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Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Fashion Economics - Rising Costs Paired with Increasing Demand Shifts Jewelry Scene

With historic highs in precious metals effecting the price of fine jewelry, particularly gold and platinum, many jewelry stores are seeing a greater demand for alternative metals such as titanium and tungsten rings. The market for men's wedding bands has exploded for many retailers specializing in these contemporary metals. Titanium and tungsten carbide rings have been reported to represent the fastest growing sector of metals in relation to jewelry designs.

Gold is now over $900 per ounce and platinum is an astounding high of $2,000 per ounce. With prices like this, many couples today cannot afford or simply don't wish to spend that kind of money on a wedding ring. In comparison, titanium rings, tungsten rings, and other contemporary metals used for men's wedding bands cost significantly less, all the while posing a leading edge in terms of quality and durability. Both titanium and tungsten are known for their extreme durability, sheen and scratch resistant qualities.


Very few jewelers have understood and supported the market for titanium and tungsten rings. Those that have stood by and passionately promoted titanium and tungsten jewelry are now seeing other retailers jump on the bandwagon. According to one retailer, Titanium-jewelry.com, who has been a long time provider of titanium and tungsten jewelry, "there is a definite shift occurring among mens wedding bands, where demand for titanium wedding bands is opening the doors to retailers who otherwise dismissed the idea as anything more than a fad." Not too long ago, it was rare that a retailer carried contemporary metal jewelry designs. Often pushing platinum and white gold, many of these jewelry stores stuck up their noses at these contemporary metals have now been forced to reevaluate their inventory as throngs of customers aren't just inquiring, but demanding wedding rings made from these metals.

Wedding bands made of Titanium, Black Titanium and Tungsten Carbide becoming more popular than ever. The new generation of grooms, either fist timers or serial-wedders are increasingly turning to titanium rings and men's wedding bands made of Tungsten Carbide or Black Titanium. Many have said that you just can't beat the price, quality or look that tungsten rings or titanium wedding bands provide. It's no new revelation that titanium rings are considered an alternative to gold and platinum. Either because of the hypoallergenic qualities, literally scratch resistant benefits or the always polished look, tungsten and titanium rings have shifted from being an alternative choice to the preferred choice among young, active grooms. These contemporary metals have always had the added benefit of competitive pricing, especially in comparison to more traditional metals. But the last year has seen an explosion in the costs of gold and platinum - which is great if you're investing in these precious metals, but bad if you are in the market for a new wedding ring.

As an example, a comparison of three similar rings, identical in width but varying in metal makeup can range from less than $100 for titanium or tungsten all the way up to $1400 for platinum and this is just a simple, no fuss ring. With titanium and tungsten rings fairing a fraction of the cost, it's no wonder demand is controlling the economic swing in supply. With the housing market and credit lending slump, it is just not possible or practical to pay more for less - less durability, less savvy and less original. The grooms of today like modern, classy, durable and affordable. The luxury of titanium and tungsten rings is that they pose the perfect balance of masculine ruggedness with the stylish appeal of sleek, sexy and sophisticated. These are not rings of depression era fashion - nor are these the flare of short lived grunge. Contemporary metals are luxurious in look, quality, feel and just about way except the price.

So if you are shopping for wedding rings, men's wedding bands or just interested in fine jewelry for men and women, check out what the excitement over these metals is all about. There are many reputable designers that specialize in titanium and tungsten jewelry. The attention to detail and fashion consciousness they behold, can be seen in the designs offered using these contemporary metals today.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As a personal shopper, Sam Brown monitors fine jewelry trends, with an emphasis on mens wedding bands, titanium wedding bands, men's wedding bands plus mens wedding rings.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Rolling Stones Article

Now this is good... Rolliing Stones has a news aticle about Brit! "A wail emerges from the cubby — guttural, vile, the kind of base animalistic shriek only heard at a family member's deathbed. "Fuck these bitches," screams Britney, each word ringing out between sobs. "These idiots can't do anything right!" Read more...

They also write: "the most public downfall of any star in history — it's that she doesn't want anything to do with the person the world thought she was. She is not a good girl. She is not America's sweetheart. She is an inbred swamp thing who chain-smokes, doesn't do her nails, tells reporters to "eat it, snort it, lick it, fuck it" and screams at people who want pictures for their little sisters. She is not someone who can live by the most basic social rules — she is someone who, when she has had her one- and two-year-old sons taken completely out of her care, with zero visitation rights, appeared at Los Angeles' Superior Court to convince the judge to give her kids back, but then decided not to go inside, and she's someone who did this twice. "
Read the whole News!
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/18310562/cover_story_the_tragedy_of_britney_spears

Friday, February 15, 2008

BabyBox.com Selected as Exclusive Online Retailer for Henry & Henrietta Baby Bedding

Retailer of Baby Bedding Expands Offering with New Line of Luxury Crib Bedding


(Darien, CT) February 13, 2008 – www.BabyBox.com, a luxury retailer of baby bedding, crib bedding, baby gifts, bassinets and baby clothes, today announced an expansion in their product line to include Henry & Henrietta, maker of high quality baby bedding and accessories. The newly added baby bedding line enhances the wide selection already offered by BabyBox.com.

BabyBox was selected by Henry & Henrietta as the exclusive online retailer of the upscale bedding collection. Known for carrying the highest quality and most desirable fashions in baby gifts, bedding and accessories, BabyBox.com provides customers an additional line of luxurious yet practical designs. The newest addition of baby bedding joins other upscale designers already available through BabyBox.com including Lulla Smith, Gordonsbury, Serena & Lily, Lullaby and Baby B Collection among others.

Henry & Henrietta features 100% luxury European cotton and delicate hand-sewn embroidery designed to pair with elegant traditional decor. Incorporating world renowned Liberty of London fabrics, the Henry & Henrietta collection brings to market high quality baby bedding and accessories, as well as sophisticated upholstery and window treatments for baby. Each crib bedding set is custom designed and is custom made to order.

“Within each collection, you will find classic designs which incorporate the esteemed fabrics of Liberty of London, providing a distinctive color palette," stated Tara Turner Lockheart, founder of Henry & Henrietta. "The quality offerings and dedicated customer base of BabyBox.com, provides the perfect vehicle to sell our bedding online," Turner Lockheart concluded.

The baby bedding designs offered at BabyBox.com are a perfect blend of elegance and flair, providing quality, classic designs for those who prefer refined décor. "We are thrilled to carry the Henry & Henrietta Collection and look forward to introducing this beautiful baby bedding to our customers. It is so refreshing to work with designers who specialize in custom made crib linens, and who offer each customer the chance to participate in designing their own set," stated Katherine Type, founder of BabyBox.com.

Featuring other products such as baby clothes, crib bedding, toys and baby gifts, the inclusion of the Henry & Henrietta line is a logical development of BabyBox.com's sales strategy, further solidifying customer retention and satisfaction. For more information, please visit http://www.BabyBox.com.


About Henry & Henrietta
Henry & Henrietta launched in September 2007 specifically designed to be customized with elegant traditional fabrics. The luxury baby bedding line brings to market high quality and sophisticated fabrics, reminiscent of the of the shirt makers on Savile Row in London. The Henry & Henrietta collection conveys the classic nature of fine English style, while hinting at the playful spirit of fun that infuses every design. For more information, please visit www.henryandhenrietta.com.

About Baby Box
BabyBox.com is a premier baby gift store for children, ages newborn to 12 months. Offering a specialized selection of luxury baby items, the company prides itself on serving a niche market with a focus on unique and high quality products including adorable baby clothes, nursery décor, quality children's furnishings custom baby bedding, one-of-a-kind handmade items, as well as traditional gifts, such as toys, baby blankets and keepsake gifts. In addition to the specialized collections offered for babies, BabyBox.com also has also expanded its offerings to provide furniture, bedding, décor and clothing for older children as well. With headquarters in Darien, CT, BabyBox.com has been providing unique baby gifts since 1997. For more information, please visit www.BabyBox.com

Sharing the Love with Man's Best Friend

Tips for Making Your Dog Feel Adored, Loved and Pampered. Dog clothes, special walks, unique pet toys and even a gentle grooming session can all demonstrate your love and affection for your best friend.

In the spirit of Valentine's Day and showing your love for those you care most for, why not include man's best friend? Dog's show humans unconditional love all year long. When you come home from work, when you wake up or even when you re-enter a room, they are always happy to see you. I can't remember the last time I was greeted as warmly by a person as I am daily by my dog. Canine greetings come so warmly and affectionately that it only takes a wag of the tail to make our hearts melt and feel loved. So it makes sense that we would include them in our expressions of love and affection on Valentine's Day in addition to all our two legged loved ones.

Like any relationship, winning over your dog's love and loyalty takes time, commitment and lots and lots of affection. The reward is far worth the time and effort it takes, for both you and your dog. With the popularity of new shows and books like the Dog Whisperer and How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend and many others, dogs are finally getting more of the love and respect that they deserve.

We can't really tell our pets how much we love them with cards, flowers and chocolates and if you are a fan of Cesar, you know he'd probably scold you just for thinking about it. But there are many gifts that show our pets just how much they mean to us and don't necessarily compromise the roles and boundaries needed to have a healthy relationship.

Simple things like a special bath, a new toy, or even a collection of love themed dog clothes can show your dog that your heart holds a special place for her. Even a new bandana can make your pup sit a little taller. It's not so much that your dog can understand the nature of the gift per se, but dogs can read our faces, expressions and moods. If we smile at them every time we pass him in his new cupid's tee, he's going to respond positively to the warm and welcoming vibe that you're sending to him.

In addition to giving your dog a token of love, it's important to set aside some time just for him, or make it a priority to include her in your festivities. Now this does not mean romance your dog, I'm simply suggesting spend quality time. Go for a long walk and take the time to play. Dogs love when we connect with them on there level just as much as they want to be near and connect with us on ours.

The perfect start to a love filled day would be a gentle bath, a little grooming followed by a delicious treat. While you're at it you can have her help you get excited for your romantic plans by donning her in a set of designer dog clothes fit for the holiday.

Sam Brown brings new ideas to pet lovers with tips on gift ideas such as dog clothes, chic and unique pet apparel for the holidays and designer dog clothes for your pampered pet.

Baby Clothes Clearance Sale

Sandbox Couture Offers 50-90% off on Designer Baby Clothes & Children's Clothing

Rancho Santa Margarita – CA January 25, 2008 – Sandbox Couture, a popular online children's boutique retailer of baby clothes, baby gifts and designer children's clothing today announced its annual Baby Clothes Clearance Sale featuring savings from 50-90% off retail price.

SandboxCouture.com must make room for new season additions and its expanded inventory, providing customers the opportunity to experience huge savings on designer children's clothes and baby clothes. Hundreds of items from top designers such as Flowers by Zoe, Sweet Potatoes, Big Fish, Stella Industries, Hanna Banana, Little Mass plus many others are available at reduced prices as part of the annual clearance sale.

"Our Baby Clothes & Children's Clothes Clearance Sale offers amazing discounts on designer clothing for children and babies. Shoppers can find top designer brands at a fraction of their original price," stated Sam Brown, spokesperson for Sandbox Couture. "With the addition of this season's latest styles, much of the existing inventory is offered at incredible prices. We're already seeing a big spike in orders, so we encourage shoppers to waste no time, as sizes and styles are selling out fast," Brown concluded.

SandboxCouture has been selling baby clothes and designer children's clothes since 2005 and continually adds new clothing lines and unique baby gifts to its repertoire of high end fashions. Offering couture clothing, the online children's boutique provides hip moms and their fashionable little ones with the hottest trends and designer brands. For more information on the top fashions and must have brand names in baby clothes, children's clothes and baby gifts, please visit http://www.sandboxcouture.com.

EMA Says Stratavia is a “RISING STAR”

Stratavia Earns Accolade from Enterprise Management Associates for Talent and Innovation

Denver, CO – Feb. 15, 2008 – Stratavia™, a leading provider of run book and data center automation software, announced today that it has been named 2008 Rising Star in the database automation and optimization category as part of The EMA All-Stars in Enterprise Systems Management for 2008 report. Published in January 2008 by Enterprise Management Associates, a leading analyst firm focused specifically on the IT management market, the report recognizes the talent, performers and innovation in systems management.

Just as the sports world shares the concept of an ‘All-Star’ team – a qualified selection of the best performers of the year – EMA Research uses an All-Star metaphor to highlight the best Enterprise Systems Management vendors, the EMA All-Stars in Systems Management for 2008. The Rising Star award acknowledges the best new or innovative vendors with the greatest potential.

• EMA analysts selected the top solutions by analyzing: The strength of vendor product offerings, functionality, and platform support
• Commitment to product vision and delivering innovation
• Customer feedback including satisfaction, and market penetration
• Enterprise Management Associates’ perspective from independent evaluations of expert analysts

“Stratavia has proven they are committed to quality and excellence while addressing the real needs of the data center," said Andi Mann, research director, Enterprise Management Associates. "Its Data Palette solution is highly scalable, and can result in specific and substantial payback - in one customer implementation, it delivered time and productivity savings of up to 60 percent. In EMA’s research, Stratavia also ranked as equal-first among all contenders for customer satisfaction. Results like this are well worth watching.”

"We are honored that Stratavia has received recognition as a Rising Star by analysts that are dedicated to the IT management market and know our customers best,” said Thor Culverhouse, president and CEO, Stratavia. “Stratavia has been focused on reducing the complexity that invariably characterizes IT operations in today's heterogeneous enterprise. Our Data Palette platform allows them to streamline IT processes, resulting in improved service levels, reduced costs and greater management control."

About EMA
Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) is a leading industry analyst and consulting firm dedicated to the IT management market. We provide IT vendors and enterprise IT professionals with objective insight into the real-world business value of technologies ranging from Virtualization to Security and Risk Management to ITSM and CMDB. Learn more about our research services, our free online IT Management Solutions Center, and our IT consulting offerings at: www.enterprisemanagement.com

About Stratavia
Stratavia is a leading provider of Data Center Automation software. Stratavia's flagship platform, Data Palette, automates complex, error-prone, manually intensive yet repetitive IT administration tasks, including runbook automation, while providing predictive analytics to detect and resolve issues before they can impact operations. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Data Palette to define, build and orchestrate standard operating procedures, and report on mission-critical applications and IT operations. Founded in 2001, Stratavia is headquartered in Denver, Colorado and is privately held and venture funded by Adams Street Partners, Asset Management Company and Vista Ventures. For more information go to www.stratavia.com.


Michael Puterbaugh
Stratavia, Inc.
Tel: 303-991-4844
strataviapr@stratavia.com

Couture Baby Clothes All the Rage with Celebrity Baby Boom

Sandbox Couture Provides A-List Baby Clothing to Hollywood Babies

Rancho Santa Margarita – CA February 15, 2008 – Sandbox Couture, a popular online children's boutique retailer of baby clothes, baby gifts, children's and baby clothing today announced the migrating trend of couture baby clothes finding stride with celebrity clientele.

Sandbox Couture features boutique offerings such as Flowers by Zoe, Biscotti, Mad Sky, Baby Nay, Lipstik and Tony Tierney, in addition to a number of popular alternative sports brands children's clothes, baby gifts and baby clothing.

"Celebrity shopping sprees have long inspired fashion trends and baby clothing is no exception," stated Sam Brown, spokesperson for Sandbox Couture. Over the past year, Sandbox Couture has provided many clients the fashionable brands and couture baby clothes that mom's everywhere adore," Brown concluded.

Some of the high ticket brands in baby clothing have been the My Vintage Baby Dress and the Hanna Banana Kimono Dress for girls and the Jersey Shirts from Small Paul by Paul Frank Industries. In addition many celebrities buy and receive gift certificates, gift baskets and unique baby gifts to welcome their baby.

SandboxCouture.com provides the top fashions and must have brand names in baby clothes, children's clothes and baby gifts. The online retailer has been selling baby clothes and designer children's clothes since 2005, and continuously searches for the emerging brands and up and coming designers to its couture inventory. For more information, please visit http://www.sandboxcouture.com.

About Sandbox Couture
Sandbox Couture is an online children's boutique retailer, providing designer baby clothes, designer children's clothing and unique accessories for babies and children. The company takes pride in hand selecting products from top designers, thereby ensuring quality and contemporary style. Sandbox Couture’s philanthropic contributions and socially conscious business practices are at the forefront of the company’s ideals and corporate culture. Founded in 2005, Sandbox Couture is privately held and headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. For information about Sandbox Couture, please visit the company's web site at http://www.SandboxCouture.com


Press Contact
Sam Brown
949-459–2505
pr@sandboxcouture.com

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Children's Clothes Then And Now

Family & Parenting,Fashion & Cosmetics
As the father of two young children and as a husband of a wife who loves to shop for childrens clothes, I often find myself comparing the clothes my kids where to the clothes I used to where when I was their age. Growing up in the late 70’s and early 80’s I often find it somewhat comical when I make these comparisons. Style not withstanding, cost and brand themselves are nothing like they once where.
It really wasn’t until our youngest was born a couple of years ago that I began to find myself thinking of what I used to wear, especially since my wife starting digging up old baby pictures of the both of us. I generally find the comparisons humorous especially when dealing with baby clothes but even the normal everyday playwear of children in my day would be considered tacky by the standards of twenty years ago.
When my wife starting bringing home baby clothes for our youngest, I immediately thought of the horrible 70’s onsies my parents put me in. While looking at my own baby pictures I noticed that my parents put me in things that where bright and multi-colored. The onsies in particular where fashioned after the jersey’s that everyone seemed to be wearing in those days. The chest was one color, while the sleeves where another color. To be perfectly honest I didn’t find one picture of myself in anything fashionable even by 70’s standards which continue to reverberate in my mind whenever I look at the children’s clothes we bring home.
With our oldest who is a boy I find myself laughing when I think of how his jeans differ from mine. When I was six years old my jeans where bell bottoms, corduroy, and I wore Toughskins exclusively! In those days nothing beat a good pair of jeans with huge patches over the knees. Every cool kid had a few pairs of Toughskins to sport on the playground. These days my son only wears Levis and pitches quite the fit should we suggest he try and where something different.
I think perhaps the biggest difference in childrens clothes then and now is the shorts. Even adult shorts have changed so much that the shorts of yesteryear have gone far beyond the “tacky” barrier. My son and even my youngest enjoy wearing things like Dickies and what not however in the late 70’s I remember wearing disco shorts to school along with some variant of a multi-colored shirt. Why our shorts where so short I’ll never know but perhaps they where short so that us kids could pull up our stripped socks as high as we could!
I’ve always been a fairly fashion conscience person throughout my whole life and while I know that styles come and go with time it really blows my mind to see just how much things have changed when it comes to baby clothes and even childrens clothes. I once laughed at the clothes my father wore when I was as young as my kids and I’m sure they do the same now though I’m one of the jeans and t-shirt dads. I guess fashion is actually just a sense of age and time.
Related Articles - Childrens Clothes, Baby Clothes,

Friday, February 1, 2008

NFL Jerseys and Super Bowl XLII Merchandise at SidelineApparel.com

Source: SidelineApparel.comJan 30, 2008 19:22:02


(PRLog.Org) – Jan 30, 2008 – (Marshall, TX) – www.SidelineApparel.com, a leading retailer of NFL jerseys, NBA jerseys and sports apparel, today announced the site will be adding licensed NFL Super Bowl XLII sports merchandise to their inventory as the season comes to a close. In addition to Super Bowl XLII merchandise such as Locker Room Caps & Tees, fans can show support for the last few weeks of football season with official NFL Jerseys and sports apparel.

Shoppers can find a wide selection of New England Patriots NFL Jerseys, Green Bay Packers NFL Jerseys, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and all the other NFL team jerseys. Sideline Apparel has been selling licensed NFL & NBA merchandise for nearly 20 years and extends its customer driven values by offering the lowest possible prices with an unbeatable selection of authentic NFL jerseys and licensed sports apparel and merchandise. With the 42nd NFL Super Bowl less than two weeks away, SidelineApparel.com has a full inventory of NFL jerseys and sports apparel at affordable prices. "It's not too late to gear up for Super Bowl XLII," said Nathan Dean, spokesperson for SidelineApaprel.com. We offer customers 25-50% savings on NFL jerseys and sport merchandise plus fans can benefit from our unique "Any Size - Same Price" policy," Dean stated.

Sideline Apparel provides licensed merchandise featuring top players from NFL, NBA, MLB and NCAA teams. Offering a complete line of replica jerseys, throwback jerseys and authentic NFL Jerseys and NBA jerseys, SidelineApparel.com strives to bring spectator spirit to new levels. Fans can also find hats, beanies, pullover sweatshirts, flannel pajamas plus many other sports apparel items for fans of all ages and sizes.

For more information on SidelineApparel.com or to start saving on NFL jerseys and sports apparel, please visit http://www.SidelineApparel.com. About Sideline Apparel Sideline Apparel was established in 1989 as a retail location located inside of a shopping mall. In 2003, the company began selling sports apparel and pro sports jerseys nationwide with the launch of SidelineApparel.com.

Providing the best selection of NFL jerseys, MLB Jerseys, NBA Jerseys and NCAA jerseys and apparel, SidelineApparel.com ensures quality and affordability.
Privately held, the company is headquartered in Marshall, Texas.
For more information, please visit www.SidelineApparel.com.
Press Contact Nathan Dean Public Relations 903-935-7365