Are You Dressing Too Sexy for Work?
Office wear, decoded: Find out what's sassy, and what's too sexy.

Who says you can't rule the corporate boardroom and look good while you're at it?

But if your fashion sense is more sexy than stylish, you could be hurting your career, according to a recent University of Lawrence study.The study, which was led by psychology professor Peter Glick, found that dressing sexy on the job is viewed as inappropriate for female employees in all positions. But here's the twist: Women holding high-powered jobs, especially, were perceived as less intelligent and less competent when they dressed provocatively, while those in lower level positions (such as secretaries) were not. The study also suggested that women who wore risqué clothing were perceived as using their sexuality to advance professionally.Bottom line: "If you're really trying to demonstrate your abilities, looking sexy might not be the best way of going about it," says Glick. So how can you make sure you don't cross the line? Here are some guidelines:

What's Smart for the Boardroom

Tops: Blouses can be stylish but should be modest enough to cover up the cleavage, shoulders, back and midriff. Avoid overly sheer fabrics: Good fabric choices are silk, rayon, and cotton-polyester blends. Experiment with different styles that complement your shape, but stay away from anything that clings like second skin.

Skirts: Skirts can be just above the knee, but no shorter. Tailored A-line or pencil skirts are classics, but you can also inject a touch of fun into your work attire by wearing skirts that feature floral prints, subtle beadings or embellishments.

Pants: Go for dressy, tailored pants in neutral colors with a mid-rise or higher. Pants should be fitted, but not too tight, and should not show visible panty lines.

Dresses: Look for tailored dresses with full coverage such as shirt dresses and wrap-dresses. For dresses that are a tad more revealing (like sun dresses or halter-styles), layer up with a cropped jacket or cardigan for a professional look. The cut should be relaxed but not too fitted. Hemlines should hit around or just above the knee.

Shoes: Shoes should be close-toed, and heels should be no higher than two inches. Opt for neutral colors and classic designs. Standard pumps and kitten heels are safe bets.

What's Way Too Sexy for the Workplace

Blouses that reveal too much skin such as cleavage- or midriff-baring tops and spaghetti straps. Layer with a longer camisole underneath or throw on a cardigan or jacket for cover-up.
Overly sheer or shiny fabrics such as see-through lace and head-to-toe metallic ensemble.
Clothes with extremely fitting cuts, including figure-hugging tops and hip-hugging pants.
Exposed bra straps and visible panty lines.

Skirts and dresses that end more than one hand-width above the knee or with revealing side slits. If you're going for an above-the-knee skirt or dress, pair with opaque stockings or leggings for a more professional look.

Pants with a low rise or hip-huggers that expose the midriff.

Dresses with revealing necklines such as halter, deep-V neck or low-back dresses.

Sky-high stilettos or anything with heels higher than two inches.

Shoes with open toes, strappy sandals or overly bright colors.


Source: Shopping Lifestyle

Get A Party-Perfect Body

Low-impact whole-body workouts

If you're looking for an activity that gives you a whole-body workout, fit a weekly (or twice weekly) swim into your schedule: It works out both upper and lower body muscles at the same time and burns 350 to 420 calories per hour, making it ideal for all-round toning. Plus, it's also a low-impact cardiovascular workout that is easy on your joints -- ideal if you're new to exercise.

Don't forget do some stretching exercises before diving into the pool. While you're swimming, burn more calories with the right strokes and techniques: A ten-minute back stroke, for instance, burns about 95 calories; a side stroke about 68 calories while treading water burns only 35 calories.

If you're no swimmer, good alternatives are walking and slow jogging: These are also relatively low-impact exercises. They don't train the arms and shoulders though, so you have to work your upper body muscles with a separate workout.

Target workouts

Our trouble spots are, unfortunately, also the ones that are the most resistant to diet and exercise, so double up on these target-specific workouts to firm up those those problem areas.

Workouts for Arms

Bicep Curls:
Works the front of arms. Stand upright with straightened arms by your sides and dumbbells in each hand. Keeping elbows close to your waist, slowly lift the weights up to chest level by bending arms at the elbows. Slowly bring arms back to starting position. Do three sets of 10 repetitions.

Tricep Dips:
Works the back of arms. Sit at the edge of a chair with your legs together and bent 90 degrees, hands by your side, gripping the front edge of the chair. Slide your butt off the chair and dip down towards the floor as far as possible. Straighten your arms to return to starting position. Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

Workouts for Butt, Thighs and Calves

Squats:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place hands on your hips or use dumbbells to add more weight. Inhale as you squat, with your knees bent 90 degrees and your back kept straight. Exhale as you stand up. Do 3 sets of 15 repetitions.

Lunges:
Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart and your hands on your hips. Lift right leg and step forward the length of your stride, keeping your right thigh parallel to the ground and your left thigh perpendicular as your foot hits the floor. Press off the ball of your foot to return to standing position. Alternate with left- and right-leg lunges. Do 3 sets of 15 repetitions.

Workouts for Tummy

Crunches:
Lie down with hands cupping the back of your head and elbows pointing sideways, knees bent and feet on the floor. Slowly lift shoulder blades off the floor while exhaling. Hold for one count, then inhale as you lower back down to starting position, without your head touching the floor. Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

Reverse Curls:
Works the lower abdominals. Lie flat on your back, arms by your side. Bend and raise knees slowly toward your chest, lifting butt off the floor while exhaling. Lower knees to straighten legs without letting your feet touch the floor. Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

Fashion Tips for All Shapes and Sizes
By Wendy Carpentieri

Guess what? You don’t have to be a tall, pencil-thin size 4 to find great, stylish clothes and look your best. Fashion comes in all shapes and sizes. You can no longer use “But I’m short and chubby” as an excuse for not overhauling your fashion-illiterate wardrobe.

Before you can start on this journey of revamping your entire closet to start looking like a babe, you have to first learn to accept your body as it is. Most women have a love-hate relationship with their bodies and are constantly comparing themselves with other women. Stop comparing and start accepting! Once you’re there—or at least on the road to “there”—you can start learning how to dress fashionably in way that flatters your body type, and that makes you look and feel attractive and even sexy.

The trick for success in this area is picking great-looking and high-quality clothing that highlights your good features and disguises your not-so-pleasant ones. Tall, thin women generally have it easiest, as they can wear most anything and not only get away with it but look great.

But you may have the classic pear shape, for example, with wide hips, an ample hiney, and round thighs. Choose clothes than downplay your lower half and flaunt your narrow waist, slimmer upper body, and sexy arms and shoulders. Examples include A-line skirts, bootleg-cut pants, and fitted stretch tees. As a general rule of thumb, keep to darker tones on the bottom and lighter or more colorful on top, and overall, stay clear of too-baggy or too-tight numbers.

Many women are apple-shaped, with a thicker waist, softer middle, a generous bosom, and narrower hips with slim legs. Clothes that flatter the apple-shaped woman highlight her legs and cleavage. Wardrobe examples include V-neck, low-cut, and turtleneck tops that extend well past the waistline, short skirts or shorts, and five-pocket jeans or pants.

No matter your size or shape, if you take some time to get to know and like your body and learn what looks great on you, you will come away with a new style that not only makes you look sexy, but also feel sexy.

*~ZOUK Flea, 16 Nov 08~*

A very BIG thank you for all those who came down to support us!!

It was Rainbow Paradise's first flea~*
We were really lucky to have a chance to set up our store at Zouk ^_^

However, it was quite unlucky that I fell sick just before this event so I reached slightly late.
Pardon me for not setting up my store completely on time and that if I did not serve you well x_x

Stationing behind my cloths rack

Bar counter was my table space

Pack sardine

Didn't have time to put down my bag yet

Attending to more customers

We look forward to seeing you & serving you again ^_^

Underwear Lines Matter!

By Ronda Flannery

There are so many beautiful women out there of all skin types, tones & sizes. We each have our own individuality that makes us unique. Some are good at business, some at baking, others at charity, maybe, and then you have those who focus in on fashion and creativity. But regardless of what you do, we all have an image to uphold, and hopefully, we all have a life outside of ‘what we do’ where our appearance matters, as well.

So, where I am going with all this? Well, if you are going to take the time to look the part for any event, whether it is work, play or a date, please consider all the essentials, and don’t leave out ANYTHING, including what goes on under that fabulous outfit you’re going to wear!
Picture it, she has on a dress that is a perfect color for her skin tone, her make-up is just right, and ‘Oh!’ look at that hair! Then you notice her great shoes and that nice pair of earrings she’s wearing… but then, all of a sudden, as you’re discreetly looking at her and thinking how nice she looks… you focus in on that bulge right around her waistline! How could that be?!? She looks incredible from head to toe, but she forgot about her underclothes?

Oh, poor thing… It’s when I see this happen that I want to go over to her and say, ‘Honey, did you know…, and ‘Let me help you…’. It’s very simple, really, and here are some tips:
• If you are wearing a dress that clings to your body and you must wear hose, then ditch the underwear and wear ONLY hose. The hose should come high enough so there are absolutely NO roles hanging over that you can see. If there are, the hose should be pulled up higher until they completely cover and hold in the roles (sometimes as high as right under your breasts is required). Control top hose are awesome for smoothing and contouring, like the ones offered by Victoria’s Secret and Leggs.

• If you’re going the no hose route with a dress, then wear a pair of underwear that are either ‘barely’ there, or cover all. If they’re ‘barely there’, then please make sure they fit and the waistband is not too tight (again, avoid the bulge attack!). I recommend thongs or g-strings. I know that if you’ve never ventured into the thong arena that you might be thinking ‘how uncomfortable’, but quite the contrary in my opinion, and seems how they’ve been on the market for a while, then I’m not alone!

• If you are going with the cover all option under that dress, then again, please make sure the waist band is high enough to smooth out all lines and eliminate all bulge. The seat should also come low enough to minimize any lines from behind. Some may refer to these as ‘granny panties’ but they look much better under dresses and dress pants, and they have more support to hold you in! If you’re too concerned about your date seeing them, then be sure to have a sexy pair in your purse to throw on after you’re out of the public view! Or, there are a lot of sexy full coverage options nowadays.

• I don’t recommend it, but if you insist on wearing both panties and hose, then please be sure that the waistband of both line up together (to avoid an extra bulge) and all the same rules above apply.

• Some great tips for avoiding panty lines under dress pants include the ‘granny panty’ advice above in addition to smoothing undergarments, like products made by Spanx. These often have a wide waste band and are long enough that there are no lines to be seen whatsoever. They’re even comfortable and often help you lose an inch or two! Bonus!

• I wouldn’t be covering all the bases if I didn’t slip something in here about slips under skirts and dresses. Basically, all the same rules apply to wearing slips; make sure the waistband lines up with the waistband of the hose and/or panties, ensure that it’s pulled up high enough to minimize any bulge, and please ensure that the slip is smooth and seamless under your dress or skirt. Slips can be great when worn correctly, as there are several styles to hold in the tummy and slim down the thighs. Again, bonus!

• If you feel like living a bit dangerously, a good way to minimize panty lines under dress pants is to not wear any! And now, there’s a great product called ‘Nundies’ for you to place in your pants to provide a barrier when you do summon up the courage to go commando. Be free!

• And finally, be sure to take a good look in the mirror before you walk out the door for any occasion!

If you follow the advice above, then you’ll look smoother, thinner, be more comfortable and hopefully, feel more confident! You have to admit, they’re pretty simple pointers to remember and live by. Some great brands of hose and underwear are below. Remember, what goes on under those clothes can make or break the outfit!

Ok, i know this has nothing to do with fashion.
This is something sinful. But i know u will definately love this!
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It is valid till 30 Sept 08, from 11:30am to 6pm (dine in only).
If u are interested, pls email me at enquiry@rainbowparadise.sg
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What Kind of Lover Is He? Check Out His Coffee Order

What your date orders at Starbucks says tons about his personality, according to Dr. Alan Hirsch, Director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation and author of What's Your Food Sign?

It may sound a tad far-fetched, but Dr. Hirsch has some science to back up the statement: His survey of 18,631 men and women revealed a strong correlation between the participants' drink preferences and their personalities.

Here's what his coffee order says about him:

Black coffee: He's aggressive, ambitious and independent

Café au lait: He's traditional and laid-back

Chai tea latte: He's shy and stubborn

Hot chocolate/ Mocha-flavored coffee: He's a dreamy romantic

Iced mocha: He's spontaneous and seductive

Iced tea with lemon: He's sexually shy and inhibited

- from Shopping Lifestyle