
Italian Shoe Construction, Step-by-Step

Fine footwear has three parts:
1) The outsole, which is the piece that comes into contact with the ground,
2) The insole, which comes into contact with your foot and
3) The upper, which covers the top of your foot.
The distinction is in how these pieces are sewn together. Two popular types of shoe construction are Blake and Rapid Blake.
The Blake, that is the traditional Italian way, comprises attaching the upper, insole and outsole with a single interior stitch. (A guy named Blake invented this method in 1856.) Because the stitch is on the inside, it is possible to cut the edges of the soles very close to the shoe’s base, producing footwear with a low, elegant silhouette. The downside is that water can seep into the shoe since the stitching goes from the outsole directly into the foot bed. (But then again, you shouldn’t be wearing your good shoes in the rain anyway.)
Rapid Blake is similar to Blake construction but with an additional layer involved: the midsole. The insole is stitched to the midsole, which in turn is affixed to the outsole via a row of exterior stitches. This solves the water problem, but makes Rapid Blake shoes unable to have soles as thin and flexible as those of the traditional Blake models.
A few words about fabric...

We asked noted menswear design Shaka King for advice. "Remember this: A fabric should be seasonably appropriate, breathable, durable and it has to feel good," said King. For summer, King recommends blends. "A blend gives the suit a lighter hand — that is, it feels lighter — and it drapes easily." Worsted wool, on the other hand, is good for three seasons. King advises, "If you're going to be wearing a suit often, invest in a high quality fabric. You want the fabric to be durable, not to get shiny or thin." Or as Shani Lawson, lead menswear buyer for Macy's Inc., poetically explains, "A good fabric should be like wine. It should get better with age."
But even following those guidelines, there's a lot of jargon that is thrown around when discussing fabric. Some of it is important, some less so. Though Super 100s and Super 120s are good signposts that you're dealing with a high quality fabric, the most important thing is to get a hand on it. "If you touch enough fabric," Lawson says, "your fingertips develop a certain memory." Lawson advises, "If you are looking for worsted suits, you're looking for a smoothness and an evenness in the way the fabrics looks. That smoothness is the product of proper shearing."
A lot of suits today, says King, are made with high spun yarns. The more high spun the yarn, the higher the TPI — that's twist per inch — and the fuller bodied the fabric seems. "When you have high twist yarns," King says, "you try to feel the nervousness of the fabric. To do this. take the fabric in your hands and smush it. Then see how fast or strongly it bounces back." The faster it bounces back, the more nervous it is. "Fabrics are like good horses. They should be nervous."
Wine and Cheese Pairings: A Guide

Anyway, to give you some guidance we asked the shopkeeper at a "high-end" deli to suggest wines and beers that would complement different cheeses’ unique flavors. Her tips:
SeaHive: “There is a sweetness to the SeaHive, partially because we hand-rub the outside with wildflower honey and salt. Those flavors go best with something crisp, like a sauvignon blanc or a dry Riesling.”
Barely Buzzed: “This is good with a pinot noir — a red that’s more mellow than robust — or a chocolate stout. Both mix with, rather than overpower, the slightly bitter coffee undertones of the cheese.”
Curds: “The curds are like potato chips, in that they’re slightly salty and chewy; they’re a good snack food. They go well with a plain pilsner.”
Full Moon: “Go with a Zinfandel here, as its sweet notes will tone down the Full Moon’s creaminess.”
Promontory: “This is our base cheddar, and it is so very versatile: It can go with a red or a white. Personally, I’d choose a muvedre, but a pinot grigio would go just as nicely.”
Apple Walnut: “This is a creamy cheese, but it has a slight intensity because we smoke the wheel over walnut shells and apples. It would go well with an oak-monster white or a cabernet.”
Shakira – Sexy Musical Video for Loca
Shakira hips may not lie, but she can definitely turn heads with her sexy booty shaking movements.
And, turning heads she has certainly been doing, as she films her new music video Loca.
Shakira has been pictured around Barcelona, Spain on roller skates or riding on a motorcycle during the filming of her new music video.
She uses her sexy belly dancing moves to shake her hips and perform some amazing leaps as part of the music video.
Credit: BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM
Shakira is currently working on a duet with British rapper Dizzee Rascal.
We just love her ultra sexy look in a pair of tight fitting metallic golden pants and matching gold top bikini bra.
Her dance moves are exquisite and hot, as she takes to the air in some very sensuous jump poses.
As her long strands of blond hair take flight in their own wildly exciting way.
Shakira can certainly pack a lot of excitement into her music videos.
Credit: BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM
Shakira New Alblum Sale El Sol
Shakira is on a roll with her new album Sale El Sol due out on November 2, 2010.
She has also been shaking up the beauty world with her new perfume called S by Shakira.
The new perfume will go on sale in September and combines the fragrances of jasmine and sandalwood.
Shakira Worldwide Area Tour
Shakira worldwide area tour will kick off at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, USA on September 17, 2010.
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A special preview show on Wednesday September 15, 2010 at the Montreal Bell Centre, Montreal, Canada has been announced.
The show will offer Shakira fans a sneak preview of the worldwide area tour.
For more behind the scenes photos from Shakira new music video see Shakira Behind the Scenes Filming of New Music Video - Loca.
In closing, enjoy the following video clip as Shakira and friends working on some sexy new dance moves.
Be sure to visit the Shakira News page, for a glimpse of many more of Shakira sexy and unique outfits.
If you cannot see the video or photos in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Shakira – Sexy Musical Video for Loca.
How to get a great haircut!

Truthfully, the only way to get a great haircut is to explain what you want carefully. Barbers/stylist aren't mind readers. If you are having trouble verbalizing what you want, search the internet and magazines for a look that you feel "best" suits you. Pick your top two or three, and show them to your barber and let him/her make the final decision.
Most barbers appreciate when their clients have a picture of what they would like. Also, make sure your barber or stylist listens and can confidently communicate back to you how they are going to achieve that look for you.
Without proper communications you could have another surprise coming!
Stylish eyewear for less

Warby Parker offers twenty-seven classic frame styles in black, tortoise, amber, crystal and a variety of other brighter colors. They even offer one monocle, “the perfect accessory for budding robber barons, post-colonial tyrants and super villains.”
To see how frames look on your face, you can upload a photograph of yourself to the Warby Parker website and try on frames using their Virtual Try-On service. When you have narrowed your selection you can take advantage of their Home Try-On service. Warby Parker will ship you up to five pair of frames, free of charge, to try on at home for five days. GQ Magazine has called Warby Parker “the Netflix of eyewear.”
Groomed guys have better job prospects

What They Say:“How you look has a direct impact on how you feel, your confidence and self-esteem,” said Mark Jeffries, business consultant, communications expert and author. “This is as true for guys actively seeking a job as it is for those who are currently employed and seek a competitive advantage. At the same time, seemingly small details, like a clean shave or a great-fitting—but not necessarily expensive suit—send important visual cues to others about your professionalism and confidence.”
What We Say: It might not seem fair that job applicants are judged based on looks, but it’s a harsh reality in today’s competitive job market. Looking sloppy sends a negative message to most employers that a candidate is lazy or doesn’t care. With so much at stake when it comes to landing a dream job, it’s worth it to pick up a razor on interview day, even if being clean shaven isn’t your regular look.
What Your Favorite Sexy, Hot Lady Gaga Look?
Credit: Fame Pictures
Credit: Fame Pictures
All of Lady Gaga little monsters know that Lady Gaga has created so many unique, sexy and hot looks over the past two years.
So what are your favorite Lady Gaga looks?
We know that Lady Gaga is a big fan of fishnet pantyhose, whether knew or ripped and torn.
During her crowd surfing at Lollapalooza 2010 in Chicago, Illinois, she wore sexy fishnet panty hose and fishnet top and very little else.
During her performance on the Today Show she wore those sexy skin tight white spandex pants and hot white bra with silvery crosses on it.
She wore a black with silver studded bra as she preformed Bad Romance, which ended on a very wet note as she began to perform the song Teeth the skies opened and the rain poured down upon Lady Gaga.
Credit: BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM
Of course, one of Lady Gaga most famous outfits was the flaming, hot sparkling bra, which is definitely a show stopper on the Monster Ball tour.
For her sexy cover picture in Vanity Fair, Lady Gaga wore a silvery gray hair and almost nothing else.
Or picture Lady Gaga in a black bra and open stripe shirt, as Lady Gaga took in a Yankee baseball game.
Lady Gaga has appeared in many very unique outfits, including one very hairy outfit that remaindered us of Cousin It.
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Who can forget Lady Gaga London fashion show were Lady Gaga wore a black lace outfit with ballooning Black Rose hat created by designer Charlie le Mindu.
She also wore a silvery, lobster headdress with a golden chicken claw.
Yes, Lady Gaga has treated us to many unique, sexy outfits.
Be sure to visit the Lady Gaga News page, for a glimpse of many more of Lady Gaga sexy and unique outfits.
You can learn about great fashion and design programs so that maybe you could be the next person to design for Lady Gaga at href="http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com">Guide to Online Schools.
If you cannot see the video or photos in your E-mail or news reader, just go to What Your Favorite Sexy, Hot Lady Gaga Look?
Health food Fail ! : V8 Splash

Ingredients
Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Carrot Juice from Concentrate (Water, Carrot Juice Concentrate), Apple Juice from Concentrate (Water, Apple Juice Concentrate), Citric Acid, Natural Flavoring, Peach Juice from Concentrate (Water, Peach Juice Concentrate), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), Mango Puree Concentrate, Beta Carotene.
In the advertising world using the term healthy is perfectly legal. There is NO legal definition of “healthy” or “natural” so the marketing people can state whatever they think will sell more product. They are taking advantage of the fact that we think V8 means healthy or rightous. V8 Splash is anything but.
InDesign: Andrew Nowell Menswear

Andrew Nowell is a New York City born, Washington, DC based, menswear designer who draws his inspiration from “Saville Row, vintage Tuxedo’s, Tom of Finland and Goth rockers. His designs are for “anyone who’s willing to be edgy and dangerous.”
Andrew Nowell Menswear has developed a solid reputation and thriving private clientele that includes celebrities, professional athletes, recording artists, musicians, and everyday joes. He has been featured in numerous fashion and trade shows events across the country.
Currently his designs can be found at trunks shows in a couple of upscale boutiques along the east coast or through his website here. He also relies on word of mouth to further increase brand awareness.
This up and coming designer is definitely one to watch.
Photo credit: Shawn Punch Photography
Putting your best face forward

A beautiful face doesn't just happen, it has to be nurtured.
The one key item that every man should have in their grooming kit says expert barber and grooming consultant Craig Whitely, a and frequent contributor to Men's Health magazine, is a face moisturizer.
"Your skin will love you for it, and so will your friends and co-workers," said Whitely. "Trust me; no one likes to look at a dry face."
With the growing assortment of new grooming products on the market for men deciding on a moisturizer for your face can be a bit overwhelming. While there are many good products in all price ranges by a variety of brands here are three ingredients Whitely suggest you should always, always, always avoid when shopping for a facial moisturizer.
• Shea Butter – rich in fatty acids and vitamins like A, E and F; but, because it’s very thick, it’s better to use on the body and NOT the face.
• Lanolin Oil – prone to aggravating acne.
• Mineral Oil – creates a film on the skin which can trick your skin into thinking it’s actually hydrated. It’s also thick and clogs pores which may lead to breakouts.
Via "Craig the Barber"
Nike Air Force 1 x Jay-Z

JAY-Z has joined forces with Nike to create an iconic collection of Air Force Ones – the All Black Everything collection in honor of the World Basketball Festival currently taking place in NYC.
Nike has donated the five unique pairs of the shoes to the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation who in turn has joined forces with eBay to auction off the shoes to provide scholarships to promising college students. The auction began on August the 12, and ends on August 22, at 9:00 a.m. EDT. Bdders can visit www.ebay.com/jayznikewbf to enter a bid. Only two pairs of each of the five designs will be created, one for the winning bidder and one for the man behind the design, JAY-Z.
Shaving products designed just for us

Barc offers a line of specific products designed for various skin tones, shades, and types, that have not been addressed by a mass market skin care company until now.
Barc comes in a lotion form that doesn't leave you feeling greasy and helps fight razor burn and ingrown hair. It is
great for ethnic skin.
If you live on the US East Coast, you shouldn't have much trouble finding Barc. For those of you somewhere in between California and New York, you might have to hit the Web. It might take a day or two to get to you, but it's worth the wait!
"Takers" steps up Hollywood's fashion game

The look extended beyond the screen and to the movie premiere where T.I. and his co-stars attended in uber coolness.
T.I. showed up and showed out in this ice grey suit and tie. He has come a long way from his days in ATL huh? Killa.
10 tips to save you money now

While the economy has improved over the past several months it certainly hasn't improved to the point where many of us are all that comfortable. Too many of us are still forced to find ways to try to find ways to enjoy life and while holding on to more of the money we have.
Saving money is neither a science nor an art; rather it is somewhere in between and requires your commitment and hard work. Saving money takes time to develop, needs to be learnt, and brings benefits that will endure for the rest of your life.
Here are 10 easy steps that can save you over $500 this month without feeling the pinch.
1.) Stock up during supermarket sales.
"Get as many of your favorites as will keep without going bad," says Gregory Karp, a financial columnist and author of Living Rich by Spending Smart. Wise shopping can cut your bill by 20%.
Savings: $50
2.) Increase your auto insurance deductibles.
Assuming you've already shopped around for the best rate (which many people haven't), it's time to up your deductible ($1,000 a car is good, if you're not already there). You don't really want to submit smaller claims to your insurer anyway, says Karp, because they can cause your premium to skyrocket.
Savings for two cars: $40
3.) Stop buying bottled water.
"This is the biggest waste of money ever," says Karp. "get the fanciest, coolest reusable bottle you can find. You'll still save money."
Savings: $52
4.) Downgrade your cable plan.
We'd never suggest that you cancel your DVR service, but chances are you spend most of your time watching network and basic cable, so drop the full service and premium channels. And try to think of HD service as a luxury, not a necessity.
Savings: $48
5.) Rediscover the library.
If you're spending $14 a month on a Netflix subscription and $25 on a new book every month, it's time to dig up your library card (or get one!). Movies, music, and books are all free at your local library, and many now let you request stuff online.
Savings: $39
6.) Switch to a prepaid cell phone.
Most guys make lots of calls but don't use many minutes. You may be better off buying a prepaid cell. You can keep your number, and it will cost you less than $10 a month.
Savings: $80
7.) Use bargain printer ink.
The quality might not be as good, but if you're just printing out directions or emails, who cares?
Savings: $55
8.) Cancel your landline.
Now that cell phones have full 911 service, most people have no need for a home phone. If you still want to feel connected without your cell, try Vonage or a product called Magic Jack, which works through your Internet connection and provides a phone line with all the extras for $20 a year. Otherwise, cut the cord.
Savings: $40
9.) Buy restaurant coupons.
Websites like restaurant.com offer discounts at more than 8,500 restaurants in the U.S. many of us may eat out twice a week, which can add up.
Savings: $120
10.) Give your razor blades some TLC.
Disposable blades dull from rust, not use. Lengthen their lifespan — and cut the number you use by half — by shaking off excess water after each shave.
Savings: $12
TOTAL SAVINGS = $536
Celebrities Loves Their Sexy Ripped and Torn Denim Jeans
Credit: BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM
There once was a time when jeans and sneaker were the least expensive types of clothing.
But now, the designer look has taken over the denim jeans and sneaker market.
Not only are designer creating fancy looking jeans, but also they are even creating those rebellious, sexy ripped and tore denim jean look.
Use to be, if you ripped or tore the knees out of your jeans, well you just cut them down and made a pair of cut off jeans.
Yep, Daisy Mae from Li'l Abner comic strip or Daisy Duke from those good ol' boys the Dukes of Hazzared showed us just how sexy a pair of cut off jeans could be.
Today, punk rockers don't have to rebel and rip and tear at their jeans.
Fashion designers will sell them expensive denim jeans complete with the rips and tears included in a brand new pair of jeans.
Credit: Fame Pictures
This trend has not escaped fashion designers, Pencey, Dylan George Alexandra and J Brand are manufacturing faded, ripped and torn jeans for celebrities, celebrities wannabees and the fashion conscious too.
The ripped, torn and faded look is a favorite of celebrities, regardless of age.
Some of our favorite celebrity ripped jean looks include Heidi Klum who was pictured in a pair of well ripped greenish jeans.
The jeans were torn at the knee and with tears up to thigh level providing a sexy peek-a-boo look.
Sexy ripped jeans are a year round fashion, since Heidi Klum was bundled up in a gray top, gray vest, gray scarf and gray hat.
Yes, we love this sexy little peek-a-boo style of ripped denim jeans.
A younger member of the ripped and torn jeans trend is singer Sophie Monk.
Monk also loves big tears in her jeans.
She also likes the well-worn and ripped look. Just add a sexy tee shirt and she creates her own sexy look.
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Celebrity Ripped Jeans Pictorial
Be sure to check out our celebrity ripped and torn denim jeans pictorial.
Featured celebrity ripped jeans wears include: Denise Richards, Rihanna, Ciara, Sophie Monk, Jenny Farley, Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Sutta, Alessandra Toreson, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Sutta, Alessandra Toreson, Vanessa Hudgens, Kate Beckinsale, Kara Dioguardi, Taylor Momsen, Christina Aquilera, and Nicky Hilton.
If you cannot see the video or photos in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Celebrities Loves Their Sexy Ripped and Torn Denim Jeans?
Three style tips from Dwayne Wade

Listen Up
"If someone is wearing a piece that's fly, folks will usually comment on it. And they will definitely talk about someone's fashion that's not right!"
Stand Out
D-Wade doesn't want to get lost in the crowd. "Last year during All-Star weekend I took a risk by wearing a bow tie and glasses. People had fun talking about it, but that's the reaction I wanted."
Play Favorites
If you have a go-to designer, stick with them. You'll know exactly what sizes fit right, and they'll always have some thing you like. Wade's picks? Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Gucci.
"Tiny Tim" Camo sneakers by John Bartlett

This past spring menswear designer John Bartlett introduced the first pair of sneaker he's made (above). If you look closely, you'll notice camouflage pattern is actually "Tiny Tim," John's beloved three-legged dog/logo. We're told the sale of these sneaks have been very strong, so you should probably see them widely distributed beyond his shop in New York's West Village.
I recently "copped" a pair and the shape is perfect, and it's a nice, non-jarring augment to your standard canvas summer shoe. And, they feel great too.
Alessandra Ambrosio – Hot, Sexy Swimwear Photo Shoot for Victoria's Secret
What could be better than a bright summer day, cooling ocean surf and some very sexy new bikinis and swimwear from Victoria's Secret.
Just add a very sexy model, such as, Alessandra Ambrosio and you have the makings of a hot and sexy swimwear photo shoot.
Ambrosio has been modeling since she was 12 years old and won Elite's modeling contest in Brazil at age 15.
In addition to being a swimsuit and lingerie model for Victoria's Secret, Ambrosio also models for Armarni, Dior, Revlon, and Ralph Lauren.
Recently, Alessandra Ambrosio took to the beach at St. Barths in France to shoot the layout pictures for the Victoria's Secret Swimwear catalog.
Credit: BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM
Polka dots and colorful animal prints seem to be prevailing themes in the new bikini line.
Ambrosio relaxed in the surf in a very colorful pattern bikini, which combines shades of pink, light blue, and a host of other warm summer colors.
She was also featured in a series of pictures in a very bright pink bikini with oversized white polka dots.
The halter-top bikini was paired with bikini bottoms with side ties.
She was also pictured in a leopard spotted bikini with spots of a different color - pink, white and black spots.
The halter-top bikini was paired with a side tied bikini bottom.
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Yes, it look like next season bikini line will feature a lot of warm color combinations for the swimwear - bikini line.
On a different note, Ambrosio recently completed a lovely fashion shoot for the Australian magazine Russh directed by Will Davidson.
The video clip shows her using lace and clothing as she battles with the wind in this surreal, hauntingly beautiful imagery photographed in black and white.
See more photo coverage of in the article Alessandra Ambrosio Swimwear Photo Shoot for Victoria's Secrets.
For the latest Alessandra Ambrosio news and photos go to Alessandra Ambrosio Fashion News Stories and Pictures.
Enjoy the video clip below.
masterhighresmatte 1 from RM on Vimeo.
If you cannot see the video or photos in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Alessandra Ambrosio – Hot, Sexy Swimwear Photo Shoot for Victoria's Secret?