiere or a Trip for Four to Marrakesh




NEW YORK, May 03, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Macy's announced today an exciting partnership with Warner Bros. in conjunction with the highly anticipated new film Sex And The City 2, debuting in theaters in the U.S. on Thursday, May 27. Celebrating the return of everyone's four favorite NYC gals, Macy's has created a comprehensive multi-platform campaign, designed in conjunction with Macy's Girls Weekend May 20-23, 2010, to fully integrate Sex and the City 2 into print, TV and in-store advertising, as well as exciting in-store events tailored to the movie's fashion-loving fan.


Macy's Girls Weekend, inspired by the friendships and fashions of the chic Sex and the City 2 characters, is centered on experimenting with fashion in the fun environment of weekend shopping and spending time with girlfriends. In select locations across the country, Macy's will host fashion events in which customers will learn how to pull an outfit together for a weekend with the girls, all available in America's Department Store. As an added bonus for Sex and the City fanatics, Macy's will be giving away Sex and the City 2 advance movie screening passes to the first 50 customers in 55 markets across the country who make a storewide $100 purchase on Thursday, May 20, 2010.
"Sex and the City is the holy grail of fashion entertainment and pop culture, and the new sequel will be a must-see and must-experience for women across the country," said Martine Reardon, Macy's executive vice president of marketing. "Through Macy's national footprint of more than 800 stores, we have an incredible connection to fashionistas across America, and this dynamic partnership will provide another layer of excitement and activity around the highly anticipated debut of Sex and the City 2."
To commemorate the launch of the motion picture, Warner Bros. has created an exclusive, limited-edition Sex and the City 2 make-up brush set available only at Macy's, redeemable at the Fragrance Bar on Friday, May 21, 2010 with any $100 storewide purchase (while supplies last). For those who have to be the first to see the long-awaited film, Macy's customers will receive Hollywood movie cash ($8.50 coupon towards your purchases of a Sex and the City 2 tickets at select movie theaters across the country) on Saturday, May 22, 2010 with any storewide purchase of $100 (while supplies last).


Macy's will also execute two once-in-a-lifetime consumer sweepstakes tied to the premiere of Sex and the City 2. The first will send a winner and three guests to the movie's premiere at Radio City Music Hall. Fans can enter to win exclusively on macys.com from May 4-11, 2010, with the winner to be chosen on Friday, May 14th. The second sweepstakes, to take place online between May 4-23, 2010, will give fans and customers the chance to win an exotic trip for four to Marrakesh -- a vacation inspired by a trip the girls take in the new movie.


Additional key elements of the promotional program include a national television 30-second spot, to break on May 19, 2010, featuring scenes from the upcoming movie trailer, a direct mailer highlighting Macy's Girls Weekend in-store events and movie release information, a dedicated sitelet on macys.com with Sex and the City 2 Girls Weekend special events and movie screening information, as well as inclusions in select newspapers across the country. An extravagant Sex and the City 2 window display at Macy's Herald Square in New York City will feature a cityscape background with mannequins dressed in the latest spring fashions.
Join Macy's for Girls Weekend on May 20-23, 2010 as we celebrate the launch of Sex and the City 2.


About Macy's Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc. /quotes/comstock/13*!m/quotes/nls/m (M 23.20, -0.54, -2.28%) , delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks(R) and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R), as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.


For Macy's media materials, images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.


About Sex and the City 2 New Line Cinema Presents, In Association with Home Box Office, In Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Darren Star Production, A Film by Michael Patrick King, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sex And The City 2, starring Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, with John Corbett and Chris Noth. Written and directed by Michael Patrick King, based on the TV Series Created by Darren Star, based on Characters from the book by Candace Bushnell. The film is produced by Michael Patrick King, Sarah Jessica Parker, Darren Star and John Melfi. Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener and Marcus Viscidi serve as executive producers. The film is rated R by the MPAA for some strong sexual content and language. www.sexandthecitymovie.com.
SOURCE: Macy's, Inc. resource: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-funthe-fashionthe-shopping-channel-your-inner-fashionista-as-macys-girls-weekend
-celebrates-sex-and-the-city-2-2010-05-03?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Accessorize for Spring /Summer 2010

Women with high standards in fashion would never be satisfied with only fashionable clothes! What completes your clothes and make you fashionable are your accessories.

Don’t think only jewelry- your handbags, bow tie, scarves, watches, pins, belts, sunglasses, stockings, necktiex, leg warmers, leggings, suspenders and tights are also some accessories that makes you attractive and fashionable!

Using some fashion accessories with your clothes shows your  rich style! They add color, detail and energy to your outfit. Surely these accessories do more than enrich your clothes! For instance, a handbag is indispensable for a woman! You can hardly see a woman without a handbag! Handbags help us to carry our personal items –such as our wallet, keys, cosmetics, mobile phones and whatever you like.And what’s more- we feel comfortable with our bags, they’re the best friends that we never leave home without.

Likewise, our watches show us the time, sometimes the date and the day, but at the same time they are really beautiful accessories for our wrists. Conversely, you can use some accessories to reveal your attitudes about religion or cultural affiliations with some symbols. Crucifixes, Jewish stars, Islamic headscarves, skullcaps and turbans are some examples that can easily be seen everywhere. Your social status can be understood by the label of accessories you choose.

When you enter a mall to buy some clothes sometimes you can see some fashion accessories near the pay desk. But also there are some individuals who create their personal brand and exhibit their own accessories.

The beginning of each year is important for fashion, because all the brands exhibits their new year creations and all of them tries to catch the trend of the new year. This rule is the same for the accessory trends! For this year, 2010, the Spring fashion is said to be full of fun. Because the season itself is warm and energetic, your accessories will project the season of blossoming flowers!

This spring will create a new shoes fashion. We will see ankle straps decorated with thick chains, studs and beads in a few month. For this year, designers converted platforms and flip flops which are printed with wild animal figures like snakes and leopards.

Handbags are not boring or serious anymore. Carry your ideas in your bag! This spring, handbags will be more amusing with printed messages or meaningful figures. These prints which contain humor, meaningful messages or cute connotations will reflect part of your personality. If you want to create a compatible style with your shoes, you shouldn’t neglect animal prints and adornments.

Imposing jewelry for the spring 2010 is sure to be used and highlighted. We will see necklaces of multiple layers and bows, dripping dangles and trinkets. Necklaces in bib-style will be fashionable in embroidered, beaded or sequined designs. We will say hello to chandelier earrings again! The bracelets will be in all sorts of designs such as thick chunky bangles, stacked skinny bangles, twisted leather straps and beaded creations. The straps of the watches will be made with different layers of mixed fabrications like chain with leather and they will wrap around the wrist.

In the sunny days of spring 2010, your eyes will be protected by sunglasses with thick white acetate frames. Classical sunglasses will be framed with aviator style. There will be leggings above the knee or just below the knee length with light colors and some prints. Animal prints will hang around on this season’s fashionable belts.

Lisa Ho Spring/Summer 2010 Nude Collection

RED carpet fashion queen Lisa Ho kicked off the 15th annual Australian Fashion Week yesterday with a romantic collection of swank, silky draped gowns and separates she described as her ''rebirth of cool sophistication''. First show is a prestigious slot not awarded lightly and Ho, the consummate pro, was, inevitably, a hard act to follow.

Sophistication is a tricky look for a designer at any time but the current definition also requires restraint and patience. It's all about muted colours and smudged or painterly digital prints on fabrics that will twist and drape well, then swish about or float a little as a girl moves. Ho managed to ''tame'' the droopy softness of her designs by anchoring some with pale, feminine, tailored pieces.

The Top Hip Hop Clothing Brands

By Julian Kwandez

Hip Hop fashion designers have taken the world by storm and now you can see urban fashion everywhere. It is more than big jerseys and baggy jeans. The style has evolved over the years and now comes in a large range of styles. Hip hop music has spread to include all cultures and the fashion is following the same direction. Now anyone can wear urban hip hop fashion and look good. Here are some of the top hip hop clothing brands.

When you have curves, being fashionable is not simple. The undertaking of Apple Bottom jeans is to exhibit and accentuate the natural curves of a woman. This unique brand was created by hip hop superstar Nelly. The jeans are perfectly crafted by his team of designers to fit different womens body shapes. Apple Bottom is one of the top clothing lines that cater to women of all shapes. Oprah, Alicia Keys, and many other celebrities claim to love the fit of these jeans. Apple Bottom has a full line to include not only jeans, but also jackets, shorts skirts and shirts.

Baby Phat certainly is a lifestyle brand for the glamorous woman who loves fashion. Baby Phats eye-catching clothing represents everything that is feminine, and sensuous. The brands sexy and stylish line has become a phenomenon in fashion with women all over the globe. Baby Phat is now at the forefront of the urban fashion movement and it was Kimoras experience as a top fashion model that put the company there. Her lavish designs are sought after by top celebrities. The line now includes outerwear, handbags, shoes, lingerie, jewelry, two limited edition Motorola mobile phones and a signature fragrance. Kimora Lee continues to take fashion to new heights. Baby Phat certainly is a lifestyle brand for the glamorous woman who loves fashion.

Beyonce, one of the greatest singers of this generation, has branched into many different areas of business. In the short span of 5 years, she has become a songwriter, record producer, actress, dancer, fashion designer, fashion model, and film producer. One of her successful business endeavors includes launching the fashion line, House of Dereon in 2004 with her mother Tina Knowles. The concept was inspired by the women in her family, namely her grandmother Agnes Dereon. Jeans, shoes, shirts, handbags, and outerwear, are among some of the Dereons inventory.

Marc Ecko, the creative force behind the Ecko Clothing brand, has pioneered the fashion of the youth culture and global lifestyle brand. The brand has expanded to include several lines comprised of Ecko Unlimited (men), Ecko Red (women), Eck Function (outerwear and alternative sports), Marc Ecko Leather (leather goods), Marc Ecko watches, Marc Ecko Scopes (eyewear), Eck Storage (bags and accessories), Marc Ecko Footwear (mens, womens, and childrens footwear), Zoo York (skateboarding, extreme sports, and hip hop), Eck Unlimited Boys and Ecko Red Girls lines. Marc Ecko parlayed his graffiti art into a small business while still in college and it is now a multimillion dollar empire that is sold worldwide.

Lifted Research Group represents the common love of music and fashion by its creators. The company was founded by Jonas Bevacqua and Robert Wright, and the clothing company was rapidly acknowledged by celebrities such as Chris Brown and Kanye West. According to the founders, the company's success has been the result of listening to their passions instead of their pockets.

Rocawear is an urban clothing empire that has rocked the fashion world for over a decade. Created by Jay-Z, the brand quickly became the main brand for street savvy consumers. Rocawear believes in producing a product of fine quality at an affordable price. The company is not limited to customers in the United States but it is exploding internationally. The company has offices in the UK, Canada, Europe, Japan, the Middle East, Russia, and Korea.

Sean John Clothing has grown from a domestic style to international recognition. Diddy brings his acute sense of style to his signature collection of sportswear, underwear, outerwear, tailored suits, boys clothing, fragrances, accessories, women's wear, and eyewear. The New York Times praises Sean John for its perpetual success. P.Diddy states Sean John clothing is not looking for a quick hit, but is rather committed to the quality and design of its products. We would ultimately like to be viewed as the future of fashion

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