How to use vintage style to dress like Joan Holloway from Mad Men

By Sisi Tsoi

If you are keen on the 1960s both re culture and style, you will without doubt have made time to look at AMC's prize-winning drama, 'Mad Men ', by now.

Set in mid-century Manhattan, basically at an Advertising corporation, this show is perfect in its historic detail, and its aesthetics. Boasting a proficient cast and nail-biting plots, it has it all. Yet what's most extraordinary, from a style point of view, is the female characters ' shocking fashion. Since the show is now 5 seasons long, it has spanned half of this fashionable decade, and as such has incorporated much of its clothing inspiration. Let's take a look at the most incredible, so as to match these classic retro styles.

When referring to Mad Men, the most prominent character on a visible level simply must be Joan Holloway. With her shocking red hair, and desirable hourglass figure, this horny secretary appears to have it all. She knows the proper way to use her charm to her advantage, gets the men on her side, and yet is a reliable intimate to all of the girls at the office as well. Channel Joan's incredible style in tailored, bodycon dresses in jewel and earthy tones, coupled with classic heels for that famous walk. Perfect the beehive for an authentic 1960s look, and don't forget the winged eyeliner and excellent lips. With Joan, it is usually pure class.

If you're hot for the shift silhouette, look to the gifted Peggy Olsen for inspiration. She could virtually be a predecessor to Alexa Chung's vintage style look, all about the Peter Pan Collars, and the shift dresses with cute lace details. Scallop hems are the best way to bring a current twist to this cut, and make the straight profile of the dress more interesting. Add retro school sacks and hairbands for a look that's studious but pretty, polished and yet hints the wearer has more important things to do than only look nice for the boys. Peggy is all about trailblazing in her career, paving the way for other women to achieve in what is still very much a man's world. Her look thus demands that she is serious, but she's still free to have a tiny fun too.

If you like the Mad Men style but the more classic shapes, look toward the mother of Don Draper's kids, Betty. Character failings aside, she always looks perfect, in her 1950s housewife style dresses and Grace Kelly electrified hair and makeup. Go for dresses that are fitted on the body but flare out at the waist, for a pleasant, female cut. Pair with smart heels and a cultured purse for an outfit that screams vintage and yet never goes out of fashion due to its sheer beauty. You can update Betty's style with an entertaining, playful print. Look to Prada's 2012 vintage car print for inspiration, or go for fruit and veg for a humorous take on the trend. Vintage dressing is all about having a great time and looking to the great thing about the past as a method to enhance the present.

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How to find lots of vintage style fashion? Come to our website to find lots of fashion inspired by different eras, and plenty of cheap clothes.

How to dress like a 50s icon

By Sisi Tsoi

In recent years it seems like we've been transported back to the middle of the 20th century in terms of style. Some call it the Mad Men effect; there's no denying that the hit drama set in 1960s Manhattan has had a major influence on both clothing and interior design fashions. Whether women are wanting to emulate Joan Holloway and Betty Draper, or are subconsciously wishing to return to a period of economic prosperity (neatly sidestepping the rampant misogyny of the day!), there's no denying that the retro styles have come back in a big way.

What are the benefits of this? Well, the shape and cut of dresses and skirts from the time are actually aesthetically pleasing. Both flared and pencil skirts, the 2 main silhouettes are universally flattering - and the shift dress, indisputably the definitive style of the kids at the time - has maintained its renown thanks to its simplicity and true innovation. Before this time women were discouraged from displaying their legs, but with the sexual revolution and second wave of feminism, the girls were prepared to be in command of their own bodies, and that included what they wore.

If you would like to join in with the trend but are worried it's already on the out, brush away those concerns! At London Fashion Week, everybody's favourite punk grandmama Vivienne Westwood, displayed a collection which has been described as 'fifties housewives on acid ' - in the best sense, of course! Perfectly fitted dresses, neat blouses coupled with pencil skirts, and retro bikinis reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe were seen on the catwalk to much excitement. Westwood showed us that you can keep the classic shapes of the mid-century pieces, but update them in other ways - thru color, prints and accessories. Fanciful plaids, brave baroque and kooky berets were all in tow, confirming that for this lady of the fashion industry, it's still all about having a great time.

The better part about vintage style is that you do not have to splash out to jump in on the look. Yes, there are always folk content to max out their credit card on the designer threads, but there's actually no requirement if you're more budget conscious.

Thrift and Consignment stores are treasure troves of vintage clothing ; you won't always find something perfect so be ready to put in the time and visit them often. Scour eBay and etsy for bargains and play with the search terms incase things are misspelled or crucial details are omitted. Start to know the staff and tell them the sorts of pieces you love - if you get on well, they may even put things aside that they know you'll appreciate.

Not forget to keep a watch on the high street as designer influences are appearing their faster and faster each year. It's never been easier to find your dream vintage dress so get to it and make your buddies envious ; when they ask you where it's from, say 'It's Vintage ' with a grin and be safe in the realization that they can't copy your superb look!

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Want to find out more about vintage style dresses ? Come to our website to find out the latest dresses.

Dress like a pin up girl

By Sisi Tsoi

The most memorable pin up girl has got to be Betty Grable, one of the most popular pin up girls in WW2, perhaps the most popular, since the famous picture of her wearing a swimming costume and looking back over her shoulder, was the one most kept by the GIs.

Most grandpas will remember her fondly, this fantasticly cheerful, all American 'cheesecake pin up' girl. Dita von Teese, the modern burlesque extraordinaire, said she is everyone's favourite pin up in her book, 'Burlesque and the Art of the Tease'.

The term 'cheesecake pin up' comes from the pin up girl era not an actual Cheesecake. It signifies a woman who invites you to the beach or a picnic, all with a glorious smile, and makes you forget all your troubles. The 40s pin up girl look can be easily imitated nowadays. We are not necessarily looking for the real 40s clothing, since such items are scarce and can be very expensive. Genuine vintage 40s clothing is now seen as a very lucrative business, since the popular culture is full of vintage inspired images. Think of Christina Aguilera, of her impressive make-over from the much loathed image of 'dirty' to a stunning pin up for her 'Back to Basics' album.

The stunning transformation of Christina, proves that having a bit of pin up style can certainly make us a lot classier and glamorous. We can all create the 40s with our high street finds. For a day time look, the most important garment we need to buy is a high waisted bottom. Whether it's jeans or a skirt, just opt for a high waisted design, and you are on the highway back to the 40s. A high waisted pencil skirt or high waisted tailored trousers with flares for work, or a pair of high waisted skinny jeans are a must for the casual look. Team them with a cropped tee, or a neat white blouse as a perfect partner for this look.

Invest in a pair of round toed, high heeled pumps to help elongate your legs. The most important element to create a Betty Grable look is her hairstyle. Grow your bangs long, over- ear length, then create the bouffant look by back combing your bangs with some dry hair shampoo to make it stay.

Finish it off by clipping the end of the hair to hide the pins. For the rest of the hair style, use a nylon filler in the shape of a donut, lift and wrap your pony tail around the donut shape. Finish the look with hair spray and you have the perfect pin up hair do. Black eyeliner and red lipstick are a must for the pin up's make up. By using 3 steady brush strokes to create a full line, you will get a perfect eyeliner flick. Choose pillar box red, or blueberry red and remember to use a pencil to line your lips.

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Want to find out more about vintage style dresses, then visit Sisi Tsoi's site on how to choose the best vintage styel dresses for your needs.

All About Hiring A Voice Talent

By Jason Henson

If hiring a professional still feels kind of awkward and unreal to you, take some time to consider what you would actually gain. It is really a fact that they come with a price. Because of this you might consider hiring a voice over actor only a costly idea without gaining anything. You will definitely focus on the money it will cost if you haven't thought about just what exactly a voice-over artist can do for you and your project.

An untrained and unskilled person who will do the voice over will certainly make the project unsuccessful and has the tendency to be more costly than hiring a professional voice over talent. This is because you will to start the project all over again. You should know that these professionals have developed their skills because of trainings and experience. They are very talented individuals that can handle and knows how to use their voice to the best of their abilities.

These professional voice actors have the right skill and knowledge to emanate an enjoyable atmosphere that can make reading an entertainingly enticing one. They know the right technique in executing the right articulation on every line such as when to enunciate is strongly or softly. With their ability they can draw attention from listeners. Making these listeners understand clearly the message that you want them to comprehend, thus making every word memorable.

Professional voice over talents can instantly understand what you want them to do and execute it the best way that they can. Unlike that untrained voice talent in which they have to make many attempts just to get one line or word right. You should understand that time is equivalent to money, the longer the project, the more money that you spent. This is why the need of hiring a voice over talent is very much important.

It is natural for to think about money which is why there are some people who have a hard time deciding whether to hire a voice over talent or not. In order for them to appreciate the benefits that professional voice talents that offer them, they have to weigh the cost. You must understand that hiring one is really worth it, especially if you want to achieve a successful business promotion.

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Poppa's Voice is highly recommended by Jason Henson a content writer. They are one of the best voice over production companies which offers a quality voice over job.

Great Advice for Choosing a Half Marathon Training Program

By Buffy Greentree

A half marathon is next in line for some runners who have already participated in many fun runs. It is always natural for aspiring athletes to step up the game. But how do you choose which programs to take during a transition like this? There are many half marathon training programs to choose from. Here are some factors to consider.

The first aspect to consider is where you are starting from. If you can already do a 10km race and are running at least three times a week, then you have a good base to build up from. If you have never tested yourself on a shorter race such as the 5 or 10km, it might be a good idea to do one of those first unless you have been training at the longer distance for a while. Also, taking the time to build up gradually to doing more sessions a week is a much better method than jumping straight from the couch to 5 times a week. That is just asking for injury.

It is much better to build up slowly and let your body accustom itself to the distances than trying to power it out over just a few weeks. Twelve weeks is a good training period for working towards a half marathon if you can already do10km quite comfortably.

There are some basic types of sessions all programs should include. But a basic program should have a minimum of 3 training sessions per week, but preferably 4-5. If you have been running for a while, you always pick a more intensive program.

The first is interval training at least once a week. Interval training involves running at faster than race pace for a short period of time and then recovering in between with light jogging or walking. The alternating between high intensity training and recovery helps develop your overall speed and strengthen your muscles.

Do some 10-12kms of easy runs. This is the second type of session. The pace should be slower than your pace in a race. This will help you maintain your technique when you become tired. Also, it trains your body to convert energy over longer periods of time. If possible try to do two or three of these a week.

The final session is a great Saturday or Sunday morning activity. It is one long run working up from 12km to 18kms. If you have a specific time in mind that you want to complete the race in, try to jog for at least that time. You won't end up doing the same distance as you will be going slower, but at least you will be used to running for that long. Remember that it should be a comfortable pace, extending the distance a bit further each time.

Recovery is an important aspect of the training program. Let your body adapt by resting in between sessions. For the middle distance runs if you are keeping your heart rate in the aerobic zone and not relying on anaerobic energy production, then you won't need as much recovery and can do them on consecutive days. The interval training sessions should be well into your anaerobic zone, and will be damaging the muscles in order for them to build up stronger. When working in rest days, the best times would be after the interval training and then after your long run if you are having two days off. This means that more recovery is required so your body can heal and process. You will perform much better for allowing it to do so.

The final aspect of a training program you should keep in mind is your nutrition. As a competitive runner there is a big advantage in losing some of your excess weight. However, you also need to keep your energy levels up. So if you are putting in all this effort to get up and train, it is worth making the most of it by feeding your body plenty of nutritious food to give it energy, but try laying off some of the junk food so it doesn't have to lug around more weight than necessary. Remember to be sensible and keep things in perspective.

The better your training before hand, the more fun you will have on the day. So give yourself the best possible start and plan your training well.

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For more advice on training for your first half marathon, check out www.personalfitnessbasecamp.com.