Elena Miro:  Fall/Winter 2008-09

by Elegant Plus Magazine

It wasn’t so long ago that the fashion world was in an uproar over too skinny models, body image and eating disorders.   But, as is typical with such fads in the fashion world such healthy concern in setting good examples for young girls has gone by the wayside and pursuit of the elusive, perfect size 0 model continues.

This makes all the more extra-ordinary the showing of the Elena Miro collection during Milan’s Fashion week on February 16, 2008.  A regular in the Milan line-up, Italian designer Elena Miro is not only noteworthy in the use of full-figured models (womanly and well-proportioned but not fat), but also in the design of plus-size fashion.

The Fall/Winter 2008-09 collection continues styles seen this past winter season and is characterized by lush berry ripe purples and reds,  European black in menswear inspired styles softened by lady-like details, and fabrics with soft luster and sheen.

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 Location, Location, Location

How To Choose The Perfect Venue For Your Wedding.

by Chris Flitter, guest contributor to Elegant Plus Magazine 

It’s the most important factor in real estate and it should be considered the most important decision to make when planning your ceremony and reception. There are many factors that go into deciding a location and usually cost is the first and foremost. Everyone wants a beautiful setting but the question is can you afford it? Location costs can go anywhere from free at a family or friends residence to $20,000 for a luxury estate. Whether your location is free or costs a bundle there are a few factors you need to consider before signing on the dotted line.

How big is the venue?

 Can the site accommodate a ceremony and reception? Every location will have a maximum capacity. Some separate their capacities by indoor and outdoor events and by ceremonies and receptions. When calling around this should be the first question you ask if you have a large guest list. It could speed up your search immensely if you find out the locations you are calling have a 50 person limit. Usually halls, hotels and larger estates can accommodate the bigger receptions. Wineries, small estates and private residences often have limited space.

What’s included?

One would think with a $10,000 dollar site fee something would be included in that price? Not necessarily and not usually. The more desirable the site the more they can charge. Always ask what’s included. Sometimes sites will include things like tables and chairs, maybe even white linens. This could save you some money on rentals. Venues that are already set up for catering, such as hotels or community halls usually have these basics. Private residences and estates are at the top of the list when it comes to high cost receptions. They usually do not have the space or the desire to keep rentals on hand so you have to bring or rent everything for the event and this could cost you a pretty penny.

What are the restrictions?

When reading through a location contract you will always see a section of restrictions. This is to protect everyone involved. Some may seem silly, others too strict, but they are rarely negotiable. One of my favorite restrictions is “Only water is allowed in the fountain.” This came about because a not-so-sober bride jumped in it with her wedding dress on. Here are some you are likely to see:

• Curfew: Some sites have a curfew because of the residents living nearby. Some will say no music past 10pm others may say no guests past 10pm. Just make sure it works well with your timeline.
• Alcohol: To drink or not to drink, some sites will not allow a full bar. These venues have it written on their insurance rider that guests can not bring outside alcohol onto the premises. Usually wine and beer are okay. Just check if you are considering a full bar.
• No cars on site. If you have a large guest list and the ceremony or reception is at a private residence, up a windy hill, you may see “need transportation” in the contract. This means no cars are allowed to park in front of or around the residence. In this case a shuttle or valet service will be required.

Ask for preferred vendors

 An established site will have a list of vendors they work with often. Some of my clients, in the past, have concern about working with “preferred vendors” because they think it will cost more. Well, it’s quite the contrary. In the long run, if you work with a vendor who knows the location they usually have many smart ways to save you money and time. Plus, it makes your life so much easier if you don’t have to second-guess everything they do. If they know the space, they’ve seen what works and what doesn’t and less things fall through the cracks. Practice makes perfect.

Plan B

 No one likes to think about their wedding day not being perfect but make sure the site is set up for changes from Mother Nature or anything else thrown your way. If any part of your event is outdoors make sure you have a rain plan. Can you rent a tent? Can you move the party inside? What is the last day to cancel? If you do cancel, do you get any of your deposit back? You probably won’t need to act on any of these but just in case you’ll be prepared.

Go with your gut

If you have the fortunate situation that you can’t decide between two or three locations go with what feels right. Imagine yourself walking down the aisle. Try to envision the reception set up. If it’s outside, will there be flowers in bloom? If it’s inside, will it be easy to deck it out. Whatever you choose the venue will set the stage of what’s to come.

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About The Author

Chris Flitter, is the founder of Twist, an event planning company out of the San Francisco Bay Area. She is also a contributing author for SocialCoutureBlog.com . Formally an HGTV producer with over a decade of television experience, Chris followed her dream to start her own event planning business and uses her creativity and attention to detail in every event she produces.

Popularity: 9% [?]

 By Jeanne Rust, Phd, Guest Author for Elegant Plus Magazine

What can we do to begin to combat the messages we get from the media including magazines and television?

How can we make a difference in the world and begin to teach people to respect who we are as a person on the inside rather than what we look like on the outside?

When am I going to say, This is enough! I am going to refuse to pay attention to what other people think when they judge how I look. I am going to refuse to give away my power to a society that worships a handful of super models who use airbrushed photos!

The PBS website has a marvelous article called Perfect Illusions. The beginning paragraph states, One of the ways we can protect our self-esteem and body image from the often narrow definitions of beauty and acceptability is to become a critical viewer of the messages we are bombarded with each day. Media messages about body shape affect the way we feel about our bodies and ourselves only if we let them! When we recognize and analyze the media messages that influence us, we remember that the definitions of beauty and success do not have to define our self-image or potential. We must use our creative minds to view all media with a discriminating eye. All media images and messages are things that are made up. They are not reflections of reality. Advertisements are created to do one thing: convince you to buy or support a specific product or service. We see what advertisers want us to see to convince us to buy a specific product or service. Advertisers often will make up an emotional experience that looks like reality. Just because they think their approach will work with you, it does not mean it has to work with you! As individuals we decide how we want to experience media messages. We can choose whether we want to think or believe the message. We can use a filter that protects our self-esteem and body image. (I like to put on my super-dooper protective bubble!)

1. When you see an ad or hear a message that makes you feel bad about yourself, your body, or others by promoting only thin, formulaic body ideals, talk back to the TV and advertiser by writing a letter.

2. Make a list of companies who consistently send negative body image messages and make a conscious effort to avoid buying their products.

3. Write them a letter explaining why you are using your buying power to protest their messages.

4. Get your friends and/or students at your school or work to join you. There is power in a grass-roots movement.

5. You can tear out the ads you find offensive and send them to the advertiser with the message: I do not want them.

6. Consumers have much more influence with corporations than we realize. Corporations are so competitive with each other in todays world as they fight to get our attention. They have to be flexible and responsive so just a few people raising their voices can make a huge difference. We can look upon this as seed planting. Our seeds will sprout and grow. it might take some time but we can make a beginning in changing our culture!

We can be strong and change the world in which we live!

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Jeanne Rust, PhD is the CEO and Founder of Mirasol, a treatment program for women and teens with anorexia, bulimia, obesity, and binge eating disorder. Her treatment philosophy is integrative combining the best of the medical model of treatment with the most effective alternative ones. Learn more about eating disorders at http://www.mirasol.net

Reprinted with Peremission from: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanne_Rust,_Phd
http://EzineArticles.com/?6-Ways-to-Combat-the-Medias-Body-Image-Message&id=827128

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