FASHION BLOGS
FASHION BLOGS
category: fashion
18 Oct 2007

DODGEVILLE, Wis., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Bad hair days? We can all relate. But a bad sweater day? No such thing. In fact, a recent survey on behalf of Lands’ End (http://www.landsend.com) found that 80 percent of women consider sweaters a must-have item for fall. While more than a sweater for each day of the week may seem like plenty, 33 percent of women own more than 10 sweaters.

These results are no surprise given the number of occasions that call for sweaters. Sweaters are no longer just-for-weekend wear. More than 71 percent of women ages 25 to 44 consider sweaters a staple for the office. During the holiday season, 55 percent regard sweaters as a good choice for the party circuit. At Lands’ End, the new Long Cable Cardigan with a rich cable-within-a-cable look, a face-framing shawl collar and flattering belted hip-covering style, offers women a perfect day to evening look for fall.

“Sweaters are the anchor of a great fall wardrobe,” says Suzanne Bryant, design vice president, Lands’ End. “Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion — whether layered for warmth or beautiful on their own. This season at Lands’ End, we have everything from the most trend-right luxe sweater coats to the wardrobe must-have cashmere in placed argyle or baby cable.”

For women surveyed, sweaters are such an essential for three reasons: they are comfortable, warm and easy to layer. Fall weather can be unpredictable and outfitting in layers is key to keeping comfortable regardless of the temperature. For layering over any outfit, Lands’ End has two new sweater coats for fall — a Wool Long Toggle Sweater Coat and a Cashmere Cable Sweater Coat. At Lands’ End the Fine Gauge Twinset is a perennial customer favorite and for fall there are three new styles — the V-neck, turtleneck and crewneck — perfect for layering under a Field Coat or pairing with a chunkier sweater.

Cozying up in a sweater doesn’t mean a bulky or shapeless look. A majority of women (63 percent) surveyed shared that sweaters are often a first choice because they are easy to wear to look good. Given the variety of sweater styles available, there was a range of responses when asked which style women consider the most figure flattering. V-neck sweaters are considered the most flattering style according to the women surveyed (44 percent). Other favorites include the cardigan, turtleneck, cowl neck and crew. “Hiding the tummy” is the most important way sweaters flatter figures for the sweater lovers we surveyed (58 percent). Lands’ End offers a new silhouette for its Deep V-neck Cotton Sweater for fall. Its just-below-mid-hip length offers flattering coverage, while its neckline draws attention up toward the face.

Four out of 10 sweater lovers mentioned new colors as a reason to splurge on a sweater. This season, Lands’ End introduces a lush, sophisticated color palette of plums, loden greens and spice browns for early fall and a vibrant color palette including vista blue, bright melon and clear pink later in the season. These new colors are featured in Lands’ End’s incomparable Cashmere collection, which includes numerous sweater styles and accessories to match.

When it comes to luxury and sweaters — nothing compares to cashmere. Yet a surprising seven out of 10 women told us that they don’t own a cashmere sweater. Not so surprising is that 30 percent of women have cashmere on their holiday wish list. Lands’ End offers the finest Inner Mongolian cashmere at an unheard of price — under $100! Also new to the Lands’ End Cashmere collection this fall are placed argyles, baby cables and jeweled cardigans. Not to be forgotten, the men’s Cashmere collection gets an update with the new Ribbed Button Front Sweater Vest.

Men won’t be left out in the cold at Lands’ End. The Men’s Sweater collection offers new twists on classic looks for comfortable, yet refined style. The favorite sweatshirt gets a makeover with the new Cotton/Cashmere Sweater. Topstitch detailing creates a casual everyday look, but the fine quality of the cotton/cashmere blend pairs well with dressy gabardine. The Cashmere Shawl Collar Button Front Cardigan has a luxurious feel and versatile style.

The Lands’ End Sweater Collection offers extended sizing in petite and plus for women and men. As the days get cooler, coordinating hats, gloves and scarves are available to complete the look. For an extra personal touch, Lands’ End offers sweater monogramming.

category: fashion
18 Oct 2007

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ — While shopping is usually viewed as a leisure activity by the general public, for one shopper in twenty, the habit is a process addiction. For these “shopaholics,” trips to the mall are more than holiday buying and trying on new work clothes. Rather, their “retail therapy” is an expensive habit that can spiral into financial and emotional disaster.

“Addiction is a complex behavior,” said Dr. Stephen Grinstead (http://www.therapistfinder.com/TherapistDetail.cfm?id=036560), licensed marriage and family therapist of CAMFT, “and most addictions fall in one of two categories: process or substance. Shopping addiction is a process addiction, similar to gambling, spending, eating, and sexual addictions that can have life-altering consequences.”

Shopping addictions work like this: When one is feeling lonely, depressed, or stressed, s/he heads to a number of retailers. After compulsively buying at a number of stores, often on credit, guilt sets in and the compulsive shopper tucks away recently-purchased items under the bed or in the closet with the price tags still attached. This allows the shopper to return the items when reason later sets in. After repeated occurrences of this behavior, the shopper begins to see a detrimental affect on his/her finances, emotional health and relationships, both personal and professional.

So, how do you know if you have a shopping addiction?

— Most of your shopping or spending occurs when you are feeling lonely,
angry or sad.
— You feel lost without credit cards.
— You’re unable to pay off your credit card at the end of the month.
— You frequently buy items on credit that you can’t purchase with cash.
— You find yourself “justifying” your purchases more often than not.
— You hide your bills, receipts and purchases from your loved ones.
— Your loved ones and close friends are concerned about the amount of
time and money you spend on shopping.

How do you stop shopping sprees?

— Pay for purchases by cash or debit card.
— Give your credit cards to a financially-responsible loved one for
safekeeping.
— Take a financially-responsible loved one with you on your shopping
trips to keep you accountable.
— Make a shopping list before you leave the house and buy only items on
the list.
— Plan alternative activities when you feel the urge to shop.

Admitting that you are addicted to shopping is the first step to recovery. Like any addiction (http://www.therapistfinder.com/c_addiction.cfm), there are treatment options to help identify what triggers your compulsive behavior. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and twelve-step programs have been found to be beneficial toward recovery.

LATEST WM VIDEOS
LATEST WM VIDEOS

EDITOR'S PICKS

AUTO

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY


COMEDY

EDUCATION

FASHION


FILM

HEALTH & FITNESS

LIFESTYLE & LEISURE


MUSIC

POLITICS & HISTORY

SCIENCE & SPACE


SPORTS

TRAVEL

VIDEO GAMES