AP9 Articles

Shopping Essentials Keeps Consumers One Step Ahead on Shoe Trends

The "Carrie Bradshaw" effect is not a new trend imposed by the main character of the TV show and movie "Sex and the City." Women have always loved shoes, and even though those four girls from the show turned some shoe designers into fashion icons, many women don't even need top-label shoes. All they want is beautiful shoes to complement an outfit. Summer 2008 is perhaps the best time for women to show off their most gaudy shoes, reports Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. The savings offered by this program also help a lot of women put more shoes in their closets for less.

Shoe trends this year include bright colors, patent finishes, sandals and flats with straps and sparkle, and heels designed to defy gravity. Open-toe and peep-toe shoes are also a common summer denominator. But no matter how beautiful the shoes are, they won't look so good if the feet aren't taken care of. Pedicures are, therefore, another must of the season. AP9 ShoppingEssentials presents the most popular trends for women this summer:

--Wedges. A classic for all women, the wedge is totally in this summer, after a short disappearing act the last couple of seasons. Wedges are simply fun, and even who don't usually opt for heels choose medium-height wedges for the summer. They're very comfortable and, depending on the model, they can be used for a casual day in town or for the office. Versatility is their main quality.

--Thong sandals. These are a very, very hot trend for 2008. This year, shoe designers went all out and have created beautiful sandals in both flat and high heels. Flowers, buckles, intricate stitching, metal mesh … cosmopolitan, chic styles are all over the stores. Use flat thong sandals for casual affairs or even nights out, but go for higher heels and semi-covered sandals in the office.

--Gladiator sandals. This trend actually started back in spring, and it has slowly progressed into a full-fledge trend for the summer, notes AP9 ShoppingEssentials. Roman-inspired sandals come in bright colors, prints, patents … you name it. Like the thong sandals, these gladiator shoes can be found in both flats and high-heel styles.

--Floral patterns. Whether printed on the fabric or as the main accessory on the shoe, flowers are in full bloom this summer. Use them in any color and with any type of shoe: casual, elegant or for work.

--Architectural heels. Some look like shoes that defy orthopedic laws or even gravity, but shoe designers know what they're doing. Wearing a pair of these shoes requires a lot of personality and sometimes a lot of balance. Be sure to try on these shoes and walk around the store for a while before taking them home.

Fashion trends are simply guidelines to keep in mind, but personal style is always the priority when deciding what to get. The rule this summer is to play with color and to be comfortable at all times, reports Shopping Essentials.

Shopping Essentials Takes a Look at Hot Make-Up Trends for This Summer

Each season, cosmetic lines tell consumers a different "color story," which basically is the group of colors that go together with the fashion trends for the same season. Summer 2008 is all about clothing with bright, bold colors, and the make-up has to match accordingly. When it's time to refresh the make-up bag to bring in the bright and golden shades for the summer, wise shoppers use the savings they get from savings programs like Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

From bright red lips and accentuated eyebrows to the neo-bohemian dark eyes and girly, electric-blue eye shadow, women can play with it all this summer. One thing all women should remember, notes Shopping Essentials, is that no color will look good on a damaged skin, so before any make-up is applied, moisturizing (with an SPF factor of at least 30) and foundation are key. Apply the first one, and wait 20 minutes or so before applying a light, preferably liquid foundation.

Once the canvas is ready, it's time to apply make-up. Here are the main trends for the summer of 2008, colors and application tips offered by AP9 ShoppingEssentials:

-- The eyeliner is back. The '80s are long gone, but some of their boldness has been brought back, minus the excess. Try electric and turquoise blues, bold purples, lilacs, and fresh baby blues too. Use the color to border the eyelid in a smudgy streak. Use liquid eyeliner if the goal is to create a more dramatic cat-eye pattern for an evening affair.

-- The '60s look. Once again, the wild Sixties inspire fashion and make-up trends. In this case, the eyes are the focus, with women wearing two-tone eye shadows patterns and flirty eyelashes. The idea is to create a light smoky eye with combinations of blues, corals and greens. This look is great for daytime and parties, but not for women in conservative work environments.

-- Golden eye. Metallic shades are everywhere, and make-up is no exception. Once again, the eyes are the right place to play with colors, and in this case any hue is valid. Try gilding the eyelids with iridescent eye shadow in light colors for the morning and in darker shades for the evening.

-- Red lips. They're back, stronger and bolder. Red lipstick should be worn carefully, paired with sleek hair, well-groomed eyebrows and a lick of black eyeliner. Some women opt for berry-stained lip color or a vibrant pink shade, to make a softer statement and still look totally stylish.

-- Pink cheeks. Soft pastel pink cheeks make a comeback this season. This hue gives a girly, innocent air to those who wear it, especially when worn with minimal make-up. Make the eyes look a bit daring with brown or black-brown mascara and darker shades of pink on the lips.

Experiment with all these trends, but remember to go for the ones that complement your style, skin color and age. And for savings on all the essentials in make-up, fashion and other needs, summer is also a good time to log on to Shopping Essentials.

ShoppingEssentials, from Adaptive Marketing LLC, Offers Special Deals on Beauty Products for the Hands

Hands can tell a story just by the way they look: wrinkly, stained, supple, dry, soft, etc. They also play an important role in communication, since people often use their hands to emphasize what they want to say. Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading discount shopping program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, reports that hands are indeed the first body parts that show age, and they need more pampering and care than people usually give them.

The skin on the hands is thin and delicate, and therefore requires special care. Ironically, such an important and fragile part of the body gets a very rough treatment. People wash clothes and dishes, scrub floors or perform other heavy-duty activities without any protection. But there are some useful and simple tips anyone can follow to keep hands healthy and soft, like the ones provided here by ShoppingEssentials:

-- Moisturizing. Hands need hydration, just like the rest of the body. Use a deep moisturizing cream at least four times a day. Choose one that contains lactic acid's urea, an essential hand-care chemical that helps water efficiently penetrate the skin.

-- Warm, not hot. Hot, steamy water does help kill bacteria, but it also makes hands dry and rough. To keep hands clean and soft, use mild soap, and warm water.

-- Exfoliating. Both men and women can use this simple trick to soften their hands. Use any store-bought exfoliation product once a week (preferably at night, before going to bed), or simply combine hand lotion and sugar, rub hands for 3 to 5 minutes, rinse with warm water, and pat hands dry.

-- Face treatment. Almost every anti-age or moisturizing face cream can be applied on the hands, at least once a week, for extra moisture. Another cool trick for extra-soft hands is to apply Vaseline before bedtime, notes Shopping Essentials.    

-- Sunscreen. Hands should also be covered with sunscreen before heading out in the sun. Apply sunscreen all over the hands, including in between the fingers and on the palms.

-- Gloves. Protecting hands is as easy as using gloves when washing clothes or dishes, or doing gardening chores. Dust, pollution and chemicals affect the skin and make hands dry and chapped.

-- Nails. No matter how soft the hands are, if the nails look yellow and weak, the overall look will not be a good one. Visit the manicurist at least once a month, keep nails clean, and apply beauty products to make them stronger.

The best way to have healthy-looking hands is to take care of them daily. For savings on beauty and hand-care products, among other shopping needs, reach for the benefits of Shopping Essentials.

Shopping Essentials Offers Ideas on What to Give Expectant Mothers on Mother's Day

Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, says "dig deeper" when deciding what to give a mother-to-be on Mother's Day.

If you feel lost, you're not alone. Most people have a hard time with this situation. The most important thing to remember at this point is that no matter what you give her, the present must be for her, not for the baby.

That's why Shopping Essentials recommends going beyond the obvious and thinking about the pregnant mother's needs and desires during this special time in her life. Pay more attention to her comments, hear what she has to say about the changes she's going through, try to put yourself in her situation … this will give you many valuable ideas. Gift cards make excellent presents during this time, because they allow the mother-to-be to get what she wants the moment she wants it. Remember that pregnancy can be a nine-month emotional roller coaster.

With that in mind, take a look at some useful ideas, courtesy of AP9 ShoppingEssentials:

--A day of beauty. All the physical changes women experience during pregnancy are hard to deal with. It can make them feel beautiful one minute, fat and ugly the next. The gift could be a spa day with various treatments specially designed for pregnant women, or a less expensive but equally effective afternoon at a beauty salon. A new haircut, a manicure and pedicure or a makeup makeover will help her feel pampered and good about herself for days to come.

--The gift of time. Give her free baby-sitting once a week for a couple of weeks, so she can run other errands or simply relax at home while a trusted friend takes care of the other kids. Any mother-to-be will appreciate that "me" time as one of the best presents ever.

--Sexy and practical undergarments. Both types are needed, and maternity lingerie isn't what it used to be. These days, designs are more convenient, so the mom-to-be can feel sexy and comfortable at the same time. Maternity/nursing bras are also cherished throughout the pregnancy and after the birth.

--A pregnancy pillow. Getting a full night's sleep during the last trimester of pregnancy is a luxury not all pregnant women have. There are different pregnancy pillows out there, but they all serve the same purpose: body support. Finding a comfortable position to sleep in will also help her ease back pain and aching joints caused by pregnancy.

Jewelry, a new digital camera, bath oils or skin care products are other ideas to keep in mind. And for savings on practically any present, gift-givers can always go to Shopping Essentials.

Shopping Essentials Presents Spring Fashion Tips

Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, says that, this spring, “old is new.” Early spring fashion trends point to floral-printed garments. And while that may not be anything new, the way these flowers and floral prints are being worn, and how designers have chosen to combine them, is the foundation of Spring 2008.

This year, designers seem to be very focused on color combinations. They’re relying heavily on combining basic neutrals, like white, off-white, light beige and grays, with brighter colors that are simply a must: energizing reds, cool waterborne blues and eco-friendly greens. With that in mind, take a look at some further Spring 2008 fashion insights, courtesy of AP9 ShoppingEssentials:

-- Water the flowers. This spring’s fashion flowers have a definite “watercolor” look to them. So consider floral-print sweaters with jeans or a solid-color dress. That “watercolor” look makes flower prints seem more blurred than usual, and similar prints can be found on almost any piece of clothing. Check out Grandma’s closet or vintage stores to find old pieces that will work wonders today.

-- Brighten up with accessories. The right necklace or purse can make or break an outfit. This year, the main trend is color, so don’t be afraid to mix and match as you please. How bright colors look on the whole depends largely on skin tone, so pick your accessories carefully, even if it means spending a good chunk of time trying out stuff in front of the mirror. And yes, it’s valid to wear solid-color outfits and add drama with bright-colored purses and shoes.

-- Go retro. Dresses are in this spring, and designers looked back in time to offer up-to-date versions of old successes. The airy, “long-floaty” dresses of the 1960s (called “maxis” in fashion jargon) and the more ’80s “minis” are back on the runways and on the streets. For a casual look, wear “minis” with leggings, and use colorful pantyhose for more formal occasions, too.

-- Hippies are still hip. The retro aspects of Spring 2008 fashions aren’t limited to just dresses. In fact, what fashionistas are calling “hippie chick” headbands and headscarves are definitely back in. That counter-culture look is still going strong today. Dig out pictures of mom, and take notes of what was hot back in the ’60s and ’70s.

Fashion tips like these mean that spring is definitely here. And for savings on all the essentials — no matter what the season — any time is a good time to get into AP9 Shopping Essentials.

Shopping Essentials Provides Tips to Help Stick to Your Clothing Budget

Clothes are a necessity. Trendy, unique, brand or designer-label clothes, on the other hand, are a luxury. Yet thousands of people have found a way to wear high-quality clothes all-year-round without breaking the bank. These people are indeed smart shoppers, notes Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Savvy shoppers display shopping sense based on three key words: budget, planning and flexibility, notes AP9*ShoppingEssentials. Experts recommend having a clothing budget for the whole family of 6% of the net income the breadwinner(s) brings home every month. Once this amount has been determined, the second word comes into play. Clothing needs can usually be foreseen, so it's relatively easy to plan ahead and know what month to buy new school clothes, for example, and what month should be designated for other items, such as underwear, sleepwear, accessories, and more.

Flexibility is also necessary because a good shopper is always open to exploring different stores, trying new brands and hunting for bargains. And there are other ways to stretch clothing budgets, as Shopping Essentials points out:

-- Buy more classics. Make better use of your money by purchasing top-quality, classic pieces that will be wardrobe staples from year to year.

-- Trend toward discounts. Yes, trendy pieces always make a statement and are fun to wear, but they also go out of style easily. So get trendy pieces only when they're at least 40% off the original price.

-- Dress for your body type. The idea is to look good not only with quality clothes but also with pieces that fit the body in all the right places. Try on different things to learn what works and what doesn't in terms of cuts, colors, etc.

-- Seize the sales. High-end stores are like heaven towards the end of each season. The sales are great, and they always have coupons out. This is the time to buy quality clothing for everyone in the family. When shopping for children, buy pieces at least one size bigger to allow for growth spurts.

-- Shop around. End-of-season sales start gradually, so pay weekly visits to the stores to compare prices and study their evolving offers. It's also worth your time to visit discount and outlet stores. They always carry name-brand items at unbelievable prices.

-- Go online. Some stores have better sales and no shipping charges for online shoppers. Also, go to search engines and type the name of your favorite stores plus the words "promotions" or "coupons" to find great ways to save!

Like a good pair of new shoes, discounts are always welcomed. "Happy shopping," concludes AP9 ShoppingEssentials.

Shopping Essentials Reveals Spring 2008 Fashion Trends

AP9*ShoppingEssentials wants you to see what's hot in fashion this spring:

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/springtrends/0,,20176707,00.html

Shopping Essentials Previews the Winter’s Best New Book Releases

With cold winter weather often causing many of us to spend more time indoors, Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, announces its recommended reading list of newly released titles, just in time for curling up with in front of the fire and a warm pair of slippers.

Fiction

Political and Legal Thriller: The Appeal, John Grisham. The latest from the best-selling author is legal thriller pitting a rural Mississippi town against a chemical company attempting to buy a seat on the state Supreme Court.

On the Nature of Marriage: The Senator’s Wife, Sue Miller. Ms. Miller looks inside the lives of two women in two very different marriages, creating a complex portrait and an engrossing tale of compromise, healing and intimacy.

Supernatural/Mystery: Duma Key: A Novel, Stephen King. A millionaire leaves his wife and family behind to start a new life on the Florida coast, but his eerie paintings take on a terrifying life of their own.

Non-Fiction

Food: In Defense of Food, An Eater’s Manifesto, Michael Pollan. The connection between how food and health are becoming more and more clouded by the food industry and today’s modern supermarket, but Pollan tells us how to restore good health by ignoring the bad advice and “fake” food and by making thoughtful food shopping choices.

Health and Wellness: You: Staying Young: The Owner’s Manual for Extending Your Warranty (You), Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz. Aging isn’t inevitable. The author-physicians describe 14 major “agers,” the principles of longevity and how to fight aging with a 14-day plan.

Autobiography: Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life, Steve Martin. The comedian’s memoir recounts his start at Disneyland, The Smothers Brothers Show and the stage, and along the way recalls family relationships and mentors, modestly observing that obsession is a substitute for talent.

Fans of the written word can enjoy significant discounts on book purchases at major booksellers nationwide as members of AP9 ShoppingEssentials.

Shopping Essentials Suggests Tips for an Oil-Free, Beautiful Skin

People with oily skin can consider this trait an advantage as much as a problem. Because it’s less prone to wrinkling, oily skin can be a good thing, but it’s also difficult to deal with, since it’s always shiny and prone to breakouts. Members of Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, can use their membership to get discounts on the things they need to control excess oil and maintain a healthy, radiant skin.

While oily skin can affect the entire body and face, it’s more likely to be limited to the T-zone of the face: forehead, nose and chin. In a nutshell, oily skin is the result of overactive sebaceous glands, whose job is to produce natural oils to nurture the skin. When there’s extra oil, the skin is afflicted by blemishes, blackheads, acne, and other skin conditions. The key is to control such excess while keeping the skin moisturized. There are simple ways to address this concern, including the following tips provided by AP9 ShoppingEssentials:

-- Know the facts. Some people mistakenly believe the best way to tame oily skin is to use harsh astringents and other products to strip away the oils. The truth is, those oils are necessary, and the skin will produce them again for nourishing purposes. Balance is the key word for people with oily skin.

-- Twice a day. A first step is to clean the face every morning and every night with a gentle soap and warm water. Rinse with cold water at the end to close the pores. When the skin is kept clean, pores won’t get clogged with dirt and bacteria, which causes pimples and outbreaks.

-- Use the right products. Make sure to have a routine to clean and moisturize the skin with oil and alcohol-free moisturizers, toners, cosmetics and sunscreens. Along with proper cleansing, experts recommend switching skin care products, depending on the season and the age of the person. As people grow older, the skin becomes drier, even for those with oily skin.

-- Look for natural solutions. Masks and natural treatments are always a great way to control oily skin while retaining moisture. One choice is to apply a mask made with one full teaspoon of instant oatmeal (or smashed oats), three drops of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey. Mix all the ingredients, apply over clean skin, leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, and wash off with cold water. Another good choice is to purchase skin care and make-up products from organic lines, available all over the country.

-- Exfoliate. Every type of skin needs regular exfoliation, but this is especially true for oily skin. Doing so once a week will get rid of dead cells located on the top layer of the skin. Use a gentle exfoliating cream (a strong one will over dry the skin and create a rebound effect), and apply with a circular motion all over the face or body. Be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer and, if necessary, a lotion to prevent the formation of pimples.

Along with healthy eating habits, practicing diligent skin care is always a good rule to follow, no matter what season or type of skin. And when it comes to having an oil-free, healthy skin, consumers can enjoy discount prices every day of the year through Shopping Essentials.