Miss Universe - Babes in Bikinis

What should you do if you're beautiful, smart, out-going and look super fantastic in a bathing suit? Well, you could become Miss Universe, but only after you "out hot" 51 contestants in the Miss USA contest...and of course that's ONLY if you have not been married or had a marriage annulled, given birth, are not currently pregnant and vow to stay single for your entire reign; but plastic surgery is ok, because it doesn't change your classification as a "Miss." Phew, ok there's hope for me.

What started out as shameless product promotion for Catalina Swimwear in 1952 has sustained years of good and bad publicity and still stayed a strong organization. The Miss Universe Organization supports charities all over the world (which I think is cool) and provides opportunities for many public appearances. Just last week some of the Title Holders had tea with Bohemian dignitaries. I wonder what they talked about?!

My favorite debate topic surrounding Miss Universe has to be swimsuits. What does looking good in a bathing suit have to do with showing you're an all 'round great gal? Who cares! If these single, unmarried, possibly augmented women are willing to get up there and prance around in heels and a tiny bikini, I'm gonna watch! Have you seen the photos this year? I figure if in 1952 they were brave enough in a more conservative society to show off their bikini worthy bodies, we might as well carry on the tradition. Besides, they are still advertising for these bathing suits right? Doesn't this give me a preview of the latest bathing fashions? I don't even know who makes them. Whatever! All I know is that for $199.99 I can get a 20X30 copy of this...

hmm I'm tempted to fill out the "Request an Appearance" form.

Oh yeah, and don't forget to vote in this week's poll.
-Kyndall

Are You Scarf Challenged Like Me?

Last weekend I was watching my stepdaughter getting ready to go out and I noticed she had this cute black and white checkered scarf that she was putting on. I watched in amazement at how many different ways she tied it and propped it in various ways (all of which looked good to me) before finally settling on the perfect position. Her outfit looked so much cuter and pulled together, I was in awe. I’ve always thought scarves looked great on other people and I have even bought a couple that I just had to have – until I tried to put them on. I would practice in front of the mirror, tying it so many different ways, but none looked right. I would wrap and unwrap my neck so many times I was lucky I didn’t end up strangling myself. In the end I would end up giving up and burying the scarf so far back in my drawer, never to be seen again.

So am I doomed to be forever scarf challenged? Is this a genetic thing, or do you have to be young and ambidextrous to safely secure a scarf in place? Scarves are making a huge appearance among celebrities and anyone following the latest trends.

All I can say is thank goodness for the web, this is what I learned for tying a simple knot around the neck:
1. Fold scarf lengthwise to desired thickness.
2. Place the middle of the scarf at the back of your neck so the ends drape in front.
3. Take both ends, knot and pull the knot up to your neck.
4. Optional: fluff some of the fabric over the knot so that the fabric covers the knot.
5. Optional: Pull the knot to the side of your neck.

For the looped effect:
1. Lay the long rectangular scarf across the back of your neck and let it hang, but leave one side slightly longer than the other.
2. Next, take the side that is longer and wrap it around your neck, moving it around your head in a counterclockwise motion. The scarf should end where you began turning it, now having a loop around the neck and the scarf ends hanging down across the chest on both sides. You can also stop the twist of the scarf end half way and leave one end hanging in front and one end down your back.

Lastly you can wear a scarf as a belt by folding a long oblong scarf into the desired width, draping it around your hips and positioning it as a sash. Adjust it as you like. This will draw the eye downward and make your waist look smaller.

I hope these basics have helped you. Do you have a favorite way of wearing scarves? Maybe this year I won’t get all tied up and I can join the scarf trend! Check out some of the other scarves offered by metrostyle.

By Izzy

Leather for all seasons

Yes, fall is coming ....I can feel it in the air and my toes

Ths mean daylight savings time and it's dark at 4:00pm

The leaves turning yellow

Next is the snow and the ice, aaaaaah!!!

Can you tell I don't like the cold?

But the great thing is I can wear leather!!! Go me! Go me!

I love black leather because it makes me feel tough, ("I'll stomp you the gound with my karate kick")

And sexxxy, ("hey big boy want to play")

So, I can't wait to squeeze into my black tight leather pants with help of a little vaseline or baby oil,

suck in my gut and

get my strut on. (hips swaying, left right, left right)

You know what, I am too excited !!

I am putting my leather pants on tommorrow, even if it 90 degress.

I will sweat but it will be "sexxxxy sweat"

Or is it too hot for leather? Never!!

Check out my new favorite styles at metrostyle.com.

Sexy to Boot...we’re on TV again!

The word about metrostyle seems to be getting out! Recently we’ve been getting a lot of great press in magazines and on TV. Editors seem to especially respond to metro’s ultra sexy styles.

The most recent: the Over-the-knee Boot was featured on the TODAY SHOW as one of fall’s top 15 must-have styles....love it!

click to watch the video







By: Bren B

Summer Job Searching; worthwhile or waste of time?

Whether you are ending a temporary summer job or have been struggling to find a new one in this economy, I just hope you haven’t taken a break from job searching because you have surrendered to the lazy days of summer. Stop postponing your job search until September...

You could you be missing your dream opportunity.

Many job seekers may feel as if they want to take the summer off, but by the time the summer ends, job seekers who took the summer off will be competing against even more job seekers who have followed the same strategy. Your time and effort can reap big rewards and even land you a new job before autumn.

Summertime can offer advantages to job seekers and it’s not over

yet! There are still a few precious weeks left so don’t let them slip away. In need of a little more job searching motivation... check out these Metrostyle steals on some new work clothes. These will surely make you want to get into the office asap!

What do you think of beauty of pageants?

Miss Venezuela was named Miss Universe 2009 at Sunday's pageant in the Bahamas. We would like to know what you think of beauty pageants. have they been a lifelong dream for you? or are they just overrated and superficial. Be sure to let us know by voting in this week's poll.

The results of the last poll are in... the cover with the pink blouse gets the popular vote!

Does this dress make me look fat?

Definition of a “true friend”.

I would like to share with you an experience I had helping a friend find a dress for a formal wedding. She dresses casual everyday, and considers herself fashionable. What she does not see clearly is that her body has changed over the past 25 years (since college).

So off we went to an upscale mall first stop a department store that specializes in women’s clothing. She picked out two dresses that she liked and I picked out three that she didn’t like. So off she went into the fitting room with the five dresses. The first dress she tried on was her favorite and when she asked my opinion I said “I think we can do better”. She tried on the second one that she liked and I said “we can do better”.

When she tried on my favorite reluctantly she screamed, “I love it”. A woman who was in another fitting room came out and said “you are a true friend” I did not tell my friend that she looked awful or fat or ugly, I said we can do better and it opened her eyes to a style that she would never have tried on.

Moral of this story is be open to new styles and be honest when giving your opinion you do not have to be mean if someone isn’t a perfect size, or lie and say its beautiful when its not.

Are Tattoos Considered Fashionable?

So this is the very first time I have written a blog, and to be honest it is a little intimidating! Trying to think about something to write about was a lot harder then I thought. I wanted to make sure I wrote about something interesting to me and well something interesting to read about. I was inspired to write about something that I know about. So here we go!

I am a huge fan of tattoos. I like big tattoos, little tattoos, on women, and on men. I have a great appreciation of expressing ones self on themselves.. In my opinion tattooing is artwork that you can bring with you anywhere. Granted it’s really someone else artwork but it is something that is personal!

I myself have 8 tattoos and I have found that there are the people out there that love them. They ask about them. They want to know the meaning and why I chose the things I did. Curiosity. I do get a lot of people that ask if they hurt and say that they have always wanted to get one but are too scared.

Then there are the people that Do not like them. They ask questions but in a different tone. Why did you get that? with emphasis on the that!

The question is are they fashionable? I believe that fashion is what you make it. Since I have tattoo's and I like to show them off then they become part of my personal fashion. But is it considered fashion to everyone else?

by Jani

The 5 Must Haves for Your Fall Wardrobe

Can you believe that Fall is almost here. In a way I can’t wait for Fall (it's one of my favorite seasons) but at the same time I feel that summer just started and I would like to enjoy the warm weather a bit longer. Since we can not stop the Fall from coming why not get ourselves ready for it. So below are the 5 must haves for your fall wardrobe. Have fun shopping!

Velvet – It’s no longer considered a little girl fabric. Instead, you’ll wear sophisticated looks that are classic, soft, and feminine. A short and chic velvet dress is a must for your fall wardrobe.

One shoulder Dress – Still remains a popular must have for you fall look.

Belts – This season show off your waist with large, clear or thin belts.

Thigh High Boots – Every woman needs one pair of thigh high boots to complete their ensemble. Plus what a great way to feel a little sexy!

Leather – This season leather will be seen everywhere, from blazers, pencil skirt, from dresses to leggings. So instead of slipping into your favorite denim jeans why not slip into one of the sexy, figure hugging leather pants.

By Diane

Little Feet, Big World!

Before posting I usually ask around and see if anyone has anything they want me to write about. I have a co-worker/friend who wears a size 5 shoe. She is the inspiration for this blog. This week when I asked if she had anything she would like me to write about her response was "YES write about how I can't find any shoes my size"

She wears a size 5 shoe and the problem she runs into is that women's shoes very rarely are available in a size 5 and children's shoes, well they look like children's shoes. She says she hasn't been able to find a decent pair of sneakers in years. After talking to her about the trouble she has finding shoes I am thankful that I wear a very common size (7). Are any of you ladies out there a size five? Do you have trouble stylish shoes that actually fit your feet?

by Sara

The unique look of 'Mad Men'

I'm a huge fan of 'Mad Men', a series on AMC set in the 1960s which chronicles the lives and relationships of employees of Sterling Copper, a New York City advertising agency situated on the prestigious Madison Avenue.

Season 3 premiered last night and watching it served to remind me of just how timeless great fashion can be. I found a great article where the show's lead costume designer, Janie Bryant, explains in detail the thinking behind each character's unique look. Check it out here.

Any other fans out there?

By Jon

Cash for Clothes?

I have been hearing an awful lot about the cash for clunkers programs lately. While I don't need a new car right now, I wish the gov't would consider spin off stimulus packages that I could benefit from...cash for clunky jewelry...cash for chunky heels!!! What fun it would be to be reimbursed for turning in all my old clothes, and what a boost my wardrobe would get in return!

Luckily I work for metrostyle, so finding fashion on a budget is not a problem for me! I love the steal of the day offerings at metrostyle.com, and you have to check out the everything under $15 section this week, too! All I need is a few new items to freshen up my wardrobe for the fall and then I am good to go!

by Suzy

Fall into Fashion

Everyone’s probably going to call me crazy, but I can’t wait for fall to come! Yes, I know that means I’ll have to give up my 9-hour shifts at the beach and summer night bike rides to get fried seafood and ice cream, but it also means that I can dust off my booties, peel the dry cleaning plastic off my jackets and stretch out those tights! While I love going to the beach, I’ve always thought when it’s cold out, you can always do things to keep yourself warm; layer on cute sweaters and jackets, drink yummy hot chocolate, sit around a fireplace with a nice glass of wine – but when it’s hot out, what can you do??

I love transition fashion, especially fall fashion; the layers (jackets!), the accessories (scarves!) and the all around cozy feeling when there’s a brisk breeze in the air. Layers are good for the New England fall, it might be upper 50’s to 60’s in the morning for the walk to the train or your favorite coffee shop, but that lunchtime walk or the mad dash home might be in the 60’s or even 70’s – So I always try to be prepared for all the crazy weather patterns rolling through. I need to restock my collection of jackets every year – it’s my thing, I love jackets! I think I’m going to have to get our Bubble Hem Topper to add to my collection and get me through the fall – actually on second thought; I just love this entire outfit!

Tell me, what’s your favorite season and the must-have piece to get you through it?

by yn

In need of some Karma points?

If you’re like me, you own a few pairs of athletic shoes for all your exercise needs. I have a pair for running outside on pavement, a pair for running in the woods, and a pair for tennis. (Sounds a little ridiculous right?). And when I buy a new pair of sneakers, I always hold onto the old pair “just in case.” It’s always good to have a back-up pair, right?

Well you may feel differently when you think of the millions of people around the world who can’t even afford one pair of sneakers. You can help by donating your old sneaks to an organization called Soles4Souls or Shoe Bank.

Soles4Souls is a shoe charity that gives “gently used” shoes to those in need. The Soles4Souls team coordinated relief efforts for the Asian tsunami and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, netting over 1 million pairs donated for these disasters. Shoe Bank has provided shoes for 20,000 people every year, both in the United States and abroad.


I know I retire a pair of running sneaks after I’ve clocked 350 to 500 miles, but the pair I wear on the treadmill hardly looks worn. If you have gently used sneaks like these, you can mail them to one of these locations found on there website:

www.soles4souls.org

www.shoebank.org

And here’s a fun idea! Before sending along your lonely pair, why not compile a collection from your friends, family, and fellow exercisers? Shoes for all ages and sizes are needed. Ask and see if you can set up a donation box at your local gym! What shoes go around come around!

Dancing Shoes

In case any of you don't know... I am a huge fan of going out dancing. It's usually a priority of mine over the weekends. The only problem is that I can't wear heels that are too high or the next day I am really in pain...or even by the end of the night. Don't worry ladies! I have a found a solution to my problem. I now wear heels that are a little bit lower, like these shown in the picture, the heels are only 2.5 inches! It's great! I can still show off my style without crying about it later! What do you think???

By LB

Camping in fashion, who says you need to rough it?

Last year my boyfriend and I started camping. We were so excited picking out the tent and equipment, planning our trips. We were having a great time, so what if it rained sometimes, we had snacks, drinks and my mp3 player. Then we realized it rained every time we went, ugghhh! After one weekend of setting up and breaking down in the pouring rain, I got home and went online and found some used travel trailers. I printed them out and subtly put them in front of him and mentioned what a happy camper I would be in one of those. This year we are traveling in style in our new camper (I think he got the hint). If it rains, oh well, turn on a movie and make some popcorn, after all we are camping!

Camping has become quite popular in this economy. You can travel to so many places, have a cheap place to stay with a lot more amenities than a hotel and cook your own meals. It has really attracted a variety of people from all walks of life. Most girls turn up their nose to the thought of camping (mosquitoes, bug spray and furry animals lurking around, yuck), but I enjoy the relaxing calm of being outdoors, seeing new places, the extra exercise and sitting by the campfire with a drink in hand. Never mind the fact that a lot of these places are like resorts with pools, boat rentals, hiking and biking paths and planned activities. With so much to do you have to pack accordingly, ok so I over do but at least I have choices.

And who says just because you are “roughing it” that you can’t look good (and be comfortable) while sitting around the campfire. There are the essentials; swimsuit, tees, tank tops, shorts, capris, active wear, sneakers, accessories (Yes girls, even camping you can accessorize!! Our cadet cap looks so much cuter than a baseball cap!). Just look at how sexy a ruffled shirt looks with a pair of jean shorts (get this look). With all these styles and great prices, you will be a happy camper. Now that you are fully equipped, get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!
by Izzy

Express Yourself

I have loved making collages since i was a little girl - i would go through magazines, tearing out fun pictures, clothes, quotes, even just colors or patterns. then i’d go through the pile and put them together on a page in an interesting way, and put it up on my wall. (luckily my parents let me put stuff on my walls, or i’m not sure what i would have done with my various creations!)

I found this really fun site - polyvore.com it’s pretty much a place where you can create digital collages. they have hundreds, maybe thousands, of images you can use, already on the site. or you can go to other websites and import images. or if you don’t want to create your own, you can just look through the many ‘sets’ that other people have made, and comment on them if you want to. and i think they sometimes do contests where you can enter and/or vote for your favorite. so i was looking around the site - there are SO many ‘sets’ done already. some sort of basic ones, and some that are really fun & creative. just for curiosity’s sake i searched for metrostyle.com - and to my happy surprise there were already some sets created using metrostyle images! how fun! when i realized how easy it is to import new images, i decided i had to try it. so i created my own set using some new & old metrostyle product. i was pretty proud of my little creation, i hit ‘publish’... and nothing. i can’t find it when i search ‘metrostyle.com’. i’m a little heartbroken about it. i can’t figure out what i did wrong! i looked at their ‘help’ (didn’t help at all) and i emailed them (unfortunately, no response yet). luckily, i can still see it if i log in. i grabbed the image info so i can share it with here. have any of you tried this yet? were you able to publish & then find your set? if so, please help! even though i’m sad that i can’t find my own ‘glitzy glam metrostyle’ set i still love the site - it’s great to see other people’s creativity - give it a try!

glitzy-glam metrostyle by metrostar on Polyvore.com

by shirley

Fashion Speak: Princess Seams

What they are:
Princess seams are long rounded seams sewn into the front and/or back of women’s clothing to add shaping. They are designed to closely follow a woman’s shape.

Why we love them:
Princess seams bring out the best in a woman’s body! On slender women, they give the illusion of curves. On full-figured women, they give the illusion of a smaller waist.

By: Bren B

How would Carrie Bradshaw handle the recession?

One of my favorite Sex and the City episodes is when Carrie Bradshaw realizes that the down payment for her apartment had gone to her shoe collection. Finding herself in financial dire straights she says, I spent $40,000 on shoes and I have nowhere to live?

I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!

I can relate. I may not have spent $40,000 on shoes (Not yet, anyway), but I do have enough of them that if I ever find myself homeless, I reckon I’ll be able to fashion myself a pretty sizeable cardboard-box-home from all of the shoe boxes I’ve collected over the years.

So how would the iconic Sex and the City character handle today’s economic woes? She would probably end up in a hospital or perhaps she would go back to her ’80s stuff and start bringing it out again. Maybe she should have bought a very similar shoe style with a not so similar price tag...