Maria Menounos, a journalist by trade but hottie by nature, possesses great looks and the poise of a TV veteran. As a Hollywood correspondent, she often draws more attention than her famous interviewees do. We might have to “sign off” to go and find this former beauty queen…

Before Menounos established herself as an Entertainment Tonight correspondent, she was a well-known international reporter for Channel One News, which broadcasts to schools across America. Things are really looking up for one of the most beautiful hosts on TV.

Maria Menounos Fast Facts:

* Speaks Greek fluently.

* Avid sports fan and have her own tennis and basketball courts.

* While at Emerson wrote, produced and broadcast news segments for WERS-FM, one of the largest college radio stations in the country.

* As a Channel One correspondent, Menounos interviewed President George W. Bush, numerous celebrities, and traveled the world to cover such tragedies as the 2001 earthquake in El Salvador and the AIDS epidemic in South Africa.

* Co-founder of Take Action Hollywood, an organization that raises social awareness and enlists the help of the entertainment industry.

* Attended the 2004 Oscars wearing a diamond-studded Randi Rahm dress worth more than $2 million.

Although Maria can still be seen as a correspondent on NBC, she will continue to pursue her acting career. She already has a role in the feature-length comedy kickin It Old Skool (2007) with Jamie Kennedy and Vivica A. Fox. And since Maria is quite happy with diversity in her career, you can expect to see more of her everywhere. ? A lot of people criticized me at a young age because I wanted to do a lot of different things, she says. “And that’s just how I am. I’m happiest when I’m doing a million things. I don’t see my career going in any one direction. I see myself doing a potpourri of things.”

When Maria quit her job as a correspondent for entertainment tonight to focus on her acting career in 2005, many of her fans were disappointed that they would no longer get to feast their eyes upon her on a daily basis. Fortunately, later that year, Maria had a change of heart and became a correspondent for both The Today Show and Access Hollywood. But that hasn’t distracted Maria from her acting goals. She has landed several roles in popular TV series and movies since her departure from ET, including one in Fantastic Four (2005) alongside Jessica Alba.

Making her grand entrance on June 8th, 1978 in Medford, Massachusetts, Maria Menounos was a shining star at birth. By the time she was a student (and a good one at that), her sights were set on a career in journalism. Some days, she would even arrive late to school after watching the morning news on CNN for too long.

In 1995, thanks to the encouragement of her friends and family, Menounos began to enroll in beauty pageants. The following year, she won the title of Miss Massachusetts Teen USA. Though she did not win the Miss Teen USA crown, her involvement in such a big production helped her gain a lot of experience, not to mention pave the way for her career. In fact, she boldly told pageant host and Entertainment Tonight reporter Bob Goen that she would love to work with him at ET. Her six years of foresight seem quite prophetic today.

Every year the world of fashion comes up with new fashion styles that are influenced by different seasons and this year is certainly not different. So what are the current fashion trends of spring and summer 2009?

These days we can clearly see not only the rise of brand new styles that have never been seen before, but we are experiencing the comeback of some old fashion trends. So the right answer to this question lies not only in the future but in the past as well. We can find the proof for this in last winter when we saw models walking down the catwalk in loose knitted sweaters, tartan patterns and embroidered skirts. But just don’t go off the topic and get back to current fashion trends. This year’s spring and summer are going to be colourful and playful and mostly bright and vivid colours are going to dominate. The hottest of all is going to be the red colour which, as we all know, represents love and passion. Although it is a very brave colour you shouldn’t be afraid to wear it this year.

Next colour, which by the way has endured from last winter, is purple and certainly shouldn’t be missing in your wardrobe in the spring and summer if you like to radiate and attract and arouse curiosity in men.

On the fashion walks we could see different tones of light green colour as a result of approaching spring. Some designers have also decided to follow lighter tones like sky blue, metallic and grey because they are considered to be a classic spring colours.

Other colours like yellow, orange and gold are going to emerge more often towards June and July, as they represent the beauty of summer and every woman’s gratification during this season.

Another colour you should have in your wardrobe is gold, although it should be used more with accessories. We certainly shouldn’t leave out white and black and their combinations, as they are always good to enhance elegance and feminine features in every woman. Brown is a colour for every occasion and thus is one of the colours of current fashion trends. Most of us were already getting tired of this long and cold winter and so we have all welcomed warmer temperatures. And as a new season is almost here we can obviously experience a big shift in daily outfits. Every skinny woman who wants to be attractive and look sexy should take an advantage of exposed midriff. You might think it could be too courageous for some women but it certainly is effective and also very practical in hot summer. So if your body shape can afford such a luxury just give it a shot and stay in a line with current fashion trends.

Another revealing feature of the following spring and summer are going to be one shoulder dresses. So this is a good chance for you to take an advantage of it and flatter your surrounding with the sexy look of your shoulders.

The overalls are going to be very fashionable as well and they are designed to suit as a work outfit, or for casual and special occasions. You can reinforce your lines in a big variety of overalls as they are designed as pants or shorts and made from silk, denim and so on. If you don’t have them in your wardrobe you should add it to your list of clothes you want to buy as they are very charming, classy and sexy.

Even if we thought that they are never coming back the ripped jeans denoted reinstatement last year and they are going to be reinforced even more this year. I’m not only talking about trousers but anything that is made of denim and can be ripped to look sexy, stylishly revealing and in a line with current fashion trends.

A jewel encrusted clothing is probably not something you would wear for a casual occasion but it’s excellent for some special occasions. They look very expensive and can give an elegant touch to your style. Don’t ditch them just because they might be considered to be upstream.

Because this year is more feminine driven than any other, the pants and the shorts are not presented as an extensive part of fashion catwalks. When it comes to motifs then flora and folk motifs of Africa and North America are going to be very popular as they represent the spirit of current season when the nature is awaking and growing to the same beauty as you can achieve in such an outfit. Also the star pattern from the last year is going to be replaced with a butterfly motif.Fringing is another thing that outlasted from winter and is going to be very popular this spring and summer. When you decide to do a shopping according to current fashion trends you should definitely get a fringed dress or a skirt if you would like to enhance your elegant and feminine look.The accessories are going to play a big role as well but not as a necessary supplement in a case of need but as a style productive feature of your personality.So here it is, very short and to the point fashion synopsis for spring and summer 2009.

You can clearly see from the picture painted above that fashion is more diverse these days and huge selection of various products on the markets reinforces individuality and more personal approach instead of main stream follow up. So the best thing would probably be to be yourself and shop for clothes wisely as not every single thing is will be trendy next year. Remember that in the current fashion trends is almost everything allowed. So if you can’t afford to spend a lot of money on your wardrobe then you should buy things that might prevail longer then couple of months.

If you are one of the many people that are contemplating a career in fashion design then there are a few things that you can do to help to put yourself ahead of the pack. One important skill that you will need to have in fashion design is drawing. Learning to draw out your fashion design ideas is something of importance that can’t be overstated.

The better you are at drawing detailed ideas of yours and others design ideas, the better you will be at communicating your ideas to others in the business. It is important that you learn to make detailed drawings that show even the most minute details in a creation. The more that you work on drawing out your ides the more the good ideas will pop into your head.

Great ideas are the core of becoming a great fashion designer, because the best fashion designers are true visionaries. This is because, they have to think a full year ahead of everyone else, for this years line of fashion products started out as ideas that were drawn out the previous year.

It is also important to remember that not every idea they you are going to have is going to be a big splash. Many song writers write songs for years before they develop the ability to write songs that sell. Being able to feel what people want can come from seeing what they don’t want.

This means that if your ideas turn out to meet rejection then don’t worry about it and just go back to the drawing pad and come up with something new to present. In time you will develop a better sense for what people are willing to accept and then you can rely on that sense when you are drawing your new ideas.

Maya moved from Japan to the U.S. about 3 years ago. During this time, she has acquired a faithful and steadily growing fan base. Maya has appeared in popular sites. Her most popular by far was her appearance in Women of Playboy.

Many lucky fans had the opportunity meet this captivating beauty during her recent attendances at Erotica LA 2007 and HIN LA 2007. Those who missed Maya in LA still have a chance to meet her in October. She is scheduled to appear at Glamour Con in Chicago.

Maya’s website stands out among other Asian model’s sites in that it is not just a download-and-go website. She provides a blog, wallpapers, videos, links, and news items to keep you current on everything Maya. The blog is also updated often with personal messages from Maya Sakura.

The photosets provided aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill photos. Each set is designed around themes such as Samurai Nights, Exotic Treasure, Captive Lust, and Animal Attraction. Even better are the autographed and customizable pictures available for purchase.

Soon to come is Maya’s Playground, an adult toy store offering the best in adult pleasure. The store will offer items ranging from vibrators, dildos, and strap-ons to lotions and furniture! Not only are the fantastic prices something to look forward to, but Maya will also provide reviews of certain items. Maya will give her expert opinion on the toys she thinks are best.

And if all this wasn’t enough, Maya’s Closet will offer the latest in Lingerie Fashions for you or your significant other. Among the available items will be corsets, camisoles, teddies, robes, panties, costumes, and more! Maya will personally be modeling some of these items for you, so keep your eyes peeled.

With all of this to look forward to, it’s no wonder they say that is officially the best place to learn all you need to know about this true Asian beauty.

Designer watches are aplenty. If you are looking for ladies’ designer watches, you have to look in many directions. Likewise, there are consideration in buying ladies’ designer watches and you have to know them before you buy. Buying just what you see may not be suited for the style, occasion and the wearer.

Even if you are buying ladies’ designer watch for yourself, you have to know what fits you well. Your style, the color you want and the functionality that you require are all consideration and this are the same consideration if you are buying for someone else.

Thus, buying ladies’ designer watches is not easy. To help you buy ladies’ designer watches either for yourself or as a gift to someone special, you have to consider the following tips. By doing your homework before you part with your money, you will have an assurance that the wearer will be pleased at your purchase.

Buying an expensive ladies’ designer watch may be good but the functionality and the use for the watch may likewise be considered. Let us start; this guide will give you an idea of what type of ladies’ designer watch to buy.

Considerations in buying ladies’ designer watches

• Personality of the wearer. If you are buying for yourself, you should not be puzzled with your personality, because you surely know what you want. However, if you are buying for someone else, you have to think deeply into her personality. There are designer watches that are simple but elegant. There are ladies’ designer watches that are flashy and elaborate. You have to think of the personality of the person who will be wearing it and start searching from there.

• Uses the wearer will have of the watch. Outdoor activities, evening parties and work environment have different requirements for designer watches. While you can always find ladies’ designer watches for all these occasions and uses, you have to know the wearer’s activity to be able to gage which style will fit her.

• Ladies’ designer watches come in different shapes, colors and designs. There are likewise functionalities and band materials; you have to look for in ladies’ designer watches and think of the person you are buying it for. You have to be able to tell what will fit her well.

• Cost, if you are a moneyed ladies’ designer watch buyer, then the cost may not be an issue. However, for the budget conscious buyer, you have to know which among the wide array of ladies’ designer watches will fit your budget. Your friend or loved ones will likewise know if the cost of the watch is comfortable for you. While she may appreciate you buying an expensive watch, she will regret knowing that you have broker your piggy bank just to buy her the designer watch.

All of these consideration will help you find the best ladies’ designer watch that will be appreciated by the wearer and if it is you who will be wearing it, you will be able to wear it with joy knowing that you bought the best that fits you and of course your wallet.

Simone Williams has been nominated for BEST FEMALE FASHION Designer in the BEFFTA Awards (Black Entertainment, Fashion, Film and Television Awards) to be held on the 17th October in Central London.

The Simone Williams fashion label has been up and running since the summer of 2004 and is based in Hoxton, London. Simone Williams past collections have had an urban street wear theme where she used a combination of fabrics such as denim and leather. She also uses leather strips and belts integrated with other fabrics. This has become her signature look. Ronke Lawal (Business partner) has been supportive of Simone’s talents since they first met over 2 decades ago and is confident that Simone has a high chance of winning the BEFFTA this year.

Sensual, modern, feminine, beautiful, only a few of the words used to describe the Simone Williams collection. Ranging from cutting edge denim street wear to sophisticated evening wear the Simone Williams collection has something to suit every discerning and fashionable woman. Her unique creative vision and eye for beauty has led to a collection filled with stunning one off ready to wear pieces that create attention wherever worn.

Step into the evening with Simone Williams’ timeless new 2008/09 collection, Fusion, inspired by nature, flowers and urban buildings from past collections. Soft Satin and chiffon fabrics with strong vibrant colours make up the pieces in this fabulous collection.

One of the simple ways to make the lady beautiful is to use simple jewelry like ladies chain. It upholds the saying that “ the simple is the beautiful”. Although there are more and multiple options to ornate the equivalents like necklace and other jewelry for garnishing lady but the simplest way is the ladies chain. The ladies chains are made out of pure metals and having less complex designs than other jewelry. You will not see any type of stones directly fitted to the chains. Moreover, they are too flexible and comfortable to use. In most of the cases, it is less irritating than necklaces.

Despite being modest fashion accessories, ladies chains can bear pendants which can be turned to multiple designs and can posses stones of different shapes, colors and sizes. In some cases, you can find some complex chain designs which are rare and possesses a greater value. Nowadays, curb chains are popular in the market. It can also embrace multiple strands. Now the double strand designs are gaining popularity in the market.

You can see the ladies chain how thin it appears. It depends upon the metals used for manufacturing the same and doesn’t mean to be fragile. Platinum chains are very much popular for its excellent look and in most of the cases gold chains are preferred than other metals for its attractive looks. In case of low budget and most of the people having low income can opt for the silver chains. Sterling silver chains are having more popularity now a days.

The price of the chains depends upon many factors and the first thing which is most important is the materials used in producing the ladies chain. Now platinum chains are most expensive ladies chains, which have great demand in the market. After platinum, the gold ladies chains come further. The cost factor depends upon the purity of the material and weight is another most important factor in cost of the chain. The cost of the chain can vary according to the design and degree of art and skills used in manufacturing it. Now the designs of diamond cutting chain are more costly than the simple chain. The price of the chain also depends upon the pendants and stones used in it. The cost of the precious may vary a huge in some cases.

People with sensitive skin will turn up will allergic reaction or even have irritation, while they stick with regular use of ladies chains. In those cases they should avoid the use of those metal chains.

The hooks of the chains will sometimes be loosely locked. This might result in missing the precious chains, while traveling and dancing on the floor. Some hooks are too easy to break, which causes theft. Prior buying the ladies chains, it is absolutely essential to check and ensure their quality in order to avoid all endangers. Ladies chains look really inspiring when they are polished well and for this reason, most ladies keep their chain fresh with perfect polishing.

New fashion crazes come in every season and it can be hard to keep up. A constantly revolving end point that leaves you struggling to know where you are! Coming in this spring and summer are sheer fabrics, hippie styles and floral patterns.

Here’s the thing we all know but no one wants to admit, trying to fit in with what is fashionable and trendy can be just too much, for our confidence and our purses.

We are not all built to fashion designer’s Amazonian ideal so, no, no matter how hard I try, the amazing floral dress by Etro (you know the one I mean, black with a floral panel), will never make me look anything other than frumpy and short.

That’s why we need to look away from mindlessly following the ‘fashionistas’ of the world and start a fashion revolution!

Firstly, you need to start by looking at shapes that flatter your figure and colours that compliment your colouring. Everyone knows the obvious ones, no reds for people with ginger hair; larger woman don’t suit skinny jeans and so on.

However, there are a few less well known ones. For example: pale blonde shades go badly with beiges and pale dark brunettes (however much some ‘Goths’ try) look washed out in blacks.

So start out by identifying your complexions colouring. Most people will fit into one of the following categories:

Winter: pink undertones.

Winter hair is black or ash black brown without highlights, while eyes are blue, brown, hazel, or green. Winter colours are vibrant and intense. Not pastel or subdued tones.

Summer: pink undertones.

Summer hair is ash blonde or light ash brown without highlights, while eyes are blue gray or blue green. Pastels or muted colours look best. Very bright or earthy colours will leave you looking washed out.

Spring: golden undertones.

Spring hair is golden blonde, golden brown, or red, while eyes are blue, blue gray, blue green, or light turquoise green. Warm or bright colours look great but avoid dark or muted colours.

Autumn: golden undertones.

Autumn hair is golden brown, red, auburn, or chestnut, while eyes are dark brown, hazel, or green. Earthy and rich colours will suit you but pastels leave you looking drawn.

It’s important to note, especially with women of colour, that having dark hair and dark eyes doesn’t necessarily mean you are winter. You may be spring if your skin has a more golden base.

Now you’ve found your colours it’s time to look into flattering clothing types for your shape. No two people are alike but generally you will fit into either a traditional apple, pear, slender, petite and hourglass.

Apple shapes are top heavy, often with very slender legs. Keep things tailored on top to create a waist and in darker shades. Show off great legs in skirts. In dresses, an empire waist dress will show off slimmer arms and allow you to disguise any areas you don’t want to show.

Pear shapes have wide hips compared to waist. Keep colours darker on the bottom half but experiment with styles and colours on the top, especially v necks or sleeveless. Trousers with lower waists or skirts to just below the knees look very complimentary. Skinny jeans are rarely flattering (I lied there, they’re never flattering).

Slender are straight up and down. Tailored clothes look great as they create shape. Detailing and well placed patterns can create curves. Be daring, as long as you aren’t going for all over loose and drab clothing.

Petite shapes are broad shouldered with short legs.

Creating length is the key, to do this avoid low cut jeans and over the knee skirts. In dresses go for all over colour with pinched in waists to create curves. Skinny jeans look great, especially when teamed with heels.

Hourglass figures have large busts and thighs coupled with a slender waist. Flared jeans and trousers add balance to your figure while v necks, particularly wraps, accentuate curves. Always wear tailored clothing on the top to emphasize your small waist. Avoid thick materials, they swamp curves and add bulk.

None of these rules are set in stone what works for one may not work for another. To make sure you are getting it right take a friend shopping with you or even consider an image consultant for a colour and shape consultation.

The key to following fashion is to stick to your ‘key pieces’ and incorporate current fashion items into your wardrobe. This keeps you looking good without breaking the bank every time something new comes in.

An example would be someone with a pear shape buying a great floral top for the season and teaming it with some classic boot cut jeans, it will look great without deviating from what suits them.

So join in with the fads knowing that by sticking to a few basic rules you can keep up and still look amazing.

While Beverly Lane has everything a stylish modern woman could want in new clothes, sometimes a vintage piece is exactly what you need to complement your new trendy fashion clothes. Besides, vintage fashion can save you a lot of money if you do it right. Here we present five of the best tips going for getting the most our of your quest for quality vintage gear:

#1 A woman’s fashion vintage tip: Don’t expect too much

Vintage is great, but you have to start out with realistic expectations. Those dreams of finding a trendy fashion designer suit for peanuts are unlikely to come true, if only because everyone else looking is hunting for the same sorts of things. A more realistic expectation is that you will find at least one thing you’ll enjoy wearing for a great price ever time you go vintage shopping. Our experience is that this is entirely achievable.

#2 A woman’s fashion vintage tip: Give yourself plenty of time

Shopping for vintage clothes can be a time-consuming process, because the clothes aren’t laid out neatly and with plenty of room like in a regular store. In fact, often vintage clothes are crammed together on racks or shelves, and you’ll need to sort through them yourself to find the gems. Also, vintage stores won’t be all together in a row like new trendy fashion clothing stores in a mall, so it will take you time just to get between one vintage store and the next.

#3 A woman’s fashion vintage tip: Learn the routines

Different thrift and vintage stores will receive deliveries of new (old) clothes on different days. Take the time to get to know the staff, and they’ll happily let you know the best days and times to come in so that you have first pick of the new trendy fashion stock. These days there are often professional eBay traders combing thrift stores for designer pieces to resell, so you need to be quick!

#4 A woman’s fashion vintage tip: Remember about alterations

If you find a great vintage piece in a vintage or thrift store, but it seems to be the wrong size or shape for you, don’t forget that you can always have a tailor alter the piece to your specifications. Tailors can’t work miracles, but at long as what you find is well-made and not much too small for you, they can usually help turn your vintage finds into wearable trendy fashion for you.

#5 A woman’s fashion vintage tip: Be accommodating and persistent

The best way to shop for vintage clothes is on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This gives the thrift and vintage stores enough time to get in new stock to refresh their racks. Even then though, you’re rarely going to find exactly what you what. So rather than go into vintage shopping with a clear idea of what you want to find, like you might when shopping for new items, just browse, and look out for what is beautiful and of quality. Also, be persistent – sometimes when you shop vintage you’ll spend a fruitless hour, and walk away with nothing. This is all part of the game, so don’t let it discourage you. The next great vintage find could be just around the corner.