StriVectin Facial Anti-Oxidant--a personal review of

When The Advice Sisters review skincare, we always caution our readers that what works for one person may not work as well for another. We review lots of skincare products in a wide variety of price points. There is a lot of "TLC" you can do for your skin at home, before resorting to invasive procedures and harsh peels and treatments. Now that Spring is on the way, it's time to "Spring clean" your cosmetics shelf and decide what to keep and what to toss. Anything that has changed color, scent, or consistency goes in the trash. But how do you know what to replace it with?

The first step is to understand your skin type (and it can span several types, such as oily and sensitive, or combination and maturing). Most likely you already know your skin's dominant traits, but if you're in doubt, visit a licensed dermatologist. Then it's time to figure out what will work best for your skin. Everyone knows that pricey products can put a dent in a beauty budget, but when you're considering what will help improve, maintain and protect your skin, it's best to ignore price (as much as you can afford to do so) and pick products that will address your skin's needs and challenges. And, most importantly, use the products regularly and as directed.

StriVectin Facial Antioxidant $109.00 3.5 fl. oz. by Klein-Becker, is advertised as a "concentrated facial antioxidant" and I have even seen the claim: "better than Botox." There is an entire line (6 products) of StriVectin items including Strivectin-SD to help improve any stretch marks on your body. StriVectin has encountered some controversy, and as a result, it's just created even more curiousity and demand (much like Prevage by Allergan that uses another antioxidant called "idebenone"). My quick search of the web didn't pick up a lot of reviews by actual users, but Klein-Becker's studies claim that StriVectin's anti-oxidant is 2.5 times more powerful then idebenone. As you age, your skin begins to lose the ability to renew itself as quickly, but could a 67-year-old women using StriVectin accomplish the same "Skin Renew Rate (SR2)" as a 29-year-old woman. Could this really be true? It's important to keep your expectations realistic. Your skin may retain or re-create some of the regenerative abilities of younger skin, it doesn't mean you'll look like you are 16, or have had a facelift or Botox or other invasive treatment. In the end, StriVectin is a great cream, but it's still just a cream and it won't fix jowls or truly sagging skin. It's not a facelift.

So what does StriVectin's Facial Anti-Oxidant cream do? The first thing to know is that anti oxidants are a good thing (although the term is bandied about as a cure-all). Antioxidants can help protect and improve skin. They help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also can improve skin elasticity/firmness and protect your skin skin from further damage (like wrinkles, dryness, and thinning skin) by shielding skin cells from the harm caused by free radicals (cell damaging molecules that are created when you exposure your skin to the sun's damaging UV rays, and other pollutants of daily life).

And does it work? In the interests of providing some personal information about the product on the Internet, here's my personal experience with it. Although I did use StriVectin, I didn't have time to test and use up the entire tube. Instead, I tried a simple test. I used the StriVectin on one half of my face for a few days. Then I asked my husband (who is generally dubious about any skincare over $20.00 and who ought to know what my skin is usually like) to tell me what side I had treated. He immediately picked the side treated with StriVectin, saying that the frown line on that side of my face was significantly smaller than the other. I looked...he was right, it was significantly smaller on the StriVectin-treated side. And, it felt soft and smooth, and somehow, a bit plumper and prettier. While this is hardly a scientific study, it did convince me that (for me, at least) the cream did good things that enhanced my skin's look and feel. or me. As a beauty reviewer, I can choose just about any skincare I wish, but now that I have tried it I'm going to stick with this one.

I don't feel as though my skin has turned back to age 29, but it looks good, feels good, and hopefully continued use will help prevent further environmental damage as well. *Note: you must use a good sunscreen as well with this product...it's not a sun block! There is a lot of press about Klein-Becker's products, such as is this a breakthrough drug, or a cosmetic moisturizer? Does that make it bad or unworthy of your consideration? Definitely not. For starters, scientific beauty treatments with cutting edge technology don’t come cheap. If you want to be among the few to try something new and potentially beneficial, you should be prepared to pay for it. And, plenty of women and 'boomer" men, plus younger people who want to make sure they don't turn out looking like mom or dad, will continue to make room in their budget for StriVectin. Alas, media hype mixed with scanty information can be very confusing for any consumer. My suggestion is to read the ingredients on the box, check with your dermatologist, and above all, keep your expectations realistic. If you are over a certain age, you cannot really turn back the hands of time to your teenage years no matter what cream you use on your face. However, you can make your skin look softer, smoother, more glowing and thereby, at least temporarily more youthful. You can also do your best to protect your skin at any age by wearing adequate sun protection. StriVectin, like others in it's niche, appears to be a good cream for the right type of skin, used correctly and at the right time. I really liked it.
If it is in your budget, WHY NOT?

Avoiding Identity Theft - Part II (A Must Read)

Bill Stanton looks a bit like a more rugged version of the actor Tony Danza, but he's no houseboy in an 80's sitcom. Bill Stanton is a bona-fide former NYCPD officer who is now a paid Security Consultant for NBC. He has made more than 54 Today Show appearances alone, let alone being featured on a wide variety of other television shows, showing people how easy it is to be duped, robbed or conned. He has demonstrated everything from how you can protect yourself against scams, to actually going undercover to show how easy it is to "steal" from your home. In addition, he has tackled some very grim topics such as how children don't always listen to safety information their parents give them, by showing parents how easily he could "con" their children.



But this otherwise affable, knowledgeable, and entertaining man, also known also as “Wild Bill," was the speaker at a seminar on Internet (and other) Security I attended yesterday, courtesy of STAPLES. Bill started the conversation with the assembled group of Editors by sharing a bit about how he found himself in his unusual business. Stanton was forced to leave the Police Department after a disabling accident, and pursued a number of other security-related jobs. After 9-11 he began working with a partner, then on his own in the security business.

After the introductions, the lessons began. For starters, he showed us a little video featuring himself and a garbage can on a City street, to show us how easy it is (in under three minutes) to dumpster dive into an unsuspecting person's trash, and acquire enough information in a flash, to assume their identity. The man on the video didn't look at all happy. Neither did the suddenly sober editors at the table. The good news is that you can help frustrate thieves who want your identity by shredding all mail and papers, and even computer disks, that may contain any personal information about you, your family, even your kids and pets. He directed our attention to some shredders that STAPLES carries, the Staples MailMate M3 Shredder $79.00 (it shreds up to a dozen sheets in a cross-cut pattern that makes it impossible to piece it back together), or the larger capacity Staples SPL-1070M 10-Sheet Micro Cut Shredder $199.98 (for small businesses or large families this is a good choice) or the even larger Staples 15-Sheet Micro Cut Shredder $299.99


From there he advised us about security at the workplace, for computers, and Internet Security. As Bill began to talk about all the things people do without thinking that could seriously jeopardize their identity and their belongings, we all got even quieter. He suggested that many people consider their offices an extension of their homes, leaving everything from personal bills, to their checkbooks and personal laptops open and available for virtually anyone and everyone to see (and perhaps, steal). In the photo, he is showing us a Targus DEFCON Combination Notebook Cable Look $32.48. "I walk my dog with this cable," Stanton joked. However, with over 10,000 user-settable combinations on the lock, and 6.5' of galvanized, vinyl-coated steel cable, this inexpensive cable lock could save you thousands in equipment that needs to be replaced, not to mention the loss of non-recoverable information on the hard drive (some of which might give identity thieves everything they need to know to assume your identity and steal your money). For that reason, it's also important to back up your hard drive. An inexpensive and super-easy way to back up documents is the SanDisk 2GB (there's a 4GB version too) Cruzer Professional USB Flash Drive Enhanced for Ready Boost $94.98. This easy to use USB memory flash drive can password protect an area for sensitive files, and it's made of metal, so it's sturdy. Just insert it into your USB port, and voila! Another option is a more traditional External Hard Drive Backup. STAPLES sells several, including the Maxtor 500GB OneTouch 4 Plus External Hard Drive $169.98 and a take-it-with-you Maxtor 120 GB OneTouch 4 Mini Hard Drive $99.98



The Internet is a facet of daily life we take for granted, but while we're typing away on our laptops in library, cyber cafes and airplanes, others can be looking over our shoulders. A simple solution is a DM 17" LCD Privacy Filter $125.99 that fits right over your computer monitor screen, to ensure that the on-screen data is visible only to the person sitting right in front of that monitor. It also helps reduce screen glare (good to know if you're taking the "office" to the pool). Bill also suggested a good anti-virus program as a must have. He likes Norton AntiVirus 2008 $39.99 or the more all inclusive Norton 360M $79.99. Keeping hackers and viruses out and away from your computer means additional security, not to mention sanity (especially if a bad virus gets onto your system).



When you leave checks, bills, and other statements or personal papers around, you never know who will find them and copy (or outright steal) them. "Don't leave your bills and checkbook in the office drawer" warned Bill, "and never ever leave anything in your car! " For home and office, Bill suggested a Fire-Proof, Waterproof Safe (STAPLES sells the Sentry Safe Fire-Safe Waterproof Security File H4300 $109.99 with a .68 cubic Ft. capacity, a waterproof seal, and a tubular key lock).

All of these items are a small investment that are an absolute must have to keep yourself self and not sorry. This is especially sobering when you consider that the experience is such a violation. Most victims never really recover completely. Every four seconds someone else becomes a victim, but even more shocking, only half the victims even know their identity has been taken from them. They only discover it when the evidence begins to pile up. Then it's too late. It can take years to reclaim theirown identity! Bill told us that thieves have gone as far as filling out change of address forms to steal someone else's mail and thereby get information they want....I mean, how low can you get?

Here are some other suggestions Bill shared that can help keep everyone in your family safe include (not in any order):

**never leave those magnetized card keys you get to open hotel room doors in the room or lying around. In many cases, enough personal information and credit card info is on them to give a thief a bonanza, in seconds.

**If you see something, say something! If that man lurking on a ladder in your neighbor's yard looks suspicious, don't keep it to yourself. Report it...the next time it could be your house under attack!

**Teach your children age appropriate behavior for dealing with strangers and reinforce it regularly. Also test them periodically so that if someone does try to hurt them, they will automatically know what to do, and follow through. Sometimes, being rude to an adult can be the right thing to do!

**check your credit report (at least one) at regular intervals. By doing so you can track any suspicious activity and take action before it's too late.

**don't let anyone get too close or look over your shoulder when you are keying in your password or codes, anywhere. And, clever thieves can even read your lips.

**don't give out personal information on the Internet or by phone unless you are sure you are speaking to a credible representative.

**don't open any Email from unknown senders. They are likely to be phishing schemes, or contain viruses.

**watch your credit card when you give it to sales clerks and wait staff. They can easily make a copy.

**don't own too many credit cards. They're not great for your credit rating, and they leave you much more open to more theft.

**be careful about what you put out there about yourself online, and especially in online auction and sales sites. The reputable, secure sites have a little "lock" or unbroken key logo, and the urls to the site will begin with "https://"

**change your passwords regularly, and use "real" passwords that are alpha-numeric (e.g. "8puPP!es3" instead of just "puppy."

In November of 2007, I attended another STAPLES-sponsored security event. At that event I learned that besides selling a wide variety of items every home and office needs to stay secure, STAPLES also has a quick, free Security Quiz you can take to see how safe you are right now, at: http://www.advicesisters.net/2007/11/avoiding-identity-theft

I took the test and didn't do badly the first time, but I have become even more vigilant about my personal security. When I took it again this week, I got a nearly perfect score. Try it yourself and you'll learn instantly where you may want to make some personal changes!

To purchase any of the items I've mentioned here, visit a STAPLES store or http://www.staples.com/

Guitar Shorty Conquers the Stage (and the Snow) at The Turning Point in Piermont, New York

The Turning Point Cafe in Piermont New York has a restaurant upstairs with good food at reasonable prices. However, the real attraction of this cafe/bar at 468 Piermont Ave. Piermont, N.Y. Voice: (845) 359-1089 Fax: (845) 359-3219 is downstairs...an intimate venue in which to experience great blues and jazz. In fact, there are 34 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musicians that have played at the Turning Point: Charlie Thomas of the Drifters; Les Paul; Mick Taylor, David Thomas From the Kinks, Dave Davies, John Entwistle, Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Chris Hillman, Noel Redding, The Door's Robbie Krieger, Eric Burdon, Rick Danko, Levon Helm and Garth Hudson from The Band, the Grateful Dead's Vince Welnick and Tom Constanten, Jack Casady, Jorma Kaukonen, Marty Balin, Paul Kantner, John Cale from the Velvet Underground, Pete Seeger, Richie Furay From Buffalo Springfield, Bill Monroe, Michael Shrieve from Santana, Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt , John Sebastian, Johnnie Johnson, Andy Summers, Traffic's Dave Mason and Jim Capaldi, Buddy Guy and Ronnie Spector. Check the web site today:
http://www.turningpointcafe.com/ and you'll see bands scheduled that are as varied as the The Persuasions, Marty Balin, The Chapin Sisters, and the Electric Prunes. There's a large, comfortable bar, and the rest of the downstairs features long tables, but the room isn't a concert hall, and no matter where you sit you are close to the musicians.



One of the greatest, not to mention hardest-working of the blues musicians is the legendary Guitar Shorty, who makes his way back to The Turning Point a few times a year to delight die-hard fans, and charm new ones. Throughout the years, Shorty's band has seen some changes. Since Shorty's latest album "We the People" was released, Shorty changed all of the band members and assembled new musicians with a more "Texas" sound, that infuses Shorty's blues songs with a different, but fresh, "Rockabilly/Austin " vibe. The band name: "We The People," coordinates with the album of the same name. That album won the 2007 Blues Music Award, for "Contemporary Blues Album of the Year." Shorty also won a Blues Music Award for an album he released while on tour in England called: "My Way Or The Highway." It won for "Contemporary Foreign Blues Album Of The Year" in 1990.



The "We the People" band is not just window dressing, they are serious, skilled, musicians in their own right. The talented keyboard player Matt Farrell (to the left in this photo) has now been with Shorty the longest. I remember his first concert with Shorty at the Turning Point a year ago. Matt was fairly new and was still finding his way a bit cautiously with his accompaniments. But at this most recent, early February 2008 concert at the Turning Point, the "McDreamy" keyboard player did a lively solo as part of the opening act, and continued to add complicated, complimentary background through the evening that really made Shorty's standards, even more exciting. Behind him (wearing the hat) is Sam Pemberton. He's an accomplished musician who effectively backs up Shorty's lead guitar.


Tall, lean, John Morris is fairly new with the band. I watched Shorty throw him a song he had obviously never played before and he picked it up without seemingly any nerves or difficulties. His base is a welcome addition to the overall sound. There's also a drummer, of course. I have seen several come and go in the past year. The one I heard at the Turning Point a few weeks ago is no longer with the band, and the newest (according to a phone call to Shorty after the concert) is Bruce Logan. I'll be eager to hear how he fits into the overall sound, next time Shorty's in town.



But the main man, the one the fans clamor to see, is Guitar Shorty himself. A living legend whose enthusiasm for hard-hitting blues and rock&blues is so powerful, once you've heard him you're hooked for life. He generally plays a variety of songs from the half dozen or so CDs he's made, including crowd-pleasing versions of "Hey Joe" and "the Star Spangled Banner," and one of my personal favorites :" I Wonder Who (is Sleeping in My Bed) which my friends and I call "the underwear song." In any case, Shorty doesn't just play songs, he puts his entire being into them. As a young showman he'd do backflips onstage (playing "The Thrill Is Gone" while spinning on his head won him first prize way-back-when, on the Gong Show). But today, Shorty still amuses with his antics as well as play amazing blues, backed up by a strong, gravelly voice that is distinctive for it's authentic intensity. Shorty plays every concert as if it's going to be his last, often playing for hours without a break. He's known for leaving the stage, going into the audience, and playing right in front of an amazed (and lucky) group of fans. And while Shorty doesn't do backflips anymore (I won't divulge his age, but he's old enough to know that keeping your bones in one piece is paramount), Guitar Shorty still.....

......dances .......rides his Guitar (called "Red")
..............plays the guitar in front of a fan, using just his mouth......





....and regardless of the weather, if the club's conditions are right, Shorty will not only leave the stage, he will leave the building, entirely, walking and playing his guitar. We have seen him walk around an entire building in a blinding snowstorm in New Jersey, dance with a woman outside the Turning Point at an earlier concert, and connect with two girls eating Ice Cream who just happened by on the street in New Hope.


During this recent concert at The Turning Point, Shorty left the building and ambled down the street, taking more than half the Turning Point Patrons with him, even though it was cold and there was snow and ice on the ground. We all followed him as if he were the Pied Piper, down the street...................to the local Police Station, where Shorty went inside and played in front of the intake clerk's window! ........................................ ............Then, out of range of his band (but still playing his Guitar) he headed back the street towards the Turning point.... went back inside, and finished his song!




Shorty always takes the time to connect with his audience not just through his incredible music, but in a personal way. He signs autographs and CDs, and even once signed my friend Howard's arm (wish I had a photo of that to include here)! Here, he's posing with former NFL Football player for the Seattle Seahawks, Carl Ditmars (who also happens to be my personal trainer, and since that night, a true, new Guitar Shorty fan).



To learn more about Guitar Shorty and see where he's playing next on tour, visit http://www.guitarshorty.com/ . To buy CDs and other "Shorty Stuff," and listen to clips from his album "We the People" visit: (http://www.guitarshorty.com/store.html


....filed by Alison Blackman Dunham on 2/28/08

AdviceSisters Beauty Product of the Week - St. Ives offers new Sun Protection for the Vigilant, the Lazy, and even the Reluctant!

It's not quite Summer yet, but the days are getting longer, and the sun, a bit brighter, and anyone who reads my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review Columns (online for a decade this year) knows that I believe protecting your skin against the sun's damaging rays every single days is an absolute must. Doing so at an early age can help prevent the signs of premature aging. A skin cancer the size of a dime can kill you, so protecting your skin with sunblocks can also potentially save your life as well. But what you can't see is something many people feel they can ignore. Such is the problem with the sun's UVA/UVB rays. Unless you get a sunburn (and by then the damage is done) you don't really know they're out there, sabotaging your skin. Furthermore, most people simply don't want to put out the extra effort to add a sunblock to their skincare routine, or they don't like the smell, the texture or myriad other things.

A product just arrived for review in my next What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review Column that addresses this problem, and I simply can't wait for May/June to review it *the March/April "What Works" review column is live at the end of this week at http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html . So I'm making it the PRODUCT OF THE WEEK in this blog, so you can learn about it and get it now.

What is this special product? It's not only interesting, it's really inexpensive. The product is the Elements Protective Cleanser $6.99 4 fl. oz by St. Ives. A cheerful yellow bottle with frosted pump top holds a cleanser that multi-tasks to also provide SPF protection (SPF 10) as you wash. Key ingredients are avobenzone (oil-soluable ingredient used in sunscreens to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays); octinoxate (compound that absorbs UVB rays); octocrylene (aborbs ultraviolet ligh); and Vitamin E (anti-oxidant). The slightly fruity scented cleanser is more like a very creamy lotion that you are supposed to massage it into your face for 1-2 minutes (it isn't clear if you get more effective SPF protection if you work in into your skin longer but it would make sense) and then wash it off. The sunscreens in this product are encapsulated into a positively-charged silica shell so it sticks to your skin, which is negatively charged, and it won't rinse off. The product did clean leftover makeup and dirt off our skin, of course. But they key is what it leaves ON your skin. When I tried this one, after drying my face there was a feeling of a light coating on my skin. This, I assume, is the sun protection...and I didn't have to do a single extra thing to get it!'

The downside, if there is one, is that SPF 10 is at best, marginal sun protection which isn't meant to protect you against a full day of sun exposure (like the skin you get while spending a day at the beach). However, since incremental (every day) type sun exposure (the type you get just walking around doing errands or stepping out for lunch) accounts for 80% of sun damage over a lifetime, it's a good thing to protect yourself every which way you can.

The press literature claims that the microencapsulated sun screen in St. Ives Protective Cleanser blocks 90% of UVA/UVB rays, but even so, it is important to note you still need a decent sunblock with SPF 15 or higher, if you are planning to anything more than walk from your house to your car in the driveway. Layering products with SPF can help as well, so this one will be even more effective if you cleanse with this product and then layer other products with higher SPF in them such as moisturizers or foundation (or better still, a dedicated sunblock).

The real benefit to this product (as I see it) is that it forces you to add at least some protection to your skincare routine with no excuses, no effort, and virtually no expense. If you are the type of person who absolutely refuses to use sunscreen on a daily basis (or you have children or spouses who don't use it regularly) this product could be the breakthrough you are seeking...and at an amazingly low price!

The product will be available beginning March 2008 at drug, mass retailer, and grocery store outlets. Visit http://www.stives.com/ for more info!

Crazy About Jewelry

When I heard the title of this book, I thought...this is the book for me as I adore jewels both real and faux. Crazy About Jewelry! $16.95 by jewelry appraiser Susan Eisen, provides the answers you are seeking if what you want to know is about acquiring, organizing, re-doing, and eventually, getting rid of jewelry. Do you have something you no longer love? Did you get granny's wedding ring and you can't figure out how to actually wear it? Hoping to learn more about collecting? Although the information Susan offers may seem elementary to real jewelry collectors, her suggestions are mostly are common-sense and useful. You are sure to find at least one or two ideas you haven't thought of before that will help you to enjoy the jewelry you have, and make wise choices in the future. Ms. Eisen's tips on organizing, cleaning, storing, and taking care of your collection are particularly helpful, especially if you have lots and lots of jewelry. Ms. Eisen has her own web site/blog http://www.susaneisen.com/where you can ask questions, too. Costume or real, buying or wishing to sell stuff, the book is worth a read (and we dig the little pink "jewel" on the cover.




*This is a preview of a book review that will appear in the Advice Sisters What Works March/April 2008 Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review column at http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html beginning next week.

I have also posted the same review on the Advice Sisters Bulletin Boards under the Book Review Bulletin Board in the hopes that you'll go and visit, leave a comment or two, suggest a book, promote your own, and help us create virtual "book club" where we can discuss great books we love. So pony up a review, or at least a comment? I'd be grateful to know I'm not just alone on there with my own thoughts. ]

....and, if you want to read at least 10 more new book reviews of brand new books, feel free to sign up for the free, by-subscription only, bi-monthly AdviceSisters Enews at: http://www.advicesisters.net/thankyou.html. Sign up now and you'll get the March 2008 issue, with book reviews on love, sex, death, and other interesting topics you may want to know about--Alison

A Fall Makeup Look to Love, Now

Beauty.com celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow created the following look for the Lela Rose runway show The designer wanted the beauty look for her collection to be “Jerry Hall meets Park Ave.” Tina chose a teal liner and smudged it around the eyes for a classic look.




. The look is modern, but a refreshing change from the overly-dramatic eyes and lips I saw so much of for Fall, 2008 during Fashion Week earlier this month. This is a look you can love now, and keep into next year! I thought you might like to see it:



Products Used (all NARS Cosmetics)"

Face: Concealer, Foundation, Dolce Vita Blush

Eyes: Kaliste (Teal) Liner, Lili Marlene Single Cream Eyeshadow, Mascara

Lips: Risky Business Lip Gloss, Greek Holiday Lip Gloss

Win Champion Sports Wear Worth over $200--only two weeks left!

ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT --MARCH 1, 2008, TO ENTER THE ADVICE SISTERS "WHAT'S YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION?" CONTEST AND WIN CHAMPION SPORTSWEAR WORTH OVER $200: ENTER NOW AT: http://www.advicesisters.net/newyearscontest.html

If you don't care for contests, or it's too late to enter the Advice Sisters' What's Your New #1 New Years Resolution? Contest, or you aren't the lucky winner over over $2oo worth of sports wear from Champion, including a women's Super Hoodie, Sports Pant, and Sports Bra, plus a Men's Hoodie (worth over $200), you can still get these items for yourself at: http://www.championusa.com/.

Here's my review of the Champion Sports Wear Products in the Advice Sisters Contest:

The Women's Super Hood $49.99 is my favorite piece. It offers warmth from those chilly early morning/late night walks, but won't make you look like the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man (or woman). The zip-up jacket has a rugged zipper and is cut in a figure-flattering style, featuring 11-oz. 80% cotton/20% polyester fleece (and cotton/spandex rib trim). Other designer details that make the difference include roomy kangaroo pockets to keep hands warm, and a generously-sized hood with adjustable draw cord. the quality is super-high--it won't shrink or fade (mine is getting even softer and more comfy with laundering), so your investment will pay dividends for a long, long time. Choose light pink, red, light grey, white, retro green, or light blue. The men's hoodie has similar attributs, and comes in black, white, navy, scarlet, oxford grey, muscadine, urban gold, seaweed, deep garnet, wild lime, persimmon, camo, harvest pumpkin, java, dark borwn, dove grey and giants royal...a lot of colors for one little garment!

Of course, if you're going to exercise in style, you want an outfit to wear under that nifty jacket. The Champion® O2Cool™ Sports Bra $36.00 is one of the most comfortable sports bras I've ever tried. It has moisture-wicking fabric with strategic mesh panels to provide cool ventilation just where you need it most: under arms, at neck, and at back. The bra is supportive, but it isn't so constrictive that you can't breathe or move in it. Even better, the soft but supportive front lining has anti-microbial finish, to help control garment odors. You'll feel immediately slimmer, even before you hit the gym, with aerodynamic seams that visually slim your look. And, this high-performance bra comes in "girly" shades of turquoise, purplish-pink, light pink, yellow, white and black. Pair the bra and hoodie with a great pair of sports pants. A great choice is the Champion Women's Flare Pants $30.00 . A contrast-trimmed crossover waist provides a gentle fit that won't make you tug to keep the pants where you want them. The stylist, boot-cut legs slide right over athletic shoes. Like the bra, these may be the most comfortable sports pants I've ever tried, with a composition of 58% cotton/38% polyester/4% Lycra® spandex).

FYI: The AdviceSisters has received a huge response to this contest so far. In case you're wondering, more than 75% of the "resolutions" for 2008 have been to "lose weight" or "eat healtheir" or "get in shape" or all three! Other popular answers have been to "get organized," "spend more time with my kids," " be more charitable" and "make more money."

WE WILL BE PICKING THE WINNER ON MERIT--YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION COULD MAKE YOU THE WINNER! Enter the AdviceSisters contest until March 1, 2008 --get details and the link to the contest entry form at: http://www.advicesisters.net/newyearscontest.html, Shop the Champion Catalogue online at: http://www.championcatalog.com/

10 Top Things I'll Remember About Mercedes Benz Fall 2008 Fashion Week

When I'm standing in line for my press credentials the day before Fashion Week starts, I always wonder what the week will bring. Here are the things I'll most remember about Mercedes Benz Fall Fashion Week 2008 in Bryant Park, New York City (not in any particular order):

...being backstage and learning the latest tips and technique from the best hair, nail and makeup pros in the world.

...seeing and talking to the models both offstage and on the runway

....running into old and new friends!

....being backstage and seeing the best designers in the world, in person!

...seeing their designs before they even go out on the runway!

....being part of the style community

...having Jay McCarroll from Project Runway fame literally stop his conversation to tell me he loved my mustard-colored coat and that I was absolutely in fashion for Fall!

...enjoying the lovely designer and model Esther Nash's outfits all week long, and her glittering variety of Judith Ripka jewelry that made her one of the most eye-catching women in the front row(s)!

...the less than glamorous press room where I spent a LOT of time sitting on the floor because there are only a few seats and it's not a real lounge.

...and finally, just being fortunate enough to be part of the scene (here, on the runway at Carmen Marc Valvo)

I am a freelance writer and creator of the AdviceSisters Web Site . If you like my work, if you'd like me to work for you, and/or if you'd like permission to reprint any of the content on this blog, please contact advicesisters(at)advicesisters(dot)net. You may also LINK to this post, but kindly refrain from using my content or photos without written permission. All text and photos © 2008 all rights reserved by Alison Blackman Dunham of THE ADVICE SISTERS® The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark.

Zang Toi--Last Show of Fall Fashion Week 2008

Slippery, faux snow lined the runway for this last collection to be shown for the Mercedes Benz NYC Fall 2008 Fashion Week. And, this show, the Zang Toi runway show, was really one of the most interesting of the entire week. It had a bit of everything I've been seeing on runways all week: slick hair in buns, red lips, funky dresses, elegant gowns, quirky details...but definitely a signature, rock star style. The program notes from the House of Toi stated that the collection was: "inspired by the grand lifestyle at The Point in the Adirondacks, where magnificent and sumptuous log cabins were built by William Avery Rockefeller that personified the romantic notion of "roughing it" in luxurious and glamorous style. "
There really was something for everyone, from fun and funky coats and parkas trimmed with Mongolian Lamb collars, made a bit disturbing with the addition of large, dark, ski goggles, to heart-stopping, amazingly elegant, 20's-style silky evening gowns with gorgeous, drape-y, low backs. Some of these merely dipped daringly low, and some were also festooned with "back necklaces" of glittering crystals. There were elegant wools, such as this not-quite-a-day-dress worn with a drape of fur, to a number of designs for fahionable men who want to be luxurious and elegant. This sexy, black velvet suit was a good example.

Although Sean Jean was still to present at Cipriani, this was the last actual show at the Bryant Park tents--at least for this season. The A-listers are ushered quietly in and out, but for the majority of show-goers it had been a long week lugging coats and bags, and standing and waiting on tired feet. The events were winding down, and wearing people out, and on the line, civility was beginning to wane and tempers were beginning to rise. Still, the sheer number of people hoping to get into this last show was astounding. The assumed risers were packed with photographers, and the line of guests waiting to get into the show was very long (and eager to move forward into the Promenade).

Finally, everyone was in and seated. Was it worth the wait? Definitely! While "American" songs such as the Guess Who's "American Woman" formed a heavy beat, the models walked ever-so-purposefully and slowly down the runway, giving guest a chance to see each luxurious detail. The clothes, although alluding to weekends in the country and the gerat outdoors, was hardly "roughwear." The fabrics included plenty of cashmere, fur (Russian Sable and Mink, mostly) and oversized accessories such as the black leather handbag worn worn with a mink coat.

The styles included a bit of everything, but my favorite was the "Infanta Style" red and black evening dress that was full, glittering and gorgeous. Another ballgown that was a true show stopper was the final of 37 looks -- a very full skirted, pure white Princess gown described as: "Portrait of an Adirondack Star.' That would be celestrial star, not celebrity star, as the heavily collared neck was created of glittering crystals almost as blinding as a real star in the heavens. Other standouts were the draped, one-shoulder gowns, and and compellingly expensive-looking daywear that struck a positive chord with the crowd, too. I loved the hair-- a kooky bun created by Eiji Salon pairing three "Princess Leia" style "faux" buns wrapped around a sleek, real one. Manicures were courtesy of J. Sisters, Make-up by the charming Rudy Miles and team. More flash was generated from still cameras at this show than nearly any other.

Immediately after the show, the crowd was quickly directed out of the tent. Even the port-o-sans were closed. The lobby displays, dark. "Show's over, bathroom's are closed, please leave the tent" directed the security guards. This view of the main portal to the tent is what I saw first every day of Mercedes Benz Fall 2008 Fashion Week. By the time I left after Zang Toi's show, night had already fallen and the facade was bathed in twilight.

The show is over, until next season.

...I hope you have enjoyed the AdviceSisters fashion week coverage. Please leave comments! And, as a reminder: Feel free to LINK to this post, but do not take anything you see on this blog or spidered by search engines without written permission. All text and photos © 2008 all rights reserved by Alison Blackman Dunham of THE ADVICE SISTERS® The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. For permission to use this content, please contact advicesisters(at)advicesisters(dot)net